US20240010373A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20240010373A1
Application number: US17/857,512
Authority: US
Inventors: Adrian Rivera
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-07-05
Filing date: 2022-07-05
Publication date: 2024-01-11

Abstract

A beverage brewing cartridge includes a base and a plug. The base includes a sidewall, a fillable end having an opening, and a closed end. The plug is configured to close off the opening. A method of constructing a brewing cartridge includes placing the base of the beverage brewing cartridge on a cartridge seat of a cartridge tool with the closed end against the cartridge seat. A cartridge lock retains the base against the cartridge tool. A portion of brewing material is scooped and poured into the base through a mouth of the cartridge lock and the opening of the fillable end of the base, and then tamped into the base. The plug is positioned above and aligned with the opening of the fillable end of the base, and seated into the opening to close the opening, thereby completing construction of the brewing cartridge.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation-In-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/286,845, which was filed on Oct. 6, 2016; which in turn is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/187,444, which was filed on Jun. 20, 2016, and a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/256,929, which was filed on Sep. 6, 2016, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to brewed beverages and in particular to beverage brewing cartridges, methods of making beverage brewing cartridges, and tools for making beverage brewing cartridges.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beverage brewing cartridges typically contain ground brewing material, through which water is flowed to brew a beverage. For example, espresso beverages are made by forcing high-pressure water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. The ground coffee is contained in a holder commonly called a “portafilter”, or into a pre-packaged espresso cartridge. High-pressure water is forced through the ground coffee and beverage is extracted in small, concentrated amounts. Many espresso drinkers prefer the simplicity of using the espresso cartridges, but are limited in the selection of ground coffee to varieties available in the pre-packaged espresso cartridges, and the cost of brewing beverages from disposable, individual cartridge is great, both economically and in terms of impact on the environment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, a beverage brewing cartridge includes a cartridge base, and a cartridge plug. The cartridge base includes a sidewall, a fillable end having an opening, and a closed end. The cartridge plug is configured to close off the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base. The cartridge base sidewall can be, for example, frustoconical in shape. The closed end of the cartridge base can be sealed, for example, with foil. The cartridge plug can include ports configured to allow fluid to flow from the cartridge. For example, the ports can include weakened areas configured to burst under pressure, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the cartridge. The cartridge plug or the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base can include an annular recess, and the other can include a corresponding annular ridge, configured for mutual mating contact. The beverage brewing cartridge can also include a circumferential lip above the annular recess. The circumferential lip can include gaps configured to allow the circumferential lip to collapse during insertion of the cartridge plug into the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of constructing a brewing cartridge includes placing the cartridge base of the beverage brewing cartridge on a cartridge seat of a cartridge tool with the closed end of the cartridge base against the cartridge seat. The cartridge base is retained against the cartridge tool using a cartridge lock. A portion of brewing material is scooped and poured into the cartridge base through a mouth of the cartridge lock and the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base. The brewing material is then tamped into the cartridge base. The cartridge plug is positioned above and aligned with the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base. The cartridge plug is then seated into the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base to close the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base, thereby completing construction of the brewing cartridge. The method can also include releasing the cartridge lock from the cartridge base, and removing the brewing cartridge from the cartridge tool.

Scooping the portion of brewing material and tamping the brewing material into the cartridge base can include using a combination scooping/tamping tool. The method can also include leveling the portion of brewing material using a leveling arm of the combination scooping/tamping tool, prior to pouring the scooped brewing material.

Positioning the cartridge plug above and aligned with the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base can include engaging a first guide element on the cartridge plug with a second guide element on an end of the combination scooping/tamping tool, and inserting the end of the combination scooping/tamping tool into an access mouth of the cartridge lock.

The method can also include, prior to placing the cartridge base on the cartridge seat of the cartridge tool, obtaining the cartridge base, and sealing an end of the cartridge base to form the closed end of the brewing cartridge base. For example, sealing the end of the cartridge base can include applying foil to the end of the brewing cartridge base. Seating the cartridge plug into the opening of the tillable end of the cartridge base can include engaging a ridge into a recess.

According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewing cartridge construction kit, configured to construct a brewing cartridge, includes the cartridge tool and the cartridge lock. The cartridge tool can include a cartridge seat. The beverage brewing cartridge construction kit can also include a combination scooping/tamping tool. The combination scooping/tamping tool can include a levelling arm and/or a cartridge plug guide element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.1 shows a bottom isometric view of an exemplary cartridge according to the invention.

FIG.2A shows a top isometric view of an exemplary cartridge according to the invention with the cartridge base top open.

FIG.2B shows a top isometric view of an exemplary cartridge according to the invention with the cartridge base top closed.

FIG.3A shows a side view of an exemplary cartridge according to the invention.

FIG.3B shows a top view of an exemplary cartridge according to the invention.

FIG.3C shows a bottom view of an exemplary cartridge according to the invention.

FIG.4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge according to the invention taken along line4-4 ofFIG.3A.

FIG.5 shows a top isometric view of an exemplary cartridge base according to the invention.

FIG.6 shows a bottom isometric view of an exemplary cartridge base according to the invention.

FIG.7A shows a side view of an exemplary cartridge base according to the invention.

FIG.7B shows a top view of an exemplary cartridge base according to the invention.

FIG.7C shows a bottom view of an exemplary cartridge base according to the invention.

FIG.8 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge base according to the invention taken along line8-8 ofFIG.7A.

FIG.9A shows a side view of an exemplary bottom plug according to the invention.

FIG.9B shows a top view of an exemplary bottom plug according to the invention.

FIG.9C shows a bottom view of an exemplary bottom plug according to the invention.

FIG.10 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary bottom plug according to the invention taken along line10-10 ofFIG.9A.

FIG.11 shows a detailed top isometric view of an exemplary bottom plug according to the invention.

FIG.12 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of an exemplary bottom plug according to the invention taken along line10-10 ofFIG.9A.

FIG.13 shows a detailed bottom isometric view of an exemplary bottom plug according to the invention.

FIG.14A shows a first isometric view of an exemplary hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.14B shows a second isometric view of an exemplary hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.14C shows a third isometric view of an exemplary hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.14D shows a fourth isometric view of an exemplary hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.15 shows an isometric view of an exemplary frame of a hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.16A shows a side view of an exemplary frame of a hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.16B shows a top view of an exemplary frame of a hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.16C shows a bottom view of an exemplary frame of a hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.16D shows a rear view of an exemplary frame of a hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.16E shows a front view of an exemplary frame of a hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.17A shows a first isometric view of an exemplary tamper/seater of a hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.17B shows a second isometric view of an exemplary tamper/seater of a hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.18A shows a side view of an exemplary tamper/seater of a hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.18B shows a rear view of an exemplary tamper/seater of a hand-held tool according to the invention.

FIG.19A shows a first isometric view of an exemplary countertop tool according to the invention.

FIG.19B shows a second isometric view of an exemplary countertop tool according to the invention.

FIG.20A shows an exemplary tool base of a countertop tool according to the invention.

FIG.20B shows a second view of an exemplary tool base of a countertop tool according to the invention.

FIG.20C shows an exemplary tool base of a countertop tool according to the invention with an exemplary cartridge lock according to the invention attached to a tool base.

FIG.21A shows a side view of an exemplary funnel according to the invention.

FIG.21 B shows an isometric view of an exemplary funnel according to the invention.

FIG.21 C shows a top view of an exemplary funnel according to the invention.

FIG.21 D shows a bottom view of an exemplary funnel according to the invention.

FIG.22 shows an isometric view of an exemplary cartridge lock according to the invention.

FIG.23A shows a side view of an exemplary cartridge lock according to the invention.

FIG.23B shows a side view of an exemplary cartridge lock according to the invention, rotated 90 degrees.

FIG.23C shows a top view of an exemplary cartridge lock according to the invention.

FIG.23D shows a bottom view of an exemplary cartridge lock according to the invention.

FIG.24 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge lock according to the invention taken along line24-24 ofFIG.23C.

FIG.25A shows an exemplary scoop and tamper tool according to the invention with an exemplary retracted leveling fork according to the invention.

FIG.25B shows an exemplary scoop and tamper tool according to the invention with an exemplary extended leveling fork according to the invention.

FIG.26 shows an isometric view of an exemplary leveling fork according to the invention.

FIG.27A shows a side view of an exemplary scoop and tamper tool according to the invention with an exemplary retracted leveling fork according to the invention.

FIG.27B shows a top view of an exemplary scoop and tamper tool according to the invention with an exemplary retracted leveling fork according to the invention.

FIG.28A shows a side view of an exemplary scoop and tamper tool according to the invention with an exemplary extended leveling fork according to the invention.

FIG.28B shows a top view of an exemplary scoop and tamper tool according to the invention with an exemplary extended leveling fork according to the invention.

FIG.29 shows an isometric view of an exemplary seating tool according to the invention.

FIG.30A shows a side view of an exemplary seating tool according to the invention.

FIG.30B shows a bottom view of an exemplary seating tool according to the invention.

FIG.31 shows a side view of an exemplary hand-held tool according to the invention, in an open state.

FIG.32 shows a side view of an exemplary hand-held tool according to the invention, in a closing state.

FIG.33 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method according to the invention for using a hand-held tool.

FIG.34 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method according to the invention for using a table-top tool.

FIG.35A shows a top/quarter isometric view of an exemplary countertop tool according to the invention.

FIG.35B shows a bottom/quarter isometric view of an exemplary countertop tool according to the invention.

FIG.36A shows a top/side isometric view of an exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention.

FIG.36B shows a bottom/side isometric view of an exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention.

FIG.36C shows a top/rear isometric view of an exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention.

FIG.37A shows a top/rear isometric view of an exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention, with a retracted sliding level.

FIG.37B shows a top/rear isometric view of an exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention, with a partially extended sliding level.

FIG.37C shows a top/rear isometric view of an exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention, with a fully extended sliding level.

FIG.38 shows an exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention, releasing brewing material into an espresso cartridge retained in a tool base.

FIG.39 shows an exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention positioned to tamp brewing material in an espresso cartridge retained in a tool base.

FIG.40 shows an exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool according to the invention positioned to seat a bottom plug in an espresso cartridge retained in a tool base.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description includes the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims. Further, the terms “top” and “bottom” are used in the description, but only for ease of explanation with respect to orientation in the drawings. These terms do not restrict any relative orientation of components of the invention, which is contemplated to cover any such orientation.

Referring toFIGS.1-4, an espresso cartridge is described as an exemplary beverage cartridge according to the invention. Thecartridge10 is configured to be at least partially filled with ground beverage brewing material, in this case coffee beans ground for brewing espresso. Thecartridge10 includes cartridge base top12aand a cartridge base bottom12b.

The cartridge base top12acan be provided with the cartridge base top12aopen, or can be covered or otherwise closed, such as withfoil material16 or the like sealing the cartridge base top12a. When the cartridge is provided with the cartridge base top12aopen, thefoil material16 or other cover can be attached to thecartridge base12 before filling the cartridge base with brewing material. Abottom plug14 is inserted into thecartridge base12 after filling thecartridge base12 through an open cartridge base bottom12b(seeFIG.8), or an opening in the cartridge base bottom12b.

Referring toFIGS.5-8, thecartridge base12 includes the base top12a, the open base bottom12b, and, in this exemplary embodiment, frustoconical shapedwalls12c, although thesidewall12ccan take any feasible shape or outline. As shown, if thesidewall12cis frustoconical in shape, the base bottom12bhas a smaller diameter than the base top12a. An interiorannular ridge18 in the base bottom12bengages an exterior annular recess22 (seeFIG.9A) in thebottom plug14 to retain thebottom plug14 in the base bottom12b, although in alternative embodiments theridge18 and therecess22 can be swapped between these two components.

Referring toFIGS.9A-13, thebottom plug14 defines the exteriorannular recess22 created by alip23 above the exteriorannular recess22. Thelip23 includesgaps24 that allow thelip24 to slightly distort when thebottom plug14 is pressed into the open base bottom12b. The bottom plug14 also can include ports or weakenedareas20. When espresso is brewed, the brewed beverage escapes from thecartridge10 through the ports or weakened areas burst or otherwise open due to the pressure or raised temperature experienced during the brewing process. The weakenedarea20 help seal thecartridge10 before use, so that brewing material can be retained prior to brewing. The bottom plug14 also can include aguide hole26 or indentation. Theguide hole26 engages a guide hole pin52 (seeFIG.17A) to hold the bottom plug during assembly of thecartridge10. In alternative embodiments, theguide hole26 and theguide hole pin52 can be swapped between these two components, or different corresponding guide structures can be used to align thebottom plug14.

Referring toFIGS.14A-14D, thecartridge tool30 includes aframe32, ahandle38 attached to theframe32 for grasping by a user, acartridge holder40, acartridge hole lid36, and a tamper/seater34. Thecartridge base12 is held in thecartridge holder40 to fill, tamp, and plug thecartridge12 to construct anespresso cartridge10.

Referring toFIGS.15-16E, theframe32 includes thecartridge holder40, anarm42 expending from thecartridge holder40 to thehandle38, and pivot hands44. Thecartridge holder40 has anopen scoop mouth46 and anopen cartridge mouth48, which can be closed by thelid36 after placing thecartridge base12 in thecartridge holder40. The cartridge holder can have a cylindrical, frustoconical, or other shaped exterior, but preferably has an interior matching or at least accommodating thewalls12cof thecartridge base12.

Referring toFIGS.17A-18B, the tamper/seater34 provides a mechanism for performing steps of making theespresso cartridge10. Apivot60 cooperates with the pivot hands44 of theframe32, allowing the tamper/seater34 to pivot toward and away from thecartridge holder40. A tampingplunger50 is pushed into thecartridge holder40 to tamp brewing material held in thecartridge base12. After tamping, the tampingplunger50 is used to press thebottom plug14 into thecartridge base12. The tampingplunger50 can include theguide hole pin52 to attach thebottom plug14 to the tampingplunger50 to hold thebottom plug14 aligned with the cartridge base bottom12bwhile pressing thebottom plug14 into the cartridge base bottom12b. The tamper/seater34 can includewings58 or other implements configured to facilitate one-handed operation of thetool30. Atamper arm56 connects thepivot60 to thetamper plunger50.

Referring toFIGS.19A and19B, the countertop tool includes atool base72, acartridge lock80 configured to retain thecartridge base12 on thetool base72, afunnel78 that can be used when filling thecartridge base12, a scoop and tamper74 combination configured to measure and pour brewing material, and aseating tool76 that can be used to seat the bottom plug after filling thecartridge base12 with the brewing material.

Referring toFIGS.20A-20C, thetool base72 includes a cartridge seat82 that is slightly larger than thecartridge top12ato position thecartridge12 on thetool base72. Locking recesses88 are formed around the cartridge seat82 to attach a cartridge lock80 (seeFIGS.22-24) to thetool base72 to hold thecartridge base12 on the tool base71. Arecess84 is formed on thetool base72 to position or store theseating tool76 when not in use and arecess86 is formed to position or store the scoop and tamper74 when not in use.

Referring toFIGS.21A-D, thefunnel76 fits into a cylindrical access mouth94 (seeFIG.24) of thecartridge lock80. Thefunnel76 can include astep90 to align the funnel with the open base bottom12b, or can be tapered to align the funnel with the open base bottom12b.

Referring toFIGS.22-24, anexemplary cartridge lock80 includes lockingring segments92 that engage the locking recesses88 of thetool base72 to retain thecartridge lock80 and thecartridge base12 on thetool base72. Thecartridge lock80 includes an interior95 shaped to position the cartridge base in thecartridge lock80 when filling with and tamping brewing material, and when seating thebottom plug14.

Referring toFIGS.25A-26, the scoop and tampercombination tool74 includes a leveling bar or fork97 that is restrained to slide in aslot75 in the scoop andtamper tool74. After scooping a portion of brewing material11 (seeFIG.4), the levelingfork97 can be guided forward to push excess brewing material off the scoop andtamper tool74 to obtain a consistent measured amount ofbrewing material11.

The scoop andtamper tool74 includes atamper98, which can be, for example, cylindrical and a preferablyflat tamping end51 opposite thescoop96. Thetamper98 is slightly smaller in diameter than thecylindrical access mouth94 of thecartridge lock80 to allow thecylindrical tamper98 to pass through thecylindrical mouth94 during tamping. Thecombination tool74 includes both the scoop and the tamper for convenience.

Referring toFIGS.27A-28B, sliding of the leveling bar or fork97 across the mouth of the scoop is shown. The leveling bar orfork97 extends on an arm that can be biased to return the leveling bar or fork97 to the retracted position. The end of the leveling bar orfork97 is shown to be rounded to correspond to the shape of the mouth of the scoop, but both the scoop and the end of the leveling bar or fork97 can take any shape and need not mutually correspond except to the extent that the end of the leveling bar or fork97 can retract so as not to interfere with scooping, and can extend to push all excess brewing material from above the mouth of the scoop.

Referring toFIGS.29-30B, theseating tool76 includes acylindrical portion51 extending from a graspingportion100. The graspingportion100 facilitates applying a force required to seat thebottom plug14 in the open cartridge bottom12b. Aguide hole pin52 is included to attach thebottom plug14 to theseating tool76 in order to hold thebottom plug14 in alignment with the cartridge base bottom12bwhile pressing thebottom plug14 into the cartridge base bottom12b.

Referring toFIGS.31 and32, thetool102 includes apivot104 and handles106aand106b. Thecartridge holder40 is fixed to onehandle106b, and thetamper plunger50 is attached to the handle106a. Thecartridge base12 can be filled using the scoop and tamper74 as described for thetool70 above, and thehandle106acan be pivoted first to tamp the brewing material using thetamper plunger50, and then to seat thebottom plug14 using thetamper plunger50, as described for thetool30 above. Thetool102 advantageously provides leverage during tamping and seating, making it easier to use the tool.

Referring toFIG.33, an exemplary method according to the invention for using the hand-held tool includes inserting a cartridge base into a cartridge holder, an open cartridge base bottom first into the cartridge holder, the cartridge base bottom diameter smaller than a cartridge base top opposite to the cartridge base bottom atstep200, closing a lid to retain the cartridge base in the cartridge holder atstep202, scooping a portion of untamped brewing material through a holder mouth and the smaller cartridge base bottom of the cartridge atstep204, leveling the untamped brewing material in the holder mouth and cartridge base atstep206, pressing a tamping plunger through the holder mouth and into the cartridge holder atstep208, tamping the untamped brewing material completely into the cartridge base atstep210, withdrawing the tamper piston from the holder mouth atstep212, placing a bottom plug into the holder mouth and against the smaller cartridge base bottom of the cartridge base atstep214, seating the bottom plug in the smaller base bottom of the cartridge atstep216, and removing the finished cartridge from the cartridge holder atstep218.

Referring toFIG.34, an exemplary method according to the invention for using the table-top tool includes placing a brewing cartridge base onto a cartridge seat of a tool base, a closed cartridge base top against the cartridge seat, the cartridge base top having a larger diameter than an open cartridge base bottom opposite the cartridge base top atstep302, attaching a cartridge lock to the tool base to retain the cartridge base against the tool base atstep302, scooping a portion of brewing material atstep304, leveling the brewing material in the scoop atstep306, pouring the brewing material through a mouth of the cartridge lock and the open bottom end of the cartridge base, into the cartridge base atstep308, tamping the untamped brewing material into the cartridge base atstep310, placing a bottom plug into the cartridge holder against the small end of the cartridge atstep312, seating the bottom plug into the cartridge base atstep314, and removing the finished cartridge from the tool atstep316.

Referring toFIGS.35A and35B, anexemplary countertop tool70aincludes a combination scoop/tamper/seating tool74areplacing the scoop and tamper74, and does not include thededicated seating tool76.

Referring toFIGS.36A-36C, the exemplary scoop/tamper/seating tool74ais similar to the scoop and tamper76, but includes aflat end51 opposite thescoop96, and aguide hole pin52 centered on theflat end51.

Referring toFIGS.37A-37C, after scooping brewing material from a bulk brewing material container, the sliding level can be used to level the brewing material to obtain a preferred amount of brewing material for an espresso cartridge. While slidinglevel97 is shown inFIGS.37A-370, a pivoting level can be used instead, and any apparatus usable to slide over thescoop96 to level the brewing material is intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Referring toFIG.38, thefunnel78 can be fitted to the cartridge lock to guide thebrewing material11 into the cartridge10 (seeFIGS.1-8) locked to thetool base72.

Referring toFIGS.39 and40, the scoop/tamper/seating tool74aincludes acylindrical tamper portion98 slightly smaller than the cylindrical access mouth94 (seeFIG.24) of thecartridge lock80 to allow thecylindrical tamper portion98 to enter the cartridge.

The scoop/tamper/seating tool74ais shown positioned to seat thebottom plug14 in theespresso cartridge10 retained by thecartridge lock80 in thetool base72. Theguide hole pin52 engages theguide hole21 of thebottom plug14 and thecylindrical tamper portion98 centers thebottom plug14 for seating in theespresso cartridge10.

Generally, according to an aspect of the invention, a beverage brewing cartridge includes a cartridge base, and a cartridge plug. The cartridge base includes a sidewall, a fillable end having an opening, and a closed end. The cartridge plug is configured to close off the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base. Thus, the empty cartridge base is configured to be filled through the opening in the fillable end, which can then be closed off to form the beverage brewing cartridge.

The cartridge base sidewall can be, for example, cylindrical or frustoconical in shape, or can take any shape, for both the inside and outside surfaces of the sidewall, which can be the same or different. The closed end of the cartridge base can be integrally closed or closed by a lid, or sealed, for example, with foil. The cartridge plug can include ports configured to allow fluid to flow from the cartridge. For example, the ports can include weakened areas configured to burst under pressure or when in contact with heated liquid, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the cartridge. The cartridge plug and the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base can include a recess and a corresponding mating ridge, which can be annular if the plug and opening are round or rounded. The beverage brewing cartridge can also include a peripheral lip above the recess. The lip can include gaps configured to allow the lip to collapse during insertion of the cartridge plug into the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base, providing a press-fit coupling.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of constructing a brewing cartridge includes placing the cartridge base of the beverage brewing cartridge on a cartridge seat of a cartridge tool with the closed end of the cartridge base against the cartridge seat. The cartridge base is retained against the cartridge tool using, for example, a cartridge lock. A portion of brewing material is scooped and poured into the cartridge base through a mouth of the cartridge lock and the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base. The brewing material is then tamped into the cartridge base. The cartridge plug is positioned above and aligned with the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base. The cartridge plug is then seated into the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base to close the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base, thereby completing construction of the brewing cartridge. The method can also include releasing the cartridge lock from the cartridge base, and removing the brewing cartridge from the cartridge tool.

Scooping the portion of brewing material and tamping the brewing material into the cartridge base can include using a combination scooping/tamping tool. To provide a measured portion of brewing material, the method can also include leveling the portion of brewing material using a leveling arm of the combination scooping/tamping tool, prior to pouring the scooped brewing material. This leveling arm can take any shape.

Positioning the cartridge plug above and aligned with the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base can include engaging a first guide element on the cartridge plug with a second guide element on an end of the combination scooping/tamping tool, and inserting the end of the combination scooping/tamping tool into an access mouth of the cartridge lock. These guide elements can take the form of any mating structures, such as a corresponding indentation or hole and pin.

The method can also include, prior to placing the cartridge base on the cartridge seat of the cartridge tool, obtaining the cartridge base, and sealing an end of the cartridge base to form the closed end of the brewing cartridge base. For example, sealing the end of the cartridge base can include applying foil to the end of the brewing cartridge base. Alternatively, a cover can be coupled to the cartridge base to close the end. Seating the cartridge plug into the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base can include engaging a ridge into a recess. Alternatively, these elements can be screwed together, friction fit, or coupled in any other suitable manner.

According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewing cartridge construction kit, configured to construct a brewing cartridge, includes the cartridge tool and the cartridge lock. The cartridge tool can include a cartridge seat. The beverage brewing cartridge construction kit can also include a combination scooping/tamping tool. The combination scooping/tamping tool can include a scoop and a tamper, as well as a levelling arm and/or a cartridge plug guide element.

The invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiments. However, the present invention as contemplated by the inventor is not strictly limited to the particularly disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, various modifications, as well as similar arrangements, are included within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the appended claims, therefore, should be accorded the broadest reasonable interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.

Claims

1-7. (canceled)

8. A method of constructing a brewing cartridge, comprising:

providing a beverage brewing cartridge, wherein the beverage brewing cartridge includes:

a cartridge base, and

a cartridge plug,

wherein the cartridge base includes a sidewall, a fillabie end having an opening, and a closed end, and

wherein the cartridge plug is configured to close off the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base:

placing the cartridge base on a cartridge seat of a cartridge tool with the closed end of the cartridge base against the cartridge seat;

retaining the cartridge base against the cartridge tool using a cartridge lock;

scooping a portion of brewing material;

pouring the scooped brewing material into the cartridge base through a mouth of the cartridge lock and the opening of the tillable end of the cartridge base;

tamping the brewing material into the cartridge base;

positioning the cartridge plug above and aligned with the opening of the finable end of the cartridge base;

seating the cartridge plug into the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base to close the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base, thereby completing construction of the brewing cartridge.

9. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising:

releasing the cartridge lock from the cartridge base; and

removing the brewing cartridge from the cartridge tool.

10. The method ofclaim 8, wherein scooping the portion of brewing material and tamping the brewing material into the cartridge base includes using a combination scooping/tamping tool.

11. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising leveling the portion of brewing material using a leveling arm of the combination scooping/tamping tool, prior to pouring the scooped brewing material.

12. The method ofclaim 8, wherein positioning the cartridge plug above and aligned with the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base includes:

engaging a first guide element on the cartridge plug with a second guide element on an end of the combination scooping/tamping tool; and

inserting the end of the combination scooping/tamping tool into an access mouth of the cartridge lock.

13. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising, prior to placing the cartridge base on the cartridge seat of the cartridge tool:

obtaining the cartridge base; and

sealing an end of the cartridge base to form the closed end of the brewing cartridge base.

14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein sealing the end of the cartridge base includes applying foil to the end of the brewing cartridge base.

15. The method ofclaim 8, wherein seating the cartridge plug into the opening of the fillable end of the cartridge base includes engaging a ridge into a recess.

16. A beverage brewing cartridge construction kit, configured to construct a brewing cartridge according to the method ofclaim 8, comprising:

the cartridge tool; and

the cartridge lock.

17. The beverage brewing cartridge construction kit ofclaim 16, wherein the cartridge tool includes a cartridge seat.

18. The beverage brewing cartridge construction kit ofclaim 16, further comprising a combination scooping/tamping tool.

19. The beverage brewing cartridge construction kit ofclaim 18, wherein the combination scooping/t ping tool includes a levelling arm.

20. The beverage brewing cartridge construction kit ofclaim 18, wherein the combination scooping/tamping tool includes a cartridge plug guide element.