EP2326223A1 - Système, procédé et capsule pour préparer une boisson - Google Patents

Système, procédé et capsule pour préparer une boisson

Info

Publication number
EP2326223A1
EP2326223A1 EP08793833A EP08793833A EP2326223A1 EP 2326223 A1 EP2326223 A1 EP 2326223A1 EP 08793833 A EP08793833 A EP 08793833A EP 08793833 A EP08793833 A EP 08793833A EP 2326223 A1 EP2326223 A1 EP 2326223A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wall
capsule
circumferential
extractable product
entrance openings
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08793833A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Arend Cornelis Jacobus Biesheuvel
Ralf Kamerbeek
Kon Euan Gerard Wong
Guido Brandt
Hendrik Cornelis Koeling
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sara Lee DE NV
Original Assignee
Sara Lee DE NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sara Lee DE NV filed Critical Sara Lee DE NV
Publication of EP2326223A1 publication Critical patent/EP2326223A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/24—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure
    • A47J31/34—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure
    • A47J31/36—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means
    • A47J31/3666—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under liquid pressure with mechanical pressure-producing means whereby the loading of the brewing chamber with the brewing material is performed by the user
    • A47J31/3676—Cartridges being employed
    • A47J31/368—Permeable cartridges being employed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
    • B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
    • B65D85/8061—Filters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/06—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor
    • A47J31/0657—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor for brewing coffee under pressure, e.g. for espresso machines
    • A47J31/0668—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor for brewing coffee under pressure, e.g. for espresso machines specially adapted for cartridges
    • A47J31/0678—Means to separate the cartridge from the bottom of the brewing chamber, e.g. grooves or protrusions

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under a pressure to the exchangeable capsule, and a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, wherein the exchangeable capsule comprises a substantially rigid circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a perforate or porous third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second end opposite the second wall, wherein the first, second and third wall enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the fluid dispensing device is arranged for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through the second wall for forming the beverage, wherein the receptacle comprises a support surface for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule through the third wall and through the support surface.
  • a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water
  • Such system is for instance known from EP 0 041 931.
  • This known system utilises an open capsule having an imperforate, substantially cylindrical sidewall, and upper and lower end walls being grid-like, having perforations of another kind or a suitable porosity, and being bordered by respective projecting upper and lower sealing rims.
  • These capsules are known as open capsules, since the capsule itself has perforate or porous sections, thus, prior to use, being open to ambient atmosphere (although the open capsule can be contained in an e.g. airtight outer package).
  • closed capsules which are imperforate and non-porous prior to use, preventing ambient atmosphere to enter the capsule prior to use.
  • water of about 80° to 90°C is supplied to the capsule at a high pressure of about 8 to 9 bars for preparing the beverage.
  • the known system has the disadvantage that the inner volume of the capsule is limited, constraining the amount of product inside the capsule.
  • the third wall of the capsule being flexible, sheet-shaped perforate and/or porous, and arranged to abut against the support surface, the inner volume of the capsule can be increased.
  • the third wall abutting the support surface of the receptacle obviates the need for a hollow space being present enclosed by the third wall, the support surface and the projecting sealing rim in the known system.
  • the system according to the present invention may more fully use an inner space of the receptacle for providing the product.
  • the exchangeable capsule comprises an amount of extractable product, and thus is suitable and intended, for preparing a single portion of the beverage, preferably a single cup of the beverage, e.g. from 30- 200ml of the prepared beverage.
  • the exchangeable capsule thus, is a single- portion-pack.
  • the capsule comprises 4-8 grams, preferably approximately 7 grams of extractable product, e.g. roasted and ground coffee.
  • the exchangeable capsule is disposable after single use.
  • the capsule is an open capsule.
  • the third wall forms an outermost boundary of the capsule in an axial direction thereof. Hence, it is easily provided that the third wall abuts against the support surface.
  • the fluid dispensing device is arranged for supplying the fluid to the exchangeable capsule under a pressure of approximately 4-20 bars, preferably 9-15 bars. It is possible that the fluid dispensing device is arranged for supplying the fluid to the exchangeable capsule under a pressure of e.g. at least 6 bars (absolute pressure).
  • the support surface comprises channel shaped grooves in a side facing the third wall, for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule through the grooves.
  • the prepared beverage can be drained from the capsule through the third wall into the channel shaped grooves. This provides improved outflow of the beverage out of the capsule.
  • the support surface comprises, between the channel shaped grooves, ridges against which the third wall, in use, abuts.
  • the ridges form at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, most preferably at least 50% of the portion of the support surface which, in use, coincides with the portion of the surface area of the third wall overlying the second, open, end.
  • the third wall is supported by the ridges over at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, most preferably at least 50% of the portion the surface area of the third wall overlying the second, open, end.
  • the third wall, in use is well supported by the ridges of the support surface, thus making possible in an easy manner that third wall, in use, does not tear and/or rupture and stays intact.
  • the ridges comprise edges, wherein the edges are not sharp.
  • the edges have a radius of curvature of at least 50 ⁇ m, preferably at least 100 ⁇ m.
  • the ridges have a convex top.
  • the third wall is formed by a sheet of filtering paper.
  • the filtering* paper provides the low -cost thirid wall.
  • parameters of the filtering paper such as density, thickness ⁇ and/or PE- content, can easily be chosen to provide the third wall having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance.
  • the third wall being porous may provide the advantage that the beverage 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. This may prevent the existence of preferential fluid flow paths inside the inner space. Preferential fluid flow paths are known to reduce reproducibility of the process of preparing the beverage.
  • the extractable product is roasted and ground coffee
  • providing the perforate and/or porous third wall e.g. of filtering paper
  • the third wall 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.
  • providing the flexible perforate and/or porous third wall may improve the quality of the coffee with respect to consumer health.
  • the third wall is formed by a polymeric film provided with a plurality of exit openings.
  • Parameters of the polymeric foil such as density, thickness, number of exit openings, size and/or shape of exit openings, can easily be chosen to provide the third wall having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance.
  • the plurality of exit openings is distributed over substantially the entire surface of the third wall. This provides the advantage that the beverage 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. This mayiprevent the occurrence of preferential fluid flow paths. r ⁇
  • the second ⁇ aIl is perforate and/or porous.
  • the second wall has a sufficiently high tear strength and/or forms a sufficiently low flow resistance that the second wall, in use, does not tear and/or rupture and stays intact. This has the advantage that sudden pressure shocks to the third wall, e.g. caused by rupturing of the second wall, are prevented.
  • the second wall is formed by a flexible porous sheet, such as a sheet of filtering paper, a flexible foil, such as a polymeric film, provided with a plurality of entrance openings, or the second wall is substantially rigid and comprises a plurality of entrance openings.
  • the entrance filter can be provided in a simple manner.
  • the plurality of entrance openings is distributed over substantially the entire surface of the foil or the second wall, respectively.
  • the capsule is provided with a plurality of side-entrance openings arranged in the circumferential first wall.
  • the entire inner space is occupied by the extractable product.
  • the second wall may be integral with the circumferential first wall.
  • This provides the advantage that the capsule can simply be formed from a generally cup-shaped structure forming the circumferential first wall and the second wall in combination with the flexible sheet-shaped third wall.
  • the third wall may be connected to the circumferential first wall, e.g. by means of gluing, welding, folding or the like.
  • the capsule comprises an inwardly extending rim, wherein the second wall or the third wall is attached to the inwardly extending rim.
  • the second wall or the third wall is attached to the inwardly extending rim.
  • the capsule comprises an outwardly extending rim, wherein the second wall or the third wall is attached to the outwardly extending rim.
  • the second wall or the third wall is attached to the outwardly extending rim.
  • the third wall may extend to, e.g. a circumferential edge of, the circumferential first wall.
  • the second wall may extend to, e.g. a circumferential edge of, the circumferential first wall.
  • the capsule further comprises a bottom seal at least partially removable connected to the second wall for sealing the, e.g. porous or perforate, second wall prior to use.
  • a bottom seal at least partially removable connected to the second wall for sealing the, e.g. porous or perforate, second wall prior to use.
  • the capsule further comprises a lid seal at least partially removable connected to the third wall for sealing, the third wall prior to use. Hence entering of air into the inner space via the fihird wall prior to use of the capsule may be prevented, improving shelf life of the product inside the capsule.
  • the lid seal is arranged to be partially released from the third wall under the effect of fluid pressure in the inner space, while remaining attached to the third wall at at least one position.
  • the lid seal need not be removed from the capsule by a user of the capsule.
  • the releasable connection may e.g. be formed as a so-called peel-seal. Since the lid seal is permanently attached to the third wall at at least one position, the lid seal will not; fully detach from the capsule.
  • the capsule comprises stiffening ribs integral with the circumferential first wall and/or the second wall to increase the rigidity of the capsule.
  • the circumferential first wall may have any shape such as cylindrical, hemispherical, frustoconical or polygonal, such as hexagonal or octagonal.
  • the extractable product comprises roasted and ground coffee.
  • the capsule is suited for preparing a predetermined amount of coffee by supplying a predetermined amount of hot water under high pressure to the capsule.
  • the extractable product is compacted into a tablet.
  • This provides the advantage that the risk of preferential flow paths occurring in the compacted extractable product tablet is reduced. It will be appreciated that when using the compacted tablet, the second wall may be omitted from? the capsule, as the risk of spilling extractable product is greatly reduced * p p
  • the tablet comprises at least one bore extending from the side of the tablet facing the second wall in the direction of the third wall.
  • the bore thus provides an infusion means for wetting the tablet in a homogeneous manner.
  • the extractable product is compacted into a plurality of tablets, preferably of mutually different packing density. It is for instance possible that the extractable product is provided as a single stack of tablets having mutually different degrees of compacting. It is for instance possible that the degree of compacting increases per tablet in the direction from the second wall to the third wall. In this way the effort required to completely wet a tablet will also increase in the direction from the second wall to the third, ensuring that each upstream tablet has been properly wetted when wetting a more downstream tablet, thus providing very homogeneous i wetting of the total volume of extractable product.
  • the invention also relates to a method for preparing a beverage and a capsule for preparing a beverage.
  • Fig. Ia shows an example of a first embodiment of a system for preparing a beverage according to the invention
  • Fig. Ib shows an example of a second embodiment of a system for preparing a beverage according to the invention
  • Figs. 2a and 2b show possible embodiments of the support surface of the system according to the invention
  • Figs. 3a-3d show embodiments of capsules according to the invention.
  • Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c show examples of further embodiments ⁇ of a j capsule according to the invention.
  • Figs. 5a and 5b show examples of even further embodiments of a capsule according to the invention.
  • Fig. Ia 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 according to the invention.
  • the system 1 comprises an exchangeable open capsule 2, and an apparatus 4.
  • the apparatus 4 comprises a receptacle 6 for holding the exchangeable capsule 2.
  • a gap is drawn between the capsule 2 and the receptacle 6 for clarity.
  • the capsule 2 may lie in contact with the receptacle 6.
  • the receptacle 6 has a shape complementary to the shape of the capsule 2.
  • the receptacle 6 comprises an upper part 8 and a support surface 10.
  • the apparatus 4 further comprises a fluid dispensing device 12 for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as hot water, under a high pressure, of e.g. more than approximately six bars (absolute pressure), to the exchangeable capsule 2.
  • a fluid such as hot water
  • a high pressure of e.g. more than approximately six bars (absolute pressure)
  • the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises a substantially rigid circumferential first wall 14, a second wall 16 closing the circumferential first wall 14 at a first end 18, and a third wall 20 closing the circumferential first wall 14 at a second, open, end 22 opposite the second wall 16.
  • the circumferential first wall 14, the second wall 16 and the third wall 20 enclose an inner space 24 comprising the extractable product, in this example roasted and ground coffee.
  • the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises an amount of extractable product, e.g. approximately 7 grams of roasted and ground coffee, 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.
  • the circumferential first wall 14 is substantially rigid.
  • the circumferential first wall 14 may e.g. comprise a, plastics material and may be formed by e.g. injection moulding, vacuum-, forming, thermoforming or the like.
  • the second wall 16 is integral with the circumferential first wall 14.
  • the second wall 16 is substantially rigid.
  • the second wall 16 comprises a plurality of entrance openings 26 for allowing the fluid to enter the capsule 2.
  • the third wall 20 is flexible and sheet-shaped. Further, in this example the third wall is porous.
  • the third wall 20 is in this example manufactured from filtering paper.
  • the filtering paper comprises polyethylene (PE) fibres.
  • the third wall 20 is connected to the circumferential first wall 14 by heat sealing.
  • the third wall 20 forms an outermost boundary of the capsule 2 in an axial direction thereof. It can be seen from Fig. Ia that the third wall 20 abuts against the support surface 10 of the receptacle 6.
  • the system 1 shown in Fig. Ia is operated as follows for preparing a cup of coffee.
  • the capsule 2 is placed in the receptacle 6.
  • the third wall 20 is brought into abutment with the support surface 10.
  • the fluid here hot water under pressure, is supplied to the extractable product in the inner space 24 through the entrance openings 26.
  • the water will wet the coffee grounds and extract the desired substances to form the coffee beverage.
  • the prepared coffee will drain from the capsule 2 through the porous third wall 20.
  • the coffee beverage is further drained from the receptacle 6 via a plurality of outlets 28, and may be supplied to a container 30 such as a cup.
  • the plurality of entrance openings 26 is distributed over substantially the entire second wall 16.
  • the fluid is supplied to the extractable product via the plurality of entrance openings 26, which causes the extractable product to be wetted over substantially the entire cross section of the capsule 2.
  • a very homogeneous supply of fluid to the extractable product is obtained.
  • the risk of occurrence of preferential paths via which the fluid flows through the extractable product is greatly reduced.
  • the third wall 20, 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.
  • the entire third wall 20 is formed as the porous sheet.
  • the third wall 20 forms a substantially continuous fluid-permeable sheet spanning substantially the entire second open end 22 of the capsule 2.
  • the fluid can drain from the capsule 2 over a large area.
  • a very homogeneous drain of beverage from the extractable product is obtained.
  • the risk of occurrence of preferential paths via which the fluid flows through the extractable product is greatly reduced.
  • Fig. Ib shows an example of a second embodiment of a system 1 for preparing predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product according to the invention.
  • the system shown in Fig. Ib is to a great extent identical to the system shown in Fig. Ia.
  • Like elements are referred to with like reference numerals.
  • the support surface 10 comprises channel shaped grooves 32 in a side facing the third wall 20, for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule 2 through the grooves 32.
  • the grooves 32 In between the grooves 32 are ridges 34.
  • the third wall 20 abutting against the support surface 10, hence, abuts against the ridges 34.
  • the prepared beverage can be drained from the capsule 2 through the third wall 20 into the channel shaped grooves 32. This provides improved outflow of the beverage out of the capsule 2.
  • the third wall 20 forms a sufficiently low flow Resistance for the beverage exiting the capsule 2, that the third wall 20 is not pressed agajnst the ridges 34 with sufficient force to tear against the ridges 34, so that the third wall 20 stays intact. It will be appreciated that the third wall 20 may deform against the ridges 34 under the influence of pressure of the fluid and/or beverage inside the inner space, but it will not rupture or tear.
  • Figs. 2a and 2b show plan views of embodiments of the support surface 10 of the receptacle 6.
  • the support surface 10 comprises a plurality of radially oriented grooves 32, radially separated by the ridges 34.
  • the radial grooves 32 communicate in the centre of the support surface 10.
  • a single outlet 28 for allowing the beverage to flow through the support surface, e.g. to the container 30 as indicated in Fig. Ib.
  • the support surface 10 comprises a plurality of mutually orthogonally oriented grooves 32.
  • the ridges 34 are formed by "islands" between the grooves 32.
  • the islands are substantially square, although other shapes are possible, such as rectangular, circular, triangular, elongate or droplet-shaped.
  • the ridges 34 form approximately 25% of the portion of the support surface 10 which, in use, coincides with the portion of the surface area of the third wall 20 overlying the second, open, end 22.
  • the third wall 20 is supported by the ridges 34 over approximately 25% of the portion the surface area of the third wall 20 overlying the second, open, end 22.
  • the third wall 20 is well supported, providing that the third wall does not tear or rupture when the fluid is supplied to the capsule 2 under pressure.
  • the ridges 34 comprise edges which are not sharp. Thus, the edges of the ridges will not cut the third wall.
  • a radius of curvature of the edges is approximately 5Qj ⁇ m, although other radii are conceivable, such as 100, 200 or 500 ⁇ m.> j
  • the ridges 34 ares provided with a convex top.
  • the surface area over which the third wall 20 is supported by the ridges 34 increases, thus reducing the local pressure exerted on the third wall 20 by the ridges 34.
  • convex ridges it is for instance possible that the islands shown in Fig. 2b are dome-shaped.
  • the support surface comprises a plurality of outlets 28.
  • the channel- shaped grooves 32 are possible. Such alternatives comprise concentric grooves, parallel grooves, one or more spiral-shaped grooves, combinations of these and/or the shown grooves, etc. It will also be appreciated that, in general, the support surface 10 may comprise one or a plurality of outlets 28. Figs. 3a-3d show embodiments of capsules 2 according to the invention.
  • the second wall 16 is integral with the circumferential first wall 14 like in Figs. Ia and Ib.
  • the second wall 16 comprises the plurality of entrance openings 26 in the second wall 16.
  • the third wall 20 is formed by a flexible foil 36, e.g. a polymeric foil, provided with a plurality of exit openings 38.
  • the capsule 2 comprises an outwardly extending rim 40 at the second end 22 of the circumferential first wall 14.
  • the third wall 20 is attached to the outwardly extending rim 40, e.g. by means of gluing, welding, heat sealing, or the like. Hence, the third wall can be firmly attached to the rim.
  • the outwardly extending rim 40 extends between the upper part 8 of the receptacle 6 and the support surface 10 of the receptacle 6, such that the rim 40 is clamped between the upper part 8 and the support surface 10.
  • the third wall 20 is clamped against the rim 40 in use, i.e. when the fluid pressure is applied, thus reducing the risk of the third wall 20 separating from the rim 40.
  • the third wall 20 is formed by the flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper, like in Figs. Ia and Ib.
  • the second wall 16 is also formed by a flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper.
  • the second wall 16 is attached to an inwardly extending flange 42.
  • the second wall 16 is attached to the inner side of the inwardly extending flange 42.
  • the third wall 20 is formed by the porous sheet, such as filter paper, like in Figs. Ia, Ib and 3b.
  • the second wall 16 is also formed by a porous sheet, such as filter paper.
  • the second wall 16 is attached to the outer side of the inwardly extending flange 42.
  • the risk is reduced that the fluid under pressure tears the second wall 16 from the inwardly extending flange 42.
  • the second wall 16 overhangs a circumferential edge of the capsule 2.
  • a larger surface area is available for attaching the second wall 16 to the inwardly extending rim 42 and the circumferential first wall 10, resulting in a stronger bond.
  • the third wall 20 is formed by the foil 36, e.g. a polymeric foil, provided with the plurality of exit openings 30, as in Fig. 3a.
  • the second wall 16 is also formed by a foil 44, provided with the plurality of entrance openings 26.
  • the third wall 20 is formed by a flexible sheet-shaped material. More specifically, in all embodiments of Figs. 3a-3d the entire third wall 20 is solely formed by the flexible sheet-shaped material. It has been found that in general no supporting structure, such as a substantially rigid grid e.g. downstream of the third wall, is required to support the third wall 20 to prevent the third wall from tearing an/or rupturing, as the capsule is arranged such that the third wall 20 abuts against the support surface 10 of the receptacle 6 of the apparatus 4 of the system 1. It Will be clear that all embodiments of the capsule 2, shown in Figs 3a-3d, may be used in conjunction with the support surface 10 having the channel-shaped grooves 32.
  • the second wall 16 is formed by a flexible sheet-shaped material. More specifically, in all embodiments of Figs. 3b-3d the second wall is solely formed by the flexible sheet-shaped material. It has been found that in general no supporting structure, such as a substantially rigid grid, e.g. downstream of the second wall, is required to support the second wall to prevent the second wall 16 from tearing an/or rupturing.
  • the third wall forms the outermost boundary of the capsule in the axial direction thereof.
  • the capsule 2 may comprise any second wall 16 according to any one of the shown embodiments in combination with any third wall 20 according to any one of the shown embodiments.
  • the rim near the second end 22 extends outwardly. It will be appreciated that the capsule 2 may alternatively, or additionally, comprise a rim extending inwardly near the second end 22 for attaching the third wall 20 thereto. In Figs. 3b-3d (and 5a and 5b) the rim near the first end 18 extends inwardly. It will be appreciated that the capsule 2 may alternatively, or additionally, comprise a rim extending outwardly near the first end 18 for attaching the second wall 16 thereto.
  • the exit openings 38 of the sheet, or pores of the porous sheet are dimensioned such that a dimension of the opening 38 or pore is sufficiently small to retain the extractable product, such as ground coffee, inside the capsule 2.
  • the. entrance openings 26 of the secpnd wall, or pores of the porous sheet are dimensioned such that a ⁇ imension of the opening 26 or pore is sufficiently sm s all to retain the extractable product, such as ground coffee, inside the capsule 2.
  • the entrance openings 26 are preferably distributed over substantially the entire surface of the second wall 16, at least substantially the entire surface of the opening defined by the inwardly extending rim 42.
  • entrance openings 26 are also present in the circumferential first wall 14, e.g. in the portion of the circumferential first wall 14 near the first end 18. This allows homogeneous supply of the fluid to the extractable product inside the capsule 2.
  • the exit openings 38 are preferably distributed over substantially the entire surface of the third wall, at least substantially the entire surface of the opening defined by the outwardly extending rim 40. This allows homogeneous draining of the beverage from the extractable product inside the capsule 2.
  • the entrance openings 26 and exit openings 38 have a circular cross section.
  • the openings 26,38 with circular cross section are easily manufactured.
  • the cross section of the entrance openings 26 tapers (narrows) towards the inner space 24. This provides the advantage that the entrance openings act as nozzles that cause a jet of fluid to enter the inner space 24.
  • the entrance openings 26 and/or exit openings 38 may also have alternative shapes.
  • the openings 26,38 may for instance have the shape of elongate slits.
  • the small dimension of the slits is sufficiently small to retain the extractable product inside the capsule 2.
  • the slits may have a shape that defines a tongue in the plane of the second wall 16.
  • the slits may then be substantially U-shaped, such as semi-circular, horse-shoe shaped, rectangular or V-shaped.
  • This has the advantage that the tongue may be bent out ofithe plane ofithe ⁇ second wall 16 under the effect of the flow of fluid through the opening; defined by the tongue.
  • a larger volume flow of fluid may be attained.
  • the second wall is made of a resilient material, the tongue will bend back into the plane of the second wall once the flow of fluid stops, thus preventing the spilling of extractable product (prior to and) after preparation of the beverage.
  • Fig. 4a shows an example of a further embodiment of a capsule 2 according to the invention.
  • Fig. 4a shows a modification of the capsule shown in Fig. 3a. It will be appreciated that this modification may be applied to any capsule 2 referred to hereinabove.
  • the capsule 2 further comprises a bottom seal 46.
  • the bottom seal 46 closes off the entrance openings 26 (or the porous sheet) prior to use.
  • the bottom seal 46 is at least partially removable connected to the second wall 16.
  • the bottom seal 46 comprises a lip 48 to allow easy removal of the bottom seal 46 by a user of the capsule 2.
  • the capsule 2 further comprises a lid seal 50.
  • the lid seal 50 closes off the exit openings 38 (or the porous sheet) prior to use.
  • the lid seal 50 is at least partially removable connected to the third wall 20.
  • 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 26,38 or porous sheet.
  • Figs. 4b and 4c shows an example of a plan view of a further embodiment of the capsule 2 when viewed from the side of the third wall.
  • the capsule comprises the lid seal 50.
  • the lid seal 50 is attached to the third wall 20 with a releasable seal 54.
  • the releasable seal forms a circumferential seal adjacent a circumferential edge of the third wall 20.
  • the releasable seal 54 is arranged to be released from the third wall 20 under the effect of fluid pressure in the inner space 24.
  • the releasable seal may e.g. be a peel-seal of predetermined release-strength. Hence, it is not required that the user removes the lid seal 50 from the capsule 2, as the seal is opened automatically while preparing the beverage.
  • the lid seal 50 is further attached to the third wall
  • the permanent connection may e.g. a glued or welded connection.
  • the permanent connection is positioned adjacent the centre of the third wall 20.
  • the permanent connection 56 is positioned adjacent the circumferential edge of the third wall 20.
  • the capsule 2 may in a similar way alternatively, or additionally be provided with the bottom seal 46, e.g. positioned on the inner side of the second wall 16, arranged to be released from the second wall 16 under the effect of pressure of fluid supplied to the capsule 2, and optionally provided with at least one permanent connection between the second wall and the bottom seal 46.
  • the bottom seal 46 may also be attached to the rim positioned near the first end 18, and/or to the circumferential first wall.
  • lid seal 50 and/or the bottom seal 46 may also be used in conjunction with alternative capsules, wherein the third wall does not form an outermost boundary of the capsule im the axial direction thereof, e.g. a capsule having an axially extending rim extending beyond the third wall.
  • the circumferential first wall 14 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 6.
  • the circumferential first wall 14 is preferably resilient, so that any possible deformation of the circumferential first wall will be reversed once the force causing the deformation is removed.
  • the capsule 2 may comprise stiffening ribs integral with the circumferential first wall 14. The stiffening ribs may extend from the first end 18 towards the second end 22. Alternatively, dr additionally, the stiffening ribs may extend in a circumferential direction.
  • the stiffening ribs may also be integral with the second wall 16.
  • the circumferential first wall is formed by a flexible sheet, preferably integral with the second wall.
  • substantially the entire capsule may be manufactured of the flexible sheet, reducing the amount of material required for providing the capsule.
  • at least one of the rims 40,42 may be substantially rigid to enhance ease of handling of the capsule.
  • circumferential first wall is substantially cylindrical. It will be appreciated that the capsule according to the invention is not limited to this shape.
  • the circumferential first wall may e.g. be frustoconical, hemispherical, or polygonal, such as hexagonal, octagonal, etc.
  • the extractable product in the inner space 24 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.
  • the tablets are stacked inside the inner space 24.
  • each tablet 58,60,62,64 spans substantially the entire ( cross section of the inner space 24 of the capsule 2.
  • a density, i.e. a degree of compaction, of the tablets is different for each of the tablets.
  • the density of the tablets 58,60,62,64 increases in the direction from the second wall 16 to the third wall 20.
  • Fig. 5b shows an example of a capsule 2 comprising a single tablet
  • the tablet 66 comprises bores 68 extending into the tablet 66 from the side of the tablet 66 facing the second wall 16 in the direction of the third wall 20.
  • the length of the bores 68 is shorter than the thickness of the tablet 66 in the direction along the bore 68.
  • 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 68 allow a predetermined penetration of the fluid into the tablet.
  • a preferred wetting of the compacted extractable product may be obtained.
  • 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 second wall 16 of the capsule is not strictly required, since the extractable product is not likely to spill from the capsule 2 prior to use.
  • the capsule 2 is contained in an airtight wrapping prior to use to improve shelf-life.
  • the capsule 2 is manufactured form biodegradable materials.
  • the third wall is a substantially homogeneous porous and/or perforate sheet. It is also possible that the porosity and/or perforation distribution is not homogeneous. It is for instance possible that only a portion of the third wall is porous. Thereto the porous sheet may e.g. be partially covered, coated or impregnated with a nonporous material. It is also possible that only a portion of the third wall is perforated. Such porous and/or perforate portion may e.g. be a central portion or a ring-shaped portion of the third wall. It is also possible that a first portion of the third wall is porous, whereas a second portion of the third wall is perforate.
  • the second wall is a substantially homogeneously porous and/or perforate. It is also possible that the porosity and/or perforation distribution is not homogeneous. It is for instance possible that only a portion of the second wall is porous. Thereto the porous material may e.g. be partially covered, coated or impregnated with a nonporous material. It is also possible that only a portion of the second wall is perforated. Such porous and/or perforate portion may e.g. be a central portion or a ring-shaped portion of the second wall. It is also possible that a first portion of the second wall is porous, whereas a second portion of the second wall is 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.

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système (1), sur un procédé et sur une capsule (2) pour préparer une quantité prédéterminée de boisson apte à la consommation à l'aide d'un produit pouvant être extrait. Le système (1) comprend une capsule échangeable (2), et un appareil (4) comprenant un dispositif de distribution de fluide (12) pour délivrer une quantité d'un fluide, tel que l'eau, sous une pression d'au moins six bars, à la capsule échangeable (2), et un réceptacle (6) pour supporter la capsule échangeable (2). La capsule échangeable (2) comprend une première paroi circonférentielle sensiblement rigide (14), une deuxième paroi (16) fermant la première paroi circonférentielle à une première extrémité (18), et une troisième paroi souple en forme de feuille perforée et/ou poreuse (20) fermant la première paroi circonférentielle à une seconde extrémité (22) opposée à la deuxième paroi. Les première, deuxième et troisième parois renferment un espace interne (24) comprenant le produit pouvant être extrait. Le dispositif de distribution de fluide (12) est agencé de façon à délivrer le fluide au produit pouvant être extrait à travers la deuxième paroi (16) pour former la boisson. Le réceptacle (6) comprend une surface de support (10), et la troisième paroi (20) est agencée de façon à buter contre la surface de support (10) pour évacuer la boisson préparée à partir de la capsule (2) à travers la troisième paroi (20) et à travers la surface de support (10).
EP08793833A 2008-08-08 2008-08-08 Système, procédé et capsule pour préparer une boisson Withdrawn EP2326223A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/NL2008/050541 WO2010016753A1 (fr) 2008-08-08 2008-08-08 Système, procédé et capsule pour préparer une boisson

Publications (1)

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EP2326223A1 true EP2326223A1 (fr) 2011-06-01

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EP (1) EP2326223A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010016753A1 (fr)

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ITBS20110129A1 (it) * 2011-09-26 2013-03-27 Capitani Srl Capsula per la produzione di una bevanda infusa
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