US20050046211A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20050046211A1
Application number: US10/765,460
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald Nole; Evan Ward
Original assignee: Ignite Design LLC
Current assignee: Ignite Design LLC
Priority date: 2003-08-29
Filing date: 2004-02-11
Publication date: 2005-03-03

Abstract

An improved coffee press structure is provided wherein the container has transparent side wall portions that are associated with top and bottom caps and an intermediate cage structure. Upper and lower band portions of the cage structure are associated with a handle upper end portion and with a link member, respectively. The link member is pivotable relative to either the handle lower end portion or the lower band portion and is spring biased so that when in a normally closed position, the link member closes the gap between the handle lower end portion and the lower band portion. The press structure also provides two different embodiments of a plunger assembly for association with the container mouth. The plunger assembly embodiments both include a handle, a piston and a rod; and the plunger assembly can remain in place after brewing and during brew dispensing from the container. One of the plunger assembly embodiments includes a spouted lid that is valve equipped, the valve being operated by rotational movement of the handle relative to the lid with the rod being fully extended through the lid.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. Ser. No. 10/651,791, filed Aug. 29, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to presses for coffee, tea or the like, and, in particular, to presses having an open top container with preferably transparent side wall portions and with associated bottom and top protective and enforcement portions, and a reciprocating plunger assembly associated with the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable, hand-operable brewing/filtering devices or coffee presses have been available for many years. Such an apparatus typically includes a container having an openable top and side walls having a uniform internal cross-section. The top is provided with a lid that receives a slidable rod which is axially reciprocable relative to the container. The rod has a handle at its upper end and a piston at its lower end. The rod and the piston with the lid comprise a plunger assembly. When the rod is reciprocated after hot water and ground coffee or tea leaf fragments have been charged into the container, fresh coffee or tea is produced in the container. Various embodiments and methods of use have been described. Commonly, an embodiment includes means for filtering to separate the residual coffee grounds or the tea leaf fragments from the brewed coffee or tea.

One problem with prior art coffee presses has been that the user cannot adequately observe the status of the beverage being brewed in the container. Although brewing status can be estimated by elapsed brewing time or by visually observing the color of a brew, with the characteristically opaque prior art coffee press containers, brew color cannot be adequately observed even if the associated plunger assembly is removed from the container. To overcome this problem, a brewing apparatus having a container with transparent portions would be desirable, but such a container has sometimes been inadequate because either it tends to be fragile and easily broken during use, or it has transparent portions with edge regions that are not watertight so that undesirable leakage occurs from the container.

Another problem with prior art coffee presses is that, after a brewing operation, dispensing of the brewed and filtered beverage from the container is sometimes difficult to achieve in a simple, quick, effective and reliable manner. For example, it may be necessary to remove the lid or change, alter or even substitute components of the plunger assembly before the beverage can be dispensed from the container.

It would also be desirable to provide a coffee press with an improved openable handle structure that is easy and convenient to removably associate with an object or to grasp with a hand, provides an improved ability to hook over and disengageably connect to a support member (for example, a strap, handle, ring or the like), and provides a secure association with such a support member.

There is a need for an improved coffee press structure that provides these benefits and overcomes these and other problems. The apparatus achieved by the present invention accomplished those purposes and provides a new and very useful coffee press structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a coffee press structure having an improved container with transparent side wall portions and an improved plunger assembly, preferably in combination with an improved openable handle structure.

In one aspect, the container has transparent side wall portions that are preferably cross-sectionally cylindrical, and that are associated exteriorly with a combination of (a) respective cap-like fixed bottom and detachable top members, and (b) a cage-like structure having longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced stud or strap portions that are end interconnected with respective and upper and lower circumferentially extending band portions. The strap portions and the band portions extend over and adjacent to areas of the transparent side wall portions of the container that are between the top and bottom cap-like members. The cap-like bottom and top portions coact with the strap and band portions and the portions cooperate to enclose partially, protect and reinforce the transparent side wall portions of the container structure. The resulting container structure is surprisingly rugged and durable, yet is easily cleansed and is reusable indefinitely.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a new and very useful handle structure for the container. The main handle body extends longitudinally and exteriorly along the container and has an upper end portion that is connected preferably integrally to a portion of the upper band. The handle also has an open lower end portion.

A link member is provided that is pivotably associated either with the lower band portion or with the handle lower end portion. The link member is spring biased so that its open end portion is normally in a disengageably engaged relationship with the opposed but adjacently spaced one of either the handle lower end portion or the lower band portion. The interrelationship between components is such that the lower end portion of the handle relative to the container are normally in a closed relationship, but, when a force or a pressure is applied upwardly and longitudinally against an exterior surface portion of the link member, the open end portion of the link member becomes disengaged from the associated engaged one of either the handle lower end portion or the lower band portion, thereby to permit the lower end portion of the handle to fit over and connect with an object. After release of the pressure or force, the link member pivots back to its starting position.

Preferably, a cooperating engaged but disengagable relationship is achieved between the pivotable link member open end portion and normally engaged adjacent the portion of either the handle open end or the lower band, as the case may be. The engaged relationship is variously achievable, but a present preference is to provide a stud-like extension on the open end portion of the link member and a cooperating mating stud-receiving depression defined in the handle open lower end portion or in the lower ring portion. Such an engaged relationship stabilizes the association between these respective components when they are engaged.

In a more preferred embodiment, the stud-like extension has a cross member located adjacent its outer end, thereby providing a stud-like extension having a T-configuration, and the stud-receiving depression is similarly correspondingly configured to receive such T-configured stud-like extension.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a new and very useful plunger assembly for a coffee press structure. The plunger assembly comprises, in combination, a lid, a rod that is reciprocatable relative to the center of the lid, and a piston at the rod lower end. Conveniently and preferably, the rod has a handle at its upper end. The piston has a perimeter that is adapted to sealingly but slidably engage inside wall surface portions of the container side wall regions. Also, the piston includes mid-regions having screen means adapted to permit fluid flow therethrough yet provide a filter for catching and retaining on one side thereof coffee grounds or tea leaf fragments present in the container during fluid movements in the container and reciprocal movements of the rod. A handle joined to the rod opposite end portion is adapted to be adjacent to, and to be nestably received in, upper surface portions of the lid when the rod is fully extending into and through the lid. The lid had a spout defined therein. The need to change, or exchange, plunger assembly components before dispensing of filtered brew from the container is thus avoided.

In a preferred embodiment of the plunger assembly, the handle at its central portion adjacent to the rod includes an outwardly extending opposed fixed pair of keys which are each adapted to longitudinally extend slidably through respective ones of a fixed pair of keyways defined in the lid. The keys are longitudinally adjacent to, but downwardly spaced from, the handle by a distance equal to the local thickness of the lid. When the rod is moved to a position where the associated handle is adjacent to the lid, the keys extend into the keyways. When the handle is then rotated a predetermined limited number of degrees, the keys correspondingly rotate over adjacent lid undersurface portions and thereby engage and lock the rod and the handle relative to the lid with the piston being located at its maximum depth inside the container. With the handle thus engaged and locked with the lid, a filtered brew in the container can then be decanted from a spout defined in the container.

In another preferred embodiment of the plunger assembly, the lid is provided with a spout and with a spout valve which is opened and closed through limited rotational movement of the handle of the plunger rod when the handle is adjacent to the lid. The handle when adjacent to the lid is preferably nestably received in a central depression in the lid.

Other and further objects, aims, features, purposes, advantages, embodiments, variations and the like will become apparent to those skilled in the art from teachings of the present invention taken with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of one embodiment of the inventive coffee press, the coffee press comprising a container assembly in illustrative combination with a plunger assembly;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of one side of theFIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of theFIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of theFIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a view similar toFIG. 2 but with the cap removed, and with handle closing link opened;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view similar toFIG. 5 with the cap removed, the handle closing link closed, and the handle, rod, and piston subassembly elevated relative to the lid;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of theFIG. 5 embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of theFIG. 5 embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary detail perspective view showing the handle closing link in separated, adjacent relationship relative to the lower open end of the handle;

FIG. 10 is a detail view showing the open end of the handle closing link;

FIG. 11 is a detail view showing the handle closing link in side elevation;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary detail perspective view showing the handle closing link and the lower end of the handle with the handle-closing link being in an open position;

FIG. 13 is an environmental perspective view of the plunger assembly embodiment of the inventive coffee press embodiment ofFIG. 1 andFIG. 6, the handle, rod and piston subassembly being elevated relative to the lid;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the bottom side of the lid and the bottom side of the piston;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a view similar toFIG. 15 but with the embodiment rotated 90°, with a portion of the rod being broken away, and with the piston being shown in an exploded format;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of theFIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a vertical axial sectional view through the lid region of an alternative embodiment of the plunger assembly, this embodiment including a spout valve;

FIG. 19 is a vertical axial sectional view through the top cap of theFIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the top cap of theFIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary view of a bottom region of the vessel incorporated into theFIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the plunger assembly embodiment shown inFIG. 18;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the handle and rod subassembly shown inFIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view through the lid and valve assembly of theFIG. 18 embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a another fragmentary vertical sectional view through the lid of theFIG. 18 embodiment; and

FIG. 26 is a further fragmentary vertical view through the lid of theFIG. 18 embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the Figures, there is seen an embodiment50 of a coffee press of the present invention. The press50 includes a housing orcontainer assembly51 and aplunger assembly52. The container orhousing assembly51 comprises acylindrical vessel53 having generallycylindrical side walls54, a closed bottom55, and an opentop mouth56 whose exterior,adjacent lip regions57 are threaded. Thevessel53 is preferably comprised of a unitarily molded, transparent molded plastic. Various plastics are suitable and preferably are impact resistant and also heat resistant both for purposes of holding heated aqueous liquids, like coffee or tea, and for purposes of washing the press50 in an automatic dishwasher or the like. Examples of suitable plastics include polycarbonates, various polyacrylics, certain styrenic polymers, and the like, as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate.

The base or lower portion of thevessel53 is associated with an overfitting, unitarily preformedmetal cap59 that is preferably comprised of stainless steel and that hascylindrical side walls60 and a flattenedbottom61. Thecap59 can be variously mounted to thevessel53. Adhesive means can be used. Preferably, the bottom61 is provided with a slightly recessed central portion relative to its perimeter portion. While various mechanical means or adhesive means can be employed to mount thebottom cap59 over thevessel52 closed bottom55, the present preference is to extend perpendicularly through the bottom portion a plurality (preferably three) of symmetrically equally spaced short machine screws62 which are each threadably engaged with exteriorly projecting, local thickenedregions63 preliminarily provided by molding in the bottom55. Thereafter, with the screws62 engaged with the bottom55, aflat rubber disk64 is preferably bonded in and upon the recessed portion, if present, of the bottom55 by means of an adhesive (conventional, not detailed). Thisdisk64 is preferably at least thick enough to support the press50 in an upright position without outer perimeter portions, if present, of bottom55 contacting a supporting flat surface (not detailed).

Anexterior lip57 circumferentially extends around thetop mouth56 and is threaded circumferentially so as to be engageable with an overfittingtop cap66. A preferred structure forcap66 is shown inFIGS. 19 and 20.Cap66 includes exteriorly a unitarily preformedmetal cup67 that is preferably comprised of stainless steel and that has cylindrical side walls68 and a flattened top69. Inserted into the interior of thecup67 is aliner71 that is comprised preferably of a heat resistant molded plastic, such as a polypropylene or the like. Theliner71 preferably includes a thickened circumferentially extendingterminal edge region72, adjacentcylindrical side portions73, inwardly slopingupper side walls74, and atop plate75 that is somewhat elevated relative to theside walls74 by a longitudinally short,cylindrical extension76. The dimensions ofliner71 are such that theside portions73 slidably engage inside wall surface portions of the side walls68 and thetop plate75 abuts against inside surface portions of the top69. Adjacent theedge region72, interior circumferentially extending surface regions are threaded (seeFIG. 19, for example) and are adapted to threadably engage the exteriorly threadedlip57 ofvessel53. Preferably, portions of theliner71 that contact portions of thecup66 are bonded thereto by an adhesive (not shown, conventional).

Thecylindrical side wall54 surfaces are engaged, preferably slidably, with the cage-type support structure78. Thestructure78 includes a plurality (preferably 4) of circumferentially preferably equally spaced longitudinally extending flattened strip orstud portions79 and an upper and lower circumferentially extending ring or flattened

band portions

80 and81, respectively. Thestud portions79 and the

band portions

80,81 extend over and are adjacent to areas of the transparentside wall portions54 and cooperate with the cap-like bottom and top portions. Various arrangements can be used, but it is presently preferred for thestud portions79 to be integrally formed at their lower ends with thelower band81, for theupper band80 to be formed of an upper band portion80aand a lower, longitudinally shorter adjacent lower band portion80b, and for thestud portions79 to be integrally formed at their upper ends with the lower band portion80bof theupper ring80. Thecage support structure78 is slidably engaged longitudinally over theside walls54. Thebottom cap59 and thetop cap66 coact with thecage support structure78 and the components function together to enclose partially, protect and reinforce the transparentside wall portions54 and bottom55. The resulting housing orcontainer structure51 is surprisingly rugged and durable, yet is easily cleansed and is reusable indefinitely.

The upper circumferentially extending edge of theupper band80 is conveniently provided with agasket member83 that can also serve as a decorative colored trim ring, if desired. When thecap66 is fully threadably engaged with themouth region56 of thevessel53, theedge region72 can seat against thegasket member83. A watertight relationship between themouth56 and thecap66 is thus achieved.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a new and very useful cooperative assembly ofhandle structure85 for thecontainer51. Themain handle body85aextends longitudinally and exteriorly adjacent to but spaced from thesides54 along thecontainer51. The upper end portion85bofhandle85 is connected preferably integrally by molded plastic to theupper band80 in a butt-type connection. For structural rigidity, thehandle structure85 can preferably include a metal core (not shown), if desired. Thehandle85 has an openlower end portion85c.

Alink member87 is provided that is pivotably associated at one end thereof either with a portion of thelower band81 or with a portion of the handlelower end portion85c. Thelink member87 is spring biased by acoiled spring88 that is preferably disposed about thepintle89 over which one end of thelink member87 pivots. Thepintle89 extends through either (a) astub projection90 on thelower band81 for mounting one end of thelink member87 thereto, or (b) a terminal end region of thelower end portion85cof thehandle85 for mounting one end of thelink member87 thereto, as the case may be. It is presently preferred for thelower band81 to be formed with astub projection90 regardless of whether or not thelink member87 pivots relative to the stub projection or relative to thelower end portion85cof thehandle85. The opposite or open end portion of thelink member87 is normally in an disengagably engaged relationship with the opposite one of either the handlelower end portion85cor the lower ring orband portion81, as the case may be. The interrelationship between components is such that, when a force or a pressure is applied upwardly and longitudinally against an exterior surface portion of thelink member87, the open end portion of thelink member87 pivots away and becomes disengaged from the associated one of either the handlelower end portion85cor thelower band portion81. When thelink member87 is in the open configuration, thelower end portion85cof thehandle85 is open and adapted to fit over and connect with an object, such as a strap, handle, ring, or the like, as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate. After release of the pressure or force, such as many occur after the object has moved passed thelink member87 and is located between the handlemain portion85aand adjacent portions of thecylindrical sides54, thelink member87 pivots back to its starting or closed position.

Preferably, a cooperating engaged but disengagable relationship is achieved between thelink member87 open end portion and the portion of either the handleopen end85cor thelower band81 orstub projection90 thereof with which thelink member87 open end portion is normally yieldingly engaged by the spring biasing. The engaged relationship is variously achievable, but a present preference is to provide a stud-like extension92 on the open end portion of thelink member87 and also a cooperating mating stud-like receivingdepression91 defined in either thehandle85 openlower end portion85 or in thelower band portion81, as the case may be. Such an engaged relationship betweenextension92 anddepression91 stabilizes the association between these respective components when engaged and makes the associated engagement resistant to a laterally applied force that might tend to separate these components.

In a more preferred embodiment, the stud-like extension92 is defined by having an integrally formed a leg cross-member adjacent to its outer end, thereby providing a stud-like extension93 having a T-configuration, and the stud-receivingdepression94 is similarly correspondingly configured. Other configurations are also possible.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a new and veryuseful plunger assembly52 for a press structure. Theplunger assembly52 comprises, in combination, alid97 and arod98 that is reciprocatable perpendicularly relative to the center of thelid97. Therod98 has ahandle99 at its upper end and apiston100 at its lower end. Thehandle99 and thepiston100 conveniently are each threadably associated with a respective different opposed end portion of therod98.

Thepiston100 is here illustratively but preferably comprised of a pair ofrings101 and102 which are each comprised of a durable, heat resistant, relatively dimensionally stable, molded plastic. Eachring101 and102 has an outerperimeter defining portion103 and a pair of diametrically opposed interconnecting

cross-braces

104,105. Therings101 and102 are configured so as to permit them to engage axially with one another with (a) afine filter screen106 comprised of stainless steel or the like extended transversely across and therebetween, (b) a threadedcenter sleeve member107 axially centered therebetween for threadable engagement with one end of therod98, and (c) a flexible softplastic ring seal108 extending circumferentially in agroove109 defined by and extending circumferentially about the rim edge of the assembled rings101,102. Thering seal108 is adapted to make a continuous but slidable engagement with adjacent interior surface portions of thecylindrical sides54 when thepiston100 is positioned diametrically across the interior of thecylindrical vessel53. With thescreen106 and thering seal108 in position, therings101,102 are bonded together by heat sealing, an adhesive, or the like. Thescreen106 as mounted between therings101,102 is adapted to permit fluid flow therethrough yet provide a filter for catching and retaining on one side thereof coffee grounds, tea leaf fragments, or the like that may be present in thecontainer51 during fluid movements in thecontainer51 including movements induced by reciprocal movements of therod98.

Thelid97 is provided with an edge adjacent spout111 through which the liquid contents in thehousing51 may be dispensed as desired by a user. Thehandle99 as joined to therod98 is preferably adapted to be adjacent to, and nestably received in, central, upper surface,concave portions110 of thelid97 when therod98 is fully extending into and through thelid97 with therod98 length being prechosen to reach down with the attachedpiston100 to a location that is near the interior bottom region of thevessel53. When a brewing operation in thevessel53 is completed by a user, the need to change, or exchange, components before dispensing of filtered brew is thus avoided.

In a preferred embodiment of theplunger assembly52, thehandle99 adjacent to its lower side and at its central portion adjacent to therod98 includes an outwardly extending opposed fixed pair of keys112 (seeFIG. 22) which are each adapted to slidably and longitudinally extend through respective ones of a fixed pair ofkeyways114 defined in thelid97. Thekeys112 are longitudinally adjacent to, but downwardly spaced from, thehandle99 by a distance equal to the local thickness of thelid97. When the rod-associatedhandle99 is moved downwardly into a location adjacent to thelid97, thekeys112 extend into and through thekeyways114. When thehandle99 is then rotated a predetermined limited number of degrees, preferably in the range of from about 15 to about 45 degrees or more, thekeys112 correspondingly rotate over or relative to thelid97 undersurface and thereby engage thelid97 and lock therod98 and thehandle99 relative to thelid97 with thepiston100 being located at its maximum depth inside thecontainer51. With thehandle99 thus lockingly engaged with thelid97, a filtered brew in the container can then be decanted from the spout111 defined in thelid97.

In another preferred embodiment of the plunger assembly52 (shown inFIGS. 18 and 22, for example), thelid97 is provided both with the spout111 and also with aspout valve assembly115 which is opened and closed through a similar limited rotational movement of thehandle99 on theplunger rod98 when thehandle99 is adjacent to thelid97. Thehandle99 when adjacent to thelid97 is preferably nestably received in acentral depression110 in thelid97. In this embodiment, thekeys112, thekeyways114 and the component relationships above indicated are generally retained, but the lower outside circumferential edge portions of thelid97 are smooth in contrast to themultiple ribs141 provided in thelid97 shown inFIGS. 13-16. Theribs141 aid in restricting escape of liquid from the interior of thecontainer51 when thelid97 is inserted slidably into and engaged with adjacent inside surfaces defining themouth56.

The structure of thespout valve assembly115 and its association with thelid97 of aplunger assembly52 is illustrated, for example, inFIGS. 18 and 22-26. Acircular valve plate117 has a surface configuration that permits theplate117 to be received into and to rest against the underside of the top region of thelid97. Theplate117 has acentral aperture119 and connectedopposed keyways118 that are defined therethrough. Therod98 is extended through thelid97 center and through theaperture119 and therod98 is slidable and rotatable relative to thelid97 and thevalve plate117. When thehandle99 is located adjacent to thelid97 and thekeys112 have been extended through thekeyways114, thekeys112 engage thekeyways118 of thevalve plate117 and thevalve plate117 can thus be rotated relative to thelid97 by turning thehandle99.

As thevalve plate117 fits against thelid97, each one of a pair ofopposed stops121 defined on the under surface of thelid97 engages a different one of a pair ofarcuate channels122 defined in thevalve plate117. Rotational movement of theplate117 is thus controlled and limited by the available movement limits of theplate117 relative to thestops121 in thechannels122.

Thevalve plate117 has also defined therein a pair of opposed, here illustratively somewhat ovally shaped, apertures123. When theplate117 is rotated so as to be at one end of thechannels122, oneaperture123 is aligned with the spout111 while theother aperture123 is aligned with a small airpressure relief orifice125 defined in thelid97 in dramatically opposed relationship to the spout111.

Thevalve plate117 has further defined therein a pair of opposed raiseddetents124, these detents here generally being centered along a (hypothetical) diameter of thevalve plate117 that extends perpendicularly relative to another (hypothetical) diameter along which the spout111 and theorifice125 are generally centered. The undersurface of thelid97 has defined therein a pair of proposed arcuately extendingguideways120 within which eachdetent124 slides asvalve plate117 rotation occurs. At the end of eachguideway120, a somewhat enlarged depression or “pit” is provided. Thus, at the end of each opposite extent of rotational movement ofplate117 relative tolid97, eachdetent124 engages a different “pit” producing a “click” and a positioning for retaining theplate117 in a stable position.

To retain thevalve plate117 in association with thelid97 undersurface, alid bracket support126 is provided. Thebracket support126 can have various configurations, but a presently preferred configuration is shown and described here. Thus thebracket support126 incorporates a pair of diametrically opposed straight cross braces127 which meet adjacent a central longitudinal axis to define a cylindrical integral body129 through which a channel128 is longitudinally defined through which therod98 slidably extends and is rotatable. Thebracket support126 further incorporates a pair of concentrically arranged

circular braces

131 and132 that join the cross braces127 at locations of cross over. The opposite ends of eachcross brace127 each have defined thereat an integral snap fitting134. At 90° intervals along the inside surface of the side wall of the lid97 aconnector135 is integrally formed. Each connector129 is adapted to engage and snap fit around and over portions of a different snap fitting128. When thebracket support126 is axially advanced into the interior of thelid97, the snap fittings become engaged with the connectors129, thereby holding and fixing the position of thebracket support126 across the interior of thelid97.

To maintain thevalve plate117 against the under surface of thelid97, acoiled compression spring136 is positioned over therod98 with one end of thespring136 resting against adjacent surface portions of thesupport126 and the other end of thespring136 resting against adjacent surface portions of thevalve plate117. Thespring136 is assembled with the components at the time when thesupport126 is connected with theconnectors135, and becomes yieldingly compressed as the assembly proceeds. The diameter of thespring136 is such that one end of thespring136 resides within a circular flange defined on the undersurface of thevalve plate117 and the other end of thespring136 is received into pocket areas defined in thesupport126. To prevent thespring136 from binding, awasher139 is located against the under surface of thevalve plate117 adjacent thespring136.

Thevalve plate136 is provided on its upper surface with acircular ridge137 that extends about the perimeter of thecentral depression138 invalve plate117. As thevalve plate117 rotates, it rides on theridge137 which itself rests upon axially adjacent undersurface portions of thelid97.

As shown inFIG. 23, thehandle99 is optimally provided with a removable friction-fittinginsert140, upon which a company name or other indicia can be imprinted.

As those skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate, numerous structural and functional modifications and adaptations may be made in the structures of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A container for a coffee press or the like comprising in combination:

(a) a vessel having side walls, a bottom wall and an open top;

(b) a top cap removably mounted about said open top;

(c) said vessel having extending perimetrically thereabout an upper band and a longitudinally lower band;

(d) a handle that extends along and adjacent to exterior portions of said side walls and that has an upper end portion and a lower end portion, said upper end portion being connected to said upper band and said lower end portion being open; and

(e) a linking member having opposed terminal portions, said linking member including hinge means for pivotably engaging one said terminal portions with one of either said lower band or said lower end portion for enabling said other terminal portion to pivot to and away from the other of either said lower end portion or said lower band, as the case may be, and

(f) spring means yieldingly biasing said other terminal portion into engaged relationship with said other of either said lower end portion or said lower band.

2. A container for a coffee press or the like comprising in combination:

(a) a vessel having side walls, a bottom wall, and an open top;

(b) a top cap removably mounted about said open top;

(c) a cage structure extending over exterior portions of said side walls, said cage structure including an upper circumferentially extending band, a lower circumferentially extending band, and a plurality of longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced straps extending between said upper band and said lower band;

3. A container for a coffee press or the like comprising in combination:

(a) a vessel having cylindrical side walls, a closed, flattened bottom wall, and an open top with exterior circumferentially extending first thread means defined in said side walls adjacent to said open top;

(b) a bottom cap mounted over said bottom wall and bottom wall adjacent portions of said side walls including means mounting said bottom cap to said vessel;

(c) a top cap demountably mounted over said open top and top adjacent portions of said side walls, said top cap including interior, circumferentially extending second thread means defined adjacent terminal portions of said top cap, said second thread means being threadably engaged with said first thread means whereby said top cap is removably mounted over said open top;

(d) a cage structure extending over exterior portions of said side walls between said bottom cap and said top cap, said cage structure including an upper circumferentially extending band adjacent to said top cap, a lower circumferentially extending band adjacent to said bottom cap, and a plurality of longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced straps extending between said upper band and said lower band;

(e) a handle that extends along and adjacent to exterior portions of said side walls and that has an upper end portion and a lower end portion, said upper end portion being integrally associated with said upper band and said lower end portion being open; and

(f) a linking member having opposed terminal portions, said linking member including hinge means for pivotably engaging one of said terminal portions with one of either said lower band or said lower end portion for enabling said other terminal portion to pivot to and away from the other of either said lower end portion or said lower band, as the case may be, and further including spring means yieldingly biasing said other terminal portion into engaged relationship with said other of either said lower end portion or said lower band.

4. The container ofclaim 3 wherein said mounting means comprises a plurality of screws extended through said bottom cap into threaded engagement with preformed, downwardly and outwardly projecting stumps preformed in said bottom wall.

5. The container ofclaim 3 wherein said bottom cap and said top cap are comprised of stainless steel.

6. The container ofclaim 5 wherein said top cap includes a plastic liner in which said second thread means is defined.

7. The container ofclaim 3 wherein said handle has a molded plastic exterior and an internal metal reinforcement.

8. The container ofclaim 3 wherein said lower band includes a localized thickened, outwardly projecting region that is adapted either to associate with said hinge means or to permit said other terminal portion of said linking member to abut thereagainst, as the case may be.

9. The container ofclaim 8 wherein said other terminal portion of said linking member includes a projecting stud member and either said outwardly projecting region or said lower end portion, as the case may be, includes a depression that matingly receives said stud member when said other terminal portion of said linking member is in said engaged relationship therewith.

10. The container ofclaim 7 wherein said projecting stud member has a T-configuration and said depression has a mating configuration.

11. The container ofclaim 10 wherein said projecting stud member engages said depression in said lower end.

12. The container ofclaim 10 wherein said projecting stud member of said linking member engages said depression in said lower end.

13. The combination of a container and a handle structure wherein said projecting stud member is in said lower end and engages said depression in said linking member.

14. The combination of a container and a handle structure wherein the handle structure comprises:

an elongated arm having first and second ends, said first end being associated with the container, said second end being downwardly disposed in spaced relationship from said first end and in laterally disposed relationship relative to said container; and

a linking member having opposed terminal portions, said linking member including hinge means for pivotably engaging one of said terminal portions with one of either said second end or said container for enabling said other terminal portion to pivot to and away from the other of either said second end or said container, as the case may be, and further including spring means yieldingly biasing said other terminal portion into engaged relationship with said other of either said second end or said container.

15. The combination ofclaim 14 wherein said container is provided with a projection with which either said one terminal portion is pivotably engaged or with which said other terminal portion yieldingly engages.

16. The combination ofclaim 14 wherein said other terminal portion has defined thereon a projecting stud member and the other of either said second end or said projection, as the case may be, has a defined therein a depression which matingly receives said stud member when said other terminal portion is so pivotably engaged therewith.

17. The combination ofclaim 14 wherein said stud member is generally T-configured and said depression is adapted to matingly receive said stud member.

18. The combination of a container and a handle structure wherein the handle structure comprises:

an elongated arm having first and second ends, said first end being connected to an upper band that circumferentially extends around an upper portion of said container, said second end being downwardly disposed in spaced relationship from said first end and in laterally disposed relationship relative to said container;

a linking member having opposed terminal portions, said linking member including hinge means for pivotably engaging one of said terminal portions with one of either said second end or a lower band that circumferentially extends around a lower portion of said container for enabling said other terminal portion to pivot to and away from the other of either said second end or said lower band, as the case may be, and further including spring means yieldingly biasing said other terminal portion into engaged relationship with said other of either said second end or said lower band.

19. The combination ofclaim 18 wherein said one terminal portion is so pivotably engaged with said lower band and said other terminal portion is yieldingly biased into engagement with said second end.

20. The combination ofclaim 18 wherein said one terminal portion is so pivotably engaged with said second end and said other terminal portion is yieldingly biased into engagement with said lower band.

21. The combination ofclaim 18 wherein said lower band is provided with a projection with which either said one terminal portion is pivotably engaged or with which said other terminal portion yieldingly engages.

22. The combination ofclaim 18 wherein said other terminal portion has defined thereon a projecting stud member and the other of either said second end or said lower band, as the case may be, has a defined therein a depression which matingly receives said stud member when said other terminal portion is so pivotably engaged therewith.

23. The combination ofclaim 22 wherein said stud member is generally T-configured and said depression is adapted to matingly receive said stud member.

24. A plunger assembly for a coffee press comprising in combination a lid, a rod, a handle and a screened piston,

said rod being longitudinally and perpendicularly slidable through a central aperture defined in said lid,

said handle and said piston each being associated with a different opposite end of said rod;

said piston comprising in combination

a vertically associatable pair of ring structures, each said ring structure having a circumferentially extending rim portion and a pair of diametrically opposed, diametrically extending cross spoke portions which at their center cross-over location define an aperture that is associatable with said rod including means for holding said pair of ring structures together cooperatively in vertical alignment,

a parametrically extending resilient gasket member projecting radially outwards from circumferential side portions of said so aligned pair of ring structures;

a screen mesh located between portions of said aligned pair of ring structures and extending across open regions between said spoke portions and said rim portions for filtration, and

said lid having a spout defined therein.

25. The plunger assembly ofclaim 24 wherein along said rod in spaced adjacent relationship to said handle a pair of opposed, outwardly extending keys is provided, and said lid aperture includes a pair of opposed, outwardly extending keyways through which said keys are extendable whereby when said handle with associated rod is located adjacent to said lid, said keys extend through said keyways, and, when said handle is rotated with said associated rod, said keys engage undersurface portions of said lid whereby said handle, said rod, and said piston are locked to said lid.

26. The plunger assembly ofclaim 25 wherein a valve plate is located adjacent interior upper surface portions of said lid, and said valve plate has

an aperture defined therein that is vertically alignable with said spout;

a central aperture defined therein with an associated opposed pair of outwardly extending second keyways defined therein, and

said valve plate is rotatable relative to said lid by rotating said handle when said rod with said keys is extended through said lid and said handle is adjacent said lid and said keys are associated with said second keyways.

27. The plunger assembly ofclaim 26 wherein retaining means is provided for holding said valve plate adjacent said interior upper surface portions.

28. A coffee press comprising the container ofclaim 1 and the plunger assembly ofclaim 24.

29. A coffee press comprising the container ofclaim 1 and the plunger assembly ofclaim 25.

30. A coffee press comprising the container ofclaim 1 and the plunger assembly ofclaim 26.

31. A coffee press comprising the container ofclaim 1 and the plunger assembly ofclaim 27.