Flavored inserts for coffee filters or the like

• US 4,975,292 A
• Filed: 08/16/1989
• Issued: 12/04/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 01/26/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Carl J. Loizzi
• Original Assignee: Carl J. Loizzi
• Inventors: Loizzi, Carl J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Weinstein, Steven
• Application Number:
  US07/395,136
• Time in Patent Office: 475 Days
• Field of Search: 426/77-84, 426/112, 426/132, 426/433, 426/435, 99/295, 99/304, 99/306
• US Class Current: 426/77
• CPC Class Codes: A23F 5/465 Flavouring with flavours other than natural coffee flavour or coffee oil
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/08 Paper filter inlays therefor to be disposed after use

Abstract

Flavored inserts which can be impregnated with a desired flavor and placed inside of a conventional coffee filter. The insert permits the brewing water to filter through the filter without obstruction while imparting the desired flavor to the brewing water.

Claims

1. A porous fibrous insert for use with a conventional filter having sidewalls and a flat bottom used in drip brewing a liquid comprising:

a shape retaining member comprising a porous fibrous filter material having a preselected beverage flavoring additive dispersed throughout the member, said additive being in a dried state and soluble in the presence of hot liquid;

said insert being substantially thin and coextensive with said flat bottom of said filter, said member having an upper surface with a lower surface; and

means for preventing the lower surface of said member from being flush with said flat bottom of said filter when said insert is placed in and supported on said flat bottom of said filter such that said lower surface is spaced from said flat bottom.

2. In the insert of claim 1 wherein said member is round and planar.

3. In the insert of claim 1 wherein said means comprises a downwardly depending peripheral support skirt extending from said member.

4. In the insert of claim 1 wherein said member is round and planar and wherein said means comprises a downwardly depending peripheral support skirt extending from said member, the lower edge of said skirt being spaced from said lower surface.

5. In the insert of claim 1 wherein said member has a plurality of spaced perforations therethrough greater in diameter than the porous openings in said member.

6. In the insert of claim 5 wherein said means comprises a downwardly depending peripheral skirt, the lowermost edge of said skirt being spaced from said lower surface.

7. In the insert of claim 6 wherein said member is round on the outer periphery thereof.

8. A filtering system for brewing coffee and simultaneously imparting a preselected flavor thereto comprising:

a filter having a bottom planar wall of a porous fibrous material and an interconnected outwardly flared side wall of a porous fibrous material; and

said porous fibrous insert as recited in claim 1;

wherein said insert is supported on said bottom planar wall with said lower surface spaced from said bottom planar wall.

9. In the system of claim 8 wherein said means comprises a downwardly extending peripheral skirt spacing said lower surface from contact with said filter bottom planar wall.