Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BREWING BEVERAGES
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to
U.S.
Provisional Application No: 62/140,443, filed March 30, 2015, and U.S.
Provisional
Application No: 62/304,128, filed March 4, 2016, which are incorporated herein
by
reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
Brewed beverages are a popular form of liquid refreshment throughout the
world. For
example, brewed coffee is a 4 billion dollar a year industry in the United
States alone.
Brewed beverages are typically brewed by one of a number of different methods
including,
for example: decoction, infusion, gravitational feed, percolation, or
pressurized percolation,
to name a few. The majority of these methods use hot water during the brewing
process.
Unfortunately, hot water brewing increases the acidity of the resulting
coffee, which may
produce an undesirable bitter taste. Accordingly, there is a need for improved
methods for
making brewed beverages.
SUMMARY
A beverage brewing module including a reservoir, an adjustment assembly, and a
brew chamber for cold brewing a beverage (e.g., coffee).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present
disclosure,
reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction
with the figure
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a brewing module, beverage brewing module, and stand
according to one representative embodiment of the present disclosure, showing
the beverage
brewing module in an open or removed position;
FIG. 2 is a side view of a brewing module and stand according to one
representative
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a brewing module according to one
representative embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A depicts a cross-
section of an
isolated brewing module, while FIG. 3B is a magnified view of a cross-section
of a brewing
module showing details of an internal gasket;
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FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the brewing module, beverage brewing
module, and stand according to one representative embodiment of the present
disclosure
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the brewing module, beverage brewing module, and
stand according to one representative embodiment of the present disclosure
shown in FIG. 1
FIG. 6 is a front view of a beverage container, beverage brewing module, and
straw
according to one representative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 is a side view of a beverage container, beverage brewing module, and
straw
according to one representative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage container, beverage brewing
module,
and straw according to one representative embodiment of the present
disclosure; and
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a beverage container, beverage brewing module,
and
straw according to one representative embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 10A and 10B depict a front view and a side view, respectively, of a
multi-serve
module according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 11A and 11B depict a perspective view and partial exploded view,
respectively,
of a multi-serve module according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 12A and 12B depict a cross-sectional view of a brew chamber and a cross-
sectional view of a valve plate, respectively, of a multi-serve module
according to an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 depicts an adjustable ring in conjunction with a valve plate of a
multi-serve
module according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 14A and 14B depict a partially exploded view and a fully exploded view,
respectively, of a multi-serve module according to an embodiment of the
invention.
FIGS. 15A and 15B depict a partially exploded view and a fully exploded view,
respectively, of a reservoir of a multi-serve module according to an
embodiment of the
invention.
FIGS. 16A and 16B depict a perspective view of a stand and reservoir, and a
stand,
respectively, of a multi-serve module according to an embodiment of the
invention.
FIGS. 17A-C depict a side view, a back view, and an exploded perspective view,
respectively, of carafe of a multi-serve module according to an embodiment of
the invention.
FIGS. 18A and 18B depict perspective views of a carafe of a multi-serve module
embodiment of the invention in a closed position and open position,
respectively.
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FIGS. 19A and 19B depict a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of
a free
standing module of a multi-serve module according to an embodiment of the
invention.
FIGS. 20A and 20B depict cross sectional views of a carafe of a multi-serve
module
according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed position and an open
position,
respectively.
FIG. 21 is a partial cross sectional view of a carafe of a multi-serve module
according
to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of a carafe of a multi-serve module
according to an
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of a multi serve module according to an
embodiment
of the invention
FIGS. 24A and 24B depict a valve plate and an adjustment collar, respectively,
of a
multi-serve module according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 25A and 25B depict an underside-side view of a valve plate and an
adjustment
collar, respectively, of a multi-serve module according to an embodiment of
the invention.
DEFINITIONS
The instant disclosure is most clearly understood with reference to the
following
definitions:
As used in the specification and claims, the singular form "a," "an," and
"the" include
plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
As used in the specification and claims, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
"containing," "having," and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in
U.S. patent
law and can mean "includes," "including," and the like.
Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the term
"or" is
understood to be inclusive.
Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of the values
within the
range. For example, a range of 1 to 50 is understood to include any number,
combination of
numbers, or sub-range from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33,
34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39,
40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50, as well as all intervening
decimal values between
the aforementioned integers such as, for example, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,
1.6, 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9.
With respect to sub-ranges, "nested sub-ranges" that extend from either end
point of the
range are specifically contemplated. For example, a nested sub-range of an
exemplary range
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of 1 to 50 may comprise 1 to 10, 1 to 20, 1 to 30, and 1 to 40 in one
direction, or 50 to 40, 50
to 30, 50 to 20, and 50 to 10 in the other direction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
Various aspects of the disclosure provide an apparatus and method for brewing
beverages including a beverage brewing module and a container module.
Reference will now
be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar
structural features
or aspects of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and
illustration, and not
limitation, a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a beverage brewing
module in
accordance with the disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally
by reference
character 100. Similarly, for purposes of explanation and illustration, and
not limitation, a
front view of an exemplary embodiment of a container module in accordance with
the
disclosure is shown in FIG. 6 and is designated generally by reference
character 170. Other
aspects of the beverage brewing module and associated components and container
are
provided in FIGS. 1-9, as will be described herein. It is contemplated that
the beverage
brewing module of this disclosure may be used with various containers,
bottles, canisters, or
other suitable vessels, and not solely the exemplary container module depicted
in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIGS. 1-5, a beverage brewing module 100 may include a lid 110,
optionally comprising lid hole 120, a reservoir 130, an adjustment assembly
140, a brew
chamber 150, and a stand 160.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, reservoir 130 may be sized to hold a suitable
volume of
liquid (e.g., water) for use in brewing a beverage of choice such as, for
example, 6 oz, 8 oz,
10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz, 18 oz, 20 oz, 22 oz, 24 oz, 26 oz, 28 oz, 30 oz,
32 oz, or more as
desired. In an exemplary embodiment, reservoir 130 may be sized to hold 14 oz.
One of
skill in the art will appreciate that the size of the reservoir may be scaled
up or down to suit a
particular brewing application. The top side 131 of reservoir 130 may be
configured to
releasably engage lid 110 (e.g., by a threaded connector, pressure connector,
snap-fit connect,
and the like). The bottom side of reservoir 130 may be connected to brew
chamber 150 via
adjustment assembly 140. When desired, beverage brewing module 100 may be
conveniently
seated in a stand 160.
A beverage brewing module 100 according to the disclosure is depicted in
greater
detail in the cross-sectional view of FIGS. 3A and 3B. Referring to FIG. 3A,
reservoir 130
includes a top side 131, a reservoir base 133, and a capillary tube 136, which
may generally
be located in any non-central position within reservoir base 133. Reservoir
threading collar
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138 may be mounted to the bottom side of reservoir base 133 by any of a
variety of mounting
means (e.g., adhesive, sonic weld, and the like). In an alternative
embodiment, reservoir
threading collar 138 may be constructed as an integral part of reservoir 130
(e.g., as a
unibody design). The inner circumference and the outer circumference of
reservoir threading
collar 138 include mating connectors configured to releasably engage pressure
chamber base
146 and adjustment collar 142, respectively.
Pressure chamber base 146 includes centrally located pressure chamber outlet
conduit
148. Pressure chamber base 146 is configured to releasably engage reservoir
threading collar
138 by complimentary threading (e.g., a screw on configuration), a snap
closure, etc. In an
exemplary embodiment, pressure chamber base 146 is configured to releasably
engage
reservoir threading collar 138 by a threading mechanism that includes a stop
wall or detent so
that pressure chamber base 146 may only be threaded onto reservoir threading
collar 138 by a
fixed rotational distance, which allows pressure chamber base 146 to be
located at a fixed
distance from reservoir base 133 once fully seated. When pressure chamber base
146 is
engaged to reservoir base 133, pressure chamber 144 is formed in the space
there between as
shown in FIG. 3A.
Adjustment collar 142 is configured to releasably engage the outer
circumference of
reservoir threading collar 138 by complimentary threading (e.g., a screw on
configuration), a
snap closure, etc. in an adjustable manner (e.g., a variable manner).
Adjustment collar 142
includes central opening 157 configured to receive drip gasket 143, which
includes a plurality
of drip gasket holes 147, a stopper valve 147, and a drip gasket base 149 as
shown in FIG.
3B. Drip gasket 143 may be made from any of a variety of suitable food grade
materials
including rubber, neoprene, plastic, silicone, and the like. Drip gasket 143
may be configured
to seat in central opening 157 in any of a variety of means including, but not
limited to, a
pressure fit, thread lock, pop-fit, etc.
The bottom side of adjustment collar 142 includes circumferentially located
mating
connector 158, which is configured to releasably engage brew chamber 150. In
an exemplary
embodiment, mating connector 158 is located on the outer perimeter of the
bottom side of
adjustment collar 142.
Brew chamber 150 includes a plurality of vertically oriented ribs 152 around
the outer
circumference, which may serve as conduits for air movement when brew chamber
150 is
seated in a container. Brew chamber 150 also includes a plurality of filters
154 located along
the bottom side.
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FIGS. 4 and 5 depict exploded views of beverage brewing module 100. In
addition to
the previously described components, pressure chamber gasket 139 may serve to
create a
tight seal between pressure chamber base 146 and the bottom side of reservoir
130.
Additionally, pressure chamber base 146 may also include one or more grips
151, which
facilitate the disengagement of pressure chamber base 146 from its releasable
connection. In
an exemplary embodiment, grips 151 may be recessed cavities designed to
receive a user's
fingertips to aid in disengagement of pressure chamber base 146.
FIGS. 6-9 depict an exemplary container module 170 according to the
disclosure,
which may include container 172, lid 174, and straw 176. Referencing FIG. 8,
container
module 170 may include an inner sleeve 173.
FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of container module 170. Notably, each of
these
components can be individually constructed (e.g., via known molding
techniques),
constructed in various combinations, or constructed as a one piece design
(e.g., via 3-D
printing or other similar molding techniques). Inner sleeve 173 may be engaged
to container
172 by either releasable or non-releasable means. The top side of inner sleeve
173 includes
inner sleeve connector 180, which is configured to releasably engage lid
collar 178. Collar
gasket 179 is positioned in between inner sleeve 173 and lid collar 178 so as
to ensure a water
tight seal. Lid 174 is adapted to releasably engage lid collar 178 via lid
gasket 175.
Additionally, straw receiver 177 is configured to seat in between lid 174 and
lid collar 178,
and includes a conduit 181 configured to receive straw 176.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a suitable volume of
water
may be added to reservoir 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature of
the water
may be at, or below, room temperature to facilitate a cold brewing process. A
suitable
volume of material to be brewed (e.g., coffee, tea, and the like) may also
added to brew
chamber 150. For example, 14 oz of water may be added to reservoir 130 and 3
oz of ground
coffee may be added to brew chamber 150. The water flows through capillary
tube 136 into
pressure chamber 144 where it is able to rise to the top of pressure chamber
outlet 148, at
which point it may drip down into brew chamber 150 via the drip gasket holes
145 in drip
gasket 143. According to the disclosure, the lower side of capillary tube 136
is lower than
the top side of pressure chamber outlet 148, so that it is submerged under the
water that
accumulates in pressure chamber 144. The rate of water flow from pressure
chamber 144 to
brew chamber 150 may be adjusted by turning adjustment assembly 140 either
clockwise or
counterclockwise, thereby raising or lowering stopper 147 relative to pressure
chamber outlet
148, which increases or decreases the flow of water through pressure chamber
outlet 148. As
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shown in FIG. 1, indicator line 132 and indicators 134 may be configured to
designate set
positions of adjustment assembly 140 that provide desired water flow rates,
and thereby
desired brew times. For example, when the adjustment assembly 140 is turned so
that the
indicator line is on the rightmost indicator, the water flow rate through drip
gasket 143 may
correspond to a brew time of 8 hours, which positioning indicator line 132 on
the leftmost
indicator may correspond to a brew time of 2 hours. By controlling the amount
of grounds,
water, and position of the adjustment assembly 140, a brewed beverage of a
desired strength
and taste may be consistently brewed time and again.
FIGS. 10-23 depict an exemplary multi-server module 200 according to the
disclosure, which may include a carafe 270, a reservoir 230, an adjustment
assembly 240, slot
241, a brew chamber 250, and a stand 260. Reservoir 230 may be sized to hold a
suitable
volume of liquid (e.g., water) for use in brewing a beverage of choice such
as, for example, 6
oz, 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz, 18 oz, 20 oz, 22 oz, 24 oz, 26 oz, 28
oz, 30 oz, 32 oz, or
more as desired. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the size of the
reservoir may be
scaled up or down to suit a particular brewing application.
Referring now to FIGS. 10A-B, multi-server module 200 may include lid 210, top
side 231, reservoir 230, reservoir base 229, adjustment assembly 240, slot
241, brew chamber
250, rib 252, carafe 270, stand 260, base plate 262, and a stand ring 264.
Stand 260 may be
configured to hold carafe 270 in a position generally beneath brew chamber 250
as shown in
FIG. 10A.
Now referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, a partially exploded view of multi-server
module 200 is provided. Lid 210 may be configured to releasably engage to top
side 231 of
reservoir 230 via a number of different mechanisms (e.g., by a threaded
connector, pressure
connector, snap-fit connect, and the like). The bottom side of reservoir 230
may be
connected to brew chamber 250 via adjustment assembly 240. When desired, multi-
server
module 200 may be conveniently seated in a stand 260 so as to be positioned
generally above
carafe 270.
Reservoir 230 may include chamber plate connector 256 which may connect to
chamber plate 238 via a number of different connectors, including, but not
limited to, a
threaded connection, a twist lock connection, a snap fit connection and the
like. Multi-server
module 200 may also include adjustment collar 242 and an adjustment collar
cover 233.
Adjustment collar 242 may also include slot 241 and adjustment knob 251. In an
exemplary
embodiment, adjustment knob 251 may be moved back and forth within slot 241 to
increase
or decrease the brewing rate of multi-server module 200, thereby allowing a
user to select a
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desired strength of a brewed beverage to be achieved. In some embodiments,
multi-server
module 200 may include brew chamber 250, which may include a plurality of
vertically
oriented ribs 252 around the outer circumference, which may serve as conduits
for air
movement when brew chamber 250 is seated in a stand 260.
Referring to FIGS. 12A-B, a partial cross-sectional view of multi-server
module 200
is depicted in greater detail. Reservoir 230 includes a top side 231, and a
reservoir base 229.
Adjustment collar 242 may be mounted to the bottom side of reservoir base 229
by any of a
variety of mounting means (e.g., adhesive, sonic weld, and the like). The
inner
circumference of adjustment collar 242 may include valve plate 243, which may
include
valve pillar 246. Valve plate 243 also may include a plurality of drip gasket
holes 247 and
valve plate ramps 253. Valve plate ramps 253 may interact with adjustment
collar ramp 257
(shown in FIG. 14). Chamber plate 238 may include capillary tube 236, which
may generally
be located in any non-central position within reservoir base 229. The water
flows through
capillary tube 236 into pressure chamber 244, at which point it may drip down
into brew
chamber 250 via the drip gasket holes 247. Multi-server module 200 also
includes brew
chamber 250, which may include a plurality of filters 254.
Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14A-B, a top view of adjustment assembly 240
(for
clarity, adjustable collar 244 depicted in FIG. 14 is omitted) is detailed.
Valve plate 243 rests
within adjustment collar 242 and may be configured as a turning mechanism (and
or rotating
mechanism), valve plate ramp 253 engages with complimentary adjustment collar
ramp 257
to increase and decrease the height of pressure chamber 244 relative to valve
pillar 246,
which may increase or decrease the size of an opening between valve pillar 246
and valve
228 so as to increase or decrease, respectively, the flow of a fluid from
pressure chamber 244
down onto drip gasket holes 247. As adjustment ring 245 turns in place, notch
235 and valve
plate detent 234 may be configured to function as movement limiters for the
extent to which
adjustment ring 245 may be moved in either direction.
A partial exploded view of multi-server module 200 is depicted in FIG. 14.
Adjustment assembly 240 includes adjustment collar cover 244, valve plate 243,
valve pillar
246, adjustment ring 245, adjustment knob 251, adjustment collar 242 and slot
241.
Adjustment collar ramp 257 and valve plate ramp 253 engage to allow vertical
movement of
valve plate 243 while adapting (e.g., turning, twisting, rotating, and the
like) adjustment knob
251 on adjustment ring 245. Movement of valve plate 243 in turn raises or
lowers adjustment
collar ramp 257 thereby opening or closing valve 228. Adjustment assembly 240
engages
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with brew chamber 250, via chamber plate 238 and reservoir 230 (pictured in
more detail in
FIG. 15).
Pictured in FIG. 15 is a detailed view of reservoir 230 and chamber plate 238.
Reservoir 230 includes a lid 210, chamber plate connector 256, and capillary
tube 236. Lid
210 includes a vent 237 and a lid handle 232. Chamber plate 238 may be
connected with
chamber plate 256 via any number of suitable mechanisms (e.g., a threaded
connection, a
twist lock connection, a snap fit connection and the like). In an exemplary
embodiment,
chamber plate 238 includes threads 239, gasket 248, chamber plate base 249,
and valve 228.
Valve 228 may be configured to engage with valve pillar 246 (shown in FIG. 14)
to increase
or decrease the rate of flow of a fluid from pressure chamber 244 down onto
drip gasket holes
247 and ultimately into brew chamber 250.
FIGS. 16-21 depict an exemplary carafe 270 and stand 260 of multi-server
module
200. In FIG. 16, stand 260 includes stand top connector 263, stand top end
365, stand bottom
connector 266, base plate 262, and stand ring 264. Stand top connector 263 and
stand bottom
connector 266 may be configured to engage with carafe cover 272 (shown in FIG.
17) and
base plate 262, respectively via a number of suitable mechanisms, including,
but not limited
to, a threaded connection, a twist lock connection, a snap fit connection, and
the like.
Notably, each of these components can be individually constructed (e.g., via
known molding
techniques), constructed in various combinations, or constructed as a one
piece design (e.g.,
via 3-D printing or other similar molding techniques).
Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, a detailed view of carafe 270 is shown. Carafe
270
includes carafe cover 272, and upper carafe 273. Carafe cover 272 includes a
thumb slider
271, a sealing mechanism 274, a dispenser 276 and a sealing opening 275.
Dispenser 276
may be of any suitable shape including, but not limited to, a circle, an oval,
and an ellipse.
Additionally, dispenser 276 may be positioned in any suitable location. In one
illustrative
embodiment, dispenser 276 may be directly in front of sealing opening 275.
Sealing opening
275 may be of any suitable size to receive liquid from brew chamber 250 (i.e.,
depicted in
FIG. 16). Carafe 270 may rest in stand 260 and may be of any suitable shape
and design.
A more detailed view of sealing mechanism 274 is depicted in FIGS. 20 and 21.
Thumb slider 271 may be moved by the user thereby engaging with the sealing
mechanism
274 to open (right) and close (left) sealing opening 275, and therefore
allowing fluid from
carafe 270 to be provided and/or accessed. Upon movement of thumb slider 271,
sealing
mechanism 274 engages with hinge 277 to open and close sealing mechanism 275.
Any seal
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herein disclosed may be made of any suitable sealing material such as, but not
limited to
rubber, plastic, soft plastic and/or foam.
Cross-sectional views of multi-server module 200 are depicted in FIGS. 22 and
23 are
provided. In particular, FIG. 23 depicts diffuser 280, which may be configured
to evenly
distribute fluid dripping down through drip gasket holes 247 across the top of
the contents of
brew chamber 250 (e.g. coffee grounds, tea leaves, etc.). Diffuser 280 may be
made of any of
a variety of suitable materials such as, for example, paper, crepe paper, wire
mesh, and the
like. In one embodiment, diffuser 280 may be made from paper. It is
contemplated within the
scope of the invention, that diffuser 280 may be infused with a variety of
suitable flavors
such as, for example, hazelnut, almond, caramel, chocolate raspberry, caramel
honey, and the
like, which may in turn impart a flavored taste to the resulting cold brewed
beverage.
Now referring to FIG. 24A, a top view of valve plate 243 is depicted. Valve
plate 243
includes valve plate ramp 253, valve pillar 246, and drip gasket holes 247. A
top view of
adjustment collar 242 is shown in FIG. 24B adjustment collar 242 includes
adjustment collar
ramp 257 and slot 241.
Referring to FIG. 24B, a bottom view of valve plate 243 is depicted. Valve
plate 243
includes valve plate ramp 253, valve pillar 246, and drip gasket holes 247. A
bottom view of
adjustment collar 242 is shown in FIG. 25B adjustment collar 242 includes
adjustment collar
ramp 257 and slot 241.
While these embodiments have been described using specific terms, such
description
is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and
variations may be
made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.
