Substance holder with removable insert

A substance holder and an insert for use in the substance holder. The insert elevates a brewing substance, filter or pod above a floor of the substance holder. The substance holder and insert allow water to infuse the brewing substance and allow beverage to drain through a portion of the insert for draining into a container. The insert is retained in the holder and is selectively removable from the holder to facilitate actions, for example but not limited to cleaning of the holder and insert as well as replacing the insert with other structures which may be used with the holder.

BACKGROUND

A variety of brewing apparatus have been developed to combine heated water with a brewing substance such as ground coffee or tea material to infuse the material and produce a brewed beverage. There are many ways to combine the water with the brewing substance. One way is to place the substance in a filter device such as a disposable filter paper and place the filter paper and brewing substance in a brewing funnel or basket. The water is mixed with the brewing substance in the filter thereby allowing the brewed substance to filter through the paper leaving the saturated brewing substance in the filter paper. The saturated substance and used filter paper can be thrown away at the end of the brewing process.

Another way of brewing beverage is to encapsulate the brewing substance in a filter material or structure. The brewing substance in the filter material provides a convenient package for handling a predetermined quantity of brewing substance. The filter material provides a package or container for the brewing substance. This package allows the brewing substance to be handled prior to brewing and after brewing with reduced complication and mess.

Such brewing substances pre-packaged in filter material are referred to as “pods” or “sachets.” Pods can be compressed while packaging in the filter material or left in a generally loose condition. Pods are generally shaped in a circular shape having a generally flattened configuration. The pods often are provided in the shape of a disc or puck. Pods generally range in a size from approximately 45-60 mm and contain approximately 9-10 grams of brewing substance. The typical pod is used to produce approximately 8 ounces of brewed beverage. A variety of reusable containers may be used for providing similar or the same substance containment benefits of the pod configuration using a disposable filter material.

It is desirable to improve the flavor and extraction of the flavors and other components of the coffee or other brewing substances. When brewing a beverage it is desirable to saturate, penetrate, agitate and otherwise engage all of the particles of the brewing substance so as to thoroughly wash from the brewing substance all or at least a suitable portion of the desirable flavor characteristics and substances for incorporation into the brewed beverage to achieve the desired beverage flavor results.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present disclosure may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, embodiments with the understanding that the present description is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.

As shown inFIG. 1, a beverage maker such as, by way of example and not limitation, a single-serving or small serving brewer20as illustrated. The beverage maker or brewer20includes a body22, a base24and an upper portion26. The upper portion26is configured to be positioned above a container such as a cup28for dispensing a brewed beverage into the cup28. It should be noted that many different configurations of a single-serving brewer20may be produced. However, all forms of beverage makers20that may require the use of some form of substance holder38(seeFIG. 2) which is releasably associated with the brewer20is included in this disclosure. The term beverage maker is to be broadly interpreted to include any form of maker with which the holder as disclosed herein will work.

Terms including beverage, beverage making and brewing as used herein are intended to be broadly defined as including but not limited to the brewing of coffee, tea, herbs and any other brewed beverage. This broad interpretation is also intended to include, but is not limited to any process of infusing, steeping, reconstituting, diluting, dissolving, saturating or passing a liquid through or otherwise mixing or combining a beverage substance with a liquid such as water without a limitation to the temperature of such liquid unless specified. This broad interpretation is also intended to include, but is not limited to beverage substances such as ground coffee, tea, herbs, liquid beverage concentrate, powdered beverage concentrate, freeze dried coffee or other beverage concentrates, to obtain a desired beverage or other food.

While the term “pod” is used herein to described one form of substance holder, it is contemplated that any form of beverage brewing substance container that substantially contains the brewing substance while allowing brewing substance selection, may be used. It is further contemplated that the pod or container described herein could utilize other concentrates such as freeze dried concentrates, gel, liquid, powder or any other form of concentrate which will operate with the disclosed structures and methods as well as equivalents thereof and any modifications which might be required to modify the disclosed structures and method to be used with such other substances, if necessary.

FIG. 2provides a cross-sectional view of the upper portion26of the brewer20taken along line2-2inFIG. 1. InFIG. 2, the holder30is shown attached to a mounting portion32of the upper portion26. The holder as shown has a drawer-like configuration adapted to retain a pod in a predetermined position in the brewer20. InFIG. 2, a pod is not provided in the holder30in the interest of clarity in describing the components and structures thereof. The holder30includes a wall33which, at least in part, defines a cavity34. In further reference toFIG. 3, the wall33defines an upper rim36. The upper rim36defines an entry opening38through which a pod or other brewing substance or holder is placed. The pod, container or loose brewing substance without a container or pod is placed in the cavity34for brewing. Although the holder30is shown as having a drawer-like configuration, it is contemplated that other suitable configurations may be devised for holding a portion of brewing substance, such as a pod, to retain the pod during a brewing cycle.

In further describing the holder, a floor70is provided in a lower portion of the holder. The floor extends downwardly from the wall33towards a drain74. The drain74is defined by a drain wall73extending from the floor70. A pod holder35is positioned in the cavity34having an upper portion37and an extension, blade or finger39. The cavity34communicates with the drain74. The drain provides a path through which beverage brewed in the cavity34is allowed to drain and, as a result, be dispensed from the brewer. The pod holder insert35is adapted to retain a pod above the floor70of the pod holder30. With reference toFIG. 6, a series of arms or braces81are provided on an underside83of the insert35. Opening areas85, described below, are provided between the arms81.

As shown in the bottom view ofFIG. 6, the insert35is generally circular. While a circular shape is shown it is fully within the scope of this description to provide an insert having other shapes and the present disclosure is not limited to a circular shape. With reference toFIGS. 4 and 6, an outer circumference81of the upper portion37of the insert35generally abuts an inner surface or edge75of the wall33defining the cavity34. The blade39extends downwardly away from the upper portion37through the drain74. With reference toFIG. 5, a protruding end91of the blade39extends through a rim93of the drain74.

As shown inFIG. 6, the embodiment of the blade39has a generally elongated or enlarged cross-sectional dimension93. This elongated dimension93generally extends proximate to an internal surface of the wall95of the drain. The elongated dimension93of the blade tends to help columnate or otherwise create a laminating flow of the beverage passing through the drain74. This directed flow helps to reduce splashing as the flow is dispersed into a cup28. It is envisioned that other forms of the extension39may be produced which may not create a laminating flow, and in fact could create a mixing effect, no effect or some other effect or combination of effects. The extension39or any other device also may take any number of other forms that help retain the inset37relative to the holder30to support the pod, container or loose coffee above the floor yet facilitate removability of the insert relative to the holder for cleaning.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the end91has a dimension101which is greater than the dimension93. This results in some degree of interference fit between the rim93of the drain74and the tip91. It is useful to provide some structure or method of retaining the insert35in the cavity34to prevent accidental or unintended displacement or loss.

The structures disclosed for retaining the insert also allow for selective removal of the insert from the holder for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to cleaning of the insert and holder with the insert removed, as well as removal of the insert for installation of another type of structure. For example another type of structure may be installed once the insert is removed. For example, an insert which raises the upper portion37in the cavity or changes the shape of the surface defined by the upper portion37may be installed in the holder. Also, the inset may be removed to install a different insert having a different structure. For example, the upper portion of the insert shown has holes. This design is suitable for use with a pod but may not be suitable for use with loose brewing substance such as loose coffee or tea. Further, the loose coffee insert may be different that the loose tea insert such that the coffee may use a smaller opening or mesh compared to the tea. This may be because the tea may have a larger grain or leaf size compared to ground coffee which may have a much smaller grain size. These examples are provided to help illustrate the breadth of this disclosure and not to limit the disclosure.

In use, the holder is extracted from the brewer. The insert35, if not already in place, is inserted with the blade94extending into the drain74. The insert35is retained with the tip91extended beyond the rim93of the drain74. A pod can then be placed in the cavity34on top of the upper portion37of the insert35. The pod holder30with the insert35in place and the pod retained in the cavity34can then be positioned in the brewer.

When removing the spent pod from the holder, there may be some retention of the pod as a result of the pod being wet and, possibly, forced into contact with the wall33during the brewing process. For example, the pod may become forced into the wall as a result of the water pressure or forces acting on the pod pushing it downwardly against the holder insert35. In this situation, the user may tend to knock the drawer upside down with the generally planar surface143of the drawer30abutting an edge surface such as the edge of a garbage can or countertop. Such action may tend to cause the pod to dislodge from the cavity34. This use of the drawer30should be understood in the context of the insert35as illustrated such that the insert35has been designed to generally resist disengagement under such circumstances. In other words, the holding force of the end91may be configured so as to resist these conditions.

With the foregoing in mind, the insert35can be configured to be removable to facilitate cleaning of the internal surfaces of the cavity, including the insert, as well as, for replacement with other structures. In this regard, application of a force against the end91inwardly and generally axially along a central axis147the drain74is generally sufficient to disengage the end91from the rim. The force may be enhanced by the use of an implement such as a probe, or by merely forcing the end against a countertop or other flat surface. The application of the force will cause the end91to slide past the edge of the drain.

In one embodiment, as illustrated, the internal surfaces95of the drain74are beveled outwardly toward the mouth38. This beveling or angling of the surface95facilitates engagement of the end91and disengagement of the end91. In other words, when positioning the insert35in the holder, the end91generally is engaged only at the rim of the holder. While it is being inserted through the throat of the drain74, there is generally little or reduced engagement, thereby facilitating positioning the end91beyond the rim to help facilitate retention of the insert35in the cavity34. The material used for the blade and holder, especially in the area of the drain, may provide some degree of “give” or compression to allow engagement of the blade in the drain.

The insert also includes the open areas85. The open areas85include a field of apertures or holes145. The field of holes is generally vertically aligned with the central axis147of the drain74and flow laminator39. The holes145defined in the open areas85therefore generally drain vertically downward through the cavity34into a lower area72and onto the floor70.

As shown in the figures, the insert35is adapted to retain the pod above the floor70of the holder30. Although the insert is shown to be generally integrally formed of a single piece of material, other configurations involving one or more materials could be devised. For example, the open areas85including the holes145could formed of a mesh or other material which is molded with, attached to, or overmolded by the material, such as plastic, which forms the braces81and blade39. The holes145may be elongated slots, or holes of any shape compatible with the brewing process. It is envisioned that the materials and structures of the insert35will be broadly interpreted based on the general concepts and examples provided herein. Examples are provided to illustrate the structure and function of the apparatus and method and are not intended to limit the scope of protection associated with this disclosure.

The drain74is positioned in the lower portion of the floor70to facilitate draining of the liquid, such as coffee or tea, from the cavity. A pod placed in the cavity34will receive water in an upper portion of the pod positioned in close proximity of the entry opening38. Water flowing through the pod and infusing the substance will drain under pressure, suction, gravity or some degree of a combination of these forces through the openings145, along to open area76into a lower portion of the cavity and toward the drain74. Brewed beverage will drain from the pod holder into the lower portion of the cavity and through the drain hole74.

With further reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, the enlarged area76below the upper portion37of the insert35is generally open, thereby allowing generally free flow of liquid flowing through the holes145. The open area facilitates pooling and mixing of the beverage as it drains into the drain area74. The pooling and mixing of beverage as is being dispensed facilitates through mixing or blending of flavors prior to dispensing into the cup, thereby increasing the uniformity and consistency of the final beverage.

Additionally, the generally uniform and reinforced structure of the upper portion37of the insert35provides a uniform support for the pod. As such, there is a reduced chance for pooling or uneven infusion of the brewing substance. The holes145are generally dispersed over the open areas85in a generally uniform pattern to help further facilitate uniform extraction throughout the beverage brewing substance in the pod.

In the installed position as shown inFIG. 2the holder30is positioned with the entry opening38in position to receive water for brewing. The entry opening38and cavity34are positioned below a sprayhead40. Water46is provided by a water delivery system and enters an area42defined by the sprayhead40. Water in the sprayhead area42flows through the holes44through the entry opening and into the cavity34. Once the water has been dispensed into the area it mixes with the substance retained in the cavity34for producing a desired beverage. The beverage drains through a drain74for dispensing into the cup28.

A locking and release assembly60can be provided. The assembly includes a release button or mechanism90a pin92which is selectively engageable with the holder30and a linkage94coupled to the release button90and the pin92. In this configuration, operation of the release button90causes operation of the linkage94further operating on the pin92. Operation of the button therefore causes operation of the pin to release the pin from the holder30.

FIGS. 7 and 8are additional perspective cross-sectional views of the holder30and insert35as disclosed. InFIG. 7, the insert35has been positioned away from the cavity and is shown in cross-section. In the cavity34and shown in cross-section. The extension39is shown for positioning in the drain74.

InFIG. 8, the insert35has been axially engaged with the drain to allow the end91to extend through the drain and retain the insert35in place in the holder30. In the embodiment as shown inFIG. 8, a particular embodiment of the insert35includes one or more protrusions200formed on a bottom edge210of the arms81. The protrusions raise the bottom edge210of the arms81above the floor70to help facilitate further drainage of beverage from between the open areas85. As such, beverage can pass from between the various open areas through voids220formed between the bottom side210of the arms and the topside of the floor70.

Further details of the configuration and operation of the single-serving brewer20can be found in related provisional applications entitled “Apparatus, System and Method for Infusing a Pre-Packaged Pod filed Feb. 9, 2004 U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/543,370, “Apparatus System and Method for Retaining Beverage Brewing Substance” filed Feb. 6, 2004 U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/542,433, and “Brewer ”, Design Patent No. D511922, filed Feb. 10, 2004. Additional information relating to adjustable controlling the single-serving brewer20can be found in a related provisional application entitled “Adjustable Volume Brewer” filed Nov. 7, 2003, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/518,039. Additional information related to a spray head system and method for delivering water to the brewing assembly of the single-serving brewer20can be found in U.S. Provisional Application entitled “Water Delivery System, Method and Apparatus” filed Nov. 7, 2003, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/518,411. Additional information related to beverage making apparatus which uses loose coffee and related devices and methods of use can be found in U.S. Provisional Application entitled “A Beverage Making Apparatus and Method Using Loose Beverage Substances” filed Apr. 2, 2004, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/560,033. Information about a beverage making apparatus which uses loose coffee and related devices and methods of use can be found in U.S. Provisional Application entitled “A Beverage Making Apparatus and Method Using Loose Beverage Substance” filed Sep. 1, 2004, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/606,233, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/101,321 entitled “Loose Coffee Apparatus System and Method” filed Apr. 7, 2005. U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/627,080 entitled “Loose Coffee Pod Apparatus, System And Method” filed Nov. 12, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/564,012 entitled “Pod Brewer Dry Plug Prevent System” filed Apr. 21, 2004. Each of the above-referenced applications and the materials set forth therein is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

While embodiments have been illustrated and described in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustrations and descriptions are considered to be exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. The applicant has provided description and figures which are intended as an illustration of certain embodiments of the disclosure, and are not intended to be construed as containing or implying limitation of the disclosure to those embodiments. There are a plurality of advantages of the present disclosure arising from various features set forth in the description. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily device their own implementations of the disclosure and associated methods that incorporate one or more of the features of the disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims.