WO2019101599A1 - Apparatus for preparing a beverage - Google Patents

Apparatus for preparing a beverage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019101599A1
WO2019101599A1 PCT/EP2018/081239 EP2018081239W WO2019101599A1 WO 2019101599 A1 WO2019101599 A1 WO 2019101599A1 EP 2018081239 W EP2018081239 W EP 2018081239W WO 2019101599 A1 WO2019101599 A1 WO 2019101599A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
capsule
penetrating
foil
beverage
infusion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2018/081239
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Mathilde Virginie Estelle BLONDEL
Matthieu Jean Daniel BRIERE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unilever NV
Conopco Inc
Original Assignee
Unilever NV
Conopco Inc
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 Unilever NV, Conopco Inc filed Critical Unilever NV
Publication of WO2019101599A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019101599A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • A47J31/40—Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
    • A47J31/401—Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea whereby the powder ingredients and the water are delivered to a mixing bowl
    • 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
    • A47J31/18—Apparatus in which ground coffee or tea-leaves are immersed in the hot liquid in the beverage container

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a beverage from a capsule comprising particulate beverage precursor material.
  • heated water is injected into the capsule so that infusion occurs within the capsule and a prepared beverage exits the capsule for dispensing to the user.
  • contained particulate material leaves the capsule before preparing the beverage in a separate brewing chamber.
  • WO2015/068059 discloses a method of making Vietnamese coffee that involves depositing coffee grinds from a disposable capsule into a brew chamber, wherein the capsule comprises a slideable rupturing component.
  • W02016/181290 discloses a method of making Turkish coffee that involves depositing coffee grinds from a disposable capsule into a brew chamber, wherein the capsule is made of two mutually rotating components.
  • WO2016/089328 discloses a capsule for containing coffee wherein the capsule contains a cutting device for cutting through a foil of the capsule.
  • EP 3165136 A1 discloses a Turkish coffee machine that involves placing a capsule at the uppermost region of the machine and above a brewing chamber. In use the capsule is opened and the contents of the capsule fall under gravity into the brewing chamber.
  • the invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a beverage from a capsule, the capsule comprising particulate beverage precursor material, the apparatus comprising:
  • a beverage infusion chamber having a chamber inlet for receiving infusion liquid and a chamber outlet for delivering brewed beverage
  • the capsule reception location is remote from the infusion liquid flow path, and a channel is provided that connects the capsule reception location to the beverage infusion chamber; there also being provided a device for penetrating the capsule so as to induce an opening in the lowermost region of the capsule, thereby allowing the particulate beverage precursor material to exit the capsule along the channel and to the infusion chamber, wherein the device for penetrating the capsule is arranged to enter the capsule from above, pass through the capsule and induce an opening in the lowermost region of the capsule, to allow the particulate beverage material to leave the capsule under gravity.
  • the apparatus is arranged to deliver the contents of the capsule to an infusion chamber by penetrating the capsule and allowing the contained beverage precursor material to deposit into the infusion chamber. Additionally, following a brewing operation the capsule is substantially free of any contained particulate material and brewing liquid and is therefore in a more clean and convenient condition to be handled and recycled by the user.
  • the apparatus is therefore mechanically simplified as compared to prior art machines as it only needs to penetrate the capsule to deliver its contents. Additionally, as the capsule is intended merely to store the beverage particulate material and be penetrated by the apparatus, the capsule can also be of a simple design.
  • the infusion liquid will be water, however other infusion liquids may be envisaged.
  • the infusion liquid supply comprises a reservoir for supplying infusion liquid.
  • the infusion liquid flow path comprises a heater to heat infusion liquid, e.g. water, as it travels to the infusion chamber.
  • infusion liquid e.g. water
  • the device for penetrating the capsule must be dimensioned such that it is capable of penetrating the capsule, rather than crushing the capsule, which is not desirable.
  • the width of the device for penetrating the capsule is preferably from 2 to 8 mm.
  • the device for penetrating the capsule may be actuated manually or by the use of one or more motors.
  • the device for penetrating the capsule is actuated by a handle means arranged to be actuated by a human hand. This simplifies the apparatus and gives the end user a feeling of control over the process of penetrating the capsule and initiating the brewing process.
  • the apparatus is intended to be used in combination with a capsule specifically designed for the apparatus, located in the capsule reception location.
  • the capsule is preferably comprised of a body part comprising a base and a surrounding wall which together define a cavity, the surrounding wall being connected to a flange, and a lid which is attached to the flange; the apparatus being arranged such that when the capsule is introduced into the apparatus, the capsule is positioned with the base positioned uppermost and the lid positioned lowermost.
  • Such a capsule can be made from quite thin polymeric material in its base and walls if desirable, as their purpose is merely to contain the particulate beverage material and for the base to be penetrated by the apparatus.
  • the capsule can be made relatively simply and cheaply as compared to prior art capsules.
  • the body part of the capsule is a single impermeable piece. This simplifies the construction of the capsule further.
  • the lid of the capsule comprises a foil film. It has been found that such a foil film can be pushed away from the capsule to form an opening without the device for penetrating the capsule penetrating the film.
  • the apparatus preferably comprises a perforation means, arranged to perforate around a perimeter of the foil of the capsule prior to the device for penetrating the capsule engaging with the foil in use.
  • a perforation means arranged to perforate around a perimeter of the foil of the capsule prior to the device for penetrating the capsule engaging with the foil in use.
  • the perforation means preferably comprises a ring of teeth, arranged to be brought into contact around a perimeter of the foil of the capsule to introduce perforations therein.
  • the perforations extend only partially around the perimeter of the foil, leaving a region unperforated to act as a hinge for the formation of a flap in use.
  • the handle means also actuates the perforation of the foil by the perforation means, preferably actuating both the device for penetrating the capsule and the perforation step in one single movement of the handle means.
  • one movement of the handle means can penetrate the capsule, perforate the foil and push the foil away from the capsule, thus allowing the contained particulate beverage material to be deposited into the infusion chamber.
  • the device for penetrating the capsule is arranged to contact the foil off-set from the centre of the foil.
  • the contact point of the device for penetrating the capsule is preferably off-set from the centre of the foil in a direction away from the location of the unperforated region. This further assists in the formation of a flap, rather than the device for penetrating the capsule penetrating the foil.
  • the device for penetrating the capsule is sufficiently sharp so as to penetrate the base of the capsule but also sufficiently blunt so as to not penetrate the foil lid.
  • the device for penetrating the capsule may be rounded or smooth at its end so that it can perform these two different functions.
  • the end of the device for penetrating the capsule is tapered. The taper provides that a relatively sharp end exists for penetrating the base of the capsule whilst the taper can assist in forming a flap of foil and pushing it open rather than penetrating the foil.
  • the apparatus is primarily intended for use in the home of a user and so it is preferable if the machine is automated to produce a beverage quickly and conveniently.
  • the apparatus comprises a heater to heat the water from the reservoir as it travels to the infusion chamber.
  • the apparatus is preferably arranged so that it can dispense the formed beverage into a receptacle, such as a cup, once the beverage has been formed in the infusion chamber.
  • the beverage infusion chamber preferably comprises a filtered outlet for dispensing the prepared beverage.
  • the apparatus is primarily intended for delivery of a single portion of beverage.
  • each capsule generally contains sufficient particulate material for form a single portion of beverage.
  • the internal volume of the capsule is preferably from 10 to 24 cm 3 .
  • the volume of infusion liquid, e.g. water, delivered to the infusion chamber in a single infusion is from 150 to 300 ml.
  • the particulate beverage precursor material may be any infusible or soluble material for preparing a beverage such as dried plant material such as tea particles, coffee particles, cocoa, milk powder and the like.
  • the beverage precursor material comprises dried plant material, preferably tea particles.
  • the beverage precursor material preferably has a size (i.e. longest diameter) of from 2 to 10mm, preferably from 3 to 7mm.
  • a size i.e. longest diameter of from 2 to 10mm, preferably from 3 to 7mm.
  • at least 75%, preferably at least 90% by weight of the beverage precursor material have a size of from 2 to 10mm, preferably from 3 to 7mm.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a side sectional view through the apparatus shown in figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the perforation means used in the apparatus shown in figure 1.
  • Figure 4 is a side sectional view of a capsule being penetrated in use of the apparatus shown in figure 1.
  • Figures 5 to 8 are side sectional views through the apparatus shown in figure 1.
  • figure 1 shows an apparatus 10 having a beverage infusion chamber 16 showing a capsule 20 in place in the capsule reception location. Also shown is a handle means 12 hinged to the apparatus by hinge 14.
  • the handle means comprises a device for penetrating the capsule (not shown) which is shielded by a guard 15 so as to protect an end user from the device for penetrating the capsule while actuating the handle means 12.
  • FIG. 2 shows in greater detail the internal structure of apparatus 10.
  • the capsule 20 can be seen to comprise a single unitary body piece 18 which forms the sides and the base of the capsule.
  • the base 22 is facing uppermost.
  • the sides and base form a cavity 24 which contains particulate beverage material 26 and is sealed by a foil lid 28.
  • the device for penetrating the capsule 30 which is a metal piercer with a circular cross-section having a diameter of about 3mm.
  • the device for penetrating the capsule is also tapered at its end so as to facilitate puncturing the base 22 but also to facilitate pushing away the foil 28 as will be discussed.
  • a perforation means 40 which comprises a set of teeth arranged in a circular pattern to perforate a perimeter of the foil 28 in use.
  • FIG. 3 shows in greater detail the arrangement of the perforation means 40.
  • the perforation means 40 comprises an annular block 42 with a series of teeth 44
  • Figure 4 shows the device for penetrating the capsule 30 as it penetrates a capsule 20.
  • the penetrating device 30 due to the diameter of the penetrating device 30 and its tapered end, it is capable of cleanly penetrating the base 22 of the capsule 30 without any substantial crushing thereof.
  • the foil Shortly prior to the penetrating device 30 arriving at the foil 28, the foil had been perforated by bringing the perforation means 40 into contact with the foil 28. Importantly the arrangement was such that the region without teeth 46 was aligned with the region of the foil 32 facing the flat face of the taper of the penetrating device 30.
  • FIGS 5 to 8 show a second embodiment of the apparatus 10 as the handle means is brought down in a single stroke from a fully open initial position (figure 5) through to an almost closed position (figure 8).
  • the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in figures 1 to 4 only in the design and position of the piercer 30.
  • the puncturing device 30 has a rounded tip but also tapers at its end.
  • the apparatus comprises a handle means 12 connected to the beverage preparation unit 42 via a rotatable mounted linkage 43.
  • the handle means is in its uppermost position and a user has placed a capsule 20 comprising particulate beverage material, e.g. tea leaves, into the capsule reception location.
  • the capsule comprises a single body piece forming the base and the walls and has a foil lid.
  • the foil lid is positioned facing downwards.
  • Positioned directly beneath the capsule 20 is the perforation means 40 which is spaced away from the foil in figure 5 by about 2mm.
  • the user uses their hand to press down on the handle means 12 as it begins to move downwards to the position shown in figure 6.
  • the handle means 12 is pushed down the capsule 20 moves downwards to come into contact with the teeth of the perforation means 40.
  • the tip of the penetrating device 30 contacts the base of the capsule. As the handle means moves further downwards, due to the dimensions of the penetrating device 30 is penetrates the base of the capsule and passes into the main body thereof. As the handle means moves still further down, the tip of the penetrating device 30 comes into contact with the foil of the capsule. It can be seen that the penetrating means is positioned so that it contacts the foil off-centre and to the right of the image shown in figure 8.
  • the penetrating device 30 does not penetrate the foil and instead pushes it downwards to form the flap. As a result, the enclosed particulate beverage material falls downwards out of the capsule and into an infusion chamber, ready to start the brewing procedure.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus for preparing a beverage from a capsule, the capsule comprising particulate beverage precursor material, the apparatus comprising: (1) a capsule reception location; (2) a beverage infusion chamber having a chamber inlet for receiving infusion liquid and a chamber outlet for delivering brewed beverage; (3) an infusion liquid flow path, connecting an infusion liquid supply to a chamber inlet of the infusion chamber; characterised in that: the capsule reception location is remote from the infusion liquid flow path, and a channel is provided that connects the capsule reception location to the beverage infusion chamber; there also being provided a device for penetrating the capsule so as to induce an opening in the lowermost region of the capsule, thereby allowing the particulate beverage precursor material to exit the capsule along the channel and to the infusion chamber, wherein the device for penetrating the capsule is arranged to enter the capsule from above, pass through the capsule and induce an opening in the lowermost region of the capsule, to allow the particulate beverage material to leave the capsule under gravity.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PREPARING A BEVERAGE
Technical Field The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a beverage from a capsule comprising particulate beverage precursor material.
Background and Prior Art Many different designs of device for preparing and dispensing a prepared beverage, particularly a hot beverage, have been suggested. Some of these operate with the use of single-serve capsules, containing sufficient material to prepare a single beverage serving. In the majority of cases these capsules contain particulate beverage precursor infusion material which can produce a beverage when brought into contact with hot water, such as coffee, cocoa, tea.
In a common arrangement of apparatus, heated water is injected into the capsule so that infusion occurs within the capsule and a prepared beverage exits the capsule for dispensing to the user.
In another type of apparatus, contained particulate material leaves the capsule before preparing the beverage in a separate brewing chamber.
WO2015/068059 discloses a method of making Turkish coffee that involves depositing coffee grinds from a disposable capsule into a brew chamber, wherein the capsule comprises a slideable rupturing component. W02016/181290 discloses a method of making Turkish coffee that involves depositing coffee grinds from a disposable capsule into a brew chamber, wherein the capsule is made of two mutually rotating components. WO2016/089328 discloses a capsule for containing coffee wherein the capsule contains a cutting device for cutting through a foil of the capsule.
EP 3165136 A1 discloses a Turkish coffee machine that involves placing a capsule at the uppermost region of the machine and above a brewing chamber. In use the capsule is opened and the contents of the capsule fall under gravity into the brewing chamber.
However, one problem with such arrangements is that the capsules are complex in their design and therefore expensive to manufacture.
Thus, improvements in this area would be desirable.
Summary of Invention
The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a beverage from a capsule, the capsule comprising particulate beverage precursor material, the apparatus comprising:
(1 ) a capsule reception location;
(2) a beverage infusion chamber having a chamber inlet for receiving infusion liquid and a chamber outlet for delivering brewed beverage;
(3) an infusion liquid flow path, connecting an infusion liquid supply to a
chamber inlet of the infusion chamber; characterised in that: the capsule reception location is remote from the infusion liquid flow path, and a channel is provided that connects the capsule reception location to the beverage infusion chamber; there also being provided a device for penetrating the capsule so as to induce an opening in the lowermost region of the capsule, thereby allowing the particulate beverage precursor material to exit the capsule along the channel and to the infusion chamber, wherein the device for penetrating the capsule is arranged to enter the capsule from above, pass through the capsule and induce an opening in the lowermost region of the capsule, to allow the particulate beverage material to leave the capsule under gravity. Thus, the apparatus is arranged to deliver the contents of the capsule to an infusion chamber by penetrating the capsule and allowing the contained beverage precursor material to deposit into the infusion chamber. Additionally, following a brewing operation the capsule is substantially free of any contained particulate material and brewing liquid and is therefore in a more clean and convenient condition to be handled and recycled by the user.
The apparatus is therefore mechanically simplified as compared to prior art machines as it only needs to penetrate the capsule to deliver its contents. Additionally, as the capsule is intended merely to store the beverage particulate material and be penetrated by the apparatus, the capsule can also be of a simple design.
Typically the infusion liquid will be water, however other infusion liquids may be envisaged. Preferably the infusion liquid supply comprises a reservoir for supplying infusion liquid.
Preferably the infusion liquid flow path comprises a heater to heat infusion liquid, e.g. water, as it travels to the infusion chamber.
The device for penetrating the capsule must be dimensioned such that it is capable of penetrating the capsule, rather than crushing the capsule, which is not desirable. Thus, the width of the device for penetrating the capsule is preferably from 2 to 8 mm.
The device for penetrating the capsule may be actuated manually or by the use of one or more motors. However preferably the device for penetrating the capsule is actuated by a handle means arranged to be actuated by a human hand. This simplifies the apparatus and gives the end user a feeling of control over the process of penetrating the capsule and initiating the brewing process.
The apparatus is intended to be used in combination with a capsule specifically designed for the apparatus, located in the capsule reception location. The capsule is preferably comprised of a body part comprising a base and a surrounding wall which together define a cavity, the surrounding wall being connected to a flange, and a lid which is attached to the flange; the apparatus being arranged such that when the capsule is introduced into the apparatus, the capsule is positioned with the base positioned uppermost and the lid positioned lowermost.
Such a capsule can be made from quite thin polymeric material in its base and walls if desirable, as their purpose is merely to contain the particulate beverage material and for the base to be penetrated by the apparatus. Thus, the capsule can be made relatively simply and cheaply as compared to prior art capsules.
Preferably the body part of the capsule is a single impermeable piece. This simplifies the construction of the capsule further.
Preferably the lid of the capsule comprises a foil film. It has been found that such a foil film can be pushed away from the capsule to form an opening without the device for penetrating the capsule penetrating the film.
As discussed above, in a preferred arrangement a foil lid of the capsule is pushed away from the capsule to form an exit for the particulate beverage material. In order to facilitate the foil to be removed from the capsule by the device for penetrating the capsule, the apparatus preferably comprises a perforation means, arranged to perforate around a perimeter of the foil of the capsule prior to the device for penetrating the capsule engaging with the foil in use. Such an arrangement weakens the foil along the penetrations so that the device for penetrating the capsule can more easily push the lid away from the capsule and thus form an exit for the particulate beverage material.
The perforation means preferably comprises a ring of teeth, arranged to be brought into contact around a perimeter of the foil of the capsule to introduce perforations therein.
Preferably the perforations extend only partially around the perimeter of the foil, leaving a region unperforated to act as a hinge for the formation of a flap in use.
When the apparatus comprises a handle means to actuate the device for penetrating the capsule it is preferred that the handle means also actuates the perforation of the foil by the perforation means, preferably actuating both the device for penetrating the capsule and the perforation step in one single movement of the handle means.
Thus, one movement of the handle means can penetrate the capsule, perforate the foil and push the foil away from the capsule, thus allowing the contained particulate beverage material to be deposited into the infusion chamber.
In a preferred embodiment, the device for penetrating the capsule is arranged to contact the foil off-set from the centre of the foil. When the apparatus is arranged to provide perforations that extend only partially around the perimeter of the foil, leaving a region unperforated to act as a hinge for the formation of a flap in use, the contact point of the device for penetrating the capsule is preferably off-set from the centre of the foil in a direction away from the location of the unperforated region. This further assists in the formation of a flap, rather than the device for penetrating the capsule penetrating the foil.
As discussed above, the device for penetrating the capsule is sufficiently sharp so as to penetrate the base of the capsule but also sufficiently blunt so as to not penetrate the foil lid. Thus, the device for penetrating the capsule may be rounded or smooth at its end so that it can perform these two different functions. In one embodiment the end of the device for penetrating the capsule is tapered. The taper provides that a relatively sharp end exists for penetrating the base of the capsule whilst the taper can assist in forming a flap of foil and pushing it open rather than penetrating the foil.
The apparatus is primarily intended for use in the home of a user and so it is preferable if the machine is automated to produce a beverage quickly and conveniently. Thus, in a preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises a heater to heat the water from the reservoir as it travels to the infusion chamber.
The apparatus is preferably arranged so that it can dispense the formed beverage into a receptacle, such as a cup, once the beverage has been formed in the infusion chamber. Thus the beverage infusion chamber preferably comprises a filtered outlet for dispensing the prepared beverage. As discussed above, the apparatus is primarily intended for delivery of a single portion of beverage. As such each capsule generally contains sufficient particulate material for form a single portion of beverage. Thus the internal volume of the capsule is preferably from 10 to 24 cm3.
Thus preferably the volume of infusion liquid, e.g. water, delivered to the infusion chamber in a single infusion is from 150 to 300 ml.
The particulate beverage precursor material may be any infusible or soluble material for preparing a beverage such as dried plant material such as tea particles, coffee particles, cocoa, milk powder and the like. Preferably the beverage precursor material comprises dried plant material, preferably tea particles.
The beverage precursor material preferably has a size (i.e. longest diameter) of from 2 to 10mm, preferably from 3 to 7mm. In particular, at least 75%, preferably at least 90% by weight of the beverage precursor material have a size of from 2 to 10mm, preferably from 3 to 7mm.
The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following figures, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention.
Figure 2 is a side sectional view through the apparatus shown in figure 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the perforation means used in the apparatus shown in figure 1.
Figure 4 is a side sectional view of a capsule being penetrated in use of the apparatus shown in figure 1.
Figures 5 to 8 are side sectional views through the apparatus shown in figure 1.
Turning to the figures, figure 1 shows an apparatus 10 having a beverage infusion chamber 16 showing a capsule 20 in place in the capsule reception location. Also shown is a handle means 12 hinged to the apparatus by hinge 14. The handle means comprises a device for penetrating the capsule (not shown) which is shielded by a guard 15 so as to protect an end user from the device for penetrating the capsule while actuating the handle means 12.
Figure 2 shows in greater detail the internal structure of apparatus 10. The capsule 20 can be seen to comprise a single unitary body piece 18 which forms the sides and the base of the capsule. The base 22 is facing uppermost. The sides and base form a cavity 24 which contains particulate beverage material 26 and is sealed by a foil lid 28. Also shown is the device for penetrating the capsule 30 which is a metal piercer with a circular cross-section having a diameter of about 3mm. The device for penetrating the capsule is also tapered at its end so as to facilitate puncturing the base 22 but also to facilitate pushing away the foil 28 as will be discussed. Also shown is a perforation means 40 which comprises a set of teeth arranged in a circular pattern to perforate a perimeter of the foil 28 in use.
Figure 3 shows in greater detail the arrangement of the perforation means 40. The perforation means 40 comprises an annular block 42 with a series of teeth 44
extending from the top thereof. It can be seen that the teeth 44 extend in an almost complete circuit to provide perforations in the lid 28 of the capsule. However there is a gap 46 where no perforation will be introduced in the lid 28.
Figure 4 shows the device for penetrating the capsule 30 as it penetrates a capsule 20. As can be seen, due to the diameter of the penetrating device 30 and its tapered end, it is capable of cleanly penetrating the base 22 of the capsule 30 without any substantial crushing thereof. Shortly prior to the penetrating device 30 arriving at the foil 28, the foil had been perforated by bringing the perforation means 40 into contact with the foil 28. Importantly the arrangement was such that the region without teeth 46 was aligned with the region of the foil 32 facing the flat face of the taper of the penetrating device 30. As such, when the penetrating device 30 reaches the foil 28, rather than penetrating the foil, the foil tears along the perforations, allowing the taper of the piercing device to push the foil open about the region of the foil 32 that is not perforated, acting as a hinge for the opening foil 28. Figures 5 to 8 show a second embodiment of the apparatus 10 as the handle means is brought down in a single stroke from a fully open initial position (figure 5) through to an almost closed position (figure 8). The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in figures 1 to 4 only in the design and position of the piercer 30.
As can be seen, the puncturing device 30 has a rounded tip but also tapers at its end.
As can be seen through figures 5 to 8 the apparatus comprises a handle means 12 connected to the beverage preparation unit 42 via a rotatable mounted linkage 43.
It its initial position as shown in figure 5, the handle means is in its uppermost position and a user has placed a capsule 20 comprising particulate beverage material, e.g. tea leaves, into the capsule reception location. The capsule comprises a single body piece forming the base and the walls and has a foil lid. The foil lid is positioned facing downwards. Positioned directly beneath the capsule 20 is the perforation means 40 which is spaced away from the foil in figure 5 by about 2mm.
In the next step the user uses their hand to press down on the handle means 12 as it begins to move downwards to the position shown in figure 6. As the handle means 12 is pushed down the capsule 20 moves downwards to come into contact with the teeth of the perforation means 40.
As the handle means is moved further downwards to the position shown in figure 7, the capsule is pressed against perforation means 40, which introduces a series of perforations around the perimeter of the foil. However a region remains unperforated at the side to the left of the image shown in figure 7.
As the handle means 12 moves to the position shown in figure 8 the tip of the penetrating device 30 contacts the base of the capsule. As the handle means moves further downwards, due to the dimensions of the penetrating device 30 is penetrates the base of the capsule and passes into the main body thereof. As the handle means moves still further down, the tip of the penetrating device 30 comes into contact with the foil of the capsule. It can be seen that the penetrating means is positioned so that it contacts the foil off-centre and to the right of the image shown in figure 8. The downforce provided by the penetrating device 30 combined with the perforations provided around the perimeter of the foil combined with the off-centre location of the penetrating device and the dimensions of the penetrating device itself, result in the foil tearing away from the perforations and forming a flap hinged about the part of the perimeter of the foil that was not perforated. The penetrating device 30 does not penetrate the foil and instead pushes it downwards to form the flap. As a result, the enclosed particulate beverage material falls downwards out of the capsule and into an infusion chamber, ready to start the brewing procedure.

Claims

Claims
1. An apparatus for preparing a beverage from a capsule, the capsule comprising particulate beverage precursor material, the apparatus comprising:
(1 ) a capsule reception location;
(2) a beverage infusion chamber having a chamber inlet for receiving infusion liquid and a chamber outlet for delivering brewed beverage;
(3) an infusion liquid flow path, connecting an infusion liquid supply to a
chamber inlet of the infusion chamber; characterised in that: the capsule reception location is remote from the infusion liquid flow path, and a channel is provided that connects the capsule reception location to the beverage infusion chamber; there also being provided
a device for penetrating the capsule so as to induce an opening in the lowermost region of the capsule, thereby allowing the particulate beverage precursor material to exit the capsule along the channel and to the infusion chamber, wherein the device for penetrating the capsule is arranged to enter the capsule from above, pass through the capsule and induce an opening in the lowermost region of the capsule, to allow the particulate beverage material to leave the capsule under gravity.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the width of the device for
penetrating the capsule is from 2 to 8 mm.
3. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device for penetrating the capsule is actuated by a handle means arranged to be actuated by a human hand.
4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with a capsule located at the capsule reception location, the capsule comprised of a body part comprising a base and a surrounding wall which together define a cavity, the surrounding wall being connected to a flange, and a lid which is attached to the flange; the apparatus being arranged such that when the capsule is introduced into the apparatus, the capsule is positioned with the base positioned uppermost and the lid positioned lowermost.
5. An apparatus and capsule according to claim 4, wherein the lid comprises a foil film.
6. An apparatus and capsule according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the body part is a single impermeable piece.
7. An apparatus and capsule according to any one of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the apparatus comprises a perforation means, arranged to perforate around a perimeter of the foil of the capsule prior to the device for penetrating the capsule engaging with the foil in use.
8. An apparatus and capsule according to claim 7, wherein the perforation extends only partially around the perimeter of the foil, leaving a region unperforated to act as a hinge for the formation of a flap in use.
9. An apparatus and capsule according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the handle means also actuates the perforation of the foil by the perforation means, preferably actuating both the device for penetrating the capsule and the perforation step in one single movement of the handle means.
10. An apparatus and capsule according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the device for penetrating the capsule is positioned such that in use the foil is contacted off-set from the centre of the foil.
11. An apparatus and capsule according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the device for penetrating the capsule is sufficiently sharp so as to penetrate the base of the capsule but also sufficiently blunt so as to not penetrate the foil lid.
12. An apparatus and capsule according to claim 11 , wherein the device for penetrating the capsule comprises a tapered end.
13. An apparatus and capsule according to claims 8 and 12, wherein the taper presents an essentially flat face at an angle to the base of the capsule during penetration thereof, and wherein the flat surface of the taper faces towards the unperforated part of the perimeter so that the flat surface acts to push open the foil as it hinges open about the unperforated part of the perimeter.
14. An apparatus and capsule according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the device for penetrating the capsule is arranged to meet the lid of the capsule off- set from the centre of the lid.
PCT/EP2018/081239 2017-11-22 2018-11-14 Apparatus for preparing a beverage Ceased WO2019101599A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17306620 2017-11-22
EP17306620.0 2017-11-22

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0389141A1 (en) * 1989-03-20 1990-09-26 General Foods Limited Beverage packages
US20150079240A1 (en) * 2010-11-09 2015-03-19 Gian Matteo Lo Foro Capsule based system for preparing and dispensing a beverage
WO2015068059A1 (en) 2013-11-08 2015-05-14 Mac Design S.R.L. A device for preparing a beverage from an at least partially water-soluble food powder
WO2016089328A1 (en) 2014-12-03 2016-06-09 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A coffee machine and a capsule suitable to be used in coffee machines
WO2016181290A1 (en) 2015-05-08 2016-11-17 Mac Design S.R.L. A disposable capsule containing coffee powder and a system for preparing turkish coffee
EP3165136A1 (en) 2015-11-03 2017-05-10 Arçelik Anonim Sirketi A coffee machine used with a capsule
DE102016202674A1 (en) * 2016-02-22 2017-08-24 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Multi-chamber capsule and multi-chamber capsule system for making a drink

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0389141A1 (en) * 1989-03-20 1990-09-26 General Foods Limited Beverage packages
US20150079240A1 (en) * 2010-11-09 2015-03-19 Gian Matteo Lo Foro Capsule based system for preparing and dispensing a beverage
WO2015068059A1 (en) 2013-11-08 2015-05-14 Mac Design S.R.L. A device for preparing a beverage from an at least partially water-soluble food powder
WO2016089328A1 (en) 2014-12-03 2016-06-09 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A coffee machine and a capsule suitable to be used in coffee machines
WO2016181290A1 (en) 2015-05-08 2016-11-17 Mac Design S.R.L. A disposable capsule containing coffee powder and a system for preparing turkish coffee
EP3165136A1 (en) 2015-11-03 2017-05-10 Arçelik Anonim Sirketi A coffee machine used with a capsule
DE102016202674A1 (en) * 2016-02-22 2017-08-24 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Multi-chamber capsule and multi-chamber capsule system for making a drink

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