Patent Application
20130318928
The disclosed technology relates generally to food and beverage apparatuses and, more specifically, to filling a brewing cup for single cup brewing.
Automatic brewing machines for single cups of coffee or tea are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,658,989, assigned to Keurig, Incorporated, discloses a single serving beverage brewer in which a measured charge of dry beverage medium is infused with a metered amount of heated liquid. This patent is herein incorporated by reference, in its entirety. A reusable beverage filter cartridge, with a cup-shaped housing having a top opening and bottom outlet port, an internal filter, and a removable lid, is used.
The drawback to such machines is that one typically must buy relatively expensive pre-packaged cups, each cup wrapped in a container to be disposed of, creating a lot of waste. While this is more convenient than brewing an entire pot of coffee for just one drink, and produces a much better-tasting drink than instant coffee which is added to hot water, a user typically cannot choose his/her preferred quantity of ground coffee, or add any coffee grounds of his/her choice. If one did so with an automatic single cup brewing machine, the results would be unreliable. Moreover, a user's preferred brand or style of coffee/tea may not be available in a pre-packaged brew cup form.
One solution that has been proposed is a refillable brewing cup that allows a user to insert his/her preferred ground coffee into such a reusable brewing cup that may be used with commercially available brewing cup machines. Improvements have been made to refillable cups to increase brewing quality and function. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/572,831 to Dakis, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a multi-layer, refillable brewing cup. However, the available brewing cups are inconvenient as they are difficult to refill and dose with a desired amount of coffee grinds. Pouring grinds from a larger coffee bag or tin may result in spilled grinds and overfilling. An underfilled or overfilled brewing cup may produce coffee of an undesired strength.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a convenient way of using desired loose coffee grinds in a single-cup coffee brewing machine, while producing less waste, and resulting in lower costs.
Therefore, it is an object of the disclosed technology to find an efficient way to use ground coffee in conjunction with a single-cup coffee brewing machine.
As such, in an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a apparatus is used to dispense particulate solid matter into a brew cup enclosure. Such a device allows one to add any coffee or other drink mix, but use all the features of an automated single-cup brewing machine. Particulate solid matter is defined as any combination of coffee grinds, tea leaves, instant drink mix/powder, sugar, juice concentrate, and/or any other matter that may conceivably be used in the preparation of and/or the brewing of a consumable liquid which is both particulate and solid. The apparatus has a body having a base portion hingedly affixed (attached by hinges) to a top portion. The top portion has a rotatable valve and a hopper for storing particulate solid matter. A hopper is defined as any vessel or container that stores matters to be used for a given purpose. The rotatable valve may open towards said hopper such that particulate solid matter stored in the hopper is free to fall into the rotatable valve.
The apparatus may also have a brew cup enclosure disposed in the base portion. The brew cup enclosure is defined as any recess or mold into which a brew cup may be received and/or cradled. The brew cup is defined as any type of receptacle capable of holding particulate solid matter, such as, for example, coffee grinds. A lever may be provided in geared communication with the rotatable valve such that movement of the lever causes the rotatable valve to rotate until the particulate solid matter is displaced from the rotatable valve into the brew cup enclosure. A lever is defined as any rigid member pivotable about a fixed hinge to set one or more parts into motion. The brew cup may have a removable lid. The lid may be removed from and/or reapplied to the brew cup when the brew cup is received into the brew cup enclosure.
In a further embodiment of the disclosed technology, the apparatus may have a safety push pin in communication between the brew cup enclosure and the rotatable valve such that the rotatable valve only rotates when the brew cup is present in the brew cup enclosure. The safety push pin is defined as any deflectable mechanism that applies a constant resistive force to another body using, for example, a spring. The brew cup may displace the safety push pin when the brew cup is placed into the brew cup enclosure thereby enabling the rotatable valve to rotate.
In still further embodiments of the disclosed technology, the rotatable valve may have a cavity for gravitationally receiving grinds from the hopper. The cavity is defined as any hollowed out section capable of holding a matter. Movement of the lever may cause the cavity to rotate at least 90 degrees to deposit the grinds into the brew cup enclosure. The lever may have three soft-locking positions (defined as positions where the rotation of the lever may be paused and held in place, subject to force on the lever exerted by a person) that correspond to three rotatable valve states. The three rotatable valve states may be a receiving state, a neutral state, and/or a dispensing state. Soft-locking is defined as a mechanism that causes the lever to be releasably locked into place. A user may feel and/or hear a “clicking” sound that indicates that the lever is at a soft-locking position.
In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, an apparatus is used for dispensing particulate solid matter into a brew cup. The apparatus may or does have a rotatable valve operable to receive particulate solid matter from a storage hopper. The rotatable valve may be disposed within a stationary valve housing. A brew cup enclosure may be provided for receiving the brew cup. The brew cup enclosure is positioned adjacent to the rotatable valve. A lever may be rotationally coupled to the rotatable valve to cause the rotatable valve to rotate and dispense the particulate solid matter into the recess for receiving the brew cup. A lever shaft may be coupled between the lever and the rotatable valve by way of one or more gears.
In a further embodiment, a soft lock spring may be provided for releasably locking the lever shaft at a plurality of locking positions. The lever shaft may have a plurality of recesses that correspond to the plurality of locking positions. The recesses may be small indentations or holes used for catching the lock spring to releasably lock the lever shaft.
In a method of using the apparatus, particulate solid matter is dispensed into a brew cup. The method is carried out, in this order, but not necessarily in this order, by a) inserting the brew cup into the recess, b) moving the lever to a first position such that the rotatable valve opens to the storage hopper to receive particulate solid matter, and c) moving the lever to a second position such that the rotatable valve is caused to rotate to dispense the particulate solid matter into the brew cup. The step of inserting the brew cup into the recess may also involve opening the housing to expose the recess.
In yet another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a method is provided for dispensing a metered amount of particulate solid matter into a brew cup. The method is carried out, in this or another order, by a) receiving particulate solid matter from a hopper into a cavity of a rotatable valve of an apparatus, b) inserting the brew cup into a recess of the apparatus, and c) toggling a lever to cause the rotatable valve to rotate such that the particulate solid matter is released into the brew cup. Toggling is defined as changing the position of the lever by any degree and/or any distance.
In the aforementioned method, a lid of the brew cup may be removed prior to the releasing of the particulate solid matter. Furthermore, the lid may be reapplied to the brew cup after the particulate solid matter is released into the brew cup. A safety mechanism may be provided that prevents rotation of the rotational valve unless the brew cup is inserted into the recess. The safety mechanism is defined any mechanical parts and/or tools that may be used to temporarily obstruct and/or impede the movement of the rotatable valve.
In a further embodiment of the method, an additional step may be provided of opening the apparatus to expose the recess before inserting the brew cup. Yet another step may be provided of closing the apparatus after the brew cup is inserted and before the step of receiving particulate solid matter. The step of closing the apparatus may also cause the lid of the brew cup to be temporarily removed. Still another step may be provided of reopening the apparatus to remove the brew cup after the particulate solid matter is released. This step of reopening the apparatus may cause the lid to be reapplied to the brew cup.
It should be understood that the use of “and/or” is defined inclusively such that the term “a and/or b” should be read to include the sets: “a and b,” “a or b,” “a,” “b.”
Further features of the device, described above, are also applicable to a method of use.
a through 6c show a dispensing apparatus in progression through different operating positions, according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.
a through 7d show the progression of a safety locking mechanism, according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.
In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, an apparatus and/or a method are used for dispensing particulate solid matter into a brew cup enclosure (also referred to, herein, as a “brewing cup”). The brew cup enclosure is adapted to accommodate a refillable brew cup, such as, for example, the brew cup taught by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/572,831. A brew cup is defined as an enclosure with at least one portal at or adjacent to a top side, and at least one portal at or adjacent to a bottom side, designed to hold particulate solid material and withstand and cause hot water entering a top portal to exit through a bottom portal after flowing through the particulate solid material. Such an apparatus and/or a method allows one to add any coffee of one's choice, while using all the features of an automated single-cup brewing machine. The apparatus may have a lever, a housing, and a hopper for storing particulate solid matter. The apparatus may also have a rotatable valve that, under operation of the lever, collects particulate solid matter from the hopper and deposits the particulate solid matter into a brew cup resting in the brew cup enclosure. The apparatus and/or the method may have a mechanism that temporarily removes a lid from the brew cup to be filled, and reapplies the lid after the brew cup has been filled.
Embodiments of the disclosed technology will become clearer in view of the following description of the drawings.
A lever 32 is provided extending from the sides of the top portion 30 of the apparatus 10. The lever may be mechanically operated (moved in a direction by a user) or electrically operated (moved in a direction based on a press of an electrical switch or opening of an electrical relay). The lever 32 may be used to operate the apparatus 10 and/or to toggle the various operational states of the apparatus. The lever 32 may be generally U-shaped, such that both ends are in communication with moving parts and/or gears in the interior of the top portion 30. In the present Figure, the lever 32 is shown in a neutral position. In the neutral position, the apparatus 10 is in a resting state between operations. The various operational states will be explained in further detail with reference to the subsequently presented figures.
The rotatable valve 110 may be rotated by way of a lever shaft 120 in fixed communication with the lever 32. The lever shaft 120 may be coupled to a gear 111 of the rotatable valve 110. Movement of the lever 32 causes rotation of the lever shaft 120 which, in turn, causes rotation of the rotatable valve 110. In addition to serving as communication between the lever 120 and the rotatable valve 110, the lever shaft 120 may also have recesses 121, 122, 123 that enable “soft-locking” positions of the apparatus 10. A soft lock spring 107 may be provided with a notch for catching one of the recesses 121, 122, and 123 to enable to the lever 32 to be releasably “clicked” into a certain position.
The soft lock spring 107 may be formed of a bendable metal piece that elastically abuts the outer circumference of the lever shaft 120. The notch of the soft lock spring 107 may apply a subtle force against the lever shaft 120 that still enables the lever shaft 120 to rotate. Upon encountering a recess 121, 122, and 123, the notch “clicks” into place, indicating to the user that the apparatus is currently in a given operational state.
In the embodiment shown in
Referring still to
In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, the apparatus 10 has a lid removing and/or reapplying mechanism for a brew cup 200 having a removable lid 201. A lid sliding arm 103 may be provided in communication with the sliding motion link 102. The lid sliding arm 103 is operable to slide the lid 201 off the brew cup 200 as the apparatus 10 is closed. The lid sliding arm 103 recedes under force of the sliding motion link as the apparatus 10 is closed. In doing so, the lid sliding arm 103 slides the lid 201 from the top of the brew cup 200, so that the brew cup 200 can be filled. Upon retrieving a filled brew cup 200 from the apparatus 10, the lid 201 is slid back onto the brew cup as the user reopens the apparatus 10. The lid sliding arm 103 prevents the user from having to seal the brew cup 200, thereby reducing the risk of spilling and the number of steps needed before the brew cup is ready for use. The lid sliding arm 103 also prevents the user from coming in contact with the particulate solid matter, thereby reducing the spread of germs.
In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, the volume of the cavity 112 may be altered using a knob (not shown) disposed on the side of the apparatus 10. The knob may adjust the height of a bottom surface of the interior of the cavity 112, such that the capacity of the cavity may be altered. The capacity of the cavity 112 may be carefully set to ensure accurate and consistent dosing of particulate solid matter into the brew cup 200. For example, a single serving of coffee may require coffee grinds of a greater volume than that of tea leaves required for a single serving of tea. Thus, in order to suit the needs of different users, the adjustable cavity volume may be utilized. The volume of particulate solid matter remains consistent with every refill of the brew cup 200, due to the nature of the rotatable valve 110.
During operation of the apparatus 10, the lever 32 may be moved such that the rotatable valve 110 is caused to rotate until the cavity 112 is opened towards the interior of the hopper 40. Particulate solid matter may fall, by virtue of gravity, into the cavity 112 of the rotatable valve 110 until the cavity is filled to capacity. The lever 32 may then be moved to cause the rotatable valve 110 to rotate such that the cavity opens towards the brew cup 200. The particulate solid matter may then be released, again, under force of gravity, into the brew cup 200.
a through 6c show a dispensing apparatus 10 in progression through different operating positions, according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The different operating positions correspond to the three recesses 121, 122, 123 of the lever shaft 120.
b shows the apparatus in a neutral or resting position. In the neutral position, the rotatable valve 110 is closed. As such, any particulate solid matter enclosed therein remains suspended in the cavity 112 until the lever 32 is moved to a dispensing position.
c shows the apparatus in a dispensing position. In the dispensing position, the rotatable valve 110 is oriented such that the cavity 112 opens towards the brew cup 200. Particulate solid matter from the rotatable valve 110 is thereby released into the brew cup 200 under force of gravity. The dispensing position corresponds to the third recess 123 on the lever shaft 120. The filled brew cup 200 may then be removed from the apparatus 10, and the method may be repeated with another brew cup.
a through 7d show the progression of a safety locking mechanism of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The safety locking mechanism employs a sheering push pin arrangement that is contingent on the presence of a brew cup 200 in the brew cup enclosure 101. An inner push pin 126 resides in the axle of the lever shaft 120, and may be acted upon by an outer pin 127. The outer pin 127 extends from the center of the lever shaft 120 to a portion of the brew cup enclosure 101.
a shows the locking mechanism of the apparatus in a loading position without a brew cup 200 present in the brew cup enclosure 101. The lever 32 is positioned such that the cavity 112 of the rotatable valve 110 is opened towards the hopper 40 (not shown). The inner push pin 126 is extended outside of the lever shaft 120, permitting the rotatable valve 110 to be rotated only to a certain degree.
b shows the locking mechanism of
c shows the view of
d shows a view of
While the disclosed technology has been taught with specific reference to the above embodiments, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosed technology. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Combinations of any of the methods and apparatuses described hereinabove are also contemplated and within the scope of the invention.
This application hereby incorporates by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/572,831 to Dakis filed Aug. 13, 2012, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/909,480 to Dakis titled “Removable Lid for Brew Cup” filed Jun. 4, 2013. This application also claims priority to provisional application 61/655,579 filed Jun. 5, 2012.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61655579 | Jun 2012 | US |
