Beverage infuser

Abstract

There is provided a coffee infuser and coffee filter membranes for producing a coffee that has been supplemented nutritiously. For that effect, a beverage infusion system can be used. The system has a cup comprising a membrane support for receiving a filter membrane, and a receptacle housing the membrane support and adapted to receive a beverage. An absorbent paper or a capsule containing a supplement is provided in the system, the absorbent paper or the capsule is positioned in the cup or on the filter membrane such that the beverage comes in contact with the supplement and the supplement dissolves into the beverage.

Description

BEVERAGE INFUSERCROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This disclosure claims the priority of provisional application number 63 / 516,263 filed July 28, 2023 and provisional application number 63 / 585,432, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of beverage supplementation, in particular the supplementation of coffee and tea with additional nutritional value.BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0003] Beverages such as coffee and tea have become a part of the daily life of many professionals and students nowadays. In particular, the coffee industry has grown significantly and its consumption is increasing. As drinking coffee or similar energy stimulating beverages is already part of many people’s routine, it would be desirable to incorporate in that routine health benefits to the individuals consuming such beverages.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides the supplementation of beverage infusers such as coffee cups and / or filter membranes with a supplement to provide an added benefit to individuals consuming the beverage. The supplement can be nutritional supplemental and / or a flavorful supplement. In the context of a nutritional supplement, the vitamins and minerals are provided seamlessly as part of the individual’s beverage preparation routine without requiring a conscious thinking from the individual to remember to include the vitamin and minerals. In one particular example, the beverage is coffee and the infuser is a coffee cup. Indeed, particularly with the elderly, it is common that they forget to take their supplements. However, a coffee or tea routine can be so ingrained in a person’s routine that if the supplements are included in their coffee or tea they do not have to worry about forgetting to take their supplements.

[0005] Accordingly, in one aspect there is provided a beverage infusion system comprising: a cup comprising: a membrane support for receiving a filter membrane,a receptacle housing the membrane support and adapted to receive a beverage; the filter membrane for filtering the beverage; and an absorbent paper having a supplement absorbed therein, the absorbent paper positioned in the cup or on the filter membrane such that the beverage comes in contact with the absorbent paper and the supplement dissolves into the beverage.

[0006] In a further aspect, there is provided a beverage infusion system comprising: a cup comprising: a membrane support for receiving a filter membrane, a receptacle housing the membrane support and adapted to receive a beverage; the filter membrane for filtering the beverage; and a capsule comprising a supplement, the capsule positioned in the cup or on the filter membrane such that the beverage comes in contact with the capsule and the supplement dissolves into the beverage.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cup further comprises a lid. In some embodiments, the capsule or the absorbent paper is position on the lid. In some embodiments, the absorbent paper or the capsule is inside the receptacle. In some embodiments, the absorbent paper or the capsule is placed onto the support. In some embodiments, the absorbent paper or the capsule is placed under the support. In some embodiments, the absorbent paper or the capsule is placed onto the filter membrane. In some embodiments, the absorbent paper or the capsule is placed under the filter membrane. In some embodiments, the beverage is coffee or tea. In some embodiments, absorbent paper is a blotting paper. In some embodiments, the supplement includes one or more of vitamins A, B1 , B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B8, B12, C, D, E, and K, calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, molybdenum, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, selenium, prebiotics, probiotics, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, garcina, ginseng, agave, cambogia extract, antioxidants, electrolytes, nutritional fibers, coconut water, Himalayan salt, magnesium, lion’s name mushroom,butter, collagen, biotine, folate, nootropics, Alpinia galanga, green coffee bean extract, echinacea, inulin, vanilla extract, cappuccino flavor extract, and vegan extract D3.

[0008] Many further features and combinations thereof concerning the present improvements will appear to those skilled in the art following a reading of the instant disclosure.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic of an infuser cup with a filter membrane.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic of an infuser cup without a filter membrane.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic of the cup of Fig. 1 where a supplement tablet is in the receptacle of the cup.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic of the cup of Fig. 1 where a supplement tablet is in the filter membrane.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic of the cup of Fig. 2 where a supplement tablet is in the receptacle of the cup.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic of the cup of Fig. 2 where a supplement tablet is on the support for the filter membrane.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic of the cup of Fig. 1 where a supplement absorbent paper is in the receptacle of the cup.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic of the cup of Fig. 1 where a supplement absorbent paper is in the filter membrane.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic of the cup of Fig. 2 where a supplement absorbent paper is in the receptacle of the cup.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic of the cup of Fig. 2 where a supplement absorbent paper is on the support for the filter membrane.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic of a roll to fabricate filter membranes with an absorbent paper on them.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a schematic of a roll to fabricate filter membranes with an absorbent paper containing supplement on them.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a schematic of a roll of membrane to fabricate filter membranes in which supplement solution was absorbed.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a photograph of a used filter membrane.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a photograph of tablet supplements.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a photograph of coffee filter cake.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Making reference to Fig. 1 there is provided an infuser cup 1 (e.g. a coffee cup) having a cover 10, covering a receptacle 20 which contains a filtration membrane 30. The filtration membrane is supported by a support 35 as shown in Fig. 2. Indeed, as illustrated in Fig. 2, in some embodiments, the infuser cup does not contain the filtration membrane 30 and the membrane is provided separately and placed onto the support. Filtration membranes are commonly sold separately and can be used on a reusable cup. In some cases, the infuser cup can be a single use coffee cup with the membrane provided therein. In cases where the cup is single use, the receptacle, support and lid can be made out of cardboard and / or plastic. In embodiments where the cup is reusable then the receptacle, support and lid can be made out of metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, or made of ceramic or the like.

[0026] The infuser cup 1 contains a supplement addition. The term “supplement” as used herein refers to an edible supplement that provides a health benefit, for example a nutritional supplement. The term “health benefit” as used herein means improving the dietary intake and / or the well-being of an individual. The dietary intake can be improved by helping an individual reach their target intake of a certain vitamin, total protein, etc. In some embodiments, the supplement includes vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, nutritional fibers, electrolytes and the like. The nutritional fibers can for example be inulin, psyllium, or methylcellulose such as chicory root fibers. The vitamins include but are not limited to vitamin A, B1 , B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B8, B12, C, D, E, and K. The minerals include but are not limited to calcium, sodium, chromium, copper, magnesium, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium. In some embodiments, the minerals exclude zinc. Other ingredients can for example be spices (e.g. turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove), garcina, ginseng, agave, cambogia extract, antioxidants, coconut water,Himalayan salt, magnesium, lion’s name mushroom, butter, collagen, biotine, folate, nootropics, Alpinia galanga, green coffee bean extract, echinacea, vanilla extract (e.g. French vanilla), cappuccino flavor extract and vegan extract D3. Optionally a flavor component which may not necessarily have a nutritional value is included. Some vitamins are more stable than others in solution or at ambient conditions. Table 1 below shows the stability of some vitamins in different conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the nutritional supplement comprises or consists essentially of vitamin D, E, B6 and B12. As can be seen from Table 1 , some vitamins are susceptible to degradation particularly in contact with heat which occurs during the brewing of a coffee or tea. The present disclosure however also concerns cold brewing and the formation of cold beverages. When considering a hot beverage such as tea or coffee, the quantity of vitamins susceptible of degradation can therefore be adjusted to account for degradation in order to meet a target concentration in the beverage. For example, if a 50% degradation was determined for a certain component of the nutritional supplement then double the target value is provided such that after degradation the target value is met. The same adjustment can be made for other values of degradation. It was surprisingly found that despite the high degradation of vitamin C during brewing, by including an excess of vitamin C in the supplement (particularly when in absorbed in an absorbent paper) it was possible to achieve a target concentration of vitamin C in the brewed / infused beverage. When referring to degradation and brewing / infusion it should be understood that the exposure time will generally vary between 1 min and 2 mins, but this depends on the brewing method.Table 1. Vitamin stabilityII = unstable, S = stable, and the percentage refers to the maximal degradation portion after brewing and heat exposure.

[0027] The beverage contemplated herein can for example be a coffee or tea. Teas are infused into water by maintaining the dry tea components encapsulated in a membrane that is porous or semipermeable. The membrane can for example be a semipermeable tea bag or a plastic or metallic porous structure adapted to house the dry tea components (e.g. leaves or powder). Accordingly, the nutritional supplement (e.g. capsule or absorbent paper) can be added on the membrane such that when the tea is infused the supplements dissolve in the tea.

[0028] In the case of coffee, the coffee can brewed by many different means (e.g. Espresso™ machines, Keurig™ coffee makers, coffee press, instant coffee, etc.). The coffee is then filtered through a filter membrane. An absorbent paper in which the supplements are absorbed can be placed on or below the filter membrane such that the supplements dissolve into the coffee. When using the tablet (i.e. capsule) or the absorbent paper, the supplements are advantageously not retained either on the filter or on the walls of the cup and have an improved incorporation rate into the end beverage, in this case coffee. This same advantage is applicable to tea or other beverages that require infusion.

[0029] Accordingly, the described embodiments to provide the nutritional supplements into the beverage have the advantage of achieving a better control on the final concentration of the nutritional supplements in the infused beverage when compared to traditional methods of simply mixing the nutritional supplement ingredients in the beverage. Additional advantages include an easy integration into the Keurig™ pod manufacturing process (in different positions of the Keurig™ pod or process), an optimized quantity of supplements that minimizes loss and reaches a target concentration in the beverage, and an increased dissolution of the nutritional supplement into the beverage (particularly when using an absorbent paper as described below). The supplement can be added in a cup such as the VitaCup™. The present disclosure concerns cups of all sorts of geometries and compositions. For example, the cup can be have a traditional composition made of a combination of plastic and aluminum.

[0030] The quantity of supplement added can be such that the final concentration of supplements in the beverage infused is more than 150 ppm (or 150 mg / L). In some embodiments, the concentration is at least 200 mg / L, at least 250 mg / L, at least 300 mg / L, at least 400 mg / L or at least 500 mg / L. It should be understood that the concentration will vary with the volume of beverage provided in the cup.

[0031] The supplement addition can be in the solid or liquid state. When in the solid state, the supplement can be provided as a tablet 40 (also referred to herein as a capsule) as illustrated in Figs. 3-6. An alternative to a tablet for a solid form of the supplement can be a powder. When in the liquid state, the supplement can be absorbed into an absorbent paper 50 (e.g. a blotting paper) as illustrated in Figs. 7-10. The supplement can be placed inside the cup 1 in the receptacle 20, downstream of the filter membrane 30 as shown in Figs. 3 and 7. Similarly, the supplement can be placed inside the cup 1 in the receptacle 20, downstream of the support 35 as shown in Figs. 5 and 9 (i.e. no filter membrane in the cups shown in these embodiments). Further, the supplement can be placed on the filter membrane 30 as shown in Figs. 4 and 8. Still further, the supplement can also be placed on or above the support 35 as shown in Figs. 6 and 10. Finally, the supplement can be placed on the lid. The lid is in one example a membrane that is adapted to be pierced or removed and that covers the cup to seal it.

[0032] Accordingly, there is provided an infuser system, the system having a cup for example as shown in any one of Figs. 3-10. As previously explained, the membrane is not necessarily part of the cup and can be provided separately and placed onto the support. The supplement can be provided on the membrane, on the support or inside the receptacle. In all cases, when thebeverage is infused, the supplement dissolves into the beverage to obtain a supplemented beverage.

[0033] There is also provided a supplemented filter membrane. The filter membrane can be manufactured as a roll 2 as shown in Figs. 11-13. The roll may have visual indicators 31 to assist in separating sections of filter membranes 30 or individual filter membranes 30. In some embodiments, the filter membrane 30 can receive a drop of solution 60 containing the supplement. In other embodiments, the filter membrane 30 can receive an absorbent paper 50 in which the supplement is absorbed. In further embodiments, the filter membrane 30 can be soaked into a solution or suspension containing the supplement such that the supplement becomes absorbed in the membrane.

[0034] As explained above, the supplement can be positioned in many different ways as long as it comes into contact with the brewing liquid in order to end up in the beverage. This is referred to herein as being on the “liquid path” of the beverage being brewed. The supplement can come into contact with the beverage by either having the liquid come into contact with the supplement or by having means of introducing the supplement into the liquid (for example the pouch described below).

[0035] In some embodiments, the supplement is provided in powder form or in solution or suspension in a pierceable pouch inside the cup. The pouch may be pierced by performing a specific action such as squeezing the cup to bring into contact a sharp edge with the pouch, or by having the membrane pierce the pouch as it is placed.EXAMPLE

[0036] The transfer of vitamins and minerals from the supplement in an absorbent paper to a coffee beverage was evaluated. The absorbent paper was soaked with a supplement solution of Prinova™ mix containing vitamin C and potassium concentrate (50 / 50 of water and ethanol, 95% concentrate). The soaking step included adding 10 drops of the concentrate which was 216 mg. The absorbent paper was then left to rest for about 15 mins such that the water and ethanol were evaporated. The absorbent paper was then hydrated and infused with coffee by agitation and it was found that the supplement was indeed dissolved in the coffee. A photograph of the filter membrane is shown in Fig. 14.

[0037] The coffee cup was tested with a supplement of 125 mg of Prinova™ and 100 mg of potassium citrate. A Keurig cup was used and the coffee was found to be successfully supplemented.

[0038] A similar test was repeated with two Prinova™ tablets shown in Fig. 15. Fig .15 shows on the left a 800 mg tablet of Prinova™ and on the right a 300 mg tablet of Prinova™. The tablet was placed on the filter membrane and Fig. 16 shows a reduction in size of the tablet and therefore a dissolution of a portion of the supplements in the tablet into the coffee.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A beverage infusion system comprising: a cup comprising: a membrane support for receiving a filter membrane, a receptacle housing the membrane support and adapted to receive a beverage; the filter membrane for filtering the beverage; and an absorbent paper having a supplement absorbed therein, the absorbent paper positioned in the cup or on the filter membrane such that the beverage comes in contact with the absorbent paper and the supplement dissolves into the beverage.

2. The beverage infusion system of claim 1 , wherein the cup further comprises a lid.

3. The beverage infusion system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent paper is inside the receptacle.

4. The beverage infusion system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent paper is placed onto the support.

5. The beverage infusion system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent paper is placed under the support.

6. The beverage infusion system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent paper is placed onto the filter membrane.

7. The beverage infusion system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent paper is placed under the filter membrane.

8. The beverage infusion system of claim 2, wherein the absorbent paper is placed on the lid.

9. The beverage infusion system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the beverage is coffee or tea.

10. The beverage infusion system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein absorbent paper is a blotting paper.

11. The beverage infusion system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the supplement includes one or more of vitamins A, B1 , B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B8, B12, C, D, E, and K, calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, molybdenum, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, selenium, prebiotics, probiotics, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, garcina, ginseng, agave, cambogia extract, antioxidants, electrolytes, nutritional fibers, coconut water, Himalayan salt, magnesium, lion’s name mushroom, butter, collagen, biotine, folate, nootropics, Alpinia galanga, green coffee bean extract, echinacea, inulin, vanilla extract, cappuccino flavor extract, and vegan extract D3.

12. A beverage infusion system comprising: a cup comprising: a membrane support for receiving a filter membrane, a receptacle housing the membrane support and adapted to receive a beverage; the filter membrane for filtering the beverage; and a capsule comprising a supplement, the capsule positioned in the cup or on the filter membrane such that the beverage comes in contact with the capsule and the supplement dissolves into the beverage.

13. The beverage infusion system of claim 12, wherein the cup further comprises a lid.

14. The beverage infusion system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the capsule is inside the receptacle.

15. The beverage infusion system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the capsule is placed onto the support.

16. The beverage infusion system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the capsule is placed under the support.

17. The beverage infusion system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the capsule is placed onto the filter membrane.

18. The beverage infusion system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the capsule is placed under the filter membrane.

19. The beverage infusion system of claim 13, wherein the capsule is placed on the lid.

20. The beverage infusion system of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the beverage is coffee or tea.

21. The beverage infusion system of any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the supplement includes one or more of vitamins A, B1 , B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B8, B12, C, D, E, and K, calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, molybdenum, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, selenium, prebiotics, probiotics, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, garcina, ginseng, agave, cambogia extract, antioxidants, electrolytes, nutritional fibers, coconut water, Himalayan salt, magnesium, lion’s name mushroom, butter, collagen, biotine, folate, nootropics, Alpinia galanga, green coffee bean extract, echinacea, inulin, vanilla extract, cappuccino flavor extract, and vegan extract D3.

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