RU2473459C2 - Cartridge for making drinks and method of its fabrication - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transport, package.

SUBSTANCE: set of invention relates to containers intended for drinks. This invention aims at making tight cartridge from, in fact, air- and watertight materials able to resist increase in inner pressure. Cartridge contains one or several drink ingredients and is made from, in fact, air- and watertight materials. Note also that cartridge has inlet and drink discharge outlet, drink being composed of one or several drink ingredients. Note that cartridge comprises outer and inner elements. Mind that inner element comprises dispensing branch pipe. Invention covers also the set of cartridges.

EFFECT: making tight cartridge from, in fact, air- and watertight materials able to resist increase in inner pressure.

29 cl, 37 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge for preparing drinks and, in particular, to sealed cartridges that are made of essentially air and waterproof materials and which contain one or more ingredients for preparing drinks.

Previously it was proposed to seal the ingredients for the preparation of the drink in separate airtight containers. For example, cartridges or capsules containing compacted ground coffee are known for use in some coffee brewing machines, which are commonly referred to as “espresso” machines. When preparing coffee using these machines, the coffee cartridge is placed in the brewing chamber, and hot water is passed through the cartridge under relatively high pressure, thereby extracting aromatic components from the ground coffee to form a coffee beverage. Typically, such machines operate under a pressure of more than 6x10 ⁵ Pa. Coffee machines of the type described have so far been quite expensive since machine components such as water pumps and seals must withstand high pressures.

WO 01/58786 describes a cartridge for preparing drinks that operates under pressure in the general range from 0.7 to 2.0 × 10 ⁵ Pa. However, this cartridge is designed for use in a beverage preparation machine for the commercial or industrial market and is relatively expensive. Therefore, there remains a need for a cartridge for preparing drinks in which the cartridges and the machine for preparing the beverage are suitable, in particular in terms of cost, performance and reliability, for domestic use.

It also turned out to be difficult to sterilize beverage cartridges of the types described above, which is associated with narrow and winding channels that are formed in the cartridge cases. Sterilization, for example, by exposing the cartridges to water vapor, may not be completely effective for tortuous channels, due to the characteristics of the surface tension of the cartridge, which prevents the penetration of water vapor into the tortuous channels and, accordingly, prevents the action of water vapor on the surface of the components.

Beverage cartridges may encounter splashing and splashing problems, which cause the beverage to be dispensed from the beverage cartridge and sprayed outside the receiver. This is especially true when dispensing beverages under relatively high pressure. Attempts are being made to alleviate this problem by using a dispensing probe on the machine for preparing the beverage to direct the beverage to the receiver. However, the dispensing probe tends to become contaminated over time with beverage residues and is difficult to clean. In addition, there is the possibility of cross-contamination of various types of drinks.

In addition, in the cartridge according to the application WO 01/58786, a strong jet of beverage is formed by passing the beverage through an opening. It turned out to be difficult to accurately determine the size and location of this type of holes. Clear sizing and positioning of the hole is very important, as it is crucial for the proper capture of air bubbles in the finished drink. The formation of small holes is particularly difficult in the parts obtained by injection molding, in which the placement of the hole is internal, and it is surrounded by other parts of the part. The traditional way of forming the hole is to use a molding pin, the dimensions of which correspond to the required diameter of the hole. However, the holes formed by the molding studs can usually be directed only toward the opening in the part (which opening allows the molding stud to access the part during molding). In a beverage cartridge, this leads to a very quick dispensing of the beverage from the opening at a speed of up to 12-16 m / s, as it goes directly to the outlet.

One of the factors of cartridge reliability is their ability to withstand the increase in internal pressure.

In order to reduce the cost of such cartridges, it is desirable to produce them in a simple, reliable way. In particular, it is desirable to reduce the proportion of operations with parts performed manually, as well as reduce the total number of parts.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a cartridge comprising one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an entrance for introducing into the cartridge an aqueous medium and an outlet for dispensing a beverage obtained from one or more beverage ingredients, the cartridge contains the outer element and the inner element, combined in one node with the outer element, characterized in that the inner element contains a dispensing pipe forming an outlet cartridge a.

The cartridge according to the invention is easily assembled from the main components, which are the inner element and the outer element. The use of separate parts for the internal and external elements, which are then combined into one node, allows you to optimize the manufacture of each component. This is especially convenient in the cartridge according to the invention, in which very small tolerances are desirable, since the path of the beverage through the cartridge is limited by the interface between the outer element and the inner element. In addition, the components of the inner element and the outer element can be more easily sterilized before assembly when they are separated. Immediately after connecting the components, several narrow, winding paths are formed that cannot be sterilized by known methods. The ability to sterilize components is an especially important advantage when cartridges are used in the manufacture of dairy-based beverages. In addition, through the use of separate components that connect, the cartridge does not need to be turned over during the assembly process, since the connection of the internal element and, if desired, the filter, filling the cartridge with beverage ingredients and attaching a lid, such as a laminated material, can all be carried out with the same the same orientation of the outer element.

Preferably, the inner element comprises a dispensing pipe. The dispensing nozzle serves to direct the dispensed beverage to a receiver, such as a cup. The dispensing nozzle avoids splashing or splashing of the beverage and is also useful in controlling the flow characteristics of the beverage when it is transferred from the cartridge to the receiver. For example, the dispensing nozzle may be shaped to reduce the degree of turbulence imparted to the beverage in order to avoid an undesirable decrease in the number of bubbles contained in the beverage. An advantage also lies in the fact that the cartridge itself contains a dispensing nozzle instead of having a separate dispensing nozzle or probe in the beverage machine. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination of beverage types between preparation and dispensing cycles, since each dispensing nozzle is used only once and then removed together with the rest of the cartridge. In addition, preferably, the beverage dispensed through the dispensing nozzle will not come into contact with the outlet mechanism of the beverage preparation machine, thereby avoiding contamination of the beverage preparation machine with beverage residues. Preferably, the dispensing pipe forms a single unit with the inner element. Preferably, the dispensing nozzle and the inner element are molded under pressure or otherwise in the form of a single integral unit, which reduces the cost of manufacturing a cartridge and reduces the number of components that require assembly.

In one embodiment, the dispensing nozzle comprises a conical portion. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing pipe comprises a cylindrical portion. In yet a further embodiment, the dispensing nozzle comprises a partition that extends over at least a portion of the length of the dispensing nozzle. The baffle reduces the amount of splashing and splashing of the beverage during dispensing.

Preferably, a snap fit is used to interconnect the outer member and the inner member. Typically, the snap fit comprises engaging structures on the inner member and the outer member. A snap fit offers a quick assembly, but a reliable way to connect the inner element and the outer element. The advantage is that the snap fit allows you to dispense with glue or other similar adhesives inside the cartridge, in which they will be open for contact with the ingredients of the drink.

Preferably, the outer element comprises a closed first end and an open second end, with the inner element connected to the outer element, the output of the dispensing pipe facing the open second end. Also preferably, the inlet faces the open second end of the outer member. Thus, the input and output face the same side of the cartridge. This allows you to use the cartridge in a low-profile machine, and punching means for forming the input and output when using protrude from the same plane of the machine for preparing drinks.

Preferably, the outer element and the inner element are interconnected at or near the closed first end of the outer element. Thus, the connection of the inner and outer elements is achieved at a point remote from the open end or mouth of the outer element. Preferably, the joining operation can be performed before filling the cartridge with beverage ingredients and before sealing the open end or mouth of the cartridge. This simplifies the assembly process, since the inner and outer elements can be first interconnected to form a cartridge assembly, which can then be moved to the filling area of the packaging line in which one or more beverage ingredients are placed. Then, the filled cartridge is sealed, for example, with a laminated sheet, which is welded by heating to the open end of the outer element. This assembly process avoids the difficult task of combining and maintaining the alignment of the outer element, inner element and laminated material during the heat welding operation.

Preferably, the outer element comprises an inwardly facing protrusion that is inserted into the proximal end of the dispensing pipe when connecting the outer element and the inner element.

In one embodiment, the inner member comprises a frame into which a filter is placed. Preferably, when connecting the inner element and the outer element between the inner element and the frame, one or more passages are formed. Further, one or more passages are preferably separated by bridges extending upward from the frame to the closed first end of the outer member. Preferably, one or more passages slope down to the dispensing pipe.

In another embodiment, the inner element also comprises a skirt surrounding the dispensing pipe. Preferably, the skirt comprises an upper protrusion which, when assembling the cartridge, is in contact with the closed first end of the cartridge. The upper edge of the upper protrusion preferably engages with the engaging formation of the outer member, forming a snap fit for connecting the inner member to the outer member. Typically, the engaging formation of the outer member is an inwardly facing protrusion.

Preferably, the cartridge is in the form of a disk. Additionally, the cartridge also contains means for producing a strong jet of beverage, which means is a hole in the path of flow of the beverage between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet and / or outlet is preferably coated with an air- and waterproof material before forming, using the inlet and / or outlet of the cartridge. For example, the inlet and / or outlet is coated with a substantially air- and waterproof laminated material. Laminated material may be polypropylene. The outer element and / or inner element is made, for example, of polypropylene. Alternatively, the outer element and / or inner element may be made of a biodegradable polymer.

Preferably, the inner member forms a load bearing member.

Preferably, a cartridge cartridge is also provided, each cartridge is similar to that described above, wherein the percentage yield of a beverage made from one or more beverage ingredients contained in the cartridge is constant within a standard deviation of 1.0.

The present invention provides a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, said cartridge comprising an entrance for introducing an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for a beverage obtained from said one or more beverage ingredients, said the cartridge contains an outer element and an inner element inserted into the outer element, and means for producing a strong jet of beverage, said means for producing a strong jet beverage comprises an aperture in a beverage flow path for connecting the inlet and outlet, characterized in that the hole is formed the interface between the inner member and outer member.

The cartridge of the invention creates a strong beverage jet that can be used to alter the appearance and characteristics of the beverage being dispensed, for example by trapping air with the beverage jet to create many small bubbles in the beverage being dispensed. The cartridge according to the invention is easily assembled from the main components, which are the inner element and the outer element. The use of separate parts for the internal and external elements, which are then combined into one node, allows you to optimize the manufacture of each component. This is particularly convenient in the cartridge according to the invention, which requires very small tolerances for determining the size and location of the hole creating a strong jet of drink, as well as for the rest of the path of the beverage through the cartridge. In addition, the opening can be directed perpendicular to the general direction of the flow path, so that the drink hits the wall or surface of the cartridge and thus slows down before dispensing. As described above, such precision and orientation of the hole are difficult in the components obtained by injection molding. According to the invention, this difficulty is overcome by restricting the hole by using the transition between the inner element and the outer element instead of forming the entire hole in a separate component using, for example, a molding pin.

Preferably, one of the number of the inner element and the outer element contains an opening, and the other of the number of the inner element and the outer element contains an obstacle, so that when the inner element is placed in the outer element, the obstacle partially obscures the opening, thus forming an opening.

Preferably, it is easier to produce a separate opening and obstruction, which can be brought together to limit the opening. Preferably, the hole consists of an elongated gap, which can be made in the inner element. In this case, the outer element contains an obstacle.

Preferably, the obstacle comprises a protrusion of the outer element, at least a portion of which projects onto the inner element. An elongated slot can be made in the cylindrical wall of the inner element. Preferably, the elongated slot reaches the upper edge of the cylindrical wall. In one embodiment, the protrusion of the outer element is a cylindrical protrusion that enters as a sliding fit into the cylindrical wall of the inner element. Typically, the hole has a cross-sectional area of from 0.4 to 0.7 mm ² .

Preferably, the cartridge also contains at least one air inlet and means for reducing the pressure of the strong jet of the beverage, so that during use, at least one air intake enters the beverage in the form of many small bubbles. Preferably, at least one air inlet is provided in the internal element after the opening. The inner element may include a dispensing pipe forming an outlet. Preferably, a strong jet of beverage exiting the opening is guided into a dispensing nozzle, in which it can strike the surface of the dispensing nozzle between the outlet from the outlet and the outlet. Preferably, the surface is a concave wall of the dispensing pipe. The concave wall is preferably located on the opposite side of the dispensing nozzle relative to the opening. Preferably, the opening directs the flow of beverage substantially perpendicular to the flow of beverage coming from the outlet. The beverage is thus deflected before it can leave the cartridge, which leads to a slowdown of the beverage, which is required in order to prevent splashing in the receiver.

The components of the inner element and the outer element can be more easily sterilized before assembly when they are separated. Immediately after connecting the components, several narrow, winding paths are formed that cannot be sterilized by known methods. The ability to sterilize components is a particularly important advantage when cartridges are used in dispensing dairy-based beverages.

Preferably, the dispensing pipe forms a single unit with the inner element. The dispensing nozzle serves to direct the dispensed beverage to a receiver, such as a cup. The dispensing nozzle avoids splashing or splashing of the beverage and is also useful in controlling the flow characteristics of the beverage when it is transferred from the cartridge to the receiver. For example, the dispensing nozzle may be shaped to reduce the degree of turbulence imparted to the beverage in order to avoid an undesirable decrease in the number of bubbles contained in the beverage. An advantage also lies in the fact that the cartridge itself contains a dispensing pipe instead of having a separate dispensing pipe in the machine for preparing a beverage. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination of beverage types between preparation and dispensing cycles, since each dispensing nozzle is used only once and then removed together with the rest of the cartridge. In addition, preferably, the beverage dispensed through the dispensing nozzle will not come into contact with the outlet mechanism of the beverage preparation machine, thereby avoiding contamination of the beverage preparation machine with beverage residues. Preferably, the dispensing nozzle and the inner element are molded under pressure or otherwise in the form of a single integral unit, which reduces the cost of manufacturing a cartridge and reduces the number of components that require assembly.

Preferably, the cartridge is disk-shaped. The outer element and / or inner element is made, for example, of polypropylene. The cartridge may be made from a biodegradable polymer.

The present invention also provides a cartridge comprising one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising a compartment containing one or more beverage ingredients, a compartment containing a plurality of inlets for introducing an aqueous medium into this compartment and a plurality of beverage outlet openings made from one or more beverage ingredients in which at least a portion of the inlet openings are not aligned with yhodnymi holes, so that at least part of the aqueous medium entering the compartment through the inlet openings, is circulated in compartment before they leave the compartment through outlet openings, characterized in that the inlets are arranged along the periphery compartment.

Preferably, the cartridge of the invention comprises inlets and outlets, at least a portion of which are not aligned. This prevents the aqueous medium entering the compartment containing the beverage ingredients from passing directly from the inlets to the outlets. Instead, the aqueous medium is forced to circulate in the compartment before exiting through the outlet. This increases the degree of mixing of the aqueous medium and the beverage ingredients, since substantially all parts of the beverage ingredients in the compartment fall into the flow path of the aqueous medium.

Preferably, the inlets can be placed at regular intervals along the periphery of the compartment. Preferably, the outlet openings are located closer to the center of the compartment compared to the inlet openings. Outlets can be placed at regular intervals around the center of the compartment. Placing the inlet and outlet openings at equal intervals ensures more uniform flow characteristics inside the compartment, which provides more uniform mixing of the beverage ingredients and the aqueous medium.

Preferably, the cartridge contains from 3 to 10 inlets. In one embodiment, 4 inlets are provided.

Preferably, the cartridge contains from 3 to 10 outlets. In one embodiment, 5 outlet openings are provided.

Preferably, an unequal number of inlets and outlets is used.

Preferably, the number of inlets and outlets is determined by the formula:

X _o = X _i + C

Where

X _i = number of inlets

X _o = number of outlet openings

C = set of integers excluding 0 or nX _i

n = any integer.

Preferably, the number of inlets and outlets is selected according to the above formula. This is especially convenient with a disk-shaped cartridge, and the holes are spaced at regular intervals around the cartridge, since there is no need to deliberately align cartridge components containing inlet and outlet openings during assembly. With any relative orientation of the components, at least a portion of the inlets and outlets will not be aligned. For example, with four inlets and five outlet openings that are all spaced at equal intervals, it is not possible to combine more than one inlet with one outlet in any alignment of components containing inlet and outlet openings. This leads to a much faster and easier assembly procedure. On the other hand, the cartridge may contain the same number of inlets and outlets, but the gaps between them can be selected so as to ensure that at least a portion of the inlets and outlets are not aligned.

Typically, the inlets are located in the outer element of the cartridge, and the outlets are located in the inner element of the cartridge. Preferably, the inner element comprises a dispensing pipe in communication with the outlet openings.

In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is disk-shaped. Preferably, the flow of the aqueous medium passing through the inlet openings to the compartment is directed radially inward towards the center of the cartridge.

The cartridge is particularly suitable for use with beverage ingredients in the form of viscous liquids or gels. In one application, cartridge 1 contains an ingredient in the form of liquid chocolate with a viscosity of 1700 to 3900 MPa at ambient temperature and 5000 to 10000 MPa at 0 °, and refractory solids 67 brix ± 3. In another application, cartridge 1 contains liquid coffee with a viscosity of 70 to 2000 MPa at ambient temperature and 80 to 5000 MPa at 0 ° C, and the coffee has a total dry matter content of 40 to 70%.

With soluble beverage ingredients such as a viscous liquid or gel, incomplete mixing of the ingredients with an aqueous medium can pose a serious problem. In particular, in cartridges containing such products, there may be a rapid occurrence of channels connecting the input and output of the cartridge, which is caused by local dissolution of the ingredient. The channels then form paths for the remaining aqueous medium to flow at a relatively low resistance, and the aqueous medium will tend to flow through these channels and not through the remaining, undissolved, viscous ingredient in the compartment. The cartridge of the invention substantially solves this problem by forcing the aqueous medium to circulate inside the compartment, which not only leads to dissolution of a larger proportion of the ingredients, but also creates turbulence within the compartment, which improves mixing of the remaining ingredient, which in turn prevents the formation or maintenance of paths for leakage with low resistance connecting the inlet to the outlet.

The outer element and / or inner element can be made of polypropylene and can be obtained by injection molding. In one embodiment, the outer element and / or inner element is made of a biodegradable polymer.

The present invention also provides a cartridge comprising one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an outer element forming a storage chamber in which one or more beverage ingredients is stored, and an inner element having a dispensing nozzle forming an outlet for the outflow of a beverage formed from one or more beverage ingredients, characterized in that the inner element forms a load bearing element.

The cartridge of the invention provides a reliable mechanism for dispensing beverages. In particular, the inner member forms a load bearing member. which allows the cartridge to withstand relatively large compressive loads during use. This allows the cartridge to be used in a beverage preparation machine that compresses the cartridge before performing a dispensing cycle. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of cartridge failure with an internal increase in pressure. In addition, the application of a compressive load to the cartridge ensures that the cartridge components are firmly and precisely held in place.

Preferably, the inner member and the outer member are separate components that are interconnected during cartridge assembly.

Preferably, the cartridge also contains a filter connected to the inner element.

Preferably, the inner member forms a load bearing member having sufficient rigidity so that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load exceeding 130 N. More preferably, the load bearing member has sufficient rigidity so that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load exceeding 200 N. Preferably, the load bearing member has sufficient rigidity so that the load bearing member can withstand a compressive load exceeding 130 N.

In one embodiment, the inner member is made of polypropylene. On the other hand, the outer element and / or inner element are made of a biodegradable polymer.

Preferably, the inner element comprises a dispensing pipe. The dispensing nozzle serves to direct the dispensed beverage to a receiver, such as a cup. The dispensing nozzle avoids splashing or splashing of the beverage and is also useful in controlling the flow characteristics of the beverage when it is transferred from the cartridge to the receiver. For example, the dispensing nozzle may be shaped to reduce the degree of turbulence imparted to the beverage in order to avoid an undesirable decrease in the number of bubbles contained in the beverage. Preferably, the dispensing pipe and the inner element are molded in one piece.

The present invention provides a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising a housing having a closed first end and an open second end, the housing forming a storage chamber in which one or more beverage ingredients are stored moreover, the open second end of the housing is sealed with a lid, characterized by a cartridge further containing a load bearing element located in the gap between the closed first end of the housing and cover.

Preferably, the load bearing member comprises a dispensing chute defining an outlet for the beverage to flow out of one or more beverage ingredients.

Preferably, the load bearing member is located in or near the center of the cartridge.

Preferably, the inner member forms a load bearing member with sufficient rigidity so that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load exceeding 130 N. More preferably, the load bearing member has sufficient rigidity so that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load exceeding 2000 N. Preferably, the load bearing member has sufficient rigidity so that the load bearing member can withstand a compressive load exceeding 130 N.

The present invention also provides a cartridge comprising one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an outer member defining a storage chamber in which one or more beverage ingredients are stored, an inner member having a dispensing nozzle, forming an outlet for the outflow of a beverage formed from one or more beverage ingredients, and a filter located between the storage chamber and the dispensing nozzle, characterized the fact that the inner element and the filter are connected in one operation with the outer element by means of at least one weld.

Preferably, the cartridge of the invention can be assembled reliably with minimal manual handling of the components. In addition, the outer element, inner element and filter can be assembled first as an assembly and then easily transported without the risk of filter displacement. This allows you to assemble the outer element, inner element and filter not where the cartridge is filled and sealed.

Preferably, the outer element has an opening for accessing the storage chamber, in which the inner element and the filter are connected to the outer element at a base remote from the opening.

Preferably, the inner element, the outer element and the filter have an annular shape.

Preferably, the weld is substantially circular.

In one embodiment, the inner element and the outer element are made of plastic, and at least one weld is an ultrasonic weld.

In one example, the inner member comprises a frame and at least one weld is formed around the periphery of said frame. This weld prevents the beverage from flowing out of the storage chamber differently than through a filter. Preferably, the frame comprises a plurality of partitions extending upward from the frame in the direction of the closed first end of the outer element, forming one or more channels between the frame and the closed first end of the outer element, and wherein welds are formed between the partitions and the closed first end of the outer element.

The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an outer element forming a storage chamber in which one or more beverage ingredients is stored, an inner element having a dispenser a nozzle forming an outlet for the outflow of a beverage formed from one or more beverage ingredients, and a filter, characterized by a method comprising a compound inside the element and the filter during one operation with the outer element through at least one welding operation.

Preferably, the welding operation is ultrasonic welding.

Preferably, the method also comprises forming a first weld along the periphery of the inner element and the filter.

Preferably, the method also comprises forming a second weld around the inner member and the filter on or adjacent to the dispensing nozzle.

It is understood that the term “cartridge” as used herein means any packaging, container, sachet or receptacle that contains one or more beverage ingredients as described above. The cartridge may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible.

The cartridge of the invention contains one or more beverage ingredients suitable for preparing a finished beverage. The finished beverage may be, for example, coffee, tea, chocolate or a milk-based beverage, including milk. The ingredients of milk can be in the form of a powder, ground, leaf based, or liquid. The beverage ingredients may be insoluble or soluble. Examples are roasted and ground coffee, loose tea, powdered chocolate and soup, drinks based on liquid dairy products, and concentrated fruit juices.

The present invention also provides a cartridge comprising one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an entrance for introducing an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for dispensing a beverage obtained from one or more beverage ingredients, characterized in that the cartridge contains an outer element and an inner element, integrated during assembly into one assembly with the outer element, wherein the inner element forms the outlet of the cartridge, in which when assembling the cartridge A snap fit is used to connect the outer element and the inner element.

The cartridge according to the invention is easily assembled from the main components, which are the inner element and the outer element. The use of separate parts for the internal and external elements, which are then combined into a single assembly using the snap-fit mechanism, allows to optimize the manufacture of each component and the assembly of the cartridge. This is especially convenient in the cartridge according to the invention, in which very small tolerances are desirable, since the path of the beverage through the cartridge is limited by the interface between the outer element and the inner element. In addition, the components of the inner element and the outer element can be more easily sterilized before assembly when they are separated. Immediately after the components are connected by the snap-fit mechanism, several narrow, winding paths are formed that cannot be sterilized by known methods. The ability to sterilize components is a particularly important advantage when cartridges are used in dispensing dairy-based beverages. A snap fit provides a quick, but reliable way to connect the inner element and the outer element.

Preferably, the snap fit allows you to dispense with the use of glue or other similar adhesives inside the cartridge, where they will be open for contact with the ingredients of the drink.

Typically, snap fit means comprise engaging formations on the inner member and the outer member. Preferably, the outer element comprises a closed first end and an open second end, wherein with the inner element connected by a snap fit mechanism to the outer element, the output of the inner element faces the open second end. Also preferably, the inlet faces the open second end of the outer member. Thus, the input and output face the same side of the cartridge. This allows you to use the cartridge in a low-profile machine, and punching means for forming the input and output when using protrude from the same plane of the machine for preparing drinks.

Preferably, the outer element and the inner element are interconnected by a snap fit mechanism at or near the closed first end of the outer element. Thus, the connection of the inner and outer elements is achieved at a point remote from the open end, or the mouth of the outer element. Preferably, the snap fit operation may be performed before filling the cartridge with beverage ingredients and sealing the open end or mouth of the cartridge. This simplifies the assembly process, since the inner and outer elements can be first interlocked by snap fit to form the cartridge assembly, which can then be moved to the filling area of the packaging line in which one or more beverage ingredients are placed. Then, the filled cartridge is sealed, for example, with a laminated sheet, which is welded by heating to the open end of the outer element. This assembly process avoids the difficult task of combining and maintaining the alignment of the outer element, inner element and laminated material during the heat welding operation.

Preferably, the snap fit means between the inner member and the outer member form a waterproof seal.

In one embodiment, the inner element also comprises a skirt surrounding the dispensing nozzle, the skirt comprising an upper protrusion having an upper edge which, when the cartridge is assembled, interacts with the formation of a snap-fit mechanism to connect the inner element to the outer element. Typically, the engaging formation of the outer member is an inwardly facing protrusion.

Preferably, the outer element comprises an inwardly facing protrusion that is inserted into the proximal end of the dispensing pipe at the junction of the outer element and the inner element.

Preferably, the inner element comprises a dispensing pipe. The dispensing nozzle serves to direct the dispensed beverage to a receiver, such as a cup. The dispensing nozzle avoids splashing or splashing of the beverage and is also useful in controlling the flow characteristics of the beverage when it is transferred from the cartridge to the receiver. For example, the dispensing nozzle may be shaped to reduce the degree of turbulence imparted to the beverage in order to avoid an undesirable decrease in the number of bubbles contained in the beverage. An advantage also lies in the fact that the cartridge itself contains a dispensing pipe instead of having a separate dispensing pipe in the machine for preparing a beverage. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination of beverage types between dispensing cycles, since each dispensing nozzle is used only once and then removed together with the rest of the cartridge. Furthermore, preferably, the beverage dispensed through the dispensing nozzle will not come into contact with the outlet mechanism of the beverage preparation machine, thereby avoiding contamination of the beverage preparation machine. Preferably, the dispensing pipe forms a single unit with the inner element. Preferably, the dispensing nozzle and the inner element are molded under pressure or otherwise in the form of a single integral unit, which reduces the cost of manufacturing a cartridge and reduces the number of components that require assembly.

In one embodiment, the dispensing nozzle comprises a conical portion. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing pipe comprises a cylindrical portion. In yet a further embodiment, the dispensing nozzle comprises a partition that extends over at least a portion of the length of the dispensing nozzle. The baffle reduces the amount of splashing and splashing of the beverage during dispensing.

Preferably, the inner element comprises a dispensing pipe. The dispensing nozzle serves to direct the dispensed beverage to a receiver, such as a cup. The dispensing nozzle avoids splashing or splashing of the beverage and is also useful in controlling the flow characteristics of the beverage when it is transferred from the cartridge to the receiver. For example, the dispensing nozzle may be shaped to reduce the degree of turbulence imparted to the beverage in order to avoid an undesirable decrease in the number of bubbles contained in the beverage. An advantage also lies in the fact that the cartridge itself contains a dispensing nozzle instead of having a separate dispensing nozzle or probe in the beverage machine. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination of beverage types between preparation and dispensing cycles, since each dispensing nozzle is used only once and then removed together with the rest of the cartridge. In addition, preferably, the beverage dispensed through the dispensing nozzle will not come into contact with the outlet mechanism of the beverage preparation machine, thereby avoiding contamination of the beverage preparation machine with beverage residues. Preferably, the dispensing pipe forms a single unit with the inner element. Preferably, the dispensing nozzle and the inner element are molded under pressure or otherwise in the form of a single integral unit, which reduces the cost of manufacturing a cartridge and reduces the number of components that require assembly.

In one embodiment, the dispensing nozzle comprises a conical portion. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing pipe comprises a cylindrical portion. In yet a further embodiment, the dispensing nozzle comprises a baffle extending at least in part along the length of the dispensing nozzle. The baffle reduces the amount of splashing and splashing of the beverage during dispensing.

Preferably, the cartridge is disk-shaped. Additionally, the cartridge also contains means for producing a strong jet of beverage, which means is a hole in the path of flow of the beverage between the inlet and the outlet. The outer element and / or inner element is made, for example, of polypropylene.

In the following description, the terms “upper” and “lower”, as well as their equivalents, will be used to describe the relative distribution of features of the invention. The terms “upper” and “lower”, as well as equivalent to them, should be considered as referring to the cartridge (or other components) in their normal orientation for installation in a machine for preparing drinks and subsequent delivery, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4. In particular, “upper” and “lower” refer to relative positions closer and further from the upper surface 11 of the cartridge. In addition, the terms “internal” and “external”, as well as equivalent thereto, will be used to describe the relative positioning of features of the invention. The terms “internal” and “external”, as well as equivalent ones, should be considered to relative positions on the cartridge (or other components), located closer and further from the center or main axis X of the cartridge 1 (or other component).

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

Figure 1 is a view in cross section of the outer element of the first and second embodiments of the cartridge according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a detail of the outer member of FIG. 1, showing an inwardly facing cylindrical protrusion;

Figure 3 is a view in section of a detail of the outer element of figure 1, showing the gap;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of the outer element of figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of the outer element of figure 1 in an inverted position;

6 is a top view of the outer element of figure 1;

7 is a view in cross section of the inner element according to the first embodiment of the cartridge;

Fig.8 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig.7;

Fig.9 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig.7 in an inverted position;

Figure 10 is a top view of the inner element of figure 7;

11 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a cartridge in an assembled state;

12 is a sectional view of an inner member of a second embodiment of a cartridge;

Fig.13 is a view in section of a detail of the inner element of Fig.12, showing the hole;

Fig.14 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig.12;

Fig - a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig in an inverted position;

Fig.16 shows another drawing in section of the inner element of Fig.12;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of another detail of the internal member of FIG. 12, showing an air inlet;

Fig. 18 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a cartridge in an assembled state;

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the outer member of the third and fourth embodiments of the cartridge of the invention;

Fig. 20 is a sectional view of a detail of the outer member of Fig. 19, showing an inwardly facing cylindrical protrusion;

Fig.21 is a top view of the outer element of Fig.19;

Fig.22 is a perspective view from above of the outer element of Fig.19;

Fig is a perspective view from above of the outer element of Fig in an inverted position;

24 is a sectional view of an inner member of a third embodiment of a cartridge;

Fig.25 is a top view of the inner element of Fig.24;

Fig. 26 is a sectional view of a detail of the inner member of Fig. 24, showing the top rim turned inside;

Fig.27 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig.24;

Fig. 28 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig. 24 in an inverted position;

Fig. 29 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of a cartridge in an assembled state;

Fig. 30 is a sectional view of an inner member of a fourth embodiment of a cartridge;

Fig - top view of the inner element of Fig;

Fig. 32 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig. 30;

Fig. 33 is a perspective view from above of the inner element of Fig. 30 in an inverted position;

Fig. 34 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a cartridge in an assembled state;

Figa is a graph of the concentration of the duration of the working cycle;

Fig.35b is a graph of the dependence of the formation of foam on the duration of the working cycle;

Fig. 35c is a graph of temperature versus cycle time.

As shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge 1 of the invention generally comprises an outer element 2, an inner element 3, and a laminate 5. An outer element 2, an inner element 3, and a laminate 5 are assembled to form a cartridge 1 that has an inner housing 120 one or more beverage ingredients, an inlet 121, an outlet 122, and a path for a beverage flow that connects the inlet 121 and the outlet 122 and passes through the inside 120. The inlet 121 and the outlet 122 are initially sealed with a laminated material 5 and open when using a path punching or cutting of the laminate 5. The beverage flow path is defined by spatial interrelationships between the outer member 2, inner member 3 and laminate 5 as discussed below. Another component may be further included in cartridge 1, such as filter 4, as will be described later.

A first embodiment of the cartridge 1, which will be described for preparation purposes, is shown in FIGS. 1-11. The first embodiment of cartridge 1 is in particular intended for use in dispensing filtered products, such as roasted and ground coffee or loose tea. However, this cartridge option 1 and other options described below can be used with other products such as chocolate, coffee, tea, sweeteners, stimulants, condiments, spirits, flavored milk, fruit juices, squash, sauces and desserts.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge 1 has a generally round or disk-shaped shape, the diameter of the cartridge 1 being generally significantly greater than its height. The main axis X passes through the center of the outer element, as shown in figure 1. Typically, the entire diameter of the outer element 2 is 74.5 mm ± 6 mm, and the total height is 16 mm ± 3 mm. Typically, the volume of cartridge 1 after assembly is 30.2 ml ± 20%.

The outer element 2 generally comprises a cup-shaped casing 10 having a curved annular wall 13, a closed top 11 and an open lower part 12. The diameter of the outer element 2 on the top 11 is less than the diameter of the lower part 12, which is associated with the expansion of the annular wall 13 downward, when switching from a closed top 11 to an open lower part 12. An annular wall 13 and a closed bottom 11 form together a receiver with an inner part 34.

In the closed top 11, an inwardly hollow cylindrical protrusion 18 is made, centered on the main axis X. As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the cylindrical protrusion 18 comprises a step profile having first, second and third sections 19, 20 and 21. First section 19 has the shape of a regular cylinder. The second section 20 has the shape of a truncated cone and is beveled inward. The third section 21 is another regular cylinder and is closed by the lower surface 31. The diameter of the first, second, and third sections 19, 20, and 21 decreases sequentially, so that the diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 18 decreases when moving from the top 11 to the closed lower surface 31 of the cylindrical protrusion 18. B generally a horizontal shoulder 32 is formed on the cylindrical protrusion 18 at the junction between the second and third sections 20 and 21.

An outwardly extending shoulder 33 is formed on the outer element 2 in the direction of the lower part 12. The outwardly extending shoulder 33 forms a secondary wall 15, coaxial with the annular wall 13 so as to limit the annular path forming a pipe 16 between the secondary wall 15 and the annular wall 13. The pipe 16 runs around the circumference of the outer element 2. In the annular wall 13, a series of slots 17 are made flush with the pipe 16 to allow gas and liquid to move between the pipe 16 and the inner part 34 of the outer element 2. As shown of Figure 3, the slots 17 comprise vertical slits in the annular wall 13 is used 20 to 40 slots. In the illustrated embodiment, thirty-seven slots 17 are used, arranged generally at equal intervals around the circumference of the pipe 16. The slots 17 preferably have a length of 1.4 to 1.8 mm. Typically, the length of each gap is 1.6 mm, accounting for 10% of the total height of the outer element 2. The width of each gap is from 0.25 to 0.35 mm. Typically, the width of each gap is 0.3 mm. Shelley 17 is narrow enough to prevent the ingress of beverage ingredients into line 16 both during storage and use.

An inlet chamber 26 is formed in the outer element 2 along the periphery of the outer element 2. As best shown in FIG. 5, a cylindrical wall 27 is provided which forms an inlet chamber 26 and separates the inlet chamber 26 from the inner part 34 of the outer element 2. Cylindrical wall 27 has a closed upper surface 28, which is located in a plane perpendicular to the main axis X, and an open lower end 29, which is in the same plane with the lower part 12 of the outer element 2. The inlet chamber 26 communicates, as shown in figure 1, pipe 16 through two slots 30. On the other hand, from one to four slots can be used between the pipe 16 and the inlet chamber 26 for communication.

The lower end of the outwardly extending shoulder 33 is provided with an outwardly extending flange 34 that extends perpendicular to the main axis X. Typically, the flange 35 has a width of 2 to 4 mm. Part of the flange 35 is enlarged, forming a handle 24, for which you can hold the outer element 2. The handle 24 is equipped with an upward facing rib 25 in order to improve the grip.

The outer element 2 is made in one piece of high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester or laminated material from two or more of these materials. Suitable polypropylene can be selected from among the polymers supplied by DSM UK Limited (Redditch, UK). The outer element may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The manufacturing process may be injection molding.

The inner element 3, as shown in Figs. 7-10, contains an annular frame 41 and a cylindrical funnel 40 extending downward. The main axis X, as shown in Fig. 7, passes through the center of the inner element 3.

As shown best in FIG. 8, the annular frame 41 comprises an annular rim 51 and an inner sleeve 52, which are connected by ten radial bridges 53 arranged at regular intervals. The inner sleeve forms and departs from the cylindrical funnel 40. Filter holes 55 are provided in the annular frame 41 between the radial bridges 53. The filter 4 is placed on the annular frame 41 so as to cover the filter holes 55. The filter is preferably made of a material having high wet strength, for example, non-woven polyester fiber material. Other materials that may be used include waterproof cellulosic material, such as cellulosic material containing woven paper fibers. Woven paper fibers can be mixed with fibers of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene. The incorporation of these plastic materials into the cellulosic material makes the cellulosic material thermally adhesive. The filter 4 can also be treated and coated with a material that is activated by heating and / or pressure, so that it can adhere to the annular frame 41 in this way.

As shown in the cross-sectional profile of Fig. 7, when the inner sleeve 52 is in a lower position relative to the outer rim 51, the annular frame 41 has an inclined lower profile.

The upper surface of each jumper 53 is provided with an uprising baffle 54, which divides the cavity space above the annular frame 41 into a plurality of passages 57. Each pass 57 is bounded on the sides by a baffle 54 and from below by a filter 4. The passages 57 extend from the outer rim 51 down to the cylindrical funnel 40, opening into openings 56 bounded by the inner edges of the partitions 54.

The cylindrical funnel contains an inner pipe 42 surrounding the inner dispensing pipe 43. The outer pipe 42 forms the outer part of the cylindrical funnel 40. The dispensing pipe 43 is connected to the outer pipe 42 at the upper end of the dispensing pipe 43 by means of an annular flange 47. The dispensing pipe 43 contains an inlet at the upper end 45, which communicates with the openings 56 of passages 57 and exit 44 at the lower end, through which the prepared beverage is dispensed into a cup or other receiver. The dispensing pipe 43 comprises a section in the form of a truncated cone 48 at the upper end and a cylindrical section 58 at the lower end. The cylindrical section 58 may have a slight taper, so that it tapers towards the outlet 44. The truncated cone-shaped portion 48 helps to transfer the beverage from the passages 57 downward towards the exit 44 without imparting turbulence to the beverage. The upper surface of the truncated cone-shaped portion 48 is provided with four support webs 49 arranged at regular intervals around the circumference of the cylindrical funnel 40. The support webs 49 form channels 50 between them. The upper edges of the supporting jumpers 49 are located at the same level with each other and perpendicular to the main axis X.

The inner element 3 can be made integrally from polypropylene or a similar material, as described above, and by injection molding in the same way as the outer element 2.

Alternatively, the inner element 3 and / or the outer element 2 can be made of biodegradable polyethylene (e.g. SPITEK, which is supplied by Symphony Environmental, Borhamwood, UK), biodegradable polyester (e.g., BAK 1095, which is supplied by the company Symphony Environmental), dairy polyacids (PLAs supplied by Cargil, Minnesota, USA), starch-based polymers, cellulose derivatives and polypeptides.

The laminated material 5 is formed of two layers, the first layer of aluminum and the second layer of molded polypropylene. The thickness of the aluminum layer is from 0.02 to 0.07 mm. The thickness of the cast polypropylene layer is from 0.025 to 0.065 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the aluminum layer is 0.06 mm and the polypropylene layer is 0.025 mm. This laminate is particularly suitable because it has great resistance to torsion during assembly. As a result, the laminated material 5 can be pre-cut to the desired size and shape and then transferred to the assembly section of the production line when it is not warped. Therefore, the laminated material 5 is particularly suitable for welding. You can use other laminated materials, including laminated materials PET / Aluminum / PP, PE / EVON / PP, PET / metallized / PP and Aluminum / PP. Instead of a blank cut by a stamp, it is possible to use laminated material in rolls.

Instead of a flexible laminated material, the cartridge 1 may be closed with a rigid or semi-rigid cover.

The assembly of the cartridge 1 includes the following operations:

a) the inner element 3 is inserted into the outer element 2;

b) the filter 4 is cut out to the desired shape and placed on the inner element 3 in such a way as to place it on top of the cylindrical funnel 40 and lay on the ring frame 41;

c) the inner element 3, the outer element 2 and the filter 4 are connected by ultrasonic welding;

d) cartridge 1 is filled with one or more beverage ingredients;

e) the laminated material 5 is attached to the outer element 2.

These operations will be discussed in more detail below.

The outer element 2 is arranged with the open lower part 12 facing up. The inner element 3 is then inserted into the outer element 2 with the outer rim 51 freely fitted in the axial protrusion 14 on the top 11 of the cartridge 1. The cylindrical protrusion 18 of the outer element 2 is at the same time inserted into the upper part of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner element 3. The third section 21 the cylindrical protrusion 18 is placed inside the cylindrical funnel 40 with the bottom surface 31 of the cylindrical protrusion 18 closed, resting on the supporting bridges 49 of the inner element 3. Then, the filter 4 is placed on the inner element 3 so that the filter is in contact with the annular rim 51. After this, the ultrasonic welding process is used to connect the filter 4 to the inner element 3 and at the same time, and during the same process step, to connect the inner element 3 to the outer element 2. The inner element 3 and the filter 4 are welded along the outer rim 51. The inner element 3 and the outer element 2 are connected using welds around the outer rim 51 and, in addition, the upper edges of the jumpers 54.

As is most clearly shown in FIG. 11, the outer element 2 and the inner element 3, being connected to each other, form a cavity 130 in the inner part 120 below the annular flange 41 and the outer part of the cylindrical funnel 40, forming a filter chamber. The filter chamber 130 and the passages 57 above the annular frame 41 are separated by filter paper 4.

The filter chamber 130 contains one or more beverage ingredients 200. One or more beverage ingredients are packaged in a filter chamber 130. For a filtered type beverage, the ingredient is usually roasted ground coffee or loose tea. The packing density of the beverage ingredients in the filter chamber 130 may vary as desired. Typically, to obtain a filtered finished coffee filter chamber contains from 5.0 to 10.2 grams of roasted and ground coffee in the filter layer with a usual thickness of 5-14 mm. Additionally, the inner part 120 may contain one or more bodies, such as balls, which move freely in the inner part 120, promoting mixing by inducing turbulence and destroying deposits of the beverage ingredients during dispensing.

The laminated material 5 is then attached to the outer element 2 by forming a weld seam 126 around the periphery of the laminate 5 to connect the laminate 5 to the bottom surface of the outward flange 35. Weld 125 continues to tightly attach the laminate 5 to the lower edge of the cylindrical wall 27 of the inlet chamber 26. Further, between the laminated material 5 and the lower edge of the outer pipe 42 of the cylindrical funnel 40, a weld 125 is formed so that the inner element 3 continues between the outer element 2 and the laminated material 5. The laminated material 5 forms the lower wall of the filter chamber 130 and also seals the inlet chamber 26 and the cylindrical funnel 40. However, before dispensing, there is a small gap 123 between the laminated material 5 and the lower edge of the dispensing pipe 43. It is possible to use various welding methods, such as heat and ultrasonic welding, depending on the characteristics of the laminated material.

Preferably, the inner element 3 extends between the outer element 2 and the laminated material 5. The inner element 3 is made of a material having relative stiffness, such as polypropylene. As such, the inner element 3 forms a load bearing element which serves to hold the laminated material 5 and the outer element 2 separated by compression of the cartridge 1. It is desirable that, when used, the cartridge 1 is subjected to a compressive load of 130 to 280 N, and the load is applied by the machine for preparing a drink in which the cartridge is inserted. However, with a certain arrangement of the cartridge and the machine, a lower force exceeding 50 N is possible. The compressive force helps to prevent the cartridge from collapsing under the influence of internal pressure and also serves to press the inner element 3 and the outer element 2 against each other. This ensures that the inner the dimensions of the passages and openings in the cartridge 1 remain fixed and cannot be changed during the pressure in the cartridge 1.

For use, cartridge 1 is first inserted into a beverage machine, opening inlet 121 and exit 122 by the punching elements of a beverage machine that punches and bends the laminate 5. Water, usually water, enters the cartridge 1 under pressure through inlet 121 into the inlet chamber 26 under a pressure of 0.1-2.0 bar. From here, water is directed for flow through the slots 30 and around the pipe 16 to the filter chamber 130 of the cartridge 1 through a plurality of slots 17. Water is directed radially inward through the filter chamber 130 and mixed with the beverage ingredients 200 contained therein. At the same time, water is directed up through the ingredients of the drink. The drink formed by the passage of water through the ingredients of the beverage passes through the filter 4 and the filter holes 55 into the passages 57 that lie above the annular frame 41. The tight connection of the filter 4 with the jumpers 53 and the welding of the rim 51 to the outer element 2 ensures no bypasses and that that the entire beverage must pass through filter 4.

Then the drink flows down along the radial passages 57 formed between the jumpers 53 and through the openings 56 into a cylindrical funnel 40. The drink passes along the channels 50 between the support jumpers 47 and down the dispensing groove 43 to the outlet 44, from which the beverage is discharged into a cup-type receiver .

Preferably, the beverage preparation machine comprises an air purge device that blows compressed air through the cartridge 1 at the end of the operating cycle to drain the remaining beverage into the receiver.

12-18 show a second embodiment of cartridge 1. A second embodiment of cartridge 1 is specifically designed for dispensing espresso products, such as roasted and ground coffee, when it is desired to produce a beverage containing foam or tiny bubbles known as “creams” ( Italian. "foam"). Many features of the second option 1 are the same as in the first option, and the same numeric positions are used to designate the same features. In the following description, differences between the first and second options will be considered. Common features that act in the same way will not be considered in detail.

The outer element 2 has the same design as in the first embodiment of the cartridge 1 and as shown in figures 1-6.

The annular frame 41 of the inner element 3 is the same as in the first embodiment. In addition, the filter 4 is located on the annular frame 41 so as to cover the filter holes 55. The outer tube 42 of the cylindrical funnel 40 is also the same as before. However, there are a number of differences in the design of the inner element 2 of the second embodiment compared to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the dispensing pipe 43 is provided with a partition 65, which partially extends up the dispensing pipe 43 from the outlet 44. The partition 65 helps to prevent the beverage from splashing and / or splashing when it leaves the dispensing pipe 43. The profile of the dispensing pipe 43 also different and contains a stepped profile with clearly visible curvature 66 near the upper end of the pipe 43.

A rim 67 is provided that rises from the annular flange 47 and connects the outer pipe 42 to the dispensing pipe 43. The rim 47 surrounds the inlet 45 of the dispensing pipe 43 and forms an annular channel 69 between the rim 67 and the upper part of the outer pipe 42. The rim 67 is provided with an inward-facing shoulder 68 At one point around the circumference of the rim 67, a hole 70 is made in the form of a slit extending from the upper edge of the rim 67 to a point located at a minimum distance below the level of the shoulder 68, as best shown in Figs. 12 and 13. The width of the slit is 0.64 mm

An air inlet 71 is provided in the annular flange 47, circumferentially aligned with the hole 70, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The air inlet 71 includes a hole passing through the flange 47 in such a way as to ensure communication between a point above the flange 47 and the cavity below the flange 47 between the outer pipe and the dispensing pipe 43. Preferably, and as shown, the air inlet 71 comprises a truncated conical upper portion 73 and a lower cylindrical portion 72. The air inlet 71 is typically formed by a molding tool, such as a spire a. The taper profile of the air inlet 71 facilitates removal of the molding tool from the molded component. The wall of the outer pipe 42 near the air inlet 71 is shaped like a groove 75 leading from the air inlet 71 to the inlet 45 of the dispensing pipe 43. As shown in FIG. 17, a beveled shoulder 74 is formed between the air inlet 71 and the groove 75 to guarantee that a strong jet of beverage leaving the slot 70 does not immediately strike the upper surface of the flange 47 in the immediate vicinity of the air inlet 71.

As in the first embodiment, the inner member 3 serves as a load bearing member.

The assembly procedure of the second embodiment of cartridge 1 is similar to the assembly in the first embodiment. However, there are certain differences. As shown in FIG. 18, the third portion 21 of the cylindrical protrusion 18 is placed inside the bearing rim 67 rather than on the supporting jumpers. The shoulder 32 of the cylindrical protrusion 18 between the second portion 20 and the third portion 21 rests on the upper edge of the support rim 67 of the inner element 3. Thus, a transition zone 124 is formed between the inner element 3 and the outer element 2, containing an end seal between the cylindrical protrusion 18 and the supporting rim 67 extending almost the entire circumference of the cartridge 1. The seal between the cylindrical protrusion 18 and the bearing rim 67 is not impervious to the fluid, since the gap 70 in the bearing rim 67 passes through the bearing rim 67 and down to a point located directly under the shoulder 68. As a result, the boundary fit between the cylindrical protrusion 18 and the support rim 67 turns the slot 70 into the hole 128, as shown best in FIG. 18, allowing gas and liquid to pass between the annular channel 69 and the dispenser pipe 43. The hole typically has a width of 0.64 mm and a length of 0.69 mm.

The operation of the second cartridge option when dispensing a beverage is similar to the operation in the first embodiment, however, with some differences. The drink in the radial passages 57 flows down the passages 57 formed between the jumpers 54 and through the openings 56 into the annular channel 69 of the cylindrical funnel 40. From the annular channel 69, the beverage is pressurized through the opening 128 by backpressing the beverage collecting in the filter chamber 130 and passages 57 The drink is thus passed under pressure through a strong jet orifice 128 and enters the expansion chamber formed by the upper end of the dispensing pipe 43. As shown in FIG. 18, the strong jet of the beverage rohodit directly over the air inlet 71. When the beverage enters dispensing pipe 43, the pressure in the beverage stream drops. As a result, air is captured by the beverage jet in the form of a plurality of small air bubbles when air is sucked through the air inlet 71. A strong jet of beverage exiting the opening 128 is directed down to the outlet 44, from which the beverage is discharged into a cup-type receiver in which air bubbles form the desired foam. Thus, the hole 128 and the air inlet 71 together form an ejector, which serves to capture air by the beverage. The flow of the beverage into the ejector must be kept as smooth as possible in order to reduce pressure loss. Preferably, the walls of the ejector should be concave in order to reduce friction losses due to the boundary effect. Hole tolerances 128 are small. Preferably, the hole dimensions are set with a deviation of plus or minus 0.02 mm. Inside or at the exit of the ejector, hairs, fine fibers or other surface irregularities can be provided in order to increase the effective cross-sectional area, which can contribute to an increase in air entrainment.

Figs. 19-29 show a third embodiment of cartridge 1. A third embodiment of cartridge 1 is intended specifically for use in dispensing soluble products, which may be in the form of a powder, liquid, syrup, gel, or similar form. A soluble product is dissolved in or suspended in an aqueous medium, such as water, during the passage of the aqueous medium through use of cartridge 1. Examples of beverages include chocolate, coffee, milk, soup, or other dehydrated or water-soluble products. Many features of the third embodiment of cartridge 1 are the same as in the previous embodiments, and the same numeric positions are used to indicate the same features. In the following description, differences between the third and previous versions will be considered. Common features that act in the same way will not be considered in detail.

As shown in FIG. 20, compared with the outer member 2 according to the previous embodiments, the hollow inwardly facing cylindrical protrusion 18 of the outer member 2 according to the third embodiment has a larger outer diameter. In particular, the diameter of the first section 19 is usually from 16 to 18 mm compared to 13.2 mm for the outer element 2 of the previous options. In addition, the first portion 19 is provided with a convex outer surface 19a or swelling, as most clearly shown in Fig.20, the functions of which will be described below. However, the diameter of the third portions 21 of the cartridge 1 is the same, so that the area of the shoulder 32 in this third embodiment of the cartridge 1 is larger. Typically, the volume of the cartridge 1 in assembled form is 32.5 ml ± 20%.

The number and arrangement of slots at the lower end of the annular wall 13 also differ. 3 to 5 slots are used. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, four slots 36 are placed at equal intervals around the circumference of the pipe 16. The slots 36 are slightly wider than in the previous versions of the cartridge 1, having a width of 0.35 to 0.45 mm, preferably 0, 4 mm.

In other respects, the outer elements 2 of the cartridges 1 are the same.

The design of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner element 3 is the same as in the first embodiment of the cartridge 1 with the outer tube 42, the dispensing pipe 45, the annular flange 47 and the supporting bridges 49. The only difference is that the dispensing pipe 45 is provided with an upper portion 92 in the form truncated cone and the lower cylindrical section 93.

Unlike the previous options, and as shown in FIGS. 24-28, the annular frame 41 is replaced by a skirt-shaped part 80 that surrounds the cylindrical funnel 40 and is connected to it by eight radial brackets 87 that are adjacent to the cylindrical funnel 40 on the annular flange 47 or near it. The cylindrical protrusion 81 of the skirt 80 extends upward from the brackets 87 to limit the chamber 90 with an open upper surface. As shown in FIG. 26, the upper rim 91 of the cylindrical protrusion 81 has an inwardly bent profile. The annular wall 82 of the skirt 80 extends downward from the brackets 87 to limit the annular channel 86 between the skirt 80 and the outer pipe 42.

The annular wall 82 contains at its lower end an outgoing flange 82 located perpendicular to the main axis X. The rim 84 extends downward from the bottom surface of the flange 83 and contains five holes 85 located at regular intervals around the circumference of the rim 84. Thus, the rim 84 is provided with a serrated bottom profile.

Between the brackets 87 are formed openings 89, providing communication between the camera 90 and the annular channel 86.

As in the first embodiment, the inner member 3 serves as a load bearing member.

The assembly procedure of the third embodiment of cartridge 1 is similar to the assembly of the first embodiment if there are some differences. The outer member 2 and the inner member 3 are tightly joined together as shown in FIG. 20 and held together by a snap fit mechanism rather than a weld. When two elements are connected, the inwardly cylindrical protrusion 18 enters into the upper cylindrical protrusion 81 of the skirt 80. The inner element 3 is held in the outer element 2 by the frictional interaction of the convex outer wall 19a of the first portion 19 of the cylindrical protrusion 18 with the rim 91 of the upper cylindrical protrusion 81 bent inward. an inner element 1 located in the outer element 2 forms a mixing chamber 134 located outside the skirt 80. The mixing chamber 134 contains the ingredients 200 of the beverage d cooking it. It should be noted that the four inlets 36 and five holes 85 are arranged around the circumference in a checkerboard pattern relative to each other. The radial arrangement of the two parts relative to each other should not be determined or fixed during assembly, since the use of two inputs 36 and five holes 85 guarantees the absence of alignment between the inputs and holes regardless of the relative rotational installation of the components. It is possible to establish a different number of inlet and outlet openings, which is determined by the formula:

X _o = X _i + C

Where

X _i = number of inlets

X _o = number of outlet openings

C = set of integers excluding 0 or nX _i

n = any integer.

On the other hand, around the circumference of the cartridge, the same number of inlet and outlet openings can be placed through unequal gaps, which ensures that there are no overlapping inputs and outputs.

One or more beverage ingredients are packaged in a mixing chamber 134 of the cartridge. The packing density of the beverage ingredients in the mixing chamber 134 can be varied as desired.

Then, laminated material 5 is attached to the outer element 2 and the inner element 3 in the same manner as described above for the previous embodiments.

In use, water enters the mixing chamber 134 through four slots 36 in the same manner as in previous cartridge embodiments. Water is pumped radially inward through the mixing chamber and mixed with the beverage ingredients contained therein. The product dissolves or mixes in water and forms a drink in the mixing chamber 134, which is then diverted through the openings 85 into the annular channel 86 under the influence of the backpressure of the drink and water in the mixing chamber 134. The four check slots 36 and five openings 85 are staggered around that strong jets of water cannot radially pass directly from the inlet slots 36 to the openings 85, without circulation in the mixing chamber 134. Thus, the degree and uniformity of dilution and mixing of THE PRODUCT. The drink is discharged upward into the annular channel 86, through the openings 89 between the brackets 87 and into the chamber 90. The beverage passes from the chamber 90 through the inlets 45 between the support jumpers 49 into the dispensing pipe 43 and in the direction of the outlet 44, from which the beverage is discharged into a cup-type receiver. The cartridge is particularly suitable for use with beverage ingredients in the form of viscous liquids or gels. In one application, cartridge 1 contains an ingredient in the form of liquid chocolate with a viscosity of 1700 to 3900 MPa at ambient temperature and 5000 to 10000 MPa at 0 ° and refractory solids 67 brix ± 3. In another application, cartridge 1 contains liquid coffee with a viscosity of 70 to 2000 MPa at ambient temperature and 80 to 5000 MPa at 0 ° C, and the coffee has a total dry matter content of 40 to 70%. The liquid coffee ingredient may contain from 0.1 to 2.0 weight% sodium bicarbonate, and preferably from 0.5 to 1.0 weight%. Sodium bicarbonate is used to maintain the pH of coffee at a level of 4.8 or lower, ensuring the shelf life of filled coffee cartridges is up to 12 months.

Figures 30-34 show a fourth embodiment of cartridge 1. A fourth embodiment of cartridge 1 is intended, in particular, for use in dispensing liquid products, such as concentrated liquid milk. Many features of the fourth embodiment of cartridge 1 are the same as in the previous embodiments, and the same numeric positions are used to indicate the same features. In the following description, differences between the fourth and previous versions will be considered. Common features that act in the same way will not be considered in detail.

The outer element 2 has the same design as in the third embodiment of the cartridge 1, and as shown in Fig.19-23.

The cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner element 3 is similar to that shown in the second embodiment of the cartridge 1, but with some differences. As shown in FIG. 30, the dispensing nozzle 43 is provided with an upper section in the form of a truncated cone and a lower cylindrical section 107. On the inner surface of the dispensing nozzle 43 there are three axial ribs 105 designed to guide the dispensed beverage in the direction of exit 44 and not allow turbulence of the dispensed beverage in the nozzle. As a result, the ribs 105 serve as partitions. As in the second embodiment of the cartridge 1, the air inlet 71 is made in an annular flange 47. However, the pipe 75 under the air inlet 71 is more elongated than in the second embodiment.

Similarly to the third embodiment of cartridge 1 described above, a skirt portion 80 is provided. The rim 84 has 5 to 12 holes. Usually, instead of the five holes provided for the third embodiment of the cartridge 1, ten holes are provided.

An annular bowl 100 is provided, extending from the flange 83 of the skirt 80 and forming one with it. The annular bowl 100 has a bell 101 with the upper hole 104 facing up. The four feed holes 103 are shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 and are located in the body 101 at or near the lower end of the bowl 100 where it connects to the skirt 80. Preferably, the feed holes are located at regular intervals around the circumference of the bowl 100.

As in the first embodiment, the inner member 3 serves as a load bearing member.

Laminated material 5 is of the type described above in previous embodiments.

The operation of the fourth cartridge option is similar to the operation of the third cartridge. Water enters the cartridge 1 and into the mixing chamber 134 in the same way as before. Here, water is mixed with the liquid product and dilutes it, after which it is discharged below the bowl 100 and through the openings 85 in the outlet direction 44, as described above. A portion of the liquid product initially contained in the annular bowl 100, as shown in FIG. 34, is not immediately diluted with water entering the mixing chamber 134. Most likely, the diluted liquid product at the bottom of the mixing chamber 134 will tend to exit through openings 85 instead to flow up and into the annular bowl 100 through the upper opening 104. As a result, the liquid product in the annular bowl 100 will remain relatively concentrated in the initial stages of the operating cycle compared to the product in the lower part mixing chamber 134. The liquid product in the annular bowl 100 seeps through the supply openings 103 under the influence of gravity into the product stream leaving the mixing chamber 134 through the openings 85 and under the bowl 100. The annular bowl serves to equalize the concentration of the diluted liquid product entering the cylindrical funnel 40 by delaying part of the concentrated liquid product and gradually dispensing it into the channel for the outgoing liquid stream, as shown in FIG. 35a, in which the milk concentration is measured as a percentage dry solids content during the work cycle lasting approximately 15 seconds. Line “a” shows the concentration profile with cup 100, while line “b” shows the cartridge without cup 100. You can see that the concentration profile in the presence of the cup 100 during the work cycle is more uniform, and there is no sharp drop in concentration in at the very beginning, as occurs in the absence of a bowl of 100. The initial concentration of milk is usually 30-35% SS (dry matter), and at the end of the cycle it is 10% SS. This leads to a dilution factor of about 3 to 1, although dilution ratios of 1 to 1 to 6 to 1 are possible according to the invention. For other liquid beverage ingredients, the concentration may vary. For example, in the case of liquid chocolate, the initial concentration is approximately 67% SS, and at the end of the cycle 12-13% SS. The result is a dilution factor (ratio of the aqueous medium to the beverage ingredient in the dispensed beverage) of the order of 5 to 1, although dilution factors of 2 to 1 to 10 to 1 are possible according to the invention. In the case of liquid coffee, the initial concentration is from 40 to 67%, and concentration at the end of delivery of 1-2% SS. The result is a dilution factor of 20 to 1 to 70 to 1, although dilution factors of 10 to 1 to 100 to 1 are possible according to the invention.

From the annular channel 86, the beverage is pressurized through the opening 128 by backpressing the beverage collected in the filter chamber 134 and the chamber 90. The beverage is thus passed under pressure through the strong jet in the opening 128 and enters the expansion chamber formed by the upper end of the dispensing pipe 43. As shown in FIG. 34, a strong jet of beverage passes directly above the air inlet 71. When the beverage enters dispensing pipe 43, the pressure in the beverage stream drops. As a result, air is captured by the beverage jet in the form of a plurality of small air bubbles when air is sucked through the air inlet 71. A strong jet of beverage exiting the opening 128 is directed down to the outlet 44, from which the beverage is discharged into a cup-type receiver, where air bubbles form the required foam.

Preferably, the inner element 3, the outer element 2, the laminated material 5 and the filter 4 can all be easily sterilized, since the components can be separated and do not separately contain winding passages or narrow slots. The required passages are formed instead only after the components are connected after sterilization. This is especially important when the ingredient in the beverage is a milk-based product, such as a liquid milk concentrate.

A fourth embodiment of the beverage cartridge is particularly suitable for dispensing a concentrated liquid dairy product, such as liquid milk. However, in a cappuccino type beverage, it is necessary to froth milk. This was previously achieved by passing steam through a liquid dairy product. However, this requires the organization of steam supply, which increases the cost and complexity of the machine used to dispense the drink. Using steam also increases the risk of injury when operating the cartridge. Accordingly, the present invention provides a beverage cartridge that contains a concentrated liquid milk-based product. It was found that due to the concentration of the dairy product, it is possible to achieve the formation of a larger amount of foam per specific volume of milk compared to using fresh or pasteurized milk. This reduces the size required for the milk cartridge. Fresh half-skimmed milk contains approximately 1.6% fat and 10% solids. The concentrated liquid milk according to the invention contains from 0.1 to 12% fat and 25-40% solids. In a typical example, dressing contains 4% fat and 30% solids. Concentrated milk dressings are suitable for foaming using a low-pressure prep machine, as described below. In particular, foaming of milk is achieved at a pressure below 2 bar, preferably about 1.5 bar, using the cartridge of the fourth embodiment described above.

Foaming concentrated milk is especially important for drinks such as cappuccinos and milkshakes. Preferably, the passage of milk through the opening 128 and above the air inlet 71, with the additional use of the bowl 100, allows foaming levels of milk to be greater than 40%, preferably greater than 70%. For liquid chocolate, a foaming rate of more than 70% is possible. For liquid coffee, a foaming rate of more than 70% is possible. The level of foaming is measured as the ratio of the volume of the obtained foam to the volume of dispensed liquid ingredient of the drink. For example, in the case of dispensing 138.3 ml of a beverage, of which 58.3 ml is foam, foaming is measured as [58.3 / (138.3-58.3)] × 100 = 72.9%. Foaming of milk (and other liquid ingredients) is improved by using a bowl 100, as shown in FIG. 35b. Foaming of milk dispensed with a bowl 100 (line a) is higher than milk dispensed without a cup (line b). This is due to the fact that the expandability of milk is positively correlated with the concentration of milk, and, as shown in Fig. 35a, the bowl 100 maintains a higher concentration of milk during most of the working cycle. It is also known that the expandability of milk is positively correlated with the temperature of the aqueous medium, as shown in FIG. Thus, the bowl 100 creates advantages, since most of the milk remains in the cartridge almost until the end of the working cycle, when the aqueous medium is the hottest. This also contributes to increased foaming.

The cartridge of the fourth embodiment also has advantages in dispensing liquid coffee products.

It has been found that embodiments of the beverage cartridge of the invention have the advantage of providing improved uniformity of dispensed beverage compared to known cartridges. The following table 1 shows the results of the yield of the drink for twenty samples for each of the cartridges A and B containing roasted ground coffee. Cartridge A is a beverage cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Cartridge B is an existing cartridge type described in Applicant Application WO 01/58786. The refractive index of the prepared beverage is changed in brix and converted to the percentage soluble on dry matter (% SS) using standard tables and formulas. In the examples below:

% SS = 0.7774 × (Brix density) + 0.0569

Yield,% = (% SS × beverage volume (g)) / (100 × coffee weight (g))

Table 1 Cartridge A Sample Volume of drink, g Weight of coffee, g Brix % SS (x) Exit, % one 105.6 6.5 1,58 1.29 20.88 2 104.24 6.5 1,64 1.33 21.36 3 100.95 6.5 1,67 1.36 21.06 four 102,23 6.5 1.71 1.39 21.80 5 100.49 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.67 6 107.54 6.5 1,59 1.29 21.39 7 102.70 6.5 1,67 1.36 21.41 8 97.77 6.5 1.86 1,50 22.61 9 97.82 6.5 1.7 1.38 20.75 10 97.83 6.5 1,67 1.36 20.40 eleven 97.6 6.5 1.78 1.44 21.63 12 106.64 6.5 1,61 1.31 21.47 13 99.26 6.5 1,54 1.25 19.15 fourteen 97.29 6.5 1,59 1.29 19.35 fifteen 101.54 6.5 1.51 1.23 19.23 16 104.23 6.5 1,61 1.31 20.98 17 97.5 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.03 eighteen 100.83 6.5 1.68 1.36 21.14 19 101.67 6.5 1,67 1.36 21,20 twenty 101.32 6.5 1.68 1.36 21.24 average 20,99

Cartridge B Sample Volume of drink, g Weight of coffee, g Brix % SS (x) Exit, % one 100.65 6.5 1.87 1,511 23.39 2 95.85 6.5 1.86 1,503 22.16 3 98.4 6.5 1.8 1,456 22.04 four 92.43 6.5 2,3 1,845 26.23 5 100.26 6.5 1.72 1,394 21.50 6 98.05 6.5 2.05 1,651 24.90 7 99.49 6.5 1.96 1,581 24.19 8 95.62 6.5 2,3 1,845 27.14 9 94.28 6.5 2.17 1,744 25.29 10 96.13 6.5 1.72 1,394 20.62 eleven 96.86 6.5 1.81 1,484 21.82 12 94.03 6.5 2.2 1,767 25.56 13 96.28 6.5 1.78 1,441 21.34 fourteen 95.85 6.5 1.95 1,573 23.19 fifteen 95.36 6.5 1.88 1,518 22.28 16 92.73 6.5 1.89 1,596 21.77 17 88 6.5 1,59 1,293 17.50 eighteen 93.5 6.5 2.08 1,674 24.08 19 100.88 6.5 1.75 1,417 22.00 twenty 84.77 6.5 2,37 1,899 24.77 average 23.09

A statistical analysis of the indicated student data yielded the following results:

table 2 Student Tests:
Two samples with assumed equal scatter Exit,%
(cartridge A) Exit,%
(cartridge B) Average 20,99 23.09 Scatter 0.77 5.04 Observations twenty twenty Total variation 2.90 Estimated Average Difference 0 Df 38 t Stat -3.90 P (T <= t) one-sided criterion 0.000188 t critical one-way criterion 1,686 P (T <= t) two-sided criterion 0,000376 t critical two-way criterion 2,0244 Standard deviation 0.876 2,245

The analysis shows that the yield constant in%, which corresponds to the strength of the drink, is significantly better for the cartridges according to the invention (at a confidence level of 95%) than for known cartridges with a standard deviation of 0.88% compared with 2.24%. This means that the drinks that are dispensed using the cartridge according to the invention have a more reproducible and uniform strength. This is preferred by consumers who like to try their drinks from time to time and do not want random changes in the strength of the drink.

Although the first and second cartridge options are described as assembled by a welding operation, they can according to the invention be equally assembled using a snap fit mechanism. For example, the outer element 2 may be provided with a formation that interacts with the periphery of the annular frame 41 to form a snap fit.

The materials of the cartridges described above can be provided with a protective coating in order to increase their resistance to oxygen and / or moisture, and / or the penetration of other contaminants. The protective coating can also improve the resistance to leakage of beverage ingredients from the cartridges and / or reduce the degree of extraction of extractable substances from the cartridge materials, which may adversely affect the beverage ingredients. The protective coating may be a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyamide, EVOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol), polyvinylidene chloride or metallized material. The protective coating can be applied in several ways, including, but not limited to, vacuum deposition, vapor deposition, plasma coating, bimetallic extrusion, mold marking, and two- and multi-stage molding.

Claims (29)

1. A cartridge (1) containing one or more beverage ingredients (200) and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet (121) for introducing an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet (122) for dispensing a beverage obtained from one or more ingredients of the beverage, and the cartridge contains an outer element (2) and an inner element (3), combined in one node with the outer element, characterized in that the inner element contains a dispensing pipe (23), forming the outlet of the cartridge. 2. The cartridge (1) according to claim 1, in which the dispensing pipe (43) forms a single unit with the inner element (3). 3. The cartridge (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the dispensing pipe (43) contains a conical part (45; 92). 4. The cartridge (1) according to claim 3, in which the dispensing pipe (43) contains a cylindrical part (58, 93). 5. The cartridge (1) according to claim 4, in which the dispensing pipe (43) comprises a baffle (65) extending at least in part along the length of the dispensing pipe. 6. The cartridge (1) according to claim 5, wherein a snap fit is used to interconnect the outer element and the inner element. 7. The cartridge (1) according to claim 6, in which the snap fit contains engaging formations (19, 91) on the inner element and on the outer element. 8. The cartridge (1) according to claim 6 or 7, in which the outer element (3) contains a closed first end (11) and an open second end (12), moreover, with the inner element connected to the outer element, the output (44) issued the nozzle faces the open second end. 9. The cartridge (1) according to claim 8, in which the input (121) faces the open second end of the outer element. 10. The cartridge (1) according to claim 9, in which the outer element and the inner element are connected to each other at or near the closed first end (11) of the outer element. 11. The cartridge of claim 10, in which the outer element contains an inwardly facing protrusion (18), which is inserted into the proximal end of the issued pipe when connecting the outer element and the inner element. 12. The cartridge according to claim 11, in which the inner element (3) contains a frame (41) in which the filter (4) is placed. 13. The cartridge (1) according to item 12, in which when connecting the inner element and the outer element between the closed first end (11) of the inner element and the frame (41), one or more passages (57) are formed. 14. The cartridge (1) according to claim 13, in which one or more passages (57) are preferably separated by jumpers (54) extending upward from the frame to the closed first end of the outer element. 15. The cartridge (1) according to item 13 or 14, in which one or more passages (57) have a downward slope towards the dispensing pipe (43). 16. The cartridge according to clause 15, in which the inner element (3) also contains a skirt (80) surrounding the dispensing pipe. 17. The cartridge (1) according to clause 16, in which the skirt (80) contains an upper protrusion (81), which, when assembling the cartridge, is in contact with the closed first end (11) of the cartridge. 18. The cartridge (1) according to claim 17, in which the upper edge (91) of the upper protrusion (81) engages with the engaging formation (18, 19) of the outer element, forming a snap fit to connect the inner element to the outer element. 19. The cartridge (1) according to claim 18, wherein the engaging formation of the outer element is an inwardly facing protrusion (18). 20. The cartridge (1) according to claim 19, in which the cartridge is in the form of a disk. 21. The cartridge (1) according to claim 20, in which the cartridge also comprises means for producing a strong jet of beverage, which means is an opening (70) in the path of the beverage between the inlet and the outlet. 22. The cartridge (1) according to claim 21, wherein the inlet (121) and / or outlet (122) is preferably coated with an air- and waterproof material before being formed using the inlet and / or outlet of the cartridge. 23. The cartridge (1) according to claim 22, wherein the inlet and / or outlet is coated with a substantially air- and waterproof laminated material. 24. The cartridge (1) according to claim 23, wherein the laminated material may be polypropylene. 25. The cartridge (1) according to paragraph 24, in which the outer element and / or inner element is made of polypropylene. 26. The cartridge (1) according A.25, in which the outer element and / or inner element is made of biodegradable polymer. 27. The cartridge (1) according to claim 26, wherein the outer member and / or inner member are injection molded. 28. The cartridge (1) according to item 27, in which the inner element forms a load bearing element. 29. The group of cartridges (1), consisting of cartridges according to any preceding paragraph, having the same one or more beverage ingredients, in which the percentage yield of a beverage produced from one or more beverage ingredients contained in the cartridge is constant within 1.0 standard deviations.

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