Patent Publication Number: US-2016227956-A1

Title: Brewing filter

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Conventional drip coffee machines work by pouring hot water on a certain amount of brewing material, such as ground coffee or tea, disposed in a filter. In the example of a coffee machine, a reservoir which holds the water needed for preparing the coffee, and a resistance inside the reservoir heats up the water. A fluidic connection transports the hot water to a location above the filter containing the coffee grounds so as to let the water drip thereon. The hot water mixes with the ground coffee thereby brewing it. The brewed coffee drips through the filter while the ground coffee remains inside the filter. 
     To make a cup of coffee, the user usually uses a scoop to transfer ground coffee to the filter. The scoop can hold a predetermined amount of ground coffee to make the cup. As such, the scoop can be the measuring device which allows the user to provide adequate amounts of coffee to the coffee maker. Sometimes, the user may lose the scoop and must then use a regular spoon. In doing so, the user has no more indication on how much ground coffee he/she needs to brew one cup of coffee. Additionally, whether the user has the measuring scoop or not he/she may not know how much coffee is needed for a carafe and may use more scoops than needed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In one aspect there is provided a brewing filter for a drip coffee machine comprising: a hollow, substantially funnel-shaped body defining therewithin a brewing cavity adapted to receive a brewing material the body being at least partially formed by a perforated filter material, the body having a top portion defining an open top end and a bottom portion including a closed bottom end; and the bottom portion and the top portion respectively defining bottom and top lateral profiles, the bottom lateral profile being laterally recessed relative to the top lateral profile, and a transition line located between the top and bottom portions forming a visually-identifiable demarcation within the brewing cavity. 
     In yet another aspect, there is provided a drip coffee machine comprising: a water module including: a water reservoir; and a heater heating adapted to heat water contained in the water reservoir; a brewing module in fluid connection with the water module, the brewing module including: a brewing filter including: a hollow, substantially funnel-shaped body defining therewithin a brewing cavity adapted to receive a brewing material, the body being at least partially formed by a perforated filter material, the body having a top portion defining an open top end and a bottom portion including a closed bottom end; and the bottom portion and the top portion respectively defining bottom and top lateral profiles, the bottom lateral profile being laterally recessed relative to the top lateral profile, and a transition line located between the top and bottom portions forming a visually-identifiable demarcation within the brewing cavity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the present, as well as other aspects, and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a coffee machine; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a filter for the coffee machine of  FIG. 1  according to a one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the brewing filter of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the brewing filter of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a filter according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the brewing filter of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIGS. 7A to 7D  are side elevation view schematics of various embodiments of the brewing filters of  FIG. 2 and 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric cross-sectional view of an adapter according to a first embodiment disposed in a coffee filter; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective exploded view of the adapter and coffee filter of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of an adapter according to a second embodiment disposed in the coffee filter of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of an adapter according to a third embodiment disposed in the coffee filter of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of an adapter according to a fourth embodiment disposed in the coffee filter of  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of an adapter according to a fourth embodiment disposed in the coffee filter of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of filters and adapters for niters for drip coffee makers will be disclosed below. The filters and adapters are adaptable to coffee makers that accepted a non-disposable filter. It is contemplated that the filters and adapters described herein could be adapted to brewing machines other than coffee machines. For example, the filters could be adapted to tea makers. Through this description, spatial orientations such as “top”, “bottom”, “sides” will be made with reference to a normal operating condition of the filter. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a drop coffee machine  10  is illustrated as an embodiment of a brewer. The coffee machine  10  includes a housing  12  having a cavity  14  sized to accommodate a carafe  16 . The coffee machine  10  may also accommodate a cup (not shown). Internally, the coffee filter  10  includes, among other things, a water module  18  (schematically shown) including a water reservoir (not shown) and a heating element (not shown) adapted to heat water contained in the water reservoir. The water module  18  is in fluid connection with a brewing module  20  (schematically shown) including a brewing filter as will be described below, which is adapted to receive coffee grounds. At least the brewing module  20 , and its brewing filter, are disposed vertically above the carafe  16 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 to 4 , a first embodiment of a filter  100  for the drip coffee machine  10  will be described. The filter  100  may be removable from the drip coffee machine  10 . 
     The filter  100  includes a hollow, substantially funnel-shaped body  101 . The body  101  generally includes a top portion  102  having an open top end  103 , and a bottom portion  104  having a closed bottom end  105  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). When the filter  100  is disposed in the coffee machine  10 , the top end  103  faces the water module  18 . The top portion  102  and the bottom portion  104  define therewithin a brewing cavity  106  adapted to receive the brewing material. As will be seen, the bottom portion  104  is recessed relative to the top portion  102 . The top and bottom portions  102  and  104  of the filter  100  meet at a vertical location (reference to vertical V in  FIG. 4 ) disposed between the open top end  103  and the closed bottom end  105  which defines an intermediate transition line T. The intermediate transition line T defines the Intersection between the top and bottom portions  102  and  104  of the filter  100  and creates a visually-identifiable demarcation for the user. This demarcation can be used by the user to determine a volume of ground coffee that needs to be put in to obtain a desired volume of coffee smaller than a capacity of the filter  100  (e.g. a single cup). 
     In this embodiment, the top portion  102  and the bottom portion  104  of the filter  100  have different shaped perimeters, or more specifically have different horizontal cross-sectional perimeters (or simply “perimeter”), which create the demacration. In this embodiment, for example, the top portion  102  has a generally circular perimeter and the bottom portion  104  has a generally square perimeter. It is contemplated that the top portion  102  and the bottom portion  104  could have a shape different from the one shown in the Figures. For example, the top portion  102  could be square and the bottom portion  104  could be circular. It is also contemplated that the top portion  102  and the bottom portion  104  could have the same shape as long as the bottom portion  104  is recessed relative to the top portion  102  so that a transition line between these two portions is visible by looking at the shape of the filter  100 . An example of such embodiment of filter is shown in  FIG. 7B . 
     The body  101  is made at least partially of a perforated filter material. In one embodiment, the body  101  is made of a frame  108  with various mesh portions covering windows defined in the frame  108 . The frame  108  accepts a top mesh  110  extending on the top portion  102 , and a bottom mesh  112  closing the bottom end  105 . Although the filter  100  described herein includes a frame  108  and mesh  110 ,  112 , it is contemplated that the mesh and frame could be integrally formed. In one embodiment, the frame  108  is made of plastic. 
     The top mesh  110  and the bottom mesh  112  are made of metal and have a pore or mesh size allowing water to flow therethrough but retaining ground coffee. It is contemplated that the top mesh  110  could be finer or more coarse than shown in the Figures, it is also contemplated that the top mesh  110  could be made of another suitable material. The top mesh  110  is supported by a plurality of reinforcement arms  114  of the frame  108  extending vertically on the top portion  102 . As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the reinforcement arms  114  are inclined slightly outwardly to give the filter  100  a generally tapered appearance (i.e. funnel shaped) and favour water dripping toward the bottom end  105 . It is contemplated that the reinforcement arms  114  could be more or less inclined than shown in the Figures, thereby imparting a more or less taper to the filter  100 . It is also contemplated that the frame  108  could have more or less reinforcement arms  114  than shown in the Figures. It is also contemplated that the reinforcement arms  114  could extend only partially from the top portion  102  to the bottom portion  104 . For example, the reinforcement arms  114  could extend from only one of the top portion  102  and the bottom portion  104  without reaching the other one of the top portion  102  and the bottom portion  104 . 
     The bottom mesh  112  is supported by four reinforcement arms  116 . The reinforcement arms  116  are extending horizontally across the bottom end  105 . The reinforcement arms  118  are joining each other at a center of the bottom end  105  so as to form a X-shape, shown best in  FIG. 3 . It is contemplated that the frame  108  could have only more or less than four reinforcement arms  116 . If is also contemplated that the reinforcement arms  116  could form shapes other than a X-shape. For example, the reinforcement arms  116  could be forming a Y-shape. 
     A transition portion  118  is disposed between the bottom portion  104  and the top portion  102 . The transition line T separates the transition portion  118  from the bottom portion  104  and defines an upper limit of the bottom portion  104 . The transition line T is shown in bold in  FIG. 3  for ease of identification. The transition portion  118  allows a smooth transition between the top portion  102  and the bottom portion  104 , because of their different perimeter shapes and size creating the recess of the bottom portion  104  relative to the top portion  102 . If is contemplated that the transition portion  118  could be omitted. An example of such filter is shown and described below with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 8 . 
     Referring more specifically to  FIG. 4 , the filter  100  has a lateral profile P (illustrated by a thick black line). The lateral profile P is a line drawn from a profile or silhouette of a side of the filter  100 . The lateral profile P is determined on the filter  100  as seen in a normal operating condition, such as the side elevation view in  FIG. 4 . The lateral profile P is an indication that the bottom portion  104  is recessed r elative to the top portion  102 . 
     For any orientation of the filter  100  about a vertical axis V, the fitter  100  has two lateral profiles, a left one Pleft and a right one Pright. While the lateral profile P is shown herein to have symmetric left and right sides Pleft, Pright for different orientations of the filter  100 , it is contemplated that the fitter  100  could have only one side with the lateral profile P having a variable slope. 
     The lateral profile P, in this embodiment, includes a top portion Ptop, a transition portion Ptrans, and a bottom portion Pbot. The lateral profile P has a slope that undergoes at least one distinct change from the top end  103  to the bottom end  105 , due to the recess of the bottom portion  104 . Slopes of the top portion Ptop, the transition portion Ptrans, and the bottom portion Pbot are in this embodiment generally constant, and the lateral profile P is characterised by two slope changes (called herein “inflection points”) at points P 1  and P 2  which correspond to connections between the top portion  102 , transition portion  118 , and bottom portion  104 . The inflection point at point P 2  corresponds to the transition line T discussed earlier 
     It is contemplated that the lateral profile P could have only one or more than two inflection points. The inflection points are induced by a change of perimeter shape in the filter  100 . In the example shown herein, the inflection point P 1  or P 2  virtually delimits the filter  100  into the top portion  102  and the bottom portion  104 . It is contemplated that one of the inflection point P 1  and P 2  could be omitted, in which case there would not be any transition portion Ptrans. The changes of slopes in the lateral profile P can also be characterised by transition angles. In the example shown in  FIG. 2 to 4 , a transition angle A 1  is defined between the top portion Ptop and the transition portion Ptrans of the lateral profile P, and a transition angle A 2  is defined between the transition portion Ptrans and the bottom portion Pbot of the lateral profile P. Should the transition portion  118  be omitted, a transition angle would be defined between the top portion Ptop and the bottom portion Pbot. It is contemplated that one or some or all of the top portion Ptop, the transition portion Ptrans, and the bottom portion Pbot could be curved and that the slope may be identified as the tangent to the curve at the connection points between the portions Ptop, Ptrans, and Pbot. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 4 , the top portion Ptop and the bottom portion Pbot are laterally inwardly tapered and define a non-zero slope. In this embodiment, the slope of the bottom portion Pbot is steeper than the slope of the top portion Ptop, but it is contemplated that the top portion Ptop and the bottom portion Pbot could have various slopes with for example the top portion Ptop steeper than the bottom portion Pbot. If is also contemplated that the top portion Plop and the bottom portion Pbot could have a same slope and the transition portion Ptrans with a different slope to enable visual identification of the bottom portion  104 , since the bottom portion  104  would appear recessed relative to the top portion  102 . 
     The lateral profile P may have at least one slope change (i.e. inflection point) which indicates the recess of the bottom portion  104 .  FIGS. 7A to 7C  show examples of filters (schematically shown) which profiles indicate such recess of the bottom portion and a transition line. 
     In  FIG. 7A , a profile P 7 A has a top portion Ptop 7 A having a first slope, and a bottom portion Pbot 7 A having a different slope thereby creating a transition line T 7 A at the inflection point P 1 _ 7 A. As a result, the bottom portion Pbot 7 A is recessed from the top portion Ptop 7 A. 
     In  FIG. 7B , a profile P 7 B has a top portion Ptop 7 B having a same slope as a bottom portion Pbot 7 B, but a transition portion Ptrans 7 B recesses the bottom portion Pbot 78  from the top portion Ptop 7 B. In this example, the transition portion Ptrans 7 B is horizontal, but the transition portion Ptrans 7 B could have a different slope. Inflection points P 1 _ 7 B and P 2 _ 7 B join the bottom portion Pbot 7 B and the top portion Ptop 7 B to the transition portion Ptrans 7 B. A transition fine T 7 B is visible between the transition portion Ptrans 7 B and the bottom portion Pbot 7 B at the inflection point P 2 _ 7 B. 
     In  FIG. 7C , a profile P 7 C has a top portion Ptop 7 C having a first slope and a bottom portion Pbot 7 C having a different second slope with a transition portion Ptrans 7 C recessing the bottom portion Pbot 7 C from the top portion Ptop 7 C. In this example, the transition portion Ptrans 7 C has a third different slope. The transition portion Ptrans 7 C could be horizontal or have a same slope as one of the top portion Ptop 7 C and the bottom portion Pbot 7 C. Inflection points P 1 _ 7 C and P 2 _ 7 C join the bottom portion Pbot 7 C and the top portion Ptop 7 C to the transition portion Ptrans 7 C. A transition line T 7 C is visible between the transition portion Ptrans 7 C and the bottom portion Pbot 7 C at the inflection point P 2 _ 7 C. 
     The bottom portion  104  is sized to have a volume V 0  corresponding to a predetermined volume of ground coffee. In the embodiment shown in the Figures the volume V 0  correspond to a single cup serving. Because of the change of perimeter shape between the circular top portion  102  and the generally squared bottom portion  104  as well as the presence of the transition line T, the user easily recognizes what volume of the filter  100  needs to be filled ground coffee to obtain a single cup of coffee. As a result, the user does not need to use a scoop that can hold a predetermined amount of ground coffee to transfer ground coffee to the filter  100 . The user can just transfer coffee with a regular spoon to the filter  100  and fill the bottom portion  104  of ground coffee with the assurance that he/she will obtain a single serving of coffee. Should the user wanted a larger amount of coffee, for example, for the carafe  16 , the user would then continue to fill the filter  100  with ground coffee. In one example, the filter  100  holds enough ground coffee to brew the carafe  16  of coffee. It is contemplated that the volume of ground coffee held by the bottom portion  104  could correspond to amounts of coffee that will be other than a single cup of coffee. For example, the bottom portion  104  could hold ground coffee for two cups of coffee. Similarly, the filter  100  may hold more or less than coffee for making a carafe of coffee. 
     Although the filter  100  is shown herein to have only one portion (i.e. bottom portion  104 ) having a volume corresponding to a predetermined volume of coffee (i.e. volume V 0 ), it is contemplated that the filter  100  could have two or more of such portions, vertically stacked, and as a result more than two changes of direction P 1 , P 2 . For example, the filter  100  could have a lower portion of the frame  108  having a first shape could have a first volume corresponding to a single cup of coffee, an intermediate portion of the frame having a second shape could form with the lower portion a second volume corresponding to brewing two cups of coffee, and an upper portion of the frame  108  having a third shape could form with the lower portion and the intermediate portion a third volume corresponding to brewing three cups of coffee. Transitions between the first, second and third shapes would be characterised by various inflection points in the filter&#39;s lateral profile. It is also contemplated that the filter  100  could also include inscriptions on at least one of the top and bottom portions  102 ,  104  (examples of which being shown in  FIG. 3 ) to indicate predetermined volumes of ground coffee, in addition to the visual shape changes of the filter. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a filter  100 ′ for the drip coffee machine  10  according to a second embodiment will be described. The filter  100 ′ has similarities with the filter  100 , and common elements are provided with reference numbers with a prime sign ′. 
     The filter  100 ′ includes a hollow, substantially funnel-shaped body frame  108 ′. The body  101 ′ includes a generally oval top portion  102 ′ ended by an open top end  103 ′, and a bottom portion  104 ′ ended by a closed bottom end  105 ′. When the filter  100 ′ is disposed in the coffee machine  10 , the top end  103 ′ is facing the water module  18 . 
     The bottom portion  104 ′ includes two compartments  123 ′,  125 ′ (described below) and the filter  100 ′ such acts as a double brewing basket, having a first brewing basket  106   a ′ associated with the compartment  123 ′, and a second brewing basket  108   b ′ associated with the compartments  125 ′. As will be seen, the bottom portion  104 ′ of each compartments  123 ′,  125 ′ is recessed relative to the top portion  102 ′ of each compartments  123 ′,  125 ′. The top portion  102 ′ and the bottom portion  104 ′ of the filter  100 ′ in this embodiment have different shaped perimeters, or more specifically have different horizontal cross-sectional perimeters (or simply “perimeter”). The top and bottom portions  102 ′ and  104 ′ of each of the brewing baskets  108   a   1 ,  106   b ′ meet at a vertical location disposed between the open top end  103 ′ and the closed bottom end  105 ′ which defines an intermediate transition line T for each brewing baskets  106   a ′,  106   b ′. The intermediate transition line T defines the intersection between the top and bottom portions  102 ′ and  104 ′ of each brewing baskets  106   a   2 ′,  106   b ′ and creates a visually-identifiable demarcation for the user, similarly to the transition line T of the filter  100 . 
     The body  101 ′ is made at least partially of a perforated filter material. In one embodiment, the body  101 ′ is made of a frame  108 ′ with various mesh portions covering windows defined in the frame  108 ′. The frame  108 ′ accepts a top mesh  110 ′ extending on the top portion  102 ′, and a bottom mesh (not shown) closing the bottom end  105 ′. Although the filter  100 ′ described herein includes a frame  108 ′ and meshes, if is contemplated that the meshes and frame could be integrally formed. The top mesh  110 ′ and the bottom mesh are made of metal and have a grid size allowing water to flow therethrough but retaining ground coffee. It is contemplated that the top mesh  110 ′ could be smaller or larger than shown in the Figures. It is also contemplated that the top mesh  110 ′ could be made of another suitable material. The top mesh  110 ′ is supported by a plurality of reinforcement arms  114 ′ of the frame  108 ′. The reinforcement arms  114 ′ are extending vertically on the top portion  102 ′. The reinforcement arms  114 ′ are inclined slightly outwardly to give the filter  100  a generally tapered appearance and favour water dripping toward the bottom end  105 ′ toward the carafe  18 . It is contemplated that the reinforcement arms  114 ′ could be more or less inclined than shown in the Figures, thereby imparting a more or less taper to the filter  100 ′. It is also contemplated that the frame  108 ′ could have only more or less reinforcement arms  114 ′ than shown in the Figures. It is also contemplated that the reinforcement arms  114 ′ could extend only partially from the top portion  102 ′ to the bottom portion  104 ′. For example, the reinforcement arms  114 ′ could extend from only one of the top portion  102 ′ and the bottom portion  104 ′ without reaching the other one of the top portion  102 ′ and the bottom portion  104 ′. If is contemplated that the bottom mesh could be supported by reinforcement arms, such as the reinforcement arms  118  of the filter  100 . It is also contemplated that the bottom portion  104 ′ could be differently shaped and that the filter  100 ′ could include a transition portion such as the transition portion  118  of the filter  100 . 
     The two compartments  123 ′,  125 ′ are spaced by gap  129 ′ and joined at juncture  130 ′. it is contemplated that the gap  128 ′ could be omitted. The compartments  123 ′,  125 ′ are divided by a dividing wall  127 ′ extending vertically in the top portion  102 ′. The dividing wall  127 ′ could be fixed, movable, such as pivotable or even removable. The filter  100 ′ thus acts as a double brewing basket, having a first brewing basket  108   a ′ associated with the compartment  123 ′, and a second brewing basket  106   b ′ associated with the compartments  125 ′. The filter  100 ′ thus allows brewing two different types of coffee or brewing materials at a same time. In this embodiment, each of the compartments  123 ′,  125 ′ has a tapered shape. It is contemplated that the compartments  123 ′,  125 ′ could have various shapes. For example, they could be round or square. The compartments  123 ′,  125 ′ could have a same shape or a different shape from each other. While the filter  100 ′ is shown herein with compartments  123 ′,  125 ′ and brewing baskets  106   a ′,  106   b ′ of same sizes, it is contemplated that one of the brewing baskets  106   a ′,  106   b ′ could be bigger than the other. 
     Referring more specifically to  FIG. 6 , the filter  100 ′ has a lateral profile P′ (illustrated by a thick black line). The lateral profile P′ is a line drawn from a profile or silhouette of a side of the filter  100 ′. The lateral profile P′ is determined on the filter  100 ′ as seen in a normal operating condition, such as the side elevation view in  FIG. 6 . For any orientation of the filter about a vertical V′, the filter  100 ′ has two lateral profiles, a left one Pleft′ and a right one Pright′. 
     The lateral profile P′ includes a top portion Ptop′, and a bottom portion Pbot′. The lateral profile P′ has a slope that undergoes at least one distinct change from the top end  103 ′ to the bottom end  105 ′. Slopes of the top portion Ptop′, and the bottom portion Pbot′ are in this embodiment generally constant, and the lateral profile P′ is characterised by one inflection point (i.e. clear slope change) at point P 1 ′ which corresponds to the transition between the top portion  102 ′, and the bottom portion  104 ′, i.e. a location of the transition line T′ of the associated brewing baskets  106   a ′,  106   b ′. It is contemplated that one or some or all of the top portion Ptop′, and the bottom portion Pbot′ could be curved and that the slope may be identified as the tangent to the curve at the connection points between the portions Ptop, and Pbot. 
     The top portion Ptop′ and the bottom portion Pbot′ are laterally inwardly tapered and define a non-zero slope. The slope of the bottom portion Pbot′ is steeper than the slope of the top portion Ptop′, but it is contemplated that the top portion Ptop′ and the bottom portion Pbot′ could have various slopes with for example the top portion Ptop′ steeper than the bottom portion Pbot. It is also contemplated that the top portion Ptop′ and the bottom portion Pbot′ could have a same slope and that a transition portion similar to Ptrans in the filter  100  could have a different slope to enable visual identification of the bottom portion  104 ′ by having the bottom portion  104 ′ recessed relative to the top portion  102 ′. 
     It is contemplated that the lateral profile P could have only more than one inflection point. The inflection point is induced by a change of shape in the filter  100 ′ between the top portion  106 ′ and the bottom portion  104 ′. The change in the lateral profile P′ can also be characterised by a transition angle A 1 ′ is defined between the top portion Ptop′ and the bottom portion Pbot′. The transition angle A 1 ′ may be in one embodiment, between 90 and 170 degrees. 
     Each compartment  123 ′,  125 ′ of the bottom portion  104 ′ is designed to have a volume V 0 ′ corresponding to a predetermined volume of ground coffee. In the embodiment shown in the figures the volume V 0 ′ of each compartment  123 ′,  125 ′ corresponds to a single cup serving. Because of the change of shape between the circular top portion  102 ′ and the compartment  123 ′,  125 ′, the user easily recognizes what volume of the filter  100 ′ needs to be filled ground coffee to obtain a single cup of coffee. As a result, the user does not need to use a scoop that can hold a predetermined amount of ground coffee to transfer ground coffee to the filter  100 ′. The user can just transfer coffee with a regular spoon to the filter  100 ′ and fill the one or both compartment  123 ′,  125 ′ of ground coffee with the assurance that he/she will obtain a single serving of coffee. Should the user wanted a larger amount of coffee, for example, for a carafe, the user would then continue to fill the compartment(s)  123 ′,  125 ′ with ground coffee. A rest of the filter  100 ′ is available for added ground coffee. In one example, the filter  100 ′ holds enough ground coffee to brew a carafe of coffee. It is contemplated that the volume of ground coffee held by each compartment  123 ′,  125 ′ could correspond to amounts of coffee that will be other than a single cup of coffee. For example, each compartment  123 ′,  125 ′ could hold ground coffee for two cups of coffee. Similarly, the brewing baskets  106   a ′,  106   b ′ may hold more or less than coffee for making a carafe of coffee. If is contemplated that the top portion  102 ′ and the bottom portion  104 ″ could have a shape different from the one shown in the figures. For example, the top portion  102 ′ could be square and the bottom end  105 ′ could be circular. It is also contemplated that the top portion  102 ′ and the bottom end  105 ′ could have the same shape as long as there is a clear change of slope between the top portion  102 ′ and the bottom portion  104 ′. The lateral profile P′ may have at least one slope change which indicates the recess of the bottom portion  104 ′.  FIGS. 7A to 7C  show examples of filters (schematically shown) which profiles indicate such recess of the bottom portion and a transition line. 
     Because of the change of shape between the oval top end  103 ′ and the generally square bottom end  105 ′, the user easily recognizes what volume of the brewing baskets  106   a ′,  106   b ′ need to be filled ground coffee to obtain a single cup of coffee it is contemplated that the top portion  102 ′ and the bottom portion  104 ′ could have a shape different from the one shown in the figures. For example, the top portion  102 ′ could be square and the bottom portion  104 ′ could be circular, if is also contemplated that the top portion  102 ′ and the bottom portion  104 ′ could have the same shape yet different sizes. 
     Although the filter  100 ′ is shown herein to have only one portion (i.e. each compartment  123 ′,  125 ′) having a volume corresponding to a predetermined volume of coffee, it is contemplated that each brewing basket  106   a ′  106   b ′ could have two or more of such portions, and as a result more than one changes of direction P 1 ′. For example, the filter  100 ′ could have a lower portion of the frame having a first shape could have a first volume corresponding to a single cup of coffee, an intermediate portion of the frame having a second shape could form with the lower portion a second volume corresponding to brewing two cups of coffee, and an upper portion of the frame having a third shape could form with the lower portion and the intermediate portion a third volume corresponding to brewing three cups of coffee. Transitions between the first, second and third shapes would be characterised by various inflection points in the filter&#39;s lateral profile, it is also contemplated that the filter  100 ′ could also include inscriptions on at least one of the top and bottom portions  102 ′,  104 ′ to indicate predetermined volumes of ground coffee, in addition to the visual shape changes of the filter. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a first embodiment of an adapter  200  for a filter  300  of the drip coffee machine  10  will now be described. 
     The filter  300  has a perforated surface (or mesh)  302  and having no physical delimitation (i.e. portions described above) therethrough to indicate a predetermined volume of coffee. The filter  300  has an open top end  307  and is closed at its bottom by bottom surface  308 . When in use, coffee is placed in the filter  300 , water is poured thereonto, and coffee drips through the bottom surface  308 . The filter  300  shown herein has a cupcake shape, but it is contemplated that the filter  300  could have a different shape. For example, the filter could be conical. The filter  300  may be made of paper, be disposable or be made of mesh and reusable many times. 
     The adapter  200  is a removable add-in to the filter  300  so as to create a lower portion  304  of the filter  300  having a first volume V 1  (upper limit shown in dotted lines). The volume V 1  corresponds to a predetermined volume of coffee for brewing single cup of coffee. It is contemplated that the volume V 1  could corresponds to sizes other than the brewing of one cup of coffee. For example, the volume V 1  could correspond to two cups of coffee. To obtain a second volume of brewed beverage (a carafe for example), the user would fill the filter  300  with the adapter  200  in it until reaching about the top end  307  of the coffee filter  300 . It is contemplated that the filter  300  could be designed such that the user would fill the filter  300  without the adapter  200  and reach about the top end  307  of the coffee filter  300  In order to brew the second volume of coffee. If is also contemplated that the user would not have to fill the coffee filter  300  until about the top end  307  (with or without the adapter  200  in it) in order to brew the second volume of coffee. It is contemplated that the filter  300  could be similar to the filter  100  and have a physical delimitation therethrough to indicate a predetermined volume of coffee and be useable with an adapter similar to the adapter  200  to create a second physical delimitation. 
     The adapter  200  is made of plastic and has an outside surface  202  mating the lower portion  304  of the filter  300 . An inside surface  204  of the adapter  200  is circular and defines the volume V 1 . It is contemplated that the inside surface  204  could have a shape other than circular and still define the volume V 1 . For example, the inside surface  204  could be rectangular. The inside surface  204  is shown herein to be vertical, but it is contemplated that the inside surface  204  could be tapered. The adapter  200  has an upper surface  206 , and a lower surface  208  in contact with the bottom  308  of the filter  300 . Although the adapter  200  is shown herein to be plain, it is contemplated that the adapter  200  could be perforated similarly to the filter  300 . It is also contemplated that the adapter  200  could define more than one volume. The inner surface  206  of the adapter  200  could include a step thereby defining two volumes (e.g. one cup and two cups) or brewed coffee. 
     The adapter  200  could also have shapes other than the one shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , an adapter  400  according to a second embodiment has characteristics similar to the adapter  200 , but is a pellet and does not mate with the filter  300 . Coffee can be poured around the adapter  400  such that a volume V 2  (upper limit shown in dotted lines) for brewing a predetermined amount of coffee (for example a single cup of coffee) is created between tine adapter  200  and the filter  300 . It is contemplated that the adapter  400  could be perforated and could be a filter itself. Should the adapter  400  be perforated, the adapter  400  would be hollow and could have a lid to allow brewing material to be introduced inside the adapter  400 . In such case, a volume of the adapter  400  would correspond to a volume for brewing a predetermined amount of coffee. It is also contemplated that the adapter  400  could also include inscriptions to indicate predetermined volumes of ground coffee. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 11 , a third embodiment of an adapter  500  will now be described. 
     The adapter  500  does not mate with the filter  300 , instead, it is clipped to the top end  307  of the filter  300 . The adapter  500  is perforated and acts as a filter itself. Its internal volume V 3  corresponds to a volume for brewing a predetermined amount of coffee. The adapter  500  has an open top  507  onto which extend two pairs of arms  505  (only one pair being shown). The arms  505  connect to the top  307  of the filter  300  by clips  508 . It is contemplated that the adapter  500  could be connected to the filter  300  by way other than the arms  505  and clips  508 . For example, the adapter  500  could be connected directly to the filter  300  without the arms  505 . Should one would want a second volume of brewed beverage which would be more than a single cup of coffee (a carafe for example), the user could fill the filter  300  without the adapter  500  in it until reaching a top  307  of the coffee filter  300 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 12 , a fourth embodiment of an adapter  800  will now be described. 
     The adapter  600  is a two-part filter used in conjunction with the filter  300 . The adapter  600  is made of a mesh, but it is contemplated that the adapter  600  could be plain. A lower portion  602  of the adapter  800  defines a first volume V 4  (upper limit shown in dotted lines) corresponding to a volume for brewing a predetermined amount of coffee. An upper portion  604 , together with the lower portion  602 , defines a second volume for brewing a predetermined amount of coffee (larger than a single cup of coffee, a carafe for example). It is contemplated that the user could fill the filter  300  without the adapter  600  in it until reaching a top  307  of the coffee filter  300  to obtain the second volume. It Is also contemplated that a bottom of the filter  800  could be closed by a bottom wall  808  (shown in phantom). The bottom wall  608  may be plain or perforated, in the case where the adapter  600  is plain, the bottom wall  603  would be perforated. To use the adapter  600 , the user first puts the adapter  600  inside the filter  300 . The user then pours coffee grounds in the adapter  600  until the volume V 4  has been filled in. When the adapter  600  has the bottom wall  608 , the user may pour the ground coffee In the adapter  600  before the adapter  600  is inserted in the filter  300 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 13 , a fifth embodiment of an adapter  700  will now be described. 
     The adapter  700  is made of two adapter portions  700 A and  700 B. Each of the adapter portions  700 A and  700 B cooperate with each other to form two compartments of the adapter  700 . That way, two sorts of coffees can be brewed at the same time in the adapter  700 . The adapter  700 B being a mirror image of the adapter  700 A, only the adapter  700 A will be described. The adapter  700 A is a two-part adapter similar to the adapter  600  described above except that it occupies only half of the filter  300  so that the filter  300  can accept the adapter  700 B. To this end, the adapter  700 A has a vertical wall  706  abutting the adapter  700 B. 
     The adapter  700 A has a lower portion  702  defining a volume V 5  (upper limit shown in dotted lines) corresponding to a volume for brewing a predetermined amount of coffee. An upper portion  704 , together with the lower portion  702  defines a volume corresponding to a second volume of brewed beverage which would be more than a single cup of coffee (two cups for example). A bottom of the adapter  700 A could be closed by a bottom wall similar to the bottom wall  608  so that the user may pour the ground coffee In the adapter  700 A before the adapter  700 A is inserted In the filter  300 . The adapter  700 A may be used with or without the adapter  700 B disposed in the filter  300 . The adapter  700 A may be plain or perforated. When perforated, the adapter  700 A may be designed to be used without the filter  300 . 
     It is contemplated that the adapter  700  could be made of a single portion like the adapter  800  or the filter  100  and would have a fixed or removable wall therein (similar to the wall  706 ) to divide the adapter  700  Into two portions in order to brew two types of coffee at the same time. 
     Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.