PAD WITH COVERING FILLED WITH PRODUCT TO BE EXTRACTED, ASSEMBLY OF A FIRST AND A SECOND PAD AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A SMALL OR LARGE AMOUNT OF BEVERAGE

Abstract

A pad with a covering filled with product to be extracted and/or to be dissolved, wherein, in use, a fluid such as water is supplied under pressure to the pad, so that the fluid is pressed through the pad for obtaining a beverage which, thereupon, leaves the pad. The pad is provided with a spout opening for generating, with the spout opening, a jet of the beverage which leaves the pad for obtaining the fine bubble froth layer on the beverage wit the aid of the beverage.

Claims

1. In combination a first pad and a second pad for selective use in the same beverage preparation apparatus supplying an amount of fluid over a given period of time for selectively preparing one of a first amount of beverage using the first pad and a second amount of beverage larger than the first amount using the second pad, each said first and second pad having a covering filled with at least a product to be extracted, the first and second pad being each adapted, in use, to be supplied with a fluid such as water under pressure during a predetermined given period of time, so that the fluid is pressed through the selected one of the first and second pad for obtaining a beverage which, thereupon, leaves the selected one of the first and second pad, wherein the covering of the first pad and the covering of the second pad are each provided with a first side and a second side, wherein the product is located between the first side and the second side, wherein, on the second side, the covering of the first pad and the covering of the second pad are each substantially non-transmissive to the fluid and the beverage, wherein, on the relevant first side, the covering of the first pad and the covering of the second pad are each formed by a first sheet and, on the relevant second side, are each formed by a second sheet, wherein each of the first and second pad is provided in, on or at the relevant second sheet with a respective first and second spout opening, wherein a predefined flow resistance of the relevant first and second spout opening is different for each of the first and second pad by selecting a cross section of the relevant first spout opening of the first pad to be relatively smaller than a cross section of the relevant second spout opening of the second pad; wherein the first and second pad each comprises distancing means which form a fluid flow area that extends between the relevant first or second spout opening and the product, wherein the fluid flow area comprises an inflow surface, while, in use, at least one of the fluid and the beverage flows into the fluid flow area via the inflow surface and flows from the fluid flow area via the relevant first or second spout opening; wherein the inflow surface extends over substantially a complete cross section of the covering of the first and second pad over which the product extends; and wherein the distancing means comprise a substantially rigid element; wherein the first and second sheets are substantially flexible, such that the distancing means extends between the relevant first or second spout opening and the product.

2. The combination according to claim 1, wherein, on the first side, the covering of the first and second pad is at least partly configured as a filter that is transmissive to the fluid and the beverage and is substantially non-transmissive to the product.

3. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of the relevant first and second spout openings is transmissive to the fluid and the beverage and is substantially non-transmissive to the product.

4. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second pad comprises a fluid communication between the relevant first or second spout opening and a space enclosed by the covering of the first and second pad.

5. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of the inflow surfaces has a surface that is relatively larger than a surface of the relevant first or second spout opening.

6. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the distancing means comprise at least one of an open-cell foam, a sintered grain material, a gauze, at least one rib and at least one rod.

7. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the distancing means are associated with a third sheet.

8. The combination according to claim 7, wherein the distancing means are configured for holding the third sheet at a distance from the relevant first or second spout opening.

9. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pad is provided with frothing means for forming the fine bubble froth layer on the beverage under the influence of the jet exiting from the relevant first or second spout opening.

10. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the flow resistance is geared to at least one of the product to be extracted, the product to be dissolved, and to the beverage to be prepared with the aid of the relevant first and second pad.

11. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the covering of the first and second pad comprises between 2 and 5 grams of ground coffee.

12. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second pad is configured for preparing one or two portions of the beverage.

13. In combination a first pad and a second pad each filled with a product to be extracted adapted in use to be selectively supplied with a fluid under pressure over a given period of time and to be pressed through the selected one of the first and second pad during a given period of time for obtaining a beverage, each of the first and second pad comprising: a covering defining a space and having a first side formed by a first sheet and a second side formed by a second sheet that is substantially flexible; an inflow surface located between the first side and the second side to divide a space into a product area and a fluid flow area; a spout located on the second side of the covering of the first and second pad and each having a different relative spout opening to generate a jet of beverage leaving the relevant first and second pad; and a distancing element transmissive to the extract containing fluid forming the beverage and non-transmissive to the product, wherein the distancing element is configured to form and maintain the fluid flow area which extends between the relevant spout opening of the first and second pad and the product, wherein the spout of the first pad has a predefined flow resistance which is greater than a predefined flow resistance of the spout of the second pad; wherein the inflow surface extends over substantially a complete cross section of the covering of the first and second pad over which the product extends; and wherein the distancing means comprise a substantially rigid element; wherein the first and second sheets are substantially flexible, such that the distancing means extends between the relevant first or second spout opening and the product.

14. The combination according to claim 13, wherein the covering of the first and second pad comprises a first sheet and a second sheet.

15. The combination according to claim 14, wherein the inflow surface is formed by a third sheet.

16. The combination according to claim 15, wherein the third sheet is formed by a filtering material.

17. The combination according to claim 14, wherein the second sheet of the covering of the first and second pad is substantially non-transmissive to the fluid and the beverage.

18. The combination according to claim 13, wherein the second sheet comprises plastic.

19. The combination according to claim 13, wherein the inflow surface has a surface area that is relatively larger than the opening of the spout.

20. The combination according to claim 13, wherein the distancing element comprises one of a plurality of rods, an open-cell foam, a sintered grain material, a loose-grained material, meshes, and a gauze.

21. The combination according to claim 13, wherein the spout is coupled to the second side of the covering of the first and second pad and includes an inflow opening formed by the inflow surface and a dispensing opening formed by the opening.

22. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined given period of time is 20-40 seconds.

23. The combination according to claim 22, wherein the predetermined given period of time is 30 seconds.

24. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the selected cross section of the relevant first spout opening of the first pad is 0.04-0.2 mm2.

25. The combination according to claim 24, wherein the selected cross section of the relevant first spout opening of the first pad is 0.1 mm2.

26. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the selected cross section of the relevant second spout opening of the second pad is 0.5-2. mm2.

27. The combination according to claim 26, wherein the selected cross section of the relevant second spout opening of the second pad is 0.7 mm2.

28. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the relevant spout opening of each of the first and second pads comprises a spout element which is provided with an inflow opening and a dispensing opening, while the inflow opening is connected via a fluid communication with a space enclosed by the covering of the first and second pad, and the dispensing opening is configured for generating a jet of the beverage which leaves the relevant first and second pad for obtaining the fine bubble froth layer on the beverage with the aid of the jet.

29. In combination a first pad and a second pad for selective use in the same beverage preparation apparatus supplying an amount of fluid over a given period of time for selectively preparing one of a first amount of beverage using the first pad and a second amount of beverage larger than the first amount using the second pad, each said first and second pad having a covering filled with at least a product to be extracted, the first and second pad being each adapted, in use, to be supplied with a fluid such as water under pressure during a predetermined given period of time, so that the fluid is pressed through the selected one of the first and second pad for obtaining a beverage which, thereupon, leaves the selected one of the first and second pad, wherein the covering of the first pad and the covering of the second pad are each provided with a first side and a second side, wherein the product is located between the first side and the second side, wherein, on the second side, the covering of the first pad and the covering of the second pad are each substantially non-transmissive to the fluid and the beverage, wherein, on the relevant first side, the covering of the first pad and the covering of the second pad are each formed by a first sheet and, on the relevant second side, are each formed by a second sheet, wherein each of the first and second pad is provided in, on or at the relevant second sheet with a respective first and second spout opening, wherein a predefined flow resistance of the relevant first and second spout opening is different for each of the first and second pad by selecting a cross section of the relevant first spout opening of the first pad to be relatively smaller than a cross section of the relevant second spout opening of the second pad; wherein, on the first side, the covering of the first and second pad is at least partly configured as a filter that is transmissive to the fluid and the beverage and is substantially non-transmissive to the product; wherein each of the relevant first and second spout openings is transmissive to the fluid and the beverage and is substantially non-transmissive to the product; wherein each of the first and second pad comprises a fluid communication between the relevant first or second spout opening and a space enclosed by the covering of the first and second pad; wherein the first and second pad each comprises distancing means which form a fluid flow area that extends between the relevant first or second spout opening and the product, wherein the fluid flow area comprises an inflow surface, while, in use, at least one of the fluid and the beverage flows into the fluid flow area via the inflow surface and flows from the fluid flow area via the relevant first or second spout opening; wherein each of the inflow surfaces has a surface that is relatively larger than a surface of the relevant first or second spout opening; wherein the inflow surface extends over substantially a complete cross section of the covering of the first and second pad over which the product extends; and wherein the distancing means comprise a substantially rigid element; wherein the first and second sheets are substantially flexible, such that the distancing means extends between the relevant first or second spout opening and the product.

30. In combination a first pad and a second pad each filled with a product to be extracted adapted in use to be selectively supplied with a fluid under pressure over a given period of time and to be pressed through the selected one of the first and second pad during a given period of time for obtaining a beverage, each of the first and second pad comprising: a covering defining a space and having a first side formed by a first sheet and a second side formed by a second sheet that is substantially flexible; an inflow surface located between the first side and the second side to divide a space into a product area and a fluid flow area; a spout located on the second side of the covering of the first and second pad and each having a different relative spout opening to generate a jet of beverage leaving the relevant first and second pad; and a distancing element transmissive to the extract containing fluid forming the beverage and non-transmissive to the product, wherein the distancing element is configured to form and maintain the fluid flow area which extends between the relevant spout opening of the first and second pad and the product, wherein the spout of the first pad has a predefined flow resistance which is greater than a predefined flow resistance of the spout of the second pad; wherein, on the first side, the covering of the first and second pad is at least partly configured as a filter that is transmissive to the fluid and the beverage and is substantially non-transmissive to the product; wherein each of the relevant first and second spout openings is transmissive to the fluid and the beverage and is substantially non-transmissive to the product; wherein each of the first and second pad comprises a fluid communication between the relevant first or second spout opening and a space enclosed by the covering of the first and second pad; wherein each of the inflow surfaces has a surface that is relatively larger than a surface of the relevant first or second spout opening; wherein the inflow surface extends substantially over substantially a complete cross section of the covering of the first and second pad over which the product extends; and wherein the distancing means comprise a substantially rigid element; wherein the first and second sheets are substantially flexible, such that the distancing means extends between the relevant first or second spout opening and the product.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a beverage preparation apparatus;

[0032] FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of the beverage preparation apparatus of FIG. 1a with an opened lid;

[0033] FIG. 1c shows a perspective view of the beverage preparation apparatus of FIG. 1a, wherein it is shown how a holder can be placed in the apparatus;

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross section of an assembly of a holder and a pad according to the invention;

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal cross section of the beverage preparation apparatus of FIGS. 1a-1c; and

[0036] FIG. 4a-4e shows a second to sixth embodiment of a pad according to the invention.

[0037] In the drawing, identical reference numerals refer to identical parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0038] FIGS. 1a-1c show a perspective view of a beverage preparation apparatus 1 for preparing a beverage by means of extraction and/or dissolution. Here, FIG. 1a shows the beverage preparation apparatus 1 with a closed lid 2 and FIGS. 1 and 1c show the beverage preparation apparatus 1 with an opened lid 2. In FIGS. 1a-1c, more specifically, a coffee machine 1 is involved. The coffee machine 1 shown is suitable for receiving an assembly 4 provided with a pad 6 and a holder 8 (see FIG. 2). The holder 8 is designed for holding the pad 6 and is placed, in use, at least partly downstream of the pad 6. If the lid 2 is closed, the holder 8 is closed by means of a holder lid 9 (see FIG. 3). The coffee machine 1 further comprises a housing 12 and a foot 14 on which foot 14 one or two cups (not shown in the Figures) can be arranged during preparation of the beverage. The housing 12 further comprises fluid supply means 16, in this example a conduit (see FIG. 3) for feeding a fluid, in particular a liquid, in case of the coffee machine 1, water, to the pad 6. The housing 12 further comprises frothing means 52, in this example formed by a buffer reservoir 18, wherein, in use, froth can be formed, a water reservoir 20 and a fluid dispensing unit 22, in this example a hot water dispensing unit, for feeding the water, in this case, hot water, from the water reservoir 20, through the fluid supply means 16 and supply openings 24, under pressure to the pad 6.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows an assembly 54 of a holder 8 and a pad 6. For the sake of clarity, in FIG. 1, also, the holder lid 9 is shown. Here, the holder lid 9 does not form part of the holder 8. In FIG. 2, the pad 6 is placed in the holder 8 for use of the pad.

[0040] In FIG. 2, a first embodiment of the pad 6 is shown. The pad has a first side 23 and a second side 25. A space enclosed by the covering 26 is filled with product 28 to be extracted and/or to be dissolved, in this example ground coffee beans. The covering 26 is provided with a first sheet 30 and a second sheet 32. It will be clear that in general, a sheet is a substantially flexible element. The first sheet 30 forms the first side 23 of the covering and the second sheet 32 forms the second side 25 of the covering 26. In this example, the first sheet 30 is manufactured from, for instance, filtering material, such as filtering paper. In FIG. 2, the pad 6 is further provided with a third sheet 64. The third sheet can be manufactured from, for instance, filtering material.

[0041] In FIG. 2, the product 28 is located between the first and the second side 23, 25 of the covering 26. In particular, the product 28 is located between the first and the second sheet 30, 32. More particularly, the product 28 is located between the first and the third sheet 30, 64.

[0042] In this example, the pad 6 is further provided with a substantially rigid dish part 74. The pad 6 is further provided with a spout opening 44 for generating, with the spout opening 44, a jet of the beverage that leaves the pad. In this example, the spout opening 44 of the pad 6 is included in the dish part 74. Here, the dish part 74 is preferably at least virtually non-transmissive to the fluid and the beverage. In FIG. 2, the spout opening 44 is schematically represented. The spout opening 44 can comprise, for instance, a nozzle (for instance a small tube). In this example, the spout opening can also be designed as an opening such as a nozzle, for instance a bore, in the dish part 74.

[0043] In FIG. 2, the pad 6 is further provided with distancing means 58 which form a fluid flow area 57 that extends between the spout opening and the product 28, wherein the fluid flow area 57 comprises an inflow surface 59, wherein, in use, the fluid and/or the beverage flows into the fluid flow area via the inflow surface 59, and flows from the fluid flow area 57 via the spout opening 44. In the example of FIG. 2, the inflow surface 59 is formed by the third sheet 64. In FIG. 2, it can also be seen that the inflow surface 59 has a surface which is larger than a surface of the spout opening 44. Thus, the beverage can leave the space in which the product is located via a surface to be flowed through that is larger than when the beverage leaves the space in which the product is located via a surface to be flowed through having the size of the spout opening. As a result, the product 28 will be extracted and/or dissolved in a more efficient manner. Then, the beverage can flow substantially unhindered through the fluid flow area 57 to the spout opening 44, so that the beverage can leave the pad 6 in an efficient manner.

[0044] As, in this example, the distancing means 58 comprise the third sheet 64, and are designed for holding the spout opening 44 at a distance from the third sheet, and hence, the product 28, the spout opening is also prevented from becoming clogged with the product, for instance grains of ground coffee. In this example, the distancing means 58 comprise a plurality of rods 76 which, in this example, form an integral part of the dish part 74. The third sheet 64 rests on the tops of the rods 76. Thus, the spout opening 44 is placed at a distance from the third sheet 64 of the covering 26. The dish part 74 and the plurality of rods 76 can be manufactured from, for instance, a (biodegradable) plastic.

[0045] In FIG. 2, further, the holder 8 is shown for holding the pad 6. In this example, the holder 8 comprises a supporting part 46 placed, at least in use, downstream of the pad 6 and a fluid passage in the form of opening 48. In FIG. 2, the holder is provided with a bottom with the at least one opening 48. In this example, the second side of the covering rests on the bottom, while the spout opening 44 is located above or in the opening 48 so that, in use, the jet and/or the beverage leaves the holder via the opening of the holder.

[0046] The pad 6 and the holder 8 form an assembly that can be placed in the coffee machine 1, as is also shown in FIG. 1c. Naturally, it is also possible to, first, place the holder 8 in the coffee machine 1 and, after this, place the pad in the holder 8. After placing the holder 8 and the pad 6 in the coffee machine 1, the lid 2 can be closed whereupon the coffee machine 1 can be brought to a condition of use.

[0047] The beverage preparation apparatus 1 and pad 6 described so far can be used according to the following method for providing a beverage with the fine bubble froth layer.

[0048] In this example, the pad 6 is placed in the holder 8 for use of the pad. Then, the beverage preparation apparatus 1 can be switched on for preparing the beverage, while the beverage preparation apparatus 1 in this example will supply water under pressure to the pad 6 for obtaining a beverage. In use, the fluid is supplied to the pad 6 along a fluid flow path defined by the fluid supply means 16. This supply takes place under a pressure such that the spout opening 44 can be flowed through. A pressure between 1 and 7 bar is usually suitable. More particularly, a pressure between 1 and 2 bar is used.

[0049] The fluid is supplied by the fluid dispensing unit 22, from the reservoir 20, via the fluid supply means 16 and supply openings 24, via the first side 23 of the covering 26 to the product 28 in the covering 26. In the example of FIG. 2, the fluid flows via the first sheet 30 into the pad 6. Then, the fluid flows through the product 28. The beverage is then obtained from the fluid and the product 28. Then, in the example of FIG. 2, via the third sheet 64, the beverage will leave the space in which the product is located.

[0050] Thereupon, the beverage flows via the inflow surface 59 into the fluid flow area 57. There, the beverage will flow, in this example among the plurality of rods 76, to the spout opening 44. Then, the beverage is pressed through the spout opening 44. As a result, the beverage spouts from the spout opening 44 in the form of a jet of the beverage.

[0051] In this example, the jet of coffee spouts through the opening 48 into the buffer reservoir 18. In the buffer reservoir 18, froth is formed in the coffee as described in EP 0878158. In this example therefore, the beverage preparation apparatus 1 comprises the frothing means 52 formed, in this example, by the buffer reservoir 18, for forming the fine bubble froth layer on the beverage, under the influence of the jet exiting from the spout opening 44 of the pad 6. After this, the coffee leaves the coffee machine 1 via a further opening 50 for forming the coffee with the fine bubble froth layer in a cup not shown in the Figures.

[0052] It is, for instance, also possible, that the fine bubble froth layer is formed in that the jet spouts onto a jet impact element (as described in WO 03/105642) or spouts on a roughened surface (as described in EP 1317200). Thus, the frothing means 52 can comprise, for instance but not exclusively, a liquid surface, a jet impact element or a roughened surface.

[0053] It will be clear that if, in the beverage preparation apparatus 1 described, a pad known per se is used that does not comprise a spout opening 44, so that no jet of the beverage leaves the pad, a beverage will be prepared that is substantially free from the fine bubble froth layer.

[0054] It is also possible that, as shown in FIG. 2, the frothing means 52 of the beverage preparation apparatus 1 are formed by frothing means 56 of the holder 8 for forming the fine bubble froth layer on the beverage under the influence of the jet exiting from the spout opening 44 of the pad 6. In FIG. 2, the frothing means 56 are designed as a jet impact element. It will be clear that the frothing means 56 can also be designed differently, as described with respect to the frothing means 52 of the beverage preparation apparatus 1. Providing the holder with the frothing means 56 offers the advantage that, with the aid of the assembly of the holder 8 and the pad 6, it is possible to provide the beverage with the fine bubble froth layer in a beverage preparation apparatus.

[0055] It will be clear that if in the described holder 8, a pad known per se is used that does not comprise a spout opening 44, so that no jet of the beverage leaves the pad, a beverage will be prepared that is substantially free of the fine bubble froth layer.

[0056] FIGS. 4a-4c show examples of pads 6 according to the invention.

[0057] FIG. 4a shows a second embodiment of a pad 6 according to the invention. The pad has a covering 26 with a first side 23 and a second side 25 which is filled with product 28 to be extracted and/or to be dissolved. The covering 26 is provided with a first sheet 30 and a second sheet 32 each having a circumferential edge 34, 36 and each having interconnected parts 38, 40 adjacent these circumferential edges 34, 36, which parts 38, 40, in this embodiment, have an angular sealing seam 42.

[0058] In this example, the first sheet 30 is formed completely from a filtering material, which filtering material is suitable to hold the product 28, for instance the ground coffee beans, in the pad 6 while the filtering material is transmissive to the fluid. Such a filtering material is for instance filtering paper. On the first side 23, the covering 26 is designed as a filter that is transmissive to the fluid and the beverage, and at least virtually non-transmissive to the product, i.e. forms a barrier to the product 28 in the condition to be dissolved and/or to be extracted and the residue of the product. It will be clear that it is also possible that only a part of the first sheet 30 is transmissive to the fluid, for instance a centrally located part situated substantially opposite the spout opening 44.

[0059] In FIG. 4a, the pad 6 is further provided with the spout opening 44 for spouting the extract and/or the solution. The spout opening 44 is in fluid communication with the space enclosed by the covering 26. The spout opening 44 can be included in the second sheet 32, while the second sheet 32 is designed to be virtually non-transmissive to the fluid, the beverage and the product. The second sheet 32 can also be included on or at the second sheet 32, while the second sheet 32 is designed, aside from the fluid communication, to be virtually non-transmissive to the fluid, the beverage and the product. The second sheet 32 could be manufactured from a plastic, but also from a ceramic material, metal, biodegradable plastic or a rubber. The second sheet 32 can also be manufactured from filtering material which, at least aside from the spout opening 44, is provided with a coating rendering the second sheet 32, aside from the spout opening, virtually non-transmissive to the water. In this embodiment, the first and the second sheet 30, 32 are undetachably connected to each other.

[0060] In FIG. 4a, the pad 6 is further provided with the distancing means 58. In FIG. 4a, the distancing means 58 are designed as an element 60, for instance a substantially rigid element, which is transmissive to the fluid and the beverage and at least virtually non-transmissive to the product 28, i.e. forms a barrier to the product 28 in a condition to the dissolved and/or distracted and the residue of the product. The element 60 may comprise a piece of open-cell foam, an optionally sintered grain material, and/or a gauze. In this example, the spout opening is, for instance, in fluid communication with the space enclosed by the covering in which the product 28 is located. The fluid communication is formed by the fluid flow area 57 formed, here, by, for instance, the open space of the open-cell foam and/or the optionally sintered grain material. In this example, the spout opening 44 is included in the second sheet 32 and the second sheet is designed to be virtually non-transmissive to the fluid and the beverage. This offers the advantage that the beverage is dispensed at least virtually exclusively via the spout opening 44.

[0061] In the example of FIG. 4a, the element 60 comprises meshes, for instance meshes of the open-cell foam or the gauze, or opening of the grain material. One dimension of the meshes is preferably selected such that this dimension is smaller than a dimension of the product, for instance a grain diameter of the product. In this manner, the product is prevented from penetrating into or through the element 60. Thus, the spout opening 44 is prevented from becoming clogged by the product. A surface of the element 60 proximal to the product is preferably larger than a surface (in cross section) of the spout opening. Thus, the beverage can leave the space in which the product is located via a surface to be flowed through that is larger than when the beverage leaves the space in which the product is located via a surface to be flowed through having the size of the spout opening.

[0062] If the pad shown in FIG. 4a is included in a holder, in use, the fluid too will be supplied via the first side 23 of the covering to the product 28 in the covering. Then, the fluid flows through the pad 6 and, therefore, through the product 28 from the first side 23 to the spout opening 44 located at the second side 25. After this, the beverage obtained from the fluid and the product 28 is pressed through the spout opening 44. As a result, the beverage spouts from the spout opening 44 in the form of a jet of the beverage for obtaining, with the jet, the fine bubble froth layer on the beverage.

[0063] FIG. 4b shows a third embodiment of a pad 6 according to the invention. In this example, the distancing means 58 extend substantially over the entire width of the pad 6 over which the product 28 extends as well. The distancing means can comprise an element 60, for instance a substantially rigid element, as described on the basis of FIG. 4a. The distancing means can also comprise a loose-grained material. In that case, it is of advantage if the pad 6 is provided with the third sheet 64 for holding the loose-grained material and the product 28 separated. The third sheet 64 can be manufactured from, for instance, filtering material. Here, the fluid flow area 57 is formed by, for instance, the open space of the open-cell foam and/or the optionally sintered grain material. In the example of FIG. 4b, the inflow surface 59 extends substantially over at least virtually an entire cross section of the covering 26 over which the product 28 extends, as is also the case in FIG. 2. Thus, the prepared beverage can flow over substantially the entire cross section of the covering 26 over which the product 28 extends from the space in which the product 28 is located to the fluid flow area 57. This offers the advantage that the prepared beverage can leave the space in which the product is located in an efficient manner and can flow to the spout opening 44.

[0064] In a special embodiment, the inflow surface 59 extends over the cross section of the covering 26 in a manner such that there is an area that is substantially impervious to the fluid and that extends between the inflow surface and an outer circumference of the cross section over which the product 28 extends, for instance between the inflow surface and the angular sealing seam. In this manner, the fluid can be prevented from flowing down along the product, through the inflow surface 53, to the spout opening 44 without flowing through the product 28.

[0065] FIG. 4c shows a fourth embodiment of a pad 6 according to the invention. In this example, the distancing means 58 are formed by a rib 66 or a plurality of ribs 66 which, in this example, hold the third sheet 64 at a distance from the spout opening 44. In this manner, the fluid flow area 57 is formed by an open space between the third sheet 64 and the spout opening 44. In this example, the spout opening 44 is included in the second sheet 32 and the second sheet is designed to be at least virtually non-transmissive to the fluid and the beverage. In this example, the second sheet 32 can be designed as, for instance, a substantially rigid tray of, for instance, plastic. In this example, the third sheet 64 may be manufactured from filtering material.

[0066] FIG. 4d shows a fifth embodiment of a pad 6 according to the invention. In FIG. 4d, the spout opening 44 comprises a spout element 68 provided with an inflow opening 70 and a dispensing opening 72, while inflow opening 70 is connected, via a fluid communication, with the space enclosed by the covering, and the dispensing opening 72 is designed for generating a jet of the beverage with the dispensing opening 72. In this example, the spout element 68 is attached on an outside of the pad 6, in this example on the second side 25, more specifically on the second sheet 32. In this example, the inflow opening 70 of the spout element has a larger cross section than the dispensing opening 72. Thus, the prepared beverage can flow from the covering 26 via the larger cross section of the inflow opening 70 so that the beverage is discharged from the pad 6 in an efficient manner. In this example, the second sheet 32, aside from the inflow opening 70, is designed to be at least virtually non-transmissive to the fluid. To this end, the second sheet 32 is manufactured from, for instance, filtering material and provided, aside from the inflow opening 70, with a coating which is substantially impervious to the fluid and the beverage.

[0067] FIG. 4e shows a sixth embodiment of a pad 6 according to the invention. In FIG. 4e, the pad is further provided with frothing means 78 for forming the fine bubble froth layer on the beverage under the influence of the jet exiting from the spout opening 44 of the pad 6. In FIG. 4e, the frothing means 78 are designed as a roughened surface. It will be clear that the frothing means 78 can also be designed differently, as described on the basis of the frothing means 52 of the beverage preparation apparatus 1.

[0068] The pad shown in FIG. 4e can be provided with frothing distancing means 79 for holding the frothing means 78 at a distance from the spout opening 44. The frothing distancing means can be designed as, for instance, at least one rib or at least one rod. The frothing means 78 can also be included in the substantially rigid dish part 74 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0069] The pad shown in FIG. 4e can further be provided with distancing means 58 that form the fluid flow area which extends between the spout opening and the product, wherein the fluid flow area comprises the inflow surface, while, in use, the fluid and/or the beverage flows into the fluid flow area via the inflow surface and flows from the fluid flow area via the spout opening. To that end, the distancing means 58 can be designed as shown in, for instance, one of FIG. 2 or 4a-4d.

[0070] With the examples of the pad shown in FIGS. 2, 4b and 4e, a volume of the space enclosed by the covering in which the product 28 is included is considerably smaller than a total volume occupied by the pad 6. It is therefore possible that such pads comprise a smaller amount of product 28 than pads comprising no distancing means or, at least, smaller ones. The pads with the smaller amount of product can be used for, for instance, preparing beverages which are generally prepared and/or consumed in smaller amounts. A normal portion of coffee or tea preferably contains 90-250 ml of fluid, for instance substantially 100 ml in case of French coffee, substantially 122 ml in case of western European coffee, substantially 140 ml in case of Dutch tea, substantially 200 ml in case of American coffee and substantially 240 ml in case of English tea. A smaller portion of coffee or tea preferably comprises 15-90 ml, more preferably substantially 60 ml of fluid. It is possible, for instance, that the pad for preparing the small portion of coffee comprises an amount of ground coffee which is between 2 and 5 grams. For preparing the smaller amount of beverage, for instance, a cross section of the spout opening can be selected to be smaller than the cross section of the spout. opening for preparing a conventional amount of beverage. The fact is that, if an amount of fluid to be supplied to the pad is regulated on the basis of a duration of a time period over which the fluid is supplied to the pad, the smaller cross section of the spout opening and, hence, the associated greater flow resistance, will lead to a smaller amount of fluid being supplied to the pad over the same period of time. Hence, in a simple manner, the smaller amount of beverage can be prepared.

[0071] It will be clear that in this manner, a smaller or larger amount of beverage can be prepared through the supply of fluid, such as water under pressure, to a pad with a covering filled with product to be extracted and/or to be dissolved, while the amount of fluid to be supplied to the pad is regulated on the basis of the duration of the time period over which the fluid is supplied to the pad, while a first and a second pad are provided, each provided with a spout opening, for generating, with the spout opening, a jet of the beverage that leaves the pad for obtaining a fine bubble froth layer on the beverage with the aid of the jet, wherein the flow resistance of the spout opening per pad is varied, while, for preparing the smaller amount of beverage, the cross section of the spout opening of the first pad is selected to be smaller than the cross section of the spout opening of the second pad.

[0072] The normal portion of coffee of 90-250 ml, more particularly approximately 122 ml, is, for instance, prepared with a beverage preparation apparatus in 20-40 seconds, more particularly in approximately 30 seconds. Here, for, for instance, providing the fine bubble froth layer, a spout opening is used with a cross section of 0.5-2.5 mm.sup.2, more particularly approximately 0.7 mm.sup.2. The smaller portion of coffee of 15-90 ml, more particularly approximately 30 ml, can be prepared with the same beverage preparation apparatus in 20-40 seconds, more particularly in approximately 30 seconds. Here, for instance for providing the fine bubble froth layer, the spout opening is used with the cross section of 0.04-0.2 mm.sup.2, more particularly approximately 0.1 mm.sup.2.

[0073] However, other cross sections of the spout opening are also possible depending on, for instance, the fluid dispensing unit used.

[0074] A coffee pad for preparing the small portion of coffee with the fine bubble froth layer therefore preferably has a spout opening 44 with a cross section of 0.04-0.2 mm.sup.2, more preferably substantially 0.1 mm.sup.2.

[0075] In the examples, the pad is suitable for preparing a (one) portion of beverage. It is also possible that the pad is suitable for preparing, for instance, two cups of beverage. It will be clear that it is possible that then, the pad is provided with a larger spout opening, for instance twice as large a spout opening. However, it is also possible that for preparing two cups of beverage, not the size of the spout opening is adapted, but, for instance, a duration of time during which the fluid is supplied to the pad.

[0076] The invention is not limited in any manner to the embodiments described here. It is possible, for instance, to provide an embodiment wherein not the entire first sheet is manufactured from filtering material. Also, an embodiment is possible wherein the covering is formed from a frame and a number of sheets provided in the frame.

[0077] In the examples, the pad comprises a spout opening. It is also possible that the pad comprises a plurality of spout openings for generating, with the plurality of spout openings, a jet or a plurality of jets of the beverage that leaves the pad for obtaining the fine bubble froth layer on the beverage with the at least one jet. Here, it is possible that the pad is designed for dispensing the beverage exclusively via the at least one spout opening.

[0078] It is further possible that the pad is designed to be refillable, for instance in that, at least a part of, the first and/or the second sheet are designed to be detachable from a rest part of the pad 6, and/or in that the pad is provided with a valve for refilling the pad with a product.

[0079] In the examples, the product in the covering of the pad comprises ground coffee. It is also possible that the pad comprises other products to be extracted and/or to be dissolved, such as tea leaves for preparing tea. Here, when filling the pad, for instance automatically, the type of pad that is used to be filled with a specific product to be extracted and/or to be dissolved needs not be taken into account.

[0080] All such variants are understood to fall within the framework of the invention as set forth in the claims.