Expandable beverage infusion device

US6692781B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• David Ryan · Seattle, US
• Matt Vaughan · Corona, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 13, 2001
• Grant date: Feb 17, 2004
• Expiry date: Oct 23, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B29/028
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A beverage infusion device comprises a handle and a support member extending from the handle having a pair of flat legs spaced apart by a predetermined width. Attached to each side of the flat legs is a flexible porous member, for example, a pouch of filter material having an unfolded width greater than the width of the support legs. Each porous member contains an infusible beverage preparation and is supported by the support legs in a folded position wherein, upon immersion of the porous members in a liquid, the porous members expand and become spaced to facilitate infusion of a beverage preparation therein into the liquid. In the folded position, the porous members may have a plurality of folds across its width, for example, folds adjacent the first and second ends and an unfolded portion therebetween. The first and second ends of the porous member are preferably heat bonded to the support legs. The device handle is of a configuration to fit between the pair of legs such that the handle and the legs may be stamped from a single piece of flat stock of paper- or plastic-based materials.