An infuser device and a dosing system

Abstract

An infuser device (1), comprising a holder (2). The holder (2) has a chamber (3) extending between a bottom member (5) and an inlet (4) of said holder (2). The chamber (3) comprises a permeable area (55) in a wail (32) of said chamber (3). Said holder (2) comprises dosing means (6). Said dosing means (6) comprise a receptacle (61) inside said chamber (3). The receptacle (61) opens towards said bottom member (5). Said receptacle (61) extends all along a perimeter of said chamber (3). Said receptacle (61) leaves a passage (7) between said inlet (4) and said bottom member (5) of said holder (2).

Description

[0001]An infuser device and a dosing system The current invention relates to an infuser device, comprising a holder having a chamber extending between a bottom portion and an inlet of said holder, wherein said chamber comprises a permeable area in a wall of said chamber. A further aspect of the invention relates to a dosing system comprising a storage container and the infuser device. An infuser device is often used in the preparation of an infused liquid, for example, tea or coffee. The infuser device generally has a chamber wherein infusion granules, for example loose tea leaves or ground coffee powder, are added. The infuser device with the infusion granules therein is submerged in a liquid to be infused. The chamber has a permeable area through which the liquid can enter the chamber to infuse the liquid. The chamber contains the infusion granules to prevent contaminating the liquid outside the infuser device with the infusion granules. A quality of the infusion of the liquid is dependent on an amount of infusion granules added in the infuser device. This amount may be measured with, for example, a measuring spoon, where after the measured amount of infusion granules is added to the chamber. Between the measuring of the infusion granules and adding same to the chamber, the infusion granules need to be transferred from an infusion granule container to the infuser device. Having to transfer the infusion granules from the container to the chamber entails a risk of spilling some of the infusion granules during such transfer. The present invention has for its object, among others, to provide an infuser device which, at least partially, alleviates the above-mentioned risk. In order to achieve the above-stated object, an infuser device of the type described in the opening paragraph, according to the invention, is characterised in that said holder comprises dosing means, in that said dosing means comprise a receptacle inside said chamber opening towards said bottom portion, in that said receptacle extends all along a perimeter of said chamber, and in that said receptacle leaves a passage between said inlet and said bottom portion of said holder. The dosing means within the chamber allows for dosing infusion granules within the holder itself. The infuser granules can, in particular, be dosed by adding infusion granules to the chamber and rotating the infuser device towards a downwards rotation. In such substantially downwards position, the infusion granules will be retained in the receptacle of the dosing means. The receptacle, in particular, intersects part of a flow path defined from the bottom portion towards the inlet. Accordingly, at least part of the infusion granules flowing in the flow path will be intercepted and retained by the receptacle. Infusion granules not flowing in this part of the flow path, or overflowing from the receptacle, will proceed to flow through the passage and towards the inlet, where it exits the chamber. Accordingly, only the intended dose of infusion granules will be retained in the infuser device. The receptacle, extending all along the perimeter of the chamber, provides for the receptacle to be accessible from all sides of the chamber. Accordingly, irrespective of an orientation of the chamber along a roll axis thereof, at least part of the receptacle will intercept at least part of the infusion granules. This provides for consistency in dosing of the infusion granules. A further preferred embodiment of the infuser device according to the invention is characterized in that said bottom portion comprises said permeable area. The bottom portion being permeable provides for the permeable area to be at a furthest point of the infuser device and, accordingly at a deepest level in a cup containing a liquid to be infused. A further preferred embodiment of the infuser device according to the invention is characterized in that said permeable area comprises a number of openings extending through said wall of said chamber, said openings having a diameter of less than 1,5 mm and in particular a diameter of less than 1 mm. A diameter of the openings needs to be less than an average diameter of infusion granules contained in the infuser device. The openings having such diameter provide for liquid to freely enter the infuser device through the openings whilst preventing infusion granules from escaping from the infuser device through the openings. A preferred embodiment of the infuser device according to the invention is characterised in that said bottom portion comprises a dome formation extending towards said chamber, and in that said dome formation is substantially co-axial with said passage. The dome formation provides for distribution of infusion granules landing in the bottom portion. In particular, infusion granules flowing through the passage towards the bottom portion will land on the dome formation to be deflected to a perimeter of the bottom portion. This will, in particular, cause the infusion granules to be distributed furthest perimeters of the bottom portion. Accordingly, the infusion granules will be at least substantially aligned with the receptacle. This provides for ease of capture of the infusion granules in the receptacle. A further embodiment of the infuser device according to the invention is characterized in that said receptacle is substantially ring-shaped. The substantially ring-shaped receptacle will extend all around the perimeter of a cylindrically formed chamber. A preferred embodiment of the infuser according to the invention is characterized in that said receptacle is formed integral with said wall of said chamber. The receptacle being integral with the wall of the chamber allows for the receptacle to be integrally molded with the chamber by, for example, injection molding of a suitable thermoplastic plastic. A further preferred embodiment of the infuser device according to the invention is characterised in that the receptacle has a maximum volume of 15ml, in particular a maximum volume of 10ml, and in more particular a maximum volume of 5ml. The receptacle having these volumes provide for dosing infusion granules to these volumes. For infusing a cup of liquid with loose tea leaves or grounded coffee powder, for example, the listed volumes may most often be required. In particular, for loose tea leaves having a consistency and weight similar to black tea, approximately 2,5 g of such loose tea leaves would be required. This weight corresponds to a volume of 5ml per cup. In particular, 2,5g loose tea leaves would be required for every 25ml of water. To provide for controlling the amount of infusion granules received in the receptacle, a further preferred embodiment of the infuser device according to the invention is characterised in that a filler means is removably receivable within the receptacle, and in that the filler means is in particular substantially ring-shaped. The filler means allow for reducing the volume of the receptacle. In particular, the filler means fill part of the receptacle to reduce an available free volume of the receptacle. Accordingly, different volumes of infusion granules can be dosed using the same infuser device. A preferred embodiment of the infuser according to the invention is characterised in that the holder comprises at least one suspension extending outwardly, and in particular two wings extending outwardly. The support means allow for supporting the infuser device on a brim of a container, for example, a cup whilst the holder extends into the container. The two wings furthermore allow a user to maintain grip on the infuser device couples to a container when rotating such coupled infuser device and container. This reduces a risk of the coupled infuser device and container being uncoupled during such rotation. A preferred embodiment of the infuser device according to the invention is characterised in that said holder comprises a bottom member that is detachably connected to an upper member of said holder, wherein said bottom member comprises said bottom portion and said upper member has said inlet. This provides for these parts of the infuser device to be readily accessible. This allows for ease of cleaning of the infuser device. In particular, detaching the bottom member provides for the receptacle to be accessible with a brush or the like. The bottom member may be manufactured from a material different to other parts of the infuser device, for example, from stainless steel. In a specific embodiment, the infuser device according to the invention is characterized in that said bottom member comprises a hollow riser tube, opening through said bottom portion and into said chamber. Such riser tube may be used as a percolator means that passes hot water under pressure to release in on top of the material to be infused. To that end the infuser device is sealingly received on a cup or other holder of the liquid to allow pressure building up underneath the riser tube as the liquid is heated. In a further embodiment, the infuser device according to the invention is characterized in that said upper member comprises a disk portion adjacent and spatially separated from a free end of said riser tube. Said disk portion acts as a distribution means to catch and evenly spread hot water flowing out of the riser tube. In a further embodiment, the infuser device according to the invention is characterized in that said disk portion and said riser tube are located substantially centrally within said chamber, said disk portion having a dome shaped surface towards said inlet and leaving a distance towards the wall of said chamber. In this case the dome shaped and centrally located disk portion will also spread the infuser material all along the circumference of the chamber to be collected later by the receptacle of the dosing means. In a further aspect the invention provides for a dosing system according to the preamble, characterized in that said storage container comprises an outlet, fitting detachably with the inlet of said infuser device. Accordingly, infusion granules can directly be transferred from the container to the infuser device wherein the infusion granules can be dosed. This prevents a risk of spilling infusion granules when transferring such from a container to an infuser device. The invention will now be further elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment and accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of an infuser device according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a sectional side view of the infuser device of figure 1; Figure 3 shows a bottom perspective view of a sectional side view of an infuser device of figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows a top perspective view of a first part of the infuser device of figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective side view of the infuser device of figures 1 to 4; Figure 6a shows a sectional side view of a first orientation of the infuser device of figures 1 to 5 coupled with a container; Figure 6b shows a sectional side view of the coupled infuser device and container of figure 6a in a second orientation; Figure 6c shows a sectional side view of the coupled infuser device and container of figures 6a and 6b in the first orientation; Figure 7 shows a sectional side view of the infuser device of figures 1 to 5 with a filler means therein; Figure 8 shows a perspective front view of an infuser device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the bottom member of the infuser device of figure 8; and Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the infuser device of figure 8. It is noted that the drawings are purely schematic and not drawn to scale. Some dimensions in particular may be exaggerated to greater or extent for the sake of clarity. Corresponding parts are designated in the figures with the same reference numeral. With reference to the figures, an infuser device is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The infuser device 1 is basically provided by a holder 2,5. The holder, in this case, has mainly a cylindrically shaped circumference and comprises a cylindrical internal chamber 3, extending between an inlet 4 at a first side thereof and a bottom portion at a second, opposing side of the holder. In this case, the bottom portion is formed in a bottom member 5 of the holder that is detachable secured to an upper member 2 of the holder. A seal 8 is provided between the upper member 2 and the bottom member 5. The seal 8 is ring-shaped and made from a rubber material. The inlet member 2 is conveniently formed by thermo casting of a suitable, food grade plastic, while the bottom member 5 may be formed out of a same or similar plastic or, otherwise, out of metal, like stainless steel. The chamber 3 is defined within a wall 32. The inlet 4 is at a first side of the chamber 3. A second opposite side of the chamber 3 opens into the bottom member 5. A groove 31 extends into an outside second end portion of the wall 32. The seal 8 is located in the groove of the 31 of the upper member 2 of the holder. A first end portion of the wall 32 is stepped and provides for a coupling portion 33 connectable to an outlet 12 of a container 11, as shown in figure 6a-6c. The bottom member 5 has a substantially flat base portion 52 with a substantially upright wall 51 extending therefrom. The base portion 52 has a dome formation 53 at a centre thereof. The dome formation 53 extends towards the chamber 3. In alternative embodiments the dome formation 53 may not need to be dome-shaped but may be any alternatively shaped elevated central area of the base portion 52. The elevated area may, for example, may be pyramid-shaped or cone-shaped. The bottom member 5 has a permeable area 55 which comprises a number of openings 54 extending through the wall of the bottom member 5. The openings 54 each have a diameter of less than 1,5mm, in particular a diameter of less than 1mm. The bottom member 5, in this case, is a punched metal part, the metal being, in particular, stainless steel. The upper member 2 contains dosing means 6 within the cylindrical chamber 3. The dosing means 6 comprise a receptacle 61. The 61 is ring-shaped and extends around an inner circumference of the chamber 3. The receptacle opens towards the bottom member 5. The receptacle 61 has a maximum volume of typically between 5 and 15 ml. Filler means 9, shown in figure 7, may be removably received in the receptacle 61 to reduce the maximum filling level of the receptacle 61. However, in alternative embodiments no filler means 9 is provided. The filler means 9 comprise a substantially ring-shaped body 91 to be positioned in the receptacle 61. The filler means 9 has a handle or tab 92 extending from an upper part of the ring-shaped body 91. The receptacle 61 is integral with the wall 32 of the chamber 3. In particular, the receptacle 61 is integrally moulded with the upper member 2 by, for example, injection moulding from a plastic material. A centre of the ring-shaped receptacle 61 leaves a passage 7 between the bottom member 5 and the inlet 4. The passage 7 is co-axial with the dome formation 53 of the bottom member 5. Two suspension members 10 extend outwardly from opposing sides of the wall 32 of the upper member 2. Each of the suspension members 10 is an elongate wing. The suspension members 10 are in close proximity to the inlet 4, and in particular directly above the coupling portion 33. In use, the infuser device 1 may be applied with the storage container 11, as shown in figures 6a-6c, containing infusion granules 13. In particular, stepped portion 33 at the inlet 4 of the infuser device 1 fits into an outlet 12 of the storage container 11. Initially, the storage container 11 is in an upwards position with the infuser device 1 on top thereof, as shown in figure 6a. Dosing of the infusion granules 13 with the infuser device 1, shown in figures 6b and 6c, is achieved by rotating the storage container 11 together with the infuser device 1 towards a substantially downwards orientation. In this orientation, the infusion granules 13 in the storage container 11 flow from the storage container 11, through the passage 7 and towards the base portion 52 of the infuser device 1. At least part of the infusion granules 13 land on the dome 53 in the base portion 52. The dome 53 provides for the infusion granules 13 landing thereon to spread towards furthest ends of the base portion 52. With at least part of the infusion granules 13 at the base portion 52, the storage container 11 and connected infuser device 1 are again towards a substantially upwards orientation. The infusion granules 13 flow from the base portion 52 towards the storage container 11. The receptacle 61 of the infuser device 1 intercepts at least a portion of the infusion granules 13 flowing past. The intercepted amount of infusion granules 13 corresponds substantially with the maximum volume of the receptacle 61. This provides for dosing of the infusion granules 13. In the substantially upright orientation, the infuser device 1 can be removed from the storage container. By rotating the infuser device 1 towards a downwards orientation, the dosed infusion granules 13 fall downward into the base member 5 towards the base portion 52. The infuser device, now containing a dosed quantity of infusion granules, can be placed, for instance in a cup with the suspension members 10 resting on a brim of the cup. By adding hot water to the cup, the water can be infused with the infusion granules 13. Afterwards the base member 5, still containing the residues, may be emptied and cleaned conveniently upon detaching it from the upper member 2 of the infusion device. A second embodiment of the infuser device according to the invention is shown in figures 8-10. The dimensions and materials used in this embodiment are the same or at least similar to those of the first embodiment. Like parts are designated in the figures by like reference numerals as used in the first example. Figure 8 shows the complete assembly of this embodiment, comprising an upper member 2 sealingly and detachably connected to a bottom member 5 that provides a perforated filter basket to hold a dosed quantity of infuser material, notably tea leaves or the like. The upper member 2 comprises a ring shaped receptacle 6, see also figure 10, like the first embodiment, that may be used to dose a desired quantity of the product, simply by filling and subsequently tumbling the entire assembly as explained along the lines of the previous embodiment. This second embodiment may be used as a percolator device. To that end the bottom member 5 comprises a hollow riser tube 56 in a central region of its base portion 52. Said riser tube 56 extends through the base portion 52 and is open at both opposite ends. It opens into the chamber 3 of the device just below a solid disk portion 36 that is provided inside the chamber 3 by the upper member 2. Like the dome formation 53 in the base portion 52 of the first embodiment, said disk portion 36 is slightly dome shaped to evenly spread the infuser material all around the bottom member 5 as it falls into the device. The curved disk portion 36, however, moreover forms a deck above the riser tube 56 to collect hot water as it is pressurized in a receptacle around the filter basket 5 and forced under pressure through the riser tube 56. It will then fall down onto the infuser material in the filter basket 5 to percolate a number of times in this manner. The disk portion 36 is provide as part of a plastic, injection moulded insert 30 projecting downwards into the chamber 3 as is clearly shown in the cross-section of figure 10. As is shown in that figure, said insert 30 further provides an internal wall of the receptacle 6 It is envisaged that the invention is desirable to use since the invention reduces a likelihood of spillage of infusion granules during dosage thereof. While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. An infuser device, comprising a holder having a chamber extending between a bottom portion and an inlet of said holder, wherein said chamber comprises a permeable area in a wall of said chamber, characterized in that said holder comprises dosing means, in that said dosing means comprise a receptacle inside said chamber opening towards said bottom portion, in that said receptacle extends all along a perimeter of said chamber, and in that said receptacle leaves a passage between said inlet and said bottom portion of said holder.

2. An infuser device according to claim 1, characterized in that said bottom portion is detachable.

3. An infuser according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said bottom portion comprises said permeable area.

4. An infuser device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said permeable area comprises a number of openings extending through said wall of said chamber, said openings having a diameter of less than 1,5 mm and in particular a diameter of less than 1 mm.

5. An infuser device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said bottom portion comprises a dome formation extending towards said chamber, and in that said dome formation is substantially co-axial with said passage.

6. An infuser device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said receptacle is substantially ring-shaped.

7. An infuser device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said receptacle is formed integral with said wall of said chamber.

8. An infuser device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle has a maximum volume of 15ml, in particular a maximum volume of 10ml, and in more particular a maximum volume of 5ml.

9. An infuser device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a filler means is removably the receptacle, and in that the filler means is in particular substantially ring-shaped.

10. An infuser device according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder comprises at least one suspension member extending outwardly, and in particular two wings extending outwardly.

11. An infuser device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said holder comprises a bottom member that is detachably connected to an upper member of said holder, wherein said bottom member comprises said bottom portion and said upper member has said inlet.

12. An infuser device according to claim 11, characterized in that said bottom member comprises a hollow riser tube, opening through said bottom portion and into said chamber.

13. An infuser device according to claim 12, characterized in that said upper member comprises a disk portion adjacent and spatially separated from a free end of said riser tube.

14. An infuser device according to claim 13, characterized in that said disk portion and said riser tube are located substantially centrally within said chamber, said disk portion having a dome shaped surface towards said inlet and leaving a distance towards the wall of said chamber.

15. A dosing system comprising a storage container and the infuser device according to any one of the preceding claims, said storage container comprising an outlet, fitting detachably with the inlet of said infuser device.

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