Brewing basket for automated beverage brewing apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a brewing basket for an automated beverage brewing apparatus. A beverage system is provided, the beverage system comprising: a housing; and a brewing basket mounted on the housing for receiving a fluid. The brewing basket is pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The brewing basket includes a brewing chamber for receiving a flavoring agent and at least one outlet through which fluid exits the brewing basket.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application date of January 13, 2017, application number 201780006585.X, and invention name “Brewing basket for automated beverage brewing equipment”. Technical Field

[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and method for brewing a beverage, and more particularly, to a system and method for automatically brewing a beverage having a desired flavor profile. Background Art

[0003] Various systems and methods for brewing beverages, such as coffee, are known. Known systems include drip brewing systems, in which hot water is brewed through coffee grounds and into a carafe, and French press systems, in which coffee grounds and hot water are mixed in a container and a water-permeable plunger is pressed into the container from above to capture the ground coffee at the bottom of the container. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment, a beverage system is provided that includes a housing and a brewing basket mounted to the housing for receiving a fluid. The brewing basket is pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The brewing basket includes a brewing chamber for receiving a flavoring and at least one outlet through which the fluid exits the brewing basket.

[0005] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the brewing basket comprises at least an open first end and a closed second end, and the at least one outlet is formed in the closed second end.

[0006] In addition to or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, a plunger operably coupled to a biasing mechanism is disposed within the at least one outlet, the plunger being movable between a sealing position and an open position.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, other embodiments include a cap mounted to the second end via the at least one biasing mechanism, the cap being operably coupled to the plunger to move the plunger between the sealed position and the open position.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the cap is configured to associate with an adjacent cam surface to apply a force to the at least one biasing mechanism during movement of the brewing basket between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the association of the cap with the cam surface causes the brewing basket to move vertically as the body rotates from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, when the brewing basket is in the retracted position, the first end of the brewing basket is arranged to be in sealing contact with an adjacent component of the beverage brewing system.

[0011] In addition to or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, a drip stop assembly is associated with the brew basket, the drip stop assembly being rotatable to selectively restrict flow through the at least one outlet.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the at least one outlet comprises a siphon having a conduit fluidly coupled to the brew chamber and extending from the side wall of the brew basket.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, movement of the brewing basket from the retracted position to the extended position clamps the conduit to restrict flow through the conduit.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the brewing basket includes a support connected to the housing, and the brewing basket is insertable into the support.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, a collar is disposed within the hollow interior of the support, the collar being rotatable relative to the support.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the collar is coupled to the housing via a coupling.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the collar maintains a relative position during the movement of the brewing basket between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the brewing basket comprises at least one protrusion associated with the collar, allowing the brewing basket and the collar to rotate relative to the support.

[0019] According to another embodiment, a beverage system includes a housing and a brewing basket connected to the housing. The brewing basket is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When the brewing basket is in the retracted position, the brewing basket is arranged to be in sealing contact with adjacent components of the beverage system.

[0020] In addition to or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, the adjacent component of the beverage system includes a showerhead.

[0021] According to another embodiment, a beverage system includes a housing housing a brewing basket. The brewing basket is connected to the housing and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The brewing basket includes at least one outlet. When the brewing basket moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the at least one outlet is sealed.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in a further embodiment, an indicator is included that indicates when the brewing basket is in the retracted position.

[0023] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, other embodiments include an indicator that indicates when the at least one outlet of the brewing basket is sealed.

[0024] According to another embodiment, a beverage system includes a housing and a brewing basket. The brewing basket is connected to the housing and is pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position. The brewing basket includes at least one outlet. During movement between the retracted and extended positions, the orientation of the brewing basket remains substantially constant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a beverage brewing device according to one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 is a front view of a retracted brew basket assembly according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 is a side view of a body and collar of a brew basket assembly when the brew basket is in an extended position according to one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4is a top perspective view of a brew basket receivable within a body of a brew basket assembly according to one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 is a side view of a second end of a brew basket according to one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of an inner surface of a body according to one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 7 is a front view of a partially extended brew basket assembly according to one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a partially extended brew basket assembly according to one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 9 is a front perspective view of an extended brew basket assembly according to one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of an extended brew basket assembly according to one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 11 is a perspective cutaway view of a brewing basket according to one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 12A and Figure 12B are top views of a drip stop assembly in an open position and a closed position, respectively, according to one embodiment;

[0038] Figure 13 is a top perspective view of a brew basket according to another embodiment; and

[0039] Figure 14 According to one embodiment Figure 13 Side view of a brewing basket.

[0040] The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for preparing various brewed beverages. Although the present disclosure is described herein with reference to preparing a brewed coffee beverage, the preparation of other brewed beverages is also within the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "coffee" refers to a beverage that includes solids extracted from coffee beans and dissolved in water. Brewed coffee is typically prepared by passing hot water through dried and ground coffee beans, referred to herein as "ground coffee." The solids from the ground coffee dissolve in the hot water as it passes through the hot water.

[0042] Now refer to Figure 1, shows a schematic diagram of an example of a basic automatic beverage brewing system 10, such as a coffee machine, in greater detail. The system includes a housing 12, a reservoir 14, a heating mechanism 16, a showerhead 18, and a brew basket assembly 20. The reservoir 14, heating mechanism 16, showerhead 18, and brew basket 20 are sequentially arranged in fluid communication. Upon startup of the system 10, water or another fluid stored in the reservoir 14 is supplied to the heating mechanism 16. After being heated to a desired temperature, the water is supplied to the showerhead 18. The showerhead 18 is aligned with and vertically positioned above the brew basket assembly 20. The water is configured to flow through one or more apertures formed in the showerhead 18 to the ground coffee or another flavoring contained within the brew basket assembly 20. The fluid, containing a portion of the flavoring, is supplied to a container 21 via an outlet formed near the bottom of the brew basket assembly 10.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, a flow meter 22 can be disposed within a conduit extending between the reservoir 14 and the heating mechanism 16. As shown, the reservoir 24 can be vertically aligned with the flow meter 22 so that water is delivered to the system 10, and more specifically to the flow meter 22, by gravity. The flow meter 22 is configured to monitor the amount of water passing through the flow meter, which generally indicates the amount of water provided to the showerhead 18. Various types of flow meters are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the flow meter 22 can be a rotatable paddle wheel, wherein each rotation generates a signal indicating that a known amount of water has passed through the flow meter 22. It should be understood that the beverage brewing system 10 shown and described herein is by way of example only, and any other apparatus for preparing brewed beverages, such as an apparatus including a pump for passing water therethrough, is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] Now refer to Figure 2 to Figure 1 2, shows the brewing basket assembly 20 in more detail. The brewing basket assembly 20 includes a support member 32 that is pivotally mounted to a portion of the housing 12, such as the side wall 13 thereof, for use in a retracted position ( Figure 2 ) and extended position ( Figure 9 ) to move between. Figure 2 The support member 32 has a generally hollow interior 34, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow interior 34 generally decreases between a first open end 36 and a second open end 38, such that the support member 32 has at least a partially conical shape. In one embodiment, a tab 33 protrudes from the exterior of the support member 32, and when the brew basket assembly 20 is in the retracted position, the tab 33 is received within a corresponding track 15 formed in an adjacent surface 17 of the housing 12.

[0045] Concentrically mounted within a portion of the support member 32, such as adjacent the first end 36 of the support member 32, is a collar 40. In one embodiment, the collar 40 is disposed within a recessed portion of the support member 32 such that an inner surface 42 of the collar 40 is substantially flush with an adjacent inner surface 44 of the support member 32. However, in other embodiments, the collar includes a lip for preventing water from entering the assembly 20. The collar 40 is coupled to the assembly 20 via a coupling 46 (see FIG. Figure 10 ) is attached to a portion of the housing 12 such that the collar 40 is configured to rotate relative to the support 32 as the support 32 pivots between the retracted and extended positions. In one embodiment, the coupling 46 is configured to maintain the relative positioning of the rotatable collar 40 during movement of the support 32.

[0046] The brewing basket 50 can be housed within the hollow interior 34 of the support 32 and the collar 40. Figure 4 and 5 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the brew basket 50 includes at least one sidewall defining a hollow brew chamber 52 configured to receive a permanent or temporary filter (not shown) for holding a quantity of flavoring, such as ground coffee. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the brew basket 50 has a generally conical shape and is generally complementary to the inner surfaces 42, 44 of the support member 32 and the collar 40. Disposed adjacent the first open end 54 of the brew basket 50 is a handle 56. The handle 56 can be used to pivot the brew basket assembly 20 between the retracted and extended positions by applying force thereto. In embodiments where a permanent filter (not shown) is receivable within the brew basket 50, the permanent filter can include a handle complementary to and arranged in an overlapping arrangement with the handle 56, such that an operator of the beverage system 20 can easily empty the contents of the brew basket 50 and the permanent filter, for example by inverting the brew basket 50 while grasping both the handle 56 and a corresponding handle on the permanent filter.

[0047] Extending outwardly from the outer surface 58 of the brew basket 50 is at least one protrusion 60. Figure 5 At least one protrusion 60, best shown in FIG, is configured to abut an adjacent portion of the collar 40 to limit rotation of the brew basket 50 relative to the collar 40. Because the brew basket 50 and the collar 40 are configured to rotate together, the brew basket 50 similarly maintains a relative position during movement of the support 32 between the retracted position and the extended position. In one embodiment, when the support 32 rotates between the retracted position and the extended position, the brew basket 50 remains positioned such that the handle 56 is always disposed at the front of the beverage system 20 facing the operator (see FIG. Figures 7 to 9 ) location.

[0048] At least one outlet 62 is formed near the closed second end 64 of the brew basket 50 (at Figure 11 ). At least one outlet 62 provides an opening through which fluid is discharged from the brew basket 50 into an adjacent container 21. The flow of fluid through the outlet 62 can be selectively controlled. In one embodiment, the brew basket assembly 20 includes a drip stop assembly 70 that is configured to selectively prevent the flow of brewed beverage from the brew basket assembly 20 to allow for changes in the container 21 in which the brewed beverage is collected. The drip stop assembly 70 includes a movable collar 72 mounted to the support 32 and configured to mate with the at least one outlet 62 formed near the second end 64 of the brew basket 50. The drip stop collar 72 has a specific geometric configuration that includes at least one gasket 74 and is movable in a first position ( Figure 12A ) and the second position ( Figure 12B ). When the drip ring 72 is in the first position, the geometric configuration and the at least one gasket 74 are arranged to allow the brewed beverage to drip from the at least one outlet 62 of the brew basket 50. When the drip ring 72 is in the second position, the geometric configuration and the at least one gasket 74 interfere with the at least one outlet 62 to block fluid flow through the at least one outlet.

[0049] Reference again Figure 4 In another embodiment, a plunger 80 can be associated with each outlet 62 and can be moved between a closed position (in contact with an adjacent surface) and an open position (separated a distance from the adjacent surface) to selectively allow fluid to flow through the outlet. A biasing mechanism 82 can be configured to bias the plunger 80 to the closed position. Figure 5 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, a cap 84 operatively coupled to the plunger 80 is movably mounted adjacent the second end 64 of the brewing basket 50 by at least one biasing mechanism 82. The association of the brewing basket 50 with the body 52 can be configured to apply a force to the biasing mechanism 82 to open the plunger 80. In one embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, one or more inclined tracks 86 configured as cam surfaces can be formed in the inner surface 44 of the support 32. When the brewing basket 50 and the cap 84 are positioned within the interior 34 of the support 32, a protrusion 88 formed in the cap 84 engages a complementary track 86 of the support 32. When the support 32 is rotated from the extended position to the retracted position, the movement of the protrusion 88 within the track 86 not only lifts the brewing basket 50 vertically relative to the support 32, but also applies a force to the at least one biasing mechanism 82, thereby moving the plunger 80 to the open position. The vertical movement of the brewing basket 50 relative to the support 32 moves the first end 54 of the brewing basket 50 into contact with an adjacent surface, such as a mating ring on the shower head 28.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the at least one outlet 62 may include a siphon having a conduit 90 fluidly coupled to the brew chamber 52 and extending parallel to or at an angle to the sidewall 51 of the brew chamber 52, such that the exit point 92 of the conduit 90 is vertically disposed below the lowest surface retaining the fluid in the brew chamber 52. In such an embodiment, the fluid is configured to siphon out of the brew basket 50 if at least enough water is injected into the brew chamber 52 during the brewing process to completely fill the bend 94 in the conduit 90. The brew basket 50 with siphonic flow offers the additional benefit of reduced splashing due to more laminar flow and a clean shutoff with minimal dripping at the end of the brewing operation. To selectively control the flow of fluid through the conduit 90, the support 32 or collar 40 may be configured to apply pressure to or squeeze the conduit 90 when the support 32 is rotated relative to the housing 22 to the extended position, thereby restricting flow therethrough.

[0051] The system 10 may include one or more indicators, such as lights, configured to indicate to a user whether the brew basket assembly 20 is in a retracted position ready for a brewing operation. Alternatively or additionally, the system 10 may include one or more indicators configured to indicate whether the at least one outlet 62 of the brew basket 50 is open to allow the brewed beverage to flow freely to an adjacent container 21.

[0052] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0053] In the context of describing the present disclosure (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the use of terms "one" and "an" and "the" and similar indicators should be interpreted as covering the singular and plural, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradictory with the context. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "comprise", "have", "include" and "contain" should be interpreted as open terms (that is, meaning "including but not limited to"). Unless otherwise stated herein, the description of numerical ranges herein is only intended to be used as a shorthand method for individually referring to each individual value falling within the scope, and each individual value is incorporated into this specification as if it were individually quoted in this article. Unless otherwise stated herein or the context clearly contradicts, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise stated, the use of any and all examples or exemplary languages ​​(for example, "for example") provided herein is only intended to better illustrate the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Any language in this specification should not be interpreted as indicating that any undeclared element is essential for the implementation of the present disclosure.

[0054] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for implementing the present disclosure. After reading the foregoing description, variations of these embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The inventors expect that those skilled in the art will appropriately adopt these variations, and the inventors intend to implement the present disclosure in a manner different from that specifically described herein. Therefore, the present disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter described in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. In addition, unless otherwise specified herein or the context clearly contradicts, the present disclosure covers any combination of all possible variations of the above-mentioned elements.

Claims

1. A beverage brewing system, comprising: case; a support member mounted to the housing for movement between a retracted position and an extended position, a brewing basket connectable to the housing via the support, the brewing basket comprising at least one outlet and a plunger associated with the at least one outlet; as well as a component operably coupled to the plunger and movably mounted to the brewing basket via a pair of biasing mechanisms disposed on opposite sides of the brewing basket, the component being movable relative to the at least one outlet, wherein the at least one outlet is sealed when the support is in the extended position.

2. The beverage brewing system according to claim 1, wherein: The component is a cap-like member surrounding a first end of the brewing basket, the first end comprising the at least one outlet.

3. The beverage brewing system according to claim 1, wherein: The component includes a protrusion extending therefrom, and the support includes at least one cam surface configured on an inner surface of the support to receive the protrusion.

4. The beverage brewing system according to claim 3, wherein: In response to moving the support from the extended position to the retracted position, the projection translates relative to the at least one cam surface to lift the brew basket from within the support and cause the pair of biasing mechanisms to move the member and the plunger such that the at least one outlet is opened.

5. The beverage brewing system according to claim 1, wherein: The brewing basket includes a second end opposite the first end including the at least one outlet, the second end being open and configured to contact a surface of a shower head adjacent the second end of the brewing basket in response to moving the support from the extended position to the retracted position.

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