Dispensing – With container handle or handgrips – Movable handle interconnected with flow controller or closure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-14
2001-05-22
Kaufman, Joseph A. (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
With container handle or handgrips
Movable handle interconnected with flow controller or closure
C222S470000, C222S475100, C222S516000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234364
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a beverage server ideally suited for airline service. More particularly, the present invention relates to a beverage server with a plurality of small pour openings designed to provide a steady, controlled flow when poured and to resist sudden surges of liquid if the container is bumped or jerked. The server has a thumb actuator which can be moved to uncover the pour openings and allow a liquid to be poured. The thumb actuator is biased to return to a closed position when released. The container is shaped to retain a low center of gravity regardless of the quantity of liquid contained therein.
Pouring beverages during a flight presents unique problems. Aircraft often encounter areas of varying air pressure which act on the plane to produce abrupt elevation changes. These pressure differences or turbulence result in a bumpy ride for the passengers of the airplane and makes it difficult to pour beverages such as coffee and tea which are not typically packaged in individual containers. Furthermore, turbulence can act to tip over containers that are simply resting on a service cart.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary object of this invention to provide a beverage server with a controlled flow rate.
It is another object to provide a beverage server that remains closed when not in use.
It is a further object to provide a beverage server that is stable and resistant to tipping or spilling.
It is another object to provide a beverage server that provides an indicator which indicates the type of beverage contained therein.
The instant invention comprises a beverage server with a plurality of small pour openings which provide a substantially constant flow regardless of whether the container is bumped or jerked while the liquid is being poured. A moveable closing device keeps the pour openings closed when the server is not in use.
As a further beneficial feature, the server is relatively squat to resist tipping and preferably has a rubber coating over the handle to provide the operator with a positive grip.
The closing device may preferably comprise a rotatable ring with a thumb actuator and a plurality of closing elements which are substantially diametrically opposed to the thumb actuator in cooperative juxtaposition to the pour openings. A biasing mechanism, preferably clip springs, ensure that the closing elements cover the pour openings when the beverage server is not being used and the thumb actuator is in its rest or closed position. When the thumb actuator is rotated slightly in either direction, the closing elements are angularly displaced, uncovering the pour openings.
The closing device is advantageously mounted on the top wall of a container in which liquid is held. The aforesaid pour openings are defined by the top wall which also defines a large fill opening.
The container further comprises a handle opposite the pour openings which has a flange extending upwardly therefrom. The thumb actuator extends over the flange and has a hollow bottom side with a downwardly extending skirt which limits the angular distance that the actuator may be rotated by making contact with the flange.
In the disclosed embodiment, an annular cover attaches to the top of the container and covers the ring closing device. Projections extending upwardly from the container and downwardly from the cover act together to provide a guide path within which the ring may rotate. The cover also defines a fill opening within which a lid may be removably received to form a watertight seal. Vent holes penetrate the top of the cover and provide a path for air to travel to replace the liquid being dispensed from the container and ensure a smooth pour. The cover and the container both have forwardly extending, vertically aligned lips which together form a pour spout adjacent the pour openings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4921146 (1990-05-01), Salzmann
patent: 5273194 (1993-12-01), McNamara
patent: 5497917 (1996-03-01), Krimmel et al.
patent: 5653362 (1997-08-01), Patel
patent: 5988457 (1999-11-01), Andrew et al.
Loffler Greg A.
Nybakke Keith G.
Kaufman Joseph A.
Moore & Hansen
Service Ideas, Inc.
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