Abstract:
Shown is a portable beverage apparatus. Also shown is a portable single serve beverage brewing apparatus designed to be used in conjunction with various single serve brewing apparatus or by itself.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The subject matter of this application is in the field portable single serve brewing apparatus and a method for brewing coffee or the like using the same. 
     2. Background 
     Brewed or steeped beverages are popular drinks throughout the United States and around the world. Coffee and tea are just two examples of brewed or steeped beverages that are consumed in large quantities on a daily basis. Many different types of brewing or steeping apparatus or applications are known and have proven useful for preparing brewed or steeped beverages. 
     Recently, “single-serve” (typically around twelve ounces or less) brew beverage apparatus have become common. However, these apparatus are not portable and, as a result, do not meet the needs of transient beverage drinkers. Furthermore, known beverage apparatus do not provide for customization of the brewing process to the taste of the beverage drinker. Portability and customization are particularly important in the office work-place setting where typically a single beverage apparatus must serve a variety of beverage consuming pallets or where every beverage consumer must bring a beverage apparatus into the work place. 
     Another problem that exist involves beverage apparatus with reusable cartridges. Typically, these apparatus offer the ability to customize a drink but offer poor filtering mechanics, leaving much of the micro grinds in a beverage. Also, reusable cartridges are difficult to clean and are “apparatus specific,” meaning they can only be used with one apparatus. Yet still, these reusable cartridges are not easily used to produced customized drinks. Thus, a need exists for a system that is more universal and that features customizable filtration. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, an objective of this disclosure is to describe a beverage brewing apparatus that is portable and capable of customizable brewing of beverages. Another objective of the disclosure is to describe a beverage brewing apparatus with customizable filtration capabilities. In one embodiment, disclosed is a portable beverage apparatus for brewing coffee, tea, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage apparatus comprises a plunger, a wedge ring, and a base. Preferably, the plunger may be a substantially hollow cylinder with a cap that defines a storage receptacle for a beverage brewing material. Suitably, the wedge ring defines a convergingly tapering annulus and a pull tab and may be configured for axial movement along the exterior of the plunger into a cooperating and interfacing relation with an annular outward taper of the plunger that is adjacent to the cap. A preferred embodiment of the base features a platform with an orifice that is capable of coaxially receiving the wedge ring and interfacing with the outside of the annulus of the wedge ring via a friction fit. In a preferred mode of operation, one or more paper filters, e.g., a basket coffee filter, may be molded around the plunger and provided between the friction fit of the wedge ring and the base so that the base and wedge ring may support the filter in a dangling configuration. The selection of number of filters will depend on whether the user would like a “cleaner” beverage where micro grinds are removed from the beverage. When so assembled, brew material may be deposited in the filter and dangled over or within a beverage container for brewing a beverage. 
     In one mode of use: (1) a beverage filter may be molded around the plunger and held between the wedge ring and base; (2) the plunger with drawn from the filter so that the filter is retained between the wedge ring and base in a basked form with the shape of the plunger; (3) a beverage brewing material may be deposited within the filter and a beverage brewed via pour-over, steeping, or a combination of the two brewing techniques; and, the filter may be discarded after it is removed from between the wedge ring and base. 
     Other objectives and desires may become apparent to one of skill in the art after reading the below disclosure and viewing the associated figures. Also, these and other embodiments will become apparent from the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and attached figures in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portable beverage apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the beverage apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the beverage apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the beverage apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a plunger; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a wedge ring; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a base; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a filter; 
         FIG. 9  is flow diagram showing steps of assembling an operable configuration for the beverage apparatus; 
         FIG. 10  is a continuation of the flow diagram of  FIG. 9  for assembling another operable configuration for the beverage apparatus; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the operable configuration shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the operable configuration shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic for brewing a beverage according to one methodology wherein the apparatus operates as a filter for a steeped beverage; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic for brewing a beverage according to one methodology wherein the apparatus operates as a filter for a pour over brewing process; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic for brewing a beverage according to one methodology wherein the apparatus operates as a filter for a steep brewing process; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic for brewing a beverage according to one methodology wherein the apparatus operates as a strainer for a modified version of a pour over brewing process; and 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram for disassembling the brewing apparatus. 
     
    
    
     It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only typical embodiments of the disclosed assemblies, and therefore, are not to be considered limiting of their scope, for the disclosed assemblies may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are not necessarily made to scale. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In general, described is a beverage brewing apparatus that is portable and capable of customizable brewing of beverages. In a preferred mode of operation, filter paper is molded around a plunger, secured to a base via a wedge ring, and dangled over or within a beverage container for brewing a beverage. During periods of non-use, the apparatus may operate as a storage receptacle for beverage brewing material and is easily portable. The more specific features of a preferred embodiment of a brewing apparatus are disclosed in connection with the figures. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portable beverage apparatus  1000 .  FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the beverage apparatus  1000  of  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  are respectively a side view and an exploded side-view of the beverage apparatus  1000 . As shown, the beverage apparatus  1000  comprises: a plunger  1100 ; a wedge ring  1200 , and a base  1300 . As shown, the apparatus  1000  is an assembly of the plunger  1100 , wedge ring  1200 , and base  1300  wherein the parts are coaxially mated by restriction fit. As discussed in greater detail below, the apparatus  1000  may be assembled around a beverage filter (not shown) to mold the filter (not shown) into a basket type configuration whereby beverages may be brewed via a variety of brewing techniques. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the plunger  1100  is a substantially hollow and cylindrical receptacle  1110  with a cap  1120 . As discussed in greater detail below, the receptacle  1110  is preferably capable of receiving and retaining beverage brewing material like coffee grinds or tea leaves. As shown, the plunger  1110  has an outwardly tapering open upper end  1111  and a closed lower end  1112  with an upper rim  1113  being defined about the mouth of the open upper end  1111 . The plunger  1110  has side walls which extend upwardly from the lower end  1112  to the outwardly and radially tapered upper end  1111  adjacent to the rim  1113 . In one embodiment, the rim is threaded so that it may screw into a cap  1120 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the wedge ring  1200 , includes a convergingly tapering annulus with an open lower end  1211  and an upper end  1212  which comprises an upper interfacing surface  1213 . As indicated by the broken arrowed lines of  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the wedge ring  1200  is adapted to be moved axially over the side walls of the plunger until the rim interfacing surface  1213  is in interfacing engagement with the tapered upper end  1111  of the plunger (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). In one mode of operation, the wedge ring  1200  is shaped as, and may operate in the manner of, a funnel. A primary function of the wedge ring  1200 , as discussed below, is to retain a filter (not shown) within the base  1300  after the filter has been molded into a basket in the shape of the plunger. 
     Yet still referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the base  1300  is defined by a platform  1310  having an orifice  1320  which is open with an upper lip  1321 . This base  1300  may be adapted to telescopingly mate with the outside of the wedge ring with the lip  1321  in an abutting engagement with outside of the annulus  1213  of the wedge ring  1200  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the plunger  1110 , with the cap  1120  secured thereto.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the wedge ring  120 .  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the base;  1300 .  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a paper filter  2000  (e.g., a basket filter) (in later figures the filter is shown in broken lines and transparent so that the operation of the other components can be seen. The use of the above-described components will now be explained, the same being adapted for distinct steps in brewing processes. These processes are discussed later in connection with  FIGS. 13-16 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show a preferred mode of assembly for the brewing apparatus  1000 . Referring to  FIG. 9 , first, the wedge ring  1200  is moved axially as indicated by the arrowed lines until the upper end or rim or abutment surface  1213  is in abutting engagement with the tapering surface  1111  of the plunger  1100 . Second, a filter  2000  (e.g., a standard basket filter) is positioned about the exterior wall of the plunger with the wedge ring  1200  about the exterior of the plunger  1100 , as shown. Third, the filter may be shaped or formed by manually crushing it so as to conform generally to the configuration of the plunger. During this step, the base  1300  may be moved axially in the direction of the arrowed lines over the filter paper  2000 , which is now on the exterior of the plunger, until the lip  1321  abuts the external surface of the tapered annulus  1310  of the wedge ring  1300 . Fourth, the movement of the base  1300  captivates the margin of the filter  2000 . In the fourth step, the base captivates the margine of the filter against the restriction fit of the wedge ring  1300  as the three components are coaxially merged. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , in the fifth step, the base  1300  and wedge ring  1200 , together with the shaped or formed filter paper  2000  captivated therebetween, are removed by axially moving the combination from the plunger  1100 . Suitably, the plunger may be set aside, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , so that the filter  2000  may be dangled over or within a beverage container. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a flow diagram for the use of the assembly  1500  as a filter for a steeped beverage  3000 . As shown in part (a), the assembly  1500  may be supported over a beverage container  5000  via the base  1300  so that the filter  2000  dangles into the beverage container  5000 . Still referring to part (a), the steeped beverage may be poured through the filter  2000  into the beverage container  5000 . As shown in part (b), the beverage will continue through the filter  2000  into the beverage container  5000 . As shown in part (c), if any remnants of the steeped beverage remains in the filtered material collected by the filter  2000 , the plunger  1000  may be inserted into the filter to press any remaining beverage into the beverage container  5000 . Finally (part (d)), the assembly  1500 , may be removed and the beverage consumed. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a flow diagram for the use of the assembly  1500  as a filter for a pour over brewing process. As shown in part (i), the assembly  1500  may be supported over a beverage container  5000  via the base  1300  so that the filter  2000  dangles into the beverage container  5000 . Still referring to part (i), a beverage material  3000 , like coffee grinds or tea leaves, may be provided into the filter. Referring to part (ii), water or other fluid may be poured through the filter  2000  into the beverage container  5000  and the beverage material  3000 . As shown in part (iii), the beverage will continue through the filter  2000  into the beverage container  5000 . As shown in part (iv), if any remnants of the beverage remains in the beverage material  3000  within the filter  2000 , the plunger  1000  may be inserted into the filter to press any remaining beverage into the beverage container  5000 . Finally (part (v)), the assembly  1500 , may be removed and the beverage consumed. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a flow diagram for the use of the assembly  1500  as a filter for a steep brewing process. As shown in part (A), a beverage material  3000 , like coffee grinds or tea leaves, may be provided into the filter  2000 . Referring to part (B), the assembly  1500  may be supported over a beverage container  5000  via the base  1300  so that the filter  2000  dangles into the beverage container  5000  and into a steeping fluid. Still referring to part (B), the beverage may suitably steep through the filter  2000 . Suitably, the beverage will continue through the filter  2000  into the beverage container  5000 . As shown in part (C), if any remnants of the beverage remains in the beverage material  3000  within the filter  2000 , assembly  1500  may be removed from the beverage container and the plunger  1000  may be inserted into the filter to press any remaining beverage into the beverage container  5000 . Finally (part (D)), the assembly  1500 , may be removed and the beverage consumed. 
       FIG. 16  shows an alternative pour over brewing process wherein the assembly  1500  is supported by a frame  6000  and dangled over a beverage container  5000  for immediate filtering or straining of a beverage. As shown in part (A) the assembly  1500  may be supported over a beverage container  5000  via an apparatus  6000  so that the filter  2000  dangles over the beverage container  5000 . Still referring to part (A), the beverage may suitably be poured through the filter  2000 . Suitably, the beverage will continue through the filter  2000  into the beverage container  5000 . As shown in part (B), if any remnants of the beverage remains in the beverage material  3000  within the filter  2000 , the plunger  1000  may be inserted into the filter to press any remaining beverage into the beverage container  5000 . In one embodiment shown in part (C), the frame  6000  can replace the base  1300  of the assembly  1500  when a hole or orifice through the frame  6000  is the same or similar in diameter to the wedge ring  1200 . 
       FIG. 17  is a diagram for disassembling the brewing apparatus assembly  1500 . As shown, the assembly  1500  may be disassembled via pulling the pull tab  1210  of the wedge ring to separate the same from the base  1300 . Suitably, after separation of the base  1300  and the wedge ring  1200 , the filter  2000  will fall through the orifice in the base and may be discarded. 
     While the invention has been shown in a preferred embodiment, including a generally tubular or inverted truncated cone-shaped cup, it is recognized that departures may be made in the form of the cup and the mating matching rings to accommodate a square-shaped cup, for example; and it is further recognized that departures may be made from the invention as described within the spirit of this invention which is therefore not to be limited except as set forth in the claims which follow. 
     Although the method and apparatus is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead might be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments. 
     Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the e term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like, the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the Item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more,” or the like, and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that might be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future. 
     The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases might be absent. The use of the term “assembly” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, might be combined in a single package or separately maintained and might further be distributed across multiple locations. 
     Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives might be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration. 
     All original claims submitted with this specification are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.