Coffee grinder-dispenser
A coffee grinder-dispenser comprising a base, a grinder located within the base, an electric motor for operating the grinder, and a hopper, or cup, for receiving the coffee beans to be ground. A funnel is secured to the base, to receive the ground coffee, or powder via a distribution channel that extends in a horizontal plane. A grid, comprising spaced stainless steel rods, extending vertically and horizontally, is positioned in the entry hole or port of the funnel in alignment with the distribution conduit of the grinder-dispenser. The grid reduces the velocity of the ground coffee, or powder, so that the powder does not accumulate upon, or adhere to, the walls of the funnel. Consequently, when a lever on the base is operated, an accurate amount of ground coffee is discharged from the funnel into a conventional filter holder.
1. A combined coffee grinder and dispenser comprising:
a) a base,
b) a vertically oriented receptacle secured to the top of said base for receiving coffee beans,
c) a grinder disposed within said base for grinding the coffee beans into a powder,
d) an electric motor disposed within said base for driving said grinder,
e) a vertically oriented dispensing funnel with a curved upper end secured to the exterior of said base at a position below said receptacle,
f) an entry port in said funnel for receiving ground coffee in powder form,
g) a distribution conduit extending horizontally between said grinder and said entry port in said funnel,
h) the invention being characterized by a grid situated between said distribution channel and said entry port in said funnel, said grid being secured within said entry port of said funnel,
i) said grid being concave in shape, the concavity following the curved shape of the upper end of said funnel and projecting into said distribution channel,
j) said grid reducing the velocity of the powder exiting the distribution channel and passing into said entry port, so that the coffee powder flows freely through said entry port into said funnel.
2. The coffee grinder-dispenser of claim 1 further characterized in that said grid is formed of a first plurality of horizontally extending rods and a second plurality of vertically extending rods, said rods intersecting at right angles and being spaced apart by 5 to 7 mm.
3. The coffee grinder-dispenser of claim 2 further characterized in that said grid is interposed between two plastic gaskets.