EP3142944A2

EP3142944A2 - Beverage capsule

Info

Publication number: EP3142944A2
Application number: EP15730694.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Fallon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-16
Filing date: 2015-05-14
Publication date: 2017-03-22
Also published as: GB201408739D0; WO2015173375A3; WO2015173375A2

Abstract

A beverage capsule comprising: a container defining a chamber for storing beverage material, the container being adapted to allow a fluid entering the chamber to build up in pressure; and valve means which is switchable from a first setting in which the exiting of pressurised fluid from the chamber is prevented to a second setting in which the exiting of pressurised fluid from the chamber is allowed, wherein the valve means is subsequently switchable from the second setting to the first setting.

Description

Beverage Capsule

The present invention relates to beverage capsules which are insertable in a beverage preparing machine. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to reusable beverage capsules for a beverage preparing machine.

It is known to provide a machine for preparing a beverage such as coffee. Many such machines accept a capsule containing solid material such as coffee granules which the machine utilises to prepare the beverage. Known capsules typically comprise a sealed container which is punctured by a needle of the machine as it pierces a film or membrane of the capsule to allow the ingress of pressurised hot water and/or steam exiting the needle. The pressure build up within the capsule eventually irreversibly ruptures another membrane of the capsule, providing a means of exit for the pressurised liquid and dissolved solid material. As the capsule after use has two ruptured membranes, it must subsequently be discarded. It is intended as a one-time use application.

It has conventionally been thought that the beverage capsule must be provided to the user as a sealed container. This has been thought necessary to allow the build-up of pressure within the container during use. Also, the sealed container keeps the beverage material fresh.

Alternative re-usable capsules are available. However, they are open at the bottom of the capsule and consequently do not allow a pressure build-up prior to the flow of the liquid. The resulting prepared beverage is consequently inferior in quality.

It is desirable to provide a beverage capsule which, during use, allows the build-up of pressure within the capsule but which, after use, is reusable. It is desirable to provide a beverage capsule which, during use, allows the build-up of pressure within the capsule but, after use, no part of the capsule is irreversibly punctured or ruptured. According to the present invention there is provided a beverage capsule comprising: a container defining a chamber for storing beverage material, the container being adapted to allow a fluid entering the chamber to build up in pressure; and

valve means which is switchable from a first setting in which the exiting of pressurised fluid from the chamber is prevented to a second setting in which the exiting of pressurised fluid from the chamber is allowed,

wherein the valve means is subsequently switchable from the second setting to the first setting.

The term "setting" for the valve means is to be interpreted broadly and is intended to encompass a state, position or location of either the valve means or a component of the valve means.

The valve means may be switchable from the first setting to the second setting by the pressure of fluid in the chamber. The valve means may switch from the first setting to the second setting when the pressure of fluid in the chamber reaches a first predetermined value.

The beverage capsule may include an opening and a movable cover member having a first position in which the cover member covers the opening to prevent the escape of beverage material. The cover member may be biased towards the first position by biasing means. The biasing means may comprise a spring.

At the first position, the beverage capsule may be sealed with respect to the opening by at least the cover member and the action of the biasing means.

In a first embodiment, the cover member may be biased towards the opening by the biasing means. The cover member may be prevented from further movement towards the opening by a stop member. The stop member may comprise a first flexible ring member which circumscribes and extends inwards from the internal wall or walls of the capsule. The cover member may abut the stop member. The cover member may partially overlap the stop member. One or more of the dimensions and/or flexibility of the stop member, the dimensions of the cover member and the biasing force of the biasing means may be adapted such that, when the first predetermined value of fluid pressure is reached, the combined action of the biasing means and the fluid pressure acting on the cover member causes the cover member to move past the stop member to a second position. The beverage capsule may be adapted such that, at the second position of the cover member, the fluid within the chamber can flow towards and out of the opening.

The beverage capsule may include a second ring member which circumscribes and extends inwards from the internal wall or walls of the capsule. The second ring member may be spaced apart from the first ring member. The second ring member may be inflexible and immovable relative to the wall or walls of the capsule. The biasing means may be provided between the second ring member and the cover member.

The beverage capsule may include a filter provided between the cover member and the opening. The filter may comprise a filter material and a rigid frame which are stationary relative to the wall or walls of the capsule.

The filter may include a first protrusion which extends from the frame towards the cover member. The cover member may include a second protrusion which extends in the same direction as the first protrusion. The second protrusion may include a recess for receiving the first protrusion. The depth of the recess may be adapted such that, when the cover member to moved to the second position, the main bodies of the cover member and the filter are spaced apart to allow the flow of fluid past the cover member and through the filter.

The first and second protrusions may each comprise concentric cylinders.

After use, the valve means may be subsequently switchable from the second setting to the first setting by the user.

The second protrusion may provide a handle for the user to return the cover member to its initial position. Alternatively, the valve means may be automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting. The valve means may be automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting when the pressure within the chamber falls to a second predetermined value.

In a second embodiment, the cover member may comprise two cover layers which are movable relative to each other. A first cover layer may be immovable relative to the wall or walls of the capsule. A second cover layer may be biased towards the first cover layer by a first biasing means. The second cover layer may abut the first cover layer and together sealably close the opening.

The first and second cover layers may each include one or more apertures. The apertures of the first and second cover layers may be non-aligned when the second cover layer is at a first initial position.

The second cover layer may be movable in a lateral direction relative to the biasing direction of the first biasing means towards a second position. The second cover layer may be biased towards the second position by a second biasing means. The apertures of the first and second cover layers may be aligned when the second cover layer is at the second position.

The beverage capsule may include a stop member which prevents the second cover layer moving to the second position when the second cover layer is at the first position.

The beverage capsule may be adapted such that a portion of the second cover layer is exposed to fluid pressure within the chamber via the apertures of the first cover layer. The beverage capsule may be adapted such that, when fluid pressure within the chamber reaches a first predetermined value, the second cover layer is moved to an intermediary position against the action of the first biasing means. The beverage capsule may be adapted such that the stop member does not prevent the second cover layer moving to the second position when the second cover layer is at the intermediary position.

The second cover layer may include a first protrusion which extends towards the first cover layer. The first cover layer may include a corresponding aperture such that the first protrusion extends into the aperture when the second cover layer is at the first position. The presence of the first protrusion of the second cover layer within the aperture of the first cover layer may provide the stop member.

The first cover layer may include a slot which extends laterally from the aperture in the direction of the action of the second biasing means. The second cover layer may include a second protrusion which extends from the free end of the first protrusion.

The first protrusion may have an outer diameter or width which is greater than the outer diameter or width of the second protrusion. The width of the slot may be substantially equal to or greater than the outer diameter or width of the second protrusion but less than the outer diameter or width of the first protrusion. The beverage capsule may include a filter provided between the cover member and the opening. The filter may comprise a filter material and a rigid frame which are immovable relative to the wall or walls of the capsule. The first biasing means may be provided between the frame and the second cover layer.

The second protrusion may provide a handle for the user to slide the second cover layer relative to the first cover layer and against the action of the second biasing means until the first protrusion can re-enter the aperture with the apertures of the first and second cover layers again in non-alignment. Alternatively, the valve means may be automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting. The valve means may be automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting when the pressure within the chamber falls to a second predetermined value.

In a third embodiment, the cover member may comprise two cover layers which are linearly movable and rotatable relative to each other. A first cover layer may be immovable and non- rotatable relative to the wall or walls of the capsule. A second cover layer may be biased in a linear direction towards the first cover layer by a first biasing means. The second cover layer may abut the first cover layer and together sealably close the opening.

The first and second cover layers may each include one or more apertures. The apertures of the first and second cover layers may be non-aligned when the second cover layer is at a first initial rotational position.

The second cover layer may be rotatable relative to the first cover layer towards a second position. The apertures of the first and second cover layers may be aligned when the second cover layer is at the second position. The beverage capsule may include a stop member which prevents the second cover layer rotating to the second position when the second cover layer is at the first position. The stop member may comprise a first set of teeth provided at the first cover layer and a second set of teeth provided at the second cover layer. The first and second cover layers may be rotationally fixed when the first set of teeth engages with the second set of teeth.

The beverage capsule may be adapted such that a portion of the second cover layer is exposed to fluid pressure within the chamber via the apertures of the first cover layer. The beverage capsule may be adapted such that, when fluid pressure within the chamber reaches a first predetermined value, the second cover layer is linearly moved away from the first cover layer and against the action of the first biasing means such that the first and second sets of teeth are disengaged. The beverage capsule may include means for rotating the second cover layer towards the second position as the second cover layer is linearly moved away from the first cover layer.

The rotating means may comprise guide means having a ramped guide surface and the second cover layer may rotate as it follows the guide surface.

The beverage capsule may include a filter provided between the cover member and the opening. The filter may comprise a filter material and a rigid frame which are immovable relative to the wall or walls of the capsule.

The filter may include a first protrusion which extends from the frame towards the cover member. The first protrusion may include a third set of teeth adapted to increasingly engage the teeth provided at the second cover layer as the second cover layer moves away from the first cover layer. The third set of teeth may have one or more ramped surfaces which provide the guide surface.

Alternatively, the second cover layer may contact at least one portion of a side wall of the capsule. The side wall may include a serpentine groove and a portion of the second cover layer may be provided within the groove. The serpentine groove may provide the guide surface.

The rotating means may rotate the second cover layer to the second position.

Alternatively, the rotating means may rotate the second cover layer only partially towards the second position. The beverage capsule may be adapted such that fluid pressure decreases as the second cover layer is linearly moved away from the first cover layer and subsequently the first biasing means linearly moves the second cover layer to return to abutment with the first cover layer. The first and second sets of teeth may each include ramped surfaces which further rotate the second cover layer to the second position as the first and second sets of teeth increasingly engage. After use, the valve means may be subsequently switchable from the second setting to the first setting by the user.

The second cover layer may include a protrusion which extends into a corresponding aperture of the first cover layer when the first and second cover layers are in abutment. The user may switch the valve means to the first setting by pushing on the protrusion such that the second cover layer moves away from the first cover layer. The rotating means will cause the second cover layer to further rotate and the first biasing means will return the second cover layer into abutment with the first cover layer with the apertures of the first and second cover layers again in non-alignment.

Alternatively, the valve means may be automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting. The valve means may be automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting when the pressure within the chamber falls to a second predetermined value.

In a fourth embodiment, the cover member may be biased towards the opening and to a first position by the biasing means. The cover member may be prevented from further movement towards the opening by a stop member which comprises a plate. The cover member may include a protrusion and the stop member may comprise an aperture and the apparatus may be adapted such that the protrusion enters the aperture when the valve is at the first setting. A seal member may be provided between the cover member and the stop member. The seal member may circumscribe the protrusion of the cover member.

When the first predetermined value of fluid pressure is reached, the fluid pressure acting on the cover member may cause movement of the cover member against the action of the biasing means to a second position. The beverage capsule may be adapted such that, at the second position of the cover member, the fluid within the chamber can flow towards and out of the opening. At the second position, the protrusion of the cover member may exit the aperture of the stop member allowing fluid within the chamber to flow out of the aperture.

The valve means may be automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting. The valve means may be automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting when the pressure within the chamber falls to a second predetermined value. The cover member may be adapted to move under the action of the biasing means to the first position when the pressure within the chamber falls to a second predetermined value. The protrusion of the cover member may be adapted to re-engage with the aperture when the pressure within the chamber falls to a second predetermined value.

According to one, more or all embodiments, the beverage capsule may be openable and then re-closable. This allows the user to discard used beverage material after use and to add fresh beverage material for a next use.

The beverage capsule may include an openable lid. The lid may attach to the main body of the capsule by means of a snap fit.

The capsule may include an aperture for receiving the needle of a beverage preparing machine to allow fluid to enter the chamber. The aperture may be provided at the lid.

The diameter of the aperture may substantially correspond to the outer diameter of the needle of a beverage preparing machine. The diameter of the aperture may be substantially smaller than the size of individual particles of the beverage material.

It has been realised by the present inventor that the beverage capsule need not be (hermetically) sealed at the location where the needle enters the capsule. Before and after use, it is sufficient only that the capsule prevents the escape of beverage material. The provision of the aperture for receiving the needle of a beverage preparing machine meets this requirement. During use, since the diameter of the aperture corresponds to the outer diameter of the needle, the presence of the needle in the aperture substantially prevents the release of fluid pressure via the aperture. The capsule of the invention may therefore be regarded as closed but not sealed.

Regarding freshness of the beverage material, since the capsule according to the invention is reusable, the capsule can be provided as empty. The capsule can be filled by the user for each use, the user taking beverage material from a separate resealable container.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage capsule according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a beverage capsule according to the invention with the valve mechanism omitted;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional side view of a beverage capsule according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional side view of a beverage capsule according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the top plate of the capsule of Figure 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottom plate of the capsule of Figure 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of components of a beverage capsule according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a portion of the capsule of Figure 7;

FIG. 9 is a more detailed view of a portion of the capsule of Figure 7; FIG. 10 is a cross sectional side view of a beverage capsule according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of components of the capsule of Figure 10; and

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a beverage capsule according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a prior art beverage capsule 100. The capsule 100 comprises a sealed container 102 and stores beverage material 110 such as coffee granules. The container 102 includes a membrane 104 which is punctured by a needle 200 of a beverage preparing machine (not shown) to allow the ingress of pressurised hot water and/or steam exiting the needle 200. The pressure builds up within the capsule 100 which pushes another membrane 106 at a base of the capsule 100 against provided puncturing teeth 107. The membrane 106 eventually ruptures and this allows the pressurised liquid and dissolved material to pass through a filter 108 before exiting the capsule 100 via an opening 112. As the capsule after use has two ruptured membranes, it must subsequently be discarded.

Figure 2 shows a capsule 10 according to the invention but omits the valve for clarity.

The invention relates to a re-usable capsule 10. The capsule 10 allows the pressure build up and liquid release via an opening 18 by means of a valve. The top of the capsule 10 comprises a lid 12 which can be opened (using a pull tab 14) to fill the capsule 10 with the requisite product and closes by snapping shut against the capsule 10. A small hole 16 is provided for needle entry.

At the bottom of the capsule 10 is the valve. The valve is closed before use and opens when the pressure reaches a critical point. The liquid then flows out of the bottom of the capsule 10. At the end of the process the lid 12 is opened and the remaining contents discarded. The valve is re-set to the closed position by the user and the capsule 10 can be re-filled for further use. The small hole 16 in the capsule lid 12 can be formed in the lid directly. Alternatively a larger hole in the lid 12 can be made into which a rubber bung can be inserted. The rubber bung seals around its perimeter against the lid 12, and is thin enough to allow the needle to enter. Repeated action on the needle insertion through the rubber may eventually degrade the bung. However the bung can be replaced easily and cheaply, without having to replace the entire capsule.

The valve is triggered to open by fluid pressure in the capsule 10. Three possible modes of operation are:

1. Vertical

2. Horizontal (or lateral)

3. Rotational

An embodiment for each mode is described below. 1. Vertical.

Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the invention. In this mode the valve motion is vertical in both open-to-close and close-to-open transitions.

The valve comprises a central vertical cylinder 20 which is designed as part of the base filter 22 in the bottom of the capsule 10. A cover member or plate 24 sits on top of inward extrusions 26, and is forced down against the extrusions by a spring 28 located between the plate 24 and a further set of extrusions 30 above the plate 24. This pressure on the lower extrusions 26 is sufficient to provide a seal but not enough to push the plate 24 past the extrusions 26. The plate 24 is held centrally and prevented from moving laterally by the central cylinder 20 of the base filter 22 which projects into a concentric hollow cylinder 32 protruding from the centre of the plate 24. When the pressure in the capsule 10 above the plate 24 exceeds a critical value, the plate 24 is forced downwards past the extrusions 26. The liquid can then flow. The difference in heights of the concentric cylinders prevent the plate 24 from reaching the bottom of the capsule 10 and blocking the opening 18 and so allow free flow of the liquid.

At the end of the process, the plate 24 is manually pulled up past the extrusions 26 by the user, using the central cylinder 32 of the plate 24. The capsule 10 is then ready to be re-filled and re-used.

The critical pressure point is mainly determined by the overlap of the plate 24 and the extrusions 26 and the flexibility of the extrusions 26.

Figure 12 shows another embodiment in which the valve motion is vertical.

In this embodiment, the cover member comprises a piston head 90 and this is urged by a spring 32 towards a stop member which comprises a plate 92. The piston head 90 includes a protrusion 94 and the plate 92 includes an aperture 96. The protrusion 94 engages with and fills the aperture 96 when the valve is at the first setting. A seal 98 circumscribes the protrusion 94. In this embodiment, the aperture 96 can be regarded as the opening for the exit of fluid. The plate 92 is fixed in place and the piston head 90 is biased towards the opening/aperture and to a first position by the spring 32.

When the first predetermined value of fluid pressure is reached, the fluid pressure acting on the piston head 90 causes movement of the piston head 90 against the action of the spring 32 to a second position. At this second position, the protrusion 94 exits the aperture 96 and the fluid within the chamber can flow towards and out of the aperture 96.

In this embodiment, the valve means is automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting when the pressure within the chamber falls to a second predetermined value. The piston head 90 returns under the action of the spring 32 to the first position and the protrusion 94 re-engages with the aperture when the pressure within the chamber falls to the second predetermined value. 2. Horizontal (or lateral)

Figures 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of the invention. In this mode, the downward pressure within the capsule 10 triggers a lateral movement of the valve.

A spring 32 is located in the base filter 22 exerting an upward force on a second cover layer or lower plate 34 which in turn presses against a first cover layer or top plate 36. The top plate 36 is fixed in place and resists the force from the lower plate 34. There are holes 38 in both plates. In one state, the closed valve position, these holes 38 in the top plate 36 do not align with the holes in the bottom plate 34. The plates are pressed together by the upwards force of the spring 32 and provide a seal to the liquid during the process. At the centre of and fixed to the lower plate 34 are upward facing concentric cylinders, the lower 40 being of greater diameter than the upper 42. These cylinders project through an accommodating hole 44 in the upper plate 36. Because the holes 38 in the top plate 36 expose the lower plate 34 to the pressure from the top of the capsule 10, the spring 32 will be compressed once a critical pressure is achieved. Once this compression distance is greater than the height of the lower cylinder 40 the valve switching action is triggered.

The valve includes another spring 46 at the side of the capsule 10. This spring 46 presses against a portion of the lower plate 34, exerting a horizontal force. A groove 48 in the upper plate 36 extending from the hole 44 where the cylinders are protruding blocks the wider cylinder 40 but allows the narrower cylinder 42 and consequently the entire plate 34 to move laterally. When this happens the holes 38 in the lower plate 34 move to align with the holes 38 in the upper plate 36 and the valve is permanently open.

At the end of the process, the remaining contents are emptied and the valve is re-set by manually pressing down on the upper cylinder 42 and pushing back against the horizontal spring 32 till the larger cylinder 40 aligns with the hole 44 in the upper plate 36 and the lower spring 32 forces the cylinder 40 through the hole 44 and compresses the two plates together.

3. Rotational Figures 7 to 9 show a third embodiment of the invention. In this mode the downward pressure within the capsule 10 triggers a rotational movement of the valve.

The translation of a vertical motion to a rotational motion can achieved using a mechanism similar to that commonly employed in retractable pens. Two options may be employed in this application:

I. The rotational teeth are located centrally

II. The rotation teeth are located along the inner circumference of the capsule sidewall

Rotational Teeth Located Centrally.

A hollow cylinder ratchet 44 is fixed to or contiguous with the bottom filter 22. This cylinder 44 locks with the top cylinder 46 maintaining a fixed separation between the two. An example of a locking mechanism is shown in Figures 8 and 9 by the vertical protrusions 48 from the bottom cylinder 44 which slot tightly into grooves in the top cylinder 46. Friction prevents any vertical motion and the slots prevent any rotational motion.

A spring 50 is present inside the bottom cylinder 44 extending up to the central shaft 52. The central shaft 52 is inside the top cylinder 46 and protrudes below it. The top of the shaft 52 is connected to the bottom plate 54. Around the bottom of the shaft 52 is an array of teeth 54.

The bottom plate 54 is divided into alternating sectors, one sector with holes 56 in it and one without as shown in figure 7.

The upper plate 58 is held fixed in position against the sidewall providing a seal between the perimeter of the plate and the sidewall. This plate also has alternating sectors, one with holes 60 and one without shown in figure 7. In the closed position, the sectors with the holes 56 of the lower plate 54 are aligned to the sectors with no holes in the upper plate 58. In the absence of an exceeding downward pressure, the plates are pressed together by the upward action of the spring 50 on the shaft 52 and provide a seal preventing any fluid flow to the bottom of the capsule 10.

In the open position, the sectors with the holes 56 of the lower plate 54 are aligned to the sectors with holes 60 in the upper plate 58.

The lower plate 58 rotates by one sector when the pressure from above exceeds the pressure in the spring 50. The downwards force pushes the teeth 54 on the shaft 52 onto the teeth 62 of the bottom cylinder 44. Since the teeth are misaligned as shown in figure 9, the downwards force produces a rotational movement. Once the lower plate 54 starts to move down, a gap between the two plates is present and a reduction in downwards pressure on the bottom plate 54 is effected and hence a reduction in force on the spring 50. The spring 50 then pushes back, raising the central shaft 52 and the bottom plate 54. The central shaft 52 will rise till the teeth 54 on the shaft 52 engage the teeth 64 on the top cylinder 46. These teeth are misaligned such that rotational movement occurs again. The rotation stops when the teeth 54 on the shaft 52 lock into place on the teeth 64 on the top cylinder 46. At this point one sector rotation has occurred. Therefore the lower plate 54 has rotated to align the sectors with the holes to 56 the upper plate sectors with the holes 60, thus producing a fixed open state whereby the liquid can flow through to the bottom of the capsule 10.

The fluid pressure within the capsule can be considerable (around 10 bar). This requires a strong stiff spring for acting against the pressure and assisting in rotating the lower plate 54. Smaller plate apertures could be used but this could limit the ease with which the fluid and contents can flow through the openings and out of the capsule 10. In an alternative embodiment, the upper and lower plates can be formed to be substantially U shaped, with the apertures provided at a periphery of the plates. In such case, the fluid pressure would not be acting directly in a downwards direction against the spring but rather at an oblique angle. Therefore, the downwards component of the force exerted by the fluid pressure is less. This arrangement could also be used in any of the other described embodiments. At the end of the process, the remaining contents are emptied and the valve can be manually re-set by pushing down on and releasing the lower plate 54 by pressing on the cylinder 66 in the centre of the plate.

Rotational Teeth Located on Sidewall

Figures 10 and 11 show a fourth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment there is a serpentine groove 70 running around the interior sidewall. The bottom 72 of the groove 70 provides the lower teeth and the top 74 of the groove provides the upper teeth.

At the perimeter of the lower plate 76 are teeth 78 similar to those of the third embodiment. These teeth 78 engage the lower groove 72 during the downward pressure cycle producing a rotational movement due to the misalignment of the teeth. At this point there is a gap between the plates. Liquid starts to flow through this gap so reducing the downwards pressure and allowing the spring 80 in the central shaft 82 to push back in an effort to close. The top teeth 74 of the groove 70 are designed to be mis-aligned to the teeth 78 on the plate 76 and therefore continue the rotational movement until one full sector rotation has occurred. Thus the lower plate 76 is rotated to the open position where the upper 84 and lower 76 plates sectors with the holes are aligned together allowing free flow of the liquid.

At the end of the process, the lid 12 is opened and the remaining contents are emptied. The valve can be manually re-set by pushing down on the lower plate 76 by pressing on the cylinder 86 in the centre of the plate.

Various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A beverage capsule comprising:

a container defining a chamber for storing beverage material, the container being adapted to allow a fluid entering the chamber to build up in pressure; and

2. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve means is adapted to switch from the first setting to the second setting when the pressure of fluid in the chamber reaches a first predetermined value.

3. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the beverage capsule includes an opening and a movable cover member having a first position in which the cover member covers the opening to prevent the escape of beverage material.

4. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cover member is biased towards the first position by biasing means.

5. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein, at the first position, the beverage capsule is sealed with respect to the opening by at least the cover member and the action of the biasing means.

6. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the cover member is biased towards the opening by the biasing means and the cover member is prevented from further movement towards the opening by a stop member.

7. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 6, wherein the stop member comprises a first flexible ring member which circumscribes and extends inwards from the internal wall or walls of the capsule.

8. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the cover member abuts and at least partially overlaps the stop member.

9. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 5 to 8, wherein one or more of the dimensions and/or flexibility of the stop member, the dimensions of the cover member and the biasing force of the biasing means may be adapted such that, when the first predetermined value of fluid pressure is reached, the combined action of the biasing means and the fluid pressure acting on the cover member causes the cover member to move past the stop member to a second position in which the fluid within the chamber can flow towards and out of the opening.

10. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the beverage capsule includes a second ring member which circumscribes and extends inwards from the internal wall or walls of the capsule, the second ring member being spaced apart from the first ring member.

11. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second ring member is inflexible and immovable relative to the wall or walls of the capsule.

12. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the biasing means is provided between the second ring member and the cover member.

13. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 5 to 12, wherein the beverage capsule includes a filter provided between the cover member and the opening.

14. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 13, wherein The filter includes a frame and a first protrusion which extends from the frame towards the cover member.

15. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 14, wherein the cover member includes a second protrusion which extends in the same direction as the first protrusion and which includes a recess for receiving the first protrusion.

16. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 15, wherein the depth of the recess is adapted such that, when the cover member is moved to the second position, the main bodies of the cover member and the filter are spaced apart to allow the flow of fluid past the cover member and through the filter.

17. A beverage capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, after use, the valve means is subsequently switchable from the second setting to the first setting by the user.

18. A beverage capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the valve means is automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting.

19. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cover member comprises two cover layers which are movable relative to each other.

20. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 19, wherein a first cover layer is immovable relative to the wall or walls of the capsule, and a second cover layer is biased towards the first cover layer by a first biasing means.

21. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the second cover layer abuts the first cover layer and together sealably close the opening.

22. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the first and second cover layers each include one or more apertures, wherein the apertures of the first and second cover layers are non-aligned when the second cover layer is at a first initial position.

23. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 22, wherein the second cover layer is movable in a lateral direction relative to the biasing direction of the first biasing means towards a second position, and wherein the second cover layer is biased towards the second position by a second biasing means.

24. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the apertures of the first and second cover layers are aligned when the second cover layer is at the second position.

25. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the beverage capsule is adapted such that a portion of the second cover layer is exposed to fluid pressure within the chamber via the apertures of the first cover layer.

26. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the beverage capsule is adapted such that, when fluid pressure within the chamber reaches a first predetermined value, the second cover layer is moved to an intermediary position against the action of the first biasing means.

27. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 19 to 26, wherein the second cover layer includes a first protrusion which extends towards the first cover layer, and the first cover layer includes a corresponding aperture such that the first protrusion extends into the aperture when the second cover layer is at the first position.

28. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 19 to 27, wherein the first cover layer includes a slot which extends laterally from the aperture in the direction of the action of the second biasing means, and the second cover layer includes a second protrusion which extends from the free end of the first protrusion.

29. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first protrusion has an outer diameter or width which is greater than the outer diameter or width of the second protrusion, and wherein the width of the slot is substantially equal to or greater than the outer diameter or width of the second protrusion but less than the outer diameter or width of the first protrusion.

30. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 19 to 29, wherein, after use, the valve means is subsequently switchable from the second setting to the first setting by the user.

31. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 30, wherein the second protrusion provides a handle for the user to slide the second cover layer relative to the first cover layer and against the action of the second biasing means until the first protrusion can re-enter the aperture with the apertures of the first and second cover layers again in non-alignment.

32. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 19 to 29, wherein the valve means is automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting when the pressure within the chamber falls to a second predetermined value.

33. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cover member comprises two cover layers which are linearly movable and rotatable relative to each other.

34. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 33, wherein a first cover layer is immovable and non-rotatable relative to the wall or walls of the capsule, and wherein a second cover layer is biased in a linear direction towards the first cover layer by a first biasing means.

35. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 34, wherein the second cover layer abuts the first cover layer and together sealably close the opening.

36. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 33 to 35, wherein the first and second cover layers each include one or more apertures, the apertures of the first and second cover layers being non-aligned when the second cover layer is at a first initial rotational position.

37. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 36, wherein the second cover layer is rotatable relative to the first cover layer towards a second position, wherein the apertures of the first and second cover layers are aligned when the second cover layer is at the second position.

38. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 33 to 37, wherein the beverage capsule includes a stop member which prevents the second cover layer rotating to the second position when the second cover layer is at the first position, the stop member comprising a first set of teeth provided at the first cover layer and a second set of teeth provided at the second cover layer.

39. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 38, wherein the first and second cover layers are rotationally fixed when the first set of teeth engages with the second set of teeth.

40. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 33 to 39, wherein the beverage capsule is adapted such that a portion of the second cover layer is exposed to fluid pressure within the chamber via the apertures of the first cover layer, and wherein, when fluid pressure within the chamber reaches a first predetermined value, the second cover layer is linearly moved away from the first cover layer and against the action of the first biasing means such that the first and second sets of teeth are disengaged.

41. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 33 to 40, wherein the beverage capsule includes means for rotating the second cover layer towards the second position as the second cover layer is linearly moved away from the first cover layer.

42. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 41, wherein the rotating means comprises guide means having a ramped guide surface and wherein the second cover layer rotates as it follows the guide surface.

43. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 33 to 42, wherein the beverage capsule includes a filter provided between the cover member and the opening, the filter comprising a filter material and a rigid frame which are immovable relative to the wall or walls of the capsule.

44. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 43, wherein the filter include a first protrusion which extends from the frame towards the cover member, wherein the first protrusion includes a third set of teeth adapted to increasingly engage the teeth provided at the second cover layer as the second cover layer moves away from the first cover layer.

45. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 44, wherein the third set of teeth has one or more ramped surfaces which provide the guide surface.

46. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 41, wherein the rotating means rotates the second cover layer to the second position.

47. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 46, wherein the first and second sets of teeth each include ramped surfaces which further rotate the second cover layer to the second position as the first and second sets of teeth increasingly engage.

48. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cover member is biased towards the opening and to a first position by the biasing means, and wherein the cover member is prevented from further movement towards the opening by a stop member which comprises a plate.

49. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 48, wherein the cover member includes a protrusion and the stop member includes an aperture and the apparatus is adapted such that the protrusion enters the aperture when the valve is at the first setting.

50. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 49, wherein a seal member is provided between the cover member and the stop member.

51. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 48 to 50, wherein, when the first predetermined value of fluid pressure is reached, the fluid pressure acting on the cover member causes movement of the cover member against the action of the biasing means to a second position, and wherein, at the second position of the cover member, the fluid within the chamber can flow towards and out of the opening.

52. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 51 wherein, at the second position, the protrusion of the cover member exits the aperture of the stop member allowing fluid within the chamber to flow out of the aperture.

53. A beverage capsule as claimed in any of claims 48 to 52, wherein the valve means is automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting.

54. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 53, wherein the valve means is automatically switchable from the second setting to the first setting when the pressure within the chamber falls to a second predetermined value.

55. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 54, wherein the cover member is adapted to move under the action of the biasing means to the first position when the pressure within the chamber falls to a second predetermined value.

56. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 55, wherein the protrusion of the cover member is adapted to re-engage with the aperture when the pressure within the chamber falls to a second predetermined value.

57. A beverage capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the beverage capsule is openable and then re-closable.

58. A beverage capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the capsule includes an aperture for receiving the needle of a beverage preparing machine to allow fluid to enter the chamber.

59. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 58, wherein the diameter of the aperture substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the needle of a beverage preparing machine.

60. A beverage capsule as claimed in claim 58 or 59, wherein the diameter of the aperture is substantially smaller than the size of individual particles of the beverage material.