Abstract:
A reusable filter cartridge includes a base cup having a sidewall defining a plurality of openings that are covered with a filtering material. A bottom wall of the base cup defines impermeable outlet probe receptacles sized and positioned to receive an outlet probe of a brewing device. Two or more adapter rings removably secure to the base cup thereby defining multiple combinations with differing volumes for use in different brewing devices and for preparing different numbers of servings. An adapter ring for multiple-serving implementations may include a tube along the side thereof with a bottom opening located below the lowermost surface of the adapter ring. An insert secures within each adapter ring and defines an inlet probe aperture and structures for creating a seal with respect to an inlet probe of a brewing device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This application relates to cartridges for holding a brewing medium for use with an automated beverage brewer. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There are numerous devices available today for making a single-serve brewed beverage, such as the single-server brewers shown and described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,708,600, and 6,079,315, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0003]    In a typical single-serve beverage brewer, a disposable beverage filter cartridge containing a dry beverage medium (such as tea or coffee) is disposed within a filter cartridge holder or brewing holster. To brew the beverage, the filter cartridge is pierced by inlet and outlet probes to accommodate a through-flow of metered hot water. The hot water infuses the dry beverage medium contained in the cartridge to thereby produce a single serving of the beverage. After the beverage is brewed, the cartridge is removed from the cartridge holder and it is discarded. 
         [0004]    By requiring the use of the disposable cartridges, the consumer is limited to the beverage selection of the cartridges on hand. Moreover, with each cartridge being disposed of after use, there is much needless waste. Thus there is a need for a reusable cartridge filter suitable for use with a beverage brewer described above that can be used with any desired dry beverage medium (coffee, tea, etc.). 
         [0005]    The apparatus and methods disclosed herein provide an improved approach for preparing brewed beverages using a beverage brewer designed to use disposable cartridges. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one aspect of the invention, a method for brewing includes removably fastening a first ring to a base cup, the base cup defining one or more sidewall apertures completely covered with a permeable filter material and an outlet probe receptacle protruding inwardly from a lower surface thereof. The method further includes placing a first quantity of a brewing substance in the first ring and base cup; securing a first lid to the first ring, the first lid defining a first inlet probe aperture; inserting the first ring and base cup into a first cavity of a first beverage brewer having a first outlet probe of the first coffee maker projecting into the outlet probe receptacle; inserting a first inlet probe of the first beverage brewer into the first inlet probe aperture; and brewing a first beverage by inputting liquid through the first inlet probe and drawing liquid out through the first outlet probe. 
         [0007]    The method further includes removing the base cup from the first ring and removably fastening the base cup to a second ring, the second ring extending upwardly from the base cup a different extent than the first ring. The method further includes placing a second quantity of the brewing substance in the second ring and base cup; securing a second lid to the second ring, the second ring defining a second inlet probe aperture; inserting the second ring and base cup into a second cavity of a second beverage brewer, the second beverage brewer including a second outlet probe; inserting a second inlet probe of the second beverage brewer into the second inlet probe aperture; and brewing a second beverage by inputting liquid through the second inlet probe and drawing liquid out through a second outlet probe. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the second ring extends upwardly from the base cup a greater extent than the first ring. For example, the first ring and base cup when fastened to one another define a volume sized for brewing of a single serving. Whereas the second ring and base cup when fastened to one another define a volume sized for brewing three or more servings. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, a tube is fastened along a sidewall of the second ring and the method further includes inserting the second outlet probe into the tube. In some embodiments, the tube extends downwardly beyond a lowermost edge of the second ring. The tube defines a bottom opening that is positioned outside of an interior volume defined by the base cup and second ring. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the base cup includes base threads, the first ring includes first threads, and the second ring includes second threads. Fastening the first ring to the base cup includes engaging the base threads with the first threads and fastening the second ring to the base cup comprises engaging the base threads with the second threads. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the outlet probe receptacle is a first outlet probe receptacle, the base cup further defining a second outlet probe receptacle, the first and second outlet probe receptacles being 180 degrees apart. The outlet probe receptacle may define a continuous imperforated surface. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the first and second lids further include a resilient material and defines a recess on an upper surface of the lid surrounding the inlet probe aperture, the recess sized to receive a shoulder surrounding an inlet probe. 
         [0013]    In another aspect of the invention a beverage brewing device is disclosed for use with both (i) a single serve beverage brewer having a first inlet probe for dispensing water above a first cavity and a first outlet probe protruding from a bottom of the cavity and (ii) a multi-serving beverage brewer having a second inlet probe for dispensing water above a second cavity having a height larger than the first cavity and a second outlet probe also positioned above the second cavity. The beverage brewing device includes a base cup including a bottom wall defining at least one outlet probe receptacle protruding inwardly from a lower surface of the bottom wall, the at least one outlet probe receptacle sized and positioned to extend over the first outlet probe when the base cup is inserted in the first cavity. The base cup further includes a base rim defining a base fastening structure and a base opening, the base rim positioned opposite the bottom wall and vertically offset from the bottom wall. The base cup includes a base sidewall extending vertically from the upper rim to the bottom wall and circumferentially around the bottom wall, at least one of the base sidewall and the bottom wall defining one or more filter openings, the one or more filter openings being completely covered in a permeable filter material. 
         [0014]    The brewing device further includes a first upper cup portion including a first lower rim defining a first fastening structure and a first lower opening, the first fastening structure configured to engage the base fastening structure effective to seal the first lower rim to the base rim. The first upper cup portion further includes a first upper rim defining a first upper opening sized and positioned to receive the first inlet probe when the first upper cup is secured to the base cup and positioned in the first cavity. The first upper cup portion includes a first sidewall extending vertically between the first lower rim and the first upper rim and defining a completely sealed surface circumferentially around and vertically between the first lower rim and first upper rim. 
         [0015]    The brewing device further includes a second upper cup portion including a second lower rim defining a second fastening structure and a second lower opening, the second fastening structure configured to engage the base fastening structure effective to seal the second lower rim to the base rim. The second upper cup portion further includes a second upper rim defining a first upper opening sized and positioned to receive the second inlet probe when the second upper cup is secured to the base cup and positioned in the second cavity. The second upper cup portion further includes a second sidewall extending vertically between the second lower rim and the second upper rim and defining a completely sealed surface circumferentially around and vertically between the second lower rim and second upper rim. 
         [0016]    The second upper cup portion defines a second axis of symmetry and the first upper cup portion defines a first axis of symmetry, the second upper cup portion having a greater extent along the second axis of symmetry than an extent of the first upper cup portion along the first axis of symmetry. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the first upper cup portion and base cup when fastened to one another define a volume sized for brewing of a single serving whereas the second upper cup portion and base cup when fastened to one another define a volume sized for brewing three or more servings. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the second upper portion includes a tube is fastened along the second sidewall, the tube including an upper opening sized to receive the second outlet probe. The tube may extend downwardly beyond a lowermost edge of the second lower rim such that a bottom opening of the tube is positioned below the lowermost edge of the second lower rim. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the base cup includes base threads, the first fastening structure includes first threads sized to engage with the base threads and the second fastening structure includes second threads sized to engage with the base threads. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the outlet probe receptacle is a first outlet probe receptacle and the base cup further defines a second outlet probe receptacle, the first and second outlet probe receptacles being 180 degrees apart. In some embodiments, the outlet probe receptacle defines a continuous imperforated surface. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the first lid further includes a resilient material and defines a recess on an upper surface of the lid surrounding the first inlet probe aperture, the recess sized to receive a shoulder surrounding the first inlet probe. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the one or more filter openings occupy between 50 and 80 percent of a vertical circumferential base sidewall. The permeable filter material comprises a mesh comprising at least one of gold, stainless steel, plastic, and fabric. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings: 
           [0024]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are isometric cut-away views of a base cup in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a first adapter ring for securing to the base cup in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an inlet probe insert for securing to the first adapter ring in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the base cup having the first adapter ring secured thereto positioned within a beverage brewer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a second adapter ring for securing to the base cup in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an inlet probe insert for securing to the second adapter ring in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the base cup having the second adapter ring secured thereto positioned within a different beverage brewer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , a base cup  10  may be used in combination with one or more adapter rings in order to provide a reusable filter cartridge that can be used with multiple beverage brewers to prepare varying quantities of a brewed beverage. 
         [0032]    The base cup  10  may define an axis of symmetry  12  about which a sidewall  14  of the base cup  10  is generally symmetrical with various non-symmetrical features defined thereon. The sidewall  14  has a generally conical shape with a shallow tapering to conform to a cavity of a beverage brewer. A bottom wall  16  extends inwardly from the sidewall  14  such that some or all of the sidewall  14  extends above an upper surface of the bottom wall  16 . One or more outlet probe receptacles  18  protrude inwardly from one or both of the sidewall  14  and the bottom wall  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, two outlet probe receptacles  18  protrude upwardly through the bottom wall  16  and are disposed  180  degrees apart about the axis of symmetry  12 . The outlet probe receptacles  18  include pockets made of continuous, imperforated, impermeable material (e.g., the same material as the base cup) that isolate the contents of the base cup  10  from an outlet probe protruding into the outlet probe receptacle. In a typical beverage brewer, only one outlet probe is present. However, providing two receptacles  18  enables the user to position the base cup in two positions without interference from the outlet probe. 
         [0033]    The sidewall  14  further defines one or more filter apertures  20 . The filter apertures  20  may be large and occupy a major portion (e.g., between 50 and 80 percent) of the vertical (e.g., parallel to the axis of symmetry  12 ) and circumferential (e.g., about the axis of symmetry  12 ) extent of the sidewall  14  between the topmost and bottommost edges thereof. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , the filter apertures  20  are completely covered by filter material  22 . Any suitable reusable, durable filter may be used, such as a micro-screen mesh filter made from metal (such as gold or stainless steel, gold-tone filters), plastic, or fabric. The filter material  22  may be molded into the material of the sidewall  14  in order to resist separation from the sidewall  14  after repeated use. 
         [0035]    An upper rim of the sidewall  14  includes a fastening structure such as threads  24 , a snap-type fitting, or any other type of fastening structure. The filter apertures  20  are positioned between the threads  24  and the bottom wall  16  such that a seal may be created between the threads  24  and an adapter ring secured thereto. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , an adapter ring  30  may fasten to the base cup  10  such that together they form a cup sized to fit within a cavity of a beverage brewer that is sized to receive a particular type of disposable cartridge. In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter ring  30  is a continuous impermeable ring without apertures covered in filtering material. In some embodiments, openings covered in filtering material may be included in the adapter ring  30 . The adapter ring  30  may have a generally conical shape having a taper matching that of the sidewall  14  of the base cup  10  or being different therefrom. The adapter ring  30  includes fastening structures at its lower rim for securing to the base cup  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, threads  32  are defined on an inner surface of the adapter ring  30  and are sized to engaged the threads  24  of the base cup  10  and create a seal. 
         [0037]    An inner rim  34  may be defined on the ring  30  offset from the threads  32  along the axis of symmetry  12 . The rim  34  may include threads or a continuous ridge or groove for receiving an insert (see  FIG. 3 ). An outer rim  36  may protrude outwardly from, or near, the upper edge of the ring  30 , the upper edge of the ring  30  being the edge furthest from the threads  32  along the axis of symmetry  12 . The outer rim  36  may be sized to seat within a seating groove of a beverage brewer as described below. The outer rim  36  may include one or more tabs  38  that project outwardly form the remaining portions of the rim  36  in order to facilitate alignment. For example, the tabs  38  may be aligned with the outlet probe receptacles of the base cup  10  when the base cup  10  is fastened to the adapter ring  30 . The outer rim  36  may define flattened, inward-facing shoulders  40  that project upwardly from the rim  36  parallel to the axis of symmetry  12 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an insert  42  is positioned within the upper portion of the adapter ring  30  and defines a circumferential surface  44  sized to engage with the inner rim  34  of the adapter ring  30  thereby creating a seal. The insert  42  may be formed of a resilient polymer such that it may deform to permit insertion into the inner rim  34 . The insert  42  may include an outer rim  46  that projects outwardly from the surface  44  and rests on an upward facing surface (e.g., facing parallel to the axis of symmetry  12 ) of the adapter ring  30  when engaged with the groove  44  is engaged with the inner rim  34 . The outer rim  46  may be circular about the axis of symmetry  12  except for flattened  48  portions that are sized and positioned to engage with the shoulders  44  when the groove  44  is engaged with the inner rim  34 . 
         [0039]    The insert  42  further defines an inlet probe aperture  50  sized to receive an inlet probe of a beverage brewer. The insert  42  may include a sealing ring  52  projecting inwardly into the inlet probe aperture  50  in order to create a seal between itself and the inlet probe. Accordingly, the inner diameter of the sealing ring  52  may be smaller than that of the inlet probe such that elastic deformation of the sealing ring  52  is required to insert the inlet probe. An upper surface of the insert  42  may further include a recessed seat  54  surrounding the inlet probe aperture  50  and providing a surface for engaging a shoulder surrounding the inlet probe of a beverage brewer in order to create a seal. The spacer ring  30  may include a line, text, circumferential rib, or other structure  56  (see  FIG. 4 ) instructing a user as to the proper fill level. The level of the brewing medium within the spacer ring  30  and base cup  10  combination is preferably such that it does not contact the inlet probe of a beverage brewer when inserted within the inlet probe aperture  50  or otherwise is appropriate for the amount of a beverage to be brewed. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  illustrates the base cup  10  secured to the adapter ring  30  and having the insert  42  engaged with the inner rim  34  of the adapter ring  30 .  FIG. 4  further shows an inlet probe  60  inserted within the inlet probe aperture  50 . A shoulder  62  or seal  62  made of a flexible polymer material surrounds the inlet probe  60  and engages the recessed seat  54  thereby promoting a seal. Likewise, the sealing ring  52  contacts the inlet probe and further promotes sealing. 
         [0041]    The base cup  10  and the adapter ring  30  are secured to one another by means of the engagement of the threads  24  of the base cup  10  with the threads  32  of the adapter ring  30 . The base cup  10  and some or all of the adapter ring  30  sit within a cavity  64  having a size and shape conforming to the size and shape of the base cup  10  and any portion of the adapter ring  30  positioned therein. The cavity  64  may include a rim seat  66  that is sized to receive the outer rim  36  of the adapter ring  30 , such as a countersunk portion  66  of a conical-shaped cavity  64  sized to receive the base cup  10  and adapter ring  30 . 
         [0042]    An outlet probe  68  protrudes into the cavity from a lower surface thereof and is positioned within one of the outlet probe receptacles  18 . In a typical beverage brewer, there is a single outlet probe  68 . Accordingly, the base cup may be rotated  180  degrees and still provide clearance for the outlet probe  68  in embodiments having two outlet probe receptacles  18 . 
         [0043]    The base cup  10  and at least a portion of the volume within the spacer ring  30  is filled with a brewing medium such as coffee, tea, cocoa, or any other herb or substance that may be used to infuse water. In use, the amount of the brewing medium does not rise above the fill indicating structure  56 , such as the “Fill Line” shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0044]    After the base cup  10  and spacer ring  30  combination is placed in the cavity  64  and the inlet probe  60  and shoulder  62  are engaged with the insert  42  as shown in  FIG. 4 , hot water is dispensed through the inlet probe  60 , passes through the brewing medium, passes out through the filter material  22 , and is drawn out through the outlet probe  68 . The beverage brewer then directs the water drawn into the outlet probe  68  into a cup or carafe in the conventional manner. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an adapter ring  80  may fasten to the base cup  10  such that together they form a cup sized to fit within a cavity of a beverage brewer that is sized to receive a particular type of disposable cartridge. In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter ring  80  is a continuous impermeable ring without apertures covered in filtering material. In some embodiments, openings covered in filtering material may be included in the adapter ring  80 . The adapter ring  80  may have a generally conical shape having a taper matching that of the sidewall  14  of the base cup  10  or being different therefrom. As is apparent in  FIG. 5 , the adapter ring  80  has a much greater extent parallel to the axis of symmetry  12  and is suitable for brewing multiple servings of a brewed beverage using a beverage brewer having a cavity sized to receive a much larger cartridge than the adapter  30  and base cup  10  combination. The adapter ring  80  includes fastening structures at its lower rim for securing to the base cup  10 . In particular, the adapter ring  80  includes fastening structures to secure to the exact same base cup  10  as can secure to the adapter ring  30  as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, threads  82  are defined on an inner surface of the adapter ring  80  and are sized to engaged the threads  24  of the base cup  10  and create a seal. 
         [0046]    An inner rim  84  may be defined on the ring  80  offset from the threads  82  along the axis of symmetry  12 . The rim  84  may include threads or a continuous ridge or groove for receiving an insert (see  FIG. 6 ). An outer rim  86  may protrude outwardly from, or near, the upper edge of the ring  80 , the upper edge of the ring  80  being the edge furthest from the threads  82  along the axis of symmetry  12 . The outer rim  86  may be sized to seat within a seating groove of a beverage brewer as described below. The outer rim  86  may include one or more tabs  88  that project outwardly form the remaining portions of the rim  86  in order to facilitate alignment. The outer rim  86  may define flattened, inward-facing shoulders  90  that project upwardly from the rim  86  parallel to the axis of symmetry  12 . 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an insert  92  is positioned within the upper portion of the adapter ring  80  and defines a circumferential surface  94  sized to engage with the inner rim  84  of the adapter ring  80  thereby creating a seal. The insert  92  may be identical to the insert  42  or may be different. For example, the insert  92  may have a larger diameter but otherwise have the same structural features as the insert  42 . 
         [0048]    The insert  92  may be formed of a resilient polymer such that it may deform to permit insertion into the inner rim  84 . The insert  92  may include an outer rim  96  that projects outwardly from the surface  94  and rests on an upward facing surface (e.g., facing parallel to the axis of symmetry  12 ) of the adapter ring  80  when engaged with the groove  44  is engaged with the inner rim  84 . The outer rim  96  may be circular about the axis of symmetry  12  except for flattened portions  98  that are sized and positioned to engage with the shoulders  90  when the groove  94  is engaged with the inner rim  84 . 
         [0049]    The insert  92  further defines an inlet probe aperture  100  sized to receive an inlet probe of a beverage brewer. The insert  92  may include a sealing ring  102  projecting inwardly into the inlet probe aperture  100  in order to create a seal between itself and the inlet probe. Accordingly, the inner diameter of the sealing ring  102  may be smaller than that of the inlet probe such that elastic deformation of the sealing ring  102  is required to insert the inlet probe. An upper surface of the insert  92  may further include a recessed seat  104  surrounding the inlet probe aperture  100  and providing a surface for engaging a shoulder surrounding the inlet probe of a beverage brewer in order to create a seal. 
         [0050]    Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the spacer ring  80  may include one or more a lines, ribs, or other structures  106  instructing a user as to the proper fill level. Inasmuch as the combined spacer ring  80  and base cup  10  enable the preparation of multiple servings, various lines  106  may be provided within the ring  80  each corresponding to a different number of servings. The level of the brewing medium within the spacer ring  80  and base cup  10  combination is preferably such that it does not contact the inlet probe inserted through the inlet probe opening  100  of a beverage brewer or otherwise is appropriate for the amount of a beverage to be brewed. 
         [0051]    The spacer ring  80  may be different from the spacer ring  30  in that a tube  108  extends along the outer surface of the spacer ring  80 . The tube  108  may be monolithically formed (e.g. co-molded) with the spacer ring  80  or secured thereto. An upper opening  110  of the tube  108  may be flush with an upper edge of the shoulders  90  and may be  90  degrees offset from the tabs  88  about the axis of symmetry  12 . 
         [0052]    A lower opening  112  of the tube  108  may be positioned at or below the lowermost edge of the spacer ring  80 . In the illustrated embodiment, an extension  114  extends below the lower edge of the spacer ring  80  and the lower opening  112  is defined by a lowermost surface of the extension  114 . As is apparent in  FIG. 5 , the cross-section of the tube  108  within the extension  114  (perpendicular to the axis of symmetry  12 ) changes above the lowermost edge of the spacer ring  80  down to the lower opening  112  of the tube  108 . In particular, the cross-section becomes larger due to increased space between the tube and the inner wall of the spacer ring  80  due to the tapered shape of the spacer ring. In this manner, resistance to fluid flow is reduced. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  illustrates the base cup  10  secured to the adapter ring  80  and having the insert  92  engaged with the inner rim  84  of the adapter ring  80 .  FIG. 7  further shows an inlet probe  120  inserted within the inlet probe aperture  100 . A shoulder  122  or seal  122  made of a flexible polymer material surrounds the inlet probe  120  and engages the recessed seat  104  thereby promoting a seal. Likewise, the sealing ring  102  contacts the inlet probe  120  and further promotes sealing. 
         [0054]    The base cup  10  and the adapter ring  80  are secured to one another by means of the engagement of the threads  24  of the base cup  10  with the threads  82  of the adapter ring  80 . The base cup  10  and some or all of the adapter ring  80  sit within a cavity  124  having a size and shape conforming to the size and shape of the base cup  10  and any portion of the adapter ring  80  positioned in the cavity  124 . The cavity  124  may include a rim seat  126  that is sized to receive the outer rim  86  of the adapter ring  80 , such as a countersunk portion  126  of a conical-shaped cavity  124  sized to receive the base cup  10  and adapter ring  80 . 
         [0055]    An outlet probe  128  protrudes downwardly from above the cavity  124  and is positioned relative to the inlet probe  120  such that the outlet probe  128  extends into the upper opening  110  of the tube  108  when the inlet probe  120  is positioned within the inlet probe aperture  100  of the insert  92 . Note that the outlet probe  128  does not extend into either outlet probe receptacle  18 , which are not of use with the type of beverage brewer shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0056]    The base cup  10  and at least a portion of the volume within the spacer ring  80  is filled with a brewing medium such as coffee, tea, cocoa, or any other herb or substance that may be used to infuse water. After the base cup  10  and spacer ring  80  combination is placed in the cavity  124  and the inlet probe  120  and shoulder  122  are engaged with the insert  92  and the outlet probe  128  is inserted within the tube  108  as shown in  FIG. 7 , hot water is dispensed through the inlet probe  120 , passes through the brewing medium, passes out through the filter material  22 , and is drawn out through the outlet probe  128 . The beverage brewer then directs the water drawn into the outlet probe  128  into a cup or carafe in the conventional manner. In the illustrated embodiment, a seal may exist between the walls of the spacer ring  80  and/or base cup  10  and the walls of the cavity  124  such that suction applied through the tube  108  may draw liquid out of the cavity  124 , rather than simply drawing in ambient air. Additionally or alternatively, the cavity  124  itself may be sealed by a cover included in the beverage brewer such that suction applied through the tube  108  will be effective to draw infused liquid within the cavity  124  notwithstanding the fact that the bottom opening  112  is not at the bottom of the cavity or connected to the volume enclosed by the base cup  10 . 
         [0057]    In use, the base cup  10  and spacer rings  30 ,  80  may be sold and stored as a kit. A user may then secure one spacer ring  30 ,  80  to the base cup  10 , use it as described above to brew a beverage. The user may then secure the other spacer ring  80 ,  30  to the base cup  10  and use it as described above. A single product is therefore able to hold a brewing medium and perform filtering for multiple types of beverage brewers and for single serve use as well as multiple serving use. Although only two spacer rings  30 ,  80  are disclosed herein, other numbers and configurations of spacer rings  30 ,  80  may be used to accommodate still more types of beverage brewers. 
         [0058]    While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.