Abstract:
A brewing device includes a base cup having a sidewall defining a plurality of openings that are covered with a filtering material. A bottom wall defines impermeable outlet probe receptacles sized and positioned to receive an outlet probe of a brewing device. Two or more adapter rings removably secure to the base cup thereby defining multiple combinations with differing volumes for use in different brewing devices and for preparing different numbers of servings. An adapter ring for multiple-serving implementations may include a tube along the side thereof with a bottom opening located below the lowermost surface of the adapter ring. An insert secures within each adapter ring and defines an inlet probe aperture and structures for creating a seal with respect to an inlet probe of a brewing device. In one embodiment, an adapter ring and the base cup are sonically welded together having a screen positioned therebetween.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/061082, filed Mar. 4, 2016, and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/182,879, filed Jun. 22, 2015, entitled BEVERAGE BREWING DEVICE, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This application relates to cartridges for holding a brewing medium for use with an automated beverage brewer. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There are numerous devices available today for making a single-serve brewed beverage, such as the single-server brewers shown and described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,708,600, and 6,079,315, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0004]    In a typical single-serve beverage brewer, a disposable beverage filter cartridge containing a dry beverage medium (such as tea or coffee) is disposed within a filter cartridge holder or brewing holster. To brew the beverage, the filter cartridge is pierced by inlet and outlet probes to accommodate a through-flow of metered hot water. The hot water infuses the dry beverage medium contained in the cartridge to thereby produce a single serving of the beverage. After the beverage is brewed, the cartridge is removed from the cartridge holder and it is discarded. 
         [0005]    By requiring the use of the disposable cartridges, the consumer is limited to the beverage selection of the cartridges on hand. Moreover, with each cartridge being disposed of after use, there is much needless waste. Thus there is a need for a reusable cartridge filter suitable for use with a beverage brewer described above that can be used with any desired dry beverage medium (coffee, tea, etc.). 
         [0006]    The apparatus and methods disclosed herein provide an improved approach for preparing brewed beverages using a beverage brewer designed to use disposable cartridges. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In one aspect of the invention a method for manufacturing a cup includes providing a base cup defining a bottom and a base sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom. The method further includes providing a first ring cup defining a first sidewall and an upper tube extending along an outer surface of the upper sidewall, the upper tube defining an upper opening and a lower opening. 
         [0008]    The method includes fastening the base cup to the first ring together and fastening a screen to at least one of the base cup and the first ring such that only fluid draining through the screen will be incident on the lower opening when the base cup, first ring, and screen are used in a brewing machine. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, securing the screen to the at least one of the base cup and the first ring comprises capturing the screen between the base cup and the first ring. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the base cup further comprises a lower tube portion projecting outwardly from an inner surface of the base sidewall, the lower tube portion defining a channel aligned with the lower opening. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, fastening the base cup to the first ring comprises sonically welding the base cup to the upper cup. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the base cup defines an outlet probe receptacle protruding inwardly from the bottom. In such embodiments, the method may further include (a) placing a first quantity of a brewing substance in the first ring and base cup; (b) securing a first lid to the first ring, the first lid defining a first inlet probe aperture; (c) inserting the first ring and base cup into a first cavity of a first beverage brewer; (d) inserting a first inlet probe of the first beverage brewer into the first inlet probe aperture; (e) brewing a first beverage by inputting liquid through the first inlet probe and drawing liquid out through the first outlet probe; (f) removing the base cup from the first ring; (g) removably fastening the base cup to a second ring, the second ring extending upwardly from the base cup a different extent than the first ring; (h) placing a second quantity of the brewing substance in the second ring and base cup; (i) securing a second lid to the second ring, the second ring defining a second inlet probe aperture; (j) inserting the second ring and base cup into a second cavity of a second beverage brewer, the second beverage brewer including a second outlet probe and having a second outlet probe of the second coffee maker projecting into the outlet probe receptacle; (k) inserting a second inlet probe of the second beverage brewer into the second inlet probe aperture; and (l) brewing a second beverage by inputting liquid through the second inlet probe and drawing liquid out through a second outlet probe. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the second ring extends upwardly from the base cup a smaller extent than the first ring. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the second ring and base cup when fastened to one another define a volume sized for brewing of a single serving; and 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the first ring and base cup when fastened to one another define a volume sized for brewing three or more servings. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the method further includes inserting the first outlet probe into the upper opening. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the upper tube extends downwardly beyond a lowermost edge of the first ring. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the tube defines a bottom opening, the bottom opening positioned outside of an interior volume defined by the base cup and second ring. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the base cup includes base threads, the first ring includes first threads, and the second ring includes second threads. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, fastening the first ring to the base cup comprises engaging the base threads with the first threads. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, fastening the second ring to the base cup comprises engaging the base threads with the second threads. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the outlet probe receptacle is a first outlet probe receptacle, the base cup further defining a second outlet probe receptacle, the first and second outlet probe receptacles being 180 degrees apart. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the outlet probe receptacle defines a continuous imperforated surface. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the first lid further comprises a resilient material and defines a recess on an upper surface of the first lid surrounding the first inlet probe aperture, the recess sized to receive a shoulder surrounding the first inlet probe. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings: 
           [0026]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are isometric cut-away views of a base cup in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a first adapter ring for securing to the base cup in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an inlet probe insert for securing to the first adapter ring in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the base cup having the first adapter ring secured thereto positioned within a beverage brewer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a second adapter ring for securing to the base cup in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an inlet probe insert for securing to the second adapter ring in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the base cup having the second adapter ring secured thereto positioned within a different beverage brewer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a side view of another embodiment of a brewing cup in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , a base cup  10  may be used in combination with one or more adapter rings in order to provide a reusable filter cartridge that can be used with multiple beverage brewers to prepare varying quantities of a brewed beverage. 
         [0038]    The base cup  10  may define an axis of symmetry  12  about which a sidewall  14  of the base cup  10  is generally symmetrical with various non-symmetrical features defined thereon. The sidewall  14  has a generally conical shape with a shallow tapering to conform to a cavity of a beverage brewer. A bottom wall  16  extends inwardly from the sidewall  14  such that some or all of the sidewall  14  extends above an upper surface of the bottom wall  16 . One or more outlet probe receptacles  18  protrude inwardly from one or both of the sidewall  14  and the bottom wall  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, two outlet probe receptacles  18  protrude upwardly through the bottom wall  16  and are disposed 180 degrees apart about the axis of symmetry  12 . The outlet probe receptacles  18  include pockets made of continuous, imperforated, impermeable material (e.g., the same material as the base cup) that isolate the contents of the base cup  10  from an outlet probe protruding into the outlet probe receptacle. In a typical beverage brewer, only one outlet probe is present. However, providing two receptacles  18  enables the user to position the base cup in two positions without interference from the outlet probe. 
         [0039]    The sidewall  14  further defines one or more filter apertures  20 . The filter apertures  20  may be large and occupy a major portion (e.g., between 50 and 80 percent) of the vertical (e.g., parallel to the axis of symmetry  12 ) and circumferential (e.g., about the axis of symmetry  12 ) extent of the sidewall  14  between the topmost and bottommost edges thereof. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , the filter apertures  20  are completely covered by filter material  22 . Any suitable reusable, durable filter may be used, such as a micro-screen mesh filter made from metal (such as gold or stainless steel, gold-tone filters), plastic, or fabric. The filter material  22  may be molded into the material of the sidewall  14  in order to resist separation from the sidewall  14  after repeated use. 
         [0041]    An upper rim of the sidewall  14  includes a fastening structure such as threads  24 , a snap-type fitting, or any other type of fastening structure. The filter apertures  20  are positioned between the threads  24  and the bottom wall  16  such that a seal may be created between the threads  24  and an adapter ring secured thereto. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , an adapter ring  30  may fasten to the base cup  10  such that together they form a cup sized to fit within a cavity of a beverage brewer that is sized to receive a particular type of disposable cartridge. In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter ring  30  is a continuous impermeable ring without apertures covered in filtering material. In some embodiments, openings covered in filtering material may be included in the adapter ring  30 . The adapter ring  30  may have a generally conical shape having a taper matching that of the sidewall  14  of the base cup  10  or being different therefrom. The adapter ring  30  includes fastening structures at its lower rim for securing to the base cup  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, threads  32  are defined on an inner surface of the adapter ring  30  and are sized to engaged the threads  24  of the base cup  10  and create a seal. 
         [0043]    An inner rim  34  may be defined on the ring  30  offset from the threads  32  along the axis of symmetry  12 . The rim  34  may include threads or a continuous ridge or groove for receiving an insert (see  FIG. 3 ). An outer rim  36  may protrude outwardly from, or near, the upper edge of the ring  30 , the upper edge of the ring  30  being the edge furthest from the threads  32  along the axis of symmetry  12 . The outer rim  36  may be sized to seat within a seating groove of a beverage brewer as described below. The outer rim  36  may include one or more tabs  38  that project outwardly form the remaining portions of the rim  36  in order to facilitate alignment. For example, the tabs  38  may be aligned with the outlet probe receptacles of the base cup  10  when the base cup  10  is fastened to the adapter ring  30 . The outer rim  36  may define flattened, inward-facing shoulders  40  that project upwardly from the rim  36  parallel to the axis of symmetry  12 . 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an insert  42  is positioned within the upper portion of the adapter ring  30  and defines a circumferential surface  44  sized to engage with the inner rim  34  of the adapter ring  30  thereby creating a seal. The insert  42  may be formed of a resilient polymer such that it may deform to permit insertion into the inner rim  34 . The insert  42  may include an outer rim  46  that projects outwardly from the surface  44  and rests on an upward facing surface (e.g., facing parallel to the axis of symmetry  12 ) of the adapter ring  30  when engaged with the groove  44  is engaged with the inner rim  34 . The outer rim  46  may be circular about the axis of symmetry  12  except for flattened  48  portions that are sized and positioned to engage with the shoulders  44  when the groove  44  is engaged with the inner rim  34 . 
         [0045]    The insert  42  further defines an inlet probe aperture  50  sized to receive an inlet probe of a beverage brewer. The insert  42  may include a sealing ring  52  projecting inwardly into the inlet probe aperture  50  in order to create a seal between itself and the inlet probe. Accordingly, the inner diameter of the sealing ring  52  may be smaller than that of the inlet probe such that elastic deformation of the sealing ring  52  is required to insert the inlet probe. An upper surface of the insert  42  may further include a recessed seat  54  surrounding the inlet probe aperture  50  and providing a surface for engaging a shoulder surrounding the inlet probe of a beverage brewer in order to create a seal. The spacer ring  30  may include a line, text, circumferential rib, or other structure  56  (see  FIG. 4 ) instructing a user as to the proper fill level. The level of the brewing medium within the spacer ring  30  and base cup  10  combination is preferably such that it does not contact the inlet probe of a beverage brewer when inserted within the inlet probe aperture  50  or otherwise is appropriate for the amount of a beverage to be brewed. 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  illustrates the base cup  10  secured to the adapter ring  30  and having the insert  42  engaged with the inner rim  34  of the adapter ring  30 .  FIG. 4  further shows an inlet probe  60  inserted within the inlet probe aperture  50 . A shoulder  62  or seal  62  made of a flexible polymer material surrounds the inlet probe  60  and engages the recessed seat  54  thereby promoting a seal. Likewise, the sealing ring  52  contacts the inlet probe and further promotes sealing. 
         [0047]    The base cup  10  and the adapter ring  30  are secured to one another by means of the engagement of the threads  24  of the base cup  10  with the threads  32  of the adapter ring  30 . The base cup  10  and some or all of the adapter ring  30  sit within a cavity  64  having a size and shape conforming to the size and shape of the base cup  10  and any portion of the adapter ring  30  positioned therein. The cavity  64  may include a rim seat  66  that is sized to receive the outer rim  36  of the adapter ring  30 , such as a countersunk portion  66  of a conical-shaped cavity  64  sized to receive the base cup  10  and adapter ring  30 . 
         [0048]    An outlet probe  68  protrudes into the cavity from a lower surface thereof and is positioned within one of the outlet probe receptacles  18 . In a typical beverage brewer, there is a single outlet probe  68 . Accordingly, the base cup may be rotated 180 degrees and still provide clearance for the outlet probe  68  in embodiments having two outlet probe receptacles  18 . 
         [0049]    The base cup  10  and at least a portion of the volume within the spacer ring  30  is filled with a brewing medium such as coffee, tea, cocoa, or any other herb or substance that may be used to infuse water. In use, the amount of the brewing medium does not rise above the fill indicating structure  56 , such as the “Fill Line” shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0050]    After the base cup  10  and spacer ring  30  combination is placed in the cavity  64  and the inlet probe  60  and shoulder  62  are engaged with the insert  42  as shown in  FIG. 4 , hot water is dispensed through the inlet probe  60 , passes through the brewing medium, passes out through the filter material  22 , and is drawn out through the outlet probe  68 . The beverage brewer then directs the water drawn into the outlet probe  68  into a cup or carafe in the conventional manner. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an adapter ring  80  may fasten to the base cup  10  such that together they form a cup sized to fit within a cavity of a beverage brewer that is sized to receive a particular type of disposable cartridge. In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter ring  80  is a continuous impermeable ring without apertures covered in filtering material. In some embodiments, openings covered in filtering material may be included in the adapter ring  80 . The adapter ring  80  may have a generally conical shape having a taper matching that of the sidewall  14  of the base cup  10  or being different therefrom. As is apparent in  FIG. 5 , the adapter ring  80  has a much greater extent parallel to the axis of symmetry  12  and is suitable for brewing multiple servings of a brewed beverage using a beverage brewer having a cavity sized to receive a much larger cartridge than the adapter  30  and base cup  10  combination. The adapter ring  80  includes fastening structures at its lower rim for securing to the base cup  10 . In particular, the adapter ring  80  includes fastening structures to secure to the exact same base cup  10  as can secure to the adapter ring  30  as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, threads  82  are defined on an inner surface of the adapter ring  80  and are sized to engaged the threads  24  of the base cup  10  and create a seal. 
         [0052]    An inner rim  84  may be defined on the ring  80  offset from the threads  82  along the axis of symmetry  12 . The rim  84  may include threads or a continuous ridge or groove for receiving an insert (see  FIG. 6 ). An outer rim  86  may protrude outwardly from, or near, the upper edge of the ring  80 , the upper edge of the ring  80  being the edge furthest from the threads  82  along the axis of symmetry  12 . The outer rim  86  may be sized to seat within a seating groove of a beverage brewer as described below. The outer rim  86  may include one or more tabs  88  that project outwardly form the remaining portions of the rim  86  in order to facilitate alignment. The outer rim  86  may define flattened, inward-facing shoulders  90  that project upwardly from the rim  86  parallel to the axis of symmetry  12 . 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an insert  92  is positioned within the upper portion of the adapter ring  80  and defines a circumferential surface  94  sized to engage with the inner rim  84  of the adapter ring  80  thereby creating a seal. The insert  92  may be identical to the insert  42  or may be different. For example, the insert  92  may have a larger diameter but otherwise have the same structural features as the insert  42 . 
         [0054]    The insert  92  may be formed of a resilient polymer such that it may deform to permit insertion into the inner rim  84 . The insert  92  may include an outer rim  96  that projects outwardly from the surface  94  and rests on an upward facing surface (e.g., facing parallel to the axis of symmetry  12 ) of the adapter ring  80  when engaged with the groove  44  is engaged with the inner rim  84 . The outer rim  96  may be circular about the axis of symmetry  12  except for flattened portions  98  that are sized and positioned to engage with the shoulders  90  when the groove  94  is engaged with the inner rim  84 . 
         [0055]    The insert  92  further defines an inlet probe aperture  100  sized to receive an inlet probe of a beverage brewer. The insert  92  may include a sealing ring  102  projecting inwardly into the inlet probe aperture  100  in order to create a seal between itself and the inlet probe. Accordingly, the inner diameter of the sealing ring  102  may be smaller than that of the inlet probe such that elastic deformation of the sealing ring  102  is required to insert the inlet probe. An upper surface of the insert  92  may further include a recessed seat  104  surrounding the inlet probe aperture  100  and providing a surface for engaging a shoulder surrounding the inlet probe of a beverage brewer in order to create a seal. 
         [0056]    Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the spacer ring  80  may include one or more a lines, ribs, or other structures  106  instructing a user as to the proper fill level. Inasmuch as the combined spacer ring  80  and base cup  10  enable the preparation of multiple servings, various lines  106  may be provided within the ring  80  each corresponding to a different number of servings. The level of the brewing medium within the spacer ring  80  and base cup  10  combination is preferably such that it does not contact the inlet probe inserted through the inlet probe opening  100  of a beverage brewer or otherwise is appropriate for the amount of a beverage to be brewed. 
         [0057]    The spacer ring  80  may be different from the spacer ring  30  in that a tube  108  extends along the outer surface of the spacer ring  80 . The tube  108  may be monolithically formed (e.g., co-molded) with the spacer ring  80  or secured thereto. An upper opening  110  of the tube  108  may be flush with an upper edge of the shoulders  90  and may be 90 degrees offset from the tabs  88  about the axis of symmetry  12 . 
         [0058]    A lower opening  112  of the tube  108  may be positioned at or below the lowermost edge of the spacer ring  80 . In the illustrated embodiment, an extension  114  extends below the lower edge of the spacer ring  80  and the lower opening  112  is defined by a lowermost surface of the extension  114 . As is apparent in  FIG. 5 , the cross-section of the tube  108  within the extension  114  (perpendicular to the axis of symmetry  12 ) changes above the lowermost edge of the spacer ring  80  down to the lower opening  112  of the tube  108 . In particular, the cross-section becomes larger due to increased space between the tube and the inner wall of the spacer ring  80  due to the tapered shape of the spacer ring. In this manner, resistance to fluid flow is reduced. 
         [0059]      FIG. 7  illustrates the base cup  10  secured to the adapter ring  80  and having the insert  92  engaged with the inner rim  84  of the adapter ring  80 .  FIG. 7  further shows an inlet probe  120  inserted within the inlet probe aperture  100 . A shoulder  122  or seal  122  made of a flexible polymer material surrounds the inlet probe  120  and engages the recessed seat  104  thereby promoting a seal. Likewise, the sealing ring  102  contacts the inlet probe  120  and further promotes sealing. 
         [0060]    The base cup  10  and the adapter ring  80  are secured to one another by means of the engagement of the threads  24  of the base cup  10  with the threads  82  of the adapter ring  80 . The base cup  10  and some or all of the adapter ring  80  sit within a cavity  124  having a size and shape conforming to the size and shape of the base cup  10  and any portion of the adapter ring  80  positioned in the cavity  124 . The cavity  124  may include a rim seat  126  that is sized to receive the outer rim  86  of the adapter ring  80 , such as a countersunk portion  126  of a conical-shaped cavity  124  sized to receive the base cup  10  and adapter ring  80 . 
         [0061]    An outlet probe  128  protrudes downwardly from above the cavity  124  and is positioned relative to the inlet probe  120  such that the outlet probe  128  extends into the upper opening  110  of the tube  108  when the inlet probe  120  is positioned within the inlet probe aperture  100  of the insert  92 . Note that the outlet probe  128  does not extend into either outlet probe receptacle  18 , which are not of use with the type of beverage brewer shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0062]    The base cup  10  and at least a portion of the volume within the spacer ring  80  is filled with a brewing medium such as coffee, tea, cocoa, or any other herb or substance that may be used to infuse water. After the base cup  10  and spacer ring  80  combination is placed in the cavity  124  and the inlet probe  120  and shoulder  122  are engaged with the insert  92  and the outlet probe  128  is inserted within the tube  108  as shown in  FIG. 7 , hot water is dispensed through the inlet probe  120 , passes through the brewing medium, passes out through the filter material  22 , and is drawn out through the outlet probe  128 . The beverage brewer then directs the water drawn into the outlet probe  128  into a cup or carafe in the conventional manner. In the illustrated embodiment, a seal may exist between the walls of the spacer ring  80  and/or base cup  10  and the walls of the cavity  124  such that suction applied through the tube  108  may draw liquid out of the cavity  124 , rather than simply drawing in ambient air. Additionally or alternatively, the cavity  124  itself may be sealed by a cover included in the beverage brewer such that suction applied through the tube  108  will be effective to draw infused liquid within the cavity  124  notwithstanding the fact that the bottom opening  112  is not at the bottom of the cavity or connected to the volume enclosed by the base cup  10 . 
         [0063]    In use, the base cup  10  and spacer rings  30 ,  80  may be sold and stored as a kit. A user may then secure one spacer ring  30 ,  80  to the base cup  10 , use it as described above to brew a beverage. The user may then secure the other spacer ring  80 ,  30  to the base cup  10  and use it as described above. A single product is therefore able to hold a brewing medium and perform filtering for multiple types of beverage brewers and for single serve use as well as multiple serving use. Although only two spacer rings  30 ,  80  are disclosed herein, other numbers and configurations of spacer rings  30 ,  80  may be used to accommodate still more types of beverage brewers. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in the illustrated alternative embodiment, an upper ring  130  secures to a base cup  132 . In this embodiment, the upper ring  130  may permanently secure to the base cup  132 , such as by means of adhesive, sonic welding, or some other fastening means. 
         [0065]    The base cup  132  defines a sidewall  134  fastened to the upper ring  130  and a bottom  136  spanning the bottom edge of the sidewall  134  to define the bottom of the cup defined by the combination of the base cup  132  and upper ring  130 . 
         [0066]    The upper ring  130  defines an upper tube portion  138  protruding from a lateral surface thereof. The base cup  134  further defines a lower tube portion  140  protruding from the sidewall  134  and aligned with the upper tube portion  138 . 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , in the illustrated embodiment, rim  142  projects outwardly from an upper edge of the ring  130 . The rim  142  includes a pair of inward facing surfaces  144 . The surfaces  144  are parallel to one another and oriented vertically. The surfaces  144  engage corresponding surfaces  146  formed on the edge of a lid  148  seated on the rim  142 . 
         [0068]    An upper surface of the lid  148  may be marked with taggant based inks or other indicia that are detectable by a beverage brewer in which the illustrated brewing cup is placed. In particular labeling on the lid  148  may be duplicated (e.g., on either side of the illustrated line AA or some other line of symmetry) such that the lid may be secured to the rim  142  in two positions. In this manner, damage to one instance of the labeling will not render the lid inoperable since another instance is available on the opposite side. In other embodiments, one side of the lid bears labeling triggering single-serving operation by a beverage brewer and another side bears labeling triggering multi-serving operation. In this manner by rotating the lid 180 degrees, the functions invoked by the beverage brewer may be changed. Because of the shape of the lid, e.g., the flattened areas  144 , it may be secured to the ring  130  in only two positions corresponding to single-serving and multi-serving operation. 
         [0069]    In some embodiments, the taggant-based inks are printed on a thin sheet of polypropylene, e.g., 10/1000 of an inch thick. This material is then inserted into the lid mold and the plastic of the lid  148  is injected around it, forming a one piece, fully vulcanized part. 
         [0070]    The rim  142  may include a tab  150  defining an opening  152 . The opening  152  may be in fluid communication with a channel defined by the upper tube portion  138 . In use, an outlet probe  128  of a beverage brewer will insert into the opening  152  in the same manner as is shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0071]    The lid  148  may define an opening  154  into which an insert  156  is inserted. The insert  156  may comprise a flexible and resilient polymer and define an opening  158  for receiving the inlet probe  102  of a beverage brewer in the same manner as is shown in  FIG. 7 . The flexible and resilient material of the insert  156  enables the creation of a seal with respect to the inlet probe  102 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 8 through 10  that is sectioned along line AA. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert  156  may define a groove  160  receiving a ridge  162  encircling the opening  154  thereby retaining the insert  156  within the opening  154 . As is apparent, the insert  156  is concave and defines a cavity for receiving the shoulder  120  surrounding an inlet probe  102  (see  FIG. 7 ) and creating a seal. Sealing may also be promoted by snug engagement of the inlet probe  102  with the opening  158 . 
         [0073]    The lid  148  may snap into engagement with the ring  130 . For example, the ring  130  may define an inward ridge  164  that engages a groove  166  formed on a circumferential surface of the lid  148 . 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the upper tube portion  138  defines a channel  168  extending from the opening  152  to a lower opening  170  and that is separate from the central volume defined by the ring  130 . The lower tube portion  140  defines a channel  172  that is positioned to align with the opening  170 . In the illustrated embodiment, the channel  172  is a portion of the volume defined by the base cup  132  that protrudes outwardly form the inner surface of the sidewall  134  in order to connect the volume defined by the base cup  132  to the opening  170 . 
         [0075]    A screen  174  secures between the ring  130  and the sidewall  134  of the base cup  130  in order to prevent brewing media from being drawn up through the channel  168 . In the illustrated embodiment, the screen  174  is positioned between a downward facing surface  176  defined near the lower edge of the ring  130  and an upward facing surface  178  defined at the upper edge of the sidewall  134  of the base cup  132 . Accordingly, when the ring  130  is secured to the base cup  130 , such as by sonic welding, the screen  174  will be securely fastened. 
         [0076]    In the illustrated embodiment, the ring  130  defines a recess  180  that seats around a corresponding recess  182  defined by the sidewall  134 . A sonic welding joint between the ring  130  and sidewall  132  may occur at the interface between the recesses  180 ,  182 . In the illustrated embodiment, a portion  184  of the ring  130  projects downwardly between the screen  172  and the channel  172  such that there is no fluid path from the volume within the ring  130  to the channel  172  other than through the screen  174 . 
         [0077]    While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.