Abstract: A timer tea maker is constructed to include an infusion cup carrying a timer, and a link mechanism provided at one side face of the infusion cup and controlled by the timer to raise a stopper from a bottom through hole of the infusion cup for enabling prepared tea to discharge out of the through hole to a tea cup below the infusion cup when the set time has expired.

Abstract: A percolating steeper comprises a carafe, a filter layer situated inside the carafe moving up and down for compressing the infused substance, a control element for controlling the movement of the filter layer, an isolating layer for inhibiting the water convection, at least one free moving non-return unit and one passive non-return unit are disposed on the isolating layer; the control element connects with the isolating layer by means of the passive non-return unit to move in different direction from that of the free moving non-return unit, wherein, the tight unit of the isolating layer and the tight point of the carafe are higher than the lowest feed water surface in the lower aspect of the isolating layer for conducting the fluid to the valve hole; through the elevation difference, when the substance and the fluid separate from each other, a visual effect of clear air isolation is generated.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for brewing a beverage. The apparatus has a brew funnel, a key and an elevation device so that only one brand of beverage can be brewed to thereby prevent harm and confusion to consumers.

Abstract: A container for making tea includes a body having a receiving space defined therein, and extending therethrough to define a first opening in a top and a second opening in a bottom. A resilient pad is attached to the top of the body for closing the first opening. A seam is centrally defined in the resilient pad for exhausting expanding hot air in the body. A cap is detachably mounted to the top of the body to hold the resilient pad in place. The cap has a through hole centrally defined therein and aligning with the seam in the resilient pad. A filter cup is inversely received in the receiving space corresponding to the second opening for containing tea leaves. A cover is detachably mounted to the bottom of the body for closing the second opening and holding the filter cup in place.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to beverage brewing devices which are useful for facilitating fluidization and flavor extraction in beverage brewing devices. In particular, the present invention includes a number of embodiments, including beverage brewing devices comprising one or more extraction chambers. The beverage brewing devices are useful for facilitating fluidizing brewing process such that all ingredients contained within the brewing device are accessed in the brewing process. Additionally, desirable properties of brewed beverages are attained without using separate and/or mechanical means. As an additional advantage, the cleaning processes typically required subsequent to preparation of beverages, and in particular the foamed beverages of the present invention, is diminished or avoided.

Abstract: An extraction bag with support includes a support member and a bag member which contains a material to be extracted or which is capable of containing a material to be extracted or which is capable of containing a material to be extraction, and is obtained by using a sheet composite on which the support member is arranged and joined along the center line of a water-permeable filtering sheet member, by folding the sheet composite into two and by passing it through a bag-making machine (and, as required, though a filling machine). The head portions of the extraction bag with support are torn apart, the right and left ends are pushed down or up toward the inside to push open the head portions. At the same time, the leg portions continuous with the head portions are folded down to place the extraction bag with support on an extraction container.

Abstract: A coffee maker structure is disclosed. The coffee maker comprises a base seat, a water container and a siphoning tube container. The ends provided on the base seat connect electricity to the heating base seat and a sensing switch to boil water. The siphoning tube container is with a powder isolation pad and contains coffee powder. The siphoning tube passes through to the water container. Steam is passed through the siphoning tube to the siphoning tube container to the coffee powder. The heating base seat generates heat and switches on the sensing switch to cut off the electric power of the base seat. The temperature of the water container is lowered and water is recycled to the water container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for brewing tea is shown which utilizes heated water from a boiler 7 of an espresso machine 10. A porta-filter 20 having a brewing chamber 40 therein is attachable to a group head 12 of the espresso machine 10 such that heated water is directed out of the espresso machine 10 and into the brewing chamber 40. A drain 38 from the brewing chamber 40 leads to an outlet tube 100 which has a lower end 110 discharging a brewed beverage V, such as tea, therefrom. An outlet valve 120 restricts outflow from the brewing chamber to a rate less than inflow of heated water from the boiler 7 so that the heated water is provided with residence time within the brewing chamber 40. This residence time facilitates infusion of the heated water with soluble flavor particles from a brewable substance such as tea leaves T before the heated water is discharged from the brewing chamber 40 in the form of a brewed beverage V.

Abstract: The invention concerns a percolator unit with mobile infusion chamber and detachable without using tools. It consists of a horizontal unit comprising three elements, a fixed part including a base, the powering component, the driving component and the injection piston (1); a movable slide bearing the coffee flow conduit and a locking front plate (9); a mobile part including an infusion chamber (2), a counter-plunger (3) and an articulated scraper (4, 18) whereof the movements are actuated by the movements of the infusion chamber generated by two tie rods (7) actuated by a screw (11) driven by a gear motor (12). The invention in designed for producing, in fully automatic conditions and without human intervention, a hot beverage such as expresso type coffee, that is delivered and dispensed to the consumer immediately after being percolated.

Abstract: A spice dispensing device for seasoning food and regulating the proper amounts of spices being used to season the food. The spice dispensing device includes a container including a pair of side members detachably attached to one another; and also includes a funnel being removably disposed in the container for filling the container with selected spices.

Abstract: A beverage ingredient filter (10) having a relatively inwardly located, filtering, inner section (12) of the beverage ingredient filter (10) made of water permeable filter paper (11) and a relatively outwardly located, water impervious and nonfiltering outer section (14) of the beverage ingredient filter continuously joined to and surrounding the inner filtering section (12) of beverage ingredient filter.

Abstract: For use in a single serve beverage brewer in which a measured charge of a dry beverage medium is infused with a metered amount of heated liquid to produce a beverage medium, a reusable beverage filter cartridge is provided for containing the beverage medium and for accommodating an inflow of the heated liquid and an outflow of the beverage medium. The cartridge comprises a cup-shaped housing having a top opening and a closed bottom with an outlet port. A filter internally subdivides the housing into a first chamber accessible via the top opening and configured and dimensioned to contain the beverage medium, and a second chamber communicating with the outlet port. A lid is removably secured to the housing in a position closing the top opening, and an inlet port in the lid serves to admit heated liquid into the first chamber for infusion with the beverage medium contained therein.

Abstract: A tea/coffee pot includes a pot body designed to be filled with a liquid, and a strainer body which is arranged therein and is pivotable by way of a handling device between a submerged position and an emerged position. The strainer body includes at least one compartment for receiving an additional substance, such as tea leaves, ground coffee. The handling device includes a pull element for pivoting the strainer body, and the pot body has a guiding device in which the pull element is displaceably guided along a predetermined path for pivoting the strainer body.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for brewing a beverage. The apparatus has a brew funnel with an elevation device that enables the end user to brew beverage, hot or cold, with a filter and loose beverage precursor and with beverage precursor packaged within a filter pack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for preserving one or more collectible items. The apparatus includes a housing and a nitrogen generator. A nitrogen generator generates a nitrogen rich gas and supplies the nitrogen gas to the housing, which displaces the oxygen inside the housing to preserve the collectible item or items enclosed by the housing. The nitrogen rich gas significantly reduces the degradation of the collectible item due to the exposure of the item to oxygen in the air. In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a temperature control system and a humidity control system to control the temperature and humidity inside the housing. This further aids in preserving a collectible item for relatively long periods of time by reducing the effects of the environment on the item.

Abstract: A blending and bubble filtering container structure includes a spoon-shaped blending and bubble filtering container, and a filtering film layer bonded on the spoon-shaped blending and bubble filtering container. The spoon-shaped blending and bubble filtering container is formed with a receiving space and an air guide channel communicated with the receiving space. The filtering film layer is formed with an air vent communicating with the air guide channel, so that the blending bubbles contained in the spoon-shaped blending and bubble filtering container may be carried through the air guide channel and the air vent, and may be drained outward through the air vent.

Abstract: A wine preserving assembly which simultaneously delivers an inert-gas to the headspace of a wine bottle while simultaneously evacuating undesirable gas contained in the headspace through the action of operatively engaging an inert gas-containing vessel to the wine preserving assembly.

Abstract: A beverage filter cartridge includes an outer container with a bottom, and front, back and side walls extending upwardly from the bottom to a peripheral rim surrounding an upper opening. The side wall is contoured to define interior ledges located above the bottom and extending between the front and back walls. A planar filter element having front, back and side edge regions is configured, dimensioned and positioned to subdivide the interior of the container into first and second chambers, with the front and back edge regions of the filter element secured respectively to the front and back walls of the container, and with side edge regions of the filter element secured to respective interior ledges of the container side walls. A beverage medium is stored in the first chamber. A cover is joined to the container rim to close the upper opening. The cover is yieldably piercable to accommodate an inflow of liquid into the first chamber for combination with the beverage medium to produce a beverage.

Abstract: A one-cup coffee brewing apparatus having a hot water container member unit and a drinking vessel unit. The hot water container member has a tubular side wall having an open top end and a closed bottom end to form a hot water chamber. The drinking vessel unit has a cup member having an inner tubular side wall which has an open top end and a bottom end closed by a water permeable member. A coffee grounds holder is removably secured to the bottom end of the tubular side wall of the cup member and it has a chamber therein for receiving coffee grounds. The bottom wall of the coffee grounds holder unit has a water permeable member.

Abstract: A brewing bag includes liquid-permeable filter material for use in a filter coffee brewing apparatus and has an essentially cylindrical or prismatic shape with a bottom part, a jacket and a cover part. The wall of jacket is reinformed near the cover part and has a collar which protrudes over the cover part. An optimal brewing effect is achieved through forming the brewing bag in this special way.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous plastic article for dispensing a soluble or dispersible dispensate into a fluid stream. An inventive article preferably comprise polyethylene or polypropylene and has defined therein a network of passages in fluid communication with pores on the exposed surface of the article, the pores preferably having a diameter of from about 20 microns to about 200 microns. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the dispensing article may be removably attached to a beverage container cap, a bottle neck or a conduit such as, for example, a sports-bottle straw, to introduce the substance into a fluid coming into contact with the article.

Abstract: An infusing container including a main body, a cover and an automatically unblocking unit. The automatically unblocking unit includes a barrel body disposed in the main body. The bottom of the barrel body is formed with a draining hole accommodated in the outlet of the main body. A movable shaft is passed through the interior of the barrel body. The bottom end of the shaft is provided with a water sealing valve positioned in a water sealing section of the barrel body for blocking the draining hole. A circumference of the water sealing section is formed with orifices. The water sealing valve is formed with notches corresponding to the orifice and communicating with the interior of the barrel body. A floating body is fitted around the shaft. An upper section of the shaft is formed with an enlarged projecting section for stopping the floating body. After a liquid flows through the orifices and the notches into the barrel body, the floating body is ascended to lift the shaft.

Abstract: A device for preparing coffee or tea or milk includes a container slidably received in a receptacle for receiving the tea leaves or the coffee beans and/or the coffee grounds to be made. A float is attached to the bottom portion of the container for floating the container and for disengaging the tea leaves or the coffee beans and/or the coffee grounds from the fluid or the beverage in the receptacle. A latch is pivotally secured to the receptacle and includes a tongue for engaging with and for positioning the container relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: A wire or other brewing basket adapted to receive a brewing filter and be received by a brewing funnel. The basket comprises a body defining a cavity for receiving the brewing filter and a shield positioned above the body and extending over a portion of the cavity for reducing spillage of brewing material from the funnel. The shield desirably is substantially flat. The basket further includes including mounting structure mounting the shield to the body. Desirably, the mounting structure is in the form of a plurality of stems mounted to a top rim of the body and the shield and extending generally upwardly from the body. The shield in accordance with a preferred embodiment has a generally arcuate configuration, and has an inner arcuate edge and desirably an outer arcuate edge. The radius of curvature of the inner arcuate edge is greater than the radius of curvature of the top rim and desirably the radius of curvature of the top rim.

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. In the brewing filter structure, the wall operates as a sidewall of the brewing funnel and is generally continuous, without open spaces. The base of the brewing filter structure is formed from a plurality of flanges, which generally extend radially inwardly toward a center portion of the base, the tips of which terminate and create wicking points proximate to a drain aperture.

Abstract: A controlling mechanism of beverage infusion container. The container includes a partitioning board transversely disposed therein to divide the interior of the container into a first division and a second division. Each division has an opening provided with a cover. The partitioning board is formed with a central draining hole communicating the first division with the second division. The blocking/unblocking of the draining hole is controlled by a controlling mechanism. The controlling mechanism includes a controlling member passed through the circumferential wall of the container. One end of the controlling member extends out of the circumferential wall and is provided with a controlling section. The other end of the controlling member is linked with a valve body positioned at the draining hole of the partitioning board. The valve body is controllable by the controlling section on outer side of the container to block or unblock the draining hole.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring ground coffee, brewing coffee and producing a foam layer on the brewed coffee that includes an elongated handle and a bowl shaped housing fixed to one axial extremity of the handle. The housing has an open top and open bottom. A cover is dimensioned and configured for sealing engagement with the open top. The cover is movable between a position that covers the open top and a second position in which the cover does not cover the open top. A porous mesh is dimensioned and configured for sealing engagement with the open bottom. A plate is dimensioned and configured for sealing engagement with the porous mesh and the plate has an aperture therein dimensioned and configured to control the pressure and velocity of coffee to thereby generate foam on the coffee brewed by the apparatus. A lower housing is dimensioned and configured for sealing engagement with the plate. The lower housing has at least one aperture for directing the flow of brewed coffee to an associated cup.

Abstract: A beverage infusion container including a partitioning board transversely disposed in the container to divide the interior of the container into a first division and a second division each having an opening. The partitioning board is formed with a central draining hole. The blocking/unblocking of the draining hole is controlled by a controlling mechanism. A mesh rack is disposed on one side of the partitioning board in the first division. A communicating tube is formed on the partitioning board adjacent to the circumferential wall of the container for communicating the first division with the second division. The mesh rack is formed with a ventilating tube corresponding to the draining hole of the partitioning board. The ventilating tube extends toward the opening of the first division. The communicating tube and the ventilating tube serve as two air flow ways for convection of the air between the first and second divisions.

Abstract: An interface for a beverage dispenser, a maker and a funnel and its method of use is provided. The dispenser has a structure therein for storing and transmitting information and a user interface coupled thereto. The funnel includes a body and a memory device therein. The maker includes structure for reading the memory device of the funnel. When the funnel is mounted on the dispenser, the structure in the dispenser and the memory device of the funnel are in communication with each other so that information input into the dispenser by a user is transmitted to the funnel. The appropriate beverage is dispensed into the funnel. Thereafter, when the funnel is mounted on the maker, the structure in the maker and the memory device of the funnel are in communication with each other and the structure in the maker reads the information stored in the memory device of the funnel so that the desired beverage can be produced.

Abstract: For use in a single serve beverage brewer in which a measured charge of a dry beverage medium is infused with a metered amount of heated liquid to produce a beverage medium, a reusable beverage filter cartridge is provided for containing the beverage medium and for accommodating an inflow of the heated liquid and an outflow of the beverage medium. The cartridge comprises a cup-shaped housing having a top opening and a closed bottom with an outlet port. A filter internally subdivides the housing into a first chamber accessible via the top opening and configured and dimensioned to contain the beverage medium, and a second chamber communicating with the outlet port. A lid is removably secured to the housing in a position closing the top opening, and an inlet port in the lid serves to admit heated liquid into the first chamber for infusion with the beverage medium contained therein.

Abstract: A brew funnel has a selector thereon which can be set to indicate a desired batch size and type of coffee. Sensors on an associated coffee grinder and on an associated coffee brewer are capable of sensing the structure to grind an appropriate amount of coffee and to brew an appropriate amount of coffee, respectively, when the brew funnel is mounted thereon.

Abstract: A disposable infuser for brewing beverages within an associated container. The infuser includes a centrally located well portion for receiving a charge of particulate flavoring material, like tea leaves. The well includes a filter portion which has a plurality of openings. The openings are formed without scrap “flash” or waste by shearing a tab or flap of material away from the filter portion of the well or piercing the filter portion of the well with a needle-shaped or knife-shaped protrusion in the mold. The resulting tabs or punctures serve to keep the particulate flavoring material out of the brewed beverage.

Abstract: The invention is a kitchen utensil that aids in the removal of grease or oil from soups, sauces, etc. Specifically, the device is a ladle with an inverted funnel that when dipped into soup or sauce, it effectively removes the fat from the top of the soup or sauce. The invention works on the notion that oil and water do not mix, and as a result, the oil will float on the top of the water. When dipped into the soup, the fat is forced through the inverted funnel until it is forced out and then falls into the ladle device.

Abstract: A holder is used with a beverage making apparatus to make a beverage, such as coffee, concentrated beverage or tea. The holder retains a quantity of substance which can be used to make a beverage which is thereafter deposited into one of two reservoirs. This allows different flavors, or regular and decaffeinated coffee, to be served from the apparatus. The holder includes a body, a drain hole provided therethrough for allowing liquids to flow through the holder, and first and second handles attached to the body. The first handle and the second handle are offset from each other. A first magnet is associated with the first handle and has its north and south poles in first orientation. A second magnet is associated with the second handle and has its north and south poles in second orientation which is generally opposite the first orientation. The apparatus includes a housing on which the holder can be mounted in various directions.

Abstract: A wire or other brewing basket adapted to receive a brewing filter and be received by a brewing funnel. The basket comprises a body defining a cavity for receiving the brewing filter and a shield positioned above the body and extending over a portion of the cavity for reducing spillage of brewing material from the funnel. The shield desirably is substantially flat. The basket further includes including mounting structure mounting the shield to the body. Desirably, the mounting structure is in the form of a plurality of stems mounted to a top rim of the body and the shield and extending generally upwardly from the body. The shield in accordance with a preferred embodiment has a generally arcuate configuration, and has an inner arcuate edge and desirably an outer arcuate edge. The radius of curvature of the inner arcuate edge is greater than the radius of curvature of the top rim and desirably the radius of curvature of the top rim.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter basket having a wall configured to form a basket. The wall has a drain hole formed in a lower portion thereof and a regulating member for regulating a flow of liquid flowing through the basket into the drain hole. One embodiment includes a pair of planar surfaces positioned within the basket and connected to an inner surface of the wall; the pair of planar surfaces define a longitudinal slot therebetween. The size of the slot is configured to restrict the flow of fluid through the basket to maintain a predetermined level of fluid within the basket for a predetermined dwell period of about five minutes to about seven minutes.

Abstract: A brew bowl adaptor for use in association with a beverage brew bowl of the type defining a bowl side wall and bottom wall, and a fluid opening in the bottom wall through which beverage may pass after brewing, and having a body to fit in the fluid opening substantially blocking the same, retaining device retaining the body in the opening, and a beverage drip passageway formed through the plug body, of reduced cross sectional area in regard to fluid opening in the brew bowl, the body being insertable into and removable from the fluid opening in the brew bowl.

Abstract: A filter-paper insert (1) for preparing filtered coffee wherein, to alter the flavor of filtered coffee, the filter-paper insert (1) is provided with a coating (3) comprising a flavoring agent that forms a flavoring carrier, as well as a carrier material and a solvent. A coating (3) of this type can be sprayed or imprinted onto the filter-paper of the filter-paper insert (1), or otherwise applied to it, and dries relatively quickly following the application. Despite this, the flavoring agents are incorporated into the coating (3), and are reactivated when the hot brewing water flows through the filter-paper insert (1) for preparing filtered coffee.

Abstract: A lid for covering an associated beverage container. The lid attaches to the top of the associated container and includes a central opening with an optional well portion. Heated water, or other liquid, is poured through the opening into the associated container and then circulates between the inside and outside of the well portion to permit infusion of flavors from the flavoring materials to the liquid. A removable paper inner cover is also provided that seats within the central opening. The paper inner cover snaps into the central opening either alone or over and covering the well portion. The removable paper inner cover may be printed with high quality graphics and text.

Abstract: The present invention comprises various methods and apparatus for making or brewing personal quantities of beverages using bottled water, either in a conventional or specially formed bottle. One embodiment includes a cap assembly having an outer attachment portion and a plunger portion fitting within the attachment portion. The two portions define a chamber therein containing a drink mix, one or more tea bags, etc. A seal is provided to prevent mixing of the drink mix and water within the bottle until desired. When the plunger is pushed downwardly, it drives the drink mix through the seal, bursting the seal and deploying the drink mix or tea bags into the water within the bottle. In another embodiment, the bottle and drink mix are packaged together, with the bottle including a pocket formed in the side thereof and the drink mix secured in the pocket by a label extending thereacross. Yet another embodiment includes a conventional bottle, with the label having a pocket formed therein.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus includes a container having a pair of compartments. Water can be inserted into the receptacle to interact with ingredients within the compartments. A release structure permits the contents of one compartment to be mixed with the other compartment and the release structure can include a water soluble barrier member that can dissolve to permit a mixing of the ingredients and to provide a drinkable beverage exiting from the container.

Abstract: A cartridge for a compressible bottle containing a liquid. The cartridge comprises a housing attachable to the bottle and a collapsible bag. The housing and the bag together form an interior which contains a concentrate such as a drink mix. A transfer mechanism is provided whereby the liquid is pumped from the bottle into the cartridge by repeatedly compressing the bottle. As liquid is transferred into the cartridge, the bag expands within the bottle. In the preferred embodiment, the transfer mechanism is provided as part of the cartridge and the cartridge may be sized to fit a standard water bottle. In an alternate embodiment, the transfer mechanism is provided as part of a special bottle.

Abstract: A Coffee-making container including a main body in which a mesh rack is disposed. The center of the bottom of the main body is formed with a draining hole which is opened and closed under control of a controlling mechanism. The main body has a handle and a cap is pivotally connected with the handle for closing the opening of the main body. The mesh rack has at least one upward extending upright section for enlarging the filtering area for the coffee. A switch member is pivotally connected with the pivot sections of the handle and the cap. The switch member is leant against a leaf spring extending from the handle and controlled by the leaf spring. When the switch member is pressed down, the switch member is engaged with and located by the leaf spring and the press rod is pressed down to open the draining hole of the main body. Therefore, the coffee can quickly filter through the mesh rack and the upright section thereof and flow out from the draining hole.

Abstract: A safety and drain-preventing infusing tea maker comprises a cup body, a stop, a filtering net, and a retaining plate. The stop and the filtering net are contained in the penetrating hole at the bottom of the cup body. A plurality of leg plates extend downwards from the bottom thereof and a mask is formed at the periphery thereof so that the retaining plate having through hole for being penetrated by the leg plate can be hidden in the mask to be moved therein. When the retaining plate is descended to a lowest position, it is lower then the lower rim of the mask and protrudes slightly therefrom without being lower than the lower ends of the leg plates. As a consequent, not only the retaining plate is covered by the mask for preventing an error contact, but also any container with a diameter smaller than that of the retaining plate can be used for containing the infusing tea maker.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a beverage preparation and dispensing container each include a quantity of potable water (spring water, distilled water, etc.) sealed therein, with a separate concentrated drink mix packet removably secured to the container's outer surface. Each container is relatively short and squat, to provide a good ratio between internal volume and outer surface to more efficiently retain the heat of a heated beverage therein. The container walls are also relatively thick, for the same reason. Each container has a relatively wide mouth, allowing the consumer to slowly sip a beverage from the container and present a large surface area to cooling air, rather than ingesting a large amount at one time and possibly burning the mouth, as would occur with a narrow necked bottle. The drink mix (tea, coffee, powdered or syrup flavoring, etc.) is secured to the container side or top in one of several ways, for convenient access.

Abstract: Proposed is a device for encasing flavoring solids (T), in particular tea material or coffee, that are put into a liquid, in particular water, with a vane (20′) movable between an initial and a final position, which vane in its final position bounds a space (8″) that holds the flavoring solids (T), the vane being designed as a rotatable vane (20′) that is supported so as to be rotatable around a rotational axis.

Abstract: A lid for covering an associated beverage container has a separate cover piece with an infuser unit attached to the cover piece. The lid attaches to the top of the associated container and includes a central opening. Heated water, or other liquid, is poured through the opening into the associated container. The cover piece with the infuser unit is placed over the central opening of the lid. Heated water in the beverage container then circulates between the inside and outside of the infuser unit to permit infusion of flavors from the flavoring materials to the liquid. The cover piece can be made of paper and printed with graphics and text.

Abstract: A disposable drip-type coffee brewing unit for making individual servings of freshly brewed coffee.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tea steeper that enables an automatic drip coffeemaker to brew tea as well as coffee. The tea steeper comprises a cylindrical body having perforated side walls, a perforated bottom wall, and an open top surrounded by a support rim. A pair of upwardly extending finger grips are provided to enable one to easily grasp the tea steeper. In use, the support rim rests atop the spout of a carafe for suspending the tea steeper within the carafe. The carafe may also contain a pivotal lid which closes over the spout but does not engage the support rim or finger grip portions of the tea steeper resting atop the spout.

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.