Brewing device

Abstract

A brewing device, particularly for brewing tea or coffee. In one embodiment, the steeping portion ( 11 ) is formed with the handle ( 10 ) and the squeezing means includes an actuator element ( 13 ) arranged to extend through the handle. Such a device is thus arranged to compress the steeping portion by means of a pulling action on the actuator element. In an alternative embodiment, the squeezing means is formed with the handle ( 51 ) and the steeping portion is formed with an actuator element ( 54 ) arranged to extend through the handle. By such an arrangement, the device is arranged to compress the steeping portion by means of a pushing or pressing action on the actuator element.

1 . A brewing device comprising a handle portion and a steeping portion, wherein the device further comprises steeping portion compressing or squeezing means. 
     
     
         2 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the steeping portion is resiliently deformable. 
     
     
         3 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the steeping portion is reversibly deformable. 
     
     
         4 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the steeping portion comprises a frame. 
     
     
         5 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the frame is a triangular or circular frame. 
     
     
         6 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the squeezing means comprises a strip, strap, loop, film or string that engages at least a part of the steeping portion. 
     
     
         7 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the frame is triangular and the squeezing means engages an edge of the frame opposite an apex of the frame such that, in use, operation of the squeezing means comprises moving the edge of the frame towards the apex of the frame. 
     
     
         8 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the handle is formed as an elongate element, preferably tubular. 
     
     
         9 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the steeping portion is formed with the handle and the squeezing means includes an actuator element arranged to extend through the handle. 
     
     
         10 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the squeezing means is formed with the handle and the steeping portion is formed with an actuator element arranged to extend through the handle. 
     
     
         11 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the squeezing means further comprises locking means. 
     
     
         12 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the locking means comprises at least one barb, flap or stud for engaging the handle portion. 
     
     
         13 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 12  wherein at least one barb has a first configuration, in which it is flush with the squeezing means and a second configuration, in which it projects from the squeezing means. 
     
     
         14 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 1  formed substantially from paper, preferably waxed or water-resistant paper. 
     
     
         15 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the handle portion comprises a compartment for storing powdered milk, sugar, artificial sweetener, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         16 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 1  packaged with a porous bag or filter bag. 
     
     
         17 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 16  wherein the porous bag or filter bag contains loose-leaf tea, broken-leaf tea, fannings or coffee grounds. 
     
     
         18 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the steeping portion is reversibly deformable. 
     
     
         19 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the steeping portion comprises a frame. 
     
     
         20 . A brewing device as claimed in  claim 19  wherein the frame is a triangular or circular frame.