EP2832665A2 - Beverage cartridge - Google Patents
Beverage cartridge Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2832665A2 EP2832665A2 EP13185805.2A EP13185805A EP2832665A2 EP 2832665 A2 EP2832665 A2 EP 2832665A2 EP 13185805 A EP13185805 A EP 13185805A EP 2832665 A2 EP2832665 A2 EP 2832665A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- separating element
- container
- pod
- cartridge
- beverage
- 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- Withdrawn
Links
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 39
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 abstract description 16
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 235000021554 flavoured beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 5
- 239000006071 cream Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 235000019568 aromas Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000000284 extract Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003779 heat-resistant material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 235000006679 Mentha X verticillata Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002899 Mentha suaveolens Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000001636 Mentha x rotundifolia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000533293 Sesbania emerus Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000269722 Thea sinensis Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019219 chocolate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013365 dairy product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009738 saturating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007666 vacuum forming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
Definitions
- the invention relates to cartridges for preparing beverages and methods of manufacturing such cartridges.
- the substance is often held within a filter or pod which is secured within the cartridge.
- the pod is water-permeable, and may be made of a material which can be torn by the piercing elements that create the entrance and exit points. There is also a risk of damage to the pod due to high pressures within the cartridge.
- a cartridge for the preparation of beverages comprising a container for defining an interior space, a separating element for defining two portions of the interior space, one or more supporting elements for positioning the separating element in a desired location, and a pod for containing the substance from which the beverage is to be extracted.
- the separating element is constructed to allow fluid communication between the first and second portions of the interior space.
- the pod is disposed on the separating element.
- the separating element is formed separately from the container and disposed within the container as an unaffixed piece. Similarly, the pod is supported only by the separating element. It is believed that this may reduce manufacturing costs, since the pod and separating element will remain in place without any fasteners or adhesives. Thus, steps of affixing the pod and the separating element to the container are not required.
- Figure 1 is a front view of the cartridge and its components.
- Figure 2 is a front view of the container.
- Figure 3 is a front view of a different embodiment of the cartridge.
- Figure 4 is a front view of one embodiment of the separating element.
- Figure 5 is a top view of one embodiment of the separating element.
- Figure 6 is a top view of another embodiment of the separating element.
- Figure 8 is a front/top perspective view of another embodiment of the separating element.
- Figure 9 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the cartridge and its components.
- Figure 10 is a front/top perspective view of another embodiment of the separating element.
- Figure 11 is a front view of another embodiment of the container.
- Figure 12 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the cartridge and its components.
- Figure 13 is a front view of another embodiment of a cartridge.
- the word "form” and any of its derivatives, including but not limited to the words “formed” and “forming”, are defined to mean any method or any step of a method of creating an article.
- “form” includes, but is not limited to, injection moulding, deep drawing, punching, compression forming, vacuum forming, heat sealing, and ultrasonic welding.
- the method may furthermore comprise multiple steps, such as in the case that a first component of an article is manufactured, and a second manufactured component is then affixed to the first component.
- the cartridge comprises a container 110, a separating element 120, one or more supporting elements 130, and a pod 140 containing a powder, grounds, or other substance from which the beverage may be extracted, such as ground coffee beans or tea leaves, for example.
- the pod 140 can include a filter, sachet, or other bag that is permeable to fluids while retaining the substance (from which the beverage may be extracted) within it.
- a beverage additive may be disposed loosely, or in a second pod, between the separating element 120 and the bottom surface 112 within the second portion 116.
- the beverage additive may, for example, be a powdered cream or milk, or cream or milk replacement, non-dairy cream, foam cream, sugar, chocolate, essence, mint powder, or other foods or substances.
- the beverage additive may be added to enhance the flavour, nutrients, appearance and/or aroma of the resulting beverage.
- the cartridge 100 is placed in a machine which injects a liquid into the first portion 115 of the interior space 114 by means of an inlet.
- the inlet can be formed by a piercing element of the machine which can also inject the liquid.
- the liquid extracts the desired aromas and flavours from the substance.
- the resulting flavoured beverage is communicated by the separating element 120 and into the second portion 116 of the interior space 114 by the pressure, gravity and/or other motive force.
- a beverage additive has been disposed between the separating element 120 and the bottom surface 112, the flavoured beverage mixes with the beverage additive.
- the flavoured beverage then exits the cartridge 100 by an outlet, which can also be formed by a piercing element.
- the flavoured beverage may then pass into a beverage receptacle for consumption.
- the lid 113 is piercable to form an inlet, which may be created by a first piercing tool 200, to accommodate the inflow of a liquid, such as water.
- a liquid such as water.
- one or more side walls 111 along the first portion 115 may be pierced using a first side piercing tool 202 to form the inlet.
- the bottom surface 112 is piercable to form an outlet, which may be created by a second piercing tool 300, to accommodate the outflow of the beverage.
- a second piercing tool 300 to accommodate the outflow of the beverage.
- one or more side walls 111 along the second portion 116 may be pierced using a second side piercing tool 302 to form the outlet.
- FIGS 4 , 5 , and 6 show embodiments of the separating element 120.
- the separating element 120 comprises a first surface 121 sufficient to support the pod in the first portion 115 of the interior space 114.
- the separating element 120 extends toward the side walls 111, though not necessarily a snug fit along the side walls 111, as will be explained below.
- the first surface 121 of the separating element 120 is generally shaped as a substantially planar surface to support the pod, while a second surface 122 on the opposing face of the separating element facing the second portion 115 of the interior space 114 need not have any specific shape as it does not need to support the pod.
- the separating element 120 permits fluid communication from the first portion 115 to the second portion 116 of the interior space 114.
- drainage passages 123 extend from the first surface 121 to the second surface 122, permitting fluid communication from the first portion 115 to the second portion 116 of the interior space 114.
- fluid communication is achieved by forming the separating element 120 from a water permeable material.
- fluid communication is achieved by forming the separating element 120 such that it is not a snug fit along all of the side walls 111 (such that its widest dimension is smaller than the adjacent dimension of the side walls of the container), thereby permitting fluid to pass between an edge of the separating element 120 and the one or more side walls 111.
- the separating element elevates the pod so as to prevent damage to the pod due to contact with the piercing tool 300. Additionally, the first surface 121 of the separating element 120 supports the pod 140 which may assist to prevent tearing under the pressure of the injected liquid.
- the separating element 120 comprises a plurality of concentric rings, joined by one or more spokes which extend radially from the centre of the rings toward the outermost ring, with the drainage passages 123 being the gaps between said rings.
- the separating element comprises two concentric rings joined by one or more spokes, the rings being separated by a distance greater than the width of a widest ring. It should be understood that individual spokes need not extend from the centre of the rings toward the outermost rings, but could instead by replaced by a set of discontinuous spokes joining the rings together in any way. It should also be understood that either the spokes or rings could be omitted to provide a non-unitary separating element, though such an embodiment may be more complex and costly.
- the supporting elements 130 may be independent of the separating element 120 and/or cartridge 100, or they may be integral components of another element of the cartridge 100.
- the supporting elements 130 may be formed with the separating element 120 or with the one or more side walls 111 of the container 110.
- a second separating element 220 is connected to the ends of the supporting elements 130 opposite the separating element 120.
- the second separating element 220 permits fluid communication from the second portion 116 to a beverage receptacle via an outlet formed by a piercing element.
- the second separating element 220 has the same shape, structure, and drainage passage pattern as the separating element 120, which in this example, comprises a plurality of concentric rings and radial spokes, and drainage passages 123. It will be appreciated that the second separating element 220 may comprise of a different shape, structure, and/or drainage passage pattern than the separating element 120.
- the second separating element 220 can facilitate the placement of a combined structure of the separating element 120, supporting elements 130 and second separating element 220 within the container 110, without having to specifically align the free ends of the supporting elements 130 to abut the bottom surface 112 of the container 110 such that the supporting element 120 is spaced apart from the bottom surface 112 of the container 110 (as shown in Figure 7 ).
- either separating element 120 or 220 can be aligned to abut the bottom surface 112 of the container 110, resulting in the other separating element to be spaced apart from the bottom surface 112 to support the pod 140.
- the second piercing tool 300 can be aligned with the drainage passages 123 of the separating element abutting the bottom surface 112, so as to not pierce through the separating element.
- the piercing tool 300 can pierce through the separating element abutting the bottom surface 112 when forming an outlet to the container 110.
- the outlet can be formed along the side walls 111 using the second side piercing tool 302.
- the supporting elements 130 may be independent of the separating elements 120 and 220, or they may be integral components of the separating element 120 and/or the second separating element 220.
- the supporting elements 130 may be a set of a least three members formed integrally with the separating element 120, extending from the second surface 122 of the separating element 120 at one end to a surface of the second separating element 220 at its other end.
- FIG. 10 illustrates an example spacer 300 comprising a plurality of walls 310 interconnected with one or more other walls 310.
- the spacer 300 comprises six walls 310 connected at its centre to form a six-spoke star-shape.
- the supporting elements 330 comprise the walls 310
- the separating element 320 comprises the first surface 321 formed by the top traverse edges of the walls 310
- the second separating element 420 comprises the second surface 422 formed by the bottom traverse edges of the walls 310.
- the separating element 320 or second separating element 420 can be aligned to abut the bottom surface 112 of the container 110, with the other separating element supporting a pod 140.
- the pod 140 when supported by the separating element 320 or second separating element 420, is spaced apart from the bottom surface 112 by the height of the walls 310.
- the interstitial spaces or gaps defined by adjacent walls 310 serve as drainage passages 323 for enabling fluid communication between the first surface 321 and the second surface 422.
- the number of walls 310 can differ from that shown in Figure 10 (e.g.
- the walls 310 can be connected in other configurations to form different cross-sectional shapes of the spacer 300.
- One or more walls 310 may also have different thicknesses from other walls 310 and/or be non-uniform along a single wall 310. It will also be appreciated that the walls 310 can be integrally formed, or individual formed and then attached to other walls 310.
- the supporting element 830 is formed integrally with the container 810.
- the supporting element 830 may comprise one or more steps, ledges or protrusions protruding inwardly within the interior space 814, in the one or more side walls 811 of the container 810, producing a container within which the smallest diameter of the first portion 815 is greater than the largest diameter of the second portion 816.
- the separating element 820 which may be a disc, has a diameter equal to or slightly smaller than the smallest diameter of the first portion 815 of the container 810 and larger than the largest diameter of the second portion 816 of the container 810, thereby enabling the separating element 820 to rest on the step between the first and second portions.
- the container 110 may be formed, typically, by deep drawing or injection moulding, of a heat resistant material which is impervious to water.
- the container may be formed in two steps.
- the side walls 111 and the bottom surface 112 may be formed as a continuous piece, and the lid 113 may later be attached after the separating element 120 and pod have been inserted into the portion of the container comprising the side walls 111 and the bottom surface 112.
- the separating element 120 may be formed separately from the container, and of a heat resistant material which is impervious to water.
- the material is also sufficiently rigid to maintain a substantially parallel relationship among the major surfaces 121 and 122 of the separating element 120, the lid 113, and the bottom surface 112 of the container 110, while supporting the weight of both the liquid contained within the first portion 115 of the interior space 114 and the saturated pod 140, as well as the pressure from the injected liquid. That is, the separating element 120 should not deform under the pressure commonly experienced within the container 110, but should maintain a consistent relationship between the sides of the first and second portions 115 and 116 of the container 110, thereby preventing contact with the second piercing tool 300.
- the separating element 120 may be positioned on the supporting elements 130 within the container 110.
- the lid 113 may be punched from a piercable material and heat sealed or otherwise adhered to the upper edge of the one or more side walls 111 of the container 110.
- the cartridge 100 is hence manufactured by providing the separating element 120, providing the pod 140, placing the pod 140 on a major surface 121 or 122 of the separating element 120, and forming the container 110 around the separating element 120 and the pod 140.
- the container 110 is initially only partially formed.
- the lid 113 may be left unattached.
- a beverage additive may be placed on the bottom surface 112 of the container 110.
- the separating element 120 is placed within the partially formed container 110, over the beverage additive if present.
- the pod 140 is placed upon the separating element.
- the container is then completed by attaching the lid 113 to the side walls 111 thereby enclosing the separating element and the pod.
- the cartridge 100 is positioned in a beverage making machine, such as a single serving coffee brewer.
- the machine includes at least two piercing tools 200 and 300, which are directed towards the cartridge 100, and operated to create at least one inlet and at least one outlet in the container 110, in such a way as to provide access to both the first and second portions 111 and 112.
- the cartridge 100 is placed with the machine so that the lid of the cartridge is above the bottom surface of the cartridge, enabling the liquid to flow from the inlet to the outlet by a force at least partially due to gravity.
- the pod 140 is supported in an advantageous position by the separating element 120, such that neither the first piercing tool 200 or the second piercing tool 300 contacts the pod 140.
- a liquid water for example, is injected into the first portion 115 of the interior space 114 through an inlet created by the first piercing tool 200.
- the water passes through the pod 140 under high pressure and at high velocity, saturating the contents and extracting the aroma and flavour of the contents. Since the pod 140 is supported by the separating element 120, it is believed that the pod 140 will not tear due to the force of the injected liquid or the force applied on the pod by its own increased weight when saturated.
- the resulting beverage flows by gravity or another motive force through the drainage passages 123 of the separating element 120, into the second portion 116 of the container 110. If a beverage additive has been disposed between the separating element 120 and the bottom surface 112, the flavoured beverage mixes with the beverage additive. Finally, the beverage additive flows out of the outlet created by the second piercing tool 300. The beverage may then pass into a beverage collector of some form.
- a cartridge 900 is shown in Figure 13 , comprising a container 110 that does not contain any separating elements or supporting elements to support a pod 140, such that the pod 140 can abut and lie on the bottom surface 112 of the container 110.
- the absence of separating elements and supporting elements may simplify the manufacturing process and/or costs to make the cartridge 900.
- at least a portion of the outer surface of the pod 140 may be made from material of sufficient resistance to tearing or piercing by a piercing tool (e.g. second piercing tool 300 shown in Figure 1 ).
- a piercing tool e.g. second piercing tool 300 shown in Figure 1
- only the portion of the pod 140 facing the bottom surface 112 of the container is made of material resistant to being pierced by the piercing tool.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to cartridges for preparing beverages and methods of manufacturing such cartridges.
- It is known to prepare beverages by the use of cartridges by piercing the cartridge at entrance and exit points to allow passage of a liquid through a substance contained within the cartridge. While passing through the substance under pressure, the liquid extracts the desired aromas and flavours.
- The substance is often held within a filter or pod which is secured within the cartridge. The pod is water-permeable, and may be made of a material which can be torn by the piercing elements that create the entrance and exit points. There is also a risk of damage to the pod due to high pressures within the cartridge.
- There are proposals that separate the pod from the portions of the container that are pierced. However, some such proposals can require high manufacturing costs.
- It is an object of the invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the disadvantages described above.
- According to one aspect of the invention, a cartridge for the preparation of beverages is provided, wherein the cartridge comprises a container for defining an interior space, a separating element for defining two portions of the interior space, one or more supporting elements for positioning the separating element in a desired location, and a pod for containing the substance from which the beverage is to be extracted. The separating element is constructed to allow fluid communication between the first and second portions of the interior space. The pod is disposed on the separating element.
- The separating element is formed separately from the container and disposed within the container as an unaffixed piece. Similarly, the pod is supported only by the separating element. It is believed that this may reduce manufacturing costs, since the pod and separating element will remain in place without any fasteners or adhesives. Thus, steps of affixing the pod and the separating element to the container are not required.
- Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
Figure 1 is a front view of the cartridge and its components. -
Figure 2 is a front view of the container. -
Figure 3 is a front view of a different embodiment of the cartridge. -
Figure 4 is a front view of one embodiment of the separating element. -
Figure 5 is a top view of one embodiment of the separating element. -
Figure 6 is a top view of another embodiment of the separating element. -
Figure 7 is an exploded view of the cartridge and its components. -
Figure 8 is a front/top perspective view of another embodiment of the separating element. -
Figure 9 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the cartridge and its components. -
Figure 10 is a front/top perspective view of another embodiment of the separating element. -
Figure 11 is a front view of another embodiment of the container. -
Figure 12 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the cartridge and its components. -
Figure 13 is a front view of another embodiment of a cartridge. - For the purpose of the discussion of the present invention, the word "form" and any of its derivatives, including but not limited to the words "formed" and "forming", are defined to mean any method or any step of a method of creating an article. For example, "form" includes, but is not limited to, injection moulding, deep drawing, punching, compression forming, vacuum forming, heat sealing, and ultrasonic welding. The method may furthermore comprise multiple steps, such as in the case that a first component of an article is manufactured, and a second manufactured component is then affixed to the first component.
- Additionally, the phrase "formed around" may include any method of manufacturing which results in an article comprising a first component contained within a second component. That is, "formed around" includes, but is not limited to, the following processes: the process of forming a first element, forming a first component of a second element, disposing the first element within the first component of the second element, forming a second component of the second element, and affixing the second component to the first component; the process of suspending a first element within a medium, moulding a second element around the medium, and removing the medium from within the second element; and the process of forming a fully enclosed first element, opening the first element, placing a second element into one portion of the first element, and closing the first element.
- Referring to
Figures 1 and2 , there is shown acartridge 100 for preparing a beverage. The cartridge comprises acontainer 110, aseparating element 120, one or more supportingelements 130, and apod 140 containing a powder, grounds, or other substance from which the beverage may be extracted, such as ground coffee beans or tea leaves, for example. Thepod 140 can include a filter, sachet, or other bag that is permeable to fluids while retaining the substance (from which the beverage may be extracted) within it. - The
container 110 comprises one ormore side walls 111 extending between alid 113 at a first end and abottom surface 112 at a second opposing end, defining aninterior space 114. The separatingelement 120 separates theinterior space 114 into afirst portion 115 and asecond portion 116 while permitting fluid communication between thefirst portion 115 andsecond portion 116. Thepod 140 is disposed on theseparating element 120, and thereby maintains its position in thefirst portion 115 of theinterior space 114. There may be no requirement of a fastening means to fasten thepod 140 to the separatingelement 120 or thecontainer 110, particularly as it may rest upon the separatingelement 120 when thecartridge 100 is in use. Optionally, a beverage additive may be disposed loosely, or in a second pod, between theseparating element 120 and thebottom surface 112 within thesecond portion 116. The beverage additive, may, for example, be a powdered cream or milk, or cream or milk replacement, non-dairy cream, foam cream, sugar, chocolate, essence, mint powder, or other foods or substances. The beverage additive may be added to enhance the flavour, nutrients, appearance and/or aroma of the resulting beverage. - In use, the
cartridge 100 is placed in a machine which injects a liquid into thefirst portion 115 of theinterior space 114 by means of an inlet. The inlet can be formed by a piercing element of the machine which can also inject the liquid. While passing, under pressure, through thepod 140, the liquid extracts the desired aromas and flavours from the substance. The resulting flavoured beverage is communicated by the separatingelement 120 and into thesecond portion 116 of theinterior space 114 by the pressure, gravity and/or other motive force. If a beverage additive has been disposed between the separatingelement 120 and thebottom surface 112, the flavoured beverage mixes with the beverage additive. The flavoured beverage then exits thecartridge 100 by an outlet, which can also be formed by a piercing element. The flavoured beverage may then pass into a beverage receptacle for consumption. - For injecting the liquid, in one embodiment, the
lid 113 is piercable to form an inlet, which may be created by afirst piercing tool 200, to accommodate the inflow of a liquid, such as water. In another embodiment, as shown inFigure 3 , one ormore side walls 111 along thefirst portion 115 may be pierced using a firstside piercing tool 202 to form the inlet. - For extracting the liquid, in one embodiment, the
bottom surface 112 is piercable to form an outlet, which may be created by asecond piercing tool 300, to accommodate the outflow of the beverage. In another embodiment, as shown inFigure 3 , one ormore side walls 111 along thesecond portion 116 may be pierced using a secondside piercing tool 302 to form the outlet. -
Figures 4 ,5 , and6 show embodiments of theseparating element 120. The separatingelement 120 comprises afirst surface 121 sufficient to support the pod in thefirst portion 115 of theinterior space 114. Generally, theseparating element 120 extends toward theside walls 111, though not necessarily a snug fit along theside walls 111, as will be explained below. - The
first surface 121 of theseparating element 120 is generally shaped as a substantially planar surface to support the pod, while asecond surface 122 on the opposing face of the separating element facing thesecond portion 115 of theinterior space 114 need not have any specific shape as it does not need to support the pod. - The separating
element 120 permits fluid communication from thefirst portion 115 to thesecond portion 116 of theinterior space 114. In one embodiment,drainage passages 123 extend from thefirst surface 121 to thesecond surface 122, permitting fluid communication from thefirst portion 115 to thesecond portion 116 of theinterior space 114. In another embodiment, fluid communication is achieved by forming the separatingelement 120 from a water permeable material. In yet another embodiment, fluid communication is achieved by forming the separatingelement 120 such that it is not a snug fit along all of the side walls 111 (such that its widest dimension is smaller than the adjacent dimension of the side walls of the container), thereby permitting fluid to pass between an edge of the separatingelement 120 and the one ormore side walls 111. - The separating element elevates the pod so as to prevent damage to the pod due to contact with the piercing
tool 300. Additionally, thefirst surface 121 of the separatingelement 120 supports thepod 140 which may assist to prevent tearing under the pressure of the injected liquid. - In one embodiment shown in
Figure 6 , the separatingelement 120 comprises a plurality of concentric rings, joined by one or more spokes which extend radially from the centre of the rings toward the outermost ring, with thedrainage passages 123 being the gaps between said rings. In a preferred embodiment, the separating element comprises two concentric rings joined by one or more spokes, the rings being separated by a distance greater than the width of a widest ring. It should be understood that individual spokes need not extend from the centre of the rings toward the outermost rings, but could instead by replaced by a set of discontinuous spokes joining the rings together in any way. It should also be understood that either the spokes or rings could be omitted to provide a non-unitary separating element, though such an embodiment may be more complex and costly. - Referring back to
Figure 4 , the supportingelements 130 may be independent of the separatingelement 120 and/orcartridge 100, or they may be integral components of another element of thecartridge 100. For example, the supportingelements 130 may be formed with the separatingelement 120 or with the one ormore side walls 111 of thecontainer 110. - In a preferred embodiment, the supporting
elements 130 are a set of at least three members integral with the separatingelement 120, extending from thesecond surface 122 of the separatingelement 120 toward thebottom wall 112. Theintegrated separating element 120 and supportingelements 130 are placed within the container, as shown inFigure 7 , resulting in the free ends of the supporting elements being aligned to abut thebottom surface 112 of thecontainer 110, as shown inFigure 1 . The length of the supportingelements 130 determines the elevation of the separating element, and thereby also the distance that the pod is separated from the piercingtool 300. The supporting elements are of a length that they provide sufficient distance between piercingtool 300 and the separating element without moving the pod into near proximity with thefirst piercing tool 200. - In another embodiment, as shown in
Figures 8 and9 , asecond separating element 220 is connected to the ends of the supportingelements 130 opposite the separatingelement 120. Thesecond separating element 220 permits fluid communication from thesecond portion 116 to a beverage receptacle via an outlet formed by a piercing element. In the example ofFigure 8 , thesecond separating element 220 has the same shape, structure, and drainage passage pattern as the separatingelement 120, which in this example, comprises a plurality of concentric rings and radial spokes, anddrainage passages 123. It will be appreciated that thesecond separating element 220 may comprise of a different shape, structure, and/or drainage passage pattern than the separatingelement 120. - The
second separating element 220 can facilitate the placement of a combined structure of the separatingelement 120, supportingelements 130 andsecond separating element 220 within thecontainer 110, without having to specifically align the free ends of the supportingelements 130 to abut thebottom surface 112 of thecontainer 110 such that the supportingelement 120 is spaced apart from thebottom surface 112 of the container 110 (as shown inFigure 7 ). In the example ofFigure 9 , either separatingelement bottom surface 112 of thecontainer 110, resulting in the other separating element to be spaced apart from thebottom surface 112 to support thepod 140. It will be appreciated that thesecond separating element 220 can perform the function of the separatingelement 120 to support thepod 140, when the separatingelement 120 is aligned to abut thebottom surface 112 of the container, resulting in thesecond separating element 220 to be spaced apart from thebottom surface 112 by supportingelements 130. - In an embodiment, the
second piercing tool 300 can be aligned with thedrainage passages 123 of the separating element abutting thebottom surface 112, so as to not pierce through the separating element. In another embodiment, the piercingtool 300 can pierce through the separating element abutting thebottom surface 112 when forming an outlet to thecontainer 110. In another embodiment, the outlet can be formed along theside walls 111 using the secondside piercing tool 302. - Referring back to
Figure 8 , the supportingelements 130 may be independent of the separatingelements element 120 and/or thesecond separating element 220. For example, the supportingelements 130 may be a set of a least three members formed integrally with the separatingelement 120, extending from thesecond surface 122 of the separatingelement 120 at one end to a surface of thesecond separating element 220 at its other end. - Referring to
Figure 10 , another embodiment of a separatingelement 320, supportingelements 330 andsecond separating element 420 is shown.Figure 10 illustrates anexample spacer 300 comprising a plurality ofwalls 310 interconnected with one or moreother walls 310. In this example, thespacer 300 comprises sixwalls 310 connected at its centre to form a six-spoke star-shape. The supportingelements 330 comprise thewalls 310, the separatingelement 320 comprises thefirst surface 321 formed by the top traverse edges of thewalls 310, and thesecond separating element 420 comprises thesecond surface 422 formed by the bottom traverse edges of thewalls 310. - When the
spacer 300 is placed within thecontainer 110, the separatingelement 320 orsecond separating element 420 can be aligned to abut thebottom surface 112 of thecontainer 110, with the other separating element supporting apod 140. Thepod 140, when supported by the separatingelement 320 orsecond separating element 420, is spaced apart from thebottom surface 112 by the height of thewalls 310. The interstitial spaces or gaps defined byadjacent walls 310 serve asdrainage passages 323 for enabling fluid communication between thefirst surface 321 and thesecond surface 422. In another example, it will be appreciated that the number ofwalls 310 can differ from that shown inFigure 10 (e.g. threewalls 310 forming a three-spoke star-shaped spacer), and thewalls 310 can be connected in other configurations to form different cross-sectional shapes of thespacer 300. One ormore walls 310 may also have different thicknesses fromother walls 310 and/or be non-uniform along asingle wall 310. It will also be appreciated that thewalls 310 can be integrally formed, or individual formed and then attached toother walls 310. - In another embodiment, as shown in
Figures 11 and12 , the supportingelement 830 is formed integrally with thecontainer 810. The supportingelement 830 may comprise one or more steps, ledges or protrusions protruding inwardly within theinterior space 814, in the one ormore side walls 811 of thecontainer 810, producing a container within which the smallest diameter of thefirst portion 815 is greater than the largest diameter of thesecond portion 816. The separatingelement 820, which may be a disc, has a diameter equal to or slightly smaller than the smallest diameter of thefirst portion 815 of thecontainer 810 and larger than the largest diameter of thesecond portion 816 of thecontainer 810, thereby enabling the separatingelement 820 to rest on the step between the first and second portions. - The
container 110 may be formed, typically, by deep drawing or injection moulding, of a heat resistant material which is impervious to water. In one embodiment, the container may be formed in two steps. Theside walls 111 and thebottom surface 112 may be formed as a continuous piece, and thelid 113 may later be attached after the separatingelement 120 and pod have been inserted into the portion of the container comprising theside walls 111 and thebottom surface 112. - The separating
element 120 may be formed separately from the container, and of a heat resistant material which is impervious to water. Preferably, the material is also sufficiently rigid to maintain a substantially parallel relationship among themajor surfaces element 120, thelid 113, and thebottom surface 112 of thecontainer 110, while supporting the weight of both the liquid contained within thefirst portion 115 of theinterior space 114 and the saturatedpod 140, as well as the pressure from the injected liquid. That is, the separatingelement 120 should not deform under the pressure commonly experienced within thecontainer 110, but should maintain a consistent relationship between the sides of the first andsecond portions container 110, thereby preventing contact with thesecond piercing tool 300. The separatingelement 120 may be positioned on the supportingelements 130 within thecontainer 110. - The
lid 113 may be punched from a piercable material and heat sealed or otherwise adhered to the upper edge of the one ormore side walls 111 of thecontainer 110. - The
cartridge 100 is hence manufactured by providing the separatingelement 120, providing thepod 140, placing thepod 140 on amajor surface element 120, and forming thecontainer 110 around the separatingelement 120 and thepod 140. - In a preferred embodiment, the
container 110 is initially only partially formed. For example, thelid 113 may be left unattached. A beverage additive may be placed on thebottom surface 112 of thecontainer 110. The separatingelement 120 is placed within the partially formedcontainer 110, over the beverage additive if present. Thepod 140 is placed upon the separating element. The container is then completed by attaching thelid 113 to theside walls 111 thereby enclosing the separating element and the pod. - In use, the
cartridge 100 is positioned in a beverage making machine, such as a single serving coffee brewer. The machine includes at least two piercingtools cartridge 100, and operated to create at least one inlet and at least one outlet in thecontainer 110, in such a way as to provide access to both the first andsecond portions cartridge 100 is placed with the machine so that the lid of the cartridge is above the bottom surface of the cartridge, enabling the liquid to flow from the inlet to the outlet by a force at least partially due to gravity. - The
pod 140 is supported in an advantageous position by the separatingelement 120, such that neither thefirst piercing tool 200 or thesecond piercing tool 300 contacts thepod 140. A liquid, water for example, is injected into thefirst portion 115 of theinterior space 114 through an inlet created by thefirst piercing tool 200. The water passes through thepod 140 under high pressure and at high velocity, saturating the contents and extracting the aroma and flavour of the contents. Since thepod 140 is supported by the separatingelement 120, it is believed that thepod 140 will not tear due to the force of the injected liquid or the force applied on the pod by its own increased weight when saturated. The resulting beverage flows by gravity or another motive force through thedrainage passages 123 of the separatingelement 120, into thesecond portion 116 of thecontainer 110. If a beverage additive has been disposed between the separatingelement 120 and thebottom surface 112, the flavoured beverage mixes with the beverage additive. Finally, the beverage additive flows out of the outlet created by thesecond piercing tool 300. The beverage may then pass into a beverage collector of some form. - In another embodiment, a
cartridge 900 is shown inFigure 13 , comprising acontainer 110 that does not contain any separating elements or supporting elements to support apod 140, such that thepod 140 can abut and lie on thebottom surface 112 of thecontainer 110. The absence of separating elements and supporting elements may simplify the manufacturing process and/or costs to make thecartridge 900. In an example, at least a portion of the outer surface of thepod 140 may be made from material of sufficient resistance to tearing or piercing by a piercing tool (e.g. second piercingtool 300 shown inFigure 1 ). In another example, only the portion of thepod 140 facing thebottom surface 112 of the container is made of material resistant to being pierced by the piercing tool. - Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention.
Claims (20)
- A cartridge for preparing a beverage, the cartridge comprising:a container comprising one or more side walls extending between a lid at one end and a bottom surface at a second opposing end defining an interior space;a separately formed separating element for separating the interior space into first and second portions, the separating element being supported within the container by one or more supporting elements and constructed to permit fluid communication between the first and second portions; anda pod constructed of a fluid-permeable material for containing a substance from which a beverage can be extracted.
- The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the separating element comprises drainage passages.
- The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the separating element comprises a plurality of concentric rings, joined by one or more spokes.
- The cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the separating element comprises two concentric rings joined by one or more spokes, the rings being separated by a distance greater than the width of a widest ring.
- The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the supporting elements are independent elements.
- The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the supporting elements are an integral part of the container.
- The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the supporting elements are an integral part of the separating element.
- The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the supporting elements comprise one or more members extending from a surface of the separating element.
- The cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the separating element is at one end of the one or more supporting elements and the cartridge further comprises a second separating element connected to the other end of the one or more supporting elements opposite the separating element.
- The cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the one or more supporting elements comprise a plurality of interconnected walls, the separating element comprises first traverse edges of the plurality of walls and the second separating element comprises second traverse edges of the plurality of walls.
- The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pod is disposed within the first portion.
- The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11 further comprising a beverage additive disposed in the second portion.
- The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lid is formed separately from and affixed to the remainder of the container.
- The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein one or more of the lid, the bottom surface and the one or more side walls is piercable to allow insertion of one or more piercing tools.
- A kit for constructing a cartridge for preparing a beverage, the kit comprising:a container comprising one or more continuous side walls and a bottom surface; anda separately formed separating element for separating the container into a first and second portion, the separating element being supportable within the container by one or more supporting elements and constructed to permit fluid communication between the first and second portions of the container.
- A method of manufacturing a cartridge for preparing a beverage, the method comprising:providing a separating element;providing a pod for containing a substance from which a beverage can be extracted;placing the pod on a surface of the separating element;forming a container around the separating element and the pod, the container comprising one or more side walls extending between a bottom surface and a lid.
- The method of claim 16, wherein forming a container around the separating element and the pod comprises:forming a first section of the container;placing the separating element and the pod within the first section of the container;forming a second section of the container; andaffixing the second section of the container to the first section of the container.
- The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the first section comprises the one or more side walls and the bottom surface, and the second section comprises the lid.
- The method of any one of claims 16 to 18 further comprising disposing a beverage additive within the container between the bottom surface and the separating element.
- A cartridge for preparing a beverage, the cartridge comprising:a container comprising one or more side walls extending between a lid at one end and a bottom surface at a second opposing end defining an interior space; anda pod disposed in the interior space, the pod constructed of a fluid-permeable material for containing a substance from which a beverage can be extracted, a portion of the pod being adjacent to the bottom surface.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2822791A CA2822791C (en) | 2012-08-03 | 2013-08-02 | Beverage cartridge with separating elements |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2832665A2 true EP2832665A2 (en) | 2015-02-04 |
EP2832665A3 EP2832665A3 (en) | 2015-04-22 |
Family
ID=49230621
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20130185805 Withdrawn EP2832665A3 (en) | 2013-08-02 | 2013-09-24 | Beverage cartridge |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2832665A3 (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2006030461A1 (en) * | 2004-09-17 | 2006-03-23 | Tuttoespresso S.P.A. | Disposable capsule for drinks |
GB2480829B (en) * | 2010-06-01 | 2013-04-17 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Beverage cartridge |
ITVR20120044A1 (en) * | 2012-03-14 | 2013-09-15 | Coffee Star S A | DRINK PRODUCTION SYSTEM |
US10450130B2 (en) * | 2012-09-12 | 2019-10-22 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridges, systems and methods for preparation of beverages |
-
2013
- 2013-09-24 EP EP20130185805 patent/EP2832665A3/en not_active Withdrawn
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2832665A3 (en) | 2015-04-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9809379B2 (en) | Beverage cartridge | |
US20140106036A1 (en) | Beverage cartridge | |
KR102090595B1 (en) | Beverage cartridge | |
CN103228188B (en) | For preparing the capsule of beverage in beverage production device | |
US8263148B2 (en) | Capsule for preparation of a beverage with a delivery wall forming a confined flowpath | |
EP2667758B1 (en) | Capsule and method for the preparation of a beverage by centrifugation | |
EP2646347B1 (en) | Capsule and method for the preparation of a beverage by centrifugation | |
US20140174300A1 (en) | Beverage filter assembly | |
EP2895404B1 (en) | Cartridge, system and method for preparation of beverages | |
EP3085642A2 (en) | Beverage cartridge | |
CN107406189A (en) | For preparing brewed or soluble beverage capsule | |
JP2010501305A (en) | Capsules for beverage preparation | |
AU2006301370A1 (en) | Capsule for the preparation of a beverage | |
JP2016507263A (en) | Capsules for preparing drinks | |
CN105263823A (en) | Coffee pad for use in a coffee machine | |
EP3568362B1 (en) | Cartridge and machine for multi-component beverage preparation | |
EP3145839B1 (en) | Capsule containing a substance in powder form for the preparation of beverages, such as coffee and a method for preparing a beverage | |
EP2832665A2 (en) | Beverage cartridge | |
CA2837580C (en) | Beverage cartridge | |
KR20220012887A (en) | Capsule system mountable within cartridges for beverage machines |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20130924 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: B65D 85/804 20060101AFI20150319BHEP |
|
R17P | Request for examination filed (corrected) |
Effective date: 20151022 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20160311 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20161117 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20170328 |