US20160325898A1

US20160325898A1 - Beverage cartridge and method of manufacture thereof

Info

Publication number: US20160325898A1
Application number: US15/135,808
Authority: US
Inventors: Darren Joseph Footz
Original assignee: G-Pak Technology Inc
Current assignee: G-Pak Technology Inc
Priority date: 2015-04-24
Filing date: 2016-04-22
Publication date: 2016-11-10

Abstract

A beverage cartridge comprising an outer container, a sleeve, and a support device adapted for supporting a filter element. The sleeve comprises one or more protrusions extending towards the interior of the sleeve, and the support device comprises one or more recesses adapted for receiving the one or more protrusions. The outer container, the sleeve, and the support device are securely engaged. The outer container is made of a biodegradable and compostable fibre material such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid, bamboo, bagasse, or a combination thereof. At least a part of the sleeve and support device is made of a biodegradable and compostable material such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid, or a combination of biodegradable and compostable materials. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the beverage cartridge, and use of the support device in the manufacture of the beverage cartridge.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a beverage cartridge such as, for example, a compostable beverage cartridge for single-serve use. The present disclosure further relates to methods of manufacture and uses thereof.

BACKGROUND

The popularity of single-serve beverage cartridges has grown rapidly over the past decade, as more and more people trend towards the desire to brew or prepare beverages quickly and in single-portion quantities.
Beverage cartridges for single-serve use typically comprise a container, a filter, and a cover. The container will usually comprise an opening on the top of the container, and a hollow cavity within which and across which a filter is disposed. The filter separates the container into two chambers: a first chamber occupying the space within the container between the filter and the opening of the container, the first chamber for holding dry beverage ingredients such as, but not limited to, coffee, tea, or cocoa, for a single beverage serving; and (ii) a second chamber occupying the space within the container between the filter and the base of the container, the second chamber being on the opposite side of the filter to the first chamber. The cover is disposed over the opening of the container, and keeps the dry beverage ingredients within the container.
In practice, a single-serve beverage cartridge is placed into a compartment of a brewing machine. The machine is activated such that a fluid injector penetrates the cover of the cartridge and a fluid extractor penetrates the base of the cartridge. The fluid injector injects a brewing medium (e.g. hot water) into the first chamber for extracting flavours from the ingredients. The brewing medium containing the extracted flavours percolates through the filter and into the second chamber. The brewing medium containing the extracted flavours is then extracted by the fluid extractor and eventually dispensed as a drinkable beverage.
Currently, the container of a beverage cartridge for single-serve use is typically made from petroleum-based plastic materials which are neither biodegradable nor compostable. The cover is typically made of a metal foil or a metal foil laminate which is glued to the top of the container. Generally, neither the metal foil of the cover nor the glue affixing the cover over the opening of the container is biodegradable, compostable or made from readily renewable resources. As a result, non-biodegradable and non-compostable beverage cartridges typically end up in landfills, thereby at least contributing to environmental concerns associated with disposal of trash.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a beverage cartridge such as, for example, a compostable beverage cartridge for single-serve use. The present disclosure further relates to methods of manufacture and uses thereof.
At least in part, the present disclosure provides a device adapted for inserting into a beverage cartridge, the device comprising a first element, the first element comprising: (i) a first surface; (ii) a second surface that is substantially opposed to the first surface; (iii) a channel extending between the first surface and the second surface; and (iv) a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface comprising one or more recesses adapted for securely engaging to an inner surface of the beverage cartridge.
At least in part, the present disclosure further provides a device adapted for inserting into a beverage cartridge, the device comprising a first element, the first element comprising: (i) a first surface; (ii) a second surface that is substantially opposed to the first surface; (iii) a channel extending between the first surface and the second surface; and (iv) a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface comprising one or more recesses adapted for securely engaging to an inner surface of the beverage cartridge. The device further comprises a second element coupled to the first element and adapted for supporting a filter element, the second element comprising: (i) a first extension extending away from the first element and along a first axis; and (ii) a second extension extending away from the first element and along a second axis; wherein the first axis and the second axis intersect.
At least in part, the present disclosure further provides a device adapted for inserting into a beverage cartridge, the device comprising a first element, the first element comprising: (i) a first surface; (ii) a second surface that is substantially opposed to the first surface; (iii) a channel extending between the first surface and the second surface; and (iv) a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface comprising one or more recesses adapted for securely engaging to an inner surface of the beverage cartridge. At least in part, the present disclosure. At least a part or all of the device is made of a compostable material.
At least in part, the present disclosure further provides a beverage cartridge, the cartridge comprising: (a) a sleeve comprising: (i) a perimetral ledge; (ii) an opening surrounded by the perimetral ledge; (iii) a base; (iv) a side wall extending between the base and the perimetral ledge; and (v) one or more protrusions extending away from an inner surface of the side wall; and (b) a device comprising a first element, the first element comprising: (i) a first surface; (ii) a second surface that is substantially opposed to the first surface; (iii) a channel extending between the first surface and the second surface; and (iv) a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface comprising one or more recesses adapted for securely engaging to an inner surface of the beverage cartridge.
At least in part, the present disclosure further provides a method of manufacturing a beverage cartridge, the method comprising the steps of: (a) inserting into a beverage cartridge a device adapted for inserting into a beverage cartridge, the device comprising a first element, the first element comprising: (i) a first surface; (ii) a second surface that is substantially opposed to the first surface; (iii) a channel extending between the first surface and the second surface; and (iv) a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface comprising one or more recesses adapted for securely engaging to an inner surface of the beverage cartridge; and (b) engaging the one or more recesses of the device to one or more protrusions extending away from an inner surface of the beverage cartridge and towards the centre of the beverage cartridge.
At least in part, the present disclosure further provides use of a device adapted for inserting into a beverage cartridge, the device comprising a first element, the first element comprising: (i) a first surface; (ii) a second surface that is substantially opposed to the first surface; (iii) a channel extending between the first surface and the second surface; and (iv) a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface comprising one or more recesses adapted for securely engaging to an inner surface of the beverage cartridge, in the manufacture of a beverage cartridge.
This summary does not necessarily describe the entire scope of all aspects of the disclosure. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments:

FIG. 1(a) is a top view of a device adapted for inserting into a beverage cartridge according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 1(b) is a side elevation view of the device depicted in FIG. 1(a).

FIG. 1(c) is a perspective view of the device depicted in FIG. 1(a).

FIG. 2(a) is a top view of a device adapted for inserting into a beverage cartridge according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 2(b) is a side elevation view of the device depicted in FIG. 2(a).

FIG. 2(c) is a perspective view of the device depicted in FIG. 2(a).

FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a beverage cartridge according to a first embodiment, the beverage cartridge comprising an outer container, a sleeve, and a support device.

FIG. 3(b) is an exploded view of the beverage cartridge depicted in FIG. 3(a).

FIG. 4(a) is a top view of the outer container depicted in FIG. 3(a).

FIG. 4(b) is a side elevation view of the outer container depicted in FIG. 3(a).

FIG. 4(c) is a perspective view of the outer container depicted in FIG. 3(a).

FIG. 5(a) is a top view of the sleeve depicted in FIG. 3(a).

FIG. 5(b) is a side elevation view of the sleeve depicted in FIG. 3(a).

FIG. 5(c) is a perspective view of the sleeve depicted in FIG. 5(a).

FIG. 6(a) is a top view of the support device depicted in FIG. 3(a).

FIG. 6(b) is a side view of the support device depicted in FIG. 3(a).

FIG. 6(c) is a perspective view of the support device depicted in FIG. 3(a).

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the outer container, sleeve, and support device of the beverage cartridge depicted in FIG. 3(b).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “vertically,” and “laterally” are used in the following description for the purpose of providing relative reference only, and are not intended to suggest any limitations on how any article is to be positioned during use, or to be mounted in an assembly or relative to an environment.
In this disclosure, the following terms have the following meanings.
“Biodegradable” means capable of degrading as a result of the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae.
“Compostable” means capable of undergoing degradation by biological processes during composting to yield at least CO₂, water, and biomass and leaving no visible, distinguishable or toxic residue.
“Container” refers to an object adapted for holding a sleeve as understood according to the disclosure below.

Support Device

Referring to FIGS. 1(a) to 1(c) and according to an embodiment, there is a device 100 adapted for inserting into a beverage cartridge (not shown) and adapted for supporting a filter element (not shown). The device 100 comprises a first element 110, the first element 110 comprising: (i) a first surface 112; (ii) a second surface 114 that is substantially opposed to the first surface 112; (iii) a channel 116 extending between the first surface 112 and the second surface 114; and (iv) a third surface 118 extending between the first surface 112 and the second surface 114, the third surface defining an outer side surface of the first element 110. The first surface 112 is adapted for coupling to a beverage cartridge filter element, and the channel 116 is adapted for receiving at least a part of the beverage cartridge filter element.
The third surface 118 comprises one or more recesses adapted for securely engaging to an inner surface of the beverage cartridge. As shown in FIGS. 1(b) and 1(c), the third surface 118 comprises a recess 118 a (e.g. a groove) having a first lip 118 b and a second lip 118 c. The recess 118 a is adapted for receiving one or more protrusions extending from an inner surface of the beverage cartridge and towards the centre of the beverage cartridge. In other embodiments, the third surface 118 comprises two or more recesses disposed around the third surface 118, the two or more recesses adapted for receiving two or more protrusions extending from the inner surface of the beverage cartridge and towards the centre of the beverage cartridge.
The first element may be made of any suitable manufacturing material. As contemplated in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1(a) to 1(c), the first element 110 is made of a biodegradable and compostable material such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid (e.g. Ingeo™ or poly-L-lactide), or a combination of biodegradable and compostable materials. In other embodiments, a part of the first element is made of a biodegradable and compostable material or a combination of biodegradable and compostable materials.
Referring to FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c) and according to another embodiment, there is a device 200 adapted fir inserting into a beverage cartridge (not shown). The device 200 comprises a first element 210, the first element 210 comprising: (i) a first surface 212; (ii) a second surface 214 that is substantially opposed to the first surface 212; (iii) a channel 216 extending between the first surface 212 and the second surface 214; and (iv) a third surface 218 extending between the first surface 212 and the second surface 214, the third surface defining an outer side surface of the first element 210. The first surface 212 is adapted for coupling to a beverage cartridge filter element, and the channel 216 is adapted for receiving at least a part of the beverage cartridge filter element.
The third surface 218 comprises one or more recesses adapted for securely engaging to an inner surface of the beverage cartridge. As shown in FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c), the third surface 218 comprises a recess 218 a (e.g. a groove) having a first lip 218 b and a second lip 218 c. The recess 218 a is adapted for receiving one or more protrusions extending from an inner surface of the beverage container and towards the centre of the beverage cartridge. In another embodiment, the third surface 218 comprises two or more recesses disposed around the third surface 218, the two or more recesses adapted for receiving two or more protrusions extending from the inner surface of the beverage cartridge and towards the centre of the beverage cartridge.
Device 200 further comprises a second element 220 coupled to the first element 210, wherein the second element 220 is adapted for supporting a filter element (not shown). According to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c), the second element 220 comprises three extensions (222, 224, 226) extending away from the first element 210. First extension 222 extends along a first axis 222 a, second extension 224 extends along a second axis 224 a, and third extension 226 extends along a third axis 226 a. Axes 222 a, 224 a, and 226 a intersect at an apex 227 a. Extensions 222, 224, and 226 terminate at a platform 228. Extensions 222, 224, and 226 are adapted for supporting the sides of the filter element (not shown) and the platform 228 is adapted for supporting the base of the filter element.
In another embodiment, extensions 222, 224, and 226 terminate at an apex. In other embodiments, the second element has two extensions terminating at a platform, two extensions terminating at an apex, four or more extensions terminating at a platform, or four or more extensions terminating at an apex.
According to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c), the device 200 is integrally formed. Specifically, the extensions 222, 224, 226 and platform 228 of second element 220 are integrally formed with one another, and the first element 210 and the second element 220 are also integrally formed. In other embodiments, the various components of device 200 are coupled together by ways that are known to a person skilled in the art.
The first element and second element may be made of any suitable manufacturing material. As contemplated in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c), the first element 210 and the second element 220 are made of a biodegradable and compostable material such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid (e.g. Ingeo™ or poly-L-lactide), or a combination of biodegradable and compostable materials. In other embodiments, a part of the first element or the second element is made of a biodegradable and compostable material or a combination of biodegradable and compostable materials.

Beverage Cartridge

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6 and according to another embodiment, there is a beverage cartridge 300.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4(a) to 4(c), the beverage cartridge 300 comprises an outer container 310, The outer container 310 comprises: (i) an outer surface 310 a; (ii) an inner surface 310 b; (iii) a top perimetral rim 311; (iv) a top perimetral ledge 312; (v) an opening 313 that is surrounded by rim 311 and ledge 312; (vi) a base 314; and (vii) a sidewall 315 that extends between the base 314 and the perimetral ledge 312. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4(b), the sidewall 315 tapers from the ledge 312 to the base 314. In another embodiment, the container 320 has a shape that is adapted for commercially available brewing machines. In other embodiments, the container has any suitable shape as known to a person skilled in the art.
The container may be made of any suitable manufacturing material. As contemplated in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the container 310 is made of a biodegradable and compostable fibre material such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid (e.g. Ingeo™), bamboo, bagasse, or a combination thereof.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5(a) to 5(c), beverage cartridge 300 further comprises a sleeve 320 adapted for engaging the container 310. The sleeve 320 provides a barrier between the container 310 and any contents (e.g. dry beverage ingredients, or brewing medium) contained within the sleeve 320. Preferably, the sleeve 320 is water-impermeable.
The sleeve 320 comprises an outer surface 320 a and an inner surface 320 b. In addition, sleeve 320 comprises a top perimetral ledge 321 adapted for engaging top perimetral ledge 312 of outer container 310. The sleeve 320 further comprises an opening 322 that is surrounded by top perimetral ledge 321, a base 323, and a continuous side wall 324 that extends between the base 323 and the top perimetral ledge 321. The shape of the sleeve 320 is complementary to the shape of the outer container 310. According to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5(a) to 5(c), sleeve 320 comprises a protrusion 325 that extends towards the centre of sleeve 320. The protrusion 325 is adapted for engaging a device (e.g. device 100, 200). The protrusion 325 comprises a first surface 325 a and a second surface 325 b. In other embodiments, the inner surface of sleeve 320 comprises a plurality of protrusions 325, each protrusion 325 extending towards the centre of sleeve 320 and adapted for engaging a device (e.g. device 100, 200).
The sleeve 320 may be made of any suitable material. As contemplated in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5(a) to 5(c), the sleeve 320 is made of a biodegradable and compostable water-impermeable polymeric material such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid (e.g. Ingeo™ or poly-L-lactide), or a combination of biodegradable and compostable materials. In other embodiments, a part of the sleeve is made of a biodegradable and compostable material or a combination of biodegradable and compostable materials.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6(a) to 6(c), beverage cartridge 300 further comprises a support device 330. Device 330 comprises a first element 331 and a second element 332. First element 331 comprises: (i) a first surface 333; (ii) a second surface 334 that is substantially opposed to the first surface 333; (iii) a channel 335 extending between the first surface 333 and the second surface 334; and (iv) a third surface 336 extending between the first surface 333 and the second surface 334, the third surface 336 defining an outer side surface of the first element 331. Third surface 336 further comprises a recess 336 a (e.g. a groove) having a first lip 336 b and a second lip 336 c. Second element 332 is coupled to the first element 331.
According to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 6(a) to 6(c), second element 332 comprises three extensions (337, 338, 339) extending away from the first element 331. First extension 337 extends along a first axis 337 a, second extension 338 extends along a second axis 338 a, and third extension 339 extends along a third axis 339 a. Axes 337 a, 338 a, and 339 a intersect at an apex 340 a. Extensions 337, 338, and 339 terminate at a platform 341. In other embodiments, the support device is device 100 or any alternative embodiment thereof. In other embodiments, the support device is device 200 or any alternative embodiment thereof.
Beverage cartridge 300 further comprises a filter element. The filter element may be made of any suitable material that is known in the art (such as paper), and is adapted for coupling to the support device ( e.g. device 100, 200, or 330). According to an embodiment of the filter element, the filter element comprises: (i) a perimetral ledge adapted for engaging the first surface 333 of support device 330; and (ii) a body adapted for inserting through the channel 335. The body is further adapted for being supported by extensions 337, 338, and 339 on the side of the body and platform 341 at the base of the body. The body of the filter element defines a cavity (not shown) that is adapted for receiving thy beverage ingredients such as, but not limited to, tea leaves or coffee powder. According to an embodiment of the filter element, body of the filter element is frusto-conical in shape. However, in other embodiments of the filter element, the body of the filter element may be of any suitable shape including, but not limited to, conical, pyramidal, or frusto-pyramidal.
Referring to FIG. 3(a), beverage cartridge 300 further comprises a lid 360. Lid 360 is adapted for closing opening 313 and sealing the interior of the beverage cartridge 300. Lid 360 is made of any suitable material. As contemplated in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3(a), lid 360 is made of a biodegradable and compostable water-impermeable polymeric material such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid (e.g. Ingeo™ or poly-L-lactide).
In other embodiments, the beverage cartridge does not comprise an outer container, and the lid is adapted for coupling to the perimetral ledge of the sleeve.

Manufacture of Beverage Cartridge 300

Using the beverage cartridge 300 depicted in FIG. 3 as an example, container 310 is manufactured. The sleeve 320 is manufactured by vacuum forming. The support device 330 is manufactured by injection molding.
As previously described and according to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3(a), the shape of the sleeve 320 is complementary to the shape of the container 310. Referring to FIG. 7, the sleeve 320 is inserted into the container 310 such that: (i) top perimetral ledge 321 of sleeve 320 engages top perimetral ledge 312 of container 310; and (ii) outer surface 320 a of sleeve 320 faces inner surface 310 b of container 310. The outer surface 320 b of sleeve 320 is slightly melted, the sleeve 320 is press-fitted against the inner surface 310 b of container 310, and the sleeve 320 is then rapidly cooled, thereby adhering the sleeve 320 to the container 310. The inner surface 320 b of sleeve 320 thereby forms the inner surface of beverage container 300. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the melted outer surface 320 b of sleeve 320 interacts with the biodegradable and compostable polymeric fibres of container 310, thereby providing a secure engagement between the sleeve 320 and container 310.
The filter element (not shown) is coupled to the support device 330. The first surface 333, the surfaces of extensions 337, 338, 339 and platform 341 are slightly melted. The body of the filter element is inserted through the channel 335 until the side of the body of the filter element is in contact with the melted surfaces of extensions 337, 338, 339 and the bottom of the body of the filter element is in contact with the platform 341. The perimetral ledge of the filter element is placed in contact with the melted first surface 333. The filter element is pressed against the melted surfaces of extensions 337, 338, 339 and platform 341, and the support device 350 is then rapidly cooled, thereby securely engaging the filter element to the support device 330. The hot melt temperature is kept below a temperature that would damage, burn or otherwise affect the structural integrity of the filter element. In another embodiment, the filter element is securely engaged to support device 330 by heating one or more heat activated adhesives at least disposed between the perimetral ledge of the filter element and first surface 333. In other embodiments, the filter element is coupled to the support device 330 according to ways known to a person skilled in the art.
Referring to FIG. 7, support device 330 which is coupled with a filter element (not shown) is inserted into the beverage container 300. The support device 330 is coupled to the inner surface 320 b of the sleeve 320. Specifically, the recess 336 a receives protrusion 325, thereby securely engaging the support device 330 to the inner surface 320 b of the sleeve 320. As depicted in FIG. 3(a), when the support device 330 is securely engaged to the inner surface 320 b, the protrusion 325 resides within recess 336 a such that recess lip 336 b directly opposes protrusion surface 325 a and recess lip 336 c directly opposes protrusion surface 325 b. The secured support device 330 coupled with the filter element separates the beverage cartridge into two chambers: a first chamber 370 and a second chamber 380.
Dry beverage ingredients (not shown) are then inserted into first chamber 370 and are prevented from entering the second chamber 380 by support device 330 and the filter element. Lid 360 is then coupled to the outer container 310. Specifically, heat-activated adhesive is disposed on top perimetral rim 311. The lid 360 is placed over the heat-activated adhesive, and heat is applied to securely engage the lid 360 to the outer container 310. In other embodiments, lid 360 is securely engaged to the beverage cartridge 300 by friction fit to the inner surface 320 b of the beverage cartridge 300, or any other ways known to a person skilled in the art.
In other embodiments, the filter element is coupled to the support device after the support device is securely engaged to the inner surface of beverage cartridge.

Manufacture of Beverage Cartridge

Using an example where an outer container does not form a part of the beverage container, a sleeve is manufactured by vacuum forming. The formed sleeve comprises: (i) a top perimetral ledge adapted for engaging the lid; (ii) an opening that is surrounded by the top perimetral ledge; (iii) a base; and (iv) a side wall that extends between the base and the top perimetral ledge. In addition, the sleeve comprises one or more protrusions that extend toward the centre of the sleeve.
A support device is manufactured by injection molding. The formed support device comprises one or more recesses adapted for receiving the one or more protrusions of the sleeve. The formed support device may be device 100, device 200, or any embodiment thereof.
A filter element is coupled to the support device by melting the surfaces of the support device and adhering the filter element to the melted surfaces, heat-activated adhesives, or other ways known to a person skilled in the art.
The support device which is coupled with the filter element is inserted into the sleeve, and coupled to the inner surface of the sleeve. Specifically, the one or more recesses receives the one or more protrusions, thereby securely engaging the support device to the inner surface of the sleeve. The secured support device coupled with the filter element separates the sleeve into two chambers: a first chamber and a second chamber.
Dry beverage ingredients (not shown) are then inserted into the first chamber and are prevented from entering the second chamber by the support device and the filter element. A lid is then coupled to the outer container.

Use of the Beverage Cartridge 300

Using beverage cartridge 300 as an example, beverage cartridge 300 is inserted into a compartment of a brewing machine. The brewing machine is activated. A fluid injector penetrates through the lid 360 and into first chamber 370, the first chamber 370 containing the dry beverage ingredients. The fluid injector does not touch the filter element. A fluid extractor penetrates through base 314 of the outer container 310 and base 323 of sleeve 320 and into the second chamber 380. The fluid extractor does not touch filter element 350. A brewing medium (e.g. hot water) is expelled from the fluid injector and into the first chamber 370. The brewing medium mixes with the beverage ingredients, and flavours from the beverage ingredients are extracted into the brewing medium. The brewing medium containing the extracted flavours percolates through the filter element and into second chamber 380. The fluid extractor extracts the brewing medium containing the extracted flavours from second chamber 380. The brewing medium containing the extracted flavours is then dispensed from the brewing machine as a drink beverage. The used beverage cartridge is expelled from the brewing machine and into a residential compost bin for residential composting.
It is contemplated that any part of any aspect or embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented or combined with any part of any other aspect or embodiment discussed in this specification. While particular embodiments have been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible and are intended to be included herein. It will be clear to any person skilled in the art that modification of and adjustment to the foregoing embodiments, not shown, is possible.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device adapted for inserting into a beverage cartridge, the device comprising:

(a) a first element, the first element comprising:

(i) a first surface;

(ii) a second surface that is substantially opposed to the first surface;

(iii) a channel extending between the first surface and the second surface; and

(iv) a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, the third surface comprising one or more recesses adapted for securely engaging to an inner surface of the beverage cartridge.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

(b) a second element coupled to the first element and adapted for supporting a filter element, the second element comprising:

(i) a first extension extending away from the first element and along a first axis; and

(ii) a second extension extending away from the first element and along a second axis;

wherein the first axis and the second axis intersect.

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein a platform extends between the first extension and the second extension, the platform adapted for supporting a part of the filter element.

4. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first element and the second element are integrally formed.

5. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least a part of the device is made of a compostable material.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the compostable material is polylactic acid.

7. A beverage cartridge, the cartridge comprising:

(a) a sleeve comprising: (i) a perimetral ledge; (ii) an opening surrounded by the perimetral ledge; (iii) a base; (iv) a side wall extending between the base and the perimetral ledge; and (v) one or more protrusions extending away from an inner surface of the side wall and towards the centre of the beverage cartridge; and

(b) a device as claimed in claim 1.

8. The beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more recesses receives the one or more protrusions, and wherein the device is securely engaged to the sleeve.

9. The beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the sleeve is made of a compostable material.

10. The beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 9, wherein the compostable material is polylactic acid.

11. The beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 7, further comprising an outer container into which the sleeve is inserted.

12. The beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 11, wherein the outer container comprises: (i) a perimetral ledge; (ii) an opening surrounded by the perimetral ledge; (iii) a base; and (iv) a sidewall extending between the base and the perimetral ledge.

13. The beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 12, wherein the sleeve perimetral ledge couples to the container perimetral ledge.

14. The beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 12, wherein the shape of the sleeve and the shape of the container are complementary.

15. The beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the sleeve is heat-melted to the container, and wherein the inner wall of the sleeve forms the inner wall of the beverage cartridge.

16. The beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 11, wherein the container is made of a compostable fibre material.

17. The beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 16, wherein the compostable fibre material is selected from the group consisting of: polylactic acid, bamboo, bagasse, and a combination thereof.

18. The beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a filter element that is supported by and coupled to the device.

19. A method of manufacturing a beverage cartridge, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) inserting the device as claimed in claim 1 into the beverage cartridge; and

(b) engaging the one or more recesses of the device to one or more protrusions extending away from an inner surface of the beverage cartridge.

20. Use of the device as claimed in claim 1 in the manufacture of a beverage cartridge.