Container and system for making a beverage

Abstract

A system for a container, the container comprising: a container cavity for storing a beverage or drinking liquid; a nozzle portion for communicating with the container cavity to release the beverage or drinking liquid from the container cavity; a valve assembly comprising a valve member movable between a first position and a second position, where the valve member in the first position allows a flow rate of beverage or drinking liquid flowing out of the container chamber to be higher than the valve member in the second position allows a flow rate of beverage or drinking liquid flowing out of the container chamber; and a control member operable by a user to control the position of the valve member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container, in particular but not limited to a filter container. The present invention also relates to a system for making a beverage, in particular but not limited to a system for making a filter hot beverage such as coffee or tea. Background Art

[0002] Coffee and tea are common beverages. There are several well-known devices and techniques for making coffee or tea using a variety of devices. One technique for making these beverages involves brewing, particularly hand-drip coffee brewing (also known as hand pour-over coffee), which is a technique for brewing coffee manually.

[0003] Typically, a pour-over coffee device includes a coffee filter, a permanent filter or paper filters, a carafe or mug, a kettle, and optionally a coffee grinder for grinding coffee beans (if coffee beans are used instead of pre-ground coffee beans). Water and other ground ingredients (e.g., ground coffee, etc.) are mixed in the coffee filter and allowed to soak (i.e., brew) in the coffee filter.

[0004] Before brewing coffee, the coffee machine pours some hot water into the filter paper without adding ground ingredients to the filter paper to ensure the proper drip rate. The water collected in the carafe or cup is then poured away.

[0005] During the brewing process, you can pour water in several rounds in a slow circular motion and control the amount of water. When pouring water for the first time, you only need to pour a small amount of water, just enough to soak all the coffee grounds and form bubbles. When pouring water for the second time, start pouring water from the center of the coffee grounds and move to the outer edge of the coffee grounds. When pouring water for the third time, pour water from the outside to the inside again.

[0006] Water flow is crucial to making a delicious cup of pour-over coffee. A common problem with existing pour-over coffee machines is that the amount of hot water poured from the spout varies depending on the diameter of the spout and the tilt of the kettle held by the coffee maker. This kettle design is prone to water spray when the hot water energy in the kettle is released from the spout. In turn, the coffee cannot be brewed at the optimal water flow rate, which may ruin the taste of the pour-over coffee.

[0007] Another challenge when using a kettle (such as a pour-over kettle, etc.) is how to brew the beverage correctly. Users often find it difficult to determine the appropriate brewing time and flow rate for different types of coffee beans. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention is directed to a beverage making device which, in some embodiments, may overcome or significantly ameliorate at least some of the above-mentioned problems, or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0009] The invention also relates to a method and a system for making beverages by using the beverage making device.

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a container, comprising:

[0011] a container cavity for storing beverages or potable liquids;

[0012] a nozzle portion arranged to communicate with the container cavity to release the beverage or potable liquid from the container cavity;

[0013] Valve components, including

[0014] The valve member is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the valve member in the first position allows a higher flow rate of beverage or potable liquid from the container chamber than the valve member in the second position allows a higher flow rate of beverage or potable liquid from the container chamber; and

[0015] A control member operable by a user to control the position of the valve member.

[0016] In an embodiment of the first aspect, when the valve member is in the first position, the beverage or potable liquid is discharged at a maximum flow rate.

[0017] In an embodiment of the first aspect, when the valve member is in the second position, discharge of beverage or drinkable liquid is blocked by the valve member.

[0018] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the valve member is movable between a plurality of positions and is adjustable by a user, such that the container is operable to dispense beverage or potable liquid at various flow rates.

[0019] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the valve member comprises a plug member arranged to be movable at an inlet of a nozzle portion communicating with the container chamber in a direction substantially parallel to a flow direction of the beverage or drinking liquid.

[0020] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the plug member comprises a tapered portion.

[0021] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the control member is disposed outside the container chamber and is accessible by a user on an outer wall of the container.

[0022] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the control member comprises a push-pull button arranged such that when the button is in a depressed position, the valve member is movable towards the inlet of the nozzle portion.

[0023] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the container further comprises a handle, and the control member is located proximate to the handle such that the user can reach the handle and the control member with the same hand.

[0024] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the valve assembly further comprises a connecting rod having one end connected to the valve member and the other end connected to the control member.

[0025] In an embodiment of the first aspect, at least a portion of the connecting rod extends in a first direction substantially parallel to the nozzle direction, and further extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0026] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the container chamber further comprises a tubular member having an opening through which at least a portion of the control member located outside the container chamber can be inserted into the container chamber.

[0027] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the valve assembly further comprises a base member on which the valve member is mounted.

[0028] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the base member is slidable along the bottom of the container.

[0029] A second aspect of the invention relates to a system for preparing a beverage or a drinkable liquid, the system comprising:

[0030] Container, including:

[0031] a container chamber for storing beverages or potable liquids;

[0032] a nozzle portion arranged to communicate with the container chamber to release a beverage or potable liquid from the container chamber;

[0033] Valve components, including

[0034] The valve member is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the valve member in the first position allows a higher flow rate of beverage or potable liquid from the container chamber than the valve member in the second position allows a higher flow rate of beverage or potable liquid from the container chamber; and

[0035] a control member operable by a user to control a position of the valve member;

[0036] one or more sensors associated with the container, the sensors configured to determine information related to a flow rate of the beverage or potable liquid;

[0037] a wireless communication transceiver configured to transmit signals from the one or more sensors;

[0038] A mobile communication device including a processor, a memory, a graphical user interface, and a wireless communication interface;

[0039] The mobile communication device is configured to wirelessly receive sensor readings from one or more sensors via the wireless communication interface.

[0040] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the system further comprises a motion sensor configured to determine one or more information related to a position of the valve member relative to the nozzle portion.

[0041] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the system further comprises an indication unit configured to notify a user when the position of the valve member deviates from a reference valve position.

[0042] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the processor is configured to determine an optimal flow rate of the beverage or drinkable liquid released from the spout portion associated with making the selected beverage.

[0043] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the mobile communication device further comprises an image capture module configured to determine the identity of the selected beverage.

[0044] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the system further comprises an indication unit configured to notify a user when an amount of beverage or drinking liquid released from the nozzle portion within a predetermined time exceeds a predetermined volume threshold.

[0045] It should be understood that alternative embodiments or configurations may include any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features shown, described or mentioned in this specification.

[0046] As used herein, the term "and / or" means "and" or "or", or both as the context permits.

[0047] As used herein, "(s)" after a noun refers to the plural and / or singular form of the noun.

[0048] In this specification, the term "kettle" or "hand-pour kettle" refers to a beverage making device, including a container and a nozzle part, through which liquid can be released from the container to mix particles (i.e., coffee grounds or sediment) in a coffee drip filter to prepare a drinkable beverage.

[0049] In this specification, the term "particles" refers to solid materials required for making beverages, such as tea leaves, ground coffee beans, lemon slices, fruit slices or other solids that are soaked in liquid.

[0050] In this specification, the term "beverage" includes both liquids used to make beverages (such as water, milk, juice, coffee, sports drinks, soda water, mineral water, tea pre-infused beverages, semi-infused beverages) and final beverage products consumed by users (such as coffee, tea, juice, concentrated water, alcoholic beverages, etc.). The term "beverage" is also defined to include water, including tap water, mineral water, filtered water, tap water or bottled water.

[0051] In this specification, the term "drinkable liquid" includes any consumable beverage or drinking water with a quality suitable for consumption, drinking, brewing or cooking, such as tap water, reverse osmosis water, deionized water, alkaline water, mineral water or soda water, spring water, well water, brine or salt water. In addition, it is worth noting that at least some embodiments can be described as methods (i.e., processes), and the methods can be depicted as flow charts, flow charts, structure diagrams or block diagrams. Although the flow chart can describe the operation as a sequential method, many operations can be performed in parallel or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the operations can be rearranged. When the operation of the method (i.e., process) is completed, the method (i.e., process) terminates.

[0052] In this specification, the word "comprise" and its variants, such as "comprises", have the usual meaning according to international patent practice. That is, in addition to the specifically listed elements, materials or method steps, the word does not exclude other or unlisted elements, materials or method steps. Therefore, the described devices, materials or methods may have other elements, materials or steps in various embodiments. As used herein, the term "comprises" (and its grammatical variants) is used in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", rather than in the sense of "consisting only of..." BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Although any other forms may fall within the scope of the present invention, example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0054] Figure 1A An exploded view of a blister container with a separate valve assembly and container is shown.

[0055] Figure 1B Another exploded view of a blister container with a separate valve assembly and container is shown.

[0056] Figure 1C A side view of an assembled blister container is shown.

[0057] Figure 1D A rear view of the assembled blister vessel is shown.

[0058] Figure 1E A top view of an assembled blister container is shown.

[0059] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the blister container is shown when the valve assembly is in a sealed position.

[0060] Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of the blister container is shown when the valve assembly is in a partially sealed position.

[0061] Figure 2CA cross-sectional view of the blister container is shown when the valve assembly is in an unsealed position.

[0062] Figure 3 A system for making a beverage is shown, comprising a blister container and a mobile communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] There are several well-known devices and techniques for making coffee or tea using a variety of devices. One technique for making these beverages involves brewing, specifically hand drip coffee brewing (also known as pour over coffee), which is a technique for brewing coffee manually. A common problem is that different amounts of hot water are poured from the spout depending on the diameter of the spout and the tilt of the kettle held by the coffee maker. This kettle design is prone to water spray when the energy of the hot water in the pot is released from the spout. The coffee is not brewed with the optimal water flow rate, which may ruin the taste of the hand drip coffee.

[0064] The present invention relates to an improved pour-over container, which in some embodiments can overcome one or more of the problems described above or provide a useful alternative for users. The present invention relates to a container, which includes: a container cavity for storing a beverage; a nozzle portion for communicating with the container cavity to release the beverage from the container cavity; and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve member that can be moved between a first position and a second position. The beverage flow rate allowed by the valve member in the first position is higher than the beverage flow rate allowed by the valve member in the second position. The valve assembly also includes a control member that can be operated by a user to control the position of the valve member. The presence of a user-controlled valve assembly helps to regulate the flow rate of the beverage discharged from the container and allows the beverage to be poured out in a slow, better controlled amount.

[0065] Figures 1A to 1E An example of a beverage making container 100 is shown. The beverage making container 100 is a pouring container. In one example, the beverage making container 100 is an improved pouring container, which may also be referred to as a hand pouring pot, a dripping pot, a gooseneck pot or other such terms. The beverage making container 100 can be used to make hot or cold drinks, including but not limited to coffee or tea or lemonade, mixed drinks, fruit teas or other beverages brewed by dripping in a liquid in a separate container. Please note that the term "beverage" includes both liquids used to make beverages (such as water (including tap water, mineral water, tap water, bottled water, filtered water), milk, juice, coffee, tea pre-brewed beverages, partially brewed beverages), and the final beverage product that the user drinks. For simplicity and greater clarity, the beverage used to make the final beverage product will be described as a liquid or a drinkable liquid.

[0066] See also Figures 1A to 1E, the beverage making container 100 includes a container 200 for storing a drinkable liquid and a valve assembly 300 for limiting the amount of liquid discharged from the container 200. During the entire operation, the valve assembly 300 is inserted and positioned in the container cavity of the container 200. At least a portion of the valve assembly 300 protrudes from the container 200 so that a user can operate the valve assembly 300 to activate and deactivate the valve assembly 300, respectively.

[0067] The valve assembly 300 can be controlled externally by the user without directly contacting the valve assembly 300 through the container cavity of the container 200, which is usually at a high temperature because the container cavity contains hot potable liquid. The valve assembly 300 can be composed of multiple parts, some of which are detachable so that it can be removed from the container 200 for flushing.

[0068] like Figures 1A to 1E As shown, the container 200 includes a base 202 and a wall 204 extending upward from the base 202. The wall 204 defines a container cavity in the container 200, and the container cavity is divided into an upper section and a lower section. Liquid can be contained in the container cavity of the container 200. The container 200 includes an opening 206 at a top 208, wherein the top 208 is opposite to the base 202. The liquid can be poured into the container cavity defined by the wall 204 through the opening 206.

[0069] The container 200 is generally cylindrical. The cross section of the wall 204 is circular. In this exemplary embodiment, the container 200 is generally pyramidal, in particular frustoconical. In this arrangement, the wall 204 is a tapered side wall extending from a circular bottom 202 to a circular top 208. Preferably, the diameter of the circular bottom 202 is greater than the diameter of the circular top 208, so that the center of gravity of the frustoconical container 200 is located at a position less than half the height of the beverage making container 100.

[0070] In alternative forms, the container 200 may include a polygonal shape. For example, the container 200 may be a hexagonal prism or a pentagonal prism or a rectangular prism or any other suitable shape. In these alternative forms, the cross section of the wall 204 may include a polygonal shape.

[0071] The container 200 may include a continuous single wall 204. Alternatively, the container 200 may include multiple walls defining a cylindrical wall.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the wall 204 is made of stainless steel. The wall 204 may be made of any other suitable material, such as aluminum, copper, glass or plastic material. An elongated tubular member 210 is provided at the rear end of the wall 204, the tubular member having an opening 212 to allow at least some components of the valve assembly 300 to be inserted into the container 200 through the wall 204.

[0073] In this example beverage making container 100, the liquid is first boiled by another kettle and then transferred to the container cavity of the container 200. In some other alternative forms, the kettle can have an embedded heating function. For example, the beverage making container 100 is an electric kettle or an induction cooker kettle. Once the liquid is heated in the beverage making container 100, the liquid can be poured without first transferring the heated liquid to another container.

[0074] Typically, it takes about three to four minutes to brew a cup of coffee manually. During the brewing process, the temperature of the liquid in the container 200 will drop from time to time. The keep warm function allows the user to brew several cups of coffee while still keeping the water temperature within the threshold. It also helps maintain water temperature in a colder environment.

[0075] In an alternative form, the container 200 may include insulation to keep the liquid within a feasible temperature range. For example, the wall 204 may be made of an insulating structure, such as double-layer glass, which provides an air gap between the two layers to keep the liquid in the container 200 warm.

[0076] Preferably, the container 200 includes a handle 230. Figures 1A to 1E As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the container 200, the container 200 includes a handle 230. The handle 230 is an arc-shaped handle. The handle 230 can be formed of the same material as the container wall 204. Alternatively, the handle 230 can be formed of a different material, such as wood, plastic material, or any other suitable material. Preferably, the handle 230 is made of an insulating material to reduce heat conduction from the container 200. This allows the user to hold the handle 230 even if there is hot liquid in the container 200 without injuring the user.

[0077] The container 200 also includes an open spout 232 that helps a user pour liquid from the container 200. In the exemplary embodiment, the spout 232 is an elongated curved gooseneck spout 232 that extends from an inlet portion 234 in a direction away from the container 200 to an outlet portion 236 and forms a through hole along the spout 232. The inlet portion 234 is in fluid communication with the lower section of the container 200. The outlet portion 236 is in fluid communication with the atmosphere. The amount of liquid passing through the spout 232 depends on the annular space of the through hole in the spout 232.

[0078] Optionally, the container 200 may further include a lid (not shown). The lid is detachably connected to the container 200. The lid is configured to form a closure on the container 200 and prevent the liquid in the container 200 from spilling, and also prevent dust or other contaminants from falling into the container 200. The lid is detachably connected to the top of the container 200.

[0079] When brewing coffee, it is very important to control the amount of hot water poured into the coffee filter and the time it takes to extract the ingredients from the coffee powder. If the extraction time is too short, the brewed coffee will be very thin and the coffee taste will be very weak. On the other hand, if the extraction time is too long, the brewed coffee will be too bitter and sour, which is unlikely to be accepted by ordinary coffee lovers.

[0080] In the illustrated example, the elongated nozzle 232 and the beverage making container 100 having a wider bottom 202 than the top 208 allow the user to adjust the water output from the hand brewer in order to brew a cup of coffee with good flavor. During the brewing process, the coffee maker holds the handle 230 and adjusts the angle of the wrist to discharge water from the container 200 and pour water into the coffee dripper. To ensure a consistent water flow, the coffee maker must maintain a constant wrist angle throughout the brewing process.

[0081] In order to enhance the ability to pour liquid from the container 200, and in particular to make the pouring process more controllable, a valve assembly 300 is provided so that the liquid can be poured out at a more stable rate even if the handle of the coffee machine is slightly shaken. In this way, the user can easily pour the desired water flow and prevent uneven soaking of the coffee beans, thereby producing coffee with a more consistent flavor.

[0082] refer to Figures 1A to 2C , shows an exemplary valve assembly 300. The valve assembly 300 includes a valve member 310 and a control member 320, which can be operated by a user to control the position of the valve member 320. By adjusting the control member 320, the valve member 310 can be moved between multiple positions, thereby adjusting the annular space and flow rate of the through hole.

[0083] The valve member 310 may be integral with the control 320 or removably coupled to the control 320. In an alternative form, the valve member 310 may be removable for ease of cleaning and replacement of parts.

[0084] The valve member 310 includes a base 311, which includes a horizontal base 312. The horizontal base 312 is located on the container base 202 and can slide along the container base 202. The base 311 further extends vertically in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal base 312 to form an L-shaped bracket, which has a plane 313, and a protrusion 314 is provided on the plane 313. The plug component 315 is detachably mounted on the protrusion 314.

[0085] The plug member 315 includes a tapered portion to match the inner surface area of ​​the nozzle inlet portion 234, i.e., the through hole. Figure 2A In the sealing position shown, the plug member 315 completely covers the through hole, and the fluid in the container 200 cannot be poured out from the spout 232 through the through hole. Figure 2BIn the semi-release position shown, the plug member 315 partially covers the through hole, and the fluid in the container 200 can be poured out from the nozzle 232 through the through hole at a stable flow rate. Figure 2C In the release position shown, the plug member 315 does not block the through hole, and the fluid in the container 200 can be poured out from the spout 232 through the through hole at a maximum and stable flow rate.

[0086] The illustrated example of the base member 311 also includes a hole 317 located at the rear end of the base member 311 so that the control member 320 can be attached to the rear end of the base member 311 .

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the control member 320 includes a push-pull button 322 located at the rear end of the container 200, preferably near the handle 230. In the illustrated example, the push-pull button 322 is located above the handle 230. The push-pull button 322 extends through the opening 212 of the tubular member 210 to couple with the valve member 310 in the container cavity of the container 200.

[0088] The push-pull button 322 can be engaged with the container 200 by push-fit, press-fit or friction fit. Optionally, the contact surface between the opening 212 and the push-pull button 322 may include a soft sealing structure, such as an O-ring, which helps to seal the gap between the elongated tubular member 210 and the push-pull button 322.

[0089] The push-pull button 322 and the valve member 310 are preferably connected by an additional link member 324. The illustrated example of the link member 324 has a first arm 326 coupled to the push-pull button 322. The link member 324 also has a second arm 328 coupled to the hole 317 on the horizontal base 312. In the illustrated example, the link member 324 is generally inverted L-shaped. The first arm 236 extends from the push-pull button 322 and spans the upper section of the container 200, and the second arm 328 further extends from the upper section to the lower section in a direction perpendicular to the first arm 236 and spans the depth of the container 200.

[0090] In an alternative form not shown in the figure, the push-pull button 322 is disposed at the rear side of the container 200 and below the handle 230. The link member 324 may be an elongated member extending horizontally from the push-pull button 322 toward the base member 311 and spanning the lower portion of the container 200.

[0091] In an alternative embodiment, the control member 320, the push-pull button 322, or the entire linkage member connected to the base member 311 can be arranged to include a spring or elastic member so that the push-pull button can be elastic and return to the initial position after the push-pull button 322 is released by the user. This may be more tactile for the user because the user can control the water flow from the container by pressing with a finger in only one preferred direction.

[0092] In an alternative embodiment, the control member 320 may be a knob instead of the push-pull button 322. The knob may convert the rotational motion into the linear motion of the control member 320, thereby moving the valve member 310 between the sealing position and the release position.

[0093] In an alternative embodiment, the control member 320 may also be incorporated as a trigger button inside the handle 230. In this way, the coffee maker can hold the handle 230 and adjust the position of the valve member 310 with one hand.

[0094] In one embodiment, the push-pull button 322 or the dial knob may be provided with a scale to graphically represent the corresponding flow rate of the nozzle 232. As an illustration, a plurality of marks may be provided on the push-pull button 322. A zero flow rate mark may be provided on one side of the push-pull button 322, and a maximum flow rate mark may be provided on the other side of the push-pull button 322. For example, the zero flow rate mark may be further away from the tubular member 210 than the maximum flow rate mark.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the valve assembly 300 may also incorporate a motion sensor to monitor the position of the plug member 315 and output such related information to an external device.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the container 200 may further include a timer for recording time and a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the liquid discharged from the spout 232 within a predetermined period of time.

[0097] In the operation of making a beverage, particles (such as ground coffee beans or tea leaves, etc.) are added to the filter cone or filter bag. An additional cup is placed under the filter cone or filter bag. The flow rate of the nozzle 232 can be predefined by manually adjusting the position of the push-pull button 322. The liquid is then poured into the filter cone or filter bag at a controlled flow rate and mixed together to produce the desired coffee drops in the cup.

[0098] Different brewing methods can produce coffee with different flavors, and the choice of brewing method depends on the time required for brewing, the type of coffee beans, and other factors. Although the exemplary embodiment of the container 100 takes a hand-brewed pot as an example, the beverage making container 100 can also be embodied as a French press pot, etc. For example, some interchangeable components can be provided to allow users to change the brewing method to suit different tastes and needs.

[0099] Figure 3 A system 400 for making a beverage is shown. The system 400 comprises a beverage making device 100 as described above and a mobile communication device 410. The mobile communication device 410 is such as Figure 3Alternatively, the mobile communication device 410 may be a tablet computer or a smart watch or a wearable device. The mobile communication device 410 wirelessly communicates with the beverage making device 100. The mobile communication device 410 includes an image capture module 412, a memory 414, a wireless communication module 416 (e.g., a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, etc.), a processor 418, and a graphical user interface 420.

[0100] Figure 3 An example of a beverage making apparatus 100 is shown, which may also include a valve motion sensor 510, a flow meter 520, a temperature sensor 530, and a load cell 540. The valve motion sensor 510 and the flow meter 520 may be mounted on the spout 232 of the container 200. The temperature sensor 530 and the load cell 540 may be mounted on the base 202 of the container 200.

[0101] The valve motion sensor 510 is configured to measure the position of the valve member 310, and the flow meter 520 is configured to measure the flow rate of the liquid discharged from the spout 232. The temperature sensor 530 is configured to measure the temperature of the contents of the container 200, and the load cell 540 is configured to measure the contents in the container 200. The beverage making device 100 also includes a processor 550, a wireless transceiver 560 and a storage unit 570. The sensor measurement can be configured to store sensor readings. The processor 550 is configured to receive and process signals from the sensors 510, 520, 530, 540. The wireless transceiver 560 is configured to transmit the sensor signal to the mobile communication device 410.

[0102] The wireless transceiver 560 may be a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module or a cellular communication module. Figure 3 The components schematically shown in are to be understood as internal components of the mobile communication device 400 and / or the beverage making device 100. These components are implemented with appropriate electronic components on a PCB.

[0103] The mobile communication device 410 includes a software application stored in its memory 414 and executed by the processor 418. When executing the application, the mobile communication device 410 performs a method of making a beverage. A specific beverage can be selected from a plurality of pre-stored coffee bean types.

[0104] The mobile communication device 410 may store a variety of beverage recipes associated with different types of coffee beans. The application automatically calculates the optimal water flow rate and required time for the selected coffee bean type. For example, for a particular type of coffee beans, the optimal water flow rate and required time may be presented to the user on a graphical user interface (GUI) 420. Various coffee bean types may be stored in the memory 414.

[0105] For example, the user may be asked to enter the cup size, may enter the number of servings, type of coffee beans, grind coarseness, and desired flavor. The user may enter these via graphical indicia or buttons or via a GUI.

[0106] Alternatively, the image capturing module 412 of the device 410 may capture coffee powder or coffee packaging to scan information of the coffee beans or powder.

[0107] Once these parameters are received, the device 410 automatically calculates the required water flow, required time and ideal temperature. The device 410 may also suggest corresponding settings for the valve assembly 300.

[0108] This information is displayed on the GUI 420. Favorite recipes can be stored in the memory 414 by pressing a virtual "Save Recipe" button. Custom recipes can also be created.

[0109] The position of the valve member 310 is determined by the valve motion sensor 510. A graphical indicator is displayed on the GUI 420 to show the user the ideal position of the plug member 315. The flow rate of the liquid from the nozzle 232 is also measured by the flow meter 520. Optionally, if the position and flow rate of the valve member 310 deviate from the recommended configuration (i.e., the reference valve position), an alarm (e.g., an audible and / or visual alarm) can be issued and displayed on the GUI 420.

[0110] The amount of liquid (e.g., water) added to and drained from the container 200 is measured by a load cell 540. A scale indicator is filled to visually display the amount of liquid added and drained. If the measured volume of drained liquid is greater than the volume of liquid required for coffee brewing, an alarm may be issued and displayed on the GUI 420. A temperature sensor 540 measures the temperature of the contents of the container 200 and displays it on the GUI 420. The real-time temperature is displayed in a temperature indicator. The temperature may be updated in real time or substantially real time based on information received by the mobile communication device 400 from the beverage making device 100.

[0111] A timer may also be displayed on the GUI 420. The timer may count to a desired time. The desired time may be preset based on a stored recipe. When the time exceeds the desired time, an alarm may sound. A temperature indicator may also be displayed with the timer. The timer is related to the amount of time required for the particles (i.e., solids) to soak in the liquid to make the selected beverage.

[0112] Once the desired time has been reached, a message will be displayed on the GUI 420. The message will indicate that the pour needs to be terminated.

[0113] The method of making a beverage and the system for making a beverage are advantageous because the software application provides a step-by-step method of making a beverage. The optimal flow rate and time required are calculated and presented, eliminating guesswork. The consistency of the water flow rate is better controlled, resulting in more accurate beverage making. This provides a better taste and reduces approximations required by the user. The flow rate and temperature are also measured in real time, thus providing an improved beverage making process. The beverage making process facilitates making more delicious beverages and provides a simplified step-by-step method of making beverages. The taste of multiple coffees becomes more repeatable.

[0114] The method provides the parameters required to make a specific beverage. The method is advantageous because it takes the guesswork out of making a beverage. The method and system provide the optimal flow rate and time required to make a beverage. This again simplifies the beverage making process and allows for a more delicious beverage to be made.

[0115] The description of any of these alternative embodiments should be considered exemplary.Any alternative embodiments and features in the alternative embodiments may be used in combination with each other or with the embodiments described with respect to the figures.

[0116] The above only describes the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it is obvious that those skilled in the art can modify it without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented in many other forms.

Claims

1. A container, characterized in that: include: a container chamber arranged to store a beverage or potable liquid; a nozzle portion arranged to communicate with the container chamber to release the beverage or potable liquid from the container chamber; Valve components, including a valve member movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the valve member in the first position permits a flow rate of the beverage or potable liquid from the container chamber that is higher than the flow rate of the beverage or potable liquid from the container chamber when the valve member is in the second position; as well as A control member operable by a user to control the position of the valve member.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein When the valve member is in the first position, the beverage or potable liquid is discharged at a maximum flow rate.

3. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that in, When the valve member is in the second position, discharge of the beverage or potable liquid is prevented by the valve member.

4. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The valve member is movable between a plurality of positions and is adjustable by a user so that the container is operable to dispense the beverage or potable liquid at various flow rates.

5. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The valve member comprises a plug component arranged to be movable at an inlet of the nozzle portion communicating with the container chamber in a direction substantially parallel to a flow direction of the beverage or potable liquid.

6. The container according to claim 5, characterized in that in, The plug member includes a tapered portion.

7. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The control member is arranged outside the container chamber and is accessible by a user on an outer wall of the container.

8. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The control member comprises a push-pull button arranged such that the valve member is movable towards an inlet of the nozzle portion when the button is in a depressed position.

9. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that A handle is also included, and the control member is located proximate to the handle so that a user can access the handle and the control member with the same hand.

10. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The valve assembly also includes a connecting rod having one end connected to the valve member and the other end connected to the control member.

11. The container according to claim 10, characterized in that in, At least a portion of the connecting rod extends along a first direction substantially parallel to the nozzle direction, and further extends along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

12. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The container chamber further includes a tubular member having an opening through which at least a portion of the control member located outside the container chamber can be inserted into the container chamber.

13. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The valve assembly also includes a base member on which the valve member is mounted.

14. The container according to claim 13, characterized in that in, The base member is slidable along the bottom of the container.

15. A system for preparing a beverage or a potable liquid, characterized in that The system comprises: Container, including: a container chamber arranged to store a beverage or potable liquid; a nozzle portion arranged to communicate with the container chamber to release the beverage or potable liquid from the container chamber; Valve components, including a valve member movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the valve member in the first position permits a flow rate of the beverage or potable liquid from the container chamber that is higher than the flow rate of the beverage or potable liquid from the container chamber when the valve member is in the second position; and a control member operable by a user to control the position of the valve member; one or more sensors associated with the container, the sensors configured to determine information related to a flow rate of a beverage or potable liquid; a wireless communication transceiver configured to transmit signals from the one or more sensors; A mobile communication device comprising a processor, a memory, a graphical user interface, and a wireless communication interface; The mobile communication device is configured to wirelessly receive sensor readings from the one or more sensors via the wireless communication interface.

16. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that Also included is a motion sensor configured to determine one or more information related to a position of the valve member relative to the nozzle portion.

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that Also included is an indication unit configured to notify a user when the position of the valve member deviates from a reference valve position.

18. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that in, The processor is configured to determine an optimal flow rate of the beverage or potable liquid released from the nozzle portion associated with making a selected beverage.

19. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that in, The mobile communication device also includes an image capture module configured to determine the identity of the selected beverage.

20. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that Also included is an indication unit configured to notify a user when an amount of beverage or drinkable liquid released from the nozzle portion within a predetermined time exceeds a predetermined volume threshold.

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