Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02800918 2012-11-27
WO 2011/147591 -1-
PCT/EP2011/002661
Portion capsule for producing a beverage
The present invention relates to a portion capsule for
producing a beverage, said portion capsule having a
cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided,
wherein, in order to produce the beverage, an opening
is introducible into the portion capsule.
Such portion capsules are well known from the prior art
and are available on the market for example as coffee
portion capsules. In these coffee portion capsules, the
cavity is filled at least partially with coffee powder
and hot water flows through said cavity to produce a
coffee, espresso and the like. In order to prevent the
coffee located in the cavity from losing its aroma, the
portion capsule is preferably hermetically sealed.
Therefore, in order to produce the coffee, openings
have to be able to be introduced into the portion
capsule or already be present therein in advance.
In particular in the case of coffee portion capsules,
there is a permanent desire on the part of a person
skilled in the art to improve the quality of the
resulting coffee beverage. A large role is played here,
inter alia, by the displacement of the air which is
located for example in the cavity in the portion
capsule but also in the coffee powder, and also the
residence time of the hot water in the portion capsule.
Therefore, it was the object of the present invention
to provide a portion capsule with which a good coffee
beverage is producible.
The object is achieved by a portion capsule for
producing a beverage, said portion capsule having a
cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided,
wherein, in order to produce the beverage, an opening
is introducible into the portion capsule, said opening
being provided at a distance from a plane of symmetry
CA 02800918 2012-11-27
WO 2011/147591 - 2 -
PCT/EP2011/002661
of the portion capsule.
The statements made with respect to this subject of the
present invention apply in equal measure to the other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and
the features disclosed here can be combined with other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
The present invention relates to a portion capsule for
producing a beverage, said portion capsule having a
cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided.
Such a portion capsule is produced for example from
plastics material, a natural substance and/or a
biodegradable material, and usually has a basic
element, in particular a thermoformed basic element,
which is preferably frustoconical or cylindrical. The
raw beverage material is introduced into the cavity in
the portion capsule and is subjected to extraction
and/or dissolved, for example, using a liquid, in
particular water. Following the introduction of raw
beverage material, the basic element is preferably
closed, in particular with a membrane, for example a
plastics film. The membrane is preferably provided
opposite the base of the basic element. The membrane
may be produced from the same material as the basic
element, or a different material, and is fastened on
the basic element, preferably by sealing and/or
adhesive bonding. Furthermore, one or more insert
elements, for example a filter, a liquid distributor, a
nonwoven, a barrier sheet or the like may be provided
in the cavity.
In order to produce the beverage, this portion capsule
now has to be opened, i.e. be provided with an inlet
and an outlet. According to the invention, at least one
opening, preferably the opening through which the
liquid flows into the portion capsule, is provided at a
distance from a plane of symmetry. As a result, flow
CA 02800918 2012-11-27
WO 2011/147591 - 3 -
PCT/EP2011/002661
takes place in an asymmetrical manner through the
portion capsule, resulting in advantages for the
quality of the end product, for example in the
extraction of the coffee and/or in the formation of
crema.
According to a further or a preferred subject of the
present invention, there are provided a plurality of
openings, in particular in the inlet, which are
distributed at least partially in an asymmetrical
manner and are located with respect to a first plane
that extends in an axial direction of the portion
capsule and is preferably a plane of symmetry of the
unopened capsule. On account of this embodiment
according to the invention or preferred embodiment of
the present invention, too, flow takes place through
the cavity in the portion capsule in an asymmetrical
manner at least in sections and/or temporarily, thereby
resulting in an improved coffee quality. Preferably,
the plane is a plane of symmetry of the unopened
portion capsule.
The statements made with respect to this subject of the
present invention apply in equal measure to the other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and
the features disclosed here can be combined with other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the openings are introduced in such
a way, in particular into the cover sheet, that said
openings are provided in a symmetrical manner with
respect to a further axis of symmetry of the unopened
portion capsule.
The opening(s) is/are introduced into the portion
capsule preferably immediately prior to the production
of the particular beverage. This can be carried out in
CA 02800918 2012-11-27
WO 2011/147591 - 4 -
PCT/EP2011/002661
any manner familiar to a person skilled in the art, for
example by piercing, for example with a spike, by
removal of material, by material softening and/or by
pressure, in particular water pressure. Preferably, the
membrane has at least one, preferably a plurality of,
in particular two, openings, and the base, which is
preferably located opposite the membrane, preferably
has at least one opening. The opening in the base of
the portion capsule is provided preferably centrally,
but can also be arranged at a distance from a plane of
symmetry. The openings can have any desired shape
familiar to a person skilled in the art. Preferably,
however, the holes in the membrane are triangular,
circular, square or rectangular. This type of openings
can be introduced into the portion capsules with a
particularly small force.
Preferably, the membrane has at least one, preferably
two or more openings, preferably along a first plane of
symmetry of the portion capsule, wherein these openings
in an asymmetrical manner with respect to a second
plane of symmetry of the portion capsule, which are
arranged preferably perpendicularly to the first plane
of symmetry. This opening serves/these openings serve
preferably for a liquid to pass into the cavity in the
portion capsule. Preferably, the membrane, particularly
preferably additionally, has at least one, preferably
two, opening(s), preferably along a second plane of
symmetry, which are preferably provided in a
symmetrical manner with respect to the first plane of
symmetry. This additional opening serves at least
temporarily for venting the cavity in the portion
capsule.
A further or a preferred subject of the present
invention is a portion capsule for producing a
beverage, said portion capsule having a cavity in which
a raw beverage material is provided and through which a
CA 02800918 2012-11-27
WO 2011/147591 - 5 -
PCT/EP2011/002661
liquid can flow, wherein flow takes place onto the
capsule at a distance from a plane of symmetry.
The statements made with respect to this subject of the
present invention apply in equal measure to the other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and
the features disclosed here can be combined with other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
In the case of this portion capsule, it is provided
according to the invention that flow takes place onto
the portion capsule at a distance from a plane of
symmetry, i.e. the liquid is supplied to the portion
capsule not centrally but outside the center. This also
results, at least temporarily, in improved flow through
the cavity in the portion capsule and/or, at least
temporarily, a longer residence time of the liquid in
the portion capsule and thus a higher quality beverage.
A further or a preferred subject of the present
invention is a portion capsule in which the membrane
has a liquid inlet and a venting opening.
The statements made with respect to this subject of the
present invention apply in equal measure to the other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and
the features disclosed here can be combined with other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
The liquid inlet and the venting opening are preferably
introduced, preferably cut, into the membrane of the
portion capsule by a coffee machine. With respect to
the gravitational field of the Earth, the venting
opening is preferably arranged above the liquid inlet.
As soon as no more gas emerges from the venting
opening, the venting opening is preferably used
likewise for the liquid supply. Particularly
preferably, the membrane of the portion capsule has a
CA 02800918 2012-11-27
,
,
WO 2011/147591 - 6 -
PCT/EP2011/002661
plurality of liquid inlets and a plurality of venting
openings.
Preferably, in the base of the portion capsule there is
provided an outlet opening, which can be arranged
centrally or at a distance from a plane of symmetry.
The produced beverage flows out of the portion capsule
through this opening.
According to a further or a preferred subject of the
present invention, a venting opening is provided in the
base. This opening serves for venting the cavity in the
portion capsule while liquid is flowing through the
latter. Only a very small amount of prepared beverage,
if any at all, flows through this venting opening.
Preferably, this opening is introduced, preferably cut,
into the portion capsule only in the coffee machine.
With respect to the gravitational field of the Earth,
the venting opening in the base of the capsule is
arranged above the outlet opening.
The statements made with respect to this subject of the
present invention apply in equal measure to the other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and
the features disclosed here can be combined with other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
A further subject of the present invention is a method
for producing a beverage, in which a liquid flows
through a portion capsule, wherein the portion capsule
has to be opened at two points before flow takes place
therethrough, wherein at least one opening is provided
at a distance from a plane of symmetry of the portion
capsule.
The statements made with respect to this subject of the
present invention apply in equal measure to the other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and
CA 02800918 2012-11-27
WO 2011/147591 - 7 -
PCT/EP2011/002661
the features disclosed here can be combined with other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
Preferably, in particular in the membrane, there are
provided a plurality of openings which are provided in
an asymmetrical manner with respect to a plane that
extends in an axial direction of the portion capsule,
in particular a plane of symmetry of the unopened
portion capsule.
A further subject of the present invention is a method
for producing a beverage, in which a liquid flows
through a portion capsule, wherein flow takes place
onto the portion capsule at a distance from one of its
planes of symmetry, that extends in an axial direction,
of the unopened portion capsule.
The statements made with respect to this subject of the
present invention apply in equal measure to the other
subjects of the present invention, and the features
disclosed here can be combined with other subjects of
the present invention and vice versa.
According to a preferred or a further subject of the
present invention, flow takes place through the portion
capsule in an asymmetrical manner at least in sections
and at least temporarily with respect to at least one
plane of symmetry of the unopened portion capsule.
The statements made with respect to this subject of the
present invention apply in equal measure to the other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and
the features disclosed here can be combined with other
subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
Preferably, the capsule is provided in a horizontal
manner while flow takes place therethrough, i.e. its
central axis extends horizontally. The plane of
CA 02800918 2016-09-23
29732-188
- 8 -
symmetry mentioned above or hereinbelow is preferably a plane
of symmetry which extends at least substantially along the
horizontal.
A further or a preferred subject of the present invention is a
method in which, while the liquid flows in, the cavity in the
portion capsule is vented at least temporarily via at least one
opening. This opening can be located in the membrane or in the
base of the portion capsule. Preferably, the venting takes
place at least temporarily through both openings. Preferably,
the venting takes place via one or more opening(s) which are
not used for the liquid inlet or liquid outlet.
A further subject of the present invention is a portion capsule
for producing a beverage, said portion capsule having a
membrane and a cavity in which a raw beverage material is
provided, wherein, in order to produce the beverage, an inlet
opening through which a liquid flows into the portion capsule,
and an outlet opening through which the beverage including the
raw beverage material and the liquid flows out of the portion
capsule, are introduced, wherein the outlet opening is formed
in a base of the portion capsule, and wherein the membrane has
the inlet opening and a venting opening.
A further subject of the present invention is a method for
producing a beverage, wherein a portion capsule is provided
with an inlet opening through which a liquid flows into the
portion capsule, an outlet opening through which the beverage
including a raw beverage material and the liquid flows out of
the portion capsule, and a venting opening, wherein a membrane
of the portion capsule is provided with the inlet opening and
the venting opening, and a base of the portion capsule is
CA 02800918 2016-09-23
29732-188
- 8a -
provided with the outlet opening, wherein a liquid flows
through a cavity in which the raw beverage material is
provided, in the portion capsule, wherein, while the liquid
flows in, the cavity in the portion capsule is vented at least
temporarily via the venting opening.
The invention is explained in the following text with reference
to figures 1-7. These explanations are only by way of example
and do not limit the general concept of the invention. These
explanations apply in equal measure to all subjects of the
present invention.
Figures 1-7 each show an embodiment of the portion capsule
according to the invention or of the method according to the
invention in two views in each case.
Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the portion capsule 1
according to the invention. Said portion capsule has a basic
element 2 which in the present case is frustoconical. This
basic element has a cavity 13 which is filled at least
partially with a raw beverage material which, for example, is
extracted and/or dissolved. In the present case, the raw
beverage material is coffee powder which is extracted with hot
water and is used to produce for example a coffee or an
espresso. Once the raw beverage material has been introduced
into the cavity, the latter is closed preferably with a
membrane, in that the membrane is sealed or adhesively bonded
to the basic element.
CA 02800918 2012-11-27
WO 2011/147591 - 9 -
PCT/EP2011/002661
According to the invention, the portion capsule has a
first plane 5 which extends in the axial direction of
the portion capsule. In the present case, this is a
horizontal plane 5 which in the present case is also at
the same time a plane of symmetry, in particular a
plane of mirror symmetry, of the unopened capsule.
According to the invention, it is provided that, for
producing for example a beverage, the portion capsule
has an opening 4, which is in particular only
introduced when the portion capsule 1 is located in the
respective coffee machine. The opening 4 is provided at
a distance from the plane of symmetry 5. As can be seen
in particular from the right-hand illustration in
figure 1, the opening 4 is two openings in the
membrane, which are each also provided at a distance
from a vertical plane of mirror symmetry 6 of the
unopened capsule but in a mirror-symmetrical manner
with respect to the plane of symmetry 6. As can
furthermore be seen from the right-hand illustration in
figure 1, both openings 4 in the membrane are
distributed in an asymmetrical manner in the membrane 3
with respect to a first plane of symmetry 5, that
extends in the axial direction, of the unopened
capsule, i.e. both openings are located in the lower
part of the portion capsule with respect to the
horizontal plane of symmetry 5, while the upper part
remains unopened. As can be seen in particular in the
left-hand part of figure 1, in order to produce a
beverage, the capsule also has to have in its base a
further opening 9, which in the present case is
arranged centrally but can also be provided at a
distance from one of the planes 5 or 6. This opening is
required in particular for the outlet of the produced
beverage. The portion capsule is preferably processed
as illustrated in a coffee machine, i.e. its central
axis is provided horizontally while flow takes place
through the portion capsule.
CA 02800918 2012-11-27
WO 2011/147591 - 10 -
PCT/EP2011/002661
Figure 2 shows substantially the embodiment of the
capsule according to figure 1, wherein in the present
case an insert member 7 is provided in the vicinity of
the base. This insert member is preferably a screen or
a nonwoven, which is intended in particular to prevent
parts of the raw beverage material, for example coffee
powder, from passing into the beverage to be consumed.
Preferably, the member 7 is a nonwoven which is
particularly preferably sealed to the base of the
portion capsule. This nonwoven can be pierced when the
portion capsule is opened at the base.
Figure 3 shows substantially the embodiment according
to figure 2, wherein in this case the capsule has a
further insert member, which is provided in the
vicinity of the membrane 3 of the portion capsule. This
member can be for example a liquid distributor or a raw
beverage material retention member.
Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the present
invention. Reference can be made essentially to the
embodiment according to figures 1-3. However, in the
present case, there is additionally illustrated a
liquid supply means 10, by way of which liquid is
supplied in the direction of the portion capsule. In
the present case, this liquid is hot water which, as
illustrated by the arrow, is supplied at a distance
from the plane of symmetry 5 of the portion capsule. In
the present case, the liquid is supplied centrally
between the two openings 4 in the membrane 3 and then
flows through the openings 4 into the capsule. There,
the coffee powder is extracted and the prepared
beverage leaves the portion capsule through the opening
9. The illustrated arrows are intended to symbolize the
possible flow pattern in the portion capsule. It can
clearly be seen that this is for example asymmetrical
with respect to the plane of symmetry 5. The present
embodiment has the advantage that air which is located
CA 02800918 2012-11-27
WO 2011/147591 - 11 -
PCT/EP2011/002661
in front of and/or within the capsule is pushed out of
the capsule uniformly and along a predictable path.
Alternatively or additionally, the minimum residence
time of the liquid in the capsule is longer than in the
case of a capsule of which the membrane is opened
centrally and/or symmetrically.
Figure 5 shows substantially the embodiment according
to figure 4, wherein the capsule in the present case
again has an insert member 7, in this case a screen or
a nonwoven.
Figure 6 shows yet another embodiment which is based on
the embodiment according to figures 4 and 5. In the
present case, the portion capsule has a further insert
member 8, for example a membrane or the like, which can
serve as a distribution member, but which can also be
destroyed by the supply of the liquid or by the
pressure built up and as a result liquid can flow in
the cavity, located behind the membrane 8, in the
portion capsule 1.
Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the present
invention, wherein reference can be made essentially to
the embodiments in figures 1-6. As can be seen in
particular from the right-hand illustration in figure
7, four openings 4, 14 are provided in the membrane 3.
Two of these openings 4 are provided for the liquid
inlet and two openings 14 are provided as venting
openings, out of which for example air or other gases
which are located in the portion capsule can escape at
least temporarily from the portion capsule when the
portion capsule is pierced and/or when the liquid runs
in. The openings 14 are in this case arranged above the
openings 4 with respect to the gravitational field of
the Earth. Venting is symbolized by the arrow 15. In
the present case, the openings 14 are arranged on the
plane of symmetry 5 and are provided in a symmetrical
CA 02800918 2012-11-27
WO 2011/147591 - 12 -
PCT/EP2011/002661
manner with respect to the plane of symmetry 6. The
openings 4 for the liquid inlet are in the present case
arranged in a vertical plane one above another and in
an asymmetrical manner with respect to the plane of
symmetry 5 of the unopened portion capsule, wherein in
the present case the liquid supply means 10 is arranged
in the same vertical plane 6 as the two openings 4 but
between the two openings 4. Once the gas has escaped
from the portion capsule, the openings 14 can also act
as liquid inlet openings. It can be seen from the left-
hand illustration in figure 7 that the portion capsule
1 can alternatively or additionally have in its base a
venting opening 16, which is preferably introduced into
the portion capsule by the coffee machine. This venting
opening 16 is provided in addition to the outlet
opening 9 and serves to dissipate gas which is located
in the portion capsule prior to piercing. With respect
to the gravitational field of the Earth, the opening 16
is located above the opening 9. The opening 9 is
preferably arranged above the openings 14 with respect
to the gravitational field of the Earth.
CA 02800918 2012-11-27
WO 2011/147591 - 13 -
PCT/EP2011/002661
List of reference signs:
1 Capsule
2 Basic element
3 Membrane
4 Opening, piercing opening in cover, liquid inlet
5 First plane, plane of symmetry, horizontal plane
of symmetry
6 Second plane, plane of symmetry, vertical plane of
symmetry
7 Insert member, screen
8 Insert member, screen
9 Opening, piercing opening, outlet opening
10 Liquid supply means
11 Flow direction of the liquid
12 Axial direction
13 Cavity
14 Opening, piercing opening in the cover, liquid
inlet, venting opening
15 Venting flow
16 Venting opening
