CARTRIDGE FOR PROVIDING A LIQUID PRODUCT, A SYSTEM FOR THE PROVIDING A LIQUID PRODUCT AND A METHOD USING SAID SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a single use, or disposable cartridge, wherein the cartridge is provided with a capsule (2) in the form of a sealed reservoir. The reservoir is defined by a capsule body (5) that allows for use of muti-layer materials. Thus, the cartridge, more in particular the capsule body of the cartridge, can be provided with barrier properties that suit the ingredient held in the reservoir. As such, the cartridge is configured to provide a capsule, more in particular a sealed reservoir, for holding an ingredient, which capsule has barrier properties that fit the particular base ingredient to be held in the reservoir.

Claims

1. A cartridge for providing a liquid product, the cartridge comprising: a sealed capsule filled with a portion of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid for the preparation of the liquid product, for the preparation of a beverage, wherein the sealed capsule comprises a capsule body with a bottom and a top, the capsule body comprising an outer circumferential wall, an inner circumferential wall and a bottom wall, the walls delimiting an annular reservoir between them, wherein the inner circumferential wall and the outer circumferential wall at a top end are respectively provided with an inner sealing surface and an outer sealing surface, the sealing surfaces delimiting a reservoir access opening between them, wherein the inner circumferential wall forms a column, the column having an internal cavity that extends between an upper opening at a top of the column and a bottom opening at a bottom end of the column, and wherein the bottom wall of the capsule body is provided with at least one reservoir outlet in the form of an aperture sealed with a bottom seal; and a top seal sealed to the inner sealing surface and the outer sealing surface and covering the reservoir, the top seal hermetically sealing the access opening of the reservoir, wherein the cartridge further comprises: a nozzle for guiding a flow of base liquid through at least part of the cavity, and for dispensing the base liquid at a bottom side of the capsule, wherein the nozzle comprises: a nozzle body having a channel extending between an inlet opening at a top end of the nozzle and an outlet opening at a bottom end of the nozzle, and wherein the nozzle is moveable, relative to the outer circumferential wall of the capsule body, from a raised passive position into a lowered dispensing position, wherein the column is a compressible column, wherein the bottom wall of the capsule body is provided with the at least one reservoir outlet in the form of an aperture, and, on a bottom surface of the bottom wall, with a peripheral sealing surface and an aperture sealing surface encircling the reservoir outflow aperture, wherein the aperture sealing surface is located between the peripheral sealing surface and the bottom opening of the column; and wherein the sealed capsule further comprises the bottom seal, releasably sealed to the aperture sealing surface, hermetically sealing the reservoir outlet, and fixed to the peripheral sealing surface; and wherein the nozzle furthermore has a flange at the bottom end, the flange having a sealing surface for the bottom seal and having at least one dispensing aperture, the dispensing aperture penetrating the flange near or at the outlet opening, for dispensing liquid ingredient at or adjacent the flow of base liquid exiting the outlet opening, wherein the bottom seal is fixed to the sealing surface of the nozzle, and, when the nozzle is moved into the dispensing position, by compressing the column, the nozzle pulls the bottom seal away from the aperture in the bottom wall of the capsule, enabling liquid ingredient to flow out of the reservoir, and wherein the bottom seal, when the nozzle is in the dispensing position, remains attached to the peripheral sealing surface of the bottom of the capsule and the sealing surface of the nozzle, enabling the liquid ingredient to flow along the bottom seal from the aperture in the bottom of the capsule to the dispensing aperture of the nozzle.

2-5. (canceled)

6. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the capsule body is a made out of a multi-layer material, such that the walls of the capsule comprises multiple layers of different materials, the different materials having different barrier properties.

7. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the top seal and/or the bottom seal are/is a sealing film.

8. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the top seal is a sealing film, which top sealing film is provided with one or more premade score lines.

9. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the bottom seal is a sealing film, and the one or more reservoir outlets are initially sealed by the bottom sealing film of the cartridge, and wherein the motion of the column to a lower dispensing position thereof causes the bottom sealing film of the cartridge to form a guide surface for guiding liquid ingredient dispensed from the one or more reservoir outlets initially sealed by said bottom sealing film towards the nozzle, and thereby to enable the dispensing of the liquid ingredient from the cartridge via the nozzle.

10. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the bottom seal is a diamond or oval shaped bottom seal, and the capsule body is provided with two outflow openings in its bottom wall, which outflow openings are provided on opposite sides of the column, wherein the oval or diamond shaped bottom seal has a longitudinal axis and a shorter cross axis, and wherein the outflow openings are located above the longitudinal axis.

11. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the bottom seal has a central opening, through which the bottom end of the nozzle protrudes, and wherein the seal is at its circumference sealed to the bottom of the capsule body, and along the central opening of the seal is sealed to a flange of the nozzle.

12. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the column of the capsule body is provided with a buckling portion, i.e. a local area of the column that is configured to buckle when a pressure is exerted on the top of the column,.

13. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a lower portion of the column is provided with a reinforcing structure, which reinforcement structure comprises linear ribs that extend in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the column, when seen in side view.

14. System for the preparation of a liquid food product, which system comprises: a) a cartridge according to claim 1; b) a dispensing apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a holder adapted to accommodate and retain the cartridge at a dispensing location in the apparatus, a base liquid feed assembly with a base liquid feed member disposed at the dispensing location, which base liquid feed member is embodied to connect to the channel in the column of the cartridge, so that base liquid can be fed into the channel, an operable displacement device which is adapted to produce a movement of the holder for the cartridge and the base liquid feed member relative to each other in order to connect the base liquid feed member to the channel and to move the top of the column and the nozzle down from the raised passive position to said lowered dispensing position, a pressurized gas source, wherein the dispensing apparatus is adapted to bring said pressurized gas source in direct communication with the reservoir of the capsule so as to allow said liquid ingredient therein to be pressurized by said gas thereby assisting the dispensing thereof from the reservoir via said one or more dispensing passages, wherein the system is adapted to create one or more gas pressure introduction openings in the top sealing film that covers the reservoir access opening, the dispensing apparatus further comprising a pressurization dome member having a peripheral gas seal along a periphery thereof an outer gas seal, which is adapted to sealingly engage the cartridge around a location where said one or more openings are created in said top sealing film to allow entry of said pressurized gas into the reservoir, the pressurized gas source being connected to said dome member and adapted to feed pressurized gas beneath said dome member within the contour of the peripheral gas seal sealingly engaging the cartridge, so as to allow said liquid ingredient in said reservoir to be pressurized by said gas via the one or more gas pressure introduction openings in said sealing film, thereby assisting the dispensing of the liquid ingredient from the reservoir via said at least one reservoir outlet, wherein the cartridge is configured such that, moving at least the top of the column downward, causes the top sealing film to be locally overstressed and thereby to be ruptured and provide said one or more gas pressure introduction openings.

15. (canceled)

16. System according to claim 14, wherein the outer circumferential wall of the capsule body is provided with a flange, said flange forming a peripheral top portion of the capsule body, said top seal being adhered to said flange at said outer seal area.

17. System according to claim 14, wherein the base liquid feed member is a base liquid feed lance which protrudes from the pressurization dome member.

18. System according to claim 14, wherein the at least one reservoir outlet of the cartridge are arranged at said bottom side of the cartridge and spaced from the column so that liquid ingredient emerges from said one or more reservoir outlets as a flow or flows distinct from the stream of base liquid emerging from the nozzle, and wherein a guide member is provided so that liquid ingredient emerging from the reservoir outlets adjoins the outside of the base liquid stream that has emerged from the nozzle.

19. System according to claim 18, wherein the at least one reservoir outlet of the cartridge are arranged at a height above the outlet opening of the nozzle, when the nozzle is in the lowered dispensing position.

20. (canceled)

21. System according to any one of claim 14, wherein a guide member is provided so that the liquid ingredient emerging from the at least one reservoir outlet adjoins the outside of the base liquid stream that has emerged from the nozzle as an annular shroud around said base liquid stream.

22. System according to claim 21, wherein the dispensing apparatus is adapted to pressurize the liquid ingredient in the reservoir so that the one or more streams of liquid ingredient emerging from the one or more reservoir outlets flow as a slow flow along with the base liquid stream emerging from the nozzle, which slow flow adjoins the outside of the base liquid stream.

23. System according to any one of claim 22, wherein a guide member is provided below the capsule body and below the at least one reservoir outlet, which guide member comprises a guide surface oriented at an angle relative to the flow of liquid ingredient emerging from the reservoir such that a jet of liquid ingredient emerging from the reservoir outlet due to the gas pressurization of the liquid ingredient collides against the guide surface of the guide member thereby reducing, preferably annihilating, the speed of said jet.

24. System according to any of claim 14, wherein the holder is a drawer comprising a cavity for receiving the cartridge therein, which drawer is movable into a housing of the apparatus so that the cartridge is movable into the dispensing location, and wherein the operable displacement device is adapted to move the pressurization dome member up and down relative to housing so as to sealingly engage in a lower position of the dome member the peripheral gas seal with the cartridge around a location where the sealing film is opened to allow entry of pressurized gas into the reservoir.

25. Cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the buckling portion comprises at least one annular band of parallelogram shaped recesses, which recess are separated by linear ridges.

Description

IN THE FIGURES;

[0292] FIG. 1 shows a perspective top view of a capsule body of a first exemplary embodiment of a cartridge according to the invention;

[0293] FIG. 2 shows a perspective bottom view of the capsule body of FIG. 1;

[0294] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a nozzle of a cartridge according to the invention;

[0295] FIG. 4 shows a side view in cross section of the cartridge of FIGS. 1-3, with the nozzle received in the capsule body, in a first position;

[0296] FIG. 5 shows a side view in cross section of the cartridge of FIGS. 1-3, with the nozzle received in the capsule body, in a second position;

[0297] FIG. 6 shows a perspective top view of a capsule body and a bottom piercer received a reservoir defined by a capsule body of a second exemplary embodiment of a cartridge according to the invention;

[0298] FIG. 7 shows a perspective bottom view of the capsule body of FIG. 6;

[0299] FIG. 8 shows a side view in cross section of the cartridge of FIGS. 6-7, with the bottom piercer in a first position;

[0300] FIG. 9 shows a side view in cross section of the cartridge of FIGS. 6-7, with the bottom piercer in a second position;

[0301] FIG. 10 shows a perspective top view of a capsule body with a bottom seal received in a reservoir defined by a capsule body of a third exemplary embodiment of a cartridge according to the invention;

[0302] FIG. 11 shows a perspective side view in cross section of the cartridge of FIG. 10;

[0303] FIG. 12 shows a side view in cross section of the cartridge of FIG. 10 in a first position;

[0304] FIG. 13 shows a side view in cross section of the cartridge of FIG. 10 in a second position;

[0305] FIG. 14 shows a perspective bottom view of the capsule body of FIG. 10;

[0306] FIG. 15 shows a perspective top view of a capsule body with a bottom seal and an insert received in a reservoir defined by a capsule body of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a cartridge according to the invention;

[0307] FIG. 16 shows a perspective side view in cross section of the cartridge of FIG. 15;

[0308] FIG. 17 shows a side view in cross section of the cartridge of FIG. 15 in a first position;

[0309] FIG. 18 shows a side view in cross section of the cartridge of FIG. 15 in a second position;

[0310] FIG. 19 shows a top view of the cartridge of FIG. 15;

[0311] FIG. 20 shows a perspective bottom view of the capsule body of FIG. 10;

[0312] FIG. 21 shows a perspective side view in cross section of a capsule body with a bottom seal outside a reservoir defined by a capsule body and a guide member mounted to a bottom of the capsule body of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a cartridge according to the invention;

[0313] FIG. 22 shows a side view in cross section of the capsule body of FIG. 21;

[0314] FIG. 23 shows a partial close up in cross section of the capsule body of FIG. 21 in a first position;

[0315] FIG. 24 shows a partial close up in cross section of the capsule body of FIG. 21 in a second position;

[0316] FIG. 25 shows in perspective view components of a liquid food product dispenser and the cartridge of FIG. 1 prior to placement in a cartridge holder of the apparatus,

[0317] FIG. 26 shows the view of FIG. 25 with the cartridge placed in the cartridge holder,

[0318] FIG. 27 shows the view of FIG. 25 with the cartridge holder moved to bring the cartridge to a dispensing location relative to the apparatus,

[0319] FIG. 28 shows a cross section of the apparatus and cartridge in the situation of FIG. 27, prior to the start of a dispensing cycle,

[0320] FIG. 29 shows the apparatus and cartridge in the situation wherein the pressurization dome member and liquid feed lance have been moved downwards to engage on the cartridge and the valve member respectively, with the valve member in its lowered dispensing position;

[0321] FIG. 30 shows schematically a beverage dispensing apparatus with a cartridge in opened condition

[0322] FIG. 31 shows a perspective top view of a capsule body of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a cartridge according to the invention;

[0323] FIG. 32 shows a side view in partial cross section of the capsule body of FIG. 31;

[0324] FIG. 33 shows a perspective view in cross section of the cartridge of FIGS. 31-32, with a nozzle received in the capsule body, in a first position;

[0325] FIG. 34 shows a perspective bottom view of the cartridge of FIG. 33;

[0326] FIG. 35 shows a perspective view in cross section of the cartridge of FIG. 31, with the nozzle received in the capsule body, in a second position; and

[0327] FIG. 36 shows a perspective bottom view of the cartridge of FIG. 35.

[0328] In the FIGS. 1-5 show a first exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 1 for providing a liquid product according to the invention.

[0329] The cartridge 1 comprises a sealed capsule 2 and a nozzle 21.

[0330] The sealed capsule 2 shown is to be filled with a portion of a liquid ingredient, which liquid ingredient is to be combined with a base liquid for the preparation of the liquid product, e.g. a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, e.g. carbonated water, for the preparation of a beverage.

[0331] The sealed capsule comprises a capsule body 5, a top seal 20, and, in the particular embodiment shown, a bottom seal 28. The capsule body 5 is shown in isolation in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0332] The capsule body 5 has a bottom 6 and a top 7, and further comprises an outer circumferential wall 8, an inner circumferential wall 9 and a bottom wall 10. The walls delimit an annular reservoir 11 between them,

[0333] The inner circumferential wall 9 and the outer circumferential wall 8 are at a top end respectively provided with an inner sealing surface 13 and an outer sealing surface 12, the sealing surfaces 12, 13 delimiting a reservoir access opening 14 between them.

[0334] The top seal 20, in the particular embodiment shown a top sealing film, is sealed to the inner sealing surface 13 and the outer sealing surface 12. The top seal 20 covers the reservoir 11, and hermetically seals the reservoir access opening 14.

[0335] The inner circumferential wall 9 forms a column 15, the column having an internal cavity 16 that extends between an upper opening 17, at a top of the column, and a bottom opening 18 at a bottom end of the column.

[0336] In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the upper opening 17 is encircled by the inner sealing surface 13. The top seal 20 is sealed to the inner sealing surface, and thus to the top of the column 15.

[0337] According to the invention, the bottom wall 10 of the capsule body 7 is provided with at least one reservoir outlet 19. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the reservoir outlet 19 is provided in the form of two apertures 19A, which apertures are located on opposite sides of the column 15. The apertures are sealed with a bottom seal 28.

[0338] Furthermore, with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the capsule body 4, on a bottom surface of the bottom wall 10, provided with a peripheral sealing surface 26 and an aperture sealing surface 27, the aperture sealing surface encircling the reservoir outflow aperture 19A. The aperture sealing surface 27 is located between the peripheral sealing surface 26 and the bottom opening 18 of the column 15.

[0339] The bottom seal 28 is releasable sealed to the aperture sealing surface 27, and hermetically seals the reservoir outflow aperture 19A. The bottom seal 28 is furthermore fixed to the peripheral sealing surface 26, and to the nozzle 21.

[0340] The cavity 16 holds the nozzle 21, shown in isolation in FIG. 3, which nozzle is configured for guiding a flow of base liquid, e.g. water, through at least part of the cavity 16, and for dispensing the base liquid at a bottom side of the capsule.

[0341] The nozzle 21 comprises a nozzle body 22, the nozzle body having a channel 23 extending between an inlet opening 24 at a top end of the nozzle and an outlet opening 25 at a bottom end of the nozzle.

[0342] The nozzle 21 is moveable, relative to the outer circumferential wall 8 of the capsule body 5, and relative to the bottom portion of the column, from a raised passive position, shown in FIG. 4, into a lowered dispensing position, shown in FIG. 5.

[0343] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the nozzle 21 furthermore has a flange 29 at the bottom end. The flange 29 has a sealing surface for the bottom seal 28 and has two outflow apertures 44. The outflow apertures 44 penetrate the flange 29 of the nozzle near the outlet opening 25 of the nozzle, for dispensing liquid ingredient at, or adjacent to, the flow of base liquid exiting, i.e. being dispensed from, the outlet opening 25.

[0344] The bottom seal 28 is fixed to the sealing surface 30 on the flange 29 of the nozzle. When the nozzle 15 is moved into the dispensing position, in the embodiment shown by compressing the column 15, the nozzle pulls the bottom seal 28 away from the outflow apertures 19A in the bottom wall of the capsule, enabling liquid ingredient to flow out of the reservoir. The bottom seal 28 remains attached to the peripheral sealing surface 26 of the bottom wall 10 of the capsule body 5

[0345] Thus, when the nozzle 15 is in the dispensing position, the bottom seal 28 remains attached to the peripheral sealing surface 26 of the bottom wall 10 of the capsule body 5 and to the sealing surface 30 of the nozzle 15, enabling the liquid ingredient to flow along the bottom seal 28 from the outflow apertures 19A in the bottom of the capsule to the dispensing apertures 44 in the flange 29 of the nozzle 21.

[0346] The cartridge shown in FIGS. 1-5 is thus configured to simultaneously dispense a flow of base liquid, via the channel in the nozzle, and two flows of liquid ingredient, from the reservoir, as unmixed flows at a bottom of the cartridge.

[0347] Furthermore, the dispensing apertures 44 of the nozzle 21 are positioned adjacent the inner wall that defines the channel in the column, i.e. the channel through which the base liquid is to be dispensed, such that the flows of liquid ingredient are dispensed adjacent the flow of base liquid, and the flows of liquid ingredient preferably adhere to the flow of base liquid. The liquid ingredient and the base liquid are mixed when the flows hit a container, e.g. a drinking glass, for holding the beverage. Thus, the turbulence created in the container by the flows being dispensed is used for mixing the flows. Compared with traditional set ups, in which a base liquid and liquid ingredient are typically mixed in a mixing chamber prior to being dispensed, a cartridge according to the invention allows for mixing a base liquid and a liquid ingredient with a minimum of turbulence in the flows. This is in particular beneficial when dispensing beverages comprising carbonated water. Because of the reduced turbulence during the dispensing process, less CO2 is separated from the water, and a beverage comprising a comparatively large CO2 content can be obtained.

[0348] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the cartridge is configured such that movement of the top end of the column opens the capsule. The combination of a sealed capsule body provided with a nozzle allows for the capsule body to have a simple shape.

[0349] The capsule has a centre column with a top end that can be pushed downward. In the embodiment shown, the column 15 is a collapsible column, i.e. the inner circumferential wall 9 is configured to buckle when the top end of the column is pressed downwards towards the bottom end of the column.

[0350] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, pushing the top end of the column moves the nozzle into the lowered dispensing position. Thus, the downward movement of the top end of the column makes that the bottom seal, sealed to the bottom end of the nozzle, is pulled away from the outflow aperture. The capsule does not require a complicated capsule body or external piercing device for opening the reservoir, more in particular for opening the capsule.

[0351] The capsule body having a simple shape allows for the capsule body, and thus for the walls of the capsule body, to be a multi-layer material. Furthermore, the simple shape of the capsule body is suitable for being provided by way of thermoforming. Thermoforming allows for using laminated materials, and thus provide a capsule body having improved barrier properties against low costs.

[0352] As such, the cartridge is configured to provide a capsule, more in particular a sealed reservoir, for holding an ingredient, which capsule has barrier properties fit the particular base ingredient to be held in the reservoir.

[0353] It is submitted that in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the sealed capsule 2 is provided with a diamond shaped bottom seal 28. In such an embodiment, the capsule body is provided with two outflow openings in its bottom wall, which outflow openings are provided on opposite sides of the column, and with a diamond shaped bottom seal.

[0354] The diamond shaped bottom seal has a central opening, through which a bottom end of the nozzle may protrude. The seals is at its circumference sealed to the bottom of the capsule body, and along its central opening to a flange of the nozzle. The seal is furthermore sealed to the bottom wall of the capsule body around the outflow apertures of the reservoir.

[0355] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the bottom of the capsule body is provided with an annular shaped recess, serving as a base to which the diamond shaped seal is fixed. The recess extends below the part of the bottom wall in which the reservoir outflow apertures are provided, and serves as a base to which the diamond shaped bottom seal is fixed. Thus, the outer end of the seal is spaced, in a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall in which the sealed outflow apertures are provided, which promotes the peeling away of the bottom seal from the outflow apertures when the nozzle is moved into the downward direction.

[0356] It is submitted that in the embodiment shown, the recess is diamond shaped because there are two outflow apertures provided on opposite sides of the column. It is submitted that the recess may have different shapes, for example be circular, and may be used in combination with different numbers of outflow apertures. For example, the recess may be triangular shaped in combination with three outflow apertures, each outflow aperture being located in a point of the triangle.

[0357] In these embodiments, the capsule is opened by pushing part of the nozzle out of the column of the capsule body, the nozzle thus pulling the centre of the bottom seal away from the bottom wall of the capsule body, and thus opening the outflow apertures of the reservoir.

[0358] Subsequently, the seal, still being sealed at its peripheral edge to the recess of the bottom of the capsule, and along its central opening to the nozzle, functions as a guide for the liquid ingredient being dispensed from the reservoir. The seal guides the liquid ingredient to the outlet opening of the nozzle, i.e. the opening at which the water is dispensed, such that the liquid ingredient can be dispensed parallel and adjacent to the flow of water.

[0359] It is submitted that the diamond shape of the seal, in combination with the two outflow openings of the reservoir, makes that the seal forms an optimal guide for the liquid ingredient. The diamond shape causes the seal to form guide channels, directed from below the reservoir outflow apertures towards the nozzle. The surface of the seal is slanted towards the centre of the guide channels and towards the nozzle. Thus, all liquid ingredient is guided towards the dispense opening, and the risk of liquid ingredient remaining in the guide channel, i.e. not being dispensed, is reduced.

[0360] In a preferred embodiment, the capsule body is a made out of a multi-layer material, preferably is thermoformed out of a sheet of multi-layer material, such that the walls of the capsule comprises multiple layers of different materials, the materials having different barrier properties.

[0361] FIGS. 6-9 show a second exemplary embodiment of a cartridge for providing a liquid product according to the claimed invention.

[0362] The cartridge comprises a sealed capsule 202, a bottom piercer 234 and a guide member 33.

[0363] Similar to the sealed capsule 2 shown in FIGS. 1-5, the sealed capsule comprises a top seal 220, e.g. a top sealing film.

[0364] The sealed capsule 202 differs from the sealed capsule 2 disclosed in FIGS. 1-5 in that the capsule is not provided with a bottom seal. Furthermore, the at least one reservoir outlet is provided in the form of a pierceable bottom area 219B, instead of sealed apertures 19A.

[0365] To dispense the liquid ingredient from the reservoir the pierceable bottom areas are to be pierced by the bottom piercer 234.

[0366] Similar to the sealed capsule 2 shown in FIGS. 1-5, the sealed capsule 202 shown in FIGS. 6-9, the capsule body 205 has a bottom 206 and a top 207, and further comprises an outer circumferential wall 208, an inner circumferential wall 209 and a bottom wall 210. The walls delimit an annular reservoir 211 between them,

[0367] The inner circumferential wall 209 and the outer circumferential wall 208 are at a top end respectively provided with an inner sealing surface 213 and an outer sealing surface 212, the sealing surfaces 212, 213 delimiting a reservoir access opening 214 between them.

[0368] The top seal 220, in the particular embodiment shown a top sealing film, is sealed to an inner sealing surface 213 and an outer sealing surface 212. The top seal 220 thus covers the reservoir 211, and hermetically seals the reservoir access opening 214.

[0369] The inner circumferential wall 209 forms a column 215, the column having an internal cavity 216 that extends between an upper opening 217, at a top of the column, and a bottom opening 218 at a bottom end of the column.

[0370] In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, the upper opening 217 is encircled by the inner sealing surface 213. The top seal 220 is sealed to the inner sealing surface, and thus to the top of the column 215.

[0371] According to the invention, the bottom wall 210 of the capsule body 205 is provided with at least one reservoir outlet 219. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, the reservoir outlet 219 is provided in the form of two apertures 219B, which apertures are located on opposite sides of the column 215.

[0372] The cavity 216 holds the nozzle 221, which nozzle is configured for guiding a flow of base liquid, e.g. water, through at least part of the cavity 216, and for dispensing the base liquid at a bottom side of the capsule.

[0373] The nozzle 221 comprises a nozzle body 222, the nozzle body having a channel 223 extending between an inlet opening 224 at a top end of the nozzle and an outlet opening 225 at a bottom end of the nozzle.

[0374] The nozzle 221 is moveable, relative to the outer circumferential wall 208 of the capsule body 205, from a raised passive position, shown in FIG. 8, into a lowered dispensing position, shown in FIG. 9.

[0375] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, the capsule body is provided with a collapsible column, i.e. the column 215 is provided with a buckle area 232, which buckle area 232 is configured to collapse when pressure is exerted on the top of the column. Thus, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the inner circumferential wall is configured to buckle when the top end of the column is pressed downwards towards the bottom end of the column, while the bottom of the capsule body remains in place. Therefore, the column is provided with an annular buckling portion, comprising faceted area that promote local collapse of the column.

[0376] In an alternative embodiment, the movement of the nozzle from a raised passive position into a lowered dispensing position is enabled by the column as a whole being moveable relative to the circumferential wall of the capsule body. In such an embodiment, the bottom of the capsule body is provided with an annular flexible bottom portion around the column.

[0377] The top seal 220 is sealed to an inner sealing surface 213 and the outer sealing surface 212 and covers the reservoir 221. The top seal 220 hermetically seals the reservoir access opening 214.

[0378] The bottom piercer 234 has a top end 235 and a bottom end 236, and is provided with an activation surface 237 at the top end and piercing members 238 at a bottom end thereof.

[0379] The bottom piercer 234 is located in the reservoir 211 of the capsule body 205. The activation surface 237 of the bottom piercer 234 is located at, or is adjacent to, the top end of the column 215. The piercing members 238 of the bottom piercer 234 are located at, or adjacent to, the bottom end of the column 215, and above the pierceable bottom areas 219B.

[0380] In the particular embodiment shown, the bottom piercer 234 is provided with two top seal opener members that are connected to the bottom piercer, e.g. so as to move down along with the bottom piercer. The top opener members each engage, e.g. are adhered to, the top seal at one or more areas that each are located in between the inner circumferential wall and the outer circumferential wall. Upon moving the bottom piercer down from its initial position to a lowered position, in which the reservoir outlet is pierced, the top seal opener members cause the top sealing film to be locally overstressed and thereby rupture and provide said one or more gas pressure introduction openings.

[0381] Pushing the bottom piercer 234 in a downward direction makes the piercing members 238 pierce the pierceable areas 219B of the bottom 206 of the capsule, thus enabling liquid ingredient to flow out of the reservoir outlets 219.

[0382] It is noted that in the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, the bottom piercer is pushed downward by pushing the activation surface 237 of the bottom piercer 234. Furthermore, the bottom piercer 234 is mounted over the collapsible column 215 such that the activation surface 237 of the bottom piercer is located adjacent the inner sealing surface 213 at the top of the collapsible column. This facilitates the column 215 and the bottom piercer 234 to be engaged, and pressed downward, simultaneously. Thus, the bottom areas 219B are pierced while the nozzle 221 is moved into the lowered dispensing position. Furthermore, the collapsible column 215 keeps the bottom piercer 234 centred relative to the pierceable bottom areas 219B, in particular while the bottom piercer is pressed down.

[0383] In the particular embodiment shown, the reservoir outlets 219 are provided in the form of pierceable bottom areas 129B. In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir is provided with reservoir outlets in the form of apertures sealed with a bottom seal, and the bottom piercer is used to pierce those bottom seals instead of a pierceable bottom area of the capsule.

[0384] In the preferred embodiment shown, the cartridge 201 is provided with a guide member 233, attached to the bottom 206 of the sealed capsule 202 and extending from below the pierceable bottom areas 219B, for receiving liquid ingredient flowing from the reservoir outlet, towards and below the bottom opening 218 of the column 215, to dispense the liquid ingredient at or adjacent the flow of base liquid exiting the outlet opening 225 of the nozzle 221, when in the latter is in the lowered dispensing position, shown in FIG. 9.

[0385] In the preferred embodiment shown, the guide member 233 and the nozzle 221 form a dispense aperture 244 between them, for dispensing the ingredient closely adjacent the liquid dispensed form the nozzle, preferably dispense the ingredient in the form of a shroud, said shroud coating the flow of liquid.

[0386] FIGS. 10-14 show a third exemplary embodiment of a cartridge for providing a liquid product according to the claimed invention.

[0387] The cartridge 301 comprises a sealed capsule 302 and a nozzle 321.

[0388] The sealed capsule 302 shown is to be filled with a portion of a liquid ingredient, which liquid ingredient is to be combined with a base liquid for the preparation of the liquid product, e.g. a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, e.g. carbonated water, for the preparation of a beverage.

[0389] The sealed capsule comprises a capsule body 305, a top seal 320, and, in the particular embodiment shown, a bottom seal 328.

[0390] The capsule body 305 has a bottom 306 and a top 307, and further comprises an outer circumferential wall 308, an inner circumferential wall 309 and a bottom wall 310. The walls delimit an annular reservoir 311 between them,

[0391] The inner circumferential wall 309 and the outer circumferential wall 308 are at a top end respectively provided with an inner sealing surface 313 and an outer sealing surface 312, the sealing surfaces 312, 313 delimiting a reservoir access opening 314 between them.

[0392] The top seal 320, in the particular embodiment shown a top sealing film, is sealed to the inner sealing surface 313 and the outer sealing surface 312. The top seal 320 covers the reservoir 311, and hermetically seals the reservoir access opening 314.FIGS. 10 and 11 depict the cartridge without the top seal.

[0393] The inner circumferential wall 309 forms a column 315, the column having an internal cavity 316 that extends between an upper opening 317, at a top of the column, and a bottom opening 318 at a bottom end of the column.

[0394] In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-15, the upper opening 317 is encircled by the inner sealing surface 313. The top seal 320 is sealed to the inner sealing surface, and thus to the top of the column 315.

[0395] Furthermore, in the particular embodiment shown, the bottom wall 310 of the capsule 302 has an annular flexible bottom portion 339 around the column 315 which flexible bottom portion enables the column 315 to be moved downwards from an initial position to a lower operative position.

[0396] According to the invention, the bottom wall 10 of the capsule body 307 is provided with at least one reservoir outlet 319. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-14, the reservoir outlet 319 is provided in the form of two apertures 319A, which apertures are located on opposite sides of the column 315. The apertures are sealed with the bottom seal 328, which bottom seal 328 in the particular embodiment shown is provided inside the reservoir 311.

[0397] On a top surface of the bottom wall 310 the capsule 302 is provided with aperture sealing surfaces 340 for sealing the seal to the bottom of the capsule. The aperture sealing surfaces encircle the apertures to enable a leak tight sealing of the apertures.

[0398] In addition to the aperture sealing surfaces 340, in the embodiment shown, the bottom wall 310, on a top surface, is provided with a peripheral sealing surface 341. The peripheral sealing surface 310 extends along the circumference of the bottom wall 310.

[0399] In an alternative embodiment, depicted in FIGS. 15-20 the cartridge 401 is provided with a capsule 402 that comprises an insert 442 located in the reservoir 411 on or at the bottom wall 410 of the capsule 402, wherein the insert 442 is provided with the peripheral sealing surface 441, the peripheral sealing surface 441 extending along the circumference of the bottom wall 410. Compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-14, this alternative embodiment thus differs in the way that the bottom seal is sealed at its outer end or outer ends. However, the bottom seal is at the reservoir outlets sealed to the bottom wall, and the seal is removed from those reservoir outlets, similar to the way the bottom seal is to be removed in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-14, i.e. by pushing the column in a downward direction, i.e. towards the bottom wall.

[0400] The cavity 316 holds the nozzle 321. The nozzle 316 is configured for guiding a flow of base liquid, e.g. water, through at least part of the cavity 316, and for dispensing the base liquid at a bottom side of the capsule.

[0401] The nozzle 321 comprises a nozzle body 322, the nozzle body having a channel 323 extending between an inlet opening 324 at a top end of the nozzle and an outlet opening 325 at a bottom end of the nozzle.

[0402] In the embodiment shown, the nozzle 316 is moveable, with the column 315, relative to the outer circumferential wall 308 of the capsule body 305, from a raised passive position, depicted in FIG. 12, into a lowered dispensing position, depicted in FIG. 13.

[0403] The bottom seal 328 is releasable sealed to the aperture sealing surfaces 340, hermetically sealing the reservoir outlet, and is fixed to the peripheral sealing surface.

[0404] Pushing the column 315 in a downward direction from the initial position, depicted in FIG. 12, to the lower operative position, depicted in FIG. 13, pulls the aperture sealing surface 340, provided on top of the bottom wall 310, away from the bottom seal 328, enabling liquid ingredient to flow out of the reservoir outlets 319.

[0405] In the preferred embodiment shown, the cartridge is furthermore provided with a guide member 333, attached to the bottom of the capsule 302 and extending from below the reservoir outlets 319, for receiving liquid ingredient flowing from the reservoir outlets 319, towards and below the bottom opening 318 of the column 315, to dispense the liquid ingredient at or adjacent the flow of base liquid exiting the outlet opening 325 of the nozzle 321, when in the nozzle is in the lowered dispensing position.

[0406] In contrast with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-20, the nozzle 321, 421 and the guide member 333, 433 are combined into a single component. The single component, comprising the nozzle and the guide member, is attached to the part of the bottom that moves with the column. Thus, the single component is in a fixed position relative to the column.

[0407] Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, with the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-20, the nozzle 321, 421 and the guide member 333, 433 form a dispense aperture 344, 444 between them, for dispensing the ingredient closely adjacent the liquid dispensed form the nozzle, preferably dispense the ingredient in the form of a shroud, said shroud coating the flow of liquid.

[0408] In an alternative embodiment, the single component, comprising the nozzle and the guide member, is attached to the part of the bottom that does not moves with the column. Thus, the single component is in a fixed position relative to the outer circumferential wall of the capsule, while the column can be moved relative to the nozzle and the guide member.

[0409] In yet another alternative embodiment, the guide member and the nozzle are separate components, and the guide member is attached to the part of the bottom that does not move with the column while the nozzle is attached to the moveable column. Thus, the single component is in a fixed position relative to the outer circumferential wall of the capsule, while the nozzle can be moved with the column.

[0410] In the embodiment shown, the insert 342 is provided with two piercing elements 347, located on opposite sides of the column 315. The piercing elements 347 extend from the bottom of the capsule 302 up to the top seal 320. Once the top end of the column 315 is pushed downward, the piercing elements 347 pierce the top seal, to enable gas to be injected into the reservoir 311.

[0411] It is noted that in the embodiment shown, the bottom seal 328 has a rectangular shape. The bottom seal 328 does not cover the entire bottom wall 310 of the capsule 302. In the embodiment shown, the bottom seal 328 extends from one side of the column 315 to an opposite side of the column. In an alternative embodiment, the bottom seal may also comprise a first seal and a second seal, one provided on one side of the column sealing a first reservoir outlet, and one provided on an opposite side of the column, sealing the second reservoir outlet. Many other shapes of bottom seal are conceivable within the scope of the invention.

[0412] An alternative embodiment of a cartridge 501 according to the invention is depicted in FIGS. 21-24.

[0413] An alternative embodiment of a cartridge 501 for providing a liquid product is depicted in FIGS. 21-24. The cartridge 501 comprises a sealed capsule 502, a nozzle 521 and a guide member 533. The cartridge furthermore comprises a bottom seal 528, which bottom seal is provided on a bottom surface of the sealed capsule, between the capsule 502 and the guide member 533, which guide member is also mounted to the bottom surface of the sealed capsule.

[0414] The sealed capsule 502 is similar to the sealed capsules discussed above. It is filled with a portion of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid for the preparation of the liquid product, e.g. a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, e.g. carbonated water, for the preparation of a beverage.

[0415] The sealed capsule 502 comprises a capsule body 505 and a top seal 520.

[0416] The capsule body 505 has a bottom 506 and a top 507, and further comprises an outer circumferential wall 508, an inner circumferential wall 509 and a bottom wall 510. The walls delimit an annular reservoir 511 between them,

[0417] The inner circumferential wall 509 and the outer circumferential wall 508 are at a top end respectively provided with an inner sealing surface 513 and an outer sealing surface 512, the sealing surfaces 512, 513 delimiting a reservoir access opening 514 between them.

[0418] The top seal 520, in the particular embodiment shown a top sealing film, is sealed to the inner sealing surface 513 and the outer sealing surface 512. The top seal 520 covers the reservoir 511, and hermetically seals the reservoir access opening 514.

[0419] The inner circumferential wall 509 forms a column 515, the column having an internal cavity 516 that extends between an upper opening 517, at a top of the column, and a bottom opening 518 at a bottom end of the column.

[0420] The bottom wall 510 has an annular flexible bottom portion 539 around the column 515 such that the column is movable downwards from an initial position, depicted in FIG. 23, to a lower operative position, depicted FIG. 24.

[0421] The cavity 516 holds the nozzle 521 which nozzle is configured for guiding a flow of base liquid, e.g. water, through at least part of the cavity 516, and for dispensing the base liquid at a bottom side of the capsule.

[0422] The nozzle 521 comprises a nozzle body 522, the nozzle body having a channel 523 extending between an inlet opening 524 at a top end of the nozzle and an outlet opening 525 at a bottom end of the nozzle.

[0423] The nozzle 521 is fixed in the bottom portion of the column 515, and thus moves with the column when the column is moved downwards from the initial position, depicted in FIG. 23, to the lower operative position, depicted FIG. 24. Thus, the nozzle is can be moved with the column, relative to the outer circumferential wall of the capsule body, from a raised passive position into a lowered dispensing position.

[0424] According to the invention, the bottom wall 510 of the capsule body 507 is provided with at least one reservoir outlet 519. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-24, the reservoir outlet 519 is provided in the form of two apertures 519A, which apertures are located on opposite sides of the column 515. The apertures are sealed with a bottom seal 528.

[0425] Furthermore, with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-24, aperture sealing surfaces 527 are provided on a bottom surface of the bottom wall 510. The aperture sealing surfaces 527 encircle the reservoir outflow apertures 519A. The bottom seal 528 is releasable sealed to the aperture sealing surfaces 527, and hermetically seals the reservoir outflow apertures 519A.

[0426] The bottom seal 528 is furthermore fixed to the nozzle 521. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-24 the nozzle is provided, on a bottom surface, with a sealing surface 543. The sealing surface 543 is located in the cavity 516, such that a gap 545 is present between the inner circumferential wall 509 of the capsule body 505 and the sealing surface 543 provided on the nozzle 521. The gap 545 is located between the reservoir outlet 519 and the sealing surface 543 on the nozzle 521 such that the bottom seal 528 extends over the gab 545.

[0427] The guide member 533 is attached to the bottom of the sealed capsule 502, at or near the outer circumferential wall 508, such that the guide member 533 is in a fixed position relative to the outer circumferential wall 508, i.e. not moves with the column 515 when the column is moved downwards from the initial position to the lower operative position, and the nozzle is moved from the raised passive position into the lowered dispensing position.

[0428] The guide member 533 extends from below the reservoir outlet 519, for receiving liquid ingredient flowing from the reservoir outlet, towards and below the bottom opening 518 of the column 515, to dispense the liquid ingredient at or adjacent the flow of base liquid exiting the outlet opening of the nozzle 521, when the nozzle is dispensing position.

[0429] In this embodiment, the guide member 533 is provided with rib elements 546. The rib elements 546 extend in an upward direction towards the bottom seal 528 when the column 515 is in the initial position, depicted in FIG. 23. The rib element 546 engages the bottom seal 528 and is received in the gab 545, when the column pushed into the lower operative position, depicted in FIG. 24.

[0430] Thus, by moving the column 515, relative to the outer circumferential wall 508 of the capsule body 505, from the raised passive position into the lowered dispensing position, the rib elements 546 pull the bottom seal 528 away from the reservoir outlets 519 to enable liquid ingredient to flow out of the reservoir outlets.

[0431] In view of further appreciation of the cartridges depicted in FIGS. 1-24 and its cooperation with an appropriate dispensing apparatus, e.g. beverage preparation and dispensing apparatus, now the preparation of a beverage or other liquid product will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 25 - 30. It is noted that the cartridges discussed herein can be used in conjunction with the same apparatus and dispensing can be achieved on the basis of the same principles.

[0432] FIGS. 25 - 29 depict components of a dispensing apparatus 1100 including: [0433] a housing 1105, [0434] a holder 1110 that here is movable relative to the housing 1105, here a sliding drawer, for accommodating and retaining the cartridge 1 at a dispensing location in the apparatus, [0435] a base liquid feed assembly with a base liquid feed lance 1120 that is disposed at the dispensing location, which lance 1120 may be embodied to pierce through the top sealing film 20 of the cartridge 1 and is embodied to connect to the channel 23 of the nozzle 21 of the cartridge 1, so that base liquid can be fed into the channel 23.

[0436] The apparatus 1100 is provided with a pressurized gas source, preferably a pressurized air source, e.g. an air pump or gas bottle, here schematically depicted at 130.

[0437] The apparatus 1100 is adapted to bring the pressurized gas source 1130 in direct communication with the reservoir of the cartridge 1001, more in particular of the capsule, so as to allow the liquid ingredient therein to be pressurized by said gas thereby assisting the dispensing of the liquid from the reservoir when the nozzle 23 of the cartridge 1 has been brought into the dispensing position thereof.

[0438] This is advantageous if the liquid ingredient is rather viscous and also allows for control of said dispensing, e.g. in view of the ratio between the liquid ingredient and the base liquid, e.g. during a dispensing cycle of a single beverage. The gas pressure control may also be used to compensate, if needed, for any temperature dependent viscosity effect of the liquid ingredient, e.g. increasing gas pressure when the liquid ingredient is cold.

[0439] In an embodiment the apparatus may comprises a temperature sensor adapted to sense the temperature of the liquid ingredient and/or of the cartridge at the start of the dispensing cycle, e.g. when placed in the holder of the apparatus or when arriving at or moving to the dispensing location.

[0440] One can also envisage a user inputting said temperature, e.g. “cartridge taken from refrigerator” and “ambient temperature cartridge”.

[0441] One can also envisage the top sealing film have a temperature responsive colouring area, that changes colour due to temperature change and thereby provides an indication of the actual temperature of the liquid ingredient. The apparatus may then have a sensor reading the temperature or an indicator thereof on the cartridge, or the user may be guided to provide the correct input for the apparatus.

[0442] The apparatus 1100 comprises a pressurization dome member 1140 having along a periphery thereof an outer gas seal 1146 that is adapted to sealingly engage the cartridge 1 around a location where the top sealing film is pierced to allow entry of pressurized gas into the reservoir. Here the outer gas seal 1146 is embodied to seal onto an outer sealing surface 12 of an outer circumferential wall 8 of the cartridge 1.

[0443] The pressurized gas source 1130 is connected to the dome member 1140 to allow feeding of pressurized gas beneath the dome member 1140 within the space sealed by the outer gas seal thereof that sealingly engages the cartridge. As the top sealing film has been opened, e.g. torn open by moving the top end of the column of the cartridge downward, this supply of pressurized gas, e.g. air, pressurized the liquid ingredient.

[0444] The base liquid feed lance 1120 here protrudes from the dome member 1140. The lance and the dome member 1140 are integrated to move in unison. The lance 1120 is provided with a gas seal 1146, here an O-ring, that seals onto the top end of the column to avoid entry of pressurized air into the channel.

[0445] The dispensing apparatus has an operable displacement device 1150, here with an excenter mechanism 1151 and an electric motor, which is adapted to produce a movement of the dome member 1140 and lance 1120 relative to the cartridge 1 that is held in the holder 1110.

[0446] When the displacement device 1150 is operated the lance 1120 may pierce the top sealing film 20 and will connect to the channel 23 of the nozzle 21. Continued downward motion of the lance 1120, here along with the dome member 1140, causes the base liquid feed lance to collapse part of the column, and move the top of the column 15 and thus the nozzle 21 to the dispensing position thereof, thus pressing the column and nozzle downwards from the raised position to the lower dispensing position thereof and thereby allowing the dispensing of beverage concentrate or the like from the cartridge 1, see FIG. 29.

[0447] The liquid feed assembly preferably is equipped for feeding in water as the base liquid, e.g. carbonated water, e.g. selectively carbonated and non-carbonated water, here via hose 1121. For example the liquid feed assembly comprise a pump for the base liquid and/or the liquid feed assembly is connected to a water mains, e.g. via an intermediate heat exchanger for cooling and/or heating said liquid, and/or via an intermediate carbonator for causing carbonization of the water.

[0448] The holder 1110 for the cartridge 1 is equipped to accommodate and retain the cartridge in a substantially horizontal position with the bottom downwards. The holder has an aperture below the bottom of the cartridge 1 in such a way that during dispensing of the liquid product said product remains clear of the holder. This avoids undue disturbance of the low, e.g. avoiding reduction of the carbon dioxide content of the liquid product and/or soiling of the apparatus and/or cross contamination between successive servings.

[0449] In the embodiment shown, the holder 1110 is a configured to support the cartridge below the flange of the cartridge only. In the embodiment shown, the holder is a drawer wherein the cavity for receiving the cartridge therein is completely free of a bottom or similar that supports the bottom of the cartridge. Thus, the cartridge has a bottom that is free hanging when the cartridge is in the holder.

[0450] At a distance below the dispensing location of the holder, the apparatus has a standing place for a mug or other receptacle, e.g. a drinking glass.

[0451] The user starts here by sliding open the drawer 1110 and placing the cartridge in a corresponding cavity in the drawer 1110. As is preferred the cartridge is now suspended from an upper flange as the holder forms a corresponding support surface for said upper flange. Now the user closes the drawer 1110 by sliding it with the cartridge 1 into the housing so that the cartridge is moved to the dispensing location of the apparatus 1100. This situation is depicted in FIGS. 25-27.

[0452] The displacement device 1150 is now operated so that the lance 1120 ruptures the top sealing film 20 and connects to the channel 23 of the nozzle 21. Continued downward motion of the lance 1120, here along with the dome member 1140, causes the base liquid feed lance to move the top end of the column 15 and thus the nozzle 20 to the dispensing position thereof, pressing the nozzle downwards from the raised position to the lowered dispensing position thereof and thereby allowing the dispensing of beverage concentrate or the like from the cartridge 1.

[0453] In the embodiment shown, the top seal 20 of the cartridge 1 is opened by the top end of the column, to the inner sealing surface 13 of which the top seal is sealed, being pressed downward relative to the outer circumferential wall, to the outer sealing surface 14 of which the seal is also sealed. The tension thus generated in the seal causes said seal to be torn open. In an alternative embodiment, piercing devices for piercing the top seal from the inside out can be provided in the reservoir. In yet another embodiment, the dispenser device may be provided with seal piercing devices.

[0454] As will be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 28 and 29, moving the upper portion of the column structure 15, here in combination with the nozzle 21, down from the initial position to the lower position, causes the top sealing film 6 to be locally overstressed and thereby rupture. The rupturing provides the desired one or more gas pressure introduction openings in the top sealing film 20.

[0455] In embodiment it is envisaged that the top sealing film 20 is pre-weakened at or near the one or more locations, e.g. with one or more premade score lines, e.g. made by laser scoring of the film.

[0456] The downward motion of the lance 1120 causes the base liquid feed lance to move the nozzle 20 to the dispensing position thereof, tears the bottom seal from the aperture sealing surface, thus opening the outflow apertures and allowing the liquid ingredient to flow from the reservoir of the capsule.

[0457] The diamond shape of the seal, in combination with the two outflow openings of the reservoir, makes that the seal forms an optimal guide for the liquid ingredient. The diamond shape causes the seal to form two guide channels, directed from below the reservoir outflow apertures towards the nozzle, more in particular towards dispensing apertures provided in the flange of the nozzle. The surface of the seal is slanted towards the centre of the guide channels and towards the nozzle.

[0458] Now the supply of carbonated water as well as of pressurized gas, e.g. air, is started, possibly with some timed delay of the one relative to the other. The liquid ingredient is now assisted in its travel through the outflow openings of the capsule body, from where it flows along the guide channels formed by the bottom seal towards the dispensing apertures in the nozzle. In this embodiment the liquid ingredient blends with the water travelling through the channel 23 after both the liquid ingredient and the water are dispensed from the nozzle at the bottom of the cartridge.

[0459] Once the single serving is prepared the flow of water or other base liquid is stopped. If desired some gas flow may be continued to fully empty the cartridge and/or to assure that the final drops of liquid ingredient, e.g. beverage concentrate, are discharged. This avoids loss of ingredient and soiling of the apparatus.

[0460] At the end of the dispensing cycle, the dome member 1140 and lance 1120 are moved to their initial position, clear from the cartridge 1, allowing the removal of the cartridge 1, hereby opening the drawer 1110 and taking out the cartridge.

[0461] FIG. 30 schematically shows a beverage dispensing apparatus 2200, similar to the one shown in FIGS. 25-29 with a cartridge 2001 in opened condition.

[0462] The apparatus has a housing 2205 and a holder 2210 for the cartridge, here a drawer, for accommodating and retaining the cartridge 2001 at a dispensing location in the apparatus. The dispensing location is directly above the support 2215 for a drinking glass 2216.

[0463] The apparatus 2000 comprises an air pump 2230 and a pressurization dome member 2240 having along a periphery thereof an outer gas seal that is adapted to sealingly engage the cartridge 2001 around a location where the top sealing film is apertured to allow entry of pressurized air from the air pump into the reservoir.

[0464] A base liquid feed lance 2220 is integrated with the dome member 2240 as a reciprocating unit, here vertically, driven by operable displacement device 2250, here with an excenter mechanism and an electric motor, which is adapted to produce a movement of the dome member 2240 and lance 2220 relative to the cartridge 2001 that is held in the holder 2210.

[0465] When the displacement device 2250 is operated the lance 2220 connects to the channel in the nozzle in the column of the cartridge 2001. Also – upon further motion of the lance 220 -the column, or at least a top end thereof, is pressed downward to its dispensing position and in the process the nozzle is also moved downward.

[0466] The apparatus 2000 has a water inlet 2260 to be connected to a water mains. If desired the apparatus may comprise a water filter to filter the water flowing into the apparatus.

[0467] Reference numeral 2265 denotes a water chiller device to chill the water, e.g. to a temperature between 2 and 10 Celsius.

[0468] The outlet of the water chiller device 2265 is connected, via valve assembly 2266, on the one hand directly to the lance 2220 and on the other hand to a carbonator 2270, e.g. an inline or tankless carbonator. A CO2 bottle 2275 is also connected to the carbonator 2270 so that the CO2 can be dissolved in the chilled water and then fed to the lance 2220.

[0469] Reference numeral 2280 denotes a flow through water heater adapted to provide hot water to the lance 2220. The flow thereof is controlled by hot water valve 2281.

[0470] In embodiments, the air pump 2230 is adapted to create an air pressure of between 0.5 and 2.5 bars above the atmospheric pressure. In embodiments the air pump 2230 will create a predetermined air pressure dependent on a readable indication on the cartridge, e.g. by reading a barcode, preferably said pressure being constant over a dispensing cycle.

[0471] In an embodiment, a dispensing cycle for a glass of beverage, e.g. of about 250 ml, will take between 15 and 30 seconds.

[0472] In an embodiment, the volume ratio between the liquid ingredient and the base liquid may be between 1: 4 and 1: 10. For example, a 50 ml volume of liquid ingredient in the reservoir is combined with 200 - 250 ml of carbonated water to fill a drinking glass.

[0473] In an embodiment the dispensing flow rate of the liquid ingredient from the reservoir is substantially uniform over the dispensing cycle of the base liquid, e.g. about 2 - 3 ml per second.

[0474] The FIGS. 31-36 show a sixth exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 601 for providing a liquid product according to the invention. The cartridge is similar to the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1-5.

[0475] The cartridge 601 comprises a sealed capsule 602 and a nozzle 621, see FIGS. 33 and 35.

[0476] The capsule 602 comprises a capsule body 605, a top seal 620, and, in the particular embodiment shown, a bottom seal 628. The capsule body 605 is shown in isolation in FIG. 31 and FIG. 32.

[0477] The capsule body 605 has a bottom 606 and a top 607, and further comprises an outer circumferential wall 608, an inner circumferential wall 609 and a bottom wall 610. The walls delimit an annular reservoir 611 between them, which reservoir is to be filled with a portion of a liquid ingredient, e.g. a beverage concentrate, that is to be combined with a base liquid for the preparation of a liquid product

[0478] The inner circumferential wall 609 and the outer circumferential wall 608 are at a top end respectively provided with an inner sealing surface 613 and an outer sealing surface 612, the sealing surfaces 612, 613 delimiting a reservoir access opening 614 between them.

[0479] The top seal 620, in the particular embodiment shown a top sealing film 620, is sealed to the inner sealing surface 613 and the outer sealing surface 612. The top seal 620 covers the reservoir 611, and hermetically seals the reservoir access opening 614.

[0480] The inner circumferential wall 609 forms a column 615, the column having an internal cavity 616 that extends between an upper opening 617, at a top of the column, and a bottom opening 618 at a bottom end of the column. The upper opening 617 is encircled by the inner sealing surface 613. The top seal 620 is sealed to the inner sealing surface, and thus to the top of the column 615.

[0481] The cavity 616 holds a nozzle 621, which nozzle is similar to the nozzle shown in isolation in FIG. 3. The nozzle 621 is depicted in cross section in FIGS. 33 and 35. The nozzle 621 is configured for guiding a flow of base liquid, e.g. carbonated water, through at least part of the cavity 616, and for dispensing the base liquid at a bottom side of the capsule. The base liquid is to be mixed with the liquid ingredient held in the reservoir.

[0482] The nozzle 621 comprises a nozzle body 622, and has a channel 623 for guiding a flow of base liquid. The channel 623 extends between an inlet opening 624 at a top end of the nozzle and an outlet opening 625 at a bottom end of the nozzle.

[0483] The nozzle 621 furthermore has a flange 629 at the bottom end. The flange 629 has a sealing surface for the bottom seal 628 and has two liquid ingredient dispensing apertures 644. The dispensing apertures 644 penetrate the flange 629 of the nozzle near the outlet opening 625 of the nozzle, for dispensing liquid ingredient at, or adjacent to, the flow of base liquid exiting, i.e. being dispensed from, the outlet opening 625 of the nozzle.

[0484] It is noted that in the embodiment shown, a wall section is provided in the dispensing apertures 644, dividing the dispensing apertures into two parallel channels located on opposite sides of the wall. In the figure, the cross section runs through the walls provided in the respective dispensing apertures. Thus, FIGS. 33 and 35 depict part of the walls and one of the two channels running along the wall.

[0485] The nozzle 621 is held in the column 615 and is moveable, with the top of the column, relative to the outer circumferential wall 608 of the capsule body 605. Thus, by pushing down the top end of the column 615, the nozzle 621 can be moved from a raised passive position, shown in FIG. 33, into a lowered dispensing position, shown in FIG. 35.

[0486] According to the invention, the bottom wall 610 of the capsule body 607 is provided with at least one reservoir outlet 619. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 31-36, the reservoir outlet 619 is provided in the form of two apertures 619A, which apertures are located on opposite sides of the column 615. The apertures are sealed with a bottom seal 628.

[0487] Furthermore, with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 31-36, the capsule body 604 is provided with a peripheral sealing surface 626 and an aperture sealing surface 627 on a bottom surface of the bottom wall 610. The aperture sealing surface 626 encircles the reservoir outflow aperture 619A. The aperture sealing surface 627 is located between the peripheral sealing surface 626 and the bottom opening 618 of the column 615.

[0488] The bottom seal 628 is releasable sealed to the aperture sealing surface 627, and hermetically seals the reservoir outflow aperture 619A. The bottom seal 628 is furthermore fixed to the peripheral sealing surface 626, and to the sealing surface 630 on the flange 629 of the nozzle.

[0489] The capsule 602 has a centre column 615 with a top end that can be pushed downward. In the embodiment shown, the column 615 is a collapsible column, i.e. the inner circumferential wall 609 of the capsule body 605 is configured to buckle when the top end of the column is pressed downwards towards the bottom end of the column. The column is provided with a structure that promotes buckling. Furthermore, the buckling structure 632 is provided to localize the buckling of the column to a specific area.

[0490] In the embodiment shown the buckling structure comprises diamond shaped recesses, separated by linear ridges. The wall of the column is provided with recesses to locally reduce the capability of the wall to support the a load applied to the top of the column. The ridges between the recesses form rigid areas. When the top of the column is pushed downward, the wall of the column buckles at the recessed areas while the ridges separating the recesses more or less stay intact. Thus, the ridges are moved from an angled position towards a horizontal position, causing the recessed area between the ridges to fold onto itself. The column buckles and the top of the column moves downward towards the lowered end of the column.

[0491] In the embodiment shown, two rows of diamond shaped recesses are provided, wherein the ridges between the recesses of the upper row extend at an angle opposite to the angle of the ridges of the lower row. It is submitted that the buckling of the column using diamond shaped recesses causes the top of the column to rotate about a vertical axis. By providing the ridges of the lower and the upper row of diamond shaped recesses at opposite angles, the rotational movement caused by the upper row of diamond shaped recesses is counteracted by the rotational movement of the lower row of diamond shaped recesses. Thus, in the embodiment shown, the buckling causes no, or only minimal, rotation of the upper end of the column relative to the lower end of the column.

[0492] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, a lower portion of the column 615 is provided with a reinforcing structure 662. This reinforcing structure 662 is provided to resists buckling of the column 615 when the top of the column is pressed downward, and thus further promotes confinement of the buckling to a specific area of the column.

[0493] In the embodiment shown, the reinforcement structure comprises ribs that extend in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the column, when seen in side view. The ribs extending parallel to the direction of a force applied to the top of the column to move it in the downward direction, makes that the recesses resist buckling of the column.

[0494] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, pushing the top end of the column moves the nozzle into the lowered dispensing position. Thus, the downward movement of the top end of the column makes that the bottom seal, sealed to the bottom end of the nozzle, is pulled away from the outflow aperture. The capsule does not require a complicated capsule body or external piercing device for opening the reservoir, more in particular for opening the capsule.

[0495] The cartridge 601 is depicted, without a top seal, in FIGS. 33 and 34 in a passive position and in FIGS. 35 and 36 in an active position. By pushing down the top of the column 615, the nozzle 615 is moved from the passive position into the dispensing position.

[0496] When the nozzle 615 is moved into the dispensing position, the nozzle pulls the bottom seal 628 away from the outflow apertures 619A in the bottom wall of the capsule, enabling liquid ingredient to flow out of the reservoir 611. The bottom seal 628 remains, along its periphery, attached to the peripheral sealing surface 626 of the bottom wall 610 of the capsule body 605.

[0497] Thus, when the nozzle 615 is in the dispensing position, the bottom seal 628 is along its periphery attached to the peripheral sealing surface 626 of the capsule body 5 and is at its centre attached to the sealing surface 630 of the nozzle 615. The bottom seal 628 thus forms a funnel for guiding liquid ingredient dispensed from the outflow apertures 619A in the bottom of the capsule to the two dispensing apertures 644 in the flange 629 of the nozzle 621.

[0498] The cartridge 601 shown in FIGS. 31-36 is thus configured to simultaneously dispense a flow of base liquid, via the base liquid outlet aperture 631 at the bottom end of the channel 623 of the nozzle 621, and two flows of liquid ingredient, via the dispensing apertures 644 in the flange of the nozzle 621. The base liquid and the liquid ingredient are combined as unmixed flows at a bottom of the cartridge.

[0499] In the embodiment shown, the nozzle 621 is instrumental in combining the flows of liquid ingredient with the flow of base liquid. The liquid ingredient dispensing apertures 644 of the nozzle 621 are positioned adjacent an inner wall of the nozzle that defines the channel 623 of the nozzle 621 through which the base liquid is to be dispensed, such that the flows of liquid ingredient are dispensed adjacent the flow of base liquid. The flows of liquid ingredient preferably are dispensed such that they adhere to the flow of base liquid. The liquid ingredient and the base liquid are mixed when the flows hit a container, e.g. a drinking glass, for holding the beverage. Thus, the turbulence created in the container by the flows being dispensed is used for mixing the flows. Compared with traditional set ups, in which a base liquid and liquid ingredient are typically mixed in a mixing chamber prior to being dispensed, a cartridge according to the invention allows for mixing a base liquid and a liquid ingredient with a minimum of turbulence in the flows. This is in particular beneficial when dispensing beverages comprising carbonated water. Because of the reduced turbulence during the dispensing process, less CO2 is separated from the water, and a beverage comprising a comparatively large CO2 content can be obtained.

[0500] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 31-36, the cartridge 601 is configured such that movement of the top end of the column 615 opens the sealed capsule 602. The combination of a capsule body 605 with a nozzle 621, the capsule being sealed with a top seal 620 and a bottom seal 628, allows for the capsule body to have a simple shape. The capsule body having a simple shape allows for the capsule body, and thus for the walls of the capsule body, to be a multi-layer material. Furthermore, the simple shape of the capsule body is suitable for being provided by way of thermoforming. Thermoforming allows for using laminated materials, and thus provide a capsule body having improved barrier properties against low costs.

[0501] As such, the cartridge is configured to provide a capsule, more in particular a sealed reservoir, for holding an ingredient, which capsule has barrier properties fit the particular base ingredient to be held in the reservoir.

[0502] It is submitted that in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 31-36, the sealed capsule 602 is provided with a diamond shaped bottom seal 628. In such an embodiment, the capsule body 605 is provided with two outflow openings 644 in its bottom wall 610, which outflow openings are provided on opposite sides of the column 615.

[0503] In the depicted embodiment, the diamond shaped bottom seal 628 has a central opening, through which a bottom end of the nozzle 621 protrudes. The bottom seals 628 is at its circumference sealed to the bottom of the capsule body 605, and along its central opening to a flange 629 of the nozzle 621. The bottom seal 628 is furthermore sealed to the bottom wall 610 of the capsule body 605 around the outflow apertures 619A of the reservoir 611.

[0504] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 31-36, the bottom of the capsule body 605 is provided with an annular shaped shoulder. The bottom seal 628 is sealed along its periphery to the annular shaped shoulder. The nozzle is provided with an annular flange. The bottom seal 628 is fixed along its centre opening to the flange.

[0505] In the embodiments shown, the capsule is opened by pushing part of the nozzle comprising the flange out of the column of the capsule body. The nozzle thus pulls the centre of the bottom seal away from the bottom wall of the capsule body, which causes the bottom seal to be pulled away from the outflow apertures of the reservoir. Thus, the sealed capsule is opened.

[0506] Subsequently, the bottom seal, still being fixed at its peripheral edge to the bottom of the capsule, and along its central opening to the nozzle, functions as a guide for the liquid ingredient being dispensed from the reservoir. The seal guides the liquid ingredient to the outlet opening of the nozzle, i.e. the opening at which the base liquid is dispensed, such that the liquid ingredient can be dispensed parallel and adjacent to the flow of base liquid.

[0507] It is submitted that the diamond shape of the seal, in combination with the two outflow openings of the reservoir, makes that the seal forms an optimal guide for the liquid ingredient. The diamond shape causes the seal to form to guide channels, directed from below the reservoir outflow apertures towards the nozzle. The surface of the seal is slanted towards the centre of the guide channels and towards the nozzle. Thus, all liquid ingredient is guided towards the dispense opening, and the risk of liquid ingredient remaining in the guide channel, i.e. not being dispensed, is reduced.

[0508] In a preferred embodiment, the capsule body is a made out of a multi-layer material, preferably is thermoformed out of a sheet of multi-layer material, such that the walls of the capsule comprises multiple layers of different materials, the materials having different barrier properties.