U.S. patent application number 14/221064 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for beverage filter systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.. The applicant listed for this patent is Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.. Invention is credited to Rebecca Bartel, David Ian Husband, Timothy Ian Spink, Margaret Sally-Anne Watson, Carla Zampaglione.
Application Number | 20140287105 14/221064 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47076334 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140287105 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Husband; David Ian ; et
al. |
September 25, 2014 |
BEVERAGE FILTER SYSTEMS
Abstract
A beverage filter cartridge comprising a cup portion; a lid
portion coupled to the cup portion to define an interior; and a
filter member provided within the interior; wherein the cup
portion, the lid portion, and/or the filter member define three
separate compartments with the interior.
Inventors: |
Husband; David Ian;
(Bentleigh, AU) ; Bartel; Rebecca; (Eltham,
AU) ; Zampaglione; Carla; (Hawthorn, AU) ;
Watson; Margaret Sally-Anne; (Brighton East, AU) ;
Spink; Timothy Ian; (Box Hill, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. |
Utrecht |
|
NL |
|
|
Assignee: |
Koninklijke Douwe Egberts
B.V.
Utrecht
NL
|
Family ID: |
47076334 |
Appl. No.: |
14/221064 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/NL2012/050661 |
Sep 19, 2012 |
|
|
|
14221064 |
|
|
|
|
61536870 |
Sep 20, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 65/466 20130101;
B65D 85/8043 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/115 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804 |
Claims
1. A beverage filter cartridge comprising: a cup portion; a lid
portion coupled to the cup portion to define an interior; and a
filter member provided within the interior; wherein the cup
portion, the lid portion, and/or the filter member define three
separate compartments with the interior.
2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein a first upper compartment
receives a fluid from a brewing device, a second middle compartment
comprises a substance provided therein for preparing a brewed
beverage and receives the fluid from the first upper compartment;
and a third lower compartment receives the brewed beverage from the
second middle compartment.
3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the first upper compartment is
formed by the lid portion and an upper filter member, the second
middle compartment is formed by the lid portion, the upper filter
member, and a lower filter member, and the third lower compartment
is formed by the lower filter member, the cup portion, and/or the
lid.
4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the filter member is disposed
only between a substance suitable for being brewed to prepare a
brewed beverage and a bottom of the cup.
5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the filter member comprises an
at least semi-rigid insert provided within the interior.
6. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cup portion comprises an
upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the filter member
comprises a filter bag secured between the sidewalls of the upper
and lower portions of the cup portion about at least a portion of
the periphery of the cup portion.
7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
filter member is moveable in response to the cartridge being
pierced by a piercing member of a brewing device.
8. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the filter member comprises a
non-pierceable member that is moveable from a first position to a
second position to permit fluid to exit from the cartridge.
9. The cartridge of claim 8, wherein an enlargeable bottom
compartment is defined between the filter member and the bottom of
the cup portion.
10. The cartridge of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the
non-pierceable member comprises an at least semi-rigid portion.
11. A cartridge assembly comprising: a cup portion comprising a
filter member formed integrally therewith; a substance suitable for
preparing a brewed beverage disposed within the cup portion; an at
least partially removeable sealing member configured to seal the
filter member prior to use of the cartridge.
12. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the filter member forms a
bottom of the cup portion.
13. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the sealing member provides
a hermetic seal with the cup portion about the substance.
14. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the filter member is
configured to provide a recess exterior to the filter member to
receive a piercing member of a brewing device such that the filter
member is not pierced by the piercing member of the brewing
device.
15. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the recess is a generally
cylindrical recess extending upward from a bottom of the cup
portion.
16. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the filter member forms a
generally cylindrically-shaped sidewall extending downward from a
bottom of the cup portion, and the seal member is wrapped
circumferentially around the cylindrically-shaped sidewall.
17. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the sealing member is
coupled to a bottom surface of the filter member.
18. The cartridge of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the
sealing member is configured to release from the filter member upon
application of one of heat and moisture.
19. The cartridge of claim 18, wherein the filter member forms a
shallow cone-shaped member.
20. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the filter member forms a
disc-shaped member.
21. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein the cup portion comprises a
cylindrical sidewall spacing the filter member apart from the
sealing member.
22. A beverage filter cartridge comprising: a cup portion; a lid
coupled to the cup portion to define an interior; a filter member
disposed within the interior and comprising an at least semi-rigid
insert; wherein an upper compartment is provided between the filter
member and the lid and receives a substance suitable for preparing
a brewed beverage, and wherein a lower compartment is provided
between the filter member and a bottom of the cup portion and
receives the brewed beverage.
23-26. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/NL2012/050661, filed Sep. 19, 2012, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/536,870,
filed Sep. 20, 2011. Both of these applications are incorporated
herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
beverage filter systems and methods, and more specifically, to
disposable beverage filter containers, cartridges, and similar
components usable with coffee machines or similar brewing devices
to produce brewed beverages such as coffee, tea, and the like.
SUMMARY
[0003] One embodiment relates to a beverage filter cartridge
comprising a cup portion; a lid portion coupled to the cup portion
to define an interior; and a filter member provided within the
interior; wherein the cup portion, the lid portion, and/or the
filter member define three separate compartments with the
interior.
[0004] Another embodiment relates to a cartridge assembly
comprising a cup portion comprising a filter member formed
integrally therewith; a substance suitable for preparing a brewed
beverage disposed within the cup portion; an at least partially
removeable sealing member configured to seal the filter member
prior to use of the cartridge.
[0005] Another embodiment relates to a beverage filter cartridge
comprising a cup portion; a lid coupled to the cup portion to
define an interior; a filter member disposed within the interior
and comprising an at least semi-rigid insert; wherein an upper
compartment is provided between the filter member and the lid and
receives a substance suitable for preparing a brewed beverage, and
wherein a lower compartment is provided between the filter member
and a bottom of the cup portion and receives the brewed
beverage.
[0006] Another embodiment relates to a beverage cartridge assembly
comprising a cup portion having a top integrally formed therewith;
a filter bag coupled to the top portion; a bottom coupled to the
cup portion and sealing the filter bag within the interior; wherein
the bottom of the cup portion is spaced apart from the bottom of
the filter bag to accommodate a piercing member of a brewing
device.
[0007] Another embodiment relates to a beverage cartridge assembly
comprising a cup portion having fluted sidewalls and at least one
standoff extending upward from a bottom of the cup portion; a lid
portion coupled to the cup portion to form an interior; and a
filter bag provided within the interior and having a substance
therein suitable for preparing a brewed beverage; wherein the
filter bag is not coupled to the lid or the cup portion.
[0008] Another embodiment relates to a beverage cartridge assembly
comprising a filter assembly comprising a lid portion coupled to a
filter portion; and a reusable insert configured to receive the
filter assembly and comprising a biasing member configured to
engage a bottom of the filter portion of the filter assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present disclosure will become apparent from the following
description, appended claims, and the accompanying exemplary
embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described
below.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3B is an exploded isometric view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the beverage filter
cartridge of FIG. 3B according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the beverage filter
cartridge of FIG. 7A with the lower seal partially released
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the beverage filter
cartridge of FIG. 10A with the filter member displaced by a bottom
piercing member according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the beverage filter
cartridge of FIG. 11A with the filter member deformed by a bottom
piercing member according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0026] FIGS. 12A-12D are cross-sectional views of an assembly
process of a beverage filter cartridge according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter
cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of a beverage
filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a brewing device and a
beverage filter cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Referring to the FIGURES, various embodiments disclosed
herein are directed to beverage filter cartridges usable with
brewing devices such as coffee machines to make, for example,
single servings of coffee, tea, or other beverages. Some
commercially available brewing devices are configured to receive
beverage filter cartridges. The cartridge is inserted into a
brewing cavity of the brewing device. The brewing device includes a
brewing chamber to receive the cartridge, and access to the brewing
chamber may be via a moveable handle, a cover, etc. A user places
the cartridge into the brewing chamber of the brewing device and
initiates the brewing process. A first piercing member of the
brewing device penetrates the top of the cartridge and introduces a
fluid, such as hot water, into the interior of the cartridge, which
typically contains a substance such as coffee granules. The hot
water passes through the coffee granules, extracting coffee
flavoring from the coffee granules before passing through a filter
material within the cartridge. A second piercing member of the
brewing device pierces the bottom of the cartridge and/or provides
an exit path for the brewed beverage to leave the cartridge and be
directed to a cup or other container used for consumption by
users.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a beverage filter cartridge
is shown as cartridge 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Cartridge 10 is configured for use with a coffee machine or similar
brewing device such as brewing device 20 (see FIG. 15) such that,
as further discussed herein, a top piercing member 22 of the
brewing device pierces the top of cartridge 10 and provides a fluid
(e.g., hot, pressurized water or other liquid, etc.), and a bottom
piercing member 24 of the brewing device pierces the bottom of
cartridge 10 and is configured to receive the brewed liquid (e.g.,
a coffee beverage) after passing through the interior of cartridge
10. Cartridge 10 may be usable with a variety of brewing machines,
and is generally a disposable cartridge configured for one-time
usage.
[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment, cartridge 10 includes
a cup 12 (e.g., a container, etc.), a first filter member 14, a
second filter member 44, and a lid 16 (e.g., a cover, top, film,
foil, etc.). Generally, filter members 14, 44 hold a substance 18
that is sealed within cup 12 by way of lid 16. Substance 18 may
include substances such as coffee grounds/granules, tea, cocoa, an
additive (e.g., creamer, sugar, etc.) and the like, which are
usable to extract flavorings into a hot liquid such as hot water to
produce a brewed beverage. According to some embodiments, cup 12
and lid 16 are sealed together such that they provide a sealed
interior that maintains the freshness of substance 18 within filter
members 14, 44.
[0033] Lid 16 is a generally flat, planar member that is configured
to seal, or adhere, to the upper portion of cup 12. In some
embodiments, lid 16 may be or comprise a metal foil (e.g.,
aluminum, etc.), while in other embodiments, lid 16 may be or
comprise a paper-based lid. For example, lid 16 may be made wholly
or partly from paper-based products. In some embodiments, a polymer
material is integrated with paper-based materials to facilitate
melting/bonding (e.g., welding, etc.) of lid 16 to cup 12.
[0034] In some embodiments, lid 16 has an outer shape that
generally conforms to or follows the shape of the upper portion of
cup 12. Alternatively, one or more portions of lid 16 may overhang
cup 12, e.g., to provide a pull tab, label, or other feature.
Furthermore, lid 16 and/or cup 12 may include alignment features
such as indents, detents, tabs, etc. configured to align cartridge
10 within device 20.
[0035] Cup 12 includes a top 30 and a bottom 32 with an annular
sidewall 34 extending between top 30 and bottom 32. Top 30 may
include a lip or flange portion 35 suitable for providing a surface
to which lid 16 may be sealed, bonded, etc. Top 30 may be designed
to facilitate insertion/removal of cartridge 10 to/from an
appropriate brewing device (e.g., by providing a graspable portion,
by providing alignment features, etc.). Bottom 32, sidewall 34, and
lid 16 define an interior that receives filter members 14, 44.
According to various exemplary embodiments, cup 12 may be formed
with a variety of molding operations such as injection molding,
vacuum-form molding, blow molding, etc.
[0036] First filter member 14 may be any suitable filter material
used in brewing coffee and similar beverages (e.g., a paper-based
filter material or the like). First filter member 14 may be
provided with a generally cylindrical shape along at least a
portion thereof to conform to the interior of cup 12. In some
embodiments, first filter member 14 includes a basket-shaped
portion that receives the coffee grounds or other substance, and a
top rim or lip that is sealed to lid 16. First filter member 14
forms a lower projection 40 defining an annular lower chamber 42
(e.g., cavity, space, compartment, void, etc.) between first filter
member 14, bottom 32, and sidewall 34. Lower chamber 42 permits hot
water delivered by top piercing member 22 to exit from filter
member 14 and further prevents bottom piercing member 24 from
piercing filter member 14, which could result in unwanted portions
of substance 18 (e.g., coffee grounds) becoming mixed with the
brewed beverage. The outer diameter of filter members 14, 44 may be
less than the diameter of sidewall 34, creating a side chamber or
gap 48 between filter members 14, 44 and sidewall 34. Lower
projection 40 further provides additional volume for holding
substance 18. First filter member 14 may or may not be attached
and/or touching bottom 32.
[0037] Second filter member 44 has a generally cylindrical shape to
nest in first filter member 14. The outer diameter of second filter
member 44 may be less than the outer diameter of first filter
member 14 (see FIG. 1), or approximately equal to the outer
diameter of first filter member 14 (see FIG. 2). Substance 18 is
collected in the space between first filter member 14 and second
filter member 44. Second filter member 44 defines an upper chamber
46 (e.g., cavity, space, compartment, void, etc.). In some
embodiments, upper chamber 46 receives upper piercing member 22 and
has a depth that is sufficient to prevent upper piercing member 22
from piercing second filter member 44. Because top piercing member
22 does not pierce second filter member 44 and enter the interior
to contact substance 18, contamination of substance 18 and soiling
of top piercing member 22 is prevented. Liquid delivered by first
piercing element 22 is received in upper chamber 26, where it may
collect and pass through second filter member 44. Introducing the
liquid via upper chamber 46 may more evenly distribute the liquid
through substance 18.
[0038] Lower chamber 42 and upper chamber 46 may be sized to
maximize the volume available for substance 18. In some
embodiments, lower chamber 42 and upper chamber 46 together
comprise approximately 20 percent of the interior volume of cup 12,
while substance 18 takes up the remaining 80 percent of the
interior volume of cup 12. In other embodiments, the relative
volumes of substance 18 and chambers 42 and 46 may be varied to
suit a particular substance being brewed, a desirable strength of
beverage, etc.
[0039] In various exemplary embodiments, the upper periphery of
second filter member 44 and/or first filter member 14 may be
coupled to lid 16 (e.g., via an adhesive, via a welding operation,
etc.) In other embodiments, second filter member 44 may be coupled
to first filter member 14. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-2, the
diameter of second filter member 44 and, therefore, the diameter of
upper chamber 46 may vary from being slightly greater than the
diameter of top piercing member 22 (FIG. 1) to being slightly less
than the inner diameter of cup 12 (FIG. 2).
[0040] It should be noted that cartridge 10 as shown in various
embodiments herein, including FIGS. 1-2, provides three separate
chambers within the cartridge. The upper chamber 46 receives fluid
from top piercing member 22 and is defined by lid 16 and second
filter member 44. The middle chamber holds substance 18 and is
defined by lid 16 and filter members 14, 44. The lower chamber
receives the brewed beverage and is defined by first filter member
14, cup 12 and lid 16. Other shapes, sizes, and/or configurations
from the separate chambers may be used according to various
alternative embodiments.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3A, a cartridge 50 is shown according
to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 10, cartridge
50 includes a cup 52 and a lid 56. Cup 52 holds a substance 58
(e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) that is sealed within cup 52 by way of
lid 56. A lower chamber 60 is formed by a filter member 54. Cup 52
may be only partially filled, creating a space or chamber above the
surface of substance 58 into which top piercing member 22 may be
received.
[0042] Filter member 54 retains substance 58 above lower chamber 60
and is contoured to provide a space for bottom piercing member 24.
In some embodiments, lower chamber 60 formed by filter member 54
and the bottom of cup 52 can accommodate bottom piercing member 24
regardless of the rotational orientation of cartridge 50 in a
brewing device. Filter member 54 is formed with vertical walls to
have a greater surface area relative to a planar divider,
permitting a greater flow rate of a fluid through filter member 54.
According to one exemplary embodiment, filter member 54 is formed
from a structural filter material. According to another exemplary
embodiment, filter member 54 may be another material such as a
polymer or metal (e.g., a foil, screen, etc.) and include
perforations, apertures, or the like to allow fluid to pass through
filter member 54. Filter member 54 may be coupled to the sidewall
of cup 52 or the bottom of cup 52, such as via a welding operation,
a heat staking operation, a pinching or crimping operation, etc.
The peripheral rim of filter member 54 may be received within an
annular groove or channel in bottom 64 of cup 62. An upper filter
media 55 may also be provided (e.g., bonded to the sidewall of cup
52) to contain substance 58.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 3B-3C, in another exemplary
embodiment, a filter member 54 may be supported by a rigid insert
62. Insert 62 helps to maintain the shape of filter member 54 and
prevents filter member 54 from collapsing into lower chamber 60.
Insert 62 includes openings 63 to allow for the flow of a fluid
through filter member 54 and insert 62 into lower chamber 60.
According to an exemplary embodiment, insert 62 rests upon and may
be coupled to bottom 64 of cup 52 and/or an annular ledge 65.
Alternatively, the filter is self-supporting (i.e., able to support
itself, the weight of the coffee substance, and water) such as a
rigid paper-based material so that the insert 62 is not needed or
used.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, in another exemplary embodiment,
bottom 64 of cup 52 may be contoured in a manner similar to filter
member 54 shown in FIG. 3A. A flat, planar member such as cover 66
may then be coupled to bottom 64, forming a lower chamber 60. In
some embodiments, cover 66 may be or comprise a metal foil (e.g.,
aluminum, etc.), a paper-based material, a polymer material, or any
other material that is able to be coupled to cup 52 and pierced by
bottom piercing member 24. Similar to filter member 54, bottom 64
and cover 66 form a lower chamber 60 that can accommodate bottom
piercing member 24 regardless of the rotational orientation of
cartridge 50 in a brewing device. Bottom 64 permits fluid to flow
therethrough such that the brewed beverage may flow into lower
chamber 60. Bottom 64 may comprise a filter material, apertures, or
other features permitting fluid to flow therethrough. A top cover
56 is coupled to the open top of cup 52. Notably, the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 3A-4, similar to other embodiments shown herein, do
not require a separate filter bag. An upper filter media 55 may
also be provided (e.g., bonded to the sidewall of cup 52) to
contain substance 58.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 5, a cartridge 70 is shown according
to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 10, cartridge
70 includes a cup 72, and a lid 76. Generally, a filter bag 74
holds a substance 78 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) and is sealed
within cup 72 by way of lid 76. Filler bag 74 may be a closed bag
(e.g., without an open top as shown in some alternative
embodiments).
[0046] Cup 72 includes a top portion 80 and a bottom portion 82. A
lip 84 around the circumference of filter bag 74 is coupled between
edge 81 of top portion 80 and edge 83 of bottom portion 82 to
suspend filter bag 74 in cup 72. Edge 81, edge 83, and lip 84 may
be coupled together by heatstaking, welding, crimping, mechanical
fasteners, or another suitable coupling mechanism. Filter bag 74 is
coupled to cup 72 in such a way that an upper chamber 86 is formed
above lip 84 and a lower chamber 88 is formed below lip 84. Cup 72
and filter bag 74 may configured such that a top piercing member
can be received in upper chamber 86 and a bottom piercing member
can be received in lower chamber 88 without piercing filter bag
74.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 6, a cartridge 90 is shown according
to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 10, cartridge
90 includes a cup 92 and a lid 96, but unlike cartridge 10, does
not include a filter bag. Instead, a substance 98 (e.g., coffee
grounds, etc.) is deposited within cup 92 and retained in cup 92 by
way of lid 96.
[0048] Cup 92 comprises a single chamber with an integrally formed
filter portion 100 that extends below an annular ledge or rim 102.
A fluid flowing from top piercing member 22 is allowed to drain
from cup 92 through openings 104 in filter portion 100. Openings
104 are sized and spaced to allow a sufficient flow rate of the
fluid out of cup 92 but to retain granules of substance 98 within
cup 92. Openings 104 in filter portion 100 are sealed with a
tear-off sealing element 106 (e.g., tab, strip, seal, etc.) affixed
to filter portion 100. The filter portion may be formed from
plastic and/or a paper-based media.
[0049] Tear-off sealing element 106 is configured to be removed
prior to use. After tear-off sealing element 106 is removed,
cartridge 90 may be inserted into a device as described above.
Bottom piercing member 24 of the brewing device is received in the
space around filter portion 100, below annular ledge 102, without
piercing cup 92.
[0050] According to another exemplary embodiment, cartridge 90 may
be provided without a separate lid such as lid 96. Instead, cup 92
may be molded without filter portion 100 and the bottom of cup 92,
and provided with an integrally formed cover, such as by
blow-molding. Cup 92 may then be filled with substance 98 through a
lower opening and a separate bottom and filter portion 100 coupled
to cup 92.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a cartridge 110 is shown
according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 90,
cartridge 110 includes a cup 112 and a lid 116, and does not
include a filter bag. Instead, a substance 118 (e.g., coffee
grounds, etc.) is deposited within cup 112 and retained in cup 112
by way of lid 116.
[0052] Cup 112 comprises a single chamber with an integrally formed
filter portion 120. A fluid flowing from top piercing member 22 is
allowed to drain from cup 112 through openings 124 in filter
portion 120. Openings 124 are sized and spaced to allow a
sufficient flow rate of the fluid out of cup 112 but to retain
granules of substance 118 within cup 112.
[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, filter portion 120 is
a shallow conical structure, while according to alternative
embodiments other shapes or sizes may be used for filter portion
120. A cylindrical wall 122 extends downward from filter portion
120. A sealing element 126 (e.g., sealing paper, tab, patch, seal,
etc.) is disposed within cylindrical wall 122 and affixed to the
outer (lower) surface of filter portion 120 to seal openings 124 in
filter portion 120. According to an exemplary embodiment, sealing
element 126 is formed of a polymer material. A portion of sealing
element 126 is positively attached permanently coupled to filter
portion 120, such as with an ultrasonic weld, a heat stake
connection, or a mechanical fastener.
[0054] According to one exemplary embodiment, the remainder of
sealing element 126 is coupled to filter portion 120 with a heat
sensitive adhesive or similar material that is configured to
release in the presence of an elevated temperature, such as heat
from a heated liquid (FIG. 7B). A heated liquid delivered by top
piercing member 22 flows through substance 118. Upon reaching
filter portion 120, the heated liquid causes the heat sensitive
adhesive to release. As a portion of sealing element 126 falls away
from filter portion 120 (e.g., by the weight and flow (pressure) of
the water), some of openings 124 are uncovered, allowing the heated
liquid to exit cup 112 (FIG. 7B).
[0055] According to another exemplary embodiment, sealing element
126 may be formed of a material that reacts to moisture and/or
heat. For example, sealing element 126 may be formed of a polymer
that shrinks or retracts from filter portion 120 in the presence of
a heated liquid.
[0056] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, sealing element 126
may be permanently coupled to filter portion 120 in a middle
portion. In other exemplary embodiments, sealing element 126 may be
permanently coupled to filter portion 120 along one side or along a
portion of the periphery.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 8, a cartridge 130 is shown according
to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 110,
cartridge 130 includes a cup 132 with an integrally formed filter
portion 140 and a lid 136, and does not include a filter bag.
Instead, a substance 138 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) is deposited
within cup 132 and retained in cup 132 by way of lid 136.
[0058] Cup 132 comprises an integrally formed filter portion 140. A
liquid flowing from top piercing member 22 is allowed to drain from
cup 132 through openings 144 in filter portion 140. Openings 144
are sized and spaced to allow a sufficient flow rate of the liquid
out of cup 132 but to retain granules of substance 138 within cup
132. A cylindrical wall 142 extends downward from filter portion
140. A sealing element 146 (e.g., foil seal, tab, patch, seal,
etc.) is affixed to the outer rim 143 of cylindrical wall 142.
Sealing element 146 may comprise a foil material, a paper material,
a polymer material, or any material or combination of materials
that may be pierced by bottom piercing member 24.
[0059] A lower chamber 148 is defined by filter portion 140,
cylindrical wall 142, and sealing element 146. Cylindrical wall 142
has a sufficient height to allow bottom piercing member 24 to
pierce sealing element 146 and be received in lower chamber 148
without piercing filter portion 140.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 9, in another exemplary embodiment
sealing element 146 may be integrally formed with cup 132 as a
bottom wall and filter portion 140 may be provided as a separate
insert. The separately formed filter portion 140 may be supported
by an inwardly extending ledge 145 and/or one or more downwardly
extending stand-off members 141. As shown in FIG. 9, stand-off 141
may be a generally cylindrical wall that nests within cylindrical
wall 142. In other embodiments, stand-off 141 may comprise one or
more separate members such as legs and the like.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10B, a cartridge 150 is shown
according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 10,
cartridge 150 includes a cup 152 and a lid 156. Cup 152 holds a
substance 158 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) that is sealed within
cup 152 by way of lid 156.
[0062] Cartridge 150 further includes a filter sleeve 162. A first
end 161 of filter sleeve 162 is coupled to cup 152 (e.g., to the
bottom of cup 152), while a second end 163 of filter sleeve 162 is
coupled to a disk 164 (e.g., base, bottom, panel, floor, etc.).
Disk 164 is sized such that it may sit flat on the bottom of cup
152 with a gap 165 around the periphery and filter sleeve 162
turned in on itself (FIG. 10A). Disk 164 may be flexible or rigid
and is formed of a material that will not be pierced by bottom
piercing member 24. Disk 164 may be sealed to the bottom of cup 152
with a releasable adhesive or may simply rest on the bottom of cup
152 and be held in place by the weight of substance 158.
[0063] When cartridge 150 is placed into a brewing device, bottom
piercing member 24 pierces cup 152 and forces disk 164 upward to
enlarge a lower chamber 166 (FIG. 10B). Liquid from top piercing
member 22 may pass through substance 158 and into lower chamber 166
through filter sleeve 162 in gap 165 around disk 164. The variable
volume of lower chamber 166 allows for a greater potential volume
of substance 158 in cup 152.
[0064] Cup 152 may be only partially filled, creating an upper
space or chamber 168 above the surface of substance 158. Upper
chamber 168 may be further defined by an insert 169 formed of
filter paper or another permeable material or structure. Top
piercing member 22 pierces lid 156 and is received in upper chamber
168. Upper chamber 168 may facilitate the even distribution of
fluid through substance 158. Insert 169 is configured to be at
least somewhat flexible to allow for the displacement of granules
of substance 158 as bottom piercing member 24 displaces disk
164.
[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11B, a cartridge 170 is shown
according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 50,
cartridge 170 includes a cup 172, a filter 174, and a lid 176. Cup
172 holds a substance 178 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) that is
sealed within cup 172 by way of lid 176. Filter 174 is shown as a
planar member that is coupled to cup 172 about the outer periphery,
while in alternative embodiments other shapes and sizes may be used
for filter 174. In one exemplary embodiment, filter 174 is coupled
to an inwardly extending ledge 182 (e.g., by heat staking, welding,
adhesive, etc.). Filter 174 is formed of a flexible material that
will not be pierced by bottom piercing member 24. A lower chamber
186 is formed between filter 174 and the bottom of cup 172 (FIG.
11A). Filter 174 prevents granules of substance 178 from migrating
into lower chamber 186 but allows a brewed beverage to pass through
into lower chamber 186. Cup 172 may be only partially filled,
creating an upper space or chamber 188 above the surface of
substance 178 to receive a top piercing member. An upper filter
media 55 may also be provided (e.g. bonded to the sidewall of the
cup) to contain substance 178.
[0066] When cartridge 170 is placed into a brewing device, bottom
piercing member 24 pierces cup 172 and deforms a portion of filter
174 upward (FIG. 11B). Top piercing member 22 pierces lid 176 and
is received in upper chamber 188. Upper chamber 188 may facilitate
the even distribution of fluid through substance 178. Upper chamber
188 allow for the displacement of granules of substance 178 as
bottom piercing member 24 displaces filter 174. Fluid from top
piercing member 22 may pass through substance 178 and into lower
chamber 186 through filter 174. The variable volume of lower
chamber 186 allows for a greater potential volume of substance 178
in cup 172.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12D, a cartridge 190 is shown
according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 10,
cartridge 190 includes a cup 192, a filter bag 194, and a lid 196.
Filter bag 194 holds a substance 198 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.)
and is sealed within cup 192 by way of lid 196. It should be noted
that cartridge 190 is shown up-side-down in FIGS. 12A-12D.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 12A, filter bag 194 is provided as a
sleeve-like member with a first end 193 coupled to lid 196. Lid 196
may be a separate member coupled to cup 192 (e.g., a foil seal) or
may be integrally formed with cup 192 (e.g., by an injection
molding or blow molding operation). First end 193 may be coupled to
lid 196 by, for example, heat staking, ultra-sonic welding,
adhesive, mechanical fasteners or any other suitable coupling
mechanism.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 12B, substance 198 is deposited into the
open second end 195 of filter bag 194. The amount of substance 198
may be determined such that the filled volume of filter bag 194
comprises approximately 80 percent of the interior volume of cup
192, while other amounts of substance 198 may be used according to
various other embodiments.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 12C, once a desired volume of substance 198
is deposited in filter bag 194, second end 195 of filter bag 194 is
sealed to enclose substance 198 in filter bag 194. Second end 195
may further be trimmed. Second end 195 may be sealed in any manner
that suitably retains substance 198. Sealed second end 195 does not
allow any granules or portion of substance 198 to escape filter bag
194 during shipment and use and is able to withstand exposure to a
heated liquid without losing integrity.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 12D, once second end 195 is sealed and
trimmed, a second lid 197 is coupled to the open bottom 191 of cup
192. In some embodiments, lid 197 may be or comprise a metal foil
(e.g., aluminum, etc.), while in other embodiments, lid 197 may be
or comprise a paper-based lid. For example, lid 197 may be made
wholly or partly from paper-based products. In some embodiments, a
polymer material is integrated with paper-based materials to
facilitate melting/bonding (e.g., welding, etc.) of lid 197 to
bottom 191 of cup 192.
[0072] A lower chamber 199 is formed between filter bag 194 and lid
197. Filter bag 194 prevents granules of substance 198 from
migrating into lower chamber 199 but allows a fluid to pass through
into lower chamber 199. Lower chamber 199 is large enough to
receive a piercing member (not shown) without piercing filter bag
194.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 13, a cartridge 200 is shown according
to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 10, cartridge
200 includes a cup 202, a filter bag 204, and a lid 206. Filter bag
204 holds a substance 208 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) and is
sealed within cup 202 by way of lid 206. Filter bag 204 is
cylindrically-shaped to conform to the interior of cup 202.
Vertically extending flutes 210 (e.g., ridges, ribs, corrugations,
etc.) may be provided on the sides of cup 202 or filter bag 204.
Flutes 210 create vertical channels between cup 202 and filter bag
204 to facilitate the flow of fluid from top piercing member 22 to
bottom piercing member 24. Flutes 210 may be formed by a zig-zag
pattern, a wavy pattern, or any other suitable pattern.
[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment, filter bag 204 is
supported above bottom 203 of cup 202 by way of a center standoff
212 and/or peripheral standoffs 214. An annular lower chamber 216
is thereby defined between filter bag 204 and bottom 203 of cup
202. In this way, filter bag 204 does not need to be coupled (e.g.,
sealed, etc.) to cup 202 or lid 206 in order to provide the
appropriate space between the bottom of filter bag 204 and bottom
203 of cup 202 to form lower chamber 216. In some embodiments,
center standoff 212 is sized to have a cross-section large enough
to not act like a needle and puncture filter bag 204, and small
enough to allow a sufficient volume of brewed beverage to enter
lower chamber 216 and not interfere with bottom piercing member 24.
In some embodiments, filter bag 204 may include sidewalls that are
partially or wholly fluted in a manner similar to cup 202.
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 14, a cartridge assembly 220 is shown
according to an exemplary embodiment. Cartridge assembly 220
includes a filter 222, a cover or lid 224, and optionally a support
member or ring 226. A substance 228 (e.g., coffee grounds or
granules, tea, additives, etc.) suitable for preparing a brewed
beverage (e.g., coffee, etc.) is contained within an interior
defined by filter 222 and lid 224. Assembly 220 is configured to be
placed in an insert 230, which is received by a brewing device
250.
[0076] Filter 222 may be sealed (e.g., bonded, adhered, heat
sealed, etc.) to lid 224 in a manner such that a flange, or lip 223
is formed around all or a portion of the perimeter of the top of
cartridge assembly 220. Ring 226 may be a generally annular, flat
member configured to provide structural support and/or rigidity to
cartridge assembly 220. In some embodiments, cartridge assembly 220
may be provided without ring 226.
[0077] According to one embodiment, lid 224 is a paper-based
component (e.g., cardboard, etc.) made primarily or completely from
paper or paper-based products. For example, lid 224 may be made of
a cardboard material that provides sufficient rigidity to maintain
the shape of filter assembly 220 during packaging, transportation,
use, etc., yet permits a suitable brewing device to penetrate the
lid in order to introduce liquid (e.g., hot water, etc.) into the
interior of the filter assembly. Filter 222 may be made of any
suitable filter material. Filter 222 may form a basket-shaped
interior extending downward from lid 224. Most or all of the
interior formed by filter 222 may be filled with a suitable
substance such as coffee granules or the like. In order to form the
generally cylindrical sidewalls and bottom of filter 222, portions
of filter 222 may be folded over one-another, or pleated, where
filter 222 is attached to lid 224.
[0078] In one embodiment, ring 226 is bonded to filter 222 and/or
lid 224 and is made of a polymer material. In some embodiments,
ring 226 and/or lid 224 may be made of resilient materials that
facilitate formations of seals between filter cartridge 220 and
both insert 230 and brewing device 250. Thus, seals may be formed
between ring 226/lid 224 and insert 230, and between lid 224 and
brewing device 250, to prevent liquid from escaping from cartridge
220 during the brewing process. In cases where cartridge 220 is
provided without ring 226, lid 224 may provide seals with both
insert 230 and brewing device 250. Lid 224 and/or ring 226 may
further facilitate insertion and/or removal of cartridge 220
to/from insert 230 and/or brewing device 250.
[0079] Insert 230 includes a top portion 232, a bottom 234, and a
sidewall 236 extending between top 232 and bottom 234 to form an
interior brewing cavity 238. Sidewall 236 of insert 230 may include
a plurality of ridges/grooves or channels 237 or similar features
extending along all or a portion of the height of sidewall 236 on
the interior surface thereof. Channels 237 may be U-shaped,
wave-shaped, V-shaped or any other shape that facilitates fluid
flow along sidewall 236 and reduces the likelihood that the sides
of the cartridge assembly 220 will "stick" to sidewall 236.
[0080] Channels 237 may be spaced apart about the perimeter of
insert 230 and may extend along substantially the entire height of
sidewall 236. According to an alternative embodiment, channels 237
may extend along sidewall 236 only for the portion of sidewall 236
that abuts or is adjacent to filter 222, such that channels 237 may
not extend fully down to bottom 234 of insert 230. According to
alternative embodiments, a helix-shaped channel may be used rather
than or in addition to channels 237.
[0081] Insert 230 further includes a projection 235 that extends
downward from the central portion of bottom 234 and defines an
aperture, or drain 239. Brewed beverage exiting from cartridge
assembly 220 collects in projection 235 and is directed out of
cavity 238 through drain 239. Projection 235 and/or drain 239 may
be shaped, sized, and/or positioned to direct a brewed beverage
exiting insert 230 to any suitable location within brewing device
250. The size and/or shape of drain 239 may further be varied to
control the rate at which a brewed beverage exits from insert
230.
[0082] Insert 230 is sized such that an annular chamber 252 is
created between insert 230 and brewing device 250. Chamber 252 may
receive a bottom piercing member and prevent the bottom piercing
member from contacting insert 230.
[0083] Insert 230 may further include a support 240 disposed in
brewing cavity 238. Support 240 includes a platform 242 and a
downwardly extending leg or stem 244. Platform 242 provides a
surface upon which the bottom of cartridge assembly 220 may rest.
Platform 242 maintains space between cartridge assembly 220 and
bottom 234 of insert 230 to facilitate the flow of fluid out of
insert 230 through drain 239. Stem 244 is a hollow member that
engages an upwardly extending post 246 in projection 235.
[0084] A biasing member 248 is compressed between the top of post
246 and a ledge or rim 245 on support 240. Biasing member 248
biases platform in an upward direction and is compressed by the
weight of cartridge assembly 220. While biasing member 248 is shown
in FIG. 14 as a coil spring, in other embodiments biasing member
248 may be another suitable device such as an elastomeric spring or
a cantilever spring. Biasing member 248 may be a separate body or
may be integrally formed with stem 244 or post 246. Biasing member
248 allows for the position of platform 242 to be varied, thereby
accommodating various sized cartridge assemblies (e.g., assemblies
220 containing various volumes of substance 238, etc.). If lid 224
of cartridge assembly 220 is sufficiently rigid to support
cartridge assembly 220, biasing member 248 may be eliminated.
[0085] In use, a user may first position insert 230 within brewing
device 250. Next, a user may place cartridge 220 into cavity 238 of
insert 230. A user may then initiate the brewing process on brewing
device 250, such that upper piercing member 22 (not shown in FIG.
14) pierces lid 224 of cartridge 220 and introduces a liquid (e.g.,
hot water) into filter 222. As the liquid flows through substance
228 within the filter assembly, filter 222 may "swell" toward
sidewall 236 of insert 230. Channels 237 on sidewall 236 prevent
filter 222 from "sticking" to sidewall 236, thereby promoting
efficient flow of fluid around the perimeter of filter 222 and
ensuring an appropriate distribution of fluid among and around the
granules of substance 228. As the brewed beverage flows out of the
bottom of filter 222, it collects within cavity 238, and travels
downward into the interior of projection 235, where it exits from
insert 230 via drain 239.
[0086] After the brewing cycle is complete, used cartridge assembly
220 may be removed from brewing device 250 and be discarded, and
insert 230 may be washed and reused with additional cartridge
assemblies. In some embodiments, cartridge assembly 220 may have a
compressed, or crushed, appearance after use, providing a visual
indication to users that the filter assembly has been used and may
be discarded.
[0087] The various embodiments of the cartridges, filters, and
other components disclosed herein may provide various advantages to
users, including providing a package envelop that comfortably fits
into, functions without leakage, and is removable from, various
brewing devices; a cartridge that holds an appropriate volume of
substance/granules (e.g. coffee), while being sealed against
oxygen, moisture, and/or other undesirable elements; and a
cartridge that further permits fluid to flow in a controlled
environment and at a controlled flow rate (i.e., maintaining a
sufficient brew chamber during operation) while preventing granules
from exiting the cartridge and entering the beverage. The
cartridges further have a robust design for transportation and
storage, are safe for handling (e.g., do not include any sharp
edges or hot surfaces), and provide a beverage that is safe for
consumption.
[0088] Various embodiments may further provide a barrier to protect
the substance/granules from contamination and degradation prior to
and during use, while providing top and/or bottom surfaces that are
pierceable by appropriate brewing devices. Further yet, the
cartridges may evenly distribute fluid across the
substance/granules and minimize dripping after use.
[0089] In some embodiments all or a portion of the filter or
cartridge assembly is a substantially "green" product, made from
recyclable and/or biodegradable products (e.g., paper-based
products, etc.) that are generally more "environmentally friendly"
than other materials such as plastics, metals, and other similar
materials. One or more labels may provide an indication that the
filter assembly is "recyclable," "compostable," "bio-degradable" or
the like.
[0090] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the beverage filter cartridges as
shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although
only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this
disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure
will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,
variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions
of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting
arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
subject matter recited in the various embodiments. Accordingly, all
such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of
the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. The order
or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or
re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other
substitutions, modifications, changes, and/or omissions may be made
in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the
exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the
present disclosure.
* * * * *