US20120251693A1 - Method, system and receptacle for preparing a beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for preparing a beverage using an extractable product is disclosed. The method comprises providing an exchangeable capsule that comprises a circumferential first wall, a second wall and a third wall which together enclose an inner space comprising an extractable product. The second wall of the capsule is pierced by means of at least one blade. Via the pierced second wall there is supplied an amount of fluid under a pressure to the inner space of the capsule. The prepared beverage is drained through the third wall of the capsule. A length of the at least one blade is chosen such that during the said fluid supplying the shortest possible axial distance between the third wall and the at least one blade in the inner space is less than 80 percent of the overall axial capsule length.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/NL2009/050836 filed on Dec. 30, 2009 (which is hereby incorporated herein by reference); which claimed priority to European Application Nos. EP09162920.4 and EP09163013.7 both filed on Jun. 17, 2009 and both are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The invention relates to a method and a system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage, such as coffee, using an extractable product contained in an exchangeable capsule. The invention also relates to a receptacle for holding such an exchangeable capsule and for use in an apparatus for preparing, out of the extractable product, such a predetermined quantity of beverage. More in particular, the invention relates to such a method in which the capsule is pierced by at least one blade for letting fluid flow into the capsule, as well as to such a system and receptacle, wherein the receptacle has at least one blade arranged for piercing the capsule.
BACKGROUND
• Such a method, system and receptacle are known, for example from EP 1299022B1.
• As to the exchangeable capsules, several embodiments thereof do exist, both in terms of shape and materials used. However, one of the problems still unsolved of the capsules at issue is represented by the optimization of brewing conditions, and in particular by the option of obtaining, through the capsule, a fluid flow even and optimal from the standpoint of the resulting beverage. For this purpose, a drawback often found is represented by the fact that the fluid passes through privileged portions of the capsule only, instead of throughout the internal housing receiving the infusion. Moreover, the significant parameters of the flow passing through the capsule, like, e.g., speed and direction, may variously be affected by its shape, often even in a way and to an extent a priori unforeseeable, to the detriment of the quality of the end beverage and of the repeatability of its features, e.g. in terms of taste and density.
• It is an object of the invention to provide a solution according to which the process of extracting the extractable product in the exchangeable capsule is improved.
SUMMARY
• In one embodiment, a method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage, such as coffee, using an extractable product is disclosed. The method comprises providing an exchangeable capsule, comprising a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second end opposite the second wall, wherein the first, second and third wall enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the capsule has a longitudinal central capsule axis and an overall axial capsule length measured along said central capsule axis. The method further comprises piercing the second wall of the exchangeable capsule by means of at least one blade, supplying, via the pierced second wall of the exchangeable capsule, an amount of fluid, such as water, under a pressure to the inner space of the exchangeable capsule; and draining the prepared beverage through the third wall of the exchangeable capsule, wherein a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that during the fluid supplying the fluid the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central exchangeable capsule axis, between the third wall and the at least one blade in the inner space is less than 80 percent of said overall axial exchangeable capsule length.
• In another embodiment, a system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage, such as coffee, using an extractable product, is disclosed. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule comprising a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second end opposite the second wall, wherein the first, second and third wall enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the exchangeable capsule has a longitudinal central exchangeable capsule axis and an overall axial exchangeable capsule length measured along said central exchangeable capsule axis. The system further comprises an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, the receptacle comprising a first holding part and a second holding part, wherein the second holding part in use is movable in the apparatus relative to the first holding part from an open position at which the two parts are distant relative to one another to enable the insertion of the exchangeable capsule between the two parts and a closed position at which the first and second holding parts together are defining an internal cavity of the receptacle for containing the exchangeable capsule to be extracted with the first and second holding parts closed about the exchangeable capsule, wherein the second holding part comprises a fluid intake channel arranged for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under a pressure to the internal cavity, and a blade system comprising at least one blade arranged for piercing the second wall of the exchangeable capsule in the internal cavity for letting the fluid flow into the exchangeable capsule, and wherein the first holding part comprises a support surface arranged to abut against the third wall of the exchangeable capsule in the internal cavity for draining through that third wall and through the support surface the prepared beverage, and a fluid dispensing device for the supplying of fluid to the fluid intake channel, wherein a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that during the said fluid supplying the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central exchangeable capsule axis, between the third wall and the at least one blade in the inner space is less than 80 percent of said overall axial exchangeable capsule length.
• In yet another embodiment, a receptacle for holding an exchangeable capsule is disclosed. The receptacle is configured for containing an extractable product and for use in an apparatus for preparing, out of the extractable product, a predetermined quantity of beverage, such as coffee, the receptacle comprising a first holding part and a second holding part, wherein the second holding part in use is movable in the apparatus relative to the first holding part from an open position at which the two parts are distant relative to one another to enable the insertion of the exchangeable capsule between the two parts and a closed position at which the first and second holding parts together are defining an internal cavity of the receptacle for containing the exchangeable capsule to be extracted with the first and second holding parts closed about the exchangeable capsule, wherein the internal cavity has a longitudinal central cavity axis and an overall axial cavity length measured along the central cavity axis; wherein the second holding part comprises: a fluid intake channel arranged for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under a pressure to the internal cavity, and a blade system comprising at least one blade arranged for piercing the exchangeable capsule in the internal cavity for letting the fluid flow into the exchangeable capsule; wherein the first holding part comprises a support surface arranged to abut against a wall of the exchangeable capsule in the internal cavity for draining through that wall and through the support surface the prepared beverage; and wherein a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that in the said closed position the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central cavity axis, between the support surface and the at least one blade in the internal cavity is less than 80 percent of said overall axial cavity length.
• Thus, for a method and a system according to the invention, a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that during the said fluid supplying the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central capsule axis, between the third wall and the at least one blade in the inner space is less than 80% (preferably less than 75%, more preferably less than 70%) of said overall axial capsule length, while, for a receptacle according to the invention, a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that in the said closed position the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central cavity axis, between the support surface and the at least one blade in the internal cavity is less than 80% (preferably less than 75%, more preferably less than 70%) of said overall axial cavity length.
• Therefore, for a method, system and receptacle according to the invention, a corresponding high penetration depth of the at least one blade piercing the capsule is obtained. Since the blade or blades deeply penetrate the capsule, optimal flow conditions are obtained for the fluid passing through the capsule itself, to the advantage of the quality and repeatability of the end beverage and also of the correct operation of the associated machines, which are not subject to unforeseeably variable flow conditions. In fact, the deeply penetrating blade or blades act as divider plates within the capsule, and prevent the occurring of preferential flow paths through the extractable product. In addition to this advantage of obtaining optimal flow conditions, the deeply penetrating blade or blades provide the further advantage that the extractable product within the capsule is more intensively compacted just prior to the extraction process, which also is favourable from the standpoint of the resulting beverage.
• It is remarked that the said favourable “divider plate” and “compacting” effects will even be higher in cases of still higher penetration depths than the penetration depths that correspond to the mentioned percentages 80%, 75% and 70%. That is, even higher improvements are achieved for a method and a system according to the invention, when a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that during the said fluid supplying the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central capsule axis, between the third wall and the at least one blade in the inner space is less than 60% (preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 40%, or even more preferably less than 30%) of said overall axial capsule length. Similarly, even higher improvements are achieved for a receptacle according to the invention, when a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that in the said closed position the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central cavity axis, between the support surface and the at least one blade in the internal cavity is less than 60% (preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 40%, or even more preferably less than 30%) of said overall axial cavity length.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention will now be further elucidated by means of, non-limiting, examples referring to the schematic figures in the enclosed drawing, in which:
• FIG. 1 shows, in partial longitudinal section, an example of an embodiment of a receptacle according to the invention, wherein holding parts of the receptacle are in open position;
• FIG. 2 shows the example ofFIG. 1 once again, wherein, however, the holding parts are in closed position;
• FIG. 3 shows, in perspective view, an example of a variant of at least one blade for use in a method, system and receptacle according to the invention; and
• FIG. 4 shows, in perspective view, an example of another variant of at least one blade for use in a method, system and receptacle according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
• InFIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a receptacle for holding anexchangeable capsule20 containing an extractable product and for use in an apparatus for preparing, out of the extractable product, a predetermined quantity of beverage, such as coffee. The receptacle comprises a first holding part11 and asecond holding part12.
• The second holdingpart12 in use is movable in the apparatus relative to the first holding part11 from an open position (shown inFIG. 1) at which the two parts are distant relative to one another to enable the insertion of thecapsule20 between the two parts and a closed position (shown inFIG. 2) at which the first and second holding parts together are defining an internal cavity9 of the receptacle for containing thecapsule20 to be extracted with the first and second holding parts closed about thecapsule20. The internal cavity9 has a longitudinal central cavity axis C1 and an overall axial cavity length L1 measured along said central cavity axis C1.
• Thesecond holding part12 comprises afluid intake channel3 arranged for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under a pressure to the internal cavity9, and a blade system7 comprising at least oneblade8 arranged for piercing thecapsule20 in the internal cavity9 for letting the fluid flow into thecapsule20.
• The first holding part11 comprises asupport surface4 arranged to abut against awall23 of the capsule in the internal cavity9 for draining through thatwall23 and through thesupport surface4 the prepared beverage.
• A length of the at least one blade is chosen such that in the said closed position (seeFIG. 2) the shortest possible axial distance D1, measured along said central cavity axis C1, between thesupport surface4 and the at least oneblade8 in the internal cavity9 is less than 80% of said overall axial cavity length L1, preferably less than 75% of said overall axial cavity length L1, and more preferably less than 70% of said overall axial cavity length L1.
• In the shown example, thesecond holding part12 has athread15 so that it can be screwed onto a part16 (seeFIG. 2) of an apparatus for preparing a beverage. Ahousing17 may be used in order to arrange a seal in it to permit good leaktightness. Furthermore, in view of good leaktightness, thesecond holding part12 may comprise adynamic seal14, that is to say a seal having a certain flexibility. This seal is made of any plastic. This seal if preferably made of elastomer.
• Arranged directly at the outlet of thechannel3 is the blade system7. The blade system7 comprises threeopenworked blades8 connected to aring31 with a central opening32 (seeFIG. 1) which permits intake of water. Theblades8 are able to make slits in the top of the capsule to be extracted. For that purpose, theblades8 are provided with cutting edges38 (seeFIG. 1).Apertures18 in theblades8 permit a good passage of water into thecapsule20. Note, that various blade systems may be used. For example,FIG. 3 shows an example of anotherblade system107 that comprises threeopenworked blades108 connected to aring131 with acentral opening132, and havingapertures118 and cuttingedges38. Furthermore,FIG. 4 shows an example of yet anotherblade system207 that comprises threeopenworked blades208 connected to aring231 with acentral opening232, and havingcutting edges238. Note, that theblades208 are not openworked. In the shown examples, each blade system has three identical blades which are equally spaced within the blade system. According to the invention it is however possible to apply in a blade system other types of blade spacings, other numbers of blades, such as one, two, four, five, six, etcetera, and/or blades which mutually differ in shape and/or size.
• The above described receptacle is for use in an apparatus for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage, such as coffee, using an extractable product. Such an apparatus comprises such a receptacle, as well as a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under a pressure to the fluid intake channel of the receptacle. InFIG. 2 there is shown, in a highly schematical way, such afluid dispensing device30.
• A system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage, such as coffee, using an extractable product, comprises such an apparatus, as well as an exchangeable capsule comprising an inner space comprising the extractable product.
• As mentioned above, the invention provides a method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage, such as coffee, using an extractable product. Such a method, which may be performed with or without a receptacle according to the invention, is now elucidated with reference to the examples shown in theFIGS. 1-4. Such a method comprises: providing an exchangeable capsule20, comprising a circumferential first wall21, a second wall22 closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a third wall23 closing the circumferential first wall21 at a second end opposite the second wall, wherein the first, second and third wall enclose an inner space19 comprising the extractable product, wherein the capsule20 has a longitudinal central capsule axis C2 and an overall axial capsule length L2 measured along said central capsule axis C2; piercing the second wall22 of the capsule20 by means of at least one blade8 or108 or208; supplying, via the pierced second wall22 of the capsule20, an amount of fluid, such as water, under a pressure to the inner space19 of the capsule20; and draining through the third wall23 of the capsule20 the prepared beverage; wherein a length of the at least one blade8 or108 or208 is chosen such that during the said fluid supplying the shortest possible axial distance D2, measured along said central capsule axis C2, between the third wall23 and the at least one blade8 or108 or208 in the inner space19 is less than 80% of said overall axial capsule length L2, preferably less than 75% of said overall axial capsule length L2, and more preferably less than 70% of said overall axial capsule length L2.
• In the shown example, the fluid may for example be hot water and the extractable product may for example be coffee. After the hot water arrives and passes through the bed of coffee via the openings made by the blades, as a result of a rise in pressure in the capsule, thethird wall23 of thecapsule20 may for example tear on raised and recessed elements of the first holding part11 and the capsule opens and the coffee may flow into a cup placed downstream of thereceptacle11,12.
• 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 scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
• The fluid intake channel may for example be connected to the internal cavity at different other locations, for example distant from the blade system, in which case there may be no need for the blade system to have an opening such as the showncentral opening32 of thering31.
• Various materials may be used for the blades. It is preferable to have blades which have good resistance to piercing of aluminium capsules. The blades are thus preferably made of metal (iron, brass, chromium-plated brass) or of steel, preferably stainless steel. They may be made by stamping and folding, which makes them easy and inexpensive to produce and they have a service life equivalent to the service life of the machine on which they are fitted. The configuration of the blades may be such that it is possible to make small openings or larger openings in the capsule to be extracted. In case of slit-like openings, the shape of the slits is preferably not square, but instead substantially rectangular: the length-to-width ratio of said slits or said blades is preferably between 2 and 8.
• The overall axial capsule length of the capsules to be extracted is normally of the order of 30 mm, in which case the length of the at least one blade, measured along the central capsule or cavity axis, normally is larger than 15 mm, preferably larger than 18 mm, more preferably larger than 21 mm, while the width of the blade is between 2 and 8 mm and its thickness between 0.2 and 1 mm.
• The setting of the receptacle according to the invention in the apparatus is not critical. It is equally possible to provide for the water to arrive from above or from below, or any other possibility.
• The capsule and parts thereof may be made of various materials, or various combinations of various materials. Also, the capsule may have various shapes. For example, the circumferential first wall may have any shape such as cylindrical, hemispherical, frustoconical or polygonal, such as hexagonal or octagonal. Also the second and third walls may have various forms, including forms which are non-flat.
• However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.
• In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (10)

1. A method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage, such as coffee, using an extractable product, comprising:

providing an exchangeable capsule, comprising a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second end opposite the second wall, wherein the first, second and third wall enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the capsule has a longitudinal central capsule axis and an overall axial capsule length measured along said central capsule axis;

piercing the second wall of the exchangeable capsule by means of at least one blade;

supplying, via the pierced second wall of the exchangeable capsule, an amount of fluid, such as water, under a pressure to the inner space of the exchangeable capsule; and

draining the prepared beverage through the third wall of the exchangeable capsule;

wherein a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that during the fluid supplying the fluid the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central exchangeable capsule axis, between the third wall and the at least one blade in the inner space is less than 80 percent of said overall axial exchangeable capsule length.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the length of the at least one blade is chosen such that during the fluid supplying the shortest possible axial distance, measured along the central exchangeable capsule axis, between the third wall and the at least one blade in the inner space is less than 75 percent of said overall axial exchangeable capsule length.

3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the length of the at least one blade is chosen such that during the fluid supplying the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central exchangeable capsule axis, between the third wall and the at least one blade in the inner space is less than 70 percent of said overall axial exchangeable capsule length.

4. A system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage, such as coffee, using an extractable product, the system comprising:

an exchangeable capsule comprising a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second end opposite the second wall, wherein the first, second and third wall enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the exchangeable capsule has a longitudinal central exchangeable capsule axis and an overall axial exchangeable capsule length measured along said central exchangeable capsule axis; and

an apparatus comprising:

a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, the receptacle comprising a first holding part and a second holding part, wherein the second holding part in use is movable in the apparatus relative to the first holding part from an open position at which the two parts are distant relative to one another to enable the insertion of the exchangeable capsule between the two parts and a closed position at which the first and second holding parts together are defining an internal cavity of the receptacle for containing the exchangeable capsule to be extracted with the first and second holding parts closed about the exchangeable capsule, wherein the second holding part comprises a fluid intake channel arranged for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under a pressure to the internal cavity, and a blade system comprising at least one blade arranged for piercing the second wall of the exchangeable capsule in the internal cavity for letting the fluid flow into the exchangeable capsule, and wherein the first holding part comprises a support surface arranged to abut against the third wall of the exchangeable capsule in the internal cavity for draining through that third wall and through the support surface the prepared beverage; and

a fluid dispensing device for the supplying of fluid to the fluid intake channel;

wherein a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that during the said fluid supplying the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central exchangeable capsule axis, between the third wall and the at least one blade in the inner space is less than 80 percent of said overall axial exchangeable capsule length.

5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the length of the at least one blade is chosen such that during the fluid supplying the shortest possible axial distance, measured along the central exchangeable capsule axis, between the third wall and the at least one blade in the inner space is less than 75 percent of said overall axial exchangeable capsule length.

6. The system ofclaim 5, wherein a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that during the fluid supplying the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central exchangeable capsule axis, between the third wall and the at least one blade in the inner space is less than 70 percent of said overall axial exchangeable capsule length.

7. A receptacle for holding an exchangeable capsule containing an extractable product and for use in an apparatus for preparing, out of the extractable product, a predetermined quantity of beverage, such as coffee, the receptacle comprising a first holding part and a second holding part;

wherein the second holding part in use is movable in the apparatus relative to the first holding part from an open position at which the two parts are distant relative to one another to enable the insertion of the exchangeable capsule between the two parts and a closed position at which the first and second holding parts together are defining an internal cavity of the receptacle for containing the exchangeable capsule to be extracted with the first and second holding parts closed about the exchangeable capsule, wherein the internal cavity has a longitudinal central cavity axis and an overall axial cavity length measured along the central cavity axis;

wherein the second holding part comprises:

a fluid intake channel arranged for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under a pressure to the internal cavity, and

a blade system comprising at least one blade arranged for piercing the exchangeable capsule in the internal cavity for letting the fluid flow into the exchangeable capsule;

wherein the first holding part comprises a support surface arranged to abut against a wall of the exchangeable capsule in the internal cavity for draining through that wall and through the support surface the prepared beverage; and

wherein a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that in the said closed position the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central cavity axis, between the support surface and the at least one blade in the internal cavity is less than 80 percent of said overall axial cavity length.

8. The receptacle ofclaim 7, wherein a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that in the said closed position the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central cavity axis, between the support surface and the at least one blade in the internal cavity is less than 75 percent of said overall axial cavity length.

9. The receptacle ofclaim 8, wherein a length of the at least one blade is chosen such that in the said closed position the shortest possible axial distance, measured along said central cavity axis, between the support surface and the at least one blade in the internal cavity is less than 70 percent of said overall axial cavity length.

10. An apparatus for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage, such as coffee, using an extractable product, comprising:

the receptacle according toclaim 7; and

a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under a pressure to the fluid intake channel of the receptacle.

Images