U.S. patent application number 11/579177 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-26 for pad and assembly of a holder and such a pad.
This patent application is currently assigned to SARA LEE/DE N.V.. Invention is credited to Gustaaf Frans Brouwer, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling.
Application Number | 20080148958 11/579177 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34967352 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080148958 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koeling; Hendrik Cornelis ;
et al. |
June 26, 2008 |
Pad and Assembly of a Holder and Such a Pad
Abstract
A pad of the optionally flexible, disc-shaped/flat type filled
with a product to be extracted such as ground coffee and/or a
product to be dissolved such as a creamer, provided with an
optionally flexible bottom sheet manufactured from, for instance,
filtering paper and an optionally flexible top sheet manufactured
from, for instance, filtering paper, the top sheet and the bottom
sheet being interconnected at their longitudinal edges so that a
covering with a circumferential sealing seam is formed, with the
product situated between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, the
bottom sheet and the top sheet each forming a filter which is at
least virtually impermeable to the product and which is at least
permeable to water, while an area of the covering is designed to be
at least virtually impermeable to water, the area comprising,
preferably, at least one annular sub-area covering at least a part
of the sealing seam, and that the area extends outside the sealing
seam at predetermined positions.
Inventors: |
Koeling; Hendrik Cornelis;
(Heezerweg, NL) ; Brouwer; Gustaaf Frans;
(Hoefslag, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Altera Law Group, LLC
220 S 6 St Suite 1700
Minneapolis
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
SARA LEE/DE N.V.
Utrecht
NL
|
Family ID: |
34967352 |
Appl. No.: |
11/579177 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
April 28, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NL05/00317 |
371 Date: |
November 15, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
99/323 ;
206/.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/8043 20130101;
B65D 85/8046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
99/323 ;
206/5 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/16 20060101
A47G019/16; B65D 85/72 20060101 B65D085/72 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 28, 2004 |
NL |
1026068 |
Claims
1. A pad filled with a product to be extracted such as ground
coffee and/or, optionally, a product to be dissolved such as a
creamer for preparing a beverage, wherein the pad is designed in
order that, in use, a liquid such as hot water can be fed under
pressure to the pad for extracting and/or dissolving the product,
the pad being provided with an optionally flexible bottom sheet
manufactured from, for instance, filtering paper and an optionally
flexible top sheet manufactured from, for instance, filtering
paper, the top sheet and the bottom sheet being interconnected at
their longitudinal edges so that a covering with a circumferential
sealing seam is formed with the product situated between the top
sheet and the bottom sheet, the bottom sheet and the top sheet each
forming a filter which is at least virtually impermeable to the
product and which is at least permeable to water, characterized in
that one area of the covering is designed to be at least virtually
impermeable to water wherein:--the area comprises at least one
annular sub-area occupying at least a part of the sealing seam
extending around the sealing seam, which area further extends
outside the sealing seam at predetermined positions;--and/or the
area comprises a plurality of sub-areas separate from each
other;--and/or the area comprises at least one sub-area occupying
at least a part of the sealing seam and a part of the covering
outside the sealing seam.
2. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular
sub-area comprises, at the bottom sheet, an annular bottom sheet
sub-area which extends inside and outside the sealing seam.
3. A pad according to claim 2, characterized in that the annular
bottom sheet sub-area occupies the entire sealing seam.
4. A pad according to claim 2, characterized in that the annular
bottom sheet sub-area occupies a part of the sealing seam.
5. A pad according to claim 4, characterized in that the annular
bottom sheet sub-area occupies a first annular seam part of the
sealing seam.
6. A pad according to claim 5, characterized in that the sealing
seam comprises a second annular seam part which embraces the first
annular seam part and does not form part of the at least virtually
water impermeable area of the bottom sheet.
7. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular
sub-area comprises at the bottom sheet an annular bottom sheet
sub-area which extends along the sealing seam and occupies at least
a part of the sealing seam, while the area further comprises, at
the bottom sheet, parts forming bulges at an inside edge of the
bottom sheet sub-area outside the sealing seam.
8. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the area
comprises, at the bottom sheet, a first strip-shaped bottom area
sub-area which extends along at least a part of a diameter of the
bottom sheet.
9. A pad according to claim 8, characterized in that the ends of
the first strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area are located in or are
adjacent to a part of the sealing seam.
10. A pad according to claim 8, characterized in that the area of
the bottom sheet comprises a second strip -shaped bottom sheet
sub-area which extends along at least a part of a diameter of the
bottom sheet.
11. A pad according to claim 10, characterized in that the ends of
the second strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area are located in or are
adjacent to a part of the sealing seam.
12. A pad according to claim 11, characterized in that the first
strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area and the second strip-shaped
bottom sheet sub-area include an angle different from zero.
13. A pad according to claim 12, characterized in that said angle
is approximately equal to 90 degrees.
14. A pad according to claim 10, characterized in that the first
strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area and the second strip-shaped
bottom sheet sub-area intersect.
15. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom
sheet comprises an annular bottom sheet part, of which first ring
segments form part of the area of the covering and of which second
ring segments do not form part of the area of the covering, the
first and second ring segments together forming the annular bottom
sheet part, while the annular bottom sheet part extends along the
sealing seam and occupies at least a part of the sealing seam.
16. A pad according to claim 15, characterized in that one segment
of the first segments borders, on both sides, on segments of the
second segments.
17. A pad according to claim 16, characterized in that the annular
bottom sheet part occupies the entire sealing seam.
18. A pad according to claim 16, characterized in that the annular
bottom sheet part occupies only a part of the sealing seam.
19. A pad according to claim 18, characterized in that the annular
bottom sheet part occupies a third annular seam part of the sealing
seam.
20. A pad according to claim 19, characterized in that the sealing
seam comprises a fourth annular seam part which embraces the third
annular seam part and does not form part of the at least virtually
water impermeable area of the bottom sheet.
21. A pad according to claim 15, characterized in that the annular
bottom sheet extends inside and outside the sealing seam.
22. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the area
comprises, at the top sheet, an annular top sheet sub-area
extending inside and outside the sealing seam.
23. A pad according to claim 22, characterized in that the annular
top sheet sub-area occupies the entire sealing seam.
24. A pad according to claim 22, characterized in that the annular
top sheet sub-area covers a part of the sealing seam.
25. A pad according to claim 24, characterized in that the annular
top sheet sub-area occupies a fifth annular seam part of the
sealing seam.
26. A pad according to claim 25, characterized in that the sealing
seam comprises a sixth annular seam part which embraces the fifth
annular seam part and does not form part of the at least virtually
water impermeable area of the top sheet.
27. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular
sub-area comprises, at the top sheet, an annular bottom sheet
sub-area extending along the sealing seam while the area further
comprises, at the top sheet, parts forming bulges at an inside edge
of the top sheet outside the sealing seam.
28. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the top sheet
comprises an annular top sheet part of which first ring segments
form part of the area of the top sheet and second ring segments do
not form part of the area of the top sheet, the first and second
ring segments of the annular top sheet part together forming the
annular top sheet part while the annular top sheet part extends
along the sealing seam and occupies at least a part of the sealing
seam.
29. A pad according to claim 28, characterized in that one segment
of the first segments of the annular top sheet part borders, on
both sides, on segments of the second segments of the annular top
sheet part.
30. A pad according to claim 28, characterized in that the annular
top sheet part covers the entire sealing seam.
31. A pad according to claim 28, characterized in that the annular
top sheet part occupies a part of the sealing seam.
32. A pad according to claim 31, characterized in that the annular
top sheet part covers a seventh annular seam part of the sealing
seam.
33. A pad according to claim 32, characterized in that the sealing
seam comprises an eighth annular seam part which embraces the
seventh annular seam part and does not form part of the area of the
top sheet which is at least virtually impermeable to water.
34. A pad according to claim 28, characterized in that the annular
top sheet part extends inside and outside the sealing seam.
35. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality
of areas separate from each other extends each partly inside
(along) and partly outside the sealing seam.
36. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality
of areas separated from each other each extend inside (along) the
sealing seam.
37. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality
of areas separated from each other each extend outside the sealing
seam.
38. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the sub-areas
extend at the bottom sheet of the covering.
39. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom
sheet comprises a non-woven material which has undergone a heat
treatment in the area.
40. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom
sheet comprises a coating which has undergone a heat treatment in
the area of the bottom sheet.
41. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the area of
the bottom sheet comprises a coating which is at least virtually
impermeable to water.
42. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the area of
the bottom sheet comprises an additional film which is applied to
the filtering paper at the inside and/or at the outside of the pad
and which is at least virtually impermeable to water.
43. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom
sheet is manufactured from a material that is at least virtually
impermeable to water, which is perforated for obtaining a
filter.
44. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the top sheet
comprises a non-woven material which has undergone a heat treatment
in the area.
45. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the top sheet
comprises a coating which has undergone a heat treatment in the
area of the top sheet.
46. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the area of
the top sheet comprises a coating which is at least virtually
impermeable to water.
47. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the area of
the top sheet comprises an additional film which is applied to the
filtering paper at the inside and/or at the outside of the pad and
which is at least virtually impermeable to water.
48. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the top sheet
is manufactured from a material that is at least virtually
impermeable to water, which is perforated for obtaining a
filter.
49. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing
seam is provided with a plurality of indentations located at an
outside edge of the sealing seam.
50. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing
seam is provided with a plurality of openings which extend from a
top side of the pad to a bottom side of the pad.
51. A pad according to claim 49, characterized in that the
indentations are located in the area of the bottom sheet.
52. A pad according to claim 50, characterized in that the openings
are located in the area of the bottom sheet.
53. A pad according to claim 49, characterized in that the
indentations are located in the area of the top sheet.
54. A pad according to claim 50, characterized in that the openings
are located in the area of the top sheet.
55. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom
sheet is designed to be at least substantially cup-shaped.
56. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the top sheet
is designed to be at least virtually flat.
57. A pad according to claim 55, characterized in that the pad is
designed so as to be at least virtually mirror symmetrical relative
to a flat plane through the sealing seam.
58. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the covering
outside the sealing seam is designed to be at least substantially
flexible.
59. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the covering
is designed to be flexible.
60. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the pad is
designed to be flexible.
61. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface
of the predetermined positions where the area extends outside the
sealing seam is relatively small with regard to the surface of the
covering outside the sealing seam and outside the area.
62. A pad according to claim 1, characterized in that the top sheet
outside the sealing seam rests, at least substantially, on the
product.
63. An assembly of a pad and a holder in which the pad is included,
wherein the pad is filled with a product to be extracted such as
ground coffee and/or, optionally, a product to be dissolved such as
a creamer, the pad being provided with a bottom sheet manufactured
from, for instance, filtering paper and a top sheet manufactured
from, for instance, filtering paper, the top sheet and the bottom
sheet being interconnected at their longitudinal edges so that a
covering with a circumferential sealing seam is formed, with the
product situated between the top sheet and the bottom sheet while
the bottom sheet and the top sheet each form a filter which is at
least virtually impermeable to the product and which is at least
permeable to water, the holder being provided with a bottom and,
optionally, an upstanding sidewall while in the bottom at least one
outflow opening is provided, the pad resting on the bottom, while
the assembly is designed in order that, in use, a liquid such as
hot water can be fed under pressure to the assembly for extracting
the pad, characterized in that in the bottom, further, at least one
pressure limit opening is provided, the bottom sheet of the pad
being provided with at least one area which is impermeable to water
and which covers the at least one pressure limit opening.
64. An assembly according to claim 63, characterized in that the
pad reaches over the bottom adjacent the upstanding sidewall.
65. An assembly according to claim 63, characterized in that the
bottom is composed of a horizontal, annular outside bottom part and
a dish-shaped inside bottom part which borders on an inside edge of
the outside bottom part, the inside bottom part adjacent the
outside bottom part extending downwards in a direction away from a
side of the holder.
66. An assembly according to claim 65, characterized in that the at
least one pressure limit opening extends at least in the outside
bottom part.
67. An assembly according to claim 66, characterized in that the at
least one pressure limit opening also extends into the inside
bottom part.
68. An assembly according to claim 63, characterized in that the
sealing seam is provided with a plurality of indentations located
at an outside edge of the sealing seam and that the bottom of the
holder is provided with projections reaching into the
indentations.
69. An assembly according to claim 63, characterized in that the
sealing seam is provided with a plurality of openings which extend
from a top side of the pad to a bottom side of the pad, and that
the bottom of the holder is provided with projections reaching into
the openings.
70. An assembly according to claim 63, characterized in that the
holder is provided with a plurality of pressure limit openings
which are each covered by the at least one area.
71. An assembly according to claim 63, characterized in that the
holder is provided with a plurality of pressure limit openings and
that the area is provided with a plurality of sub-areas which, in
combination, cover the pressure limit openings.
72. An assembly comprising two pads according to claim 56 and one
holder in which both pads are included, the holder being provided
with a bottom and, optionally, an upstanding sidewall while in the
bottom at least one outflow opening is provided, the first pad of
the pads resting with its bottom sheet on the bottom, a second pad
of the two pads resting with its top sheet on the top sheet of the
first pad.
73. An assembly according to claim 72, wherein the assembly is
further provided with a lid for closing off the holder, the lid
being provided at its inside with a bottom which is provided with
at least one water supply opening for feeding hot water to the
holder, the bottom of the lid being composed of a horizontally
directed annular outside bottom part and a dish-shaped inside
bottom part which borders on an inside edge of the outside bottom
part, while the inside bottom part adjacent the outside bottom part
extends upwards in a direction away from the side of the lid.
74. An assembly according to claim 73, characterized in that the
annular outside bottom part of the holder lies opposite the annular
outside bottom part of the lid.
75. An assembly according to claim 74, characterized in that the
two sealing seams of the two pads are situated between the outside
bottom parts of the holder and the lid.
76. A pad of the assembly according to claim 63.
77. An assembly comprising two pads and a holder, wherein the pads
are each provided with a flat top sheet and a bottom sheet which
are interconnected adjacent their longitudinal edges, the pads
being filled with a product to be extracted and/or a product to be
dissolved while the top sheet and the bottom sheet are impermeable
to the product and are at least permeable to water, the two pads
both being included in the holder while the holder is provided with
a bottom and, optionally, an upstanding side wall, in the bottom at
least one outflow opening being provided, a first pad of the pads
resting with its bottom sheet on the bottom and a second pad of the
two pads resting with its top sheet on the top sheet of the first
pad.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a pad filled with a product to be
extracted such as ground coffee and/or, optionally, a product to be
dissolved such as a creamer for preparing a beverage, wherein the
pad is designed in order that, in use, a liquid such as hot water
can be fed under pressure to the pad for extracting and/or
dissolving the product, the pad being provided with an optionally
flexible bottom sheet manufactured from, for instance, filtering
paper and an optionally flexible top sheet manufactured from, for
instance, filtering paper, the top sheet and the bottom sheet being
interconnected at their longitudinal edges so that that a covering
with a circumferential sealing seam is formed with the product
situated between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, the bottom
sheet and the top sheet each forming a filter which is at least
virtually impermeable to the product and which is at least
permeable to water.
[0002] The invention also relates to an assembly of a pad and a
holder in which the pad is included, wherein the pad is filled with
a product to be extracted such as ground coffee and/or, optionally,
a product to be dissolved such as a creamer, while the pad is
provided with a bottom sheet manufactured from, for instance,
filtering paper and a top sheet manufactured from, for instance,
filtering paper, the top sheet and the bottom sheet being
interconnected at their longitudinal edges in order that a covering
with a circumferential sealing seam is formed, with the product
situated between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, the bottom
sheet and the top sheet each forming a filter which is at least
virtually impermeable to the product and which is at least
permeable to water, and wherein the holder is provided with a
bottom and, optionally, an upstanding sidewall, while in the bottom
at least one outflow opening is provided, the pad resting on the
bottom while the assembly is designed in order that, in use, a
liquid such as hot water can be fed under pressure to the assembly
for extracting the pad.
[0003] Such a pad and such an assembly are known per se, for
instance from the European patent application EP 0 904 717. The
known assembly comprises a pad which is filled with a product to be
extracted for obtaining an extract and affords possibilities for
reducing the risk of bypass and increasing the coffee-making
efficiency. Bypass is understood to mean that a liquid such as hot
water is fed under pressure to the assembly, of which hot water
then at least a part flows around the product in the pad to,
thereupon, leave the holder of the assembly via the at least one
outflow opening. Such bypass has as a result that, when the pad has
for instance been filled with a product to be extracted, the
extract which is for instance collected in a cup, is mixed with hot
water. This gives the extract an undesired strength. It is not
desired to make allowance for such bypass because it is not known
beforehand what amount of water will flow to the cup without this
being pressed through the bed of the product in the pad. Further,
the water has the tendency to choose the path of least resistance,
i.e., the water has the tendency to flow through specifically those
places of the bed where the bed is relatively thin. This entails
that the water flows relatively less through the thicker parts of
the bed, resulting in the coffee-making efficiency not being
optimal. For this phenomenon too, a solution is given in the
European patent application EP 0 904 717.
[0004] An unfavourable property of certain embodiments of the known
assembly is that the pressure in the holder can rise when the
outflow opening becomes clogged. The pressure rises because the
beverage cannot leave the holder while hot water is fed under
pressure to a top side of the holder.
[0005] The invention contemplates providing a pad allowing, if
desired, for an assembly which provides a solution to the drawback
mentioned with respect to the rising pressure. The invention also
contemplates providing a pad which enables other problems to be
solved and/or advantages to be provided as will be further
described hereinafter.
[0006] The pad according to the invention is accordingly
characterized in that one area of the covering is designed to be at
least virtually impermeable to water, wherein:--the area comprises
at least one annular sub-area occupying at least a part of the
sealing seam extending around the sealing seam, which area further
extends outside the sealing seam at predetermined
positions;--and/or the area comprises a plurality of sub-areas
separate from each other; and/or the area comprises at least one
sub-area occupying at least a part of the sealing seam and a part
of the covering outside the sealing seam. Such a pad can be
advantageously used in a holder which is provided with a bottom
and, optionally, an upstanding sidewall while in the bottom at
least one outflow opening has been provided, the pad resting on the
bottom while in the bottom of the holder at least one pressure
limit opening is provided. Here, the area of the covering covers
the at least one pressure limit opening. If, in use, the holder is
closed off with the aid of a lid, whereupon hot water is fed to the
holder while moreover, for whatever reason, the outflow opening is
clogged, the pressure in the inside space of the holder will not
rise to extreme heights because with a rising pressure, hot water
and/or the beverage will be discharged via the at least one
pressure limit opening. Here, the pressure limit opening and the
pad function in combination as a safety valve, which will open when
the pressure in the inside space will start to rise as a result of
the outflow opening being clogged. Here, the pressure limit opening
is covered by the area of the covering which is impermeable to
water. If the outflow opening is clogged, the pressure in the
holder will rise while the pressure drop across the pad will become
very small. The pad is no longer pressed firmly against the bottom.
As a result of the rising pressure, the water having been pressed
through the pad then flows under the area to the pressure limit
opening. The pressure limit opening will start discharging hot
water and/or, optionally, the beverage when, for instance, the
pressure in the inside space rises to a value above 2 atmosphere.
The pressure will then increase no further. Here, for instance each
of the sub-areas mentioned can cover a pressure limit opening.
Also, as an alternative or in addition thereto, at the
predetermined positions, the area, optionally together with the
annular sub-area, can cover a pressure limit opening. Also, as an
alternative, or in addition thereto, the annular sub-area itself
can cover a pressure limit opening. The annular sub-area may
further, alternatively or in addition thereto, have the function of
reducing bypass and improving the coffee-making efficiency as will
be further set forth hereinbelow.
[0007] The invention therefore contemplates providing a pad which,
at wish, gives an alternative solution to the problem of bypass.
The invention further also contemplates providing a pad which, at
wish, gives an alternative solution to improving the coffee-making
efficiency.
[0008] If the area comprises the annular sub-area which occupies at
least a part of the sealing seam, the bypass effect, if this should
occur, will be reduced. As the area also extends outside the
sealing seam at predetermined positions, at wish, additional
advantages can be achieved.
[0009] Preferably, it holds that the annular sub-area comprises, at
the bottom sheet, an annular bottom sheet sub-area which extends
inside (i.e. along) and outside the sealing seam. The bed of the
product is often relatively thin at positions just outside the
sealing seam. Here, the bed has a relatively low flow resistance to
water flowing through the bed. This entails that the water tends to
flow, to a relatively large extent, through this part of the bed.
As a result, the efficiency will not be optimal. As the area
comprises an annular bottom sheet sub-area which also extends
outside the sealing seam, the efficiency of the pad can be
improved.
[0010] It is also possible that at the annular sub-area comprises,
at the bottom sheet, an annular bottom sheet sub-area which extends
along the sealing seam and occupies at least a part of the sealing
seam, while the area at the bottom sheet further comprises parts
forming bulges at an inside edge of the bottom sheet sub-area
outside the sealing seam. Here, the annular bottom sheet sub-area
can reduce the bypass problem while, for instance, each bulge,
optionally together with the annular bottom sheet sub-area, can
cover the pressure limit opening.
[0011] In particular, it further holds that the bottom sheet
comprises an annular bottom sheet part of which first ring segments
form part of the area of the covering and of which second ring
segments do not form part of the area of the covering, the first
and second ring segments together forming the annular bottom sheet
part, while the annular bottom sheet part extends along the sealing
seam and occupies at least a part of the sealing seam.
[0012] In particular, it further holds here that the top sheet
comprises an annular top sheet part of which first ring segments
form part the area of the top sheet and second ring segments do not
form part of the area of the top sheet, the first and second ring
segments of the annular top sheet part together forming the annular
top sheet part, while the annular top sheet part extends along the
sealing seam and occupies at least a part of the sealing seam. All
this can be provided such that the first ring segments of the top
sheet and the first ring segments of the bottom sheet, in
combination, form the annular sub-area which occupies at least a
part of the sealing seam.
[0013] In particular it holds that at the area at the bottom sheet
comprises a first strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area that extends
along at least a part of a diameter of the bottom sheet. The first
strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area allows use of the pad in a
holder with two separate discharge paths for the preparation of,
for instance, two cups of the beverage. The holder may be provided
with an inside space bound by a bottom and an upstanding sidewall.
This inside space can be subdivided into two sub-spaces by means of
a partition wall. On this partition wall, the first strip-shaped
bottom sheet may rest. Each sub-space of the holder can be provided
with at least one outflow opening. When, thus, hot water is fed to
a top side of the holder, this hot water will be pressed through
the pad. The beverage formed will then leave the pad and will
divide itself, for the most part equally, over both sub-spaces.
[0014] The assembly according to the invention is characterized in
that in the bottom, further, at least one pressure limit opening is
provided while the bottom sheet of the pad is provided with at
least one area which is impermeable to water and which covers the
at least one pressure limit opening.
[0015] If, in use, the holder is closed off with the aid of a lid,
whereupon hot water is fed to the holder while, moreover, for
whatever reason, the outflow opening is clogged, the pressure in
the inside space of the holder will not rise to extreme heights
because, with a rising pressure, hot water will be discharged to a
surrounding outside the holder via the at least one pressure limit
opening. Here, the pressure limit opening and the pad function in
combination as a safety valve which will open when the pressure in
the inside space will start to rise as a result of the outflow
opening being clogged. Here, the pressure limit opening is covered
by the area of the covering which is impermeable to water. If the
outflow opening is clogged, the pressure in the holder will
increase, while the pressure drop across the pad will then become
very small. The pad is no longer firmly pressed against the bottom.
The water that has been pressed through the pad then flows under
the area to the pressure limit opening as a result of the
increasing pressure. Then, the pressure limit opening will start
discharging hot water when, for instance, the pressure in the inner
space increases to a value above three atmosphere. The pressure
will then rise no further. In particular, it further holds that the
pad is provided with a plurality of indentations located at an
outside edge of the sealing seam. In that case, with the assembly,
the bottom of the holder is provided, preferably, with projections
reaching into the indentations. In this manner, the pad can be
positioned accurately at a desired, predetermined position in the
holder such, for instance, that the area of the covering covers the
at least one pressure limit opening. This accurate positioning is,
for instance, particularly important when the pad is provided with
the indentations for covering the pressure limit opening.
[0016] It is also possible that the sealing seam is provided with a
plurality of openings which extend from a top side of the pad to a
bottom side of the pad. Preferably, the openings are located in the
area of the covering. With this variant too, it holds for the
assembly that it is preferred that the bottom of the holder be
provided with projections reaching into the openings. For this
variant too, it holds that thus, the pad can be accurately
positioned at a predetermined position within the holder, the
arrangement being such that when, for instance, the holder is
provided with the at least one pressure limit opening, this
pressure limit opening is covered by the area of the covering.
[0017] Preferably, it further holds that a through-flow surface of
the at least one pressure limit opening is greater than a
through-flow surface of the at least one outflow opening. In this
manner, when the pressure in the holder starts rising as a result
of a clogging of the outflow opening, the pressure can be reduced
rapidly when the pressure limit opening opens. The fact is that the
through-flow opening has a relatively great through-flow
surface.
[0018] The invention will presently be further elucidated with
reference to the drawing. In the drawing:
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a pad according to the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2a shows a bottom view of a first embodiment of a pad
according to the invention;
[0021] FIG. 2b shows a top plan view of the pad according to FIG.
2a;
[0022] FIG. 3a shows a bottom view of a second embodiment of a pad
according to the invention;
[0023] FIG. 3b shows a top plan view of the pad according to FIG.
3a;
[0024] FIG. 4a shows a bottom view of a third embodiment of a pad
according to the invention;
[0025] FIG. 4b shows a top plan view of the pad according to FIG.
4a;
[0026] FIG. 4c shows a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of a
pad according to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 4d shows a top plan view of the pad according to FIG.
4c;
[0028] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of a fifth embodiment of a pad
according to the invention;
[0029] FIG. 6a shows a cross-section of a holder for including a
pad according to the invention;
[0030] FIG. 6b shows a top plan view of the holder of FIG. 6a;
[0031] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of an
assembly according to the invention comprising a holder according
to FIGS. 6a and 6b and a pad according to the invention, which is
included in the holder;
[0032] FIG. 8a shows a cross-section of a second alternative
embodiment of an assembly according to the invention,
[0033] FIG. 8b shows a top plan view of the holder according to
FIG. 8a;
[0034] FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of a sixth embodiment of a pad
according to the invention;
[0035] FIG. 10a shows a cross section of a third embodiment of an
assembly comprising a holder an a pad according to the
invention;
[0036] FIG. 10b shows a top plan view of the holder of FIG.
10a;
[0037] FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of a seventh embodiment of a pad
according to the invention;
[0038] FIG. 12 shows a top plan view of a holder in which the pad
according to FIG. 11 can be included;
[0039] FIG. 13 shows a side view of an eighth embodiment of a pad
according to the invention;
[0040] FIG. 14 shows a fourth embodiment of an assembly according
to the invention comprising two pads according to the invention and
a holder in which the two pads have been included;
[0041] FIG. 15a shows a bottom view of a ninth embodiment of a pad
according to the invention;
[0042] FIG. 15b shows a bottom view of a tenth embodiment of a pad
according to the invention; and
[0043] FIG. 15c shows a bottom view of an eleventh embodiment of a
pad according to the invention.
[0044] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 indicates a pad. In this
example, the pad is designed in order that, in use, a liquid such
as hot water can be fed under pressure to the pad for the purpose
of being pressed through the pad. The pad 1 is filled with a
product to be extracted such as ground coffee and/or a product to
be dissolved such as a creamer. The product can be extracted with a
liquid such as, for instance, water or be dissolved in water.
However, the invention does not preclude other liquids than water
to be fed under pressure to the pad for extracting or dissolving
the product. For instance, also milk can be fed for extracting the
product such as, for instance, ground coffee. Milk can also be fed
for dissolving the product (such as for instance cocoa). The fact
that the cocoa may not completely dissolve falls within the
framework of this invention.
[0045] The product is indicated with reference numeral 2. The pad
is provided with a preferably flexible bottom sheet 4 and a
preferably flexible top sheet 6. The top sheet and the bottom sheet
are interconnected at their longitudinal edges in a manner known
per se so that a covering 4, 6 with a circumferential sealing seam
8 is formed. The product 2 is situated between the top sheet and
the bottom sheet in the covering formed by the top sheet and the
bottom sheet. Both the top sheet and the bottom sheet each form a
filter which is, at least virtually, impermeable to the product and
which is, as explained hereinabove, at least permeable to
water.
[0046] An area 10 (represented in hatching) of the covering 4, 6 is
designed to be at least virtually impermeable to water. This area
comprises an annular sub-area 12 which occupies at least a part of
the sealing seam 8 and which area further extends outside the
sealing seam 8 at predetermined positions.
[0047] A possible example of such an area 10 is discussed
hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b. FIG. 2a shows a
bottom view of the bottom sheet 4 of the pad of FIG. 1. For
clarity's sake it is noted that the sealing seam 8 in this example
has a width d2. In this example, the area 10 extends in any case at
the bottom sheet 4. The annular sub-area 12 of the area 10
comprises at the bottom sheet an annular bottom sheet sub-area 14
having a width d1. The sealing seam 8 has a width d2 which is
smaller than the diameter d1. In this example, the annular bottom
sheet sub-area 14 occupies the entire sealing seam 8 and extends
over a distance d1 minus d2 along the bottom sheet 4 on positions
15 of the bottom sheet 4 located outside the sealing seam 8. Hence,
the annular sub-area 12 extends outside the sealing seam 8 at
predetermined positions 15 and occupies at least a part of the
sealing seam 8. This part of the sealing seam extends around the
sealing seam and is, consequently, also annular. In this example,
this part forms the entire sealing seam. This entails that besides
the sealing seam 8, also a part of the bottom sheet adjacent the
product 2 is designed to be impermeable to water. Here, it may be
so that the area 10 does not extend over the top sheet 6.
Therefore, the area 10 comprises an annular sub-area 12, occupying
at least one part of the, and in this example the entire, sealing
seam. Further, the area 10 extends outside the sealing seam at
predetermined positions. In this example, these positions 15 are
defined by the part of the annular sub-area 12 which extends
outside the sealing seam.
[0048] In this example, it holds that the top sheet 6 is designed
to be at least virtually flat. It further holds that the bottom
sheet 4 is of cup-shaped design, as is clearly visible in FIG.
1.
[0049] The pad according to FIG. 2a can for instance be included in
a holder as shown in FIG. 6a. The holder 16 is provided with a
bottom 18 and an upstanding sidewall 20. The holder 16 can for
instance be designed as described in the European patent
application EP 0 904 717. In the bottom 18, at least one outflow
opening 22 is provided. In this example, the bottom 18 is composed
of a horizontal, annular outside bottom part 24 and a dish-shaped
inside bottom part 26. The inside bottom part 26 borders on an
inside edge 28 of the outside bottom part 24 while the inside
bottom part adjacent the outside bottom part extends downwards in a
direction away from a side 30 of the holder. In the bottom, grooves
32 are provided, formed between projections 34, the grooves
extending from a position at a distance from the sidewall in a
direction away from the sidewall.
[0050] In use, the pad according to FIG. 2a is placed in the
holder, as shown in FIG. 7. In this example, the pad reaches
adjacent the upstanding sidewall. The holder with the pad 1
included therein is closed off by a lid 36. The lid 36 is provided
at its inside with a plurality of hot water outlet openings 38. The
lid is further provided with a water inlet 40 which is in fluid
communication with the water outlet openings 38. In use, hot water
is fed under pressure to the water inlet 40. The pressure may for
instance be 0.7 bar. This hot water flows via the outlet openings
38 into the inside space 17 of the holder. The water is thus fed
under pressure to a top side of the pad 1. As the pad is provided
with the bottom sheet sub-area 14 which is non-transmissive to
water, water cannot leave the pad at these positions. In an annular
part 15 of the bottom sheet sub-area 14, having a diameter d1-d2,
and located just outside the sealing seam 8, the height h (see FIG.
1) of the product 2, in this example the coffee bed, is relatively
small. Here, the water that is pressed through the pad therefore
experiences a relatively small flow resistance from the coffee. The
result would be that relatively much water is pressed through this
part of the coffee bed while this is the very part of the coffee
bed that comprises the least coffee. As a result, the coffee-making
efficiency would decrease. Since, however, it holds that the bottom
sheet sub-area 14 also renders the annular area 15 of the bottom
sheet non-transmissive to water, the water cannot leave the pad at
these positions, and a relatively large amount of water is
prevented from passing through the relatively thin part of the
coffee bed. The coffee-making efficiency of the pad according to
FIG. 2a is improved. It is also precluded that the water is pressed
through the sealing seam 8 because in this example, the sealing
seam 8 itself is also impermeable to water. The fact is that the
annular sub-area 12 comprises, at the bottom sheet, the annular
bottom sheet sub-area 14 occupying the entire sealing seam 8. As a
result thereof, the risk of bypass is reduced. Bypass is understood
to mean that water, fed to a top side of the pad, flows around the
coffee bed to the outflow opening 22 of the holder.
[0051] In this example, water is also prevented from flowing around
the pad to the outflow opening 22, since the pad, at the locations
where, as a result of a pressure drop across the pad, it is pressed
onto the bottom, it forms a seal to water. Hence, in the present
example, the bottom sheet sub-area 14 provides an additional
guarantee against the risk of bypass and an extra guarantee for the
improvement of the coffee-making efficiency.
[0052] In the example of the assembly of FIG. 7, in the bottom,
further, a number of pressure limit openings 42 are provided,
providing a fluid communication between the inside space 17 and the
surroundings 44 of the holder. The pressure limit openings 42 are
each located partly in the outside bottom part 24 and partly in the
inside bottom part 26. Hence, they are located on the inside edge
28. It further holds that each of the pressure limit openings 42 is
covered by the area 10 of the bottom sheet 4, in this example by
the annular bottom sheet sub-area 14. All this entails the
following advantage. If in the assembly of FIG. 7 the outflow
opening 22 becomes clogged, when the water is fed to the water
inlet 40 of the lid, the pressure in the inside space 17 of the
holder will start rising rapidly when the coffee extract, which is
pressed through the pad 1, cannot leave the inside space 17 via the
outflow opening 22. Further, the pressure drop across the pad will
decrease so that the pad is no longer pressed against the bottom in
an effective manner. It proves to be such that, with an increasing
pressure of the liquid (coffee extract and/or water) in the inside
space 17, the bottom sheet 14 no longer closes off the pressure
limit openings 42 so that the liquid can leave the inside space 17
via the pressure limit openings. As a result, a safety measure is
built in, in order that the pressure in the inside space 17 cannot
rise too much. In normal operation, when the outflow opening 22 is
not blocked, as a result of the pressure drop across the pad, the
bottom sheet and hence the part of the bottom sheet 4 which is
non-transmissive to water will be pressed against the bottom. As a
result, the part of the bottom sheet which is non-transmissive to
water will close off the pressure limit openings so that in that
case, the coffee extract leaves the holder only via the outflow
opening 22. In particular, it will hold that here, the outflow
opening 22 is designed as, for instance, a nozzle. It holds in this
example that the size of the through-flow surface of the outflow
opening 22 is smaller than the size of the through-flow surface of
each of the pressure limit openings 42. If the holder were provided
with a plurality of outflow openings 22, it holds that for instance
the sum of the through-flow surfaces of the outflow openings 22 is
smaller than the sum of the through-flow surfaces of the pressure
limit openings 42.
[0053] The pressure limit openings 42 can also each be provided
entirely in the inside bottom part or in the outside bottom part of
the holder. For the cooperation between pad and holder as regards
the pressure limit openings, it is further not required that the
area 10 comprises the annular sub-area 12. At the bottom sheet, the
area 10 needs only be present those specific positions for the
pressure limit openings to be closed off. To this end, the area 10
may consequently be provided with a plurality of sub-areas,
separate from each other, with each sub-area closing off one of the
pressure openings, or wherein in any case a combination of the
sub-areas closes off the pressure limit openings. FIG. 15a shows a
bottom side of a pad with such sub-areas 11, with each sub-area
closing off a pressure limit area when the pad in this example is
placed in the holder of FIG. 7. Thereto, each sub-area can have a
size that is greater than the pressure limit opening which is
closed off by the respective sub-area. Again, a side view of the
pad according to FIG. 15 is shown in FIG. 1. With the variant
according to FIG. 15a, it also holds that the area comprises at
least one (in this example four) sub-area(s) occupying at least a
part of the sealing seam and a part of the covering outside the
sealing seam.
[0054] If the pressure limit openings 47 lie completely in the
inside bottom part 26, the sub-areas 11 can extend entirely along
the bottom sheet 4 outside the sealing seam 8 (FIG. 15b). If the
pressure limit openings lie completely in the outside bottom part
24, the sub-areas 11 can extend entirely along (within) the sealing
seam of the bottom sheet 4 (FIG. 15c).
[0055] It is preferred that the surface of the sub-area 11 be
greater than the surface of a pressure limit opening which is
covered by the respective sub-area 11. Each length of a diameter of
a sub-area is for instance 50-150% greater than a corresponding
diameter of a pressure limit opening.
[0056] With the pad according to FIGS. 1 and 2a/2b it further holds
that the sealing seam is provided with a plurality of indentations
46 located at an outside edge of the sealing seam. The indentations
are situated in the area 10 of the bottom sheet 4. In this example,
the area 10 of the bottom sheet as discussed hereinabove is formed
by the bottom sheet sub-area 14. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7,
it holds in this example that the bottom of the holder is provided
with projections 47 reaching, in use, into the indentations 46. In
this manner the pad can be accurately positioned in a desired
position in the holder. Such indentations can be used entirely
analogously with the pad according to FIG. 15.
[0057] Instead of having indentations 46, or in combination with
indentations 46, the pad according to FIGS. 2a, 2b or according to
FIG. 15 can also be provided with a plurality of fixing openings 48
extending from a top side of the pad to a bottom side of the pad.
The fixing openings 48 are situated in the sealing seam 8. In this
example, with the pad according to FIGS. 2a/2b, it further holds
that the fixing openings are situated in the area 10 of the bottom
sheet, i.e. in the bottom sheet sub-area 14.
[0058] With a pad having fixing openings, use can be made of a
holder as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 8b. The holder of FIG. 8
corresponds to a large extent to the holder according to FIGS. 6
and 7 with this distinction that the holder according to FIG. 8 is
not provided with projections 47 but, instead thereof, is provided
with projections 50 extending, in use, through the fixing openings
48 of the pad. The projections 50 are projections of the bottom 18
of the holder. More in particular, the projections 50 are been
provided at the outside bottom part 24. In particular it further
holds that the projections 50 have a diameter which is somewhat
greater than de diameter of the fixing openings 48 so that the
projections 50 can reach into the fixing openings 48 in a more or
less clamping manner. In this manner too, it is guaranteed that the
pad is positioned in the holder at a desired position before the
holder is closed off with the aid of the lid 36 for the preparation
of, in this example, coffee, as is discussed with reference to FIG.
7. With the pad according to FIG. 15, the fixing opening 48 also
ensure that when the projections reach into the fixing openings,
the pad is positioned in the holder according to FIGS. 8a/8b such
that the sub-areas 11 cover the pressure limit openings 42. The
fixing openings of the pad of FIG. 15 can cooperate with the
projections of the holder according to FIGS. 8a, 8b. It will be
clear that the fixing openings of the pad of FIG. 15 have to be
arranged rotated through 45 degrees in the plane of the drawing
relative to the pad so that they are located at the sub-areas 11 in
order that the pad can also be used in the holder according to
FIGS. 6a and 6b
[0059] As stated, the top sheet 6 of the pad according to FIG. 2a
can be designed so as to be of, merely, filtering paper, with the
area 10 not extending as far as the top sheet. However, as shown in
FIG. 2b, it is also possible that the annular sub-area 12 comprises
an annular top sheet sub-area 14' having a similar diameter d1 as
discussed in relation to FIG. 2a. It therefore holds here that the
annular top sheet sub-area 14' also occupies the entire sealing
seam 8. Furthermore, the annular top sheet sub-area reaches outside
the sealing seam, more particularly so over a distance d1-d2 as can
be seen in FIG. 2b.
[0060] If the top sheet is designed as discussed with reference to
FIG. 2b, the bottom sheet sub-area 14 can, if desired, be omitted.
Here, use can be made of a holder as shown in FIG. 6a.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 3a, it may also be such that the annular
bottom sheet sub-area 14 occupies only a part of the sealing seam
8. In the example of FIG. 3a, the annular bottom sheet sub-area 14
occupies a first annular seam part 52 of the sealing seam 8. The
sealing seam 8 comprises a second annular seam part 54 which
embraces the first annular seam part 52 and does not form part of
the area 10 of the bottom sheet 6 which is at least virtually water
impermeable. For the pad according to FIG. 3a it holds that this
too can be provided with indentations 46 and/or fixing openings 48
as discussed in relation to FIG. 2a. Preferably, the fixing
openings 48 extend in the first annular seam part 52. The area 10
may, again, not extend over the top sheet 6 as discussed in
relation to FIG. 2a. However, it is also possible that the area 10
comprises, at the top sheet 6, an annular top sheet sub-area 14'
reaching outside the sealing seam 8. Here, it holds in particular
that the annular top sheet sub-area 14' covers a part of the
sealing seam 8. The annular top sheet sub-area 14' then occupies,
for instance, a fifth annular seam part 52' of the sealing seam 8.
The sealing seam further comprises a sixth annular seam part 54'
which does not form part of the area 10 of the top sheet which is
at least virtually impermeable to water. The sixth annular seam
part embraces the fifth annular seam part.
[0062] Naturally, the pad of FIG. 1 can also be provided with the
bottom sheet according to FIG. 2a and the top sheet according to
FIG. 3b. It is also possible that the pad of FIG. 1 is provided
with the bottom sheet according to FIG. 3a and the top sheet
according to FIG. 2b. Such variants are all possible. In the
example of FIG. 3a, the fixing opening is provided in the first
annular seam part 52. However, this is not necessary. They could
also have been provided in the second annular seam part 54.
[0063] The pad of FIG. 1 could also be provided with a bottom sheet
according to FIG. 4a and a top sheet as shown in FIG. 4b.
[0064] The bottom sheet of FIG. 4a comprises an annual bottom sheet
part 60, of which first ring segments 62 form part of the area 10
of the covering, and of which second ring segments 64 do not form
part of the area 10 of the covering. The first and second ring
segments 62, 64 together form the annual bottom sheet part 60. As
can be seen in FIG. 4a, one segment 62 of the first segments 62
borders on both sides on segments 64 of the second segments 64. The
annular bottom sheet part 60 occupies at least a part of the
sealing seam 8. In this example, the annular bottom sheet part
occupies the entire sealing seam 8. Furthermore, it holds that the
annular bottom sheet part 60 extends inside and outside the sealing
seam 8. This appears from the fact that the annular bottom sheet
part has a width which is equal to d1 while the sealing seam has a
width which is equal to d2, with d2 being smaller than d1 (see FIG.
4a).
[0065] The top sheet 6 of the pad according to FIG. 4a can be
designed as shown in FIG. 4b. The top sheet 6 comprises an annular
top sheet part 60'. The annular top sheet part 60' comprises first
ring segments 62', forming part of the area 10 of the top sheet 6,
and second ring segments 64' not forming part of the area 10 of the
top sheet. The first and second ring segments 62', 64' together
form the annual top sheet part 60'. The annular top sheet part 60'
extends along the sealing seam 8 and occupies at least a part of
the sealing seam 8. Further, entirely analogously to what is
described with reference to FIG. 4a, it holds that one segment 62'
of the first segments 62' of the annular top sheet part 60'
borders, on both sides, on segments 64' of the second segments 64'
of the annular top sheet part 60'. In this example, the annular top
sheet part 60' occupies the entire sealing seam 8. It further holds
that the annular top sheet part extends both inside and outside the
sealing seam. This can, again, be understood now that the thickness
d1 of the sealing seam is smaller than the thickness d2 of the top
sheet part 60'.
[0066] The top sheet and the bottom sheet are interconnected such
that the segments 64 lie opposite the segments 62' while the
segments 62 lie opposite the segments 64'. The segments 62 and 62'
then provide, in combination, the annual sub-area 12 of the
covering which occupies at least a part of the, and in this example
the entire, sealing seam and which area further extends outside the
sealing seam at predetermined positions.
[0067] The pad according to FIGS. 4a and 4b has a side view as
shown in FIG. 1 and can, again, be provided with indentations 46
and/or fixing openings 48 as discussed hereinabove.
[0068] With all this being analogous to what is discussed with
reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b, as shown in FIG. 4c, the annular
bottom sheet part 60 can occupy only a part of the sealing seam 8.
Here, the annular bottom sheet part 60 occupies, for instance, a
third annular seam part 66 of the sealing seam 8. The sealing seam
8 further comprises a fourth annular seam part 68 embracing a third
annular seam part 66 and not forming part of the area 10 of the
bottom sheet which is at least virtually impermeable to water. The
top sheet 6 can be built up entirely analogously to what is
discussed with reference to FIG. 4c. For the top sheet 6 of FIG. 4d
it holds that the annular top sheet part 60' occupies a part of the
sealing seam 8. The annular top sheet part occupies a seventh
annular seam part 66' of the sealing seam 8. The sealing seam
further comprises an eighth annular seam part 68' which embraces
the seventh annular seam part and does not form part of the area of
the top sheet which is least virtually impermeable to water. For
the pad according to FIGS. 4c and 4d too, it holds that the
segments 64 and 62' lie opposite each other and that the segments
62 and 64' lie opposite each other in order to thus form a pad of
which a side view corresponds to that shown in FIG. 1. Here, too,
it holds that the segments 62 and 62', in combination, form the
annular sub-area 12 of the covering, having the property that this
annular sub-area occupies at least a part of the sealing seam,
while, moreover, this annular sub-area provides that, further, the
area 10 extends outside the sealing seam at predetermined
positions. The pad according to FIGS. 4c and 4d too can be provided
with indentations and/or fixing openings as discussed
hereinabove.
[0069] In FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of a bottom sheet 4 of
the pad 1 of FIG. 1 is shown. The annular sub-area 12 comprises at
the bottom sheet an annular bottom sheet sub-area 70 which extends
along the sealing seam and occupies at least a part of the sealing
seam. In this example, the annular bottom sheet sub-area 70
occupies the entire sealing seam 8 and, as to this, is comparable
to the annular bottom sheet sub-area 14 of FIG. 2a. In FIG. 2a, the
annular bottom sheet sub-area 14 also had the property that it
reached outside the sealing seam 8. This is not the case with the
variant according to FIG. 5. Instead thereof, the area 10 further
comprises, at the bottom sheet, parts forming bulges 72 at an
inside edge 74 of the bottom sheet sub-area 70 outside the sealing
seam. The bulges 72 are therefore the earlier mentioned parts of
the area 10 extending outside the sealing seam at predetermined
positions. Here, it holds therefore that the width d1 of the
annular bottom sheet sub-area 70 is equal to the width d2 of the
sealing seam 70.
[0070] The top sheet of the pad of FIG. 5 can comprise an area 10
similar to the bottom sheet 4 of FIG. 5. A top plan view of such a
sheet will therefore be identical to the bottom view of the bottom
sheet 4.
[0071] In this example, the pad according to FIG. 5 can, again, be
provided with fixing openings 48 and/or indentations 46. If such a
pad is placed in the holder according to FIG. 6b such that the
projections 50 fall into the fixing openings 48 and/or such that
the projections 47 fall into the indentations 46, the annual
sub-area 70 of the bottom sheet and the bulges 72 of the bottom
sheet ensure that the pressure limit openings 42 are covered.
During normal use, the pressure limit openings 42 are therefore
closed off by areas of the covering which are impermeable to water.
In use therefore, the water will be pressed through the pad 1
whereupon the coffee extract can leave the pad via the outflow
opening 22. Only when the pressure in the inside space of the
holder starts to rise to an extreme degree, if, for instance, the
outflow opening 22 is clogged, the liquid will leave the inside
space via the pressure limit openings 42 as discussed hereinabove.
If the pad were placed in the holder such that the projections 50
do not fall into the fixing openings 48, the possibility exists
that the bulges do not (partly) close off the pressure limit
openings 42. The fixing openings prevent this problem. The fixing
openings of the pad of FIG. 5 can cooperate with the projections of
the holder according to FIGS. 6a, 6b. It will be clear that the
fixing openings of the pad of FIG. 5 must be arranged rotated
through 45.degree. in the plane of the drawing relative to the pad
so that they are situated at the bulge 7 in order that the pad can
also be used with the holder according to FIGS. 8a and 8b.
[0072] In FIG. 9, again, an alternative embodiment of the pad
according to FIG. 1 is shown, while FIG. 9, again, shows a bottom
view of the bottom sheet 4. Here too, it holds that an area 10 of
the covering is designed to be at least virtually impermeable to
water while the area comprises at least one annular sub-area
occupying at least a part of the sealing seam. In this example, the
annular sub-area comprises at the bottom sheet an angular bottom
sheet sub-area 14 coinciding with the sealing seam 8. Further, the
area 10 extends outside the sealing seam 8 at predetermined
positions 76. If, as in FIG. 2a, these predetermined positions were
defined by those parts 15 of the annular bottom sheet sub-area
extending outside the sealing seam, in FIG. 9, these parts or
positions 76 are defined by a first strip-shaped bottom sheet
sub-area 78 which extends at least along a part of the diameter 80
of the bottom sheet 4. The ends 82 of the first strip-shaped bottom
sheet sub-area 78 are located in or, in this example, are adjacent
to a part of the sealing seam. The pad comprising the bottom sheet
of FIG. 9 can, again, have a side view as shown in FIG. 1. The top
sheet can, again, have any embodiment as discussed hereinabove. The
top sheet may also have a top plan view as discussed with reference
to the bottom view of FIG. 9.
[0073] The pad comprising the bottom sheet of FIG. 9 can, again, be
provided with indentations 46 and/or fixing openings. The pad of
FIG. 9 can, for instance, be utilized in a pad holder 84 as shown
in FIG. 10a. FIG. 10b shows a top plan view of the pad holder 84.
In FIG. 10a, in addition to a cross-section of the pad holder 84,
it is also shown how the pad according to FIG. 9 is included in the
holder 84, while the projections 50 of the holder reach into the
fixing openings 48. The holder 84 is provided with a bottom 18 and
an upstanding sidewall 20 which, in combination, bound an inner
space 17 of the holder. Once more, the bottom is composed of an
outside bottom part 24 and an inside bottom part 26. In the bottom,
a first outlet opening 22 and a second outlet opening 22' are
provided. Between the outlet openings 22 and 22', the holder is
provided with an upstanding edge (partition wall) 86 while a top
side 88 of the upstanding edge is lower than the outside bottom
part 24. If the pad of FIG. 1, which is provided with the bottom
sheet of FIG. 9, is placed into the holder 84, the first
strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area of 78 will come to rest on top
of the upstanding edge 86. Thereupon, the assembly of pad and
holder is closed off with the aid of a lid 36 as described
hereinabove. It is further noted that the upstanding edge 86 in
fact subdivides the inside space 17 of the holder 84 in an inner
space 19 and 19', while the inside space 19 is provided with the
outflow opening 22 and the inner space 19' is provided with the
outflow opening 22'.
[0074] When, hereupon, hot water is fed under pressure to the water
inlet 40, the water will be pressed via the upper sheet through the
coffee bed. The thus formed coffee extract will be supplied in at
least virtually equal parts to the outflow opening 22 and the
outflow opening 22', respectively. Here, the first strip-shaped
bottom sheet sub-area 76 forms a seal with the upstanding edge 86,
thereby contributing to the coffee extract being equally divided
over both outflow openings 22 and 22'. In the holder of FIG. 10a,
the upstanding edge 86 can also be omitted. In that case, too, the
strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area 78 will contribute to the coffee
extract being equally divided over both outflow opening is 22 and
22'.
[0075] In FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment of a bottom sheet 4 of
the pad according to FIG. 1 is shown. Here, parts corresponding
with FIG. 9 are provided with the same reference numerals.
Furthermore, the bottom sheet according to FIG. 11 is provided with
a second strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area 78' belonging to the
area 10, extending along at least a part of the diameter 80' of the
bottom sheet 4. Again, it holds that the ends 82' of the second
strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area extend into or border on a part
of the sealing seam 8. It further holds that the first strip-shaped
bottom sheet sub-area 78 and a second strip-shaped bottom sheet
sub-area 78' include an angle different from zero which, in this
example, is at least virtually equal to 90.degree.. It therefore
holds that in this example, a first strip-shaped bottom sheet
sub-area and the second strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area
intersect. The pad of FIG. 11 can be used in a holder, a top plan
view of which is shown in FIG. 12. The holder of FIG. 12
corresponds, broadly, to the holder according to FIG. 10a. However,
it holds that the holder according to FIG. 12 is provided with a
first upstanding edge 86 and a second upstanding edge 86'. The
first and second upstanding edges 68, 68' include an angle which
corresponds to the angle which is included by the first
strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area 78 and the second strip-shaped
bottom sheet sub-area 78'. In this manner, the inside space 76 of
the holder is subdivided into four inside spaces 19, 19', 19'' and
19'''. In the bottom, per sub-space 19-19''', one outflow opening
22-22''' is provided. If the pad of FIG. 11 is placed in the holder
of FIG. 12, with the projections 50 again reaching into fixing
opening 48, the first strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-area 78 will
rest on top of the upstanding edge 86 while the second strip-shaped
bottom sheet sub-area 78' will rest on the upstanding edge 86'. The
holder of FIG. 12 is filled with the pad according to FIG. 11 and
is closed off with a lid as shown in FIG. 10a in order that the
coffee extract that is formed is distributed equally over the
outflow openings 22-22'''. The operation hereof is entirely
analogous to that as discussed in relation to FIG. 10. In the
holder of FIG. 12, the upstanding edges 86, 86' can also be
omitted. In that case, too, the strip-shaped bottom sheet sub-areas
78, 78' contribute to the coffee extract being distributed equally
over the four outflow openings.
[0076] In each of the embodiments outlined hereinabove, it holds
that the top sheet 6 is of flat design. In each of the embodiments
outlined hereinabove, the bottom sheet is of cup-shaped design.
However, it is also possible that the pad is designed to be at
least virtually mirror symmetrical relative to a flat plane V
through the sealing seam. A side view of such a pad is shown in
FIG. 13.
[0077] In this example, the pads described hereinabove are filled
with approximately 7 g of ground coffee. Then, such a pad is
suitable for preparing approximately one consumption of coffee,
that is to say 1 cup of coffee. With the embodiments of the pads as
described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 1, it is further very
well possible to simultaneously prepare two cups of coffee. All
this is discussed with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 shows a holder
16' in which two pads are included. The holder is provided with a
bottom 18 comprising an inside bottom part 26 and an outside bottom
part 24 as discussed hereinabove. The first pad 1 is positioned
resting with its bottom sheet on the bottom. Here, the sealing seam
8 of the pad will reach over the outside bottom part 24. Further, a
second pad 1', which is identical to the pad 1, is placed upside
down on top of the pad 1. For the second pad 1' it therefore holds
that it rests with its top sheet 6 on the top sheet 6 of the first
pad 1. The assembly of FIG. 14 is further provided with a lid 36'
for closing off the holder 16'. The lid 36' is provided, at the
inside, with a bottom 90 having at least one water outlet opening
92. The bottom 90 of the lid is composed of a horizontally directed
annular outside bottom part 92 and a dish-shaped inside bottom part
94 adjacent the inside edge 96 of the outside bottom part. Adjacent
the outside bottom part, the inside bottom part extends upwards in
a direction away from a side of the lid. The result is that the pad
1', as shown in FIG. 14, is included, at least virtually, in a
space enclosed by the dish-shaped inside bottom part 94. Here, the
annular outside bottom part 24 of the holder lies opposite the
annular outside bottom part 94 of the lid 36'. The two sealing
seams 8 of the two pads 1, 1' are situated (optionally not clamped,
as in this example) between the outside bottom parts of the holder
and the lid. When, with the apparatus according to FIG. 14, hot
water is fed to water inlet 40, this water will be pressed through
the two pads 1, 1' whereupon the coffee extract will leave the
holder via the outlet opening 22. In this example, the amount of
water that is fed to the water inlet 40 will be approximately twice
as large as the amount discussed in relation to FIGS. 7 and 8a. It
further appears that the pads, which are each provided with the
area 10, cooperate such that the risk of bypass is strongly reduced
and the coffee-making efficiency is optimized. According to the
invention, with the assembly according to FIG. 14, each of the pads
can also not be provided with the areas 10. More in general, it
then holds that the assembly comprises two pads and one holder
while the pads are each provided with a flat top sheet and a bottom
sheet which are interconnected adjacent their longitudinal edges,
while the pads are filled with a product to be extracted and/or a
product to be dissolved, the two pads being included in the holder,
the holder being provided with a bottom and an upstanding sidewall
while in the bottom at least one outflow opening is provided, a
first pad of the pads resting with its bottom sheet on the bottom
and a second pad of the two pads resting with its top sheet on the
top sheet of the first pad.
[0078] For each of the exemplary embodiments outlined hereinabove
it holds that the area of the bottom sheet can be realized in
various manners. For instance, the bottom sheet can consist of a
nonwoven material which has undergone a heat treatment in the area.
It is also possible that the bottom sheet comprises a coating which
has undergone a heat treatment in the area of the bottom sheet.
This coating may then have been applied to both an outside of the
bottom sheet (this is the side of the bottom sheet forming the
outside of the pad) and an inside of the bottom sheet. It is also
possible that the area of the bottom sheet comprises a coating
which is at least virtually impermeable to water. This coating may,
again, be applied both to the inside of the bottom sheet and to the
outside of the bottom sheet. In each of these examples, the bottom
sheet itself may have been manufactured from filtering paper. It is
further possible that the bottom sheet is manufactured from, for
instance, filtering paper and that the area of the bottom sheet
comprises an additional film which has been applied to the
filtering paper at the inside and/or at the outside of the bottom
sheet. Here, this additional film is of the type that is at least
virtually impermeable to water. It is also conceivable that the
bottom sheet is manufactured from a material that is at least
virtually impermeable to water, which has been perforated for
obtaining a filter. At the location where the perforation is
missing, the bottom sheet is provided with the area 10 mentioned.
Whatever holds for the bottom sheet, holds entirely analogously for
the top sheet. For instance, the top sheet too can comprise a
nonwoven material which has undergone a heat treatment in the area.
This top sheet can be combined with a similar type of bottom sheet
or with a different type of bottom sheet, to be formed into a pad.
Thus, the top sheet may have been manufactured from the non-woven
material which has undergone a heat treatment in the area while the
bottom sheet is manufactured from a material which is at least
virtually impermeable to water and which is perforated for
obtaining a filter. Each of these combinations is a possibility.
The top sheet too can therefore be provided with a coating which,
in the area of the top sheet, has undergone a heat treatment. It is
also conceivable that the area of the top sheet comprises a coating
which is at least virtually impermeable to water. It is also
possible that the area of the top sheet comprises an additional
film applied to the filtering paper at an inside and/or at an
outside of the pad and which is at least virtually impermeable to
water. It is also possible that the top sheet is manufactured from
a material which is at least virtually impermeable to water which
is perforated for obtaining a filter. In each of the embodiments
described hereinabove, it holds that the pad is of the flexible
type. This means that in this example, the product in the pad has
not been compressed to form a solid whole and hence has some
freedom of movement within the covering and that the covering is
not rigid. The pad may however be provided with a compressed
product.
[0079] In the embodiments outlined hereinabove it therefore holds
that the covering is designed to be flexible. This has the
advantage that, in use, the pad can adjust to the shape of the
holder as a result of which the pad will link up well to the bottom
of the holder so that the above-outlined cooperation between pad
and holder can be realized in an optimal manner. When it further
holds that the product has not been compressed, this has as an
advantage that the product itself can adjust relatively rapidly to
the shape of the holder. This will be somewhat more difficult when,
conversely, the product has been compressed, and will typically
only occur if hot water is fed to the pad.
[0080] However, it is preferred that the pad is designed to be
flexible. When the pad is designed to be flexible, this entails
that the covering is of flexible design and that furthermore, the
product has not been compressed.
[0081] It could be so that the sealing seam and/or the areas have
more rigid properties than the rest of the pad. In that example, it
holds that the covering outside the sealing seam is designed to be
at least substantially flexible. When the areas too are flexible,
it then holds that the covering outside the sealing seam is
designed to be flexible, and when the areas are rigid (not
flexible) it holds that the covering outside the sealing seam is
designed to be substantially flexible. In that case too, the
above-outlined use of the various embodiments of the pad can be
realized well. In particular, it holds that the surface of the
predetermined positions where the area extends outside the sealing
seam is relatively small with regard to the surface of the covering
outside the sealing seam and outside the area. Relatively small is
for instance understood to mean that the surface of the
predetermined positions where the area extends outside the sealing
seam is smaller than 50% of the surface of the covering outside the
sealing seam and outside the area. In particular, the percentage is
smaller than 40 percent and, preferably, smaller than 25 percent.
If, in that case, the area were to have the property that it is
more rigid than the rest of the covering, it has been achieved that
in use, the pad as a whole can still take the shape of the holder
as described hereinabove. Taking the shape is understood to mean,
inter alia, that the pad as such already has a shape that fits the
holder well, but because the pad is for instance substantially not
rigid, but at least substantially flexible, the pad can still, at a
level of details, differ from the shape of the holder and can thus,
in use, adjust its shape.
[0082] The fact that it is preferred that the covering is designed
to be at least substantially flexible, entails, for instance, that
the bottom and top sheet are each manufactured from a flexible
material such as filtering paper, and that the area has properties
such that also there, where the area is present, the covering
remains not rigid but flexible, i.e. relatively easily deformable
and bendable. Here, the sealing seam is also flexible.
[0083] Preferably, it also holds for each of the outlined
embodiments that the top sheet outside the sealing seam rests on
the product, at least substantially. This allows the pad to be
suitable to be placed in a holder while the liquid, more in
particular the hot water, is fed under pressure to the holder for
the purpose of being pressed through the holder. If the top sheet
were not to substantially rest on the product, in use, the top
sheet could tear and the pad is unsuitable, or less suitable, to be
used under pressure.
[0084] It is preferred that the pad be filled with a product to be
extracted such as, for instance, ground coffee or tea. In that
case, the pad may, optionally, further be filled with a product to
be dissolved such as a creamer, cocoa or other substances such as
flavourings, colorants etc.
[0085] Further, the pressure limit openings can be provided
entirely in the outside bottom part and/or entirely in the inside
bottom part. Also, instead of being circular, the pads can have a
different shape such as oval, n-angular (N greater than or equal to
three), et cetera. Annular is therefore also understood to include
these shapes. Such variants are each understood to fall within the
framework of the invention.
* * * * *