BEVERAGE FILTER SYSTEMS

Abstract

A beverage filter cartridge comprising a cup portion; a lid portion coupled to the cup portion to define an interior; and a filter member provided within the interior; wherein the cup portion, the lid portion, and/or the filter member define three separate compartments with the interior.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/NL2012/050661, filed Sep. 19, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/536,870, filed Sep. 20, 2011. Both of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of beverage filter systems and methods, and more specifically, to disposable beverage filter containers, cartridges, and similar components usable with coffee machines or similar brewing devices to produce brewed beverages such as coffee, tea, and the like.

SUMMARY

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 as cartridge 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. Cartridge 10 is configured for use with a coffee machine or similar brewing device such as brewing device 20 (see FIG. 15) such that, as further discussed herein, a top piercing member 22 of the brewing device pierces the top of cartridge 10 and provides a fluid (e.g., hot, pressurized water or other liquid, etc.), and a bottom piercing member 24 of the brewing device pierces the bottom of cartridge 10 and is configured to receive the brewed liquid (e.g., a coffee beverage) after passing through the interior of cartridge 10. Cartridge 10 may be usable with a variety of brewing machines, and is generally a disposable cartridge configured for one-time usage.

According to an exemplary embodiment, cartridge 10 includes a cup 12 (e.g., a container, etc.), a first filter member 14, a second filter member 44, and a lid 16 (e.g., a cover, top, film, foil, etc.). Generally, filter members 14, 44 hold a substance 18 that is sealed within cup 12 by way of lid 16. Substance 18 may include substances such as coffee grounds/granules, tea, cocoa, an additive (e.g., creamer, sugar, etc.) and the like, which are usable to extract flavorings into a hot liquid such as hot water to produce a brewed beverage. According to some embodiments, cup 12 and lid 16 are sealed together such that they provide a sealed interior that maintains the freshness of substance 18 within filter members 14, 44.

Lid 16 is a generally flat, planar member that is configured to seal, or adhere, to the upper portion of cup 12. In some embodiments, lid 16 may be or comprise a metal foil (e.g., aluminum, etc.), while in other embodiments, lid 16 may be or comprise a paper-based lid. For example, lid 16 may be made wholly or partly from paper-based products. In some embodiments, a polymer material is integrated with paper-based materials to facilitate melting/bonding (e.g., welding, etc.) of lid 16 to cup 12.

In some embodiments, lid 16 has an outer shape that generally conforms to or follows the shape of the upper portion of cup 12. Alternatively, one or more portions of lid 16 may overhang cup 12, e.g., to provide a pull tab, label, or other feature. Furthermore, lid 16 and/or cup 12 may include alignment features such as indents, detents, tabs, etc. configured to align cartridge 10 within device 20.

Cup 12 includes a top 30 and a bottom 32 with an annular sidewall 34 extending between top 30 and bottom 32. Top 30 may include a lip or flange portion 35 suitable for providing a surface to which lid 16 may be sealed, bonded, etc. Top 30 may be designed to facilitate insertion/removal of cartridge 10 to/from an appropriate brewing device (e.g., by providing a graspable portion, by providing alignment features, etc.). Bottom 32, sidewall 34, and lid 16 define an interior that receives filter members 14, 44. According to various exemplary embodiments, cup 12 may be formed with a variety of molding operations such as injection molding, vacuum-form molding, blow molding, etc.

First filter member 14 may be any suitable filter material used in brewing coffee and similar beverages (e.g., a paper-based filter material or the like). First filter member 14 may be provided with a generally cylindrical shape along at least a portion thereof to conform to the interior of cup 12. In some embodiments, first filter member 14 includes a basket-shaped portion that receives the coffee grounds or other substance, and a top rim or lip that is sealed to lid 16. First filter member 14 forms a lower projection 40 defining an annular lower chamber 42 (e.g., cavity, space, compartment, void, etc.) between first filter member 14, bottom 32, and sidewall 34. Lower chamber 42 permits hot water delivered by top piercing member 22 to exit from filter member 14 and further prevents bottom piercing member 24 from piercing filter member 14, which could result in unwanted portions of substance 18 (e.g., coffee grounds) becoming mixed with the brewed beverage. The outer diameter of filter members 14, 44 may be less than the diameter of sidewall 34, creating a side chamber or gap 48 between filter members 14, 44 and sidewall 34. Lower projection 40 further provides additional volume for holding substance 18. First filter member 14 may or may not be attached and/or touching bottom 32.

Second filter member 44 has a generally cylindrical shape to nest in first filter member 14. The outer diameter of second filter member 44 may be less than the outer diameter of first filter member 14 (see FIG. 1), or approximately equal to the outer diameter of first filter member 14 (see FIG. 2). Substance 18 is collected in the space between first filter member 14 and second filter member 44. Second filter member 44 defines an upper chamber 46 (e.g., cavity, space, compartment, void, etc.). In some embodiments, upper chamber 46 receives upper piercing member 22 and has a depth that is sufficient to prevent upper piercing member 22 from piercing second filter member 44. Because top piercing member 22 does not pierce second filter member 44 and enter the interior to contact substance 18, contamination of substance 18 and soiling of top piercing member 22 is prevented. Liquid delivered by first piercing element 22 is received in upper chamber 26, where it may collect and pass through second filter member 44. Introducing the liquid via upper chamber 46 may more evenly distribute the liquid through substance 18.

Lower chamber 42 and upper chamber 46 may be sized to maximize the volume available for substance 18. In some embodiments, lower chamber 42 and upper chamber 46 together comprise approximately 20 percent of the interior volume of cup 12, while substance 18 takes up the remaining 80 percent of the interior volume of cup 12. In other embodiments, the relative volumes of substance 18 and chambers 42 and 46 may be varied to suit a particular substance being brewed, a desirable strength of beverage, etc.

In various exemplary embodiments, the upper periphery of second filter member 44 and/or first filter member 14 may be coupled to lid 16 (e.g., via an adhesive, via a welding operation, etc.) In other embodiments, second filter member 44 may be coupled to first filter member 14. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-2, the diameter of second filter member 44 and, therefore, the diameter of upper chamber 46 may vary from being slightly greater than the diameter of top piercing member 22 (FIG. 1) to being slightly less than the inner diameter of cup 12 (FIG. 2).

It should be noted that cartridge 10 as shown in various embodiments herein, including FIGS. 1-2, provides three separate chambers within the cartridge. The upper chamber 46 receives fluid from top piercing member 22 and is defined by lid 16 and second filter member 44. The middle chamber holds substance 18 and is defined by lid 16 and filter members 14, 44. The lower chamber receives the brewed beverage and is defined by first filter member 14, cup 12 and lid 16. Other shapes, sizes, and/or configurations from the separate chambers may be used according to various alternative embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, a cartridge 50 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 10, cartridge 50 includes a cup 52 and a lid 56. Cup 52 holds a substance 58 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) that is sealed within cup 52 by way of lid 56. A lower chamber 60 is formed by a filter member 54. Cup 52 may be only partially filled, creating a space or chamber above the surface of substance 58 into which top piercing member 22 may be received.

Filter member 54 retains substance 58 above lower chamber 60 and is contoured to provide a space for bottom piercing member 24. In some embodiments, lower chamber 60 formed by filter member 54 and the bottom of cup 52 can accommodate bottom piercing member 24 regardless of the rotational orientation of cartridge 50 in a brewing device. Filter member 54 is formed with vertical walls to have a greater surface area relative to a planar divider, permitting a greater flow rate of a fluid through filter member 54. According to one exemplary embodiment, filter member 54 is formed from a structural filter material. According to another exemplary embodiment, filter member 54 may be another material such as a polymer or metal (e.g., a foil, screen, etc.) and include perforations, apertures, or the like to allow fluid to pass through filter member 54. Filter member 54 may be coupled to the sidewall of cup 52 or the bottom of cup 52, such as via a welding operation, a heat staking operation, a pinching or crimping operation, etc. The peripheral rim of filter member 54 may be received within an annular groove or channel in bottom 64 of cup 62. An upper filter media 55 may also be provided (e.g., bonded to the sidewall of cup 52) to contain substance 58.

Referring now to FIGS. 3B-3C, in another exemplary embodiment, a filter member 54 may be supported by a rigid insert 62. Insert 62 helps to maintain the shape of filter member 54 and prevents filter member 54 from collapsing into lower chamber 60. Insert 62 includes openings 63 to allow for the flow of a fluid through filter member 54 and insert 62 into lower chamber 60. According to an exemplary embodiment, insert 62 rests upon and may be coupled to bottom 64 of cup 52 and/or an annular ledge 65. Alternatively, the filter is self-supporting (i.e., able to support itself, the weight of the coffee substance, and water) such as a rigid paper-based material so that the insert 62 is not needed or used.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in another exemplary embodiment, bottom 64 of cup 52 may be contoured in a manner similar to filter member 54 shown in FIG. 3A. A flat, planar member such as cover 66 may then be coupled to bottom 64, forming a lower chamber 60. In some embodiments, cover 66 may be or comprise a metal foil (e.g., aluminum, etc.), a paper-based material, a polymer material, or any other material that is able to be coupled to cup 52 and pierced by bottom piercing member 24. Similar to filter member 54, bottom 64 and cover 66 form a lower chamber 60 that can accommodate bottom piercing member 24 regardless of the rotational orientation of cartridge 50 in a brewing device. Bottom 64 permits fluid to flow therethrough such that the brewed beverage may flow into lower chamber 60. Bottom 64 may comprise a filter material, apertures, or other features permitting fluid to flow therethrough. A top cover 56 is coupled to the open top of cup 52. Notably, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A-4, similar to other embodiments shown herein, do not require a separate filter bag. An upper filter media 55 may also be provided (e.g., bonded to the sidewall of cup 52) to contain substance 58.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cartridge 70 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 10, cartridge 70 includes a cup 72, and a lid 76. Generally, a filter bag 74 holds a substance 78 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) and is sealed within cup 72 by way of lid 76. Filler bag 74 may be a closed bag (e.g., without an open top as shown in some alternative embodiments).

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.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a cartridge 90 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 10, cartridge 90 includes a cup 92 and a lid 96, but unlike cartridge 10, does not include a filter bag. Instead, a substance 98 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) is deposited within cup 92 and retained in cup 92 by way of lid 96.

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.

According to another exemplary embodiment, cartridge 90 may be provided without a separate lid such as lid 96. Instead, cup 92 may be molded without filter portion 100 and the bottom of cup 92, and provided with an integrally formed cover, such as by blow-molding. Cup 92 may then be filled with substance 98 through a lower opening and a separate bottom and filter portion 100 coupled to cup 92.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a cartridge 110 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 90, cartridge 110 includes a cup 112 and a lid 116, and does not include a filter bag. Instead, a substance 118 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) is deposited within cup 112 and retained in cup 112 by way of lid 116.

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.

According to an exemplary embodiment, filter portion 120 is a shallow conical structure, while according to alternative embodiments other shapes or sizes may be used for filter portion 120. A cylindrical wall 122 extends downward from filter portion 120. A sealing element 126 (e.g., sealing paper, tab, patch, seal, etc.) is disposed within cylindrical wall 122 and affixed to the outer (lower) surface of filter portion 120 to seal openings 124 in filter portion 120. According to an exemplary embodiment, sealing element 126 is formed of a polymer material. A portion of sealing element 126 is positively attached permanently coupled to filter portion 120, such as with an ultrasonic weld, a heat stake connection, or a mechanical fastener.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the remainder of sealing element 126 is coupled to filter portion 120 with a heat sensitive adhesive or similar material that is configured to release in the presence of an elevated temperature, such as heat from a heated liquid (FIG. 7B). A heated liquid delivered by top piercing member 22 flows through substance 118. Upon reaching filter portion 120, the heated liquid causes the heat sensitive adhesive to release. As a portion of sealing element 126 falls away from filter portion 120 (e.g., by the weight and flow (pressure) of the water), some of openings 124 are uncovered, allowing the heated liquid to exit cup 112 (FIG. 7B).

According to another exemplary embodiment, sealing element 126 may be formed of a material that reacts to moisture and/or heat. For example, sealing element 126 may be formed of a polymer that shrinks or retracts from filter portion 120 in the presence of a heated liquid.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, sealing element 126 may be permanently coupled to filter portion 120 in a middle portion. In other exemplary embodiments, sealing element 126 may be permanently coupled to filter portion 120 along one side or along a portion of the periphery.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a cartridge 130 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 110, cartridge 130 includes a cup 132 with an integrally formed filter portion 140 and a lid 136, and does not include a filter bag. Instead, a substance 138 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) is deposited within cup 132 and retained in cup 132 by way of lid 136.

Cup 132 comprises an integrally formed filter portion 140. A liquid flowing from top piercing member 22 is allowed to drain from cup 132 through openings 144 in filter portion 140. Openings 144 are sized and spaced to allow a sufficient flow rate of the liquid out of cup 132 but to retain granules of substance 138 within cup 132. A cylindrical wall 142 extends downward from filter portion 140. A sealing element 146 (e.g., foil seal, tab, patch, seal, etc.) is affixed to the outer rim 143 of cylindrical wall 142. Sealing element 146 may comprise a foil material, a paper material, a polymer material, or any material or combination of materials that may be pierced by bottom piercing member 24.

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.

Referring now to FIG. 9, in another exemplary embodiment sealing element 146 may be integrally formed with cup 132 as a bottom wall and filter portion 140 may be provided as a separate insert. The separately formed filter portion 140 may be supported by an inwardly extending ledge 145 and/or one or more downwardly extending stand-off members 141. As shown in FIG. 9, stand-off 141 may be a generally cylindrical wall that nests within cylindrical wall 142. In other embodiments, stand-off 141 may comprise one or more separate members such as legs and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10B, a cartridge 150 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 10, cartridge 150 includes a cup 152 and a lid 156. Cup 152 holds a substance 158 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) that is sealed within cup 152 by way of lid 156.

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.

When cartridge 150 is placed into a brewing device, bottom piercing member 24 pierces cup 152 and forces disk 164 upward to enlarge a lower chamber 166 (FIG. 10B). Liquid from top piercing member 22 may pass through substance 158 and into lower chamber 166 through filter sleeve 162 in gap 165 around disk 164. The variable volume of lower chamber 166 allows for a greater potential volume of substance 158 in cup 152.

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.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11B, a cartridge 170 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 50, cartridge 170 includes a cup 172, a filter 174, and a lid 176. Cup 172 holds a substance 178 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) that is sealed within cup 172 by way of lid 176. Filter 174 is shown as a planar member that is coupled to cup 172 about the outer periphery, while in alternative embodiments other shapes and sizes may be used for filter 174. In one exemplary embodiment, filter 174 is coupled to an inwardly extending ledge 182 (e.g., by heat staking, welding, adhesive, etc.). Filter 174 is formed of a flexible material that will not be pierced by bottom piercing member 24. A lower chamber 186 is formed between filter 174 and the bottom of cup 172 (FIG. 11A). Filter 174 prevents granules of substance 178 from migrating into lower chamber 186 but allows a brewed beverage to pass through into lower chamber 186. Cup 172 may be only partially filled, creating an upper space or chamber 188 above the surface of substance 178 to receive a top piercing member. An upper filter media 55 may also be provided (e.g. bonded to the sidewall of the cup) to contain substance 178.

When cartridge 170 is placed into a brewing device, bottom piercing member 24 pierces cup 172 and deforms a portion of filter 174 upward (FIG. 11B). Top piercing member 22 pierces lid 176 and is received in upper chamber 188. Upper chamber 188 may facilitate the even distribution of fluid through substance 178. Upper chamber 188 allow for the displacement of granules of substance 178 as bottom piercing member 24 displaces filter 174. Fluid from top piercing member 22 may pass through substance 178 and into lower chamber 186 through filter 174. The variable volume of lower chamber 186 allows for a greater potential volume of substance 178 in cup 172.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12D, a cartridge 190 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 10, cartridge 190 includes a cup 192, a filter bag 194, and a lid 196. Filter bag 194 holds a substance 198 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) and is sealed within cup 192 by way of lid 196. It should be noted that cartridge 190 is shown up-side-down in FIGS. 12A-12D.

As shown in FIG. 12A, filter bag 194 is provided as a sleeve-like member with a first end 193 coupled to lid 196. Lid 196 may be a separate member coupled to cup 192 (e.g., a foil seal) or may be integrally formed with cup 192 (e.g., by an injection molding or blow molding operation). First end 193 may be coupled to lid 196 by, for example, heat staking, ultra-sonic welding, adhesive, mechanical fasteners or any other suitable coupling mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 12B, substance 198 is deposited into the open second end 195 of filter bag 194. The amount of substance 198 may be determined such that the filled volume of filter bag 194 comprises approximately 80 percent of the interior volume of cup 192, while other amounts of substance 198 may be used according to various other embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 12C, once a desired volume of substance 198 is deposited in filter bag 194, second end 195 of filter bag 194 is sealed to enclose substance 198 in filter bag 194. Second end 195 may further be trimmed. Second end 195 may be sealed in any manner that suitably retains substance 198. Sealed second end 195 does not allow any granules or portion of substance 198 to escape filter bag 194 during shipment and use and is able to withstand exposure to a heated liquid without losing integrity.

As shown in FIG. 12D, once second end 195 is sealed and trimmed, a second lid 197 is coupled to the open bottom 191 of cup 192. In some embodiments, lid 197 may be or comprise a metal foil (e.g., aluminum, etc.), while in other embodiments, lid 197 may be or comprise a paper-based lid. For example, lid 197 may be made wholly or partly from paper-based products. In some embodiments, a polymer material is integrated with paper-based materials to facilitate melting/bonding (e.g., welding, etc.) of lid 197 to bottom 191 of cup 192.

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.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a cartridge 200 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Similar to cartridge 10, cartridge 200 includes a cup 202, a filter bag 204, and a lid 206. Filter bag 204 holds a substance 208 (e.g., coffee grounds, etc.) and is sealed within cup 202 by way of lid 206. Filter bag 204 is cylindrically-shaped to conform to the interior of cup 202. Vertically extending flutes 210 (e.g., ridges, ribs, corrugations, etc.) may be provided on the sides of cup 202 or filter bag 204. Flutes 210 create vertical channels between cup 202 and filter bag 204 to facilitate the flow of fluid from top piercing member 22 to bottom piercing member 24. Flutes 210 may be formed by a zig-zag pattern, a wavy pattern, or any other suitable pattern.

According to an exemplary embodiment, filter bag 204 is supported above bottom 203 of cup 202 by way of a center standoff 212 and/or peripheral standoffs 214. An annular lower chamber 216 is thereby defined between filter bag 204 and bottom 203 of cup 202. In this way, filter bag 204 does not need to be coupled (e.g., sealed, etc.) to cup 202 or lid 206 in order to provide the appropriate space between the bottom of filter bag 204 and bottom 203 of cup 202 to form lower chamber 216. In some embodiments, center standoff 212 is sized to have a cross-section large enough to not act like a needle and puncture filter bag 204, and small enough to allow a sufficient volume of brewed beverage to enter lower chamber 216 and not interfere with bottom piercing member 24. In some embodiments, filter bag 204 may include sidewalls that are partially or wholly fluted in a manner similar to cup 202.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a cartridge assembly 220 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Cartridge assembly 220 includes a filter 222, a cover or lid 224, and optionally a support member or ring 226. A substance 228 (e.g., coffee grounds or granules, tea, additives, etc.) suitable for preparing a brewed beverage (e.g., coffee, etc.) is contained within an interior defined by filter 222 and lid 224. Assembly 220 is configured to be placed in an insert 230, which is received by a brewing device 250.

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.

According to one embodiment, lid 224 is a paper-based component (e.g., cardboard, etc.) made primarily or completely from paper or paper-based products. For example, lid 224 may be made of a cardboard material that provides sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of filter assembly 220 during packaging, transportation, use, etc., yet permits a suitable brewing device to penetrate the lid in order to introduce liquid (e.g., hot water, etc.) into the interior of the filter assembly. Filter 222 may be made of any suitable filter material. Filter 222 may form a basket-shaped interior extending downward from lid 224. Most or all of the interior formed by filter 222 may be filled with a suitable substance such as coffee granules or the like. In order to form the generally cylindrical sidewalls and bottom of filter 222, portions of filter 222 may be folded over one-another, or pleated, where filter 222 is attached to lid 224.

In one embodiment, ring 226 is bonded to filter 222 and/or lid 224 and is made of a polymer material. In some embodiments, ring 226 and/or lid 224 may be made of resilient materials that facilitate formations of seals between filter cartridge 220 and both insert 230 and brewing device 250. Thus, seals may be formed between ring 226/lid 224 and insert 230, and between lid 224 and brewing device 250, to prevent liquid from escaping from cartridge 220 during the brewing process. In cases where cartridge 220 is provided without ring 226, lid 224 may provide seals with both insert 230 and brewing device 250. Lid 224 and/or ring 226 may further facilitate insertion and/or removal of cartridge 220 to/from insert 230 and/or brewing device 250.

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. While biasing member 248 is shown in FIG. 14 as a coil spring, in other embodiments biasing member 248 may be another suitable device such as an elastomeric spring or a cantilever spring. Biasing member 248 may be a separate body or may be integrally formed with stem 244 or post 246. Biasing member 248 allows for the position of platform 242 to be varied, thereby accommodating various sized cartridge assemblies (e.g., assemblies 220 containing various volumes of substance 238, etc.). If lid 224 of cartridge assembly 220 is sufficiently rigid to support cartridge assembly 220, biasing member 248 may be eliminated.

In use, a user may first position insert 230 within brewing device 250. Next, a user may place cartridge 220 into cavity 238 of insert 230. A user may then initiate the brewing process on brewing device 250, such that upper piercing member 22 (not shown in FIG. 14) pierces lid 224 of cartridge 220 and introduces a liquid (e.g., hot water) into filter 222. As the liquid flows through substance 228 within the filter assembly, filter 222 may “swell” toward sidewall 236 of insert 230. Channels 237 on sidewall 236 prevent filter 222 from “sticking” to sidewall 236, thereby promoting efficient flow of fluid around the perimeter of filter 222 and ensuring an appropriate distribution of fluid among and around the granules of substance 228. As the brewed beverage flows out of the bottom of filter 222, it collects within cavity 238, and travels downward into the interior of projection 235, where it exits from insert 230 via drain 239.

After the brewing cycle is complete, used cartridge assembly 220 may be removed from brewing device 250 and be discarded, and insert 230 may be washed and reused with additional cartridge assemblies. In some embodiments, cartridge assembly 220 may have a compressed, or crushed, appearance after use, providing a visual indication to users that the filter assembly has been used and may be discarded.

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

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)