U.S. patent application number 13/805025 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-19 for capsule, device and method for preparing a beverage by extraction.
This patent application is currently assigned to BISERKON HOLDINGS LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Jan Andreae, Mark Eric Anton Arthur Klep, Sander Gordon Zweed. Invention is credited to Jan Andreae, Mark Eric Anton Arthur Klep, Antonio Giuseppe Perra, Sander Gordon Zweed.
Application Number | 20140170271 13/805025 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45348383 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140170271 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zweed; Sander Gordon ; et
al. |
June 19, 2014 |
Capsule, Device and Method for Preparing a Beverage by
Extraction
Abstract
The invention relates to a capsule for use in a device for
preparing beverages. The invention also relates to an assembly of
such a capsule and a device for preparing beverages. The invention
further relates to a method for preparing beverages by making use
of such an assembly.
Inventors: |
Zweed; Sander Gordon;
(Bussum, NL) ; Andreae; Jan; (Blaricum, NL)
; Perra; Antonio Giuseppe; (Bergen, NL) ; Klep;
Mark Eric Anton Arthur; (Andel, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zweed; Sander Gordon
Andreae; Jan
Klep; Mark Eric Anton Arthur |
Bussum
Blaricum
Andel |
|
NL
NL
NL |
|
|
Assignee: |
BISERKON HOLDINGS LTD.
Nicosia
CY
|
Family ID: |
45348383 |
Appl. No.: |
13/805025 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
June 20, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NL2011/050443 |
371 Date: |
July 3, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/115 ;
426/433 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/8043 20130101;
A23F 5/262 20130101; A47J 31/407 20130101; A47J 31/0673
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/115 ;
426/433 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 18, 2010 |
NL |
2004921 |
Aug 5, 2010 |
NL |
2005196 |
Oct 7, 2010 |
NL |
2005483 |
Oct 21, 2010 |
NL |
2005559 |
Nov 5, 2010 |
NL |
2005642 |
May 10, 2011 |
NL |
2006758 |
May 12, 2011 |
NL |
2006772 |
Claims
1. A capsule for preparing beverages, comprising: a housing at
least partially filled with a substance to be extracted and/or
dissolved, such as ground coffee, wherein the housing is provided
with a supply side for pressing a liquid such as water into the
capsule, and with a discharge side located a distance from the
supply side for discharging liquid provided with extract and/or
dissolved substance and guided through the capsule, wherein at
least a part of the discharge side of the housing is initially
sealed by a perforable foil; a laterally protruding engaging edge
connected to the housing to enable clamping of the capsule in a
device for preparing beverages; and a perforation structure coupled
substantially rigidly to the engaging edge and/or the housing and
provided with at least one perforation element facing toward the
foil for perforating the foil, which perforation structure is
positioned substantially on a side of the foil remote from the
housing, wherein perforation of the foil is caused by deformation
of the foil during pressing of the liquid through the capsule.
2. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perforation
structure is positioned at least partially in a volume enclosed by
the housing.
3. The capsule as claimed in claim 2, wherein the perforation
structure is connected integrally to at least a part of the
engaging edge.
4. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foil initially
seals the housing substantially medium-tightly.
5. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perforation
structure takes a substantially plate-like form.
6. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein an edge periphery of
the perforation structure is connected via at least one connecting
element to the engaging edge.
7. The capsule as claimed in foregoing claims claim 1, wherein the
engaging edge comprises at least one flange connected integrally to
the housing.
8. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging edge has
a laminated structure and comprises at least one flange connected
to the housing and a support structure coupled to the flange and
connected to the perforation structure.
9. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein a side of the
perforation structure remote from the foil and a side of the
engaging edge are located in the same plane.
10. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a part of
the engaging edge is manufactured from a resilient material, in
particular an elastomer, more particularly a rubber elastomer.
11. The capsule as claimed in claim 10, wherein the resilient
material comprises polypropylene.
12. The capsule as claimed in claim 10, wherein the resilient
material is manufactured at least partially from a thermoplastic
polyolefin (TPO).
13. The capsule as claimed in claim 12, wherein the thermoplastic
polyolefin resilient material comprises a composition of
polyolefins comprising polypropylene and an elastomeric copolymer,
the copolymer comprising units of ethylene and units of an
.A-inverted.-olefin.
14. The capsule as claimed in claim 13, wherein the
.A-inverted.-olefin is formed by ethylene, propylene or
1-butene.
15. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein an outer surface of
the capsule is provided with at least one sealing element for
sealing the capsule in the device.
16. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perforation
structure is provided with a plurality of throughflow channels for
discharge of liquid, the throughflow channels extending from a side
of the perforation structure facing toward the foil to a side of
the perforation structure remote from the foil.
17. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perforation
structure is provided with a plurality of perforation elements.
18. The capsule as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least a number
of throughflow channels are located at a distance from the
perforation elements.
19. The capsule as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least one
perforation element is provided with at least one throughflow
channel.
20. The capsule as claimed in claim 16, wherein a side of the
perforation structure remote from the foil is provided with at
least one surface groove, the surface groove connecting to at least
one outer end of at least one throughflow channel.
21. The capsule as claimed in claim 20, wherein a side of the
perforation structure remote from the foil is provided with a
plurality of surface grooves, the surface grooves connecting the
outer ends of the throughflow channels to each other.
22. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a number of
perforation elements take a pointed, in particular pyramid-shaped
and/or cone-shaped form.
23. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein an edge part of the
perforation structure facing toward the foil is provided with at
least one perforation element for realizing an edge perforation in
the foil.
24. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foil engages
under bias on at least one perforation element.
25. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein a side of the
perforation structure remote from the foil is provided with an
upright sealing edge which protrudes in a direction away from the
foil.
26. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capsule is
assembled with a device for preparing beverages, which device
comprises a capsule holder for receiving the capsule.
27. The assembly as claimed in claim 26, wherein the capsule holder
comprises a plurality of holder parts which are mutually
displaceable between an opened position, in which the capsule can
be placed in the capsule holder, and a closed position in which the
engaging edge of the capsule is clamped substantially
liquid-tightly by the holder parts.
28-29. (canceled)
30. A method for preparing a beverage by making use of an assembly
as claimed in claim 26, comprising the steps of: A) placing a
capsule in at least a part of an opened capsule holder, B) closing
the capsule holder with substantially liquid-tight clamping of the
engaging edge of the capsule, C) pressing liquid, in particular
water, into the capsule via the supply side of the capsule, whereby
the foil will be pressed against the perforation structure and will
be perforated by the at least one perforation element, and D)
discharging via the perforated foil liquid guided through the
capsule.
31. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein during closing of
the capsule holder as according to step B) the supply side of the
capsule is perforated by the capsule holder.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a capsule for use in a device for
preparing beverages. The invention also relates to an assembly of
such a capsule and a device for preparing beverages. In addition,
the invention relates to a perforation structure evidently intended
for use in such a capsule according to the invention. The invention
also relates to the use of such a capsule in a device for preparing
beverages. The invention further relates to a method for preparing
beverages by making use of such an assembly.
[0002] Diverse capsules for use in a device for preparing beverages
are known in the prior art. A known capsule as described for
instance in EP 0512468 comprises a housing provided with a
perforable supply side for injecting a liquid into the housing and
with a discharge side located at a distance from the supply side
and provided with an opening for the purpose of discharging liquid
injected into the housing, a quantity of substance for extraction
received in the housing, such as ground coffee beans, and a
pierceable foil connected to the housing and sealing the opening
located on the discharge side. This known capsule can be placed in
a device for preparing a beverage. The capsule is placed for this
purpose in a receiving space of a capsule holder of the device. The
capsule is clampingly supported here in the receiving space by a
support and a clamp. The supply side of a housing of the capsule is
perforated by subsequently moving a liquid injector through the
housing of the capsule, and a relatively hot liquid, in particular
water, can be introduced into the housing under a relatively high
pressure, generally of between 15 and 20 bar. The foil is
perforated by moving a perforation plate forming part of the
capsule holder and the capsule toward each other and the extracted
liquid flows via the perforation plate into a beverage container. A
drawback of using this known capsule and device for preparing a
beverage while making use of such a capsule is that the device
requires relatively high maintenance. There is therefore a need for
a device requiring less maintenance.
[0003] An object of the invention is to provide for the above
stated need.
[0004] The invention provides for this purpose a capsule of the
type stated in the preamble, comprising: a housing at least
partially filled with a substance to be extracted and/or dissolved,
such as ground coffee, wherein the housing is provided with a
supply side for pressing a liquid such as water into the capsule,
and with a discharge side located a distance from the supply side
for discharging liquid provided with extract and/or dissolved
substance and guided through the capsule, wherein at least a part
of the discharge side of the housing is initially sealed by a
perforable foil; a laterally protruding engaging edge connected to
the housing to enable clamping of the capsule in a device for
preparing beverages; and a perforation structure coupled
substantially rigidly to the engaging edge and/or the housing and
provided with at least one perforation element facing toward the
foil for perforating the foil, which perforation structure is
positioned substantially on a side of the foil remote from the
housing, wherein perforation of the foil is caused by deformation
of the foil during pressing of the liquid through the capsule. By
providing the capsule with its own perforation structure for
perforating the foil a conventional perforation plate forming part
of the device is no longer required. The advantage hereof is that
the prepared beverage need no longer be pressed through the
conventional perforation plate of the device, but can optionally be
delivered directly from the capsule to a drinking cup. This can
drastically reduce the beverage residue left behind in the device,
this being advantageous from a hygiene viewpoint and reducing the
required maintenance on the device. It is moreover possible in this
way to prevent, or at least counter, beverage pressed out of the
capsule mixing with beverage residues coming from one or more
already used capsules and already present in the device, whereby
the taste of the beverage to be prepared can be guaranteed as fully
as possible. The perforation structure will be connected
substantially rigidly (non-displaceably) to the housing, whereby
the external dimensioning of the capsule must generally be smaller
than or the same as a volume enclosed by the capsule holder. The
perforation structure will generally be provided with one or more
throughflow channels or throughfeed openings extending between a
side of the perforation structure facing toward the foil and a side
of the perforation structure remote from the foil. The particular
advantage here is that the number of throughflow channels to be
applied and the dimensioning of these throughflow channels can be
wholly adapted to the nature of the beverage to be prepared,
wherein the intensity of the aeration, the extent of the pressure
buildup and the swirling of the beverage pressed out of the capsule
can be regulated, which can considerably enhance the taste
sensation during consumption of the beverage. Because the foil will
be perforated by the generally pointed perforation elements and
will be pressed during use against the perforation structure, a
filtering action will be realized, whereby solid constituents such
as coffee dregs can be kept in the housing. The supply side will
otherwise generally take a closed form initially, wherein the
supply side will be perforated in the device during use. It is also
possible to envisage the supply side already being pre-perforated
during the production process, whereby further perforation in the
device can be dispensed with. The drawback hereof is however that
the capsule generally has to be packaged in order to enable a
sufficiently long shelf-life of the substance, and therefore of the
capsule. Initial, substantially hermetic sealing of the capsule is
generally recommended, wherein the capsule can optionally be filled
with an inert gas, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, in order to
further increase the shelf-life of the substance. The result hereof
is that a slight overpressure of several hundred millibar will
generally be present in the capsule. This overpressure can possibly
increase to some extent if coffee powder, which naturally generates
a limited amount of gas, is received in the capsule.
[0005] The housing can be manufactured from diverse materials,
including an aluminum and/or plastic, in particular polypropylene
(PP). When a plastic housing is applied, the housing will generally
be manufactured from a laminate of a plurality of plastic layers,
such as PP and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). When an aluminum
housing is applied, it is generally also usual to laminate the
aluminum with one or more additional layers, including a protective
lacquer coating in order to avoid direct contact of aluminum with
the beverage to be prepared, and including for instance a PP layer
to enable realization of an (ultrasonic) welded connection to the
foil. The foil generally also comprises aluminum which is
optionally provided on one or two sides with a PP layer in order to
facilitate one or two-sided adhesion of the foil. It is also
possible to envisage the foil comprising aluminum oxide (ALOX),
optionally laminated with plastic such as polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), whereby an exceptionally thin foil can be
obtained with a thickness in the order of magnitude of several
microns. The foil is generally connected by means of welding and/or
adhesion to the engaging edge, in particular to a flange forming
part of the housing.
[0006] The perforation structure usually takes a plate-like form in
order to limit the volume taken up by the capsule. The perforation
structure is preferably positioned at least partially in a volume
enclosed by the housing. The advantage hereof is that the
dimensioning of the housing need not be adapted to the standard
dimensioning of a capsule and capsule holder, this being
advantageous from an economic point of view. It is advantageous
here for the perforation structure to connect substantially
seamlessly to the engaging edge, wherein the perforation structure
can even form an integral part of or be integrally connected to at
least a part of the engaging edge. It is a further advantage that a
side of the perforation structure remote from the foil and a side
of the engaging edge are located in the same plane, so that a
completely flat underside of the capsule can in fact be realized.
The housing and the perforation structure are generally positioned
initially on either side of a plane defined by (a central part of)
the foil. A suitable material for a perforation structure is
plastic, such as for instance PP or polyethylene (PE).
[0007] The engaging edge generally comprises at least one flange
connected integrally to the housing. It is also possible to
envisage the flange being chemically and/or mechanically connected
to an inner side and/or outer side of the housing. The engaging
edge will usually be constructed in laminated manner from at least
one flange connected to the housing and a support structure coupled
to the flange, the support structure being optionally integrally
connected to the perforation structure. An edge periphery of the
perforation structure is optionally connected via at least one
connecting element to the engaging edge. The support structure will
generally take a substantially annular form here, because the
flange will usually have the same shape. It is possible here to
envisage the support structure at least partially enclosing, and
even being able to clamp, the flange. It is also possible to
envisage welding and/or adhering the support structure to the
flange, usually with interposing of the foil. The support structure
can be constructed from a plurality of parts which are mutually
connected during the production process, for instance by means of
welding or adhesion.
[0008] The perforation structure and the support structure are
preferably manufactured at least partially from the same material,
such as polypropylene, in order to enable realization of a reliable
mutual connection. As already stated, it is also possible to
envisage the perforation structure and the support structure being
integrally connected to each other and being manufactured in the
same production step, for instance by means of injection moulding.
The support structure can here in fact be deemed as an (integral)
extension of the perforation structure. The support structure is
preferably constructed here from a lower part initially connected
directly to the perforation plate and an upper part connected to
the lower part, wherein the lower part and the upper part are at
least positioned at least partially on either side of the flange
connected to the housing or forming part of the housing, whereby
the flange is at least partially covered on an underside and an
upper side by the support structure. The upper part of the support
structure can be connected integrally to the lower part of the
support structure, wherein the support structure is even
manufactured from one material, in particular plastic, preferably
polypropylene. The lower part of the support structure will however
generally be adapted to initially hold (support) the perforation
structure and the upper part of the support structure will
generally be adapted as sealing element. It is therefore generally
advantageous to select the material properties of the upper part of
the support structure such that a reliable sealing of the capsule
in the capsule holder can be realized. These selected material
properties are preferably also such that a reliable connection can
be realized between the lower part of the support structure and the
upper part of the support structure. The upper part of the support
structure is preferably manufactured for this purpose from a
composition comprising polypropylene and an elastomeric copolymer
of units of ethylene and units of an .A-inverted.-olefin, such as
ethylene, propylene or 1-butene. The upper part of the support
structure is preferably manufactured at least partially from a
composition comprising 20-50% by weight crystalline polypropylene
and 50-80% by weight elastomeric ethylene copolymer. Further
details of the thermoplastic polypropylene-based elastomer are
described in EP 0770106 and EP 0472946. Such thermoplastic
polyolefins are commercially available under the brand names
Hifax.RTM., in particular Hifax.RTM. 7334 XEP, Adflex.RTM., in
particular Adflex.RTM. X500F, and Softell.RTM.. It is otherwise
also possible to envisage providing an outer surface of the capsule
with at least one other type of sealing element for sealing the
capsule in the device.
[0009] In an advantageous embodiment the perforation structure is
provided with a plurality of throughflow channels for discharge of
liquid, the throughflow channels extending from a side of the
perforation structure facing toward the foil to a side of the
perforation structure remote from the foil. The perforation
structure is generally also provided with a plurality of
perforation elements. It is possible here to envisage at least a
number of throughflow channels being located at a distance from the
perforation elements. It is however also possible to envisage, and
even advantageous, for at least one perforation element to be
provided with one or more throughflow channels. It is found
particularly advantageous in practice to apply a conical
perforation element through which extend three throughflow channels
which debouch in the cone wall, whereby blocking of the throughflow
channels by perforated foil parts can be prevented.
[0010] For the purpose of being able to prevent blocking of an
outer end of a throughflow channel by the device it is advantageous
for a side of the perforation structure remote from the foil to be
provided with at least one surface groove, the surface groove
connecting to at least one outer end of at least one throughflow
channel. It is further possible to envisage a side of the
perforation structure remote from the foil being provided with a
plurality of surface grooves, the surface grooves connecting the
outer ends of the throughflow channels to each other. The surface
grooves can connect to each other and intersect each other and in
this way form a network.
[0011] The perforation elements must be sufficiently sharp to be
able to perforate the foil. It is therefore advantageous that at
least a number of perforation elements take a pointed, in
particular pyramid-shaped and/or cone-shaped form. A cone-shaped
(conical) shape is generally recommended above a pyramid-shaped
embodiment, since the conical embodiment has a periphery varying
less pronouncedly as seen in the height of the perforation
elements, whereby the foil will tear and/or deform more gradually
and therefore more easily.
[0012] An edge part of the perforation structure facing toward the
foil is generally provided with one or more perforation elements
for realizing an edge perforation in the foil. The perforation
element can here form a cutting edge which can extend over the
whole or partial edge part of the perforation structure. In
addition, it is possible to envisage application of more centrally
positioned perforation elements. In order to be able to guarantee a
reliable perforation, it is generally advantageous that the foil
initially engages under bias on at least one perforation element.
This is because sufficient pressure buildup in the housing of the
capsule will, as a result of the bias, result relatively quickly in
perforation of the foil.
[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the capsule a side of the
perforation structure remote from the foil is provided with an
upright sealing edge which protrudes in a direction away from the
foil. This upright sealing edge provides on the one hand for an
improved connection of the capsule to the device, and thereby for
an improved sealing. The application of the upright sealing edge
moreover makes the perforation structure stackable (nestable) with
another perforation structure, this being particularly advantageous
during the production process.
[0014] The invention also relates to an assembly of a capsule
according to the invention and a device for preparing beverages,
which device comprises a capsule holder for receiving the capsule.
The capsule holder here preferably comprises a plurality of holder
parts which are mutually displaceable between an opened state, in
which the capsule can be placed in the capsule holder, and a closed
state in which the engaging edge of the capsule is clamped
substantially liquid-tightly by the holder parts.
[0015] The invention further relates to the use of a capsule
according to the invention in a device for preparing beverages.
[0016] In addition, the invention relates to a perforation
structure evidently intended for use in a capsule according to the
invention. The perforation structure will generally be optionally
integrally connected here to a support structure.
[0017] The invention moreover relates to a method for preparing a
beverage by making use of an assembly according to the invention,
comprising of: A) placing a capsule in at least a part of an opened
capsule holder, B) closing the capsule holder with substantially
liquid-tight clamping of the engaging edge of the capsule, C)
pressing liquid, in particular water, into the capsule via the
supply side of the capsule, whereby the foil will be pressed
against the perforation structure and will be perforated by the at
least one perforation element, and D) discharging via the
perforated foil liquid guided through the capsule. During step B
the supply side is generally also perforated by perforation means
forming part of the capsule holder.
[0018] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of
non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following
figures. Herein:
[0019] FIGS. 1-6 show different views of a first embodiment of a
capsule, or part thereof, according to the invention;
[0020] FIGS. 7-9 show cross-sections of a capsule according to
FIGS. 1-6 in a capsule holder of a device for preparing
beverages;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
capsule according to the invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 shows a cross-section of the capsule according to
FIG. 10 along the line C-C;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the perforation structure
of the capsule according to FIG. 10; and
[0024] FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of the piercing element
according to FIG. 12 along the line D-D.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view and FIG. 2 shows a
cross-section of a first embodiment of a capsule 1 according to the
invention. Capsule 1 comprises for this purpose a substantially
frustoconical (truncated conical) housing 2 at least partially
filled with a substance to be extracted and/or dissolved, such as
ground coffee, tea, cocoa, milk powder and so on. Housing 2
comprises a perforable upper wall 3 which forms a supply side of
capsule 1. The upper wall will be perforated in a capsule holder of
a device for preparing beverages, after which water, in practice
generally a mixture of water and air, is pressed into capsule 1 at
a pressure of between 1 and 20 bar. Housing 2 also comprises a
peripheral wall 4 which is integrally connected to upper wall 3 and
which tapers to some extent in the direction of upper wall 3,
wherein in the shown situation peripheral wall 4 encloses an angle
with the vertical lying between 5.degree. and 7.degree., this angle
of inclination corresponding to the complementary angle of
inclination of a number of capsule holders available on the market,
whereby the volume of housing 2 can be maximized. Peripheral wall 4
is provided with a ridge 5 to enable better fitting of capsule 1 on
many of the known capsule holders. Housing 2 further comprises a
plurality of strengthening elements 6 arranged recessed into upper
wall 3 and/or peripheral wall 4. Strengthening elements 6 resist
deformation of housing 2 as much as possible during use. In
addition, housing 2 comprises a flange 7 which is integrally
connected to the peripheral wall (see FIG. 2) and which as such
forms part of an engaging edge 14 of capsule 1, this engaging edge
14 being adapted to allow clamping of capsule 1 by the capsule
holder. An inner edge of flange 7 does in fact define (a part of)
the discharge side of capsule 1, this discharge side being
initially sealed substantially medium-tightly by a foil 8 connected
to flange 7. The connection between flange 7 and foil 8 is
preferably realized by means of (ultrasonic) heat welding, whereby
a relatively reliable connection can be realized between flange 7
and foil 8. It is advantageous here for the contact surfaces for
fusing together to be manufactured from the same material, such as
PP. Flange 7 is clamped by and/or enclosed by and/or connected to a
support structure 9 for a plate-like perforation structure 10. In
this exemplary embodiment support structure 9 is connected
integrally to perforation structure 10. Support structure 9 has a
modular construction of an upper part 9a and a lower part 9b
connected, preferably welded, to upper part 9a. Upper part 9a of
support structure 9 is in principle adapted to seal capsule 1 in
the capsule holder, while lower part 9b of support structure 9 is
in principle adapted to initially hold perforation structure 10.
Upper part 9a and lower part 9b can optionally be connected as
separate elements to flange 7. As shown in FIG. 2, perforation
structure 10 is substantially wholly enclosed by a volume enclosed
by housing 2, wherein housing 2 and perforation structure 10 are
separated by foil 8. In this exemplary embodiment perforation
structure 10 comprises a plurality of perforation elements 12. All
perforation elements 12 are embodied pyramid-shaped and have a
pointed outer end directed toward foil 8 and are adapted to
perforate foil 8. Between perforation elements 12 are throughflow
channels 13 extending from an upper side of perforation structure
10 to an underside of perforation structure 10 in order to enable
discharge of water enriched with the substance, i.e. the prepared
beverage, in capsule 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the diameter of
throughflow channels 13 increases to some extent in the direction
of an underside of perforation structure 10, this enhancing
discharge of prepared average from capsule 1 as well as aeration of
the beverage. Also shown is that an underside of perforation
structure 10 takes a substantially flat form and also defines an
underside of capsule 1. The underside of perforation structure 10
and an underside of engaging edge 11 moreover lie in the same
plane, this enhancing handling (storage, transport and use) of
capsule 1. In the shown initial situation foil 8 engages on
substantially all perforation elements 12, such however that foil 8
remains intact (closed). FIG. 2 further shows that perforation
structure 10 comprises an upright peripheral edge 14 which is
located in housing 2 which protrudes just as far as perforation
elements 12 and which can be used to attach foil 8 thereto, whereby
foil 8 no longer need be connected to flange 7, which can be
advantageous from a structural viewpoint.
[0026] During clamping of the capsule in a capsule holder upper
wall 3 of capsule 1 will generally be perforated by one or more
cutting elements forming part of the capsule holder, after which,
during the preparation process, water--and generally air--will be
pressed into the capsule at a pressure of between 1 and 20 bar,
whereby foil 8 is pressed against perforation elements 12, whereby
foil 8 will be perforated. The assembly of perforated foil 8 and
perforation structure 10 will act here as filter, wherein beverage
will be allowed through and solid parts, in particular residue,
will be held back.
[0027] During the clamping particularly engaging edge 11 of capsule
1 is clamped in order to realize a seal between capsule 1 and the
capsule holder. It is advantageous here for upper part 9a of
support structure 9 to be manufactured from a resilient material
such as a TPO. A reliable seal of the capsule in the capsule holder
is realized by the thermoplastic character of the material of upper
part 9a of support structure 9. Other than conventional
thermosetting elastomers (rubber elastomers), thermoplastic
polymers are manufactured using equipment suitable for processing
resins. Thermoplastic polymers are quicker and easier to
manufacture than thermosetting elastomers, which are manufactured
in three lengthy steps (mixing, injection moulding and
cross-linking). Other than thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic
polymers can moreover be fully or partially recycled. Since lower
part 9b of support structure 9 is generally manufactured at least
partially from PP and ultrasonic welding is recommended to mutually
connect lower part 9b and upper part 9a, it is advantageous for a
thermoplastic polypropylene-based elastomer to be applied, such as
Adflex.RTM., in particular Adflex.RTM. X500F.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view and FIG. 4 is a top view of the
assembly of support structure 9 and the perforation structure 10
connected (integrally) to support structure 9. FIG. 3 shows that
perforation elements 12 take a pyramid-shaped form. Cone-shaped
(conical) perforation elements can optionally be used instead,
which can also be advantageous. Throughflow channels 13 are
positioned between perforation elements 12. Perforation elements 12
can optionally be provided with throughflow channels. FIG. 4 shows
the regular arrangement of perforation elements 12 and the
throughflow channels 13 located therebetween. The size and
positioning of throughflow channels 13 and the number of
throughflow channels 13 can be adapted to the nature of the
beverage to be prepared. The pressure buildup in the capsule can
for instance be increased by making throughflow channels 13
smaller, whereby more substance will generally be carried by the
water, this resulting in a stronger beverage. Engaging edge 14 of
perforation structure 10 can be adapted to engage with clamping fit
or under bias on an inner side of housing 2, whereby an improved
edge seal can be obtained between housing 2 and perforation
structure 10, whereby water is forced to leave capsule 1 via
throughflow channels 13. Instead of using the above stated edge
seal, it is also possible to envisage connecting the perforation
structure 10 and/or the support structure 9 connected (integrally)
thereto to housing 2, in particular to the flange 7 forming part of
housing 2, for instance by means of welding and/or adhesion.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of capsule 1, which shows that the
diameter of throughflow channels 13 increases in the direction of
the underside of perforation structure 10. The underside of
perforation structure 10 can optionally be provided with a network
of surface grooves mutually connecting the lower outer ends of
throughflow channels 13, whereby possible sealing of throughflow
channels 13 by the capsule holder, and thereby blockage of capsule
1, can be prevented. FIG. 6 is a side view of the assembly
according to FIGS. 3-5, showing particularly that perforation
elements 12 protrude no further than engaging edge 14 of
perforation structure 10.
[0030] In the shown first embodiment of capsule 1 according to the
invention the following product specifications can be applied. In
the case a plastic housing 2 is applied, the wall thickness thereof
can vary and be adapted to the functionality of the relevant part
of housing 2. The thickness of flange 7 can for instance amount to
between 0.30 and 0.65 mm, while the thickness of the upper wall
amounts to 0.15 mm. A slight overpressure of 200 to 300 mbar is
present in capsule 1 so that deformation of capsule 1 can be
resisted prior to use, foil 8 can be pressed against perforation
structure 10 and as much oxygen as possible driven out of capsule 1
during the production process. A typical height of the central
perforation elements 12 amounts to between 1 and 2 mm, wherein the
length of throughflow channels 13 preferably lies between 0.3 and
0.45 mm. The (narrowest) diameter of throughflow channels 13
amounts to between 0.7 and 0.9 mm. The width of connecting elements
11 amounts in this example to between 1 and 2 mm. The overall
thickness of engaging edge 14 amounts to about 1.0 mm, wherein the
thickness of flange 7 preferably lies between 0.3 and 0.4 mm, the
thickness of foil 8 amounts to about 0.02 mm, the thickness of
upper part 9a of support structure 9 amounts to about 0.3 mm and
the thickness of lower part 9b of support structure 9 also amounts
to about 0.3 mm. Applying the above stated dimensioning results in
a capsule with a relatively large internal volume of about 14
cm.sup.3.
[0031] FIGS. 7 and 9 show different cross-sections of a capsule 1
as according to FIGS. 1-6 in a capsule holder 15 of a device for
preparing beverages such as a coffee machine, in an opened
situation prior to use of capsule 1 (FIG. 7) and in a closed
situation in which the beverage can be prepared (FIG. 8), and in a
closed situation in which water is pressed through capsule 1 (FIG.
9). Capsule holder 15 here comprises a first holder part 15a and a
second holder part 15b displaceable relative to first holder part
15a. First holder part 15a comprises one or more cutting elements
16 for perforating upper wall 3 of capsule 1. First holder part 15a
further comprises a clamping edge 17 for pressing engaging edge 11
onto second holder part 15b such that capsule holder 15 is sealed
substantially completely liquid-tightly, whereby leakage of water
via the formed seam can be prevented. Second holder part 15b is
provided with one or more discharge openings 18 for beverage.
During closing of capsule holder 15 by displacing first holder part
15a and second holder part 15b toward each other the upper wall 3
of capsule 1 will be perforated, and engaging edge 11 will be
clamped substantially liquid-tightly between the two holder parts
15a, 15b. Foil 8 will remain intact during this clamping, as also
shown in FIG. 8. Water will then be pressed via the perforated
upper wall 3 into capsule 1 at a pressure of between 1 and 20 bar,
whereby water comes into contact with a substance received in the
housing, such as coffee powder or instant coffee, whereby the water
is transformed into coffee. This injection of water into capsule 1
results in a pressure buildup in capsule 1 which is so great that
foil 8 will deform in the direction of perforation structure 10 and
will be perforated by perforation elements 12, after which the
water can be removed from capsule 2 via throughflow channels 13
(see FIG. 9).
[0032] Referring to FIG. 10, a capsule designated in its entirety
with 21 is shown. Capsule 21 comprises a housing 22 manufactured
from a plastic. The housing comprises a pierceable supply side for
water 22a and a discharge side 22b which is located at a distance
from the supply side for water 22a and provided with an opening for
discharge of water injected into the housing. The opening on
discharge side 22b is sealed by a pierceable, flexible foil 25. On
the discharge side housing 22 comprises a support edge 22c, whereby
capsule 21 can be placed unambiguously in a device for preparing
beverages and does not displace, or hardly so, during use. Capsule
21 will moreover be clamped by the device via support edge 22c.
Foil 25 is connected here to housing 22 by means of an adhesive
connection or welded connection to support edge 22c and a part of
the inner side of housing 22 close to support edge 22c (see also
FIG. 11). The strength of foil 25 and the adhesive connection
between foil 25 and housing 22 is sufficiently strong to withstand
the force obtained during guiding of water under a pre-known
pressure into capsule 21. Housing 22 is connected to a plate-like
perforation structure 26. Perforation structure 26 is situated on
the side of foil 25 facing toward the outer side of the housing.
Perforation structure 26 is provided with a plurality of continuous
openings 27 which are distributed over perforation structure 26 and
which form an outer end of throughflow channels 28 arranged in
perforation structure 26 for discharge of water guided through
capsule 21. On the side of perforation structure 26 facing toward
the inner side, i.e. the side of perforation structure 26 facing
toward the foil, the perforation structure 26 comprises a plurality
of protrusions placed distributed over the surface of perforation
structure 26 and formed as pyramids 29 (see also FIG. 11). Pyramids
29 comprised tips 30 for piercing foil 25 from the outer side of
capsule 21. Openings 27 are located here between pyramids 29. In
the situation shown here foil 25 rests on perforation structure 26.
When water is guided under pressure into capsule 21, a force F will
be exerted on foil 25, wherein this force will urge foil 25 in the
direction of the perforation structure 26 provided with pyramids
29. If this force F exceeds a determined value, the tips 30 of the
pyramids will perforate foil 25. Extracted liquid will hereby be
guided out of capsule 21 via channels 28 and outside capsule 21.
Because capsule 21 comprises its own perforation structure 26, no
separate piercing element is required as is necessary with use of
the known capsules. This makes the device for preparing a beverage
not only simpler, since the beverage can flow directly out of
capsule 21 through the openings and channels 28 into a beverage
container, the risk of contamination of the device is also reduced.
The device hereby requires less maintenance, thereby increasing
convenience of use.
[0033] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule
according to FIG. 10 along the line C-C. Although the housing of
the capsule 21 shown here is formed as a truncated cone, the
housing of the capsule can also be embodied as a cylinder or in
other conceivable form.
[0034] FIG. 12 shows the piercing element of capsule 21 according
to FIG. 10 embodied as perforation structure 26. FIG. 13 shows a
section along line D-D of the piercing element according to FIG. 12
embodied as perforation structure 26. Perforation structure 26 here
comprises a peripheral edge 31 for placing perforation structure 26
in housing 22. Peripheral edge 31 can also be employed for
(liquid-tight) attachment of the foil. Perforation structure 26 is
also provided with a flange 32 which is connected integrally to
peripheral edge 31 and which can be deemed as support structure of
perforation structure 26. Perforation structure 26 will be
connected here via the flange 32 functioning as support structure
to the flange 22c forming an integral part of housing 22.
[0035] It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the
exemplary embodiments shown and described here, but that within the
scope of the appended claims numerous variants are possible which
will be self-evident to the skilled person in the field.
* * * * *