EP4138619A1 - Dispositif d'infusion de boissons - Google Patents

Dispositif d'infusion de boissons

Info

Publication number
EP4138619A1
EP4138619A1 EP21720256.3A EP21720256A EP4138619A1 EP 4138619 A1 EP4138619 A1 EP 4138619A1 EP 21720256 A EP21720256 A EP 21720256A EP 4138619 A1 EP4138619 A1 EP 4138619A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
brew chamber
closing means
opening
brewing device
beverage brewing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21720256.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Simon Lewis Bilton
Benedict William Flynn TAYLOR
Nathan James BATES
Richard James THOMAS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ekaterra Research and Development UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Ekaterra Research and Development UK Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ekaterra Research and Development UK Ltd filed Critical Ekaterra Research and Development UK Ltd
Publication of EP4138619A1 publication Critical patent/EP4138619A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/06—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor
    • A47J31/0657—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor for brewing coffee under pressure, e.g. for espresso machines
    • A47J31/0689—Reusable cartridges suitable to be opened for being filled with brewing material and to be closed to envelope the brewing material therein
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00—Table service
    • A47G19/12—Vessels or pots for table use
    • A47G19/16—Tea infusers, e.g. infusing bags, egg-shaped infuses

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a beverage brewing device.
  • the present invention relates to a beverage brewing device that allows for the removal of infusion material in a clean, simple and effective manner.
  • Infusion packets such as tea bags
  • the packets comprise infusion material such as tea or coffee within a water permeable packet.
  • infusion packets are disposed of into the household or industrial refuse systems and represent a significant waste stream, most of which is not sent for recycling/biodegradation but is instead sent to landfill, incineration, or other non-sustainable refuse management approaches.
  • the present invention is therefore directed to reducing the use and subsequent disposal of infusion packets by providing a beverage brewing device that does not require the infusion material to be provided within a water permeable packet. Instead the infusion material is placed directly into the device, the device is then used to brew a beverage, and the used infusion material is removed from the device in a clean, simple and effective manner. Water permeable packet material is not required, and the used infusion material can therefore be placed directly into domestic or industrial composting streams.
  • Beverage brewing devices are known in the art.
  • US3354812 discloses an infusing device comprising an infusion material holding portion having a handle and a perforated bottom wall, and a perforated cover member having a handle slidingly mounted on the first handle and operable to move the cover member into closed or open position relative to the material holding portion, said cover member being provided with a stop engageable with said holding portion when the cover is in its open position to prevent complete detachment of the cover member from the holding portion, said cover member being downwardly inclined relative to its handle and capable of flexing to disengage the stop and permit detachment of the cover member from the holding portion, the ends of said handles including means cooperating to limit the movement of the cover member into closed position.
  • US7077054 discloses a tea strainer comprising: a bowl having a front section, a back section, a perforated bottom section, opposing side sections and an open top section with a rim; an elongated handle having a top portion, a bottom portion, opposing side portions, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said proximal end of said handle is fixedly attached to said back portion of said bowl and wherein said top portion of said proximal end of said handle defines a notch therein; a cover having a top section, a bottom section, opposing side sections, a front section, and a back section; a cover shaft having opposing sides, a top surface, a bottom surface, a proximal end and a distal end wherein said proximal end is attached to said back section of said cover, wherein said notch receives said cover shaft so that said cover extends downwards into said bowl; a pair of pivot attachment points having a hook shape wherein each of said pivot attachment
  • GB2301766 relates to a combined teabag or similar ingredient, and spoon, which is disposable once used and claims a purpose made spoon to contain a teabag or similar ingredient to make a hot or cold beverage, which would be totally disposable.
  • GB2301766 specifically requires a teabag or similar ingredient, it is contrary to the aim of the present invention to reduce the use and subsequent disposal of infusion packets.
  • single use disposable items such as the spoon of GB2301766 are not sustainable and are increasingly unacceptable to consumers.
  • US3755895 claims a herb spoon comprising a handle and a scoop secured thereto, a lid hingedly connected to said scoop so as to form an openable or closable dosing container, said lid and said scoop having a releasable snap closure for securing said dosing container in a closed position, and said container and lid being provided with a plurality of elongate perforations, said perforations each having a gridshaped configuration, the cross-sectional area of each of the perforations decreasing in width from the interior to the exterior of said spoon.
  • the scoop forms a dosage container to which there is hinged a lid which can be secured to the dosage container in its closed position by snap action, while the container, or the container and the lid, is or are provided with perforations.
  • GB130953 claims a tea infuser having means for holding the hinged lid in its open and closed positions comprising a spring clip on either the lid or handle adapted to engage and hold the other of the said parts (the handle or lid respectively).
  • the object of GB130953 is to provide a simple but efficient form of clip or fastener for holding the lid in its open and closed positions.
  • US1601613 claims a teaspoon including a bowl, a handle connected thereto and formed with a reduced straight intermediate portion, a sliding cover for the bowl, a handle extension on the cover including flanges embracing the straight portion of the handle, and shoulders on the handle at the end of the reduced portion engageable with the flanges to limit the sliding movement of the cover.
  • An object of US1601613 is to provide a spoon equipped with a sliding cover and so constructed that the cover may be readily manually manipulated by the hand holding the spoon to permit the scooping of tea leaves into the spoon or the discharge of leave therefrom.
  • GB2237980 claims an infuser comprising a basket with perforations, attached to a handle, a basket cover also with perforations, attached to a strip, the basket cover being made for free movement up and down within the basket and the end of the cover strip being made to engage with the end of the basket handle when the infuser is assembled.
  • the spent substance is squeezed 'dry' outside the liquid, the basket is opened by sliding the cover away and it is emptied by tapping out into a waste receptacle.
  • US5806409 relates to a single cup coffee brewer system.
  • FIG. 6 of US5806409 illustrates the discharge phase when the user has opened basket top member after he or she has brewed the coffee. In this phase it is alleged that the user would open the basket top and discard used coffee grounds.
  • US1601613, GB2237980, and US5806409 deal with the discharge of spent infusion material but they do not deal with the issue of doing so in a clean, simple and effective manner.
  • US1648906 relates to an alleged improvement in a tea making spoon. It states that prior tea or beverage spoons were not easily operated or easily separated for the purposes of cleaning. It is alleged that the spoon of US1648906 can be quickly and easily separated so as to be thoroughly cleansed and washed with the minimum of trouble.
  • US1367568 relates to a spoon for making tea and other drinks. It is alleged that after it has performed its function of brewing the beverage the spoon can be readily cleaned by unfastening the hooks and withdrawing the tongue from the slot permitting the spoon to be used again as an ordinary spoon.
  • GB2451901 claims a beverage making apparatus, having a size and weight consistent with said apparatus being easily held by the hand of a user and at least partially immersed in a vessel containing a liquid, which comprises: a handle portion; a spoon portion; and a canopy means, operable between open and closed positions, where, in its closed position said canopy means and said spoon portion define an infusion chamber, characterized in that one or both of said spoon portion and said canopy means are provided with one or more porous mesh portions suitable for enabling liquid to pass therethrough in order to enter and exit the infusion chamber, and, one or more vane portions are disposed within said infusion chamber for assisting mixing of liquid with the contents of the infusion chamber upon agitation of the apparatus.
  • a conduit is defined between the internal surface of the canopy means and the handle portion.
  • Said conduit may advantageously be shaped so as to direct the flow of water over the internal surface of the canopy means and the chamber surface of the spoon portion for the purpose of efficiently cleaning and removing the chosen contents from the infusion chamber and from said internal and chamber surfaces.
  • the internal surface of the canopy means, the chamber surface of the spoon portion and the handle portion may be provided with complementary, or otherwise, scallop shaped fluid channels spaced and sized to create an optimal mixture of laminar and turbulent fluid flow regions to further enhance easy and effective cleaning when, with the canopy means in its open position, the user places the apparatus under a tap or directs water into the conduit.
  • the scallop shaped fluid channels and the conduits provided may themselves be difficult to clean and may in fact trap the spent infusion material.
  • Figure 1 shows a device according to the present invention.
  • FIGS 2 and 3 show further devices according to the present invention.
  • the present invention provides a beverage brewing device comprising a cavity bounded by one or more walls thereby forming a brew chamber, the brew chamber comprising a first opening and a second opening, the brewing device also comprising closing means operable to close the first opening, and closing means operable to close the second opening, the closing means comprising one or more water permeable portions, the beverage brewing device also comprising holding means attached or attachable to the brew chamber.
  • the beverage brewing device of the invention typically operates in four configurations:
  • the device is configured in the “filling configuration” in which the brew chamber is held in a substantially horizontal orientation with the first opening uppermost, and the second opening lowermost.
  • Closing means are operated to close the second opening thereby to form a base for the brew chamber.
  • the first opening remains open and an infusible material (such as tea, coffee, tisane, herbal infusion, or the like) is placed in the brew chamber via the first opening.
  • the other closing means is then operated to close the first opening thereby to contain the infusible material within the brew chamber.
  • This is the “brewing configuration” of the device in which the brew chamber can then be placed, using the holding means, in a substantially vertical orientation with the holding means uppermost, into a drinks receptacle (such as a cup, mug, flask, teapot, coffee pot, or the like). Water is added to the drinks receptacle (either before or after the brew chamber is placed into it). The infusible material is allowed to brew or infuse as the water enters the brew chamber via the water permeable portions.
  • the brew chamber When brewing has finished, the brew chamber is removed from the receptacle, using the holding means, and at least one of the closing means are opened to allow the used infusible material to be removed.
  • the brew chamber will be placed over a waste receptacle with one or more of the closing means operated to open the opening/openings thereby allowing the spent infusion material to be removed from the brew chamber, either though the action of gravity or by also agitating the brew chamber to remove the material. This is the “emptying configuration” of the device.
  • the brew chamber can then be easily rinsed in order to remove any remaining particles of spent infusion material and to clean the device. This is done with all openings opened - this is referred to as the “cleaning configuration”.
  • the beverage brewing device of the invention comprises the following elements.
  • the beverage brewing device comprises a cavity bounded by one or more walls thereby forming a brew chamber into which infusible material is placed and allowed to brew or infuse.
  • the brew chamber comprises a first opening and a second opening.
  • the brewing device also comprises closing means operable to close the first opening and closing means operable to close the second opening.
  • closing means operable to close the first opening may also be referred to as “first closing means” throughout this document.
  • closing means operable to close the second opening may also be referred to as “first closing means” throughout this document.
  • the closing means comprise one or more water permeable portions thereby to allow brew water to enter the brew chamber to effect brewing or infusion.
  • the water permeable portions also allow the brew liquor to exit the brew chamber at the end of the brewing or infusion time.
  • the beverage brewing device also comprises holding means attached or attachable to the brew chamber.
  • the cavity is formed of one continuous wall.
  • the brew chamber comprises only two openings.
  • the brew chamber is cylindrical.
  • the brew chamber has a height of from 10 to 50 mm, more preferably from 12.5 to 45 mm, more preferably still from 15 to 40 mm, yet more preferably from 17.5 to 35 mm, more preferably still from 20 to 30 mm.
  • the brew chamber has a width of from 10 to 70 mm, more preferably from 15 to 65 mm, more preferably still from 25 to 60 mm, yet more preferably from 27.5 to 55 mm, more preferably still from 30 to 50 mm.
  • the wall has a thickness of from 1 to 15 mm, more preferably from 1.5 to 12.5 mm, more preferably still from 2 to 10 mm, yet more preferably from 2.5 to 7.5 mm, more preferably still from 3 to 5 mm.
  • the internal shape of the brew chamber is frustoconical.
  • the internal shape of the brew chamber is frustoconical reducing in width from the first opening to the second opening.
  • the closing means are moveable by means of being hinged, pivoted, slidable or a combination thereof.
  • closing means are hinged.
  • the hinges may be proximal to the holding means (when attached), distal from holding means (when attached), or a combination thereof.
  • the closing means are configured to remain in an open or a closed state.
  • the closing means are configured to be held in an open or a closed state by sprung hinges, catches, or a combination thereof.
  • the closing means are configured to open to an angle of from 10° to 170° (relative to their closed state), preferably from 20° to 160°, preferably from 30° to 150°, preferably from 40° to 140°, preferably from 50° to 130°, preferably from 60° to 120°, preferably from 70° to 110°, preferably from 80° to 100°, preferably about 90°.
  • the closing means operable to close the first opening are configured to open to an angle of >90° (relative to their closed state), preferably >100°, preferably >110°, preferably >120°, preferably >130°, preferably >140°, preferably >150°, preferably >160°, preferably about 170°. Preferably not more than 180°.
  • the closing means operable to close the second opening are configured to open to an angle of ⁇ 90° (relative to their closed configuration), preferably ⁇ 80°, preferably ⁇ 70°, preferably ⁇ 60°, preferably ⁇ 50°, preferably ⁇ 40°, preferably ⁇ 30°, preferably ⁇ 20°, preferably about 10°. Preferably not less than 5°.
  • the water permeable portions comprise pores, perforations, holes or a combination thereof.
  • the water permeable portions provide fluid communication through the closing means.
  • the pores, perforations, or holes are circular.
  • they have a width of at most 2 mm, more preferably at most 1.75 mm, more preferably still at most 1.5 mm, yet more preferably at most 1.25 m , even more preferably at most 1 mm, more preferably still at most 0.75 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, yet more preferably at most 0.25 mm, more preferably still at most 0.2 mm, most preferably at most 0.1 mm.
  • they have a width of at least 0.001 mm, more preferably at least 0.005 mm, more preferably still at least 0.01 mm, most preferably at least 0.05 mm.
  • Additional water permeable portions may also be comprised in the wall or walls.
  • the holding means is a handle.
  • the holding means is attached to the brew chamber.
  • the holding means is a handle attached to the brew chamber.
  • the device may be formed from any suitable material such as metal, or plastic. Bioplastics may be used. Recycled or recyclable plastic is preferred.
  • FIG. 1 shows a beverage brewing device 1 according to the invention.
  • the device 1 has a cavity with a single continuous wall 2 that forms a brew chamber 3.
  • the brew chamber 3 has a first opening 4.1 and a second opening 4.2 and closing means 5.1, 5.2 which can be operated to close openings 4.1 , 4.2 respectively.
  • Closing means 5.1, 5.2 also have water permeable portions 6.1, 6.2 respectively.
  • the brew chamber 3 is attached to a handle 7.
  • Figure 1a shows the device 1 in a partially opened form - the “filling configuration” - in which the brew chamber is held horizontally with the first opening 4.1 uppermost and the second opening 4.2 lowermost.
  • the first opening 4.1 is open but closing means 5.2 is positioned to close off the second opening 4.2.
  • the brew chamber 3 is bounded by the wall 2 and closing means 5.2 to form a volume into which infusible material can be placed via the first opening 4.1.
  • closing means 5.1 is then operated to close the first opening 4.1.
  • the device 1 is in the “brewing configuration” whereby the infusible material is contained within the brew chamber 3.
  • the brew chamber 3 is held substantially vertically by the handle 7 and is placed into a drinks receptacle and water is added to the receptacle (either before or after the brew chamber 3 is placed into it).
  • the water enters the brew chamber 3 via the water permeable portions 6.1, 6.2 and the infusible material brews or infuses inside the brew chamber.
  • the brew chamber 3 When brewing has finished, the brew chamber 3 is removed from the receptacle, using handle 7. Typically the brew chamber 3 will be placed over a waste receptacle with one of the closing means operated to open an opening thereby allowing the spent infusion material to be removed from the brew chamber 3, either though the action of gravity or by also agitating the brew chamber 3 to remove the material. This is the “emptying configuration” of the device.
  • the closing means can be operated to open both openings 4.1, 4.2 thereby to put the brewing device 1 in the “cleaning configuration” as shown in Figure 1c.
  • the brew chamber 3 can be easily cleaned, for example by placing it under a stream of water from a tap. This allows any remaining particles of spent infusion material to be rinsed away such that the device is fully and conveniently cleaned in a simple and effective manner. The device is then ready for reuse.
  • the device of Figure 1 demonstrates one way in which the closing means may be arranged.
  • the closing means 5.1, 5.2 are hinged around hinge 9 and each have a lever 8.1, 8.2 respectively. These levers are pressed using the thumb or finger of the user to hold the closing means 5.1 , 5.2 in the open position.
  • the hinge 9 is sprung such that without any input from the user, closing means 5.1, 5.2 would be in the closed position.
  • the closing means 5.1, 5.2 share the same hinge 9 and the hinge is located proximal to the handle 7.
  • Figure 2 shows another beverage brewing device 21 according to the invention.
  • Figure 2a shows the device 21 in the “brewing configuration”
  • Figure 2b shows the same in longitudinal cross-section along line A-A.
  • Figure 2c shows the device 21 in the “emptying configuration” and Figure 2d shows the same in cross longitudinal cross-section along line B-B.
  • the device 21 has a cavity with a single continuous wall 22 that forms a brew chamber 23.
  • the brew chamber 23 has a first opening 24.1, a second opening 24.2 and closing means 25.1, 25.2 which can be operated to close openings 24.1, 24.2 respectively.
  • the brew chamber 23 is frustoconical and reduces in width from the first opening 24.1 to the second 24.2 opening.
  • Closing means 25.1, 25.2 have water permeable portions 26.1, 26.2 respectively.
  • the brew chamber 23 is attached to a handle 27.
  • the device 21 is in the “brewing configuration” whereby the infusible material can be contained within the brew chamber 23.
  • the brew chamber 23 can be held substantially vertically by the handle 27 and placed into a drinks receptacle and water can be added to the receptacle (either before or after the brew chamber 23 is placed into it).
  • the water enters the brew chamber 23 via the water permeable portions 26.1 , 26.2 and the infusible material brews inside the brew chamber.
  • the brew chamber 23 When brewing has finished, the brew chamber 23 is removed from the receptacle, using handle 27. Typically the brew chamber 23 will be placed over a waste receptacle with one of the closing means operated to open an opening thereby allowing the spent infusion material to be removed from the brew chamber 23, either though the action of gravity or by also agitating the brew chamber 23 to remove the material.
  • This is the “emptying configuration” of the device.
  • closing means 25.1 opens wider than closing means 25.2 and it would be closing means 25.1 that is open when the device is in the “emptying configuration” and the spent material would be removed via opening 24.1.
  • the closing means can be operated to open both openings 24.1 , 24.2 thereby to put the brewing device 21 in the “cleaning configuration” as shown in Figure 2c (and in cross section in Figure 2d).
  • the brew chamber 23 can be easily cleaned, for example by placing it under a stream of water from a tap. This allows any remaining particles of spent infusion material to be rinsed away such that the device is fully and conveniently cleaned in a simple and effective manner. The device is then ready for reuse.
  • the positioning of the closing means, the positioning of the hinges, and the frustoconical shape of the brew chamber serve to enhance and direct the turbulence of the cleaning water to assure efficient cleaning, either independently or in combination.
  • the device of Figure 2 demonstrates another way in which the closing means may be arranged.
  • the closing means 25.1, 25.2 are independently hinged.
  • the uppermost closing means 25.1 (when the brew chamber 23 is held substantially horizontally in the “filling configuration”) has a hinge 29.1 located distal from the handle and sprung such that the default state of closing means 25.1 is to be open as shown in Figures 2c and 2d.
  • the lowermost closing means 25.2 (when the brew chamber 23 is held substantially horizontally in the “filling configuration”) has a hinge 29.2 located proximal to the handle and is sprung such that the default state of closing means 25.2 is to be closed as shown in Figures 2a and 2b.
  • the brew chamber remains closed at the lowermost second opening 24.2 by closing means 25.2 while the uppermost first opening 24.1 remains wide open to allow the infusible material to be easily placed into the brew chamber 23.
  • the brew chamber is converted to the “brewing configuration” by shutting closing means 25.1 which is held closed by interaction of lug 210.1 within recess 210.2 (see Figure 2c for recess 210.2).
  • the recess 210.2 is part of thumb slider 211.
  • the thumb slider 211 serves to maintain the brewing device 21 in the “brewing configuration” because it holds both closing means 25.1 and 25.2 in the closed position.
  • the sprung hinge 29.2 causes reciprocating member 213 to push against protrusion 212 which acts to force the thumb slide 211 back towards the brew chamber 23.
  • the device 23 thus returns to the “filling configuration”.
  • the user can then refill the brew chamber 23 with infusion material and shut closing means 25.1 to close opening 24.1. Due the return of thumb slide 211 to the original position, lug 210.1 may again fit with recess 201.2 and hence closing means 25.1 is held in the closed position.
  • this device can also be operated very easily throughout all four of the configurations described and can also be fully and conveniently cleaned in a simple and effective manner.
  • Figure 3 shows another beverage brewing device 31 according to the invention.
  • Figure 3a shows the device 31 in the “brewing configuration”
  • Figure 3b shows the same device 31 in the “emptying configuration”.
  • the device 31 has a cavity with a single continuous wall 32 that forms a brew chamber 33.
  • the brew chamber 33 has a first opening 34.1, a second opening 34.2 and closing means 35.1 , 35.2 which can be operated to close openings 34.1, 34.2 respectively. Closing means
  • the brew chamber 33 is attached to a handle 37.
  • the device 31 is in the “brewing configuration” whereby the infusible material can be contained within the brew chamber 33.
  • the brew chamber 33 can be held substantially vertically by the handle 37 and placed into a drinks receptacle and water can be added to the receptacle (either before or after the brew chamber 33 is placed into it).
  • the water enters the brew chamber 33 via the water permeable portions 36.1 , 36.2 and the infusible material brews or infuses inside the brew chamber.
  • the brew chamber 33 When brewing has finished, the brew chamber 33 is removed from the receptacle, using handle 37. Typically the brew chamber 33 will be placed over a waste receptacle with one of the closing means operated to open an opening thereby allowing the spent infusion material to be removed from the brew chamber 33, either though the action of gravity or by also agitating the brew chamber 33 to remove the material.
  • This is the “emptying configuration” of the device.
  • closing means 35.1 opens wider than closing means 35.2 and it would be closing means 35.1 that is open when the device is in the “emptying configuration” and the spent material would be removed via opening 34.1.
  • the closing means 35.2 can be operated to open the other opening 34.2 as well, thereby to put the brewing device 31 in the “cleaning configuration” as shown in Figure 3b.
  • the brew chamber 33 can be easily cleaned, for example by placing it under a stream of water from a tap. This allows any remaining particles of spent infusion material to be rinsed away such that the device is fully and conveniently cleaned in a simple and effective manner. The device is then ready for reuse.
  • the device of Figure 3 demonstrates another way in which the closing means may be arranged.
  • the closing means 35.1, 35.2 are independently hinged.
  • the uppermost closing means 35.1 (when the brew chamber 33 is held substantially horizontally in the “filling configuration”) has a hinge 39.1 located distal from the handle and sprung such that the default state of closing means 35.1 is to be open as shown in Figure 3b.
  • the lowermost closing means 35.2 (when the brew chamber 23 is held substantially horizontally in the “filling configuration”) also has a hinge 39.2 located distal from the handle and sprung such that the default state of closing means 35.2 is to be open as shown in Figure 3b.
  • both hinges 39.1 , 39.2 distal from the handle facilitates improved cleaning because the hinged areas are prone to retaining particles of infusion material and locating them both distal to the handle makes them more accessible to a stream of rinsing water and they also create turbulence that is beneficial in the cleaning process.
  • the aforementioned arrangement of the sprung hinges means that in the “filling configuration” closing means 35.2 is closed to shut the lowermost opening 34.2 while the uppermost opening 34.1 remains wide open to allow the infusible material to be easily placed into the brew chamber 33.
  • the brew chamber is converted to the “brewing configuration” by shutting closing means 35.1 to close opening 34.1.
  • closing means 35.1 , 35.2 are held closed by interaction with thumb slide 311.
  • Thumb slide 311 has two protruding members configured to interact with interface members on the closing means.
  • closing means 35.1 has an interface member 310.1 which locks onto protruding member 311.1 on the thumb slide 311 as closing means 35.1 is closed.
  • closing means 35.2 has an interface member 310.2 which locks onto protruding member 311.2 on the thumb slide 311 as closing means 35.2 is closed.
  • the thumb slide 311 serves to maintain the brewing device 31 in the “brewing configuration” by locking the closing means 35.1, 35.2 through the interaction of the interface members 310.1, 310.2 with the protruding members 311.1, 311.2 respectively of the thumb slide 311.
  • protruding members 311.1, 311.2 move away from interface members 310.1, 310.2 thereby allowing closing means 35.1 , 35.2 to pop open under the action of the sprung hinges 39.1, 39.2.
  • Protruding members 311.1 , 311.2 may be of different lengths or staggered to allow phasing of the opening of the brew chamber.
  • protruding member 311.1 may be shorter than protruding member 311.2 in which case, when thumb slide 311 is actuated to open the closing means, protruding member 311.1 would disengage from interface member 310.1 before protruding member 311.2 disengages from interface member 310.2. This means that the device could be actuated from a closed position to open only the first opening 34.1 while the second opening 34.2 remains closed.
  • this device can also be operated very easily throughout all four of the configurations described and can also be fully and conveniently cleaned in a simple and effective manner.
  • the beverage brewing device 1 , 21 , 31 of the invention operates in four configurations: Filling; Brewing; Emptying; and Cleaning.
  • Closing means 5.2, 25.2, 35.2 are operated to close the second opening thereby to form a base for the brew chamber 3, 23, 33 and an infusible material (such as tea, coffee, tisane, herbal infusion, or the like) is placed in the brew chamber 3, 23, 33 via the first opening 4.1, 24.1 , 34.1.
  • an infusible material such as tea, coffee, tisane, herbal infusion, or the like
  • the other closing means 5.1 , 25.1, 35.1 is operated to close the first opening 4.1 , 24.1, 34.1 to contain the infusible material in the brew chamber 3, 23, 33.
  • the brew chamber 3, 23, 33 is then held in a substantially vertical orientation with the holding means uppermost and placed into a drinks receptacle. Water is added to the receptacle (either before or after the brew chamber is placed into it). The infusible material is allowed to brew as the water enters the brew chamber 3, 23, 33 via the water permeable portions 6.1 , 6.2, 26.1 , 26.2, 36.1 , 36.2.
  • the brew chamber 3, 23, 33 is removed from the receptacle and at least one of the closing means 5.1 , 5.2, 25.1, 25.2, 35.1, 35.2 are opened to form the “emptying configuration”.
  • the brew chamber 3, 23, 33 can be placed over a waste receptacle thereby allowing the spent infusion material to be removed from the brew chamber 3, 23, 33, either though the action of gravity or by also agitating the brew chamber 3, 23, 33 to remove the material.
  • the brew chamber 3, 23, 33 can then be easily rinsed in order to remove any remaining particles of spent infusion material and to clean the device 1, 21, 31. This is done with all openings 4.1 , 24.1 , 34.1, 4.2, 24.2, 34.2 opened in the “cleaning configuration”.
  • the brew chamber 3, 23, 33 preferably has a height of from 10 to 50 mm, more preferably from 12.5 to 45 mm, more preferably still from 15 to 40 mm, yet more preferably from 17.5 to 35 mm, more preferably still from 20 to 30 mm.
  • the brew chamber 3, 23, 33 preferably has a width of from 10 to 70 mm, more preferably from 15 to 65 mm, more preferably still from 25 to 60 mm, yet more preferably from 27.5 to 55 mm, more preferably still from 30 to 50 mm.
  • the wall(s) 2, 22, 32 preferably has (have) a thickness of from 1 to 15 mm, more preferably from 1.5 to 12.5 mm, more preferably still from 2 to 10 mm, yet more preferably from 2.5 to 7.5 mm, more preferably still from 3 to 5 mm.
  • the internal shape of the brew chamber is preferably frustoconical 23, reducing in width from the first opening 25.1 to the second opening 25.2. This facilitates filling the brew chamber 23 with infusible material. It also ensures efficient cleaning.
  • the closing means 5.1 , 5.2, 25.1 , 25.2, 35.1, 35.2 can be moveable by means of being hinged, pivoted, slidable or a combination thereof. However, it is preferred that the closing means 5.1, 5.2, 25.1, 25.2, 35.1, 35.2 are hinged 9, 29.1 , 29.1 , 39.1 , 39.2 to allow the closing means 5.1, 5.2, 25.1, 25.2, 35.1 , 35.2 to be operable to ensure ease of filling and cleaning of the device 1 , 21, 31.
  • the hinges can be proximal to 9, 29.2 the holding means 7, 27, 37 (when attached) (e.g. as shown in Figure 1), distal from 29.1, 39.1 , 39,2 holding means 7, 27, 37 (when attached) (e.g. as shown in Figure 3), or a combination thereof e.g. (as shown in Figure 2).
  • the positioning of the hinges can convey certain benefits to the operation and cleaning of the device.
  • the closing means 5.1 , 5.2, 25.1 , 25.2, 35.1 , 35.2 can be configured to be held in an open or a closed state and this can be achieved by sprung hinges 9, 29.1, 29.1 , 39.1 , 39.2, catches (see lug 210.1 and recess 210.2 of Figure 2, or protruding members 311.1, 311.2 and interface members 310.1, 310.2 of Figure 3), or a combination thereof.
  • the closing means 25.1 , 35.1 operable to close the first opening 24.1, 34.1 are configured to open to an angle of >90° (relative to their closed state), preferably >100°, preferably >110°, preferably >120°, preferably >130°, preferably >140°, preferably >150°, preferably >160°, preferably about 170°.
  • the closing means 5.2, 25.2, 35.2 operable to close the second opening 4.2, 24.2, 34.2 are configured to open to an angle of ⁇ 90° (relative to their closed configuration), preferably ⁇ 80°, preferably ⁇ 70°, preferably ⁇ 60°, preferably ⁇ 50°, preferably ⁇ 40°, preferably ⁇ 30°, preferably ⁇ 20°, preferably about 10°.
  • the water permeable portions 6.1 , 6.2, 26.1, 26.2, 36.1, 36.2 may comprise pores, perforations, holes or a combination thereof.
  • the water permeable portions provide fluid communication through the closing means and so the pores, perforations, or holes in the water permeable portions may be of any suitable size known to the skilled person such that the size is small enough to retain infusion materials placed within the brew chamber but large enough to allow liquid to enter the brew chamber and achieve effective brewing or infusion. Preferably they are circular.
  • they have a width of at most 2 mm, more preferably at most 1.75 mm, more preferably still at most 1.5 mm, yet more preferably at most 1.25 mm, even more preferably at most 1 mm, more preferably still at most 0.75 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, yet more preferably at most 0.25 mm, more preferably still at most 0.2 mm, most preferably at most 0.1 mm.
  • they have a width of at least 0.001 mm, more preferably at least 0.005 mm, more preferably still at least 0.01 mm, most preferably at least 0.05 mm.
  • Additional water permeable portions may be provided in the wall or walls.
  • the holding means are preferably a handle 7, 27, 37 attached to the brew chamber 3, 23, 33. This allows the brew chamber to be easily orientated into the positions required for filling, brewing, emptying, and cleaning. It also allows the device to be used to stir the drink during brewing or infusion.
  • the device 1, 21, 31 may be formed from any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or a combination thereof.
  • Bioplastics may be used and recycled or recyclable plastic are preferred.
  • any particular upper value or amount can be associated with any particular lower value or amount.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif d'infusion de boissons (1, 21, 31) comprenant - une cavité délimitée par une ou plusieurs parois (2, 22, 32) formant ainsi une chambre d'infusion (3, 23, 33), - la chambre d'infusion (3, 23, 33) comprenant une première ouverture (4.1, 24.1, 34.1) et une seconde ouverture (4.2, 24.2, 34.2), - le dispositif d'infusion (1, 21, 31) comprenant également des moyens de fermeture (5.1, 25.1, 35.1) permettant de fermer la première ouverture (4.1, 24.1, 34.1), et - des moyens de fermeture (5.2, 25.2, 35.2) permettant de fermer la seconde ouverture (4.2, 24.2, 34.2), - les moyens de fermeture (5.1, 5.2, 25.1, 25.2, 35.1, 35.2) comprenant une ou plusieurs parties perméables à l'eau (6.1, 6.2, 26.1, 26.2, 36.1, 36.2), le dispositif d'infusion de boissons (1, 21, 31) comprenant également des moyens de maintien (7, 27, 37) fixés ou pouvant être fixés à la chambre d'infusion (3, 23, 33).
EP21720256.3A 2020-04-23 2021-04-20 Dispositif d'infusion de boissons Pending EP4138619A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20171122 2020-04-23
PCT/EP2021/060269 WO2021214078A1 (fr) 2020-04-23 2021-04-20 Dispositif d'infusion de boissons

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4138619A1 true EP4138619A1 (fr) 2023-03-01

Family

ID=70470759

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21720256.3A Pending EP4138619A1 (fr) 2020-04-23 2021-04-20 Dispositif d'infusion de boissons

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4138619A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2023523041A (fr)
CN (1) CN115484852A (fr)
WO (1) WO2021214078A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB130953A (en) 1919-06-04 1919-08-14 Henry Edmonds Improvements in Tea Infusers.
US1367568A (en) 1919-12-17 1921-02-08 Eugene H H Smith Spoon for making tea, coffee, bouillon, and other drinks
US1601613A (en) 1926-03-19 1926-09-28 Fenyves Joseph Teaspoon
US1648906A (en) 1926-10-19 1927-11-15 Lubrano Giuseppe Tea-making spoon
US3354812A (en) 1965-03-16 1967-11-28 Jr Thomas S Gorton Infusing device
CA934179A (en) 1971-02-17 1973-09-25 B. Claasen Antonius Herb spoon
GB2237980B (en) 1989-11-14 1993-03-24 Witold Zygmunt Paduch Gb8925733.1and herbs infuser
GB2301766A (en) 1995-06-06 1996-12-18 Brian Kingsbury A disposable teabag and spoon device
US5806409A (en) 1997-02-05 1998-09-15 Johnson; Barrie Lee Single cup coffee brewer system
TR200003586A2 (tr) * 2000-12-01 2002-07-22 Bardem Gida Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret A.Ş. Sıcak ve soğuk içeceklerin hazırlanması için tablet kutu
US7077054B1 (en) 2003-05-03 2006-07-18 Hurlock James A Tea strainer
US20070186779A1 (en) * 2006-02-15 2007-08-16 Fung Kam F Re-usable beverage maker filter container and method of use
GB2451901A (en) 2007-08-17 2009-02-18 James Richard Norton A beverage infusion device
JP6386529B2 (ja) * 2013-03-21 2018-09-05 ユニリーバー・ナームローゼ・ベンノートシヤープ 飲料を抽出するための方法、装置、及びカプセル

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN115484852A (zh) 2022-12-16
JP2023523041A (ja) 2023-06-01
WO2021214078A1 (fr) 2021-10-28

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