ES2282805T3 - CARTRIDGE FOR THE PREPARATION OF DRINKS. - Google Patents

Abstract

A cartridge (1) containing one or more liquid beverage ingredients (200) and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet (121) for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge, a compartment (134) containing the one or more liquid beverage ingredients and an outlet (122) for a beverage produced by dilution of the one or more liquid beverage ingredients by the aqueous medium, characterised in that the compartment includes means for controlling dilution of at least a proportion of the one or more liquid beverage ingredients on introduction of the aqueous medium into the compartment. <IMAGE>

Description

Cartridge for the preparation of drinks.

The present invention relates to a cartridge for the preparation of beverages and, in particular, the use of sealed cartridges that are formed from materials substantially impermeable to air and water and containing one or more ingredients for the preparation of beverages.

Previously it has been proposed to seal ingredients for the preparation of beverages in individual packages air impermeable. For example, cartridges or capsules are known containing compacted ground coffee for use in certain machines of coffee preparation that are generally called machines "espresso." In coffee production using these machines preparation the coffee cartridge is put in a chamber of fermentation and hot water is passed through the cartridge to relatively high pressures, thus extruding the aromatic constituents of ground coffee to produce coffee drink Typically, such machines operate at a pressure of more than 6 x 10 5 Pa. The preparation machines of the type described above so far have been relatively faces since machine components, such as pumps Water and seals must withstand high pressures.

WO 01/58786 describes a pressurized beverage preparation cartridge generally in the range of 0.7 to 2.0 x 10 5 Pa. Without However, the cartridge is designed for use in a machine beverage preparation for the commercial or industrial market and is relatively expensive Therefore, the need for a cartridge for the preparation of beverages in which the cartridges and the beverage preparation machine are suitable in particular for the domestic market in terms of cost, performance and reliability

Another cartridge comprising a means to choose the potency of the drink to be obtained is known from the document WO 02/074661 A1.

It is known how to provide drinkable ingredients Dairy products in cartridges in the form of a powder or other dehydrated form.  However, consumers consistently indicate that the use of such powdered dairy products adversely affect the Taste, color and texture of the final drink. It has proved difficult provide liquid dairy products in a cartridge due to the Need to sterilize the cartridge components. Additionally, it has been found difficult to control that the dilution and administration of liquid milk products come to give A consistent and acceptable final drink.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a cartridge that contains one or more drinkable ingredients  liquids and that is made up of substantially materials impervious to air and water, the cartridge comprising one entry for the introduction of an aqueous medium in the cartridge, a compartment containing one or more liquid drinkable ingredients and an outlet for a beverage produced by dilution of one or more liquid drinkable ingredients by the aqueous medium, including the compartment a means to control the dilution of at least one proportion of one or more liquid drinkable ingredients at introduce the aqueous medium into the compartment, characterized because during use, a flow path of the aqueous medium from the entrance to the exit, comprising the means for delay dilution a partition that hides the entrance of at least a proportion of the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients to the Flow path of the aqueous medium.

It will be understood that with the term "cartridge" as used in this document reference is made to any container,  container, envelope or receptacle containing one or more drinkable ingredients in the manner described. The cartridge can be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible.

The cartridge of the present invention contains one or more liquid drinkable ingredients suitable for training  of a drinkable product. The drinkable product can be, for example, one of coffee, tea, chocolate, carbonated drinks, or a drink dairy including milk.

Advantageously, the cartridge of the present invention provides superior dilution and administration of the liquid drinkable ingredients ensuring that the ingredients liquid drinks are administered more evenly during the operating cycle instead of distributing everything at the beginning of the cycle operating followed by a substantially pure aqueous medium, which is, For example, water. This constant administration of liquid drinkable ingredients improves the homogeneity of the drink liquid administered. In addition, when the diluted liquid drink subsequently it is subjected to foaming, for example, launching it as a jet through a hole, the best homogeneity of the liquid leads to greater consistency of foaming and a better quality and quantity of foam produced per unit volume of liquid drink.

In one embodiment, the partition comprises one or more openings to controlfully release the at least one proportion of the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients in the Flow path of the aqueous medium. Four can be provided openings

The partition can comprise a shaped member cup that has an open mouth directed away from the path of flow of the aqueous medium. The cup-shaped member preferably it is void. The one or more openings preferably they are arranged at or near the base of the cup-shaped member. The at least a proportion of the liquid drinkable ingredients in the cup-shaped member, for example, drains by gravity through of the one or more openings during use.

In one embodiment, the cup-shaped member is separated from the bottom of the cartridge, such that the flow path of the aqueous medium passes between the member of cup shape and the bottom of the cartridge. Consequently, the at least a proportion of the liquid drinkable ingredients in the cup-shaped member drains by gravity through the one or more openings during use vertically down on the Flow path of the aqueous medium.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises a internal member and an external member, where the internal member includes the cup-shaped member. The member components internal and external member can be sterilized more easily before assembly when separated. Once the components have joined together, several tortuous paths are created with small openings that cannot be sterilized effectively using known methods. The ability to sterilize components is a particularly advantageous feature when the cartridges are used to administer dairy drinks such as milk.

Preferably, the cartridge further comprises a means for producing a stream of the drink, where said means for produce the jet of the beverage comprises an opening in the Flow path of the aqueous medium. The opening can be delimited by an interface between the internal environment and the member external.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises additionally at least one air inlet and a means for generate a reduction in the pressure of the beverage stream, which, during use, the air coming from the at least one inlet of air is incorporated into the drink as a plurality of small bubbles. In the inner member at least one can be provided air inlet downstream of the opening.

In one embodiment, the at least one entry of air and the medium to produce a reduction in jet pressure of beverage produces a foam greater than 40% of the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients. Preferably, greater than 70%. Preferably, the cartridge is disk shaped. The member external and / or the internal member are formed, for example, from Polypropylene.

In one example, the liquid drinkable ingredient is a composition of concentrated liquid milk. Preferably, the concentrated liquid milk contains between 25 and 40% solids totals More preferably, the concentrated liquid milk contains 30% total solids. In addition, preferably, liquid milk Concentrate contains between 0.1 and 12% fat. How Alternatively, the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients are select from the group of cocoa solids, coffee, tea, sweeteners, spirits, flavorings, alcoholic beverages, milk flavored, fruit juices, purees, sauces and desserts.

In the following description the terms "upper" and "lower" and equivalents will be used to describe the relationship positioning of the characteristics of the invention. It should be understood that the terms "superior" e "lower" and equivalents refer to the cartridge (or other components) in their normal orientation to insert into a machine of beverage preparation and subsequent administration as shows, for example, in Figure 4. In particular, "superior" and "inferior" refer, respectively, to relative positions closer or further from a surface top 11 of the cartridge. In addition, the terms "internal" and "external" and equivalents will be used to describe the positioning of the characteristics of the invention. Should  understood that the terms "internal" and "external" and equivalents refer to relative positions in the cartridge (or other components) that are, respectively, closer or further of a center or main axis X of cartridge 1 (or other component).

Embodiments of the present invention, by way of example only, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional drawing of an external member of the first and second embodiments of the cartridge;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the outer member of Figure 1 showing a cylindrical inward extension;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the outer member of Figure 1 showing a groove;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above the outer member of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view from above the outer member of Figure 1 in an orientation inverted

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the outer member of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional drawing of an internal member of the first embodiment of the cartridge;

Figure 8 is a perspective view from above the inner member of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from above the inner member of Figure 7 in an orientation inverted

Figure 10 is a top plan view of the inner member of Figure 7;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional drawing of the first embodiment of the cartridge in an assembled state;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional drawing of an internal member of the second embodiment of the cartridge;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the inner member of Figure 12 showing a opening;

Figure 14 is a perspective view from above the inner member of Figure 12;

Figure 15 is a perspective view from above the inner member of Figure 12 in an orientation inverted

Figure 16 is another section drawing cross section of the inner member of Figure 12;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional drawing of another detail of the inner member of Figure 12 showing a air entrance;

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional drawing of the second embodiment of the cartridge in an assembled state;

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional drawing of an external member of the third and fourth embodiments of the cartridge, the fourth embodiment being in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the outer member of Figure 19 showing a cylindrical inward extension;

Figure 21 is a top plan view of the outer member of Figure 19;

Figure 22 is a perspective view from above the outer member of Figure 19;

Figure 23 is a perspective view from above the outer member of Figure 19 in an orientation inverted

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional drawing of an internal member of the third embodiment of the cartridge;

Figure 25 is a top plan view of the inner member of Figure 24;

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the inner member of Figure 24 showing a upper edge turned inward;

Figure 27 is a perspective view from above the inner member of Figure 24;

Figure 28 is a perspective view from above the inner member of Figure 24 in an orientation inverted

Figure 29 is a cross-sectional drawing of the third embodiment of the cartridge in an assembled state;

Figure 30 is a cross-sectional drawing of an internal member of the fourth embodiment of the cartridge of according to the present invention;

Figure 31 is a top plan view of the inner member of Figure 30;

Figure 32 is a perspective view from above the inner member of Figure 30;

Figure 33 is a perspective view from above the inner member of Figure 30 in an orientation inverted

Figure 34 is a cross-sectional drawing of the fourth embodiment of the cartridge in an assembled state;

Figure 35a is a graph of the concentration versus the time of the operating cycle;

Figure 35b is a graph of foamability versus the time of the operating cycle; Y

Figure 35c is a graph of the temperature versus the time of the operating cycle.

As shown in Figure 11, cartridge 1 of the present invention generally comprises an external member 2, an inner member 3 and a laminate 5. The outer member 2, the inner member 3 and laminate 5 are mounted to form the cartridge 1 that has an interior 120 to contain one or more ingredients drinks, an entrance 121, an exit 122 and a trajectory of flow of the drink that joins inlet 121 with outlet 122 and that passes through interior 120. Entrance 121 and exit 122 are initially sealed tightly by laminate 5 and open during use by drilling or cutting the laminate 5. The beverage flow path is defined by spatial interrelationships between the external member 2, the member internal 3 and laminate 5 as discussed below. Others components may optionally be included in cartridge 1, such as a filter 4, as will be described further to continuation.

A first version of cartridge 1 that is will describe as antecedent shown in Figures 1 to 11. The first version of cartridge 1 is particularly designed for use in the administration of filtered products such as coffee roasted and ground tea leaves. However, this version of cartridge 1 and the other versions described below can be used with other products such as chocolate, coffee, tea, sweeteners, spirits, flavorings, alcoholic beverages, milk flavored, fruit juices, purees, sauces and desserts.

As can be seen from Figure 5, The overall shape of the cartridge 1 is generally circular or shaped of disk, the diameter of cartridge 1 being significantly larger than its height A main X axis passes through the center of the external member as shown in Figure 1. Typically the overall diameter of the outer member 2 is 74.5 mm ± 6 mm and the overall height is 16 mm ± 3 mm. Typically the volume of 1 cartridge when mounted is 30.2 ml ± 20%.

The outer member 2 generally comprises a bowl-shaped housing 10 having a curved annular wall 13, a closed upper part 11 and an open lower part 12. The diameter of the outer member 2 is smaller in the upper part 11 compared to the diameter at the bottom 12, giving as resulted in a widening of the annular wall 13 when crosses from the closed top 11 to the bottom open 12. The annular wall 13 and the bottom closed 11 together define a container that has an interior 34.

A hollow directed extension is provided cylindrical inward 18 at the top closed 11 centered on the main X axis. As shown more clearly in Figure 2, the cylindrical extension 18 comprises a stepped profile that It has a first, second and third parts 19, 20 and 21. The first part 19 is cylindrical circular straight. The second part 20 is of trunk-conical shape and is tapered inward. The third part 21 is another straight circular cylinder and is locked by a lower surface 31. The diameter of the first, second and third parts 19, 20 and 21 gradually decreases so that the diameter of cylindrical extension 18 decreases as it passes through from the top 11 to the bottom closed surface 31 of the cylindrical extension 18. A projection 32 is generally formed horizontal on cylindrical extension 18 at the junction between the second and third parts 20 and 21.

A projection 33 is formed which extends towards outside on the outer member 2 towards the bottom 12. The projection 33 extending outward forms a secondary wall 15 co-axial with the annular wall 13 to define a annular track forming a manifold 16 between the secondary wall 15 and the annular wall 13. The manifold 16 passes around the circumference of the outer member 2. A series of slots 17 in the annular wall 13 at the level of the manifold 16 for provide gaseous and liquid communication between manifold 16 and the inside 34 of the outer member 2. As shown in Figure 3, the grooves 17 comprise vertical slits in the annular wall 13. Between 20 and 40 slots are provided. In the realization shown thirty-seven slots 17 are usually provided equi-spaced around the circumference of the manifold 16. The slots 17 preferably have between 1.4 and 1.8 mm in length Typically the length of each slot is 1.6 mm, which represents 10% of the overall height of the external member 2. The width of each slot is between 0.25 and 0.35 mm. Typically, The width of each slot is 0.3 mm. The width of the grooves 17 It is narrow enough to prevent the ingredients drinks pass through to collector 16 during the Storage or during use.

An inlet chamber 26 is formed in the member external 2 on the periphery of the external member 2. A cylindrical wall 27, as more clearly shown in Figure 5, which defines the input chamber 26 inside, and separates the entrance chamber 26 of the inside 34 of the outer member 2. The wall cylindrical 27 has a closed upper surface 28 that is formed on a plane perpendicular to the main X axis and one end bottom open 29 coplanar with bottom 12 of member external 2. Input chamber 26 communicates with manifold 16 through two slots 30 as shown in Figure 1. As alternatively, one to four slots can be used to communication between manifold 16 and input chamber 26.

A lower end of the projection is provided 33 extending outward with an eyelash 35 extending outwardly extending perpendicular to the axis main X. Typically tab 35 has a width of between 2 and 4 mm. A part of the flange 35 is enlarged to form a handle 24 by which the external member can be supported 2. The handle 24 is provided with an upturned edge 25 for improve grip

The outer member 2 is formed as a single integral piece from high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, or a laminate of two or more of these materials. A suitable polypropylene is the range of polymers available from DSM UK Limited (Redditch, United Kingdom). He External member can be opaque, transparent or translucent. He Manufacturing process can be injection molding.

The inner member 3 as shown in the Figures 7 to 10, comprises an annular frame 41 and a cylindrical funnel 40 extending down. A main axis X passes through the center of the inner member 3 as shown in Figure 7.

As best shown in Figure 8, the frame annular 41 comprises an outer edge 51 and an inner hub 52 attached for ten radial radii 53 equi-spaced. The cube internal 52 is integral with and extends from the cylindrical funnel 40. Filtration openings 55 are formed in the annular frame 41 between the radial radii 53. A filter 4 is arranged on the frame ring 41 to cover the filter openings 55. The filter preferably it is made of a material with a high resistance in wet, for example a polyester material of nonwoven fiber. Other materials that can be used include a cellulosic material water impermeable, such as a cellulosic material comprising woven paper fibers. Woven paper fibers can mixed with polypropylene fibers, polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene. The incorporation of these plastic materials in the Cellulosic material makes the cellulose material heat sealable. He filter 4 can also be treated or coated with a material that is active by heat and / or pressure so that it can be sealed to the frame cancel 41 this way.

As shown in the section profile cross section of Figure 7, the inner hub 52 is located in a position lower than the outer edge 51, resulting in the annular frame 41 has an inclined lower profile.

The upper surface of each radius 53 is provided with a fixed band 54 that divides a hollow space by above the annular frame 41 in a plurality of ducts 57. Each duct 57 is joined on either side by a band 54 and over a lower surface by the filter 4. The ducts 57 are extend from the outer edge 51 downwards, and open towards the cylindrical funnel 40 in the openings 56 defined by the internal extremities of the bands 54.

The cylindrical funnel 40 comprises a tube external 42 surrounding an internal discharge tube 43. The tube external 42 forms the exterior of the cylindrical funnel 40. The tube of discharge 43 joins the outer tube 42 at an upper end of the discharge tube 43 by means of an annular flange 47. The discharge 43 comprises an inlet 45 at an upper end that communicates with the openings 56 of the ducts 57 and an outlet 44 in a lower end through which the prepared beverage is Discharge in a cup or other container. The discharge pipe 43 comprises a trunk-conical part 48 at one end upper and a cylindrical part 58 at a lower end. The part cylindrical 58 may have a slight narrowing so that it narrow towards exit 44. The trunk-conical part 48 helps to channel the beverage from conduits 57 to the Exit 44 without inducing turbulence to the drink. A surface upper part of the trunk-conical part 48 is provided with four support bands 49 equi-spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical funnel 40. The bands of support 49 define channels 50 between them. Upper edges of the support bands 49 are level with each other and are perpendicular to the main X axis.

The inner member 3 can be formed as a single integral piece from polypropylene or a material similar as described above and by injection molding in the same way as the external member 2.

Alternatively, the internal member 3 and / or the External member 2 can be prepared from a biodegradable polymer. Examples of suitable materials include degradable polyethylene. (for example, SPITEK supplied by Symphony Environmental, Borehamwood, United Kingdom), biodegradable polyester amide (by example, BAK 1095 supplied by Symphony Environmental), acids Polylactic (PLA supplied by Cargil, Minnesota, USA), starch based polymers, cellulose derivatives and polypeptides

Laminate 5 is formed from two layers, a first layer of aluminum and a second layer of polypropylene molded The aluminum layer is between 0.02 and 0.07 mm thick. The molded polypropylene layer is between 0.025 and 0.065 mm of thickness. In one embodiment the aluminum layer is 0.06 mm and the Polypropylene layer is 0.025mm thick. This laminate is particularly advantageous since it has a high resistance to Curl during assembly. As a result the laminate 5 can pre-cut to the correct size and shape and subsequently transferred to the assembly station on the line of production without experiencing distortion. Consequently, the Laminate 5 is particularly very suitable for welding. They can other laminated materials including laminates of PET / Aluminum / PP, PE / EVOH / PP, PET / metallized / PP and Aluminum / PP. The Rolled rolling stock can be used instead of reservations cut with die.

The cartridge 1 can be closed by a lid rigid or semi-rigid instead of with a laminate flexible.

The assembly of the cartridge 1 implies the following stages:

a) the internal member 3 is inserted into the member external 2;

b) filter 4 is cut with its shape and placed on the inner member 3 to stay on the cylindrical funnel 40 and rest against the annular frame 41;

c) the internal member 3, the external member 2 and the filter 4 is joined by ultrasonic welding;

d) cartridge 1 is filled with one or more drinkable ingredients;

e) laminate 5 is fixed to the outer member 2.

These stages will be analyzed in greater detail at continuation.

The outer member 2 is oriented with the part bottom open 12 directed upwards. The inner member 3 is then inserted into the outer member 2 with the outer edge 51 staying as a pressure-free adjustment on an axial extension 14 in the upper part 11 of the cartridge 1. The cylindrical extension 18 of the external member 2 is housed at the top of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3. The third part 21 of cylindrical extension 18 sits inside the cylindrical funnel 40 with the closed bottom surface 31 of the cylindrical extension 18 resting against the support bands 49 of the inner member 3. The  filter 4 is then placed on the inner member 3 so that the filter material comes into contact with the annular edge 51. A Ultrasonic welding process is then used to join the filter 4 to the internal member 3 and at the same time, and at the same stage of process, internal member 3 to external member 2. The member internal 3 and the filter 4 are welded around the outer edge 51. The internal member 3 and the external member 2 are joined by lines welding around the outer edge 51 and also the edges upper bands 54.

As shown more clearly in Figure 11, the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 when they join together define a hollow space 130 inside 120 below the annular flange 41 and the outside of the cylindrical funnel 40 that forms a filtration chamber The filtration chamber 130 and the ducts 57 above the annular frame 41 are separated by the filter paper 4.

The filtration chamber 130 contains the one or 200 more drinkable ingredients. The one or more drinkable ingredients they are packed in the filtration chamber 130. For a type drink filtered the ingredient is typically roasted and ground coffee or tea leaves The packaging density of the drinkable ingredients in The filtration chamber 130 can be varied as desired. Typically, for a filtered coffee product the chamber of Filtration contains between 5.0 and 10.2 grams of roasted coffee and ground in a filtration bed with a thickness typically of 5 to 14 mm Optionally, the interior 120 may contain one or more bodies, such as spheres, that move freely within the interior 120 to aid mixing by inducing turbulence and breaking the deposits of drinkable ingredients during the Discharge of the drink.

The laminate 5 is then fixed to the outer member 2 forming a weld 126 around the periphery of the laminate 5 to join the laminate 5 to the bottom surface of the flange 35 It extends out. Welding 126 extends to seal the laminate 5 against the bottom edge of the cylindrical wall 27 of the inlet chamber 26. In addition, a weld 125 is formed between the laminate B and the lower edge of the outer tube 42 of the cylindrical funnel 40. Laminate 5 forms the bottom wall of the filtration chamber 130 and also seals the inlet chamber 26 and the cylindrical funnel 40. However, a small hole 123 exists before administration between the laminate 5 and the lower edge of the discharge tube 43. Various methods of welding, such as heat and ultrasonic welding, depending of the material characteristics of the laminate 5.

Advantageously, the inner member 3 extends between the outer member 2 and the laminate 5. The inner member 3 is form from a material of relative stiffness, such as Polypropylene. As such, the internal member 3 forms a member that carries the load that acts to maintain the laminate 5 and the member external 2 separated when the cartridge 1 is compressed. It is preferable subject the cartridge 1 to a compression load between 130 and 280 N during use. The compression force acts to prevent the cartridge fails internal pressurization and also serves to tighten together the internal member 3 and the external member 2. This ensures that the internal dimensions of the ducts and openings in the cartridge 1 are fixed and cannot change during pressurization of cartridge 1.

To use the cartridge 1 is inserted first place in a beverage preparation machine and entry 121 and the exit 122 is opened by the piercing members of the machine beverage preparation that pierce and fold the laminate 5. A aqueous medium, typically water, under pressure enters cartridge 1 a through input 121 to input chamber 26 at a pressure between 0.1-2.0 bar. From there the water is directs to flow through slots 30 and around the manifold 16 and towards the filtration chamber 130 of the cartridge 1 a through the plurality of grooves 17. Water is forced radially inwards through the filtration chamber 130 and mixes with the 200 drinkable ingredients contained inside. He water, at the same time, is forced up through the drinkable ingredients The drink formed by passing the water through of the drinkable ingredients passes through filter 4 and the filtration openings 55 towards the ducts 57 located by above the annular frame 41. The sealing of the filter 4 on the spokes 53 and welding the edge 51 with the outer member 2 ensures that there are no short circuits and that all the drink has to pass to through filter 4.

The drink then flows down along of radial ducts 57 formed between bands 54 and through the openings 56 and towards the cylindrical funnel 40. The beverage passes to along channels 50 between support bands 47 and low by the discharge pipe 43 towards the exit 44 where the drink is Discharge into a container such as a cup.

Preferably, the preparation machine beverage comprises an air purge installation, in which the compressed air is forced through cartridge 1 at the end of the cycle administration to download the remaining drink in the container.

A second version of cartridge 1 is shown in Figures 12 to 18. The second version of cartridge 1 is Particularly designed for use in product management espresso type such as roasted and ground coffee where it is desirable to produce a beverage that has a fine bubble foam known as cream. Many of the characteristics of the second cartridge version 1 are the same as in the first version and equal numbers have been used to reference characteristics same. In the following description the differences will be analyzed between the first and second versions. Common features that work in the same way will not be analyzed in detail.

The outer member 2 is of the same construction than in the first version of cartridge 1 and as shown in the Figures 1 to 6.

The annular frame 41 of the inner member 3 is the Same as in the first version. Also, a filter 4 is provided. on the annular frame 41 to cover the filtration openings 55. The outer tube 42 of the cylindrical funnel 40 is also like in the last case. However, there are numerous differences in the construction of internal member 2 of the second compared version With the first version. As shown in Figure 16, the tube discharge 43 is provided with a partition 65 that extends partially to the discharge tube 43 from the outlet 44. The septum 65 helps prevent the drink from spraying and / or splashing as it exits the discharge tube 43. The profile of the discharge tube download 43 is also different and comprises a stepped profile with a different dog leg 66 near an upper end of the tube 43.

A straight edge 67 is provided from the annular flange 47 joining the outer tube 42 to the discharge tube 43. Edge 67 surrounds inlet 45 to discharge tube 43 and defines an annular channel 69 between the edge 67 and the top of the tube external 42. Edge 67 is provided with a ledge 68 directed inward At a point around the circumference of the edge 67 is provided an opening 70 in the form of a groove that is extends from an upper edge of edge 67 to a point marginally below the level of boss 68 as shown more clearly in Figures 12 and 13. The slot has a width 0.64 mm.

An air inlet 71 is provided in the annular flange 47 aligned circumferentially with the opening 70 as shown in Figures 16 and 17. Air inlet 71 it comprises an opening that passes through the tab 47 to provide communication between a point above tab 47 and the hollow space below the flange 47 between the tube external 42 and discharge tube 43. Preferably, and as is shows, the air inlet 71 comprises a top conical trunk 73 and a cylindrical bottom 72. Air inlet 71 is typically formed by a molding tool such as a plug. The tapered profile of the air inlet 71 allows the tool to be removed more easily molding of the molded component. The wall of the outer tube 42 in the proximities of the air inlet 71 is shaped to form a gutter 75 leading from air inlet 71 to inlet 45 of the discharge tube 43. As shown in Figure 17, it is formed an oblique projection 74 between the air inlet 71 and the gutter 75 to ensure that the jet of drink emitted from slot 70 does not immediately dirties the upper surface of the flange 47 in the vicinity of the air inlet 71.

The assembly procedure for the second Cartridge version 1 is similar to the first version assembly. However, there are certain differences. As the picture shows 18, the third part 21 of the cylindrical extension 18 sits inside the support edge 67 instead of against the bands of support. The projection 32 of the cylindrical extension 18 between the second part 20 and third part 21 leans against the edge upper of the support edge 67 of the inner member 3. Of this way, an interface zone 124 is formed between the inner member 3 and the outer member 2 comprising a sealed face between the cylindrical extension 18 and supporting edge 67 extending around almost the entire circumference of the cartridge 1. The sealing between the cylindrical extension 18 and the support edge 67 is not fluid-tight as the groove 70 in the support edge 67 extends through the support edge 67 and down to a marginally below the ledge 68. Consequently, the interfacial fit between cylindrical extension 18 and the edge of support 67 transforms slot 70 into an opening 128, as shows more clearly in Figure 18, providing communication gas and liquid between the annular channel 69 and the discharge tube 43. The opening is typically 0.64 mm wide by 0.69 mm long.

The operation of the second version of the cartridge 1 to administer a drink is similar to the operation of the first version but with certain differences. The drink in the radial ducts 57 flows down along the ducts 57 formed between bands 54 and through openings 56 and towards the annular channel 69 of the cylindrical funnel 40. From the channel annular 69 the beverage is forced under pressure through opening 128 by the back pressure of the drink that is collected in the chamber of filtration 130 and ducts 57. In this way the drink through the opening 128 like a jet and into a chamber expansion formed by the upper end of the discharge tube 43. As shown in Figure 18, the beverage stream passes directly over the air inlet 71. According to the drink enters the discharge tube 43 drops the pressure of the beverage stream. How result is trapped air in the beverage stream in the form of a multitude of small air bubbles according to the air is made pass through the air inlet 71. The jet of drink emitted from opening 128 is channeled down towards the exit 44 where the beverage is discharged into a container such as a glass where air bubbles form the desired cream. This  Thus, the opening 128 and the air inlet 71 together form a educator who acts to catch air in the drink. The flow of drink towards the educator should be kept as soft as possible to reduce pressure losses. Advantageously, the walls of the educator should be made concave to reduce the losses due  to friction by the "wall effect". Dimensional tolerance of the opening 128 is small. Preferably the size of the opening is set at about 0.02 mm2. Fluff, fibrils or other surface irregularities may be provided within or at the exit of the educator to increase the area of the section effective transverse that has been found to increase the degree of air trapping

A third version of cartridge 1 is shown in Figures 19 to 29. The third version of cartridge 1 is Particularly designed for use in product management soluble that may be in powder, liquid, syrup, gel or form Similary. The soluble product is dissolved by or forms a suspension in, an aqueous medium such as water when the aqueous medium it is passed, during use, through the cartridge 1. The examples  of drinks include chocolate, coffee, milk, tea, soup or others soluble rehydratable or aqueous products. Many of the features of the third version of cartridge 1 are the same than in previous versions and the same numbers have been used to reference similar characteristics. In the next description the differences between the third and the previous versions. The common features that work for The same way will not be analyzed in detail.

Compared to external member 2 of the previous versions, the hollow extension directed inwards cylindrical 18 of the outer member 2 of the third version has a larger overall diameter as shown in Figure 20. In particular the diameter of the first part 19 is typically between 16 and 18 mm compared to 13.2 mm for outer member 2 of the previous versions. In addition, the first part 19 is provided with a convex 19a external surface, or bulging, as shown more clearly in Figure 20, whose function will be described then. The diameters of third parties 21 of the cartridges 1 however are the same, resulting in the projection area 32 is greater in this, the third version of the cartridge 1. Typically the volume of cartridge 1 when mounted it is 32.5 ml ± 20%.

The number and location of the slots in the lower end of the annular wall 13 is also different. Be They provide between 3 and 5 slots. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 23, four slots 36 are provided equi-spaced around the circumference of the manifold 16. Slots 36 are slightly wider than in the previous versions of cartridge 1, being between 0.35 and 0.45 mm, preferably 0.4 mm wide.

In other aspects the external members 2 of the 1 cartridges are the same.

The construction of the cylindrical funnel 40 of internal member 3 is the same as in the first version of the cartridge  1 providing an outer tube 42, a discharge tube 45, a annular flange 47 and support bands 49. The only difference is that the discharge tube 45 is formed with an upper section conical trunk 92 and a cylindrical lower section 93.

In contrast to previous versions and as shown in Figures 24 to 28, the annular frame 41 is replaced by a skirt part 80 that surrounds the cylindrical funnel 40 and is joins it through eight radial struts 87 that join the cylindrical funnel 40 at or near the annular flange 47. An extension cylindrical 81 of the skirt portion 80 extends upwards from struts 87 to define a camera 90 with a face upper open. An upper edge 91 of the cylindrical extension 81 It has a profile turned inwards as shown in Figure 26. An annular wall 82 of the skirt portion 80 extends towards down from struts 87 to define an annular channel 86 between the skirt part 80 and the outer tube 42.

The annular wall 82 comprises at one end lower an outer flange 83 that is perpendicular to the axis main X. An edge 84 depends downward from a surface bottom of tab 83 and contains five openings 85 that are circumferentially equi-spaced around the edge 84. In this way, edge 84 is provided with a profile notched bottom.

The openings 89 are provided between the struts 87 allowing communication between camera 90 and the ring channel 86.

The assembly procedure for the third cartridge version 1 is similar to the first version assembly But with certain differences. The external member 2 and the member Internal 3 fit together without strike as shown in Figure 29 and are retained by a pressure adjustment arrangement in instead of welding together. Joining the two members the extension cylindrical inward direction 18 is housed within the extension upper cylindrical 81 of the skirt portion 80. The inner member 3 is retained in the outer member 2 by friction interconnection of the convex outer surface 19a of the first part 19 of the cylindrical extension 18 with edge 91 turned inward of the upper cylindrical extension 81. With inner member 3 located in the external member 2 a mixing chamber is defined 134 located outside the skirt portion 80. The mixing chamber 134 contains the 200 drinkable ingredients before the administration. It should be noted that the four entries 36 and the five openings 85 are circumferentially staggered ones with Regarding others. It is not necessary to determine or fix the radial location of the two parts with each other during assembly and that the use of four inputs 36 and five openings 85 ensures that misalignments occur between the entrances and openings whatever be the relative rotational position of the components.

The one or more drinkable ingredients are introduced in the mixing chamber 134 of the cartridge. The filling density of the drinkable ingredients in the mixing chamber 134 can be varied as desired.

The laminate 5 is then fixed to the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 in the same manner as described Previously in previous versions.

During use, water enters the chamber of mix 134 through four slots 36 in the same way as in previous versions of the cartridge. Water is forced radially inwards through the mixing chamber and mixes with the drinkable ingredients contained inside. The product is dissolves or mixes in the water and forms the drink in the chamber of mixture 134 and then carried through openings 85 towards a annular channel 86 for backpressure of drink and water in the chamber of mixture 134. The circumferential staggering of the four slots inlet 36 and the five openings 85 ensures that the jets of water cannot pass radially directly from the grooves of input 36 to openings 85 without first circulating inside of mixing chamber 134. In this way the degree and consistency of dissolution or mixture of the product increase significantly. The drink is forced up into the annular channel 86, through the openings 89 between the struts 87 and towards the chamber 90. The drink passes from chamber 90 through entrances 45 between the support bands 49 towards the discharge tube 43 and towards the exit 44 where the beverage is discharged into a container such as a glass. The cartridge finds particular application with drinkable ingredients in the form of viscous liquids or gels. In a application cartridge 1 contains a chocolate ingredient liquid with a viscosity between 1700 and 3900 mPa at temperature ambient and between 5000 and 10000 mPa at 0 ° C and refractive solids of 67 Brix ± 3. In another application cartridge 1 contains coffee liquid with a viscosity between 70 and 2000 mPa at temperature ambient and between 80 and 5000 mPa at 0 ° C where coffee has a level of total solids between 40 and 70%. The brown ingredient liquid may contain between 0.1 and 2.0% by weight of sodium bicarbonate, preferably between 0.5 and 1.0% by weight. Baking soda acts to maintain the pH level of coffee at or below 4.8 allowing a period of validity for cartridges filled with coffee for up to 12 months.

A fourth version of cartridge 1 representing The present invention is shown in Figures 30 to 34. The fourth cartridge version 1 is particularly designed for use in the administration of liquid products such as liquid milk concentrated. Many of the features of the fourth version of the cartridge 1 are the same as in previous versions and have used the same numbers to reference features Similar. In the following description the differences will be analyzed between the fourth and previous versions. The characteristics commons that work the same way will not be analyzed in detail.

The external member 2 is the same as in the third version of cartridge 1 and as shown in Figures 19 to 23.

The cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3 is similar to that shown in the second version of cartridge 1 but with Certain differences As shown in Figure 30 the tube of discharge 43 conforms to a top section conical trunk 106 and a cylindrical lower section 107. Three axial projections 105 are provided on the surface internal discharge tube 43 to direct the administered beverage down towards exit 44 and prevent the unloaded beverage Turn inside the tube. Consequently, projections 105 act as baffles As in the second version of cartridge 1, it provides an air inlet 71 through the annular flange 47. However, the gutter 75 below the air inlet 71 is more elongated than in the second version.

A skirt portion 80 similar to the one shown in the third version of cartridge 1 described previously. Between 5 and 12 openings 85 are provided at the edge 84. Typically ten openings are provided instead of the five provided in the third version of cartridge 1.

An annular bowl 100 is provided which is extends from and that is integral with tab 83 of the part of skirt 80. The annular bowl 100 comprises a flared body 101 with an open upper mouth 104 that is directed upwards. Four supply openings 103 shown in Figures 30 and 31 they are located in body 101 at or near the lower end of the bowl 100 where it joins the skirt part 80. Preferably, the supply openings are equi-spaced around the circumference of bowl 100. Bowl 100 joins to the skirt part 80 at a point along its length of such that a discrete hole is provided between the bowl 100 and laminate 5 when the cartridge is mounted. Therefore, the openings 85 are located below the level of bowl 100. As can be seen in Figure 34, when the cartridge is mounted 1 and the bowl 100 is filled contains a proportion of the liquid drinkable ingredients, effectively separating that Disposal of liquid drinkable opening ingredients 85.

Laminate 5 is of the type described above. in the previous embodiments.

The assembly procedure for the fourth Cartridge version 1 is the same as for the third version.

The operation of the fourth version of cartridge is similar to the third version. Water enters the cartridge 1 and mixing chamber 134 in the same manner as in the last case. There the water is mixed with and dilutes the product liquid that is then forced out of bowl 100 and through the openings 85 towards the outlet 44 as described above. The proportion of the liquid product is initially contained inside the annular bowl 100 as shown in Figure 34 is not subjected to immediate dilution by the water entering the chamber of mixture 134. Instead, the liquid product diluted in the bottom of mixing chamber 134 will tend to exit through of openings 85 instead of being forced up and toward the annular bowl 100 through the upper mouth 104. Accordingly, the liquid product in the annular bowl 100 will remain relatively concentrated during the initial stages of the cycle operational compared to the product at the bottom of the mixing chamber 134. The liquid product in the annular bowl 100 drips through supply openings 103 by gravity toward the product stream leaving the mixing chamber 134 a through openings 85 and below the annular bowl 100. The 100 ring bowl acts by leveling the product concentration diluted liquid entering the cylindrical funnel 40 retaining a proportion of the concentrated liquid product and releasing it in the flow path of the liquid stream leaving so constant throughout the operating cycle as illustrated in the Figure 35a, where the measured milk concentration is shown as a percentage of the total solids present during a cycle Operating approximately 15 seconds. The line to illustrate the concentration profile with bowl 100 while line b illustrates a cartridge without bowl 100. As can be seen, the concentration profile with cup 100 is more uniform during operational cycle and there is no immediate large reduction in the concentration as with bowl 100. The concentration Initial milk is typically 30-35% SS and At the end of the cycle it is 10% SS. This makes the relationship of dilution is approximately 3 to 1, although with the present invention dilution ratios between 1 to 1 and 6 to 1. In the case of other liquid drinkable ingredients, the concentrations may vary. For example, in the case of chocolate liquid, the initial concentration is approximately 67% SS and at the end of the 12-15% SS cycle. This makes the dilution ratio (ratio between the aqueous medium and the drinkable ingredient in the administered drink) approximately 5 to 1, although with the present invention they are possible dilution ratios between 2 to 1 and 10 to 1. In the In the case of liquid coffee, the initial concentration is comprised between 40 and 67% and the concentration at the end of the Administration is 1-2% SS. This makes the dilution ratio between 20 to 1 and 70 to 1, although dilution ratios are possible with the present invention between 10 to 1 and 100 to 1.

From the annular channel 86 the drink is forced to pressure through opening 128 by counterpressing the beverage collection in filtration chamber 134 and chamber 90. The drink is forced in this way through opening 128 as a jet and towards an expansion chamber formed by the end top of the discharge tube 43. As shown in Figure 34, The beverage stream passes directly over the air inlet 71. As the beverage enters the discharge tube 43 the pressure of the stream of drink falls. As a result, air is trapped in the drink stream in the form of a multitude of small bubbles of air according to the air is passed through the air inlet 71. The stream of drink emitted from the opening 128 is channeled towards down to exit 44 where the drink is discharged to a container such as a cup where air bubbles form the foamy appearance desired.

Advantageously, the internal member 3, the member external 2, laminate 5 and filter 4 can all be sterilized easily because the components are separable and not They individually comprise tortuous steps or narrow cracks. In instead, it is only after joining the components, after sterilization, when the necessary steps are formed. This is particularly important when the drinkable ingredient is a Dairy product such as a liquid milk concentrate.

The fourth embodiment of beverage cartridge is particularly advantageous for administering a dairy product concentrated liquid such as liquid milk. Previously, they have provided milk powder products in the form of envelopes for add to a previously prepared drink. However, for a Cappuccino-type drink is necessary to make the milk foamy. This has been achieved previously by passing steam through of a liquid milk product. However this needs the supply of a steam supply that increases the cost and complexity of the machine used to administer the drink. The use steam also increases the risk of injury during cartridge operation. Accordingly, the present invention provides a beverage cartridge that has a dairy product liquid concentrated inside. It has been discovered that concentrating the dairy product can produce a greater amount of foam for a particular milk volume when compared to fresh milk or UHT. This reduces the size required for the cartridge milk. Semi-skimmed fresh milk contains approximately 1.6% fat and 10% total solids. The Concentrated liquid milk preparations of the present invention contain between 3 and 10% fat and 25 to 40% solids totals In a typical example, the preparation contains 4% of fat and 30% total solids. Milk preparations concentrated are suitable for foaming using a low pressure preparation machine as will be described to continuation. In particular, the foaming of milk is achieves pressures below 2 bar, preferably at approximately 1.5 bar using the cartridge of the fourth embodiment previously described.

Foaming of concentrated milk is particularly advantageous for drinks such as cappuccino and milkshakes Preferably, the passage of milk through the opening 128 and over the air inlet 71 and the optional use of the bowl 100 allows to obtain foaming levels greater than 40%, preferably greater than 70% in the case of milk. For him Liquid chocolate foaming levels higher than 70% For liquid coffee, foaming levels are possible over 70%. Foamability level is measured as the ratio between the volume of the foam produced and the volume of the ingredient Drinkable liquid administered. For example, when administered 138.3 ml of beverage, of which 58.3 ml are foam, the foamability is measured as [58.3 / (138.3-58.3) 1 * 100 = 72.9%. The Foamability of milk (and other liquid ingredients) improves by the arrangement of bowl 100 as can be seen in Figure 35b The foamability of milk administered with bowl 100 present (line a) is greater than that of the milk administered without the bowl is present {line b). This is because the Milk foamability is positively correlated with the milk concentration and, as shown in Figure 35a, the bowl 100 maintains a higher concentration of milk the greater part of the operating cycle It is also known that the foamability of milk is positively correlated with the temperature of aqueous medium as shown in Figure 35c. Therefore the Bowl 100 is advantageous since more milk remains in the cartridge until almost the end of the operating cycle when the medium Aqueous is at its hottest point. Again, this improves the foamability

The cartridge of the fourth embodiment is also advantageous for administering liquid coffee products.

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It has been discovered that the realizations of beverage cartridge of the present invention provide advantageously an improved consistency of the administered beverage when compared with prior art cartridges. Be refers to the following Table 1 that shows the results of fermentation yields for every twenty samples of A and B cartridges containing roasted and ground coffee. The cartridge A is a beverage cartridge according to the first embodiment of The present invention. Cartridge B is a beverage cartridge of the prior art as described in the applicant's document WO 01/58786. The refractive index of the brewed beverage is measured in Brix units and becomes a percentage of soluble solids (% SS) using conventional tables and formulas. In the following examples:

% SS = 0.7774 * (Brix value) + 0.0569.

% Performance = (% SS * Volume of Fermentation (g)) / (100 * Coffee Weight (g)).

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TABLE 1 Cartridge A

one

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Cartridge B

3

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Performing a statistical type analysis t test on the above data the following are obtained results:

TABLE 2 Test t: Two samples, assuming variances equals

5

The analysis shows that the consistency of the% of yield, which equals the fermentation power, for cartridges of the present invention is significantly better (at a 95% confidence level) than the technique cartridges above, with a standard deviation of 0.88% compared to the 2.24%. This means that drinks administered with cartridges of the present invention have more power Repeatable and uniform. This is preferred by consumers who they like their drinks to taste the same once after another and not They want arbitrary changes in the potency of the drink.

The materials of the cartridges described previously they can be provided with a barrier coating  to improve its resistance to oxygen and / or moisture and / or entry of other contaminants. The barrier coating can also improve the leaching resistance of the ingredients drinks inside the cartridges and / or reduce the degree of leachate of the removable products of the cartridge materials that They could adversely affect the drinkable ingredients. He barrier coating can be of a selected material between the group of PET, polyamide, EVOH, PVDC or a material metallized The barrier coating can be applied by numerous mechanisms including, but not limited to, deposition with steam, vacuum deposition, plasma coating, co-extrusion, mold labeling and molding Two / multi-stage

Claims (24)

1. A cartridge (1) containing one or more liquid drinkable ingredients (200) and that is formed from materials substantially impermeable to air and water, the cartridge comprising an input (121) for the introduction of an aqueous medium in the cartridge, a compartment (134) containing the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients and an outlet (122) for a beverage produced by dilution of the one or more ingredients liquid drinks by the aqueous medium, including the compartment a means to control the dilution of at least a proportion of the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients during the introduction of  aqueous medium in the compartment, characterized in that the means for controlling the dilution delays the dilution of at least a proportion of the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients during the introduction of the aqueous medium into the compartment, in which, during use, a trajectory of the aqueous medium is established from the entry to exit, the means for delaying dilution comprising a partition (100) that prevents the entry of at least a proportion of the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients into the flow path of the aqueous medium. 2. A cartridge (1) according to the claim 1 wherein the partition (100) comprises one or more openings (103) for controllable release of the at least one proportion of the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients in the Flow path of the aqueous medium. 3. A cartridge (1) according to the claim 2 wherein four openings are provided (103). 4. A cartridge (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the partition comprises a cup-shaped member that has an open mouth (104) directed away from the flow path of the aqueous medium. 5. A cartridge (1) according to the claim 4 wherein the cup-shaped member is cancel. 6. A cartridge (1) according to the claim 4 or claim 5 wherein they are provided one or more openings (103) at or near a base of the member with cup shape 7. A cartridge (1) according to the claim 4 wherein the at least a proportion of the liquid drinkable ingredients in the cup-shaped limb (100) drains by gravity through the one or more openings (103) during the use. 8. A cartridge (1) according to the claim 7 wherein the cup-shaped member is separated from the bottom of the cartridge, so that the trajectory of flow of the aqueous medium passes between the cup-shaped member and the cartridge bottom. 9. A cartridge (1) according to the claim 8 wherein the at least a proportion of the liquid drinkable ingredients in the cup-shaped limb (100) drains by gravity through the one or more openings (103) during use vertically down towards the flow path of the aqueous medium. 10. A cartridge (1) according to any of claims 4 to 7 comprising an internal member (3) and an external member (2), in which the internal member comprises the cup-shaped member. 11. A cartridge according to any of the previous claims further comprising a means to produce a stream of the drink, in which said means for producing the jet of the beverage comprises an opening (128) in the Flow path of the aqueous medium. 12. A cartridge according to claim 11 dependent on claim 9 wherein the opening (128) is delimited by an interface between the internal member and the external member 13. A cartridge according to claim 11 or claim 12 further comprising at least one inlet (71) for air and a means to generate a reduction of pressure of the jet of the beverage, in which, during use, the air of the at least one air inlet is incorporated into the drink as a plurality of small bubbles. 14. A cartridge (1) according to the claim 13 wherein the at least one air inlet (71) is provides in the inner member downstream of the opening (128). 15. A cartridge (1) according to the claim 14 wherein the at least one air inlet (71) and the means to produce a pressure reduction in the jet of drink produces a foaming of the one or more drinkable ingredients liquids of more than 40%. 16. A cartridge (1) according to the claim 15 wherein the foaming is greater than 70%. 17. A cartridge (1) according to any of the preceding claims in which the cartridge is shaped of disk. 18. A cartridge (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the external member and / or the Inner member are formed of polypropylene. 19. A cartridge (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the external member and / or the Internal limb are formed by injection model. 20. A cartridge (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the drinkable ingredient Liquid is a composition of concentrated liquid milk. 21. A cartridge (1) according to the claim 20 wherein the concentrated liquid milk contains between 25 and 40% of total solids 22. A cartridge (1) according to the claim 21 wherein the concentrated liquid milk contains 30% total solids. 23. A cartridge (1) according to a any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein the milk Concentrated liquid contains between 0.1 and 12% fat. 24. A cartridge (1) according to any of claims 1 to 19 wherein the one or more ingredients Liquid drinks are selected from the group of cocoa solids, coffee, tea, sweeteners, spirits, flavorings, drinks alcoholic, flavored milk, fruit juices, purees, sauces and desserts.