Patent ID: 12245715

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A reusable beverage brewing device20formed in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may best be seen by referring toFIG.1. The beverage brewing device20is suitable for use with a multi-use, single-cup beverage brewer, such as a coffee brewer B. More specifically, the beverage brewing device20is configured to contain a preselected dry beverage medium, such as coffee grounds, and interface with inlet and outlet probes I and O of a beverage brewer B when received within a brewing holster H (shown in hidden lines only) of the beverage brewer B to brew a beverage for dispensing into a cup C. For instance, the beverage brewing device20is designed to work with most Keurig™ single-cup beverage brewers, which is similar to the beverage brewer B depicted inFIG.1. However, it should be appreciated that the beverage brewing device20may instead be used with any suitable beverage brewer. Accordingly, the illustrations and depictions set forth herein shall not be seen as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, the beverage brewing device20will now be described in detail. The beverage brewing device20has an overall shape and configuration to be removably received within the brewing bolster H of the beverage brewer B. More specifically, the beverage brewing device20has a substantially cup-shaped, cylindrical body26that corresponds in shape and size to the interior of the brewing holster H of the beverage brewer B.

The cup-shaped body26has a curved, substantially vertical sidewall28extending between an open top end30and a closed bottom end34defined by a substantially flat bottom surface42. The sidewall28and closed bottom end34define a brew chamber36within the interior of the cup-shaped body26. The brew chamber36is sized and shaped to receive the dry beverage medium, such as coffee grounds.

A filter38is disposed within openings in the body26for filtering water as it passes through the brew chamber36. More specifically, the filter38allows a brewed beverage to pass therethrough while retaining the dry beverage medium within the body26. In that regard, 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. In this manner, the brewed beverage, such as coffee, flows through the dry beverage medium contained within the body26and ultimately through the filter38and into a cup C positioned below the brewing holster H of & beverage brewer B.

Although the filter38may be disposed in any suitable openings within the body26, in the depicted embodiment, the filter38is disposed within openings in the sidewall28and the bottom surface42of the body26. Specifically, the sidewall28includes a first pair of openings40disposed opposite a second pair of substantially identical openings44(only partially shown for case of illustration). The bottom surface42similarly includes a first pair of openings48disposed opposite a second pair of substantially identical openings50. The brewed beverage may flow through the openings40and44in the sidewall and through the openings48and50in the bottom surface42into the brewing holster H. The brewing holster H and/or the beverage brewer B may include suitable structure (not shown) to funnel or otherwise direct the brewed beverage down into the cup C for consumption.

The filter38may be secured within the body26in any suitable manner such that the edges of the filter38do not form an abrupt edge within the interior of the brew chamber36. For instance, the filter38may be molded within the body26or otherwise fused into the sidewall28and the bottom surface42of the body26. In this manner, a smooth, substantially seamless transition is defined between the filter38and the body26. With this substantially seamless transition, the filter38has no exposed edges or frayed wires. As such, any dry beverage medium, such as coffee grounds, will not become lodged within crevices that would otherwise be created by any exposed or frayed edges.

As noted above, the closed bottom end34is defined by a substantially flat bottom surface42. With a substantially flat bottom surface42, the beverage brewing device20can be easily set onto a surface, such as a counter, and the brew chamber36can be filled with the desired dry beverage medium. In other words, the substantially flat bottom surface42allows for hands-free filling and less mess when filling the brew chamber36with, for instance, coffee grounds.

With the brew chamber36filled with, for instance, coffee grounds, the beverage brewing device20may be disposed within a brewing holster H of a beverage brewer B to brew a beverage. As discussed briefly above, the beverage brewing device20is configured for use within a brewing holster H of a beverage brewer having an outlet probe O that extends upwardly into the brewing holster compartment of the beverage brewer B. In that regard, the body26includes first and second opposing outlet probe receptacles54and58extending upwardly from the bottom surface42of the body26. Each outlet probe receptacle54and58defines an opening of a sufficient size and is of a sufficient depth to receive the outlet probe O so that the beverage brewing device20may be fully received within the brewing holster H. Moreover, the receptacles54and58define a continuous extension of the bottom surface42to fluidly isolate the outlet probe O from the brew chamber36when the outlet probe O is received within one of the first and second outlet probe receptacles54or58.

The first and second outlet probe receptacles54and58are disposed on opposite sides of the bottom surface42of the body26such that the beverage brewer20may be configured in one of two positions to seat within the brewing holster H (i.e., with one of the first and second opposing outlet probe receptacles54and58receiving the outlet probe O). It should be appreciated that the body26may instead include only one outlet probe receptacle such that the beverage brewer20is positionable in only one position within the brewing holster H. As yet another alternative, three or more outlet probe receptacles may instead be formed within the body26such that the beverage brewer20may be configured in three or more positions within the brewing holster. Even further, it should be appreciated that the outlet probe receptacle may instead be defined as a single annular receptacle extending along the circumferential edge of the bottom surface42of the body26. In this regard, the beverage brewing device20could be seated within the brewing holster H in an unlimited number of positions with the outlet probe O received anywhere in the annular receptacle. Thus, the descriptions and illustrations provided herein should not be seen as limiting.

Each of the first and second opposing, outlet probe receptacles54and58extend upwardly from the bottom surface42of the body26to receive the outlet probe O when the beverage brewing device20is received within the brewing holster H. In this manner, the bottom surface42of the body26can remain substantially flat to provide at least the benefits noted above, with the receptacles54and58extending upwardly therefrom into the brew chamber of the body26to receive the outlet probe O.

Moreover, by forming the outlet probe receptacles54and58within the bottom surface42and positioning the outlet probe receptacles54and58to engage the outlet probe O in one of two positions (rather than, for instance, having an entire bottom cavity suitable to accept the outlet probe in any number of positions), the body26can effectively have a deeper, larger interior brew chamber capacity. A larger brew chamber36, as can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, can hold more dry beverage medium, such as coffee grounds, and can help create more turbulence during brewing for a more uniform, more efficient, and more thorough beverage extraction. The increased internal volume of the brew chamber36therefore accommodates consumers that prefer a stronger brew or more ounces of brewed coffee.

The body26is also formed such that its interior surface, including the surface defined by the outlet probe receptacles54and58, has substantially rounded edges. As a result, the interior surface of the body26includes no hard-edged transitions and no crevices or corners where coffee grounds or other dry beverage mediums can get stuck. This helps ensure an easier cleanup for the consumer after the use of the beverage brewing device20. In this manner, after each use, the beverage brewing device20may be quickly cleaned and reused for brewing another beverage.

To help align the beverage brewing device20within the brewing holster H such that the one of the first and second opposing outlet probe receptacles54and58receives the outlet probe O, the beverage brewing device20may include first and second opposing grips62and66that are receivable within correspondingly shaped cavities R (only one cavity R shown in hidden lines inFIG.1for clarity) in the brewing holster H when the beverage brewer20is disposed in the brewing position. The first and second grips62and66protrude from an exterior surface of the curved sidewall28of the body26. The grips62and66may be any suitable shape and size such that they are receivable within correspondingly shaped first and second cavities in the brewing holster H. In the depicted embodiment, each of the first and second grips62and66include a curved lower grip portion70that is somewhat semi-circular in shape. The curved lower grip portion70is receivable within the correspondingly shaped curved cavity R defined within the brewing holster H.

With the curved lower grip portion70of each of the first and second grips62and66received within the correspondingly shaped curved cavity R of the brewing holster H, the beverage brewing device20is aligned within the brewing bolster H such that one of the first and second opposing outlet probe receptacles54and58receives the outlet probe O. Thus, the positioning of the grips62and66within the cavities R ensures that the body26is positioned within the brewing holster H in only in one of two positions, separated by one hundred eighty degrees (180°).

In addition to positioning the beverage brewing device20within the brewing holster H, the first and second grips62and66are sized and configured to be graspable by a user for helping to insert and remove the beverage brewing device20from within the brewing holster H. In that regard, a substantially flat upper grip portion74extends across the diameter of the semi-circular shape of the curved lower grip portion70. Moreover, the first and second grips62and66are formed near the upper open end of the body26such that the upper grip portion74is sufficiently graspable by a user to remove the brew device20from within the brew holster H. For instance, the first and second grips62and66may be formed on the body26such that at least the upper grip portion74protrudes from an upper open end of the brewing holster H when the beverage brewing device20is received within the brewing holster H in the brewing position.

To aid in grasping the first and second grips62and66, the upper grip portion74and lower grip portion70define a gripping cavity78that beverage brewing device20extends from the outer edge of the lower and upper grip portions70and74to the body26(or near the body26). The gripping cavity78may be sized, for instance, to accommodate a user's fingertip when gripping the upper grip portion74to insert and remove the beverage brewing device20from within the brewing holster H.

The first and second grips62and66are also designed to help dissipate heat generated within the brew chamber36of the body26when brewing a beverage. The lower grip portion70and upper grip portion74extend from the outer surface of the sidewall28of the body26with a cavity78defined by the lower and upper grip portions70and74. As such, the surface area of the lower and upper grip portions70and74are maximized to help dissipate heat. The heat-dissipating design of the first and second grips62and66helps insulate the user from the post-brewing temperature of the beverage brewing device20. Accordingly, the beverage brewing device20can be safely and more quickly removed from the brewing holster H after the beverage is brewed.

Referring additionally toFIG.4, before positioning the body26within the brewing holster H for brewing a beverage, the brewing chamber36is first enclosed by a removable lid84. The lid84is sized and configured on an exterior side to mate with the inlet probe I of a beverage brewer B when the beverage brewing device20is received within a brewing holster H. (SeeFIG.2). Moreover, the lid84is sized and configured on an interior side to seat within the top opening defined by the body26and distribute water received from the inlet probe I for brewing. (SeeFIG.3).

Referring toFIGS.2and4, the exterior side of the lid84suitable for mating with the inlet probe I of a beverage brewer B will first be described in detail. The lid84includes a lid body86that is substantially circular in overall shape to match the circular top opening defined by the cylindrical or cup-shaped body26of the beverage brewing device20. The lid body86defines a substantially flat upper surface such that when the lid84is closed, the upper surface of the lid body86is suitable to mate with a flat portion of an inlet probe assembly of the beverage brewer B (seeFIG.4).

When closed, the lid84is suitable for receiving the inlet probe I of the beverage brewer B and then distributing the water from the inlet probe I into the brew chamber36of the beverage brewing device20for brewing a beverage. In that regard, a dispersion cone opening88is defined in substantially the center of the lid body86. The dispersion cone opening88is configured to place the inlet probe I into fluid communication with a dispersion cone124suitable for maximizing the water volume intake capacity of water from the inlet probe I.

The dispersion cone opening88is in fluid communication with a stepped receptacle90formed within the lid body86that is sized and configured to sealingly receive an elastomeric receptacle plug92therein. The stepped receptacle90is substantially circular in overall shape and extends downwardly from the substantially flat upper surface of the lid body86. The stepped receptacle90includes a transverse plug shoulder94surrounding the dispersion cone opening88that is configured to abut against a receptacle shoulder portion96of the receptacle plug92when the plug92is received therein.

The stepped receptacle90further defines an annular protrusion98formed inwardly of the transverse plug shoulder94(i.e., toward the dispersion cone assembly110) that is configured to releasably receive an annular recess102of the receptacle plug92. The interface of the annular protrusion98and the annular recess102defines a seal-tight fit between the stepped receptacle90and the receptacle plug92. Moreover, when the annular recess102is received on the annular protrusion98, a snap-fit is defined therebetween to indicate to the user that the receptacle plug92is fully received within the stepped receptacle90.

When received within the stepped receptacle90, the receptacle plug92is sized and configured to sealingly engage the inlet probe I or its surrounding inlet probe assembly. More specifically, the receptacle plug92defines a transverse inlet probe shoulder104surrounding an inlet probe opening106. The inlet probe shoulder104is sized to engage an inlet probe shoulder S surrounding the inlet probe I of the beverage brewer B. In that regard, the inlet probe opening106is smaller in diameter than the opening defined by the stepped receptacle90and the dispersion cone opening88.

When the inlet probe assembly is lowered for brewing, the inlet probe shoulder S is lowered into sealing engagement with the inlet probe shoulder104and the inlet probe I protrudes through the inlet probe opening106. The inlet probe I is also held in substantial fixed relation relative to the beverage brewing device20when the inlet probe shoulder S is sealed against the receptacle plug92for brewing. It should be appreciated that the receptacle plug92may instead be configured to seal against the inlet probe I or another portion of the inlet probe assembly in another manner without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The inlet probe I protrudes through the inlet probe opening106and down through the dispersion cone opening88toward the interior side of the lid84to distribute water for brewing.

Referring toFIGS.3and4, the interior side of the lid84suitable for enclosing the brew chamber36within the body26and for distributing water received from the inlet probe I for brewing will now be described in detail. The interior of the lid84is sized and configured to sealingly mate with the top open end of the body26. In that regard, a circular or annular protrusion114is concentrically formed on the interior surface of the lid84that is sized and shaped to seat within the top opening defined by the body26of the beverage brewing device20.

An annular seal116is disposed within an annular recess118extending around the annular protrusion114. The annular seal116is configured to seal against the interior surface of the body26when the annular protrusion114is received within the top opening of the body26. Any suitable seal may be used, such as a silicone seal that is heat resistant for withstanding the temperatures of brewing. The annular seal116defines a watertight seal between the angular protrusion114and the body26when the annular protrusion114is seated within the top opening defined by the body26. In this manner, when the lid84is moved into the closed position, the lid84sealingly encloses the brew chamber36of the beverage brewing device20for brewing.

The lid84is hingedly secured to the body26such that the lid84may be moved between open and closed positions. The lid84may be hingedly secured to the body26in any suitable manner, such as through an integrated flexible hinge120extending between the lid body86and a flanged rim122formed substantially transversely around the top open end of the body26. The flexible hinge120defines a hinge axis that is substantially tangent to the outer circumference of the lid84and the flanged rim122. In this manner, the flexible hinge120allows the lid84to move between an open position, wherein the interior surface of the lid body86can be positioned substantially co-planar with the upper surface of the flanged rim122(seeFIG.3), and a closed position, wherein the interior surface of the lid body86is adjacent to or abutted against the upper surface of the flanged rim122(seeFIG.4).

When the lid84is in the closed position, as shown inFIG.4, the inlet probe I is positioned to extend through the inlet probe opening106in the receptacle plug92to release water into a dispersion cone124formed on the interior surface of the lid body86. The dispersion cone124is configured to help distribute water released from the inlet probe I.

More specifically, the dispersion cone124substantially encloses the dispersion cone opening88to place the dispersion cone opening88into fluid communication with the brew chamber36. In that regard, the dispersion cone124includes a dispersion cone body having a hollow cylindrical portion128extending from the interior surface of the lid body86and surrounding the dispersion cone opening88. The dispersion cone body further includes a hollow conical portion132extending from the cylindrical portion128to enclose the dispersion cone opening88. A plurality of openings136is formed within the conical portion132to place the dispersion cone124into fluid communication with the brew chamber36and transfer fluid from the inlet probe I into the brew chamber36.

When the lid84is in the closed position, as depicted inFIG.4, the dispersion cone124extends downwardly at least partially into the brew chamber36. In this manner, when a dry beverage medium, such as coffee grounds G, is disposed within the brew chamber36, the dispersion cone124can help tamp, or pack the coffee grounds G into the brew chamber36for a better brew. As is well known in the coffee brewing industry, tamping coffee grounds firmly and uniformly within a brew chamber forces water to flow through the grounds in a manner that extracts the best of the coffee ground's flavors. With firm and even tamping, the water has no choice but to flow through all of the coffee grounds uniformly. The same can be appreciated with other types of dry beverage mediums, such as tea.

When the brew chamber36is filled with coffee grounds G up to a certain minimum or maximum level, which can be indicated to the user by a fill line indicator142, the dispersion cone124is forced downwardly into the coffee grounds G when the lid84is closed, thereby occupying space within the brew chamber36and tamping the coffee grounds G within the brew chamber36. In that regard, the overall size or height of the cylindrical portion128of the dispersion cone124may be varied to change the depth of the dispersion cone124within brew chamber36. Thus, for a user who prefers, for instance, brewed coffee that is less strong in flavor, the dispersion cone124could extend much deeper within the brew chamber36to reach and tamp coffee grounds at a lower fill line level (which would therefore produce a less strong brew). Thus, it should be appreciated that the embodiment described and illustrated herein is exemplary only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In addition to tamping the coffee grounds G within the brew chamber36, the dispersion cone124helps distribute the water from the inlet probe I to the coffee grounds G to aid in driving water flow uniformly through the coffee grounds G. Referring toFIG.4, with the inlet probe I sealingly received within the receptacle plug92, the water is first directed into a small, well-defined, sealed inlet probe opening106defined by the receptacle plug92and then expanded into the dispersion cone124for greater water dispersion capacity.

The dispersion cone124defines a water chamber for receiving and pressurizing water released from the inlet probe I. The water from the inlet probe I fills the chamber defined by the dispersion cone124and then slowly exits the dispersion cone124through the smaller openings136. The gradual flow of water through the openings136in the dispersion cone124helps prevent the coffee grounds G from being soaked all at once. The shape and configuration of the dispersion cone124also positions the openings136within the brew chamber36in an even, distributed manner to help direct water in a substantially even, uniform manner throughout the coffee grounds G. This allows for a better extraction of the brewed beverage from the coffee grounds G and, as a result, a better cup of brewed coffee.

The sealed inlet probe opening106defined by the receptacle plug92also helps maximize the pressure of the water flowing through the dispersion cone124during the brewing process. Referring toFIG.4, with the inlet probe I sealingly received within the inlet probe opening106of the receptacle plug92, water from the inlet probe I flowing at a first flow rate is forced into the sealed area defined by the inlet probe I, the inlet probe shoulder S, the receptacle plug92, and the dispersion cone124. The water flows out of the small dispersion cone openings136at a second, slower flow rate due to the smaller opening136in the dispersion cone124. In this manner, the water pressure is maximized as it flows out of the dispersion cone openings136into the coffee grounds G for extraction of the brewed beverage. This helps ensure that the water exiting the dispersion cone124reaches the coffee grounds packed near the interior sidewall28of the beverage brewing device20rather than merely dripping down just below the dispersion cone124. In this manner, a more uniform, even brew will result.

The body26and lid84of the beverage brewing device20may be made from any suitable material, such as plastic. For instance, the body26and lid84may be made from a plastic that is free of Bisphenol A (BPA) and that is dishwasher-safe and durable. The body26and lid84may also be manufactured in any suitable manner. As a nonlimiting example, the body26and lid84may be made through plastic injection molding as a single unit with the flexible hinge120connecting the body26and lid84.

In reference toFIGS.1-4, the manner in which the beverage brewing device20may be used will now be described. Upon selecting a dry beverage medium to be brewed, such as coffee grounds, tea, etc., the beverage brewing device20may be set on a counter or other device such that the lid84may be moved into the open position. The lid84is moved about the axis defined by the flexible hinge120into the open position, and the brew chamber36is filled with a desired amount of dry beverage medium, such as coffee grounds G, as shown inFIG.4. For the strongest brew, the brew chamber36is filled up to the fill line142(seeFIG.3) such that the coffee grounds G will be tamped by the dispersion cone124when the lid84is closed.

With the coffee grounds G or another dry beverage medium added to the brew chamber36, the lid84may be moved into the closed position, as shown inFIG.4. With the lid84in the closed position, the annular protrusion114is received within the open top end30of the body26, and the annular seal116is sealed against the interior surface of the body26. Moreover, if the coffee grounds G have been filled up to the fill line142, the dispersion cone124, upon closing the lid84, will tamp the coffee grounds G within the brew chamber36.

With the coffee grounds G or other dry beverage medium disposed within the beverage brewing device20, the beverage brewing device20may be inserted into the beverage brewer B for brewing a beverage. In that regard, the beverage brewing device20is disposed within a brewing holster H of a beverage brewer B such that the first and second grips62and66are received within correspondingly shaped cavities R in the brewing holster H. With each of the first and second grips62and66received within a correspondingly shaped curved cavity R of the brewing holster H, the beverage brewing device20is aligned within the brewing holster H such that one of the first and second opposing outlet probe receptacles54and58in the beverage brewing device20receives an outlet probe O of the beverage brewer B.

With the beverage brewing device20received within the brewing holster H, the inlet probe assembly is lowered into engagement with the beverage brewing device20, either manually or automatically (depending on the configuration of the beverage brewer B). The inlet probe assembly is lowered until the inlet probe shoulder S abuts against the inlet probe shoulder104of the receptacle plug92and the inlet probe I is disposed within the inlet probe opening106of the receptacle plug92, as shown inFIG.4.

With the inlet probe I in the brewing position, a beverage may be brewed according to the beverage brewer instructions. As can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill, to brew a beverage, the beverage brewer B dispenses heated water through the inlet probe I, which passes through the inlet probe opening106of the receptacle plug92and into the dispersion cone124. The heated water, which becomes at least somewhat pressurized within the dispersion cone124, passes through the dispersion cone openings136to substantially evenly and uniformly soak the coffee grounds G within the brew chamber36. The brewed beverage passes through the coffee grounds G and out of the openings40,44,48, and/or50in the body26of the beverage brewing device20and into a cup C or other container positioned below the brewing holster H in the beverage brewer B. After brewing a beverage, the beverage brewing device20can be removed from the brewing holster H and cleaned for subsequent use.

It can be appreciated from the foregoing that the beverage brewing device20can be used with a typical single-server beverage brewer B, such as that shown and described with reference toFIGS.1and4, without retrofitting or modifying the beverage brewer B. With the exception of the need to add a dry beverage medium to the brew chamber36of the beverage brewing device20, the beverage brewing device20functions based on substantially the same beverage brewing extraction principles for which the single-server beverage brewer was originally made.

Referring toFIGS.5-7, a reusable beverage brewing device220formed in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. The reusable beverage brewing device220is substantially similar to the reusable beverage brewing device20described above; and thus, the description will be primarily based on the differences between the first and second embodiments. In that regard, many of the same or similar features have been labeled with the same reference number, with the features for the reusable beverage brewing device220labeled in the200series.

The beverage brewing device220has a substantially cup-shaped, cylindrical body226and a lid284hingedly secured thereto that is moveable between open and closed positions. The body226and lid284of the beverage brewing device220are made from a suitable metal, such as stainless steel. Other suitable durable metals may also be used, such as aluminum, brass, etc.

The body226and lid284may be manufactured using any suitable or well-known techniques for forming, metal, including extruding, punching, welding, riveting, etc. It should be appreciated that although the beverage brewing device220is described as being made from a suitable metal, other materials, such as plastic, may instead be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The substantially cup-shaped, cylindrical body226corresponds in shape and size to the interior of the brewing holster H of the beverage brewer B. The cup-shaped body226has a curved, substantially vertical sidewall228extending between an open top end230and a closed bottom end234defined by a substantially flat bottom surface242. The sidewall228and closed bottom end234define a brew chamber236within the interior of the cup-shaped body226.

At least one filter is defined within the body226of the brewing device220for filtering water as it passes through the brew chamber236. More specifically, first and second opposing filter areas240and244are defined within the sidewall228, and first and second opposing filter areas248and250are defined within the bottom surface242. The filter areas may be defined by a pattern of micro perforations sized to allow a brewed beverage to pass therethrough while retaining the dry medium within the body226. The micro perforations may be formed in any suitable manner, such as by laser cutting.

A micro perforated plate may be used to define the sidewall228or bottom surface242, with the micro perforations formed within the filter areas240,244,248, or250. In the alternative, a micro perforated plate may first be formed and then integrated within the sidewall228or bottom surface242. For instance, to define the sidewall filter areas240and244, micro perforated plates may be welded within openings in the first and second opposing filter areas240and244.

By forming the micro perforations with a micro perforated plate that defines the sidewall228or bottom surface242, or a plate that is otherwise welded within an opening, within the brewing device220, the edges of the micro perforated plate do not form an abrupt edge within the interior of the brew chamber36. In this manner, a smooth, substantially seamless transition is defined between the filter area240,244and the body226. As such, any dry beverage medium, such as coffee grounds, will not become lodged within crevices that would otherwise be created by any exposed or frayed edges.

The brewed beverage may flow through the micro perforations in the filter areas240and244in the sidewall228and through the micro perforations in the filter areas248and250in the bottom surface242into the brewing holster H. The brewing holster H and/or the beverage brewer B may include suitable structure (not shown) to funnel or otherwise direct the brewed beverage down into the cup C for consumption.

Before disposing the beverage brewing device220within the brewing holster H for brewing, the brew chamber236must first be filled with a desired dry beverage medium, such as coffee grounds. As noted above, the closed bottom end234is defined by a substantially flat bottom surface242. With a substantially flat bottom surface242, the beverage brewing device220can be easily set onto a surface, such as a counter, and the brew chamber236can be filled with the desired dry beverage medium. In other words, the substantially flat bottom surface242allows for hands-free filling and less mess when filling the brew chamber236with, for instance, coffee grounds.

With the brew chamber236filled with, for instance, coffee grounds, the beverage brewing device220may be disposed within a brewing holster H of a beverage brewer B to brew a beverage. As discussed briefly above, the beverage brewing device220is configured for use within a brewing holster H of a beverage brewer having an outlet probe O that extends upwardly into the brewing holster compartment of the beverage brewer B. In that regard, the body226includes first and second opposing outlet probe receptacles254and258extending upwardly from the bottom surface242of the body226and inwardly from the sidewall228.

Each outlet probe receptacle254and258is of a sufficient depth and width to receive the outlet probe O so that the beverage brewing device220may be fully received within the brewing holster H. Moreover, the interior wall of the receptacles254and258fluidly isolates the outlet probe O from the brew chamber236when the outlet probe O is received within one of the first and second outlet probe receptacles254or258.

The first and second outlet probe receptacles254and288are defined within opposite sides of the bottom surface242of the body226such that the beverage brewer220may be configured in one of two positions to seat within the brewing holster H (i.e., with one of the first and second opposing outlet probe receptacles254and258receiving the outlet probe O). It should be appreciated that the body226may instead include only one outlet probe receptacle such that the beverage brewer220is positionable in only one position within the brewing holster H. As yet another alternative, three or more outlet probe receptacles may instead be formed within the body226such that the beverage brewer220may be configured in three or more positions within the brewing holster.

It can be appreciated that however many number of outlet probe receptacles used (e.g., one, two, three, etc.) the remaining portion of the bottom surface242defines a flat surface upon which the beverage brewing device220may rest when being filled with a dry beverage medium. In that regard, the beverage brewing device220may optimally include only two outlet probe receptacles254and258to ensure the bottom surface242is sufficiently large for resting on a surface and supporting the beverage brewing device220in an upright position during the fill process.

Moreover, by including no more than, for instance, two outlet probe receptacles254and258, the body226can effectively have a deeper, larger interior brew chamber capacity. A larger brew chamber236, as can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, can hold more dry beverage medium, such as coffee grounds, and can help create more turbulence during brewing for a more uniform, more efficient, and more thorough beverage extraction. The increased internal volume of the brew chamber236therefore accommodates consumers that prefer a stronger brew or more ounces of brewed coffee.

The body226is also formed such that its interior surface, including the surface defined by the outlet probe receptacles254and258, has substantially rounded edges. As a result, the interior surface of the body226includes no hard-edged transitions and no crevices or corners where coffee grounds or other dry beverage mediums can get stuck. This helps ensure an easier cleanup for the consumer after the use of the beverage brewing device220. In this manner, after each use, the beverage brewing device220may be quickly cleaned and reused for brewing another beverage.

To help align the beverage brewing device220within the brewing holster H such that the one of the first and second opposing outlet probe receptacles254and258receives the outlet probe O, the beverage brewing device220may include first and second opposing grips262and266that are receivable within correspondingly shaped cavities R (only one cavity R shown in hidden lines inFIG.1for clarity) in the brewing holster H when the beverage brewer220is disposed in the brewing position.

The first and second grips262and266are also graspable by a user for helping to insert and remove the beverage brewing device20from within the brewing bolster H. In that regard, the first and second grips262and266may be coated with or otherwise formed with a heat-resistance, non-slip material, such as rubber. Other aspects of the first and second grips262and266are substantially similar to first and second grips62and66described above; and therefore, the first and second grips262and266will not be further described in detail.

Before positioning the body226within the brewing bolster H for brewing a beverage, the brewing chamber236is first enclosed by the removable lid284. The lid284is sized and configured on an exterior side to mate with the inlet probe I of the beverage brewer B when the beverage brewing device220is received within a brewing holster H. (SeeFIG.5). Moreover, the lid284is sized and configured on an interior side to seat within the top opening defined by the body226and distribute water received from the inlet probe I for brewing. (SeeFIG.6).

The lid284is substantially similar to the lid84described above. In other words, the exterior side of the lid84is suitable for mating with the inlet probe I of a beverage brewer B and distributing the water from the inlet probe I into the brew chamber36of the beverage brewing device220for brewing a beverage. The lid284includes a lid body286having a substantially flat upper surface suitable to mate with a flat portion of an inlet probe assembly of the beverage brewer B (seeFIG.7).

A dispersion cone opening288is defined in substantially the center of the lid body286that opens into a dispersion cone224. The dispersion cone opening288is in fluid communication with a receptacle290formed within the lid body286. A receptacle plug292is disposed within the receptacle290to define an inlet probe opening206that is in fluid communication with the dispersion cone224. However, the lid284differs from lid84in that the elastomeric receptacle plug292is overmolded within the receptacle290rather than being removably received therein.

The receptacle plug292is overmolded within the receptacle290of the lid284in a manner well known in the industry. For instance, a primer or adhesive may first be applied to the surface of the lid284before the receptacle plug292is overmolded onto the lid284. In the depicted embodiment, the lid284includes a plurality of mechanical protrusions294formed within the bottom interior surface of the receptacle290. The mechanical protrusions294protrude upwardly from the bottom of the receptacle290to mechanical interlock with the overmolded receptacle plug292. Similarly, an annular protrusion298is defined within the dispersion cone opening288to interlock with the overmolded receptacle plug292.

When disposed within the receptacle290, the receptacle plug292is sized and configured to sealingly engage the inlet probe I or its surrounding inlet probe assembly, similar to receptacle plug92described above. By overmolding the receptacle plug292within the receptacle290of the lid284, the receptacle plug292may be formed from an elastomeric, sealing material. However, the receptacle plug292is securely formed within the metal receptacle290of the lid284. Thus, overmolding provides the flexibility of using multiple materials in a one piece design.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, the interior side of the lid284suitable for enclosing the brew chamber236within the body226and for distributing water received from the inlet probe I for brewing will now be described. The interior side of the lid284is substantially similar to lid84described above. In that regard, the lid284includes a circular or annular protrusion214concentrically formed on the interior surface of the lid284that is sized and shaped to seat within the top opening defined by the body226of the beverage brewing device220. An annular seal216is disposed within an annular recess extending around the annular protrusion214for mating with the top open end of the body226and forming a water-tight seal therebetween.

The lid284is hingedly secured to the body226such that the lid284may be moved between open and closed positions, substantially similar to lid284described above. Although any suitable hinge may be used, in the depicted embodiment, a piano hinge220is defined between the lid body286and a flanged rim222formed substantially transversely around the top open end of the body226.

When the lid284is in the closed position, as shown inFIG.7, the inlet probe I is positioned to extend through the inlet probe opening206in the receptacle plug292to release water into the dispersion cone224, which is configured to help distribute water released from the inlet probe I. The dispersion cone224is substantially identical in structure and operation to the dispersion cone124described above; and therefore, it will not be further described.

In reference toFIGS.5-7, the manner to which the beverage brewing device220may be used will now be described. Upon selecting a dry beverage medium to be brewed, such as coffee grounds, tea, etc., the beverage brewing device220may be set on a counter or other device such that the lid284may be moved into the open position. The lid284is moved about the axis defined by the hinge220into the open position, and the brew chamber236is filled with a desired amount of dry beverage medium, such as coffee grounds. For the strongest brew, the brew chamber236may be filled up to a fill line (not shown) near the upper open end of the brew chamber236such that the coffee grounds will be tamped by the dispersion cone224when the lid284is closed.

With the coffee grounds or another dry beverage medium added to the brew chamber236, the lid284may be moved into the closed position, as shown inFIG.7. With the lid284in the closed position, the annular protrusion214is received within the open top end230of the body226, and the annular seal216is sealed against the interior surface of the body226. Moreover, if the coffee grounds have been filled up to a fill line, the dispersion cone224, upon closing the lid284, will tamp the coffee grounds within the brew chamber236.

With the coffee grounds or other dry beverage medium disposed within the beverage brewing device220, the beverage brewing device220may be inserted into the beverage brewer B for brewing a beverage. In that regard, the beverage brewing device220is disposed within a brewing bolster H of a beverage brewer B such that the first and second grips262and266are received within correspondingly shaped cavities R in the brewing holster H. With each of the first and second grips262and266received within a correspondingly shaped curved cavity R of the brewing bolster H, the beverage brewing device220is aligned within the brewing holster H such that one of the first and second opposing outlet probe receptacles254and258in the beverage brewing device220receives an outlet probe O of the beverage brewer B.

With the beverage brewing device220received within the brewing holster H, the inlet probe assembly is lowered into engagement with the beverage brewing device220, either manually or automatically (depending on the configuration of the beverage brewer B). The inlet probe assembly is lowered until the inlet probe abuts against the receptacle plug292and the inlet probe I is disposed within the inlet probe opening206, as shown inFIG.7.

With the inlet probe I in the brewing position, a beverage may be brewed according to the beverage brewer instructions. As can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill, to brew a beverage, the beverage brewer B dispenses heated water through the inlet probe I, which passes through the inlet probe opening206of the receptacle plug292and into the dispersion cone224. The heated water, which becomes at least somewhat pressurized within the dispersion cone224, passes through the openings in the dispersion cone224to substantially evenly and uniformly soak the coffee grounds within the brew chamber236. The brewed beverage passes through the coffee grounds and out of the openings in filter areas240,244,248, and/or250in the beverage brewing device220and into a cup C or other container positioned below the brewing holster H in the beverage brewer B.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.