WO2014037598A1 - Container for preparing a beverage under the pressure of a fluid - Google Patents

Container for preparing a beverage under the pressure of a fluid Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014037598A1
WO2014037598A1 PCT/ES2013/070612 ES2013070612W WO2014037598A1 WO 2014037598 A1 WO2014037598 A1 WO 2014037598A1 ES 2013070612 W ES2013070612 W ES 2013070612W WO 2014037598 A1 WO2014037598 A1 WO 2014037598A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
cup
fluid
membrane
valve
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ES2013/070612
Other languages
Spanish (es)
French (fr)
Inventor
Francisco Navarro Alcantara
Original Assignee
Francisco Navarro Alcantara
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Francisco Navarro Alcantara filed Critical Francisco Navarro Alcantara
Publication of WO2014037598A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014037598A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
    • B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/06—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor
    • A47J31/0657—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor for brewing coffee under pressure, e.g. for espresso machines
    • A47J31/0668—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor for brewing coffee under pressure, e.g. for espresso machines specially adapted for cartridges

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a container of the type that contains at least one dose of a solid product, such as coffee, tea, herbs or others for the preparation of a beverage under pressure of a fluid such as an infusion.
  • a solid product such as coffee, tea, herbs or others
  • the invention also relates to a process for the preparation of an infusion by means of the container of the invention and a system that combines a machine and a container according to the invention for the implementation of the method.
  • Capsules for the preparation of a beverage obtained by supplying hot water into the capsule under pressure and releasing the beverage from the capsule are widely known.
  • Such capsules store or contain a food substance therein and comprise a first surface suitable to be traversed by a flow of water that penetrates the capsule and a second surface suitable to be traversed by a flow of drink exiting the capsule.
  • Patent documents EP 1574452 and EP 1472156 describe closed capsules of this type provided with automatic opening means to evacuate the flow of beverage that passes through them and that are operated under the effect of the increase in fluid pressure inside the capsules Having these automatic opening means in the capsule allows each opening and the opening pressure to be selected according to the nature and variety of the substance stored in the capsule. Depending on the substance, the opening may occur at different pressures and at different times in order to achieve an optimal result. In any In case this opening is irreversible.
  • the capsules described in EP 1574452 and EP 1472156 are also provided with means for collecting and exiting the flow of the beverage that are configured to distribute the beverage directly into the cup or glass that is disposed immediately below the capsule. without contact with the system or the components of the machine used to empty the capsule.
  • the appropriate pressure can be selected so that the opening of the capsule occurs, which may be of interest to produce turbulence and foam effects, but once the capsule is opened the water will flow through it without being in contact. long enough with herbs to achieve high quality infusion.
  • a first object of the invention is a container that solves this problem and by means of which high quality infusions can be made, which implies increasing the contact time of a certain amount of fluid with the herbs contained in the capsule. It is desirable that this time can be chosen by the user.
  • the container of the invention comprises a cup-shaped container consisting of an oxygen-tight material that houses at least one dose of a solid product for the preparation of a beverage and whose upper opening is sealed tightly, the cup comprising a bottom concave, equipped with opening means.
  • the container is characterized in that it is provided, at a distance above the concave bottom of the cup and below the solid product housed in the cup, of reversible valve means allowing the passage of the fluid used for the preparation of the beverage in the direction of the bottom of the cup only when the pressure exerted by said fluid upstream of the valve exceeds a predetermined threshold value (p1), the fluid being able to escape outside the container only if the opening means have been previously manipulated to Open the cup.
  • p1 a predetermined threshold value
  • the container has two opening means of which one is exterior and the other is interior and reversible.
  • the outer opening means formed by the opening means of the bottom of the cup, allow a predetermined amount of fluid to be introduced into the inside of the cup in a first stage of infusion preparation without causing it to open and so that during a second phase of preparation the fluid is in contact with the product dose for the desired time.
  • the opening of the cup is caused by maneuvering the opening means without causing the automatic exit of the fluid, which is retained by the internal opening means, in this case formed by the valve.
  • a flow of pressurized fluid is circulated through the container that causes the evacuation of the fluid previously retained inside the cup and adds more fluid to the beverage that is subjected to contact with the product dose in the conventional way.
  • another aspect of the invention is a process for the preparation of a beverage, such as an infusion, under pressure of a fluid and by means of using a container according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of introducing under pressure a quantity of fluid into the cup according to the capacity of said cup through its upper opening; let the container stand with the amount of fluid referred to above inside the cup; cause the opening of the bottom of the cup operating on the opening means; and evacuate from the container the amount of fluid referred to above through the bottom of the cup by circulating through the container a stream of fluid that is pressurized through its upper opening.
  • a suitable system for practicing this method comprises a machine for making beverages provided with a housing for a container, or a container holder according to the invention and means for extracting the contents of said container by means of a stream of a pressurized fluid that passes through it, said housing or the container holder being configured so that the bottom of the cup is accessible from the outside of the machine for handling the opening means, and the machine comprising an operating program according to which in a first stage of preparation of the beverage the machine injects a predetermined amount of fluid inside the cup, previously selected according to the capacity of the cup.
  • the valve comprises an elastically deformable membrane under the influence of the pressure exerted by the fluid used for the preparation of the beverage from a normally closed position to an open position, and vice versa .
  • the membrane is provided with at least one axial hole that remains closed by the membrane body itself when it adopts its normally closed position, while the stretching of the membrane that occurs when it adopts its opening position opens the hole and enables the membrane for the passage of a fluid current through said hole in the direction of the bottom of the cup.
  • the membrane is provided with elastic fins that automatically close the hole or holes formed in the body of the membrane when it adopts its normally closed position, while said holes are bent and opened by elastic deformation. when the pressure exerted by the fluid upstream of the membrane exceeds said threshold value (p1).
  • the membrane is made of Thermoplastic Elastomer or TPE.
  • the side wall of the cup is shaped so that it has means for the stable seat of at least the valve.
  • the threshold value (p1) is 2 atmospheres or more.
  • the opening means are suitable to ensure that the bottom of the cup resists without opening even when the valve allows the passage of the fluid used for the preparation of the beverage in the direction of the bottom of the cup.
  • the opening means that close the bottom of the cup are accessible from the outside of the container, manually operable and comprise a frangible element, formed in one piece with the body of the cup, whose breakage causes the opening irreversible of the container.
  • the invention further contemplates that the container comprises a filter placed above the valve.
  • said filter rests on the valve.
  • said filter is attached to the valve by means of a material with adhesive properties.
  • Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a container according to the invention
  • Figs. 2 and 3 are exploded views of the components of the container according to Fig. 1 according to two different perspectives, from below and from above respectively.
  • the container 1 of the invention comprises a cup 2 with a side wall 6 and a concave and closed bottom 3.
  • the coplea 2 is a barrier material, which protects its interior from oxygen.
  • the cup 2 houses means or element that performs the function of reversible valve 10, arranged at a distance above the bottom 3; a filter element 13; a dose of a solid product 14 such as aromatic herbs; a containment element 17 to compact the product or in any case to prevent it from spreading in a non-homogeneous way through the free space of the cup 2; and an upper sheet 18 that tightly closes the upper opening 4 of the cup 2, conventionally bonded by heat welding on the upper edge of said cup 2.
  • this upper sheet 18 is a free chamber for the distribution of the fluid used during the preparation of the beverage so that it reaches the product uniformly 14.
  • the dose of product 14 may in turn be contained in an inner capsule that is placed within container 1.
  • the filter element 13 may be formed at the bottom of this capsule and the containment element 17 may be formed by a film that superiorly closes the inner capsule.
  • An exemplary embodiment for this alternative is described for example in patent document EP 1867585 B1, of the same applicant.
  • the example of the figures the side wall 6 of the cup 2 is formed in such a way that it presents several steps that determine two means for the seat 7, 8, stable and at different levels for the valve 10 and for the containment element 17, respectively.
  • the latter can be formed, also in a known manner, by a film or a sealed sheet to the inner surface of the side wall 6 of the cup 2.
  • the containment element 17 has a series of holes that will allow the passage of fluid but which prevent the passage of the product 14 which is, in the example of the figures, confined, as a sandwich, between this containment element 17 and the filter 13 surrounded by the side wall 6 of the cup 2.
  • the function of the valve 10 is mainly to allow the passage of the fluid used for the preparation of the beverage in the direction of the bottom 3 of the cup 2 only when the pressure exerted by said fluid upstream of the valve 10 exceeds a threshold value ( p1) default.
  • opening means 5 are suitable to ensure that the bottom 3 of the cup 2 resists without opening even when the valve 10 allows the passage of the fluid used to prepare the beverage in the direction of the bottom 3 of the cup 2 and to resist the less a pressure inside the container 1 greater than the conventional working pressure of commercial machines for the preparation of beverages by using capsules or the like, between 14 and 18 atm.
  • the opening means 5 that close the bottom 3 of the cup 2 are accessible from the outside of the container 1 and are operable manually. Specifically, they consist of a frangible element 16, formed in one piece with the body of the cup 2, whose breakage causes the irreversible opening of the container 1.
  • the frangible element 16 extends below the cup 2 adopting a base shape, which also serves to keep the container 1 standing Stable on a regular floor. This base also allows this part of the container to be grasped comfortably and once again threaded to cause the breakage of the frangible element 16.
  • the valve 10 in the embodiment shown, it comprises an elastically deformable membrane 15 under the influence of the pressure that exerts the fluid used for the preparation of the beverage from a normally closed position to an open position, and vice versa.
  • the membrane 15 has a discoidal shape and is provided with several holes 1 1 on which the body of the membrane has cross cuts made which determine elastically deformable fins 12.
  • the holes 1 1 remain closed by the fins 12 when the membrane 15 adopts its normally closed position, which is that shown in Figs. 2 and 3, while these fins 12 bend towards the bottom 3 of the cup 2 and open the holes 1 1 when the pressure exerted by the fluid above the membrane 15 exceeds the threshold value (p1). It is then that the membrane 15 is enabled for the passage of a fluid stream through said holes 1 1 in the direction of the bottom 3 of the cup 2.
  • the threshold pressure (p1) from which the membrane 15 will allow fluid to flow be for example 2 atmospheres.
  • the membrane 15 is made of Thermoplastic Elastomer or TPE, which combines the typical advantages of rubber and plastic materials, and is selected with a hardness between 20 and 60 (Shore A).
  • SEBS Thermoplastic Elastomer Styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene
  • SEBS Thermoplastic Elastomer is used because it is an easily polypropylene adhesive material that is material used for filter 13.
  • the membrane 15, which sits with adjustment on an annular step formed in the side wall 6 of the cup 2, is provided on its upper face with a peripheral annular channel on which a nerve fits also annular that projects down and from the underside of the filter 13.
  • the filter 13 also has a central projection also directed downwards and several radial secondary ribs that can rest on the membrane 15 when it adopts its normally closed position.
  • the filter 13 to the membrane 15 by means of a material with adhesive properties.
  • the ideal way to prepare an infusion using the container 1 according to the invention and the operation thereof are explained below.
  • a first stage of preparation the upper sheet 18 is perforated and a quantity of fluid is introduced under pressure inside the cup 2, through its upper opening 4, in accordance with the capacity of said cup 2 above the valve 10. This capacity can be around 20 ml.
  • the use of a conventional machine to perform this first phase implies the use of a pumping group to drive the fluid with a pressure much higher than the threshold pressure (p1) at which the membrane 15 is calibrated to give way to the fluid , which can cause, only if you intend to introduce too much fluid into the cup 2, that a small amount of the fluid introduced into the cup 2 reaches the bottom 3 of said cup 2 but in any case no amount of fluid will come out of the cup 2.
  • p1 threshold pressure
  • a second stage of preparation after stopping the pumping group, the container 1 is allowed to stand with the amount of fluid referred to above inside the cup 2 in contact with the product 14.
  • the waiting or resting time can be for example, 1 minute or up to 3 minutes for difficult solution products.
  • the bottom 3 of the cup 2 is opened by operating on the opening means 5, that is to say the frangible element 16 of which these opening means 5 is provided is broken. Note that despite Having enabled the cup for the evacuation of the fluid, it is retained inside it by the effect of the valve 10, in this case when the membrane 15 adopts its normally closed position.
  • the invention provides for the bottom 3 of the cup 2 of a pipe 19 that extends inwardly and communicates the outlet hole of the cup 2 with the outside and acts as an overflow, preventing the fluid that may have reached the bottom 3 of the cup during the first phase of the preparation of the beverage goes outside when operating on the opening means 5.
  • a fourth phase the pumping group of the machine is again used to drive a flow of fluid through the container 1.
  • the pressure of the fluid accumulated above the valve 10 becomes greater than the threshold value (p1) and the valve 10 lets a fluid flow through it and in the direction of the bottom 3 now open of the cup 2.
  • This fluid circulation causes naturally, the evacuation of the container 1 of the amount of fluid that has been in contact during the product 14 during the second stage of rest, of preparation of the beverage.
  • the use of a machine with an operating program is contemplated according to which, prior selection by the manufacturer or supplier of the machine and depending on the capacity of the container or containers intended to be used to make the beverage, the machine automatically stops the water supply to be injected inside the container in use during the first phase of preparation of the beverage.
  • the machine may have means to manually stop the amount of fluid used to prepare the beverage or it may also use a program that automatically stops the flow of fluid according to the program selected by the user during the first phase of the preparation of the drink.
  • valve 10 will retain the fluid present upstream of the valve again and prevent fluid from continuing to drain from the cup 2 after the pumping group has stopped. As explained above, this effect also prevents unwanted dripping of fluid from inside the container 1.

Abstract

The invention relates to a container for preparing a beverage under the pressure of a fluid, comprising a cup having a concave base provided with opening means. The container is provided with a reversible valve positioned at a distance above the concave base and below the solid product housed in the cup, said valve allowing the fluid used to prepare the beverage to flow towards the base of the cup only when the pressure exerted by said fluid upstream of the valve exceeds a pre-determined threshold value. The fluid can only exit the container if the opening means have been adjusted to open the cup at its base.

Description

D E S C R I P C I O N  D E S C R I P C I O N
"Contenedor para la preparación de una bebida bajo la presión de un fluido" "Container for the preparation of a beverage under the pressure of a fluid"
Sector técnico de la invención Technical sector of the invention
La invención se refiere a un contenedor del tipo que contiene al menos una dosis de un producto sólido, tal como café, té, hierbas aromáticas u otros para la preparación de una bebida bajo presión de un fluido como por ejemplo una infusión.  The invention relates to a container of the type that contains at least one dose of a solid product, such as coffee, tea, herbs or others for the preparation of a beverage under pressure of a fluid such as an infusion.
La invención también se refiere a un procedimiento para la preparación de una infusión mediante el contenedor de la invención y a un sistema que combina una máquina y un contenedor según la invención para la puesta en práctica del procedimiento. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of an infusion by means of the container of the invention and a system that combines a machine and a container according to the invention for the implementation of the method.
Antecedentes de la invención Background of the invention
Son ampliamente conocidas las cápsulas para la preparación de una bebida obtenida suministrando agua caliente dentro de la cápsula bajo presión y liberando la bebida de la cápsula. Tales cápsulas almacenan o contienen una sustancia alimenticia en su interior y comprenden una primera superficie apta para ser atravesada por un flujo de agua que penetra en la cápsula y una segunda superficie apta para ser atravesada por un flujo de bebida que sale de la cápsula.  Capsules for the preparation of a beverage obtained by supplying hot water into the capsule under pressure and releasing the beverage from the capsule are widely known. Such capsules store or contain a food substance therein and comprise a first surface suitable to be traversed by a flow of water that penetrates the capsule and a second surface suitable to be traversed by a flow of drink exiting the capsule.
Los documentos de patente EP 1574452 y EP 1472156 describen cápsulas cerradas de este tipo provistas con medios automáticos de apertura para evacuar el flujo de bebida que las atraviesan y que se accionan bajo el efecto de la elevación de la presión del fluido en el interior de las cápsulas. Disponer de estos medios automáticos de apertura en la cápsula permite que cada abertura y la presión de apertura se puedan seleccionar a medida de la naturaleza y de la variedad de la sustancia almacenada en la cápsula. Dependiendo de la sustancia, la apertura puede ocurrir a diferentes presiones y en momentos diferentes a fin de conseguir un resultado óptimo. En cualquier caso esta apertura es irreversible. Patent documents EP 1574452 and EP 1472156 describe closed capsules of this type provided with automatic opening means to evacuate the flow of beverage that passes through them and that are operated under the effect of the increase in fluid pressure inside the capsules Having these automatic opening means in the capsule allows each opening and the opening pressure to be selected according to the nature and variety of the substance stored in the capsule. Depending on the substance, the opening may occur at different pressures and at different times in order to achieve an optimal result. In any In case this opening is irreversible.
Por otro lado, las cápsulas descritas en EP 1574452 y EP 1472156 están también provistas de medios para la recogida y salida del flujo de la bebida que están configurados para distribuir la bebida directamente en la taza o vaso que se dispone inmediatamente por debajo de la cápsula sin contacto con el sistema o los componentes de la máquina empleada para vaciar la cápsula. On the other hand, the capsules described in EP 1574452 and EP 1472156 are also provided with means for collecting and exiting the flow of the beverage that are configured to distribute the beverage directly into the cup or glass that is disposed immediately below the capsule. without contact with the system or the components of the machine used to empty the capsule.
Como es conocido, en la preparación de infusiones como té u otras hierbas es imprescindible para alcanzar una buena calidad de la infusión que el agua caliente esté en contacto con las hierbas durante un periodo de tiempo prolongado. Mediante las cápsulas conocidas se puede seleccionar la presión adecuada para que se produzca la apertura de la cápsula, lo que puede ser de interés para producir turbulencias y efectos de espuma, pero una vez abierta la cápsula el agua fluirá a su través sin estar en contacto el tiempo suficiente con las hierbas para alcanzar una alta calidad en la infusión. As is known, in the preparation of infusions such as tea or other herbs it is essential to achieve a good quality of the infusion that the hot water is in contact with the herbs for a prolonged period of time. By means of the known capsules, the appropriate pressure can be selected so that the opening of the capsule occurs, which may be of interest to produce turbulence and foam effects, but once the capsule is opened the water will flow through it without being in contact. long enough with herbs to achieve high quality infusion.
Es un primer objetivo de la invención un contenedor que solucione este inconveniente y mediante el cual puedan confeccionarse infusiones de alta calidad, lo que implica aumentar el tiempo de contacto de una determinada cantidad de fluido con las hierbas contenidas en la cápsula. Es deseable que este tiempo pueda ser elegido por el usuario. A first object of the invention is a container that solves this problem and by means of which high quality infusions can be made, which implies increasing the contact time of a certain amount of fluid with the herbs contained in the capsule. It is desirable that this time can be chosen by the user.
Otro inconveniente asociado a las cápsulas antes descritas es que al interrumpirse el flujo del fluido, en la práctica al detener la bomba de impulsión del sistema o de la máquina empleada para la preparación de la infusión, una cola de fluido sigue siendo evacuada de la cápsula abierta a la vez que una determinada cantidad de líquido puede quedar contenido en el interior de la cápsula lo que provoca, al estar esta abierta, goteos indeseados que ensucian el entorno del sistema y al usuario que manipula la cápsula cuando es retirada del sistema. Another drawback associated with the capsules described above is that when the flow of the fluid is interrupted, in practice by stopping the system or machine pump used for preparing the infusion, a fluid tail is still evacuated from the capsule. open at the same time that a certain amount of liquid can remain contained inside the capsule which causes, when it is open, unwanted drips that dirty the environment of the system and the user who manipulates the capsule when it is removed from the system.
Es también un objetivo de la invención un contenedor que sin renunciar al objetivo principal también solucione este inconveniente. Explicación de la invención It is also an object of the invention a container that without sacrificing the main objective also solves this inconvenience. Explanation of the invention.
El contenedor de la invención comprende un recipiente en forma de copela constituida por un material estanco al oxígeno que aloja al menos una dosis de un producto sólido para la preparación de una bebida y cuya abertura superior está cerrada de forma estanca, comprendiendo la copela un fondo cóncavo, dotado de unos medios de apertura.  The container of the invention comprises a cup-shaped container consisting of an oxygen-tight material that houses at least one dose of a solid product for the preparation of a beverage and whose upper opening is sealed tightly, the cup comprising a bottom concave, equipped with opening means.
En esencia, el contenedor se caracteriza porque está provisto, a una distancia por encima del fondo cóncavo de la copela y por debajo del producto sólido alojado en la copela, de unos medios de válvula reversible que permite el paso del fluido empleado para la preparación de la bebida en dirección al fondo de la copela únicamente cuando la presión que ejerce dicho fluido aguas arriba de la válvula supera un valor umbral (p1 ) predeterminado, pudiendo salir el fluido al exterior del contenedor únicamente si los medios de apertura han sido previamente manipulados para abrir la copela. In essence, the container is characterized in that it is provided, at a distance above the concave bottom of the cup and below the solid product housed in the cup, of reversible valve means allowing the passage of the fluid used for the preparation of the beverage in the direction of the bottom of the cup only when the pressure exerted by said fluid upstream of the valve exceeds a predetermined threshold value (p1), the fluid being able to escape outside the container only if the opening means have been previously manipulated to Open the cup.
En la práctica el contenedor dispone de dos medios de apertura de los que uno es exterior y el otro es interior y reversible. Los medios de apertura exteriores, formados por los medios de apertura del fondo de la copela, permiten que en una primera fase de preparación de la infusión sea introducida una cantidad predeterminada de fluido en el interior de la copela sin provocar su apertura y de forma que durante una segunda fase de preparación el fluido esté en contacto con la dosis de producto el tiempo deseado. En una tercera fase de preparación se provoca la apertura de la copela maniobrando los medios de apertura sin que ello provoque la salida automática del fluido, el cual es retenido por los medios de apertura interiores, en este caso formados por la válvula. En una cuarta fase de preparación se hace circular un flujo de fluido a presión a través del contenedor que provoca la evacuación del fluido previamente retenido en el interior de la copela y añade más fluido a la bebida que es sometido al contacto con la dosis de producto en la forma convencional. In practice, the container has two opening means of which one is exterior and the other is interior and reversible. The outer opening means, formed by the opening means of the bottom of the cup, allow a predetermined amount of fluid to be introduced into the inside of the cup in a first stage of infusion preparation without causing it to open and so that during a second phase of preparation the fluid is in contact with the product dose for the desired time. In a third stage of preparation the opening of the cup is caused by maneuvering the opening means without causing the automatic exit of the fluid, which is retained by the internal opening means, in this case formed by the valve. In a fourth stage of preparation a flow of pressurized fluid is circulated through the container that causes the evacuation of the fluid previously retained inside the cup and adds more fluid to the beverage that is subjected to contact with the product dose in the conventional way.
Así, es otro aspecto de la invención un procedimiento para la preparación de una bebida, tal como una infusión, bajo presión de un fluido y mediante el empleo de un contenedor según la invención, comprendiendo el procedimiento los pasos de introducir bajo presión una cantidad de fluido en el interior de la copela de acuerdo con la capacidad de dicha copela a través de su abertura superior; dejar reposar el contenedor con la cantidad de fluido antes referida en el interior de la copela; provocar la apertura del fondo de la copela operando sobre los medios de apertura; y evacuar del contenedor la cantidad de fluido antes referida a través del fondo de la copela haciendo circular a través del contenedor una corriente de fluido que es introducida a presión a través de su abertura superior. Thus, another aspect of the invention is a process for the preparation of a beverage, such as an infusion, under pressure of a fluid and by means of using a container according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of introducing under pressure a quantity of fluid into the cup according to the capacity of said cup through its upper opening; let the container stand with the amount of fluid referred to above inside the cup; cause the opening of the bottom of the cup operating on the opening means; and evacuate from the container the amount of fluid referred to above through the bottom of the cup by circulating through the container a stream of fluid that is pressurized through its upper opening.
Un sistema adecuado para poner en práctica este procedimiento comprende una máquina para la confección de bebidas de las provistas de un alojamiento para un contenedor, o de un porta-contenendor según la invención y de medios para extraer el contenido de dicho contenedor mediante una corriente de un fluido a presión que lo atraviesa, estando configurado dicho alojamiento o el porta-contenedor de forma que el fondo de la copela queda accesible desde el exterior de la máquina para la manipulación de los medios de apertura, y comprendiendo la máquina un programa de funcionamiento según el cual en una primera fase de preparación de la bebida la máquina inyecta en el interior de la copela una cantidad de fluido predeterminada, previamente seleccionada según la capacidad de la copela. A suitable system for practicing this method comprises a machine for making beverages provided with a housing for a container, or a container holder according to the invention and means for extracting the contents of said container by means of a stream of a pressurized fluid that passes through it, said housing or the container holder being configured so that the bottom of the cup is accessible from the outside of the machine for handling the opening means, and the machine comprising an operating program according to which in a first stage of preparation of the beverage the machine injects a predetermined amount of fluid inside the cup, previously selected according to the capacity of the cup.
Por lo que se refiere al contenedor, en una forma de realización la válvula comprende una membrana deformable elásticamente bajo la influencia de la presión que ejerce el fluido empleado para la preparación de la bebida desde una posición normalmente cerrada hasta una posición de apertura, y viceversa. As regards the container, in one embodiment the valve comprises an elastically deformable membrane under the influence of the pressure exerted by the fluid used for the preparation of the beverage from a normally closed position to an open position, and vice versa .
En una variante, la membrana está dotada de al menos un orificio axial que permanece cerrado por el propio cuerpo de la membrana cuando ésta adopta su posición normalmente cerrada, mientras que el estiramiento de la membrana que se produce cuando ésta adopta su posición de apertura abre el orificio y habilita la membrana para el paso de una corriente fluido a través de dicho orificio en dirección al fondo de la copela. De acuerdo con una forma de realización, la membrana está dotada de unas aletas elásticas que cierran automáticamente el orificio u orificios formados en el cuerpo de la membrana cuando ésta adopta su posición normalmente cerrada, en tanto que por deformación elástica se doblan y abren dichos orificios cuando la presión ejercida por el fluido aguas arriba de la membrana supera el citado valor umbral (p1 ). In a variant, the membrane is provided with at least one axial hole that remains closed by the membrane body itself when it adopts its normally closed position, while the stretching of the membrane that occurs when it adopts its opening position opens the hole and enables the membrane for the passage of a fluid current through said hole in the direction of the bottom of the cup. According to one embodiment, the membrane is provided with elastic fins that automatically close the hole or holes formed in the body of the membrane when it adopts its normally closed position, while said holes are bent and opened by elastic deformation. when the pressure exerted by the fluid upstream of the membrane exceeds said threshold value (p1).
Preferentemente, la membrana es de Elastómero Termoplástico o TPE. Según otra característica de una forma de realización, la pared lateral de la copela está conformada de forma que presenta unos medios para el asiento estable de al menos la válvula. Preferably, the membrane is made of Thermoplastic Elastomer or TPE. According to another characteristic of one embodiment, the side wall of the cup is shaped so that it has means for the stable seat of at least the valve.
De forma preferida, el valor umbral (p1 ) es de 2 atmósferas o más. Preferably, the threshold value (p1) is 2 atmospheres or more.
En una variante de interés los medios de apertura son adecuados para garantizar que el fondo de la copela resista sin abrirse aún cuando la válvula permite el paso del fluido empleado para la preparación de la bebida en dirección al fondo de la copela. In a variant of interest, the opening means are suitable to ensure that the bottom of the cup resists without opening even when the valve allows the passage of the fluid used for the preparation of the beverage in the direction of the bottom of the cup.
Según una forma de realización, los medios de apertura que cierran el fondo de la copela son accesibles desde el exterior del contenedor, operables manualmente y comprenden un elemento frangible, formado de una sola pieza con el cuerpo de la copela, cuya rotura provoca la apertura irreversible del contendor. According to one embodiment, the opening means that close the bottom of the cup are accessible from the outside of the container, manually operable and comprise a frangible element, formed in one piece with the body of the cup, whose breakage causes the opening irreversible of the container.
La invención contempla además que el contenedor comprenda un filtro colocado por encima de la válvula. En una variante de la invención, dicho filtro descansa sobre la válvula. The invention further contemplates that the container comprises a filter placed above the valve. In a variant of the invention, said filter rests on the valve.
Se contempla además que dicho filtro esté unido a la válvula mediante un material con propiedades adhesivas. Breve descripción de los dibujos It is further contemplated that said filter is attached to the valve by means of a material with adhesive properties. Brief description of the drawings
La Fig. 1 , es una vista en sección de un contenedor según la invención;  Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a container according to the invention;
Las Figs. 2 y 3, son sendas vistas en explosión de los componentes del contenedor según la Fig. 1 según dos perspectivas diferentes, desde abajo y desde arriba respectivamente. Figs. 2 and 3, are exploded views of the components of the container according to Fig. 1 according to two different perspectives, from below and from above respectively.
Descripción detallada de una variante de la invención Detailed description of a variant of the invention
En la forma de realización de la Fig. 1 el contenedor 1 de la invención comprende una copela 2 con una pared lateral 6 y un fondo 3 cóncavo y cerrado. La coplea 2 es de un material barrera, que protege su interior del oxígeno.  In the embodiment of Fig. 1 the container 1 of the invention comprises a cup 2 with a side wall 6 and a concave and closed bottom 3. The coplea 2 is a barrier material, which protects its interior from oxygen.
De abajo a arriba la copela 2 alberga unos medios o elemento que desempeña la función de válvula 10 reversible, dispuesta a una distancia por encima del fondo 3; un elemento de filtro 13; una dosis de un producto 14 sólido como por ejemplo hierbas aromáticas; un elemento de contención 17 para compactar el producto o en cualquier caso para evitar que éste se disperse de forma no homogénea por el espacio libre de la copela 2; y una lámina superior 18 que cierra de forma estanca la abertura 4 superior de la copela 2, unida de forma convencional por termo-soldadura sobre el borde superior de dicha copela 2. Preferiblemente por debajo de esta lámina superior 18 queda una cámara libre para la distribución del fluido empleado durante la preparación de la bebida de modo que alcance uniformemente al producto 14. From bottom to top the cup 2 houses means or element that performs the function of reversible valve 10, arranged at a distance above the bottom 3; a filter element 13; a dose of a solid product 14 such as aromatic herbs; a containment element 17 to compact the product or in any case to prevent it from spreading in a non-homogeneous way through the free space of the cup 2; and an upper sheet 18 that tightly closes the upper opening 4 of the cup 2, conventionally bonded by heat welding on the upper edge of said cup 2. Preferably below this upper sheet 18 is a free chamber for the distribution of the fluid used during the preparation of the beverage so that it reaches the product uniformly 14.
En una forma de realización alternativa, no representada, la dosis de producto 14 puede estar a su vez contenida en una cápsula interior que se coloca dentro del contendor 1 . En este caso el elemento de filtro 13 puede estar conformado en el fondo de esta cápsula y el elemento de contención 17 puede estar formado por un film que cierra superiormente la cápsula interior. Un ejemplo de realización para esta alternativa se describe por ejemplo en el documento de patente EP 1867585 B1 , del mismo solicitante. el ejemplo de las figuras, la pared lateral 6 de la copela 2 está conformada de forma que presenta varios escalones que determinan sendos medios para el asiento 7, 8, estable y a diferentes niveles para la válvula 10 y para el elemento de contención 17, respectivamente. Este último puede estar formado, también de forma conocida, por un film o una lámina sellada a la superficie interior de la pared lateral 6 de de la copela 2. Preferentemente el elemento de contención 17 presenta una serie de orificios que permitirán el paso de fluido pero que evitan el paso del producto 14 el cual queda, en el ejemplo de las figuras, confinado, a modo de sándwich, entre este elemento de contención 17 y el filtro 13 rodeado por la pared lateral 6 de la copela 2. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the dose of product 14 may in turn be contained in an inner capsule that is placed within container 1. In this case, the filter element 13 may be formed at the bottom of this capsule and the containment element 17 may be formed by a film that superiorly closes the inner capsule. An exemplary embodiment for this alternative is described for example in patent document EP 1867585 B1, of the same applicant. the example of the figures, the side wall 6 of the cup 2 is formed in such a way that it presents several steps that determine two means for the seat 7, 8, stable and at different levels for the valve 10 and for the containment element 17, respectively. The latter can be formed, also in a known manner, by a film or a sealed sheet to the inner surface of the side wall 6 of the cup 2. Preferably the containment element 17 has a series of holes that will allow the passage of fluid but which prevent the passage of the product 14 which is, in the example of the figures, confined, as a sandwich, between this containment element 17 and the filter 13 surrounded by the side wall 6 of the cup 2.
La función de la válvula 10 es principalmente la de permitir el paso del fluido empleado para la preparación de la bebida en dirección al fondo 3 de la copela 2 únicamente cuando la presión que ejerce dicho fluido aguas arriba de la válvula 10 supera un valor umbral (p1 ) predeterminado. The function of the valve 10 is mainly to allow the passage of the fluid used for the preparation of the beverage in the direction of the bottom 3 of the cup 2 only when the pressure exerted by said fluid upstream of the valve 10 exceeds a threshold value ( p1) default.
Por otro lado, se observa en la Fig. 1 que el fondo 3 de la copela 2 está dotado de unos medios de apertura 5. On the other hand, it can be seen in Fig. 1 that the bottom 3 of the cup 2 is provided with opening means 5.
Estos medios de apertura 5 son adecuados para garantizar que el fondo 3 de la copela 2 resista sin abrirse aún cuando la válvula 10 permita el paso del fluido empleado para la preparación de la bebida en dirección al fondo 3 de la copela 2 y para resistir al menos una presión en el interior del contenedor 1 mayor a la presión convencional de trabajo de las máquinas comerciales para la preparación de bebidas mediante el empleo de cápsulas o similares, de entre 14 y 18 atm. These opening means 5 are suitable to ensure that the bottom 3 of the cup 2 resists without opening even when the valve 10 allows the passage of the fluid used to prepare the beverage in the direction of the bottom 3 of the cup 2 and to resist the less a pressure inside the container 1 greater than the conventional working pressure of commercial machines for the preparation of beverages by using capsules or the like, between 14 and 18 atm.
En el ejemplo, los medios de apertura 5 que cierran el fondo 3 de la copela 2 son accesibles desde el exterior del contenedor 1 y son operables manualmente. En concreto están constituidos por un elemento frangible 16, formado de una sola pieza con el cuerpo de la copela 2, cuya rotura provoca la apertura irreversible del contendor 1 . In the example, the opening means 5 that close the bottom 3 of the cup 2 are accessible from the outside of the container 1 and are operable manually. Specifically, they consist of a frangible element 16, formed in one piece with the body of the cup 2, whose breakage causes the irreversible opening of the container 1.
El elemento frangible 16 se prolonga por debajo de la copela 2 adoptando una forma de peana, que además sirve para mantener en pie el contenedor 1 de forma estable sobre un piso regular. Esta peana permite además asir cómodamente esta parte del contendor y a vuelta de rosca provocar la rotura del elemento frangible 16. Volviendo de nuevo a la válvula 10, en la forma de realización representada ésta comprende una membrana 15 deformable elásticamente bajo la influencia de la presión que ejerce el fluido empleado para la preparación de la bebida desde una posición normalmente cerrada hasta una posición de apertura, y viceversa. The frangible element 16 extends below the cup 2 adopting a base shape, which also serves to keep the container 1 standing Stable on a regular floor. This base also allows this part of the container to be grasped comfortably and once again threaded to cause the breakage of the frangible element 16. Returning again to the valve 10, in the embodiment shown, it comprises an elastically deformable membrane 15 under the influence of the pressure that exerts the fluid used for the preparation of the beverage from a normally closed position to an open position, and vice versa.
Tal y como muestran las Figs. 2 y 3 la membrana 15 presenta una forma discoidal y está dotada de varios orificios 1 1 sobre los que el cuerpo de la membrana lleva practicados unos cortes en cruz que determinan sendas aletas 12 deformables elásticamente. Los orificios 1 1 permanecen cerrados por las aletas 12 cuando la membrana 15 adopta su posición normalmente cerrada, que es la representada en las Figs. 2 y 3, mientras que estas aletas 12 se doblan hacia el fondo 3 de la copela 2 y abren los orificios 1 1 cuando la presión que ejerce el fluido por encima de la membrana 15 supera el valor umbral (p1 ). Es entonces cuando se habilita la membrana 15 para el paso de una corriente fluido a través de dichos orificios 1 1 en dirección al fondo 3 de la copela 2. La presión umbral (p1 ) a partir de la cual la membrana 15 dejará pasar fluido puede ser por ejemplo de 2 atmósferas. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3 the membrane 15 has a discoidal shape and is provided with several holes 1 1 on which the body of the membrane has cross cuts made which determine elastically deformable fins 12. The holes 1 1 remain closed by the fins 12 when the membrane 15 adopts its normally closed position, which is that shown in Figs. 2 and 3, while these fins 12 bend towards the bottom 3 of the cup 2 and open the holes 1 1 when the pressure exerted by the fluid above the membrane 15 exceeds the threshold value (p1). It is then that the membrane 15 is enabled for the passage of a fluid stream through said holes 1 1 in the direction of the bottom 3 of the cup 2. The threshold pressure (p1) from which the membrane 15 will allow fluid to flow be for example 2 atmospheres.
La membrana 15 es de Elastómero Termoplástico o TPE, que combina las ventajas típicas de las gomas y de los materiales plásticos, y se selecciona con una dureza comprendida entre 20 y 60 (Shore A). Ventajosamente se utiliza Elastómero Termoplásticos SEBS (Estireno-etileno-butileno-estireno) debido a que es un material fácilmente adhesivo al Polipropileno que es material que se emplea para el filtro 13. The membrane 15 is made of Thermoplastic Elastomer or TPE, which combines the typical advantages of rubber and plastic materials, and is selected with a hardness between 20 and 60 (Shore A). Advantageously, SEBS Thermoplastic Elastomer (Styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) is used because it is an easily polypropylene adhesive material that is material used for filter 13.
En el ejemplo de la Fig. 1 , la membrana 15, que se asienta con ajuste sobre un escalón anular conformado en la pared lateral 6 de la copela 2, está dotada en su cara superior de un canal anular periférico sobre el que encaja un nervio también anular que se proyecta hacia abajo y desde la cara inferior del filtro 13. A mayor presión ejercida por el filtro 13 hacia el fondo 3 de la copela 2 mayor será el ajuste de la membrana 15 sobre la pared lateral 6 de la copela 2 y por tanto la retención estanca de esta membrana 15 en la copela 2. En el ejemplo de la Fig. 1 , el filtro 13 presenta además un saliente central también dirigido hacia abajo y varios nervios secundarios radiales que pueden quedar apoyados sobre la membrana 15 cuando ésta adopta su posición normalmente cerrada. In the example of Fig. 1, the membrane 15, which sits with adjustment on an annular step formed in the side wall 6 of the cup 2, is provided on its upper face with a peripheral annular channel on which a nerve fits also annular that projects down and from the underside of the filter 13. The higher the pressure exerted by the filter 13 towards the bottom 3 of the cup 2, the greater the adjustment of the membrane 15 on the side wall 6 of the cup 2 and therefore the tight retention of this membrane 15 in the cup 2 In the example of Fig. 1, the filter 13 also has a central projection also directed downwards and several radial secondary ribs that can rest on the membrane 15 when it adopts its normally closed position.
Opcionalmente, se prevé unir el filtro 13 a la membrana 15 mediante un material con propiedades adhesivas. Optionally, it is envisaged to join the filter 13 to the membrane 15 by means of a material with adhesive properties.
La forma idónea para preparar una infusión empleando el contenedor 1 según la invención y el funcionamiento de éste se explican a continuación. En una primera fase de preparación se perfora la lámina superior 18 y se introduce bajo presión una cantidad de fluido en el interior de la copela 2, a través de su abertura superior 4, de acuerdo con la capacidad de dicha copela 2 por encima de la válvula 10. Esta capacidad puede ser de alrededor de 20 mi. El empleo de una máquina de las convencionales para realizar esta primera fase implica el empleo de un grupo de bombeo para impulsar el fluido con una presión muy superior a la presión umbral (p1 ) a la que está calibrada la membrana 15 para dejar paso al fluido, lo que puede ocasionar, únicamente si pretende introducirse demasiado fluido en la copela 2, que una pequeña cantidad del fluido introducido en la copela 2 alcance el fondo 3 de dicha copela 2 pero en cualquier caso ninguna cantidad de fluido saldrá al exterior de la copela 2. The ideal way to prepare an infusion using the container 1 according to the invention and the operation thereof are explained below. In a first stage of preparation the upper sheet 18 is perforated and a quantity of fluid is introduced under pressure inside the cup 2, through its upper opening 4, in accordance with the capacity of said cup 2 above the valve 10. This capacity can be around 20 ml. The use of a conventional machine to perform this first phase implies the use of a pumping group to drive the fluid with a pressure much higher than the threshold pressure (p1) at which the membrane 15 is calibrated to give way to the fluid , which can cause, only if you intend to introduce too much fluid into the cup 2, that a small amount of the fluid introduced into the cup 2 reaches the bottom 3 of said cup 2 but in any case no amount of fluid will come out of the cup 2.
En una segunda fase de preparación, previa detención del grupo de bombeo, se deja reposar el contenedor 1 con la cantidad de fluido antes referida en el interior de la copela 2 en contacto con el producto 14. El tiempo de espera o de reposo puede ser por ejemplo de 1 minuto o de hasta 3 minutos para productos de difícil solución. En una tercera fase de preparación, se provoca la apertura del fondo 3 de la copela 2 operando sobre los medios de apertura 5, es decir se rompe el elemento frangible 16 de que están dotados estos medios de apertura 5. Repárese en que a pesar de haber habilitado la copela para la evacuación del fluido, este queda retenido en su interior por efecto de la válvula 10, en este caso al adoptar la membrana 15 su posición normalmente cerrada. In a second stage of preparation, after stopping the pumping group, the container 1 is allowed to stand with the amount of fluid referred to above inside the cup 2 in contact with the product 14. The waiting or resting time can be for example, 1 minute or up to 3 minutes for difficult solution products. In a third stage of preparation, the bottom 3 of the cup 2 is opened by operating on the opening means 5, that is to say the frangible element 16 of which these opening means 5 is provided is broken. Note that despite Having enabled the cup for the evacuation of the fluid, it is retained inside it by the effect of the valve 10, in this case when the membrane 15 adopts its normally closed position.
La invención prevé dotar al fondo 3 de la copela 2 de un caño 19 que se extiende hacia su interior y que comunica el orificio de salida de la copela 2 con el exterior y que actúa de rebosadero, evitando que el fluido que pueda haber alcanzado el fondo 3 de la copela durante la primera fase de la preparación de la bebida salga al exterior cuando de opera sobre los medios de apertura 5. The invention provides for the bottom 3 of the cup 2 of a pipe 19 that extends inwardly and communicates the outlet hole of the cup 2 with the outside and acts as an overflow, preventing the fluid that may have reached the bottom 3 of the cup during the first phase of the preparation of the beverage goes outside when operating on the opening means 5.
En una cuarta fase, se emplea de nuevo el grupo de bombeo de la máquina para impulsar una corriente de fluido a través del contenedor 1 . La presión del fluido acumulado por encima de la válvula 10 deviene superior al valor umbral (p1 ) y la válvula 10 deja pasar una corriente de fluido a su través y en dirección al fondo 3 ahora abierto de la copela 2. Esta circulación del fluido provoca naturalmente la evacuación del contenedor 1 de la cantidad de fluido que ha estado en contacto durante el producto 14 durante la segunda fase, de reposo, de preparación de la bebida. In a fourth phase, the pumping group of the machine is again used to drive a flow of fluid through the container 1. The pressure of the fluid accumulated above the valve 10 becomes greater than the threshold value (p1) and the valve 10 lets a fluid flow through it and in the direction of the bottom 3 now open of the cup 2. This fluid circulation causes naturally, the evacuation of the container 1 of the amount of fluid that has been in contact during the product 14 during the second stage of rest, of preparation of the beverage.
Para la puesta en práctica del procedimiento se contempla el empleo de una máquina con un programa de funcionamiento según el cual, previa selección por el fabricante o suministrador de la máquina y en función de la capacidad del contenedor o contenedores destinados a ser empleados para confeccionar la bebida, la máquina detenga automáticamente el suministro de agua a inyectar en el interior del contenedor en uso durante la primera fase de preparación de la bebida. For the implementation of the procedure, the use of a machine with an operating program is contemplated according to which, prior selection by the manufacturer or supplier of the machine and depending on the capacity of the container or containers intended to be used to make the beverage, the machine automatically stops the water supply to be injected inside the container in use during the first phase of preparation of the beverage.
En la práctica, según la cantidad o la naturaleza del producto 14 contenido en la copela 2 ésta dispondrá de una diferente disponibilidad de espacio y en definitiva de capacidad para contener fluido. Se prevé pues que la máquina tenga más de un programa a seleccionar por el usuario en función de la bebida que desea preparar o del contenedor empleado para su preparación. In practice, depending on the quantity or nature of the product 14 contained in the cup 2 it will have a different availability of space and ultimately capacity to contain fluid. It is therefore expected that the machine has more than one program to be selected by the user depending on the drink you want to prepare or the container used for its preparation.
Por lo que respecta a la cuarta fase de la preparación de la bebida, la máquina podrá tener medios para detener manualmente la cantidad de fluido empleado para preparar la bebida o puede también utilizar un programa que detiene automáticamente la corriente de fluido según el programa seleccionado por el usuario durante la primera fase de la preparación de la bebida. With regard to the fourth phase of the preparation of the beverage, the machine may have means to manually stop the amount of fluid used to prepare the beverage or it may also use a program that automatically stops the flow of fluid according to the program selected by the user during the first phase of the preparation of the drink.
Repárese que al detener el grupo de bombeo para dar fin a la cuarta fase de preparación de la bebida, la válvula 10 volverá a retener el fluido presente aguas arriba de la válvula y evitará que continúe evacuándose fluido de la copela 2 con posterioridad a que el grupo de bombeo se haya detenido. Tal y como se ha explicado anteriormente este efecto evita además goteos indeseados de fluido proveniente del interior del contenedor 1 . Note that by stopping the pumping group to end the fourth phase of preparing the beverage, the valve 10 will retain the fluid present upstream of the valve again and prevent fluid from continuing to drain from the cup 2 after the pumping group has stopped. As explained above, this effect also prevents unwanted dripping of fluid from inside the container 1.

Claims

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N E S
1 . - Contenedor (1 ) para la preparación de una bebida bajo presión de un fluido, que comprende una copela (2) constituida por un material estanco al oxígeno que aloja al menos una dosis de un producto (14) sólido para la preparación de la bebida y cuya abertura superior (4) está cerrada de forma estanca, comprendiendo la copela un fondo (3) cóncavo, dotado de unos medios de apertura (5), estando caracterizado el contenedor porque está provisto, a una distancia por encima de dicho fondo cóncavo y por debajo del producto sólido alojado en la copela, de una válvula (10) reversible que permite el paso del fluido empleado para la preparación de la bebida en dirección al fondo de la copela únicamente cuando la presión que ejerce dicho fluido aguas arriba de la válvula supera un valor umbral (p1 ) predeterminado, pudiendo salir el fluido al exterior del contenedor únicamente si los medios de apertura (5) han sido previamente manipulados para abrir la copela. 1 . - Container (1) for the preparation of a drink under pressure of a fluid, which comprises a cup (2) made of an oxygen-tight material that houses at least one dose of a solid product (14) for the preparation of the drink. and whose upper opening (4) is closed in a watertight manner, the cup comprising a concave bottom (3), provided with opening means (5), the container being characterized because it is provided, at a distance above said concave bottom and below the solid product housed in the cup, a reversible valve (10) that allows the passage of the fluid used for the preparation of the drink towards the bottom of the cup only when the pressure exerted by said fluid upstream of the cup. valve exceeds a predetermined threshold value (p1), the fluid being able to exit the container only if the opening means (5) have been previously manipulated to open the cup.
2. - Contenedor según la reivindicación 1 , caracterizado porque la válvula (10) comprende una membrana (15) deformable elásticamente bajo la influencia de la presión que ejerce el fluido empleado para la preparación de la bebida desde una posición normalmente cerrada hasta una posición de apertura, y viceversa. 2. - Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve (10) comprises a membrane (15) elastically deformable under the influence of the pressure exerted by the fluid used for the preparation of the beverage from a normally closed position to a closed position. opening, and vice versa.
3. - Contenedor (1 ) según la reivindicación anterior, caracterizado porque la membrana (15) está dotada de al menos un orificio (1 1 ) axial que permanece cerrado por el propio cuerpo de la membrana (15) cuando ésta adopta su posición normalmente cerrada, mientras que el estiramiento de la membrana que se produce cuando ésta adopta su posición de apertura abre el orificio (1 1 ) y habilita la membrana para el paso de una corriente fluido a través de dicho orificio en dirección al fondo (3) de la copela (2). 3. - Container (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the membrane (15) is provided with at least one axial hole (1 1) that remains closed by the body of the membrane (15) itself when it adopts its normal position. closed, while the stretching of the membrane that occurs when it adopts its open position opens the hole (1 1) and enables the membrane for the passage of a fluid current through said hole in the direction of the bottom (3) of the cupel (2).
4. - Contenedor (1 ) según la reivindicación anterior, caracterizado porque la membrana (15) está dotada de unas aletas (12) elásticas que cierran automáticamente el orificio u orificios (1 1 ) formados en el cuerpo de la membrana cuando ésta adopta su posición normalmente cerrada, en tanto que por deformación elástica se doblan y abren dichos orificios cuando la presión ejercida por el fluido aguas arriba de la membrana supera el citado valor umbral (P1 )-4. - Container (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the membrane (15) is provided with elastic fins (12) that automatically close the hole or holes (1 1) formed in the body of the membrane when it adopts its position. normally closed position, while Due to elastic deformation, said holes bend and open when the pressure exerted by the fluid upstream of the membrane exceeds the aforementioned threshold value (P1) -
5.- Contenedor (1 ) según una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 2 a 4, caracterizado porque la membrana (15) es de Elastómero Termoplástico o TPE. 5.- Container (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the membrane (15) is made of Thermoplastic Elastomer or TPE.
6. - Contenedor según una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque la pared lateral (6) de la copela (2) está conformada de forma que presenta unos medios para el asiento (7, 8) estable de al menos la válvula (10). 6. - Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall (6) of the cup (2) is shaped in such a way that it has means for the stable seat (7, 8) of at least the valve (10). ).
7. - Contenedor (1 ) según una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque el valor umbral (p1 ) es de 2 atmósferas o más. 7. - Container (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the threshold value (p1) is 2 atmospheres or more.
8. - Contenedor (1 ) según una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque los medios de apertura (5) son adecuados para garantizar que el fondo (3) de la copela (2) resista sin abrirse aún cuando la válvula (10) permite el paso del fluido empleado para la preparación de la bebida en dirección al fondo (3) de la copela (5). 8. - Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening means (5) are suitable to guarantee that the bottom (3) of the cup (2) resists without opening even when the valve (10) It allows the passage of the fluid used to prepare the drink towards the bottom (3) of the cup (5).
9. - Contenedor (1 ) según una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque los medios de apertura (5) que cierran el fondo (3) de la copela (2) son accesibles desde el exterior del contenedor, operables manualmente y comprenden un elemento frangible, formado de una sola pieza con el cuerpo de la copela (2), cuya rotura provoca la apertura irreversible del contendor (1 ). 9. - Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening means (5) that close the bottom (3) of the cup (2) are accessible from the outside of the container, manually operable and comprise a frangible element, formed in one piece with the body of the cup (2), whose breakage causes the irreversible opening of the container (1).
10. - Contenedor (1 ) según una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque comprende un filtro (13) discoidal colocado por encima de la válvula (10). 10. - Container (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises a disc-shaped filter (13) placed above the valve (10).
1 1 . - Contenedor (1 ) según la reivindicación anterior, caracterizado porque el filtro (13) descansa sobre la válvula (10). eleven . - Container (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the filter (13) rests on the valve (10).
12. - Contenedor (1 ) según la reivindicación anterior, caracterizado porque el filtro (13) está unido a la válvula (10) mediante un material con propiedades adhesivas. 12. - Container (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the filter (13) is attached to the valve (10) by means of a material with adhesive properties.
13. - Procedimiento para la preparación de una bebida, tal como una infusión, bajo presión de un fluido y mediante el empleo de un contenedor (1 ) según la reivindicación 1 , comprendiendo el procedimiento los pasos de 13. - Procedure for the preparation of a drink, such as an infusion, under pressure of a fluid and by using a container (1) according to claim 1, the procedure comprising the steps of
- introducir bajo presión una cantidad de fluido en el interior de la copela (2) de acuerdo con la capacidad de dicha copela a través de su abertura superior; - introduce under pressure a quantity of fluid into the interior of the cup (2) according to the capacity of said cup through its upper opening;
- dejar reposar el contenedor con la cantidad de fluido antes referida en el interior de la copela; - let the container rest with the aforementioned amount of fluid inside the cup;
- provocar la apertura del fondo (3) de la copela (2) operando sobre los medios de apertura (5); y - cause the opening of the bottom (3) of the cup (2) by operating on the opening means (5); and
- evacuar del contenedor la cantidad de fluido antes referida a través del fondo (3) de la copela (2) haciendo circular a través del contenedor una corriente de fluido que es introducida a presión través de su abertura superior. - evacuate the aforementioned amount of fluid from the container through the bottom (3) of the cup (2) by circulating through the container a stream of fluid that is introduced under pressure through its upper opening.
14. - Sistema para la puesta en práctica del procedimiento según la reivindicación anterior, que comprende una máquina para la confección de bebidas de las provistas de un alojamiento para un contenedor (1 ), o de un porta contenedor, según la reivindicación 1 , y de medios para extraer el contenido de dicho contenedor mediante una corriente de un fluido a presión que lo atraviesa, estando configurado dicho alojamiento o el porta-contenedor de forma que el fondo (3) de la copela (2) queda accesible desde el exterior de la máquina para la manipulación de los medios de apertura (5), y comprendiendo la máquina un programa de funcionamiento según el cual en una primera fase de preparación de la bebida la máquina inyecta en el interior de la copela (2) una cantidad de fluido predeterminada, previamente seleccionada según la capacidad de la copela. 14. - System for implementing the procedure according to the previous claim, which comprises a machine for the preparation of beverages provided with a housing for a container (1), or a container holder, according to claim 1, and of means for extracting the contents of said container by means of a stream of a pressurized fluid that passes through it, said housing or the container holder being configured so that the bottom (3) of the cup (2) is accessible from the outside of the machine for manipulating the opening means (5), and the machine comprising an operating program according to which in a first phase of preparing the drink the machine injects a quantity of fluid into the interior of the cup (2). predetermined, previously selected according to the capacity of the cup.
PCT/ES2013/070612 2012-09-06 2013-08-30 Container for preparing a beverage under the pressure of a fluid WO2014037598A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES201231382A ES2446641B1 (en) 2012-09-06 2012-09-06 CONTAINER FOR THE PREPARATION OF A DRINK UNDER THE PRESSURE OF A FLUID.
ESP201231382 2012-09-06

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ES2446641A2 (en) 2014-03-10
ES2446641R1 (en) 2014-04-30

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