Abstract:
A beverage preparation system, a method of preparation and a device for securely engaging with a cup unit for preparing a beverage. A potable liquid is supplied within the cup unit but kept separate from a capsule brewing element containing a predetermined quantity of edible ingredients also disposed within the cup unit. The brewing element is constructed in a shape which retains its integrity without any external support even under pressure such as needed for espresso drink preparation. The beverage preparation device operates by extracting the potable liquid from the cup unit, processing it in a heating/cooling chamber, and returning the processed liquid at a predetermined pressure and time duration to the cup unit. The operation is performed in accordance with preprogrammed instructions associated with an instruction source provided on a sealed cover of the cup unit.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     The present Application is based on International Application No. PCT/IL2008/00239 filed on Feb. 25, 2008, which is based on U.S. Provision Application No. 60/891,950 filed on Feb. 28, 2007. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to the field of beverage preparation devices and systems, and in particular, to a beverage preparation device and system for making brews, mixes, and potions on demand by selectively introducing and mixing predetermined quantities of stored, beverage preparations into a portable beverage container containing a predetermined volume of a potable liquid. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     People enjoy drinking cold and hot beverages at all times, especially while on the go. Coffee, tea, and other hot drinks of all types are very popular all year around. Children and babies enjoy cold or hot milk, often with a chocolate or other flavor added. In the morning, many adults prefer hot drinks such as coffee. 
     In order to have coffee for his morning commute, a person either has to be up early to prepare the coffee in his home, or prepare it the night before and keep it hot in a thermos type container. As society becomes increasingly mobile, the morning routine is disturbed and a person either goes without a morning drink or must wait until he or she is at school or work to prepare a favorite beverage, if there is time. Instant hot teas and soups require heating facilities, whether at the office or at home and cannot easily be prepared in a car. Thermos bottles filled with coffee prepared the night before may supply the need for a drink, but such coffee is usually not very hot and not as tasty as it was when freshly brewed. 
     People now enjoy more varied coffee drinks in the morning, such as espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and the like. Espresso must be consumed while fresh, and at a high temperature, to preserve its quality and taste. The preparation of an espresso or espresso-based drink before the morning commute or other trip typically requires additional preparation time. 
     Vehicles today usually come equipped with various types of cup holders for travelers who like to have a hot or cold drink, whether home-made or bought “on the run.” These holders usually comprise dual cup trays built into the dashboard and pulled down or otherwise extended for use, or cup wells formed in the spaces between adjoining seats, or mounted on trays attached to the backs of the front seats for use by passengers seated in the rear. 
     Most installations for holding cups, particularly those for use in vehicles, are based on either a small round tray or a ring for nesting a cup and holding it upright, or a pair of extensions which hug the cup much as a human hand would. The prior art cup holders do not “lock” the cup in place, but only provide a storage space for resting the cup so that it is out of the way while the vehicle is in motion, freeing the hands of the driver. 
     Thus, it is desirable to provide a broad variety of ready-to-make beverages which can be served either cold or hot, and can be freshly made with minimum effort, according to the taste and preference of the consumer, and at a reasonable cost. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome the problems associated with beverage preparation and to provide a beverage preparation device (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an “espresso point device”), and also a system and a method for preparing both hot brewed beverages, such as espresso coffee, and cold mixed drinks. 
     Thus, the present invention provides a beverage preparation device enclosed in a housing formed with a receiving chamber partially surrounding a holding tray for accommodating a cup unit, said beverage preparation device comprising:
         means for extracting a potable liquid from the cup unit;   means for processing the potable liquid; and   means for returning the potable liquid into the cup unit,
 
such that when the cup unit is placed on the holding tray disposed within the receiving chamber and the beverage preparation device is connected to a power source and operated, the extracting means connected to the cup unit extracts a potable liquid therefrom for processing by the processing means, and the returning means connected to the cup unit and processing means returns the potable liquid into the cup unit to mix it with at least one brew ingredient contained therein, making a ready-to-drink heated/cooled beverage.
       

     The invention further provides a beverage preparation system comprising:
         a beverage preparation device connected to a power source;   a cup unit insertable onto a holding tray partially disposed within the beverage preparation device, such cup unit having a potable liquid and at least one beverage brewing element with at least one brewing ingredient therein for preparing a brewed drink;   means for extracting the potable liquid from the cup unit;   means for processing the potable liquid; and   means for returning the potable liquid into the cup unit to mix with the at least one brewing ingredient, making a ready-to-drink heated/cooled beverage.       

     There is also provided a beverage preparation method comprising the steps of:
         providing a beverage preparation device connected to a power source;   providing a cup unit insertable into the beverage preparation device, such cup unit having a potable liquid and at least one beverage brewing element with at least one brewing ingredient therein for preparing a brewed drink;   extracting the potable liquid from the cup unit;   processing the potable liquid; and   returning the potable liquid into the cup unit to mix with the at least one brewing ingredient, making a ready-to-drink heated/cooled beverage.       

     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cup unit is provided containing a potable liquid, such as water, in a sealed, multi-laminated bag, and at least one capsular brewing element (hereinafter referred to simply as a brewing element), comprising one or more ingredients for preparing a brew, such as, for example, ground coffee beans. 
     The brewing element within the cup is constructed so as to be shaped to contain edible ingredients and retain its integrity even under pressure such as that needed for espresso drink preparation, but not by any external support. 
     In contrast, prior art capsular brewing elements having axial flow are tightly supported in a very rigid chamber for two reasons: 1) axial flow brewing elements need to be sealed at both sides (both faces) to prevent any leakage while high pressure hot water flows through these capsules. 2) Since face-to-face high pressure is used for sealing, axial flow brewing elements tend to collapse and blow out to the shape of a barrel. Thus, axial flow type brewing elements in capsular form are tightly supported along their entire envelope. 
     The force needed to support the brewing element of the present invention is only about 1/50 of the force needed to support prior art axial flow type capsular brewing elements. In numerical value, the axial force needed to support the brewing element of the current invention is about 2 kg (local support, and without any support to the capsule envelope) compared to about 100 kg for prior art axial flow type capsular brewing elements. 
     Although in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the brewing element is torroidal-shaped, other shapes may be used which can withstand the pressure applied by the forced entry of hot water into the brewing element during espresso preparation. Such shapes are suitable for use in accordance with the principles of the present invention since they do not require external support. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, the brewing element is configured in a volleyball-shape, that is, in a generally spherical form (see  FIG. 4 ), so as to retain its shape when subject to the high pressure needed in preparing an espresso drink. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the brewing element is made from polypropylene, but other materials, known to those skilled in the art, may also be used. 
     The espresso point device is suitable for use by drivers and passengers in private cars, in taxis, in trucks and buses and other vehicles where it may be mounted on a dashboard, much as cigarette lighters or DVD players are mounted today. 
     In mobile home trailers, the espresso point device may be provided as an accessory to the kitchen facility, much as a built-in microwave oven. It may also be located in restaurants, diners, or public and private areas, including gas stations, public institutions, schools, offices and businesses and in shopping strips and shopping malls. In the latter examples, a user would purchase the drinking cup of the invention, or bring one from home, to the espresso point device at the nearest espresso point device location and, as a courtesy service, is provided with drink preparation service at no further charge. 
     The espresso point device optionally provides additional ingredients to add to the drink, such as sweeteners, flavors, or CO2 for producing cold soda water. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the present invention with regard to the embodiments thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, not to scale, in which like numerals and letters designate corresponding elements or sections throughout, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a beverage preparation device constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention and in a disengaged mode; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a cup unit constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section, detailed view of the cup unit of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the beverage preparation device of  FIG. 1  in an engaged mode; 
         FIG. 6  is a side, cross-sectional view of the operating components of the system of the invention of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the beverage preparation device from  FIG. 1  shown with a cup unit being inserted therein, the cup having an articulated quick-release means formed in its base in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a cup unit shown being placed on a holding tray; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial, cut-away view of a cup with an articulated quick-release means formed in its base being placed in position on a heating element in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  show partial cut-away views of an alternative embodiment of the articulated quick-release means of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  shows a partial, cut-away view of yet another embodiment of the quick-release means of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a beverage preparation device constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention and in a disengaged mode. 
     The espresso point device  10  is shown, by way of example, as a built-in segment of a vehicle dashboard  12 . Espresso point device  10  comprises a control panel  14  including, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a start button  16  marked “ON”, a heating button  18 , a cooling button  20 , and an indicator light  22  marked “READY”. A plate-like seat  32  is provided as a convenient holding platform for a cup unit (see  FIG. 2 ). It is raised by action of lever  34  in the direction of the arrow to lift the cup unit so as to engage with espresso point device  10 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least two tubes  24 ,  26  are provided for operation of the system when a cup unit  36  (see  FIG. 2 ) is introduced into receiving chamber  28  and engaged with espresso point device  10 . Extraction tube  24  is provided for extracting a potable liquid, such as water, from the cup unit and return inlet tube  26  returns the processed liquid to the cup unit either heated or cooled, as selected by a user from control panel  14 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bar code reader  30  is provided for reading a preprogrammed bar code strip  44  marked on the cover of cup unit  36  (see  FIG. 2 ) when it is inserted into receiving chamber  28  and espresso point device  10  is operated. 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a cup unit constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Cup unit  36  comprises the body of a drinking cup  40  having a cup cover  38  sealed thereon at seal  52  and having a built-in capsule brewing element  46  (shown in detail in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Cup cover  38  is provided with a mouthpiece  42  for drinking from cup unit  36 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bar code strip  44  is affixed to cover  38  for providing operating instructions for operating the espresso point device  10  (see  FIG. 1 ) and automatically processing a brew. 
     Alternatively, smart chips (not shown) embedded in cup cover  38  may implement, in combination with various types of sensors as are known to those skilled in the art, electronic, optical, or software-based instructions for the operation of the espresso point device  10 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two utility ports  48 ,  50  are formed in cover  38 . Inlet port  48  is disposed over capsule brewing element  46  so as to provide for direct mixing of the potable liquid returned to cup  40  after having been processed in espresso point device  10  (see  FIG. 1 ). Extraction port  50  serves as both an air hole to allow easy flow of the drink from cup  40  and as a port for transferring, by suction action, the potable liquid to be processed in espresso point device  10  when operated. Mouthpiece  42  is provided for conveniently sipping the prepared brew. 
     Alternatively, a user is provided with cold water or soda water returned to the cup unit  36  to make, respectively, a cold drink or a carbonated beverage. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-section, detailed view of the cup unit of  FIG. 2 . Cup unit  36  comprises a drinking cup  40  and a cup cover  38  sealed thereon and fitted, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, with a torroidal-like capsule brewing element  46 . A multi-laminated bag  54  is provided within drinking cup  40  to hold a potable liquid (not shown), such as water, for preparation of a drink and is sealed with a thin, aluminum membrane  56 . When cup unit  36  is inserted into the receiving chamber  28  of espresso point device  10  (see  FIG. 1 ), tube  24  (see  FIG. 1 ) punctures aluminum membrane  56  so as to allow the potable liquid in multi-laminated bag  54  to be extracted. The potable liquid stored therein is isolated from the capsule brewing element  46  which holds dry brew ingredients  68 , such as ground coffee for making an espresso drink. 
     Cover  38  is provided with at least two openings, extraction port  50  and inlet port  48  as explained heretofore in respect to  FIG. 2 . Inlet port  48  is provided so as to allow return of the processed potable liquid from espresso point device  10  into capsule brewing element  46  where it is directed by lateral inlet holes  60  to mix with the dry ingredients  68  contained therein and produces a mixed brew which is forced through small outlet holes  66  to disperse into cup  40 . The prepared brew is then ready to drink from mouthpiece  42 . 
     The laminations of bag  54  are made, for example, with layers of polyethylene, polyamide, aluminum foil, and/or polyester materials. The aluminum layer is the most important layer since it serves to isolate the potable liquid from the dry ingredients  68  in capsule brewing element  46 . Bag  54  is collapsible to almost zero volume as the potable liquid is sucked out. This causes an enlargement of the volume of cup  40  to provide for sufficient space for the return from espresso point device  10  of the processed potable liquid. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the present invention wherein the capsule brewing element is shaped like a spherical chamber held in place with only minimal external support. 
     Notice that brewing element  62  in drinking cup  40  is shaped in the form of a spherical chamber and held in place with only minimal external support at capsule neck  58  which is attached to inlet port  48  formed in cup cover  38 . Capsule brewing element  62  is configured in a shape much like that of a volleyball, but very small and inflated through a small valve (not shown). Such a thin envelope can hold the internal pressure necessary to keep the volley-ball-like shape inflated and without using any or with only minimal external support. 
     Capsule brewing element  62  stores dry ingredients  68  to make a brew and is shown, by way of example, formed of two halves joined at a seam  64 . Seam  64 , in a preferred embodiment of the invention, is formed using an ultrasonic weld. Alternatively, the seal at seam  64  may be a snap type, thread connection or formed of any connection known to those skilled in the art. Outlet holes  66  are provided in multiple locations around the bottom and sides of the lower half of the spherical brewing element  62  for releasing the mixed brew, ready for drinking, into cup  40 . 
     The inlet tube  48  to the volleyball-shaped brewing element  62  has a very small diameter which is sufficient for the purpose of admitting water into the brewing element  62 . The thin membrane walls of the volleyball-shaped brewing element  62  may be configured as a single, spherical surface, or may be configured as a number of segments joined at the poles of the spherical surface, much like the form of a tangerine fruit. 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the espresso point device of  FIG. 1  in an engaged mode. There is shown a cup unit  36  placed in espresso point device  10 . Lever  34  is shown moved as indicated by the arrow so as to lift the platform  32  and engage ports  48 ,  50 , (see  FIG. 2 ) on the cover  38  of cup unit  36  with their corresponding tubes  24 ,  26  in espresso point device  10 . 
     The method of operation of espresso point device  10  comprises the steps of placing a cup unit  36  in receiving chamber  28 , moving lever  34  so as to raise platform  32  and thus engage cup unit  36  with espresso point device  10 , pressing the ON button  16  in control panel  14 , and removing cup unit  36  from receiving chamber  28  when espresso point device  10  signals that the brewed drink is READY as indicated by indicator light  22 . The espresso point device  10  operates autonomously when bar code  44  on cup unit  36  is read by bar code reader  30  which recognizes the type of drink ingredients contained in the specific capsule brewing element of the cup unit  36  selected by a user, and activates control unit  70  which operates to prepare that drink. Among the parameters preprogrammed, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, are those such as whether the drink preparation requires heating or cooling; high or low pressure; and duration time. Other parameters, of course, can easily be configured for activation by the operation of the espresso point device  10  when a suitable bar code  44  is marked on cup unit  36  or other means are used to provide a source for instructions. 
       FIG. 6  is a side, cross-sectional view of the operating components of the system of the invention of  FIG. 5 . Espresso point device  10  is shown with cup unit  36  placed in chamber  28  and engaged with extraction tube  24  and return inlet tube  26 . A peristaltic pump  78  provides the suction action to draw a potable liquid, such as water, out of laminated bag  54  in cup unit  36 . The water is pumped through pump outlet tube  76  into heating/cooling chamber  80  where a heating/cooling element  72 , controlled by control unit  70 , heats or cools the water in accordance with preprogrammed instructions read by an information source. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this information source comprises encoded instructions within a bar code strip  44  marked on cover  38  and a bar code reader  30 . 
     A smaller, second pump, such as mitered gear pump  82 , returns the processed water through return inlet tube  26  into capsule brewing element  46 . Alternatively, a solenoid or other small pump can be employed in place of mitered gear pump  82 . The mixed brew from capsule brewing element  46  then passes into cup  40 . Cup unit  36  is then disengaged from espresso point device  10  by returning lever  34  into the disengaged mode and the prepared brew is ready to drink. 
     In operation, the device, preferably uses an extraction means, such as a suction pump  78  connected by an extraction tube  24  inserted into a port  50  (see  FIG. 2 ) formed on the cup cover  38  to withdraw the potable liquid, such as water, provided in the cup unit  36 ; processes, i.e., heats/cools the potable liquid to a predetermined temperature in a heating/cooling chamber  80 ; and then utilizes a return means, such as a second pump  82  connected by an inlet tube  26  to a port  48  formed in the cup cover  38 , to return the heated or cooled potable liquid back into the cup unit  36  so that the processed potable liquid mixes with the edible ingredients  68  ( FIG. 3 ) within a brewing element  46 . The brewing element  46  is configured with the cup cover  38  and disposed beneath the inlet tube  48  so as to produce a selected drink when the processed potable liquid passes through the brewing element.  46   
     The action of the espresso point device  10  may be set at a predetermined pressure, such as high or low, in order to produce an espresso type drink, tea, or even plain hot or cold water without adding any edible ingredients. The user selects a cup unit  36  with the type of drink preferred, such as espresso, and the bar code strip  44  on the cup cover  38  is read by a bar code reader  30  on the espresso point device  10  which then proceeds to activate either a heating element  72  in the power unit  80  to produce a hot potable liquid, or via a cooling unit (not shown) to prepare a cold drink, in each case with the operating cycle controlled per the bar code strip instructions. 
     The potable liquid for the drink, generally water, is confined in a flexible and collapsible bag  54  made of laminated materials, including aluminum foil, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bag  54  is totally sealed to isolate the wet from the dry ingredients within the cup unit  36  and is punctured when the extraction tube  24  is inserted into its respective opening in the cup cover  38  when the cup unit  36  is placed on platform  32  and engaged with an espresso point device  10  ( FIG. 1 ) by operating lever  34 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, in addition to the tube connections, the espresso point device is provided with electrical connections such as for controlling the operation of the espresso point device, such as for regulating heating and cooling, introducing carbonation, adding sweeteners to a drink, and the like. 
       FIG. 7  is a view of the beverage preparation device of  FIG. 1  shown with a cup unit  36  being inserted into the receiving chamber  28  of the beverage preparation device  10 . The cup unit  36  has an articulated quick-release means  31  which comprises a dove-tailed configuration formed at the base of cup unit  36  for conveniently ‘locking” the cup unit  36  in an upright position on a holding tray  13 , so as to maintain alignment with the at least two tubes  24 ,  26  (see  FIG. 1 ) connecting it to a power unit (not shown). The tubes  24 ,  26  are automatically inserted into corresponding openings  48 ,  50  (see  FIG. 2 ) in the cup cover  38  when lever  34  is lightly rotated. Corresponding with this quick-release means  31  is a flat-surfaced flange  33  formed on holding tray  33  within chamber  28  of espresso point device  10  which tightly dove-tails with quick-release means  31 . 
       FIG. 8  is an isometric view of cup unit  36  shown being placed on holding tray  13 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, retractable holding tray  13  is formed so that a cup unit  36  can be conveniently and securely placed into the receiving chamber  28  (see  FIG. 7 ) and safely removed if filled with a hot brew. Cup unit  36  is formed with a base  35  having a hollowed inverse cone  21  formed in its center which corresponds and is compatible with a conical protrusion  23  formed on retractable holding tray  13 . When light pressure is applied to cup unit  36  when it is seated on the conical protrusion  23 , cup unit  36  is securely locked in position on holding tray  13  within receiving chamber  28  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
       FIG. 9  is a partial, cut-away view of a cup unit  36  with another type of articulated quick-release means formed in its base  37  shown being placed in position on a heating element  41  in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. When the heating element  41  is operated, it quickly reheats the potable liquid in the cup unit  36 . This is especially advantageous when a user has not had a chance to drink the brew immediately after its preparation in the espresso point device  28 . Cup base  37  is formed with an articulated quick-release means  39  which corresponds to feature  43  on tray  13 . A quarter-turn rotation of cup unit  36  securely locks it into position on heating element  41 . 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  show partial cut-away views of yet another embodiment of the articulated quick-release means of the present invention. Cup unit  36  is formed with a cup base  39  having a threaded hollow  27  corresponding to a conical, threaded protrusion  29  formed on retractable holding tray  13 . Holding tray  13  can be pulled out from receiving chamber  28  (see  FIG. 7 ) to more conveniently attach cup unit  36  to holding tray  13 . A quarter-turn rotation of cup unit  36  serves to securely attach it to conical protrusion  29  on the retractable holding tray. 
       FIG. 11  shows a partial, cut-away view of yet another embodiment of the quick-release means of the present invention. Cup unit  36  is shown provided with a base  47  formed in such a way as to follow the contours of parallel tracks  45  which “hug” cup base  47  and retain it securely on retractable holding tray  13 . Parallel tracks  45  are formed so that the distance between them is smaller at their upper edge than at their lower edge on their inward-facing sides, thus providing a tongue and groove type slide in relation to the base  47  of cup unit  36 . 
     Having described the present invention with regard to certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation, since further modifications may now suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.