Cylinders, components, and cups for preparing loose-leaf tea, and methods for preparing tea.

Abstract

The container for preparing flavored beverages includes a brewing chamber (2) for containing flavoring ingredients and brewing liquid with the flavoring ingredients. A channel (31) in the chamber wall allows for the exchange of liquid between the brewing chamber and the outside of the brewing chamber. A flow drive system drives the liquid flow between the brewing chamber and the outside of the brewing chamber through the channel, the liquid flow having a flow direction protruding from the chamber wall. The container may also have an outer wall (40) that covers a portion of the outer surface chamber wall and is movable to cover and close the channel, such that when the outer wall is moved, the outer surface is pressed against the outer wall to seal and isolate the channel. A manual control can be used to open or close the opening by a user applying manual force. The manual control has a cover (6) that covers the top side of the chamber wall and interlocks with the chamber wall. The cover includes a cup-shaped handle (60) divided into a first upward-opening portion and a second upward-opening portion for accommodating one or more of the user's respective fingers. A partition wall (62) separates the open portions and allows for the application of rotational force with the fingers. The partition wall extends radially inward from the peripheral edge of the handle. By squeezing the partition wall with your fingers, the edges can be deformed to release the interlock.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to containers, components, and cups for preparing tea or other flavored beverages, and methods for preparing tea or other flavored beverages, such as from loose tea leaves or from other solid or liquid flavoring materials that release flavoring substances into liquids suitable for human consumption, for example. In particular, but not exclusively, this invention relates to the in-situ preparation of hot or cold beverages in a cup. Background Technology

[0002] Solutions for preparing hot or cold beverages in situ within a cup, and solutions for preparing hot or cold beverages before pouring them into a cup, are known. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2012-0216682 discloses the preparation of tea using a French press. In this solution, the brewing process can be stopped by pressing down on the plunger to create an insulated chamber containing loose tea leaves.

[0003] International patent application publication WO2018194450A1 discloses a container for controlled brewing of loose-leaf tea in a cup. The container includes a brewing chamber for containing loose tea leaves and for brewing tea with a liquid containing substances from the tea leaves. An impermeable wall defines the brewing chamber. Within the chamber wall is a passage between the brewing chamber and its exterior. The passage has an open state, in which the brewing chamber communicates with the external liquid to transfer substances from the brewing chamber to the external liquid during tea brewing. In a closed state, the internal brewing chamber is isolated from the external liquid to prevent an increase in the concentration of substances in the external liquid. A manual control, operable by a human, allows the passage to be switched from the open state to the closed state.

[0004] The container disclosed in this prior art document allows for control of the concentration of tea or other flavored beverages by manually controlling the state of the channel, and works satisfactorily in this respect. However, more precise control over the brewing process is desired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] As described in the appended claims, the present invention provides a container, assembly, and cup for preparing flavored beverages, as well as a method for preparing flavored beverages.

[0006] Specific embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] These and other aspects will become apparent and will be illustrated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Further details, aspects, and embodiments will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same or functionally similar elements. The elements in the drawings are illustrative for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a prior art cylinder is shown, illustrating the flow of liquid within it.

[0010] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a first example of a cylinder placed on a cup is shown schematically.

[0011] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a second example of a cylinder is shown schematically.

[0012] Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 3 An example of a sectional exploded view.

[0013] Figure 5 It shows the applicability Figure 3 An example of a three-dimensional sectional view of a housing component.

[0014] Figure 6 It shows one with chamber walls. Figure 5 A three-dimensional sectional view of the housing component.

[0015] Figure 7 It shows Figure 3 An example of a three-dimensional diagram, in which the brewing chamber opens at its top side.

[0016] Figure 8 It shows that it is suitable for isolation Figure 7 The example is a side view of the top side of the cover piece.

[0017] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 An example is shown in its side view during manual user control.

[0018] Figure 10 This shows the open state during manual control of the cylinder. Figure 3 A 3D diagram of an example.

[0019] Figure 11 It shows Figure 3 An example is shown in a 3D diagram during the transition from the open state to the closed state.

[0020] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of a third example of a cylinder in the open state is shown.

[0021] Figure 13 The screen is shown as closed. Figure 12 The example is a cross-sectional view of the bottom part.

[0022] Figure 14 The assembly state is shown. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an example, where the brewing chamber opens at the top side.

[0023] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The example is a bottom view of the outer wall.

[0024] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 The example is a bottom view of the room wall.

[0025] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 A 3D view of the bottom side of the example. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following text, no further explanation or description of the details will be provided except as necessary for understanding and comprehending the basic concepts of the invention, so as not to obscure or deviate from the teachings herein.

[0027] In the example, the brewing of the flavored beverage can be controlled more precisely because the container possesses one, more than one, or all of the characteristics described below. These characteristics allow for more precise control over the propagation of the flavoring agent into the liquid outside the container and a more pronounced transition between the flavored and non-flavored phases. If the container is of a type that can be closed to stop brewing and optionally also opened to (re)start brewing, then brewing can be controlled to more closely approximate an ideal side step-function, i.e., the external liquid is either brewed with the flavoring agent or not brewed at all.

[0028] In the first aspect, the cylinder may include a flow drive system that, when in operation, drives a liquid flow between the brewing chamber and the outside of the brewing chamber through a channel, the liquid flow having a flow direction projecting from the chamber wall in at least a portion of the brewing chamber. This not only allows the brewed liquid to diffuse to the outside more quickly, but also accelerates the extraction of flavoring substances.

[0029] Additionally, the concentration gradient of flavoring substances between the brewing chamber and the outside can be reduced during brewing. This not only allows for a reduction in the time required to flavor liquids in containers such as cups, teapots, or other liquid-containing vessels, but also reduces the time lag between the release of substances in the brewing chamber and the spread of the brewed liquid throughout the vessel. Therefore, it is easier for users to estimate the time required to achieve the desired level of flavor to satisfy the intended consumer's taste. Furthermore, this allows for a more constant brewing rate over time, and thus more predictable behavior, which allows users to better estimate the time required to obtain the flavor that satisfies their taste.

[0030] In the second aspect, the brewing chamber can be opened and closed via an outer wall that covers a portion of the outer surface of the chamber wall and is movable relative to the chamber wall to cover and close openings in the chamber wall. In this second aspect, when the outer wall is moved, the outer surface is pressed against the outer wall to seal the openings. This allows for better stopping of brewing because, in the closed state, leakage of liquid and flavoring substances between the chamber wall and the outer wall is at least partially inhibited or completely prevented. Therefore, in the closed state, the concentration gradient of flavoring substances between the brewing chamber and its exterior can be increased, so even if brewing may continue in the brewing chamber, this will not affect the concentration outside, and thus the beverage remains in the user's taste for a longer period after the brewing chamber is closed.

[0031] In the third aspect, the cylinder may include a manual control for a user to manually apply force to open or close the opening. This third aspect allows for a more pronounced and faster transition to the closed state. The manual control includes a cover for covering the top side of the chamber wall, the cover interlocking with the chamber wall. The cover includes a cup-shaped handle divided into a first upward-opening portion for accommodating at least one of the user's fingers and a second upward-opening portion for accommodating at least another of the user's fingers. A partition wall having sidewalls for manually applying rotational force with fingers separates these upward-opening portions and extends inward from the peripheral edge of the handle, for example, extending towards the opposite side of the edge, such as radially through the center. By squeezing the partition wall with a finger, the edge can deform to release the interlock. Due to the partition wall, the user can rotate the control more quickly and thus close the passage more quickly. Therefore, the transition between the open and closed states can be more pronounced. Additionally, the cover can be removed and placed in place more quickly due to the squeezing. Thus, for example, after placing the cylinder with seasoning, the manual control can be ready for use earlier and therefore the process can be controlled more quickly.

[0032] As used herein, a container can be a prefabricated container that can be easily inserted into and attached to a vessel having a liquid as a base for the beverage to be prepared. In the container, for example, bulk tea leaves or other flavoring agents can be provided to be released into the liquid in a controlled manner, for example, by extraction or dissolution. The container can be designed to be sealed and isolated to retain the flavoring agents within the container, at least until the consumer releases them into the liquid. The vessel can be, for example, a pot, bowl, or cup, and is, for example, a drinking cup from which the consumer drinks the beverage, and the drinking cup allows the flavoring agents to be released in a controlled manner into the consumable liquid within the cup under the consumer's control. The container can, for example, be envisioned for preparing flavored beverages in situ within a cup.

[0033] The tube can be permanently or releasably attached to the cup, for example, by moving the tube laterally into the cup without rotation. For example, the tube can be pressed against the rim of the cup to lock the interlocking mechanism. In the case of a releasable attachment, such as in the case of a non-disposable cup, the tube can be replaced with another interchangeable tube.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 The figure shows a cylinder 1 according to the prior art, such as those known for brewing tea in a teapot. As shown, the cylinder 1 includes a brewing chamber 2, defined by a chamber wall 3 having a channel 31 therein. The channel 31 provides a passage through the chamber wall, via which liquid can be exchanged between the brewing chamber 2 and the outside of the brewing chamber. Loose tea leaves 9 are present in the brewing chamber 2, and the tea leaves release flavoring substances into the liquid 12 within the brewing chamber 2, for example, through extraction or dissolution. The flavoring substances are diffused into the external liquid 11 via the channel 31.

[0035] However, in the prior art, propagation requires a relatively long time. It is undesirable to be bound by theory, which is attributed to the diffusion nature of the brewing process and its propagation to the outside. Similarly, it is undesirable to be bound by theory, which is attributed to the following reasons. Firstly, in the prior art, as in... Figure 1 As indicated by arrow Fi on the right, in the region adjacent to the inner surface 30 of the chamber wall 3 inside the brewing chamber, the liquid 12 in the brewing chamber 2 flows parallel to the inner surface 30. The tea leaves are primarily outside this region and therefore are not affected by the extraction liquid flow. Similarly, as indicated by arrow Fe, externally, the liquid 11 flows parallel to the outer surface 33 in the region adjacent to the chamber wall 3. Therefore, during brewing, liquid exchange between the brewing chamber and the outside is restricted.

[0036] refer to Figure 2 The example shown is a cylinder 1 used for brewing beverages such as loose-leaf tea in a cup. In this example, cylinder 1 consists of a single, integral part, but for example, as... Figures 3 to 4As shown, the cylinder 1 can be composed of two or more individual components, which are assembled into a cylinder, for example, by interlocking connections. As shown, the cylinder 1 may include a brewing chamber 2, a portion 12 for containing tea leaves 9 and for brewing the liquid 10 within the brewing chamber 2 with the flavoring substances released by the tea leaves 9. The brewing chamber 2 is defined by a chamber wall 3. In this example, the chamber wall is impermeable to the liquid 10, but alternatively, for example, it may be permeable to water. A channel 31 is provided in the chamber wall 3 between the brewing chamber 2 and its exterior (i.e., the rest of the cup 5 when placed on it). The brewing chamber 2 may be open at the top side, and the chamber wall 3 may be a truncated conical shape extending from the top side and having a flat bottom. Other shapes are also possible; for example, the bottom may be shaped like a spherical cap, and the chamber wall may have other conical or non-conical shapes, such as a truncated pyramid or other shapes. Preferably, the chamber wall has a shape without protrusions, which allows it to be formed in a single injection.

[0037] Cylinder 1 can be used to prepare tea (or other hot or cold drinks, such as citronade or mint water). As shown, cylinder 1 can be placed in vessel 5 filled with liquid 10. If vessel 5 is a cup, its volume can be, for example, less than 1 l and greater than 1 dl, such as between 1 dl and 6 dl, for example between 2 dl and 4 dl. More specifically, cylinder 1 can be suspended in the bowl-shaped portion of vessel 5, suspended from and supported by the top edge of vessel 5, or, for example, placed on and supported by the bottom of the bowl-shaped portion.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, in such a method, a cylinder is placed in a vessel 5, and before or after placing the cylinder, the vessel 5 is at least partially filled with liquid 10, such as a liquid suitable for preparing tea, such as hot water, milk, lemon juice, or other suitable liquids (mixtures thereof), and optionally filled with flavorings such as sugar, lemon slices, etc. The liquid can be cold, for example, having a temperature below 25°C; or warm, for example, having a temperature above 25°C and below 65°C. The liquid can be, for example, a hot liquid, and have a temperature equal to or above 65°C, for example, equal to or above 75°C and below the boiling point temperature, for example, equal to or below 95°C, for example, equal to or below 90°C, for example, equal to or below 80°C.

[0039] Cylinder 1 can be made of a material capable of withstanding this hot liquid. For example, in... Figure 7Ideally, the container may be equipped with a "caution hot" warning to alert the user that the liquid is above a skin-burning temperature (e.g., the temperature at which skin burns within seconds, such as about 1 second, in which case the temperature would be above 70°C). The container can be, for example, a disposable container, made of (coated) paper or a suitable (thermoplastic) plastic known for disposable cups. Furthermore, the disposable container can be made of biodegradable materials. Alternatively, the container 1 can be non-disposable, and for example, dishwasher-safe, and made of, for example, thermosetting plastics, thermoplastics having a glass transition point above 60°C, glass ceramics, or other suitable non-disposable materials.

[0040] As shown in the figure, the cylinder is placed in the vessel 5 such that, during use and when the liquid level in the vessel 5 is at its maximum expected height, the air-liquid interface is above the bottom of the cylinder. The brewing chamber is at least partially or completely filled with liquid, for example, by liquid flowing in from the outside of the vessel through an opening in the chamber wall, or by pouring into the brewing chamber from a top opening and then filling the outside of the vessel 5 through the opening.

[0041] When the flavoring material 9 (tea leaves in this example) comes into contact with the liquid 12 in the brewing chamber 2, the flavoring substance will be released into the liquid.

[0042] In this example, cylinder 1 is equipped with a flow drive system 8. When the flow drive system is in operation, i.e., during beverage preparation, the flow drive system 8 drives a liquid flow through the channel 31 between the brewing chamber 2 and the liquid 11 outside the brewing chamber. As indicated by the arrows, the liquid flow has a flow direction protruding from the chamber wall in at least a portion of the brewing chamber 2. The liquid passes through the tea leaves 9. Therefore, the release rate of flavoring substances is increased. Thus, the time required to brew a beverage with the desired concentration inside the brewing chamber can be reduced. In addition, the release rate can be more constant over time, and therefore the preparation can be more predictable for the user.

[0043] Additionally, as further shown, a liquid flow driven by a flow-driven system passes through channel 31. This allows for an increased rate of liquid exchange between the brewing chamber 2 and the outside. Consequently, the flavoring substance is delivered more quickly from the brewing chamber to the liquid volume 11 in the vessel 5 portion outside the brewing chamber 2.

[0044] Although flow-driven systems can generally drive any flow suitable for accelerating the brewing process, i.e., a cylinder that drives a certain liquid flow relative to the temperature difference at the air-liquid interface only at the cup wall and / or the open top. In the example shown, for example, the liquid flow circulates from the outside in the brewing chamber to the outside. The liquid flow enters the brewing chamber at a position above the location where the liquid flow leaves the brewing chamber, along the liquid flow direction. The liquid flow in the flow direction includes: an input flow of liquid 12 from the outside through channel 31, a circulating flow through the bulk tea leaf 9 containing space in the brewing chamber 2, and an output flow of liquid 12 entering the outside from the bulk tea leaf 9 containing space through the channel. Although in these examples the flow in the brewing chamber is along the radial direction (from the chamber wall toward the axial center or from the axial center toward the chamber wall) and along the axial direction (downward in this example), it is apparent that the flow can also have a tangential component.

[0045] More specifically, in this example, the heat exchange surface 23 generates a downward flow of liquid that is in thermal contact with and flows on the surface. At the upper portion of the heat exchange surface 23, this downward flow draws liquid from the outside. The downward flow bends outward through the bottom of the chamber wall 3, which extends transversely to the direction of the downward flow, and in this example extends horizontally (when the cup is placed upright).

[0046] In the illustrated example, channel 31 includes a region 34 in the chamber wall, said region having at least an upper opening and a lower opening. Liquid flows into the brewing chamber through the upper opening, while liquid flows out of the brewing chamber through the lower opening. In this example, this flow is established by cooling at the heat exchange surface 23, thus creating a downward flow due to increased density, as shown, which begins at approximately the same height at the upper opening and therefore draws liquid in from the outside through the upper opening. As shown, the bottom portion of the chamber wall bends the liquid flow toward the lower opening to flow out of the brewing chamber. Although the upper and lower openings are slit-shaped in this example, and channel 31 includes multiple vertically distributed slits, channel 31 can have different shapes. For example, in Figures 3 to 4 In the example, the chamber wall 3 is made of a liquid-impermeable sealing material, and the channel 31 includes a perforated region 34 in the chamber wall, wherein the perforations are small enough to retain solid particles within the brewing chamber, for example, as in... Figure 6 It can be seen more clearly in the middle.

[0047] The perforated region can retain solid particles with sizes exceeding a retention threshold. In this case, the solid particles can all be larger than the threshold, or alternatively have sizes distributed in a range below the threshold, for example, a (semi-)normal distribution with an average size above the threshold and a fraction (e.g., 5% or less) below the threshold. For example, the solid particles can include a first coarser portion with sizes greater than the retention threshold and a second finer portion with sizes less than the retention threshold, the first portion comprising at least 60% of the total number of solid particles and the second portion balancing the total to 100%.

[0048] The second part may include, for example, broken solid particles and unbroken solid particles from the first part, or solid particles broken into particles coarser than those in the second finer part. For example, in the case of tea, the first part may include white down (mostly unbroken leaves) and / or broken leaves or composed of them, and the second part may include tea dust and / or powder or composed of them.

[0049] The flow drive system can be any type of flow drive system suitable for a particular implementation. As in the example, the flow drive system 8 can be in physical contact with the liquid in the brewing chamber 2, and more specifically, directly drive the flow of the liquid in the brewing chamber. In other words, the flow drive system 8 can be at least partially exposed to the brewing chamber 2, and the exposed portion of the system 8 contacts the liquid in the brewing chamber 2 to drive the flow. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid outside the brewing chamber can be driven to flow such that the liquid in the brewing chamber flows through a channel, thereby accelerating the brewing process in the brewing chamber and conveying the brewed liquid through the channel to the outside of the brewing chamber.

[0050] The flow-driven system may include, for example, a mechanical pump, such as one located in the brewing chamber, and / or may include a non-mechanical system (or consist of a non-mechanical system as shown in the example). In the example shown, the flow-driven system is a non-mechanical system, more specifically a thermal convection system, and the liquid flow is thermally induced. In this example, the driving force for the flow is gravity, but other thermally induced driving forces may also be used. Although the flow-driven system may include mechanical moving parts, in this example, the flow-driven system is mechanically stationary and has no moving parts. More specifically, the flow-driven system includes a thermal element located in the brewing chamber that generates a temperature gradient in the liquid 12 within the brewing chamber. Due to the corresponding change in liquid density, the liquid 12 within the brewing chamber will flow. In this example, the thermal element is a heat block 21, which includes a heat reservoir and a heat exchange surface 23 exposed in the brewing chamber for transferring heat energy from the liquid in the brewing chamber to the heat reservoir or transferring heat energy from the heat reservoir to the liquid in the brewing chamber. In the example shown, only a single heat block is present; however, alternatively, the brewing chamber 2 may have two or more heat blocks at different locations. For example, in addition to the heat block shown, a heating element may be provided at the inlet 20 of the brewing chamber, where a temperature gradient is also generated.

[0051] As shown in the figure, a temperature gradient is generated in the liquid volume below the air-liquid interface. In this example, assuming the heat exchange surface 23 has a uniform temperature, the gradient will be primarily horizontal at the height of the input flow, and there will be a fairly distinct transition between the bulk volume of the liquid and the boundary layer along the heat exchange surface, which separates the bulk volume from the heat exchange surface 23. Additionally, in the direction from the input flow to the output flow, the liquid flow away from the heat exchange surface will exchange heat with surface 23 and therefore differ in temperature from the bulk volume.

[0052] When the liquid 10 is above ambient temperature and is used, for example, to prepare a hot beverage, the heat reservoir can be a radiator. In this case, heat is transferred from the liquid in the brewing chamber to the radiator. For example, in the illustrated example, the heat exchange surface 23 is cooled by the radiator to a temperature below the liquid temperature. For example, although other ranges may be suitable, the heat exchange surface 23 can be cooled to exhibit a temperature difference with the average temperature (also called the overall temperature) of the liquid 10 in the brewing chamber, said temperature difference being in the range of 20°C to 60°C, for example, a temperature difference of less than 40°C. It has been found that a temperature difference at the lower limit of this range can induce liquid flow sufficient to significantly accelerate the brewing time. On the other hand, it has been found that a temperature difference below the upper limit of this range can be obtained without active cooling or active heat transfer from the chamber-vessel system. In this case, for example, the heat storage tank may already be at ambient temperature before brewing, and after the warm or hot liquid is injected into the vessel and brewing chamber, the heat storage tank stores the heat received from the heat exchange surface to cool the liquid in thermal contact with the heat exchange surface to a temperature between the temperature of the hot liquid and the ambient temperature.

[0053] Alternatively, the heat storage device can be a heat source, and the heat exchange surface can be heated to above the initial overall temperature of the liquid 10. For example, in the case where the container 1 is used to prepare a cold beverage, the liquid 10 can be a cold liquid with a temperature below ambient temperature, such as a temperature between, for example, 0°C and 10°C. In this case, for example, the heat storage device may store heat energy from the ambient temperature before brewing, and after the cold liquid is poured into the vessel and brewing chamber, transfer the stored heat to the heat exchange surface to heat the liquid in thermal contact with the heat exchange surface to a temperature between the temperature of the cold liquid and the ambient temperature.

[0054] The heating block 21 can have any suitable shape and location. Figure 2 In this brewing chamber 2, the heat exchange surface 23 may protrude, for example, from the chamber wall 30 into the brewing chamber 2. Therefore, a temperature difference is generated relative to the chamber wall 30 due to the corresponding liquid flow caused by the change in liquid density during heat exchange with the heat exchange surface 23. In the example shown, the heat exchange surface 23 protrudes upward from the bottom of the brewing chamber 2. Therefore, when the heat exchange surface cools the liquid in thermal contact with it, for water as the liquid, assuming a temperature above 4°C, the liquid flow on the heat exchange surface will be downward. Conversely, when the liquid in thermal contact with the heat exchange surface is heated, the liquid flow on the heat exchange surface will be upward.

[0055] In the example shown, the heat exchange surface protrudes from the bottom, and the liquid flow on the heat exchange surface will be upward in the case of heating or downward in the case of cooling. Besides the higher liquid flow rate, this liquid flow direction is opposite to the natural convection direction caused by the typical temperature difference at the exposed liquid surface at the top of the vessel and cylinder, and the typical temperature difference between the liquid and the vessel wall.

[0056] Although heat storage tanks can generally be made of any suitable solid, liquid, or gaseous material with sufficient heat capacity, in the illustrated example, the heat storage tank comprises a volume defined by a heat exchange surface, which is filled with or may be filled with a fluid different from a liquid. In this example, the volume may be filled with air, and the volume protrudes into the brewing chamber. More specifically, the volume is a cavity having an opening 22 to the outside for trapping air. The cavity is separated from and sealed by the heat exchange surface 23. In this example, the cavity protrudes upward from the bottom of the brewing chamber, forming a hollow space. The opening 22 of the cavity is located at the bottom, and in this example, the cavity forms a wet bell shape with an open bottom within the vessel 5. Before use, the hollow space communicates with and is filled with the ambient gas (i.e., typically air) surrounding the vessel. The ambient gas is at ambient temperature. For example, outdoors, the ambient gas is air at outdoor temperature; indoors, it can be air at room temperature (between 15°C and 28°C, such as between 18°C ​​and 24°C, for example, approximately 20°C. Depending on the specific type of room and climate, this room temperature can be in the range of 23°C-25.5°C in summer and 20°C-23.5°C in winter). When the cylinder 1 is placed in the vessel 5, either before the cylinder is placed and before the liquid 10 is poured in, or after the cylinder is placed, the ambient gas will remain in the hollow space. Due to the retained gas, when the brewing chamber is filled with liquid 10 at another temperature, the hollow space remains at ambient temperature. The ambient gas will be slightly compressed by the upward pressure of the liquid and will exert a counter-pressure on the liquid at the liquid-gas interface, which will keep the liquid outside the open bell-shaped part at the bottom.

[0057] The heating element and the brewing chamber can have any shape suitable for inducing liquid flow within them. Figure 2 In the example, the heating element is positioned such that the brewing chamber has a hollow cylindrical shape, defined by the chamber wall 3 forming the outer cylinder and the heating block forming the inner cylinder.

[0058] In this example, the hot block extends upwards from the bottom of brewing chamber 2. Figures 3 to 4In the example, the heating block extends to a certain level, which, when the cylinder is in place and correctly oriented, is at the same height as the edge of cup 6 and thus reaches the maximum liquid level. Therefore, the entire height of the brewing chamber is used to drive the liquid flow, and thus rapid brewing is achieved.

[0059] In the example, the hot block has a conical shape that tapers upwards from the bottom of the brewing chamber. This allows the hot block to be integrally molded with the chamber wall 3 in a single injection, for example. However, alternatively, the hot block can have parallel sides and be formed, for example, a straight cylinder. In this example, the hot block has a truncated conical shape or a conical shape.

[0060] The brewing chamber 2 can be implemented in any manner suitable for a particular implementation. In this example, the brewing chamber has a defined shape determined by the chamber walls 3. The chamber walls 3 are impermeable to the liquid 12 in the brewing chamber 2 and, under normal circumstances, maintain their shape during tea brewing. Figure 2 In this design, the chamber wall has a tapered shape that curves towards the bottom of the brewing chamber. Therefore, the chamber wall and the heat exchange element can be formed using two opposing mold components by, for example, injection molding or other molding methods, and the draft angle of the chamber wall is opposite to the draft angle of the heat exchange surface.

[0061] The heating element can be located anywhere suitable within the brewing chamber. For example, in Figure 2 In this design, the heating element is coaxially positioned with the brewing chamber; alternatively, the heating element can be off-axis, for example, with its longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the brewing chamber. A hollow cylinder formed between the heating element and the chamber wall 3 has a constant radial width in the circumferential direction. Therefore, liquid flow will be primarily in the radial direction, and thus liquid exchange between the brewing chamber and the outside is improved.

[0062] Now for reference Figure 3 and 4 In this example, the cylinder comprises several independent components, some of which are movable relative to each other. Channel 31 can be closed to prevent an increase in the concentration of external flavoring substances. For this purpose, channel 31 has an open state, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the brewing chamber 2 is in communication with an external liquid to transfer substances from the liquid 12 in the brewing chamber to the portion 11 of the external liquid, for example by convection and / or diffusion, during tea brewing. The channel 31 has... Figure 11 The closed state shown in the diagram isolates the liquid 12 inside the brewing chamber from the liquid 11 in the cup outside the brewing chamber 2, and prevents the concentration level of the flavoring substance in the external liquid from increasing.

[0063] Cylinder 1 has a manual control element 6, which can be manually controlled and allows the channel 31 to move from an open state to a closed state, such as... Figure 10 and11 As shown in the figure. In this example, the manual control 6 is located at the top of the cylinder. It is obvious from the figure that in the illustrated example, opening and closing are not motorized, and the cylinder does not have a machine-powered actuator. Therefore, in this example, the manual control is the only way for the user to put the opening into an open or closed state. This allows for simple operation of the cylinder without requiring complex (e.g., battery-operated) power components. However, alternatively or additionally, opening and closing can be motorized or motor-assisted. In this example, channel 31 can be fully open, fully closed, or partially open. Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the cylinder may be equipped with an indicator 75 that indicates the degree of opening of the channel 31. This allows the consumer to precisely control the concentration according to his or her taste.

[0064] When channel 31 is open, the flavoring agent is conveyed to the remainder of the cup, for example, by natural convection and / or diffusion in this example. During brewing, in the remainder of the cup, conveying preferably occurs solely by natural convection and / or diffusion. This allows for the avoidance of mess, as the brewed liquid can thus be conveyed throughout the vessel 5 without removing the container 1. As an alternative to or supplement to natural convection and / or diffusion, conveying can be mechanically driven. For example, a spoon or stirring rod can be inserted via the drinking funnel 70 described below to allow the consumer to manually stir the liquid.

[0065] With the channel capable of being closed, at a desired time, such as when the liquid 11 outside the brewing chamber 2 has a desired concentration of substances extracted from the tea leaves, the channel 31 can be manually closed. By closing the channel 31, the consumer can manually control the concentration of the tea according to their personal taste. The brewing process, especially the concentration, can be easily stopped without removing the container 1 from the vessel 5 as is required with known tea bag-based solutions, and without the need for a dedicated computer interface to control the brewing. Furthermore, due to the flow-driven system, the brewing process is more consistent when the channel is open.

[0066] Furthermore, in this example, a second aspect is implemented, and therefore, in the closed state, the increase in concentration is further reduced due to the improved sealing of the channel. This further allows for better preservation of the tea (or other flavorings) before use, as the improved seal allows brewing chamber 2 to provide a confined and protected environment for the tea leaves and thus allows for the preparation of higher quality tea.

[0067] Furthermore, in these examples, a third aspect is implemented, and consumers can more easily switch the cylinder from the open state to the closed state (and vice versa).

[0068] exist Figures 3 to 4In this example, channel 31 can also be returned from the closed state to the open state. Therefore, a consumer can, for example, stop brewing by closing channel 31, taste the tea to determine if the concentration meets their personal preference, and reopen channel 31 if the prepared tea is not strong enough to suit their taste. Furthermore, this allows the cup to be refilled with fresh liquid, and several cups of tea to be prepared using a single tube. In this case, tube 1 can be releasably attached to vessel 5. Alternatively, tube 1 can be permanently attached to cup 1 to prevent unnecessary refilling.

[0069] The container 1 can be assembled, for example, with the channel 31 closed, so that brewing does not begin immediately when the container 1 comes into thermal contact with the liquid in the vessel 5 (by placing the container 1 in a liquid-filled cup or filling a cup containing the container with liquid), but only at the point when the channel 31 is opened. This allows the user to select the point at which the liquid 11 outside the brewing chamber 2 actually begins to transform into tea by opening the channel 31. This is convenient, for example, when the cup is to be transported, for example, from the location where this occurs, after being filled with liquid and the container is placed, to a relatively distant location where the consumer will drink the tea (and at least discard the container 1 after drinking).

[0070] The chamber wall 3 has an inner surface 30 that is impermeable to liquid facing the brewing chamber 2 (which defines the inner side of the brewing chamber 2) and an outer surface 33 that faces outward away from the brewing chamber 2.

[0071] The channel 31 includes one or more openings 32 passing through the chamber wall 3 between the inner surface 30 and the outer surface 33. Although the openings can be implemented in different ways, and may be, for example, a single large opening, in this example, the chamber wall 3 includes a perforated region 34 with a relatively large number of smaller openings, i.e., perforations. Figures 2 to 4 In the example, except for the perforated area 34, the chamber wall 3 is made of a closed material. Therefore, the opening can be created in a simple way, for example, by simply perforating area 34, and allows for the creation of channels that can hold tea leaves in the brewing chamber. The perforations can be small enough to hold loose tea leaves in the brewing chamber 2, for example, having a diameter equal to or less than 5 mm, for example equal to or less than 2 mm, for example equal to or less than 1 mm, but other sizes may also be suitable. The perforations can have the same diameter or different diameters. Furthermore, the perforations can be arranged in a matrix, for example, horizontal and / or vertical series, for example, as in... Figure 3 As can be seen in the image. Furthermore, although in this example the channels are separated in the circumferential direction of the chamber wall 3 and there are several spaced-apart regions 34, in an alternative embodiment the chamber wall is provided with a circumferentially extending perforated band and thus provides, for example, one or more continuous regions in the circumferential direction.

[0072] In the example shown, the cylinder 1 further includes an outer wall 40. Both the chamber wall 3 and the outer wall 40 are made of a liquid-impermeable material. The chamber wall 3 thus seals off the brewing chamber 2, except for the opening 32. When the outer wall 40 covers the outer surface 33 of the chamber wall 3, these covered portions are separated from the outside by the outer wall 40, for example, sealed off. When the outer wall 40 covers the opening 32, the opening 32 is thus closed to the liquid 11 outside the brewing chamber 2.

[0073] As in Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen in and such Figure 6 As indicated by the arrow, the chamber wall 3 is movable relative to the outer wall 40 to cover and close the opening 32 in the chamber wall 3. This allows for simple mechanical manual control, such as by manually sliding, rotating, or otherwise moving the outer wall 40 relative to the chamber wall 3. The double-wall construction with the chamber wall 3 and the outer wall 40 movable relative to each other allows the passage 31 to be implemented in various ways.

[0074] As in Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen, the outer wall 40 includes one or more holes 41, which exposes a portion of the chamber wall 3. In this example, the manual control 6 engages with the chamber wall 3 to move the chamber wall relative to the outer wall 40, positioning the holes 41 to overlap with the openings 32 (perforated areas 34 in this example) in the chamber wall 3 and thereby opening the passage 31. However, the openings 32 in the chamber wall 3 can be implemented in different ways and, for example, can be implemented as one or more slits, as in... Figure 2 As can be seen in the image. Similarly, instead of the hole 41, the outer wall 40 can be provided with other types of windows, such as perforations, sliding elements, or other structures that can move to expose the opening in the chamber wall 3 to the outside. Furthermore, instead of engaging with the chamber wall 3 to move the chamber wall 3 relative to the outer wall 40 when the outer wall is stationary relative to the user, the manual control 6 can be engaged with the outer wall 40 to move the outer wall relative to the chamber wall 3 and the user.

[0075] In the example shown, the chamber wall 3 is shaped as a container for loose tea leaves, and the outer wall 40 is shaped as a retainer 4 to hold the container. The container can move relative to the retainer 4 to allow the channel to enter an open or closed state. This allows the cylinder 1 to be assembled in a simple manner by simply placing the container in the retainer 4. However, the chamber wall 3 can have different shapes and can, for example, be a hollow ring or annulus with a channel on its radially inner side, which can be closed and isolated by the outer wall, which can move tangentially along the radially inner side to cover or expose the channel 31. Furthermore, to name just a few examples, the chamber wall 3 can be, for example, a rectangular cube.

[0076] In the example shown, the chamber wall 3 can rotate about its longitudinal axis L (relative to the outer wall 40). Figure 3 The best view in Figures 3 to 4 In the example, the chamber wall 3 is formed as a first tube with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer wall 40, which is formed as a second tube. As shown, at least one of these tubes is closed at the cup-side end (at its bottom in the figure). This ensures that the blade and liquid are retained in the brewing chamber 2 when the passage is closed. The second tube is open at the top side end, which allows insertion of the first tube and thus assembly of the cylinder 1. Such tubes can be formed without undercuts and are therefore manufactured in a simple manner, for example, using a one-piece mold.

[0077] As shown in the figure, the tubes can fit together tightly. In this example, when the first tube is inserted into the second tube, the outer surface of the first tube abuts against the inner surface of the second tube. This allows for opening and / or closing movements while providing a sufficient seal to the opening when channel 31 is closed. The tubes are just one example of both the outer wall 40 and the chamber wall 3 being cup-shaped. Other types of cup shapes, such as matching bowls or other shapes, may also be suitable.

[0078] The chamber wall 3 is tightly fitted into the outer wall. Therefore, when the walls are moved relative to each other, there will be a certain amount of friction, which allows the outer wall to be sealed to the covered portion of the chamber wall in a simple manner.

[0079] The outer wall 40 can have different shapes and, for example, can be a sheet that covers only a portion of the chamber wall and can slide to cover the outer surface 33; can be a flat, leg-like member that is slidably clamped onto the chamber wall 3; or can be a sleeve with suitable holes (a container is inserted into the sleeve and the sleeve can rotate to expose an opening in the chamber wall 3), such as... Figure 8 The examples shown are just a few.

[0080] Still referencing Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this example, the cylinder 1 includes a top lid-shaped portion 7 that covers the vessel 5. The lid-shaped portion 7 covers the cup and thus reduces heat exchange with the surrounding environment, such as heat loss in the case of hot drinks, and therefore slows down the drop in tea temperature in this example. The lid-shaped portion 7 is provided with a drinking funnel 70, which allows the user to drink the liquid 11 in the cup outside the brewing chamber 2 when the cylinder 1 is in place, without removing the lid-shaped portion 7 and thus without increasing the heat exchange.

[0081] The lid-shaped portion 7 includes a disc-shaped annular portion 71, hereinafter referred to as the annular flange 71. The annular flange 71 can be attached to the top edge of a cup or other vessel. In this example, the annular flange 71 can be attached to the top edge via an interlocking engagement between the top edge and the edge of a skirt 74, which protrudes downward from the outer edge of the annular flange 71. The lid-shaped portion 7 can be permanently attached, i.e., destructively releasable only, which can be applied to a disposable cartridge 1. Alternatively, for example in the case of a non-disposable cartridge, the cartridge 1 can be releasably attached to the vessel 5, for example, using a releasable, waterproof seal. In the illustrated example, the annular flange 71 has a mathematically annular shape; however, alternatively, the opening (hereinafter referred to as the axial channel 72) can have a non-circular shape, such as rectangular, elliptical, or other shapes, and / or be off-axis relative to the outer edge of the annulus. Alternatively or additionally, instead of a circular outer edge, the outer edge of the flange 71 can have other shapes, such as polygonal, elliptical, or other shapes.

[0082] Figures 1 to 4 The example includes an excess liquid outlet 35 located above the channel in the chamber wall for transferring excess liquid from the brewing chamber 2 when the container 1 is tilted about a horizontal axis. A corresponding overflow hole 46 is provided on the outer wall 40, which opens when the channel 31 is closed to drain excess liquid from the brewing chamber 2 during drinking. More specifically, when the cup containing the container 1 is tilted to begin drinking, the excess liquid outlet 35 will be in the lower position (i.e., facing the user), and the excess liquid will drain from the chamber to the outside by gravity. When the cup returns to the upright position, the liquid level outside the chamber will be lower than the excess liquid outlet 35 and therefore will not flow back into the chamber. This allows for the avoidance of mess caused by container dripping.

[0083] exist Figures 3 to 4 In this example, the chamber wall 3 extends from the lid-shaped portion 7 and surrounds the brewing chamber. More specifically, in this example, the lid-shaped portion 7 is formed as part of an integral component of the outer wall 40. Figure 4 As best viewed, the inner peripheral edge of the annular flange 71 of the cap-shaped portion 7 is attached to the outer wall 40, such that the outer wall forms a pouch-like retainer 4 behind the channel 72 passing through the annular flange 71. The chamber wall 3 can be received in the pouch-like retainer 4. In other words, the channel 72 is a blind hole in which the brewing chamber can be assembled.

[0084] The cover portion 7 has a shape that allows it to be nested with similar components. Similarly, the chamber wall 3 has a shape that allows it to be nested with similar components. More specifically, the axial channel 72 and the chamber wall 3 have a tapered shape, tapering towards the bottom. This allows multiple chamber walls and multiple cover portions 7 to be nested. In addition, this provides a robust structure with relatively thin walls that resist torque-induced deformation, and the structure can be mass-produced using molds.

[0085] Additionally, in the illustrated example, the cap-shaped portion 7 is reinforced to withstand torque-induced deformation. More specifically, the annular flange 71 is formed and has an outer peripheral edge that projects upward and, in this example, has a U-shaped cross-section that flips upward and downward. A skirt 74 is located at the outer peripheral edge of the edge, projecting downward to interlock with the edge of the cup. The edge of the cap is thus raised, providing additional strength to withstand friction and the resulting torque when the chamber walls are opened and closed by rotating the chamber. This reinforcement allows for relatively thin, less rigid materials, such as thermoplastics or paper. Therefore, a hollow space 73 is formed between the skirt 74 and the retainer 4, open at the bottom and closed at the top by the annular shape of the cap-shaped portion 7. When placed on the cup 5, the hollow space 73 is positioned above the cup.

[0086] The chamber wall 3 can be inserted into the retainer 4, i.e., the outer wall 40, through an axial channel. Therefore, for example, the vessel 5 can be pre-filled with hot liquid and covered with a lid-shaped portion 7 to prevent the liquid from cooling too quickly. After a period of time, the container formed by the chamber wall 3 can be inserted into the retainer 4 to begin brewing in the brewing chamber 2. The container can be pre-filled with tea leaves, for example, or filled with tea leaves after insertion into the retainer 4.

[0087] As shown in the figure, the cylinder 1 may include a cover 6 for covering and interlocking with the top side of the space (i.e., the brewing chamber 2) surrounded by the chamber wall 3. Thus, for example, the brewing chamber 2 may be pre-filled with loose tea leaves, sealed off, and placed, for example, on a shelf to await a consumer's order of a cup of tea.

[0088] Now for reference Figures 7 to 10 As described above, the third aspect can be implemented in cylinder 1. Figure 7 The manual control 6, removed from the cylinder, is shown. (As shown in...) Figure 8 and Figure 9 As best seen in the example, the manual control allows the user to apply manual force and open or close the opening. In this example, the force is applied from the top side of the cylinder, more specifically as a torque about the axis of rotation of the brewing chamber. In this example, the manual control 6 is a cover for covering the open top side of the chamber wall 3 and closing the inlet 20 of the brewing chamber 2. When in place, the cover engages with the chamber wall 3, and rotation of the cover 6 relative to the outer wall 40 also causes rotational movement of the chamber wall 3 relative to the outer wall 40. Although the cover 6 can have different shapes, in this example, the cover is shaped as a rotary knob that can rotate relative to the outer wall and is mechanically attached to the chamber wall 3 to convert the rotational movement of the rotary knob into the rotational movement of the chamber wall 3.

[0089] As in Figure 5As can be seen more clearly, the cover-shaped portion 7 is provided with circumferential ribs 76 extending along the edge of the axial channel 72. Ribs 76 define the range of rotational movement of the manual control element 6. The circumferential ribs 76 project upwards from the annular flange 71. Figure 11 As shown, when the movable control member 6 is in the position engaged with the chamber wall 3, the stop member 66 of the movable control member 6 is located in the gap between the ends of the ribs 76. The range of motion of the movable control member is defined by the positions of the stop member 66 abutting the end of the rib 76 on one side of the gap and the positions of the stop member 66 abutting the end of the rib 76 on the other side of the gap. This provides the user with a tactile indication of position. This can supplement or replace a visual indication of position.

[0090] The illustrated example of cover 6 includes a cup-shaped handle 61 divided into two upwardly opening portions 63, in this example two portions 63, for accommodating different fingers of the user. A partition wall 62 with sidewalls 64 separates the upwardly opening portions 63 and allows for manual application of rotational force with the fingers. The partition wall extends radially inward from the peripheral edge of the handle. As shown, the partition wall 62 has a greater thickness at the center of the handle 61 and subdivides each portion 63 into two sections, each for a corresponding finger. It has been found, without being bound by theory, that most users will insert their thumb into one portion 63 and their index and middle fingers into the other. Figure 9 As shown, by applying pressure to the partition wall with a finger, the edge can be deformed to release the interlocking engagement between the cover and the chamber wall.

[0091] In this example, partition wall 62 has an inverted U-shaped cross-section, with sidewalls forming U-shaped legs and connecting to each other only on the upper lateral side. Therefore, an open space 65 exists between the sidewalls. This provides relatively rigid sidewalls. The walls can be pressed together with a relatively small force to release the interlocking, but are rigid in the tangential direction of rotation. This allows for rapid rotation of the manual control to open or close the passage.

[0092] Sidewall 64 protrudes from the bottom of the cup-shaped cover. A user can grip sidewall 64 with their fingers because the distance between the sidewall and the edge of the cup-shaped cover is sufficient to accommodate a fingertip in the groove between the elongated protrusion and the edge. Rotational force on partition wall 62 will cause cover 6 to rotate, and interlocking attachment will cause chamber wall 3 to rotate. In this example, the groove is divided into two open sections; alternatively, the groove could be divided into more sections, for example, by a cross-shaped partition wall.

[0093] As in Figure 8As best seen in the example shown, the cover 6 has an edge that interlocks with the chamber wall 3. The cover 6 can be permanently locked, meaning it cannot be released without excessive force and without damaging the cover 6 and / or the chamber wall 3. This prevents unnecessary reuse, for example, by refilling the brewing chamber 2 with new tea leaves after use. However, alternatively, as in the example shown, the cover 6 can be releasably attached to the chamber wall, for example, by squeezing the interlocking mechanism as described above. The attachment of the cover 6 to the chamber wall 3 allows for the application of rotational force to the chamber wall 3.

[0094] Both the manual control element (cover 6 in this example) and the cover-shaped portion 7 can be provided with optically perceptible markings to indicate their relative positions and allow the user to identify whether channel 31 is open or closed. For example, in Figures 5 to 6 In this configuration, the partition wall 62 itself can be used as an optical marker, and the cover portion 7 can be provided with one or more indicators 75, which point to the indicators 75 when the channel 31 is opened or closed.

[0095] In the example shown, the cover 6 is detached from the cup. However, the cover 6 can be attached to the cup, or attached to the tube before use, for example, via a tear-resistant strip located between the cover and another component.

[0096] refer to Figures 12 to 13 The example of the cylinder shown has a second aspect. In this example, when the outer wall is moved, the outer surface 33 is pressed against the outer wall 40 to seal the opening in the closed state as described below. In this example, the outer surface 33 moves and is pressed against the outer wall, but it is obvious that, alternatively or otherwise, the outer wall 40 can move to be pressed against the outer surface 33.

[0097] like Figure 12 As shown, in the open state, there is a gap space 36 between the chamber wall 3 and the outer wall 40. In this example, the gap space 36 reduces the friction between the chamber wall 3 and the retainer 4, and thus reduces the effort required by the user to move the chamber wall 3 relative to the retainer 4.

[0098] When the cylinder is in the closed state, the bottom side 37 of the chamber wall 3 is pulled downward and pressed against the outer wall 40. As shown, in this example, the bottom portion 45 of the retainer 4 is part of a tube, which is open in this example, but may be closed, for example, at the bottom side of the bottom portion 45. The inner diameter at the bottom portion 45 is smaller than the inner diameter of the retainer 4 above the bottom portion, and smaller than the diameter of the outer surface 33 of the chamber wall 3. As shown, in this example, the inner side 42 of the retainer 4 (i.e., the tube) has a stepped profile, with the chamber wall 3 in the larger diameter portion above the stepped portion. Therefore, when the bottom side 37 is pulled downward, the gap space 36 will decrease until the outer surface 33 abuts against the inner side 42 of the retainer 4.

[0099] Although the bottom side 37 could be pulled downward in another manner, in this example, it is pulled downward by partially converting the rotational movement of the chamber wall 3 into longitudinal movement of the bottom 37. It is evident that the top of the chamber wall 3 is prevented from moving by interlocking with the retainer 4 at the top, and thus the chamber wall 3 is stretched in the axial direction by the longitudinal movement of the bottom side 37. The chamber wall is closed and isolated at the bottom, and the bottom side 37 of the chamber wall 3 protrudes downward in the longitudinal direction of the tube into the bottom portion 45. The bottom portion 45 has a guide path 451 for the bottom side 37, which extends in the rotational direction and bends in the axial direction. As shown, during rotation, the guide path 451 guides the movement of the bottom side 37 downward in the longitudinal direction of the tube. Figure 13 As shown, the bottom side 37 is elastically deformable and slides along the guide path 451 as the chamber wall 3 rotates. This causes the bottom side to deform slightly, and the elastic deformation is transmitted to the chamber wall 3 to press the outer surface 33 against the inner side 42 of the retainer.

[0100] Figures 14 to 17 It shows Figures 3 to 4 The second aspect of the example. As in Figure 16As best seen in this example, the bottom side 37 is provided with a radially projecting lip 370 that protrudes over the guide portion 451 when the chamber wall 3 is in the retainer 4. To place the chamber wall 3 in the retainer 4, the bottom portion 45 is provided with an opening corresponding to the shape of the bottom side 37, namely a central opening 453 and a radial cut 452, through which the protruding portion of the bottom side 37 passes, and through which the lip 370 can pass. By rotating the chamber wall 3 after insertion, the lip 370 can slide over the guide path 451. As shown, the opening in the bottom portion 45 is defined by a circumferential wall 450 on which the guide path 451 is provided, and the circumferential wall 450 is interrupted by the cut 452. The path 451 forms an inclined portion of the circumferential wall 450 that protrudes downward from the cut 452. When the chamber wall 3 is rotated, the lip 370 slides over the inclined portion and thus moves downward in the axial direction in addition to the rotational motion. This in turn stretches the chamber wall 3 so that it is pressed against the inner side 42 of the retainer. Therefore, a good seal is provided between the chamber wall 3 and the retainer 4, which prevents and preferably completely stops liquid leakage from the brewing chamber 2 when the cylinder is closed.

[0101] In the example shown, the outer wall and / or the interior wall and / or the cover each have a top side, the shape of which is consistent with the bottom side. Therefore, the outer wall and / or the interior wall and / or the cover are nestable, and several outer walls and / or interior walls and / or covers can be stacked on top of each other in a compact manner.

[0102] Cylinders and cups (if provided with cylinders) can be manufactured in any manner suitable for a particular product. For example, components can be manufactured using one or more of the production methods summarized below, without excluding other methods. For example, cylinders can be manufactured in the following ways:

[0103] - Extrusion;

[0104] - Blow molding extrusion;

[0105] - Injection molding;

[0106] - Blow molding;

[0107] - Rotational molding; or

[0108] Any other suitable production method.

[0109] Products and their components can be made from any suitable material or a combination of disposable or non-disposable materials, such as metal, glass, plastic, or cardboard. For example, materials can be recyclable or biodegradable. The following summarizes possible materials that can be used, but other materials may also be suitable for production.

[0110] Examples of suitable materials are aluminum, glass, wood, plastic, or paper and / or cardboard.

[0111] Suitable plastic-based materials may be, for example, materials selected from the group consisting of: plastic-coated paper; polystyrene or polystyrene foam; polypropylene (PP); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene (high-density or low-density HDPE / LDPE) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE); or other plastics. Suitable paper and / or paperboard materials may be, for example, one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: paper, paperboard, corrugated fiberboard, molding pulp from recycled newsprint or other materials. Paper or paperboard materials may be coated or uncoated with additional materials, such as plastics and other materials.

[0112] Alternative materials (natural and / or biodegradable and / or composite) could be, for example:

[0113] - A combination of natural starch, recycled fiber, water, air, and natural minerals;

[0114] - PLA (polylactic acid);

[0115] - A mixture of PLA and pulp fibers;

[0116] - A compound or mixture of starch and other materials (such as limestone and recycled fibers) to provide additional strength;

[0117] - such as the dried leaves of the areca catechu palm (areca tree), which are collected and hot-pressed into the desired shape of a lid;

[0118] - PDCs (Degradation Aid Concentrates) containing polymers;

[0119] - Biodegradable plastics made from, for example, milk proteins (such as casein);

[0120] - Waterproof thermoplastics based on keratin, such as those made from chicken feathers;

[0121] - Liquid wood, which feels and functions like plastic and is biodegradable;

[0122] - Polycaprolactone polyester that degrades after several weeks of composting.

[0123] - Biodegradable plastics made of polyhydroxyalkanoate polyester;

[0124] - Crystalline polylactic acid;

[0125] - Cellulose-based materials.

[0126] The invention has been described in the foregoing description with reference to specific examples of embodiments. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and alterations can be made therein without departing from the broad scope set forth in the appended claims. For example, although tea has been described above, it will be obvious that other flavoring materials may be used in lieu of or in addition to tea. The brewing chamber may contain other solid particles that release flavoring substances into hot water, such as herbs, sliced ​​citrus fruits, etc. Similarly, the flavoring material may include or consist of another material that releases one or more flavoring substances, such as insoluble solid particles that release such substances, soluble solid particles, or liquid flavorings (such as liquid extracts or concentrates). Furthermore, the flavoring material may release flavoring substances into cold or lukewarm water. The liquid may be any type of liquid suitable for preparing the desired type of beverage, such as hot water, cold water, milk, aqueous liquids, lemon juice, or mixtures thereof.

[0127] Furthermore, the various components can be made of the same material or different materials to achieve optimal strength and liquid containment. For example, in the case of chamber wall 3 shown in the examples or claims, it is obvious that this means that wall 32 maintains its shape under normal conditions when brewing tea, but may undergo some elastic or plastic deformation when the passage 31 is opened or closed.

[0128] Furthermore, in the example, the outer wall is closed or the covered portion of the chamber wall is sealed. It is obvious that this does not need to be an impermeable seal, and some liquid may leak between the chamber wall and the outer wall, as long as the concentration of flavoring in the cup outside the brewing chamber does not increase significantly during typical use for practical purposes.

[0129] Furthermore, although the cylinder 1 is shown as an assembled product in the accompanying drawings, it can be provided as a set of components that can be assembled to form a cylinder. For example, the container 3 or other type of brewing chamber can be filled with loose tea leaves and sealed (e.g., by placing the cover 6 on the open top side of the container) and placed in the retainer 4 to obtain an assembled product. Similarly, the cylinder 1 can be provided as part of an assembly of a cylinder and a cup, and for example, packaged together. Furthermore, the cylinder 1 can be pre-installed on the cup so that the final product includes the cylinder mounted on the cup, and the assembly is ready to use upon opening the package.

[0130] Cylinder 3 and / or cup 4 can be made of any suitable material, such as coated or waxed paper or plastic.

[0131] Furthermore, although in the example the channel 31 is provided on the longitudinal surface or side of the brewing chamber 2, it is obvious that, for example, the chamber wall 3 may be provided with a channel at the bottom 37, which can be opened / closed by a rotating disc, for example a rotating disc with a slot, which coincides with the channel in the open state and does not overlap with the channel in the closed state.

[0132] Similarly, although in this example the chamber wall 3 can rotate relative to the outer wall 40 about the axis of the brewing chamber 2, other ways of moving the chamber wall and the outer wall relative to each other are also possible. Alternatively, for example, the outer wall 40 can be translationally movable, for example, in the longitudinal direction or the transmission direction of the chamber wall 3, and the chamber wall 3 can be, for example, non-conical. Furthermore, for example, the channel can be closed by moving the outer wall downwards relative to the chamber wall (i.e., from the top of the cylinder to the bottom in the longitudinal direction) (or vice versa) to cover the channel.

[0133] Furthermore, in the example shown, opening 32 has a small size, small enough to retain the solid, insoluble portion of the flavoring substance (i.e., tea leaves in the example) within the chamber. However, the channel may have one or more openings with a larger diameter than those portions, and may be covered, for example, with a filter to retain said portion within the brewing chamber.

[0134] Furthermore, the container can be partitioned to provide a wider variety of extracts, as well as the use of sugars, syrups, etc. For example, instead of a single brewing chamber, the container can include various chambers filled with flavoring substances, such as solids, insoluble portions (from which flavoring substances can be extracted), or extracts (i.e., concentrated flavored liquids or soluble solids). Each chamber has a corresponding channel in its wall. The controlled release of different flavoring substances into the cup can then be achieved by opening and closing the channels in a consumer-controlled sequence and duration. For example, one or more chambers with aromatic flavorings can be opened first to provide a base flavoring (such as tea, fruit, or other flavorings) to the liquid and closed after a consumer-determined period of time. Subsequently, a chamber with a sweetening flavoring (such as sugar or another soluble sweetener) can be opened, which, likewise, closes after a consumer-determined period of time. Additionally, chambers containing, for example, dairy products, such as milk powder or sterilized milk, can be provided.

[0135] Alternatively, the cartridge may be provided with a sealed, isolated reservoir filled (pre-filled) with the extract, the reservoir being sealed with a sealing strip. The reservoir can be opened to release the extract by removing (e.g., tearing) the sealing strip, which allows the extract to mix with the liquid. Thus, the sealing strip ensures that the cartridge containing the extract will not leak until it is used in the cap.

[0136] It is also conceivable that during production, advertisements or other graphics can be printed on the sides of the tube and cap. For example, graphics can be printed on the top of the cap-shaped portion 7 or in other locations visible to the outside world during the brewing process (e.g., by applying suitable ink or paint patterns, engraving, or other methods).

[0137] However, other modifications, variations, and substitutions are also possible. Therefore, the specification and drawings are considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0138] In the claims, any reference numerals between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps besides those listed in the claims. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "a" or "an" are defined as one or more.

[0139] Furthermore, the terms “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” and so on (if any) in the specification and claims are used for descriptive purposes and are not necessarily used to describe permanent relative positions. It should be understood that the terms thus used are interchangeable where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can, for example, operate in orientations other than those shown or otherwise described herein.

[0140] Similarly, in describing the motion of an object (e.g., relative to another object), it is obvious that this is relative motion, and therefore depends on the chosen frame of reference. The object may move relative to the observer while the other object is stationary, the other object may move while the object is stationary relative to the observer, or both objects may move relative to the observer, but in different ways.

[0141] Furthermore, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in the claims should not be construed as implying that another claim element introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such an introduced claim element to an invention containing only one of that element, even when the same claim contains the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an". The same applies to the use of definite articles. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish the elements described by such terms. Therefore, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate the time or other priority of such elements. The fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used.

[0142] Figure Labels

[0143] Fe external flow direction

[0144] Fi brewing chamber flow direction

[0145] L longitudinal axis

[0146] 1 tube

[0147] 2 brewing rooms

[0148] 3-chamber wall

[0149] 4 retainers

[0150] 5 utensils

[0151] 6 Cover parts

[0152] 7. Top cover-shaped part

[0153] 8 Flow Drive System

[0154] 9 solid substances

[0155] 10 liquids

[0156] 11External liquid

[0157] 12 brewing chambers liquid

[0158] 20 Brewing Room Entrance

[0159] 21 hot blocks

[0160] 22 openings

[0161] 23 Heat exchange surfaces

[0162] 30 inner surface

[0163] 31 channels

[0164] 32 opening

[0165] 33 outer surface

[0166] 34 perforation areas

[0167] 35 Excess Liquid Outlet

[0168] 36 gap space

[0169] 37 Bottom section

[0170] 40 outer wall

[0171] 41 holes

[0172] 42 inner side

[0173] 43 outer surface

[0174] 44 Surfaces facing the chamber wall

[0175] 45 Bottom section

[0176] 46 overflow holes

[0177] 60 cup handle

[0178] 61 Surrounding Edge

[0179] 62 partition wall

[0180] 63 Opening upwards

[0181] 64 sidewalls

[0182] 65 Open Space

[0183] 66 stop

[0184] 70. Referencing the funnel-shaped handle

[0185] 71 External annular flange

[0186] 72 axial channels

[0187] 73 Hollow Space

[0188] 74 skirts

[0189] 75 indicator

[0190] 76 ribs

[0191] 370 radial lip margin

[0192] 450 circumferential wall

[0193] 451 boot path

[0194] 452 incision

[0195] 453 opening

Claims

1. A container for preparing flavored beverages, the container comprising: The brewing chamber is used to hold the seasoning ingredients and to brew liquid with the seasoning substances from the seasoning ingredients; The walls of the chamber define the brewing area; A channel, located in the chamber wall between the brewing chamber and the outside of the brewing chamber, is used to exchange liquid between the brewing chamber and the outside of the brewing chamber. The cylinder includes a flow drive system arranged to drive a liquid flow between the brewing chamber and the outside of the brewing chamber through the channel during brewing, wherein the liquid flow has a flow direction projecting from the chamber wall in at least a portion of the brewing chamber; wherein the flow drive system includes a thermal convection system, and the liquid flow is thermally driven, the thermal convection system comprising: A heating block, located in the brewing chamber, is used for differential heating or cooling of the liquid in the brewing chamber, wherein the heating block comprises: A heat storage device includes a cavity defined by a heat exchange surface, the cavity being filled with or capable of being filled with air, the cavity protruding into a brewing chamber and being sealed and isolated from the brewing chamber by the heat exchange surface, the cavity having an opening to the outside for trapping air, and The heat exchange surface, exposed in the brewing chamber, is used to transfer heat energy from the liquid in the brewing chamber to the heat storage unit or from the heat storage unit to the liquid in the brewing chamber. The hot block has a conical shape that extends upwards from the bottom of the brewing chamber.

2. The cylinder according to claim 1, wherein, Differential heating or cooling by the thermal convection system induces free convection flow in the brewing chamber.

3. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The heat storage tank is the heat source, and the heat energy is transferred from the heat source to the brewing chamber.

4. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A thermal storage tank is a radiator, and heat energy is transferred from the liquid to the thermal storage tank.

5. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The heat exchange surface protrudes from the chamber wall into the brewing chamber.

6. The cylinder according to claim 5, wherein, The cavity protrudes upwards from the bottom of the brewing chamber from the outer surface of the chamber wall into the brewing chamber.

7. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The brewing chamber has the shape of a hollow cylinder, defined by a chamber wall forming an outer cylinder and a hot block forming an inner cylinder.

8. The cylinder according to claim 1, wherein, The hot block has a truncated conical shape or a conical shape.

9. The cylinder according to claim 7, wherein, The chamber wall has a conical shape that forms a cone shape towards the bottom of the brewing chamber.

10. The cylinder according to claim 7, wherein, A hollow cylinder has a constant radial width in the circumferential direction.

11. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The liquid flows from the outside into the brewing chamber and back out.

12. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The liquid flows into the brewing chamber at a position above the location where the liquid flows out of the brewing chamber, following the direction of liquid flow.

13. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The liquid flows into the brewing chamber at a position below where the liquid flows out of the brewing chamber, following the direction of liquid flow.

14. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Liquid flow includes the following in the flow direction: The input stream from the outside through the channel. The circulating flow in the brewing chamber passes through the flavoring material holding space within the brewing chamber, and The output flow from the seasoning material containing space through the channel to the outside.

15. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The channel includes a region in the chamber wall having at least an upper opening and a lower opening, wherein liquid flows into the brewing chamber through the upper opening and liquid flows out of the brewing chamber through the lower opening.

16. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flavoring material comprises or consists of solid particles, and the chamber walls are made of a sealing material, and the channels include perforated areas in the chamber walls, wherein the perforations are small enough to retain the solid particles in the brewing chamber.

17. The cylinder according to claim 16, wherein, The perforated region retains solid particles with a size greater than a retention threshold, and the solid particles consist of a first portion with a size greater than the retention threshold and a second portion with a size less than the retention threshold, the first portion accounting for at least 60% of the total number of solid particles, and the second portion balancing the total to 100%.

18. The cylinder according to claim 17, wherein, The second part consists of the broken solid particles from the first part.

19. The cylinder according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The solid particles are tea leaves, and the first part includes or consists of white down and / or broken tea leaves, and the second part includes or consists of tea dust.

20. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flavoring material includes or is composed of solid particles used to release flavoring substances into a liquid.

21. The cylinder according to claim 16, wherein, Solid granules include one or more of the following materials or are composed of one or more of the following materials: solid granules for flavoring hot water, solid granules for flavoring cold water, bulk tea leaves, vanilla, and sliced ​​citrus fruits.

22. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Seasoning ingredients include one or more liquid seasonings or are composed of one or more liquid seasonings.

23. The cylinder according to claim 22, wherein, The liquid flavoring is a liquid extract or liquid concentrate.

24. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The liquid is selected from the group consisting of hot water, cold water, milk, lemon juice, or mixtures thereof.

25. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, used for in-situ preparation of flavored beverages in a cup.

26. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The walls of the chamber must be impermeable to liquid.

27. The cylinder according to claim 26, wherein, The channel has: In the open state, the brewing chamber is connected to the external liquid to transfer flavoring substances from the liquid in the brewing chamber to the external liquid during tea brewing. In the closed state, the liquid inside the brewing chamber is sealed off from the liquid outside to prevent the concentration of flavoring substances in the external liquid from increasing.

28. The cylinder according to claim 27, comprising: A manual control element, which can be manually controlled by a person, is used to switch the channel from an open state to a closed state.

29. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cylinder has the following characteristics: The chamber wall has an impermeable inner surface facing the brewing chamber and an outer surface facing away from the brewing chamber and toward the outside, the inner surface defining the inner side of the brewing chamber; The channel includes an opening in the chamber wall between the inner surface and the outer surface; and The cylinder further includes an outer wall covering at least a portion of the outer surface, and the outer wall is movable relative to the chamber wall to cover and close the opening in the chamber wall; and wherein, when the outer wall is moved, the outer surface is pressed against the outer wall to seal the opening. Furthermore, the bottom portion of the chamber wall is rotatably interlocked with the outer wall, and the bottom portion is pulled downward when the opening is closed.

30. The cylinder according to claim 29, wherein, The inner surface surrounds the brewing chamber, and the outer wall is impermeable to external liquids, thus sealing and isolating the portion of the outer surface of the chamber wall covered by the outer wall from external liquids.

31. The cylinder according to claim 30, wherein: The channel includes a hole in the outer wall that exposes a portion of the outer surface of the chamber wall, and wherein the outer wall is movable relative to the chamber wall to position the hole to overlap with an opening in the chamber wall and thereby put the channel into an open state.

32. The cylinder according to claim 31, wherein: The chamber wall is shaped as a container for seasoning materials, and the outer wall is shaped as a receiving portion of the container, which is movable relative to the receiving portion to allow the channel to enter an open or closed state.

33. The cylinder according to claim 31 or 32, wherein: The chamber wall is shaped into a first tube, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer wall shaped into a second tube. At least one of the first tube and the second tube is closed and isolated at its cup-side end, and the second tube is open at its top-side end for insertion into the first tube.

34. The cylinder according to claim 33, wherein: When the first tube is inserted into the second tube, the outer surface of the first tube is adjacent to the inner surface of the second tube.

35. The cylinder according to claim 31 or 32, wherein: Both the outer wall and the chamber wall are cup-shaped, and the chamber wall is tightly fitted into the outer wall.

36. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: The top cap-shaped portion covers the cup and is equipped with a drinking funnel, so that when the cylinder is placed and covers the cup, the liquid in the cup outside the brewing chamber can be drunk, and therein... The chamber walls extend from the top cover section and surround the brewing chamber.

37. The cylinder according to claim 36, comprising: Two interlocking components that can move relative to each other, and in which The chamber wall is part of a corresponding one of the interlocking components.

38. The cylinder according to claim 37, wherein: The top cap-shaped portion is part of the corresponding component and has an external annular flange to interlock with the top edge of the cup.

39. The cylinder according to claim 36, wherein: The top cover portion has an annular shape that attaches to the outer wall, and the annular shape has an axial opening through which the chamber wall is inserted.

40. The cylinder according to claim 39, wherein the cylinder comprises: A cover for covering the top side of the chamber wall, the cover being interlocked with the chamber wall.

41. The tube according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tube is made of disposable material.

42. The cylinder according to claim 41, wherein, The tube is disposable.

43. The cylinder according to claim 41, wherein, The disposable material is paper or plastic.

44. The cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cylinder is not disposable.

45. The cylinder according to claim 16, wherein, Solid particles include one or more of the following materials: insoluble solid particles, soluble solid particles.

46. ​​An assembly comprising a tube according to any one of claims 1 to 45, and a disposable or non-disposable cup.

47. A cup having a top edge, wherein the cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 45 is disposed on the top edge.

48. The cup according to claim 47, wherein the cup is filled with liquid.

49. A method for preparing a flavored beverage, comprising: Using a cylinder according to any one of claims 1-45, the cylinder having flavoring material in a brewing chamber and being placed in a cup at least partially filled with liquid suitable for preparing a flavored beverage with the flavoring material, the space of the cup outside the brewing chamber forming the exterior, the use comprising: Flavoring substances from the flavoring ingredients in the brewing chamber are used to flavor the liquid in the brewing chamber; The flow drive system drives a liquid flow between the brewing chamber and the outside of the brewing chamber through the channel during the seasoning process, the liquid flow having a flow direction protruding from the chamber wall in at least a portion of the brewing chamber.

50. The method of claim 49, further comprising manually closing the channel of the cylinder at a desired time point to prevent an increase in the concentration of the flavoring substance extracted from the flavoring material at the external location.

51. The method of claim 50, comprising: A person applies manual force to the manual control component, and the manual force is transmitted to the cylinder to close and isolate the channel.

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