Beverage or food container and preparation system

Abstract

A container for use with a machine for preparing beverages and / or food or precursors thereof, the container comprising: a storage portion including a chamber having sidewalls, a flange portion, and a base for receiving precursor material; and a closure member for closing the storage portion. At least the storage portion is formed of a wood pulp-based material, and the storage portion includes two or more of the following: - a perforated region disposed at the base of the storage portion, the perforated region being treated to facilitate relatively easier perforation by a penetrator of the machine than an untreated portion; - stiffening portions arranged to extend peripherally along the base to adjacent the perforated region to increase the stiffness of the base, thereby resisting displacement when the base is perforated by a penetrator of the machine; and - a shoulder extending outwardly from the flange portion to an edge of the sidewall near the base to define a void-defining region of the sidewall, the void-defining region being disposed between the shoulder and the base to increase the stiffness of the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electrically operated beverage or food preparation system for preparing beverages or food from pre-quantified capsules. Background Technology

[0002] A system for preparing beverages includes a beverage preparation machine and capsules. The capsules comprise a single serving of beverage, such as ground coffee or tea, forming precursor materials. The beverage preparation machine is arranged to perform the beverage preparation process on the capsules generally by exposing pressurized, heated water to the precursor materials. As part of this preparation process, the capsules are guided through the machine via a series of complex interactions involving loading, processing, and discharging, through various mechanisms of the machine and primarily the flange portion of the capsule. Processing the capsules in this way allows at least a portion of the precursor materials from the capsules to be extracted as the beverage.

[0003] Compared to conventional beverage preparation machines (e.g., compared to manually operated moka pots / toaster espresso machines), this configuration of beverage preparation machines is becoming increasingly popular due to its enhanced user convenience.

[0004] Due to the complex movement of capsules within the machine and their exposure to pressurized, heated water, only aluminum-based capsules have so far achieved high reliability. In fact, other materials have been found to easily adhere to the machine or cause other material-related errors. The goal is to achieve capsules with fewer material limitations.

[0005] Therefore, despite the efforts already invested in developing the capsule, further improvements are still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a container for use with a machine for preparing beverages and / or food or precursors thereof, the container comprising: a storage portion including a chamber having sidewalls, a flange portion and a base for receiving precursor material, and a closing member for closing the storage portion.

[0007] In the implementation, at least the storage portion is formed of a wood pulp-based material, and the storage portion includes two or more of the following:

[0008] - A perforated area, which is arranged at the base of the storage section, is treated to facilitate relatively easier perforation by the machine's penetrator than an untreated portion.

[0009] - Stiffening portions, arranged to extend along the base from the periphery to adjacent the perforation area, to increase the stiffness of the base and thus resist displacement when the base is perforated by the machine's penetrator; and

[0010] - A shoulder that extends outward from the flange portion to the edge of the sidewall near the base to define a gap-defining region of the sidewall, the gap-defining region being disposed between the shoulder and the base to increase the rigidity of the base.

[0011] The combination of the above features results in optimized positioning, perforation, behavior, and detachment of the container during container insertion and extraction of precursor materials contained within the container.

[0012] The stiffness of the container (especially the stiffness of the base region) is improved compared to a container that has only one of these characteristics.

[0013] By processing wood pulp-based containers to make them easier to perforate, the reliability of such containers when used in machinery can be improved. For example, it can minimize the deformation of wood pulp-based capsules that have absorbed water at the perforation area by the perforator (rather than being perforated by the perforator), or minimize the need for large amounts of energy, for example, due to delamination / detachment of wood pulp fibers.

[0014] As used herein, the term "perforated area" may refer to the area directly adjacent to the penetrator, such as the wet area of ​​a segment on the longitudinal and transverse planes of the penetrator before penetration, or the area overlapping that segment.

[0015] As used herein, the term “relatively easier” in relation to piercing a penetrator may refer to one or more of the following: piercing of a brittle failure mode with relatively low energy absorption rather than a ductile failure mode with relatively high energy absorption of an untreated region; less displacement of the penetrator to achieve complete penetration (e.g., due to reduced thickness of the pierced region and / or less movement of the pierced region with the penetrator); and penetration with a lower maximum force.

[0016] In the implementation, the perforated region has one or more of the following material properties compared to the untreated portion: reduced water absorption; increased brittleness (e.g., characterized by brittle fracture with low energy absorption); increased stiffness; and reduced thickness.

[0017] As used herein, the term "water absorption" may refer to the absorption of water per unit area (e.g., in m²) of wood pulp-based material over a given time (e.g., 60 or 180 seconds). 2 The amount of water absorbed (e.g., in grams). Examples of suitable tests include the Cobb 60 or Cobb 180 test. By implementing a perforated area with reduced water absorption, this perforated area can be penetrated more easily than if it were submerged in water, because the submerged part can expand, thus requiring more displacement to fully penetrate, and is more likely to displace along with the penetrator rather than penetrate.

[0018] In the implementation scheme, the perforated area is treated by one or more of the following processes: pressing; heat treatment; applying a coating; and scoring.

[0019] As used herein, the term "heat treatment" can refer to the application / extraction of heat energy as part of a treatment process. Typically, heat treatment involves increasing the temperature of the wood pulp-based material. In embodiments, the temperature can be 100 to 300 or 100 to 400 degrees Celsius.

[0020] As used herein, the term "compression" can refer to applying a compressive force in the through-thickness direction of a wood pulp-based material to reduce its thickness. In embodiments, the pressure can be 1 × 10⁻⁶. 5 Up to 1×10 7 Pa or 1×10 4 Up to 1×10 8 Pa.

[0021] In the implementation scheme, heat treatment and / or pressing may be applied for 2 to 10 seconds.

[0022] As used herein, the term "applying a coating" can refer to applying a coating to a wood pulp-based material to close the pores / voids between fibers and / or act as a barrier. This can provide reduced water absorption, which can be advantageous for the reasons previously given. It can also provide for more brittle failure, which can be advantageous for the reasons previously given. The coating may contain caramel or starch or other suitable coatings.

[0023] In this implementation, the perforated area has a thickness reduced by at least 20%, 30%, or 35% compared to the untreated portion. For example, a 0.5 mm thick material can have a thickness reduced to 0.3 mm.

[0024] In the implementation plan, the maximum thickness reduction can be 60 to 70%.

[0025] In the implementation scheme, the perforated area is located at the base of the chamber of the storage section.

[0026] In one embodiment, the perforated area is arranged as an annular ring centered about the rotational axis of the container. The annular ring can be easily formed using a forming press. Furthermore, it can be ensured that the perforator, comprising discrete perforating elements arranged about the rotational axis of the container, has elements that are always aligned with a portion of the annular ring.

[0027] In the implementation, the annular rings are arranged as sections defined by untreated bridging members. By implementing bridging members to define the sections, the overall strength of the base can be maintained because the forces between the interior sections of the annular rings can be transmitted primarily through the bridging members, rather than entirely through the brittle sections.

[0028] In one embodiment, the bridging element is arranged to have an angular pitch different from that of the penetrating elements of the penetrating device forming the machine. By making this angular pitch different, even if one penetrating element happens to align with the bridging element, other penetrating elements will not, thus ensuring that at least one penetrating element completely penetrates the segment of the perforated area without aligning with the bridging element.

[0029] In the implementation scheme, the perforated area is configured to withstand at least 2 to 10 Newtons or 0.5 to 50 Newtons by having a diameter of 6 to 15 mm. 2 One or more penetrating elements are perforated to the total area.

[0030] In one embodiment, at least the base and / or all of the sidewalls (or all) of the storage section are formed of a wood pulp-based material. In another embodiment, the wood pulp-based material has a thickness of 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm (e.g., for untreated areas).

[0031] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the container is formed of a wood pulp-based material, wherein the wood pulp-based material includes a treatment region. In another embodiment, the treatment region is treated to vitrify the wood pulp-based material (e.g., by applying pressure and heat, as disclosed herein). In yet another embodiment, the treatment region is located on the lower surface of a flange portion of the container. The treatment region can achieve a flange narrower than that used for untreated wood pulp-based material, having a thickness equivalent to that of a flange formed from a conventional material (e.g., aluminum) for a conventional container. This allows the container to be compatible with machines designed for conventional containers. The treatment region can also provide a more consistent (e.g., smoother, with reduced discontinuities) surface for receiving codes.

[0032] In one embodiment, at least the base region of the storage portion is formed of a wood pulp-based material, wherein the storage portion includes stiffening portions that are cupped to increase the stiffness of the storage portion (e.g., the base, or more specifically, the perforated area of ​​the base) to resist displacement when the base is perforated by a machine piercer (e.g., compared to an equivalent container without stiffening portions).

[0033] By incorporating a reinforced portion of the base that integrates with the wood pulp-based material, it is ensured that the wood pulp-based base is cleanly perforated by the machine when the container is being manufactured to form one or more fluid inlets for injecting a conditioning fluid to form a beverage. It is also ensured that the wood pulp-based base is not crushed by the perforator during fluid inlet formation.

[0034] As used herein, the term "displacement" may refer to the depth of the base (or another component of the displacement) as the penetrator moves through it in the depth direction. It should be understood that the base needs to resist displacement so that it does not shift / that the penetrator minimizes local displacement, so that it remains relatively undeformed as the penetrator moves through it. It should also be understood that the perforated area needs to fracture / crack, not shift.

[0035] As used herein, the term "base" may refer to the lowest surface of the forming chamber of a container and a portion of the closed sidewall. The base may have lateral and longitudinal (or radial) components greater than the depth component.

[0036] As used herein, the term "sidewall" may refer to a portion of a container disposed between the base and the flange portion. The sidewall may have a principal component in the depth direction.

[0037] As used herein, the term "base region" may refer to a portion of the proximal part of a container, comprising the base and the sidewall adjacent to the base. Proximal and distal are defined herein relative to the base. Thus, the proximal part refers to a portion of the sidewall immediately adjacent to the base. Stiffening portions may be located on a portion of the sidewall that significantly influences the stiffness of the base. The base region may include a portion of the sidewall having a distance d (measured in the depth direction from the lowest point of the base) less than 50% or 40% of the total depth D (measured from said lowest point of the base to the top of the flange portion).

[0038] As used herein, the term "stiffening portion" can refer to a portion of wood pulp-based material that is geometrically adapted from the regular shape of the container to provide increased stiffness to the base. The stiffness of the base can be determined based on one or more of the following: the stiffness of the base region itself (e.g., Young's modulus), including the stiffness of the base and / or sidewalls; and structural constraints at the junction of the base and sidewalls, which provide more stiff support to the base. The stiffening portion can be formed of the same wood pulp-based material as the rest of the base region, including its composition and thickness.

[0039] As used herein, the term "resistance to displacement" can refer to a base that is inherently stiff, resulting in less displacement (e.g., flexure) when subjected to a penetrator impact. It can also refer to sidewalls that are unlikely to bend (or otherwise displace), and thus the base resists displacement based on reduced sidewall bending.

[0040] In the implementation, the stiffening portions are arranged to extend over both the base and the proximal regions of the sidewalls. By arranging the stiffening portions to extend continuously over the base and sidewalls, they provide an enhanced increase in stiffness.

[0041] In the implementation, the stiffening portion protrudes into the interior of the storage portion and may not protrude outwards. By implementing the stiffening portion such that its geometry is entirely formed within the container (e.g., the stiffening portion does not extend beyond the contour of the container (compared to an equivalent portion of the container without the stiffening portion)), existing machines are compatible with novel and inventive capsule configurations.

[0042] In the implementation, the stiffening portion is arranged as a channel bridging the proximal regions of the base and sidewalls. This stiffness is improved by arranging channels to interconnect portions of the sidewalls and base (which are not interconnected compared to the equivalent portion of the vessel excluding the stiffening portion).

[0043] In this implementation, the base of the channel is linear. A linear base provides improved bending / displacement resistance. The channel may have a V-shaped, U-shaped, or other suitable cross-section.

[0044] In the implementation, the channel is radially aligned. By implementing the channel as radially aligned, such that the base of the channel extends with lateral and longitudinal components in combination with the radial alignment, improved bending / displacement resistance can be provided.

[0045] In one implementation, the stiffening portion has a maximum channel depth X of less than 10 mm and greater than 2 mm, or less than 8 mm and greater than 4 mm. This channel depth X can be defined as the vertical distance from the base of the channel to a virtual line extending from the segment excluding the stiffening portion. Within this range, the channel provides enhanced stiffness.

[0046] In one embodiment, the stiffening portion is arranged to extend along the sidewall in the depth direction from the junction with the base (e.g., at a virtual location of the junction when measured against an equivalent portion of the container excluding the stiffening portion) to a depth of less than 40% or 30% of the total depth D between the storage portion and the base. The distance Y can be at least 5% or 10%. Within this range, the stiffening portion provides enhanced rigidity.

[0047] In one embodiment, the stiffening portion is arranged along the base from the periphery of the base to a radius Z greater than 30% or 40% of the total radius R of the base. Within this range, the stiffening portion provides enhanced stiffness.

[0048] In one embodiment, the stiffening portion is arranged to extend along the base from the periphery to adjacent to a perforated area, which is pierced by a machine's penetrator. By arranging the stiffening portion at a height close to the perforated area, it provides high structural support to a portion of the perforated base.

[0049] As used herein, the term “adjacent” may refer to a complete joint or adjacent (e.g., within 4, 2, or 1 mm). As used herein, the term “perforated area” may refer to an area directly adjacent to the penetrator, such as, prior to penetrating, a wet area of ​​a segment on the longitudinal and transverse planes of the penetrator / an area overlapping that segment.

[0050] In the implementation, the stiffening portion is arranged such that when the perforated area of ​​the base is subjected to a compressive force of 1 to 50 N or 2 to 10 N in the depth direction applied by the penetrator, the stiffening portion prevents the perforated area from displacing in the depth direction (e.g., the average displacement of the entire perforated area) by more than 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0051] In one implementation, the stiffening portion comprises discrete units arranged circumferentially around the container (e.g., these discrete units are separated from each other). A wavy arrangement of stiffening portions with equal spacing can provide increased stiffness.

[0052] In the implementation plan, the stiffening part is only arranged on the base or side wall.

[0053] In one embodiment, the storage portion includes a chamber having sidewalls, a base, and flange portions to interconnect the storage portion and the closure member, wherein the sidewall includes a shoulder near the base that extends outward (e.g., away from the interior of the chamber) to define a gap-defining region of the sidewall disposed between the shoulder and the base and between the shoulder and the container holding portion.

[0054] The stiffness of the base is increased by making it adjacent to the shoulder of the stiffening section and locally reducing the diameter of the container.

[0055] The shoulder may additionally form a centering member during the container engagement within the container holding portion, so as to precisely position it within the container holding portion.

[0056] As used herein, the term “shoulder” may refer to a portion of the sidewall that protrudes from the rest of the sidewall in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions (e.g., outward in the radial direction) as a step, chamfer, or other feature.

[0057] As used herein, the term “proximal” regarding the position of the shoulder and base may refer to the shoulder being positioned to directly engage the base or to be adjacent in the depth direction, for example, within 1 or 2 mm.

[0058] As used herein, the term "void area" may refer to an area of ​​the sidewall that is arranged in use to remain partially separated from the container (i.e., away from it).

[0059] In one embodiment, the shoulder extends from the flange portion to the edge of the sidewall (e.g., a step, chamfer, bend, or other shape discontinuity in the outer surface profile). The entire shoulder (e.g., in terms of depth and / or circumference) between the flange portion and the edge of the sidewall engages the container retaining portion. This arrangement provides high stability even in the presence of voids.

[0060] In one embodiment, the shoulder has a depth distance S between the flange portion and the edge of the sidewall, which is between 50% and 80% of the total depth D of the storage portion, the total depth being measurable from the lowest point of the base to the top of the flange portion. In another embodiment, the shoulder has a depth distance S between the flange portion and the edge that is greater than 60%, 65%, or 70% of the total depth D of the storage portion. By making the shoulder within this percentage depth range, sufficient stability is provided despite the presence of voids. Additionally, the stiffness of the base is increased, and therefore the base can withstand increased pressure during perforation by the machine's penetrator.

[0061] In the implementation, the gap in the sidewall defines a region extending from the shoulder (e.g., including the entire shoulder) to the base of the container in the depth and / or circumferential directions. By positioning the container (and positioning the shoulder adjacent to the base) such that no portion of the sidewall contacts the container retaining portion, it is ensured that the container is unlikely to adhere to the container retaining portion.

[0062] In the implementation, the void-defining area of ​​the sidewall is arranged to have a separation distance N of at least 0.5 mm and / or less than 1.5 cm from the container holding portion in the radial direction. By ensuring this minimum separation between the void-defining area and the sidewall, the container is less likely to adhere to the container holding portion.

[0063] In the implementation, the average separation distance N between the void-defined area of ​​the sidewall and the container holding portion is at least 0.5 mm or 1 mm. By ensuring that the average separation between the void-defined area and the sidewall is this amount, the container is less likely to adhere to the container holding portion.

[0064] The containers are arranged to partially stack inside a corresponding second container. The edge of the container, corresponding to the intersection of the sidewall and base of the first container, joins the edge of the shoulder of the second container. A portion of the area defined by the gap between the sidewall of the container adjacent to the shoulder of the second container is maintained. With this arrangement, adhesion can be reduced when stacking the containers before filling.

[0065] In the implementation, the stiffening portion of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein is implemented in combination with the shoulder to increase stiffness in the void-defining region of the sidewall. By implementing the stiffening portion to increase stiffness in the void-defining region of the sidewall, the reduced stability of the sidewall due to not maintaining partial contact with the container can be compensated for, and thus stabilized by said portion.

[0066] In one embodiment, the stiffening portion protrudes into the interior of the storage portion and does not protrude outwards from its exterior. By making the stiffening portion protrude into the interior of the chamber of the storage portion, the void region can be maintained around the stiffening portion to reduce adhesion. In another embodiment, the stiffening portion is arranged as a channel bridging the void-defined region between the base and the sidewall. By arranging the stiffening portion to interconnect the void-defined region of the sidewall and the base, the stability of the void-defined region can be increased.

[0067] The stiffness of the base portion of the container is increased by a combination of two or more of the perforated area, stiffening section, and shoulder, thereby improving the container’s behavior during extraction in a beverage preparation machine.

[0068] This disclosure provides a system comprising a container of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein and a machine for preparing beverages and / or food or precursors thereof. In one embodiment, the machine includes: a processing unit for processing precursor materials for the container, and circuitry for controlling the processing unit.

[0069] This disclosure provides for the use of containers of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein for the machine discussed herein.

[0070] This disclosure provides a method for preparing beverages and / or food or precursors thereof. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes: perforating a perforated region with a perforator of the machine, the perforated region being treated to facilitate relatively easier perforation by the perforator of the machine than untreated portions; supplying a conditioned fluid to a precursor material of the container via the perforation; and treating the precursor material.

[0071] In the implementation, the treatment of the precursor material includes one or more of the following processes: injecting a conditioning fluid into the container via an inlet at a perforated area in the base of the container formed by the machine; increasing the pressure of the fluid in the container until a ruptured portion of the container ruptures to provide a beverage; and discharging the consumed container from the container processing unit.

[0072] This disclosure provides a method for forming a container for use with a machine for preparing beverages and / or food or their precursors. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes treating a perforated region of the container formed from a wood pulp-based material to facilitate relatively easier perforation by a perforator of the machine compared to untreated portions. In an embodiment, the method includes forming a storage portion of the container, and subsequently treating the storage portion to achieve the perforated region.

[0073] This disclosure provides a method for preparing beverages and / or food or precursors thereof. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes: penetrating a wood pulp-based portion of a container with a penetrator to provide a fluid inlet, and using a stiffening portion to resist displacement of the wood pulp-based portion during said penetration; and treating the precursor material.

[0074] In the implementation, the treatment of the precursor material includes one or more of the following processes: injecting a conditioning fluid into the container via an inlet at a perforated area in the base of the container formed by the machine; increasing the pressure of the fluid in the container until a ruptured portion of the container ruptures to provide a beverage; and discharging the consumed container from the container processing unit.

[0075] This disclosure provides a method for forming a container. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes forming a storage portion of the container from a wood pulp-based material, which may include wet forming or hot pressing. The method may include subsequently forming a stiffening portion from the storage portion.

[0076] This disclosure provides a method for preparing beverages and / or food or precursors thereof. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes: arranging a container containing precursor material in a container holding portion of a processing unit of a machine; engaging a shoulder of a sidewall of the container, the profile of which is configured to maintain a gap between a portion of the sidewall and the shoulder; penetrating a wood pulp-based portion of the container with a penetrator to provide a fluid inlet, and using a stiffening portion to resist displacement of the wood pulp-based portion during said penetration; transferring fluid into the container via the fluid inlet; and processing the precursor material.

[0077] In an implementation, processing the precursor material includes one or more of the following processes: injecting a conditioning fluid into the container via an inlet at a perforated area in the base of the machine-formed container; increasing the pressure of the fluid in the container until a ruptured portion of the container ruptures to provide a beverage; and discharging the consumed container from the container processing unit. During one or all of these processes, a gap may be maintained between the portion of the sidewall between the base and the shoulder and the container holding portion.

[0078] This disclosure provides a method for filling a container with a precursor material. The method can be implemented using any of the foregoing embodiments disclosed herein or another embodiment. The method includes: arranging a container in a container holding portion of a filling machine; engaging a shoulder of a sidewall of the container, the profile of which is configured to maintain a gap between a portion of the sidewall and the shoulder; and filling the container with the precursor material. The method may include discharging the filled container from the filling machine. During one or all of the process, a gap may be maintained between the portion of the sidewall and the shoulder and the container holding portion.

[0079] To provide a basic understanding of the various aspects of the subject matter described herein, the inventive summary has been provided above to outline some embodiments. Therefore, the features described above are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope or substance of the subject matter described herein in any way. Furthermore, the above and / or foregoing embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner to provide other embodiments. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0080] Various aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar numerals denote similar elements.

[0081] - Figure 1 This is a system block diagram illustrating an embodiment system for preparing beverages or food or their precursors.

[0082] - Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The system implementation plan of the machine is shown in the system block diagram.

[0083] - Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the fluid conditioning system of the machine implementation plan.

[0084] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate... Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the implementation scheme of the container processing system of the machine.

[0085] - Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of the control circuit for the implementation scheme of the machine.

[0086] - Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system implementation container.

[0087] - Figure 7 It is shown by Figure 1The flowchart shows the preparation process for the implementation plan of the system.

[0088] - Figure 8 It is shown Figure 6 A side view of the storage section of the container implementation scheme.

[0089] - Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of the storage section.

[0090] - Figure 10 It is through the cross-section line AA. Figure 9 A side cross-sectional view of the storage section.

[0091] - Figure 11 It is shown Figure 8 Bottom perspective view of the storage section.

[0092] - Figure 12 It is shown Figure 8 The top perspective of the storage section.

[0093] - Figure 13 It is shown Figure 10 A side view of the cross section, which does not have the superimposed cross section shown as a stiffened portion of the virtual cross section line.

[0094] - Figure 14 It is shown Figure 10 The cross-section of the storage section and Figure 1 The side view of the cross section of the container holding part of the system.

[0095] - Figure 15 It is shown Figure 10 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of the storage section and the corresponding container stack.

[0096] - Figure 16 It is shown Figure 8 The top perspective of the storage section. Detailed Implementation

[0097] Before describing several embodiments of the system, it should be understood that the system is not limited to the details of the construction or process steps mentioned in the following specific embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the system can be implemented in other ways and practiced or carried out in a variety of manners.

[0098] This disclosure will be better understood in light of the following explanation:

[0099] As used herein, the term "machine" can refer to an electrically operated device capable of preparing beverages and / or food from precursor materials, or; capable of preparing precursor materials from pre-precursor materials, which can then be prepared into beverages and / or food. The machine can perform the preparation through one or more of the following processes: dilution; heating; pressurization; cooling; mixing; agitation; dissolving; soaking; macerating; extraction; conditioning; brewing; grinding; and other similar processes. The dimensions of the machine can be set to suit use on a worktop, for example, its length, width, and height can be less than 70 cm. As used herein, the term "preparation" in relation to beverages and / or food can refer to the preparation of at least a portion of a beverage and / or food (e.g., a beverage fully or partially prepared by said machine, to which the end user can manually add additional fluids, including milk and / or water, before consumption).

[0100] As used herein, the term "container" can refer to any configuration that contains precursor material (e.g., as a single, pre-quantified portion). A container may have a maximum capacity such that it can only contain a single portion of precursor material. A container may be for single use, for example, its physical form may change after a preparation process that may include one or more of the following: perforation to supply fluid to the precursor material; perforation to supply beverage / food from the container; or opening by a user to extract the precursor material. A container may be configured to operate with a container handling unit of a machine, for example, it may include flanges for aligning and guiding the container through or disposed on the unit. A container may include a rupture portion arranged to rupture upon exposure to a specific pressure to deliver the beverage / food. A container may have a membrane for closing the container. A container may have various forms, including one or more of the following: truncated conical; cylindrical; disc-shaped; hemispherical; and other similar forms. A container may be formed from various materials, such as metal or plastic or a wood pulp-based combination thereof. Materials can be selected to ensure that they are: food-safe; and capable of withstanding the pressure and / or temperature of the preparation process. The container may be defined as a capsule, wherein the capsule may have an internal volume of 20 ml to 100 ml. Capsules include coffee capsules, for example, Capsules (including Classic, Professional, Vertuo, Dolce Gusto or other capsules).

[0101] As used herein, the terms "external device," "external electronic device," or "peripheral device" can include electronic components external to a machine, such as those located in the same location as the machine or those located remotely from the machine, which communicate with the machine via a computer network. External devices may include communication interfaces for communicating with the machine and / or server systems. External devices may include devices such as smartphones; PDAs; video game controllers; tablet computers; laptops; or other similar devices.

[0102] As used herein, the term "server system" can refer to electronic components external to a machine, such as those located at a remote location on the machine, that communicate with the machine via a computer network. A server system may include communication interfaces for communicating with the machine and / or external devices. Server systems may include: network-based computers (e.g., remote servers); cloud-based computers; and any other server system.

[0103] As used herein, the term "system" or "beverage or food preparation system" may refer to any combination of two or more of the following: beverage or food preparation machinery; containers; server systems; and peripheral devices.

[0104] As used herein, the term "beverage" can refer to any substance that can be processed into a drinkable form, which may be cold or hot. A beverage can be one or more of the following: solid; liquid; gel; paste. A beverage may include one or a combination of the following: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; cordial; vitamin compositions; herbal tea / infusion; brewed water / flavored water; and other substances. As used herein, the term "food" can refer to any substance that can be processed into a nutritious substance for consumption, which may be cold or hot. A food can be one or more of the following: solid; liquid; gel; paste. Food may include yogurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; custard; smoothie; and other substances. It should be understood that there is some overlap between the definitions of beverage and food; for example, a beverage can also be a food, therefore, a machine that claims to prepare a beverage or food does not preclude the preparation of both.

[0105] As used herein, the term "precursor material" can refer to any material that can be processed to form part or all of a beverage or food. Precursor materials can be one or more of the following: powder; crystal; liquid; gel; solid; and others. Examples of beverages that form precursor materials include: ground coffee; milk powder; tea leaves; cocoa powder; vitamin compositions; herbs, for example, used to form herbal / infused teas; flavorings; and other similar materials. Examples of foods that form precursor materials include dried vegetables or broths as anhydrous soup powders; milk powder; flour-based powders, including custard; powdered yogurt or ice cream; and other similar materials. Precursor material can also refer to any pre-precursor material that can be processed into a precursor material as defined above, i.e., any precursor material that can subsequently be processed into a beverage and / or food. In one example, pre-precursor materials include coffee beans that can be ground and / or heated (e.g., roasted) into precursor materials.

[0106] As used herein, the term "fluid" (with regard to fluids supplied by a fluid conditioning system) may include one or more of the following: water; milk; others. As used herein, the term "conditioning" with respect to a fluid may refer to altering its physical properties and may include one or more of the following: heating or cooling; stirring (including foaming by beating to introduce air bubbles and mixing to introduce turbulence); portioning into single portions suitable for use with single-serving containers; pressurizing, for example to brewing pressure; carbonation; filtration / purification; and other conditioning processes.

[0107] As used herein, the term "processing unit" can refer to an apparatus that can process precursor materials into a beverage or food. The apparatus can also refer to an apparatus that can process pre-precursor materials into precursor materials.

[0108] As used herein, the term "container processing unit" can refer to an apparatus capable of processing containers to derive associated beverages or food from precursor materials. A container processing system can be arranged to process precursor materials by one or more of the following: dilution, heating; cooling; mixing; stirring; dissolving; soaking; macerating; extraction; conditioning; pressurizing; brewing; and other processing steps. Thus, a container processing unit can implement a series of units according to the processing steps, which may include: an extraction unit (which performs processing and / or heating, e.g., heating or cooling, brewing processes); a mixing unit (which mixes the beverage or food in the receiver for consumption by the end user); a dispensing and dissolving unit (which extracts a portion of the precursor material and processes it by dissolving and dispensing it into the receiver); and other similar units.

[0109] As used herein, the term "preparation process" can refer to the process of preparing a beverage or food from precursor materials or the process of preparing a pre-precursor material from precursor materials. A preparation process can also refer to a process executed by circuitry to control a container processing unit to process the precursor or pre-precursor material.

[0110] As used herein, the term "circuit" or "control circuit" may refer to one or more hardware components and / or software components, examples of which may include: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); electronic / electrical components (which may include combinations of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.); one or more processors; non-transitory memory (e.g., implemented by one or more memory devices) that may store one or more software programs or firmware programs; combinational logic circuits; and the aforementioned interconnections. The circuit may be entirely located at the machine or distributed among one or more of the following: the machine; an external device; and a server system.

[0111] As used herein, the term "processor" or "processing resource" can refer to one or more units used for processing, examples of which include ASICs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), state machines, or other suitable components. A processor can be configured to execute a computer program, which may take the form of machine-readable instructions, for example, stored in non-transitory memory and / or programmable logic. A processor can have various means corresponding to the means discussed for the circuit, such as onboard machinery or distributed as part of a system. As used herein, any machine-executable instructions or computer-readable medium can be configured to cause the disclosed methods to be executed, for example, by a machine or system as disclosed herein, and therefore can be used synonymously with the term "method."

[0112] As used herein, the term "code" or "code element" can refer to a storage medium that encodes information. The code can be optically readable, such as a barcode. The code can be formed from multiple units, which can be referred to as elements or tags.

[0113] As used herein, the term "preparation information" can refer to information related to the preparation process. This information may vary depending on the specific implementation of the processing unit. Parameters that may be associated with a container processing unit including a fluid handling system may include one or more of the following: fluid pressure; fluid temperature; mass / volume flow rate; fluid volume; filtration / purification parameters for the fluid; and carbonation parameters for the fluid. More general parameters may include one or more of the following: container geometry, such as shape or volume; and precursor type.

[0114] As used herein, the term "wood pulp-based" can refer to a material or part of a material forming a container, which is one or more of the following: porous; fibrous; cellulose; formed of cellulose material; formed of natural cellulose material; formed of reconstituted or regenerated cellulose material; nonwoven; consisting entirely of wood pulp or a composition of wood pulp, and formed by wet processing. The thickness of the wood-based material can be from 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm, or about 0.5 mm. The wood-based material can be from 200 to 400 gsm.

[0115] As used herein, the term "nonwoven" can refer to fibrous materials that are neither woven nor knitted. Nonwoven materials can be made of fibers bonded together. As used herein, the term "porous" can refer to materials constructed with pores to allow water (or other liquids) to pass through. As used herein, the term "fibrous" can refer to materials composed of fibers, which may be present in one or more of the material's constituent parts. As used herein, the term "cellulose" or "cellulose material" can refer to conventional woody and / or non-woody materials, such as Manila hemp, sisal, jute, bleached and unbleached softwood and hardwood species. Cellulose materials can include regenerated or reconstituted cellulose. As used herein, the term "natural cellulose material" can refer to conventional woody materials that are not regenerated. As used herein, the term "reconstituted or regenerated cellulose material" can refer to natural cellulose materials that have undergone treatment (including reconstituted or regenerated), examples of which include rayon and lyocell fibers. As used herein, the term "wood pulp" can refer to lignocellulosic cellulose fibrous materials, which can be prepared by mechanically or chemically separating cellulose fibers from one or more of wood, fiber crops, paper, or rags. As used herein, the term "wet forming" can refer to the process of forming from an aqueous solution of fibers. The aqueous solution of fibers can be heated and pressed in a mold to shape the material and remove water from it.

[0116] [General System Description]

[0117] refer to Figure 1 System 2 includes machine 4, container 6, server system 8, and peripheral device 10. Server system 8 communicates with machine 4 via computer network 12. Peripheral device 10 communicates with machine 4 via computer network 12.

[0118] In a variant implementation not shown: peripheral devices and / or server systems are omitted.

[0119] Although computer network 12 is shown as identical between machine 4, server system 8, and peripheral device 10, other configurations are possible, including: different computer networks for communication between each device; the server system communicating with the machine via the peripheral device (rather than directly). In a particular example: the peripheral device communicates via a communication interface (e.g., using Bluetooth). TMThe server system communicates with the machine via a wireless interface (e.g., using the IEEE 802.11 standard) and also via the Internet.

[0120] [machine]

[0121] refer to Figure 2 The machine 4 includes: a processing unit 14 for processing precursor materials; a circuit 16; and a code reading system 18.

[0122] Circuit 16 controls the code reading system 18 to read code from container 6. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image) and thereby determine the preparation information. Circuit 16 uses the preparation information to control the processing unit 14 to perform the preparation process, wherein the precursor material is processed into a beverage or food or a precursor thereof.

[0123] In a variant implementation not shown: the code and code reading system are omitted, and the machine performs one or more fabrication processes stored in the electronic memory of the circuit.

[0124] [First example of a processing unit]

[0125] refer to Figure 3 As shown in Figure 4, in a first example of the processing unit 14, the unit includes a container processing unit 20 and a fluid conditioning system 22.

[0126] Container processing unit 20 is arranged to process container 6 to derive beverages or food from precursor materials (not shown) therein. Fluid conditioning system 22 conditions the fluid supplied to container processing unit 20. Circuit 16 uses preparation information read from container 6 to control container processing unit 20 and fluid conditioning system 22 to execute the preparation process.

[0127] The machine's code reading system 18 may include an image capture unit 46 to detect and / or read code elements 44 located on the capsule for processing a specific formulation and to propose optimized extraction of the ingredients contained in the capsule.

[0128] [Fluid Conditioning System]

[0129] refer to Figure 3The fluid conditioning system 22 includes a reservoir 24, a pump 26, a heat exchanger 28, and an outlet 30 for the conditioned fluid. The reservoir 24 contains a fluid generally sufficient for multiple preparation processes. The pump 26 displaces the fluid from the reservoir 24, through the heat exchanger 28, and to the outlet 30 (which is connected to the container handling unit 20). The pump 26 can be implemented as any suitable device for driving the fluid, including: a reciprocating pump; a rotary pump; other suitable devices. The heat exchanger 28 is implemented for heating the fluid and may include: a row-type, hot block type heater; a heating element for directly heating the fluid in the reservoir; other suitable devices.

[0130] In a variant embodiment not shown: the pump is omitted, for example, the fluid is fed to the container processing unit by gravity or pressurized by a mains water supply; the reservoir is omitted, for example, water is supplied by a mains water supply; the heat exchanger is arranged to cool the fluid (e.g., it may include a refrigeration-type circulating heat pump); the heat exchanger is omitted, for example, the mains water supply supplies water at a desired temperature; the fluid conditioning system includes a filtration / purification system, for example, a UV light system, the extent to which it is applied to the fluid is controllable; and a carbonation system that controls the degree of carbonation of the fluid.

[0131] [Container Processing Unit]

[0132] The container processing unit 20 can be implemented using a range of configurations, as shown in Examples 1 through 4 below:

[0133] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, a first example of the container processing unit 20 is used to process containers arranged as capsules 6 (appropriate examples of capsules are shown in Figures 4A and 4B). Figure 6 Provided herein (which will be discussed) for preparing a beverage. A container handling unit 20 is configured as an extraction unit 32 for extracting the beverage from a capsule 6. The extraction unit 32 includes a container / capsule holding portion 34 and a closing member 36. The extraction unit 32 is movable to a capsule receiving position (FIG. 4A), wherein the capsule holding portion 34 and the closing member 36 are arranged to receive the capsule 6. The extraction unit 32 is movable to a capsule extraction position (FIG. 4B), wherein the capsule holding portion 34 and the closing member 36 form a seal around the capsule 6. As shown in FIG. 4A, an image capturing unit 46 disposed on the closing member is arranged to read the code element 44 positioned on the capsule when the capsule is in the extraction position (FIG. 4B).

[0134] The beverage can then be extracted from capsule 6. The extraction unit 32 can be actuator-driven or manually movable between the positions.

[0135] The outlet 30 of the fluid conditioning system 22 is arranged as an injection head and / or a penetrator 38 to penetrate the container, thereby forming an inlet for injecting the conditioned fluid into the capsule 6 at the capsule extraction position (typically under high pressure). The beverage outlet 40 is arranged to capture the extracted beverage and convey it from the extraction unit 32.

[0136] Extraction unit 32 is arranged to prepare a beverage by applying a pressurized (e.g., at 10 to 20 bar) and heated (e.g., at 50 to 98 degrees Celsius) fluid to the precursor material within capsule 6. The pressure is increased over a predetermined period of time until it exceeds the pressure of the ruptured portion (which is the closing member of capsule 6), causing the member to rupture and the beverage to be dispensed into beverage outlet 40.

[0137] In a variant embodiment not shown, although the injection head and beverage outlet are shown arranged on the retaining portion and the closing member, respectively, alternative arrangements include: the injection head and beverage outlet being arranged on the closing member and the retaining portion, respectively; or both being on the same portion. Furthermore, the extraction unit may include two parts arranged as the capsule retaining portion, for example, for a capsule symmetrical with respect to a flange, including... Professional capsules.

[0138] Examples of suitable extraction units are provided in EP 1472156 A1 and EP 1784344 A1, which are incorporated herein by reference and provide hydraulically sealed extraction units.

[0139] In a second example (not shown) of the vessel processing unit, an extraction unit similar to that in the first example is provided; however, the extraction unit operates at a lower pressure and by centrifugation. An example of a suitable capsule is... Vertuo capsules. A suitable example is provided in EP 2594171 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0140] In a third example (not shown), the capsule processing unit operates by dissolving a beverage precursor, selected for dissolution under high pressure and high temperature fluid. This apparatus is similar to the extraction units of the first and second examples; however, the pressure is lower and therefore a sealed extraction unit is not required. Specifically, fluid can be injected into the capsule's cap, and the ruptured portion is located at the base of the capsule's storage portion. An example of a suitable capsule is... Dolce Gusto capsules. Examples of suitable extraction units are disclosed in EP 1472156 A1 and EP 1784344 A1, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0141] In a fourth example (not shown), the container processing unit is arranged as a mixing unit to prepare a beverage or food precursor stored in a container, which is a receiver for consumption by an end user. The mixing unit includes a stirrer (e.g., a planetary mixer, a spiral mixer, or a vertical cut mixer) for mixing and a heat exchanger for heating / cooling the beverage or food precursor in the receiver. A fluid supply system may also supply fluid to the receiver. An example of such an apparatus is provided in WO 2014067987 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0142] [Control Circuit]

[0143] refer to Figure 5 Circuit 16 is implemented as a control circuit 48 to control the processing unit 14 to perform the fabrication process. Figure 5 In the implementation scheme, for illustrative purposes, the processing unit 14 is illustrated as a first example, which includes a container processing unit 20 and a fluid supply unit 22.

[0144] Circuits 16 and 48 at least partially implement (e.g., in combination with hardware): an input unit 50 for receiving input from a user confirming that the machine 4 will perform the preparation process; a processor 52 for receiving input from the input unit 46 and providing control output to the processing unit 14; and a feedback system 54 for providing feedback from the processing unit 14 during the preparation process, which can be used to control the preparation process.

[0145] The input unit 50 is implemented as a user interface, which may include one or more of the following: buttons, such as joystick buttons or push buttons; joysticks; LEDs; graphic or character LCDs; graphic screens with touch sensing and / or screen edge buttons; other similar devices; sensors to determine whether a container has been supplied to the machine by the user.

[0146] Feedback system 54 can implement one or more of the following or other feedback control base operations:

[0147] - Flow sensor to determine the flow rate to outlet 30 of fluid supply system 22 (in Figure 3 The fluid velocity / volume (shown in the figure) can be used to measure the correct amount of fluid in container 6 and thus regulate the power to pump 26;

[0148] - A temperature sensor is used to determine the temperature of the fluid at the outlet 30 of the fluid supply unit 22, which can be used to ensure that the temperature of the fluid to the container 6 is correct and thus regulate the power to the heat exchanger 28.

[0149] - A level sensor is used to determine whether the fluid level in the reservoir 24 is sufficient for the preparation process;

[0150] - A position sensor is used to determine the position of the extraction unit 32 (e.g., capsule extraction position or capsule receiving position).

[0151] It should be understood that circuits 16, 48 are suitably adapted to other examples of processing unit 14, such as a second example for a container processing system, where a feedback system can be used to control the rotational speed of the capsule.

[0152] [container]

[0153] refer to Figure 6 The container 6 used in conjunction with the first example of the processing unit 14 includes a container 6 arranged as a capsule 6. The capsule 6 includes: a closure member 56; a storage portion 58; and a flange portion 60.

[0154] The local container coordinate axes include a depth direction 100, a longitudinal direction 102, and a transverse direction 104. A rotation axis 106 extends in the depth direction 100 and defines a radial direction 108 in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 102 and the transverse direction 104.

[0155] When viewed in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction 102 and the transverse direction 104, capsule 6 has a circular cross-section.

[0156] The closing member 56 is arranged in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction 102 and the transverse direction 104. The closing member 56 closes the storage portion 58 and includes a flexible membrane. The closing member 56 has an outer surface 62 facing away from the storage portion 58 and an inner surface 64 facing the storage portion 58.

[0157] The flange portion 60 is arranged to interconnect the storage portion 58 and the closure member 56 to hermetically seal the precursor material. The flange portion 60 is arranged as an annular ring extending from the inner edge 66 to the outer edge 68 in the radial direction 108. The flange portion 60 presents an upper surface 70, which is arranged in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction 102 and the transverse direction 104. The upper surface 70 is bonded to the periphery of the inner surface 64 of the closure member 56 by adhesive. The lower surface 72 of the flange faces the storage portion 58.

[0158] Storage portion 58 includes a chamber 74 for storing precursor material (not shown). Chamber 74 includes a sidewall 76 and a base 78. The sidewall 76 extends primarily from a proximal edge 80 to a distal edge 82 in the depth direction 100, wherein the proximal and distal edges are defined relative to the base 78. The sidewall 76 tapers with increasing radial dimension from the proximal edge 80 to the distal edge 82. The base 78 extends primarily in the radial direction 108, but also has fewer components in the depth direction 100. The base 78 extends from axis 106 to a peripheral edge 84 adjacent to the proximal edge 80 of the sidewall 76. The distal edge 82 of the sidewall 76 abuts the inner edge 66 of the flange portion 60. Storage portion 58 and flange portion 60 are integrally formed.

[0159] Capsule 6 has a diameter of 2-5 cm and an axial length of 2-4 cm. Details of the construction, manufacture and / or (beverage) extraction of the container and / or closure components are disclosed, for example, in EP 2155021, EP 2316310, EP 2152608, EP2378932, EP2470053, EP2509473, EP2667757 and EP 2528485.

[0160] In variant embodiments not shown: the capsule may have other cross-sectional shapes, including square, other polygonal, or elliptical; the closure member may be rigid or other non-membrane in form; a flange is alternatively connected to the upper surface of the closure member, for example, by curling; sidewalls are alternatively arranged, including having an inverted tapered shape or aligned with the depth direction, or being curved; the base is alternatively arranged, including being flat or curved; the flange portion is connected to the storage portion rather than being integrally formed; the closure member is arranged as the storage portion, for example, which includes a chamber; the flange portion is omitted, for example, the closure member is directly connected to the storage portion.

[0161] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, the base 78 of the storage portion 58 is perforated by the penetrator 38 to form an inlet for injecting conditioned fluid into the chamber 74, as will be discussed. The penetrator 38 may be arranged as a separate blade or an integrated blade of a syringe.

[0162] [Preparation Process]

[0163] refer to Figure 7 The following illustrates the execution of a process for preparing beverages / foods from precursor materials:

[0164] Box 70: The user supplies container 6 to machine 4.

[0165] Box 72: Circuit 16 (e.g., its input unit 50) receives a user instruction to prepare a beverage / food from a precursor, and circuit 16 (e.g., processor 52) initiates the process.

[0166] Box 74: Circuit 16 controls processing unit 14 to process the container (e.g., in the first example of container processing unit 20, extraction unit 32 moves from capsule receiving position (FIG. 4A) to capsule extraction position (FIG. 4B)).

[0167] Box 76: Circuit 16 executes the preparation process by controlling processing unit 14 based on preparation information read from code on the container or stored in memory. In a first example of the processing unit, this includes controlling fluid conditioning system 22 to supply fluid to container processing unit 20 at the temperature, pressure, and duration specified in the preparation information.

[0168] Circuit 16 then controls the container processing unit 20 to move from the capsule extraction section through the capsule discharge position to discharge the container 6 and return to the capsule receiving position.

[0169] In a variant implementation not shown: the boxes described above may be executed in a different order, for example, box 72 may be executed before box 70; some boxes may be omitted, for example, box 70 may be omitted in the case of a machine storing capsule boxes.

[0170] As part of the fabrication process, circuit 16 may use the machine’s communication interface (not shown) to obtain additional fabrication information from server system 8 and / or peripheral device 10 via computer network 12.

[0171] [Container reinforcement section]

[0172] refer to Figures 8 to 13 ,and Figure 6 The two possible container embodiments associated with container 6 are described as a single container for common reference. Therefore, container 6 includes a storage portion 58 formed of a wood pulp-based material. In a variant embodiment not shown, only a portion of the storage portion may be formed of a wood pulp-based material, for example, only the base or base region as defined herein.

[0173] The storage section 58 includes a stiffening section 110, which is configured to increase the rigidity of the storage section 58. Specifically, the stiffening section 110 increases the rigidity near the perforated area 112 of the storage section 58 penetrated by the penetrator 38 (shown in Figures 4A and 4B), making the perforated area 112 easier to penetrate.

[0174] Once perforated, the perforated region 112 provides one or more fluid inlets (not shown) for injecting conditioned fluid into the chamber 74 of the storage portion 58 to process the precursor material. The conditioned fluid is injected into a container holding portion 34 fluidly connected to the fluid inlets (shown in Figures 4A and 4B). The perforated region 112 is arranged as an annular ring on the base 78 of the storage portion 58, centered about the axis of rotation 106.

[0175] The penetrator (not shown) includes three perforated elements arranged circumferentially around an annular ring of perforated region 112 at equal angular pitch. Each of the perforated elements is arranged to form a dedicated inlet. The perforated elements have a diameter of 2 to 5 mm. 2 The cross-sectional area. The penetrator applies a combined force of 1 to 50 N or 2 to 10 N (i.e., through all the perforating elements combined) to the perforated region 112 in the opposite depth direction 100. The perforated region 112 can be perforated by various failure modes, including notching and / or brittle fracture, as will be discussed.

[0176] When the stiffening portion 110 is subjected to a compressive force of 1 to 50 N or 2 to 10 N applied by the penetrator in the perforated region 112 in the opposite depth direction 100, the stiffening portion prevents the perforated region 112 of the base 78 from displacing more than 0.5 to 2 mm in the opposite depth direction 100.

[0177] The size and dimensions of the perforated area 112 may vary depending on the size and / or design of the perforating element of the penetrator of the container and / or beverage machine to ensure complete and effective perforation.

[0178] In a variant embodiment not shown: the penetrator includes a different number of perforated elements, for example, 1, 2 or 4; the perforated elements have different cross-sectional areas, for example, the same total cross-sectional area as in the example may be distributed across multiple perforated elements; the penetrator applies different forces; the perforated areas are arranged in shapes other than annular rings, including circles or squares.

[0179] The stiffening portion 110 is arranged as eight discrete units, which are circumferentially spaced from each other around the axis 106 at equal angular pitches. The stiffening portion 110 extends continuously over both the base 78 and the proximal portion of the sidewall 76.

[0180] like Figures 9 to 11 and Figure 13 As can be best seen, the stiffening portion 110 is arranged as a channel 114 having sidewalls 116 and a base 118. The base 118 is linear and radially aligned. The sidewalls 116 bend into the base 118, so the channel 114 is generally V-shaped with a curved periphery.

[0181] Channel 114 extends primarily in the depth direction 100 and has a radial direction component 108, such that the base 118 is angled at approximately 50 to 60 degrees α relative to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 102 and the transverse direction 104 (when observing the right stiffening portion side, as in...). Figure 10 A or Figure 10 (Best seen in section B).

[0182] like Figure 10 As can be best seen, the proximal end of the sidewall 76 has a depth dimension d, which is measured from the lowest position of the base 78 to the distal end of the base 118 of the stiffening portion 110. This depth dimension is less than about 40% of the total depth D measured from the lowest position of the base 78 to the upper surface 70 of the flange portion 60.

[0183] like Figure 10 and Figure 13 As can be best seen, the stiffening portion 110 protrudes into the interior of the chamber 74 in the opposite radial direction 108, and no part of the stiffening portion 110 has a radial dimension larger than the corresponding part of the sidewall 76 excluding the stiffening portion 110 (when comparing the stiffening portion 110 with the virtual section line V of the equivalent section without the stiffening portion, such as...). Figure 13 (This can be best seen in the cross-section). In this way, the container 6 can be used with the container holding portion 34, which is not particularly suited to holding the container 6 (e.g., by implementing grooves to accommodate the outward extension of the stiffening portion).

[0184] In a variant embodiment not shown: there are other numbers of stiffening portions, including 3, 4, or 6; the stiffening portions may be directly adjacent to each other; the stiffening portions have other profiles, including U-shaped or V-shaped; the stiffening portions extend outward in a radial direction; the stiffening portions may alternatively be arranged to include having curved or stepped bases and non-radially aligned bases; the bases may alternatively be angled, including an angle α of about 30 to 70 degrees, and; d is alternatively varied in size to be less than about 50% or 30% of D, and / or d may have a minimum value of at least 10% or 20% of D.

[0185] refer to Figure 13 The stiffening portion 110 extends along the base 78 from the virtual peripheral edge 84' of the base 78 (which exists for sections excluding the stiffening portion, as indicated by the dashed line V) to the proximal side of the perforated region 112. Figure 9 As can be best seen, the distance W defined by the distal end of the base 118 of the channel 114 is within 4 mm in the radial direction 108 of the nearest side edge of the perforated region 112. The distance W may vary depending on the size and dimensions of the perforated region 112.

[0186] like Figure 13 As can be best seen, the stiffening portion 110 has a maximum channel depth X of approximately 3 mm. The channel depth X is measured from the intersection of the vertical distance from the base 118 to the virtual cross-section line V excluding the stiffening portion. In the example, the intersection of the vertical distance and the virtual cross-section line V occurs at the virtual proximal edge 80' of the sidewall 76. In a variant embodiment not shown: the depth X may alternatively vary in size, introduced as 5 mm to 2 mm or 10 mm to 2 mm; the maximum depth may be located outside the proximal edge.

[0187] like Figure 13 As can be best seen, the stiffening portion 110 extends a distance Y along the sidewall 76 in the opposite depth direction 100, this distance being determined from the virtual proximal edge 80' of the sidewall 76 used for the virtual section line V to the distal end of the channel 114. The distance Y is less than 40% or 30% of the total depth D. The minimum distance Y can be greater than 10% or 20% of the total depth D.

[0188] The stiffening portion 110 extends along the base 78 in the opposite radial direction 108 from the virtual peripheral edge 84' of the base 78 for the virtual section line V to a radius Z. The radius Z is greater than 30% or 40% of the total radius R of the base. The maximum radius of Z can be 90% or 80% of the radius R.

[0189] like Figure 13 As can be best seen in the cross section, when the right stiffening portion 110 is compared with the virtual line V, the stiffening portion 110 bridges the proximal region of the base 78 and the sidewall 76; otherwise, the two would not be bridged.

[0190] In a variant embodiment not shown: the stiffening portion replaces the terrain as a portion including increased material thickness, for example, opposite to a rib extending into the cavity interior, and; the channel may include a region of increased material thickness, including at the base.

[0191] At box 74, as shown Figure 7 As shown, the previously described preparation process can be achieved by arranging the container 6 in the container holding portion 34 of the processing unit 14 of the machine 2. The container 6 can be penetrated by the penetrator 38 to form an inlet, while increasing the rigidity of the container 6 to resist displacement with the stiffening portion 110.

[0192] Methods for forming the storage section may include, for example, simultaneously wet-forming the storage section and the stiffening section via the same mold / press. Alternatively, the stiffening element may then be pressed into the storage section.

[0193] [Container shoulder]

[0194] refer to Figure 8 , Figure 11 and Figure 14 The sidewall 76 includes a shoulder 120 arranged adjacent to the stiffening portion 110. The shoulder 120 extends in the depth direction 100 from the lower surface 72 of the flange portion 60 to the edge 122. The shoulder 120 defines a linear outer surface 124 between the flange portion 60 and the edge 122. The outer surface 124 tapers as its radial extent decreases from the flange portion 60 to the edge 122. This taper facilitates easier positioning of the container 6 within the container holding portion 34. The edge 122 is curved.

[0195] Due to the position of the shoulder 120 (i.e., close to and adjacent to the stiffening portion 110), the radius Z of the base 78 is reduced compared to a container (not shown) with a shoulder positioned close to the flange portion 60. This combination of the shoulder 120 and the adjacent stiffening portion 110 increases the rigidity of the container 6 at the base 78 and the perforation region 112. This contributes to ensuring effective perforation of the container through the penetrator 38 of the beverage machine.

[0196] In a variant embodiment not shown: the shoulder is separated from the flange portion by a gap; the outer surface is alternatively profiled (including curved or aligned in the depth direction), and the edges are alternatively profiled (including stepped or linear ramps).

[0197] The outer surface 124 has a radial extent larger than the void-defined region 126 of the sidewall 76. The void-defined region 126 of the sidewall 76 extends from the shoulder 120 to the base 78 for the remainder of the sidewall 76.

[0198] In a variant embodiment not shown: the upper portion of the sidewall includes a second shoulder that engages with the container retaining portion. This second shoulder may be positioned close to the flange portion.

[0199] refer to Figure 14 The shoulder 120 is arranged to define a gap defining region 126 together with the container holding portion 34 of the processing unit 14 of the machine 2, and is positioned to be separated from the container holding portion 34 in the radial direction 108 to define a gap 128 between the shoulder of the gap defining region and the container holding portion.

[0200] In the proposed implementation, the shoulder 120 does not engage with the container holding portion 34, thereby ensuring reduced adhesion of the container 6 to the container holding portion 34 (once the container has been extracted and needs to be removed from the container holding portion).

[0201] The shoulder 120 has a depth distance S corresponding to the outer distance 124 between the intersection of the lower surface 72 of the flange portion 60 and the edge 122. The outer surface 124 is between 50% and 80% of the total depth D of the storage portion 58 (as previously defined).

[0202] The void region 128 has a separation distance N in the radial direction 108, which is a gradually increasing distance of about 1 mm or 2 mm to about 1.5 cm between the void-defined region 126 of the sidewall 76 and the directly adjacent portion of the container holding portion 34.

[0203] refer to Figure 15 Container 6 is arranged to partially stack within a corresponding second container 6'. The proximal edge 80 of container 6 (where the sidewall 76 and base 78 intersect) engages the edge 122' of the shoulder 120' of container 6'. A portion of the gap-defining region 126 of the sidewall 76 of container 6 adjacent to the shoulder 120' of the second container 6' is maintained, defining the remaining gap 130'. With this arrangement, the containers can be stacked with reduced adhesion before filling.

[0204] At box 74, as shown Figure 7 As shown, the previously described preparation process can be achieved by arranging the container 6 in the container holding portion 34 of the processing unit 14 of the machine 2, and engaging the flange portion 60 of the container 6 with the container holding portion 34 to position the void defining region 126 of the sidewall 76 away from the container holding portion 34 to define the void region 128.

[0205] Container 6 can be penetrated by penetrator 38 to form an inlet, and conditioned fluid is injected into the inlet while maintaining void region 128. Container 6 can be discharged from container holding portion 34 while maintaining void region 128.

[0206] The method of filling container 6 with precursor material (not shown) includes arranging a storage portion 58 of container 6 in a container holding portion (not shown, but which can be conceived as similar to container holding portion 34 of machine 2) of a filling machine (also not shown). Therefore, this step can be implemented as discussed for container holding portion 34. Storage portion 58 can be supplied to the filling machine when two or more containers are stacked in the aforementioned arrangement. After filling, storage portion 58 can be closed using closing member 56.

[0207] Methods for forming the storage portion may include, for example, simultaneously wet-forming the storage portion and the shoulder via the same mold / press. Alternatively, the shoulder may then be pressed into the storage portion.

[0208] [Container perforation area]

[0209] refer to Figures 8 to 11 and Figure 16 As previously discussed, the perforated region 112 is treated to facilitate relatively easier perforation by the penetrator 38 (as shown in Figures 4A and 4B) than the untreated portion, as will be discussed.

[0210] refer to Figure 16 The annular ring of the perforated region 112 is arranged into three segments 132, which are radially defined by three bridging elements 134. Segment 130 is processed without processing the bridging elements 134.

[0211] For the previously discussed example of the penetrator 38, there are three penetrating elements arranged with equal angular pitches of 120 degrees around axis 106. The bridging elements 134 have different equal angular pitches: because there are four bridging elements 134, their angular pitches around axis 106 are 90 degrees. In this way, if the rotational orientation of container 6 about axis 106 is unknown, it can be ensured that even if one penetrating element happens to align with bridging element 134, the other penetrating elements will not, thus ensuring that at least one penetrating element completely penetrates the perforated regions 112, 132 without bridging element 134.

[0212] In a variant embodiment not shown: the penetrator has a number of penetrating elements other than three, for example, 2 or 4; the perforated region includes a number of segments other than four, for example, 3 or 5; preferably, the number of segments is different from the number of penetrating elements, and; bridging elements are omitted, such that the perforated region is a continuous loop.

[0213] The wood pulp-based material is vitrified by treating the penetration zone 112 with elevated temperature and compressed pressure. The temperature ranges from 100 to 300 degrees Celsius. The pressure is 1 × 10⁻⁶. 5 Up to 1×10 7 Pa. It should be understood that any suitable combination of temperature and pressure can be selected; for example, vitrification can be achieved via cold pressing, which may include pressing at room temperature but at a higher pressure than hot pressing. The increased temperature and pressure can be applied for 5 to 60 seconds.

[0214] The treated perforated area 112 has a reduced thickness. For example, a 0.5 mm thick material can be reduced to a thickness of 0.3 mm. The treatment can be applied until the thickness reduction is achieved.

[0215] The size and dimensions of the perforated area 112 can be changed as needed to optimize the interaction between the container 6 and the beverage preparation machine.

[0216] As used herein, the term "vitrification" refers to the alteration of one or more material properties of wood pulp to make it more like glass. It can be characterized by one or more of the following material properties (compared to untreated wood pulp): a glass transition temperature above ambient temperature; a harder material; a more brittle material; a material with low energy absorption before fracture; a thinner segment of material; a material with reduced fiber porosity; reduced water absorption; increased stiffness; and a transition to a glassy state.

[0217] In alternative embodiments, the alternative treatments include: applying a coating, and: scoring to reduce the cross-section of the material. As used herein, the term "applying a coating" can refer to applying a coating to a wood pulp-based material to close the pores / voids between fibers and / or act as a barrier. This can provide reduced water absorption, which may be advantageous for the reasons previously given. This can also provide for more brittle failure, which may be advantageous for the reasons previously given. The coating may contain caramel or starch or other suitable coatings. As used herein, the term "scoring" can refer to removing a portion of the material by cutting tools or other means. The portion of the material removed may be up to 50% of the material thickness. This portion of the material can be one or more of the following: a line; the perimeter of a perforated area; the area of ​​a perforated area.

[0218] By treating the perforated region 112 of the wood pulp-based container 6 with the disclosed treatment method, it can be penetrated by the penetrator 38 more easily than the untreated region. This can be characterized by one or more of the following: perforation of the perforated region having a brittle failure mode with relatively low energy absorption rather than a ductile failure mode with relatively high energy absorption in the untreated region; less displacement of the penetrator to achieve complete penetration (e.g., due to the reduced thickness of the perforated region and / or less movement of the perforated region with the penetrator); and penetration with a lower maximum force.

[0219] For the perforated area 112 to be processed from 0.5mm to 0.3mm thick, for areas with thicknesses ranging from 6 to 15mm... 2 The total penetration area of ​​the penetrating element can be 1 to 50 N or 2 to 10 N.

[0220] The presentation value of the perforated area 112 on container 6 can be defined differently and can vary depending on the characteristics of the beverage preparation machine.

[0221] At box 74, as shown Figure 7 As shown, the previously described preparation process can be achieved by arranging the container 6 in the container holding portion 34 of the processing unit 14 of the machine 2. The perforated region 112 of the container 6 can be penetrated by the penetrator 38 to form an inlet.

[0222] The combination of the treated perforated area 112, the stiffening portion 110, and the shoulder 120 (as well as the edge 122) increases the stiffness of the base 78, thereby allowing for improved and efficient penetration by the penetrator 38 to form an inlet. During perforation of the base by the penetrator, the container resists displacement and the base is less prone to breakage.

[0223] Methods for forming the storage section may include wet forming of the storage section. Subsequently, the perforated area 112 may be processed by one of the processes described previously. The bridging member 134 may be formed by a press that is shaped to process only section 132.

[0224] In a variant embodiment not shown: other parts of the container 6, except for or in place of the perforated region 112, may be treated by the methods disclosed herein.

[0225] For example, the flange portion 60 can be processed to provide an improved surface for carrying code on the lower surface 72 of the flange portion 60. Specifically, when formed from a wood pulp-based material, a heating and pressing process can be applied to reduce the thickness of the flange portion 60, giving it a thickness comparable to containers formed from conventional materials (e.g., aluminum) to ensure compatibility with existing machinery. The heating and pressing process can also provide a more uniform surface to serve as a substrate for the code, which improves code reading reliability. In this example, the fabrication process may include a step of reading the code to extract fabrication information therefrom. The step of reading the code may include rotating the code relative to a code reader.

[0226] It should be understood that any disclosed method (or corresponding apparatus, program, data carrier, etc.) can be executed by a host or client, depending on the specific implementation (i.e., the disclosed method / apparatus is one or more forms of communication and therefore can be executed from either "observation point" (i.e., in a manner corresponding to each other)). Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "receive" and "transmit" encompass "input" and "output" and are not limited to an RF environment for transmitting and receiving radio waves. Thus, for example, a chip or other device or component used to implement an implementation may generate data for output to another chip, device, or component, or have input data from another chip, device, or component, and such output or input may be referred to as "transmit" and "receive," including the gerund forms, i.e., "transmit" and "receive," as well as such "transmit" and "receive" in an RF environment.

[0227] As used in this specification, any statement for the style "at least one of A, B, or C" and the statement "at least one of A, B, and C" use separate "or" and separate "and" such that these statements include any and all combinations of A, B, and C, as well as several permutations, namely, A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order, and A, B, and C in any order. More or fewer than three features may be used in such statements.

[0228] In the claims, any reference marks placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps besides those listed in the claims. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “a” or “an” are defined as one or more. Additionally, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed as limiting any other claim element introduced by the indefinite article “a” or “an” to including only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an.” The same applies to the use of definite articles. Unless otherwise specified, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish the elements described by such terms. Therefore, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate the time or other priority of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are stated in mutually different claims does not imply that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0229] Unless otherwise expressly specified as incompatible, or if the physics or other aspects of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such combinations, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples, as well as those of the following claims, may be arranged and combined in any suitable manner, especially where doing so has a beneficial effect. This is not limited to any particular beneficial effect, but may arise from "post-hoc" beneficial effects. That is, the combination of features is not limited by the stated form, and in particular by the form (e.g., numbering) of one or more examples, one or more embodiments, or one or more dependent claims. Furthermore, this also applies to the phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," etc., which are merely stylistic forms of wording and should not be construed as limiting the following features to a single embodiment, but rather to all other instances of the same or similar wording. That is, references to "a," "an," or "some" embodiments may refer to any one or more and / or all of the disclosed embodiments or combinations thereof. Similarly, references to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the preceding embodiment.

[0230] As used herein, any machine-executable instructions or computationally readable medium may perform the methods disclosed herein, and therefore may be used synonymously with or with the term method.

[0231] The foregoing description of one or more specific embodiments is provided for illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings, or may be obtained from practice of various specific embodiments of this disclosure.

[0232] Tag list

[0233] 2 System

[0234] 4 machines

[0235] 14 Processing Units

[0236] 20 Container Processing Units

[0237] 32 Extraction Units

[0238] 34 Container holding section

[0239] 36 Closed components

[0240] 38. Injection head and / or penetrator

[0241] 40 Beverage exports

[0242] 22 Fluid Conditioning System

[0243] 24. Storage

[0244] 26 pumps

[0245] 28 Heat Exchanger

[0246] 30 Exports

[0247] 16 Circuits

[0248] 48 Control Circuit

[0249] 50 input units

[0250] 52 processor

[0251] 54 Feedback System

[0252] 18. Code Reading System

[0253] 46 Image Capture Units

[0254] 6 containers

[0255] 56 Closed components

[0256] 62 Internal Surface

[0257] 64 external surface

[0258] 58 Storage Section

[0259] 74 chambers

[0260] 76 Sidewalls

[0261] 80 Proximal edge

[0262] 82 Distal edge

[0263] 120 Shoulder

[0264] 122 Edge

[0265] 124 Outer Surface

[0266] 126 Gap-defined area

[0267] 78 Base

[0268] 84 Peripheral Edge

[0269] 112 Perforation Area

[0270] Section 132

[0271] 134 Bridging component

[0272] 110 Reinforcement Section

[0273] Channel 114

[0274] 116 Sidewall

[0275] 118 Base

[0276] 60 Flange portion

[0277] 66 Internal Edges

[0278] 68. Outer edge

[0279] 70 Upper surface

[0280] 72 Lower surface

[0281] 44 Code Elements

Claims

1. A container for use with a machine for preparing beverages, food, beverage precursors, or food precursors, said container comprising: - A storage section, said storage section including a chamber having sidewalls, a flange portion and a base for receiving precursor material, and - A closing member, used to close the storage section. At least a portion of the storage section is formed of a wood pulp-based material, and The storage portion includes two or more of the following: - A perforated region, which is disposed at the base of the storage section, is treated by elevated temperature and pressure to vitrify the perforated region, so as to facilitate relatively easier perforation by the machine's penetrator than the untreated portion; - A stiffening portion, which is arranged to extend along the base from the periphery to adjacent the perforation area, to increase the stiffness of the base and thus resist displacement when the base is perforated by the machine's penetrator; as well as - A shoulder portion extending outward from the flange portion to the edge of the sidewall near the base to define a gap-defining region of the sidewall, the gap-defining region being disposed between the shoulder portion and the base to increase the rigidity of the base. The perforated area is formed of a wood pulp-based material. Furthermore, the perforated region, compared to the untreated portion, possesses one or more of the following material properties: Reduced water absorption; Increased brittleness; Increased stiffness; and Reduced thickness.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the shoulder is arranged to extend along the periphery of the sidewall to the region adjacent to the stiffening portion.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stiffening portion comprises discrete units arranged circumferentially around the sidewall of the container.

4. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stiffening portion protrudes into the interior of the storage portion and does not protrude outward from the outside.

5. The container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stiffening portion is arranged as a channel bridging the base and the proximal region of the sidewall.

6. The container according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the stiffening portion has a maximum depth (X) of less than 10 mm and greater than 2 mm.

7. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the stiffening portion is arranged in the depth direction along the sidewall from the junction with the base to a distance (Y) less than 40% of the total depth D between the storage portion and the base.

8. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stiffening portion is arranged to extend along the base from the periphery to a radius Z greater than 30% of the total radius R of the base.

9. The container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shoulder has a depth distance S between the flange portion and the edge of the sidewall, the depth distance S being between 50% and 80% of the total depth D of the storage portion.

10. The container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the perforated region is arranged in an annular ring centered about the rotational axis of the container.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the annular ring is arranged as a segment defined by an untreated bridging member.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein the bridging member is arranged to have an angular pitch different from that of the elements forming the penetrator of the machine.

13. The container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the perforated region is configured to withstand at least 1 to 10 Newtons with a diameter of 6 to 15 mm. 2 The total area of ​​the penetrator element is perforated.

14. The container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stiffening portion is arranged such that when the perforated region of the base is subjected to a compressive force of 1 to 50 N in the depth direction applied by the penetrator, the stiffening portion prevents the perforated region from displacing more than 0.5 to 2 mm in the depth direction.

15. A system comprising a container according to any of the preceding claims and a machine for preparing beverages, food, beverage precursors, or food precursors. -The machine includes: - A processing unit, the processing unit being used to process the precursor material contained in the container; - A circuit used to control the processing unit.

16. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for use in the system according to claim 15.

17. A method for preparing a beverage, food, beverage precursor, or food precursor from a precursor material contained in a container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising: - The perforated area is perforated using a machine's penetrator, the perforated area being treated to make it relatively easier for the machine's penetrator to perforate it than untreated areas. -The precursor material through which the conditioned fluid is supplied to the container, and - Process the precursor material.

18. A method for preparing a beverage, food, beverage precursor, or food precursor using a container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising: - The container holding the precursor material is arranged in the container holding section of the machine's processing unit. - The shoulder portion of the sidewall of the container is joined, the profile of which is configured to maintain a gap between the base and the shoulder portion of the sidewall. - A penetrator is used to penetrate the wood pulp base portion of the container to provide a fluid inlet, and a stiffening portion is used to resist displacement of the wood pulp base portion during the penetration. - Fluid is transferred to the container via the fluid inlet, and - Process the precursor material.

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