BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a top view of a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a partial, perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention showing jaws in an opened position.
FIG. 5 is a partial, side view of a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention showing jaws in an opened position.
FIG. 6 is a partial, side view of a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention showing jaws in a closed position with a bag folded back.
FIG. 7 is a partial, side view of a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention showing jaws in a closed position with a bag folded forward.
FIG. 8 is a side view of a bag according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an orthogonal view of a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a top view of a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an end, cross-sectional view of a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an orthogonal view of a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention shown in an opened condition.
FIGS. 13A-13D are orthogonal illustrations of sequential steps for a method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an orthogonal view of a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention positioned in a beverage maker drawer component.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
While certain embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein as preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these particular embodiments. For example, an assembly according to the present invention can be configured selectively to be suitable as a hair ornament or hair retention device, as a necklace, as a bracelet, as a belt loop, as a belt, as an anklet, as a strap or decorative accessory for a purse or bag, as a decorative accessory for footwear such as a boot or for headwear such as a hat, or as a decorative accessory for clothing such as a jacket or a pair of jeans. These are examples and there are many other possibilities.
A beverage container according to the present invention is suitable for holding and filtering beverage matter such as coffee grounds or loose tea, or other matter, during a brewing procedure in which liquid, heated liquid, or steam is passed through the container. The container may be used in a variety of coffee, tea or other beverage makers, including but not limited to one or more types generally known, and is not limited to any one design, so long as a space or compartment exists that is adapted to receive a filter and beverage matter, a filter packet, a pod, or the like, and is able to receive the container therein. The container according to the present invention can be sized and shaped to fit the space or compartment to sufficiently fill the space and channel water, heated water or steam through in order to brew a beverage.
The container may be made of plastic, metal, ceramic, or another suitably strong and heat-resistant material, or a combination of the foregoing.
A container (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a body (12) and a lid (14). The body (12) has a floor (16), a sidewall (18), and an open top. The body (12) as shown has a round profile, but it could be any other shape including but not limited to a square or a rectangle. The lid (14) is shaped to cover the open top when in the closed position as shown in FIG. 4, and is attached to the body (12) by a hinge (20). A lock (22) comprises a first lock tab (24) adapted to be received into a lock retainer (26) to hold the lid (14) in the closed position as shown in FIG. 2. A first set of perforations (28) on the lid (14) are in communication with an interior chamber formed by the body (12). A second set of perforations (30) in the floor (16) of the body (12) are in communication with an interior chamber formed by the body (12).
Operation of the first embodiment container is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D and in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 6A, while the lid (14) is opened, beverage matter (32) such as coffee grounds is loaded into the body (12) interior. The lid (14) is closed and locked as shown in FIG. 6B. A filter holding component (34) of a conventional coffee machine (not shown) having a receiving space (36) is opened or manipulated so that a user can access it. The container (10) loaded with coffee grounds is grasped by a user's hand (38) as shown in FIG. 6D, and placed into the receiving space (36) as shown in FIG. 7. The holding component (34) is re-positioned or manipulated into a position or condition as provided for during normal use of the conventional coffee machine. The coffee machine is then operated according to its normal instructions. Water, heated water, and/or steam is emitted by the coffee machine in a direction and manner in which it passes through the perforations (28, 30) so that brewed beverage, such as coffee, is emitted from the container (10) into a conventional holding container (not shown) or drinking vessel (not shown).
A second embodiment of the present invention comprises a container (100) having a body (112) and a lid (114). The body (112) has a floor (16), a sidewall (118), and an open top. The body (112) as shown has a round profile, but it could be any other shape including but not limited to a square or a rectangle. The lid (114) is shaped to cover the open top when in the closed position as shown in FIG. 4, and is attached to the body (12) by a twist-on and twist-off motion due to opposed bayonet grooves (120) that cooperates with bayonet lock tabs (122). When locked, the lid (114) is held in the closed position as shown in FIG. 9. A first set of perforations (128) on the lid (114) are in communication with an interior chamber formed by the body (112). A second set of perforations (130) in the floor (16) of the body (12) are in communication with an interior chamber formed by the body (12).
Operation of the second embodiment container is illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13D and in FIG. 14. Referring to FIG. 13A, while the lid (114) is opened, beverage matter (132) such as coffee grounds is loaded into the body (112) interior. The lid (114) is closed and locked as shown in FIG. 13B. A filter holding component (134) of a conventional coffee machine (not shown) having a receiving space (136) is opened or manipulated so that a user can access it. The container (110) loaded with coffee grounds is grasped by a user's hand (138) as shown in FIG. 13D, and placed into the receiving space (136) as shown in FIG. 14. The holding component (134) is re-positioned or manipulated into a position or condition as provided for during normal use of the conventional coffee machine. The coffee machine is then operated according to its normal instructions. Water, heated water, and/or steam is emitted by the coffee machine in a direction and manner in which it passes through the perforations (128, 130) so that brewed beverage, such as coffee, is emitted from the container (110) into a conventional holding container (not shown) or drinking vessel (not shown).
The presently disclosed and claimed invention can be used with a variety of beverage machines having a variety of features including, but not limited to, automatic controls and timers, automated features, dual stations such as a carafe-filling station and a single-serve station for filling a single vessel or cup, thermal or non-thermal containers, and various other features.
While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been herein described, various modification may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Patent Application
20080030033
