Milk jug with froth-forming device for making "cappucino" and the like

Abstract: A milk jug with froth-forming device for making cappuccino and the like, including a container body (2) that can be closed with a lid (4) that supports and guides a froth-forming element (10), which is constituted by a plunger element (11) associated with a rod (12) that protrudes from the lid (4).

Description: The present invention relates to a method for making frothed milk for "cappuccuino" and the like. It is known that a steam jet having the purpose of emulsifying the milk is currently used to make beverages such as cappuccino and the like. Of course, this type of application is usable only if a machine capable of generating the desired jet of steam is available. Therefore, it is practically impossible to make a cappuccino in a household environment, since devices allowing to emulsify the milk in a quick and simplified manner are not currently available. It is also known from FR-A-642130 a household device which is used for shaking eggs and cream. The device comprises a box shaped body provided with a movable lid. the lid is provided with a through hole in which is slidably engaged a rod having an end fixed to a handle and the other end provided with a couple of meshed discs. By subjecting the discs to a reciprocating movement a quick mixing of the eggs or of the cream occurs achieving the desired degree of density. A principal aim of the present invention is to solve the above described problem by providing a method for making frothed milk for cappuccino and the like that allows to emulsify the milk without having to resort to the use of a jet of steam. Within the scope of the above aim, a particular object of the invention is to provide a simplified method allowing to obtain the froth with very simple actions that can be performed easily by anyone. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for making cappuccino and the like using a froth-forming device which is capable of giving the greatest assurances of reliability and safety in use by virtue of its particular constructive characteristics. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method using a froth-forming device that can be easily produced starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials and is furthermore competitive from a merely economical point of view. This aim, these objects, and others which will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by a method for making frothed milk for cappuccino and the like, according to the invention, as disclosed in claim 1 Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a milk jug with froth-forming device for making cappuccino and the like, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 is a partially cutout view of the jug according to the invention; figure 2 is a perspective view of the froth-forming element; figure 3 is a plan view of the plunger element. With reference to the above figures, a milk jug with froth-forming device for making cappuccino and the like, is generally designated by the reference numeral 1 and comprises a container body 2 preferably but not necessarily made of stainless steel and having a cylindrical shape. Possibly a beak 3 shaped like an inclined plane that is formed monolithically with the container body 2 may be provided, and furthermore the body 2 can be equipped with a gripping handle or handgrip 5 made of heat insulating material. A lid 4 can be coupled to the container body and is also preferably made of stainless steel; its size is such that it is associable with the inside of the body 2 by simply pressing. The lid 4 acts as a supporting and guiding element for a froth-forming element, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, that is advantageously constituted by a plunger element 11 connected to a rod 12 that passes through the lid 4 and ends with a grip knob 13, preferably made of a heat insulating material. In order to facilitate the actuation, a finger-bearing element 6, made of heat insulating material, is provided on the lid 4 in the passing zone of the rod 12; further to providing a finger rest, the element 6 also forms a through guiding channel 6a for the rod. The plunger element 11 has a disk-like body formed by a circumferential rim 20 that is connected, by means of spoke-like arms 21, to a central hub 22, in which the rod 12 is inserted. The spoke-like elements 21 retain a mesh 23 affecting the entire surface of the disk-like element and decrease in thickness from the hub towards the outer rim 20. The outer rim or ring 20 has a diameter that substantially matches the inside diameter of the container body 2 and is provided, on the outer part, with a plurality of recesses 25 that allow the flow of liquid in addition to the liquid that passes through the mesh 23. In practical use, by subjecting the plunger element 11 to a reciprocating motion, the liquid is forced to pass through the disk-like body, consequently emulsifying the air inside said liquid and producing the froth or cream. To pour out the cream obtained, the lid 4 is removed by using the finger-bearing element 6, while the plunger 11 may be used in order to facilitate the outflow of the cream. With the above described jug it is therefore possible, with extremely simple means and with an action that consists simply of a reciprocating motion of the plunger element, to emulsify the liquid by including air inside it, thus producing the typical froth used to make cappuccino and the like. From the above description it is thus evident that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, and in particular the fact is stressed that the particular structure of the disk-like element, which has tapering spokes, allows to provide flexibility on the outer portion of the disk-like body, further increasing the inclusion of air particles inside the liquid. In practice, the materials employed, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the requirements. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims: Method for making cappuccino or the like with frothed milk comprising the steps of inserting the milk in a container body (2), heating the milk and emulsifying the milk so heated characterized in that the heated milk is emulsified by causing it to pass through a froth forming element (10) constituted by a plunger element (11), whereby the plunger element is subjected to a reciprocating motion (11) in the heated milk, said plunger element (11) being supported and guided by a lid (4) which can close the container body (2) and being associated with a rod (12) that protrudes from said lid (4). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that said lid comprises a finger-bearing element (6) positioned on said lid (4). Method according to claim 2, characterized in that said finger-bearing element (6) is made of a heat insulating material. Method according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said finger-bearing element forms a through channel (6a) for guiding said rod (12). Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said plunger element (11) has a disk-like body constituted by an outer rim (20) or ring that is connected, through spoke-like arms (21), to a central hub (22) for connecting said rod (12). Method according to claim 5, characterized in that said disk-like body has, on its main surface, a mesh (23) that is supported by said outer rim (20) or ring and said spoke-like arms (21). Method according to claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the cross-section of said spoke-like arms (21) decreases from said hub (22) towards said outer ring or rim (20). Method according to any of the claims from 5 to 7, characterized in that said outer rim or ring (20) has, on its external peripheral region, recesses (25) that allow an additional flow of liquid during the reciprocating movement of said plunger element (11).

Inventors: GHIDINI TIZIANO, GHIDINI, TIZIANO
Applicants: FRABOSK CASALINGHI SPA, FRABOSK CASALINGHI S.P.A.
Application year: 1995
Main classification: A47J43
IPC codes: A47J43, A47G19, A47J31