Device for foaming milk, comprising external suction equipment
US7644652B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47J31/4485
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The invention relates to a device (15) for foaming milk by means of external suction equipment (35), used as in accessory for espresso machines or similar domestic appliances. Said device comprises a fixed part that can be connected to the steam supply conduit (1) of said machines and an easily interchangeable disposable part (26) containing all parts that come into contact with the milk. The invention is characterised in that components of the disposable parts and in some embodiments of the invention even the entire disposable part consist(s) of thin-walled plastic tubes of the drinking straw type, which can be produced in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner by extrusion and subsequent thermoplastic forming. The use of the inventive device obviates the need for the inconvenient cleaning of conventional foaming nozzles and eliminates hygiene problems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.