Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing cooking recipe or beverage and, more particularly, to a fluid or liquid dispenser specifically a dispenser for milk, cream, water, or other edible liquids.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Currently, in a marketplace there are number of cooking recipe or beverage apparatuses/machines for preparing any type of food either solid or liquid. These apparatuses automate the process of making the recipe by taking an input for preparation. These apparatuses contain a solid ingredient container and a liquid ingredient container. According to the preparation parameters, the recipe is prepared and served to a user.
[0003] Usually, these solid ingredient containers and liquid ingredient containers are loaded into multiple bottle or accommodation holders, with separate valve or pump for each container, resulting in a bulky and expensive piece of equipment. In addition, these valves and pumps are noisy. Moreover, the conventionally available beverage apparatus is complex in structure and cumbersome to clean on day-to-day basis. These conventional apparatuses are quite heavy, and it is also not easy to replace the faulty parts in case the apparatus is broken down.
[0004] Additionally, the conventional apparatus does not have a mechanism of inspection and replenishment of beverages, and for cleaning the system. There are number of pipes or tubes from the holders to the dispensing nozzles. These conventional machine uses gravity feed, thus the volume delivered at each operation is not consistent, but varies with the head of liquid, due to inefficient venting of air into the liquid ingredient container.
SUMMARY
[0005] An apparatus for preparing a cooking recipe or a beverage is disclosed. The apparatus comprising a main body, at least one accommodation section configured with the main body, at least one liquid dispenser removably accommodated inside the at least one accommodation section and an actuator configured to actuate the at least one liquid dispenser, wherein the at least one liquid dispenser dispenses liquid in a predefined measured quantity.
[0006] In an embodiment, the actuator configured with a lever.
[0007] In an embodiment, the actuator is an electromagnetic solenoid.
[0008] In an embodiment, the at least one liquid dispenser comprising a cap configured to cover opening of the at least one liquid dispenser, wherein the cap is adapted to provide a passage for liquid from the at least one liquid dispenser, an elongated member engaged with the passage of the cap and configured with a resilient member and a nozzle configured to dispense liquid, when actuated by the actuator through the lever, from the at least one liquid dispenser through the passage along the elongated member.
[0009] In an embodiment, the resilient member retains the nozzle against the cap such that when the actuator is in deactivated state flow of liquid is prevented from the at least one liquid dispenser.
[00010] In an embodiment, the elongated member engaged with the passage of the cap by a protrusion member.
[00011] In an embodiment, an O-ring washer configured with the protrusion member.
[00012] A liquid dispenser configured to dispense liquid comprising a cap configured to cover opening of the liquid dispenser, wherein the cap is adapted to provide a passage for liquid from the at least one liquid dispenser, an elongated member engaged with the passage of the cap, a resilient member configured with the elongated member, and a nozzle having an orifice configured to dispense liquid from the at least one liquid dispenser through the passage along the elongated member when an external force moves the nozzle in an upward direction.
[00013] In an embodiment, the resilient member retains the nozzle against the cap.
[00014] In an embodiment, the elongated member engaged with the passage of the cap by a protrusion member.
[00015] In an embodiment, an O-ring washer configured with the protrusion member.
[00016] In an embodiment, the liquid dispenser is placed invertly to dispense liquid.
[00017] The advantage of the present invention is of easy serviceability of the apparatus is accomplished via a modular or removable components of the apparatus. As most of the apparatus’ components are removable thus the serviceability of the apparatus is increased.
[00018] Another advantage of the present invention is that the storage box is removable with the dispensing device, thereby serviceability of the apparatus along with the dispensing device is quite easy. Especially, as the storage box is non-refillable, one needs to replace the entire storage box for replenishing the ingredients of the storage box. Thus, hygiene can be maintained with the apparatus while preparing the cooking recipe and when the ingredients are required to be replenished, technician just needs to replace the storage box with a new filled storage box. Moreover, the modular nature of the apparatus of the present invention is quite unique for maintaining hygiene and serviceability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00019] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[00020] Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus for preparing a cooking recipe or a beverage in a perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[00021] Figure 2 illustrates a main body of the apparatus in a front view, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
[00022] Figure 3 illustrates a liquid dispensing system for the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[00023] Figures 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate a liquid dispenser configured with an accommodation section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[00024] Figure 5 illustrates a cap of the liquid dispenser, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00025] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00026] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[00027] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[00028] For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.
[00029] Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus (100) for preparing a cooking recipe. The apparatus (100) comprising a main body (130). The apparatus is used to any type of cooking recipe including a liquid recipe or a solid recipe. The liquid recipe may include, for example, tea or coffee. The solid recipe may include, for example, kheer or noodle etc. The apparatus (100). The apparatus (100) may be constructed and may include an induction cooking apparatus, a mixer, an automated ingredient delivery system and a user interface, and describes at least an embodiment of this invention. The apparatus (100) may include food material, storage box, induction coil, portion of the electronics, ingredient containers, ingredients, user interface, ventilation, or chamber wall. Food material may be cooked in a vessel using an induction cooking apparatus, which may include induction coil, a cover plate, and an electronic processor to automate the entire cooking recipe. To allow for good transfer of heat using induction type device. Ingredients needed for the food being cooked may be present in storage boxes. The recipe used for cooking may be entered into a user interface, for example, a touchscreen display or into some other type of user interface. Ventilation may be used to take away a portion or substantially all the gaseous effluents from the cooking process. The chamber wall may be used to separate the region of the apparatus used for cooking the food, and which is exposed to gaseous effluents and heat, from other parts of the apparatus. The electronics in portion of the electronics may include some part or all the electronics needed for induction cooking, it may include the power supply to the whole apparatus, it may include controllers or other integrated circuits for the user interface. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove and that several variations of the concepts in FIG. 1 may be possible. For example, one may use a conventional cooking hot plate instead of the induction cooking apparatus. Furthermore, the user interface may be constructed in several ways. Many other modifications within the scope of the illustrated embodiments of the invention described herein will suggest themselves to such skilled persons after reading this specification.
[00030] Referring to Figure 2, the main body (130) comprising a housing section (210) and a door (110) configured to provide at least partial concealment to the housing section (210). The housing section (210) mounted with at least one accommodation section (400). The accommodation section (400) accommodates the at least one ingredient containers (800, 900). The at least one ingredient container (800, 900) may be any one of a liquid dispenser (800) or a solid container (900). The electronic portion (not shown) is disposed at a back portion of the housing section (210). The electronic portion accommodates the electronic to control the apparatus (100) of the present invention.
[00031] Referring again to Figure 1, the interface (500) is positioned on the main body (130) for accepting at least one preparation parameter for preparing the beverage. In still another embodiment, the interface (500) may be a touch-based display for accepting input. In still another embodiment, the interface (500) may be a soft button operated input means. In still another embodiment, the interface (500) may also be configured with a display to provide information related to preparation parameters or process involved such as heating, ready, error or a like. In still another embodiment, the interface (500) configured with a start button to initiate the beverage preparation according to predetermined selected preparation parameters.
[00032] Figure 3 illustrates a liquid dispensing system (1000) for the apparatus (100). The liquid dispensing system (1000) comprising at least one liquid dispensing device (800) removably accommodated inside the at least one accommodation section (400) and an actuator (300) configured to actuate the at least one liquid dispensing device (800). The actuator (300) configured with a lever (302). A distal end of the lever (302) is coupled to the at least one liquid dispensing device (800) and another end of the lever (302) is coupled to the actuator (300). The distal end of the lever (302) may be shaped as a fork alike. The actuator (300) is placed separately away from the at least one liquid dispensing device (800) inside the housing section (210) of the apparatus (100). In an embodiment, the actuator (300) is an electromagnetic based solenoid. In an embodiment, the actuator (300) may be a solid state device based solenoid. The actuator (300) is configured to move the lever (302) in upward and downward directions.
[00033] Referring to Figures 3, 5a, 5b and 5c, the at least one liquid dispensing device (800) comprising a liquid container (200), a cap (312), an elongated member (314), a resilient member (306), an O-ring washer (318), an air intake valve (310) and a nozzle (304). The liquid dispensing device (800) is configured to dispense liquid based on the recipe selected by the user. The at least one liquid dispensing device (800) dispenses liquid in a predefined measured quantity based on a preselected criteria and/or requirement for a particular recipe. The liquid dispensing device (800) configured to store any type of liquid or fluid ingredients such as water, cream, or milk. The liquid dispensing device (800) is made up of a food grade plastic and it is disposable. In a preferred embodiment, two or more liquid dispensing devices (800) may be accommodated inside the apparatus (100).
[00034] The cap (312) configured to cover opening of the liquid container (200). The cap (312) is also adapted to provide a passage for liquid from the liquid container (200). In an embodiment, opening may be circular in shape and the cap (312) is adapted with a mechanism to cover such a circular opening. In an embodiment, the cap (312) is adapted with a circular passage or an opening to allow flow of liquid through the passage.
[00035] In an embodiment, a first end of the elongated member (314) engaged with the passage of the cap (312) and configured with the resilient member (306). The elongated member (314) is configured with a protrusion member (320). The protrusion member plugs the passage in the cap (312) when dispensing of liquid is not required. An O-ring washer (318) may be juxtaposed between outer perimeter or circumference of the passage in the cap (312) and the protrusion member (320). In an embodiment, another end of the elongated member (314) is coupled with the nozzle (304).
[00036] The nozzle (304) configured to dispense liquid and a tip (330) of the nozzle (304) is engaged with the lever (302) of the actuator (300). When the nozzle (304) is actuated by the actuator (300) through the lever (302), liquid from the liquid container (200) pass through the passage along the elongated member (314) and dispended through the tip of the nozzle (304). The nozzle (304) has opening (332) at the tip (330) therein.
[00037] In non-energized state of the actuator (300), the O-ring washer (318) seats against the protrusion member (320), which is located at one end of the elongated member (314) and is held there by the resilient member (306). The O-ring washer (318) seats against the protrusion member (320) which prevents liquid from within the liquid container (200) passing through the passage of the cap (312).
[00038] In energized state of the actuator (300), the lever (302) tends to force the nozzle (304) upwards until opposing force is balances by the weight of the nozzle (304), the resilient member (306) and the resistance to the flow of liquid through the passage opening. The rate of flow of the liquid through the nozzle (304) is dependent upon the difference of pressures, i.e., difference of the outside pressure and internal liquid container pressure. This difference of pressure at the level of the nozzle (304) is what allows the liquid to flow from the liquid container (200). Therefore, regardless of liquid level within the rate of liquid flow from the liquid container (200) remains substantially constant for a predetermined period.
[00039] When the actuator (300) is de-energized, the lever (302) no longer forces the nozzle (304) upwards, and the resilient member (306) brings back the elongated member to its initial position and the protrusion member (320) closes the passage of the cap (312) such that liquid does not comes out of the liquid container (200). In addition, the O-ring washer (318) seats against the protrusion member (320) and closes the passage in the cap (312) firmly such that liquid does not comes out of the liquid container (200).
[00040] Referring to Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c, the liquid container (200) removably seats in the accommodation section (400) of the apparatus (100). The liquid container (200) may also be locked by a locking arrangement (410) placed inside the accommodation section (400). Referring to Figure 4c, the distal end of the level (302) is engaged with the tip of the nozzle (304).
[00041] The present invention provides advantage of ease of serviceability as the liquid container (200) is removable with the accommodation section (400). The cleaning the apparatus along with the nozzle (304) is quite easy. Thus, hygiene can be maintained with the apparatus (100) while preparing the cooking recipe.
[00042] Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved liquid dispensing means in which the cap (312) has the air intake valve for admitting air to the liquid container (200). A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved liquid dispensing system which is very simple to use and requires a minimum of maintenance.
[00043] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[00044] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.
, Claims:We claim:
1. An apparatus (100) for preparing a cooking recipe or a beverage, the apparatus (100) comprising:
a main body (130);
at least one accommodation section (400) configured with the main body (130);
at least one liquid dispensing device (800) removably accommodated inside the at least one accommodation section (400); and
an actuator (300) configured to actuate the at least one liquid dispensing device (800), wherein the at least one liquid dispensing device (800) dispenses liquid in a predefined measured quantity.
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (300) configured with a lever (302).
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (300) is an electromagnetic solenoid.
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one liquid dispensing device (800) comprising:
a liquid container (200);
a cap (312) configured to cover opening of the liquid container (200), wherein the cap (312) is adapted to provide a passage for liquid from the liquid container (200);
an elongated member (314) engaged with the passage of the cap (312) and configured with a resilient member (306); and
a nozzle (304) configured to dispense liquid, when actuated by the actuator (300) through the lever (302), from the liquid container (200) through the passage along the elongated member (314).
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the resilient member (306) retains the nozzle (304) against the cap (312) such that when the actuator (300) is in deactivated state flow of liquid is prevented from the at least one liquid dispenser (200).
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the elongated member (314) engaged with the passage of the cap (312) by a protrusion member (320).
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, comprising an O-ring washer (318) juxtaposed between an outer perimeter or circumference of the passage and the protrusion member (320).
8. A liquid dispensing device (800) configured to dispense liquid, the liquid dispensing device (800) comprising:
a cap (312) configured to cover opening of a liquid container (200), wherein the cap (312) is adapted to provide a passage for liquid from the liquid container (200);
an elongated member (314) engaged with the passage of the cap (312);
a resilient member (306) configured with the elongated member (314); and
a nozzle (304) having an opening (332) configured to dispense liquid from the liquid container (200) through the passage along the elongated member (314) when an external force moves the nozzle in an upward direction.
9. The liquid dispensing device (800) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the resilient member (306) retains the nozzle (304) against the cap (312).
10. The dispensing device (800) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the elongated member (314) engaged with the passage of the cap (312) by a protrusion member (320).
11. The dispensing device (800) as claimed in claim 9, comprising an O-ring washer (318) configured with the protrusion member (320).
12. The dispensing device (800) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the liquid container (200) is placed invertly to dispense liquid.
13. The dispensing device (800) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the liquid container (200) comprises an air intake valve (310), wherein the air intake valve (310) is configured at a back surface (340) of the cap (312).
Dated this 24 March 2023

Digitally Signed
Applicant
Saurabh Singh -Director
Desmania Innovation Labs LLP