BEVERAGE CONCENTRATE CARTRIDGE HAVING BUILT-IN FILTER - Patent application

Abstract

A cartridge for holding a beverage concentrate is provided. The cartridge is arranged for use in a beverage dispenser for dispensing a mixed beverage from the beverage concentrate and a base liquid. The cartridge comprises an internal volume for holding the beverage concentrate and a filter designed to filter suspended particles from the beverage concentrate passing through the filter from the internal volume. The suspended particles may be present in particular in beverage concentrates based on fermented beverages.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The aspects and embodiments relate to the field of forming and dispensing a mixed beverage formed by mixing a beverage concentrate with a base liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] Beverages such as soft drinks, beer, and cocktails can be consumed in a location different from where they are produced. Therefore, the beverages need to be transported. To reduce the mass and volume to be transported, it is recommended to concentrate, i.e. reduce the water content, the beverage before transportation. The beverage concentrate can be mixed with a base liquid to obtain a mixed beverage with a concentration, consistency, and flavor close to that of the original beverage.

[0003] The cartridge, otherwise called a container, pod, or capsule, may be used as a container for holding a concentrated beverage. A user may provide the cartridge to a beverage dispenser, and the concentrate may be mixed with a base liquid, such as water. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It has been observed that if the beverage concentrate contains particles, particularly dispersed, suspended or precipitated particles, the beverage after mixing may appear hazy, i.e., have high turbidity and / or appear cloudy. This turbidity may be higher than the beverage from which it is concentrated, which may be undesirable for aesthetic and / or other reasons. It has further been observed that the concentration of particles in the beverage concentrate may increase over time, particularly if the beverage concentrate is based on a fermented beverage, particularly beer, more particularly beer based on a grain such as barley.

[0005] The general objective is to reduce the turbidity of a mixed beverage formed by mixing one or more beverage concentrates with one or more base liquids. Preferably, the turbidity is reduced such that the turbidity of the mixed beverage corresponds or approximately corresponds to the turbidity of the beverage on which the beverage concentrates are based. Alternatively or additionally, the general objective is to reduce the amount of particles in the mixed beverage formed by mixing one or more beverage concentrates with one or more base liquids, for example to improve the taste, perceived quality, and / or appearance of the mixed beverage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect provides a cartridge for holding a beverage concentrate, the cartridge comprising an internal volume for holding the beverage concentrate and a filter designed to filter particles from a liquid flow passing from the internal volume through the filter, for example the beverage concentrate or mixed beverage, such that at least a portion of the particles present in the internal volume are captured by the filter, resulting in a beverage concentrate or mixed beverage with low turbidity. The low turbidity of the beverage concentrate may in turn result in a preferred low turbidity of the mixed beverage.

[0007] It will be understood that the liquid stream passing through the filter may be a mixture, suspension, or dispersion of small particles in the liquid. After passing through the filter, the liquid stream may contain fewer small particles, or even essentially no small particles. For example, the small particles have a general particle size of greater than 0.2 μm, greater than 1 μm, particularly between 0.2 and 100 μm, or even between 0.1 and 50 μm.

[0008] The interior volume may be defined by a cartridge housing constituted by the cartridge. The cartridge housing may be substantially liquid-tight except for one or more fluid passages through the cartridge housing. The fluid passages may be embodied, for example, as a single through-hole through the cartridge housing, or as multiple through-holes through the cartridge housing. During use, the one or more through-holes may be formed, for example, by puncturing the cartridge housing by one or more piercing members of the beverage dispenser.

[0009] The beverage concentrate may be based on a fermented beverage, such as beer, wine, or cider. The beverage concentrate may itself comprise a liquid, such as water, in which particles are mixed, suspended and / or dispersed. Thus, the beverage concentrate may be an aqueous liquid. Over time, and depending on, for example, the viscosity of the beverage concentrate, particles may settle into the liquid. However, when the cartridge is moved, for example by a user positioning the cartridge in a receptacle of a beverage dispenser, the settled particles may be resuspended in the liquid beverage concentrate.

[0010] The particles may be or may include one or more proteins (proteinaceous materials), sugars, organic compounds such as polyphenols, hop acids, and / or oxalates. Optionally, the beverage concentrate may be essentially ethanol-free or may include a particular concentration of ethanol, such as 25% or less by volume, 10% or less by volume, 5% or less by volume, or even 1% or less by volume. As a further option, the beverage concentrate may include any other gas, such as dissolved carbon dioxide and / or nitrogen.

[0011] In an embodiment, the beverage concentrate may include or consist of solid particles. Thus, the beverage concentrate may be, for example, a powder or tablet. The solid beverage concentrate may be dissolved, suspended, or dispersed in one or more base liquids. Multiple beverage concentrates may be used to form the beverage after mixing, and the multiple beverage concentrates may be in liquid and / or solid form. The one or more base liquids may be, for example, water, carbonated water, ethanol, ethanol dissolved in water, and / or any combination thereof. In particular, when one or more base liquids are mixed with the beverage concentrate inside the cartridge, the beverage concentrate may include or consist of solid particles that may be dissolved in the one or more base liquids.

[0012] A beverage concentrate based on a fermented beverage may be obtained by concentrating the fermented beverage and / or brewing the fermented beverage with a high concentration of flavoring. The high concentration of flavoring may be higher than the typical concentration of flavoring for the fermented beverage. For example, if a beverage concentrate contains four times more flavoring per volume than a conventional beverage, the concentrate must be diluted four times to obtain the desired concentration of flavoring.

[0013] A high concentration of flavoring may result in a high dry matter content in the beverage concentrate, which is higher than the typical dry matter content in a conventional beverage. A high concentration of flavoring may be obtained by brewing a fermented beverage with a higher concentration of ingredients such as grains, e.g., malt, wheat, or corn, and / or hops, compared to the concentrations of ingredients used to brew conventional beverages that are not usually mixed with a base liquid before consumption.

[0014] A beverage concentrate may generally include one or more flavorings, for example, intended to mimic the flavor of another beverage. In particular, the flavorings may be used to mimic the flavor of a fermented beverage, such as beer, wine, or cider. The flavorings may be, for example, aromatic compounds, esters, or alcohols. By mixing one or more flavorings, particularly in an aqueous solution, a beverage concentrate may thus be obtained. It will be understood that a beverage concentrate may therefore also be formed without a brewing or fermentation process.

[0015] For hygienic purposes, it may be aimed to provide a beverage dispenser that allows convenient disposal of filtered particles. Thus, when the filter is constituted by a cartridge, when disposing of the cartridge after use, the filtered particles are likewise disposed of and are not left in the beverage dispenser. It will be understood that the cartridge may be a single-use disposable cartridge. Single-use means that a single amount of mixed beverage may be dispensed using the cartridge, preferably in one continuous dispensing action. The single amount may correspond to the amount of beverage concentrate required to obtain a typical filling amount of a beverage container, such as a glass, which amount may be, for example, 200 mL, 250 mL, 300 mL, 500 mL, or 568 mL (i.e., one pint) when the beverage concentrate is mixed with an amount of base liquid.

[0016] The cartridge may further be a disposable cartridge, i.e. not arranged to be refilled with beverage concentrate after it has been used to dispense a beverage concentrate from the cartridge.Preferably, the cartridge comprises reusable materials.

[0017] Alternatively, the cartridge may be a multiple serving disposable cartridge from which multiple discrete volumes of beverage concentrate may be dispensed.

[0018] If the pressure difference between the beverage concentrate in the internal volume and the outside of the filter is not sufficient to push or suck the beverage concentrate through the filter, the filter may limit or completely block the passage of the beverage concentrate. In an embodiment, the pressure of the beverage concentrate fluid column may be insufficient to push the beverage concentrate through the filter. Thus, an external pressure may be required to push the beverage concentrate from the internal volume of the cartridge through the filter. The external pressure may be provided by an ejection actuator configured by the beverage dispenser, or by ambient pressure when the pressure downstream of the filter is reduced to a pressure below ambient pressure by the ejection actuator, or by a combination of the two.

[0019] For hygiene reasons, to prevent undesired leakage of the beverage concentrate from the cartridge and / or to protect the filter from external influences such as impacts and / or contaminants, an embodiment of the cartridge further comprises a seal. The filter may be located between the seal and the internal volume of the cartridge. Between the filter and the seal there may be air or another gas. In particular, if the filter is permeable to oxygen, it may be preferable to fill the volume between the seal and the filter with a gas having a low oxygen content, such as dinitrogen or CO2 gas, or a mixture thereof. This may increase the shelf life of the cartridge.

[0020] The seal may be a removable seal, which may be removable by a user or by the beverage dispenser. For example, the seal may be attached to the cartridge using an adhesive or welding. As another example, the seal may be connected to the cartridge via a weakened section. The seal may be removed from the cartridge by ripping or otherwise destroying the weakened section.

[0021] In other embodiments, the seal can be arranged to at least partially dissolve or degrade, for example, when exposed to the base liquid. As the seal breaks down into smaller particles, these particles can be captured in the filter.

[0022] The distance between the seal and the filter may allow a piercing element of the beverage dispenser to pierce the seal without piercing the filter, which may make using the filter to capture particles from the beverage concentrate less effective if the filter is pierced.

[0023] Many different types of filters are envisioned. The filter may be, for example, a semi-permeable filter, such as a paper filter. Generally, a semi-permeable filter may allow the passage of liquid while blocking the passage of solids by trapping the solids within the filter. Depending on the size of the solids, the solids may be trapped in the filter, or may pass through the filter when the solids are small enough. Specifically, if it is preferred that some solids are present in the beverage after mixing, the filter may be adjusted to allow the passage of these preferred solids, for example, based on the typical size of the preferred solids.

[0024] The filter may have an open cell structure. For example, the filter may be a sintered filter formed by sintering a material such as copper, stainless steel, any other metal, or a polymer. The sintering process may provide an open cell structure for the filter. The cell size of the open cell structure may allow solid particles to be trapped while liquid may pass through the filter.

[0025] The filter may be embodied as a sieve having one or more holes, which may have a particular flow area or pore size arranged to capture particles in the beverage concentrate while allowing the liquid portion to flow through the filter.

[0026] In an embodiment, the pore size of the filter may be from 0.2 to 100 μm (micrometers). More specifically, the pore size of the filter may be from 0.3 to 50 μm, or even from 0.4 to 25 μm.

[0027] The filter may be formed as a sandwich structure, with the filter material sandwiched between two sandwich plates. The filter material is arranged to capture suspended particles from the stream of beverage concentrate flowing through the filter. The filter material may have a granular form, such as, for example, diatomaceous earth or kieselguhr, or may be a porous material, such as a porous ceramic or porous metal. The sandwich plates are arranged to hold the filter material in place between the sandwich plates. Fluid flow is permitted through the sandwich plates, for example, through openings or other passages through the sandwich plates. The openings or other passages are typically not arranged to capture particles forming the stream of beverage concentrate passing through the sandwich plates.

[0028] Generally, a combination of different filters may be used in a single cartridge. Thus, the beverage concentrate may flow through one or more filters before being mixed with the base liquid and dispensed as a beverage. In particular, the beverage concentrate may flow through one or more filters before being mixed with the base liquid. The different filters may be designed to capture different types of particles, which may have different compositions and / or sizes.

[0029] The base liquid, or possible base liquid, with which the beverage concentrate is mixed to form the beverage after mixing may include water, carbonated water, and / or ethanol. In embodiments, the base liquid may be a beverage such as beer, cider, wine, or any other fermented beverage. The beverage concentrate may be used to add additional flavors to the base liquid.

[0030] Optionally, the cartridge may include a temporary separator that prevents contact between the filter and the beverage concentrate within the interior volume. The separator is temporary in the sense that it is removed or opened prior to expelling the beverage concentrate from the cartridge, e.g., by forcing the beverage concentrate through the separator.

[0031] During shipping and storage of the cartridge and prior to use of the cartridge, the separator prevents or reduces contact between the filter and the beverage concentrate. In this manner, the filter may remain dry during the shelf life of the cartridge. As such, the separator may be essentially impermeable to liquids, such as liquid beverage concentrates.

[0032] In embodiments, the separator may be arranged to break when sufficient pressure is applied to the beverage concentrate within the interior volume. Alternatively, the separator may be removable, for example by a user or the beverage dispenser.

[0033] In an embodiment, the cartridge may further comprise a spout projecting away from the internal volume. During use, the beverage concentrate may be discharged from the internal volume through the spout. The spout may be used to direct the beverage concentrate to a particular component of a beverage dispenser or to a consumer's glass. The filter may be located inside the spout, upstream of the spout, or downstream of the spout.

[0034] A second aspect provides a beverage dispenser assembly for dispensing a mixed beverage from a beverage concentrate and a base liquid. The beverage dispenser assembly comprises an embodiment of a beverage dispenser and a cartridge, in particular an embodiment of the cartridge according to the first aspect.

[0035] The beverage dispenser comprises a dispenser housing having a receptacle for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge, a base liquid input for receiving a base liquid, a beverage concentrate input in fluid communication with the receptacle, a mixed beverage conduit in fluid communication with the base liquid input and the beverage concentrate input and having a mixed beverage output at a downstream end, and an ejection actuator for ejecting the beverage concentrate from the internal volume of the cartridge, particularly through a filter of the cartridge.

[0036] As an alternative to using a discharge actuator to discharge the beverage concentrate through a filter of the cartridge, the filter may move through the beverage concentrate. Thus, particles in the beverage concentrate may be trapped in the filter. The beverage concentrate that passes through the filter may be discharged from the cartridge and mixed to form a mixed beverage.

[0037] Because the beverage concentrate must pass through the filter of the cartridge, an increased ejection force may be required compared to a cartridge without a filter. The ejection force is applied by an ejection actuator of the beverage dispenser. Generally, the ejection force may be used to push the beverage concentrate out of the internal volume through the filter, or to suck the beverage concentrate out of the internal volume through the filter.

[0038] It will thus be appreciated that in different embodiments the beverage concentrate may be sucked, pushed, pressed and / or centrifuged through a filter. Generally, this may be referred to as the beverage concentrate being expelled from the cartridge. For example, a venturi may be used to suck liquid, such as the beverage concentrate, from the cartridge.

[0039] When the cartridge comprises a seal, the seal may be removed by a user, removed by the beverage dispenser and / or pierced by a piercing member constituted by the beverage dispenser, such that the piercing member may be arranged to pierce the seal of the cartridge without piercing the filter.

[0040] As a particular option, the cartridge may be an expandable cartridge, in which case the cartridge housing is an expandable housing and is arranged to be further filled with a base liquid such that a mixed beverage may be formed within the interior volume from the beverage concentrate and the base liquid.

[0041] A third aspect provides a method of dispensing a mixed beverage from a beverage concentrate and a base liquid. The method includes the steps of providing or receiving a cartridge having an interior volume for holding a beverage concentrate, providing or receiving a base liquid, expelling the beverage concentrate from the cartridge, allowing the beverage concentrate and the base liquid to mix to form a mixed beverage, and dispensing the mixed beverage. The beverage concentrate is passed through a filter prior to dispensing the mixed beverage.

[0042] By passing the beverage concentrate through a filter, particles suspended in the beverage concentrate can be captured after mixing and before the beverage is dispensed.

[0043] The filter may be comprised by a cartridge. When the filter is comprised by a cartridge, the filter may be disposed of together with the cartridge. Thus, it may be ensured that an unused filter is used with each cartridge.

[0044] Alternatively, the filter may be configured by the beverage dispenser assembly, in particular the beverage dispenser. The filter configured by the beverage dispenser assembly may be suitable for capturing particles from the beverage concentrate supplied in the cartridges. The filter configured by the beverage dispenser assembly may be supplied separately from the beverage dispenser, for example as a replaceable filter cartridge. The filter may be located downstream of the cartridge, for example in the beverage concentrate conduit.

[0045] As a particular option, the beverage concentrate is passed through a filter prior to forming the mixed beverage. Thus, the base liquid, and thus a smaller volume of liquid, may be prevented from having to pass through the filter. By passing the beverage concentrate through a filter prior to forming the mixed beverage, excessive foaming may be avoided, or foaming may be essentially avoided altogether.

[0046] As another option, the beverage concentrate is passed through a filter after being mixed into the post-mix beverage, which may allow for alternative positioning of the filter and may also allow for filtration of the base liquid.

[0047] If the cartridge includes a filter, the cartridge with the particles trapped in the filter may be discarded after the mixed beverage has been dispensed. In this way, the particles may be conveniently disposed of by the user. If the filter is provided separately from the cartridge, the filter may be single-use, suitable for use with multiple cartridges, generally disposable, or the filter may be cleanable and reused after cleaning. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1A] 1 shows different embodiments of a cartridge for holding a beverage concentrate. [Figure 1B] 1 shows different embodiments of a cartridge for holding a beverage concentrate. [Figure 1C] 1 shows different embodiments of a cartridge for holding a beverage concentrate. [Figure 1D] 1 shows different embodiments of a cartridge for holding a beverage concentrate. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates yet a further embodiment of a cartridge for holding a beverage concentrate. [Figure 2B] 1 shows an embodiment of an empty cartridge. [Figure 2C]1 shows an embodiment of a cartridge with a seal, which is either unpierced or pierced, respectively, by a piercing member of a beverage dispenser; [Figure 2D] 1 shows an embodiment of a cartridge with a seal, which is either unpierced or pierced, respectively, by a piercing member of a beverage dispenser; [Figure 3A] 1A-1D illustrate different embodiments of a beverage dispenser assembly; [Figure 3B] 1A-1D illustrate different embodiments of a beverage dispenser assembly; [Figure 4A] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams illustrating different embodiments of an expandable cartridge. [Figure 4B] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams illustrating different embodiments of an expandable cartridge. [Figure 4C] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams illustrating different embodiments of an expandable cartridge. [Figure 4D] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams illustrating different embodiments of an expandable cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] 1A-1D show, in schematic cross-sectional views, different embodiments of a cartridge 100 for holding a beverage concentrate 106. The cartridge may otherwise be known as a capsule, pouch, pod, or container. The beverage concentrate 106 is shown in the figures in a wave-like pattern. The cartridges 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D all include a filter 104 designed to filter suspended particles from the beverage concentrate passing through the filter.

[0050] Generally, the cartridge 100 comprises a cartridge housing 101 in which there is an internal volume 102 for holding a volume of beverage concentrate. The outer shape of the cartridge housing 101 may be complementary to at least a part of a receptacle of a beverage dispenser. The cartridge housing 101 may be a rigid housing or a flexible housing, or the cartridge may be at least partially rigid and at least partially flexible. The flexible cartridge housing part may be formed by one or more thin sheets, laminates, or films, for example, such that the flexible cartridge housing part resembles a bag or pouch. An outer housing may be provided that surrounds at least a part of the cartridge housing 101. Thus, for example, a bag-in-container type cartridge may be obtained.

[0051] 1A, the cartridge housing 101 includes a passageway 108 in which the filter 104 is positioned. The beverage concentrate 106 may flow from the interior volume 102 out of the cartridge housing 101 via the passageway 108, thereby passing through the filter 104.

[0052] 1B, the cartridge 100 further comprises an optional spout 112, which protrudes away from the interior volume 102. The spout 112 is connected to the cartridge housing 101 at an upstream end 113 of the spout 112. As the beverage concentrate 106 is expelled from the cartridge 100, the beverage concentrate flows through the spout 112 from the upstream end 113 of the spout to a downstream end 115 of the spout 112.

[0053] The spout 112 may be a filling gland that is connected to the cartridge 100 and used to fill the cartridge with a beverage concentrate. The spout 112 may be, for example, glued or welded to the cartridge housing 101. Alternatively, the spout 112 may be integrally formed with the cartridge housing 101.

[0054] When the filter is positioned at or near the upstream end of the spout 112, the filter may be protected by the spout 112 from external influences, such as impacts, that may damage the filter. Alternatively or additionally, the spout 112 allows for correct positioning of the cartridge 100 in a receptacle of a beverage dispenser. As such, the spout 112 may even be asymmetric such that the cartridge 100 may only be positioned in the receptacle at one or more different orientations relative to the receptacle. Additionally or alternatively, the cartridge housing 101 may be asymmetrically shaped such that the cartridge 100 may only be positioned in the receptacle at one or more different orientations relative to the receptacle.

[0055] Generally, the spout 112 may be rigid. Alternatively, at least a portion of the spout 112 may be flexible, resilient, and / or elastic. This allows the spout 112 to be formed to fit a fluid-tight fit with a beverage dispenser to prevent leakage of the beverage concentrate. When at least a portion of the spout 112 is flexible, resilient, and / or elastic, the spout 112 may be used as a valve, in particular a one-way valve. Additionally or alternatively, when at least a portion of the spout 112 is flexible, resilient, and / or elastic, the spout may be clamped or squeezed closed and as such may essentially act as a fluid-tight seal.

[0056] FIG. 1C shows another embodiment of the cartridge 100, where the filter 104 is positioned within the internal volume 102 of the cartridge 100. As a further option, a seal 114 is used to seal access to the internal volume 102. The seal 114 may be positioned in, behind, or on the passageway 108 to the cartridge housing 101. The seal 114 may, for example, prevent contaminants from entering the internal volume 102. In this embodiment, the filter 104 is positioned between the seal 114 and the beverage concentrate 106. The filter 104 may be positioned a distance away from the seal 114, as shown in FIG. 1C. When the filter 104 is positioned within the internal volume 102, the filter 104 may be protected, at least in large part, by the cartridge housing from external influences, such as contaminants or impacts.

[0057] 1D shows yet another embodiment of the cartridge 100 with an optional spout 112. In this embodiment, a seal 114 is provided over the outlet opening of the spout 112. The seal 114 may be removably connected to the spout 112 such that the seal 114 may be removed by a user and / or a beverage dispenser. The outlet opening of the spout 112 may conveniently be a convenient location for the seal 114 to apply and / or remove the seal 114.

[0058] In general, the seal 114 may be embodied as, for example, a thin sheet. The seal 114 may be substantially impermeable to gases, such as air or oxygen, and / or the seal 114 may be substantially impermeable to liquids, such as beverage concentrates.

[0059] 2A illustrates in schematic cross-section yet another embodiment of a cartridge 100, comprising a cartridge housing 101 and a spout 112. In this particular embodiment, the cartridge 100 comprises a temporary separator 120 that prevents contact between the filter 104 and the beverage concentrate 106 within the interior volume 102. Thus, the separator 120 may be substantially impermeable to the beverage concentrate.

[0060] For example, prolonged contact between the filter 104 and the beverage concentrate 106 may be undesirable during transport for storage of the cartridge 100. For example, the filtration characteristics of the filter 104 may be adversely affected by prolonged contact between the filter 104 and the beverage concentrate 106. The separator 120 may also enable the use of a filter 104 that is permeable to liquids, such as beverage concentrates, without the risk of the liquid leaking through the filter 104, for example, during transport or storage of the cartridge 100.

[0061] During use, for example, by an ejection actuator of the beverage dispenser, the separator 120 can be broken or removed so that the beverage concentrate 106 can be ejected from the interior volume 102. The ejection actuator of the beverage dispenser is generally arranged to create a pressure differential between the upstream side of the filter 104, where the beverage concentrate 106 is initially present, and the downstream side of the filter 104. This pressure differential causes the beverage concentrate 106 to pass through the filter 104, particularly when the pressure upstream of the filter 104 is higher than the pressure downstream of the filter 104.

[0062] 2B illustrates, in cross-section, an embodiment of the cartridge 100 after the beverage concentrate 106 has been expelled. In this embodiment, the cartridge housing 101 has been collapsed, thereby reducing the internal volume 102, such that preferably essentially no beverage concentrate remains within the internal volume 102.

[0063] The cartridge housing 101 may be collapsed by an ejection actuator pushing down on the cartridge housing 101. Additionally or alternatively, the cartridge housing 101 may be collapsed by beverage concentrate being sucked out of the internal volume 102 by an ejection actuator of the beverage dispenser.

[0064] 2C and 2D show a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a cartridge 100 holding a volume of beverage concentrate 106 and including a seal 114. The filter 104 is positioned between the beverage concentrate 106 and the seal 114, with the seal 114 being positioned a distance from the filter 104.

[0065] Between the situation shown in Figure 2C and the situation shown in Figure 2D, the piercing member 129 has pierced the seal 114 of the cartridge 100. Once the seal 114 has been pierced, the seal 114 may not prevent the beverage concentrate 106 from being expelled from the cartridge 100. As can be seen in Figure 2D, preferably the piercing member 129 only pierces the seal 114 and does not contact the filter 104 to prevent damage to the filter 104.

[0066] Generally, any of the cartridge embodiments disclosed herein, and particularly any of the cartridge embodiments disclosed in conjunction with Figures 1A-2D, can be arranged to receive a volume of base liquid within an interior volume of the cartridge, In such embodiments, the cartridge housing can be an expandable housing operable from an unexpanded state to an expanded state.

[0067] 3A and 3B show schematic diagrams of two embodiments of a beverage dispenser assembly 200 including a beverage dispenser 202, which may generally be any cartridge disclosed herein, and an embodiment of a cartridge 100. By means of the beverage dispenser assembly 200, a mixed beverage may be dispensed from one or more beverage concentrates and one or more base liquids. The beverage dispenser 202 may be, for example, a countertop dispenser for consumer use.

[0068] Reference is now made to the beverage dispenser assembly 200 of Fig. 3A. In this embodiment of the assembly 200, the beverage dispenser 202 comprises a receptacle 206 having a receiving volume in which the cartridge 100 is positioned. The cartridge 100 holds a volume of beverage concentrate. The beverage dispenser 202 further comprises a base liquid input 208 for receiving a base liquid. The base liquid input 208 may be connectable to a source of base liquid, such as, for example, a tap supplying tap water or a container constituted by the beverage dispenser.

[0069] The carbonator 218 may be configured by the beverage dispenser 102 to form a carbonated base liquid. The carbonator 218 may be positioned, for example, in line with the base liquid conduit 209. To provide a gas, such as CO2, to the carbonator 218, the beverage dispenser 202 includes a gas inlet 222 and a gas conduit 224 for transporting the gas from the gas inlet 222 to the carbonator 218.

[0070] 3A, the beverage dispenser 202 comprises a mixing chamber 210 in fluid communication with the base liquid input 208 via a base liquid conduit 209 and in fluid communication with the cartridge 100 via a beverage concentrate conduit 212. The mixing chamber 210 can thus receive a base liquid and a beverage concentrate, within which the base liquid and beverage concentrate may mix to form a mixed beverage. From the mixing chamber 210, via a mixed beverage conduit 214, the mixed beverage may be dispensed via a dispensing outlet 216.

[0071] 3A, the cartridge 100 may include a filter 104 designed to filter suspended particles from the beverage concentrate passing therethrough. The filtered particles are thus prevented from traveling downstream towards the mixing chamber 210.

[0072] It will be appreciated that instead of or in addition to the filter 104 provided by the cartridge 100, a filter may be provided by the beverage dispenser 202 designed to filter particles from a flow of liquid, such as a beverage concentrate, base liquid, or mixed beverage, passing through the filter. To filter particles from a beverage concentrate, the filter may be located, for example, in the beverage concentrate conduit 212.

[0073] To expel the beverage concentrate from the cartridge 100, the beverage dispenser 202 comprises an ejection actuator 220. The ejection actuator 220 may for example be arranged to move towards the cartridge 100, in particular to squeeze, fold and / or crush the cartridge 100 to an empty state. Alternatively or additionally, the ejection actuator 220 may be arranged to suck the mixed beverage from the cartridge 100, which causes the cartridge 100 to fold to an empty state, for example using the Venturi effect.

[0074] 3B shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a beverage dispenser assembly 200. In this embodiment, the cartridge 100 holding the beverage concentrate is an expandable cartridge. The use of an expandable cartridge can eliminate the need for a separate mixing chamber. In FIG. 3B, the cartridge 100 is shown in a non-expanded state with a solid line and in an expanded state with a dashed line 100'.

[0075] Any of the embodiments of the beverage dispenser 202 may include a piercing member 129 arranged to pierce an optional seal of a cartridge without piercing a filter. The piercing member 129 may be positioned to be moved further into the receiving volume 206 to pierce a seal of a cartridge positioned within said receiving volume 206.

[0076] Instead of a separate mixing chamber 210, in the embodiment of Figure 3B, the expandable cartridge 100 is used as a mixing chamber in which a mixed beverage is formed by mixing a beverage concentrate and a base liquid. To this end, the base liquid input 208 is in fluid communication with the receptacle 206, and the expandable cartridge 100 is positioned to supply a base liquid to the expandable cartridge 100, e.g., to a fluid passageway of the expandable cartridge 100, as described in conjunction with Figures 4A-4D.

[0077] The mixed beverage conduit 214 is positioned in fluid communication with the receptacle 206 to receive the mixed beverage from the expandable cartridge 100. Through the mixed beverage conduit 214, the mixed beverage can be dispensed through a dispensing outlet 216 at a downstream end of the mixed beverage conduit 214. The mixed beverage conduit 214 can be configured by the beverage dispenser 202 or by the cartridge 100. The mixed beverage conduit 214 can be at least partially a flexible conduit, particularly when configured by the cartridge 100, allowing a user to properly position the mixed beverage conduit 214 relative to the beverage dispenser 202. Alternatively, the mixed beverage conduit 214 can be a rigid conduit, for example a rigid outlet spout configured by the cartridge 100.

[0078] Optionally, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 3B, the beverage dispenser 202 may comprise an optional stirring unit 221. The stirring unit 221 is generally arranged to stir the liquid inside the expandable cartridge.

[0079] In the assembly 200 of Figure 3B, the cartridge 100 comprises an expandable housing. Optionally, the expandable housing comprises a bendable housing portion that can be folded and move away from the interior volume of the cartridge when the expandable housing is manipulated from an unexpanded state to an expanded state.

[0080] Generally, the foldable collapsible housing portion of the expandable housing may be formed as a bellows and arranged to expand to accommodate a larger volume of fluid within the interior volume. The larger volume may be caused, for example, by a base liquid being pumped or drawn into the interior volume and / or a beverage concentrate being pumped or drawn into the interior volume. The bellows may include a plurality of pleats arranged to fold relative to one another.

[0081] As a further option, at least a portion of the expandable housing includes a stretchable material arranged to stretch due to a pressure difference between a pressure within the interior volume and a pressure outside the expandable housing. For example, when the pressure within the interior volume exceeds the pressure outside the expandable housing, the stretchable material stretches, increasing the interior volume. The pressure within the interior volume may be increased, for example, by a pump pumping a base liquid into the interior volume.

[0082] An expandable housing comprising a stretchable material may function similarly to a balloon, which when inflated contains a larger volume of fluid compared to a contracted state. When the pressure within the interior volume is equal to the pressure outside the housing, and no external forces are applied to the housing, the stretchable portion of the housing may be in a rest state (e.g., not elastically deformed).

[0083] To further elaborate on the option that a contemplated embodiment of the cartridge may be an expandable cartridge, Figures 4A-4D show generally different embodiments of an expandable cartridge 100, in which a cartridge housing 101 is shown in a solid line in an unexpanded state and in an expanded state with a dashed line 101' that may partially overlap with the solid line.

[0084] Generally, for an expandable cartridge, it may be required that the internal volume may first be filled with a volume of beverage concentrate, for example at a filling plant. Then, the internal volume is further filled with a volume of base liquid, for example by a beverage dispenser at a consumer's home or a commercial location such as a bar. In this way, a mixed beverage is formed in the internal volume, the mixed beverage comprising the base liquid and the beverage concentrate. Finally, the internal volume must be at least partially emptied by discharging the mixed beverage from the internal volume. Thus, it is understood that the expandable cartridge may comprise one or more fluid inlets and one or more fluid outlets, and in certain embodiments, the fluid inlets may also be used as fluid outlets.

[0085] In the embodiment of Fig. 4A, the cartridge 100 comprises a single fluid passage 140 to the internal volume 102. The single fluid passage 140 is used as a fluid inlet to allow the internal volume 102 to be filled with a volume of beverage concentrate and a volume of base liquid. The single fluid passage 140 is also used as a fluid outlet to allow the mixed beverage to flow out of the internal volume 102. In the figure, the possible directions of fluid passing through the passages are generally indicated by dashed dotted arrows. A filter 104 designed to filter suspended particles from the mixed beverage passing through the filter from the internal volume may be positioned within, on or over the fluid passage 140.

[0086] In the embodiment of Fig. 4B, the cartridge 100 comprises a fluid inlet 142 that allows the internal volume 102 to be filled with a volume of beverage concentrate and a volume of base liquid. The cartridge 100 further comprises a fluid outlet 146 that allows the mixed beverage to flow out of the internal volume 102. In particular, when a fluid passage is used only as a fluid inlet or only as a fluid outlet, a one-way valve may be present in the fluid passage that restricts the passage of fluid in one direction while allowing the passage of fluid in the opposite direction. To open the one-way valve, a certain pressure difference across the one-way valve may be required. The one-way valve may be, for example, an umbrella valve or a duckbill valve.

[0087] In the embodiment of FIG. 4B, a filter 104 designed to filter suspended particles from the mixed beverage passing through the filter from the internal volume may be positioned within, on, or across the fluid outlet 146 such that the mixed beverage passes through the filter 104 as it is expelled from the cartridge 100.

[0088] In the embodiment of Figure 4C, the cartridge 100 comprises a fluid inlet 142 that allows the internal volume 102 to be filled with a first volume of the volume of beverage concentrate and the volume of base liquid. The cartridge 100 further comprises a fluid passageway 140 that is used to allow the internal volume 102 to be filled with a second volume of the volume of beverage concentrate and the volume of base liquid. The fluid passageway 140 is also used as a fluid outlet to allow the mixed beverage to exit the internal volume 102.

[0089] In this manner, the fluid inlet 142 can be a dedicated fluid inlet for filling the interior volume with a beverage concentrate or with a base liquid. In this manner, the fluid inlet 142 can be designed to be compatible with a filler at a filling plant or with a beverage dispenser for dispensing the mixed beverage. When the fluid inlet 142 is designed to be compatible with a filler at a filling plant, the fluid passage 140 can be designed to be compatible with a beverage dispenser.

[0090] In the embodiment of FIG. 4C, a filter 104 designed to filter suspended particles from the mixed beverage passing through the filter from the internal volume may be positioned within, on, or across the fluid outlet 140 such that the mixed beverage passes through the filter 104 as it is expelled from the cartridge 100.

[0091] 4D embodiment, the cartridge 100 includes a beverage concentrate inlet 142 for receiving a volume of beverage concentrate into the internal volume 102. The cartridge 100 further includes a base liquid inlet 148 separate from the beverage concentrate inlet 142 for receiving a volume of base liquid within the internal volume 102. The cartridge 100 also includes a separate fluid outlet 146 for allowing the mixed beverage to exit the internal volume 102.

[0092] In the embodiment of FIG. 4C, a filter 104 designed to filter suspended particles from the mixed beverage passing through the filter from the internal volume may be positioned within, on, or across the fluid outlet 146 such that the mixed beverage passes through the filter 104 as it is expelled from the cartridge 100.

[0093] Generally, when the cartridge 100 comprises a substantially rigid non-expandable housing portion, one or more fluid inlets and / or one or more fluid outlets may be provided by or through the non-expandable housing portion. Thus, when the cartridge 100 is manipulated from a non-expanded state to an expanded state, the position and / or orientation of the one or more fluid inlets and / or one or more fluid outlets may remain unchanged relative to the receptacle of the beverage dispenser. Alternatively, the one or more fluid inlets and / or one or more fluid outlets may be provided by or through an expandable housing portion. For example, a fluid inlet through which the cartridge is filled with a beverage concentrate may be provided by or through an expandable housing portion.

[0094] Generally, if the cartridge 100 is an expandable cartridge, in a non-expanded state, the internal volume 102 may be between 30 mL and 150 mL, or may even be greater than 150 mL, or may even be greater than 500 mL, or may even be greater than 1000 mL, and is filled with a beverage concentrate. In an expanded state, the internal volume 102 may be between 250 mL and 500 mL, or may even be between 500 mL and 2500 mL, or may even be greater than 2500 mL, or may even be greater than 5000 mL, and is filled with a beverage concentrate and a base liquid. In an empty state, the internal volume 102 may be less than 30 mL, less than 10 mL, or even about 0 mL, such that no or essentially no beverage remains in the cartridge 100. The ratio between the internal volume 102 in the non-expanded state and the internal volume 102 in the expanded state may depend on the desired mixing ratio between the beverage concentrate and the base liquid. The volumes disclosed in this paragraph may generally apply to any other embodiment of the cartridge 100 disclosed herein.

[0095] 3A, as a particular option, an embodiment of the beverage dispenser 202 may comprise a cooling unit 229 for drawing thermal energy from the receiving volume 206 and / or from a beverage concentrate conduit 212 configured by the beverage dispenser. In this manner, the beverage concentrate may be cooled prior to being mixed with one or more base liquids.

[0096] It will be understood that generally, the purpose may be to dispense a cold mixed beverage. The cold mixed beverage may have any temperature, particularly below ambient temperature. The cold mixed beverage may have a temperature below 10°C, below 8°C, below 6°C, or even below 4°C, below 2°C, or even below about 0°C. For some mixed beverages, the dispensing temperature may even be below 0°C, particularly if the mixed beverage has a high sugar and / or alcohol content. Thus, any cartridge disclosed herein may be a cartridge arranged for use in a beverage dispenser for dispensing a cold mixed beverage from a beverage concentrate and a base liquid.

[0097] By cooling the beverage concentrate using the beverage dispenser's cooling unit, the temperature of the beverage concentrate can be controlled. By being able to control the temperature of the beverage concentrate, the temperature of the dispensed mixed beverage can be better controlled, especially if the temperature of the base liquid or the base liquid can be controlled by the beverage dispenser as well. In particular, the temperature of the dispensed mixed beverage may be less or even less dependent on the temperature of the cartridge when received by the beverage dispenser.

[0098] The cooling unit of a beverage dispenser generally refers to any component of the beverage dispenser that contributes to the process of cooling the beverage concentrate. For example, the cooling unit may include a thermoelectric cooler for cooling based on the Peltier effect. As another example, the cooling unit is arranged to cool based on vapor compression refrigeration. Thus, the cooling unit may include one or more of a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, and an expansion valve. A cooling fluid, such as a cooling liquid such as water or glycol, or a cooling gas such as CO2, may be used in the vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0099] Alternatively, the cooling unit is arranged to receive a chilled medium, such as a chilled fluid, liquid and / or gas, that has been chilled by an external cooling unit not constituted by the beverage dispenser, which may be used by the cooling unit to extract thermal energy from the beverage concentrate.

[0100] The cooling unit may include one or more heat exchangers for extracting thermal energy from the beverage concentrate. A cooling fluid may be circulated through the cooling unit and through the one or more heat exchangers. The heat exchangers may be, for example, tube-in-tube heat exchangers.

[0101] In addition to or instead of being cooled inside the cartridge, the beverage concentrate may be cooled after being expelled from the cartridge and before mixing the beverage concentrate with the base liquid. For example, the expelled beverage concentrate may flow through a conduit from which thermal energy may be extracted using a cooling unit. Such a cooling unit is shown in FIG. 3A by the dotted square 229'. Generally, the cooling unit may also be constituted by the beverage dispenser 202 shown in FIG. 3B.

[0102] In the above description, when an element is referred to as being connected to another element, it will be understood that the element may be directly connected to the other element or that intervening elements may also be present. It will also be understood that the values ​​given in the above description are given as examples and that other values ​​may be possible and / or aimed for.

[0103] It should be noted that these figures are merely schematic representations of embodiments shown as non-limiting examples. For purposes of clarity and concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, but it will be understood that the scope of the disclosure may include embodiments having all or any combination of the described features.

[0104] The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other features or steps. Moreover, the words "a" and "an" are not to be interpreted as being exclusive to "only one", but are used in the sense of "at least one" and do not exclude a plurality.

[0105] (Additional Note) (Appendix 1) A cartridge (100) for holding a beverage concentrate, said cartridge being arranged for use in a beverage dispenser for dispensing a mixed beverage from the beverage concentrate and a base liquid, said cartridge comprising: an internal volume (102) for holding said beverage concentrate; a filter (104) designed to filter particles from a flow of liquid, such as a beverage concentrate, passing through the filter from the internal volume.

[0106] (Appendix 2) 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the internal volume is filled with a beverage concentrate, the beverage concentrate being based on a fermented beverage.

[0107] (Appendix 3) 3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the beverage concentrate comprises a liquid, such as water, and particles are mixed, precipitated, suspended or dispersed in the liquid, the particles comprising one or more proteins, sugars, organic compounds such as polyphenols, hop acids, and / or oxalates.

[0108] (Appendix 4) 4. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the beverage concentrate is based on beer.

[0109] (Appendix 5) 5. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the filter is designed to filter suspended particles having a particle size larger than 0.2 μm, in particular between 0.2 and 100 μm.

[0110] (Appendix 6) 6. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a seal, the filter being positioned between the seal and the internal volume of the cartridge, in particular the seal being positioned at a distance from the filter.

[0111] (Appendix 7) 7. The cartridge of any one of clauses 2-6, further comprising a temporary separator (120), the separator preventing contact between the filter and the beverage concentrate inside the internal volume.

[0112] (Appendix 8) 8. The cartridge of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spout (112) projecting away from the interior volume.

[0113] (Appendix 9) 9. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cartridge housing is an expandable housing and is arranged to be further filled with a base liquid, whereby a mixed beverage can be formed within the internal volume from the beverage concentrate and the base liquid.

[0114] (Appendix 10) A beverage dispenser assembly (200) for dispensing a mixed beverage from a beverage concentrate and a base liquid, the assembly comprising a beverage dispenser (202) and a cartridge (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the beverage dispenser comprising: a dispenser housing having a receptacle (206) for receiving at least a portion of said cartridge; a base liquid input (208) for receiving a base liquid; a beverage concentrate input in fluid communication with said receptacle; a mixed beverage conduit in fluid communication with said base liquid input and said beverage concentrate input and having a mixed beverage output at a downstream end; a discharge actuator for discharging beverage concentrate from an internal volume of the cartridge through the filter of the cartridge.

[0115] (Appendix 11) 11. The beverage dispenser assembly of claim 10, wherein the cartridge comprises a seal positioned at a distance from the filter, and the beverage dispenser further comprises a piercing member (129) arranged to pierce the seal of the cartridge without piercing the filter.

[0116] (Appendix 12) 1. A method for dispensing a mixed beverage from a beverage concentrate and a base liquid, comprising: - providing or receiving a cartridge having an interior volume for holding a beverage concentrate; - providing or receiving a base liquid; - dispensing the beverage concentrate from the cartridge; - allowing said beverage concentrate and said base liquid to mix to form said mixed beverage; - dispensing the mixed beverage; The method, wherein the beverage concentrate is passed through a filter prior to the step of dispensing the mixed beverage.

[0117] (Appendix 13) 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the filter is constituted by the cartridge.

[0118] (Appendix 14) 14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein the beverage concentrate passes through the filter prior to the step of forming the mixed beverage, or the beverage concentrate passes through the filter after being mixed into the mixed beverage.

[0119] (Appendix 15) 15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising discarding the cartridge with particles trapped within the filter after the mixed beverage has been dispensed.

Claims

1. A cartridge (100) for holding a beverage concentrate, wherein the cartridge is disposed for use in a beverage dispenser for dispensing a mixed beverage from the beverage concentrate and a base liquid, and the cartridge is - The internal volume (102) for holding the beverage concentrate, A cartridge (100) comprising a filter (104), the filter (104) being designed to filter particles from a flow of liquid, such as a beverage concentrate, that passes through the filter from its internal volume.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the internal volume is filled with a beverage concentrate, and the beverage concentrate is based on a fermented beverage.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the beverage concentrate contains a liquid such as water, and particles are mixed, precipitated, suspended or dispersed in the liquid, and the particles contain one or more proteins, sugars, organic compounds such as polyphenols, hop acid, and / or oxalates.

4. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the beverage concentrate is based on beer.

5. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filter is designed to filter suspended particles having a particle size larger than 0.2 μm, particularly between 0.2 and 100 μm.

6. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a seal, wherein the filter is positioned between the seal and the internal volume of the cartridge, and in particular, the seal is positioned at a certain distance from the filter.

7. The cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a temporary separator (120) wherein the separator prevents contact between the filter and the beverage concentrate within the internal volume.

8. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a spout (112) that protrudes away from the internal volume.

9. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge housing is an expandable housing and is disposed to be further filled with a base liquid, thereby allowing a mixed beverage to be formed within the internal volume from the beverage concentrate and the base liquid.

10. A beverage dispenser assembly (200) for dispensing a mixed beverage from a beverage concentrate and a base liquid, wherein the assembly comprises a beverage dispenser (202) and a cartridge (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and the beverage dispenser is - A dispenser housing having a receptacle (206) for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge, - A base liquid input section (208) for receiving the base liquid, - A beverage concentrate input section that is in fluid communication with the receptacle, - A post-mixed beverage conduit that is in fluid communication with the base liquid input section and the beverage concentrate input section, and has a post-mixed beverage output section at its downstream end, A beverage dispenser assembly (200) comprising: a discharge actuator for discharging a beverage concentrate from the internal volume of the cartridge through the filter of the cartridge.

11. The beverage dispenser assembly according to claim 10, wherein the cartridge comprises a seal positioned at a certain distance from the filter, and the beverage dispenser further comprises a perforating member (129) disposed to perforate the seal of the cartridge without perforating the filter.

12. A method for distributing a mixed beverage from a beverage concentrate and a base liquid, - A step of providing or receiving a cartridge having an internal volume for holding a beverage concentrate, - A step of providing or receiving a base liquid, - A step of discharging the beverage concentrate from the cartridge, - A step that enables mixing the beverage concentrate and the base liquid to form the mixed beverage, - The step of distributing the mixed beverage, A method wherein the beverage concentrate passes through a filter before the step of distributing the mixed beverage.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the filter is composed of the cartridge.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the beverage concentrate passes through the filter before the step of forming the mixed beverage, or the beverage concentrate passes through the filter after being mixed with the mixed beverage.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising discarding the cartridge in which particles have been captured in the filter after the mixed beverage has been dispensed.

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