GB2596879A - A blender for a powder-based beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

A capsule-breaching device 12 suitable for beverage preparation comprises a capsule-container body 16, at least one capsule-receiving chamber 18 in the capsule-container body and a capsule breaching element 20 which is moveable to breach a capsule received in the capsule-receiving chamber. The device further comprises a discharge guide element 22 for guiding a powder released from a capsule by the capsule breaching element. The capsule container body may comprise a first body part 28 which is telescopically moveable on an actuation axis A relative to a second body part 30. The device may comprise a closure element 24 for closing the discharge guide element and a removable access cover 26 for closing an access opening 50 of the capsule-receiving chamber. The capsule breaching element may be conical and define a capsule breaching element hole through which the contents of the capsule is releasable. The capsule breaching element may have a non-linear cutting surface that is oriented in the direction of the actuation axis. The device may comprise a sealing plate having an opening that corresponds to the capsule breaching element hole.

Description

A Blender For A Powder-Based Beverage The present invention relates to a blender for a beverage which is preferably powder-based. The invention further relates to a detachable capsule-breaching head for a beverage-mixing device.

Powders, such as nutritional powders, are commonly mixed with liquids, such as water or milk, to form a powder-based beverage. Powder-based beverages are typically quick to prepare and consume and so may be prepared and consumed by a user on-the-go, for example by a user at an exercise facility. Additionally, since a local liquid supply can be used, for example a local water supply, a user is only required to transport the powder rather than entire beverage.

However, some nutritional powders can be difficult to mix or dissolve in liquids and may form clumps within the liquid, rather than a uniformly smooth beverage as may be desired. As such, users are typically required to vigorously shake their beverage holder in order to reduce the amount of clumping within the beverage. Such shaking can be time consuming and strenuous. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a way of better mixing or dissolving a powder within a liquid when on-the-go to form a powder-based beverage.

Additionally, nutritional powders are typically formulated so that a given amount of nutritional powder should be mixed with a given amount of liquid to form a beverage. Such formulation is for providing the user with a desired amount of nutrients, for providing a beverage with a desired taste and/or for providing suitable miscibility. As such, a user is conventionally required to measure the said amount of powder at home, and suitably store the said amount of powder for transportation for use on-the-go. As well as being time-consuming, such measuring and preparation can be inaccurate and therefore a user may consume a beverage with the incorrect quantity of powders which may impact on nutritional intake and/or beverage enjoyment.

Furthermore, a user may wish to create a bespoke beverage with multiple different powders to create a beverage with a bespoke nutritional content or taste. Measuring separate quantities of powders consumes additional time.

It would therefore be desirable to provide to a user a pre-loaded closed or sealed 30 container, capsule or cartridge of powder for forming a powder-based beverage. However, quickly removing the entirety of the powder, or a significant proportion thereof, from the closed container, capsule or cartridge may be challenging. This is particularly if the powder has a large particle size, and/or does not flow adequately.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a detachable capsule-breaching head for a beverage-mixing device, the capsule-breaching head comprising: a capsule-container body having a first body part which is telescopically movable on an actuation axis relative to a second body part, at least one capsule-receiving chamber in one of the first and second body parts of the capsule-container body, a capsule-breaching element for breaching a capsule received in the capsule-receiving chamber, the capsule-breaching element being at the other of the said first and second body parts of the capsule-container body and movable relative to the capsule-receiving chamber on or parallel to the said actuation axis, a discharge guide element for guiding a powder released from a capsule by the capsule-breaching element, an openable closure element for sealingly closing the discharge guide element, and a removable access cover for closing an access opening of the capsule-receiving chamber.

The beverage-mixing device includes portable or non-portable mixing devices. In particular, the detachable capsule-breaching head is for a portable blender. However, the capsule-breaching head may be used with any container in which mixing may be performed, such as a gym shaker, a vacuum flask or a coffee cup.

The capsule, which is at least part prefilled with powder, allows for a user to discharge a desired amount of powder without requiring the user to first measure the quantity of powder. The first body part being movable on an actuation axis relative to the second body part allows for the capsule-breaching element to create an opening in a wall or surface of the capsule. In particular, the first body part being telescopically moveable relative to a second body part, so as to breach the capsule, provides a convenient means of opening the capsule. For example, a pressing or pushing motion can be used to breach the capsule, rather than a twisting motion, for example.

Preferably, the capsule-breaching element may include a plurality of piercing elements which upstand on or parallel to the actuation axis. A plurality of piercing elements, rather than a single larger breaching element, can create a smaller surface area for contacting the capsule, and therefore reduces the amount of initial force required to breach the capsule.

Beneficially, the piercing elements may define a flap-creation device for creating a flap from a capsule wall of the capsule. The creation of a flap, in particular one which pivots outwardly, allows for a larger opening to be made with reduced force required, since the capsule-breaching element can engage the capsule with a smaller surface area. This is 5 due to the flap-creation device breaching part of the way around a perimeter of an opening, rather than breaching the entire area of the opening. A larger opening allows for powder with relatively low flowability to be discharged from the capsule. A flap, which prevents a part of the capsule from being disconnected from the capsule, is beneficial since part of the capsule is not completely disconnected from the remainder of the 10 capsule. Therefore, the risk of part of the capsule contaminating the beverage is reduced or eliminated.

Advantageously, the piercing elements may define a rim of an arcuate discontinuous wall. The piercing elements defining a discontinuous wall permits for the presence of an uncut portion of the capsule to act as a hinge for the flap portion of the capsule.

Beneficially, each piercing element may be a pointed tooth. The pointed tooth can have a fine tip which reduces the area which contacts the capsule, and therefore reduces the amount of initial force required to initially breach the capsule.

In a preferable embodiment, the discharge guide element may include a discontinuous truncated frusto-conical surface which forms at least part of an interior surface of the arcuate discontinuous wall. The frusto-conical surface provides a slope to guide and funnel the discharged powder. This permits the capsule-breaching element to upstand without the creation of an underlying step which could trap powder thereon.

Optionally, the discharge guide element may define an aperture through a base of the second body part. As such, the powder can be directed to an underlying mixing body.

Additionally, the arcuate discontinuous wall may upstand from a base of the second body part. This assists with ensuring that the capsule is fully perforated along the extent of the capsule-breaching element.

Preferably, a plurality of said capsule-receiving chambers may be in the first body part of the capsule-container body. A plurality of capsule-receiving chambers allows for 30 different types or quantities of powders to be discharged into the mixing body simultaneously.

Advantageously, the capsule-receiving chambers may be equiangularly spaced around a central axis of the head.

Beneficially, the or each said capsule-receiving chamber may have a uniform or substantially uniform lateral extent along at least a majority of the longitudinal extent. In 5 this way a capsule-receiving chamber is configured to receive a cylindrical capsule, and could, for instance, receive such a capsule in at least two orientations.

In a preferable embodiment, the or each said capsule-receiving chamber may have a longitudinal axis which is on or in parallel to the actuation axis. As such, a lower end surface of the capsule can be conveniently breached by the capsule-breaching element.

However, it will be appreciated that the capsule-receiving chamber may have a longitudinal axis which is at an angle to the actuation axis. For example, the longitudinal axis of the capsule-receiving chamber may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the actuation axis. Additionally or alternatively, the capsule-receiving chamber may have an opening at or adjacent to a side wall of the capsule-container body.

Additionally, the capsule-breaching head may further comprise a biasing element which biases the first and second body parts away from each other. This assists with reverting the first and second body parts to their original arrangement, which may allow for the capsules to be conveniently removed from the chamber, as well as priming the capsule-breaching head for breaching further capsules.

Optionally, the closure element may be rotatably engaged with the second body part. This permits the capsule-breaching head to adopt a closed or sealed configuration by moving the closure element, or an associated control or handle, in a circumferential direction.

Preferably, the capsule-breaching head may further comprise a releasable locking element which prevents or limits relative movement of the first and second body parts when the closure element is angular displaced to close the discharge guide element. This prevents or limits unintentional actuation of the first and second body parts with the closure element in a closed condition.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable beverage-mixing device comprising a mixing body including a container for holding a liquid to be mixed with a powder dischargeable from at least one capsule; and a capsule-breaching head according to a first aspect of the invention and which is releasably engagable with an end of the said container, the said discharge guide element of the capsule-breaching head, when the capsule-breaching head is engaged with the container, being in flow communication with an interior of the container when the said closure element is in an open condition.

Preferably, the capsule-breaching head may be screw-threadingly engagable with the said container. This allows for the container and the capsule-breaching head to be conveniently releasably attached together.

Advantageously, said removable access cover of the capsule-breaching head is separately releasably engagable with the container. This permits the container to be closed by the removable access cover and so allow for a mixed beverage to be stored for later consumption.

Beneficially, the portable beverage-mixing device may further comprise a releasable 15 mixer body which is engagable with a second end of the said container and which is opposite the first said end.

Optionally, the mixer body may house a power source, an electric motor which is energisable by the power source, and at least one blending element for blending contents in the container and which is drivable by the electric motor. An electrically blending element can provide a uniform consistency of beverage with limited physical or manual input by the user. A power source housed in the mixer body allows for the blender to be portable.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a capsule-breaching device comprising: a capsule-container body, at least one capsule-receiving chamber in the capsule-container body, a capsule-breaching element which is movable to breach a capsule received in the capsule-receiving chamber, and a discharge guide element for guiding a powder released from a capsule by the capsule-breaching element.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a portable beverage-mixing device in accordance with a second aspect of the invention, having a first embodiment of a detachable capsule-breaching head in accordance with a first aspect of the invention, and a first embodiment of a mixing body; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the portable beverage-mixing device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the portable beverage-mixing device of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the detachable capsule-breaching head of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of the detachable capsule-breaching head 10 of Figure 1, with a first body part and a removable access cover omitted; Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the detachable capsule-breaching head of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the detachable capsule-breaching head of Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a cutaway perspective view of the detachable capsule-breaching head of Figure 1 with an openable closure element in an open condition and the first body part and the removable access cover omitted, Figure 9 shows the cutaway perspective view of Figure 8 with the openable closure element in a closed condition and the first body part and the removable access 20 cover omitted; Figure 10 shows a second embodiment of a portable beverage-mixing device in accordance with a second aspect of the invention haying a second embodiment of a detachable capsule-breaching head in accordance with a first aspect of the invention, and a second embodiment of a mixing body; and Figure 11 shows a cutaway perspective view of the detachable capsule-breaching head of Figure 10.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3 there is shown a portable beverage-mixing device 10 comprising a detachable capsule-breaching head 12 and a mixing body 14. The detachable capsule-breaching head 12 comprises a capsule-container body 16, at least one capsule-receiving chamber 18, at least one capsule-breaching element 20, at least one discharge guide element 22 or discharge conduit, an openable closure element 24 and a removable access cover 26.

The capsule-container body 16 is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape, although it will be appreciated that other shapes may be considered, such as cuboidal. The capsule-container body 16 has a first body part 28 and a second body part 30, the first body part 28 being telescopically movable on an actuation axis A relative to the second body part 30. At least part of the first body part 28 is preferably receivable within the second body part 30 and the first body part 28 is distal to the mixing body 14 as compared to the second body part 30. However, it will be appreciated that this may be inverted.

Referring in addition to Figures 4 to 9, the first body part 28 is preferably mounted to the second body part 30 so as to be movable towards and away from the second body part 30. More preferably the first body part 28 is mounted with at least one biasing element 32, such as a spring, so as to be biased away from the second body part 30. To allow for such mounting, the second body part 30 includes at least one upstanding projection 34, and the first body part 28 includes a projection-receiving hole 36 for receiving the upstanding projection 34 therethrough. The spring 32 is positioned around the upstanding projection 34, the spring 32 arranged so as to be compressible by a lower rim of the hole 36. The second body part 30 includes four such upstanding projections 34 and four such springs 32, and the first body part 28 includes four such holes 36, arranged to mount the first body part 28 to the second body part 30. However, it will be appreciated that any number of corresponding projections, springs and holes may be considered.

The first body part 28 is preferably secured to the second body part 30. Here this is achieved by each of the upstanding projections 34 having an attachable flange 38 or end cap at a free end of the upstanding projection 34. The flange 38 has a greater diameter than a shaft of the upstanding projection 34, and has a greater diameter than that of the hole 36 in first body part 28. To secure the first body part 28 to the second body part 30 the upstanding projections 34 of the second body part 30 are inserted through the corresponding holes 36 of first body part 28. One of the flanges 38 is then attached to the end of each upstanding projection 34, for example via a screw threaded fastener 40.

The flange 38 is therefore engagable with an upper rim of the hole 36 to prevent the first body part 28 being removed from the second body part 30. It will be appreciated that such a securing mechanism may be used even if the first and second part are not biased relative to each other with a biasing element 32.

The capsule-breathing head 12 includes a releasable locking element 42 to selectively prevent and permit actuation of the capsule-breaching head 12 in the actuation axis A. In other words, the locking element 42 selectively prevents and permits movement of the first body part 28 towards the second body part 30 in the actuation axis A. The locking element 42 preferably comprises a detent, and includes, for example, an L-shaped slot 44 in the second body part 30. A first slot part 44a extends in a direction transverse or lateral to the actuation axis A, and a second slot part 44b extends in a direction in or parallel to the actuation axis A. A locking pin 46 is insertable through the slot 44. The locking pin 46 is engaged with the first body part 28 such that movement of the first body part 28 towards the second body part 30 requires the first body part 28 to drive the locking pin 46.

When the locking pin 46 is in the first slot part 44a, the locking pin 46 prevents or limits movement of the first body part 28 relative to the second body part 30 in the actuation direction. The locking pin 46 is movable or slidable to the second slot part 44b. When received in the second slot part 44b, the locking pin 46 is movable therealong in the actuation direction which allows the first body part 28 to be movable relative to the second body part 30 in the actuation direction.

There are here five capsule-receiving chambers 18 or compartments, each for receiving one capsule 48, cartridge or container of powder. However, any number of chambers may be considered, including only one chamber 18. The capsules 48 are preferably cylindrical or substantially cylindrical and thus each of the capsule-receiving chambers 18 are also cylindrical and have a cross-section which is similar or identical to that of the capsules 48. For example, each chamber 18 has a diameter which is similar to, identical to or slightly greater than the diameter of the capsule 48. The or each said capsule-receiving chamber 18 has a uniform or substantially uniform lateral extent along at least a majority of the longitudinal extent thereof. The or each said capsule-receiving chamber 18 has a longitudinal axis which is on or in parallel to the actuation axis A. The chambers 18 are preferably equiangularly spaced apart around a central axis of the capsule-breaching head 12. Given there are five chambers 18, each chamber 18 may be spaced apart from an adjacent chamber 18 by 72 degrees. However, it will be appreciated that non-equiangular spacing may be considered. Each chamber 18 has a capsule access opening 50 for providing access for one capsule 48 to be inserted therein.

Each of the chambers 18 are in the first body part 28 and each may be considered to be a recess or hole in the first body part 28. However, each may in fact be in the second body part 30. The chambers 18 each have a curved side wall and a base, the base being for supporting the capsule 48 thereon. The base has a lower opening 52 therein to allow the capsule-breaching element 20 to access the capsule 48, and to allow powder to flow from the capsule 48 into the discharge guide element 22. The base may thus be considered to be a ledge around the side wall of the chamber 18. Whilst each of the chambers 18 are here shown to be identical or substantially identical, it will be appreciated that the chambers 18 may be of differing sizes or shapes to accommodate differently sized or shaped capsules 48.

The first body part 28 includes a protruding rim 54 which projects above and/or beyond the chambers 18. The rim provides a surface to which the removable access cover 26 may engage or be mounted, as well as providing or defining a space to accommodate an extent of the capsule 48 which may protrude from the chamber 18.

There is preferably one capsule-breaching element 20 for each chamber 18, each capsule-breaching element 20 being positioned so as to be received through the lower opening 52 in the base of the chamber 18. The capsule-breaching elements 20 are preferably on the second body part 30 so that relative movement between the first body part 28, which in use receives the capsules 48, and the second body part 30 may cause the capsule-breaching element 20 to breach the capsule 48. Thus, the chamber 18 is on one of the first and second body parts 28, 30 and the capsule-breaching element 20 is on the other of the first and second body parts 28, 30. In this way, relative movement on or parallel to the actuation axis A between the capsule-breaching element 20 and the capsule-receiving chamber 18 is possible. The capsule-breaching elements 20 have a corresponding arrangement to the chambers 18. Whilst the capsule-breaching elements 20 are termed as such, it will be appreciated that they may also be termed cutting, slicing or piercing elements and may act on the capsule in a corresponding manner.

The breaching element 20 is preferably a flap-creation device, so that when actuated towards the capsule 48 it creates a cut part of the way around a portion of the capsule 48. The part of the portion of the capsule 48 which is not cut forms a hinge such that a flap is created. To this extent, the breaching element 20 may be a cutting element which has a non-linear cutting surface and the cutting surface faces the actuation axis A. For example, here the breaching element 20 defines a rim of an arcuate discontinuous wall.

It will be appreciated that facetted shapes may be considered for the discontinuous wall. The cutting surface of the breaching element 20 defines a planar cutting surface which is parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the lower opening of the chamber 18. However, the plane of the cutting surface may be at an angle to the plane of the lower opening of the chamber 18 to assist with breaching.

The capsule-breaching element 20 preferably defines a capsule-breaching-element hole 56 through which powder may fall once released from the capsule 48.

Preferably, the capsule-breaching element 20 includes a plurality of piercing elements which upstand on or parallel to the actuation axis A. Each piercing element is a pointed tooth, and therefore may have a triangular cross-section.

The discharge guide element 22 comprises a channel, conduit, tube, hole or baffle. There is a discharge guide element 22 at, adjacent to and/or under each capsule-breaching element 20 to direct powder which is released from the capsule 48 once the capsule 48 is breached. The discharge guide element 22 includes a discontinuous truncated frustoconical surface which forms at least part of an interior surface of the arcuate discontinuous wall of the capsule-breaching element 20. Here the channel is formed at least in part by the second body part 30 and comprises an aperture 57 in a base thereof.

The capsule-breaching head 12 preferably further includes a sealing plate 58 which includes a plurality of openings 60, each opening 60 configured to correspond to the capsule-breaching-element hole 56. Each opening 60 is preferably aligned with the channel and/or may form part of the discharge guide element 22. The sealing plate 58 prevents or limits splash-back from the mixing body 14 from impacting on the second body part 30.

The openable closure element 24 is for sealingly closing the discharge guide element 22, opening 60 in the sealing plate and/or discharge guide element. The openable closure element 24 has at least one, and preferably a plurality of, powder-access apertures 62 therethrough. A body of the openable closure element 24 is positionable to occlude or seal the discharge guide elements 22 and/or the capsule-breaching-element holes 56. The number and arrangement of the powder-access apertures 62 corresponds to the number of capsule-receiving chambers 18 and therefore here there are five equiangularly spaced apart powder-access apertures 62. The spacing between two powder-access apertures 62 is such that an intervening portion of the body of the openable closure element 24 can occlude one discharge guide element 22 and/or one capsule-breaching-element hole 56.

Referring in particular to Figures 7 to 9, the openable closure element 24 includes a connecting element 64, which comprises an upstanding projection, to connect the openable closure element 24 with the locking pin 46 of the locking element 42. The upstanding projection preferably connects to an intermediate element 65, which may be a sleeve, which connects to the locking pin 46. \AThen the locking pin 46 is moved along the first slot part 44a this moves the openable closure element 24 via the connecting element 64. Since here the first slot part 44a is arranged in a circumferential direction around the second body part 30, movement of the locking pin 46 along the first slot part 44a rotates the openable closure element 24. As such, the openable closure element 24 is rotated so that the powder-access apertures 62 are moved from being misaligned with the discharge guide elements 22 and/or the capsule-breaching-element holes 56, to being aligned with the discharge guide elements 22 and/or the capsule-breachingelement holes 56. In this way, when the locking pin 46 is in the second slot part 44b, the openable closure element 24 is in the open condition, as shown in Figure 8, so that powder may flow through the powder-access apertures 62, and when the locking pin 46 is not in the second slot part 44b, the openable closure element 24 is in the closed condition, as shown in Figure 9, so that powder may not flow through the powder-access apertures 62.

Since the openable closure element 24 is connected to the locking pin 46, the openable closure element 24 is required to be movable in a direction in or parallel with the actuation direction. To this extent, the openable closure element 24 includes a further upstanding projection 34a which is receivable in a corresponding hole 36a in the second body part 30. A biasing element 32a, such as a spring, is positioned within the hole 36a and a flange 38a is attachable to the end of the upstanding projection 34a. The flange 38a compresses the spring 32a against a rim of the hole 36a. In this way the openable closure element 24 is spring biased relative to the second body part 30 in a similar way as the first body part 28.

The sealing plate 58 has an aperture 60a to receive the upstanding projection 34a and an aperture 60b to receive the connecting element 64 of the openable closure element 24. The aperture 60b to receive the connecting element 64 is a curvate slot to accommodate the movement of the connecting element 64.

The removable access cover 26 is for closing the access openings 50 of the capsule-receiving chambers 18. Here the removable access cover 26 is a lid which is positionable on the first body part 28. The first body part 28 includes an exterior ledge for receiving the removable access cover 26 thereon. The removable access cover 26 may be lockable to the first body part 28, for example the removable access cover 26 may have an inward protrusion 26a receivable within a detent 54a, groove or slot of the protruding rim 54 of the first body part 28. Rotating the removeable access cover 26 may lock the protrusion 26a within the detent 54a. Counter-rotation of the removeable access cover 26 may allow the protrusion 26a to be slid upwards and out of the detent 54a.

The second body part 30 preferably includes a textured surface which may improve grip 15 when actuating the capsule-breaching head. The textured surface is here provided by a sleeve element 67.

Referring again to Figures 1 to 3, the mixing body 14 is releasably engagable with the capsule-breaching head 12, and in particular is releasably engagable with the second body part 30 of the capsule-breaching head 12. Releasable engagement may be achieved by mutually interengagable screw threads. For example, the mixing body 14 may comprise a first screw thread at an opening thereof, and the second body part 30 may comprise a second screw thread which is interengagable with the first screw thread. The mixing body 14 includes a container 66 which has an opening at a first end 68. The capsule-breaching head 12 is releasably engagable at or adjacent to said first end 68. In this way, the discharge conduit of the capsule-breaching head 12 is in flow communication with an interior of the container 66 when the closure element 24 is in the open condition. The container 66 and/or mixing body 14 is preferably substantially cylindrical although other shapes for the container may be considered.

The removable access cover 26 is preferably also releasably engagable with the first end 68 of the container 66. For example, the removable access cover 26 may comprise a third screw thread which is similar or identical to the second screw thread so that it is interengagable with the first screw thread. In this way, the removable access cover 26 may be utilised to close the opening of the container 66.

The beverage mixing device further comprise a mixer body 70 which is engagable with a second end 72 of said container 66 which is opposite the first said end 68. It will be appreciated that the mixer body 70 may be separable from the container 66, for example to assist with cleaning the container 66, or may be integrally formed therewith. The beverage mixing device may include a seal 74 for assisting with sealing the container 66 with the mixer body 70.

The mixer body 70 houses a power source 76, an electric motor 78 which is energisable by the power source 76, and at least one blending element 80 for blending the contents in the container 66 and which is drivable by the electric motor 78.

The power source 76 here comprises at least one battery, and there are here two rechargeable batteries. The batteries may be recharged via a charging port, such as a Universal Serial Bus charging port. Whilst a rechargeable battery is suggested, it will be appreciated that non-rechargeable batteries may also be used. Altemafively, the mixer body may not comprise a power source and the beverage mixing device may instead comprise a plug for connection to an external power supply. In this instance the beverage mixing device may not necessarily be considered to be portable.

The blending element 80 may for example comprise a plurality of cutting elements and is rotatably mounted to the mixer body 70 so that it is receivable within the container 66. The blending element 80 is connected to the motor so that the blending element 80 is rotatable by the motor. The mixer body 70 also includes a switch 82, such as a button, for operating the electric motor 78.

In use, the rechargeable batteries 76 are suitably charged and the mixing body 14 is attached to the mixer body 70. The second end 72 of the container 66 preferably comprises an opening to receive the blending element 80 therethrough. A liquid, such as water, is inserted into the container 66. The capsule-breaching head 12 is then attached to the container 66 by interengaging the first and second screw threads.

At least one capsule 48 is inserted into one of the capsule-receiving chambers 18, and multiple capsules 48 may each be inserted into respective capsule-receiving chambers 18 if desired. The chamber 18 and the capsule 48 are preferably sized so that the capsule 48 is longer than the chamber 18 so that each capsule 48 protrudes from chamber 18. This allows for easy removal of the capsule 48 from the chamber 18. Each capsule 48 preferably comprises an access wall 84 which is at least in part formed from a flexible material, such as a polymer film or a metal foil. The access wall 84 is preferably an end, flat or bottom surface of the capsule 48, for example. The access wall 84 may be thinner than other walls of the capsule 48 The capsule 48 is inserted into the capsule-receiving chambers 18 so that the access wall 84 is facing downwards and/or towards the 5 breaching element 20. The removable access cover 26 is then attached to the first body part 28 of the capsule-breaching head 12. The capsule 48, chamber 18 and the protruding rim 54 of the first body part 28 are preferably configured so that capsule 48 terminates at or adjacent to an in use upper end of the rim 54. In this way the removable access cover 26 may in use engage a top of the capsule 48 which allows for the capsule 10 48 to be engaged and actuated into the breaching element 20.

The capsule 48 preferably contains a powder, which is more preferably a nutritional powder and may more preferably comprise dried fruit, such as freeze-dried fruit. However, it will be appreciated that other nutritional powders may be considered, such as protein powders. A powder may be considered to be a solid in particulate form. Whilst the capsule-breaching head is for capsules containing powder, it will be appreciated that the capsule-breaching head may be used with capsules containing liquid or gel.

The locking pin 46 is moved from the first slot part 44a to the second slot part 44b, so that the releasable locking element 42 adopts an unlocked condition which permits movement of the first body part 28 to the second body part 30. This also moves the 20 openable closure element 24 to the open condition.

The first body part 28 is then moved, for example being manually pushed, towards the second body part 30 in the actuation direction. Such movement causes the springs 32 32a to compress, as well as moving the openable closure element 24 away from the second body part 30.

The movement or actuation of the first body part 28 towards the second body part 30 causes the capsule 48 to move towards the breaching element 20. For example, the removable access cover 26 is manually pushed downwards which directly forces the first body part 28 and/or capsule 48. The capsule 48 is therefore forced directly into the breaching element 20. The piercing elements of the breaching element 20 perforate, break or cut at least part of the access wall 84. Since the breaching element 20 preferably comprises the flap-creation device, a non-straight cut is made in the access wall 84. For example, here an arcuate discontinuous cut, which is preferably near circular, is made in the access wall 84. Since the cut is discontinuous, preferably no part or portion of the access wall 84 is completely disconnected from the remainder of the access wall 84. A hinge portion of the access wall 84 is formed by an uncut portion of the access wall 84, or in other words, a hinge portion of the access wall 84 is formed by a portion of the access wall 84 which is between two ends of the breaching element 20. A flap portion of the access wall 84 is defined by the area between or surrounded by the hinge portion and the cut made by the breaching element 20.

Since the access wall 84, or at least the hinge portion, comprises flexible material, the flap portion pivots outwardly about the hinge portion to create an opening in the capsule 48. The powder which is contained within the capsule 48 is thus discharged or released from the capsule 48 and may fall under gravity from the capsule 48. The first body part 28 can be moved away from the second body part 30, for example by the springs 32, 32a so that the breaching element 20 is withdrawn from the capsule 48. This may assist with permitting the powder to exit the capsule 48 and/or permitting the flap portion to pivot outwardly.

The movement of the first body part 28 away from the second body part 30 exposes the upper end of the capsule 48 from the chamber 18 so that, once the access cover 26 is removed, the or each capsule 48 can be easily manually accessed and removed from the container 66.

The powder is directed by the discharge guide element 22 towards the container 66. The discharge guide element 22 is at least in part frusto-conical, or sloped, and thus funnels the powder towards the container 66. The powder then passes through the openings 60, 62 in the sealing plate 58 and the openable closure element 24 and into the container 66 of the mixing body 14 through the opening of the container 66.

The locking pin 46 can then be moved out of the second slot 44 part and along the first 25 slot 44 part to close or seal the discharge guide elements 22 with the openable closure element 24, as well as preventing or limiting the first body part 28 from unintentionally moving along the actuation axis A. The button 82 may then be pressed so that the power source 76 energises the electric motor 78 which drives the blending element 80. The button may be required to be continuously pressed to drive the blending element 80, altematively the beverage-mixing device may comprise a timing element and pressing the button may drive the blending element 80 for a predetermined recommended mixing duration. The blending element mixes the powder with the liquid to form a powder-based beverage which preferably has a uniform or substantially uniform consistency.

The capsule-breaching head 12 can then be removed from the container 66 which allows for a user to drink the beverage from the opening of the container 66. Alternatively, the 5 user may attach the openable closure element 24 to the container 66 so as to close the opening of the container 66 and preserve the beverage for later consumption.

After consumption of the beverage, the mixer body 70 may be detached from the mixing body 14 to allow for efficient cleaning of the components.

Referring to Figures 10 and 11, a second embodiment of a portable beverage-mixing 10 device 110 is shown. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and similar or identical referencing numerals are used with 100 added.

A first body part 128 of a capsule-breaching head 112 of the second embodiment has seven equiangularly spaced apart capsule-receiving chambers 118, and each chamber 118 is shaped to correspond to a capsule 148 having a rounded lower portion. However, it will be appreciated that chambers similar or identical to that of the first embodiment may be utilised. Each chamber 118 has a hole or opening in a lower surface thereof to receive a capsule-breaching element 120 therethrough.

The first body part 128 includes a shaft 134 or projection which is receivable within a recess or hole 136 of a second body part 130. The first body part 128 is at least in part telescopically movable on an actuation axis A' within the second body part 130. A spring 132 or other biasing element surrounds the shaft 134 so as to bias the first body part 128 away from the second body part 130. The recess 136 has a hole 186 in a bottom surface thereof to permit the shaft 134 to extend or protrude beyond the recess 136. It will be appreciated that further biasing elements may be utilised, similar to the first embodiment.

There are preferably an equivalent number of capsule-breaching elements 120 as there are chambers 118. In other words, there are seven capsule-breaching elements 120. Each capsule-breaching element 120 of the second embodiment preferably comprises a single pointed element, for example each capsule-breaching element 120 is conical or substantially conical.

There is preferably a single discharge guide element 122 communicable with and/or below all of the chambers 118. The discharge guide element 122 comprises a surface which slopes towards a central aperture 188, and may be considered to be frusto conical in shape An openable closure element 124 is provided, comprising a stopper 190 which may be moved so as to open and close or occlude the central aperture 188 of the single 5 discharge guide element 122. Here the stopper 190 is spherical or ball shaped and is connected to the first body part 128, preferably via the shaft 134. The openable closure element 124 is configured so that the stopper 190 is at or adjacent to a distal side of the central aperture 188 from the chambers 118. In a closed condition, the stopper 190 is at the central aperture 188 so that the central aperture 188 is blocked or occluded. When 10 the first body part 128 is moved towards the second body part 30 in the actuation axis A', the stopper 190 is moved away from the central aperture 188 so that the central aperture 188 is opened.

A mixer body 170 and a mixing body 114 of the second embodiment is similar or identical to the first embodiment.

In use, the mixer body 170 and mixing body 114 are attached to each other in a similar or identical way as previously described, the mixing body 114 is at least part filled with liquid, and the mixing body 114 is attached to the capsule-breaching head 112, also in a similar or identical way as previously described. One or more capsules 148 are inserted into one or more respective chambers 118.

The first body part 128 is moved or actuated towards the second body part 130 in an actuation direction. Each capsule 148 is perforated, breached or cut by a corresponding capsule-breaching element 120 to form an opening. This may allow for the powder to be released or discharged from each capsule 148. However, it will be appreciated that the first body part 128 part may be required to be moved away from the second body part 130 in case each capsule-breaching element 120 blocks each corresponding opening. Once the powder is discharged from each capsule 148, it will be appreciated that the first body part 128 may be required to be moved towards the second body part 130 again so as to move the stopper 190 away from the central aperture 188 and so open the openable closure element 124. This allows for powder to fall under gravity through to the mixing body 114. The mixer and mixing body 170, 114 may then be used to mix the powder and liquid into a beverage in a similar or identical way as previously described.

Whilst a mixer body with an electric motor and power source is described, it will be appreciated that this may not be required and the powder and the liquid may be mixed without the blender. For example, the mixing body may be shaken or mixed, and a mixer ball or blender ball may be included in the container to assist with mixing.

It will be appreciated that although the first body part is described as being telescopically movable on an actuation axis relative to the second body part, it will be appreciated that this may not be the case. For example, the first body part may be rotatable, twistable, or movable with respect to the second body part. Such an arrangement might be utilised to allow for the capsules to be cut with a rotation or twisting action so as to slice or cut the end portion of the capsule. In this case, a capsule-breaching element may be arranged so that it has a cutting surface facing a lateral or sideways direction. The capsule-receiving chamber may have an aperture or slot in a lateral surface thereof to permit the capsule-breaching element to access a side surface of the capsule, for example a curved surface of the cylindrical capsule. The movement or rotation of the first body part relative to the second body part may therefore result in the lower end portion of the capsule preferably being cut or sliced part way through. To prevent the lower end portion of the capsule being cut entirely through, the capsule-breaching head may include a stop. The part-way through cut is preferable as this may result in the creation of a flap. However, it will be appreciated that the lower end portion of the capsule may be cut entirely through.

It will also be appreciated that the capsule-container body need not comprise a first body part and a second body part, as long as the at least one capsule-receiving chamber is provided in the capsule-container body and the capsule-breaching element is movable to breach the capsule received in the capsule-receiving chamber, the discharge guide element guiding the powder released from the capsule.

It will be appreciated that the access cover, the discharge guide element, and the openable closure element may not be included. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the access cover may not necessarily be separable from the first body part, for example being pivotable therewith. It will be appreciated that the access cover may not be a complete cover and may simply be a restraining means for restraining the movement of the capsules away from the breaching element.

It is therefore possible to provide a detachable capsule-breaching head for a beverage mixing device. The detachable capsule-breaching head has two parts or portions which are movable towards each other. This allows for the capsule to be stamped by a breaching element to create an opening without losing part of the capsule. In other words, the detachable capsule-breaching head creates a flap. Therefore, a large opening can be created in the capsule to allow for powder to flow therethrough, without a part of the capsule falling with the powder into a mixing body of the beverage mixing device.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various 15 other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims (25)

1. Claims 1. A capsule-breaching device comprising: a capsule-container body, at least one capsule-receiving chamber in the capsule-container body, a capsule-breaching element which is movable to breach a capsule received in the capsule-receiving chamber, and a discharge guide element for guiding a powder released from the capsule by the capsule-breaching element.
2. 2 A capsule-breaching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capsule-container body has a first body part which is movable relative to a second body part.
3. 3 A capsule-breaching device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first body part is telescopically movable on an actuation axis relative to the second body part.
4. 4 A capsule-breaching device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the at least one capsule-receiving chamber is in one of the first and second body parts of the capsule-container body.
5. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the capsule-breaching element is at the other of the first and second body parts of the capsule-container body.
6. 6 A capsule-breaching device as claimed in claims 3 and 5, wherein the capsule-breaching element is movable relative to the capsule-receiving chamber on or parallel to the actuation axis.
7. 7 A capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an openable closure element for sealingly closing the discharge guide element.
8. 8 A capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a removable access cover for closing an access opening of the capsule-receiving chamber.
9. 9 A capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein at least part of the first body part is receivable within the second body part.
10. 10. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein one of the first body part and the second body part includes at least one projection and the other of the first body part and the second body part includes a projection-receiving hole for receiving the projection therethrough.
11. 11. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second body part includes the at least one projection and the first body part includes the projection-receiving hole, the at least one projection has an attachable flange at a free end thereof for securing the first body part to the second body part.
12. 12. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the first body part includes a protruding rim which projects beyond the said at least one capsule-receiving chamber.
13. 13. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one capsule-receiving chamber has a curved side wall and a base, the base having a lower opening to allow the capsule-breaching element to access the capsule.
14. 14. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule-breaching element defines a capsule-breaching-element hole through which content of the capsule is releasable.
15. 15. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule-breaching element has a non-linear cutting surface.
16. 16. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in claim 15 and when dependent on claim 3, wherein the cutting surface is oriented in the direction of the actuation axis.
17. 17. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in claim 16 and when dependent on claim 13, wherein the cutting surface defines a planar cutting surface which is parallel or substantially parallel to a plane of the lower opening of the said at least one capsule-receiving chamber.
18. 18.A capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, further comprises a sealing plate having an opening configured to correspond to the capsule-breaching-element hole.
19. 19. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the capsule-breaching element is conical or substantially conical.
20. 20. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 19, wherein the openable closure element includes a stopper for removably closing an aperture of the discharge guide element.
21. 21. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in claim 20 and when dependent on claim 2, wherein the stopper is connected to the first body part.
22. 22. A capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is a plurality of said capsule-receiving chambers and a plurality of said capsule-breaching elements, each capsule-receiving chamber corresponds with its respective capsule-breaching element.
23. 23 A portable beverage-mixing system comprising a mixing body including a container for holding a liquid to be mixed with a powder dischargeable from at least one capsule; and a capsule-breaching device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and which is releasably engagable with an end of the said container.
24. 24. A portable beverage-mixing system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the capsule-breaching device further comprises the openable closure element as claimed in claim 7, the said discharge guide element of the capsule-breaching device, when the capsule-breaching device is engaged with the container, is in flow communication with an interior of the container when the said closure element is in an open condition.
25. 25. A detachable capsule-breaching head for a beverage-mixing device, the capsule-breaching head comprising: a capsule-container body having a first body part which is telescopically movable on an actuation axis relative to a second body part, at least one capsule-receiving chamber in one of the first and second body parts of the capsule-container body, a capsule-breaching element for breaching a capsule received in the capsule-receiving chamber, the capsule-breaching element being at the other of the said first and second body parts of the capsule-container body and movable relative to the capsule-receiving chamber on or parallel to the said actuation axis, a discharge guide element for guiding a powder released from a capsule by the capsule-breaching element, an openable closure element for sealingly closing the discharge guide element, and a removable access cover for closing an access opening of the capsule-receiving chamber.