Beverage reservoir cleaning apparatus and method of use

[0002] This invention is generally directed to a novel apparatus for rinsing or cleaning reservoirs in which beverages, such as coffee, concentrated beverage or tea, are held. More particularly, the invention contemplates a novel apparatus which can be used to rinse or clean two reservoirs simultaneously.

[0003] Prior art apparatuses have a funnel, which include from a body having a drain hole through a center of a bottom wall of the body, mounted thereto. A beverage which flows from the funnel flows into a reservoir and is held therein until it is dispenses by a user. To clean the reservoir, the reservoir is removed from the apparatus and cleaned.

[0004] The present invention provides an apparatus which can be used to make a beverage and dispense the beverage into one of two reservoirs and also can be used to rinse both the reservoirs simultaneously. Other features and advantages over the prior art will become clear upon a reading of the attached specification in combination with a study of the drawings.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method of use which can be used to make a beverage and dispense the beverage into one of two reservoirs and also can be used to rinse both the reservoirs simultaneously.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method of use which can be used to rinse two reservoirs simultaneously and can be used to rinse faucets simultaneously connected to the reservoirs.

[0007] Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the present invention discloses an apparatus which is used for making a beverage and also for rinsing or cleaning a pair of reservoirs in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir associated therewith, a controller in communication with the fluid reservoir, structure for selectively passing fluid from the fluid reservoir to at least one outlet on the housing, and first and second reservoirs mounted in the housing. A holder can be mounted on said the housing. The holder includes a body, a drain hole provided therethrough, and a conduit provided therethrough. The conduit is spaced from the drain hole. When the holder is mounted on the housing, the drain hole is positioned over one of the reservoirs and the conduit is located over the other of the reservoirs. The controller controls the flow of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the holder. Fluid flows from the water reservoir to the holder through drain hole into the one reservoir. Fluid also simultaneously flows from the water reservoir to the holder through the conduit into the other reservoir. The reservoirs include controllable drain valves which can be operated to retain the fluid, such as heated water, for a predetermined amount of time to sanitize the reservoirs. The fluid is then drained from the reservoirs to complete the rinsing or cleaning cycle.

[0008] The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a holder, with a portion thereof being shown in phantom lines, which incorporates the features of the invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the holder of FIG. 1, with a portion thereof being shown in phantom lines;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus which incorporates the features of the invention upon which the holder is mounted in a first orientation, such holder being shown in side elevation; and

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus upon which the holder is mounted in a second orientation, such holder being shown in side elevation.

[0013] While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.

[0014] The present invention provides a holder 20 and an apparatus 22, to simultaneously rinse or clean two reservoirs 24, 26. The apparatus 22 and holder 20 can also be used to make a beverage, such as coffee, concentrated beverage or tea, and to dispense the beverage into one of two reservoirs 24, 26, which allows different flavors, or regular and decaffeinated coffee, to be served from the apparatus 22.

[0015] Attention is first invited to FIGS. 1 and 2 which show the holder 20. The holder 20 is formed from a body 28 which includes a flat, generally circular bottom wall 30 and a generally truncated conical side wall 32 to form a cup-shaped and open-ended member. The body 28 is made of a suitable material that can withstand higher heat levels, is dishwasher safe and is food safe, such as stainless steel or a suitable plastic material.

[0016] A flange 34 is provided around the upper end of the side wall 32 and extends therefrom. As shown, the flange 34 generally extends outwardly from the side wall 32, although other configurations may be possible. The flange 34 has a first portion 36 and a second portion 38 which are opposite to each other and each has a generally curved outer edge, and a third portion 40 and a fourth portion 42 which are opposite to each other and each has a generally straight edge. The third and fourth portions 40, 42 properly align the holder 20 with the beverage making apparatus 22 when the holder 20 is attached thereto and prevent rotation of the holder 20 relative to the beverage making apparatus 22 when the holder 20 is attached thereto.

[0017] The body 28 includes a drain 44 therein which is proximate to the first portion 36 of the flange 34. The drain 44 is formed from a curved wall portion 46 which interrupts the truncated conical shape of the side wall 32. The curved wall portion 46 protrudes outwardly from the remainder of the side wall 32 and extends from the bottom wall 30 upwardly a predetermined distance. The curved wall portion 46 also causes an interruption in the circular shape of the bottom wall 30 such that a wall portion 48 fills in the bottom end of the curved wall portion 46.

[0018] A drain hole 50 is provided through the wall portion 48. As such, the drain hole 50 is offset from the center of the bottom wall 30 and is proximate to the first portion 36 of the flange 34. The drain hole 50 is positioned through the lower portion of the holder 20 to assure that all of the beverage drains from the holder 20 through the drain hole 50.

[0019] The body 28 further includes a conduit 45 having a central passageway 47 therein. The conduit 45 is diametrically opposed to the drain 44 such that the conduit 45 is proximate to the second portion 38 of the flange 34. The conduit 45 passes through the side wall 32 and interrupts the circular shape of the bottom wall 30. The conduit 45 has an upper end which aligns with the flange 34 and has a lower end which extends slightly past the bottom wall 30. An upper aperture is formed at the upper end of the conduit 45 and a lower aperture is formed at the lower end of the conduit 45. As such, the conduit 45 is offset from the center of the bottom wall 30.

[0020] A first handle 52 and a second handle 54 are mounted on the body 28 by suitable means and at opposed positions. Each handle 52, 54 includes an upper portion 56, 58, respectively, which extends outwardly from the upper end of the side wall 32 of the body 28 and a gripping portion 60, 62, respectively, which extends downwardly and outwardly from the respective upper portion 56, 58. The first handle 52 is attached to the body 28 along the first portion 36 of the flange 34 by suitable means; such as fasteners, welding or integral molding. The second handle 54 is attached to the body 28 along the second portion 38 of the flange 34 by like suitable means.

[0021] A magnet 64 is associated with the first handle 52 and is oriented in a first orientation. For example, the magnet 64 can be orientated such that its north pole is in an upward direction and its south pole is in a downward direction. The magnet 64 may be mounted in the upper portion 56 of the first handle 52 as shown, may be mounted proximate to the first handle 52, such as in the first portion 36 of the flange 34, or in another suitable location on the body 28. A magnet 66 is associated with the second handle 54 and is oriented in a second orientation which is generally opposite the first orientation. For example, the magnet 66 can be orientated such that its south pole in an upward direction and its north pole in a downward direction. The magnet 66 may be mounted in the upper portion 58 of the second handle 54 as shown, may be mounted-proximate to the second handle 54, such as in the second portion 38 of the flange 34, or in another suitable location on the body 28 so long as the magnets 64, 66 are spaced apart from each other on the body 28.

[0022] Attention is now invited to FIGS. 3 and 4 which show the apparatus 22. The apparatus 22 includes a housing 68 which has a rear portion 70, a cantilevered portion 72 which extends outwardly from the rear portion 70, and a reservoir portion 74 which extends outwardly from the rear portion 70. The cantilevered portion 72 extends over the reservoir portion 74 and is spaced therefrom.

[0023] The cantilevered portion 72 includes a front wall, opposite side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall 76. A pair of elongated, spaced apart, parallel, horizontal rails (not shown) extend downwardly from the bottom wall 76 of the cantilevered portion 72. The rails are used to mount the holder 20 underneath the cantilevered portion 72, such that the holder 20 is between the cantilevered portion 72 and the reservoir portion 74.

[0024] The reservoir portion 74 includes the first reservoir 24 and the second reservoir 26 which are mounted side-by-side within the reservoir portion 74. As shown, the first reservoir 24 is proximate to the rear portion 70, and the second reservoir 26 is proximate to the front of the reservoir portion 74, such that the first reservoir 24 is between the second reservoir 26 and the rear portion 70. Each reservoir 24, 26 has a brew-through lid 78, 80 thereon, such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,739,898 or 5,480,054.

[0025] An outlet 86, 88 is provided at the bottom end of each reservoir 24, 26 for dispensing beverage therefrom to a cup or carafe along line 87, 89. If the brewing apparatus 22 and holder 20 of the present invention are used to brew a concentrated beverage into the two reservoirs 24, 26, the concentrated beverage would flow through line 87, 89 to a peristaltic pump apparatus (not shown) which is disclosed in United States Patent No. (Not Yet Assigned), which was filed on Jun. 23, 2000, entitled “Pump”, which is commonly owned by the present assignee herein, and which disclosure is herein incorporated by reference. In such a concentrated beverage is brewed, the concentrated beverage is used with a dilution liquid, such as water, to produce the final beverage.

[0026] A pinch valve 90, 92 is attached to the line 87, 89 and outlet 86, 88 for controlling the release of beverage to a drain along line 91, 93. Each pinch valve 90, 92 is connected by suitable wiring to a controller 94 and each valve 90, 92 is controlled thereby.

[0027] A water reservoir 96 is associated with the housing 68 and may be mounted within the rear portion 70 as shown. The water reservoir 96 may be heated by use of a suitable electric heating element 98, such as a heater coil, to maintain the water therein hot. Pressurized water is supplied to the water reservoir 96 from a source (not shown) through a first conduit 100, through a fill valve 102, and through a second conduit 104, the second conduit 104 being connected to the water reservoir 96. The fill valve 102 is connected by suitable wiring to the controller 94 and the controller 94 regulates the amount of water supplied to the water reservoir 96 by operating the fill valve 102. A liquid detecting probe 106 is provided within the water reservoir 96 and is connected to the controller 94 by suitable wiring and is controlled thereby.

[0028] A first conduit 108 extends outwardly from an upper portion of the water reservoir 96 and is connected to a dispense valve 110 which is connected by suitable wiring to the controller 94 and is controlled thereby. A second conduit 112 is connected to the dispense valve 110. The first conduit 108, the dispense valve 110 and the second conduit 112 are provided in the cantilevered portion 72 of the housing 68. A spray head 114 of known construction is provided within the cantilevered portion 72 and is connected to the second conduit 112. The spray head 114 extends through the bottom wall 76 of the cantilevered portion 72 and has openings which direct water from the cantilevered portion 72 downwardly toward the reservoir portion 74. The rails on the cantilevered portion 72 are on opposite sides of the spray head 114 such that the rails do not interfere with the operation of the spray head 114.

[0029] An air vent fitting 116 extends upwardly from a top end of the water reservoir 96. A conduit 118 is connected to the air vent fitting 116 and extends therefrom. At a predetermined point along the length of the conduit 118, the conduit 118 is split into two conduits 118a, 118b. Conduit 118ais connected to an air vent fitting 120 that is proximate to, but not in communication with, the spray head 114. Conduit 118bis connected to an air vent fitting 121 that is proximate to, but not in communication with, the spray head 114. The air vent fittings 120, 121 are spaced apart from each other on the bottom wall 76 of the cantilevered portion 72.

[0030] A sensor 122 is mounted within the bottom wall 76 of the cantilevered portion 72 and is coupled to the controller 94 by suitable wiring. As shown, the sensor 122 is mounted between the spray head 114 and the rear portion 70 of the housing 68. The sensor 122 is a Hall Effect sensor.

[0031] If regular coffee or a first flavor of a beverage is to be made (into the first reservoir 24), see FIG. 3, the substance, such as ground coffee or other material, is placed into the holder 20. The user grips the second handle 54, which includes some form of indicia, for example the second handle 54 may be colored to indicate the type of beverage, may have “Regular” printed thereon or may have other indicia, and attaches the holder 20 to the cantilevered portion 72 by sliding the third and fourth portions 40, 42 of the flange 34 along the respective rails. When the holder 20 is fully attached to the cantilevered portion 72, the magnet 64 associated with the first handle 52 comes within the sensing range of the sensor 122 in the cantilevered portion 72, the drain hole 50 is positioned over the opening in the lid 78 of the first reservoir 24, and the conduit 45 is positioned over the opening in the lid 80 of the second reservoir 26. In addition, the air vent fitting 120 is vertically aligned with the drain hole 50 and the air vent fitting 121 is vertically aligned with the conduit 45. The sensor 122 detects the polarity of the magnet 64 in the first handle 52 and communicates this information or signal to the controller 94. The controller 94 is pre-configured or programmed to associate various signals from the sensor 122 with the corresponding holder conditions or characteristics to determine that regular coffee or the first flavor of beverage is to be made. Upon receiving an appropriate signal from the sensor 122, the controller 94 allows operation of the dispense valve 110 such that water flows from the water reservoir 96, through the first conduit 108, through the dispense valve 110, through the second conduit 112 and to the spray head 114 to be dispensed into the holder 20.

[0032] Once the holder 20 is fully inserted, the red “regular low” indicator light (not shown) provided on the cantilevered portion 72 will blink, indicating that the holder 20 will brew into the first reservoir 24. The brew cycle is initiated by pressing the regular start switch (not shown) on the cantilevered portion 72. If the decaffeinated start switch (not shown) is pressed instead of the regular start switch, the green “autobrew ready” indicator (not shown) will flash.

[0033] Once the correct start switch is pressed, water flows from the water reservoir 96, through the first conduit 108, through the open dispense valve 110, through the second conduit 112 and to the spray head 114 to be dispensed into the holder 20. A lock pin (not shown) also drops from the underside of the cantilevered portion 72, locking the holder 20 in place during the brew cycle. The water saturates and flows through the substance in the holder 20 or the material in the holder 20 is otherwise combined with the water, and the resulting beverage flows outwardly from the holder 20 through the drain hole 50. The beverage flows through the lid 78 and is held in the first reservoir 24 until dispensed on demand by the user. Water cannot flow through the conduit 45 as its upper opening is not in fluid communication with the spray head 114. The beverage flows through the lid 78 and is held in the first reservoir 24 until dispensed on demand by the user or through a controllable valve. At the end of the cycle, the controller 94 operates the dispense valve 110 thereby closing the dispense valve 110 to terminate the flow of water to the spray head 114. After the dispense valve 110 is closed, the lock pin will continue to lock the holder 20 in place until a pre-programmed time has expired, to let the remaining fluid in the holder 20 dip out therefrom. After the lock pin retracts, red “dispose grounds” indicator light (not shown) on the cantilevered portion 72 illuminates, signaling that the used grounds are in the holder 20. The holder 20 can then be removed, and the used grounds can be disposed. The beverage in the reservoir 24 is kept at the desired temperature through the use of the system disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 09/452,262, which was filed on Dec. 1, 1999, entitled “Heated Beverage Container”, which is commonly owned by the present assignee herein, and which disclosure is herein incorporated by reference.

[0034] During this cycle, as the volume of water diminishes in the water reservoir 96, the liquid detecting probe 106 senses this condition and sends a signal to the controller 94. The controller 94 operates the fill valve 102 to open to allow pressurized water into the water reservoir 96 until the liquid detecting probe 106 senses that the water reservoir 96 is full (the water reservoir 96 fills to a point which is below the air vent fitting 116 opening in the water reservoir 96). Once the water reservoir is full, the controller 94 operates the fill valve 102 to close. This filling operation repeats itself as necessary during the cycle. Water does not flow through the air vent fitting 116 as the water level does not reach the top end of the water reservoir 96.

[0035] To make decaffeinated coffee or a second flavor of a beverage (into the second reservoir 26), see FIG. 4, the holder 20 is reversed and the process is repeated.

[0036] At the end of the day, it is desirable to empty the reservoirs 24, 26 and to rinse the reservoirs 24, 26. This is accomplished by using the rinse cycle of the present invention.

[0037] When the holder 20 is in the position for making regular coffee or a first flavor of a beverage (and if the grounds are removed from the holder 20), see FIG. 3, a rinse cycle can be performed to rinse or clean both reservoirs 24, 26 simultaneously. The air vent fitting 121 is vertically aligned with the drain 44 and the drain hole 50 is over the lid 78 of the first reservoir 24; the air vent fitting 120 is vertically aligned with the upper end of the conduit 45 and the lower end of the conduit 45 is over the lid 80 of the second reservoir 26.

[0038] Once the holder 20 is properly positioned (the lock pin will be engaged), a rinse button (not shown) is pushed. The dispense valve 110 is closed and both pinch valves 90, 92 are opened, thereby draining the liquid in the reservoirs 24, 26. After a predetermined amount of time which is sufficient to drain a full reservoir 24, 26, the pinch valves 90, 92 are closed. The fill valve 102 is opened to add additional water into the water reservoir 96. The liquid detecting probe 106 is not used during the rinse cycle. This condition forces hot water out the air vent fitting 116, through conduit 118, through conduits 118a, 118b, and through air vent fittings 120, 121.

[0039] Air vent fitting 121 allows water to fall into the body 28, then exit through the drain hole 50 and through the lid 78 of the first reservoir 24 and into the first reservoir 24. Simultaneously, air vent fitting 120 allows water to fall into the conduit 45 and through the lid 80 of the second reservoir 26 and into the second reservoir 26. The hot water continues to flow into the reservoirs 24, 26 until the reservoirs 24, 26 are full (or at least substantially full). The amount of time of the flow is controlled. After the reservoirs 24, 26 are full, the hot water may be allowed to soak for a predetermined amount of time to sanitize the reservoirs 24, 26. After the soak time has elapsed, controller 94 opens the pinch valves 90, 92 to allow water to exit the reservoir 24, 26. Water can flow through lines 87, 89 and the associated faucets (not shown) opened to clean the faucets. Preferably, the rinsing and soaking cycle is repeated.

[0040] At the end of the rinse cycle, the fill valve 102 is closed to ready the apparatus 22 for the cycle during which the beverage is made as discussed herein. The lock pin retracts to allow a user to place grounds within the holder 20.

[0041] When the holder 20 is in the position for making decaffeinated coffee or a second flavor of a beverage (and if the grounds are removed from the holder 20), see FIG. 4, a rinse cycle can also be performed to rinse or clean both reservoirs 24, 26 simultaneously in a like manner. The air vent fitting 120 is vertically aligned with the drain 44 and the drain hole 50 is over the lid 80 of the second reservoir 26; the air vent fitting 121 is vertically aligned with the upper end of the conduit 45 and the lower end of the conduit 45 is over the lid 78 of the first reservoir 24.

[0042] Once the holder 20 is properly positioned (the lock pin will be engaged), a rinse button (not shown) is pushed. The dispense valve 110 is closed and both pinch valves 90, 92 are opened, thereby draining the liquid in the reservoirs 24, 26. After a predetermined amount of time which is sufficient to drain a full reservoir 24, 26, the pinch valves 90, 92 are closed. The fill valve 102 is opened to add additional water into the water reservoir 96. The liquid detecting probe 106 is not used during the rinse cycle. This condition forces hot water out the air vent fitting 116, through conduit 118, through conduits 118a, 118b, and through air vent fittings 120, 121.

[0043] Air vent fitting 121 allows water to fall into the conduit 45 and through the lid 78 of the first reservoir 24 and into the first reservoir 24. Simultaneously, air vent fitting 120 allows water to fall into the body 28, then exit through the drain hole 50 and through the lid 80 of the second reservoir 26 and into the second reservoir 26. The hot water continues to flow into the reservoirs 24, 26 until the reservoirs 24, 26 are full (or at least substantially full). The amount of time of the flow is controlled. After the reservoirs 24, 26 are full, the hot water may be allowed to soak for a predetermined amount of time to sanitize the reservoirs 24, 26. After the soak time has elapsed, controller 94 opens the pinch valves 90, 92 to allow water to exit the reservoir 24, 26. Water can flow through lines 87, 89 and the associated faucets (not shown) opened to clean the faucets. Preferably, the rinsing and soaking cycle is repeated.

[0044] At the end of the rinse cycle, the fill valve 102 is closed to ready the apparatus 22 for the cycle during which the beverage is made as discussed herein. The lock pin retracts to allow a user to place grounds within the holder 20.

[0045] The controller 94 can be programmed to require the rinse cycle to be run after a predetermined amount of time has passed since the last rise cycle. Failure to do so will prevent further brewing and dispensing, insuring that the rinse cycle is utilized. Running the rinse cycle will restore the apparatus 22 to normal operation. The apparatus 22 can be programmed to run a rinse cycle daily, the time preferably in the early morning when the apparatus 22 is not in normal operation.

[0046] It is to be understood that the specific position of the reservoirs 24, 26 as shown is illustrative only and multiple orientations can be used on the condition that the drain hole 50 in the holder 20 is positionable over a corresponding one of the lids 78, 80 and the conduit 45 in the holder 20 is positionable over the other lid 78, 80 when the holder 20 is mounted on the cantilevered portion 72.

[0047] It is within the scope of the invention that a single handle be provided on the holder 20 with the magnets 64, 66 be carried on the body 28. The flange would be modified to include several parallel sides so that the holder 20 could be mounted on the cantilevered portion 72 in a variety orientations by positioning the handle in different locations relative to the beverage making apparatus 22. It is within the scope of the invention that a removable handle may be provided on the holder 20 with the magnets 64, 66 carried on the body 28.

[0048] It is also to be understood that other structures can be used than magnets 64, 66 so long as they can be detected by a suitable sensor and can be differentiated from each other. For example, the first handle 52 could be colored red and the second handle 54 could be colored black. The sensor 122 could take the form of an optical sensor which is capable of differentiating whether the color red or the color black is detected so that the controller 94 can determine whether the first handle 52 or the second handle 54 is present. Another example would be to provide a single hole through the first handle 52 and a pair of holes through the second handle 54. The sensor 122 could take the form of an infrared sensors which determines whether one hole or two holes are present so that the controller 94 can determine whether the first handle 52 or the second handle 54 is present. Yet another example would be to provide a single protrusion extending upwardly from the first handle 52 and a pair of protrusions extending upwardly from the second handle 54. The sensor 122 could take the form of a pair of mechanical switches which are triggered by interaction with the protrusions. If one switch is triggered, the controller 94 would determine that the first handle 52 is present. If both switches are triggered, the controller 94 would determine that the second handle 54 is present.

[0049] While a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.