HK1172878B - System and method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

System for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule. The system further comprises an apparatus comprising a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, to the exchangeable capsule, a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet arrangement for supplying the beverage to a container, such as a cup. The capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, a lid, an entrance area and a closed exit area. The circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space that comprises an extractable product. The system is arranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device in fluid connection with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage. The system is further arranged so that, in use, the outlet arrangement is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule. The capsule further comprises a opening element that is arranged for providing an opening through the closed exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule.

Description

System and method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system includes an exchangeable capsule (capsule). The system further comprises an apparatus comprising a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, to the exchangeable capsule, a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet device for supplying the beverage to a container, such as a cup. The capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, a lid, an entrance area and a closed exit area. The circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space containing the extractable product. The system is arranged such that the fluid dispensing device is in fluid connection with the entrance area for supplying fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage. The system is further arranged such that, in use, the outlet means is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The method comprises an exchangeable capsule comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom, a lid, an entrance area and a closed exit area, wherein the circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space provided with an extractable product. The method further comprises an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding an exchangeable capsule, a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, to the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet device which, in use, is in fluid communication with the capsule for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container, such as a cup. The apparatus is arranged for fluidly connecting the fluid dispensing device with the entrance area of the capsule for supplying fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage.

Background

Hermetically sealed capsules containing ground coffee for placing in a coffee dispensing apparatus are known in the art. During coffee preparation, an entrance area of such a sealed capsule is pierced such that an entrance opening is provided for supplying fluid under pressure to the ground coffee in the inner space of the capsule. This in turn causes a pressure rise in the inner space of the capsule such that the exit area of the capsule is pressed against lid piercing means present in the apparatus. When sufficient pressure is applied, the exit area will tear the lid piercing means, forming an exit opening through which the coffee beverage can be drained from the capsule through an exit opening present in the apparatus. In use, the outlet is in fluid communication with an outlet area of the receiving receptacle such that the coffee beverage may flow through the outlet.

It has been found that in the above-described system, a preferred path of the fluid may flow through the extractable product within the capsule, e.g. from the at least one inlet opening to the at least one outlet opening, which may lead to an undesired concentration of the prepared beverage and/or a change in the concentration of the prepared beverage from one capsule to another capsule. Further, since the outlet openings are formed due to the fluid pressure, the number, location, and/or size of the outlet openings may be randomly formed.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an alternative system, capsule and method.

To this end, according to a first aspect, a system according to claim 1 is provided.

The capsule according to the invention has an opening element arranged to provide at least one opening through the further closed exit area. The opening element may be present in the capsule itself, instead of in the receptacle or exit device. For a capsule, the opening member may comprise other features or adjustments. The opening element itself may open the exit area. Through the formed at least one outlet opening, the prepared beverage may be discharged from the capsule through the outlet device and into the container. The capsule being equipped with an opening element may provide for a predetermined number of exit openings, a predetermined position of each exit opening and/or a predetermined size of the exit openings, e.g. not being primarily dependent on the inner fluid pressure of the capsule.

By means of the invention, the arrangement of the outlet openings can be predetermined independently of the device. For example, the number, location and/or size of the outlet openings may be determined on the basis of the type of extractable product, the granularity of the extractable product, the desired concentration of the beverage, etc. The capsule carrying such extractable product may comprise one or more opening members, which may be ready for a predetermined number, position and/or size of exit openings. Furthermore, the opening element may form the exit opening independently or partly independently of the accumulated pressure inside the capsule. A plurality of opening portions may be provided.

Advantageously, the capsule may be sealed with respect to the surrounding environment. Preferably, the surroundings are fluid-tight and/or air-tight, so that the extractable product may remain substantially intact for a relatively long time before use, preferably substantially without loss of aroma or extractability. Only just before or during use, the opening element may be activated so that beverage may flow through the outlet area.

In one embodiment, the opening element is arranged to be manually activated, for example before operating the device. In another embodiment, the opening element is arranged to be activated by the device, for example during operation.

In an embodiment, the exit area may be provided in the lid and/or in a part of the circumferential wall of the capsule. The outlet area may further comprise an outlet filter for retaining the extractable product and draining the beverage. The entrance area may be provided in the bottom and/or in a part of the circumferential wall of the capsule. The inlet may comprise an inlet filter allowing the passage of the pressurized fluid and retaining the extractable product.

In one embodiment, the opening element may be separate from the outlet filter and/or the lid. For example, the opening element may be at least partially movable to open the exit area. In one embodiment, the exit area may be partly torn, broken, ruptured or opened by at least partly moving the opening element. In another embodiment, the apparatus may have moving elements, such as bottom piercing means and/or a receptacle. The opening element may be moved by the bottom piercing means and/or the receptacle to open the exit area.

In another embodiment, the opening element may be arranged to be at least partially moved away from a respective outlet opening provided in the outlet filter. For example, the opening element may be arranged to be at least partially deformed, for example due to heat and/or a reaction to a fluid.

In yet another embodiment, the opening element may be integral with the outlet filter and/or the lid. In a further embodiment, the opening element may be arranged to be at least partially dissolved and/or degraded by fluid from the fluid dispensing device to provide an opening through the outlet area. For example, an outlet opening may be provided in and/or opposite the outlet filter, the opening being filled with a dissolvable and/or degradable material. By supplying fluid to the outlet filter, the outlet opening can be opened.

In an embodiment, the same opening member may be arranged to provide an opening through the entrance area supplying fluid to the capsule, in particular the extractable product, and through the exit area, e.g. approximately simultaneously. In another embodiment, the opening member may include first and second opening members. In use, the first opening element may provide an opening through the inlet area and the second opening element may provide an opening through the outlet area.

The capsule may comprise a rigid rim and/or a rigid circumferential wall such that the capsule may be supported by the receptacle. In use, the rim may be compressed between the receptacle and the outlet device to hold the capsule in place while beverage is drained from the capsule.

In an embodiment, the receptacle comprises bottom piercing means intended to pierce the bottom of the alternative capsule so as to form at least one entrance opening in the entrance area of the alternative capsule for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through said at least one entrance opening. The capsule of the system is arranged such that, in use, the bottom of the capsule of the system is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means such that it is not pierced by the bottom piercing means and remains intact.

In another embodiment, the receptacle comprises lid piercing means intended to pierce the exit area of the alternative capsule when the exit area is sufficiently pressed against the lid piercing means under the influence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the capsule, such that at least one exit opening is formed in the exit area through which the beverage can drain from the alternative capsule. Preferably, the lid piercing means and the capsule of the system are adapted to each other such that the lid is not pierced by the lid piercing means and remains intact in use.

The fluid dispensing means of the system may be arranged to supply the fluid to the exchangeable capsule at a pressure of about 4-20 bar, preferably 5-18 bar, more preferably 6-15 bar. In one embodiment, the capsule is provided with a pressure of 6 bar built up in a suitable fluid dispensing device. For example, the extractable product may comprise ground coffee particles, and the system may be arranged to produce an espresso and/or coffee type beverage.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method according to claim 25.

In this method, a capsule is used, which comprises an opening element providing an opening through the exit area, after which the prepared beverage is drained from the capsule. Prior to use, the outlet area may be closed. During use, or just prior to use, the opening element may be activated such that an opening is formed through the outlet area. The fluid and/or beverage is then drained from the capsule, through the outlet opening to the outlet device, and preferably into a container (e.g. a cup). The outlet area and/or the inlet area may be opened by activating the opening element, e.g. by pushing, heating, wetting, pressing, breaking, tearing, etc.

Drawings

Further embodiments of the invention and their advantages are set forth in the claims and the description with reference to the drawings.

In the drawings:

fig. 1a to 1c schematically show cross-sectional front views of a prior art system for preparing a beverage;

figure 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional front view of a system for preparing a beverage;

figure 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional front view of the capsule;

figure 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional front view of another capsule;

figure 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional front view of a further capsule;

fig. 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional front view of a portion of a further capsule;

fig. 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional front view of the capsule and the bottom piercing means;

figure 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional front view of a further capsule;

fig. 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional front view of a further capsule.

Detailed Description

In the present specification, the same or corresponding regions have the same or corresponding reference numerals. The exemplary embodiments shown should not be construed as limiting in any way and are intended to be illustrative only.

Fig. 1a to 1c show a prior art system 101 for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system 101 comprises an exchangeable capsule 102 and an apparatus 104. The apparatus 104 comprises a receptacle 106 for holding the exchangeable capsule 102. In fig. 1a to 1c, a gap is drawn between the capsule 102 and the receptacle 106 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, in use, the capsule 102 may be placed in contact with the receptacle 106. Generally, the receptacle 106 has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the capsule 102. The apparatus 104 further comprises a fluid dispensing device 108 for supplying a quantity of fluid, e.g. water, to the exchangeable capsule 102 at a pressure, e.g. 9 bar. Furthermore, an outlet device 109 for providing fluid from the capsule 102 to a container (e.g. a cup) may be provided.

In the system 101 shown in fig. 1a to 1c, the exchangeable capsule 102 comprises a circumferential wall 110, a bottom 112 closing the circumferential wall 110 at a first end 114, and a lid 116 closing the circumferential wall 110 at a second end 118 opposite the bottom 112. The circumferential wall 110, the bottom 112 and the lid 116 enclose an inner space 120 containing the extractable product 20.

The system 101 of fig. 1a to 1c comprises bottom piercing means 122 intended to pierce the capsule 102. Fig. 1a shows the bottom piercing means 122 in a retracted position. Fig. 1b shows the bottom piercing means 122 in an extended position for forming an inlet opening 124 in the bottom 112 for supplying fluid to the extractable product 20 through the inlet opening 124. In fig. 1a to 1c, the piercing means 122 comprises a hole 126 through which a fluid can be supplied to the extractable product 20 contained in the inner space 120. The system 101 of fig. 1a to 1c further comprises lid piercing means 128, here embodied as protrusions, intended to pierce the lid 116 of the capsule 102. In the embodiment shown, the cap piercing means 128 may form part of the outlet means 109.

The system 101 shown in fig. 1a to 1c is operated as described below to prepare a cup of coffee, wherein the extractable product 20 is roast and ground coffee.

The capsule 102 is placed in a receptacle 106 (see fig. 1 a). The bottom piercing means is activated to pierce the bottom 112 of the capsule 102 (see fig. 1b) thereby forming the entrance opening 124. Fluid, here hot water under pressure, is supplied to the extractable product 20 in the inner space 120 through the inlet opening 124. The water will wet the coffee powder and extract the desired substance to form a coffee beverage.

During the supply of water under pressure to the inner space 120, the pressure inside the capsule 102 will increase. The increase in pressure will cause the cap 116 to deform and be pressed against the cap piercing device 128. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, the tear strength of the lid 116 will be exceeded and the lid will rupture against (against) the lid piercing means 128, forming an outlet opening 130 (see fig. 1 c). The prepared coffee will be discharged from the capsule 102 through the exit opening 130 and the outlet 132 of the exit device 109 and may be supplied to a container, such as a cup (not shown).

During preparation of a beverage in the system 101 shown in fig. 1 a-1 c, there may be a preferred flow path in the extractable product 20 within the inner space 120 of the capsule 102. These preferred flow paths may extend from the inlet opening 124 to the outlet opening 130. One such possible preferred flow path is shown in fig. 1c by line PP.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a first embodiment of a system 1 for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product 20. The system 1 comprises an exchangeable capsule 2 and an apparatus 104. The capsule 2 is in an open state, wherein an opening element (not shown in fig. 2) has been activated to open the exit area and the entrance area. The opening member will be discussed below.

The apparatus 104 comprises a receptacle 106 for holding an exchangeable capsule 2. In this example, the receptacle 106 has a shape complementary to the shape of the capsule 2. In fig. 2, a gap is drawn between the capsule 2 and the receptacle 106 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, in use, the capsule 2 may be placed in contact with the receptacle 106. The apparatus 104 further comprises a fluid dispensing device 108 for supplying a quantity of fluid, e.g. water, under pressure to the exchangeable capsule 2.

In the system 1 shown in fig. 2, the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises a circumferential wall 10, a bottom 12 closing the circumferential wall 10 at a first end 14, and a lid 16 closing the circumferential wall 10 at a second end 18 opposite the bottom 12. The circumferential wall 10, the bottom 12 and the lid 16 enclose an inner space 20 containing an extractable product 20. In this example, the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises an amount of extractable product 20 suitable for preparing a single serving of beverage, preferably a cup of beverage, for example from 30-200ml of prepared beverage. Thus, the exchangeable capsule is a single-portion package.

According to one embodiment, the system 1 of fig. 2 comprises bottom piercing means 122 intended to pierce a prior art capsule 102 as shown in fig. 1 a-1 c. Fig. 2 shows the bottom piercing means in an extended position intended to form an entrance opening 124 in the bottom 112 of the prior art capsule 102. According to another embodiment, the capsule 2 comprises an entrance filter 34 positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means 122 such that when the bottom piercing means enters the extended position, the capsule 2 is not pierced by the bottom piercing means 122 and the bottom 12 remains intact. Thus, the inlet filter 34 provides an inlet area. The inlet filter is provided with an inlet opening 24 which can be formed by activating an inlet opening element, which will be explained below.

In fig. 2, the piercing device 122 comprises a hole 126 through which fluid is supplied to the inner space of the receptacle 106. A fluid, here hot water, under a pressure, for instance more than 6 bar, will flow through the inlet filter 34 into the inner space 20 of the capsule 2 in order to extract the desired substance, in this example about 7g of roast and ground coffee, from the extractable product 20 in order to prepare in this example a cup of beverage, here coffee.

Thus, more generally, in the example of fig. 2, the bottom 12 comprises an entrance area formed by the entrance filter 34, and the system 1 is arranged for fluidly connecting the fluid dispensing device 108 with the entrance area for supplying fluid to the extractable product 20 for preparing the beverage.

In the example of fig. 2, the circumferential wall 10 is substantially rigid. For example, the circumferential wall may comprise a plastic material and may be formed by, for example, injection molding, vacuum forming, thermoforming, or the like. In the example of fig. 2, the bottom 12 is integral with the circumferential wall 10. In this example, the inlet filter 34 is formed by a plurality of inlet openings 24 in the bottom 12, forming an inlet area. In this example, the plurality of inlet openings 24 are distributed over substantially the entire bottom 12. In the embodiment shown, the fluid is supplied to the extractable product 20 via a plurality of inlet openings 24, which results in the extractable product 20 becoming wet over substantially the entire cross-section of the capsule 2. Thereby, a very uniform fluid supply to the extractable product 20 is obtained. Thus, the risk of a preferred path through which the fluid flows through the extractable product 20 is greatly reduced. In another embodiment, an additional opening 24 may be provided in the circumferential wall 10, preferably near the bottom 12, so that the inlet area may be provided along the bottom 12 and along the circumferential wall 10.

In another embodiment, which may be used in addition to or different from the above-described embodiment, the system 1 of fig. 2 comprises lid piercing means 128 intended to pierce the lid 116 of the prior art capsule 102 when the lid 116 is sufficiently pressed against the lid piercing means 128 under the influence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the capsule 102 to form at least one exit opening 130 through which the beverage may be drained from the prior art capsule 102. According to an embodiment of the invention, the capsule 2 comprises an exit filter 36 comprising exit openings 30 through which the beverage can be discharged from the capsule 2. As will be explained below, the capsule may be provided with exit opening elements for opening these exit openings 30 before or during use. The exit filter 36 may be arranged to have a sufficiently high tear strength such that it is not pierced by the lid piercing means 128 under the influence of the pressure inside the capsule 2. Alternatively, or in addition, the exit filter 36 forms a sufficiently low flow resistance to the beverage leaving the capsule 2, such that there is not enough force to press the exit filter 36 against the lid piercing means 128 to be pierced by the lid piercing means 128 and the lid remains intact. Thus, the exit filter 36 is adapted to the lid piercing means 128 such that the capsule 2 is not pierced by the lid piercing means 128 in use and the lid 16 remains intact. More generally, it applies to adapt the exit filter 36 and the lid piercing means 128 to each other such that the capsule 2 is not pierced by the lid piercing means 128 in use and the lid 16 remains intact.

In the example of fig. 2, the exit filter 36 forming the exit area of the capsule 2 is formed by a porous sheet, such as filter paper, through which the beverage, here coffee, may be drained from the capsule. In this example, the entire lid 16 is formed as an outlet filter 36. In the example of fig. 2, the capsule 2 comprises an outwardly extending rim 38 at the second end 18, wherein the lid 16 is attached to the outwardly extending rim 38, e.g. by gluing, welding or the like. Thus, in this example, the outlet filter 36 (i.e., porous sheet) is attached to the outwardly extending edge 38.

In this example, the exit filter 36 forms a substantially continuous fluid-permeable sheet across substantially the entire second open end 18 of the capsule 2. Thus, fluid may be expelled from the capsule 2 over a large area. Thus, a very uniform beverage discharge is obtained from the extractable product 20. Thus, the risk of occurrence of a preferred path via which the fluid flows through the extractable product 20 is greatly reduced.

In an embodiment, the parameters of the exit filter 36 of the capsule 2 of the system 1 may be chosen such that the exit filter 36 does not tear or rupture, e.g. has a sufficiently high tear strength and/or forms a sufficiently low flow resistance without being pierced or torn. It will be appreciated that the lid and/or the exit filter 36 may be deformed against the lid piercing means, but the lid will not rupture or be torn. When the outlet filter 36 is made of, for example, filter paper, the parameters of the filter paper (e.g., density, thickness, and/or PE content) may simply be selected to provide the outlet filter 36 with a sufficiently high tear strength and/or to create a sufficiently low flow resistance. Alternatively, when the outlet filter 36 is formed, for example, from a polymeric film provided with a plurality of outlet openings, the parameters of the polymeric sheet (e.g. density, thickness, number of outlet openings, size and/or shape of the outlet openings) may simply be selected to provide the third wall portion with a sufficiently high tear strength and/or to form a sufficiently low flow resistance.

In the example of fig. 2, a lid piercing device 128 is shown having pointed teeth points intended to pierce a lid. It will be appreciated that alternatively, the cap piercing means 128 may have a blunt piercing surface, such as indicated by the dashed lines in fig. 2. In such an embodiment, for example, when the lid 116 is formed from a sheet of aluminum foil, the prior art capsule 102 may still be pierced by the blunt piercing device 128. The parameters of the exit filter 36 of the capsule 2 of the system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention may be chosen such that the exit filter 36 has a sufficiently high tear strength and/or forms a sufficiently low flow resistance without being pierced or torn. It will be appreciated that when the cap piercing means is blunt, the parameters of the outlet filter may be selected to suit these blunt piercing means. When the piercing means is blunt, for example, the outlet filter may be thinner than would be the case if the cap piercing means were sharp, while ensuring that the outlet filter has a sufficiently high tear strength and/or forms a sufficiently low flow resistance without being pierced or torn.

It is possible that the cap piercing means comprises a ridge with which the cap abuts in use. Such ridges may be formed by blunt piercing means 128 shown in phantom in fig. 2. For example, the ridge may form at least 10%, possibly at least 25%, of the surface portion of the receptacle 106 which, in use, coincides with a portion of the surface area of the lid 16 covering the second open end 18. Thus, in use, the lid 16 may be supported by a ridge over at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, of a portion of the surface area of the lid 16 covering the second open end 18, for example. As already indicated, the lid 116 of the prior art capsule 102 may be pierced with such ridges, whereas the parameters of the exit filter 36 of the capsule 2 of the system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention may simply be chosen such that the exit filter 36 has a sufficiently high tear strength and/or forms a sufficiently low flow resistance without being pierced or torn. It will be appreciated that when the cap piercing means comprises a ridge, the parameters of the outlet filter may be selected to suit such cap piercing means.

In the example of fig. 2, the ridge includes a non-sharp edge. In this example, the radius of curvature of the edge is about 50 μm, but other radii are conceivable, such as 100, 200 or 500 μm. For example, when the lid 116 is constituted by a piece of aluminium foil, the prior art capsule 102 may still be pierced by the blunt piercing means 128. It will be appreciated that when the cap piercing means comprises a non-sharp edge, the parameters of the outlet filter 36 may be selected to suit such cap piercing means. The parameters of the exit filter 36 of the capsule 2 of the system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention may be chosen such that the exit filter 36 has a sufficiently high tear strength and/or forms a sufficiently low flow resistance without being pierced or torn.

It is also possible that the ridge of the cap piercing means 128 has a convex top portion, with which the cap 16 abuts. Thus, when the lid 16 is pressed against the ridge in use, the surface area on which the lid is supported by the ridge is increased, thereby reducing the local pressure exerted by the ridge on the lid. Thus, the lid can be made in a simple manner not to tear and/or break in use and to remain intact.

Prior to positioning the capsule 2 in the receptacle 106, the capsule 2 may be sealed such that the extractable product 20 may remain intact until the beverage is prepared. As shown in fig. 3, the capsule 2 may comprise an exit opening element arranged to provide an opening 30 through the exit area for draining the prepared beverage. Before opening, the opening element closes the outlet area. The opening element may comprise a seal 40. By removing the seal 40, the opening 30 of the filter 36 is exposed and beverage can be drained therethrough. The sealing member 40 may be manually removed before placing the capsule 2 in the receptacle 106. The seal 40 may be provided with a lip 42 for retention between the fingers to facilitate removal of the seal 40. The seal 40 may be formed as a separate part, separate from the outlet filter 36 and/or the rim 38, i.e. it is formed separately from the outlet filter 36 and/or the rim 38. The seal 40 may comprise a cap, foil, sheet, or the like, and may be made of, for example, paper, plastic, and/or metal foil. The sealing member 40 may be joined to the capsule 2, in particular the rim 38, in any suitable manner, for example by welding or gluing, etc.

As shown, an entrance area opening member may be provided to provide an opening through the entrance area for supplying fluid to the capsule 2 and through the otherwise closed entrance area. The inlet area opening member may include a second seal 44. The inlet opening 24 of the inlet filter 34 is exposed by removing the second seal 44, for example by pulling the second seal via the second lip 46. The inlet seal 44 may have the same features as the outlet seal 40. In one embodiment, the inlet seal 44 and the outlet seal 40 may engage each other and/or together form one seal.

In another embodiment, the capsule 1 may have an exit area opening member and/or an entrance area opening member, which have to be manually squeezed or torn to provide an opening through the exit area and/or the entrance area, respectively (see fig. 4). Such opening elements may comprise flaps 48, 50, respectively. For example, by squeezing or partially tearing the respective sheets 48, 50, the respective openings 30, 24 may be exposed such that fluid and beverage may flow into and out of the capsule 2. For example, the outlet filter 36 and/or the inlet filter 34 may be made of a relatively strong and/or thick material so as not to be torn and/or passed through with the corresponding opening element. For example, the outlet filter 36 and/or the inlet filter 34 may comprise metal and/or reinforced paper and/or plastic. For example, the filters 34, 36 may be relatively thicker than the sheets 50, 48, respectively.

In another embodiment, the opening member may include a package 52 (fig. 5). The package 52 may be formed of a surrounding foil, seal, paper or the like, which surrounds and seals the bottom 12, the circumferential wall 10 and the lid 16. The wrapper 52 may seal the filters 34, 36 so that the extractable product 20 may remain intact. Prior to use, the packaging 52 must be removed to extract the extractable product 20. The rim 38 may be joined to the circumferential wall 10 of the capsule 2 and/or the lid 16. A separate reusable rim 38 may be separately provided, wherein the separate rim may be joined to the disposable capsule 52 prior to use and removed after use so that it may be reused. In another embodiment, each capsule 2 may be provided with an edge 38, wherein the entire capsule 2 (including the edge 38) may be disposable.

In an embodiment, the opening member is arranged to be at least partially moved relative to the exit area and/or the entrance area to provide the openings 30, 24 through the exit area and/or the entrance area, respectively, preferably while remaining at least partially engaged to the capsule. In fig. 6, the opening element for the outlet area is shown. Similarly, an opening element may be provided for the inlet region. For example, the capsule 2 may comprise an opening element activated by heat. When the hot water comes into contact with the opening element, the opening element is at least partially moved to expose the respective outlet opening 30 or inlet opening 24. For example, the opening element may comprise a strip 54 of shape memory alloy and/or bimetal arranged to deform under the influence of heat (i.e. when its temperature exceeds a certain threshold temperature).

In another embodiment, the opening element may comprise an element comprising a material that reacts with the fluid and/or a specific amount of moisture. For example, when the element is in contact with a certain amount of fluid, the material may become relatively limp and thereby deformed, such that the outlet area and/or the inlet area is opened, or the element may become limp under the influence of the supplied fluid, after which it may be moved or deformed by the pressure of the pressurized fluid and/or the movement of the extractable product 20.

In another embodiment, the opening element may comprise a locally dried and/or pressurized extractable product 20, such as granules. The partially dried and/or pressurized extractable product 20 may block the outlet opening 30 and/or the inlet opening 24 such that the remaining part of the extractable product 20 in the inner space remains substantially intact. The partially dried and/or pressurized material may become fatigued or ruptured under the influence of the fluid so that the fluid may flow through the openings 24, 30 and extract the aroma from the extractable product 20.

In another embodiment, the opening element and the device are arranged such that the device moves the opening element in order to provide an opening through the exit area and/or the entrance area. The moving part of the apparatus may be, for example, the bottom piercing means 122 and/or the receptacle 106, or otherwise the capsule 2 abutting a part of the apparatus 104.

In one embodiment, the opening element comprises an opening element for opening the inlet region and/or the outlet region. The opening member may comprise one integral part. Furthermore, a plurality of opening elements may be provided, for example at least one for the inlet region and at least one for the outlet region, wherein the opening elements are engageable. The opening element may be activated by the bottom piercing means 122. For example, during use, the bottom piercing device 122 can push the opening element away from the inlet region and/or toward the outlet region (fig. 7). By pushing the opening member away from the inlet area, at least one opening 24 may be provided in the inlet area. For example, the opening element may be torn loose from the bottom, or may be pushed out of its installed position. In another embodiment, the exit area is also opened by the same pushing action. As shown in fig. 7, the opening element 55 may pierce the exit area by said pushing action, such that one or more exit openings 30 may be provided. In another embodiment, a similar opening element may be manually pushed or otherwise manually activated before positioning the capsule 2 in the receptacle 106.

In another embodiment (not shown), the capsule 2 is provided with an integral opening member. The system 1 may be arranged such that after placing the capsule 2 in the receptacle 106, the receptacle 106 is moved towards the exit device 109 such that the edge 38 may be clamped between the receptacle 106 and the exit device 109. By moving the receptacle 106 with the capsule 2 in the direction of the exit device 109, the apparatus may deform local portions of the capsule 2, which deformation may cause local tearing and/or rupture of the capsule 2 through the exit area and/or the entrance area. Here, the opening member may be integrally formed in the capsule 2, e.g. in and/or near the lid and/or the bottom. For example, the opening element may comprise one or more projections under stress, while the receptacle 106 and the outlet device 109 move relative to each other while pushing against the edge 38. The edge 38 may be arranged such that the protrusion is under stress by pushing or clamping the edge 38 and the lid and/or the bottom may be locally broken, e.g. at a notch (indentation) at or near the protrusion.

In another embodiment, the covers 60, 62 may be arranged to seal the outlet and/or inlet regions, respectively (fig. 8). For example, a plurality of covers may cover outlet opening 30 and inlet opening 24, respectively. When a capsule is placed in the receptacle 106 to be supplied with fluid, water pressure may be used to move the cover away from the respective opening 30, 24. Thus, the inlet and outlet regions are opened and fluid and beverage can flow through the openings 30, 24.

In yet another embodiment, the opening element may be at least partially dissolvable, for example, in a fluid and/or a pressurized fluid. In fig. 9, dissolved opening elements 62, 64 are shown, which are arranged to block each opening 24, 30. When the capsule 2 is supplied with fluid, the dissolvable opening elements 62, 64 dissolve to allow the passage of fluid and/or beverage. Dissolvable opening elements 62, 64 may be disposed at and/or in openings 24, 30, preferably sealing openings 24, 30.

In an embodiment, the capsule 102 may be arranged such that it is pierced by the bottom piercing means 126 and/or by the lid piercing means 128, in addition to the opening element having an opening for providing an opening through the exit area. For example, the opening element may be arranged to provide an opening through the outlet area while the bottom 12 is arranged to be pierced by the bottom piercing means 126.

In the above description, sealing or "closing" may be understood as substantially hermetically sealing the opening or at least the capsule 2 such that the product 20 may be extracted.

In the above, the extractable product 20 may comprise an extractable coffee or tea product, such as roasted and ground and/or cut (cut) coffee beans, dried and/or cut tea leaves. The extractable product 20 may also comprise chocolate extract, milk powder or any other suitable extractable product 20. The extractable product 20 may further comprise any mixture of any of the above-mentioned products and/or any of the above-mentioned products layered on top of each other and/or in between each other. Also, chemical products for adding scent to the fluid may be included in the extractable product 20. The extractable product 20 may be compressed to be contained in the capsule 2. The fluid added to the extractable product 20 to obtain a beverage may comprise, for example, hot or cold water, or milk. Wherein the obtained beverage may comprise a coffee beverage, a tea beverage, a chocolate beverage or other beverage.

The material of the capsule 2 may comprise cellulose, paper, cotton, and/or starch-based products. For example, the material of the capsule 4 may comprise a biodegradable material. In another embodiment, the material of the capsule 4 may comprise plastic. The base 12 and lid 14 may include an inlet filter 34 and an outlet filter 36, respectively. For example, the capsule 4 may be formed by injection molding, vacuum forming, thermoforming, pressure molding, and the like. In the above description, integral forming is understood to include forming the various portions of the capsule 2 at about the same time in a single forming process. For example, the various parts may be molded in the same mold. In another embodiment, the different parts may be heat sealed, glued or welded to form the capsule 2.

At least one of the filters 34, 36 may comprise a porous, fluid permeable sheet. At least one of the filters 34, 36 may include filter paper and/or Polyethylene (PE) fibers. Substantially the entire surface of the base 12 and/or the lid 14 may be fluid permeable, at least for the part extending within the circumferential wall 10. The filters 34, 36 may also be made permeable when supplied with water at a particular pressure, for example a pressure of at least 6 bar. For example, at lower pressures, fluid will not flow through the filters 34, 36. At least one of the filters 34, 36 may be flexible. The filters 34, 36 may comprise polymer sheets.

It is clear that the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments shown in the description and the drawings. Within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims, many variations and combinations are possible. Within the framework of the invention, combinations of one or more aspects of the embodiments or combinations of different embodiments are possible. It is understood that all comparative variations fall within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

Claims (18)

1. A system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising:

an exchangeable capsule;

apparatus comprising a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid to the exchangeable capsule, a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet device for supplying the beverage to a container, wherein

The capsule comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom, a lid, an entrance area and a closed exit area,

the circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space containing an extractable product,

the system being arranged such that the fluid dispensing device is in fluid connection with the entrance area for supplying fluid to the extractable product for preparing a beverage,

the system is further arranged such that, in use, the exit device is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule, and

the capsule further comprises an opening element formed by a dissolvable and/or degradable material blocking the opening of the exit area, the opening element being arranged to provide an opening through the closed exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule by partially dissolving and/or degrading the dissolvable and/or degradable material by the fluid from the fluid dispensing device for providing an opening through the exit area.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the exit area is provided in a lid of the capsule.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the entrance area is provided in a bottom of the capsule.

4. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the exit area comprises an exit filter.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein the opening element forms a separate part formed separately from the outlet filter and/or edge.

6. System according to claim 4, wherein the opening element is integrated with the outlet filter and/or lid.

7. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inlet region comprises an inlet filter.

8. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening element is arranged to be at least partially deformed so as to provide an opening through the exit area.

9. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening element is arranged to be activated by heat and/or fluid.

10. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening member is arranged to provide an opening through the entrance area for supplying fluid to the capsule.

11. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capsule comprises a substantially rigid rim protruding from an edge of the circumferential wall towards the outside of the capsule.

12. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the circumferential wall is substantially rigid such that, in use, deformation of the circumferential wall relative to the receptacle is prevented.

13. System according to claim 11, wherein the fluid dispensing device is arranged to supply fluid to the exchangeable capsule at a pressure of 4-20 bar.

14. System according to claim 11, wherein the fluid dispensing device is arranged to supply fluid to the exchangeable capsule at a pressure of 5-18 bar.

15. System according to claim 11, wherein the fluid dispensing device is arranged to supply fluid to the exchangeable capsule at a pressure of 6-15 bar.

16. A capsule of the system according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. Use of a capsule in a system according to any of claims 1-15.

18. A method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising:

exchangeable capsule comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom, a lid, an entrance area and a closed exit area, wherein the circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space provided with an extractable product,

apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, fluid dispensing means for supplying an amount of fluid to the exchangeable capsule, and outlet means in fluid communication with the capsule for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container in use,

the apparatus being arranged such that the fluid dispensing device is in fluid connection with the entrance area of the capsule for supplying fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage,

wherein the capsule comprises an opening element arranged to provide an opening through the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule,

wherein the outlet area is closed,

wherein the opening element is formed by a dissolvable and/or degradable material blocking the opening of the outlet area,

wherein the method comprises the step of supplying a fluid from a fluid dispensing device to the extractable product, the fluid partially dissolving and/or degrading the dissolvable and/or degradable material to provide an opening through the outlet area,

wherein fluid and/or beverage is drained from the capsule through the exit area to the exit device.