U.S. patent application number 13/695833 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-09 for container and device comprising such a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to BRITA GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is Thomas Hagen, Stefan Hother, Alexandra Merz, Claudio Schodler, David Zogg. Invention is credited to Thomas Hagen, Stefan Hother, Alexandra Merz, Claudio Schodler, David Zogg.
Application Number | 20130112576 13/695833 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45975904 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130112576 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hother; Stefan ; et
al. |
May 9, 2013 |
CONTAINER AND DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A CONTAINER
Abstract
A container with a cover wall, provided with at least one cover
wall region which can be pierced to form a supply opening for
supplying a liquid, a bottom wall, provided with at least one
bottom wall region which can be pierced to form a discharge
opening, at least one first chamber, in which a basic product is
present, and a second chamber, in which an adjustment element is
arranged that can be displaced from a position of rest to a
puncturing position opening the piercable bottom wall region. The
adjustment element is provided with at least one through-channel
with an inlet opening and with an outlet opening opposite the
piercable bottom wall region. The adjustment element is provided
with a mixing chamber for mixing the liquid and the basic product.
The mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the first chamber
in the puncturing position of the adjustment element.
Inventors: |
Hother; Stefan; (Wiesbaden,
DE) ; Merz; Alexandra; (Taunusstein, DE) ;
Hagen; Thomas; (Mainz, DE) ; Zogg; David;
(Untersiggenthal, CH) ; Schodler; Claudio;
(Zurich, CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hother; Stefan
Merz; Alexandra
Hagen; Thomas
Zogg; David
Schodler; Claudio |
Wiesbaden
Taunusstein
Mainz
Untersiggenthal
Zurich |
|
DE
DE
DE
CH
CH |
|
|
Assignee: |
BRITA GMBH
Taunusstein
DE
|
Family ID: |
45975904 |
Appl. No.: |
13/695833 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
October 21, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2011/057220 |
371 Date: |
January 11, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61405904 |
Oct 22, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/222 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12P 7/065 20130101;
C07C 29/1518 20130101; Y02E 50/10 20130101; C12M 21/04 20130101;
Y02E 50/30 20130101; C12M 43/00 20130101; B65D 81/32 20130101; Y02E
50/343 20130101; Y02E 50/17 20130101; C12P 7/08 20130101; C12P 7/54
20130101; C12P 7/18 20130101; C07C 29/1518 20130101; C07C 31/04
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/222 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 4, 2010 |
NZ |
NZ589003 |
Claims
1. A container, comprising: a cover wall, provided with at least
one cover wall region which can be pierced to form a supply opening
for supplying a liquid, a bottom wall, provided with at least one
bottom wall region which can be pierced to form a discharge
opening, at least one first chamber, in which a basic product is
present, a second chamber, in which an adjustment element is
arranged that can be displaced from a position of rest to a
puncturing position opening the piercable bottom wall region,
wherein the adjustment element is provided with at least one
through-channel with an inlet opening and with an outlet opening
opposite the piercable bottom wall region, wherein the adjustment
element is provided with a mixing chamber for mixing the liquid and
the basic product, and wherein the mixing chamber is in fluid
communication with the first chamber in the puncturing position of
the adjustment element.
2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the through-channel
of the adjustment element is provided with an inlet opening which
is arranged opposite the piercable cover wall region.
3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment
element is movable from the position of rest to the puncturing
position by means of a connecting and dispensing means.
4. The container according to claim 3, wherein the liquid can be
supplied to the mixing chamber of the adjustment element by means
of the connecting and dispensing means.
5. The container according to claim 1, wherein at least one chamber
wall is arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber,
in which at least one connection opening is provided.
6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment
element closes of the connection opening in its position of rest
and opens up the connection opening in its puncturing position.
7. The container according to claim 1, wherein a section of the
through-channel forms the mixing chamber.
8. The container according to claim 1, wherein the mixing chamber
is arranged adjacent the through-channel.
9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber is
provided with means for introducing pressurising gas into the first
chamber.
10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the means for
introducing a pressurising gas comprises at least one piercable
cover wall region in the region of the first chamber.
11. The container according to claim 9, wherein the means for
introducing a pressurising gas comprises at least one inlet opening
in the chamber wall.
12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment
element closes off the inlet opening in its position of rest and
opens up the inlet opening in its puncturing position.
13. The container according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment
element is provided with at least one passage for pressurising
gas.
14. A device, including a receiving device for receiving the
container according to claim 1, with at least one connecting and
dispensing means with which the container is piercable and with
which at least one liquid can be supplied to the container.
15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the connecting and
dispensing means is formed for supply of liquids and pressurising
gas.
16. A container, comprising: a cover wall, provided with at least
one cover wall region which can be pierced to form a supply opening
for supplying a liquid, a bottom wall, provided with at least one
bottom wall region which can be pierced to form a discharge
opening, at least one first chamber, in which a basic product is
present, a second chamber, in which an adjustment element is
arranged that can be displaced from a position of rest to a
puncturing position opening the piercable bottom wall region,
wherein at least one chamber wall is arranged between the first
chamber and the second chamber, in which at least one connection
opening is provided, wherein the adjustment element is provided
with at least one through-channel with an inlet opening and with an
outlet opening opposite the piercable bottom wall region, wherein
the adjustment element is provided with a mixing chamber for mixing
the liquid and the basic product, wherein the mixing chamber is in
fluid communication with the first chamber in the puncturing
position of the adjustment element, and wherein the adjustment
element closes off the connection opening in its position of rest
and opens up the connection opening in its puncturing position.
17. The container according to claim 16, wherein the mixing chamber
lies opposite the connection opening in the chamber wall in the
puncturing position.
18. The container according to claim 16, wherein the adjustment
element is provided with at least one connection channel, which
leads into the mixing chamber, wherein an inlet opening of the
connection channel lies opposite the connection opening in the
puncturing position of the adjustment element.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a container comprising a cover
wall, provided with at least one cover wall region which can be
pierced to form a supply opening for supplying a liquid, a bottom
wall, provided with at least one bottom wall region which can be
pierced to form a discharge opening, at least one first chamber, in
which a basic product is present a second chamber, in which an
adjustment element is arranged that can be displaced from a
position of rest to a puncturing position opening the piercable
bottom wall region, wherein the adjustment element is provided with
at least one through-channel with an inlet opening and with an
outlet opening opposite the piercable bottom wall region. The
invention also relates to a device, in particular a beverage
machine, in which such containers are used.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In beverage machines, particularly in coffee machines,
disposable containers or disposable packaging, for example in
capsule form, are used which are sealed by means of one or two
foils, and which contain, for example, coffee or other substances,
like flavourings, in powder or liquid form. These disposable
containers are inserted into the beverage machine, the contents of
the disposable container are combined with a liquid, e.g. water,
and this preparation is subsequently dispensed as a beverage that
is ready to drink. The used disposable container is subsequently
removed from the beverage machine and disposed of.
[0003] EP 0 451 980 B1 discloses a sealed packaging containing one
or more powder, pasty or liquid comestible preparation ingredients.
Water is supplied to these ingredients through an inlet opening.
The finished preparation is dispensed through an outlet nozzle in
the bottom area that is provided with a displaceable plug. To
dispense the finished preparation, the bottom wall of the package,
consisting of a foil, is pierced from below in the area of the
outlet nozzle by a connecting piece that is part of the machine,
which pushes the plug upwards against an intermediate wall after
entering the outlet nozzle. This intermediate wall has a will
section provided with predetermined breaking lines which is
ruptured by the plug, thus releasing the preparation. It flows
downward out of the packaging through a central flow channel in the
plug and subsequently through the connecting piece of the
machine.
[0004] This packaging has the disadvantage that the bottom outlet
has to be opened by the connecting piece of the machine, so that
the connecting piece comes into contact with the finished
preparation. To satisfy the rigorous hygiene requirements that such
a device has to meet nowadays, it is necessary to clean this
connecting piece every time before a new package is inserted.
[0005] US 2004/0115317 A1 describes a cartridge filled with for
example, ground coffee, the bottom wall of which is pierced from
the inside. Positioned above the bottom wall is a cup-shaped
intermediate bottom which is termed an internal plunger, the
dimensions of the intermediate bottom being adjusted to the
interior dimensions of the cartridge. The powder resides between
the intermediate bottom and the cover wall of the cartridge. The
intermediate bottom has an outlet nozzle which is embodied as a
cutting element. If water is introduced under pressure through the
cover wall into the interior of the cartridge, the intermediate
bottom is pushed downwards, whereby the cutting element pierces the
bottom wall and opens up the outlet.
[0006] This cartridge satisfies the hygiene requirements, but the
operability of the cartridge is not always ensured. It is essential
in this embodiment that the water pressure, and hence the pressure
acting on the intermediate bottom, be high enough even from the
start of introduction that the bottom wall can be pierced. Jamming
of the displaceable intermediate bottom in the process cannot be
ruled out. In addition, since the intermediate bottom has a
multitude of openings, liquid may penetrate the space between the
bottom wail and the intermediate bottom, due to which the pressure
on the intermediate bottom after the beginning of the feeding
process can be reduced relatively rapidly, and because of this the
bottom wall cannot be pierced reliably any more.
[0007] Known from WO 2008/132571 are capsules containing certain
amounts of a soluble beverage. The capsule has a cover foil which
is perforated in the beverage machine by a connecting piece through
which a solvent liquid under pressure, for example water, is led to
the interior of the capsule.
[0008] The capsule is subdivided essentially into four chambers.
The liquid supplied is first fed into a distribution chamber and
from there led into a storage chamber, where the quantity of the
soluble beverage is present. In this storage chamber, the soluble
beverage mixes with the liquid supplied and the beverage prepared
is subsequently collected in a collection chamber, from where it is
dispensed through an opening in the bottom wall of the capsule.
[0009] A displaceable perforator for opening the bottom wall is
positioned in a central chamber of the capsule, the perforator
being pressed against the bottom wall by the connecting piece such
that the bottom wall is torn open.
[0010] A through-channel positioned inside the perforator is
aligned with the outlet opening of the collection chamber in the
process, so that the liquid prepared can be dispensed downwards
from the capsule.
[0011] This capsule, however, has the disadvantage that complicated
built-in parts are required to separate the different chambers. A
distribution chamber positioned before the storage chamber is
required to lead the liquid into the storage chamber as uniformly
as possible and to guarantee homogeneous mixing in the storage
chamber. With this method it cannot be ruled out that part of the
soluble beverage will initially be dispensed unmixed or highly
concentrated. Even the collection chamber provided for
homogenisation purposes cannot wholly rule out this
disadvantage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide a container that
has a simple construction, functions reliably and guarantees a
homogeneous end product. It is also an object of the invention to
provide a device, in particular a beverage machine, in which such a
container can be used.
[0013] This problem is solved with a container in which the
adjustment element is provided with a mixing chamber for mixing the
liquid and the basic product, wherein the mixing chamber is in
fluid communication with the chamber in the puncturing position of
the adjustment element.
[0014] The container is configured such that the liquid and the
basic product are first combined in the mixing chamber.
[0015] The term container is understood to mean reusable containers
and packaging as well as disposable containers and packaging.
[0016] Moving the mixing chamber into the adjustment element has
the advantage that the basic product in the first chamber can be
continuously added to the liquid, leading to a homogeneous end
product. The mixing of basic product and liquid, particularly the
admixing of the basic product in proportion to volume, does not
take place in the first chamber, where the basic product is, but in
a separate mixing chamber, which is positioned downstream of the
first chamber.
[0017] Arranging the mixing chamber inside the adjustment element
has the additional advantage that, due to the displaceability of
the adjustment element, the mixing chamber can be made accessible
to the basic product only at the time of use. The basic product
remains captured in the first chamber up until the time of use.
[0018] Especially when the basic product, like syrup for example,
has a tendency to agglutinate, the mixing chamber and passages,
openings or connection channels, as the case may be are kept away
from the basic product, which could otherwise impair the
operability of, for example, the adjustment element.
[0019] The formation of only two chambers inside the container
simplifies the design and production of the container.
[0020] The two chambers are preferably delimited by a common cover
wall and a common bottom wall.
[0021] The only movable component is the adjustment element, which
is preferably constructed in the shape of a piston or tube. The
adjustment element is preferably arranged in the second chamber in
a slidingly and/or sealingly guided manner.
[0022] The through-channel of the adjustment element is provided
with an inlet opening, which is preferably arranged opposite the
piercable cover wall region. In this embodiment a linear
through-channel is created, which preferably extends vertically
through the adjustment element.
[0023] Inlet and outlet opening are positioned in an opposing
manner on the adjustment element. The liquid flowing through this
through-channel forms the main flow, into which the basic product
is led, preferably sideways, as a secondary flow.
[0024] The term piercable is understood to mean that the wall
region in question can be opened in any way. The opening of the
wall region may for example take place through incising or cutting
open, pricking, puncturing or tearing.
[0025] Preferably, the adjustment element is movable from the
position of rest to the puncturing position using a connecting and
dispensing means, which may be a combined connecting and dispensing
means. Such connecting and dispensing means are components of a
device into which the container can be inserted. Such a device may
be a beverage machine, wherein the connecting and dispensing means
may be, for example, a connecting piece. The cover wall of the
container is opened by means of such a connecting and dispensing
means, which is preferably provided with at least one cutting
and/or poking device.
[0026] The liquid can be supplied to the mixing chamber of the
adjustment element by means of the connecting and dispensing means.
The liquid is thereby preferably introduced initially into the
through-channel of the adjustment element, from where the liquid
reaches the mixing chamber. The liquid is preferably transported to
the connecting and dispensing means, for example by means of a
liquid pump. This liquid pump is preferably designed for high flow
rates and low pressures. The liquid is then supplied to the
connecting and dispensing means under almost no pressure.
[0027] The embodiment of the adjustment element with
through-channel and mixing chamber has the additional advantage
that the liquid, which is introduced from the outside via the
connecting and dispensing means that is part of the machine, can
also be fed under no pressure, i.e. without additional pressure
apart from the hydrostatic pressure. Inside the container, and
particularly inside the adjustment element, there are no obstacles
which could under certain circumstances lead to congestion, so that
the liquid can flow unobstructed through the container. The
diameter of the through-channel of the adjustment element is
preferably larger than or equal to the diameter of the channel of
the connecting and dispensing means. The liquid introduced from the
outside is fed into the adjustment element and then mixed with the
basic product in the mixing chamber of the adjustment element. The
finished product is dispensed from the adjustment element.
[0028] To lead the basic product out of the first chamber and
supply it to the mixing chamber of the adjustment element, the
first chamber is provided with means for supplying a pressurising
gas. These means may facilitate direct or indirect supply of the
pressurising gas into the first chamber. Air is preferably used as
the pressurising gas which can be introduced into the first
chamber.
[0029] Air at atmospheric pressure is also understood to be a
pressurising gas. Depending on the consistency of the basic
product, it may be sufficient when the container is used to just
open the first chamber, e.g. by pricking, so that air can flow into
the first chamber and the basic product can, for example, drain
away from the first chamber.
[0030] It is preferred to lead a gas with a pressure above
atmospheric pressure into the first chamber. For this purpose, the
associated device is preferably provided with a compressed gas
pump.
[0031] By expelling the basic product out of the first chamber
using a pressurising gas it is possible to regulate the amount of
basic product fed into the mixing chamber of the adjustment element
independently of the flow rate of the liquid. In this way it is
possible to regulate the amount of basic product fed into the
mixing chamber and hence to set the concentration of the basic
product in the finished product in a targeted manner.
[0032] The leading of the basic product out of the first chamber is
independent of the pressure and speed of the liquid. Leading the
liquid through the adjustment element is decoupled from leading the
basic product out.
[0033] Preferably at least one chamber wall in which at least one
connection opening is provided is arranged between the first
chamber and the second chamber. The basic product is fed through
the connection opening into the second chamber where the movable
adjustment element with the mixing chamber is located. According to
one embodiment, the amount of basic product dispensed per unit of
time can be set via the size of the cross-section of the connection
opening and/or the number of connection openings. Depending on the
type of basic product and/or the pressure of the pressurising gas,
the setting of the quantity per unit of time can thus additionally
be effected via the connection opening.
[0034] The connection opening is preferably positioned adjacent the
bottom wall of the first chamber. This has the advantage that if
possible, no residues of the basic product remain in the first
chamber and that the basic product is dispensed completely. The
bottom wall of the first chamber is preferably identical to the
bottom wall of the disposable container.
[0035] The adjustment element may close off the connection opening
in its position of rest, and open up the connection opening in its
puncturing position. This has the advantage that the basic product
is kept captured in the first chamber until the time of use of the
container, and that the basic product cannot unintentionally enter
the second chamber. Only when the container is inserted and used
e.g. in a beverage machine, and the adjustment element is moved
into its puncturing position, which may be effected, for example,
by a connecting piece that is, part of the machine, is the
connection opening opened up. The basic product is led from the
first chamber and supplied to the mixing chamber of the adjustment
element, there being different embodiments as far as the
configuration of the mixing chamber is concerned.
[0036] In a first embodiment, a section of the through-channel
forms the mixing chamber. In this case, the basic product is
introduced at a location in the through-channel, where the mixing
then takes place. For this purpose, the adjustment element is
preferably provided with at least one connection channel, which
leads into the mixing chamber, wherein the inlet opening of the
connection channel is positioned opposite the connection opening in
the puncturing position of the adjustment element.
[0037] In a further embodiment, the connection channel comprises an
annular groove or annular channel in the outer surface of the
adjustment element. Such an annular groove is preferably used for
distributing the basic product around the through-channel and
supplying it from there to the through-channel via two or more
connection channels. In this embodiment as well, a section of the
through-channel forms the mixing chamber.
[0038] Instead of by means of the size of the cross-section of the
connection opening and/or the number of connection openings with
their cross-section sizes, the amount of basic product led out of
the first chamber per unit time may, in another embodiment, be set
via the size of the cross-section of the connection channel and/or
the number of connection channels with their cross-section sizes.
This embodiment has the advantage that containers with uniform
connection openings can be used and that the dosing can be
implemented via adjustment elements with different connection
channels.
[0039] In accordance with a further embodiment, the mixing chamber
may be positioned adjacent the through-channel. The mixing chamber
may be directly adjacent the through-channel or connected to it via
through-channels. In this embodiment, the mixing takes place
substantially in this mixing chamber, wherein a section of the
through-channel can also participate in the mixing.
[0040] In this embodiment, the liquid can flow from the
through-channel into the mixing chamber, and there intermix with
the basic product which has been introduced.
[0041] The mixing chamber has to be dimensioned accordingly to
allow for the inflow of the liquid out of the through-channel into
the mixing chamber. Preferably, the mixing chamber can be
constructed in such a way that it surrounds the through-channel at
least partially. Particularly preferably, the mixing chamber is an
annular chamber.
[0042] In the puncturing position of the adjustment element, the
mixing chamber is preferably positioned opposite the connection
opening in the chamber wall.
[0043] To make possible an inflow of liquid into this adjacent
mixing chamber, the latter is preferably connected to the
through-channel via windows. Depending on the liquid and the basic
product, the size of the windows has to be chosen in such a way as
to guarantee the inflow of the liquid into the mixing chamber.
[0044] The first chamber is preferably provided with means for
introducing a pressurising gas into the first chamber.
[0045] The means for introducing a pressurising gas preferably
comprise at least one piercable cover wall region in the area of
the first chamber. This piercable cover wall region can be pricked,
for example, with a needle or something similar so that air can
stream into the first chamber, or punctured by a connecting and
dispensing means of a beverage machine, so that a supply opening is
formed. The pressurising gas can be supplied directly to the first
chamber in this embodiment.
[0046] In accordance with a different embodiment, the means for
introducing a pressurising gas comprises at least one inlet opening
in the chamber wall. According to this embodiment, the cover wall
in the region of the first chamber remains closed. The pressurising
gas can be introduced, for example, via a connecting and dispensing
means which that part of the machine, through which the liquid is
also supplied to the container. In this embodiment the pressurising
gas is introduced into the second chamber and from there into the
first chamber via the inlet opening in the chamber wall. This
embodiment has the advantage that a pressure connection element
that is part of the machine cannot come into contact with the basic
product in supplying the pressurising gas, and that high hygiene
requirements can thus be met.
[0047] Both the connection opening and the inlet opening in the
chamber wall can be formed as channels, for example if the chamber
wall is thick-walled.
[0048] The inlet opening is preferably arranged adjacent the cover
wall. Since, for reasons to do with the filling process, complete
filling of the first chamber should not take place, a free space
remains between the basic product and the cover wall. The
pressurising gas can therefore be introduced into this free
space.
[0049] Preferably, the adjustment element closes off the inlet
opening in its position of rest and opens up the inlet opening in
its puncturing position. This has the advantage that the basic
product is kept captured in the first chamber up to the time of use
of the container and cannot enter the second chamber
unintentionally. Only when the disposable container is used and the
adjustment element is moved into its puncturing position, which may
be effected, for example, by a connecting piece which is part of
the machine, is the inlet opening opened to introduce the
pressurising gas into the first chamber.
[0050] The adjustment element is preferably provided with at least
one passage for pressurising gas. In this embodiment the
pressurising gas is initially introduced into the adjustment
element and then led from there through the passage for
pressurising gas and the inlet opening in the chamber wall into the
first chamber. Especially in case of pressurising gas at a high
pressure, improved sealing between adjustment element and
pressurising gas connection can be achieved.
[0051] In the puncturing position of the adjustment element, the
passage for pressurising gas is preferably positioned opposite the
inlet opening in the chamber wall.
[0052] The first chamber is preferably only partially filled with
the basic product. In this way, a free space remains between basic
product and cover wall, into which the pressurising gas can be
introduced.
[0053] The first chamber is preferably filled with the basic
product up to below the inlet opening through which the
pressurising gas is introduced.
[0054] The cover wall is preferably provided with a foil in at
least the piercable cover wall region. The foil is preferably a
sealing foil which tightly seals the interior of the container so
that the basic product cannot egress. This foil can be opened with
a cutting and/or poking device, e.g. a connecting piece which is
part of the machine. The foil is thereby cut or torn open, for
example, whereby a supply opening is created in the foil, through
which the liquid and/or the pressurising gas can be led into the
interior of the container.
[0055] In a further embodiment, the cover wall can be provided with
a cover plate which has at least one predetermined breaking line in
at least the piercable cover wall region. Such a cover plate can be
used instead of a foil and is also opened at the designated place
or places with predetermined breaking lines using a cutting and/or
poking device. A platelet is thereby punched out of the cover
plate, wherein the platelet preferably remains connected via a
hinge-like section to the cover plate even after opening. Dropping
off of the platelet into the interior of the container is thereby
avoided. The interior is thus not contaminated by the platelet.
Accidental blocking of flow openings in the chamber wall by
platelets falling down can also be prevented effectively in this
way.
[0056] Advantageously, the bottom wall is also provided with a foil
in at least the piercable area. This foil is preferably positioned
in the region of the second chamber in which the adjustment element
is movably arranged. The adjustment element is preferably pushed
downwards by a connecting piece which is part of the machine, and
opens the foil by means of its cutting and/or poking device. In
this way, the discharge opening is formed in the bottom wall.
[0057] The cutting and/or poking device of the adjustment element
is preferably formed in such a way that no parts of the foil are
cut out or can tear off, which could drop into the collection
container, e.g. a beaker or something similar, which is provided
below the container, e.g. in a beverage machine. Such a cutting
and/or poking device can also be provided with the connecting and
dispensing means.
[0058] Just like the cover wall, the bottom wall can be provided
with a bottom plate which has at least one predetermined breaking
line in at least the piercable bottom wall region. In this
embodiment, just as described in connection with a cover wall, it
can advantageously be provided that the broken-out platelet remains
connected with the bottom plate.
[0059] The adjustment element is preferably provided at the end
adjacent the cover wall with connecting means, capable of
cooperating with a connecting piece which is part of the machine.
The connecting piece engages the adjustment element at its
connecting means and moves the adjustment element from its resting
position to its puncturing position. A liquid is thereby also
introduced into the through-channel of the adjustment element by
means of the connecting piece. A pressurising gas can also be
introduced via this connecting piece.
[0060] The connecting means of the adjustment element is preferably
provided with an inlet piece and a sealing seat positioned inside
the inlet piece. This sealing seat can be constructed as an annular
bead. The sealing seat is required to enable the liquid to flow
into the through-channel without any loss. The cross-section of the
channel of the connecting piece is preferably the same as the
cross-section of the through-channel in the adjustment element.
[0061] A basic product is understood to mean a powder and/or liquid
product, which may consist of one or more components. The basic
product may, for example, be a syrup, a concentrate or an extract.
The basic product is mixable with the externally supplied liquid,
and is preferably soluble in the liquid.
[0062] The basic product may be a foodstuff, a nutritional
supplement, a dietary foodstuff, a pharmaceutical product or a
cleaning agent.
[0063] The type of liquid is selected in dependence on the type of
basic product. The associated device in which the container can be
used is designed and equipped to suit the respective intended
use.
[0064] Preferably this device is a beverage machine in which
containers, particularly disposable containers, can be used, with
the contents of which, for example, drinking water can be altered
in taste.
[0065] The device is provided with a receiving part for a container
and a connecting and dispensing means with which the container is
piercable, and with which at least a liquid can be supplied to the
container.
[0066] The connecting and dispensing means is preferably
constructed for supplying both liquid and pressurising gas. The
device is preferably provided with a liquid tank from which the
liquid can be transported or drained and supplied to the connecting
and dispensing means when needed. The device is also provided with
a compression device, e.g. a pump, for providing a pressurising
gas, particularly compressed air.
[0067] The container and/or the adjustment element are preferably
made of plastic. Manufacturing may be by injection moulding. The
container with its peripheral wall, chamber wall and bottom wall
can be manufactured in one piece, wherein the bottom wall may be
formed entirely or partially on the single-piece container.
[0068] The two components, container and adjustment element, are
combined, the container is filled, and it is subsequently sealed,
for example, with sealing foils as cover wall and/or bottom
wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0069] Exemplary embodiments are further detailed below with
reference to the drawings. Herein:
[0070] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a container,
[0071] FIG. 2 a bottom perspective view of a container according to
FIG. 1,
[0072] FIG. 3 a cross-section of the container according to FIGS. 1
and 2, together with a connecting piece which is part of the
machine,
[0073] FIG. 4 the embodiment of a container shown in FIG. 3 with
inserted connecting piece,
[0074] FIGS. 5-6 another embodiment of a container with a
connecting piece,
[0075] FIGS. 7-8 another embodiment of a container with connecting
piece,
[0076] FIG. 9 a side view of an adjustment element in accordance
with a further embodiment,
[0077] FIG. 10 a cross-section of the adjustment element shown in
FIG. 9,
[0078] FIG. 11 a schematic view of a beverage machine with
container and connecting piece, and
[0079] FIG. 12 shows the beverage machine shown in FIG. 11 with
inserted connecting piece.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0080] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a container 10 that is preferably used as
a disposable container is shown in two perspective views. The
container 10 is provided with a cover wall 40, a peripheral wall 30
and a bottom wall 50. In the embodiment shown here, the cover wall
40 consists of a foil 41 which is attached to an annular bead 32 of
the peripheral wall 30.
[0081] The bottom wall 50 consists of a ring plate 52 and a
centrally positioned foil 54. Both the cover wall 40 and the bottom
wall 50 or the foil 54 are provided with a piercable wall region
43, 56.
[0082] The bottom wall 50 is additionally provided with two annular
ribs 60 and with radial ribs 62 between the two annular ribs
60.
[0083] FIG. 3 shows a vertical cross-section of the container 10
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein only one annular rib 60 and no
radial ribs 62 are displayed.
[0084] The interior of the container 10 is subdivided into a first
chamber 12 and a second chamber 18. In the embodiment shown here,
the chamber 18 is arranged centrally and surrounded by the annular
first chamber 12. This particular arrangement is rotationally
symmetrical. Other embodiments, such as asymmetrical arrangements,
are also possible. The two chambers are separated by a chamber wall
20. The peripheral wall 30, the ring plate 52, the annular rib 60
and the chamber wall 20 are manufactured in one piece, for example
by injection moulding.
[0085] A basic product 14, which can consist of a consumable
liquid, is present in the first chamber 12. Above the surface level
of the basic product there is a free space 16 containing air or a
protective gas. An adjustment element 100, which is in its position
of rest in FIG. 3, is present in the second chamber 18.
[0086] Above the container 10 there is shown, also in
cross-section, a connecting piece 200, which can be moved in the
direction of the arrow from an upper to a lower position along an
axis 104, and which can penetrate the second chamber 18. By means
of this connecting piece 200, the adjustment element 100 is moved
downwards so that it can puncture the foil 54 of the bottom wall
50. The axis 104 also forms the longitudinal axes of the connecting
piece 200 and the adjustment element 100.
[0087] The container 10 is provided with a cover wall 40, which
consists of a foil 41. This foil 41 is sealingly mounted on the
annular collar 32 of the peripheral wall 30 and on the annular
collar 22 of the chamber wall 20, so that the chambers 12 and 18,
and thus the content of the container, i.e. the basic product 14,
are hermetically sealed. The cover wall 40 is provided with the
piercable cover wall region 43 in the region of the second chamber
18.
[0088] The bottom wall 50 comprises the ring plate 52 with an
annular rib 60, to the end face of which the foil 54, which also
has a piercable wall region 56 in the region of the second chamber
18, is attached. The adjustment element 100 located in the second
chamber 18 has a base body 102 that is formed in the shape of a
piston or tube, and which is subdivided into an upper section 192
and a lower section 194. The outer surface 103 of the adjustment
element 100 is sealingly fitted against the chamber wall 20. The
adjustment element 100, which is in its position of rest, abuts the
annular collar 22 of the chamber wall 20 with the end faces of its
upper section 192.
[0089] Located in the centre of the adjustment element 100 is a
through-channel 170 which has an inlet opening 171 and an outlet
opening 179. The through-channel 170 has a connection section 178
below the inlet opening 171, the connection section comprising a
first section of larger diameter 178a and a second section of
larger diameter 178b. The connecting piece 200 engages in this
connection section 178 (cf. FIG. 4), wherein the first section 178a
facilitates insertion.
[0090] This connection section 178 transitions via a transition
section 177, which forms a sealing seat 198, into the upper section
172 of the through-channel 170, which has a smaller diameter
compared to the connection section 178. This is followed by a
section forming the mixing chamber 176, and then by the lower
section 174. The sections 172,174 and 176 all have the same
diameter.
[0091] In the horizontal direction, two connection channels 180
with inlet opening 182 and outlet opening 184 are formed in the
adjustment element 100, the connection channels extending from the
outer surface 103 to the mixing chamber 176 in the through-channel
170. The basic product is fed into the through-channel 170 and thus
into the mixing chamber 176 via these connection channels 180. This
will be explained in more detail in connection with FIG. 4. The
connection channels 180 are located between the upper section 192
and the lower section 194 of the adjustment element 100.
[0092] A cutting and/or poking device 110 is positioned at the
lower end of the adjustment element 100 in the region of the outlet
opening 179, the cutting and/or poking device being constructed as
a tip in the embodiment shown here.
[0093] Connection openings 24 are located in the chamber wall 20
adjacent to the bottom wall 50, which connection openings connect
the first with the second chamber. In the position of rest of the
adjustment element 100 displayed in FIG. 3, these connection
openings 24 are closed by the lower section 194 of the adjustment
element 100. As can be seen in FIG. 4, these connection openings 24
are opened in the puncturing position of the adjustment element 100
so that these connection openings 24 align with the opposing inlet
openings 182 of the connection channels 180, which allows the basic
product 14 located in the first chamber 12 to drain away.
[0094] Located in the upper area of the chamber wall 20 below the
cover wall 40 are inlet openings 26, through which a pressurising
gas can be introduced into the free space 16 located above the
basic product 14 in the first chamber 12. These inlet openings 26
are also closed by the upper section 192 of the adjustment element
100 in the resting position of the adjustment element 100 and
opened in the puncturing position (FIG. 4), so that a pressurising
liquid can be introduced.
[0095] The connecting piece 200 is provided with a flange part 202,
the flange part having a top side 204 and a bottom side 206. The
connecting piece 200 also has a tube part 208 protruding from the
flange part 202, the tube part having at its bottom end another
cutting and/or poking device 210 in the form of a conical tip. The
connecting piece 200 has a first through-channel 212 through which
a liquid can flow, the liquid coming, for example, from a storage
tank, not shown. Adjacent the first through-channel 212, a second
through channel 214, through which a pressurising gas can be
introduced is located in the flange part. Sealing elements 220 in
the lower area of the flange part 202 are provided for sealing
purposes.
[0096] FIG. 4 shows the puncturing position of the adjustment
element 100. When the connecting piece 200 of the machine is moved
downwards in the direction of the arrows, the cutting and/or poking
device 210 pierces the cover wall 40 in the area of the piercable
section 43 of foil 41, whereby a supply opening 46 is formed. The
tube part 208 engages in the connection section 178 of the
adjustment element 100 and fits against the sealing seat 198. The
two through-channels 212 and 170 have the same diameter and are in
alignment with one another.
[0097] With the piercing of the cover wall 40, the foil 41 is upped
open and the foil ends 41a,b protrude into the second chamber
18.
[0098] The adjustment element 100 cuts through the foil 54, whereby
the discharge opening 59 and the foil ends 54a,b, which also depend
from the fixed part of the foil 54, are formed. In both, cases no
tearing off of pieces of foil that could contaminate the interior
of container 10 or drop into a vessel situated under the container
10 occurs.
[0099] The two connection channels 180 are at the level of the
connection openings 24, so that the basic product 14 from the first
chamber 12 can enter the connection channels 180 and subsequently
reach the mixing chamber 176. Mixing of the basic product 14 with
the liquid introduced via the through-channel 212 and the upper
section 172 of the through-channel 170 takes place in the mixing
chamber 176. This liquid supplied from above forms the main flow to
which the basic product is supplied as a secondary flow. The mixing
chamber 176 defines the area where the two flows are brought
together. Both components subsequently flow into the lower section
174 of the through-channel, where further mixing of the two
components can take place.
[0100] To expel the basic product out of the first chamber 12, a
pressurising gas, for example air, is introduced into the second
chamber 18 via the second through-channel 214 of the connecting
piece 200. The sealing elements 220 rest on top of the cover wall
40. The pressurising gas flows from the second chamber 18 through
the inlet opening 26 into the free space 16 and expels the basic
product 14 downwards (see arrows) and through the connection
openings 24. Through regulation of the pressurising gas it is
possible to regulate the quantity fed through the connection
openings 24 into the connection channels 180, so that the
concentration of the basic product in the liquid can be set.
[0101] FIGS. 5 and 6 show another embodiment in which the bottom
wall 50 is additionally provided with annular ribs 60. The chamber
wall further possesses a shoulder 28, so that the second chamber 18
has an upper section of smaller diameter 29a and a lower section of
larger diameter 29b. The outer diameter of the adjustment element
100 present in the second chamber is adapted to this embodiment of
the chamber wall 20. The adjustment element 100 thus possesses a
shoulder 109 that is complementary to the shoulder 28, the shoulder
109 serving as a stop when the adjustment element 100 is inserted
into the second chamber 12.
[0102] In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
adjustment element 100 is provided with passages for pressurising
fluid 160 and an outer annular groove 162 or annular channel in the
connection section 178. In the position of rest displayed in FIG.
5, the passages for pressurising fluid 160 are located above the
inlet opening 26, which are dosed by the inlet piece 196 of the
adjustment element 100. Apart from the first through-channel 212,
the connecting piece 200--just like in the embodiment of FIGS. 3
and 4--has a second through-channel 214 for the pressurising fluid,
which is provided at its bottom end with an annular groove 215 or
annular channel through which the pressurising fluid is discharged
in a horizontal direction. When, as shown in FIG. 6, the connecting
piece 200 engages at the adjustment element 100, the annular groove
215 is positioned opposite the passages for pressurising fluid 160,
whilst the passages and/or the annular groove 162 are positioned
opposite the inlet openings 26, so that the pressurising fluid can
be introduced into the first chamber 12.
[0103] The adjustment element 100 possesses an annular channel, in
particular an annular groove 186, which is connected with the
through-channel 170 via two connection channels 180. It is also
possible for just one connection channel 180 or more than two
connection channels 180 to be provided. Because the cross-section
of the connection channel 180 or the sum of the cross-sections of
the connection channels 180 is smaller than the sum of the
cross-sections of the connection openings 24, the dosing of the
basic product 14 introduced into the through-channel 170, and hence
the mixing chamber 176, takes place via the connection channels
180. The annular groove 186 has the advantage that the adjustment
element 100 does not need to be aligned with respect to the
connection openings 24 on insertion into the second chamber 12.
[0104] The puncturing position of the adjustment element 100 is
shown in FIG. 6.
[0105] A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, differing from the
embodiments described so far, in that the cover wall 40 does not
consist of a foil, but of the cover plate 42. The foil located in
the bottom wall 50 has also been replaced by a corresponding bottom
plate 55.
[0106] This cover plate 42 is provided with two piercable cover
wall regions 43 and 47 which are delimited by predetermined
breaking lines 44. The bottom plate 55 is also provided with a
piercable area 56 with predetermined breaking lines 58.
[0107] The connecting piece 200 is modified insofar as the second
through-channel 214 for introducing the pressurising gas is
positioned laterally with respect to the tube part 208 in a tube
part 209 with a cutting and/or poking device 211. If the connecting
piece 200--as shown in FIG. 6--is lowered, the tube part 208
engages the connection section 178 of the adjustment element 100,
wherein the piercable cover wall region 43 is punctured. A platelet
45 is thereby punched out, which remains hanging from the cover
plate 42 due to its hinge-like connection.
[0108] The tube part 209 with the cutting and/or poking device 211
punctures the piercable cover wall region 47 in the area of the
first chamber 12 and similarly punches a platelet 45 out of the
cover wall plate 42, which also remains hanging from the cover
plate 42. The pressurising gas is introduced directly into the
chamber 12 through the supply opening 48 created in this way via
the second through-channel 214. The downward movement of the
adjustment element 100 also punctures the bottom wall in the area
of the piercable bottom wall region 56, thereby also releasing here
a platelet 57, which remains hanging from the bottom plate 56.
[0109] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of the adjustment
element 100, in which the mixing chamber 176 is arranged adjacent
the through-channel 170. It can be seen in FIG. 9 that the upper
and lower sections 192, 194 of the adjustment element 100 are
respectively formed by an upper and lower cylinder, wherein the
cutting and/or poking device 110 is positioned on the underside of
the lower cylinder 194. The two cylinders are connected to each
other via three bars 190, between which windows 188 are formed. The
windows 188 have cross-sections which are clearly larger than the
cross-sections of the connection opening 24, so that the liquid
flowing in from above can enter this area and thus fill the mixing
chamber 176. The basic product 14 introduced via the connection
opening 24 of the chamber wall 20 thus enters this mixing chamber
176 directly, and is subsequently dispensed downwards through the
lower section of the through-channel 170. The mixing with the
liquid can also be continued in the through-channel 170, depending
on the consistency of the basic product.
[0110] Inside the upper cylinder 192, an inlet piece 196 with an
annular bead 197 facing inwards is positioned in the connection
section 178 as a connecting means, the inlet piece forming the
sealing seat 198 for the connecting piece (not shown).
[0111] The upper section 192 of the adjustment element 100 has two
sealing beads 120, 122 located, respectively, at the upper end and
the lower end at the outer surface 103 adjacent to the mixing
chamber 176. The lower section 194 also has two sealing beads 124,
126 at the outer surface 103, located adjacent to the mixing
chamber 176 and at the lower end, respectively.
[0112] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a beverage machine 300 in
which a container 10--shown in exaggerated size--is inserted into a
receiving device 340. The beverage machine 300 has a housing 310
and is subdivided into a first housing part 320 and a second
housing part 330 which is arranged laterally. Positioned above the
container 10 is a connecting and dispensing means 200a in the form
of a connecting piece 200, which is movably arranged inside the
beverage machine 300. Underneath the container 10 there is a vessel
345.
[0113] In FIG. 11, a container 10 and a connecting piece 200 as
described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6 are shown. The
connecting piece 200 is connected to a storage tank 350 in the
second housing part 330, in which, for example, water 354 is
present. This water is supplied to the connecting piece 200 via a
connecting line 352 and as the case may be a filtration device 356,
by means of a liquid pump 355.
[0114] In addition, a pressurising gas line 360 is provided which
has a compressed gas pump 362, the compressed gas pump drawing air
from the outside. The connecting line 352 is attached to the
through-channel 212 of the connecting piece 200 and the
pressurising gas channel is connected to the through-channel 214 of
the connecting piece.
[0115] The connecting piece 200 is guided in a tubular guide
element 322 and moved in a vertical direction by means of an
actuation device, not shown. The lines 352 and 360 have flexible
sections 353 and 361.
[0116] When the connecting piece 200 has been inserted into the
container 10, as shown in FIG. 12, air is introduced via the
pressurising gas line and the basic product 14 is expelled out of
the first chamber 12 so that it reaches the mixing chamber 176. The
finished product is dispensed downwardly and collected by the
vessel 345.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0117] 10 disposable container [0118] 12 first chamber [0119] 14
basic product [0120] 16 free space [0121] 18 second chamber [0122]
20 chamber wail [0123] 22 annular collar [0124] 24 connection
opening [0125] 26 inlet opening [0126] 28 shoulder [0127] 29a
section of smaller diameter [0128] 29b section of smaller diameter
[0129] 30 peripheral wall [0130] 32 annular collar [0131] 40 cover
wall [0132] 41 foil [0133] 41a,b foil end [0134] 42 cover plate
[0135] 43 piercable cover wall region [0136] 44 predetermined
breaking line [0137] 45 platelet [0138] 46 supply opening [0139] 47
piercable cover wall region [0140] 48 supply opening [0141] 50
bottom wall [0142] 52 ring plate [0143] 54 foil [0144] 54a,b foil
end [0145] 55 bottom plate [0146] 56 piercable bottom wall region
[0147] 57 platelet [0148] 58 predetermined breaking line [0149] 59
discharge opening [0150] 60 annular rib [0151] 62 radial rib [0152]
100 adjustment element [0153] 102 base body [0154] 103 outer
surface [0155] 104 axis [0156] 106 first end [0157] 108 second end
[0158] 109 shoulder [0159] 110 cutting and/or poking device [0160]
120 sealing bead [0161] 122 sealing bed [0162] 124 sealing bead
[0163] 126 sealing bead [0164] 160 passage for pressurising gas
[0165] 162 annular groove [0166] 170 through-channel [0167] 171
inlet opening [0168] 172 upper section [0169] 174 lower section
[0170] 176 mixing chamber [0171] 177 transition section [0172] 178
connection section [0173] 178a first section of large diameter
[0174] 178b second section of large diameter [0175] 179 outlet
opening [0176] 180 connection channel [0177] 182 inlet opening
[0178] 184 outlet opening [0179] 186 annular groove, annular
channel [0180] 188 window [0181] 190 bar [0182] 192 upper section
[0183] 194 lower section [0184] 198 sealing seat [0185] 200
connecting piece [0186] 200a connecting and dispensing means [0187]
202 flange part [0188] 204 top side [0189] 206 bottom side [0190]
208 tube part [0191] 209 tube part [0192] 210 cutting and/or poking
device [0193] 211 cutting and/or poking device [0194] 212 first
through-channel [0195] 214 second through-channel [0196] 215
annular groove [0197] 220 sealing element [0198] 300 beverage
machine [0199] 310 housing [0200] 320 first housing part [0201] 322
tubular guide element [0202] 330 second housing part [0203] 340
receiving device [0204] 345 vessel [0205] 350 storage tank [0206]
352 connecting line [0207] 353 flexible section [0208] 354 water
[0209] 355 liquid pump [0210] 356 filtration device [0211] 360
pressurising gas line [0212] 361 flexible section [0213] 362
compressed gas pump
* * * * *