Beverage tablet and beverage machine

Abstract

Aspects disclosed herein relate to beverage tablets and beverage machines for forming beverages. The beverage raw material may have been compressed into a tablet form to form a beverage tablet. The beverage tablet may include at least one void that may interface with at least one post of the beverage machine. At least one column of the beverage machine may be configured to interact with a beverage tablet to crush the beverage tablet. The beverage machine may be configured to form a beverage from a beverage tablet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 429,970, filed December 2, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The disclosed embodiments relate to beverage tablets for forming beverages, and beverage machines for forming beverages using the beverage tablets. Background Art

[0003] The tablet of the beverage raw material of compacting can be used for forming beverage.In some arrangements, this beverage tablet directly mixes with hot water to form beverage.In some arrangements, allow water to seep through beverage tablet to form beverage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a beverage tablet for forming a beverage is provided. In some embodiments, the tablet may include a body made from one or more beverage ingredients, an outer wall, and at least one void extending into the body. The at least one void may have a shape with a finite order of rotational symmetry.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a beverage tablet for forming a beverage is provided. In some embodiments, the tablet may include a body made of one or more beverage raw materials, an outer wall, and a plurality of voids extending into the body.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a beverage machine for forming a beverage is provided. The beverage machine may include a brewing chamber having a receptacle configured to receive a beverage tablet within at least one void in the tablet. The beverage machine may include at least one post configured to be received within the at least one void in the tablet. The at least one post may be configured to break the tablet into a plurality of pieces by movement of the at least one post relative to the brewing chamber.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a beverage forming device is provided. The device may include a beverage machine. The device may also include a beverage tablet for forming a beverage. The beverage tablet may include a body and an outer wall, wherein the body is made of one or more beverage ingredients, and wherein the beverage tablet further includes at least one void extending into the body. The at least one void in the beverage tablet may be configured to facilitate the beverage machine to break the beverage tablet into a plurality of pieces.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a beverage machine for forming a beverage is provided. The beverage machine may include a chamber having a chamber receptacle configured to receive a beverage tablet having at least one void. The beverage machine may also include at least one post positioned within the chamber receptacle and configured to be received within the at least one void of the tablet. The at least one post may be configured to support the beverage tablet when the beverage machine applies a compressive force to the beverage tablet to break the beverage tablet into a plurality of pieces.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a beverage from a beverage tablet is provided. The method may include receiving the beverage tablet in a chamber of a beverage machine, applying a compressive force to the beverage tablet to break the tablet into multiple pieces, and introducing a beverage precursor liquid to form the beverage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Non-limiting embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure, nor is every component of every embodiment of the invention shown where illustration is not necessary to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention. In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a beverage tablet;

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage tablet;

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage tablet;

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage tablet;

[0015] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a beverage machine;

[0016] Figure 6A Is to keep the drink tablet Figure 5 A three-dimensional diagram of a beverage machine;

[0017] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A perspective view of a beverage machine showing a beverage tablet after a breakage event;

[0018] Figure 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a beverage machine holding beverage tablets, wherein the beverage tablets are shown in phantom;

[0019] Figure 7B yes Figure 7AA side view of a beverage machine and beverage tablets, wherein the brewing chamber receptacle is shown in cross section and the beverage tablets are shown in phantom;

[0020] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage machine for holding beverage tablets;

[0021] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of various components of a beverage machine in an illustrative embodiment;

[0022] Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage machine and a beverage tablet, showing that the brewing chamber receptacle includes a plurality of ribs;

[0023] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A top view of a beverage machine and beverage tablets;

[0024] Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view of a beverage machine and a beverage tablet, showing a brewing chamber receptacle including a post;

[0025] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A A top view of a beverage machine;

[0026] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage machine showing a brewing chamber receptacle including a post and a plurality of fins;

[0027] Figure 13A is a perspective view of a fracture post of a beverage machine according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 13B is a perspective view of a fracture post of a beverage machine according to another embodiment;

[0029] Figure 13C is a perspective view of a fracture post of a beverage machine according to another embodiment;

[0030] Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a beverage machine according to one embodiment, showing a crushing column and beverage tablets;

[0031] Figure 14B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a beverage machine according to another embodiment, showing a crushing column and beverage tablets;

[0032] Figure 15A is a top view of a chamber of a beverage machine including a plurality of support ridges according to one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 15B yes Figure 15A A three-dimensional view of the chamber;

[0034] Figure 15C yes Figure 15A An enlarged view of the supporting convex edge;

[0035] Figure 15D is an enlarged view of a supporting flange according to another embodiment;

[0036] Figure 16 is a bottom view of a beverage tablet according to one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 17A is a schematic diagram of a portion of a beverage machine according to one embodiment, showing a crushing column and beverage tablets;

[0038] Figure 17B is a schematic diagram of a portion of a beverage machine according to another embodiment, showing a crushing column and beverage tablets;

[0039] Figure 18A is a schematic diagram of a portion of a beverage machine according to another embodiment showing a crushing column and beverage tablets; and

[0040] Figure 18B is a schematic diagram of a portion of a beverage machine according to another embodiment, showing a crushing column and beverage tablets. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] It should be understood that the aspects of the invention disclosed herein are not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the concepts disclosed herein may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the disclosure is not limited in this respect. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0042] It is well known to package beverage consumables in single-serving packages. Such consumables are typically provided in individual packages and used in conjunction with an associated beverage machine to form a beverage.

[0043] These beverage machines and beverage consumables allow users to prepare small quantities of beverages, such as single servings. Multiple users can use the same machine to quickly prepare different beverages, such as individual servings of different beverage types or flavors, without wasting unconsumed beverages. Single-serve or small-batch beverage machines can receive individual consumables of beverage material, such as ground coffee, to be mixed with a liquid and brewed. These individual beverage material packages can then be disposed of after beverage preparation is complete.

[0044] The inventors have recognized and appreciated improvements in beverage material packaging, beverage machines, and methods of forming beverages. These improvements can reduce waste generated during beverage material packaging and / or beverage preparation. According to embodiments disclosed herein, beverage material can be portioned for use within a beverage machine without requiring individual disposable packaging for each portion.

[0045] According to the various aspects discussed herein, beverage raw material consumables can be provided in the form of beverage tablets. In certain embodiments, the beverage raw material of beverage tablets has been compacted to form tablets. Beverage tablets can be able to maintain their own shape, and therefore can not need to be individually packaged to prevent beverage material from dispersing before being used to form beverages. Beverage tablets can be configured to be received in beverage machine when not packaged, so that the beverage raw material of beverage tablets directly contacts beverage machine (for example, chamber, such as brewing chamber and / or crushing chamber) during brewing (for example, without needing beverage machine to pierce or otherwise open packaging to obtain beverage raw material).

[0046] In certain embodiments, unpackaged beverage consumables (for example, beverage tablets) can comprise the shell that the outer surface at the periphery of consumables is provided with, such as coating.In certain embodiments, shell can be constrained by beverage raw material in the inside of consumables.The beverage raw material in the consumables may be loose, such as loose ground coffee, or compacted.The shell can be food grade binding agent, alginate, edible, soluble or any other suitable material.In certain embodiments, shell can be used as barrier, to reduce the infiltration of oxygen and / or moisture, thereby keeps the freshness of beverage raw material.The material of unpackaged beverage consumables, comprise the shell (if any) of consumables, can directly contact some parts of beverage machine before brewing beverage, such as brewing chamber, without the need to intervene packaging therebetween.

[0047] The unpackaged beverage consumables (e.g., beverage tablets) can be configured to be broken into pieces during brewing, or can be configured to maintain integrity during brewing. The unpackaged beverage consumables can be configured to at least partially dissolve or dissolve completely. In certain embodiments, the unpackaged beverage consumables can include roasted coffee grinds (e.g., left after forming the beverage), soluble coffee, soluble materials, binding agents or other materials, and any combination of the above materials. The unpackaged beverage consumables can be any suitable shape, such as cylinder, sphere, ellipsoid, elliptical prism, teardrop, the frustum of a cone, cone or other shapes.

[0048] Beverage tablets may be used to form beverages such as tea, coffee, espresso, cocoa, or other beverages prepared from powders, dry concentrates, or dry beverage materials such as suitably prepared coffee beans, tea leaves, and the like.

[0049] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet may have a body and an outer wall, wherein the body and / or outer wall are made of one or more beverage raw materials. Examples of beverage raw materials include, but are not limited to, coffee (e.g., coffee grounds, soluble coffee), tea (e.g., tea leaves, dried herbal teas), powdered beverage concentrates, dried fruit extracts or powders, powdered or liquid concentrated broths or other soups, powdered or liquid pharmaceutical materials (e.g., nutritional supplements), 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. Examples of filter aids include, but are not limited to, perlite, diatomaceous earth, diatomaceous earth, husks, and cellulose. Examples of binders include, but are not limited to, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, cream, honey, starch, sucrose, mannitol, liquid glucose, and zein.

[0050] The inventors have recognized that in some embodiments, breaking the beverage tablet into multiple pieces can help to efficiently extract, brew and dispense the beverage product. The inventors have also recognized that the presence of at least one void in the beverage tablet can be used to provide an engagement point with the beverage machine interface to help tablet breakage.

[0051] In some embodiments, compressing the coffee ingredients into a compacted tablet form may disrupt the cell matrix after compaction. The inventors have discovered that, in some embodiments, disruption of the cell matrix may help improve extraction yield.

[0052] In view of the above, in some embodiments, the inventors have discovered that it may be beneficial to break the beverage tablet into multiple pieces to allow for increased diffusion of water through the beverage material of the tablet. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet may be divided into 4, 8, 12, or 24 pieces. While these specified amounts of tablet pieces are disclosed, the beverage tablet may be broken into any suitable number of pieces to provide different beverage product extraction rates, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0053] The inventors also recognized that the extraction rate can be varied to provide a different beverage experience for the end user. For example, a desired coffee "strength" can be achieved by breaking the tablet into more or less pieces during the beverage formation process. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet can be divided into a specified number of pieces to provide a beverage product with a desired set of sensory attributes, such as espresso, drip coffee, latte, cappuccino, or other suitable beverage types. Such a beverage tablet can include a single ingredient or multiple ingredients to provide different beverage results after the beverage is formed.

[0054] The inventors have also found that breaking the beverage tablet into multiple pieces can help speed up the beverage forming process, thereby forming a beverage in a shorter time. In some embodiments, the beverage can be formed in 5 minutes or less, 4 minutes or less, 3 minutes or less, 2 minutes or less, 90 seconds or less, 60 seconds or less, or any other suitable beverage forming time.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the inventors have recognised that providing a beverage tablet with at least one void having a finite order of rotational symmetry may be advantageous in providing an abutment point for tablet breaking.For example, the void may be non-circular.

[0056] In some embodiments, at least one gap in the beverage tablet can be configured to dock with the beverage machine to provide the crushing of the tablet. For example, the beverage machine can have one or more posts sized to be suitable for being accommodated in the (one or more) gaps of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the tablet can have only one gap. The shape of the gap can have limited rotational symmetry (e.g., non-circular), which is conducive to providing traction between the gap of the post of the beverage machine and the tablet.

[0057] In some embodiments, the shape of the void can include, but is not limited to, a square, rectangle, ellipse, triangle, trapezoid, rhombus, crescent, ellipse, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, regular polygon, irregular polygon, serpentine (tortuous shape), or any other suitable shape with limited rotational symmetry. In some embodiments, the void can be concave or convex, as the present invention is not limited in this respect. In some embodiments, when the post docks with a void with limited order rotational symmetry, the post can actuate so that the tablet breaks. In some embodiments, at least one void can have one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or any other suitable number of rotationally symmetrical shapes. For example, a shape with second-order rotational symmetry means that the shape looks like its original orientation after a complete 360-degree rotation twice. A shape with third-order rotational symmetry means that the shape looks like its original orientation after a complete 360-degree rotation three times. A shape with first-order rotational symmetry means that the shape looks like its original orientation after a complete 360-degree rotation only once.

[0058] In some embodiments where only a single void is used, a shape that provides the single void with a non-finite order of rotational symmetry (e.g., a non-circular shape) can allow the post to avoid free rotation within the void when rotated to break the tablet. However, it should be understood that in all embodiments, the void of the tablet need not be non-circular.

[0059] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the tablet can have a shape with limited rotational symmetry (e.g., non-circular). In some embodiments, the outer wall shape can include, but is not limited to, a square, rectangle, oval, triangle, trapezoid, rhombus, crescent, ellipse, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, regular polygon, irregular polygon, serpentine (tortuous), or any other suitable shape with limited rotational symmetry. However, in other embodiments, the outer wall of the tablet can have a circular shape.

[0060] Figure 1 The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a beverage tablet 100 in which a beverage raw material 105 has been compacted into a tablet form. The tablet 100 has a body 103 and an outer wall 102. The body 103 and / or the outer wall 102 may be made of the beverage raw material. The tablet 100 also includes a void 101. Figure 1 As shown, the void may be symmetrical in shape, such as oval.

[0061] Figure 2 The exemplary embodiment of the present invention shows an embodiment of a beverage tablet 100 in which a beverage raw material 115 has been compacted into a tablet form. The tablet 110 has a body 113 and an outer wall 112. The body 113 and / or the outer wall 112 can be made of the beverage raw material. The tablet 110 also includes a void 111 having a serpentine shape. Figure 1 compared to, Figure 2 An asymmetrically shaped void is shown.

[0062] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Both exemplary embodiments of φ show voids with finite-order rotational symmetry. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The gaps in the structure all have second-order rotational symmetry.

[0063] In some embodiments, the void can be configured to interface with a post of a beverage machine to provide for tablet breakage. In some embodiments, the void can be a through hole extending completely through the tablet body, such as Figure 1 However, in other embodiments, the void may be a blind hole that extends partially through, but not completely through, the tablet body. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Only one void is shown, but in other embodiments, the beverage tablet may have multiple voids, as the invention is not limited in this respect.

[0064] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the tablet may have a shape having a finite order of rotational symmetry, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the outer wall of the tablet may further include a embossed logo or design.

[0065] Figure 3 The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a beverage tablet 120 in which the beverage raw material 105 has been compressed into a tablet form. The tablet 120 has a body 123 and an outer wall 122 . Figure 3 The outer wall of the embodiment of the present invention is rectangular. The body 123 and / or the outer wall 122 can be made of beverage raw materials. The tablet 120 also includes a gap 121.

[0066] According to another aspect of the present invention, beverage tablet can have a plurality of spaces.In certain embodiments, a plurality of spaces can provide a plurality of junctions with beverage machine.The junction can be used for the crushing of tablet, or for any other suitable purpose.

[0067] In certain embodiments, a plurality of voids in the beverage tablet can be configured to dock with a plurality of posts of a beverage machine. For example, such posts can be used to provide the breaking of tablets, but other suitable uses may also be employed.

[0068] In some embodiments, the presence of multiple posts can be used to provide multiple points of engagement between the tablet and the beverage machine. In some embodiments, multiple gaps can be used to anchor the tablet to the post of the beverage machine during a crushing event, thereby promoting the crushing of the tablet when the post is actuated. In some embodiments, the number of gaps on the post of the beverage machine and the beverage tablet can be equal. However, in other embodiments, there can be different numbers of posts and gaps.

[0069] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of voids may have a shape with a limited degree of rotational symmetry (e.g., non-circular), which may facilitate providing traction between the post of the beverage machine and the void of the tablet. In this configuration, when the post abuts the void, the post may be actuated, causing the tablet to break. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of voids may have a first-order rotational symmetry.

[0070] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the tablet may also have a finite order rotational symmetry (e.g., non-circular), or may have a non-finite order rotational asymmetry (e.g., circular). The outer wall of the tablet may also include embossed and / or debossed logos or designs.

[0071] In some embodiments, multiple voids can allow for localized breakage events within the beverage tablet structure. This can be due to selectively positioning the posts within certain voids within the tablet, thereby concentrating the breakage within the areas of the tablet where the posts and voids meet. This can provide a variety of beverage outcomes for the end user. For example, when using a compacted coffee tablet, localized breakage of the tablet structure may affect the strength, flavor, or other characteristics of the resulting coffee beverage. Additionally, the tablet can include a variety of beverage ingredients, wherein portions of the tablet can be broken to create a specific beverage type.

[0072] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a beverage tablet 130 is shown, in which its beverage raw material 105 has been compacted into a tablet form. The beverage tablet 130 has a plurality of voids 131. The tablet has a main body 132 and an outer wall 133, wherein the main body and / or the outer wall can be made of beverage raw material. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of voids can be symmetrical. However, in other embodiments, at least one of the plurality of voids can be asymmetrical. A plurality of voids can be distributed in the tablet in any suitable manner, because the present invention is not limited in this respect. In addition, in some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of voids can be a through hole that extends completely through the tablet body. In other embodiments, at least one of the plurality of voids can be a blind hole that only partially extends through the tablet body.

[0073] In view of the above, the inventors have recognized that by providing variations in void shape, void depth, and number of voids for a given tablet, a certain breaking configuration can occur within the tablet following a breaking event. These possible variations in the tablet's breaking configuration may result in certain sensory attributes of the beverage following the beverage formation process. These sensory attributes may include, but are not limited to, variations in smell, taste, and appearance. In some embodiments, the breaking event can provide consistent and predictable breaking of the tablet by actuating a column containing the tablet's voids, thereby providing consistent beverage results. For example, when using a compacted coffee tablet, the continuous breaking of the tablet can provide similar liquid distribution throughout the tablet during the brewing process, thereby providing controllable beverage characteristics for the end user.

[0074] Some additional aspects of the disclosure described herein relate to the use of a beverage machine for forming a beverage from a beverage tablet. The inventors have recognized that in some embodiments, the beverage machine can be configured to break the beverage tablet into multiple pieces to more efficiently extract the tablet during the beverage formation process.

[0075] According to another aspect of the present invention, the inventors have recognized that a beverage machine having a brewing chamber can include at least one post configured to be received in at least one void in a beverage tablet to break the tablet into a plurality of pieces. The beverage machine can provide tablet breaking by moving the at least one post within the brewing chamber relative to a wall of the brewing chamber.

[0076] In some embodiments, the inventors have discovered that by applying a specified number of rotations and / or translations of the column to the tablet gap, the number of tablet pieces that are broken can be selectively controlled. The inventors have realized that by controlling the number of tablet pieces produced during the breaking process, beverages of various types and characteristics can be produced. Characteristics that may vary between beverages include, but are not limited to, the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS), the amount of turbidity, the presence and / or absence of crema (coffee fat), or other characteristics, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0077] The inventors also recognize that, in some embodiments, certain beverage ingredients can be placed within the tablet, and by selectively rotating and / or translating a sufficient amount of the posts into the interstices of the tablet, the tablet is broken to expose certain beverage ingredients, which can be accessed for forming a beverage. For example, if a given beverage tablet includes coffee and an ingredient for forming crema, the posts can provide sufficient breaking to expose both ingredients for forming a beverage. However, in other embodiments, the inventors also recognize that certain beverage ingredients in the tablet may not be necessary for forming a particular beverage, and therefore, breaking the portion containing these ingredients may not be desirable. In this configuration, the posts can be selectively actuated to provide breaking of only certain sections of the tablet. For example, if a user wants to make a beverage without crema, but a given tablet contains both compacted coffee and an ingredient for forming crema, the posts can selectively break each section in a manner that releases only the coffee without exposing the ingredient for forming crema.

[0078] In some embodiments, the beverage machine may include a brewing chamber configured to receive a beverage tablet. The brewing chamber may have a tablet receiving receptacle. The brewing chamber receptacle may have a defined internal volume and may include walls. The brewing chamber may be of any suitable shape, size, or other features for receiving a corresponding beverage tablet disclosed herein. The brewing chamber receptacle may also include an open end and a base.

[0079] In some embodiments, the brewing chamber may include at least one post configured to receive at least one void of a beverage tablet. In this configuration, at least one post may be activated to break the tablet into a plurality of pieces.

[0080] In some embodiments, the brewing chamber may include a brewing chamber cover. The cover can be moved between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the brewing chamber cover can enclose the beverage tablet within the brewing chamber. The brewing chamber cover can be configured to dock with the open end of the brewing chamber receptacle during the beverage formation process. The brewing chamber cover can also include at least one post configured to receive at least one void for the beverage tablet. In this configuration, the at least one post can be actuated to break the tablet into a plurality of pieces.

[0081] In some embodiments, the brewing chamber receptacle and the brewing chamber cover may each include at least one post configured to receive at least one void of a beverage tablet. However, in other embodiments, only one of the brewing chamber receptacle or the brewing chamber cover may include at least one post configured to receive at least one void of a beverage tablet.

[0082] Figure 5The exemplary embodiment of the embodiment shows an embodiment of a beverage machine 200 having a brewing chamber 201 having a brewing chamber receptacle 209 and a brewing chamber cover 206. The brewing chamber may include an open end 204, a wall 205 and a lower post 202, and the lower post 202 may be disposed within the interior volume of the brewing chamber, on the brewing chamber receptacle 209. The brewing chamber cover may also include an upper post 203. The lower post 202 and the upper post 203 may be configured to rotate and / or translate to provide for the crushing of beverage tablets. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the posts can rotate in the same direction, with both the lower post 202 and the upper post 203 rotating counterclockwise. In this configuration, the posts can be used to crush a tablet against the wall 205 of the brewing chamber into a plurality of pieces. In other embodiments, the posts can all rotate in a clockwise direction, or can each rotate in opposite directions relative to each other. In some embodiments, one or more posts can translate as an alternative to or in addition to rotation.

[0083] In some embodiments, at least one mechanism can be used to actuate the post, including but not limited to a motor. In some embodiments, the post can be actuated by the mechanism to rotate relative to the wall of the brewing chamber. By rotating at least one post that interfaces with at least one gap in the beverage tablet, the tablet can be separated into a plurality of pieces.

[0084] In some embodiments, the tablet may be crushed against the walls of the brewing chamber as the post rotates the tablet. For example, if only one post is housed in the brewing chamber and the post abuts a single void in the tablet, the post may cause the tablet to rotate against the walls of the brewing chamber, thereby crushing the tablet into multiple pieces.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, as the columns rotate, they can apply shear forces to the tablet to break it up. For example, in a configuration where a first column is received by the brewing chamber and a second column is received by the brewing chamber cover, the two columns can contact a single void in the tablet and rotate in opposite directions, thereby shearing the tablet into multiple pieces. In some embodiments, the rotation of at least one column in the beverage machine can occur in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as desired to provide tablet breakage.

[0086] In some embodiments, at least one post can be actuated to translate relative to the wall of the brewing chamber. The translation of the post(s) can cause the tablet to be crushed against the wall of the brewing chamber and / or cause the tablet to be subjected to shear forces and break. In some embodiments, the translation of at least one post in the beverage machine can occur in any linear direction as desired to provide tablet breakage.

[0087] In some embodiments, the column of the beverage maker can rotate and / or translate at the same speed and in the same direction relative to the brew chamber.

[0088] However, in other embodiments, relative motion between the columns can cause tablet breakage. For example, in some embodiments, one column of the beverage machine can be stationary, while another column moves relative to the stationary column. The stationary column can be used to anchor the beverage tablet, while the moving column or columns can rotate and / or translate relative to the fixed column to cause tablet breakage.

[0089] As another example, the two posts can move, but at different speeds and / or in different directions relative to each other. The relative movement between the posts can cause the tablet to break. In one exemplary embodiment, one post can rotate in a first direction while the other post can rotate in an opposite, second direction. When both posts are engaged with the tablet, the relative movement between the posts can cause the tablet to break.

[0090] In another example, one post can translate in a first direction while the other post can translate in a second direction different from the first direction. The first and second directions can be opposite directions, can be orthogonal directions, or can have any other suitable angle between them, such as 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 45 degrees, or 135 degrees.

[0091] In another example, the columns can rotate and / or translate in the same direction, but at different speeds, so that there is relative motion between the columns. The speed of the columns can be selectively controlled to provide different degrees of fragmentation of the corresponding tablets.

[0092] In some embodiments, at least one post of the beverage machine can have a shape substantially similar to a corresponding void or voids in the beverage tablet. This allows the post and void to remain engaged during movement of the post. As the post rotates and / or translates, the tablet can move with the post.

[0093] In other embodiments, at least one post of the beverage machine can have a geometric shape different from at least one void of the corresponding beverage tablet. In certain embodiments, the post can be configured to move relative to the void of the tablet, such as applying crushing force to the tablet from the void of the tablet. For example, the post can be configured to rotate in the void of the tablet and / or translate in the void of the tablet (for example, and collide with the inner wall of the void to crush the tablet). In an illustrative embodiment, the post can have a rectangular shape, and the void of the tablet can have an oval shape. The rectangular post can be installed in the oval void of the tablet. When actuated, the rectangular post can rotate in the oval void of the tablet so that the inner wall of the rectangular post collision tablet oval void and cause the tablet to break.

[0094] Figure 6A The exemplary embodiment shows Figure 5 A beverage machine that holds beverage tablets 100. Figure 6AThe embodiment of the present invention shows a beverage machine 200 having a brewing chamber 201 having a brewing chamber receptacle 209 and a brewing chamber cover 206. In this embodiment, the brewing chamber includes a lower post 202 configured to receive a beverage tablet 100 and an open end 204 configured to interface with the brewing chamber cover. The brewing chamber cover includes an upper post 203. Figure 6A The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows an example of a beverage tablet placed in a beverage machine before the tablet is broken. Figure 6B The beverage tablet 100 is shown after the tablet has been broken into a plurality of pieces by a beverage machine. As disclosed herein, the number of pieces of the tablet after the breaking event can be varied to produce a desired beverage type and a desired set of beverage characteristics.

[0095] Figure 7A and Figure 7B One exemplary embodiment of a beverage machine brew chamber 221 interacting with a beverage tablet 100 (shown in phantom) is shown in FIG. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A 1 is a side view of a beverage machine and a beverage tablet, wherein the brewing chamber receptacle 229 is shown in a sectional view. The brewing chamber 221 includes a brewing chamber receptacle 229 and a corresponding brewing chamber cover 226.

[0096] In some embodiments, a lower post 222 can be disposed on the brewing chamber receptacle 229. The lower post 222 can be configured to receive a beverage tablet 100 having a void 101, such that the shape of the lower post 222 is adapted to fit into the void 101. The brewing chamber receptacle 229 can also include a brewing chamber wall 225, a base 227, and an open end 224 configured to interface with the brewing chamber cover 226. In some embodiments, the lower post 222 can be connected to a shaft 230.

[0097] like Figure 7B As shown, in some embodiments, an upper post 223 can be provided on the brewing chamber cover 226. The upper post 223 can be shaped to fit into the void 101 of the beverage tablet 100. In some embodiments, the upper post 223 can be connected to a shaft 231.

[0098] The shaft 230 and / or the shaft 231 can be mechanically actuated by at least one mechanism (e.g., a motor) as described above to provide for the breaking of the tablet. Although this illustrative embodiment shows the use of a shaft to connect the post to the actuation mechanism, any suitable arrangement may be used to move the post, as the invention is not limited in this respect.

[0099] After the beverage tablets are broken, a beverage precursor liquid (e.g., hot or cold water) can diffuse through the broken tablets to form the desired beverage. The resulting infused beverage can be directed through the outflow channel 232. The outflow channel 232 itself can serve as a dispensing outlet from the beverage machine, or can lead to a dispensing outlet from the beverage machine.

[0100] In some embodiments, the beverage machine can utilize multiple posts to interact with tablets having multiple gaps. The beverage machine can include multiple posts located on the brewing chamber receptacle, the brewing chamber cover, or both. The multiple posts can be arranged in any suitable configuration, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. For example, in some embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more posts can be provided on the brewing chamber receptacle, and 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more posts can be provided on the brewing chamber cover.

[0101] In some embodiments, the column groups can extend from a common central portion. In some embodiments, the central portion can be a flat plate. The central portion can be circular, square, rectangular, oval, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the central portion can be disposed on the brewing chamber receptacle or on the brewing chamber cover. In certain embodiments, both the brewing chamber and the brewing chamber cover can include a central portion.

[0102] In certain embodiments, the posts of any number in the plurality of posts arranged on the central portion can be configured to dock with a plurality of spaces of beverage tablets. In some configurations, the quantity of the posts on the central portion can equal the quantity in the spaces in the tablet. In other configurations, the quantity of posts can be unequal compared with the quantity in the spaces. In certain embodiments, the entire central portion can rotate and / or translate to provide the crushing of tablets. In other embodiments, the individual posts arranged on the central portion can rotate and / or translate relative to other posts to provide the local crushing of each section of tablets.

[0103] Figure 8 The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a beverage machine 240 that includes a plurality of posts 243 disposed on a central portion 248, which is disposed on a brewing chamber cover 246. The brewing chamber 241 includes a brewing chamber receptacle 249. The brewing chamber 241 is depicted as holding a tablet 100 having a plurality of voids. The brewing chamber also includes an open end 244 of the brewing chamber that can be covered by the brewing chamber cover 246 when the cover is in the closed position. During tablet crushing, the plurality of posts on the central portion can engage the plurality of voids in the tablet to facilitate tablet crushing when the posts and / or the central portion are actuated. While this exemplary embodiment shows the central portion only on the brewing chamber cover, it should be understood that other arrangements are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the central portion is located on the brewing chamber receptacle. In other embodiments, a first central portion is located on the brewing chamber cover, while a second central portion is located on the brewing chamber receptacle.

[0104] According to another aspect of the present invention, the inventors have recognized that a system can be provided that includes a beverage tablet for forming a beverage product and a beverage machine. The inventors have recognized that any embodiments of the beverage tablet and beverage machine disclosed herein can be used and / or combined in any suitable arrangement for use in a system, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0105] In some embodiments, the system may further include a plurality of components for forming a beverage, including but not limited to a water reservoir, a water dispenser head, a beverage dispenser outlet, a beverage machine housing, a drip tray, or any other suitable components to assist in the beverage forming process.

[0106] In some embodiments, a user can form a desired beverage using a specified procedure for a beverage forming process, which may include, but is not limited to, the following steps. First, the user can place the beverage tablet so that at least one gap in the tablet docks with at least one post of the beverage machine. In this step, the user can move the brewing chamber cover to a closed position to enclose the tablet within the brewing chamber. Secondly, an actuating mechanism can provide a specified amount of crushing to the beverage tablet. Thirdly, a beverage precursor liquid such as hot or cold water can be supplied to the brewing chamber from a water reservoir through a water dispenser head. Fourthly, water can interact with the tablet to form the desired beverage. Fifthly, the formed beverage can be dispensed through the beverage dispenser outlet to provide the beverage to the user.

[0107] In some embodiments, a portion of the beverage tablet can remain in the brewing chamber after the beverage is formed. For example, when using a compacted coffee tablet containing coffee grinds, the used coffee grinds may remain in the brewing chamber after the coffee beverage is brewed. In this configuration, the user can remove the used tablet portion from the brewing chamber using their hands and / or tools. In some embodiments, the receptacle of the brewing chamber can be removable for disposing of the used tablet portion. In other embodiments, the beverage tablet can include soluble coffee as disclosed herein. In this configuration, the entire tablet can dissolve when in contact with water during the beverage formation process, thereby leaving an unused tablet portion in the brewing chamber.

[0108] Figure 9A schematic block diagram of various components that may be included in a beverage machine 200 in an illustrative embodiment is shown. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the beverage machine 200 can be constructed in a variety of different ways, and therefore aspects of the present invention should not be narrowly interpreted as relating to only one type of beverage machine. In this embodiment, a precursor liquid (e.g., hot or cold water) can be supplied to the brewing chamber 201 from a liquid supply source (e.g., a water reservoir). A brewing chamber cover 206 can be included to close the brewing chamber 201. A beverage tablet 100 containing one or more beverage ingredients (e.g., coffee grounds, soluble coffee, tea leaves, etc.) can be included to form a beverage. After the beverage tablet 100 is destroyed using a lower column 202 and an upper column 203 that connect with the gap in the tablet, the tablet can be mixed with the precursor liquid from the liquid supply to form the desired beverage. The beverage can then be dispensed into a container 250 using a beverage machine dispenser outlet 210. In this embodiment, the lower column 202 can be fixed to the brewing chamber 201, and the upper column 203 can be fixed to the brewing chamber cover 206. Although two posts are shown on opposite sides of the brew chamber in this exemplary embodiment, any suitable post arrangement may be used, for example, using only one post in any arrangement, using two posts on the same side of the brew chamber, or using more than two posts in any arrangement as disclosed herein.

[0109] In this embodiment, the liquid supply is controlled by filling the tank 152 to a liquid dispensing level 159 and then pressurizing the tank 152 via the air pump 154, thereby forcing the liquid in the tank 152 out of the conduit 156 into the brewing chamber 201. The volume of liquid delivered to the brewing chamber 201 is equal to the volume between the liquid delivery level 159 in the tank 152 and the post-delivery level 158 at the bottom of the conduit 156 in the tank 152. Due to the presence of the delivery level 159 in this embodiment, a sufficient volume can be supplied to the brewing chamber 201. However, two or more delivery levels may be used.

[0110] In this embodiment, a liquid supply provides liquid to a tank 152 via a valve 151 connected to a source W. Source W can have any suitable arrangement and, for example, can provide liquid from a removable or fixed storage tank, a tap water supply, or other source. Consequently, in some cases, the temperature of the liquid provided to the tank 152 can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as the time of year, the temperature of the space in which the machine 200 is located, and so on. For example, if source W is a reservoir that is filled by a user, the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir can vary between room temperature (e.g., if the liquid has been in the reservoir for a long time) and a lower temperature (e.g., if the reservoir has just been filled with water dispensed from a tap).

[0111] In this embodiment, to provide liquid to tank 152, valve 151 is controlled by control circuit 16 to open and close to provide the desired volume of liquid to tank 152. For example, if tank 152 is empty or at a post-dispensing level 158, valve 151 may be opened until a conductive probe or other level sensor 157 provides a signal to control circuit 16 indicating when the liquid has reached dispensing levels 159, 160. In response to level sensor 157 detecting liquid at sensor 157, control circuit 16 may close valve 151. Of course, other arrangements are possible, such as using a pump to move liquid from a storage reservoir to tank 152.

[0112] While in this embodiment, the liquid level sensor includes a conductive probe capable of contacting the liquid in the tank 152 and providing a signal (e.g., a change in resistance) indicating the presence of liquid at a corresponding dispensing level 159 in the tank 152, the liquid level sensor may be arranged in other ways. For example, the sensor may include a microswitch with an attached float that rises to activate the switch in response to the liquid level in the tank 152. In another embodiment, the liquid level sensor may detect capacitance changes associated with one or more liquid levels in the tank, may use an optical emitter / sensor arrangement (such as an LED and a photodiode) to detect liquid level changes, may use a pressure sensor, may use a floating magnet and a Hall effect sensor to detect level changes, and so on. Thus, the liquid level sensor is not necessarily limited to a conductive probe configuration. Furthermore, the liquid level sensor may include two or more different types of sensors to detect different levels in the tank. For example, a pressure sensor may be used to detect liquid at a dispensing level (e.g., complete filling of the tank 152 may coincide with a surge in pressure in the tank 152), while a conductive probe may be used to detect liquid at another dispensing level 159.

[0113] Furthermore, it is not necessary to use a liquid level sensor to fill the tank to the dispensing level 159. Instead, other techniques may be used to properly fill the tank 152, such as opening the valve 151 for a predefined period of time that has been found to correspond to filling the tank 152 approximately to the desired level. Of course, other arrangements for providing liquid to the tank 152, such as via a pump (e.g., a centrifugal pump, a piston pump, a solenoid pump, a diaphragm pump, etc.), gravity feed, or otherwise, are also possible, and the manner in which the tank is filled to the dispensing level 159 may depend on the technique used to provide the liquid to the tank. For example, controlling the volume of liquid provided to fill the tank 152 to the dispensing level 159 may be performed by running the pump for a predetermined period of time, detecting the flow rate or volume of liquid entering the tank 152 (e.g., using a flow meter), operating the pump for a desired number of cycles (such as where the pump is arranged to deliver a known volume of liquid per cycle), detecting a pressure rise in the tank 152 using a pressure sensor, or using any other feasible technique.

[0114] The liquid in the tank 152 can be heated by means of a heating element 153, the operation of which is controlled by the control circuit 16 using input from a temperature sensor or other appropriate input. In addition, the tank 152 can be arranged as a flow-through heater having a relatively small volume, such as a tube with an associated heating element to heat the liquid in the tube. Of course, heating of the liquid is not required, and alternatively (or in addition), the beverage machine 100 can include a cooler to cool the liquid, a carbonator to carbonate the liquid, or otherwise condition the liquid in the tank 152 in a manner that changes the volume of the liquid. (Generally speaking, the component of the liquid supply that heats, cools, carbonates, or otherwise conditions the liquid supplied to the brewing chamber 201 is referred to as a "liquid conditioner.")

[0115] In this embodiment, liquid can be removed from the tank 152 via an air pump 154, which operates to force air into the tank 152 to pressurize the tank and force liquid in the conduit 156 to flow into the brewing chamber 201. Because the conduit extends downward into the tank 152, the volume of liquid delivered to the brewing chamber 201 is limited to the volume in the tank 152 between the dispensing levels 159, 160 and the lower end of the conduit 156. Furthermore, liquid can be caused to flow from the tank 152 to the brewing chamber 201 in other ways. For example, a pump can be used to pump liquid from the tank 152 to the brewing chamber 201, a pump can force liquid into the tank 152, causing the liquid in the tank to move into the brewing chamber 201, liquid can flow from the tank 152 by gravity, and so on. The volume of liquid delivered from the tank to the brewing chamber 201 can be controlled based on the volume of liquid pressed into the tank 152, which can be detected by a flow meter, pump cycles, and the like. The vent 155 can be opened or closed to vent the tank 152 and can be provided to allow the tank 152 to be filled without causing a significant pressure increase in the tank 152 and to allow liquid to be transferred from the tank 152 by pressurizing the tank using the air pump 154. In some embodiments, the vent 155 is not controlled by the control circuit 16, but is always open by an appropriately sized orifice to allow venting for filling the tank 152 and to allow air pressure to build up in the tank 152 to allow liquid to be transferred. However, in other embodiments, the vent 155 can be opened and closed by a controller. Other flow control features can also be provided, such as a check valve or other flow controller that can prevent backflow in the conduit between the source W and the tank 152 or between the tank 152 and the brewing chamber 201.

[0116] The operation of the valve 151, the air pump 154, and other components of the beverage machine 200 may be controlled by a control circuit 16, which may include, for example, a programmed processor and / or other data processing device and appropriate software or other operating instructions, one or more memories (including non-transitory storage media that can store software and / or other operating instructions), temperature and level sensors, pressure sensors, input / output interfaces (such as a user interface 17), a communication bus or other couplings, a display, a switch, relays, triacs, or other components necessary to perform the desired input / output or other functions. The user interface 17 may be included to provide information to and / or receive information from a user, such as buttons, a touch screen, a voice command module (including a microphone for receiving audio information from a user and appropriate software for interpreting the audio information as voice commands), a visual display, one or more indicator lights, a speaker, etc.

[0117] like Figure 9 As shown, the reading device 15 can also be included in the beverage machine 200. The reading device 15 can be arranged to identify at least one feature of the tablet. In some embodiments, the reading device 15 can determine features related to the void, such as the location, size, shape and / or depth of the void.

[0118] The inventors have also recognized that benefits can be achieved by providing one or more ribs along the interior of a beverage machine's chamber, which is configured to receive beverage ingredient tablets, to help facilitate the breakup of the beverage ingredient tablets. In some embodiments, the chamber may be a brewing chamber, while in other embodiments, the beverage machine may have a brewing chamber located downstream of the chamber. Specifically, the inventors have discovered that providing one or more ribs within the chamber, combined with one or more columns of the beverage machine, can be used to enhance the breakage of beverage ingredient tablets due to contact between the tablets and the ribs. Thus, the use of ribs in a beverage machine can provide more broken tablet pieces, thereby enabling the provision of beverage products with varying extraction yields to the end user.

[0119] In some embodiments, one or more ribs may be positioned along the sidewall of the chamber interior. In some such embodiments, the ribs may be positioned along the entire chamber sidewall. However, in other embodiments, the ribs may be positioned at regular or irregular intervals along the chamber sidewall, with portions of the smooth sidewall disposed between the ribs.

[0120] One or more ribs can be any suitable shape, to promote the crushing of beverage raw material tablets. In certain embodiments, suitable rib shapes include but are not limited to triangular prisms, rectangular prisms, trapezoidal prisms, moon-shaped prisms or any other suitable rib shapes, because the present invention is not limited thereto. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the combination of each rib shape is also possible. For example, a plurality of triangular prism-shaped and rectangular prism-shaped ribs can be arranged one another regularly or intermittently along the chamber sidewall. Although this specific example is disclosed, it should be understood that any suitable rib shape or its combination can be used in the chamber of a beverage machine, to promote the crushing of beverage raw material tablets.

[0121] One or more ribs can also be any suitable size, to promote the crushing of beverage raw material tablets. The ribs can extend from the sidewall of the chamber in the direction substantially perpendicular to the outer wall of the beverage raw material tablet, and a distance greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm or larger. The ribs can also extend any suitable distance along the height and / or periphery of the sidewall of the chamber. In certain embodiments, the ribs can extend along the entire height of the sidewall, half of the sidewall height, a quarter of the sidewall thickness or any other suitable distance. In certain embodiments, the ribs can extend along the periphery of the sidewall and be greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm or larger distance. In certain embodiments, a plurality of ribs can be provided along the sidewall of the chamber, and each of the plurality of ribs can have a size that is identical or different from each other, because the present invention is not limited in this respect. For example, the ribs may be formed such that a certain portion of the sidewall has smaller ribs while a different portion of the sidewall has larger ribs (see, for example, FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B ). Combinations of the above rib sizes may also be used, as the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0122] Figure 10A A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage maker 260 is shown, comprising a brewing chamber 261 and a plurality of ribs 262 positioned along an interior sidewall 267 of the brewing chamber 261. A beverage material tablet 100 comprises a void 101 and is disposed within the brewing chamber 261. Figure 10A263 of the beverage dispenser 260 is shown to engage the void 101 of the beverage ingredient tablet 100. The post 263 can be actuated to provide for tablet 100 fragmentation by rotating and / or translating the tablet 100 relative to corresponding ribs 262 positioned along the sidewall 267 of the brewing chamber 261. As described above, when the post 263 of the beverage dispenser 260 rotates to rotate the tablet, the tablet contacts the ribs 262, causing the tablet to fragment. After the tablet 100 is fragmented into a specified number of pieces, a precursor liquid (e.g., hot or cold water) can be dispensed from the conduit 264 to penetrate the fragmented beverage ingredient tablet pieces to form a beverage, which is then dispensed through apertures formed in the base plate 265 and discharged from the beverage dispenser outlet 266. A corresponding beverage container can be positioned to receive the dispensed beverage from the beverage dispenser outlet 266. In some embodiments, after the brewing process, the used beverage ingredient tablet pieces (e.g., used ground coffee) can remain on the base plate 265 and can then be discarded by the end user.

[0123] Figure 10B Shown Figure 10A A top view of a brewing chamber 261 of a beverage machine 260. The brewing chamber 261 has a plurality of ribs 262 positioned along an inner sidewall 267 of the brewing chamber 261. The voids 101 of the beverage raw material tablet 100 are connected to the posts 263, which are configured to break the beverage raw material tablet 10 into a specified number of pieces. Figure 10B As shown, the ribs 262 are positioned along the chamber sidewall 267 with varying spacing between the ribs 262. The ribs 262 also have various sizes that can be used to facilitate breaking of the tablet 100 when the tablet contacts each of the various ribs 262.

[0124] According to one aspect, the tablet can be crushed by applying a compressive force to the tablet. In some embodiments, the tablet can rest on the post when being crushed. The chamber cover or other compression surface of the beverage machine (such as a piston) can be used to provide a downward compression force when closed or otherwise moved toward the tablet to cause the tablet to be crushed against one or more posts of the beverage machine and / or the surrounding chamber receptacle. In some such embodiments, the beverage raw material tablet can include one or more voids, and the one or more voids can be configured as one or more blind holes so that the tablet can be positioned and retained on one or more posts (e.g., see Figure 11A ). However, in other embodiments, one or more voids can be configured as through holes. For example, a single void can extend completely through the tablet, but can be tapered or otherwise shaped so that the tablet can still be retained on a corresponding stationary post to position the tablet so that it can be crushed by the chamber cover. In some embodiments, the post(s) supporting the tablet can be stationary. In other embodiments, the post(s) can move relative to the chamber, for example, can rotate and / or translate.

[0125] In some embodiments, the chamber lid and / or the chamber itself may include one or more handles that the end user can grip to close the chamber lid relative to the chamber receptacle, thereby causing the beverage raw material tablet to be broken as described above. In some such embodiments, the compressive force applied to the tablet can be manually provided by the end user. However, in other embodiments, the actuation to close the chamber lid to provide tablet breaking can be automated (e.g., by a suitable electromechanical actuator).

[0126] In some embodiments, the geometry of one or more posts can complement the geometry of one or more voids (e.g., blind holes) formed in the beverage raw material tablet. For example, a single post can be integrally formed or otherwise connected to the bottom of the chamber receptacle, and the post can be tapered so that the post is wider at the base and narrower at the top. In such an example, the beverage raw material tablet can include a single void that has an inverse tapering shape relative to the tapering shape of the post. This can allow the tablet to be mounted on the post before it is broken by the compressive force applied from the chamber cover (see Figure 11A Although the above examples are disclosed, the one or more columns and one or more voids of the beverage raw material tablet may be any suitable shape, including but not limited to: rectangular prisms, cylinders, elliptical prisms, triangular prisms, trapezoidal prisms, teardrop shapes, or any other suitable shape, as the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0127] In some embodiments, the chamber for crushing the beverage raw material tablets may include a brewing chamber. In some such embodiments, the crushed beverage raw material tablet pieces may remain in the brewing chamber receptacle, and a beverage precursor liquid (e.g., hot water) may be dispensed into the brewing chamber receptacle to brew a beverage for the end user.

[0128] In some embodiments, the beverage raw material tablets may be crushed in a chamber separate and distinct from the brewing chamber. The brewing chamber may be located downstream of the crushing chamber. In some embodiments, after the tablets are crushed in the crushing chamber, the beverage tablet pieces may fall into or otherwise move from the crushing chamber into the brewing chamber. In some embodiments, the beverage precursor liquid may be fed into the brewing chamber but not into the crushing chamber. However, in other embodiments, the beverage precursor liquid may flow through the crushing chamber and into the brewing chamber.

[0129] In some embodiments, the beverage raw material tablet can first be crushed in the brewing chamber receptacle as described herein, and then the crushed tablet pieces can fall into the secondary portion of the brewing chamber through one or more cavities formed in the brewing chamber receptacle for brewing beverages. In some such embodiments, one or more cavities can be formed near the base of the one or more posts provided in the chamber receptacle so that the broken tablet pieces are naturally pushed through the cavity. The brewing chamber receptacle itself can also include features that promote the broken tablet pieces to pass through the cavity. For example, the bottom of the brewing chamber receptacle can be tapered to further promote the broken tablet pieces to fall into the cavity. After the broken tablet pieces fall into the secondary portion of the brewing chamber, the beverage prerequisite liquid (e.g., hot water) can be dispensed through the broken tablet pieces to brew a beverage for the end user.

[0130] In some embodiments, the chamber (e.g., crushing chamber, brewing chamber, or combination) receptacle can be removed from the beverage machine. For example, this may facilitate access to and removal of used abrasive particles that may be placed in the chamber. The removable chamber receptacle can also provide the additional benefit of chamber receptacles and / or posts of different shapes that can be interchanged with each other to provide different crushing and brewing experiences for the end user. In some embodiments, the chamber receptacle can remain in the beverage machine, but the post itself can be interchanged with other post shapes and / or sizes to provide different crushing results for the beverage ingredient tablet.

[0131] In some embodiments, the chamber receptacle may have a mechanism configured to enclose one or more cavities that may be formed in the chamber receptacle so that crushed tablet pieces can remain in the receptacle rather than falling into a secondary portion of the chamber (or into a second chamber, such as a brewing chamber). Any suitable method may be used to enclose the one or more cavities. For example, a cover may be actuated between retracted and extended positions to expose and cover the one or more cavities, respectively.

[0132] In some embodiments, one or more of the posts and / or chamber receptacles may include one or more fins configured to further facilitate breakage of the beverage base tablet upon compression (e.g., see Figure 12). One or more fins can be positioned along any suitable position within the chamber receptacle to selectively affect the amount of broken beverage raw material tablets after the chamber cover or other compression member (e.g., piston) applies a compressive force. One or more fins can also be integrally formed or separately attached to the chamber receptacle and / or one or more columns, as the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the shape, size, position, and / or any other suitable features of the fins can be selected to maximize the area of the tablet that is subject to minimal crushing due to the shape of the column and / or the shape of the tablet. For example, if an asymmetric column is provided in the chamber receptacle, one side of the tablet may be subject to less crushing than the other side of the tablet. Therefore, the fins can be selectively positioned to increase the crushing of that side of the tablet. The fins can also be of any suitable shape, including but not limited to triangular prisms, rectangular prisms, trapezoidal prisms, moon-shaped prisms, or any other suitable shape.

[0133] Figure 11A A cross-sectional view of a beverage machine 300 and a beverage tablet 140 disposed within the beverage machine 200 is shown. Specifically, the beverage tablet 140 includes a single void configured as a blind hole, which is received by a single post 303 within a chamber receptacle 302. In some embodiments, the post is stationary. However, in other embodiments, the post can be configured to move, such as rotate and / or translate. Post 303 is tapered, making it wider at its base and narrower at its top. The blind hole 141 of the beverage tablet 140 is inverted and tapered, giving it a geometric shape complementary to post 303. The beverage machine also includes a chamber lid 306 located above the chamber receptacle 302. In some embodiments, a user can push down and / or grasp a surface 310 of the chamber lid 306 to close the chamber lid 306 onto the chamber receptacle 302. In some embodiments, the surface 310 can include a handle. Closing the chamber lid pushes the tablet 140 downward onto the post 303, thereby crushing the tablet into pieces. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the cover 306 can directly contact and push the tablet downward. As described above, the one or more voids and one or more columns of the beverage tablet can be constructed and arranged in any suitable manner to provide tablet breakage, as the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0134] Figure 11B Shown Figure 11A 302, with the beverage tablet 140 and the chamber cover 306 removed for clarity. As described above, the beverage machine 300 includes the chamber receptacle 302 and the column 303 located within the chamber receptacle 302. The column 303 is constructed and arranged to be tapered such that the base is wider than the top 304. Figure 11BAs shown, the chamber receptacle 302 includes a cavity 305 positioned around the base of the post 303. In some embodiments, a plurality of extensions 307 can be used to support the post in the chamber receptacle 302. The tapered shape of the post 303 can encourage the broken tablet pieces to fall through the cavity 305 into the brewing chamber 301, where the broken tablet pieces can be exposed to a beverage precursor liquid (e.g., hot water) to brew a selected beverage. The brewed beverage can then be dispensed to an end user.

[0135] Figure 12 A top view of the chamber receptacle 322 of the beverage machine 320 is shown, similar to FIG. Figure 11B The beverage machine 320 includes a chamber receptacle 322, wherein a post 323 is located within the chamber receptacle 322. The post 323 is tapered, with a wider base and a narrower top 324. The chamber receptacle 322 also includes a cavity 325 positioned around the base of the post 323, wherein broken tablet pieces can pass through the cavity 325 and fall into the brewing chamber 301, where a beverage can then be brewed. A plurality of extensions 327 can support the post 323 within the chamber receptacle 322. However, unlike Figure 11B Unlike the embodiment of the present invention, the beverage machine 320 includes a plurality of fins 326 located within the chamber receptacle 322. The fins 326 can have any suitable size, shape, location, or any other suitable features as described above, as the present invention is not limited thereto. As disclosed herein, the inventors have recognized that the addition of fins can be used to enhance the breakage of the beverage ingredient tablet when the chamber cover applies a compressive force.

[0136] According to one aspect, the beverage machine can be configured to break up the beverage tablet by first using a compressive force to crush the tablet into pieces when the tablet is placed on one or more posts, and then the post(s) can be rotated to further crush the pieces into smaller pieces. In some embodiments, the posts can include blades to help further crush the pieces into smaller pieces as the posts rotate.

[0137] In some embodiments, Figure 11A and Figure 11B The arrangement shown in can be modified to utilize a rotatable column. In some embodiments, the column can include blades to facilitate crushing. 13A to 13C An illustrative example of such a column is shown in Each crushing column has a plurality of blades 404, 414, 424 extending outwardly from the center of the crushing column.

[0138] In some embodiments, the beverage tablets placed on the column may first break due to the compressive stress on the tablets. Figure 11A and Figure 11BAs described above, the chamber lid or other compression surface of the chamber can be closed onto the tablet to crush the tablet downward onto the post, breaking the tablet into pieces. The tablet can then fall into the space between the post blades and the chamber sidewalls. The post can then be actuated to rotate, causing the tablet to be further crushed between the post blades and the chamber sidewalls.

[0139] In some embodiments, the chamber sidewalls may include surface features to facilitate this additional crushing step. For example, the chamber sidewalls may include ribs, such as Figure 10A and Figure 10B As the column rotates, the tablet is crushed into smaller pieces between the column blades and the ribs on the chamber sidewall.

[0140] These smaller pieces can fall into the brewing area, where a beverage precursor liquid is introduced into the pieces to form a beverage. In some embodiments, the beverage precursor liquid can also pass through the area where the tablet is crushed to flush the pieces into the brewing area. In some embodiments, a single brewing chamber houses the crushing area and the brewing area. However, in other embodiments, the crushing area is located in a separate and distinct crushing chamber from the brewing chamber.

[0141] Although 13A to 13C Multiple blades are shown, but in some embodiments, only one blade may extend outward from the center of the crushing column. The blades may also have any suitable length, shape, thickness or other suitable characteristics to help provide crushing of the corresponding beverage tablet. For example, 13A to 13C As shown, the blades can be constructed and arranged to be substantially complementary to a corresponding shape of the cavity receptacle (e.g., a teardrop shape, a circular shape, etc.). That is, some blades may be longer than other blades to complement the shape of the cavity receptacle.

[0142] 13A to 13C The crushing columns shown have different top surface shapes. The top surface can interact with the blind holes of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, as Figure 13A As shown, the crushing column 400 can have a flat top 402. In some cases, this can help improve the stability of the tablet on the column. In other embodiments, such as Figure 13B As shown, the crushing rod 410 can have a pointed top 412. In some cases, this can help promote the crushing of the tablet when the compressive force is applied. In some embodiments, as shown Figure 13CAs shown, the crushing post 410 can have a domed top 422. In some cases, this can help improve the stability of the tablet while also helping to break the tablet when a compressive force is applied. It should be understood that the top of the crushing post can be any suitable shape to facilitate engagement within the corresponding void of the beverage tablet. For example, the top can be flat, rounded, pointed, as described above, or any other suitable shape (e.g., trapezoidal, pyramidal, hexagonal, conical, etc.). Thus, the void of the beverage tablet can be constructed and arranged to complement the shape of the crushing post so that engagement and crushing occur due to the twisting and crushing of the tablet relative to the chamber.

[0143] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B An embodiment of a portion of a beverage machine is shown, wherein the engagement between the crushing column and the blind hole of the beverage tablet is shown. Figure 14A An illustrative embodiment of a beverage machine 500 is shown having a chamber 510 within which a beverage tablet 502 and a crush post 506 are located. The crush post 506 has a flat top 508 that is configured to be received by a complementary blind hole 504 in the tablet 502. Figure 14B Another exemplary embodiment of a beverage machine 520 is shown having a chamber 530 within which a beverage tablet 522 and a crushing column 526 are located. Figure 14A compared to, Figure 14B The crushing post 526 has an inclined top 528 that is configured to be received by the blind hole 524 of the tablet 522. The inclined top 524 may include a tip 529. Without wishing to be bound by theory, including the tip 529 at the top of the post may aid in the crushing of the beverage tablet (e.g., may facilitate the breaking of the tablet during crushing).

[0144] The inclined top can be at any suitable angle, and the top can be other suitable shapes disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the top can be conical and can include a tip. The crushing post can also have any suitable height or other dimensional parameters to allow engagement with a corresponding gap in the beverage tablet.

[0145] In some embodiments, as Figure 14A 、 Figure 14B As shown, the chamber may include one or more support ribs 512, 532 to hold the beverage tablet 502, 522 in a desired position. The support ribs may be used to support the exterior of the tablet, while the post 506 may be used to support the center portion of the tablet.

[0146] Figure 15A A top view of a tablet receiving chamber 602 of a beverage maker 600 is shown including a plurality of support ridges 608. The support ridges 608 may help increase the stability of a corresponding beverage tablet when the tablet is retained within a receptacle 612 of the chamber 602.

[0147] In some embodiments, the chamber 602 may include one or more recesses 604 that may be used to help a user grip a beverage tablet within the receptacle 612 to remove the tablet. A crushing post 606 is also disposed within the receptacle 612 of the chamber 602 and is configured to break the beverage tablet into multiple pieces by facilitating twisting and / or crushing the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, for example Figure 15A In the embodiment shown, the post 606 is teardrop shaped and can be configured to be received in a blind hole in a beverage tablet. The post can support the tablet during crushing and / or can rotate to break up the tablet.

[0148] In some embodiments, the voids (e.g., blind holes or through holes) of the beverage tablet can be teardrop-shaped. Thus, the size and shape of the teardrop-shaped columns can interact with the teardrop-shaped voids of the beverage tablet.

[0149] In some embodiments, for example Figure 15A In the embodiment shown, the receptacle 612 is teardrop-shaped and can be configured to receive beverage tablets having teardrop-shaped outer walls. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the receptacle can be any suitable shape (e.g., triangular, rectangular, etc.) because the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0150] Figure 16 An illustrative embodiment of a beverage tablet that may be used with the beverage machine embodiments disclosed herein is shown in FIG. Figure 16 A bottom view of a beverage tablet 160 having a teardrop-shaped outer wall 162 is depicted. The tablet may also have a teardrop-shaped void 161. The void may be a blind hole or a through hole. In the case of a blind hole, the interior surface of the blind hole rests on the top of the column of the beverage machine. The interior surface of the blind hole may be flat, rounded, or conical. As will be discussed later with respect to 13A to 13C As described in the section above, the post may have a top surface that matches the contour of the interior surface, for example, or may be flat (e.g. Figure 13A ), conical ( Figure 13B ) or circular (e.g. Figure 13C ).

[0151] Although Figure 15A Only three support ridges 608 are shown in the embodiment of FIG, but any suitable number of support ridges may be included, as the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, in some embodiments, there may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more support ridges 608 arranged around the inner periphery of the receptacle 612. Figure 15A As shown by the arrows in , the support flanges may also be spaced apart from each other by any suitable distance along the periphery. The support frame may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, plastic, rubber, etc. Thus, the material of the support flanges may be selected such that the flanges are rigid or at least partially flexible.

[0152] In certain embodiments, the shape and / or size of the support ridge itself can be adjusted to promote stability and the support of corresponding beverage tablets.For example, any number of support ridges can extend inwardly towards the center of receptacle 612 with a length greater than or equal to 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, 9 mm, 9.5 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm or larger. The support ridge can also have any suitable width, including but not limited to being greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or larger. The support ridge can also have any suitable height, including but not limited to being greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or larger. Above-mentioned combination is also possible, and also can consider the larger or smaller scope than above-mentioned range.

[0153] As disclosed herein, in some embodiments, a crushing post can interface with a void in a beverage tablet and can rotate and / or translate to crush the tablet. In some embodiments, the post that interfaces with the void in the beverage tablet can be stationary, and the chamber itself can rotate and / or translate relative to the stationary post that interfaces with the beverage tablet to crush the tablet.

[0154] The inventors have also recognized the benefits associated with performing the above-mentioned multiple crushing methods to maximize the crushing of beverage tablets. In some embodiments, the column of the beverage machine can rotate and / or translate to provide initial crushing of the beverage tablet, and then the chamber cover can also be closed on the tablet to provide a compressive force to the tablet, thereby further crushing the tablet. Alternatively, the chamber cover can first apply a compressive force, and then the column can rotate and / or translate to further destroy the tablet. Without wishing to be bound by theory, other combinations of the above-mentioned crushing methods are also contemplated.

[0155] Figure 15B Shown Figure 15A 602, which includes a plurality of recesses 604 and a plurality of support ridges 608. The recesses 604 can be of sufficient shape and size to allow a user to place their fingers in the recesses to grasp the tablet. The recesses can also be inclined to help the user place the tablet in the receptacle 612 and / or remove the tablet from the receptacle 612. Figure 15BAs shown, chamber 602 can include an inner skirt 614 extending downwards from the top of receptacle 612 toward the bottom of chamber 602 with a predetermined distance D1. The inventor has recognized that this inner skirt can help keep stability and the positioning of beverage tablets in receptacle 612, particularly for the smaller beverage tablets that may tend to tilt and fall into the bottom of receptacle. In certain embodiments, instead of extending downwards in the receptacle, the inner skirt can extend upwards and stretch out the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the inner skirt can extend downwards in the receptacle and extend upwards outside the receptacle, to keep beverage tablets, because the present invention is not limited thereto. In certain embodiments, suitable distance D1 can be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm or larger.

[0156] Figures 15C to 15D Embodiments using support ridges of different shapes are shown. Figure 15C , a generally rectangular support ledge 608 is shown extending inwardly from the sidewall 603 of the chamber 602. In contrast, Figure 15D A generally triangular shaped support ledge 610 is shown extending inwardly from the chamber 602. While these shapes are disclosed, any suitable shape may be used for the support ledge (eg, diamond shaped, curved, etc.), as the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0157] According to one aspect, the beverage machine can be configured to receive beverage tablets of different sizes to form different types of beverages (eg, larger volumes, stronger beverages, etc.).

[0158] 17A to 17B A partial schematic diagram of the arrangement of chambers 702 and crushing posts 706 is shown interacting with beverage tablets of different sizes. Figure 17A In FIG, the chamber 702 and the crushing pin 706 are arranged to receive the tablet 710. Since the crushing pin 706 is mounted in the blind hole 711 of the tablet 710, the tablet 710 is in contact with and supported by the support ridge 704. Figure 17B As shown, when the same chamber 702 and crushing column 706 are arranged for a height ratio Figure 17A When the tablet 710 is shorter than the smaller tablet 708, the tablet 708 does not contact the support ridge 704 and is not supported by it.

[0159] 18A to 18B A partial schematic diagram of the arrangement of chamber 802 and crushing post 806 for interacting with beverage tablets of different sizes is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the depth D3 of the support ledge 804 is shorter than Figure 17A 、 17BThe depth D2 of the support ledge 704 of the previous embodiment allows smaller tablets 708 having a shorter height to be supported by the crushing posts 806 and the support ledge 804. However, as Figure 18B As shown, when the chamber 802 having the shallower support ridge 804 receives a larger tablet 710 having a taller height, the tablet does not reach the crushing posts 806 due to interference with the shallower support ridge 804. Therefore, in some embodiments, a tablet 816 having an alternative shape (shown in phantom) can be used, wherein the tablet includes a recessed ridge 818 to conform to the support ridge 804. In this way, the tablet 816 rests on the support ridge 804 via the ridge 818 and also rests on the crushing posts 806. In this arrangement, a portion of the tablet may extend below the support ridge 804.

[0160] In some embodiments, the beverage tablets can include any suitable mass of beverage raw materials so that they can be received by the chamber. For example, a suitable beverage tablet mass can be greater than or equal to 1 gram, 2 grams, 3 grams, 4 grams, 5 grams, 6 grams, 7 grams, 8 grams, 9 grams, 10 grams, 11 grams, 12 grams, 13 grams, 14 grams, 15 grams, 16 grams, 17 grams, 18 grams, 19 grams, 20 grams, 25 grams, 30 grams, 40 grams, 50 grams or more. Additional embodiments The present disclosure also provides embodiments described in the following numbered paragraphs: 1) A beverage tablet for forming a beverage, the tablet comprising: A body made of one or more beverage ingredients; outer wall; and at least one void extending into the body, Therein, at least one void has a shape with a finite order of rotational symmetry. 2) The tablet according to paragraph 1), wherein the outer wall has a shape with a finite-order rotational symmetry. 3) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the shape of at least one void has first-order rotational symmetry. 4) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least one void is configured to receive at least one post of a beverage machine. 5) The tablet according to paragraph 4), wherein at least one column is configured to break the tablet into a plurality of pieces. 6) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least one void is symmetrical. 7) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the tablet has only one void. 8) The tablet according to any one of paragraphs 1) to 6), wherein the at least one void comprises a plurality of voids. 9) The tablet according to paragraph 8), wherein the voids in the plurality of voids are equidistant. 10) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least one void is a through hole extending completely through the body. 11) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least one void is a blind hole extending only partially through the body. 12) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the outer wall comprises an embossed pattern. 13) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least one void is non-circular in shape. 14) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the outer wall has a non-circular shape. 15) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the outer wall has a teardrop shape. 16) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the outer wall is made of one or more beverage ingredients. 17) The tablet according to paragraph 16), wherein at least one beverage raw material in the main body and the outer wall is the same. 18) The tablet according to paragraph 16), wherein at least one beverage raw material in the body is not in the outer wall, and / or at least one beverage raw material in the outer wall is not in the body. 19) A tablet according to paragraph 16), wherein the one or more beverage ingredients of the body include coffee. 20) The tablet according to paragraph 16), wherein the one or more beverage ingredients of the outer wall include coffee. 21) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least one void is teardrop-shaped. 22) A tablet according to any one of paragraphs 1) to 6), wherein at least one void is oval. 23) A tablet according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least one void is asymmetric. 24) A beverage tablet for forming a beverage, the tablet comprising: A body made of one or more beverage ingredients; outer wall; and Multiple voids extending into the main body. 25) The tablet of paragraph 24), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids is configured to receive a column of a beverage dispenser. 26) A tablet according to any of paragraphs 24) to 25), wherein the plurality of voids are configured to facilitate crushing of the tablet by a beverage machine. 27) The tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 26), wherein the outer wall has a shape with a finite order of rotational symmetry. 28) A tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 26), wherein the outer wall is non-circular. 29) The tablet according to paragraph 28), wherein the outer wall has a teardrop shape. 30) The tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 26), wherein the outer wall is circular. 31) The tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 29), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids has a finite-order rotational symmetry. 32) The tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 29), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids is non-circular. 33) The tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 29), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids is circular. 34) The tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 29), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids has first-order rotational symmetry. 35) The tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 34), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids is symmetrical. 36) A tablet according to any of paragraphs 24) to 35), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids is a through hole extending completely through the body. 37) A tablet according to any of paragraphs 24) to 35), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids is a blind hole extending only partially through the body. 38) A tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 37), wherein the outer wall comprises an embossed pattern. 39) A tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 38), wherein the outer wall is made of one or more beverage ingredients. 40) The tablet according to paragraph 39), wherein at least one beverage raw material in the main body and the outer wall is the same. 41) The tablet according to paragraph 39), wherein at least one beverage raw material in the body is not in the outer wall, and / or at least one beverage raw material in the outer wall is not in the body. 42) A tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 41), wherein the one or more beverage ingredients of the body include coffee. 43) A tablet according to paragraph 38), wherein the one or more beverage ingredients of the outer wall include coffee. 44) A tablet according to any of paragraphs 24) to 43), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids is teardrop-shaped. 45) The tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 35), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids is oval in shape. 46) A tablet according to any one of paragraphs 24) to 34), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids is asymmetric. 47) A beverage machine for forming a beverage, comprising: a chamber having a receptacle configured to receive a beverage tablet having at least one void therein; and At least one post is configured to be received within the at least one void of the tablet, wherein the at least one post is configured to break the tablet into a plurality of pieces upon movement of the at least one post relative to the chamber. 48) The beverage machine of par. 47), wherein the chamber further comprises a chamber lid having a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the chamber lid covers the receptacle and in the open position the receptacle is exposed. 49) The beverage machine of par. 48), wherein at least one post is disposed on at least one of the chamber receptacle and the chamber cover. 50) The beverage machine of par. 49), wherein the at least one post comprises two posts configured to rotate in opposite directions. 51) The beverage machine of par. 49), wherein the at least one column comprises a stationary column and a column configured to rotate relative to the stationary column. 52) The beverage machine of par. 49), wherein the at least one column comprises two columns configured to rotate in the same direction at different speeds. 53) The beverage machine of par. 49), wherein the at least one column comprises two columns configured to rotate at the same speed and in the same direction. 54) The beverage machine of par. 49), wherein the at least one post comprises two posts configured to translate in opposite directions. 55) The beverage machine of par. 49), wherein the at least one post comprises a stationary post and a post configured to translate relative to the stationary post. 56) The beverage machine of par. 49) wherein the at least one post comprises two posts configured to translate in the same direction at different speeds. 57) The beverage machine of par. 49) wherein the at least one post comprises two posts configured to translate at the same speed and in the same direction. 58) The beverage machine of par. 49), wherein the at least one post comprises only one post disposed on the receptacle and configured to rotate. 59) The beverage machine of par. 49), wherein the at least one post comprises only one post disposed on the chamber cover and configured to rotate. 60) The beverage machine of par. 49), wherein the at least one post comprises only one post disposed on the receptacle and configured to translate. 61) The beverage machine of par. 49), wherein the at least one post comprises only one post disposed on the chamber cover and configured to translate. 62) The beverage machine according to par. 49), wherein the shape of at least one post is different from the shape of at least one void. 63) The beverage machine of par. 48), further comprising at least one central portion disposed on at least one of the chamber cover and the receptacle, wherein the at least one post comprises a plurality of posts disposed on the at least one central portion. 64) The beverage machine of par. 63), wherein the at least one central portion is configured to rotate relative to the chamber, and wherein the plurality of posts rotate with the at least one central portion. 65) The beverage machine of par. 63), wherein the at least one center portion comprises two center portions configured to rotate in opposite directions, wherein each center portion has a plurality of posts disposed thereon. 66) The beverage machine of par. 63), wherein the at least one center portion comprises a stationary center portion and a center portion configured to rotate relative to the stationary center portion. 67) The beverage machine of par. 63) wherein the at least one center portion comprises two center portions configured to rotate in the same direction at different speeds. 68) The beverage machine of par. 63), wherein the at least one center portion comprises two center portions configured to rotate at the same speed and in the same direction. 69) The beverage machine of par. 63) wherein the at least one central portion comprises two central portions configured to translate in opposite directions. 70) The beverage machine of par. 63), wherein the at least one central portion comprises a stationary central portion and a central portion configured to translate relative to the stationary central portion. 71) The beverage machine of par. 63), wherein the at least one central portion comprises two central portions configured to translate in the same direction at different speeds. 72) The beverage machine of par. 63), wherein the at least one central portion comprises two central portions configured to translate at the same speed and in the same direction. 73) The beverage machine of par. 63), wherein the at least one central portion comprises only one central portion disposed on the receptacle and configured to rotate relative to the receptacle. 74) The beverage machine of par. 63), wherein the at least one center portion comprises only one center portion disposed on the chamber cover and configured to rotate relative to the chamber cover. 75) The beverage machine of par. 63), wherein the at least one central portion comprises only one central portion disposed on the receptacle and configured to translate relative to the receptacle. 76) The beverage machine of par. 63), wherein the at least one center portion comprises only one center portion disposed on the chamber cover and configured to translate relative to the chamber cover. 77) The beverage machine of par. 63) wherein at least one of the plurality of posts has a shape that is different from a shape of at least one of the voids. 78) The beverage machine of par. 47), wherein the chamber further comprises one or more ribs positioned along a side wall of an interior of the chamber, and wherein the one or more ribs are configured to facilitate breakage of the beverage tablet. 79) The beverage machine of par. 78), wherein the one or more ribs comprise a plurality of ribs, and wherein the plurality of ribs are positioned at regular intervals along the side wall of the chamber. 80) The beverage machine of par. 78), wherein the one or more ribs comprise a plurality of ribs, and wherein the plurality of ribs are positioned at irregular intervals along the side wall of the chamber. 81) A beverage machine according to par. 47), wherein at least one void comprises a blind hole extending only partially through the body of the beverage tablet. 82) The beverage machine of any of paragraphs 47) to 81), wherein at least one post has a teardrop shape. 83) A beverage machine according to any of paragraphs 47) to 80), wherein the chamber comprises a brewing chamber. 84) The beverage machine according to any of paragraphs 47) to 80), further comprising a brewing chamber, wherein the brewing chamber is located downstream of the cavity. 85) A beverage forming device comprising: beverage dispensers; and A beverage tablet for forming a beverage, wherein the beverage tablet comprises a body and an outer wall, wherein the body is made of one or more beverage ingredients, and wherein the beverage tablet further comprises at least one void extending into the body, The at least one gap in the beverage tablet is configured to facilitate the beverage machine to break the beverage tablet into a plurality of pieces. 86) The beverage forming device of paragraph 85), wherein the at least one void of the beverage tablet is configured to receive at least one post of a beverage machine, and wherein the beverage tablet is configured to break into a plurality of pieces in response to movement of the post. 87) A beverage forming device according to par. 86) wherein the beverage tablet is configured to move with the movement of the column. 88) A beverage forming device according to par. 87) wherein the beverage tablet is configured to rotate with the rotation of the column. 89) The beverage forming device of par. 86) wherein the at least one void of the beverage tablet is configured to receive a plurality of columns of a beverage machine. 90) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 89), wherein the outer wall has a finite order rotational symmetry. 91) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 89), wherein the outer wall is non-circular. 92) A beverage forming device according to paragraph 91) wherein the outer wall has a teardrop shape. 93) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 89), wherein the outer wall is circular. 94) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 89), wherein at least one void has a finite order rotational symmetry. 95) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 89), wherein at least one void is non-circular. 96) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 89), wherein at least one of the gaps is circular. 97) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 96), wherein the at least one void comprises a plurality of voids. 98) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 96), wherein at least one void comprises a through hole extending completely through the body of the beverage tablet. 99) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 96), wherein at least one void comprises a blind hole extending only partially through the body of the beverage tablet. 100) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 99), wherein the outer wall is made of one or more beverage ingredients. 101) A beverage forming device according to paragraph 100), wherein at least one beverage ingredient in the body is not in the outer wall, and / or at least one beverage ingredient in the outer wall is in the body. 102) A beverage forming device according to paragraph 100), wherein at least one beverage ingredient in the main body and the outer wall is the same. 103) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 102), wherein the one or more beverage ingredients of the body include coffee. 104) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 102), wherein the one or more beverage ingredients of the outer wall include coffee. 105) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 104), wherein the beverage tablet is configured to be received in the beverage machine without packaging so that at least one beverage ingredient of the body directly contacts the beverage machine before operation. 106) The beverage forming device according to any one of paragraphs 85) to 105), wherein the beverage machine further comprises: A chamber is configured to receive a beverage tablet, the one or more ribs being positioned along a sidewall of an interior of the chamber, and wherein the one or more ribs are configured to facilitate breakage of the beverage tablet. 107) The beverage forming device of paragraph 106) wherein the one or more ribs comprises a plurality of ribs, and wherein the plurality of ribs are positioned at regular intervals along the side wall of the chamber. 108) The beverage forming device of paragraph 106) wherein the one or more ribs comprises a plurality of ribs, and wherein the plurality of ribs are positioned at irregular intervals along the chamber sidewall. 109) The beverage forming device according to paragraph 85), wherein the beverage machine further comprises: a chamber configured to receive a beverage tablet, the chamber having a chamber receptacle and a chamber cover; At least one post positioned within the chamber receptacle of the beverage maker, wherein the at least one post is configured to receive the at least one void of the tablet, and wherein the chamber cover of the beverage maker is configured to apply a compressive force to the beverage tablet against the at least one post to break the tablet into a plurality of pieces. 110) The beverage forming apparatus of paragraph 109) wherein at least one post is tapered such that a base of the at least one post is wider than a top of the at least one post. 111) A beverage forming device according to paragraph 110) wherein at least one void is reverse tapered such that the geometry of the at least one void is complementary to the geometry of the at least one post. 112) The beverage forming device of paragraph 109) further comprising one or more cavities formed in the chamber receptacle, wherein the one or more cavities are configured to receive at least a portion of the plurality of tablets. 113) The beverage machine of par. 112), wherein the one or more cavities are configured to be closed by a cover movable between retracted and extended positions. 114) The beverage forming device of paragraph 109) further comprising one or more fins disposed within the chamber receptacle, wherein the one or more fins are configured to facilitate breaking the tablet into a plurality of pieces. 115) The beverage machine according to any of paragraphs 85) to 114), wherein the chamber comprises a brewing chamber, and wherein the beverage is configured to be brewed in the brewing chamber. 116) The beverage machine according to any of paragraphs 85) to 114), further comprising a brewing chamber, wherein the brewing chamber is located downstream of the cavity. 117) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 116), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids is teardrop shaped. 118) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 116), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids in the beverage tablet is oval in shape. 119) A beverage forming device according to any of paragraphs 85) to 116), wherein at least one of the plurality of voids in the beverage tablet is asymmetric. 120) A beverage machine for forming a beverage, comprising: a chamber having a chamber receptacle configured to receive a beverage tablet, the tablet having at least one void; and At least one post is positioned within the chamber receptacle and configured to be received in the at least one void of the beverage tablet, wherein the at least one post is configured to support the beverage tablet when the beverage machine applies a compressive force to the beverage tablet to break the beverage tablet into a plurality of pieces. 121) The beverage machine of par. 120), further comprising a chamber cover, wherein closing the chamber cover causes a bottom surface of the chamber cover to apply a compressive force to the beverage tablet. 122) The beverage machine of par. 121), wherein the chamber cover has a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the chamber cover covers the chamber receptacle and in the open position the chamber receptacle is exposed. 123) The beverage machine of paragraph 120), wherein at least one post is tapered such that the base of the at least one post is wider than the top of the at least one post. 124) The beverage machine according to par. 123), wherein at least one void is reverse tapered such that the geometry of the at least one void is complementary to the geometry of the at least one post. 125) The beverage machine of par. 120), further comprising one or more cavities formed in the chamber receptacle, wherein the one or more cavities are configured to receive at least a portion of the plurality of tablet pieces. 126) The beverage machine of par. 125), wherein the one or more cavities are configured to be closed by a cover movable between retracted and extended positions. 127) The beverage machine of par. 120), further comprising one or more fins attached to at least one post, wherein the one or more fins are configured to facilitate breaking the tablet into a plurality of pieces. 128) A beverage machine according to par. 120), wherein at least one column is stationary relative to the chamber. 129) A beverage machine according to par. 120), wherein at least one post is movable relative to the chamber. 130) The beverage machine of paragraph 129), wherein the at least one post is rotatable relative to the chamber, wherein the rotation of the at least one post is configured to further break the plurality of pieces into smaller pieces. 131) The beverage machine of paragraph 130), wherein at least one post further comprises a plurality of blades extending outwardly from a center of the at least one post. 132) A beverage machine according to paragraph 131), wherein the chamber receptacle includes a side wall and wherein a plurality of ribs protrude from the side wall, wherein rotation of at least one post is configured to break the plurality of chunks between the blades of the post and the ribs of the chamber receptacle side wall. 133) The beverage maker of par. 120), further comprising at least one support ledge configured to contact and support an exterior of the beverage tablet when a compressive force is applied to the beverage tablet. 134) A beverage machine according to paragraph 120), wherein at least one post has a teardrop shape. 135) The beverage machine according to any of paragraphs 120) to 131), wherein the chamber comprises a brewing chamber, and wherein the beverage is configured to be brewed in the brewing chamber. 136) The beverage machine according to any of paragraphs 120) to 131), further comprising a brewing chamber, wherein the brewing chamber is located downstream of the cavity. 137) A method of forming a beverage using a beverage tablet, the method comprising: receiving a beverage tablet within a chamber of the beverage machine; applying a compressive force to the beverage tablet to break the tablet into a plurality of pieces; and A beverage precursor liquid is introduced to form a beverage. 138) A method according to paragraph 137), wherein receiving the beverage tablet within the chamber comprises receiving a post of the beverage machine within a void in the beverage tablet, and wherein the post supports the beverage tablet when a compressive force is applied to the tablet. 139) A method according to paragraph 137), wherein the step of applying a compressive force to the beverage tablet comprises closing the chamber lid, wherein a surface of the chamber lid contacts the beverage tablet and applies the compressive force thereto. 140) Method according to par. 137), wherein the compressive force is applied to the beverage tablet by a piston of a beverage machine. 141) The method of paragraph 138) further comprising rotating the column relative to the chamber to break the plurality of chunks into smaller chunks.

[0161] The embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in any suitable arrangement, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments or examples. On the contrary, those skilled in the art will understand that the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, or equivalents. Therefore, the foregoing description is intended only as an example.

Claims

1. A beverage tablet for forming a beverage, the tablet comprising: A body made of one or more beverage ingredients; outer wall; as well as at least one void extending into said body, Therein, the at least one void has a shape with a finite-order rotational symmetry.

2. The tablet according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer wall has a shape with a finite order of rotational symmetry.

3. The tablet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The shape of the at least one void has first-order rotational symmetry.

4. The tablet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one void is configured to receive at least one post of the beverage maker.

5. The tablet according to claim 4, characterized in that The at least one post is configured to break the tablet into a plurality of pieces.

6. Tablet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one void is symmetrical.

7. A tablet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The tablet has only one void.

8. The tablet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The at least one void includes a plurality of voids.

9. The tablet according to claim 8, characterized in that The voids in the plurality of voids are equidistant.

10. The tablet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one void is a through hole extending completely through the body.

11. The tablet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one void is a blind hole extending only partially through the body.

12. The tablet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Also included is a coating covering at least a portion of the body.

13. Tablet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one void is non-circular in shape.

14. Tablet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The outer wall is non-circular in shape.

15. Tablet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The outer wall has a teardrop shape.

16. Tablet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The outer wall is made of one or more beverage raw materials.

17. The tablet according to claim 16, characterized in that At least one beverage material in the body and the outer wall is the same.

18. The tablet according to claim 16, characterized in that At least one beverage ingredient in the body is not in the outer wall, and / or at least one beverage ingredient in the outer wall is not in the body.

19. The tablet according to claim 16, characterized in that The one or more beverage ingredients of the body include coffee.

20. The tablet according to claim 16, characterized in that The one or more beverage ingredients of the outer wall include coffee.

21. Tablet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one void is teardrop shaped.

22. The tablet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The at least one void is oval-shaped.

23. The tablet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The at least one void is asymmetrical.

24. A beverage tablet for forming a beverage, the tablet comprising: A body made of one or more beverage ingredients; outer wall; as well as A plurality of voids extend into the body.

25. The tablet according to claim 24, characterized in that At least one of the plurality of voids is configured to receive a post of the beverage maker.

26. The tablet according to any one of claims 24 to 25, characterized in that The plurality of voids are configured to facilitate crushing of the tablet by the beverage machine.

27. A beverage machine for forming a beverage, comprising: a chamber having a receptacle configured to receive a beverage tablet having at least one void therein; as well as At least one post is configured to be received within the at least one void of the tablet, wherein the at least one post is configured to break the tablet into a plurality of pieces upon movement of the at least one post relative to the chamber.

28. The beverage machine according to claim 27, characterized in that The chamber further includes a chamber lid having a closed position in which the chamber lid covers the receptacle and an open position in which the receptacle is exposed.

29. The beverage machine according to claim 28, characterized in that The at least one post is disposed on at least one of the chamber receptacle and the chamber lid.

30. The beverage machine according to claim 29, characterized in that The at least one post includes only one post disposed on the receptacle and configured to rotate.

31. The beverage machine according to claim 29, wherein The at least one post includes only one post disposed on the chamber lid and configured to rotate.

32. The beverage machine according to claim 29, wherein The at least one pillar has a shape different from a shape of the at least one void.

33. The beverage machine according to claim 27, wherein: The chamber further includes one or more ribs positioned along a sidewall of an interior of the chamber, wherein the one or more ribs are configured to facilitate breakage of the beverage tablet.

34. The beverage machine according to claim 33, characterized in that The one or more ribs include a plurality of ribs, wherein the plurality of ribs are positioned at regular intervals along the chamber sidewall.

35. The beverage machine according to claim 33, characterized in that The one or more ribs include a plurality of ribs, wherein the plurality of ribs are positioned at irregular intervals along the chamber sidewall.

36. The beverage machine according to claim 27, characterized in that The at least one void comprises a blind hole extending only partially through the body of the beverage tablet.

37. A beverage machine according to any one of claims 27 to 36, characterized in that The at least one post has a teardrop shape.

38. A beverage machine according to any one of claims 27 to 35, characterized in that The chamber includes a brewing chamber.

39. A beverage machine according to any one of claims 27 to 35, characterized in that Also included is a brewing chamber, wherein the brewing chamber is located downstream of the cavity.

40. A beverage forming device comprising: beverage dispensers; as well as A beverage tablet for forming a beverage, wherein the beverage tablet comprises a body and an outer wall, wherein the body is made of one or more beverage ingredients, and wherein the beverage tablet further comprises at least one void extending into the body, The at least one gap in the beverage tablet is configured to facilitate the beverage machine to break the beverage tablet into a plurality of pieces.

41. The beverage forming device of claim 40, wherein: The at least one void of the beverage tablet is configured to receive at least one post of the beverage maker, wherein the beverage tablet is configured to break into a plurality of pieces in response to movement of the post.

42. A beverage machine for forming a beverage, comprising: a chamber having a chamber receptacle configured to receive a beverage tablet having at least one void; as well as At least one post is positioned within the chamber receptacle and configured to be received in the at least one void of the beverage tablet, wherein the at least one post is configured to support the beverage tablet when the beverage machine applies a compressive force to the beverage tablet to break the beverage tablet into a plurality of pieces.

43. The beverage machine according to claim 42, characterized in that Also included is a chamber cover, wherein closing of the chamber cover causes a bottom surface of the chamber cover to apply a compressive force to the beverage tablet.

44. The beverage machine according to claim 43, characterized in that The chamber lid has a closed position in which the chamber lid covers the chamber receptacle and an open position in which the chamber receptacle is exposed.

45. The beverage machine according to claim 42, characterized in that The at least one post is tapered such that a base of the at least one post is wider than a top of the at least one post.

46. The beverage machine according to claim 45, characterized in that The at least one void is inversely tapered such that a geometry of the at least one void is complementary to a geometry of the at least one post.

47. The beverage machine according to claim 42, characterized in that Also included is one or more cavities formed in the cavity receptacle, wherein the one or more cavities are configured to receive at least a portion of the plurality of tablet pieces.

48. The beverage machine according to claim 47, characterized in that The one or more cavities are configured to be closed by a cover movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

49. The beverage machine according to claim 42, characterized in that Also included are one or more fins attached to the at least one post, wherein the one or more fins are configured to facilitate breaking the tablet into a plurality of pieces.

50. The beverage machine according to claim 42, wherein The at least one post is stationary relative to the chamber.

51. The beverage machine according to claim 42, characterized in that The at least one post is movable relative to the chamber.

52. The beverage machine according to claim 51, characterized in that The at least one post is rotatable relative to the chamber, wherein the rotation of the at least one post is configured to further break the plurality of pieces into smaller pieces.

53. The beverage machine according to claim 52, characterized in that The at least one post further includes a plurality of vanes extending outwardly from a center of the at least one post.

54. The beverage machine according to claim 53, characterized in that The chamber receptacle includes a sidewall, wherein a plurality of ribs protrude from the sidewall, wherein rotation of the at least one post is configured to break the plurality of chunks between the blades of the post and the ribs of the chamber receptacle sidewall.

55. The beverage machine according to claim 42, characterized in that Also included is at least one support ledge configured to contact and support an exterior of the beverage tablet when a compressive force is applied to the beverage tablet.

56. The beverage machine according to claim 42, characterized in that The at least one post has a teardrop shape.

57. A beverage machine according to any one of claims 42 to 53, characterised in that The cavity includes a brewing chamber, wherein a beverage is configured to be brewed in the brewing chamber.

58. A beverage machine according to any one of claims 42 to 53, characterized in that Also included is a brewing chamber, wherein the brewing chamber is located downstream of the cavity.

59. A method of forming a beverage from a beverage tablet, the method comprising: receiving a beverage tablet within a chamber of the beverage machine; applying a compressive force to the beverage tablet to break the tablet into a plurality of pieces; as well as A beverage precursor liquid is introduced to form a beverage.

60. The method according to claim 59, wherein Receiving the beverage tablet within the chamber includes receiving a post of the beverage maker within a void in the beverage tablet, wherein the post supports the beverage tablet when a compressive force is applied to the tablet.

61. The method according to claim 59, wherein Applying a compressive force to the beverage tablet includes closing a chamber cover, wherein a surface of the chamber cover contacts the beverage tablet and applies a compressive force to the beverage tablet.

62. The method according to claim 59, wherein The compressive force is applied to the beverage tablet by a piston of the beverage machine.

63. The method according to claim 60, wherein Also included is rotating the column relative to the chamber to break the plurality of chunks into smaller chunks.

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