Beverage preparation system and method comprising a part container with enhanced single

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and a method relating to the preparation of a beverage based on the extraction of a pre-determined amount of a precursor substance in a brewing device (4), in which the individual part (1) has a compostable restriction (2) and can be collected within a part receptacle (3) adapted to be held within a cavity of the brewing device (4). In particular, the invention solves the problem of ensuring efficient and reliable operation of the individual part (1) in the part receptacle (3).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of beverage preparation systems and methods, which are based on extracting a portion of a beverage precursor substance provided in a single part into an extraction device of a beverage preparation apparatus. Background Art

[0002] The prior art includes brewing devices having a collection space with a portion adapted to receive a beverage precursor substance, wherein the collection space is connected to a lid portion by a swivel connection, such that the lid portion can be operated between an open position and a closed position.

[0003] WO 97 / 43939 discloses a brewing device of this type, which includes: a dose container having a handle and defining a percolation chamber adapted to receive a pre-packaged coffee dose; and a lid associated with the dose container so as to open and close over the dose container, thereby defining a second portion of the percolation chamber, wherein the lid is hinged to the dose container. This document discloses: providing means that can be manually operated to open and close the lid, such that the operator can open the lid with the hand that holds the handle of the dose container. In particular, the lid can be actuated by operating a lever associated with an elastic means by means of a rod-shaped button. The elastic means can be in the form of a return spring adapted to retract the lid and hold the lid in the closed position.

[0004] US 5,910,205 provides another embodiment of such a brewing device. In this case, the brewing device includes a brewing basket that can accommodate ground coffee and is pivotally connected to a lid above the ground coffee, the lid having a plurality of spaced-apart holes through which water is distributed substantially uniformly over the layer of the ground coffee. The pivotal connection of the basket to the lid member seems to be provided by a rod-shaped portion of the lid that is rotatably retained in opposing holes in a peripheral support of the basket near its opening. The brewing basket includes a base and side walls having a plurality of fins that extend substantially radially on the base and further along the side walls.

[0005] WO 2014 / 063998 A1 discloses a brewing device adapted to be operatively attached to the exterior of a beverage preparation machine. The said brewing device has a container portion connected to a lid portion by a swivel connection.

[0006] WO 2015 / 132203 A1 further discloses a brewing device having a container portion connected to a lid portion by a swivel connection provided in its peripheral portion.

[0007] The type of swivel connection can determine ergonomics and reliability, as it can be affected by intensive use and limited by structural complexity and cost.

[0008] In addition, the increasing popularity on the market of capsules with single-use parts made mostly of metal and plastic materials is increasingly limited by environmental issues.

[0009] This problem has been solved by several methods known in the prior art.

[0010] One method is to provide a capsule adapted to be reusable.

[0011] DE 20 2009 009125U1 discloses a capsule having a container part hingedly connected to a lid part.

[0012] US 8,707,855 B2, US 8,561,524 B2 and US 10,154,751B2 also disclose a beverage brewing device similar to a capsule, the beverage brewing device having: a body defining a brewing chamber configured to contain a dry beverage medium; and a lid removably fixed (in particular in a hinged connection provided by a laterally supported swivel rod) to the body.

[0013] Another method is to use a reusable capsule holder, offering the user the option to refill the capsule with, for example, some ground and roasted coffee.

[0014] Document WO 02 / 082963A1 discloses a reusable beverage cartridge of the type of the present invention, wherein the beverage cartridge is configured to be collectable inside a brewing device and to collect individual parts of the beverage portion.

[0015] Document EP 24019445 A1 discloses a device of the type of the present invention for adapting a food capsule to a capsule holder. The device includes: a receiving portion for receiving at least a part of the capsule; and a sealing device for circumferentially adapting in an airtight manner to the capsule holder and / or a fluid injection element and / or the outer surface of the capsule. The receiving portion is hingedly connected to a lid portion, and the lid portion further includes a sealing device (such as a circular O-ring rubber seal) to ensure that the contact surface between the receiving portion and the lid is airtight. In addition, the internal shape of the receiving portion can be adapted to surround a soft pod with a generally flexible wall, which generally has a discus shape.

[0016] EP 3089634 B1 also discloses a brewing device of the type of the present invention, wherein the partial container includes a container part which is hingedly connected to a lid part and is adapted to operate with different types of single parts. The lid part includes a first sealing member and a second sealing member, which is different from the first sealing member and is configured to seal a second brewing chamber between the lid part and the second container when the second container is inserted into a hollow part of the brewing unit configured to receive different types of portable pads and / or capsule containers.

[0017] EP 2907425 B1 discloses a brewing system of the type of the present invention, wherein the container part is hingedly connected to the lid part and discloses several types of flow distribution upstream of the edible part.

[0018] Therefore, the prior art includes solutions for adapting the brewing device of a beverage preparation machine to operate with separate parts of a beverage precursor substance in different types of capsules or sachets, but the adaptation device needs to be further optimized. Summary of the Invention

[0019] The present invention discloses a beverage preparation system, which includes: a beverage preparation device (such as an extraction device) that can operate with a single part of a beverage precursor substance (such as roasted coffee, tea, etc.); and an adapter device configured as a partial container that can operate within a partial receiving part of the extraction device and operates with a single part having a compostable material restriction part, so as to minimize the environmental impact associated with the packaging material restricting the precursor substance.

[0020] The first object is to provide a system including a partial container of the above type, a corresponding single part using a compostable restriction material, and providing enhanced flow distribution characteristics.

[0021] This object is solved according to claim 1, and the preferred embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0022] In particular, a related object of the present invention is to provide a system including a single part and a partial container (holder) adapted to be used in an extraction device, the extraction device including a partial receiving part capable of engaging with a flow supply part, wherein the single part is adapted to maximize the amount of the edible substance carried, thereby optimally occupying the available free volume within the partial container.

[0023] According to the present invention, this object is solved by a single part having a volume shape and dimensions similar to those of the collection space provided by the container part and the lid part, wherein the larger volume part of the single part extends downstream of the interface region between the container part and the lid part, and the smaller volume part extends upstream of the interface region between the container part and the lid part, and its outer surface is near or in contact with the inner surface provided by the container part and the lid part, and optionally also in contact with the flow distribution part provided on the base wall.

[0024] This feature advantageously provides a maximized use of the volume available within the part container, particularly for single parts containing an edible substance.

[0025] A related object is to provide a part container of the above type such that the lid part has a deflector wall located upstream of the single part, which better distributes the pressurized flow provided by the injection element of the flow supply part of the extraction device to upstream of the single part located within the part container.

[0026] In particular, according to the present invention, this object is solved by a part container, wherein the deflector wall has a downstream-oriented concave shape and has a plurality of flow channels and is surrounded by an annular flow restriction wall.

[0027] The deflector wall of the lid part may have a plurality of flow channels arranged on the concave part of the lid, thereby providing flow channels that are aligned with the main flow direction and are at different relative heights with respect to the internal space defined by the part container.

[0028] This advantageously optimizes the flow distribution pattern inside the part container and upstream of the single part.

[0029] A related object is to provide a part container of the above type, wherein the articulated connection between the container part and the lid part has a simple construction, a low production cost, and operates in a reliable manner, preventing jamming in the extraction device and enabling the user to use it ergonomically.

[0030] According to the present invention, this object is solved by means of a part container, wherein the lid part is peripherally and articulately connected to the container part by means of a lid connection device, and the lid connection device includes a material connection between the container part and the lid part.

[0031] Advantageously, the lid connection device is configured to be provided by double-injection molding of the container part and the lid part, so that these components can be produced as a single piece.

[0032] This advantageously simplifies the articulated connection between the lid part and the container part, providing a durable, reliable, and simple connection.

[0033] Furthermore, the lid connection means can be provided in the form of a strip-like element made of an elastically deformable material. In particular, the lid connection means can be made as an injection-molded part identical to at least one of the holding means and the liquid-sealing means associated with the container part of the partial container, in particular extending around the downstream sidewall part of the partial container and around the upstream-oriented inwardly protruding step part in its top region, and being configured to hold and liquid-seal the container part of the partial container within the partial receiving part of the extraction device.

[0034] This advantageously optimizes the use of two different materials or materials with different properties in the partial container.

[0035] A related object is to provide a partial container of the above type so as to provide an effective liquid seal in the interface region between its container part and lid part, thereby preventing any leakage of the pressurized flow from the partial container.

[0036] According to the invention, this object is solved by means of a partial container, wherein the container part has a container sealing part which is configured as an inwardly extending peripheral step of the container part, thereby providing an upstream-oriented and inwardly protruding support surface for the edge region of the single part and also a support surface for the downstream-oriented peripheral free edge of the lid part, thereby providing a sealing engagement between the container part and the lid sealing part when the partial container is in the closed position, and the downstream-oriented peripheral free edge is in particular configured as the lid sealing part.

[0037] In particular, the container part can have a container sealing part which is configured as an inwardly extending peripheral step of the container part, and the peripheral step provides an upstream-oriented and inwardly protruding support surface made of an elastically deformable material, wherein the container sealing part is provided upstream of the downstream sidewall part and inside the upstream sidewall part.

[0038] This advantageously provides an effective and reliable liquid seal in the interface region between the container part and the lid part of the partial container.

[0039] Advantageously, the lid sealing means is configured to be provided by two-material injection molding of the container part and the lid part, so that these parts can be produced as a single piece.

[0040] Furthermore, the container sealing part can be provided by the same elastically deformable material and as a continuation of at least one of the holding means and the lid connection means associated with the container part of the partial container, in particular extending around its sidewall and the upstream-oriented inwardly protruding step part, and being configured to seal the interface region between the container part and the lid part of the partial container.

[0041] This advantageously optimizes the use of two different materials or materials with different properties in the partial container.

[0042] A related object is to provide a partial container of the above type such that the partial container can be inserted and reliably held within the receiving portion of the extraction device.

[0043] In particular, according to the present invention, the object is solved by a partial container comprising a container part and a lid part, wherein the container part has retaining means arranged on the side wall of the container part and having a different configuration and material properties from the remaining side walls, the retaining means being adapted to be elastically pressed inwardly into a predetermined retaining position within the partial receiving portion of the extraction device.

[0044] The retaining means can be arranged such that the container part is held in a certain position within the partial receiving portion of the extraction device, in which position the lid part can operate between a closed position (wherein the lid part is placed on the container part and does not project upward) and an open position (which is rotated outwardly from the closed position by at least 45 degrees).

[0045] The retaining means can be arranged on an outwardly oriented recess of the side wall and provided with a material different from the remaining side walls.

[0046] The retaining means can be configured to extend outwardly and be provided only on the downstream portion of the side wall, preferably adjacent to the base wall of the container part.

[0047] The retaining means can be provided by double - material injection molding of the container part and the lid part, such that these components can be manufactured as a single piece.

[0048] Furthermore, the retaining means can be provided by the same elastically deformable material and as a continuation of at least one of the lid connection means and the container sealing means associated with the container part of the partial container, in particular extending to the top region of the side wall of the container part and surrounding an upstream - oriented inwardly projecting step portion in its top region, and being configured to be hingedly connected to the lid part and liquid - seal the container part of the partial container within the partial receiving portion of the extraction device.

[0049] This advantageously optimizes the use of two different materials or materials with different properties in the partial container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the preferred embodiments of the main components and the respective drawings.

[0051] The figures show:

[0052] Figure 1 : Side sectional view of the first step of the system and method according to the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 : Side sectional view of the second and third steps of the system and method according to the present invention, the second and third steps including supplying the partial container 3 and introducing the individual part 1 therein;

[0054] Figure 3 : Side sectional view of the fourth step of the system and method according to the present invention, the fourth step including introducing the partial receiving part 41 containing the partial container 3 into the flow supply part 42 of the brewing device 4;

[0055] Figure 4 : Side sectional view of the third step of the system and method according to the present invention, the third step including supplying the partial container 3.

[0056] Figure 5 : Side view of an embodiment of the open partial container 3 in the system according to the present invention;

[0057] Figure 6 : Top perspective view of the open partial container 3;

[0058] Figure 7 : Top view of the open partial container 3;

[0059] Figure 8 : Detailed view of the lid connection device 6 between the container part 31 and the lid part 32 of the partial container 3;

[0060] Figure 9 : Side sectional perspective view of the open partial container 3;

[0061] Figure 10 : Side sectional view at consecutive moments of introducing the partial container 3 into the extraction device 4 of the device 5 in the system according to the present invention;

[0062] Figure 11 : Side sectional perspective view of the partial container 3 in an almost closed position;

[0063] Figure 12 : Detailed side sectional view of the lid connection device 6 between the container part 31 and the lid part 32;

[0064] Figure 13 : Side sectional perspective view of the partial container 3 in a closed position;

[0065] Figure 14 : Side sectional view of the closed partial container 3;

[0066] Figure 15:Top perspective view of the closed partial container 3;

[0067] Figure 16 :Side view of the first embodiment of the partial container 3;

[0068] Figure 17 :Side view of the second embodiment of the partial container 3;

[0069] Figure 18 :Side view of the third embodiment of the partial container 3;

[0070] Figure 19 :Top view of the closed partial container 3;

[0071] Figure 20 :Top perspective view of the partial container 3 in the non-closed position and containing a single part 1;

[0072] Figure 21 :Side cross-sectional view of the partial container 3 in the non-closed position and containing a single part 1;

[0073] Figure 22 :Side cross-sectional view of the partial container 3 in the closed position and containing a single part 1;

[0074] Figure 23 :Side cross-sectional view of the partial container 3 in the non-closed position and containing a single part 1, the partial container 3 being inside the partial receiving portion 41 of the extraction device;

[0075] Figure 24 :Side cross-sectional view of the partial container 3 in the closed position and containing a single part 1, the partial container 3 being inside the partial receiving portion 41 of the extraction device;

[0076] Figure 25 :Top view of the second embodiment of the partial container 3 in the open position;

[0077] Figure 26 :Bottom view of the second embodiment of the partial container 3 in the open position;

[0078] Figure 27 :Side cross-sectional perspective view of the second embodiment of the partial container 3 and the second embodiment of a single part 1;

[0079] Figure 28 :Side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the partial container 3 and the second embodiment of a single part 1. Detailed implementation

[0080] The invention will be described based on a general embodiment of a beverage preparation system for preparing espresso-like, instant coffee and similar aromatic beverages, the beverage preparation system being adapted to operate with a single portion 1 such as a capsule or a pod.

[0081] The single portion 1 has a limiting means 2 adapted to limit a pre-measured amount of a beverage precursor substance such as roasted and ground coffee, wherein the limiting means 2 is preferably provided with a compostable material such as a cellulose-based material or the like, and excludes other non-compostable materials, thereby advantageously eliminating environmental waste disposal impact.

[0082] In addition to the single portions 1, such a system comprises an apparatus 5 having an extraction device 4, as is known in the prior art, adapted to be able to collect the single portions 1 when in the open position and to expose the single portions 1 to an upstream pressurized fluid flow, typically at a fluid pressure greater than 2 bar, preferably greater than 8 bar, and at a fluid temperature greater than 80°C, preferably greater than 88°C, in the closed and operating position.

[0083] Furthermore, a general embodiment relates to a system in which the beverage preparation apparatus 5 comprises an extraction device 4 having a portion receiving portion 41 provided as a separate component, which is, for example, configured as a general door filter design, having a cavity adapted to receive a single portion 1 and into which a corresponding, preferably shape-fitting flow supply portion 42 can be manually inserted, for example in a general pull-out or drawer-like arrangement, to reach its operating position.

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown in , one embodiment of the system may comprise a single portion 1 ' of a first type and a beverage preparation device 5, which comprises an extraction device 4 having a portion receiving part 41 and a flow supply part 42, which provides a pressurized flow upstream of the single portion 1 ', such as a plastic capsule, and collects and / or discharges the produced beverage downstream thereof.

[0085] The beverage preparation device 5 may further comprise a flow pressurizing device such as a hydraulic pump and a flow heating device such as a thermoblock. Other aspects of such a beverage preparation device 5 are known in the prior art, so a further detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0086] In a first step of the method according to the invention, a portion holder 3 is provided, which comprises a container 31 hingedly connected to a cover portion 32 and is adapted to receive a single portion 1 different from the first single portion 1' when the cover portion 32 is in an open position and to confine the single portion in a liquid-tight manner when in a closed position.

[0087] exist Figures 2 to 4The method according to the invention is further represented in successive steps.

[0088] In a second step, in which part of the receiving part 41 is located externally and the beverage preparation device 5 is not engaged with the flow supply part 42, the partial container 3 is inserted into the partial receiving part 41, so that the lid 32 can be operated between an open and a closed position. According to an advantageous aspect, the partial container 3 is inserted at least along its lateral part in a press-fit manner, so that it is held in the partial receiving part 41 by means of the holding means 7 provided on the container part 31 and does not fall out of it even if the partial receiving part 41 is finally oriented downwards.

[0089] In a third step, a single portion 1 of the second type is inserted into the container part 31 of the partial container, preferably by manually dropping it therein.

[0090] In a fourth step, the partial receiving part 41 is manually inserted into the flow supply part 42 (for example in a drawer-like arrangement), bringing the receiving part 41 to a closed position and allowing the injection of an upstream pressurized flow to start. In particular, the articulated connection of the lid part 32 is adapted to be pushed downwards by the flow supply part 42 when it is driven into the flow supply part 42 and to be held in a sealed engagement with the container part 31 while being located within the flow supply part 42.

[0091] The method may further include removing the partial receiving part 41 from its engagement with the flow supply part 42, wherein the articulated connection of the lid part 32 is adapted to only partially rise when removed from the engagement where it is pushed downwards by the flow supply part 42.

[0092] The method may further include turning the partial receiving part 41 downwards, so that the single portion 1 falls out of the container part 31 under the drive of gravity, but the partial container 3 remains further retained within the partial receiving part 41. This feature advantageously improves the usability of the partial container 3.

[0093] Figures 5 to 8 A preferred embodiment of the partial container 3 according to the invention is represented, the partial container 3 comprising a container part 31 and a lid part 32, the container part 31 having a rotationally symmetric side wall 311 and a base wall 312 defining a cavity space, the lid part 32 being hinged to the container part 31 at the periphery by means of a lid connection device 6 so as to be operable to a closed position, whereby a single portion 1 can be restricted within the cavity space.

[0094] The container part 31 is adapted to be held within the partial receiving part 41 of the extraction device 4, which can be manually held and operated in a drawer or pull-out manner to an operating position in which it is engaged with the flow supply part 42 of the extraction device 4, which can have the general features described in connection with the previous figures.

[0095] As depicted, the partial container 3 includes: a container portion 31 having side walls 311 and a base wall 312; and a lid portion 32 having a diversion wall 321 and an annular flow restricting wall 322. The diversion wall extends transversely to the main flow direction and has a flow channel 33. The annular flow restricting wall extends laterally around the periphery of the diversion wall 321 and together defines a collection space that extends upstream and downstream of the peripheral interface region between the container portion 31 and the lid portion 32.

[0096] As described above, this type of partial container is known in the prior art and has a hinged connection between the container portion and the lid portion. Given the repeated and multiple actuations of the said hinged connection, this type of connection may be prone to mechanical wear and tearing problems (e.g., in the case of a spring-driven connection) or ergonomic limitation problems (e.g., in the case of a lever-type digital actuation bracket).

[0097] According to the prominent feature of the partial container 3 of the present invention, the lid portion 32 is peripherally hingedly connected to the container portion 31 by means of a lid connection device 6. The lid connection device includes a material connection 61 between the container portion 31 and the lid portion 32. Thus, the lid connection device 6 is configured to be provided by injection molding of the container portion 31 and the lid portion 32, so that these parts can be produced as a single piece.

[0098] This advantageously simplifies the hinged connection between the lid portion 32 and the container portion 31, providing a durable, reliable and simple connection.

[0099] Further advantageously, the lid connection device 6 includes a material connection 61 provided in the form of an elastically bendable element (preferably in a strip shape or similar), which continuously extends from an upstream region of the upstream side wall 311 of the container portion 31 to the lid portion 32. Wherein, the material connection 61 preferably includes an elastic material strip, which is arranged such that an elastic force is applied upward to the lid portion 32 relative to the container portion 31, so that the lid portion 32 tends to an open position.

[0100] From Figure 6 and Figure 8 it can be best seen that the lid connection device 6 may include a connection retention arrangement (or connection retention structure) 62, which is adapted to help the lid portion 32 stay in the closed position on the container portion 31.

[0101] The connection retention arrangement 62 preferably includes a male-female arrangement (or male-female structure) 621, 622 on opposite edges of the material connection 61 and laterally disposed relative to the material connection 61. The male-female arrangement 621, 622 is adapted to provide a first hard-point retention of the lid portion 31 on the container portion 31.

[0102] The male-female arrangements 621, 622 are preferably provided on the respective outer peripheral support non-arcuate portions of the container part 31 and the lid part 32, and respectively correspond to a part of the upstream free edge region and the protrusion on the upstream free edge region.

[0103] The lid connection device 6 and the container holding device 7 are provided by materials having similar elastic properties, preferably provided by the same material and continuously extending from the holding device 7 to the lid connection device 6.

[0104] The lid connection device 6 and the container holding device 7 can be provided as separate components or separate pieces together with the container part 31 and the lid part 32 by means of two-material injection molding.

[0105] The partial container 3 may further include a flow distribution device 36, which is preferably provided as a disc-shaped single piece and is adapted to be held on the base wall 312 of the container part 31, preferably held on the base wall 312 by means of nut-groove peripheral engagement with the base wall 312. Wherein, the flow distribution device 36 has a protrusion 361 that extends upstream from the base and is configured in a non-piercing and non-perforating shape, such as a spherical shape with a circular cross-sectional profile, and the flow distribution device 36 further has at least one, preferably a plurality of, flow channels 362, and the flow channels 362 are configured as holes on the base of the flow distribution device 36.

[0106] Figures 9 to 14 Several sectional views showing an embodiment of the partial container 3 in the system according to the present invention are presented.

[0107] The applicant has tested several embodiments of the partial container of the type of the present invention and determined that its retention within the partial receiving portion 41 of the extraction device 4 should be very advantageous in terms of its general ergonomic use.

[0108] According to a significant feature, the partial container 3 according to the present invention has a holding device 7, which has a configuration and material properties different from those of the side wall 311 of the container part 31 and is adapted to hold the container part 31 in the partial receiving portion 41 in a press-fit manner.

[0109] In particular, the holding device 7 can be provided by a material different from the rest of the container part 31 or composed of different materials.

[0110] In addition, the holding device 7 is provided by an elastically deformable material such as a rubber-like synthetic material, while the container part 31 can be provided by a substantially rigid material.

[0111] This feature advantageously provides a more effective retention of the container part 31, since the retention means 7 thus provides an enhanced press fit of the partial container 3 within the cavity of the partial receiving part 41 of the extraction means 4.

[0112] Preferably, the container part 31 supports the retention means 7 provided at least partly, preferably at least mostly, and more preferably entirely in tubular form around at least a part of the side wall 311, so that it can be pressed into the partial receiving part 41 under peripheral tension.

[0113] Furthermore, the retention means 7 may have at least one, preferably several, protrusions extending outwards relative to at least most of the remaining side wall 311 of the container part 31 (preferably all of the remaining side wall 311 located within the partial receiving part 41).

[0114] Furthermore, at least one, preferably both, of the retention means 7 of the partial container 3 and the container part 31 are preferably provided in a different material or different material composition from the partial receiving part 41.

[0115] The retention means 7 may have a non-smooth, preferably slotted, outer surface having at least one of roughness and a pattern, wherein the protrusions extend outwards in at least one of a transverse and a parallel direction relative to the main flow direction, and are configured to generate a material pressure transverse to the main flow direction against the corresponding inner surface of the partial receiving part 41, whereby the retention means 7 is preferably provided by at least partly elastically deformable material.

[0116] The retention means 7 may be provided as a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions arranged in series (e.g., in rows) at least from near the peripheral interface region between the container part 31 and the lid part 32 to the base wall 312.

[0117] In particular, the retention means 7 may be provided as an outwardly extending protrusion having a cross-sectional profile that tapers from the base towards its free edge.

[0118] As further shown in these figures, the partial container 3 includes a container part 31 having a side wall 311 with an upstream side wall portion 3111 and a downstream side wall portion 3112, the downstream side wall portion 3112 being recessed inwards relative to the upstream side wall portion 3111 and preferably also relative to the outwardly extending portion of the base wall 32, and the retention means 7 is provided on a laterally oriented recess associated with the downstream side wall portion 3112, so that the retention means 7 extends inwards and outwards relative to the upstream side wall portion 3111.

[0119] According to another significant feature of the partial container 3, the retaining means 7 is provided as an injection-molded part that extends through the peripheral transition region between the upstream sidewall part 3111 and the downstream sidewall part 3112, thereby forming at least one of the following:

[0120] - A container sealing part 34 that extends inwardly along the inner periphery and provides placement support for the edge part of the single part 1 and the lid sealing part 35 in the peripheral interface region between the container part 31 and the lid part 32; and

[0121] - A material connection 61 of the lid connection means 6 that provides a hinged connection between the lid part 32 and the container part 31 in the peripheral region of the container part 31.

[0122] This feature advantageously provides the benefits of multiple uses and applications of the elastically deformable material in the partial container 3, not only in terms of its retaining means 7 but also in terms of at least part of a liquid sealing means and a hinged connection means.

[0123] Experts in the field should also be aware that liquid sealing problems can occur in this type of system that includes an extraction means configured to be impacted by a pressurized stream and a single part.

[0124] According to another significant feature of the partial container 3 of the present invention, the container part 31 has a container sealing part 34 for providing liquid sealing for the partial container 3 in the closed position. The container sealing part 34 is configured as an inwardly extending peripheral step, thereby providing an upstream-oriented support surface for the edge region of the single part 1 and also a support surface for the downstream-oriented peripheral free edge of the lid part 32, thereby providing a sealing engagement between the container sealing part 34 and the lid sealing part 35 when the partial container 3 is in the closed position. The downstream-oriented peripheral free edge is particularly configured as the lid sealing part 35.

[0125] This feature advantageously provides an effective and reliable liquid seal for the interface region between the container part 31 and the lid part 32 of the partial container 3.

[0126] In particular, the container part 31 can have a container sealing part 34 that is configured as an inwardly extending peripheral step provided by an elastically deformable material, wherein the container sealing part 34 is provided upstream of the downstream sidewall part 3112 and inside the upstream sidewall part 3111.

[0127] The container sealing portion 34 and the container holding device 7 can be provided with materials having similar elastic properties, preferably with the same material or materials having a similar composition, which extend continuously from the holding device 7 to the container sealing portion 34, wherein the lid connecting device 6 and the retainer holding device 7 are provided as a single part or unitary piece with the container part 31 and the lid part 32 by means of two-material injection molding.

[0128] This again provides the benefit of using an elastically deformable material and different materials, in particular rigid materials, in the partial container 3.

[0129] The lid part 32 can have a lid sealing portion 35 provided on the peripheral free edge oriented downstream of the lid part 32, wherein the lid sealing portion 35 has a peripheral nut oriented downstream, for example a peripheral nut having a V-shaped cross-sectional shape or a similar shape, wherein the lid sealing portion 35 is configured to be placed on the container sealing portion 34 under pressure, thereby providing a sealing engagement between the container sealing portion 34 and the lid sealing portion 35 when the partial container 3 is closed.

[0130] The container part 31 can support the container sealing portion 34, which is provided with an elastically deformable material, preferably with a material different from that of the container part 31.

[0131] The lid part 32 can have a lid sealing portion 35, which is provided with the same material as the rest of the lid part 32, preferably with a non-elastic rigid material.

[0132] The partial container 3 can include a container part 31 and a lid part 32 having corresponding container sealing portion 34 and lid sealing portion 35, the container sealing portion 34 and the lid sealing portion 35 being respectively provided in opposing regions, in particular in the downstream-oriented base region and in the upstream-oriented inwardly extending step, and being adapted such that the lid sealing portion 35 is placed on the container sealing portion 34 under a closing drive pressure along a continuous peripheral extension range in the closed position of the partial container 3, wherein the closing drive pressure can be provided by at least one of the following:

[0133] - the pressurized engagement of the top region of the lid part 32 with the flow supply portion 42 of the extraction device 4;

[0134] - the pressurized engagement of the lid holding device 324 corresponding to the closed position of the partial container 3.

[0135] Experts in the field are familiar with the correlation between the upstream flow distribution and the upstream-oriented surface of the edible substance within the single part 1, especially if the flow supply portion 42 of the extraction device 4 has a single pressurized flow inlet.

[0136] According to another remarkable feature, the partial container 3 includes a lid portion 32 having a diversion wall 321 which is generally convex in a downstream orientation, such as a frustoconical shape, configured to extend the cavity space defined by the partial container 3 near its upstream supply edge, while providing an upstream-oriented free space which extends peripherally with respect to the diversion wall 321 and is at a distance downstream of the upstream free edge of the lid portion 32. In particular, the diversion wall 321 has a plurality of flow channels 33 (e.g., arranged in a matrix pattern), extending in a direction similar to the main flow direction, and provided on different portions of the downstream-oriented convex shape of the diversion wall 321 and at different levels downstream of the upstream free edge of the lid portion 32.

[0137] This feature advantageously provides a better flow distribution upstream of a single part 1, and thus improves the extraction efficiency of an edible substance (e.g., roasted ground coffee or instant coffee or similar beverage precursor substances).

[0138] In addition, the partial container 3 may include a lid portion 32 having an annular flow restriction wall 322 which extends laterally peripherally of the diversion wall 321 and extends upstream from a lid placement area 323 shared with the diversion wall 321, whereby the outer perimeter (or circumference) of the diversion wall 321 is at least equivalent to 80% of the inner perimeter (or circumference) of the flow restriction wall 322, preferably at least 85%.

[0139] The flow restriction wall 322 may extend upstream to form the upstream free edge of the lid portion 32, such that in the case where the partial container 3 is closed, the upstream free edge of the flow restriction wall 322 may extend at a level similar to the peripheral edge of the container portion 31 (preferably, higher than the peripheral edge of the container portion 31 by a tolerance).

[0140] According to another remarkable feature, the partial container 3 may include a lid portion 32 having an annular flow restriction wall 322 which extends laterally along the peripheral area of the diversion wall 321, and the lid portion 32 includes or supports at least one of the following, and preferably includes or supports all of the following:

[0141] - Lid connection means 6 (61, 62) which are arranged in a first peripheral area of the lid portion 32 and provide a rotary connection with the container portion 31;

[0142] - Lid holding means 324 which are arranged in a second peripheral area of the lid portion 32, and the second peripheral area is preferably opposite to the first peripheral area;

[0143] - Lid sealing portion 35 which extends along a downstream-oriented peripheral edge shared with the diversion wall 321.

[0144] This arrangement advantageously provides a simple integral construction of the partial container 3.

[0145] The applicant has tested several possible partial containers in different extraction devices 4 and thereby learned that removing the partial container from the extraction device 4 without restraint after terminating the injection of the pressurized flow related to beverage extraction poses a risk to the user, and thus there may be an uncontrolled hydraulic drive resulting in the opening of the partial container and an accidental spillage of hot water.

[0146] In this regard, according to another remarkable feature of the present invention, the partial container 3 includes a container part 31 and a lid part 32 having lid retaining means 314, 324, the lid retaining means being configured to provide a mechanically user-executable retention of the lid part 32 on the container part 31, wherein the lid retaining means 314, 324 are not arranged near the articulated connection of the container part 31 and the lid part 32.

[0147] This feature advantageously and reliably fixes the lid part 32 to the container part 31 by means of a simple mechanically user-executable arrangement, especially a hard-point type mechanical arrangement, etc. In addition, the said lid retaining means 314, 324 provide an effective actuating force for the container sealing means 34 and the lid sealing means 35.

[0148] Furthermore, the partial container 3 includes a container part 31 and a lid part 32 having lid retaining means 314, 324, the lid retaining means 314, 324 being configured to provide mechanical retention of the lid part 32 on the container part 31 by the user applying pressure to the peripheral part of the top region of the lid part 32, the pressure being sufficient to drive the lid retaining part 324 over the container retaining part 314.

[0149] Furthermore, the partial container 3 includes a container part 31 and a lid part 32 having lid retaining means 314, 324, the lid retaining means 314, 324 being configured to provide mechanical retention of the lid part 32 on the container part 31 even when the partial container 3 is not engaged by the flow supply part 42 of the brewing device, and preferably also requiring the user to apply pressure to release the retention of the lid part 32 from the container part 31.

[0150] Furthermore, the partial container 3 includes a container part 31 and a lid part 32 having lid retaining means 314, 324, the lid retaining means 314, 324 being configured to resist the upward acting hydraulic pressure accumulating in the defined space of the partial container 3 related to the flow injection, wherein the lid retaining means 314, 324 are preferably configured to be able to provide their retention and release by a similar gesture and pressure of the user, and preferably provide a tactile perception to the user.

[0151] In addition, the partial container 3 has lid retaining devices 314, 324 that are opposed to connection retaining devices 621, 622 associated with the connection device 6, in particular with the lid part 32 and the container part 31 of the connection device 6, thereby providing mutual mechanical retention of the lid part 32 of the partial container 3, whereby said retention is preferably configured to be actuated jointly.

[0152] In addition, the partial container 3 has lid retaining devices 314, 324 which are configured as local convexities on the inner surface of the container part 31 and which are operatively aligned with the flat exterior of the flow restricting wall 322 of the lid part 32, so that the lid part 32 can be held in the closed position, in which the lid sealing part 35 is pressed down onto the container sealing part 34.

[0153] Figures 15 to 18 Some preferred embodiments of the retaining device 7 in the partial container 3 according to the invention are shown.

[0154] In one preferred embodiment, the retaining device 7 can have a plurality of protrusions which are configured as ribs extending outwardly and circumferentially around the side wall of the container part 31. Alternatively, these rib-shaped protrusions can extend along successively arranged meridians along the external engagement surface of the container part 31 adjacent to its base wall 312. The wall thickness of each retaining rib can be less than the spacing between adjacent ribs. It is advantageous when these protrusions do not extend further outward than the widest vertical protrusion of the container part 31.

[0155] In a different embodiment, the retaining device 7 can be configured as spherical or frustoconical protrusions arranged in successive rows along the outer surface, so as to be engaged by press fit when the partial container 3 is inserted into the partial receiving part 41 of the extraction device 4.

[0156] Figure 19 A top view showing the lid part 32 having a plurality of flow channels 33 and the corresponding relationship with the lid connection device 6 is shown.

[0157] As mentioned above and depicted in the previous figures, the flow channels 33 are provided in different concentric regions of the diversion part 321 of the lid part 32, each of said concentric regions extending at a different inclination with respect to the main flow direction, such that the upstream flow can be directed downstream at different relative levels.

[0158] Advantageously, the flow channels 33 are provided in a regular matrix arrangement on the diversion part 321, including extending substantially transversely to the main flow direction in the central region and extending at a reduced angle, for example less than 30°, preferably less than 20°, with respect to the main flow direction in the peripheral region.

[0159] Figure 20 Shows a partial container 3 in the open position, where a single part 1 is located within the container part 31 of the partial container.

[0160] Figure 21 and Figure 22 Shows different side cross-sectional views of the partial container 3 in the open position and the closed position, where a single part 1 is located within the partial container.

[0161] According to a prominent feature, the single part 1 has a volume shape and dimensions similar to the volume shape and dimensions of the collection space provided by the container part 31 and the lid part 32.

[0162] This feature is beneficial for maximizing the utilization of the available volume within the partial container 3, especially for the edible substance containing the single part 1.

[0163] The single part 1 may have edge wall portions arranged at a relative level, so that the single part 1 can be placed on the support step provided as the container sealing part 34 of the container part 31 by utilizing the edge wall portions, where the container sealing part 34 is preferably provided with an elastically deformable material, whereby most but not all of the beverage precursor substances are provided in the downstream portion of the container sealing part 34.

[0164] The single part 1 may define an edible substance collection space having a volume shape and volume dimensions similar to the volume shape and dimensions of the collection space provided by the container part 31 and the lid part 32. Thus, a beverage flow distribution device 36 is provided on the bottom region of the container part 31, which is upstream of and in fluid communication with the beverage discharge outlet arranged on the base wall 312, so that the outer surface of the single part 1 is in direct contact with the guiding wall 321 of the lid part 32 on the upstream side and in direct contact with the beverage flow distribution device 36 arranged on the base wall 312 of the container part 31 on the downstream side.

[0165] The single part 1 may define an edible substance collection space having a volume shape and dimensions similar to the volume shape and dimensions of the collection space provided by the container part 31 and the lid part 32, so that its top region contacts the convex inner surface of the guiding wall 321 of the lid part 32, and thus the partial volume of the single part 1 occupied by the edible substance extends within the volume defined by the lid part 32 upstream of the container sealing part 35.

[0166] In this embodiment, the larger volume portion of the single part 1 extends downstream of the interface region between the container part 31 and the lid part 32, the smaller volume portion extends upstream, and its outer surface is near or in contact with the inner surfaces provided by the container part 31 and the lid part 32, and optionally also in contact with the flow distribution part 36 arranged on the base wall 312.

[0167] The single portion 1 can be configured such that, within the closed portion receptacle 3, in a non-flow state, it can be pressed downward by the convex inner surface of the flow guiding wall 321.

[0168] Figure 23 and Figure 24 represent two specific moments of a beverage preparation method according to the present invention.

[0169] Figures 25 to 28 represents a second embodiment of the portion receptacle 3, in which the flow guiding wall 321 has a flat configuration that is not recessed relative to the top wall of the single portion 1.

[0170] In this case, the single portion 1 has a lid portion and a container portion, where the lid portion includes a planar disk-shaped top wall that can be coplanarly joined to the edge region, so that all edible substances can be confined below the top wall and the corresponding edge region.

[0171] In this case, the flow distribution device 36 is provided as a circular plate (preferably of metal or synthetic material), having a plurality of adjacent flow discharge openings, and is adapted to be held, for example, by press fitting, on a portion of the inner orientation of the base wall of the portion receptacle 3 and in fluid communication with its flow outlet.

[0172] Lisbon, December 17, 2020.

Claims

1. A beverage preparation system, the beverage preparation system comprising: - A single part (1), the single part (1) comprising a confinement part (2) for collecting a beverage precursor; - A partial container (3), the partial container (3) comprising a container part (31) having a side wall (311) and a base wall (312) and a lid part (32) having a deflector wall (321), the deflector wall (321) having a flow channel (33), and the container part and the lid part jointly defining a collection space that extends at least downstream of a peripheral interface area between the container part (31) and the lid part (32); The container part (31) is adapted to be held within a partial receiving part (41) of an extraction device (4), the partial receiving part (41) being manually holdable and operable in a pulling manner to an operating position in which it engages with a flow supply part (42) of the extraction device (4); The lid part (32) is peripherally hinged to the container part (31) by means of a lid connection device (6) so as to be operable to a closed position in which the single part (1) is confined within the cavity space, and characterized in that the single part (1) has a volume shape and dimensions similar to the volume shape and dimensions of the collection space provided by the container part (31) and the lid part (32), such that an outer surface of the single part (1) contacts an inner surface provided by the container part (31) and the lid part (32), and optionally also contacts a flow distribution part (36) provided on the base wall (312), wherein the single part (1) has an edge wall part that is arranged at a relative level so that the single part (1) can be placed on a support step of the container part (31) that is adapted as a container sealing part (34) by means of the edge wall part.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein The single part (1) has a confinement part (2) surrounding an edible substance collection space, the volume shape and volume dimensions of the edible substance collection space being similar to the volume shape and dimensions of the collection space provided by the container part (31) and the lid part (32), wherein at least a downstream-oriented part of the confinement part (2) is preferably provided with a material permeable to flow and otherwise has no flow outlet device or is otherwise adapted to be breakable to provide a flow outlet, and The single part (1) has a confinement part (2) provided with a compostable material such as a cellulose-based material or the like.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The single part (1) has a restricting part (2) surrounding an edible substance collection space, the volume shape and volume size of the edible substance collection space being similar to the volume shape and size of the collection space provided by the container part (31) and the lid part (32), such that the top region of the single part (1) contacts the inner surface of the guiding wall (321) of the lid part (32), and wherein the part of the volume of the single part (1) occupied by the edible substance preferably extends within the volume defined by the lid part (32) upstream of the container sealing part (35).

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The single part (2) is configured such that, in the closed part container (3) and in a non-flow state, the top wall of the restricting wall (2) is pressed downward by the inner surface of the guiding wall (321).

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The single part (1) has a restricting part (2) which has: side walls extending in at least one of a frustoconical shape and a convex shape downstream of the edge wall part; and a top wall and a bottom wall extending in a planar shape transversely to the main flow direction at different distances relative to the edge wall part.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The single part (1) has a restricting part (2) having side walls in the form of a permeable material, the side walls extending downstream of the annular element at different inclinations and over different extents relative to the annular element, such that the upstream-facing surface or top wall of the single part (1) has a smaller area than its downstream-facing surface or base wall.

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The single part (1) has a restricting part (2) including an annular element providing a peripheral edge connecting two parts of the restricting part (2) having similar cross-sections and preferably having similar restricting materials, wherein the upstream-facing part of the restricting part extends upstream relative to the annular element to a lesser extent than the downstream-facing part of the restricting part extends downstream relative to the annular element.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The guiding wall (321) is configured such that the cavity space defined by the part container (3) extends to near its upstream free edge, while providing an upstream-facing free space extending peripherally relative to the guiding wall (321) at a distance downstream of the upstream free edge of the lid part (32).

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 8, characterized in that, The guiding wall (321) has a plurality of flow channels (33) arranged, for example, in a matrix pattern, the flow channels (33) extending in a direction similar to the main flow direction and provided at different parts of the shape of the guiding wall (321), the shape preferably being a downstream-facing convex shape.

10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The partial container (3) has a flow distribution device (36) located on the bottom region of the container part (31), the flow distribution device (36) being located upstream of and in communication with a beverage discharge opening arranged on the base wall (312), and being arranged such that the outer surface of the single portion (1) is in direct contact with the guide wall (321) of the lid part (32) on the upstream side and in direct contact with the beverage flow distribution device (36) arranged on the base wall (312) of the container part (31) on the downstream side, and The beverage flow distribution device (36), preferably provided as a disk-shaped single piece, is adapted to be held on the base wall (312) of the container part (31), preferably by means of a nut-groove peripheral engagement with the base wall (312) of the container part (31), wherein the beverage flow distribution device (36) preferably has a protrusion (361) which extends upstream from the base and is configured in a non-piercing and non-perforating shape, such as a sphere with a circular cross-sectional profile, and the flow distribution device (36) further has at least one, preferably a plurality of, flow channels (362) which are configured as holes located on the base of the flow distribution device (36).

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The container part (31) has a container sealing part (34) for providing a liquid seal of the partial container (3) in the closed position, the container sealing part (34) being configured as an inwardly extending peripheral step for providing an upstream-oriented support surface for the edge part of the single portion (1) and also a support surface for the downstream-oriented peripheral free edge of the lid part (32), such that a sealing engagement of the container sealing part (34) and the lid sealing part (35) is provided when the partial container (3) is closed, the downstream-oriented peripheral free edge being configured in particular as a lid sealing part (35), wherein the container sealing part (34) is preferably provided in an elastically deformable material.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The partial container (3) has a holding device (7), the configuration and material properties of which are different from those of the remaining side walls (311) of the container part (31), the holding device (7) being adapted such that the container part (31) can be held in the partial receiving part (41) by means of a press fit.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The system further includes a beverage preparation device (5), the beverage preparation device including the extraction device (4) and a pressurized flow device located upstream of the extraction device (4) so that pressurized fluid can flow through the extraction device (4), the partial container (3) and the single portion (1) located within the partial container (3) in a main flow direction. Lisbon, December 17, 2020

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