JP6676532B2 - Beverage preparation capsule - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a beverage preparation capsule.

  Several beverage production systems are known for producing a cup of beverage by inserting a capsule containing a particulate beverage production ingredient, such as ground coffee, into a beverage production station of a beverage production machine. The device then injects water into the capsule, where the beverage production ingredients dissolve or leach into the water to produce the beverage. The beverage flows out of the capsule through a suitable outlet. The outlet may be a simple opening or perforation in the capsule, or it may include an outlet tube that pierces the outlet area of the capsule. The capsule may incorporate a filter to prevent solid components, such as coffee grounds, from migrating out of the capsule. This general type of beverage production system is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. ), And furthermore, Patent Documents 7 and 8 (Mars).

  U.S. Patents Nos. 5,059,093, 6,069,086, 6,053,073, and 6,064,058 are capsule-based capsules of the currently widely used type sold by Mars Drinks under the trademark FLAVIA. A beverage preparation system is described. Exemplary embodiments of state-of-the-art flavia capsules are shown in FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b.

  With reference to FIGS. 1, 2a, and 2b, a current flavia-type beverage preparation capsule 100, described in more detail below, is permanently joined together around its top and side edges. Also provided is a front sheet 110 and a rear sheet 112 of liquid and air impermeable sheet material. The front and back sheets are further joined together along the lower edge 120 of the capsule, but this connection is releasable under the influence of heat or pressure inside the capsule. For example, the lower edge 120 may be joined using a pressure sensitive adhesive. Within the capsule 100 is a folded web of filter material 130 joined to the inner walls of the front and back sheets. The web of filter material supports a beverage preparation ingredient 150, such as ground coffee or tea leaves. The capsule 100 further includes a nozzle 140 having a tubular hole 142. This nozzle, which is flanged to help accurately place the capsule 100 on the beverage preparation machine, is inserted into the upper edge of the capsule and is hermetically joined to the front and back sheets. The nozzle bore is initially sealed by a suitable hermetic freshness barrier.

  Referring to FIG. 2 a, the sheet of web material 130 has been folded to form a “W” -shaped cross section that supports insoluble beverage preparation ingredients 150. As the liquid is introduced through the liquid conduit, the pressure of the liquid causes the apex 132 of W to flip outward, providing a downwardly convex filter bed as shown in FIG. 2b. This outward flipping effect helps the pressure sensitive seal of the lower seam 120 rupture and dispenses the beverage brewed in the capsule. Further details of this outwardly turning filter web can be found in US Pat.

  Beverage production capsules of the above type have found wide application. However, this capsule has certain disadvantages. Manufacture of this capsule requires that properly shaped components be assembled in a precise and reliable manner, which increases manufacturing costs. Further, the flow rate of the beverage through the ingredients and the filter sheet may not be equal to the speed and / or uniformity desired for optimal beverage preparation. In such systems, the challenge of incomplete dissolution or extraction of the beverage ingredients inside the capsule can occur. For example, when preparing a beverage using a capsule-based system, particularly when relatively high pressures are required, such as in the preparation of espresso and espresso-type beverages, the liquid is passed through a compressed layer of beverage preparation ingredients during brewing. Channeling can occur. In this channeling, the liquid is directed through a preferential path in the compressed layer of the beverage preparation, preventing the beverage preparation from uniformly contacting the liquid. This can result in wasted beverage preparation ingredients and beverages with reduced concentrations of dissolved or leached ingredients. Channeling can also occur when the beverage preparation ingredients are not evenly distributed. Another challenge that can arise is excessive system back pressure due to blocked or partially obstructed water flow in areas where the particulate material is denser or more tightly packed, such as in the lower area of the filter. It is.

  All of the above problems can lead to inconsistent sales performance and poor palatability of the beverage. Attempts have been made to solve the above problems. US Pat. No. 5,077,064 describes a beverage capsule in which the filter element has a flat bottom surface and corrugated sides to improve the flow of liquid through the filter and the beverage ingredients.

International Publication No. 94/01344 European Patent Application No. 0512468 (A) EP-A-0468079 (A) U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,189 European Patent Application No. 0272922 (A) European Patent Application Publication No. 0821906 (A) EP-A-0179641 (A) International Publication No. WO 02/19875 (A) UK Patent Application No. 2121762 (A) UK Patent Application No. 2122281 (A) EP-A-0247841 (A) International Publication No. WO 99/05044 (A) International Publication No. 200502618 (A)

  However, there remains a need for improved beverage preparation capsules that are suitable, but not exclusive, for use in flavier-type equipment.

  The present invention provides a beverage preparation capsule, wherein the beverage preparation capsule is a hollow body suitable for containing a beverage preparation ingredient, the upper end for receiving a liquid into the hollow body, and the beverage being separated from the hollow body. A hollow body having a lower end in fluid communication with the upper end and at least one side wall between the upper end and the lower end for pouring, wherein the hollow body is a filter material; A filter material having a variable permeability along at least one dimension of the surface area of the filter material, wherein the filter material is less permeable and hollow near the top of the hollow body or near the inlet. Closer to the lower part of the body or to the outlet, more permeable, or the filter material is closer to the side walls of the hollow body, less permeable and closer to the center of the filter material, Peracetic, alternatively it is characterized in that a combination of both. In use, the upper end receives liquid into the hollow body for contacting the beverage preparation.

  In this manner, substantially all of the beverage material is in contact with the liquid, to promote consistent liquid flow through the entire beverage material, and substantially avoid channeling of the liquid through the least resistive passage. To this end, the pressure drop (Δ-P) from the upper end to the lower end of the hollow body can be similar or the same over all filter materials. This is particularly useful where different areas of the filter material support different amounts of beverage ingredients.

  For example, in areas of the filter material where water must pass through more of the beverage ingredient (such as a lower portion of the filter material), the permeability of the filter material may be greater and the water may have a lower amount of the beverage ingredient. In areas that must pass through (e.g., higher portions of the filter material), the permeability of the filter material may be less. This promotes a consistent liquid flow through all areas of the filter material.

  Providing a more permeable area toward the center of the filter material, with areas that are less permeable near the capsule sidewall, preferentially advance near the pod sidewall to avoid some of the beverage preparation ingredients. It is useful in reducing the tendency of liquid to pass through.

  The variable permeability of the filter material can be provided by a thickness, pore size, pore density, or composition that varies over the surface area of the filter material. Preferably, the permeability varies with different pore size distributions or pore densities.

  The dimensions of the filter material having variable permeability may extend between a first position relatively near the upper end of the hollow body and a second position relatively closer to the lower end of the hollow body. It is. Preferably, the filter material is less permeable at the top of the hollow body or closer to the inlet, and more permeable at the bottom of the hollow body or closer to the outlet. In this approach, the pressure drop from the upper end to the lower end of the hollow body will be similar or identical throughout the filter material, even though the lower area of the filter material may support more beverage ingredients. obtain.

  Conveniently the filter material is a sheet of filter material and can be present in various arrangements. For example, the sheet of filter material may extend across the interior of the hollow body at an angle to the side wall, and preferably the sheet of filter material then extends from the first position on the side wall to the side wall. It extends directly to a second position above, the first position being relatively close to the upper end of the hollow body and the second position being relatively closer to the lower end of the hollow body. This sloping arrangement of filter material is advantageous in that the filter material is less permeable, near the top of the hollow body or near the inlet, and less permeable, near the bottom of the hollow body or near the outlet. It will be appreciated that it is particularly useful for achieving embodiments of the invention. Preferably, the permeability of the filter material varies over a dimension extending across the interior of the hollow body from one side wall to the other. In this approach, the permeability of the filter material may increase from a first position relatively closer to the upper end of the hollow body toward a second position relatively closer to the lower end of the hollow body, Is preferably increased by slightly changing the transmittance. The sheet of filter material is preferably a single sheet of unfolded material, in that the filter material extending across the interior (cavity) of the hollow body is unfolded.

  This approach offers several advantages. That is, the structure of the capsule at the time of manufacture is simpler, the required constituent materials, especially the filter material, are less, the sales performance is more consistent, and the drinking taste is more consistent. In particular, by tilting the filter material inside the hollow body of the capsule, the surface area of the filter and on the filter is eliminated without the need for multilayer or complex folded arrangements of filter material used in the prior art. The liquid contact area of the beverage preparation ingredients is maximized. This also allows for a convenient arrangement of the filter material, having a variable permeability in that the sloping filter material becomes less transparent as it rises to the top of the hollow body. Preferably, the surface area of the filter material is greater than the cross-sectional area of the cavity of the hollow body. The sheet of filter material is preferably a single sheet of unfolded material, in that the filter material extending across the interior (cavity) of the hollow body is unfolded. However, it should be understood that the edges of the sheet of filter material may be folded to help secure the filter material to the capsule. The elimination of the need for multilayer and complex folded arrangements of filter material minimizes the complexity of the capsule structure. In addition, a larger contact area between the beverage preparation ingredient and the liquid allows for a more complete extraction of the beverage preparation ingredient in a shorter time, and the beverage preparation ingredient that remains without contact with the liquid and is wasted. The channeling of the liquid is reduced so that there is less area. Thereby, more consistent and improved sales performance and drinking taste are realized.

  Alternatively, the sheet of filter material is rounded or flat at the bottom, U-shaped and extends across the interior of the hollow body, preferably as a single sheet of unfolded material. It may be something. In this approach, the permeability of the filter material may increase toward the lower center region of the U-shaped filter material, and the permeability of the filter material may be increased by a gradual change in permeability. Is preferred.

  Alternatively, the sheet of filter material may be folded and extend across the interior of the hollow body in a V or W shape, or with a series of grooves. In this approach, the permeability of the filter material may be V-shaped, W-shaped, or increasing toward the bottom of each groove in a series of grooves, where the permeability of the filter material is Is preferably increased by changing little by little.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral edge of the sheet of filter material is fixed to at least one side wall of the hollow body. More preferably, the filter material is fixed to at least one side wall of the hollow body continuously around substantially the entire periphery of the sheet, most preferably continuously around the entire periphery of the sheet.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the sheet of filter material is formed from one or more sidewalls of the hollow body. In this case, the filter area of the side wall is perforated so that the side wall is at least partially transparent in the filter area. Thus, the sheet of filter material will comprise the same material as one or more sidewalls of the hollow body, but may further comprise a layer of non-woven filter material laminated to the filter region of the sidewall.

  The sheet of filter material preferably divides the hollow body into an inlet chamber for receiving liquid and an outlet chamber from which the beverage is dispensed.

  The hollow body may have a liquid inlet through which liquid can enter the hollow body. The inlet is preferably located at the upper end of the hollow body or the side wall of the upper end region. Preferably, the inlet is a nozzle having a hole. The holes may be sealed by a fragile freshness barrier before use. For example, the freshness barrier may comprise a membrane of oxygen impermeable metal foil and / or a thermoplastic film extending across the nozzle holes. The foregoing features associated with the inlet are particularly preferred in the sachet capsule embodiments of the present invention discussed in more detail below.

  Alternatively, the upper end of the hollow body does not include the injection port, and the hollow body may be incised or perforated at the time of use so that the liquid can be delivered into the hollow body. This feature is particularly preferred in the pod capsule embodiments of the present invention discussed in more detail below.

  Preferably, the hollow body is provided with an outlet, through which the beverage can exit the hollow body. The lower end or lower end region side wall of the hollow body preferably has a discharge path. The drainage path may be sealed in any convenient manner with an openable seal that allows the beverage to flow out of the drainage path during beverage preparation. The seal is conveniently formed of a heat and / or pressure releasable bond that can be opened when a fluid medium such as air or water is introduced into the hollow body. The foregoing features relating to the outlet are particularly preferred in embodiments of the sachet capsule of the present invention, discussed in more detail below.

  Alternatively, the lower end of the hollow body may not include a discharge port, and the hollow body may be incised or perforated at the time of use to allow the beverage to flow out. This feature is particularly preferred in the pod capsule embodiments of the present invention discussed in more detail below.

  Preferably, the beverage preparation capsule comprises a beverage preparation ingredient supported on the filter material between the filter material and the upper end of the hollow body. The beverage preparation ingredient may be an insoluble beverage ingredient, such as ground coffee or tea leaves. The beverage preparation ingredients are preferably present in the capsule injection chamber as described above. The beverage preparation ingredients are preferably sealed in the capsule body. In other words, the hollow body defines an enclosure that encloses the beverage preparation material in a substantially air-tight and liquid-tight state until the upper end of the hollow body is broken during use, and water is injected into the enclosure through an inlet or a perforation. Thus, the beverage can be prepared from the ingredients inside the enclosure, and the beverage thus prepared can flow out of the outlet or perforation created at the lower end of the hollow body during the preparation of the beverage.

  Preferably, the filter material comprises a web material or a non-woven fibrous material. If the beverage preparation is a brewing type beverage intended to remain in the capsule after brewing (eg, ground coffee or tea leaves), the filter material is brewed while allowing free passage of the liquid beverage. It is preferable to have a sufficiently fine mesh size so as to leave solid material. An exemplary filter material is a laminate in which meltblown polypropylene is sandwiched between layers of spunbonded polypropylene nonwoven. It may also be desirable to use a cellulosic material for cost and biodegradability. If the beverage preparation ingredient is a dispersion or dissolution type beverage and the entire contents of the capsule are intended to be dispensed, the filter material should be a relatively coarse mesh material to allow the beverage ingredients to flow out. Preferably, there is. Nevertheless, the filter material still has sufficient time to mix with the beverage liquid to prevent the rapid spillage of most of the dispersible ingredients and leave the lumps as a dispersion instead of as undispersed particles. Should be assigned. Furthermore, during storage prior to use, the majority of the dispersible material should remain above the coarse filter material, i.e., between the surface of the filter material and the upper end of the hollow body.

  Suitably, the capsule is a single serving of capsules containing sufficient beverage preparation ingredients to prepare a single serving of beverage, ie, about 25 ml to about 500 ml, preferably about 100 ml to about 250 ml of beverage. For example, a capsule may contain about 2 g to about 25 g of ground coffee, or about 1 g to about 9 g of tea leaves, or about 2 g to about 30 g of a water-dispersible ingredient.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the hollow body is in the form of a sachet with a front sheet and a back sheet of flexible film material arranged in face-to-face relation and sealed along its edges. The filter material then extends from the front sheet of the hollow body to the rear sheet of the hollow body.

  The front and back sheets of the sachet embodiment may be laminated sheets, which are preferably air and water impermeable.

  Preferably, the sheet of the sachet embodiment is permanently joined together along the two lateral edge seams and the upper seam, providing a discharge area at the lower seam of the sachet, and Sometimes a liquid injection nozzle is inserted into the upper seam or one edge seam of the sachet. In these embodiments, the structure of the sachet is substantially the same as the conventional flavier capsule described above, except for the addition of a variable transmittance filter material.

  The variable permeability filter material of the sachet embodiment includes a first position on one sheet of the sachet, relatively close to the injection nozzle, and a second position on the opposite sheet, relatively close to the discharge area. Preferably.

  In one embodiment of the sachet, the sheet of filter material is a separate piece of material from the front and back sheets of flexible film material, and the peripheral edges of the sheet of filter material are secured to the front and back sheets. I have.

  In another embodiment of the sachet, the sheet of filter material is formed from either or both front and back sheets of flexible film material. In this case, the filter area of the flexible film material is perforated so that the material is at least partially permeable within the filter area. For example, a sheet of a single flexible film material, wherein a first end portion of the sheet forms the front of the capsule, a middle sloping portion of the sheet is perforated to function as a filter material, and a second end portion of the sheet. May be folded in an “N” or “И” shape so that forms the back of the capsule. In another example, a first sheet of flexible film material is formed such that a first portion of the first sheet forms the front of the capsule and a second portion of the first sheet is perforated to function as a filter material. Alternatively, it may be folded in a “V” or “Λ” shape. The rear of the capsule is formed from a second sheet of flexible film material connected to the liquid permeable portion of the first sheet. In this way, one or two sheets of flexible film material can be used to provide a complete capsule in an easier and less expensive construction. In either case, the liquid permeable portion of the sheet may be laser perforated, and the liquid permeable portion of the sheet may or may not be combined with the laminated nonwoven filter material layer.

  Preferably, the variable permeability filter material is less permeable, near the top of the sachet or near the inlet, and more permeable near the bottom of the sachet or near the outlet.

  The discharge area of the sachet embodiment may be sealed in any convenient manner with a closable seal that allows the beverage to drain from the discharge area during beverage preparation. The seal is conveniently formed by joining the front and back sheets together with a heat and / or pressure releasable joint.

  In certain embodiments, the hollow body of the sachet embodiment may be formed from a single sheet in the form of a tube having a discharge area at one end. The tube may be formed by extrusion, or from a single sheet, by folding the sheet and joining its opposing edges along a longitudinal lap or fin seal. Is also good.

  The material used to form the hollow body of the sachet embodiment may suitably be substantially comprised of, for example, a flexible film material of the type used to form existing flavier capsules. The flexible film material will usually be a laminated sheet with two or more layers. That is, the layer may be a thermoplastic sealant layer for joining the hollow body to other members of the capsule, a metal film such as an aluminum film, or a gas barrier polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PvOH). A permeable barrier layer, an adhesion layer that enhances adhesion between other layers of the laminate, such as a structural layer to provide puncture resistance, and / or a printing substrate layer. The structural layer may be made from polyolefin, polyester, nylon, or other polymers known in the art. In one embodiment, the laminate material comprises a polypropylene layer and a polyvinyl alcohol (PvOH) layer. The encapsulant may include at least a transparent area to achieve visibility of the contents of the capsule.

  Most preferably, the sheet material of the hollow body of the sachet embodiment is a laminate having a polypropylene layer and a polyvinyl alcohol layer.

  The dimensions of the sachet capsule of the sachet embodiment are used in the existing systems described above, so that the capsules of the present invention can be used without modification in existing beverage preparation equipment, especially flavier type machines. It can be similar to the one. Preferably, the size of the front and back of the sachet is about 10 cm x about 7 cm, or about 10 cm x about 5 cm. The shape of the top surface of the injection nozzle of the sachet has two opposing sides of about 10 mm, two opposing sides of about 3 mm, two opposing sides of about 6 mm, and two opposing sides of about 3 mm. Octahedron.

  In another embodiment, the hollow body is in the form of a pod with at least one sheet of plastic and / or metal foil material, for example thermoformed or injection molded semi-rigid. The sheet material may be a laminate, wherein the laminate is substantially composed of the following layers: a thermoplastic sealant layer for joining the hollow body to other components of the capsule, a metal film such as an aluminum film. At least one of a gas-impermeable barrier layer, an adhesion layer that enhances adhesion between other layers of the laminate, such as a structural layer to provide puncture resistance, and / or a printing substrate layer. May be used. The structural layer may be made from polyolefin, polystyrene, polyester, nylon, or other polymers known in the art. The encapsulant may comprise at least a transparent area to achieve visibility of the contents of the capsule.

  An embodiment of the pod, preferably formed by thermoforming in the form of a cup or bowl with a flanged rim, joined to the first sheet across the flanged rim to form the pod, And two sheets. For example, the first sheet may be a relatively stiff thermoplastic sheet thermoformed in the shape of a cup or bowl having a flanged rim, and the second sheet may be a flat sheet joined across the flanged rim. And may be made of a flexible film material. In these embodiments, the pod may have a frusto-conical shape and suitably has a top and bottom surface that can be perforated. The lower part of the capsule is perforable or otherwise perforated, for example with a removable or hinged cover, or a septum, or a split septum, or, for example, WO0219875 ( Means for inserting a discharge tube, such as a nozzle with a fragile freshness barrier as described in A).

Suitably, the variable permeability filter material of the pod embodiment may be secured to the inner surface of the pod by adhesive or welding to an annulus provided on the inner surface of the pod, or in other embodiments, Liquid, which may be held in place by holding a flange inside the pod, or joined to the inner surface of the pod around the periphery of the filter layer, extending over the filter material It can even be held by a permeable sheet. Suitably, the area of the filter material is from about 1 cm ² to about 20 cm ² , for example, from about 2 cm ² to about 10 cm ² .

  It is particularly beneficial in pod embodiments of the present invention that the filter material be less permeable near the sidewalls of the hollow body and more permeable near the center of the filter material.

  Alternatively or additionally, the variable permeability filter material may be less permeable at the top of the pod or near the inlet and more permeable at the bottom of the pod or near the outlet.

  In a pod embodiment, the filter material may be flexible or rigid.

To enable the capsules of the present invention to be used in existing beverage preparation equipment without altering the equipment, the capsule dimensions of the pod embodiment are similar to those used in the existing systems described above. obtain. Preferably, the internal volume of the pod is from about 1 cm ³ to about 100 cm ³ , for example, from about 5 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ .

  Suitably, the side wall of the base part of the pod of the pod embodiment and the lid of the pod are provided with complementary engagement elements for securing the lid to the base. Suitable elements are complementary protrusions or recesses, for example, thread, bayonet or snap-fit elements. Suitably, the engagement element is releasable so that the pod can be disassembled into a lid and a base after beverage preparation. Therefore, it is appropriate that the pod is not formed by adhesive bonding or fusion bonding of the lid to the base.

  The lower wall and sidewalls of the pod embodiment may be formed from air and moisture impermeable materials as described above to maintain the freshness of the beverage ingredients prior to use. In these embodiments, the pod is provided with an outlet that is opened before or during the preparation of the beverage to release the beverage produced inside the pod. For example, the outlet may be an opening in the pod, which is sealed by a cover sheet adhered to the pod with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The cover sheet is removed and discarded immediately before assembling the capsule. Alternatively, the pod sheet material may comprise a weak line, such as a stamped weak line defining an opening, for example a C-shaped or U-shaped weak line. Immediately before use, the user presses the sheet material to open the pod along the line of weakness. In yet another embodiment, the opening is sealed by a flap glued around the opening using an adhesive that can be released by heat or pressure inside the pod resulting from the injection of boiling water into the pod.

  In an alternative form of the pod embodiment, at least the lower region and / or sidewalls of the pod may be made from a liquid permeable material, which is generated by injecting water from the pod lid. It functions as a filter material for beverages. In some embodiments, the lower wall of the pod may be sloped with respect to the side wall and function as the sloped filter material described above. Preferably, the lower wall of the pod acting as a filter material may be less permeable near the side wall of the hollow body and more permeable near the center of the lower wall, and / or It may be less permeable near the top of the pod or the inlet and more permeable away from the top of the pod or the inlet. The pods are suitably placed in an air and moisture impermeable package to maintain the freshness of the beverage ingredients prior to use.

  In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for preparing a beverage, the method comprising passing an aqueous liquid through a beverage preparation capsule according to the invention. Preferably, the aqueous liquid is, for example, water at a temperature of 85 ° C to 99 ° C. The method can be carried out without modification in known beverage preparation devices used in existing capsule formats, for example as described in the above referenced patent documents. Suitably, the water may be injected at a pressure of 0.5 to 1.5 bar gauge for filter type coffee and higher pressures such as 5 to 20 bar gauge for espresso type coffee, depending on the system. I have.

  In the method of preparing a beverage using the embodiment of the sachet capsule of the present invention, a water injection pipe may be inserted into the hollow body through a nozzle, which is located on the upper end portion or the upper end region side wall of the hollow body. The liquid may then be injected onto the beverage preparation ingredients inside the hollow body to prepare a beverage or beverage component. The lower end or the lower end region side wall of the hollow body is provided with a heat and / or pressure sensitive seal that can rupture when liquid is introduced into the hollow body and allow the beverage to flow out of the hollow body through a drain. Is also good.

  In a method of preparing a beverage using a pod capsule embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the hollow body or the side wall of the upper end region may be perforated with an infusion tube such that the opening of the infusion tube is above a sheet of filter material. Then, a liquid may be injected onto the beverage preparation material inside the hollow body to prepare a beverage or a beverage component. Similarly, before or after injecting the liquid into the hollow body, the lower end of the hollow body or the side wall of the lower end area is perforated with a discharge pipe such that the opening of the discharge pipe is below the sheet of filter material. The beverage may then be allowed to flow out of the hollow body through a drain.

  The term "variable transmission" is used herein to mean that the transmission of a material, such as a filter material, varies over a range of materials. Preferably, the transmission at one end of the material is greater than at the opposite end. However, this transmittance may change in other directions or directions, and is not limited to a strictly linear or vertical direction. For example, the transmission may vary depending on the radius from the center of the filter material, such as a series of concentric rings of different transmission.

  As used herein, the term "filter material" is used to mean a material that can partially or substantially prevent or prevent the passage of at least a portion of the beverage preparation ingredient, but allows the passage of the beverage liquid. In some embodiments, the beverage preparation ingredient may be an insoluble type ingredient, such as ground coffee or tea leaves, where the filter material is used to remove residual waste solid ingredients such as coffee grounds and tea leaves from the capsule. Should be substantially prevented from passing through. However, in other embodiments, the beverage preparation ingredient may be a dispersible or dissolvable type ingredient, such as a soup, in which case the filter material is used to allow the dispersed or dissolved ingredient to pass out of the capsule along with the beverage liquid. Should be allowed, but the passage of undispersed or undissolved ingredients should be prevented.

  The term "hollow body" is used herein in its ordinary sense of a three-dimensional shape that includes an enclosure for holding a beverage brewing ingredient. It will be appreciated that the hollow body may be of any suitable shape in plan view, such as circular, square, other regular polygons, or trapezoids. The hollow body defines an ingredient chamber in which the beverage preparation ingredients can be stored, and the beverage can be prepared by leaching or dissolving the beverage preparation ingredients. Preferably, the source chamber is suitably substantially filled with the source material.

  Terms such as "top" and "bottom" and related expressions such as "up," "down," "higher," and "lower" define the relative positions of the elements of the capsule with respect to the accompanying drawings. It is a relative expression intended to be. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the "top" of the capsule may actually be the top when used, but this may not always be the case depending on the orientation of the beverage preparation machine. In any case, the "upper" or "upper" area of the capsule is the area upstream of the liquid flow during beverage preparation, and the "lower" or "lower" element is downstream.

  Similarly, the terms "front" and "rear" are relative expressions intended to clarify the relative positions of the elements of the capsule with respect to the accompanying drawings. In particular, the "front" portion of the capsule will typically be located in an arrangement opposite the "rear" portion. However, it will be readily apparent that the "front" portion of the capsule need not necessarily face the user inside or outside the beverage preparation machine, depending on the orientation of the capsule.

  The term "drain path" refers to a path extending from a beverage ingredient chamber through which beverage exits the chamber during beverage preparation. It is preferred that the discharge route is substantially free of beverage ingredients. The discharge path preferably has a length in the direction of flow of the beverage and a cross-section perpendicular to the flow.

  As used herein, the term "fragile freshness barrier" covers a capsule inlet, outlet, or other opening that does not degrade the quality of the beverage preparation ingredients inside the capsule over time, for example, due to atmospheric moisture or bacteria. , Seal or cap. In addition, the freshness barrier is fragile in the sense that the seal or cap can be opened or opened to make the capsule usable for beverage preparation.

  As used herein, the term "sachet" is used to mean a substantially flexible bag or sachet in which beverage preparation ingredients can be stored.

  As used herein, the term "pod" refers to a substantially rigid bowl or cup having a substantially rigid or substantially flexible lid or top thereon on which the beverage preparation can be stored. And preferably formed from a substantially rigid container.

  In this document, the term "tilted" is used in its ordinary sense to be tilted from a higher position to a lower position.

  Embodiments of the present invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Perspective view of a beverage preparation capsule according to the prior art FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage preparation capsule of FIG. 1 before use. Sectional view of the beverage preparation capsule of FIG. 1 in use. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a beverage preparation capsule according to an embodiment of the sachet of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage preparation capsule of FIG. 3 before use. Sectional view of the beverage preparation capsule of FIG. 3 in use. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a beverage preparation capsule according to an embodiment of the pod of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage preparation capsule of FIG. 5 before use. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage preparation capsule of FIG. 5 in use. FIG. 3 illustrates a filter material of the present invention having a variable permeability region in use, arranged in a tilted filter material embodiment. Diagram showing a filter of the present invention having a variable transmittance region FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage preparation capsule according to an embodiment of a sachet of the present invention formed from a single sheet of liquid and air impermeable material. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage preparation capsule according to an embodiment of a sachet of the present invention formed from two sheets of liquid and air impermeable material. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage preparation capsule according to an embodiment of the pod of the present invention, comprising a U-shaped filter material with a rounded bottom or a flat bottom

  Referring to FIG. 3, a beverage preparation capsule 200 of the sachet embodiment of the present invention, described in more detail below, is permanently joined together around its top and side edges. A front sheet 210 and a back sheet 212 of liquid and air impermeable sheet material are provided. The front and rear sheets are further joined together along the lower edge 220 of the capsule, but this connection is releasable under the influence of heat or pressure inside the capsule. For example, the lower edge 220 may be joined using a pressure sensitive adhesive. The capsule 200 further includes a nozzle 240 having a tubular hole 242. This nozzle, which is flanged to help accurately place the capsule 200 on the beverage preparation machine, is inserted into the upper edge of the capsule and is hermetically bonded to the front and rear sheets. The nozzle bore is initially sealed by a suitable hermetic freshness barrier. A sheet of sloping filter material 230 joined to the inner walls of the front sheet 210 and the back sheet 212 resides in the hollow cavity 260 of the capsule 200. Filter material 230 is a web material or a nonwoven material. The sheet of filter material 230 extends from a higher position on the front sheet 210 of the sachet closer to the injection nozzle 240 to a lower position on the rear sheet 212 of the sachet closer to the discharge area 220 so that the It is inclined with respect to the front seat 210 and the rear seat 212. Filter material 230 is joined to the inner walls of front sheet 210 and back sheet 212 around the entire perimeter of the filter material, thereby dividing hollow cavity 260 of the sachet with injection chamber 261 for receiving liquid and dispensing liquid. And a discharge chamber 262 for performing the operation. The sheet of filter material supports a beverage preparation ingredient 250, such as ground coffee or tea leaves.

  In use, the capsule 200 is introduced into a flavier dispensing machine. The flavia dispensing machine includes a clamp that grips the nozzle 240 below the flange, and a hollow injection tube, which inserts a hole in the freshness barrier by inserting the hollow injection tube into the nozzle hole 242. It has an opening mechanism. The dispensing machine further includes a supply source of hot water and a pump that injects hot water into the capsule through an injection pipe. When hot water is introduced into the injection chamber 261 of the capsule 200 from the injection pipe and the nozzle hole 242, the beverage preparation ingredients 250 contained in the capsule 200 are mixed with the hot water to brew the beverage. The lower seam 220 of the capsule 200 opens under the influence of the heat and liquid pressure inside the capsule, the beverage passes through the filter sheet 230 into the discharge chamber 262 of the capsule 200, and the beverage is then Through the lower portion of the container 200 and collected in a container installed at a container station located directly below the capsule 200.

  The joint between the front and rear seats of the capsule 200 includes a pair of side seams 216 extending downward from the upper seam 214 and tapering inward at the lower seam 220. You will understand. Each of the side seams 216 includes sealed lands 218 extending inward to form the "waist" of the capsule. Additional joining areas of the lands help maintain the capsule in a tubular configuration during use of the capsule. In particular, the lands 218 may reduce the tendency of the capsule to curl upward when the lower edge of the capsule is opened, thereby improving control of the flow of beverage from the lower portion of the capsule. Thus, the land 218 provides a more consistent normal capsule opening. Further details of this feature can be found in EP-A-0247841 (A).

  Referring to FIG. 4 a, the sheet of filter material 230 is skewed with respect to the front and back sheets 210 and 212 of the sachet, and from a higher position on the front sheet 210 of the sachet closer to the injection nozzle 240, It extends to a lower position on the rear seat 212 of the near sachet. The filter material supports insoluble beverage preparation ingredients 250.

  Referring to FIG. 4b, as liquid is introduced into the injection chamber 261 of the capsule 200 from the nozzle 240, the liquid contacts the beverage preparation ingredient 250 and leaches to produce a beverage. The liquid beverage then passes through a sheet of filter material 230 into the discharge chamber 262, leaving unnecessary solid beverage preparation ingredients. The passage of the liquid ruptures the pressure-sensitive seal of the lower seam 220 and the beverage brewed in the capsule 200 is dispensed. The sloping sheet of filter material 230 provides a large surface area that is greater than the cross-sectional area of the hollow cavity of the sachet. In this approach, the liquid and insoluble beverage preparation ingredients have a greater surface area through which the liquid can pass quickly and easily without the need for excessive pressure that can rupture the sachet 200. it can.

  Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6a, the beverage preparation capsule 300 of the pod embodiment of the present invention includes a substantially flat bottom surface 311, a flanged top 312, and a cone extending from the bottom surface 311 to the top 312. A cup element 310 having a trapezoidal side wall 313 is provided. The cup element is formed from a suitable thermoplastic, for example, polystyrene, for example by thermoforming. The thickness and material of the cup element are selected such that the cup element has sufficient rigidity to allow the bottom to be pierced during beverage preparation without crushing the cup, as described below. The flanged upper portion 312 of the cup is sealed with a flexible film lid 320 of a suitable laminated sheet material, as described above. Lid 320 is joined to the edge of flanged upper portion 312 in a conventional manner by fusion bonding or gluing.

  A sheet of filter material 330 is provided inside capsule 300 in an oblique orientation. Filter material 330 is a nonwoven fabric material sheet or web material. The filter material 330 is secured to the interior surface of the side wall 313 of the cup 310 by an adhesive or by welding to an annulus provided on the interior surface of the side wall of the cup. In this example, a beverage preparation ingredient 350, which is ground coffee, is deposited on the filter material 330 inside the capsule 300.

  In use, the capsule 300 is held in a clamp of the beverage maker, as shown in FIG. 6b. The clamp has a lower portion 361 with a recess for fitting into the cup element 310 of the capsule and an upper clamp portion 362 that is movable adjacent the lid 320 of the capsule. In this example, the capsule is gripped by the clamp and is only partially surrounded by the clamp during beverage preparation. However, in an alternative embodiment, the capsule may be completely surrounded by a clamp, which allows the use of elevated pressure without bursting the capsule during beverage preparation. Alternatively, the flange 312 of the capsule may simply be supported by the annular collar of the beverage production device.

  The beverage production device is preferably a hot water supply source for supplying water to an injection tube 371 that pierces the capsule lid and injects water into the capsule for beverage preparation. A supply source (not shown) is provided. The beverage preparation device further comprises an outlet tube 372 which projects a short distance into the capsule by piercing the bottom of the capsule so that the open end of the outlet tube is located below the sheet of filter material 330. I do. The inlet tube and the outlet tube can be fixed in spatial association with the respective clamp part, in which case the piercing of the capsule takes place when the clamp is closed around the capsule. Alternatively, the inlet and outlet tubes may be associated with a mechanism that provides a reciprocating motion of the respective tube, which moves into the capsule after the capsule is clamped and moves out of the capsule after the beverage preparation is completed. It will be appreciated that more than one inlet and / or outlet tube may be provided, if appropriate.

  Capsules 300 according to this embodiment of the present invention are extremely simple, inexpensive to manufacture, and compatible with capsules used in any existing beverage preparation equipment that uses beverage capsules that are pierced by a drain. You will see that As in the previous embodiment, the sloping sheet of filter material 330 provides a large surface area that is greater than the cross-sectional area of the hollow cavity of the pod. In this approach, the liquid and insoluble beverage preparation ingredients have a larger surface area through which the liquid can pass quickly and easily without the need for excessive pressure.

  Referring to FIG. 7, a representative filter material arrangement used in the sachet embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the filter material 430 has a variable transmission along its length. . However, this type of filter material can be used in other arrangements, such as any of the arrangements shown in FIGS. In FIG. 7, the filter material 430 is thicker 431 and thus less permeable, near the top of the sachet or inlet 440, and thinner 432 and therefore more permeable near the bottom of the sachet or outlet 420. It is. In this manner, the pressure drop (Δ-P) will be similar or the same across all filter materials 430, promoting a consistent flow of liquid 470 through all beverage materials 450. This helps to avoid channeling the liquid through the path of least resistance and leaving some beverage material untouched by the liquid.

  FIG. 8 shows another example of a sheet of filter material having a variable permeability along its longitudinal length, where the size of the pores 531 is one of the lateral ends 532. To the other lateral end 533. Still alternative embodiments may use different pore densities or different filter materials, eg, materials with variable hydrophobicity, to provide variable permeability.

  FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a sachet 600 in which the front sheet 610, the filter material 630, and the back sheet 612 are formed from a single “И” folded sheet of liquid and air impermeable material. (Or the sheet may simply be folded into an “N” shape which is a mirror image of the sachet of FIG. 9). Since the sheet material is a liquid and air impermeable material, the filter region 630 of the sheet is perforated so that the sheet is at least partially permeable within the filter region 630. The sheet may be laser perforated or combined with an additional layer of nonwoven filter material. The front sheet 610 and the rear sheet 612 are permanently joined together around their upper and side edges, with the filter portion 630 of the sheet extending free across the sachet. , Whereby the hollow cavity of the sachet is divided into an inlet chamber 661 for receiving liquid and an outlet chamber 662 for dispensing liquid. The front sheet 610 and the rear sheet 612 are further joined together along the lower edge 620 of the capsule, but this connection can be released under the influence of heat or pressure inside the capsule. For example, the lower edge 620 may be joined using a pressure sensitive adhesive. The capsule 600 further includes a nozzle 640 having a tubular hole. This nozzle, which is flanged to help accurately place the capsule 600 on the beverage preparation machine, is inserted into the upper edge of the capsule and hermetically bonded. The nozzle bore is initially sealed by a suitable hermetic freshness barrier. The sheet of filter material 630 supports a beverage preparation ingredient 650, such as ground coffee or tea leaves. The perforations in the filter material 630 are more numerous in the lower region of the filter material 630 so that the permeability of the filter material 630 is greater near the outlet 620 of the sachet and less permeable near the injection nozzle 640. Preferably, there is.

  FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a sachet 700 in which the front sheet 710 and the filter material 730 are formed from a first sheet of liquid and air impermeable material that has been folded in a “V” shape. (Or the sheet may be folded in a “Λ” shape). Because the sheet material is liquid and air impermeable, the filter region 730 of the sheet is perforated so that the sheet is at least partially permeable within the filter region 730. The sheet may be laser perforated or combined with a laminated nonwoven filter material layer. A second sheet of liquid and air impermeable material is connected to the filter material portion 730 of the first sheet to form a backsheet 712 of the sachet. The front sheet 710 and the rear sheet 712 are permanently joined together around their top and side edges, with the filter portion 730 of the sheet extending free across the sachet. , Whereby the hollow cavity of the sachet is divided into an inlet chamber 761 for receiving liquid and an outlet chamber 762 for dispensing liquid. The front seat 710 and the rear seat 712 are further joined together along the lower edge 720 of the capsule, but this connection is releasable under the influence of heat or pressure inside the capsule. For example, the lower edge 720 may be joined using a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The capsule 700 further includes a nozzle 740 having a tubular hole. This nozzle, which is flanged to help accurately place the capsule 700 on the beverage preparation machine, is inserted into the upper edge of the capsule and hermetically bonded. The nozzle bore is initially sealed by a suitable hermetic freshness barrier. The sheet of filter material 730 supports a beverage preparation ingredient 750, such as ground coffee or tea leaves. The perforations in the filter material 730 are more numerous in the lower region of the filter material 730 so that the permeability of the filter material 730 is greater near the outlet 720 of the sachet and less permeable near the injection nozzle 740. Preferably, there is.

  FIG. 11 shows a pod with a cup element 810 having a substantially flat bottom surface 811, a flanged top 812, and a frustoconical side wall 813 extending from the bottom 811 to the top 812. 800 shows an embodiment. The cup element is formed from a suitable thermoplastic, for example polystyrene, for example by thermoforming. The thickness and material of the cup element are selected such that the cup element has sufficient rigidity to allow the bottom to be pierced during beverage preparation without crushing the cup, as described below. The flanged top 812 of the cup is sealed with a flexible film lid 820 of a suitable laminated sheet material, as described above. The lid 820 is joined to the edge of the flanged top 812 in a conventional manner by fusion bonding or gluing. A sheet of filter material 830 is provided inside capsule 800 as a single, unfolded sheet of U-shaped, rounded or flat bottom. Filter material 830 is a nonwoven fabric material sheet or web material. The filter material 830 is secured to the interior surface of the side wall 813 of the cup 810 by adhesive or welding to an annulus provided on the interior surface of the side wall of the cup. In this example, a beverage preparation ingredient 850, which is ground coffee, is deposited on the filter material 830 inside the capsule 800. The permeability of the filter material 830 becomes greater towards the lower central region 831 of the U-shaped filter material 830 and becomes less transparent towards the edge 832 of the filter material closer to the cup side wall 813.

  It should be understood that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only. Many other embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art. It is further to be understood that any feature disclosed in connection with any one embodiment may alternatively or additionally be present in any other embodiment.

200, 300, 800 Capsules 210 Front sheet 212 Back sheet 216 Side seam 220 Lower seam 230, 330, 430, 830 Filter material 240 Injection nozzle 242 Tubular hole 250, 350, 450, 850 Beverage preparation raw material 260 Hollow cavity 261 Injection chamber 262 Drainage chamber 310,810 Cup element 311,811 Bottom 312,812 Top with flange 313,813 Side wall 320,820 Lid 371 Injection pipe 372 Drainage pipe 470

Claims (26)

In a beverage preparation capsule,
A hollow body suitable for containing beverage preparation ingredients, the upper end for receiving liquid into the hollow body, and the upper end for dispensing beverage from the hollow body, in fluid communication with the upper end. A hollow body having a lower end and at least one side wall between the upper end and the lower end;
The provided, further wherein the hollow body is a filter material having a variable permeability along at least one dimension of the surface area of the sheet of the filter material comprising a sheet of filter material, wherein in,
The sheet of filter material is relatively close to the upper end of the hollow body such that the sheet of filter material extends obliquely with respect to the at least one sidewall and across the interior of the hollow body. Joining to the at least one side wall at a first position and joining to the at least one side wall at a second position relatively close to the lower end of the hollow body;
The sheet of filter material is less permeable at the top of the hollow body or closer to the inlet, and less permeable at the bottom of the hollow body or closer to the outlet, or the filter material sheets, closer to the said side wall of said hollow body, rather than a more permeable, and closer to the center of the sheet of the filter material, which is more permeable, or a combination of both, A beverage preparation capsule, characterized in that: The variable permeability of the sheet of the filter material, the sheet of filter material, variable thickness, variable pore size, variable pore density or variable composition, according to claim 1, characterized in that provided by, Beverage preparation capsule. The permeability of the sheet of filter material increases from the first position relatively closer to the upper end of the hollow body to the second position relatively closer to the lower end of the hollow body. and it has the permeability of the sheet of the filter material, according to claim 1 or 2 beverage preparation capsule according translucent excessive is characterized in that it increased by changing little by little. Sheets, beverage preparation capsule according to claim 1 to 3 any one of claims, characterized in that a sheet of material unfolded with a single of said filter material. The beverage preparation capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a sheet of the filter material is fixed to the at least one side wall of the hollow body around a periphery of the sheet. The sheet of filter material divides the hollow body into an inlet chamber for receiving the liquid and an outlet chamber, wherein the beverage is dispensed from the outlet chamber. Item 6. The beverage preparation capsule according to any one of items 1 to 5 . The beverage preparation capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein a surface area of the filter material is larger than a cross-sectional area of a cavity of the hollow body. A inlet of the liquid is a nozzle may enter the hollow body wherein the liquid through the infusion inlet, characterized in that it further comprises an inlet claims 1 to 7 any one A beverage preparation capsule according to the above. A discharge port of the liquid which is openable seam, the beverage can exit from the hollow body through the exhaust outlet, one of claims 1, characterized by further comprising a discharge port 8 A beverage preparation capsule according to claim 1. 10. A beverage preparation capsule according to claim 9 , wherein the outlet is sealed with a heat and / or pressure releasable joint. The supported on the filter material between the upper end of the filter material and the hollow body, one of claims 1, characterized in that it comprises the beverage preparation material is ground coffee or tea leaves 10 A beverage preparation capsule according to claim 1. The beverage preparation capsule according to claim 11 , wherein the beverage preparation ingredient is sealed in the capsule before use. The beverage preparation capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the filter material is a web material or a nonwoven fiber material. Containing from about 2 g to about 25 g of ground coffee, or from about 1 g to about 9 g of tea leaves, or from about 2 g to about 30 g of water-dispersible ingredients for the preparation of about 25 ml to about 500 ml of beverage; 14. A beverage preparation capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , characterized in that it is a capsule for one cup. The hollow body is in the form of a sachet, comprising a front sheet and a back sheet of flexible film material, arranged in face-to-face relation and sealed along its edges, wherein the filter material comprises: together are joined to the front seat of the hollow body in the first position, 14 claim 1, characterized in that joined to the rear seat of the hollow body in said second position A beverage preparation capsule according to claim 1. The beverage preparation capsule according to claim 15 , wherein the front sheet and the rear sheet of the hollow body are air- and water-impermeable laminated sheets. The front sheet and the rear sheet of the hollow body are permanently joined together along a seam at both edges and a seam at the top, providing a discharge area at a lower seam of the hollow body. 17. A capsule according to claim 15 or 16 , wherein a liquid injection nozzle is inserted into the upper seam or one edge seam of the hollow body. 18. The beverage preparation capsule according to claim 17 , wherein the discharge area is sealed with a heat and / or pressure releasable joint. The flexible film material of the hollow body is a laminate, the laminate is a thermoplastic sealant layer for joining the hollow body to another member of the capsule, a substantially gas-impermeable barrier layer, The beverage preparation capsule according to any one of claims 15 to 18 , comprising two or more of an adhesion layer and a structural layer that promote adhesion between layers of the laminate. The beverage preparation capsule according to claim 19, wherein the film material of the hollow body is a laminate including a polypropylene layer and a polyvinyl alcohol layer. A method for preparing a beverage, the method of the beverage preparation capsule according to any one of claims 1 20, comprising the step of passing the liquid aqueous. A water injection tube is inserted into the hollow body through a nozzle, which is located on the upper end or upper end region side wall of the hollow body, and then the beverage preparation raw material inside the hollow body is dropped onto the beverage preparation ingredient. 22. The method of claim 21 , comprising injecting a liquid to prepare the beverage or beverage component. The lower end or lower end region side wall of the hollow body is ruptured when the liquid is introduced into the hollow body, so that the beverage can flow out of the hollow body through a discharge pipe. the method of claim 21 or 22, wherein that it comprises a pressure seal. 21. A method for preparing a beverage, comprising passing an aqueous liquid through the beverage preparation capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 20 . Perforating the upper end or the upper end region side wall of the hollow body with an injection pipe so that an opening of the injection pipe is located above the filter material, and then further preparing the beverage inside the hollow body. 25. The method of claim 24 , comprising injecting the liquid onto ingredients to prepare the beverage or beverage component. A hole is formed in the lower end portion or the lower end region side wall of the hollow body so that an opening of the discharge tube is located below the filter material, and then the beverage is hollowed out through the discharge tube. 26. The method according to claim 24 or 25 , comprising the step of allowing it to flow out of the body.

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