Beverage brewing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a beverage brewing device, comprising: a brewing chamber, which includes at least one water-permeable portion; and a plunger, which has a plunger surface corresponding to the internal shape of the brewing chamber; the chamber has an openable base; and is characterized in that the openable base can be opened by the action of the plunger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage brewing device. In particular, the present invention relates to a beverage brewing device capable of draining spent infusion material from a brewing chamber in a clean, simple and effective manner. Background Art

[0002] Infusion bags (e.g. tea bags) are used worldwide. The bags include an infusion material, such as tea or coffee, within a water permeable bag. Once used, the infusion bags are discarded into household or industrial waste systems and become a significant waste stream, much of which is not sent for recycling / biodegradation but rather to landfill, incineration or other unsustainable waste management methods.

[0003] The present invention is therefore intended to reduce the use and subsequent disposal of infusion bags by providing a beverage brewing device that does not require the infusion material to be disposed within a water permeable bag. Instead, the infusion material is placed directly into the device, which is then used to brew a beverage and the spent infusion material is removed from the device. No water permeable bag material is required and the spent infusion material can therefore be placed directly into home or industrial composting streams.

[0004] Beverage brewing devices are known in the art.

[0005] GB 2 249 021 discloses an infusion device for placement in a container containing a fluid, comprising a container for containing a substance to be infused; a filter housing, one end of which is connected to the container; and a plunger movable in the filter housing from a first dripping position in which the substance is free to react with the surrounding fluid to a second position in which the substance in the container is sealed from the surrounding fluid. When a preferred embodiment is used, the container is fixed to the filter housing and the substance to be infused is introduced into the container through the open end of the filter housing. In this embodiment, the filter housing is provided with a protrusion which projects outwardly and which will cooperate with an L-shaped groove in the container when the filter housing and the container are pushed together in a sliding fit. The container is fixed to the filter housing by twisting the components relative to each other and can be removed for cleaning purposes.

[0006] FR 2 740 315 discloses a percolator having a cylinder made of plastic material with a ring on its inner surface. Its lower end has threads onto which a sleeve is screwed. It contains a capsule containing ground coffee, which is held in place by an inner ring. The cylinder is filled with hot or cold water and a piston with a waterproof joint is placed in it. This is pushed down through its head to force the water through the coffee.

[0007] WO 01 / 34002 discloses an infuser for making an infused beverage, the infuser comprising a handle with a container at one end adapted to receive a material to be infused such that when the container is immersed in water the material to be infused is exposed to the water.

[0008] WO 2007 / 080461 discloses a device for preparing a beverage extract from a charge of granular material, the device comprising: a porous body defining a cylindrical passage having a closed end; and a plunger movable along the passage so as to apply pressure between the plunger and the closed end of the passage to a charge of granular material received in use. The porous body may include a removable closure member defining the closed end of the passage. In one embodiment, the closure member is removably engaged with the wall by a bayonet-type connection.

[0009] GB 208,199 discloses a brewer for tea or the like, comprising a perforated container, a lid or cover at one end thereof, a handle at the other end thereof, and a solid or imperforate plunger or pressure plate, which is in a relative relationship to the lid or cover and is carried at one end of a rod that can slide through the handle. In the structure shown therein, in operation, a predetermined amount of tea is supplied to the container through a hinged or other lid or cover, and then the lid or cover is closed. The lid may be provided with any suitable type of fastener for holding the lid closed. The lid or cover may also be not hinged, but slidable or removable, in which case it may be held in place by a bayonet or other suitable fastener.

[0010] None of the aforementioned prior art mentions the discharge of the used soaking material. In fact, none of the aforementioned prior art can provide the discharge of the used soaking material.

[0011] GB 2 214 785 discloses a device for infusing a substance capable of forming a beverage with a liquid, the device comprising: a body provided with a cavity adapted to contain the substance and further provided with one or more holes, the holes allowing the liquid to enter and exit the cavity when the body is at least partially immersed in the liquid; and a plunger, which is at least partially contained in the body and can be moved in the cavity to a first position in which it can compress the substance contained therein. In one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a perforated body and a perforated base. The perforated base can be pushed and mounted on the lower open end of the body in a tight fit. The perforated base has two diametrically opposed bayonet-type slots. When the base is mounted on the body, the lugs on the body engage in the bayonet-type slots of the base. In order to use the device, the base is removed from the body and a tea bag is mounted on the body. The base is then replaced and the device is placed in a cup. When no further tea infusion can be performed, the device is removed from the cup in which it is used and the base is then removed. By further use of the handle and the plunger, the tea bag can be discharged into a waste disposal container. It should be understood that the device is specifically for the discharge of tea bags, rather than the discharge of loose infusion materials. In addition, before the tea bags can be discharged, the base must be removed by hand.

[0012] US 790,626 discloses a device for brewing tea, comprising a tubular housing for containing a substance to be steeped and provided with a perforated end; a plunger movable in the housing and projecting beyond the housing at its outer end; and a perforated cap hinged on the perforated end of the housing for opening or closing the perforated end. If the housing is completely filled with tea leaves and a number of cups of tea have been brewed, the operator opens the cap and pushes the plunger inwardly about half the length of the housing to discharge the lower half of the tea leaves from the housing, then closes the cap again and the device is further used to make more cups of tea. Again, it will be appreciated that the operator must open the cap by hand before any tea leaves can be discharged.

[0013] Although the above prior art attempts to provide beverage brewing devices that can discharge infusion material from the brewing chamber, none of them provide a device that can be cleanly, simply and effectively used without the operator manually opening the brewing chamber to remove the infusion material. Therefore, there is still a need for an improved beverage brewing device that overcomes these problems. Summary of the invention

[0014] We have now discovered that a brewing device of a particular configuration solves the above problems.

[0015] Therefore, the present invention provides a beverage brewing device, comprising:

[0016] - an infusion chamber comprising at least one water permeable portion; and

[0017] - a plunger having a plunger face corresponding to the inner shape of the brewing chamber;

[0018] - the cavity has an openable base; and

[0019] - characterised in that the openable base can be opened by the action of a plunger.

[0020] Preferably, the brewing chamber is cylindrical.

[0021] Preferably, the brewing chamber has a height of 5-20 cm.

[0022] Preferably, the at least one water permeable portion of the brewing chamber is formed by a hole or window in the wall of the brewing chamber covered with a porous material.

[0023] Alternatively, at least one water permeable portion of the brewing chamber is formed by an opening.

[0024] Preferably, the openings are apertures, perforations, holes or a combination thereof.

[0025] Preferably, the height of the at least one water permeable portion is 10-75% of the height of the brewing chamber.

[0026] Preferably, the length of the plunger is greater than the length of the brewing chamber.

[0027] Preferably, the outer edge of the plunger face is provided with a flexible material to provide a seal.

[0028] Preferably, the openable base is held closed by a friction fit closure.

[0029] Preferably, the openable base comprises a door.

[0030] Preferably, the door is held closed by a friction fit.

[0031] Preferably, the door is hinged.

[0032] Preferably, the hinge is located opposite the closure means.

[0033] Preferably, the inner face of the openable base is inclined.

[0034] Preferably, the inner face slopes downwardly towards the hinge.

[0035] Preferably, the inner face slopes downwardly away from the closure means.

[0036] Preferably, the inner face slopes downwardly away from the closure means towards the hinge.

[0037] Preferably, the openable base has an opening.

[0038] Preferably, the openings are perforations, holes, channels or a combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 One embodiment of the invention is shown in cross section.

[0040] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Detail of the openable base of an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 An embodiment of the invention is provided and details of the interaction of the plunger with the openable base just prior to opening are provided.

[0042] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 An embodiment in which the plunger is fully depressed and the openable base is opened. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In use, the beverage brewing device of the present invention is generally operated as follows. With the openable base of the brewing chamber closed, an insoluble material is placed in the brewing chamber, wherein the insoluble material is, for example, tea, coffee, herbal tea (tisane), herbal infusion (herbal infusion) or the like. The plunger is inserted into the top of the brewing chamber, and the brewing device is placed in a brewing container (e.g., a cup, mug, flask, teapot, coffeepot or the like) to which water is added. Water enters the brewing chamber through the water-permeable portion and allows the brewing of the insoluble material. When brewing is completed, the plunger is pushed downward toward the openable base (which is still in the closed position), thereby squeezing out the brewing liquid and producing a compressed block of the used insoluble material, referred to herein as a "puck". The brewing device is removed from the brewing container, the plunger is further pushed, and the openable base is opened under the action of the plunger. The disc of spent insoluble material is then expelled from the brewing chamber through the now open base and as the face of the plunger protrudes through the open end of the chamber, the disc falls, typically into a waste container. The protrusion of the plunger face also aids in rinsing and removing any final remnants of the infused material.

[0044] Brewing chamber

[0045] The brewing chamber may be of any suitable shape, preferably cylindrical. The brewing chamber has two ends. An openable base is located at one end. The other end provides an opening through which the insoluble material can be placed into the brewing chamber and in which the plunger is located.

[0046] The brewing chamber may be formed of any suitable material, such as metal, glass or plastic. Bioplastics may be used. Recycled or recyclable plastics are preferred. The brewing chamber may have a height of 5-20 cm, preferably 10-15 cm, and a width of 1-10 cm, preferably 2-6 cm.

[0047] At least one water-permeable portion of the brewing chamber can be formed by a hole or window in the wall of the brewing chamber, which is covered with any suitable porous material, such as a mesh material, a filter material or a perforated material. The water-permeable portion can also be formed by an opening, such as a pore, a perforation, a hole, etc. The water-permeable portion provides fluid communication through the wall of the brewing chamber itself. The size of the opening in the water-permeable portion can be any suitable size known to those skilled in the art, so that the size is small enough to hold the infusion material placed in the brewing chamber, but large enough to allow liquid to enter the brewing chamber and achieve effective brewing. Preferably, the opening is circular. Preferably, the opening has a width of at most 2mm, more preferably at most 1.75mm, more preferably at most 1.5mm, more preferably at most 1.25mm, even more preferably at most 1mm, more preferably at most 0.75mm, preferably at most 0.5mm, more preferably at most 0.25mm, more preferably at most 0.2mm, most preferably at most 0.1mm. Preferably, the opening has a width of at least 0.001 mm, more preferably at least 0.005 mm, still more preferably at least 0.01 mm, most preferably at least 0.05 mm.

[0048] The at least one water permeable portion may have any suitable dimensions, but preferably has a height of 10-75%, more preferably 20-50% of the height of the brewing chamber. Preferably, the at least one water permeable portion is located in a middle region of the brewing chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the region of the brewing chamber near the openable base is not porous to prevent dripping.

[0049] Plunger

[0050] The plunger may be any object whose shape corresponds to the internal shape of the brewing chamber. For example, if the chamber is cylindrical, the plunger may be tubular, with the base of the tube forming the face of the plunger. The plunger may also be in the form of a shaft, on which the plunger face is disposed. In all cases, the plunger face corresponds to the internal shape of the brewing chamber - for example, if the chamber is cylindrical, the plunger face is circular and corresponds to the circular cross-section of the interior of the brewing chamber. The other end of the plunger may be formed as a foot or base so that the device can be stored upright, inverted, on this end of the plunger.

[0051] The length of the plunger is preferably greater than the length of the brewing chamber. This enables the plunger face to protrude through the opened base to facilitate flushing and removal of any final residues of the infusion material from the plunger.

[0052] The outer edge of the plunger face is preferably provided with a flexible material to provide a seal between the outer edge of the plunger face and the inner face of the brewing chamber. For example, the plunger face may have a flexible silicone outer edge mounted on a rigid plastic disk forming the plunger face, and the rigid plastic disk may be mounted on the plunger shaft.

[0053] Openable base

[0054] The openable base may be formed integrally with the brewing chamber, or it may be formed by a separate module attached to the brewing chamber. The openable base may be formed of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. Bioplastics may be used. Recycled or recyclable plastics are preferred. Where the openable base is formed by a separate module, the size and shape of the openable base corresponds to the size and shape of the end of the brewing chamber to which it will be attached.

[0055] The openable base may be held closed by any suitable closing means, such as a friction fit, a magnetic closure, a clip or the like. Preferably, the openable base is held closed by a friction fit.

[0056] The opening of the base is due to the action of the plunger face pushing against the inner face of the openable base. The openable base preferably includes a door pushed open by the plunger. A sealing ring may be provided around the door to seal the openable base when closed. The door may be held closed by any suitable closing means, such as a friction fit, a magnetic closure, a clip or the like. Preferably, the door is held closed by a friction fit. Preferably, the door is hinged. Preferably, the door opens to an angle of at least 90°, more preferably 110°, more preferably 130°, more preferably 150°, more preferably 170° relative to the closed position. Preferably, the hinge is sprung to hold the door in the open position when opened. Preferably, the hinge is positioned opposite the closing means.

[0057] Preferably, the inner face of the openable base is inclined. The upper end of the inclined face interacts with the plunger face to ensure that the openable base is openable by the action of the plunger. In the case where the openable base has a hinged door, the inclined face preferably slopes downwardly towards the hinge. In the case where the openable base has a closing device, the inclined face preferably slopes downwardly away from the closing device. In the case where the openable base has a hinged door and a closing device, the inclined face preferably slopes downwardly from the closing device towards the hinge.

[0058] The openable base may have an opening, such as a perforation, hole, passage, etc., which provides fluid communication through the openable base. The size of the opening in the water permeable portion may be any suitable size so that the contents are retained while liquid can pass through to achieve effective brewing. When the soaking material is compressed by the action of the plunger, these openings are also provided for discharging brewing liquid from the soaking material. This is conducive to forming a disc of soaking material so that it is subsequently discharged from the brewing device. Preferably, the opening is circular. Preferably, the width of the opening is at most 2mm, more preferably at most 1.75mm, still more preferably at most 1.5mm, still more preferably at most 1.25mm, even more preferably at most 1mm, still more preferably at most 0.75mm, preferably at most 0.5mm, still more preferably at most 0.25mm, still more preferably at most 0.2mm, most preferably at most 0.1mm. Preferably, the opening has a width of at least 0.001 mm, more preferably at least 0.005 mm, still more preferably at least 0.01 mm, most preferably at least 0.05 mm.

[0059] Alternatively, the openable base may have no holes, which helps prevent dripping when the brewing device is removed from the brewing container.

[0060] Preferably, the openable base has a flat base to allow the brewing device to stand upright when in use, during cleaning, rinsing and drying, and when in storage.

[0061] Now the beverage brewing device of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, insoluble materials are not shown in the drawings.

[0062] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of a beverage brewing device 1 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the plunger 5 and the brewing chamber 2 are separated. The beverage brewing device 1 has a cylindrical brewing chamber 2. An openable base 3 is located at one end. The other end provides an opening 4 through which an insoluble material can be placed into the brewing chamber 2 and in which the plunger 5 is located.

[0063] In this embodiment, the water permeable portion 6 of the brewing chamber is formed as a window in the wall of the brewing chamber 2, which is covered with a filter material. The area of ​​the brewing chamber 2 near the openable base 3 is not water permeable.

[0064] The plunger 5 is tubular to correspond to the internal shape of the brewing chamber 2, and the base of the tube forms the plunger face 7. The other end 8 of the plunger 5 is formed so that the device can be stored upright, inverted on the plunger. It can be seen that the length of the plunger 5 is greater than the length of the brewing chamber 2, which will enable the plunger face 7 to protrude through the opened base 3 to facilitate rinsing and removal of any final remains of infused material from the plunger 5. The outer edge of the plunger face 7 has an annular seal 9 to form a seal between the plunger face 7 and the brewing chamber 2.

[0065] The openable base 3 is integral with the brewing chamber 2 and is held closed by a friction fit closure 10 .

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the openable base 3 has a door 11 with a hinge 12. The door is held closed by a friction fit 10. The inner face 13 of the openable base 3 slopes downward from the friction fit side 10 to the hinge side 12. The door 11 of the openable base 3 has a hole 14, which allows the infusion liquid to be discharged from the infusion material as the infusion material is compressed under the action of the plunger 5.

[0067] With reference to the drawings, the brewing device 1 of the present invention is used as follows.

[0068] With the openable base 3 of the brewing chamber 2 closed, an insoluble material (e.g. tea, coffee, herbal tea, herbal infusion, etc.) is placed into the brewing chamber 2 through the opening 4. The plunger 5 is then placed into the brewing chamber 2 through the opening 4, but it is not fully depressed at this time, so as to leave space in the brewing chamber 2 for brewing.

[0069] Then the brewing device 1 is placed in a brewing container, such as a cup, a mug, a flask, a teapot, a coffee pot or the like. Before or after the brewing device 1 is placed in the brewing container, water (or other such brewing liquid) is added to the brewing container.

[0070] Water enters the brewing chamber 2 through the water permeable portion 6 and the aperture 14 in the openable base 3 and allows the insoluble material to be brewed. The brewing device 1 may be moved within the brewing vessel by agitation, stirring, etc. to facilitate brewing.

[0071] When brewing is complete, the brewing device 1 stands in the brewing container and is held in an upright position by the flat base of the openable base 3. The plunger is pushed downwardly toward the openable base (which is still in the closed position) to produce a large amount of spent insoluble material. It will be appreciated that during this movement, any force exerted by the plunger 5 on the openable base 3 is abutted by the base of the brewing container and the openable base 3 is held closed, the spent insoluble material is squeezed into a disc, and the brewing liquid is discharged through the water permeable portion 6 and the hole 14 under the action of the plunger.

[0072] The brewing device 1 is then removed from the brewing container, typically using the end of the plunger as a handle. The brewing device 1 is then held above the waste container and the plunger is pushed further downward to force open the openable base. By the action of the plunger, the disc of spent insoluble material is expelled from the brewing chamber 2 through the open base 3. In doing so, the disc adheres to the plunger face 7, rather than the openable base itself.

[0073] from Figure 3As can be seen in the figure, the plunger opens the base as follows. When the plunger is further depressed to open the base 3, the upper end 13.1 of the inclined inner face 13 of the openable base is the first part of the door 11 to be acted upon by the plunger face 7. This therefore causes the friction fit closure 10 to be overcome. This is easy because this end 13.1 is adjacent to the closure 10 and the force applied by the plunger is directly transmitted to this area of ​​the closure. The door 11 is thus opened by the action of the plunger face 7 pushing against the inner face 13 of the openable base. Although the insoluble material is not shown in the figure, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that in the presence of an insoluble material, the pressure from the plunger is transmitted to the openable base through the compression disc of the insoluble material, and the upper end of the inclined inner face of the openable base will be acted upon by the force from the disc itself. The friction fit closure is thus overcome and the door is opened by the action of the disc pushing against the inner face of the openable base.

[0074] exist Figure 4 It can be seen in FIG. 1 that when the plunger 5 is fully depressed, the door 11 opens and the plunger face 7 protrudes through the open base 3 of the brewing chamber 2 to facilitate rinsing and removing any last remnants of infusion material from the plunger 5 .

[0075] It will therefore be appreciated that the brewing device allows for clean, simple and efficient discharge of spent material.

Claims

1. A beverage brewing device (1), comprising: - an infusion chamber (2) comprising at least one water-permeable portion (6); and - a plunger (5) having a plunger face (7) corresponding to the inner shape of the brewing chamber (2); - the chamber (2) has an openable base (3); - the openable base (3) comprises a door (11) and the door (11) is held closed by a friction fit (10); - the door is hinged and the hinge (12) is positioned opposite the friction fit (10); - an inner face (13) of the openable base (3) slopes downwardly away from the friction fit (10) towards the hinge (12); and - Characterized in that the openable base (3) is openable by the action of the plunger (5).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The brewing chamber (2) is cylindrical.

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The brewing chamber (2) has a height of 5-20 cm.

4. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one water-permeable portion (6) of the brewing chamber (2) is formed by a hole or window in the wall of the brewing chamber, the hole or window being covered with a porous material.

5. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one water-permeable portion (6) of the brewing chamber (2) is formed by an opening.

6. The device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The openings are apertures, perforations, holes or a combination thereof.

7. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The height of the at least one water-permeable portion (6) is 10-75% of the height of the brewing chamber (2).

8. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The length of the plunger (5) is greater than the length of the brewing chamber (2).

9. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The openable base (3) has an opening (14).

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