GB2549701A

GB2549701A - Capsule for producing a beverage

Info

Publication number: GB2549701A
Application number: GB1606799.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raftis Nicos; Economou Antonis
Original assignee: Tata Global Beverages GB Ltd
Current assignee: Tata Global Beverages GB Ltd
Priority date: 2016-04-19
Filing date: 2016-04-19
Publication date: 2017-11-01
Also published as: WO2017182766A1

Abstract

A capsule 100 for producing a beverage such as coffee comprising: a first end 101 for allowing a liquid to enter the capsule, a second end 102 distant from the first end, a cavity 103 for accommodating beverage base material, the cavity 103 being located between the first end 101 and the second end 102 and a flow director 170 located within the capsule 100 proximate the first end and extending toward the second end, wherein the flow director 170 is arranged to direct the flow of at least some of a liquid entering the capsule 100 through the first end to at least one exit location 182 where the liquid is allowed to exit the flow director into the cavity 103 the exit location 182 being spaced from the first end 101 toward the second end 102; and wherein the flow director 170 and the capsule 100 are arranged to allow the pressure of the liquid in the cavity 103 to be lower than the pressure of the liquid upstream of the first end 101 of the capsule 100. The flow director may be integrally formed to the capsule body, in which embodiment a cap (630, Fig. 24) may be configured to seal to the second end.

Description

Capsule for producing a beverage

The present invention relates to a capsule for producing a beverage.

It is well known to produce beverages, such as coffee, from capsules. Typically, a capsule for producing a beverage is placed in a beverage-producing machine. The capsule is placed inside the machine. The operation of the machine typically causes blades to pierce a first end of the capsule to form an inlet path and causes a spiked plate to pierce a second end of the capsule to form an outlet path. Pressurised water is introduced into the first end of the capsule. The pressurised water mixes with a beverage base within the capsule and, due to the pressure, exits the capsule through the second end.

This process, in many machines, is performed under high pressure. For some types of beverages, the high pressure can result in undesirable flavours being extracted from the beverage base. For example, when the beverage base is tea leaves, undesirable bitter and stringent flavours may be extracted as a result of the high pressure that the tea leaves are subjected to. For some types of beverages, the flow conditions of hot water inside the capsule also play a critical role to the final taste and flavours of the resulting beverage.

As will be appreciated from the following, the inventor has devised a new capsule for producing a beverage that can address both of these issues, produces superior tasting beverages, and enables using the existing machines without the need for any modification of the machines.

In one aspect, the invention provides a capsule for producing a beverage comprising: a first end for allowing a liquid to enter the capsule, a second end distant from the first end, a cavity for accommodating beverage base material, the cavity being located between the first end and the second end, and a flow director located within the capsule proximate the first end and extending toward the second end, wherein the flow director is arranged to direct the flow of at least some of a liquid entering the capsule through the first end to at least one exit location where the liquid is allowed to exit the flow director into the cavity, the exit location being spaced from the first end toward the second end; and the flow director and the capsule are arranged to allow the pressure of the liquid in the cavity to be less than the pressure of the liquid upstream of the capsule.

The inventor has devised a capsule that can both manage the pressure of a liquid coming into contact with a beverage base in the capsule cavity, and ensure that the liquid enters the cavity at a location spaced from the end in which it entered the capsule. This is achieved by incorporating the flow director within the capsule.

It is advantageous to manage the pressure of the liquid because, as is mentioned above, in conventional and commonplace beverage-preparing machines, for example those used for preparing coffee from capsules, the liquid (e.g. water) supplied from the machine is high pressure liquid (e.g. up to 5-10 bar). However, not every beverage is optimally prepared at high pressures. For example, tea is preferably prepared at low pressures, such as around 1 bar (atmospheric). Thus, it can be desirable to ensure that the pressure of the liquid in the cavity is reduced relative to the high source pressure of the liquid in the machine (i.e. the liquid pressure upstream of the capsule, i.e. the pressure of the liquid prior to it entering the capsule). The inventor has devised the present capsule to achieve this without any need for altering the pressure of the liquid supplied from a beverage-preparing machine. Thus, since the capsule itself is capable of managing the pressure of liquid upstream of the liquid contacting the beverage base, the present capsule can be used in a conventional non-modified machine for preparation of a beverage at lower pressures.

The flow director and the capsule may be arranged to allow the pressure of the liquid in the cavity to be less than the pressure of the liquid upstream of the capsule by controlling the flow rates of the liquid upstream and downstream of the cavity. Liquid may enter and exit the capsule or cavity via hole(s) or orifice(s). The flow upstream of the cavity may be more restricted (e.g. by entry hole(s) or orifice(s) and/or other restrictions) than the flow downstream of the cavity (e.g. by exit hole(s) or orifice(s)). This allows for the pressure to be reduced in the cavity relative to the pressure of the liquid upstream of the capsule (e.g. the high pressure liquid source in the beverage producing machine). Indeed, the flow downstream may be unrestricted, or there may only be a very small restriction.

Thus, by controlling the flow upstream and downstream of the cavity (e.g. by suitable restriction(s)), the pressure in the cavity can be lower than the upstream pressure.

To further augment the effect of pressure reduction, the flow director devised by the inventor also acts to prevent pressure build up within the cavity. In conventional capsules, liquid enters the cavity from the first end. This tends to force the beverage base within the capsule toward the second end. The forcing of the beverage base in this manner tends to form a compacted plug of the beverage base pressed up against the second end of the capsule. This beverage base plug increases the resistance to liquid leaving the capsule via the second end and so pressure builds up within the cavity. This effect is undesirable, particularly when wishing to prepare beverages at low pressures.

As should be appreciated, even if the flow upstream of the cavity were to be restricted, if a plug were allowed to be formed between the cavity and the outlet of the capsule, then the pressure within the cavity would increase, and quickly tend toward the pressure of the supplied liquid (i.e. the upstream pressure drop would quickly cease). The present capsule alleviates this issue as it prevents such a plug being formed. By having an exit location of the flow director spaced from the first end toward the second end, the present invention reduces the effect of the liquid entering the cavity forcing the beverage base toward the second end and hence reduces the risk of a plug of beverage base being formed at the second end. Thus the present capsule may be configured to agitate the beverage base during beverage production, due to the flow director.

Further, such plugs themselves can cause undesirable flavours to be extracted from the beverage base, e.g. tea. When a plug forms, it could be considered as a “piston” held in the cavity by the pressure of the liquid. The beverage base, e.g. tea leaves or instant zed powders, is pressed and compressed by contact with the surrounding beverage base, e.g. other tea leaves. Thus, the beverage base in a plug is pressurised via contact with surrounding solid beverage base, rather than being pressurised by liquid. This mechanical (rather than hydrostatic) pressure can greatly increase the undesirable flavours being extracted from the beverage base, particularly tea leaves. Again, avoiding such a plug being formed by way of the present flow director decreases the extraction of the undesirable flavours.

The flow director may comprise a first portion arranged to be proximate, or adjacent to, or in contact with, the first end of the capsule. The first portion may be arranged to capture a majority or substantially all of the liquid entering the capsule through the first end, and direct the liquid toward the exit location. This first portion may be a first end of the flow director. A longitudinal direction may be defined as the direction in which the first end and the second are spaced from one another. The exit location may be spaced from the first end in the longitudinal direction. There may be a plurality of exit locations, and at least some of the plurality of exit locations may be located at the same longitudinal position.

The capsule may comprise a central longitudinal axis, which is preferably an axis of rotational symmetry of the capsule. A radial direction may be defined as being perpendicular to this central longitudinal axis.

The (or each) exit location may be an orifice. The orifice may be a hole, which may be substantially circular or may be elongated (such as a slit), preferably in the longitudinal direction. The exit location/orifice may be sized such that the flow of the liquid is suitably restricted upstream of the cavity. The orifice may be completely defined by the flow director, or may be notch in an end of the flow director (i.e. with an open portion).

The flow director may be located within the capsule such that at least a portion of the flow director is adjacent to or in contact with the first end.

Preferably, the exit location is adjacent to the second end. The exit location may be defined at an end of the flow director that contacts the second end. The exit iocation may be defined both by an orifice in the flow director and the second end. For instance, the flow director may comprise an open notch in its end that contacts the second end, and the orifice may be defined by this notch and the second end.

Having the exit location adjacent the second end is advantageous as it produces a flow of liquid exiting the flow director proximate the second end and so further reduces the risk of plugging at the second end. Since the liquid exits the flow director adjacent the second end, it will agitate any beverage base in the vicinity of the second end. Further, due to the proximity of the second end, the liquid exiting the flow director adjacent the second end will tend to move (at least partially) perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and/or (at least partially) in the longitudinal direction toward the first end. This will further increase agitation and reduce the risk of plugging.

Preferably, the exit location is between the first end and the second end and is spaced from the second end. The exit location may be around a midpoint in the longitudinal direction between the first and second end.

Having the exit location between the first and second ends and spaced from both the first and second ends is advantageous as it provides a flow of liquid exiting the flow director proximate intermediate the first and second ends, and so further reduces the risk of plugging at the second end. This may be used in combination with any other exit location, but is preferably used in combination at least with an exit location adjacent to the second end. Since the liquid exits the flow director intermediate the first end and the second end, it will agitate any beverage base intermediate the first end and the second end. Further, if the exit location is configured do to so (e.g. if it is appropriately shaped and orientated), the liquid exiting the flow director from this exit location adjacent the second end will tend to move (at least partially) perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and/or (at least partially) in the longitudinal direction toward the first end and/or (at least partially) in the longitudinal direction away from the first end. This will further increase agitation and reduce the risk of plugging.

Preferably, there is a plurality of exit locations. The exit location may be first exit location. The flow director may also comprise a second exit location.

The second exit location may be proximate the first end allowing the liquid to exit the flow director into the cavity proximate the first end. In this case, the flow director may be configured to reduce the pressure of the liquid entering the capsule at the first end prior to the liquid entering the cavity via the second exit location. By being proximate to the first end, the second exit may be nearer the first end than the second end. However, preferably the second exit location may be adjacent to, or substantially at, the first end.

Having the second exit location proximate the first end is advantageous as it produces a flow of liquid exiting the flow director proximate the first end and so, in combination with liquid exiting the first exit location at a location spaced from the first end further increases agitation and reduces the risk of plugging at the second end. The liquid exiting the flow director proximate the first end may tend to move (at least partially) perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and/or (at least partially) in the longitudinal direction away from the first end.

When there are a plurality of exit locations, (some of) these may be located at substantially the same distance from the first end, and/or (some of) these may be located at different distances from the first end. For instance any combination of one (or a plurality of) the exit locations discussed above (i.e. adjacent to the second end, spaced from the first and the second end, and/or proximate the first end) may be used. The specific arrangement can be selected to optimise the agitation and hence decrease the risk of plugging and hence decrease the risk of pressure build-up within the cavity.

Preferably, the flow director is configured so that the liquid entering the cavity via the exit location(s) of the flow director comprises a component of movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and/or a component of movement along the longitudinal axis toward the first end. This may be achieved by arranging or shaping the exit locations appropriately to achieve the desired exit flow direction. This in turn may be achieved using the flow director only or may be achieved by both shaping the flow director and configuring its interaction with the first and/or second ends to achieve the desired flow direction.

As has been discussed above, such an arrangement helps to promote agitation and hence decrease the risk of plugging and hence decrease the risk of overly restricting the flow exiting the cavity and hence decrease the risk of pressure build-up within the cavity.

Preferably, the exit location is proximate the second end, and the second end and the flow director are configured so that liquid exiting the flow director at the exit location is at least partially directed in a direction away from the second end.

Preferably, the flow director is arranged to sufficiently restrict the flow of the liquid at the exit location(s). This may be achieved by having the exit location formed as an orifice or opening. The exit location may be of a sufficiently small size so as to sufficiently restrict the flow of the liquid upstream of the cavity and hence reduce the pressure of liquid passing through it. The specific size will depend on the desired pressure in the cavity, the pressure of the liquid upstream, the type of liquid and the amount of flow restriction downstream of the cavity (which is preferably very little). For instance, the liquid may be water, and the pressure upstream may be around 5-10 bar. In this case, the exit location may have a diameter or width of less than 3mm, preferably less than 2mm, preferably less than 1mm, preferably 1-3mm, may be optimal.

Additionally or alternatively, the flow director may be arranged to sufficiently restrict the flow of the liquid upstream of the exit location(s). This may be achieved by any of a plurality of flow restrictors. For instance, there may be one or more flow restrictions that restrict the flow of the liquid within the flow director intermediate the first end and exit location(s). Such a flow restriction may comprise an orifice internal to the flow director.

However, it may also comprise one or more flexible portions of the flow director and/or capsule body, the flexible portion(s) being configured to flex under pressure of liquid entering the first end so as to form an opening for the liquid to pass through, the opening having a sufficiently small width to suitably restrict the flow. The flow restriction may also comprise a portion of the flow director and a portion of the capsule body, between which liquid entering the first end may flow, wherein these portions are spaced from each other by a sufficiently narrow width such that they act to restrict the flow and hence reduce the pressure. The flow restriction may comprise a disc-shaped flow restrictor and/or a restriction. More details on all of these flow restriction options are given below.

There may be multiple flow restrictions present. Any combination of the exemplary flow restrictions discussed above may be used, with any combination of exit locations discussed above.

Inlet hole(s) in the first end may also act to restrict the flow upstream of the cavity.

The flow restriction may be of a sufficiently small size so as to restrict the flow of liquid passing through it. The specific size will depend on the desired pressure reduction, the pressure of the liquid upstream, the type of liquid and the amount of flow restriction downstream of the cavity (which is preferably very little). For instance, the liquid may be water, and the pressure upstream may be around 5-10 bar. In this case, the flow restriction may have a diameter or width of less than 3mm, preferably less than 2mm, preferably less than 1mm, preferably 1-3mm, may be optimal.

The capsule may comprise a capsule body that defines both the first and second ends, and a wall portion extending between the first and second ends. The capsule body is preferably generally cylindrical, or frustoconical in shape. Thus, the first end may be generally circular, the second end may be generally circular and concentric with the first end and the diameter of the second end may be substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the first end. The wall portion may have a circular cross-section that may be constant, or may preferably increase steadily, from the first end to the second end of the capsule. Preferably, the diameter of the first end may be 10-30mm, preferably 15-25mm; the diameter of the second end may be 25-45mm, preferably 30-40mm; the maximum diameter of the capsule body may be 25-45mm, preferably 30-40mm; the length of the capsule may be 15-35mm, preferably 20-30mm; the first and second ends may be separated by 15-35mm, preferably 20-30mm.

It may be the capsule body (and/or the cap - see below) and the flow director that are arranged to allow the pressure of the liquid in the cavity to be less than the pressure of the liquid upstream of the capsule.

The first end of the capsule may generally be closed (although it may comprise small orifices therein). The first end of the capsule and the wall may be one integrally formed piece. Other than perhaps these small orifices, the capsule body is solidly formed (i.e. it comprises no path for liquid to pass).

The capsule body may comprise a rim extending from the wall at the second end. The rim may preferably be annular. The inner diameter of the annular rim may be 20-40mm, preferably 25-35mm. The outer diameter of the annular rim may be 25-45mm, preferably 30-40mm.

Preferably, the surface of the rim facing the longitudinal direction away from the first end is generally flat/planar. The surface of the rim facing the longitudinal direction toward the first end may be generally flat/planar. However, either or both of these surfaces may comprise sealing means, such as one or more raised seal portions, or one or more grooved seal portions. These seal portions may be generally circular and concentric with the annular rim. The sealing means may be configured to cooperate with a cup of a standard beverage machine so as to form a seal.

The capsule body (e.g. the first end, the wall, the rim) may preferably be one integrally formed piece. Other than perhaps these small orifices, the capsule body is solidly formed (i.e. it comprises no path for liquid to pass).

The capsule body is preferably cup-shaped, with a generally hollow internal portion that can house the flow director and the beverage base.

The second end of the capsule body may comprise an opening. The opening may span from the inside of the wall on one side of the opening to an inside of the wall on an opposite side of the opening. Preferably, the opening is circular, and may be defined by the wall that extends in a cylindrical or frustoconical manner from the first end. The diameter of the opening may be equal to the inner diameter of the rim, and may be 20-40mm, preferably 25-35mm.

The capsule body is preferably constructed so as not to flex or bend (i.e. to be rigid) when high pressure liquid enters the capsule. This may be achieved by using a strong material such as polypropylene, and may be achieved by using a material with a thickness for substantially all of the capsule body (but especially the walls) of around 0.5-2.5mm, preferably 1-2mm. This is much thicker than typical capsule thicknesses, which may be disadvantageous as there would be a volume reduction and the unit cost would increase. However, the inventor has found that having a rigid capsule body gives significant performance advantages when reducing the pressure of the liquid, which outweigh these disadvantages.

Indeed, the wall may comprise at least one rib for strengthening the wall, preferably located on the inside surface of the wall. The rib may run substantially in the longitudinal direction, and may extend substantially (or at least over a majority of the distance) from the first end toward the second end. The rib may extend to a location adjacent to, or at, the second end, or may terminate at location proximate to (but distant from, e.g. by 2-10mm, preferably 3-7mm) the second end. This may allow the cap (see below) to seal against the inside of the wall and abut the rib so that the rib may at least partially limit the extent to which the cap can extend into the capsule body. There may be a plurality of such ribs, preferably being generally equally spaced from one another. Again, such ribs may be disadvantageous as there would be a volume reduction and the unit cost would increase. However, the inventor has found that having a rigid capsule body gives significant performance advantages when reducing the pressure of the liquid, which outweigh these disadvantages.

The capsule may comprise a cap configured to seal against the second end of the capsule body at the second end of the capsule. The cap may fit within the opening in the second end of the body, and may be sealed against the inside surface of the wall and/or the rim. The cap may generally be circular in shape and may have a diameter approximately equal, although perhaps slightly larger than, the diameter of the opening, e.g. 20-40mm, preferably 25-35mm.

The cap may be arranged such that when it is sealed to the capsule body, the cap does not protrude beyond (in the longitudinal direction away from the first end) the second end of the capsule body, e.g. the cap may be flush with capsule body. For example, the cap may not extend beyond second end of the wall and/or the rim. Indeed, in some circumstances, the cap may be arranged such that when it is sealed to the capsule body, the cap outer surface of the cap (with respect to the capsule) is spaced from the second end of the capsule body. This spacing may be small, e.g. around 1-2mm. Having the cap not extend beyond the capsule body is advantageous because in typical beverage-producing machines there is a planar array of spikes provided on a plate adjacent the second end configured to pierce the second end. However, whilst it is intended for the present capsule to be used in conventional machines, it is not desirable to have these protrusions contact the cap since the cap may be a tough material (see below) and may therefore blunt the spikes of the machine. Further, the present capsule is configured to have a very specific flow path through the capsule. Piercing the cap may disrupt this.

The cap may be generally disk-shaped and may have depth of 2-10mm, preferably 3- 7mm.

The cap may comprise an outer raised portion, preferably of the same depth as the cap as a whole. Having a raised portion with a large depth helps improve the seal formed between the cap and the capsule body. The outer raised portion may comprise an outer circumferential surface that is shaped so as to fit against the inner surface of the wall at the second end (e.g. if the wall is conical, then this outer surface may be corresponding tapered; and if the wall is cylindrical then this outer surface may be correspondingly parallel). The inner surface of the wall at the second end may comprise a hollowed portion and/or groove to allow the cap to fit into the capsule body in a click-fit manner.

This outer circumferential surface may be substantially continuous. Alternatively, however, the outer circumferential surface may be divided by a plurality of circumferentially spaced gaps. These gaps may form a plurality of buttresses which contact the inside of the wall of the capsule body. The buttresses may be generally solid volumes. The outer surfaces of the buttresses may form an interrupted outer circumferential surface of the cap.

The outer circumferential surface (which may be continuous or interrupted by the gaps) may comprise a raised rim and/or a recessed groove to cooperate with a corresponding feature in the inside of the wall of the capsule body, to help hold the cap in place once it is sealed to the capsule body. This may provide a click-fit between the cap and the capsule body.

The outer raised portion may extend substantially from the second end of the capsule body into the opening of the capsule body, preferably the raised portion meets and is contact with the rib(s). The outer raised portion preferably extends around substantially the entirety of the periphery of the cap. The outer raised portion may be an annular portion. The outer diameter of the outer raised portion may be substantially equal to the diameter of the cap, e.g. 20-40mm, preferably 25-35mm. The inner diameter of the outer recessed portion may be 10-30mm, preferably 15-25mm.

On the outer side of the cap (with respect to the capsule), there may be a cavity formed by the raised portion. This may be formed since the material used to construct the cap may be substantially of uniform thickness over the cap.

One or more ribs may be used to strength the cap. The one or more ribs may extend across the cavity to support the raised portion. The one or more ribs may be substantially flush with the outer surface (with respect to the capsule) of the cap. The rib(s) may extend in the radial direction.

Inward of the outer raised portion, the cap may comprise an inner recessed portion. This recessed portion may be an annular recessed portion, preferably concentric with the cap and/or outer raised portion. The outer raised portion may taper toward the recessed portion. The recessed portion may generally house or be in contact with the flow director. The depth of the cap at the recessed portion may be reduced in comparison to the raised portion. The diameter of the recessed portion may be 10-30mm, preferably 15-25mm. This recessed portion helps to maximise the volume in the cavity. The inner recessed portion may generally have a planar surface. Preferably this plane has a normal parallel to the longitudinal direction. The inner recessed portion is preferably circular in shape.

The inner recessed portion may comprise an inner raised portion, preferably radially inward of the outer raised portion. This inner raised portion may be annular, preferably concentric with the cap and/or outer raised portion. The inner raised portion may be shaped so that it can cooperate with the second end of the flow director, so as to restrict the movement of (or hold) second end of the flow director (for instance when the flow director is a central flow director, see below). Further, the inner raised portion may act to direct the flow of liquid from the exit location of such a central flow director. The inner raised portion may have an inner diameter of between 5-10mm and an outer diameter of 5-15mm. The inner portion may have a depth of less than the depth of the cap as a whole, and less than the depth of the outer raised portion. The depth may be 1-5mm. Again, since the thickness of the cap may be substantially even, beneath the inner raised portion there may be a cavity on the side of the cap facing away from the first end.

Alternatively to having a raised outer portion, the cap may not comprise a raised outer portion. In this case, the periphery of the inner surface of the cap may be located proximate or adjacent to the second end of the capsule. Thus, the outer portion may be thought of as an outer recessed portion, with respect to the general depth of the cap. The outer recessed portion preferably extends around substantially the entirety of the periphery of the cap. The outer recessed portion may have an outer diameter of 20-40mm, preferably 25-35mm, and an inner diameter of 10-30mm, preferably 15-25mm. The outer recessed portion may be substantially planar. The outer diameter of the outer recessed portion may be substantially equal to the diameter of the cap. Preferably this plane has a normal parallel to the longitudinal direction.

For this cap, again, the rib(s) may extend toward the second end until in contact with the cap. However, because the cap comprises an outer recessed portion (rather than an outer raised portion), the rib(s) extends further than for the cap with an outer raised portion.

On the outer periphery of the cap (or the outer periphery of the outer recess), there may be a raised rim and/or a recessed groove to cooperate with a corresponding feature in the inside of the wall of the capsule body, to help hold the cap in place once it is sealed to the capsule body. This may provide a click-fit between the cap and the capsule body. Preferably, it is a raised rim. This raised rim may have a thickness greater than that of the rest of cap, or greater than that of the outer recess. This increases the seal between the cap and the capsule body.

Inward of the outer recessed portion, there may be a raised portion. Preferably, the raised portion defines the depth of the cap as a whole, and hence the depth of the raised portion is substantially equal to the depth of the cap.

This raised portion may be an annular raised portion, preferably concentric with the cap and/or outer recessed portion. The raised portion may taper/slope toward the outer recessed portion and an inner recessed portion (see below). The depth of the cap at the raised portion may be increased in comparison to the outer (and inner) recessed portion.

The outer diameter of the raised portion may be 10-30mm, preferably 15-25mm. The inner diameter of the raised portion may be 5-25mm, preferably 10-20mm. This raised portion can help to hold a peripheral flow director (see below) in position and to direct the flow from the exit location of such a flow director.

Inward of the raised portion, there may be a central or inner recessed portion. The inner recessed portion may be generally planar, and may from substantially part of the same plane as the outer recessed portion. The diameter of the central recessed portion may be 5-25mm, preferably 10-20mm. The inner recessed portion is preferably circular in shape.

With regard to the second end, the terms “raised” and “recessed” are with reference to the second end, i.e. the raised portion(s) are raised away from the second end (i.e. toward the first end) and the recessed portion(s) are recessed toward the second end (i.e. away from the first end).

The second end of the capsule (preferably the cap) may comprise one or more drain holes for allowing the liquid to drain from the capsule, which may occur after liquid has contacted the beverage base. The drain hole(s) are preferably configured so that pressure build-up in the cavity is minimised (i.e. they restrict the flow downstream of the cavity less than the flow is restricted upstream of the cavity). In order to do this, there may be numerous drain holes, or the drain hole(s) may be sufficiently large. There may be a plurality of drain holes. The drain hole(s) may allow liquid to pass from the inside surface of the cap through the cap to an outside surface of the cap. The holes may be elongated slits, or may be substantially circular/point-like orifices.

When the cap comprises the outer raised portion, the drain hole(s) may be located in the outer raised portion, preferably in the uppermost portion of the raised portion.

Preferably, the hole(s) may be located in the tapered/sloping section between the outer raised portion and the inner recessed portion. The hole(s) may be elongated and extend through both the uppermost portion of the raised portion and the tapered/sloping portion. When elongated, the hole(s) may be elongated in the radial direction. The holes may be substantially equally spaced.

Having the hole(s) in the raised portion is advantageous as it spaces the hole(s) from the second end and so it helps prevent the hole(s) from becoming plugged. However, the hole(s) may be also be provided in the inner recessed portion.

When the cap comprises the cavity below the outer raised portion, the hole(s) may be allow liquid to pass through the cap and into the cavity. This provides a path for the liquid to exit the capsule through the cap.

When the cap comprises the buttresses, the hole(s) may be aligned with a respective gap(s) between the buttresses of the outer raised portion. This provides a path for the liquid to exit the capsule through the cap.

When the cap comprises the outer recessed portion, the drain hole(s) may be located in the raised portion, preferably in the uppermost portion of the raised portion. Preferably, the hole(s) may be located in the tapered/sloping section between the raised portion and the inner recessed portion. The hole(s) may be elongated and extend through both the uppermost portion of the raised portion and the tapered/sloping portion. When elongated, the hole(s) may be elongated in the radial direction. The holes may be substantially equally spaced.

Having the hole(s) in the raised portion is advantageous as spaces the hole(s) from the second end and so it helps prevent the hole(s) from becoming plugged. Further, having the hole(s) in the tapering/sloping portion helps to ensure that liquid first mixes with the beverage base before the liquid drains through the hole(s). However, the hole(s) may also be located in the inner recessed portion of the cap.

Other than the hole(s) discussed above the cap and second end may be completely sealed.

Preferably, the second end of the capsule is configured so as not to bulge when liquid enters the first end under pressure. To achieve this, the second end (e.g. the cap) may preferably be constructed in such a way that it does not flex when pressurised liquid enters the capsule from the first end. This may be achieved by using a strong material such as polypropylene, and may be achieved by using a material with a thickness for substantially all of the cap of around 0.5-2.5mm, preferably 1-2mm. This is much thicker than typical thicknesses, which may disadvantageous as there would be a volume reduction and the unit cost would increase. However, the inventor has found that having a rigid second/end cap gives significant performance advantages when reducing the pressure of the liquid, which outweigh these disadvantages. For instance, as is mentioned above, it is advantageous for the present cap not to contact the spikes of the beverage-preparing machine, which are typically present proximate the second end.

Preferably, the capsule comprises a filter for filtering the liquid prior to exit from the capsule. In many conventional capsules, no filter is needed as the beverage base is not of a type that requires filtering (e.g. coffee), and/or the drain holes pierced in the second end are sufficiently small to prevent beverage base from escaping the capsule. However, in the present capsule, as is mentioned above, the drain holes may be relatively large so as reduce the risk of pressure build-up in the cavity. Further, the beverage bases that this capsule is particular advantageous for (i.e. beverage bases which should not be prepared under pressure), may also be those that require filtering (e.g. tea or filter coffee).

The filter may be made of any known filter material. For example, it may be a polypropylene-based or a cellulose-based filter material.

Preferably, the second end is for allowing a liquid to exit the capsule, and the filter is arranged in the cavity proximate the second end for filtering the liquid prior to exit from the capsule via the second end. Thus, the filter may be arranged adjacent to, or may be attached to, the inside of the second end of the capsule. The second end may comprise drain hole(s) and the filter may be placed over the/each drain hole. As is mentioned above, these drain holes may be formed in the cap. The filter may add slightly to the flow restriction downstream, which may slightly increase the pressure in the cavity. However, the flow director and capsule can be configured so that the total flow restriction upstream of the cavity is maintained greater than the total flow restriction downstream of the cavity, so as to correctly manage and reduce the pressure in the cavity.

The filter may be substantially circular in shape. This filter may be configured to cover the drain holes provided on the raised portion. The diameter of the filter may be similar to but perhaps slightly less than that of the cap. The filter may have a diameter large enough such that it is pinched between the cap and the ribs. The filter substantially may cover all of the inside surface of the cap.

The filter may be substantially annular in shape. This filter may be configured to cover an annular array of drain holes, such as those provided in the outer raised portion and/or tapering/sloping section. The filter may be annular so as to allow a central flow director (see below) to contact the second end/cap in a central portion of the second end/cap without contacting the filter, although it may also be used with a peripheral flow director. The outer diameter of the annular filter may be substantially equal to the diameter of the opening and/or the cap, such as e.g. 20-40mm, preferably 25-35mm. The inner diameter of the annular filter may be substantially equal to the diameter of the inner recessed portion, such as 10-30mm, preferably 15-25mm. In this way, the filter may cover substantially all of the outer raised portion and the tapering/sloping portion to the inner recessed portion.

The filter may be substantially circular in shape. This filter may be configured to cover an array of drain holes, such as those provided in the raised portion (inward of the outer recessed portion) and/or tapering/sloping section. The filter may be allowed to be circular if a peripheral flow director is used (see below), although it may also be used with a central flow director. The diameter of the filter may be less than that of the second end/cap, and is preferably substantially equal to the diameter of the raised portion, e.g. 10-30mm, preferably 15-25mm. The filter may cover substantially all of the inner recessed portion and the tapering/sloping portion between the raised portion and the inner recessed portion.

The first end of the capsule may be an inlet end. In general, the first end may be part of the capsule body and may extend from the wall of the capsule body. The first end may comprise a frustoconical section. This section may extend away from the wall toward the radial centre of the capsule and also away from the second end. The end of the frustoconical section may meet a planar section, which may generally be circular and concentric with the capsule (about the capsule’s central longitudinal axis) and which may have the normal of its plane extending parallel to the longitudinal direction.

The diameter of the first end may be 10-30mm, preferably 15-25mm. The planar section may have a diameter of 5-15mm. The first section may extend 1-10mm, preferably 2-5mm from the wall in the longitudinal direction away from the second end.

Thus, the first end may comprise a material that is weak enough (at least in the appropriate locations) to be perforated by perforating blades of a standard beverage-producing machine.

However, preferably, the inlet end is made of a more rigid material, such as a rigid plastic, that is not perforate-able by such blades. It is advantageous to use a more rigid material to avoid undesired deflection of the capsule when pressurised liquid enters the capsule. To allow liquid to enter the first end, the first end may be provided with one or more orifices extending through the first end. The first end may generally be circular in shape.

The first end may comprise a recess (a recess when viewed from outside of the capsule), preferably an annular recess. An annular recess avoids the blades a typical beverage-producing machine. The annular recess may be concentric with the first end/capsule body. The annular recess may form a central raised portion inward of the recess (raised with respect to the recess when viewed from outside of the capsule), which may generally be circular in shape. The annular recess may form an outer raised portion (raised with respect to the recess when viewed from outside of the capsule), which may generally be annular in shape. This recess may aid channelling of liquid into the first end of the capsule.

The one or more orifices may be located in the recess, preferably in the base of the recess, and the plurality of orifices may be substantially evenly spaced. The recess may be present (and may be shaped) to avoid blades of a standard beverage-producing machine contacting the first end. For instance, the annular recess may have an inner diameter of around 5-15mm and an outer diameter of around 10-20mm, and may have a width of around 2-5mm. The central raised portion may have a width/diameter of 5-15mm. The outer raised portion may have an inner diameter of 10-20mm and an outer diameter of around 15-25mm. The outer diameter of the outer raised portion may be substantially equal to the diameter of the first end. The diameter of the first end may be around 10-30mm, preferably 15-25mm.

The depth of the recess relative to the central raised portion may be around 2-5mm, the depth of the recess relative to the outer raised portion may be around 1-3mm. The central raised portion may extend in the longitudinal direction away from the second end further than the outer raised portion.

This recess may be thought of as being formed in the frustoconicai section of the first end, preferabiy (immediateiy) adjacent to the pianar section. The frustoconicai section may be thought of as being interrupted by the recess.

Aiternativeiy, there may be no such recess in the first end of the capsuie body, in this case, the frustoconicai section may extend substantiaiiy continuousiy, i.e. it may not be interrupted.

Thus, the first end may be pierce-abie by biades of the beverage-producing machine. This may aiiow liquid to enter the first end. This first end may be need to be pierce-abie by blades since there is no recess present, i.e. the blades of the machine must extend through the first end. Of course, this is not an absolute requirement of the capsule, since it is possible (though not ideal) to modify the machine to remove the blades.

The first end may be pierce-abie by having at least an appropriate portion (i.e. a portion in the vicinity of the blades) of the first end that is constructed so that the blades can pierce through it. For instance, the material may be weaker and/or thinner here, in comparison to the remainder of the capsule body.

The appropriate portion may preferably be an annular portion. The annular portion may be concentric with the first end and/or capsule body. The annular portion may have an inner diameter of around 5-15mm and an outer diameter of around 10-20mm, and may have a width of around 2-5mm.

The appropriate portion may also be a circular portion. The circular portion may be concentric with the first end and/or capsule body. The circular portion may have a diameter of around 10-20mm.

The appropriate portion may preferably be at least partially located in the frustoconicai section.

As mentioned above, the frustoconicai section may meet and end at a central planar portion. This planar portion may be flush with the end of the frustoconicai section, or may be recessed (i.e. offset towards the second end) relative to the end of the frustoconicai section. The central recessed portion may assist with the function of the flow director, as is discussed in more detail below.

The inner surface (with respect to the capsule) of the first end may comprise one or more ribs. The rib(s) may be for strengthening the first end and/or guiding liquid flow. The rib(s) may cooperate with the flow director to assist with the function of the flow director.

The rib(s) may run substantially in the radial direction, and may extend substantially (or at least over a majority of the distance) over the frustoconicai section of the first end. There may be no such rib(s) present at the appropriate weakened section mentioned above. The rib(s) may terminate prior to the weakened section. The rib(s) may extend from the weakened portion to the periphery of the first end. The rib(s) may extend from a diameter of around 10-20mm to the periphery of the first end. When there is a plurality of ribs, they may be equally spaced. There may be one rib for each rib extending along the wall (mentioned above). The/each rib in the first end may meet a respective rib of the wall where the first end meets the wall. The rib(s) of the first end may be continuous with the rib(s) of the wall.

Additionally or alternatively, the rib(s) may extend inward from the central portion of the first end, e.g. from the central planar portion. Again, this rib(s) may extend substantially radially, and may extend over an annular or circular portion of the central planar portion.

The rib(s) may have its outermost radial extent adjacent to, or radially inward of, the weakened annular portion. The outermost radial extent of the rib(s) may be 2-8mm from the central longitudinal axis.

The inward side of the rib(s) may be shaped so as to meet and contact the flow director, so as to support the flow director and/or guide flow of liquid in cooperation with the flow director. For instance the inner side of the rib(s) may be sloping such that an outer radial portion of the rib(s) extends further from the first end than the inner radial portion of the rib(s).

For the central rib(s) to cooperate most effectively with certain flow directors, it may be preferable to have the central rib(s) extending from the recessed central portion of the first end. However, this need not always be the case.

With regard to the first end, the terms “raised” and “recessed” are with reference to the second end, i.e. the raised portion(s) are raised away from the second end (i.e. toward the first end) and the recessed portion(s) are recessed toward the second end (i.e. away from the first end).

Preferably, the capsule comprises a main body that at least partially defines the first end, the cavity and the second end, wherein the flow director is a separate piece to the main body. This may aid construction. Further preferably, there is an opening in the main body at the second end, a cap is configured to be sealable to the main body at the second end so as to close the opening, and the flow director is arranged so that, when the cap is sealed to the main body, the flow director is held in position in between the first and second ends of the capsule. More details of this arrangement are discussed below.

Alternatively, the capsule may comprise a main body that at least partially defines the first end, the cavity and the second end, wherein the flow director is an integral piece with the wall. In this case there may be an opening in the main body at the second end, a cap may be configured to be sealable to the main body at the second end so as to close the opening, and the flow director may be arranged so that, when the cap is sealed to the main body, the flow director is in contact with the cap.

Alternatively, the capsule may comprise a main capsule body that at least partially defines the first end, the cavity and the second end. In this case there may be an opening in the main body at the second end, a cap may be configured to be sealable to the main body at the second end so as to close the opening, the flow director may be an integral piece with the cap, and the flow director may be arranged so that when the cap is sealed to the main body the flow director is in contact with the first end of the capsule.

Preferably, the flow director comprises a liquid-deflecting surface proximate the first end. The liquid-deflecting surface may be generally annular in shape, and may be spaced from the first end, e.g. by 1-10mm, preferably 2-5mm. The liquid-deflecting surface may be located longitudinally inward of the entry point for liquid into the capsule (e.g. the orifice(s) or the weakened portion in the first end), preferably such that it is neither contacted nor pierced by blades of a conventional beverage-producing machine. The liquid-deflecting surface may be planar, and the plane may have a normal parallel to the longitudinal direction. Since liquid tends to enter the capsule in the longitudinal direction, the liquid will tend to impact on the liquid-deflecting surface, and hence be deflected into another direction. This helps to decrease the speed of the liquid and change direction of the liquid, which in turn helps prevent plugging. Further, the change in direction helps the flow director direct the liquid toward the exit location(s).

The liquid-deflecting surface may be located in a first end of the flow director, proximate the first end of the capsule. The flow director may also comprise a longitudinally-extending portion, which is capable of directing liquid from the first end toward the second end of the capsule prior to the liquid entering the cavity. The liquid-deflecting surface may help direct the flow of liquid toward the longitudinal portion.

The liquid-deflecting surface may comprise one or more exit location(s), preferably evenly spaced around the liquid-deflecting surface, such as hole(s) through the surface.

Between the liquid-deflecting surface and the flow path toward the second end, there may be a raised portion (raised toward the first end, and away from the second end, of the capsule). This may force liquid deflected from the liquid-deflecting surface back toward the first end prior to flowing toward the second end (toward the exit location), which may help reduce velocity and decrease pressure. The raised portion may contact the first end of the capsule body, which may support the flow director relative to the capsule body. This may also seal the liquid-deflecting surface from the flow path toward the second end. In this case, the raised portion may be resilient so that it can flex under pressure of the liquid to allow the seal to be broken/opened. This opening may be suitable for restricting the flow upstream of the cavity (e.g. the raised portion may be suitably resilient so that a suitably small opening is formed, which may restrict the flow of the liquid passing therethrough). The inner surface of the capsule body may comprise a recess that is adjacent the raised portion and is shaped so as to allow the raised portion to freely flex and so that when the raised portion does flex, an opening is formed/opened.

Preferably, the flow director is arranged to direct the flow of at least some of the liquid entering the capsule through the first end to the at least one exit location through a central portion of the capsule. This flow director may be described as a central flow director. The longitudinally-extending portion may be a central portion, such as a tube. The tube may preferably have a circular cross-section, but may have any other suitable cross-section. The tube may have substantially parallel walls from the first end to the second end, such as a hollow cylinder. However, the tube may also inwardly taper from the first end toward the second end (i.e. the cross-section of the tube may decrease from the first end to the second end).

When a central flow director is present, the first end of the flow director may be arranged to seal against the inner surface of the first end of the capsule at a location radially outward of the location where liquid may enter the capsule through the first end. This seal may be formed by a seal of the flow director that is located radially outward of the liquid-deflecting surface. The seal may contact the inner surface of the first end and/or capsule body. The seal may be circular.

The seal may comprise a rim. The rim may be configured to fit in a cavity formed by the outer raised portion of the first end of the capsule. Alternatively, when no outer raised portion is formed in the first end of the capsule (e.g. when there is no annular recess in the first end of the capsule) the rim may seal against the inner surface of the frustoconical portion of the first end of the capsule. In this case, the inside surface of the frustoconical portion may be provided with a suitable protrusion to support and seal against the rim. This protrusion may be circular and may contact the outer radial portion of the rim. The rim may contact the inner surface of the first end of the capsule at a longitudinal location that is more distant from the second end of the capsule than the liquid-deflecting surface is.

Such a seal forces at least a majority of the liquid to pass through the central tube. The seal may be configured to totally seal the flow director to the capsule body so that no liquid may pass through the seal. However, the flow director may be configured so that under pressure the flow director may flex so that the seal is partially broken to allow a portion of the liquid entering the capsule to pass through the seal to allow said portion of liquid to enter the cavity proximate the first end of the capsule. This portion is preferably a minor portion of the liquid. This portion of the liquid has preferably been deflected by the liquid-deflecting portion prior to passing through the seal. In order to achieve this, the flow director may comprise a suitably flexible and rigid material. When the seal partially opens, this may define an exit location as discussed above. Such an opening may be sufficiently narrow to suitably restrict the flow of the liquid passing therethrough.

To improve or control the flexibility/rigidity of the first end of the flow director, the flow director may comprise one or more ribs extending between the tube and the inner side (with respect to the capsule/cavity) of the liquid-deflecting surface. There may be a plurality of these ribs, each being evenly spaced.

Additionally/alternatively, the rim may comprise one or more exit location(s), such as hole(s) extending through the rim, preferably evenly spaced around the rim.

The central tube may extend through the centre of the liquid-deflecting surface (e.g. through the centre of the annulus) and may extend beyond the liquid-deflecting surface in the longitudinal direction toward the first end of the capsule. Thus, there may be a raised portion between the first end of the tube and the liquid-deflecting surface. This is preferable as liquid deflected by the liquid-deflecting surface may be required to travel back toward the first end before entering the tube, which will reduce speed and pressure of the liquid entering the tube.

The first end of the tube may preferably contact the first end of the capsule. This may help support the flow director within the capsule. For instance, the tube may contact an inside surface of the central planar portion or the central raised portion of the first end of the capsule. The tube may seal against the inside surface of the central planar portion. Alternatively, the tube may contact the rib(s) extending from the inside surface of the first end, such as the inside surface of the central planar portion. This rib(s) may help to channel flow into the tube and may also help to restrict the flow of the liquid entering the tube. The rib(s) may contact the raised portion between the tube and the liquid-deflecting surface.

There may be one or more orifices proximate or at the first end of the tube to allow liquid to enter the tube. These orifices may be holes in the tube, and may be preferable when the first end of the tube seals against the inner surface of the first end of the capsule.

There may be one or more weakened points proximate or at the first end of the tube to allow liquid to enter the tube. These weakened points may allow water to pass into the tube when pressurised water enters the capsule through the first end. These may be preferable when the first end of the tube seals against the inner surface of the first end of the capsule. A second end of the tube may be an end of the tube that is distant from the first end of the tube/capsule. Preferably, the second end of tube contacts and seals against the second end of the capsule, such as the inside surface of the cap, preferably within/by the inner raised portion of the cap, as mentioned above.

The tube may comprise exit location(s). These may be orifices/holes/slits located adjacent the second end of the capsule. As mentioned above, this helps to promote agitation and prevent plugging. Preferably, the exit location(s) adjacent the second end of the capsule may be adjacent to the inner raised portion of the cap, which again can further help promote agitation and prevent plugging. The exit location(s) here may be comprise a plurality of elongated gaps extending in the longitudinal direction from the second end of the tube. These elongated gaps may be considered to be notches in the end of the tube.

The second end of the tube may comprise a portion of increased radius to increase the contact and seal with the second end of the capsule/cap.

The second end of the tube may comprise a portion of decreased radius (such as a chamfered/tapered end) to increase the seal with the inner raised portion of the cap.

Additionally/alternatively, the tube may comprise exit location(s) (such as orifice(s)) between the first and second end, i.e. space from both the first and second ends of the capsule, such as at around a mid-point of the capsule, or even toward the first end of the capsule.

Inside the tube, there may be one or more flow restrictor.

This may take the form of an orifice.

Additionally/alternatively, the flow restrictor may comprise a disc placed perpendicularly to the flow (i.e. perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the capsule/tube) with a plurality of slots, preferably emanating radially from a central portion to the outer periphery of the disc. The disc may be held in the tube as it may have diameter greater than that of the majority of the tube, and it may be located in a portion of the tube that has a suitable bulge to accommodate the disc. The disc may be located above an orifice. The flow restrictor may comprise a generally conical portion that extends upwards, with respect to the flow direction, from a central portion of the disc for directing liquid flow toward the gaps.

Additionally/alternatively, the flow restrictor may comprise a restriction-T. A restriction-T is a flow restrictor that has one or more liquid-deflecting surfaces arranged perpendicular to the flow (e.g. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) so that liquid is deflected. Adjacent the restriction-T, the tube is shaped so as to compliment this effect. For the/each liquid-deflecting surface(s), there is bulge in the tube downstream of the liquid-deflecting surface, to allow the deflected liquid to move radially as well as longitudinally. Preferably upstream of the/each liquid-deflecting surface (and downstream of the bulge) the tube is narrowed to force liquid (from the bulge) toward the (next) liquid-deflecting surface. Preferably, there is a plurality of bulges, liquid-deflecting surfaces and narrowed portions, in sequence.

Alternatively to having a central flow director, there may be a peripheral flow director. Thus, the flow director may be arranged to direct the flow of at least some of the liquid entering the capsule through the first end to the at least one exit location through a peripheral portion of the capsule.

The longitudinally-extending portion of the flow director may be a wall of the flow director that is located proximate but inward of the wall of the capsule body, and liquid may be directed from the first end toward the second end (to the exit location) between the outer surface of the wall of the flow director and the inner surface of the wall of the capsule. Thus an annular longitudinal flow path may be defined, between the capsule wall and the flow director.

The wall of the flow director may preferably have a circular cross-section, but may have any other suitable cross-section. Preferably, the cross-section shape is similar to that of the capsule body wall, but is smaller. For instance, there may be a gap of 1-5mm, preferably 1-3mm, between the wall of the deflector and the wall of the capsule body.

The wall of the flow director may extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, or it may outwardly taper from the first end to the second end (i.e. the cross-section of the wall may increase from the first end to the second end). This may be similar to the capsule body wall, and so the gap between the wall of the flow director and the wall of the capsule body may be substantially constant.

When a peripheral flow director is present, there may be a central raised portion of the flow director radially inward of the liquid-deflecting surface. This raised portion may be raised away from the second end, toward the first end, of the capsule. This may force liquid deflected from the liquid-deflecting surface back toward the first end prior to flowing toward the second end (toward the exit location), which may help reduce velocity and decrease pressure.

The raised portion may contact the first end of the capsule. This may help to seal or support the peripheral flow director. Preferably, the raised portion of the flow director may contact the rib(s) extending inward of the first end of the capsule, preferably extending inward from the planar section of the first end of the capsule. The central raised portion of the flow director is preferably circular and inside of the annulus defined by the liquid-deflecting surface. The central raised portion may comprise a sloping portion that slopes toward the second end as the radial location increases. The rib(s) may have a corresponding slope. The rib(s) may contact the flow director at this sloping portion. This helps to keep the flow director axial and radially aligned with respect to the capsule body.

The central raised portion may also act to force at least a majority of the liquid to pass through the peripheral flow path.

Between the liquid-deflecting surface and the peripheral longitudinal flow path there may be an outer raised portion. This raised portion may be generally annular. This portion may be raised relative to the liquid-deflecting surface away from the second end of the capsule. The outer raised portion is preferably not raised as far in comparison to the central raised portion.

Preferably, the first end of the peripheral flow director (e.g. the central raised portion, the liquid-deflecting surface and/or the outer raised portion) comprises one or more ribs.

The rib(s) may extend from an inside surface of the first end of the flow director. The rib(s) may extend substantially radially. The rib(s) may be configured to prevent the first end of the flow director from flexing when high pressure liquid enters the first end.

There may be one or more orifices proximate or at the first end of the director to allow liquid to enter the cavity. These orifices may be holes in the flow director, and may be located proximate where the first end of the flow director meets the wall of the director (e.g. at a first end of the wall). A second end of the wall may be an end of the wall that is distant from the first end of the director/capsule. Preferably, the second end of wall contacts and seals against the second end of the capsule, such as the inside surface of the cap, preferably outside of raised portion of the cap, as mentioned above.

The wall may comprise exit location(s). These may be orifices/holes/slits located adjacent the second end of the capsule. As mentioned above, this helps to promote agitation and prevent plugging. Preferably, the exit location(s) adjacent the second end of the capsule may be adjacent to the raised portion of the cap, which again can further help promote agitation and prevent plugging. The exit location(s) here may comprise a plurality of (elongated) gaps extending in the longitudinal direction from the second end of the wall. These (elongated) gaps may be considered to be notches in the end of the wall.

Additionally/alternatively, the wall may comprise exit location(s) (such as orifice(s)) between the first and second end, i.e. spaced from both the first and second ends of the capsule, such as at around a mid-point of the capsule, or even toward the first end of the capsule.

The flow director is preferably constructed so as not to flex or bend (i.e. to be rigid) when high pressure liquid enters the capsule. This may be achieved by using a strong material such as polypropylene, and may be achieved by using a material with a thickness for substantially all of the flow director of around 0.5-2.5mm, preferably 1-2mm. Using such a thickness may be disadvantageous as this would reduce the cavity volume and the unit cost would increase. However, the inventor has found that having a rigid flow deflector gives significant performance advantages when reducing the pressure of the liquid, which outweigh these disadvantages.

That said, the first end of the flow director may be flexible, or comprise flexible portions as has been discussed above. The material should be chosen to achieve the desired flexibility and rigidity.

Preferably the beverage base is dried tea, or possibly filter coffee, or instant zed powder, and the liquid is water, preferably hot water.

There may be one or more removable tabs cover the first and/or second ends of the capsule, which should be removed by the user prior to use of the capsule. The removable tab(s) may cover the hole(s)/orifice(s) in first end and/or the drain hole(s) in the second end.

In another aspect, the invention provides a kit for a capsule for producing a beverage comprising: a capsule body comprising a first end for allowing a liquid to enter the capsule, a second end distant from the first end, a cavity for accommodating beverage base material, the cavity being located between the first end and the second end; a flow director configured such that when it is located within the capsule proximate the first end and it extends toward the second end; and a cap configured to attach to the second end of the capsule body to close the cavity, wherein the flow director is arranged to direct the flow of at least some of a liquid entering the capsule through the first end to at least one exit location where the liquid is allowed to exit the flow director into the cavity, the exit location being spaced from the first end toward the second end; and wherein the flow director and the capsule are arranged to allow the pressure of the liquid in the cavity to be less than the pressure of the liquid upstream of the capsule.

This kit may comprise any of the features discussed in relation to the capsule.

Certain preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a capsule according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 2 and 3 show an exploded view of the capsule of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the capsule of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a flow director of the capsule of Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a perspective and cross-section view of the flow director of Figure 5;

Figures 7 and 8 show perspective views of a cap of the capsule of Figure 1;

Figure 9 shows cross-section view of the capsule of Figure 1 when in use;

Figure 10 shows a cross-section of a capsule according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the capsule of Figure 10;

Figures 12 and 13 show perspective views of the capsule of Figure 10;

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a capsule body of the capsule of Figure 10;

Figure 15 shows an exploded view of the capsule of Figure 10;

Figure 16 shows a close-up cross-section of a second end of the capsule of Figure 10;

Figure 17 shows a partially-exploded cross-section of the capsule of Figure 10;

Figure 18 shows a cross-section of a capsule according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 19 shows a cross-section of a capsule according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 20 shows a schematic view of a restriction-! of the capsule of Figure 19;

Figure 21 shows a cross-section of a capsule according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 22 and 23 show a close-up of a portion of the first end of the capsule of Figure 21;

Figure 24 shows a cross-section of a capsule according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 25 shows an exploded view of the capsule of Figure 24;

Figures 26 shows a perspective view of the capsule of Figure 24;

Figure 27 shows a perspective view of the capsule body of the capsule of Figure 24;

Figures 28 and 29 show cross-section views of the second end of the capsule of Figure 24.

With regard to Figures 1 to 10 a first embodiment of the capsule 100 is illustrated. The capsule 100 comprises a first end 101 for allowing a liquid to enter the capsule 100, a second end 102 distant from the first end 101 and a cavity 103 for accommodating beverage base material. The cavity 103 is located between the first end 101 and the second end 102. A flow director 170 is located within the capsule 100 proximate the first end 101 and extends toward the second end 102. As will be appreciated from the following description, the flow director 170 is arranged to direct the flow of at least some of a liquid entering the capsule 100 through the first end 101 to at least one exit location 182 where the liquid is allowed to exit the flow director 170 into the cavity 103. The exit location 182 is spaced from the first end 101 toward the second end 102. The flow director 170 and the capsule 100 also allow the pressure of the liquid in the cavity 103 to be less than the pressure of the liquid upstream of the capsule 100. A longitudinal direction is defined as the direction in which the first end 101 and the second 102 are spaced from one another. The capsule 100 comprises a central longitudinal axis (not shown), which in this embodiment at least is an axis of rotational symmetry of the capsule 100. A radial direction is defined as being perpendicular to this central longitudinal axis.

The capsule 100 comprises a capsule body 110 that defines both the first 101 and second ends 102. The capsule body 110 comprises a first end 111 that defines the first end 101 of the capsule 100 and a second end 112 that defines the second end 102 of the capsule 100. The capsule body 110 also comprises a wall portion 113 extending between the first 101 and second 102 ends of the capsule. The capsule body 110 is generally frustoconical in shape. Thus, the first end 101, 111 is generally circular, the second end 102, 112 is generally circular and concentric with the first end 101, 111 and the diameter of the second end 102, 112 is greater than the diameter of the first end 101, 111. The wall portion 113 has a circular cross-section that increases steadily from the first end 101, 111 to the second end 102, 112 of the capsule 100.

The first end 101 of the capsule 100 is generally closed (although it does comprise small orifices therein, as discussed below). The capsule body 110 is one integrally formed piece. Other than perhaps these small orifices, the capsule body 110 is solidly formed (i.e. it comprises no path for liquid to pass).

The capsule body 110 comprises a rim 114 extending from the wall 113 at the second end 102, 112. The rim 114 is annular. The surface 115 of the rim 114 facing the longitudinal direction away from the first end 101, 111 is generally flat/planar. The surface 116 of the rim 114 facing the longitudinal direction toward the first end 101, 111 is also generally flat/planar.

However, the surface 116 comprises a sealing means. The sealing means is a raised portion 117 spaced from the wall 113 so as to also form a grooved portion 118.

These seal portions 117, 118 are circular and concentric with the annular rim 114.

The capsule body 110 is cup-shaped, with a generally hollow internal portion that can house the flow director 170 and the beverage base in the cavity 103.

The second end 112 of the capsule body 110 comprises an opening 119. The opening 119 spans from the inside of the wall 113 on one side of the opening to an inside of the wall 113 on an opposite side of the opening. The opening 119 is circular.

The capsule body 110 is constructed so as not to flex or bend (i.e. to be rigid) when high pressure liquid enters the capsule. This is achieved by using a strong material such as polypropylene, and may be achieved by using a material with a thickness for substantially all of the capsule body (but especially the walls) of around 0.5-2.5mm, preferably 1-2mm.

The wall 113 comprises a plurality of ribs 120 for strengthening the wall 113. The ribs 120 are located on the inside surface of the wall 113. The ribs 113 run substantially in the longitudinal direction, and extend from first end 101, 111 to a location proximate to (but distant) the second end 102, 112. This may allow the cap 130 (see below) to seal against the inside of the wall 113 and abut the ribs 120. The ribs 120 are generally equally spaced from one another.

The capsule 100 comprises a cap 130. The cap 130 is configured to seal against the second end 112 of the capsule body 110 at the second end 102 of the capsule 100. The cap 130 fits within the opening 119 in the second end 112 of the body 110, and may be sealed against the inside surface of the wall 113 and the rim 114. The cap 130 is generally circular in shape and has a diameter approximately equal, although perhaps slightly larger than, the diameter of the opening 119.

The cap 130 is arranged such that when it is sealed to the capsule body 110, the cap 130 does not protrude beyond (in the longitudinal direction away from the first end 101) the second end 112 of the capsule body 110. As shown, the cap 130 is flush with the second end 112 capsule body 110, e.g. the rim 114.

The cap 130 is generally disk-shaped and has depth D. The depth Dc may be greater than the thickness of the material of the cap 130, since the material of the cap may comprise one or more raised portions as discussed below.

The cap 130 comprises an outer raised portion 131. The outer raised portion 131 defines the depth Do of the cap 130. The outer raised portion 131 comprises an outer circumferential surface 132 that is shaped so as to fit against the inner surface of the wall 113 at the second end 102, 112.

This outer circumferential surface 132 is substantially continuous. The outer circumferential surface 132 comprises a raised rim 133 to cooperate with a corresponding recessed groove 134 in the inside of the wall 113 of the capsule body 110, to help hold the cap 130 in place once it is sealed to the capsule body 110. This provides a click-fit between the cap 130 and the capsule body 110.

The outer raised portion 131 extends substantially from the second end 112 of the capsule body 110 into the opening 119 of the capsule body 110. The raised portion 131 meets and is contact with the ribs 120. The outer raised portion 131 extends around substantially the entirety of the periphery of the cap 130. The outer raised portion 131 is an annular portion.

On the outer side of the cap 130 (with respect to the capsule), there is a cavity 135 formed by the raised portion 131.

Four ribs 136 are used to strength the cap 130. The ribs 136 extend across the cavity 135 to support the raised portion 131. The ribs 136 are substantially flush with the outer surface (with respect to the capsule) of the cap 130. The ribs 136 extend in the radial direction, and are equally spaced from each other.

Inward of the outer raised portion 131, the cap 130 comprises an inner recessed portion 137. The inner recessed portion 137 is preferably circular in shape that is concentric with the cap 130 and the outer raised portion 131. The outer raised portion 131 slopes toward the recessed portion 130 via a sloping portion 138. The recessed portion 137 generally houses the flow director 170. The depth Dc of the cap 130 at the recessed portion 137 is reduced in comparison to the raised portion 131.

The inner recessed portion 137 has a planar surface, which has a normal parallel to the longitudinal direction.

The inner recessed portion 137 may comprise an inner raised portion 139, which is radially inward of the outer raised portion 131. This inner raised portion 139 is annular and is concentric with the cap 130 and the outer raised portion 131. The inner raised portion 139 is shaped so that it can cooperate with the second end of the flow director 170, so as to restrict the movement of (or hold) second end of the flow director 170. Further, the inner raised portion 139 acts to direct the flow of liquid from the exit location 182 of such the central flow director 170. The inner portion may have a depth do of less than the depth Do of the cap 130 as a whole and less than the depth Dc of the outer raised portion 131.

The cap 130 comprises a plurality of drain holes 140 for allowing the liquid to drain from the capsule 100. This may occur after liquid has contacted the beverage base. The drain holes 140 are configured so that pressure build-up in the cavity is minimised. In order to do this the drain holes 140 are sufficiently numerous and large. The holes 140 are circular orifices.

The drain holes 140 are located in the outer raised portion 131, at or near the uppermost portion of the raised portion 132. The holes 140 allow liquid to pass through the cap 130 and into the cavity 135.

Other than the holes 140 discussed above the cap 130 and second end 102 may be completely sealed.

The second end 102 of the capsule 100 is configured so as not to bulge when liquid enters the first end 101 under pressure. To achieve this, the second end 102 (e.g. the cap 130) is constructed in such a way that it does not flex when pressurised liquid enters the capsule 100 from the first end 101.

The capsule comprises a filter 141 for filtering the liquid prior to exit from the capsule 100. The filter 141 is arranged in the cavity 103 proximate the second end 102. Thus, the filter 141 is arranged adjacent to the inside of the second end 102 of the capsule 100. The filter 141 is placed over each drain hole 140.

The filter 141 is substantially circular in shape. This filter 141 is configured to cover the drain holes 140 provided on the raised portion 131. The diameter of the filter may be similar to but perhaps slightly less than that of the cap 132. The filter has a diameter large enough such that it is pinched between the cap 130 and the ribs 120. The filter 141 substantially covers the entire inside surface of the cap 130.

The first end 101 of the capsule 100 is an inlet end. In general, the first end 101 is part of the capsule body 110 and extends from the wall 113 of the capsule body 110. The first end 101 is the first end 111 of the capsule body 110.

The first end 101, 111 is made of a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic, that is not readily perforate-able by blades of a conventional brewing machine. To allow liquid to enter the first end 101, 111, the first end 101, 111 is provided with a plurality of orifices 142 extending through the first end 101, 111. The first end 101, 111 is generally circular in shape. The first end 101, 111 is preferably generally circular in shape.

The first end 101, 111 comprises a recess 143, which is annular. This annular recess 143 is shaped so as to avoid the blades 1 a typical beverage-producing machine (as can be seen in Figure 9). The annular recess 143 is concentric with the first end 101, 111. The annular recess 143 forms a central raised portion 144 inward of the recess 143, which is circular in shape. The annular recess 143 also forms an outer raised portion 145, which again is annular in shape.

The orifices 142 are located in the base of the recess 143. The plurality of orifices 142 are substantially evenly spaced.

The recess 143 has a depth Df relative to the central raised portion 144 that is greater than the depth dp relative to the outer raised.

The flow director 170 is a separate piece to the capsule body 110, and preferably the cap 130. The flow director 170 is arranged so that, when the cap 130 is sealed to the capsule body 110, the flow director 170 is held in position in between the first 101 and second ends 102 of the capsule 100.

The flow director 170 comprises a liquid-deflecting surface proximate the first end of the capsule 101. The liquid-deflecting surface 174 is annular in shape, and is spaced from the first end 101. The liquid-deflecting surface 174 is located longitudinally inward of the orifices 142. The liquid-deflecting surface 174 is planar, and the plane has a normal parallel to the longitudinal direction.

The liquid-deflecting surface 174 is located in a first end 171 of the flow director 170, proximate the first end 101 of the capsule 100. The flow director 170 comprises a longitudinally-extending portion 173, which is capable of directing liquid from the first end 101 toward the second end 102 of the capsule 100 prior to the liquid entering the cavity 103. The liquid-deflecting surface 174 helps direct the flow of liquid toward the longitudinal portion 173.

The liquid-deflecting surface 174 comprises a plurality of exit locations 175 that are evenly spaced around the liquid-deflecting surface 174. These exit locations are holes through the surface 174.

Between the liquid-deflecting surface 174 and the flow path 173 toward the second end 102, there is a raised portion 176. The raised portion 176 contacts the first end 111 of the capsule body 110, which helps to support the flow director 170 relative to the capsule body 110.

The flow director 170 is arranged to direct the flow of at least some of the liquid entering the capsule 100 through the first end 101 to the at least one exit location 182 through a central portion of the capsule 100. This flow director is a central flow director 170. The longitudinally-extending portion 173 is a tube 173. The tube 173 has a circular crosssection. The tube 173 has parallel walls from the first end 171 to the second end 172, such that it is a hollow cylinder.

The first end 171 of the flow director 170 is arranged to seal against the inner surface of the first end 111 of the capsule 110 at a location radially outward of the location 142 where liquid may enter the capsule 110 through the first end 110. This seal is formed by a seal 177 of the flow director 170 that is located radially outward of the liquid-deflecting surface 174. The seal 177 contacts the inner surface of the first end 111. The seal 177 is circular.

The seal comprises a rim 177. The rim 177 is configured to fit in a cavity 146 formed by the outer raised portion 145 of the first end 101 of the capsule 100. The rim 177 contacts the inner surface of the first end 101 of the capsule 100 at a longitudinal location that is more distant from the second end 102 of the capsule than the liquid-deflecting surface 174 is.

The flow director 170 is configured so that under pressure the flow director 170 flexes so that the seal between rim 177 and cavity 146 is partially broken to allow a portion of the liquid entering the capsule 100 to pass through the seal between the rim 177 and the cavity 146 to allow said portion of liquid to enter the cavity 103 proximate the first end of the capsule 101. This portion is a minor portion of the liquid. In order to achieve this, the flow director 170 comprises a material of suitable flexibility/rigidity. When the seal partially opens, this may define an exit location as discussed above. Such an opening is sufficiently narrow to restrict the flow of the liquid upstream of the cavity 103 and hence reduce the pressure of the liquid in the cavity 103.

To improve or control the flexibility/rigidity of the first end of the flow director 170, the flow director 170 comprises a plurality of ribs 178 extending between the tube 173 and the inner side (with respect to the capsule) of the liquid-deflecting surface 174. Each rib 178 extends radially and the ribs 178 are equally spaced from each other about the central longitudinal axis of the capsule 100.

The central tube 173 extends through the centre of the liquid-deflecting surface 174 (e.g. through the centre of the annulus) and extends beyond the liquid-deflecting surface 174 in the longitudinal direction toward the first end 101 of the capsule 100. Thus, the raised portion 176 is formed between the first end 179 of the tube 173 and the liquid-deflecting surface 174. The first end 176 of the tube 173 contacts the first end 111 of the capsule body 110. The first end 176 of the tube 173 contacts an inside surface of the central planar portion 144. The tube 173 seals against the inside surface of the central planar portion 144.

There is a plurality of weakened points 180 at the first end 176 of the tube 173 to allow liquid to enter the tube 173 when pressurised liquid enters the capsule 100 via the first end 101. A second end 181 of the tube 173 is an end of the tube 173 that is distant from the first end of the tube/capsule 100. The second end 181 of tube 173 contacts and seals against the inside surface of the cap 130 within and against the inner raised portion 139 of the cap 130.

The tube 173 comprises exit locations 182. These are orifices/holes/slits 182 located adjacent the second end 102 of the capsule 100. The exit locations 182 are adjacent to the inner raised portion 139 of the cap 130. The exit locations 182 here comprise a plurality of elongated gaps 182 extending in the longitudinal direction from the second end 181 of the tube 173. These elongated gaps 182 may be considered to be notches in the end of the tube 173.

The second end 181 of the tube 173 is chamfered so as to increase the seal with the inner raised portion 139 of the cap 130.

Inside the tube 173, there is a flow restrictor 183. This takes the form of an orifice 183.

The flow director 170 is constructed so as not to flex or bend (i.e. to be rigid) when high pressure liquid enters the capsule. That said, the first end 171 of the flow director 170 may be flexible or comprise flexible portions as has been discussed above, to allow the seal between rim 177 and cavity 146 to be broken. The material should be chosen to achieve the desired flexibility and rigidity.

In use, the capsule 100 is placed in a conventional beverage-producing machine.

The beverage-producing machine is actuated by the user so that it holds the capsule 100 in place. When the beverage-producing machine is actuated blades 1 of the beverage-producing machine do not pierce the first end 101 of the capsule 100 due to the annular recess 143 as they would a more typical capsule, as can be appreciated from Figure 9. The beverage-producing machine is then operated such that the first end 101 of the capsule is exposed to high pressure water. This high pressure water enters the capsule 100 through holes 142. It is then deflected by the liquid-deflecting surface 174. The force of the water on the liquid-deflecting surface 174 causes the first end 171 of the liquid director to flex so that the rim 177 moves away from the inner surface of the cavity 146 by a small distance, which allows a portion of the water to enter the cavity 103 from the first end whilst having its flow restricted upstream of the cavity 103. Water also enters the cavity 103 via holes 142 in the liquid-deflecting surface 174. Water is also deflected from the liquid-deflecting surface 174 toward the raised portion 176 where it passes into the tube 173 via orifices/weakened points 180. Once inside the tube 173, the water flows toward the second end 102 through orifice 183 which further restricts the flow. The water exits the tube adjacent the second end 102 via exit locations 182. The water exiting the exit locations 182 is guided by the sloping section of the inner raised portion 139 of the cap 130 such that it has a component of movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the longitudinal axis back toward the first end 101. Once in the cavity 103, the water mixes with a beverage base kept inside the cavity. The water can then exit the cavity 103 by passing through the filter 141 and then through holes 140 in the cap into the cavity 135, which offer a smaller flow restriction than the flow restriction upstream of the cavity 103. Once in the cavity 135 the water is allowed to exit the machine via a plate 2 (see Figure 18), and then on to a nozzle, and then on to a beverage-holding vessel. A second embodiment is of the capsule 200 is shown in Figures 10 to 17. Except where stated below, this embodiment has similar or identical features to the above-discussed embodiment.

The surface 216 of the rim 214 at the second end 212 of the capsule body 210 comprises a sealing means 217 which comprises two annular grooves in the surface 216. The surface 215 of the rim 214 comprises a sealing means 218 which comprises an annular rim 218 protruding in the longitudinal direction away from the first end 201 from the outer periphery of the rim 214. The sealing means 217, 218 is configured to cooperate with a cup of a standard beverage machine so as to form a seal.

The cap 230 is arranged such that when it is sealed to the capsule body 210, the cap outer surface of the cap (with respect to the capsule) is spaced from the second end of the capsule body. This spacing (S) is small, e.g. around 1-2mm.

The outer circumferential surface 232 of the cap 230 is divided by a plurality of circumferentially spaced gaps 247. These gaps 247 form a plurality of buttresses 248 which contact the inside of the wall 213 of the capsule body 210. The buttresses 248 are solid volumes. The outer surfaces of the buttresses 248 form an interrupted outer circumferential surface 232 of the cap 230.

The outer circumferential surface 232 (which is interrupted by the gaps 247) comprises a raised rim 233 to cooperate with a corresponding recessed groove 234 in the inside of the wall 213 of the capsule body 210, to help hold the cap 230 in place against the capsule body 210. This provides a click-fit between the cap 230 and the capsule body 210.

The drain holes 240 are elongated slits. The holes 240 are elongated and extend through both the uppermost portion of the raised portion 231 and the tapered/sloping portion between the outer raised portion 231 and the inner recessed portion 237. The holes 240 are substantially equally spaced around the central longitudinal axis. The holes 240 are aligned with respective gaps 247 between the buttresses 248 of the outer raised portion 231. This provides a path for the liquid to exit the capsule 200 through the cap 230.

The filter 241 is annular in shape. This filter 241 covers an annular array of drain holes 240, i.e. the holes 240 provided in the outer raised portion and tapering/sloping section. The filter 241 is annular so as to allow a central flow director 273 to contact the cap 230 in a central portion of the cap 230 within the inner raised portion 239 without contacting the filter 241. The outer diameter of the annular filter 241 is substantially equal to the diameter of the cap 230. The inner diameter of the annular filter 241 is substantially equal to the diameter of the inner recessed portion 237. In this way, the filter 241 covers substantially all of the outer raised portion 231 and the tapering/sloping portion to the inner recessed portion 237.

The first end 201 of the capsule comprises a frustoconical section 249. This section extends away from the wall 213 toward the radial centre of the capsule and also away from the second end 202. The end of the frustoconical section 249 meets a planar section 250, which is circular and concentric with the capsule 200 (about the capsule’s central longitudinal axis) and which has the normal of its plane extending parallel to the longitudinal direction.

Unlike the previous embodiment, there is no recess in the first end 211 of the capsule body for avoiding perforation with blades 1 of a beverage-producing machine. In this case, the frustoconical section 249 extends substantially continuously, i.e. it is not interrupted by any recess. Thus, the first end 211 is instead pierce-able by blades of the beverage-producing machine. This allows liquid to enter the first end 211.

As mentioned above, the frustoconical section 249 ends at a central planar portion 250. This planar portion 250 is recessed (i.e. offset towards the second end) relative to the end of the frustoconical section 249. The central recessed portion 250 assists with the function of the flow director 270, as is discussed in more detail below.

The inner surface (with respect to the capsule) of the first end 211 comprises a plurality of ribs 251. The ribs 251 act to strengthen the first end 211 and to guide liquid flow into the central flow tube 273. The ribs 251 cooperate with the flow director 270 to assist with the function of the flow director 270. The ribs 251 are equally spaced about the central longitudinal axis. The ribs 251 extend inward from the central portion 250 of the first end 211. The ribs 251 extend over an annular or circular portion of the central planar portion 250.

The inward side 252 of the ribs 251 with respect to the capsule (i.e. the side of ribs 251 facing toward the second end 202) are shaped so as to meet and contact the flow director 270, so as to support the flow director 270 and guide flow of liquid in cooperation with the flow director 270. The ribs 251 contact the raised portion 276 between the tube 273 and the liquid-deflecting surface 274.

The liquid-deflecting surface 274 is located longitudinally inward of the location where the blades pierce the first end 211.

The central tube 273 tapers inwardly from the first end 201 toward the second end 202 (i.e. the cross-section of the tube 273 decreases from the first end 201 to the second end 202).

The rim 277 generally extends perpendicularly from the liquid-deflecting surface toward the first end 211, and seals against the inner surface of the frustoconical portion 249 of the first end 211 of the capsule 200. In this case, the inside surface of the frustoconical portion 249 is provided with a suitable protrusion 253 to support and seal against the rim 277. This protrusion 253 is circular and contacts the outer radial portion of the rim 277.

The flow director 270 comprises elongated orifices 275 extending through the liquid-deflecting surface 274 and the rim 277.

Unlike the previous embodiment, there is no flow restrictor internal to the tube 273.

In use, the capsule 200 acts similarly to the capsule 100. However, when the beverage-producing machine is actuated, the blades 1 of the machine pierce the first end 201 of the capsule 200 through the frusto-conical section 249 and between the rim 277 and the central planar portion 250. This allows water to enter the capsule 200 and to be deflected by the liquid-deflecting surface 274 and hence to be directed by the flow director 270. Additionally, once the water has entered the first end 201 of the capsule 200, it is deflected by the deflecting surface 274 and a portion of the water enters the cavity between the rim 277 and the first end 211 or through holes 275. Another portion of the water is deflected upwards over the raised portion 276 and is guided into the tube 273 by ribs 251. Additionally, the water exits the cavity of the capsule 200 by passing through the filter 241 and then through holes 240 in the cap into the gaps 247. Once in the gaps 247, the water is allowed to exit the machine via a plate 2 (see Figure 18), and then on to a nozzle, and then on to a beverage-holding vessel.

Referring to Figure 18, a third embodiment of the capsule 300 is shown. Except where stated below, this embodiment has similar or identical features to the above-discussed embodiment(s), as can be appreciated from the Figure.

Within the tube 373 of the flow director 370 there is a flow restrictor 383. The flow restrictor 383 comprises a disc 384 placed perpendicularly to the flow (i.e. perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the capsule/tube) with a plurality of slots 385. The slots 385 emanate radially from a central portion to the outer periphery of the disc 385. The disc 385 is held in the tube 373 as it has a diameter greater than that of the majority of the tube 373. The disc 385 is located in a portion 386 of the tube 373 that has a suitable bulge to accommodate the disc 385. The disc is located above an orifice 387, with respect to the flow direction. The flow restrictor 383 comprises a generally conical portion 388 that extends upwards, with respect to the flow direction, from a central portion of the disc 384 for directing liquid flow toward the gaps 385.

Figure 18 shows the capsule 300 when placed against a plate 2 of a conventional beverage-producing machine.

In use, the capsule 300 acts similarly to the capsule 200. However, when water enters the tube 373 it passes through the flow restrictor 383. The water is directed toward the disc 384 and the gaps 385 by the conical portion 388. The water then passes through the gaps 385 and on to the orifice 387.

Referring to Figures 19 and 20, a fourth embodiment of the capsule 400 is shown. Except where stated below, this embodiment has similar or identical features to the above-discussed embodiment(s), as can be appreciated from the Figures.

Within the tube 473 of the flow director 470 there is a flow restrictor 483. The flow restrictor 483 comprises a restriction-T 484. The restriction-T 484 is a flow restrictor that has a plurality of liquid-deflecting surfaces 485 arranged perpendicular to the flow (e.g. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) so that liquid is deflected. Adjacent the restriction-T, the tube 473 is shaped so as to compliment this effect. For each liquid deflecting surface 485, there is bulge 486 in the tube downstream of the surface 485, to allow the deflected liquid to move radially as well as longitudinally. Upstream of each surface 485 (and downstream of the bulge 486) the tube 473 is narrowed 487 to force liquid (from the bulge 486) toward the next liquid-deflecting surface 485. There is a plurality of bulges 486, liquid-deflecting surfaces 485 and narrowed portions 487, in sequence.

In use, the capsule 400 acts similarly to the capsule 200. However, when water enters the tube it passes through the flow restrictor 483. The water contacts the first liquid-deflecting surface 485 of the restriction-T 484, it is then deflected outward toward the first bulge 486, which then deflects the water inward toward the first narrowed portion 487, which in turn passes the water on to the next liquid-deflecting surface 485 of the restriction-T 484. This process then repeats until the water passes by the restriction-T 484 and exits the tube.

The two protrusions shown protruding upwards from the first end of the capsule 300, 400 are schematic views of the hollow blades of a beverage-producing machine that has pierced the capsule 300, 400.

Referring to Figures 21 to 23, a fifth embodiment of the capsule 500 is shown.

Except where stated below, this embodiment has similar or identical features to the above-discussed embodiment(s), as can be appreciated from the Figures.

Unlike the second, third and fourth embodiments, this capsule 500 does not comprise ribs extending inward from the inside surface of the planar section 550 of the first end 501. Between the liquid-deflecting surface 574 and the central tube 573, there is a raised portion 576. This forces liquid deflected from the liquid-deflecting surface 574 back toward the first end 501 prior to flowing toward the second end 502. The raised portion 576 contacts, or at least is very closely spaced from, the first end 511 of the capsule body 510. This (at least partially) seals the liquid-deflecting surface 574 from the tube 573. The raised portion 576 is made of a resilient material so that it can flex under pressure of the liquid to allow the seal to be broken/opened as can be seen in Figure 23. This opening is suitable for restricting the flow of the liquid. The inner surface of the planar section 550 comprises a recess 577 that is adjacent the raised portion 576 and is shaped so as to allow the raised portion 576 to freely flex and so that when the raised portion 576 does flex, an opening is formed/opened.

In use, the capsule 500 acts similarly to the capsule 200. However, in order for water to enter the tube 573, the pressure of the water 573 entering the first end 501 of the capsule 500 flexes the raised portion 576 so as to create an opening between the raised portion 576 and the first end 511 of the capsule body.

Referring to Figures 24 to 29, a sixth embodiment of the capsule 600 is shown. Except where stated below, this embodiment has similar or identical features to the above-discussed embodiment(s), as can be appreciated from the Figures.

Unlike the previous embodiments, the cap 630 may not comprise a raised outer portion. Instead, the periphery of the inner surface of the cap 631 is located proximate or adjacent to the second end 602 of the capsule 600. Thus, the outer portion may be thought of as an outer recessed portion 631 with respect to the general depth Dc of the cap. The outer recessed portion 631 extends around the entirety of the periphery of the cap 630. The outer recessed portion 631 is substantially planar. This plane has a normal parallel to the longitudinal direction. The outer diameter of the outer recessed portion 631 is equal to the diameter of the cap 630.

For this capsule 600, similarly to the first embodiment, ribs 620 extend toward the second end 602 until in contact with the cap 630. Thus, the wall 613 comprises a plurality of ribs 620 for strengthening the wall 613. The ribs 620 are located on the inside surface of the wall 613. The ribs 613 run substantially in the longitudinal direction, and extend from first end 601,611 to a location proximate to (but distant) the second end 602, 612. This may allow the cap 630 to seal against the inside of the wall 613 and abut the ribs 620. The ribs 120 are generally equally spaced from one another. Because the cap 630 comprises an outer recessed portion 631 (rather than an outer raised portion 131), the ribs 620 extend further than for the cap 130 with an outer raised portion 131.

On the outer periphery of the cap 630 (e.g. around the outer circumference of the outer recessed portion 631), there is a raised rim 633 that cooperates with a corresponding recessed groove 634 in the inside of the wall 613 of the capsule body 610, to help hold the cap 630 in place. This provides a click-fit between the cap 630 and the capsule body 610. The raised rim 633 has a thickness greater than that of the rest of cap 630.

Inward of the outer recessed portion 631, there is a raised portion 632. The raised portion 632 defines the depth Dc of the cap 630 as a whole, and hence the depth of the raised portion 632 is substantially equal to the depth Dc of the cap 630.

This raised portion 632 is an annular raised portion 632 that is concentric with the cap 630 and the outer recessed portion 631. The raised portion 632 tapers/slopes toward the outer recessed portion 631 and an inner recessed portion 637. The raised portion 632 helps to hold a peripheral flow director 670 in position and to direct the flow from the exit location 682.

Inward of the raised portion 632, there is an inner recessed portion 637. The inner recessed portion 637 is generally planar and forms substantially part of the same plane as the outer recessed portion 631. The inner recessed portion 637 is circular in shape.

The drain holes 640 are located in the tapered/sloping section between the raised portion 632 and the inner recessed portion 637. The holes 640 are elongated in the radial direction. The holes 640 are equally spaced about the central longitudinal axis.

The filter 641 is circular in shape. This filter 641 is configured to cover the array of drain holes 640. The diameter of the filter 641 is less than that of the cap 630 and is substantially equal to the diameter of the raised portion 632. Thus, the filter 641 covers substantially all of the inner recessed portion 637 and the tapering/sloping portion between the raised portion 631 and the inner recessed portion 637.

Regarding the first end 611 of the capsule body 610, similarly to the second embodiment it comprises a frustoconical portion 649. The frustoconical section 649 meets and ends at a central planar portion 650. This planar portion 650 is flush with the end of the frustoconical section 649 (i.e. it is not recessed like in the second embodiment).

The first end 611 also comprises a plurality of ribs 690. The ribs 690 run substantially in the radial direction, and extend over a majority of the distance over the frustoconical section 649 of the first end 611. That said, there may be an annular gap 691 where the ribs do not extend. This annular gap 691 may allow for blades of the beverage-producing machine to pierce through the first end 611. The ribs 690 extend from the outer diameter of the annular gap 691 to the periphery of the first end 611 of the capsule body 610.

There is one rib 690 for each rib 620 extending along the wall 603. Each rib 690 in the first end 611 meets a respective rib 620 of the wall 603 where the first end 611 meets the wall 603. The ribs 690 of the first end 611 are continuous with the ribs 620 of the wall 603. There is one rib 690 for each rib 651. Each rib 690 extends in the same linear direction as a respective rib 651 but is spaced from the respective rib 651 by the annular gap 691.

In this embodiment, a peripheral flow director 670 is shown. The flow director 670 is arranged to direct the flow of at least some of the liquid entering the capsule through the first end 611 to the at least one exit location 682 through a peripheral portion of the capsule.

The longitudinally-extending portion of the flow director is a wall 673 of the flow director 670 that is located proximate but inward of the wall 613 of the capsule body 610, and liquid may be directed from the first end 601 toward the second end 602 (to the exit location 682) between the outer surface of the wall 673 of the flow director 670 and the inner surface of the wall 613 of the capsule body 610. Thus an annular longitudinal flow path is defined between the capsule wall 613 and the flow director 670. The wall 673 of the flow director 670 has a circular cross-section that is smaller than that of the capsule body 610.

The wall 673 of the flow director 670 outwardly tapers from the first end 601 to the second end 602 (i.e. the cross-section of the wall 673 increases from the first end 601 to the second end 602). This is similar to the capsule body wall 613, and so the gap between the wall of the flow director 670 and the wall 613 of the capsule body 610 is substantially constant.

In the first end 671 of the flow director 670, there is an annular liquid deflecting surface 674 similar to those previously described. There is a central raised portion 676 of the flow director 670 radially inward of the liquid-deflecting surface 674. This raised portion 676 is raised away from the second end 602, toward the first end 601, of the capsule 600. This forces liquid deflected from the liquid-deflecting surface 674 back toward the first end 601 prior to flowing toward the second end 602 (toward the exit location 682).

The raised portion 676 contacts the first end 611 of the capsule body 601. The raised portion 676 of the flow director 670 contacts ribs 651 extending inward from the planar section 650 of the first end 611 of the capsule body 610. The central raised portion 676 of the flow director 670 is circular and inside of the annulus defined by the liquid-deflecting surface 674. The central raised portion 676 comprises a sloping portion 679 that slopes toward the second end 602 as the radial location increases. The ribs 651 have a corresponding slope. The ribs contact 671 the flow director 670 at this sloping portion 679.

Between the liquid-deflecting surface 674 and the peripheral longitudinal flow path there is an outer raised portion 685. This raised portion 685 is generally annular. This portion 685 is raised relative to the liquid-deflecting surface 674 away from the second end of the capsule 602. The outer raised portion 685 is not raised as much as the central raised portion 676.

The first end 671 of the peripheral flow director 670 comprises a plurality of ribs 686. The ribs 686 extend from an inside surface of the first end 671 of the flow director 670. The ribs 686 extend substantially radially. The ribs 686 are configured to help prevent the first end 671 of the flow director 670 from flexing when high pressure liquid enters the first end 601.

There are a plurality of orifices 675 located proximate the first end 671 of the director 670 to allow liquid to enter the cavity 603. These orifices 675 are holes in the flow director 671 and are located where the first end 671 of the flow director 670 meets the wall 673 of the flow director 670. The orifices 675 are exit locations. A second end 672 of the wall is an end of the wall 673 that is distant from the first end of the capsule 601. Preferably, the second end 672 of wall 673 contacts and seals against the inside surface of the cap 630 at a location radially outward of the raised portion 632 of the cap 630.

The wall 673 comprises exit locations 682. These are orifices/holes/slits located adjacent the second end 602 of the capsule 600. The exit locations 682 are adjacent to the raised portion 632 of the cap 630. The exit locations 682 may comprise a plurality of (elongated) gaps extending in the longitudinal direction from the second end 672 of the wall 673. These (elongated) gaps 682 may be considered to be notches in the end of the wall 673.

In use, the capsule 600 is placed in a conventional beverage-producing machine. When the beverage-producing machine is actuated blades 1 of the beverage-producing machine pierce the first end 601 through the frustoconical portion 649 directly above (in the longitudinal direction) the liquid-deflecting surface 674. The beverage-producing machine is then operated such that the first end 601 of the capsule is exposed to high pressure water. This high pressure water enters the capsule 600 through the holes created by the blades 1.

It is then deflected by the liquid-deflecting surface 674. Water is directed by the liquid-deflecting surface 674 and the central raised portion 676 outward over the outer raised portion 685 and then toward the second end 602 through the gap defined between the wall 673 of the flow director 670 and the wall 613 of the capsule body 610. The water exits the flow director adjacent the second end 602 via exit locations 682. The water exiting the exit locations 682 is guided by the sloping section of the raised portion 632 of the cap 630 such that it has a component of movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the longitudinal axis back toward the first end 601. Once in the cavity 603, the water mixes with a beverage base kept inside the cavity 603. The water can then exit the cavity 603 by passing through the filter 641 and then through holes 640 in the cap 630. The water is then allowed to exit the machine via a plate 2 (see Figure 18), and then on to a nozzle, and then on to a beverage-holding vessel.

Whilst the above discussed embodiments are preferable, they merely show examples of the invention, which is defined by the claims. The skilled person will appreciate that many of the particular features of one embodiment could be combined with other features of another embodiment, as is clear from the statement of invention. For instance, the first capsule 100 may instead have a frustoconical portion at its first end 111 that is pierced by the blades, like the capsules 200, 300, 400, 500, 600. Alternatively, each of the capsules 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, may have a first end that includes a recessed portion similar to recessed portion 143 that avoids being pierced by the blades. Other such combinations of features not explicitly described in relation to the drawings will be immediately apparent to the skilled person.

Claims

Claims:

1. A capsule for producing a beverage comprising: a first end for allowing a liquid to enter the capsule, a second end distant from the first end, a cavity for accommodating beverage base material, the cavity being located between the first end and the second end, and a flow director located within the capsule proximate the first end and extending toward the second end, wherein the flow director is arranged to direct the flow of at least some of a liquid entering the capsule through the first end to at least one exit location where the liquid is allowed to exit the flow director into the cavity, the exit location being spaced from the first end toward the second end; and wherein the flow director and the capsule are arranged to allow the pressure of the liquid in the cavity to be lower than the pressure of the liquid upstream of the first end of the capsule.

2. A capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow director and the capsule are arranged to allow the pressure of the liquid in the cavity to be lower than the pressure of the liquid upstream of the first end of the capsule by restricting the liquid flow upstream of the cavity more than the flow of the liquid downstream of the cavity.

3. A capsule as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one exit location is adjacent to the second end.

4. A capsule as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the exit location is between the first end and the second end and is spaced from the second end.

5. A capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there is a second exit location proximate the first end allowing the liquid to exit the flow director into the cavity proximate the first end, the flow director being configured to restrict the flow of the liquid prior to the liquid entering the cavity via the second exit location.

6. A capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the capsule comprises a longitudinal direction defined as the direction in which the first and second ends are spaced from each other, and wherein the flow director is configured so that the liquid entering the cavity via the exit location(s) of the flow director comprises a component of movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and/or a component of movement along the longitudinal axis toward the first end.

7. A capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the flow director is arranged to restrict the flow of the liquid at the exit location(s).

8. A capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the flow director is arranged to restrict the flow of the liquid upstream of the exit location(s).

9. A capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the flow director is arranged to direct the flow of at least some of the liquid entering the capsule through the first end to the at least one exit location through a central portion of the capsule.

10. A capsule as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flow director is arranged to direct the flow of at least some of the liquid entering the capsule through the first end to the at least one exit location through a peripheral portion of the capsule.

11. A capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the capsule comprises a main capsule body that at least partially defines the first end, the cavity and the second end, wherein the flow director is a separate piece to the main body.

12. A capsule as claimed in claim 11, wherein there is an opening in the main body at the second end, a cap is configured to be sealable to the main capsule body at the second end so as to close the opening, and the flow director is arranged so that when the cap is sealed to the main body the flow director is held in position in between the first and second ends of the capsule.

13. A capsule as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the capsule comprises a main capsule body that at least partially defines the first end, the cavity and the second end, wherein the flow director is an integral piece with the main capsule body.

14. A capsule as claimed in claim 13, wherein there is an opening in the main body at the second end, wherein a cap is configured to be sealable to the main body at the second end so as to close the opening, and the flow director is arranged so that when the cap is sealed to the main body the flow director is in contact with the cap.

15. A capsule as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the capsule comprises a main capsule body that at least partially defines the first end, the cavity and the second end, wherein there is an opening in the main body at the second end, wherein a cap is configured to be sealable to the main body at the second end so as to close the opening, wherein the flow director is an integral piece with the cap, and the flow director is arranged so that when the cap is sealed to the main body the flow director is in contact with the first end of the capsule.

16. A capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, where the second end of the capsule is configured so as not to bulge when liquid enters the first end under pressure.

17. A capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a filter for filtering the liquid prior to exit from the capsule.

18. A capsule as claimed in claim 17, wherein the second end is for allowing a liquid to exit the capsule, and the filter is arranged in the cavity proximate the second end for filtering the liquid prior to exit from the capsule via the second end.

19. A kit for a capsule for producing a beverage comprising: a capsule body comprising a first end for allowing a liquid to enter the capsule, a second end distant from the first end and a wall extending between the first and second ends, wherein the capsule at least partially defines a cavity for accommodating beverage base material, the cavity being located between the first end and the second end; a flow director configured such that when it is located within the capsule body proximate the first end and it extends toward the second end; and a cap configured to attach to the second end of the capsule body to close the cavity, wherein the flow director is arranged such that when it is located within the capsule body it directs the flow of at least some of a liquid entering the capsule through the first end to at least one exit location where the liquid is allowed to exit the flow director into the cavity, the exit location being spaced from the first end toward the second end; and wherein the flow director and the capsule are arranged such that when the flow director is located within the capsule body they allow the pressure of the liquid in the cavity to be lower than the pressure of the liquid upstream of the first end of the capsule.

20. A capsule or a kit for a capsule for producing a beverage substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 9; 10 to 17; 18; 19 to 20; 21 to 23; or 24 to 29.