Abstract: The present invention provides a novel tea brewing funnel for prolonging the steep time of a brewed beverage. The funnel has a sump in its bottom surface having a drain aperture therein. A delay mechanism is provided in the funnel and formed of a housing having top and bottom openings and an orifice near the bottom opening. A cap is fitted over the top opening and a filter assembly is fitted into the orifice. The filter assembly allows brewed beverage into the housing while excluding any brewing substance. The bottom of the housing is inserted into the drain aperture so that the filter assembly rests in the sump and the housing sits within the funnel. A tube assembly is positioned within the housing through the drain aperture and connects to the housing, connecting the delay mechanism to the funnel. When in use, brewed beverage is formed in the funnel. Brewed beverage flows through the filter assembly and rises in the housing at the same rate as does brewed beverage within the funnel.

Abstract: A beverage brewing filter structure used to retain a brewing filter and a quantity of beverage brewing substance. The brewing filter structure is designed to create a consistent bed depth and a plurality of wicking points in order to give a more even extraction of the beverage brewing substance and a better taste profile over other standard filter structures. The brewing filter structure is generally an integral filter and includes a base and a wall, which extends from the base to a top rim and defines a generally annular mouth and lip of the funnel.

Abstract: A method of brewing a beverage substance within a beverage brewing filter structure. The beverage brewing filter structure is designed to create a consistent bed depth and a plurality of wicking points in order to give a more even extraction of the beverage brewing substance and a better taste profile over other standard filter structures. A charge of brewing substance is placed within a brewing filter, which is then placed either directly in an integral beverage brewing filter structure or in a nestable frame, which is placed within the beverage brewing filter structure.

Abstract: A beverage brewing substance holder for holding a beverage brewing substance, such as coffee, provided in a pouch or in a loose filter for use in brewing beverage can be attached to a beverage brewer. The holder includes an open-ended, cup-shaped body having a drain hole provided therethrough. A supporting structure is mounted within the body and the pouch or loose filter sits thereupon such that a gap is formed between the pouch or the loose filter and the drain hole. This prevents the formation of a vacuum between the pouch or loose filter and the body. A handle can be attached to one of two positions on the body. First and second pairs of opposed, elongated, horizontal flanges are formed on the body and slide along respective rails on the brewer to accommodate two different brewers.

Abstract: A beverage brewing filter structure used to retain a brewing filter and a beverage brewing substance. The structure is designed to create a consistent bed depth and a plurality of wicking points in order to give a more even extraction of the beverage brewing substance and a better taste profile over other standard filter structures. The structure is generally a frame including a base, and a wall extending from the base to a top rim, thus defining a generally annular mouth. The frame defines open spaces therein. The wall is made up of a plurality of ribs, each of which has a first angled portion that extends from the base and a second angled portion that extends from the first angled portion to the top rim. The first angled portion of the ribs defines a smaller angle relative to the base than the second angled portion. The ribs of the wall extend radially inwardly to define a base which is positioned in a plane and has a plurality of gaps therethrough.

Abstract: A spent beverage brewing substance disposal device for use with a beverage brewing apparatus. The disposal device is connected to the beverage brewing apparatus for receiving a slurry of spent beverage brewing substance and liquid. The disposal device includes a housing having a delivery port communicating with a drain conduit of the beverage brewing apparatus for receiving the slurry therethrough. A foraminous structure is retained in the housing and positioned for receiving the slurry. The foraminous structure allows a liquid portion to drain therethrough while retaining the solid or particulate matter of the slurry. A pressurizing apparatus is coupled to the housing of the disposal device so as to pressurize the interior chamber defined by the housing to expedite the separation of the liquid portion from the solid portion. Liquid which is drained from the slurry passes through the foraminous structure and into a drain.