U.S. patent application number 10/761616 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for beverage portioned package for preparing a foamy beverage from soluble powder.
Invention is credited to Hu, Ruguo, Magel, Lilian K., Scoville, Amanda.
Application Number | 20050158426 10/761616 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34750207 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050158426 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hu, Ruguo ; et al. |
July 21, 2005 |
Beverage portioned package for preparing a foamy beverage from
soluble powder
Abstract
A beverage portioned package for preparing a beverage in an
extraction device of which the package is held or clamped between a
water supplying part and a receiver of the device. The package has
a first surface for the water to be forced to flow there through
under pressure when the package is held or clamped in the device; a
second surface for the flow of beverage to be forced to flow there
through so to be collected in the receiver, wherein the package
contains a portion of water-soluble beverage material and a portion
of a filler. The filler comprising water insoluble material adapted
to maintain the extraction pressure above the pressure created by
the sole resistance of the first and second surfaces when the
package is emptied of said soluble material.
Inventors: |
Hu, Ruguo; (New Milford,
CT) ; Magel, Lilian K.; (Brookfield, CT) ;
Scoville, Amanda; (New Milford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BELL, BOYD & LLOYD LLC
P. O. BOX 1135
CHICAGO
IL
60690-1135
US
|
Family ID: |
34750207 |
Appl. No.: |
10/761616 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/77 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/8043 20130101;
B65D 85/8046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/077 |
International
Class: |
B65B 029/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A beverage portioned package for preparing a beverage in an
extraction device in which the package is held or clamped between a
water supplying part and a receiver of the device, comprising: a
first surface for receiving water and allowing the water to flow
into and through the package under pressure when the package is
operatively associated with the extraction device to form the
beverage; and a second surface that allows for the beverage to flow
therethrough so that the beverage can be collected in the received
of the device, wherein the package contains a water-soluble
beverage material in an amount sufficient to form the beverage and
a filler; with the filler comprising a water insoluble material
adapted to maintain extraction pressure of the beverage above that
which is created by the sole resistance of the first and second
surfaces when the package is emptied of the water-soluble
material.
2. The beverage portioned package of claim 1, wherein the filler is
present in an amount sufficient to form a pressure resistance
bed.
3. The beverage portioned package of claim 2, wherein the pressure
resistance bed extends through the entire package.
4. The beverage portioned package of claim 2, wherein the pressure
resistance bed comprises discrete pieces of the filler in the form
of powder, particulates, granules, flakes, fibers or combinations
thereof.
5. The beverage portioned package of claim 2, wherein the pressure
resistance bed comprises at least one continuous porous piece in
the form of a web, a mat, a compacted piece, a sintered piece, a
foam or combinations thereof.
6. The beverage portioned package of claim 1, wherein the filler
comprises a water-absorbent material.
7. The beverage portioned package of claim 6, wherein the filler
has water-absorbent properties that are sufficient to provide a
water absorbency rate of the package of at least 200%.
8. The beverage portioned package of claim 1, wherein the filler
includes cellulose, organic or inorganic fiber, fresh ground
coffee, spent ground coffee or a combination thereof.
9. The beverage portioned package of claim 1, wherein the ratio or
water-soluble powder to filler is between 1:0.5 and 1:10 by
volume.
10. The beverage portioned package of claim 1, wherein the ratio or
water-soluble powder to filler is between 1:1 and 1:6 by
volume.
11. The beverage portioned package of claim 1, wherein the
water-soluble powder comprises coffee and is present in an amount
that provides at least 10 to 40 weight percent of the total coffee
solids in the final beverage.
12. The beverage portioned package of claim 1, wherein the
water-soluble material includes soluble coffee powder, milk powder,
a creamer substitute powder or mixtures thereof.
13. The beverage portioned package of claim 1, wherein the filler
contains a soluble or water extractable substance for aromatizing
or flavoring the beverage.
14. The beverage portioned package of claim 12, wherein the soluble
or extractable substance is an aroma, coffee, an artificial flavor
or a natural flavor.
15. The beverage portioned package of claim 1, wherein the first
and second surfaces are walls made of a water-permeable
material.
16. The beverage portioned package of claim 13, wherein the first
and second surfaces are made of filter paper sheets.
17. The beverage portioned package of claim 13, wherein the first
and second surfaces are disk-shaped sheets manufactured from filter
paper and interconnected adjacent their peripheral edges, with the
interconnected parts of the sheets forming an annular sealing seam
to allow the package to be held in the extraction device.
18. The beverage portioned package of claim 1, wherein the first
and second surfaces are solid or semi-solid walls which are
pre-opened or are made of a pierceable material.
19. The beverage portioned package of claim 18, wherein the first
and second surfaces are made of plastic, a metal, or a combination
thereof.
20. In a method of making a foamed beverage from a soluble
beverage-forming material in a beverage portioned package that is
processed in an extraction device, the improvement which comprises
providing the package with a filler therein, with the filler
comprising a water insoluble material adapted to maintain
extraction pressure of the beverage above that which is created by
the sole resistance of the package to facilitate formation of a
foam on the beverage that is dispensed from the extraction device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a beverage portioned package with
soluble powder for preparing a foamy beverage in an extraction
device in which the package is held or clamped and water is
injected under pressure therethrough.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Foamed beverages, such as espresso, cappuccino or latte can
be dispensed from portioned packages that are placed inside a
beverage machine. Pre-metered and pre-packed portions of coffee and
the like for the preparation of coffee-based beverages facilitate
the preparation of the beverage while ensuring that the
dose-to-dose quality and strength of the beverage remains constant
for the same conditions of preparations (dosage, temperature,
pressure, time, etc.). It also provides convenience to the user.
The portioned package usually sits in a leak-tight enclosure of an
espresso type coffee machine, and hot water is passed under
pressure through the portion of coffee. A receiver forming the
underside of the enclosure typically collects the beverage.
[0003] These packages have been successful for preparing foamy
beverages from roast and ground coffee. However, they are not well
adapted to prepare, from soluble powder, a beverage with a
sufficient solids concentration and decent foam. In this regard, it
has been found that the pressure in the portioned package would
tend to drop rapidly before the end of the beverage delivery. The
drop of pressure is detrimental to a full dissolution of the powder
in the package, consequently, it is detrimental to the control of
the solids concentration in the final liquid delivered since
soluble material does not dissolve entirely and some soluble
material remains in the package. Similarly, the pressure being low,
less foam is created out of the extraction.
[0004] British patent 803,486 discloses a filtering medium for
brewing beverages whereby the filter paper is coated with a
water-insoluble material so that the paper is rendered non-porous
for a period of time. This is intended to assist in the brewing of
coffee. This patent, however, does not remedy the deficiencies of
the art.
[0005] Thus, it is desirable to provide a beverage portioned
package containing soluble powder that produces, in a beverage
dispensing device supplying water under pressure, a beverage with
high quality characteristics in particular a desired solids
concentration and a decent foam. The present invention now does
this.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention relates to a beverage-portioned package for
preparing a beverage in an extraction device. The package is
associated with an extraction device, typically one which holds or
clamps the package between a water supplying part and a receiver of
the device. The package comprises a first surface for receiving
water and allowing the water to flow into and through the package
under pressure when the package is operatively associated with the
extraction device to form the beverage. The package also has a
second surface that allows for the beverage to flow therethrough so
that the beverage can be collected in the received of the device.
Advantageously, the package contains a water-soluble beverage
material in an amount sufficient to form the beverage and a filler.
The filler advantageously comprises a water-insoluble material
adapted to maintain extraction pressure of the beverage above that
which is created by the sole resistance of the first and second
surfaces when the package is emptied of the water-soluble
material.
[0007] The invention also relates to a method of making a foamed
beverage from a soluble beverage-forming material in a beverage
portioned package that is processed in an extraction device. In
this method, the invention offers an improvement which comprises
providing the package with a filler therein, with the filler
comprising a water insoluble material adapted to maintain
extraction pressure of the beverage above that which is created by
the sole resistance of the package to facilitate formation of a
foam on the beverage that is dispensed from the extraction
device.
[0008] The filler performs to maintain a sufficient pressure of
extraction during extraction of the portioned package while the
water-soluble beverage material progressively dissolves in water,
as water passes through the package to release the beverage. The
pressure inside the portioned package, which can be so maintained
at a sufficient level until the portion of soluble material has
been dissolved, contributes to ensure that the beverage delivers
the desired solids concentration and that a sufficient amount of
foam is also created. These properties are significantly improved
over portioned packages that do not include such a filler. For
packages comprising flexible walls, the filler also acts to
maintain the proper volume and size of the package during and after
the extraction process and prevent the package from collapsing in
the extraction chamber.
[0009] Preferably, the filler is configured for avoiding a drop of
the pressure of extraction. Thanks to the filler, the maximum
pressure reduction during the extraction of the package can be
maintained lower than 0.2 bars, preferably lower than 0.05 bar,
until full completion of the beverage delivery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
appear more clearly upon reading the following description of
preferred embodiments for implementing the present invention, this
description being made with reference to the annexed drawings, in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view along I-I of FIG. 2 of a
preferred embodiment of the portioned package of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 1A shows a detail of the content of the package of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the portioned package of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view thereof during water supply
in an extraction chamber of the package of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but at
the end of the extraction;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a variant of the package
of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of another variant of the
package of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 shows in cross section a typical espresso device with
packages of the inventions;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a self-sustainable
portioned package according to a variant of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of another self-sustainable
portioned package according to another variant of the
invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the filler forms a
pressure resistance bed in the package. A pressure resistance bed
is meant to be a relatively homogeneously distributed mass of
filler in the content of the package. The pressure resistance bed
may be either made of discrete particles of water-insoluble
material forming at least one or multiple layers or, alternatively,
thoroughly mixed with the water-soluble material. The bed may also
be a continuous network of water-insoluble material, which acts to
generate the stabilized extraction pressure when water is forced to
pass it. The pressure resistance bed preferably extends through at
least 95% of the transverse section of the package, preferably
through 100% of the transverse section of the package, in order to
avoid creating privileged water paths or holes after dissolution of
soluble material. Such paths or holes would indeed cause a
significant pressure drop with consequence on dissolution and foam
generation. Preferably, the pressure resistance bed extends through
at least 30%, preferably 60%, even most preferably 100% of the
thickness of the package. The thickness of the package is meant to
be the larger distance that separates the second surface from the
first surface of the filled package.
[0022] The pressure resistance bed can preferably be a mass of
discrete pieces in the form of powder, particulates, granules,
flakes, fibers or combinations thereof As noted, the pieces may
preferably be thoroughly mixed with the water-soluble material. The
bed can also form one or more transverse layers distinct from the
soluble powder; i.e., extending across the direction of the flow
between the first and second surfaces and preferably in an
essentially perpendicularly arrangement. At least one layer of
filler and one layer of water-soluble powder can be so arranged in
a configuration of superimposed layers in the enclosure of the
package.
[0023] The preferred pressure resistance bed is made of powder
having a particle size that is below 600 microns. Even more
preferably, the particle size of the powder is between 200 and 500
microns, and most preferably between 250 and 400 microns. Above 600
microns, the water tends to drain too easily between the powder
grains as the soluble powder starts being washed by the water. As a
consequence, no sufficient pressure can be maintained over the
extraction time. Below 200 microns, the powder bed is too compact
so that the resistance becomes too high and water does not freely
move through the package.
[0024] In an alternative, the pressure resistance bed can be at
least one continuous porous member such as a web, a mat, a sintered
piece, a piece of foam or a compacted piece. The member can be made
of any organic or inorganic insoluble material. The porosity of the
continuous member should preferably be between 10 and 200 microns,
even more preferably between 20 and 60 microns. The continuous
member or an assembly of several members has to cover the entire
transverse section of the package in order to avoid leaving
privileged paths for water. The continuous member can have any
shapes such as a bar, a disc, a polygonal or other sorts of shapes.
Soluble powder can be inserted inside the interstice or pores of
the member. For instance, soluble powder and the filler from
insoluble powder can be compacted, extruded or sintered to form a
complete solid block which fills the enclosure of the package.
[0025] The preferred embodiment has a filler with water absorption
properties such that it can absorb the residual water in the
extraction device at the end of the extraction. Therefore, the
package can be removed from the device without much water dripping
thus avoiding the creation of an unpleasant messy place. For that,
the preferred filler has water absorbent properties such that the
water absorbency rate of the package is at least 200%, more
preferably, between 210 and 245%. The water absorbency rate is
measured with a package being emptied from the water-soluble
material. The rate corresponds to the formula (X2. 100)/X1, wherein
X2 is the weight of the final package after being soaked in hot
water during 30 seconds and X1 being the weight of the same dry
package.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the filler is chosen among the
group consisting of cellulose, fiber, fresh ground coffee, spent
ground coffee and combinations thereof These work well when the
water-soluble material includes soluble coffee powder, milk powder,
a creamer substitute powder, chocolate powder and mixtures
thereof.
[0027] Preferably, the ratio water-soluble material to filler, in
volume, is between 1:0.5 and 1:10, preferably between 1:1 and 1:8
and most preferably between 1:1 to 1:6 (by volume). The particular
ratio is very dependent on the nature of the water-soluble material
or mixture of water-soluble materials. For instance, for pure
soluble coffee, the ratio is most preferably between 1:2 to 1:6,
whereas for milk and coffee mixes, creamer and coffee mixes or
chocolate mixes, the ratio would be lower and most cases preferably
between 1:1 to 1:3 (by volume).
[0028] When the water-soluble powder comprises coffee, its amount
is determined to provide at least 10 wt %, preferably, 40 wt %, of
the total coffee solids in the final beverage.
[0029] In another embodiment, the filler may contain a soluble
and/or water extractable substance for concentrating in solids
and/or aromatizing or flavoring the beverage. Thus, it offers the
opportunity to contribute to the solids concentration of the
beverage and/or supply additional aroma or flavor characteristics
to the beverage which would not possible with the sole use of the
water-soluble powder. By adding more coffee solids, for example,
the character and strength of the beverage can modified
accordingly. It also offers the opportunity to more easily
customize the beverage to different consumer's taste and needs by
having a limited number of water-soluble powders to which is added
a range of differently aromatizized or flavored fillers in order to
provide a wide range of beverages. Examples of desirable flavors
include hazelnut, vanilla or chicory beans.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second surfaces are
water permeable walls. For instance, the surfaces may be made of
filter paper sheets. More specifically, the first and second
surfaces are disc shaped sheets manufactured from filter paper and
which are interconnected adjacent a longitudinal edge; the
interconnected part of the sheet forming an annular sealing seam.
Such an outer package configuration is typically known under the
usual denomination of "filter pod".
[0031] In an alternative, the first and second surfaces may be
solid or semi-solid walls which are pre-opened or pierceable. In
that case, the first and second surfaces can be made of plastic, a
metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or combinations
thereof.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a preferred embodiment of a package
constructed according to the invention is a filter pod 1. The pod 1
includes a pair of permeable walls 10, 11 intended to form a water
entry surface and a water exit surface. The walls 10, 11 are sealed
together at their peripheral edge along an annular sealing seam 12
delimiting an internal enclosure. This seam also allows the package
to be held in the extraction device. The pod may be symmetrical
with respect to its median plane passing along the seam 12 thereby
providing a package which can be installed in an extraction device
regardless of the top/bottom positioning of the first and second
surfaces of the pod. The sealing seam can be formed by hot welding
or adhesion or any other suitable technique able to create a strong
bond resisting to hot water pressure. The filtering paper sheets is
preferably sheets of diameter comprised between 10 to 100 mm,
preferably 30 to 70 mm, with dry tensile strength of between 50 to
200 g/mm and a wet tensile strength of between 20 to 100 g/mm.
[0033] According to the invention, the package is filled,
preferably along the entire cross sectional area of the enclosure,
with, firstly, a water-soluble beverage material indented to
provide the primary beverage ingredient for the beverage which is
delivered through the extraction device, and secondly, with a
filler intended to provide a pressure resistance means for
retaining pressure during the progressive dissolution of the
water-soluble beverage material during extraction. The portion of
water-soluble beverage material is intended to thoroughly mix with
water during extraction. For a good dissolution and mixing with
water, the pressure in the package must be maintained at
substantially stable level over the extraction. The role of the
filler is to keep the pressure of extraction substantially high
until the dissolution is over.
[0034] The water-soluble beverage material can be chosen amount the
group of soluble coffee powder, milk powder, creamer powder, cocoa
powder and mixtures thereof.
[0035] The preferred embodiment comprises soluble coffee powder
able to provide espresso type coffee or larger coffee servings.
Soluble coffee powder includes spray-dried coffee powder, freeze
dried coffee powder and combinations thereof. This soluble coffee
powder may be aromatized coffee powder as obtained by the process
for the recovery of aroma components from roasted and ground coffee
as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,592,922 and 6,455,093, the
contents of each of which is expressly incorporated herein by
reference thereto. In an alternative, the soluble coffee powder can
be non-aromatized coffee powder.
[0036] Soluble coffee powder may be used in a blend with milk or
creamer powder in varying amounts depending upon the final whitened
beverage desired. The ratio soluble coffee powder to milk or
creamer powder may vary from 1:10 to 10:1.
[0037] According to the invention, the filler may be any food
and/or non-food water-insoluble material. The proportion of
water-insoluble material of the filler should be of at least 95%,
preferably 100% by weight of the filler. The water-soluble part of
the filler would usually be coffee solids, aroma, flavors,
carbohydrates, etc. For example, the filler can be made of
water-insoluble carrier coated or impregnated with water-soluble or
extractable substances under hot water pressure which is (are)
delivered to aromatize, sweeten or modify otherwise the final
attributes of the beverage. The soluble and/or extractable
substances may also be releasable coffee substances which
contribute to the set up of the final concentration in coffee
solids in the beverage.
[0038] In preferred embodiments, the filler includes cellulose,
fiber, fresh ground coffee or spent ground coffee.
[0039] Cellulose is typically plant or wood cellulose under the
form of powder or short fibers. An example of a suitable cellulose
is cottonseed flour. These fibers can be organic or inorganic
fibers. Organic fiber can be food fiber from vegetal or animal
origin. Inorganic fiber must be food grade fiber and must comply
with food regulations. Well known compliant materials include
certain plastics, glass or ceramics.
[0040] For economic reasons and food regulation compliance, a
preferred filler is spent ground coffee powder. Spent ground coffee
powder is mainly coffee fiber which is obtained from fresh ground
coffee which has been brewed or extracted to eliminate coffee
solids and coffee aromas. Spent ground coffee is a common coffee
waste obtained in the manufacturing of the soluble coffee powder.
Spent ground coffee can also be an excellent carrier for releasing
aromas and flavors.
[0041] Fresh ground coffee may also be used as the filler in order
to provide natural coffee solids and aroma to the beverage. Since
the primary purpose of the filler is to provide the pressure
resistance function, the use of ground coffee as a filler should be
limited to a contribution of coffee solids in the final beverage
being not above 30% of the total solids concentration of the
package.
[0042] Fillers having swelling properties by water absorption are
preferred. More preferably, the filler should be able to absorb
water to an extent such that it progressively replaces the volume
of soluble powder which is removed by water dissolution. Therefore,
the size and volume of the package can be substantially maintained
constant in the dispensing device with as small an amount of voids
as possible. Lesser voids enable the package to maintain pressure
resistance at the required level all over the extraction. The
maintenance of the size and shape of the pod also contributes to a
proper holding in the machine. A loss of volume after extraction
should not exceed 20% of the initial volume, more preferably it
should be less than 10%, most preferably it should be less than 5%
of the initial volume of the package.
[0043] Another important advantage of the water absorption
properties of the filler lies in the fact that, after extraction,
the pod can be removed with a lesser dripping of water. The pod is
therefore cleaner and more convenient to use. The swelling
characteristics of the filler can vary depending on the nature of
the beverage soluble powder. For instance, because milk powder
usually occupies a larger volume than coffee powder, a filler
swelling more is preferred to re-occupy properly all the voids left
by the milk progressively dissolving. The filler will preferably
act as a sponge which expands as more water comes in and more
soluble material is removed from the package.
[0044] According to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the filler
constitutes a powdery pressure resistance bed 20 in which is
thoroughly mixed water-soluble powder 30 such as soluble coffee.
FIG. 1A shows the structure of the bed with soluble powder in it.
The preferred volume ratio of water-soluble powder to filler is
comprised between 1:1 and 1:8, most preferably 1:2 to 1:5. The
volume herein refers to the non-compacted and non-tapped volume of
bulky material measured in a standard volumetircally graduated
cylinder. For example, the typical total volume for one single
serving coffee pod represents about 25 mL. The optimal volume of
soluble coffee represents thus about 5-7 mL, whereas the volume of
filler represents about 20-18 mL.
[0045] Preferably, the particle size of the filler is lower than
the particle size of the beverage soluble powder. Finer particles
for the filler contribute to reduce the voids in the mass of the
bed. Finer particles also re-distribute also more efficiently in
the voids left by the soluble particles which have dissolved in
water. Preferably, the mean particle size of the filler ranges
between 200 and 600 microns, most preferably between 250 and 450
microns. For example, typical spent ground coffee has a mean
particle size of about 280 to 400 microns.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows the package of the invention as sitting in a
beverage preparation assembly 3. The assembly for use in a beverage
preparation device or coffee machine comprises a receiver 30 for
receiving the pod 1 of the invention in an inner space 31 of the
receiver. The inner space 31 can be a bowl-shaped design bounded by
a bottom wall 32 and sidewall 33. The inner space is shaped to the
general contour of the package. Because in this example, the inner
space 31 and the pod 1 are of circular design, this implies that
the receiver comprises a single cylindrical sidewall 33 which is
round and closed in itself. Other shapes of receivers can be
contemplated such as square, polygonal, etc.
[0047] Located in the bottom of the receiver is at least one
outflow opening 34. The outflow can taper to a restriction 35 in
order to form a jet for delivering the beverage in the cup. This
restriction 35 enables to restrict the flow of the beverage and
provides a foam of higher volume. The restrictor has usually a
diameter of less than 1 mm. However, because of the use of the
package of the invention with a built-in pressure resistance means,
the restrictor can be avoided. In particular, for pods of large
volume, e.g., more than 30 mL, where more food substance is
required such as for milk and coffee mixes or cocoa powder mixes,
there is an advantage to avoid the restrictor and to deliver at a
higher flow rate than for smaller volumes, in order to meet an
acceptable delivery of less than 60 seconds, more preferably of
less than 45 seconds. In that event, the filler contributes to
create the foam without the need of the restrictor.
[0048] The assembly is closed at the opposite of the receiver
around the pod by water supply part 40. This part covers the upper
surface of the pod 1 to form with the receiver a dissolution
chamber 5. The water supplying part cooperates also with a
peripheral sealing joint 41 to maintain the chamber tight. For
this, the sealing joint 41 is pressed on the seam or peripheral
edge of the pod. A preferred water supplying means can be a hose
42, or a shower with multiple water outlets (no shown) or any other
equivalent means. The receiver 30 is detachably attached to an
upper portion of the extraction chamber, and can be connected
therewith with any suitable detachable connection means.
[0049] As hot water starts being supplied through the water
supplying means by a pump, the pressure inside the package rapidly
increases due to the resistance provided by the filler.
[0050] The preferred package enables a rapid rise to the pressure
of extraction, then, a relatively stable pressure of extraction
until the water pump is stopped at the end of the extraction. The
rise of pressure up to the pressure of extraction is typically of
less than 10 seconds, preferably less than 8 seconds, even most
preferably less than 6 seconds. The stabilized pressure of
extraction depends not only on the filler (particle size, amount,
nature of the filler, etc.) but also on the characteristics of the
machine (strength of the pump, tightness, etc.). The stabilized
pressure of extraction may range from 1.5 to 12 bars, more
typically, from 1.8 to 6 bars.
[0051] As the extraction and dissolution process goes, less and
less water-soluble powder is left in the package, as shown in FIG.
4, and filler swells to occupy the corresponding freed volume so
that the pressure in the chamber of extraction can be maintained
substantially constant. The beverage dilution is controlled by the
amount of water delivered (water flow rate by water delivery time).
The water pump is stopped when the proper water dilution of the
beverage in the cup is achieved. Water flow can be maintained
beyond the total dissolution of the water-soluble powder if the
beverage needs further dilution, such as for a large or long cup of
coffee, i.e., 110 mL of beverage in the cup.
[0052] After the process is over, the assembly can be opened and
the spent package is removed from the receiver. Due to the presence
of the filler that scavenges the residual water from the extraction
chamber and the receiver through the filtering paper sheets, the
pod can be cleanly removed with less water dripping during
removal.
[0053] FIG. 5 shows a variant of the pod of the invention. The
filler can be formed from several individual water-insoluble layers
150, 151 which are separated from layers of beverage water-soluble
powder 160, 161, 162. The layers of filler 150, 151 are oriented
transverse to the direction of the flow and extend over the entire
cross section of the package so that all water is forced to pass
through these layers and a proper pressure can be maintained all
over the extraction process.
[0054] FIG. 6 shows another variant in which the filler is formed
from a porous block 17 comprising a sintered, compacted or foamed
water insoluble material. The block can hold the beverage powder 18
in pores or interstices. Depending upon the material of the block,
the beverage powder can be introduced into the block by powder
compaction technology, sintering technology or foam technology.
[0055] The package of the invention can be extracted in any
traditional espresso machine with an extraction assembly such as
one illustrated in FIG. 7. The assembly of FIG. 7 is known and
comprises a lower collector 70 with a large hole 71, a package
receiver 72 with a plurality of beverage outlets. The package
receiver is an adaptor which can be sized to accommodate one
package or two packages at a time depending on the volume and/or
strength of beverage desired. The assembly further has an upper
fluid supplying cover 73 with water inlets 74 which co-acts with
the collector and receiver in tight closure. The difference with
the extraction assembly of FIG. 3 primarily lies in the absence of
restrictor which is no more desirable for the larger volume
beverages.
[0056] The package of the invention is not limited to a supple
envelope of filtering paper walls. FIG. 8 shows, for example, a
package 8 comprising a semi-flexible cup shaped package. The
package includes a cup 80 with a bottom base 81 provided with
multiple beverage outlets 82 and a puncturable membrane 83 or lid
welded and/or crimped along outer edges 84 of the cup. According to
the invention, the cup and the membrane or lid delimits an
enclosure for the water-soluble beverage powder and the filler.
[0057] FIG. 9 is another variant of a cup-shaped package 9
comprising a cup 90 onto which is sealed an apertured membrane or
lid 91. The difference with the embodiment of FIG. 8 lies in the
package having an integrated collector element 92 that can
condition the foam to the correct bubble size range and direct the
flow of beverage to the cup. The collector can be permeably closed
by a filter 93 when the filler 20 is in powdery form. However, the
filter 93 may be removed when the filler 20 is porous but in one
sufficiently large block in the enclosure.
EXAMPLE
[0058] A pod was made using 4.5 g spent coffee ground to 390
microns and 2 grams of soluble coffee. The ingredients were mixed
thoroughly and sealed in two layers of disc-shaped filter paper
with a diameter of 69 mm, a dry tensile strength of 180 gram per
millimeter. This pod was used to prepare a black coffee beverage of
120 mL with a layer of foam of about 15% of the volume
beverage.
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