Abstract:
A mobile and portable device used to brew a beverage using a 12 volt power source. The device includes a top cup with a removable lid and a bottom reservoir with a heating element to boil water. A transfer tube transfers the heated water through a check valve and into a packet containing a substance resting on a platform, the water becoming an infused beverage and moving through an orifice in the bottom of the cup and into a transfer tube in the cup, filling the cup with the infused beverage.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/688,974, filed May 24, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an apparatus for brewing a liquid in a self-contained, mobile, and portable brewer and cup. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Our current society is very mobile and spends much of their day on the road. There are fast food and coffee houses everywhere for a person to stop and get something to eat or drink. When purchasing coffee from a fast food store or a coffee house, the liquid can be boiling hot and is normally placed into a foam cup with a lid. Sometimes a heat protection wrapper is provided and sometimes it is not. Some of the lids have an opening for drinking, or an X for inserting a straw, and some are merely a cap. If the hot beverage in the cup spills onto the person, it may burn them. The mere fact that you have to stop or use the drive-thru to get cup of hot coffee, or tea can take a significant amount of time and money. 
         [0004]    Many people brew a cup of coffee at home and pour it into a foam cup, a thermos, a ceramic cup, a metal cup or some other portable container with a lid in order to take it with them to work or just to have around the house. It takes time to make the coffee before the person can drink it. Many people may use instant coffee where only hot water has to be added in order to save time. 
         [0005]    There are many devices that can be used to make the coffee. Some people use a conventional coffee maker where ground coffee is placed on a filter pouch; water is poured into a heating area where the water is heated. The heated water then drips over the ground coffee and into a pitcher type container which is stored below the area containing the ground coffee. The brewed coffee is then poured from the pitcher into a cup for drinking. The coffee is not usually consumed directly from the pitcher. Most home coffee makers are plugged into the household&#39;s 120 volt electrical outlet in order to heat the water. 
         [0006]    Other people use a percolator type coffee maker where water is placed into a container and ground coffee is placed in a strainer on a percolating tube. The water can be heated either electrically or over a gas stove. The water percolates up through the percolating tube and drips down over the ground coffee and back down into the heated water, becoming the infused beverage (coffee). In addition, percolators are generally designed to recycle the infused liquid through the same ground coffee over and over again. Thus, the amount of time the liquid is boiled and the number of times the infused liquid is recycled determines the strength of the coffee. In order to consume the brewed coffee, the heated coffee must be poured from the percolator into separate cup. This same methodology can be used for tea, apple cider, hot coco or any other substance used for an infused beverage. 
         [0007]    Therefore a need exists for a mobile and portable system that will make an infused beverage. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    It is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus that will make an infused beverage such as coffee, tea, apple cider, or any other heated beverage. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is mobile and portable using 12V DC electricity as the heater source of power. 
         [0009]    It is another advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus that forces water through a coffee or tea bag in a single pass, forming an infused product, before transferring the infused product to a top reservoir cup assembly for consumption. 
         [0010]    It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is brewed and consumed from a single container or self-contained brewer/cup assembly. 
         [0011]    It is no less another advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can use either the 12V DC electricity or 120V AC household electricity with an additional adaptor to convert the 120V AC to 12 VDC. 
         [0012]    An additional advantage of the present invention provides an apparatus that separates heated water in a heating reservoir from the infused beverage using check valves. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment the present invention provides an apparatus with an upper reservoir, a first hollow interior, a first outer surface, a first inner surface, a first open upper end, a first lower planar closed end with a first orifice, and a lower reservoir, a second hollow interior, a second outer surface, a second inner surface, a second open upper end, and a second lower planar closed end. 
         [0014]    In addition, another embodiment of the invention provides a first transfer tube, a first inner diameter, a first outer diameter, a first flared inlet end, a first outlet end, and a first bottom surface with a first orifice. And this same embodiment of the invention provides a second transfer tube, a second inner diameter, a second outer diameter, a second flared inlet end and a second outlet end, the outlet end attached to a flat platform, the flat platform having a second outer diameter with a raised edge, wherein the first transfer tube has a first one way check valve and the second transfer tube has a second one way check valve. 
         [0015]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and from the attached drawings, in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of internal and external components of the self-contained cup; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the external components of the self-contained cup; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the top reservoir transfer tube; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the bottom reservoir platform and transfer tube; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is an expanded view of the heating elements; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the 12 Volt DC connector and cable; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the LED light and alarm module; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is an perspective view of the bottom reservoir, bottom reservoir platform and transfer tube; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective picture of the self-contained cup with the power coil; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective picture of the top reservoir with a beverage; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective picture of the bottom reservoir and heating element. 
       
    
    
       [0028]    In the attached figures, multiple figures may have the same reference numeral indicating similar components and/or features. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    Before the invention is described in detail, it is to be understood that unless otherwise indicated, this invention is not limited to any particular materials, size, or the like, as such may vary. It also is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. 
         [0030]    Illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a self-contained cup assembly  100  is made up of three parts. The first part includes a detachable lid  104 , the second part includes a top reservoir cup  110 , and the third part is a bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the top reservoir cup  110  includes a sidewall enclosure  108  and a bottom surface  103 . Materials used to form the interior and exterior of the cup assembly may include but is not limited to stainless steel, plastic, ceramic or other durable, non-porous, non-corrosive, non-toxic material. In addition, methods of forming the self-contained cup assembly  100  include but are not limited to injection molding, robotic molding, CNC machining, and advanced stereolithography 3D printing. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exterior view  200  of the cup assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 2 , the sidewall enclosure  108  of the top reservoir cup  110  is generally cylindrical in shape with an upper open end  202  and the bottom surface  103  connected to the sidewall enclosure  108  forming the top reservoir cup  110 . The bottom end of the top reservoir cup  110  includes an internal thread  206  such that it mated to a corresponding external thread  208  of the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126 , forming a single cup and brewer assembly. This assembly design provides easy separation of the cup and brewer assembly for access to the inner components and cleaning. Other means to mate the top reservoir cup  110  to the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126  includes but is not limited to snaps and form fitted fasteners. 
         [0032]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , a top reservoir transfer tube  106  is connected to the bottom surface  103 , forming a top reservoir transfer assembly. In one example, the reservoir transfer tube  106  and the bottom surface  103  may be formed as an inseparable piece. In another example, the transfer tube  106  may be connected to bottom surface  103  using a pressure fit, a mechanical threaded style fastener, or other similar fastening mechanisms that allows the reservoir transfer tube  106  to detach from the bottom surface  103 , making these separable parts easy to clean and less expensive to replace than the former example. This transfer assembly is further illustrated in detail in  FIG. 3 . The reservoir transfer assembly  300  has an orifice  109  formed at the center of the bottom surface  103  which is coupled to the top reservoir transfer tube  106 , forming the transfer assembly structure  300 . In practice, the reservoir transfer assembly  300  may be made of a non-corrosive metal, non-toxic, durable plastic or rubberized material that is suitable for high temperature applications. In another implementation, multiple transfer tubes may replace the single transfer tube  106  design as to increase the volume of liquid from the reservoir brewing chamber  126  to the reservoir cup  110 . 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , the top reservoir transfer assembly  300  is formed as a single unit so that the bottom surface  103  is connected to the inner sidewall enclosure  108  of the top reservoir cup  110 , forming the reservoir cup  110 . The bottom of the top reservoir transfer tube  106  aligns with the orifice  109  at the center of the bottom surface  103  of the reservoir cup  110 . 
         [0034]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the top reservoir transfer tube  106  includes a one way check valve  301  which is located inside the transfer tube  106 . In operation, the check valve  301  is used to prevent any heated liquid from flowing back down into the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126 , forcing the liquid to flow into the cup  110 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom reservoir transfer assembly  400  which includes a bottom reservoir platform  114  that is connected to a bottom reservoir transfer tube  120 . The reservoir platform  114  is generally cylindrical in shape with the top portion open and the bottom portion closed. An orifice  401  is formed in the center of the closed bottom portion of the bottom reservoir platform  114 . The bottom reservoir transfer tube  120  is coupled to the bottom reservoir platform  114  through the orifice  401 , forming the bottom transfer assembly structure  400 . Materials such as a non-corrosive metal, non-toxic, heat-resistant, durable plastic or rubberized material may be used to fabricate the transfer assembly structure  400 . 
         [0036]    The bottom reservoir transfer tube  120  includes a one way check valve  402  which is located inside the transfer tube  120 . 
         [0037]    In operation, the check valve  402  prevents any heated liquid from flowing back down into the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126 , forcing additional heated liquid to flow into the cup  110 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 , a heating element  122  is attached to a connector assembly  116  of the reservoir brewing chamber  126 . In one implementation, the heating element  122  may be formed using a coil having an electrical input/output end  502  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The heating element  122  may be made of a resistive alloy such that the coil will heat up sufficiently to boil water when a voltage is applied. However, other types and shapes of heating elements may be used so long as the material is non-corrosive, non-toxic, and water resistant. Both the input end and the output end are located in and electrically connected to the connector  116 . The connector  116  is attached to the inner side of the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126  and is insulated from any liquid within the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126 . The connector penetrates through the side wall of the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126  and is sealed so no liquid will leak out of the cup. The connector  116  may act as a switch for shutting power off to the heating element  122 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 6 , a 12V DC connector assembly  124  includes a two prong connector  602  specifically designed to mate with the connector  116 . The two prong connector  602  is electrically connected to a cable coil  604  which in turn is connected to a 12 volt DC connector plug  606 . The 12 volt DC connector plug  606  is designed to plug into a vehicle&#39;s cigarette lighter or a 12 volt power outlet, for example. In 
         [0040]      FIG. 1 , power from the 12 volt power source is delivered to the cup assembly  100  via the connector assembly  124  where an electrical connection at the two prong connector  602  is made with the heating element  122 . Other power sources include solar and battery sources, for example, which may be used to supply the 12V DC power to the cup assembly  100 . 
         [0041]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the detachable lid  104  is fastened to the top of the top reservoir cup  110 , providing a watertight seal to the liquid contents of the cup assembly  100 . The detachable lid  104  is generally cylindrical in shape and has a snap flap  105  with a pin hole  107 . The pin hole  107  is used to vent any pressure buildup when the infused beverage fills the top reservoir cup  110 . When the snap flap  105  is open, a hole is exposed allowing a person to drink the beverage. In another embodiment, the snap flap may be a slide flap or any other means of closing the hole. Various pin hole implementations include but is not limited to a rectangular slot and multiple pin holes. In yet another embodiment, the small vent hole  107  may be placed in the center of the flat planar portion of the detachable lid  104  or anywhere else in the flat planar portion. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , an LED and alarm module  112  is located on an outer surface of the upper portion of the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126 . The LED and alarm module  112  is electrically attached to the connector  116 . The alarm speaker  702  will emit a sound and the LED light  704  will light up providing notice when the brewing process is complete and it is time to disconnect the power source. In another embodiment, the LED and alarm module  112  may provide an automatic electrical shutoff of the power. In another implementation, sensors may be integrated into the cup assembly  100  to monitor liquid level and temperature. 
         [0043]    In operation, a packet  802  containing a substance which is to be infused into boiling water  805  is placed onto the top of the bottom reservoir platform  400  where the platform and packet are lowered into the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The substance may be coffee, tea, apple cider or any other substance a person wishes to use. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 8 , the lower outer portion of the bottom reservoir platform  400  fits snugly against the inner side wall of the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126 . The lower outer portion of the bottom reservoir platform  400  firmly presses against the bottom of the top reservoir cup  110  forming a watertight seal when the top reservoir cup  110  is screwed onto the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126 . The bottom reservoir transfer tube  120  lightly rests on the lower inner surface of the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126 . 
         [0045]    When water  805 , or any other liquid, is added to the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126  and power is applied to heating element  122 , the water is heated to boil and pressure builds up inside the brewing chamber. The boiling water is forced up the inside of the bottom reservoir transfer tube  120 . At any location within the bottom reservoir transfer tube  120 , located internally in the tube, a bottom reservoir one way check valve  402  prevents heated water from flowing back down the tube. The boiling water fills the bottom reservoir platform  114  and immerses the packet  802  in the boiling water infusing the boiling water with the substance, such as coffee. As the water fully fills the bottom reservoir platform  602 , the infused solution is forced up through the orifice in the bottom of the top reservoir cup  110  and into the top reservoir transfer tube  106 . The infused liquid is then forced up through the top reservoir one way check valve  301  and up to the top of the top reservoir transfer tube  106  overflowing into the top reservoir cup  110  where the infused liquid will fill the top reservoir cup  110 . The top reservoir one way check valve  301  prevents the infused liquid from returning downward and mixing with the heated water in the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126 . Notably, the infused liquid is delivered to the top reservoir cup  110  in a single pass, unlike percolator brewing devices that recycle the infused liquid over and over again, providing a quick, convenient, and efficient means for brewing any sort of consumable beverage. 
         [0046]    When brewing is complete, the LED and alarm module  112  will sound and the LED light will light. The connector  116  may shut-off the power to the heating element  122  when a signal is sent from the LED and alarm module  112 . The 12V DC connector assembly  124  may be removed, and the hot brewed beverage is ready for consumption and is mobile. 
         [0047]    In a practical mobile user scenario, the self-contained mobile brewer cup assembly  100  as shown in  FIG. 1  is designed to fit into a standard cup holder accessory found in most vehicles or other flat surface housing structure that prevents the cup assembly  100  from tipping over, making it convenient for the user to brew, heat, and drink any desired beverage in the single self-contained cup. In one embodiment, the bottom reservoir brewing chamber  126  may have a flared bottom for better stability. 
         [0048]    As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” included plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “heating element  302 ” includes a single “heating element  302 ” as well as a combination of two or more, and the like. 
         [0049]    All patents, patent applications, and other references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
         [0050]    It is noted that the foregoing disclosure has been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and is in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. Although the present invention has been shown and described with respect to several preferred embodiments thereof, various changes, omissions, and additions to the form and detail thereof, may be made therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. 
         [0051]    Other embodiments and modifications of the present invention may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of these teachings. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the following claims which include all other such embodiments and modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above specifications and accompanying drawings.