Dispenser

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the brewing of coffee, tea, and other beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of automatic coffee and tea dispensers are known. Generally described, these dispensers hold a measure of ground coffee, tealeaves, or other type of brewable material in a container of some sort. Hot water generally is added to the material so as to brew the beverage. The material is generally held in some sort of disposable container that must be opened or penetrated so as to allow the hot water to pass therethrough. Document <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US5638741A"><text>US 5,638,741 A</text></patcit> describes a brewing device that receives prefabricated coffee pods, through which water is passed, the pod consisting of a measure of pre-ground coffee contained within a membrane such as filter paper.

One drawback with these known brewing devices, however, is that the elements of the device that come into contact with the brewing material generally must be cleaned. Further, the container for the material must be inserted and aligned in the dispenser for each beverage. As a result, the beverage dispenser as a whole may be somewhat slow between beverage cycles as the container is inserted, aligned, removed and/or the dispenser elements are cleaned.

There is a desire therefore, for a device that brews a beverage with a quick cycle time. The device preferably should be relatively inexpensive and easy to use and produce a high quality beverage. Likewise, the device preferably should be adaptable for different types of brewing materials and amounts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention thus provides a dispenser for brewing a beverage from a beverage material contained within a pod, the dispenser comprising a pod comprising a body having a lip extending therefrom, a substantially circular sidewall and a base having a plurality of apertures formed therein; a pod holder adapted to receive said pod therein and support said lip of said pod; and an injection head arranged to apply about 136 to 160 kilograms (about 300 to 350 pounds) of force to said lip of said pod when the pod is, in use, received in the pod holder.

A further embodiment of the present invention may provide for a container for holding ground coffee or tealeaves. The container includes a body and a lip extending from the body. The lip may include a top substantially flat surface and a width of no more than about 2.6 millimeters (about 0.1 inch).

The container may be made of polystyrene, polyethylene, or polypropylene. The body may include a sidewall and a base. The base may include a number of apertures therein, a number of support ribs thereon, and a number of spikes thereon. Each of the spikes may include a base surrounded by a number of blades.

The lip may include a flange extending from the flat surface. The flange may extend downwardly at an angle so as to form a pocket with the body. The pocket may include an upper curved radius.

The container also may include a lid positioned within the body. The lid may include a concave shape and a number of apertures therein. The body may include one or more over-cuts therein for the lid.

A further embodiment of the present invention may provide for a container for holding ground coffee or tealeaves. The container includes a base with a number of apertures therein, a circular sidewall extending from the base, and a lip extending from the sidewall. The lip may include a top substantially flat surface and a flange extending downwardly from the flat surface.

The pod may include about five (5) to about eight (8) grams of a plastic material. The lip may include a substantially flat top surface and the injection head may include a sealing ring sized to accommodate the flat top surface. The body may include a number of spikes therein.

A method of the present invention may provide for preparing a beverage from a beverage material and is defined in claim 15. The method may include placing the beverage material within a container, tamping the beverage material down with a lid of the container, positioning the lid into the container, and injecting the container with water pressurized water at about 1.4 to 14 kilograms per square centimeter (about 20 to about 200 pounds per square inch).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> is a perspective view of one embodiment of a beverage dispenser system.

<figref idref="f0001">Fig. 2</figref> is a top plan view of the beverage dispenser system of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="f0002">Fig. 3</figref> is a perspective view of a turret system of the beverage dispenser system of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="f0002">Fig. 4</figref> is a perspective view of an injector assembly of the beverage dispenser system of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, with the guide wheels and the return spring of the support plate shown in phantom lines.

<figref idref="f0003">Fig. 5</figref> is a rear perspective view of the injector assembly of the beverage dispenser system of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, with the idler wheel and the limit switch shown in a cut away view.

<figref idref="f0003">Fig. 6</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of a configuration of brewing material for use with the present invention.

<figref idref="f0003">Fig. 7</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of brewing material for use with the present invention.

<figref idref="f0004">Fig. 8</figref> is a top perspective view of a pod.

<figref idref="f0004">Fig. 9</figref> is a bottom perspective view of the pod of <figref idref="f0004">Fig. 8</figref>.

<figref idref="f0005">Fig. 10</figref> is a side plan view of the pod of <figref idref="f0004">Fig. 8</figref>.

<figref idref="f0005">Fig. 11</figref> is a bottom plan view of the pod of <figref idref="f0004">Fig. 8</figref>.

<figref idref="f0005">Fig. 12</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the pod of <figref idref="f0004">Fig 8</figref>.

<figref idref="f0006">Fig. 13</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the lip of the pod of <figref idref="f0004">Fig. 8</figref>.

<figref idref="f0006">Fig. 14</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a pod with a lid thereon [127] <figref idref="f0006">Fig. 15</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the interior wall of the pod of <figref idref="f0006">Fig. 14</figref> [128] <figref idref="f0007">Fig. 16</figref> is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a pod.

<figref idref="f0007">Fig. 17</figref> is a top plan view of the pod of <figref idref="f0007">Fig. 16</figref>.

<figref idref="f0007">Fig. 18</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the pod of <figref idref="f0007">Fig. 16</figref>.

<figref idref="f0007">Fig. 19</figref> is a perspective view of a spike used in the pod of <figref idref="f0007">Fig. 16</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, <figref idref="f0001">Figs. 1 and 2</figref> show one application of a beverage dispenser system 100. In these figures, a pod brewing apparatus 300 is shown. The pod brewing apparatus 300 may include a heat exchanger 150 positioned within a hot water reservoir <b>160</b> and in communication with an injection nozzle <b>200</b> as is shown. In this embodiment, the elements of the beverage dispenser system <b>100</b> as a whole are mounted onto a dispenser frame <b>305.</b> The dispenser frame <b>305</b> may be made out of stainless steel, aluminum, other types of metals, or other types of substantially noncorrosive materials.

The injection nozzle <b>200</b> may interact with one or more pod cartridges <b>210</b> so as to produce the desired beverage in a cup <b>230</b> or any other type of receptacle. The pod cartridges <b>210</b> may be positioned in the beverage dispenser system <b>100</b> within a turret assembly <b>310.</b> The turret assembly <b>310</b> may be fixedly attached to the dispenser frame <b>305.</b> As is shown in <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 3</figref>, the turret assembly <b>310</b> may include a turret plate <b>320</b> positioned within a turret frame <b>325.</b> The turret frame <b>325</b> may be made out of stainless steel, aluminum, other types of conventional metals, or similar types of substantially noncorrosive materials. The turret plate <b>320</b> may be substantially circular. The turret plate <b>320</b> may include a number of pod apertures <b>330.</b> The pod apertures <b>330</b> may be sized to accommodate the pod cartridges <b>210.</b> The turret plate <b>320</b> may spin about a turret pin <b>340.</b> A turret motor <b>350</b> may drive the turret assembly <b>310</b>. The turret motor <b>350</b> may be a conventional AC motor or a similar type of device. The turret motor <b>350</b> may drive the turret assembly <b>310</b> at about six (6) to about thirty (30) rpm, with about twenty-five (25) rpm preferred.

The turret plate <b>320</b> also may have a number of detents 360 positioned about its periphery. The detents <b>360</b> may be positioned about each of the turret apertures <b>330.</b> The detents <b>360</b> may cooperate with one or more limit switches <b>365</b> so as to control the rotation of the turret plate <b>320.</b> The rotation of the plate <b>320</b> may be stopped when the limit switch <b>360</b> encounters one of the detents <b>360.</b>

Positioned adjacent to the turret assembly <b>310</b> may be an injector assembly <b>400.</b> The injector assembly <b>310</b> may be fixedly attached to the dispenser frame <b>305.</b> The injector assembly <b>400</b> also may include an injector frame <b>410</b> extending above the turret assembly <b>310.</b> The injector frame <b>410</b> may be made out of stainless steel, other types of metals, or similar types of substantially noncorrosive materials.

As is shown in <figref idref="f0002">Figs. 4</figref> and <figref idref="f0003">5</figref>, the injector assembly <b>400</b> may include the injection nozzle <b>200</b> as described above. The injection nozzle <b>200</b> may have a narrow tip so as to penetrate the pod cartridge <b>210</b> if needed or a wide mouth to accommodate the entire pod cartridge <b>210.</b> The injector assembly <b>400</b> may include an injector head <b>420</b> that cooperates with the injection nozzle <b>200.</b> The injector head <b>420</b> may be slightly larger in diameter than the pod cartridges <b>210.</b> The injector head <b>420</b> also may be made out of stainless steel, plastics, or similar types of substantially noncorrosive materials. The injector head <b>420</b> may include a sealing ring <b>430</b> positioned about its lower periphery. The sealing ring <b>430</b> may be made out of rubber, silicone, or other types of elastic materials such that a substantially water tight seal may be formed between the injector head <b>420</b> and the pod cartridge <b>210.</b> The heat exchanger <b>150</b> may be in communication with the injector head <b>420</b> so as to provide hot, pressurized water to the pod cartridges <b>210.</b>

The injector head <b>420</b> may be moveable in a substantially vertical plane via a cam system <b>440.</b> (The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used as a frame of reference as opposed to absolute positions. The injector head <b>420</b> and the other elements described herein may operate in any orientation.) A cam system drive motor <b>450</b> may drive the cam system <b>440.</b> The drive motor <b>450</b> may be a conventional AC motor similar to the turret motor <b>350</b> described above. The drive motor <b>450</b> also may be a shaded pole or a DC type motor. The drive motor <b>450</b> may rotate an eccentric cam <b>460</b> via a drive belt system <b>470.</b> The drive motor <b>450</b> and the gear system <b>470</b> may rotate the eccentric cam <b>460</b> at about six (6) to about thirty (30) rpm, with about twenty-five (25) rpm preferred. The eccentric cam <b>460</b> may be shaped such that its lower position may have a radius of about 4.1 to about 4.8 centimeters (about 1.6 to 1.9 inches) while its upper position may have a radius of about 3.5 to 4.1 centimeters (about 1.3 to about 1.7 inches).

The eccentric cam <b>460</b> may cooperate with an idler wheel <b>480.</b> The idler wheel <b>480</b> may be in communication with and mounted within a support plate <b>490.</b> The support plate <b>490</b> may maneuver about the injector frame <b>410.</b> The support plate <b>490</b> may be made out of stainless steel, other types of steel, plastics, or other materials. The support plate <b>490</b> may be fixedly attached to the injector head <b>420.</b> The support plate <b>490</b> may have a number of guide wheels <b>500</b> positioned thereon such that the support plate 490 can move in the vertical direction within the injector frame <b>410.</b> A return spring <b>520</b> also may be attached to the support plate and the injector frame <b>410.</b> A limit switch <b>530</b> may be positioned about the cam <b>460</b> such that its rotation may not exceed a certain amount.

The injector head <b>420</b> thus may maneuver up and down in the vertical direction via the cam system <b>440.</b> Specifically, the drive motor <b>450</b> may rotate the eccentric cam <b>460</b> via the gear system <b>470.</b> As the eccentric cam <b>460</b> rotates with an ever-increasing radius, the idler wheel <b>480</b> pushes the support plate <b>490</b> downward such that the injector head <b>420</b> comes in contact with a pod cartridge <b>210.</b> The eccentric cam <b>460</b> may lower the injector head <b>420</b> by about 6.4 to about 12.7 millimeters (about one-quarter to about one-half inches). Once the injector head <b>420</b> comes into contact with the pod cartridge <b>210,</b> the eccentric cam <b>460</b> may continue to rotate and increases the pressure on the pod cartridge <b>210</b> until the cam <b>460</b> reaches the limit switch <b>530.</b> The injector head <b>420</b> may engage the pod cartridge <b>210</b> with a downward force of about 136 to 160 kilograms (about 300 to 350 pounds). The sealing ring <b>430</b> thus may form a substantially airtight and water tight seal about the pod cartridge <b>210.</b> The drive motor <b>450</b> may hold the cam <b>460</b> in place for a predetermined amount of time. The cam system <b>440</b> may then be reversed such that the injector head <b>420</b> returns to its original position.

Once the injection nozzle <b>200</b> of the injector head <b>420</b> is in contact with the pod cartridge <b>210,</b> the hot, high pressure water may flow from the heat exchanger <b>150</b> into the injector head <b>420.</b> The water may be at about 82 to about 93 degrees Celsius (about 180 to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit). The incoming water flow may be pressurized at about 11 to about 14 kilograms per square centimeter (about 160 to 200 pounds per square inch). The pressure of the water passing through the pod cartridge <b>210</b> may be about 1.4 to about 14 kilograms per square centimeter (about 20 to about 200 pounds per square inch). The pressure of the water flowing through the pod cartridge <b>210</b> may vary with the nature of the beverage.

As is shown in <figref idref="f0003">Figs. 6 and 7</figref>, the pod cartridges <b>210</b> may be filled with different types of grinds, leaves, or other types of a brewing material <b>550.</b> In the case of a single serving sized espresso beverage of about thirty (30) milliliters, about six (6) to about eight (8) grams of espresso grinds may be placed in the pod cartridge <b>210.</b> Likewise, about six (6) to about (8) grams of coffee grinds may be added to the pod cartridge <b>210</b> to produce about a <b>240</b> milliliter (about eight (8) ounce) cup of coffee. About three (3) to about five (5) grams of tealeaves may be added to the pod cartridge <b>210</b> in order to make about a 150 milliliter (about five (5) ounce) cup of tea.

The brewing material <b>550</b> may be positioned within one or more layers of filter paper <b>560.</b> The filter paper <b>560</b> may be standard filter paper used to collect the brewing material <b>550</b> while allowing the beverage to pass therethrough. The pod cartridge may have an upper filter layer <b>570</b> and a lower filter layer <b>580.</b> The brewing material 550 itself may be positioned directly between the upper and lower filter layers 570, 580. Alternatively, the brewing material 550 may be placed within a foil envelope 590. The foil envelope 590 may serve to keep the brewing material 550 therein fresh and out of contact with the ambient air. Alternatively, the entire pod cartridge 210 may be placed within a foil envelope, either individually or as a group, until the pod 210 is ready for use.

<figref idref="f0004 f0005">Figs. 8-12</figref> show an embodiment of the pod cartridge 210 that is used with the beverage dispenser system 100 or in other types of beverage systems. The pod cartridge 210 is substantially in the shape of a cup 600. The cup 600 may be made out of a conventional thermoplastic such as polystyrene, polyethylene, or polypropylene. Alternatively, stainless steel or other types of substantially noncorrosive materials also may be used. The cup 600 may be substantially rigid.

The cup 600 includes a substantially circular sidewall 610 and a substantially flat base 620. The sidewall 610 and the base 620 of the cup 600 may be molded and form a unitary element or a separate sidewall 610 and a separate base 620 may be fixedly attached to each other. The sidewall 610 and the base 620, as well as the cup 600 as a whole, may have any convenient diameter so as to accommodate the pod apertures 330 of the turret plate 320 of the turret assembly 310 and the injector head 420 of the injector assembly 400. Alternatively, the sidewall 610 and the base 620 of the cup 600 may have any convenient diameter so as to accommodate other any type of beverage dispenser system 100.

The sidewall 610 of the cup 600 may have any convenient depth so as to accommodate an appropriate amount of the brewing material 550. In this embodiment, the sidewall 610 may have an inside diameter of about 3.9 centimeters (about 1.535 inches), an outside diameter of about 4.03 centimeters (about 1.586 inches) and a wall thickness of about 1.295 millimeters (about 0.051 inches). The sidewall 610 also may have a depth of about 2.43 centimeters (about 0.955 inches) with the base 620 having an additional depth of about 0.318 centimeter (about 0.125 inches). Such a configuration of the sidewall 610 and the base 620 of the cup 600 may hold about six (6) to about sixteen (16) grams of the brewing material 550, depending upon the size of the desired beverage, i.e., eight (8), twelve (12), or sixteen (16) ounces. These dimensions are for purposes of example only. The sidewall 610 and the base 620 of the cup 600 may take any desired or convenient size or shape. For example, the sidewall 610 may be straight, tapered, stepped, or curved if desired.

The base 620 includes a bottom floor 630. The bottom floor 630 includes a number of apertures 640 formed therein. The apertures 640 extend through the width of the floor 630. In this embodiment, the apertures 640 may be largely circular in shape with a diameter of about 1.6 millimeters (about 0.063 inches). Any desired shape or size, however, may be used. In this embodiment, about 54 apertures 640 are used herein, although any number may be used. The base 620 also may include a number of support ribs 650 supporting the floor 630. An inner circular rib 660, an outer circular rib 670, and a number of radial libs 680 may be used. Any design or number of ribs 660 may be used. In this embodiment, the ribs 650 may have a depth of about 2.54 millimeters (about 0.1 inch) and the floor 630 may have a depth of about 1.78 millimeters (about 0.07 inches), although any desired thickness may be used.

The sidewall 610 of the cup 600 also may include an upper lip 700. The upper lip 700 may include a substantially flat top portion 710 and a downwardly angled flange 720 extending from the top portion 710. The flange 720 may extend downwardly so as to form a pocket 730 with the sidewall 610. The top of the pocket 730 may form a curved inner radius 735. As is shown in <figref idref="f0006">Fig. 13</figref>, the sidewall 610 may or may not include an outer step 740 within the pocket 730.

In this embodiment and by way of example only, the flat top portion 710 of the upper lip 700 may have width of about 2.54 millimeters (about 0.01 inch) extending in the horizontal direction. The flange 720 may have the length of about 2.2 millimeters (about 0.087 inch). The flange 720 and the pocket 730 of the lip 700 are sized to accommodate the size of the pod apertures 330. Specifically, the lip 700 is configured to accommodate the size of the pod apertures 330 and the expected force of the injector head 420 while using as little material as possible.

<figref idref="f0006">Figs. 14 and 15</figref> show a further embodiment of the cup 600. In this embodiment, the sidewall 610 of the cup 600 may include a number of over-cuts 760 formed therein. In this embodiment, a first over-cut 770 and a second over-cut 780 may be used. Any number of over-cuts 760, however, may be used. The over-cuts 760 may be continuous around the inner circumference of the side wall 610 or the over-cuts 760 may be intermittent. The over-cut 760 may cooperate with a lid 790. The lid 790 may have edges 800 that are substantially wedge shaped to fit and remain within the over-cut 760. The use of the wedge shaped edge 800 ensures that the lid 790 remains in place. The edges 800 may be continuous or intermittent so as to mate with the over-cut <b>760.</b> The lid <b>790</b> preferably is bowed inward or largely concave in shape.

The lid <b>790</b> may be placed in the first or second over cut <b>770, 780</b> depending upon the amount of brewing material <b>550</b> that is desired to be placed within the cup <b>600.</b> The lid <b>790</b> is bowed downward so as to tamp the brewing material <b>550</b> down under pressure and to keep the brewing material <b>550</b> therein from shifting. The lid <b>790</b> may compact the brewing material <b>550</b> with at least about nine (9) kilograms of compressive force (about twenty (20) pounds of force). The lid <b>790</b> also may have a number of apertures <b>810</b> therein so as to permit water from the injector head <b>420</b> to pass therethrough. Depending on the nature of the injector head <b>420,</b> the use of the lid <b>790</b> may not be necessary. Instead, a foil wrapper or any other covering may be used. Likewise, the over-cuts <b>760</b> also may be eliminated or modified as desired.

<figref idref="f0007">Figs. 16-19</figref> show a further embodiment of the present invention, a spiked pod <b>850.</b> The spiked pod <b>850</b> may use the cup <b>600,</b> the side wall <b>610,</b> the base <b>620,</b> the lip <b>700,</b> and the elements thereof as described above with the pod cartridge <b>210.</b> The spiked pod <b>850</b> also may include a number of spikes <b>860</b> positioned along the floor <b>630</b> of the base <b>620.</b> The spikes <b>860</b> may serve to puncture a package for the brewing material <b>550</b> as will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, about eighteen (18) spikes <b>860</b> may be used. Any desired number of spikes, however, <b>860</b> may be used. The spikes <b>860</b> may be aligned along the radial ribs <b>680</b> of the base <b>620</b> or elsewhere along the floor <b>630</b>.

As is shown in, for example, <figref idref="f0007">Fig. 19</figref>, the spikes <b>860</b> may include three (3) triangular blades <b>870</b> surrounding a base <b>880.</b> The tips of the blades <b>870</b> may form a puncture area <b>890.</b> The blades <b>860</b> may have any desired shape. The blades 870 may have a height of about 6.35 millimeters (about 0.25 inch) and the base <b>880</b> may have a height of about 3.8 millimeters (about 0.15 inches) such that the puncture area <b>890</b> may be about 2.54 millimeters (about 0.1 inches) in length above the base <b>880.</b> Any desired size, however, may be used.

In use, the lower layer <b>580</b> of filter paper may be placed with the cup <b>600</b> of the pod cartridge <b>210.</b> The lower layer 580 may be positioned along the floor <b>630</b> of the base <b>620.</b> An amount of the brewing material <b>550</b> then may be positioned therein. The upper layer <b>570</b> of the filter paper then may be placed on the brewing material 550 if desired. The lid <b>790</b> then may be placed within the cup <b>600</b> so as to tap d own the brewing material <b>550</b>. Once the lid <b>790</b> has compacted the brewing material <b>550,</b> the edge <b>800</b> of the lid <b>790</b> is positioned within the appropriate over-cut <b>760</b> within the side wall <b>610</b> of the cup <b>600.</b> The pod <b>210</b> then may be sealed or otherwise shipped for use with the beverage dispenser system <b>100</b> or otherwise.

The pod <b>210</b> may be positioned within one of the pod apertures <b>330</b> in the turret assembly <b>310.</b> Specifically, the outer edge of the pod aperture <b>330</b> aligns with the flange <b>720</b> of the lip <b>700</b> of the cup <b>600.</b> A pod or other device with a convention square lip would extend too far out of the pod aperture <b>330</b> to function with the injection head <b>420</b> of the injector assembly <b>310.</b> The injector head <b>420</b> then may be positioned about the pod <b>210.</b> The sealing ring <b>630</b> of the injector head <b>420</b> may seal about the top portion <b>710</b> of the lip <b>700</b> of the cup <b>600.</b> The use of a rounded lip or a lip with a non-flat shape may cause damage to the sealing ring <b>430</b> given the amount of pressure involved, i.e., as described above, the injector head <b>420</b> may engage the pod cartridge <b>210</b> with a downward force of about 136 to about 160 kilograms of force (about 300 to about 350 pounds) and the incoming water flow may be pressurized at about eleven (11) to about fourteen (14) kilograms per square centimeter (about 160 to 200 pounds per square inch (psi)). The pressure of the water flowing through pod cartridge <b>210</b> may vary with the nature of the brewing material <b>550</b> from about 1.4 to about 14 kilograms per square centimeter (about twenty (20) to about 200 pounds per square inch).

The water passing through the injection head <b>420</b> may spread out over the lid <b>790</b> and the apertures <b>810</b> thereof and into the b rewing material <b>550.</b> The brewed beverage may then pass through the apertures <b>640</b> in the base <b>620</b> of the cup <b>600.</b>

The lip <b>700</b> as well as the base <b>620</b> of the cup <b>600</b> are designed to use as little material as possible while being able to withstand the water pressures described above with out deformation. The cup <b>600</b> as a whole may have about five (5) to about eight (8) grams of plastic material therein when using, for example, polypropylene homopolymer. The configuration of the lip <b>700</b> may save about 0.4 to about 0.6 grams or about ten percent (10%) of the plastic required.

In the embodiment of the spiked p od <b>850</b>, the brewing material <b>550</b> may be positioned within the foil envelope <b>590.</b> At least the lower filter layer <b>580</b> also may be placed within the cup <b>600.</b> The injection nozzle <b>200</b> may penetrate the foil envelope <b>590</b> or water may otherwise flow into the cup <b>600</b> with the water pressure described above. This water pressure may force both the lower filer layer 580 and the foil envelope 590 against the spikes 860 of the spiked pod 850. This pressure may allow these spikes 860 to penetrate both the lower filter area 580 and the foil envelop 590. The punctures caused by the spikes 860 may allow the brewed beverage to pass therethrough while substantially maintaining the remaining brewing material 550 therein. The spikes 860 may provide substantially uniform penetration of the foil envelope 590. The brewing material 590 also may be contained within other types of structures that may be penetrated by the spikes 860.