AU2020201287A1

AU2020201287A1 - System, method and capsule for preparing a beverage

Info

Publication number: AU2020201287A1
Application number: AU2020201287A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Arend Cornelis Jacobus Biesheuvel; Guido Brandt; Ralf Kamerbeek; Hendrik Cornelis Koeling; Kon Euan Gerard Wong
Original assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV
Priority date: 2008-01-29
Filing date: 2020-02-21
Publication date: 2020-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-08
Also published as: AU2014218468B2; AU2017219053A1; AU2017219053B2; AU2020201287B2; AU2014218468A1

Abstract

There is disclosed a system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising: an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule, wherein the exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area and the system is arranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device in fluid connection with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the lid comprises an exit area and the system comprises an outlet which, in use, is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container such as a cup, wherein the receptacle comprises bottom piercing means intended for piercing the entrance area of an alternative capsule for creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through said at least one entrance opening, and wherein the entrance area of the capsule of the system comprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through which entrance filter, in use, is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of the system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means and the bottom stays intact.

Description

Title: System, method and capsule for preparing a beverage

The entire contents of the complete specifications of Australian Patent Application Nos. 2008352082, 2014218468 and 2017219053 as originally filed are 5 incorporated herein by reference.

The invention relates to a system for preparing a beverage using a product including an exchangeable capsule, an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule, wherein the 10 exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space occupied by the product, wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area and the system is arranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device into fluid connection with the 15 entrance area for supplying the fluid to the product for preparing the beverage, and wherein the lid comprises an exit area and the system comprises an outlet which, in use, is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container such as a cup.

Such systems are known per se. A special class of these known systems is 20 used for preparing the beverage using a hermetically sealed capsule comprising the extractable product. During beverage preparation the entrance area of such hermetically sealed capsule is pierced, hence providing at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid under pressure to the exchangeable product in the inner space of the capsule through the entrance opening. Providing the fluid under pressure to the 25 inner space causes the pressure in the inner space of the capsule to rise. This, in turn, causes the exit area of the capsule to be pressed against lid piercing means present in the receptacle. When the exit area is pressed against the lid piercing means with sufficient force, the exit area tears against the lid piercing means creating at least one exit opening through which the beverage can drain from the capsule.

It has been found, however, that in the above known systems preferential paths of fluid flow may occur in the extractable product within the capsule, e.g. from the at least one entrance opening to the at least one exit opening, which may lead to undesired strength of the prepared beverage and/or variations in strength of the prepared beverage, from one capsule to another.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption

- 2 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ using an extractable product, comprising: an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule, wherein the exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential 5 wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area and the system is arranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device in fluid connection with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to the 10 extractable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the lid comprises an exit area and the system comprises an outlet which, in use, is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container such as a cup, wherein the receptacle comprises bottom piercing means intended for piercing the entrance area of an alternative capsule for 15 creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through said at least one entrance opening, and wherein the entrance area of the capsule of the system comprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through which entrance filter, in use, is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of the system is not 20 pierced by the bottom piercing means and the bottom stays intact.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising: an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing 25 device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule, wherein the exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the bottom 30 comprises an entrance area and the system is arranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device in fluid connection with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the lid comprises an exit area and the system comprises an outlet which, in use, is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the 35 beverage to a container such as a cup, wherein the receptacle comprises lid piercing means intended for piercing the exit area of an alternative capsule when the exit area

- 3 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ sufficiently presses against the lid piercing means under the influence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the capsule for creating at least one exit opening through which the beverage can drain from the alternative capsule, and wherein the exit area of the capsule of the system comprises an exit filter, through which the beverage can 5 drain from the capsule of the system, wherein the lid piercing means and the exit filter are adapted to each other such that the capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means and the lid stays intact.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption 10 using an extractable product, comprising: providing an exchangeable capsule, comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, providing an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable 15 capsule, a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet which, in use, is in fluid communication with the capsule for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container such as a cup, wherein the receptacle comprises bottom piercing means intended for piercing the bottom of an alternative 20 capsule for creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through said at least one entrance opening, and supplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the bottom of the capsule of the system comprises an entrance filter, for supplying the fluid to the extractable product therethrough, which entrance filter, in use, is positioned at a distance from the 25 bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of the system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means and the bottom stays intact.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising: providing an exchangeable capsule, 30 comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, providing an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, 35 under pressure to the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet which, in use, is in fluid communication with the capsule for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule

- 4 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ and supplying the beverage to a container such as a cup, wherein the receptacle comprises lid piercing means intended for piercing the lid of an alternative capsule when the lid sufficiently presses against the lid piercing means under the influence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the capsule for creating at least one exit opening 5 through which the beverage can drain from the alternative capsule, and supplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the lid of the capsule of the system comprises an exit filter, through which the beverage can drain from the capsule of the system, wherein the lid piercing means and the exit filter are adapted to each other such that the capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing 10 means and the lid stays intact.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second 15 end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area arranged for supplying there through a fluid under pressure to the extractable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the lid comprises an exit area for draining there through the prepared beverage from the capsule, and wherein the entrance area of the 20 capsule comprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the 25 circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area arranged for supplying there through a fluid under pressure to the extractable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the lid comprises an exit area for draining there 30 through the prepared beverage from the capsule, and wherein the exit area comprises an exit filter through which the beverage can drain from the capsule.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a beverage using a product, comprising: an exchangeable capsule and an alternative capsule; and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the 35 exchangeable capsule or the alternative capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable

- 5 2020201287 21 Feb

CM capsule or the alternative capsule, wherein each of the exchangeable capsule and the alternative capsule comprises: a circumferential wall; a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end and comprising an entrance area; and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom and comprising an exit area, 5 the wall, bottom and lid enclosing an inner space occupied by a said product, the system being arranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device in fluid connection with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to the product in the held capsule for preparing the beverage, the system further comprising an outlet arranged so as to be, during use, in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the 10 capsule and supplying the beverage to a container such as a cup, wherein the receptacle comprises lid piercing means arranged to pierce the exit area of the alternative capsule when that exit area sufficiently presses against the lid piercing means under the influence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the alternative capsule, for creating at least one exit opening through which the beverage can drain from the 15 alternative capsule, and wherein the capsule comprises an outwardly extending rim at the second end, the lid being attached to the outwardly extending rim, wherein the exit area of the exchangeable capsule comprises an exit filter through which the beverage can drain from the exchangeable capsule, and the lid piercing means and the exit filter are adapted to each other such that the exchangeable capsule, in use, is not pierced by 20 the lid piercing means and the lid thereof stays intact, the exit filter being formed by a flexible porous sheet, forming part of the lid, such that the lid is partially porous.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a beverage, comprising: providing the apparatus and a capsule of the system according to the sixth and seventh aspect; and with the provided capsule 25 held in the receptacle, supplying the fluid to the product in that capsule to prepare the beverage.

The exit filter can form an, optionally uniform, exit area through which the beverage can leave the capsule. This provides the advantage that it is possible for the beverage to leave the capsule over a larger area than when exit openings are formed 30 by piercing the lid, thus diminishing the risk of preferential fluid paths occurring in the extractable product in the capsule and enhancing the reproducibility of the beverage strength. Further, the capsule not being pierced by the lid piercing means, and staying intact, provides the advantage that a predetermined pore and/or exit hole size and distribution of the exit filter, defining exit openings of the exit filter, remains intact, so 35 that the size and distribution of exit openings does not depend on chance, as when the exit openings are formed by piercing.

- 6 2020201287 21 Feb

CT

Moreover, it has been found that providing the exit filter can reduce the risk of extractable product remains spilling from the capsule when removing the capsule from the apparatus.

Further, if the extractable product is roasted and ground coffee, providing the exit filter may provide the advantage that the exit filter may filter oils from the beverage, i.e. from the coffee, before supplying the coffee to the container, such as the cup. This may be advantageous to remove oils from the coffee which adversely affect the taste and/or quality of the coffee. It is especially advantageous to filter cafestol from the coffee, since cafestol is understood to raise the blood cholesterol content. Thus, 10 providing the exit filter may improve the quality of the coffee with respect to consumer health.

Because the exit filter is adapted to the lid piercing means, such that the capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means and the lid stays intact, it may be that only parameters of the exit filter need be chosen.

Preferably the exit filter has a sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming a sufficiently low flow resistance that the capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means and the lid stays intact. It has been found that the exit filter having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance does not tear against the lid piercing means.

Preferably, the receptacle comprises bottom piercing means arranged to pierce the entrance area of the alternative capsule, for creating at least one entrance opening through which the fluid is to be supplied to the product in the alternative capsule, and the entrance area of the exchangeable capsule comprises an entrance filter provided with a plurality of entrance openings through which the fluid is to be supplied 25 to the product in the exchangeable capsule, the entrance openings being slits having a shape that defines a tongue in the plane of the bottom.

Said alternative capsule may be a hermetically sealed capsule of the known system.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the 30 entrance filter, in use, may be positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of the system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means and the bottom stays intact.

Thus it is possible to supply the fluid to the product within the capsule without piercing the capsule. Thus, the entrance filter forms an, optionally uniform, 35 entrance area through which the fluid can be supplied to the capsule. This provides the advantage that it is possible for the beverage to enter the capsule over a larger area

- 7 2020201287 21 Feb

CM than when entrance openings are pierced in the known systems, thus diminishing the risk of preferential fluid paths occurring in the extractable product in the capsule and enhancing the reproducibility of the beverage strength.

Further, it has been found that providing the entrance filter reduces the risk 5 of extractable product remains spilling from the capsule when removing the capsule from the apparatus.

Preferably, the exchangeable capsule comprises an amount of extractable product, and therefore is suitable and intended, for preparing a single portion of the beverage, preferably a single cup of the beverage, e.g. from 30-200ml of the prepared 10 beverage, and is thus a single-portion-pack. In an embodiment, the capsule comprises 4-8 grams, preferably approximately 7 grams of extractable product, e.g. roasted and ground coffee.

Preferably, the exchangeable capsule is disposable after single use.

The capsule may be provided with both the entrance filter and the exit filter 15 as described above. Hence, in use, the capsule may be not pierced by the bottom piercing means, nor the lid piercing means, so that the capsule remains fully intact. This provides the advantage that the risk of preferential fluid paths occurring in the product in the capsule and the reproducibility of the beverage strength is enhanced even more.

Preferably, the entrance filter is formed by a porous sheet, such as of filtering 20 paper, a foil, such as a polymeric film, provided with a plurality of entrance openings, or a plurality of entrance openings provided in the bottom of the capsule of the system. Hence, the entrance filter can be provided in a simple manner.

In an embodiment, the plurality of entrance openings is distributed over substantially the entire surface of the foil or the bottom, respectively. This provides the 25 advantage that the fluid can be supplied to substantially the entire cross section of the inner space. Hence, the extractable product is wetted very homogeneously.

In a further embodiment, the plurality of entrance openings comprises sideentrance openings arranged in the circumferential wall. This provides the advantage that the extractable product is, at least partially, also wetted from the side. This provides 30 that advantage that the fluid can be supplied to the extractable product in a very homogeneous and controlled manner.

Preferably, the exit filter is formed by a porous sheet, such as of filtering paper, or a foil, such as a polymeric film, provided with a plurality of entrance openings, or a plurality of entrance openings provided in the lid. Hence, the entrance filter can be 35 provided in a simple manner. Also, parameters of the exit filter can be easily chosen to

- 8 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ provide the exit filter having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance.

For instance, in an embodiment, the exit filter may be formed by a sheet of filtering paper. The filtering paper provides the low-cost exit filter. Moreover, 5 parameters of the filtering paper, such as density, thickness and/or PE-content, can easily be chosen to provide the exit filter having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the exit filter may be formed by a polymeric film provided with a plurality of exit openings. Parameters of the polymeric foil, such as density, thickness, number 10 of exit openings, size and/or shape of exit openings, can easily be chosen to provide the exit filter having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance.

In an embodiment, the lid piercing means may have a blunt piercing surface. In such embodiment, the alternative capsule may, nevertheless, be pierced by the blunt 15 piercing means, while the capsule of the system according to the invention has the exit filter having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn.

It is possible that the lid piercing means comprises at least one ridge against which the lid, in use, abuts. The at least one ridge may form at least 10%, possibly at 20 least 25% of the portion of the surface of the receptacle which, in use, coincides with the portion of the surface area of the lid overlying the second, open, end. In use, the lid may supported by the at least one ridge over at least 10%, preferably at least 25% of the portion the surface area of the lid overlying the second, open, end. The lid of the alternative capsule may be pierced by such piercing means, whereas parameters of the 25 exit filter of the capsule of the system according to the invention may easily be chosen such that the exit filter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn.

It is possible that the lid piercing means and/or the at least one ridge comprises edges, wherein the edges are not sharp. Possibly, the edges have a radius of 30 curvature of at least 50 pm, preferably at least 100 pm. The lid of the alternative capsule may be pierced by such piercing means, whereas parameters of the exit filter of the capsule of the system according to the invention may easily be chosen such that the exit filter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn.

In an embodiment, the plurality of exit openings is distributed over substantially the entire surface of the lid. This provides the advantage that the beverage

- 9 2020201287 21 Feb

CM can be drained from the capsule over substantially the entire cross section of the inner space. Hence, the beverage can flow out of the inner space very homogeneously.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the entire inner space is occupied by the extractable product. This provides the advantage that the extractable 5 product cannot be displaced inside the inner space when the fluid flows through the capsule, so that no preferential paths can be formed.

Preferably, the bottom is integral with the circumferential wall. This provides the advantage that the capsule can simply be formed from a generally cup-shaped structure forming the circumferential wall and the bottom and a, e.g. sheet-shaped, lid.

The lid may be connected to the circumferential wall, e.g. by means of gluing, welding, folding or the like.

In an embodiment the capsule comprises an inwardly extending rim at the first end, wherein the bottom is attached to the inwardly extending rim. Hence it is possible to connect the, e.g. sheet-shaped, bottom comprising the entrance filter to the 15 rim. Thus, a simple construction of the capsule may be obtained. It is also possible that the capsule comprises an inwardly extending rim at the second end, wherein the lid is attached to the inwardly extending rim.

In an embodiment the capsule comprises an outwardly extending rim, at the second end, to which the lid is attached. Hence it is possible to connect the, e.g. sheet20 shaped, lid comprising the exit filter to the rim. Thus, a simple construction of the capsule may be obtained. It is also possible that the capsule comprises an outwardly extending rim at the first end, wherein the bottom is attached to the outwardly extending rim.

In a special embodiment, the capsule further comprises a bottom seal at 25 least partially removable connected to the bottom for sealing the entrance filter prior to use. Hence entering of air into the inner space via the entrance filter prior to use of the capsule may be prevented, improving shelf life of the product inside the capsule.

In a special embodiment, the capsule further comprises a lid seal at least partially removable connected to the lid for sealing the exit filter prior to use. Hence 30 entering of air into the inner space via the exit filter prior to use of the capsule may be prevented, improving shelf life of the product inside the capsule.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the lid seal is arranged to be partially released from the lid under the effect of fluid pressure in the inner space, while remaining attached to the lid at at least one position. Hence, the lid seal need not 35 be removed from the capsule by a user of the capsule. When the fluid enters the inner space pressure will build up until the seal partially releases from the lid and the beverage

- 10 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ can flow out through the exit filter. The releasable connection may e.g. be formed as a so-called peel-seal. Since the lid seal is permanently attached to the lid at at least one position, the lid seal will not fully detach from the capsule. This has the advantage, that the lid seal will automatically be discarded from the apparatus when discarding the used 5 capsule.

In general, the circumferential wall may be formed by a flexible, optionally porous, sheet or foil, such as filtering paper, preferably integral with the bottom. Hence, a very simple and optionally environmentally friendly capsule may be provided.

Alternatively, the circumferential wall may substantially rigid. This provides 10 that advantage that the capsule is not prone to be deformed prior to use, so that the capsule can fit into the receptacle without problems. Preferably, the capsule comprises stiffening ribs integral with the circumferential wall and/or bottom to increase the rigidity of the capsule.

In general, the circumferential wall may have any shape such as cylindrical, 15 hemispherical, frustoconical or polygonal, such as hexagonal or octagonal.

Preferably, the product comprises roasted and ground coffee. Thus, the capsule is suited for preparing a predetermined amount of coffee by supplying a predetermined amount of hot water under pressure to the capsule.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the extractable product is 20 compacted into a tablet. This provides the advantage that the risk of preferential flow paths occurring in the compacted extractable product tablet is reduced. It will be appreciated that when using the compacted tablet, the bottom may be omitted from the capsule, as the risk of spilling extractable product is greatly reduced.

Preferably, the tablet comprises at least one bore extending from the side of 25 the tablet facing the entrance area in the direction of the lid. The bore thus provides an infusion means for wetting the tablet in a homogeneous manner.

It is also possible that the extractable product is compacted into a plurality of tablets, preferably of mutually different packing density. It is for instance possible that the extractable product is provided as a single stack of tablets having mutually 30 different degrees of compacting. It is for instance possible that the degree of compacting increases per tablet in the direction from the bottom to the lid. In this way the effort to completely wet a tablet will also increase in the direction from the bottom to the lid, insuring that each upstream tablet has been properly wetted when wetting a more downstream tablet, thus providing very homogeneous wetting of the total volume of 35 extractable product.

- 11 2020201287 21 Feb

CN

Preferred embodiments of the invention can at least diminish the above problem of known systems.

The invention will now be further elucidated by means of, non-limiting, 5 examples referring to the drawing, in which

Figs, la-lc shows a prior art system for preparing a beverage;

Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a system;

Figs. 3a-3d show embodiments of capsules;

Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c show examples of further embodiments of a capsule; 10 and

Figs. 5a and 5b show examples of even further embodiments of a capsule.

Figs, la-lc show a prior art system 101 for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system 15 101 comprises an exchangeable capsule 102, and an apparatus 104. The apparatus 104 comprises a receptacle 106 for holding the exchangeable capsule 102. In Figs, la-lc a gap is drawn between the capsule 102 and the receptacle 106 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, in use, the capsule 102 may lie in contact with the receptacle 106. Commonly, the receptacle 106 has a shape complementary to the shape of the capsule 20 102. The apparatus 104 further comprises a fluid dispensing device 108 for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under a pressure, of e.g. 9 bars, to the exchangeable capsule 102.

In the system 101 shown in Figs, la-lc, the exchangeable capsule 102 comprises a circumferential wall 110, a bottom 112 closing the circumferential wall 110 25 at a first end 114, and a lid 116 closing the circumferential wall 110 at a second end 118 opposite the bottom 112. The circumferential wall 110, the bottom 112 and the lid 116 enclose an inner space 120 comprising the extractable product.

The system 101 of Figs, la-lc comprises bottom piercing means 122 intended for piercing the capsule 102. Fig. la shows the bottom piercing means 122 in 30 a retracted position. Fig. lb shows the bottom piercing means 122 in an extended position for creating an entrance opening 124 in the bottom 112 for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through the entrance opening 124. In Figs, la-lc the piercing means 122 comprise a bore 126 through which the fluid can be supplied to the extractable product contained in the inner spacel20. The system 101 of Figs, la-lc 35 further comprises lid piercing means 128, here embodied as protrusions, intended for piercing the lid 116 of the capsule 102.

- 12 2020201287 21 Feb

CM

The system 101 shown in Figs, a-lc is operated as follows for preparing a cup of coffee, wherein the extractable product is roasted and ground coffee.

The capsule 102 is placed in the receptacle 106 (see Fig. la). The bottom piercing means are activated to pierce the bottom 112 of the capsule 102 (see Fig. lb) 5 for creating the entrance opening 124. The fluid, here hot water under pressure, is supplied to the extractable product in the inner space 120 through the entrance opening 124. The water will wet the coffee grounds and extract the desired substances to form the coffee beverage.

During supplying the water under pressure to the inner space 120, the 10 pressure inside the capsule 102 will rise. The rise in pressure will cause the lid 116 to deform and be pressed against the lid piercing means 128. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, the tear strength of the lid 116 will be surpassed and the lid will rupture against the lid piercing means 128, creating exit openings 130 (see Fig. lc). The prepared coffee will drain from the capsule 102 through the exit openings 130 and 15 outlets 132 of the receptacle 106, and may be supplied to a container such as a cup (not shown).

During preparation of the beverage in the system 101 shown in Figs, la-lc preferential flow paths may exist in the extractable product inside the inner space 120 of the capsule 102. These preferential paths may extend from the entrance opening 124 20 to the exit openings 130. One such possible preferential path is indicated with line PP in Fig. lc.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a first embodiment of a system 1 for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system 1 comprises an exchangeable capsule 2, and an apparatus 104. 25 The apparatus 104 comprises a receptacle 106 for holding the exchangeable capsule 2. In this example, the receptacle 106 has a shape complementary to the shape of the capsule 2. In Fig. 2 a gap is drawn between the capsule 2 and the receptacle 106 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, in use, the capsule 2 may lie in contact with the receptacle 106. The apparatus 104 further comprises a fluid dispensing device 108 for 30 supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule 2.

In the system 1 shown in Fig. 2, the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises a circumferential wall 10, a bottom 12 closing the circumferential wall 10 at a first end 14, and a lid 16 closing the circumferential wall 10 at a second end 18 opposite the 35 bottom 12. The circumferential wall 10, the bottom 12 and the lid 16 enclose an inner space 20 comprising the extractable product. In this example, the exchangeable capsule

- 13 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ comprises an amount of extractable product suitable for preparing a single portion of the beverage, preferably a single cup of the beverage, e.g. from 30-200ml of the prepared beverage. The exchangeable capsule, thus, is a single-portion-pack.

According to a first aspect, the system 1 of Fig. 2 comprises bottom piercing 5 means 122 intended for piercing the prior art capsule 102 as shown in Figs, la-lc. Fig. 2 shows the bottom piercing means in an extended position, intended for creating the entrance opening 124 in the bottom 112 of the prior art capsule 102. The capsule 2 comprises an entrance filter 34 which is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means 12, such that the capsule 2 is not pierced by the bottom piercing means 10 122 and the bottom 12 stays intact when the bottom piercing means is brought in the extended position.

In Fig. 2 the piercing means 122 comprise a bore 126 through which the fluid is supplied to an inner space of the receptacle 106. The fluid, here hot water under a pressure of e.g. more than 6 bars, will flow through the entrance filter 34 into the 15 inner space 20 of the capsule 2 for extracting desired substances from the extractable product, in this example approximately 7 grams of roasted and ground coffee, for preparing, in this example the single cup of the beverage, here coffee.

Thus, more in general, in the example of Fig. 2, the bottom 12 comprises an entrance area, formed by the entrance filter 34, and the system 1 is arranged for 20 bringing the fluid dispensing device 108 in fluid connection with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage.

In the example of Fig. 2, the circumferential wall 10 is substantially rigid. The circumferential wall may e.g. comprise a plastics material and may be formed by e.g. injection moulding, vacuum-forming, thermoforming or the like. In the example of 25 Fig. 2 the bottom 12 is integral with the circumferential wall. In this example the entrance filter 34 is formed by a plurality of entrance openings 24 in the bottom 12. In this example the plurality of entrance openings 24 is distributed over substantially the entire bottom 12. Thus, the fluid is supplied to the extractable product via the plurality of entrance openings 24, which causes the extractable product to be wetted over 30 substantially the entire cross section of the capsule 2. Hence, a very homogeneous supply of fluid to the extractable product is obtained. Thus, the risk of occurrence of preferential paths via which the fluid flows through the extractable product is greatly reduced.

According to a second aspect, which may be practiced in addition to the 35 above described first aspect or separate thereof, the system 1 of Fig. 2 comprises lid piercing means 128 intended for piercing the lid 116 of the prior art capsule 102 when

- 14 2020201287 21 Feb

CM the lid 116 sufficiently presses against the lid piercing means 128 under the influence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the capsule 102 for creating at least one exit opening 130 through which the beverage can drain from the prior art capsule 102. The capsule 2 comprises an exit filter 36, through which the beverage can drain from 5 the capsule 2. The exit filter 36 is arranged to having a sufficiently high tear strength not to be pierced by the lid piercing means 128 under the influence of the pressure inside the capsule 2. Alternatively, or additionally, the exit filter 36 forms a sufficiently low flow resistance for the beverage exiting the capsule 2, that the exit filter 36 is not pressed against the lid piercing means 128 with sufficient force to be pierced by the lid 10 piercing means 128 and the lid stays intact. Hence, the exit filter 36 is adapted to the lid piercing means 128 such that the capsule 2, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means 128 and the lid 16 stays intact. More in general it applies that the exit filter 36 and the lid piercing means 128 are adapted to each other such that the capsule 2, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means 128 and the lid 16 stays intact.

In the example of Fig. 2 the exit filter 36, forming an exit area of the capsule

2, through which the beverage, here coffee, can drain from the capsule, is formed by a porous sheet, such as filter paper. In this example the entire lid 16 is formed as the exit filter 36. In the example of Fig. 2, the capsule 2 comprises an outwardly extending rim 38 at the second end 18, wherein the lid 16 is attached to the outwardly extending rim 20 38, e.g. by gluing, welding or the like. Hence, in this example the exit filter 36, i.e. the porous sheet, is attached to the outwardly extending rim 38.

In this example the exit filter 36 forms a substantially continuous fluidpermeable sheet spanning substantially the entire second, open end 18 of the capsule 2. Thus, the fluid can drain from the capsule 2 over a large area. Hence, a very 25 homogeneous drain of beverage from the extractable product is obtained. Thus, the risk of occurrence of preferential paths via which the fluid flows through the extractable product is greatly reduced.

In general, parameters of the exit filter of the capsule 2 of the system 1 can be chosen such that the exit filter does not tear or rupture, e.g. has the sufficiently high 30 tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn. It will be appreciated that the lid and/or the exit filter may deform against the lid piercing means, although it will not rupture or be torn. When the exit filter 36 is e.g. made of filtering paper, parameters of the filtering paper, such as density, thickness and/or PE-content, can easily be chosen to provide the exit filter having the sufficiently 35 high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance. Alternatively, when the exit filter 36 is e.g. formed by a polymeric film provided with a plurality of exit

- 15 2020201287 21 Feb

CM openings, parameters of the polymeric foil, such as density, thickness, number of exit openings, size and/or shape of exit openings, can easily be chosen to provide the third wall having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance.

In the example of Fig. 2, the lid piercing means 128 are shown having sharp toothed points intended for piercing the lid. It will be appreciated that, alternatively, the lid piercing means 128 may have blunt piercing surfaces, e.g. as indicated with dashed lines in Fig. 2. In such embodiment, the prior art capsule 102 may, nevertheless, be pierced by the blunt piercing means 128, e.g. when the lid 116 consists of a sheet of 10 aluminium foil. Parameters of the exit filter of the capsule 2 of the system can be chosen such that the exit filter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forms the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn. It will be appreciated that when the lid piercing means are blunt, the parameters of the exit filter may be chosen to suit these blunt piercing means. When the piercing means are blunt, the exit filter may e.g. 15 be thinner than when the lid piercing means are sharp, while guaranteeing that the exit filter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn.

It is possible that the lid piercing means comprise ridges against which the lid, in use, abuts. Such ridges may be formed by the blunt piercing means 128 as shown 20 with dashed lines in Fig. 2. The ridges may e.g. form at least 10%, possibly at least 25% of the portion of the surface of the receptacle 106 which, in use, coincides with the portion of the surface area of the lid 16 overlying the second, open, end 18. Hence, in use, the lid 16 may be supported by the ridges over, e.g. at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, of the portion the surface area of the lid 16 overlying the second, open, end 25 18. As already indicated, the lid 116 of the prior art capsule 102 may be pierced by such ridges, whereas parameters of the exit filter 36 of the capsule 2 of the system 1 may easily be chosen such that the exit filter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forms the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn. It will be appreciated that when the lid piercing means comprise ridges, the parameters of the exit filter may 30 be chosen to suit such lid piercing means.

In the example of Fig. 2, the ridges comprise edges which are not sharp. In this example a radius of curvature of the edges is approximately 50 qm, although other radii are conceivable, such as 100, 200 or 500 qm. The prior art capsule 102 may, nevertheless, be pierced by the blunt piercing means 128, e.g. when the lid 116 consists 35 of a sheet of aluminium foil. It will be appreciated that when the lid piercing means comprise non-sharp edges, the parameters of the exit filter may be chosen to suit such

- 16 2020201287 21 Feb

CN lid piercing means. Parameters of the exit filter of the capsule 2 of the system can be chosen such that the exit filter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn.

It is also possible that the ridges of the lid piercing means 128 have a convex 5 top against which the lid 16 abuts. Hence, when the lid, in use, is pressed against the ridges, the surface area over which the lid is supported by the ridges increases, thus reducing the local pressure exerted on the lid by the ridges. Thus it is possible to provide, in an easy manner, that the lid, in use, does not tear and/or rupture and stays intact.

Figs. 3a-3d show embodiments of capsules 2.

In Fig. 3a the bottom 12 is integral with the circumferential wall 10 like in Fig. 2. The entrance filter 34 is formed by the plurality of entrance openings 24 in the bottom 12. The exit filter 36 is formed by a foil 40, e.g. a flexible polymeric foil, provided with a plurality of exit openings 30.

In Fig. 3b the exit filter 36 is formed by the flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper, like in Fig. 2. In Fig. 3b the entrance filter 34 is also formed by a flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper. In this example the entrance filter is attached to an inwardly extending rim 42. In this example, the entrance filter 34 is attached to the inner side of the inwardly extending rim 42. This maximizes the internal volume of the 20 capsule 2, as the rim thickness is not present in the inner space 20 of the capsule 2.

In Fig. 3c the exit filter 36 is formed by the flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper, like in Fig. 2 and 3b. In Fig. 3c the entrance filter 34 is also formed by a flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper. In this example, the entrance filter 34 is attached to the outer side of the inwardly extending rim 42. Hence, the risk is reduced 25 that the fluid under pressure tears the entrance filter 34 from the inwardly extending rim 42. It is possible that the entrance filter 34 overhangs a circumferential edge of the bottom. Hence, a larger surface area is available for attaching the entrance filter 34 to the bottom 12 and the circumferential wall 10, resulting in a stronger bond.

In Fig. 3d the exit filter 36 is formed by a foil 40, e.g. a flexible polymeric 30 foil, provided with a plurality of exit openings 30, as in Fig. 3a. In Fig. 3d the entrance filter 34 is also formed by a foil 44, provided with the plurality of entrance openings 24.

In all embodiments of Figs. 3a-3d the exit filter is formed by a flexible sheetshaped material. More specifically, in all embodiments of Figs. 3a-3d the lid is solely formed by the flexible sheet-shaped material. It has been found that in general no 35 supporting structure, such as a substantially rigid grid, e.g. downstream of the exit foil, is required to support the exit foil to prevent the exit foil from tearing an/or rupturing.

- 17 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ

In all embodiments of Figs. 3b-3d the entrance filter is formed by a flexible sheet-shaped material. More specifically, in all embodiments of Figs. 3b-3d the entrance area is solely formed by the flexible sheet-shaped material. It has been found that in general no supporting structure, such as a substantially rigid grid, e.g. downstream of 5 the entrance foil, is required to support the entrance foil to prevent the entrance foil from tearing an/or rupturing.

In all embodiments of Figs. 3a-3d the exit filter forms the outermost boundary of the capsule in the axial direction thereof.

It will be appreciated that the capsule 2 may comprise any entrance filter 10 according to any one of the shown embodiments in combination with any exit filter according to any one of the shown embodiments. Although not shown, it is possible that the lid comprises a substantially rigid wall provided with the exit openings 30.

In general, the exit openings 30, or pores of the porous sheet, are dimensioned such that a dimension of the opening 30 or pore is sufficiently small to 15 retain the extractable product, such as ground coffee, inside the capsule 2. Also in general, the entrance openings 24, or pores of the porous sheet, are dimensioned such that a dimension of the opening 24 or pore is sufficiently small to retain the extractable product, such as ground coffee, inside the capsule 2.

In general, the entrance openings 24 are preferably distributed over 20 substantially the entire surface of the bottom or the foil 44, at least substantially the entire surface of the opening defined by the inwardly extending rim 42. Optionally, entrance openings 24 are also present in the circumferential wall 10, e.g. in the portion of the circumferential wall 10 near the first end 14. This allows homogeneous supply of the fluid to the extractable product inside the capsule 2.

In general, the exit openings 30 are preferably distributed over substantially the entire surface of the lid or the foil 40, at least substantially the entire surface of the opening defined by the outwardly extending rim 38. This allows homogeneous draining of the beverage from the extractable product inside the capsule 2.

In the examples of Figs 2, 3a-3d the entrance openings 24 and exit openings 30 30 have a circular cross section. The openings 24, 30 with circular cross section are easily manufactured. Optionally the cross section of the entrance openings 24 tapers (narrows) towards the inner space 20. This provides the advantage that the entrance openings act as nozzles that cause a jet of fluid to enter the inner space 20.

It will be appreciated that the entrance openings 24 and/or exit openings 30 35 may also have alternative shapes. The openings 24,30 may for instance have the shape

- 18 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ of elongate slits. Preferably, the small dimension of the slits is sufficiently small to retain the extractable product inside the capsule 2.

In a special embodiment, the slits may have a shape that defines a tongue in the plane of the bottom. The slits may then be substantially U-shaped, such as semi5 circular, horse-shoe shaped, rectangular or V-shaped. This has the advantage that the tongue may be bent out of the plane of the bottom under the effect of the flow of fluid through the opening defined by the tongue. Thus, a larger volume flow of fluid may be attained. If the bottom is made of a resilient material, the tongue will bend back into the plane of the bottom once the flow of fluid stops, thus preventing the spilling of 10 extractable product (prior to and) after preparation of the beverage. It will be appreciated that slits defining a tongue may be applied in the lid mutatis mutandis.

Fig. 4a shows an example of a further embodiment of a capsule 2. Fig. 4a shows a modification of the capsule shown in Fig. 3a. It will be appreciated that this modification may be applied to any capsule 2 referred to hereinabove. In the example 15 of Fig. 4a the capsule 2 further comprises a bottom seal 46. The bottom seal 46 closes off the entrance openings 24 (or the porous sheet) prior to use. The bottom seal 46 is at least partially removable connected to the bottom 12. In this example the bottom seal 46 comprises a lip 48 to allow easy removal of the bottom seal 46 by a user of the capsule 2. In Fig. 4a the capsule 2 further comprises a lid seal 50. The lid seal 50 closes 20 off the exit openings 30 (or the porous sheet) prior to use. The lid seal 50 is at least partially removable connected to the lid 16. In this example the lid seal 50 comprises a lip 52 to allow easy removal of the lid seal 50 by a user of the capsule 2. The bottom seal 46 and lid seal 50 improve shelf life of the product inside the capsule by preventing air to enter the capsule via the openings 24,30 or porous sheet.

In a special embodiment (not shown) the lip 46 of the bottom seal 46 is connected to the lip 52 of the lid seal 50. Thus, the bottom seal 46 and the lid seal 50 can be made unitary. Hence, it may be prevented that a user accidentally forgets to remove one of the bottom seal and the lid seal.

Figs. 4b and 4c shows an example of a plan view of a further embodiment 30 of the capsule 2 when viewed from the side of the lid 16. In Figs. 4b and 4c the capsule comprises the lid seal 50. The lid seal 50 is attached to the lid 16 with a releasable seal 54. In this example the releasable seal forms a circumferential seal adjacent a circumferential edge of the lid 16. The releasable seal 54 is arranged to be released from the lid 16 under the effect of fluid pressure in the inner space 20. The releasable 35 seal may e.g. be a peel-seal of predetermined release-strength. Hence, it is not required

- 19 2020201287 21 Feb that the user removes the lid seal 50 from the capsule 2, as the seal is opened automatically while preparing the beverage.

In Figs. 4b and 4c the lid seal 50 is further attached to the lid 16 with a permanent connection 56. The permanent connection may e.g. be a glued or welded 5 connection. In Fig. 4b the permanent connection is positioned adjacent the centre of the lid. In Fig. 4c the permanent connection 56 is positioned adjacent the circumferential edge of the lid. This provides the advantage that the releasable seal may be released under the effect of pressure for allowing the draining of the beverage from the capsule, while the lid seal 50 remains attached to the lid 16 at at least one position. Hence, the 10 lid seal 50 need not be discarded separately, improving ease of use, and cannot be lost.

It will be appreciated that instead of, or in addition to, being attached to the lid, the lid seal 50 may also be attached to the rim positioned near the second end 18, and/or to the circumferential wall 14.

It will be appreciated that the capsule 2 may in a similar way alternatively, 15 or additionally be provided with the bottom seal 46, e.g. positioned on the inner side of the bottom 12, arranged to be released from the bottom 12 under the effect of pressure of fluid supplied to the capsule 2, and optionally provided with at least one permanent connection between the bottom and the bottom seal 46. It will be appreciated that instead of, or in addition to, being attached to the bottom 12, the bottom seal 46 may 20 also be attached to the rim positioned near the first end 14, and/or to the circumferential wall 14.

It will also be appreciated that the lid seal 50 and/or the bottom seal 46 may also be used in conjunction with alternative capsules, wherein the lid does not form an outermost boundary of the capsule in the axial direction thereof, e.g. a capsule having 25 an axially extending rim extending beyond the lid.

Preferably, the circumferential wall is substantially rigid. Hence, the capsule will not be prone to deform by shipping and/or handling, so that the capsule 2 will always fit in the receptacle 106. In addition, the circumferential wall is preferably resilient, so that any possible deformation of the circumferential first wall will be 30 reversed once the force causing the deformation is removed. In order to improve rigidity of the capsule 2, the capsule 2 may comprise stiffening ribs integral with the circumferential wall 10. The stiffening ribs may extend from the first end 14 towards the second end 18. Alternatively, or additionally, the stiffening ribs may extend in a circumferential direction. When the bottom 12 is integral with the circumferential wall 35 10, the stiffening ribs may also be integral with the bottom 12.

- 20 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ

Nevertheless, it is possible that the circumferential wall is formed by a flexible, e.g. porous, sheet or foil, preferably integral with the bottom. Hence, substantially the entire capsule may be manufactured of the flexible sheet, reducing the amount of material required for providing the capsule. Optionally, the outwardly 5 extending rim may be substantially rigid to enhance ease of handling of the capsule.

In the examples the circumferential wall is substantially frustoconical. It will be appreciated that the capsule is not limited to this shape. The circumferential wall may e.g. be cylindrical, hemispherical, or polygonal, such as hexagonal, octagonal, etc.

According to a further aspect, the extractable product in the inner space 20 10 is compacted. Fig. 5a shows an example wherein the extractable product is compacted into a plurality of, in this example four, tablets 58,60,62,64. In Fig. 5a the tablets are stacked inside the inner space 20. In Fig. 5a, each tablet 58,60,62,64 spans substantially the entire cross section of the capsule 2. In this example a density, i.e. a degree of compaction, of the tablets is different for each of the tablets. The density of 15 the tablets 58,60,62,64 increases in the direction from the bottom 12 to the lid 16. This provides the advantage that the fluid will more easily wet a tablet of lower density than a tablet of higher density, so that each upstream tablet is properly wetted while the water wets a subsequent downstream tablet. Thus, highly homogeneous wetting of the extractable product is achieved. Although the example shows four stacked tablets, it 20 will be appreciated that any number of tablets may be used.

Fig. 5b shows an example of a capsule 2 comprising a single tablet 66 of compacted extractable product. In the example of Fig. 5b the tablet 66 comprises bores 68 extending into the tablet 66 from the side of the tablet 66 facing the bottom 12 in the direction of the lid 16. The length of the bores 68 is shorter than the thickness of 25 the tablet 66 in the direction along the bore 68. Thus, the bores 68 do not form shortcut passages for the fluid through the tablet 66, but provide the fluid a passage into the core of the tablet 66. These bores allow a predetermined penetration of the fluid into the tablet. Thus, a preferred wetting of the compacted extractable product may be obtained.

In the examples of Figs. 5a and 5b the entrance filter 34 and exit filter 36 of the capsule are substantially as shown in Fig. 3c. It will be appreciated that the tablet 66 or plurality of tablets 58,60,62,64 may be used in conjunction with any capsule 2 referred to hereinabove. It will also be appreciated that if the extractable product is compacted into the tablet(s) the bottom 12 of the capsule is not strictly required, since 35 the extractable product is not likely to spill from the capsule prior to use.

2020201287 21 Feb 2020

- 21 It will be appreciated that the capsules 2 referred to hereinabove may also be used in alternative apparatus for preparing the beverage, for instance in apparatus not provided with the bottom piercing means and/or not provided with the lid piercing means.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

It is for instance possible that the capsule 2 is contained in an air-tight wrapping prior to use to improve shelf-life.

It is also possible that the bottom comprises a recessed area for receiving the bottom piercing means without the bottom being pierced, for increasing the capsule volume.

In above examples, the exit filter forms the lid. It is also possible that the exit filter forms part of the lid. The lid may for instance be partially porous and/or partially perforate.

In above examples, the entrance filter forms the bottom. It is also possible that the entrance filter forms part of the bottom. The bottom may for instance be partially porous and/or partially perforate.

However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.

The word 'comprising' does not, unless context requires otherwise, exclude the presence of other features or steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words 'a' and 'an', unless context requires otherwise, shall not be construed as limited to 'only one' but instead are used to mean 'at least one', and do not exclude a plurality. The mere recitation of certain measures in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

Claims

1. System for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising:

5 an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule, wherein the exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom 10 closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area and the system is arranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device in fluid connection with the entrance area for 15 supplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the lid comprises an exit area and the system comprises an outlet which, in use, is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container such as a cup, wherein the receptacle comprises bottom piercing means intended for piercing 20 the entrance area of an alternative capsule for creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through said at least one entrance opening, and wherein the entrance area of the capsule of the system comprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through which entrance 25 filter, in use, is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of the system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means and the bottom stays intact.
2. System according to claim 1 wherein the receptacle comprises lid piercing means 30 intended for piercing the exit area of an alternative capsule when the exit area sufficiently presses against the lid piercing means under the influence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the capsule for creating at least one exit opening through which the beverage can drain from the alternative capsule, and wherein the exit area of the capsule of the system comprises an exit filter, 35 through which the beverage can drain from the capsule of the system, wherein the lid

- 23 2020201287 21 Feb

CM piercing means and the exit filter are adapted to each other such that the capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means and the lid stays intact.
3. System for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for 5 consumption using an extractable product, comprising:

an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule,

10 wherein the exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area and the system is arranged for 15 bringing the fluid dispensing device in fluid connection with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the lid comprises an exit area and the system comprises an outlet which, in use, is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container such as a cup,

20 wherein the receptacle comprises lid piercing means intended for piercing the exit area of an alternative capsule when the exit area sufficiently presses against the lid piercing means under the influence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the capsule for creating at least one exit opening through which the beverage can drain from the alternative capsule, and

25 wherein the exit area of the capsule of the system comprises an exit filter, through which the beverage can drain from the capsule of the system, wherein the lid piercing means and the exit filter are adapted to each other such that the capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means and the lid stays intact.

30
4. System according to claim 3, wherein the receptacle comprises bottom piercing means intended for piercing the entrance area of an alternative capsule for creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through said at least one entrance opening, and wherein the entrance area of the capsule of the system comprises an entrance 35 filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through which entrance filter, in use, is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the

- 24 2020201287 21 Feb

CT capsule of the system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means and the bottom stays intact.
5. System according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 4, wherein the entrance filter is 5 formed by:

a flexible porous sheet, such as of filtering paper, a flexible foil, such as a polymeric film, provided with a plurality of entrance openings, or a plurality of entrance openings provided in the bottom of the capsule of the 10 system.
6. System according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of entrance openings is distributed over substantially the entire surface of the foil or the bottom, respectively.

15
7. System according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the plurality of entrance openings comprises side-entrance openings arranged in the circumferential wall.
8. System according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the entrance openings have a circular cross section.
9. System according to claim 8, wherein the cross section of the entrance openings tapers towards the inner space.
10. System according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the entrance openings are 25 slits.
11. System according to any one of claims 5-10, wherein the entrance openings are arranged to open under pressure.

30
12. System according to at least claim 2 or 3, wherein the exit filter is adapted to the lid piercing means such that the capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means and the lid stays intact.
13. System according to claim 12, wherein the exit filter has a sufficiently high tear 35 strength and/or forming a sufficiently low flow resistance that the capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means and the lid stays intact.

- 25 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ
14. System according to 2, 3, 4 or 5-13 as far as dependent on claim 2 or 3, wherein the exit filter forms an outermost boundary of the capsule in an axial direction thereof.

5 15. System according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5-14 as far as dependent on claim 2 or 3, wherein the exit filter is formed by:

a flexible porous sheet, such as of filtering paper, or a flexible foil, such as a polymeric film, provided with a plurality of entrance openings, or

10 a plurality of exit openings provided in the lid.

16. System according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of exit openings is distributed over substantially the entire surface of the lid.
15 17. System according to at least claim 2 or 3, wherein lid piercing means have a blunt piercing surface.
18. System according to at least claim 2 or 3, wherein lid piercing means comprises at least one ridge against which the lid, in use, abuts.
19. System according to claim 18, wherein the at least one ridge forms at least 10%, preferably at least 25% of the portion of the surface of the receptacle which, in use, coincides with the portion of the surface area of the lid overlying the second, open, end.

25 20. System according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, in use, the lid is supported by the at least one ridge over at least 10%, preferably at least 25% of the portion the surface area of the lid overlying the second, open, end.

21. System according to any one of claims 17-20, wherein the lid piercing means 30 and/or the at least one ridge comprises edges, wherein the edges are not sharp.

22. System according to claim 21, wherein the edges have a radius of curvature of at least 50 pm, preferably at least 100 pm.

35 23. System according to any one of claims 18-22, wherein the at least one ridge has a convex top.

- 26 2020201287 21 Feb

CM

24. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the entire inner space is occupied by the extractable product.

5 25. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom is integral with the circumferential wall.

26. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule comprises an inwardly extending rim at the first end, wherein the bottom is attached to

10 the inwardly extending rim.

27. System according to claim 26, wherein the entrance filter is attached to the inwardly extending rim.

15 28. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule comprises an outwardly extending rim at the second end, wherein the lid is attached to the outwardly extending rim.

29. System according to claim 28, wherein the exit filter is attached to the outwardly 20 extending rim.

30. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom and/or the lid extends to the circumferential wall.

25 31. System according to claim 30, wherein the entrance filter and/or the exit filter extends to the circumferential wall.

32. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid dispensing device is arranged for supplying the fluid to the exchangeable capsule under

30 a pressure of approximately 4-20 bars, preferably 9-15 bars.

33. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule further comprises a bottom seal at least partially removable connected to the bottom for sealing the entrance filter prior to use.

- 27 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ

34. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule further comprises a lid seal at least partially removable connected to the lid for sealing the exit filter prior to use.

5 35. System according to claim 34, wherein the lid seal is arranged to be partially released from the lid under the effect of fluid pressure in the inner space, while remaining attached to the lid at at least one position.

36. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential 10 wall is formed by a sheet or foil, preferably integral with the bottom.

37. System according to any one of claims 1-35, wherein the circumferential wall is substantially rigid.

15 38. System according to claim 37, wherein the capsule comprises stiffening ribs integral with the circumferential wall and/or bottom.

39. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential wall is cylindrical, hemispherical, frustoconical or polygonal, such as hexagonal or
20 octagonal.

40. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extractable product comprises roasted and ground coffee.
25 41. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extractable product is compacted into a tablet.

42. System according to claim 41, wherein the tablet comprises at least one bore extending from the side of the tablet facing the entrance area in the direction of the lid.

43. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extractable product is compacted into a plurality of tablets, preferably of mutually different packing density.

35 44. Method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising:

- 28 2020201287 21 Feb

CM providing an exchangeable capsule, comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product,

5 providing an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet which, in use, is in fluid communication with the capsule for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container such as a cup, wherein the receptacle 10 comprises bottom piercing means intended for piercing the bottom of an alternative capsule for creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through said at least one entrance opening, and supplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the bottom of the capsule of the system comprises an entrance filter, for 15 supplying the fluid to the extractable product therethrough, which entrance filter, in use, is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of the system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means and the bottom stays intact.

45. Method according to claim 44 wherein the receptacle comprises lid piercing 20 means intended for piercing the lid of an alternative capsule when the lid sufficiently presses against the lid piercing means under the influence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the capsule for creating at least one exit opening through which the beverage can drain from the alternative capsule, and wherein the lid of the capsule of the system comprises an exit filter, through 25 which the beverage can drain from the capsule of the system, wherein the lid piercing means and the exit filter are adapted to each other such that the capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means and the lid stays intact.

46. Method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for 30 consumption using an extractable product, comprising:

providing an exchangeable capsule, comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product,

35 providing an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water,

- 29 2020201287 21 Feb

CM under pressure to the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet which, in use, is in fluid communication with the capsule for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container such as a cup, wherein the receptacle comprises lid piercing means intended for piercing the lid of an alternative capsule when 5 the lid sufficiently presses against the lid piercing means under the influence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the capsule for creating at least one exit opening through which the beverage can drain from the alternative capsule, and supplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the lid of the capsule of the system comprises an exit filter, through

10 which the beverage can drain from the capsule of the system, wherein the lid piercing means and the exit filter are adapted to each other such that the capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means and the lid stays intact.

47. Method according to claim 46, wherein the receptacle comprises bottom piercing 15 means intended for piercing the bottom of an alternative capsule for creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through said at least one entrance opening, and wherein the bottom of the capsule of the system comprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through which entrance filter, in 20 use, is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of the system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means and the bottom stays intact.

48. Method according to any one of claims 44-47, using a system according to any one of claims 1-43.

49. Capsule of the system according to any one of claims 1-43.

50. Capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising
30 a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area arranged for supplying there through a fluid under pressure to the extractable product for preparing the beverage,
35 wherein the lid comprises an exit area for draining there through the prepared beverage from the capsule, and

- 30 2020201287 21 Feb

CN wherein the entrance area of the capsule comprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through.

51. Capsule according to claim 50 wherein the exit area comprises an exit filter 5 through which the beverage can drain from the capsule.

52. Capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, 10 and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area arranged for supplying there through a fluid under pressure to the extractable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the lid comprises an exit area for draining there through the prepared 15 beverage from the capsule, and wherein the exit area comprises an exit filter through which the beverage can drain from the capsule.

53. Capsule according to claim 52, wherein the entrance area of the capsule 20 comprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through.

54. Capsule according to any one of claims 50, 51 or 53, wherein the entrance filter is formed by:

25 a flexible porous sheet, such as of filtering paper, a flexible foil, such as a polymeric film, provided with a plurality of entrance openings, or a plurality of entrance openings provided in the bottom of the capsule.

30 55. Capsule according to claim 54, wherein the plurality of entrance openings is distributed over substantially the entire surface of the foil or the bottom, respectively.

56. Capsule according to claim 54 or 55, wherein the plurality of entrance openings comprises side-entrance openings arranged in the circumferential wall.

- 31 2020201287 21 Feb

CM

57. Capsule according to any one of claims 54-56, wherein the entrance openings have a circular cross section.

58. Capsule according to claim 57, wherein the cross section of the entrance 5 openings tapers towards the inner space.

59. Capsule according to any one of claims 54-58, wherein the entrance openings are slits.

10 60. Capsule according to any one of claims 54-59, wherein the entrance openings are arranged to open under pressure.

61. Capsule according to any one of claims 51, 52 or 53-60 as far as dependent on claim 51 or 52, wherein the exit filter forms an outermost boundary of the capsule in

15 an axial direction thereof.

62. Capsule according to any one of claims 51, 52 or 53-61 as far as dependent on claim 51 or 52, wherein the exit filter is formed by:

a flexible porous sheet, such as of filtering paper, or

20 a flexible foil, such as a polymeric film, provided with a plurality of entrance openings, or a plurality of entrance openings provided in the lid.

63. Capsule according to claim 62, wherein the plurality of exit openings is 25 distributed over substantially the entire surface of the lid.

64. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-63, wherein the entire inner space is occupied by the extractable product.

30 65. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-64, wherein the bottom is integral with the circumferential wall.

66. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-65, wherein the capsule comprises an inwardly extending rim at the first end, wherein the bottom is attached to the inwardly 35 extending rim.

- 32 2020201287 21 Feb

CM

67. Capsule according to claim 66, wherein the entrance filter is attached to the inwardly extending rim.

68. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-67, wherein the capsule comprises an 5 outwardly extending rim at the second end, wherein the lid is attached to the outwardly extending rim.

69. Capsule according to claim 68, wherein the exit filter is attached to the outwardly extending rim.

70. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-69, wherein the bottom and/ or the lid extends to the circumferential first wall.

71. Capsule according to claim 70, wherein the entrance filter and/or exit filter 15 extends to the circumferential first wall.

72. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-71, wherein the capsule further comprises a bottom seal at least partially removable connected to the bottom for sealing the entrance filter prior to use.

73. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-72, wherein the capsule further comprises a lid seal at least partially removable connected to the lid for sealing the exit filter prior to use.

25 74. Capsule according to claim 73, wherein the lid seal is arranged to be partially released from the lid under the effect of fluid pressure in the inner space, while remaining attached to the lid at at least one position.

75. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-74, wherein the circumferential wall 30 is formed by a sheet or foil, preferably integral with the bottom.

76. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-74, wherein the circumferential wall is substantially rigid.

35 77. Capsule according to claim 76, wherein the capsule comprises stiffening ribs integral with the circumferential wall and/or bottom.

- 33 2020201287 21 Feb

CM

78. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-77, wherein the circumferential wall is cylindrical, hemispherical, frustoconical or polygonal, such as hexagonal or octagonal.

5 79. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-78, wherein the extractable product comprises roasted and ground coffee.

80. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-79, wherein the extractable product is compacted into a tablet.

81. Capsule according to claim 80, wherein the tablet comprises at least one bore extending from the side of the tablet facing the entrance area in the direction of the lid.

82. Capsule according to any one of claims 50-81, wherein the extractable product 15 is compacted into a plurality of tablets, preferably of mutually different packing density.

83. Use of a capsule of the system according to any one of claims 1-43 for preparing a beverage using the apparatus according to any one of claims 1-43.

20 84. Use of a capsule of the system according to claims 3 and 40, while preparing coffee, for at least partially removing cafestol content from the coffee using the exit filter.

85. Use of a capsule according to claims 52 and 79, while preparing coffee, for at 25 least partially removing cafestol content from the coffee using the exit filter.

86. A system for preparing a beverage using a product, comprising: an exchangeable capsule and an alternative capsule; and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule or

30 the alternative capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule or the alternative capsule, wherein each of the exchangeable capsule and the alternative capsule comprises:

a circumferential wall;

35 a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end and comprising an entrance area; and

- 34 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom and comprising an exit area, the wall, bottom and lid enclosing an inner space occupied by a said product, the system being arranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device in fluid 5 connection with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to the product in the held capsule for preparing the beverage, the system further comprising an outlet arranged so as to be, during use, in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container such as a cup,

10 wherein the receptacle comprises lid piercing means arranged to pierce the exit area of the alternative capsule when that exit area sufficiently presses against the lid piercing means under the influence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the alternative capsule, for creating at least one exit opening through which the beverage can drain from the alternative capsule, and

15 wherein the capsule comprises an outwardly extending rim at the second end, the lid being attached to the outwardly extending rim, wherein the exit area of the exchangeable capsule comprises an exit filter through which the beverage can drain from the exchangeable capsule, and the lid piercing means and the exit filter are adapted to each other such that the exchangeable capsule, in use, is not pierced by the 20 lid piercing means and the lid thereof stays intact, the exit filter being formed by a flexible porous sheet, forming part of the lid, such that the lid is partially porous.

87. A system according to claim 86, wherein the receptacle comprises bottom piercing means arranged to pierce the entrance area of the alternative capsule, for

25 creating at least one entrance opening through which the fluid is to be supplied to the product in the alternative capsule, wherein the entrance area of the exchangeable capsule comprises an entrance filter provided with a plurality of entrance openings through which the fluid is to be supplied to the product in the exchangeable capsule, and wherein the entrance openings are slits having a shape that defines a tongue in the 30 plane of the bottom.

88. The system of claim 87, wherein the entrance filter is arranged so as to be positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means during use of the exchangeable capsule.

- 35 2020201287 21 Feb

89. The system of claim 87 or 88, wherein the entrance filter is arranged so as not to be pierced by the bottom piercing means during use of the exchangeable capsule.

90. A system according to any one of claims 87 to 89, wherein the plurality of 5 entrance openings is distributed over substantially the entire surface of the foil or the bottom, respectively.

91. A system according to any one of claims 87 to 90, wherein the slits are substantially U-shaped.

92. A system according to claim 91, wherein the slits are semi-circular, horse-shoe shaped, rectangular or V-shaped.

93. A system according to any one of claims 87 to 92, wherein the tongue is arranged 15 to be bent out of the plane of the bottom under the effect of the flow of fluid through the opening defined by the tongue.

94. A system according to claim 93, wherein the bottom is made of a resilient material, so that the tongue will bend back into the plane of the bottom once the flow

20 of fluid stops, thus preventing the spilling of extractable product after, and optionally prior to, preparation of the beverage.

95. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exit filter forms an outermost boundary of the exchangeable capsule in an axial direction thereof.

96. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein lid piercing means have a blunt piercing surface.

97. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid piercing 30 means comprises at least one ridge against which the lid, in use, abuts.

98. A system according to claim 97, wherein the at least one ridge forms at least 10% of the portion of the surface of the receptacle which, in use, coincides with the portion of the surface area of the lid overlying the second end.

- 36 2020201287 21 Feb

ΓΜ

99. A system according to claim 98, configured such that, in use, the lid is supported by the at least one ridge over at least 10% of the portion the surface area of the lid overlying the second end.

5 100. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom is integral with the circumferential wall.

101. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exchangeable capsule comprises an outwardly extending rim at the second end, and the

10 lid thereof is attached to the outwardly extending rim.

102. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exit filter is attached to the outwardly extending rim.

15 103. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid dispensing device is arranged for supplying the fluid to the exchangeable capsule under a pressure of approximately 4-20 bars.

104. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule 20 further comprises a bottom seal at least partially removably connected to the bottom thereof for sealing the entrance filter prior to use and/or a lid seal at least partially removably connected to the lid thereof for sealing the exit filter prior to use.

105. A system according to claim 104, wherein the bottom seal and/or the lid seal 25 comprises a lip.

106. A system according to claim 104, wherein the bottom seal comprises a lip, the lid seal comprises a lip, and the lip of the bottom seal is connected to the lip of the lid seal.

107. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential wall is substantially rigid.

108. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the product 35 comprises roasted and ground coffee.

2020201287 21 Feb 2020

109. A method for preparing a beverage, comprising:

providing the apparatus and a capsule of the system according to any one of the preceding claims; and with the provided capsule held in the receptacle, supplying the fluid to the 5 product in that capsule to prepare the beverage.

110. Use of the apparatus and a capsule of the system according to any one of claims 86 to 108 to prepare said beverage.