Method, device and capsule for brewing a beverage

Abstract

A method of preparing a tea beverage in a brewing device is provided, the device comprising an infusion chamber with a bottom rim which defines an opening; a capsule holder for receiving a capsule, the capsule holder comprising a filter and an openable and closable passage; the method comprising: inserting a capsule into the capsule holder; connecting the capsule holder to the infusion chamber; introducing liquid into the capsule so that the liquid and tea material mix and flow into the infusion chamber and brew the beverage; and then opening the passage to allow the beverage to flow from the infusion chamber through the filter and out through the passage. A capsule containing tea material for use in the method is also provided, the capsule comprising a body part, which is a single, impermeable piece which defines a cavity with a volume of from 10 to 24 cm 3 .

1 . A method of preparing a tea-based beverage in a brewing device ( 1 ), the device comprising:
 an infusion chamber ( 10 ) with a bottom rim ( 12 ) which defines an opening;   a capsule holder ( 20 ) for receiving a capsule ( 30 ) wherein said capsule ( 30 ) does not contain a filter,
 the capsule holder comprising a sidewall ( 24 ) having an upper rim ( 23 ), a filter ( 25 ) and an openable and closable passage ( 29 ) on the opposite side of the filter from the upper rim; wherein the capsule holder comprises a separable receptacle ( 70 ) and a strainer ( 72 ) in which the filter ( 25 ) is situated 
   the method comprising the steps of:   a) inserting a capsule ( 30 ) containing tea material into the capsule holder ( 20 );   b) connecting the upper rim ( 23 ) of the capsule holder ( 20 ) to the bottom rim ( 12 ) of the infusion chamber ( 10 );   c) releasing the tea material from the capsule so that the liquid and tea material mix and flow into the infusion chamber ( 10 ) so as to brew the beverage in water at a temperature of about 80° C. to about 95° C.;   d) after brewing has taken place, opening the passage ( 29 ) in the capsule holder ( 20 ) to allow the beverage to flow from the infusion chamber ( 10 ) through the filter ( 25 ) and out through the passage.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the capsule has one opening to release liquid and tea material into the infusion chamber. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3  wherein the openings is made as the upper rim of the capsule holder is connected to the bottom rim of the infusion chamber, wherein:
 the opening to release tea material is made by pushing the lid against an opening member ( 40 ). 
 
     
     
         5 . A brewing device ( 1 ) comprising
 an infusion chamber ( 10 ) with a bottom rim ( 12 ) which defines an opening;   a capsule holder ( 20 ) for receiving a capsule ( 30 ) wherein said capsule ( 30 ) does not contain a filter,
 the capsule holder comprising a sidewall ( 24 ) having an upper rim ( 23 ), a filter ( 25 ) and an openable and closable passage ( 29 ) on the opposite side of the filter from the upper rim; wherein the capsule holder comprises a separable receptacle ( 70 ) and a strainer ( 72 ) in which the filter ( 25 ) is situated; 
   means for moving the capsule holder and/or the infusion chamber so that the upper rim ( 23 ) of the capsule holder is connected to the bottom rim ( 12 ) of the infusion chamber;   a static needle( 42 );   a valve ( 21 ) for opening the passage in the capsule holder to allow the beverage to flow from the infusion chamber through the filter and out through the passage.   
     
     
         6 .- 19 . (canceled)