Abstract:
A method and apparatus to brew coffee with cold water and automatically dispense it into a container after a specified brew time. Water and a packet of coffee grounds are introduced to a brew chamber to produce a coffee extract after a specified time and then delivered to a removable receiving container. The packet is compressed to release the maximum amount of extract from the packet. Extract can be diluted with additional water into the removable receiving container to create the beverage. The receiving container is filled and sealed for freshness.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a coffee maker and a method to brew coffee without the use of supplemental heat in order to produce a coffee extract that is less acidic than hot brewed coffee. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention is in the field of devices and methods for producing cold brew coffee. 
         [0004]    Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    The challenges with brewing coffee cold is that it requires a lot of time, can be messy, and should be removed from the grounds at a specific time to achieve the desired taste. Coffee can be under brewed and over brewed so the goal is to dial in the appropriate brew time and not rely on an individual to be present to finish the process. Cold brewing coffee produces a coffee extract or a concentrate that should be cut with a ratio of water to achieve the proper flavor profile. It can be left as a concentrate and cut with water before consumption or cut right after the brewing process, which is a better method. 
         [0006]    One technique to produce cold-brew coffee is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,858,133 and 8,720,321 issued to Neace, J., et al wherein an hourglass shaped apparatus includes a brew chamber and an extract chamber located at the opposite ends of the apparatus. Water is poured into the brew chamber to generate coffee extract. After the brewing process, the hourglasss is inverted and the coffee travels into the extract chamber. 
         [0007]    The prior art devices for producing cold brew coffee rely on pouring cold water over coffee grounds instead of allowing the cold water and coffee grounds to be mixed together for a period of time. Disclosed herein is an apparatus for producing cold brew coffee that does not require the user to monitor or interact with the apparatus once the brewing process is initiated and allows the water and coffee grounds to remain in the brew chamber for a substantial length of time prior to dispensing same. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    One embodiment of the present invention is a device and method for cold brewing coffee. The device includes a housing for holding various components. A packet of coffee grounds is provided in a brew chamber mounted to the housing. A mechanism within the brew chamber squeezes the packet of coffee which is filled with cold water from a source. A logic controller directs water to the brew chamber, initiates the squeezing action and controls the brew time. A pump along with valves may be provided to control liquid flow. An auto capper may also be provided to close the container of brewed coffee. 
         [0009]    Many advantages and benefits of the present invention will be apparent from the following description. Some of the benefits are:
       the use of pre-packaged Cold Brew packets, and/or,   the use of a fillable empty packet to be filled by the user;   a controlled brew time;   absence of supplemental heat resulting in a cold brew that is less acidic than a hot brew;   an automatic process including the squeezing of the packet containing coffee grounds;   easy cleanup;   the automatic dispensing of brewed coffee;   properly dosed growler refills; and,   auto capping of the coffee container.       
 
         [0019]    Related objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the coffee maker incorporating the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view thereof. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary side view of a packet with coffee grounds therein. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a side view of an alternate version of the packet of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a fragmentary side view of a filter mounted in the outlet of the packet of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a further alternate version of the packet of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the coffee maker housing shown in  FIG. 3 , only with a water container mounted therein. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the brew chamber with a valve connectable to the outlet port of the brew chamber. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a schematic side view of the coffee maker housing showing the connections between a water pump and the brew chamber. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a schematic for the Logic Controller operably connected to various components. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the brew chamber with a v-shaped squeezer for compressing the coffee packet. 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is the same view as  FIG. 11  only illustrating an alternative mechanism for compressing the coffee packet. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 13( a ) and 13( b )  are fragmentary schematic views showing respectively a screw on capper and a cork capper for closing the container receiving the brewed coffee. 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a schematic showing a production line for producing the cold brew coffee. 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is a perspective of an alternative cap with build-in filter. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0035]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0036]    The preferred embodiment of the Cold Brew Coffee Maker is illustrated in the drawings. The housing  30 , shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  includes a pair of spaced apart side walls  31 , bottom  32  and top  34 . The Cold Brew Coffee Maker is designed to: 
         [0037]    1. house all the components of the invention, 
         [0038]    2. provide a specific place for the receiving container, 
         [0039]    3. hold the brew chamber above the receiving container, 
         [0040]    4. hide some components such as electronics, logic controller, pump, and actuators, and 
         [0041]    5. be visually appealing. 
         [0042]    A water container  36  ( FIG. 7 ) is removably held by the coffee maker housing  30 . Container  36  holds the correct volume of water to match the desired output of the coffee maker and may be stored in a refrigerator. Multiple containers  36  may be used separately so that there&#39;s a cycle of a containers being refrigerated and used and others queued for brewing. The container is sealable, can be reopened and closed, and is made from materials that are dishwasher safe. Alternatively, the container can be replaced by a water line from an external source of cold water with the water line connected directly to the brew chamber having a packet of coffee grounds position therein. 
         [0043]    A packet filled with coffee grounds is shown in  FIG. 3 . The packet is re-useable or disposable depending on the objective and is intended to make it easy and quick to use while providing consistent results. Packet  40  includes a pair of mutually opposed and spaced apart side walls  41  joined together at the opposite ends  42  and  43  and along the bottom  44  thereof forming a cavity for holding coffee grounds. The side walls are joined together at the top  45  of the packet. Side walls  41  are permeable allowing liquid to flow through the side walls. In the preferred version of the packet shown in  FIG. 3 , an externally threaded inlet  46  located at the top of the packet leads into the cavity of the packet and is closed by a cap  47  threaded on the outlet  46 . An alternate cap  48  ( FIG. 15 ) may be utilized rather than cap  47 . Cap  48  has a main body  51  with a filter  49  mounted permanently thereto. The filter is made from commercial filtering material, such as paper, plastic and other readily available materials. 
         [0044]    Packet  40  is filled with coffee grounds from the same port or inlet  46  that may then connected to a water line. A standard cap or removable foil is mounted initially to inlet  46  allowing the packet to be shipped without spilling the grounds. The cap or foil is then removed and cap  47  is threaded onto inlet  46  and connected to the water line  89  ( FIG. 9 ) which extends from the source of water and then through cap  47  with the water exiting the water line into the packet. Filter  50  ( FIG. 5 ) is mounted in the inlet  46  so grounds are not spilled while inserting the packet into or removed from the brew chamber. In the event, cap  48  is utilized in lieu of cap  47 , cap  48  is removed from the inlet  46  and mounted in line with the outlet  94  ( FIG. 9 ) of the brew chamber either on the side of the outlet  94  within brew chamber  90  or to the side of outlet  94  located exterior of the brew chamber  90 . The inlet  46  of the packet  40  is then connected to the water line  89  which extends from the source of water through a cap, such as cap  47  which is installed on the inlet of the packet with the water then entering the packet and wetting the coffee grounds. 
         [0045]    A first alternative version of the packet is shown as packet  60  in  FIG. 4 . Packet  60  is identical to packet  40  and thus has a pair of liquid permeable side walls  61  joined together at the opposite ends  63 , bottom  64  and top  65  forming an internal cavity for holding the grounds; however, the inlet  66  is provide on the side of the packet instead of on top of the packet as is the case with packet  40 . Externally threaded inlet  66  is provided on one of the side walls  61  of packet  60 . Further, one end  63  is closed by sewing  67  or other commercial methods allowing the coffee grounds to be inserted into the packet through the end of the packet and then closed. 
         [0046]    The preferred embodiment of the Coffee Maker provides water via a pressurized source and/or through the use of a pump with the water routed via a water line directly to the packet. The water line extends through the cap of the packet and into the cavity of the packet so that the water is forced against the grounds within the packet. The present invention contemplates and includes an alternative approach wherein the water is directed into the brew chamber  90  ( FIG. 9 ) surrounding the packet with the water then flowing from line  89  into the brew chamber and through the packet side walls and into the packet cavity. 
         [0047]    A second alternative version of the packet is shown as packet  70  in  FIG. 6 . Packet  70  has a pair of liquid permeable side walls  71  joined together at the opposite ends  73 , bottom  74  and top  75  forming an internal cavity for holding the coffee grounds. Packet  70  does not have an inlet nor is it attached to a water line. Instead, the cold water is routed directly from line  89  into the brew chamber holding packet  70  with the water then flowing through the liquid permeable side walls  71  into the packet and to the grounds contained in the packet. Wings  76  and  77  are provide at the top  75  of the packet and located above the side walls  71  to enable the packet to be held in the brewing chamber having means to engage and hold the wings in position. Alternative means are contemplated for holding the packet in place other than the wings. 
         [0048]    Filter  50  ( FIG. 5 ) is provided in inlets  46  and  66  to allow water to flow through the inlet into the cavity while preventing coffee grounds to back flow through the cap. The filter extends across or within the inlet and is produced from conventional material, for example, fabric, paper or plastic, to allow liquid flow there through while limiting grounds from escaping from the cavity via the inlet. 
         [0049]    There are many variables when making coffee and thus, it is desirable to provide a packet for providing consistent results. The packet disclosed herein is designed allowing the packet to:
       1. be easily filled with coffee grounds,   2. be sealed so that grounds are contained,   3. act as a filter,   4. be disposable or reusable,   5. be compressed, squeezed, or twisted to extract the liquid from it,   6. be attachable to a water line so water can be pumped through it, if the water container is separate from the brew container,   7. be used with a check valve, screen, or flap to prevent grounds from back flowing into the pump. It may also receive the coffee grounds from the side ( FIG. 4 ) and be sealed by heat or sewn and then the water line is attached on top of the filter material so that water flows through the filter while preventing movement of grounds through the filter.       
 
         [0057]    Using the brew chamber as the water container instead of providing a separate container  36  ( FIG. 7 ) is a simpler method and has a lower price point for the consumer. It may be beneficial to offer this as an option. Regardless of the particular design of the brew maker, cold water is provided to accomplish the brewing of the coffee. 
         [0058]    The optional water container  36  ( FIG. 9 ), separate from the brew chamber, utilizes a pump  82  connected to the outlet  81  of container  36  and may be used to fill the brew chamber  90  with water. A water line  83  is connected to the outlet of pump  82  with the opposite end of the water line extending either directly into chamber  90  or directly into and through the packet cap  47  mounted to the inlet  46  for packet  40  ( FIG. 3 ) or inlet  66  of packet  60  ( FIG. 4 ) depending upon which packet is selected. A valve  86  is connected to and between lines  83  and  89  with line  89  then extending through the packet cap. The same pump or a separate pump can also be used to add water to the brew chamber  90  ( FIG. 8 ) once the brewed extract within the chamber has been created in order to get the correct ratio for the final beverage. The pump enables the user to add more water than is necessary for a single brew cycle so that refills are not needed as often. Alternatively, if the brew chamber and water container are combined into a single chamber, then the user adds water via pump  82  or manually pours water directly into brew chamber allowing for the creation of the extract with additional water being added after brewing is completed. In either case, the final brewed coffee is automatically dispensed from outlet  94  ( FIG. 9 ) into the removable receiving container  35  ( FIG. 1 ) located directly beneath outlet  94 . A valve  96  ( FIG. 9 ) is provided between outlet  94  and the receiving container  35  to control the flow of coffee into the receiving container. Water may be added via waterline  85  between valves  86  and  96 . Valve  86  controls the water to the chamber or packet. 
         [0059]    A timer  158  is operatively connected to the outlet valve  96  ( FIG. 9 ) to control the operation of the valve and thus, the time of the brew cycle. In other words, timer  158  is operative to keep valve  96  in the closed position thereby allowing the cold water and coffee grounds to remain together for a period of time. Best results are obtained for the water and grounds to remain together for at least 12 hours although the brew time may be extended to 20 hours to insure the quality of the coffee. Once the pre-selected time has expired, timer  158  is operable to open valve  96  with the coffee then flowing through the outlet and into the final container  35  ( FIG. 1 ). A separate timer  158  may be provided or built into the logic controller  151  ( FIG. 10 ). 
         [0060]    The brew chamber  90  ( FIG. 8 ) is where the water and the packet are left for a timed period in order to brew the coffee into an extract. The brew chamber has side walls  91  joined to front and back walls  92  and to a bottom wall  98 . Outlet  94  is provided on bottom wall  98 . The chamber is shown in  FIG. 8 ; however it is understood that a hinged lid may be mounted to the chamber for opening and closing the cavity as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The brew chamber is sized so that the proper amount of coffee is provided for the receiving container. A water level indicator may be provided on the brew chamber if the unit doesn&#39;t have a separate water container. In addition, the brew chamber may include an agitator to reduce brew time. The agitator may include but is not limited to an apparatus that houses and moves the packet during brewing so that the water is agitated. In lieu of a mechanism for moving the packet for agitating the water, an ultrasonic transducer may be located within the brew chamber or a separate pump may circulate the water within the chamber. 
         [0061]    Once the water has been forced through the cap into the packet cavity or the water has been directed into the brew chamber with the water surrounding the packet, the water interacts with the coffee grounds within the packet producing the extract. An extracting device  100  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ) is used to squeeze, twist or compress the packet so that the user obtains the highest yield from the coffee. The compressing of the packet also helps make the later removal of the packet less messy to throw away since the packet itself will hold a lot of liquid. 
         [0062]    A v-shaped extractor  100  has a first wall  101  fixedly mounted in the brew chamber with an opposite wall  102  pivotably mounted to the bottom of wall  101 . The top end of wall  102  has a projection  107  that rides in curved grooves  97  formed in the side walls  92  of the brew chamber. In the version shown in  FIG. 11 , catch  122  is slidably mounted beneath and to the lid  121  enclosing the cavity of the brew chamber. When the lid is closed the catch  122  is caused to slide toward the v-shaped extractor forcing wall  102  toward wall  101  thereby squeezing the coffee packet  40  or  60  or  70  located between the two walls  101  and  102  with the liquid in the packet then flowing outwardly through apertures  110  in each wall  101  and  102 . Catch  122  is spring loaded toward end  123  of lid  121  thereby contacting and forcing wall  102  toward wall  101  when the lid is closed. When the lid is opened the catch is reset by moving the catch toward end  124  of the lid. 
         [0063]    An alternative version of the extractor is illustrated in  FIG. 12  wherein an actuator  109 , such as, as a solenoid or worm gear mechanism squeezes walls  101  and  102  together thereby squeezing and compressing the packet as compared to catch  122  ( FIG. 11 ). The extractor  100  of the  FIG. 11  version is identical with the  FIG. 12  version except for the catch  122  and actuator  109 . The bottom ends  104  of walls  101  and  102  for both versions are mounted to and atop bosses  105  and  106  provided on the bottom of the brew chamber. Lids  98  and  121  are hingedly mounted to the brew chamber and may be opened and closed to allow insertion and removal of the packet. Actuator  109  is mounted to the brew chamber and includes a link  112  connected to wall  102  to move wall  102  toward and away from wall  101  to squeeze the packet located therebetween. 
         [0064]    Extractor  100  squeezes the packet of coffee grounds; however, the present invention includes mechanism to twist or compress the packet in order to achieve maximum yield. 
         [0065]    Extractor  100  can be cleaned by
       1. making it removable, such as mounting the bottom ends  104  ( FIG. 11 ) by snapping ends  104  into bosses  105  and  16 ,   2. having the lid open enough to wipe and clean the brew chamber, and   3. flushing the water used to cut the extract through the brew chamber.       
 
         [0069]    Pump  82  ( FIG. 9 ) can have multiple functions and may require more than one pump. Functions of the pump include:
       1. moving water from the water container to the brew chamber via line  83 ,   2. moving water into or past the packet to agitate during the brew time,   3. moving extract into the receiving container,   4. moving water into the receiving container via optional water line  85 ,       
 
         [0074]    A Timer/Logic controller  151  ( FIG. 10 ) is provided and may:
       1. be powered by standard 120v AC or battery power supply  150 ,   2. have a display  157  to allow user to select a brew by time or flavor profile,   3. have a display  156  to show time left on brew cycle,   4. have a selector to input brew time or flavor profile,   5. have a selector to start the brew,   6. have sensors to prevent unwanted input such as starting a brew without a receiving container in place,   7. show system status such as water level,   8. control pump(s),   9. control valves  86  and  96 ,   10. control actuators  109  and  122 , and,   11. control ultrasonic transducers located in the brew chamber to agitate the extract. Logic Controller  151  includes a timer to control the timing of opening and closing of valves  86  and  96  and thus the flow of water direct to the brew chamber  90 , or container of coffee grounds  40 ,  60 ,  70  and to the receiving container  35 .       
 
         [0086]    The method of producing cold brew coffee utilizing the coffee maker disclosed herein includes one or more of the following steps. 
         [0087]    Power—User plugs device into a standard wall outlet, which powers the apparatus. The display shows a default brew-time setting (i.e. “18 hours”) and with an indicator showing the device is “Not Ready”.
       1. Setup—The user loads packet and adds water to the brew chamber in the instance that water is not pumped into the packet or brew chamber and then closes the lid. The removable receiving container  35  is placed in the dispensing location which is furnished with a standard auto capper either of the screw on version 160 ( FIG. 13( a )  or the cork version 170  FIG. 13( b )  furnished on the coffee maker housing  30 . Once the criteria are met the system display will indicate “Ready”. A number of sensors to determine the readiness. For example:
           1. A water level sensor detects that the water level is adequate in the water container,   2. A water level sensor detects that the water level is adequate in the brew chamber,   3. A switch or sensor detects that the lid is closed,   4. A switch or sensor verifies that the removable receiving container is in place, and   5. A switch or sensor verifies that the cap or cork is in place in the Auto Capper.   
           2. Startup—The display now indicates “Ready”. User can push button to start default brew time or they can turn a knob to change the brew time, and then push start. An indication of time starts on the display as well so the user can see how much time is left in the process.   3. Brew—Starting the brew process will start the timer. On models that have an isolated water container  36  ( FIG. 9 ) the Logic Controller will also start pump  82  and fill the brew chamber or packet of coffee to the appropriate level. A water level sensor will stop the pump from overfilling.   4. Agitation—Once filled the logic controller will signal an agitation method to start. The agitation stage may be timed separately so it only occurs during part of the brew timer.       
 
         [0097]    Some examples: 
         [0098]    1. The logic controller may start an ultrasonic transducer to move the water, 
         [0099]    2. On models with an isolated water container, once pump  82  finishes filling the brew chamber the logic controller may switch a valve so the pump forces air into the brew chamber instead of water so that the water moves around. Alternatively, the pump may be used to recirculate the brew chamber water, 
         [0100]    3. A separate device may move a fin or the packet holder in the water.
       5. Dispense—When the brew timer finishes, the logic controller stops the agitation method if still active. The dispense valve  96  is then open. A dispense timer starts to give enough time for the extract to exit the brew chamber, and then the packet extraction is signaled to squeeze the packet. If the model includes a pump:
           1. a sensor will detect with the brew chamber is empty,   2. the dispense valve will close,   3. the brew chamber will be filled with fresh water,   4. a sensor will shut off the pump when it if filled and re-open the dispense valve which will finish filling the receiving container so that the extract is now a drinkable beverage,   5. the squeezing of the packet is deactivated during this process so that the brew chamber is flushed and cleaned for the next use   
           5. Auto capping—after the dispensing of the coffee into receiving container  35 , the dispense valve  96  closes. The removable receiving container  35  is capped by one of these methods:
           1. the container is screwed directly onto the apparatus so that an auto cap is not necessary,   2. the container is shifted by actuators and a cork or cap is put on it,   3. the container stays in the dispense location and a cap or cork swings over it and is placed on top using an actuator.   
           6. Reset—After the above steps are completed the display indicates it is finished.   7. Valves, Actuators, &amp; Ultrasonic Transducers       
 
         [0113]    Valves 
         [0114]    A valve or valves are used to control the dispensing of liquid throughout the process. 
         [0115]    Valves can be used to:
       1. open to allow water from the water container into the brew chamber ( FIG. 9 ) via the line  83 ,   2. close and prevent back flow into the pump (valve  86   FIG. 9 ),   3. re-route pumped water from directly into the packet during the brew process to flush out the brew chamber, and,   4. pump water directly into the receiving container via valve  96 .       
 
         [0120]    Actuators 
         [0121]    Actuators may be used to:
       1. move the packet in order to agitate during the brew process,   2. move a fin to agitate the water during the brew process,   3. squeeze, twist or compress the packet,   4. move the receiving container in and out of place for dispensing   5. move the receiving container in order to auto cap the container.       
 
         [0127]    A commercial version is shown in  FIG. 14  and is helpful for use in commercial kitchens, coffee shops. Multiple dispensing ports are provided which line up to a grid of bottles. For instance, if a company sells cold brew bottles and they are arranged 4×3 in a box, the dispensing ports are designed to match such an arrangement. The coffee company would open the box, slide it under the apparatus, wait for dispense, then cap and reseal the box without removing the bottles and handling them individually. The production line includes a tank  182  of cold water connected to a tank  181  serving as the brew chamber in turn connected to a tank  180  for holding the finished cold coffee. 
         [0128]    It is anticipated that a method of producing a cold brew coffee could including the steps of:
   1. receiving a prepackaged single dose of coffee from subscription service, local store, or grind it on location,   2. inserting a packet,   3. placing a removable receiving container under dispense port,   4. adding filtered water   5. activating controls to
       1. activate pre-determined brew time or   2. changing the brew time,   
       6. waiting 12-48 hours for brewing,   7. remove receiving container to drink immediately or refrigerate, and   8. disposal of the packet and washout the container   
 
         [0139]    The coffee maker device disclosed herein includes: 
         [0000]    1. a prepackaged single dose of ground coffee that acts as the proper filter for the brewing process, can include coffee grounds and water additives such as minerals, is designed to fit the apparatus so that an agitator can squeeze, twist or compress it in a way to extract the most liquid from it after the determined brew time,
 
2. a lid,
 
3. a container that,
       1. indicates the proper water fill level,   2. receives the prepackaged coffee,   3. houses the agitator components,
           1. ultrasonic or,   2. pump or,   3. mechanical movement,
 
4. an agitator that,
   
           1. holds coffee in the proper brewing position,   2. rotates the prepackaged coffee,   3. agitates the water and coffee for better extraction,   4. squeezes the coffee to remove excess water after brew time,
 
5. a pump that,
   1. moves water to the brewing chamber,   2. moves extract to the receiving container,   3. adds water to the receiving container,
 
6. a valve that,
   1. is controlled by a timer,   2. opens for a set period of time to dispense brewed beverage,
 
7. a housing for a container to receive the beverage for drinking,
 
8. a device to auto cap the receiving container after fill.
       
 
         [0155]    Many variations of the present invention are included herein. Best results have been achieved by allowing the water and coffee grounds to brew for 12 to 24 hours with the water being at room temperature. If the coffee grounds are ground fine, then typically a longer brew time is required as compared to using course ground coffee. The incoming water line may extend directly into the brew chamber or through the cap for the container of coffee or through the side walls or end walls of the container of coffee. 
         [0156]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.