Abstract:
The invention relates to a dispensing assembly for a coffee maker, such as a high capacity coffee urn, where the dispensing assembly includes an upper and lower body, a valve seat, a valve lever, and a valve seal. Pivoting the valve lever selectively engages the valve seal to lift it up and off the valve seat. In one preferred embodiment, the coffee maker/urn includes an actuatable button that is connected, via a linking mechanism, to the dispensing assembly. The linking mechanism transmits force applied to the actuating button so that the valve lever is engaged. An optional filter may be located adjacent to, and upstream from, the valve seal. The dispensing assembly is assembled as an integrated unit to provide a more robust dispensing apparatus that reduces or eliminates the likelihood of leaking from the valve. The dispensing assembly, therefore, provides pause and serve-type functionality for large capacity urns or standard coffee makers.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a coffee maker with a cup-actuated dispensing assembly. More specifically, the dispensing assembly of the present invention is intended for use with a large capacity urn but may be used with all types of brewed beverage makers. The assembly is leak resistant or leak proof and is, therefore, suited for a high capacity receptacle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Urns, such as coffee urns, for dispensing beverages have been known and sold for many years. Fluid dispensing urns may include electrical apparatus to heat, cool, or brew a fluid held in the urn. Typical and traditional dispensing urns include a spout extending at some point from a sidewall of the urn wherein a user actuates a valve associated with the spout to dispense the fluid in the urn. 
         [0003]    Coffee urns either hold previously brewed coffee or include a coffee brewing mechanism, such as a percolating mechanism. In a percolating coffee urn fresh water held in the urn moves up through a conduit via siphoning. The lower end of the conduit includes a fluid inlet, and the lower end of the conduit is at least partially held in place in order to support the conduit. The outlet end of the conduit ejects water above a filter basket holding coffee grinds. The heated water is infused by the coffee grinds, and the brewed coffee passes through the filter basket. The urn&#39;s fluid reservoir holds the brewed beverage where it is then optionally pulled through the conduit again until a particular strength of coffee is reached. The coffee is dispensed on-demand to a users cup. 
         [0004]    Coffee urns are known to include a base that contains a heater or other electrical apparatus. Although rare, some urns include an outlet located in the floor of the urn&#39;s fluid reservoir. These types of urns use manually actuated dispensing valves such as a stopcock. A cup-actuated dispensing assembly for a high capacity urn would preferably be more resilient and more leak resistant than known dispensing mechanisms. 
         [0005]    With known dispensing valves, a loose fitting filter is placed over the valve seal to screen out wayward coffee grinds. However, customers lose the loose fitting filters or forget to install the filters at all. A more reliable solution is needed. 
         [0006]    Known valves operate via a linking mechanism that connects the fluid-receiving receptacle to the operation of the valve. It is possible for the valve seal or the linking arms/levers to break. The broken valve and/or linkage may prevent the valve from properly sealing. Yet, many of the valve seals are directly connected to a linking mechanism component found on the exterior of the coffee maker housing where they can be damaged. Ideally, an improved dispensing mechanism for a coffee maker would eliminate or reduce the possibility of a structural failure leading to unintended dispensing of the brewed beverage. 
         [0007]    In general, the use of dispensing mechanism with a high volume receptacle raises new design requirements and considerations. Therefore, there exists a need for an improved dispensing assembly for a coffee urn. Ideally, the dispensing assembly would incorporate valve functionality while reducing or eliminating the possibility of leaks from the dispensing assembly. Of course, an improved dispensing assembly could also used with other brewed beverage makers where the benefits of the improved dispensing assembly would also be appreciated. A dispensing assembly in accordance with the present invention will solve one or more of these or other needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In accordance with the present invention, a brewed beverage maker with an improved dispensing assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the beverage maker is a coffee maker comprising a large capacity coffee urn. The coffee maker&#39;s housing forms a brewed beverage reservoir. The reservoir includes a brewed beverage outlet in the floor of the reservoir. 
         [0009]    The dispensing assembly comprises an upper and lower body to be selectively joined together. The upper body is placed above, and projects into, the reservoir outlet. The lower body is located on the exterior of the reservoir and is joined to the upper body by known fastening means, such as by a threaded engagement. The dispensing assembly defines a fluid channel through the reservoir outlet. The assembly is operative to selectively open and close the channel. 
         [0010]    The dispensing assembly further includes a pivotable valve lever, a valve seat, and a valve seal. The valve seal is spring biased down into the valve seat. The valve lever selectively displaces the valve seal to open and close the valve provided by the dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly is thought to be more resilient and foolproof than known dispensing assemblies and is, therefore, more suitable for use with a relatively large capacity coffee urn. The dispensing assembly can also replace APS or cup-actuated APS-style mechanisms in standard brewed beverage makers. In the context of a automatic drip coffee (ADC) maker, “brewed” beverage “reservoir” or “reservoir” is defined and refers to herein as the space below a filter basket and above a brewed beverage outlet “Reservoir” can also apply to carafe-type reservoirs. The dispensing assembly is intended for use with all types of brewed beverage makers. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the user directly or indirectly actuates the valve lever to open the dispensing assembly valve. In another preferred embodiment, the beverage maker further includes a cup-actuated button and a linking mechanism that transmits force applied to the button to the valve lever. The valve lever translates the motion of the linking mechanism to lift the valve seal off the valve seat. 
         [0012]    The dispensing assembly may further include an integrated cap or filter. The cap would be secured above the valve seat. In a preferred embodiment, the cap includes a plurality of apertures sized and shaped to prevent or reduce the possibility of the valve seat becoming contaminated by an object found in the reservoir (e.g., coffee grinds). In still greater detail, the cap/filter and the valve seal are located on a post. A spring sits on the underside of the filter and around the post in order to bias the valve seal down into the valve seat. The integrated filter ensures that a filter is in place when the dispensing assembly is assembled to the coffee maker. 
         [0013]    A dispensing assembly in accordance with the present invention efficiently addresses at least one of the shortcomings associated with the prior art. For example, the optional integrated filter eliminates or reduces the possibility of coffee grinds reaching the valve seat. The chance of grinds entering the users coffee mug is also reduced. Also, for the dispensing assembly of the present invention, if any portion of the linking mechanism falls, the valve seal is still properly biased into the valve seat, which reduces the chances for catastrophic failure of the dispensing assembly. In addition, the entire assembly can be detached from the urn for servicing or cleaning. As will be explained below, portions of the assembly can be removed as a module. The construction of the dispensing assembly allows for the dispensing assembly to be cleaned, repaired, refurbished, or the like in whole or in part. 
         [0014]    The dispensing assembly provides APS-style functionality for any brewed beverage maker and, in particular, a coffee maker where the coffee maker stores the brewed beverage in a brewed beverage reservoir. Therefore, the dispensing assembly of the present invention addresses at least one of the above and/or additional shortcomings of known brewed beverage dispensing mechanisms. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment of the brewed beverage maker described herein, the fluid reservoir includes structural components to be received by or mated to corresponding structural components of a separate base unit. The reservoir is selectively removable from the base. In addition, unlike traditional brewed beverage makers, the urn described herein may interchangeably comprise multiple different reservoirs of varying sizes wherein each reservoir, which provides a range of fluid storage capacities, is operable to mate with the standard base unit. The interchangeable reservoirs include standard structural components to be received by the base. The dispensing mechanism for each reservoir need not be identical. However, each dispensing mechanism for the respective reservoir would cooperate with an actuatable button and linking mechanism on the base (if provided) wherein the button and linking mechanism control the operation of the dispensing mechanism. Therefore users, such as catering companies, can strategically select the reservoir for particular events, functions and parties. 
         [0016]    Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a coffee maker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an additional perspective view thereof; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of thereof; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the dispensing assembly of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view thereof; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a valve lever for use with the dispensing assembly of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is top view thereof; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the dispensing assembly, an actuatable button, and a linking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    A dispensing assembly for use with a brewed beverage maker in accordance with the present invention provides highly reliable and resilient dispensing valve. With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , a coffee maker  10  has a fluid reservoir  12  that sits atop a base  14 . The illustrated coffee maker is a percolating-style coffee urn. However, it should be understood that the present invention would be operable with other types of coffee/beverage makers, including drip-type coffee makers, and could be used in place of known APS mechanisms or cup-actuated APS-style mechanisms. 
         [0027]    Briefly, and as illustrated, reservoir  12  includes legs  16  that are inserted into base apertures  18 . The base and apertures selectively support the reservoir in a specific alignment. A pair of clamps  20 ,  20 ′ secure reservoir  12  to base  14  for added stability or in order to transport coffee maker  10 . 
         [0028]    Base  14  provides an electrical connection  22  that operates to transmit energy to a heating element (not illustrated) in reservoir  12 . The element heats the contents of reservoir  12  to initiate percolating-type coffee brewing. Additional electrical components are contained in base  14 , including means to connect heating element  22  to an energy source (not illustrated). A power button  24  on the face of base  14  is optionally included to start and/or stop the brewing cycle. An LED  26  can provide information to the operator by indicating to the user whether the brewing cycle is in process, whether element  22  is hot, or the like. The operation of, and incidental electrical components found in, the coffee maker are known in the art and do not need further elaboration here. 
         [0029]    Reservoir  14  also includes additional features commonly found with coffee urns. For example, a pair of handles  28 ,  28 ′ is provided to lift and transport reservoir  14  or beverage maker  10 . A lid  30  selectively covers reservoir  14 . A sight glass  32  allows the user to not only determine the volume of fluid in reservoir  14 , but also to inspect the strength (indicated by the color) of the brewed beverage. In the context of an automatic drip coffee maker, “reservoir” would be defined as the space below a filter basket and above a reservoir outlet (i.e., the fluid outlet to a carafe or other receptacle). The reservoir for most automatic drip coffee maker would only store the brewed beverage in the event that the dispensing assembly or valve closes the outlet. On the other hand, an urn-type reservoir stores a brewed beverage unless an on-demand valve is opened to permit dispensing of the beverage. The dispensing assembly of the present invention is intended for use with urns, automatic drip beverage makers, and the like. 
         [0030]    Unlike standard brewed beverage makers or coffee urns, base  14  of the present invention further includes a recess  40  sized and shaped to allow a cup, mug or other receptacle to be placed within base  14  and under reservoir  12 . Within recess  40 , an optional, actuatable button  42  is positioned to be engaged by the receptacle placed beneath reservoir  12 . 
         [0031]    An outlet in the floor of the reservoir is positioned over the recess. The outlet (not illustrated) is an aperture in the reservoir. A dispensing assembly  50 , although not illustrated in detail in  FIG. 1 , is assembled within the outlet. The dispensing assembly provides a fluid channel from reservoir  12  to recess  40 . Dispensing assembly  50  selectively permits the dispensing of the brewed beverage held in reservoir  12 . 
         [0032]    Legs  16  comprise structural components to be received by or mated to corresponding structural components of the separate base unit  14 . However, the specific components or structures used to mate the reservoir to the base could comprise other known components. In a preferred embodiment, the outer circumference of reservoir  12  matches the outer circumference of base  14  to create a “one-piece” ornamental design. Variations in design are envisioned. 
         [0033]    As illustrated in the exploded view of  FIG. 3 , reservoir  12  is selectively removable from base  14 . In addition, unlike traditional brewed beverage makers, urn  10  comprises multiple, interchangeable reservoirs of varying sizes (not illustrated) wherein each reservoir, which together provide a range of different fluid storage capacities, is operable to selectively mate with the standard base unit. In other words, the user has a kit that includes a single, standard base and a plurality of different-sized brewed beverage reservoirs that each have a bottom portion that fits upon the standard base to selectively mate with the standard base. 
         [0034]    In further detail, a reservoir with a fluid capacity half as large as the illustrated reservoir, would have a circumference equal to the circumference of the base of the illustrated reservoir  12 . Each reservoir within the kit could share an identical circumference, at least at the bottom portion of the reservoir where it mates with the standard base. Alternatively, the base and cross-section of a reservoir may be a shape other than the circular shape illustrated. As such, a reservoir with double the capacity of the illustrated reservoir would still have a bottom circumference equal to reservoir  12 . Each interchangeable reservoir includes standard structural components (e.g., legs  16 ) to be received by base  14  (e.g., received by base apertures  18 ), or vice-versa. In the context of a brewed beverage urn, the brewed beverage reservoir would further include beverage brewing apparatus, such as coffee percolating apparatus. 
         [0035]    The dispensing mechanism for each reservoir need not be identical. However, each dispensing mechanism for the respective reservoir would cooperate with actuatable button  42  and a linking mechanism on the base (if the button and linking mechanism are provided) wherein the button and linking mechanism control the operation of the dispensing mechanism. Therefore users, such as catering companies, can personalize the size of the reservoir for particular events, functions and parties. The capacity of the reservoirs can range from 20 to 150 cups. In a preferred embodiment, one reservoir in the kit has a capacity of 50 cups and another reservoir has a capacity of 100 cups. 
         [0036]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a perspective view of an assembled dispensing assembly  50  in accordance with the present invention. Assembly  50  includes two cylindrical, hollow structural components: lower body  52  and upper body  54 . The lower and upper bodies are selectively connected by known fastening means, such as by a threaded engagement. Upper body  54  is positioned above, and projects into, the reservoir outlet. The maximum diameter of the upper body exceeds the diameter of the reservoir outlet. Lower body  52  is positioned on the exterior of reservoir  12 . When assembled, the cylindrical and hollow upper and lower bodies  54 ,  52  define the fluid channel from reservoir  12  to recess  40 . 
         [0037]    A gasket  56  is placed between lower body  52  and the exterior of reservoir  12 . Joining upper body  54  to lower body  52  at least partially compresses gasket  56  in order to prevent fluid from bypassing or seeping out of reservoir  12  and around assembly  50 . A portion of upper body  54 , as further illustrated by  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  9 , is cylindrical with a diameter less than the diameter of the reservoir outlet. This portion of upper body  54  is selectively secured to lower body  52 , A cap  58  is also assembled to upper body  54  opposite lower body  52 . Cap  58  is selectively secured by known means, such as by threaded engagement to upper body  54 . Cap  58  includes at least one aperture permitting fluid in reservoir  12  to enter upper body  54 . In one preferred embodiment, cap  58  includes a plurality of apertures sized and shaped to filter out or inhibit foreign objects in the brewed beverage from entering assembly  50 . As illustrated, cap  58  includes spaced slots sized to filter objects, such as coffee grinds, found in reservoir  12 . In this preferred embodiment, cap  58  acts as a filter to reduce or eliminate the likelihood that an object may foul or contaminate dispensing assembly  50 . In particular, cap  58  reduces the possibility of coffee grinds or other foreign objects from contaminating a valve seat provided by lower body  52 . 
         [0038]    A post  60  passes through an aperture in cap  58 . A protrusion(s)  62  or clamp is added to the post  60  above cap  58  after assembly to prevent cap  58  from being removed from post  60 . Therefore, post  60  could include a channel in which a C-shaped clamp would be secured. The clamp is larger in diameter than the aperture in the cap through which the post was inserted. In another preferred embodiment, post  60  is inserted through cap  58  and is then forcefully crimped at the portion of the post exposed above the cap. The post is deformed by the crimping procedure thereby causing protrusions  62 . 
         [0039]    Lower body  52  comprises a cylindrical housing  64  into which upper body  54  is inserted. The exterior of cylindrical housing  64  includes a hinge appendage  66 . Appendage  66  provides a roughly rectilinear structure with a top  68  and two spaced apart and parallel sidewalls  70 ,  72 . The sidewalls include corresponding apertures through which a pin  74  may be inserted. 
         [0040]    With specific reference now to the exploded view of  FIG. 5 , it is further illustrated that cylindrical housing  64  includes female threads  80  to be engaged by male threads  82  provided by upper body  54 . Cap  58  includes male cap threads  84  to engage upper female threads  86  provided by upper body  54 . Different or additional fastening means for selectively connecting the upper and lower bodies, or the upper body and the cap, would be suitable. However, suitable fasteners should provide a fluid tight connection between the two corresponding components. 
         [0041]    A valve lever  76  includes first and second hinge arms  78 ,  78 ′. Each arm  78 ,  78 ′ includes an aperture that aligns with the sidewall apertures of hinge appendage  66 . A first end of lever  76  is dimensioned to fit within appendage  66 . Pin  74  passes through the apertures in sidewalls  70 ,  72  and hinge arms  78 ,  78 ′. This creates a pivot point about which lever  76  rotates. Pin  74  therefore creates an axis of rotation, and the first end of the lever is proximate to the axis of rotation. 
         [0042]    Post  60  is positioned within the channel defined by the upper and lower bodies  54 ,  52 . A valve seal  92  and spring  96  are also positioned about post  60 . Spring  96  is located on the post between cap  58  and valve seal  92 . A post stop  94  prevents valve seal  92  from sliding off the lower end of post  60 . Prior to assembly, post  60  does not include protrusions  62  or a clamp. These are added after the relative components are assembled on post  60 . After assembly, unscrewing cap  58 , provides for the removal of cap  58 , post  60 , valve seal  92 , and spring  96  as a modular unit. The construction and operation of assembly  50  will be better understood when considered in cross section and as described below. 
         [0043]    In accordance with dispensing assembly described herein, dispensing assembly  50  provides selective dispensing of a fluid in fluid reservoir  12  via an outlet located in the bottom of the reservoir. Taken in cross section, and as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , dispensing assembly  10  includes a valve seat  90  provided in lower body  52 . Basically, the fluid channel partially defined by lower body  52  is constricted by valve seat  90 . Valve seat  90  is an inverted, frustoconical opening located along the channel from reservoir  12  to recess  40 . 
         [0044]    Valve seal  92  also defines an inverted, frustoconical shape. Valve seal  92  is positioned in assembly  50  above valve seat  90 . The valve seal includes a central channel through which post  60  is inserted. The diameter of the central channel and post are substantially the same so that fluid in dispensing assembly  50  cannot flow through the seal channel and, thus, bypass valve seat  90 . 
         [0045]    The minimum diameter of valve seal  92  is less than the minimum diameter of valve seat  90  so that valve seal  92  can be inserted into valve seat  90 . However, valve seal  92  also includes a maximum diameter larger than the narrowest diameter of valve seat  90  so that valve seal  92  cannot pass completely through valve seat  90 . Placing valve seal  92  into seat  90  creates a seal that stops the flow of fluid through dispensing assembly  50 . Spring  96  creates a downward biasing force on valve seal  92 . 
         [0046]    The walls of valve seat  90  are more sharply sloped than the outer wall of valve seal  92 . The disparity between the two slopes creates less contact surface area between valve seat  90  and valve seal  92 . The reduced surface area provides a more reliable and consistent seal. In addition, the slope of the valve seat is thought to increase the flow rate of the fluid past the valve seal when the valve is displaced from the valve seat. The increased pressure/flow rate is more likely to wash foreign objects, such as coffee grinds, off of the valve seat. 
         [0047]    Post stop  94  has a diameter wider than the valve seal&#39;s central channel but less than the narrowest diameter of valve seat  90 . In one preferred embodiment, post stop  94  is a disk located about the end of the post and aligned perpendicular to the axis of the post. The truncated surface of the frustaconical valve seal rests flush against the top surface of post stop  94 . 
         [0048]    Compression spring  96  is also located about post  60  and is positioned between valve seal  92  and cap  58 . As briefly stated above, the dimensions of the spring ensure a constant downward bias on valve seal  92  and post stop  94 . The downward bias causes post  60  and post stop  94  to pass through valve seat  90 . Valve seal  92  then engages the seat and prevents further downward motion. The valve seal closes or seals the channel created by dispensing assembly  50  and prevents the flow of fluid through the dispensing assembly. 
         [0049]    As further illustrated in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6 , valve lever  76  is pivotable about pin  74 . Lever  76  is roughly perpendicular to the axis of the dispensing assembly channel. The first end of the lever is positioned within hinge appendage  66 . The first end includes a downwardly facing leg  100 . The second, or valve-engaging end, includes a cylindrical, funnel wall  102 , and, within assembly  50 , is positioned proximate to valve post stop  94  and/or valve seal  92 . The diameter of the cylindrical wall exceeds the diameter of the reservoir outlet. Wall  102  is “funnel shaped” in that the interior of the wall slopes inward moving from the top of the wall to the bottom of the wall. The wall defines a funnel opening beneath the reservoir outlet. The funnel opening is operable to guide dispensed fluid through the lever to a receptacle beneath the dispensing assembly. 
         [0050]    Vanes  103  extend inward from wall  102  towards a center point where there is supported a central member  104 . The height of the vertically aligned member (i.e., the member is aligned perpendicularly to the axis of lever  76 ) exceeds the height of wall  102 . The top of member  104  is closer to post stop  94  than the top of wall  102 . As the lever is pivoted about pin  74 , member  104  contacts post stop  94 . Sufficient force on lever  76  overcomes the downward bias of spring  96 . As such, lever  76 , via member  104 , selectively lifts valve seal  92  off of valve seat  90 . Member  104  has an ovoid shape to better channel fluid along the vertical axis of the member. In general, the lever acts to selectively open the channel defined by the upper and lower bodies of the dispensing assembly. 
         [0051]    At rest, member  104  may remain in contact with post stop  94  there may be some space between the member  104  and stop  94 . In a preferred embodiment, the second end of valve lever  76  is lower than the first end of lever  76 . Therefore, the lever slopes downwardly away from pin  74  towards post stop  94 . In another preferred embodiment, lever  76  is shaped or molded to provide a downward slope away from pin  74 . In any event, a downward slope is preferably provided so that fluid on top of lever  76  drains towards cylindrical wall  102 . 
         [0052]    At least one of the lever hinge arms  78 ,  78 ′ is extended or dimensioned so as to contact top  68  of appendage  66 . Specifically, the downward rotation of member  104  is limited because the extended hinge arm(s) acts as a stop. 
         [0053]    Lever  76  is further illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Viewed from the side, it is apparent that wall  102  is tapered towards member  104 . The tapered shape is thought to reduce or eliminate splashing and/or to further channel the fluid being dispensed from assembly  50  to a receptacle. Lever  76  further includes a dividing wall or divider  106  between wall  102  and the first end of valve lever  76 . Dividing wall  106  is arranged perpendicular to the axis of lever  76 . Divider  106  is provided to limit, reduce, or eliminate the possibility of the dispensed fluid contaminating the upper portion of lever  76 . Therefore, lever  76  is more sanitary and/or clean relative to the lever without the divider. 
         [0054]    Lever  76  can be pivoted directly or indirectly in order to selectively dispense the fluid. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a cup-actuated button  42  can be included on the brewed beverage maker. By depressing button  42  towards base housing  14 , force is translated into a forward motion by a linking arm  110 . Arm  110  rotates lever leg  100  toward member  104 . Therefore, lever  76  rotates about pin  74 , member  104  contacts post stop  94 , and valve seal  92  is lifted off of valve seat  90 . In the event lever  76  were to break or otherwise fail, spring  96  biases the seal onto the seat to provide a fail-safe mechanism. 
         [0055]    In use, fluid enters the dispensing assembling through the aperture or apertures in cap  58 , flows around valve seal  92 , through the valve seat opening and into the cup, mug, or other receptacle used to actuate button  42 . Through this linking mechanism, dispensing assembly  50  provides dispensing of a brewed beverage from a brewed beverage reservoir. However, in the event that linking arm  10 , or any part of lever  76  were to fail, valve seal  92  remains biased against valve seat  90 . 
         [0056]    The user may also selectively dismantle assembly  50  by disconnecting the upper and lower bodies. In addition, the cap, post, spring, and valve seal can be disconnected as a unit from the upper body. Therefore, assembly  50  can be disassembled from beverage maker  10  in order to clean, refurbish or replace the assembly, in whole or in part, as needed. 
         [0057]    Overall, the unique dispensing assembly for a brewed beverage maker of the present invention prevents or reduces the possibility of leaking from the dispensing valve. The possibility of a dispensing valve failure is also reduced relative to other dispensing assemblies. Moreover, the integrated cap/filter reduces foreign objects that might be found in a brewed beverage reservoir, such as coffee grinds, from entering the dispensing assembly and possibly contaminating the assembly or preventing a seal between the valve seal and valve seat. The optional linking mechanism dependably translates the movement of a cup-actuated button to selectively open the dispensing assembly. 
         [0058]    While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that numerous variations, modifications and additional embodiments are possible, and all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, the specific shape of the valve seal, lever, cap, or the like could be altered without deviating from the invention as claimed below.