Patent Application
20070034086
The present invention generally relates to beverage brewing devices comprising moveable reservoirs.
Beverage brewing devices, such as coffee makers, are commonplace in a majority of households today. Consumers enjoy the ease and convenience of brewing their favorite beverages when they want, without having to leave their homes.
Conventional, multi-cup brewing devices have been available to consumers for many years and are generally known to most consumers. Until recently, such brewing devices were the only option available to consumers looking to prepare freshly brewed beverages at home, rather than going to the local coffee house or convenience store to purchase them.
Though multi-cup brewing devices have been on the market for many years, they are not without issue. For instance, the reservoir of most multi-cup brewing devices is embedded within the brewing device, and generally located towards the back. Not only are such reservoirs often hard to access, but they may also be difficult to see and challenging to clean properly. Additionally, many conventional brewing devices take up too much space. Such brewing devices often end up being bulky and awkwardly shaped as they try to incorporate all of the needed elements into one device. Furthermore, due to differences in countertop orientation, not all conventional brewing devices fit in desired locations in consumers' kitchens and often must be situated at an angle for accessibility during use. For example, when preparing coffee, it is necessary for the consumer to be able to access, as well as view, the water reservoir. Accessing the water reservoir allows the consumer to fill the reservoir for brewing while viewing the reservoir allows the consumer to see the existing water level. Due to the configuration of many brewing devices, (i.e. reservoir embedded in the back of the brewing device) these are often difficult tasks.
Another brewing device recently introduced to the market is the single-cup brewing device, which differs from the conventional multi-cup brewing device in that the single-cup brewing device generally provides one cup of brewed beverage at a time. Additionally, single-cup brewing devices differ from espresso brewers in that single-cup brewing devices may be capable of brewing more than just espresso. Usually, single-cup brewing devices are designed to work in conjunction with pre-packaged pods, pouches or cartridges containing brewing materials, and in particular, beverage brewing materials such as coffee, tea, cocoa, dairy-based materials, fruit-based/flavored materials, and the like. Typically, a pod containing the extractable material is placed into the brewing device and within less than two minutes, a single-serving of freshly brewed beverage is produced.
However, with this recent interest in single-cup brewing devices, there is an even greater need for consumers to easily view the water reservoir to determine how much water is present. More particularly, because the water reservoirs of most single-cup brewing devices hold a limited amount of water, often only enough to brew one, or possibly two, cups of coffee, it is important that the consumer is able to easily view the reservoir to be certain there is enough water present to properly brew the beverage. Furthermore, this smaller reservoir size means that the reservoir will likely be refilled with greater frequency than that of conventional brewing devices. Thus, easy access to, and visibility of, the reservoir can increase consumer satisfaction.
Finally, similar to conventional brewing devices, many single-cup brewing devices have the reservoir embedded into the brewing device itself. As previously stated, such a configuration makes it difficult, if not impossible, to clean the reservoir, and thereby increases the likelihood that the reservoir may foster unwanted microbial growth, which in some instances, may not even be noticeable to the consumer.
Therefore, there remains a need for a brewing device having a moveable reservoir so that the device may be conveniently situated on a countertop in a variety of positions to provide easy access to, viewing and handling of, the water reservoir. Additionally, removably connecting the reservoir the brewing device to allow refilling and cleaning is desirable.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a beverage brewing device comprising a brewing unit for dispensing a beverage, the brewing unit having a longitudinal axis; and a reservoir for storing a liquid, wherein the reservoir is rotatably moveable about the longitudinal axis of the brewing unit when the reservoir is operably connected to the brewing unit.
In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a beverage brewing device comprising a brewing unit for dispensing a beverage, the brewing unit having a dually convex shape; and a reservoir for storing a liquid, the reservoir having a dually concave shape that is substantially complementary to the dually convex shape of the brewing unit.
In yet another aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a beverage brewing device comprising a brewing unit for dispensing a beverage, the brewing unit having a longitudinal axis; a base wherein the base is rotatably movable about the longitudinal axis of the brewing unit; and a power cable operably connected to the base such that the power cable does not interfere with rotation of the reservoir.
A. Definitions
As used herein, the term “beverage brewing device” means a conventional, multi-cup brewing device or a single-cup brewing device, having a moveable spout.
As used herein, the term “comprising” means various components can be co-jointly employed in the methods and articles of this invention. Accordingly, the terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” are embodied in the term comprising.
As used herein, the term “extractable material” means any solid, liquid, powder or concentrate that may be extracted, dissolved or diluted to produce a consumable liquid. In one embodiment, the “extractable material” may be an “extractable beverage material,” which includes, but is not limited to, coffee (including, but not limited to, roast and ground, latte, cappuccino and espresso), tea, cocoa, dairy-based materials and/or fruit-based/flavored materials.
As used herein, the term “extracting” or “to extract” may not only mean to treat with a solvent so as to remove a soluble substance, but also may include dissolving or diluting extractable materials as defined herein.
As used herein, the term “liquid extract” means a consumable liquid derived from any solid, liquid, powdered or concentrated extractable material, as defined herein.
B. Beverage Brewing Devices
As previously mentioned, embodiments of the present invention relate to beverage brewing devices that improve the ease and convenience of use by providing consumers with the ability to selectively position the reservoir about the brewing unit, as well as optionally remove the reservoir for refilling and cleaning.
Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals relate to similar features throughout the drawings,
As previously discussed, reservoir 14 may be rotatably connected to brewing unit 12 via a base 16. In one embodiment, reservoir 14 may be positioned directly behind brewing unit 12. However, because reservoir 14 may be rotatably moveable about a longitudinal axis A-A of brewing unit 12, reservoir 14 may be rotated to the right of brewing unit 12 (as shown in
By providing the consumer with the option of rotating reservoir 14 about longitudinal axis A-A of brewing unit 12, the consumer may position reservoir 14 in a position that best suits the consumer's needs. For instance, if a consumer wishes to place beverage brewing device 10 in a narrow area, the consumer may choose to position reservoir 14 directly behind brewing unit 12 to minimize the overall width of brewing device 10. If, however, a consumer wishes to be able to view reservoir 14 at all times, the consumer may rotate reservoir 14 by rotating base 16 to move reservoir 14 to the right or left side of brewing unit 10 such that reservoir 14 may be easily seen.
As previously discussed, base 16 may further comprise a cradle 42 to support reservoir 14, as well as help retain reservoir 14 in a position substantially adjacent to the brewing unit. Cradle 42 may comprise an inlet 44 to allow the brewing unit to be in liquid communication with a corresponding outlet 46 (see
Removably connecting reservoir 14 to base 16 provides several benefits. First, reservoir 14 may be removed from the beverage brewing device for refilling, which allows the consumer to see how much water he or she is adding to reservoir 14 and helps ensure the proper amount of water is present. Second, a removable reservoir 14 allows a consumer to easily clean reservoir 14, which helps keep the brewing device sanitary.
A plate 36 may be received beneath collar portion 26 of base 16 and may be optionally fixedly connected to the brewing unit by fasteners (not shown) that protrude through holes 38 in plate 36 into the brewing unit, thereby supporting the brewing unit. Plate 36 may further comprise a guide 40 such that, when plate 36 is operably received by collar portion 26 of base 16, guide 40 may be flush with inner wall 32 of collar portion 26. This configuration helps to not only hold collar portion 26 of base 16 in place, but also aids in directing the movement of collar portion 26 of base 16 as collar portion 26 slidably rotates about the brewing unit relative to plate 36.
As previously mentioned, base 16 may further comprise power cable 20 for supplying electricity to the beverage brewing device. Placement of power cable 20 on collar portion 26 of base 16 can allow power cable 20 to be rotated about longitudinal axis A-A in conjunction with rotation of collar portion 26 of base 16 and reservoir 14. More specifically, power cable 20 may extend from a back section 48 of collar portion 26 and through slit 30 along with tube 34 so that power cable 20 does not interfere with rotation of reservoir 14. The ability to rotate power cable 20 about the brewing unit allows power cable 20 to not only be conveniently positioned for use, but also to be situated in an aesthetically pleasing location.
Turning to
Also helping with rotation is groove 54, which may be located in a lip 56 of rear shell 49 and which has a first end 58 and a second end 60. When rear shell 49 is operably connected to the base, tab 28 (shown in
It will be understood that the foregoing description is an exemplary embodiment illustrating one assembly that may be used to rotate the reservoir and base and should not be limited to such. In general, any assembly that provides for rotation of the reservoir about the brewing unit without tangling, twisting or otherwise compromising the function of the tube and/or power cable, is acceptable for use herein.
As illustrated in
Turning to
Furthermore, at least a portion of the reservoir may be translucent or transparent. Translucence or transparency further aids in allowing the consumer to view the amount of water present in the reservoir. Of course, any translucent or transparent material is acceptable for use herein, including, but not limited to, plastic or glass or other like material.
It will be understood that embodiments of the brewing devices described herein may comprise additional components known in the art to be common to many conventional brewing devices but not shown in the present illustrations, including, but not limited to, internal components such as a heater, pump and control system, as well as further optional components, such as a brew basket, pod holder (when applicable) and closing mechanism. Furthermore, embodiments of brewing device, as well as components thereof described herein, may be constructed of a variety of materials known in the art, including, but not limited to, plastics, metals and the like. Those skilled in the art will understand how to select the optimum material for constructing the various components based on each component's function.
Use of the brewing device may be carried out as explained herein below. Extractable material, optionally packaged in a pod or pouch, may be placed into a brew basket of the brewing unit and the power cable can be plugged into an electrical outlet to provide electricity to the brewing device. A consumer can rotate the reservoir to a desired position about the brewing unit by rotating the base to that position so that liquid can be added or so that the existing liquid level can be checked. Next, the consumer may select which size beverage is desired by activating the corresponding operation button for that beverage size. At the initiation of the brewing cycle, liquid from the reservoir is drawn through the outlet of the reservoir, through the inlet of the cradle of the base and into the tube. The tube carries the liquid through the slit in the collar portion of the base to the brewing unit where it travels through a heater and is dispensed, generally under pressure, onto the pod containing the extractable material. As the liquid passes through the pod, the resulting extract ultimately travels from the brew basket through to the spout and exits the brewing device via a dispensing orifice in the spout where it can be collected in the consumer's cup.
It will be understood that embodiments of the brewing devices described herein may comprise additional components common to many conventional brewing devices but not shown in the present illustrations, including, but not limited to, internal components such as a heater, pump and control system, as well as further optional components, such as a brew basket, pod holder (when applicable) and closing mechanism. Furthermore, embodiments of brewing device, as well as components thereof described herein, may be constructed of a variety of materials known in the art, including, but not limited to, plastics, metals and the like. Those skilled in the art will understand how to select the optimum material for constructing the various components based on each component's function.
All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/707,274 filed Aug. 11, 2005.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60707274 | Aug 2005 | US |
