Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BEVERAGE BREWING DEVICE FOR BREWING AND REMOVAL OF
DIFFERENT SIZED BEVERAGE CAPSULES
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This continuation-in-part patent application claims priority to the
provisional patent application having Serial No. 62/176,976, filed on March 3,
2015, and this continuation-in-part patent application claims priority to the
non-
provisional patent application having Serial No. 14/544,650, filed on January
29,
2014, which claims priority to the provisional patent application having
Serial No.
61/966,495, filed on February 25, 2014.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
This disclosure relates to a device for brewing of a beverage, and more
specifically relates to a beverage brewing device for brewing of different
sized
beverage capsules and for removal of the brewing capsule once a beverage has
been brewed. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a device
for
brewing a single cup capsule beverage of different sizes, beverages such as
coffee, tea, cocoa, or other hot beverage, through a vending machine, and the
device is equipped to dispense and dispose of the different sized capsules
once
a brewing process or procedure has been completed.
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BACKGROUND
One popular brewing system is a single serve system in which a capsule
filed coffee, tea, or cocoa is inserted into the system to brew a single cup.
The
brewing system has a holder in which a bottom has a needle that is capable of
puncturing a bottom of the capsule. A top cover is adapted to be lowered onto
a
top of the capsule. The top cover has a needle in an interior of the top cover
with
the needle capable of initially puncturing a top of the capsule. The needle in
the
top cover is also configured to deliver a liquid, such as hot water, through
the
needle in the top cover, into and through the capsule, out of the needle in
the
bottom of the holder, and out through a deliver spout provided on an exterior
bottom of the holder. The system also has a water container connected to the
needle in the top cover for providing of heated water to the capsule to brew
the
beverage. The delivery spout in bottom of the holder is used to funnel a
brewed
beverage out of the brewing system. Underneath the delivery spout is a cup
that
is placed there to capture the brewed beverage. In this manner, a single
serving
of a beverage is conveniently brewed. As can be appreciated, once a single
serving of beverage is brewed, the used capsule is removed from the brewing
system and another capsule is inserted therein for the next brewing operation
to
take place.
Some variations of the brewing system allow various sized beverages to
be brewed. For example, if an individual wants to brew a ten ounce cup of
coffee,
then a button is selected to indicate that the brewing system should provide
ten
ounces of heated water through the capsule to brew only ten ounces of coffee.
If
an individual wants to brew twelve ounces of a beverage, another button on the
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brewing system is selected to have the brewing system only brew twelve ounces
of the beverage. Although the quantity of beverage to be brewed is
controllable,
the quality of beverage to be brewed is not when using this brewing system.
In an effort to control the quality of a beverage to be brewed, there are
some brewing systems that now incorporate the ability to accept different
sized
capsules to brew different strength beverages. For example, if a strong coffee
is
desired to be brewed, such brewing systems are adapted to accommodate a
large capsule or a supercapsule. The large capsule is bigger than the typical
single serve capsule and is able to contain a larger amount of coffee, tea,
cocoa,
or the like. In this manner, a stronger beverage may be brewed in the same
sized
cup. In order to accommodate these different sized capsules, the capsule
holder
or funnel is modified to allow the larger capsule to fit within the funnel.
The
capsule holder is further modified to include a pair of tiered piercing
needles. An
upper needle is positioned to pierce the bottom of a typical capsule and a
lower
needle is positioned to pierce the bottom of a large capsule. In this manner,
two
different sized capsules may be used in the same brewing device.
Although the brewing system that can handle different sized capsules is
useful, there is no provision for automatically removing and disposing of
either
sized capsules once a brewing operation has been completed. As can be
appreciated, if the brewing system is used in a commercial environment, it
would
be advantageous to quickly be able to automatically remove and dispose of a
used capsule and to be able to insert a new capsule to immediately initiate
another brewing operation. It would be beneficial if the used capsule, which
may
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be wet, hot, and messy, would not have to be handled to remove the capsule
from the brewing system.
The present disclosure is designed to obviate and overcome many of the
disadvantages and shortcomings experienced with prior brewing systems. The
present disclosure is related to a beverage brewing device for brewing of
multiple
size beverage capsules and for removal of the brewing capsule once a beverage
has been brewed. The present disclosure is also directed to a device for
brewing
a single cup capsule beverage of different sizes through a vending machine and
the device is equipped to dispense and dispose of the different sized capsules
once a brewing operation has been completed.
?CI
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SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
In one form of the present disclosure, a brewing system for brewing a
single cup capsule beverage of different sizes through a vending machine is
disclosed which comprises a funnel for receiving capsules of different sizes
having an upper end for receiving the capsules therein, a lower end having a
delivery spout, an upper needle, and a lower needle, a support collar adjacent
the upper end of the funnel for receiving therein the capsules, and an eject
mechanism connected to the support collar for pivoting the support collar away
from the upper end of the funnel to eject the capsule out of the support
collar.
In another form of the present disclosure, a brewing system for brewing a
single cup capsule of beverage of different sizes is disclosed which comprises
a
funnel for receiving a capsule, the funnel having an upper end for receiving
the
capsule therein, a lower end having a delivery spout, an upper needle, and a
lower needle, a support collar adjacent the upper end of the funnel for
receiving
therein the capsule, an upper arm assembly having an upper capsule needle, a
lift arm having a slide boss, and an eject mechanism for engaging the slide
boss
and connected to the support collar for pivoting the support collar away from
the
upper end of the funnel to eject the capsule out of the support collar.
In yet another form of the present disclosure, a brewing system for
brewing a single cup capsule beverage of different sizes is disclosed which
comprises a funnel for receiving a capsule, the funnel having an upper end for
receiving the capsule therein, a lower end having a delivery spout, an upper
needle, and a lower needle, a support collar adjacent the upper end of the
funnel
for receiving therein the capsule, a return spring connected to the support
collar
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for returning the support collar to an initial position, an upper arm assembly
having an upper capsule needle and a conduit for delivering water there
through
to the upper capsule needle, a lift arm having a slide boss, and an eject
mechanism for engaging the slide boss and connected to the support collar for
pivoting the support collar away from the upper end of the funnel to eject the
capsule out of the support collar.
In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized that the present
disclosure provides a device for brewing a single cup capsule beverage of
different sizes through a vending machine and the device is equipped to
dispense and dispose of the different sized capsules once a brewing operation
has been completed.
The present disclosure provides a device for brewing a beverage that can
automatically dispose of a capsule after a brewing operation has been
completed
to allow a different capsule to be placed in the device for the next brewing
operation.
The present disclosure is also directed to a device for brewing a beverage
that accepts different sized capsules and disposes of the different sized
capsules
once a brewing operation has been completed.
The present disclosure provides a device for brewing a beverage that
automatically resets itself to receive different sized capsules once a used
capsule
has been disposed of by the device.
The present disclosure provides a device for brewing a single cup capsule
beverage of different sizes through a vending machine that is simple and easy
to
use.
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The present disclosure is also directed to a device for brewing a single
cup capsule of different sizes that does not require that a used capsule be
handled once a brewing operation is completed.
These and other advantages of the present disclosure will become more
apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed
specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
15
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a device for brewing and removal
of different sized capsules constructed according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1, with a
standard size capsule inserted into the device and an upper arm assembly in a
closed position;
FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1, with a
large size capsule inserted into the device and an upper arm assembly in a
closed position;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1, with a large size
capsule inserted into the device and an upper arm assembly being moved into an
open position;
FIG. 5 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1, with a large size
capsule inserted into the device, an upper arm assembly being moved into an
open position; and the large size capsule beginning to be ejected from the
device;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1, with a large size
capsule inserted into the device, an upper arm assembly being moved in an open
position, and the large size capsule being ejected from the device:
FIG. 7 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1, with a large size
capsule inserted into the device, an upper arm assembly being moved into an
open position, and the large size capsule being ejected from the device;
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FIG. 8 is side view of the device shown in FIG. 1, with a large size capsule
being fully ejected from the device and a support collar being returned to an
initial
position; and
FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial side cross-sectional view of the device shown
in FIG. 1.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items,
number 10 identifies a preferred embodiment of a device for brewing and
removal of different sized capsules constructed according to the present
disclosure. With reference now to FIG. 1, the device 10 is shown comprising a
funnel-like member 12 for receiving capsules 14 and 16 of different sizes. For
example, the capsule 14 is a regular size capsule and the capsule 16 is a
large
size capsule. The device 10 has an upper end 18 for receiving one of the
capsules 14 and 16 therein, a lower end 20 having a delivery spout 22, an
upper
venting probe or needle 24, for piercing a capsule of one size, and a lower
venting probe or needle 26 for piercing the bottom of a capsule of another
size.
As stated, the needle 24 is used to pierce the capsule 14 and the lower needle
26 is used to pierce the bottom of the capsule 16. A support collar 28 is
provided
adjacent to the upper end 18 of the funnel 12 for receiving therein either of
the
capsules 14 or 16. An eject mechanism 30 is connected to the support collar 28
for pivoting the support collar away from the upper end 18 of the funnel 12 to
eject one of the capsules 14 or 16 out of the support collar 28 for disposal.
The funnel 12 is sized and shaped to receive either of the capsules 14 or
16. The capsule 14 has an upper end 32, a lower end 34, and a central body 36.
A quantity of a substance (not shown), such as coffee, tea, cocoa, or other
beverage to be brewed, is packaged in the central body 36. The upper needle 24
is positioned so that the lower end 34 of the capsule 14 will be pierced by
the
needle 24. The capsule 16 has an upper end 38, a lower end 40, and a body 42
having a ledge 44. Again, a quantity of a substance (not shown) is packaged
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within the body 42. As can be appreciated, since the capsule 16 is larger than
the
capsule 14, a larger quantity of a substance is packaged within the capsule 16
as
opposed to the capsule 14. The lower needle 26 is positioned within the funnel
12 so that the lower end 40 of the capsule 16 will be pierced by the lower
needle
26. Also, the ledge 44 is positioned so that the needle 24 does not contact or
pierce any portion of the capsule 16.
The device 10 also has an upper arm assembly 46 having an upper
capsule needle 48 connected to a conduit or tubing 50. Although not shown, the
upper arm assembly 46 may also include a flexible probe seal. The conduit 50
is
used to supply a quantity of water (not shown) through the upper capsule
needle
46 into either of the capsules 14 or 16. Although not shown, the device 10 is
capable of providing heated water through the arm conduit 46, the needle 48,
and into either of the capsules 14 or 16 for brewing a substance packaged in
the
capsules 14 or 16. The upper arm assembly 46 can pivot about a pivot
mechanism 52. For example, the upper arm assembly 46 may be pivoted
downwardly for the upper capsule needle to pierce either the upper end 32 of
the
capsule 14 or the upper end 38 of the capsule 16. The upper needle pierces
before the lower needles 24 and 26. When a brewing operation has been
completed, the upper arm assembly 46 may be pivoted upwardly to remove the
upper capsule needle 48 from either the end 32 or the end 38. The upper ends
32 and 38 are of the same size and the upper capsule needle 48 pierces the
upper ends 32 and 38 at the same point. This is explained in a copending
application having Ser. No. 61/966,495, As can be appreciated, there are other
elements or components of the device 10 which are not shown. By way of
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example only, the device 10 may include a pressurized hot water source or
supply, switches or buttons to actuate or control operation of the device 10,
a
display for visually indicating messages concerning control of the device 10,
a
control unit, and electrical components, wires, or cords.
FIG. 2 shows the device 10 having the capsule 14 placed therein and the
upper arm assembly 46 moved to a closed position. In the closed position, the
device 10 is capable of heating water to brew a beverage. The capsule 14 has
the bottom end 34 pierced by the upper needle 24 and the upper capsule needle
48 initially pierces the upper end 32. In this manner, heated water may flow
through the conduit 50, the needle 48, the capsule 14, the needle 24, and out
through the delivery spout 22. A brewed beverage flows out of the delivery
spout
22 and is deposited into a cup (not shown) placed below the spout 22.
Referring now to FIG. 3, the device 10 is illustrated having the upper arm
assembly 46 placed into a closed position with the capsule 16 placed in the
funnel 12. With the upper arm assembly 46 in the closed position, the upper
capsule needle 48 initially pierces the upper end 38 of the capsule 16. Also,
the
lower end 40 of the capsule 16 is then pierced by the lower needle 26. Heated
water now has a flow path through the needle 48, the capsule 16, and out the
lower needle 26 to brew a beverage. As indicated above, a brewed beverage
flows out of the delivery spout 22 to be captured in a cup placed below the
spout
22.
FIG. 4 depicts the device 10 after a brewing operation has been
completed with the upper arm assembly 46 beginning to be moved into an open
position. When the upper arm assembly 46 is opened in this manner, the device
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will be able to eject the used capsule 16 which is in the funnel 12 through
operation of the eject mechanism 30. The device 10 is shown having the funnel
12 for receiving the capsule 16, the support collar 28 for receiving the
capsule 16
therein, and the lower end 20 having the delivery spout 22. The device 10 also
5 comprises a lift arm 54 having a slide boss 56 which is positioned
adjacent to a
linkage 58. A return spring 60 is connected to the support collar 28 and a
horizontal support member or base 62. The return spring 60 will return the
support collar 28 to a horizontal position adjacent the upper end 18, as will
be
described in more detail herein. The lift arm 54, the slide boss 56, the
linkage 58,
10 the return spring 60, and the member 62 form the eject mechanism 30.
With reference now to FIG. 5, the upper arm assembly 46 has continued
to be moved to the open position to begin to move the support collar 28 to
eject
the capsule 16. The slide boss 56 engages the linkage 58 to pivot the support
collar 28. This also releases the capsule 16 from the lower needle 26 to
remove
the capsule 16 from the funnel 12.
FIG. 6 illustrates the continued movement of the upper arm assembly 46
to move the support collar 28 over vertical to release the capsule 16 from the
support collar 28. At this point, the lift arm 54 disengages from the linkage
58.
Referring now to FIG. 7, the capsule 16 has fallen out of the support collar
28 to begin falling into a waste bin (not shown). After the lift arm 54 has
been
released from the linkage 58, the return spring 60 returns the support collar
28 to
a horizontal position above the upper end 18 of the funnel 12.
In FIG. 8, the capsule 16 is shown descending downwardly to be disposed
of or discarded into a waste bin (not shown). The support collar 28 is empty
and
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ready for another capsule 14 or 16 to be placed therein and another brewing
cycle to commence.
The device 10 operates in the following manner to brew different or
multiple sized capsules, such as the capsules 14 or 16, in the single funnel
12
that is shaped to receive either of the capsules 14 or 16. The following
example
assumes that the large capsule 16 has been selected for brewing. The capsule
16 is placed into the funnel 12 and supported by the support collar 28. The
capsule 16 is initially suspended above the lower needle 26. The brewing
process begins when an individual closes the upper arm assembly 46 of the
device 10 and the upper capsule needle 48 pierces the upper end 38 of the
capsule 16. The tubing 50 is connected to a pressurized hot water source that
sends hot water into the capsule 16 when a brew cycle is initiated. Since the
capsule 16 is supported by the collar 28, the needle 48 pierces the upper end
38
and a probe seal drives the capsule 16 down defeating the spring tension of
the
collar 28. This also forces the lower end 40 of the capsule 16 to be pierced
by the
lower needle 26. A path is now complete for water to flow through the tubing
50,
the needle 48, the capsule 16, the lower needle 26, and out the spout 22 into
a
cup placed below the spout 22.
Once the brewing process has been completed, the used or spent capsule
16 will remain in the funnel 12 in the device 10. An individual may remove and
dispose of the capsule 16 by opening the device 10 by operation of the upper
arm assembly 46. Movement of the upper arm assembly 46 causes the spring
loaded support collar 28 to move the capsule up off of the lower needle 26. As
the upper arm assembly 46 is moved further, the lift arm 54 causes the eject
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mechanism 30 to pivot the collar 28 past vertical to allow the capsule 16 to
fall
out of the collar 28 to be captured within a waste bin. The lift arm 54
reaches the
end of the travel of the linkage 58 and slides off of the linkage 58 which
causes
the support collar 28 to return to a horizontal or initial position by use of
the return
spring 60. Once the collar 28 is returned to the initial position, a new
capsule 14
or 16 may be placed in the collar 28 to being a new brew cycle. In this
manner,
the capsules 14 or 16 are automatically ejected and disposed of from the
device
without having to personally handle a spent or used capsule 14 or 16.
FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged partial side cross-sectional view of the
10 device 10. The device 10 is shown comprising the funnel-like member 12
for
receiving the capsule 16. In this particular view, the capsule 16, which is
the
large size capsule, is shown about to be inserted into the funnel 12.
Although, as
has been discussed herein, the device 10 is also capable of receiving the
capsule 14. The device 10 has the upper end 18. the lower end 20 having the
delivery spout 22, the upper venting probe or needle 24 and the lower venting
probe or needle 26. The support collar 28 is provided adjacent to the upper
end
18 of the funnel 12 for receiving therein either of the capsules 14 or 16. The
eject
mechanism 30 is connected to the support collar 28 for pivoting the support
collar
28 about a pivot axle 70 away from the upper end 18 of the funnel 12 to eject
one
of the capsules 14 or 16 out of the support collar 28 for disposal. Although
not
shown, it is possible that a lower funnel tube is connected to the delivery
spout
22 to assist in directing beverage from within the funnel 12. It is further
contemplated, even though not shown here, to have a conduit connected to the
lower funnel tube to further direct beverage from the lower funnel tube
through
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the conduit downwardly into a cup or other receiving receptacle that may have
been previously located within for example a vending machine.
From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown
and described herein a device for brewing a single cup capsule beverage of
different sizes through a vending machine. It will become apparent to those
skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and
other uses and applications of the subject device for brewing are possible and
contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and
applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure
are
deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims
which follow.
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