WO2021024060A1

WO2021024060A1 - An appliance for preparing beverages

Info

Publication number: WO2021024060A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/056721
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shanavas Mohammed Suhura
Original assignee: Shanavas Mohammed Suhura
Priority date: 2019-08-02
Filing date: 2020-07-17
Publication date: 2021-02-11

Abstract

An appliance for preparing beverages. An appliance comprises of a brew vessel that define an opening. The brew vessel comprises of a base. The brew vessel further comprises of a first portion that define a first volumetric zone and a second portion provided towards the base, wherein the second portion defines a second volumetric zone. The second volumetric zone is comparatively smaller than the first volumetric zone. The brew vessel comprises of an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is provided between the first portion and the second portion. A detachable lid is received by the opening defined by the brew vessel. The detachable lid defines a first opening. A detachable brew head comprises of a cartridge. The detachable brew head is configured to be received by the first opening The cartridge is configured to extend vertically into the second portion.

Description

AN APPLIANCE FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES

BACKGROUND

[0001] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to this application and are not admitted to being prior art by inclusion in this section.

Field of the invention:

[0002] The subject matter in general relates to cooking appliance. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to a cooking appliance for preparing hot beverages.

Discussion of the related art:

[0003] Electric kettles are essentially used in preparing hot beverages like tea, coffee, soup, milk-based tea and milk-based coffee, among others. The electric kettles available in the market have brew vessels with a wider base. Electric kettle comprises of two main parts, one being the base with a first electrical coupler, wherein the base is connected to power source and the other being the brew vessel with a second electrical coupler. The problem with such electric kettles is that the heating element is placed in a circular path and is engaged to the base of the brew vessel. The heating element is connected to the second coupler. The first electrical coupler and the second electrical coupler allow the brew vessel to be coupled to the base thereby completing the electrical circuit.

[0004] The wider surface area of the brew vessel allows fast and efficient boiling of the beverages in large quantities. However, it limits a user in preparing beverages in smaller quantities as the heating element is engaged to the wide surface of the base of the brew vessel, and smaller quantities of beverage form a thin layer over the surface thereby vaporising the beverage or burning the ingredients in the beverages.

[0005] Furthermore, since electrical components are present in the brew vessel, the brew vessel cannot be rinsed under water thereby making it hard to clean the brew vessel.

[0006] The brew vessels available in the market have a similar design with a broader base and a narrow opening at top. The narrow opening further adds to the difficulties in cleaning the brew vessel. One such design is disclosed in a Chinese patent publication numbered CN201160769.

[0007] In view of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for an electrical kettle with an improved and better design of a brew vessel for efficiently brewing smaller quantities of beverages and also improving the usability of the appliance by enhancing the ease of cleaning after use.

SUMMARY

[0008] An embodiment provides an appliance for preparing beverages. The appliance comprises of a brew vessel, a detachable lid and a detachable brew head. The brew vessel comprises of a base, a first portion defining a first volumetric zone and a second portion defining a second volumetric zone, wherein the second volumetric zone is smaller than the first volumetric zone. The brew vessel further defines an opening. The brew vessel comprises of an intermediate portion provided between the first portion and the second portion.

[0009] The first portion of the brew vessel defines a first slope, the second portion of the brew vessel defines a second slope and the intermediate portion of the brew vessel defines a third slope. The value of the third slope is less than value of the first slope and the second slope.

[0010] The detachable lid is configured to be received by the opening defined by the brew vessel. The detachable lid further defines a first opening. The detachable brew head is configured to be received by the first opening. The detachable brew head comprises of a cartridge, wherein the cartridge extends into the second portion that defines the second volumetric zone.

[0011] The appliance further comprises of a sleeve dimensioned and configured to encompass the second portion and at least a partial portion of the brew vessel to prevent the base from directly interfacing with ground and further add stability to the appliance when the appliance is placed on the ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 A illustrates a perspective view of an appliance 100 for preparing beverages, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0014] FIG. IB illustrates an exploded perspective view of the appliance 100 for preparing beverages, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 2A illustrates front view of a brew vessel 102, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 2B illustrates sectional view of the front view of the brew vessel 102 taken along the section line A-A, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a sleeve 104 with a section plane B-B, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 3B illustrates sectional view of the sleeve 104, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a detachable lid 110, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the detachable lid 110, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 4C illustrates a sectional view of the detachable lid 110 taken along the section line C-C, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 5A illustrates an exploded view of a detachable brew head 112, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded front view of a second component 502 with a cartridge 506 and a first component 504 of the detachable brew head 112, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 5C illustrates a sectional view of the second component 502 with the cartridge 506 and the first component 504 of the detachable brew head 112 taken along the section line D-D, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 5D illustrates a perspective view of a press button 512, in accordance with an embodiment; [0026] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of the cartridge 506 with section plane E-E, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 6B illustrates top view of the cartridge 506, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 6C illustrates sectional view of the cartridge 506 taken along the section plane E-E, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 7A illustrates an assembled front view of the appliance 100, in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0030] FIG. 7B illustrates sectional view of an assembly of the appliance 100 taken along the section line F-F, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough details to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as a limiting sense.

[0032] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non exclusive “or”, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B”, “B but not A”, and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated.

[0033] Referring to Fig. 1A, an appliance 100 for preparing hot beverages is provided.

[0034] Referring to Fig. IB, an exploded perspective view of the appliance 100 is provided, in accordance with an embodiment. The appliance 100 comprises of a brew vessel 102, a sleeve 104, a handle 106, a handle 106 ring 108, a detachable lid 110 and detachable brew head 112.

BREW VESSEL 102:

[0035] In an embodiment referring to Figs. IB and 2A-2B, the brew vessel 102 may be a container comprising of a first portion 202, a second portion 204 and an intermediate portion 206, wherein the intermediate portion 206 is provided between the first portion 202 and the second portion 204. The first portion 202 of the brew vessel 102 may define a first volumetric zone configured to hold a larger volume of fluid/ beverage. The second portion 204 of the brew vessel 102 may define a second volumetric zone configured to hold a comparatively smaller volume of the fluid/ beverage. The second portion 204 of the brew vessel 102 configured to hold a smaller volume of fluid/ beverage allow efficient brewing of the beverages of smaller quantities. The intermediate portion 206 of the brew vessel 102 allows the fluid/ beverage to drift easily from the first portion 202 towards the second portion 204, while also linearly transitioning from the first volumetric zone to the second volumetric zone.

[0036] In an embodiment, the brew vessel 102 may define an opening 114 towards a top side. The brew vessel 102 may define a groove 208 towards the top side along a circumference. The brew vessel 102 comprises of an outer surface, wherein a ridge 210 may be provided on the outer surface towards the second portion 204 along a circumference of the brew vessel 102.

[0037] In an embodiment, the first portion 202 of the brew vessel 102 may define a first slope, the second portion 204 of the brew vessel 102 may define a second slope and the intermediate portion 206 of the brew vessel 102 may define a third slope. The value of the third slope defined by the intermediate portion 206 may be less than the value of the first and the second slope defined by the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 of the brew vessel 102, respectively.

[0038] A slope, in general, is defined as a change in the y coordinate divided by the corresponding change in the x coordinate, between two distinct points on the line. In terms of a mathematical function, the slope m of the line is, m =

.

[0039] In an embodiment, the value of the first slope and the second slope defined by the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 of the brew vessel 102 may be greater than or equal to 1, and the value of the third slope defined by the intermediate portion 206 of the brew vessel 102 may always be less than 1.

[0040] In an embodiment, the value of the third slope may be between 0.4 and 0.8. More preferably, the value of the third slope may be between 0.6 and 0.7. The slope defined by the intermediate portion 206 of the brew vessel 102 allows the fluid/ beverage and ingredients mixture to easily drift from a superior circumferential surface 212 of the intermediate portion 206 to an inferior circumferential 214 surface of the intermediate portion 206 thereby allowing the mixture to easily drift from the first portion 202 to the second portion 204, allowing efficient brewing of the beverage.

[0041] In an embodiment, the brew vessel 102 may be made of any non-stick materials known in the industry. The non-stick property of the brew vessel 102 eliminates deposition of fat contents during the process of brewing beverages that comprises of fat contents, if any.

SLEEVE 104 AND HANDLE 106:

[0042] In an embodiment referring to Figs. 3A-3D, a sleeve 104 may be configured to encompass the second portion 204 of the brew vessel 102 and at least a partial portion of the intermediate portion 206. The sleeve 104 may comprise of a sleeve base 302. The sleeve 104 may comprise of first members 304 that may protrude vertically from the sleeve base 302. The vertically protruding first members 304 may have flexible members disposed in a circular path such that at least a portion of the first members 304 encompass at least a portion of the second portion 204. The first member 304 may comprise of a tongue 306 that protrude outwards. The sleeve 104 may be engaged to the second portion 204 of the brew vessel 102 by a snap fit, wherein the tongue 306 of the first member 304 of the sleeve 104 passes over the ridge 210 of the brew vessel 102. The flexibility of the first member 304 allows the tongue 306 to easily pass over the ridge 210 of the brew vessel 102.

[0043] In an embodiment, the sleeve 104 may be dimensioned in a way that at least a part of the sleeve base 302 protrudes away from base 216 of the brew vessel 102 thereby preventing the base 216 of the brew vessel 102 from direct interface with ground. The sleeve base 302 may be provided with at least one slot 308. The slot 308 may be configured to eliminate accumulation of any fluid in the sleeve 104 base. The sleeve base 302 forms a wider surface relative to base 216 of the brew vessel 102, thereby adding stability when the appliance 100 is placed on the ground. [0044] In an embodiment, referring to Figs. 1A-1B, a lower engagement member 118 of the handle 106 may be engaged to the sleeve 104 which in turn may be engaged to the brew vessel 102. An upper engagement member 116 of the handle 106 may be engaged to the handle ring 108 that may be received by the groove 208 (FIG. 2B) defined by the brew vessel 102 towards the top side. The handle 106 enables the user in lifting the appliance 100, thereby allowing the user to pour the beverage from the brew vessel 102.

[0045] In an embodiment, the sleeve 104 may be made of a material different from that of the brew vessel 102. For example, the sleeve 104 may be made of Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, Nylon and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, among others. The handle 106 may be made of a similar material as that of the sleeve 104.

DETACHABLE LID 110:

[0046] In an embodiment, referring to Figs. 4A-4C, the detachable lid 110 may be configured to be received by the opening 114 of the brew vessel 102. The detachable lid 110 may define a first opening 402 at an offset from centre of the opening 114 of the brew vessel 102. The first opening 402 may define a similar profile as that of the detachable brew head 112. The first opening 402 may comprise of walls 404 that extend towards a bottom side of the detachable lid 110 to form a pocket, wherein the pocket may define an aperture 406. The pocket of the first opening 402 of the detachable lid 110 may be configured to receive the detachable brew head 112.

[0047] In an embodiment, the detachable lid 110 may define a second opening 408. The second opening 408 may be at an offset from the centre of the opening 114 of the brew vessel 102. The second opening 408 may be configured to receive ingredients from the user. The second opening 408 may also allow pouring beverages from the brew vessel 102.

[0048] In an embodiment, the second opening 408 may be configured to receive a detachable filter (not shown in figures). The detachable filter may be a strainer that may be configured to only allow fluids to pass through, thereby stalling any solid particles if any in the brew vessel 102.

[0049] In yet another embodiment, existing detachable lid 110 may be replaced by custom- built detachable lids (not shown in figures). The custom-built detachable lids may be configured to function as an automatic or a semi- automatic delivery system for ingredients. For example, a custom-built detachable lid may comprise of a container or a storage space with a plurality of partitions configured to hold ingredients required for a recipe. The custom-built detachable lid based on instructions received from controller may be configured to supply ingredients into the brew vessel automatically.

DETACHABLE BREW HEAD 112:

[0050] In an embodiment, referring to Figs. 5A-5D, the detachable brew head 112 may comprise of electronic systems/modules required for functioning of the appliance 100.

[0051] In an embodiment, the detachable brew head 112 may comprise of two components, a first component 504 and a second component 502. The detachable brew head 112 may comprise of a cartridge 506. The cartridge 506 may be engaged to the second component 502 through a cartridge sleeve 508 by any of known fastening methods. A seal may be provided at the interface of the cartridge 506 sleeve 104 and the second component 502 to prevent any leakage into the detachable brew head 112. The first component 504 and the second component 502 may define a profile similar to that of the pocket formed by the walls 404 of the first opening 402 of the detachable lid 110, such that the second component 502 slides over the first component 504. The first component 504 may define rectangular spaces 510 disposed on opposite sides. The first component 504 may be provided with a pair of press buttons 512 that may be received by compartments 514 provided over the rectangular spaces 510 defined by the first component 504. The compartments 514 in the first component 504 may define slots 516 that open towards the rectangular space 510. The press buttons 512 may be provided with a protrusion 518 on one side (refer Fig. 5D). Two opposite inner walls of the second component 502 may comprise of locking members 520. The locking members 520 may be configured to pass through the slots 308 defined by the compartments 514.

[0052] The press buttons 512 when pressed move laterally inwards thereby moving the protrusion 518 along with the press buttons 512. The rectangular spaces 510 defined by the first component 504 may receive the locking members 520 of the second component 502, wherein the locking members 520 of the second component 502 may slide over the rectangular spaces 510 defined by the first component 504 when the second component 502 is slid over the first component 504. The slot 516 in the compartment 514 opening towards the rectangular space 510 allow the locking members 520 of the second component 502 to pass through into the compartment space of the first component 504. Once the second component 502 is completely slid over the first component 504 and the press buttons 512 are released, the protrusion 518 on the press buttons 512 may interface with the locking members 520 and restrict the movement of the locking members 520 thereby restricting the movement of the second component 502 with respect to the first component 504, which in turn restricts the movement of the cartridge 506. The press buttons 512 allow engagement and disengagement of the second component 502 with the first component 504. The second component 502 may be configured to be detachably engaged to the first component 504.

[0053] In an embodiment, the second component 502 with the cartridge 506 may be received by the first opening 402, wherein the second component 502 of the detachable brew head 112 may rest in the pocket of the detachable lid 110. The cartridge 506 may pass through the aperture 406 defined by the pocket thereby allowing the cartridge 506 into the brew vessel 102. The cartridge 506 engaged to the second component 502 may be at an offset from the centre of the detachable brew head 112. The cartridge 506 may be at an offset from the centre of the brew vessel 102.

[0054] In an embodiment referring to Figs. 6A-6C, the cartridge 506 may comprise of two chambers, a first chamber 602 and a second chamber 604. The first chamber 602 may be diametrically wider than the second chamber 604. The first chamber 602 and the second chamber 604 may be interconnected. The cartridge 506 may be configured to extend vertically into the second portion 204 of the brew vessel 102 such that a small gap may be maintained between base 610 of the cartridge 506 and the base 216 of the brew vessel 102 (refer figure 7B). The cartridge 506, on its outer surface may be provided with a Teflon coating. The Teflon coating reduces adhesion of milk fats on surface of the cartridge 506 thereby improving the ease of cleaning the cartridge 506.

[0055] In an embodiment, at least two heating elements 606a, 606b may be disposed in the first chamber 602 along a length of the cartridge 506. The two heating elements 606a, 606b may be disposed in a manner that at least one of the heating elements 606a may be positioned towards the base 610 of the cartridge 506 such that at least a portion of the heating element 606a extends into the second portion 204 of the brew vessel 102. The heating elements 606a, 606b may be configured to be independently controlled. Employing multiple heating elements allow efficient heating of wide range of quantities of fluids/ beverages. For example, for a smaller quantity of fluid/ beverage wherein the volume of the fluid/ beverage is within the second volumetric zone, a single heating element 606a, disposed towards the base 610 of the cartridge 506 may be activated. Whereas, for a larger quantity of fluid/ beverage wherein the volume of the fluid/ beverage exceeds the second volumetric zone, both heating elements 606a, 606b may be activated. As the heating elements 606a, 606b are independently controlled, only the active heating elements utilise power thereby reducing overall power requirement for heating the fluid/ beverage.

[0056] In an embodiment, at least two thermocouples 608a, 608b may be disposed along a length of the second chamber 604 of the cartridge 506. The thermocouples 608a, 608b may be disposed such that at least one of the thermocouples 608a may be positioned towards the base 610 of the cartridge 506 such that at least a portion of the thermocouple 608a extends into the second portion 204 of the brew vessel 102. The thermocouples 608a, 608b may be configured to determine temperature of the fluid/ beverage at any given instant. The temperature detected by the thermocouples 608a, 608b may be sent to a controller (not shown in figures).

[0057] In an embodiment, the thermocouples 608a, 608b may be positioned parallel to the heating elements 606a, 606b in the second chamber 604 of the cartridge 506.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, a plurality of heating elements and thermocouples may be disposed along a length of cartridge and may be controlled in pairs.

[0059] In an embodiment, the detachable brew head 112 comprises of an ultrasonic level sensor 522 or a Radar Based Level Sensor towards the bottom. The ultrasonic level sensor 522 may be configured to determine level of beverage/ liquid in the brew vessel 102. The level of the fluid/ beverage detected by the ultrasonic level sensor 522 may be sent to the controller.

[0060] In an embodiment referring to Fig. 7B, the first component 504 of the detachable brew head 112 may be provided with a plurality of pogo pins 702. Pogo pins 702 are spring loaded pins, wherein one end of the pogo pins 702 establish contact between the cartridge 506 comprising of heating elements 606a, 606b and thermocouples 608a, 608b, and the power source thereby establishing electrical connection. Each of the heating elements 606a, 606b or the thermocouples 608a, 608b disposed in the cartridge 506 are coupled to a pair of pogo pins 702, wherein one of the pogo pins among the pair of pogo pins 702 is coupled to a positive terminal and another pogo pin among the pair of pogo pins 702 is coupled to a negative terminal of the heating element or thermocouple respectively. [0061] In an embodiment, the cartridge 506 experiences a small mechanical force by the springs provided in the pogo pins 702 when the second component 502 is slid over the first component 504. The force against the cartridge 506 may allow the second component 502 to be engaged to the first component 504. Other end of the pogo pins 702 may be connected to a power cable that delivers power from an electrical outlet to the appliance 100. The second component 502 of the detachable brew head 112 may be provided with electrical contacts that may be configured to couple with the pogo pins 702 on the first component 504. The pogo pins 702 allow electrical supply to the heating elements 606a, 606b and the thermocouples 608a, 608b, once the second component 502 with the cartridge 506 is coupled to the first component 504 of the detachable brew head 112.

[0062] In an embodiment, design of the first component 504 and the second component 502 of the detachable brew head 112 may allow the same second component 502 with the cartridge 506 to be used with an alternative detachable brew head 112 with similar first component 504 thereby allowing single cartridge 506 to be used with multiple brew heads. This allows the detachable brew head 112 to be used in commercial spaces with multiple machines used for brewing multiple beverages.

[0063] In an embodiment, the controller (not shown in figures) may be disposed in the second component 502 of the detachable brew head 112. The controller may be configured to receive inputs from a user. The controller may be further configured to receive inputs from the thermocouples 608a, 608b corresponding to the temperature of the fluid/ beverage and inputs from the ultrasonic level sensor 522 corresponding to the level of fluid/ beverage at any given instant. The controller based on the inputs received from the user, the thermocouples 608a, 608b and/or the heating elements 606a, 606b may be configured to control the heating elements 606a, 606b individually or in pair. The controller based on the inputs received from the thermocouples 608a, 608b and the ultrasonic level sensor 522 prevent overheating of the beverage by controlling the heating elements 606a, 606b.

[0064] In an embodiment, the detachable brew head 112 may comprise of NFC module (not shown in figures) that may be configured to read data stored in pre-programmed NFC tags. The data stored in NFC tags may relate to a recipe, ingredients required for preparing the recipe and the step by step process of preparing the recipe.

[0065] In an embodiment referring to Fig. 5A, the detachable brew head 112 may be provided with an LCD panel 524. The LCD panel 524 may be touch sensitive panel allowing the user to interact with the appliance 100. The LCD panel 524 on the detachable brew head 112 may display information corresponding to the temperature of the fluid/ beverage and level of fluid/ beverage at any instant. The LCD panel 524 may also display instructions that may be followed by the user in preparing the recipe. The appliance may be further provided with a glass cover 526 that may be positioned over the LCD panel 524. The glass cover 526 may act as a protection for the LCD panel 524.

[0066] In an embodiment, the detachable brew head 112 may further comprise at least one speaker (not shown in the figures). The speaker may provide audible instructions to the user. The user may follow the instructions to prepare the required recipe.

[0067] In an embodiment, the detachable lid 110 along with the detachable brew head 112 may be detachable from the brew vessel 102 thereby allowing the user to clean the brew vessel 102 directly under water making cleaning of the brew vessel 102 easy. The second component 502 of the detachable brew head 112 with the cartridge 506 is also detachable from the first component 504 of the detachable brew head 112 thereby allowing the user in cleaning the cartridge 506 under water as no electrical components are exposed to the water. In view of the foregoing, since the electrical components are detachable, the user is free from any electrical hazards during the cleaning of the appliance 100.

[0068] In an embodiment, electrical components of the appliance 100 may be separated from that of non-electrical components, thereby allowing the non-electrical components to be washed in a dish washer.

[0069] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0070] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. An appliance for preparing beverages, the appliance comprising: a brew vessel defining an opening and comprising: a base; a first portion defining a first volumetric zone; and a second portion provided towards the base, the second portion defining a second volumetric zone, wherein the second volumetric zone is smaller than the first volumetric zone; a detachable lid received by the opening defined by the brew vessel, the detachable lid defining a first opening; and a detachable brew head comprising a cartridge, the detachable brew head received by the first opening, wherein the cartridge extends into the second portion.

2. The appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the brew vessel comprises an intermediate portion provided between the first portion and the second portion; the first portion defines a first slope, the second portion defines a second slope and the intermediate portion defines a third slope; and value of the third slope is lesser than value of the first slope and the second slope.

3. The appliance as claimed in claim 2, wherein the value of the first and the second slope is greater than 1 and the value of the third slope is less than 1.

4. The appliance as claimed in claim 3, wherein the value of the third slope is between 0.4 and 0.8.

5. The appliance as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a sleeve encompassing the second portion and at least partially the intermediate portion.

6. The appliance as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sleeve is dimensioned to: prevent the base from directly interfacing with ground; and add stability to the appliance when the appliance is placed on the ground.

7. The appliance as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sleeve is made of a material different from that of the brew vessel.

8. The appliance as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a sleeve encompassing the second portion, wherein, an outer surface of the second portion defines a ridge; and the sleeve comprises a tongue, wherein the tongue passes over the ridge to engage sleeve to the brew vessel.

9. The appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the first opening is offset from center of the opening; and the cartridge is offset from center of the detachable brew head.

10. The appliance as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cartridge is offset from center of the second portion.

11. The appliance as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cartridge is engaged to a connector, wherein the connector is detachably engaged to the detachable brew head by a snap fit.

12. The appliance as claimed in claim 11, wherein the connector is disengaged from the brew head by a press button, wherein the press button disengages the snap fit.

13. The appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises of a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber is interconnected to the second chamber, wherein the first chamber is wider than the second chamber.

14. The appliance as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cartridge comprises at least two heating elements disposed along a length of the first chamber of the cartridge, wherein at least one of the heating elements is positioned to extend into the second portion of the brew vessel.

15. The appliance as claimed in claim 14, wherein the heating elements are independently controlled.

16. The appliance as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cartridge comprises at least two thermocouples disposed along the length of the second chamber of the cartridge to detect temperature of liquid medium, wherein at least one of the thermocouples is positioned to extend into the second portion of the brew vessel.

17. The appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brew head comprises an ultrasonic level sensor to determine the level of beverage in the brew vessel, wherein the appliance is configured to receive signals from the ultrasonic level sensor to control the cartridge to prevent spilling over of the beverage due to over boiling.

18. The appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable lid further defines a second opening configured to receive a detachable filter.