Patent Publication Number: US-2023158420-A1

Title: Beverage dispenser toy

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates to a beverage dispenser toy that provides the experience of operating a beverage dispenser. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus that simulates preparing a beverage and that safely provides the user with the experience of preparing a hot beverage, such as coffee, tea, cappuccino, latte, and the like. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Children enjoy playing games where they have the sensation that they are acting as an adult. Toys such as simulated cash registers, retail stores, food kiosks, and other structures can provide children with the experience of performing a task normally reserved for adults. Such toys provide entertainment and can help children develop skills, such as arithmetic when making change. Playing games with such toys may help children develop social skills such as speaking politely, responding to questions, and interacting with others as an adult would do in a retail establishment. 
     The experience of a toy that simulates adult activities may be enhanced where the simulated activity is something children are normally not allowed to do. Toys that allow children to imaging they are driving a car or truck, sailing a boat, or flying a plane may provide a child with a more engaging experience because the activity is something they typically would not be allowed to do because it may be dangerous. 
     There is a need for a toy that allows children to experience the sensation of acting as a “barista,” that is, a person skilled in preparing different kind of hot beverages. Dispensing hot beverages is normally something children would not be allowed to do. Equipment, such as coffee grinders, burners, and steam generators are commonly used in settings children are likely to be familiar with, for example, restaurants and coffee shops. Servers at these establishments handle hot beverages and boiling water. Creating beverages such as an espresso or a latte requires grinding coffee beans and opening and closing valves to apply steam and hot water to create the drink. Such an experience may be particularly exciting for children. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the disclosure provide a toy that includes a mechanism to simulate the preparation of hot beverages, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and beverages that require using steam and/or hot water to create foam, such as for latte, cappuccino, and the like. 
     According to one embodiment, a toy includes one or more discs decorated on a first side to represent a material used to create a hot beverage, such as ground coffee, dried tea leaves, powdered hot chocolate, or the like and a second side that is decorated to represent the top surface of a prepared beverage, such as the black or brown top surface of a cup of coffee, or the white or off-white surface of a foamed beverage such as latte or cappuccino. The toy further includes a filter basket shaped to resemble a portafilter typically used with an espresso machine. The filter basket includes a ring, a handle, and a disc receiver. The handle and disc receiver are fixed together and rotatably connected with the ring so that the disc receiver can be rotated by turning the handle relative to the ring. The disc receiver has a ridge or cavity on at least one side shaped to hold one of the discs. According to one embodiment, the toy includes a frame that has a slot sized to receive and support the ring and, once the ring is inserted into the slot, to allow the disc receiver to rotate. The toy also includes a cup shaped to fit within the frame below the slot. According to one embodiment, the cup has an inner diameter shaped so that, when the disc is placed in the cup, the disc is held in a horizontal orientation so that one or the other face of the disc faces upward. 
     According to another embodiment, the disclosure provides a method for using a simulated beverage dispenser. A user selects a two-sided disc that corresponds to the kind of beverage they want to pretend to create. A first side represents a starting material, for example, ground coffee, and a second side represents the top surface of a finished beverage made using the starting material, for example, the foamed top of a latte or a cappuccino. The user places the selected disc in a simulated filter basket with the first side facing upward and the second side facing downward. The user inserts the filter basket into a slot provided on a frame. The user places a cup below the filter basket, where the cup is shaped to support the disc once the disc falls into the cup. The user turns a rotatable handle of the filter basket, causing the disc to be rotated so that the second face is directed upward. In this orientation, the disc drops from the filter basket and falls into the cup with the second face directed upward. As a result, the cup appears to be filled with the dispensed beverage. 
     According to some embodiments, the frame is connected with a bench or service counter. The service counter may include other components to enhance the experience of preparing beverages. According to one embodiment, the counter includes a simulated steam dispenser and a knob decorated to appear to operate a steam valve. According to other embodiments, the counter includes components associated with a retail store, such as a cash register, a tip jar, a blender, and the like. 
     According to other embodiments there is disclosed a toy beverage dispenser comprising a frame including a slot and a filter basket. The filter basket comprises a handle, a disc receiver fixed with the handle, and a ring surrounding the disc receiver, wherein the handle and the disc receiver are rotatably connected with the ring to rotate about a horizontal axis, and wherein the ring is shaped to removably fit into the slot. The to also comprises a disc including a first face and a second face and a cup. The cup is shaped to fit within the frame below the slot. The disc receiver is shaped to support the disc when the disc receiver is oriented substantially horizontally. The disc falls from the disc receiver into the cup when the disc receiver is rotated about the horizontal axis. The first face of the disc may comprise a decoration representing a material used to create a simulated beverage and the second face may comprise a decoration representing a top surface of the simulated beverage. The cup may be shaped to receive the disc and to hold the disc in a horizontal orientation. The disc receiver may comprise a first cavity shaped to releasably hold the disc. The disc receiver may further comprise a second cavity on a side opposite from the first cavity, wherein the second cavity is shaped to releasably hold the disc. The slot may include one or more supports, wherein the supports releasably hold the ring within the slot. The cup may comprise a stepped region proximate an upper rim of the cup, and wherein a diameter of the cup above the stepped region is larger than a diameter of the disc and wherein the diameter of the cup below the stepped region is less than the diameter of the disc, wherein, when the disc falls into the cup, the disc is supported by the stepped region. The height of the stepped region may be less than, equal to, or greater than a thickness of the disc. 
     According to still other embodiments there is disclosed a method of simulating dispensing a beverage comprising providing one or more discs, the discs each including a first face and a second face, providing a simulated filter basket, the basket shaped to receive a selected disc of the one or more discs in a disc receiver, wherein the disc receiver is rotatable about a horizontal axis, positioning a cup below the simulated filter basket, orienting the disc receiver horizontally, inserting the selected disc in the disc receiver with a first face of the disc facing upward, and rotating the disc receiver about the horizontal axis, wherein the disc falls from the disc receiver and into the cup with the second face of the disc facing upward. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, toys embodying the disclosed structure can be created with a variety of shapes and configurations to simulate other types of beverage dispensers. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, the structure is formed from components that are simple to manufacture and assemble. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, toys embodying the disclosed structure are lightweight and easy to store and transport. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, toys embodying the disclosed structure are durable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and/or other aspects of the disclosure will be more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a counter including a simulated beverage dispenser according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  are perspective views of the simulated beverage dispenser of  FIG.  1    showing insertion of a filter basket into a frame of the beverage dispenser; 
         FIGS.  3 A,  3 B and  3 C  are perspective views of discs that form part of the simulated beverage dispenser of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  are a perspective view and a cross section view, respectively, of a filter basket that forms part of the simulated beverage dispenser of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  are perspective views of the frame of the simulated beverage dispenser of  FIG.  1    showing insertion of a cup into the frame; 
         FIGS.  6  and  7    are elevation views of the simulated beverage dispenser of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross section view of a cup that forms part of the simulated beverage dispenser of  FIG.  1   ; and 
         FIGS.  9 A,  9 B,  9 C, and  9 D  are perspective views showing steps for using a simulated beverage dispenser according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be described below by reference to the attached Figures. The described exemplary embodiments are intended to assist the understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
       FIG.  1    shows a toy  100  according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the toy simulates the counter of a retail establishment where beverages are sold, such as a restaurant, a coffee shop, or the like. The toy includes a bench or counter  102 . The bench may include decorations suggestive of the retail establishment. In the example, shown in  FIG.  1   , the bench  102  includes accessories, such as a cash register or point of sale computer screen  104 , a blender  106 , and a soda dispenser  108 . Printing or decals may be provided on bench  102 , for example, showing a price list and the like to evoke the sensation of a retail establishment. The disclosure is not limited to a bench or counter including these accessories and encompasses other sorts of accessories and decorations, as well as embodiments without such accessories or decorations. 
     Connected with bench  102  is a beverage dispenser  10  according to embodiments of the disclosure. One or more discs  16  are provided on dispenser  10  or elsewhere on bench  102 . 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  show detailed views of beverage dispenser  10 . One or more discs  16  are shown stacked on top of the dispenser. The dispenser comprises a frame  12 . According to one embodiment frame  12  is connected with bench  102  by tabs  11  at the bottom of frame  12 . Tabs  11  engage with slots (not shown) on bench  102 . According to one embodiment, engagement of tabs  11  with slots in the bench permanently affix frame  12  to bench  102 , for example, by including snap-fit engagements on the bench, on the frame, or on both. Providing a frame  12  that can be joined with bench  102  facilitates packaging and shipping toy  100  by allowing the components to be packaged and shipped more compactly. According to another embodiment, tabs  11  on frame  12  removably connected the frame with bench  102  to allow the toy  100  to be disassembled, for example, when the toy is stored. According to a further embodiment, engagement of tabs  11  with bench  102  allows dispenser  10  to release from the bench in the event that the toy  100  is dropped, allowing the frame and bench to separate without damage. Such an embodiment may improve the durability of toy  100 . 
     Frame  12  includes slot  23 . Slot  23  is shaped to receive and support filter basket  14 . As will be explained more fully below, filter basket  14  is slidably and removably received in slot  23 .  FIG.  2 A  shows filter basket  14  separated from frame  12 .  FIG.  2 B  shows filter basket  14  inserted into slot  23  on frame  12 . Frame  12  provides an open area  15  below slot  23  to fit a cup, as will be explained below. 
       FIG.  3 A  shows a stack of discs  16 . As shown in  FIGS.  3 B and  3 C , a first face  16   a  of each of the discs  16  has a decoration representing a material typically used to prepare a beverage. Face  16   a  may be decorated to represent ground coffee, coffee beans, tea leaves, hot chocolate powder, and the like. As shown in  FIG.  3 C , a second face  16   b  of disc  16  includes a different decoration than what is provided on first face  16   a . Second face  16   b  is decorated to represent the top surface of a finished beverage that corresponds with the material shown in first face  16   a . For example, if face  16   a  of a selected disc  16  is decorated to represent ground coffee, second face  16   b  may be decorated to represent a finished coffee-based beverage, such as a latte or a cappuccino. 
       FIG.  4 A  shows a perspective view of filter basket  14 .  FIG.  4 B  shows a cross section of filter basket  14 . Handle  18  extends from basket  14 . Handle  18  is sized and shaped to allow it to be easily grasped and rotated. Shaft  26  extends from handle  18 . Disc receiver  20  is fixed to shaft  26 . According to one embodiment, disc receiver  20  includes a ridge  20   a  along its inside perimeter. Ridge  20   a  is sized and shaped so that, when a disc  16  is placed in disc receiver  20 , the disc will be supported by ridge  20   a . According to one embodiment, ridge  20   a  is positioned along the mid-plane of receiver  20  so that a disc  16  can be supported on either side of the receiver. According to other embodiments, ridge  20   a  is provided proximate to one side of receiver  20  so that a disc  16  can be supported on only one side of receiver  20 . According to another embodiment, instead of a ridge  20   a  along the inside perimeter of receiver  20 , receiver  20  has a continuous inner surface that forms a cavity  20   b  shaped to hold disc  16 , as shown in the embodiments of  FIGS.  9 A- 9 D . 
     As best seen in  FIG.  4 B , shaft  26  extends through, and is rotatably supported by, ring  22 . According to one embodiment, at the side of disc receiver  20  opposite from shaft  26 , bearing  24  connects receiver  20  with ring  22  and allows disc receiver  20  to rotate relative to ring  22 . According to other embodiments, no bearing  24  is provided and instead, receiver  20  is supported within ring  22  only by shaft  26 . According to the embodiment shown in  FIG.  4 B , ridge  20   a  is provided along the mid-plane of disc receiver  20  so that a disc  16  can be received on either side of receiver  20 . According to this embodiment, operation of the toy is simplified because the filter basket  14  can be readied to receive disc  16 , regardless of which side of receiver  20  is facing upward, as will be explained below. 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  show frame  12  without filter basket  14 . As best seen in  FIG.  5 A , slot assembly  24  is positioned within the frame  12 . Slot assembly  24  provides supports  23   a  on either side of slot  23 . According to one embodiment, supports  23   a  extend from a backplate  25  affixed to the inside of frame  12 . According to one embodiment, supports  23   a  can be flexed outward when filter basket  14  is inserted into slot  23 , as will be described below. According to one embodiment, cup engagement ridge  26  extends from backplate  25 . 
       FIG.  5 B  shows a cup  28  placed in open area  15 . Cup  28  is pressed against engagement ridge  26 . According to one embodiment, engagement ridge  26  is shaped to conform with the outside curvature of cup  28  so that when the cup and the ridge are in contact, the cup is centered below slot  23 . 
       FIGS.  6  and  7    show filter basket  14  inserted into slot  23  of frame  12 .  FIG.  7    shows the interior of frame  12  looking upward. Supports  23   a  are provided on the left and right sides of slot  23 . Supports  23   a  are adapted to allow ring  22  of filter basket  14  to be inserted into slot  23 . Supports  23   a  hold ring  22 , while allowing disc receiver  20  to rotate relative to ring  22 . Sufficient clearance with frame  12  above slot  23  is provided to allow receiver  20  to rotate completely about the horizontal axis defined by handle  18 , shaft  26 , and bearing  24 . 
     Supports  23   a  may include flexible portions or may be connected with backplate  25  by spring-driven hinges that provide an interference fit between ring  22  and slot  23 . According to one embodiment, engagement of ring  22  and supports  23   a  causes filter basket  14  to removably snap into slot  23 . Pulling basket  14  away from frame  12 , for example, by pulling handle  18  away from frame  12  causes supports  23   a  to flex outward allowing basket  14  to disengage from slot  23 . According to other embodiments, supports  23   a  each include a ramped portion  25   a  that facilitates aligning ring  22  with supports  23   a  and inserting filter basket  14  into slot  23 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 B , cup  28  is positioned in space  15  within frame  12 . Cup  28  may be shaped like a coffee mug, as shown in  FIG.  5 B . Alternatively, cup  28  may be shaped like a disposable hot beverage cup, as shown in  FIG.  9 D .  FIG.  8    is a cross section view of cup  28 , such as the cup in  FIG.  9 D . The height of cup  28  is selected so that it fits in space  15  below slot  23  within frame  12 . When cup  28  is positioned below slot  23 , sufficient clearance is provided above the rim of cup  28  so that disc receiver  20  turns freely while ring  22  is supported within slot  23 . 
     A stepped region  30  is provided near the top of cup  28 . Stepped region  30  is shaped so that a disc  16  placed into cup  28  will rest on the step  30   a  created by stepped region  30 . The diameter of the cup  28  in the stepped region  30  is larger than the diameter of the disc  16  and the diameter of the cup below the stepped region is smaller than the diameter of the disc. When a disc  16  is dropped into cup  28 , step  30   a  holds the disc  16  near the top of the cup. According to one embodiment, the depth of stepped region  30  is selected to match the thickness of disc  16  so an upward facing surface of disc  16  supported by step  30   a  is coplanar with the rim of cup  28 . According to other embodiments, the depth of stepped region  30  is selected so that the upward facing surface of disc  16  is above or below the rim of cup  28 . Other configurations of cup  28 , such as the one shown in  FIG.  5 B  also include a stepped region for supporting disc  16  near the top rim of the cup. 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 D  show operation of toy  100  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in in  FIG.  9 A , cup  28  is placed in space  15  within frame  12  below slot  23 . Filter basket  14  is removed from slot  23  and arranged so receiver  20  is aligned with ring  22  and the receiver is held horizontally. A disc  16  is selected. According to one embodiment, first face  16   a  of disc  16  is decorated to represent ground coffee. Disc  16  is placed in receiver  20  with face  16   a  oriented upward. According to this embodiment, receiver  20  has a continuous inner surface forming cavity  20   b  that is shaped to hold disc  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  9 B , filter basket  14  is inserted into slot  23  of frame  12  with ring  22  engaged with supports  23   a . Supports  23   a  flex outward as filter basket  14  is inserted into slot  23  to provide a tactile snap-fit when ring  22  is fully engaged with supports  23   a . Ring  22 , disc receiver  20 , and disc  16  are positioned within slot  23  and above the top of cup  28 . Cup  28  is placed against engagement ridge  26  to assure that the cup is centered below slot  23 . 
       FIG.  9 C  is a partial cut away view of toy  100  showing the operation of filter basket  14  within frame  12 . In this view, only one support  23   a  is visible, the other support being removed for clarity. Handle  18  is rotated about the horizontal axis, causing disc receiver  20  to rotate. When disc receiver  20  is rotated so that cavity  20   b  holding disc  16  is directed downward, disc  16  falls from disc receiver  20  and into cup  28 . Disc  16  falls onto step  30   a  of stepped region  30  with the disc being supported near the top of cup  28 . Because disc  16  was inverted when disc receiver  20  was rotated about the horizontal axis, as shown in  FIG.  9 C , the second face  16   b  of disc  16  is now facing upward. Face  16   b  is decorated to represent the surface of the dispensed beverage, here a creamy surface of a latte or cappuccino. As shown in  FIG.  9 D , the cup is removed from frame  12  with face  16   b  positioned upward in the cup, representing the finished beverage. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Therefore, the description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.