Patent Application
20230124747
The present invention relates to systems, apparatus and methods for manual preparation of single use beverage cartridges. More particularly, the present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus that allows the preparation of single use beverage cartridges in a convenient counter-suitable construction while sealing cartridges for longer term storage.
Industrial applications of brewing cartridges include the those cartridges provided in the form of pre-made K-Cup® (a trademark of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., Vermont USA) and Pods® (a trademark of Nescafe) by the for use in industrial and personal-use brewing systems. Recently consumer-based individual use brewing devices have been developed which allow the use of conventional cartridges in a home-based environment. Typically, the providing company decides upon a particular blend of brewing material (coffee, tea, and beverage). On large scale operations, and with limited options, it is impossible for an individual consumer or user to select their own individual flavors and tastes. Ultimately, the consumer must choose from limited industrial-selected options and is deprived of the ability to self-determine their preferred mix.
The use of individually-fillable re-useable cartridge components also exist, with a type of openable-hinged cover or separate cover. These devices are awkward to fill by hand, often creating spills. As a result, a consumer desiring a custom blend has only the option of an expensive multi-use cartridge that poorly seals and may open intentionally.
It is understood that commercially available single-use cartridges such as a K-Cup® and Nescafe Pods® are very expensive on a per-volume basis relative to the commodity cost of the contents. For example, a 64 oz container of common coffee may have a cost of $5.00 at discount, whereas a single-use cartridge sold commercially may have a unit cost of $0.75-1.00 each. Similar expense comparisons also exist for other brewing components, e.g., coffees, teas, sweet fluids such as hot chocolate, nutraceuticals, flavoring blends and mixes, etc.
Accordingly, there is a need for a system, an apparatus, and/or a method for preparing and fully sealing single-use custom-blendable cartridges that may operate within known consumer systems and overcome at least one of the detriments noted above.
In response, it is now recognized that a beverage cartridge preparation system and method of using the same can allow a consumer to provide a self-selected brewing component that addresses one of the concerns noted herein and provides an improved consumer experience and convenience.
The present invention provides a system for beverage cartridge preparation allows users to self-select, self-fill, and self-seal single use beverage cartridges for convenience. A frame assembly supports a cartridge handling system and a cartridge filling system. The cartridge filling system includes a fillable container and a portion dispensing system. The cartridge handling system includes a movement guide system moving the beverage cartridges, a sealing system for sealing the beverage cartridges after filling, and a motion system for actuating the cartridge handling system, the portion dispensing system, and the sealing system. The movement system includes mobility relative to operative members of the filling and handling systems and one or more single use beverage cartridges. Adaptive cartridge shapes and components are provided to fit a particular preparation system.
The present invention additionally provides a system for beverage cartridge preparation that allows users to self-select, fill, and seal single use cartridges with improved convenience and for long term storage. The system includes a cartridge handling system and a cartridge filling system operative relative to a cartridge to be filled. The cartridge handling system is mobile relative to operative members of the cartridge filling system. Adaptive mechanisms allow manual filling, optional-packing or not-packing, and sealing of a plurality of cartridge shapes.
The present invention additionally provides a system or apparatus or method for beverage cartridge preparation that allows mobility relative to step-by-step operative members of the cartridge filling system and one or more single use cartridges to be filled and sealed. Adaptive cartridge shapes and components are provided to fit a particular preparation system. Adaptive and alternative mechanisms for the systems and aspects herein allow convenient manual filling, and sealing of a plurality of single cartridges.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manually operated beverage cartridge filling and sealing device.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system that contains single or multiple containers for one or more beverage ingredients (coffee, tea, or other flavored powdered fillers).
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein each canister has adjustable output to distribute to a target beverage cartridge with a predetermined amount of beverage ingredient filler.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the adjustable output canister gives a user an ability to adjust and select a beverage filler, or mix of fillers or blends, that results in changes in strength and flavors.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the device utilizes one or more of a supply of beverage cartridge containers that are filled by a user with a user-pre-determined amount of a beverage filler.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein a filled beverage cartridge is sealed with a cover in a non-limiting manner, which may include, but is not limited to, thermal sealing, sonic sealing, electronic-field (EF) sealing, adhesive sealing, friction sealing, crimp (bending) sealing, and other sealing methods known to those in the package sealing technological arts.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system, for preparing a beverage cartridge, comprising: a frame assembly providing a support base portion spaced from a top support portion; a cartridge handling system on the support base portion for positioning the beverage cartridge in one of a receiving position, a filling position, an assembly position, and a sealing position relative to the support base portion; a cartridge filling system positioned proximate the cartridge handling system and containing at least one fillable container for retaining for dispensment during a filling use a brewing component into the beverage cartridge; the at least one fillable container on the top support portion; the cartridge filling system, further comprising: a portion dispensing system that dispenses a selectable portion of the brewing component from the at least one fillable container to the beverage cartridge in the filling position; the cartridge handling system, further comprising: a movement guide system that guides a rotational support assembly shaped to removably retain at least one the beverage cartridge relative to the fillable container and the filling position for a filling with the selectable volume of the brewing component during the use; a sealing system containing a sealing press assembly operative to seal a filled the beverage cartridge positioned by the rotational support assembly in the sealing position; a motion system containing a pivoting and displaceable handle assembly operative to drive the movement guide system and the portion dispensing system to dispense the selectable portion filling the beverage cartridge and to actuate the sealing system to seal the filled beverage cartridge during the use.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein alternative cartridge shapes may be filled and sealed, and may as a non-limiting example have a uniquely shaped lower portion of a cartridge side-wall which may be provided to fit only a selected cartridge preparation system.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein a portion of a cartridge may be provided that is adaptive to a conventional single cup or pod beverage machine thereby allowing the use of a prepared beverage cartridge with conventional brewing systems and preparation machines.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein a resulting prepared sealed beverage cartridge may be provided from a plurality of pre-packaged beverage containers containing beverage ingredients which produce a beverage containing one or more beverage ingredients.
According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, comprising: a frame member providing a support base spaced from a top support portion; at least one removable sealed container on said top support portion for securely retaining and dispensment of a brewing component during a use into said beverage cartridge; a cartridge handling system on said support base for positioning an empty said beverage cartridge in one of filling position, an optional packing position in some embodiments, and a sealing position along said support base; a cartridge filling system positioned above said cartridge handling system and relative to said removable sealed container for accessing said brewing component during a filling use; said cartridge handling system further comprising: at least one movement guide apparatus for moving a portion of said cartridge handling system relative to said removable sealed container and returning to a filling position with a selected volume of said brewing component; a filling apparatus for guiding said selected volume of said brewing component from said cartridge handling system into an interior of said beverage cartridge while said beverage cartridge is in said filling position; a motion apparatus containing a pivoting handle mechanism and operative to drive a said cartridge handling system of a filled said beverage cartridge to optionally pack said brewing component while said beverage cartridge is in said optional packing position; and a sealing apparatus also operative relative to said motion apparatus, and operative to provide a sealing of said beverage cartridge while said beverage cartridge is in said sealing position.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: at least one urging spring member in said motion apparatus providing a lifting of said pivoting handle system relative to a pivot point; said pivot point being positioned between said support base and said top support; and at least one connecting member joining said at least one urging spring member to said pivoting handle system thereby enabling said pivoting handle system to pivot about said pivot point and providing a motion of said portion of said cartridge handling system relative to said removable sealed container.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a cover member for sealing said beverage cartridge following said steps of filling and optionally packing; said cover member being one of a foil cover, a friction sealing cover, a plastic cover, a paper cover, an adhesive cover, a crimping cover, and a combination of one or more of said covers; and said sealing apparatus further comprising operative means to seal said cover member to a top portion of said beverage cartridge using at least one of a friction sealing, a thermal sealing, a sonic sealing, an adhesive sealing, and combinations of more than one of these sealing steps.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a mobile cartridge support for supporting said beverage cartridge relative to said filling apparatus, said optional packing apparatus, and said sealing apparatus; and a movement guide mechanism providing a guided positioning of said mobile cartridge support relative to said filling position, said optional packing position, and said sealing position along said support base during said use.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a cartridge size guide for adaptively positioning within said mobile cartridge support to adaptively size an opening in said mobile cartridge support to receive and support differently shaped beverage cartridges.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: an optional cartridge packing adjustment member for adaptively adjusting a size or volume of said packer apparatus member to pack said dispensed brewing component within differently shaped beverage cartridges.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a filling adjustable insert for adaptively positioning within said cartridge filling system and for adaptively sizing a received and a dispensed amount of said brewing component from said removable containers to said filling apparatus so as to adapt said system to differently shaped beverage cartridges.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a kit for preparing a beverage cartridge, comprising: a bounding container for containing a system for preparing a beverage cartridge during one of a transport, a sale, and a storage thereof; a frame member providing a support base spaced from a top support portion; at least one removably sealed container on said top support portion for securely retaining and dispensment of a brewing component during a use into said beverage cartridge; a cartridge handling system on said support base for positioning an empty said beverage cartridge in one of filling position, an optional packing position, and a sealing position along said support base; a cartridge filling system positioned above said cartridge handling system and relative to said removably sealed container for accessing said brewing component during a filling use of said system for preparing; at least one brewing cartridge; said cartridge handling system further comprising: at least one movement guide apparatus for moving a portion of said cartridge handling system relative to said removable sealed container and returning to a filling position with a selected volume of said brewing component; a filling apparatus for guiding said selected volume of said brewing component from said cartridge handling system into an interior of said beverage cartridge while said beverage cartridge is in said filling position; a motion apparatus containing a pivoting handle mechanism and operative to drive a packing apparatus portion of said cartridge handling system into a filled said beverage cartridge to optionally pack said brewing component while said beverage cartridge is in said optional packing position; and a sealing apparatus also operative relative to said motion apparatus, and operative to provide a sealing of said beverage cartridge while said beverage cartridge is in said sealing position.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a kit for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a cover member for sealing said beverage cartridge following steps of filling and optionally packing; said cover member being one of a foil cover, a friction sealing cover, a plastic cover, a paper cover, a crimping cover, and a combination of one or more of said covers; and said sealing apparatus further comprising operative means to seal said cover member to a top portion of said beverage cartridge using at least one of a friction sealing, a thermal sealing, a sonic sealing, an adhesive sealing, and combinations of more than one of these sealing steps.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a kit for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a mobile cartridge support for supporting said beverage cartridge relative to said filling apparatus, said packing apparatus, and said sealing apparatus; and a movement guide mechanism providing a guided positioning of said mobile cartridge support relative to said filling position, said packing position, and said sealing position along said support base during said use.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a kit for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a cartridge size guide for adaptively positioning within said mobile cartridge support to adaptively size an opening in said mobile cartridge support to receive and support differently shaped beverage cartridges.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a kit for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a cartridge packing adjustment member for adaptively adjusting a size of said packer apparatus member to pack said dispensed brewing component within differently shaped beverage cartridges.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a kit for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a filling adjustable insert for adaptively positioning within said cartridge filling system and for adaptively sizing a received and a dispensed amount of said brewing component from said removable containers to said filling apparatus so as to adapt said system to differently shaped beverage cartridges.
According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a filling of a beverage cartridge, comprising the steps of: providing a frame member providing a support base spaced from a top support portion; providing at least one removably sealed container on said top support portion for securely retaining and dispensment of a brewing component during a use into said beverage cartridge; providing a cartridge handling system on said support base for positioning an empty said beverage cartridge in one of filling position, a packing position, and a sealing position along said support base; providing a cartridge filling system positioned above said cartridge handling system and relative to said removably sealed container for accessing said brewing component during a filling use of said system for preparing; providing at least one brewing cartridge; said cartridge handling system further comprising: at least one movement guide apparatus for moving a portion of said cartridge handling system relative to said removable sealed container and returning to a filling position with a selected volume of said brewing component; a filling apparatus for guiding said selected volume of said brewing component from said cartridge handling system into an interior of said beverage cartridge while said beverage cartridge is in said filling position; a motion apparatus containing a pivoting handle mechanism and operative to drive a packing apparatus portion of said cartridge handling system into a filled said beverage cartridge to pack said brewing component while said beverage cartridge is in said packing position; and a sealing apparatus also operative relative to said motion apparatus, and operative to provide a sealing of said beverage cartridge while said beverage cartridge is in said sealing position.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, comprising: a cartridge handling system and a cartridge filling system, positioned along a common central axis, the cartridge handling system operative to rotationally support a beverage cartridge to be filed relative to the the common central axis, the cartridge filling system further comprising: a fill cavity assembly and a dispensing reservoir, the dispensing reservoir rotationally fixed relative to the central axis on a top side thereof and bounding a volume for containing a material to be dispensed, the dispensing reservoir having a reservoir opening for dispensing the material to be dispensed therethrough during a use, the fill cavity assembly being rotationally operative relative to the common central axis and the dispensing reservoir during a use, the fill cavity assembly including a top plate assembly having a top plate opening proximate the reservoir opening and being adjustably secured to a fill plate assembly defining a fill plate cavity opening cooperating with the top plate opening during the use, means for adjusting a volume of the fill plate cavity relative to the top plate opening including a dam member whereby a volume of the fill plate cavity is adjustable by the dam member extending from the top plate assembly, a bottom plate assembly secured on the common central axis and contacting the fill plate assembly opposite the top plate assembly, and the bottom plate assembly bounding a bottom plate opening available to the fill plate cavity during the use.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a trap door assembly pivotable relative to the central axis and containing a trap door and a trap door mechanism fixed on a trap door shaft, and the trap door slidably contacting the bottom plate assembly and operatively covering or revealing the bottom plate opening during the use for dispensement of the material to be dispensed into the beverage cartridge.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a beverage cartridge carrier rotationally pivotable relative to the common central axis during the use, the beverage cartridge carrier pivotable between the bottom plate assembly and a support base for the system, and the beverage cartridge carrier further comprising: at least one supporting member supporting the beverage cartridge to be filled.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a beverage cartridge carrier rotationally pivotable relative to the common central axis during the use, the beverage cartridge carrier pivotable at a level between the bottom plate assembly and a support base for the system, and the beverage cartridge carrier further comprising: at least one supporting member supporting the beverage cartridge to be filled.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a lever arm assembly for operating the cartridge handling system and the cartridge filling system relative to the common central axis during the use.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a lid sealing assembly, further comprising: a lid press member extending downwardly away from the bottom plate assembly, toward the base support, above a rotational level of the beverage cartridge and radially distant from the common central axis.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, wherein: the lid sealing assembly, further comprises: a cup lifting assembly extending upwardly from the support base and radially distant from the common central axis.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, wherein: the lever arm assembly rotationally engages the cartridge handling system and cartridge filling system, the lever arm assembly further optionally engages the cup lifting assembly during the use.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, wherein: the beverage cartridge includes a bottom side recess geometry, and the cup lifting assembly protruding geometry shaped for cooperative engagement with the bottom side recess geometry during the use.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a trap door assembly pivotable relative to the central axis and containing a trap door and a trap door mechanism fixed on a trap door shaft, and the trap door slidably contacting the bottom plate assembly and operatively covering or revealing the bottom plate opening during the use for dispensement of the material to be dispensed into the beverage cartridge.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, wherein: the top plate assembly and the fill plate assembly pivotably mounted to a a first pivot axis member collinear with the common central axis, the trap door assembly operably mounted to a second pivot axis member collinear with the common central axis, and the beverage cartridge carrier rotationally pivotable relative to a third pivot axis member collinear with the common central axis.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, wherein: the lever assembly operatively engages the first pivot axis member in an angular tilting manner relative to a tilting pivot, and the lever assembly operatively engages the second pivot axis member during the use.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: an ejection mechanism operative to remove the beverage cartridge from the a beverage cartridge carrier after a filling and during the use, and the ejection mechanism further includes a curved contact for a sliding contact and lifting engagement of the filled beverage cartridge following the use during a rotation of the beverage cartridge carrier.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, wherein: the at least one supporting member includes a beverage cartridge support profile cooperatively shaped to correspond to an exterior profile of the beverage cartridge, whereby the beverage cartridge carrier provides a secure support.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, wherein: the beverage cartridge carrier further comprises at least four supporting members operative to support respectively four beverage cartridges to be filled.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a directional control system on the beverage cartridge carrier, a spring-urged engagement mechanism in the directional control system engaging a non-interfering surface of the beverage cartridge carrier during a use rotation thereof, and engaging respective engagement profiles on the non-interfering surface, whereby the beverage cartridge carrier rotates in only one direction about the comment central axis during the use.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, further comprising: a beverage cartridge carrier secured relative to the common central axis during the use, the beverage cartridge carrier positioned at a level between the bottom plate assembly and a support base for the system, and the beverage cartridge carrier further comprising: at least one supporting member supporting the beverage cartridge to be filled in a releasably guiding manner.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge, wherein: the support base, further comprises a rotating member having a one direction catch mechanism ensuring direction about the common central axis in one direction, and a lower common level and an upper level on the support base, the upper level being radially arrayed relative to the common central axis, and a sloped transition between the lower common level to the upper level sufficient to guide a beverage cartridge to be sealed during the use, whereby during the use, a rotation of the support base urges relative to the supporting member drives a respective the beverage cartridge from the lower common level to the upper level.
According to another alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage cartridge: further comprising: a lid sealing assembly, further comprising: a lid press member extending downwardly away from the bottom plate assembly, toward the base support, above a level of the beverage cartridge and radially distant from the common central axis, and the lid press member positioned to receive an external lid for sealing and to urge the lid onto the beverage cartridge as the beverage cartridge is urged onto the upper level of the base plate.
According to another adaptive and alternative and non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system, for preparing a beverage cartridge, comprising: a frame assembly providing a support base portion spaced from a top support portion, a cartridge handling system on the support base portion for positioning the beverage cartridge in one of a receiving position, a filling position, an assembly position, and a sealing position relative to the support base portion, a cartridge filling system positioned proximate the cartridge handling system and containing at least one fillable container for retaining for dispensment during a filling use a brewing component into the beverage cartridge, the at least one fillable container on the top support portion, the cartridge filling system, further comprising: a portion dispensing system that dispenses a selectable portion of the brewing component from the at least one fillable container to the beverage cartridge in the filling position, the cartridge handling system, further comprising: a movement guide system that guides a rotational support assembly shaped to removably retain at least one the beverage cartridge relative to the fillable container and the filling position for a filling with the selectable volume of the brewing component during the use, a sealing system containing a sealing press assembly operative to seal a filled the beverage cartridge positioned by the rotational support assembly in the sealing position, a motion system containing a pivoting and displaceable handle assembly operative to drive the movement guide system and the portion dispensing system to dispense the selectable portion filling the beverage cartridge and to actuate the sealing system to seal the filled beverage cartridge during the use.
The above, and other alternative and adaptive aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. The word ‘couple’ and similar terms do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through intermediate elements or devices. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope in any manner. It will also be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and that elements may be differently positioned, or otherwise noted as in the appended claims without requirements of the written description being required thereto.
Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.
It will be understood that respective removable filler and dispenser containers F1, F2 are not limited in number (more than one is permitted) and they may be removable from or secured to frame 1 and top support 4. Additionally, each may be of any convenient and adaptive shape without limitation so as to improve nesting on frame 1 and preferably an air-tight seal therewithin. Similarly, upon nesting with top support 4, containers F1, F2 may sealing secure therewith so as to dispense upon an operation of a pivoting handle 7 with a grip member 8 during a use and then return to a sealed-condition between dispensements of the contents.
Frame 1 and back support 3 further provides two opposed dampening sprigs 4A, 4B secured on base 2 and positioned in a pivoting arrangement with an extended bar member (shown) of handle 7 relative to respective side pivot points 6 (left-side shown), 6 (right-side not shown) on either side of system 100 as shown. Connecting rods 5A (left-side shown), 5B (right-side not shown), respectively join dampened spring member 4A, 4B to portions of the bar members extending from handle 7 between respective pivot points 6, 6 forming, preferably, a second order lever so as to increase a mechanical pressing advantage. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that alternative lever-movement-pressing mechanisms may be provided without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention such that the related components may be understood to function as a pressing system, as will be discussed.
Containers F1, F2, etc. rest on top support 4 and dispense therebelow to a cartridge filling system 40 operative to dispense a desired content to a selected cartridge member.
On base 2, a cartridge preparation stage 20 is provided supporting a cartridge handling system 21 having three designated stations, fill, pack, and seal (as shown) and a mobile support carrier 21A that may be slidably positioned along relative stations (shown in the ‘fill’ station). A lever member 21A is operatively communicating with an internal movement guide means 21C and joined with mobile support carrier 21A to allow a convenient user movement by actuation of lever member 21A between stages.
It will be understood that an opening 21D in mobile support carrier 21A may be shaped to support and accommodate any conventional or alternative cartridge or cup to be filled. While not required, to assist in this process an exemplary cartridge adaptor 80B is shown that may fit within opening 21D to receive and support smaller or alternatively shaped cartridges during a filling-packing-sealing process. Alternatively, the proposed system 100, in a kit form, may further include alternative mobile supports 21A that may be swapped-out depending upon a desired final-use-cartridge shape or geometry. In this manner, the present system 100 may be readily adapted to all conventionally-known cartridge geometries, and may also be readily adapted to alterative cartridge geometries (for example, an alternatively shaped cartridge bottom geometry).
Operatively connected to the press system and operative relative to an up-down position of handle 7 are a filler apparatus 42 for flowing contents into a cartridge, a packer apparatus 43 for pressing and packing contents into a cartridge in a pack. As was noted above, to allow ready adaptation to alternative cartridge geometries, an exemplary cartridge-adaptor member 80C is shown. As shown, cartridge-adaptor member 80C is shaped with a smaller-sized geometry for use with ones of sealer, filler, packer apparati 41, 42, 43, and in a preferred form may replace packer apparatus 43 for readily packing the dispensed contents into a small-sized cartridge (for example, a Nescafe® pod) supported by an adaptor 80B as a guide within mobile support 21A in cartridge handling system 21. In such exemplary use, the cartridge-adaptor member 80C is positioned within, or fully replaces, packer apparatus 43. A similar substation for alternative-adaptor members 80C, not shown, may allow system 100 to be adapted to accommodate all conventionally known cartridges as well as custom supplied members.
Cartridge filling system 40 will be understood, in this alternative embodiment to have one or more traveling sliders to aid in a sealed dispensment of a filler material from respective containers F1, F2, etc. These traveling sliders are shown as traveler components 40A (for a side-side motion as shown to enable a designation between one or more removable containers), and 40B (for an inward-outward motion as shown to enable a pick-up of material to-be-dispensed from the removable containers and a transport to a position proximate the filler apparatus 42 so as to slide down into a cartridge 80A secured within opening 21D in mobile support 21A). While any guiding means may be employed to ensure the guided travel of traveling components 40A, 40B, illustrated (but not numbered) are several guiding key-ways relative to top support 4, back support 3, and frame 1 to allow a forward-outward motion for retrieving contents from containers F1, F2, etc., and for positioning the contents relative to filler apparatus 42 to downward dispensment into an empty cartridge for filling. This is accomplished in a convenient manner so that no contents are spilled, and so that the dispensing occurs downward when filler apparatus is closely proximate the opening of a cartridge-to-be-filled. This is accomplished upon one triggered motion f handle 7. Next, mobile support 21A is repositioned from the ‘fill’ location to the ‘pack’ location via the movement guide means 21C and lever member 21B, relative to packer apparatus 43, and when positioned lever 7 is actuated again, urging packer apparatus 43 toward opening 21D and pressing the contents suitably within the cartridge. Then, next, mobile support 21A is repositioned from the ‘pack’ location via the movement guide means 21C and lever 21B along to the ‘seal’ station proximate to the sealer apparatus 41 positioned o the cartridge filling system 40. Thereupon, on motion of handle 7, a sealing cover (not shown, but of any form) is positioned on an upper rim of the filled-packed cartridge and a sealing occurs.
It will be understood that the sealing may occur in any form suitable for fully sealing the contents in the cartridge. As a non-limiting example, sealer apparatus 41 may include a thermal sealing feature, and a user may position a pre-supplied sealing cover (paper, foil, plastic etc.) there with, so that upon operation of lever 7, the sealing cover is sealingly secured to cartridge forming a unitary beverage cartridge whole for storage or later use. Alternatively, sealer apparatus may be provided with a pre-supplied crimp cover, so that upon operation of lever 7, the sealer apparatus 41 provides a crimping action. Similar arrangements can be provided by those of skill in the art for adhesive sealing, friction-sealing, or any other conventional sealing technology without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Additionally, referring now to
Additionally, provided in housing 200 is a positioned ejection mechanism 207, shown in this embodiment as projecting inwardly from an interior wall of opening 203 to contact a cartridge cup 301 (discussed below) and to eject cup 301 from the housing 200, in this embodiment via opening portal 206B. Ejection mechanism 207 is shown here (
In
Additionally, referring now to
While not limited hereto, one exemplary cup or cartridge may have a volume of approximately 2.0 cubic inches (30 milliliters), a height of approximately 2.0 inches, and may contain different powder filters, support shapes, sealing features, etc., as know to those of skill in the art, and without limitations.
Referring now to
There is a first centermost column axis 401 connecting a lever arm 450 and a fill cavity assembly 460 (to be discussed) including a top plate assembly 420, a fill plate assembly 430, and a bottom plate assembly 440. Lever arm 450 is pinned to centermost column 401 by a pin 401A, with the ability to rotate in the vertical dimension. The fill cavity assembly 460 is also pinned to centermost column 401 (by a pin, not shown, interior to fill plate assembly or otherwise), and rotates with centermost column axis 401. This rotation is constrained with stops (not shown) or with boundaries of opening 203, to approximately 90 degrees (90°). A catch mechanism (not shown) is alternatively provided to constrict movement to trace either leftwardly or rightwardly motion (clockwise or counterclockwise) upon a desire of the manufacturer.
There are two opposed pivot guides 401B, 401B engaging the respective columns axes herein and pivotably guide by supporting on support base 480 and the main centerline (shown here noting on a beverage holder 490 for storing a powdered material (e.g., coffee, tea, flavorings etc. in a powdered or granular form for dispensment) and dispensing through an opening 491 via a gravity feed-process. For example, when top plate assembly 420 having an opening 421, is aligned with opening 491 of beverage holder 490, grains of the powdered beverage fall through, as will be discussed.
A second central concentric column or axis 501 is free of centermost axis 401 and includes an open slot 501A, 501A on either side thereof via which lever arm 450 extends therethrough to actuate centermost axis 401, and which is pined by pin 401A. In this manner, it will be also understood that lever arm 450 extends in a sliding manner (while pinned) through each column including center column 401, for later triggering of a sealing assembly, as will be discussed. In other words, it will be understood that lever arm 450 includes a sliding slot 451 riding on pin 401A, allowing lever arm 450 to slide through the center axis in a direction I/O (in out), while also pivoting upwardly/downwardly (U/D) as seen in
It will be understood that concentric column or axis 501 generally surrounds centermost axis 401, and pivots fully independently thereof, but also includes openings for operational needs, as will be discussed. It will be further understood that concentric column axis 501 also rides on extended wing portions (shown in
Second central concentric column 501 operates a fill trap door assembly 510 relative to bottom plate assembly 440. Fill trap door assembly 510 includes a trap door 511 plate that rides against (slides to sealingly close or open) the opening 441 in bottom plate 440, above cup carrier (to be discussed) and rotates with the trap door assembly 510. A trap door shaft 512 rigidly connects trap door 511 with a trap door trigger mechanism 513 or ‘dog’ member 513 (dog 513). Trap door 511 and dog 513 project outwardly away from trap door shaft 512 in a common direction. An opening in second central concentric column shaft 501 allows dog 513 to extend therefrom outwardly, and into a movement path of the cup carrier (to be discussed) and individual cups or cartridges 301 (to be discussed). Dog 513 is connected axially immediately below the cup carrier (to be discussed) for interference with cups or cartridges 300 during operation. Dog 513 extends from an opening or fixing point 501B in second central concentric column 501 to allow engagement and triggering with a passage of a cup 301, as will be discussed.
The third concentric column or axis arrangement 601 rotatingly supports the cup carrier 600 and operates either as an independent collar 602 or as supports 602 or a support ring 602, extending outwardly from 2nd concentric column 501, thereby allowing a central securing portion 603 of cup carrier 600 to rotate freely relative to and independently of first centermost support axis 401 and second central concentric column 501.
Top plate assembly 420 with opening 421, further includes an adjustable dam 422 that extends perpendicular to the main plate of top plate assembly 420 (see
Fill plate assembly is provided as a shortened cylinder fixed rotatingly to first central axis 401 (and so rotates with left-right movement of lever arm 450) and includes a volume cavity 431 in the form of a pass-through during cartridge filling. It will be understood that as top plate assembly 420 is on top of fill plate assembly 430, so also does dam 420 slide into volume cavity 431. In this way, and via adjustment of dam 422 by taps 423 and screws 424 and opening/closing top plate opening 421, so that there is an adjustment of the available relative volume of fill plate assembly 430.
Projecting (radially when initially formed (
It will be further understood that fill cavity assembly 460, having bottom plate assembly 440, with opening 441, rotationally joins and is rotationally related to fill plate assembly 430 and top late assembly 420. As a result, when lever 450 moves, first axis 401 moves, and so does fill cavity assembly 460. Thus, when fill plate assembly 430 and top plate assembly 420 return to a dispensing position (Columns 7-9 in
Similarly, as trap door 511 of trap door assembly 510 snuggly rides and slidingly seals the bottom of opening 441, but trap door assembly 510 operates on the second concentric column 501, until a cup 301 in cup carrier 600 interferes with and displaces trap door dog 513, opening 431 remains sealed and there is no dispensment.
As noted in cup carrier 600, there are four cup supporting members 602A, B, C, and D, each with opposed arms 604, forming respective cup supporting channels 605A, B, C, D (See
As one alternative embodiment of a lid sealing assembly using adhesive or press-fit lids, suspending from a bottom surface of bottom pressing plate assembly 440 is a lid press member 442, formed with an outer shape sufficient to provide a pressing urging force to lip 301A of cup 301 during sealing. In this manner, if a user provides a press-fit-lid 302 or a version of a lid 302 having an adhesive ring, then during a sealing urging step (discussed below) pressure from lid press 442 is applied (discussed below).
Extending from support base 480 is a fully-independent telescopically, spring urged, cup-lifting assembly or cup sealing assembly 700 (see
Extending from a top of plunger 702 is a plunger plate 705 shaped to support a bottom of cup 301 during a lifting-sealing engagement. Optionally extending from plunger plate 705 is a geometry profile 706 that is complementary to the optional recess geometry 303 in the base of cup 301. While not required, and while the inter-fit of geometry profile/recess is helpful for secure sealing, it will be understood, that a variety of different geometry profiles 706 may be provided in a kit form to adapt to differently shaped cups or cartridges 300 and differently shaped recess geometries 303. It will be understood, that plunger plate 705 is positioned in a spring-neutral position below a bottom level of any suspended cups 301 in cup carrier 600 so that cup carrier 600 and cups 301 may pivot without interference therefrom except during a sealing activity (to be discussed). Extending radially away from plunger 72 is a fixed extending plunger hook 704 shaped to have an interfering engagement with top end 452 of lever arm 450 during the sealing.
During a sealing use, a filled cup is in an ‘apply top lid’ position as shown in
Alternatively referring now to
Now additionally referring to
As will be understood by those if skill in the art having studied
Row A is a composite view (as noted above). Row B is the reservoir 490 with fixed position of opening 491. Row C is the top plate 420 position which rotates with the lever arm position. Row D is the bottom plate 440 having a fixed bottom plate opening location 441. Row E is the cup carrier position relative to motion for filling and dispensing. Row F is the trap door assembly 510 position relative to being triggered by a cup. Column 1 notes a neutral or center position of lever arm 450.
Generally, in reviewing
Regarding the second central concentric column 501, when a cup 301 is present, the dog 513 contacts cup 301 and rotates as the cup is indexed rotationally. This movement shifts trap door 511 in bottom plate 440 allowing beverage component (powder, granular) to fall through hole 441 into cup 301. The cup carrier 600, filler cavity 431, and trap door 511 move together exposing the full base of the fill cavity 431 to cup 301 allowing all product to fall into cup 301. In the left most position now, the downward movement of lever 450 allows hinged dog 513 to clear the cup and the spring loaded trap door assembly 510 resets and closes in position, closing cavity volume 431 for the next index operation. If a cup 301 is not present, dog 513 is not activated, and trap door 511 remains closed, preventing spilling.
Regarding the third central concentric column 601, as lever 450 moves rightwardly, the cup carrier 600 remains in position as the back of a hook 610 fixed external to cup carrier 600, and retains the same, and rides on the circumferential surface 611 of cup carrier 600, having a series of one-directional grooves 612 shaped to engage hook 610 to allow rotation of cup carrier 600 in a single direction (e.g., there is a ratchet-or-pawl arrangement to allow single-direction-rotation).
As noted in
The lever 450 position (Row G) is fixed to the fill cavity assembly 460 and the components move radially together. For simplicity the cup-fill step is shown in a maximum volume configuration (e.g., dam 422 is moved openly to maximize a volume of fill cavity 431), however it will be understood by those of skill in the art that an infinite degree of ‘fill volume’ may be dictated by the present invention via adjustment of the fill volume itself. For lesser fill volumes, the top plate assembly 420, and related adjustment arm 425 and slot 426 and dam 422 are adjusted.
The cup carrier 600 (Row E) and trap door assembly 510 (Row F) move independently from each other and their specific movements are described herein, and below, as needed.
The movement from the center position of lever 450 to the right, fills cavity volume 430, and for simplicity the operation of filling the cavity 431 from the center to the right most position, and return to the center (of lever 450) will only show the fill operations on the composite row (Row A, Cols. 1-5) the cup-fill and deposit procedure (Cols. 3-10, and principally Cols. 7-9 as cup movement is shown). As a result, the simultaneous fill operations will not be shown in the composite Row A in Cols. 6-10.
As will be discussed below, there are cavity fill process steps, and cup filling process steps.
Process Steps for filling dispensing cavity 431 with material includes: In Col. 1, the reservoir enclosure hole 491 is over the top plate 420 and dam 422 of fill cavity 431 and no material can enter cavity 431. In Col. 2, with rotation 22.5 of lever 450 degrees to the right, the open cavity 431 space is directly under the volume hole 491, and the size of the hole 421 will allow the material to fall freely through hole 421 into cavity 431. In Col. 3, with lever 450 rotated an additional 22.5 degrees (total of 45 degrees to the left) the left edge of open cavity space 431 is directly under the dispensement hole 491 and this position assures the full cavity 431 is exposed directly to the fill hole 491. In Col. 4, the lever 450 returns 22.5 degrees to the left, and cavity 431 makes a second pass under fill hole 491 assuring there is a full-capacity fill. In Col. 5, the lever is returned to the neutral position and the enclosure hole 491 over plate 420 and dam 422 covers the enclosure hole 491 with the fill cavity assembly 460 (top plate assembly 420 and fill plate assembly 430), stopping the cavity fill process. In
In the cup 300 fill process, in Col. 3 when the lever is at a 45 degree rightmost position, a cup 300 is inserted into cup carrier 600, and similarly a filled cup (not shown) is in the left-most-position and a lid 302 may be placed on the cup 301. As discussed elsewhere in
It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the elements and features as discussed herein may be adaptively described as being in a cartridge or cup handling system or cartridge or cup filling system or in a cartridge or cup housing member without limitation thereto. Therefore, as a non-limiting example, a cartridge handling cup supporter may also be understood to be a cartridge filling cup supporter, in that the cup supporter functions and operates as discussed herein without limit to how grouping of purpose is described.
Additionally, referring now to
Cartridge handling system 1600 further includes a movement guide system 1700, a motion system 1800 for moving the movement guide system 1700, and a sealing system 1900 for sealing a cartridge 300 therein. Movement guide system 1700 includes a rotational support assembly 1750. Motion system 1800 incudes a pivotable and displaceable handle assembly 1850 for operating the motion system 1800 and trigging a sealing press assembly 1950 in sealing system 1900.
Cartridge filling system 1500 includes a portion dispensing system 1550, well as a fillable container 1501 having a cover lid 1502 with a lift handle 1502A. A dispensing guide 1503 extends from an opening 1401B of top support portion 1401, as shown, shaped to guide a dispensed portion from the fillable container 1501 to cartridge 300, as will be discussed. Dispensing guide 1503 has a wider opening at one end fitting to opening 1401B, and a narrower opening at a distal end to provide accurate dispensement.
Fillable container 1501 is shaped to have an outer wall 1501A that meets with an upper portion of top support portion 1401, as shown to provide support. Internal to fillable container 1501 is a container portion 1504 that has a wide opening (as shown) and a narrow dispensing portion (as shown) so as to guide a dispensable brewing component toward dispensing guide 1503. As shown, the narrowing geometry is off-axis to the system 1000 to provide operational benefits, but nothing herein so restricts the geometry of the components. A support extension 1505 extends for contact with the top support portion 1401 to provide unitary support as well as via the rim-edge contact. At the bottom of support extension 1505 is a lock head 1506 that has a larger dimension. Additionally, referring now to
Frame assembly 1400 includes a top support portion 1401, a base support portion 1402, a support bridge 1403 spacing between the two, and an outer cover wall 1404, all shaped as shown.
Base support portion 1402 includes, upon assembly a partial base shield 1405 to catch any loose materials. Support bridge 1403 is shaped as shown (
Base support portion 1402 includes an extending guide 1402A projecting upward as a flange about a central pivot axis, as shown, to provide additional guiding support for operation, as will be discussed. A sealer pivot link 1402C extends upwardly therefrom for engaging with a pivot mechanism 1952 of a sealer link 1951 (see
Portion dispensing system 1550 incudes interlinked components operable to receive an operation and dispense a brewing component to a cartridge 300, as shown.
Portion dispensing system 1550 includes a dispensing door flange assembly 1551 positioned suspending from Tillable container 1501 in top support portion 1401 when assembled (see
Portion dispensing system 1550 includes a portion carrier assembly 1560 (see
Portion controller 1568 includes a pivot ring 1568A that pivots on fixing flange 1562A and pivots freely there about relative to portion carrier assembly 1560 and bottom plate 1562. A volume indicator tab 1568B is slidable within an indicator window 1562A formed on bottom plate 1562. A plurality of volume indent indictors (indents) 1562B at the bottom of indicator window 1562A releasably engage with an engagement leg 1568C extending from portion controller 1568. As a result of this construction, a user may flex the arm extending from portion controller 1568, position leg 1568C at a suitable portion selection indent indicator 1562B and this pivots portion controller 1568 relative to the inner surface of bottom plate 1562 so as to slide sliding walls 1569, 1569 within respective side walls 1567, 1567, and define a portion volume between a front wall 1570 and the arcuate curved section joining respective side walls 1567, 1567 forming a bounding volume. In this manner, a volume is contained by the portion carrier assembly 1560 of the portion dispensing system 1550.
The profile of portion carrier assembly 1560 of portion dispensing system 1550 is shaped to accommodate pivot motion relative to central axis A, as shown. Fixing flange 1562A includes a fixing pin 1562B for fixing to a central driving member to be discussed below upon assembly. A receiving groove 1563 is shaped to be slidably guided to receive supporting guide slide 1401A on top support portion 1401, as shown. A wedge profile 1564 is formed on a nexus of side walls 1567, 1567 where they joint. During a use, as portion carrier assembly 1560 in toto pivots relative to axis A and fixing flange 1562A, wedge profile 1564 is rotationally driven in an arc so as to engage receiving groove 1559 of dispersing door flange assembly 1552 and slide along angled surfaces 1558, 1558 and drive swing doors 1556, 1556 away from each other about pivot pins 1555, 1555 to open the doors, and release a brewing component from fillable container 1501, through flange member 1552, past swing doors 1556, 1556 and into the bounding volume within portion carrier assembly 1560.
An access window 1404 formed in top support portion 1401 receives the indicator tab 1568B of portion controller 1568. A snap fit window rim 1405 includes an inner opening 1406. Snap fit window rim 1405 is positioned in access window 1404 to provide an attractive appearance and to seal access window 1404 from unintended debris accessing the inner portions of top support portion.
Cartridge handling system 1600 includes a combination of components and assemblies. Movement guide system 1700 enables relative motion pivotably about central axis A and transmission of relative driving and operational forces during a use to achieve the goals of the invention. Rotational support assembly 1750 in movement guide system 1700 includes a center pivot post 1751 bounding pivot axis A, and pivoting, at a bottom, about a post end cap 1752, supported on a busing 1753 bounded within base support guide ring 1402A on support base portion 1402 (see
Positioned about pivot post 1751 is also an inner lower collar 1755 that has an outer profile edge 1755A with an engaging lip 1755B. An engaging opening 1755C is formed in outer profile 1755A and is shaped to receive a portion of a trigger member 1757A (
On a bottom surface of rotation carrier 1758 (see
Indexer 1756 includes step gear arrangement 1760 about an upper end thereof about center post 1751. At a distal bottom thereof is a bearing surface 1761 that allows a movement relative to a ring member 1852 extending from a handle member 1851 of pivotable and displaceable handle assembly 1850 (see
Indexer 1756 includes an engagement notch 1762 in an outer wall thereof to engage with a link portion 1853 of handle 1851. As will be understood, opposed side walls of notch 1762 engage link portion 1853 so that a rotational motion of handle 1851 also drives a rotational motion of indexer 1756. As indexer 1756 is engagable with the step gear arrangement to rotation carrier 1758, handle 1851 also drives rotation carrier 1758 rotationally.
An inner wall of indexer 1756 includes an inner ring 1763 (See
Indexer 1756 also includes an inwardly projecting bar 1764 (see
As noted particularly in
Similarly, in alternative
An outer surface of indexer 1756 additionally includes projecting tabs 1770A, 1770B (see
Sealing system 1900 includes sealing press assembly 1950 that includes extension press 1403B that extends from the inner wall of support bridge 1403 (see
Sealer ram 1955 includes a sliding tube (shown) that slides along post 1954 allowing support surface 1955C to raise and lower linearly.
Indexer tab 1770A, extending from indexer 1756, engages with sealer link 1951 in an up-down motion (see
Indexer tab 1770B, extending from indexer 1756, additionally engages with an ejection link system 1860 (see
Additionally, and adaptively in combination referring now to
Cartridge handling system 2600 further includes a movement guide system 2700, a motion system 2800 for moving the movement guide system 2700, and a sealing system 2900 for sealing a cartridge 2300 therein. Movement guide system 2700 includes a rotational support assembly 2750. Motion system 2800 incudes a pivotable and displaceable handle assembly 2850 for operating the motion system 2800 and trigging a sliding press assembly 2950 in sealing system 2900.
Cartridge filling system 2500 includes a portion dispensing system 2550, well as a fillable container 2501 having a cover lid 2502 with a lift handle 2502A. On fillable container 2501, a dispensing guide 2503 is removably secured from an extended opening port 2501A and has a sloped guiding exit portion (as shown). Extended opening port 2501A includes on an exterior thereof a plurality of engaging hooks 2501B which snap engage a respective plurality of receiving openings 2503B formed in dispensing guide 2503. Additionally, two coaxial pivot legs 2501C, 2501C. Pivot legs 2501C engage drop gate, as will be discussed later.
Within fillable container 2501 and extended opening port 2501A, is an adjustable fill key 2504 within opening port 2501A, and a driving adjustment threaded rod 2505 with a guide knob 2505A. A portion of driving adjustment threaded rod 2505 threads in to a portion of the extended opening port 2501A and allows (via rotation) a lateral adjustment of fill key 2504 in opening port 2501A so as to increase, or decrease a desired dispensing volume for the dry beverage material, as will be understood. In this manner, larger or smaller portions of beverage material may be dispensed during each drop-use.
Beverage cartridge 2300 includes a cup base 2301, a cup lid 2302 and a lid hinge 2304 that hingeably joins cup lid 2302 to cup base 2301. An inner cup filter 2303 is sealed to an inner rim of cup base 2301, as shown (See
Frame assembly 2400 includes (optionally) a top support portion 2401, a base support portion 2402 with an engagement guide sleeve 2402, a support bridge 2403 that spans the two, and a covering cover wall 2404. There is a base shield 2405. Support bridge 2403 includes a platform 2406 as shown. An extending finger 2701, as part of the movement guide system 2700, extends from support bridge 2403 on a spring arm inwardly to engage with an anti-reverse guide as will be noted preventing reverse rotation of the cup table during a use.
Sealing system 2900 on support bridge 2403 includes the first sliding press assembly lip 2950A, of sliding press assembly 2950, and which is sloped (or curved) at an angle relative to the cup table/cup lid during rotation and engages cup lid 2302 in an initial closing urging step. A further portion of sliding press assembly 2950 is a lesser sloped portion 2950B which is closely proximate the top of the cup table/rotation carrier, so that as lid 2302 is urged downwardly and lid rim 2305 initially engages cup base 2301, as rotation occurs lesser sloped portion 2950B provides a final closing urging pressure to fully engage lid rim 2305 with cup base 2301 and seal Beverage cartridge 2300 prior to ejection and removal, as will be discussed. A number of support braces 2951, 2951 are joined between support bridge 2403 and sliding press assembly 2950 to ensure stiffness and rigidity to withstand the sealing-closing pressure applied to cup lid 2302.
Additionally, an ejection slide guide ramp 2407 extends from (in assembly) base support portion 2402 and platform 2406, as shown. Ejection slide guide ramp 2407 provides a guiding surface beginning on the same plane as the plane of platform 2406 and in a vertical and horizontal motion rising and curving away therefrom (as shown) through three dimensions. During use, cup base 2301 (having exited from below lesser sloped portion 2950 first encounters a matching-plane portion of ejection slide guide ramp 2407 (see
Fillable container 2501 is shaped to have an outer wall 2501C that meets with an upper portion of top support portion 2401, as shown to provide support. Internal to fillable container 2501 is a rotor 2568 having a plurality of rotor blades 2569, each rotor blade 2569 includes an upright front face (shown) and a reduced thickness trailing face (as shown) and preferably a wall-engagement clearing lip 2569A to sweep and clear build up along outer wall 2501C of finable container 2501 during a rotational use. A conical central support 2563 provides a positive rotational engagement with movement guide system 2700 and motion system 2800 and rotational support assembly 2750 during a use so as to drive rotor 2568 around fillable container 2501, as will be discussed.
Portion dispensing system 2550 incudes interlinked components operable to receive an operation and dispense a brewing component to a Beverage cartridge 2300, as shown.
Portion dispensing system 2550 includes a dispensing pivot door 2551 (see
Additionally, it will be noted that in frame assembly 2400 and top support portion 2401 fixed to support bridge 2403, there is an underside 2401A to top support portion 2401, as noted in
Cartridge handling system 2600 includes a combination of components and assemblies. Movement guide system 2700 enables relative motion pivotably about central axis A and transmission of relative driving rotation and operational forces during a use to achieve the goals of the invention. Rotational support assembly 2750 in movement guide system 2700 includes a center pivot post 2751 bounding pivot axis A, and driving a pivot motion from within a post end cap 2752 (a center post shell). At a mid-portion (see
A lower post collar 2760 in movement guide system 2700 is at a bottom of post end cap 2752 and receives in a driving engagement a handle assembly 2851 with a handle end 2851A (see
Proximate a top of post end cap 2752 is a split indexer clutch ring 2890 formed as a C-shape and having an upper stepped surface 2891 with a matching plurality of sloped steps 2891A, 2891B, etc. to correspond to the respective stepped ramps 2562A1, 2562A2, etc. of a bottom plate 2562. There are internal springs within split indexer clutch ring 2890 (not shown) that allow ring 2890 during rotational motion while fixed to post end cap 2751 to axially step up/down (See
A above lower post collar 2760 and below split clutch ring 2890 is at mid portion collar 2754 securing indexer lower pin assembly 2895 including a pin 2895A that indexes inwardly and outwardly with an outward-urging spring 2895B (see
Above portion carrier 2560 is a support spacer 2580 that is fixed to central pivot post 2751 and is slidably and pivotably supported on portion carrier 2560 (e.g., spacer 2580 rotates driven by post 2751 and slides over carrier 2560 (or operates together when dispensing is driven).
At a top of support post 2751 is a driving collar 2581 with engaging fingers 2581 that finger-engage with portions of rotor 2568 having rotor blades 2569 with clearing lip 2969A.
A bottom portion of driving collar 2581 includes a stepped turret portion 2851A having a plurality of sloped stepped ramps 2581A1, 2581A2, 2581A3, 2581A4 on a lower surface thereof (facing downwardly). An upper stepped driving collar 2583 is attached to the upper portion of central pivot post 2751 and is driven when the handle moves. On an upper surface of upper stepped driving collar 2583 are a plurality of sloped stepped ramps 2583A1, 2581A2, 2581A3, and 2581A4 on an upper surface thereof (facing upwardly). Upper stepped driving collar 2583 is springably-linked (moves up and down along the rotation axis) to pivot post 2751. During rotation forward, respective upward facing ramps 2583A1-A4 engage and drive-rotationally downwardly facing ramps 2581A1-A4 and drive rotor 2568 in a forward direction (only, not reverse). As handle assembly 2850 rotates to return location, the stepped ramps side and spring apart to disengage and then spring upwardly to engage for forward driving.
On a top surface of the downward facing steps 2581A are a series of indents 2581B that engage with the free end of spring arm trigger 2401E so as to engage with force resistance both a top side and a bottom side of downward facing steps 2581A1-2581A4.
Above spacer 2580 is a bigger support cam 2590 that is split (has a gap 2591 in its circumference). Support cam 2590 is on pivot post 2751 and rotates about the same. A driver cam 2592 includes an extending cam member 2592A and is rotationally fixed to pivot post 2751 and rotates 90-degrees on each use. As shown (
Recognizing that bigger support cam 2590 projects axially away from the center axis A, a cam supporting system 3000 that includes a sliding support groove 3001 that is in a sliding and receiving contact with the upper and lower surfaces of bigger support cam 2590 as it moves back-and-forth in rotation. As a result, there is no unintended displacement and door 2551 remains closed between triggering actions.
It will be recognized that the embodiment in
It will be additionally understood by those of skill in the art that the relative motions and engagements as discussed herein are non-limiting and may be adapted within the scope and spirit of the present invention. As a non-limiting example, the motion of the lever (left-right, or in-out, or up-down) may be performed in a single-step manner (e.g., left, right, up, down, in, out etc.) or in a relatively combined angular manner (e.g., left-right-left, up-down, right-left-right, or inward-outward, left-right, etc.) or may be performed in a different flow (e.g., left, right, down, left, up, right etc.) depending upon a user's desire and the relative sequenced position of the system, or if the elements and functions herein are arranged differently but within the scope of one of skill in the art. As a result, it will be understood that the present invention includes all such adaptive modifications within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure without need for a specific diagram or drawing.
It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that the proposed system further enables a kit containing the system and system components and a method for operating the beverage cartridge preparation device so as to result in a sealed beverage cartridge ready for storage, transport, or other use in a convenient manner.
It will be understood by those of skill in the art having studied this disclosure that the phrases beverage fillers, brewing components, contents, coffee, tea, flavored fillers, brewing materials, etc. will be recognized as the portions retained within the bounding cartridge, and without limitation thereon and such descriptions may be used interchangeably without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, a user may wish to blend coffee and hot chocolate components in a single user-determined component to suit a particular preference. Alternatively, while the use of a thermal brewing cycle is preferred, noting herein is so limiting; and it will be understood that cold brewing cycles are also enabled by this device. For example, a cold-tea and a cold-lemonade cartridge may be prepared as well without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
It will be further understood by those of skill in the art that the proposed system may be further expanded to contain a feeding or supply apparatus for continuously supplying a stack of empty beverage cartridge for filling to a location proximate to the mobile support for speedy filling of the same.
It will be further understood in the art that as used herein beverage simply means for use in preparing a fluid of any kind, such that a beverage container is used in preparing a fluid (e.g., a beverage (not a solid)), despite the contents of the cartridge being a solid (coffee grounds, tea leaves, flavor crystals, etc.), without limitation.
It will be understood herein that beverage cartridge may be cartridge assemblies or cups all as shown in the drawings and within the scope and spirit of the present invention
Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 62/781 filed Jun. 30, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also relates to and claims priority as a continuation-in-part (CIP) from U.S. Ser. No. 15/778,610 filed May 24, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; which claims priority from and is a § 371 national phase of Ser. No.: PCT/US2016/063702 filed Nov. 23, 2016, which in turn claims priority from U.S. Prov. Ser. No. 62/258,561 filed Nov. 23, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also relates to and claims priority as a continuation-in-part (CIP) from Ser. No. 29/647,663 filed May 15, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2019/039853 | 6/28/2019 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62692781 | Jun 2018 | US | |
| 62258561 | Nov 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15778610 | May 2018 | US |
| Child | 17251629 | US | |
| Parent | 29647663 | May 2018 | US |
| Child | PCT/US2019/039853 | US |
