Beverage tablet and method for producing same

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to beverage tablets for forming a beverage. The beverage tablet may have a first portion and a second portion with different concentrations of at least one beverage ingredient. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet may be formed having an inner portion surrounded by an outer portion. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet may be formed with a stacked arrangement.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 429,962, filed on December 2, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to beverage tablets for forming beverages and methods of manufacturing such beverage tablets. Background art

[0004] Tablets of compacted beverage ingredients can be used to form beverages. In some arrangements, such beverage tablets are directly mixed with hot water to form a beverage. In some arrangements, water is allowed to percolate through the beverage tablet to form a beverage. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect, in some embodiments, a beverage tablet for forming a beverage can include an inner portion that includes a first ingredient that includes coffee. The inner portion can have a boundary. The beverage tablet can have an outer portion that surrounds at least a majority of the boundary of the inner portion. The outer portion can include a second ingredient that includes coffee. The degree of roasting of the first ingredient can be different from the degree of roasting of the second ingredient.

[0006] For example, in some embodiments, the outer portion of the beverage tablet can completely surround the boundary of the inner portion. In some embodiments, the degree of roasting of the first ingredient of the inner portion can be lighter than the degree of roasting of the second ingredient of the outer portion. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the inner portion can be different from the tensile strength of the outer portion. For example, the tensile strength of the inner portion can be higher than the tensile strength of the outer portion. In some embodiments, the first ingredient and the second ingredient can be co-compressed during the formation of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the outer portion of the beverage tablet can be configured to delaminate from the inner portion in response to a radial compressive force. In some embodiments, the inner portion of the beverage tablet can further include a binder, wherein the concentration of the binder in the inner portion is greater than the concentration of the binder in the outer portion. In some embodiments, the binder can include cellulose. In some embodiments, the outer portion of the beverage tablet can further include a filter aid, and the concentration of the filter aid in the outer portion can be greater than the concentration of the filter aid in the inner portion. In some embodiments, the filter aid can include cellulose. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet can further include a second inner portion having a boundary, wherein the outer portion of the beverage surrounds at least a majority of the boundary of the second inner portion, and the second inner portion is nested within the inner portion. In some embodiments, the second inner portion can be spaced apart from the inner portion. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet can include an outer wall having a shape of limited-order rotational symmetry. For example, the outer wall can be non-circular or oval. In some embodiments, the outer wall can have a circular shape.

[0007] According to another aspect, in some embodiments, a beverage tablet for forming a beverage can include a first portion made of one or more beverage ingredients and a second portion made of one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the concentration of the filter aid in the second portion is greater than the concentration of the filter aid in the first portion.

[0008] For example, in some embodiments, the first portion of the beverage tablet may include coffee. In some embodiments, the filter aid may include at least one of perlite, diatomaceous earth, and cellulose. In some embodiments, the first portion and / or the second portion may span at least a majority of the width of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the first portion of the beverage tablet may be adjacent to the second portion of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet may further include an interface between the first portion and the second portion. In some embodiments, the first portion may constitute an inner portion having a boundary, and the second portion may constitute an outer portion surrounding at least a majority of the boundary of the inner portion. In some embodiments, the outer portion may completely surround the boundary of the inner portion. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet may include a second inner portion having a boundary, wherein the outer portion of the beverage tablet surrounds at least a majority of the boundary of the second inner portion, and wherein the second inner portion is nested within the inner portion. In some embodiments, the second inner portion may be spaced apart from the inner portion. In some embodiments, the first portion of the beverage tablet may be disposed in a first layer, and the second portion may be disposed in a second layer. In some embodiments, the first layer may be stacked on the second layer. In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be co-compressed during the formation of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet may include an outer wall having a shape of limited order rotational symmetry. For example, the outer wall may be non-circular or oval. In some embodiments, the outer wall may have a circular shape.

[0009] According to another aspect, in some embodiments, a beverage tablet for forming a beverage may include a first portion made of one or more beverage ingredients and a second portion made of one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the concentration of the binder is higher in the first portion than in the second portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the binder may include at least one of cellulose, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, starch, sucrose, mannitol, liquid glucose, and zein. In some embodiments, the second portion of the beverage tablet may include coffee. In some embodiments, the first portion and / or the second portion may span at least a majority of the width of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the first portion may be adjacent to the second portion. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet may include an interface between the first portion and the second portion. In some embodiments, the first portion may constitute an inner portion having a boundary, and the second portion may constitute an outer portion surrounding at least a majority of the boundary of the inner portion. In some embodiments, the outer portion may completely surround the boundary of the inner portion. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet may include a second inner portion having a boundary, wherein the outer portion surrounds at least a majority of the boundary of the second inner portion, and wherein the second inner portion is nested within the inner portion. In some embodiments, the second inner portion may be spaced apart from the inner portion. In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be co-compressed during the formation of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the first portion may be configured to delaminate from the second portion in response to a radially compressive force. In some embodiments, the first portion may be disposed in a first layer, and the second portion may be disposed in a second layer. In some embodiments, the first layer may be stacked on the second layer. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet may include an outer wall having a shape of limited-order rotational symmetry. For example, the outer wall may be non-circular or oval. In some embodiments, the outer wall may have a circular shape.

[0011] According to another aspect, in some embodiments, a beverage tablet may be manufactured by a method that includes introducing a first beverage ingredient into a mold cavity, introducing a second beverage ingredient into the mold cavity, and then compressing the first beverage ingredient and the second beverage ingredient together within the mold cavity such that the first beverage ingredient and the second beverage ingredient are co-compressed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the step of compressing the first beverage ingredient and the second beverage ingredient together may cause an inner portion and an outer portion of the beverage tablet to form, wherein the inner portion includes the first beverage ingredient, the outer portion includes the second beverage ingredient, and wherein the outer portion surrounds at least a majority of the boundary of the inner portion. In some embodiments, the outer portion may completely surround the boundary of the inner portion. In some embodiments, the step of compressing the first beverage ingredient and the second beverage ingredient together may cause a first layer and a second layer of the beverage tablet to form, wherein the first layer includes the first beverage ingredient and the second layer includes the second beverage ingredient.

[0013] It should be understood that the above concepts, as well as additional concepts discussed below, can be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited to this aspect. Additionally, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments.

[0014] Other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1A is an embodiment of a beverage tablet having an inner portion and an outer portion;

[0016] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a perspective cross-sectional view of the beverage tablet;

[0017] Figure 2A is another embodiment of a beverage tablet having an inner portion and an outer portion;

[0018] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a perspective cross-sectional view of the beverage tablet;

[0019] Figure 3A is another embodiment of a beverage tablet having an outer portion and a plurality of inner portions;

[0020] Figure 3B is Figure 3A a perspective cross-sectional view of the beverage tablet;

[0021] Figure 4A is another embodiment of a beverage tablet having an outer portion and a plurality of inner portions;

[0022] Figure 4B is Figure 4A a perspective cross-sectional view of the beverage tablet;

[0023] Figure 5A is another embodiment of a beverage tablet having an outer portion and a plurality of inner portions;

[0024] Figure 5B is Figure 5A a perspective cross-sectional view of the beverage tablet;

[0025] Figure 6A is another embodiment of a beverage tablet having a layered structure including two layers;

[0026] Figure 6B is Figure 6A a perspective cross-sectional view of the beverage tablet;

[0027] Figure 7Ais another embodiment of a beverage tablet having a layered structure with three layers;

[0028] Figure 7B is Figure 7A a perspective cross-sectional view of the beverage tablet;

[0029] Figure 8A showing the beverage tablet before being subjected to the diameter compression force of the machine; and

[0030] Figure 8B showing Figure 8A the beverage tablet breaking into multiple pieces during diameter compression. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] It should be understood that aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings showing illustrative embodiments. The illustrative embodiments described herein are not necessarily intended to show all aspects of the present invention, but are used to describe some illustrative embodiments. Thus, the aspects of the present invention are not intended to be narrowly construed based on the illustrative embodiments. Additionally, it should be understood that the aspects of the present invention may be used alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the present invention.

[0032] It is well known to provide beverage materials into single-serve or small-batch individual consumable portions. Such consumables are typically provided in separate packages and used with associated beverage machines to form beverages.

[0033] These beverage machines and consumables can allow users to prepare small quantities of beverages, such as single-serve beverages. Multiple users can use the same machine to quickly prepare different beverages, such as separate servings of different beverage types or flavors, without wasting unconsumed beverages. Single-serve or small-batch beverage machines can receive separate packages of beverage materials that are to be mixed and brewed with liquid, such as ground coffee. Then, after beverage preparation is complete, these separate beverage material packages can be disposed of.

[0034] The inventors have recognized and realized improvements in beverage material packages, beverage machines, and methods of forming beverages. These improvements can reduce waste generated in beverage material packaging and / or beverage preparation. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, beverage materials can be dispensed for use within a beverage machine without the need for separate disposable packaging for each serving.

[0035] According to aspects discussed herein, beverage ingredient consumables can be provided in the form of beverage tablets. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredients of the beverage tablets have been compacted to form tablets. The beverage tablets can be capable of maintaining their own shape and thus may not require separate packaging to prevent the beverage materials from dispersing before being used to form a beverage.

[0036] A beverage tablet can be used to form a beverage such as tea, coffee, espresso, cocoa, or other beverages prepared from powders, dry concentrates, or dry beverage materials (such as appropriately prepared coffee beans, tea leaves, etc.). A beverage machine can use a base liquid such as water to form such a beverage, which can be combined with the beverage material under appropriate conditions to form a beverage.

[0037] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet can have a body and an outer wall, wherein the body and / or the outer wall are made of one or more beverage raw materials. Examples of beverage raw materials include but are not limited to: coffee (such as coffee grounds, soluble coffee), tea (such as tea leaves, dry herbal tea), powdered beverage concentrates, dried fruit extracts or powders, powdered or liquid concentrated broths or other soups, powdered or liquid pharmaceutical materials (such as nutraceuticals), milk powder or other creamers, sweeteners, thickeners, flavorings, binders, coatings, cellulose, husks, filter aids, extracts, plant husks, plant fibers, bagasse, additives, or any other type of food.

[0038] In some embodiments, one or more portions of the tablet can include a filter aid. The inventors have recognized that, in some embodiments, the filter aid in a compacted beverage tablet can serve as an initial filtration system, wherein the filter aid can filter out a portion of the unwanted materials. If a beverage machine is used to form a beverage from the beverage tablet, the filter aid can be used to reduce clogging in the beverage machine. In some embodiments, the filter aid in the beverage tablet can help extend the life of one or more components of the beverage machine, such as the beverage machine filter. Examples of filter aids include but are not limited to perlite, diatomaceous earth, kieselguhr, husks, and cellulose.

[0039] The inventors have also recognized that, in some embodiments, the filter aid can increase the porosity of the beverage tablet, which can improve the extraction efficiency of the beverage tablet during the brewing process. In some cases, the filter aid can reduce the need for pasteurization or preservation treatment of the beverage tablet before extended storage and can reduce the risk of spoilage.

[0040] In some embodiments, one or more portions of the tablet can contain a binder. Examples of binders include but are not limited to cellulose, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, cream, honey, starch, sucrose, mannitol, liquid glucose, and zein.

[0041] The inventors have recognized that traditional compacted coffee beverage tablets have low tensile strength and are prone to breakage, resulting in problems during storage and transportation. Although the inventors have recognized that, in some embodiments, the tablets may be intentionally broken during the beverage formation process, the inventors have recognized that it may be beneficial to avoid accidental breakage of the tablets during transportation and storage. For example, in some cases, broken beverage tablets may lose flavor and freshness over time.

[0042] According to one aspect, the inventors have recognized that positioning certain ingredients in specific regions of a tablet can provide beneficial results. For example, such positioning may affect the strength of the tablet, the breakage pattern of the tablet, the taste of the beverage formed from the tablet, the texture of the beverage made from the tablet, and / or the flavor profile of the beverage made from the tablet. It should be understood that these benefits are illustrative examples, and one or more of these effects may not necessarily apply to all cases.

[0043] The inventors have recognized that in some cases, compacted coffee tablets made from lightly roasted coffee may have a lower tensile strength. Although in some embodiments a low tensile strength may be desired, in other embodiments a low tensile strength may not be desired. The inventors have recognized that in some cases, compacted coffee with a darker roast may have a higher tensile strength compared to compacted coffee with a lighter roast. The inventors have found that placing lightly roasted coffee in a first portion of the tablet and darker roasted coffee in a second portion of the tablet can help increase the overall tensile strength of the tablet compared to a tablet made only from lightly roasted coffee. Thus, the increased tensile strength can prevent the beverage tablet from prematurely breaking, such as during the transportation or storage of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, adjusting the ratio of lightly roasted coffee to darker roasted coffee can be used to control the flavor profile of the beverage formed from the tablet. In some embodiments, the volume of lightly roasted coffee in the beverage tablet can be greater than that of the darker roasted coffee, which can allow the beverage tablet to retain the taste of the lightly roasted coffee while having a greater tensile strength than a tablet formed only from lightly roasted coffee. In some embodiments, the lightly roasted coffee is located in the inner portion of the tablet and the darker roasted coffee is located in the outer portion of the tablet, or vice versa.

[0044] In some embodiments, due to positioning certain ingredients in specific regions of the tablet, the concentration of at least one beverage ingredient in a first portion of the beverage tablet can be different from the concentration of that beverage ingredient in a second portion of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the concentration of the beverage ingredient in the first portion may be greater than the concentration in the second portion, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredient may be present only in the first portion and not in the second portion, or vice versa. For example, the first portion of the beverage tablet can have a different concentration of binder, filter aid, and / or type of coffee compared to the second portion of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the first portion of the beverage tablet includes coffee with a different degree of roast than the second portion of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the degree of roast of the coffee in the first portion can be darker than the degree of roast of the coffee in the second portion, or vice versa.

[0045] In an illustrative example, a beverage tablet can have a first part that forms an inner portion and a second part that forms an outer portion. In some embodiments, the concentration of the beverage ingredients in the outer portion may be greater than that in the inner portion, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredients may be present only in the inner portion and not in the outer portion, or vice versa. For example, the inner portion of the beverage tablet may have different concentrations of binder, filter aid, and / or coffee type compared to the outer portion of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the inner portion of the beverage tablet includes coffee with a roasting degree different from that of the outer portion of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the roasting degree of the coffee in the outer portion may be deeper than that of the coffee in the inner portion, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet can have multiple inner portions.

[0046] In another illustrative example, a beverage tablet can have a first part that forms a first layer and a second part that forms a second layer. In some embodiments, the concentration of the beverage ingredients in the first layer may be greater than that in the second layer, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredients may be present only in the first layer and not in the second layer, or vice versa. For example, the first layer of the beverage tablet may have different concentrations of binder, filter aid, and / or coffee type compared to the second layer of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the first layer of the beverage tablet includes coffee with a roasting degree different from that of the second layer of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the roasting degree of the coffee in the first layer may be deeper than that of the coffee in the second layer, or vice versa.

[0047] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet can have more than two layers. For example, in some embodiments, the beverage tablet can have two outer layers and an inner layer sandwiched between the two outer layers.

[0048] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet can be configured such that the first part of the tablet can have a different tensile strength from the second part of the tablet. In some embodiments, the concentration of the beverage ingredients in the outer layer may be greater than that in the inner layer, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredients may be present only in the outer layer and not in the inner layer, or vice versa. For example, the outer layer of the beverage tablet may have different concentrations of binder, filter aid, and / or coffee type compared to the inner layer of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the outer layer of the beverage tablet includes coffee with a roasting degree different from that of the inner layer of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the roasting degree of the coffee in the outer layer may be deeper than that of the coffee in the inner layer, or vice versa. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the beverage tablet can have more than three layers. In some embodiments, layers of similar beverage ingredients can be arranged alternately.

[0049] In some embodiments, a beverage tablet can have a first portion and a second portion, wherein the beverage ingredients in the first portion have a higher tensile strength than the beverage ingredients in the second portion. The resulting tablet can have a higher tensile strength than a tablet formed solely from beverage ingredients having a lower tensile strength. In some embodiments, the ingredients of the first portion and the second portion are compressed together to form the resulting tablet.

[0050] As an example, in some embodiments, a beverage tablet can have an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the beverage ingredients in the outer portion have a higher tensile strength than the beverage ingredients in the inner portion. Since the higher tensile strength ingredients encapsulate the lower tensile strength ingredients, the resulting tablet can have a higher tensile strength than a tablet formed solely from beverage ingredients having a lower tensile strength. In some embodiments, the ingredients of the inner portion and the outer portion are compressed together to form the resulting tablet. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet can have multiple inner portions.

[0051] As another example, in some embodiments, a beverage tablet can have a first layer and a second layer, wherein the beverage ingredients in the first layer have a higher tensile strength than the beverage ingredients in the second layer. The resulting tablet can have a higher tensile strength than a tablet formed solely from beverage ingredients having a lower tensile strength. In some embodiments, the ingredients of the first layer and the second layer are compressed together to form the resulting tablet.

[0052] In some embodiments, a beverage tablet can have more than two layers. For example, in some embodiments, a beverage tablet can have two outer layers sandwiching an inner layer. The beverage ingredients in the two outer layers can have a higher tensile strength than the beverage ingredients in the inner layer, or vice versa. The resulting tablet can have a higher tensile strength than a tablet formed solely from beverage ingredients having a lower tensile strength. In some embodiments, the ingredients of the inner layer and the outer layers are compressed together to form the resulting tablet. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet can have more than three layers. In some embodiments, layers of similar beverage ingredients can be arranged alternately.

[0053] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet is used with a beverage machine to form a beverage. The beverage tablet can be configured to be received in the beverage machine without packaging such that the beverage ingredients of the beverage tablet directly contact the beverage machine (e.g., a brewing chamber) during the brewing process (e.g., the beverage machine does not need to pierce or otherwise open a package to access the beverage ingredients).

[0054] In some embodiments, a wrapperless beverage consumable (e.g., a beverage tablet) can include a shell disposed along an outer surface at a periphery of the consumable, such as a coating. In some embodiments, the shell can confine beverage ingredients within the consumable. The beverage ingredients within the consumable can be loose, such as loose ground coffee, or compacted. The shell can be a food-grade binder, alginate, edible, soluble, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the shell can serve as a barrier to reduce the penetration of oxygen and / or moisture, thereby maintaining the freshness of the beverage ingredients. The materials of the wrapperless beverage consumable, including the shell of the consumable (if any), can directly contact some parts of the beverage machine, such as a brewing chamber, before brewing the beverage without intervening packaging therebetween.

[0055] The wrapperless beverage consumable (e.g., a beverage tablet) can be configured to break into pieces during brewing or can be configured to remain intact during brewing. The wrapperless beverage consumable can be configured to at least partially dissolve or completely dissolve. In some embodiments, the wrapperless beverage consumable can include roasted coffee grounds (e.g., left after forming a beverage), soluble coffee, soluble materials, binders, or other materials, and any combination of the foregoing materials. The wrapperless beverage consumable can be any suitable shape, such as a cylinder, sphere, ellipsoid, elliptical prism, teardrop shape, frustum of a cone, cone, or other shape.

[0056] The beverage tablet can be used to form a beverage, such as tea, coffee, espresso, cocoa, or other beverages prepared from powders, dry concentrates, or dry beverage materials (such as properly prepared coffee beans, tea leaves, etc.). The beverage machine can use a base liquid such as water to form such a beverage, and the base liquid can be combined with the beverage materials under appropriate conditions to form a beverage.

[0057] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet can have a body and an outer wall, wherein the body and / or the outer wall are made of one or more beverage ingredients. Examples of beverage ingredients include, but are not limited to: coffee (such as coffee grounds, soluble coffee), tea (such as tea leaves, dry herbal tea), powdered beverage concentrate, dried fruit extract or powder, powdered or liquid concentrated broth or other soups, powdered or liquid pharmaceutical materials (such as nutraceuticals), milk powder or other creamers, sweeteners, thickeners, flavorings, binders, coatings, cellulose, chaff, filter aids, extracts, plant hulls, plant fibers, bagasse, additives, or any other type of food. Examples of filter aids include, but are not limited to, perlite, diatomaceous earth, kieselguhr, chaff, and cellulose. Examples of binders include, but are not limited to, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, cream, honey, starch, sucrose, mannitol, liquid glucose, and zein.

[0058] In some embodiments, factors related to the interaction with the liquid, such as the method of introducing the liquid and the amount of time the liquid interacts with the beverage tablet, can be modified by the beverage machine according to the type of beverage being prepared and / or according to user preferences.

[0059] The inventors have recognized that it may be desirable to intentionally break the beverage tablet during the beverage formation process. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet can be structurally configured to break in a controlled manner. For example, the beverage tablet can be configured to break into a predetermined number of pieces and / or a predetermined shape. During the brewing process, the beverage tablet can be inserted into the beverage machine and the corresponding beverage method can be selected on the beverage machine. Depending on the brewing process, the beverage tablet can be broken into multiple pieces by the machine. However, in other embodiments, the brewing process can maintain the integrity of the beverage tablet.

[0060] The inventors have recognized that in some embodiments, different breaking events can result in beverages having different flavors and / or textures. The inventors have recognized that the breaking event can be influenced by the positioning of certain ingredients in specific regions of the tablet. Thus, the inventors have found that placing certain ingredients in specific regions of the tablet affects the flavor and / or texture of the beverage made from the tablet. In some embodiments, the breaking of the beverage tablet can result in different flavor profiles, depending on the number of pieces the beverage tablet breaks into and / or the location where the breaking of the beverage tablet occurs.

[0061] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet can have one or more voids. In some embodiments, such voids can be used for docking with the beverage machine. However, in other embodiments, the voids do not dock with the beverage machine or can have additional functions other than docking with the beverage machine.

[0062] In some embodiments, at least one void in the beverage tablet can be configured to dock with the beverage machine to provide breaking of the tablet. For example, the beverage machine can have one or more posts sized to fit within the void(s) of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the tablet can have only one void. The shape of the void can have limited rotational symmetry (e.g., non-circular), which facilitates providing traction between the post of the beverage machine and the void of the tablet.

[0063] In some embodiments, the void shape may include, but is not limited to: square, rectangle, ellipse, triangle, trapezoid, rhombus, crescent, oval, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, regular polygon, irregular polygon, serpentine (meandering), or any other suitable shape having finite rotational symmetry. In some embodiments, the void may be concave or convex, as the invention is not limited in this regard. In some embodiments, when the post docks with a void having finite rotational symmetry, the post may be actuated such that the tablet breaks. In some embodiments, at least one void may have one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any other suitable number of rotationally symmetric shapes. For example, a shape having second-order rotational symmetry means that the shape looks like its original orientation after two full 360-degree rotations. A shape having third-order rotational symmetry means that the shape looks like its original orientation after three full 360-degree rotations. A shape having first-order rotational symmetry means that the shape looks like its original orientation after only one full 360-degree rotation.

[0064] In some embodiments, the void may be a blind hole that only partially extends through, but does not completely penetrate, the body of the tablet. In other embodiments, the void may be a through-hole that completely extends through the tablet body.

[0065] Turning to the drawings, Figures 1A through 7B exemplary embodiments of various beverage tablets are shown. It should be understood that these illustrative embodiments are provided only as examples, and the inventive aspects herein are not limited to the specific features of these embodiments. Any of the above features may be suitably applied to any of the exemplary embodiments of the drawings. Additionally, any feature described in one illustrative embodiment may also be suitably applied to any other illustrative embodiment.

[0066] Figure 1A A perspective view of a beverage tablet 1 having an inner portion 3 and an outer portion 2 is shown, while Figure 1B a perspective cross-sectional view thereof is shown. Its outer portion 2 may surround at least a majority of the boundary 8 of the inner portion 3. In some embodiments, the outer portion 2 may completely surround the boundary 8 of the inner portion 3. Each of the inner portion 3 and the outer portion 2 may have a varying thickness. The thickness of the inner portion 3 and the thickness of the outer portion 2 may be different from each other.

[0067] As described above, in some embodiments, the concentration of at least one beverage ingredient in the inner portion 3 of the beverage tablet may be different from the concentration of that beverage ingredient in the outer portion 2. For example, the inner portion 3 of the beverage tablet may have a different concentration of binder, filter aid, and / or coffee type compared to the outer portion 2 of the tablet.

[0068] In some embodiments, the inner portion 3 includes coffee having a roasting degree different from that of the coffee in the outer portion 2 of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the roasting degree of the coffee in the outer portion may be deeper than that of the coffee in the inner portion, or vice versa.

[0069] In some embodiments, the binder is located only in the inner portion 3 of the tablet and not in the outer portion 2 of the tablet, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the binder may be mixed with coffee or any other suitable beverage ingredient.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the binder is provided at a weight ratio of 10% relative to the coffee, where the binder is in the inner portion and the coffee is in the outer portion. Other amounts are also contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, the binder may be provided in the beverage tablet at a weight percentage greater than 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20% or less than 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10% relative to the coffee. Ranges of these amounts are also contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, the binder may be provided in the inner portion of the beverage tablet at a weight percentage of 1 to 50%, 1 to 40%, 1 to 30%, 1 to 25%, 2 to 20%, 3 to 20%, 4 to 20%, 5 to 20%, 6 to 15%, 7 to 15%, or 8 to 15% relative to the coffee.

[0071] In some embodiments, the filter aid is located only in the outer portion 2 of the tablet and not in the inner portion 3 of the tablet, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the filter aid may be mixed with coffee or any other suitable beverage ingredient.

[0072] In Figure 1A and Figure 1B 's exemplary embodiment, the tablet has a circular outer wall 9. However, it should be understood that other shapes are possible.

[0073] In Figure 1A and Figure 1B 's exemplary embodiment, the boundary 8 of the inner portion 3 has a rectangular cross-section. However, it should be understood that other shapes are possible.

[0074] Figure 2A and Figure 2B show another embodiment of the beverage tablet 11, which has an inner portion 13 and an outer portion 12. As with Figure 1A and Figure 1BCompared with the beverage tablet, the beverage tablet 11 has an oval outer wall 19. In addition, the beverage tablet 11 has an inner part 13 with a cross-section of a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0075] The beverage tablet 11 further includes a void 15, which is a blind hole that only partially extends into the body of the tablet. The void 15 can be a meandering shape as shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B . However, it should be understood that in this and any other embodiment, voids of any size, shape, and number can be provided.

[0076] It should be understood that any description of the above beverage tablet features, including any description related to the beverage tablets of the Figure 1A and Figure 1B embodiments can also be applicable to the tablets of Figure 2A and Figure 2B .

[0077] In the Figures 1A through 2B embodiment, the beverage tablet has only a single inner part. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the beverage tablet can have multiple inner parts.

[0078] For example, in the alternative embodiments shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the beverage tablet 21 can have multiple inner parts: a first inner part 23a, a second inner part 23b, and a third inner part 23c, each inner part having a boundary 28a, 28b, 28c respectively. The tablet 21 can have an outer part 22 around each of the outer boundaries 28a, 28b, 28c of the inner parts 23a, 23b, 23c. The inner parts 23a, 23b, 23c of the tablet 21 are placed side by side and spaced apart from each other in the width direction W.

[0079] As another example, in the alternative embodiments shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the beverage tablet 31 can have multiple inner parts: a first inner part 33a and a second inner part 33b, each inner part having a boundary 38a and 38b respectively. The tablet 31 can have an outer part 32 around each of the boundaries 38a, 38b of the inner parts 33a, 33c. The inner parts 23a, 23b, 23c of the tablet 21 are placed side by side and spaced apart from each other in the height direction H.

[0080] It should be understood that any description of the above beverage tablet features, including any description related to the beverage tablets of any previous embodiment, can also be applicable to the tablets of Figure 3A and Figure 3B , as well as the tablets of Figure 4A and Figure 4B .

[0081] In some embodiments, a beverage tablet can have multiple internal portions, where one internal portion is nested within another internal portion. For example, as Figure 5A and Figure 5B shown in the exemplary embodiments of, the beverage tablet 41 can have an outer portion 42, a first internal portion 43 having a boundary 47, and a second internal portion 44 having a boundary 48. The first internal portion 43 can surround at least a majority of the boundary 48 of the second internal portion 44, and the outer portion 42 can surround at least a majority of the boundary 47 of the first internal portion 43.

[0082] It should be understood that any description of the above beverage tablet features, including any description related to the beverage tablets of any previous embodiments, can also be applicable to Figure 5A and Figure 5B the tablets.

[0083] As described above, in some embodiments, the first and second portions of the beverage tablet can be provided as the first and second layers in the beverage tablet. In Figure 6A and Figure 6B an exemplary embodiment shown, the beverage tablet 51 has a layered structure, where the first portion of the tablet forms the first layer 54, and the second portion of the tablet forms the second layer 55. The first and second portions can each span at least a majority of the width W of the beverage tablet. In Figure 6A and Figure 6B the embodiments, the first and second portions each span the entire width W of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, for example Figure 6A and Figure 6B the embodiments, the first and second portions are adjacent to each other such that there is an interface 58 between the first portion and the second portion. However, it should be understood that the layers do not need to be directly adjacent to each other - the layers can be separated from each other by other layers and / or other materials.

[0084] As described above, in some embodiments, the concentration of at least one beverage ingredient in the first layer 54 of the beverage tablet can be different from the concentration of the beverage ingredient in the second layer 55. For example, compared with the second portion 55 of the tablet, the first portion 54 of the beverage tablet can have different concentrations of binder, filter aid, and / or coffee type.

[0085] The layered beverage tablet can be of any shape, such as a cuboid, cube, cylinder, and / or sphere. The layers of the layered beverage tablet can be of any shape. Although the layers shown in the drawings are planar, it should be understood that in other embodiments, these layers do not need to be planar. For example, one layer of the beverage tablet can be curved upward at any point of the layer. The layers of the beverage tablet can also be of any thickness, and the layer itself can not be of uniform thickness. The beverage tablet can be designed such that at least a partial delamination process occurs at the interface between the layers during a breakage event.

[0086] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the beverage tablet may be embossed with a design. In other embodiments, the outer surface of the beverage tablet may be unmarked.

[0087] It should be understood that any description of the above beverage tablet features, including any description related to the beverage tablets of the previous embodiments, may also apply to Figure 6A and Figure 6B the tablets of. For example, the teachings related to the composition of the inner and outer portions of the previously discussed embodiments may also be applied to Figure 6A and Figure 6B the first and second layers in the embodiments of.

[0088] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Another illustrative embodiment is shown in and. Tablet 61 has three layers: a first layer 64, a second layer 65, and a third layer 66. Two layers 64, 66 may be used as outer layers sandwiching the second layer 65 therebetween, and the second layer may be used as the inner layer. The first, second, and third layers may each span at least a majority of the width W of the beverage tablet. In Figure 7A and Figure 7B the embodiments of, the first, second, and third layers each span the entire width W of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, such as Figure 7A and Figure 7B the embodiments of, the first and second layers are adjacent to each other such that there is an interface 68 between the first and second layers. The second and third layers may be adjacent to each other such that there is an interface 69 between the second and third layers. However, it should be understood that the layers need not be directly adjacent to each other - the layers may be separated from each other by other layers and / or other materials.

[0089] In some embodiments, the concentration of at least one beverage ingredient in the first layer 64 of the beverage tablet may be different from the concentration of the beverage ingredient in the second layer 65. For example, compared to the second layer 65 of the tablet, the first layer 64 of the beverage tablet may have a different concentration of binder, filter aid, and / or coffee type.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first layer 64 and the third layer 66 may be similar to each other, i.e., they may be made of beverage ingredients with similar concentrations, but they are different from the inner layer 65.

[0091] In some embodiments, the inner layer 65 includes coffee having a roasting degree different from that of the coffee in the outer layers 64, 66 of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the roasting degree of the coffee in the outer layer may be deeper than that of the coffee in the inner layer, or vice versa. In some embodiments, combining one or more layers of darker roasted coffee with one or more layers of lighter roasted coffee in a beverage tablet can increase the tensile strength of the tablet compared to tablets made only from lighter roasted coffee.

[0092] In some embodiments, the binder is located only in the inner layer 65 of the tablet and not in the outer layers 64, 66 of the tablet, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the binder can be mixed with coffee or any other suitable beverage ingredient.

[0093] In some embodiments, the filter aid is located only in the outer layers 64, 66 of the tablet and not in the inner layer 65 of the tablet, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the filter aid can be mixed with coffee or any other suitable beverage ingredient.

[0094] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet can include more than three layers.

[0095] It should be understood that any description of the above beverage tablet features, including any description related to the beverage tablets of the previous embodiments, can also apply to Figure 7A and Figure 7B the tablets. For example, the teachings related to the composition of the inner and outer parts of the previous discussed embodiments can also be applied to the layers in the embodiments of Figure 7A and Figure 7B the tablets.

[0096] As described above, in some embodiments, during the formation of the beverage tablet, the loose beverage ingredients from the first and second (or more) parts of the beverage tablet can be co-compressed with each other. In some embodiments, the loose beverage ingredients of each part can be introduced into the die cavity and compressed together in the die cavity such that the ingredients are co-compressed. (In other words, this is in contrast to compressing each part separately and then placing the already compressed parts together and compressing them). This co-compression process can be used to form a beverage tablet having an outer part and one or more inner parts as described above. This co-compression process can also be used to form a beverage tablet having a layered structure as described above.

[0097] However, in other embodiments, it should be understood that the parts can be compressed separately first and then placed together and compressed to form a beverage tablet.

[0098] As described above, the inventors have discovered that placing certain ingredients in specific regions of a beverage tablet can result in a unique tablet fragmentation pattern. Conventionally compacted tablets subjected to a radial compressive force typically break into two generally equal main fragments (very small particles, such as food debris, may not be considered main fragments). However, by positioning certain ingredients in specific regions of a beverage tablet, such as such that the concentration of the beverage ingredient in a first portion of the tablet is different from the concentration of the beverage ingredient in a second portion of the tablet, the tablet can be configured to break differently. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet can be configured such that during a fragmentation event, the first portion will delaminate from the second portion along the interface between the two portions. For example, during a fragmentation event, an outer portion may delaminate from an inner portion, which may cause the outer portion to flake off from the inner portion and break into multiple pieces.

[0099] Figure 8A and Figure 8B illustrates a beverage tablet according to aspects described herein being subjected to a radial compression, e.g., by a compression testing machine or a beverage machine. A force F is applied to the tablet 71 by the machine 80. In response to the applied force F, the tablet 71 breaks into a plurality of main pieces. In Figure 8B the exemplary embodiment shown, the tablet breaks into approximately 6 main pieces. However, in other embodiments, the tablet can break into any suitable number of main pieces, such as at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15 or any other suitable number of main pieces.

[0100] The embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in any suitable arrangement, as the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. Although the invention has been described in connection with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments or examples. Instead, those skilled in the art will understand that the teachings include various alternatives, modifications, or equivalents. Accordingly, the foregoing description is provided by way of example only.

Claims

1. A beverage tablet for forming a beverage, the tablet comprising: an inner portion that includes a first ingredient, the first ingredient including coffee, and the inner portion having a boundary; and an outer portion that surrounds at least a majority of the boundary of the inner portion, the outer portion including a second ingredient, the second ingredient including coffee, wherein the degree of roasting of the first ingredient is different from the degree of roasting of the second ingredient.

2. The beverage tablet according to claim 1, wherein The outer portion completely surrounds the boundary of the inner portion.

3. The beverage tablet according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that, The degree of roasting of the first ingredient is lighter than the degree of roasting of the second ingredient.

4. The beverage tablet according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that, The tensile strength of the inner portion is different from the tensile strength of the outer portion.

5. The beverage tablet according to claim 4, wherein The tensile strength of the inner portion is higher than the tensile strength of the outer portion.

6. The beverage tablet according to claim 1, wherein The first ingredient and the second ingredient are co-compressed during the formation of the beverage tablet.

7. The beverage tablet according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that, The outer portion is configured to delaminate from the inner portion in response to a radial compressive force.

8. The beverage tablet according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that, The inner portion further includes a binder, wherein the concentration of the binder in the inner portion is greater than the concentration of the binder in the outer portion.

9. The beverage tablet according to claim 8, wherein, The binder includes cellulose.

10. The beverage tablet according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that, The outer portion further includes a filter aid, wherein the concentration of the filter aid in the outer portion is greater than the concentration of the filter aid in the inner portion.

11. The beverage tablet according to claim 10, characterized in that, The filter aid includes cellulose.

12. The beverage tablet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beverage tablet further includes an outer wall having a shape of limited rotational symmetry.

13. The beverage tablet according to claim 12, characterized in that, The outer wall is non-circular.

14. The beverage tablet according to claim 12, wherein The outer wall is oval.

15. The beverage tablet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beverage tablet further includes an outer wall having a circular shape.

16. The beverage tablet according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes a second inner portion having a boundary, wherein the outer portion surrounds at least a majority of the boundary of the second inner portion, and wherein the second inner portion is nested within the inner portion.

17. The beverage tablet according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes a second inner portion having a boundary, wherein the outer portion surrounds at least a majority of the boundary of the second inner portion, and wherein the second inner portion is spaced apart from the inner portion.

18. A beverage tablet for forming a beverage, the tablet comprising: a first portion of the beverage tablet, the first portion being made of one or more beverage ingredients; and a second portion of the beverage tablet, the second portion being made of one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the concentration of the filter aid in the second portion is greater than the concentration of the filter aid in the first portion.

19. The beverage tablet according to claim 18, wherein, The second portion spans at least a majority of the width of the beverage tablet.

20. The beverage tablet according to claim 18, wherein, The first portion spans at least a majority of the width of the beverage tablet.

21. The beverage tablet according to claim 18, wherein The first portion is adjacent to the second portion and further includes an interface therebetween.

22. The beverage tablet according to claim 18, wherein The first portion constitutes an inner portion having a boundary, and the second portion constitutes an outer portion that surrounds at least a majority of the boundary of the inner portion.

23. The beverage tablet according to claim 22, characterized in that, The outer portion completely surrounds the boundary of the inner portion.

24. The beverage tablet according to claim 22, characterized in that, Further includes a second inner portion having a boundary, wherein the outer portion surrounds at least a majority of the boundary of the second inner portion, and wherein the second inner portion is nested within the inner portion.

25. The beverage tablet according to claim 22, wherein Further includes a second inner portion having a boundary, wherein the outer portion surrounds at least a majority of the boundary of the second inner portion, and wherein the second inner portion is spaced apart from the inner portion.

26. The beverage tablet according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first part is arranged in the first layer, and the second part is arranged in the second layer.

27. The beverage tablet according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first layer is stacked on the second layer.

28. The beverage tablet according to any one of claims 18 to 27, characterized in that, The first part and the second part are co-compressed during the formation of the beverage tablet.

29. The beverage tablet according to any one of claims 18 to 28, characterized in that, The beverage tablet further includes an outer wall having a shape of limited rotational symmetry.

30. The beverage tablet according to claim 29, characterized in that, The outer wall is non-circular.

31. The beverage tablet according to claim 29, wherein The outer wall is oval.

32. The beverage tablet according to claim 18, wherein The beverage tablet further includes an outer wall having a circular shape.

33. The beverage tablet according to any one of claims 18 to 32, characterized in that, The filter aid includes at least one of perlite, diatomaceous earth, kieselguhr, and cellulose.

34. The beverage tablet according to any one of claims 18 to 33, characterized in that, The first part includes coffee.

35. A beverage tablet for forming a beverage, the tablet comprising: A first part of the beverage tablet, the first part being made of one or more beverage ingredients; And A second part of the beverage tablet, the second part being made of one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the concentration of the binder in the first part is greater than that in the second part.

36. The beverage tablet according to claim 35, characterized in that, The second part spans at least most of the width of the beverage tablet.

37. The beverage tablet according to claim 35, wherein The first part spans at least most of the width of the beverage tablet.

38. The beverage tablet according to claim 35, wherein The first part is adjacent to the second part and further includes an interface between the first part and the second part.

39. The beverage tablet according to claim 35, characterized in that, The first part constitutes an inner part having a boundary, and the second part constitutes an outer part surrounding at least most of the boundary of the inner part.

40. The beverage tablet according to claim 39, wherein, The outer part completely surrounds the boundary of the inner part.

41. The beverage tablet according to claim 39, characterized in that, It further includes a second inner part having a boundary, wherein the outer part surrounds at least most of the boundary of the second inner part, and wherein the second inner part is nested within the inner part.

42. The beverage tablet according to claim 39, wherein It further includes a second inner part having a boundary, wherein the outer part surrounds at least most of the boundary of the second inner part, and wherein the second inner part is spaced apart from the inner part.

43. The beverage tablet according to any one of claims 35 to 40, characterized in that, The first part and the second part are co-compressed during the formation of the beverage tablet.

44. The beverage tablet according to any one of claims 35 to 43, characterized in that, The first part is configured to delaminate from the second part in response to a radial compressive force.

45. The beverage tablet according to claim 35, characterized in that, The first part is arranged in the first layer, and the second part is arranged in the second layer.

46. The beverage tablet according to claim 45, wherein The first layer is stacked on the second layer.

47. The beverage tablet according to any one of claims 35 to 46, characterized in that, The beverage tablet further includes an outer wall having a shape of limited rotational symmetry.

48. The beverage tablet according to claim 47, wherein The outer wall is non-circular.

49. The beverage tablet according to claim 47, characterized in that, The outer wall is oval.

50. The beverage tablet according to claim 35, characterized in that, The beverage tablet further includes an outer wall having a circular shape.

51. The beverage tablet according to any one of claims 35 to 50, characterized in that, The binder includes at least one of cellulose, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, starch, sucrose, mannitol, liquid glucose, and zein.

52. The beverage tablet according to any one of claims 35 to 51, characterized in that, The second part includes coffee.

53. A method of manufacturing a beverage tablet, comprising: Introducing a first beverage ingredient into a mold cavity; Introducing a second beverage ingredient into the mold cavity; Compressing the first beverage ingredient and the second beverage ingredient together in the mold cavity such that the first beverage ingredient and the second beverage ingredient are co-compressed.

54. The method according to claim 53, wherein The step of compressing the first beverage ingredient and the second beverage ingredient together causes an inner portion and an outer portion of the beverage tablet to be formed, wherein the inner portion includes the first beverage ingredient, the outer portion includes the second beverage ingredient, and wherein the outer portion surrounds at least a majority of the boundary of the inner portion.

55. The method according to claim 54, wherein The outer portion completely surrounds the boundary of the inner portion.

56. The method according to claim 53, wherein The step of compressing the first beverage ingredient and the second beverage ingredient together causes a first layer and a second layer of the beverage tablet to be formed, wherein the first layer includes the first beverage ingredient and the second layer includes the second beverage ingredient.

Images