Field of invention

The present invention relates to a multi-use flask. The multi-use flask is particularly, but by no means exclusively, suited for storing coffee and milk.

Background of invention

There are many types of coffee available to consumers. The type of coffee is often dependant on the amount of water or milk that is added to a coffee shot (known as an espresso shot).

Many different types of coffee are served with milk; cappuccinos, macchiatos, lattes, piccolos, americanos, flat whites, mochas, etc. Typically, it is the amount and consistency of the milk that discriminates between these coffees.

The consistency of the milk is usually altered by using a steam wand component of a coffee machine to froth the milk. Depending on the type of coffee desired, the steam wand is usually inserted into a jug of milk until the tip of the wand is completely submerged. Steam is then released from an opening at the tip of the wand, heating and frothing the milk.

While steam wands froth milk and allow for different types of coffee to be made, they are often attached to large coffee machines requiring electricity to be operated, and thus prevent a coffee with frothed milk to be made without access to electricity.

Furthermore, water must be heated to high temperatures to create steam used to froth milk, as well as to pass through ground coffee to extract the coffee flavour from the beans. As such, coffee machines utilise heavy boilers and thermoblocks that cannot be easily transported due to both their size and weight.

This results in consumers being unable to easily access frothed milk while they are travelling. United States patent 1797672 titled“An Apparatus for Preparing Infusions, Particularly for Preparing Coffee” discloses a French press, which is a device that allows for coffee to be brewed without the need for a large coffee machine that utilises thermoblocks or boilers. In brief, the apparatus is a vessel with a movable filtering member, hereby referred to as a plunger. The French press plunger is moved vertically from an upper position to a lower position. In a first use, ground coffee is placed in the vessel along with boiling water. The coffee grounds are left to steep in the hot water for a short period of time before the French press plunger is moved vertically from an upper position to a lower position collecting the coffee grounds floating around and capturing them at the bottom of the vessel. The water, which is now flavoured with coffee, can then be poured out and consumed, while the used coffee grounds reman contained by the plunger at the bottom of the vessel. While a French press plunger as characterised by US1797672 allows for easy preparation of coffee, it is not readily portable and does not provide a means for adding frothed milk.

It would be advantageous if there were provided a means for creating frothed milk coffee in an apparatus without the need for electricity, that could be readily transported and that did not require the re-use of components to create both the coffee and the frothed milk.

Summary of invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a multi-use flask, comprising: a first thermally insulated chamber for storing fluid contents and being configured to receive a French press plunger mechanism, the mechanism in use being movable within the first chamber for frothing the fluid contents; a second thermally insulated chamber coupled to the first thermally insulated chamber and comprising a filter for containing a solid substance, in use the second thermally insulated chamber adapted to receive and store a second fluid and wherein the second fluid passes through the filter so as to extract flavour from the solid substance; and a cup removably coupled to either the first thermally insulated chamber or the second thermally insulated chamber. In an embodiment the first chamber has a neck portion adapted to receive the cup.

In an embodiment the cup comprises an inner face with a bearing portion, the bearing portion adapted to bear on the French press plunger such that movement of the French press plunger is prevented when the cup is coupled to the first thermally insulated chamber.

In an embodiment, the second thermally insulated chamber is removably coupled to the first thermally insulated chamber.

In an embodiment the fluid contents is milk.

In an embodiment the solid substance is coffee.

In an embodiment the second fluid is water.

In an embodiment the solid substance is steeped in hot water in the second thermally chamber.

In an embodiment the filter is located concentrically within the second thermally insulated chamber.

In an embodiment the filter is accessed by a removable twist cap.

In an embodiment the removable twist cap comprises one or more openings allowing the second fluid to escape from the second thermally insulated chamber when the twist cap is partially unscrewed.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for creating a milk coffee using the multi-use flask comprising: a) storing milk in the first thermally insulated chamber; b) storing coffee in the filter means and heated water in the second thermally insulated chamber; c) allowing the coffee to steep in the heated water creating flavoured water; d) vertically moving the French press plunger one or more times such that the milk reaches a frothed consistency; and e) combining the flavoured water and the milk that has reached the frothed consistency in at least one of; the first chamber, the second chamber or the cup.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a multi-use flask, comprising: a first thermally insulated chamber for storing fluid contents having an opening for receiving a removable French press plunger mechanism, the mechanism in use being movable within the first chamber for frothing the fluid contents; a second thermally insulated chamber coupled to the first thermally insulated chamber and comprising a filter adapted to separate a solid substance from a second fluid stored within the second thermally insulated chamber; and a cup removably detachable to either the first thermally insulated chamber or the second thermally insulated chamber.

In an embodiment, the second fluid passes through the filter to exit the second thermally insulated chamber.

Brief description of drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure. 1 is a front view of the multi-use flask in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross sectional perspective view of a multi-use flask in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional front view of the multi-use flask of Figure 2 in use to create milk with a frothed consistency;

Figure 4 is a cross sectional perspective view of a multi-use flask in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is an exploded view of a multi-use flask in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the handle of the French Press Plunger;

Figure 7 is a flow diagram of a method to create coffee with frothed milk with the multi-use flask of Figure 2; and

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the lid comprises a twist cap.

Detailed description

Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to a multi-use flask, comprising a first thermally insulated chamber for storing fluid contents. The first thermally insulated is configured to receive a French press plunger mechanism. In use, the plunger mechanism is vertically movable within the first chamber for frothing the fluid contents. The first thermally insulated chamber is coupled to a second thermally insulated chamber comprising a filter means configured to filter a solid substance through which a second fluid is passed through. The multi-use flask further comprises a cup that is removably detachable to either the first thermally insulated chamber or the second thermally insulated chamber.

Figure 1 is a schematic of the multi-use flask in accordance with an

embodiment of the invention. As shown, the multi-use flask (1 ) comprises a first thermally insulated chamber (2), a second thermally insulated chamber (3) and a cup (4) that covers a portion of the first thermally insulated chamber (2). The majority of the multi-use flask (1 ) is formed of metal, with some components being made of plastic.

Figures 2 and 3 are sectional views of the multi-use flask (1 ) which show the internal components thereof. The first thermally insulated chamber (2) of the multi- use flask (1 ) has an opening (5) which allows fluid contents (6) such as milk to be poured into the chamber (2).

The French press plunger (7) mechanism takes the form of a metal filter screen (8) adapted to locate within the first thermally insulated chamber. The metal filter screen (8) is coupled to a rod (9) that passes through an opening in a lid (1 1 ) of the chamber (2) for connecting to a handle (10). Once liquid contents have been poured into the first thermally insulated chamber (2), the lid (1 1 ) is screwed, otherwise secures to, the chamber (2) to cover the opening (5), with the handle (10) seated an outer face of the lid (1 1 ).

In use, the handle (10) is moved vertically up and down, in turn causing the filter screen (8) to move within the sealed chamber (2). When the French press plunger (7) is in use, the vertical movement causes the plunger mechanism (8) to froth the fluid contents (6). This is made evident in Figure 3, where the fluid contents (6) have been frothed such that the small bubbles (12) have been introduced into the contents (6).

With particular reference to Figure 2, a cup (4) sits detachably over a neck portion (13) of the first thermally insulated chamber (2). In particular, the cup (4) is received by the neck portion (13) such that the cup edge (14) sits flush with the first thermally insulated chamber edge (15).

The cup (4) comprises an inner face (16) with a bearing portion (17). The bearing portion (17) is adapted to bear on the French press plunger handle (10) to prevent movement of the French press plunger (7) when the cup (4) is coupled to the first thermally insulated chamber (2). In particular, the bearing portion (17) comprises an inwardly stepped surface adapted to press against the handle (10). To further ensure the handle (10) remains in place, the handle (10) features a recess (24) that receives the bearing portion (17) of the inner face (16) of the cup (4).

The cup (4) is friction fitted around the neck portion (13) of the first thermally insulated chamber (2) to prevent unwanted movement of the cup (4) and thus unwanted movement of the French press plunger (7). In particular, the cup (4) has a groove running along the diameter of the cup’s inner face (16) adjacent to the cup edge (14). Similarly, the first thermally insulated chamber (2) has a complimentary groove running along diameter of the first thermally insulated chamber’s edge (15).

In use, the cup (4) is coupled to the first thermally insulted chamber (2) by means of the grooves interlocking and holding the cup (4) in place. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that the cup (4) and first thermally insulated chamber (2) may be coupled in various ways that do not depart from the nature of the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the cup (4) is approximately 300ml, which is the desired size to provide a small to medium standard 8oz coffee.

With continued reference to Figure 2, the first thermally insulated chamber (2) is coupled to a second thermally insulated chamber (3) by a means of a screw fit.

The second thermally insulated chamber (3) has an opening (18) for receiving a pour lid (22). The pour lid (22) closes the second thermally insulated chamber (3) opening (18). In an embodiment of the invention, the pour lid (22) further comprises a filter means (19) configured to filter a solid substance (20) such as coffee beans. In an embodiment of the invention, the filter means (19) is a mesh basket that is received within the opening (18) thereby allowing the basket to sit concentrically within the second thermally insulated chamber (3). The filter means (19) is accessed via a screw plug which sits removable within the pour lid (22) and allows a solid substance (2) to be placed within or removed from the filter means (19).

In use, the filter means (19) holds a solid substance (20) while a second fluid (21 ), for example boiling water, sits within the second thermally insulated chamber (3). The solid substance (20) within the filter means (19) steeps within the second fluid (21 ) to create a flavoured liquid.

A person skilled in the art would appreciate both the first fluid (6) and the second fluid (21 ) can be stored separately in the multi-use flask (1 ) for a period of time before they are combined in the cup (4). Figure 4 is a cross sectional perspective view of the multi-use flask (1 ) in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the solid substance (2) is retained in the second thermally insulated chamber (3) with the second fluid (21 ). In use, the solid substance (20) steeps within the second fluid (21 ) to create a flavoured liquid. The pour lid (22) allows the second fluid (21 ) to be received and released through a threaded twist cap (31 ) while the filter means (19) prevents the solid substance (20) from escaping the second thermally insulated chamber (3).

Figure 5 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention depicting a multi-use flask (1 ) comprising a first thermally insulated chamber (2), a second thermally insulated chamber (3) and a cup (4).

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the filter means (19) may comprise a metal mesh disc that prevents the solid substance (20) contained within the second thermally insulating chamber (3) from escaping through the opening (18). The mesh disk may sit within the second thermally insulated chamber (3)

disassociated with the pour lid (22).

In an embodiment, the pour lid (22) features a lid opening to expel the coffee flavoured water into the cup (4) while the filter means (19) prevents any of the solid substance (20), i.e. coffee grinds, from escaping the second thermally insulated chamber (3). As such, the coffee flavoured water can be poured into the cup (4) and frothed milk created in the first thermally insulated chamber (2) can optionally be added.

In an embodiment, the opening of the pour lid (22) is accessed via a push to open lid. In particular, the opening is created when a button of the lid is pressed, raising the button and creating a gap between the button and the base of the lid (22). This provides a 360 degree pour range. It is to be understood that the opening of the pour lid (22) can be closed by pushing the button a second time.

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the handle (10) of the French press plunger (7) is viewed in detail. The lid (1 1 ) has a larger diameter than the handle (10). The reduced diameter of the handle (10) in conjunction with groove of the lid (11 ) allows the handle (10) to sit compactly with the lid (1 1 ). This not only conserves space, but further allows the cup (4) to bear efficiently on the lid (11 ) and handle (10).

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the handle (10) is the same diameter as the lid (1 1 ) of the first thermally insulated chamber (2). This prevents movement of the French press plunger (7) when the cup (4) is coupled to the first thermally insulated chamber (2) as the cup (4) is friction fitted to the first thermally insulated portion’s neck portion (13) and bears on the handle (10).

Figure 7 is a flow diagram detailing a method of creating a milk coffee using an embodiment of the multi-use flask (1 ) as illustrated in Figure 2. The method comprises storing heated milk in the first thermally insulated chamber (S1 ) and storing coffee and heated water in the second thermally insulated chamber (S2), wherein the coffee is stored within the filter means, or alternatively loosely stored in the second thermally insulated chamber. The coffee is then allowed to brew in the heated water creating flavoured water (S3). The French press plunger of the first thermally insulated chamber is then moved vertically one or more times until the milk reaches a frothed consistency (S4). Once the milk has reached a frothed

consistency it is combined with the coffee flavoured water in at least one of the first chamber, the second chamber or the cup (S5).

Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a multi-use flask (1 ) wherein the filter (19) extends from the pour lid (22) and wherein the pour lid (22) comprises a threaded twist cap (31 ) with a rubber o-ring and one or more openings (32) located above the threads. A user is able to partially unscrew the twist cap such that it remains engaged within the pour lid (22). This allows the second fluid (21 ) to escape from through the one or more openings (32).

A person skilled in the art would appreciate the one or more openings (32) may also be located in between the threads. In use, the twist cap (31 ) can be removed allowing the solid substance (20) to be received by the filter means (19). Alternatively, the twist cap may not be completely removed and the solid substance (20) may be located within the thermally insulated chamber (3).

In an embodiment of the invention the solid substance (20) incudes coffee beans, coffee grinds, instant coffee, or any another solid or semi-solid particle capable of creating coffee favoured water. In further embodiments the solid substance (20) may be any solid or semi-solid that is capable of creating flavoured water, such as tea leaves, spices and fruit.

The first (6) and second fluid (21 ) contents may be any fluid, such as milk, water, juice, etc. Preferably the first fluid (6) contents is adapted to be frothed, such as milk.

The first (6) and second fluid (21 ) contents may be combined in the first thermally insulated chamber (2), the second thermally insulated chamber (3) or the cup (4). For example, a user may create a London Fog by brewing earl grey tea in the second thermally insulated chamber (3) and combining the resultant flavoured liquid into with frothed milk in the first thermally insulating chamber (2).

In an embodiment of the invention the filter means (19) is removable to allow it to be cleaned. The filter means (19) is understood as any means that is able to filter the solid substance (20) from the second fluid (21 ) in a thermally insulated chamber.

A person skilled in the art would appreciate the cup (4) may be of any size. As such, the cup (4) may be sized such that it approximately accommodates one of the following standard coffee sizes of 6oz, 8oz, 12oz or 16oz. In a further embodiment, the cup (4) may be of any size such that it is able to fit around at least a portion of the first thermally insulated chamber (2) or the second thermally insulated chamber (3). The cup (4) may not always sit flush with the first (2) or second (3) thermally insulated chamber.

The cup (4) may not be friction fitted to the first (2) or second thermally insulated chamber (3). The cup (4) may alternatively be screwed on, snapped on, etc.

The first thermally insulated chamber (2) and second thermally insulated chamber (3) are comprised of thermally insulated material including but not limited to metal, polystyrene, paper, ceramic, or plastic. The cup (4) may be comprised of one of the above referenced thermally insulated materials or any other material.

A person skilled in the art would appreciate the opening (5) of the first thermally insulated chamber (2) can receive the French press plunger (7) via a plethora of means so long as the opening (5) becomes closed. For instance, the French press plunger (7) may be screwed onto the first thermally insulated chamber (2), or may be simply placed above the opening (5).

In use, additional air may be introduced into the first thermally insulated chamber (2). For instance, movement of the French press plunger (7) may allow air to enter via a hole in the rod (9). The French press plunger lid (1 1 ) may further comprise a hole such that when the opening (5) becomes closed, the hole can be used to pour the first fluid (6) from the first thermally insulated chamber (2) without the need to uncouple the French press plunger (7). The hole also allows for cold air to enter into the first thermally insulated chamber (2) for additional expansion of the milk.

The French press plunger (7) may further comprise an o-ring adjacent to the French press plunger lid (1 1 ). The rod (9) is adapted to sit within this o-ring and may rest on a drop-down ledge. In use, the o-ring will expand due to the force of the rod (9) and will prevent leaks during movement of the French press plunger (7).

In an embodiment of the invention, the first thermally insulated chamber (2) is coupled to the second thermally insulated chamber (3) such that the first thermally insulated chamber (2) sits above the second thermally insulated chamber (3). The cup (4) then rests on the first thermally insulated chamber (2). A person skilled in the art would appreciate numerous configurations are possible that do not depart from the nature of the invention. For example, the second thermally insulated chamber (3) may sit above the first thermally insulated chamber (2) while the cup (4) is coupled to the second thermally insulated chamber (3).

The multi-use flask (1 ) may utilise one or more o-rings to increase the sealability of the multi-use flask (1 ).

In this specification, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

The preceding description is provided in relation to several embodiments which may share common characteristics and features. It is to be understood that one or more features of any one embodiment may be combinable with one or more features of the other embodiments. In addition, any single feature or combination of features in any of the embodiments may constitute additional embodiments.

In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the inventions, and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

Furthermore, the inventions have described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent

arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the inventions. Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments.

Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.