Prior art

The following analysis identifies the most relevant prior art for US Patent 8695486B2, focusing on references explicitly discussed within the patent's description as crucial background. The information for each reference is extracted from the provided patent text, ensuring literal interpretation of identifiers.

US Patent 8695486B2, titled "Plunger-filter beverage-making machine with a closable pouring opening," describes a beverage maker with an upwardly open vessel, a filter piston, and a lid. A key feature is a pouring opening in the lid, disposed between the piston rod and a spout, which is closable by an elongated lever that pivots about a horizontal axis. The lever has a closure body at its front end and an actuating region at its rear end.

The patent specifically discusses three prior art references in detail, highlighting their limitations that the present invention aims to overcome. These are considered the most relevant for an anticipation analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

Most Relevant Prior Art for US8695486B2

1. U.S. Pat. No. 6,295,920 (Barden)

• Full Citation: US6295920B1 - Insulating press-type coffee maker and accessories - Elliot Barden.
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication Date: 2001-10-02; Priority Date: 1999-03-15.
• Brief Description: This patent discloses a plunger-filter beverage maker where the spout is covered with a pivotable flap. The flap is designed to pivot upward during pouring due to the pressure of the escaping coffee, thereby freeing the spout.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
  • US6295920B1 generally anticipates a plunger-filter beverage maker with a lid and a mechanism for closing the pouring spout to provide spray protection.
  • However, US8695486B2 explicitly states that the flap mechanism of US6295920B1 is "unsatisfactory... since the flap, during the pouring, is necessarily wetted by the coffee and the flow of the coffee thereupon changes, so that there is a danger of coffee dripping down from the spout during pouring, or subsequently." This distinguishes the claimed invention.
  • US6295920B1 does not disclose an "elongated lever, extending transversely to the piston rod, attached to the lid above the top wall pivotably about a horizontal axis, the elongated lever having a closure body in a region of its front end for closing the pouring opening, and the elongated lever having an actuating surface in a region of its rear end" as specified in claim 1 of US8695486B2. The flap is passively opened by beverage pressure, not actively actuated by a user's finger on a lever. Therefore, it does not anticipate the specific lever-actuated closure mechanism of claims 1, 5, or 14.

2. U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,120 (Uni-Splendor Corp.)

• Full Citation: US6755120B1 - Coffeepot - Uni-Splendor Corp.
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication Date: 2004-06-29; Priority Date: 2003-08-13.
• Brief Description: This patent describes heat-insulated coffee pots where the lid contains a valve. This valve can be opened by a lever mechanism through pressure on an actuating element located above the pot's handle. These coffee pots are designed for filter coffee machines, where coffee is brewed by pouring hot water over grounds in a filter situated above the pot.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
  • US6755120B1 anticipates a beverage maker with a lever-actuated valve in a lid for pouring.
  • However, US8695486B2 explicitly distinguishes itself by noting that this prior art is "intended for filter coffee machines" and that its "valve is arranged centrally and would not allow a central piston rod to pass through." The valve in US6755120B1 serves a dual function of inflow during brewing and outflow for pouring, which is distinct from the single pouring function of the present invention's valve.
  • Crucially, US6755120B1 is not a "plunger-filter beverage-maker" and lacks the specific interaction with a "piston rod" and a "pouring opening... disposed between the through opening [for the piston rod] and the spout" as required by claims 1 and 5 of US8695486B2. While it features a lever-actuated valve in a lid (which broadly relates to claim 14), its central placement and application in a filter coffee machine context prevent it from anticipating the specific structural and functional arrangements of claims 1, 5, or the precise lever-pivot axis relationship of claim 14 within a plunger-filter machine.

3. U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,104 (Uni-Splendor Corp.)

• Full Citation: US6997104B1 - Coffee maker - Uni-Splendor Corp.
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication Date: 2006-02-14; Priority Date: 2005-04-14.
• Brief Description: Similar to US6755120B1, this patent also describes coffee makers with a lever-actuated valve in the lid for dispensing liquid, primarily for filter coffee machines.
• Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
  • The analysis for US6755120B1 largely applies here, as US8695486B2 groups these two patents together as similar prior art for filter coffee machines.
  • It anticipates a beverage maker with a lid and a lever-actuated pouring mechanism.
  • However, like US6755120B1, it is not a "plunger-filter beverage-maker" and does not disclose the specific integration with a "piston rod" or the particular placement of the "pouring opening... between the through opening [for the piston rod] and the spout" as claimed in claims 1 and 5 of US8695486B2. Its centrally arranged valve mechanism for filter coffee machines prevents it from anticipating the core innovative features of US8695486B2 in the context of a plunger-filter system. Therefore, it does not anticipate claims 1, 5, or the specific lever-pivot axis relationship of claim 14 for a plunger-filter machine.