The present invention relates to steam-wand cleaning device for cleaning a steam wand, particularly of an espresso machine or other coffee making, hot drink or cafe appliance. The invention further relates to a steam-wand cleaning apparatus and a method of cleaning a steam wand.

Steam wands are used to heat and foam dairy products, such as milk, and non-dairy milk substitutes, particularly in cafes or coffee houses, for producing hot foamy milk for milkbased coffee drinks such as cappuccino or latte, or non-coffee drinks such as hot chocolate. Steam wands may be provided on an espresso machine or may be provided separate thereto.

The steam wand is a generally downwardly extending tube, which may have an elbow, and emits hot steam from a lower end thereof. The steam wand is inserted into a jug of milk, and steam is emitted to heat and foam the milk. After use, foam milk residue is left on the outside of the steam wand. This should be removed after use for hygiene reasons and to prevent cross-contamination between different milk types.

The steam wand is typically cleaned by emitting steam from an end thereof and wiping the length of the tube with a cloth. However, the same cloth may be used multiple times over a long duration.

Re-using a milk-soaked cloth for which has been standing at room temperature for a long duration can cause hygiene issues. Additionally, using the same cloth for different milk types can cause cross-contamination issues.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steam-wand cleaning device for cleaning a steam wand of an espresso machine, the steam-wand cleaning device comprising: a body having an elongate steam-wand receiving portion for receiving at least part of the steam wand, the body having an opening for receiving the steam wand into the steam-wand receiving portion, an end for returning steam therefrom, and defining a user grip at least substantially thermally insulated from the steam-wand receiving portion; and a cleaning element at or adjacent to the steam-wand receiving portion for engaging the steam wand when received in the steam-wand receiving portion. The device can be positioned so that the steam wand is received in the steam wand receiving portion. When steam is emitted from the end of the steam wand, this is returned or deflected by closed end, which is at least partially closed, and so is distributed around the exterior surface of the steam wand. The body may help to guide the steam upwards along the exterior of the steam wand. The pressure of the steam may dislodge milk foam and/or milk residue from the steam wand, which may be ejected from the opening. However, it will be appreciated that ejection of milk form or residue may not be arranged or preferred in all instances. Additionally, the steam may wet and/or disinfect the steam wand. At the same time, the device can be rotated and/or moved in an up and down reciprocating motion. The cleaning element can contact the steam wand and provide a cleaning action thereon, to assist with removal of milk products.

The device thereby provides a thorough and hygienic cleaning of the steam wand. The possible ejection of the waste milk from around the steam wand can help with reducing the mixing of different milk products

Preferably, the user grip may be defined by an outer surface of the body. This provides a device with a smaller overall footprint, since a separately formed handle is not required.

Advantageously, the body may have at least two spaced apart walls for thermally insulating the user grip. This provides efficient thermal insulation, particularly in the case of the user grip being defined by the outer surface of the body.

Beneficially, a vacuum may be defined between the said at least two spaced apart walls. A vacuum improves the thermal insulation.

In a preferable embodiment, the body may define a rim of the opening which is flexible for engaging the steam wand. This allows for the opening to be closed around the steam wand, which may prevent ejection of the waste milk if this is undesirable.

Additionally, the rim may include grooves. Grooves allow for additional deformation to ensure a close fit around the steam wand.

Preferably, the cleaning element may be disposed around at least a majority of a circumferential extent of the steam-wand receiving portion. This ensures good cleaning action around the steam wand.

Additionally, the cleaning element may be disposed around a whole or substantially the whole of the circumferential extent steam-wand receiving portion. This ensures total or substantially total cleaning action around the steam wand. Advantageously, the cleaning element may be disposed along at least a majority of a longitudinal extent of the steam-wand receiving portion. Therefore, a majority of a working surface of the steam wand can be engaged by the cleaning element to ensure good cleaning.

Additionally, the cleaning element may be disposed along a whole or substantially the whole of the longitudinal extent of the steam-wand receiving portion. Therefore, a whole or substantially the whole of the working surface of the steam wand can be engaged by the cleaning element to ensure good cleaning.

Preferably, the body comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of an elastomer. In particular, the elastomer may be silicone. In such an instance, the cleaning element may be integrally formed with the body. In the instance that the entire body consists of an elastomer, the device may be considered to be monomaterially formed.

The body may be a sponge or foam, for example being a silicone sponge.

Optionally, the cleaning element may be removable from the steam-wand receiving portion. Therefore, the cleaning element can be removed to be cleaned or replaced. The cleaning element may therefore be in the form of a cartridge or similar.

In a preferable embodiment, the device may further comprise a cap for partially closing the opening. The cap may allow for the cartridge to be held in place.

Preferably, the cleaning element may be helically arranged around and along the steamwand receiving portion. This ensures good circumferential and longitudinal coverage of the steam wand, whilst still providing a flow path for steam to move around the steam wand and out of the device. As such, steam can clean the exterior of the steam wand and dislodge and eject milk residue, if so desired.

Advantageously, the cleaning element may comprise a plurality of radially extending cleaning members spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction from the end to the opening. Therefore, there may be a plurality of spaced apart disc-shaped cleaning elements which can provide good circumferential and longitudinal cleaning action.

Beneficially, the cleaning element may comprise a plurality of longitudinally arranged cleaning elements. Such an arrangement can provide good longitudinal cleaning whilst still allowing for a flow path of steam out of the device, if they are spaced apart in a circumferential direction. In a preferable embodiment, a fluid flow path may be defined from the end to the opening. This enables for steam to be returned from the end after being emitted from the bottom of the steam wand, travel along the body, and then be emitted from the opening.

Additionally, the body may define a continuous wall from the end of the steam-wand receiving portion to the opening. This ensures that steam is not leaked from the side of the body, and is retained around the wand until it is discharged via the opening.

Preferably, the cleaning element may comprise bristles. Bristles may provide a stiff cleaning action to help with removal of stubborn and dried-in milk residue. As such, the cleaning element may comprise one or more brushed. However, it will be appreciated that other kinds of cleaning elements, such as a sponge, scourer, squeegee, or protruding features may be considered.

Optionally, the body may have a rounded exterior at or adjacent to the end. As such, the body cannot be easily positioned vertically with this exterior end resting on the work surface. Therefore, the user is encouraged to position the device with the opening facing downwards and preferably resting on a drip tray or similar. This allows for moisture to drip out of the device to help dry the device and prevent bacterial growth. The opening may be flat or planar to allow of the device to be rested on the opening.

Preferably, there may be a further opening at the end. This further opening allows for excess liquid or steam to pass through. As such, the majority of steam is returned from the end; however, a minority portion may be vented through the end via the further opening.

Additionally, the further opening may have a diameter which is narrower than a diameter of a steam wand. As such, the steam wand cannot pass through the further opening.

Preferably, the cleaning element may have an uneven cleaning surface. This may allow for a stronger cleaning action on the steam wand.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a steam-wand cleaning apparatus comprising the steam-wand cleaning device according to the first aspect of the invention, and a shielding element which opposes the opening for receiving waste milk foam from the steam wand. The pressure of the steam may eject milk waste products upwardly and out of the device. This has the potential to dirty the underside of the espresso machine. Therefore, the shielding element may be so positioned to reduce this chance, by catching the milk residue. Preferably, the shielding element may be separate from the cleaning device. The shielding element may therefore be attached to the steam wand.

The shielding element may be configured to engage the cleaning device, in particular at or adjacent to the opening of the steam-wand receiving portion.

Advantageously, the shielding element is positioned on the steam wand at a distance from an end of the steam wand which is equal or substantially equal to the length of the steam-wand receiving portion apparatus. As such, when the shielding element is engaging the cleaning device, the end of the steam wand is at or adjacent to the end of the steam-wand receiving portion for returning steam therefrom. Thus, the shielding element may act as a guide for the most effective positioning of the cleaning device relative to the steam wand.

Preferably, a rim around the opening of the steam-wand receiving portion may have at least one channel or groove extending radially therefrom, to allow steam to escape or vent therefrom. Alternatively or additionally, the shielding element may have similarly formed channels or grooves.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cleaning a steam wand using a steam-wand cleaning device according to a first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a steam-wand cleaning device according to a first aspect of the invention; b) inserting the steam wand into the steam-wand receiving portion; c) emitting steam from the steam wand so that steam returns from the end and exits from the opening; and d) moving the steam-wand cleaning device along the steam wand so that the cleaning element engages the steam wand with a cleaning action.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a steam-wand cleaning device for cleaning a steam wand of an espresso machine, the steam-wand cleaning device comprising: a body having an elongate steam-wand receiving portion for receiving at least part of the steam wand, the body having an opening for receiving the steam wand into the steam-wand receiving portion and an end for returning steam therefrom; and a cleaning element which is disposed along at least a majority of a longitudinal extent of the steam-wand receiving portion for engaging the steam wand when received in the steam-wand receiving portion.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cleaning a steam wand using a steam-wand cleaning device having a body including an elongate steam-wand receiving portion for receiving at least part of the steam wand, the body having an opening for receiving the steam wand into the steam-wand receiving portion and an end for returning steam therefrom, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing the steam-wand cleaning device; b) inserting the steam wand into the steamwand receiving portion; and c) emitting steam from the steam wand so that steam returns from the end and exits from the opening.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a representation of a first embodiment of a steam-wand cleaning device in accordance with first and fourth aspects of the invention with a portion of a wall removed for clarity;

Figure 2 shows a representation of a steam-wand cleaning apparatus in accordance with a second aspect of the invention in use having the steam-wand cleaning device of Figure 1 , with a general direction of steam movement shown in block arrows and a steam wand;

Figure 3 shows a of a steam-wand cleaning apparatus on an espresso machine having a steam wand;

Figure 4 shows a view of a second embodiment of a steam-wand cleaning device in accordance with first and fourth aspects of the invention;

Figure 5 shows a plan view of the steam-wand cleaning device of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a steam-wand cleaning device in accordance with first and fourth aspects of the invention;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a steam-wand cleaning device in accordance with first and fourth aspects of the invention; and

Figure 8 shows a cut-away perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a steamwand cleaning device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 1 , there is shown a first embodiment of a steam-wand cleaning device 10. The device 10 comprises a body 12 which has an opening 14 and a closed end 16. The body 12 defines a steam-wand receiving portion 18 for receiving at least part of a steam wand. As such, the steam-wand receiving portion 18 has a lateral extent which is greater than that of the steam wand. For example, a diameter of the steam-wand receiving portion 18 may be greater than 10 mm. The steam-wand receiving portion 18 is preferably elongate, and may have a length at least as long as a portion of steam wand which is inserted into a milk jug, also known as the working surface of the steam wand. However, the steam-wand receiving portion 18 preferably does not have a length which significantly exceeds this length, to allow for the end of the steam wand to be received at or adjacent to the closed end 16 of the body 12. As such, the length of the steamwand receiving portion 18 may be between 50 mm and 150 mm so as to correspond to the working surface of the steam wand.

The opening 14 is for receiving the steam wand into the steam-wand receiving portion 18, and the closed end 16 is for returning steam which is emitted from the steam wand. The body 12 and/or steam-wand receiving portion 18 is preferably closed and/or contiguous except for the opening 14. As such, there is a fluid flow-path defined from the closed end 16 to the opening 14. However, it will be appreciated that in some instances holes or slots may be present in the walls if so desired.

The body 12, opening 14, and/or steam-wand receiving portion 18 preferably has a circular cross section, although it will be appreciated that other shapes may be considered. Although not shown, the closed end 16 may be concave or otherwise rounded or curved, so as to promote the smooth deflection of steam and to prevent moisture adhering at corners. Additionally, although not shown, an outside surface 20 of the closed end 16 of the body 12 may preferably also be rounded or convex to prevent or limit the steam-wand cleaning device 10 from being set down on this surface 20. The opening 14 end is preferably flat or substantially flat. This encourages the steam-wand cleaning device 10 to be set down with the opening 14 facing downwards to allow for liquid to drip therefrom.

As such, although not shown, the body 12 and/or steam-wand receiving portion 18 may be a generally tubular and/or cylindrical shape, and may be considered to be a round- bottomed cylinder.

The body 12 defines a user grip 22 or handle, which is preferably at least substantially thermally insulated from the steam-wand receiving portion 18. Here an outer surface, which may be cylindrical, of the body 12 defines the grip 22 and the body 12 does not have a separate handle as such. However, it will be appreciated that a separate handle may be included and this may provide the sufficient thermal insulation.

The thermal insulation between the grip 22 and the steam-wand receiving portion 18 may be preferably provided by the body 12 having at least two spaced apart walls. As such, the body 12 may be considered to have a twin-walled or double-skinned formation. In other words, an inner surface of the body 12 at or adjacent to the steam-wand receiving portion 18 is spaced apart from the outer surface which may define the grip 22. More preferably, a vacuum is defined between the said at least two spaced apart walls.

The outer surface preferably comprises a magnetic material, such as stainless steel, to allow for it to be held by a magnetic element which may be attached to an espresso machine. However, it will be appreciated that non-magnetic materials may be considered. The inner surface of the body 12 is preferably formed from a heat resistant material so as to not undergo damage when contacted by steam.

The body 12 may have a generally rigid formation. However, it will be appreciated that flexible formations may be considered, for example formed from a heat resistant elastomer such as silicone, to allow for the user to squeeze the body 12 and provide a more forceful scrubbing action. In the instance that the body 12 is formed from a thermal insulator, such as silicone, this may provide the necessary thermal insulation between the steam-wand receiving portion 18 and the grip 22

A cleaning element 24 is disposed at or adjacent to the steam-wand receiving portion 18 for engaging the steam wand when received in the steam-wand receiving portion 18. The cleaning element 24 may have bristles and therefore may be considered to be one or more brushes. The cleaning element 24 preferably extends along at least a majority of a longitudinal extent of the steam-wand receiving portion 18 and more preferably extends along the whole or substantially the whole of the longitudinal extent, extending from or adjacent to the closed end 16 to or adjacent to the opening 14. Although bristles are preferred, it will be appreciated that a sponge, scouring, or squeegee element may be considered.

The cleaning element 24 is preferably helically arranged around and along the steamwand receiving portion 18. The cleaning element 24 here comprises only a singular bristled cleaning member; however, it will be appreciated that multiple helically arranged cleaning members may be considered. The cleaning element 24 may be removable from the body 12 and replaceable. Here the cleaning element 24 is shown as part of a cartridge 26. The cartridge 26 may comprise a sleeve or sheath, shown in dashed line, on which the cleaning element 24 is fixed or mounted. The sleeve may include protrusions 28 or projections to assist with attaching the cleaning element 24 thereto and/or for holding the cleaning element 24 in place. Whilst it is preferable that the cleaning element 24 is part of a cartridge 26, it will be appreciated that the cleaning element on its own may be removeable from the body.

Alternatively, the cleaning element may not be removeable from the body and may be integrally formed therewith. In particular, this may be the case if the body is formed from a flexible material, such as an elastomer, for example silicone, with the cleaning element also formed from the flexible material and integrally formed therewith.

The steam-wand cleaning device 10 preferably includes a cap 28 for partially closing the opening 14. The cap 28 has a through-hole 30, which is preferably in an axially central region, for receiving the steam wand through. The cap 28 is removable from the body 12 to allow removal of the cartridge 26, and can be replaced to hold the cartridge 26 in place. The cap 28 preferably connects with the body 12 via an interference fit, although fasteners may be considered. It will be appreciated that the cap 28 may not be included or may be permanently fixed to the body.

Referring to Figure 2, the steam-wand cleaning device 10 can be used as part of a steamwand cleaning apparatus 100 which also includes a shielding element 30 or hat, which is secured to the steam wand 32. The shielding element 30 is positioned to oppose the opening 14 so as to receive waste milk foam from the steam wand 32.

The shielding element 30 preferably attaches to the steam wand 32 via a through-hole 34 sized to receive the steam wand 32, for example being around 10 mm in diameter. The shielding element 30 may be flexible, and the through-hole 34 sized slightly smaller than a diameter of the steam wand 32, so that the shielding element 30 grips the steam wand 32.

The shielding element 30 is preferably curved, having a concave surface 36 facing the end of the steam wand 32. The shielding element 30 may be substantially disc shaped. The shielding element is preferably formed from a heat resistant material to prevent damage from the hot steam wand 32. Additionally or alternatively, the shielding element 30 preferably has a non-porous surface for permitting straightforward cleaning, and/or may be transparent, so that a user can easily inspect the shielding element 30 for waste.

Whilst a shielding element 30 is described, it will be understood that it is an optional aspect of using the steam-wand cleaning device 10, and as such may be omitted.

In use, and referring to Figure 3 as well as Figure 2, the steam wand 32 of an espresso machine 38 or similar is used to heat and foam milk in a usual manner. Waste milk foam or milk residue is thus deposited on the surface of the steam wand 32. The steam-wand cleaning device 10 is then positioned so as to receive the steam wand 32 into the steamwand receiving portion 18, preferably so the end of the steam wand 32 is at or adjacent to the closed end 16 of the steam-wand receiving portion 18.

The espresso machine 38 can then be operated to emit steam from the steam wand 32 again. Block arrows show the direction and movement of steam. The steam returns from the closed end 16 and is urged upwards towards the opening 14. Since the cleaning element 24 is here helical, the steam circulates around the steam wand 32 in a spiral fashion, providing a good distribution of heat and steam. The steam is then ejected from the opening 14 with waste milk foam or residue which has become dislodged from the wand 32.

The steam and waste milk foam or residue is ejected at high speed due to the pressure of the steam emitted from the wand 32. The shielding element 30, if present, can therefore catch or deflect the milk foam or residue and so limit the underside of the espresso machine 38 being dirtied. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the shielding element 30 may in fact be engaged with the steam-wand cleaning device 10, in particular at or adjacent to the opening 14 or cap 28.

At the same time or shortly thereafter, the steam-wand cleaning device 10 may be moved up and down in a reciprocal pumping motion. The cleaning element 24 thus brushes, scrapes or sponges the steam wand 32 and this may assist with dislodging waste milk product, particularly dried milk residue.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5 there is shown a second embodiment of a steam-wand cleaning device 110. The second embodiment is similar or identical to the first embodiment, and similar or identical reference numerals are used with 100 added. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment since the cleaning element 124 comprises a plurality of radially extending cleaning members 140 spaced apart along the longitudinal extent of the steam-wand receiving portion 118 from the closed end 116 to the opening 114. The cleaning members 140 are preferably bristles, although a circumferential sponge or elastomeric disc with a central through hole may be considered.

The cleaning element 124 may be a cartridge 126 and the cap may be present, as per the first embodiment, although the cap is omitted for clarity.

The second embodiment may be used as per the first embodiment, except that the steam and waste milk product may filter through spaces or gaps between the bristles. To improve steam movement, gaps may be made in the circumferentially extending cleaning members 140. The gaps may be off set from each other, to improve steam distribution.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a third embodiment of a steam-wand cleaning device 210. The third embodiment is similar or identical to the first embodiment, and similar or identical reference numerals are used with 200 added. In the third embodiment, the cleaning element 224 may comprise a plurality of longitudinally arranged cleaning members 240, which are preferably off set from each other in a circumferential direction. As before, the cleaning members 240 may be brushes or similar.

The third embodiment 210 may be used as per the first embodiment, except that the steam and waste milk product may travel up through the circumferential gaps between cleaning members 240.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a fourth embodiment of a steam-wand cleaning device 310. The fourth embodiment is similar or identical to the first embodiment, and similar or identical reference numerals are used with 300 added.

In the fourth embodiment, the body 312 or cap 328 defines a rim 342 of the opening 314 which is flexible so as to be deformed for engaging the steam wand 32. The rim 342 preferably includes radial grooves 344 or other recesses or spaces for assisting with the change in shape of the rim 342. The rim 342 may be formed from any flexible material and preferably heat resistance material. For example, the rim 342 may preferably be formed from an elastomer, such as rubber, for example silicone rubber. The portion of the body 312 surrounding the rim 342 may be formed from a similarly or identically flexible material. In use, a user may manually squeeze the top of the body 312 so as to deform and close the rim 342 around the steam wand 32. This can prevent waste milk foam or residue being ejected from the opening 314. Steam may still be able to escape through small gaps between the rim 342 and the steam wand 32.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a fifth embodiment of a steam-wand cleaning device 410. The fifth embodiment is similar or identical to the first embodiment, and similar or identical reference numerals are used with 400 added.

The fifth embodiment has a partially closed end 416, which has a further opening 446 which is for venting steam and/or allowing liquid to drain. As such, in use, whilst the majority of steam returns from the end 416 as per previous embodiments, a portion can be discharged through the further opening 446 which can prevent too much steam being emitted from the initial opening 414. It will be appreciated that such a further opening may be used in the previously described embodiments.

The further opening 446 is preferably smaller than the initial opening 414, and is most preferably smaller than a diameter of the steam wand so that the steam wand does not pass through the further opening.

The fifth embodiment 410 is preferably unitarily formed, and most preferably is unitarily formed from an elastomer, such as silicone.

The fifth embodiment has only a partially extending cleaning element 424, having a wider chamber 448 for receiving the steam wand but which is not intended to engage the steam wand.

The cleaning element 424 is made up of two types of cleaning members.

A first cleaning member type 450 comprises of a plurality of protrusions or projections which extend radially from at or adjacent to the initial opening 414. Each of the plurality of protrusions is preferably pointed, such as having a triangular shape. The protrusions can engage the steam wand to provide a cleaning action. The protrusions may be centrally close together and therefore required to bend out of the way of the steam wand. This provides good engagement with the steam wand.

The protrusions are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. Here there are at least two, and preferably three, circumferential rows of protrusions, the rows being axially displaced from each other. At least one of the rows is staggered or offset from the other row or rows so that a protrusion of one row overlaps with a space of another, thereby covering the space. This allows for steam to be vented whilst preventing out-splashing of liquid.

A second cleaning member type 452 is a screw threaded, helical or corkscrew-shaped wall which engages the steam wand.

The exterior of the body 412 is preferably profiled so as to improve user grip.

It is therefore possible to provide a cleaning device for cleaning a steam wand. The device is generally tubular and has an open end and an at least partially closed end. Brushes or other cleaning elements are positioned inside the tube. The wand is inserted into the tube and steam is emitted from the wand which helps to heat and moisten the steam wand to allow for dried milk residue to be removed by scrubbing action from the brushes.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.