HK1205729B - Container, system containing a substance and manufacturing method, and method for preparation of a drink - Google Patents

Abstract

A container containing a substance, comprises a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity. The body has an opening and an integral planar circumferential rim surrounding said opening. The opening is closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing part which is covered by the cover sheet. The cover sheet is sealed to the dispensing part by at least one rupturable sealing seam and outlet seams defining an outlet passage from the rupturable sealing seam towards the edge of the dispensing part of the circumferential rim, such that, when the rupturable sealing seam is broken, the substance is allowed to flow through the outlet passage between the surface of the dispensing part and the cover sheet towards the edge of the dispensing part. The dispensing part at its dispensing edge is recessed with respect of the edge portion of the cover sheet or the cover sheet is recessed relative to the dispensing edge of the dispensing part.

Description

Container containing substance, system and method for manufacturing, and method for preparing a beverage

The present application is a divisional application of chinese patent application having application number 200980162408.6, application date 2009, 11/12, entitled "container for dispensing a substance".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to dispensing a substance from a container by means of a dispensing apparatus.

The invention proposes to dispense a substance from a container filled with a single portion of substance. In particular, the substance may be a concentrate, such as a syrup for preparing a beverage. The container comprises a preformed deformable body, preferably made of sheet material, defining a filling cavity, said body having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim at least partially surrounding said opening. The opening is closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the flat circumferential rim by means of a sealing seam.

According to the invention, the substance (e.g. syrup for a soft drink or concentrate for coffee or other beverages) can be dispensed by the dispensing device directly from the container into a serving container, such as a glass, cup or bottle. In addition, water is dispensed by the dispensing device into the serving container such that the substance and water mix in the serving container, thereby preventing contamination of the dispensing device with the substance, which is advantageous in view of cleaning and maintenance of the apparatus. In addition, it is ensured that concentrates for different beverages do not contaminate each other when different beverages are subsequently prepared by the device.

Background

Such dispensing systems are well known from WO 2005/077811 and WO 2007/025773.

Known dispensing systems utilize the deformability of the cover sheet to open the container. The container body is held and squeezed by squeezing means in the dispensing device. The sealed seam includes a predetermined rupture zone. When the container body is squeezed, a portion of the covering sheet located in the vicinity of the rupture zone of the sealing seam bulges due to the internal pressure in the container. Whereby the sealing seam is broken at the predetermined breaking area and the substance is discharged out of the created channel due to the internal pressure.

Advantageously, containers of this type according to the invention can be shaped and filled by the so-called form, fill and seal process (FFS), in which a plurality of cup-shaped container bodies are formed from a flat sheet of plastic or other suitable material by a vacuum or thermoforming process. Next, the container body is filled with a substance. After the container body of the foil has been filled, a covering foil, such as an aluminium foil, is sealed onto the container body. Finally, the peripheral rim of the container is formed by cutting away scrap material from the sheet between the container bodies. Containers formed from one sheet may be separated from one another by a cutting operation.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved container for such a dispensing system.

This object is achieved by a container containing a substance, comprising a preformed deformable body, which defines a filling chamber and which has an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, which opening is closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing member covered by the cover sheet, which cover sheet is sealed to the dispensing member by at least one breakable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams which define an outlet channel from the breakable sealing seam towards the edge of the dispensing member of the circumferential rim, so that when the breakable sealing seam is broken, the substance is allowed to flow towards the edge of the dispensing member through the outlet channel between the surface of the dispensing member and the cover sheet, wherein the dispensing part is recessed at its dispensing edge with respect to an edge portion of the cover sheet.

Alternatively, according to the invention, the cover sheet may be recessed with respect to the dispensing edge of the dispensing part.

The present invention provides the following features: the layers of material do not overlap at the dispensing edge, so that during cutting of the circumferential rim in the production process, the cover foil is prevented from being pressed in the top surface of the dispensing part by the cutting tool to such an extent that an unintentional sealing occurs at the dispensing edge.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a container containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing member covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to the dispensing member by at least one rupturable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams defining an outlet passage from the rupturable sealing seam towards the edge of the dispensing member of the circumferential rim, thereby allowing the substance to flow towards the edge of the dispensing member through the outlet passage between the surface of the dispensing member and the cover sheet when the rupturable sealing seam is ruptured, wherein the dispensing part has a recessed surface in an area bounded by the rupturable seal seam, the outlet seam and an edge of the dispensing part, the recessed surface being spaced from the rupturable seal seam, the outlet seam and the edge of the dispensing part.

A second aspect of the invention proposes to provide a recess in the dispensing channel in the upper surface of the dispensing part, but at a distance from the dispensing edge of the dispensing part. This recess provides the possibility of pressing on the cover foil at the location of the recess, thereby pressing the foil into the recess. This will compress the foil and will rupture any inadvertent seal formed between the dispensing edge of the dispensing part and the foil by the cutting tool. This pressing of the cover foil can be done during production, but it is also possible to provide the dispensing device with means that will automatically press the foil when the container is placed in the dispensing device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a container containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing member covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to the dispensing member by at least one rupturable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams defining an outlet passage from the rupturable sealing seam towards the edge of the dispensing member of the circumferential rim, thereby allowing the substance to flow towards the edge of the dispensing member through the outlet passage between the surface of the dispensing member and the cover sheet when the rupturable sealing seam is ruptured, wherein the dispenser part has a substantially flat upper surface and wherein the outlet seams converge towards each other at least at a portion near the edge.

The outlet seam converging according to this third aspect forces the substance to flow through the smaller opening at the dispensing edge. This prevents a different stream or jet of fluid from leaving the dispensing edge. Thereby preventing damage to the dispensing apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a container containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing member covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to the dispensing member by at least one rupturable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams defining an outlet passage from the rupturable sealing seam towards the edge of the dispensing member of the circumferential rim, thereby allowing the substance to flow towards the edge of the dispensing member through the outlet passage between the surface of the dispensing member and the cover sheet when the rupturable sealing seam is ruptured, wherein the dispensing part has a substantially flat upper surface and wherein a breakable tail seal is provided extending from the breakable seal to an edge between the filling chamber and the flat dispensing part.

The rupturable tail seal extends over the flat upper surface of the dispensing member to the edge between the filling chamber and the upper surface of the dispensing member. Since the trailing seal is preferably only a straight sealing seam, it is clear that more covering foil material "freely" bulges around it, so that the rupture at the trailing seal will most easily occur and will start there, after which the rupture will travel towards and to the rupturable sealing seam. Preferably, the trailing seal is positioned centrally of the outlet passage so that the rupturable sealing seam begins to rupture in the middle.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a container containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing member covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to the dispensing member by at least one rupturable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams defining an outlet passage from the rupturable sealing seam towards the edge of the dispensing member of the circumferential rim, thereby allowing the substance to flow towards the edge of the dispensing member through the outlet passage between the surface of the dispensing member and the cover sheet when the rupturable sealing seam is ruptured, wherein the dispensing part has a substantially flat upper surface and wherein the filling chamber has a bottom and a circumferential side wall, wherein the side wall has a flat wall portion, at least on the side where the dispensing part is located.

According to this fifth aspect, a flat wall portion is provided in the filling chamber on the side on which the dispensing part is provided. This forms a straight edge between the filling chamber and the dispensing part. The straight edge provides a longer dispensing member with a fixed outer dimension of the circumferential rim comprising the dispensing member (due to the specific dimensions of the existing dispensing device for receiving the circumferential rim). This makes the channel longer and thus the breakable sealing seam, which is mostly V-shaped, more slender in shape. Thus, more of the cover sheet material will "freely" bulge around it and will more easily start to rupture at the apex of the V-shape. In addition, for the substance at lower pressures, the rupturable seal extending over a longer length portion of the outlet passage makes the frangible seal easier and more gradual to open, thereby mitigating spillage of the substance upon opening of the container.

A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a container containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing member covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to the dispensing member by a portion of the circumferential sealing seam, the portion of the circumferential sealing seam comprising a plurality of strong sealing portions and at least one breakable sealing seam interconnecting the strong sealing portions, so as to allow the substance to flow through an outlet channel between the surface of the dispensing member and the cover sheet towards a dispensing edge of the dispensing member when the breakable sealing seam is broken, wherein said solid seal portion and said rupturable seal seam together have a substantially "W-shape" wherein an outer leg of said "W-shape" is formed by said solid seal and an inner leg of said "W-shape" is formed by said rupturable seal seam, said inner leg converging toward said filling chamber and wherein said outer leg diverges.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a sealing seam sealing the cover sheet to the dispensing part, the sealing seam having a substantially W-shape. The central portion of the "W-shape" is constituted by the rupturable sealing seam having an inverted "V-shape". The advantage of this sealing seam configuration is that there is an overall greater distance between the breakable sealing seam and the strong sealing seam of the dispensing part, allowing a greater part of the cover sheet to bulge. Thus, the rupturable seal will open at lower internal pressures in the container and with more gradual opening results. The more gradual rupture at the lower pressure of the rupturable sealing seam diminishes the splattering of the exiting stream of matter.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a container containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing member covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to an upper surface of the dispensing member by at least one rupturable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams defining an outlet passage from the rupturable sealing seam towards an edge of the dispensing member of the circumferential rim, thereby allowing the substance to flow towards the edge of the dispensing member through the outlet passage between the surface of the dispensing member and the cover sheet when the rupturable sealing seam is ruptured, wherein the dispensing part has a recessed surface in an area bounded by the rupturable seal seam, the outlet seam and an edge of the dispensing part, the recessed surface being spaced from the rupturable seal seam and the outlet seam and extending a distance from the edge of the dispensing part towards the rupturable seal seam.

In the above-mentioned different aspects of the invention, the breakable sealing seam is preferably a weakened sealing seam, which is for example thinner than the other sealing seams attaching the cover sheet to the circumferential rim of the container.

However, it is not necessary in all cases to have a weakened sealing seam. In some applications, all sealing seams attaching the cover sheet to the circumferential rim may have the same strength and it is sufficient if the breakable sealing seams are surrounded by sufficient areas of the cover sheet material, preferably the cover foil, that allow bulging. In other words, in some cases it is sufficient as long as the point at which the rupture should start is sufficiently spaced from the other sealing seams. The particular geometry of the sealing seam in this case provides the following effects: upon pressurising the contents of the container, the sealing seam will break at the rupturable sealing seam.

Drawings

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figures 1a and 1b show top and bottom perspective views respectively of a container according to a first aspect of the present invention;

figures 2a and 2b show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a container according to a second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of a container according to a third aspect of the present invention;

fig. 4 shows a top perspective view of a container according to a fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the cover foil is not sealed to the container;

fig. 5 shows a top perspective view of a container according to a fifth aspect of the invention, wherein a cover foil is sealed to the container;

fig. 6 shows a top perspective view of a container according to a sixth aspect of the invention, wherein the cover foil is not sealed to the container;

figures 7a and 7b show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of another container according to the first aspect of the present invention; and is

Fig. 8a and 8b show a container according to the invention.

Detailed Description

A container according to several aspects of the invention will be shown below. Each of these containers has in common that it contains a substance such as syrup for a soft drink or concentrate for coffee or other beverages. The substance is dispensed by the dispensing device directly from the container directly to a serving container, such as a glass, cup or bottle. In addition, water is dispensed by the dispensing device into the serving container such that the substance and water are mixed in the serving container. The container with the substance is adapted to be provided with a dispensing device comprising squeezing means for squeezing the body of the container in order to expel the substance from the container.

In fig. 1a and 1b a container 10 containing a substance is shown. The container 10 has a substantially cup-shaped container body 11, which container body 11 is preferably made of plastic foil material or another suitable material. The cup-shaped body 11 defines, on its inside, a filling chamber in which a substance, such as a syrup or another concentrate for the preparation of the beverage, is contained. The body preferably contains a portion of a concentrate for preparing a beverage.

The container body has a bottom portion 12 on one end and the body is open on the opposite end. The open end is surrounded by a circumferential rim 13, the circumferential rim 13 sometimes being referred to in the art as a "flange". The circumferential rim 13 is substantially flat and extends radially outwardly from the container body 10. The circumferential rim 13 comprises a dispensing member 14 where, in use, the substance flows from the filling chamber towards a dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing member 14, as will be described in more detail below. The dispensing edge 101 has a convexly curved shape.

The open end of the container body 11 is closed by a cover sheet 15, preferably a cover foil, e.g. aluminium foil, which cover sheet 15 is sealed to the upper surface of the circumferential rim 13 by means of a circumferential sealing seam 16. The circumferential sealing seam 16 seals the foil to the circumferential rim 13 over a large part of the angular extent of the rim. At the location of the dispensing part 14, the circumferential sealing seam 16 converges at each end in an outlet seam 17. Each outlet seam 17 extends towards the dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing part 14 so as to form a dispensing channel 19 between the foil and the upper surface of the dispensing part 14. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the plurality of outlet seams 17 are substantially straight and extend substantially parallel to each other. The passage between the outlet seams 17 is bridged by a breakable sealing seam 18 sealing the passage, thereby closing the contents of the container 10 from the exterior of the container 10.

The rupturable sealing seam 18 as shown has a V-shape with the apex of the V oriented toward the filling chamber. The legs of the V-shape diverge towards the dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing part 14. However, it is readily contemplated that the rupturable sealing seam may have another shape. As shown, the rupturable sealing seam may preferably be thinner than the other sealing seams of container 10. The resulting weakened sealing seam thus ensures that a rupture starts to occur in the rupturable sealing seam. Alternatively, but more complicated, the weakened sealing seam may be produced in other ways, for example by forming different adhesive properties between the cover foil and the dispensing part at the location of the weakened sealing seam.

A relatively shallow recessed surface region 102 is provided in the upper surface of the dispensing part 14 of the circumferential rim. The recess 102 extends from the dispensing edge 101 in the direction of the filling chamber and thus towards the rupturable sealing seam 18. The recess 102 is spaced from the sealing seam and therefore does not intersect it.

Advantageously, the container 10 is formed and filled by a so-called form, fill and seal process (FFS) in which a plurality of cup-shaped container bodies 11 are formed from a flat sheet of plastic or other suitable material by a vacuum or thermoforming process. Next, the container bodies are filled with a substance. After the container bodies 11 of the foil have been filled, a covering foil, such as an aluminium foil, is sealed on these container bodies. The peripheral rim 13 of the container 10 is formed by cutting away scrap material from the sheet between these container bodies. The containers 10 formed from one sheet may be separated from one another by a cutting operation.

The recessed surface 102 as shown has a substantially flat surface that is below the level of the upper surface of the dispensing part 14, preferably at a distance less than the thickness of the dispensing part 14. The recess surface 102 provided in the upper surface at the dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing part 14 is preferably shallow, so that when the circumferential rim 13 is cut during production, the recess 102 is just deep enough to prevent the cover foil from being pressed in the top surface of the dispensing part 14 by the cutting tool to such an extent that an unintentional sealing takes place.

As can be seen in fig. 1a and 1b, the recess 102 is located at the centre of the outlet channel. The width of the recess 102 is significantly smaller than the width of the outlet channel, so that at least the covering foil in the centre of the outlet channel at the dispensing edge 101 is prevented from unintentionally sealing to the dispensing part 14.

The width of the recess 102 narrows towards the dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing part 14, as shown in fig. 1 b. The recess 102 directs the flow of the initial substance at least towards the centre when the breakable sealing seam 18 starts to break due to an increase in the internal pressure in the container during the squeezing of the container by the dispensing device. This prevents the generation of a mist or jet of splashed material which could contaminate the dispensing machine.

The depth of the recess 102 may become shallower towards the dispensing edge 101.

In fig. 2a and 2b another container 20 containing a substance is shown. The container 20 of fig. 2 shares many features in common with the container 10 of fig. 1. The same features that the two containers 10 and 12 have are identified with the same reference numerals as shown in fig. 1. Reference may be made to the above description with reference to fig. 1 for a description of these features.

A relatively shallow recess 21 is provided in the upper surface of the dispensing part 14 of the circumferential rim. The recess 21 extends from a position spaced from the dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing part 14 towards the rupturable sealing seam 18. In the example of fig. 2, the recess 21 has a substantially triangular shape, which widens towards the edge 101 of the dispenser part 14.

The recess 21 does not extend as far as the dispensing edge 101 as the recess 102 in fig. 1, but is located at a distance from the dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing part 14. During the production of the container 20, the foil may inadvertently be sealed to the dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing part 14 due to the pressure of the cutting tool while the circumferential rim is cut. The recess 21 provides the possibility of pressing on the cover foil at the location of the recess 21, thereby pressing the foil into the recess 21. This will compress the foil and will rupture any inadvertent seal formed between the dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing part 14 and the foil by the cutting tool. This pressing of the cover foil can be done during production, but it is also possible to provide the dispensing device with a member that will automatically press the foil when the container 20 is placed in the dispensing device.

In a possible embodiment, the depth of the recess 21 may become shallower towards the dispensing edge 101.

The depth of the recess 21 may also deepen towards the dispensing edge 101.

In fig. 3 a container 30 is shown. The container 30 of fig. 3 shares many features in common with the container 10 of fig. 1. The same features that the two containers 10 and 30 have are identified with the same reference numerals as shown in fig. 1. Reference may be made to the above description with reference to fig. 1 for a description of these features.

The container 30 has a dispensing member 14 with a substantially flat upper surface.

The sealing seams of the container include a circumferential sealing seam 16, a pair of outlet seams 37 and a rupturable sealing seam 18. The circumferential sealing seam 16 seals the foil to the circumferential rim over a substantial part of the angular extent of the rim.

At the location of the dispensing part 14, the circumferential sealing seam 16 converges in an outlet seam 37 at each end. Each outlet seam 37 extends towards the dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing part 14 so as to form a dispensing channel 19 therebetween between the foil and the upper surface of the dispensing part 14. In the embodiment of fig. 3, the outlet seam has a substantially parallel first portion 38 closest to the filling chamber. The outlet seam 37 also has second portions 39 which converge towards one another in the direction of the dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing part 14.

The passages between the plurality of outlet seams 37 are bridged by rupturable sealing seams 18 that seal the passages, thereby closing the contents of the container 10 from the exterior of the container 10.

The rupturable sealing seam 18 as shown in fig. 3 has a V-shape with the apex of the V oriented toward the filling chamber. The legs of the V-shape diverge towards the dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing part 14. However, it is readily contemplated that the rupturable sealing seam may have another shape. In the embodiment shown, the rupturable sealing seam 18 has a narrower width such that it is a weakened sealing seam relative to other sealing seams of the container. As mentioned above, the rupturable sealed seam 18 may also be weakened in other ways.

In an alternative embodiment shown in fig. 7, an outlet seam is provided having a substantially parallel first portion 38 and a converging second portion 39 similar to that of fig. 3.

In addition, the dispenser part 14 in the container 70 of fig. 7 has the same recess as described with reference to fig. 1. The difference is that the recess in fig. 7 has a constant width. The container of figure 7 shares many features in common with the container of figure 1. The same features of both containers are identified with the same reference numerals as shown in figure 1. Reference may be made to the above description with reference to fig. 1 for a description of these features.

In fig. 4, a container 40 containing a substance is shown, which also shares many features in common with the container 10 of fig. 1. Corresponding features are denoted by the same reference numerals. Reference may be made to the above description with reference to fig. 1 for a description of these features.

The container 40 has a flat dispensing part 14 with a circumferential rim. The rupturable sealing seam 48 as shown in fig. 4 has a V-shape with the apex of the V oriented toward the filling chamber. The legs of the V-shape diverge towards the dispensing edge 101 of the dispensing part 14. However, it is readily contemplated that the rupturable sealing seam 48 may have another shape. The breakable seal seam 48 has a tail seal 49 extending from the breakable seal seam 48 to an edge 103 between the filling chamber and the flat dispensing member 14. The trailing seal 49 is a straight seal extending to the edge 103. Again, the rupturable seal seam 48, and in this embodiment also the trailing seal, is thinner than the other seal seams of the container, so that it is weakened relative to the other seal seams. Thereby better ensuring that rupture will occur in the rupturable seal 48 when the contents of the container are pressurized.

In fig. 5, a container 50 containing a substance is shown, which also shares many features in common with the container 10 of fig. 1. Corresponding features are denoted by the same reference numerals. Reference may be made to the above description with reference to fig. 1 for a description of these features.

The container 50 has a dispensing member 14 with a substantially flat upper surface. The filling chamber has a bottom 12 and a circumferential side wall 54, wherein the side wall 54 has a flat wall portion 55 at least on the side where the dispensing part 14 is located. So that the edge 56 between the flat wall portion and the flat dispensing part 14 is a straight edge between the filling chamber and the dispensing part.

In practice, since the existing dispensing apparatuses have specific dimensions for receiving the circumferential rim, the outer dimensions of the circumferential rim comprising the dispensing part are fixed. The straight edge 56 limits the dispensing part 14 to a longer length in design freedom. This makes the channel longer and thus the V-shaped rupturable sealing seam 59 more elongate in shape. Thus, more of the cover sheet material will "freely" bulge around it and will more easily start to rupture at the apex of the V-shape. The V-shaped rupturable sealing seam 59 extending over a longer length portion of the outlet passage makes the rupturable sealing portion 59 more easily and progressively opened. When the rupturable seal 59 opens progressively, the substance is under less pressure. Thereby preventing or significantly reducing the occurrence of splatter of the substance upon opening of the container. Also in this embodiment, the rupturable sealing seam 59 may be weakened, for example, thinner than the other sealing seams of the container.

In fig. 6, a container 60 containing a substance is shown, which also shares many features in common with the container 10 of fig. 1. Corresponding features are denoted by the same reference numerals. Reference is made to the above description with reference to fig. 1 for a description of these common features.

In the embodiment of the container shown in fig. 6, the cover sheet is sealed to the dispensing part 14 by a portion of the circumferential sealing seam comprising a strong sealing portion 67 and at least one breakable sealing seam 68 interconnecting the strong sealing portion 67. The rupturable sealing seam has a substantially V-shape and is preferably thinner than the strong sealing portion 67 and thus weakened. The strong seal portion 67 and said weakened sealing seam 68 together have substantially the shape of a "W" with diverging outer legs constituted by the strong seal portion 67. The "W-shape" has internal legs formed by weakened sealing seams 68 that converge toward the filling cavity.

As shown, a robust seal 67 is provided at the edge of the circumferential rim or flange. Thus, on the upper side of the peripheral rim, mainly on its dispensing part 14, two flaps 63 are formed, these two flaps 63 being in contact with the filling chamber of the container 60. These flaps 63 have a large area surface.

An advantage of this sealing seam configuration in fig. 6 is that there is overall a greater distance between the weakened sealing seam 68 and the strong sealing seam 67 on the dispenser part. Due to the creation of the flaps 63, a larger part of the cover sheet is allowed to bulge. Accordingly, the weakened seal 68 will open at lower internal pressures in the container and with more gradual opening results. The more gradual rupture at lower pressure across the weakened sealing joint reduces splatter of the exiting stream of matter.

Another container is shown in fig. 8 a. The peripheral rim has a dispensing part covered by a cover sheet. The dispensing member is recessed at its dispensing edge relative to the edge portion of the cover sheet. The recess is indicated by reference numeral 81. The edge of the recess 81 is located under the cover sheet and is indicated by a dashed line.

Fig. 8b shows an alternative embodiment of the container. In this embodiment, the cover sheet is recessed with respect to the dispensing edge of the dispensing part. The edge of the recess is indicated by reference numeral 82.

The containers 80a and 80b in fig. 8a and 8b have dispensing edges at locations where the material layers do not overlap. The recess in the dispensing part (fig. 8a) or in the cover sheet (fig. 8b) is such that the cover sheet is not pressed by the cutting tool in the top surface of the dispensing part when cutting the circumferential rim during the manufacturing of the container. Thereby preventing an inadvertent seal from being created at the dispensing edge.

It will be appreciated that features shown in figures 1 to 8 which are not common to the particular embodiments shown may readily be combined into other embodiments. These embodiments must be considered as having been disclosed by the present application.

The invention can be summarized in the following terms:

1. a container containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body, the body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing member covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to an upper surface of the dispensing member by at least one breakable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams defining an outlet channel from the breakable sealing seam towards an edge of the dispensing member of the circumferential rim, so that when the breakable sealing seam breaks, the substance is allowed to flow through the outlet channel between the surface of the dispensing member and the cover sheet towards the edge of the dispensing member, wherein the dispensing part has a recessed surface in an area bounded by the rupturable seal seam, the outlet seam and an edge of the dispensing part, the recessed surface being spaced from the rupturable seal seam and the outlet seam and extending a distance from the edge of the dispensing part towards the rupturable seal seam.

2. The container according to item 1, wherein the recessed surface is located below a height level of the upper surface of the dispensing part and at a distance less than a thickness of the dispensing part.

3. The container according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the recessed surface is a substantially flat surface.

4. The container according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the recessed surface is located centrally of the outlet passage.

5. The receptacle of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the recessed surface has a width substantially less than a width of the outlet channel.

6. The container of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the width of the recessed surface narrows or widens towards the edge of the dispensing member.

7. The container according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the width of the recessed surface is constant.

8. The receptacle of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the recessed surface has a length less than a length of the outlet passage.

9. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the depth of the recessed surface is shallower or deeper towards the edge of the dispensing member.

10. A container containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body, the body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing part covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to the dispensing part by at least one breakable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams defining an outlet channel from the breakable sealing seam towards an edge of the dispensing part of the circumferential rim, so that when the breakable sealing seam breaks, the substance is allowed to flow through the outlet channel between the surface of the dispensing part and the cover sheet towards the edge of the dispensing part, wherein the dispensing part has a recessed surface in an area bounded by the rupturable seal seam, the outlet seam and an edge of the dispensing part, the recessed surface being spaced from the rupturable seal seam, the outlet seam and the edge of the dispensing part.

11. The container of clause 10, wherein the recessed surface is triangular in shape.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein said recessed surface widens towards an edge of said dispensing member.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the depth of the recessed surface is shallower towards the edge of the dispensing member.

14. A container containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing part which is covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to the dispensing part by at least one breakable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams defining an outlet channel from the breakable sealing seam towards the edge of the dispensing part of the circumferential rim, so that when the breakable sealing seam is broken, the substance is allowed to flow through the outlet channel between the surface of the dispensing part and the cover sheet towards the edge of the dispensing part, wherein the dispenser part has a substantially flat upper surface and wherein the outlet seams converge towards each other at least at a portion near the edge.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the rupturable sealing seam intersects the outlet seam at a distance from an edge of the dispensing part.

16. A container containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body, the body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing part covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to the dispensing part by at least one breakable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams defining an outlet channel from the breakable sealing seam towards an edge of the dispensing part of the circumferential rim, so that when the breakable sealing seam is broken, the substance is allowed to flow through the outlet channel between the surface of the dispensing part and the cover sheet towards the edge of the dispensing part, wherein the dispensing part has a substantially flat upper surface and wherein a breakable tail seal is provided extending from the breakable seal to an edge between the filling chamber and the flat dispensing part.

17. A container containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body, the body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing part covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to the dispensing part by at least one breakable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams defining an outlet channel from the breakable sealing seam towards an edge of the dispensing part of the circumferential rim, so that when the breakable sealing seam is broken, the substance is allowed to flow through the outlet channel between the surface of the dispensing part and the cover sheet towards the edge of the dispensing part, wherein the dispensing part has a substantially flat upper surface and wherein the filling chamber has a bottom and a circumferential side wall, wherein the side wall has a flat wall portion, at least on the side where the dispensing part is located.

18. A container containing a substance, said container comprising a preformed deformable body, said body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding said opening, said opening being closed by a cover sheet sealed to said circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein said circumferential rim has a dispensing part covered by said cover sheet, said cover sheet being sealed to said dispensing part by a portion of said circumferential sealing seam, said portion of said circumferential sealing seam comprising a plurality of solid seal portions and at least one breakable sealing seam interconnecting said solid seal portions, thereby allowing said substance to flow towards the dispensing edge of said dispensing part through an outlet channel between the surface of said dispensing part and said cover sheet when said breakable sealing seam is broken, wherein said solid seal portion and said rupturable seal seam together have a substantially "W-shape" wherein an outer leg of said "W-shape" is formed by said solid seal and an inner leg of said "W-shape" is formed by said rupturable seal seam, said inner leg converging toward said filling chamber and wherein said outer leg diverges.

19. The container of clause 18, wherein the outer leg of the "W-shape" is located at a side edge region of the dispensing member.

20. A container containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body, the body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing part covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to the dispensing part by at least one breakable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams defining an outlet channel from the breakable sealing seam towards the edge of the dispensing part of the circumferential rim, so that when the breakable sealing seam breaks, the substance is allowed to flow through the outlet channel between the surface of the dispensing part and the cover sheet towards the edge of the dispensing part, wherein the dispensing part is recessed at its dispensing edge with respect to an edge portion of the cover sheet, or wherein the cover sheet is recessed with respect to the dispensing edge of the dispensing part.

21. A system comprising a container according to any preceding claim and a dispensing apparatus, the dispensing apparatus comprising receiving means for receiving the container, the apparatus being adapted to open the container, wherein the receiving means of the apparatus comprises a pressing chamber having a variable volume for receiving the container body and pressing means for pressing the container body received in the pressing chamber such that, in use, the container is pressed such that the rupturable sealing seam is ruptured and a stream of substance is ejected from the container.

22. The system according to clause 21, wherein the receiving means of the device comprises a stop surface engaging the rear side of the circumferential rim and a lid engaging the cover sheet of the container.

23. Method for manufacturing container according to one of items 1 to 20, wherein

-arranging a flat sheet in a vacuum or thermoforming device with a forming mold and simultaneously forming a plurality of container bodies in the sheet by vacuum forming the filling cavities into the mold,

-placing the sheet with the filling chamber in a filling machine and filling with a substance,

-sealing a cover sheet on the sheet with the container body,

-arranging the sheet with closed containers in a punching machine, in which the periphery of the circumferential rim of the body is formed by punching away scrap material between a plurality of the containers.

24. A method for opening a container containing a substance according to any one of items 1 to 20, the method comprising the steps of:

-holding the container in a holding position,

-engaging the cover sheet with a support surface having a recess and being adapted to support the cover sheet at a position other than the position of the recess, wherein the recess is positioned at least on a part of the circumferential sealing seam,

-squeezing the container body, thereby pressurizing the substance and bulging the cover sheet into the recess, thereby rupturing the rupturable sealing seam at the location where the bulge is formed, thereby opening the container.

25. Method for preparing a beverage, wherein

-making a plurality of containers by means of the method according to clause 23,

-arranging one of said containers in a beverage dispensing device comprising receiving means for receiving and holding said container,

-engaging a cover sheet with a support surface having a recess and adapted to support the cover sheet at a position other than the position of the recess, wherein the recess is positioned at least on a part of the circumferential sealing seam,

-providing a serving container in the beverage dispensing device,

-pressing the container body by means of the dispensing device, thereby pressurizing the substance and bulging the cover sheet into the recess, thereby rupturing the sealing seam at the location where the bulge is formed and thereby opening the container,

-dispensing the substance directly from the container into the serving container,

-dispensing a mixing fluid, in particular water, into the serving container by means of the beverage dispensing apparatus and mixing the mixing fluid with the substance, thereby forming a drinkable beverage,

-removing the container from the dispensing device.

26. A method according to claim 25, wherein said receptacle is identified by said dispensing apparatus so that said device knows what substances are contained in said receptacle.

Claims (9)

1. A container (80 a; 80b) containing a substance, the container comprising a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity and having an opening and an integral flat circumferential rim surrounding the opening, the opening being closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam, wherein the circumferential rim has a dispensing member covered by the cover sheet, the cover sheet being sealed to the dispensing member by at least one breakable sealing seam and a plurality of outlet seams defining an outlet channel from the breakable sealing seam towards the edge of the dispensing member of the circumferential rim, so that when the breakable sealing seam is broken, the substance is allowed to flow towards the edge of the dispensing member through the outlet channel between the surface of the dispensing member and the cover sheet, wherein the dispensing part is recessed (81) at its dispensing edge with respect to an edge portion of the cover sheet, or wherein the cover sheet is recessed (82) with respect to the dispensing edge of the dispensing part.

2. A container containing a substance according to claim 1, wherein the substance is a beverage preparation substance comprising a concentrate.

3. A container comprising a substance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container comprises a single portion of a substance.

4. System comprising a dispensing apparatus and a container (80 a; 80b) containing a substance according to any of the preceding claims, the dispensing apparatus comprising receiving means for receiving the container (80 a; 80b), the dispensing apparatus being adapted for opening the container, wherein the receiving means of the apparatus comprises a squeezing chamber having a variable volume for receiving a container body (11) and squeezing means for squeezing the container body (11) received in the squeezing chamber, such that, in use, the container (80 a; 80b) is squeezed such that the rupturable sealing seam (18) is ruptured and a flow of substance is ejected from the container.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein the receiving means of the device comprise a stop surface engaging the rear side of the circumferential rim (13) and a lid engaging a cover sheet (15) of the container.

6. Method for manufacturing a container containing a substance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein

-arranging a flat sheet in a vacuum or thermoforming device with a forming mold and simultaneously forming a plurality of container bodies in the sheet by vacuum forming the filling cavities into the mold,

-placing the sheet with the filling chamber in a filling machine and filling with a substance,

-sealing a cover sheet on the sheet with the container body,

-arranging the sheet with closed containers in a punching machine, in which the periphery of the circumferential rim of the body is formed by punching away scrap material between a plurality of the containers.

7. Method for opening a container containing a substance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the steps of:

-holding the container in a holding position,

-engaging the cover sheet with a support surface having a recess and being adapted to support the cover sheet at a position other than the position of the recess, wherein the recess is positioned at least on a part of the circumferential sealing seam,

-squeezing the container body, thereby pressurizing the substance and bulging the cover sheet into the recess, thereby rupturing the rupturable sealing seam at the location where the bulge is formed, thereby opening the container.

8. Method for preparing a beverage, wherein

-manufacturing a plurality of containers by means of the method according to claim 6,

-arranging one of said containers in a beverage dispensing device comprising receiving means for receiving and holding said container,

-engaging a cover sheet with a support surface having a recess and adapted to support the cover sheet at a position other than the position of the recess, wherein the recess is positioned at least on a part of the circumferential sealing seam,

-providing a serving container in the beverage dispensing device,

-pressing the container body by means of the dispensing device, thereby pressurizing the substance and bulging the cover sheet into the recess, thereby rupturing the sealing seam at the location where the bulge is formed and thereby opening the container,

-dispensing the substance directly from the container into the serving container,

-dispensing a mixed fluid into the serving container by the beverage dispensing apparatus and mixing the mixed fluid with the substance, thereby forming a drinkable beverage,

-removing the container from the dispensing device.

9. Method for preparing a beverage according to claim 8, wherein the container is identified by the dispensing device so that the apparatus knows what substance is contained in the container.