Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed for brewing coffee, which includes a housing having an inner chamber for receiving and retaining brewed coffee, a water reservoir adjacent to and generally surrounding the inner chamber, for receiving water, and an electrically powered coil for heating the water contained in the water reservoir. A brew valve is positioned above the inner chamber for supporting coffee grounds, the brew valve being rotatable between a first inactive position and a second active position for brewing coffee. Heated water is directed from the water reservoir to the brew valve and to the coffee grounds to brew coffee. and to the coffee grounds to produce brewed coffee, and into the inner chamber.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an apparatus for brewing beverages, including coffee, tea and the like. In particular, the apparatus is portable and is capable of rapidly brewing the beverage utilizing either conventional electrical power of motor vehicle electrical power. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Electrically powered devices for brewing coffee are generally available in various forms, including the household type, which operates on household 110 volt alternating current and is capable of brewing any number of a plurality of cups of the beverage. On the other hand, household devices are also available for brewing a single cup of the beverage. In addition, portable devices are generally available for brewing coffee on a limited basis when travelling, or even brewing the coffee in a motor vehicle. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,955,713 relates to a coffee making console for automobiles from which hot drinks of coffee or the like may be dispensed. The console may be installed typically on the floor of an automobile on the passenger side of the transmission hump. The console includes a plurality of storage compartments adapted to contain materials such as water, sugar, instant coffee, powdered cream or the like, with each compartment being provided with a valve for dispensing the contents of the chamber onto a common trough feeding into a filling station located below the trough. A detachable tank for water storage is provided for replenishing the water chamber which is provided with a heating element. The element may be energized by connecting a cord to the car&#39;s electrical system as to the cigarette lighter. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,790 relates to a coffee maker for vehicles which includes a reservoir and heating chamber, having a vent tube, connected to the reservoir for receiving water there from, a heater for the heating chamber, and the coffee making area connected to the heating chamber. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,382,402 relates to a portable coffee maker adapted to be used with a package of ground coffee and a package of water. The coffee maker includes a water heating chamber and a coffee brewing chamber. Within the water heating chamber is a device to pierce the package of water and a percolator to heat the water and to direct it to the brewing chamber. The brewing chamber includes a tray to hold the package of ground coffee and a pedestal to position a cup therein to receive the brewed coffee. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,408 relates to a beverage maker for use in automotive vehicles having a beverage-brewing chamber which has an upper brewing chamber area for receiving heated water from a water heater and a lower brewing chamber area for receiving a disposable brew basket. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,335 relates to a coffee maker apparatus arranged for mounting within a transport vehicle to include a housing with a water reservoir operative through an on/off switch to direct the water from within the reservoir to a drinking cup upon directing the water through coffee and a filtering apparatus. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,914 relates to an in-car coffee maker which allows the driver of a motor vehicle to brew a cup of coffee or other single portion of brewed beverage without taking attention from the road. The device is stabilized by an anchor base and includes a rotatable holder clamp to level the coffee maker on an uneven floor or other surface of a motor vehicle, and an interlock mechanism prevents commencement of the brewing cycle unless the drinking cup is applied in proper position adjacent to coffee maker. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,736 relates to a pressurized heating apparatus for making coffee in an automobile. The maker is adapted to be used in and mounted to an automobile and includes the coffee cup to receive brew which can be secured in tandem with the brewing chamber to prevent spills while driving. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,581 relates to an electrical coffee pot positionable in a vehicle and operable from a cigarette lighter receptacle. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,037,570 relates to a portable brewing pot for use in vehicles. The device contains a container having a spout extending upwardly from a lower portion thereof. The spout has an open lower end in communication with the hollow interior of the container. The container has a recess formed therein disposed upwardly of a closed lower end thereof. A heating coil is positioned within the hollow interior of the container and is secured to the closed lower end. The heating coil has a pair of female contacts extending outwardly of the closed lower end. A heating plate is provided having a generally cylindrical configuration. The heating plate has an open upper end, a closed lower end and a cylindrical side wall there between. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,010 relates to a rechargeable mobile beverage maker with portable mug and carrying case. Both units have self-contained carrying cases and may be powered by electric, rechargeable battery pack, solar power, a wind up generator, and a cigarette lighter plug. 
   While the above described patents are directed to portable coffee makers for use in automobiles and the like, they are generally complicated in their construction and have relatively bulky structures substantially approaching the configuration and construction of household coffee making appliances. The present invention is directed to an apparatus for brewing coffee which is relatively compact and essentially utilizes all available space for performing all necessary functions in preparing the brewed coffee. The apparatus is capable of operation with 110 volt alternating current or electrical power provided in a motor vehicle, either directly through the cigarette lighter or accessory adapter socket, or via a power inverter which converts conventional direct current power to household alternating current. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to an apparatus for brewing coffee, which comprises a housing having an inner chamber for receiving and retaining brewed coffee, a water reservoir adjacent to and generally surrounding the inner chamber for receiving water, means for heating the water contained in the water reservoir, a brew valve positioned above the inner chamber for supporting coffee grounds, the brew valve being movable between a first inactive position and a second active position for brewing coffee, and means for directing heated water from the water reservoir to the brew valve and to the coffee grounds. When the brew valve is in an on position, the heating means may be activated to heat the water in the water reservoir, such that heated water flows to the brew valve and to the coffee grounds to produce brewed coffee, and into the inner chamber. The brew valve preferably comprises means to selectively open and close vents to the inner chamber and the water reservoir, and the water reservoir is preferably generally concentric with the inner chamber. 
   Preferably the brew valve comprises means to activate the water heating means, and the water reservoir includes a conduit for directing heated water to the brew valve. The brew valve is preferably rotatable and includes a coffee filter for supporting coffee grounds thereon. The conduit is adapted to direct heated water to the brew valve and onto the coffee grounds to brew a coffee beverage, the coffee beverage passing through the coffee filter. The brew valve includes a control knob adapted to rotate the valve between respective “brew,” “off,” and “inactive”- or “neutral” positions. The housing comprises a lower section and an upper section, the upper section being releasably attached to the lower section, and the means for heating water is an electrical heating element which is supplied with electrical power through an electric power cord. 
   The electric power cord includes one of a 110 volt plug and an adapter for use with a motor vehicle accessory socket. Also, the power cord may be releasably attached to the housing and electrically connected to the water heating element by a removable electrical plug. 
   The conduit in the water reservoir comprises a riser tube for receiving heated water to be directed to the brew valve, the riser tube being associated with at least one pressure valve which permits entry of heated fluid therein when a predetermined pressure has been reached. Further, a beverage pour spout is provided and is rotatable between closed and open positions. 
   The beverage pour spout preferably includes a ball valve, but may be of an alternative construction having a pour spout having a spring biased gate for selectively permitting beverage to be poured there from. 
   The brew valve preferably comprises a spherical member, at least a portion of which is a screen which is removable to provide access to the inner space of the brew valve for adding coffee grounds, cleaning and the like, and the fluid riser tube is associated with at least two of the pressure valves to permit heated water to rise therein. The brew valve includes a rotatable control knob and the means for heating the water contained in the water reservoir comprises a bar and electrical switch movable between on and off positions by the brew valve rotatable control knob, corresponding to brew and non-brew positions. 
   The invention also relates to an apparatus for brewing coffee, tea or the like which comprises a generally cylindrical housing having an inner chamber concentric therewith for receiving and retaining brewed beverage, a water reservoir adjacent to and generally concentric with the inner chamber, for receiving water, an electrically powered device for heating the water contained in the water reservoir, a rotatable brew valve positioned above the inner chamber for supporting brewing ingredients for brewing the beverage, and a water tube positioned within the water reservoir for directing heated water from the water reservoir to the brew valve and to the brewing ingredients. When the brew valve is rotated to a brewing position, the heating means is activated to heat the water in the water reservoir, such that heated water flows to the brew valve and to the ingredients to produce the brewed beverage, and into the inner chamber. 
   The apparatus for brewing coffee also comprises a generally cylindrically shaped housing having a lower housing portion and a removable upper housing portion, the lower housing portion having an inner chamber concentric therewith for receiving and retaining brewed coffee, a water reservoir adjacent to and generally concentric with the inner chamber, for receiving water, an electrical coil for heating the water contained in the water reservoir, a brew valve positioned with the upper housing portion and adapted for supporting coffee grounds. The brew valve is rotatable between an upright position for supporting the coffee grounds in position for brewing coffee, and in opposite position for gaining access therein for adding coffee grounds or cleaning, and a water riser tube positioned within the water reservoir for directing heated water from the water reservoir to the brew valve and onto the coffee grounds. A pour spout is capable of being opened and closed for selectively pouring coffee from the inner chamber. When the brew valve is in the upright position, the heating means is activated to heat the water in the water reservoir, such that heated fluid flows to the brew valve and onto the coffee grounds to produce brewed coffee, and into the inner chamber. 
   The apparatus also comprises an electric power wire removably attached to the lower housing by an electrical plug, for providing electric power to the electrical coil. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view from above, of an apparatus for brewing coffee according o the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the inner section of the apparatus, and the pour spout in the closed condition; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2  and showing the high pressure safety release valve; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the water heating element in plan view; 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the brew valve knob in the “ON” position; 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the vents in the open condition; 
       FIG. 8  is an elevational cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 2 , showing the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in the “OFF” position with the vents closed; 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 , showing the brew valve knob in the “OFF” position, disconnecting the heating element; 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8  showing the vents in the closed condition when the brew valve knob is in the position shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is an elevational cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , showing the brew valve knob and heating element control cam rotated 270 degrees counterclockwise to the “NEUTRAL” position corresponding to the position shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 , showing the brew valve knob in the “NEUTRAL” position which permits removal of the upper section without drips; 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12  showing the closed condition of the vents when the brew valve knob is in the “NEUTRAL” position shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the pour section of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a preferred pour spout valve for pouring the brewed coffee, and the spout valve being selectively rotated to the open position; 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the conveniently removable threaded crown for gaining access to the removable coffee filter screen for cleaning and/or introducing coffee grounds into the brew valve; 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the bottom section of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an optional removable storage container at the lower section, appropriately configured and dimensioned to fit into a cup holder of the type incorporated in motor vehicles; 
       FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a pour spout, incorporating a spring biased valve operable by the user&#39;s finger to pour the beverage; and 
       FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 17 , showing the coffee being poured from the apparatus using the pour spout system of  FIG. 17 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In the following description of the present invention, reference is made to an apparatus for brewing coffee. However, it should be understood that the apparatus is also adaptable to brewing alternative beverages such as tea, hot chocolate and the like by utilizing the appropriate brewing ingredients such as tea leaves, cocoa or the like. User&#39;s fingers are number “ 81 .” 
   Referring to the drawings, and in particular to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown an apparatus  10  for brewing coffee, in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus  10  includes outer shell  12  having handle  9  and a suitable heat insulating material  11  such as plastic foam materials, including polyurethane, polystyrene or the like. Shell  12  includes inner coffee storage compartment  14  dimensioned and configured to receive the brewed coffee which drips downwardly from the brewing chamber  13  positioned directly there above. Cup or mug  15  is attached by interference lip means or alternatively, by threads, to upper housing section  30 . 
   Referring again to  FIG. 2 , heating element  16  is located below the coffee storage compartment  14  and is appropriately supplied with electrical power via electrical wire  18 , which is capable of being powered by a conventional 110 volt duplex wall outlet via plug  20 . Alternatively, wire  18  can be powered through a motor vehicle accessory socket or cigarette lighter socket via alternative plug  22  shown in  FIG. 2 . In yet another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 , wire  18  can be powered through a motor vehicle accessory socket in an automobile, SUV, RV, Mini-van, boat or the like, or through a cigarette lighter socket utilizing a motor vehicle power inverter  24  shown in  FIG. 1 . Such power inverters are generally available from motor vehicle retail parts suppliers and transform direct current (DC) to standard type household alternating current (AC) and are available for various power levels. Examples of such power inverters are inverters marketed by Xantrex Technology Inc, of Buraby, Canada, under the trade names Prosine Power Wave Inverters, X Power Inverters and the like. Other such inverters are available from Vector Manufacturing Inc. Any suitable power inverter may be used with the present invention. Furthermore, preferably power wire  18  may be made to be disconnected from the coffee maker by optional removable socket  19  shown in dash lines, in  FIG. 1 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , shell  12  includes inner water storage jacket  26  which has sufficient volume to receive cold water suitable for user in brewing the beverage. The cold water is introduced through upper opening  28  after removal of upper section  30  which contains brew valve  32 , which will be described in greater detail herein below. 
   Water storage jacket  26  includes heated water conduit  34  which receives heated water through “one-way” spring biased pressure valves  62 ,  64  which are made to open when the water in jacket  26  is heated sufficiently to a boiling temperature. When heated, the water enters conduit  34 , through spring biased pressure valves  62 ,  64  and is directed up to brew valve  32  which will now be described. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , upper housing section  30  is attached to lower housing section  36  of outer shell  12  by high pitch threads  38 , and sealed by elastomeric seal  40  so that the system is completely sealed and fluid-tight when brewing the beverage. Brew valve  32  includes rotatable knob  42  attached by connecting tube  44  to spherical chamber  46 . The upper section  45  of spherical chamber  46  as shown in  FIG. 2  may be made of plastic, metal or the like. The lower section  47  of spherical chamber  46  shown in  FIG. 2  is a filter screen  48  which may be of coffee filter porosity to filter the brewed coffee. Alternatively, the filter screen  48  may be provided with larger screen openings and a separate paper coffee filter may be placed thereon and the coffee grounds  50  (i.e. ground coffee) placed on the filter paper as in conventional coffee makers. Still alternatively, the coffee grounds may be introduced into the brew valve  32  by placement of the well-known coffee pods which comprise coffee grounds  50  contained with a pouch made of filter paper. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 2 , a screen  52  having larger openings than filter screen  48  is attached and positioned as shown above the coffee grounds  50  for evenly distributing the heated water from conduit  34  during brewing, which may or may not be approaching a gaseous (or steam) phase. 
   The heated water rises in conduit  34  and thereafter enters brew valve  32  through connecting tube  44 , then passes over screen  52 , so as to be evenly distributed in the form of droplets onto the coffee grounds  50  to provide a fully brewed beverage. After passage through the coffee grounds  50  and filter screen  48  the final product in the form of brewed coffee is collected and stored in the coffee storage compartment  14 . 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , it can be seen that after insertion of the plug  20  into the wall outlet, the heating cycle of the water in jacket  26  can be initiated by turning brew valve knob  42  to clockwise to the position shown in  FIG. 6  so as to depress rod  54  against spring  56  to in-turn, depress switch  55  to activate heating element  16 . When heating element  16  is activated, the “ON” light  58  becomes illuminated, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . When rod  54  is released by rotating knob  42  to the position shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , switch  55  is inactivated and the “ON” light  58  is turned off. Simultaneously, the “OFF” light  60  is turned on. Lights  58  and  60  may be color coded, such as red and green. 
   Referring once again to  FIG. 2 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  9   11 ,  12  and  15 , the operation of the brew valve  32  will now be described. In  FIGS. 2 and 6 , brew valve  32  is shown in the coffee brewing position. Access to the brew chamber  13  is provided by rotating and unscrewing cap  62  as shown in  FIG. 15 . Once brew valve  32  is rotated 180 degrees by turning brew valve knob  42  as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the removable filter screen  48  may be removed for cleaning and placement of coffee grounds  50  (or coffee pod) into the chamber  13  and onto screen  52  as shown in  FIG. 15 . It can be seen that when brew valve  32  is in the position shown in  FIGS. 8 and 15 , vents  31 ,  33  and  35  are not aligned so as to seal the system. 
   After placement of the coffee grounds  50  onto screen  52  as shown in  FIG. 8 , filter screen  48  is then placed into position and retained by end clips  51 ,  53 . Brew valve  32  is then rotated 180 degrees clockwise from the position shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  to the position shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 . Extension arm  43  of brew valve knob  42  engages and depresses rod  54  which in turn engages switch  55  to activate heating element  16  to heat the water in water storage jacket  26 . At the same time vents  31 ,  33  and  35  become aligned to permit venting of the water storage jacket  26  and the coffee storage compartment  14  for brewing coffee. Once the water is heated to the boiling point (or possibly approaching a steam phase), pressure develops to cause the heated fluid to depress spring biased one-way flow valves  62 ,  64 , thereby permitting the heated fluid to transfer from the water storage jacket  26  and to rise upwardly into conduit  34  and into the brew chamber  13  of brew valve  32 , while air is permitted to enter the water storage jacket  26  via the vents  33 , and to exit the coffee storage compartment  14  via the vents  31 . Ultimately, all of the escaping air exits the system through whistle  69  and then through aperture  66 . When the brewing cycle has been completed, the vigorous flow of air and/or steam through aperture  66  will cause whistle  69  to be activated to provide an audible signal of completion of the brewing cycle. 
   After completion of the brewing cycle as described, access to spout  68  is obtained by lifting spout extension arm  72  of rotatable “ball-type” pour valve  70  to the position shown in  FIG. 14  to permit pouring the brewed coffee into a mug or container  15  as shown. 
   Higher pressure safety valve  63  permits release of steam or water in the event fluid flow becomes blocked due to clogging of components in the system. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  6 ,  11  and  12  there is illustrated the procedure for removal of upper housing section  30  from lower housing section  36 . Knob  42  of brew valve  32  is first rotated from the “ON” (or 6 o&#39;clock) position shown in  FIG. 6 , 270 degrees to the “NEUTRAL” (9 o&#39;clock) position shown in  FIG. 12 . In this position the brew valve  42  is oriented as seen in  FIG. 11 , with the filter screen  48  in the 9 o&#39;clock position, as would be viewed with respect to  FIG. 12 . Thereafter, the upper housing section  30  may be rotated counterclockwise as viewed from above to release high pitch threads  38  thereby permitting removal of the upper housing section  30 . Rotation of upper housing section past rod  54  is made possible by the configuration shown in  FIG. 12  whereby arcuate camming heal  30   a  rises above rod  54  due to the fact that threads  38  shown in  FIG. 1  are of relatively high pitch. Therefore while camming heal  30   a  may depress rod  54  slightly, rod  54  is not depressed sufficient to activate switch  55  when the upper housing section  30  is removed. During this movement, vents  31 ,  33  are misaligned as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 13  so as to prevent liquid or air from escaping from the system. 
   Once upper housing section  30  has been removed, the upper opening  28  of water storage jacket  26  is exposed for introduction of sufficient cold water for initiating the brew. While one cup of water is contemplated, the apparatus can be made larger to receive sufficient water to brew more than one cup of coffee. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18  there is illustrated an alternative embodiment  74  of a pour spout which includes release bar  76  biased toward the closed position by spring  78  whereby movable plate  80  blocks the fluid flow through spout  82  as shown. Upon depressing bar  76  downwardly against spring  78 , by finger  81  shown in phantom in  FIG. 18 , plate  80  moves downwardly to align aperture  84  with spout  82  to permit pouring the beverage out of the coffee storage compartment  14 .  FIG. 17  shows the location for positioning of a user&#39;s finger  81 , as is shown in phantom in  FIG. 18 . 
     FIG. 18  also shows an alternative structure to remove upper housing section  30  by pivoting about pivot pin  86 , using an appropriate snap locking device (not shown) on the opposite side to lock the upper housing section  30  to the lower housing section  12 .