Process for providing customized varieties and strengths of fresh-brewed coffee on demand

• US 20040177762A1
• Filed: 03/26/2004
• Published: 09/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/14/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Original Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Inventors: Gutwein, Roger William, Connor, Christopher Wade
• Application Number:
  US10/811,193
• Publication Number:
  US 20040177762A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 99/279
• CPC Class Codes: A23F 5/243 Liquid, semi-liquid or non-dried semi-solid coffee extract preparations; Coffee gels; Liquid coffee in solid capsules A23F5/246 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A23F 5/26 Extraction of water-soluble constituents A23F5/246 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/002 following a specific operational sequence, e.g. for improving the taste of the extraction product
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/40 Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/41 of liquid ingredients
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 13/065 for drink preparation

Abstract

An improved process for providing an individually customized fresh brewed coffee beverage on demand by a consumer, in a wide range of variety and strength. Said brewing process for making relatively large quantities of fresh brewed coffee beverages (in particular customized as to desired variety, body, character and/or strengths) as chosen by multiple individual consumers just prior to their consumption, with the system being easy to use by the consumer or other individual (i.e., restaurant wait staff) obtaining the customized beverage. Further, maintenance of the equipment requires only a small amount of personal attention by the owner/operator of the equipment.

“Delayed dilution” of a concentrated extract to provide a beverage brewing system which immediately (upon customer selection) provides selective dilution (based on individual consumers selections) of a fresh brewed coffee extract after the extract has been allowed to brew and held as an extract before dilution. “Delayed mixing” and/or “delayed filtering” may also be utilized.

Claims

1. A high-volume, strength customizing coffee making apparatus, comprising:

A coffee brewer for brewing coffee extracts;

One or more storage devices positioned with the coffee making apparatus for storing the coffee extract;

Means for diluting the coffee extract upon demand by a consumer to meet a consumer'"'"'s strength preferences, said means having the ability to delay dilution of the coffee extract until the consumer makes a demand upon the coffee making apparatus for a cup of coffee; and

A coffee delivery means for delivering the coffee on-demand to a consumer.