Coffee brewing

Abstract

There are provided drinking vessels adapted to receive coffee grounds and water to brew coffee wherein the drinking vessels comprise pump means. In one embodiment a drinking vessel (100,200) comprises a first chamber adapted to receive coffee grounds and hot water, a second chamber adapted to receive brewed coffee and a third chamber adapted to receive brewed coffee. Also provided drinking vessel sections (101,102,201,202), a kit of parts and a method of brewing coffee.

Claims

1. A drinking vessel adapted to receive ground coffee and hot water for brewing coffee so that the brewed coffee may be drunk from the vessel, comprising: a base section having a first chamber; and, a pump member adapted for an operable communication with the base section so that the pump member is slidably moveable upwardly and downwardly relative to the base section; the pump member comprising a hand operated piston operable in the first chamber and arranged to fit closely within the first chamber of the base section; sidewall parts defining a plurality of apertures; a shroud adapted to form an outer surface of the drinking vessel; and, a filter located at a base of the first chamber; wherein the hand operated piston divides the first chamber into the first chamber below the piston and a second chamber above the piston as the piston is urged downwardly in use; wherein the base section further comprises an outer part with an outer wall and an inner part with an inner wall, the outer wall and the inner wall defining a third chamber arranged to convey brewed coffee from the first chamber into the second chamber via the plurality of apertures of the pump member as the piston is urged downwardly in use; and, the shroud overlies the outer wall of the outer part of the base section.

2. The drinking vessel of claim 1, whereas the plurality of apertures are slits which extend longitudinally along substantially the length of the pump member.

3. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the shroud extends the length of the pump member.

4. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the outer part comprises a base wall and a tubular outer wall, the tubular outer wall having an upper region: the inner part comprises a tubular inner wall with an upper region, the upper region of the inner part including a plurality of spacers defining a plurality of inner part apertures therebetween; and, as the piston is urged downwardly, brewed coffee flows from the third chamber through the plurality of inner part apertures and into the second chamber.

5. The drinking vessel of claim 4, wherein the tubular outer wall has a threaded upper region: the tubular inner wall has a lower region and a threaded upper region; and, the threaded upper region of the inner part being adapted to be threaded into engagement with the threaded upper region of the outer part.

6. The drinking vessel of claim 4, wherein the upper region of the inner part extends radially outwardly away from the tubular inner wall.

7. The drinking vessel of claim 4, wherein the lower region of the inner part includes a removable flow control means.

8. The drinking vessel of claim 7, wherein the lower region of the inner part comprises retaining protrusions adapted to hold the flow control means in place when twisted into position.

9. The drinking vessel of claim 7, wherein the filter is located on the flow control means and positioned securely between the flow control means and the lower region of the inner part when the flow control means is connected to the lower region of the inner section.

10. The drinking vessel of claim 7, wherein the flow control means comprises: a ring part; a plurality of spokes extending inwardly from the ring part; and, a plurality of fins depending from the spokes, the fins defining a plurality of angled outlets adapted to cause mixing of liquid as it passes through the flow control means.

11. A method of brewing coffee, comprising the successive steps of: obtaining the drinking vessel of claim 1; putting ground coffee into the first chamber of the base section; introducing hot water into the base section; allowing the water to pass through the ground coffee until liquid levels in the first and third chambers are in equilibrium; and, operating the piston to pump water remaining in the first chamber through the coffee into the third chamber, the operating including conveying the brewed coffee through the plurality of apertures.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein brewed coffee is conveyed from the third chamber to the second chamber.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the filter remains stationary relative to the base section.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the pump member moves relative to the filter.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the steps of (i) allowing water to pass through the ground coffee extracts soluble material from the coffee; and, (ii) pumping water through the coffee extracts non soluble oils to form an emulsion.

16. The drinking vessel of claim 10, wherein the fins are arranged to contact the base wall of the outer part.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will now be illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIGS. 1 to 17 show various views of a first embodiment of a drinking vessel, namely:

(3) FIG. 1 is a view (X-Ray) of the overall design;

(4) FIG. 2 is a view of the overall design from the top;

(5) FIG. 3 is a view of the bottom of the base section (Detail not showing piston);

(6) FIG. 4 is a view of the bottom of the base section showing mesh plate;

(7) FIG. 5 is a view of the assembly showing the piston section with lid removed;

(8) FIG. 6 is a view of the assembly shown from underneath;

(9) FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram showing process step 1;

(10) FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram showing process step 2;

(11) FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram showing process step 2;

(12) FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram showing process step 2;

(13) FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram showing process step 3;

(14) FIG. 12 is a simplified diagram showing process step 4;

(15) FIG. 13 shows possible cross section shape of the interface between base section and piston section;

(16) FIG. 14 shows a bottom up view;

(17) FIG. 15 shows external shape possibilities;

(18) FIG. 16 is a view of the base section showing return chute I pipe (without mesh plate);

(19) FIG. 17 is a view of the bottom of the base section close up (without mesh plate); and,

(20) FIGS. 18 to 26 show various views of a second embodiment of a drinking vessel, namely:

(21) FIG. 18 shows the drinking vessel with pump section shroud omitted to show pump section prior to sliding into internal base section;

(22) FIG. 19 is a view of the base section from above;

(23) FIG. 20 is a view of the base section with walls omitted to show base of first chamber with mesh filter means in place;

(24) FIG. 21 is a view of the base section with walls and mesh filter means omitted to show angled outlets;

(25) FIG. 22 is a view of the base with inner wall shown and outer wall partially shown;

(26) FIG. 23 is a view of the drinking vessel from above as the pump section is slid down over the base section;

(27) FIG. 24 is a view of the drinking vessel in the fully brewed and ready to drink configuration;

(28) FIG. 25 is a view of the drinking vessel showing the pump section over base section with the lower 30% of the shroud omitted to show pump member;

(29) FIG. 26 is a view of the drinking vessel showing the pumping stage with the shroud fully shown; and,

(30) FIGS. 27 to 32 show various views of a third embodiment of a drinking vessel, namely:

(31) FIG. 27 shows the complete drinking vessel;

(32) FIG. 28 shows a pump section;

(33) FIG. 29 shows a base section outer part;

(34) FIG. 30 shows a base section inner part;

(35) FIG. 31 shows another view of the base section inner part; and,

(36) FIG. 32 shows a flow control means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(37) FIGS. 1 to 17 illustrate a first embodiment of a drinking vessel according to the present invention.

(38) The drinking vessel comprises a base section 1 and a pump section (piston section) 2. The drinking vessel is adapted to receive coffee grounds and water to brew coffee and the drinking vessel comprises pump means adapted to pump brewed coffee into a chamber of the drinking vessel such that it can be drunk. The construction and operation of the drinking vessel will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17.

(39) FIG. 1 shows the overall design (X-ray view) in which are shown:

(40) 1. Base section

(41) 2. Piston section

(42) 3. Return chute/pipe

(43) 4. Mesh plate

(44) 5. Slit in piston cylinder

(45) 6. O rings/bung

(46) The drinking vessel comprises a first chamber adapted to receive hot water and coffee and which is defined by the base section 1. The drinking vessel comprises a filter means in the form of a mesh plate 4 located in the path of an outlet at the base of the first chamber. The drinking vessel comprises a second chamber which is defined by the interior of the piston section (pump section) 2. The piston section (pump section) 2 has a slit 5 in it to allow brewed coffee to enter and consequently as the piston section (pump section) 2 is located into the base section 1 in use the second chamber is also partially defined by the base section 1. The drinking vessel has a third chamber in the form of a return chute I pipe which conveys brewed coffee from the first chamber to the second chamber in use. The drinking vessel comprises pump means for pumping brewed coffee to the second chamber such that it can be drunk. In use, coffee grounds and water are combined in the first chamber and then the piston section (pump section) 2 is moved downwardly relative to the base section to decrease the volume of the first chamber pumping brewed coffee into the second chamber via the third chamber. At the same time the volume of second chamber is increased as the piston section (pump section) 2 is moved downwardly relative to the base section providing room for it to accommodate the brewed coffee pumped from the first chamber.

(47) FIG. 2 shows the overall design (view from top) in which are shown:

(48) 1. Base section

(49) 2. Piston section (Detail shows lid open. This lid would be closed during operation to shield user)

(50) 3. Return chute/pipe

(51) 14. Base section shroud

(52) 15. Piston section shroud

(53) FIG. 3 shows the bottom of base section 1 (detail not showing piston) in which are shown:

(54) 7. Curved ridge

(55) 8. Mesh plate ridge

(56) FIG. 4 shows the bottom of base section 1 showing mesh plate 4 in which are shown:

(57) 9. Rubber o ring

(58) 10. Micro fine mesh

(59) 11. Restrictor plate

(60) Parts 9, 10 and 11 are collectively referred to as 4 (Mesh plate)

(61) FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the overall usage of the drinking vessel.

(62) FIG. 5 shows assembly showing piston section 2 with lid removed and in which is shown:

(63) 16. Gap section. Shields user from hot vapours and liquids.

(64) FIG. 6 shows assembly shown from underneath.

(65) FIGS. 7 to 12 are simplified diagrams only showing step by step process.

(66) FIG. 7 shows process step 1.

(67) Piston section 2 is placed over base section 1. In FIG. 7 it is shown as a perfect cylinder for illustration purposes (i.e. without shrouds 14 & 15). Also a sealing method between 1 and 2 (a rubber bung) is shown in FIG. 7. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the rubber bung is replaced with one or 2 o rings (positioned in series) located at 6.

(68) Finely ground coffee is used to a unique grind consistency which is poured into 1 by the user. This will collect on top of the mesh plate 4 after which hot water is then poured on top of the coffee and it is left for around 20 seconds to allow the coffee to settle on 4 before beginning to plunge 2 into 1.

(69) FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show process step 2.

(70) FIG. 8 shows the piston section 2 is now mid way through the brewing process and the internal section of piston section 2 is half full of brewed coffee. The coffee is compressing with the water towards mesh plate 4 and water is being forced through the coffee at the bottom of the base section 1. This increased pressure and flow rate significantly speeds up the extraction of the coffee flavour from the grounds.

(71) Water is currently brewing by passing through the finely ground coffee and then mesh plate 4. FIG. 9 shows the base of base section 1 with the bottom removed for illustration purposes. The brewed coffee exits base section 1 through the base of return chute/pipe 3.

(72) The now brewed coffee travels up return chute I pipe 3 and fills piston section 2 by passing through the slit in piston cylinder 5 that runs almost the entire length of piston section 2 as illustrated by FIG. 10.

(73) FIG. 11 shows process step 3.

(74) The piston section 2 is now fully pressed and is aligned to the top of the base section 1. The coffee is now fully compressed up to the mesh plate 4 and all of the water has now passed through the coffee. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) a design option would be for the slit in piston cylinder 5 to be closed over at the top. This would seal off the small amount of brewed coffee left in return chute/pipe 3. The coffee is now ready to drink.

(75) FIG. 12 shows process step 4.

(76) To clean simply remove piston section 2 from base section 1 and tip base section 1 upside down. The waste coffee has now compacted into a coffee cake and will easily exit base section 1. The user will then rinse base section 1 & piston section 2 under the tap and the process can be restarted.

(77) FIGS. 13 to 17 illustrate other design features. Other design features are as follows:

(78) 1. The volume of water displaced by piston section 2 is equivalent to the water volume contained within return chute I pipe 3 and base section 1. This ensures that the vessel does not overflow as the maximum volume held by piston section 2 is less than the maximum volume held by base section 1.

(79) 2. The base section 1 and piston section 2 will be shaped in a way which only allows one possible angle of rotation during the pressing down stage (see FIG. 13 example exaggerated for illustration purposes). This is to ensure that the slit in piston cylinder 5 aligns perfectly with return chute/pipe 3 during operation. This will not however likely affect the external design and feel of the drinking vessel as there is gap section 16 between this and base section shroud 14 and piston section shroud 15. FIG. 13 shows a possible cross section shape of the interface between base section 1 and piston section 2.

(80) 3. The drinking vessel protects the user from hot liquid and vapours. The main way this is achieved is by having base section shroud 14 and piston section shroud 15 such that it covers base section 1 and piston section 2 respectively; ensuring any spray (caused by breaching of O rings/bung 6) is contained. Additionally any hot vapours escaping will rise and be contained within piston section shroud 15 around piston section 2.

(81) FIG. 14 shows a bottom up view.

(82) 4. The outside diameter of base section shroud 14 will measure no more than 75 mm to ensure it fits within most car cup holders and an additional section such as a screwed on base may be added to achieve this.

(83) 5. The drinking vessel when assembled will have a shape that will be slightly narrower towards its centre to allow the user to easily pull base section 1 and piston section 2 apart after use.

(84) FIG. 15 shows external shape possibilities.

(85) 6. The lid at top of piston section 2 will be ergonomically designed so as not to cause the user any discomfort whilst plunging piston section 2 into base section 1. This means the contact surface will be curved and smooth in nature. It is expected the lid of the vessel will require a small ridge to drink from for ease.

(86) 7. A small opening will be provided in the lid as is standard on most takeaway drinking vessels which may have a sliding hatch over it.

(87) 8. The drinking vessel would require a more thorough clean from time to time. For this It will be appreciated that this preferred embodiment of the present invention may have the reason it will come with a cleaning tool. This would be a rod of the form of a simple pipe cleaner at one end and a hook at the other. The pipe cleaner would be used to clean out return chute/pipe 3 as shown in FIG. 16.

(88) FIG. 16 shows base section 1 showing return chute/pipe 3 (without mesh plate 4)

(89) 9. The hooked end would be used to dislodge mesh plate 4 from its securing between curved edge 12 and bottom ledge 13 at the bottom of base section 1. The mesh plate 4 would be designed with a loop to allow it to be hooked by the tool.

(90) 10. A cap will be used on the top of return chute/pipe 3 to direct the coffee into a swirling effect as it enters piston section 2 in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction to aid in mixing of any other ancillary products (i.e. milk, flavourings).

(91) 11. An additional mesh plate may be used after coffee is added to base section 1 but before hot water is added. This is to keep the coffee against mesh plate 4 in order to stop it floating freely within base section 1 and to ensure the hot water passes through all of the coffee the user adds.

(92) 12. In alternative embodiments (not shown) the position of the return chute I pipe 3 may be moved anywhere within base section 1 to allow for different shapes that we may wish to manufacture the drinking vessel in. It may even be placed towards the centre of base section 1. Then piston section 2 would have to be made in a doughnut shape to allow the return chute/pipe 3 to run through its centre during operation. The position of return chute I pipe 3 will not affect its function within the process as in each case it will just act to return the brewed coffee below mesh plate 4 to the inside of the piston section 2. The return chute I pipe 3 may need to be repositioned due to restrictions imposed by point 4 in Other Design FeaturesThe outside diameter of 14 will measure no more than 75 mm to ensure it fits within most car cup holders.

(93) FIG. 17 shows bottom of base section 1 close up (without mesh plate 4)

(94) 13. Curved edge 12. This is to allow removal of mesh plate 4 when upward force is applied. During normal operation there will be only a strong downward force, so the curved edge will be significant enough to hold the mesh plate in place.

(95) 14. Bottom ledge 13. This is uncurved and so the mesh plate 4 will not be able to reach a lower point than this ridge. It will then be held in place between the curved edge 12 and this ridge 13.

(96) It will be appreciated that this preferred embodiment of the present invention may fulfil the purpose of producing a fresh coffee at a much faster rate than is normally possible with fresh ground coffee, this may all be achieved within a single drinking vessel without any external apparatus being used.

(97) It will be appreciated that this preferred embodiment of the present invention may have the following advantageous features: It brews the coffee through the bottom of the drinking vessel and returns it within the same drinking vesselSo everything is contained within the actual drinking vessel, without external apparatus being required. The drinking vessel has outer shrouds, 14 & 15 which shield the user from hot vapours coming out of the vessel, or potential o-ring failures at 6It also acts as an insulator protecting the user when they hold the vessel, from the hot liquid contained within. The brew process and cleaning is extremely simpleTo be cleaned out, 1 is simply turned upside down; plunger 2 is extracted and given a tap. Due to the coffee being compacted by the brewing method it will fall out, and then it can be just rinsed out with water. The process would require coffee to be ground to a specific (finer) consistency to speed up the brew time. The current standard for ground coffee would be too coarse and would produce a weak watery coffee if used in this vessel. This is due to the reduced brewing time that the device operates to. As the coffee that is put into the vessel is ground at a finer grind than normal this gives a greater surface area allowing the coffee to be brewed much faster. A micro-fine mesh is used to stop grounds getting into the final brewed product. The piston method further speeds up the brewing time compared to a standard method by creating a manual pressure from the user under which the coffee is brewed (in less than 30 seconds) All of the water is pushed through the coffee at the base of the vessel (1), thus extracting the maximum flavour from the coffee at a faster rateBrewing by just stirring the grounds in hot water is much slower than this method (approximately 3-4 minutes).

(98) In a preferred embodiment of the invention it may be provided that:

(99) The product brews a fresh coffee at a rapid rate within one drinking vessel comprising of two connected sections 1 and 2 without any need for external apparatus. Two cylinders are used; 1 and 2. 1 is filled with finely ground coffee and hot water, 2 is then inserted into the inside of the 1. Whilst pressing down, this forces the hot water past the coffee grounds which are held back by 4. This now brewed coffee liquid returns to the top of the drinking vessel by means of a 3 and fills the inside of 2. 2 will become entirely full of brewed coffee when 2 cannot be pressed down any further, and comes to rest attaching to 1. The coffee can now be drunk.

(100) FIGS. 18 to 26 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a drinking vessel according to the present invention.

(101) The drinking vessel 100 comprises a base section 101 and a pump section 102. The drinking vessel 100 is adapted to receive coffee grounds and water to brew coffee and the drinking vessel 100 comprises pump means adapted to pump brewed coffee into a chamber of the drinking vessel such that it can be drunk. The construction and operation of the drinking vessel 100 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 18 to 26.

(102) The drinking vessel 100 of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the return chute/pipe is replaced by having a base section with an inner wall 101a and outer wall 101b encircling the inner wall 101a. The space between walls 101a and 101b provides a chamber (third chamber) 170 which takes the place of the return chute/pipe.

(103) The drinking vessel 100 comprises a first chamber 150 adapted to receive hot water and coffee and which is defined by the base section 101. The drinking vessel comprises a filter means in the form of a mesh plate 104 located in the path of an outlet at the base of the first chamber 150.

(104) The drinking vessel comprises a second chamber 160 which is defined by the interior of the pump section 102. The pump section 102 has a plurality of slits 105 in it to allow brewed coffee to enter and consequently as the pump section 102 is located into the base section 101 in use the second chamber 160 is also partially defined by the base section 101.

(105) In use, the space enclosed by wall 101a is sub-divided into the first and second chambers 150,160 by a pump member 180 of the pump section 102 with the first chamber 150 lying below it and the second chamber 160 lying above it. Consequently, in use, as the pump section 102 is moved downwardly relative to the base section the movement of the pump member 180 results in the volume of the first chamber 150 decreasing and the volume of the second chamber 160 increasing.

(106) The third chamber 170 conveys brewed coffee from the first chamber 150 to the second chamber 160 in use. The drinking vessel comprises pump means for pumping brewed coffee to the second and third chambers 160, 170 such that it can be drunk.

(107) In use, coffee grounds and water are combined in the first chamber 150 and then the pump section 102 is located such that the pump member 180 locates into the first chamber 150. The pump section 102 is then moved downwardly relative to the base section 101 to decrease the volume of the first chamber 150 pumping brewed coffee into the third chamber 170. Once the third chamber is full the brewed coffee then flows over wall 101a into the second chamber 160 via slits 105. At the same time the volume of first chamber 150 is reduced the volume of the second chamber 160 is increased as the pump section 2 is moved downwardly relative to the base section. This thus provides room for the second chamber 160 to accommodate the brewed coffee pumped from the first chamber.

(108) The drinking vessel 100 of the second embodiment has the following main parts and features:

(109) 101. Base section

(110) 101a. Base section inner wall

(111) 101b. Base section outer wall

(112) 102. Pump section

(113) 104. Mesh plate (filter means)

(114) 105. Pump section slits

(115) 106. O ring

(116) 114. Base section extension

(117) 115. Pump section shroud

(118) 150. First chamber

(119) 160. Second chamber

(120) 170. Third chamber

(121) 180. Pump member

(122) 190. Outlets

(123) 195. Lip

(124) In the embodiment of FIGS. 18 to 26 the first chamber 150 defined by wall 101a is smaller than the first chamber of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 17. It is located within a larger chamber of the base (third chamber) 170 defined by wall 101b. As noted, the return chute/pipe of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 17 is replaced by using the volume of space created between the outside of wall 101a and the inside of wall 101 b.

(125) The operation of the drinking vessel of the embodiment of FIGS. 18 to 26 is as follows.

(126) FIG. 18 shows the entire model of the drinking vessel 100 with the pump shroud section 115 removed. This is at the point prior to operation where the user has filled first chamber 150 defined by wall 101a with coffee and hot water this will then flow through into the third chamber 170 defined by the space between the outer side of wall 101a and the inner side of wall 101b.

(127) The pump section 102 has multiple slits 105 as it does not need to line up with a return pipe and can therefore receive the returned brewed coffee water from any angle.

(128) In use, the pump section 102 is pressed downwards so the pump member 180 compresses water and coffee towards the mesh plate 104 situated at the bottom of the first chamber 150 defined by wall 101a.

(129) In use, the mesh plate 104 holds the coffee granules back allowing hot water and brewed coffee to pass through them.

(130) FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate the construction of the base section 101 with FIG. 20 showing the positioning of the mesh plate 104 over flow control means in the form of outlets 190 from the first chamber 150.

(131) Having passed through the mesh plate 104 the water/brewed coffee then passes into the third chamber 170 between the outside of wall 101a and the inside of wall 101b there it is swirled into a mixing action by the angular design of outlets 190 of the base supporting wall 101a. The construction of the outlets is best illustrated by FIG. 21.

(132) In this design the pump section shroud 115 extends for the length of the pump section 102 and extends below the pump member 180 such that water can not be pumped from the first chamber 150 until the shroud 115 is already in position to protect the user in the event that the seal between pump member 180 and wall 101a is breached.

(133) The base section 101 has a much reduced shroud compared to the first embodiment but the base extends out beyond wall 101b to provide stability for the user during compression of the pump section 102 in use.

(134) To aid in pressing down the top of the pump section 102 this is rounded and a raised lip 195 will be used at the edge of the lid of the pump section 102 to aid in drinking as best illustrated by FIG. 23.

(135) When the pump section 102 is fully pressed down to meet wall 101b as shown by FIG. 24 the coffee grounds will be compressed within the first chamber 150 defined by wall 101a and the inside of the space enclosed by wall 101b (which space comprises both the second and third chambers 160, 170) will be filled with a brewed coffee solution. In this drinking configuration of the drinking vessel the second and third chambers 160, 170 are open to one another at their upper parts allowing brewed coffee to flow there between.

(136) It will be appreciated that this preferred embodiment of the present invention may fulfil the purpose of producing a fresh coffee at a much faster rate than is normally possible with fresh ground coffee, this may all be achieved within a single drinking vessel without any external apparatus being used.

(137) It will be appreciated that this preferred embodiment of the present invention may have the following advantageous features: Reduces the amount of brew time as

(138) a. Not all of the water needs to pass through the coffee therefore different versions could be made with varying dimensions of first chamber 150 to vary the strength and speed. b. The water will be poured into first chamber 150 after the coffee is placed in there so brewing will start immediately as the water passes the mesh plate to fill the third chamber 170. O-ring or bung 106 friction will be less as the process requires a smaller diameter for 106 which will reduce friction against the inside wall of 101a The piston shroud 115 is now larger and will line up piston section 102 with base section 101 before the pump member 180 enters the first chamber 150 which will also ensure the user is protected before the compression of hot water begins. As the pipe 3 is now replaced the shape of the entire model can now be perfectly round as the return brewed water now mixes with the non brewed water uniformly around wall 101a allowing the entire model to be perfectly round. This has a secondary benefit of the entire model having an overall lesser diameter which will mean it will potentially fit in more car cup holders. Now that both base section 101 and pump section 102 can be made into perfectly circular cross section cylinders the user will be able to twist the two when separating after use this may make it easier to separate after drinking. As it will enable the user to break the inertia forces between the o ring 106 and the inside wall of base section 101a. In this set up an espresso or double espresso can be made from the smaller first (brew) chamber 150 so the device can offer different drink options to the user. The size of first (brew) chamber 150 can be varied in different models so different strengths of coffee would be available in different models.

(139) FIGS. 27 to 32 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a drinking vessel according to the present invention.

(140) The drinking vessel 200 comprises a base section 201 and a pump section 202. The drinking vessel 200 is adapted to receive coffee grounds and water to brew coffee and the drinking vessel 200 comprises pump means adapted to pump brewed coffee into a chamber of the drinking vessel such that it can be drunk. The construction and operation of the drinking vessel 200 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 27 to 32.

(141) The drinking vessel 200 of the third embodiment has a similar operation to that of the second embodiment but differs in construction, particularly in the construction of the base section 201.

(142) The base section 201 comprises an outer part 2010 and an inner part 2020. The inner part 2020 comprises an upper region 2021 which is threaded and adapted to be threaded into engagement with a corresponding thread at an upper region 2011 of the outer part 2010.

(143) The outer part 2010 comprises a base wall 2012 and a tubular side wall 201b which is threaded on the inside thereof at an upper region 2011 of the outer part 2010.

(144) The inner part 2020 comprises a tubular wall 201a which is connected to the upper region 2021 by spacers 2022 which define apertures 2023 there between. The top of the wall 201a lies below the top of the inner part 2020.

(145) When assembled by threading the inner section 2020 into engagement with the outer section 2020 the outer wall 101b encircles the inner wall 101a. The space inside the inner wall 101a provides a chamber which is sub divided in use by the pump member 280 of the pump section 202 to provide first and second chambers of varying relative capacity depending on the position of the pump section 202 relative to the base section 201. The space between walls 101a and 101b provides a third chamber.

(146) The construction of the inner part 2020 is such that, in use, liquid can travel from a third chamber defined between the tubular wall 201a of the inner part 2020 and the tubular wall 201b of the outer part 2010 into a second chamber located in space 2026 defined on the inside of tubular wall 201a when said space 2026 is occupied by the pump member 280 of the pump section 202.

(147) The drinking vessel 200 comprises a first chamber located in cavity 2026 defined on the inside of tubular wall 201a and adapted to receive to receive hot water and coffee grounds when said space 2026 is not occupied by the pump member 280 of the pump section 202.

(148) The lower region 2024 of the inner part 2020 is adapted to receive a flow control means 2030 and comprises retaining protrusions 2025 adapted to hold the flow control means 2030 in place when it is twisted into position.

(149) The flow control means 2030 comprises a plurality of angled outlets 290 adapted to cause mixing of liquid as it passes through the flow control means 2030 into a third chamber in use, the flow control means 2030 comprises a ring part 2031 carrying protrusions 2032 adapted to hold the flow control means 2030 in place when it is twisted into position at the lower region of the inner part 2020. Spokes 2033 extend inwardly from the ring part 2031 and are adapted to support a mesh filter (not shown) in use. Fins 2034 depend from the spokes 2033. When the base section 201 is assembled the bases of fins 2034 contact the base wall 2012 of the outer part 2020. The flow control means 2030 thus separates the first chamber from the third chamber and allows fluid communication there between.

(150) The drinking vessel comprises a filter means in the form of a mesh plate (not shown) located onto the flow control means 2030 and sandwiched in place between the flow control means 2030 and the inner section 2020 when the flow control means 2030 is connected to the inner section 2020. Thus, in use, the filter means is located in the path of an outlet at the base of the first chamber.

(151) The drinking vessel 200 comprises a second chamber 260 which is defined by the interior of the pump section 202. The pump section 202 has a plurality of slits 205 in it to allow brewed coffee to enter and consequently as the pump section 202 is located into the base section 201 in use the second chamber 260 is also partially defined by the base section 201 inner part 2020 wall 201a.

(152) The pump section 202 has a shroud 215 extending down from a lid part 290 and which shroud 215 overlies the wall 201b of the outer part 2010 of the base section 201 when the vessel 200 is in a drinking configuration.

(153) In use, the space enclosed by wall 201a is sub-divided into first and second chambers by a pump member 280 of the pump section 202 with the first chamber lying below it and the second chamber lying above it. Consequently, in use, as the pump section 202 is moved downwardly relative to the base section the movement of the pump member 280 results in the volume of the first chamber decreasing and the volume of the second chamber increasing.

(154) The third chamber conveys brewed coffee from the first chamber to the second chamber in use. The drinking vessel 200 comprises pump means for pumping brewed coffee to the second and third chambers such that it can be drunk.

(155) In use, with the base section 201 assembled coffee grounds and water are combined in the base section 201 in the first chamber which is defined within space 2026. Water flows through a bed of coffee on the filter means and through the flow control means 2030 such that brewed coffee flows into the third chamber and the liquid level in the first and third chambers reaches equilibrium. Depending on the type of coffee to be brewed, If desired, further water can then be added to the first chamber. The pump section 202 is then located such that the shroud 215 locates over the outer part 2010 of the base section 201 which aligns the pump member 280 with the space 2026. The pump member 280 then locates into the space 2026 forming a first chamber in the part of space 2026 below the pump member 280 and a second chamber in the part of space 2026 above the pump member 280. The pump section 202 is then moved downwardly relative to the base section 201 to decrease the volume of the first chamber pumping brewed coffee into the third chamber defined between walls 201a and 201b. Once the third chamber is full the brewed coffee then flows over wall 201a through apertures 2023 and slits 205 into the second chamber 260. At the same time the volume of first chamber is reduced the volume of the second chamber within space 2026 is increased as the pump section 202 is moved downwardly relative to the base section 201. This thus provides room for the second chamber 260 to accommodate the brewed coffee pumped from the first chamber.

(156) In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the pump section lid part 290 comprises an aperture in a region 291 which is selectively closed by a closure member. In use, this can allow a user to introduce milk and/or sugar and/or water into the second chamber which may allow a coffee to be brewed to a desired style.

(157) Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

(158) All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

(159) Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

(160) The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.