US20140287105A1 - Beverage filter systems - Google Patents
Beverage filter systems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140287105A1 US20140287105A1 US14/221,064 US201414221064A US2014287105A1 US 20140287105 A1 US20140287105 A1 US 20140287105A1 US 201414221064 A US201414221064 A US 201414221064A US 2014287105 A1 US2014287105 A1 US 2014287105A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cartridge
- filter
- filter member
- cup
- lid
- 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
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
- B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/46—Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
- B65D65/466—Bio- or photodegradable packaging materials
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
- B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
- B65D85/8061—Filters
Definitions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 3B is an exploded isometric view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the beverage filter cartridge of FIG. 3B according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- 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.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- 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.
- FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- 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.
- FIGS. 12A-12D are cross-sectional views of an assembly process of a beverage filter cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a brewing device and a beverage filter cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.).
- cup 12 e.g., a container, etc.
- first filter member 14 e.g., a second filter member 44
- lid 16 e.g., a cover, top, film, foil, etc.
- 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.
- 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 .
- Lid 16 is a generally flat, planar member that is configured to seal, or adhere, to the upper portion of cup 12 .
- 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.
- lid 16 may be made wholly or partly from paper-based products.
- a polymer material is integrated with paper-based materials to facilitate melting/bonding (e.g., welding, etc.) of lid 16 to cup 12 .
- lid 16 has an outer shape that generally conforms to or follows the shape of the upper portion of cup 12 .
- one or more portions of lid 16 may overhang cup 12 , e.g., to provide a pull tab, label, or other feature.
- lid 16 and/or cup 12 may include alignment features such as indents, detents, tabs, etc. configured to align cartridge 10 within device 20 .
- 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 .
- cup 12 may be formed with a variety of molding operations such as injection molding, vacuum-form molding, blow molding, etc.
- 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 .
- annular lower chamber 42 e.g., cavity, space, compartment, void, etc.
- 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 .
- 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.).
- 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 .
- 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 .
- Lower chamber 42 and upper chamber 46 may be sized to maximize the volume available for substance 18 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 ).
- 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.
- 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.
- substance 58 e.g., coffee grounds, etc.
- Filter member 54 retains substance 58 above lower chamber 60 and is contoured to provide a space for bottom piercing member 24 .
- 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 .
- filter member 54 is formed from a structural filter material.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- insert 62 rests upon and may be coupled to bottom 64 of cup 52 and/or an annular ledge 65 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- An upper filter media 55 may also be provided (e.g., bonded to the sidewall of cup 52 ) to contain substance 58 .
- 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).
- a substance 78 e.g., coffee grounds, etc.
- Filler bag 74 may be a closed bag (e.g., without an open top as shown in some alternative embodiments).
- 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 .
- 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 .
- a substance 98 e.g., coffee grounds, etc.
- 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.
- 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 .
- cartridge 90 may be provided without a separate lid such as lid 96 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- a substance 118 e.g., coffee grounds, etc.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- the heated liquid causes the heat sensitive adhesive to release.
- sealing element 126 may be formed of a material that reacts to moisture and/or heat.
- sealing element 126 may be formed of a polymer that shrinks or retracts from filter portion 120 in the presence of a heated liquid.
- 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.
- 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 .
- a substance 138 e.g., coffee grounds, etc.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- stand-off 141 may be a generally cylindrical wall that nests within cylindrical wall 142 .
- stand-off 141 may comprise one or more separate members such as legs and the like.
- 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 .
- substance 158 e.g., coffee grounds, etc.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- lid 197 may be made wholly or partly from paper-based products.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- filter bag 204 may include sidewalls that are partially or wholly fluted in a manner similar to cup 202 .
- 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.
- Assembly 220 is configured to be placed in an insert 230 , which is received by a brewing device 250 .
- 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 .
- lid 224 is a paper-based component (e.g., cardboard, etc.) made primarily or completely from paper or paper-based products.
- 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.
- portions of filter 222 may be folded over one-another, or pleated, where filter 222 is attached to lid 224 .
- ring 226 is bonded to filter 222 and/or lid 224 and is made of a polymer material.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- a user may first position insert 230 within brewing device 250 .
- 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 .
- a liquid e.g., hot water
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Description
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 3B is an exploded isometric view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the beverage filter cartridge ofFIG. 3B according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the beverage filter cartridge ofFIG. 7A with the lower seal partially released according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the beverage filter cartridge ofFIG. 10A with the filter member displaced by a bottom piercing member according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the beverage filter cartridge ofFIG. 11A with the filter member deformed by a bottom piercing member according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIGS. 12A-12D are cross-sectional views of an assembly process of a beverage filter cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of a beverage filter cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a brewing device and a beverage filter cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment. - 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.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , a beverage filter cartridge is shown ascartridge 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 (seeFIG. 15 ) such that, as further discussed herein, atop piercing member 22 of the brewing device pierces the top ofcartridge 10 and provides a fluid (e.g., hot, pressurized water or other liquid, etc.), and abottom piercing member 24 of the brewing device pierces the bottom ofcartridge 10 and is configured to receive the brewed liquid (e.g., a coffee beverage) after passing through the interior ofcartridge 10. Cartridge 10 may be usable with a variety of brewing machines, and is generally a disposable cartridge configured for one-time usage. - According to an exemplary embodiment,
cartridge 10 includes a cup 12 (e.g., a container, etc.), afirst filter member 14, asecond filter member 44, and a lid 16 (e.g., a cover, top, film, foil, etc.). Generally,filter members substance 18 that is sealed withincup 12 by way oflid 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 andlid 16 are sealed together such that they provide a sealed interior that maintains the freshness ofsubstance 18 withinfilter members -
Lid 16 is a generally flat, planar member that is configured to seal, or adhere, to the upper portion ofcup 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.) oflid 16 tocup 12. - In some embodiments,
lid 16 has an outer shape that generally conforms to or follows the shape of the upper portion ofcup 12. Alternatively, one or more portions oflid 16 mayoverhang cup 12, e.g., to provide a pull tab, label, or other feature. Furthermore,lid 16 and/orcup 12 may include alignment features such as indents, detents, tabs, etc. configured to aligncartridge 10 withindevice 20. -
Cup 12 includes a top 30 and a bottom 32 with anannular sidewall 34 extending between top 30 and bottom 32.Top 30 may include a lip orflange portion 35 suitable for providing a surface to whichlid 16 may be sealed, bonded, etc.Top 30 may be designed to facilitate insertion/removal ofcartridge 10 to/from an appropriate brewing device (e.g., by providing a graspable portion, by providing alignment features, etc.).Bottom 32,sidewall 34, andlid 16 define an interior that receivesfilter members cup 12 may be formed with a variety of molding operations such as injection molding, vacuum-form molding, blow molding, etc. -
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 ofcup 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 tolid 16.First filter member 14 forms alower projection 40 defining an annular lower chamber 42 (e.g., cavity, space, compartment, void, etc.) betweenfirst filter member 14, bottom 32, andsidewall 34.Lower chamber 42 permits hot water delivered by top piercingmember 22 to exit fromfilter member 14 and further preventsbottom piercing member 24 from piercingfilter member 14, which could result in unwanted portions of substance 18 (e.g., coffee grounds) becoming mixed with the brewed beverage. The outer diameter offilter members sidewall 34, creating a side chamber orgap 48 betweenfilter members sidewall 34.Lower projection 40 further provides additional volume for holdingsubstance 18.First filter member 14 may or may not be attached and/or touchingbottom 32. -
Second filter member 44 has a generally cylindrical shape to nest infirst filter member 14. The outer diameter ofsecond filter member 44 may be less than the outer diameter of first filter member 14 (seeFIG. 1 ), or approximately equal to the outer diameter of first filter member 14 (seeFIG. 2 ).Substance 18 is collected in the space betweenfirst filter member 14 andsecond 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 piercingmember 22 and has a depth that is sufficient to prevent upper piercingmember 22 from piercingsecond filter member 44. Because top piercingmember 22 does not piercesecond filter member 44 and enter the interior to contactsubstance 18, contamination ofsubstance 18 and soiling of top piercingmember 22 is prevented. Liquid delivered by first piercingelement 22 is received in upper chamber 26, where it may collect and pass throughsecond filter member 44. Introducing the liquid viaupper chamber 46 may more evenly distribute the liquid throughsubstance 18. -
Lower chamber 42 andupper chamber 46 may be sized to maximize the volume available forsubstance 18. In some embodiments,lower chamber 42 andupper chamber 46 together comprise approximately 20 percent of the interior volume ofcup 12, whilesubstance 18 takes up the remaining 80 percent of the interior volume ofcup 12. In other embodiments, the relative volumes ofsubstance 18 andchambers - In various exemplary embodiments, the upper periphery of
second filter member 44 and/orfirst 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 tofirst filter member 14. As can be seen inFIGS. 1-2 , the diameter ofsecond filter member 44 and, therefore, the diameter ofupper 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 ). - It should be noted that
cartridge 10 as shown in various embodiments herein, includingFIGS. 1-2 , provides three separate chambers within the cartridge. Theupper chamber 46 receives fluid from top piercingmember 22 and is defined bylid 16 andsecond filter member 44. The middle chamber holdssubstance 18 and is defined bylid 16 andfilter members first filter member 14,cup 12 andlid 16. Other shapes, sizes, and/or configurations from the separate chambers may be used according to various alternative embodiments. - Referring now to
FIG. 3A , acartridge 50 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar tocartridge 10,cartridge 50 includes acup 52 and alid 56.Cup 52 holds a substance 58 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) that is sealed withincup 52 by way oflid 56. Alower chamber 60 is formed by afilter member 54.Cup 52 may be only partially filled, creating a space or chamber above the surface ofsubstance 58 into whichtop piercing member 22 may be received. -
Filter member 54 retainssubstance 58 abovelower chamber 60 and is contoured to provide a space forbottom piercing member 24. In some embodiments,lower chamber 60 formed byfilter member 54 and the bottom ofcup 52 can accommodatebottom piercing member 24 regardless of the rotational orientation ofcartridge 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 throughfilter 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 throughfilter member 54.Filter member 54 may be coupled to the sidewall ofcup 52 or the bottom ofcup 52, such as via a welding operation, a heat staking operation, a pinching or crimping operation, etc. The peripheral rim offilter member 54 may be received within an annular groove or channel inbottom 64 ofcup 62. Anupper filter media 55 may also be provided (e.g., bonded to the sidewall of cup 52) to containsubstance 58. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3B-3C , in another exemplary embodiment, afilter member 54 may be supported by arigid insert 62.Insert 62 helps to maintain the shape offilter member 54 and preventsfilter member 54 from collapsing intolower chamber 60.Insert 62 includesopenings 63 to allow for the flow of a fluid throughfilter member 54 and insert 62 intolower chamber 60. According to an exemplary embodiment, insert 62 rests upon and may be coupled tobottom 64 ofcup 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 theinsert 62 is not needed or used. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , in another exemplary embodiment, bottom 64 ofcup 52 may be contoured in a manner similar to filtermember 54 shown inFIG. 3A . A flat, planar member such ascover 66 may then be coupled to bottom 64, forming alower 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 tocup 52 and pierced bybottom piercing member 24. Similar to filtermember 54, bottom 64 and cover 66 form alower chamber 60 that can accommodatebottom piercing member 24 regardless of the rotational orientation ofcartridge 50 in a brewing device.Bottom 64 permits fluid to flow therethrough such that the brewed beverage may flow intolower chamber 60.Bottom 64 may comprise a filter material, apertures, or other features permitting fluid to flow therethrough. Atop cover 56 is coupled to the open top ofcup 52. Notably, the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3A-4 , similar to other embodiments shown herein, do not require a separate filter bag. Anupper filter media 55 may also be provided (e.g., bonded to the sidewall of cup 52) to containsubstance 58. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , acartridge 70 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar tocartridge 10,cartridge 70 includes acup 72, and alid 76. Generally, afilter bag 74 holds a substance 78 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) and is sealed withincup 72 by way oflid 76.Filler bag 74 may be a closed bag (e.g., without an open top as shown in some alternative embodiments). -
Cup 72 includes atop portion 80 and abottom portion 82. Alip 84 around the circumference offilter bag 74 is coupled betweenedge 81 oftop portion 80 and edge 83 ofbottom portion 82 to suspendfilter bag 74 incup 72.Edge 81,edge 83, andlip 84 may be coupled together by heatstaking, welding, crimping, mechanical fasteners, or another suitable coupling mechanism.Filter bag 74 is coupled tocup 72 in such a way that anupper chamber 86 is formed abovelip 84 and alower chamber 88 is formed belowlip 84.Cup 72 andfilter bag 74 may configured such that a top piercing member can be received inupper chamber 86 and a bottom piercing member can be received inlower chamber 88 without piercingfilter bag 74. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , acartridge 90 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar tocartridge 10,cartridge 90 includes acup 92 and alid 96, but unlikecartridge 10, does not include a filter bag. Instead, a substance 98 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) is deposited withincup 92 and retained incup 92 by way oflid 96. -
Cup 92 comprises a single chamber with an integrally formedfilter portion 100 that extends below an annular ledge orrim 102. A fluid flowing from top piercingmember 22 is allowed to drain fromcup 92 throughopenings 104 infilter portion 100.Openings 104 are sized and spaced to allow a sufficient flow rate of the fluid out ofcup 92 but to retain granules ofsubstance 98 withincup 92.Openings 104 infilter portion 100 are sealed with a tear-off sealing element 106 (e.g., tab, strip, seal, etc.) affixed to filterportion 100. The filter portion may be formed from plastic and/or a paper-based media. - Tear-
off sealing element 106 is configured to be removed prior to use. After tear-offsealing 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 aroundfilter portion 100, belowannular ledge 102, without piercingcup 92. - According to another exemplary embodiment,
cartridge 90 may be provided without a separate lid such aslid 96. Instead,cup 92 may be molded withoutfilter portion 100 and the bottom ofcup 92, and provided with an integrally formed cover, such as by blow-molding.Cup 92 may then be filled withsubstance 98 through a lower opening and a separate bottom andfilter portion 100 coupled tocup 92. - Referring now to
FIGS. 7A and 7B , acartridge 110 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar tocartridge 90,cartridge 110 includes acup 112 and alid 116, and does not include a filter bag. Instead, a substance 118 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) is deposited withincup 112 and retained incup 112 by way oflid 116. -
Cup 112 comprises a single chamber with an integrally formedfilter portion 120. A fluid flowing from top piercingmember 22 is allowed to drain fromcup 112 throughopenings 124 infilter portion 120.Openings 124 are sized and spaced to allow a sufficient flow rate of the fluid out ofcup 112 but to retain granules ofsubstance 118 withincup 112. - 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 forfilter portion 120. Acylindrical wall 122 extends downward fromfilter portion 120. A sealing element 126 (e.g., sealing paper, tab, patch, seal, etc.) is disposed withincylindrical wall 122 and affixed to the outer (lower) surface offilter portion 120 to sealopenings 124 infilter portion 120. According to an exemplary embodiment, sealingelement 126 is formed of a polymer material. A portion of sealingelement 126 is positively attached permanently coupled to filterportion 120, such as with an ultrasonic weld, a heat stake connection, or a mechanical fastener. - According to one exemplary embodiment, the remainder of sealing
element 126 is coupled to filterportion 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 piercingmember 22 flows throughsubstance 118. Upon reachingfilter portion 120, the heated liquid causes the heat sensitive adhesive to release. As a portion of sealingelement 126 falls away from filter portion 120 (e.g., by the weight and flow (pressure) of the water), some ofopenings 124 are uncovered, allowing the heated liquid to exit cup 112 (FIG. 7B ). - According to another exemplary embodiment, sealing
element 126 may be formed of a material that reacts to moisture and/or heat. For example, sealingelement 126 may be formed of a polymer that shrinks or retracts fromfilter portion 120 in the presence of a heated liquid. - In one embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 7A , sealingelement 126 may be permanently coupled to filterportion 120 in a middle portion. In other exemplary embodiments, sealingelement 126 may be permanently coupled to filterportion 120 along one side or along a portion of the periphery. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , acartridge 130 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar tocartridge 110,cartridge 130 includes acup 132 with an integrally formedfilter portion 140 and alid 136, and does not include a filter bag. Instead, a substance 138 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) is deposited withincup 132 and retained incup 132 by way oflid 136. -
Cup 132 comprises an integrally formedfilter portion 140. A liquid flowing from top piercingmember 22 is allowed to drain fromcup 132 throughopenings 144 infilter portion 140.Openings 144 are sized and spaced to allow a sufficient flow rate of the liquid out ofcup 132 but to retain granules ofsubstance 138 withincup 132. Acylindrical wall 142 extends downward fromfilter portion 140. A sealing element 146 (e.g., foil seal, tab, patch, seal, etc.) is affixed to theouter rim 143 ofcylindrical 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 bybottom piercing member 24. - A
lower chamber 148 is defined byfilter portion 140,cylindrical wall 142, and sealingelement 146.Cylindrical wall 142 has a sufficient height to allowbottom piercing member 24 to pierce sealingelement 146 and be received inlower chamber 148 without piercingfilter portion 140. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 , in another exemplaryembodiment sealing element 146 may be integrally formed withcup 132 as a bottom wall andfilter portion 140 may be provided as a separate insert. The separately formedfilter portion 140 may be supported by an inwardly extendingledge 145 and/or one or more downwardly extending stand-offmembers 141. As shown inFIG. 9 , stand-off 141 may be a generally cylindrical wall that nests withincylindrical wall 142. In other embodiments, stand-off 141 may comprise one or more separate members such as legs and the like. - Referring now to
FIGS. 10A-10B , acartridge 150 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar tocartridge 10,cartridge 150 includes acup 152 and alid 156.Cup 152 holds a substance 158 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) that is sealed withincup 152 by way oflid 156. -
Cartridge 150 further includes afilter sleeve 162. Afirst end 161 offilter sleeve 162 is coupled to cup 152 (e.g., to the bottom of cup 152), while asecond end 163 offilter 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 ofcup 152 with agap 165 around the periphery andfilter 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 bybottom piercing member 24.Disk 164 may be sealed to the bottom ofcup 152 with a releasable adhesive or may simply rest on the bottom ofcup 152 and be held in place by the weight ofsubstance 158. - When
cartridge 150 is placed into a brewing device,bottom piercing member 24 piercescup 152 andforces disk 164 upward to enlarge a lower chamber 166 (FIG. 10B ). Liquid from top piercingmember 22 may pass throughsubstance 158 and intolower chamber 166 throughfilter sleeve 162 ingap 165 arounddisk 164. The variable volume oflower chamber 166 allows for a greater potential volume ofsubstance 158 incup 152. -
Cup 152 may be only partially filled, creating an upper space orchamber 168 above the surface ofsubstance 158.Upper chamber 168 may be further defined by aninsert 169 formed of filter paper or another permeable material or structure. Top piercingmember 22 pierceslid 156 and is received inupper chamber 168.Upper chamber 168 may facilitate the even distribution of fluid throughsubstance 158.Insert 169 is configured to be at least somewhat flexible to allow for the displacement of granules ofsubstance 158 asbottom piercing member 24 displacesdisk 164. - Referring now to
FIGS. 11A-11B , acartridge 170 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar tocartridge 50,cartridge 170 includes acup 172, afilter 174, and alid 176.Cup 172 holds a substance 178 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) that is sealed withincup 172 by way oflid 176.Filter 174 is shown as a planar member that is coupled tocup 172 about the outer periphery, while in alternative embodiments other shapes and sizes may be used forfilter 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 bybottom piercing member 24. Alower chamber 186 is formed betweenfilter 174 and the bottom of cup 172 (FIG. 11A ).Filter 174 prevents granules ofsubstance 178 from migrating intolower chamber 186 but allows a brewed beverage to pass through intolower chamber 186.Cup 172 may be only partially filled, creating an upper space orchamber 188 above the surface ofsubstance 178 to receive a top piercing member. Anupper filter media 55 may also be provided (e.g. bonded to the sidewall of the cup) to containsubstance 178. - When
cartridge 170 is placed into a brewing device,bottom piercing member 24 piercescup 172 and deforms a portion offilter 174 upward (FIG. 11B ). Top piercingmember 22 pierceslid 176 and is received inupper chamber 188.Upper chamber 188 may facilitate the even distribution of fluid throughsubstance 178.Upper chamber 188 allow for the displacement of granules ofsubstance 178 asbottom piercing member 24 displacesfilter 174. Fluid from top piercingmember 22 may pass throughsubstance 178 and intolower chamber 186 throughfilter 174. The variable volume oflower chamber 186 allows for a greater potential volume ofsubstance 178 incup 172. - Referring now to
FIGS. 12A-12D , acartridge 190 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar tocartridge 10,cartridge 190 includes acup 192, afilter bag 194, and alid 196.Filter bag 194 holds a substance 198 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) and is sealed withincup 192 by way oflid 196. It should be noted thatcartridge 190 is shown up-side-down inFIGS. 12A-12D . - As shown in
FIG. 12A ,filter bag 194 is provided as a sleeve-like member with afirst end 193 coupled tolid 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 tolid 196 by, for example, heat staking, ultra-sonic welding, adhesive, mechanical fasteners or any other suitable coupling mechanism. - As shown in
FIG. 12B ,substance 198 is deposited into the opensecond end 195 offilter bag 194. The amount ofsubstance 198 may be determined such that the filled volume offilter bag 194 comprises approximately 80 percent of the interior volume ofcup 192, while other amounts ofsubstance 198 may be used according to various other embodiments. - As shown in
FIG. 12C , once a desired volume ofsubstance 198 is deposited infilter bag 194,second end 195 offilter bag 194 is sealed to enclosesubstance 198 infilter bag 194.Second end 195 may further be trimmed.Second end 195 may be sealed in any manner that suitably retainssubstance 198. Sealedsecond end 195 does not allow any granules or portion ofsubstance 198 to escapefilter bag 194 during shipment and use and is able to withstand exposure to a heated liquid without losing integrity. - As shown in
FIG. 12D , oncesecond end 195 is sealed and trimmed, asecond lid 197 is coupled to theopen bottom 191 ofcup 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.) oflid 197 tobottom 191 ofcup 192. - A
lower chamber 199 is formed betweenfilter bag 194 andlid 197.Filter bag 194 prevents granules ofsubstance 198 from migrating intolower chamber 199 but allows a fluid to pass through intolower chamber 199.Lower chamber 199 is large enough to receive a piercing member (not shown) without piercingfilter bag 194. - Referring now to
FIG. 13 , acartridge 200 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar tocartridge 10,cartridge 200 includes a cup 202, afilter bag 204, and alid 206.Filter bag 204 holds a substance 208 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) and is sealed within cup 202 by way oflid 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 orfilter bag 204.Flutes 210 create vertical channels between cup 202 andfilter bag 204 to facilitate the flow of fluid from top piercingmember 22 tobottom piercing member 24.Flutes 210 may be formed by a zig-zag pattern, a wavy pattern, or any other suitable pattern. - According to an exemplary embodiment,
filter bag 204 is supported abovebottom 203 of cup 202 by way of acenter standoff 212 and/orperipheral standoffs 214. An annularlower chamber 216 is thereby defined betweenfilter bag 204 andbottom 203 of cup 202. In this way,filter bag 204 does not need to be coupled (e.g., sealed, etc.) to cup 202 orlid 206 in order to provide the appropriate space between the bottom offilter bag 204 andbottom 203 of cup 202 to formlower chamber 216. In some embodiments,center standoff 212 is sized to have a cross-section large enough to not act like a needle and puncturefilter bag 204, and small enough to allow a sufficient volume of brewed beverage to enterlower chamber 216 and not interfere withbottom 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. - Referring now to
FIG. 14 , acartridge assembly 220 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.Cartridge assembly 220 includes afilter 222, a cover orlid 224, and optionally a support member orring 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 byfilter 222 andlid 224.Assembly 220 is configured to be placed in aninsert 230, which is received by abrewing device 250. -
Filter 222 may be sealed (e.g., bonded, adhered, heat sealed, etc.) tolid 224 in a manner such that a flange, or lip 223 is formed around all or a portion of the perimeter of the top ofcartridge assembly 220.Ring 226 may be a generally annular, flat member configured to provide structural support and/or rigidity tocartridge assembly 220. In some embodiments,cartridge assembly 220 may be provided withoutring 226. - 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 offilter 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 fromlid 224. Most or all of the interior formed byfilter 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 offilter 222, portions offilter 222 may be folded over one-another, or pleated, wherefilter 222 is attached tolid 224. - In one embodiment,
ring 226 is bonded to filter 222 and/orlid 224 and is made of a polymer material. In some embodiments,ring 226 and/orlid 224 may be made of resilient materials that facilitate formations of seals betweenfilter cartridge 220 and both insert 230 andbrewing device 250. Thus, seals may be formed betweenring 226/lid 224 and insert 230, and betweenlid 224 andbrewing device 250, to prevent liquid from escaping fromcartridge 220 during the brewing process. In cases wherecartridge 220 is provided withoutring 226,lid 224 may provide seals with bothinsert 230 andbrewing device 250.Lid 224 and/orring 226 may further facilitate insertion and/or removal ofcartridge 220 to/frominsert 230 and/orbrewing device 250. -
Insert 230 includes atop portion 232, a bottom 234, and asidewall 236 extending betweentop 232 and bottom 234 to form aninterior brewing cavity 238.Sidewall 236 ofinsert 230 may include a plurality of ridges/grooves orchannels 237 or similar features extending along all or a portion of the height ofsidewall 236 on the interior surface thereof.Channels 237 may be U-shaped, wave-shaped, V-shaped or any other shape that facilitates fluid flow alongsidewall 236 and reduces the likelihood that the sides of thecartridge assembly 220 will “stick” tosidewall 236. -
Channels 237 may be spaced apart about the perimeter ofinsert 230 and may extend along substantially the entire height ofsidewall 236. According to an alternative embodiment,channels 237 may extend alongsidewall 236 only for the portion ofsidewall 236 that abuts or is adjacent to filter 222, such thatchannels 237 may not extend fully down tobottom 234 ofinsert 230. According to alternative embodiments, a helix-shaped channel may be used rather than or in addition tochannels 237. -
Insert 230 further includes aprojection 235 that extends downward from the central portion ofbottom 234 and defines an aperture, or drain 239. Brewed beverage exiting fromcartridge assembly 220 collects inprojection 235 and is directed out ofcavity 238 throughdrain 239.Projection 235 and/or drain 239 may be shaped, sized, and/or positioned to direct a brewedbeverage exiting insert 230 to any suitable location within brewingdevice 250. The size and/or shape ofdrain 239 may further be varied to control the rate at which a brewed beverage exits frominsert 230. -
Insert 230 is sized such that anannular chamber 252 is created betweeninsert 230 andbrewing device 250.Chamber 252 may receive a bottom piercing member and prevent the bottom piercing member from contactinginsert 230. -
Insert 230 may further include asupport 240 disposed inbrewing cavity 238.Support 240 includes aplatform 242 and a downwardly extending leg orstem 244.Platform 242 provides a surface upon which the bottom ofcartridge assembly 220 may rest.Platform 242 maintains space betweencartridge assembly 220 andbottom 234 ofinsert 230 to facilitate the flow of fluid out ofinsert 230 throughdrain 239.Stem 244 is a hollow member that engages an upwardly extendingpost 246 inprojection 235. - A biasing
member 248 is compressed between the top ofpost 246 and a ledge or rim 245 onsupport 240.Biasing member 248 biases platform in an upward direction and is compressed by the weight ofcartridge assembly 220. While biasingmember 248 is shown inFIG. 14 as a coil spring, in otherembodiments 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 withstem 244 orpost 246.Biasing member 248 allows for the position ofplatform 242 to be varied, thereby accommodating various sized cartridge assemblies (e.g.,assemblies 220 containing various volumes ofsubstance 238, etc.). Iflid 224 ofcartridge assembly 220 is sufficiently rigid to supportcartridge assembly 220, biasingmember 248 may be eliminated. - In use, a user may
first position insert 230 withinbrewing device 250. Next, a user may placecartridge 220 intocavity 238 ofinsert 230. A user may then initiate the brewing process onbrewing device 250, such that upper piercing member 22 (not shown inFIG. 14 ) pierceslid 224 ofcartridge 220 and introduces a liquid (e.g., hot water) intofilter 222. As the liquid flows throughsubstance 228 within the filter assembly,filter 222 may “swell” towardsidewall 236 ofinsert 230.Channels 237 onsidewall 236 preventfilter 222 from “sticking” tosidewall 236, thereby promoting efficient flow of fluid around the perimeter offilter 222 and ensuring an appropriate distribution of fluid among and around the granules ofsubstance 228. As the brewed beverage flows out of the bottom offilter 222, it collects withincavity 238, and travels downward into the interior ofprojection 235, where it exits frominsert 230 viadrain 239. - After the brewing cycle is complete, used
cartridge assembly 220 may be removed from brewingdevice 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. - 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Claims (23)
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)
Priority Applications (1)
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WO2013043048A8 (en) | 2014-05-01 |
WO2013043048A1 (en) | 2013-03-28 |
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