Beverage brewing system and related method

Abstract

A beverage brewing system includes a container and a beverage brewing device. The container may include a body portion defining a cavity containing a beverage ingredient. The body portion may be flexible such that it may expand from an initial volume to a maximum volume when it is unobstructed during beverage selling. The beverage brewing device may support the container and may include an expansion limiter that limits expansion of the container during beverage selling. The beverage brewing device may be operated in a first mode whereby the expansion limiter does not obstruct the container and the container expands from an initial state to a maximum expanded state during beverage selling. The beverage brewing device may be operated in a second mode, whereby the expansion limiter obstructs the container and prevents the container from expanding to a maximum expansion condition during beverage selling.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 346,196 filed on May 26, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] Brewing coffee and other beverages in the comfort of home can take many different forms. There is a conventional brewing style, in which the user positions the filter in the basket of the machine and then places the coffee powder on the filter. Then, the machine drips hot water onto the coffee powder on the filter, and the coffee beverage passes through the filter and enters the can or cup located below. There are machines that receive capsules containing beverage ingredients, and the machine pierces the capsule to introduce water therein to mix with the beverage ingredients to brew the beverage. And there are machines that receive bag-type packaging containing beverage ingredients, and the machine introduces water into the inside of the beverage ingredient container to mix with the beverage ingredients to brew the beverage. Utilizing traditional brewing styles, the user can select the amount of liquid to be used to correspond to the amount of coffee powder placed on the filter by the user. However, in the case of capsule and bag machines, a predetermined amount of beverage ingredients is contained in the capsule / bag, so a consistent amount of liquid must be used to obtain a consistent taste and color.

[0003] However, coffee and other beverage brewing machines are becoming increasingly complex. The user is able to control the flavor profile to ensure that the final beverage product is not too strong, too weak, or otherwise undesirable. Therefore, there is a need for a machine that can accept current capsule / bag packaging while controlling and / or adjusting the total dissolved solids based on the type or size of beverage being sold and / or based on the amount of beverage ingredients contained in the package. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention may relate to a beverage brewing system comprising a beverage ingredient container and a beverage brewing device. The beverage ingredient container may include a main body portion defining a cavity for accommodating the beverage ingredient. The main body portion may be flexible so that the main body portion can expand from an initial volume to a maximum volume when unobstructed during beverage vending. The beverage brewing device may support the beverage ingredient container and may include an expansion limiter that can limit the expansion of the beverage ingredient container during beverage vending. The beverage brewing device may operate in a first mode whereby the expansion limiter does not obstruct the beverage ingredient container and the beverage ingredient container expands from an initial state to a maximum expanded state during beverage vending. The beverage brewing device may operate in a second mode whereby the expansion limiter obstructs the beverage ingredient container and prevents the beverage ingredient container from expanding to a maximum expanded state during beverage vending. The present invention may relate to a method for brewing a beverage utilizing similar techniques.

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention can be a beverage brewing system comprising: a beverage ingredient container including a body portion defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient, the body portion of the beverage ingredient container being flexible so that when the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is unobstructed, the volume of the cavity is configured to expand from an initial volume to a maximum volume during beverage vending, wherein a liquid is introduced into the cavity; a beverage brewing apparatus comprising: a support member configured to support the beverage ingredient container; an expansion limiter including a first wall and a second wall, the first wall and the second wall being at least partially spaced apart from each other by a gap, the beverage ingredient container being located within the gap when supported by the support member during beverage vending; and wherein the beverage brewing apparatus is operable to vend a beverage in: a first mode, wherein the first wall and the second wall are spaced apart by a first maximum distance, the first maximum distance being sufficient to allow the volume of the cavity of the beverage ingredient container to expand to the maximum volume during beverage vending; and a second mode wherein the first wall and the second wall are spaced apart by a second maximum distance that prevents the volume of the cavity of the beverage ingredient container from expanding to a maximum volume during beverage vending, the second maximum distance being less than the first maximum distance.

[0006] The first wall of the expansion limiter may be positioned adjacent to a front surface of the beverage ingredient container, and during beverage vending, the second wall of the expansion limiter may be positioned adjacent to a rear surface of the beverage ingredient container. In either of the first mode and the second mode, at the start of beverage vending while the cavity of the beverage ingredient container is at an initial volume, the first wall may be spaced apart from the front surface of the beverage ingredient container and the second wall may be spaced apart from the rear surface of the beverage ingredient container.

[0007] When the beverage ingredient container is located in the gap before beverage vending begins, the minimum distance between the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter and the beverage ingredient container in the first mode may be between 1 mm and 10 mm, more specifically between 1 mm and 5 mm, or between 3 mm and 8 mm. When the beverage ingredient container is located in the gap before beverage vending begins, the minimum distance between the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter and the beverage ingredient container in the second mode may be between 10 mm and 20 mm, or between 13 mm and 18 mm.

[0008] At the start of beverage vending, in either of the first mode and the second mode, the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter may not be in contact with the beverage ingredient container.

[0009] In the first mode, the liquid may be introduced into the cavity at a first pressure, and in the second mode, the liquid may be introduced into the cavity at a second pressure greater than the first pressure. The first pressure may be approximately 0.5 bar and the second pressure may have a maximum value of 1.5 bar.

[0010] The first wall may be fixed and the second wall may be movable toward and away from the first wall to adjust a separation distance between the first wall and the second wall in response to a user selecting the first mode or the second mode for beverage vending.

[0011] The beverage brewing machine may include a door that is changeable between an open state and a closed state, in which the beverage ingredient container can be inserted into a gap between the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter and the nozzle can engage the support member. The first wall can be attached to or form part of the door.

[0012] Each of the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter may be formed of a rigid, non-flexible material. The inner surfaces of the first wall and the second wall facing the beverage ingredient container may be rigid.

[0013] Each of the first wall and the second wall may include a front surface facing the gap, and the front surfaces of the first wall and the second wall may include a recessed portion facing the beverage ingredient container when the beverage ingredient container is located in the gap. The front surfaces of the first wall and the second wall may include a convex portion facing the beverage ingredient container. The front surfaces of the first wall and the second wall may include a concave area and a convex area.

[0014] At the start of beverage vending, the expansion limiter may not sandwich the beverage ingredient container between the first wall and the second wall.

[0015] The expansion limiter may define a chamber that is open along opposing lateral sides when the beverage brewing apparatus is in the first mode or the second mode to vend the beverage.

[0016] The first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter may be completely spaced apart from one another in both the first mode and the second mode such that no portion of the first wall is in contact with the second wall, and vice versa.

[0017] In the first mode, when the volume of the beverage ingredient container expands to the maximum volume, the first wall and the second wall may not contact the beverage ingredient container. In the second mode, when the volume of the beverage ingredient container reaches an intermediate volume less than the maximum volume, the first wall and the second wall may contact the beverage ingredient container to prevent the volume of the beverage ingredient container from further expanding.

[0018] The cavity of the beverage ingredient container may include a cavity axis.The first maximum distance and the second maximum distance may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the cavity axis.

[0019] In either the first mode or the second mode, the first wall and the second wall may be in a fixed relative position when beverage vending is initiated.

[0020] The beverage ingredient container may include a nozzle having an inlet for receiving liquid and introducing the liquid into the cavity of the body portion during beverage vending, and wherein the support member is configured to support the beverage ingredient container by the nozzle so that the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is freely suspended from the support member.

[0021] When in either of the first mode and the second mode, at the beginning of beverage vending, the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter can be spaced apart from the beverage ingredient container so that the volume of the cavity of the beverage ingredient container expands during beverage vending until it reaches a maximum volume or is blocked by the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter.

[0022] The beverage brewing device may further include a control system and a user interface. The control system may be operably coupled to the expansion limiter and the user interface. When a user selects a first mode on the user interface, the control system may be configured to move at least one of the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter so that the first wall and the second wall are separated by a first maximum distance. When a user selects a second mode on the user interface, the control system may be configured to move at least one of the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter so that the first wall and the second wall are separated by a second maximum distance.

[0023] On the other hand, the present invention can be a beverage brewing system, comprising: a beverage ingredient container, which includes a main body portion defining a cavity for accommodating a beverage ingredient, the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is flexible so that when the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is unobstructed during beverage vending, the main body portion expands from an initial state in which the cavity has a first volume to a maximum expanded state in which the cavity has a second volume greater than the first volume; a beverage brewing device, comprising: a support member, which is configured to support the beverage ingredient container during beverage vending without hindering the expansion of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container; and an expansion limiter; and wherein during beverage vending, the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container expands from the initial state to an intermediate expanded state, in which the cavity has a third volume less than the second volume, and wherein the expansion limiter prevents the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container from expanding beyond the intermediate expanded state.

[0024] The expansion limiter may be configured to at least partially surround a body portion of the beverage ingredient container during vending of the beverage.

[0025] The expansion limiter may include a first wall and a second wall spaced apart from each other. During vending of the beverage, at least a portion of the body portion of the beverage ingredient container may be located between the first wall and the second wall.

[0026] At the start of beverage vending, the first and second walls of the expansion limiter may not be in compressive contact with the body portion of the beverage ingredient container.

[0027] During vending, the body portion of the beverage ingredient container may expand to an intermediate expanded state, at which the first and second walls of the expansion limiter may contact the body portion of the beverage ingredient container and prevent further expansion of the body portion of the beverage ingredient container.

[0028] The main body portion of the beverage ingredient container may include a front wall, a rear wall and a periphery, and the front wall and the rear wall are joined together along the periphery. Expansion of the main body portion may occur in a direction between the front wall and the rear wall. The first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter may face the front wall and the rear wall of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container, respectively.

[0029] The beverage brewing device may be configured to perform beverage vending in a first mode or a second mode based on a user selection. When the user selects the first mode, the expansion limiter may be positioned relative to the beverage ingredient container so as not to impede expansion of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container, which enables the beverage ingredient container to expand to a maximum expanded state during beverage vending. When the user selects the second mode, the expansion limiter may be positioned to impede expansion of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container so that the beverage ingredient container expands to an intermediate expanded state and prevents further expansion due to contact between the expansion limiter and the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container.

[0030] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be a method for brewing a beverage, comprising: selecting one of a plurality of brewing modes for beverage vending on a beverage brewing device; inserting a beverage ingredient container into the beverage brewing device, the beverage ingredient container comprising a main body portion having a cavity for accommodating the beverage ingredient; during beverage vending, introducing liquid from the beverage brewing device into the cavity of the beverage ingredient container, the liquid mixing with the beverage ingredient in the cavity of the beverage ingredient container to form a beverage, the beverage flowing out through an outlet in the bottom end of the beverage ingredient container; wherein, when a first mode is selected from the plurality of modes, the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container expands from an initial state to a maximum expanded state during beverage vending; and wherein when a second mode is selected from the plurality of modes, the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is prevented from expanding to the maximum expanded state during beverage vending.

[0031] When the second mode is selected from the plurality of modes, the beverage ingredient container may expand from the initial state to the intermediate state during beverage vending.

[0032] When the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is in an initial state, the cavity of the beverage ingredient container may have a first volume. When the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is in a maximum expanded state, the cavity of the beverage ingredient container may have a second volume. When the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is in an intermediate expanded state, the cavity of the beverage ingredient container may have a third volume. The third volume may be greater than the first volume, and the second volume may be greater than the third volume.

[0033] When a first mode is selected from the plurality of modes, the expansion limiter of the beverage brewing device may be in a first position, in which the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is not hindered from expanding from its initial state to the maximum expanded state during beverage vending. When a second mode is selected from the plurality of modes, the expansion limiter of the beverage brewing device may be in a second position, in which the expansion of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is hindered, thereby preventing the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container from expanding to the maximum expanded state during beverage vending.

[0034] In either of the first mode and the second mode, the expansion limiter may not be in contact with the beverage ingredient container. When the body portion of the beverage ingredient container expands to the intermediate expanded state, the beverage ingredient container may expand to contact the expansion limiter in the second mode. The expansion limiter may prevent the beverage ingredient container from expanding beyond the intermediate expanded state.

[0035] When a first mode is selected from the plurality of modes, the beverage ingredient container may expand to a maximum expanded state without contacting the expansion limiter.

[0036] The expansion limiter may include a first wall and a second wall, the first wall and the second wall being spaced apart by a first distance when the first mode is selected, and the first wall and the second wall being spaced apart by a second distance when the second mode is selected, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

[0037] When the second mode is selected, at least one of the first wall and the second wall may move toward the other of the first wall and the second wall.When the first mode is selected, at least one of the first wall and the second wall may move away from the other of the first wall and the second wall.

[0038] In another embodiment, the present invention may be a method for brewing a beverage, comprising: spraying water into a cup containing a dairy product via an injection nozzle of a beverage brewing device to form milk foam; inserting a beverage ingredient container into the beverage brewing device, the beverage ingredient container comprising a main body portion having a cavity for accommodating the beverage ingredient; selling the beverage, comprising introducing a liquid into the cavity of the beverage ingredient container via the brewing nozzle of the beverage brewing device, the liquid mixing with the beverage ingredient in the cavity of the beverage ingredient container to form a beverage, the beverage leaving through an outlet of the beverage ingredient container and mixing with the milk foam in the cup to form a final beverage product; and wherein the expansion of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is hindered during beverage selling to increase the extraction concentration of the beverage ingredient in the beverage.

[0039] The expansion of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container may be hindered by an expansion limiter, which includes a first wall and a second wall located on opposite sides of the beverage ingredient container to prevent the beverage ingredient container from expanding to a maximum expanded state during beverage vending. Before beverage vending begins, the beverage ingredient container may not be compressed by the expansion limiter. At the beginning of beverage vending, the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter may not contact the beverage ingredient container. During beverage vending, the beverage ingredient container may expand to contact the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter. The first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter may prevent the beverage ingredient container from reaching a maximum expanded state.

[0040] During beverage vending, the body portion of the beverage ingredient container may expand from an initial state in which the cavity of the beverage ingredient container has a first volume to an intermediate expanded state, wherein in the initial state the cavity of the beverage ingredient container has a first volume, and in the intermediate expanded state the beverage ingredient has a second volume greater than the first volume, the second volume being less than a third volume associated with the beverage ingredient container in the most expanded state.

[0041] In another aspect, the present invention may be a beverage brewing system comprising: a beverage ingredient container comprising a main body portion defining a cavity for accommodating a beverage ingredient, the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container being flexible so that when the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is unobstructed during beverage vending, the main body portion expands from an initial state to a maximum expanded state; a beverage brewing device comprising: a support member configured to support the beverage ingredient container during beverage vending; and an expansion limiter comprising a first wall and a second wall positioned adjacent to an opposing surface of the beverage ingredient container; and wherein before beverage vending begins, at least one of the first wall and the second wall is spaced apart from the beverage ingredient container, and wherein during beverage vending, the beverage ingredient container expands into contact with each of the first wall and the second wall, and the first wall and the second wall prevent the beverage ingredient container from expanding to a maximum expanded state.

[0042] In yet another aspect, the present invention can be a beverage device comprising: a support member configured to support a beverage ingredient container during beverage vending; an expansion limiter comprising a first wall and a second wall, the first wall and the second wall being configured to be positioned adjacent to relative major surfaces of the beverage ingredient container during beverage vending; and wherein a beverage brewing device is operable to place the beverage in: a first mode, wherein the first wall and the second wall are separated by a first maximum distance; and a second mode, wherein the first wall and the second wall are separated by a second maximum distance, the second maximum distance being less than the first maximum distance.

[0043] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be a beverage brewing system comprising: a beverage ingredient container comprising a main body portion defining a cavity for accommodating a beverage ingredient; a beverage brewing device comprising: a support member configured to support the beverage ingredient container during beverage vending; and an expansion limiter; wherein before initiating beverage vending, the beverage ingredient container is configured to be supported by the support member so that at least a portion of an outer surface of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is spaced apart from the expansion limiter; and wherein during beverage vending, the volume of the cavity of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is configured to expand until a portion of the outer surface of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container contacts the expansion limiter to prevent further expansion of the volume of the cavity.

[0044] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which: FIG1 is a front perspective view of a beverage brewing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG2 is a front perspective view of a beverage ingredient container intended for use in a beverage brewing apparatus as part of a beverage brewing system to brew a beverage; Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line III of FIG. 2 , wherein the beverage ingredient container is in a sealed state; 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line III of FIG. 2 , wherein the beverage ingredient container is in use during beverage vending; FIG4 is a close-up view showing the beverage ingredient container of FIG2 being inserted into the beverage brewing device of FIG1; 5 is a close-up view showing the beverage ingredient container of FIG. 2 engaged with the support member of the beverage brewing device of FIG. 1; FIG6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI in FIG1; FIG7A is a close-up view of area VII of FIG6 , wherein the expansion limiter is in a first position and the beverage ingredient container is in an initial state prior to beverage vending; FIG7B is a close-up view of area VII of FIG6 , wherein the expansion limiter is in the first position and the beverage ingredient container is in a maximum expanded state during beverage vending; FIG8A is a close-up view of area VII of FIG6 , wherein the expansion limiter is in the second position and the beverage ingredient container is in the initial state before the beverage is vended; FIG8B is a close-up view of area VII of FIG6 , wherein the expansion limiter is in the second position and the beverage ingredient container is in an intermediate expanded state during beverage vending; FIG9 is a schematic flow chart of the beverage brewing device of FIG1 ; 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of the beverage ingredient container of FIG. 2 in initial and fully expanded states; and 10C and 10D are schematic illustrations of the beverage ingredient container of FIG. 2 in initial and intermediate expanded states; wherein the beverage ingredient container is at least partially defined by a first wall and a second wall of an expansion limiter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0047] The description of the illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which should be considered as part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is only for the convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "above", "below", "top" and "layer" and their derivatives (such as "horizontally", "downwardly", "upwardly", etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the direction shown in the drawings described at the time or discussed. These relative terms are only for the convenience of description and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a specific direction unless explicitly stated. The terms "attach", "fixed", "connected", "coupled", "interconnected" and similar terms refer to the relationship between structures that are fixed or connected to each other directly or indirectly through intermediate structures, as well as removable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless otherwise explicitly stated. In addition, the features and advantages of the present invention will be explained by reference to exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the present invention should obviously not be limited to such exemplary embodiments, which show some possible non-limiting feature combinations that may exist alone or in other feature combinations; the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0048] refer to Figure 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a beverage brewing device 200 is shown. The beverage brewing device 200 includes a housing 201, which contains various fluids and electronic components of the beverage brewing device 200, which will be referred to below. Fig. 9 Schematic diagrams of some of the components are described. The housing 201 can be made of plastic or other rigid materials and can be designed to have any desired aesthetics, shapes and designs. Some specific features of the beverage brewing device 200 will be described herein, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art will readily understand other features and components required for the operation of the machine.

[0049] The housing 201 of the beverage brewing device 200 may contain a water tank therein that stores or otherwise holds water for use in brewing beverages during beverage vending during operation of the beverage brewing device 200. In other embodiments, the beverage brewing device 200 may not include such a water tank, and in such embodiments, the beverage brewing device 200 may be directly coupled to a tap water supply. In other embodiments, the beverage brewing device 200 may be fluidly coupled to a water tank or water source located outside the housing 201.

[0050] As used herein, beverage vending describes the operation of a beverage brewing device 200, wherein the beverage brewing device 200 is used to brew or otherwise generate a beverage. Specifically, beverage vending describes the operation of the beverage brewing device 200, wherein water from a water tank (or from any other water source, including a tap water supply) is introduced into a beverage ingredient container held by the beverage brewing device 200. The liquid entering the beverage ingredient container is mixed with the beverage ingredient and then flows out of the beverage ingredient container through an outlet as a beverage (e.g., coffee, tea, etc.). The beverage that leaves the beverage ingredient container can enter a cup located below the beverage ingredient container. Additional liquid and / or water can be injected directly into the cup from the beverage brewing device 200 without passing through the beverage ingredient container. Reference will be made to Fig. 9 Describe this beverage sale in more detail.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the water tank located in the housing 201 can be accessed through a cover 202 located on the top end 203 of the housing 201. Specifically, the cover 202 can be moved (pivotable, slidable, etc.) from a closed state to an open state to expose an inlet 205 through which a liquid such as water can be introduced into the water tank, which is located inside the housing 201 and is therefore not visible in FIG. 1. Therefore, a user can pour water into the inlet 205, and then the water can flow from the inlet 105 into the water tank for storage until a beverage needs to be brewed. In some embodiments, the cover 202 can be omitted and the inlet 205 is always exposed. However, the addition of the cover 202 can prevent unwanted substances and debris from entering the water tank. As described above, in some embodiments, the water tank can be a separate water tank located near the housing 201, and in such embodiments, the inlet 205 can be omitted. If a tap water supply is used instead of a water tank, the inlet 105 can also be omitted.

[0052] The beverage brewing device 200 may also include a container compartment, in which a beverage ingredient container containing a beverage ingredient may be placed during beverage vending. The housing 201 may include a door 204, which may be opened at Figure 1 The closed state and Figure 4The door 204 can be opened manually by the user or automatically opened by the beverage brewing device 200 in response to a user's selection on the beverage brewing device 200. When the user selects a beverage to be brewed, the door 204 can be opened so that the user can insert a beverage ingredient container into the container compartment. The user can then close the door 204 (or the door 204 can be automatically closed) so that the beverage can be vended, so that liquid (e.g., water stored in a water tank) can be introduced into the beverage ingredient container to form a beverage. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredient container can be a disposable beverage ingredient container.

[0053] The beverage brewing machine 200 may also include a cup holder station 208 on which a user may place a cup during beverage vending. Specifically, liquid introduced into the beverage ingredient container may exit the beverage ingredient container through the outlet and then be introduced into a user's cup or other type of container positioned on the cup holder station 208. The cup holder station 208 may also form a drip tray, and thus the cup holder station 208 may include a grille that forms a support surface for supporting a cup or other container for receiving a beverage from the beverage brewing device 200. The cup holder station 208 may also include a tray portion positioned below the grille to catch any spillage that passes through the grille. The beverage brewing machine 200 may include various nozzles, conduits, pipes, valves, etc. to facilitate its operation, some of which will be referenced below. Fig. 9 Give a description.

[0054] The beverage brewing device 200 may also include a box 206, which is located below the container compartment and receives the beverage ingredient containers (i.e., pouches, capsules, etc.) after use. The beverage brewing machine 200 may include a mechanism and components configured to automatically move the beverage ingredient containers from the compartment to the box 206 after a beverage vending cycle. The box 206 may be positioned in a cavity formed in the housing 201 of the beverage brewing device 200. The box 206 may be removable from the housing 201 so that the user, operator, or caregiver may periodically discard the used beverage ingredient containers collected therein in a disposal box or trash can. Thus, in some embodiments, the box 206 may be a slidable drawer that is slidably inserted into and removed from the housing 201.

[0055] The beverage brewing device 200 may also include a user interface 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface 210 includes a display screen 211 and a plurality of selection buttons 212. In some embodiments, the display screen 211 may be a touch-activated screen, and in such embodiments, the selection buttons 212 may be omitted (although they may still be included). The display screen 211 may display information about beverage selections to the user, including beverage type selections, beverage size selections, beverage strength selections, and the like. The plurality of selection buttons 212 may allow the user to select beverage making parameters. The user may control the functions and operations of the beverage brewing device 200 by interacting with and / or activating features on the display screen 211 and / or the selection buttons 212.

[0056] The appearance and design of the housing 201 and other features and components of the beverage brewing device 200 do not limit the present invention and are intended to be used as examples for the purpose of illustrating such a machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the invention claimed herein is not limited by the shape, size or other decorative or industrial design features of the beverage brewing device 200.

[0057] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3A , the beverage ingredient container 100 will be described according to an embodiment of the present invention. The beverage ingredient container 100 and the beverage brewing device 200 may be collectively referred to as a beverage brewing system herein. This is because the beverage brewing device 200 is configured to receive one of the beverage ingredient containers 100 to brew a beverage or otherwise produce a beverage using the beverage ingredients contained in the beverage ingredient container 100. Therefore, in some embodiments, the present invention may be directed to a beverage brewing system that includes a beverage brewing device 200 and one or more beverage ingredient containers 100.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the beverage ingredient container 100 may be in the form of a pouch. Thus, the beverage ingredient container 100 may include a body portion 160 that may include a front sheet 110 and a back sheet or rear sheet 112 bonded together. The front sheet 110 and the rear sheet 112 may be formed of a liquid-impermeable and air-impermeable sheet. In addition, the front sheet 110 and the rear sheet 112 may be formed of a flexible material so that the front sheet 110 and the rear sheet 112 may be folded, bent, or otherwise manipulated. The sheet or flexible film material may be a laminate comprising two or more of the following layers: a thermoplastic sealant layer for bonding the sheet to other components of the package; a substantially air-impermeable barrier layer, which may be a metal film (e.g., an aluminum film) or a gas barrier polymer (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol (PvOH)); an adhesive layer to improve adhesion between other layers of the laminate; a structural layer, such as to provide puncture resistance; and / or a printed substrate layer. The structural layer may be made of polyolefin, polyester, nylon or other polymers known in the art. In one embodiment, the sheet is a laminate including a layer of polypropylene and a layer of polyvinyl alcohol (PvOH). The sheet may include transparent areas to provide visibility of the contents of the beverage ingredient container 100.

[0059] The front sheet 110 and the back sheet 112 may be permanently bonded together around their side edges 116 and along at least a portion of their top edges 114 to form the beverage ingredient container 100. The front sheet 110 and the back sheet 112 may also be bonded together along the layer edge 120 of the container. In some embodiments, the bond or at least a portion of the bond between the front sheet 110 and the back sheet 112 along the layer edge 120 may be released under the action of heat or pressure inside the beverage ingredient container 100. For example, the bond to the layer edge 120 may be achieved by a pressure sensitive adhesive, so that when liquid is introduced into the interior of the beverage ingredient container 100, the bond between the front and back sheets 110, 112 along the layer edge 120 or a portion thereof may be released, so that the beverage may be released from the cavity of the beverage ingredient container 100 into a cup located below. The permanent bond along the side 116 and top 114 may be formed by adhesive, heat welding or other techniques. The inner surfaces of the front panel 110 and the rear panel 112 may define a cavity 115 of the beverage ingredient container 100 .

[0060] The beverage ingredient container 100 may also include a nozzle 140 coupled to the front panel 110 and the rear panel 112 along the top edge 114. The nozzle 140 may include a tube hole 142 extending from its exposed top surface 143 to its bottom edge 144. A seal 147 may be provided along the top surface 143 of the nozzle 140 to seal the beverage ingredient container 100 prior to use. The seal 147 may be pierced by a user or the beverage brewing device 200 before or during beverage vending. The seal 147 may be integrally formed with the nozzle 140 (e.g., made of plastic), or the seal 147 may be a separate sheet, such as a sheet formed of paper, foam, aluminum, etc., which covers the exposed top surface 143 of the nozzle 140 (or at least one inlet opening located thereon).

[0061] The bed edge 114 of the nozzle 140 may be located within or in fluid communication with the cavity 115 of the beverage ingredient container 100. Thus, any liquid introduced into the inlet of the tube hole 142 at the top surface 143 will flow through the tube hole 142 and into the cavity 115. The nozzle 140 may include a flange 145 to assist in properly positioning the beverage ingredient container 100 within the beverage brewing device 200. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredient container 100 may be supported by a support member of the beverage brewing device 200 that engages the flange 145 of the nozzle 140, wherein the beverage ingredient container 100 is freely suspended downwardly from the support member. The tube hole 142 of the nozzle 140 may be sealed (by a seal 147 or other means) prior to use to maintain the airtight freshness of the beverage ingredient container 100. The beverage brewing apparatus 200 may include a mechanism for piercing or otherwise opening the nozzle 140 so that a liquid, such as water, may be introduced into the cavity 115 of the beverage ingredient container 100 through the tube hole 142 of the nozzle 140 .

[0062] The beverage ingredient container 100 may include a filter 130 located within the cavity 115. The filter 130 may be bonded to the inner wall or inner surface of each of the front sheet 110 and the back sheet 112. The filter 130 may extend through the cavity 115 and form a support surface on which the beverage ingredient 150 is placed. That is, a certain amount of beverage ingredient 150 may be contained in the beverage ingredient container 100, and the beverage ingredient 150 is located on the top of the filter 130, and the filter 130 may be higher than the bottom of the cavity 115. The filter 130 may be configured as a W-shape as shown in FIG. 3A, or it may present other shapes within the cavity 115 before the liquid is introduced into the cavity 115. The filter 130 may be a plastic or other non-porous sheet having perforations small enough to prevent the beverage ingredient 150 from passing therethrough but allowing the liquid to pass therethrough. Alternatively, the filter 130 may be a porous material, such as a filter paper material, etc., which prevents the beverage ingredient 150 from passing therethrough while allowing the liquid to pass therethrough.

[0063] Beverage ingredient 150 can be a brewable beverage ingredient, such as but not limited to coffee powder or tea leaves. In some embodiments, beverage ingredient container 100 can contain 2 grams to about 25 grams of coffee powder, and more specifically, about 2 grams to about 12 grams of coffee powder.

[0064] As schematically shown in FIG3B , when liquid (i.e., hot water) is introduced through the nozzle orifice 142, the beverage ingredient 150 contained in the container 100 mixes with the liquid and a beverage is brewed due to the solids of the beverage ingredient 150 being extracted into the liquid. The layer seam 120 of the container 100 can be opened by the heat and liquid pressure inside the beverage ingredient container 100 to define a beverage dispensing point or outlet of the cavity 115. The beverage passes through the filter 130 and then through the opening at the bottom end of the beverage ingredient container 100. The beverage can then be collected in a cup or other container located below, such as a cup located on the cup holder station 208 shown in FIG1 .

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , when liquid is introduced into the cavity 115 of the beverage ingredient container 100 during beverage vending, the volume of the cavity 115 increases to accommodate the liquid. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate this increase in volume in a possibly exaggerated manner. Nevertheless, the point is that when liquid is introduced into the cavity 115, the front panel 110 and the rear panel 112 will expand to accommodate the liquid, which results in an increase in the volume of the cavity 115. Since the front panel 110 and the rear panel 112 are permanently bonded together along the side 116, the beverage ingredient container 100 does not expand in the direction of the side 116. Instead, the beverage ingredient container 100 expands in the direction between the front panel 110 and the rear panel 112. In other words, the cavity 115 includes a cavity axis AA. When liquid is introduced into the cavity 115 , the cavity 115 expands along the axis BB, which is perpendicular to the cavity axis AA and the major surfaces (ie, the inner and outer surfaces) of the front and rear panels 110 , 112 .

[0066] As the volume of the cavity 115 increases, the depth of the bed of beverage ingredient 150 decreases as the beverage ingredient 150 spreads out along the now larger volume of the cavity 115. Thus, if the volume of the cavity 115 increases and the depth of the bed of beverage ingredient 150 decreases, the liquid will not pass through as much of the beverage ingredient 150 before exiting the beverage ingredient container 100. Thus, the more the volume of the cavity 115 increases and the lesser the depth of the bed of beverage ingredient 150, the less solids will be extracted from the beverage ingredient (all other factors, such as the amount of solids introduced into the beverage ingredient container 100, are also considered).

[0067] Thus, by controlling the expansion of the beverage ingredient container 100 and the volume of the cavity 115, it is possible to control the extraction of solids from the beverage ingredient 150 and thus control the strength of the beverage brewed with the same amount of liquid.

[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A , when the beverage ingredient container 100 is in its initial non-expanded state, the initial volume of the cavity 115 may be between 15 ml and 25 ml, more specifically, between 18 ml and 22 ml, more specifically, between 20 ml and 21 ml, more specifically, about 20.5 ml. That is, before any liquid is introduced into the cavity 115, the volume of the cavity 115 may be within the range provided for the initial volume. Since the beverage ingredient container 100 may be sealed prior to use, in some embodiments, the volume of the cavity 115 may not be adjusted prior to use (prior to unsealing the beverage ingredient container 100, e.g., by punching a hole in a nozzle, etc.).

[0069] In some embodiments, the maximum volume of the cavity 115 may be between 50 ml and 100 ml, more specifically between 60 ml and 90 ml, more specifically between 65 ml and 80 ml, more specifically between 70 ml and 75 ml, more specifically between 73 ml and 74 ml, and more specifically about 73.2 ml in a fully expanded state, as shown in FIG. 3B . That is, when the beverage ingredient container 100 is at maximum expansion, the volume may be within the range provided for the maximum volume. In some embodiments, the ratio of the expanded volume to the unexpanded (i.e., initial) volume may be between 3:1 and 4:1.

[0070] During beverage vending, the volume of the cavity 115 is configured to expand from an initial volume (FIG. 3A) to a maximum expanded volume (FIG. 3B) as long as the beverage ingredient container 100 or its main body portion 160 is not obstructed during beverage vending. The maximum expanded state is the maximum expansion of the main body portion 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100, and therefore the maximum expansion of the volume of the cavity 115 that the beverage ingredient container 100 can achieve without the front and rear panels 110, 112 separating along one of the bonding points or without forming an opening in the main body portion 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100. If the beverage ingredient container 100 or its main body portion 160 is obstructed during beverage vending, it will prevent the beverage ingredient container 100 from reaching the maximum volume or maximum expanded state. As described herein, this may be a desired result for certain beverage vending.

[0071] During beverage vending, liquid introduced into the cavity 115 dissolves or extracts a portion of the beverage ingredient 150 located in the cavity 115 to form a final beverage provided to the user for consumption. In some cases, it may be desirable to use the beverage ingredient container 100 and the beverage brewing device 200 (together forming a beverage brewing system, as described herein) to make a stronger or more concentrated beverage. By preventing the beverage ingredient container 100 from reaching its maximum expansion state, the layer of beverage ingredient 150 can be deeper, requiring the liquid / water to pass through more beverage ingredient 150 before leaving the cavity 150, which can result in a higher concentration of extracted or dissolved solids in the beverage and / or can allow for a larger beverage volume without dilution and / or can allow for the use of fewer grams of ingredients to make the beverage.

[0072] Limiting the expansion of the body portion 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 (and therefore also limiting the expansion or increase in the volume of the cavity 115 of the beverage ingredient container 100) can be beneficial in increasing the extraction of the beverage ingredient 150. This can help support the delivery of larger volumes of beverages without increasing the amount or grammage of the beverage ingredient 150 in the cavity 150, support the delivery of stronger beverages (measured in terms of total dissolved solids), and enable more efficient use of beverage ingredients, such as by achieving desired taste characteristics at a lower grammage of the beverage ingredient 150.

[0073] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the engagement between the beverage brewing device 200 and the beverage ingredient container 100 will be described according to one embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the user can select certain beverage parameters using the user interface 210, by interacting with the display screen 211, interacting with the selection button 212, or some combination of the two. When the user selects a beverage or beverage parameter, in some embodiments, the door 204 can automatically change from the closed state shown in FIG. 1 to the open state shown in FIG. 4. The user can then slide the beverage ingredient container 100 into the narrow slot 216 formed between the door 204 and the housing 201 of the beverage brewing device 200.

[0074] As best shown in FIG. 5 , the beverage brewing apparatus 200 may include a support member 214 positioned along an upper portion of a slot 216. The support member 214 may include a pair of arms 215 separated by a gap 217 sized and configured to receive the neck of the nozzle 140 of the beverage ingredient container 100. That is, the neck of the nozzle 140 slides into the gap 217 between the pair of arms 215 of the support member 214, and the flange 145 of the nozzle 140 is located on top of the protrusion 216 of the pair of arms 215. Thus, the beverage ingredient container 100 is supported within the slot 216 by the engagement of the support member 214 of the beverage brewing apparatus 200 with the nozzle 140 of the beverage ingredient container 100. In some embodiments, the support member 214 may support the beverage ingredient container 100 by the nozzle 140 such that the body portion 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 may be freely suspended from the support member 214. When the beverage ingredient container 100 is supported by the support member 214, the door 204 may be closed manually by a user or automatically.

[0075] Although one embodiment is provided to illustrate the manner in which the beverage brewing apparatus 200 supports the beverage ingredient container 100 during beverage vending, the present invention is not limited to all embodiments. The beverage ingredient container 100 may be supported within the beverage brewing apparatus 200 in other ways, such as by positioning the beverage ingredient container 100 within a dedicated compartment within the beverage brewing apparatus 200, etc. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredient container 100 may be supported within the beverage brewing apparatus 200 such that, in at least some operating modes of the beverage brewing apparatus 200, expansion of the body portion 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 is not impeded, as described above.

[0076] Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line VI of FIG. 6. The cross-section is partial in that it does not extend all the way to the rear of the beverage brewing apparatus 200, but focuses only on the areas that are important in the context of the invention described herein. In FIG. 6, the door 204 can be seen, as well as additional features related to the contents of the beverage ingredient container 100 in the beverage brewing apparatus 200 during beverage vending. The beverage ingredient container 100 is not in the Figure 6 However, in the following Figures 7A-8B The beverage ingredient container 100 may be positioned within the beverage brewing apparatus 200 with the front of the beverage ingredient container 100 facing outward (ie, toward the user or toward the front of the machine) or with the edge of the beverage ingredient container 100 facing outward (ie, toward the user or toward the front of the machine).

[0077] The beverage brewing device 200 includes an expansion limiter 300 that is operable to limit the expansion of the beverage ingredient container 100 in certain operating modes of the beverage brewing device 200. The expansion limiter 300 may be located in the area of ​​the slot 216 so that it can engage with the beverage ingredient container 100 in certain operating modes of the beverage brewing device 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion limiter 300 includes a first wall 310 and a second wall 320 that are separated by a gap to define a chamber 305 within which the beverage ingredient container 100 can be located during beverage vending. However, in the embodiments of the invention described herein, the chamber 305 may not be a completely enclosed space or cavity. Instead, the chamber 305 is simply the space defined between the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300. In some embodiments, the chamber 305 may be open along the top, bottom, and / or sides. In other embodiments, the chamber 305 may be closed along one or all of the top, the material layer, and the sides. Thus, the chamber 305 may be a completely enclosed chamber, a partially enclosed chamber, or a chamber that is open on all sides (i.e., along its entire perimeter). In any such embodiments, the beverage ingredient container 100 is configured to be loaded into the chamber 305 during beverage vending. Figure 6 In FIG. 3 , it can be seen that chamber 305 is open along both sides thereof. Chamber 305 may also be open at its top and layer, as shown below. Fig. 9 shown.

[0078] In some embodiments, the expansion limiter 300 or a portion thereof can be removable from the housing 201. In one embodiment, the first wall 310 of the expansion limiter 300 is removable, in one embodiment, the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300 is removable, and in one embodiment, both the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 are removable. In other embodiments, the expansion limiter 300 (i.e., the first wall 310 and the second wall 320) cannot be removed from the housing 201.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the first wall 310 is fixedly coupled to the door 204. Thus, when the door 204 pivots open and closed, the first wall 310 can pivot with the door 204. The present invention is not limited to all embodiments, and in other embodiments, the first wall 310 can be fixed to other parts of the housing 201 instead of the door 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the first wall 310 is immovable relative to the door 204. In other embodiments, the first wall 310 can be configured to move relative to the door 204 in a direction toward and away from the second wall 320 to change the size of the chamber 305 defined by the expansion limiter 300. The first wall 310 has an inner surface 311 facing the chamber 305 and an outer surface 312 facing the door 204. The inner surface 311 of the first wall 310 includes a recess 313, which is configured to align with the beverage ingredient container 100 when the beverage ingredient container 100 is located in the chamber 305 during beverage vending.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the second wall 320 is configured to be movable relative to the first wall 310 in a direction toward and away from the first wall 310 to increase and decrease the size of the gap between the first wall and the second wall 320. Of course, in other embodiments, the first wall 310 is movable and the second wall 320 is fixed and immovable. In other embodiments, both the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 can be configured to be movable toward or away from each other to adjust the size of the chamber 305. In an exemplary embodiment, the movement of the second wall 320 is achieved by a pin-and-slot joint. That is, there is a pin coupled to the second wall 320 that nests in a slot formed in a plate different from the second wall 320. In other embodiments, the second wall 320 may include a slot and the plate may include a pin. In either case, the pin moves within the slot as the second wall 320 moves toward and away from the first wall 310. Other motion mechanisms and engagement features may be used in other embodiments. The beverage brewing apparatus 200 may include a motor or other drive mechanism to control movement of the second wall 320 relative to the first wall 310. FIG6 illustrates a universal drive mechanism 350 operably coupled to the second wall 320 to control movement of the second wall 320 toward and away from the first wall 310 as described herein.

[0081] The second wall 320 has an inner surface 321 facing the first wall 310 and an outer surface 322 facing away from the first wall 310. The inner surface 321 includes a recess 323 configured to align with the recess 313 of the first wall 310 and the beverage ingredient container 100 when the beverage ingredient container 100 is positioned in the chamber 305 during beverage vending.

[0082] In FIG. 6 , the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 are spaced apart from each other so that no portion of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 are in contact with each other. As described herein, the beverage brewing device 200 can be operated in one of a plurality of modes. In some embodiments, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300 can be completely spaced apart from each other in several or all modes so that no portion of the first wall 310 is in contact with the second wall 320, and vice versa. However, if one of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 moves toward the other, the peripheral portions of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 can contact each other, while the central portions (including the recesses 313, 323) remain spaced apart from each other. Therefore, in some embodiments, even if some portions of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 are in contact with each other, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 can be at least partially spaced apart from each other by a gap.

[0083] Each of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300 can be formed of a rigid and non-flexible material. Such rigid materials can include hard plastics, metals, or other materials with similar rigidity. In some embodiments, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 can be formed of an incompressible material so that the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 do not compress when a force acts thereon. The point is that in some exemplary embodiments, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 are not formed and do not include any flexible or elastic materials, such as rubber, elastomers, foam, etc. Therefore, the inner surfaces 311, 321 of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 can be rigid, non-flexible, and incompressible. In other embodiments, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 and / or their inner surfaces 311, 321 can include or be formed of a flexible or non-rigid or compressible material, as long as it does not impair the ability of the expansion limiter 300 to perform the functions described herein.

[0084] As mentioned above, the beverage brewing device 200 can sell beverages in a variety of different modes. Specifically, the user can use the user interface described herein to select from a variety of modes. Possible operating modes include standard or conventional selling and improved selling, wherein the improved selling can be selected from enhanced concentration selling, increased capacity selling, milk foam selling, etc. Any one. In standard or conventional selling, liquids such as water can be introduced into the beverage ingredient container 100 at a pressure of about 0.5 bar to 1.0 bar. In standard or conventional selling, the beverage ingredient container 100 can be allowed to expand to its maximum volume during the beverage selling, as described in more detail herein. This is a traditional type of vending machine, wherein the expansion limiter 300 does not hinder the ability of the main body 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 to expand to its maximum volume or maximum expansion state.

[0085] In one or more improved vending machines, liquid may be introduced into the beverage ingredient container 100 at a pressure between 1.0 bar and 1.5 bar, although not all embodiments of the invention are limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the pressure may be the same as in a conventional vending machine. In the improved vending machine, the expansion limiter 300 may hinder the ability of the main body 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 to expand to its maximum expanded state. The expansion limiter 300 may allow the beverage ingredient 100 to expand to an intermediate expanded state, whereby the volume of the cavity 115 is greater than the initial volume but less than the maximum expanded volume. In other embodiments, the expansion limiter 300 may substantially prevent any expansion of the beverage ingredient container 100 in the improved vending machine. The improved vending machine may be suitable for a variety of uses. For example, the improved vending machine may allow a larger volume of beverage to be delivered without increasing the gram weight of the beverage ingredient in the beverage ingredient container 100, while maintaining the same taste and / or beverage strength. Specifically, in the improved vending machine, the layer of beverage ingredients 150 in the beverage ingredient container 100 is deeper than that in the conventional vending machine, which results in the same volume of beverage ingredients being distributed over a smaller area, thereby increasing the extraction level. In this way, a larger volume of beverage can be sold without reducing the concentration and changing the taste.

[0086] In another specific example, the beverage brewing apparatus 200 may allow the user to use their own dairy products in the beverage. For example, the user may select a beverage to be brewed, and the machine may instruct the user to place a cup with a specific amount (e.g., 3 ounces) of milk on the cup holder station 208. The milk may be cow's milk, oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, rice milk, cashew milk, macadamia milk, quinoa milk, or any other type of existing or later discovered dairy or non-dairy product.

[0087] Then, the beverage brewing device 200 can spray a certain amount of water into the milk to produce milk foam. The term "spray" means introducing water into the milk with a high-pressure flow, for example, a pressure of about 1-1.5 bar, although the pressure may be higher in other embodiments. Therefore, the term "spray" may indicate a pressure of 1 bar or higher. In some embodiments, another 3 ounces of water can be sprayed into the 3 ounces of milk. Finally, in this beverage, 3-5 ounces of coffee can be poured into the cup. If the beverage ingredient container 100 is allowed to expand to its fully expanded state, the 3-5 ounces of coffee will produce a diluted low-concentration coffee beverage (final beverage product) once mixed with the milk foam. By limiting the expansion of the beverage ingredient container 100 and increasing the depth of the beverage ingredient 150 therein, the 3 to 5 ounces of water introduced into the beverage ingredient container 100 will produce a more concentrated three-ounce coffee product, which is added to the three ounces of milk and three ounces of water already in the cup. This more concentrated coffee product may be needed to ensure that the concentration of the final beverage is not significantly reduced due to the dilution caused by the milk and water used to make the milk foam in the initial step. Thus, limiting the expansion of the beverage ingredient container 100 increases the extraction concentration of the 3 to 5 ounces of beverage ingredient 150 during a short vending period. This concentrated coffee beverage is then mixed with water previously introduced into the cup as part of the milk frothing process to reduce the overall concentration to a palatable level while being an improvement over a coffee product that does not produce an increased extraction concentration.

[0088] In yet another embodiment, the beverage brewing device 200 may allow for brewing of a small amount of a high concentration beverage, followed by the introduction of purified water into the high concentration beverage to reduce the concentration to a more typical value. Specifically, when the beverage ingredient container 100 is restricted by the expansion restrictor, a higher concentration beverage having a volume of approximately 6 ounces may be brewed. Then, an additional 3 ounces may be added to the brewed beverage to reduce the concentration, thereby producing a 9 ounce beverage having the desired flavor. These techniques may also be used to produce a larger volume beverage having the same desired flavor profile without increasing the volume of the beverage ingredient in the beverage ingredient container 100.

[0089] 7A and 7B, a cross section of FIG. 6 is shown with one of the beverage ingredient containers 100 positioned in the chamber 305 of the expansion limiter 300 before beverage vending begins (FIG. 7A) and during or after beverage vending (FIG. 7B). As described above, the beverage ingredient container 100 is positioned in the chamber 305 or in the gap between the inner surfaces 311, 321 of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300. The beverage ingredient container 100 is positioned such that the first wall 310 faces the front sheet 110 or the front surface of the beverage ingredient container 100 and the second wall 320 faces the second sheet 112 of the rear surface of the beverage ingredient container 100. Fig. 7A and 7B The first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300 are shown positioned when the beverage brewing device 200 is operated in a first operating mode (which may be conventional or standard sales as described herein). In the first mode, it is desirable to allow the beverage ingredient container 100 to reach its maximum expansion state during beverage sales without the expansion limiter 300 hindering the expansion of the beverage ingredient container 100. Fig. 7A and 7B , the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 are spaced apart from each other by a first maximum distance D1.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig. 7AAs shown in FIG. 7B , at the beginning of beverage vending (or before water begins to be introduced into the cavity of the beverage ingredient container 100), neither the first wall 310 nor the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300 is in contact with the beverage ingredient container 100. In an exemplary embodiment, when the beverage brewing device 200 is operated in the first mode, the minimum distance between the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 and the beverage ingredient container 100 can be between 10 mm and 20 mm, or between 13 mm and 18 mm, although in some embodiments, greater distances are possible. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7B , during or at the end of beverage vending, neither the first wall 310 nor the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300 is in contact with the beverage ingredient container 100. In FIG. 7B , the beverage ingredient container 100 has expanded in a direction between the front / rear walls 110, 112, but the beverage ingredient container 100 is still spaced apart from the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300. Thus, the beverage ingredient container 100 is permitted to expand from its initial state (wherein the cavity has an initial volume) to its maximum expanded state (wherein the cavity has a maximum volume). In the first mode of operation, the expansion limiter 300 does not impede the expansion of the beverage ingredient container 100 at any time during beverage vending. Thus, in the first mode, the volume of the cavity of the beverage ingredient container is permitted to expand from its initial volume (approximately 20.5 ml, although ranges are provided above) to its maximum expanded volume (approximately 73 ml, although ranges are provided above).

[0091] Fig. 8A and 8B 8A and 8B , when the beverage brewing device 200 is operated in the second operating mode, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300 are spaced apart from each other by a second maximum distance D2. The second maximum distance D2 is less than the first maximum distance D1 measured between the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 when the beverage brewing device 200 is operated according to the first operating mode. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by moving the second wall 320 closer to the first wall 310, or moving the first wall 310 closer to the second wall 320, or moving the first wall 310 and the second wall closer to each other.

[0092] In one embodiment, the second wall 320 moves closer to the first wall 310 when moving from the position shown in Figures 7A and 7B to the position shown in Figures 8A and 8B. There can be a second wall assembly 325, which includes the second wall 320 and one or more driven members 326 coupled to the second wall 320. The second wall 320 and the driven members 326 can be connected as part of a single component. The driven members 326 can be positioned in corresponding slots 341 in the support plate 340. Therefore, when the second wall 320 moves, the driven members 326 move in the slots 341 to maintain the proper alignment of the second wall 320 with the first wall 310. Any type of motor and actuator can be coupled to the second wall 320 to facilitate its movement, including gear systems, pneumatic devices, hydraulic devices, etc. These driven members 326, support plates 340 and slots 341 are shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B, but are only labeled in FIG. 7B.

[0093] In the second operating mode, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 do not contact the beverage ingredient container 100 at the beginning of beverage vending (FIG. 8A). Thus, while the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 are intended to limit the ability of the beverage ingredient container 100 to expand when the beverage brewing device 200 is operated in the second operating mode, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 do not need to contact and / or clamp the beverage ingredient container 100 in the chamber 305. This is beneficial because the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 do not need to contact the beverage ingredient container 100 at the beginning of beverage vending, and therefore no preloading is required. This can simplify the mechanical structure compared to other beverage machines of this type. In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 may contact the beverage ingredient container 100 during this initial step of the second mode.

[0094] Although in certain embodiments, some minimal contact may occur between one or both of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 and the beverage ingredient container 100, there is no strong contact, no clamping, and no compression on the beverage ingredient container 100. That is, at the beginning of the beverage vending, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300 are not in compressive contact with the main body 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100. This means that the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 do not apply a compressive force to the main body 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100, which allows the beverage ingredient container 100 to expand slightly (to a maximum expansion state or some intermediate expansion state) during the beverage vending. Before the beverage vending begins, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 do not apply a preload force to the beverage ingredient container 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 also may not and / or need not contact the beverage ingredient container 100 along the bonding side 116. This allows for greater tolerance in the precise positioning of the nozzle 140 during manufacture of the beverage ingredient container 100 and also eliminates any pre-loading requirements as described above.

[0095] In this second mode, when the beverage begins to be sold, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 may be spaced apart from the outermost surface of the beverage ingredient container 100 by a distance between 1 mm and 10 mm, more specifically, by a distance between 3 mm and 8 mm, and more specifically, by a distance between 4 mm and 7 mm. As described above, in the first mode, this distance is in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. Therefore, it can be understood that in the second mode, the space between the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 and the beverage ingredient container 100 for the beverage ingredient container 100 to expand during the beverage sales is much smaller than in the first mode. In addition, in some embodiments, the space between the first wall 310, the second wall 320 and the outer surface of the beverage ingredient container 100 can be minimal in the second mode. However, at the start of beverage vending, in the second mode, there is little or no preload between the first and second walls 310 , 310 , 320 and the beverage ingredient container 100 due to the space, which exists at least in part due to the concave profile of the inner surfaces 311 , 321 of the first and second walls 310 , 320 .

[0096] Figure 8B1 and 1 . The second mode is shown during or at the end of beverage vending. Specifically, when liquid is introduced into the cavity of the beverage ingredient container 100, the beverage ingredient container 100 begins to expand. However, due to the placement / positioning of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300, the beverage ingredient container 100 is hindered from reaching its maximum expansion state. Instead, when the intermediate expansion state is reached, the beverage ingredient container 100 abuts against the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300, thereby preventing the beverage ingredient container 100 from further expansion. In the intermediate expansion state, the volume of the cavity of the beverage ingredient container 100 is equal to or greater than the initial volume, but less than the maximum volume that the cavity can reach when the expansion limiter 300 does not hinder expansion.

[0097] In FIG8B , conformal surface contact between the inner surfaces 311, 321 of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300 and the outer surfaces of the front panel 110 and the rear panel 112 of the beverage ingredient container 100 is shown. It can be easily seen that the expansion of the beverage ingredient container 100 in FIG8B is less than that in FIG7B , indicating that the beverage ingredient container 100 has failed to reach its maximum expansion state. Once the beverage ingredient container 100 reaches the intermediate expansion state, further expansion of the beverage ingredient container 100 is hindered, and the brewing process will continue while the beverage ingredient container 100 remains in the intermediate expansion state.

[0098] It should be understood that in each of the first mode and the second mode, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 may be in a fixed position once beverage vending begins. That is, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 do not move relative to each other after beverage vending begins. During beverage vending, the only reason the distance between the walls 310, 320 and the beverage ingredient container 100 decreases is due to the expansion of the beverage ingredient container 100; not due to any movement of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320. The first wall and / or the second wall are moved only prior to beverage vending to enter the appropriate position associated with the user-selected mode described herein.

[0099] refer to Fig. 9, shows a schematic flow chart of a beverage brewing system 1000 including a beverage brewing device 200 and a beverage ingredient container 100. The beverage brewing device 200 may include a water tank 245, a pump 246, a heater 247, a conduit 248 extending from the water tank 245 to the heater 247, a brewing conduit 249 extending from the heater 247 to a brewing nozzle 251, and an injection conduit 252 extending from the heater 247 to an injection nozzle 253. A first valve 254 may be positioned along the brewing conduit 249, and a second valve 255 may be positioned along the injection conduit 252, such that the first valve 254 and the second valve 255 may be opened and closed to allow and prevent water from flowing from the water tank 245 to the brewing nozzle 251 and the injection nozzle 253, respectively.

[0100] The illustrated box 206 contains a used beverage ingredient container 100. In addition, a cup 209 is shown placed on a cup holder station 208, which is located below the nozzle 253 and the outlet of the beverage ingredient container 100 loaded into the beverage brewing device 200.

[0101] The beverage brewing apparatus 200 includes a control system 250 operably coupled to the user interface 210, the pump 246, the first valve 254 and the second valve 255, and a drive system 350 coupled to the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300 and configured to move the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300. Thus, when a user selects a beverage or beverage parameter on the user interface 210, the beverage brewing machine 200 can control the operation of valves, pumps, heaters, etc. to operate according to the selected mode. For example, if the first mode is selected, the control system 250 will move the second wall 320 relative to the first wall 310 to increase the distance between the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 so that they do not hinder the expansion of the beverage ingredient container 100 during the brewing process. Then, the control system 250 will open the first valve 254 and start the pump 246, so that water is pumped from the water tank 245 to the brewing nozzle 251, from which the water can enter the cavity of the beverage ingredient container 100, and then flow out through the material layer of the beverage ingredient container 100 into the cup below.

[0102] If the second mode is selected, the control system 250 (through the drive mechanism 350) can bring the second wall 320 closer to the first wall 310 to reduce the distance between the first wall 310 and the second wall 320, thereby hindering the expansion of the beverage ingredient container during the brewing process. Then, the control system can first open the second valve 255 so that water from the water tank 245 can be sprayed out from the nozzle 253 to froth the milk in the cup 209. Then, the control system 250 can close the second valve 255 and open the first valve 249 to allow water to flow from the water tank 245 through the brewing nozzle 251 into the beverage ingredient container 100, and then flow out from the material layer of the beverage ingredient container 100 into the cup 209 located below.

[0103] 9 shows the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300 in a second mode position, wherein the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 are spaced apart by a second maximum distance D2. When water is introduced into the cavity of the beverage ingredient container 100, the beverage ingredient container 100 will expand until it contacts the first wall 310 and the second wall 320, at which point the beverage ingredient container 100 is blocked from further expansion.

[0104] In this view, it can be seen that the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 are aligned with the main body 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100. The first wall 310 and the second wall 320 are elongated along the longitudinal axis of the beverage ingredient container 100, which extends between the bottom end and the top end of the beverage ingredient container 100. The first wall 310 and the second wall 320 do not touch each other at the top or layer (just as they do not touch each other at the sides as shown in the previous views). Therefore, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 extend beside the beverage ingredient container 100, but the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 do not form an enclosed cavity to accommodate the beverage ingredient container 100. As described above, even in the second mode, i.e., when the walls 310, 320 are closer together, there is no contact between the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 and the beverage ingredient container 100 at the beginning of beverage vending. At the beginning of beverage vending, any contact between the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 and the beverage ingredient container 100 will be minimal; the first wall 310 and / or the second wall 320 will not apply a preload or compressive force to the beverage ingredient container 100 before beverage vending begins and the main body 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 expands accordingly.

[0105] Continue to refer Fig. 9, the operation of the beverage brewing system 1000 (e.g., a method of brewing a beverage) will be described according to an exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, in a first step, a user will use the user interface 210 of the beverage brewing device 200 to select one of the multiple brewing modes for beverage vending. Once the mode is selected, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 will move to a position associated with the selected mode. That is, if the first mode is selected, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 will move relative to each other so that the distance between them is D1. If the second mode is selected, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 will move relative to each other so that the distance between them is a second distance D2. Next (or simultaneously with the movement of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320), the door 104 of the beverage brewing device 200 can be opened to expose a narrow slot in which the beverage ingredient container 100 can be placed. When the door 104 is opened, the beverage ingredient container 100 can slide into the narrow slot so that the nozzle 140 engages the support member 214. Next, the door 104 can be closed. The beverage ingredient container 100 is then supported within the slot by the support member 214 with the body portion 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 freely hanging from the support member 214 .

[0106] In one embodiment, operation can be carried out as follows. First, the user will use the user interface 210 to select one of the multiple brewing modes of beverage vending. Once the mode is selected, the door 104 will open, and the user will insert the beverage ingredient container 100 into the machine. Next, the dispensing nozzle of the machine can be lowered into the nozzle of the beverage ingredient container 100. At this time, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 can be moved to the position relevant to the desired mode. The first wall 310 and the second wall 320 can already be in the position, or one or both of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 may need to be moved to reach the position. Next, liquid is injected into the beverage ingredient container, and the beverage can be vended. After this, the first wall 310 and / or the second wall 320 can be removed from the beverage ingredient container 100, and the dispensing nozzle can be removed from the nozzle, and the beverage ingredient container 100 can be ejected from the machine.

[0107] In one embodiment, there may be a metal shell engaged between the door 104 and the machine side to relieve some of the additional loads caused by packaging constraints. Specifically, depending on the injection pressure of the liquid, the beverage ingredient container 100 may exert an outward pressure of about 20 psi (100 pounds or more of outward pressure). Therefore, the first wall 310 and / or the second wall 320 may be formed of plastic and may be surrounded or partially or fully covered by a metal shell to help withstand the pressure.

[0108] Once the door 104 is closed, beverage vending can begin. Specifically, the water in the water tank 245 can be pumped along the conduit 248 and the brewing conduit 249. The water will then pass through the nozzle 140 into the cavity 115 of the beverage ingredient container 100. The beverage ingredient container 100 will expand to an allowable extent according to the position of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter 300. The water will mix with the beverage ingredients in the cavity of the beverage ingredient container 100 to form a beverage, which flows out through the outlet at the bottom of the beverage ingredient container. As described herein, when the first mode is selected from a plurality of modes, the expansion of the main body 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 can be unimpeded during beverage vending. When the second mode is selected from a plurality of modes, the main body 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 will be hindered during beverage vending.

[0109] As described above, according to another method of operation, the user may decide to use his own dairy product during the brewing process. In a mode that allows the user to froth his own milk, the beverage brewing device 200 operates in a second mode. In this way, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 will move to the position of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320. Fig. 9 2, wherein they are spaced a second distance D2 apart. In such an embodiment, when the user selects the mode and parameters, the user will place a cup containing a desired amount (e.g., 3 ounces) of dairy product on the cup holder station 208. Next, the control system 250 will open the valve 255 and start the pump 246, so that water flows from the water tank 245 through the conduit 248 and the injection conduit 252, and out through the nozzle 253 into the milk in the cup 209. The injected water will cause the milk previously placed in the cup to produce foam. Next, the user inserts the beverage ingredient container 100 into the beverage brewing device. Then, the control system 250 will open the valve 254 and start the pump 248 to pump water from the water tank 245 through the conduit 248 and the brewing conduit 249 to the brewing outlet 251, so that the water enters the beverage ingredient container 100.

[0110] During this process, the beverage ingredient container 100 will expand, but the expansion will be limited by the position of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320. In this way, the layer of beverage ingredients will be maintained at a greater depth, thereby achieving a higher extraction concentration of beverage ingredient solids in the water. Therefore, the walls 310, 320 of the expansion limiter 300 hinder the expansion of the main body 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 during the beverage vending process to increase the extraction concentration of the beverage ingredient in the beverage. This helps to ensure that the final beverage product meets the desired taste and is not too diluted by using the user's own dairy product that has been foamed with sparge water.

[0111] Fig. 10A and 10B10A and 10B , the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter are spaced apart from each other by a first distance D1. The first distance D1 is large enough so that the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 do not contact or otherwise hinder the expansion of the main body 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 during beverage sales. In this way, the depth of the beverage ingredient 150 in the cavity 115 is significantly reduced during beverage sales.

[0112] 10C and 10D are schematic diagrams of a beverage ingredient container 100 according to the second mode described herein before and during beverage vending. In FIGS. 10C and 10D , the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 of the expansion limiter are spaced apart from each other by a second distance D2. The second distance D2 is less than the first distance D1. The second distance D2 is small enough so that when the main body 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 expands during beverage vending, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 contact the main body 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100. That is, before beverage vending begins, the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 are spaced apart from the beverage ingredient container (no preload, such as Fig. 10C During the beverage vending process, the beverage ingredient container 100 begins to expand and soon contacts the first wall 310 and the second wall 320, thereby preventing the beverage ingredient container 100 from further expanding. Therefore, due to the difference in the amount of expansion of the main body portion 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 (and the corresponding difference in the volume of the cavity 115), Fig. 10D The depth of the beverage ingredient 150 is greater than Fig. 10B The depth of the beverage ingredients is 150.

[0113] The extraction of solid matter from ground coffee is related to, among other variables, the flow rate and pressure of the water used to extract the solids. The invention described herein is directed to increasing the pressure within the cavity 115 of the beverage ingredient container 100 (when operating in the second mode compared to the first mode) by restricting its opening (i.e., restricting the expansion of the body portion 160 of the beverage ingredient container 100 and the expansion of the volume of the cavity 115). In an exemplary embodiment, this is achieved by positioning the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 on both sides of the beverage ingredient container 100 before brewing begins. If the first wall 310 and the second wall 320 are sufficiently close to the starting position of the beverage ingredient container 100 (e.g., Fig. 10C310 and 320 are not in contact with the beverage ingredient container 100 at the start of vending, no preloading is required. This can significantly simplify the mechanical structure compared to previous machines of this type.

[0114] The beverage ingredient (i.e., coffee) layer is approximated as a general fluid restriction, and the pressure required to pass a constant fluid flow rate through it is linearly related to the depth of the layer and inversely proportional to the square of the surface area of ​​the layer. If the beverage ingredient container 100 is unable to expand (for example, due to the positioning of the first wall 310 and the second wall 320), a wide and shallow coffee layer cannot be formed at the bottom of the filter. Instead, the same volume of coffee is distributed over a smaller area, forming a deeper coffee layer, as shown in Figure 10D. Both the reduced area and the deepened layer increase the brewing pressure, thereby improving the extraction level. In previous experiments, this resulted in an increase in brewing pressure of approximately 125% and an increase in coffee concentration of approximately 70%.

[0115] Throughout the use process, ranges are used to describe each value within a range in shorthand. Any value within a range can be selected as the endpoint of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If a definition in the present disclosure conflicts with a definition in the cited reference, the present disclosure shall prevail.

[0116] Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific examples including currently preferred modes for carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above-described systems and techniques. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be broadly interpreted as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A beverage brewing system, comprising: a beverage ingredient container including a body portion defining a cavity containing a beverage ingredient, the body portion of the beverage ingredient container being flexible such that when the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is unobstructed, the volume of the cavity is configured to expand from an initial volume to a maximum volume during vending of a beverage wherein a liquid is introduced into the cavity; A beverage brewing device, comprising: a support member configured to support the beverage ingredient container during beverage vending; an expansion limiter comprising a first wall and a second wall, the first wall and the second wall being at least partially separated from each other by a gap within which the beverage ingredient container is positioned when supported by the support member during beverage vending; and The beverage brewing device is operable to sell beverages in the following modes: a first mode, wherein the first wall and the second wall are spaced apart by a first maximum distance, the first maximum distance being sufficient to allow the volume of the cavity of the beverage ingredient container to expand to the maximum volume during beverage vending; and A second mode wherein the first wall and the second wall are spaced apart a second maximum distance to prevent the volume of the cavity of the beverage ingredient container from expanding to the maximum volume during beverage vending, the second maximum distance being less than the first maximum distance.

2. The beverage brewing system according to claim 1, wherein: During beverage vending, the first wall is positioned adjacent to a front surface of the beverage ingredient container and the second wall is positioned adjacent to a rear surface of the beverage ingredient container, wherein, in each of the first mode and the second mode, at the start of beverage vending, the cavity of the beverage ingredient container is at the initial volume, the first wall is spaced apart from the front surface of the beverage ingredient container, and the second wall is spaced apart from the rear surface of the beverage ingredient container.

3. The beverage brewing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Before the beverage vending starts, when the beverage ingredient container is located in the gap, in the first mode the minimum distance between the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter and the beverage ingredient container is between 1 mm and 10 mm, and in the second mode the minimum distance between the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter and the beverage ingredient container is between 10 mm and 20 mm.

4. The beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in either of the first mode and the second mode, at the start of beverage vending, the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter are not in contact with the beverage ingredient container.

5. The beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the first mode, the liquid is introduced into the cavity at a first pressure; and in the second mode, the liquid is introduced into the cavity at a second pressure greater than the first pressure.

6. A beverage brewing system according to claim 5, wherein the first pressure is approximately 0.5 bar and the second pressure is a maximum of 1.5 bar.

7. A beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first wall is fixed, and wherein the second wall is movable toward and away from the first wall to adjust the maximum spacing between the first wall and the second wall in response to a user's selection of the first mode or the second mode of beverage vending.

8. A beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a door that can be changed between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state the beverage ingredient container can be inserted into a gap between the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter so that the nozzle of the beverage ingredient container engages with the support member, wherein the first wall is attached to the door or constitutes a part of the door.

9. The beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the first and second walls of the expansion limiter is formed of a rigid, non-flexible material, and wherein the inner surfaces of the first and second walls facing the beverage ingredient container are rigid.

10. The beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the first wall and the second wall includes a front surface facing the gap, and the front surfaces of the first wall and the second wall include a recess, which faces the beverage ingredient container when the beverage ingredient container is located in the gap.

11. The beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The expansion limiter does not sandwich the beverage ingredient container between the first wall and the second wall at the beginning of beverage vending.

12. The beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: When the beverage brewing device is used to vend a beverage in the first mode or the second mode, the expansion limiter defines a chamber that is open along opposite lateral sides thereof.

13. The beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter are completely spaced apart from each other in both the first mode and the second mode such that no portion of the first wall contacts the second wall and vice versa.

14. The beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein in the first mode, when the volume of the beverage ingredient container expands to the maximum volume, the first wall and the second wall do not contact the beverage ingredient container, and wherein in the second mode, when the volume of the beverage ingredient container reaches an intermediate volume smaller than the maximum volume, the first wall and the second wall contact the beverage ingredient container to prevent the volume of the beverage ingredient container from further expanding.

15. The beverage brewing system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cavity of the beverage ingredient container comprises a cavity axis, and wherein the first maximum distance and the second maximum distance are measured in a direction perpendicular to the cavity axis.

16. The beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein when beverage vending is initiated in the first mode or the second mode, the first wall and the second wall are in a fixed relative position.

17. A beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the beverage ingredient container includes a nozzle having an inlet for receiving the liquid and introducing the liquid into the cavity of the main body portion during beverage vending, wherein the support member is configured to support the beverage ingredient container via the nozzle so that the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is freely suspended from the support member.

18. A beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein in any one of the first mode and the second mode, the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter are spaced apart from the beverage ingredient container at the beginning of beverage vending, so that the volume of the cavity of the beverage ingredient container expands during beverage vending until the maximum volume is reached or is blocked by the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter.

19. A beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the beverage brewing device further comprises a control system and a user interface, the control system being operably connected to the expansion limiter and the user interface, wherein when a user selects the first mode on the user interface, the control system is configured to move at least one of the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter so that the first wall and the second wall are separated by the first maximum distance, wherein when a user selects the second mode on the user interface, the control system is configured to move at least one of the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter so that the first wall and the second wall are separated by the second maximum distance.

20. A beverage brewing system, comprising: a beverage ingredient container including a body portion defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient, the body portion of the beverage ingredient container being flexible so that when the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is unobstructed during beverage vending, the body portion expands from an initial state in which the cavity has a first volume to a maximum expanded state in which the cavity has a second volume greater than the first volume; A beverage brewing device, comprising: a support member configured to support the beverage ingredient container without impeding expansion of a body portion of the beverage ingredient container during beverage vending; and Expansion limiter; wherein, during beverage vending, the body portion of the beverage ingredient container expands from the initial state to an intermediate expanded state in which the cavity has a third volume that is less than the second volume, and wherein the expansion limiter prevents the body portion of the beverage ingredient container from expanding beyond the intermediate expanded state.

21. The beverage brewing system of claim 20, wherein the expansion limiter is configured to at least partially surround a body portion of the beverage ingredient container during beverage vending.

22. A beverage brewing system according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the expansion limiter comprises a first wall and a second wall spaced apart from each other, at least a portion of the body portion of the beverage ingredient container being located between the first wall and the second wall during beverage vending.

23. The beverage brewing system of claim 22, wherein at the start of beverage vending, the first and second walls of the expansion limiter are not in compressive contact with the body portion of the beverage ingredient container.

24. A beverage brewing system according to claim 23, wherein during vending, the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container expands to the intermediate expanded state, at which time the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter contact the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container to prevent further expansion of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container.

25. A beverage brewing system according to claim 24, wherein the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container includes a front wall, a rear wall and a periphery, the front wall and the rear wall are joined together along the periphery, wherein expansion of the main body portion occurs in a direction between the front wall and the rear wall, and wherein the first wall and the second wall of the expansion limiter face the front wall and the rear wall of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container, respectively.

26. A beverage brewing system according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the beverage brewing device is configured to perform beverage vending in a first mode or a second mode based on a user's selection, wherein when the user selects the first mode, the expansion limiter is positioned relative to the beverage ingredient container so as not to hinder the expansion of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container, which enables the beverage ingredient container to expand to the maximum expansion state during beverage vending, wherein when the user selects the second mode, the expansion limiter is positioned to hinder the expansion of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container, so that the beverage ingredient container expands from the initial state to the intermediate expansion state and is prevented from further expansion due to the contact between the expansion limiter and the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container.

27. A method for brewing a beverage, comprising: Selecting one of a plurality of brewing modes for beverage vending on a beverage brewing device; inserting a beverage ingredient container into the beverage brewing device, the beverage ingredient container comprising a body portion having a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient; During beverage vending, liquid is introduced from the beverage brewing device into the cavity of the beverage ingredient container, the liquid is mixed with the beverage ingredient in the cavity of the beverage ingredient container to form a beverage, and the beverage flows out through the outlet at the bottom end of the beverage ingredient container; wherein when a first mode is selected from the plurality of modes, expansion of the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is unimpeded during beverage vending; and When a second mode is selected from the plurality of modes, expansion of the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is impeded during beverage vending.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein when the first mode is selected, the beverage ingredient container expands from an initial state to a maximum expanded state, and wherein when the second mode is selected, the beverage ingredient container is prevented from expanding to the maximum expanded state during beverage vending.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein when the second mode is selected from the plurality of modes, the beverage ingredient container expands from the initial state to an intermediate state during beverage vending.

30. A method according to claim 29, wherein when the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is in the initial state, the cavity of the beverage ingredient container has a first volume, when the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is in the maximum expansion state, the cavity of the beverage ingredient container has a second volume, and when the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is in the intermediate expansion state, the beverage ingredient container has a third volume, the third volume is greater than the first volume and the second volume is greater than the third volume.

31. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 30, further comprising: When the first mode is selected from the plurality of modes, the expansion limiter of the beverage brewing device is in a first position that does not hinder the expansion of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container, so that the beverage ingredient container is allowed to expand from an initial state to a maximum expanded state during beverage vending; and When the second mode is selected from the multiple modes, the expansion limiter of the beverage brewing device is in a second position, which hinders the expansion of the main body of the beverage ingredient container, so that the main body of the beverage ingredient container is prevented from expanding to the maximum expansion state during beverage sales.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein in either of the first mode and the second mode, the expansion limiter is not in contact with the beverage ingredient container at the beginning of beverage vending, and when the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container expands to an intermediate expansion state, in the second mode the beverage ingredient container expands to contact the expansion limiter, and the expansion limiter prevents the beverage ingredient container from expanding beyond the intermediate expansion state.

33. The method of claim 31 or 32, wherein when the first mode is selected from the plurality of modes, the beverage ingredient container expands to the maximum expanded state without contacting the expansion limiter.

34. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the expansion limiter includes a first wall and a second wall, when the first mode is selected, the first wall and the second wall are separated by a first distance, when the second mode is selected, the first wall and the second wall are separated by a second distance, and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein when the second mode is selected, at least one of the first wall and the second wall moves toward the other of the first wall and the second wall, and wherein when the first mode is selected, at least one of the first wall and the second wall moves away from the other of the first wall and the second wall.

36. A method for brewing a beverage, comprising: Spraying water into a cup containing a dairy product through a nozzle of a beverage brewing device to form milk foam; inserting a beverage ingredient container into the beverage brewing device, the beverage ingredient container including a body portion having a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient; Selling beverages, including introducing liquid into the cavity of the beverage ingredient container through the brewing nozzle of the beverage brewing device, the liquid is mixed with the beverage ingredient in the cavity of the beverage ingredient container to form a beverage, the beverage flows out through the outlet of the beverage ingredient container and is mixed with the milk foam in the cup to form a final beverage product; wherein expansion of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is hindered during beverage vending to increase the extraction concentration of the beverage ingredient in the beverage.

37. A method according to claim 36, wherein expansion of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is hindered by an expansion limiter, which includes a first wall and a second wall located on opposite sides of the beverage ingredient container to prevent the beverage ingredient container from expanding to a maximum expanded state during beverage vending.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the beverage ingredient container is not compressed by the expansion limiter until beverage vending is ceased.

39. The method of claim 37 or 38, wherein the first and second walls of the expansion limiter are not in contact with the beverage ingredient container at the start of beverage vending, wherein: During beverage vending, the beverage ingredient container expands to contact the first and second walls of the expansion limiter, which prevent the beverage ingredient container from reaching the maximum expanded state.

40. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein during beverage vending, the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container expands from an initial state, in which the cavity of the beverage ingredient container has a first volume, to an intermediate expanded state, in which the cavity of the beverage ingredient container has a second volume greater than the first volume, and the second volume is less than a third volume associated with the beverage ingredient container being in a maximum expanded state.

41. A beverage brewing system, comprising: a beverage ingredient container including a body portion defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient, the body portion of the beverage ingredient container being flexible so that when the body portion of the beverage ingredient container is unobstructed during vending of a beverage, the body portion expands from an initial state to a maximum expanded state; A beverage brewing device, comprising: a support member configured to support the beverage ingredient container during beverage vending; an expansion limiter including a first wall and a second wall, the first wall and the second wall being positioned adjacent opposing surfaces of the beverage ingredient container during beverage vending; wherein, before beverage vending commences, at least one of the first wall and the second wall is spaced apart from the beverage ingredient container, wherein, during beverage vending, the beverage ingredient container expands into contact with each of the first wall and the second wall, the first wall and the second wall preventing the beverage ingredient container from expanding to the maximum expanded state.

42. A beverage device comprising: a support member configured to support a beverage ingredient container during beverage vending; an expansion limiter including a first wall and a second wall, the first wall and the second wall being configured to be positioned adjacent opposing major surfaces of the beverage ingredient container during beverage vending; and The beverage brewing device is operable to sell beverages in the following modes: a first mode wherein the first wall and the second wall are spaced apart by a first maximum distance; as well as A second mode, wherein the first wall and the second wall are spaced apart by a second maximum distance, the second maximum distance being less than the first maximum distance.

43. A beverage brewing system, comprising: a beverage ingredient container including a body portion defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient; A beverage brewing device, comprising: a support member configured to support the beverage ingredient container during beverage vending; and Expansion limiter; wherein, before beverage vending commences, the beverage ingredient container is configured to be supported by the support member such that at least a portion of an outer surface of a body portion of the beverage ingredient container is spaced apart from the expansion limiter; and Wherein, during beverage vending, the volume of the cavity of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is configured to expand until a portion of the outer surface of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container contacts the expansion limiter to prevent further expansion of the volume of the cavity.

44. A beverage brewing system according to claim 43, wherein the outer surface of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container includes a front surface portion and a rear surface portion, and wherein before the start of beverage sales, at least one of the front surface portion and the rear surface portion of the outer surface of the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container is configured to be spaced apart from the expansion limiter, and wherein during beverage sales, the volume of the cavity of the main body portion is configured to increase until both the front surface portion and the rear surface portion contact the expansion limiter, which restricts the main body portion of the beverage ingredient container and prevents the volume of the cavity from further expanding.

45. The beverage brewing system of any one of claims 43 to 44, wherein the expansion limiter comprises a first wall and a second wall separated by a gap, wherein the beverage ingredient container is configured to be positioned within the gap during beverage vending.

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