WO2008006297A1

WO2008006297A1 - Coffee pod holder

Info

Publication number: WO2008006297A1
Application number: PCT/CN2007/002064
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kai Feng Luo
Original assignee: Sun Cupid Industries Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-07-05
Filing date: 2007-07-03
Publication date: 2008-01-17

Abstract

A coffee pod holder (io) comprising a body section (12) that comprises a coffee pod receiving space (49) bounded by a first, generally vertical wall (14) and a first ledge section (16) that is contiguous with the generally vertical wall (14). The body section (12) also has a second, generally vertical wall (50) that is contiguous with and extends downward from the ledge section (16). The body section (12) further comprises a second ledge (52) that is contiguous with the second, generally vertical wall (50). The body section (12) has a central opening (13) that is bounded by the second ledge (52). The coffee pod holder (10) further comprises a seal member (54) that is seated upon the second ledge (52), and a strainer member (60). The strainer member (60) has a portion (64) that has a plurality of coffee extract drainage (66) holes therein. The strainer member (60) further comprises a rim portion (61) extending about the strainer member. The rim portion (61) has a top side that is contiguous with the portion (64), and a bottom side that contacts the seal member 54. The strainer member (60) further comprises a vertical wall portion (68) extending from the bottom side of the portion (64). The wall portion (68) of the strainer member (60) extends through the central opening (13) of the body section (12).

Description

COFFEE POD HOLDER

Cross-Reference to Related Applications The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Appl ication No. 60/806,618, filed July 5, 2006.

DESCRIPTION Technical Field The present invention relates to a coffee pod holder. Background Art Coffee making machines and espresso machines are known in the art. Many of these machines use coffee pods. Typically, the coffee pods are generally round in shape. Coffee making machines and espresso machines that use coffee pods typically have coffee pod holders or containers that are configured to hold and support the coffee pods. One such prior art coffee pod holder or container is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,021,705 which is entitled "Assembly For Use In A Coffee Machine For Preparing Coffee".

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved coffee pod holder. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and i mproved coffee pod holder that can be manufactured at a relatively lower per-u nit cost in comparison to prior art coffee pod holders. Generally, the present invention is directed to a coffee pod holder comprising a body section that has a central opening, and a seat or ledge that circumferentially extends about the central opening. The coffee pod holder further comprises a ring seal positioned upon the seat, and a plastic strainer that has a first portion that is positioned on the ring seal member and a second portion that extends through the central opening of the body section. The plastic strainer comprises a surface that contacts the coffee pod and a plurality of equidistantly spaced coffee extract drainage holes. Thus, coffee pod holder io is provided in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Coffee pod holder io comprises a body section 12 that comprises a coffee pod receiving space 49 bounded by a first, generally vertical wall 14 and a ledge 16 that is contiguous with the generally vertical wall 14. The body section 12 further comprises a second, generally vertical wall 50 that is contiguous with and extends downward from ledge 16. The body section 12 further comprises a second ledge 52 that is contiguous with the second, generally vertical wall 50. The body section 12 has a central opening 13 that is bounded by the second ledge 52. The coffee pod holder 10 further comprises a seal member 54 that is seated upon the second ledge 52. In a preferred embodiment, seal member 54 is a ring seal. The coffee pod holder 10 further comprises a strainer member 60. The strainer member 60 comprises section 64 that has a plurality of coffee extract drainage holes 66 therein. The strainer member 60 further comprises a rim portion 61 that extends about the strainer member 60. The rim portion 61 has a top side that is contiguous with the section 64, and bottom side that contacts the ring seal member 54. The strainer member 60 further comprises a vertical wall portion 68 that downwardly extends from the bottom side of section 64. The wall portion 68 of the strainer member 60 extends through the central opening 13 of the body section 12. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the ensuing description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a coffee pod holder in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the handle not being shown; FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the coffee pod holder of FIG. 1 completely assembled, the handle not being shown; FTG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2; FIG.4 is top plan view of a strainer in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a side view of the strainer of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is bottom view of the strainer of FIG.4; FIG. 7 is an exploded view, in perspective, of a coffee pod holder in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the coffee pod holder comprising the body section depicted in FIG. 1 and the strainer depicted in FIG. 4; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the coffee pod holder of FIG. 7, the coffee pod holder being completely assembled; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bottom of the coffee pod holder depicted in FIG. 8; FIG. 10 is a side view of the coffee pod holder depicted in FIG. 8; FTG. 11 is a side view, in cross-section, of the coffee pod holder depicted in FTG. 8; FIG. 12 is top plan view of a strainer in accordance with a further embodiment of the p resent inventi on; FIG. 13 is a side view of the strainer of FtG. 12; FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the strainer of FIG. 12; FIG. 15 is an exploded view, in perspective, of a coffee pod holder in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the coffee pod holder utilizing the strainer of FIG. 12 and a body section in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 16 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the coffee pod holder of FIG. 15, the coffee pod holder being completely assembled; FIG, 17 is perspective view of the coffee pod holder of FIG. 15, the coffee pod holder being completely assembled; and FIG. 18 is a side view of the coffee pod holder depicted in FIG. 17.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown coffee pod holder 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Coffee pod holder 10 comprises body section 12 that has central opening 13. Body section 12 has a generally circular shape to conform to the generally circular shaped coffee pods with which coffee pod holder 10 is used. Body section 12 comprises a coffee pod receiving space 49 that is bounded by generally vertical wall section 14 and ledge or seat section 16. Ledge or seat section 16 is contiguous with wall section 14. In one embodiment, ledge or seat 16 is generally horizontal. A portion of the coffee pod will rest upon seat or ledge section 16, Body section 12 further comprises circumferentially extending, generally horizontal section 18 and upper rim section 20. Horizontal section 18 is contiguous with generally vertical wall section 14 and upper rim section 20, Body section 12 further includes generally downwardly extending lip 22. Body section 12 further comprises generally downwardly extending engagement member 24 that extends along only a portion of the circumference of body section 12. Downwardly extending lip 22 extends along the remaining portion of the circumference of body section 12. Downwardly extending engagement member 24 has an inner side 30 and bent arm members 32. As shown in FIG. l, arm members 32 are bent toward vertical wall section 14. tn one embodiment, bent arm members 32 are configured to be slightly resilient. Coffee pod holder 10 further comprises handle 70 thai is attached to downwardly extending engagement member 24 (see FIGS.7-9). Specifically, handle 70 comprises curved member 71 that has a slot 73 therein (see FIG. 7) that has a shape, curvature and size that conforms to the shape, curvature and size of engagement member 24. In order to attach handle 70 to engagement member 24, engagement member 24 is inserted into the slot 73 in curved member 71. A significant frictional relationship exists between bent arms 32 and the interior of slot 73 as engagement member 24 is inserted into slot 73. Curved member 71 has cut-outs 72A and 72B in which can be seen bent arms 32. In one embodiment, body section 12 is fabricated from stainless steel. However, body section 12 can be fabricated from other suitable metals. Coffee pod receiving space 49 of body section 12 has a particular size and depth for receiving a single coffee pod. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, body section 12 further comprises lower, generally vertical wall section 50 that extends downward from seat or ledge section 16, and ledge section 52 that is contiguous with vertical wall section 50, Ledge section 52 has perimetrical edge 53. Vertical wall section 50 and ledge section 52 extend about central opening 13 of body section 12. In a preferred embodiment, ledge section 52 is slightly angulated downward with respect to vertical wall section 50. Coffee pod holder 10 further comprises ring seal 54 that is positioned upon ledge section 52. Ledge section 52 functions as a seat for ring seal 54. In a preferred embodiment, ring seal 54 has a circular cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, ring seal 54 is fabricated from silicone. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, coffee pod holder 10 further comprises strainer 60 that is seated upon ring seal 54. In accordance with the invention, strainer 60 is fabricated from plastic. The purposes and advantages in using plastic will be explained in the ensuing description. Strainer 60 further comprises rim portion 61 that comprises peripheral, side surface 62, In one embodiment, strainer 60 is configured to have a diameter that provides at least slight frictional contact between peripheral, side surface 62 and vertical wall section 50 of body section 12. In an alternate embodiment, strainer 60 is configured to have a particular diameter that does not permit peripheral side surface 62 to contact wall section 50. Strainer 60 further includes section 64 which contains a plurality of coffee extract drainage holes 66 therein. Coffee extract drainage holes 66 are equidistantly spaced. Rim portion 61 further comprises a top side that is contiguous with section 64, and a bottom side that contacts ring seal 54 in a sealing relationship. When a coffee pod is disposed in coffee pod receiving space 49, the coffee pod is seated upon ledge section 16 and strainer 60. Strainer 60 includes annular portion 68 that has a predetermined diameter that allows it to fit through central opening 13 of body section 12. Annular portion 68 is attached to and extends downward from the bottom side of section 64 (see FIG. 3). Annular portion 68 comprises a wall that extends completely around the bottom side of section 64. • The use of plastic in fabricating strainer 60 allows uniform drainage hole size. Furthermore, the use of plastic also enables a higher degree of precision in equidistantly spacing coffee extract drainage holes 66. The precise equidistant spacing of coffee extract drainage holes 66 means that the pressure exerted on the coffee pod is uniform when the coffee maker or espresso machine (not shown) is in operation. The. precise equidistant spacing of coffee extract drainage holes 66 also means that the temperature and the strength of the coffee will be uniform. In a preferred embodiment, there are more than one hundred coffee extract drainage holes 66. Thus, blockage of some of the drainage holes 66 would have a minimal affect on coffee pod pressure due to the large number of drainage holes 66. This is contrary to some prior art coffee pod holders that use just a single drainage hole. A distinct advantage of a plastic strainer 6o is that it is significantly less expensive to manufacture in comparison to prior art coffee pod holders that use stainless steel strainers. This is because it is very difficult and expensive to create in a metal (e.g. stainless steel) strainer a plurality of drainage holes having a uniform size and accurate equidistant spacing. As shown in FIG. 7, body section 12 includes protruding members 69 that extend from perimetrical edge 53 of ledge section 52. Protruding members 69 frictionally contact the outer side of strainer member 60 so as to firmly hold strainer member 60 in place and in tight contact with ring seal 54. Referring to FIGS. 4-11, there is shown strainer 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Strainer 100 is configured for use with a single coffee pod. Strainer ioo can be used with body section 12. Strainer 100, like plastic strainer 60, is sized to sit upon ring seal 54. In accordance with the invention, strainer 100 is fabricated from plastic. Strainer 100 comprises rim portion 102 which has peripheral, side svπface 104. In one embodiment, strainer 100 is configured to have a diameter that provides at least slight frictional contact between peripheral, side surface 104 and vertical wall section 50 of body section 12. In an alternate embodiment, strainer 100 is sized so that peripheral, side surface 104 does not contact wall section 50, but rather, merely confronts wall section so. Strainer 100 further includes section 106 which contains a plurality of coffee extract drainage holes 108 therein. In a preferred embodiment, a substantial number of the coffee extract drainage holes 108 are eqυidistantly spaced. Rim portion 102 has a top side that is contiguous with section io6, and a bottom side that contacts ring seal 54. Strainer 100 includes annular portion no that has a predetermined diameter that allows it to fit through central opening 13 of body section 12. As shown in FIG.5, annular portion 110 comprises a wall that extends completely about the bottom side of section 106. The use of plastic in fabricating strainer 100 allows the size of all of these drainage holes 108 to be uniform. Furthermore, the use of plastic also enables a higher degree of precision in making drainage holes 108 equidistantly spaced. Referring to FIG.4, strainer 100 further comprises eircumferentiaUy extending rib or ridge 112 that is contiguous with rim portion 102. Strainer 100 further comprises a generally straight rib or ridge 114 that is joined to section 106 and to circumferentially extending rib 112. Rib 114 extends across the diameter of strainer 100. Strainer 100 further includes grooves 130, 132, 134 and 136. Grooves 130 and 132 are substantially parallel to one another. Grooves 134 and 136 are substantially parallel to each other. Grooves 130 and 132 intersect grooves 134 and 136. Ribs 112 and 114, and grooves 130, 132, 134 and 136 cooperate to provide an amount of pressure on the coffee, pod that is different than the pressure provided by strainer 60. Referring to FTGS. 7-11, there are 1 shown various views of coffee pod holder 150 which comprises body section 12,

2 described in foregoing description, and strainer 100. When a coffee pod is positioned

3 within coffee pod holder 150, the coffee pod sits upon ledge 16 of body section 12 and

4 strainer 100.

5 Referring to FIGS. 12-18, there is shown strainer 200 in accordance with a .

6 further embodiment of the present invention. Strainer 200 has a circular shape.

7 Strainer 200 is configured to be used with two coffee pods arranged in a stacked

8 formation, Thus, two stacked coffee pods sit upon strainer 200. In accordance with the y invention, strainer 200 is fabricated from plastic. Strainer 200 comprises rim portion

10 202. Rim portion 202 has peripheral, side surface 204. Strainer 200 further includes u section 206 which contains a plurality of coffee extract drainage holes 208 therein. In a

12 preferred embodiment, there are more than one hundred drainage holes 208. Rim

13 portion 202 further comprises a top side that is contiguous with section 206, and a

14 bottom side 202Athat contacts ring seal 306 (see FIG. 15). Strainer 200 includes

15 annular portion 210 that has a predetermined diameter that allows it to fit through the

16 central opening of a corresponding body section (as will be explained in the ensuing

17 description). Annular portion 210 comprises a wall that extends downwardly from the

18 bottom side of section 206 (see FIG. 13). The use of plastic in fabricating strainer 200

19 allows the size of all drainage holes 208 to be uniform. Strainer 200 further comprises 0 ribs or ridges 212, 214, 216 and 218, and circumferentially extending rib or ridge.220.

21 Rib 212 is generally perpendicular to rib 216, Rib 216 is generally perpendicular to rib 2 214. Rib 214 is generally perpendicular to rib 218. Rib 218 is generally perpendicular to

23 rib 212. Circumferentially extending rib or ridge 220 is contiguous with rim portion

24 202. Strainer 200 further includes a plurality of grooves 230 and 232 which are arranged in a criss-cross pattern. Grooves 230 are oriented in a first direction and grooves 232 are oriented in a second direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first direction is generally orthogonal to the second direction. Ribs 212, 214, 216 and 218, circumferentially extending rib 220 and grooves 230 and 232 cooperate to provide an amount of pressure on the two coffee pods that is different than the. amount of pressure. provided by strainers 60 and 100. Referring to FIGS. 15-18, there is shown coffee pod holder 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Coffee pod holder 300 comprises strainer 200, described in the foregoing description, and body section 302. Body section 302 includes central opening 303, handle 304 and ring seal 306. Ring seal 306 generally has the same function as ring seal 54 (see FIG. 1). Handle 304 has curved member 305 that has the same function as curved member 71 of handle 70 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Curved member 305 has slot 307 which performs the same function as slot 73 (see FIG. 17) of handle 70. Strainer 200 is positioned into body section 302 in generally the same manner as strainer 60 is positioned within body section 12. Ring seal 306 is seated on ledge section 310 of body section 302. Ledge section 310 has the same function as ledge section 52 of body section 12. Bottom side 202A of rim portion 202 contacts ring seal 306. Body section 302 has generally the same structure as body section 12 (see FIG, 1) except that interior 308 of body section 302 has a greater depth in order to receive two coffee pods. Annular portion 210 of strainer 200 extends through central opening 303 of body section 302. The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. This invention should not be construed as limited to the particular forms disclosed, as these are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description should be considered as exemplary in nature and not as limiting the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the attached claims. What is claimed is:

I l

Claims

l, A coffee pod holder (io) comprising:

a body section (12) comprising a coffee pod receiving space (49) bounded by a first, generally vertical wall (14) and a first ledge (16) that is contiguous with the generally vertical wall (14), said body section (12) further comprising a second, generally vertical wall (50) that is contiguous with and extends downward from the first ledge (16), said body section (12) further comprising a second ledge (52) that is contiguous with said second, generally vertical wall (50), said body section (12) having a central opening (13) bounded by said second ledge (52);

a seal member (54) seated upon said second ledge (52); and

a strainer member (60) attached to said body section (12), said strainer member (60) comprising a portion (64) that comprises a plurality of coffee extract drainage holes therein (66), said strainer member (60) further comprising a rim portion (61) that extends about said strainer member (60) and which comprises peripheral, side surface (62) that confronts said vertical wall (50), a top side that is contiguous with portion (64) and a bottom side that contacts said seal member (54), said strainer member (60) further comprising a wall portion (68) that is contiguous with and substantially perpendicular to said portion (64), said wall portion (68) extending through said central opening

2. The coffee pod holder according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of coffee extract drainage holes (66) comprises at least one-hundred coffee extract drainage holes (66).

3. The coffee pod holder according to claim 1 wherein said second ledge (52) is slightly slanted downward.

4, The coffeepod holder according to claim i wherein said body section (12) and said strainer member (60) are generally circular in shape.

5. The coffee pod holder according to claim 3 wherein said seal member (54) comprises a ring seal,

6. The coffee pod holder according to claim 1 wherein said portion (64) comprises a top side that contacts a coffee pod, said top side having a plurality of grooves (130, 132, 134, 136) therein arranged in a general criss-cross pattern.

7. The coffee pod holder according to claim 6 wherein said strainer member (60) further comprises:

a first rib (112) extending about and contiguous with said top side of said rim portion of said strainer member; and

13 a substantially straight second rib (114) that extends across said strainer member and is joined to said first rib (112).

8. The coffee pod holder according to claim 6 wherein at least some of coffee extract drainage holes (66) are located within some of grooves (130, 132, 134, 136).

9. The coffee pod holder according to claim 1 further comprising means (24, 71) for attaching a handle to said body section (12).

10. The coffee pod holder according to claim 1 further comprising a handle (70) attached to said body section (12).

11, The coffee pod holder according to claim 1 wherein said strainer member is fabricated from plastic.

12. The coffee pod holder according to claim to 11 wherein the coffee extract drainage holes (66) are equidistantly spaced.

13. The coffee pod holder according to claim 1 wherein said second ledge (52) has a perimetrical edge 53 and wherein said body section (12) further comprises a plurality of protruding members (69) that are attached to and extend from said perimetrical edge (53), said protruding members (69) frictionally contacting said strainer member so as to firmly hold said strainer member in place.