Beverage server

Abstract

One embodiment of the invention relates to a beverage server for use in containing and dispensing liquid. The beverage server comprises a container, a lid, a stopper, and an actuator coupled to the handle and to the stopper. The actuator moves between a first position and a second position and is configured to move the stopper between an open position and a closed position.

1 . A beverage server for containing and dispensing a liquid, the beverage server comprising:
 a base;   a stopper coupled to the base and movable in at least a linear direction between an open position and a closed position;   a handle coupled to the base;   an actuator coupled to the handle and to the stopper and movable in a linear direction between a first position and a second position;   wherein linear movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position moves the stopper from the closed position to the open position.   
   
   
       2 . The beverage server of  claim 1  further comprising a lid coupled to the base and comprising an inclined surface to guide the stopper in a linear direction. 
   
   
       3 . The beverage server of  claim 1  wherein the base comprises an outer body and a reservoir substantially disposed inside the outer body and having a window that extends at least partially through a slot in the outer body to show fluid level within the reservoir. 
   
   
       4 . The beverage server of  claim 1  wherein the actuator comprises a trigger that extends through the handle and is movable by a user's fingers applying pressure to the trigger toward the handle. 
   
   
       5 . The beverage server of  claim 4  wherein the actuator comprises a stop member configured to limit the movement of the actuator. 
   
   
       6 . The beverage server of  claim 1  wherein the base comprises a bottom and a top offset from the bottom. 
   
   
       7 . The beverage server of  claim 6  wherein the base comprises a pour spout configured to guide liquid being dispensed from the base, wherein the top of the base is offset toward the pour spout relative to the bottom of the base. 
   
   
       8 . A beverage server for use in containing and dispensing a liquid, the beverage server comprising:
 a base configured to contain the liquid and including a top and a bottom;   a pour spout extending from the base and configured to guide liquid being dispensed from the base;   wherein the bottom of the base is offset from the top of the base in a direction opposite from the direction of the pour spout.   
   
   
       9 . The beverage server of  claim 8  wherein the base comprises an outer body, a reservoir located substantially inside of the outer body, and a space located between the outer body and the reservoir. 
   
   
       10 . The beverage server of  claim 9  wherein the reservoir is coupled to the outer body by a plurality of snap-fit connections. 
   
   
       11 . The beverage server of  claim 10  further comprising a lid coupled to the outer body and the reservoir. 
   
   
       12 . The beverage server of  claim 11  wherein the lid is coupled to the outer housing by a catch and to the reservoir by an interference fit. 
   
   
       13 . The beverage server of  claim 9  wherein the reservoir is substantially disposed inside the outer body and comprises a window portion that extends at least partially through a slot in the outer body to show the level of fluid in the reservoir. 
   
   
       14 . The beverage server of  claim 8  further comprising a trigger linearly movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and coupled to a stopper movable between a closed position and an open position. 
   
   
       15 . A beverage server for containing and dispensing a liquid and comprising:
 a base configured to contain the liquid and including a top and a bottom;   a lid coupled to the base;   a stopper coupled to the lid and movable between an open position and a closed position;   a handle coupled to the base;   an actuator coupled to the stopper and movable in a linear direction between a first position and a second position wherein linear movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position linearly moves the stopper from the closed position to the open position;   a pour spout extending from the base and configured to guide liquid being dispensed from the base;   wherein the bottom of the base is offset from the top of the base in a direction opposite from the direction of the pour spout.   
   
   
       16 . The beverage server of  claim 15  further comprising an indicator rotatably coupled to the lid and having an aperture, wherein the indicator is selectively rotatable so that the aperture exposes indicia on the lid. 
   
   
       17 . The beverage server of  claim 16  wherein the base comprises an outer body and a reservoir, and the reservoir comprises a substantially transparent portion that at least partially extends through an aperture on the outer body. 
   
   
       18 . The beverage server of  claim 15  wherein the actuator comprises a trigger that extends through the handle and interfaces with fingers of a user. 
   
   
       19 . The beverage server of  claim 15  further comprising a first drainage passage to allow drainage from an interior of the handle when the beverage server is orientated in an upright position, and a second drainage passage to allow drainage from an interior of the handle when the beverage server is orientated in an upside down position. 
   
   
       20 . The beverage server of  claim 15  wherein the actuator is biased toward the first position by a first spring and the stopper is biased toward the closed position by a second spring. 
   
   
       21 . The beverage server of  claim 20  wherein at least one of the first spring and the second spring is a metal spring. 
   
   
       22 . The beverage server of  claim 20  wherein at least one of the first spring and the second spring is an integrally molded plastic spring.