Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Title: System, method and capsule for preparing a beverage
This is a divisional of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,913,042, filed on
8th August, 2008, which is a divisional of Canadian National Phase Patent
Application
No. 2,713,149, filed on 8th August, 2008.
The invention relates to a system for preparing a predetermined
quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product,
comprising an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a
receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device
for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the
exchangeable capsule, wherein the exchangeable capsule comprises a
circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first
end,
and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the
bottom,
wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the
extractable product, wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area and the
system is arranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device in fluid
connection
with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to the extractable product for
preparing the beverage, and wherein the lid comprises an exit area and the
system comprises an outlet which, in use, is in fluid communication with the
exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying
the beverage to a container such as a cup.
Such systems are known per se. A special class of these known
systems is used for preparing the beverage using a hermetically sealed capsule
comprising the extractable product. During beverage preparation the entrance
area of such hermetically sealed capsule is pierced, hence providing at least
one entrance opening for supplying the fluid under pressure to the
exchangeable product in the inner space of the capsule through the entrance
opening. Providing the fluid under pressure to the inner space causes the
pressure in the inner space of the capsule to rise. This, in turn, causes the
exit
area of the capsule to be pressed against lid piercing means present in the
receptacle. When the exit area is pressed against the lid piercing means with
sufficient force, the exit area tears against the lid piercing means creating
at
least one exit opening through which the beverage can drain from the capsule.
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It has been found, however, that in the above known systems
preferential paths of fluid flow may occur in the extractable product within
the
capsule, e.g. from the at least one entrance opening to the at least one exit
opening, which may lead to undesired strength of the prepared beverage
and/or variations in strength of the prepared beverage, from one capsule to
another.
It is an object of the invention to improve the above system, and
more specifically to at least diminish the above problem.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for
consumption using an extractable product, comprising a circumferential wall,
a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing
the
circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall,
bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product,
wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area arranged for supplying there
through a fluid under pressure to the extractable product for preparing the
beverage, wherein the lid comprises an exit area for draining there through
the prepared beverage from the capsule, wherein the exit area comprises an
exit filter comprising exit openings or pores through which the beverage can
drain from the capsule, and wherein the capsule further comprises a lid seal
partially removably connected to one of or both the lid and the
circumferential
wall with a releasable seal for closing of the exit openings or pores prior to
use,
wherein the lid seal is further attached to one of or both the lid and the
circumferential wall with a permanent connection.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage
suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising a
circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first
end,
and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the
bottom,
wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the
extractable product, wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area arranged
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for supplying there through a fluid under pressure to the extractable product
for preparing the beverage, wherein the lid comprises an exit area for
draining
there through the prepared beverage from the capsule, wherein the exit area
comprises an exit filter comprising exit openings or pores through which the
beverage can drain from the capsule, and wherein the capsule further
comprises a lid seal partially removably connected to a rim of the capsule
with
a releasable seal for closing of the exit openings or pores prior to use,
wherein
the lid seal is further attached to the rim with a permanent connection.
According to another aspect, a system is provided wherein the
.. receptacle comprises bottom piercing means intended for piercing the
entrance
area of an alternative capsule, e.g. a hermetically sealed capsule of the
known
system, for creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to
the extractable product through said at least one entrance opening, and
wherein the entrance area of the capsule of the system according to the
invention comprises an entrance filter, for supplying the fluid to the
extractable product there through, which entrance filter, in use, is
positioned
at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of the
system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means and the bottom stays
intact.
Thus it is possible to supply the fluid to the extractable product
within the capsule without piercing the capsule. Thus, the entrance filter
forms an, optionally uniform, entrance area through which the fluid can be
supplied to the capsule. This provides the advantage that it is possible for
the
beverage to enter the capsule over a larger area than when entrance openings
.. are pierced in the known systems, thus diminishing the risk of preferential
fluid paths occurring in the extractable product in the capsule and enhancing
the reproducibility of the beverage strength.
Further, it has been found that providing the entrance filter
reduces the risk of extractable product remains spilling from the capsule when
.. removing the capsule from the apparatus.
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In some embodiments, preferably, the exchangeable capsule
comprises an amount of extractable product, and thus is suitable and
intended, for preparing a single portion of the beverage, preferably a single
cup of the beverage, e.g. from 30-200m1 of the prepared beverage. The
exchangeable capsule, thus, is a single-portion-pack. In an embodiment, the
capsule comprises 4-8 grams, preferably approximately 7 grams of extractable
product, e.g. roasted and ground coffee.
In some embodiments, preferably, the exchangeable capsule is
disposable after single use.
According to another aspect, a system is provided wherein the
receptacle comprises lid piercing means intended for piercing the exit area of
an alternative capsule, e.g. a hermetically sealed capsule of the known
system,
when the exit area sufficiently presses against the lid piercing means under
the influence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the capsule for
creating at least one exit opening through which the beverage can drain from
the alternative capsule, and wherein the exit area of the capsule of the
system
according to the invention comprises an exit filter, through which the
beverage
can drain from the capsule of the system according to the invention, wherein
the lid piercing means and the exit filter are adapted to each other such that
the capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means
and
the lid stays intact.
Thus, the exit filter forms a, optionally uniform, exit area
through which the beverage can leave the capsule. This provides the
advantage that it is possible for the beverage to leave the capsule over a
larger
area than when exit openings are formed by piercing the lid, thus diminishing
the risk of preferential fluid paths occurring in the extractable product in
the
capsule and enhancing the reproducibility of the beverage strength. Further,
the capsule not being pierced by the lid piercing means, and staying intact,
provides the advantage that a predetermined pore and/or exit hole size and
distribution of the exit filter, defining exit openings of the exit filter,
remains
intact, so that the size and distribution of exit openings does not depend on
chance, as when the exit openings are formed by piercing.
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Moreover, it has been found that providing the exit filter reduces
the risk of extractable product remains spilling from the capsule when
removing the capsule from the apparatus.
Further, if the extractable product is roasted and ground coffee,
providing the exit filter provides the advantage that the exit filter may
filter
oils from the beverage, i.e. from the coffee, before supplying the coffee to
the
container, such as the cup. This may be advantageous to remove oils from the
coffee which adversely affect the taste and/or quality of the coffee. It is
especially advantageous to filter cafestol from the coffee, since cafestol is
understood to raise the blood cholesterol content. Thus, providing the exit
filter may improve the quality of the coffee with respect to consumer health.
In some embodiments, preferably, the exit filter is adapted to the
lid piercing means, such that the capsule of the system, in use, is not
pierced
by the lid piercing means and the lid stays intact. Hence, only parameters of
the exit filter need be chosen.
In some embodiments, preferably, the exit filter has a sufficiently
high tear strength and/or forming a sufficiently low flow resistance that the
capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means and
the
lid stays intact. It has been found that the exit filter having the
sufficiently
high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance does
not
tear against the lid piercing means.
According to another aspect, the capsule may be provided with
both the entrance filter and the exit filter as described above. Hence, in
use,
the capsule is not pierced by the bottom piercing means, nor the lid piercing
means, so that the capsule remains fully intact. This provides the advantage
that the risk of preferential fluid paths occurring in the extractable product
in
the capsule and the reproducibility of the beverage strength is enhanced even
more.
In some embodiments, preferably, the entrance filter is formed by
a porous sheet, such as of filtering paper, a foil, such as a polymeric film,
provided with a plurality of entrance openings, or a plurality of entrance
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openings provided in the bottom of the capsule of the system. Hence, the
entrance filter can be provided in a simple manner.
In an embodiment, the plurality of entrance openings is
distributed over substantially the entire surface of the foil or the bottom,
5 respectively. This provides the advantage that the fluid can be supplied
to
substantially the entire cross section of the inner space. Hence, the
extractable
product is wetted very homogeneously.
In a further embodiment, the plurality of entrance openings
comprises side -entrance openings arranged in the circumferential wall. This
provides the advantage that the extractable product is, at least partially,
also
wetted from the side. This provides that advantage that the fluid can be
supplied to the extractable product in a very homogeneous and controlled
manner.
In some embodiments, preferably, the exit filter is formed by a
porous sheet, such as of filtering paper, or a foil, such as a polymeric film,
provided with a plurality of entrance openings, or a plurality of entrance
openings provided in the lid. Hence, the entrance filter can be provided in a
simple manner. Also, parameters of the exit filter can be easily chosen to
provide the exit filter having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or
forming
the sufficiently low flow resistance.
For instance, in an embodiment, the exit filter may be formed by
a sheet of filtering paper. The filtering paper provides the low-cost exit
filter.
Moreover, parameters of the filtering paper, such as density, thickness and/or
PE-content, can easily be chosen to provide the exit filter having the
sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow
resistance. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the exit filter may be
formed by a polymeric film provided with a plurality of exit openings.
Parameters of the polymeric foil, such as density, thickness, number of exit
openings, size and/or shape of exit openings, can easily be chosen to provide
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the exit filter having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the
sufficiently low flow registance.
In an embodiment, the lid piercing means may have a blunt piercing
surface. In such embodiment, the alternative capsule may, nevertheless, be
pierced by the blunt piercing means, while the capsule of the system according
to the invention has the exit filter having the sufficiently high tear
strength
and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn.
It is possible that the lid piercing means comprises at least one ridge
against which the lid, in use, abuts. The at least one ridge may form at least
10%, possibly at least 25% of the portion of the surface of the receptacle
which,
in use, coincides with the portion of the surface area of the lid overlying
the
second, open, end. In use, the lid may supported by the at least one ridge
over
at least 10%, preferably at least 25% of the portion the surface area of the
lid
overlying the second, open, end. The lid of the alternative capsule may be
pierced by such piercing means, whereas parameters of the exit filter of the
capsule of the system according to the invention may easily be chosen such
that the exit fdter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the
sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn.
It is possible that the lid piercing means and/or the at least one
ridge comprises edges, wherein the edges are not sharp. Possibly, the edges
have a radius of curvature of at least 50 tm, preferably at least 100 tm. The
lid of the alternative capsule may be pierced by such piercing means, whereas
parameters of the exit filter of the capsule of the system according to the
invention may easily be chosen such that the exit filter has the sufficiently
high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to
be
pierced or torn.
In an embodiment, the plurality of exit openings is distributed over
substantially the entire surface of the lid. This provides the advantage that
the
beverage can be drained from the capsule over substantially the entire cross
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section of the inner space. Hence, the beverage can flow out of the inner
space
very homogeneously.
According to a further aspect, the entire inner space is occupied
by the extractable product. This provides the advantage that the extractable
product cannot be displaced inside the inner space when the fluid flows
through the capsule, so that no preferential paths can be formed.
In some embodiments, preferably, the bottom is integral with the
circumferential wall. This provides the advantage that the capsule can simply
be formed from a generally cup-shaped structure forming the circumferential
wall and the bottom and a, e.g. sheet-shaped, lid. The lid may be connected to
the circumferential wall, e.g. by means of gluing, welding, folding or the
like.
In an embodiment the capsule comprises an inwardly extending
rim at the first end, wherein the bottom is attached to the inwardly extending
rim. Hence it is possible to connect the, e.g. sheet-shaped, bottom comprising
the entrance filter to the rim. Thus, a simple construction of the capsule may
be obtained. It is also possible that the capsule comprises an inwardly
extending rim at the second end, wherein the lid is attached to the inwardly
extending rim.
In an embodiment the capsule comprises an outwardly extending
rim at the second end, wherein the lid is attached to the outwardly extending
rim. Hence it is possible to connect the, e.g. sheet-shaped, lid comprising
the
exit filter to the rim. Thus, a simple construction of the capsule may be
obtained. It is also possible that the capsule comprises an outwardly
extending
rim at the first end, wherein the bottom is attached to the outwardly
.. extending rim.
In a special embodiment, the capsule further comprises a bottom
seal at least partially removable connected to the bottom for sealing the
entrance filter prior to use. Hence entering of air into the inner space via
the
entrance filter prior to use of the capsule may be prevented, improving shelf
life of the product inside the capsule.
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In a special embodiment, the capsule further comprises a lid seal
at least partially removable connected to the lid for sealing the exit filter
prior
to use. Hence entering of air into the inner space via the exit filter prior
to use
of the capsule may be prevented, improving shelf life of the product inside
the
capsule.
According to a further aspect, the lid seal is arranged. to be
partially released from the lid under the effect of fluid pressure in the
inner
space, while remaining attached to the lid at at least one position. Hence,
the
lid seal need not be removed from the capsule by a user of the capsule. When
the fluid enters the inner space pressure will build up until the seal
partially
releases from the lid and the beverage can flow out through the exit filter.
The
releasable connection may e.g. be formed as a so-called peel-seal. Since the
lid
seal is permanently attached to the lid at at least one position, the lid seal
will
not fully detach from the capsule. This has the advantage, that the lid seal
will
automatically be discarded from the apparatus when discarding the used
capsule.
In general, the circumferential wall may be formed by a flexible,
optionally porous, sheet or foil, such as filtering paper, preferably integral
with the bottom. Hence, a very simple and optionally environmentally friendly
capsule may be provided.
Alternatively, the circumferential wall may substantially rigid.
This provides that advantage that the capsule is not prone to be deformed
prior to use, so that the capsule can fit into the receptacle without
problems.
Preferably, the capsule comprises stiffening ribs integral with the
circumferential wall and/or bottom to increase the rigidity of the capsule.
In general, the circumferential wall may have any shape such as
cylindrical, hemispherical, frustoconical or polygonal, such as hexagonal or
octagonal.
In some embodiments, preferably, the extractable product
comprises roasted and ground coffee. Thus, the capsule is suited for preparing
a predetermined amount of coffee by supplying a predetermined amount of hot
water under pressure to the capsule.
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According to a further aspect, the extractable product is
compacted into a tablet. This provides the advantage that the risk of
preferential flow paths occurring in the compacted extractable product tablet
is reduced. It will be appreciated that when using the compacted tablet, the
bottom may be omitted from the capsule, as the risk of spilling extractable
product is greatly reduced.
In some embodiments, preferably, the tablet comprises at least
one bore extending from the side of the tablet facing the entrance area in the
direction of the lid. The bore thus provides an infusion means for wetting the
tablet in a homogeneous manner.
It is also possible that the extractable product is compacted into a
plurality of tablets, preferably of mutually different packing density. It is
for
instance possible that the extractable product is provided as a single stack
of
tablets having mutually different degrees of compacting. It is for instance
possible that the degree of compacting increases per tablet in the direction
from the bottom to the lid. In this way the effort to completely wet a tablet
will
also increase in the direction from the bottom to the lid, insuring that each
upstream tablet has been properly wetted when wetting a more downstream
tablet, thus providing very homogeneous wetting of the total volume of
extractable product.
Another aspect relates to a method for preparing a beverage and
a capsule for preparing a beverage.
Embodiments of the invention will now be further elucidated by
means of, non-limiting, examples referring to the drawing, in which
Figs. la-lc shows a prior art system for preparing a beverage;
Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a system according to the
invention;
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Figs. 3a-3d show embodiments of capsules according to the
invention;
Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c show examples of further embodiments of a
capsule 2 according to the invention; and
5 Figs. 5a and 5b show examples of even further embodiments of a
capsule according to the invention.
Figs. la-lc show a prior art system 101 for preparing a
predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an
10 extractable product. The system 101 comprises an exchangeable capsule
102,
and an apparatus 104. The apparatus 104 comprises a receptacle 106 for
holding the exchangeable capsule 102. In Figs. la-lc a gap is drawn between
the capsule 102 and the receptacle 106 for clarity. It will be appreciated
that,
in use, the capsule 102 may lie in contact with the receptacle 106. Commonly,
the receptacle 106 has a shape complementary to the shape of the capsule 102.
The apparatus 104 further comprises a fluid dispensing device 108 for
supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under a pressure, of e.g. 9
bars,
to the exchangeable capsule 102.
In the system 101 shown in Figs. la-lc, the exchangeable capsule
102 comprises a circumferential wall 110, a bottom 112 closing the
circumferential wall 110 at a first end 114, and a lid 116 closing the
circumferential wall 110 at a second end 118 opposite the bottom 112. The
circumferential wall 110, the bottom 112 and the lid 116 enclose an inner
space 120 comprising the extractable product.
The system 101 of Figs. la-lc comprises bottom piercing means 122
intended for piercing the capsule 102. Fig. la shows the bottom piercing means
122 in a retracted position. Fig. lb shows the bottom piercing means 1122 in
an
extended position for creating an entrance opening 124 in the bottom 112 for
supplying the fluid to the extractable product through the entrance opening
124. In Figs. la-lc the piercing means 122 comprise a bore 126 through which
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the fluid can be supplied to the extractable product contained in the inner
space120. The system 101 of Figs. la-lc further comprises lid piercing means
128, here embodied as protrusions, intended for piercing the lid 116 of the
capsule 102.
The system 101 shown in Figs. a-lc is operated as follows for
preparing a cup of coffee, wherein the extractable product is roasted and
ground coffee.
The capsule 102 is placed in the receptacle 106 (see Fig. la). The
bottom piercing means are activated to pierce the bottom 112 of the capsule
102 (see Fig. lb) for creating the entrance opening 124. The fluid, here hot
water under pressure, is supplied to the extractable product in the inner
space
120 through the entrance opening 124. The water will wet the coffee grounds
and extract the desired substances to form the coffee beverage.
During supplying the water under pressure to the inner space 120,
the pressure inside the capsule 102 will rise. The rise in pressure will cause
the lid 116 to deform and be pressed against the lid piercing means 128. Once
the pressure reaches a certain level, the tear strength of the lid 116 will be
surpassed and the lid will rupture against the lid piercing means 128,
creating
exit openings 130 (see Fig. 1c). The prepared coffee will drain from the
capsule
102 through the exit openings 130 and outlets 132 of the receptacle 106, and
may be supplied to a container such as a cup (not shown).
During preparation of the beverage in the system 101 shown in Figs.
la-lc preferential flow paths may exist in the extractable product inside the
inner space 120 of the capsule 102. These preferential paths may extend from
the entrance opening 124 to the exit openings 130. One such possible
preferential path is indicated with line PP in Fig. 1c.
Fig. 2 shows an example of a first embodiment of a system 1
according to the invention for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage
suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system 1 comprises
an exchangeable capsule 2, and an apparatus 104. The apparatus 104
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comprises a receptacle 106 for holding the exchangeable capsule 2. In this
example, the receptacle 106 has a shape complementary to the shape of the
capsule 2. In Fig. 2 a gap is drawn between the capsule 2 and the receptacle
106 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, in use, the capsule 2 may lie in
contact with the receptacle 106. The apparatus 104 further comprises a fluid
dispensing device 108 for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under
pressure to the exchangeable capsule 2.
In the system 1 shown in Fig. 2, the exchangeable capsule 2
comprises a circumferential wall 10, a bottom 12 closing the circumferential
wall 10 at a first end 14, and a lid 16 closing the circumferential wall 10 at
a
second end 18 opposite the bottom 12. The circumferential wall 10, the bottom
12 and the lid 16 enclose an inner space 20 comprising the extractable
product.
In this example, the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises an amount of
extractable product suitable for preparing a single portion of the beverage,
preferably a single cup of the beverage, e.g. from 30-200m1 of the prepared
beverage. The exchangeable capsule, thus, is a single-portion-pack.
According to a first aspect of the invention, the system 1 of Fig. 2
comprises bottom piercing means 122 intended for piercing the prior art
capsule 102 as shown in Figs. la-lc. Fig. 2 shows the bottom piercing means in
an extended position, intended for creating the entrance opening 124 in the
bottom 112 of the prior art capsule 102. According to the invention, the
capsule
2 comprises an entrance filter 34 which is positioned at a distance from the
bottom piercing means 12, such that the capsule 2 is not pierced by the bottom
piercing means 122 and the bottom 12 stays intact when the bottom piercing
means is brought in the extended position.
In Fig. 2 the piercing means 122 comprise a bore 126 through which
the fluid is supplied to an inner space of the receptacle 106. The fluid, here
hot
water under a pressure of e.g. more than 6 bars, will flow through the
entrance
filter 34 into the inner space 20 of the capsule 2 for extracting desired
substances from the extractable product, in this example approximately 7
=
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grams of roasted and ground coffee, for preparing, in this example the single
cup of the beverage, here coffee.
Thus, more in general, in the example of Fig. 2, the bottom 12
comprises an entrance area, formed by the entrance filter 34, and the system 1
is arranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device 108 in fluid connection
with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to the extractable product for
preparing the beverage.
In the example of Fig. 2, the circumferential wall 10 is substantially
rigid. The circumferential wall may e.g. comprise a plastics material and may
be formed by e.g. injection moulding, vacuum-forming, thermoforming or the
like. In the example of Fig. 2 the bottom 12 is integral with the
circumferential
wall. In this example the entrance filter 34 is formed by a plurality of
entrance
openings 24 in the bottom 12. In this example the plurality of entrance
openings 24 is distributed over substantially the entire bottom 12. Thus, the
fluid is supplied to the extractable product via the plurality of entrance
openings 24, which causes the extractable product to be wetted over
substantially the entire cross section of the capsule 2. Hence, a very
homogeneous supply of fluid to the extractable product is obtained. Thus, the
risk of occurrence of preferential paths via which the fluid flows through the
extractable product is greatly reduced.
According to a second aspect of the invention, which may be
practiced in addition to the above described first aspect or separate thereof,
the
system 1 of Fig. 2 comprises lid piercing means 128 intended for piercing the
lid 116 of the prior art capsule 102 when the lid 116 sufficiently presses
against the lid piercing means 128 under the influence of the pressure of the
fluid and/or beverage in the capsule 102 for creating at least one exit
opening
130 through which the beverage can drain from the prior art capsule 102.
According to the invention, the capsule 2 comprises an exit filter 36, through
which the beverage can drain from the capsule 2. The exit filter 36 is
arranged
to having a sufficiently high tear strength not to be pierced by the lid
piercing
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means 128 under the influence of the pressure inside the capsule 2.
Alternatively, or additionally, the exit filter 36 forms a sufficiently low
flow
resistance for the beverage exiting the capsule 2, that the exit filter 36 is
not
pressed against the lid piercing means 128 with sufficient force to be pierced
by the lid piercing means 128 and the lid stays intact. Hence, the exit filter
36
is adapted to the lid piercing means 128 such that the capsule 2, in use, is
not
pierced by the lid piercing means 128 and the lid 16 stays intact. More in
general it applies that the exit filter 36 and the lid piercing means 128 are
adapted to each other such that the capsule 2, in use, is not pierced by the
lid
piercing means 128 and the lid 16 stays intact.
In the example of Fig. 2 the exit filter 36, forming an exit area of the
capsule 2, through which the beverage, here coffee, can drain from the
capsule,
is formed by a porous sheet, such as filter paper. In this example the entire
lid
16 is formed as the exit filter 36. In the example of Fig. 2, the capsule 2
comprises an outwardly extending rim 38 at the second end 18, wherein the lid
16 is attached to the outwardly extending rim 38, e.g. by gluing, welding or
the
like. Hence, in this example the exit filter 36, i.e. the porous sheet, is
attached
to the outwardly extending rim 38.
In this example the exit filter 36 forms a substantially continuous
fluid-permeable sheet spanning substantially the entire second, open end 18 of
the capsule 2. Thus, the fluid can drain from the capsule 2 over a large area.
Hence, a very homogeneous drain of beverage from the extractable product is
obtained. Thus, the risk of occurrence of preferential paths via which the
fluid
flows through the extractable product is greatly reduced.
In general, parameters of the exit filter of the capsule 2 of the
system 1 according to the invention can be chosen such that the exit filter
does
not tear or rupture, e.g. has the sufficiently high tear strength and/or
forming
the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn. It will be
appreciated that the lid and/or the exit filter may deform against the lid
piercing means, although it will not rupture or be torn. When the exit filter
36
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is e.g. made of filtering paper, parameters of the filtering paper, such as
density, thickness and/or PE-content, can easily be chosen to provide the exit
filter having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the
sufficiently
low flow resistance. Alternatively, when the exit filter 36 is e.g. formed by
a
5 polymeric film provided with a plurality of exit openings, parameters of
the
polymeric foil, such as density, thickness, number of exit openings, size
and/or
shape of exit openings, can easily be chosen to provide the third wall having
the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow
resistance.
10 In the example of Fig. 2, the lid piercing means 128 are shown
having sharp toothed points intended for piercing the lid. It will be
appreciated
that, alternatively, the lid piercing means 128 may have blunt piercing
surfaces, e.g. as indicated with dashed lines in Fig. 2. In such embodiment,
the
prior art capsule 102 may, nevertheless, be pierced by the blunt piercing
15 means 128, e.g. when the lid 116 consists of a sheet of aluminium foil.
Parameters of the exit filter of the capsule 2 of the system according to the
invention can be chosen such that the exit filter has the sufficiently high
tear
strength and/or forms the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced
or
torn. It will be appreciated that when the lid piercing means are blunt, the
parameters of the exit filter may be chosen to suit these blunt piercing
means.
When the piercing means are blunt, the exit filter may e.g. be thinner than
when the lid piercing means are sharp, while guaranteeing that the exit filter
has the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low
now
resistance not to be pierced or torn.
It is possible that the lid piercing means comprise ridges against
which the lid, in use, abuts. Such ridges may be formed by the blunt piercing
means 128 as shown with dashed lines in Fig. 2. The ridges may e.g. form at
least 10%, possibly at least 25% of the portion of the surface of the
receptacle
106 which, in use, coincides with the portion of the surface area of the lid
16
overlying the second, open, end 18. Hence, in use, the lid 16 may be supported
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by the ridges over, e.g. at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, of the portion
the
surface area of the lid 16 overlying the second, open, end 18. As already
indicated, the lid 116 of the prior art capsule 102 may be pierced by such
ridges, whereas parameters of the exit filter 36 of the capsule 2 of the
system 1
according to the invention may easily be chosen such that the exit filter has
the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forms the sufficiently low flow
resistance not to be pierced or torn. It will be appreciated that when the lid
piercing means comprise ridges, the parameters of the exit filter may be
chosen to suit such lid piercing means.
In the example of Fig. 2, the ridges comprise edges which are not
sharp. In this example a radius of curvature of the edges is approximately 50
j.tm, although other radii are conceivable, such as 100, 200 or 5001.tm. The
prior art capsule 102 may, nevertheless, be pierced by the blunt piercing
means 128, e.g. when the lid 116 consists of a sheet of aluminium foil. It
will
.. be appreciated that when the lid piercing means comprise non-sharp edges,
the parameters of the exit filter may be chosen to suit such lid piercing
means.
Parameters of the exit filter of the capsule 2 of the system according to the
invention can be chosen such that the exit filter has the snfficiently high
tear
strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced
or
torn.
It is also possible that the ridges of the lid piercing means 128 have
a convex top against which the lid 16 abuts. Hence, when the lid, in use, is
pressed against the ridges, the surface area over which the lid is supported
by
the ridges increases, thus reducing the local pressure exerted on the lid by
the
.. ridges. Thus it is possible to provide, in an easy manner, that the lid, in
use,
does not tear and/or rupture and stays intact.
Figs. 3a-3d show embodiments of capsules 2 according to the
invention.
In Fig. 3a the bottom 12 is integral with the circumferential wall 10
like in Fig. 2. The entrance filter 34 is formed by the plurality of entrance
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openings 24 in the bottom 12. The exit filter 36 is formed by a foil 40, e.g.
a
flexible polymeric foil, provided with a plurality of exit openings 30.
In Fig. 3b the exit filter 36 is formed by the flexible porous sheet,
such as filter paper, like in Fig. 2. In Fig. 3b the entrance filter 34 is
also
formed by a flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper. In this example the
entrance filter is attached to an inwardly extending rim 42. In this example,
the entrance filter 34 is attached to the inner side of the inwardly extending
rim 42. This maximizes the internal volume of the capsule 2, as the rim
thickness is not present in the inner space 20 of the capsule 2.
In Fig. 3c the exit filter 36 is formed by the flexible porous sheet,
such as filter paper, like in Fig. 2 and 3b. In Fig. 3c the entrance filter 34
is
also formed by a flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper. In this example,
the entrance filter 34 is attached to the outer side of the inwardly extending
rim 42. Hence, the risk is reduced that the fluid under pressure tears the
entrance filter 34 from the inwardly extending rim 42. It is possible that the
entrance filter 34 overhangs a circumferential edge of the bottom. Hence, a
larger surface area is available for attaching the entrance filter 34 to the
bottom 12 and the circumferential wall 10, resulting in a stronger bond.
In Fig. 3d the exit filter 36 is formed by a foil 40, e.g. a flexible
polymeric foil, provided with a plurality of exit openings 30, as in Fig. 3a.
In
Fig. 3d the entrance filter 34 is also formed by a foil 44, provided with the
plurality of entrance openings 24.
In all embodiments of Figs. 3a-3d the exit filter is formed by a
flexible sheet-shaped material. More specifically, in all embodiments of Figs.
3a-3d the lid is solely formed by the flexible sheet-shaped material. It has
been
found that in general no supporting structure, such as a substantially rigid
grid, e.g. downstream of the exit foil, is required to support the exit foil
to
prevent the exit foil from tearing an/or rupturing.
In all embodiments of Figs. 3b-3d the entrance filter is formed by a
flexible sheet-shaped material. More specifically, in all embodiments of Figs.
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3b-3d the entrance area is solely formed by the flexible sheet-shaped
material.
It has been found that in general no supporting structure, such as a
substantially rigid grid, e.g. downstream of the entrance foil, is required to
support the entrance foil to prevent the entrance foil from tearing an/or
rupturing.
In all embodiments of Figs. 3a-3d the exit filter forms the outermost
boundary of the capsule in the axial direction thereof.
It will be appreciated that the capsule 2 may comprise any entrance
filter according to any one of the shown embodiments in combination with any
exit filter according to any one of the shown embodiments. Although not
shown, it is possible that the lid comprises a substantially rigid wall
provided
with the exit openings 30.
In general, the exit openings 30, or pores of the porous sheet, are
dimensioned such that a dimension of the opening 30 or pore is sufficiently
small to retain the extractable product, such as ground coffee, inside the
capsule 2. Also in general, the entrance openings 24, or pores of the porous
sheet, are dimensioned such that a dimension of the opening 24 or pore is
sufficiently small to retain the extractable product, such as ground coffee,
inside the capsule 2.
In general, the entrance openings 24 are preferably distributed over
substantially the entire surface of the bottom or the foil 44, at least
substantially the entire surface of the opening defined by the inwardly
extending rim 42. Optionally, entrance openings 24 are also present in the
circumferential wall 10, e.g. in the portion of the circumferential wall 10
near
the first end 14. This allows homogeneous supply of the fluid to the
extractable
product inside the capsule 2.
In general, the exit openings 30 are preferably distributed over
substantially the entire surface of the lid or the foil 40, at least
substantially
the entire surface of the opening defined by the outwardly extending rim 38.
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This allows homogeneous draining of the beverage from the extractable
product inside the capsule 2.
In the examples of Figs 2, 3a-3d the entrance openings 24 and exit
openings 30 have a circular cross section. The openings 24, 30 with circular
cross section are easily manufactured. Optionally the cross section of the
entrance openings 24 tapers (narrows) towards the inner space 20. This
provides the advantage that the entrance openings act as nozzles that cause a
jet of fluid to enter the inner space 20.
It will be appreciated that the entrance openings 24 and/or exit
openings 30 may also have alternative shapes. The openings 24,30 may for
instance have the shape of elongate slits. Preferably, the small dimension of
the slits is sufficiently small to retain the extractable product inside the
capsule 2.
In a special embodiment, the slits may have a shape that defines a
tongue in the plane of the bottom. The slits may then be substantially U-
shaped, such as semi-circular, horse-shoe shaped, rectangular or V-shaped.
This has the advantage that the tongue may be bent out of the plane of the
bottom under the effect of the flow of fluid through the opening defined by
the
tongue. Thus, a larger volume flow of fluid may be attained. If the bottom is
made of a resilient material, the tongue will bend back into the plane of the
bottom once the flow of fluid stops, thus preventing the spilling of
extractable
product (prior to and) after preparation of the beverage. It will be
appreciated
that slits defining a tongue may be applied in the lid mutatis mutandis.
Fig. 4a shows an example of a further embodiment of a capsule 2
according to the invention. Fig. 4a shows a modification of the capsule shown
in Fig. 3a. It will be appreciated that this modification may be applied to
any
capsule 2 referred to hereinabove. In the example of Fig. 4a the capsule 2
further comprises a bottom seal 46. The bottom seal 46 closes off the entrance
openings 24 (or the porous sheet) prior to use. The bottom seal 46 is at least
partially removable connected to the bottom 12. In this example the bottom
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seal 46 comprises a lip 48 to allow easy removal of the bottom seal 46 by a
user
of the capsule 2. In Fig. 4a the capsule 2 further comprises a lid seal 50.
The
lid seal 50 closes off the exit openings 30 (or the porous sheet) prior to
use. The
lid seal 50 is at least partially removable connected to the lid 16. In this
5 example the lid seal 50 comprises a lip 52 to allow easy removal of the
lid seal
50 by a user of the capsule 2. The bottom seal 46 and lid seal 50 improve
shelf
life of the product inside the capsule by preventing air to enter the capsule
via
the openings 24,30 or porous sheet.
In a special embodiment (not shown) the lip 46 of the bottom seal 46
10 is connected to the lip 52 of the lid seal 50. Thus, the bottom seal 46
and the lid
seal 50 can be made unitary. Hence, it may be prevented that a user
accidentally forgets to remove one of the bottom seal and the lid seal.
Figs. 4b and 4c shows an example of a plan view of a further
embodiment of the capsule 2 when viewed from the side of the lid 16. In Figs.
15 4b and 4c the capsule comprises the lid seal 50. The lid seal 50 is
attached to
the lid 16 with a releasable seal 54. In this example the releasable seal
forms a
circumferential seal adjacent a circumferential edge of the lid. 16. The
releasable seal 54 is arranged to be released from the lid 16 under the effect
of
fluid pressure in the inner space 20. The releasable seal may e.g. be a peel-
seal
20 of predetermined release-strength. Hence, it is not required that the
user
removes the lid seal 50 from the capsule 2, as the seal is opened
automatically
while preparing the beverage.
In Figs. 4b and 4c the lid seal 50 is further attached to the lid 16
with a permanent connection 56. The permanent connection may e.g. be a
glued or welded connection. In Fig. 4b the permanent connection is positioned
adjacent the centre of the lid. In Fig. 4c the permanent connection 56 is
positioned adjacent the circumferential edge of the lid. This provides the
advantage that the releasable seal may be released under the effect of
pressure
for allowing the draining of the beverage from the capsule, while the lid seal
50
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remains attached to the lid 16 at at least one position. Hence, the lid seal
50
need not be discarded separately, improving ease of use, and cannot be lost.
It will be appreciated that instead of, or in addition to, being
attached to the lid, the lid seal 50 may also be attached to the rim
positioned
near the second end 18, and/or to the circumferential wall 14.
It will be appreciated that the capsule 2 may in a similar way
alternatively, or additionally be provided with the bottom seal 46, e.g.
positioned on the inner side of the bottom 12, arranged to be released from
the
bottom 12 under the effect of pressure of fluid supplied to the capsule 2, and
optionally provided with at least one permanent connection between the
bottom and the bottom seal 46. It will be appreciated that instead of, or in
addition to, being attached to the bottom 12, the bottom seal 46 may also be
attached to the rim positioned near the first end 14, and/or to the
circumferential wall 14.
It will also be appreciated that the lid seal 50 and/or the bottom seal
46 may also be used in conjunction with alternative capsules, wherein the lid
does not form an outermost boundary of the capsule in the axial direction
thereof, e.g. a capsule having an axially extending rim extending beyond the
lid.
Preferably, the circumferential wall is substantially rigid. Hence,
the capsule will not be prone to deform by shipping and/or handling, so that
the capsule 2 will always fit in the receptacle 106. In addition, the
circumferential wall is preferably resilient, so that any possible deformation
of
the circumferential first wall will be reversed once the force causing the
deformation is removed. In order to improve rigidity of the capsule 2, the
capsule 2 may comprise stiffening ribs integral with the circumferential wall
10. The stiffening ribs may extend from the first end 14 towards the second
end 18. Alternatively, or additionally, the stiffening ribs may extend in a
circumferential direction. When the bottom 12 is integral with the
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circumferential wall 10, the stiffening ribs may also be integral with the
bottom 12.
Nevertheless, it is possible that the circumferential wall is formed by
a flexible, e.g. porous, sheet or foil, preferably integral with the bottom.
Hence,
substantially the entire capsule may be manufactured of the flexible sheet,
reducing the amount of material required for providing the capsule.
Optionally, the outwardly extending rim may be substantially rigid to enhance
ease of handling of the capsule.
In the examples the circumferential wall is substantially
frustoconical. It will be appreciated that the capsule according to the
invention
is not limited to this shape. The circumferential wall may e.g. be
cylindrical,
hemispherical, or polygonal, such as hexagonal, octagonal, etc.
According to a farther aspect of the invention, the extractable
product in the inner space 20 is compacted. Fig. 5a shows an example wherein
the extractable product is compacted into a plurality of, in this example
four,
tablets 58,60,62,64. In Fig. 5a the tablets are stacked inside the inner space
20. In Fig. 5a, each tablet 58,60,62,64 spans substantially the entire cross
section of the capsule 2. In this example a density, i.e. a degree of
compaction,
of the tablets is different for each of the tablets. The density of the
tablets
58,60,62,64 increases in the direction from the bottom 12 to the lid 16. This
provides the advantage that the fluid will more easily wet a tablet of lower
density than a tablet of higher density, so that each upstream tablet is
properly wetted while the water wets a subsequent downstream tablet. Thus,
highly homogeneous wetting of the extractable product is achieved. Although
the example shows four stacked tablets, it will be appreciated that any number
of tablets may be used.
Fig. 5b shows an example of a capsule 2 comprising a single tablet
66 of compacted extractable product. In the example of Fig. 5b the tablet 66
comprises bores 68 extending into the tablet 66 from the side of the tablet 66
facing the bottom 12 in the direction of the lid 16. The length of the bores
68 is
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shorter than the thickness of the tablet 66 in the direction along the bore
68.
Thus, the bores 68 do not form shortcut passages for the fluid through the
tablet 66, but provide the fluid a passage into the core of the tablet 66.
These
bores allow a predetermined penetration of the fluid into the tablet. Thus, a
preferred wetting of the compacted extractable product may be obtained.
In the examples of Figs. 5a and 5b the entrance filter 34 and exit
filter 36 of the capsule are substantially as shown in Fig. 3c. It will be
appreciated that the tablet 66 or plurality of tablets 58,60,62,64 may be used
in conjunction with any capsule 2 referred to hereinabove. It will also be
appreciated that if the extractable product is compacted into the tablet(s)
the
bottom 12 of the capsule is not strictly required, since the extractable
product
is not likely to spill from the capsule prior to use.
It will be appreciated that the capsules 2 referred to hereinabove
may also be used in alternative apparatus for preparing the beverage, for
instance in apparatus not provided with the bottom piercing means and/or not
provided with the lid piercing means.
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with
reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will,
however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made
therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention
as
set forth in the appended claims.
It is for instance possible that the capsule 2 is contained in an air-
tight wrapping prior to use to improve shelf-life.
It is also possible that the bottom comprises a recessed area for
receiving the bottom piercing means without the bottom being pierced, for
increasing the capsule volume.
In above examples, the exit filter forms the lid. It is also possible
that the exit filter forms part of the lid. The lid may for instance be
partially
porous and/or partially perforate.
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In above examples, the entrance filter forms the bottom. It is also
possible that the entrance filter forms part of the bottom. The bottom may for
instance be partially porous and/or partially perforate.
However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also
possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.
In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall
not be construed as limiting the claim. The word 'comprising' does not exclude
the presence of other features or steps then those listed in a claim.
Furthermore, the words 'a' and 'an' shall not be construed as limited to 'only
one', but instead are used to mean 'at least one', and do not exclude a
plurality.
The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims
does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to
advantage.
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