WO2019053623A1

WO2019053623A1 - A valve for brewing slow drip coffee or tea

Info

Publication number: WO2019053623A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/057002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Harris; James White
Original assignee: Two at Six Limited
Priority date: 2017-09-13
Filing date: 2018-09-13
Publication date: 2019-03-21
Also published as: GB2568572A; GB2568572B; GB201814894D0; GB201714725D0

Abstract

The invention provides a valve for brewing slow drip coffee or tea. The valve comprises an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being for fitting to the opening of a water vessel such as a bottle and the outlet being for arranging above the opening of a brew chamber in use. The valve further comprises a narrow aperture for water to drip through.

Description

A Valve for Brewing Slow Drip Coffee or Tea

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a valve for infusing or brewing beverages, such as slow drip coffee or tea. More particularly the invention relates to a valve for brewing slow drip coffee or tea which valve fits in or to a vessel holding a liquid, such as water.

Background to the Invention

Cold brewed coffee and tea is typically produced by steeping coffee grounds or tea leaves in unheated or cold water for an extended period of time, the grounds or tea leaves are then removed or filtered from the water to leave behind cold brewed coffee or tea.

Slow drip coffee and tea are variants of cold brewed coffee and tea which are produced by a 'Kyoto' or 'Dutch' method. In this method unheated water is released drop by drop into a vessel containing coffee grounds or tea leaves over a period of hours; the drops of water drip over and through the coffee grounds or tea leaves to a destination where they are collected.

Slow drip coffee and tea are typically produced using specialised equipment comprising: an unheated water source vessel, a valve for regulating the dripping of the water from the source vessel, a brewing chamber for containing coffee grounds or tea leaves and a vessel for collecting the drops of water after they have passed through the brewing chamber. Such systems are often large and expensive.

The present invention provides a valve which may be used with other commonly available objects to construct a system for brewing slow drip coffee or tea.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a valve for brewing slow drip coffee or tea, the valve comprising: an inlet for fitting to the opening of a water vessel; an outlet for arranging above an upper opening of a brew chamber in use; and a narrow aperture for water to drip through.

In use the inlet of the valve may be fitted to opening of a water vessel (such as a conventional plastic water bottle) and the valve may be arranged with its outlet l above the upper opening of a brew chamber such that water from the water vessel passes through the valve and the narrow aperture thereof and drips into the brew chamber. The brew chamber may be filled with coffee grounds or tea leaves and arranged to output into a receptacle (such as a cup) in which cold brewed slow drip coffee or tea will accumulate.

The inlet of the valve is preferably arranged above the outlet in use; such an arrangement may advantageously ensure that water passes through the valve under gravity. The inlet may be located in an uppermost surface or end of the valve and/or the outlet may be located in a lowermost surface or end of the valve. The inlet may releasably connect to the opening of a water vessel to which it fitted, this may allow a water vessel to be supported by or upon the valve when the valve is fitted to it.

The inlet is preferably arranged to form a watertight seal with the, or each, opening of water vessels to which it is fitted. This may allow water to flow from the water vessel into the valve without a risk of a leak occurring.

The inlet is preferably substantially circular and is for or is dimensioned to receive the neck and/or collar of a vessel such as a conventional water bottle.

In preferred embodiments the inlet is threaded. For example the inlet may comprise a female threaded portion. This allows the inlet to fit onto the threaded (typically male) collars of conventional water bottles and other water vessels. The thread of the inlet may correspond to that of standard commonly available bottles, for example the thread may correspond to standard PCO1810 or standard PC01881 or any other suitable standard standardised by the International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT). The inlet is preferably located at the centre of an upper surface of the valve or is otherwise located substantially above the centre of mass of the valve in use. This may advantageously allow vessels which are symmetrical about their openings to be supported by the valve without tipping over.

A brew chamber is a container for coffee grounds or tea leaves within which water is typically steeped to produce tea or coffee. When producing slow drip tea or coffee water is instead dripped through the brew chamber such that it passes over the coffee grounds or tea leaves drop by drop. Brew chambers are typically cylindrical vessels, are typically formed from glass or plastic and typically comprise an open top for the introduction of coffee grounds tea leaves and water. Many brew chambers comprise an entirely open top for the insertion of a plunger (such as that of a cafetiere). Some brew chambers (of the type more preferably used with the valve according to the present invention) comprise a lower opening which is typically covered by a filter, such an opening may occupy the entire base of the cavity of the brew chamber. An example of a brew chamber suitable for use with the present invention is the brew chamber of an AeroPress (RTM) Coffee Maker (an example of which is illustrated in Figure 1 ).

In use the valve is preferably supported on or fitted to a brew chamber (such as that of an AeroPress (RTM) coffee maker) such that that the outlet of the valve is located above an upper opening of the brew chamber. In such an arrangement water is able to drip through the valve into the brew chamber. In some embodiments, the valve comprises a lip, flange, shelf and/or shoulder surrounding or extending from outlet, the lip, flange shelf and/or shoulder being for supporting the valve upon a rim, lip or upper surface surrounding the upper opening of the brew chamber.

In preferred embodiments the valve has a groove formed thereon which is adapted to fit onto a rim or lip surrounding the opening of the brew chamber. The groove may be for fitting onto all or part of such a rim or lip, for example, the groove may surround the outlet such that it may fit onto the full circumference of such a rim or lip in use. In some embodiments the groove may be annular.

For example, in some embodiments the valve comprises a circular surface in its lower surface or end which surrounds and may be concentric with the outlet. The groove is preferably dimensioned to receive the circular rim or lip of a brew chamber of specific dimensions (for example, the groove may be dimensioned to receive the upper rim or lip surrounding the opening of an AeroPress (RTM) coffee maker's brew chamber). In some embodiments the valve may comprise a plurality of differently sized and/or shaped such grooves for fitting onto different brew chambers. Such multiple grooves may be concentric. The groove preferably fits securely and/or snuggly onto the rim or lip of the brew chamber in use; the groove may produce a friction or interference fit between itself and the rim or lip. The groove may advantageously allow the valve to be securely supported upon a brew chamber in use and may allow the valve to act as a lid to the brew chamber in use.

In other embodiments the valve may comprise some other means for fitting to a brew chamber or a rim or lip thereof.

In some embodiments the narrow aperture for water to drip through is located intermediate the inlet and the outlet (for example it may be a narrow point of a passage extending from the inlet to the outlet).

In other embodiments the narrow aperture is, or is comprised by, the inlet or the outlet. For example, in embodiments wherein the narrow aperture is, or is comprised by, the inlet, the inlet may be a narrow aperture for water to drip through which is surrounded by a fitting, connector or threaded element for fitting to a water vessel. In preferred embodiments the narrow aperture is adjustable to constrict (close) and/or dilate (open) by a user. This allows a user to adjust the rate at which water drips through the narrow aperture. In some embodiments, the aperture may be constricted and/or dilated by a user by displacing a pin into and/or out of the narrow aperture, such an aperture may be tapered. This may be achieved by displacing two parts of the valve (one comprising the narrow aperture and the other comprising the pin) towards or away from each other, for example be screwing a pair or threaded parts together or apart. In such embodiments, one such part may be the upper part and/or may comprise the inlet (which may be or comprise the narrow aperture) and the other part may be the lower part and/or may comprise the outlet (which may be or comprise the narrow aperture).

In some embodiments, the valve may comprise an internal cavity or passage intermediate the inlet and the outlet (where one of the inlet or the outlet is or comprises the narrow aperture), or may comprise a pair of internal cavities and/or passages, one intermediate the inlet and the narrow aperture and one intermediate the narrow aperture and the outlet. In some such embodiments, the valve may comprise small apertures (in addition to the inlet, outlet and narrow aperture) intermediate the interior of the passages or cavities and the exterior of the valve. These small apertures may equalise the pressure between the interior of the valve and its exterior. Some such small apertures may extend between a cavity or passageway of the valve and a portion of the exterior surface of the valve which in use fits over the opening of a brew chamber (this may equalise pressure between the interior of the valve and the brew chamber).

In some embodiments the valve may be substantially cylindrical, this may be advantageous for fitting to or being supported upon typically cylindrical brew chambers.

In some embodiments, the valve comprises a first part (which may be an upper part) and a second part (which may be a lower part), the first and second parts each comprising threaded portions for engaging with each other and for screwing the first and second parts together and apart. In such embodiments the first part preferably comprises the inlet and the second part preferably comprises the outlet. In some such embodiments one part may comprise the narrow aperture (which may for example be, or be comprised by, the inlet) and the other part may comprise a pin which is displaceable into and out of the narrow aperture as the two parts are screwed together and apart, so as to constrict or dilate the narrow aperture.

In some embodiments, the valve may comprise a filter. The filter may be water distribution filter. In some such embodiments the filter may be comprised by the inlet, the outlet, the narrow aperture, or an interior passage of the valve and may be arranged to filter water as it passes therethrough.

In other preferred embodiments the filter is not comprised by or connected to the remainder of the valve (at least in use). In use, the filter may be arranged within the brew chamber with which the valve is being used, the filter may be arranged such that it covers coffee grounds or tea leaves within the brew chamber and such that water which drips from the valve drips onto the filter.

The filter is ideally generally or substantially circular and with a radius equal to or slightly less than that of a brew chamber which the valve is dimensioned to fit (for example the filter may have a radius slightly than that of an annular groove for fitting onto the lip or rim of a brew chamber). The filter may be a sheet of perforated metal. The filter may advantageously ensure that water which drips from the valve is distributed over a greater area of the brew chamber. Such a filter may be releasably attachable to the remainder of the valve (for example, when not in use) and the remainder of the valve may comprise a corresponding recess or indent for receiving the filter, for example on its lower face over the outlet and/or inside an annular groove. In some embodiments the valve may comprise such an indent or recess but not comprise the filter itself.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for brewing slow drip coffee or tea, the system comprising: a water vessel, a valve according to the first aspect of the invention and a brew chamber. Optionally pressurising and/or heating means are provided.

In use the water vessel may be fitted to the inlet of the valve (for example, it may be screwed into the inlet of the valve) and the valve may be arranged above or supported on the brew chamber (for example by inserting an upper lip or rim of the brew chamber into a groove in the valve).

A water vessel for fitting to a valve according to the first aspect of the invention and/or comprised by a system according to the second aspect of the invention may be a bottle, a funnel, or a hopper. The water vessel may comprise a threaded opening. In some embodiments the system may comprise a bespoke water vessel such as bottle, funnel or hopper which is dimensioned for use with the valve. For example, a tapered generally conical bottle, funnel or hopper with a narrow end of equal area to the upper face of the valve in which the inlet is located and with a threaded neck arranged to screw onto or into the inlet. In use the water vessel may be filled with ice water so as to cool the drips passing through the valve. The system may further comprise a receptacle such as a cup or teapot which may be arranged beneath the brew chamber in use. The receptacle preferably being arranged such that water exiting the valve through the outlet will pass through the brew chamber into the receptacle.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the Figures.

Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view of a valve according to the first aspect of the invention, a water vessel, a drip chamber and a receptacle;

Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view of the valve of Figure 1 from above; and

Figure 3 is an exploded isometric view of the valve of Figures 1 and 2 from below. Detailed Description of the Figures

Referring to the Figures generally there is shown a valve 4, 5 according to the first aspect of the invention. The valve 4, 5 being for use with a conventional water bottle 2, an AeroPress (RTM) brew chamber 6 and a receptacle 7, which together form a system 1 according to the second aspect of the present invention (as shown in Figure 1 ).

The valve 4, 5 according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a cylindrical valve body 4 and a circular filter plate 5. The valve body 4 comprises an upper part 8 and a lower part 14 which each comprise a threaded portion 13 for connecting to the other. The upper part 8 is a generally cylindrical body with an open lower face and a female threaded interior wall 13 for screwing onto the lower part 14. A cylindrical central indent is formed in the upper face of the upper part, the indent being dimensioned to receipt the neck of a typical plastic water bottle 2, the interior wall of the indent 9 is threaded for engaging with the threaded neck of a water bottle 2 inserted therein. The threading 9 corresponds to an ISBT bottlecap threading standard such as PCO1810 or PC01881 so as to allow it to be securely screwed onto the neck of a water bottle 2.

An inlet aperture 16 is formed in the centre of the indent (and in the centre of the upper face of the upper part 8 of the valve body 4). The inlet aperture is tapered and allows water from an attached water bottle 2 to pass therethrough into the valve body 4. In use, the inlet aperture 16 is constricted by a pin 12 which is comprised by the lower part 14 of the valve body 4.

The pin 12 partially blocks the inlet aperture 16 so as to limit the rate at which water passes therethrough, in use the pin is arranged such that the inlet aperture only allows water to drip therethrough. The indent, threading 9 and the inlet aperture 16 together define an inlet for fitting to a water bottle and through which water enters the valve.

The lower part 14 of the valve body 4 is also a generally cylindrical body with an open upper end a recessed lower wall. The lower part 14 comprises a partially threaded 13 outer wall for engaging with the threaded interior wall 13 of the upper part 8. In use the upper and lower parts 14, 8 are screwed together to define the valve and a generally cylindrical watertight interior cavity thereof.

The separation between the lower and upper faces of the valve body 4 may be adjusted by partially screwing the upper and lower bodies 14, 8 together and apart. The rate at which water passes through the inlet aperture 16 (and by extension through the valve 4, 5) may be controlled by screwing the upper and lower bodies

13, 8 together and apart in this manner, thereby displacing the pin 12 into and out of the inlet aperture 16, tightening and widening the inlet aperture 16 and allowing more or less water to pass therethrough in a given length of time. A tapered outlet aperture 15 is formed through the centre of the recessed lower face of the lower part 14 (the lower wall of the valve body 4). A horizontal support extends across the upper wider end of the outlet aperture 15 for supporting the pin 12 which extends upwards therefrom. The pin extends upwards from the centre of the interior of the lower wall of the lower part 14 such that is aligned with both the inlet aperture 16 and the outlet aperture 14.

A circular indent is formed in the exterior of the recessed lower face of the lower part

14, the indent being dimensioned to receive and to hold the circular filter 5 when it is not in use. The indent is central on the lower face, such that the outlet aperture 15 is formed opens into it and any water passing therethrough must pass through the filter 5 before exiting the valve 4, 5.

An annular groove is also formed in the exterior of the recessed lower face of the lower part 14; the groove is circular and surrounds the circular indent. The groove is dimensioned to receive and fit onto the rim of the open upper end of a brew chamber 6 (in the illustrated example, an AeroPress (RTM) coffee maker brew chamber 6). This allows the valve 4, 5 to be fitted to the brew chamber 6 and to be stably supported thereon. The lower part 14 further comprises at least one small side aperture 10 through its side wall (between the interior cavity of the valve body 4 and the exterior threaded portion 13 of the lower part 14 of the valve body 4) and at least one additional aperture 1 1 through its lower face (between the interior cavity of the valve body 4 and the circular indent in the exterior of the recessed lower face of the lower part 14). These apertures 10, 1 1 equalize pressure between the interior of the valve body 4, the brewing chamber 6 and the surrounding environment

The filter 5 is in the form of a perforated plate and acts to distribute water droplets exiting the outlet aperture 15 more evenly over the coffee grounds or tea leaves contained within the brew chamber below. In use, the filter 5 is removed from the indent in the lower face of the lower part 14 of the valve body and is placed inside the brew chamber 6 on top of the coffee grounds or tea leaves therein. The filter 5 and the circular indent for receiving it both substantially fill the area inside the annular groove such that the filter is able to almost entirely fill the cross-sectional area of a cylindrical brew chamber which fits into the annular groove, thereby allowing drops to be more evenly distributed over the contents of the brew chamber 6.

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the valve 4, 5 in use with other components (which are shown in dashed lines) of a system for brewing slow drip coffee or tea. The system comprised a conventional plastic water bottle 2 with a standardised threaded neck, an AeroPress (RTM) coffee press brew chamber 6 (which is a cylindrical plastic cylinder with an open top, a filter defining the lower end face of the cylinder, and a hexagonal flange extending from the exterior of the lower end of the cylinder so as to provide a base), and a receptacle 7 in the form of a wide-necked plastic bottle (although any suitable receptacle 7 may be used, such as a cup or teapot).

The invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For ample the invention may be modified for infusing beverages, which might be alcoholic, for example with flavours or essences.

Claims

1 . A valve for brewing slow drip coffee or tea, the valve comprising:

an inlet for fitting to the opening of a water vessel;

an outlet for arranging above an upper opening of a brew chamber in use;

and a narrow aperture for water to drip through.

2. A valve according to claim 1 wherein the inlet releasably connects to the opening of a water vessel to which it is fitted.

3. A valve according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the inlet forms a watertight seal with the opening of a water vessel to which it is fitted.

4. A valve according to any preceding claim wherein the inlet is dimensioned and arranged to receive the neck of a water bottle.

5. A valve according to any preceding claim wherein the inlet is threaded.

6. A valve according to claim 5 wherein the threading of the inlet is female.

7. A valve according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the threading corresponds to a standard of the International Society of Beverage Technologists.

8. A valve according to any preceding claim comprising a lip or flange surrounding the outlet for supporting the valve upon a rim or lip surrounding the upper opening of a brew chamber.

9. A valve according to any of claims 1 to 7 comprising a groove for fitting onto a rim or lip surrounding the upper opening of a brew chamber

10. A valve according to claim 9 wherein the groove is annular.

1 1 . A valve according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the groove is arranged to receive the entirety of the rim or lip surrounding the upper opening of the brew chamber.

12. A valve according to any of claims 9 to 1 1 wherein the groove is arranged to produce an interference fit with the rim or lip surrounding the upper opening of the brew chamber.

13. A valve according to any preceding claim wherein the narrow aperture is comprised by the inlet.

14. A valve according to any preceding claim wherein the narrow aperture is constrict-able and dilate-able by a user.

15. A valve according to claim 14 wherein the narrow aperture is constrict-able and dilate-able by a user displacing a pin into and out of the narrow aperture.

16. A valve according to any preceding claim comprising an first part and a second part each of which comprise a threaded portion for engaging with the other and for screwing the first and second parts towards and away from each other.

17. A valve according to claim 16 and claim 15 wherein the first part comprises the narrow aperture and the second part comprises the pin and the pin is displaceable into and out of the aperture by the screwing the first and second parts towards and away from each other.

18. A valve according to any preceding claim comprising one or more additional apertures between the interior and exterior of the valve for equalising pressure between the interior and exterior of the valve.

19. A valve according to any preceding claim comprising a removably connectable filter for inserting into a brew chamber with which the valve is used.

20. A system for brewing slow drip coffee or tea, the system comprising a water vessel, a valve according to any of claims 1 to 19 and a brew chamber.

21 . A system according to claim 20 further comprising a receptacle for receiving water after it passes through the brew chamber from the valve.