Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Title
Beverage Brewer
Industrial Applicability
The invention is applicable to the beverage brewing industry.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to beverage brewing and in particular to a
brewing
device for hot or cold brewing of beverages.
Background of the Invention
Several types of beverages, such as coffee, tea, yerba mate, and herbal
infusions
(tisane), are brewed by infusing or steeping ground or shredded beverage
material in
water or other liquid. For quick brewing, hot water is typically used.
However, cold
brewing, that is, infusion of the beverage material in cold or room-
temperature water
rather than in hot water, is sometimes preferred. For example, some coffee
drinkers
prefer the flavor provided by cold brewing, and bitterness and acidity can be
avoided
when brewing certain teas by steeping in unheated water rather than hot water.
Such cold
brewing is accomplished by submerging a portion of brewing material in
unheated water
for a period of time to allow the brewing material to infuse the water. While
the steeping
process may provide a desired result, the time required for cold brewing is
longer than
that required for brewing in hot water.
Conventional cold-brew steeps require a user to measure and pour a particular
amount of brewing material into the steep liquid. A pre-measured simple drop-
in portion of
brewing material would be convenient, particularly for use in a brewer that
simplifies
removal of the brewing material and clean-up of the brewer. A brewer that can
be used
for both hot- and cold-brewing would provide flexibility, and it would be
advantageous if
the brewer would be configured to speed the cold-brewing process. The ability
to use
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either loose beverage brewing material or pre-packaged brewing material in a
capsule or
other container would make such a brewer universally useful.
It would also be advantageous to provide a feature by which the brewing time
is
reduced when the beverage is cold-brewed. Many people prefer the taste of a
cold-
brewed beverage, but cold-brewing typically takes a much longer time than does
traditional hot-brewing. Adding an agitation or rotation feature to the cold
brewer has
been shown to reduce the cold-brewing time. Another manner of speeding the
process
would be to increase the flow of brewing liquid through the brewing material.
Some
conventional devices use a gravity feed to draw water through the brewing
material using
a percolator-type action, which speeds brewing time somewhat. However, these
systems
tend to have a motorized system outside the brewing container to provide the
gravity
action, resulting in a brewer having a large footprint that takes up
considerable counter
space. Also, the complexity of these systems makes them difficult to clean
properly and
exposes users to potential build-up of bacteria and other contaminants that
affect the
taste of the beverage and the health of the user. Other systems use a
reservoir container
to provide the water to be used to brew the beverage, and a separate container
to
dispense the brewed beverage, adding size and complexity to the device.
Therefore, a reliable, rapid cold-brewing system that uses a fluid feed to
increase
the fluid flow would provide an overall improved brewing experience. It would
also be
advantageous if such a system could be configured as a compact unit,
preferably a unit
that could be portable. Flexibility would be provided if the brewing system
can also be
used to hot-brew a beverage, or if it can be used to warm a beverage that had
been cold-
brewed by the system, in order to serve a warm or hot beverage that has the
cold-brew
taste. Such a system that uses the beverage serving vessel as the source of
the fluid
used to brew the beverage would make the unit more compact and simple to use
and
clean. A system having a simple feature allowing the brew line to be cleaned
quickly
between brews would reduce the potential for pathogen buildup, would make it
easier to
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brew beverages of different types with the same system without cross-flavoring
the
beverages, and would keep the brewed beverages fresher tasting.
Brief Summary of the Invention
According to an aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer includes a pump
assembly, an intake tube assembly, an outflow tube assembly, a brewing
material holder
assembly, and a container volume. The intake tube assembly is connected to an
inlet port
of the pump assembly at a pump end. The outflow tube assembly is connected to
an
outlet port of the pump assembly at a pump end. The brewing material holder
assembly is
configured to hold ground brewing material and is arranged at an issue end of
the outflow
tube assembly. The container volume is configured to accommodate a container
assembly that is configured to hold fluid, and is arranged at an issue portion
of the
brewing material holder assembly. A suction end of the intake tube assembly is
arranged
within an interior of the container volume. The pump assembly is configured to
draw fluid
from within the container volume through the intake tube assembly and to issue
the fluid
into the brewing material holder assembly through the outflow tube assembly,
thereby
brewing a beverage in the brewing material holder assembly. The brewing
material holder
assembly is configured to issue the brewed beverage into the container volume.
The beverage brewer can also include a container assembly, configured to be
disposed in the container volume.
The beverage brewer can also include a heating element, disposed below the
container volume.
The brewing material holder assembly can be arranged below the outflow tube
assembly, and the container volume can be arranged below the brewing material
holder
assembly.
According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer includes a
pump
assembly, an intake tube assembly, an outflow tube assembly, a brewing
material holder
assembly, an air vent tube assembly, and a container volume. The intake tube
assembly
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is connected to an inlet port of the pump assembly at a pump end. The outflow
tube
assembly is connected to an outlet port of the pump assembly at a pump end.
The
brewing material holder assembly is configured to hold ground brewing material
and is
arranged at an issue end of the outflow tube assembly. The air vent tube
assembly is
coupled to the intake tube assembly and configured to selectively allow air to
vent to an
interior of the intake tube assembly. The container volume is configured to
accommodate
a container assembly that is configured to hold fluid, and is arranged at an
issue portion
of the brewing material holder assembly. The pump assembly is configured to
draw fluid
through the intake tube assembly and to issue the fluid into the brewing
material holder
.. assembly through the outflow tube assembly, thereby brewing a beverage in
the brewing
material holder assembly. The brewing material holder assembly is configured
to issue
the brewed beverage into the container volume.
The air vent tube assembly can include an air vent tube and an air vent tube
valve, the intake tube assembly can include an inlet tube, and the air vent
tube valve can
be controllable to selectively allow or prevent fluid communication between an
interior of
the air vent tube and an interior of the inlet tube. The air vent tube valve
can be biased in
a closed position, thereby preventing fluid communication between the interior
of the air
vent tube and the interior of the inlet tube, and can be controllable to
counteract the bias
into an open position, thereby allowing fluid communication between the
interior of the air
vent tube and the interior of the inlet tube.
According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer includes a
frame,
a holder assembly, an intake tube having a proximal end and a distal end, an
inlet tube
having a proximal end and a distal end, an outlet tube having a proximal end
and a distal
end, and a pump assembly coupled to the frame, having an inlet port and an
outlet port.
The proximal end of the intake tube is arranged at a first frame through-hole.
The distal
end of the inlet tube is coupled to the frame and is arranged in fluid
communication with
the proximal end of the intake tube at the first frame through-hole. The
proximal end of
the inlet tube is coupled to the inlet port of the pump assembly. The proximal
end of the
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outlet tube is coupled to the outlet port of the pump assembly. The distal end
of the outlet
tube is arranged at a second frame through-hole. The pump assembly is
configured to
draw fluid from the distal end of the intake tube through the intake tube and
the inlet tube,
and to issue the drawn fluid through the outlet tube. The holder assembly is
configured to
be arranged to receive the issued fluid from the outlet tube.
The distal end of the intake tube can be arranged at a level below the holder
assembly.
The intake tube can be made from a flexible material.
The intake tube can have a bowed shape.
The beverage brewer can also include an intake tube filter attached to the
distal
end of the intake tube and configured to filter particulate matter from fluid.
The pump assembly can include a pump, and a motor configured to drive the
pump.
The frame can include a base, an extension, and a support chassis. The base
can
be configured to be placed on a surface so as to maintain the beverage brewer
in a stable
state. The extension can be configured to be coupled to and extend upward from
the
base at a lower end, and to be coupled to the support chassis at an upper end,
thereby
maintaining the support chassis in spaced relation above the base. The pump
assembly
can be coupled to the frame at the support chassis. The proximal end of the
intake tube
can be coupled to the frame at the support chassis. The distal end of the
inlet tube can be
coupled to the frame at the support chassis. The first and second frame
through-holes
can be arranged in the support chassis.
The extension can be configured at least in part as a handle. The support
chassis
can be hingedly coupled to the extension. The beverage brewer can also include
a
support collar, coupled to an upper end of the extension and configured to
support the
support chassis.
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The holder assembly can include an upper holder rim, a holder bottom, and a
holder sidewall connecting the upper rim to the holder bottom. The holder
bottom can
include a holder bottom aperture.
The beverage brewer can also include an outflow needle coupled within the
holder
bottom aperture and extending into an interior of the holder assembly, and an
inflow
needle coupled within the second frame through-hole and extending away from
the distal
end of the outlet tube. The outflow and inflow needles can be, for example,
tubes having
a sharp end. The distal end of the outlet tube can be arranged for fluid
communication
with the inflow needle through the second frame through-hole. Thus, the holder
assembly
can be configured to receive a sealed container of ground brewing material. In
this case,
the inflow needle is configured to pierce an upper seal of the sealed
container of ground
brewing material when the holder assembly is arranged to receive the issued
fluid from
the outlet tube, and to provide the issued fluid to an interior of the sealed
container,
thereby brewing a beverage, and the outflow needle is configured to pierce a
bottom of
the sealed container of ground brewing material when the holder assembly is
arranged to
receive the issued fluid from the outlet tube, and to issue the brewed
beverage.
Alternatively, the beverage brewer can include a bottom tube coupled within
the
holder bottom aperture and extending into an interior of the holder assembly,
and an
upper tube coupled within the second frame through-hole and extending toward
the base.
.. The distal end of the outlet tube can be arranged for fluid communication
with the upper
tube through the second frame through-hole. Thus, the holder assembly can be
configured to receive a reusable container containing ground brewing material.
Such a
reusable container includes an upper container rim, a container bottom having
a
container bottom aperture, a container sidewall connecting the upper rim to
the bottom,
and a lid configured to be removably coupled to the upper container rim and
having a lid
aperture. The upper tube can be configured to enter an interior of the
reusable container
through the lid aperture when the holder assembly is arranged to receive the
issued fluid
from the outlet tube, and to provide the issued fluid to the interior of the
reusable
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container, thereby brewing a beverage, and the bottom tube can be configured
to enter
the interior of the reusable container through the container bottom aperture
when the
holder assembly is arranged to receive the issued fluid from the outlet tube,
and to issue
the brewed beverage. Alternatively, the holder assembly can be configured to
hold
ground brewing material directly. In this case, the upper tube can be
configured to enter
an interior of the holder assembly upper holder rim when the holder assembly
is arranged
to receive the issued fluid from the outlet tube, and to provide the issued
fluid to the
interior of the holder assembly, thereby brewing a beverage, and the bottom
tube can be
configured to enter the interior of the holder assembly through the holder
bottom aperture
when the holder assembly is arranged to receive the issued fluid from the
outlet tube, and
to issue the brewed beverage.
The beverage brewer can instead include an upper tube coupled within the
second frame through-hole and extending toward the base. In this case, the
distal end of
the outlet tube can be arranged for fluid communication with the upper tube
through the
second frame through-hole. The holder sidewall can include a plurality of ribs
connected
at opposite ends between the upper holder rim and the holder bottom. The
plurality of ribs
and corresponding spaces between the ribs define the holder sidewall, and the
holder
assembly can include mesh material at least partially covering the spaces
between the
ribs in the holder sidewall. The holder assembly can be configured to hold
ground
brewing material. The upper tube can be configured to enter an interior of the
upper
holder rim when the holder assembly is arranged to receive the issued fluid
from the
outlet tube, and to provide the issued fluid to the interior of the holder
assembly, thereby
brewing a beverage. The mesh material can be configured to issue the brewed
beverage.
The holder bottom can include open areas corresponding to the spaces between
the ribs
in the holder sidewall, and the mesh material can at least partially cover the
open areas.
The beverage brewer can also include a container assembly, configured to
receive and hold fluid and to be arranged on the base below the holder
assembly such
that the distal end of the intake tube is disposed within an interior of the
container
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assembly. The container assembly can include a container body, and a container
collar.
The container body can include an open upper container rim, a container
bottom, and a
container sidewall connecting the upper container rim to the container bottom.
The
container collar can include an open upper collar rim, an open bottom collar
rim, and a
collar sidewall connecting the upper collar rim to the bottom collar rim. The
bottom collar
rim can correspond to and be coupled to the upper container rim. The holder
assembly
can also include a holder plate extending outward from the holder sidewall.
The holder
plate can be configured to couple with an inside surface of the container
collar such that
the holder assembly is arranged within the collar sidewall. The holder plate
can include a
plate through-hole, and the proximal end of the intake tube can be coupled to
the holder
plate at the plate through-hole.
The beverage brewer can also include a heating element assembly, including a
heating element disposed on the base. The distal end of the intake tube is
arranged
above the heating element. The heating element assembly can also include a
temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature value corresponding to
a
temperature of fluid held in a container assembly arranged on the base below
the holder
assembly such that the distal end of the intake tube is disposed within an
interior of the
container assembly. The heating element assembly can also include a heating
element
controller configured to receive the temperature value and to adjust a
relative temperature
provided by the heating element based on the temperature value.
The beverage brewer can also include a support chassis cover, hingedly
connected to the upper end of the extension and configured to alternately
cover and
uncover the pump assembly, the inlet tube, the outlet tube, and the support
chassis.
The beverage brewer can also include an air vent tube assembly, coupled to the
inlet tube at a first end and configured to selectively allow air at a second
end to vent to
an interior of the inlet tube. The air vent tube assembly can include an air
vent tube and
an air vent tube valve. The air vent tube valve can be controllable to
selectively allow or
prevent fluid communication between an interior of the air vent tube and an
interior of the
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inlet tube. The air vent tube valve can be, for example, biased in a closed
position,
thereby preventing fluid communication between the interior of the air vent
tube and the
interior of the inlet tube, and can be controllable to counteract the bias
into an open
position, thereby allowing fluid communication between the interior of the air
vent tube
and the interior of the inlet tube.
According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer includes
pressure means for providing fluid suction at an intake port and corresponding
fluid
discharge at an outflow port, intake means for providing intake fluid passage,
connected
to the intake port of the pressure means at a pressure end, outflow means for
providing
outflow fluid passage, connected to the outflow port of the pressure means at
a pressure
end, material holding means for containing ground brewing material, arranged
at an issue
end of the outflow means, and fluid holding means for containing a fluid,
arranged at an
issue portion of the material holding means. A suction end of the intake means
is
arranged within an interior of the fluid holding means. The pressure means is
configured
to draw fluid from within the fluid holding means through the intake means and
to issue
the fluid into the material holding means through the outflow means, thereby
brewing a
beverage in the material holding means. The material holding means is
configured to
issue the brewed beverage into the fluid holding means.
According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer includes
pressure means for providing fluid suction at an intake port and corresponding
fluid
discharge at an outflow port, intake means for providing intake fluid passage,
connected
to the intake port of the pressure means at a pressure end, outflow means for
providing
outflow fluid passage, connected to the outflow port of the pressure means at
a pressure
end, material holding means for containing ground brewing material, arranged
at an issue
end of the outflow means, air venting means, coupled to the intake means and
configured
to selectively allow air to vent to an interior of the intake means, and fluid
holding means
for containing a fluid, arranged at an issue portion of the material holding
means. The
pressure means is configured to draw fluid through the intake means and to
issue the
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fluid into the material holding means through the outflow means, thereby
brewing a
beverage in the material holding means. The material holding means is
configured to
issue the brewed beverage into the fluid holding means.
According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer includes a
container, a pump configured to provide liquid suction at a suction port and
corresponding
liquid discharge at an outflow port, an intake line connected to the suction
port of the
pump and configured to transport liquid from the container to the pump, an
outflow line
connected to the outflow port of the pump and configured to provide liquid
from the pump
to an end of the outflow line, and a brewing material holder, arranged at the
end of the
outflow line and configured to contain ground brewing material and to brew a
beverage
from the liquid provided by the outflow line. The container is arranged to
receive the
beverage brewed at the brewing material holder.
According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer includes a
container, a pump configured to provide liquid suction at a suction port and
corresponding
liquid discharge at an outflow port, an intake line connected to the suction
port of the
pump and configured to transport liquid from the container to the pump, an
outflow line
connected to the outflow port of the pump and configured to provide liquid
from the pump
to an end of the outflow line, a brewing material holder, arranged at the end
of the outflow
line, configured to contain ground brewing material and to brew a beverage
from the
liquid provided by the outflow line, and an air vent tube, coupled to the
intake line and
configured to selectively allow ambient air to vent to an interior of the
intake line by
suction action of the pump.
According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer includes a
pump
assembly, an intake tube assembly, an outflow tube assembly, a brewing
material holder
assembly, and a container assembly. The intake tube assembly is connected to
an inlet
port of the pump assembly at a pump end. The outflow tube assembly is
connected to an
outlet port of the pump assembly at a pump end. The brewing material holder
assembly is
configured to hold ground brewing material and arranged at an issue end of the
outflow
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tube assembly. The container assembly is configured to hold fluid and is
arranged at an
issue portion of the brewing material holder assembly. A suction end of the
intake tube
assembly is arranged for fluid communication with an interior of the container
volume.
The pump assembly is configured to draw fluid from within the container volume
through
the intake tube assembly and to issue the fluid into the brewing material
holder assembly
through the outflow tube assembly, thereby brewing a beverage in the brewing
material
holder assembly. At least a portion of the intake tube assembly is attached to
the
container assembly. The brewing material holder assembly is configured to
issue the
brewed beverage into the container volume.
The portion of the intake tube assembly can be attached to an inside surface
of
the container assembly.
The container assembly can include a port allowing fluid communication between
the interior of the container assembly and outside the container assembly. The
portion of
the intake tube assembly can be coupled to the container assembly outside of
the
container volume. The suction end of the intake tube assembly can be arranged
at the
container assembly port. The portion of the intake tube assembly can be
coupled to an
outside surface of the container assembly, and the pump assembly can be
coupled to the
outside surface of the container assembly. The container assembly can include
a handle,
which can include a hollow internal channel forming a portion of the intake
tube assembly.
Alternatively, the handle can include a hollow internal channel in which the
at least a
portion of the intake tube assembly is arranged. The pump assembly can be
arranged in
the handle.
According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer includes a
pump
assembly, an intake tube assembly, an outflow tube assembly, a brewing
material holder
assembly, and a container volume. The intake tube assembly is connected to an
inlet port
of the pump assembly at a pump end. The outflow tube assembly is connected to
an
outlet port of the pump assembly at a pump end. The brewing material holder
assembly is
configured to hold ground brewing material and arranged at an issue end of the
outflow
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tube assembly. The container volume is configured to accommodate a container
assembly that is configured to hold fluid, arranged at an issue portion of the
brewing
material holder assembly. A suction end of the intake tube assembly is
arranged within an
interior of the container volume. The pump assembly is configured to draw
fluid from
within the container volume through the intake tube assembly and to issue the
fluid into
the brewing material holder assembly through the outflow tube assembly,
thereby
brewing a beverage in the brewing material holder assembly. At least a portion
of the
intake tube assembly is attached to the brewing material holder assembly. The
brewing
material holder assembly is configured to issue the brewed beverage into the
container
volume.
According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer includes a
pump
assembly, an intake tube assembly, an outflow tube assembly, a brewing
material holder
assembly, a container volume, and a control assembly. The intake tube assembly
is
connected to an inlet port of the pump assembly at a pump end. The outflow
tube
assembly is connected to an outlet port of the pump assembly at a pump end.
The
brewing material holder assembly is configured to hold ground brewing material
and
arranged at an issue end of the outflow tube assembly. The container volume is
configured to accommodate a container assembly that is configured to hold
fluid,
arranged at an issue portion of the brewing material holder assembly. A
suction end of
the intake tube assembly is arranged within an interior of the container
volume. The pump
assembly is configured to draw fluid from within the container volume through
the intake
tube assembly and to issue the fluid into the brewing material holder assembly
through
the outflow tube assembly, thereby brewing a beverage in the brewing material
holder
assembly. The brewing material holder assembly is configured to issue the
brewed
beverage into the container volume. The control assembly is configured to
selectively
actuate the pump assembly.
The control assembly can include a user interface configured to accept brew
parameters provided by a user. The user interface can be configured to accept
a brew
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parameter associated with desired brew strength. The control assembly can also
be
configured to selectively control a duration of pump assembly actuation and/or
a pump
assembly flow rate. The beverage brewer can also include the container
assembly, and
can also include a volume detector configured to determine a volume of liquid
present
within the container assembly. For example, the volume detector can include
one of the
brew parameters provided by the user via the user interface. The control
assembly can
be configured to selectively control at least one of duration of pump assembly
actuation
and pump assembly flow rate based at least in part on the determined volume of
liquid.
The beverage brewer can also include a heating element, disposed below the
container volume. The control assembly can be configured to selectively
control a
duration of heating element actuation and a heating element temperature.
Brief Description of the Drawings
These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will
be more apparent from the following more detailed description thereof, with
reference to
the following drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the beverage brewer of the invention.
Fig. 2 shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of the beverage brewer of the
invention, with the cover and container assembly removed.
Fig. 3 shows another view of an exemplary embodiment of the beverage brewer of
the invention, with the cover and container assembly removed.
Fig. 4 shows another view of an exemplary embodiment of the beverage brewer of
the invention, with the cover and container assembly removed.
Fig. 5 shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of a holder assembly of the
beverage brewer of the invention.
Fig. 6 shows another view of an exemplary embodiment of a holder assembly of
the beverage brewer of the invention.
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Fig. 7 shows another view of an exemplary embodiment of a holder assembly of
the beverage brewer of the invention.
Fig. 8 shows the underside of the support chassis of an exemplary embodiment
of
the invention.
Fig. 9 shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of a holder assembly of the
beverage brewer of the invention, in which a sealed container of ground
brewing material
is inserted.
Fig. 10 shows another view of an exemplary embodiment of a holder assembly of
the beverage brewer of the invention, in which a sealed container of ground
brewing
material is inserted.
Fig. 11 shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of a holder assembly of the
beverage brewer of the invention, in which a reusable container of ground
brewing
material is inserted.
Fig. 12 shows another view of an exemplary embodiment of a holder assembly of
the beverage brewer of the invention, in which a reusable container of ground
brewing
material is inserted.
Fig. 13 shows an exemplary embodiment of the beverage brewer of the invention
with the cover removed.
Fig. 14 shows a top view of an exemplary brewer according to the invention,
with
a control option interface enabling brew strength selection and additional
modes, as well
as an on/off actuation button.
Fig. 15 shows an exemplary heating element assembly according to the
invention.
Fig. 16 shows an underside of an exemplary heating element assembly according
to the invention.
Fig. 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of the power base for the brewer
according to the invention.
Fig. 18 shows an exemplary power supply assembly for the beverage brewer of
the invention, housed in this case in the bottom of the handle assembly.
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Fig. 19 shows an exemplary embodiment of a brewer according to the invention,
having an air vent tube assembly.
Fig. 20 shows another view of an exemplary embodiment of a brewer according to
the invention, having an air vent tube assembly.
Fig. 21 shows another view of an exemplary embodiment of a brewer according to
the invention, having an air vent tube assembly.
Fig. 22 shows an exemplary embodiment of the container body of the brewer
according to the invention.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components
.. throughout the several views of the drawings.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Referring to Fig. 1, the invention is a beverage brewer 1, which can be used
to
brew a beverage from ground or shredded beverage brewing material, such as
ground
coffee beans, shredded tea leaves, or herbal material. If desired, additional
flavorings,
such as chicory or ginger, can be added to the materials, which are steeped in
water to
brew the beverage. The brewer 1 provides the water or other liquid used to
brew the
beverage from a container assembly 2 or other vessel (cup, mug, carafe, or the
like),
which is also used to receive the brewed beverage after brewing. Because the
same
vessel is used to provide the water and receive the brewed beverage, the
design of the
brewer 1 is compact and efficient, and requires less effort to clean than
conventional
brewers. Further, brewing can continue for any desired amount of time by
continuing to
recirculate the brewed beverage through the brewer in order to provide a
custom brew
strength.
With reference to Figs. 2-4, in order to brew a beverage in this manner, the
beverage brewer includes a pump assembly 3 to draw the water from the
container and
provide the water to a brewing material holder assembly 4, where the brewing
material is
steeped to brew the beverage. The pump assembly 3 creates negative pressure at
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inlet port 5, in a manner known to those of skill in the art, and positive
pressure at an
outlet port 6, in order to draw fluid at the inlet port 5 and issue the drawn
fluid at the outlet
port 6.
According to the exemplary embodiment shown, one end 7 of an intake tube
assembly is arranged in the container assembly 2 and the other end is
connected to the
inlet port 5 of the pump assembly 3 so that the pump assembly 3 can draw water
from the
container assembly 2 to begin the brewing process. Likewise, an outflow tube
assembly
is connected to an outlet port 6 of the pump assembly at one end, and at the
other end 8
is arranged to issue the drawn water into the brewing material holder assembly
4. The
brewing material holder assembly 4 is configured to hold ground brewing
material, so
when the issued water from the outflow tube assembly passes through it, the
beverage is
brewed. The container assembly 2 is arranged to receive the brewed beverage
from the
brewing material holder assembly. In this manner, the pump assembly 3 draws
fluid from
within the container assembly 2 through the intake tube assembly and issues
the fluid into
the brewing material holder assembly 4 through the outflow tube assembly, to
brew the
beverage, which is then provided back to the container assembly 2. Thus, water
is drawn
from the container assembly 2 and replaced with a brewed beverage in the same
container assembly 2. Thus, the brewing process requires only one container
according
to this preferred embodiment.
The beverage brewer 1 can perform this brewing function as a cold-brew
operation or as a heated brewing operation. If used to cold-brew a beverage,
the cycling
of the fluid from the container assembly 2, through the pump assembly 3,
through the
brewing material holder assembly 4, and back to the container assembly 2 can
be
repeated as long as needed in order to provide a brewed beverage of the
desired
strength. To perform a heated brewing operation, the beverage brewer 1 can
also include
a heating element 9, disposed below the container assembly 2 or otherwise
arranged to
heat the water in the container assembly 2 before brewing. In this case, the
pump
assembly 3 can include a timer to delay the pumping action until a
predetermined time
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has passed after activating the heating element 9, so that the water is heated
to a
suitable temperature before the brewing material is steeped. Alternatively,
the water can
be circulated as it is heated. Use of the heating element 9 can be bypassed,
so that a
user can select whether to hot- or cold-brew the beverage. After cold-brewing
a
beverage, the heating element 9 can be used to warm the cold-brewed beverage,
in order
to provide a warm beverage with cold-brewed taste.
As shown in Figs. 2-4, an exemplary embodiment of the beverage brewer includes
a frame 10, a holder assembly 4, an intake tube 11, an inlet tube 12, an
outlet tube 13,
and a pump assembly 3. The intake tube 11 is arranged inside the container
assembly 2
and is connected to the frame 10 at a first through-hole 14, which can be
supported by a
flange 15 on either side to facilitate coupling. The inlet tube 12 is coupled
to the frame 10
at the other side of the first through-hole 14, and therefore continues the
fluid
communication path from the container assembly. The other end of the inlet
tube 12 is
coupled to the inlet port 5 of the pump assembly 3. Thus, the intake tube
assembly is
shown in this embodiment to include the intake tube 11 and the inlet tube 12,
but a single
tube or additional tubes can be used to provide the same effect. For example,
a single
tube can be pushed through the first through-hole 14 to couple with the pump
assembly
3. Alternatively, if the pump assembly 3 is instead mounted on the underside
of the frame
10, a through-hole is not necessary and a single tube can be used. In essence,
the
system provides a fluid path from the interior of the container to the pump
and from the
pump to the brewing material holder. The pickup tube 11, the inlet tube 12,
and the outlet
tube 13, or any alternative configurations of tubes, can be coupled so as to
be removable
for cleaning and/or replacement.
The outlet tube 13 is coupled at one end to the outlet port 6 of the pump
assembly
3. The other end of the outlet tube 13 is arranged at a second frame through-
hole 8,
which can be supported by a flange 16 to facilitate coupling. Again, if the
pump assembly
3 is mounted on the other side of the frame 10, a second through-hole might
not be
necessary. The pump assembly 3 is configured to draw fluid from the container
assembly
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2 through the intake tube 11 and the inlet tube 12, and to issue the drawn
fluid through
the outlet tube 13. As configured, the holder assembly 4 can be arranged to
receive the
issued fluid from the outlet tube 13 in order to brew the beverage.
The pump assembly 3 includes a pump 17, and a motor 18 configured to drive the
pump 17, which can be an AC- or DC-driven motor. Power to the pump assembly 3
can
be provided via an AC power cord 19 and/or battery to a power converter unit,
via a
rechargeable battery, via a solar power source, or by any other power source
known to
those of skill in the art. This power source can also be used to power the
heating element
9. As shown, if AC power is provided, a typical AC power cord 19 can extended
from the
frame 10, which can be used to house any necessary power conversion circuitry
and/or
power splitter to provide power to the pump assembly 3. Use of a battery
source for
power would allow the compact brewer 1 to be portable and usable even away
from a
source of AC power, and therefore both AC and DC power options can be
available on
the same unit.
Connection of the power to the beverage brewer 1 can be actuated via a power
switch accessible to a user, for example, in the form of a button 20. A
control unit can be
provided to allow the user to control aspects of operation of the brewer 1,
such as
throughput and duration of the pumping process, and temperature and duration
of
operation of the heating element. 9
As shown, the frame 10 can include a base 21, an extension 22, and a support
chassis 23. The base 21 is configured to be placed on a surface such as a
table or
kitchen counter and keeps the beverage brewer 1 stable during operation. The
extension
22 is coupled to and extends upward from the base 21 at a lower end, and is
coupled to
the support chassis 23 at an upper end, so as to raise the support chassis 23
above the
base 21 a sufficient distance to accommodate the container assembly 2. The
pump
assembly 3 is preferably coupled to the upper surface of the support chassis
23, as are
the upper end of the intake tube 11 and the distal end of the inlet tube 12.
The first and
second through-holes 14, 8 are arranged in the support chassis to provide
fluid
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communication between the intake tube 11 and inlet tube 12, and the outlet
tube 13 and
holder assembly 4, respectively. As mentioned above, the components can be
alternatively arranged, such as by mounting the pump assembly 3 on the
underside of the
support chassis 23, or by otherwise arranging the tube components to couple
with the
pump 17. Cutouts in the periphery of the support chassis 23 can be provided
instead of
the through-holes. Any arrangement of the pump assembly 3 and the tube
components
that allows fluid to be drawn from the container assembly 2 and issued to the
holder
assembly 4 falls within the contemplated scope of the invention.
The extension 22 can be configured at least in part as a handle. The handle
can
be grasped by a user to move the beverage brewer 1. The extension 22 can be
made
hollow, so that any wiring coming from the base 21 to the pump assembly 3 or
other
components on the support chassis 23 can be routed through the handle and will
not be
exposed.
The support chassis 23 is preferably hingedly coupled to the extension 22, so
that
the support chassis 23 and attached components can be lifted away from the
container
assembly 2 while remaining coupled to the extension 22. The beverage brewer 1
can also
include a support collar 24, coupled to an upper end of the extension 22 and
configured
to support the support chassis 23 when the support chassis 23 is in the
lowered position.
The support collar 24 also provides a stop position when lowering the support
chassis 23.
The support chassis 23 and the support collar 24 can be coupled to the
extension 22 at
the same hinge connection 25. In order to allow for movement of the support
chassis 23,
the intake tube 11 can be make from a flexible material, can be formed into a
bowed or
otherwise non-linear shape, or can include a flex section by corrugated
folding of the
sidewall of the intake tube 11. Generally, the intake tube 11 can be but need
not be
straight and rigid, and any modification of the material, shape, and
composition of the
intake tube 11 apparent to those of skill in the art is contemplated as
included within the
scope of the invention, so long as the intake tube 11 provides fluid
communication from
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end-to-end. For example, the intake tube can have a rubber tip, or a filter at
the container
end to filter out particulate matter that might be present during
recirculation.
The holder assembly 4 is configured to hold brewing material, either directly
or by
holding a container that stores the brewing material. The holder assembly can
be
embodied by a structure as simple as a ring configured to support a beverage
capsule by
an upper rim, or can include additional elements for flexibility of use. It is
contemplated
that the holder assembly 4 can be configured to hold any one or more of a
disposable
beverage capsule, a reusable beverage capsule, and filter material, or can be
configured
to hold the beverage material directly. As shown in Figs 5-7, an exemplary
holder
assembly 4 includes at least an upper holder rim 26, a holder bottom 27, and a
holder
sidewall 28 connecting the upper holder rim 26 to the holder bottom 27. The
holder
bottom 27 preferably has an aperture 29, arranged anywhere in the bottom, such
as in a
central location or, as shown, offset from the center, and preferably
supported by a
flange. Depending on the intended use of the holder assembly 4, the particular
configuration of the sidewall and bottom can vary, as described in more detail
below.
For example, the holder assembly 4 can be configured to be used with pre-
packaged, sealed brewed beverage capsules. Such pre-packaged capsules are the
type
used, for example, in Keurige-style beverage machines and commonly known as K-
Cups or K-Cup pods, although any similar pre-packaged capsules, disposable
or
otherwise, are contemplated for use with the holder assembly 4 of the
invention. In this
case, the beverage brewer 1 can also include a bottom needle 30 (Fig. 7)
coupled within
the holder bottom aperture 29 and extending into an interior of the holder
assembly 4,
and an upper needle 31 (Fig. 8) coupled within the second frame through-hole 8
and
extending toward the base 21, that is in this case, downward, so that it
extends toward
the interior of the holder assembly 4 when the holder assembly 4 is arranged
for brewing.
Thus, the distal end of the outlet tube 13 is arranged for fluid communication
with the
upper needle 31 through the second frame through-hole 8. A flange or seal 33
that
provides air-tight of the upper needle 31 with the chassis support 23 at the
second frame
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through-hole 8 can be provided to prevent leaks at the fluid connection
between the outlet
tube 13 and the upper needle 31.
The bottom and upper needles 30, 31 are, for example, open tubes having sharp
ends directed toward the inside of the holder assembly 4. The needles can be.
for
example, tubes having circular cross-sections, with an end cut at an oblique
angle so as
to form a pointed end. The needles can be formed, for example, of hard plastic
or metal.
Alternatively, the needles can be formed of multiple components, such as a
plastic tube
fitted with a metal tip that is crimped, friction-fitted, or otherwise
attached to the plastic
tube. Any needle configuration of a tube having an end configured to pierce a
sealed
brewed beverage capsule is contemplated for use as the needles of the present
invention.
With reference to Figs. 9 and 10, according to this exemplary embodiment, a
sealed container or capsule of ground brewing material 32 is placed inside the
holder
assembly 4 and can be pushed down into the holder assembly 4 such that the
bottom
needle 30 pierces the bottom of the sealed container 32, providing the tube of
the bottom
needle fluid access to the inside of the sealed container 32. Typically, the
sealed
container 32 will have an upper rim, which can rest on the upper holder rim 26
when fully
inserted into the holder assembly 4. When the support chassis 23 is brought
down into a
closed position, the upper needle 31 pierces the upper surface of the sealed
container 32
of ground brewing material. The flange or seal 33 can butt against the upper
surface as
well, to provide a seal with the container and provide a stopping point for
the upper
needle 31. When water is provided to the outlet tube 13 by the pump assembly
3, the
water flows from the outlet tube 13 into the tube of the upper needle 31 and
therefore into
the interior of the sealed container 32, where it steeps the ground beverage
material in
the container 32 and brews the beverage. The brewed beverage then flows
outward from
the container 32 via the bottom needle 30, and into the container assembly 2
below.
Because the fluid flow passes through the sealed container 32 from the upper
needle 31
to the bottom needle 30, the holder assembly sidewall 28 can be, but need not
be, a solid
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surface, or can include openings. Thus, the beverage is brewed under pressure
from the
pump assembly 3, using liquid taken from the same container 2 in which the
beverage is
ultimately delivered.
Alternatively, or in addition, the holder assembly 4 can be configured to be
used
with reusable beverage brewing capsules, such as the EcoFill@ brewing
container, as
shown in Figs. 11 and 12. These containers typically include an upper
container rim, a
container bottom having a container bottom aperture, a container sidewall
connecting the
upper rim to the bottom, and a lid configured to be removably coupled to the
upper
container rim and having a lid aperture. Alternatively, the sidewall and/or
bottom have
.. open panels covered by a mesh material. The container can hold beverage
brewing
material to be brewed, and can be emptied and cleaned afterward for re-use.
Thus, the
holder assembly 4 can be configured to receive such a reusable container 34
containing
ground brewing material. In this case, the beverage brewer 1 can include a
bottom tube
30 coupled within the holder bottom aperture 29 and extending into an interior
of the
holder assembly 4, and an upper tube 31 coupled within the second frame
through-hole 8
and extending toward the base 21. Thus, the distal end of the outlet tube 13
is arranged
for fluid communication with the upper tube 31 through the second frame
through-hole 8.
The upper and bottom tubes 31, 30 can be needles, such as those described for
use in
the previous embodiment, but need not be as no surface would require piercing.
Alternatively, if the reusable container 34 does not include a lid, the upper
tube can have
an end having any size and geometric shape, such as a round shower-style head
providing a distribution of a number of apertures through which the liquid can
be
dispersed over the brewing material in the reusable container 34, and this
tube end can
be stationary or can rotate or otherwise move above the container.
The upper tube 31 enters the interior of the reusable container 34 through the
lid
aperture 35, and provides fluid from the pump assembly 3 to the interior of
the reusable
container 34 where it steeps the beverage brewing material, thereby brewing
the
beverage. The flange or seal 33 butts against the container lid 37 and covers
the lid
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aperture 35, to prevent leakage or spilling. The bottom tube 30 enters the
interior of the
reusable container 34 through the container bottom aperture 36, and issues the
brewed
beverage to the container assembly 2 below. If the re-usable container 34 has
mesh
sidewall and/or bottom panels, a bottom tube 30 is not necessary as brewed
beverage
can flow from the re-usable container 34 through the mesh panels and into the
holder
assembly 4, and out through the holder bottom aperture 29 and into the
container
assembly 2 below.
Alternatively, or in addition, the holder assembly 4 can itself be configured
to hold
ground brewing material and brew the beverage. For example, the upper tube 31
can be
configured to enter an interior of the holder assembly 4 upper holder rim 26
when the
holder assembly 4 is arranged to receive the issued fluid from the outlet tube
13, and to
provide the issued fluid to the interior of the holder assembly 14, thereby
brewing a
beverage. The bottom tube 30 can be configured to enter the interior of the
holder
assembly 4 through the holder bottom aperture 29 when the holder assembly 4 is
arranged to receive the issued fluid from the outlet tube 13, and to issue the
brewed
beverage to the container assembly 2 below.
As mentioned above, if the holder assembly 4 does not include a lid, the upper
tube can have an end having any size and geometric shape, such as a round
shower-
style head providing a distribution of a number of apertures through which the
liquid can
be dispersed over the brewing material in the holder assembly 4, and this tube
end can
be stationary or can rotate or otherwise move above the container.
Alternatively, the bottom tube 30 need not be used, and the brewed beverage
can
flow from the holder assembly 4 through the holder bottom aperture 29 to the
container
assembly 2 below. In this case, if a pre-packaged or reusable beverage brewing
container is not available, a beverage can still be brewed using the beverage
brewer 1 of
the invention. In this case, in order not to get beverage brewing material
such as coffee
grounds in the container assembly 2, it is preferable to insert a disposable
paper or
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reusable wire mesh filter or the like into the holder assembly 4 to support
the beverage
brewing material.
The holder assembly 4 can be modified to issue the brewed beverage in an
alternative manner. For example, the beverage brewer 1 can include an upper
tube 31
coupled within the second frame through-hole 8 and extending toward the base
21. The
distal end of the outlet tube 13 can be arranged for fluid communication with
the upper
tube 31 through the second frame through-hole 8. The holder sidewall 28 can
include a
number of ribs 37 connected at opposite ends between the upper holder rim 26
and the
holder bottom 27. The ribs 37 and corresponding spaces between the ribs 37
define the
holder sidewall 28. The holder assembly 4 in this case includes mesh material
at least
partially covering the spaces between the ribs 37 in the holder sidewall 28.
The holder
assembly 4 can then hold ground brewing material, and the upper tube 31 can
enter the
interior of the upper holder rim 26 when the holder assembly 4 is arranged
below the
outlet tube 13, and to provide water from the pump assembly 3 to the interior
of the holder
assembly 4, thereby brewing a beverage. The mesh material allows the brewed
beverage
to flow outward from the holder assembly 4 and into the container assembly 2
below. The
holder bottom 27 can include open areas corresponding to the spaces between
the ribs
37 in the holder sidewall 28, and the mesh material can at least partially
cover the open
areas. With this embodiment, a beverage can be brewed without the use of a pre-
packaged or reusable beverage brewing container, and without using a filter
within the
holder assembly 4.
It should be apparent to those of skill in the art that an embodiment in which
the
holder sidewall 28 includes ribs 37 and meshed sections, the upper tube 31 is
an upper
needle, and the bottom tube 30 is a bottom needle, is a versatile embodiment
that allows
a beverage to be brewed from beverage material enclosed within a pre-packaged
and
sealed container, from beverage material enclosed within a reusable container,
or from
beverage material supported within the holder assembly directly, and any
particular
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structural embodiment that enables any or all of these brewing scenarios is
contemplated
for use according to the invention.
The holder assembly 4 is described as a separate element, but can be attached
to, coupled to, or integrated with other elements of the brewer, for ease or
economy of
production, stability, or any other reason. For example, at least a portion of
the intake
tube assembly can be removably coupled to the brewing material holder
assembly, or can
be attached to any portion of the holder assembly, or can be manufactured
integrally with
the holder assembly.
The container assembly 2 is configured to receive and hold fluid and to be
arranged on the base 21 such that the suction end 7 of the intake tube 11 is
disposed
within an interior of the container assembly 2. Preferably, the intake tube
suction end 7
hangs down low enough within the container assembly 2 to draw liquid from
within the
container assembly 2 when the pump assembly 3 is in operation even when
brewing a
small amount of beverage, that is, when providing a small amount of liquid in
the
container assembly, as the approximate arrangement of the pickup tube suction
end 7 will
roughly determine the minimum amount of beverage that can be brewed.
As shown, the container assembly 2 includes a container body 38 and a
container
collar 39. The container body 38 is a typical vessel for holding a liquid, and
includes an
open upper container rim, a container bottom, and a container sidewall
connecting the
upper container rim to the container bottom. The container collar 39 fits over
the top of
the container body 38, and includes an open upper collar rim, an open bottom
collar rim,
and a collar sidewall connecting the upper collar rim to the bottom collar
rim. The bottom
collar rim corresponds to and is coupled to the upper container rim.
Preferably, the upper
collar rim includes a spout 40 to facilitate pouring the brewed beverage from
the container
assembly 2.
The holder assembly 4 preferably is mountable within the container collar 39,
and
includes a holder plate 41 extending outward from the holder sidewall 28. As
shown, the
holder plate 41 preferably extends outward from the holder sidewall 28 at a
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downward from the upper holder rim 26, which preferably includes indentations
to
facilitate removal of a pre-packaged or reusable beverage material container
from the
holder assembly 4. The holder plate 41 is configured to couple with an inside
surface of
the container collar 39 such that the holder assembly 4 is arranged within the
collar
sidewall.
For example, the peripheral edge of the holder plate 41 can include nubs 42
that
snap-fit into corresponding indentations in the inside sidewall of the
container collar 39.
Other snap-fit, friction-fit, screw-in, or other type of configuration can be
provided such
that the holder assembly 4 is easily removably couplable to the container
collar 39, as
known to those of skill in the art. Although it is preferable for the holder
assembly 4 to be
coupled to the container collar 39 while brewing a beverage, the holder plate
41 can
instead or in addition be configured to couple with the underside of the
support chassis
23, through the use of snap-in elements or the like. The holder plate 41 can
include a
plate through-hole 43, preferably supported by one or more flanges 44, such
that the
.. proximal end of the intake tube 11 can be coupled to the holder plate 41 at
the plate
through-hole 43.
The intake tube is described as being coupled to the holder plate at a through-
hole. However, many alternative arrangements are contemplated within the
intended
scope of the invention. For example, the intake tube can be pushed through the
through-
hole to extend in either direction from the holder plate. The intake tube can
be coupled
through the support chassis, coupled to the cover, attached directly to the
sidewall of the
holder, or otherwise arranged to provide the intake function required for
brewing a
beverage using water originally held in the eventual serving vessel. In order
to effectuate
these alternative arrangements, the intake tube need not be straight, but can
assume any
shape, such as a bowed shape, a twisted arrangement, or any other shape, and
can
include a fold, spring section, or any other arrangement to provide any needed
resiliency.
Further, the intake tube can be routed through the extension/handle, and the
pump assembly can be arranged on or in the extension/handle. Alternatively,
the
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container body can have a hollow handle in which the intake tube is arranged,
or which
functions as the suction end of the intake tube, providing access to the
interior of the
container body for drawing liquid to be recirculated for brewing.
For example, the suction end of the intake tube assembly can be arranged in
any
way that allows for fluid communication with an interior of the container
volume, and at
least a portion of the intake tube assembly can be attached to the container
assembly, for
example, to an inside surface of the container assembly.
Alternatively, a portion of the intake tube assembly can be coupled to the
container assembly outside of the container volume. In this case, the
container assembly
can include a port allowing fluid communication between the interior of the
container
assembly and outside the container assembly. The suction end of the intake
tube
assembly can be arranged at the container assembly port, a portion of the
intake tube
assembly can be coupled to an outside surface of the container assembly, and
the pump
assembly can be coupled to the outside surface of the container assembly.
Thus, the
intake tube assembly can draw fluid from the inside of the container assembly
through the
port and to the externally arranged pump assembly, which provides the fluid to
the
outflow tube assembly. The port itself can be the suction end of the intake
tube assembly,
or a length of tube can be coupled or attached at the port within the
container assembly to
provide extra reach for the suction end, if desired.
Such an eternal arrangement for the intake tube assembly can be convenient
when arranged in cooperation with other container assembly elements. For
example, the
container assembly can include a handle, which can include a hollow internal
channel
forming a portion of the intake tube assembly and/or the outflow tube
assembly.
Alternatively, the handle can include a hollow internal channel in which at
least a portion
of the intake tube assembly is arranged. The pump assembly can be arranged in
the
handle. Thus, a handle used for convenience in dispensing the resulting brewed
beverage can be arranged as a functional aspect of the beverage brewer.
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Any arrangement of the tube and pump assemblies that enables brewing liquid to
be recirculated from the container body, through the holder assembly, and back
into the
container body, is contemplated as being included within the scope of the
invention.
As mentioned above, the beverage brewer 1 can also include a heating element 9
disposed on or in the base 21. See Fig. 13. Without the heating element 9, the
beverage
brewer 1 can be used to cold-brew a beverage. With the heating element 9, the
beverage
brewer 1 provides versatility in that a beverage can be brewed with hot water.
In this
case, the heating element 9 should be actuated for a sufficient period of time
to heat the
water in the container assembly 2 to an adequate temperature before the pump
assembly
3 begins to circulate the water through the holder assembly 4, or the water
can be heated
as the water circulates. A timer can be provided to delay the pumping action
once the
brewer 1 has been actuated, or the intake tube 11 can incorporate a
thermometer that
provides an output to a controller that actuates the pump assembly 3 only
after a
threshold temperature has been reached.
Once the beverage has been brewed, the temperature of the heating element 9
can be reduced, in order to keep the brewed beverage in the container assembly
2 at a
desired serving temperature. Alternatively, a beverage can be cold-brewed and
once
brewing is finished, the heating element 9 can raise the temperature of the
brewed
beverage to a desired warm serving temperature. The heating element can be
arranged
.. in multiple zones to provide separate brewing and warming functions, and
the heating
element can include an extension that measures the temperature of the
water/beverage
to make automatic adjustments to the temperature, as controlled by the
controller.
Fig. 14 shows a top view of an exemplary brewer according to the invention,
with
a control option interface 50, configured in communication with the
controller, enabling
brew strength selection and additional modes, as well as an on/off actuation
button 51. In
this exemplary embodiment, a user selects the strength of brew desired for the
brewed
beverage. A stronger brew requires a longer brew time, and therefore selection
of the
bold brew option will result in a longer brew time, that is, a longer time
during which the
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brew liquid will recycle through the system, passing through the holder
assembly 4. As
the liquid recirculates, the resulting brewed beverage gets bolder, that is,
stronger.
Conversely, a lighter brew requires less recirculation and therefore a shorter
brew time.
Although available brew strengths are shown as discrete options, different
brew strengths
.. can be made available across a continuous spectrum, allowing for a truly
custom brew
strength, by providing varying brew times across a continuous scale.
The strength of the resulting brew also depends on the amount of water in the
container body. That is, the volume of water added to the container body is
the same as
the amount of resulting brewed beverage that will be produced. Larger volumes
of water
will require longer brew times to brew a beverage having a strength comparable
to that of
a beverage brewed from a smaller volume of water. Thus, a volume input can
also be
provided to the controller, providing a volume value that is taken into
account when
determining and setting the brew time for a desired brewed beverage strength.
The
volume value corresponds to the volume of water in the container body, and can
be set in
any of a number of ways. For example, the value can be set by the user using
the control
option interface, based on the amount of water the user adds to the container
body.
Alternatively, the volume of the water in the container body can be determined
by the
beverage brewer, using a float with a sensor, a weight scale in the base 21,
or any means
of providing an accurate volume value to the controller.
As shown, a mode can be provided in which liquid in the container is boiled
without circulation through the system, or is heated to a desired drinking
temperature, and
a cleaning mode is provided in which heated cleaning liquid or plain water is
circulated
through the system to flush the system components.
Thus, the beverage brewer can include a control assembly configured to
selectively actuate the pump assembly. The control assembly can function
automatically
as pre-programmed, and/or can include a user interface configured to accept
brew
parameters provided by a user. For example, the user interface can be
configured to
accept a brew parameter associated with desired brew strength. To this end,
the control
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assembly can selectively control a duration of pump assembly actuation and/or
a pump
assembly flow rate, either automatically or according to an input provided by
the user.
The beverage brewer can also include a volume detector configured to determine
a
volume of liquid present within the container assembly, either as one of the
brew
parameters provided by the user via the user interface, or by automatic means.
The
control assembly can use the determined volume of liquid as a basis for
selectively
controlling the duration of pump assembly actuation and/or the pump assembly
flow rate.
For heated brewing, the control assembly can be configured to selectively
control a
duration of heating element actuation and/or a heating element temperature as
well. Any
and all of these factors can be used by the control assembly to provide the
beverage
brew strength desired by the user.
Figs. 15 and 16 show an exemplary heating element assembly 52 according to
the invention. As shown, the heating element assembly 52 includes a heat plate
53
preferably made from a material that is suitable for absorbing and
transmitting heat from
the heating element 54, which is connected to electrical power provided to the
brewer.
For example, the heat plate 53 can be a stainless-steel plate. Optionally, an
illumination
ring 55 can be arranged around the periphery of the heat plate 53. The ring 55
can
include lighting elements 56 such as LED light spikes that illuminate when the
brewer is in
use. It is contemplated that, in hot brew mode, the lighting elements 56 can
change color
.. as brew time advances or as the sensed temperature increases. The ring 55
can be
powered by electrical connection to the power supply assembly. The temperature
probe
57 can be arranged at a through-hole in the plate 53, and can either be
arranged in
contact with the plate 53 to register the heat of the plate 53, or can be
thermally isolated
from the plate 53 by a probe seal 58 to enable measurement of the temperature
at the
container 2.
Fig. 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of the power base 60 for the brewer
according to the invention. As shown, in this embodiment AC power is provided
via a plug
61 and wire 62 coming into the power base chassis 63. In the chassis 63, power
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directed to the power connector 64, which extends upward from the chassis 63.
The
power connector 64 provides convenient access to power for the heating element
assembly 52 and temperature probe 57.
Fig. 18 shows an exemplary power supply assembly 70 for the beverage brewer
of the invention, housed in this case in the bottom of the handle assembly.
Locating the
power supply assembly 70 in the base at the bottom of the handle is convenient
for
access to the power cord, and to the heating assembly elements that require
power. In
addition, it is convenient to run power through the interior of the handle to
control circuitry
that might be arranged on the support chassis 23. However, any arrangement
apparent to
those of skill in the art can be used advantageously according to the
invention.
Figs. 19-21 show an exemplary embodiment of a brewer according to the
invention, having an air vent tube assembly 80. The air vent tube assembly 80
as shown
includes an air vent tube 81, a first end of which intersects the inlet tube
12 at an air valve
82. The second end of the air vent tube 81 is open to ambient air. The second
end of the
air vent tube 81 is shown coupled to the latch assembly for convenience but
can be
arranged anywhere that access to ambient air is available. In the embodiment
shown, the
sidewall of the inlet tube 12 has an aperture that is sealed to an end of the
air vent tube
81, so that the interior of the air vent tube 81 and the interior of the inlet
tube 12 are
coupled for fluid communication, selectively through the use of the air valve
82.
Preferably, the air valve 82 is biased in the closed position, so that the
interior of the air
vent tube 81 is closed off from the inlet tube 12. Thus, when the air valve 82
is closed,
normal brewing operation can take place. When the air valve 82 is opened,
suction from
the pump assembly 3 causes ambient air to flow into the second end of the air
vent tube
and enter the inlet tube 12 through the first end of the air vent tube 81.
This ambient air is
then expelled by the pump assembly 3 through the outlet tube 13, thereby
flushing any
deigns from the line with a rush of air.
The air vent tube assembly 80 allows air flushing and cleaning of the system
through the use of the same pump used to brew beverages with the system,
making the
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system compact and economical. Arrangement of the pump above the container
body
allows for this advantageous use of the air vent assembly 80, although other
arrangements can be configured to provide the same advantage. Air flushing
using the air
vent tube assembly 80 can be performed automatically, either alone or as part
of the
cleaning mode before or after flushing the system with a cleaning fluid, or
can be enabled
manually through actuation of a dedicated switch by the user. In any case,
control
circuitry can be used to actuate the air valve 82, for example by powering a
coil assembly
using a solenoid to move the air valve 82 position, or any other particular
circuitry
apparent to those of skill in the art.
Fig. 22 shows an exemplary embodiment of the container body of the brewer
according to the invention. As shown, the container body can include a finger
guard 85 to
protect a user's fingers when grasping the handle, which is particularly
advantageous if
the brewer is used to hot-brew a beverage. As shown, the finger guard 85 can
include
markings indicating, for example, the volume of beverage present in the
container body.
The beverage brewer can also include a support chassis cover 45, hingedly
connected to the upper end of the extension 22 and configured to alternately
cover and
uncover the pump assembly 3, the inlet tube 12, the outlet tube 13, any
control
electronics, and the support chassis 23. The cover 45 can be raised from the
support
chassis 23 to provide access to components mounted on the support chassis 23,
or can
be raised with the support chassis 23, to provide access to the holder
assembly 4, such
as to allow a pre-packaged or reusable beverage material container to be
inserted or
removed, or to allow beverage brewing material to be added to the holder
assembly 4. A
latch assembly 46 can be provided on the support chassis 23 that cooperates
with the
cover 45 to hold the cover 45 in place and to selectively open the cover 45.
Preferably,
the latch assembly 46 includes a latch hook 47 that is operable to cooperate
with the
holder plate 41 to effectuate the opening and closing of the cover 45.
Switches, timers, indicators such as LEDs, and other control and display
components can be mounted on a switchboard 48 mounted under the cover 45. The
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switchboard 48 receives power from the power source, such as via the AC plug
19, and
communicates electronically with the button 20 and any other user inputs to
effectuate
operation of the brewer 1 in the manner desired by the user and known to those
of skill in
the art.
Thus, the brewer is useful to cold- or hot-brew a beverage, using the same
container to provide the water used to brew the beverage and to receive the
brewed
beverage. The versatile holder assembly can itself hold the brewing material,
can hold a
re-usable brewing material container in which the user places the brewing
material, and
can receive a sealed pre-packaged beverage pod in order to brew a beverage.
The
.. brewer is compact ¨ barely larger than the container used to serve the
beverage. The
brewer can be scaled to provide any volume of beverage corresponding to the
size of the
provided container assembly. For example, the container assembly can be sized
to hold
enough beverage to provide a single serving, or instead can be sized to make
and serve
4, 10, 12, or any number of servings, with the rest of the brewer being scaled
accordingly.
.. The brewer can be used without brewing material to flush the system with
water, or the
water in the container can include a cleaning solution to perform a more
thorough
cleaning of the brewer and its components, and air can be vented through the
lines to
further aid in keeping the brew path clean.
The present invention has been described by way of example and in terms of
preferred embodiments. However, the present invention as contemplated by the
inventor
is not strictly limited to the particularly disclosed embodiments. To the
contrary, various
modifications, as well as similar arrangements, are included within the spirit
and scope of
the present invention. The scope of the appended claims, therefore, should be
accorded
the broadest reasonable interpretation so as to encompass all such
modifications and
.. similar arrangements.
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