CAPSULE, A SYSTEM FOR PREPARING A POTABLE BEVERAGE FROM SUCH A CAPSULE AND USE OF SUCH A CAPSULE IN A BEVERAGE PREPARATION DEVICE

Abstract

A capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage. The capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a side wall and an outwardly extending flange and a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device. The beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a free contact end which is provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves. The sealing member comprises a separate crushable element provided on the surface of the outwardly extending flange opposite the cover.

Claims

1.-42. (canceled)

43. A system for preparing a potable beverage from a capsule using a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule, the system comprising: a beverage preparation device comprising an enclosing member for receiving the capsule, wherein the enclosing member comprises fluid supply means for supplying fluid under pressure into the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation device further comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, for closing the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device further comprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and a free contact end, said free contact end of the annular element optionally being provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves; a capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by the fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule by the fluid supply means of the beverage preparation device, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, said aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover hermetically closing the capsule, wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of the closing member of the beverage preparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the sealing member of the capsule are sealingly engaged between the enclosing member and the closing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein the sealing member comprises a separate crushable element provided on the surface of the outwardly extending flange opposite the cover.

44. The system according to claim 43, wherein the capsule contains an extractable product as substance for the preparation of a potable beverage, said extractable product preferably being 5-20 grams, preferably 5-10 grams, more preferably 5-7 grams of roasted and ground coffee.

45. The system according to claim 43, wherein the outer diameter of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule is larger than the diameter of the bottom of the capsule.

46. The system according to claim 45, wherein the outer diameter of the outwardly extending flange is approximately 37.1 mm and the diameter of the bottom of the capsule is about 23.3 mm.

47. The system according to claim 43, wherein the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is such that it is deformed easily if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device, preferably the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is 20 to 200 micrometer, preferably 100 micrometer.

48. The system according to claim 43, wherein the thickness of the aluminum cover is 15 to 65 micrometer, preferably 30 to 45 micrometer and most preferred 39 micrometer.

49. The system according to claim 43, wherein the thickness of the aluminum cover is smaller than the thickness of the aluminum capsule body.

50. The system according to claim 43, wherein the aluminum cover is arranged to tear open on a closing member of the beverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beverage preparation device under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.

51. The system according to claim 43, wherein the side wall of the aluminum capsule body has a free end opposite the bottom, the outwardly extending flange extending from said free end of the side wall in a direction at least substantially transverse to the central capsule body axis.

52. The system according to claim 51, wherein the outwardly extending flange comprises a curled outer edge.

53. The system according to claim 52, wherein an inner edge of the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange has a radius about the central capsule body axis of at least 32 mm.

54. The system according to claim 52, wherein the sealing member is positioned between the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and an inner edge of the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange.

55. The system according to claim 52, wherein the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flange has a largest dimension of about 1.2 millimeter.

56. The system according to claim 51, wherein the inner diameter of the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body is about 29.5 mm.

57. The system according to claim 51, wherein the distance between the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and an outermost edge of the outwardly extending flange is about 3.8 millimeter.

58. The system according to claim 43, wherein a height of the aluminum capsule body is about 28.4 mm.

59. The system according to claim 43, wherein the aluminum capsule body is truncated, wherein preferably the side wall of the aluminum capsule body encloses an angle with a line transverse to the central capsule body axis of about 97.5.

60. The system according to claim 43, wherein the bottom of the aluminum capsule body has an largest inner diameter of about 23.3 mm.

61. The system according to claim 60, wherein the bottom of the aluminum capsule body is truncated, preferably having a bottom height of about 4.0 mm and wherein the bottom further has a generally flat central portion opposite the cover having a diameter of about 8.3 mm.

62. The system according to claim 43, wherein the height of the sealing member is between about 0.4 mm to about 1.0 mm.

63. The system according to claim 43, wherein the aluminum cover of the capsule is attached to the outwardly extending flange by means of a sealing lacquer, said inner coating being composed of the same material as the sealing lacquer.

64. The system according to claim 43, wherein the capsule comprises an outer surface, and wherein on the outer surface of the capsule a color lacquer is provided.

65. The system according to claim 64, wherein on an outer surface of the color lacquer an outer coating is provided.

66. The system according to claim 43, wherein the separate crushable element is attached to the surface of the outwardly extending flange opposite the cover.

67. The system according to claim 43, wherein the separate crushable element is made of aluminum.

68. The system according to claim 43, wherein the outwardly extending flange is flat and extends transversely to the central capsule body axis.

69. The system according to claim 43, wherein the separate crushable element is an annular -shaped ring.

70. The system according to claim 69, wherein the annular -shaped ring has a height of 0.1-0.3 mm, preferably 0.2-2.0 mm, more preferably 0.8-1.2 mm and a width in the same ranges.

71. The system according to claim 43, wherein the separate crushable element is spiral shaped annular element.

72. The system according to claim 65, wherein the spiral shaped annular element has a height of 0.1-0.3 mm, preferably 0.2-2.0 mm, more preferably 0.8-1.2 mm and a width in the same ranges.

73. The system according to claim 43, wherein the separate crushable element is zigzag shaped.

74. The system according to claim 67, wherein the zigzag shaped element has a height of 0.1-0.3 mm, preferably 0.2-2.0 mm, more preferably 0.8-1.2 mm and a width in the same ranges.

75. The system according to claim 43, wherein the separate crushable element is positioned such that if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device the free contact end of the annular element is in contact with the separate crushable element.

76. The system according to claim 43, wherein, in use, the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar.

77. The system according to claim 76, wherein the system is arranged such that, in use, during brewing, a free end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device exerts a force F2 on the sealing member of the capsule to provide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein F2 is in the range of 500-1500 N preferably in the range of 750-1250 N when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar.

78. The system according to claim 77, wherein the system is arranged such that, in use, prior to or at the start of brewing, a free end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device exerts a force F1 on the sealing member of the capsule to provide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is in the range of 30-150 N preferably 40-150 N, more preferably 50-100 N, when the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar, preferably 0.1-1 bar.

79. The system according to claim 78, wherein the fluid sealing contact being such that it provides a seal under such use conditions.

80. The system according to claim 79, wherein the plurality of radially extending open grooves are uniformly spaced relative to each other in tangential direction of the free contact end of the annular element of the beverage preparation device.

81. The system according to claim 80, wherein the greatest width of each groove is 0.9-1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, more preferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm wherein a maximal height of each groove in an axial direction of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device is 0.01-0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, most preferred 0.05 mm and wherein the number of grooves is 90 to 110, preferably 96 and wherein optionally the radial width of the free contact end at the location of the grooves is 0.05-0.9 mm, preferably 0.2-0.7 mm and more preferably 0.3-0.55 mm.

82. The system according to claim 81, wherein during use when the closing member of the beverage preparation device closes the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device at least the free contact end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device can move relative to the closing member of the beverage preparation device under the effect of the pressure of the fluid in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device towards the closing member of the beverage preparation device for applying the maximum force between the flange of the capsule and the free end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein optionally the enclosing member comprises a first part and a second part wherein the second part comprises the free contact end of the enclosing member wherein the second part can move relative to the first part between a first and second position wherein the second part can move from the first position towards the second position in the direction of the closing member under the influence of fluid pressure in the enclosing member wherein optionally the force F1 is reached if the second part is in the first position with a fluid pressure P1 in the enclosing member and wherein optionally the force F2 is reached if the second part is moved towards the second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member.

83. The system according to claim 43, wherein the fluid supply means are arranged for supplying a flow of fluid in the range of 0.5-2 ml/s, wherein the fluid sealing contact provided by the sealing member provides a leakage percentage of less than 4%, preferably less than 2.5% of said flow.

84.-88. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The invention will now be further elucidated by means of, non-limiting, examples referring to the drawing, in which

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention;

[0051] FIG. 2 in a perspective view shows an embodiment of a beverage preparation device of a system according to the invention showing the free contact end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device with the plurality of radially extending open grooves;

[0052] FIG. 3A in cross section shows an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention before use;

[0053] FIG. 3B shows an enlarged detail of a the capsule of FIG. 3A showing the outwardly extending flange and the sealing member;

[0054] FIG. 3C shows an enlarged detail of the outwardly extending flange of the capsule in FIGS. 3A and 3B after use;

[0055] FIG. 4A shows a first embodiment of sealing member at the outwardly extending flange of a capsule according to the invention;

[0056] FIG. 4B shows a second embodiment of sealing member at the outwardly extending flange of a capsule according to the invention;

[0057] FIG. 4C shows a third embodiment of sealing member at the outwardly extending flange of a capsule according to the invention; and

[0058] FIG. 4D shows a fourth embodiment of sealing member at the outwardly extending flange of a capsule according to the invention.

[0059] In the Figures and the following description, like reference numerals refer to like features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation, in cross sectional view, of an embodiment of a system 1 for preparing a potable beverage from a capsule using a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule. The system 1 comprises a capsule 2, and a beverage preparation device 4. The device 4 comprises enclosing member 6 for holding the capsule 2. The device 4 further comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, 8 for supporting the capsule 2.

[0061] In FIG. 1 a gap is drawn between the capsule 2, the enclosing member 6 and the extraction plate 8 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, in use, the capsule 2 may lie in contact with the enclosing member 6 and the extraction plate member 8. Commonly, the enclosing member 6 has a shape complementary to the shape of the capsule 2. The device 4 further comprises a fluid supply means 10 for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under a pressure in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar, to the exchangeable capsule 2.

[0062] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises an aluminum capsule body 12 having a central capsule body axis 12A and an aluminum cover 14. In the present context, the meaning of aluminum is understood to also include aluminum alloy. In this example, the aluminum capsule body 12 comprises a side wall 16, a bottom 18 closing the side wall 16 at a first end, and a outwardly extending flange 20 extending outwardly of the circumferential wall 16 at a second end opposite the bottom 18. The side wall 16, the bottom 18 and the cover 14 enclose an inner space 22 comprising a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance. Preferably the substance is an extractable substance, preferably 5-20 grams, preferably 5-10 grams, more preferably 5-7 grams of roasted and ground coffee for the preparation of a single beverage. The capsule is initially sealed, i.e. is hermetically closed prior to use.

[0063] The system 1 of FIG. 1 comprises bottom piercing means 24 for piercing the bottom 18 of the capsule 2 for creating at least one entrance opening 25 in the bottom 18 for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through the entrance opening 25.

[0064] The system 1 of FIG. 1 further comprises cover piercing means 26, here embodied as protrusions of the closing member 8, for piercing the cover 14 of the capsule 2. The cover piercing means 26 may be arranged to tear the cover 14 once a (fluid) pressure inside the inner space 22 exceeds a threshold pressure and presses the cover 14 against the cover piercing means 26 with sufficient force. The aluminum cover 14 thus is arranged to tear open on the closing member 8 of the beverage preparation device under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.

[0065] The capsule 2 further comprises a sealing member 28, in FIGS. 1, 3A and 3B indicated as a general box but more detailed described with regard to FIGS. 4A to 4D, which sealing member 28 is arranged at the outwardly extending flange 20 for providing a fluid sealing contact with the enclosing member 6 if the capsule 2 is positioned in the enclosing member 6 and the enclosing member 6 is closed by means of the extraction plate 8, such that the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and at least a portion of the sealing member 28 are sealingly engaged between the enclosing member 6 and the extraction plate 8.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2 the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device comprises an annular element 41 having a central annular element axis 41A and a free contact end 30. The free contact end 30 of the annular element 41 is provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves 40. The plurality of radially extending open grooves 40 are uniformly spaced relative to each other in tangential direction of the free contact end 30 of the annular element 41. The longest tangential width of each groove 40 is 0.9-1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, more preferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, wherein a maximal height of each groove 40 in an axial direction of the enclosing member 6 is 0.01-0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, and most preferred 0.05 mm. The number of grooves 40 lies in the range of 90 to 110, preferably 96. Usually, the radial width of the free end at the location of the grooves is 0.05-0.9 mm, more specifically 0.2-0.7 mm, more specifically 0.3-0.55 mm.

[0067] An embodiment of a capsule according to the invention is shown more detailed in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In the shown embodiment the outer diameter ODF of the outwardly extending flange 20 is larger than the diameter DB of the bottom 18 of the capsule 2. In the shown embodiment the outer diameter ODF of the outwardly extending flange 20 is approximately 37.1 mm and the diameter DB of the bottom 18 is about 23.3 mm. The thickness of the aluminum capsule body 12 is such that it is deformed easily if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device, preferably the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is 100 micrometer, but in other embodiments the thickness can be 20 to 200 micrometer.

[0068] In the shown embodiment, the wall thickness of the aluminum cover 14 is 39 micrometer. The wall thickness of the aluminum cover 14 is preferably smaller than the thickness of the aluminum capsule body 12.

[0069] The side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 has a free end 42 opposite the bottom 18. The inner diameter IDF of the free end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 is about 29.5 mm. The outwardly extending flange 20 extends from that free end 42 in a direction at least substantially transverse to the central capsule body axis 12A. The outwardly extending flange 20 comprises a curled outer edge 43 which is beneficial for obtaining a seal between the capsule and the enclosing member. In the shown embodiment the curled outer edge 43 of the outwardly extending flange 20 has a largest dimension of about 1.2 millimeter. The distance DIF between the free end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and an inner edge 43A of the curled outer edge 43 is about 2.7 mm, while the distance DOF between the free end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and an outermost edge 43B of the outwardly extending flange 20 is about 3.8 millimeter. The radius about the central capsule body axis of the inner edge 43A of the curled outer edge 43 is preferably at least 32 mm.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B the sealing member 28 is positioned between the free end of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and the inner edge 43A of the curled outer edge 42 of the outwardly extending flange. The sealing member 28 is indicated as a general box, but will be described in more detail below. Irrespective of the embodiment of the sealing member 28 the height of the sealing member portion to be contacted first by the free end of the enclosure member when the enclosure member is closed is at least about 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm and most preferably at least 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, more preferably at most 2 mm and most preferably at most 1.2 mm for providing a correct seal.

[0071] As can be seen from FIG. 3A the aluminum capsule body 12 is truncated. In the embodiment shown, the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 encloses an angle A with a line transverse to the central capsule body axis 12A of about 97.5. The bottom 18 of the aluminum capsule body 12 has a largest inner diameter DB of about 23.3 mm. The bottom 18 of the aluminum capsule body 12 is also truncated, and in the shown embodiment has a bottom height BH of about 4.0 mm. The bottom 18 further has a generally flat central portion 18A opposite the cover 14, which central portion 18A has a diameter DEE of about 8.3 mm and in which central portion 18A the entrance opening(s) 25 may be made. The entrance openings may also be made in the truncated portion between the central portion 18A and the side wall 16. The total height TH of the aluminum capsule body 12 of the capsule is about 28.4 mm.

[0072] The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is operated as follows for preparing a cup of a potable beverage, in the present example coffee, wherein the substance is roasted and ground coffee.

[0073] The capsule 2 is placed in the enclosing member 6. The extraction plate 8 is brought into contact with the capsule 2. The bottom piercing means 24 pierce the bottom 18 of the capsule 2 for creating the entrance openings 25. The fluid, here hot water under pressure, is supplied to the extractable product in the inner space 22 through the entrance openings 25. The water will wet the coffee grounds and extract the desired substances to form the coffee beverage.

[0074] During supplying the water under pressure to the inner space 22, the pressure inside the capsule 2 will rise. The rise in pressure will cause the cover 14 to deform and be pressed against the lid piercing means 26 of the extraction plate. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, the tear strength of the cover 14 will be surpassed and the cover 14 will rupture against the lid piercing means 26, creating exit openings. The prepared coffee will drain from the capsule 2 through the exit openings and outlets 32 (see FIG. 1) of the extraction plate 8, and may be supplied to a container such as a cup (not shown).

[0075] The system 1 is arranged such that prior to or at the start of brewing, the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6 exerts a force F1 on the sealing member 28 of the capsule 2 to provide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is in the range of 30-150 N preferably 40-150 N, more preferably 50-100 N, when the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar, preferably 0.1-1 bar. During brewing, the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6 exerts a force F2 on the sealing member 28 of the capsule 2 to provide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and the enclosing member 6, wherein the force F2 is in the range of 500-1500 N, preferably in the range of 750-1250 N, when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device outside the capsule 2 is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. In the shown embodiment the free contact end of enclosing member 6 can move relative to the extracting plate 8 under the effect of the pressure of the fluid in the enclosing member 6 device towards the extraction plate 8 for applying the maximum force F2 between the outwardly extending flange 20 and the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6. This movement can take place during use, i.e. in particular at the start of brewing and during brewing. The enclosing member 6 has a first part 6A and a second part 6B wherein the second part comprises the free contact end 30. The second part 6B can move relative to the first part 6A between a first and second position. The second part 6B can move from the first position towards the second position in the direction of the closing member 8 under the influence of fluid pressure in the enclosing member 6. The force F1 as discussed above may be reached if the second part 6B is in the first position with a fluid pressure P1. The force F2 as discussed above may be reached if the second part 6B is moved towards the second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member 6.

[0076] As a result of the force applied the sealing member 28 of the capsule according to the invention undergoes a plastic deformation and closely conforms to the grooves 40 of the free contact end 30 and thus provides a fluid sealing contact between the enclosing member 6 and the capsule 3 at a relatively low fluid pressure during start up of brewing but also provides a fluid sealing contact at the much higher fluid pressure in the enclosing member outside the capsule during brewing. This close conformation to the grooves 40 of the enclosing member is indicated in FIG. 3C which shows the capsule 2 of the invention after use, and which clearly indicates that the outwardly extending flange 20 comprises deformations 40 which conform to the grooves 40 of the enclosing member.

[0077] Now exemplary embodiments of a sealing member comprising a separate crushable element 28 provided on the surface of the outwardly extending flange 20 opposite the cover 14 of the capsule 2 according to the invention will be described in more detail with regard to FIGS. 4A to 4D. In the shown embodiments the separate crushable element 28 is made of aluminum, but it will be clear that the invention is not restricted to the sole use of aluminum as material for the crushable element 28. In addition in the shown embodiments the outwardly extending flange is flat and extends transversely to the central capsule body axis. It will be clear that in different embodiment the outwardly extending flange can enclose an angle with the normal to the central capsule body axis. Further, in the shown embodiments the separate crushable element is attached to the surface of the outwardly extending flange opposite the cover, for example by means of welding, but in other embodiments the separate crushable element could be provided loosely on the outwardly extending flange 20. Finally, in all the shown embodiments the separate crushable element is positioned such that if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device the free contact end of the annular element 6 is in contact with the separate crushable element 28.

[0078] FIG. 4A shows a first embodiment of sealing member at the outwardly extending flange of a capsule according to the invention in which the separate crushable element 28 is spiral shaped annular element. The spiral shaped annular element has a height of 0.1-0.3 mm, preferably 0.2-2.0 mm, more preferably 0.8-1.2 mm and a width in the same ranges.

[0079] FIG. 4B shows a second embodiment of sealing member at the outwardly extending flange of a capsule according to the invention in which the separate crushable element 28 is zigzag shaped. The zigzag shaped element has a height of 0.1-0.3 mm, preferably 0.2-2.0 mm, more preferably 0.8-1.2 mm and a width in the same ranges.

[0080] FIG. 4C shows a third embodiment of sealing member at the outwardly extending flange of a capsule according to the invention in which the separate crushable element 28 is an annular -shaped ring. The annular -shaped ring has a height of 0.1-0.3 mm, preferably 0.2-2.0 mm, more preferably 0.8-1.2 mm, and a width in the same ranges.

[0081] FIG. 4D shows a fourth embodiment of a separate crushable element 28 as sealing member at the outwardly extending flange 20 of a capsule according to the invention, in which the separate crushable element 28 is a ring having a number of protrusions arranged at a position to, during use, come into contact with the free end of the annular element of the enclosing member.

[0082] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.