System, disposable cartridge, and method for preparing a liquid product

Abstract

A system for preparing liquid food, comprising: a disposable box and a beverage dispensing device, the device being equipped with at least: a holder for accommodating and retaining the box at a dispensing position in the device, a base liquid delivery assembly, the base liquid delivery assembly having a base liquid delivery spray gun arranged at the dispensing position, the spray gun being implemented for connection to a passage of a valve member or a column of the box so that the base liquid can be delivered into the passage. The dispensing device has an operable displacement device, the operable displacement device being adapted to cause the holder to move so as to move the box and the base liquid delivery spray gun relative to each other, so that when the displacement device is operated, the spray gun is connected to the passage, causing the bottom sealing film of the box to rupture and / or tear away from one or more dispensing passage outlets initially sealed by the bottom sealing film, and thereby allowing dispensing from the box.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with application number 201580073594.1, filing date November 17, 2015, and invention title "System, Disposable Cartridge, and Method for Preparing a Liquid Product".

[0002] Cross - reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to Dutch patent application number NL 2013824, filed on November 17, 2014, titled "Disposable Cartridge Filled with a Single Serve Portion of a Liquid Ingredient to be Combined with a Base Liquid for the Preparation of a Liquid Product", and Dutch patent application number NL 2013947, filed on December 9, 2014, and assigned to its assignee, titled "System, Disposable Cartridge, and Method for the Preparation of a Liquid Product", and these documents are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

[0004] The present invention relates to a system and a disposable cartridge filled with a single - serve portion of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid for preparing a liquid product (such as a liquid food suitable for human consumption), for example, a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, such as carbonated water, for preparing a beverage.

[0005] Examples of beverage preparation systems based on disposable cartridges are disclosed, for example, in US 4808346, WO 2005 / 077811, WO 2007 / 114685, US 2014 / 0331868, and US 2015 / 0125586.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide improved or at least useful alternatives. For example, existing technology systems have unsatisfactory results when preparing carbonated beverages, for example, compared to the same beverage dispensed from a bottle or can. And for example, there is a need for cartridges that are easy for consumers to manipulate and / or are attractive in terms of mass production and cost.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for preparing a liquid product, such as a liquid food, such as a beverage, the system comprising:

[0008] a) A disposable cartridge filled with a single - serving portion of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, such as a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, such as carbonated water, to prepare a beverage, the disposable cartridge comprising:

[0009] A cartridge body having a bottom and a top, the body defining a reservoir filled with a single - serving portion of the liquid ingredient,

[0010] wherein the cartridge body has an orifice communicating with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a sealing film, such as a top sealing film, the sealing film having a portion covering the reservoir,

[0011] wherein the cartridge body is provided with one or more dispensing passages arranged to dispense the liquid ingredient from the reservoir,

[0012] b) A dispensing device, such as a beverage dispensing device, the device comprising:

[0013] - A holder adapted to receive and retain the disposable cartridge in a dispensing position in the device,

[0014] - A source of pressurized gas, preferably a source of pressurized air, such as an air pump,

[0015] wherein the device is adapted to bring the source of pressurized gas into direct communication with the reservoir of the disposable cartridge so as to allow the liquid ingredient therein to be pressurized by the gas, thereby assisting in dispensing the liquid ingredient from the reservoir via the one or more dispensing passages,

[0016] wherein the system is adapted to create one or more openings in the portion of the sealing film covering the reservoir.

[0017] A system according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in WO 2011138405. In the embodiment disclosed in this document, the base - liquid feed lance of the dispensing device is fitted with an additional air - pressure lance which punctures a corresponding hole in an annular portion of the top film covering the reservoir and thus outside the cylinder in which the valve member is arranged. This air - pressure lance is connected to a source of pressurized air. The disadvantage is that the air - pressure lance needs to be sealed to fit through the hole punctured in the top sealing film in order to allow a controlled air pressure to be generated inside the reservoir. This is difficult to achieve in practice.

[0018] Alternative embodiments in WO 2011138405 integrate an air duct in the base liquid delivery spray gun such that when the valve moves downward and is then internally connected to the small holes in the cylinder, this air duct is introduced into the holes of the cylinder to allow air to enter the reservoir. The latter embodiment does not create one or more openings in the portion of the seal film covering the reservoir and requires a complex design of the cartridge and the delivery spray gun.

[0019] The object of the first aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved or at least alternative pressurization path for the liquid component in the reservoir.

[0020] The first aspect of the present invention provides a system as described in the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the dispensing device further comprises a pressurizing arch member having a peripheral gas seal, such as an external gas seal member along its perimeter, the peripheral gas seal being adapted to sealingly engage the disposable cartridge around the position where the one or more openings are created in the seal film to allow the pressurized gas to enter the reservoir,

[0021] and characterized in that the pressurized gas source is connected to the arch member and is adapted to deliver pressurized gas below the arch member, within the contour of the peripheral gas seal that sealingly engages the disposable cartridge, so as to allow the liquid component in the reservoir to be pressurized by the gas via the one or more openings in the seal film, thereby assisting in dispensing the liquid component from the reservoir via the one or more dispensing passages.

[0022] This inventive design allows for reliable and effective gas pressurization of the liquid component in the reservoir.

[0023] The first aspect of the present invention also relates to a method for preparing a liquid product, such as a liquid food, such as a beverage, in which the system as described herein is used, and the method comprises:

[0024] - sealingly engaging the peripheral gas seal of the pressurizing arch member around the position where the seal film is opened or will be opened to allow pressurized gas to enter the reservoir with the disposable cartridge, such as engaging it to the upper end of the circumferential wall of the disposable cartridge,

[0025] - causing the seal film to open,

[0026] - delivering pressurized gas below the arch member, thereby pressurizing the liquid component in the reservoir of the disposable cartridge by the gas, and thereby assisting in dispensing the liquid component from the reservoir via the one or more dispensing passages.

[0027] In an embodiment, the arched member is equipped with an external gas seal along its periphery, where this external gas seal is implemented to seal onto the upper end of the circumferential wall of the disposable cartridge. For example, as is preferred, the upper end is circular and the gas seal is also circular.

[0028] In this context, the mention of the arched member is not intended to imply any particular shape, but merely refers to the fact that the arched member is capable of withstanding the gas pressure in the space below the arched member. The arched member and its one or more corresponding seals are capable of sealing the area below the arched member to a pressure of, for example, 4 bar.

[0029] It should be understood that the gas source should be able to supply pressurized gas, for example air, at a rate that compensates for the flow rate of the liquid component discharged from the reservoir of the cartridge, for example at a rate of 2 - 3 ml per second.

[0030] In an embodiment, the pressurized gas, such as air, is at a pressure between 0.5 - 2.5 bar above atmospheric pressure.

[0031] It should be understood that the actual flow rate and pressure range can be achieved with a fairly simple air pump.

[0032] For example, the reservoir contains a liquid component between 20 and 75 ml, such as 50 ml.

[0033] For example, the dispensing or service cycle (where a drinking glass or the like is filled with a beverage having a volume of, for example, 200 - 300 ml) lasts between 15 and 30 seconds.

[0034] In an embodiment, after or at the end of the discharge of the liquid component from the reservoir, the gas, such as a final air boost, can be used to purge the one or more dispensing passages to avoid residues in the passages.

[0035] Preferably, the liquid component is directly exposed to the pressurized gas, for example such that the headspace above the liquid surface in the cartridge is in communication with the pressurized gas source. However, indirect contact via a film is not excluded if this is preferred and the person skilled in the art knows how to achieve this.

[0036] In an embodiment, the cartridge has a circumferential wall with an upper end, which is implemented, for example, as having an outwardly projecting flange, the upper end defining the opening closed by the sealing membrane, wherein the peripheral gas seal of the arched member is implemented for sealing onto the upper end. This allows the gas seal to benefit from the strength or robustness of the wall of the cartridge around the hole closed by the sealing membrane as compared to a gas seal acting on the unsupported portion of the sealing membrane. And if there is already a tear or the like in the sealing membrane, for example due to an inadvertent action of the user, this will not compromise the gas pressurization operation.

[0037] In an embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises: a base liquid feeding assembly having a base liquid feeding member, such as a spray gun, arranged at the dispensing position, the base liquid feeding member being implemented for connection to a channel of the cartridge such that the base liquid can be fed into the channel, wherein the dispensing device has an operable displacement device adapted to cause the holder to move so as to move the cartridge and the base liquid feeding member relative to each other such that when the displacement device is operated, the base liquid feeding member is connected to the channel.

[0038] In an embodiment, the arched member and the base liquid feeding member are integrated so as to be moved as a whole by the operable displacement device.

[0039] In an embodiment, the base liquid feeding member is preferably a base liquid feeding spray gun projecting from the pressurized arched member within the contour of the peripheral gas seal.

[0040] In an embodiment, the cartridge has a base liquid channel with an inlet, and the base liquid feeding member is arranged within the contour of the peripheral gas seal and is adapted to sealingly engage the channel, such as the top end of the cylinder, so as to act as a gas seal preventing pressurized gas from entering the channel, for example equipped with a gas sealing member.

[0041] In an embodiment, the cartridge body includes a cylinder having a portion extending upward from the bottom, wherein the channel extends from the inlet of the channel through the cylinder to a dispensing orifice at the bottom of the cartridge, the inlet being located at the top end of the cylinder, for example the top end being sealed to the sealing membrane, wherein the base liquid feeding member is adapted to be connected to the inlet of the channel such that the base liquid fed into the channel travels through the channel and exits the channel via the dispensing orifice.

[0042] In this context, the unobstructed or unimpeded flow of a base liquid, such as carbonated water, through the channel can be defined as requiring the channel to have a cross-sectional area that is not less than 30 mm2, preferably always greater than 40 mm2, and even greater than 50 mm2 from the inlet to the outlet, such as from the top to the bottom of the cartridge. Typically, the cross-section of the channel is not greater than 200 mm2.

[0043] In an embodiment, the peripheral gas seal of the arched member is a lip seal member having an inwardly directed elastic lip portion that preferably engages the sealing membrane at or near the contour of the orifice in the cartridge body, the inwardly directed elastic lip portion being exposed to the pressurized gas to assist in the sealed engagement with the cartridge. In another embodiment, the gas seal is an O-ring or the like, and the lip seal member allows an effective seal to be obtained without requiring significant clamping of the lip seal, thereby assisting in achieving a simple structure of the device.

[0044] In an embodiment, the operable displacement assembly includes, for example, an electric motor with a rotary output shaft, such as the rotary output shaft being connected to an eccentric mechanism that reciprocates the integrated arched member and the base liquid delivery member relative to the cartridge in the dispensing position, for example, between its raised and lower positions.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the operable displacement assembly includes a pneumatic motor, such as a pneumatic piston, and pressurized gas (such as air) is supplied to the pneumatic motor by an air pump. For example, the device has a single air pump that is connected to the arched member to pressurize the liquid component (such as as discussed herein) and is also connected to the pneumatic motor, for example, by providing a valve assembly to direct the pressurized gas to the motor or the arched member. Providing a single air pump in combination with the pneumatic motor for the operable displacement assembly allows the elimination of an additional motor solely for the operable displacement assembly. For example, the arched member with the liquid delivery member is implemented as a pneumatic piston that is slidable in a corresponding cylinder.

[0046] In an embodiment, the cartridge body includes a cylinder that is movable inwardly, such as downwardly, from an initial position to a dispensing position, the cylinder being sealed to the sealing membrane, wherein the channel extends through the cylinder from an inlet of the channel that is located at the top of the cylinder, and wherein the base liquid delivery member is adapted to connect to the inlet of the channel and engage the cylinder, thereby allowing the base liquid to be fed into the channel and moving the cylinder to the dispensing position by operating the operable displacement means.

[0047] In its further development, the part of the sealing film covering the reservoir is provided with one or more pre-scored lines, for example processed partially through the thickness of the film by a laser machine or otherwise, wherein the pre-scored lines are implemented such that pressing the cylinder inward, for example downward, to the dispensing position will cause the one or more pre-scored lines to rupture, thereby providing the one or more openings that allow the introduction of pressurized gas into the reservoir to assist in dispensing the liquid component. As is preferred, this embodiment allows for the omission of any piercing or rupturing member for creating the one or more openings for the gas pressure to reach the reservoir, at least on the arched member. This is advantageous, for example, because any piercing or rupturing member from the outside that pierces this film will be contaminated by the liquid component in the reservoir (e.g., which adheres to the inner side of the film). In a practical embodiment, the sealing film can be sealed to the top of the circumferential wall of the cartridge, and the central region of the sealing film is pressed inward (e.g., by pressing onto the cylinder) by the base liquid feeding member, such that the film will be squeezed and the suitable scored lines will rupture.

[0048] In an embodiment, it is possible to combine with one or more of the scored lines provided above, and the cartridge is provided with one or more piercing members arranged below the part of the sealing film covering the reservoir, such that pressing the sealing film inward, for example downward, will cause the one or more piercing members to engage the sealing film and locally rupture the sealing film, thereby providing one or more openings that allow the introduction of pressurized gas into the reservoir to assist in dispensing the liquid component. And as is preferred, this embodiment allows for the omission of any piercing or rupturing member from the outside that pierces this film and will be contaminated by the liquid component in the reservoir (e.g., which adheres to the inner side of the film). In its further development, the cartridge body includes a cylinder that is movable inward, for example downward, from an initial position to a dispensing position, and the cylinder is sealed to the sealing film, wherein the channel extends through the cylinder from an inlet of the channel located at the top of the cylinder, wherein the base liquid feeding member is adapted to be connected to the inlet of the channel and engage the cylinder, thereby allowing the base liquid to be fed into the channel and the cylinder to be moved to the dispensing position by operating the operable displacement device, and wherein when the cylinder is moved to the dispensing position, the one or more piercing members locally rupture the sealing film.

[0049] In an embodiment of a cartridge with a cylinder having a channel for a base liquid, it is contemplated that the cartridge may have a flexible bottom portion such that, by means of the base liquid feeding member, the cylinder is movable downward from a higher initial position to a lower dispensing position, wherein the cylinder has a dispensing orifice for the base liquid at the bottom, and wherein the one or more dispensing passage outlets of the cartridge are arranged at the bottom side of the cartridge and spaced from the dispensing orifice such that the liquid components emerge from the one or more dispensing passage outlets as one or more streams different from the stream of the base liquid emerging from the dispensing orifice of the channel, and wherein the one or more dispensing passage outlets are arranged such that the liquid components emerging from these outlets are externally adjacent to the stream of the base liquid that has already emerged from the dispensing orifice.

[0050] In an embodiment, the one or more dispensing passage outlets of the cartridge are arranged at a height corresponding to the height of the dispensing orifice or at a height above the dispensing orifice. This arrangement causes the one or more liquid component streams to emerge from the outlets without being unduly disturbed by the stream of the base liquid emerging from the dispensing orifice, such that the one or more streams can then gently combine with the stream of the base liquid from the outside of the stream of the base liquid.

[0051] In an embodiment, the one or more dispensing passage outlets are initially sealed by a bottom sealing film of the cartridge, for example, the bottom sealing film is the only closure of the one or more dispensing passage outlets, wherein the movement of the cylinder to its lower dispensing position causes the bottom sealing film of the cartridge to rupture and / or be torn away from the one or more dispensing passage outlets initially sealed by the bottom sealing film, and thereby allows dispensing from the cartridge. This arrangement allows the user to actually open these outlets without having to take any action.

[0052] Preferably, the bottom sealing film has a preformed hole aligned with the dispensing orifice for the base liquid, wherein the circular area of the bottom sealing film surrounding the hole lies on the one or more outlets of these dispensing passages and is sealed to the surface where the outlets are located, for example, on the front face of the tubular protruding portion of the cylinder. In an embodiment, the cylinder has a leg portion protruding from the bottom of the cartridge, and this leg portion is then made to protrude into and through the preformed hole, and the hole expands during this process, such that the sealing film is sheared away from the outlets of the dispensing passages.

[0053] In an embodiment, the one or more dispensing passage outlets are arranged such that the liquid components emerging from these outlets are externally adjacent to the stream of the base liquid that has already emerged from the dispensing orifice to form an annular envelope around the stream of the base liquid. For this purpose, the dispensing passage outlets may define a single annular outlet or multiple outlets arranged around the dispensing orifice.

[0054] This allows for a gentle combination of the liquid ingredient with the base liquid, which is relevant if carbonated water is used as the base liquid. And this inclusion effect avoids the user being able to see the raw base liquid stream, which would be detrimental to the user's perception of the beverage. The inclusion of the liquid ingredient is preferably oriented parallel to and very close to the emerging base liquid stream such that the combination or merger does not cause the liquid ingredient to collide with the base liquid stream, thereby avoiding inappropriate loss of carbon dioxide or other gases from the base liquid when carbonated water is used. Although annular inclusions and annular dispensing passage outlets are mentioned herein, it should be understood that the cross-section of the base liquid stream need not be circular and can be oval, elongated, multi-lobed or any other shape that achieves the desired combination or merger with the liquid ingredient while avoiding inappropriate release of carbon dioxide.

[0055] In an embodiment, the lower part of the cartridge, or the cylindrical part of the cartridge, that protrudes below the bottom of the cartridge, for example below the flexible part of the bottom, has dispensing orifices for the base liquid stream, wherein the cartridge body is provided with a series of dispensing passage outlets that are arranged in a circular arrangement around the dispensing orifices of the base liquid so as to dispense the liquid ingredient as an annular inclusion around the base liquid stream emerging from the dispensing orifices. Although annular inclusions and annular dispensing passage outlets are mentioned herein, it should be understood that the cross-section of the base liquid stream need not be circular and can be oval, elongated, multi-lobed or any other shape that achieves the desired combination or merger with the liquid ingredient while avoiding inappropriate release of carbon dioxide.

[0056] In an embodiment, the dispensing device is adapted to pressurize the liquid ingredient in the reservoir such that the one or more liquid ingredient streams emerging from the one or more dispensing passage outlets flow as a slow stream together with the base liquid stream emerging from the dispensing orifices of the channel, the slow stream being adjacent to the outside of the base liquid stream. So even when gas pressurization of the reservoir is used, it is proposed that the liquid ingredient stream combined with the liquid stream (e.g., outside the said liquid stream) is slow and preferably parallel to the base liquid stream. And this is considered to be most suitable for use with carbonated water.

[0057] In an embodiment, the one or more dispensing passages are implemented as restrictors through which the liquid ingredient passes. This arrangement allows for a stable flow rate of the liquid ingredient through the one or more dispensing passages, for example with a view to evenly distributing the total volume of the liquid ingredient in a substantially uniform manner throughout the dispensing cycle, so that for example there is no deposition of tasteless base liquid in the drinking container at any time, which would be detrimental to the user's perception and the beverage quality.

[0058] In an embodiment, the inlet of the dispensing passage is angled relative to an adjacent portion of the dispensing passage such that a jet of the liquid component exiting the inlet due to gas pressurization of the liquid component impinges on the wall of the adjacent portion of the dispensing passage, thereby reducing, preferably nullifying, the velocity of the jet. This embodiment allows for a significant pressure drop across the inlet, which allows for the use of an effectively controllable gas pressure and which has no variations that significantly affect the flow rate of the liquid component.

[0059] In an embodiment, the inlet of the dispensing passage is configured to cause the liquid component to exit the inlet as a jet into an adjacent portion of the dispensing passage due to the gas pressurization, wherein the dispensing passage is configured to reduce the velocity of the liquid component jet such that the liquid component flows, for example, mainly under the influence of gravity, slowly downward from the outlet of the dispensing passage into the dispensing passage, for example where the dispensing passage includes one or more bends. This embodiment allows for a significant pressure drop across the inlet, which allows for the use of an effectively controllable gas pressure and which has no variations that have too much influence on the dispensing flow rate of the liquid component.

[0060] In an embodiment, the holder is a drawer including a cavity for receiving the cartridge therein, for example, the cartridge is suspended in the cavity by an outward flange of the circumferential wall of the cartridge body, and the drawer is movable into the housing of the device such that the cartridge is movable into the dispensing position.

[0061] In an embodiment, the operable displacement device is adapted to move the pressurized arch member and the base liquid delivery member (e.g., as a reciprocating motion unit) upward and downward relative to the housing or frame of the device so that in a lower position of the arch member, the peripheral gas seal is sealingly engaged with the position around the cartridge where the sealing film is opened or will be opened to allow pressurized gas to enter the reservoir.

[0062] The cartridge according to the first aspect of the invention is particularly suitable for the preparation of beverages, wherein the liquid component flavors and / or colors a flow of water (e.g., carbonated water, e.g., water flowing through a channel in a column of the cartridge).

[0063] In an embodiment and also according to another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a disposable cartridge comprising:

[0064] A molded plastic cartridge body having a bottom and a top, the body defining a reservoir filled with a single-serving amount of a liquid component,

[0065] wherein the top has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a top sealing film,

[0066] Wherein the cartridge body further includes a vertically extending hole that extends to an orifice in the bottom of the cartridge body,

[0067] Wherein a tubular valve member is movably, e.g., slidably, arranged in the hole, and a passage extends from an inlet at the top end of the valve member through the valve member to an outlet at the bottom end of the valve member,

[0068] Wherein the cartridge body is provided with one or more first distribution passages between the reservoir and the hole,

[0069] Wherein the tubular valve member is provided with one or more second distribution passages,

[0070] Wherein in a sealing position of the valve member relative to the hole, the one or more second distribution passages in the tubular valve member are not aligned with the one or more first distribution passages, such that the reservoir is closed,

[0071] And wherein in a dispensing position of the valve member relative to the hole, the one or more second distribution passages in the valve member are aligned with the one or more first distribution passages, such that the reservoir is opened,

[0072] Wherein the valve member is movable by a force applied by a base liquid feed spray gun to move from the sealing position to the dispensing position, thereby allowing the liquid component to be dispensed from the reservoir,

[0073] And wherein the base liquid feed spray gun can be connected to the inlet of the passage in the valve member, such that the base liquid can be fed into the passage and leave the cartridge via the outlet of the valve member and one of the orifices in the bottom of the cartridge,

[0074] Wherein preferably, the one or more second distribution passages are arranged such that the dispensed liquid component is combined with the base liquid within the passage, or at or near the outlet of the passage.

[0075] In an embodiment, the valve member has an outer side and an inner side that defines the passage, and wherein the one or more second distribution passages are implemented as one or more distribution grooves in the outer side of the valve member, the one or more distribution grooves having groove outlets from which the liquid component is dispensed. In an embodiment, three to six groove outlets are arranged around the lower end portion of the valve member.

[0076] In an alternative to the above embodiment, the valve member has an outer side and an inner side that defines the passage, wherein the one or more distribution passages are implemented as extending between the outer side and the inner side of the valve member.

[0077] In an embodiment, the outlet of the valve member forms a dispensing outlet for the base liquid, or in another embodiment for the combined base liquid and liquid component.

[0078] The present invention also provides a disposable cartridge filled with a single-serve portion of a liquid component to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, such as a liquid food suitable for human consumption, for example a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, such as carbonated water, to prepare a beverage. The disposable cartridge comprises:

[0079] A molded plastic cartridge body having a bottom and a top, the body defining a reservoir filled with a single-serve portion of the liquid component,

[0080] wherein the top has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a top sealing film,

[0081] wherein the cartridge body further comprises a cylinder having a portion extending upward from the bottom to the upper side of the central cylinder,

[0082] wherein a vertically extending channel passes through the cylinder from an inlet at the top end of the cylinder to an orifice in the bottom of the cartridge body,

[0083] wherein the bottom has a flexible portion adjacent to, for example, surrounding the cylinder, such that the cylinder is downwardly movable between a higher initial position and a lower dispensing position relative to the top of the body, for example the upper edge of the circumferential wall of the body, by a force applied thereto,

[0084] wherein a valve member is arranged within the cartridge and outside the cylinder, the valve member being statically arranged within the cartridge so as to be movable, for example slidable, relative to the cylinder when the cylinder moves from its higher initial position to its lower dispensing position.

[0085] wherein the cartridge body is provided with one or more dispensing passages arranged to dispense the liquid component from the reservoir,

[0086] wherein in the higher initial position of the cylinder, the valve member closes the one or more dispensing passages such that the reservoir is closed,

[0087] and wherein in the lower dispensing position of the cylinder, the valve member has moved away from the one or more dispensing passages such that the reservoir is opened,

[0088] and wherein a base liquid delivery lance can be connected to the inlet of the channel in the cylinder such that the base liquid can be fed into the channel and exit the cartridge via the orifice in the bottom of the cartridge,

[0089] Preferably, the one or more dispensing passages are arranged such that the dispensed liquid component is combined with the base liquid within the passage, or at or near the outlet of the passage.

[0090] In an embodiment, the top seal film is pierceable to allow pressurized gas to be introduced into the reservoir to pressurize the liquid component therein, thereby assisting in dispensing the liquid component via the dispensing passages, for example when the valve member is in its dispensing position or when the cylinder has moved downward to its dispensing position such that the valve member is out of the one or more dispensing passages.

[0091] In an embodiment, the hole and the valve member, or the cylinder, are arranged below the top seal film, and a portion of the top seal film covers and seals the inlet of the valve member or the cylinder, wherein the base liquid supply spray gun is capable of piercing the said portion of the top seal film.

[0092] In an embodiment, the cartridge body includes one or more piercing members arranged below the top seal film such that, for example, pressing the top seal film downward by the base liquid supply spray gun will cause the one or more piercing members to engage the top seal film and locally rupture the top seal film, thereby providing one or more holes that allow pressurized gas to be introduced into the reservoir to pressurize the liquid component therein, thereby assisting in dispensing the liquid component via the dispensing passages when the valve member is in its dispensing position relative to the one or more dispensing passages. For example, the one or more piercing members are implemented as one or more integrally molded spike structures.

[0093] In an embodiment, preferably for use in conjunction with gas-pressurized assisted dispensing of the liquid component from the reservoir, each of the one or more discharge grooves on the outer side of the valve member has a groove collection portion that serves as a receiver for the liquid component in the dispensing position of the valve member. For example, the liquid component is ejected from the associated first dispensing passage under the influence of pressurized gas, and another portion of the groove is adjacent to the collection portion to allow the liquid component to overflow the collection portion and then flow downward to the outlet of the groove.

[0094] In an embodiment, the passage in the valve member has an upper portion with a first diameter and an adjacent lower portion extending to the outlet, the lower portion and the outlet having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. In a further embodiment, the base liquid delivery spray gun has an insertion portion adapted to be inserted into the upper portion of the passage, wherein the delivery spray gun has an internal delivery passage with a delivery passage diameter that is substantially equal to the second diameter, for example between 0.9 and 1.1 times the second diameter, whereby an inappropriate contraction and / or expansion of the base liquid flow is avoided when the base liquid flow flows from the delivery spray gun into the second portion of the passage.

[0095] In an embodiment, the hole has an upper portion with a first diameter and an adjacent lower portion with a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, and wherein the exterior of the valve member has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a diameter such that it fits slidably in the upper portion of the hole and the lower portion having a diameter such that it fits slidably in the lower portion of the hole. It is possible that the hole has a shoulder, for example between the upper and lower portions of the hole, wherein the valve member has a contact surface on its outer side adapted to abut against the shoulder in the dispensing position of the valve member.

[0096] In an embodiment, the valve member and the hole form one or more seals therebetween, at least in the sealing position of the valve member, for example in an embodiment a seal that shields the one or more dispensing passages from the atmosphere is formed therebetween.

[0097] In an embodiment, the cartridge body is a rigid body, and the bottom maintains its shape when the valve member moves between its sealing and dispensing positions, for example moves vertically downward between said positions.

[0098] In an embodiment, the cartridge body includes a cylinder, for example a cylinder integrally molded with a part of the bottom (e.g., the central part of the bottom), the cylinder extending upward from the bottom to the upper end of the central cylinder, and a hole extends through the cylinder from the upper end of the cylinder and terminates at the orifice in the bottom. In an embodiment, the cylinder includes a separate molded top portion fixed (e.g., snap-fitted, welded (e.g., by a laser), glued, screwed) to the lower portion of the cylinder.

[0099] In an embodiment, the cartridge body is an injection molded integral plastic body.

[0100] In an embodiment, the cartridge has a bottom sealing film that is placed along the underside of the bottom to hermetically seal the orifice and / or the outlet of the valve member. In its preferred version, in such embodiments, the valve member is vertically movable downwardly from the sealed position to the dispensing position, and wherein the bottom sealing film is pierceable and is placed such that it is engaged and pierced by the valve member when the valve member moves downwardly to its dispensing position, the piercing of the bottom sealing film causing the outlet of the passage of the valve member, and / or the orifice to be opened.

[0101] In an embodiment, when the valve member is in the sealed position, the top end of the valve member abuts against or seals to the top sealing film.

[0102] In an embodiment, the cartridge body forms a support surface of the cartridge, the support surface being located below the bottom, for example, a certain distance below the bottom sealing film (when present), such that the bottom or the bottom sealing film is above any support surface on which the cartridge is placed.

[0103] In an embodiment, the cartridge body has a circumferential wall having an upper edge that defines an opening, wherein the top sealing film is fastened to the upper edge (e.g., implemented as an outwardly projecting flange), for example, the radially projecting flange is implemented to support the cartridge on a support surface of a dispensing device.

[0104] In an embodiment, the valve member is equipped with one or more snap portions that are adapted to form a snap fit when the valve member moves to its dispensing position.

[0105] In an embodiment, the outlet of the passage or the dispensing orifice has a diameter in the range of 6 to 15 millimeters, for example, about 8 or 10 millimeters. For a non-rounded passage or orifice, the orifice may have a cross-sectional area greater than 30 mm2, preferably greater than 40 mm2, or even greater than 50 mm2. The cross-section of the orifice may also be less than 200 mm2.

[0106] In an embodiment, the lower portion of the vertically movable cylinder provides a series of outlet openings for the one or more dispensing passages, the outlet openings being arranged in an annular arrangement around the outlet or orifice from which the base liquid (e.g., carbonated water) exits.

[0107] In an embodiment, the one or more outlet openings of the one or more dispensing passages are arranged to dispense the liquid ingredient substantially as an annular envelope of the base liquid jet. The ejected base liquid and the liquid ingredient are adjacent to each other immediately after they exit the cartridge, and they mix with each other during a further duration of travel, with the final mixing possibly occurring as the mixture swirls into a glass or other beverage drinking container. It should be noted that such mixing is particularly seen when using carbonated water as the base liquid, and thus this combination of the liquid ingredient and carbonated water is very beneficial for maintaining carbon dioxide in the base liquid. In contrast, it has been observed that ejecting one or more liquid ingredient streams effectively into a stream of carbonated water will agitate the carbonated water in an inappropriate manner and thereby cause most of the carbon dioxide to escape, such that the final beverage contains limited carbon dioxide.

[0108] In an embodiment having a cylinder and a valve member, the cartridge may have, for example, between two and four dispensing passages and a plurality of dispensing passage inlets (e.g., one inlet for each dispensing passage), which dispensing passage inlets are initially closed by the valve member.

[0109] In an embodiment, the dispensing passage inlets in the cylinder (e.g., in its feet), which are initially closed by the valve member, are angled relative to the dispensing passage such that, for example, due to the pressurization of the liquid ingredient as discussed herein, the liquid ingredient jet emerging from the open inlet impinges on the wall portion of the passage, thereby reducing, preferably nullifying, the velocity of the jet.

[0110] In an embodiment, the sum of the cross-sections of the one or more outlet openings of the one or more dispensing passages is several times larger, e.g., at least 10 times larger, than the corresponding one or more inlets.

[0111] The dispensing passage inlets may have a circular form, e.g., with a diameter between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, but may also have a slot shape, such as a circumferentially arranged slot inlet in the foot region of the cylinder.

[0112] The sealing surfaces of the valve member and the cylinder may be conical, but may also be cylindrical.

[0113] In an embodiment, the cartridge body has a circumferential wall around the perimeter of the bottom, and wherein the hole is co-centric with the axis of the circumferential wall of the cartridge.

[0114] The invention also relates to a disposable cartridge filled with a single-serve portion of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, e.g., a liquid food suitable for human consumption, e.g., a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, e.g., carbonated water, to prepare a beverage, the disposable cartridge comprising:

[0115] A molded plastic cartridge body having a bottom and a top, the body defining a reservoir filled with a single-serve portion of a liquid ingredient,

[0116] wherein the top has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a top seal film,

[0117] wherein the cartridge body further includes a cylinder having a portion extending upwardly from the bottom to an upper side of the cylinder,

[0118] wherein a channel extends through the cylinder from an inlet located at a top end of the cylinder to an orifice located at a bottom side of the cartridge body,

[0119] wherein the bottom has a flexible portion adjacent to, e.g., surrounding the cylinder, such that the cylinder is downwardly movable between a higher initial position and a lower dispensing position relative to the top of the body, e.g., an upper edge of a circumferential wall of the body, by a force applied thereto,

[0120] and wherein a base liquid delivery spray gun can be connected to the inlet of the channel in the cylinder such that the base liquid can be delivered into the channel and exit the cartridge via the orifice in the cartridge bottom,

[0121] wherein the cartridge body is equipped with one or more dispensing passages arranged for dispensing the liquid ingredient from the reservoir, the one or more dispensing passages having one or more dispensing passage outlets arranged such that the liquid ingredient exiting from these outlets is adjacent to the flow of the base liquid exiting from the orifice at the bottom side of the channel,

[0122] and wherein the cartridge has a bottom seal film placed along the bottom side and hermetically sealing at least one or more of the outlets of the one or more dispensing passages, the bottom seal film being fixed to the cartridge at one or more locations remote from the one or more outlets,

[0123] wherein the bottom seal film is adapted to rupture and / or tear away from the outlets due to downward movement of the cylinder to its lower dispensing position, thereby opening the dispensing channel outlets.

[0124] This version does not require the presence of a valve member as discussed herein, but if desired can be contemplated in combination with such a valve member, e.g., to ensure sealing of the dispensing passage outlets prior to use of the cartridge. In the absence of any valve member (which is the preferred version if a bottom seal film is employed), the bottom seal film is the only barrier preventing the liquid ingredient from flowing out of the reservoir.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom sealing film has a hole that is aligned with the orifice or outlet through which the base liquid flows out of the cartridge and has a diameter that substantially corresponds thereto. This design (e.g., a disk with a central hole that resembles the shape of the bottom sealing film) avoids any debris from the ruptured film interfering with the flow of the base liquid after the bottom sealing film ruptures. As should be appreciated, such interference would be detrimental to retaining carbon dioxide in the discharged base liquid stream.

[0126] For example, the bottom of the cartridge has an annular flexure portion around the legs of the cylinder and an additional non-flexure portion surrounding the flexure portion, and the bottom sealing film is fixed to the non-flexure portion, e.g., by heat sealing. In combination with a suitable vertical stroke of the cylinder, the bottom sealing film will rupture and / or tear away from the outlets of these dispensing passages.

[0127] Preferably, the bottom sealing film is gently fixed across the outlets of these dispensing passages.

[0128] The present invention also relates to a disposable cartridge filled with a single-serve portion of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, e.g., a liquid food suitable for human consumption, e.g., to be combined with water, e.g., carbonated water, to prepare a beverage, the disposable cartridge comprising:

[0129] An injection-molded integral plastic body having a bottom with a lower side and a circumferential wall, the upper edge of the circumferential wall defining a filling orifice,

[0130] wherein the filling orifice of the cartridge is hermetically sealed by a top sealing film, the circumference of the top sealing film being fastened to the upper edge,

[0131] wherein the bottom has an orifice,

[0132] The integral plastic body further includes a cylinder integrally molded with a portion of the bottom, e.g., the central portion, the cylinder extending upward from the bottom to the upper end of the cylinder, and a hole extending through the cylinder from the upper end of the cylinder and terminating in the orifice of the bottom,

[0133] wherein the plastic body defines a reservoir filled with the liquid ingredient between the cylinder and the circumferential wall,

[0134] wherein a tubular valve member is slidably arranged in the cylinder, and a channel extends through the valve member from an inlet at the top end of the valve member to an outlet at the bottom end of the valve member,

[0135] wherein the cylinder is provided with one or more first dispensing passages between the central cylinder and the hole,

[0136] wherein the tubular valve member is provided with one or more second dispensing passages,

[0137] wherein in the raised sealing position of the valve member relative to the cylinder, the one or more second dispensing passages in the valve member are not aligned with the one or more first dispensing passages in the cylinder, such that the reservoir is closed,

[0138] and wherein in the lower dispensing position of the valve member relative to the cylinder, the one or more second dispensing passages in the valve member are aligned with the one or more first dispensing passages in the cylinder, such that the reservoir is opened,

[0139] wherein the top sealing film is pierceable such that a base liquid delivery lance can pierce the top sealing film and connect to the inlet of the passage in the valve member, so that the base liquid can be delivered into the passage,

[0140] wherein the valve member is movable downwardly by a force applied thereto by the base liquid delivery lance so as to move from the sealing position to the lower dispensing position, thereby opening the reservoir and allowing the liquid composition to be dispensed from the reservoir via the first and second dispensing channels,

[0141] wherein preferably, the one or more second dispensing passages are arranged such that the dispensed liquid composition is combined with the base liquid within the passage, or at or near the outlet of the passage.

[0142] The invention also relates to a disposable cartridge filled with a single - service portion of a liquid composition to be combined with a base liquid for preparing a liquid product, such as a liquid food suitable for human consumption, for example a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, such as carbonated water, for preparing a beverage. The disposable cartridge comprises:

[0143] a cartridge body having a bottom and a top, the body defining a reservoir filled with a single - service portion of the liquid composition,

[0144] wherein the top has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a top sealing film,

[0145] wherein the cartridge body further comprises a cylinder having a portion extending upwardly from the bottom to the upper side of the cylinder,

[0146] wherein a passage extends through the cylinder from an inlet at the top end of the cylinder to an orifice at the bottom side of the cartridge body,

[0147] wherein the bottom has a flexible portion adjacent to, for example, surrounding the cylinder such that the cylinder is downwardly movable relative to the top of the body, for example, the upper edge of the circumferential wall of the body, between a higher initial position and a lower dispensing position by a force applied thereto,

[0148] and wherein a base liquid supply spray gun can be connected to the inlet of the passage in the cylinder such that the base liquid can be fed into the passage and exit the cartridge via an orifice in the bottom of the cartridge,

[0149] wherein the cartridge body is equipped with one or more dispensing passages arranged to dispense the liquid component from the reservoir, the one or more dispensing passages having one or more dispensing passage outlets arranged such that the liquid component emerging from these outlets is adjacent to the stream of base liquid emerging from the orifice on the bottom side of the passage,

[0150] and wherein the cartridge has a bottom sealing film which is placed along the bottom side and hermetically seals at least one or more of the outlets of the one or more dispensing passages, the bottom sealing film being fixed to the cartridge at one or more positions remote from the one or more outlets,

[0151] wherein the bottom sealing film is provided with holes which are aligned with the orifices from which the base liquid emerges, the bottom sealing film being adapted to rupture and / or tear away from these outlets due to downward movement of the cylinder to its lower dispensing position, thereby opening the dispensing channel outlets.

[0152] The present invention also relates to a disposable cartridge filled with a single - service portion of a liquid component to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, such as a liquid food suitable for human consumption, for example, a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, such as carbonated water, to prepare a beverage, the disposable cartridge comprising:

[0153] a cartridge body having a bottom and a top, the body defining a reservoir filled with a single - service portion of the liquid component,

[0154] wherein the top has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a top sealing film,

[0155] wherein the cartridge body further includes a cylinder having a portion extending upwardly from the bottom to the upper side of the cylinder,

[0156] wherein a passage extends through the cylinder from an inlet located at the top end of the cylinder to an orifice located at the bottom side of the cartridge body,

[0157] wherein the bottom has a flexible portion adjacent to, e.g., surrounding, the cylinder such that the cylinder is downwardly movable between a higher initial position and a lower dispensing position relative to the top of the body, e.g., the upper edge of the circumferential wall of the body, by a force applied thereto,

[0158] and wherein a base liquid supply lance can be connected to the inlet of the channel in the cylinder such that the base liquid can be fed into the channel and exit the cartridge via an orifice in the bottom of the cartridge,

[0159] wherein the top sealing film has an aperture aligned with the inlet of the channel, thereby allowing the base liquid supply lance to be connected to the inlet of the channel by passing through the aperture without piercing the top sealing film.

[0160] The present invention also relates to a disposable cartridge filled with a single - service portion of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid for preparing a liquid product, e.g., a liquid food suitable for human consumption, such as a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, e.g., carbonated water, for preparing a beverage. The disposable cartridge comprises:

[0161] a cartridge body having a bottom and a top, the body defining a reservoir filled with a single - service portion of the liquid ingredient,

[0162] wherein the top has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a top sealing film,

[0163] wherein the cartridge body further comprises a cylinder having a portion extending upwardly from the bottom to the upper side of the cylinder,

[0164] wherein a channel extends through the cylinder from an inlet at the top end of the cylinder to an orifice at the bottom side of the cartridge body,

[0165] wherein a base liquid supply lance can be connected to the inlet of the channel in the cylinder such that the base liquid can be fed into the channel and exit the cartridge via an orifice in the bottom of the cartridge,

[0166] wherein the cartridge body is provided with one or more dispensing passages arranged for dispensing the liquid ingredient from the reservoir,

[0167] wherein: a) the one or more dispensing passages have one or more dispensing passage outlets arranged such that the liquid ingredient emerging from these outlets is adjacent to the flow of the base liquid emerging from the orifice at the bottom side of the channel, or

[0168] b) The one or more dispensing passages have one or more dispensing passage outlets which are arranged within the channel such that the components emerging from these outlets are mixed with the base liquid stream and then the mixture emerges from an orifice on the bottom side of the channel.

[0169] And wherein the cartridge body includes one or more piercing members which are arranged below the top sealing film such that depressing the top sealing film downwardly, for example by the base liquid supply lance, will cause the one or more piercing members to engage the top sealing film and locally rupture the top sealing film, thereby providing one or more holes which permit pressurized gas to be introduced into the reservoir in order to pressurize the liquid components therein and thus assist in dispensing the liquid components via the dispensing passages, wherein for example the one or more piercing members are implemented as one or more integrally molded spike structures.

[0170] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technical features discussed herein which are required or optional for one embodiment of the invention can equally apply to one or more other embodiments described herein in which the feature performs its designated function. All such combinations are contemplated herein unless the combination would result in a technically impossible solution and / or would not satisfy the desired function.

[0171] The invention also relates to a system for preparing a liquid product, such as a liquid foodstuff, such as a beverage, the system comprising:

[0172] a) A disposable cartridge as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims and / or as disclosed herein.

[0173] b) A dispensing device, such as a beverage dispensing device, which is at least equipped with:

[0174] - A holder for receiving and retaining the cartridge in a dispensing position in the device.

[0175] - A base liquid supply assembly with a base liquid supply lance arranged at the dispensing position, the lance being implemented for connection to a channel of a valve member or a cylinder of the cartridge, for example while piercing the top sealing film of the cartridge, such that base liquid can be supplied into the channel.

[0176] Wherein the dispensing device has an operable displacement device which is adapted to cause the holder to move so as to move the cartridge and the base liquid supply lance relative to each other such that when the displacement device is operated, the lance is connected to the channel.

[0177] For example, when there is a valve member in the cartridge, the base liquid delivery spray gun causes relative movement that moves the valve member to its dispensing or open position, such as pressing the valve member downward from its raised sealed position to its lower dispensing position or moving the cylinder downward relative to the static valve member; or causes the bottom seal film of the cartridge (when present) to rupture and / or tear away from one or more dispensing passage outlets initially sealed by the bottom seal film, and thereby allows dispensing from the cartridge.

[0178] In an embodiment, the liquid delivery assembly is equipped to deliver water as the base liquid, such as carbonated water (e.g., selectively carbonated water and non - carbonated water).

[0179] In an embodiment, the liquid delivery assembly includes a pump for the base liquid. In another embodiment, the liquid delivery assembly includes a water supply main connector, allowing the device to be connected to a water supply main. For example, the assembly further includes a water pressure regulator, which, for example, causes the pressure to be reduced to a preset water pressure to avoid the influence of changes in the water supply main pressure.

[0180] In an embodiment, the liquid delivery spray gun is statically mounted in the device, and the displacement device is equipped to move the holder towards and away from the spray gun in such a way that during the process, the spray gun is connected to the passage of the valve member or the cylinder.

[0181] In an embodiment, the spray gun is arranged to be movable and is movable by means of a corresponding displacement device of the device.

[0182] In an embodiment, the holder for the cartridge is equipped to receive and retain the bottom of the cartridge in a substantially horizontal position, and the holder has an orifice below the bottom of the cartridge in such a way that during the dispensing of the liquid product, the product remains in contact with the holder.

[0183] In an embodiment, at a certain distance below the dispensing position of the holder, the device has a resting position for a cup or other receiver, such as a drinking glass.

[0184] In an embodiment, the device is equipped with a pressurized gas source, preferably a pressurized air source, such as an air pump, where the device is adapted such that the pressurized gas source is in direct communication with the reservoir of the disposable cartridge to allow the liquid component therein to be pressurized by the gas, thereby assisting in dispensing the liquid component from the reservoir when the valve member has been moved into its dispensing position.

[0185] In an embodiment, the device includes a pressurizing arch member having an external gas seal along its periphery, the external gas seal being adapted to sealingly engage with a disposable cartridge around a location where the top sealing film is pierced to allow pressurized gas to enter the reservoir, for example, the external gas seal is implemented to seal to the upper end of the circumferential wall of the disposable cartridge, and wherein the pressurized gas source is connected to allow pressurized gas to be fed below the arch member such that its external gas seal sealingly engages the disposable cartridge and the top sealing film has been pierced.

[0186] In an embodiment, the base liquid feed lance projects from the arch member.

[0187] In another embodiment, the device includes a perforating member adapted to perforate the top sealing film in the region between the central cylinder and the circumferential wall, and the device is adapted to feed pressurized gas (e.g., air) into the reservoir via the perforated region.

[0188] The device may be equipped with control means for the pressurized gas source, the control means being adapted, for example, to provide adjustable timing for the pressurization of the liquid components, for example in relation to the opening process of these dispensing passages, such as a delay in timing relative to effective opening. The control means (e.g., a computerized control means for the pressurized gas source) may also be linked to a cartridge identification assembly adapted to identify the cartridge, for example, for the liquid components therein.

[0189] In an embodiment, the diameter of the feed channel in the base liquid feed lance is between 5 and 10 mm, for example between 6 and 9 mm, for example approximately 8 mm.

[0190] In an embodiment, the device includes a carbonator.

[0191] In an embodiment, the device includes a cooling device adapted to cool the base liquid to, for example, between 2°C and 15°C.

[0192] In an embodiment, the device is integrated in a household freezer, for example, in its door.

[0193] In another embodiment, the valve member has a venturi section, wherein the valve member has one or more dispensing passages connected to the venturi section in such a way that when the base liquid is fed through the channel, a venturi effect occurs and the liquid components enter the venturi section through the one or more aligned dispensing passages and mix with the base liquid there, and the mixture is dispensed via the outlet of the channel.

[0194] The present invention also relates to a system according to claim 25, wherein the cartridge is equipped with one or more piercing members arranged on the inner side of the sealing membrane to be opened to introduce a pressurized gas, such as air, into the liquid component reservoir, such that pressing the sealing membrane inwards, e.g. downwards, will cause the one or more piercing members to engage the top sealing membrane and locally rupture the sealing membrane, thereby providing one or more openings that allow the introduction of the pressurized gas into the reservoir to assist in dispensing the liquid component. It should be understood that the cartridge and / or the device may have one or more of the features discussed herein with reference to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0195] The present invention also relates to a system according to claim 26, wherein the one or more dispensing passages have one or more outlets arranged such that the liquid component exits the one or more dispensing passage outlets as one or more flows different from the base liquid flow exiting the dispensing orifice of the passage, and wherein the one or more dispensing passage outlets are arranged such that the liquid component exiting these outlets is externally adjacent to the base liquid flow that has already exited the dispensing orifice. It should be understood that the cartridge and / or the device may have one or more of the features discussed herein with reference to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0196] The present invention also relates to a system according to claim 27, wherein the dispensing device further includes a gas pressure control assembly adapted to control the pressure of the gas pressurization at least based on the input temperature of the liquid component and / or the cartridge, thereby for example allowing compensation for the temperature-dependent viscosity effect of the liquid component, such as increasing the gas pressure when the liquid component is cold. It should be understood that the cartridge and / or the device may have one or more of the features discussed herein with reference to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0197] In an embodiment, the device includes a temperature sensor adapted to sense the temperature of the liquid component and / or the cartridge at the start of the dispensing cycle, e.g. when the cartridge is placed in the holder of the device or when it reaches or moves to the dispensing position.

[0198] In an embodiment, the device is equipped with a user input device adapted to allow the user to input the temperature, e.g. the user input device on the device or a remote device wirelessly connected thereto is adapted to present user-selectable inputs, such as options including "cartridge taken out of the refrigerator" and "cartridge at ambient temperature".

[0199] In an embodiment, the cartridge, e.g., its sealing film, has a temperature-responsive region, e.g., with a color responsive to temperature, which changes color according to a change in temperature and thereby provides an indication of the actual temperature of the liquid composition and / or the cartridge. For example, the device or a remote device wirelessly connected thereto is equipped with a reader that detects the temperature-responsive region, e.g., the variable color region, and transmits corresponding instructions to the gas pressure control assembly.

[0200] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the temperature-dependent indicator for the beverage concentrate cartridge per se can constitute an independent invention.

[0201] The present invention also relates to a disposable cartridge filled with a single-serve portion of a liquid composition to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, e.g., a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, e.g., carbonated water, to prepare a beverage. The cartridge includes:

[0202] A body having a reservoir filled with the liquid composition and having a wall that defines an orifice, e.g., a filling orifice for the liquid composition, that communicates with the reservoir.

[0203] wherein the orifice of the cartridge is hermetically sealed by a sealing film.

[0204] wherein the cartridge is equipped with one or more piercing members arranged below the portion of the sealing film such that, for example, pressing the sealing film inward, e.g., downward, by a base liquid supply lance will cause the one or more piercing members to engage the sealing film and locally rupture the sealing film, thereby providing one or more openings that allow pressurized gas to be introduced into the reservoir to assist in dispensing the liquid composition.

[0205] The present invention also relates to a disposable cartridge filled with a single-serve portion of a liquid composition to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, e.g., a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, e.g., carbonated water, to prepare a beverage. The cartridge includes:

[0206] A body having a reservoir filled with the liquid composition and having a wall that defines an orifice, e.g., a filling orifice for the liquid composition, that communicates with the reservoir.

[0207] wherein the orifice of the cartridge is hermetically sealed by a sealing film.

[0208] Wherein the cartridge body includes a cylinder which is movable inwards, e.g. downwards, from an initial position to a dispensing position, the cylinder being sealed to the sealing film, and wherein a channel extends through the cylinder from an inlet of the channel located at the top end of the cylinder, thereby allowing a base liquid supply member to be connected to the inlet of the channel and engage the cylinder, and further allowing the base liquid to be fed into the channel and the cylinder to be moved to the dispensing position.

[0209] Wherein a portion of the sealing film covering the reservoir is provided with one or more pre-scored lines machined, e.g., by a laser, the pre-scored lines being implemented such that pressing the cylinder inwards, e.g. downwards, to the dispensing position will cause the one or more pre-scored lines to rupture, thereby providing the one or more openings which allow the pressurized gas to be introduced into the reservoir to assist in dispensing the liquid component.

[0210] The present invention also relates to a cartridge for producing a flavored carbonated beverage from a carbonated water stream, the cartridge defining a flow channel for the carbonated water stream to pass through or flow along the cartridge and including a reservoir for receiving a liquid concentrate, the reservoir including at least one dispensing passage and a seal for initially closing the dispensing passage, the concentrate being able to leave the reservoir through the at least one dispensing passage and contact the stream, wherein the dispensing passage includes a flow restriction region and an outlet region, the flow restriction region having a relatively small flow cross-section, and the outlet region for contacting the stream having a relatively large flow cross-section, the flow restriction region being located between the outlet region and the reservoir. It should be understood that the cartridge and / or the device may have one or more of these features as discussed herein with reference to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0211] The present invention also relates to a cartridge for producing a flavored carbonated beverage from a carbonated water stream, the cartridge including a body shaped as a U-shaped cross-section annulus which defines a reservoir for receiving a liquid concentrate between a circumferential outer wall and a central cylinder, the central cylinder defining a flow channel for the carbonated water stream to pass through without entering the reservoir, the reservoir having an annular orifice closed by a top sealing film at the open end of the U-shape, wherein the bottom of the body at the closed end of the U-shape has a flexible portion such that the central cylinder can be displaced downwards relative to the circumferential outer wall, and wherein in use the downward displacement of the central cylinder causes the dispensing passage to open, whereby the concentrate can leave the reservoir and contact the stream after or during passing through the flow channel. It should be understood that the cartridge and / or the device may have one or more of these features as discussed herein with reference to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0212] The present invention also relates to a cartridge for producing a flavored carbonated beverage from a stream of carbonated water, the cartridge comprising a body shaped as an annular member with a U-shaped cross-section defining a reservoir for receiving a liquid concentrate between a circumferential outer wall and a central cylindrical member, the central cylindrical member defining a flow passage for the stream of carbonated water to pass through without entering the reservoir, the reservoir having an annular orifice at the open end of the U-shape that is closed by a top sealing film and having an internal rupture or piercing member within the reservoir and positioned adjacent to the top sealing film, wherein the central cylindrical member is configured to be downwardly displaceable relative to the circumferential wall, whereby downward displacement of the central cylindrical member causes the top sealing film to bear against the internal rupture members and rupture. It should be understood that the cartridge and / or the apparatus may have one or more of the features discussed herein with reference to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0213] The cartridge or at least its body described above and below may alternatively be described as defining an annular member with a U-shaped cross-section, the filling orifice at the open end of the U-shape being closed by the top sealing film. These cartridge bodies may most conventionally be formed from a plastic material, for example, by a one-piece or multi-piece injection molding operation, or assembled from multiple injection molded parts, for example, by laser welding a top part of the cylindrical member to an integral molded cartridge body part having a circumferential wall, a flexible bottom, and another part of the cylindrical member. However, it is not excluded that multiple parts of the cartridge may be made by thermoforming or blow molding of a preform.

[0214] The present invention also relates to a combination of a cartridge as disclosed herein and a base liquid dispensing gun.

[0215] The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a liquid product, wherein a cartridge and / or an apparatus and / or a system as disclosed herein is used.

[0216] The present invention also relates to an apparatus as disclosed herein, which is implemented, for example, as a dispenser device for carbonated and / or non-carbonated beverages based on a single-serve cartridge as disclosed herein or elsewhere.

[0217] In the drawings:

[0218] Figure 1 A cross-section of an example of a disposable cartridge according to the present invention is shown, the disposable cartridge being filled with a single-serve portion of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, wherein the valve member is in its sealed position.

[0219] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 the cartridge of, wherein the valve member is in its lowered dispensing position.

[0220] Figure 3shows the components of a liquid food preparation device and Figure 1 a perspective view of the cartridge of

[0221] Figure 4 before it is placed in the cartridge holder of the device, Figure 3 shows a view in which the cartridge is placed in the cartridge holder,

[0222] Figure 5 shows Figure 4 a view in which the cartridge holder is moved so that the cartridge goes to the dispensing position relative to the device,

[0223] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the device and the cartridge Figure 5 in the situation of

[0224] Figure 7 before the start of the dispensing cycle, Figure 5 and Figure 6 a perspective view of the situation of

[0225] Figure 8 shows the situation in which the pressurized arched member and the liquid delivery spray gun have moved downward to correspondingly engage on the cartridge and the valve member, and the valve member is in its lowered dispensing position,

[0226] Figure 9 shows Figure 8 a perspective view of the situation of

[0227] Figure 10 depicts the supply of water (e.g., carbonated water) through the spray gun into the passage in the valve member and the supply of pressurized gas (e.g., air) through the pierced top sealing film into the reservoir to assist in dispensing the liquid component from the reservoir,

[0228] Figure 11 depicts the situation in which the supply of water has stopped and the reservoir has been emptied, and there may be a final gas flow through the reservoir to ensure its complete emptying and avoid dripping,

[0229] Figure 12 depicts the emptying of the cartridge, and the pressurized arched member and the liquid delivery spray gun have been raised to their initial positions, thus allowing the cartridge holder to move for removing the cartridge,

[0230] Figure 13 and 14 depicts an alternative embodiment of the valve member,

[0231] Figure 15Shows a vertical section of another example of a disposable cartridge according to the present invention, the disposable cartridge being filled with a single-serving amount of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, wherein the valve member is in its sealed position,

[0232] Figure 16 Shows Figure 15 a cross-section of the cartridge and a perspective view seen from below,

[0233] Figure 17 Shows Figure 15 a cross-section of the cartridge and a perspective view seen from above,

[0234] Figure 18 Shows a portion of the cartridge Figure 15 in a larger scale,

[0235] Figure 19 Shows a portion of the cartridge Figure 15 in a larger scale,

[0236] Figure 20 Shows Figure 15 the cartridge in an open condition,

[0237] Figure 21 Shows the cartridge Figure 20 in different views,

[0238] Figure 22 Shows Figure 20 a perspective view of the cartridge seen from above,

[0239] Figure 23 Shows Figure 20 a perspective view of the cartridge seen from below,

[0240] Figure 24 Shows the cartridge Figure 20 in yet another perspective view,

[0241] Figure 25 Shows a vertical section of another example of a disposable cartridge according to the present invention, the disposable cartridge being filled with a single-serving amount of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product,

[0242] Figure 26 Shows Figure 25 a perspective view of the cartridge seen from below,

[0243] Figure 27 Shows Figure 25 the cartridge in an open condition,

[0244] Figure 28 Shows Figure 27 a perspective view of the cartridge seen from below,

[0245] Figure 29 Schematically shows a beverage dispensing device with a cartridge Figure 25 in an open condition.

[0246] Referring Figure 1-12 to, a first example of a disposable cartridge 1 will be described, which is filled with a liquid ingredient 2 in a single-serve portion to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product. Figure 13 and 14 show alternatives for the valve member.

[0247] In the present description, according to a preferred application of the invention, the liquid ingredient is a beverage concentrate, which is to be combined with a carbonated water stream to fill a single-serve container (e.g., a drinking glass) with a single-serve portion of a carbonated beverage.

[0248] In an embodiment, the device is also, or alternatively, implemented for combining the liquid ingredient with non-carbonated water (e.g., hot or cold non-carbonated water). Generally, carbonated water is cold water.

[0249] Although uses in the field of carbonated beverage preparation are envisioned, it should be clear that the cartridges and / or devices of the present invention can also be used to prepare other liquid products, such as in the pharmaceutical field, etc.

[0250] The disposable cartridge 1 has: an injection-molded integral plastic body 2, which has a bottom 3 with a lower side 3a and a circumferential wall 4; the upper edge 5 of the circumferential wall, which is implemented as an outwardly protruding flange, defines a filling orifice through which the cartridge can be filled with the liquid ingredient.

[0251] The filling orifice of the cartridge is hermetically sealed by a top sealing film 6, the circumference of which is fastened to the upper edge 5.

[0252] The bottom can have, for example, a diameter between 25 and 75 millimeters, such as between 40 and 60 millimeters. The circumferential wall adjacent to the perimeter of the bottom can have, for example, a height between 25 and 75 millimeters, such as between 40 and 60 millimeters.

[0253] The bottom is provided with a molded orifice 8, for example, formed by a downwardly protruding collar portion 9 of the bottom.

[0254] The plastic body further includes a cylinder 11, which is integrally molded with a part of the bottom (here the central part). The cylinder 11 projects upward from the bottom to the upper end of the cylinder. A hole 12 extends through the cylinder from the upper end of the cylinder 11 and terminates at the orifice 8 in the bottom.

[0255] The plastic body defines a reservoir that is at least partially filled with the liquid component between the cylinder 11 and the circumferential wall 4.

[0256] The tubular valve member 20 is slidably arranged in the bore 12 of the cylinder 11, and a passage 21 extends from an inlet 22 at the top end of the valve member through the valve member to an outlet 23 at the bottom end of the valve member 20. In this example, as is preferred, the valve member 20 is vertically movable within the bore 12.

[0257] The cylinder is provided with one or more first distribution passages 15 between the outside of the central cylinder 11 and the bore 12.

[0258] The tubular valve member 20 is provided with one or more second distribution passages 25 that extend here between the outside of the valve member 20 and the passage 21 within the valve member 20.

[0259] In the sealed position where the valve member is raised relative to the cylinder 11 (see Figure 1 ), the one or more second distribution passages 25 in the valve member 20 are not aligned with the one or more first distribution passages 15 in the cylinder 11, so that the reservoir is closed.

[0260] In the dispensing position where the valve member 20 is lower relative to the cylinder 11, the one or more second distribution passages 25 in the valve member 20 are aligned with the one or more first distribution passages 15 in the cylinder 11, so that the reservoir is opened.

[0261] The top sealing film is pierceable so that the base liquid delivery spray gun 120 can pierce the top sealing film and connect to the inlet 22 of the passage 21 in the valve member, so that the base liquid can be delivered into the passage. This liquid exits the passage 21 and thus exits the cartridge from the outlet of the valve member.

[0262] The valve member 20 is movable downward by the force applied on it by the base liquid delivery spray gun 120 in order to move from the sealed position to the lower dispensing position, thereby opening the reservoir and allowing the liquid component to be dispensed from the reservoir via the first and second distribution passages 15, 25.

[0263] In this embodiment, it is contemplated that the one or more second distribution passages 25 are arranged such that the dispensed liquid component combines with the base liquid in the passage 21 before it exits the passage, noting that further blending can occur when the combined liquid travels to the drinking receptacle or even enters a beverage receptacle (e.g., a glass).

[0264] It should be understood that in Figure 1-12In the illustrated design, the valve member has an outer side and an inner side that defines a passage 21, wherein the one or more second dispensing passages 25 are implemented to extend between the outer and inner sides of the valve member.

[0265] It should be understood that in Figure 1-12 the illustrated design, the outlet of the valve member 20 forms the actual dispensing outlet for the combined base liquid and liquid component.

[0266] Taking into account Figure 1 and 2 the further applications of the cartridge depicted in Figure 3-12 and its cooperation with a suitable dispensing device (e.g., a beverage preparation and dispensing device), the preparation of beverages or other liquid products will now be discussed with reference to

[0267] Figure 3-12 The components of the device 100 are depicted, and these components include

[0268] - a housing 105,

[0269] - a holder 110 that is movable relative to the housing 105 herein, a sliding drawer herein, for receiving and retaining the disposable cartridge 1 in the dispensing position in the device,

[0270] - a base liquid supply assembly having a base liquid supply lance 120 disposed at the dispensing position, the lance 120 being implemented to pierce the top seal film 6 of the disposable cartridge 1 and connect to the passage 21 of the valve member 20 of the disposable cartridge 1 so that the base liquid can be supplied into the passage 21.

[0271] The device 100 is equipped with a pressurized gas source schematically depicted herein as 130, preferably a pressurized air source (e.g., an air pump or a gas cylinder).

[0272] Device 100 is adapted to directly connect a pressurized gas source 130 to the reservoir of the disposable cartridge 1 so as to allow the liquid component therein to be pressurized by the gas, thereby assisting in the dispensing of the liquid from the reservoir when the valve member 20 of the disposable cartridge 1 has been brought into its dispensing position. For example, considering the ratio between the liquid component and the base liquid during a dispensing cycle of, for example, a single beverage, this is advantageous if the liquid component is rather viscous and it also allows the dispensing to be controlled. Gas pressure control can also be used to compensate (if necessary) for any temperature-dependent viscosity effects of the liquid component, such as increasing the gas pressure when the liquid component is cold. In an embodiment, the device can include a temperature sensor adapted to sense the temperature of the liquid component and / or the cartridge at the start of the dispensing cycle, such as when the cartridge is placed in the holder of the device or when it reaches or moves to the dispensing position. It is also conceivable that the user inputs the temperature, for example, "cartridge taken out of the refrigerator" and "cartridge at ambient temperature". It is also conceivable that the top sealing film has a temperature-responsive coloring area that changes color due to temperature changes and thereby provides an indication of the actual temperature of the liquid component. Then, the device can have a sensor or its indicator for reading the temperature on the cartridge, or can guide the user to provide the correct input to the device.

[0273] Device 100 includes a pressurizing arch member 140 that has an external gas seal 145 along its periphery, which is adapted to sealingly engage with the disposable cartridge 1 around the position where the top sealing film is pierced to allow pressurized gas to enter the reservoir. Here, the external gas seal 145 is implemented to seal to the upper edge 5 of the circumferential wall of the disposable cartridge 1.

[0274] The pressurized gas source 130 is connected to the arch member 140, allowing pressurized gas to be fed below the arch member 140, within the space sealed by its external gas seal that sealingly engages the disposable cartridge. Since the top sealing film has been pierced (e.g., in the manner to be discussed below), the supply of this pressurized gas (e.g., air) pressurizes the liquid component.

[0275] The base liquid dispensing spray gun 120 projects from the arch member 140 here. The spray gun and the arch member 140 are integral for joint movement.

[0276] The spray gun 120 is equipped with a gas seal 146 (here an O-ring) that seals on the top end of the cylinder to prevent pressurized air from entering the channel.

[0277] The dispensing device has an operable shifting device 150, which here has an eccentric mechanism 151 and an electric motor 152, the electric motor being adapted to produce a movement of the arched member 140 and the spray gun 120 relative to the disposable cartridge 1 held in the holder 110.

[0278] When the shifting device 150 is operated, the spray gun 120 pierces the top sealing film 6 and connects to the passage 21 of the valve member 20. The continued downward movement of the spray gun 120 together with the arched member 140 here will cause the base liquid supply spray gun to move the valve member 20 to its dispensing position, thus pressing the valve member downward from the raised sealing position to its lower dispensing position and thereby allowing the dispensing of beverage concentrate or the like from the disposable cartridge 1.

[0279] As discussed, the liquid supply assembly is equipped to supply water as the base liquid here via the hose 121, such as carbonated water (e.g., selectively carbonated water and non-carbonated water). For example, the liquid supply assembly includes a pump for the base liquid, and / or the liquid supply assembly is connected to the water supply main via, for example, an intermediate heat exchanger for cooling and / or heating the liquid, and / or via an intermediate carbonator for carbonating the water.

[0280] The holder 110 for the disposable cartridge 1 is equipped to receive and retain the cartridge in a substantially horizontal position, bottom down. The holder has an orifice below the bottom of the disposable cartridge 1 in such a way that during the dispensing of the liquid product, the product does not contact the holder. This avoids improper interference caused by a low carbon dioxide content of the liquid product, such as its reduction, and / or soiling of the device and / or cross-contamination between successive services.

[0281] At a certain distance below the dispensing position of the holder, the device has a resting position for a cup or other receiver, such as a drinking glass.

[0282] The user starts here by sliding open the holder 110 and placing the cartridge in the corresponding cavity of the holder. Preferably, when the holder forms a corresponding support surface for the upper flange of the cartridge, the cartridge is suspended by this upper flange. Now, the user closes the drawer by sliding the holder 110 together with the disposable cartridge 1 into the housing, so that the cartridge moves to the dispensing position of the device 100. Figure 6 、 7 This situation is depicted in

[0283] The displacement device 150 is now operated such that the spray gun 120 pierces the top seal film 6 and connects to the passage 21 of the valve member 20. Continuing downward movement of the spray gun 120 together with the arched member 140 here will cause the base liquid supply spray gun to move the valve member 20 to its dispensing position, thus pressing the valve member downward from its raised sealing position to its lower dispensing position and thereby allowing the dispensing of beverage concentrate or the like from the disposable cartridge 1.

[0284] Preferably, the cartridge is provided with one or more piercing members 28 (here two), which are arranged below the top seal film 6 such that here the top seal film is pressed downward by the base liquid supply spray gun 120 to cause the one or more piercing members 28 to engage the top seal film and locally rupture the top seal film, thereby providing one or more holes that allow pressurized gas to be introduced into the reservoir to pressurize the liquid components therein, thus assisting in the dispensing of the liquid components via the dispensing passages when the valve member 20 is in its dispensing position relative to the one or more dispensing passages. In this instance, the one or more piercing members are implemented as one or more integrally molded spike structures.

[0285] Figure 8 and 9 This situation is depicted in

[0286] The supply of carbonated water and pressurized gas (e.g., air) is now started, possibly with a certain time delay of one relative to the other. Now the liquid components are assisted in advancing through the first and second dispensing passages and, in this embodiment, are blended with the water advancing through the passage before the blended liquid exits the passage 21 via its outlet. Figure 10 This process is depicted in

[0287] Once a single-serve portion has been prepared, the flow of water or other base liquid is stopped. If desired, some air flow is continued to completely empty the cartridge and / or ensure the discharge of the last drop of the liquid components (e.g., beverage concentrate). This avoids loss of components and soiling of the device. This is depicted in Figure 11 This is depicted in

[0288] Figure 12 The end of the dispensing cycle is depicted, where the arched member 140 and the spray gun 120 have moved to their initial positions, away from the disposable cartridge 1, thus allowing the removal of the disposable cartridge 1 (here by opening the holder 110 and removing the cartridge).

[0289] In Figure 13 and 14 Alternative embodiments of the disposable cartridge 1 have been shown, specifically with respect to the embodiment of the second dispensing passage 125 of the valve member 20'.

[0290] The valve member 20' has an outer side and an inner side that defines a passage 21. The one or more second dispensing passages 125 are implemented as one or more dispensing grooves in the outer side of the valve member. The one or more dispensing grooves have groove outlets 126 from which the liquid component is dispensed. In practice, even when the outlet is not adjacent to the passage or its outlet, the liquid component flows directly to combine with and blend with the outflow of the (carbonated) base liquid. It has been found that this combination of one or more sub-streams of the liquid component (e.g., beverage concentrate) on the exterior of the valve member (or other dispensing conduit member of the disposable cartridge) with the flow of water, such as carbonated water, through the interior of the valve member or conduit member avoids undue loss of carbonization of the water while providing acceptable blending.

[0291] In a preferred embodiment, between three and six groove outlets are arranged around the lower end portion of the valve member 20'.

[0292] The dispensing grooves on the outer side of the valve member each have a groove collecting portion 127 that serves as a receiver for the liquid component when the valve member is in the dispensing position, e.g., when the liquid component is ejected from the associated first dispensing passage 15 under the influence of a pressurized gas. Another portion 128 of the dispensing groove is adjacent to the collecting portion 127 to allow the liquid component to overflow (e.g., like a siphon) the collecting portion and then flow downward to the outlet of the groove. This tortuous path avoids a high-speed collision of the liquid component jet with the carbonated water because the bends in the path and / or the collecting groove portion reduce the velocity of the liquid component. It should be understood that these dispensing grooves can have other tortuous designs.

[0293] As can be seen in Figure 1-12 the passage 21 in the valve member 20 has an upper portion with a first diameter and an adjacent lower portion that extends to the outlet. This lower portion and the outlet have a second diameter. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. It is shown that the base liquid supply spray gun 120 has an insertion portion that is adapted to be inserted into the wider upper portion of the passage 21. The supply spray gun 120 has an internal supply passage with a supply passage diameter that is substantially equal to this second diameter, e.g., between 0.9 and 1.1 times the second diameter, whereby undue contraction and / or expansion of the base liquid flow is avoided when the base liquid flow enters the second portion of the passage from the supply spray gun. This is also beneficial considering the carbonation loss when the carbonated water travels through the spray gun and the connected valve member.

[0294] As shown herein, the hole 12 has an upper portion with a first diameter and an adjacent lower portion with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and the exterior of the valve member 20 has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a diameter such that it is slidably received in the upper portion of the hole and the lower portion having a diameter such that it is slidably received in the lower portion of the hole. It is shown that the hole has, for example, a shoulder between the upper and lower portions of the hole, and the valve member has an abutment surface on its outer side, the abutment surface being adapted to abut against the shoulder in the dispensing position of the valve member.

[0295] It is shown that the valve member and the hole form one or more seals therebetween, at least in the sealing position of the valve member, for example, in an embodiment according to Figure 1 , 2 a seal is formed therebetween that shields the one or more dispensing passages from the atmosphere.

[0296] It is shown that the cartridge body is a rigid body with a bottom, so as to maintain its shape when the valve member 20 moves between its sealing position and its dispensing position, for example, moves vertically downward between said positions.

[0297] It is shown that the cartridge body includes a cylinder, such as a cylinder 11 integrally molded with a part of the bottom (e.g., the central part of the bottom), the cylinder 11 extending upward from the bottom to the upper end of the central cylinder, and the hole 12 extending through the cylinder from the upper end of the cylinder and terminating at the orifice in the bottom.

[0298] It is shown that the cartridge body is an integrally injection molded plastic body.

[0299] In an embodiment, the cartridge may have a bottom seal film that is placed along the lower side of the bottom so as to hermetically seal the orifice and / or the outlet of the valve member. Preferably, in such embodiments, the valve member is vertically downwardly movable from the sealing position to the dispensing position, wherein the bottom seal film is pierceable and is placed such that it is engaged and pierced by the valve member when the valve member moves downward to its dispensing position, the piercing of the bottom seal film causing the outlet of the passage of the valve member, and / or the orifice, to be opened.

[0300] It is shown that when the valve member 20 is in the sealing position, the top end of the valve member abuts against and is sealed to the top seal film 6 herein.

[0301] It is shown that the cartridge body forms a support surface for the cartridge, the support surface being located a distance below the bottom, for example, below the bottom seal film (when present), such that the bottom or the bottom seal film is above any support surface on which the cartridge is placed.

[0302] It is shown that the cartridge body has a circumferential wall with an upper edge defining an opening, where a top sealing film is fastened to the upper edge (e.g., implemented as an outwardly projecting upper edge 5), and for example, the radially projecting flange is implemented to support the cartridge on a support surface of a dispensing device. Preferably, the external gas seal also engages on the upper edge, or on the top sealing film on or adjacent to the upper edge.

[0303] It is shown that the valve member is provided with one or more snap portions 29 adapted to form a snap fit when the valve member moves to its dispensing position.

[0304] It is shown that the outlet of the channel has a diameter between 6 and 10 millimeters, for example about 8 millimeters.

[0305] It is shown that the cartridge body has a circumferential wall around the perimeter of the bottom, and the hole is co - centric with the axis of the circumferential wall of the cartridge.

[0306] Referring Figure 15-24 , now another embodiment of a disposable cartridge will be discussed. The cartridge 50 is filled with or can be filled with (when the top seal has not been applied yet) a single - service portion of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, such as a liquid food suitable for human consumption, for example, a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, such as carbonated water, to prepare a beverage.

[0307] The disposable cartridge 50 is filled with a single - service portion of a liquid ingredient 51, preferably to a level such that there is a headspace above the liquid ingredient.

[0308] In this example, the liquid ingredient 51 is a beverage concentrate to be combined with water (here carbonated water) to prepare a beverage for human consumption.

[0309] The cartridge has a cartridge body 52 made of molded plastic, which has a bottom 53 and a circumferential wall 54 extending upward from the periphery of the bottom 53 to the top of the cartridge body 52.

[0310] Preferably here, the top edge of the circumferential wall 54 is provided with an outwardly projecting circumferential flange 55 that extends around a filling orifice for filling the liquid ingredient into the cartridge.

[0311] The cartridge body 52 defines a reservoir filled with a single - service portion of a liquid ingredient 51.

[0312] It can be seen that the filling hole is in communication with this reservoir.

[0313] The orifice is hermetically sealed by a top sealing film 56 which is fixed to the circumferential wall 54, preferably to its flange 55 here. For example, the top sealing film is heat-sealed to the flange 55 after the reservoir has been filled.

[0314] The cartridge body 52 further includes a cylinder 60 having a portion extending upward from the bottom 53 to the upper side of the cylinder 60.

[0315] Here, as is preferred, the cylinder 60 is a central cylinder arranged centrally within the cartridge 50. Here, the cross-section of the circumferential wall is preferably circular, and the cylinder 60 is arranged on the vertical axis of the circumferential wall.

[0316] Preferably, the cylinder 60 is integrally molded with the bottom (here the central portion of the bottom) such that the entire body can be manufactured in an injection mold and there is no need to assemble the cylinder 60 later.

[0317] A vertical channel 61 passes through the cylinder 60 extending from an inlet 62 at the top end of the cylinder to an orifice or outlet 63 in the bottom 53 of the cartridge body 52.

[0318] The bottom 53 has a flexible portion 57 adjacent to, for example, surrounding the cylinder 60 such that the cylinder 60 is movable downward relative to the top of the body (here relative to the upper edge of the circumferential wall of the body) between a higher initial position ( Figure 15 ) and a lower dispensing position ( Figure 20 ) by a force applied thereto.

[0319] As is preferred, when the cylinder 60 is in the higher initial position, the top end of the cylinder abuts against the top sealing film 56. Even more preferably, the top end is connected (e.g., heat-sealed) to the top sealing film in order to achieve a sealed connection separating the channel from the reservoir.

[0320] A valve member 70 is arranged within the cartridge 50 and outside the cylinder 60. As should be understood from the drawings and this description, the valve member 70 is statically arranged within the cartridge 50 such that it is movable, e.g., slidable, relative to the cylinder 60 when the cylinder moves from its higher initial position ( Figure 15 ) to its lower dispensing position ( Figure 20 ).

[0321] The cartridge body 52 is equipped with one or more dispensing passages 80 arranged for dispensing the liquid component 51 from the reservoir.

[0322] When the cylinder 60 is in the higher initial position, the valve member 70 closes the one or more dispensing passages 80 such that the reservoir is closed.

[0323] When the cylinder 60 is in the lower dispensing position, the valve structure can be held in place by the flexure portion of the bottom and thus effectively moved away from the inlets of the one or more dispensing passages 80, so that the reservoir is opened and the liquid component can be dispensed via the one or more dispensing passages 80.

[0324] The cartridge 50 can be placed in the device described previously herein, where the base liquid delivery spray gun 120 can be connected to the inlet 62 of the passage 61 in the cylinder 60, such that the base liquid (e.g., carbonated water) can be fed into the passage 61 and exit the cartridge 50 via an orifice or outlet 63 in the bottom of the cartridge.

[0325] As in the embodiments herein, the cylinder 60 has a lower portion that extends below the flexible portion of the bottom, such that the orifice or outlet 63 is vertically spaced from the flexible portion.

[0326] Typically, the one or more dispensing passages 80 are arranged such that the dispensed liquid component combines with the base liquid within the passage, or in this instance at or near the orifice or outlet 63 of the passage.

[0327] It is shown that the bottom, or the lower portion of the cylinder 60, provides a series of outlet openings for the one or more dispensing passages 80, which are arranged in a circular arrangement around the outlet or orifice through which the base liquid (e.g., carbonated water) exits. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more outlet openings 81 are arranged to dispense the liquid component substantially as an annular envelope of the base liquid jet. The ejected base liquid and the liquid component are adjacent to each other immediately after they exit the cartridge, and they mix with each other for a further period of travel, with the final mixing possibly occurring as the mixture vortices into a glass or other beverage drinking container. It should be noted that such mixing is particularly seen when using carbonated water as the base liquid, and thus this combination of the liquid component with carbonated water is very beneficial for maintaining the carbon dioxide in the base liquid. In contrast, it is observed that one or more liquid component streams being ejected effectively into the carbonated water stream would agitate the carbonated water in an inappropriate manner and thereby cause most of the carbon dioxide to escape, such that the final beverage contains limited carbon dioxide.

[0328] It is shown that the dispensing passages 80 have a plurality (here four) of outlet openings 81 on the end face of the lower portion of the cylinder.

[0329] These dispensing passages 80 (here four) also have one or more inlets 82, which are initially closed by the valve member 70. Illustrated is that each dispensing passage 80 (here four) has a single inlet 82, but other arrangements are possible where, for example, a single passage has multiple inlets or multiple passages are linked to a common inlet.

[0330] Illustrated is that the inlet 82 is angled relative to the dispensing passage 80 such that, for example, a jet of liquid component emerging from the open inlet due to pressurization of the liquid component as discussed herein impacts a wall portion of the passage, thereby reducing, preferably nullifying, the velocity of the jet.

[0331] In a most desirable manner, even in the case of ejecting the liquid component from the inlet 82, the liquid component mainly flows effectively downward under the influence of gravity, maintaining a slow velocity of the emerging liquid component in combination with the viscosity of the liquid component and the appropriately narrow shape of the channel.

[0332] Effectively, it is desirable for the dispensing passage 80 to act as a restrictor for the liquid component such that a uniform flow of the liquid component can be produced from the one or more outlet openings 81 by pressurizing the liquid component with a pressurized gas as discussed herein.

[0333] In an embodiment, the width of the dispensing passage (here the radial distance between opposing vertical wall portions) is about 0.8 mm. Here, the outlet of the orifice or outlet 63 has a diameter of about 10 mm. For example, the one or more outlet openings 81 are within 0.4 to 1.0 mm from the orifice or outlet 63 such that, especially when using carbonated water, an encapsulated flow of the liquid component will easily be adjacent to the base liquid flow.

[0334] The valve member 70 can be manufactured as a separate component assembled to the cartridge. However, more preferably, the valve member 70 is implemented by co - injection molding after the cartridge body 52 has been molded. It should be understood that the valve member 70 should not become integral with the cartridge body 52 in such a way that it will be firmly fused to the cylindrical and flexible portions of the body, thereby impeding the operation mode of the valve member and the cartridge as shown.

[0335] It is proposed to co - inject the valve member 70 such that only a slight adhesion, or even no adhesion, is produced between the plastic of the valve member and the plastic of the cartridge body 52 including the cylinder 60. This can be achieved by selecting incompatible plastics. For example, the body can be made of an amorphous plastic (e.g., PP). The valve member can be molded with a crystalline plastic (e.g., polycarbonate PC or ABS). These combinations allow for obtaining a slight adhesion of the valve member 70 to the surface of the cartridge body 52 in contact with the valve member.

[0336] It is shown that the valve member has an annular portion 71 surrounding the cylinder 60, and the annular portion 71 has a sealing surface that extends across the inlet of the dispensing passage 80 and makes sealing contact with a corresponding annular sealing surface around the lower end of the cylinder 60.

[0337] To maintain the static position of the valve member 70 when the cylinder 60 is pressed down, the valve member 70 has one or more spoke portions 72 here, and these spoke portions extend away from the annular portion 71 to support on the non-flexible portion 58 of the bottom, and here it is preferably also extended to support against the circumferential wall 54 of the body.

[0338] It is shown that the bottom non-flexible portion 58 extends around the flexible portion 57 of the bottom.

[0339] For example, three or four spokes extend away from the annular portion 71.

[0340] As in Figure 20 As can be seen, the valve member 70 does not follow the downward movement of the cylinder, and thus the valve member no longer covers or closes one or more inlets 82 of one or more dispensing passages 80. Even when the valve member 70 is molded to extend across the bottom flexible portion 57 as described here, no adhesion or slight adhesion also allows the flexible portion to deform and move away from the valve member.

[0341] As shown in the figure, it is envisaged that the bottom flexible portion (in the downward dispensing portion of the cylinder) forms a downward funnel 59, so that the residual liquid can reach the inlets 82, and these inlets are optimally arranged near the lower end of the cylinder 60 and thus at the bottom of the funnel 59. If desired, when the bottom flexible portion 57 flexes back or substantially returns to its initial position, after a beverage or the like has been prepared and the dispensing gun 120 has been moved upward, even when the valve member 70 does not seal the inlet 82, this same arrangement also avoids or further hinders any residual leakage of the liquid component from the cartridge.

[0342] Figure 20 It is also shown that the top sealing film 56 is pierced or otherwise ruptured to allow pressurized gas to enter the reservoir for the purpose of pressurizing the liquid component in the reservoir. This can be achieved by one or more spike members or the like integrally formed with the body of the cartridge below the top sealing film 56. Here, such a piercing is shown at 56a. The piercing of the part of the film covering the inlet of the passage 61 by the dispensing gun 120 is shown at 56b.

[0343] Figure 20It is shown very schematically how a relatively slowly moving stream of a liquid ingredient is brought into external abutment with a central jet of a base liquid, here carbonated water, and is gradually mixed with the base liquid in the further course of its advance into the drinking container. In the case of carbonated water, it is preferred that the emerging stream of liquid ingredient does not intersect the water stream but flows along the water stream and then preferably abuts the water stream as an annular envelope.

[0344] As discussed with reference to the cartridge Figure 1 the channels in the column have an upper part 61a with a first diameter and an adjoining lower part 61b extending up to the orifice or outlet 63, the lower part and the outlet having a second diameter, where the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

[0345] The base liquid supply lance 120 has an insertion part which is adapted to be inserted into the upper part 61a of the channel, where the supply lance has an internal supply channel having a supply channel diameter which is substantially equal to the second diameter, for example between 0.9 and 1.1 times the second diameter, whereby an undue contraction and / or expansion of the base liquid stream is avoided when the base liquid stream flows from the supply lance into the second part of the channel.

[0346] Referring to Figure 25-28 another example of a disposable cartridge according to the invention will now be discussed.

[0347] The cartridge 701 is filled with a single - service portion of a liquid ingredient 71 (e.g., beverage concentrate) to be combined with a base liquid (e.g., carbonated water) to prepare a liquid product (e.g., a beverage).

[0348] As can be seen, the cartridge 701 has or may have many features that have already been discussed with reference to other examples. These features will not be discussed again, as the skilled person should be aware of these corresponding features and their functions.

[0349] The cartridge body made of molded plastic has a bottom with a flexure portion 731 surrounding the lower end of the column 75 and a non - flexure portion 74 surrounding the flexure portion 731. Preferably, the column 75 has a lower part which projects below the bottom flexure portion 731 of the bottom, and more preferably the flexure portion forms a bulge into the cartridge in the initial position.

[0350] The cartridge body further has a circumferential wall 76 and defines a reservoir filled with a single - service portion of the liquid ingredient.

[0351] The top has an orifice which is in communication with the reservoir and which is mainly for filling the reservoir with the liquid ingredient.

[0352] The filling orifice is hermetically sealed by a top sealing film 77.

[0353] As already discussed, the cylinder 75 has a portion extending upward from the bottom to the upper side of the cylinder, which is preferably sealed to the top sealing film. It is possible that there are holes in the top sealing film so that the spray gun 120 does not have to pierce the bottom sealing film. For example, in addition to properly sealing the top sealing film to the top end of the cylinder or the tubular valve member, the same holes may also be present in other examples discussed herein.

[0354] The channel 75a extends through the cylinder from an inlet located at the top end of the cylinder to an orifice located on the bottom side of the cartridge body, which orifice is defined herein by the protruding lower portion of the cylinder.

[0355] The cylinder 75 is movable downward relative to the top of the body, such as relative to the upper edge of the circumferential wall of the body, between a higher initial position ( Figure 25 , 26 ) and a lower dispensing position ( Figure 27 , 28 ) by a force applied thereto.

[0356] The base liquid supply spray gun 120 can be connected to the inlet of the channel in the cylinder so that the base liquid can be fed into the channel 75a and leave the cartridge via the orifice in the bottom of the cartridge.

[0357] The cartridge body is provided with one or more dispensing passages 80 arranged to dispense liquid components from the reservoir, the one or more dispensing passages having one or more outlet openings 81, and the dispensing passage outlets are arranged such that the liquid components emerging from these outlets are adjacent to the base liquid flow emerging from the orifice on the bottom side of the channel 75a.

[0358] The cartridge 701 has a bottom sealing film 92 that is placed along the bottom side and hermetically seals at least one or more of the outlet openings 81 of the one or more dispensing passages 80. This bottom sealing film 92 is fixed to the cartridge at one or more positions away from the one or more outlets, herein fixed to the non-flexible portion 74 of the bottom.

[0359] This bottom sealing film 92 is adapted to rupture and / or tear away from the one or more outlets due to the downward movement of the cylinder to its lower dispensing position, thereby opening the outlet openings 81.

[0360] As shown, preferably, the bottom sealing film has a hole 93 aligned with the orifice of the channel 75a (from which the base liquid exits), such that the bottom sealing film 92 will not unduly interfere with the outflow of the base liquid.

[0361] It should be understood that with reference to Figure 25-28 the design discussed, there is no requirement for the presence of the valve member 70, since the bottom sealing film 92 keeps the outlet opening 81 closed until the cylinder 75 is moved downward. However, in an embodiment, such a valve member 70 may still be provided, in which case the bottom sealing film 92 mainly serves to prevent substances from entering the dispensing passage. The latter can of course also be prevented by packaging the cartridge in an outer wrapper (e.g., a sealed bag containing one or more cartridges), which can also be implemented for any other cartridge discussed herein.

[0362] Reference numeral 77a also indicates that gas pressure may be generated within the reservoir to assist in dispensing the liquid component from the cartridge, for example, as discussed in detail herein.

[0363] Figure 29 A beverage dispensing device 200 is schematically shown, wherein Figure 25 the cartridge 50 is in an open condition.

[0364] The device has a housing 205 and a holder 210 for the cartridge (here a drawer), which is adapted to receive and retain the cartridge 50 in a dispensing position within the device. The dispensing position is located directly above a support 215 for a drinking glass 216.

[0365] The device 200 includes an air pump 230 and a pressurized arch member 240, which has an external gas seal along its periphery, and the external gas seal is adapted to sealingly engage with the disposable cartridge 50 around a position where the top sealing film is pierced to allow pressurized air from the air pump to enter the reservoir.

[0366] The base liquid feeding spray gun 220 is integrated with the arch member 240 into a reciprocating unit, which is driven by an operable displacement device 250 (here vertically), and the operable displacement device has an eccentric mechanism and an electric motor here, and the electric motor is adapted to generate movement of the arch member 240 and the spray gun 220 relative to the cartridge 50 held in the holder 210.

[0367] When the displacement device 250 is operated, the spray gun 220 is connected to the channel of the cylinder of the cartridge 50. And, upon further movement of the spray gun 220, the cylinder is pressed down to its dispensing position, and in the process, the protruding leg portion of the cylinder becomes inserted into and passes through a preformed hole in the bottom sealing film.

[0368] Device 200 has an inlet 260 connected to a water supply main. If desired, the device may include a water filter for filtering the water flowing into the device.

[0369] Reference numeral 265 denotes a chiller device for cooling water, for example, to a temperature between 2 and 10 degrees Celsius.

[0370] The outlet of the chiller device 265 is directly connected to the spray gun 220 via a valve assembly 266 on the one hand and to a carbonator 270, such as an inline or tankless carbonator, on the other hand. A CO2 bottle 275 is also connected to the carbonator 270 so that CO2 can be dissolved in the chilled water and then fed to the spray gun 220.

[0371] Reference numeral 280 denotes the flow rate through a water heater adapted to supply hot water to the spray gun 220. Its flow rate is controlled by a hot water valve 281.

[0372] Reference numeral 300 denotes a temperature sensor adapted to sense the temperature of the cartridge, for example, when the cartridge 50 is positioned at the dispensing location in the device.

[0373] The sensor 330 is connected to a gas pressure control device 310 which controls the operation of the air pump 230 so as to allow, for example, temperature-dependent control of the air pressure to which the liquid components in the reservoir of the cartridge are subjected.

[0374] In an embodiment, the air pump 230 is adapted to generate an air pressure between 0.5 and 2.5 bar higher than atmospheric pressure. In an embodiment, the air pump 230 will generate a predetermined air pressure depending on the readable indication on the cartridge, preferably by reading a barcode, and preferably the pressure is constant over the dispensing cycle.

[0375] In an embodiment, the dispensing cycle for a beverage glass, for example 250 ml, will take between 15 and 30 seconds.

[0376] In an embodiment, the volume ratio between the liquid component and the base liquid can be between 1:4 and 1:10. For example, 50 ml of the liquid component in the reservoir is combined with 200 - 250 ml of carbonated water to fill a drinking glass.

[0377] In an embodiment, the flow rate of the liquid component dispensed from the reservoir is substantially uniform over the dispensing cycle of the base liquid, for example 2 - 3 ml / second.

[0378] In an embodiment, the dispensing device is implemented to receive two cartridges at two dispensing positions side by side (e.g., two cavity holders, like a drawer with two cavities). Preferably, for each dispensing position, there is an independently controllable and operable displacement device, as well as an independent control of gas pressurization and base liquid supply, such that two devices are effectively combined in a single housing.

[0379] In an embodiment, the device is capable of making a beverage, such as making a cappuccino, on the basis of two cartridges simultaneously loaded into the device (e.g., one cartridge contains a coffee liquid ingredient and the other cartridge contains a milk ingredient).

[0380] The present invention further relates to a cartridge, a system, a dispensing device, and / or a method according to the following clauses:

[0381] 1. A disposable cartridge filled with a single - serving amount of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid for preparing a liquid product, such as a liquid food suitable for human consumption, e.g., a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, such as carbonated water, for preparing a beverage. The disposable cartridge comprises:

[0382] A cartridge body, for example, molded from plastic, such as biodegradable plastic, having a bottom and a top, the body defining a reservoir filled with a single - serving amount of the liquid ingredient,

[0383] wherein the top has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a top sealing film,

[0384] wherein the cartridge body further comprises a vertically extending hole that extends to an orifice in the bottom of the cartridge body,

[0385] wherein a tubular valve member is movably, e.g., slidably, arranged in the hole, and a channel extends from an inlet at the top end of the valve member through the valve member to an outlet at the bottom end of the valve member,

[0386] wherein the cartridge body is provided with one or more first dispensing passages between the reservoir and the hole,

[0387] wherein the tubular valve member is provided with one or more second dispensing passages,

[0388] wherein in a sealing position of the valve member relative to the hole, the one or more second dispensing passages in the tubular valve member are not aligned with the one or more first dispensing passages, such that the reservoir is closed,

[0389] and wherein in a dispensing position of the valve member relative to the hole, the one or more second dispensing passages in the valve member are aligned with the one or more first dispensing passages, such that the reservoir is opened,

[0390] wherein the valve member is movable by a force applied thereto by a base liquid delivery spray gun so as to move from the sealing position to the dispensing position, thereby allowing the liquid composition to be dispensed from the reservoir,

[0391] and wherein the base liquid delivery spray gun is connectable to an inlet of the passage in the valve member such that the base liquid can be fed into the passage and leave the cartridge via an outlet of the valve member and one of the orifices in the bottom of the cartridge,

[0392] wherein preferably, the one or more second dispensing passages are arranged such that the dispensed liquid composition is combined with the base liquid within or at or near the outlet of the passage.

[0393] 2. The disposable cartridge according to clause 1, wherein the valve member has an outer side and an inner side defining the passage, and wherein the one or more second dispensing passages are implemented as one or more dispensing grooves in the outer side of the valve member, the one or more dispensing grooves having groove outlets from which the liquid composition is dispensed.

[0394] 3. The disposable cartridge according to clause 2, wherein between three and six groove outlets are arranged around a lower end portion of the valve member.

[0395] 4. The disposable cartridge according to clause 1, wherein the valve member has an outer side and an inner side defining the passage, and wherein the one or more dispensing passages are implemented as extending between the outer side and the inner side of the valve member.

[0396] 5. The disposable cartridge according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the outlet of the valve member forms a dispensing outlet for the base liquid or, in the embodiment of claim 4, for the combined base liquid and liquid composition.

[0397] 6. A disposable cartridge filled with a single-serving amount of a liquid composition to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, such as a liquid food suitable for human consumption, e.g., a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, such as carbonated water, to prepare a beverage, the disposable cartridge comprising:

[0398] a cartridge body, such as a plastic-molded body, having a bottom and a top, the body defining a reservoir filled with a single-serving amount of the liquid composition,

[0399] wherein the top has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a top sealing film,

[0400] The cartridge body further includes a cylinder having a portion extending upward from the bottom to the upper side of the cylinder,

[0401] wherein a vertically extending passage passes through the cylinder from an inlet at the top of the cylinder to an orifice in the bottom of the cartridge body,

[0402] wherein the bottom has a flexible portion adjacent to, for example, surrounding the cylinder, such that the cylinder is downwardly movable between a higher initial position and a lower dispensing position relative to the top of the body, for example, the upper edge of the circumferential wall of the body, by a force applied thereto,

[0403] wherein a valve member is arranged within the cartridge and outside the cylinder, the valve member being statically arranged within the cartridge so as to be movable, for example, slidable relative to the cylinder when the cylinder moves from its higher initial position to its lower dispensing position.

[0404] wherein the cartridge body is provided with one or more dispensing passages arranged to dispense the liquid component from the reservoir,

[0405] wherein in the higher initial position of the cylinder, the valve member closes the one or more dispensing passages such that the reservoir is closed,

[0406] and wherein in the lower dispensing position of the cylinder, the valve member has moved away from the one or more dispensing passages such that the reservoir is opened,

[0407] and wherein a base liquid supply gun can be connected to the inlet of the passage in the cylinder such that the base liquid can be fed into the passage and exit the cartridge via the orifice in the bottom of the cartridge,

[0408] wherein preferably, the one or more dispensing passages are arranged such that the dispensed liquid component is combined with the base liquid within the passage, or at or near the outlet of the passage.

[0409] 7. The disposable cartridge according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the top sealing film is pierceable to allow pressurized gas to be introduced into the reservoir to pressurize the liquid component therein, so as to assist in dispensing the liquid component via these dispensing passages when the valve member is in its dispensing position and the one or more dispensing passages are open.

[0410] 8. The disposable cartridge according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein:

[0411] a) the orifice and the valve member are arranged below the top sealing film, and a portion of the top sealing film covers and seals the inlet of the valve member,

[0412] or

[0413] b) wherein the top of the cylinder is arranged below the top sealing film, and a part of the sealing film covers and seals the inlet of the passage in the cylinder,

[0414] and wherein the base liquid supply spray gun can pierce the said part of the top sealing film so as to supply the base liquid to the said inlet.

[0415] 9. The disposable cartridge according to any one of the above clauses, wherein the cartridge body includes one or more piercing members arranged below the top sealing film such that, for example, pressing the top sealing film downward by the base liquid supply spray gun will cause the one or more piercing members to engage the top sealing film and locally rupture the top sealing film, thereby providing one or more holes that allow pressurized gas to be introduced into the reservoir to pressurize the liquid components therein, so as to assist in dispensing the liquid components via these dispensing passages, wherein, for example, the one or more piercing members are implemented as one or more integrally molded spike structures.

[0416] 10. The disposable cartridge according to clause 2, preferably for use with gas-pressurized assisted dispensing of liquid components from the reservoir, wherein each of the one or more discharge grooves on the outer side of the valve member has a groove collection portion that acts as a receiver for the liquid component in the dispensing position of the valve member, for example, the liquid component is ejected from the associated first dispensing passage under the influence of pressurized gas, and wherein another part of the groove is adjacent to the collection portion to allow the liquid component to overflow the collection portion and then flow downward to the outlet of the groove.

[0417] 11. The disposable cartridge according to clause 1, wherein the passage in the valve member or the cylinder has an upper portion with a first diameter and an adjacent lower portion extending to the orifice or outlet, and the lower portion and the outlet have a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter,

[0418] and wherein the base liquid supply spray gun has an insertion portion adapted to be inserted into the upper portion of the passage, and the supply spray gun has an internal supply passage with a supply passage diameter that is substantially equal to the second diameter, for example, between 0.9 and 1.1 times the second diameter, thereby avoiding undue contraction and / or expansion of the base liquid flow when the base liquid flow flows from the supply spray gun into the second portion of the passage.

[0419] 12. The disposable cartridge according to clause 1, for example also according to clause 11, wherein the hole for the tubular valve member has an upper portion with a first diameter and an adjacent lower portion with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and wherein the exterior of the valve member has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a diameter such that it fits slidably in the upper portion of the hole and the lower portion having a diameter such that it fits slidably in the lower portion of the hole.

[0420] 13. The disposable cartridge according to clause 1, wherein the valve member and the hole form one or more seals therebetween, at least in the sealing position of the valve member, for example in an embodiment according to clause 4, a seal is formed therebetween that shields the one or more dispensing passages from the atmosphere.

[0421] 14. The disposable cartridge according to clause 1, wherein the cartridge body is a rigid body, the bottom is rigid and maintains its shape when the valve member moves between its sealing position and its dispensing position, for example moves vertically downward between said positions.

[0422] 15. The disposable cartridge according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cartridge body includes a cylinder, for example a cylinder integrally molded with a part of the bottom (for example, the central part of the bottom), the cylinder extends upward from the bottom to the upper end of the central cylinder, and a hole extends through the cylinder from the upper end of the cylinder and terminates at the orifice in the bottom.

[0423] 16. The disposable cartridge according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cartridge body is an injection molded integral plastic body.

[0424] 17. The disposable cartridge according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cartridge has a bottom sealing film, the bottom sealing film is placed along the lower side of the bottom to hermetically seal the orifice and / or the outlet of the one or more dispensing passages,

[0425] and preferably, wherein the valve member is vertically movable downward from the sealing position to the dispensing position, or wherein the cylinder is movable downward to its lowered dispensing position, and wherein the bottom sealing film is pierceable or destructible and is placed such that when the valve member or the cylinder moves downward, it is engaged and pierced or destroyed by the movement of the valve member or the cylinder, the piercing or destruction of the bottom sealing film causing the outlet of the passage of the valve member, and / or the orifice, and / or the one or more dispensing openings to open.

[0426] 18. The disposable cartridge according to clause 1, wherein when the valve member is in the sealed position, the top end of the valve member abuts against or is sealed to the top sealing film, or wherein in the embodiment of clause 6, the top end of the cylinder abuts against or is sealed to the top sealing film.

[0427] 19. The disposable cartridge according to any one of the above clauses, wherein the cartridge body forms a support surface of the cartridge, the support surface being located at a distance below the bottom, for example, below the bottom sealing film (when present), such that the bottom or the bottom sealing film is higher than any support surface on which the cartridge is placed.

[0428] 20. The disposable cartridge according to any one of the above clauses, wherein the cartridge body has a circumferential wall, the circumferential wall having an upper edge that defines an opening, wherein the top sealing film is fastened to the upper edge (for example, implemented as an outwardly extending flange), for example, the radially extending flange is implemented for supporting the cartridge on a support surface of a dispensing device.

[0429] 21. The disposable cartridge according to clause 1, wherein the valve member is equipped with one or more snap portions that are adapted to form a snap fit when the valve member moves to its dispensing position.

[0430] 22. The disposable cartridge according to any one of the above clauses, wherein the outlet of the channel has a diameter of between 6 and 10 millimeters, for example, approximately 8 millimeters.

[0431] 23. The disposable cartridge according to clause 1, wherein the cartridge body has a circumferential wall around the perimeter of the bottom, and wherein the hole is co - centered with the axis of the circumferential wall of the cartridge.

[0432] 24. A disposable cartridge filled with a single - serving amount of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, such as a liquid food suitable for human consumption, for example, a beverage concentrate to be combined with water, such as carbonated water, to prepare a beverage. The disposable cartridge includes:

[0433] A cartridge body having a bottom and a top, the body defining a reservoir filled with a single - serving amount of the liquid ingredient,

[0434] wherein the top has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a top sealing film,

[0435] wherein the cartridge body further includes a cylinder having a portion extending upward from the bottom to the upper side of the cylinder,

[0436] wherein a channel extends through the cylinder from an inlet located at the top end of the cylinder to an orifice located at the bottom side of the cartridge body,

[0437] wherein the bottom has a flexible portion adjacent to, for example, surrounding the cylinder, such that the cylinder is downwardly movable between a higher initial position and a lower dispensing position relative to the top of the body, such as the upper edge of the circumferential wall of the body, by a force applied thereto,

[0438] and wherein a base liquid supply spray gun can be connected to the inlet of the channel in the cylinder, such that the base liquid can be fed into the channel and leave the cartridge via the orifice in the bottom of the cartridge,

[0439] wherein the cartridge body is provided with one or more dispensing passages arranged for dispensing the liquid component from the reservoir, the one or more dispensing passages having one or more dispensing passage outlets arranged such that the liquid component emerging from these outlets is adjacent to the stream of base liquid emerging from the orifice at the bottom side of the channel,

[0440] and wherein the cartridge has a bottom sealing film which is placed along the bottom side and hermetically seals at least one or more of the outlets of the one or more dispensing passages, the bottom sealing film being fixed to the cartridge at one or more positions remote from the one or more outlets,

[0441] wherein the bottom sealing film is adapted to rupture and / or tear away from the outlets due to downward movement of the cylinder to its lower dispensing position, thereby opening the dispensing channel outlets.

[0442] 25. A disposable cartridge filled with a single - service portion of a liquid component to be combined with a base liquid for preparing a liquid product, such as a liquid food suitable for human consumption, e.g., to be combined with water, such as carbonated water, for preparing a beverage, the disposable cartridge comprising:

[0443] a body having a bottom with a lower side and a circumferential wall, the upper edge of the circumferential wall defining a filling orifice,

[0444] wherein the filling orifice of the cartridge is hermetically sealed by a top sealing film, the circumference of which is fastened to the upper edge,

[0445] wherein the bottom has an orifice,

[0446] the body further includes a cylinder, for example, integrally molded with a part of the bottom, such as the central part, the cylinder extending upward from the bottom to the upper end of the cylinder, and a hole extends through the cylinder from the upper end of the cylinder and terminates in the said orifice in the bottom,

[0447] wherein the body defines a reservoir that is filled with the liquid component between the cylinder and the circumferential wall,

[0448] wherein a tubular valve member is slidably arranged in the cylinder, and a passage extends from an inlet at the top end of the valve member through the valve member to an outlet at the bottom end of the valve member,

[0449] wherein the cylinder is provided with one or more first distribution passages between the central cylinder and the hole,

[0450] wherein the tubular valve member is provided with one or more second distribution passages,

[0451] wherein in the raised sealing position of the valve member relative to the cylinder, the one or more second distribution passages in the valve member are not aligned with the one or more first distribution passages in the cylinder, so that the reservoir is closed,

[0452] and wherein in the lower dispensing position of the valve member relative to the cylinder, the one or more second distribution passages in the valve member are aligned with the one or more first distribution passages in the cylinder, so that the reservoir is opened,

[0453] wherein the top sealing film is pierceable, so that a base liquid supply spray gun can pierce the top sealing film and connect to the inlet of the passage in the valve member, so that the base liquid can be supplied into the passage,

[0454] wherein the valve member is movable downward by a force applied thereto by the base liquid supply spray gun, so as to move from the sealing position to the lower dispensing position, thereby opening the reservoir and allowing the liquid component to be dispensed from the reservoir via the first and second distribution channels,

[0455] wherein preferably, the one or more second distribution passages are arranged such that the dispensed liquid component is combined with the base liquid within the passage, or at or near the outlet of the passage.

[0456] 26. A system for preparing a liquid product, such as a liquid food, such as a beverage, the system comprising:

[0457] a) a disposable cartridge as described in one or more of the above clauses and / or as disclosed herein,

[0458] b) a dispensing device, such as a beverage dispensing device, the device being at least provided with:

[0459] - a holder for receiving and retaining the cartridge in a dispensing position in the device,

[0460] - A base liquid supply assembly, the base liquid supply assembly having a base liquid supply spray gun disposed at the dispensing position, the spray gun being implemented for connection to a valve member or a channel of a cylinder of the cartridge, for example while piercing a top seal film of the cartridge, so that the base liquid can be supplied into the channel.

[0461] Wherein the dispensing device has an operable displacement device, the operable displacement device being adapted to move the holder so as to move the cartridge and the base liquid supply spray gun relative to each other, so that when the displacement device is operated, the spray gun is connected to the channel, for example when there is a valve member in the cartridge, the base liquid supply spray gun causes a relative movement that moves the valve member to its dispensing or open position, for example pressing the valve member downward from its raised sealing position to its lower dispensing position or moving the cylinder downward relative to the static valve member; or causes the bottom seal film of the cartridge (when present) to rupture and / or tear away from one or more dispensing passage outlets initially sealed by the bottom seal film, and thereby allows dispensing from the cartridge.

[0462] 27. The system according to clause 26, wherein the liquid supply assembly is equipped to supply water as the base liquid, such as carbonated water (e.g., selectively carbonated water and non-carbonated water).

[0463] 28. The system according to clause 26, wherein the liquid supply spray gun is statically mounted in the device, and wherein the displacement device is equipped to move the holder towards and away from the spray gun in such a way that during the process the spray gun is connected to the channel of the valve member.

[0464] 29. The system according to clause 26, wherein the spray gun is arranged to be movable and is movable by a corresponding displacement device of the device.

[0465] 30. The system according to any one of clauses 26 to 29, wherein the holder for the cartridge is equipped to receive and retain the cartridge in a substantially horizontal position, with the bottom of the cartridge downward, and the holder has an orifice below the bottom of the cartridge in such a way that during the dispensing of the liquid product, the product remains out of contact with the holder.

[0466] 31. The system according to clause 30, wherein at a certain distance below the dispensing position of the holder, the device has a resting position for a cup or other receiver, such as a drinking glass.

[0467] 32. The system according to any one of clauses 26 to 31, wherein the device is equipped with a pressurized gas source, preferably a pressurized air source, such as an air pump, and wherein the device is adapted such that the pressurized gas source is in direct communication with the reservoir of the disposable cartridge in order to allow the liquid component therein to be pressurized by the gas, thereby assisting in dispensing the liquid component from the reservoir when the valve member has been brought into its said dispensing position.

[0468] 33. The system according to clause 32, wherein the device includes a pressurized arch member having an external gas seal along its periphery, the external gas seal being adapted to engage sealingly with the disposable cartridge around the position where the top seal film is pierced to allow pressurized gas to enter the reservoir, for example the external gas seal is implemented to seal to the upper end of the circumferential wall of the disposable cartridge, and wherein the pressurized gas source is connected to the said arch member to allow pressurized gas to be fed below the arch member, and wherein its external gas seal engages sealingly with the disposable cartridge and the top seal film has been pierced.

[0469] 34. The system according to clause 33, wherein the base liquid delivery spray gun projects from the arch member.

[0470] 35. A method for preparing a liquid product, such as a carbonated beverage, wherein a cartridge, and / or a system, and / or a device according to any one of the above clauses is used.

Claims

1. A system for preparing liquid food, the system comprising: a) A disposable cartridge filled with a liquid ingredient for a single - serving portion to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, the disposable cartridge comprising: A cartridge body defining a reservoir filled with a single - serving portion of the liquid ingredient, wherein the cartridge body has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a top sealing film, and wherein the cartridge body is equipped with one or more dispensing passages arranged for dispensing the liquid ingredient from the reservoir, wherein the cartridge body has a first cylinder including a cylinder passage extending from a passage inlet to a dispensing orifice, or the cartridge body has a second cylinder including a hole and a valve member slidably arranged in the hole of the second cylinder, and a valve member passage extending from an inlet at the top end of the valve member through the valve member to a dispensing outlet at the bottom end of the valve member, b) A beverage dispensing device, the beverage dispensing device comprising: - A holder adapted to receive and retain the cartridge in a dispensing position in the beverage dispensing device, - A pressurized gas source, - A base liquid feeding assembly having a base liquid feeding spray gun arranged at the dispensing position, the spray gun being configured to connect to the valve member passage of the valve member of the cartridge body or to the cylinder passage of the cartridge body, so that the base liquid can be fed into the valve member passage or into the cylinder passage respectively, wherein the beverage dispensing device has an operable displacement device adapted to cause the holder to move so as to move the cartridge and the base liquid feeding spray gun relative to each other, so that when the displacement device is operated, the spray gun is connected to the valve member passage or to the cylinder passage, wherein, when the first cylinder is present in the cartridge, the base liquid feeding spray gun causes a relative movement that moves the first cylinder to its dispensing position and, in the presence of the bottom sealing film of the cartridge, causes the bottom sealing film of the cartridge to rupture and / or tear away from one or more dispensing passage outlets initially sealed by the bottom sealing film, and thereby allows dispensing from the cartridge, wherein the pressurized gas source is in direct communication with the reservoir of the disposable cartridge to allow the liquid ingredient therein to be pressurized by the gas from the pressurized gas source, thereby assisting in dispensing the liquid ingredient from the reservoir via the one or more dispensing passages, and wherein the one or more dispensing passages have one or more outlets arranged such that the liquid ingredient exits the one or more dispensing passage outlets as one or more flows different from the flow of the base liquid exiting the dispensing orifice of the cylinder passage of the cartridge body or the dispensing outlet of the valve member passage of the cartridge body, and wherein the one or more dispensing passage outlets are arranged such that the liquid ingredient exiting from these outlets is externally adjacent to the flow of the base liquid that has exited the dispensing orifice or the dispensing outlet.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid delivery assembly is equipped to deliver water as the base liquid.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the disposable cartridge includes a valve member, and wherein the liquid delivery spray gun is statically mounted in the device, and wherein the displacement device is equipped to move the holder towards and away from the spray gun in such a way that the spray gun is connected to the passage of the valve member.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the spray gun is arranged to be movable and is movable by means of a corresponding displacement device of the beverage dispensing device.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the holder for the cartridge is equipped to receive and retain the cartridge in a horizontal position with the bottom of the cartridge downwards, and the holder has an orifice below the bottom of the cartridge in such a way that during the dispensing of the liquid product, the said product remains in contact with the holder.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the beverage dispensing device is equipped with control means for the pressurized gas source, the control means being adapted to provide adjustable timing for the pressurization of the liquid component in relation to the opening process of the dispensing passage.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, the control means can also be linked to a cartridge identification assembly, the cartridge identification assembly being adapted to identify the cartridge.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the inlet of the dispensing passage is angularly oriented relative to the adjacent part of the dispensing passage such that the jet of liquid component emerging from the inlet due to the gas pressurization of the liquid component collides with the wall of the said adjacent part of the dispensing passage, thereby reducing the velocity of the said jet.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the inlet of the dispensing passage is implemented to cause the liquid component to emerge as a jet from the said inlet due to the gas pressurization and enter the adjacent part of the dispensing passage, wherein the dispensing passage is implemented to reduce the velocity of the said jet of liquid component such that the liquid component flow slowly flows down from the outlet of the dispensing passage to the dispensing passage.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the base liquid delivery member and an arched member are integrated so as to move integrally by means of the operable displacement device.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the base liquid delivery spray gun projects from the pressurized arched member within a space defined by a peripheral gas seal.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, the disposable cartridge does not include a valve member, and wherein the passage of the cartridge is a base liquid passage with an inlet, and the base liquid delivery member is arranged within the contour of the peripheral gas seal and is adapted to sealingly engage the passage so as to act as a gas seal to prevent pressurized gas from entering the passage.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The operable displacement device is adapted to move the pressurized arch member and the base liquid supply member upward and downward relative to the housing or frame of the beverage dispensing device, so that in the lower position of the arch member, the peripheral gas seal is sealingly engaged with the position where the cartridge around the top sealing film is opened or will be opened to allow pressurized gas to enter the reservoir.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the disposable cartridge does not include a valve member, and wherein the disposable cartridge is filled with a single-serve portion of a liquid ingredient to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid product, the cartridge comprising: a cartridge body having a reservoir filled with the liquid ingredient and having a wall that defines an orifice in communication with the reservoir, wherein the orifice of the cartridge is hermetically sealed by a top sealing film, wherein the cartridge body includes a cylinder that is inwardly movable from an initial position to a dispensing position, the cylinder being sealed to the top sealing film, wherein a passage extends through the cylinder from an inlet of the passage at the top end of the cylinder, thereby allowing a base liquid supply lance to be connected to the inlet of the passage and engage the cylinder, and thereby allowing the base liquid to be fed into the passage and the cylinder to be moved to the dispensing position, wherein the portion of the top sealing film covering the reservoir is provided with one or more pre-scored lines that are implemented such that pressing the cylinder inward to the dispensing position will cause the one or more pre-scored lines to rupture, thereby providing the one or more openings that allow the pressurized gas to be introduced into the reservoir to assist in dispensing the liquid ingredient.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the beverage dispensing device is adapted to pressurize the liquid ingredient in the reservoir such that the one or more liquid ingredient streams exiting the one or more dispensing passage outlets flow as a slow stream together with the base liquid stream exiting the dispensing orifice of the passage, the slow stream being externally adjacent to the base liquid stream.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the holder is a drawer including a cavity for receiving the cartridge therein, the cartridge being suspended in the cavity by an outward flange of the circumferential wall of the cartridge body, and the drawer being movable into the housing of the beverage dispensing device such that the cartridge is movable into the dispensing position.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the disposable cartridge does not include a valve member, and wherein, the cartridge body includes a cylinder, and wherein the one or more dispensing passage outlets are initially sealed by a bottom sealing film of the cartridge, the bottom sealing film being the sole closure of the one or more dispensing passage outlets, and movement of the cylinder to its lower dispensing position causes the bottom sealing film of the cartridge to rupture and / or be torn from the one or more dispensing passage outlets initially sealed by the bottom sealing film, and thereby allows dispensing from the cartridge.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the disposable cartridge does not include a valve member, and wherein, The cartridge body includes a cylinder, and the passage extends through the cylinder from an inlet of the passage at the top of the cylinder to a dispensing orifice at the bottom. The bottom sealing film has a preformed hole aligned with the dispensing orifice for the base liquid. A circular area of the bottom sealing film around the hole is located on one or more outlets of these dispensing passages and is sealed to the surface on which the outlets are located.

19. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the disposable cartridge does not include a valve member, and wherein, the cartridge body includes a cylinder, and the passage extends through the cylinder from an inlet of the passage at the top of the cylinder to a dispensing orifice at the bottom. The one or more dispensing passage outlets are arranged such that the liquid components exiting from these outlets are externally adjacent to the flow of the base liquid already exiting from the dispensing orifice to form an annular envelope around the base liquid flow.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein, a lower portion of the cartridge, or of the cylinder of the cartridge, that protrudes below the bottom of the cartridge has a dispensing orifice for the base liquid flow. The cartridge body is equipped with a series of dispensing passage outlets arranged in a circular arrangement around the base liquid dispensing orifice so as to dispense the liquid components as an annular envelope around the base liquid flow exiting from the dispensing orifice.

21. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the disposable cartridge includes a valve member, and wherein, the cartridge body is a rigid body that maintains its shape at the bottom when the valve member moves between its sealed position and its dispensing position.

22. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the beverage dispensing device includes a gas pressure control assembly adapted to control the pressure of the gas pressurization based at least on the liquid components and / or the input temperature of the cartridge, allowing compensation for the temperature-dependent viscosity effects of the liquid components.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein, the cartridge or its top sealing film has a temperature-responsive area with a temperature-responsive color. The temperature-responsive area changes color in accordance with a change in temperature and thus provides an indication of the actual temperature of the liquid components and / or the cartridge. The beverage dispensing device or a remote device wirelessly connected thereto is equipped with a reader that detects the temperature-responsive area and transmits a corresponding instruction to the gas pressure control assembly.

24. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the disposable cartridge does not include a valve member, and wherein, the cartridge body has a bottom and a top that define a reservoir filled with a single-serve portion of liquid components. The top has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, and the orifice is airtight sealed by a top sealing film.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein, the cartridge body includes a cylinder having a portion extending upward from the bottom to the upper side of the cylinder. A passage extends through the cylinder from an inlet at the top of the cylinder to an orifice on the bottom side of the cartridge body.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein, the disposable cartridge does not include a valve member, and wherein, the bottom has a flexible portion adjacent the cylinder such that the cylinder is downwardly movable between a higher initial position and a lower dispensing position relative to the top of the body by a force applied thereto.

27. The system according to claim 26, wherein, a base liquid supply spray gun can be connected to an inlet of the passage in the cylinder such that the base liquid can be supplied into the passage and exit the cartridge via an orifice in the bottom of the cartridge.

28. The system according to claim 25, wherein, the cartridge has a bottom sealing film that is placed along the bottom side and hermetically seals at least one of the outlets of the one or more dispensing passages, and the bottom sealing film is fixed to the cartridge at one or more locations remote from the one or more outlets.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein, the bottom sealing film is adapted to rupture and / or tear away from the outlets due to the downward movement of the cylinder to its lower dispensing position, thereby opening the dispensing passage outlets.

30. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the cartridge defines a flow channel for a carbonated water stream to pass through or along the cartridge and includes a reservoir for receiving a liquid concentrate, the reservoir including at least one dispensing passage and a seal for initially closing the dispensing passage, and the concentrate can pass through the at least one dispensing passage to exit the reservoir and contact the stream, wherein the dispensing passage includes a flow restriction region and an outlet region for contacting the stream, and the flow cross-section of the flow restriction region is smaller than the flow cross-section of the outlet region, and the flow restriction region is located between the outlet region and the reservoir.

31. A disposable cartridge for use with the system according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises: a cartridge body defining a reservoir filled with a single-serve portion of a liquid ingredient, wherein the cartridge body has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a sealing film, and the cartridge body is provided with one or more dispensing passages arranged to dispense the liquid ingredient from the reservoir, wherein the cartridge body has a passage extending from a passage inlet to a dispensing orifice, or the cartridge body has a valve member slidably arranged in a bore of a cylinder, and a passage extends from an inlet at the top end of the valve member through the valve member to an outlet at the bottom end of the valve member, wherein the passage of the valve member or the passage of the cylinder of the cartridge is adapted to allow a base liquid supply spray gun of a base liquid supply assembly to be connected to the passage of the valve member or the passage of the cylinder of the cartridge, so that the base liquid can be supplied into the passage of the valve member or the passage of the cartridge, respectively, wherein the cartridge is provided with one or more dispensing channel outlets, initially sealed by the bottom sealing film, for allowing the dispensing of the liquid ingredient from the cartridge, and Wherein, the one or more dispensing passages have one or more outlets that are arranged such that the liquid component exits the one or more dispensing passage outlets as one or more streams different from the base liquid stream exiting the dispensing orifice of the channel of the cartridge or the dispensing outlet of the channel of the valve member of the cartridge, and wherein the one or more dispensing passage outlets are arranged such that the liquid component exiting these outlets is externally adjacent to the base liquid stream that has exited the dispensing orifice or the dispensing outlet.

32. A disposable cartridge filled with a single-serve quantity of a liquid component to be combined with a base liquid to prepare a liquid food suitable for human consumption, the disposable cartridge comprising: a cartridge body having a bottom and a top, the body defining a reservoir filled with a single-serve quantity of the liquid component, wherein the top has an orifice in communication with the reservoir, the orifice being hermetically sealed by a top sealing film, wherein the cartridge body further includes a cylinder having a portion extending upward from the bottom to an upper side of the cylinder, wherein a channel extends through the cylinder from an inlet located at a top end of the cylinder to an orifice located at a bottom side of the cartridge body, wherein the bottom has a flexible portion adjacent to the cylinder such that the cylinder is movable downward between a higher initial position and a lower dispensing position relative to the top of the body by a force applied thereto, and wherein a base liquid supply lance is connectable to the inlet of the channel in the cylinder such that the base liquid can be supplied into the channel and exit the cartridge via the orifice in the cartridge bottom, wherein the cartridge body is equipped with one or more dispensing passages arranged for dispensing the liquid component from the reservoir, the one or more dispensing passages having one or more dispensing passage outlets, the one or more dispensing passage outlets being arranged such that the liquid component exiting the one or more dispensing passage outlets is adjacent to the base liquid stream exiting the orifice at the bottom side of the channel, and wherein the cartridge has a bottom sealing film that is placed along the bottom side and hermetically seals at least one or more outlets of the one or more dispensing passages, the bottom sealing film being fixed to the cartridge at one or more locations remote from the one or more outlets, wherein the bottom sealing film is adapted to rupture and / or tear away from these outlets due to the downward movement of the cylinder to its lower dispensing position, thereby opening these dispensing channel outlets.

33. The disposable cartridge according to claim 32, wherein the bottom sealing film is provided with a hole that is aligned with the orifice from which the base liquid exits.

34. A method for preparing a liquid product, wherein the cartridge according to claim 32 and / or the system according to claim 1 are used.

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