Coffee grounds disposal unit

Abstract

A coffee grounds disposal and strainer arrangement adapted to be utilized in conjunction with the operation of an automatic coffee brewer. A lid member covering the receptacle receiving the hot liquid or water and entrained spent coffee grounds from the coffee brewer is equipped with a plurality of venting apertures which will allow steam generated by the hot liquid in the receptacle channel to escape upwardly through the apertures. A U-shaped channel structure is formed on the upper ends of the receptacle sidewalls receives the lid flange. Hereby, any condensate liquid flowing down the flange from the inside of the lid member, which condensate is formed from steam emanating from the hot liquid in the receptacle will tend to collect in the U-shaped channel intermediate the lid member and the receptacle, thereby preventing such liquid or water from flowing outwardly and down the receptacle onto the table or counter top. In order to preclude residual coffee liquid from spilling out of the liquid discharge outlet connector arranged in the bottom level of the receptacle upon the disconnecting of the drainage hose when it is desired to empty the receptacle of accumulated spent coffee grounds, the outlet connector or conduit is provided with a swivel coupling. The coffee brewer may also be equipped with a positioning device mounted on the coffee brewer supporting legs beneath the brewer, and located in the space above the counter or table top from which the coffee brewer is supported, so as to enable the coffee grounds disposal unit to be slid between guide brackets of the positioning device to a location in which the inlet port of the lid of the grounds disposal unit is in alignment with the waste discharge nozzle of the coffee brewer.