ES2282805T5 - Beverage preparation cartridge - 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, to the use of sealed cartridges that are formed from materials substantially impermeable to air and water and which contain one or more ingredients for the preparation of beverages.

WO 01/58786 describes a cartridge for the preparation of beverages that operates at a pressure generally in the range of 0.7 to 2.0 x 105 Pa. However, the cartridge is designed for use in a machine Drink preparation for the commercial or industrial market and is relatively expensive. Therefore, the need continues 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 for choosing the potency of the beverage to be obtained is known from WO 02/074661 A1.

It is known how to provide drinkable milk ingredients in cartridges in the form of a powder or other dehydrated form. However, consumers consistently indicate that the use of such powdered milk products adversely affects the taste, color and texture of the final beverage. It has proved difficult to 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 dilution and administration of liquid milk products reach a consistent and acceptable final beverage.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a sealed cartridge as defined in claim 1 of the appended claims.

It will be understood that the term "cartridge" as used herein refers to any package, container, sachet or receptacle that contains 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 the formation of a drinkable product. The drinkable product may be, for example, one of coffee, tea, chocolate, carbonated beverages, or a dairy beverage including milk.

Advantageously, the cartridge of the present invention provides superior dilution and administration of liquid drinkable ingredients ensuring that liquid drinkable ingredients are administered more uniformly during the operating cycle rather than being distributed all at the beginning of the operating cycle followed by an aqueous medium. substantially pure, which is, for example, water. This constant administration of liquid drinkable ingredients improves the homogeneity of the liquid beverage administered. In addition, when the subsequently diluted liquid beverage is subjected to foaming, for example, by throwing it like a jet through a hole, the better homogeneity of the liquid leads to a greater consistency of foaming and a better quality and quantity of foam produced per unit. of volume of liquid drink.

In one embodiment, the partition comprises one or more openings for controllable release of at least a proportion of the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients in the flow path of the aqueous medium. Four openings can be provided.

The septum may comprise a cup-shaped member that has an open mouth directed away from the flow path of the aqueous medium. The cup-shaped member is preferably annular. The one or more openings are preferably 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 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 cup-shaped member 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 downward in the flow path of the aqueous medium.

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

Preferably, the cartridge further comprises a means for producing a stream of the beverage, wherein said means for producing the stream 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 means and the external member.

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

In one embodiment, the at least one air inlet and the means for producing a reduction in pressure in the beverage stream produces a foaming greater than 40% of the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients. Preferably, greater than 70%. Preferably, the cartridge is disk shaped. The outer member and / or the inner member are formed, for example, from polypropylene.

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

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

Embodiments will be described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional drawing of an outer 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 inwardly directed 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 of the outer member of Figure 1;

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

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 of the inner member of Figure 7;

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

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 an opening;

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

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

Figure 16 is another cross-sectional drawing 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 an air inlet;

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 inwardly directed extension;

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

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

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

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 an inwardly turned upper edge;

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

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

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 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 of the inner member of Figure 30;

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in Figure 11, the cartridge 1 of the present invention generally comprises an outer member 2, an inner member 3 and a laminate 5. The outer member 2, the inner member 3 and the laminate 5 are mounted to form the cartridge 1 having an interior 120 to contain one or more drinkable ingredients, an inlet 121, an outlet 122 and a flow path of the beverage that joins inlet 121 with outlet 122 and passing through interior 120. Inlet 121 and the outlet 122 are initially hermetically sealed by the laminate 5 and open during use by perforation or cutting of the laminate 5. The flow path of the beverage is defined by spatial interrelationships between the outer member 2, the inner member 3 and the laminate 5 as discussed below. Other components may optionally be included in the cartridge 1, such as a filter 4, as will be described further below.

A first version of the cartridge 1 which will be described as background is shown in Figures 1 to 11. The first version of the cartridge 1 is particularly designed for use in the administration of filtered products such as roasted and ground coffee or 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, flavors, alcoholic beverages, flavored milk, fruit juices, purees, sauces and desserts.

As can be seen from Figure 5, the overall shape of the cartridge 1 is generally circular or disk-shaped, the diameter of the cartridge 1 being significantly greater than its height. A main axis X passes through the center of the outer 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 cartridge 1 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 in the lower part 12, resulting in a widening of the annular wall 13 when traversed from the closed upper part 11 to the open lower part 12. The annular wall 13 and the closed lower part 11 together define a container having an interior 3. 4.

A hollow inwardly directed cylindrical extension 18 is provided in the closed upper part 11 centered on the main axis X. As shown more clearly in Figure 2, the cylindrical extension 18 comprises a stepped profile having a first, second and third parts. 19, 20 and 21. The first part 19 is cylindrical circular straight. The second part 20 is trunk-conical in shape and is tapered inwards. The third part 21 is another straight circular cylinder and is blocked 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 the cylindrical extension 18 decreases as it passes through the upper part 11 to the closed lower surface 31 of the cylindrical extension 18. A generally horizontal projection 32 is formed on the cylindrical extension 18 at the junction between the second and third parts 20 and 21.

A projection 33 is formed that extends outwardly in the outer member 2 towards the lower part 12. The projection 33 that extends outwardly forms a secondary wall 15 co-axial with the annular wall 13 to define an annular track that forms 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 grooves 17 are provided in the annular wall 13 at the level of the manifold 16 to provide gaseous and liquid communication between the manifold 16 and the inside 34 of the outer member 2. As shown in Figure 3, the slots 17 comprise vertical slits in the annular wall 13. Between 20 and 40 slots are provided. In the embodiment shown, thirty-seven grooves 17 generally equi-spaced around the circumference of the manifold 16 are provided. The grooves 17 are preferably 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 outer 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 is narrow enough to prevent the drinkable ingredients from passing through it to the collector 16 during storage or during use.

An inlet chamber 26 is formed in the outer member 2 at the periphery of the outer member 2. A cylindrical wall 27 is provided, as shown more clearly in Figure 5, which defines the inlet chamber 26 therein, and separates the inlet chamber 26 of the interior 34 of the outer member 2. The cylindrical wall 27 has a closed upper surface 28 that is formed on a plane perpendicular to the main axis X and an open lower end 29 co-planar with the lower part 12 of the member external 2. The input chamber 26 communicates with the manifold 16 through two slots 30 as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, one to four slots can be used for communication between the manifold 16 and the input chamber 26.

A lower end of the boss 33 extending outwardly is provided with an outwardly extending flange 35 that extends perpendicularly to the main axis X. Typically the flange 35 is between 2 and 4 mm wide. A portion of the flange 35 is enlarged to form a handle 24 by which the outer member 2 can be held. The handle 24 is provided with an upturned edge 25 to improve the 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). The outer member may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The manufacturing process can be injection molding.

The inner member 3 as shown in Figures 7 to 10, comprises an annular frame 41 and a cylindrical funnel 40 extending downward. 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 annular frame 41 comprises an outer edge 51 and an inner hub 52 joined by ten radial radii 53 equi-spaced. The inner hub 52 is integral with and extends from the cylindrical funnel 40. The filtration openings 55 are formed in the annular frame 41 between the radial radii 53. A filter 4 is arranged on the annular frame 41 to cover the filtration openings. 55. The filter is preferably made of a material with a high wet strength, for example a polyester material of nonwoven fiber. Other materials that can be used include a water impermeable cellulosic material, such as a cellulosic material comprising woven paper fibers. Woven paper fibers can be mixed with polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene fibers. The incorporation of these plastic materials in the cellulosic material makes the cellulosic material heat sealable. The filter 4 can also be treated or coated with a material that is activated by heat and / or pressure so that it can be sealed to the annular frame 41 in this way.

As shown in the cross-sectional profile of Figure 7, the inner hub 52 is located in a lower position than the outer edge 51, resulting in the annular frame 41 having a sloping lower profile.

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

The cylindrical funnel 40 comprises an external tube 42 that surrounds an internal discharge tube 43. The external tube 42

5 forms the outside of the cylindrical funnel 40. The discharge tube 43 is attached to the external tube 42 at an upper end of the discharge tube 43 by an annular flange 47. The discharge tube 43 comprises an inlet 45 at an upper end that communicates with the openings 56 of the ducts 57 and an outlet 44 at a lower end through which the prepared beverage is discharged into a cup or other container. The discharge tube 43 comprises a conical trunk portion 48 at an upper end and a cylindrical part 58 at a lower end. The cylindrical part 58 may have a slight narrowing so that it narrows towards the outlet 44. The conical trunk portion 48 helps to channel the beverage from the ducts 57 to the outlet 44 without inducing turbulence to the beverage. An upper surface of the trunk-conical part 48 is provided with four support bands 49 equi-spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical funnel 40. The support bands 49 define channels 50 between them. The upper edges of the support bands 49 are level with each other and are perpendicular to the main axis X.

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

Alternatively, the inner member 3 and / or the outer 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 (for example, BAK 1095 supplied by Symphony Environmental), polylactic acids (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 molded polypropylene. The aluminum layer is between 0.02 and 0.07 mm thick. The molded polypropylene layer is between 0.025 and 0.065 mm thick. In one embodiment the aluminum layer is 0.06 mm and the polypropylene layer is

25 0.025 mm thick. This laminate is particularly advantageous since it has a high resistance to curling during assembly. As a result, the laminate 5 can be pre-cut to the correct size and shape and subsequently transferred to the assembly station on the production line without experiencing distortion. Consequently, the laminate 5 is particularly very suitable for welding. Other laminated materials may be used including PET / Aluminum / PP, PE / EVOH / PP, PET / metallized / PP and Aluminum / PP laminates. Rolled rolling stock can be used instead of die cut stock.

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

The assembly of the cartridge 1 involves the following steps:

a) the inner member 3 is inserted into the outer member 2;

b) the filter 4 is cut with its shape and placed on the inner member 3 to lodge on the cylindrical funnel 40 and 35 rest against the annular frame 41;

c) the inner member 3, the outer member 2 and the filter 4 are joined by ultrasonic welding;

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

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

These stages will be analyzed in more detail below.

The outer member 2 is oriented with the open bottom 12 directed upwards. The inner member 3 is then inserted into the outer member 2 with the outer edge 51 being accommodated as an adjustment without pressure in an axial extension 14 in the upper part 11 of the cartridge 1. The cylindrical extension 18 of the outer member 2 is housed at the same time at the top of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3. The third part 21 of the cylindrical extension 18 sits inside the cylindrical funnel 40 with the closed bottom surface 31 of the cylindrical extension

45 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. An ultrasonic welding process is then used to joining the filter 4 to the inner member 3 and at the same time, and at the same stage of processing, the inner member 3 to the outer member 2. The inner member 3 and the filter 4 are welded around the outer edge 51. The inner member 3 and the outer member 2 are joined by welding lines around the outer edge 51 and also of the upper edges of the bands 54.

As shown more clearly in Figure 11, the outer member 2 and the inner member 3 when joined together define a hollow space 130 inside 120 below the annular flange 41 and the outside of the cylindrical funnel 40 forming a chamber of filtration. 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 more drinkable ingredients 200. The one or more drinkable ingredients are packaged in the filtration chamber 130. For a filtered type beverage 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 filtration chamber contains between 5.0 and 10.2 grams of roasted coffee and ground in a filtration bed with a thickness typically 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 the mixing by inducing turbulence and breaking the deposits of drinkable ingredients during the discharge of the beverage.

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 which extends outwardly. The weld 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. The laminate 5 forms the bottom wall of the filtration chamber 130 and also seals the inlet chamber 26 and the funnel cylindrical 40. However, a small gap 123 exists before administration between the laminate 5 and the lower edge of the discharge tube 43. Various welding methods, such as heat and ultrasonic welding, can be used, depending on 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 formed from a material of relative stiffness, such as polypropylene. As such, the inner member 3 forms a member that carries the load that acts to keep the laminate 5 and the outer member 2 separated when the cartridge 1 is compressed. It is preferable to subject the cartridge 1 to a compression load between 130 and 280 N during use. The compression force acts to prevent the cartridge from failing to internal pressurization and also serves to tighten together the inner member 3 and the outer 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, it is first inserted into a beverage preparation machine and the inlet 121 and the outlet 122 are opened by the piercing members of the beverage preparation machine that perforate and fold the laminate 5. An aqueous medium, typically Pressurized water enters the cartridge 1 through the inlet 121 towards the inlet chamber 26 at a pressure between 0.1-2.0 bar. From there the water is directed to flow through the slots 30 and around the manifold 16 and into the filtration chamber 130 of the cartridge 1 through the plurality of slots 17. The water is forced radially inwards through the chamber Filtration 130 and mixed with the 200 drinkable ingredients contained inside. Water, at the same time, is forced upwards through the drinkable ingredients. The beverage formed by passing the water through the drinkable ingredients passes through the filter 4 and the filtration openings 55 towards the ducts 57 located above the annular frame 41. The sealing of the filter 4 on the spokes 53 and the welding of the Edge 51 with the outer member 2 ensures that there are no short circuits and that all the beverage has to pass through the filter 4.

The beverage then flows down along radial ducts 57 formed between the bands 54 and through the openings 56 and into the cylindrical funnel 40. The beverage passes along the channels 50 between the support bands 47 and down through the discharge tube 43 towards the outlet 44 where the beverage is discharged into a container such as a cup.

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

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

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

The annular frame 41 of the internal 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 as in the previous case. However, there are numerous differences in the construction of the inner member 2 of the second version compared to the first version. As shown in Figure 16, the discharge tube 43 is provided with a partition 65 that extends partially to the discharge tube 43 from the outlet 44. The partition 65 helps prevent the beverage from spraying and / or splashing according to it comes out of the discharge tube

43. The profile of the discharge tube 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 that joins the outer tube 42 to the discharge tube 43. The edge 67 surrounds the inlet 45 to the discharge tube 43 and defines an annular channel 69 between the edge 67 and the top of the outer tube 42. The edge 67 is provided with a projection 68 directed inwards. At a point around the circumference of the edge 67 an opening 70 is provided in the form of a groove extending from an upper edge of the edge 67 to a point marginally below the level of the boss 68 as shown more clearly in Figures 12 and 13. The groove has a width of 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. The air inlet 71 comprises an opening that passes through the flange 47 to provide communication between a point above the flange 47 and the hollow space below the flange 47 between the outer tube 42 and the discharge tube 43. Preferably, and as shown, the air inlet 71 comprises a trunk-conical upper part 73 and a cylindrical bottom 72. The air inlet 71 is typically formed by a molding tool such as a plug. The tapered profile of the air inlet 71 makes it easier to remove the molding tool from the molded component. The wall of the outer tube 42 in the vicinity of the air inlet 71 is shaped to form a gutter 75 that leads from the air inlet 71 to the 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 beverage stream emitted from the groove 70 does not immediately dirty the upper surface of the flange 47 in the vicinity of the air inlet 71.

The assembly procedure for the second version of cartridge 1 is similar to the assembly of the first version. However, there are certain differences. As shown in Figure 18, the third part 21 of the cylindrical extension 18 sits inside the support edge 67 instead of against the support bands. The projection 32 of the cylindrical extension 18 between the second part 20 and the third part 21 rests against the upper edge of the support edge 67 of the inner member 3. In 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 the support edge 67 that extends around almost the entire circumference of the cartridge 1. The seal between the cylindrical extension 18 and the support edge 67 is not airtight to fluids since the groove 70 in the support edge 67 extends through the support edge 67 and down to a point marginally below the boss 68. Accordingly, the interfacial adjustment between the cylindrical extension 18 and the edge of support 67 transforms slot 70 into an opening 128, as shown more clearly in Figure 18, providing gas and liquid communication between the annular channel 69 and the discharge tube 43. The opening It is typically 0.64 mm wide by 0.69 mm long.

The operation of the second version of the cartridge 1 for administering a beverage is similar to the operation of the first version but with certain differences. The beverage in the radial ducts 57 flows down along the ducts 57 formed between the bands 54 and through the openings 56 and into the annular channel 69 of the cylindrical funnel 40. From the annular channel 69 the beverage is forced under pressure through the opening 128 by the back pressure of the beverage that is collected in the filtration chamber 130 and the ducts 57. In this way the beverage is forced through the opening 128 like a jet and into an expansion chamber formed through the upper end of the discharge tube 43. As shown in Figure 18, the beverage stream passes directly over the air inlet 71. As the beverage enters the discharge tube 43 the pressure of the beverage stream drops. As a result, air is trapped in the beverage stream in the form of a multitude of small air bubbles as the air is passed through the air inlet 71. The beverage stream emitted from the opening 128 is channeled downwardly towards the outlet 44 where the beverage is discharged into a container such as a cup where the air bubbles form the desired cream. In this way, the opening 128 and the air inlet 71 together form an eductor that acts to trap air in the beverage. The flow of drink to the educator should be kept as smooth as possible to reduce pressure losses. Advantageously, the walls of the eductor should be made concave to reduce the losses due to friction due to the "wall effect". The 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 can be provided inside or at the exit of the eductor to increase the area of the effective cross-section that has been found to increase the degree of air entrapment.

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

Compared with the outer member 2 of the previous versions, the hollow cylindrical inwardly directed extension 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 external member 2 of the previous versions. In addition, the first part 19 is provided with a convex outer surface 19a, or bulging, as shown more clearly in Figure 20, whose function will be described below. The diameters of the third parts 21 of the cartridges 1 however are equal, resulting in the area of the projection 32 being larger in this, the third version of the cartridge 1. Typically the volume of the cartridge 1 when mounted is 32, 5 ml ± 20%.

The number and location of the grooves at the lower end of the annular wall 13 is also different. Between 3 and 5 slots are provided. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 23, four equi-spaced slots 36 are provided around the circumference of the manifold 16. The slots 36 are slightly wider than in the previous versions of the cartridge 1, being between 0.35 and 0 , 45 mm, preferably 0.4 mm wide.

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

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

In contrast to the previous versions and as shown in Figures 24 to 28, the annular frame 41 is replaced by a skirt portion 80 that surrounds the cylindrical funnel 40 and is attached thereto by eight radial struts 87 that are attached to the funnel cylindrical 40 at or near the annular flange 47. A cylindrical extension 81 of the skirt portion 80 extends upwardly from the struts 87 to define a chamber 90 with an open top face. An upper edge 91 of the cylindrical extension 81 has an inwardly turned profile as shown in Figure

26. An annular wall 82 of the skirt portion 80 extends downwardly from the struts 87 to define an annular channel 86 between the skirt portion 80 and the outer tube 42.

The annular wall 82 comprises at an inferior end an outer flange 83 that is perpendicular to the main axis

X. An edge 84 depends downwardly from a lower surface of the flange 83 and contains five openings 85 that are circumferentially equi-spaced around the edge 84. In this way, the edge 84 is provided with a notched lower profile.

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

The assembly procedure for the third version of cartridge 1 is similar to the assembly of the first version but with certain differences. The outer member 2 and the inner member 3 fit together without strike as shown in Figure 29 and are retained by a pressure adjustment arrangement instead of being welded together. Joining the two members the cylindrical inwardly directed extension 18 is housed within the upper cylindrical extension 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 the edge 91 turned into the upper cylindrical extension 81. With the inner member 3 located on the outer member 2, a mixing chamber 134 located outside the skirt portion 80 is defined. Mixing chamber 134 contains the drinkable ingredients 200 before administration. It should be noted that the four entries 36 and the five openings 85 are circumferentially staggered relative to each other. It is not necessary to determine or fix the radial location of the two parts with each other during assembly since the use of four inputs 36 and five openings 85 ensures that misalignments occur between the inputs and the openings regardless of the relative rotational position of the components .

The one or more drinkable ingredients are introduced into 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 above in the previous versions.

During use, water enters the mixing chamber 134 through four slots 36 in the same manner as in previous versions of the cartridge. Water is forced radially inwards through the mixing chamber and mixed with the drinkable ingredients contained inside. The product dissolves or mixes in the water and forms the beverage in the mixing chamber 134 and is then carried through the openings 85 to an annular channel 86 by counterpressing drink and water in the mixing chamber 134. The stepping The circumferential of the four inlet slots 36 and the five openings 85 ensures that the water jets cannot pass radially directly from the inlet slots 36 to the openings 85 without first circulating inside the mixing chamber 134. In this way the degree and consistency of dissolution or mixture of the product increase significantly. The beverage is forced upwardly in the annular channel 86, through the openings 89 between the struts 87 and into the chamber 90. The beverage passes from the chamber 90 through the inlets 45 between the support bands 49 towards the tube discharge 43 and to exit 44 where the beverage is discharged into a container such as a cup. The cartridge finds particular application with drinkable ingredients in the form of viscous liquids or gels. In one application the cartridge 1 contains a liquid chocolate ingredient with a viscosity between 1700 and 3900 mPa at room temperature and between 5000 and 10000 mPa at 0 ° C and refractive solids of 67 Brix ± 3. In another application the cartridge 1 contains coffee liquid with a viscosity of between 70 and 2000 mPa at room temperature and between 80 and 5000 mPa at 0 ° C where coffee has a total solids level of between 40 and 70%. The liquid brown ingredient 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 the cartridge 1 representing the present invention is shown in Figures 30 to 34. The fourth version of the cartridge 1 is particularly designed for use in the administration of liquid products such as concentrated liquid milk. Many of the features of the fourth version of cartridge 1 are the same as in previous versions and the same numbers have been used to reference similar characteristics. The differences between the fourth and previous versions will be analyzed in the following description. Common features that work the same way will not be analyzed in detail.

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

2. 3.

The cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3 is similar to that shown in the second version of the cartridge 1 but with certain differences. As shown in Figure 30, the discharge tube 43 is formed with a top conical trunk section 106 and a cylindrical bottom section 107. Three axial projections 105 are provided on the inner surface of the discharge tube 43 to direct the administered beverage towards down towards exit 44 and prevent the unloaded beverage from turning inside the tube. Consequently, projections 105 act as baffles. As in the second version of the cartridge 1, an air inlet 71 is provided 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 that shown in the third version of the cartridge 1 described above is provided. 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 the cartridge 1.

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

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

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

The operation of the fourth version of the cartridge is similar to that of the third version. Water enters cartridge 1 and mixing chamber 134 in the same manner as in the previous case. There the water is mixed with and dilutes the liquid product that is then forced out of the bowl 100 and through the openings 85 towards the outlet 44 as described above. The proportion of the liquid product is initially contained within the annular bowl 100 as shown in Figure 34 is not subject to immediate dilution by the water entering the mixing chamber 134. Instead, the liquid product diluted in the part The bottom of the mixing chamber 134 will tend to exit through the openings 85 instead of being forced up and into the annular bowl 100 through the upper mouth 104. Consequently, the liquid product in the annular bowl 100 will remain relatively concentrated during the initial stages of the operating cycle compared to the product in the lower part of the mixing chamber 134. The liquid product in the annular bowl 100 drips through the supply openings 103 by gravity into the product stream leaving the mixing chamber 134 through the openings 85 and below the annular bowl 100. The annular bowl 100 acts by leveling the concentration of the product 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 that steadily exits throughout the operating cycle as illustrated in Figure 35a, where the milk concentration measured as a percentage of the total solids present during an operating cycle of approximately 15 seconds. Line a illustrates 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 the operating cycle and there is no large reduction immediate concentration as with bowl 100. The initial milk concentration is typically 30-35% SS and at the end of the cycle is 10% SS. This makes the dilution ratio approximately 3 to 1, although dilution ratios between 1 to 1 and 6 to 1 are possible with the present invention. In the case of other liquid drinkable ingredients, the concentrations may vary. For example, in the case of liquid chocolate, 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 beverage) approximately 5 to 1, although dilution ratios between 2 to 1 and 10 to 1 are possible with the present invention. In the case of liquid coffee, the initial concentration is 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 with the present invention dilution ratios between 10 to 1 and 100 to 1 are possible.

From the annular channel 86, the beverage is forced under pressure through the opening 128 by counterpressing the beverage collection in the filtration chamber 134 and the chamber 90. The beverage is thus forced through the opening 128 as a jet and into an expansion chamber formed by the upper end 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 drink jet drops. As a result, air is trapped in the beverage stream in the form of a multitude of small air bubbles as the air is passed through the air inlet 71. The beverage stream emitted from the opening 128 is channeled downwardly towards the outlet 44 where the beverage is discharged into a container such as a cup where the air bubbles form the desired foamy appearance.

Advantageously, the inner member 3, the outer member 2, the laminate 5 and the filter 4 can all be easily sterilized because the components are separable and do not individually comprise tortuous passages or narrow cracks. 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 the beverage cartridge is particularly advantageous for administering a concentrated liquid dairy product such as liquid milk. Previously, milk powder products have been provided in the form of sachets to be added to a previously prepared beverage. However, for a cappuccino-type drink it is necessary to make the milk foamy. This has been achieved previously by passing steam through a liquid milk product. However, this requires the supply of a steam supply that increases the cost and complexity of the machine used to administer the beverage. The use of steam also increases the risk of injury during cartridge operation. Accordingly, the present invention provides a beverage cartridge having a liquid dairy product concentrated therein. It has been found that concentrating the milk product can produce a larger amount of foam for a particular milk volume when compared to fresh milk or UHT. This reduces the size required for the milk cartridge. 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% total solids. In a typical example, the preparation contains 4% fat and 30% total solids. Concentrated milk preparations are suitable for foaming using a low pressure preparation machine as will be described below. In particular, the foaming of milk is achieved at pressures less than 2 bar, preferably at about 1.5 bar using the cartridge of the fourth embodiment described above.

Foaming of concentrated milk is particularly advantageous for drinks such as cappuccino and milk shakes. Preferably, the passage of the 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. Foaming levels greater than 70% are possible for liquid chocolate. For liquid coffee, foaming levels greater than 70% are possible. The foamability level is measured as the ratio between the volume of the foam produced and the volume of the liquid drinkable ingredient administered. For example, when 138.3 ml of beverage is administered, of which 58.3 ml is foam, foamability is measured as [58.3 / (138.3-58.3) 1 * 100 = 72.9% . The foamability of milk (and other liquid ingredients) is improved by the arrangement of bowl 100 as can be seen in Figure 35b. The foamability of the milk administered with the bowl 100 present (line a) is greater than that of the milk administered without the bowl being present {line b). This is because the foamability of the milk is positively correlated with the concentration of the milk and, as shown in Figure 35a, the bowl 100 maintains a higher concentration of the milk for most of the operating cycle. It is also known that the foamability of milk is positively correlated with the temperature of the aqueous medium as shown in Figure 35c. Therefore, bowl 100 is advantageous since more milk remains in the cartridge until almost the end of the operating cycle when the aqueous medium is at its hottest point. Again, this improves foamability.

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

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

% SS = 0.7774 * (Brix value) + 0.0569. % Yield = (% SS * Fermentation Volume (g)) /

  (100 * Coffee Weight (g)) Table 1 CARTRIDGE A

Sample

Fermentation Volume (g) Coffee Weight (g) Brix % H.H (*) % Performance

one

105.6 6.5 1.58 1.29 20.88

2

104.24 6.5 1.64 1.33 21.36

3

100.95 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.05

4

102.23 6.5 1.71 1.39 21.80

5

100.49 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.67

6

107.54 6.5 1.59 1.29 21.39

7

102.70 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.41

8

97.77 6.5 1.86 1.50 22.61

9

97.82 6.5 1.7 1.38 20.75

10

97.83 6.5 1.67 1.36 20.40

eleven

97.6 6.5 1.78 1.44 21.63

12

106.64 6.5 1.61 1.31 21.47

13

99.26 6.5 1.54 1.25 19.15

14

97.29 6.5 1.59 1.29 19.35

fifteen

101.54 6.5 1.51 1.23 19.23

16

104.23 6.5 1.61 1.31 20.98

17

97.5 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.03

18

100.83 6.5 1.68 1.36 21.14

19

101.67 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.20

twenty

101.32 6.5 1.68 1.36 21.24

HALF

20.99

CARTRIDGE B Performing a statistical analysis of test type t on the previous data, the following results are obtained: Table 2 Test t: Two samples, assuming equal variances

Sample

Fermentation Volume (g) Coffee Weight (g) Brix % H.H (*) % Performance

one

100.65 6.5 1.87 1,511 23.39

2

95.85 6.5 1.86 1,503 22.16

3

98.4 6.5 1.8 1,456 22.04

4

92.43 6.5 2.3 1,845 26.23

5

100.26 6.5 1.72 1,394 21.50

6

98.05 6.5 2.05 1,651 24.90

7

99.49 6.5 1.96 1,581 24.19

8

95.62 6.5 2.3 1,845 27.14

9

94.28 6.5 2.17 1,744 25.29

10

96.13 6.5 1.72 1,394 20.62

eleven

96.86 6.5 1.81 1,464 21.82

12

94.03 6.5 2.2 1,767 25.56

13

96.28 6.5 1.78 1,441 21.34

14

95.85 6.5 1.95 1,573 23.19

fifteen

95.36 6.5 1.88 1,518 22.28

16

92.73 6.5 1.89 1,526 21.77

17

88 6.5 1.59 1,293 17.50

18

93.5 6.5 2.08 1,674 24.08

19

100.88 6.5 1.75 1,417 22.00

twenty

84.77 6.5 2.37 1,899 24.77

HALF

23.09

MediaVarianceObservations

% Yield (Cartridge A) 20.99 0.77 20 % Yield (Cartridge B) 23.09 5.04 20

Combined Variance Mean Difference Assumed dft Stat. P (T <= t) a queue t Critical a queue P (T <= t) two tails t Critique two tails Typical Deviation

2.90 0 38 -3.90 0.000188 1.686 0.000376 2.0244 0.876 2,245

13

The analysis shows that the consistency of the% yield, which equals the fermentation power, for cartridge A is significantly better (at a 95% confidence level) than the prior art cartridges, with a standard deviation of 0.88% compared to 2.24%. This means that drinks administered with cartridge A have a more repeatable and uniform potency. This is preferred by consumers who like to

5 Your drinks taste the same once after another and do not want arbitrary changes in the potency of the drink.

The materials of the cartridges described above may be provided with a barrier coating to improve their resistance to oxygen and / or moisture and / or the entry of other contaminants. The barrier coating can also improve the leaching resistance of the drinkable ingredients inside the cartridges and / or reduce the degree of leaching of the removable products of the cartridge materials that could affect

10 negatively to drinkable ingredients. The barrier coating may be of a material selected from the group of PET, polyamide, EVOH, PVDC or a metallized material. The barrier coating can be applied by numerous mechanisms including, but not limited to, vapor deposition, vacuum deposition, plasma coating, co-extrusion, mold labeling and two / multi-stage molding.

Claims (23)

A sealed cartridge (1) containing one or more liquid drinkable ingredients (200) and which is formed from materials substantially impermeable to air and water, the cartridge comprising an inlet (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 liquid drinkable ingredients by the aqueous medium, the compartment including a means for controlling 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, 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 containing one or more liquid drinkable ingredients, in which, during use, a trajectory of the aqueous medium is established from the entrance through the compartment containing one or more liquid drinkable ingredients to the exit, the means comprising delaying dilution a partition ( 100) in the compartment 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 claim 1 wherein the partition (100) comprises one or more openings (103) to controlfully release the at least a proportion of the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients in the flow path of the aqueous medium. 3. A cartridge (1) according to claim 2 wherein four openings (103) are provided. 4. A cartridge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the partition comprises a cup-shaped member having an open mouth (104) directed away from the flow path of the aqueous medium. 5. A cartridge (1) according to claim 4 wherein the cup-shaped member is annular. 6. A cartridge (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein one or more openings (103) are provided at or near a base of the cup-shaped member. 7. A cartridge (1) according to claim 4 wherein the at least a proportion of the liquid drinkable ingredients in the cup-shaped member (100) drains by gravity through the one or more openings (103) during use. 8. A cartridge (1) according to claim 7 wherein the cup-shaped member is separated from the bottom of the cartridge, such that the flow path of the aqueous medium passes between the cup-shaped member and the bottom of the cartridge. 9. A cartridge (1) according to claim 8 wherein the at least a proportion of the liquid drinkable ingredients in the cup-shaped member (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 inner member (3) and an outer member (2), wherein the inner member comprises the cup-shaped member. 11. A cartridge according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a means for producing a stream of the beverage, wherein said means for producing the stream of the beverage comprises an opening (128) in the flow path of the medium aqueous. 12. A cartridge according to claim 11 dependent on claim 9 wherein the opening (128) is delimited by an interface between the inner member and the outer member. 13. A cartridge according to claim 11 or claim 12 further comprising at least one inlet (71) for air and a means for generating a pressure reduction of the jet of the beverage, wherein, during use, the air from the at least one air inlet is incorporated into the beverage as a plurality of small bubbles 14. A cartridge (1) according to claim 13 wherein the at least one air inlet (71) is provided in the inner member downstream of the opening (128). 15. A cartridge (1) according to claim 14 wherein the at least one air inlet (71) and the means for producing a pressure reduction in the beverage stream produces a foaming of the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients of more than 40%. 16. A cartridge (1) according to claim 15 wherein the foaming is greater than 70%. 17. A cartridge (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the cartridge is disk-shaped. 18. A cartridge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer member and / or the inner member are formed of polypropylene. 19. A cartridge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer member and / or the inner member are formed by injection model. 20. A cartridge (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the liquid drinkable ingredient is a concentrated liquid milk composition. 21. A cartridge (1) according to claim 20 wherein the concentrated liquid milk contains between 25 and 40% total solids 22. A cartridge (1) according to claim 21 wherein the concentrated liquid milk contains 30% total solids. 23. A cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein the concentrated liquid milk contains between 0.1 and 12% fat. 24. A cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the one or more liquid drinkable ingredients are selected from the group of cocoa solids, coffee, tea, sweeteners, spirits, flavorings, alcoholic beverages, flavored milk, fruit juices, purees, sauces and desserts.