CN1997568A

CN1997568A - Apparatus for brewing and method for making the same

Info

Publication number: CN1997568A
Application number: CN 200480041286
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·诺廷哈姆; J·斯皮尔克; M·L·维坦托尼奥; J·卡尔蒙; K·乌尔夫
Original assignee: CONSUMER INNOVATION PARTNERS L
Current assignee: CONSUMER INNOVATION PARTNERS L
Priority date: 2003-12-10
Filing date: 2004-12-10
Publication date: 2007-07-11

Abstract

Apparatus for brewing a brew substance with a liquid comprises: a container (40) for storing the liquid, the container including at least one aperture (44) for dispensing liquid therefrom; a sealed packet of filter paper containing the brew substance; and a layer (18, 20) of heat sensitive film encapsulating the sealed packet (10), the encapsulated packet disposed within the container at a position covering the at least one aperture, the container configured to sit on top of a drinking container to permit liquid to drain into the drinking container from the at least one aperture thereof. In addition, a method of making a brewing apparatus comprises the steps of: configuring a container to store liquid for brewing and to dispense the liquid through at least one aperture therein; encapsulating a sealed packet of filter paper containing a brew substance with a layer of heat sensitive film; disposing the encapsulated packet within the container at a position covering the at least one aperture; and configuring the container to sit on top of a drinking container to permit liquid to drain into the drinking container from the at least one aperture thereof.

Description

Equipment that is used to brewage and the method that is used to make this equipment

U.S. Provisional Application No. below this utility application requires: title be submit in 10 days December in 2003 of " microwave coffee maker " 60/528, submitted on February 20th, 547 and 2004 60/546,518, and the title that on September 9th, 2004 submitted is the U.S. utility application 10/937 of " equipment that is used to brewage and the method that is used to make this equipment ", 720, the application is by the full content of reference in conjunction with all these applications.

Background technology

The present invention is roughly at brewing equipment, and more specifically is used to the method that brews a brew substance into the equipment of liquid and make this equipment at being applicable in micro-wave oven.

The coffee maker that can use microwave heating arbitrarily that is suitable for one glass of sex service has been described in the literature.In these makers, join water in the cistern and will be placed on customer's the teacup or the cup that is used to receive hot drink of random known type with the maker of water.Subsequently, maker and teacup are placed in the micro-wave oven, the microwave of suitably setting is therein brewageed needs about 5 minutes or shorter time.Brewage in the operating process, water heats in cistern and arrives needed temperature, mixes with coffee charge in the brewing cavity of water below cistern.At last, the coffee of brewageing is assigned in the drinking container from brewing cavity by gravity.

The title of authorizing people such as Erickson on September 7th, 1993 for " the beverage maker " and U.S. Patent No. 5,243, but a kind of such microwave heating coffee maker is disclosed in 164.In the maker of Erickson, liquid vessel comprises that in its bottom at least one is used to dispense a brewed liquid into the perforate in the drinking container.Above this at least one perforate of reservoir bottom, filter paper is set and the coffee grounds charging is set on filter paper.The thermal response film clapboard is arranged on coffee grounds charging top and is attached to the inner peripheral of liquid vessel, mixes with coffee grounds to prevent the liquid in the liquid vessel, reaches suitable temperature up to liquid.

In order to use Erickson maker brewing coffee, liquid vessel is filled the water of right quantity and is arranged on and drinks teacup or cup top.Subsequently, liquid vessel and teacup are placed on are set to heat in the needed micro-wave oven that beginning is set.Along with water temperature reaches the fusion temperature of separator material, partition ruptures also is exposed to coffee grounds with water and brewages.The coffee of brewageing is discharged into teacup by gravity through at least one perforate of filter paper and liquid vessel.

Although the Erickson maker has been mentioned the retail bag of use nitrogen purge (that is, filling) and preserved a plurality of storage assemblies, single maker specifically is their each coffee charge, does not have single sealing.Thereby composite packaging one is opened, and the freshness of coffee just begins to reduce.Equally, the Erickson maker carries out flow type immediately after partition ruptures brewages, thereby has forbidden abrasive material progressively moistening before service that brewed liquid is incorporated into is with cup.The progressively moistening air bag that may make of this shortage is stayed in abrasive material and the paper, and this transfers in influential these air bags of meeting and the possibility of leaching process on every side.

In addition, the Erickson maker does not provide filter paper layer above abrasive material.Shortcoming of this design-calculated is exactly can rise in the liquid vessel by the abrasive material of buoyancy, then alleviates the water resistance of staying the abrasive material in the brewing cavity and the more high flow rate that allows finally to cause less extraction.Another shortcoming of this design-calculated is the position that abrasive material will be detained and remain on fluid discharge pressure maximum (that is, the barycenter of liquid vessel is low as far as possible relatively).Swim on the liquid level or liquid level near the abrasive material that is subjected to buoyancy can not benefit from discharge pressure so that the assisted extraction process.In addition, abrasive material in liquid vessel, occurs and be attractive in appearance undesirable, and if the liquid vessel repeated usage, also be the cleaning burden.

Thereby the present invention has overcome the above-mentioned defective of existing maker by the method that improved brewing equipment is provided and makes this equipment.

Summary of the invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, the equipment that is used for brewageing with liquid brew substance comprises: be used for the container of storage of liquids, this container comprises that at least one is used for the perforate from its dispense liquid; The sealing filter paper packet of holding brew substance; And the heat sensitive film layer of potting bag, wrapper is arranged on the position that covers this at least one perforate in the container, and the top that container is configured to be sitting in drinking container is drained into drinking container to allow liquid from this at least one perforate.

According to a further aspect in the invention, the method for making brewing equipment may further comprise the steps: container is configured to store the liquid that is used to brewage and through wherein at least one perforate dispense liquid; The filter paper sealed packet that holds brew substance with the heat sensitive film layer encapsulation; Wrapper is arranged on the position that covers this at least one perforate in the container; And container is configured to be sitting in the drinking container top is drained into drinking container from this at least one perforate to allow liquid.

According to another aspect of the invention, the equipment that is used for brewageing with liquid brew substance comprises: be used for the container of storage of liquids, this container comprises that at least one is used for the perforate from its dispense liquid; The thermosensitive film wrapper that holds brew substance; And cover wrapper to form the filter paper layer of sub-component, and this sub-component is arranged on the position that covers this at least one perforate in the container, and this container is configured to be sitting in the drinking container top, is drained in the drinking container from this at least one perforate to allow liquid.

According to another aspect of the invention, the method for making brewing equipment may further comprise the steps: container is configured to store the liquid that is used to brewage and through wherein at least one perforate dispense liquid; Encapsulate brew substance with heat sensitive film layer; Cover the encapsulation brew substance to form sub-component with filter paper; Sub-component is arranged on the position that covers this at least one perforate in the container; And container is configured to be sitting in the drinking container top is drained in the drinking container from this at least one perforate to allow liquid.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 be the decomposition that is applicable to the brewing equipment parts of implementing one aspect of the present invention, etc. big scheme drawing;

Figure 1A is the schematic cross-section that is applicable to the brew substance wrapper among the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 is the schematic cross-section according to the stack-mounted brewing equipment of the inventive aspect of describing in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the big view such as grade that is applicable to the brewing container among the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 A-Fig. 4 C be suitable in the embodiment in figure 1 be used to hold brew substance the filter paper sealed packet top, side and etc. big view;

Fig. 5 A-Fig. 5 C be suitable in the embodiment in figure 1 heat sensitive film layer top, side and etc. big view;

Fig. 6 is another cross sectional view that is suitable for implementing the stack-mounted brewing equipment of one aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 6 A and Fig. 6 B are the more detailed cutaway views of part of the stack-mounted brewing equipment of Fig. 6;

Fig. 7 is the nested scheme drawing of describing among the embodiment that is applicable to Fig. 1 of container;

Fig. 8 describes the nested scheme drawing of stack-mounted brewing equipment;

Fig. 9 be the decomposition that is applicable to the parts of the sub-component that holds brew substance among the present invention embodiment on the other hand, etc. big scheme drawing;

Figure 10 A-Figure 10 C is top, side and the detailed cross sectional view of the stack-mounted sub-component described among Fig. 9;

Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B are the top and the side cross-sectional view of stack-mounted brewing equipment according to a further aspect in the invention;

Figure 11 C is the more detail section view of the partly cut-away of the assembly described among Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B;

Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B are applicable to big view such as the top of the container among Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B embodiment and bottom;

Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B are top and the side cross-sectional view according to the stack-mounted brewing equipment of another aspect of the invention;

Figure 13 C-Figure 13 E is the cross sectional view of cutting open of the specific detail of the assembly described among Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B;

Figure 14 and Figure 15 be applicable to the bottom of the discharging equipment among the embodiment of Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B and top cut-away etc. big view;

Figure 16 be the parts among the embodiment of Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B decomposition, etc. big view;

Figure 17 is the big scheme drawing such as grade that is seated in the stack-mounted brewing equipment on the drinking container;

Figure 18 is the exemplary nested scheme drawing of stack-mounted brewing equipment;

Figure 19 be suitable for implementing another aspect of the invention brewing equipment parts decomposition, etc. big scheme drawing;

Figure 20 is the bottom view that the grade of the brewing equipment described among Figure 19 is big, cut open;

Figure 21 be the decomposition that is suitable for implementing the brewing equipment parts of another aspect of the invention, etc. big scheme drawing.

The specific embodiment

At Fig. 1 the suitable embodiment of one aspect of the present invention has been described in Fig. 6 B.Fig. 1 be the decomposition that is applicable to the brewing equipment parts in the micro-wave oven, etc. big accompanying drawing.With reference to Fig. 1, bag 10 holds brew substance (not shown), and it can be that the tealeaves, chocolate of for example coffee grounds, grinding or other add the powder and the similar substance of flavor.Brew substance even can comprise milk powder and the sugar or the combination of sugared succedaneum.The different views of Fig. 4 A-Fig. 4 C provides the more detailed suitably description of brew substance packet 10.Shown in the cross sectional view of Fig. 4 B, brew substance is contained in respectively in top and bottom

filter paper layers

12 and 14.

In general,

filter paper layer

12 and 14 can be by for example Manila hemp, and cellulose and thermoplastic fibre are formed.Find that Crompton#47604 or cooresponding paper material can provide suitable filter paper layer.Other suitable filter paper characteristics comprise: weight is 21.0 milligrams per square inch, air permeability is every sq m 50 cubic meters of per minute, and thickness is 89 microns, and wet burst strength is 22kPa, dry tensile strength is MD98g/mm and CD34g/mm, and seal strength potential is 377g/50mm.The food-grade of paper should preferably be observed FDA standard 21CFR176.170.

Shown in Fig. 4 A-Fig. 4 C,

filter paper layer

12 and 14 can be the about 2.9 inches circular form of diameter for example.Brew substance can be arranged on bottom paper layer 14 tops, is preferably formed the heap that vertex is positioned at paper 14 centers.Top paper 12 can be arranged on the brew substance top, and its circumferential edge is alignd with the circumferential edge of paper 14.Top and

bottom paper layer

12 and 14 can be sealed around its periphery to together, have the bag 10 of annular rim 16 of the relatively flat of for example about 0.25 inch wide and about 8 mil thick with formation.Seal process can be undertaken by business method arbitrarily.Fig. 4 C has described the example packets 10 of the big views such as three-dimensional that generate.

Get back to Fig. 1, brewing equipment comprises top layer and

bottom

18 and 20 of being made by thermosensitive film respectively.In the present embodiment, the shape of top layer and

bottom

18 and 20 is same or similar.The view that has shown exemplary top or bottom heat sensitive film layer in Fig. 5 A-Fig. 5 C is to provide its more details.Yet, should understand the dome shape of

rete

18 and 20 shown in before integrating, needn't being prefabricated into coffee pads.Because they are integrated with bag 10,

rete

18 and 20 can be the flat circular blank that omits micro-creping.Rete 18 and 20 suitable sensitive to heat are ethylene-vinyl acetate, for example are that thickness is the co-polymer membrane of about 0.00225 inch (0.057mm).This material is by the J.D.Rasner﹠amp of Ohio, USA Beachwood; Co carries out commercial distribution with the LOMEL trade name, and the food-grade of this material is observed the FDA standard.Top and

bottom film layer

18 and 20 can be fabricated in the different temperatures fusing or break.For example, top film layer 18 can be fabricated at about 160  breaks, and bottom film layer 20 is fabricated at 180  and approximately breaks.Should be appreciated that, under the situation that does not break away from groundwork of the present invention, can use other break temperatures top and

bottom film layer

18 and 20.

As shown in Fig. 5 A-5C, for example top and

bottom film layer

18 and 20 can be fixed to the about 2.9 inches circle of diameter respectively, have the edge 22 that width is approximately 0.25 inch relatively flat around its periphery.Each

rete

18 and 20 core 24 can be fixed to and wrap 10 shape basically identical so that top and

bottom film layer

18 and 20 can the end face and bottom surface that being separately positioned on bag 10 as shown in the schematic cross-section of cutting open of Figure 1A on.Yet as above a paragragh is explained, under the situation that does not break away from groundwork of the present invention,

rete

18 and 20 is taked other shapes.With reference to Figure 1A, can carry out heat seal to rete 18 and 20 around the periphery at its edge 22, to form sealed interface 28.This can realize by for example resembling the so any known heat seal technology of super sonic heating.Thereby the bag 10 that holds brew substance 26 can be sealed in

rete

18 and 20, so that form the sub-component 30 of the brew substance 26 of encapsulation.Can under nitrogen environment, carry out as the application's process that in sub-component 30, encapsulates brew substance as described above.

Get back to Fig. 1, brewing equipment further comprises brew basket or container 40.In the present embodiment, container 40 can by about 0.020 inch thick high impact polystyrene material make and be configured to sectional area from the top square or the rectangular cross sectional shape to the bottom convergent.The exemplary dimensions of the container 40 of present embodiment is included in about 4.7 inches of the every side in top, highly is big 2.1 inches.Although present embodiment uses rectangular cross sectional shape to container 40, should understand under the situation that does not break away from groundwork of the present invention and can use other cross sectional shapes, for example resemble cylindrical.In order to provide additional structural strength and for design goal, container 40 can comprise multiple difform profile along side and bottom.

In brewing container 40 bottoms are cavitys 42, its cross sectional view of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 etc. show more clearly in the big view.As shown in Figure 2, in the present embodiment, cavity 42 can be configured to frusto-conical adapting to sub-component 30, but other shape also is enough.As shown in Figure 3, be that structure is perforate 44 circular and that surround the base section of sizable cavity 42 in the bottom of cavity 42.Fig. 6, Fig. 6 A and Fig. 6 B have described the container 40 of present embodiment in more detail.Fig. 6 is another cross sectional view of container 40, and it shows and to extend from the bottom surface and container 40 can be shelved thereon projection or pin 46 in vertical orientation.Pin 46 can also be seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.The schematic cross-section of Fig. 6 A has disclosed a pin in the pin 46 in more detail.

In the present embodiment, pin 46 also aligns for four jiaos with the square-section of container 40 substantially along the outer bottom edge setting.Yet should understand pin 46 can be provided with around the base with any intermittent pattern.Although described four pin 46 in the present embodiment, should understand and use three pin 46 also harmless, as long as they are around the outer bottom edge of container 40 appropriate intervals each other.

In order to finish the assembling of brewing equipment, shown in the cross sectional view of Fig. 2 and Fig. 6, leak free sub-component 30 is arranged in the cavity 42.Shown in Fig. 6 B, it is the more detailed cross-sectioned view that is shelved on the sub-component 30 in the cavity 42, circumferentially takes one's seat around the limit 50 of the bottom surface of container 40 in the edge 22 of sub-component 30.The weight of attention sub-component 30 produces relative cavity 42 sidewalls during brewing process sealing can be understood better by the application's following description.As alternative, the bag 10,

rete

18 and 20 and container 40 can be integrated in one step.

Fig. 7 has described the nested cross sectional view of above describing a plurality of brew basket 40 that are used to store before the ground assembling process in the application.In the shape of attention basket 40 is configured to fit snugly in each other, so that they occupy very little space in storing process.Fig. 8 describes the nested schematic cross-section of a plurality of assembling brewing equipments in can compact reactor being stacked in each other.Thereby, the storehouse of a plurality of assembling brewing equipments can be packaged into together, do not carry out retail so that on retailer or customer's shelf, do not account for ground, too many space.

After buying retail packaging, the customer takes out from packing and brewages the unit and with desirable liquid (for example resembling water) container 40 is filled into proper level.Brewage if brewer unit will be used for single glass of liquid, the customer can be for example with 8 or 9 fluid ounce filling containers 40.For this reason, can provide interstitial wire at one or more medial surfaces of container 40.Attention is shown in Fig. 6 B, and the weight of the basket 40 interior liquid wall of cavity 42 is relatively firmly pushed sub-component 30.Subsequently, as shown in figure 17, it for example can be on the top of drinking container of cup that brewer unit can be placed on so that the bottom surface of cavity 42 be shelved on the cup top margin around.Notice that perforate 44 falls in the open top of drinking container and pin 46 will be the center with perforate 44 above the opening of cup and stop container 40 to slide on the cup top margin.

After this, brewer unit and cup can be arranged in the micro-wave oven and heat, and this may spend a few minutes, depends on the power of micro-wave oven.In the present embodiment, when fluid temperature reaches the break temperature of top film layer 18, may be about 160 , rete 18 beginning attenuation are also broken, and are created in that breakdown point begins and peeling off of the layer 18 that moves of border toward the outer side, and expose filter paper layer 12.At this some place, hot liquid will penetrate ply of paper 12 and mix with brew substance.Notice that bottom film layer 20 is not also broken, thereby allow hot liquid to be sitting in also its whole volume of the particulate of moistening brew substance 26, the fragrance of brew substance is input in the brewed liquid more equably.

Brewed liquid will continue heating by micro-wave oven.Subsequently, along with liquid reaches the break temperature of bottom 20, for example be approximately 180 .Bottom 20 will be breaking with top layer 18 similar modes, thereby by gravity the liquid of brewageing is assigned in the drinking container through filter paper 14 and perforate 44.Brewing process can carry out some minutes after a microwave cycle.After this, brewed liquid is in the drinking container.Notice that top and bottom

filter paper layers

12 and 14 particulates with brew substance 26 remain in the volume of bag 10, to guarantee the input fully of fragrance in the brewing process.For example for the brewageing of coffee, brewing period will spend 3-5 minute magnitude.Brewage for other, brewing time can change according to the liquid that uses and brew substance.Brewing time also will change according to the power of the micro-wave oven that uses.

The advantage of previous embodiment is as follows: the encapsulation brew substance charge packet provides the brew substance charge certain hour of preserving each unit after retail packaging is opened in the heat sensitive film layer.This does not need user's mutual action to open or remove the diaphragm seal of wrapper, because will occur in brewing process automatically.In addition, the stage of brew substance charge exposes and allows capillarity, small amount of liquid gently infiltrates brew substance before the high flow velocities brewing process begins so that at first allow, thereby allows in the liquid vessel more most flow of liquid through the wetability brew substance charge.

In addition, present embodiment with the stable shaped brew substance of holding, thereby keeps water resistance even and measurable in bag filter, and this is preferred for consistent extraction the from a maker to next maker.Equally, brew substance charge remains on the very big position of fluid discharge pressure.Notice that brew substance is held in the filter paper packet fully, this stops brew substance to enter liquid vessel.

Fig. 9 be applicable to being used in the alternative of brewing equipment hold brew substance sub-component unit 60 parts decomposition, etc. big view.With reference to Fig. 9, top and bottom heat sensitive film layer 62 and 64 encapsulate brew substance 66 respectively, for example can be coffee grounds in the present embodiment.Rete 62 and 64 can be with the application above at

layer

18 and 20 described identical or similar type and structures, and can be heat-sealed together around the border of its marginal portion so that encapsulate brew substance fully.In addition, top and bottom filter paper layers 68 and 70 be provided with respectively and attached on the surface of each top and bottom film layer 62 and 64 to form respectively top and the sub-component shown in the bottom view 60 at Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B.Filter paper layer 68 and 70 can be that the application is above at ply of

paper

12 and 14 described identical or similar type and structures.Figure 10 C is the more detailed cross sectional view of the layer 62,64,68 and 70 of sub-component 60.

In top mode, the encapsulates subunits part of brew substance can form independently sub-component, subsequently by for example super sonic, vibration, laser and heatsealing subsequent attachment on liquid reservoir structure, as in greater detail in conjunction with Figure 11 A-C.Described layout allows to use common relatively sub-component to form machine.By contrast, the coffee grounds encapsulation must need can also to handle the custom machine of molded liquid vessel except paper in nitrogen environment and plastic layer in existing notion.For instant sub-component, have only it to be manufactured in the nitrogen environment and carry out, be not the assembly of whole brewer unit.Preferably provide 100% nitrogen environment, to discharge potential harmful oxygen at assembling process and near being contained in the thinner package.

Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B have described the top and the lateral plan of the liquid vessel basket 72 that holds brew substance sub-component 60 that is arranged on bottom liquid proliferation part 74 tops, and this bottom proliferation part is arranged in the big view such as the top of Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B and bottom and shows in more detail.In this alternative, the cross section of liquid vessel 72 is that square or rectangle and bottom diffusion part 74 are shaped as cylindrical and comprise and be attached to this parts border to the spoke 76 between the point 78 at parts center.Spoke 76 evenly is provided with to the opening border, so as during produce the open wedge of flowing through from liquid vessel 72 dispense liquid.

Figure 11 C shows how the edge 73 of sub-component 60 circumferentially is shelved on the amplification cross sectional view on the protrusion 76 of its bottom surface setting of liquid vessel 72.As mentioned above, the edge 73 of sub-component 60 can be by for example super sonic, vibration, laser or heatsealing attached to the protrusion 76 of liquid reservoir structure 72.Equally, shown in Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B, pin 80 can form near liquid vessel 72 bottom boundary or attach, and preferably aligns with four jiaos of its square-section.Cylindrical diffusion part 74 can extend certain distance below pin 80, so that when liquid vessel 72 is shelved on the top of drinking container in the brewing process as described above as the application, cylindrical diffusion part 74 will drop in the drinking container opening.The open area that diffusion part 74 thereon is set from the passageway of liquid vessel 72 or brew substance sub-component 60 is very big and seldom restricted in instant embodiment.Big opening will produce more uniform contact between water and coffee grounds, improved extraction and shorter brewing time are provided at last.

Some of sub-component structure about suggestion is as follows: the filter paper layer on the top prevents to be subjected to the abrasive material of buoyancy to rise in the cistern (that is, abrasive material being remained in the brewing cavity so that carry out optimum extraction); Filter paper layer on top and the bottom is convenient to heat fusing, and this is because this paper prevents that the plastic film that melts from sticking on the heating mould and (believes in the supersonic welding termination process and can observe identical benefit); The same as mentioned, the two thermosensitive film structures in top and bottom provide the freshness sealing, and what do not need particularly that user intervention opens is the sort of; Fusion temperature difference between bottom film layer and the upstream top film layer provides two functions: guarantee (a) that film breaks at last down (if make two films have identical fusing point then can't guarantee because water loses temperature with it by abrasive material), and (b) film temporarily keeps hot water in brewing cavity down, to guarantee the good immersion of abrasive material.

As mentioned above, the suitable material of liquid vessel 72 is expanded polystyrene (a.k.a., EPS, an expandable polystyrene), and it can be that EPS is molded as desirable configuration or shape, and this is because the superior insulation properties of EPS.Compare with finer and close plastic material, use this material will shorten the microwave heating time of brewed liquid.Equally above mention, can nested a plurality of makers, so that effectively pack.Use leak free wrap more retail container (not shown) tend to provide fresh sealing (except provide by two EVA retes in each sub-component coffee is encapsulated in each " maker " separately).The fresh encapsulation of many tundish vessels that the encapsulation permission of each independent sub-component will be opened has also also kept the fresh of the interior brew substance of independent sub-component.

Described in the one exemplary embodiment of brewing equipment according to a further aspect of the invention among Figure 13 A-Figure 16.With reference to the top of describing this brewing equipment and Figure 13 A and the 13B of cross sectional view, liquid vessel 90 be shown as have sectional area from the top square sectional to the bottom convergent.What attach to liquid vessel 90 bottoms is to be shaped as columniform brewing cavity 92.Reservoir bottom tilts to the drainage 94 that forms the passageway between liquid vessel 90 and brewing cavity 92.Liquid vessel 90 is designed to keep brewed liquid, and this liquid for example can be water.Liquid adds usually and heats in the liquid vessel in micro-wave oven 90 subsequently.Can add pre-heated liquid to quicken microwave heating process.Can use very hot liquid to avoid using micro-wave oven fully.

As mentioned above, liquid vessel 90 preferred square or rectangular cross sectional shape, but also can be arbitrary shape.For the employed space of micro-wave oven, square or rectangular shape can make the maximum capacity of liquid vessel.The shape of brewing equipment of the present invention is preferred, because it allows maker at this equipment of the indoor cooperation of the septulum of any micro-wave oven.For example, have the circle and the square reservoir of equal diameter and side length and double altitudes more respectively, the volume capacity of square reservoir is bigger.Thereby conclude that the height with equal volume capacity and side length square reservoir identical with circular liquid vessel diameter is littler.If employed micro-wave oven is compact to design, then this situation is favourable.But nested main benefit is the unit that allows to place greater number potentially in retail shelf ground limited area.Many difform liquid vessels can carry out nested with identical vertical effect.Nested circle is preferred, because they can position with infinite continuous state, yet rectangular shape only has four nested position at 90 ° of intervals.

Liquid vessel 90 can be made by transparent or semitransparent material.Allow the liquid level in the visible observation liquid vessel like this.Preferred material is a polypropylene.Polyacrylic fusion temperature is about 210 .Shown in Figure 13 B, liquid vessel 90 can comprise reinforced seam 91.Seam 91 can be used for a plurality of purposes.At first, seam 91 can increase the rigidity of liquid vessel 90, prevents that it is broken easily.The second, can locate seam 91 as interstitial wire, allow the user to know that the liquid that when needs volume has been poured in the liquid vessel 90.

Liquid vessel 90 can comprise a series of pin 93 on its bottom surface.Pin 93 can have reconfigurable.The pin 93 of present embodiment is similar with the pin 80 shown in Figure 12 B, and wherein each pin is formed by the pair of parallel projection.Projection is crooked towards each other on the border of liquid vessel, and joint (that is circle).In the opposite end, the wall of protrusions abut brewing cavity 92 (referring to Figure 14).In alternative, each pin can be single projection.Pin 93 effect is that the substrate to liquid vessel provides intensity and rigidity and as the upholder of maker on teacup or cup.The development length of each pin allows the customised maker of single size stably to be placed on the drinking container of different-diameter.Thereby for the cup and the teacup of some shape and size, maker is a general-duty.In other embodiments, pin 93 is optional.

Drain assembly 94 is as the liquid passageway between liquid vessel 90 and the brewing cavity 92.With reference to Figure 14 of the big bottom view of cutting open as the in-to-in of brewing cavity 92 such as grade and with reference to the Figure 15 as the big top view of cutting open such as grade of liquid vessel 90 substrates, these two views all show drain assembly 94 in greater detail again.Drain assembly 94 can comprise the intrabasement perforate 96 of liquid vessel 90.Perforate 96 can be coated with hereinafter heat sensitive film seal 98 in greater detail.Drain assembly can also comprise the diffuser extension 100 of extending through perforate 96 from the substrate of liquid vessel 90 downwards.Diffuser extension 100 can form with liquid vessel 90 integral body.

Diffuser extension 100 can comprise and a plurality ofly extend to the spoke 102 of the wall of perforate 96 to member 104 from center shaft that it is orientated downwards and perforate 96 horizontal (referring to Figure 15).The extensibility of structure of axial component 104 and spoke 102 is to perforate 96 belows (referring to Figure 14), so that be that brewing cavity 92 forms wedge shaped open areas.Limit the axial component 104 of these wedge shaped open areas and spoke 102 as structural support frame.The filter paper layer that the support properties of diffuser extension 100 also prevents to be positioned at drain assembly 94 belows upwards distortion in the packing of maker or treating process, this becomes more apparent by the application's following description.Open area in the diffuser extension 100 or perforate combine the liquid of the drain assembly 94 that allows to flow through through brewing cavity 92 radial spreads with carriage, rather than concentrate on the position under the reservoir aperture 96.The existence of diffusion structure all is important for the taste of brewed liquid and the even brewing time of all brew substance particles in the brewing cavity 92.

In the present embodiment, brewing cavity 92 is limited by the circular wall that extends downwards from liquid vessel 90 bottoms.Yet brewing cavity 92 can have arbitrary shape.Brewing cavity keeps brew substance 106, for example can be coffee grounds.The grinding size of coffee grounds can change, to satisfy needed brewing character.Grind size can also contain the type of coffee of caffeine or decaffeination and changes according to employed.Filter paper 108 supports brew substance 106 in brewing cavity 92.If not exist paper filter 108 and as described another heat sensitive film seal 110 hereinafter, brewing cavity 92 is in its substrate upper shed.In one embodiment, the height of the open base of brewing cavity and diameter are respectively about 0.5 inch and 2.25 inches.As a comparison, in same embodiment (ratio is 4.5: 1), the diameter of the perforate 96 of reservoir bottom can be about 0.5 inch.Can regulate this ratio to realize needed brewing character.

As mentioned above, brewing cavity 92 maintenances can be the chargings of the brew substance 106 of coffee, and hot brewed liquid resembles water, this brew substance 106 of will flowing through.The particulate of brew substance charge or grind size can change according to the brew substance of using.Can also revise grind size with change liquid brewing cavity 92 in length of the halt and change the flow of liquid feature of feeding by abrasive material.Except using the brew substance of dissimilar or fragrance, can use substance complements or succedaneum.Sweetener or powdered dairy products can be mixed with abrasive material.As alternative, can place sweetener or powdered dairy products as the separation stratified layers in the brewing cavity 92.Stratified layers can be placed with any order.Stratified layers is by filter paper layer 108, heat sensitive film seal layer 110 or do not carry out the interval by material.Can use traditional extrusion press that the charging 106 of brew substance particles and possible fill-in are squeezed into disc.

Paper filter layer 108 is arranged on brew substance charge 106 belows, enters the teacup or the cup of maker to prevent abrasive material.Filter 108 has various features, for example fiber type, size, denier, length and configuration.Can change these features to realize needed brew scenarios.For example, can control the interior length of the halt of brewing cavity.In addition, can control the angle that water is radially propagated in brewing cavity.

As shown in the more detailed sectional view of Figure 13 D, can use the super sonic engaging process that paper filter layer 108 is attached on the wall 112 of brewing cavity 92.Form brewing cavity wall 112 so that limit the point 114 of minimum end.Paper filter layer contacts with brewing cavity at these points 114, and is operating as the connection of formation shown in Figure 13 D.Shown in the more detailed section drawing of Figure 13 E, can on the lowermost wall of diffuser extension, repeat this engaging process.Shown in Figure 13 E, diffuser extension 100 defines circular engagement surface 116 in its substrate.Can also use other to join filter 108 to the method for maker equipment, for example thermal deformation of viscose glue or one or both grafting materials.

In alternative, brew substance charge 106 is contained in the sub-component bag, comprises the filter material as described above as the application in this bag.As alternative, this bag can also be made up of diaphragm seal material as described above.

In the present embodiment, heat sensitive film seal is arranged on the top of the perforate 96 of liquid vessel 90 bottoms, thereby stops this perforate (referring to the layer 98 among Figure 13 C), perhaps is in the position of filter paper layer 108 belows, (referring to the layer 110 among Figure 13 D) or be in two positions.Heat sensitive film seal can provide one or more functions.At first, film can be used as the thermovalve gate device.When room temperature, sealing is as the physical obstacle between two zones.Along with liquid heats in the zone of film one side, destroy situation and begin.The time quantum that experience is set before the hot liquid heating makes film breaks or inefficacy.This time quantum can be the function of some factors:

1) micro-wave oven is raised to fluid temperature and makes film begin the required time of temperature of damaging or breaking.In one embodiment, should " critical temperature " can be from about 195  to 205 , and

2) durability degree of film when the adjacency temperature, this can be the function of membraneous material, film thickness and the film integral size of selection.Preferred membraneous material is Ethylene VinylAcetate or Lomel.The fusing of this material or breakdown point are about 160 .Preferred film thickness is from about 0.0015 inch to 0.0030 inch.Can provide film with colour or transparent form.

Preferably, heat sensitive film layer 98 lost efficacy in the mode of before almost completely being opened by openings that seal 98 coverings or perforate 96.The contraction of this big degree of combination film 98, film also can splinters, thereby will can not receive the small pieces of leakproofing material in customer's teacup or cup.

A benefit using heat sensitive film layer 110 below filter paper layer 108 is to increase the length of the halt of hot liquid in coffee grounds.When using two film seals 98 and 110, they can be designed as has same or different failure properties.In a kind of brewing method, back seal film 98 is designed to lose efficacy at 180 °-190 , and lower seal is designed to lose efficacy at 160 °-170 , but these temperature properties can be put upside down.Can the control fails temperature by the membraneous material and the material thickness that use.

Second function that two

retes

98 and 110 can provide is that coffee grounds is opened with atmospheric sealing.May there be moisture, peculiar smell or pollutants in the air around, and should isolate with coffee grounds.Two retes can see through gas, but can also be designed to provide the level Hermetic Package of necessity.For the purpose in the storage of user family, two retes have increased the shelf life of maker.It has pinned fresh composition.

Be arranged among the embodiment below the filter paper layer 108,, can use alternative film material, for example paper tinsel utilizing film seal 98 to cover reservoir aperture 96 and diaphragm seal 110 a position if the temperature-sensitive attribute is not necessary.Can utilize viscose glue, use above at the similar super sonic engaging process of filter 108 described processes, by fastener O type ring or for example by film melts is remained on the appropriate location to maker with film seal 98 and 110.Figure 13 C has shown near the annular projection of the drainage 94 around opening 96 or has protruded the rete 98 that rib 120 places join the maker bottom to.The one or more ribs 120 that protrude from reservoir floor provide mating surface for film seal 98.Below filter paper layer 108, diaphragm seal 110 is attached to the point 122 (referring to Figure 13 D) on the wall 112 of brewing cavity, and this wall extends and arrive the outside of the point of combined filtering device downwards.

With reference to the decomposition of the brewing equipment of the present embodiment that shows among Figure 16, etc. big view, the method for optimizing of making brewing equipment comprises the perforate 96 on the bottom that utilizes heat sensitive film seal liquid vessel 90, liquid vessel 90 is in stand up position simultaneously; And, make the bottom upright subsequently with liquid vessel 90 Rotate 180 degree.At this position of rotation, brew substance charge 106 is arranged on the appropriate location of brewing cavity 92; Paper filter layer 108 is arranged on the appropriate location and attaches to the application's point 114 as described above and 116 subsequently; And second thin film encapsulation layers 110 is arranged on the opposite flank top of filter away from brew substance charge 106 subsequently, and attaches to the point 122 of brewing cavity 92 walls 112.

Figure 17 is the scheme drawing with the brewing equipment 130 that meshes the cylindrical liquid vessel on the teacup 132 that is used for brewageing in micro-wave oven.The liquid filling capacity that is used for the single glass of liquid vessel of brewageing 130 is (weighting material of 8oz tends to the drinkable coffee of output 7 to the 7-1/2 ounce, yet 9 ounces of weighting materials produce the drinkable coffee of about 8oz) between 8 to 9 ounces.As mentioned above, believe that the liquid vessel of square cross-sectional shaped allows better utilization enabled production shelf space, allow the retailer all to increase nested efficient with the user.

Figure 18 has shown the suggestion retail packaging of maker in the exemplary nested or stack arrangement.Thereby nested maker can be stored in metal or paper and sell in listening.The outer lid of listening can provide additional seal to prevent damage.

Figure 19 and Figure 20 have described the exemplary brewing equipment that is suitable for implementing another aspect of the present invention.Figure 19 be the present embodiment parts decomposition, etc. big view.Many parts of the embodiment of Figure 19 are with above the described parts of embodiment at Figure 13 A-Figure 16 are identical on result and function.These same parts will not further describe, and keep identical for the present embodiment Reference numeral.With reference to Figure 19, comprise that the spring-loaded valve member of spring 134 and valve 136 is arranged on brewing cavity 92 open interiors 96 places.Spring 134 1 ends are attached on the valve 136, and the other end is attached to the periphery of perforate 96.Valve 136 comprises flat circular center surface 137 and three elastic foots 138 that attach at about 120 ° at interval some place around surf zone 137.The end of pin 138 comprises the stretching surf zone 140 horizontal with pin 138.Shown in the big view of cutting open such as grade of Figure 20, the surf zone 140 of pin 138 attaches to each zone of liquid vessel 90 bottoms in the brewing cavity 92.

Before brewageing, spring 134 remains on compressive state, covers the also perforate 96 of sealed reservoir 90 with the flat surfaces 137 that allows valve 136.In the present embodiment, spring 134 remains on compressive state by temperature sensitive wax, and this material can also be used for spring 134 is attached to valve surface 137.The wax material that is used for present embodiment comprises amide waxe, and for example ethylene bis stearamide, and long chain ketone for example resembles arone.But should be appreciated that for wax and can also use other components.

In brewing process, along with the increase of liquid vessel fluid temperature, wax material finally melts, and allows spring 134 to extend to uncompressed state.The suitable fusion temperature of wax material can be about 160 to 190 Degrees Fahrenheits.This extension of spring 134 forces surf zone 137 away from perforate 96, thereby produces heating liquid from opening or passageway that liquid vessel 90 enters brewing cavity 92 and mixes with brew substance 160.Pin 138 is as guide rib, so that prevent valve surface 137 floating getting back in the sealing station after wax unclamps.At last, bottom thin film sealing layer 110 breaks, and the brewed liquid that allows heat is in paper filter layer 108 is assigned to cup 132.In the present embodiment, can exempt film seal layer 98, because valve member itself is temperature sensitive and works in a similar fashion.

Shown among Figure 21 the brewing equipment parts that are suitable for implementing another aspect of the invention decomposition, etc. big view.With reference to Figure 21, present embodiment is included in the cylindrical liquid vessel 150 that its bottom has little liquid dispensing opening (not shown), and this liquid vessel can be made by for example polypropylene.Can use the dispensing opening in top heat sensitive film seal 152 coverings and the sealed reservoir 150, this seals and can be made by for example paillon foil.Can attach to liquid vessel 150 exterior bottom with the above-described valve member valve-like of the application door assembly 154, so that cover and the sealing dispensing opening.For example, valve 154 can be made by makrolon material, and to operate with valve 136 similar modes.

In addition, can attach to the substrate of liquid vessel 150 equally by the brew funnel 156 that for example polypropylene is made.Brew funnel 156 comprises and is used for filter paper layer 158 and brew substance charge 160 are supported in wherein brewing cavity.The bottom of brew funnel 156 comprises that at least one is used for from wherein distributing the perforate of brewed liquid.Filter paper layer 158 can be provided with, and can be incorporated into, and on the cyclic lug 162 that forms along brew funnel 156 inner boundaries, and feeds and 160 filter paper 158 tops can be set.Bottom heat sensitive film seal layer 164 can be attached to the bottom of funnel 156, so that cover and seal its at least one perforate.The embodiment of Figure 21 can be to operate with the similar mode of describing at the embodiment of Figure 19 and Figure 20 of mode.

Although above invention has been described in conjunction with a plurality of embodiment, should understand this expression is that strictness provides by way of example, without any limiting the intent of the present invention by any way.Thereby, the present invention should not describe by the embodiment that the application is above proposed limit, but make an explanation according to being set out in width and the range scope of claims.

Claims

1. be used for brewageing with liquid the equipment of brew substance, described equipment comprises:

Be used to store the container of described liquid, described container comprises that at least one is used for the perforate from its dispense liquid;

The filter paper sealed packet that holds brew substance; And

Encapsulate the heat sensitive film layer of described sealed packet, described wrapper is arranged on the position that covers described at least one perforate in the described container, and described container is configured to be sitting in the drinking container top and is drained in the described drinking container from described at least one perforate to allow liquid.

2. equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: described wrapper is fixed in the described container.

3. equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: described container comprises the cavity that is configured to accept described wrapper, and wherein said wrapper is arranged on described cavity place.

4. equipment according to claim 3 is characterized in that: described cavity is positioned at the bottom of described container; And wherein said cavity comprises the quite large-area single perforate that covers described cavity.

5. equipment according to claim 3 is characterized in that: described wrapper comprises the edge around the substantially flat on its border; Wherein said container comprises the protrusion around the configuration of the border of described cavity; And the edge of wherein said wrapper is seated on the described protrusion.

6. equipment according to claim 5 is characterized in that: the edge of described wrapper is fixed on the described protrusion.

7. equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: described sealed packet comprises end face and bottom surface; And wherein said wrapper comprises:

Cover first heat sensitive film layer of the end face of described sealed packet; And

Cover second heat sensitive film layer of described sealed packet bottom surface, described first and second layers attach to together along its exterior boundary, so as in described first and second layers the described sealed packet of encapsulation.

8. equipment according to claim 7 is characterized in that: described first and second heat sensitive film layer have different break temperatures.

9. equipment according to claim 7 is characterized in that: the break temperature of described first heat sensitive film layer is lower than the break temperature of described second heat sensitive film layer.

10. equipment according to claim 7 is characterized in that: the break temperature of described first heat sensitive film layer is about 180 Degrees Fahrenheits for the break temperature of described second heat sensitive film layer of about 160 Degrees Fahrenheits.

11. equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: described container is configured to have a plurality of pin, landing from it when preventing that described container is on being seated in the top of described drinking container.

12. equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: described container is configured to allow come nested a plurality of containers in another by one is arranged on.

13. equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: described container is configured to have from the top to the square-section of bottom convergent.

14. equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: described brew substance comprises coffee grounds and described liquid comprises water.

15. equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: described container is configured to store the liquid of single quantity of service; Wherein said sealed packet holds the brew substance charge of single service.

16. equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: described container and heat sensitive film layer are made by the material that is suitable for microwave heating.

17. make the method for brewing equipment, said method comprising the steps of:

Container is configured to store the liquid that is used to brewage and distributes described liquid through wherein at least one perforate;

The filter paper sealed packet that holds brew substance with the heat sensitive film layer encapsulation;

Described wrapper is arranged on the position that covers described at least one perforate in the container; And

Described container is configured to be seated in the drinking container top to be discharged in the described drinking container from described at least one perforate to allow liquid.

18. method according to claim 17 is characterized in that: may further comprise the steps: described wrapper is fixed in the described container.

19. method according to claim 17 is characterized in that: may further comprise the steps:

Make the bottom of described container dispose the cavity that forms the described wrapper of acceptance; And described wrapper is arranged on described cavity place.

20. method according to claim 17 is characterized in that: described encapsulation step comprises:

Cover the end face of described sealed packet with first heat sensitive film layer;

Cover the bottom surface of described sealed packet with second heat sensitive film layer; And

Described first and second laminatings are attached to together so that in described first and second layers, encapsulate described sealed packet along its exterior boundary.

21. method according to claim 20 is characterized in that: the end face of described sealed packet is coated with the heat sensitive film layer with different break temperatures with the bottom surface.

22. method according to claim 20 is characterized in that: the end face of described sealed packet is coated with first heat sensitive film layer with first break temperature; And the bottom surface of wherein said sealed packet is coated with second heat sensitive film layer with second break temperature that is higher than described first break temperature.

23. method according to claim 20 is characterized in that: the end face of described sealed packet is coated with first heat sensitive film layer that break temperature is about 160 Degrees Fahrenheits; The bottom surface of wherein said sealed packet is coated with second heat sensitive film layer that break temperature is about 180 Degrees Fahrenheits.

24. method according to claim 17 is characterized in that: comprise described container is configured to have a plurality of pin landing from it when preventing that described container is on being seated in the top of described drinking container.

25. method according to claim 17 is characterized in that: comprise described container is configured to allow the nested of a plurality of containers in another by one is arranged on.

26. method according to claim 17 is characterized in that: comprise described container is configured to have from the top to the square-section of bottom convergent.

27. method according to claim 17 is characterized in that: comprise with the material that is suitable for microwave heating and make described container and described heat sensitive film layer.

28. be used for brewageing with liquid the equipment of brew substance, described equipment comprises:

The container that is used for storage of liquids, described container comprise that at least one is used for the perforate from its dispense liquid;

The thermosensitive film wrapper that holds brew substance; And

Cover described wrapper to form the filter paper layer of sub-component, described sub-component is arranged on the position that covers described at least one perforate in the described container, and described container is configured to be seated in the drinking container top and is discharged in the described drinking container from described at least one perforate to allow liquid.

29. equipment according to claim 28 is characterized in that: described sub-component is fixed in the described container.

30. equipment according to claim 28 is characterized in that: described wrapper comprises:

Form first heat sensitive film layer of end face; And

Form second heat sensitive film layer of bottom surface, described first and second layers are attached to together along its exterior boundary, with the encapsulation brew substance.

31. equipment according to claim 30 is characterized in that: described first and second heat sensitive film layer have different break temperatures.

32. equipment according to claim 28 is characterized in that: described brew substance comprises coffee grounds and described liquid comprises water.

33. equipment according to claim 28 is characterized in that: described container is configured to store the liquid of single quantity of service; And wherein wrapper holds the brew substance charge of single service.

34. equipment according to claim 28 is characterized in that: described container and described heat sensitive film layer have the material that is suitable for microwave heating to make.

35. make the method for brewing equipment, said method comprising the steps of:

Container is configured to store the liquid that is used to brewage and distributes described liquid through at least one perforate wherein;

Encapsulate brew substance with heat sensitive film layer;

Cover described wrapper to form sub-component with filter paper;

Described sub-component is arranged on the position that covers described at least one perforate in the described container; And

Described container is configured to be sitting in the drinking container top to be discharged in the described drinking container from described at least one perforate to allow liquid.

36. method according to claim 35 is characterized in that: may further comprise the steps: described sub-component is fixed on described container.

37. method according to claim 35 is characterized in that: may further comprise the steps: the bottom of described container is configured to have the cavity that forms the described sub-component of acceptance; And described sub-component is arranged on described cavity place.

38. method according to claim 35 is characterized in that: described encapsulation step comprises:

Brew substance is provided with on first heat sensitive film layer;

Above described brew substance, apply second heat sensitive film layer, to form the end face of wrapper; And

Along its exterior boundary described first and second laminatings are attached to together so that described brew substance is encapsulated in described first and second layers.

39. according to the described method of claim 38, it is characterized in that: first and second heat sensitive film layer that encapsulate described brew substance have different break temperatures.

40. method according to claim 35 is characterized in that: described covering step comprises:

First and second filter paper are set around described wrapper; And

At its exterior boundary described first and second are sealed together, to form described sub-component.