CA2036438A1 - Tea maker - Google Patents
Tea makerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2036438A1 CA2036438A1 CA002036438A CA2036438A CA2036438A1 CA 2036438 A1 CA2036438 A1 CA 2036438A1 CA 002036438 A CA002036438 A CA 002036438A CA 2036438 A CA2036438 A CA 2036438A CA 2036438 A1 CA2036438 A1 CA 2036438A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- water
- basin
- brewing
- dilution
- volume
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 187
- 238000010790 dilution Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 76
- 239000012895 dilution Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 76
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 59
- 235000008504 concentrate Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000007865 diluting Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims 4
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 241001122767 Theaceae Species 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 210000002445 nipple Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001802 infusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 201000009240 nasopharyngitis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000008520 organization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010907 stover Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/04—Coffee-making apparatus with rising pipes
- A47J31/057—Coffee-making apparatus with rising pipes with water container separated from beverage container, the hot water passing the filter only once i.e. classical type of drip coffee makers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
- A47J31/54—Water boiling vessels in beverage making machines
- A47J31/56—Water boiling vessels in beverage making machines having water-level controls; having temperature controls
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A beverage brewing apparatus for brewing beverage concentrates and mixing these concentrates with dilution water prior to being disposed into a common decanter. A
common fill basin is provided to supply the water requirements for both the brewing of the concentrate as well as the dilution of the concentrate. Brewing is initiated upon filling the basin to a predetermined level, after which, at a first predetermined level, dilution water is permitted to flow. At a second predetermined basin level, the brewing water ceases to be transported to a beverage brewing substance, however, the dilution water continues to flow until the basin is drained.
common fill basin is provided to supply the water requirements for both the brewing of the concentrate as well as the dilution of the concentrate. Brewing is initiated upon filling the basin to a predetermined level, after which, at a first predetermined level, dilution water is permitted to flow. At a second predetermined basin level, the brewing water ceases to be transported to a beverage brewing substance, however, the dilution water continues to flow until the basin is drained.
Description
- 2~3~3g TEA M~KER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the beverage brewing arts and more particularly to an apparatus for brewing a beverage.
Some currently available beverage brewing devices provide essentially instantaneous hot water to brew beverages in a short amount of time. These devices typically have a hot water reservoir which maintains a volume of water at a predetermined temperature. A cold water fill tube is attached inside the reservoir, one end close to but not abutting the bottom of the hot water reservoir, the other end pro~ecting into a bottom ; portion of a separate cold water reservoir or basin positioned above the heated reservoir. A hot water discharge tube has one end positioned in the hot water reservoir near an outlet~zone generally at the top of the hot water reservoir. Another end of the dlscharge tube delivers hot water tran~ported through the tube to a beverage brewing substance in order to produce a brewed beverage concentrate.
In order to brew a beverage~in a beverage brewing device as described above, cold water is poured into the basin. The cold water flows throu~h the cold water fill tube and accumulates at the bottom of the hot water reservoir due to temperature variations between the cold - 2~3~3~
and hot water. The hot water i8 displaced by the cold water and moves upwardly towards the top of the hot water reservoir, which i8 sealed by a cover, and through the hot water discharge tube. Upon being dispensed into a beverage brewing substance, the hot water and beverage brewing substance create a brewed beverage concentrate.
An example of such an instantaneous hot water beverage brewing apparatus is shown in U.S. Patent No.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the beverage brewing arts and more particularly to an apparatus for brewing a beverage.
Some currently available beverage brewing devices provide essentially instantaneous hot water to brew beverages in a short amount of time. These devices typically have a hot water reservoir which maintains a volume of water at a predetermined temperature. A cold water fill tube is attached inside the reservoir, one end close to but not abutting the bottom of the hot water reservoir, the other end pro~ecting into a bottom ; portion of a separate cold water reservoir or basin positioned above the heated reservoir. A hot water discharge tube has one end positioned in the hot water reservoir near an outlet~zone generally at the top of the hot water reservoir. Another end of the dlscharge tube delivers hot water tran~ported through the tube to a beverage brewing substance in order to produce a brewed beverage concentrate.
In order to brew a beverage~in a beverage brewing device as described above, cold water is poured into the basin. The cold water flows throu~h the cold water fill tube and accumulates at the bottom of the hot water reservoir due to temperature variations between the cold - 2~3~3~
and hot water. The hot water i8 displaced by the cold water and moves upwardly towards the top of the hot water reservoir, which i8 sealed by a cover, and through the hot water discharge tube. Upon being dispensed into a beverage brewing substance, the hot water and beverage brewing substance create a brewed beverage concentrate.
An example of such an instantaneous hot water beverage brewing apparatus is shown in U.S. Patent No.
3,385,201 to Martin for brewing coffee. Another apparatus has been suggested in order to meet the special requirements of brewing tea as is shown in U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 07/360,134 to Anson et al., filed June 1, 1989. The brewing funnel of the tea brewing device is constructed in order to provide an inner concentrate brewing funnel which is generally concentric with the outer funnel. A gap formed between the two funnels permits dilution water to by-pass the brewing substance retained in the inner funnel. The cold water i8 mixed with the brewed concentrate upon being dispensed from a common outlet nipple formed in the bottom of the brewing funnel.
Dilution of the brewed concentrate is necessary in order to prevent the brewed concentrate from being too strong as well as preventing an additional manual step of diluting the concentrate after it has been brewed.`
Dilution of the brewed concentrate i8 achieved by feeding water from the basin to the area between the inner brewing funnel and the outer brewing funnel. In the device as shown in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/360,134 to Anson et al., a dilution line formed of a hollow tube extends from the bottom of the basin to the cold water by-pass portion of the brewing funnel.
one end o~ the brewing line 1~ a~onneated to the bottom o~ the cold water basln, the other end of the llne connects at an upper portion in co~mmunication with the cold water by-pass gap. Water poured into the basin simultaneously flows into the cold water fill tube as well as the dilution line.
21~3&~
As shown in the device of Anson et al., the dilution line is mounted directly to the bottom of the basin such that dilution water flows into the by-pass gap as soon as water is poured into the basin. Since there is no brewed concentrate to dilute until the water level in the basin rises sufficiently high to flow into the cold water fill tube and displace the hot water in the hot water reservoir, the dilution water merely flows through the by-pass gap without diluting any beverage concentrate. While the operation of this type apparatus has been generally satisfactory, in some instances there may be a deviation from optimum ratio' B between the flow of brewing water and dilution water.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A general ob~ect of the present invention is to provide a beverage brewing apparatus which provides dilution of a brewed beverage concentrate after the concentrate has been allowed to brew.
A further general ob~ect of the present invention is to provide a novel apparatus of the above described type which a desired ratio between the amounts or flows of brewing water and dilution water may be achieved.
Another ob~ect of the present invention iB to provide a beverage brewing apparatus which provides dilution of a brewed concentrate prior to being disposed in a common decanter.
Yet another ob~ect of the present inventlon is to provide a beverage brewing apparatus which permits the flow of dilution water even after the flow o~
concentrate brewing water has ceased.
Briefly and in accordance with the following, a beverage brewing apparatus brews beverage concentrates and mixes these concentrates with dilution water prior to being disposed into a common decanter. The present invention provides a common ~ill basin to supply the water requirements for both the brewing of the 2~3~43~
concentrate as well as tha dilution of the concentrate.
Brewing is initiated upon filling the basin to a predetermined level after which, at a second predetermined level, dilution water i3 permitted to flow. At a first predetermined basin level, the brewing water ceases to be transported to the beverage brewing substance, however, the dilution water continues to flow until the basin is drained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The organization and manner of the operation of the invention, together with the further ob~ects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:
Fig. 1 is a partial fragmentary side sectional view of a beverage brewing device of the type employing the present invention:
Fig~ 2 is a sectional plan view taken along line 2-2 in Fig. 1: and Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the relationship between a dilution line with a siphon break-over portion and a cold water fill tube disposed within a common cold water basin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
While this invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be desoribed in detail, a specific embodiment with the understandlng that the present dinclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the princlpal~ of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.
.
'- - ' . - ~' ' ' ~ `
~03~
As illustrated in Fig . 1, a beverage brewing apparatus 10 has a body portion 12 comprising an upper body portion 14, mid-body portion 16 and platform portion 18. The upper body portion 14 extends away from the mid-body portion 16 forming an overhanging portion 20. A brewing funnel 22 is removably retained underneath a downwardly facing surface 24 of the overhanging portion 20.
The beverage brewing device 10 illustrated in Fig.
1, employs a hot water reservoir 26 to maintain a predetermined quantity of hot water on demand for essentially instantaneous brewing. Generally, the hot water reservoir 26 is positioned in the mid-body portion 16 and comprises a walled container 28 having a sealed top 30. Water 32 retained ln the container 28 i8 heated by a heatlng device 34 such as a resistancQ heating element of known construction.
A basin 36 is located generally relatively higher than the hot water reservoir 26 to permit water disposed therein to flow into the hot water reservo~r 26 under force of gravity. The basin 36 is typically formed in a top portion of the upper body portion 14 with a fill opening 38 for receiving brewing water. A cold water fill tube 40 provides a path through which water flows from the basin 36 into the hot water reservoir 26. The fill tube 40 extends from a bottom surface 41 of the basin 36 downwardly through a top cover 42 of the reservoir 26 toward6 the bottom 43 of the re6ervoir 26.
By introducing cold water 44 from the basin 36 into a bottom region 46 of the hot water reservoir 26, hot water 32 in an upper output region 48 is upwardly displaced towards the top 28 and forced out through a discharge tube 50 connected thereto.
~he amount of cold water 44 poured into the cold water basin 36 and thereby introduced into the hot w~ter reservoir 26, di~places an equal volume of hot water 32 whlch l~ forced through the hot water discharge tube So.
~he discharge tube 50 transports the hot water 32 from :
203~3g the reservoir 26 to a spray head 52 which distributes the hot water over a beverage brewing substance 54 disposed within the beverage brewing funnel 22. Cold water 44 contInues to be di~charged from the cold water basin 36 into the fill tube 40 until the water level in the basin 36 drops below a top edge 56 of the portion of the fill tube 40 pro~ecting into the basin 36. Once the water level in the basin 36 drops below the top edge 56, water ceases to flow through the fill tube 40 and therefore ceases to force hot water 32 out of the hot water re~.ervoir 26.
As illu~trated in Fig. 1, and further detailed in Fig. 2, the funnel 22 is formed with an external frustoconical shaped funnel 58 and an internal generally complementary frustoconical funnel 60 of slightly smaller dimensions than the external funnel 58. A
filter material 62 lines an inside surface 64 of the internal funnel 60 for retaining a beverage brewing substance 54 disposed therein. The internal funnel 60 is formed without a bottom such that brewed beverage concentrate (indicated by arrows 66) passes from the internal funnel 60 to the external funnel 58. Fluid is drained from the external funnel 58 through a funnel nipple 68 generally formed in the center of the bottom-most portion of the external funnel 58.
Beverages, for example tea, brewed in this type of device typically require dilution of the ~rewed beverage concentrate 66 before consumption. Therefore, dilution water (indicated by arrows 70) is introduced to the beverage concentrate 66 by means of a gap 72 formed between the inwardly facing ~urface 74 of the oxternal funnel 58 and the outwardly facing surface 76 of the internal funnel 60. The gap 72 directs dilution water 70 through the funnel 22 and prevent mixture with the beverage brewlng substance 54 downwardly towards the bottom of the funnel 22. Dilution water 70 and brewed beverage concentrate 66 are thoroughly mixed in a common , - 2 ~ 3 8 beverage stream 78 discharged through the funnel nipple 68 into a beverage decanter 80 therebelow.
As shown in the cross-section of Fig. 2, the passage 72 extends completely around the outwardly facing surface 76 of the internal funnel 60 as well as the inwardly facing surface 74 of the external funnel 58. Out flow mixing of brewed concentrate 66 and dilution water 70 permit~ sufficient infusion of the beverage brewing substance s4 with heated water 32 and dilution water 70 employing the same device and a common source of water.
The beverage brewing substance 54 is infused with beverage brewing water to produce the beverage concentrate 66. A degree of resistance to the water lS flowing through the beverage brewing substance 54 is developed creating an accumulation of brewing water within the internal funnel 60. The accumulation of fluids in the internal funnel 60 provide intimate contact between the beverage brewing substance 54 and the brewing water which tend to extend the time during which the fluids passing therethrough.
As illustrated in Fig. 1, with further reference to Fig. 3, dilution water 70 flows into the gap 72 of the brewing funnel 22 by means of a dilution line 82. The 2s dilution line 82 extends from the basin 36 to the overhanging portion 20 in cooperative communication with the gap 72 to dispose the dilution water 70 therein.
Dilution water flow regulating means or break over siphon 84 i8 formed on the end of the dilution line 82 which extends into the basin 36. The break over siphon 84 is an inverted U-shaped portion of the dilution line 82 which permits water to flow through the dllution llne only when the water level in the~basin 36 i8 0~ a suf~icient predetermined height. When the water level in the basin 36 i8 greater than the height 86 of a bend 88 in the break over siphon 84 water begins to flow through the di~charge line 82.
~3~38 The top edge 56 of the fill tube 40 is adjustable to control the relative relationship of water passing from the basin 36 into either the reservoir 26 or the dilution line 82. In order to initiate brewing prior to dilution, the top edge 56 i8 ad~usted so that a height 90, measured between the bottom 41 of the basin 36 and the top edge 56, i8 less than the height 86 at which water starts flowing through the dilution line 82.
Generally, in order to achieve the desired dilution results, dimension 90 will be le88 than dimension 86.
Controlled dilution of the brewed beverage iB
achieved by appropriately ad~usting the ad~ustable barrel or fitting 91 which is threaded into the upper end of the fill tube 40. Water disposed in the basin 36 is identifiable as a first quantity 92 and a second quantity 94. The first quantity 92 is defined as a portion of the total quantity of water initially poured into the basin 36 above the top edge 56 of the fill tube 40. This first quantity 92 is used both for brewing the beverage as well as diluting the beverage. A portion of the first quantity 92 flows into the reservoir 26 through the fill tube 40 and into the beverage brewing substance 54 via the dis¢harge tube 50.
Allocation of the first volume 92 is determined by the relative diameters~as well as the relative heights of the dilution line 82 and the fill tube 40.
Generally, the dilution line 82 has a smaller diameter than the fill tube 40. A greater volume of water is initially discharged into the beverage brewing substance 54 than flow~ through the dilution llne 82 slnae the water discharged into the beverage brewing substanae 54 i8 intended to 810wly di~aharge therefrom to permit sufficient infu~ion. Whereas, d~ilution water 70 flows through the di}ution line 82, generally constantly while brewed beverage concentrate 66 dr&~ins from the internal funnel 60.
Once all o~ the water in the first volume 92 has drained from the basin 36, the second volume 94 is used 2~3~
solely for dilution water 70. Initially, when water is disposed into the basin 36, the fir~t volume 92 i8 sufficient to prime the dilution line 82 and therefore initiate flow through the break over siphon 84. Since a S siphon is established in the dilution line 82, even after the first volume 92 has drained, the second volume 94 continues to drain from the basin 36 under the influence of the siphon in the dilution line 82. A
depression 96 is formed in the bottom 41 of the basin 36 and a free end 98 of the break over siphon 84 is positioned over this depression 96. The relative position of the free end 98 with respect to the depression 96 results in essentially draining all of the water out of the basin 36 since the depression 96 is the lowest level in the basin 36.
In use, water i8 poured into the fill opening 38 formed in the upper portion 14 in order to fill the basin 36. Alternatively, the basin could be filled automatically from a valve controlled pressurized water line, now shown, in a ~nown manner. For example, reference is made to Martin 3,691,933: Stover 4,464,981 and Zimmerman 4,478,139.
Water 44 disposed in the basin 36 flows through the fill tube 40 into the reservoir 26 to displace heated water 32 retained therein upwardly through a discharge line so. The water flowing through the discharge line 50 flows into the beverage brewing substance 54 retained in the internal funnel 60 of the brewing funnel 22. As beverage concentrate 66 flows from the infused beverage brewing substance 54, dilution water 70 flowing from the~
basin 36 through the dilutlon line 82 flows through the gap 72 to mlx with the brewed beverage aoncentrate 66.
Heated water flows into the beve~age brewlng substance 54 untll the flrst volume of water 92 ln the bAsln 36 has been depleted. Upon depletion.of the first volume 92 of w~tor, brewing water ce~ses to flow through the discharge tube 50. Dilution water 70, however, continues to flow until the second volume of water 94 is _g_ 2 ~
depleted. The second volume of water 94 i8 siphoned out of the basin 36 under the influence of the siphon created in the dilution line 82. The break over siphon 84 formed on the end of the dilution line 82 pro~ecting s into the basin 36 prevents dilution water 70 from automatically flowing into the gap 72 when water is poured into the basin 36. Instead, water first flows into the fill tube 40 and thereby discharges water into the beverage brewing substance 54 before dilution water 70 begins to flow. As a result of employing the break over siphon 84, a controlled volume of water is used to brew the beverage even in the situation where water is slowly poured into the basin 36 and the proper ratio between brewing water and dilution water i8 ma~ntained.
While a prsferred embodiment of the present invention i8 shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended ¢laims.
Patent Application Serial No. 07/360,134 to Anson et al., filed June 1, 1989. The brewing funnel of the tea brewing device is constructed in order to provide an inner concentrate brewing funnel which is generally concentric with the outer funnel. A gap formed between the two funnels permits dilution water to by-pass the brewing substance retained in the inner funnel. The cold water i8 mixed with the brewed concentrate upon being dispensed from a common outlet nipple formed in the bottom of the brewing funnel.
Dilution of the brewed concentrate is necessary in order to prevent the brewed concentrate from being too strong as well as preventing an additional manual step of diluting the concentrate after it has been brewed.`
Dilution of the brewed concentrate i8 achieved by feeding water from the basin to the area between the inner brewing funnel and the outer brewing funnel. In the device as shown in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/360,134 to Anson et al., a dilution line formed of a hollow tube extends from the bottom of the basin to the cold water by-pass portion of the brewing funnel.
one end o~ the brewing line 1~ a~onneated to the bottom o~ the cold water basln, the other end of the llne connects at an upper portion in co~mmunication with the cold water by-pass gap. Water poured into the basin simultaneously flows into the cold water fill tube as well as the dilution line.
21~3&~
As shown in the device of Anson et al., the dilution line is mounted directly to the bottom of the basin such that dilution water flows into the by-pass gap as soon as water is poured into the basin. Since there is no brewed concentrate to dilute until the water level in the basin rises sufficiently high to flow into the cold water fill tube and displace the hot water in the hot water reservoir, the dilution water merely flows through the by-pass gap without diluting any beverage concentrate. While the operation of this type apparatus has been generally satisfactory, in some instances there may be a deviation from optimum ratio' B between the flow of brewing water and dilution water.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A general ob~ect of the present invention is to provide a beverage brewing apparatus which provides dilution of a brewed beverage concentrate after the concentrate has been allowed to brew.
A further general ob~ect of the present invention is to provide a novel apparatus of the above described type which a desired ratio between the amounts or flows of brewing water and dilution water may be achieved.
Another ob~ect of the present invention iB to provide a beverage brewing apparatus which provides dilution of a brewed concentrate prior to being disposed in a common decanter.
Yet another ob~ect of the present inventlon is to provide a beverage brewing apparatus which permits the flow of dilution water even after the flow o~
concentrate brewing water has ceased.
Briefly and in accordance with the following, a beverage brewing apparatus brews beverage concentrates and mixes these concentrates with dilution water prior to being disposed into a common decanter. The present invention provides a common ~ill basin to supply the water requirements for both the brewing of the 2~3~43~
concentrate as well as tha dilution of the concentrate.
Brewing is initiated upon filling the basin to a predetermined level after which, at a second predetermined level, dilution water i3 permitted to flow. At a first predetermined basin level, the brewing water ceases to be transported to the beverage brewing substance, however, the dilution water continues to flow until the basin is drained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The organization and manner of the operation of the invention, together with the further ob~ects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:
Fig. 1 is a partial fragmentary side sectional view of a beverage brewing device of the type employing the present invention:
Fig~ 2 is a sectional plan view taken along line 2-2 in Fig. 1: and Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the relationship between a dilution line with a siphon break-over portion and a cold water fill tube disposed within a common cold water basin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
While this invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be desoribed in detail, a specific embodiment with the understandlng that the present dinclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the princlpal~ of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.
.
'- - ' . - ~' ' ' ~ `
~03~
As illustrated in Fig . 1, a beverage brewing apparatus 10 has a body portion 12 comprising an upper body portion 14, mid-body portion 16 and platform portion 18. The upper body portion 14 extends away from the mid-body portion 16 forming an overhanging portion 20. A brewing funnel 22 is removably retained underneath a downwardly facing surface 24 of the overhanging portion 20.
The beverage brewing device 10 illustrated in Fig.
1, employs a hot water reservoir 26 to maintain a predetermined quantity of hot water on demand for essentially instantaneous brewing. Generally, the hot water reservoir 26 is positioned in the mid-body portion 16 and comprises a walled container 28 having a sealed top 30. Water 32 retained ln the container 28 i8 heated by a heatlng device 34 such as a resistancQ heating element of known construction.
A basin 36 is located generally relatively higher than the hot water reservoir 26 to permit water disposed therein to flow into the hot water reservo~r 26 under force of gravity. The basin 36 is typically formed in a top portion of the upper body portion 14 with a fill opening 38 for receiving brewing water. A cold water fill tube 40 provides a path through which water flows from the basin 36 into the hot water reservoir 26. The fill tube 40 extends from a bottom surface 41 of the basin 36 downwardly through a top cover 42 of the reservoir 26 toward6 the bottom 43 of the re6ervoir 26.
By introducing cold water 44 from the basin 36 into a bottom region 46 of the hot water reservoir 26, hot water 32 in an upper output region 48 is upwardly displaced towards the top 28 and forced out through a discharge tube 50 connected thereto.
~he amount of cold water 44 poured into the cold water basin 36 and thereby introduced into the hot w~ter reservoir 26, di~places an equal volume of hot water 32 whlch l~ forced through the hot water discharge tube So.
~he discharge tube 50 transports the hot water 32 from :
203~3g the reservoir 26 to a spray head 52 which distributes the hot water over a beverage brewing substance 54 disposed within the beverage brewing funnel 22. Cold water 44 contInues to be di~charged from the cold water basin 36 into the fill tube 40 until the water level in the basin 36 drops below a top edge 56 of the portion of the fill tube 40 pro~ecting into the basin 36. Once the water level in the basin 36 drops below the top edge 56, water ceases to flow through the fill tube 40 and therefore ceases to force hot water 32 out of the hot water re~.ervoir 26.
As illu~trated in Fig. 1, and further detailed in Fig. 2, the funnel 22 is formed with an external frustoconical shaped funnel 58 and an internal generally complementary frustoconical funnel 60 of slightly smaller dimensions than the external funnel 58. A
filter material 62 lines an inside surface 64 of the internal funnel 60 for retaining a beverage brewing substance 54 disposed therein. The internal funnel 60 is formed without a bottom such that brewed beverage concentrate (indicated by arrows 66) passes from the internal funnel 60 to the external funnel 58. Fluid is drained from the external funnel 58 through a funnel nipple 68 generally formed in the center of the bottom-most portion of the external funnel 58.
Beverages, for example tea, brewed in this type of device typically require dilution of the ~rewed beverage concentrate 66 before consumption. Therefore, dilution water (indicated by arrows 70) is introduced to the beverage concentrate 66 by means of a gap 72 formed between the inwardly facing ~urface 74 of the oxternal funnel 58 and the outwardly facing surface 76 of the internal funnel 60. The gap 72 directs dilution water 70 through the funnel 22 and prevent mixture with the beverage brewlng substance 54 downwardly towards the bottom of the funnel 22. Dilution water 70 and brewed beverage concentrate 66 are thoroughly mixed in a common , - 2 ~ 3 8 beverage stream 78 discharged through the funnel nipple 68 into a beverage decanter 80 therebelow.
As shown in the cross-section of Fig. 2, the passage 72 extends completely around the outwardly facing surface 76 of the internal funnel 60 as well as the inwardly facing surface 74 of the external funnel 58. Out flow mixing of brewed concentrate 66 and dilution water 70 permit~ sufficient infusion of the beverage brewing substance s4 with heated water 32 and dilution water 70 employing the same device and a common source of water.
The beverage brewing substance 54 is infused with beverage brewing water to produce the beverage concentrate 66. A degree of resistance to the water lS flowing through the beverage brewing substance 54 is developed creating an accumulation of brewing water within the internal funnel 60. The accumulation of fluids in the internal funnel 60 provide intimate contact between the beverage brewing substance 54 and the brewing water which tend to extend the time during which the fluids passing therethrough.
As illustrated in Fig. 1, with further reference to Fig. 3, dilution water 70 flows into the gap 72 of the brewing funnel 22 by means of a dilution line 82. The 2s dilution line 82 extends from the basin 36 to the overhanging portion 20 in cooperative communication with the gap 72 to dispose the dilution water 70 therein.
Dilution water flow regulating means or break over siphon 84 i8 formed on the end of the dilution line 82 which extends into the basin 36. The break over siphon 84 is an inverted U-shaped portion of the dilution line 82 which permits water to flow through the dllution llne only when the water level in the~basin 36 i8 0~ a suf~icient predetermined height. When the water level in the basin 36 i8 greater than the height 86 of a bend 88 in the break over siphon 84 water begins to flow through the di~charge line 82.
~3~38 The top edge 56 of the fill tube 40 is adjustable to control the relative relationship of water passing from the basin 36 into either the reservoir 26 or the dilution line 82. In order to initiate brewing prior to dilution, the top edge 56 i8 ad~usted so that a height 90, measured between the bottom 41 of the basin 36 and the top edge 56, i8 less than the height 86 at which water starts flowing through the dilution line 82.
Generally, in order to achieve the desired dilution results, dimension 90 will be le88 than dimension 86.
Controlled dilution of the brewed beverage iB
achieved by appropriately ad~usting the ad~ustable barrel or fitting 91 which is threaded into the upper end of the fill tube 40. Water disposed in the basin 36 is identifiable as a first quantity 92 and a second quantity 94. The first quantity 92 is defined as a portion of the total quantity of water initially poured into the basin 36 above the top edge 56 of the fill tube 40. This first quantity 92 is used both for brewing the beverage as well as diluting the beverage. A portion of the first quantity 92 flows into the reservoir 26 through the fill tube 40 and into the beverage brewing substance 54 via the dis¢harge tube 50.
Allocation of the first volume 92 is determined by the relative diameters~as well as the relative heights of the dilution line 82 and the fill tube 40.
Generally, the dilution line 82 has a smaller diameter than the fill tube 40. A greater volume of water is initially discharged into the beverage brewing substance 54 than flow~ through the dilution llne 82 slnae the water discharged into the beverage brewing substanae 54 i8 intended to 810wly di~aharge therefrom to permit sufficient infu~ion. Whereas, d~ilution water 70 flows through the di}ution line 82, generally constantly while brewed beverage concentrate 66 dr&~ins from the internal funnel 60.
Once all o~ the water in the first volume 92 has drained from the basin 36, the second volume 94 is used 2~3~
solely for dilution water 70. Initially, when water is disposed into the basin 36, the fir~t volume 92 i8 sufficient to prime the dilution line 82 and therefore initiate flow through the break over siphon 84. Since a S siphon is established in the dilution line 82, even after the first volume 92 has drained, the second volume 94 continues to drain from the basin 36 under the influence of the siphon in the dilution line 82. A
depression 96 is formed in the bottom 41 of the basin 36 and a free end 98 of the break over siphon 84 is positioned over this depression 96. The relative position of the free end 98 with respect to the depression 96 results in essentially draining all of the water out of the basin 36 since the depression 96 is the lowest level in the basin 36.
In use, water i8 poured into the fill opening 38 formed in the upper portion 14 in order to fill the basin 36. Alternatively, the basin could be filled automatically from a valve controlled pressurized water line, now shown, in a ~nown manner. For example, reference is made to Martin 3,691,933: Stover 4,464,981 and Zimmerman 4,478,139.
Water 44 disposed in the basin 36 flows through the fill tube 40 into the reservoir 26 to displace heated water 32 retained therein upwardly through a discharge line so. The water flowing through the discharge line 50 flows into the beverage brewing substance 54 retained in the internal funnel 60 of the brewing funnel 22. As beverage concentrate 66 flows from the infused beverage brewing substance 54, dilution water 70 flowing from the~
basin 36 through the dilutlon line 82 flows through the gap 72 to mlx with the brewed beverage aoncentrate 66.
Heated water flows into the beve~age brewlng substance 54 untll the flrst volume of water 92 ln the bAsln 36 has been depleted. Upon depletion.of the first volume 92 of w~tor, brewing water ce~ses to flow through the discharge tube 50. Dilution water 70, however, continues to flow until the second volume of water 94 is _g_ 2 ~
depleted. The second volume of water 94 i8 siphoned out of the basin 36 under the influence of the siphon created in the dilution line 82. The break over siphon 84 formed on the end of the dilution line 82 pro~ecting s into the basin 36 prevents dilution water 70 from automatically flowing into the gap 72 when water is poured into the basin 36. Instead, water first flows into the fill tube 40 and thereby discharges water into the beverage brewing substance 54 before dilution water 70 begins to flow. As a result of employing the break over siphon 84, a controlled volume of water is used to brew the beverage even in the situation where water is slowly poured into the basin 36 and the proper ratio between brewing water and dilution water i8 ma~ntained.
While a prsferred embodiment of the present invention i8 shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended ¢laims.
Claims (7)
1. An improved beverage apparatus for brewing beverage concentrates and diluting said beverage concentrates, said apparatus comprising: a reservoir for retaining a quantity of brewing water; a fill basin for receiving brewing and diluting water; a fill tube operatively attached to and extending from said basin to said reservoir for transporting water from said basin to said reservoir: a brewing water line extending from said reservoir for discharging brewing water into a brewing substance in a substance retainer for producing a brewed concentrate: a dilution water line in communication with and extending from said basin for discharging water for mixing with said concentrate; and flow regulating means for said brewing water and said dilution water, said flow regulation means characterized in that means for controlling the flow of dilution water from said basin and flow regulating means prevent flow of dilution water prior to discharging water from said basin to said reservoir such that dilution water begins to flow at least not substantially before the discharge of brewing water from said brewing water line.
2. An improved beverage brewing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said flow regulating means comprises an inverted U-shaped portion of said dilution water line extending into said fill basin, a free end of said inverted U-shaped portion directed toward a bottom surface of said basin, said U-shaped portion preventing water in said basin from flowing into said substance retainer when less than a predetermined volume of water is disposed in said basin and creating a siphon in said dilution line when at least a predetermined volume of water is disposed in said basin.
3. An improved beverage brewing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said fill tube extends a distance above the bottom surface of said basin and below a water level of a predetermined volume of water; said U-shaped portion characterized in that it is curved at a position between a top edge of said fill tube and a water level of a predetermined volume of water: said predetermined volume of water comprising a first volume and a second volume, said first volume comprising water in said basin between said top edge of said fill tube and said water level, said second volume comprising water in said basin between said top edge of said fill tube and the bottom of said basin, said first volume providing water for brewing said beverage and initiating dilution of said beverage and said second volume providing dilution water.
4. An improved beverage brewing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said fill tube adjustably extends into said basin a distance above the bottom of said basin; a predetermined volume of water having a corresponding water level when disposed in said basin, said predetermined volume of water comprising a first volume and a second volume, said first volume comprising water in said basin between said top edge of said fill tube and said water level, said second volume comprising water in said basin between said top edge of said fill tube and the bottom of said basin, said first volume comprising water for brewing said beverage and initiating dilution of said beverage and said second volume providing dilution water: said U-shaped portion being fixed in said basin and curved at a position between the lowest adjustment of said top edge of said adjustable fill tube relative to the bottom of said basin and a water level of a predetermined volume of \
water: said fill tube being adjusted upwardly for decreasing the volume of water in said first volume used for brewing and for increasing the volume of water in said second volume, said fill tube being adjusted downwardly for increasing the volume of water in said first volume used for brewing and for decreasing the volume of water in said second volume.
water: said fill tube being adjusted upwardly for decreasing the volume of water in said first volume used for brewing and for increasing the volume of water in said second volume, said fill tube being adjusted downwardly for increasing the volume of water in said first volume used for brewing and for decreasing the volume of water in said second volume.
5. An improved beverage brewing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that a relative diameter of said dilution line is substantially smaller than a relative diameter of said fill tube.
6. An improved beverage brewing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that a depression is formed in the bottom surface of said basin and said free end of said U-shaped portion of said dilution line extends a distance therein for draining water into said depression as said basin is drained to maximize the volume of water drained from said basin.
7. In a beverage brewing apparatus for brewing and diluting beverages from a common water source, dilution water flow regulating means for controllably diluting a brewed beverage, said apparatus comprising: reservoir means for retaining a predetermined volume of water: a basin for receiving water for brewing and diluting beverages in said apparatus: an elongate fill tube connecting said basin and said reservoir for transporting a brewing portion of water disposed in said basin into said reservoir; a substance retainer positioned proximate said reservoir for retaining a beverage brewing substance from which a beverage concentrate is extracted when infused with brewing water from said reservoir, a dilution line in communication with and extending from said basin to said substance retainer for transporting dilution water from said basin to said substance retainer, said dilution water mixing with said beverage concentrate extracted from said beverage brewing substance in a common stream discharged from said substance retainer; flow regulating means in said dilution line for controllably discharging a dilution portion of water disposed in said basin for diluting said brewed beverage concentrate, said dilution water flow regulating means characterized in that an inverted U-shaped portion of said dilution line extending into said basin, a curve in said U-shaped portion being disposed above said top edge of said fill tube for preventing water from flowing through said dilution line prior to flowing through said fill tube.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/496,887 US5025714A (en) | 1990-03-21 | 1990-03-21 | Tea maker |
| US496,887 | 1990-03-21 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2036438A1 true CA2036438A1 (en) | 1991-09-22 |
Family
ID=23974607
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002036438A Abandoned CA2036438A1 (en) | 1990-03-21 | 1991-02-15 | Tea maker |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5025714A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2036438A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| DE4130446A1 (en) * | 1991-09-13 | 1993-03-25 | Braun Ag | BREW BEVERAGE MACHINE |
| US5773067A (en) * | 1994-12-23 | 1998-06-30 | Societe Agricole De Produits De Base | Method for production of metered amounts of drinks, especially coffee |
| US5584229A (en) * | 1995-08-14 | 1996-12-17 | Bunn-O-Matic Corporation | Reduced temperature coffee brewer |
| US5632193A (en) * | 1996-08-28 | 1997-05-27 | Shen; Shun-Tsung | Apparatus for making tea |
| US5901635A (en) * | 1997-07-08 | 1999-05-11 | Signature Brands, Inc. | Flow control and flow rate control mechanisms for use in brewing machines with fluidly connected chambers |
| US6148717A (en) | 1998-08-11 | 2000-11-21 | Food Equipmet Technologies Company, Inc. | Beverage maker with intermittent beverage liquid dispenser and apparatus and method for uniform contact of brew ingredient with brew |
| US6240829B1 (en) | 1999-02-12 | 2001-06-05 | Pepsico. Inc. | Tea or non-carbonated drink dispenser |
| US6726947B1 (en) | 1999-08-14 | 2004-04-27 | The Procter & Gamble Co. | Process for providing customized varieties and strengths of fresh-brewed coffee on demand |
| EP1204349A2 (en) | 1999-08-14 | 2002-05-15 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Methods and systems utilizing delayed dilution to provide customized beverages on demand |
| EP1371312B1 (en) * | 1999-08-14 | 2005-10-12 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Methods utilizing delayed dilution, mixing, and filtration for providing customized beverages on demand |
| US6759072B1 (en) * | 1999-08-14 | 2004-07-06 | The Procter + Gamble Co. | Methods and systems for utilizing delayed dilution, mixing and filtration for providing customized beverages on demand |
| EP1204354A2 (en) | 1999-08-14 | 2002-05-15 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Methods and systems for utilizing delayed dilution to provide customized varieties of fresh-brewed coffee on demand |
| MXPA02001624A (en) | 1999-08-14 | 2002-07-02 | Procter & Gamble | Methods and systems utilizing delayed mixing for providing customized beverages on demand. |
| EP1204351A2 (en) | 1999-08-14 | 2002-05-15 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Methods and systems for utilizing delayed filtering to provide customized varieties of fresh-brewed coffee on-demand |
| US6808731B1 (en) | 1999-08-14 | 2004-10-26 | The Procter & Gamble Co. | Coffee extract and process for providing customized varieties and strengths of fresh-brewed coffee on demand |
| CA2379379A1 (en) | 1999-08-14 | 2001-02-22 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Process for providing customized varieties and strengths of fresh-brewed coffee on demand |
| US6488976B1 (en) | 1999-12-13 | 2002-12-03 | Affinitea Brewing Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for brewing tea with an espresso machine |
| US6401729B1 (en) | 2000-08-21 | 2002-06-11 | Bunn-O-Matic Corporation | Beverage reservoir cleaning apparatus and method of use |
| US6439105B1 (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2002-08-27 | Bunn-O-Matic Corporation | Multiple direction holder and beverage making apparatus |
| WO2002026614A2 (en) * | 2000-09-29 | 2002-04-04 | Pepsico, Inc. | Brewed iced tea or non-carbonated drink dispenser |
| ATE366072T1 (en) | 2001-03-16 | 2007-07-15 | Procter & Gamble | BREWING DEVICES FOR PRODUCING CREAMY DRINKS |
| US6883685B2 (en) | 2001-03-19 | 2005-04-26 | Pepsico, Inc. | Brewed iced tea or non-carbonated drink dispenser with quiet operation |
| US20060006195A1 (en) * | 2001-10-01 | 2006-01-12 | Jones Brian C | Method and apparatus for producing a tea beverage employing a continuous mixing chamber |
| US6755119B1 (en) | 2002-06-05 | 2004-06-29 | Wilbur Curtis Company, Inc. | Coffee spray head |
| US20040159240A1 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2004-08-19 | Lyall Lucian H. | Beverage brewing apparatus and method |
| US6915732B2 (en) * | 2003-04-01 | 2005-07-12 | Pepsico, Inc. | Brewed iced tea or non-carbonated drink dispenser |
| US20050016384A1 (en) * | 2003-07-26 | 2005-01-27 | Gerard Tassinary | Household coffee and hot beverage dispenser |
| EP1776306B1 (en) | 2004-02-13 | 2010-08-11 | Intelligent Coffee Company, L.L.C. | Liquid concentrate/extract beverage dispenser with replaceable cartridge |
| US7651015B2 (en) * | 2004-02-13 | 2010-01-26 | Intelligent Coffee Company, Llc | Liquid concentrate/extract beverage dispenser with replaceable concentrate/extract cartridge |
| US8180204B2 (en) * | 2007-07-02 | 2012-05-15 | Brewl Technologies, Inc. | Hot beverage brewing apparatus |
| WO2009135034A1 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2009-11-05 | Bunn-O-Matic Corporation | Brewer including substance removal assembly |
| US8881958B2 (en) | 2009-12-16 | 2014-11-11 | Intelligent Coffee Company, Llc | Fluid dose-measuring device |
| EP2353469A1 (en) * | 2010-02-03 | 2011-08-10 | Nestec S.A. | Beverage preparation machine for large size beverages |
| GB2493356A (en) * | 2011-08-02 | 2013-02-06 | Pay Day Design Ltd | Improvements in and Relating to Ecological and Ergonomic Kettles |
| CN103968535B (en) * | 2013-01-25 | 2016-12-28 | 广州市德夫人电器股份有限公司 | Light porcelain water machine |
| CN103968534B (en) * | 2013-01-25 | 2016-12-28 | 广州市德夫人电器股份有限公司 | Fresh water machine |
| EP3223670B1 (en) * | 2014-11-28 | 2020-03-11 | Østerlandsk Thehus | An apparatus for brewing and dispensing beverages |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USRE25663E (en) * | 1964-10-13 | Coffee making machine | ||
| US3385201A (en) * | 1967-02-13 | 1968-05-28 | Bunn O Matic Corp | Cold water pour in beverage maker |
| US3520247A (en) * | 1968-10-11 | 1970-07-14 | Curtis Margaret A | Automatic bypass hot water feed for coffee urn |
| US3584568A (en) * | 1969-06-20 | 1971-06-15 | Charter Design And Mfg Co | Single unit coffee maker |
| US3793934A (en) * | 1972-12-15 | 1974-02-26 | Bunn O Matic Corp | Automatic coffee maker with liquid level sensor and siphon control |
| US4064795A (en) * | 1976-06-01 | 1977-12-27 | Maria Elena Perdomo Ackerman | Automatic bypass coffee brewer |
| US4147097A (en) * | 1976-09-23 | 1979-04-03 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method of and apparatus for making drip-type coffee |
| US4579048A (en) * | 1979-09-14 | 1986-04-01 | Bunn-O-Matic Corporation | Beverage brewing apparatus |
| US4621571A (en) * | 1984-11-28 | 1986-11-11 | Bloomfield Industries, Inc. | Satellite coffee brewing system |
| DE3643878A1 (en) * | 1986-12-22 | 1988-07-07 | Bentz & Sohn Melitta | COFFEE OR TEA MACHINE |
| US4809594A (en) * | 1987-08-11 | 1989-03-07 | Bloomfield Industries, Inc. | Tea brewer |
| US4867048A (en) * | 1989-02-13 | 1989-09-19 | Bunn-O-Matic Corp. | Convertible beverage brewer |
| US4920871A (en) * | 1989-06-01 | 1990-05-01 | Bunn-O-Matic Corporation | Beverage making appliance |
-
1990
- 1990-03-21 US US07/496,887 patent/US5025714A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1991
- 1991-02-15 CA CA002036438A patent/CA2036438A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5025714A (en) | 1991-06-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |