阅读说明：本技术 用于制备饮料的胶囊和系统 (Capsule and system for preparing a beverage ) 是由 理查德·约翰·安德鲁斯 格布兰德·克里斯蒂安·德·格拉夫 保罗·奥尔德森 克里斯蒂安·索拉诺· 于 2018-07-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于制备饮料的胶囊,该胶囊包括基本上刚性的胶囊主体,该胶囊主体具有圆周壁和与填充有饮料成分的内部空间接界的底壁。该圆周壁的在与该底壁相对的端部处的该胶囊的开口填充侧覆盖有不透流体材料的盖。该盖设置有预成形的流出开口,该流出开口适于当在饮料制备装置中使用该胶囊时将所制备的饮料从该内部空间排出。该流出开口通过在该盖的至少一部分之上延伸的可移除的覆盖元件而被不透流体地封闭。(A capsule for preparing a beverage comprises a substantially rigid capsule body having a circumferential wall and a bottom wall bordering an inner space filled with a beverage ingredient. The open filling side of the capsule at the end of the circumferential wall opposite the bottom wall is covered with a cover of fluid-tight material. The lid is provided with a pre-shaped outflow opening adapted to drain the prepared beverage from the inner space when the capsule is used in a beverage preparation device. The outflow opening is fluid-tightly closed by a removable cover element extending over at least a portion of the lid.)

1. Capsule for preparing a beverage, the capsule comprising a substantially rigid capsule body having a circumferential wall extending around an interior space of the capsule, the interior space being at least partially filled with a beverage ingredient suitable for preparing a beverage, and a bottom wall covering the interior space at a first end of the circumferential wall, the capsule comprising a lid covering the interior space at a second end of the circumferential wall opposite the bottom wall, wherein a membrane is provided in the interior space of the capsule between the beverage ingredient and the lid, wherein the lid is provided with a pre-formed outflow opening adapted to drain the prepared beverage from the interior space when the capsule is used in the beverage preparation device, wherein the membrane extends at least over the surface of the outflow opening, the outflow opening is fluid-tightly closed by a removable cover element extending over at least a portion of the lid.

2. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the cover element is attached to the lid.

3. The capsule of claim 2, wherein a layer of adhesive material is disposed between the cover element and the lid, the layer of adhesive material being adapted to removably adhere the cover element to the lid.

4. The capsule of claim 3, wherein the layer of adhesive material is disposed on a portion of the cover element extending over the lid, wherein the portion of the cover element extending over the outflow opening in the lid is substantially free of adhesive material.

5. The capsule of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the adhesive strength between the layer of adhesive material and the cover member is weaker than the adhesive strength between the layer of adhesive material and the cover.

6. The capsule of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the adhesive material is a layer of heat seal lacquer.

7. Capsule according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid at a circumferential edge is attached to the capsule body.

8. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane comprises a layer of non-woven material adapted to prevent the formation of a crema layer.

9. The capsule of claim 8, wherein the membrane has a thickness in the range of 1.2 to 1.6mm, an air permeability in the range of 100 to 700mm/s at 200Pa, and an air permeability in the range of 300 to 600g/m²Weight in the range of (1).

10. The capsule of any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the membrane is attached to the lid.

11. Capsule according to claim 10, wherein the membrane and lid are attached by means of a layer of adhesive material, preferably a heat sealing lacquer.

12. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element comprises a sheet-like aluminium layer.

13. Capsule according to claim 12, wherein the covering element comprises a laminate of at least an aluminium layer and a plastic layer, in particular of PE.

14. Capsule according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid consists essentially of a sheet-like layer of aluminium.

15. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover comprises a protective lacquer layer on the side facing the cover element.

16. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element comprises a free pull tab protruding from a portion of the cover element covering the outflow opening.

17. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule body, the lid and the cover element are each mainly made of aluminum.

18. Capsule according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage ingredient comprises ground coffee in an amount of at least 7 grams.

19. System for preparing a beverage, comprising a replaceable capsule and a beverage preparation device having a fluid dispensing device which is capable of supplying a quantity of fluid, such as water, to the capsule at a pressure of between 8 and 20 bar and which has a brewing chamber with a first brewing chamber portion for holding the capsule and a second brewing chamber portion for closing the brewing chamber, wherein the replaceable capsule comprises a substantially rigid capsule body having a circumferential wall extending around an inner space of the capsule which is at least partially filled with a beverage ingredient suitable for preparing the beverage, and a bottom wall covering the inner space at a first end of the circumferential wall, which bottom wall is pierced by at least one blade of the fluid dispensing device for supplying the quantity of fluid when the capsule is used in the beverage preparation device, the replaceable capsule comprises a cover covering the inner space at a second end of the circumferential wall opposite the bottom wall, wherein the cover has a pre-formed outflow opening adapted to drain the prepared beverage from the inner space when the capsule is used in the beverage preparation device, a membrane being provided in the capsule inner space between the beverage ingredients and the cover, wherein the second brewing chamber portion comprises an extraction plate for engaging the replaceable capsule at the second end of the circumferential wall when the brewing chamber holding the capsule is closed, the extraction plate comprising a tear-open surface for facing the cover of the capsule, wherein the cover of the replaceable capsule used in the closed brewing chamber is not affected by the tear-open surface.

20. Method of manufacturing a capsule suitable for preparing a beverage, in particular a capsule according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the method comprises:

-providing a substantially rigid capsule body having a circumferential wall extending around an inner space to be at least partially filled with a beverage ingredient suitable for preparing the beverage, and a bottom wall covering the inner space at a first end of the circumferential wall,

-filling the inner space with an amount of the beverage ingredient through an open filling side of the capsule body opposite the bottom wall,

-providing a membrane in the inner space after filling the inner space with the beverage ingredient, and

-closing the opening filling side by attaching a lid to the capsule body and extending over the opening filling side,

wherein the lid is provided with an outflow opening through which, in use, a prepared beverage can flow out of the capsule, prior to attachment to the capsule body, the outflow opening being fluid-tightly closed by providing a removable covering element extending over at least a portion of the lid and the outflow opening.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the removable cover element is attached to the lid prior to attaching the lid to the capsule.

22. The method of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the membrane is attached to the lid prior to attaching the lid to the capsule.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage, the capsule comprising a substantially rigid capsule body having a circumferential wall extending around an interior space of the capsule, the interior space being at least partially filled with a beverage ingredient suitable for preparing a beverage such as tea or coffee, and a bottom wall covering the interior space at a first end of the circumferential wall, the capsule comprising a lid covering the interior space at a second end of the circumferential wall opposite the bottom wall.

Background

Such capsules for preparing beverages are generally known from the prior art for use in beverage preparation devices, wherein in a brewing chamber of the device liquid is injected into the capsule to extract a beverage from an extractable ingredient, typically roast and ground coffee or tea, or from a soluble ingredient, typically instant coffee, instant tea or instant milk or a chocolate-based product, contained within an inner space of the capsule.

In most known capsules, the inner space of the capsule is hermetically or fluid-tightly closed from the environment before use in a beverage preparation device in order to maintain or prolong the freshness of the beverage ingredients during storage. The capsule herein generally comprises a substantially rigid capsule body having a circumferential wall extending around an interior space and a bottom wall covering the interior space at a first end of the circumferential wall. At a second end of the circumferential wall opposite the bottom wall, the capsule body has an open filling side. A fluid-tight lid is provided over the open fill side of the capsule body to cover the interior space. In use, the capsule may preferably be pierced at the bottom wall and/or the lid to form an injection opening for injecting a liquid such as hot water and/or to form an outflow opening allowing the prepared beverage to escape the capsule.

Many known capsules are used in particular for preparing an espresso coffee beverage, wherein injection of hot water under pressure in the capsule causes extraction of substances from the coffee beverage ingredients and formation of a foam on the beverage, which foam corresponds to an espresso coffee beverage having a crema layer, as obtained by known piston-type espresso coffee machines using high-pressure brewing.

For crema-free coffee beverages, such as non-foamy coffee beverages, also called brewed coffee, devices are generally used in which the beverage is prepared by non-pressure filtration of a mixture of beverage ingredients and water.

Additionally, tea beverages are typically prepared by non-pressure filtration of a mixture of beverage ingredients and water. The same applies to beverages prepared from soluble bases, or a combination of extractable and soluble bases.

However, there is a need for a capsule and a system that can prepare a beverage such as a crema-free coffee, tea, milk or chocolate based beverage in a pressurized beverage preparation device.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a capsule for preparing crema-free coffee, tea, milk or chocolate-based beverages.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a system comprising a beverage preparation device and a capsule for preparing a crema-free coffee, tea, milk or chocolate-based beverage.

It is a particular object of the present invention to provide such a system and capsule for producing crema-free coffee, tea, milk or chocolate-based beverage, which is superior to the systems and capsules of the prior art. The crema-free coffee, tea, milk or chocolate-based beverage obtained by the capsule and the system is preferably similar or improved in quality, in particular as perceived by the general public, compared to crema-free coffee, tea, milk or chocolate-based beverage prepared in prior art non-pressure filtration type preparation devices.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a capsule suitable for preparing crema-free coffee, tea, milk or chocolate-based beverages.

Disclosure of Invention

To this end, the invention provides a capsule as described herein. In addition, the present invention provides a system as described herein. Further, the present invention provides a method as described herein. Specific embodiments of the present invention are described herein. These objects, namely the capsule and the system, are achieved by the present invention.

The capsule for preparing a crema-free coffee, tea, milk or chocolate-based beverage according to the invention comprises a substantially rigid capsule body having a circumferential wall extending around an inner space of the capsule, which inner space is at least partially filled with a beverage ingredient suitable for preparing a beverage, and a bottom wall covering the inner space at a first end of the circumferential wall, the capsule comprising a lid covering the inner space at a second end of the circumferential wall opposite the bottom wall, wherein a membrane is provided in the inner space of the capsule between the beverage ingredient and the lid, wherein the lid is provided with a pre-shaped outflow opening adapted to drain the prepared beverage from the inner space when the capsule is used in a beverage preparation device, wherein the membrane extends at least over a surface of the outflow opening, the outflow opening is fluid-tightly closed by a removable covering element extending over at least a portion of the lid. In prior art capsules, injection of water in a closed interior space results in the build-up of pressure until an outflow or outflow opening is created, for example by piercing a capsule body or lid, or by bursting a portion of the capsule body or lid under the build-up of pressure. When the extractable component is provided in the capsule, a high brewing pressure results in more crema-forming compound being extracted before the outflow opening is formed. In addition to the pressure build-up, the sudden pressure drop after the creation of the outflow opening contributes to the formation of foam in the prepared beverage. The pre-formed outflow opening in the lid of the capsule according to the invention allows the capsule to be used in a beverage preparation device, with the prepared beverage continuously escaping from the capsule while water is being injected. Thus, pressure build-up and pressure drop on the outflow side of prior art capsules contributing to the formation of the crema layer are prevented in the capsule according to the invention. The capsule of the invention is therefore suitable for preparing a beverage with reduced or no crema layer in a pressurized beverage preparation device. The pre-formed outflow opening in the cover is closed by a cover element in order to maintain an airtight seal of the inner space of the capsule for maintaining or extending the freshness of the beverage ingredient in the capsule during storage. Before use in the beverage preparation device, the cover element can be easily removed to open the outflow opening, for example by manually tearing the cover element off the capsule. The pre-formed outflow opening is further covered by a membrane within the interior space, which membrane may act as a filter to prevent solid particles of the beverage ingredient (e.g. coffee powder or tea leaves) from escaping the interior space through the outflow opening.

In a preferred embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the cover element is attached to the lid. For example, the covering element may be attached to the part of the cover surrounding the pre-formed outflow opening. Likewise, the covering element may be dimensioned to cover only the outflow opening and not necessarily extend over the larger opening filling side. This can save material costs. Furthermore, the cover and the covering element may conveniently be prefabricated as an assembly which may be attached to the capsule body in a single step, for example by attaching the cover provided with the covering element to the end of the side wall. In addition, when the cover is not yet attached to the capsule body, wherein the cover extends over the opening filling side, it is easier to handle to attach the cover element to the cover in a correct manner over the pre-shaped outflow opening. For example, the cover may be supported on the use side facing the inner space before attachment to the capsule body, to allow forces to be exerted on the opposite side of the cover for attachment of the cover element, e.g. by applying a pressure step.

In a particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, a layer of adhesive material is provided between the cover element and the lid, which layer of adhesive material is adapted to removably adhere the cover element to the lid. In particular, a suitable adhesive material may be selected depending on the materials used for the cover element and the lid, wherein the adhesive strength between the cover element and the lid is sufficient to normally keep the lid and the cover element attached, while being easily overcome when a user applies a manual removal force to the cover element. In a further particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the adhesive material is a heat sealing lacquer. The lacquer can be used to obtain a suitable attachment with the required adhesive strength between the covering element and the cover by means of heat and pressure bonding. The lacquer may be applied to the attachment surface of the cover, or preferably to the attachment surface of the cover element, by a lacquering step.

In a further preferred embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the adhesive strength between the layer of adhesive material and the cover element is weaker than the adhesive strength between the layer of adhesive material and the cover. Likewise, when the cover element is removed (e.g., by tearing the cover element), under normal circumstances, the cover element will tear at the interface between the adhesive layer and the cover element, thereby maintaining the integrity of the capsule lid at all times. Thus, a determined outflow rate of beverage from the capsule through a pre-formed outflow opening having a specific size is not affected.

In a further particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the layer of adhesive material is provided on a surface portion of the cover element extending over the lid, the portion of the cover element extending over the outflow opening in the lid being substantially free of adhesive material. The contents of the interior space (i.e., the beverage ingredients and the extracted beverage) are not exposed to the adhering material herein.

In a further preferred embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, a cover having a circumferential edge portion thereof is attached to the capsule body. The lid may conveniently be glued, welded or otherwise attached to the capsule body, for example to the end of its side wall.

The membrane body arranged between the beverage ingredient and the lid according to the invention comprises a layer of nonwoven material adapted to minimize the formation of a crema layer. In particular, it may be preferable to each otherThis dependently selects the weight, thickness and air permeability of the layer of nonwoven material in order to provide the layer with the desired filtering capacity for removing any crema-forming components from the extraction liquid in the capsule. For example, the membrane may have a layer thickness in the range of 1.1 to 1.8mm or 1.2 to 1.6mm, and/or a layer air permeability in the range of 100 to 700mm/s measured at 200Pa according to DIN and ISO 9237, and/or in the range of 300 to 600g/m²A layer weight in the range of (a). The capsule according to the invention with such a membrane can be used for preparing a coffee beverage containing no or hardly any crema. In particular, an elongated or double elongated brewed coffee can be prepared with such capsules. The capsules according to the invention with such films may also be used for the preparation of tea, milk or chocolate-based beverages.

The membrane may be loosely, unattached, disposed in the inner space, wherein the membrane may rest on the beverage ingredient disposed in the capsule. Alternatively, the membrane may be attached to the capsule body by a circumferential edge portion. However, in a preferred embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the membrane is attached to the lid. Thus, the membrane may conveniently be pre-assembled with the lid, and possibly also with the cover element, before attaching such an assembly to the capsule body for closing the open filling side. In the pre-assembly of the membrane and the cap, a correct alignment of the membrane with respect to the outflow opening can be easily achieved, so that the entire outflow opening area can be covered by the membrane.

The membrane and the lid in a particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention may be attached by means of a layer of adhesive material, preferably a heat sealing lacquer. The heat seal lacquer may be applied to the film or preferably the lid together with the lacquering step.

The cover element, lid and capsule body may be made of a variety of materials as deemed suitable by the person skilled in the art and can be processed into sheets, films or foils using techniques conventionally known in the art, such as extrusion, coextrusion, injection moulding, blow moulding, vacuum forming, etc. Suitable materials for the capsule body and/or lid and/or cover member include, but are not limited to, plastic materials, particularly thermoplastic materials, such as polyolefin polymers (e.g., polyethylene, or polypropylene, PVC), polyesters (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET)); such as a metal foil of aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloy, or the like. Or sheets of woven or nonwoven or otherwise processed fibrous materials, such as paper, polyester, and the like; or combinations thereof, such as multiple layers. The material used for the capsule may be a biodegradable polymer or another biodegradable material. The skilled person will be able to select a suitable material, taking into account the envisaged use of the food material and any other relevant circumstances during use of the capsule. The thickness of the sheet or foil may be selected so as to provide a form stable or substantially rigid capsule body. The thickness of the sheet or foil may vary depending on the nature of the material.

In a further preferred embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the lid consists essentially of a sheet-like aluminum layer. The outflow opening may be provided in the lid by any suitable means and method, such as stamping or cutting one or more holes in the sheet with the desired dimensions. The outflow opening is preferably arranged in a central part of the cover. In an alternative embodiment, the outflow opening may be created at the moment the consumer removes the removable covering element. For example, the cover may comprise a perforation, preferably in the intermediate cover outflow region, which is exposed by removing the removable cover element. Alternatively, the lid may be provided with a material weakening, for example created by laser scoring or micro-cutting (e.g. like a partial cut for making a label), preferably in the middle lid outflow area, which is opened upon removal of the removable covering element, thereby creating a perforation. As a further alternative embodiment, the perforations may be provided in one or more layers in the laminate structure and held in place by lamination adhesion, only exposed upon removal of the removable cover element.

The preformed outflow opening in the lid is preferably circular. The diameter of the pre-formed outflow opening in the lid may be between 6 and 20mm, since an outflow opening with such a diameter provides sufficient exit area in the lid for the brewed beverage to escape the capsule without forming a substantial crema layer. Preferably, the diameter of the outflow opening is between 8 and 14 mm. An outflow opening with a diameter of 12mm is most preferred.

In another preferred embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the cover comprises a protective lacquer layer on the side facing the cover element. The protective lacquer further supports the strength of the cover and especially protects its integrity when the covering element is removed.

The covering element in a further preferred embodiment of the capsule according to the invention comprises a laminate of at least an aluminium layer and a plastic layer, preferably PE. An aluminium layer may be located on the side of the cover element remote from the capsule so that the cover element provides the same feel and aesthetic finish to the lid and capsule body made of aluminium when touched. The PE layer may be on the opposite side of the cover facing the lid, which allows the application of a heat sealing lacquer thereon, wherein the bond strength between the lacquer and the PE layer is lower than the bond strength of the lacquer to the aluminium lid when the cover element is attached to the lid.

In another particularly preferred embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the cover element comprises a pull tab protruding from a portion of the cover element covering the outflow opening. At least one free end portion of the pull tab opposite the end connected to the portion of the cover element covering the outflow opening may be unattached to the lid so that the user can manually grasp the unattached portion of the pull tab to easily remove the cover element from the lid by tearing the cover element. The pull tab may have any suitable dimensions at the end, such as length and thickness, and form to support quick and easy removal of the cover element. The desired characteristics of the pull tab are generally known to those skilled in the art to facilitate removal of the cover element from the lid. Preferably, at least a portion of the pull tab is angled relative to a surface of the lid facing the cover element for easier gripping of the pull tab by a user.

Most preferably, the capsule body, the lid and the cover element are each mainly made of aluminium.

In a further particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the beverage ingredient in the inner space comprises an extractable product, such as roast and ground coffee or tea leaves.

In a further particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the beverage ingredient in the inner space comprises a soluble product, such as instant coffee, instant tea, instant milk or chocolate.

In a further particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the beverage ingredient in the inner space comprises a soluble product, such as an instant coffee, an instant tea, an instant milk or chocolate product, a combination of extractable products such as roast and ground coffee or tea leaves.

In a further particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the beverage ingredient in the inner space comprises an amount of ground coffee of between 7 and 12 grams. Such a relatively large amount of ground coffee in the capsule allows for the preparation of an espresso or dual-espresso type brewed coffee beverage without a crema layer having good organoleptic properties and sensory quality. Such a relatively large amount of ground coffee may for example be provided in a particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, wherein the capsule body has a relatively large size and a relatively large inner space. For example, the capsule according to the invention may have an inner space with a height dimension between the bottom wall and the lid of between about 30 and 45mm, preferably between 38 and 42mm, and a diameter of the inner space at the second end of the circumferential wall of between about 40 and 45mm, preferably between 41 and 43 mm.

In another particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the beverage ingredient in the inner space comprises an amount of ground coffee of between 4 and 7 grams. Such amounts of ground coffee in the capsule are particularly suitable for more quickly preparing a crema-free coffee beverage having a smaller volume but good organoleptic properties and sensory qualities. Such an amount of ground coffee may for example be provided in a particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, wherein the capsule body has a relatively regular or smaller size, having a relatively regular or smaller inner space. For example, in another particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the capsule has an inner space with a height dimension between the bottom wall and the lid of about 26 to 30mm, preferably between 28 to 29mm, and a diameter of the inner space at the second end of the circumferential wall of about 34 to 40mm, preferably between 36 to 38 mm. Preferably, in this particular embodiment, the diameter of the outflow opening may be 12mm or less, more preferably between 8 and 12 mm.

In a further particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the beverage ingredient in the inner space comprises tea leaves in an amount of between 1.5 and 5 grams. More specifically, as described herein, the capsule according to the present invention may comprise 1.5 to 3 grams of tea leaves in a capsule body of conventional or smaller size. As described herein, the capsule according to the invention may also comprise 2.5 to 5 grams of tea leaves in a relatively large size capsule body.

In a further particular embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, the beverage ingredient in the inner space comprises a soluble product, such as instant coffee, instant tea, milk powder or chocolate powder, in an amount of between 6 and 12 grams, preferably between 7 and 10 grams, in a capsule body of conventional or smaller size as described herein. The capsule according to the invention may also comprise between 10 and 20 grams, preferably between 12 and 18 grams of soluble product in a relatively large size capsule body as described herein.

The system for preparing a beverage according to the invention comprises a replaceable capsule and a beverage preparation device having a fluid dispensing device for supplying a quantity of fluid, such as water, under pressure to the capsule, and having a brewing chamber with a first brewing chamber portion for accommodating the capsule and a second brewing chamber portion for closing the brewing chamber, wherein the replaceable capsule comprises a substantially rigid capsule body having a circumferential wall extending around an inner space of the capsule, which inner space is at least partially filled with a beverage ingredient suitable for preparing a beverage, and a bottom wall covering the inner space at a first end of the circumferential wall, which bottom wall is pierced by at least one blade in the fluid dispensing device for supplying the quantity of fluid when the capsule is used in the beverage preparation device, the replaceable capsule comprises a cover covering the inner space at a second end of the circumferential wall opposite the bottom wall, wherein the cover has a pre-formed outflow opening adapted to drain the prepared beverage from the inner space when the capsule is used in the beverage preparation device, wherein the second brewing chamber portion comprises an extraction plate for engaging the replaceable capsule at the second end of the circumferential wall when a brewing chamber containing a capsule is closed, the extraction plate comprising a tear surface for facing the cover of the capsule, wherein the cover of the replaceable capsule used in the closed brewing chamber is not affected by the tear surface. Since the cover of the capsule is not affected by the torn surface of the extraction plate, e.g. there is no tear or hole provided by the extraction plate in the cover, the pre-shaped outflow opening in the cover of the capsule determines the rate at which the prepared beverage escapes from the capsule in use. By providing an outflow opening of such a size at this end, it is thus possible to prepare a beverage with the system without pressure build-up or sudden pressure drops in the fluid flow. Thereby reducing the formation of a crema layer on the prepared beverage. The pre-formed outflow opening in the cover is closed by the cover element in order to maintain an airtight seal of the inner space of the capsule for maintaining or extending the freshness of the beverage ingredient in the capsule during storage. Before use in the beverage preparation device, the cover element can be easily removed to open the outflow opening, for example by manually tearing the cover element off the capsule.

In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the beverage preparation device comprises a brewing chamber in which an additional capsule with a closed lid can be used for preparing a further beverage. For example, the system may comprise a beverage preparation device with a brewing chamber, wherein a capsule with a closed lid but without a pre-formed outflow opening may be used for preparing an espresso-type coffee beverage with a crema layer. The capsule with the closed lid may be a known prior art capsule, such as a known espresso type capsule used in known capsule beverage machines. A capsule with a closed lid is preferably a capsule with a capsule body similar to the capsule according to the invention and with a lid without an opening attached to the capsule body. In capsules with closed lids used in brewing chambers, the injection of water will increase the internal pressure. Due to the internal pressure, the closed lid may bulge outwards to contact the tear-off surface of the extraction plate. The tear-off surface of the extraction plate of the beverage preparation device may comprise or be formed by a plurality of release elements, so that in use the protruding lid of such a capsule is torn off to form an outflow opening through which the prepared coffee beverage can escape the capsule. As in the capsule according to the invention, no pressure build-up within the inner space is used in the brewing chamber, the lid with the preformed opening does not protrude or at least not sufficiently to contact the tear-off surface. Thus, the extraction plate of the beverage preparation device and the cover of the capsule can be adapted to each other such that a capsule with a closed cover tears on the extraction plate, whereas a capsule with a cover with a pre-shaped outflow opening does not tear on the extraction plate. The system according to the invention thus allows the use of both capsules with closed lids, for example for the preparation of coffee beverages with a crema layer, such as espresso coffee, and capsules with lids with preformed openings for the preparation of coffee beverages without a crema layer, such as brewed coffee. Furthermore, the system according to the invention allows the use of capsules with a lid having a pre-formed opening for the preparation of tea, milk or chocolate-based beverages.

The extraction plate may comprise a release element of a first type and at least one release element of a second type. The second type of release element may have sharper edges than the first type of release element.

The method for manufacturing a capsule suitable for preparing a beverage according to the invention comprises:

-providing a substantially rigid capsule body having a circumferential wall extending around an inner space to be at least partially filled with a beverage ingredient suitable for preparing the beverage, and a bottom wall covering the inner space at a first end of the circumferential wall,

-filling the inner space with a quantity of the beverage ingredient through an open filling side of the capsule body opposite the bottom wall, and

-closing the opening filling side by attaching a lid to the capsule body and extending over the opening filling side,

wherein the lid is provided with an outflow opening through which, in use, a prepared beverage can flow out of the capsule, prior to attachment to the capsule body, the outflow opening being fluid-tightly closed by providing a removable covering element extending over at least a portion of the lid and the outflow opening.

In a preferred embodiment of the method for manufacturing a capsule according to the invention, the removable cover element is attached to the lid before attaching the lid to the capsule.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method for manufacturing a capsule according to the invention, a membrane is provided in the inner space after filling the inner space with the beverage ingredient.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method for manufacturing a capsule according to the invention, the membrane is attached to the lid before the lid is attached to the capsule.

Drawings

These and other aspects of the invention will be further elucidated with reference to the accompanying drawings and corresponding embodiments, which form a part of the present application. The drawings are not intended to imply in any way a limitation on the scope of the invention unless explicitly indicated. The exemplary embodiments are given by way of non-limiting illustration. It is to be noted that the appended drawings are only schematic representations of embodiments of the invention, which are given by way of non-limiting example.

In the drawings:

figures 1A and 1B show perspective side views of a first embodiment of a capsule according to the invention in a closed storage state with an attached cover element and an open use state with the cover element removed, respectively;

fig. 2 shows a top view of an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective side view of a second embodiment of a capsule according to the invention in a closed storage state with an attached cover element.

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a laminated assembly of a cover element, a lid and a membrane for a capsule according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A and 1B show a capsule according to a first embodiment of the invention. The capsule 1 comprises a capsule body 2. The body includes a frustoconical sidewall extending about an interior space of the body. The bottom wall of the capsule body is connected to the first end of the side wall for closing the inner space at the first end of the capsule body. A flange 3 (also referred to as a rim) extends radially outwardly from the second end of the sidewall. At the second end of the side wall, the capsule body has an open filling side.

The capsule further comprises a lid 4 attached to the flange 3 of the capsule body. The lid 4 is a relatively flexible sheet-like foil provided with an outflow opening 5 in the foil centrally positioned above the inner space. In the inner space, a coffee bed of roast and ground coffee is provided. The weight of the coffee bed is in the range of 7 to 12 grams. In the storage state shown in fig. 1A, the capsule 1 is hermetically closed to maintain the freshness of the coffee bed. The outflow opening 5 is closed fluid-tightly by a covering element 6 attached to the cover 4. In the use state of the capsule shown in fig. 1B, the cover element 6 is removed to open the outflow opening 5. For example, the cover element 6 may be manually removed from the lid by pulling on the pull tab 7 of the cover element 6. The bottom wall of the capsule body is further designed to be pierced open by a piercing method of the beverage preparation device for supplying water under pressure into the capsule. A membrane 8 is arranged in the inner space of the capsule between the coffee bed and the lid 4 below the preformed outflow opening 5. The capsule body 2, the lid 4 and the covering element 6 are each mainly made of aluminium. The lid 4, the cover element 6 and the membrane 8 form a laminate before attachment to the capsule body 2, wherein the cover element 6 is attached to one side of the lid 4 extending over the pre-formed outflow opening and the membrane 8 is attached to the opposite side of the lid 4 extending over the pre-formed outflow opening.

Fig. 2 shows a top view of an embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, wherein the positioning of the lid, the cover element, the outflow opening and the membrane relative to each other is indicated. The outflow opening is provided in a central portion of the cap and has a circular shape. The diameter of the outflow opening may be between 6 and 20mm, preferably between 8 and 14mm, and in the most preferred embodiment as shown in fig. 2 the diameter is 12 mm. It is further shown in fig. 2 that the cover element comprises a pull tab extending from the portion of the cover element covering the outflow opening. The pull tab includes a fold line for folding a loose portion of the pull tab, i.e., the portion of the pull tab not attached to the lid, over the portion of the cover element attached to the lid and extending over the outflow opening.

Fig. 3 shows a capsule according to the invention in a second embodiment, which differs from the capsule shown in fig. 1 in that the covering element 6 comprises a longer pull tab 7 extending from the part of the covering element 6 covering the outflow opening 5 to the flange or rim 3 of the capsule body. The free end portion of the pull tab 7 is loose, i.e., does not adhere to the lid, and is angled relative to the surface of the lid so that the user can manually grasp that portion of the pull tab to easily remove the cover element 6 from the lid by tearing the cover element.

Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the laminated assembly of covering element, lid and membrane for a capsule according to the invention. The cover may be made of aluminum. The aluminium layer may be at a thickness in the range between 20 and 50 μm, and may in particular be at a thickness between 30 μm and 40 μm. As shown in fig. 3, the cover 4 is mainly composed of an aluminum layer having a thickness of 30 μm. A lacquer layer is applied on both sides of the aluminium layer. On the side of the aluminium layer facing the covering element, the lacquer layer is a protective lacquer. On the opposite side of the aluminium layer, the lacquer layer is a heat-sealing lacquer for attaching the lid to the film 8 of nonwoven material by bonding by means of heat and pressure.

The cover element 6 comprises an aluminium layer with a thickness between 40 and 60 μm and preferably 47 μm as shown. On the side of the aluminium layer facing the lid, a print is applied which is at least partially visible to the user to provide information indicating how to suitably remove the covering element from the lid, for example an arrow indicating the direction of lifting. A transparent adhesive layer is disposed on the printing layer for adhering a Polyethylene (PE) layer. The PE layer may be 20 to 40mm thick and preferably 30mm thick as shown. The PE layer is lacquered with a heat sealing lacquer for attaching the covering element 6 to the cover 4. The heat seal lacquer provides a weaker bond strength to the PE layer than the aluminium lid, so that when a removal force is applied on the covering element, the covering element will tear at the PE layer and heat seal lacquer interface, indicated with X. On the other side of the aluminium layer, a print primer and a further print layer are applied to provide an aesthetic finish to the covering element. A protective lacquer is provided on the visible outer surface of the covering element 6 facing away from the cover.

The film 8 comprises a layer of predominantly polyester fibres having a thickness of 1.35 mm.

The invention has been described herein with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader spirit of the invention. For purposes of clarity and brevity, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments are also contemplated having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments.

In this example, the capsule body and lid are made of aluminum foil, preferably polymer coated aluminum foil, to facilitate welding of the lid to the body. It will be appreciated that the capsule body and/or lid may be made from a variety of materials as deemed suitable by the skilled person and can be processed into a sheet, film or foil using techniques conventionally known in the art such as extrusion, co-extrusion, injection moulding, blow moulding, vacuum forming and the like. Suitable materials for the capsule body and/or lid include, but are not limited to, plastics materials, in particular thermoplastic materials, such as polyolefin polymers, e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene, PVC, polyesters, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET); metal foils such as aluminum, stainless steel, metal alloys, and the like; or sheets of woven or nonwoven or otherwise processed fibrous materials, such as paper, polyester, and the like; or combinations thereof, such as multiple layers. The material used for the capsule may be a biodegradable polymer or another biodegradable material. The skilled person will be able to select a suitable material, taking into account the envisaged use of the food material and any other relevant circumstances during use of the capsule. The thickness of the sheet or foil may be selected so as to provide a form-stable capsule. The thickness of the sheet or foil may vary depending on the nature of the material.

In this example, the capsule is pierced by the piercing means. The system may also be provided with a capsule that is not pierced by the piercing means. Such a capsule may for example comprise an inlet filter.

In an embodiment, the capsule has an outwardly extending flange-like rim attached to the lid. It should be understood that the capsule may not include an outwardly extending rim.