Patent Publication Number: US-11019954-B2

Title: Disposable combined squeezer/stirrer/dispenser/brewer device

Description:
This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/725,665 filed Oct. 5, 2017, which is a division of application Ser. No. 13/927,310 filed Jun. 26, 2013 which is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/586,316, filed Sep. 21, 2009, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/131,887, filed May 18, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,219, which claimed the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/574,231, filed May 26, 2004, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Tea and coffee bags are extensively used for quick brewing of tea and coffee. Methods exist for making cups of tea, coffee or other beverages with both disposable and non-disposable devices. Many of the current devices are non-disposable, requiring a user to clean and store them between uses. These devices are inconvenient for beverages consumed outside the home. Other existing devices are disposable, but may only be used for one serving of beverage. This is inconvenient for tea, coffee or other drinks that utilize bags that are usable more than once at a sitting. Additionally, for both disposable and non-disposable devices, several independent devices are required to make a cup of a beverage, such as a squeezer, stirrer, dispenser and a brewer. Each device operates independently. 
     Some examples of current systems include disposable stirrers, disposable cups, and individually wrapped cream and sugar packets. Other devices are drawstrings incorporated into tea bags for facilitating squeezing after brewing. Non-disposable brewing bag squeezers are also available. None of these methods provide a simple, all in one device for brewing beverages. 
     Needs exist for disposable devices that are reusable for multiple times in one sitting and allow the user to perform all necessary actions with a single device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a disposable packaging form for brewed, hot drinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze out the brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each action can be performed multiple times before disposal. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention dispenses sweeteners, creamers, flavorings and condiments. The present invention frees the user of the inconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers, squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually. 
     A preferred embodiment is made of a biodegradable material such as plant material in the grass or bamboo category. The biodegradable material envelops beverage brewing components in a porous structure encircling a rigid rod. The rigid rod is manually or mechanically manipulated to facilitate squeezing as well as relaxation of squeezing. In general, a device may be compressed by being pushed downward, pulled upward or twisted. The rigid rod also facilitates stifling and may be hollow and/or partially porous. Sweeteners, creamers or condiments may be stored in the hollow and partially porous rigid rod. These sweeteners, creamers or condiments may be blown out of the rigid rod by a user or may seep through the rigid rod by osmosis. Sweeteners, creamers and/or condiments may be dispensed in other locations within or on the invention besides the rigid rod. The rigid rod may operate like a syringe to control release of substances. 
     The device of the present invention may be enclosed in a package that opens and unfolds in a manner that provides a stand or holder for containing the device for reuse or simply to prevent messes prior to disposal. Part of the package may unfold into a cup. This embodiment only requires the user to obtain hot water. Or, the user may heat water within the cup. These features would be useful for a variety of applications, including military applications. It would provide sanitary, convenient and biodegradable disposable devices for use in the field with less environmental impact than non-biodegradable materials with more components. 
     Other embodiments are possible. A solid piece of plastic with pores for forming a porous film of plastic material with ribbing may be provided around a stirring rod. The ribbing adds structure and control. The device is capped with ribbed and thickened cup-like portions that fan out, contract and have some rigidity during use. The cup-like portions have central holes for placement of the stirring rod. The top cup-like portion is not porous. The bottom cup-like portion has larger holes than the holes on the porous film. The porous film holds tea leaves or coffee grounds and keeps dust inside the porous film. Water is allowed to penetrate and flow through the porous film. 
     The stirring rod may be a hollow shaft that may contain creamer, sweetener, or other flavorings. A small rod is located inside the hollow shaft. Projections from the small rod depress a spring when they are pressed downward. The spring pushes up on and pulls a disc structure upward to close an opening. The disc structure may have a weighted protrusion for adding weight to the overall device to keep the buoyant bag from floating. The opening allows contents of the hollow shaft to dispense when the small rod is moved downward. The downward movement causes the projections to move downward and compress the spring, thus moving the disc structure away from the opening. A button covering allows a user to press downward on the small rod. A closure encircles the area of insertion of the button covering on the top of the hollow shaft. 
     A syringe or other device for injecting cream, sweetener or other flavorings into the hollow shaft through a hole may be used. After injection, the button covering is inserted into an opening in the top of the hollow shaft. 
     Alternatively, the stirring rod is a hollow rod that may be filled with desired ingredients and capped at both ends with removable foil and blown out from the top end by the user. It may also be capped with a substance dissolvable in water freeing its contents during use, or pinched at the ends such that applying pressure with the user&#39;s hand opens the stirring rod. 
     In another embodiment, a stirrer is made of for example, but not limited to, wooden sticks or bamboo shoots or any other suitable material. A bag is attached to the stirrer. Protrusions from the stirrer are created by molding if the stirrer is plastic, carved out of the wood or bamboo, or otherwise attached to the stirrer shaft. The protrusions hold and support the bag. In some preferred embodiments, the protrusions may enclose and squeeze the bag manually, with a string or some other device. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the device has extended panels hinged at one end. A bag is attached to the extended panels at an end opposite to the hinged end. A user exerts force to squeeze the extended panels together and thus squeeze the bag. In preferred embodiments, a straw or other device is incorporated for dispensing other flavorings. 
     Many variations on the basic design are available. The package may include an all in one tea or coffee services by placing the device within a capped cylindrical stand, flexible or rigid, containing or wrapped with a doily, napkin and a folded cup. Flavorings, sweeteners, condiments or creamers may be packaged within the capped cylindrical stand or packaged around it. The device may be sold individually in capped cylindrical stands or in boxed quantities. The cap may be modified into a container for substances to be dispensed. The present invention may be sold with any combination of items or packaging forms. 
     In other preferred embodiments of a combined squeezer/stirrer/dispenser/brewer device, attachments are attached to a rigid shaft and movable up and down the shaft. The attachments may have a rounded, conical, spindle or other shape. The attachments are connected to the shaft at slideable connectors and are held in place by friction. Bags are loosely attached to the shaft between the attachments. Knobs may be included to prevent the attachments from moving off the ends of the rigid shaft. 
     Moving the attachments towards each other along the shaft operates the device. Rotating the attachments in opposite directions or rotating one attachment while the other remains fixed may also perform squeezing if the bag is also fixed to the attachments that slide along the shaft. The device is uncompressed by moving the attachments in an opposite direction. 
     A ratchet may be included for added force, control, fixation and precision. 
     In another embodiment, multiple bag-like receptacles extend from a ring structure at an upper portion of the shaft to a lower portion of the shaft. Rotating the ring in one direction compresses the receptacles around the shaft surfaces. Rotating the ring in the opposite direction uncompresses the receptacles. 
     Another embodiment utilizes flaps that extend from the top of the shaft and provide another means for avoiding liquid squeezed out during use. Pressure is applied to the flaps and the flaps move and compress a brewing device. 
     Another embodiment includes panels incorporated in or on the brewing bag of the device. Squeezing the panels together compresses the device. Releasing the panels relaxes the brewing device. 
     The brewing device may also be comprised of batting or other spongy/fibrous material between porous mesh material. 
     Another embodiment is a stirrer and dispenser without the squeezing and brewing mechanism that is useful for both hot and cold drinks. This device includes a rigid hollow shaft with plugs on one or both ends of the shaft. The plugs may be divided. There may be one or more horizontal or vertical partitions dividing the shaft into compartments for containing various items for dispensing. Dispensable items may include, but are not limited to, flavorings for hot or cold beverages, and ingredients for adding to water, milk, alcohol, juices, punches, or other base liquid substances to create a drink or to add to a drink. As an example, alcohol may be dispensed into a beverage, such as coffee or tea. The device may also dispense medications, vitamins, or other substances/additives such as nicotine to reduce smoking in public places or around family at home and to assist in smoking cessation. 
     In addition to the devices of the present invention being biodegradable and disposable, each of the devices may be formulated to be edible in part or as a whole. 
     While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is for brewed beverages, both disposable and non-disposable variations, biodegradable and non-biodegradable variations of the design may be used for squeezing out fluid, moisture, water or other substances, such as the removal of water from the whey of milk, as well as brewing hot drinks. 
     Toy versions of the above devices using herbal teas, chocolate, dried fruit, or other substitutes can allow children to playfully imitate adults. 
     These and further and other objects and features of the invention are apparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing written specification, with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the disposable device in a relaxed position. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the disposable device with a beverage bag. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the disposable device in a compressed position. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an angular disposable device. 
         FIG. 5  shows a packaging device and components of within the packaging. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the device used for removing liquid from an object. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the device with a bag attachment. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the device with a bag attachment in a compressed position. 
         FIG. 9  shows components of a complete beverage package with a collapsible cup. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the device with round attachments movable up and down the shaft. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 10  in a compressed state. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the device with spindle attachments movable up and down the shaft. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 12  in a compressed state. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the device with a porous bag and movable attachments. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the device with an attachment for holding a brewing device. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the device with an attached ratchet for added force. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing the operation of the device shown in  FIGS. 10-16  in a horizontal position. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing the operation of the device shown in  FIGS. 10-16  in a vertical position. 
         FIG. 19  is an alternative embodiment of the attachments in  FIGS. 10-16  with a porous disc shape. 
         FIG. 20  is an alternative embodiment of the attachments in  FIGS. 10-16  with a cup shape. 
         FIG. 21  is an alternative embodiment of the attachments in  FIGS. 10-16  with a wave shape. 
         FIG. 22  is an alternative embodiment of the attachments in  FIGS. 10-16  with a bunt cake mold shape. 
         FIG. 23  is an alternative embodiment of the attachments in  FIGS. 10-16  with unequal sizes. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the device with multiple bag-like receptacles extending from an upper portion of the shaft to a lower portion. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24  in a compressed state. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the device with a concave disc attachment and flaps. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the device with flap formations. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the device with a grooved panel and flaps. 
         FIG. 29  is a detail of the flap. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a stirrer and dispenser apparatus only. 
         FIG. 31  is an alternative embodiment with a solid piece of plastic with pores for forming a porous film of plastic material with ribbing. 
         FIG. 32  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 31  with a stirring rod inserted into the central holes. 
         FIG. 33  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 31  and  FIG. 32  in a more spiral or angular configuration to facilitate use. 
         FIG. 34  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 33  being squeezed around the stifling rod due to turning of the top cup-like portion against the fixed position of the bottom cup-like portion. 
         FIG. 35  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 33  with compression force applied to the top cup-like portion downward against the fixed bottom cup-like portion. 
         FIGS. 36 and 37  are detailed cutaway views of the stifling rod. 
         FIG. 38  shows a method of filling bags with tea leaves or coffee grounds. 
         FIG. 39  shows the device tilted horizontally from a vertical position after filling with tea leaves or coffee grounds. 
         FIG. 40  shows a syringe or other device for injecting cream, sweetener or other flavorings into the hollow shaft through a hole. 
         FIG. 41  is an alternative embodiment of the stirring rod. 
         FIG. 42  is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 43  shows an alternative device with panels in a brewing bag attached to a stifling rod in a relaxed position. 
         FIG. 44  shows the device in  FIG. 43  in a squeezed position. 
         FIG. 45  is a stirrer made of wooden sticks or bamboo shoots or any other suitable material with brewing bag attached. 
         FIG. 46  is an alternative embodiment of a device with extended panels hinged at one end. 
         FIG. 47  is a device with a bag attached between tongs anywhere along the length of the tongs. 
         FIG. 48  shows the device of  FIG. 47  in a compressed position. 
         FIG. 49  shows an alternative device with a bag attached to a stirrer. 
         FIG. 50  shows an alternative device with the bag attached to moveable attachments by rings inserted into grooves in the attachments. 
         FIG. 51  shows the device in  FIG. 50  in the relaxed and the compressed state. 
         FIG. 52  shows modifications of the stifling part of the device and the cap of a container for the device to hold substances. 
         FIG. 53  shows an embodiment with ribbon-like spines whereby there is no rod or shaft throughout the device. 
         FIG. 54  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 53  with the device sitting on a plate with a cover. 
         FIG. 55  shows a second embodiment of  FIG. 53  with ribbon-like spines whereby there is no rod or shaft throughout the device. 
         FIG. 56 . shows the embodiment of  FIG. 55  with the device sitting on a plate with a cover. 
         FIG. 57  is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in  FIGS. 4, 31-33, 35, 51, and 52 . 
         FIG. 58  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 57  in a compressed state. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is a disposable packaging form for brewed, hot drinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze out the brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each action can be performed multiple times before disposal. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention dispenses sweeteners, creamers, flavorings and condiments. The present invention frees the user of the inconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers, squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually. 
       FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device  11  is generally made of but not restricted to biodegradable materials, such as plant material in the grass or bamboo category. It may be made of plastic or other suitable material. A rigid rod  13  acts as a base member for the device  11 . The rigid rod  13  facilitates stifling of a beverage and may be hollow and/or partially porous. Sweeteners, creamers and/or condiments may be stored in the hollow and/or partially porous rigid rod  13 . These sweeteners, creamers and/or condiments may be blown out of the rigid rod  13  by a user or may seep through the rigid rod  13  by osmosis. Fibers, nets, a series of spindly attachments, porous sheet material  15  or any combination of these biodegradable material envelop beverage brewing contents in a porous structure  17  encircling the rigid rod  13 . The fibers or sheets  15  may enclose additional bag-like structures or the brewing contents may be sufficiently contained with the fibers  15  that no additional containment is needed. Sweeteners, creamers and/or condiments may be dispensed from the porous structure  17  or from other locations within or on the device  11  besides the rigid rod  13  and porous structure  17 . 
     The fibers or sheets  15  are attached  19  to the rigid rod  13  at the top end  21  of the rigid rod  13 . The fibers or sheets  15  may be glued or otherwise attached to the rigid rod  13  at the attachment points  19 . Near the top end  21  of the rigid rod  13 , the fibers or sheets  15  pass through  25  a ring or other similar device  23 . The fibers or sheets  15  hold the ring  23  in place via friction between the fibers or sheets  15  and the ring  23 . Alternatively, the ring  23  may be held in place via friction between the ring and the rigid rod  13  and the fibers or sheets may be directly attached to the ring  23 . The fibers or sheets  15  then attach to a bottom end  27  of the rigid rod  13  at attachment points  29 . 
     To operate the device  11 , the rigid rod  13  is manually or mechanically manipulated to facilitate squeezing as well as relaxation of squeezing. The user rotates the ring  23  in a plane perpendicular to the rigid rod  13 . Rotation of the ring  23  in one direction increases squeezing, while rotation in the opposite direction releases tension. 
       FIG. 2  shows the same device  11  as  FIG. 1 , but with an additional bag  31  containing brewing contents and/or sweeteners, creamers, flavorings, condiments, or related materials. The bag  31  may be free floating within the porous structure  17  or the bag  31  may be wrapped around the rigid rod  13 . The device  11  operates in the same manner as in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the device  11  in a compressed position. The ring  23  has been rotated such that the bag  31  is compressed and the desired brewing contents have been expelled, while undesired contents, such as tea leaves, are retained. The device  11  will be ready for subsequent brewing by releasing the tension on the ring  23  and turning the ring  23  in the opposite direction. This will cause the device  11  to return to a relaxed configuration. 
       FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of the device  33 . A central rigid rod  35  forms the basis for the device  33 . A tube-like ring  37  encircles the rigid rod  35  near the top  39  of the rigid rod  35 . The tube-like ring  37  rotates in a plane perpendicular to the rigid rod  35 . Additionally, the tube-like ring  37  moves up and down the rigid rod  35 . Fibers, nets, a series of spindly attachments, porous sheet material  41  or any combination thereof  41  are attached to a base  43  of the tube-like ring  37 . The spindles  41  extend downward from the base  43  of the tube-like ring  37  and create an enclosure  45  for holding the brewing contents between the spindles  41  and the rigid rod  35 . Alternatively, the brewing contents may be held in a separate bag  51 , shown in  FIG. 5 , within the enclosure  45 . The spindles  41  then attach  47  to the rigid rod  35  near the base  49  of the rigid rod  35 . 
     To operate this device  33 , the tube-like ring  37  is pressed in a downward direction along the rigid rod  35 . This causes the spindles  41  to be compressed or squeezed in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the rigid rod  35 . The device  33  will be ready for subsequent brewing by releasing the tension on the tube-like ring  37  and pulling the tube-like ring  37  upward, in the opposite direction. This will cause the device  33  to return to a relaxed configuration. This device  33  may also be compressed in a manner similar to that in  FIG. 3  by rotating the tube-like ring  37  around the rigid rod  35 . The tube-like ring  37  may also be pulled further upward to collapse the spindles  41  toward the rod against the brewing contents. This compresses the brewing contents. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the devices  11 ,  33  as well as other embodiments of the present invention may be enclosed in a package  53  that opens and unfolds in a manner that provides an all in one tea or coffee service. The devices  11 ,  33  of the present invention may be placed inside the package  53 . The package consists of a rigid or flexible container  55 , with or without a cap  57  for the container  55 . The container  55  may also have a base  59  for standing the package  53  in a vertical position. The container  55  is used as a standing receptacle for holding the devices  11 ,  33  for reuse or in preparation for discarding the devices  11 ,  33  as well as other items. The container  55  may be made of bamboo or other biodegradable or non-biodegradable materials. The container  55  may be cylindrical or another shape. 
     Other items may also be included in the package  53 . A disposable cup  61  is able to hold hot liquids. The cup  61  may or may not have handles  63 . The handles  63  may be folded flush with the outer surface  65  of the cup  61 . Additionally, the container  55  may serve as the cup for this embodiment. The container  55  should be able to hold hot liquids. Other items that may be included in the package  53  are napkins  67 , doilies  69  or accessory packages  71 . The napkins  67  or doilies may be folded and placed inside the container  55  or wrapped around the outside of the container  55 . The accessory packages  71  may be sweetener, creamer, condiments, flavorings or related materials. All items are preferably made from but not restricted to biodegradable materials. One, all, or any combination of the items in  FIG. 5  may be packaged as individual products or in boxed quantities. 
     The package  53  acts as a stand or holder for containing the device  11 ,  33  for reuse or simply to prevent messes prior to disposal. Part of the package  53  may unfold into a cup  61 . This only requires the user to obtain hot water. Alternatively, the user may heat water within the cup  61 . These features would be useful for a variety of applications, including military applications. It would provide sanitary, convenient and biodegradable disposable devices for use in the field with less environmental impact than non-biodegradable materials with more components. 
       FIG. 6  shows an alternative use of the present invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is for brewed beverages, both disposable and non-disposable variations of the design may be used for squeezing out fluid, moisture, water or other substances, such as the removal of water from the whey of milk. In this embodiment of the device  73 , one or both ends  75 ,  77  of a rigid rod  81  of the device  73  may have ring structures  79 . These ring structures  79  act in a similar manner to other embodiments. The rings  79  may be enhanced with motors, wrench or ratchet-like structures for added force, control, fixation and precision. The rigid shaft  81 , around which the rings  79  rotate, facilitates the spindle action that results in the squeezing action of the contents of an enclosure  83 . The spindle-like structures  85  surround a net-like structure or a porous sheet-like container. The rings  79  are rotated in a plane perpendicular to the shaft  81 . One or both of the rings  79  may be rotated. To compress the spindles  85 , the rings  79  are rotated in opposite directions. To release tension, the rotations are reversed. A cheese or whey bag  87  is placed in cheesecloth or other porous bags or sheets and wrapped around the shaft  81  inside of the spindles  85 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of the device  89  using a bag  91 . The bag  91  is a long, cylindrical, porous bag-like structure containing brewing contents, such as tea leaves or coffee grounds. The bag  91  is wrapped around a central shaft  93 . Bag  91  is attached to ring  95  and shaft  93 .  FIG. 8  shows the device  89  with a bag  91  twisted around the shaft  93  and squeezing the contents of the bag  91 . The squeezing action is similar to the squeezing action described for other embodiments. A user grips a ring  95  and rotates the ring  95  until the desired squeezing is complete. The process is reversed to release tension. 
       FIG. 9  shows a package  97  with a collapsible cup  99 . The package  97  consists of a container  101  with a base  103 . The container  101  is free standing. A cap  105  for the container  101  acts as a stand  107  for the collapsible cup  99 . The cup  99  may be a variety of shapes, but is preferably a cone shape. The cap  105  may be attached to the container  101  so that the mouth  109  of the stand  107  protrudes outward from the container  101  or so that the mouth  109  of the stand  107  is closed within the container  101 . The cup  99  may be rolled  111  or folded to fit within the container  101 . The cup  99  may also have handles  113  that fold outward. In another embodiment the cap may be modified into a bottle like attachment to contain an alcoholic (i.e. for a hot toddy) or other additive for the brewed drink. 
       FIG. 10  is another preferred embodiment of a combined squeezer/stirrer/dispenser/brewer device  115  with rounded attachments  117  attached to and movable up and down a shaft  119 . The rounded attachments  117  are connected to the shaft  119  at slideable connectors  125 . The rigid shaft  119  is used for stifling a beverage and holding a bag  121  of brewing contents in place. The bag  121  is loosely attached to the shaft  119  to facilitate movement along the shaft  119 . Knobs  123  may be included to assist the user in brewing the contents. The knobs  123  prevent the attachments  117  from moving off the ends of the rigid shaft  119 . 
       FIG. 11  shows the device  115  of  FIG. 10  in a compressed state. The rounded attachments  117  have been moved towards one another, thereby compressing the contents of the bag  121 . 
       FIG. 12  is another preferred embodiment of a combined squeezer/stirrer/dispenser/brewer device  127  with spindle attachments  129  movable up and down a shaft  131 . The spindle attachments  129  are connected to the shaft  131  at slideable connectors  133 . The rigid shaft  131  is used for stifling a beverage and holding a bag  135  of brewing contents in place. The bag  135  is loosely attached to the shaft  131  to facilitate movement along the shaft  131 . Ends  137  may be included to hold the apparatus  127  upright when not in use and to prevent the slidable connectors  133  and attachments  129  from moving off the shaft  131 . Ends  137  may also serve as stoppers that may be removed to allow contents such as flavorings, creamers, sweeteners, condiments, herbs, alcohol, medicinal, and legally dispensable mind altering substances such as a nicotine based substance to be released. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the device  127  of  FIG. 12  in a compressed state. The spindle attachments  129  have been moved towards one another, thereby compressing the contents of the bag  135 . The spindles  129  overlap, allowing for increased compression. Spindles  129  are designed to intermesh and allows for maximum overlap. 
       FIG. 14  is another preferred embodiment of a device  139  with a porous bag  141  and movable attachments  143 . The attachments  143  are connected to a shaft  145  at slideable connectors  147 . The bag  141  is made of a porous sheet-like material, net or spindles with one or more openings to place brewing bags into the device  139 . This device  139  may be disposable or non-disposable. Ends  151  may be included to hold the apparatus  139  upright when not in use. Moving the attachments  143  towards each other along the shaft  145  performs squeezing. The bag  141  may also be fixed to the attachments  143  as well as wrapped loosely around the rod  145 . Rotating the attachments  143  in opposite directions or rotating one attachment  143  while the other remains fixed may also perform squeezing. The bag  141  may be pre-filled with brewing contents or may have an opening for inserting other brewing devices. 
       FIG. 15  is another preferred embodiment of a device  153  with a basket  155  for holding a brewing device  157 . The brewing device  157  may be, but is not limited to tea bags, coffee bags, or other prepackaged contents. Instead of the bag  141  in  FIG. 14 , a brewing device  157  not incorporated into the device  153  is inserted into the basket  155 . The basket  155  may be a clip, elastic band, pocket-like basket or other similar means to attach the brewing device  157  to a rigid shaft  159 .  FIG. 15  shows a pocket-like basket  155  attached to the rigid shaft  159 . This configuration allows the basket  155  to move along the shaft  159 . Alternatively, the basket  155  may be placed against one of the rounded attachments  161 . An opening  167  allows a user to insert a brewing device  157  or loose brewing contents composed by the user to suit individual taste. The rounded attachments  161  are connected to the shaft  159  by connectors  163 . The connectors  163  are held in place by friction, but are capable of moving up and down the shaft  159 . The rounded attachments  161  may fan out from their tubular fittings  163  into disc-like or conical structures that face each other toward the center of the shaft  159 . Movement of one attachment  161  against another facilitates squeezing of the brewing device  157  within the basket  155 . Moving one attachment  161  away from the other relaxes the compression and allows for reuse of the basket  155 . Ends  165  prevent the attachments  161  from falling off the ends of the shaft  159 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a device  169  with an attached ratchet  171  for added force. This device  169  may be disposable or non-disposable. An attached motor, wrench or ratchet-like structure adds force, control, fixation and precision. This embodiment is useful for squeezing fluid, moisture, water or other substances out of a material, such as the removal of water from the whey of milk. A shaft  173  supports the contents  175  that are being squeezed. Rounded attachments  177  hold the contents  175  and apply force. The ratchet  171  includes a handle  179 , a threaded shaft  181 , two connector halves  183  and grippers  185  for holding the slidable tubes  178  connected to the attachments  177  and that is fixed to the shaft  173  by friction. As the ratchet  171  is tightened, the grippers  185  force the slidable tubes  178  connected to the attachments  177  towards each other, compressing the contents  175 . 
       FIG. 17  shows the operation of the device  263  similar to those shown in  FIGS. 10-16 . Slidable attachments  265  are pushed towards one another along a central shaft  267 . The attachments  265  compress a brewing bag  269  and squeeze fluid  271  into a receptacle  273 .  FIG. 17  shows a horizontal configuration with two movable attachments  265 . Stops  275  at the ends of the shaft  267  prevent the attachments  265  from falling off the shaft  267 . Alternatively, the user may hold one attachment  265  with one hand and the shaft  267  with the other hand. The user then pushes the attachment  265  along the shaft, either towards or away from the hand holding the shaft  267 . 
       FIG. 18  shows the operation of the device  263  shown in  FIG. 17  used in a vertical or slightly tilted position. Here, the user holds the top end of the shaft  267  with one hand and a movable attachment  277  in the opposite hand. The user pushes the movable attachment  277  towards a stationary attachment  279  to compress the brewing bag  269 . 
       FIGS. 19-23  shows various shapes and configurations of the attachments. Any shape attachment may be used for any embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 19  shows an attachment  187  with a porous disc shape.  FIG. 20  shows an attachment  189  with a cup shape.  FIG. 21  shows an attachment  191  with a wave shape.  FIG. 22  shows an attachment  193  with a bunt cake mold shape.  FIG. 23  shows a larger attachment  195  and a smaller attachment  197  that work together. 
       FIG. 24  is another preferred embodiment of a device  199  with multiple bag-like receptacles  201  extending from a ring structure  211  at an upper portion  203  of the shaft  205  to a lower portion  207  of the shaft  205 . The receptacles  201  are connected to the ring structure  211  by connectors  213 . The receptacles  201  are connected to the lower portion of the shaft  205  by connectors  209 . The ring structure  211  is attached to the shaft  205  by friction or other means. Rotating the ring  211  in one direction, compresses the receptacles  201  around the shaft  205  surfaces.  FIG. 25  shows the receptacles  201  in a compressed state. Rotating the ring  211  in the opposite direction uncompresses the receptacles  201 . 
       FIG. 26  is another preferred embodiment showing a device  215  with an elongated concave disc attachment  217  and flaps  219 . The concave disc attachment  217  has an elongated neck  221  and a bell  223 . The attachment  217  may or may not have holes. The elongated neck  221  allows a user to avoid contact with liquids squeezed out of a brewing bag  225  during use. The flaps  219  extend from the bell  223  and provide another means for avoiding liquid squeezed out during use. A smaller concave disc-like attachment  227  is attached to a rigid shaft  229  at a connector  231 , and may or may not have holes. The smaller attachment  227  also helps the user to avoid contact with hot liquids as it forces the contents out beneath the larger attachment that acts as a shield. The shaft  229  may have stops  233  at the top and/or bottom ends to prevent the attachments  217 ,  227  from falling off the shaft  229 . 
       FIG. 27  is another preferred embodiment of a device  235  with flaps  237 . A brewing device  239  is attached to a rigid shaft  241 . A ring structure  243  holds the two or more flaps  237 . The user pushes the flaps  237  toward the shaft  241  to squeeze liquid out of the brewing device  239 . The flaps  237  may have more than one segment and are somewhat rigid. 
       FIG. 28  is another preferred embodiment of a device  245  with flaps  247 . A brewing device  249  is attached to a rigid shaft  251 . A grooved panel  253  is attached to the rigid shaft  251 . Grooves  255  allow the flaps  247  to slide into place.  FIG. 29  is a detail of the flap  247 . The flap  247  includes a body  257 , a neck  259 , and a head  261 . The head  261  of the flap  247  is slid into a groove  255  until the neck  259  is in the same plane as the panel  253 . The flap  247  is then rotated ninety degrees and slid away from the shaft  251 , locking the flap  247  onto the panel  253 . Force is applied to the head  261  away from the shaft  251  to move the body  257  towards the brewing device  249 . Liquids are squeezed from the brewing device  249 . Pressure is relaxed and the brewing device  249  may be reused. 
       FIG. 30  is another preferred embodiment of a stirrer and dispenser  281  that is useful for both hot and cold drinks. This device  281  includes a rigid hollow shaft  283  with plugs  285  on one or both ends of the shaft  283 . The plugs  285  may be divided  287 . There may be one or more horizontal partitions  289  dividing the shaft  283  into compartments for containing various items for dispensing. There may also be vertical partitions  291 . Dispensable items may include, but are not limited to, flavorings for hot or cold beverages, and ingredients for adding to water, milk, alcohol, juices, punches, or other base liquid substances to create a drink or to add to a drink. As an example, alcohol may be dispensed into a beverage, such as coffee or tea. The dispensed items may be flavorings, sweeteners, creamers, condiments, spices, herbs, medicinal substances, vitamins, minerals, or other legally mind altering substances, such as nicotine-based substances. The use of nicotine-based substances allows for an alternative oral administration of nicotine for users to quit smoking or prevent the spread of secondhand smoke in the home and in public. The use of this device for medicinal substances may also increase the chances of medicinal compliance. This device may be produced in non-disposable forms as well as disposable forms. This embodiment may be used alone or as part of the other embodiments of this invention that include the ability to act as squeezers and brewers as well. 
     In addition to the devices of the present invention being biodegradable and disposable, each of the devices may be formulated to be edible in part or as a whole. 
       FIG. 31  is an alternative embodiment  301  with a solid piece of plastic  303  with pores  305  for forming a porous film of plastic material with ribbing  307 . The ribbing  307  adds structure and control. The device  301  is capped with ribbed and thickened cup-like portions  309 ,  311  that fan out, contract and have some rigidity during use. The cup-like portions  309 ,  311  have central holes  313  for placement of a stirring rod  317 . The top cup-like portion  309  is not porous. The bottom cup-like portion  311  has larger holes  315  than the holes  305  on the porous film  303 . The porous film  303  holds tea leaves or coffee grounds and keeps dust inside the porous film  303 . Water is allowed to penetrate and flow through the porous film  303 . 
       FIG. 32  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 31  with a stirring rod  317  inserted into the central holes  313 . Heat or another device fixes the bottom  319  of the bottom cup-like portion  311  onto the stifling rod  317 . The ribbing  307  supports the device  301  in a more distended position. 
       FIG. 33  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 31  and  FIG. 32  in a more spiral or angular configuration to facilitate use. 
       FIG. 34  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 33  being squeezed around the stifling rod  317  due to turning of the top cup-like portion  309  against the fixed position of the bottom cup-like portion  311 . Twisting is facilitated by angular structures of the ribbing  307  and fan like flexible cups  309 ,  311 . 
       FIG. 35  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 33  with compression force  321  applied to the to cup-like portion  309  downward against the fixed bottom cup-like portion  311 . The porous film  303  central section fits within the cup-like portions  309 ,  311 . A greater overall thickness of the cup-like portions  309 ,  311  helps facilitate the porous film  303  to compress into the cup-like portions  309 ,  311 . 
       FIGS. 36 and 37  are detailed cutaway views of the stifling rod  317 . A hollow shaft  323  may contain creamer, sweetener, or other flavorings. A small rod  325  is located inside the hollow shaft  323 . Projections  327  from the small rod  325  depress a spring  329  when they are pressed downward. The spring  329  pushes up on and pulls a disc structure  331  upward to close an opening  333 . The disc structure  331  may have a weighted protrusion for adding weight to the overall device to keep the buoyant bag  303  from floating. The opening  333  allows contents of the hollow shaft  323  to dispense when the small rod  325  is moved downward. The downward movement causes the projections  327  to move downward and compress the spring  329 , thus moving the disc structure  331  away from the opening  333 . A button covering  335  allows a user to press downward on the small rod  325 . A closure  337  encircles the area of insertion of the button covering  335  on the top of the hollow shaft  323 . 
       FIG. 38  shows a method of filling bags  303  with tea leaves or coffee grounds  339 . A shoot  341  flows the tea leaves or coffee grounds into the bags  303  via a funnel  343 . A plug and holding device  345  prevents tea leaves or coffee grounds from pouring out of the bottom opening  313 . 
       FIG. 39  shows the device  301  tilted horizontally from a vertical position after filling with tea leaves or coffee grounds  339 . The tea leaves or coffee grounds  339  move to one side of the bag  303 . This frees the holes  313  in the cup-like portions  309 ,  311  for insertion of the stifling rod  317  away from the tea leaves or coffee grounds  339 . As the hollow shaft  323  is inserted into the opening  313  on the top cup-like portion  309 , the small rod  325 , projections  327 , spring  329  and disc structure  331  are inserted into the opening  313  in the bottom cup-like portion  311  and the two parts are joined together. 
       FIG. 40  shows a syringe or other device  347  for injecting cream, sweetener or other flavorings into the hollow shaft  323  through a hole  349 . After injection, the button covering  335  is inserted into an opening  351  in the top  353  of the hollow shaft  323 . 
       FIG. 41  is an alternative embodiment of the stirring rod  317 . The stirring rod  317  is a hollow rod  355  that may be filled with desired ingredients and capped at both ends  357 ,  359  with removable foil  361  and blown out from the top end  357  by the user. A simple peel off method for the foil  361  is used. Likewise, the ends may be capped by a substance that will dissolve in water while in use, or be sealed by a pinch closure that can be popped open by pressure. A number of methods may be applied for sealing and opening the stifling rod to release its contents. The stirring rod itself may operate like a syringe to dispense contents. 
       FIG. 42  is an alternative embodiment of the device  301  shown in  FIG. 31 . A solid piece of plastic includes a porous plastic film  363  forming a completely enclosed structure wrapped around the stifling rod  317 . The porous plastic film  363  is not open to holes in its top and bottom. The film  363  is attached to the thickened cups  365 ,  367  at the top and bottom that have holes  369  through which the rod  317  is inserted and fixed at the bottom end. Tea leaves or coffee grounds are poured through an opening  371  on the side that is then heat sealed or sealed with some other device, such as a zipper. This configuration prevents spillage of the tea leaves or coffee grounds. 
       FIG. 43  shows a device  373  in a relaxed position. A stirrer  375  is a rod or a straw on which a bag  377  is attached. Pad like devices  379  or other similar devices are attached to, enclosed within or part of the fabric of the bag  377 . The pad like devices  379  are placed in opposing positions with respect to one another. Protrusions, raised or indented surfaces  381  are provided for a user&#39;s fingers. Force  383  is exerted by a user&#39;s fingers on the protrusions  381  to squeeze the device  373 . 
       FIG. 44  shows a device  373  in a squeezed position. 
       FIG. 45  is a stirrer  385  made of for example, but not limited to, wooden sticks or bamboo shoots or any other suitable material. A bag  391  is attached to the stirrer  385 . Protrusions  387  from the stirrer  385  are created by molding if the stirrer  385  is plastic, carved out of the wood or bamboo, or otherwise attached to the stirrer shaft  389 . The protrusions  387  hold and support the bag  391 . In some preferred embodiments, the protrusions  387  may enclose and squeeze the bag  391  manually, with a string or some other device. 
       FIG. 46  is an alternative embodiment of a device  393  with extended panels  395  hinged at one end  401 . A bag  399  is attached to the extended panels  395  at ends  397  opposite to the hinged end  401 . A user exerts force  403  to squeeze the extended panels  395  together and thus squeeze the bag  399 . In preferred embodiments, a straw or other device  405  is incorporated for dispensing other flavorings. 
       FIG. 47  is a device  407  with a bag  409  attached between tongs  411  anywhere along the length of the tongs  411 . Compressing the tongs  411  squeezes the bag  409 . The bag  409  may be held in place by clasps  413  at bottom ends  415  of the tongs  411 . The bag  409  may come in a variety of formats, including, but not limited to, a quilted format. 
       FIG. 48  shows the device  407  of  FIG. 47  in a compressed position. 
       FIG. 49  shows an alternative device  417 . A bag  419  is attached to a stirrer  421 . The bag  419  may be vacuum-sealed. Tea leaves or coffee grounds  423  are enclosed within the bag  419 . The bag  419  is made of batting type or fibrous material  425  lined on both sides by finely porous mesh  427  to facilitate percolation of hot water while maintaining containment of the materials  423 . 
       FIG. 50  shows an alternative device  429  with brewing bag  431  fitted with rings  439  that fit into grooves  441  in moveable attachments  433  and  435 . This fixation allows for squeezing of the brewing bag  431  by rotation of the moveable attachments in opposite directions with respect to one another or by rotation of the top attachment while the bottom attachment remains fixed. This rotation is in a plane perpendicular to a stirring rod  437 . The brewing bag may also be squeezed by moving the attachments  433  and  435  towards one another along the stifling rod  437  or if one attachment  435  is fixed, by moving attachment  433  toward attachment  435 . In this design the top attachment  433  is a larger funnel like shape with no holes to protect the user&#39;s hands from liquids. The bottom attachment  435  is a similar attachment with holes and is smaller than the top attachment  433 . The brewing bag  431  may also be attached to movable attachments  433  and  435  by sewing, gluing, stapling, or other means. 
       FIG. 51  shows the device  429  of  FIG. 50  in a relaxed state  450  and a compressed state  456 . The compressed state  456  is achieved by twisting the bag  431  around the stirring rod  437  by rotating the top attachment  433  in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the stifling rod  437 . The bag  431  is twisted against a fixed attachment  435  or in the opposite direction of rotation of the bottom attachment  435 . This motion squeezes brewed contents from the bag  431  into a cup  458 . The bag  431  may also be compressed by sliding the attachments  433 ,  435  towards one another along the stifling rod  437  or by sliding the top attachment  433  down the stirring rod  437  toward the bottom attachment  435 . 
       FIG. 52  shows a modification  460  of the device shown in  FIGS. 50 and 51  where the stirrer  437  is hollow and ballooned out at a top location  465  of the stirrer  437  to hold larger amounts of a desired substance. A removable base cap  467  releases desired substances from the stirrer  437  into a brewed drink. The removable base cap  467  may be weighted to cause the buoyant bag device  460  to sink into the liquid. A container  470  may hold the device  460  and comes with cap  471  that may be a bottle like container  475  with a cap  476  for holding ingredients to add to the brewed drinks. 
       FIG. 53  shows an alternative embodiment of the invention with ribbon-like spines  513  whereby there is no rod or shaft throughout the device  500 . Rather, the spines  513  themselves, while flexible, are stiff enough to serve the purpose of the rod to work as a brewer, stirrer, and holder for the tea bag  501 . The tea bag  501  contains whole tea leaves  502 . The tea bag can be a porous collapsible soft plastic that has parts configured to snap together and hold tea. Alternatively, the tea bag has a donut hole through a solidly enclosed pyramidal shape, wherein the tea bag has a sealable slit to allow a customer to fill their own tea bag. One mechanical means to seal the slit is a zipper, for example. 
     The flexible ribbon-like spines  3  hold the tea bag  501  in place and squeeze it. Spines  503 , while flexible, are resilient and have a memory for its shape and return to its original form after deformation. The spines  503  additionally have the strength to hold its weight and attached appendages. 
     Spines  503  are positioned toward the lower end of the device  500  so that the tea bag  501  can be located further inside a cup. Bottom appendage  505  from which ribbon-like spines  503  extend are connected to longer top appendage  506 . Spines  503  that extend from bottom appendage  505  are connected to near the lower end of the longer top appendage  506 . The upper end of longer top appendage  506  has a knob  507  for grasping and twisting for axial rotation of one or both of the appendages. 
     The spines  503  can be extensions of the same material as bottom appendage  505  and longer top appendage  506  formed as one piece. Alternatively, the spines  503  can have extensions made from a different, more flexible material with ends that form tubes that slide on bottom appendage  505  and longer top appendage  506 . 
     Note that the ribbon like spines can also be substituted with fabric, collapsible soft porous plastic, and metallic wires and can be any shape that performs like the ribbon like spines. The entire device and by made from any single or combination of materials including plastic, metallic, rubber, glass, or plant based material. 
     Tripod-like extensions  509  connect bottom appendage  505  to longer top appendage  506 . The extensions  509  are rigid and will not deform when the action to deform the spines  503  occurs. The extensions can be made from a more rigid material than spines, or made more rigid due to the thickness of the same material. Here, this non-limiting embodiment shows extensions  509  that enclose, encase, or surround spines  503  and part of the longer top appendage  506 . 
     Ring  508  connects tripod-like extensions  509  that extend from bottom appendage  505  to allow a customer to hold bottom appendage  505  fixed in place when tope appendage  506  is twisted, thereby causing ribbon-like spines  503  to collapse around tea bag  501 . This configuration allows the customer to manipulate the bottom appendage  505  without getting their hands wet. 
     Arrow  504  shows that the tea bag  501  will be placed within spines  503  that can be spread apart to create an opening. The spines  503  close the opening when released due to the memory of its original shape. Arrow  511  shows that the top is twisted to squeeze the tea bag  501  while the ring  508  and extensions  509  are held in place. 
     Modified bottom  510  allows the entire device to be free standing, wherein the device  500  is shown set on dish  512 . The device can be further stabilized by indentations  513  in which the device  500  is set on plate or dish  512 . 
       FIG. 54  shows the entire device  500  sitting on its plate with a cover  519 . 
       FIG. 55  shows an alternative embodiment of  FIG. 53 . Here, short appendage  514  connects spines  503 , which may have a knob for twisting or grasping. Longer appendage  515  is also connected to spines  503 , and may have a knob for twisting or grasping. Arrows  511 , 517  show that appendage  515  is to be twisted against a held position or twisted in the opposite direction of shorter appendage  514 . Conversely, arrows  511 , 517  show that appendage  514  is to be twisted against a held position or twisted in the opposite direction of shorter appendage  515 . Dish  518  can hold the device. 
       FIG. 56  shows the device  500  sitting on the plate or dish  518  with a cover  519 . Other kinds of holders can be created, including holders that are positioned vertically or at any angle. 
       FIG. 57  shows an alternative embodiment from the device shown in  FIGS. 4, 31-33, 35, 51, and 52 , wherein the device is without the rod for slidable cups. Here, collapsible porous compartment  520  holds its shape by memory after deformation capable of supporting the structure of the device. This area can be composed of ribbon-like spines to hold a tea bag that is enclosed except for a re-sealable slit in which to place whole loose tea leaves. 
     The top cup-like structure  521  is connected to the bottom cup-like structure  522  by spines  503 . An area  523  for a slit that can be closed to hold whole loose tea leaves or where ribbon-like spines  503  can be spread open for placement of a tea bag is provided. Spines  503  due to memory of its shape. A top appendage  524  is attached to an outer surface of the top cup-like structure  521 , wherein a knob  525  is provided on top appendage for grasping. 
     On the surface opposite the collapsible porous compartment, the bottom cup-like structure  522  has a hole  526  in the bottom that does not go all the way through the structure, but is a raised or recessed surface that serves as an area wherein a bump on dish  527  is inserted so as to steady the device on the dish  527 . Here, the device is set on the dish  527  when not in use and a support during use, wherein the dish  527  has a spout to control drainage of liquid during use. A knob  528  provided on the plate or dish  527  complements and fits into the surface of recess or hole of bottom cup  522  to both steady the device in free standing position and to help grasp the device during action such that customers can keep their hands dry. Handle  29  is provided to hold the dish  527  and press bottom cup-like structure  522  up against top cup-like structure  521 , and thereby squeeze out the brewed contents. The device has a cover  530  when not in use. 
       FIG. 58  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 57  in a compressed state. Note that both compressing and twisting actions discussed and shown in previous figures such as  FIG. 34 , for example, also apply to this embodiment. Here, liquid  531  is shown draining from squeezed tea leaves through the spout from the dish  527 . Arrow  533  shows the action of pushing top cup-like structure  521  toward bottom cup-like structure, wherein the collapsible porous compartment  20  the tea leaves  502  held in the tea bag  501  is compressed. Arrow  34  shows the action of pushing the bottom cup-like structure  522  toward the top cup-like structure  521  using dish  527  (however, the customer may also choose to directly push the bottom cup-like structure with their hand and not use the dish). 
     While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention.