Filtering device, filter element and method of manufacturing the filter element used for the preparation of brewed beverages

Abstract

The invention is directed to a filtering device, a filter element therefor and a method of manufacturing the filter element (,) from filter paper. The filter element (,) has a receiving cavity (,) to be filled with extractable materials such as coffee grounds or tea leaves. Following contact with hot water, the extractable materials deliver extractive substances to the water, resulting in a brewed beverage that is drained from the filter element (,). During this process, the filter element (,) is held by the filter support (,) by way of a supporting member which includes a rim (,) formed on the filter element (,) and having a bearing surface (,), and a supporting surface (,) formed on the filter support (,). The rim (,) of the filter element (,) is reinforced mechanically by providing the filter paper with exposed pleats (,) which cooperate with corresponding elevations (,) and recesses (,) formed on the supporting surface (,) of the filter support (,). Such a filtering device of the present invention enables its manipulation and manufacture to be significantly facilitated. At the same time, improved brewing results are obtained. The operations of inserting such a filter element (,) in a filter housing (,) and filling it with coffee grounds, for example, are also improved. It is possible to manufacture a plurality of filter elements (,) in a single operation. At the same time, the filter elements are stackable in a minimum of space. The filter element is held in the filtering device without any additional fastening.