U.S. patent application number 15/951528 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-16 for multicompartment capsules of a beverage forming apparatus and methods of making thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Altria Client Services LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Altria Client Services LLC. Invention is credited to Rosana C. Altoveros, Gregory James Griscik, Georgios Karles, Dariusz Masiarz, Munmaya Mishra, Tracy M. Ogbonlowo, Christian Schuh, Christopher L. Simpson, Lawrence E. Tipton, Jonathan David Watson.
Application Number | 20180229924 15/951528 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59999652 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180229924 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karles; Georgios ; et
al. |
August 16, 2018 |
MULTICOMPARTMENT CAPSULES OF A BEVERAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND
METHODS OF MAKING THEREOF
Abstract
A multicompartment capsule for use with a beverage forming
apparatus includes a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from
the base. The sidewall includes a rim extending outwardly from an
upper end thereof. The rim surrounds an opening of the
multicompartment capsule wherein an upper surface of the outwardly
extending rim is sealed to a lower surface of a lid. At least one
partition extends through an interior of the multicompartment
capsule so as to form a first sealed compartment that is fluidly
isolated from a second sealed compartment. The first sealed
compartment includes a first beverage formulation and the second
sealed compartment includes a second beverage formulation. The
first beverage formulation is reactive with the second beverage
formulation and the partition separates the first beverage
formulation from the second beverage formulation to extend the
shelf life of the multicompartment capsule.
Inventors: |
Karles; Georgios; (Richmond,
VA) ; Watson; Jonathan David; (Richmond, VA) ;
Griscik; Gregory James; (Midlothian, VA) ; Schuh;
Christian; (Mechanicsville, VA) ; Mishra;
Munmaya; (Chesterfield, VA) ; Tipton; Lawrence
E.; (Colonial Heights, VA) ; Simpson; Christopher
L.; (Richmond, VA) ; Ogbonlowo; Tracy M.;
(Moseley, VA) ; Altoveros; Rosana C.;
(Chesterfield, VA) ; Masiarz; Dariusz; (Glen
Allen, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Altria Client Services LLC |
Richmond |
VA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Altria Client Services LLC
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
59999652 |
Appl. No.: |
15/951528 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15092353 |
Apr 6, 2016 |
9963291 |
|
|
15951528 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20130101;
A47J 31/407 20130101; B65D 85/8043 20130101; B65D 1/36
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804; A47J 31/40 20060101 A47J031/40 |
Claims
1. A multicompartment capsule for use with a beverage forming
apparatus, comprising: a base and a sidewall extending upwardly
from the base wherein the sidewall includes a rim extending
outwardly from an upper end thereof which surrounds an opening of
the multicompartment capsule wherein an upper surface of the
outwardly extending rim is sealed to a lower surface of a lid; and
at least one partition extending through an interior of the
multicompartment capsule so as to form a first sealed compartment
that is fluidly isolated from a second sealed compartment wherein
the first sealed compartment includes a first beverage formulation
and the second sealed compartment includes a second beverage
formulation wherein the first beverage formulation is reactive with
the second beverage formulation and the partition separates the
first beverage formulation from the second beverage formulation to
extend the shelf life of the multicompartment capsule.
2. The multicompartment capsule of claim 1, wherein: (a) the at
least one partition forms a hermetic seal between the first and
second compartments; (b) the at least one partition is a horizontal
partition that vertically separates the first sealed compartment
from the second sealed compartment wherein an outer perimeter of
the horizontal partition is sealed to the sidewall; (c) the at
least one partition is a vertical partition having an upper end
sealed to a lower surface of the lid and a lower end sealed to the
base of the multicompartment capsule; (d) the at least one
partition is a diagonal partition; or (e) the at least one
partition is a flexible partition that is supported by the lid of
the multicompartment capsule.
3. The multicompartment capsule of claim 1, wherein: (a) the at
least one partition is a thermally detachable partition that is
configured to be detached upon heating thereof by a beverage
forming apparatus; (b) the sidewall includes at least one catch and
the at least one partition is a thermally detachable partition that
is configured to be detached upon heating thereof by a beverage
forming apparatus such that the first and second beverage
formulations may be combined, the at least one catch configured to
obstruct the detached thermally detachable partition such that the
thermally detachable partition does not obstruct an outlet formed
in the multicompartment capsule during beverage formation; (c) the
at least one partition includes a weakened portion that is
configured to rupture under a predetermined pressure build-up in
the multicompartment capsule; (d) the at least one partition
includes a first partition and a second partition, wherein the
first partition fluidly isolates the first compartment from second
compartment and the second partition fluidly isolates the second
compartment from a third compartment; or (e) the at least one
partition is friction fit in the multicompartment capsule wherein
the partition is configured to be detached when urged by a liquid
supplying piercing element of a beverage forming apparatus such
that the beverage formulation in the first sealed compartment
combines with the beverage formulation in the second sealed
compartment.
4. The multicompartment capsule of claim 1, wherein: (a) the at
least one partition includes a counterweight, the counterweight
configured to bias the partition about a protrusion extending
upwardly from the base of the multicompartment capsule when the
partition is detached in the multicompartment capsule; (b) the at
least one partition extends upwardly from the base so as to seal
against a lower surface of the lid; (c) the at least one partition
includes a first thermally detachable partition and a second
thermally detachable partition, wherein the first thermally
detachable partition fluidly isolates the first compartment from
the second compartment and the second thermally detachable
partition fluidly isolates the second compartment from a third
compartment that includes a third beverage formulation that is
reactive with either the first or second beverage formulation
wherein the first and second thermally detachable partitions are
configured to be detached upon heating thereof by a beverage
forming apparatus; (d) wherein the sidewall includes at least one
first catch on an inner surface of the sidewall and at least one
second catch on an inner surface of the sidewall and the at least
one partition includes a first thermally detachable partition and a
second thermally detachable partition, wherein the first thermally
detachable partition fluidly isolates the first compartment from
the second compartment and the second thermally detachable
partition fluidly isolates the second compartment from a third
compartment that includes a third beverage formulation therein that
is reactive with either the first or second beverage formulations
wherein the first and second thermally detachable partitions are
configured to be detached upon heating thereof by a beverage
forming apparatus such that the first and second thermally
detachable partitions travel downwardly and the at least one first
catch obstructs an edge of the first thermally detachable partition
and the at least one second catch obstructs an edge of the second
thermally detachable partition such that the first, second, and
third beverage formulations are combined and the detached first and
second partitions do not obstruct an outlet of the multicompartment
capsule; or (e) the at least one partition is a thermally
detachable partition that is configured to be detached upon heating
thereof by a beverage forming apparatus wherein the thermally
detachable partition is formed of carnauba wax.
5. The multicompartment capsule of claim 1, wherein the at least
one partition is a detachable partition such that the first and
second beverage formulations can be combined in the
multicompartment capsule and the base including at least one
upwardly extending protrusion that is configured to prevent the
partition from obstructing an outlet of the multicompartment
capsule when the partition is detached.
6. The multicompartment capsule of claim 1, wherein the at least
one partition is a thermally detachable partition that is
configured to be detached upon heating thereof by a beverage
forming apparatus such that the first and second beverage
formulations may be combined, the base including at least one
upwardly extending protrusion that is configured to prevent the
thermally detachable partition from obstructing an outlet of the
multicompartment capsule when the partition is detached.
7. The multicompartment capsule of claim 1, wherein the at least
one partition includes a first thermally detachable partition and a
second thermally detachable partition, wherein the first thermally
detachable partition fluidly isolates the first compartment from
the second compartment and the second thermally detachable
partition fluidly isolates the second compartment from a third
compartment that includes a third beverage formulation therein that
is reactive with either the first or second beverage formulations
wherein the first and second thermally detachable partitions are
configured to be detached upon heating thereof by a beverage
forming apparatus such that the first and second thermally
detachable partitions travel downwardly when detached wherein the
base includes at least one upwardly extending protrusion that is
configured to prevent the first thermally detachable partition from
obstructing an outlet of the multicompartment capsule and the first
thermally detachable partition includes an upwardly extending
protrusion that is configured to bias the second thermally
detachable partition so as to facilitate mixing of the first,
second, and third beverage formulations when the first and second
thermally detachable partitions are detached.
8. The multicompartment capsule of claim 1, wherein the lid
includes at least one puncture element extending downwardly from an
inner surface thereof, the puncture element configured to rupture
the at least one partition when a liquid supplying piercing element
is inserted through the lid such that the first and second beverage
formulations can be combined.
9. The multicompartment capsule of claim 1, wherein (a) the base is
circular, rectangular, or oval shaped and the sidewall is a
contoured sidewall that includes one or more upwardly extending
sections, one or more outwardly extending sections, and/or one or
more upwardly and outwardly extending sections; or (b) wherein the
base is circular, rectangular, or oval shaped and the upwardly
extending side wall extends upwardly and outwardly from the base
along a first portion, upwardly from an upper end of the first
portion along a second portion, and upwardly and outwardly from an
upper end of the second portion along a third portion, wherein the
outwardly extending rim extends outwardly from an upper end of the
third portion.
10. A method of making a multi-compartment capsule for use with a
beverage forming apparatus, the method comprising: providing a
sheet of thermoformable material to a thermo-forming apparatus;
thermoforming the sheet of thermoformable material so as to form at
least one group of compartments wherein each group of compartments
includes at least a first compartment having a base and an upwardly
extending sidewall and a second compartment having a base and a
downwardly extending sidewall; cutting the thermoformed sheet so as
to separate a single group of compartments wherein the cutting
forms a first compartment rim that extends outwardly from an upper
end of the sidewall of the first compartment and a second
compartment rim that extends outwardly from a lower end of the
sidewall of the second compartment; filling an interior of a first
compartment with a predetermined quantity of a first beverage
formulation; folding the second compartment at a foldable portion
between the first and second compartments so as to locate the base
and a portion of the sidewall of the second compartment in an
interior of the first compartment; filling the interior of the
second compartment with a predetermined quantity of a second
beverage formulation; and sealing the first and second compartments
so as to fluidly isolate the first compartment from the second
compartment to make a multi-compartment capsule.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising depositing one or
more layers of material on the thermoformable material wherein; (a)
the one or more layers includes a barrier coating of polypropylene
(PP), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyethylene naphthalate
(PEN), or an acrylonitrile copolymer; or (b) the depositing of the
one or more layers produces regions of varying thickness across the
thermoformable material.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the sealing is performed by
heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, welding, or applying an adhesive
to the respective sealed surfaces.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the thermoforming step further
includes forming a third compartment of the at least one group of
compartments wherein the third compartment includes a base and an
upwardly extending sidewall; the cutting step further includes
forming at third compartment rim that extends outwardly from an
upper end of the sidewall of the third compartment; and the method
further comprising folding the third compartment at a foldable
portion between the second and third compartments so as to locate
the base and a portion of the sidewall of the third compartment in
the interior of the second compartment; filling the interior of the
third compartment with a predetermined quantity of a third beverage
formulation; and sealing the third compartment so as to fluidly
isolate the third compartment from the first and second
compartments.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the depositing of the one or
more layers produces regions of varying thickness across the
thermoformable material including at least one region of a first
thickness, at least one region of a second thickness that is less
than the thickness of the first region, at least one third region
of a third thickness that is less than the thickness of the second
region, and at least one optional fourth region of a fourth
thickness that can have a thickness equal to or less than thickness
the first region, a thickness equal to or less than the thickness
of the second region, or a thickness equal to or less than the
thickness of the third region and the thermoforming includes
forming at least one first compartment in the first region, at
least one second compartment in the second region, at least one
third compartment in the third region and an option lid in the
optional fourth region.
15. A capsule receptacle of a beverage forming apparatus, that is
operable to receive a multicompartment capsule, the receptacle
comprising: a base and a lid, wherein the base includes a cavity
therein that is shaped to receive a multicompartment capsule and
the lid is operable to seal the multicompartment capsule in the
cavity; and a spot heater operable to heat a portion of a surface
of the cavity wherein the heated surface is configured to be
adjacent a thermally detachable partition included in the interior
of a multicompartment capsule wherein the multicompartment capsule
is configured to fit in the cavity such that the spot heater is
operable to detach a portion of the thermally detachable
partition.
16. The capsule receptacle of claim 15, wherein: (a) the spot
heater is a ring heater configured to surround a sidewall of the
multicompartment capsule; (b) the spot heater is adjacent a
sidewall in the base defining the cavity; (c) an insulator is
arranged in the base to prevent spreading of heat generated by the
spot heater; or (d) the spot heater includes at least a first ring
heater configured to surround a sidewall of the multicompartment
capsule and a second ring heater configured to surround a sidewall
of the multicompartment capsule below the first ring heater.
17. The capsule receptacle of claim 15, wherein (a) a shelf
surrounds an opening of the cavity wherein an outwardly extending
rim of the multicompartment capsule is configured to be supported
by the shelf when the multicompartment capsule is received in the
cavity; (b) a lower gasket is included in the cavity, the lower
gasket configured to seal against a lower surface or lower outer
surface of the multicompartment capsule so as to form a pressure
and fluid tight seal; (c) an upper gasket included in the cavity,
the upper gasket configured to seal against the shelf and a lower
surface of the lid of the receptacle so as to form a pressure and
fluid tight seal; or (d) an upper gasket included in the cavity,
the upper gasket configured to seal against an upper surface of a
lid of the multicompartment capsule included in the cavity and the
lid of the capsule.
18. A beverage forming apparatus including capsule receptacle of
claim 15.
19. A method of forming a beverage with a multicompartment capsule
included in the beverage forming apparatus of claim 15, the
multicompartment capsule including at least first and second
compartments which are fluidly isolated wherein the first
compartment includes a first beverage formulation and the second
compartment includes a second beverage formulation and the first
and second compartments are separated by a thermally detachable
partition, the method comprising: heating a surface of the cavity
that is in thermal contact with the thermally detachable partition
through a base, lid, or sidewall of the multicompartment capsule so
as to detach a portion of the thermally detachable partition such
that the first compartment is not fluidly isolated from the second
compartment; combining the first beverage formulation with the
second beverage formulation and fluid supplied by beverage forming
apparatus; and dispensing the combined first beverage formulation,
second beverage formulation, and fluid into a vessel so as to form
the beverage.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the heated surface is an
annular surface and the thermally detachable partition is sealed to
an inner surface of the sidewall of the multicompartment capsule,
the method further comprising heating the thermally detachable
partition around a perimeter thereof to a temperature sufficient to
detach the thermally detachable partition from the sidewall.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional patent application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/092,353, filed Apr. 6, 2016, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to improvements in capsules of
beverage forming apparatuses wherein the capsules contain beverage
formulations such that beverages can be formed by combining the
beverage formulations included in a respective capsule with liquid
supplied by the beverage forming apparatus, and particularly to
improvements in extending the shelf life of beverage formulations
contained in the capsules.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various capsules have been developed for making beverages
when placed in a receptacle of a beverage forming apparatus. The
capsules can include a beverage formulation sealed therein.
Beverage forming apparatuses make a beverage by opening a capsule
and supplying liquid to an interior thereof wherein the liquid
combines with the beverage formulation to make a beverage which is
then dispensed from the capsule. One challenge in developing
capsules has been designing a capsule which has an extended shelf
life.
Summary of Selected Features
[0004] Disclosed herein is a multicompartment capsule for use with
a beverage forming apparatus. The multicompartment capsule includes
at least a first compartment and a second compartment formed of a
single sheet of polymer material. The first compartment is formed
from the single sheet of polymer material and includes a first
compartment base and a first compartment sidewall extending
upwardly from the first compartment base. The first compartment
sidewall includes a first compartment rim extending outwardly from
an upper end thereof which surrounds an opening of the first
compartment. The second compartment is formed from the single sheet
of polymer material and includes a second compartment base and a
second compartment sidewall extending upwardly from the second
compartment base. The second compartment sidewall includes a second
compartment rim extending outwardly from an upper end thereof which
surrounds an opening of the second compartment. A folded portion of
the single sheet of polymer material extends between an edge of the
first compartment rim and an edge of the second compartment rim. An
upper surface of the first compartment rim is sealed to a lower
surface of the second compartment rim such that the second
compartment base and a portion of the second compartment sidewall
are located in an interior of the first compartment and the
interior of the first compartment is fluidly isolated. A lower
surface of a lid is sealed to an upper surface of the
multicompartment capsule such that the opening of the second
compartment is sealed and an interior of the second compartment is
fluidly isolated.
[0005] Also disclosed herein is a multicompartment capsule for use
with a beverage forming apparatus. The multicompartment capsule
includes a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base
wherein the sidewall includes a rim extending outwardly from an
upper end thereof which surrounds an opening of the
multicompartment capsule. An upper surface of the outwardly
extending rim is sealed to a lower surface of a lid. At least one
partition extends through an interior of the multicompartment
capsule so as to form a first sealed compartment that is fluidly
isolated from a second sealed compartment. The first sealed
compartment includes a first beverage formulation and the second
sealed compartment includes a second beverage formulation wherein
the first beverage formulation is reactive with the second beverage
formulation. The partition separates the first beverage formulation
from the second beverage formulation to extend the shelf life of
the multicompartment capsule.
[0006] Further disclosed herein is a method of making a
multi-compartment capsule for use with a beverage forming
apparatus. The method comprises providing a sheet of thermoformable
material to a thermoforming apparatus, and thermoforming the sheet
of thermoformable material so as to form at least one group of
compartments wherein each group of compartments includes at least a
first compartment having a base and an upwardly extending sidewall
and a second compartment having a base and a downwardly extending
sidewall. The thermoformed sheet is cut so as to separate a single
group of compartments wherein the cutting forms a rim that extends
outwardly from an upper end of the sidewall of the first
compartment and a rim that extends outwardly from a lower end of
the sidewall of the second compartment. An interior of a first
compartment is filled with a predetermined quantity of a first
beverage formulation, and the second compartment is folded at a
foldable portion between the first and second compartments so as to
locate the base and a portion of the sidewall of the second
compartment in an interior of the first compartment. The interior
of the second compartment is filled with a predetermined quantity
of a second beverage formulation, and the first and second
compartments are sealed so as to fluidly isolate the first
compartment from the second compartment to make a multi-compartment
capsule.
[0007] Additionally disclosed herein is a capsule receptacle of a
beverage forming apparatus that is operable to receive a
multicompartment capsule. The capsule receptacle includes a base
and a lid. The base includes a cavity therein that is shaped to
receive a multicompartment capsule and the lid is operable to seal
the multicompartment capsule in the cavity. A spot heater is
operable to heat a portion of a surface of the cavity. The heated
surface is configured to be adjacent a thermally detachable
partition included in an interior of a multicompartment capsule.
The multicompartment capsule is configured to fit in the cavity
such that the spot heater is operable to detach a portion of the
thermally detachable partition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIGS. 1A-1H are cross-sectional views of multicompartment
capsules for use with a beverage forming apparatus according to
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0009] FIGS. 2A-2F are cross-sectional views of multicompartment
capsules for use with a beverage forming apparatus according to
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0010] FIGS. 3A-3F show an exploded view and cross-sectional views
of a multicompartment capsule for use with a beverage forming
apparatus according to an embodiment disclosed herein.
[0011] FIGS. 4A and 4B show cross-sectional views of a
multicompartment capsule for use with a beverage forming apparatus
according to an embodiment disclosed herein.
[0012] FIGS. 5A-5D show steps of making a multicompartment capsule
according to embodiments disclosed herein.
[0013] FIGS. 6A-6E show steps of making a multicompartment capsule
according to embodiments disclosed herein.
[0014] FIGS. 7A-7D show steps of making a multicompartment capsule
according to embodiments disclosed herein.
[0015] FIG. 8A shows an apparatus for making multicompartment
capsules according to embodiments disclosed herein. FIGS. 8B and 8C
each show a group of compartments used to form a multicompartment
capsule according to embodiments disclosed herein.
[0016] FIGS. 9A and 9B show cross-sectional views of capsule
receptacles of beverage forming apparatuses as disclosed
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Disclosed herein are embodiments of multicompartment
capsules having extended shelf life. The multicompartment capsules
disclosed herein are for use with beverage forming apparatuses that
are operable to dispense a beverage having a predetermined aroma
and/or taste and/or mouthfeel by combining fluid with one or more
beverage formulations included in a respective multicompartment
capsule to form the beverage having the predetermined aroma and/or
taste and/or mouthfeel, which may then be dispensed by the beverage
forming apparatus into a drinking vessel. Preferably, the
multicompartment capsules include two or more beverage formulations
therein wherein each respective beverage formulation is contained
in a separate compartment of the multicompartment capsule.
Preferably, the respective beverage formulations of the
multicompartment capsules disclosed herein are contained in
separate fluidly isolated compartments wherein each compartment is
preferably hermetically sealed.
[0018] A beverage forming apparatus is preferably operable to
access each compartment of a multicompartment capsule such that
respective beverage formulations that are contained in the
respective compartments can be combined with liquid supplied by the
beverage forming apparatus to form a predetermined beverage that
may be dispensed by the beverage forming apparatus. In an
embodiment, the beverage forming apparatus can include a mixing
unit that is operable to facilitate mixing between the supplied
liquid and the respective beverage formulations. In an alternate
embodiment, the beverage forming apparatus can be operable to
dispense the fluid and respective beverage formulations of a
multicompartment capsule into a drinking vessel such that the
dispensed fluid and beverage formulations combine in the drinking
vessel to form a beverage. In yet another embodiment, a
multicompartment capsule as disclosed herein may be operable to
facilitate mixing among two or more beverage formulations contained
in separate compartments thereof with the liquid that is supplied
by the beverage forming apparatus such that a beverage may be
dispensed by the beverage forming apparatus.
[0019] In an embodiment, a beverage forming apparatus is operable
to increase the pressure in an interior of one or more compartments
of a multicompartment capsule such that a respective compartment of
the multicompartment capsule can be opened (e.g., rupture) and a
beverage formulation contained in the compartment may be combined
with fluid supplied by the beverage forming apparatus, and/or one
or more beverage formulations contained in other compartments of
the multicompartment capsule. In an embodiment, liquid supplied to
the interior of the multicompartment capsule, or a respective
compartment of the multicompartment capsule, can cause the pressure
therein to exceed a predetermined level such that the
multicompartment capsule, or one or more compartments of the
multicompartment capsule rupture, and thereby release a previously
isolated beverage formulation. Alternatively, the beverage forming
apparatus can include a gas supply component operable to increase
the pressure in the interior of the multicompartment capsule or a
respective compartment thereof such that pressure exceeds a
predetermined level and the multicompartment capsule or a
respective compartment thereof ruptures, and releases a beverage
formulation that may be combined with liquid supplied by the
beverage forming apparatus to make a predetermined beverage.
[0020] Flavor perception of a consumable product is defined as the
combined impression of specific aroma, taste and trigeminal
compounds along with entities that evoke mouth feel impressions
(i.e. sensates) such as astringency, mouth coating, fullness, etc.
Aroma compounds are volatiles that interact with olfactory
receptors in the nose evoking a signal to the brain interpreted as
smell, while the five basic tastes are elicited by interactions of
tastants with specific taste receptors for salt, sweet, bitter,
sour and umami tastes, respectively. Further, flavor perception
includes characteristics of a consumable product, such as a color
profile of a beverage, which can affect the flavor perception of
the beverage. Flavor or beverage formulations (i.e., flavor
systems, sensory mixtures, or beverage precursors) disclosed herein
combine compounds to form a flavor perception of a predetermined
beverage, such as a predetermined alcoholic beverage or a
predetermined alcoholic mixed drink beverage. The beverage
formulations can be a clear liquid, alcohol free, extract free,
concentrate free, free of undissolved solids, and/or free of
essential oils. Beverage formulations can include aroma compounds,
taste compounds, and/or mouthfeel compounds that can be water
soluble. The compounds, such as aroma compounds, can also be
soluble in an alcohol such as ethanol. Beverage formulations can
also include colorants that are used to enhance the appearance and
thereby the flavor perception of a beverage formed by a beverage
forming apparatus.
[0021] In general, out of the many hundreds of chemical entities
that are found in natural products, especially those of
agricultural origin that may also have been subjected to additional
fermentation or prolonged storage, only an order of ten chemical
entities may be responsible for aroma, taste and mouth feel.
Isolation and chemical analysis techniques allow for the
identification and quantification of flavor compounds out of the
many hundreds that may be detected in a fermented and/or brewed
alcoholic beverage.
[0022] A flavor that mimics the sensory attributes of a certain
product by using the same or similar flavor relevant compounds of
the natural product is called "nature craft identical" and the
combination of chemical entities that mimic the natural product is
called a "nature craft recombinant". Recombinants may be altered or
new compounds may be added thereto to create new superior flavors,
or to compensate for flavor compounds that cannot be used because
they are not generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or pose
availability issues. Through omissions and/or additions of certain
compounds in our "recombinants", important interplays between
aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel impressions can be determined and used
to create the best possible nature craft identical product as
outlined in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2014/0272019 and commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2014/0272006, the entire content of each of which
is incorporated herein by this reference thereto. The recombinants
can be used as constituents of a beverage formulation that can be
contained in a capsule of a beverage forming apparatus wherein the
beverage forming apparatus can form beverages having a
predetermined aroma and/or taste and/or mouthfeel, such as the
aroma and/or taste and/or mouthfeel of an alcoholic beverage, when
the beverage formulation is combined with an alcoholic fluid.
[0023] To form a beverage formulation that has a predetermined
aroma and/or taste and/or mouthfeel, the beverage formulation can
include at least one flavor compound from one or more of each of
the following groups: (1) Cheesy, Sweaty Flavor Group, (2) Malty,
Buttery and/or Sweet Flavor Group, (3) Floral and/or Honey Flavor
Group, (4) Fruity Flavor Group, (5) Smoky, Coconut, Woody Flavor
Group, (6) Cooked, Seasoning, Fatty Flavor Group, (7)
Phenolic/Medicinal Flavor Group, (8) Sour Taste Group, (9) Sweet
Taste Group, (10) Salty and Bitter Taste Group, (11) Astringent,
Mouthfeel Group, (12) Bitter Taste Group and/or (13) Umami Taste
and Mouthfeel Group.
[0024] However, certain compounds of the aforementioned groups used
to form beverage formulations which are required to achieve a
predetermined aroma and/or taste and/or mouthfeel of a beverage are
reactive, and therefore, chemical reactions between those reactive
compounds can compromise the shelf life of a beverage formulation
contained in a capsule. Further, these reactions cause the taste of
a beverage formed from a respective beverage formulation to
deteriorate over time. For example, hydrolysis, oxidation or
condensation reactions for compounds containing acid, hydroxyl or
aldehyde functionalities can take place in beverage formulations.
These reactions may also be catalyzed by the pH of the beverage
formulation contained within a capsule. For example, it has been
observed that specific aroma compounds are susceptible to losses
especially under low pH conditions such as when the specific aroma
compounds are included in a low pH aqueous environment. On the
other hand, most taste compounds are soluble in water and are
stable at low pH. Therefore, if certain aroma compounds included in
a beverage formulation are subjected to low pH conditions, those
aroma compounds will decrease, such as within a timeframe of about
a few days to a few weeks, and the taste of a beverage formed from
the beverage formulation will deteriorate over time. As such, the
shelf life of a capsule for use with a beverage forming apparatus
that includes a beverage formulation which contains aroma compounds
that are susceptible to losses when subjected to low pH conditions
will be limited, and may not be commercially acceptable. Therefore,
capsules and beverage formulations with extended shelf lives are
desirable.
[0025] Therefore, a multicompartment capsule can provide an
increased shelf life of a beverage formulation having a
predetermined aroma and/or taste and/or mouthfeel when the reactive
compounds of the beverage formulation are segregated into
nonreactive groups, and the nonreactive groups are provided in
separate compartments of the multicompartment capsule. The
segregated compounds can be provided in a stable form in the
separate compartments of the multicompartment capsule such that
chemical reactions are minimized, and losses of certain compounds
are minimized. Thus, the segregation of the reactive compounds in
separate compartments of a multicompartment capsule increases the
shelf life of the multicompartment capsule while providing a
beverage formulation having the predetermined aroma and/or taste
and/or mouthfeel when the segregated compounds are later combined
in a beverage forming apparatus with fluid, during formation of a
beverage.
[0026] For example, according to an embodiment disclosed herein, an
extended shelf life multicompartment capsule can include at least a
first compartment that is isolated from a second compartment
wherein the first compartment includes a first beverage formulation
containing aroma compounds and the second compartment includes a
second beverage formulation containing taste and/or mouthfeel
compounds. Thus, the aroma compounds can be prevented from being
subjected to low pH aqueous environments in which the taste
compounds are readily soluble and stable. Rather, the aroma
compounds can be in ethanol in the first compartment, which
provides a more stable environment for the aroma compounds than
water. Thus, by segregating aroma compounds in a first beverage
formulation from taste compounds in a second beverage formulation
in separate, fluidly isolated compartments of a multicompartment
capsule, the shelf life of the first and second beverage
formulations, and thereby the shelf life of the multicompartment
capsule is increased. The first and second beverage formulations
may later be combined with fluid supplied by a beverage forming
apparatus to form a beverage having a predetermined aroma and/or
taste and/or flavor which does not deteriorate as readily over
time. In this embodiment, aroma compounds from each of the
following groups (1) Cheesy, Sweaty Flavor Group, (2) Malty,
Buttery and/or Sweet Flavor Group, (3) Floral and/or Honey Flavor
Group, (4) Fruity Flavor Group, (5) Smoky, Coconut, Woody Flavor
Group, (6) Cooked, Seasoning, Fatty Flavor Group, and (7)
Phenolic/Medicinal Flavor Group, can be included in a first ethanol
based beverage formulation that is isolated in a first compartment
of a multicompartment capsule whereas taste/mouthfeel compounds
from each of the following groups (8) Sour Taste Group, (9) Sweet
Taste Group, (10) Salty and Bitter Taste Group, (11) Astringent,
Mouthfeel Group, (12) Bitter Taste Group and/or (13) Umami Taste
and Mouthfeel Group, can be included in a water based second
beverage formulation that is isolated in a second compartment of
the multicompartment capsule such that the multicompartment capsule
has an extended shelf life, and can form a beverage formulation
having a predetermined aroma and/or taste and/or mouthfeel when the
first ethanol based beverage formulation is combined with the
second water based beverage formulation, and fluid supplied by a
beverage forming apparatus.
[0027] In a further embodiment, a beverage formulation can further
include additional ingredients such as fruit juice or sugar for
forming alcoholic beverages such as cocktails from beverage forming
apparatuses. In a first embodiment, the additional ingredients can
be included with the taste and/or mouthfeel compounds in the second
water based beverage formulation. However, the sugar or fruit juice
may react with some of the taste and/or mouthfeel compounds, and
therefore lead to reduced shelf life of the multicompartment
capsule. Therefore, in a second embodiment, the sugar or fruit
juice can be included in a third beverage formulation that is
contained in a third compartment of the multicompartment capsule,
such that the multicompartment capsule has an increased shelf life.
In yet a further embodiment, compounds can be segregated into one
or more ethanol based beverage formulations and one or more water
based beverage formulations depending on whether the specific
compound is more stable in water or ethanol, and depending on the
reactivity of the respective compounds that are to be included in
water, or the reactivity of the respective compounds that are to be
included in ethanol. Additionally, the respective compartments in
which the beverage formulations are included in are preferably
hermetically sealed compartments so as to prevent loss of compounds
such as volatile aroma compounds. Preferably, the multicompartment
capsules and compartments thereof also provide a barrier to oxygen
and water vapor, to further maintain the freshness of the beverage
formulations contained therein. For example, the multicompartment
capsules and compartments may preferably be constructed of metal
(aluminum), and/or a multi-layer (metal/plastic) material, such as
one or more layers of polymer material and metal film, in order to
provide suitable barrier performance to oxygen and water vapor.
[0028] In addition to, or alternative to, using separate
compartments to fluidly isolate reactive compounds of liquid
beverage formulations, compounds used to form a beverage
formulation can be in dry form or gel form, and/or encapsulated so
as to separate the compounds on a micro-level. For example,
encapsulation of certain compounds could isolate aroma compounds
from the rest of the compounds that contribute to a low pH. The
encapsulated compounds could be mixed in a single compartment
capsule thereby resulting in a solid dispersion or suspension. In a
preferred embodiment, however, the encapsulated compounds are
separated in different compartments of a multicompartment capsule.
The contents of the encapsulated compounds could be released by
different activation mechanisms, such as by heat (i.e., introducing
hot water from the beverage forming apparatus), or alcohol
dissolution by the alcohol mixture supplied by a beverage forming
apparatus to form an alcoholic beverage. In an embodiment, aroma
compounds can be adsorbed onto an adsorbent in order to be
protected by the low pH and released via desorption by the added
water and alcohol when making a beverage. In another embodiment,
the beverage formulation can be a gel or fluid gel which
immobilizes flavor compounds and slow down interactions that lead
to reduced shelf life. Suitable encapsulating matrices may be
composed of dextrin, biopolymers, and the like.
[0029] The beverage formulations of the multicompartment capsules
can be mixed with a fluid or liquid base, by the beverage forming
apparatus, which is preferably a mixture of water and an alcohol,
such as ethanol or vodka, to create an alcoholic beverage having
the aroma and/or taste and/or mouthfeel of beverages such as beer,
wine, sparkling wine, cider, whiskey, gin, vermouth, rum, tequila,
and/or an alcoholic mixed drink (i.e. a cocktail), but without
fermentation, distillation, brewing and/or other costly and time
consuming measures (for example aging) associated with the
production of beers, wines, sparkling wines, ciders, whiskeys,
gins, vermouths, rums, or tequilas. The vodka or ethanol and water
mixtures used to form a respective alcoholic beverage are
preferably flavorless or have a neutral flavor, so as not to alter
or detract from the aroma and/or taste and/or mouthfeel imparted by
a beverage formulation when combined with the vodka or ethanol and
water mixture. In an alternative embodiment, the beverage
formulation can be combined with a low flavor beer, wine, sparkling
wine, cider, whiskey, gin, vermouth, rum, and/or tequila to create
a superior beer, wine, sparkling wine, cider, whiskey, gin,
vermouth, rum, tequila, and/or an alcoholic mixed drink (i.e.
cocktail) flavored beverage.
[0030] The beverage formulations included in the respective
compartments of the multicompartment capsules disclosed herein are
preferably in amount sufficient to form a single serving beverage
having an alcohol content ranging from about 0.1% alcohol by volume
to about 90% alcohol by volume. For example, wine can have an
alcohol content of about 0.1% alcohol by volume to about 25%
alcohol by volume, whiskey, or other liquors, can have about 40%
(or lower) alcohol by volume to about 70% alcohol by volume, and
beer can have about 2% alcohol by volume to about 20% alcohol by
volume. The amount of alcohol in a liquid containing alcohol that
is supplied by the beverage forming apparatus and combined with
respective beverage formulations can be selected based on the type
of beverage being formed and/or can be controlled by a controller
of a beverage forming apparatus if an adult consumer wishes to have
a beverage having a lower alcohol content than that contemplated
when a respective multicompartment capsule for the preparation of a
desired alcoholic beverage is formed. For example, a low alcohol or
alcohol free beer can be dispensed from the beverage forming
apparatus which has the flavor of a beer which may traditionally
have a higher alcoholic content if traditionally brewed.
Embodiments of beverage formulations can be found in
commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0073673, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety. Embodiments of beverage forming apparatuses that can
be used to form beverages from beverage formulations can be found
in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/078,608,
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0031] The multicompartment capsules disclosed herein can be
thermoformed, injection molded, or blow molded. Preferably, the
compartments of the multicompartment capsules are thermoformed. The
thermoforming can include vacuum forming, or vacuum forming with a
plug assist. The material forming the multicompartment capsules can
be one or more layers of polymer material such as polyethylene
(PE), polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG),
polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polyethylene teraphalate (PET),
Polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH),
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polychlorotrifluoroethylene
(PCTFE), or Acrylonitrile-Methyl acrylate copolymer, further
including one or more optional layers of metal foil or film. In an
embodiment, a multicompartment capsule has a multilayer
construction of respective layers of PET/EVOH/PET, PET/PVDC/PET,
PP/PVDC/PET, PP/PVDC/PET, or PET/PTFE/PET, with one more layers of
metal foil or film included therein. In an alternate embodiment,
the multicompartment capsule has a multilayer construction of
polymer material without any layers of metal.
[0032] The openings of respective compartments of the
multicompartment capsules can be sealed by one or more lids formed
of the same or different material as a respective multicompartment
capsule. For example, the lid can be a foil material, such as
aluminum foil, or have a multilayer construction of one or more
layers of polymer material and one or more layers of metal foil or
film. Preferably, the multicompartment capsule and lid are formed
from a single sheet of the same material, wherein the material used
to form the multicompartment capsule and lid is recyclable. For
example, the multicompartment capsule and lid can be formed of PET,
preferably a single sheet of PET, wherein the multicompartment
capsule can be recycled without an individual having to remove the
lid from the multicompartment capsule after the multicompartment
capsule has been used to form a beverage. The lid, as well as other
mating surfaces of the multicompartment capsules as disclosed
herein, can be sealed together with an adhesive, or by ultrasonic
welding, heat sealing, welding, or other suitable means during
formation thereof.
[0033] FIGS. 1A-1H illustrate cross sections of multicompartment
capsules 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein. The
multicompartment capsules 100 can be inserted into a beverage
forming apparatus such that the beverage forming apparatus can form
and dispense a predetermined beverage by supplying and mixing
(combining) fluid with two or more beverage formulations contained
in separate compartments of the multicompartment capsules 100. The
combined fluid and beverage formulations are then dispensed by the
beverage forming apparatus into a vessel, such as a drinking vessel
to form the predetermined beverage. The multicompartment capsules
100 include a base 101 and a sidewall 102 extending upwardly from
the base. The base 101 can be any shape such as, but not limited
to, a circular, oval, or rectangular shape. In an embodiment, the
base 101 can be contoured or include one or more ridges or ribs.
The sidewall 102 can extend upwardly (see FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1E, 1F),
such as a tubular sidewall, or can be an upwardly and outwardly
extending sidewall (see FIGS. 1C, 1D 1G, 1H), such as a
frustoconical sidewall that extends upwardly and outwardly. The
rate at which the upwardly and outwardly extending sidewall extends
outwardly can be constant or vary along the upwardly extending
length thereof. Further, the sidewall 102 can be a contoured
sidewall 102 that includes one or more upwardly extending portions,
one or more outwardly extending portions, and/or one or more
upwardly and outwardly extending portions. Preferably the base 101
and sidewall 102 are integrally formed from a single sheet of
material, which may having one or more layers. In an alternative
embodiment, the base 101 can be formed of foil, or a material
different than the sidewall 102. An inner surface of the sidewall
102 can also include one or more ridges or ribs to provide
structural integrity for the multicompartment capsule 100 and/or
facilitate mixing of fluid supplied by a beverage forming apparatus
and the beverage formulations.
[0034] The sidewall 102 forms an opening at an upper end thereof,
which can be sealed by a lid 106, so at to form a sealed
multi-compartment capsule 100. Preferably, the sidewall 102 forms a
rim 113 (see FIGS. 1C-1H), around the opening thereof such that an
upper surface of the rim 113 can be sealed to a lower surface of
the lid 106. The respective compartments of the multicompartment
capsules 100 can each include a respective beverage formulation
therein, wherein a respective multicompartment capsule 100 can be
inserted into a beverage forming apparatus that is operable to open
the respective compartments of a multicompartment capsule 100 and
combine the respective beverage formulations with fluid supplied by
the beverage forming apparatus so as to form a beverage that may be
dispensed from the beverage forming apparatus.
[0035] FIGS. 1A-1H illustrate embodiments of one or more partitions
103 or 114 that can divide the interior of a multicompartment
capsule 100 so as form respective fluidly isolated compartments of
the multicompartment capsule 100. The fluidly isolated compartments
of a respective multicompartment capsule 100 isolate respective
beverage formulations contained therein such that the respective
beverage formulations do not mix until the multicompartment capsule
100 is inserted into a beverage forming apparatus that is operable
to form a beverage therefrom, or an individual physically opens the
compartments and combines the beverage formulations. Preferably,
the one or more partitions 103 hermetically seal or substantially
hermetically seal the respective compartments from each other so as
to prevent vapor or volatile compounds that may be included in a
respective beverage formulation from migrating into an adjacent
compartment of the multicompartment capsule 100, or escaping into
the atmosphere.
[0036] For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, a vertical partition 103
extends from the base 101 to the lid 106 of the multicompartment
capsule 100 so as to horizontally separate a first compartment 104
from a second compartment 105 of the multicompartment capsule 100.
The multicompartment capsule 100 of FIG. 1A can be inserted into a
beverage forming apparatus wherein the beverage forming apparatus
can include two or more liquid supplying piercing elements wherein
a respective liquid supplying piercing element of the beverage
forming apparatus can be inserted through the lid 106 or an upper
portion of the sidewall 102 of the multicompartment capsule 100 so
as to enter each respective compartment of the multicompartment
capsule 100 and supply liquid thereto through a respective orifice
of each liquid supplying piercing element. Thus, the supplied
liquid combines with a beverage formulation included in the
respective compartments of the multicompartment capsule 100.
[0037] For example, a first liquid supplying piercing element can
enter the first compartment 104 and supply liquid into the first
compartment 104 through an orifice thereof such that the liquid
combines with a first beverage formulation contained in the first
compartment 104. A second liquid supplying piercing element can
enter the second compartment 105 and supply liquid into the second
compartment 105 through an orifice thereof such that the liquid
combines with a second beverage formulation contained in the second
compartment 105. In a further embodiment, the beverage forming
apparatus can include one liquid supplying piercing element that is
operable to pierce the lid 106 or sidewall 102 of the
multicompartment capsule 100 and supply liquid to an interior of a
respective compartment thereof at a pressure sufficient to cause
the vertical partition 103 to burst such that a first beverage
formulation in the first compartment 104 combines with a second
beverage formulation in the second compartment 105 and the supplied
fluid. In an embodiment, the vertical partition 103 can include a
weakened portion which is operable to rupture after a predetermine
pressure has been attained in a respective compartment of the
multicompartment capsule 100.
[0038] Likewise, the beverage forming apparatus can include two or
more dispensing piercing elements that can be inserted through the
base 101 or a lower portion of the sidewall 102 of the
multicompartment capsule 100 such that the liquid supplied to the
respective compartments which has combined with the respective
beverage formulations in the compartments may be dispensed by the
beverage forming apparatus. The combined liquid and beverage
formulations can be dispensed through respective orifices of the
two or more dispensing piercing elements, or alternatively through
respective openings in the multicompartment capsule 100 formed by
the two or more dispensing piercing elements. In an embodiment, the
beverage forming apparatus can include a mixing unit, wherein the
respective beverage formulations, which have combined with the
supplied fluid, can then combine in the mixing unit and
subsequently be dispensed by the beverage forming apparatus.
Alternatively, the respective beverage formulations, which have
been combined with the supplied fluid can be individually dispensed
into and combined within a drinking vessel. Alternatively, the
sidewall 102 can be inwardly compressed by the beverage forming
apparatus such that each compartment ruptures, thereby releasing a
beverage formulation therein.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1B, a horizontal partition 103 can extend
horizontally such that an outer perimeter thereof is sealed to the
sidewall 102 so as to fluidly isolate, and preferably hermetically
seal, a first compartment 104 from a second compartment 105. The
multicompartment capsule 100 of FIG. 1B can be inserted into a
beverage forming apparatus wherein the beverage forming apparatus
includes at least one liquid supplying piercing element wherein the
liquid supplying piercing element can be inserted through the lid
106 and the horizontal partition 103 of the multicompartment
capsule 100 so as to pass through the second compartment 105, enter
the first compartment 104 and supply liquid thereto. In an
embodiment, the at least one piercing element can pierce the
partition 103 such that a second beverage formulation included in
the second compartment 105 enters the first compartment 104 and
combines with a respective first beverage formulation in the first
compartment and the liquid supplied to the first compartment 104 by
the liquid supplying piercing element.
[0040] Alternatively, a liquid supplying piercing element of the
beverage forming apparatus can be operable to pierce the horizontal
partition 103 so as to enter the first compartment 104, and then
retract so as to form an opening in the horizontal partition 103.
The liquid supplying piercing element can supply liquid to the
interior of the second compartment 105 such that the supplied
liquid combines with a second beverage formulation in the second
compartment. The supplied liquid which has combined with the second
beverage formulation is then combined with a first beverage
formulation in the first compartment 104 through the opening in the
horizontal partition 103. In a further embodiment, the beverage
forming apparatus can be operable to pierce the lid 106 of the
multicompartment capsule 100 and supply liquid to an interior of
the second compartment 105 at a pressure sufficient to cause the
horizontal partition 103 to burst such that a first beverage
formulation in the first compartment 104 can combine with a second
beverage formulation in the second compartment 105 and the supplied
fluid. In an embodiment, the horizontal partition 103 can include a
weakened portion which is operable to rupture after a predetermine
pressure has been attained in the second compartment 105 of the
multicompartment capsule 100.
[0041] Likewise, the beverage forming apparatus can include at
least one dispensing piercing element that can be inserted through
the base 101 or a lower portion of the sidewall 102 of the
multicompartment capsule 100 such that the liquid supplied to the
respective compartments which has combined with the respective
beverage formulations in the compartments may be dispensed by the
beverage forming apparatus. The combined liquid and beverage
formulations can be dispensed through a respective orifice of the
at least one dispensing piercing element, or alternatively through
a respective opening in the multicompartment capsule 100 formed by
the at least one dispensing piercing element. In an embodiment, the
beverage forming apparatus can include a mixing unit, wherein the
respective beverage formulations, which have been combined with the
supplied fluid, can be combined in the mixing unit and subsequently
dispensed from the beverage forming apparatus. Alternatively, the
respective beverage formulations, which have been combined with the
supplied fluid, can be individually dispensed into and combined in
a drinking vessel.
[0042] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, a
multicompartment capsule 100 can include an upwardly extending
portion 114, that extends upwardly from the base 101 such that the
upwardly extending portion 114 can be sealed to a lid 106 of the
multicompartment capsule 100 so as to form a partition that fluidly
isolates, and preferably hermetically seals, a first compartment
104 containing a first beverage formulation from a second
compartment 105 containing a second beverage formulation.
Additionally, the sidewall 102 can include a rim 113 at an upper
end thereof, which can be sealed to the lid 106. Further, the first
or second compartment 104, 105 can include a partition 103 therein
(see FIG. 1D), such as a horizontal or vertical partition, so as to
form a third compartment 107 of the multicompartment capsule 100,
which contains a third beverage medium. The multicompartment
capsule 100 can be inserted in a beverage forming apparatus which
is operable to combine the respective beverage formulations
included in the compartments of the multicompartment capsule 100
with liquid supplied thereby, such that a beverage may be dispensed
by the beverage forming apparatus. The beverage forming apparatus
can include a mixing unit that is operable to combine the
respective beverage formulations and fluid, or alternatively, the
respective beverage formulations, which have been combined with the
supplied fluid, can be dispensed into and combined in a drinking
vessel.
[0043] FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate an alternate embodiment of a
partition 103 that can fluidly isolate, and preferably hermetically
seal, a first compartment 104 from a second compartment 105 of a
multicompartment capsule 100. FIG. 1E shows the multicompartment
capsule 100 having a partition 103 in a sealed position whereas
FIG. 1F shows the multicompartment capsule 100 in open position
wherein the partition 103 has been detached such that beverage
formulations separated by the partition 103 may be combined. The
multicompartment capsule 100 shown in FIG. 1E can be inserted into
a beverage forming apparatus wherein the beverage forming apparatus
is operable to pierce a lid 106 of the multicompartment capsule 100
and supply liquid thereto. In an embodiment, the liquid supplying
piercing element is operable to contact and urge the partition 103
such that the partition 103 is detached from a sidewall 102 of the
multicompartment capsule 100 such that a first beverage formulation
included in the first compartment 104 can be combined with a second
beverage formulation included in the second compartment 105, and
liquid supplied through an orifice of the liquid piercing element.
Alternatively, the liquid supplying piercing element is operable to
pierce the lid 106 of the multicompartment capsule 100 and supply
liquid at a pressure sufficient to detach the partition 103 such
that a first beverage formulation included in the first compartment
104 can be combined with a second beverage formulation included in
the second compartment 105 and liquid supplied through an orifice
of the liquid piercing element.
[0044] The beverage forming apparatus can include at least one
dispensing piercing element that can be inserted through a base 101
or a lower portion of the sidewall 102 of the multicompartment
capsule 100 such that the liquid supplied to the respective
compartments which has combined with the respective beverage
formulations in the compartments may be dispensed by the beverage
forming apparatus. The dispensing piercing element can include an
orifice such that liquid is dispensed therethrough. Alternatively,
the dispensing piercing element can form an opening (outlet) in the
base 101 of the multicompartment capsule 100 such that the combined
beverage formulations and liquid can be dispensed therethrough. In
an embodiment, the beverage forming apparatus can include a mixing
unit, wherein the respective beverage formulations and supplied
fluid can be combined therein and subsequently dispensed from the
beverage forming apparatus. Alternatively, the respective beverage
formulations, may be individually combined with the supplied fluid,
and individually dispensed into and combined in a drinking
vessel.
[0045] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F, the
multicompartment capsule 100 can include at least one protrusion
108 that extends upwardly from the base 101 that forms a fulcrum
that causes the detached partition 103 to pivot so as to facilitate
mixing between a first beverage formulation in the first
compartment 104 with a second beverage formulation in the second
compartment 105 and the liquid supplied by the liquid supplying
piercing element. Additionally, the at least one protrusion 108 is
operable to keep the detached partition 103 from obstructing a
dispensing opening (outlet) formed in the multicompartment capsule
100 by the dispensing piercing element or an orifice of the
dispensing piercing element through which the combined beverage
formulations and liquid are dispensed. In a preferred embodiment,
the partition 103 can include a counterweight 109, or uneven
distribution of mass, arranged so as to increase the pivoting
action of the partition 103 about the protrusion 108 that forms the
fulcrum.
[0046] In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1G, a lid 106 of a
multicompartment capsule 100 can include one or more puncture
elements 110. In this embodiment, when the multicompartment capsule
100 is inserted into a beverage forming apparatus and the lid 106
of the multicompartment capsule 100 is pierced by a respective
liquid supplying piercing element of the beverage forming
apparatus, the one or more puncture elements 110 are urged
downwardly so as to puncture through a partition 103 that fluidly
separates, and preferably hermetically seals, a first compartment
104 containing a first beverage formulation from a second
compartment containing a second beverage formulation. When the
partition 103 is punctured, the first beverage formulation combines
with the second beverage formulation and liquid supplied through an
orifice of the liquid supplying piercing element. The combined
beverage formulations and liquid may be subsequently dispensed
through an orifice of a dispensing piercing element inserted
through the base 106 or sidewall 102 of the multicompartment
capsule 100 or an opening formed in the base 101 or sidewall 102 of
the multicompartment capsule 100 by the dispensing piercing
element. In an embodiment, the partition 103 can be a flexible
material, or material that is easily punctured.
[0047] In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1H, a first cup 111 and a
second cup 112 can be sealed to a lower surface of a lid 106 of the
multicompartment capsule 100 such that at least one cup is
suspended in an interior of a first compartment 104 of the
multicompartment capsule 100. Preferably, respective first and
second cups 111, 112 are sealed to the lower surface of the lid 106
and suspended in the interior of the first compartment 104 of the
multicompartment capsule 100. In a further embodiment, three or
more cups can be sealed to the lower surface of the lid 106 and
suspended in the interior of the first compartment 104. The
respective cups can be any shape. The first compartment 104
preferably includes a first beverage formulation therein. The first
cup 111 forms a respective second compartment 105 of the
multicompartment capsule 100 that contains a second beverage
formulation therein, and the second cup 112 forms a respective
third compartment 107 of the multicompartment capsule 100 that
contains a third beverage formulation therein.
[0048] In an embodiment, the first compartment 104 may not include
a beverage formulation therein such that the first compartment 104
may form a mixing chamber for a first beverage formulation
contained in the first cup 111, a second beverage formulation
contained in the second cup 112, and liquid supplied by the
beverage forming apparatus when the first cup 111 and the second
cup 112 are opened by the beverage forming apparatus and release
respective beverage formulations into the first compartment 104.
Alternatively, a second beverage formulation contained in the first
cup 111 and a third beverage formulation contained in the second
cup 112 can be combined with a first beverage formulation contained
in the first compartment 104 and fluid supplied by the beverage
forming apparatus.
[0049] In an embodiment, the multicompartment capsule 100 as
illustrated in FIG. 1H can be inserted into a beverage forming
apparatus that includes a single liquid supplying piercing element
that is operable to pierce each of the first, second, and third
compartments 104, 105, 107 such that liquid supplied by the liquid
supplying piercing element can be combined with a first beverage
formulation contained in the first compartment, a second beverage
formulation contained in the first cup 111, and third beverage
formulation contained in the second cup 112. In this embodiment,
the single liquid supplying piercing element can be inserted
through a sidewall 102 of the multicompartment capsule 100 and then
subsequently through a sidewall of each cup suspended from the lid
106 of the multicompartment capsule.
[0050] Alternatively, the beverage forming apparatus an include at
least two liquid supplying piercing elements. In this embodiment, a
first and second liquid supplying piercing element can be inserted
through the lid 106 of the multicompartment capsule 100 such that
the respective liquid supplying piercing elements pierce a base of
the respective first and second cups 111, 112. In this manner the
respective beverage formulations contained in the respective cups
111, 112 may be released into the interior of the first compartment
104. The liquid supplying piercing elements can pierce the
respective bases of the first and second cups 111, 112, thereby
releasing the respective beverage formulation into the interior of
the first compartment 104 while fluid is supplied by the liquid
supplying piercing elements directly into the interior of the first
compartment 104. Alternatively, the beverage forming apparatus may
be operable to cause the respective liquid supplying piercing
elements to retreat back into the respective second compartment 105
formed by the first cup 111 and the third compartment 107 formed by
the second cup 112 after piercing the respective bases of the first
and second cups 111, 112 such that the respective liquid supplying
piercing elements supply liquid directly into the respective
interiors of the first cup 111 and second cup 112. The fluid
supplied into the respective interiors of the first cup 111 and
second cup 112 may combine with the respective beverage
formulations and be released through the formed openings of the
first and second cups 111, 112 such that the fluid and beverage
formulations combine with a first beverage formulation contained in
the first compartment 104. Further, the respective liquid supplying
piercing elements may supply liquid in a manner that forces the
respective beverage formulations through the formed openings and
facilitates mixing between the fluid and respective beverage
formulations.
[0051] In an embodiment, the first and second liquid supplying
piercing elements can be inserted through the lid 106 of the
multicompartment capsule such that the first liquid supplying
element enters the interior of, but does not pierce the base of the
first cup 111, and the second liquid supplying element enters the
interior of, but does not pierce the base of the second cup 112. In
this embodiment, the first and second liquid supplying piercing
elements are operable to supply fluid at a pressure sufficient to
cause the first and second cups 111, 112 to rupture and release
their respective beverage formulations combined with liquid
supplied by the respective liquid supplying piercing elements to
the interior of the first compartment 104, such that the respective
beverage formulations may be combined with the first beverage
formulation contained in the interior of the first compartment 104.
In this embodiment, the first and second cups 111, 112 preferably
include a weakened portion of reduced thickness, or a
partially-perforated region that is operable to rupture after a
sufficient pressure has been reached in the respective interiors
thereof.
[0052] In a further embodiment, a third liquid supplying piercing
element can be inserted through the lid 106 or sidewall 102 so as
to also supply fluid directly into the interior of first
compartment 104. In each of the aforementioned embodiments, one or
more dispensing piercing elements can enter the base 101 or
sidewall 102 of the multicompartment capsule 100 such that a
beverage may be dispensed therefrom.
[0053] Still referring to FIG. 1H, in an further embodiment, a
single liquid supplying piercing can be inserted through the lid
106 or sidewall 102 of the multicompartment capsule 100 wherein the
single liquid supplying piercing element can supply liquid directly
into the interior of the first compartment 104 which mixes with a
first beverage formulation in the first compartment 104. In this
embodiment, the beverage forming apparatus can include two
dispensing piercing elements that are operable to pierce the base
101 of the multicompartment capsule 100, and subsequently the
respective bases of the first and second cups 111, 112. After the
bases of the first and second cups 111, 112 have been pierced, the
respective dispensing piercing elements may be retracted back
through the openings such that a second beverage formulation in the
first cup 111, and a respective third beverage formulation in the
second cup 112 may be released through the formed openings and
combine with the fluid and first beverage formulation in the
interior of the first compartment 104. The combined beverage
formulations and fluid may then be dispensed into a drinking vessel
through respective orifices of the retracted dispensing piercing
elements or alternatively, the dispensing piercing elements may be
retracted completely from the interior of the first compartment 104
and a beverage can be dispensed through the respective openings
formed by the dispensing piercing elements into a drinking
vessel.
[0054] FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate cross sections of further embodiments
of multicompartment capsules 200 that can be inserted into a
beverage forming apparatus to thereby form and dispense a
predetermined beverage. The multicompartment capsules 200 include a
base 201 and a sidewall 202 extending upwardly from the base 201.
The base 201 can be any shape such as, but not limited to, a
circular, oval, or rectangular shape. In an embodiment, the base
201 can be contoured or include one or more ridges. In an
embodiment, the sidewall 202 can include a first portion 202a that
extends upwardly and outwardly from the base 201, a second portion
202b that extends upwardly from an upper end of the first portion
202a, and a third portion 202c that extends upwardly and outwardly
from an upper end of the second portion 202b (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C,
2D). In an alternate embodiment, the sidewall 202 can extend
upwardly from the base 201 along a first portion, and then upwardly
and outwardly from an upper end of the first portion along a second
portion thereof (See FIG. 2E, 2F). The rates at which the upwardly
and outwardly extending portions of the sidewall 202 extend
outwardly can be constant or vary along the upwardly extending
lengths thereof. Further, the sidewall 202 is not limited to the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2F, and can be a contoured
sidewall 202 that includes one or more upwardly extending portions,
one or more outwardly extending portions, and/or one or more
upwardly and outwardly extending portions.
[0055] The sidewall 202 forms an opening at an upper end thereof,
which can be sealed by a lid 206, so as to form a sealed
multi-compartment capsule 200. Preferably, the sidewall 202 forms a
rim 213 (see FIGS. 2A-2F), around the opening thereof such that an
upper surface of the rim 213 can be sealed to a lower surface of
the lid 206. The respective compartments of the multicompartment
capsules 200 are fluidly isolated by one or more thermally
detachable partitions 203. Each compartment can include a
respective beverage formulation therein, wherein a respective
multicompartment capsule 200 can be inserted into a beverage
forming apparatus that is operable to detach (i.e., melt) a portion
of the thermally detachable partition 203, such as an outer
perimeter of one or more thermally detachable partitions 203, such
that the respective compartments are no longer fluidly isolated by
the respective thermally detachable partitions 203 and the
respective beverage formulations combine with fluid supplied by the
beverage forming apparatus so as to form a beverage that may be
dispensed from the beverage forming apparatus. In an embodiment,
the thermally detachable partitions 203 can be formed of carnauba
wax, or other thermally detachable food grade material. The
formation and dispensing of beverages from a beverage forming
apparatus that receives a multicompartment capsule 200 as shown in
FIGS. 2A-2F is more fully described with respect to FIGS. 9A and
9B.
[0056] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a cross-section of an embodiment
of a multicompartment capsule 200 wherein FIG. 2A shows the
multicompartment capsule 200 having a horizontal thermally
detachable partition 203 in a sealed position which fluidly
isolates, and preferably hermetically seals, a first beverage
formulation contained in a first compartment 204 from a second
beverage formulation contained in a second compartment 205. FIG. 2B
shows the multicompartment capsule 200 in an unsealed position
after the thermally detachable partition 203 has been detached by a
beverage forming apparatus. Preferably, an inner surface of the
sidewall 202 includes at least one catch 214, which catches an edge
of the thermally detachable partition 203 when the thermally
detachable partition 203 is detached by the beverage forming
apparatus such that the first beverage formulation contained in the
first compartment 204 is combined with the second beverage
formulation contained in the second compartment 205 and fluid
supplied by the beverage forming apparatus wherein a beverage may
be subsequently dispensed by the beverage forming apparatus.
[0057] Preferably, the catch 214 obstructs an edge portion of the
horizontal thermally detachable partition 203 from being downwardly
displaced when the horizontal thermally detachable partition 203 is
detached by a beverage forming apparatus and travels downwardly
under the weight of gravity and/or the force of liquid being
supplied by the beverage forming apparatus into the interior of the
second compartment 205. The catch 214 which obstructs an edge
portion of the horizontal thermally detachable partition 203
preferably causes the horizontal thermally detachable partition 203
to tilt when the thermally detachable partition 203 is detached
such that the first and second compartments 204, 205 are no longer
fluidly isolated. Preferably, the angle of the tilt of the detached
horizontal thermally detachable partition 203 facilitates mixing
between the first and second beverage formulations and fluid
supplied by the beverage forming apparatus. The catch 214 further
prevents the detached thermally detachable partition 203 from
obstructing an opening in the base 201 or sidewall 202 of the
multicompartment capsule 200 through which a beverage is dispensed,
or an orifice of a dispensing piercing element of the beverage
forming apparatus through which a beverage is dispensed. In a
preferred embodiment, the thermally detachable partition 203 can
include a counterweight 209, or uneven distribution of mass,
arranged to increase the tilt angle of the thermally detachable
partition 203 when detached. In a further embodiment, the base 201
can include a filter 210 that prevents the thermally detachable
partition 203, or a detached portion thereof, from obstructing the
opening through which a beverage is dispensed.
[0058] FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate a cross section of a further
embodiment of a multicompartment capsule 200 wherein the
multicompartment capsule 200 includes a first compartment 204
having a first beverage formulation therein, a second compartment
205 having a second beverage formulation therein, and a third
compartment 207 having a third beverage formulation therein. FIG.
2C shows the multicompartment capsule 200 having a first horizontal
thermally detachable partition 203a in a sealed position which
fluidly isolates, and preferably hermetically seals, the first
beverage formulation contained in the first compartment 204 from
the second beverage formulation contained in the second compartment
205, and a second horizontal thermally detachable partition 203b in
a sealed position which fluidly isolates, and preferably
hermetically seals, the second beverage formulation contained in
the second compartment 205 from the third beverage formulation
contained in the third compartment 207.
[0059] FIG. 2D shows the multicompartment capsule 200 in an
unsealed position after the first and second thermally detachable
horizontal partitions 203a, 203b have been detached by a beverage
forming apparatus. Preferably, an inner surface of the sidewall 202
includes a first catch 214a, which catches an edge of the first
horizontal thermally detachable partition 203a when the thermally
detachable partition 203a is detached by the beverage forming
apparatus such that the first beverage formulation contained in the
first compartment 204 is combined with the second beverage
formulation contained in the second compartment 205. The inner
surface of the sidewall 202 includes a second catch 214b, which
catches an edge of the second horizontal thermally detachable
partition 203b when the thermally detachable partition 203b is
detached by the beverage forming apparatus such that the third
beverage formulation contained in the third compartment 207 is
combined with the second beverage formulation contained in the
second compartment 205, the first beverage formulation contained in
the first compartment 204, and fluid supplied by the beverage
forming apparatus such that a beverage may be subsequently
dispensed by the beverage forming apparatus.
[0060] Preferably, the first and second catches 214a, 214b each
obstruct a respective edge portion of the first and second
horizontal thermally detachable partitions 203a, 203b from being
downwardly displaced when the horizontal thermally detachable
partitions 203a, 203b are detached by a beverage forming apparatus
and travel downwardly under the weight of gravity and/or the force
of liquid being supplied by the beverage forming apparatus into the
interior of the third compartment 207. The catches 214a, 214b which
obstruct respective edge portions of the horizontal partitions
203a, 203b cause the horizontal thermally detachable partitions
203a, 203b to each tilt when the respective thermally detachable
partitions 203a, 203b are detached such that the first, second, and
third compartments 204, 205, 207 are no longer fluidly isolated.
Preferably, the angle of the tilt of the detached horizontal
thermally detachable partitions 203a, 203b facilitates mixing among
the first, second, and third beverage formulations and fluid
supplied by the beverage forming apparatus. The catches 214a, 214b
further prevent the detached thermally detachable partitions 203a,
203b from obstructing an opening in the base 201 or sidewall 202 of
the multicompartment capsule 200 through which a beverage is
dispensed, or an orifice of a dispensing piercing element of the
beverage forming apparatus through which a beverage is dispensed.
In a preferred embodiment, the thermally detachable partitions
203a, 203b can each include respective counterweights 209a, 209b,
or uneven distributions of mass, arranged so as to increase the
tilt angles of the respective thermally detachable partitions 203a,
203b when detached.
[0061] FIGS. 2E and 2F illustrate a cross section of a further
embodiment of a multicompartment capsule 200 wherein the
multicompartment capsule 200 includes a first compartment 204
having a first beverage formulation therein, a second compartment
205 having a second beverage formulation therein, and a third
compartment 207 having a third beverage formulation therein. FIG.
2E shows the multicompartment capsule 200 having a first horizontal
thermally detachable partition 203a in a sealed position which
fluidly isolates, and preferably hermetically seals, the first
beverage formulation contained in the first compartment 204 from
the second beverage formulation contained in the second compartment
205, and a second horizontal thermally detachable partition 203b in
a sealed position which fluidly isolates, and preferably
hermetically seals, the second beverage formulation contained in
the second compartment 205 from the third beverage formulation
contained in the third compartment 207. If desired, more partitions
can be included so as to form more isolated compartments. FIG. 2F
shows the multicompartment capsule 200 in an unsealed position
after the first and second horizontal thermally detachable
partitions 203a, 203b have been detached by a beverage forming
apparatus.
[0062] Preferably, the multicompartment capsule 200 includes at
least one protrusion 208a that extends upwardly from the base 201
that forms a fulcrum which causes the detached thermally detachable
partition 203a to pivot when a lower surface of the thermally
detachable partition 203a contacts the at least one protrusion 208a
so as to facilitate mixing between a first beverage formulation in
the first compartment 204 with a second beverage formulation in the
second compartment 205, and further with fluid supplied by the
beverage forming apparatus. The first thermally detachable
partition 203a of the multicompartment capsule 200 also includes at
least one protrusion 208b that extends upwardly from an upper
surface thereof and which forms a fulcrum which causes the second
detached thermally detachable partition 203b to pivot when a lower
surface of the second thermally detachable partition 203b contacts
the at least one protrusion 208b so as to facilitate mixing among a
third beverage formulation in the third compartment 207, the first
beverage formulation in the first compartment 204, the second
beverage formulation in the second compartment 205, and fluid
supplied by the beverage forming apparatus.
[0063] Additionally, the at least one protrusion 208a of the base
201 and the at least one protrusion 208b of the first thermally
detachable partition 203a are operable to keep the detached first
and second thermally detachable partitions 203a, 203b from
obstructing a dispensing opening formed in the multicompartment
capsule 200 by a dispensing piercing element of the beverage
forming apparatus or an orifice of the dispensing piercing element
through which the combined beverage formulations and liquid are
dispensed. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second
thermally detachable partitions 203a, 203b can each include a
respective counterweight 209a, 209b wherein the respective
counterweights 209a, 209b are arranged to increase the pivoting
action of the first thermally detachable partition 203a about the
protrusion 208a, and the second thermally detachable partition 203b
about the protrusion 208b. Alternatively, the thermally detachable
partitions 203a, 203b can be formed so as to have an uneven
distribution of mass arranged to increase the pivoting action
thereof about a fulcrum.
[0064] FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of a multicompartment capsule
300 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. FIG. 3B
illustrates a cross section of the multicompartment capsule 300
shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C shows a cross section of a first
compartment 301 of the multicompartment capsule 300 shown in FIG.
3A. FIG. 3D shows an exploded view of detail d of FIG. 3C, and FIG.
3E shows an exploded view of detail e of FIG. 3C. FIG. 3F shows a
cross section of a second compartment 302 of the multicompartment
capsule 300 shown in FIG. 3A. The multicompartment capsule 300
includes a first compartment 301 that contains a first beverage
formulation therein, and a second compartment 302 that contains a
second beverage formulation therein. The first compartment includes
a circular base 301a, and a contoured sidewall that extends
upwardly from the base 301a. The base 301a can include an upwardly
extending indentation 301d in a central portion thereof.
Preferably, the contoured sidewall includes a frustoconical
sidewall 301b that extends upwardly and outwardly from the base
301a, an outwardly extending portion 301e that extends outwardly
from an upper end of the frustoconical sidewall 301b, an upwardly
extending portion 301f that extends upwardly from an outer end of
the outwardly extending portion 301e, and an outwardly extending
rim 301c that extends outwardly from an upper end of the upwardly
extending portion 301f wherein the outwardly extending rim 301c
surrounds an opening of the first compartment 301.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 3C-3E, the first compartment 301 has a
height of about 45 mm. The circular base 301a of the first
compartment 301 has an outer diameter of about 35 mm. The upwardly
extending indentation 301d in a central portion of the circular
base thereof extends upwardly about 0.5 mm and has a radius of
curvature of about 0.5 mm between an outer diameter of about 33.5
mm at a lower end thereof and an outer diameter of about 33 mm at
an upper end thereof. Preferably, the contoured sidewall includes a
frustoconical sidewall 301b that extends upwardly and outwardly
from the base 301a wherein an inner corner between the sidewall
301b and base 301a has a radius of curvature of about 0.5 mm, and
an outer corner therebetween has a radius of curvature of about 0.6
mm, wherein the frustoconical sidewall 301b has an upwardly
extending length of about 40 mm. An outer corner between the
outwardly extending portion 301e and the frustoconical sidewall
301b has a radius of curvature of about 0.6 mm. The upwardly
extending portion 301f and the outwardly extending portion 301e
form an outer corner having a radius of curvature of about 1.2 mm,
and an inner corner having a radius of curvature of about 0.5 mm,
wherein the upwardly extending portion 301f has a height of about
2.8 mm and an outer diameter of about 45 mm. The outwardly
extending rim 301c has a thickness of about 0.7 mm and extends
outwardly about 5 mm from an opening of the first compartment 301
and about 4.2 mm from an upper outer end of the upwardly extending
portion 301f so as to form an inner corner having a radius of
curvature of about 0.38 mm and an outer corner having a radius of
curvature of about 0.01 mm. The outwardly extending rim 301c has an
outer diameter of about 55 mm, and surrounds an opening of the
first compartment 301 that has a diameter of about 45 mm. A lower
surface of the rim 301c is about 44 mm above a lower surface of the
base 301a.
[0066] The second compartment 302 preferably includes a circular
base 302a having a diameter of about 30 mm, and a sidewall that
extends upwardly from the base 302a. The sidewall preferably
includes a tubular sidewall 302b that extends upwardly about 8 mm
from the base. An outwardly extending portion 302e that extends
outwardly from an upper end of the tubular sidewall 302b has a
diameter of about 44 mm, and forms an inner corner therebetween
having a radius of curvature of about 0.1 mm. An upwardly extending
portion 302f extends upwardly from an outer end of the outwardly
extending portion 302e, and an outwardly extending rim 302c, having
a thickness of about 0.1 mm, extends outwardly from an upper end of
the upwardly extending portion 302f. The outwardly extending rim
302c surrounds an opening of the second compartment 302 and has an
outer diameter of about 54 mm.
[0067] The second compartment 302 fits in the opening of the first
compartment 301 such that an upper surface of the outwardly
extending rim 301c of the first compartment 301 mates against a
lower surface of the outwardly extending rim 302c of the second
compartment. In this manner, a first beverage formulation can be
supplied to an interior of the first compartment 301, and
subsequently sealed therein when the upper surface of the outwardly
extending rim 301c of the first compartment 301 mates against, and
is sealed to, the lower surface of the outwardly extending rim 302c
of the second compartment 302. Preferably, an outer corner formed
by the outwardly extending portion 302e and the upwardly extending
portion 302f of the second compartment 302 is mated with an inner
corner formed by the outwardly extending portion 301e and upwardly
extending portion 301f of the first compartment. In this
embodiment, the mated corners can be sealed together in addition
to, or instead of the mated outwardly extending rims 301c, 302c of
the respective first and second compartments 301, 301. Further, the
upwardly extending portions 301f, 302f of the respective first and
second compartments 301, 302 can be sealed together in addition to,
or instead of, the mated corners and/or the mated outwardly
extending rims 301c, 302c.
[0068] The multicompartment capsule 300 includes a lid 306 which is
sealed to an upper surface of the outwardly extending rim 302c of
the second compartment. Thus, a second beverage formulation can be
supplied to an interior of the second compartment 302, and
subsequently sealed therein when the upper surface of the outwardly
extending rim 302c of the second compartment 302 is sealed to a
lower surface of the lid 306.
[0069] The multicompartment capsule 300 can be inserted into a
beverage forming apparatus wherein the beverage forming apparatus
includes a liquid supplying piercing element that can be inserted
through the lid 306 and the base 302a of the second compartment 302
so as to pass through the second compartment 302, enter the
interior of first compartment 301 and supply liquid thereto. In an
embodiment, the piercing element can pierce the base 302a such that
the second beverage formulation included in the second compartment
302 enters the first compartment 301 and combines with the first
beverage formulation in the first compartment 301 and the liquid
supplied by the liquid supplying piercing element of the beverage
forming apparatus.
[0070] Alternatively, the beverage forming apparatus can be
operable to pierce the base 302a of the second compartment 302 so
as to enter the first compartment 301, and then retract therefrom
so as to form an opening in the base 302a of the second compartment
302. The liquid supplying piercing element can supply liquid to the
interior of the second compartment 302 such that the supplied
liquid combines with the second beverage formulation in the second
compartment 302. The supplied liquid which has combined with the
second beverage formulation is then combined with a first beverage
formulation in the first compartment 301 through the opening formed
in the base 302a of the second compartment. In a further
embodiment, the beverage forming apparatus can be operable to
pierce the lid 306 of the multicompartment capsule 300 and supply
liquid to an interior of the second compartment 302 at a pressure
sufficient to cause the second compartment 302 to rupture such that
the first beverage formulation in the first compartment 301 can
combine with the second beverage formulation in the second
compartment 302 and the fluid supplied by the beverage forming
apparatus through an orifice of the liquid supplying piercing
element. In an embodiment, the second compartment 302 can include a
weakened portion which is operable to rupture after a predetermine
pressure has been attained in the second compartment 302 of the
multicompartment capsule 300. The weakened portion can be formed in
the base 302a of the second compartment 302, the tubular sidewall
302b of the second compartment 302, a portion of the corner between
the tubular sidewall 302b and the base 302a, or the corner formed
between the tubular sidewall 302b and the outwardly extending
portion 302e.
[0071] Likewise, the beverage forming apparatus can include at
least one dispensing piercing element that can be inserted through
the base 301a, the upwardly extending indentation 301d of the base
301a, a lower portion of the frustoconical sidewall 301b of the
multicompartment capsule 300 such that the liquid supplied by the
beverage forming apparatus that has combined with the respective
beverage formulations in the first and second compartments 301, 302
may be dispensed by the beverage forming apparatus into a suitable
vessel such as a drinking vessel. The combined liquid and beverage
formulations can be dispensed through a respective orifice of the
dispensing piercing element, or alternatively through a respective
opening in the multicompartment capsule 300 formed by the
dispensing piercing element. In an embodiment, the beverage forming
apparatus can include a mixing unit, wherein the respective
beverage formulations, which have been combined with the supplied
fluid, can be combined in the mixing unit and subsequently
dispensed from the beverage forming apparatus. Alternatively, the
respective beverage formulations, which have been combined with the
supplied fluid, can be individually dispensed into and combined in
a drinking vessel.
[0072] FIG. 4A shows a cross section of a multicompartment capsule
400 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. FIG. 4B shows
details of a second compartment 402 of the multicompartment capsule
400 according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The
multicompartment capsule 400 includes a first compartment 401 that
contains a first beverage formulation therein, and a second
compartment 402 that contains a second beverage formulation
therein. The first compartment 401 includes a circular base 401a,
and a contoured sidewall that extends upwardly from the base 401a.
The base 401a can include an upwardly extending indentation 401d in
a central portion thereof. Preferably, the contoured sidewall
includes a frustoconical sidewall 401b that extends upwardly and
outwardly from the base 401a, an outwardly extending portion 401e
that extends outwardly from an upper end of the frustoconical
sidewall 401b, an upwardly extending portion 401f that extends
upwardly from an outer end of the outwardly extending portion 401e,
and an outwardly extending rim 401c that extends outwardly from an
upper end of the upwardly extending portion 401f wherein the
outwardly extending rim 401c surrounds an opening of the first
compartment 401. In an embodiment, a lower inner portion of the
frustoconical sidewall 401b can include one or more ribs 401g which
are preferably operable to facilitate mixing of beverage
formulations and fluid supplied by the beverage forming apparatus,
and also increase the structural integrity of the multicompartment
capsule 400. In an embodiment, the first compartment 401 can
include the same or similar dimensions as the first compartment 301
described in FIGS. 3A-3E.
[0073] The second compartment 402 preferably includes a circular
base 402a having a diameter of about 12.5 mm, and a frustoconical
sidewall 402b that extends upwardly about 15 mm and outwardly at an
angle of about 95.degree. from the base 402a such that the
frustoconical sidewall 402b has a diameter of about 15 mm at an
upper end thereof. An outwardly extending rim 402c having a
thickness of about 0.7 mm and a diameter of about 31 mm extends
outwardly from an upper end of the frustoconical sidewall 402b. A
second beverage formulation can be supplied to an interior of the
second compartment 402, and an upper surface of the outwardly
extending rim 402c can be sealed against an inner periphery of a
lower surface of a lid 406 of the multicompartment capsule 400 to
seal the beverage formulation therein. Preferably the outwardly
extending rim 402c of the second compartment 402 is sealed to the
lower surface of the lid 406 such that a central axis of the second
compartment 402 is aligned with a central axis of the lid 406.
However, in an alternate embodiment, the central axis of the second
compartment 402 can be offset from the central axis of the lid 406.
In a further embodiment, a third compartment of similar
construction to the second compartment 402 can include a third
beverage formulation and be sealed to a lower surface of the lid
adjacent the second compartment 402. In this embodiment, preferably
the central axis of the second compartment 402 and the central axis
of the third compartment are each offset from the central axis of
the lid 406.
[0074] After the second compartment 402 is sealed to the lid 406, a
first beverage formulation can be supplied to an interior of the
first compartment 401. An outer periphery of the lower surface of
the lid 406 can then be sealed to an upper surface of the outwardly
extending rim 401c of the first compartment 401 such that the
second compartment 401 is suspended by the lid 406 in the interior
of the first compartment 401.
[0075] The multicompartment capsule 400 can be inserted into a
beverage forming apparatus wherein the beverage forming apparatus
includes a liquid supplying piercing element that can be inserted
through the lid 406 and the base 402a of the second compartment 402
so as to pass through the second compartment 402, enter the
interior of first compartment 401 and supply liquid thereto. In an
embodiment, the liquid supplying piercing element can pierce the
base 402a of the second compartment 402 such that the second
beverage formulation included in the second compartment 402 enters
the first compartment 401 and combines with the first beverage
formulation in the first compartment 401 and the liquid supplied by
the liquid supplying piercing element of the beverage forming
apparatus.
[0076] Alternatively, the beverage forming apparatus can be
operable to pierce the base 402a of the second compartment 402 so
as to enter the first compartment 401, and then retract therefrom
so as to form an opening in the base 402a of the second compartment
402. The liquid supplying piercing element can supply liquid to the
interior of the second compartment 402 such that the supplied
liquid combines with the second beverage formulation in the
interior of the second compartment 402. The supplied liquid which
has combined with the second beverage formulation is then combined
with the first beverage formulation in the first compartment 401
through the opening formed in the base 402a of the second
compartment. The pressure buildup caused by supplying the liquid to
the interior of the second compartment 402 can increase the
velocity through which the liquid and second beverage formulation
are supplied through the opening in the base 402a so as to
facilitate mixing of the fluid, second beverage formulation, and
the first beverage formulation in the interior of the first
compartment 401.
[0077] In a further embodiment, the beverage forming apparatus can
be operable to pierce the lid 406 of the multicompartment capsule
400 and supply liquid to an interior of the second compartment 402
at a pressure sufficient to cause the second compartment 402 to
rupture such that the first beverage formulation in the first
compartment 401 is combined with the second beverage formulation in
the second compartment 402 and the fluid supplied by the beverage
forming apparatus. In an embodiment, the second compartment 402 can
include a weakened portion which is operable to rupture after a
predetermine pressure buildup has been attained in the second
compartment 402 of the multicompartment capsule 400. The weakened
portion can be formed in the base 402a of the second compartment
402. In an embodiment, the base 402a can be formed of a membrane
material that is weaker than the material of the frustoconical
sidewall 402b and the outwardly extending rim 402c, and therefore
prone to rupture. Alternatively the weakened portion can be in the
frustoconical sidewall 402b of the second compartment 402, or one
or more portions of the corner formed between the frustoconical
sidewall 402a and the base 402a.
[0078] The beverage forming apparatus can include at least one
dispensing piercing element that can be inserted through the base
401a, the upwardly extending indentation 401d of the base 401a, or
lower portion of the frustoconical sidewall 401b of the
multicompartment capsule 400 such that the liquid supplied by the
beverage forming apparatus that has combined with the respective
beverage formulations in the first and second compartments 401, 402
may be dispensed by the beverage forming apparatus into a suitable
vessel such as a drinking vessel. The combined liquid and beverage
formulations can be dispensed through a respective orifice of the
dispensing piercing element, or alternatively through a respective
opening in the multicompartment capsule 400 formed by the
dispensing piercing element. In an embodiment, the beverage forming
apparatus can include a mixing unit, wherein the respective
beverage formulations, which have been combined with the fluid, can
be supplied and combined, and subsequently dispensed from the
beverage forming apparatus. Alternatively, the respective beverage
formulations, which have been combined with the supplied fluid, can
be dispensed into and combined in a drinking vessel without passing
through a mixing unit.
[0079] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an embodiment of making a
multicompartment capsule 500 according to embodiments disclosed
herein. The formed multicompartment capsule 500 includes a first
compartment 501 and a second compartment 502 that are formed from a
continuous wall 504 of thermoformed material. To make the
multicompartment capsule 500, a sheet of thermoformable material
520 is supplied to a thermoforming apparatus. In an embodiment, the
sheet of thermoformable material 520 can be cut or shaped into a
predetermined pattern, having a first end 510a and a second end
510b, and foldable portions 509a, 509b (See FIG. 5A) before being
supplied to the thermoforming apparatus. Alternatively, the sheet
of thermoformable material 520 can first be thermoformed, and then
cut to desired specifications, or the foldable portions 509a, 509b
can be formed by the thermoforming apparatus.
[0080] The sheet of thermoformable material 520 is supplied to a
thermoforming apparatus which thermoforms the sheet such that the
sheet includes a first compartment 501 and a second compartment
502. In a preferred embodiment, the thermoforming apparatus is
operable to emboss a weak spot or hinge at the foldable portions
509a, 509b such that the thermoformed material may more readily
fold at the foldable portions 509a, 509b. As shown in FIG. 5B, the
first compartment 501 includes a base 501a and a sidewall 501b that
extends upwardly from the base 501a. The sidewall 501b may be a
contoured sidewall according to the embodiments disclosed herein,
and the base 501a can be a contoured base according to embodiments
disclosed herein. An outwardly extending rim 501c extends outwardly
from an upper end of the sidewall 501b. The second compartment 502
includes a base 502a, a sidewall 502b that extends downwardly from
the base 502a, and an outwardly extending rim 502c that extends
outwardly from a lower end of the sidewall 502b. The sidewall 502b
may be a contoured sidewall according to the embodiments disclosed
herein, and the base 502a can be a contoured base according to
embodiments disclosed herein. The outwardly extending rim 501c of
the first compartment 501 is connected to the outwardly extending
rim 502c of the second compartment 502 at the foldable portion
509a.
[0081] After the first and second compartments 501, 502 are formed,
the interior of the first compartment 501 is filled with a
predetermined amount of a first beverage formulation. The sheet of
thermoformed material 520 is then folded along the foldable portion
509a such that the base 502a and a portion of the sidewall 502b of
the second compartment 502 are located in the interior of the first
compartment 501, and a lower surface of the outwardly extending rim
502c mates with an upper surface of the outwardly extending rim
501c of the first compartment. In an embodiment, the mated
outwardly extending rims 501c and 502c are sealed together so as to
seal the interior of the first compartment 501 and form a
multicompartment capsule 500 from a continuous wall 504. After the
outwardly extending rims 501c and 502c are sealed together, a
predetermined amount of a second beverage formulation can be
supplied to the interior of the second compartment 502 wherein a
lower surface of a lid 506, such as a foil lid, or multi-layer lid
including one or more layers of metal film (e.g. foil) and plastic,
can be sealed to an upper surface of the outwardly extending rim
502c of the second compartment 502.
[0082] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, the sheet of
thermoformed material 520 can include a lid 506 formed from the
continuous wall of thermoformable material wherein the lid 506 is
connected to the outwardly extending rim 502c of the second
compartment at the foldable portion 509b. The sheet of thermoformed
material 520 is then folded at the foldable portion 509b such that
the lid 506 covers the opening of the second compartment 502. A
lower surface of the lid 506 is then sealed to an upper surface of
the outwardly extending rim 502c of the second compartment 502 so
as to form a multicompartment capsule 500 including the first
beverage formulation in the first compartment 501 and the second
beverage formulation in the second compartment 502 from the
continuous wall 504. In an alternate embodiment, the mated
outwardly extending rims 501c and 502c are not sealed together
until after the interior of the second compartment 502 has been
supplied the predetermined amount of the second beverage
formulation. In this embodiment, the mated outwardly extending rims
501c and 502c are sealed in a single step with the lid 506 which
has been folded over the opening of the second compartment 502 so
as to form a multicompartment capsule 500 from the continuous wall
504. Preferably the volume of the interior of the first compartment
501 is large enough such that the second compartment 502 can be
located in the interior of the first compartment 501 without
displacing, and preferably without contacting, the first beverage
formulation. Preferably, the volumes and dimensions of the
respective compartments are selected such that thermal degradation
of beverage formulations contained therein does not occur during
heat sealing, welding, or other operations such as folding which
may require, or be enhanced by heating of the material of the
multicompartment capsules.
[0083] In an embodiment, the thermoforming apparatus is operable to
emboss the base 502a of the second compartment 502 so as to form an
integral weak-spot, or partially-perforated area 540 therein that
will rupture under a predetermined pressure. Alternatively, the
thermoforming apparatus is operable to form an integral weak-spot,
or partially-perforated area 540 in the sidewall 502b, or a portion
of a corner between the sidewall 502b and the base 502a, such that
the weak-spot or partially-perforated area may rupture under a
predetermined-pressure. In this manner, the multicompartment
capsule 500 can be inserted into a beverage forming apparatus that
is operable to puncture the lid 506 with a liquid supplying
piercing element and supply liquid to the interior of the second
compartment 502 in a manner that causes the pressure in the
interior of the second compartment 502 to exceed the predetermined
rupture pressure of the weak-spot, or partially-perforated area 540
in the base 502a, the sidewall 502b, or the portion of the corner
between the base 502a and sidewall 502b such that the weak-spot, or
partially-perforated area 540 ruptures and the supplied liquid and
second beverage formulation combine with the first beverage
formulation in the first compartment 501. Alternatively, the second
compartment 502 may not include a weakened area wherein a liquid
supplying piercing element of the beverage forming apparatus may be
operable to pierce the base 502a of the second compartments 502
such that liquid supplied by the liquid supplying piercing element
may be combined with the respective first and second beverage
formulations.
[0084] A dispensing piercing element of the beverage forming
apparatus can pierce the base 501a or a lower portion of the
sidewall 501b of the first compartment 501 such that a beverage may
be dispensed therefrom. Alternatively, the base 501a, the sidewall
501b, or a portion of a corner between the base 501a and sidewall
501b of the first compartment 501 can include a weak-spot or
partially-perforated area such that the first compartment 501
ruptures under a predetermined pressure that may be achieved
therein such that a beverage may be dispensed therefrom. In a
further embodiment described herein, a beverage forming apparatus
may not include a dispensing piercing element wherein a liquid
supplying piercing element may be configured to pierce the base of
the first compartment of the multicompartment capsule so as to form
a dispensing outlet and then retract to then supply fluid to the
interior of the multicompartment capsule. For example, with respect
to FIG. 5D, bases 502a, 501a may be pierced by a liquid supplying
piercing element so as to form outlets therein, and then retract
and supply liquid to an interior of the first or second compartment
501, 502 that may then be dispensed from the formed outlet.
[0085] FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate an embodiment of making a
multicompartment capsule 600 according to embodiments disclosed
herein. The formed multicompartment capsule 600 includes a first
compartment 601, a second compartment 602, and a third compartment
603 that are formed from a continuous wall 604 of thermoformed
material. To make the multicompartment capsule 600, a sheet of
thermoformable material 620 is supplied to a thermoforming
apparatus. In an embodiment, the sheet of thermoformable material
620 can be cut or shaped into a predetermined pattern, having a
first end 610a and a second end 610b, and foldable portions 609a,
609b, 609c (See FIG. 6A) before being supplied to the thermoforming
apparatus. Alternatively, the sheet of thermoformable material 620
can first be thermoformed, and then cut to desired specifications,
or the foldable portions 609a, 609b, 609c can be formed by the
thermoforming apparatus.
[0086] The sheet of thermoformable material 620 is supplied to a
thermoforming apparatus which thermoforms the sheet such that the
sheet includes a first compartment 601, a second compartment 602,
and a third compartment 603. In a preferred embodiment, the
thermoforming apparatus is operable to emboss a weak spot or hinge
at the foldable portions 609a, 609b such that the thermoformed
material may more readily fold at the foldable portions 609a, 609b.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the first compartment 601 includes a base 601a
and a sidewall 601b that extends upwardly from the base 601a. The
sidewall 601b may be a contoured sidewall according to the
embodiments disclosed herein, and the base 601a can be a contoured
base according to embodiments disclosed herein. An outwardly
extending rim 601c extends outwardly from an upper end of the
sidewall 601b. The second compartment 602 includes a base 602a, a
sidewall 602b that extends downwardly from the base 602a, and an
outwardly extending rim 602c that extends outwardly from a lower
end of the sidewall 602b. The sidewall 602b may be a contoured
sidewall according to the embodiments disclosed herein, and the
base 602a can be a contoured base according to embodiments
disclosed herein. The outwardly extending rim 601c of the first
compartment 601 is connected to the outwardly extending rim 602c of
the second compartment 602 at the foldable portion 609a. The third
compartment 603 includes a base 603a and a sidewall 603b that
extends upwardly from the base 603a. The sidewall 603b may be a
contoured sidewall according to the embodiments disclosed herein,
and the base 603a can be a contoured base according to embodiments
disclosed herein. An outwardly extending rim 603c extends outwardly
from an upper end of the sidewall 603b wherein the outwardly
extending rim 603c is attached to the outwardly extending rim 602c
of the second compartment at the foldable portion 609b.
[0087] After the first, second, and third compartments 601, 602,
603 are formed, the interior of the first compartment 601 is filled
with a predetermined amount of a first beverage formulation. The
sheet of thermoformed material 620 is then folded along the
foldable portion 609a such that the base 602a and a portion of the
sidewall 602b of the second compartment 602 are located in the
interior of the first compartment 601, and a lower surface of the
outwardly extending rim 602c mates with an upper surface of the
outwardly extending rim 601c of the first compartment 601 (See FIG.
6C). In an embodiment, the mated outwardly extending rims 601c and
602c are sealed together so as to seal the interior of the first
compartment 601. After the outwardly extending rims 601c and 602c
are sealed together, a predetermined amount of a second beverage
formulation is supplied to the interior of the second compartment
602.
[0088] The sheet of thermoformed material 620 is then folded along
the foldable portion 609b such that the base 603a and a portion of
the sidewall 603b of the third compartment 603 are located in the
interior of the second compartment 602, and a lower surface of the
outwardly extending rim 603c mates with an upper surface of the
outwardly extending rim 602c of the second compartment 602. In an
embodiment, the mated outwardly extending rims 602c and 603c are
sealed together so as to seal the second beverage formulation in
the interior of the second compartment 602 and form a
multicompartment capsule 600 from a continuous wall 604 (i.e.,
single sheet of polymer material including one or more layers).
After the outwardly extending rims 602c and 603c are sealed
together, a predetermined amount of a third beverage formulation is
supplied to the interior of the third compartment 603. A lower
surface of a lid 606, such as a foil lid, or multi-layer lid
including one or more layers of metal film (e.g. foil) and plastic,
can be sealed to an upper surface of the outwardly extending rim
603c of the third compartment 603 to thereby seal the third
beverage formulation in the third compartment.
[0089] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6D, the sheet of
thermoformed material 620 can include the lid 606 formed therein
wherein the sheet of thermoformed material 620 is folded at the
foldable portion 609c such that the lid 606 covers the opening of
the third compartment 603. A lower surface of the lid 606 is then
sealed to an upper surface of the outwardly extending rim 603c of
the third compartment 603 so as to form a multicompartment capsule
600 including the first beverage formulation sealed in the first
compartment 601, the second beverage formulation sealed in the
second compartment 602, and the third beverage formulation sealed
in the third compartment from the continuous wall 604. In an
alternate embodiment, the mated outwardly extending rims 601c,
602c, 603c are not sealed together until after the interior of the
third compartment 603 has been supplied the predetermined amount of
the third beverage formulation. In this embodiment, the mated
outwardly extending rims 601c, 602c, 603d are sealed in a single
step with the lid 606 which has been folded over the opening of the
third compartment 603 so as to form a multicompartment capsule 600
from the continuous wall 604.
[0090] Preferably the volume of the interior of the first
compartment 601 is large enough such that the second compartment
602 can be located in the interior of the first compartment 601
without displacing, and preferably without contacting, the first
beverage formulation. Preferably the volume of the interior of the
second compartment 602 is large enough such that the third
compartment 603 can be located in the interior of the second
compartment 602 without displacing, and preferably without
contacting, the second beverage formulation. Preferably, the
volumes and dimensions of the respective compartments are selected
such that thermal degradation of beverage formulations contained
therein does not occur during heat sealing, welding, or other
operations such as folding which may require, or be enhanced by
heating of the material of the multicompartment capsules.
[0091] In an embodiment, the thermoforming apparatus is operable to
emboss the base 603a, 602a, and/or 601a of the respective third,
second, and first compartments 603, 602, 601 such that an integral
weak-spot, or partially-perforated area (see FIG. 5) can be formed
therein that will rupture under a predetermined pressure.
Alternatively, the thermoforming apparatus is operable to form an
integral weak-spot, or partially-perforated area in a respective
sidewall, or a portion of a corner between the a respective
sidewall and base of the first, second, and/or third compartments
601, 602, 603, such that the weak-spot or partially-perforated area
may rupture under a predetermined-pressure that is effected by a
beverage forming apparatus during formation of a beverage.
Alternatively, a liquid supplying piercing element of the beverage
forming apparatus may be operable to pierce the respective bases
602a, 603a of the second and third compartments 602, 603 such that
liquid supplied by the liquid supplying piercing element may be
combined with the respective first, second, and third beverage
formulations.
[0092] A dispensing piercing element of the beverage forming
apparatus can pierce the base 601a or a lower portion of the
sidewall 601b of the first compartment 601 such that a beverage may
be dispensed therefrom. Alternatively, the base 601a, the sidewall
601b, or a portion of a corner between the base 601a and sidewall
601b of the first compartment 601 can include a weak-spot or
partially-perforated area such that the first compartment 601
ruptures under a predetermined pressure that may be achieved
therein such that a beverage may be dispensed therefrom.
[0093] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate an embodiment of making a
multicompartment capsule 700 according to embodiments disclosed
herein. The formed multicompartment capsule 700 includes a first
compartment 701, a second compartment 702, and a third compartment
703 that are formed from a continuous wall 704 (i.e., single sheet
of polymer material) of thermoformed material 720. To make the
multicompartment capsule 700, a sheet of thermoformable material
720 is supplied to a thermoforming apparatus. In an embodiment, the
sheet of thermoformable material 720 can be cut or shaped into a
predetermined pattern, having a first end 710a and a second end
710b, and foldable portions 709a, 709b (See FIG. 7A) before being
supplied to the thermoforming apparatus. Alternatively, the sheet
of thermoformable material 720 can first be thermoformed, and then
cut to desired specifications, or the foldable portions 709a, 709b
can be formed by the thermoforming apparatus.
[0094] The sheet of thermoformable material 720 is supplied to a
thermoforming apparatus which thermoforms the sheet such that the
sheet includes a first compartment 701, a second compartment 702,
and a third compartment 703. In a preferred embodiment, the
thermoforming apparatus is operable to emboss a weak spot or hinge
at the foldable portions 709a, 709b such that the thermoformed
material may more readily fold at the foldable portions 709a, 709b.
As shown in FIG. 7B, the first compartment 701 includes a base 701a
and a sidewall 701b that extends upwardly from the base 701a. The
sidewall 701b may be a contoured sidewall according to the
embodiments disclosed herein, and the base 701a can be a contoured
base according to embodiments disclosed herein. An outwardly
extending rim 701c extends outwardly from an upper end of the
sidewall 701b. The second compartment 702 includes a base 702a, a
sidewall 702b that extends downwardly from the base 702a, and an
outwardly extending rim 702c that extends outwardly from a lower
end of the sidewall 702b. The sidewall 702b may be a contoured
sidewall according to the embodiments disclosed herein, and the
base 702a can be a contoured base according to embodiments
disclosed herein. The outwardly extending rim 701c of the first
compartment 701 is connected to the outwardly extending rim 702c of
the second compartment 702 at the foldable portion 709a. The third
compartment 703 includes a base 703a and a sidewall 703b that
extends downwardly from the base 703a. The sidewall 703b may be a
contoured sidewall according to the embodiments disclosed herein,
and the base 703a can be a contoured base according to embodiments
disclosed herein. The third compartment 703 is located adjacent the
second compartment 702 such that there is not a foldable portion
between the second and third compartments 702, 703, and such that
the third compartment 703 shares the outwardly extending rim 702c
with the second compartment 702.
[0095] After the first, second, and third compartments 701, 702,
703 are formed, the interior of the first compartment 701 is filled
with a predetermined amount of a first beverage formulation. The
sheet of thermoformed material 720 is then folded along the
foldable portion 709a such that the base 702a and a portion of the
sidewall 702b of the second compartment 702, and the base 703a and
a portion of the sidewall 703b of the third compartment 703 are
located in the interior of the first compartment 701, and a lower
surface of the outwardly extending rim 702c mates with an upper
surface of the outwardly extending rim 701c of the first
compartment 701. In this embodiment, the second compartment 702 is
adjacent the third compartment 703 in the interior of the first
compartment 701 (see FIG. 7C).
[0096] In an embodiment, the mated outwardly extending rims 701c
and 702c are sealed together so as to seal the interior of the
first compartment 701 and form a multicompartment capsule 700 from
the continuous wall 704. After the outwardly extending rims 701c
and 702c are sealed together, a predetermined amount of a second
beverage formulation is be supplied to the interior of the second
compartment 702 and a predetermined amount of a third beverage
formulation is supplied to the interior of the third compartment
703. A lower surface of a lid 706, such as a foil lid, or
multi-layer lid including one or more layers of metal film (e.g.
foil) and plastic, can be sealed to an upper surface of the
outwardly extending rim 702c of the second compartment 702 so as to
seal the respective openings of both the second compartment 702 and
the third compartment 703.
[0097] In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7C, the sheet
of thermoformed material 720 can include a lid 706 of
thermoformable material wherein the lid 706 is connected to the
outwardly extending rim 702c of the second compartment at the
foldable portion 709b. The sheet of thermoformed material 720 is
then folded at the foldable portion 709b such that the lid 706
covers the respective openings of the second and third compartments
702, 703. A lower surface of the lid 706 is then sealed to an upper
surface of the outwardly extending rim 702c of the second
compartment 702 so as to form a multicompartment capsule 700
including the first beverage formulation sealed in the first
compartment 701, the second beverage formulation sealed in the
second compartment 702, and the third beverage formulation sealed
in the third compartment 703 from the continuous wall 704.
[0098] In an alternate embodiment, the mated outwardly extending
rims 701c and 702c are not sealed together until after the
interiors of the second and third compartments 702, 703 have been
supplied the respective predetermined amounts of the second and
third beverage formulations. In this embodiment, the mated
outwardly extending rims 701c and 702c are sealed in a single step
with the lid 706 which has been folded over the openings of the
second and third compartments 702, 703 so as to form a
multicompartment capsule 700 from the continuous wall 704.
Preferably the volume of the interior of the first compartment 701
is large enough such that the second and third compartments 702,
703 can be located in the interior of the first compartment 701
without displacing, and preferably without contacting, the first
beverage formulation. Preferably, the volumes and dimensions of the
respective compartments are selected such that thermal degradation
of beverage formulations contained therein does not occur during
heat sealing, welding, or other operations such as folding which
may require, or be enhanced by heating of the material of the
multicompartment capsules.
[0099] In an embodiment, the thermoforming apparatus is operable to
emboss the respective bases 702a, 703a of the second and third
compartments 702, 703 so as to form respective integral weak-spots,
or partially-perforated areas (see FIG. 5) therein that will
rupture under a predetermined pressure. Alternatively, the
thermoforming apparatus is operable to form an integral weak-spot,
or partially-perforated area in the base 701a of the first
compartment, the sidewalls, or a portion of a corner between a
respective sidewall and base of the first, second, and/or third
compartments 701, 702, 703, such that the weak-spot or
partially-perforated area may rupture under a
predetermined-pressure. In this manner, the multicompartment
capsule 700 can be inserted into a beverage forming apparatus that
is operable to puncture the lid 706 with a liquid supplying
piercing element and supply liquid to the interior of
multicompartment capsule 700 in a manner that causes the pressure
in the interior of one or more of the respective compartments 701,
702, 703 to exceed the predetermined rupture pressure of the
weak-spot, or partially-perforated area such that the respective
weak-spots, or partially-perforated areas may rupture and the
supplied liquid and respective beverage formulations may
combine.
[0100] In an embodiment, the beverage dispensing apparatus can
include at least two liquid supplying piercing elements such that a
first liquid supplying piercing element can pierce the lid 706 and
rupture a weakened portion of the second compartment 702, and a
second liquid supplying piercing element can pierce the lid 706 and
rupture a weakened portion of the third compartment, such that the
first, second, and third beverage formulations can be combined with
fluid supplied by the liquid supplying piercing elements.
Alternatively, the second and third compartments may not include
weakened areas wherein the respective bases 702a, 703a are pierced
by the respective liquid supplying piercing elements so that the
first, second, and third beverage formulations can be combined with
fluid supplied by the liquid supplying piercing elements.
[0101] A dispensing piercing element of the beverage forming
apparatus can pierce the base 701a or a lower portion of the
sidewall 701b of the first compartment 701 such that a beverage may
be dispensed therefrom. In a further embodiment, the beverage
forming apparatus can include two or more dispensing piercing
elements wherein a first dispensing piercing element is operable to
pierce the base 701a of the first compartment 701 and the base 702a
of the second compartment 702, and the second dispensing piercing
element is operable to pierce the base 701a of the first
compartment 701 and the base 703a of the third compartment 703 such
that the first, second, and third beverage formulations can be
combined with fluid supplied by a single liquid supplying piercing
element. In an additional embodiment, a single liquid supplying
piercing element can be operable to pierce the lid 706 and a
respective base 702a, 703a of the respective second or third
compartment 702, 703, while a single dispensing piercing element is
operable to pierce the base 701a of the first compartment and the
respective base 702a, 703a of the second or third compartment 702,
703 that is not pierced by the single liquid supplying piercing
element.
[0102] Alternatively, the base 701a, the sidewall 701b, or a
portion of a corner between the base 701a and sidewall 701b of the
first compartment 701 can include a weak-spot or
partially-perforated area such that the first compartment 701
ruptures under a predetermined pressure that may be achieved
therein such that a beverage may be dispensed therefrom.
[0103] FIG. 8A illustrates an assembly for forming a
multicompartment capsule according to embodiments disclosed herein.
Preferably the assembly is a single, in line assembly. The assembly
includes a supply of thermoformable material 820, such as a coil of
a thermoformable material. The thermoformable material 820 can be a
single layer of polymer material or a multi-layer of material
including one or more layers of plastic and/or metal film, such as
aluminum or aluminum foil. For example, the thermoformable material
820 can be one or more layers of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene
terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG), polypropylene (PP),
polystyrene, polyethylene teraphalate (PET), Polyvinylidene
chloride (PVdC), Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH),
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polychlorotrifluoroethylene
(PCTFE), or Acrylonitrile-Methyl acrylate copolymer. In an
embodiment, the multilayer construction of the thermoformable
material can be respective layers of PET/EVOH/PET, PET/PVDC/PET,
PP/PVDC/PET, PP/PVDC/PET, or PET/PTFE/PET, with one more optional
layers of metal film or foil included therein. Preferably, the
construction of the entire multicompartment capsule and lid is
selected such that the multicompartment capsule and lid can be
recycled without deconstruction thereof.
[0104] The thermoformable material 820 can be delivered through an
optional deposition apparatus 823 that is operable to deposit one
or more layers of material on the thermoformable material 820 and
form a finished thermoformable sheet 825. The one or more layers
can include a barrier coating, to reduce the permeability of the
thermoformable material 820 such that the thermoformed material may
provide a suitable oxygen and/or moisture barrier. The barrier
coating can include one or more of polypropylene (PP), ethylene
vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), or an
acrylonitrile copolymer.
[0105] Preferably the deposition apparatus 823 is operable to
deposit material on the thermoformable material 820 so as to
produce regions of varying thickness across the thermoformable
material 820. For example, to form a multicompartment capsule
having first, second, and third compartments 801, 802, 803, a
finished thermoformable sheet 825 can be formed that includes at
least one region of a first thickness, at least one region of a
second thickness that is less than the thickness of the first
region, at least one third region of a third thickness that is less
than the thickness of the second region, and at least one optional
fourth region of a fourth thickness that can have a thickness equal
to or less than the thickness the first region, a thickness equal
to or less than the thickness of the second region, or a thickness
equal to or less than the thickness of the third region.
[0106] In this manner, a plurality of multicompartment capsules can
be mass produced wherein the respective thicknesses of the
respective regions are selected so as to provide predetermined
final dimensions, such as wall thickness, for the respective
compartments thermoformed from the thermoformable sheet 825 having
the varying regions of thickness. For example, the first region
corresponds to a portion of the finished sheet of thermoformable
material 825 wherein at least one first compartment 801 will be
formed, the second region corresponds to a portion of the finished
sheet of thermoformable material 825 wherein at least one second
compartment 802 will be formed, the third region corresponds to a
portion of the finished sheet of thermoformable material 825
wherein at least one third compartment 803 will be formed, and the
optional fourth region corresponds to a portion of the finished
sheet of thermoformable material 825 wherein at least one optional
lid 806 will be formed. In an alternate embodiment, the finished
thermoformable sheet 825 can have greater than or less than four
regions of varying thickness such as, for example, three regions of
varying thickness so as to form a multicompartment capsule that
includes only a first compartment, a second compartment, and
optional lid. Alternatively, the regions of varying thickness can
be arranged such that certain regions of a first thickness are
arranged on the thermoformable sheet of material 825 which form
bases and/or sidewalls of the respective capsules while regions of
a second thickness are arranged on the thermoformable sheet of
material 825 which form rims of the respective capsules.
Alternatively, the finished thermoformable sheet 825 can have a
uniform thickness.
[0107] The finished sheet of thermoformable material 825 is then
fed into a thermoforming apparatus 821 wherein the thermoforming
apparatus 821 includes a mold which forms the respective
compartments of the multicompartment capsules. For example, as
shown in FIG. 8A, first, second, and third compartments 801, 802,
803 are formed by the thermoforming apparatus 821 wherein each
compartment has a predetermined volume. The thermoforming apparatus
821 can be operable to form one or more weak-spots, such as a
partially perforated area or a reduced thickness area in any of the
first, second, or third compartments 801, 802, 803, such as in a
respective base 801a, 802a, 803a or sidewall 801b, 802b, 803b of
any of the first, second, or third compartments 801, 802, 803.
[0108] The thermoforming apparatus 821 is preferably operable to
form foldable portions 804 between the respective compartments and
optional lid such that the second compartment 802 may more be more
readily be folded into an interior of the first compartment 801,
the third compartment 803 may be more readily folded into an
interior of the second compartment 802, and the lid 806 may be more
readily folded to seal an opening of the third compartment 803.
After the finished sheet of thermoformable material 825 is
thermoformed, the thermoformed sheet 826 including a plurality of
groups of first, second, and third compartments 801, 802, 803 is
fed into a cutting apparatus 822 that cuts the thermoformed sheet
826 so as to form individual groups 840 of first, second, and third
compartments 801, 802, 803 and an optional lid 806 for each group
of compartments 840 (see FIG. 8C). The cutting apparatus forms the
outwardly extending rims 801c, 802c, 803c, having an optional lid
806 such that the respective rims and lid each have a predetermined
diameter, that is selected such that the group of compartments may
be folded to form a final multicompartment capsule of desired
dimensions.
[0109] After a group of compartments 840 has been formed, the group
of compartments can be delivered to a fill, fold, and seal
apparatus 850 that fills the interior of the first compartment 801
with a predetermined quantity of a first beverage formulation, and
then folds the second compartment 802 at the foldable portion 804
between the first and second compartments 801, 802 such that the
second compartment 802 is located in the interior of the first
compartment 801. The fill, fold, and seal apparatus 850 then seals
the outwardly extending rim 801c of the first compartment 801 to
the outwardly extending rim 802c of the second compartment 802. The
fill, fold, and seal apparatus 850 then fills the second
compartment 802 with a predetermined quantity of a second beverage
formulation and folds the third compartment 803 at the foldable
portion 804 between the second and third compartments 802, 803 such
that the third compartment 803 is located in an interior of the
second compartment 802. The fill, fold, and seal apparatus 850 then
seals the outwardly extending rim 802c of the second compartment
802 to the outwardly extending rim 803c of the third compartment
803. The fill, fold, and seal apparatus 850 then fills the third
compartment 803 with a predetermined quantity of a third beverage
formulation. In an embodiment, the fill, fold, and seal apparatus
850 can then seal the opening of the third compartment 803 with a
lid 806, or alternatively, if the group of compartments includes a
lid 806 integrally formed therewith, the fill, fold, and seal
apparatus 850 folds the lid 806 at the foldable portion 804 between
the third compartment 803 and lid 806 and seals the lid 806 to the
outwardly extending rim 803c of the third compartment 803 so as to
seal the opening thereof. In alternate embodiments, the fill, fold,
and seal apparatus 850 is operable to fill, fold, and seal groups
of compartments which contain two compartments, or groups of
compartments that contain more than three compartments.
[0110] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate embodiments of a beverage forming
apparatus 900 including a capsule receptacle 901 according to
embodiments disclosed herein. The capsule receptacle 901 includes a
base 902 including a cavity 908 therein which is shaped to receive
a multicompartment capsule according to embodiments disclosed
herein. Preferably, the capsule receptacle 901 receives a
multicompartment capsule 200 such as described in FIGS. 2A-2F which
includes one or more thermally detachable partitions 203 such as a
horizontally extending or vertically extending thermally detachable
partition that fluidly isolates a first compartment of the
multicompartment capsule 200 from a second compartment thereof. The
cavity 908 includes a shelf 907 surrounding an upper opening
thereof upon which an outwardly extending rim 213 of the
multicompartment capsule 200 can rest, such that the capsule 200 is
supported in the cavity 908.
[0111] The cavity 908 includes a lower gasket 906 that seals
against a lower surface 201 of the multicompartment capsule 200 to
form a pressure and fluid tight seal, that isolates one or more
dispensing piercing elements of the beverage forming apparatus 900
from the remainder of the cavity 908, such that a dispensing
piercing element 950 can pierce a lower surface 201 of the capsule
200 and dispense a beverage therefrom. The capsule receptacle 901
also includes a lid 903 and an upper gasket 905 that seals against
the shelf 907 and the lid 903, or alternatively an upper surface of
the lid 206 of the multicompartment capsule 200 and the lid 903 of
the capsule receptacle 901 to form a pressure and fluid tight seal,
that isolates one or more liquid supplying piercing elements of the
beverage forming apparatus from the remainder of the cavity 908,
and prevents pressure buildup from being dissipated from an
interior of the multicompartment capsule 200 as a liquid supplying
piercing element 951 supplies a predetermined volume of fluid at a
predetermined flow rate and temperature to the interior of the
multicompartment capsule 200.
[0112] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the capsule
receptacle 901 includes a spot heater, such as ring heater 904,
that is operable to heat a portion, such as an outer perimeter, of
the thermally detachable partition 203a so as to detach the
thermally detachable partition 203a from the side wall 203 of the
capsule. When detached the respective beverage formulations
separated by the partition can be combined in the interior of the
capsule with fluid supplied by the beverage forming apparatus to
form a beverage which may be dispensed therefrom. As shown in FIG.
9B, the ring heater 904 can be arranged to detach more than one
thermally detachable partition, such as thermally detachable
partitions 203a, 203b, and combine multiple beverage formulations
in the interior of the capsule 200, that may be further combined
with fluid and subsequently dispensed from the beverage forming
apparatus into a vessel such as a drinking vessel. Alternatively,
two or more ring heaters 904 can be included in the base 902 such
that the respective heaters 904 can detach respective individual
thermally detachable partitions included in a multicompartment
capsule 200.
[0113] In an embodiment, thermally detachable partitions 203a,b can
be formed of carnauba wax, and sealed to an inner surface of a
sidewall 202 of the multicompartment capsule 200. In this
embodiment, the ring heater 904 is preferably operable to heat an
outer perimeter of each thermally detachable partition to a
temperature of about 180.degree. F. or more, such that the outer
perimeter thereof begins to detach and subsequently detaches from
the inner surface of the sidewall 202 of the multicompartment
capsule 200. During heating of the perimeter of the one or more
partitions, fluid may be supplied to the interior of the
multicompartment capsule 200 so as to increase the pressure therein
and aid in the detachment thereof. In a further embodiment, a gas
supply may be included, which is operable increase the pressure in
the multicompartment capsule 200 so as to aid in the detaching of
the partition 203a. The temperature reached by the ring heater 904
is selected to be less than the melting temperature of the material
that forms the multicompartment capsule 200. Further, the spot
heater such as ring heater 904 preferably directs heat, and
prevents spreading of the heat to regions of the sidewall that are
not sealed to the thermally detachable partition 203a so as to
reduce any potential degradation of a beverage formulation in the
interior of a compartment of a multicompartment capsule. For
example, the base 902 of the capsule receptacle 901 can be formed
of a thermally insulating material, or alternatively, the ring
heater 904 can include upper and lower ring insulators 904a, 904b
(see FIG. 9B), and optional middle ring insulator (not shown)
operable to split the ring heater 904 into an upper ring heater and
lower ring heater, which prevent heat from spreading throughout the
base 902, and/or portions of the sidewall 202 of the
multicompartment capsule 200 which are not adjacent a thermally
detachable partition. Additionally, in order to mitigate spoliation
of the beverage formulations during heating of the thermally
detachable partitions, fluid can be supplied by the liquid
supplying piercing element 951 during heating wherein the
temperature and volume of the fluid is selected to maintain the
beverage formulations at temperatures below which they spoil.
[0114] While the foregoing describes in detail multicompartment
capsules including beverage formulations therein (i.e., flavor
systems, beverage precursors, or sensory mixtures) and methods
making multicompartment capsules with reference to specific
embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art
that various changes and modifications and equivalents to the
multicompartment capsules and methods may be employed, which do not
materially depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *