WO2010123368A1

WO2010123368A1 - Filter and method for manufacturing a filter

Info

Publication number: WO2010123368A1
Application number: PCT/NL2010/050229
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dries Rik Johan Calcoen; Angenita Dorothea Post Van Loon
Original assignee: Sara Lee/De N.V.
Priority date: 2009-04-24
Filing date: 2010-04-26
Publication date: 2010-10-28
Also published as: NL2002803C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter (1) to be suffused with hot water (4) for preparing an amount of hot drink such as coffee. The filter (1) comprises a drop forming layer (2) for, in folded-out position, reception and passage in drop form of the suffused hot water (4). Furthermore, the filter (1) comprises an amount of extractable substance (3) during use located under the drop forming layer (2) and being substantially clear thereof, for extraction in the drops passed.

Description

Title: Filter and method for manufacturing a filter

The invention relates to a filter to be suffused with hot water for preparing an amount of hot drink such as coffee.

Such filters are known, for example, for making coffee with the aid of an automatic coffee maker. The automatic coffee maker generates hot water drops that fall into the filter so that an extraction with ground coffee is obtained.

Also known, for example from the International patent publication WO 2007/025541, are filters where a jet of hot water can be poured into the filter. The filter comprises ground coffee for extraction in the water. Thus, coffee can be obtained without use of an automatic coffee maker, which can be attractive from a practical point of view.

It appears, however, that the quality of the coffee obtained by making coffee manually with the latter category of filters may be only moderate.

The object of the invention is to provide a filter of the type mentioned in the preamble, which allows coffee to be made manually without compromising the quality that an automatic coffee maker can deliver. To this end, the filter according to the invention comprises a drop forming layer for, in folded-out position, reception and passage in drop form of the suffused hot water, and a first amount of extractable substance, during use located under the drop forming layer and being substantially clear thereof, for extraction in the drops passed.

By use of the drop forming layer, in an elegant manner the operation of an automatic coffee maker is simulated, since the hot water is now administered in drops to the first amount of extractable substance, so that the dissolving process proceeds more gradually and hence more favorably from a flavor perspective. As a result, the quality of the drink obtained increases considerably. Consequently, preparing a hot drink manually, at any location, can be carried out without compromising the quality compared to a drink obtained by an automatic device. As the first amount of extractable substance is situated substantially clear of the drop forming layer, this prevents the possibility that, instead of the intended drops, still a continuous leakage flow from the drop forming layer to the substance is formed.

Preferably, the drop forming layer comprises a supplemental, second amount of extractable substance, so that a good drop formation can be accomplished. Furthermore, in this way, an early preliminary mixing with extractable substance takes place, which can improve the taste of the drink. Due to the thus obtained slowing effect in the whole extraction process, an improved taste experience of the drink can be obtained. Moreover, by extracting separate extractable substances, in two separate steps, the variation in end quality of the drink can diminish.

In addition, the composition of the two extractable substances can be chosen differently, such that a desired aroma is achieved. Owing to extraction of substances taking place in two steps, a lesser total amount of extractable substance can suffice, compared with the situation where dissolution takes place in one step. Also, it may be chosen not to reduce the total amount of extractable substance. The final taste impression can then increase still further.

In principle, however, it is also possible to implement the drop forming layer without a supplemental amount of extractable substance. Thus, the drop forming layer may be provided with a specific filter material which is capable of passing an amount of hot water in a dosed manner, in drop form.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are represented in the subclaims.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a filter. The invention will be elucidated in more detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are represented in the drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows a first schematic elevational view of a first embodiment of a filter according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a second schematic elevational view of the filter of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a third schematic elevational view of the filter of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic elevational view of a roll of filter material;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic elevational view of a heat sealing operation; Fig. 6 shows a schematic elevational view of a die-cutting operation;

Fig. 7 shows a schematic elevational view of a folding operation;

Fig. 8 shows a fourth schematic elevational view of the filter of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 shows a schematic top plan view of a die-cut filter form;

Fig. 10 shows a schematic elevational view of a second embodiment of a filter according to the invention;

Fig. 11 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention.

The Figures are only schematic representations of preferred embodiments of the invention. In the Figures, equal or corresponding parts are indicated with the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 shows a first schematic elevation of a filter 1 according to the invention. The filter 1 can be used for brewing an amount of hot drink, such as coffee. The filter 1 is shown in a folded-out position and comprises a drop forming layer 2 and a first amount of extractable substance 3. During use of the filter, hot water 4, for example heated in an electric kettle 5, is poured inwardly B over the drop forming layer 2. Upon reception, the drop forming layer 2 allows the hot water under the influence of gravity to pass in drop form.

Fig. 2 shows a second schematic elevational view of the filter 1, in which the drops 6 having been passed are clearly visible. The drops 6 leave the drop forming layer 2 sideways Zl, Z2 and downwards B and fall down into the first amount of extractable substance 3 which is located under the drop forming layer 2 and substantially clear thereof.

Fig. 3 shows a third schematic elevational view of the filter 1, in which the mixing of the drops 6 and the first extractable substance 3 is illustrated. Through the mixing process, a hot drink is obtained which, again in drop form 7, leaves the filter 1 at the underside 8 downwardly D. The filter 1 may be placed above or in a drink holder (not shown), so that the hot drink, for example coffee, can easily be prepared by pouring out hot water over the filter. Thus the drink can be prepared easily, without additional equipment.

As shown in Figs. 1-3, the filter 1 comprises filter material 9 which carries the first extractable substance 3 and passes the obtained drink solution. In principle, the filter can also be implemented without such filter material. Thus, the filter can comprise other, non moisture-transmissive material for carrying the extractable substance. The drink can then be consumed, for example, by pouring it out of the filter, preferably via a strainer.

As shown also, the filter 1 is provided at the underside 8 with a first filter compartment 10 in which the first extractable substance 3 is situated. The first compartment 10 is substantially closed for the first substance 3, but permeable to the drops 6 from the drop forming layer 2. As a result, the risk of the first extractable substance 3 remaining behind in the prepared drink 7 diminishes. Moreover, this prevents the substance leaving the filter before the drink can be prepared, for example when the filter is being transported in folded condition. In an alternative embodiment, the substance is provided not in the first closed compartment 10, but loosely at the bottom of the chamber formed by the filter material.

The drop forming layer 2 comprises a supplemental, second amount of extractable substance 11 which is confined in a second compartment 12. By use of the second amount of extractable substance 11, a good drop formation of the suffused hot water 4 can be accomplished. The taste experience may thereby increase considerably. Preferably, the ratio of the first and second amount of extractable substance is approximately 5:2. Thus, the first, lower- disposed amount of substance can have a greater weight than the upper, second amount of substance. It is also possible, however, to use other ratios, partly depending on the desired aroma in the drink to be obtained.

The extractable substances contain, for example, ground coffee or coffee in powder form, optionally provided with additives such as soluble milk powder and/or cocoa. Thus, the hot drink to be prepared can be imparted a specific taste and/or smell. Also, the composition of the extractable substances in the two compartments may be different. Thus, only the lower compartment 10 may be provided with additive flavors for obtaining a desired aroma. Naturally, also different kinds of coffee can be used. In addition, the strength of the extractable substances may be set at will. Thus, not only a coffee taste, but also the taste sensation of, for example, espresso can be obtained.

The embodiment shown of the filter 1 additionally comprises an extra, third amount of extractable substance 13, which during use is situated separately under the first amount of extractable substance 3. This third amount of extractable substance 13 is situated in a third filter compartment 14 and contains, for example, additional flavors such as soluble milk powder, sugar and/or cocoa. By housing extractable substances in compartments that are substantially closed for the non-extracted substances, undesirable mixing beforehand or loss can be prevented. Arranged between the compartments 10, 14 of the first and third amount of extractable substance 3; 13 is a material readily permeable to moisture, such as a superpermeable paper material or a foil provided with perforations, so that the hot water after the extraction process with the first amount of extractable substance 3 flows further downwards D and ends up in the third amount of extractable substance 13. It will be clear that the filter can also be implemented without the third amount of extractable substance 13.

The filter 1 comprises a wall of truncated cone shape in folded-out position, which together with the bottom 8 forms a funnel-shaped whole of filter material 9. Furthermore, the filter comprises a second truncated cone- shaped wall 15 which is set up in the upper part of the funnel-shaped whole 9 and at least in part forms part of the drop forming layer 2. In collapsed position, the filter 1 is practically flat, so that a multiple number of such filters can be easily stored and transported compactly. The truncated cone- shaped walls 9, 15 may be manufactured of the same material and optionally even in one piece, as will be elucidated hereinafter. It is also possible to manufacture the cone-shaped walls, possibly of different materials, separately and then to put them together. Thus, filter material of a different filter porosity can be used, for example, with the outer funnel- shaped wall 9 having a first filter porosity and the inner funnel-shaped wall 15 having a second filter porosity.

The outer circumferential form of the filter material 9 has substantially a tapering shape, from the drop forming layer 2 towards the first amount of extractable substance 3 situated therebelow during use. In this way, the filter 1 can easily extend into a holder, for example, a cup, for the hot drink to be prepared, so that undesirable loss of the drink is prevented.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is further provided a method for manufacturing a filter to be suffused with hot water for preparing an amount of hot drink such as coffee. Fig. 4 shows a schematic elevational view of a roll 20 of filter material. The method comprises the step of providing a strip 21 of filter material through partial unwinding of the roll 20. Fig. 5 shows a schematic elevational view of the strip 21 where two opposite edges 22, 23 of the filter material, located in the longitudinal direction L of the strip 21, are joined together, yielding a whole that is closed in circumferential direction R, also called sock 25. As shown, the joint is realized with the aid of heat sealing equipment 24, so that a qualitatively good joint is effected in an inexpensive manner. The strip 21 is fed through in the longitudinal direction L. Naturally, also other connecting techniques are possible, for example, with the aid of a glue. Thus a filter is obtained where the filter material is manufactured in one piece.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic elevational view of the sock 25, where a die-cutting operation is carried out on the sock with the aid of die-cutting equipment 26. By the operation, a filter form 27 is cut out. Next, the method comprises the step of inwardly folding a first part 28 of the filter form 27 for forming an inner chamber 30 which is located substantially clear in an outer chamber 31 which is formed by a second part 28 of the filter form 27.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic elevational view of the filter form 27, where the folding operation is carried out. The first, upper part 28 is folded downwards Vl, until the inner chamber 30 is formed. Also, a handle 32 is folded for easier handling of the filter 1. Fig. 8 shows a schematic elevational view where the filter form 27 has been folded into a filter 1. Before carrying out the folding operation, external edges of the filter form, especially longitudinal side edges of the filter to be formed, are attached to each other, preferably with the aid of a heat seal.

After the folding operation, the outer chamber can be filled at least in part with a first amount of extractable substance. Also, a first filter compartment can be formed which sealingly encloses the first amount of extractable substance. The first filter compartment can be closed, for example, with a glueing process. Similarly, a second amount of extractable substance can be provided in the inner chamber 30, possibly closed off by a second filter compartment situated above the earlier-mentioned filter compartment.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic top plan view of a die-cut filter form 27. Bold-type edges 33a-d of the form 27 are joined with the aid of a sealing process. Thin full lines indicate a die-cut segment 34a-c. Furthermore, the broken line segments 35a-c designate fold lines. The dimensions of the non- folded filter form are, for example, ca. 13 cm x ca. 10 cm. However, other handy sizes are naturally also possible. It is noted that different connecting techniques may be used, separately or in combination, for example for joining edges of the filter material. Thus, a sealing process, in which heat is utilized, a pressure process and/or a glueing process may be used.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic elevational view of a second embodiment of a filter 1 according to the invention. The filter is provided with a holder 80 for supporting the filter material 9. The holder comprises form-retaining material, such as cardboard or a plastic, so that the filter can be in a stable, standing position autonomously. The holder extends in circumferential direction around the filter material 9, so that the material is surrounded annularly. In another embodiment according to the invention, the holder 80 surrounds the filter material along a part of the circumferential direction. The filter can be placed over a holder for the hot drink, with the walls of, for example, a cup being received by the space between the holder 80 and the outer circumferential form 9 of the filter 1. As a result, the stability of the filter 1 is enhanced still further.

The holder 80 preferably has a conical shape, such that, in folded-out position, the holder in upward direction substantially tapers, so that the holder can be placed over a cup still more easily.

Furthermore, the holder 80 is provided with an optional handle 81 in order to render the filter better manipulable. Also, the holder 80 can contain decoration/decorative material, such as a printing, for example for designating the filter and/or ingredients of the extractable substance, and/or a striking optical appearance, for example, a specific color layer.

Fig. 11 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention. According to aspects of the invention, the method for manufacturing a filter to be suffused with hot water for preparing an amount of hot drink such as coffee comprises the steps of providing (100) a strip of filter material, joining

(110) two opposite edges of the filter material, located in the longitudinal direction of the strip, die-cutting (120) a filter form from the filter material, and inwardly folding (130) a first part of the filter form for forming an inner chamber which is located substantially clear in an outer chamber which is formed by a second part of the filter form.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described here. Many variants are possible. Thus, instead of ground coffee, also one or more other ingredients may be used, for example, tea leaves, preferably in crushed form, for making tea.

Such variants will be clear to those skilled in the art and are understood to be within the scope of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A filter to be suffused with hot water for preparing an amount of hot drink such as coffee, comprising a drop forming layer for, in folded-out position, reception and passage in drop form of the suffused hot water, and a first amount of extractable substance, during use located under the drop forming layer and being substantially clear thereof, for extraction in the drops passed.

2. A filter according to claim 1, furthermore comprising filter material for carrying the first amount of extractable substance and for passing the extraction.

3. A filter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first amount of extractable substance is situated in a first filter compartment substantially closed for the substance.

4. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drop forming layer comprises a second amount of extractable substance.

5. A filter according to claim 4, wherein the second amount of substance is situated in a second filter compartment located above the first filter compartment, said second filter compartment being substantially closed for said second amount of substance.

6. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the first and second amount of extractable substance is approximately 5:2.

7. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer circumferential form of the filter material substantially tapers from the drop forming layer to the first amount of extractable substance during use located under said drop forming layer.

8. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising a third amount of extractable substance which during use is situated separately under the first amount of extractable substance.

9. A filter according to claim 8, wherein the third amount of substance is situated in a third filter compartment located under the first filter compartment, said third filter compartment being substantially closed for said third amount of substance.

10. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third amount of extractable substance is accessible for the extraction via a material readily permeable to moisture.

11. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter material is manufactured in one piece.

12. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising a holder which surrounds the filter material in circumferential direction for support.

13. A filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder, in folded-out position, in upward direction substantially tapers.

14. A method for manufacturing a filter to be suffused with hot water for preparing an amount of hot drink such as coffee, comprising the steps of: - providing a strip of filter material;

- joining two opposite edges of the filter material, located in the longitudinal direction of the strip;

- die-cutting a filter form from the filter material; and

- inwardly folding a first part of the filter form for forming an inner chamber which is located substantially clear in an outer chamber which is formed by a second part of the filter form.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the outer chamber is at least in part filled with a first amount of extractable substance.

16. A method according to claims 14 and 15, furthermore comprising forming a first filter compartment which encloses the first amount of extractable substance and is substantially closed for the substance.

17. A method according to any one of claims 14-16, wherein the inner chamber is at least in part filled with a second amount of extractable substance.

18. A method according to any one of claims 14-17, furthermore comprising the step of providing a holder which surrounds the filter material in circumferential direction for support.

19. A method according to any one of claims 14-18, wherein the joining of the edges of the filter material is realized with the aid of a heat seal.

20. A method according to any one of claims 14-19, wherein edges of the filter form are attached to each other with the aid of a heat seal.