Patent ID: 6026733
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: A23F,A47J,B65D,Y10S

Abstract:
A device for making beverages, comprising:A. a fluid reservoir having an exterior and a fluid-receiving interior, wherein said interior is enclosed by a wall having inner and outer surfaces, said fluid reservoir having at least first and second separable wall portions, said first wall portion having a first sealing surface and said second wall portion having a second sealing surface;B. a resilient seal having a first seal portion mating with said first sealing surface and a second seal portion mating with said second sealing surface for normally forming seals between the respective seal portions and sealing surfaces to seal said fluid-receiving interior, said first seal portion having an exterior portion exposed to pressure outside of said fluid reservoir and an interior portion spaced from said exterior portion;C. at least one vapor passage communicating between said fluid-receiving interior and said first seal portion between said interior portion and said exterior portion, said at least one vapor passage transmitting fluid pressure from said fluid-receiving interior to said first seal portion, said vapor passage and seal defining a pressure relief valve such that when pressure in the fluid-receiving interior of the fluid reservoir exceeds a predetermined level, the seal will deform to complete a passageway from the interior via at least one said vapor passage to the exterior of the fluid reservoir; andD. a compartment for retaining a beverage ingredient in contact with fluid from said fluid reservoir.