WO2013020159A1

WO2013020159A1 - Method and filtration device for in-vessel beverage brewing

Info

Publication number: WO2013020159A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/000624
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian J. Bersten
Original assignee: Tea-Cha Teaware Pty. Ltd
Priority date: 2011-08-05
Filing date: 2012-06-01
Publication date: 2013-02-14
Also published as: AU2011265343A1

Abstract

A method, filter and kit for brewing tea, coffee and other beverages is disclosed. A base of the filter substantially rests on a base of a vessel in which the beverage is being brewed. Particulate material, such as extremely fine particles of tea or coffee, is located in the filter. As hot or boiling water is poured into the filter, the particulate material flows upwardly and swirls due to turbulence induced in the water by the filter base resting on the vessel base. Due to the large surface area and increased wetting of the particulate material, maximum flavour extraction can occur quite quickly, or a concentrate can be prepared. The filter is removed from the vessel, with the beverage draining into the vessel ready for consumption.

Description

METHOD AND FILTRATION DEVICE FOR IN-VESSEL BEVERAGE BREWING

Technical Field

A method and filtration device for in-vessel beverage brewing are disclosed. The method and filtration device will be described with particular reference to the preparation of a single cup of coffee using espresso coffee grounds, however, it should be appreciated that the method and filtration device are not limited to this application but may also be used for the preparation of other beverages (e.g. various types of tea).

Background Art

The filtration of tea and coffee particles for the preparation of beverages by various methods is known. For example, the use of tea- and coffee- bags to produce a steeped tea or coffee beverage is known. Other methods, such as the use of a French press or 'plunger', as well as the use of a tea strainer to separate tea particles from water in a teapot are also known.

There are a number of factors which affect the quality of a brewed beverage such as tea or coffee. These include time, temperature and the amount of extraction. To decrease the time taken to brew a beverage, particle size must be reduced (thereby increasing the surface area of the particles being exposed to e.g. water). However, there are limitations as to the size of filter holes where a tea or coffee pot, for example, is used with gravitational flow on the particles. If the holes of the filter are too small, the filter will become blocked.

One form of filtration and extraction includes having a filtration device located over a cup, so that filtered liquid passes through the filtration device into the cup. While there is no limitation on the particle size, there is only minimal contact time between the liquid and the tea or coffee particles and thus there is limited extraction.

In an alternative form of filtration and extraction, a filter containing tea or coffee particles may be suspended in a cup, and hot or boiling water may be poured onto the particles in the filter. The water again has only minimal contact time with the particles as the water is poured thereon. Where the level of water increases to above the position of the filter in the cup, some steeping of the particles may occur. However, as water is initially poured onto the particles, and flows through the filter, the particles compress and become compacted thus preventing full extraction and brewing of the particles.

As mentioned above, the use of tea or coffee bags (or another device that encapsulates the tea or coffee particles) is also known. However, permeation of water into and out of the bag or filter is limited and there are also significant limitations on the size of particles that are usable in such bags or device.

As mentioned above, a French press, otherwise known as 'plunger'-type devices, is known. However, the particle size is again limited to coarse or medium grinds, as fine grinds block the filter due to back pressure of the particles. As the plunger is depressed, the filter blocks creating a pressure that prevents the plunger from being depressed to filter the extracted beverage from the particles.

JP 2005-199007 discloses a coffee brewer that creates a vacuum, and thus a pressure differential, between the filter and the cup. The vacuum is created as the filter is inserted into the cup, such that the solid filter sides are slid on the cup interior. The base of the filter, a non-woven fabric to allow water to drain therethrough, is positioned a distance above the base of the cup to prevent the vacuum created from becoming such that the filter cannot be removed from the cup. As the filter is removed from the cup, the vacuum (or pressure difference) draws the water through the coffee into the cup.

The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that the art forms a part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the application of the method and filtration device as disclosed herein.

Summary of the Disclosure According to a first aspect, there is disclosed an in-vessel method of brewing a beverage from a particulate material, the method comprising the steps of:

- selecting and placing a filtration device inside the vessel, the filtration device being configured such that a base of the filtration device rests substantially on a base of the vessel;

- locating a portion of the particulate material within and at the base of the filtration device;

- pouring hot or boiling water into the filtration device over the portion of the particulate material so that the particulate material is caused to be displaced upwardly in the water as the water fills the filtration device;

- allowing the particulate material to steep in the water within the filtration device located in the vessel to form an aqueous beverage solution within the filtration device; and

- removing the filtration device with the particulate material therein from the vessel such that the aqueous beverage solution remains in the vessel.

When the hot or boiling water is poured onto the particulate material, there is an upward flow and swirling of the particulate material created by the turbulence induced in the water as a result of the filter resting on the vessel base. This turbulence enhances the dispersion of the particulate material throughout the water and filtration device and enhances the infusion and brewing process. The turbulence resulting from the base of the filtration device resting substantially on the base of the vessel arises from the water being unable to pass through the base of the filtration device. The turbulence also prevents compaction of the particulate material in the base of the filtration device. Additionally, the minimal water that does filter through the base is reflected from the base of the vessel thus providing an upward pressure on the particulate material and dispersing the material throughout the volume of the filtration device.

This is contrary to known devices, including the filter device disclosed in JP 2005-199007, wherein there is a gap between the base of the vessel and the base of the filtration device. This gap allows water to pass therethrough and into a vessel, thus compacting the particles and preventing adequate dispersion of the particulate material in the filter once additional water has been added. Additionally, as there is a gap between the base of the vessel and the filter of known devices, where only a small amount of liquid is introduced thereto, no steeping occurs as the liquid has passed through the filter into the base of the vessel. In some known devices pressure may be created through the use of a downward plunger, or through the creation of a vacuum to draw water through the device, whereas in the presently disclosed method the brewed beverage flows through the device by gravitational forces only.

Having the base of the filtration device rest substantially on the base of the vessel, as disclosed in the present application, allows a beverage concentrate to be prepared, as the particulate material steeps in the reduced volume of liquid thus provided a stronger brew. The beverage concentrate may be subsequently diluted to make iced drinks or with, for example, heated and frothed milk to make hot drinks.

In one embodiment, the filtration device may have a volumetric profile that generally corresponds to an interior profile of the vessel. As the profile of the filter substantially corresponds to the interior profile of the vessel, minimal water escapes from the filtration device, thus maximising the amount of water in contact with the particulate material. This also provides the maximum volume for the particulate material to steep and circulate through the water.

In one embodiment, the filtration device is selected to have pores extending therethrough, the pores being located throughout a substantial part of the device. The pores may, for example, be located throughout the entire device, or may be limited to the sides of the filtration device, with the base of the filtration device being solid. Alternatively, the base and side walls of the filtration device may have different pore sizes. The pores may be approximately 60 to 80 microns in diameter.

In one embodiment, a filtration device may be selected that is made from a flexible material. This may assist with the filtration device substantially conforming to the volumetric profile of the interior of the vessel. In one embodiment, the filtration device may be made from a porous paper, nylon mesh, metal woven mesh or a metal foil. The mesh size of such devices may be from 60 to 80 microns. The pore and mesh size used in the filtration device may depend on the size of the particulate material to be used therein. A porous paper filtration device may be disposable to prevent flavour migration between uses, whereas a nylon mesh or metal foil filtration device may be easily cleaned and re-used. For example, the metal foil may be back-flushed with hot water to remove any residual particulate material and thus also minimising flavour migration between uses.

In one embodiment, a filtration device may further have a conical plug attached to the base of the filter which fits tightly into a conical opening on the holding vessel such that no liquid escapes. When the filter is elevated, the liquid can flow through the opening.

In one embodiment, the filtration device may further include a device for urging the filtration device into the vessel to ensure the base of the filtration device rests substantially on the vessel base. This may be suitable for use with a flexible filtration device, such a porous paper filter. For example, a cylindrical, or other appropriately shaped, device that is shaped to approximately correspond to the internal volumetric profile of the vessel may be used.

In one embodiment, the particulate material may be ground coffee, or may be tea leaves, fannings, or dusts (i.e. particulate material of any size may be used). The ground coffee may be a super fine, fine, medium or coarse grind. The versatility of the method to use a particulate material of various sizes, and in some instances material that may otherwise be inappropriate for use, is a distinct benefit over prior art methods. The ability to use super fine grind coffee provides a high-quality single cup of coffee suitable for espresso-type coffee production. Normally, the use of an espresso-type coffee grind, where the coffee is ground to have a particle size of approximately 150 microns, has been limited to use in espresso coffee machines. The method presently disclosed allows this super-fine grind to brew a flavoursome cup of coffee. The present method is also versatile enough to utilise plunger-type ground coffee, where the particle size is approximately 1,500 microns. In one embodiment the vessel is a cup, mug, glass, beaker or a pot. Brewing the beverage directly into a cup, for example, limits temperature reduction of the beverage when compared with brewing the beverage into a first container, such as a coffee pot, and then transferring the beverage into a cup. It is noted that the vessel is not limited to a vessel having substantially vertical sides. For example, the vessel may also include a take-away cup, commonly used for take-away coffees, that has sloping sides.

In one embodiment, there is a tap at the bottom of the vessel. In this case, the filtration device has a conical plug attached to the base of the filter, when the filter is elevated, the liquid can flow through the opening. The opening may be attached to the tap.

In one embodiment, the filtration device is removed once the aqueous beverage solution obtains a certain colour and/or concentration and/or after a prescribed time. This allows for a user to determine the strength of the beverage being brewed to their own liking.

In one embodiment, the filtration device may comprise a two-layer filtration system. For example, a plastic or metal filter frame may be lined with porous filter paper that is then placed in the vessel for filtration of the particulate material. Alternatively, porous filter paper may be placed into the vessel and a metal filter, for example a course mesh metal filter or a foil filter, may be inserted into the porous filter paper. The particulate material may then be placed into the metal filter and hot or boiling water poured thereover.

In an alternative embodiment, the filtration device, having a portion of particulate material located at a base thereof, may be placed inside a vessel containing hot or boiling water. As the filtration device is lowered into the vessel of hot or boiling water, turbulence is created, causing the particulate material to swirl and steep in the water. The base of the filtration device rests on the base of the vessel while the particulate material steeps in the hot or boiling water. The filtration device is then removed to leave an aqueous beverage solution in the vessel. According to a second aspect, there is provided a filtration device suitable for use with the in-vessel method of any one of the preceding claims, the filtration device being configured such that a base of the device is able to rest substantially on a base of the vessel when the device is placed in the vessel.

The filtration device described in the second aspect may otherwise be as defined in the method of the first aspect.

In one embodiment, the filtration device further comprises one or more pronged filtration device openers to bias the device open. This allows the particulate material to be easily located into the filtration device and minimise spillage and wastage of the particulate material.

In one embodiment, the filtration device further comprises a hook or support for hooking onto the vessel rim. Where a porous paper filtration device is being used, for example, this may prevent the filtration device from collapsing or falling into the vessel while the hot or boiling water is being poured into the device, or while the particulate material is steeping in the hot or boiling water.

In one embodiment, the filtration device further comprises an externally and peripherally extending lip, the lip being located at an open upper end of the filtration device so as to rest on an upper rim of the vessel and to thereby enable the base of the filtration device to be located at the base of the vessel. Again, this may prevent the filtration device from collapsing or falling into the vessel while the hot or boiling water is being poured into the device, or while the particulate material is steeping in the hot or boiling water.

In one embodiment, the filtration device further comprises a projection for gripping to remove the filtration device from the vessel. This facilitates the simple removal of the filtration device from the vessel and may be in the form of a rod or bar extending across the diameter of the upper end of the filtration device, or a shaft which can be pierced through the filtration device to allow the filtration device to be raised and removed from the vessel.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a kit for brewing a beverage, in-vessel, from a particulate material, the kit comprising:

- the filtration device as defined in the second aspect;

- at least one portion of particulate material to be brewed; and/or

- a vessel for collecting the brewed beverage.

The kit may therefore be available in three forms: a filtration device with at least one portion of particulate material to be brewed; a filtration device with a suitable vessel for collecting the brewed beverage; or a filtration device with at least one portion of a particulate material to be brewed and a suitable vessel for collecting the brewed beverage. Such a kit can enable a consumer to conveniently make the brewed beverage when desired, at any time of the day, for example at home, at work, when entertaining etc.

In one embodiment, the at least one portion of particulate material may be held in at least one corresponding packet or sachet, or is provided by a measuring device of predetermined capacity. A plurality of such packets or sachets can be provided in the kit. The kit may also comprise a plurality of packets or sachets holding other additives such as sweeteners, herbs, spices or the like. Alternatively, the at least one portion of particulate material may be provided by a measuring device such as a scoop or spoon of predetermined capacity.

In one embodiment, the vessel is a cup, mug, glass, beaker or a pot.

In one embodiment, the kit may further include a device for urging the filtration device into the vessel. This may be suitable for use with a flexible filtration device, such a porous paper filter. For example, a cylindrical, or other appropriately shaped, device that is shaped to approximately correspond to the internal volumetric profile of the vessel may be used.

The kit of the third aspect may be used in the method described in the first aspect. The filtration device of the kit may otherwise be as described in the first or second aspects.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the method, filtration device and kit as defined in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a first filtration device in the form of a metal foil filter in a vessel;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the filtration device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second filtration device in the form of an alternate metal foil filter.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a vessel in the form of a mug 10 is shown with a filtration device in the form of a metal filter 12, with particulate material in the form of super fine grind coffee grounds 14 located in the base thereof. It can be seen that the base

16 of filter 12 rests substantially on the vessel base 18. When hot or boiling water is poured onto the coffee grounds 14, there is an upward flow and swirling of the coffee grounds 14 created by the turbulence induced in the water as a result of the filter 12 resting on the vessel base 18. This turbulence enhances the dispersion of the coffee grounds 14 throughout the water and metal filter 12, and enhances the infusion and brewing process. The turbulence resulting from the base 16 of the metal filter 12 resting substantially on the vessel base 18 arises from the water being unable to pass through base 16. The turbulence also prevents compaction of the coffee grounds 14 in the base of filter 12. Additionally, the minimal water that does filter through the base 16 is reflected from the vessel base 18 thus providing an upward pressure on the coffee grounds 14, dispersing the grounds 14 throughout the volume of the water in the filter 12.

The metal filter 12 is shown having an externally and peripherally extending lip 20 at the open upper end of the filter 12. This lip 20 rests on the upper rim 22 of the mug 10. This lip 20 may also be used to remove the filter 12 from the mug 10, once the coffee has been brewed.

A second embodiment of a filter is also shown at Figure 3. The filter is a non-flexible metal type filter. This filter differs from the filter 12 shown in Figures 1 and 2 as the base is substantially solid, with fewer pores therein. Pores still allow some water to exit through the base of the filter; however, the bulk of the water will drain from pores in the side of the filter. Filter is also shown having a projection in the form of a permanent shaft which can be gripped by a user to remove the filter from a cup. Alternatively, the lip 20, which rests on the upper rim of the cup, may also be used for gripping to remove the filter 12 from the cup.

Examples

Non-limiting examples of the operation and use of the method and filtration device for in-vessel beverage brewing will now be described to illustrate how the method may be applied to brewing coffee and tea. It should, however, be appreciated that the method and filtration device can be used to make brewed beverages other than coffee or tea, such as so-called 'herbal teas', dandelion teas, hickory extracts, caro, bouquet garni, fruit concentrate, kava, etc.

In a general sense, the method comprised the steps of:

1. Placing a filtration device inside a vessel.

2. Placing a portion of particulate material in the base of the filter.

3. Pouring hot or boiling water into the filtration device so that the particulate material is directly contacted with hot or boiling water.

4. Allowing the particulate material to steep in the hot or boiling water.

5. Removing the filtration device from the vessel, leaving a brewed beverage in the vessel.

As will be clear from the following examples, steps 1 and 2 may be performed in any order. In any such case, a fast and simple method for producing a quality brewed beverage was determined.

Example 1

A metal filter having a solid base and sides having pores therethrough was placed in a cup. The base of the filter rested substantially on the base of the cup and the sides of the filter were of the same general volumetric profile as the cup. A portion of super fine grind coffee was placed in the bottom of the filter and hot water was poured thereon to substantially fill the filter (and thus cup). The hot water agitated the super fine coffee grounds so that the grounds were displaced upwardly in the water, swirling around and becoming saturated by the water. The coffee grinds were allowed to steep in the water until a desirable concentration was attained.

The metal filter, with the super fine coffee grinds therein, was removed from the cup, with the water filtering through the pores in the side walls of the filter. A brew of coffee was left remaining in the cup to which milk or other flavour enhances could be added. The resulting brew was a cup of quality coffee. Once the super fine coffee grounds had been discarded, the metal filter was turned upside and rinsed under running water, causing any remaining coffee particles to be dislodged.

Example 2

In this example, a metal filter having pores in both the base and sides was used in a mug to brew a tea concentrate. Again, the base of the filter rested substantially on the base of the mug, however, the sides of the mug sloped upwardly and outwardly from its base, thus there was a gap between the side walls of the mug and the filter. Tea fannings were placed into the base of the metal filter and a small amount of boiling water, to fill approximately a quarter to a third of the filter, was poured thereon and allowed to steep.

Once the tea had steeped, the filter was removed from the mug, along with the tea fannings therein, with the tea concentrate draining from the filter. As only a quarter to a third of the mug contained tea concentrate, the concentrate was used to make a lemon iced tea by addition lemon and iced water to it.

Example 3

In this example, a metal mesh filter, that was somewhat flexible, was used. Fine coffee grounds were placed in the base of the metal filter, which was then placed in a takeaway coffee cup. The mesh filter substantially corresponded to the volumetric profile of the takeaway coffee cup, having corresponding sloping sides and with the base of the filter substantially resting on the base of the takeaway cup. The mesh size of the filter was 60 - 80 microns. Again, only a small amount of hot water, filling the filter to about a quarter to a third full, was poured onto the coffee. The coffee grounds were again allowed to steep. The filter was removed with the coffee concentrate draining from both the base and sides through the pores in the mesh filter. In this Example, hot milk was added to the brewed coffee concentrate to produce a latte-style coffee in a takeaway cup.

Example 4

Tea leaves were placed into a plastic filter which was subsequently placed into a teapot, so that the base of the plastic filter rested on the base of the teapot. Boiling water was then poured into the filter and the tea leaves were left to steep for a few minutes. The plastic filter was removed from the tea pot, and the brewed tea drained therefrom. The brewed tea was then poured from the tea pot into a tea cup for consumption.

Example 5

A nylon mesh filter was placed into the glass beaker of a French press and medium grind coffee particles were placed into the bottom of the filter. The nylon mesh filter substantially conformed to the volumetric profile of the glass beaker, with the base of the filter substantially resting on the base of the beaker. The coffee grounds were allowed to steep once hot water had been poured thereon. The nylon filter was then removed from the beaker, with the brewed coffee beverage remaining the filter.

Example 6

In this example, a kit for brewing a beverage in-vessel was provided. The kit comprised a mug and a metal filter with a volumetric profile that substantially corresponded to the interior profile of the mug. Tea or coffee particles for using in the filter for brewing a beverage were available as a part of the kit, or separately to the kit.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the method and filtration device for in-vessel beverage brewing, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments.

Claims

1. An in-vessel method of brewing a beverage from a particulate material, the method comprising the steps of:

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the filtration device is selected to have a volumetric profile that generally corresponds to an interior profile of the vessel.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the filtration device is selected to have pores extending therethrough, the pores being located throughout a substantial part of the device.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the pores are approximately 60 to 80 microns.

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5. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a filtration device is selected that is made from a flexible material.

6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a filtration device is selected that is made from a porous paper, nylon mesh, metal woven mesh or a metal foil.

7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the particulate material is ground coffee, or is tea leaves, fannings, or dusts.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the ground coffee is a super fine, fine, medium or coarse grind.

9. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the vessel is a cup, mug, glass, beaker or a pot.

10. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the filtration device is removed once the aqueous beverage solution obtains a certain colour and/or concentration.

11. An in-vessel method of brewing a beverage from a particulate material, the method being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

12. A filtration device suitable for use with the in-vessel method of any one of the preceding claims, the filtration device being configured such that a base of the device is able to rest substantially on a base of the vessel when the device is placed in the vessel.

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13. A filtration device as claimed in claim 12 that has a volumetric profile that generally corresponds to an interior profile of the vessel.

14. A filtration device as claimed in claim 12 or 13 that has pores extending therethrough, the pores being located throughout a substantial part of the device.

15. A filtration device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the pores are approximately 60 to 80 microns.

16. A filtration device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15 that is made from a flexible material.

17. A filtration device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16 that is made from a porous paper, nylon mesh, metal woven mesh or a metal foil.

18. A filtration device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17 further comprising one or more pronged filtration device openers to bias the device open.

19. A filtration device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 18 further comprising a hook or support for hooking onto the vessel rim.

20. A filtration device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 19 further comprising an externally and peripherally extending lip, the lip being located at an open upper end of the filtration device so as to rest on an upper rim of the vessel and to thereby enable the base of the filtration device to be located at the base of the vessel.

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21. A filtration device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 20 further comprising a conical plug attached to the base of the filter, the conical plug fits tightly into an opening on the holding vessel.

22 A filtration device as claimed in 12 to 21 further comprising a tap at the bottom of the vessel.

23. A filtration device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 22 further comprising a projection for gripping to remove the filtration device from the vessel.

24. A filtration device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

25. A kit for brewing a beverage, in-vessel, from a particulate material, the kit comprising:

- the filtration device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 24;

- at least one portion of particulate material to be brewed; and/or

- a vessel for collecting the brewed beverage.

26. A kit as claimed in claim 25 wherein the at least one portion of particulate material is held in at least one corresponding packet or sachet, or is provided by a measuring device of predetermined capacity.

27. A kit as claimed in claim 25 or 26 wherein the vessel is a cup, mug, glass, beaker or a pot.

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