Abstract:
A tea maker, having a receptacle supported by a base, the receptacle being suitable for receiving water from a user and suitable for containing tea leaves, an actuatable valve having open and closed positions flowably connected to said receptacle; and a timer mechanism which sets the acuatable valve into the open position after a predetermined period set by the user, thereby allowing brewed tea to flow from the receptacle into a tea vessel. The invention further comprises a tea maker which has an agitation assembly which enhances the flavor and health benefits of the tea.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/707,573 filed Mar. 16, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to infusion beverage makers, in particular, a single cup tea maker suitable for brewing tea for a user determined length of time. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to an infusion beverage maker comprising a receptacle for containing hot water, a timer mechanism for maintaining the hot water in contact with tea leaves for a predetermined period of time, said receptacle unit being detachably mounted on the base of the infusion beverage maker, and the timer mechanism having an actuatable valve assembly unit which controls the discharge of the infusion beverage into a vessel. 
         [0004]    When making tea, as is known, the quality of the tea beverage depends on how long the tea leaves remain in the hot water, i.e., for how long the tea will draw. This is because up to roughly three minutes of infusion time, the tea will emit substances to the water which stimulates the circulation of a tea drinker after the consumption. When the tea stands for longer than three minutes, active substances are set free in the tea leaves which will reduce the circulation of a consumer upon consumption, which contributes to calming him or her down. Thus, controlling the time the tea brews is crucial, not only to the strength of the brew and the tea flavor, but on the medicinal effects felt by the tea drinker. 
         [0005]    The tea maker has an optional removable basket/strainer to prevent tea leaves from stuffing up the outlet of the actuatable valve assembly, and to allow easy removal after use. Tea leaves can remain in the tea maker for one or more uses depending on the preference of the user. The basket can be removed, cleaned, and new tea leaves can be placed therein. 
         [0006]    In addition, depending on the preference of the user, the receptacle assembly can be removed from the timer mechanism/base. Since the optimal cup of tea requires a clean brewing unit, removing the receptacle from the timer/mechanism base allows it to be cleaned, such as in a dishwasher, at regular intervals. As such, the user can maintain the unit free of residues that will ruin the flavor of the tea. 
         [0007]    The removable receptacle assembly can be filled with hot water at one location and transported to the timer mechanism/base located elsewhere. A valve in the receptacle assembly closes when the receptacle assembly is removed from the timer mechanism/base forming a water tight seal which prevents water flowing through the orifice. A lid which covers the receptacle assembly keeps the hot water from spilling out of the receptacle assembly from the top. When the receptacle assembly is refitted to the timer mechanism/base, the receptacle valve abuts and flowably connects to the acutatable valve in the timer mechanism. Thus, the receptacle can be located above the timer mechanism/base, allowing for a simpler, less complicated and more reliable method of releasing the brewed tea than other tea makers, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,246. 
         [0008]    To keep to a specific tea infusion time, it is furthermore arranged that the actuatable valve assembly remains in a closed position during the tea&#39;s infusion time, and that after the brewing cycle is complete the actuatable valve moves to an open position allowing brewed tea to flow through an orifice into a vessel. 
         [0009]    Another preferred of the invention includes utilizing an agitation assembly to agitate the tea. Most preferably, the invention has an agitating assembly to agitate the tea leaves, and preferably a vibrating assembly that vibrates the basket containing tea leaves for a predetermined time. Agitating the combination of hot water and tea leaves produces tea having an enhanced flavor, as well as other health benefits. It is believed that the agitation of the tea while it&#39;s brewing vastly increases the amount of polyphenols which are potent antioxidants that may fight blood clots and clogged arteries. Other tea makers in the prior art such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,720 teach movement of a flavor containing portion of a hot beverage maker, however do not teach the particular features of the present invention. 
         [0010]    Because of the tea maker&#39;s small size, there is no need to use a large container or carafe for receiving the brewed tea. The filling of a tea cup prevents the tea from cooling off too much, as when it is put into an intermediate storage in a carafe or jug. This reduces the complexity and the cost of the tea maker, and helps make the unit more affordable. 
         [0011]    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method of controlling the amount of time a single cup of tea is brewed. 
         [0012]    It is another object of the invention to provide a tea maker where the user determines the brewing cycle for a cup of tea. 
         [0013]    It is also an object of the invention to teach a tea maker that has a removable receptacle, for transporting hot water or for cleaning. 
         [0014]    Another object of the invention is to teach a tea maker that does not rely on external power requirements for heating elements or hot plates. 
         [0015]    One object of the invention is to provide a simple, affordable tea maker for brewing individual cups of tea. 
         [0016]    It is another object of the invention to provide a tea maker having a simplified mechanism for releasing the brewed tea from the receptacle to a vessel. 
         [0017]    It is a further object of the invention to teach a tea maker having a receptacle located above a timer mechanism and base. 
         [0018]    Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to have teach a tea maker having an improved acuatable valve. 
         [0019]    An object of the invention is to teach a method of agitating tea while it is brewing. 
         [0020]    It is yet another object of the invention to teach a tea maker having a vibrating basket filter. 
         [0021]    Also, it is an object of the invention to teach a tea maker having an electronic timer. 
         [0022]    The embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    A tea maker, comprising a receptacle supported by a base, the receptacle being suitable for receiving water from a user and suitable for containing tea leaves, an actuatable valve having open and closed positions flowably connected to said receptacle; and a timer mechanism which sets the acuatable valve into the open position after a predetermined period set by the user, thereby allowing brewed tea to flow from the receptacle into a tea vessel. The tea maker may also have a device for agitating tea, and most preferably a vibrating basket filter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a receptacle assembly, timer mechanism and base. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a receptacle assembly, timer mechanism and base. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a right side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a receptacle assembly, timer mechanism and base. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a left side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a receptacle assembly, timer mechanism and base. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a receptacle assembly. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a base. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a receptacle assembly, timer mechanism and base. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a basket, a receptacle assembly removed from the timer mechanism, and the base. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing an exploded view of the receptacle assembly, an exploded view of the timer mechanism and an exploded view of the base. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the invention showing the movement of the turn handle during operation of the invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing another embodiment with an electronic timer and an agitation assembly in the form of a vibrating basket filter. 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is a partially exploded front perspective view of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , further illustrating how the basket filter connects with the vibrating assembly. 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIG. 1-13  of the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
         [0038]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1 , shows the invention  10 , having receptacle assembly  100 , timer mechanism assembly  200 , and base  300 . 
         [0039]    Receptacle assembly  100 , has receptacle  110 , and top cover  130 . Timer mechanism assembly  200  has timer cabinet  202 , handle  280  and rotator  282 . Base assembly  300  has bottom  310 , ribs  314 , support  320 , support front  322 , and support rear  324 . Also shown resting on bottom  310  is vessel  400 .  FIG. 1  also shows marks  210 , start position  290  and done position  292 . 
         [0040]    The individual components of the invention, such as receptacle assembly  100 , timer mechanism assembly  200  and base  300  can be made of any suitable material such as metal, plastic or glass, but are preferably molded from plastic, more preferably high impact plastics such as polypropylenes or polystyrenes. The materials can be dyed or colored or can be transparent or translucent, and should be able to routinely withstand temperatures of at least 212 degrees Fahrenheit. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 2 to 4  shows receptacle assembly  100 , having receptacle  110 , and top cover  130 . The receptacles of this invention preferably hold up to 16 ounces of water, but can hold 32 ounces or more. Timer mechanism assembly  200  has timer cabinet  202 , handle  280  and rotator  282 . Base assembly  300  has bottom  310 , grommets  312 , ribs  314 , support  320 , support front  322 , and support rear  324 . Also shown resting on bottom  310  is vessel  400 .  FIG. 12  also shows marks  210 , start position  290  and done position  292 . 
         [0042]    Vessel  400  can be any cup or container suitable for drinking tea. It could be designed and packaged to compliment the design features of the invention, or the user could supply a cup of his or her choice. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  shows lid  130 , receptacle assembly  100 , receptacle  110  and vessel  400 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 6  shows base  300 , bottom  310 , grommets  312 , support  320 , support front  322 , support rear  324 , and vessel  400 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 7  is a rear view showing receptacle assembly  100 , having receptacle  110 , and top cover  130 . Timer mechanism assembly  200  has timer cabinet  202 . Base assembly  300  has bottom  310 , grommet  312 , support  320 , and support rear  324 . Also shown resting on bottom  310  is vessel  400 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view showing receptacle assembly  100 , receptacle  110 , positioning groove  112 , and top cover  130 . Also seen are basket filter  140  and basket handle  142 . Timer mechanism assembly  200 , has timer cabinet  202 , cabinet lip  208 , timer marks  210 , with start position  290  and done position  292 . Timer mechanism assembly  200  has mechanism timer cover  260 , turn handle  280 , rotator  282 , base assembly  300 , bottom  310 , ribs  314 , support  320 , support front  322  and support rear  324 . Also seen is vessel  400 . 
         [0047]    Positioning groove  122  allows receptacle assembly  100  to be conformingly fitted into timer mechanism assembly  200 . Timer mechanism assembly  200  has cabinet lip  208 . When the user desires to place receptacle assembly  100  into timer mechanism assembly  200 , say after the receptacle has been removed for cleaning in a dishwasher, the user aligns positioning groove  122  with cabinet lip  208 , and slides the receptacle assembly  100  into the timer mechanism assembly  200 . 
         [0048]    The purpose of optional basket  140  is to contain tea leaves, and to allow the easy placement and removal of tea leaves to and from the receptacle  110 . It should be designed to allow water to flow through the tea and into the receptacle  110 . It can be constructed in any number of configurations and materials. For example, basket  140  could be made of plastic or metal, could have sides with or without holes, and/or bottoms with or without holes. It can be constructed of a single piece of molded plastic or multiple pieces, or it could be constructed of a metal mesh material. Basket  140  may also have a handle  142 , as seen in  FIG. 8 , however, the handle can be of any suitable configuration. As an alternative to basket  140 , the user may use disposable filter made from paper or the like. 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  shows receptacle assembly  100  having receptacle  110 , positioning groove  112 , top cover  130 , basket filter  140 , and basket handle  142 . Optional receptacle water valve  120  has water valve pole  122 , tank spring  124 , and tank o ring  126 . Valve pole  122  has valve cap  121 . In a preferred configuration, tank spring  124  is placed around water valve pole  122 , and inserted from below the receptacle  110  into an orifice (not shown) in receptacle  110 . O ring  126 , or other fastening means is put over valve cap  121 , and prevents tank spring  124  from pushing valve pole out of the orifice, retaining valve pole  122 . The tank spring  124  forces valve cap  121  against the bottom of receptacle  110 , sealing receptacle  110  when it is full of water. 
         [0050]    Receptacle valve  120  is positioned so that when receptacle assembly is fitted to timer mechanism assembly  200 , it mates with actuatable valve  220 . When the receptacle valve mates with actuatable valve  220 , it is pushed up, against the force of tank spring  124 . This puts receptacle valve  120  into the open position. In this position water or brewed tea can flow from the receptacle  110  through receptacle valve  120 , and into acutatable valve  220 . 
         [0051]    Actuatable valve  218  has valve casing  220 , valve shaft  222 , springs  224 , rubber seal  226 , valve shaft pin  228 , spring water valve  230 , small o ring  236 , and drain orifice  206 . Valve casing  220  has only one moving part, valve shaft  222 , and it is contained within the valve casing  220 . No other parts are necessary. This makes opening and closing the acutatable valve  218  simple, straightforward and reliable. Valve shaft  222  fits into valve casing  220 , with springs  224  applying opposing force. Valve shaft pin  228  is attached to valve shaft  222 , and can be a separate piece as shown or integrally molded onto valve shaft  222 . When valve shaft pin  228  is pushed in a direction opposing the force of springs  224 , the acutatable valve  218  is in the open position, and fluids can pass through the actuatable valve  218  through drain orifice  206  and into vessel  400 . When pressure against valve shaft pin  288  is relieved, the springs  224  expand and move valve shaft  222  into the closed position, preventing fluids from passing through actuatable valve  218  and into vessel  400 . 
         [0052]    Timer mechanism assembly  200  has timer cabinet  202 , timer cabinet bottom  204 , cabinet lip  208 , timer marks  210 , recess  212 , posts  214 , timer  250 , timer cover  260 , timer bottom  270 , turn handle  280 , cavity  281 , rotator  282 , cam  284 , timer catch  286 , post slot  288 . Also shown are start position  290  and done position  292 . It also has actuatable valve  218 . 
         [0053]    Timer mechanism assembly  200  has timer cabinet  202 . Rotator  282  rests on timer cabinet bottom  204 . Rotator  282  has attached turn handle  280 , which can be integrally molded with rotator  282  or attached separately as shown. When a user exerts lateral force on turn handle  280 , rotator  282  moves right or left, as far as start position  290  or done position  292 . Timer cabinet  202  also has posts  214 . Posts  214  are likely molded into timer cabinet  202 , and are fastened to timer bottom  270 . Rotator  282  has post slots  288  which allow rotator  282  to move without interfering with posts  214 . Timer  250  rests on timer bottom  270 . Timer  250  mates with timer catch  286  on rotator  282 , so that when turn handle  280  is moved, catch  286  engages timer  250 , rotating the timer with it. Acutatable valve  218  attaches to timer cabinet bottom  204 . Rotator  282  has cavity  281  to accommodate actuatable valve  218  when rotator  282  rotates. Timer cover  260  has an orifice  261  that mates with acutatable valve  218  at seal  226 . 
         [0054]    Rotator  282  also has cam  284 . When timer mechanism assembly  200  is assembled, cam  284  abuts valve shaft pin  228 . Movement of cam  284  opens and closes actuatable valve  218 . Cam  284  is most likely designed so that when the user rotates rotator  284  to the far right with turn handle  280 , to start position  290 , the cam  284  allows acutatable valve  218  to move to a closed position. When the user releases turn handle  280 , the timer  250  begins to turn, moving rotator  284  laterally to the left. When turn handle  280  reaches done position  292 , cam  284  allows acutatable valve  218  to open releasing tea from receptacle  110 . Optionally, timer mechanism assembly  200  can have a catch that holds turn handle  280  in the start position  290  indefinitely, until the user moves it a predetermined distance to the left. 
         [0055]    Base assembly  300  has bottom  310 , grommets  312 , ribs  314 , support  320 , support front  322 , support rear  324 , support projection  326  and vessel  400 . Support  320  can be separate molded pieces, comprising support front  322  and support rear  324 , or a single integrally molded piece, or multiple molded pieces. Support projection  326  fits into recess  212 , connecting base assembly  300  to timer mechanism assembly  200 . Base  300  has optional ribs  314 . Ribs  314  can catch extra water or tea that spill from vessel  400  or from timer mechanism assembly  200  or receptacle assembly  100 . The ribs  314  allow the water or tea to collect without substantially wetting the bottom of vessel  400 . Alternatively, ribs  314  could be replaced with grooves or with a separate molded ring or disk having holes or slots that allow water or tea to flow into a reservoir molded into base  300 . 
         [0056]    As stated receptacle assembly  100  is preferably removable from timer mechanism assembly  200 . When the receptacle assembly  100  is removed from timer mechanism assembly  200 , receptacle water valve  120  closes. This allows the user to fill the receptacle assembly  100  with water, and transport the filled receptacle assembly  100  to timer mechanism assembly  200  and base assembly  300  without water leaking out of receptacle assembly  100 . In addition, if receptacle assembly  100  is removable, then it can be cleaned easily, either by hand or in a dishwasher. Optional lid  130 , if closed, can keep hot water from spilling out of receptacle  110 , when being moved from the hot water source to the timer mechanism/base. 
         [0057]    In order to use the preferred present invention, the user places tea leaves in basket  140 . The user moves turn handle  280  to the far right hand, ie. start position  290  as seen in  FIG. 10 . The movement causes rotator  282  to rotate cam  284 , positioning it against valve shaft pin  228 , putting acutatable valve  218  in the closed position. The user then pours boiling water into receptacle assembly  100 , and moves turn handle  280  toward the left to the desired position, using marks  210  on timer bottom  270  as a reference. After releasing turn handle  289 , the user waits until rotator  282  moves to the far most right position, i.e., done position  292 . When in the done position  292 , cam  284  activates actuatable valve  218  to the open position, allowing the brewed tea to flow through to vessel  400 . A preferred brewing time is about 3 minutes, with a typical brewing range being between 1 and 5.5 minutes, depending on the preference of the user. Marks  210  should be correlated with the elapsed time of timer  250 , so that, for example moving the turn handle  284  to the 3 minute mark corresponds to a brewing time of 3 minutes. Of course, other embodiments are possible and the method of opening and closing the actuatable valve  218  can be accomplished in any number of ways which would be apparent to the skilled artisan. 
         [0058]    For example an electronic timer having solenoid actuated valves, could be substituted for the mechanical timer. Other configurations, activating mechanisms, gates, valves etc would be apparent to the skilled artisan and are expected to fall within the scope of the invention described herein, so long as they rely on variations of an acuatable valve similar to the one described herein. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 11 to 13  show an additional preferred embodiment  20  of the invention. As will be seen, embodiment  20  has an agitation assembly in the form of a vibrating assembly  800  which agitates basket filter  520 , thereby enhancing the flavor and health benefits of the tea. 
         [0060]      FIG. 11  shows receptacle assembly  500 , top cover  560 , mechanical support  900 , window  960 , base assembly  1000 , bottom  1010 , support  1020 , electronic timer  1050 , buttons  1060  and vessel  400 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 12  shows receptacle assembly  500 , receptacle  510 , basket filter  520 , basket screen  530 , basket handle  540 , basket rib  550 , top cover  560 , basket rib interaction  840 , mechanical support  900 , top hinge  920 , seal  950 , window  960 , base assembly  1000 , bottom  1010 , support  1020 , electronic timer  1050 , buttons  1060  and vessel  400 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 13  shows receptacle assembly  500 , receptacle  510 , basket filter  520 , basket screen  530 , basket handle  540 , basket rib  550 , top cover  560 , Also seen is valve assembly  600 , having valve stem  610 , valve cover  620 , water tank seal  630 , water valve spring  640 , retainer  650 , counter spring  660 , valve seal  670 , rocker arm  680 , rocker arm end  685 , rocker arm link  690 , solenoid  700 , and solenoid piston  710 , angle bracket  720 , Vibrating assembly,  800 , is also seen and has motor  810 , counter weight  820 , motor housing  830 , basket rib interaction  840 , Mechanical support  900 , seal receptacle  910 , top hinge  920 , cover hole  940 , seal  950 , window  960 , base assembly  1000 , bottom  1010 , support  1020 , circuit board  1030 , sub base  1040 , electronic timer  1050 , buttons  1060  and vessel  400  are also shown. 
         [0063]    Receptacle  510 , mechanical support  900 , and base assembly  1000  are preferably made of the same materials as embodiment  10 , such as polypropylene. Moreover, it is highly preferred that receptacle  510  remains stationary and does not oscillate or vibrate while the tea is brewed, except as it is incidental to the vibrations caused by the movement of basket filter  520 . 
         [0064]    The agitation assembly can be any assembly that agitates tea in receptacle  510 . The most preferred method of agitation is to use a vibrating assembly  800  as seen in the drawings and as discussed below. However, other methods of agitation are also contemplated, such as utilizing a mechanical stirring mechanism, or an ultrasonic generator which has a pizza electric vibrating device. Alternatively, a motor could be placed in various locations within the receptacle or mechanical support to impart motion to the receptacle. 
         [0065]    Basket filter  520 , can be made of any suitable material, but is most likely made out of plastic or metal. Basket screen  530  is preferably is made containing a screen type material with a mesh sufficient to hold tea leaves but also porous enough to allow water to flow through the screen into the receptacle  510 . Typical screen materials are aluminum, fiberglass, plastic or cloth. The basket filter  520  can be made in any configuration and can for example, be a solid piece of plastic with holes drilled in it. The actual configuration and materials are not so critical, so long as this component fulfills the purpose of containing tea leaves and allowing water to flow through during brewing. 
         [0066]    Basket handle  540  is seen in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . In a preferred embodiment, basket handle  540  is removably connected to basket rib interaction  840 . Thus, the basket filter  520  can be removed from receptacle assembly  500  to be cleaned or to be filled with tea leaves. When the basket filter  520  is reinserted into receptacle assembly  500 , then basket handle  540  having basket rib  550  fits easily and smoothly into basket rib interaction  840 . This connection allows vibrating assembly  800  to agitate the basket filter  520 . The actual nature of the connection between basket filter  520  and vibrating assembly  800  is not critical, so long as basket filter  520  can be removed or reconnected to vibrating assembly  800  as desired by the user, and the connection between basket filter  520  and vibrating assembly  800  is sufficient to transmit energy from vibrating assembly  800  to basket assembly  520 , allowing agitation of the tea water mixture in basket filter  520 . Note also that mechanical support  900  has seal  950  disposed in seal receptacle  910 . Seal  950  forms around housing  840 , and allows housing  840  to vibrate, yet prevents water from leaking into mechanical support  900 . 
         [0067]    Instead of the removable basket filter  520  shown in the drawings, vibrating assembly  800  could be affixed to a support (not shown). The support could contain or secure basket filter  520 , and the basket filter  520  could be removable for cleaning and rinsing. However, the preferred configuration is for basket filter  520  to connect directly to the basket rib interaction  840 . 
         [0068]    An exploded view of a possible vibrating assembly  800  configuration is shown in  FIG. 13 . The vibrating assembly has motor  810 . Motor  810  can be any motor suitable for the purposes of the invention. The preferred motor preferably rotates at between 1,000 and 10,000 revolutions per minute. While the motor shown in  FIG. 13  is regulated by circuit board  1030  which is in turn powered by an AC cord (not shown), it is also contemplated that the motor could be DC powered and operated by batteries. The batteries could be rechargeable or disposable. 
         [0069]    Vibrating assembly  800  also has counter weight  820 . Counter weight  820  is connected to the armature of motor  810 . Counter weight  820  as shown in  FIG. 13  is a partial disk. When motor  810  is powered and the motor&#39;s armature rotates, the imbalance caused by the partial disc configuration of counter weight  820  causes motor and attached motor housing  830  to wobble. Motor  810  vibrates along with motor housing  830 . The energy of vibration from vibrating housing  830  is transmitted through basket rib interaction  840 , thereby creating a vibrating basket filter  520 . It should be obvious is one skilled in the art that numerous variations of the vibrating assembly  800  could be contemplated, such as positioning the motor in a different place, or using a different type of counter weight to create the desired vibration. For example, one possibility would be for the counter weight to push against a solid surface located within mechanical support  900 . As shown in  FIG. 13  the time and duration of the vibration of vibration assembly  800  is controlled by electronic timer  1050 . However the duration of such a vibration could also be controlled manually by a user by pressing buttons  1060 . Also, the vibration could be controlled using a simple on-off switch (not shown) either electrical or mechanical that is operated by the user. 
         [0070]    An exploded view of valve assembly  600  is seen in  FIG. 13 . Valve assembly  600  opens and closes as appropriate to allow tea to flow from receptacle assembly  500  into vessel  400 . This flow can be controlled by electronic timer  1050  or manually through access buttons  1060 . While the drawings show that valve assembly  600  is controlled electronically via electronic timer  1050 , it is also contemplated that valve assembly  600  could be operated mechanically. As seen in  FIG. 13 , the valve is opened and closed by actuating solenoid piston  710 . Solenoid piston  710  is contained within solenoid  700  which is attached to mechanical housing  900  using angle bracket  720 . Also seen is rocker arm  680  which is linked to solenoid piston  710  with rocker arm link  690 . When solenoid piston  710  retracts into solenoid  700 , rocker arm link  690  is pulled, exerting a force on rocker arm  680 . The force on rocker arm  80  causes rocker arm end  685  to move downward allowing retainer  650  to also move downwards, via the force applied by water valve spring  640 . This allows brewed tea to flow through a hole (not seen) through the bottom of the receptacle assembly  500 , through channel  930  and into vessel  400 . 
         [0071]    The valve assembly  600  described above is only one of many possible ways to allow liquid disposed in receptacle assembly  500  to flow into a vessel  400 , and skilled artisans will immediately see that many different valve assembly configurations are possible; it is contemplated by the present inventors that all such variations are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0072]    As seen in the figures, embodiment  20  has electronic timer  1050 . Electronic timer  1050  can have any number of different controls or attributes. For example, electronic timer  1050  can control the amount of time that basket filter  520  vibrates. An ideal amount of time for such vibration is about 1 to 5.5 minutes, with 3 minutes being most preferred. In a preferred embodiment, this time period can be set by a user. Ideally, electronic timer  1050  is programmed to activate valve assembly  600  when electronic timer  1050  shuts off vibration assembly  600 . After a predetermined period, preferably about 10 to 20 seconds, electronic timer  1050  deactivates valve assembly  600 , automatically closing the valve assembly and readying the invention  20  for its next use. The predetermined time for this step is based on the size of the receptacle and how quickly the fluid drains therefrom and may be adjusted accordingly. A preferred embodiment, this time period can also be set by the user. Electronic timer  1050  can also include manual override functions, so the user could start or stop the vibration at will, or open or close the valve assembly at will. Electronic timer  1050  can also include a preprogrammed subroutine that allows for the timer to be set to activate vibration assembly  800  at some predetermined time in the future. Electronic timer  1050  can also display the time of day and or date when the unit is not in use, and can also contain an LED which lights the assembly so that the commands can be seen in a dark room. 
         [0073]    It&#39;s important to note that the invention provides a very simple and economical method of brewing tea. The construction is simple and straight forward. 
         [0074]    While the invention as shown is suitable for brewing a single cup of tea, it is possible to construct larger units capable of brewing 2, 3 or more cups simultaneously, adapting the principles of the invention as articulated herein. Also, while the preferred embodiments of the invention described herein do not disclose the use of heating elements, it will be clear to the skilled artisan that a heating element or elements may be desirable in some embodiments of the invention. 
         [0075]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.