초록 ▼

A plunger device for use with a beverage press having a screen for filtering fines from an infused beverage. A flexible seal is provided that is compressible to function properly in different sized containers. The seal may be made of a material such as rubber or rubberized plastics or the like and m

A plunger device for use with a beverage press having a screen for filtering fines from an infused beverage. A flexible seal is provided that is compressible to function properly in different sized containers. The seal may be made of a material such as rubber or rubberized plastics or the like and may have a width that is greater than its thickness. Various seal embodiments including ascending, descending and non-circular embodiments are disclosed. Brew control and multiple access openings are also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A plunger device for a beverage press, comprising: a lid; a shaft movably provided through said lid; a substantially planarly disposed screen provided proximate one end of said shaft for filtering fines from an infused beverage; a flexible seal structure disposed outwar

The invention claimed is: 1. A plunger device for a beverage press, comprising: a lid; a shaft movably provided through said lid; a substantially planarly disposed screen provided proximate one end of said shaft for filtering fines from an infused beverage; a flexible seal structure disposed outwardly of said screen, a perimeter of said seal structure defining a first area in a substantially horizontal plane when at rest and being compressible to define a second area in a substantially horizontal plane when compressed in a beverage press vessel that is smaller by 20% or more than said first area, the seal being configured so that the perimeter when compressed into the second area maintains a functional seal; and wherein the seal member ascends from and extends in a substantially linear or outwardly tapering manner, in vertical cross-section, from the planarly disposed screen wherein said seal structure is comprised of a seal member made of a flexible material that is inherently self biased towards a position defining said first area; wherein said flexible seal member extends from a fixed support structure therefor by a distance that is at least substantially three times the thickness of the flexible seal member at the fixed support structure; and further comprising a releasable brew control device having a substantially continuous closed surface that is actionable by a user to substantially cover said screen; wherein said brew control is actionable through said lid and descends the shaft into a position that covers the screen, thereby blocking fines from the infused beverage. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said seal member is comprised of natural or synthetic rubber. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said seal structure as viewed from above is substantially non-circular. 4. A plunger device for a beverage press, comprising; a lid; a shaft movably provided through said lid; a screen provided proximate one end of said shaft for filtering fines from an infused beverage; a frame supporting said screen; a flexible seal structure disposed outwardly of said frame; and a brew control device substantially planar in shape and having a substantially continuous closed surface that is actionable by a user to substantially cover said screen, and thereby reduce contact between fines excluded from an infused beverage and the remaining beverage; wherein said brew control is actionable through said lid; and wherein said seal structure includes a seal member that is formed of a natural or synthetic rubber and is disposed outwardly of said screen, said seal member having a width that is at least three times greater than its thickness. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein said seal structure is flared in vertical cross-section.