Patent Application
20250098881
Various embodiments of the invention relate generally to devices for and methods of making, serving and clearing beverages and more particularly to devices and methods for making, serving and clearing tea.
Reusable infusers, mugs, cups, saucers, milk jugs, teapots and teapot lids are well known. Single use cups, for example of paper with a rolled rim, and single use cup lids with and without upstands on the upper surface are well known and invariably made of flexible materials. All known lids for single use have a perimeter grip profile intended to seal the lid to the cup rim for safe “takeaway” carry and typically have a drinking hole within the uppermost surface and a ventilation hole to enable consumption of a beverage through such “sip through” lids. Tagged and untagged tea bags are well known. Tea bags served in cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality/entertainment locations typically have a suspension handle or “tag” connected to the tea bag by a flexible string, the suspension handle enabling the tea bag to be agitated in the cup to speed up the infusion process and also enabling the hot tea bag to be safely removed from a cup.
Assemblies are known for making tea and other infusions comprising a mug and mug lid, the latter being capable of inversion to act as a tea bag tidy, for example as disclosed in GB 2 261 594A. PCT/IB2015/055147 (herein referred to as '147) discloses a mug and mug lid assembly comprising a drinking vessel and a “tea piece” initially acting as a lid and having a “perimeter recess”, which can accommodate a tagged tea bag string or, for example, the connecting chain between a loose leaf infuser and its handle. When the piece is inverted, the perimeter recess can be located or “docked” snugly against the base of the mug to allow mess-free transfer of a used tea bag or infuser onto the inverted tea piece.
Assemblies are known comprising a mug and a lid with a narrow recess to trap a tea bag string, for example JP 3038293 (Maeda), the lid being capable of inversion to receive a used tea bag.
Assemblies are also known comprising a mug and a notched lid to retain the shaft or handle of a teaspoon, the bowl of the spoon being located in the mug, for example the “Vintage Mug with notched lid for spoon” advertised on etsy.com, apparently manufactured in 1986.
Stacking cups and saucers are known, in which one cup and saucer can be placed on another cup and saucer.
PCT/GB2018/053434 (herein referred to as '434) discloses a beverage making and serving assembly comprising a first, drinking vessel, and a “piece” initially acting as a lid to the drinking vessel which can be inverted to allow the transfer of a used tea bag or infuser onto the inverted piece. The piece comprises a “top recess” which can retain a second vessel, for example a milk jug, enabling the assembly comprising the vessel, piece and second vessel to be held and carried in one hand.
The prior art tea service comprising a teapot and teapot lid, which provides enclosed infusion conditions to keep the brewing tea hot, typically requires many pieces in the tea service, for example a teapot, teapot lid, cup, saucer, spoon and a jug for milk, or dish for lemon, or jar for honey, optionally a sieve on a dish to be served with loose leaf tea, which all together requires a tray in order to carry the many components to a table or other point of brewing and consumption.
A functional limitation of prior art mug and lid combinations, including those disclosed in PCT/IB2015/055147 and PCT/GB2018/053434, is that after consumption of the beverage, the mug and piece with the used tea bag or infuser on top can only be safely cleared from a table or other surface and carried back to a kitchen or other service point by carrying the mug and piece separately or depositing the used tea bag or infuser into the mug, re-inverting the piece and relocating it as a lid to the mug in its previous, lid orientation, with the associated likelihood of spilling free liquid and making a mess in the process.
The present invention enables the piece with the used tea bag or infuser to be relocated securely onto the mug without re-inversion, enabling the resultant assembly to be cleared from the table or other surface and carried back to a kitchen or other service point in one hand or within the approximate plan area of one mug on a tray.
There are several other features and advantages of the present invention over the prior art.
Embodiments of the invention seek to at least partially overcome or ameliorate any one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an improvement in the making, serving, consumption and clearing of tea and other beverages.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a tableware piece comprising a shaped disc comprising a perimeter and two principal surfaces either side of said perimeter, being a first principal surface and a second principal surface, wherein the second principal surface comprises a continuous loop downstand, wherein said second surface comprises a lower ledge adjacent to a part of the outside surface of said continuous loop downstand and extending to an outside of said lower ledge, wherein the piece is configured and arranged to act as a lid to a vessel with the first principal surface uppermost, the lower ledge located on the rim of the vessel and the continuous loop downstand located within the vessel, wherein said downstand comprises three outermost downstand surface points, one in each of three 120 degree sectors, wherein each of said three outermost downstand surface points is the same radius of downstand distance from a downstand centre, wherein said second principal surface comprises a well spaced inside said perimeter, said well being impervious to aqueous liquids, wherein said tableware piece is capable of inversion and being placed on a horizontal surface, wherein said well is capable of retaining a used infusion product, wherein the first principal surface of said piece comprises an upstand and three outermost upstand surface points, one in each of the three 120 degree sectors, wherein each of the three outermost upstand surface points is the same radius of upstand distance from an upstand centre, wherein an upper ledge is adjacent to each of said three outermost upstand surface points and extends to an outside of said upper ledge, wherein the tableware piece is capable of acting as a lid to the vessel with the second principal surface uppermost with an upper ledge located on said rim and said three outermost upstand surface portions located within said vessel.
Typically, the radius of upstand distance and the radius of downstand distance are within 3, 2, 1 mm of each other.
A piece axis is coincident with the downstand centre and is typically perpendicular to the plane coincident with the three outermost downstand surface points.
Typically, in a radial cross-section take through the piece axis, the profile of the lower ledge is flat or comprises a curve which does not vary by more than 180 degrees from the outside of the lower ledge to each of the outermost downstand surface points.
Preferably the upstand centre is within 3, 2, 1 mm of the piece axis.
According to another aspect of various embodiments, a beverage-making, serving and clearing assembly comprises a vessel and a tableware piece, wherein said assembly is capable of a plurality of different configurations pertaining to beverage-making, serving and clearing said assembly, wherein said vessel comprises a vessel axis and a rim with an inside rim comprising three 120 degree sectors, and wherein said vessel is configured to support the piece acting as a lid to the vessel, wherein said vessel is capable of containing hot water with an infusing product in said hot water, wherein when the assembly is configured and arranged to be in a first configuration the piece acts as a lid to the vessel with the first principal surface uppermost, the lower ledge located on the rim of the vessel and the continuous loop downstand located within the vessel, wherein the tableware piece is locatable such that there is a gap between the outside surface of the continuous loop downstand and the inside of said vessel throughout the length of said continuous loop downstand, wherein said continuous loop downstand provides a limited movement lateral restraint against said vessel, wherein if the outside surface of said continuous loop downstand is pushed laterally against one point of the inside of said vessel within one of the three 120 degree sectors the continuous loop downstand is within 6 mm, 4 mm, 2 mm of a point on the inside of the vessel within each of the other two 120 degree sectors, wherein said tableware piece is capable of inversion and being placed on a horizontal surface in a second configuration of said assembly, wherein said well is capable of retaining said infusion product following infusion and inversion of said piece, wherein the assembly can be configured and arranged in a third configuration, wherein the tableware piece acts as a lid to the vessel with the second principal surface uppermost with said upper ledge located on said rim and said three outermost upstand surface points located within said vessel, wherein the piece is locatable such that there is a gap between each of said three outermost upstand surface points and the inside of said vessel, wherein the upstand provides a limited movement lateral restraint against said vessel, wherein if one of said three outermost upstand surface points is pushed laterally against the inside of said vessel within one of said three 120 degree sectors each of the other two of said three outermost upstand surface points is located within 6 mm, 4 mm, 2 mm of a point on the inside of the vessel within one of the other two 120 degree sectors, and wherein in the first and third configurations the assembly can be held and carried in one hand by holding the vessel.
The vessel is optionally annular or polygonal or other continuous loop in a cross-section perpendicular to its axis.
According to another aspect of various embodiments, said assembly comprises a second vessel, wherein said first principal surface comprises a top recess, wherein said top recess comprises a top recess perimeter and a recessed area within said top recess perimeter, and wherein the second vessel is capable of being located within the top recess.
The term “vessel” is intended to include, for example, any drinking vessel, including cups, mugs, beakers and glasses, with or without a handle forming part of the vessel. Tea cups and mugs are typically annular in cross-section about a vessel axis and typically range in inside rim diameter from 65 mm to 90 mm and in volumetric capacity from 0.25 litre to 0.5 litre. The vessel is used to contain a “first liquid”, typically hot water used in an infusion process with tea, or herbal, or fruit or other infusion product to make a beverage. It is to be understood that the vessel can be used to contain any hot or cold beverage. The vessel is typically reusable, washable, of rigid construction, for example of ceramic, glass, stainless steel or plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester, melamine, or bamboo. Optionally the vessel's internal geometry is polygonal in cross-section perpendicular to its axis. Optionally the the vessel comprises paper.
The term “tea” is used to denote any type of tea made from tea leaf (Camelia sinensis) or any other infusion product, for example any fruit or herbal infusion, including chamomile, the leaves or fruit or blossoms of other plants, for example raspberry and mint infusions, water, coffee or hot chocolate and beef or other animal extract.
The term “tea bag” is used to denote a bag containing tea and having sufficient porosity to allow hot water to flow through the bag to contact tea contained therein, to enable the tea to be infused. A tea bag typically comprises perforations or other holes, for example of non-woven micro-perforated paper or abaca or fine weave fabric. The term “tea bag” as used herein also includes the part of a reusable “infuser” that is intended to contain tea, for example of metal, ceramic or silicone, that is perforated, woven or moulded with holes to allow the passage of hot water.
The term “tagged tea bag” or “tea bag assembly” is used to denote an assembly comprising a tea bag, a suspension handle and a connector which connects the suspension handle to the tea bag.
The term “untagged tea bag” is used to denote a tea bag without a suspension handle or tag or string or other connector.
The term “suspension handle” is used to denote the part of a tea bag assembly that is intended to be held when lowering a tea bag into hot water or subsequently retrieving the tea bag. A suspension handle or “tag” optionally comprises a paper or filmic or woven material or plastic material, that is typically stapled or sewn or adhered to the connector, for example of string, which connects the suspension handle to the tea bag. The term “suspension handle” also applies to a length, loop or knot or other means of adapting a string or other connector so as to be held. The term “suspension handle” is also used to denote the part of an infuser intended to be held in order to manipulate the infuser.
The term “connector” is intended to denote a flexible or rigid connecting material, for example a string, chain, wire, metal strip or flexible silicone material, connecting the suspension handle to the tea bag.
The term “infuser” is used to denote a reusable or disposable device intended to contain tea, typically loose leaf tea or any other infusion product. An infuser optionally comprises a closable container, a suspension handle and connector. An infuser optionally comprises a perforated open bowl, optionally comprising a water-permeable drum and optionally a water-permeable base, with a suspension handle and optionally a connector hook section which hooks over the rim of the vessel and optionally comprises a monolithic extension to the connector hook section, the monolithic extension being typically one of a spine joined to one of the outside and inside of the drum and/or a top ring joined to one of the outside and inside of the top of the drum. An infuser optionally comprises a perforated open bowl with a continuous “perimeter ledge” which typically sits on the rim of the vessel, which may be referred to as a “rim-supported infuser”. The term “tea bag”, as used in relation to an infuser, is typically a container of metal, plastic or silicone material that is water permeable, optionally comprising a closing or closure component, for example a hinged lid, the lid being optionally water permeable, or a removable component, to enable dry leaf tea to be inserted into the infuser tea bag and the wet leaf tea to be subsequently removed, and to enable cleaning of the infuser for reuse. The infuser tea bag or container is water permeable, optionally comprising perforated metal, for example perforated stainless steel, woven wire or non-woven material to provide the desired water permeability. The connector is optionally of rigid or semi-rigid material, for example sheet metal or metal wire, or a flexible material, for example a metal chain or strip of silicone. Optionally, the infuser tea bag, suspension handle and connector are of integral construction, for example of metal wire, fabricated stainless steel or moulded silicone. Optionally, an open infuser comprises a perforated bowl, for example of cylindrical or frusto-conical shape, for example of perforated stainless steel, plastic or ceramic material.
The terms “tableware piece” and “piece” are used to denote a combined vessel lid and receptacle on which to transfer a used tea bag or loose leaf tea infuser. It typically comprises a “first principal surface”, which is also referred to herein as “surface 1”, and a “second principal surface”, which is also referred to herein as “surface 2”, for brevity. “Side 1” is used to denote the side of the piece facing surface 1 and “Side 2” is used to denote the side of the piece facing surface 2. Typically, a piece is reusable, washable, typically of rigid construction, for example of ceramic, glass, stainless steel or plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester or melamine, or bamboo or optionally of flexible material, for example silicone. The piece is optionally manufactured from Eastman Tritan copolyester, a product of Eastman Chemical Company, US. The piece is optionally made of china, for example bone china or porcelain. The piece optionally comprises paper.
The first principal surface comprises an “upstand” comprising an “upstand outside surface” facing towards the piece perimeter. Optionally the upstand is a continuous upstand with a continuous upstand outside surface and optionally is a continuous loop upstand. Optionally, there is a plurality of discrete upstands, for example three or more discrete radial fins each with an upstand outside surface and optionally an “upstand inside surface”, for example to provide restraint to a second vessel located on the first principal surface. Optionally, one or more discrete upstands comprise an upstand handle to facilitate the handling of the piece. An outermost upstand surface point is a point on the upstand that is furthest from the upstand centre, which includes the possibility of a plurality of outermost upstand surface points or a continuous locus of outermost upstand surface points, for example on a continuous loop upstand. Optionally, an inward and downward sloping surface from the top of an upstand, referred to herein as a “guiding downslope”, extends inwards from the top of an upstand outside surface towards the piece axis and downwards towards the second principal surface. Optionally, the guiding downslope terminates at a top recess perimeter. Optionally the radial length or dimension of the guiding downslope from the top of the upstand outside surface to a top recess perimeter is 3-7, 7-12 or more than 12 mm. Optionally the guiding downslope has a slope greater than 1:40, 1:20, 1:10, 1:5, 1:2. It should be understood that a radius or chamfer in a cross-section through the piece axis within the top recess perimeter in surface 1 does not constitute a “guiding downslope” or part of a “guiding downslope”. A guiding downslope also facilitates stability of the piece upon inversion, being then supported at support points at the top of a continuous upstand or at least three discrete upstands, which typically coincides with the top of an upstand outside surface, these support points being furthermost from a plane or other surface coincident with the piece perimeter.
Optionally, in a radial cross-section through the piece axis, through a portion of a continuous upstand and optionally a continuous loop upstand, the upstand outside surface is concave to facilitate lifting of the piece, for example by gripping opposing concave surfaces.
Optionally, a continuous upstand and optionally a continuous loop upstand is indented or recessed in an otherwise circular perimeter. Optionally, a continuous loop upstand outside surface is coterminous with a portion of a perimeter recess. Optionally, the continuous downstand outside surface is coterminous with a portion of the perimeter recess. Within the perimeter recess, the continuous upstand outside surface optionally extends to below the level of the upper ledge to where it optionally intersects at a perimeter recess intersection locus with the downstand outside surface and which is coterminous with a portion of the perimeter recess. In a radial cross-section, this perimeter recess intersection point is the outermost point of the perimeter recess radial cross-section on a perimeter recess intersection locus which is also termed a “perimeter recess interaction locus” or “locus of contact”. Following inversion and “docking” or pushing of the inverted piece against the vessel on a common surface such as a table, the perimeter recess interaction locus preferably touches the vessel at at least one interaction point on the perimeter recess interaction locus, which more preferably is contiguous with the outside of the vessel. The depth of the upstand outside surface from the upper ledge is typically greater than 2, 4, 6 mm and the depth of the upstand outside surface from this interaction point to is typically greater than 4, 6, 8 mm, which is much greater than the depth above a perimeter recess interaction locus in prior art vessel lids with a perimeter recess and no upstand. Any free tea liquor that makes its way between the perimeter recess and the vessel will have a longer descent to the point of potentially dripping onto the common surface than with prior art lids with a perimeter recess, a distinct advantage of the present invention. It should be understood that instead of such a perimeter recess intersection point, in a radial cross-section through the perimeter recess, the upstand outside surface and downstand outside surface are optionally otherwise connected, for example by a transition curve. According to embodiments of the invention with a perimeter recess, a continuous upstand and a guiding downslope, the surface profile at the top and along a central length of the perimeter recess is concave, which is the locus of the intersection of the upstand outside surface and the guiding downslope, which is termed the perimeter recess top of upstand locus. When the piece is inverted to receive a used tea bag or infuser, this concave profile of the perimeter recess top of upstand locus along a central length of the perimeter recess is seen in elevation as raised towards the centre of the perimeter recess, in the shape of an arch. Any free tea liquor that makes its way between the perimeter recess and the vessel, on transfer of a used tea bag or infuser onto an inverted piece, on reaching the concave or arch profile, will tend to spread sideways. It is less likely to coalesce under gravity to form sufficient size of droplet to resist surface tension and drop onto the supporting surface with the concave, arch profile of the present invention than with prior art lids with a perimeter recess, another distinct advantage of the present invention.
The term “top recess” is used to denote an optional recess in the first principal surface of the piece capable of retaining a second vessel, for example a milk jug. According to one aspect of the various embodiments, the top recess comprises a “top recess perimeter” and a “perimeter restraint”. The top recess perimeter restraint optionally comprises a perimeter wall between the top recess perimeter and a lower surface or “recessed area” of the top recess. A guiding downslope in the first principal surface is capable of assisting the location of a second vessel into a top recess, which offers a significant improvement over the prior art in this and other respects, for example the retention of another tasting product, for example sugar in a wrapping, within the assembly.
The term “perimeter recess” is used to denote a recess or indent in the perimeter of the piece. Optionally, a portion of the perimeter recess is shaped in an arc of a circle with its centre located outside the perimeter of the piece. When the piece is acting as a lid to a vessel, for example a mug or cup, the perimeter recess forms a “ventilation aperture” between the perimeter recess and the inside of the rim of the vessel. The ventilation aperture allows steam to escape. It also provides a convenient void through which a tea bag connector can pass but typically is small enough to maintain the tea bag suspension handle outside the vessel and piece. The perimeter recess is optionally of smooth curvature to enable the connector to be easily manoeuvred so that it is maintained in the ventilation aperture created between the perimeter recess and vessel rim. Optionally, the perimeter recess also enables the inverted piece to be located or “dock” close to, or touch and optionally fit snugly or contiguously with the vessel on a table or other horizontal surface, to reduce or eliminate the risk of tea dripping onto the horizontal surface when transferring the used tea bag from the vessel into the well of the inverted piece. Optionally, a “stirrer”, for example a wood or plastic stirrer, or a spoon, for example a teaspoon or espresso spoon, is capable of being located within the ventilation aperture between a piece perimeter recess and vessel rim, or the opening formed by the piece perimeter recess and a rim-supported infuser bowl, and within the infuser bowl, for example an open perforated stainless steel bowl. Optionally an infuser handle, hook or connector is located within a ventilation aperture.
Optionally the piece comprises a handle which extends beyond the vessel, for example a radially projecting handle, for example a cylindrical handle facilitating the rotation or inversion of the piece about the axis of the cylindrical handle.
According to one aspect of various embodiments, the second principal surface comprises a continuous loop downstand to retain the piece on the vessel rim, the continuous loop downstand having an additional function of causing condensate on the underside or second surface, which migrates to the downstand, to drip into the mug and not migrate to the piece perimeter.
According to one aspect of various embodiments, a “lower ledge infuser recess” is optionally capable of accommodating the connector, hook or handle of an infuser or a tea bag string, enabling the lower ledge to fit flush onto the rim of the vessel. Optionally, a “downstand infuser recess” on the outside of the downstand enables the downstand to fit around the connector or spine of an infuser and bear directly against the inside of the first vessel, thereby increasing the range of inside diameter of vessel that the piece can accommodate. A downstand infuser recess is optionally continuous with a lower ledge infuser recess.
The term “well” is used to denote the area of surface 2 intended to receive a used tea bag or infuser upon inversion of the piece, and which is impervious to aqueous liquids, and optionally enables a used tea bag to be easily located within its plan area and has a cubic capacity or volume suitable for retaining any liquid that emanates from a used tea bag. The well preferably comprises a minimum clear internal width of greater than 50 mm, and more preferably greater than 65 mm. The well optionally comprises a volume or cubic capacity of liquid that it will contain, when the piece is inverted on a horizontal surface, of greater than at least one of 0.5 cc and 1.0 cc and 3.0 cc and 5.0 cc and 10.0 cc and/or 20.0 cc.
The well optionally comprises a continuous “well wall”, for example the inside surface of a continuous loop downstand or a fold in the piece construction. The well wall comprises a continuous surface that is optionally sloping, for example to assist the extraction of a piece from a mould during manufacture. If the piece is placed on a horizontal surface with the second principal surface facing upwards, the surface of a continuous well wall is optionally at an angle of less than 45° to vertical. A continuous well wall optionally has a height greater than at least one of 1 mm and 2 mm and 5 mm and/or 8 mm.
The base of the well optionally comprises a raised or convex portion of surface when the piece is inverted, on which a used tea bag is optionally intended to be located, which allows tea from the used tea bag to drain into a lower portion of the well, optionally termed a “moat”, for example an annular recess. This moat feature assists re-use of the tea bag with less risk of spillage, and subsequent disposal of the tea bag with less risk of spillage of “free liquid”, typically brewed tea, sometimes referred to as “tea liquor.”
According to various embodiments, the well not only accommodates the base of the used tea bag when lowered into it but optionally contains any leaking fluid if the tea bag falls to one side, a common occurrence as some tea bags are typically unstable after the suspension string is released.
The continuous loop downstand is substantially located inside the vessel when the piece is acting as a lid to the vessel. The downstand prevents the piece from sliding sideways off a vessel when acting as the lid to the vessel. In a number of embodiments, the well optionally comprises the inside of a continuous loop downstand. The continuous loop downstand is optionally referred to as a “drip downstand” or “skirt”, typically configured and sized to be locatable inside the rim of the vessel and is capable of being located inside the vessel, with a gap throughout its length between the downstand and the inside surface of the vessel. The downstand, which is intended to bear against the inside of the vessel when the piece is pushed sideways, optionally has a depth below the lower ledge and rim of the vessel of at least 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm and/or greater than 6 mm. Optionally, the outside of the downstand is coterminous with a portion of the perimeter recess.
A “second vessel” is capable of containing a “tasting product”. The second vessel is optionally an open vessel, for example a milk jug, a drinking vessel, for example an espresso cup or glass, a sugar bowl, a ramekin, a measuring vessel, for example for spirits, a dish, for example for containing snacks, an open jar, or a baking case, for example containing a cupcake. The second vessel is optionally a vessel with a lid, for example a honey jar, a milk jug or creamer with a lid, or a capsule with a sealed lid, for example containing milk. The second vessel is optionally a sealed or unsealed flexible wrapping or packaging, for example a milk sachet or a sachet for sugar or sweetener. Optionally a flexible package, for example for example containing sugar, is capable of being folded and located within the top recess in a manner with exerts outward pressure onto the top recess perimeter wall, thus providing a passive lateral restraint to the package. A second vessel comprising a small jug, “pourer”, or “creamer”, typically comprises a spout or “lip” being a projection outside an otherwise circular perimeter of the second vessel rim to assist the drip-free pouring of a liquid “tasting product”. Optionally, the second vessel comprises one of two, three and four spouts within the second vessel rim perimeter. A second vessel is typically of smaller liquid capacity than the vessel. The second vessel is optionally made of plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester, melamine, polypropylene, or crystal polystyrene, or ceramic, glass, metal, bamboo, paper or other biodegradable or edible material, for example a pastry cup or one made of ice cream wafer biscuit. Optionally, the second vessel is disposable, for example a paper espresso cup, a paper case to a cup cake, or open or closed packaging.
A “tasting product” is any liquid or solid that is partly or wholly retained within the second vessel that is typically intended to be added to the first liquid in the vessel to amend its taste, for example milk, cream, lemon juice, honey, any edible or potable essence or “tasting sauce”, such as vanilla essence, any alcoholic liquid, any leaf or powder, lemon, sugar, sweetener, small marshmallows or any other taster, mixer or shot to change the flavour or other property of the resultant beverage, for example cold water to reduce the temperature of a beverage after brewing and before its consumption. Other tasting products are typically to be consumed in conjunction with the first liquid, for example nuts, cakes, biscuits, or any other savoury or sweet snack.
An optional second vessel is restrained from sliding or toppling off the piece by being located and retained within a top recess and/or by discrete surfaces, for example the inside surfaces of discrete upstands, for example the innermost surfaces of radial fin upstands. The second vessel is optionally purpose-designed or selected from a wide range of vessels on the market, for example which are sold as milk jugs or “creamers”, for example of ceramic, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, paper or plastic, for example of polycarbonate, copolyester, acrylic, polypropylene or crystal polystyrene. any second vessel is typically small compared to the vessel, for example measuring up to 50 ml.
Typically, the vessel, the piece top recess perimeter and any optional second vessel are substantially circular on plan and are typically assembled to be substantially co-axial, with the vessel, the piece top recess perimeter and the second vessel each within 1, 2, 3, 4 mm of the piece axis. The piece axis is typically being substantially vertical when supported on a table, or other substantially horizontal surface. Typically, a second vessel comprises an axial length of annular cross-sections. Optionally a second vessel comprises a cross-section which transitions from a circular outer surface at the base to a square outer surface at the rim, such a configuration optionally comprising four corner projections or spouts to optionally assist holding the second vessel between finger and thumb under two opposing spouts and pouring a tasting liquid from the second vessel via another of the four spouts.
A second vessel is typically supported on its base, for example a plane base or a base with a perimeter downstand ring, “foot” or annular projection, or a tripod or other stable arrangement of discrete legs. The underside of such example base arrangements are considered to be coincident with a “base plane” to the second vessel. The “width of the second vessel base support” is the distance between the extremities of base support in a given direction.
The assembly optionally comprises a “third vessel” located on the second vessel, which is capable of containing a second tasting product, for example sugar or sweetener, for example a dish with a means of restraint in relation to the second vessel. A third vessel is optionally made of plastic, for example polycarbonate, copolyester, melamine, polypropylene, or crystal polystyrene, or ceramic, glass, metal, bamboo, paper or biodegradable or edible material, for example a pastry cup. A third vessel is optionally a flexible packaging or sachet, for example containing sugar or sweetener. A third vessel is optionally a shallow dish, for example containing a snack such as nuts, and optionally comprising a clip to retain one or more sachets, for example of sugar or sweetener.
The piece's second principal surface comprises a downstand which is located within the piece perimeter. When the piece is acting as a lid to the vessel, the downstand provides a lateral restraint against the inside of the vessel if the piece is subjected to a lateral force. A top recess in the piece is optionally configured to reduce the likelihood of a second vessel sliding or toppling off the piece, for example if a person carrying the assembly is accidentally knocked sideways by another person or inadvertently carries the assembly with its axis sloping at a substantial angle to vertical and/or is unsteady in attempting to hold the axis of the assembly substantially vertical.
The term “piece perimeter radius” is intended to mean the radius of a circle forming part of the perimeter of a piece, for example the piece being substantially circular apart from the extent of any perimeter recess and/or apart from any piece handle or other projection extending outwards beyond a substantially circular perimeter. If the piece perimeter is not substantially circular, for example if it comprises a multi-sided, polygonal shape such as an octagon, the piece perimeter radius is that of a circle of the same area as the alternative perimeter geometry.
The term ‘transparent material’ is used to denote a material that, if used to make a piece according to various embodiments of the present invention, allows the strength of the tea infusing in the vessel to be visibly identifiable through the transparent material. Optionally, the transparent material is clear, for example water clear, or no more tinted than common glass.
The term “stirrer” or the term “spoon” or “teaspoon” or “espresso spoon” is used to denote any utensil capable of being used to stir or otherwise agitate a liquid in the vessel, for example a metal teaspoon or a wooden or plastic stirrer. According to the present invention, the use of one of these four terms includes any of the other three terms. A stirrer or teaspoon is typically used to mix a tasting product from a second vessel and/or a third vessel into the first liquid in the vessel, for example to be dissolved in the first liquid or form a suspension within the first liquid. It is optionally used to extract a tasting product from a second or third vessel, to be consumed in conjunction with liquid in the vessel. A stirrer or spoon is optionally used to transfer a used tea bag, typically an untagged tea bag, from the vessel to an inverted piece.
The shape of a top recess in the piece and the shape of the underside or base of a second vessel typically combine to provide a resistance to lateral and optionally rotational movement of the second vessel relative to the piece. For example, a top recess in the piece is optionally part cylindrical in shape. A second vessel is optionally ceramic hollowware, typically comprising an annular projection at its base, the underside of which is typically unglazed.
It is preferable to provide a resistance against lateral movement of the second vessel in relation to the piece, for example a top recess perimeter restraint, for example comprising a perimeter wall to the top recess. Such a perimeter wall in cross-section optionally comprises a bottom radius and a top radius, the top radius assisting the location of the second vessel within the top recess and the bottom radius assisting the dishwashing or other cleaning of the piece. A perimeter wall typically comprises a slope angle in relation to the plane of the recess perimeter of greater than at least one of 45° and 60° and/or 85°. Optionally the perimeter wall comprises a “transition” curve in cross-section, comprising a gradually increasing radius from the recessed area or top recess bottom, which is potentially advantageous in gradually absorbing the energy of relative lateral movement of the second vessel in relation to the piece, reducing the likelihood of any liquid in the second vessel spilling or the second vessel overturning. Optionally, the shape of the perimeter wall and the lower side of a second vessel are designed and constructed to enable the second vessel to be easily located within the recess, for example each comprising a perimeter chamfer. Preferably, this location of the second vessel into a top recess is also assisted by a guiding downslope between the upstand and top recess perimeter.
Optionally the second vessel is located into the top recess with a locking mechanical connection that resists rotational movement through the axis of the second vessel relative to the piece. While such mechanical connection could comprise a screw or bayonet or Rotite® connector (a product of Rotite Ltd, UK) or other prior art connection, these locking connections typically would comprise undesirable internal angles or other features that would complicate the manufacture and cleaning of the second vessel and piece. There is optionally a mechanical connection of the second vessel to the piece comprising a suitably shaped annular projection forming the base of the second vessel with a related, suitably shaped annular recess in the first principal surface of the piece, the respective shapes allowing easy location of the second vessel base into the annular recess and easy removal but providing a limited movement or passive rotational restraint against toppling of the second vessel.
The assembly is typically more stable and safer for carrying than a prior art open mug containing hot tea, whether being carried by hand or on a tray or a prior art teapot service carried on a tray to the point of consumption, where brewing optionally takes place, monitored by the drinker. The assembly can be assembled with relative ease and speed compared to prior art methods of making and serving tea. Such relative stability and convenience can be considered in relation to the following factors:
“Lateral restraint” of one component of the assembly in relation to another component of the assembly refers to restraint of movement perpendicular to the axis of the another component. Lateral restraint of the piece in relation to the vessel refers to restraint of movement perpendicular to the axis of the vessel. Lateral restraint of the second vessel refers to restraint of movement of the second vessel perpendicular to the axis of the piece.
“Passive lateral restraint” of one component of the assembly in relation to another means there is no relative movement of the two components.
“Limited movement lateral restraint” means there is some lateral movement of one component in one direction in relation to another before there is interaction restraining further lateral movement. For example, the shape of the downstand and vessel combine to provide a lateral restraint to movement of the piece relative to the vessel, optionally following lateral movement of less than at least one of 6 mm and 3 mm and/or 1 mm. As another example, the shape the vessel and upstand, following inversion of the piece and location of the upstand within the inside rim of the vessel, combine to provide a lateral restraint to movement of the piece relative to the vessel, optionally following lateral movement of less than at least one of 6 mm and 3 mm and/or 1 mm.
As another example, the shape of the top recess in the piece and the shape of the base of a second vessel combine to provide a lateral restraint to movement of the second vessel relative to the piece, optionally following lateral movement of less than at least one of 6 mm and 3 mm and/or 1 mm.
“Rotational restraint” resists rotational movement through the axis of one component of the assembly relative to another.
“Passive rotational restraint” means there is no relative rotational movement of the two components.
“Limited movement rotational restraint” means there is some rotational movement of one component in relation to another before there is interaction restraining further movement.
“360° passive lateral restraint” means that passive resistance is provided against the lateral movement of one component in relation to another component in any radial direction relative to the axis of another component.
The terms “axial alignment” and “coaxial” allow for tolerance and thereby out-of axial alignment of small dimension, typically less than at least one of 5 mm and 3 mm and 2 mm and/or 1 mm relative movement prior to interaction of two components effectively preventing further relative movement, also referred to as “interaction tolerance”.
It is preferable for the piece to be located on the vessel and the second vessel located on the piece with freedom of axial movement.
Optionally, passive lateral restraint or passive rotational restraint should not result from any degree of wedging action comprising physical deformation of one or two wedged components. Optionally, disengagement of components of the assembly should only require the overcoming of gravitational force, not friction or any wedging force.
A “point of consumption” is the location at which a beverage is consumed.
A “table” is any table or other horizontal surface onto which an assembly of the present invention is placed, including a dining table, a coffee table, a desk and a bedside unit.
A “counter” is any surface on which an assembly of the present invention is assembled or prepared, for example a counter at a counter-service restaurant, a self-service counter or unit and a kitchen countertop.
A complete tea service of the invention is optionally supported by the vessel and is capable of being held and carried in one hand. The vessel typically comprises a mug or cup, which supports a piece acting as a lid, which in turn optionally supports a second vessel, for example a milk jug. A tea bag or loose leaf tea infuser is typically located within hot water within the vessel. A tea bag can be either tagged, in which case the tag is located outside the vessel, the string being optionally retained within the ventilation aperture or being located on another part of the rim where the tea bag string is typically trapped between the rim of the vessel and a perimeter ledge of the piece. The whole assembly or tea service is capable of being held in one hand, typically by a handle on the vessel, for example the handle of a mug or cup. After the assembly is carried to a table or other surface by a server or a consumer, any second vessel is typically removed from the piece and the brewing and steeping of the tea can be observed through a transparent vessel and/or a transparent piece and/or by temporarily removing the piece. When the tea has reached the required strength for the individual customer, the piece is removed, inverted and typically “docked” with the perimeter recess fitting snugly against the side of the vessel. This creates a “transfer width” which enables the transfer of a used tea bag onto the inverted piece either by means of the tag or teaspoon or the transfer of a used infuser without spilling onto a table or other surface. Milk is then optionally poured from the second vessel into the brewed tea in the vessel and stirred with the teaspoon. Milk is optionally substituted by any tasting product, for example cream, lemon, honey, an essence, for example of vanilla or hazelnut, an alcoholic beverage, for example to produce a tea cocktail, sugar, cinnamon, or other solid tasting product, optionally stirred with the teaspoon to produce the finished beverage.
According to one aspect of various embodiments, the assembly comprises an infuser, for example a stainless steel “bucket” or “bowl” infuser, a “ball and chain” infuser or a disposable abaca or paper envelope infuser. A stainless steel infuser optionally comprises a perforated bowl typically comprising a perforated drum and base, a connector hook which hooks over the rim of the vessel within or outside the piece perimeter recess, the hook optionally extended to form an infuser handle. The hook optionally is located within the ventilation aperture formed between the vessel rim and the piece perimeter recess, optionally also retaining a spoon, the bowl of the spoon being located within the vessel, optionally within or outside the infuser. Optionally, another type of stainless steel infuser comprises a perimeter ledge which can be located intermediate the vessel rim and the piece. Optionally, a stirrer or spoon is capable of being inserted within the piece perimeter recess, the bowl of the spoon being located within the infuser. Optionally the perimeter ledge of the infuser extends to form a handle projecting beyond the vessel. Optionally, when the infuser is located on the mug and the piece located on the infuser, at least a part of the perimeter of the piece projects beyond the perimeter of the infuser for ease of lifting the piece relative to the infuser. Depending on the size of the infuser, the spoon is typically either a teaspoon or an espresso spoon.
There is typically a tolerance between the outside of the tea piece downstand and the inside of the vessel, which allows for easy placement and removal of the tea piece. In spite of the tea piece not being sealed to the vessel, a significant reduction in spillage of any liquid in the vessel has been noted in practice, compared to an open mug of the same shape, filled to the same level. The presence of a teaspoon in the ventilation aperture has the effect of pushing the tea piece towards the opposite rim of the vessel, by virtue of the teaspoon bowl sliding until restrained by the vessel rim and the edge of the perimeter recess. This has the effect of substantially removing relative movement of the tea piece relative to the vessel under relatively low lateral force on the tea piece. Optionally the presence of an infuser connector, hook or handle within a ventilation aperture or ledge recess or elsewhere on the vessel rim inhibits lateral movement of the piece relative to the vessel.
It is preferable for a second vessel to be maintained on the tea piece under a reasonable range of conditions of a person holding the handle of the vessel, allowing the vessel to slope or to shake or be disturbed in resisting sideways impact, for example into furniture or from another person. Optionally an assembly comprising a second vessel located within the top recess of the piece can be rotated to an angle of over at least one of 10° and 20° and 30° and/or 40° from vertical without the second vessel sliding off the tea piece or overturning. The slope at which liquid may spill from the second vessel depends upon the level to which the second vessel is filled by a liquid tasting product. The size of the second vessel is typically selected such that the maximum desired amount of tasting liquid can be accommodated within the second vessel's height with a defined gap to the rim. The second vessel is optionally filled with a typically cold liquid to a level that will spill when the vessel is rotated before the typically hot first liquid in the vessel spills, providing a safety warning to avoid scalding.
The stability of the second vessel and the assembly as a whole is assisted by the second vessel being smaller than the vessel. Firstly, the smaller the second vessel the less likely it is to be knocked in a commercial hospitality environment. For an identical shape, the smaller the second vessel, the lower its centre of gravity. Optionally, the second vessel has a height above the base plane of the second vessel of less than at least one of 75 mm and 60 mm and 55 mm and 50 mm and 45 mm and/or 40 mm and less than at least one of 80% and 70% and 60% and/or 40% the height of the vessel. Optionally the liquid capacity of the second vessel is less than the liquid capacity of the vessel and optionally less than at least one of 80% and 60% and 40% and 30% and/or 20% the liquid capacity of the vessel.
The stability of the overall assembly in preparation of an assembly and carrying an assembly in one hand or on a tray and when placed at the point of consumption, for example on a table or desk, is optionally assessed by the diameter of the base of the vessel divided by the overall height of the assembly, optionally greater than at least one of 0.3 and 0.35 and 0.40 and 0.45 and/or 0.50.
The dynamic performance of the assembly with liquid in both the vessel and the second vessel is complex, whether in relation to an imposed slope or lateral force, and is compounded by the reaction of the person holding the vessel or a tray on which the assembly is located, making any corrective moves to compensate for any perceived risk of spillage, sliding or overturning. If a sudden force is applied laterally to the vessel in one direction the tea piece will typically slide to the other side of the rim of the vessel, unless already restrained at that point by the tea piece downstand. In either case, a lateral force will be applied to the side of the second vessel at its base in the same direction as the initial force on the vessel, resulting in a tendency for the second vessel to topple or rotate in the opposite direction. Such tendency is optionally prevented by adequate means of lateral restraint, for example by a top recess perimeter wall in a piece and/or the inside surfaces of discrete upstands, for example radial fin upstands. While spillage of hot liquid in the vessel would be the most serious consequence of such sloping, lateral movement or impact, spillage of liquid in the second vessel would likely occur before spillage of liquid in the vessel or dislodgement or overturning of the second vessel. Liquid in the second vessel will typically rise up the side of the second vessel facing the direction of lateral impact and then oscillate backwards and forwards in this direction, the timing of such oscillation possibly causing an increase or decrease in the likelihood of lateral sliding or overturning of the second vessel on the tea piece. It has been found in practice that a substantially cylindrical recess, with a perimeter wall depth optionally greater than at least one of 2 mm and 3 mm and/or 4 mm will substantially avoid such sliding or overturning of the second vessel under typical conditions of a busy and bustling hospitality environment where sideways knocks are not unusual but limited in severity. Such locations often have hard floor surfaces and the second vessel is optionally of a plastic or metal or tempered glass rather than a ceramic material which is more likely to fracture if it falls to the floor. Nevertheless, the likelihood of such occurrence is small and aesthetic considerations or other practical considerations, such as resistance to scratching, may make a ceramic material preferable in certain circumstances.
The perceived risk of spillage of liquid from the vessel and/or second vessel, or the toppling of the second vessel from the piece, are problems that the assembly is typically configured and arranged to overcome. There are many methods of assessing such risks and the performance of the present invention in relation to prior art methods of serving tea.
The “maximum angle of static equilibrium” of the second vessel is optionally assessed by slowly rotating an assembly without any contained liquids through the axis of the vessel until the second vessel topples over, which is typically at an angle of the vessel axis to vertical of greater than at least one of 300 and/or 40°, angles far greater than liquid in the vessel or second vessel would typically spill if filled to a typical level of say 5-10 mm from the rim.
In various non-limiting embodiments, a piece perimeter recess plays a number of potential roles, including to optionally provide:
The shortest or straight line dimension between the two extremities of the perimeter recess, for example the chord length between the points at which it deviates from a circular perimeter, is typically greater than at least one of 10 mm and 25 mm and 30 mm and/or 35 mm.
The ventilation aperture optionally has a maximum dimension in any direction (e.g., radial direction relative to a centre of the piece or a direction tangential to a circumferential direction) of less than at least one of 30 mm and 25 mm and/or 20 mm. Optionally, the ventilation aperture has a plan area of greater than at least one of 20 mm2 and 50 mm2 and 100 mm2 and 150 mm2 and/or 200 mm2.
A transparent piece and/or vessel enables the darkening colour of an infusion to be monitored but if an opaque piece is being used with an opaque vessel, preferably white or light colour, the strength of infusion at any point in time can be easily established by raising the tea piece in one hand. Optionally, the speed of infusion can be increased by manipulating the tea bag by a supporting tag or a teaspoon. When the desired strength of infusion is achieved, infusion is then terminated by the removal of the used tea bag onto the inverted piece. This is an improvement over prior art teapots in which the strength of infusion varies continuously from too weak to too strong.
Optionally, the perimeter recess is shaped to an arc of a circle that enables the perimeter recess edge to be contiguous (fit snugly) with the outside of the vessel after the inversion of the piece, in order to reduce the likelihood of, or to prevent, drips from a wet, used tea bag falling onto a table cloth or table during transfer from the infused tea in the vessel to the inverted piece acting as a receptacle for the wet, used tea bag.
Optionally, from the top of an upstand, there is a guiding downslope sloping downwards towards a top recess perimeter and optionally to the top of a wall comprising a perimeter restraint surrounding a top recess. This guiding downslope assists the speedy location of a second vessel, for example a milk jug, into the top recess, which in a busy foodservice environment is key advantage of the present invention over the prior art.
Optionally, a guiding downslope is continuous within a continuous upstand, optionally of an inverted frusto-conical or truncated cone shape, somewhat akin to a velodrome track. A continuous guiding downslope not only assists the stability of an inverted piece and guides a second vessel into a top recess, it is capable of supporting or partially supporting other elements of an assembly comprising a tea service, for example a tasting product, for example a sugar or sweetener sachet or one or more wrapped or unwrapped sugar cubes, for example the inward slope helping to maintain the tasting product on the piece when an assembly is being carried. Optionally, the piece is configured and arranged to retain a tasting product, for example comprising a recess in surface 1.
The recessed area of the top recess comprises an ideal area to insert graphics, for example information graphics, for example providing instructions on the use of the piece, or information on the manufacturer or material of manufacture, or that it is machine dish-washable or micro-waveable, or a patent or other intellectual property notification, or an advertisement for a customer, for example a service provided by the customer or the name of a hotel or other foodservice operation in which the piece is in use. Such graphics are optionally disposed elsewhere on the piece, for example around a guiding downslope surrounding a top recess. Such graphics can optionally be applied to either the first principal surface or the second principal surface, for example by means of a ceramic ink decal on a ceramic piece or a glass piece, and then fired into the piece to produce a durable graphic. The graphics on a plastic piece are optionally moulded into or projecting from the piece, or printed onto the surface of the piece for example by screen-, inkjet- or pad-printing. If the piece is transparent, for example of glass or plastic, the graphics can be applied reverse-reading, to be read right-reading from the opposite side of the piece.
Optionally, a top recess facilitates a stable seating of the piece upon inversion, for example on a table cloth, onto which the top recess perimeter bears. Optionally, the first principal surface is raised outside a top recess to a locus of support more remote from the centre of the piece, for example the top of a continuous upstand, thereby offering a more stable support upon inversion. Optionally, a stable support to the inverted piece is provided by discrete upstands acting as legs to the inverted piece, optionally with discrete points or loci of support, preferably towards or at the outsides of discrete upstands.
Upon inversion, the piece is optionally stable on a horizontal surface, to reduce the chances of the piece being rocked to an angle that could allow spilling of tea that has emanated from a used tea bag. Optionally, the continuous or discrete points of support of the piece when inverted and placed on a horizontal surface are disposed on the horizontal surface at a distance from the centre of gravity of the piece or the piece axis of not less than at least one of 20, 25, 30, 35 mm. In various non-limiting embodiments, the continuous or discrete points of support are at a radial distance of within at least one of 5, 3, 1 mm of the distance of the downstand outside surface adjacent to the lower ledge from the centre of the piece, further than and therefore more stable than the prior art.
In various non-limiting embodiments, a continuous loop downstand is firstly intended to prevent water, which has condensed on the second surface during infusion, dripping outside the rim of the cup. It is typically continuous throughout its length to form a closed loop well wall when observed from the second surface side of the piece, to cause tea emanating from a wet tea bag to be contained on the second surface, within a well formed by the closed loop downstand.
In various non-limiting embodiments, the perimeter recess is optionally recessed within an otherwise circular perimeter and is of a width and shape to enable easy positioning of a tea bag connector within the perimeter recess before lowering the tea bag into the hot water. If the piece perimeter is predominantly circular, then the perimeter recess preferably deviates inside that circle by a radial deviation greater than at least one of 3 mm and 5 mm and 10 mm and/or 15 mm. Optionally the perimeter recess does not comprise an angle or curvature of radius less than 3 mm. The perimeter recess should optionally enable ‘docking’ of the perimeter recess against a vessel of circular plan, after inversion of the piece, such that the external surface of the vessel intrudes into a notional continuation of the piece perimeter circle by a distance of greater than at least one of 1 mm and 2 mm and 3 mm and 5 mm and 10 mm and/or 15 mm.
Optionally, when the inverted piece is pushed against the outside of the vessel, there is a length between two points on the vessel perimeter, over the extent of the perimeter recess, in which the gap between the vessel and piece, when measured radially from the vertical axis of the vessel, is less than at least one of 1 mm and 0.5 mm and/or 0.2 mm. Also, the length between the two points is greater than at least one of 10 mm and 20 mm and/or 30 mm. These ‘docking’ features reduce the likelihood of spillage of tea when transferring a used tea bag from the vessel to an inverted piece compared to prior art circular lids.
The piece acting as a lid to a vessel reduces the rate of cooling of the hot water or infusion, which results in a faster rate of infusion and stronger potential infusion than would otherwise be the case, for example with a prior art open vessel. The reduction in rate of cooling is even greater if there is a relative flow of air over an open vessel with no lid, for example if a cup of hot water is being carried by a server from a kitchen area to a table within a restaurant or other hospitality location. Optionally, the tea piece is returned to the vessel to reduce the rate of cooling of a hot beverage in the vessel. The provision of a lid during infusion or between times of consumption has been shown to be more effective in reducing the rate of cooling than, for example, an insulated mug or beaker with an open top.
Optionally the piece is capable of being used as a cover to the vessel, for example to keep the beverage warm before and/or intermittently during the duration of drinking the beverage, optionally with a used tea bag or infuser retained on the inverted piece or after removal of the tea bag and its disposal. A major feature and advantage of the present invention over the prior art is the capability to return the piece back onto the rim of a vessel without the need to re-invert the piece. The resultant assembly is stable and capable of safe clearing and return carry to a kitchen or other service point. With the second principal surface uppermost, the upstand outside surface or surfaces provide a limited movement lateral restraint against the inside of the vessel. This avoids the need to decant a used teabag and free liquid back into the vessel in order to locate a re-inverted piece onto the vessel rim to clear a table and return carry, or to return carry the vessel and inverted piece separately, taking more room on a tray.
Various non-limiting embodiments provide tea-making functionality similar to a teapot, of a covered infusion environment, with an increased efficiency of infusion compared to an open mug. Optionally, the piece has enhanced insulating properties, for example comprising an internal partial vacuum, air gaps or bubbles, for example of sealed foam construction, for example to further improve heat retention during the serving of the vessel containing hot water and/or the infusion, enabling the required strength of tea to be achieved even faster, and/or keeping the tea or other beverage warmer before and during the duration of drinking the tea.
Optionally, the vessel has enhanced insulating properties, further improving heat retention, for example by the sides and/or base incorporating an air gap and/or partial vacuum and/or comprising a highly insulating material.
According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making, serving and clearing a beverage using one of the assemblies previously described, said method comprising the steps of:
According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making tea including in step (i) said first liquid is hot water, wherein after step (i) locating a tea bag into the hot water. According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making of tea wherein said first liquid is hot water and before step (i) locating a tea bag into the vessel. According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making tea, wherein after step (iii) locating a tea bag into the vessel. According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making tea, wherein after step (iii) allowing time for the tea to infuse. According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making tea, wherein after step (iv), removing a used tea bag from the hot water, and locating the used tea bag into the well of the inverted piece.
According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making tea comprising inserting one of milk and honey and lemon and sugar and sweetener into a second vessel and before or after the tea has infused transferring the one of milk and honey and lemon and sugar and sweetener into the vessel.
Optionally, the tea bag is part of an assembly comprising the tea bag, a suspension handle and a connector which connects the tea bag to the suspension handle.
Optionally, the tea bag is placed into the hot water by means of the suspension handle and connector.
Optionally, the piece comprises a perimeter recess and a tea bag connector passes through a ventilation aperture between the perimeter recess and the inside of the vessel rim, and wherein the suspension handle is located outside the space contained by the vessel and piece acting as a lid to the vessel. The ventilation aperture enables ventilation of steam and, optionally before step (iv), agitating the infusing tea, for example by repeatedly lifting the tea bag up and allowing it to drop, by means of the suspension handle and connector. The infusion process is sometimes referred to as steeping or brewing the tea, which is sometimes referred to as tea liquor.
Optionally the piece comprises a perimeter recess and the perimeter recess is designed and configured to fit close to and optionally contiguously with the outside of the vessel following inversion. Optionally, in step (iv), the piece is inverted and optionally is then located onto the same surface as the vessel and is optionally located or docked close to, or touching, or contiguous with part of the outside surface of the vessel, to enable the used tea bag to be transferred onto the piece without dripping onto the surface, for example of a table or tablecloth or desk or service counter.
This docking of the piece creates a “transfer width” with little or no gap between the vessel and part of the piece perimeter, over which the used tea bag is transferred onto the inverted piece, to further reduce the possibility of tea from the used tea bag spilling onto the horizontal surface.
The tea bag connector is optionally string, optionally thread, twine, fine cable or monofilament, optionally flexible, optionally contained within the tea bag before being pulled out from the tea bag before immersion of the tea bag in the hot water.
The suspension handle or tag typically comprises paper, card or plastic material or a loop or other termination of the string and enables the tea bag to be suspended from the string by a person holding the suspension handle, typically between thumb and first finger, for the purposes of placing the tea bag into the hot water in the cup and optionally agitating the tea bag to speed up the infusion process. Following the desired degree of infusion or brewing of the tea, the suspension handle and string are typically used to retrieve the tea bag from the hot tea liquid and, following inversion of the piece and locating it onto a table or other horizontal surface, placing the wet tea bag on the second surface of the piece within the well. The tea bag is optionally part of a reusable tea infuser, for example of stainless steel or silicone. Optionally, a disposable tea bag, for example made of abaca, is located within an infuser, for example the bowl of an open infuser, to facilitate hot water being directly and continuously applied to the disposable tea bag containing tea, which otherwise would move away from the flow of hot water, for example in order to accelerate the infusion process and/or facilitate the easy retrieval of an untagged tea bag.
The tea is optionally made from boiling water, optionally poured onto the tea bag directly from a kettle or other water boiling device, or the tea bag is placed into the vessel containing hot water. In either case, according to methods according to various embodiments of the present invention, the method optionally allows the individual drinker to determine their preferred strength of tea in a location remote from a kettle or other means of boiling water, as they are in control of the duration of infusion. It also allows the drinker or other user of the piece to overcome some of the limitations of the prior art. The lid retains heat, reducing the rate of cooling of the hot water or infusion. A ventilation aperture between the piece and the rim of the cup allows the escape of steam, while typically retaining the tea bag connector, enabling the suspension handle to be maintained outside the cup, and the optional agitation of the tea bag by raising and lowering of the tea bag suspension handle. The piece provides a convenient holding receptacle for the wet tea bag after infusion, following its inversion, enabling reuse of the already used tea bag and/or its clean and convenient disposal.
Another advantage over the prior art of teapots is that lifting and inversion of the piece releases aromatic oils trapped within the continuous downstand during infusion, providing a concentrated aroma or “aroma burst” not experienced with a teapot with a lid maintained on the teapot, or an open mug, from which the aroma of infusion is slowly dissipated.
A major feature and advantage of the present invention over the prior art is the capability to return the piece back onto the rim of the vessel without the need to re-invert the piece, and the resultant assembly being stable and capable of safe clearing and return carry to a kitchen or other service point. The upstand surface portions provide a limited movement lateral restraint against the inside of the vessel. This avoids the need to decant a used teabag, condensate and free liquid back into the vessel in order to locate a re-inverted piece onto the vessel rim or to clear a table and return carry the vessel and inverted piece separately. The straight lift, translation and lowering of the piece with a used tea bag or infuser onto the rim of the vessel without re-inversion of the piece enables the assembly to be cleared from a surface, for example a table, and carried back to a kitchen or other service point safely in one hand, or taking less space on a tray than prior art methods of clearing and return carrying a tea set or assembly. In either case, time is saved in clearing the assembly, for example from a restaurant table. A further benefit of the upstand is to enable the temporary relocation of the piece onto the rim of the vessel without re-inversion, in between steps of drinking the tea or other infusion, for example to keep the liquid hotter than if the vessel was left open, or to act as a “bug barrier”, preventing insects or plant detritus entering the liquid, typically if being consumed outdoors. Such temporary relocation of the piece onto the vessel is optionally with or without a used tea bag on the piece, in the latter case the used tea bag having been previously removed from the inverted piece.
The method of making a beverage optionally includes the piece comprising a perimeter recess and a teaspoon being inserted into the liquid in the vessel, the ventilation aperture retaining the shaft of the teaspoon, and wherein after step (iv) the teaspoon is used to stir and amalgamate the tasting product and the liquid in the vessel. For example, in the method of making tea, the tasting product is optionally milk which is mixed into the brewed tea in the vessel. The inclusion of a teaspoon in the assembly is especially valuable when making tea with an untagged tea bag, the used untagged tea bag being transferred onto the inverted piece by using the teaspoon. Optionally, a teaspoon is located in an infuser bowl.
The method of making a beverage optionally includes an assembly comprising a second vessel, and wherein the first principal surface comprises a top recess, wherein the top recess comprises a top recess perimeter and a recessed area within the top recess top perimeter, and wherein the second vessel is capable of being located within the top recess, and before step (iii) inserting a tasting product in the second vessel and, after step (ii), locating the second vessel in the top recess and, after step (iv) inserting some of the tasting product into the vessel. According to various non-limiting embodiments, there is a method of making tea including in step (iii) the tasting product is one of milk and cream and honey and lemon and sugar and sweetener and alcohol. Optionally the tasting product in a second vessel is cold water, to be introduced into the drink after the desired time of infusion at the point of consumption, for the purpose of cooling the drink for immediate consumption. A further benefit to the foodservice industry is avoiding the loss of teaspoons and other small tableware items, which are cleared on a table onto plates with uneaten food and subsequently accidentally thrown away with the waste food. The current invention enables the replacement of the piece onto the vessel with any associated teaspoon retained within the ventilation aperture or space between the perimeter recess and vessel rim, preventing such loss of the piece or teaspoon.
As another example of use of the invention, in the making of Irish coffee, the vessel is optionally of glass which is optionally pre-warmed and, in step (i), hot coffee is the first liquid inserted into the vessel, followed by inserting and stirring brown sugar with a teaspoon until the brown sure is dissolved, and following step (i) or after step (iv), adding Irish whiskey and stirring again with the teaspoon to produce a coffee blend before, following step (iv), holding the teaspoon with the teaspoon bowl over the vessel with the convex side uppermost and slowly pouring cream from the second vessel into the coffee blend via the concave surface. As another example, a tea or other infusion cocktail is made using an alcoholic spirit as the tasting product inserted into the second vessel.
Optionally, a part or all of the vessel and/or the piece is transparent, maintaining visibility of the tea while it is infusing to the required strength of tea. Various non-limiting embodiments of the invention enable alternative uses of the piece following tea making, either for wet tea bag disposal or reuse, or as a saucer for the cup of tea, or as a lid to keep the tea hotter than it otherwise would be before and optionally during the duration of drinking the tea. Various non-limiting embodiments of the invention enable a reduced quantity of tea to be incorporated into each tea bag because of the increased efficiency of infusion compared to the method of making tea with a tea bag in an open mug or cup. The invention avoids the spilling of tea from a teapot when serving or pouring, caused by a poorly designed or constructed teapot or the person holding the teapot.
The piece is optionally used for methods of making tea which do not comprise a tea bag assembly comprising a tea bag, a suspension handle and a string connector. For example, making tea with an untagged tea bag without a suspension handle or string connector still benefits from the heat retention in the vessel provided by the piece, for example as a mug or cup lid. The untagged tea bag is typically dropped into hot water placed in the vessel or placed in the vessel before the hot water is added, and is typically removed from the hot water and placed on the inverted piece by a teaspoon, a fork, a stirrer or other implement, which is optionally also used to agitate the tea bag or press the tea bag against the side or base of the vessel to accelerate the steeping of the tea or other infusion. A stirrer, typically a slim piece of disposable wood or plastic, is optionally used to agitate the tea bag through the ventilation aperture.
Optionally the piece is used to make tea with loose leaf tea in conjunction with an infuser. Optionally, the infuser has a flexible connector, for example a chain or made of a flexible material, for example silicone, or is suitably shaped to allow a connector part of the infuser to pass through the ventilation aperture or a recess in the lower ledge on surface and/or the outside of the downstand, with the infuser suspension handle located outside the vessel and piece and optionally be capable of manipulating the infuser up and down or side to side to accelerate the infusion. Optionally the infuser comprises an open bowl, a suspension handle and a connector hook. Optionally, the infuser comprises a continuous perimeter ledge which is supported on the rim of the vessel before placing the tea or other infusion within the infuser, adding hot water and placing the piece on the infuser, optionally with a stirrer or teaspoon placed within the perimeter recess with the bottom end of the stirrer or bowl of the teaspoon located within the infuser.
Optionally, before, during or following infusion, a drinking straw is located within the ventilation aperture to assist the subsequent consumption of a beverage, while keeping the beverage relatively safe from spilling, for example by the elderly or otherwise inform or children. The piece remaining on the lid with a straw also reduces cooling, of especial benefit to those who wish or are only able to drink slowly.
The assembly optionally comprises a vessel, a tea piece comprising a perimeter recess, a teaspoon retained within the tea piece perimeter recess, optionally an infuser, a second vessel, and optionally a third vessel supported on the second vessel, all being held in one hand by a handle on the vessel or gripping around the vessel.
Optionally a napkin is located within a handle on the vessel.
Optionally, a second tasting product is partially or wholly supported on the piece, for example trapped between the piece and another component of an assembly. For example, a plastic or paper sachet containing sugar or sweetener is optionally trapped between the lower ledge of a piece and the rim of the vessel, the bulk of its weight optionally supported by the vessel handle or an infuser handle. As another example, a plastic or paper sachet containing sugar or sweetener is optionally wedged between a perimeter recess and a retained spoon, the bulk of its weight optionally supported by the spoon. As a further example, wrapped or unwrapped sugar cubes are supported on a continuous downslope, optionally also resting against a second vessel within a top recess.
Non-limiting aspects of various embodiments eliminate or reduce the requirement to clean away tea which has been spilled from a prior art teapot or emanated from a wet tea bag onto a table cloth or table surface or the clothes of a customer or server, reducing cleaning and laundry bills or increasing the duration of use of disposable table cloths. One or more embodiments also prevent the annoyance of a person having to leave their seat to dispose of a wet tea bag or ask for a suitable disposal receptacle. One or more of these embodiments, through their previously stated non-limiting efficiencies and avoidance of mess, enables a faster turnaround time of tables in a restaurant or other hospitality or catering location.
It has been found in practice that carrying a vessel, for example a mug, containing hot, infusing tea with a piece acting as a lid, in accordance with PCT/IB2015/055147, greatly reduces the risk of spilling the hot liquid compared with using a mug without a tea piece of the present invention. The addition of a small second vessel and tasting product, located within the top recess of the tea piece, optionally enhances the safety of carrying such hot, infusing tea, for example by increasing the weight of the assembly in an unsteady hand. As another example, the design of the second vessel and top recess are such as to ensure that a hot liquid filled to an advised level in the vessel will not spill, by virtue of the axis of the assembly being held at an angle to vertical or the vessel being subject to lateral displacement, before the typically cold tasting product filled to an advised level in the second vessel spills, thus acting as a warning to the carrier of the assembly to take corrective action in “righting” the assembly. As yet another example, the displacement of the tasting product and/or displacement of the second vessel, absorbs part of the energy of any impact, reducing the likelihood of the hot liquid in the vessel spilling. As a yet further example, a continuous downstand of a piece acts as a baffle to prevent or ameliorate the spillage of hot liquid from the vessel.
While the invention has been described primarily in relation to the making and serving of tea and other infusions, it has wider application in the serving of hot beverages, typically where the advantages of keeping a hot beverage warm and being able to carry safely a mug of hot beverage typically with a spoon and a tasting product, all contained within a small area or “footprint” on a serving tray or table, are of value to the food service operator and/or customer. For example:
One or more of these and/or other aspects of various embodiments of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. In one embodiment, the structural components illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In addition, it should be appreciated that structural features shown or described in any one embodiment herein can be used in other embodiments as well. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
All closed-ended (e.g., between A and B) and open-ended (greater than C) ranges of values disclosed herein explicitly include all ranges that fall within or nest within such ranges. For example, a disclosed range of 1 to 10 is understood as also disclosing, among other ranged, 2 to 10, 1 to 9, 3 to 9, etc.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
In the figures, for clarity, only features on the facing surface are shown, features on a remote surface not indicated, even with transparent embodiments.
In the embodiments of
In
In the embodiment
The piece of
In
The invention allows for a wide range and variety of shapes. For example, the top surface 1 in
The pieces of
This tolerance between the outside surface 121 of downstand 20 and the inside of the vessel rim 62 allows for the tolerances of manufacture of the vessel 60 and piece 10, both of which will have acceptable tolerances in diameter and shape from that of a true circle, for example. The piece can be located with the continuous loop downstand 20 within the vessel with a continuous gap between the outside of the downstand outside surface 121 and the inside of the vessel. A nominal circumferential gap between the outside of downstand 20 and the inside of a vessel rim 62 of 0.1 mm to 3 mm has been found to be useful according to various embodiments, which relates to a diameter of the outside of downstand 20 being 0.2 mm to 6 mm less than the inside rim diameter of the vessel, the difference in these diameters preferably being less than 3 mm.
Similarly, if the pieces of
Typically, a piece 10 in
The pieces 10 of
In the above embodiments of
The piece 111 in
The piece 113 in
In
In
An empty vessel 60 is shown in
Optionally, as shown in
In
Optionally, any piece of the present invention can be returned temporarily to vessel 60 with or without a used tea bag 80 or used infuser 85 on surface 2 facing upwards, without the risk of spilling, for example to keep the tea or other infusion warm before or during its consumption, for example if the drinker is interrupted for any reason. Such temporary return of an upturned piece to the rim of the vessel, is also usefully as a “bug barrier” or preventing detritus from entering the infusion 90, particularly if one is consuming a drink outdoors.
The invention thus provides significant improvements to the enjoyment of beverage consumption, in particular by optionally keeping the tea warmer and extending its warm consumption duration, as well as avoiding the embarrassment of spills. It also provides significant improvements to the functionality, efficiency and economy of making, serving and clearing tea, in particular in avoiding mess and consequent cleaning and saving time in the clearing process, and the capability of efficiently returning a complete tea service held in one hand or taking less room on a tray.
Similarly, if any circular piece, for example as illustrated in
Similarly, if any circular piece, for example as illustrated in
Preferably tolerance gaps t1 and t2 are within 4, 2, 1 mm of each other and optionally identical.
With this and certain other embodiments of the present invention, if there is a point of contact or point of interaction between an upstand outside surface 131 in one 120 degree sector of the piece, there will be another upstand outside surface 131 in each of the other two 120 degree sectors with a gap between said another upstand outside surface 131 and the inside of vessel inside of vessel 60 of less than t3. Preferably gaps t1 and t3 are within 4, 2, 1 mm of each other and optionally identical.
The embodiment of
The embodiments of
Pieces according to various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention optionally have many other designs than those illustrated. The invention enables a complete tea service to be held in one hand by holding the vessel and carried securely to a point of brewing and consumption of the tea, or following preparation, to be carried on a tray and served at a point of consumption. An assembly of the present invention typically has the “footprint” or plan area substantially the same as the plan area of the vessel, enabling more assemblies or other tableware to be carried than prior art tea services of equivalent brewing performance, for example a teapot service. Following relocation on the vessel according to the invention, the assembly can be carried in one hand by holding the vessel or on a tray to a kitchen or other service point with similar convenience and efficiency.
The piece is typically designed to suit the rim of a particular cup design, or range of cup sizes, or to suit cup rims of non-circular geometry, for example the rim and therefore piece perimeter being substantially square or hexagonal. Optionally, the piece incorporates a printed grayscale of a hue of tea printed or otherwise adhered onto the piece with optional advice on what graytone approximates to weak, medium or strong tea.
Pieces according to various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention can be made by many processes, depending on their material, including the injection moulding of plastics, press moulding glass, press or slip moulding ceramics, press moulding or folding of paper, and additive manufacture, for example 3D printing.
The piece is optionally used to make tea or other infusion by many different methods and is optionally used for other purposes. For example, the piece can be placed on a glass or other drinking vessel and the ventilation aperture is used to contain a straw in order to drink a warm or cold beverage, for example iced tea, thus protecting the beverage from flies or air borne dirt, pollen, etc. As another example, the vessel is optionally served with a saucer and the inverted piece placed under the edge of the saucer to prevent drips onto the table upon transfer of the wet tea bag to the inverted piece.
There are many other benefits in the various non-limiting embodiments of the invention than those already given. For example, trapping the tea bag suspension handle outside the ventilation aperture saves the time spent in prior art methods of serving, in winding the string connector of a tea bag around a drinking vessel or teapot handle, the prior art means of preventing the suspension handle slipping into the hot water.
As another example, it has been found to be advantageous to locate a tea bag, typically an untagged tea bag, inside an open bowl of an infuser. This enables hot water to be directed onto the tea bag which is retained in the infuser bowl and cannot be moved away from the flow of hot water, which accelerates the infusion process. It is easier to transfer the used tea bag within an infuser onto the inverted piece by means of the infuser handle rather than being suspended from a string or being retrieved by a teaspoon for transfer. It removes the need for a teaspoon within an assembly if there is no tasting product or second tasting product to be mixed with the infusion.
Various non-limiting embodiments of the invention have many secondary benefits. For example, if a hospitality company converts from a teapot service to an assembly of the present invention, the cost of the teapots, teapot lids, saucers, their storage space and washing up are eliminated. The prior art tea service comprising a teapot and teapot lid, which provides enclosed infusion conditions to keep the brewing tea hot, and typically a tasting product to be mixed with the infusion, required many pieces in the tea service, for example a teapot, teapot lid, cup, saucer, spoon and a jug for milk, or dish for lemon, or jar for honey, optionally a sieve on a dish to be served with loose leaf tea, which all together required a tray in order to carry the many components to a table or other point of brewing and consumption. The present invention allows a complete tea service to be held and safely carried in one hand.
The foregoing illustrated embodiments are provided to illustrate the structural and functional principles of various embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. To the contrary, the principles of the present invention are intended to encompass any and all changes, alterations and/or substitutions thereof (e.g. an alteration within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2111236.2 | Aug 2021 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2022/052056 | 8/4/2022 | WO |
