Universal espresso maker
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an espresso or other coffee drink maker that is configured to accept a number of different forms of coffee grounds. It may accept powder/coffee grounds that are loose, coffee capsules, coffee pods, (e.g., “ESE” (easy serving espresso) pods), or any other format. The machine may also be provided with an optional built-in grinder, which allows the machine to accept fresh coffee beans, in order to grind and brew them on-site, in a single machine. Such espresso/coffee drink makers find particular use on-board passenger transport vehicles such as aircraft, but may be useful in a number of other locations.
1. An espresso or coffee drink machine designed to accept more than one brewing interface component, comprising:
(a) a base component comprising an interface connection;
(b) a first brewing interface component comprising (i) an upper main body holder portion with a cavity for receiving a particularly-shaped grounds holder, (ii) a lower portion for supporting the grounds holder, the upper main body holder portion and the lower portion being hingedly or slidably connected to one another to enclose the grounds holder, and (iii) a securing feature on the upper main body holder portion securing the first brewing interface component to the interface connection of the base component, wherein securement between the interface connection of the base component and the securing feature of the brewing interface component creates a fluid tight path for water to pass from the base component to the first brewing interface component; and
(c) an additional brewing interface component comprising an upper main body holder portion having a cavity with a configuration that differs from the cavity of the upper main body portion holder portion of the first brewing interface component, wherein the first brewing interface component and the additional brewing interface component are interchangeable in the drink machine.
2. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the base component is mounted in an aircraft galley.
3. The machine of claim 1 , further comprising a seal between the interface connection and the securing feature.
4. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion of the first brewing interface component is openable away from the upper main body holder portion of the first brewing interface component via a drawer-like mechanism for insertion of a coffee grounds holder.
5. The machine of claim 1 , further comprising a seal between the upper main body holder portion of the first brewing interface component and the lower portion of the first brewing interface component.
6. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion of the first brewing interface component comprises a grid for puncturing a capsule containing a ground product.
7. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion of the first brewing interface component comprises a capsule stop.
8. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion of the first brewing interface component comprises an outlet.
9. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the upper main body holder portion of the first brewing interface component comprises a water distribution grid.
10. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion of the first brewing interface component comprises a tamping portion and a catch screen.
11. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the espresso or coffee drink machine further comprises a built-in bean grinder.
12. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion of the first brewing interface component is openable away from the upper main body holder portion of the first brewing interface component via a hinged mechanism for insertion of a coffee grounds holder.
13. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the upper main body holder portion of the first brewing interface component is shaped and configured to contain a capsule.
14. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the upper main body holder portion of the first brewing interface component is shaped and configured to contain an easy serving espresso pod.
15. An espresso or coffee drink machine designed to accept more than one brewing interface component, comprising:
(a) a base component comprising an interface connection;
(b) a first brewing interface component comprising a main body, said main body comprising:
(i) a holder portion for receiving a ground product holder;
(ii) a securing feature securing the first brewing interface component to the interface connection of the base component, wherein securement between the interface connection of the base component and the securing feature of the holder portion creates a fluid tight path for water to pass from the base component to the first brewing interface component; and
(iii) a lower portion suitable for supporting the ground product holder into the holder portion, wherein the lower portion is openable to provide access to the holder portion so as to permit insertion of the ground product holder into the holder portion
(c) an additional brewing interface component comprising a holder portion with a configuration that differs from the holder portion of the first brewing interface component wherein the additional brewing interface component is interchangeable with the first brewing interface component.