TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] THIS INVENTION relates to coffee machines and in particular but not limited to commercial coffee machines that improve the visibility between the barista, the customer and the coffee being made in order to enhance the shared coffee creation experience.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Coffee machines of the espresso type are very common and have been around for many years. There are fully self contained counter top versions as well as versions where parts are under the counter. Quite often the coffee machine serves the added function of cup storage on top of the machine. The machine usually has a number of hot water dispensers commonly referred to as "group heads" which carry a bayonet fitting. A " group handle" carrying a charge of ground coffee and having a matching bayonet fitting is secured to the group head in sealing relation and then hot water is forced through the ground coffee to complete a "shot". This is used to make the various coffee based drinks. The machine usually also includes a separate hot water outlet and at least one steam nozzle usually on a swivel mount. The steam nozzle is used primarily used to froth milk. Examples of espresso coffee machines are set out in the following US Patents and design patents, these are non-limiting examples: US Patent 4204465; US Patent 4632024; US Patent 4660466; US Patent 4800805; US Patent 6161469; US Patent 6862978; USD395975; USD497510; USD551487; USD573393; and USD589739.

OUTLINE

[0003] With the above in mind and in one broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a coffee machine housing comprising a front and back and having at least one opening so that a customer may view the preparation of the coffee through the opening. In one preferred aspect there is provided a coffee machine housing comprising a front and back and having an elongate opening so that a customer may view the preparation of the coffee through the opening. In one preferred form the coffee machine comprises an elongate lower, typically a sump section and an elongate upper, typically a group head section; the sections being spaced apart so that coffee may be prepared between the sections by a barista standing behind the machine, the spaced sections forming a viewing opening so that a customer may easily view the coffee being made. Typically, the height of the coffee machine is selected so that the barista and customer may make eye contact and conversation across the machine. The effect of the opening is to provide an effective viewing of the coffee beverage being made, to this end the opening may be of any shape to achieve this objective, preferably with viewing over

substantially the full length and width of a coffee making region between the sections. View openings may be rectangular, triangular, open ended at one end or other shapes may be used.

[0004] Preferably, the group head section is hollow having an outer shell made up of panels. Preferably, the sump section is hollow being made up of an outer shell of panels. The sump section preferably has a grill tray located inside a trough. Preferably, the group head section has an inner group head support frame, the frame carrying spaced group heads, each group head having a longitudinal axis extending through a group handle connector head and an aligned body holding electronics, water inlet and heating and communicating with the connector head, the axes of the group heads extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the group head section of the housing so that the width of the housing may be minimised.

[0005] The cross-section through the sections of the housing provides each section with a generally rectangular cross-section with radiused corners, the housing sections being connected at their ends by vertical bridging housing sections, each bridging section being hollow and made from a shell of panels, each bridging section having at one end a group head section end and being matched to and contiguous with the group head panels and the sump end of the bridging section being matched to and contiguous with the panels of the sump section. This the housing is an endless continuous margin around the viewing opening. Preferably, in front view the coffee machine housing is generally an endless elongate housing having an opening substantially the same shape as an outer periphery of the housing. Alternatively, in another embodiment the opening may be generally C-shaped. Typically, the group head housing is deeper than the sump housing with the sump housing suspended on legs or columns. The housing could be the same depth of the sump housing could be deeper. The legs are preferably hollow for passage of services into and out of the housing. [0006] Preferably, the group head section has an inner group head support frame, the frame carrying spaced group heads, each group head having a longitudinal axis extending through a group handle connector head and an aligned body holding electronics, water inlet and heating and communicating with the group head handle connector head, the axes of the group heads extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the group head section of the housing so that the width of the housing may be minimised.

[0007] Preferably, the sections have a cross-section and the cross-section through the sections of the housing provides each section with a generally rectangular cross-section with radiused corners, the housing sections being connected at their ends by vertical bridging housing sections, each bridging section being hollow and made from a shell of panels, each bridging section having at one end a group head section end and being matched to and contiguous with the group head panels and a sump end of the bridging section being matched to and contiguous with the panels of the sump section.

[0008] Preferably, the housing is formed as an endless continuous margin around the viewing opening.

[0009] Preferably, the housing has a front view on a customer side and in front view the coffee machine housing is generally an endless elongate housing having an opening substantially the same shape as an outer periphery of the housing.

[0010] Preferably, the opening is generally C-shaped.

[0011 ] Preferably, the front is the customer side and the back is the barista side, the group head housing is vertically deeper than the sump housing with the sump housing, suspended on legs or columns.

[0012] Preferably, the sump section of the housing is suspended on legs or columns.

[0013] Preferably, the sump section of the housing is suspended on a pair of spaced legs or columns.

[0014] Preferably, the sump section of the housing is suspended on legs or columns which are hollow for passage of services into and out of the housing.

[0015] Preferably, there is a barista side wherein the group head section is undercut on the barista side and side edges of respective group head connectors may be seen by the barista by reason of the undercut edge of the group head section in order to facilitates a barista manually locating a group handle in its group head

[0016] Preferably, the sump section is mounted on columns secured to a cabinet top, the columns, the sump section, at least one bridging section between the group head and sump sections, the sections being hollow so that services may be brought up through the columns into and around the housing.

[0017] Preferably, the coffee machine is made from a top and sides being made from a top pressing and side wall pressings.

[0018] Preferably, housed inside the group head section is a group head support frame holding at two group heads each being supported on cross frame members

[0019] Preferably, housed inside the group head section is a group head support frame holding at two group heads each being supported on cross frame members, each of the group heads being mounted so that the operating structure for the group head extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame so that the frame width may be minimised.

[0020] Preferably, housed inside the group head section is a group head support frame holding at two group heads each being supported on cross frame members, each of the group heads being mounted so that the operating structure for the group head extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame so that the frame width may be minimised, the group heads having bayonet fittings adjusted so that a barista may operate the group head handles in the usual way. [0021] Preferably, an underside pressing fits to the underside of a group head support frame having holes for each of the group heads, a water outlet and steam outlet(s).

[0022] Preferably, the sump section includes a sump pressing.

[0023] Preferably, there is an imaginary barista line of sight where a barista can see an edge of a group head outer ring for group heads so that the bansta can attach the group handle sections carrying the ground coffee easily by making a line of sight rather than having to feel for the group head which may result in the coffee in the pressed coffee being ' knocked".

[0024] Preferably, there is an imaginary barista line of sight where a barista can see an edge of a group head outer ring for group heads so that the barista can attach the group handle sections carrying the ground coffee easily by making a line of sight rather than having to feel for the group head which may result in the coffee in the pressed coffee being "knocked", there being and undercut adjacent the barista which serves to permit this line of sight

[0025] Preferably, the coffee machine is provided with at least one steam outlet and wherein a steam loop continuously circulates steam to ensure the cool steam is reheated hydraulicaliy and the machine pushes relatively hot steam into the steam loop and bleeds relatively cool steam back into a steam boiler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order that the present invention and improvements may be more readily understood and put into practical effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein:-

Figure 1 is an isometric drawing illustrating one preferred housing according to the present invention viewed from the barista side;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the housing of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a rear view from the barista side;

Figure 4 is a front view from the customer side; Figure 5 is a schematic drawing showing the barista related geometry of a housing according to the present invention;

Figures 6A-6C are drawings illustrating another embodiment;

Figure 7 are schematics of a hydraulic system suitable for use with the present invention; and Figures 8 and 9 are to another embodiment.

METHOD OF PERFORMANCE

[0027] Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1 there is illustrated a coffee machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the coffee machine has a housing comprising a lower sump section 11 and an upper group head section 12 with bridging portions 13 and 14 so that the sections form an opening 15. A drainage grill 16 also provides a surface where coffee cups may be placed so that a customer may view coffee being made. The group head section 12 carries in this case three group heads 17, 18 and 19. More or less group heads may be used and the spacing may vary. The edges of the group head connectors may be seen by the barista by reason of the undercut edge 20 of the group head section 12, this facilitates a barista manually locating a group handle in the group head. The sump section 16 is mounted on columns 21 which are secured to a cabinet top 22 The columns 21 , the sump section 11 , the bridging sections 13 and 14 and the group head section 12 are all hollow so that services may be brought up through the columns 21 into and around the housing.

[0028] Referring now to Figure 2 there is illustrated in exploded form the coffee machine housing 10. In this case it is made from a stainless steel with top and sides being made from a top pressing 23 and side wall pressings 24 25. Other material may be employed powder coated steel, carbon fiber or various composites. Housed inside the group head section is a group head support frame 26 holding the three group heads 17, 18 and 19, each being supported on cross frame members 27, 28 and 29 It should be noted from Figure 2 that each of the group heads is mounted so that the operating structure for the group head extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame so that the frame width may be minimised. In turn the whole machine width may be made more sleek. The group head bayonet fittings are adjusted so that a barista may operate the group head handles in the usual way An underside pressing 30 fits to the underside of the frame and this has holes for each of the group heads, a water outlet 31 and steam outlets 32 and 33. The sump section includes a sump pressing 34. The whole assembly is connected and secured to form the housing and coffee machine as described herein. The configuration of electronics, power and water is according the manufacturer's specifications with the boiler pumps and other operative parts located under the bench (see figure 5) to which the housing is fitted.

[0029] Referring now to Figure 5 there is illustrated a barista 35 and a line of sight 36 where the barista can see the edge 37 of the group head outer ring for group heads 17, 18 and 19. This ensures that the barista can attach the group handle section carrying the ground coffee easily by making a line of sight rather than having to feel for the group head which may result in the coffee in the pressed coffee being "knocked". The undercut 20 serves to permit this line of sight. Additional features illustrated in Figure 5 is the under counter set up at 38 which includes the hydraulic supply of hot water and steam to the housing 10 (see Figure 7).

[0030] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a further embodiment which is a slightly different shape to the arrangement of the previous figures. In the previous figures the front face of each of the pressings is substantially flat whereas in this embodiment the pressings at 39, 40, 41 , 42 are curved thus providing a slightly different finish although in overall operation and function the coffee machine performs as before and where appropriate like numerals illustrate like features.

[0031] Referring now to Figure 7 the hot water and steam supply is illustrated in these schematics. Mains water enters along line 100, then to the pump 101 via a check valve 102 to a water manifold 103. Water is split off to the group water supply to go to the group heads at 104 and a separate supply to go to the steam boiler at 105. The boiler is illustrated at 106 and this includes a steam generation section at 107 and a heat exchanger at 108. The where the group section water inlet enters at 104 and exits at 109. Thus this water exiting at 109 is partially heated The steam boiler water supply comes in along line 105.

[0032] The thermal steam system loops from the boiler up through the group head section of the housing and relatively hot steam exits the boiler at 110 and relatively cool steam returns to the boiler on line 111 after having circulated around the group head section along line 112. This makes steam available through each of the steam outlets 32 and 33. Group head section water comes along line 104 through the flow meter and check valve 113 through the heat exchanger 108 where it is partially heated then to a pre-boiler 114 and then into each of the group heads 17, 18, 19. This water is dispensed according to operation of the controlling electronics for the group head there being an overflow at 115. Control push buttons are proved along the barista side of the housing and aligned with each of the group heads, water outlet and steam nozzles.

[0033] The manifold 103 is the starting point for the water system, provides water inlet from the main supply, a pressure pump and delivery manifold. The delivery manifold divides the system into two segregated systems. These systems operate independent from this stage. Inside the machine they deliver different functions. First is the group water supply which provides water to the group heads for making coffee. Secondl there is a steam boiler supply which provides steam to the steam outlets 32 and 33.

[0034] The steam boiler supply is the boiler system and it has a multi function. This system provides a heat source to create steam, hot water and heat for the group heat exchanger interchange Tray element heats water to create steam and hot water. The same heat source transfers heat via the exchanger 108 to deliver the first stage of heating for the group water supply.

[0035] The group water supply system is a system that provides the water to the extraction system including the heat exchanger 80, preboiler 114 and the group heads 17. 18 and 19. The group heads supply starts at the flow meter control 113. The flow meter is the metering component that delivers the water volume to the particular group head. After the flow meter, check valve and flow restriction jet creates a closed system that delivers the water into the heat exchanger (first point of heating). From this point the water travels to the preboiler which is the second point of heating in the group water supply line and finally to the group head where there is a third point of heating all delivering water to the group head at a predetermined temperature in order to make the coffee.

[0036] As described, in a preferred embodiment an improvement includes a steam loop referred to here as the steam thermal system, this system continually circulates the steam to ensure the cool steam is reheated hydrauiically. The steam thermal system provides high temperature steam pressure to the steam arms 32 and 33. The circulation ensures the steam is always hot. The system pushes the hot steam into the steam system and bleeds the cool steam back into the lower steam boiler underneath the counter

[0037] The hot water manifold comprises dual delivery valves. A cold water tempering valve is used and has an adjustable flow. This adjustment controls the output temperature of the hot water function. The hot water valve is connected directly to the steam boiler along line 116 The pickup is located midway in the boiler. This position draws water rather than steam into the valve Both valves open in parallel delivering hot water from the boiler and cold water to the hot spout. The tempering valve provides the function of adjustable hot water but also has a secondary function to reduce the required amount of hot water from the boiler thus reducing the power required to reheat the boiler. Power consumption is reduced and the possibility that the steam pressure is lost during peak periods is reduced.

[0038] Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broad ambit and scope of the invention as herein set out in the appended claims. For example, any effective viewing opening may be used. Figures 8 and 9 are an example of C-shaped housing. In all other respects the coffee machine of Figure 8 and 9 operates as for the previous embodiments.