Beverage System

Abstract

A beverage system having a pod and a brewer, the brewer including a closure movable between an open position and a closed position, the closure including a chamber defined by a set of walls including a pair of side walls, the pod including a holder and a wrapper completely surrounding the holder, the exterior of the pod being defined by the wrapper and the exterior of the pod being pierced when the pod is received in the brewer.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 147,524, filed February 9, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for producing beverages. [Background technology]

[0003] Consumer demand for gourmet and specialty coffee has increased significantly. Consumers are demanding home beverage brewing methods that produce specialty coffee comparable to that produced by specialty coffee shops. Brewing methods for brewing beverages must be capable of having greater control over several brewing parameters, such as pressure, brew cycle time, brew volume, filtration, amount of coffee grounds, and water temperature. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a brewing system for brewing beverages, including a pod, a brewer, and a server, along with a smart device. [Figure 2] 2 shows an exploded view of the pod of FIG. 1 including the wrapper, holder, and filter. [Figure 3] 3 illustrates the holder of FIG. 2 in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B illustrate a flap holder, which is a variation of the holder of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 3 shows a two-component holder, which is another variation of the holder of FIG. 2, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 3 shows a closed holder that is another variation of the holder of FIG. 2 according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]3 shows a sealed holder that is yet another variation of the holder of FIG. 2 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 3 illustrates a box holder, which is another variation of the holder of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 3 shows a reversible holder that is another variation of the holder of FIG. 2 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 3 shows an omnidirectional holder, which is yet another variation of the holder of FIG. 2, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a wrapper encasing the omnidirectional holder of FIG. 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 illustrates a taller pod that is a variation of the pod of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates a sample package for shipping multiple pods. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a front view of a sample package. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the brewer of FIG. 1 in an open position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic top view of a portion of the brewer of FIG. 15 with a set of cutters. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of the brewer of FIG. 15 in an open position. [Figure 18] FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of the brewer of FIG. 15 in a closed position. [Figure 19] FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of the brewer of FIG. 15 with a tall pod in place in a closed position. [Figure 20] FIG. 18 is a schematic front view of the brewer of FIG. 17 in an open position. [Figure 21] FIG. 19 is a schematic front view of the brewer of FIG. 18 in a closed position. [Figure 22] FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of a variation of the chamber of the brewer of FIG. 15 in an open position. [Figure 23]FIG. 23 is a schematic side view of the chamber of FIG. 22 in a closed position. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 illustrates a representative sequence of operation of a brewer in multiple states: ready, accepting, and ready. [Figure 25] 25 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the pod and base portion along line XXV-XXV of FIG. 24 in the ready state. [Figure 26] 26 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the pod and base portion along line XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 24 in a ready state. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of water through the pod of FIG. 1. [Figure 28] 24 shows a variation of the cross-sectional schematic diagram of FIG. 23 of a pod and base portion having a set of needles according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] 12 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the holder of FIG. 11 with another variation of the brewer needle set according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 30] 1 and 2. FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a modified version of the pod of FIG. 1 and the base portion in a ready state. [Figure 31] FIG. 29 illustrates the pod and base portion of FIG. 28 in a prepared state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 32] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a representative path of water moving through a brewer according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 33] FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary orientation of a set of cutters according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 illustrates a second exemplary orientation of a set of cutters according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 35] 2 illustrates a centralized pod, which is a variation of the pod of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 36] 36 shows the centralized pod of FIG. 35 within a wrapper and a representative water path through the centralized pod. [Figure 37]FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary water path traveling through a pod according to another aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Aspects of the disclosure described herein are directed to beverage brewing systems (brewer systems), and more specifically, beverage brewing devices (brewers) and single-use pods. For illustrative purposes, the disclosure will be described with respect to a brewing system for brewing coffee. However, it should be understood that aspects of the disclosure described herein are not limited to such and may have general applicability to other beverage brewing devices or beverage brewing systems, including, but not limited to, tea and espresso.

[0006] Plastic pollution has brought tremendous scrutiny to single-use plastics. Plastics from food packaging account for a huge amount of plastic used and discarded. The scale of harmful plastic waste we have in our oceans is serious. The smallest pieces, called microplastics, are small enough to be consumed by marine animals and are now found in our food and water supplies. Sustainability and the movement to eliminate plastic waste, especially from single-use plastics, are driving fundamental behavioral changes among consumers and the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.

[0007] Typical single-serve coffee systems use single-size pods that hold enough coffee for a coffee cup. They cannot hold enough coffee ingredients, beverage ingredients, etc. for a larger travel cup or carafe without significantly diluting the coffee. Milk, cocktails, liquid mixes, vitamin drinks, or dietary supplements are examples of other beverage ingredients. One advantage associated with embodiments of the present disclosure includes a beverage brewing device that can accommodate multiple sizes of pods with only a single pod dimension change. The beverage brewing device changes in a single dimension to accept and provide a snug fit for the pods described herein as they increase in volume by changing a single dimension. In one non-limiting example, the single dimension can include a height dimension.

[0008] The beverage brewing systems described herein provide more controllable extraction of powders for brewing beverages. As used herein, "extraction" refers to the process of dissolving soluble portions of beverage ingredients into a solution, such as coffee, as a non-limiting example. As used herein, "uneven extraction" refers to when minor portions of the powder are extracted more or less than others. Uneven extraction can create an undesirable coffee flavor. The beverage brewing systems described herein enable "even" extraction (as opposed to uneven, as used herein) by ensuring uniform flow of water throughout larger, equal, minor portions of the powder, including all portions of the powder, during the beverage brewing process. In contrast, in conventional beverage brewing pods, water often creates vortices or flows only within narrower channels (a process known as "channeling"), resulting in uneven water flow and an uneven extraction. Beverage extraction that includes precise control of the uniform extraction of coffee ingredients is desirable for user, flavor, or consistency preferences.

[0009] 1 shows a beverage system 10 including pods 12 and a beverage brewing device (brewer) 14. In some forms, the beverage system 10 may further include a server 16 for storing data 18. The brewer 14 may include a reader 20, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a QR reader, barcode reader, near-field reader, or other type of reader, configured to read information 22 located on the pods 12. The brewer 14 may further include a user interface 24, including a display screen 26, configured to share information associated with each pod 12 and to control the brewer 14.

[0010] The user interface 24 can be used to interact with and control the brewer 14, as well as to present information detected from the pod 12. It is understood that the brewer 14 includes technology that allows it to communicate with the server 16 over a network, such as the Internet, by way of a wireless communication system 17, as shown. Data 18 can be communicated or transmitted back and forth, as indicated by arrows 19. The data 18 can include information collected from the pod 12 and any other information collected by the beverage system 10. It is further understood that the brewer 14 is controlled by an interface or application stored on a smart device 28, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a smartphone or tablet.

[0011] Over time, the server 16 can form a user preference profile. Additionally, the stored data 18 can include, but is not limited to, beverages the user likes or may like, beverage update subscriptions, advertising or marketing data, features and special offers, local roasters, videos, regional beverage information, beverages of the week, alerts when to reorder, available sample packets, celebrity beverage photos, etc.

[0012] User interface 24 can be located on top of brewer 14, as shown, by way of non-limiting example. It is also contemplated that user interface 24 may be located on smart device 28. Display screen 26 of user interface 24 may be a large touchscreen capable of or configured for user interaction. It is contemplated that user interface 24 may display user-preferred beverages, beverage update subscriptions, advertising or marketing data, features and offers, local roasters, videos, regional beverage information, beverages of the week, reorder time alerts, available sample packets, signature beverage picks, and the like.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the pod 12 and corresponding portions thereof. The pod 12 can include three separate components: a wrapper 30, a holder 32, and a pouch 34. The pouch 34 can be contained within the holder 32, and both can be fully enclosed within the wrapper 30 to form the pod 12. The holder 32 can be rigid and have an extruded shape. By extruded shape, the holder can define a shape that includes a single shape extending along a longitudinal axis, shown as axis AA. For example, the holder 32 can have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, such that a rectangle is extruded along the longitudinal axis AA. The pod 12 can also have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with six pod facets or pod walls 31. The pod 12 can include additional facets or pod walls 31.

[0014] The wrapper 30 can be formed from a film 33 made from a material traditionally used to package food products, i.e., a flexible film. It is further contemplated that a plant-based flexible film can be used to encase the holder 32 when the pod 12 is fully formed, i.e., when the pouch 34 is received within the holder 32, which is then encased within the wrapper 30. The wrapper 30 can be a single piece that is not attached to any other components of the pod 12. This allows for the material of the film 33 to be independently selected and designed without affecting any other components, since it is not bonded. The wrapper 30 forms a completely sealed enclosure that creates a barrier from air, light, and moisture.

[0015] The holder 32 can be folded from an unfolded state (P) shown in FIG. 3 to a folded state (F) shown in FIG. 2. Reference to both FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is useful in the following description of the holder 32. When folded, the holder 32 can define an interior 36 having open ends 38 a, 38 b. A pouch 34 can be received in one of the open ends 38 a, 38 b when the pod 12 is assembled. The pouch 34 is not necessarily required if the pod 12 is to be used for other beverages, such as powdered milk, cocktails, liquid mixes, vitamin drinks, or nutritional supplements.

[0016] The holder 32 functions as a rigid or structural component to maintain the shape of the pod 12. The holder 32 defines an interior volume and maintains the overall shape of the pod regardless of the contents inside. Rather than having an external rigid component for structure or interfacing with the brewer, the pod 12 includes an internal component, the holder 32, to form a rigid structure. Some pods include vacuum-packed powders that can provide rigidity; however, during brewing, the shape and size of the vacuum-packed powders change, removing the rigid structure they initially provided, a non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The holder 32 described herein provides a consistent rigid structure for the pod 12.

[0017] The pouch 34 can be made from any material capable of filtering beverage ingredients 40, such as coffee grounds, from the brewing solution. Non-limiting examples of pouch filter materials include paper filters, spunbond polypropylene, or biodegradable nonwoven materials. The beverage ingredients 40 are completely contained within the sealed filter 42 that forms the pouch 34. The sealed filter 42 and holder 32 can be sized to fit together. The outer pouch perimeter 44 of the pouch 34 and the inner perimeter 46 of the holder 32 can be close to each other to provide a snug fit. It is contemplated that the outer pouch perimeter 44 is slightly smaller than the inner perimeter 46. During operation, the close perimeters 44, 46 prevent water from seeping around the perimeter of the pouch 34.

[0018] It should be understood that the wrapper 30, holder 32, and pouch 34 of the assembled pod 12 are each separate from one another. In manufacturing the pod 12, it is beneficial that each component can be easily manufactured separately and then assembled together, without requiring bonding between the three components to form the pod 12. Furthermore, the rectangular parallelepiped shape allows for simple molds and parts for manufacturing. More specifically, the components can be manufactured from sheet material rather than requiring thermoformed plastic parts. The components of the assembly are not bonded to one another. All components of the pod are completely contained within the wrapper 30 and are not attached. More specifically, when assembled, the holder 32 is completely contained within the wrapper 30 at all times, even during the brewing process. Furthermore, the pod 12 described herein can require zero molded plastic parts. The wrapper 30 forms a barrier that keeps the beverage ingredients 40 fresh. At the same time, the wrapper 30 is also the component that contains the flow of water during the brewing process. Thus, a single component is utilized to keep the internal ingredients fresh and contain the water flow inside the pod during the brewing process.

[0019] The holder 32 can be formed from a flat form 48, which can be, by way of non-limiting example, a paperboard or paper-based material. It is contemplated that the flat form 48 can be made from other rigid materials, such as plastic or aluminum, molded into a rectangular shape. In one non-limiting example, the flat form 48 can include five sections 50 separated by fold lines 52. Two ends 50a, 50b can each include an opening 54a, 54b. When the flat form 48 is folded along the fold lines 52, the openings 54a, 54b can align to form a single, common opening 54. In the exemplary flat form 48, one side forming the interior 36 of the holder 32 can be coated with a moisture-resistant coating 56, which can be, by way of non-limiting example, a plant-based coating. When folded, the two ends 50a, 50b form the top 58 of the holder 32. The ends 50a, 50b can be heat-sealed to one another to maintain the folded shape of the holder 32.

[0020] The third portion 50c forms the bottom 60 of the holder 32, extending between flat sides 62 defined by the fourth portion 50d and the fifth portion 50e. The flat sides 62 may be parallel to one another. The third portion 50c may include a pattern 64 having at least one opening 66, shown as three slots in dashed lines. The at least one opening 66 opens to the interior 36 of the holder 32. The at least one opening 66 may include an elongated perforation 68 extending laterally between the flat sides 62. The elongated perforation 68 may include at least one protector, shown as a tab 70 adjacent the flat side 62. When folded, the flat sides 62 may be parallel to one another. While shown as three openings 66, different patterns are envisioned, including, but not limited to, openings extending longitudinally rather than horizontally relative to the wrapper or collection of openings. The different patterns can be designed to control (e.g., increase or decrease) the pressure inside the pod during the brewing process. As a non-limiting example, pressure in the coffee brewing process produces different flavors, and different patterns can be associated with various flavor profiles, e.g., strong, medium, and mild. At least one opening 66 can define at least a portion of a fluid outlet 118 that allows liquid to pass through the holder 32 and exit the pouch 34. The size, shape, placement, and quantity of the openings 66 can be varied to control the pressure within the interior 36 during the brewing process. Increasing the total area of ​​the openings 66 reduces the pressure inside the pod during the brewing operation. Varying the pressure during the brewing process changes the flavor extracted from the coffee.

[0021] Although shown as five sections 50, it should be understood that the holder 32 can be made from plastic molded into a shape such as an extruded rectangular tube, or from paperboard having two halves joined together, as two examples.

[0022] 4 to 10 show modified versions of the holder 32 described herein. For clarity, some numerical indicators have been removed. Note that the parts related to the holder 32 described above also belong to the following modified versions unless otherwise specified.

[0023] 4 shows a variation of holder 32, a flap holder 32b. Flap holder 32b can include an additional protective device, shown as flap 53. Flap 53 is part of holder 32b, i.e., cut into the holder on three sides from which the flap opens. Flap 53 and opening 54a overlap, and flap 53 lies under opening 54a when folded to form a variation of the single common opening 54 described herein.

[0024] 5 shows a two-component holder 32c, which is a variation of holder 32. Two-component holder 32c can include two components: upper portion 37 and lower portion 39. Upper portion 37 can include a variation of the single common aperture 54 described herein. Lower portion 39 can include a pattern 64 having at least one aperture 66, shown as three apertures.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows a variation of the holder 32, an enclosure holder 32d in the form of a six-sided rectangular parallelepiped. The flat form 48 can include seven sections 50 separated by fold lines 52. Similar to the holder 32, the enclosure holder 32d can include opposite ends 50a, 50b, a third section 50c, a fourth section 50d, and a fifth section 50e. In addition, the enclosure holder 32d can include two closure sections 50f, 50g that fold to enclose the holder 32d. As previously described herein, the pouch 34 can be received in one of the open ends 38a, 38b when the pod 12 is assembled. The two closure sections 50f, 50g can then be flipped up to close the open ends 38a, 38b and define the enclosure holder 32d.

[0026] FIG. 7 shows a variation of the holder 32, a sealed holder 32e in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped having end seals 43a, 43b and filter portions 45a, 45b. As previously described herein, a pouch 34 can be received in one of the open ends 38a, 38b when the pod 12 is assembled. The end seals 43a, 43b seal the open ends 38a, 38b. The filter portion 45a can cover the opening 54, and the other filter portion 45b can be utilized to close the variation of the elongated perforation 68a described herein. In one exemplary pod 12, the seals 43a, 43b and filter portions 45a, 45b together provide a sealed container for the pod 12 without the pouch 34. Essentially, the sealed holder 32e can be a filter pouch and holder in one piece.

[0027] 8 shows another variation of the holder 32, a box holder 32f. The box holder 32f can include an elongated perforation 68 and an opening 54. As indicated by the procedural arrow 41, a filter portion 45a can be placed over the opening 54 and a filter portion 45b can be placed over the elongated perforation 68 before folding the box holder 32f. The box holder 32f can include a tab 65 so that, when folded, it forms a closed holder similar to the closed holder 32d. It should be understood that with the filter portions 45a, 45b, a pouch as described herein may not be necessary.

[0028] 9 shows yet another variation of the holder 32, a reversible holder 32g. The reversible holder 32g may have two mirror image patterns 64a, 64b. In addition to the two sets of openings 54a, 54b, sets of overlapping openings 55a, 55b may be provided at the ends 50a, 50b, respectively. The reversible holder 32g allows a pod 12 to be received from either end 38a, 38b during operation.

[0029] 10 shows yet another variation of holder 32, omnidirectional holder 32h. Omnidirectional holder 32h has only multiple sets of openings 57b, much like reversible holder 32g, with each set of openings 57a, 57b spanned by a corresponding set of elongated perforations 68a, 68b. Omnidirectional holder 32h allows pod 12 to be received from either end 38a, 38b during operation and also allows the pod to be oriented in either direction so that it has no discernible top or bottom.

[0030] FIG. 11 shows a wrapper 30 containing the omnidirectional holder 32g (FIG. 10). The wrapper 30 can include a pair of end seals 71 and a fin seal 73 extending therebetween. It can be seen more clearly that spacing each set of openings 57a, 57b (shown in dashed lines) also provides a location for puncturing that avoids the fin seal 73. This is beneficial in that the set of openings 57a, 57b allows for puncturing of the exterior inlet 156 (FIG. 26), without the set of cutters 112 having to puncture through the fin seal 73. The wrapper 30 is a single piece of material that can be joined to itself to form an enclosure for the pod 12, and the end seals 71 and fin seal 73 are areas of the wrapper 30 that are joined to form the enclosure.

[0031] With reference to FIG. 12, it is further contemplated that the pods 12 described herein may have different sizes. A tall pod 12a is shown, which is a variation of the pod 12 of FIG. 2. The tall pod 12a can accommodate, as a non-limiting example, a larger volume of beverage ingredient 40 with a single dimensional change. The height (H) of the tall pod 12a is twice that of the pod 12 (FIG. 2). The tall pod 12a, in one non-limiting example, can be used to make a carafe of coffee rather than a single cup. It should be understood that, except for the difference in height (H), the tall pod 12a and the pod 12 are similar in all aspects described herein. It should also be understood that any variation in height is contemplated for different beverage types.

[0032] 13, an exemplary package 72 can be used to ship multiple pods 12. The exemplary package 72 defines a volume (V) with space for four rows (R), four columns (C), and four layers (L) of pods 12. Thus, the exemplary package 72 can hold 64 pods 12.

[0033] 14 , because the pods 12 are cuboid in shape, the volume (V) of the package 72 is filled primarily with the pods 12, and thus the beverage ingredients 40, with little wasted space 74. This provides optimal packaging efficiency by eliminating air spaces between the individual pods 12. It is contemplated that this optimal packaging will allow greater than 80% of the volume (V) to be defined by the beverage ingredients 40. It is further contemplated that optimal packaging will allow greater than 90% of the volume (V) to be defined by the beverage ingredients 40.

[0034] 15 illustrates brewer 14. Brewer 14 may include a liquid reservoir 76, a housing 78, and a head 80 coupled to housing 78. Head 80 may include a closure 82 movable between an open position 84, shown in dashed lines, and a closed position 86. Closure 82 may include an inner portion 88 and an outer portion 90, where inner portion 88 may be nested within outer portion 90.

[0035] The inner portion 88 may include a side wall 92 and a front wall 94 that together define at least a portion of a chamber 96 in which the pod 12 is received. The chamber 96 is sized to receive a single pod at a time. The pod 12 may be received within the chamber 96 when the closure 82 is in the open position 84. The side wall 92 may further include a curved portion 98. The inner portion 88 may further include a top wall 100t and a rear wall 100b, which are illustrated as a single L-shaped wall 100. Although shown as a single L-shaped wall 100, it should be understood that the top wall 100t and the rear wall 100b may be separate walls. The outer portion 90 includes a handle 102 for moving the closure between the open position 86 and the closed position 84.

[0036] The head 80 may further include a base portion 104 that may have a latch 106 for securing the closure 82 in the closed position 86. The base portion 104 may further include a bottom wall 108 that further defines at least a portion of the chamber 96. The curved portion 98 of the side wall 92 may be received in the base portion 104. When the chamber is fully defined, it includes six walls: the side wall 92, the front wall 94, the top wall 100t, the rear wall 100b, and the bottom wall 108. At least one of the six walls has a flat surface, and by way of non-limiting example, all six walls have flat surfaces and together define the chamber 96 for snugly fitting and retaining the pod 12.

[0037] At least one recess 110 may be disposed in the bottom wall 108. The at least one recess 110, shown as two recesses, may accommodate a set of cutters 112. The set of cutters 112 may be a plurality of cutters. While shown as six cutters, with three disposed in each of the two recesses 110, the set of cutters 112 may be any number of cutters, including only one. The set of cutters 112 may be in any form suitable for puncturing the pod 12, and more specifically, the wrapper 30. The set of cutters 112 may be blades or needles and may be formed from any material, such as metal or plastic.

[0038] FIG. 16 is a top view of the bottom wall 108 of the base portion 104 of FIG. 15. The set of cutters 112 is more clearly shown. The outlet seal 132 can surround the set of cutters 112 to create the airtight chamber 96 (FIG. 15) when in the closed position 86 (FIG. 18). The set of cutters 112 can have a variable configuration, such that each cutter 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f can be moved synchronously or individually. In this manner, the brewer 14 can have a selectable cutting pattern, allowing any number of external outlets 158 (FIG. 26) to be punctured into the wrapper 30 to control the pressure within the pod 12. Fewer external outlets 158 generate higher pressure within the pod 12. The total area of ​​the cuts can be varied depending on operating requirements. Increasing the total area of ​​the cuts increases the area for water to escape, thereby reducing the internal pod pressure.

[0039] It is further contemplated that the set of cutters 112 is a fixed set of cutters. During operation, water injected into the pod can create internal pressure that causes the wrapper 30 to expand and push into the fixed set of cutters 112, puncturing the wrapper 30.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 17 , an exemplary schematic side view of the brewer 14 is shown with the closure 82 in the open position 84. The walls 92, 94, 100t, 100b, 108, and the base portion 104 are shown in cross section to clearly show the inlet needle 114 and the brewer outlet 113. The sides of the housing 78 have been removed to show the inner and outer portions 88, 90. At least one of the side walls 92, the front wall 94, the top wall 100t, the rear wall 100b, and the bottom wall 108 is a movable wall compressible against the pod 12 when the closure 82 is moved to the closed position 86. In one non-limiting example, a biasing mechanism 109, such as a spring, can be utilized to move the movable wall. The biasing mechanism 109 can be oriented in any suitable configuration, including contacting the top wall 100t or the rear wall 100b as shown. It is contemplated that at least two or four of walls 92, 94, 100t, 100b, 108 are movable walls. It is further contemplated that all of walls 92, 94, 100t, 100b, 108 are movable walls.

[0041] In the exemplary schematic, a series of actions occur when the closure 82 is moved from the open position 84 to the closed position 86. As the closure 82 moves to the closed position 86, the inner portion 88 is pushed downward, as indicated by arrow (A), by the outer portion 90. Additionally, as the closure 82 moves to the closed position 86, the bottom wall 108, the top wall 100t, and the rear wall 100b are pushed forward, as indicated by arrow B. In one non-limiting example, a biasing mechanism 109 can be utilized to apply pressure to the rear wall 100b. Additionally, as the closure 82 moves to the closed position 86, the top wall 10t is pushed downward, as indicated by arrow C. As the top wall 10t is pushed downward, the inlet needle 114 punctures the pod 12. Additionally, as the closure 82 moves to the closed position 86, at least one of the set of cutters 112 is pushed upward to puncture the pod 12.

[0042] 18 , in the closed position 86, the side walls 92, the front wall 94, the top wall 100t, the rear wall 100b, and the bottom wall 108 can provide support to their corresponding pod walls 31. Furthermore, all of the walls 92, 94, 100t, 100b, and 108 together define a chamber 96 when in the closed position. The walls 92, 94, 100t, 100b, and 108 can withstand the pressure within the chamber 96 generated during a brewing operation to brew a beverage. It should be understood that each of the six walls of the chamber 96 can withstand the bursting pressure built up from the pod 12 during operation. With all six walls having flat surfaces, the chamber 96 can have a rectangular parallelepiped shape to fit snugly with and hold the pod 12.

[0043] FIG. 19 again shows the closure 82 in the closed position 86. However, in this view, a taller pod 12a is shown in place. It should be understood that a similar sequence of movements occurs, but that the top wall 110t and rear wall 110b translate a lesser downward distance during the downward movement of (C). In this manner, the brewer 14, as described herein, can accommodate pods 12, 12s of varying volumes, particularly pods 12, 12a that vary in a single vertical dimension or height.

[0044] Figure 20 is an exemplary schematic front view of the brewer 14 with the closure 82 in the open position 84. As the closure 82 moves downward, during the sequence illustrated in Figure 6A, the top wall 10t is moved downward at arrow (C) and simultaneously the side walls 92 are pressed toward each other. The outer portion 90 of the closure 82 forces the side walls 92 of the inner portion 88 together at arrow (D).

[0045] 21, it can be seen more clearly that in the closed position 86, the bottom wall 108, the top wall 10t, and the side walls 92 can support the corresponding pod walls 31.

[0046] 22 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a variation of the chamber 96 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The single L-shaped wall 100 can include a recess 136 along the rear wall 100b. The recess 136 can define a first sloped portion 137. Additionally, the front wall 94 can include a second sloped portion 138 facing the chamber 96. When in place, the end seal 71 of the pod 12 can be received within the recess 136.

[0047] 23 , it can be seen more clearly that in the closed position 86, the single L-shaped wall 100 and the front wall 94 can translate downward (arrow 99) independently of one another to close the pod 12 within the chamber 96 and fill the chamber 96. The movement of the front wall 94 causes contact between the second angled portion 138 and the end seal 71 on one side of the pod 12. Similarly, the movement of the single L-shaped wall 100 causes the end seal 71 on the opposite side of the pod 12 to slide out of the recess 136. In the fully closed position 86, the end seal 71 hangs down over the pod walls 31, which define the rectangular parallelepiped shape of the pod 12.

[0048] FIG. 24 illustrates the brewer 14 in several states. Some reference numerals have been removed for clarity. First, the brewer 14 is in a ready state 120 associated with the closed position 86 of the closure 82. It should be understood that the ready state 120 can be associated with the brewer 14 in an operational or non-operational state. Second, the brewer 14 is shown in a receiving state 122 associated with the open position 84 of the closure 82. It can be seen that the brewer 14 is capable of receiving a pod 12 within the chamber 96. Finally, the brewer is shown in a ready state 124, also associated with the open position 84 of the closure 82, with a pod 12 inserted in place. Moving the closure 82 from its open position 84 to its closed position 86 returns the brewer to the ready state 120 and can begin operation.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 25, an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pod 12 and base portion 104 taken along line XXV-XXV in FIG. 24 is shown. The inlet needle 114 can extend from the closure 82, more specifically from the top wall 100t. A seal 126 is formed within the top wall 100t. The seal 126 prevents water from leaking around the needle 114 to the outside of the pod 12 during the brewing process. The inlet needle 114 is aligned with the opening 54, shown in dashed lines, in the holder 32. The holder 32 allows for accurate puncture of the wrapper 30. The holder 32 supports the wrapper 30 and prevents it from moving away from the inlet needle 114 in any way. This ensures proper passage of water (W) into the interior of the pod 12 through the inlet needle 114, specifically through a water opening 128 adjacent the tip 130 of the inlet needle 114. Pouch seal 131 can be oriented to form an area with greater strength in alignment with inlet needle 114 to prevent inlet needle 114 from puncturing pouch 34 .

[0050] The holder 32 further prevents bias of the wrapper 30 away from the set of cutters 112 when the brewer 14 is in the ready position 120, allowing the set of cutters 112 to puncture the wrapper 30. The support of the holder 32 can prevent bias of the wrapper 30 away from the inlet needle 114 and / or the set of cutters 112. Deflection of the wrapper 30 by the inlet needle 114 or cutter 112 can cause the wrapper 30 to remain sealed and not be punctured, which is undesirable. Thus, the holder 32 acts as an internal structural component of the pod 12 to allow puncture by both the inlet needle 114 and the set of cutters 112.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 26, an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pod 12 and base portion 104 taken along line XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 24 is shown when the brewer 14 is in the ready position 120. The inlet needle 114 is shown as having pierced the wrapper 30 to form an exterior inlet 156. The exterior inlet 156 aligns with the opening 54 to define the fluid inlet 116. The inlet needle 114 is received within the opening 54 of the holder 32. The inlet needle 114 does not pierce the pouch 34. Thus, the inlet needle 114 is protected from the beverage ingredients 40 within the pouch 34 and prevents any clogging of the water opening 128.

[0052] At the same time, the set of cutters 112 can puncture the wrapper 30 during the beverage brewing operation and move into the at least one opening 66 to completely define the fluid outlet 118. A tab 70 formed in the holder 32 by the elongated perforations 68 can prevent the set of cutters 112 from puncturing the pouch 34. The set of cutters 112 can displace the tab 70 toward the interior 36 of the pod 12. The set of cutters 112 remains within the pod 12 during the beverage brewing process to ensure the passage of water (W) through the fluid outlet 118. The tab 70 can then push the pouch 34 away from the wrapper 30, forming a void 134 that allows the passage of water (W) from the water opening 128 through the beverage ingredients 40 and out of the chamber 96. The tab 70 is intended to form a sufficiently large air space through which the extracted beverage can pass; in this case, the at least one opening 66 is not necessary. The pouches 34 described herein benefit from the void 134 in that the pouch 34 is not pressed against something else without an outlet. The void 134 allows the fluid outlet 118 to function properly on another side of the pouch 34, improving the performance of the brewer 14. After traveling through the pouch 34, the brewed beverage (BB) exits the pod outlet. It should be understood that the brewed beverage (BB) can be any suitable beverage, including brewed coffee.

[0053] 27 illustrates a method 200 for passing water (W) through a packaged item, which is, by way of non-limiting example, a pod 12 described herein. The wrapper 30 and pouch 34 of the pod 12 have been removed for clarity, leaving the holder 32 to aid in visualization of the method 200. During operation, a pressure differential can be created between the fluid inlet 116, shown as a relatively high-pressure region HP, and the fluid outlet 118, provided by the through opening 66, shown as a low-pressure region LP. Water is introduced into the opening 54 from the high-pressure region HP. The water (W) is then forced to travel throughout the pod 12 before exiting the pod 12 through the opening 66 formed by the elongated perforation 68 toward the low-pressure region LP. By forming an opening 54 in the first end 140 of the holder 32 and an elongated perforation 68 in the second end 142 located at the bottom 60 of the holder 32 opposite the first end 140, water enters the first end 140 through the opening 54 along the top 58 and exits the second end 142 through the opening 66 along the bottom. This forces the water to be uniformly forced along the flow path 144 within the pod 12. This prevents swirling water vortices or pooling of soaked and unsoaked powder. The water (W) is forced along the flow path 144, which is longer than its width, allowing the beverage ingredients 40 within the sealed pouch 34 to maintain their shape throughout the beverage brewing process. Water (W) can be injected through opening 54 along an axis 146 perpendicular to flow path 144 in pod 12, and extracted water (BW) can exit either perpendicular to flow path 144 in the pod or along an axis 148 parallel to the axis 146 along which the water entered.

[0054] Figure 28 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the variation of Figure 10 of the pod 12 and base portion 104. The set of cutters 112 as described herein can instead be formed as a set of needles 115. In other words, the inlet needle 114 and the set of needles 115 can be the same type of mechanism. The set of needles 115 can include a water opening 128 that defines at least a portion of the fluid outlet 118 to ensure proper passage of the brewed beverage (BB) through the brewer outlet 113.

[0055] FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of a set of needles 115 including at least one inlet needle 114 and a set of cutters 112. The wrapper 30 is shown in cross section with the fin seal 73 facing the at least one inlet needle 114. The pod 12 is shown with all other parts removed except for the wrapper 30 for clarity. The set of needles 115 is spaced apart to straddle the fin seal 73. It can be more clearly seen that spaced apart inlet needles 114 are beneficial to allow puncture at locations with a single layer of film rather than multiple layers in the fin seal 73. Additionally, avoiding the fin seal 73 is beneficial for the life of the inlet needles 114 and to maintain the rigidity of the pod 12. It should be understood that the set of cutters 112 and / or the set of needles described herein can include any combination of the needles and cutters described herein.

[0056] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis AA showing a variation of the pod 12 having a flap holder 32b (Figure 4) and a base portion 104. The flap holder 32b, and more specifically the flap 53, can provide protection during operation of the pouch 34. The flap 53 is part of the holder 32b, in other words, cut into the holder on three sides, from which the flap opens.

[0057] 31, the flap holder 32b of FIG. 28 is shown in the ready position 120. The pouch 34 can be more clearly seen to be intact and free of any puncture when the pod 12 includes the flap holder 32b with the flap 53. While reference is made to the flap holder 32b, it should be understood that any variation of any of the holders with flaps as described herein is contemplated.

[0058] FIG. 32 illustrates one possible path that water (W) can travel from liquid reservoir 76 to brewer outlet 113. As water (W) leaves liquid reservoir 76, it can undergo a first temperature check (TCI). The water (W) can then be pumped into chamber 96 by a water pump (WP). Before entering chamber 96 and then pod 12, the water (W) can be heated by a water heater (WH). A second temperature check (TC2) can occur after it has been heated by the heater (WH) before entering the chamber. A combination of temperature checks can control the temperature of the water (W) along with controlling the amount of heating by the water heater (WH).

[0059] 33 illustrates a first orientation 150 of a set of cutters 112 described herein. In the first orientation, the set of cutters 112 can cut in a direction perpendicular to a long side 152 of the pod 12 or a flow channel 144 as described herein.

[0060] 34 illustrates a second orientation 154 of the set of cutters 112 described herein. In the second orientation 154, the set of cutters 112 can cut in a direction parallel to the long sides 152 of the pod 12 or the flow channels 144 described herein. It is further noted that the elongated perforations 68 described herein can be oriented in the second orientation 154 to define a second set of elongated perforations 69.

[0061] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a variation of the pod 12 described herein is illustrated in FIG. 35 as a centralized pod 160. Some reference numerals have been removed for clarity. It should be understood that components associated with the previously described pod 12 are attributed to the centralized pod 160 unless otherwise noted. The wrapper and pouch of the centralized pod 160 have been removed for clarity, leaving a centralized holder 162. In this exemplary variation, the centralized holder 162 includes an opening 164 centered relative to the centralized pod 160. A pattern 166 having at least one opening 168, shown as two single openings 168a, 168b, can be located within the centralized holder 162 adjacent opposing ends 170 of the centralized pod 160. While shown as a square, the centralized pod 160 can be any shape, including the rectangular shapes previously described herein. The central location of the opening 164 may be beneficial for brewing specialty beverages such as espresso.

[0062] FIG. 36 shows a centralized pod 160 having a wrapper 172 and a centralized holder 162. It can be seen more clearly that water (W) can enter the centralized pod 160, creating a high-pressure region HP that is useful for brewing specialty beverages such as espresso. During operation, openings 168a, 168b are open to the atmosphere and define a holder outlet 174, thus creating a low-pressure region LP. An end seal 171 is provided on the centralized pod 160 at end 170 adjacent the low-pressure region LP.

[0063] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplary pod 180 is shown in FIG. 37. It is contemplated that water (W) can enter through an inlet needle on the same side as the brewed beverage (BB) exits the pod. Reference numerals have been removed for clarity. It should be understood that parts relating to all of the previously described pod variations can be attributed to the exemplary pod 180 of FIG. 37.

[0064] Advantages associated with the present disclosure include the wrapper not being mechanically attached to any other components. This means that sealing and containing the internal components (coffee grounds, pouch, structural components, water / brewed coffee) does not require the assembly of multiple components. This allows for manufacturing benefits with regard to part fabrication and part replacement during assembly. By dividing the pod into multiple components, each with its own function, the material selection for the pods described herein varies depending on the component being manufactured. This allows for a greater selection of materials to be used, as the compatibility of each material for joining during manufacturing does not need to be considered. This allows for much greater flexibility in material selection and the ability to use more sustainable materials. In contrast, known pods include a single component that serves two functions: a barrier to preserve freshness and a structure to maintain shape. Requiring a multi-function single component unnecessarily limits material options. Conversely, the pods described herein are robust, with separate barrier and structural components. This allows for greater options in material selection, including one or more sustainable materials.

[0065] Additionally, the single wrapper differs from other known pods. Pods in the brewing industry for brewing beverages typically have a barrier made of multiple pieces. For example, K-Cups rely on a film top bonded to a plastic cup. The wrapper disclosed herein allows for the selection of a material with independent barrier properties without affecting any other components. Other known pods cannot simply be modified to use biodegradable plastics because their current construction does not have sufficient barrier properties needed to keep the powder fresh and contained.

[0066] As a rigid structure as described herein, the holder is completely enclosed within the wrapper or barrier component. This means that the structural component does not need to have any barrier properties. Currently, existing pods require a barrier component to protect the coffee grounds from air, light, and moisture and maintain their freshness. Exposure to these elements can degrade the coffee grounds. In existing pods, the outer components utilize plastic and / or metal to provide barrier properties. Because the rigid structure described herein does not require barrier properties, greater flexibility in material selection is possible. Therefore, environmentally friendly materials such as paperboard can be used. In fact, the entire pod described herein is environmentally friendly; the pod, including the wrapper, holder, and pouch, can be made from plant-based materials and be biodegradable or compostable after use, allowing the packaging to ship more products with less waste.

[0067] Furthermore, because the structural components of the pod are completely sealed within the pod, they do not have to withstand the high pressures associated with the brewing process. High pressures inside the pod during operation can be transmitted through the flexible wrapper and into the rigid walls of the brewer's brewing chamber.

[0068] Additionally, the control of pressure and water temperature within the brewer as described herein allows for an ideal balance of brewed coffee. The pod's shape allows for a uniform longitudinal flow of water within it, eliminating vortices or locally restricted flow paths, ensuring even infiltration of the coffee grounds.

[0069] To the extent not already described, different features and structures of the various embodiments can be used in combination or substituted for one another as desired. The absence of a feature in all embodiments is not meant to be interpreted as meaning that it cannot be so described, but is done for simplicity of description. Thus, various features of different embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not new embodiments are explicitly described. All combinations or permutations of features described herein are encompassed by this disclosure.

[0070] This specification uses examples to explain aspects of the disclosure described herein, including the best mode, and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any device or system, and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the aspects of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of a claim if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claim, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claim.

[0071] Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure may also be embodied in the following solutions defined by the clauses:

[0072] A beverage system comprising a brewer having a chamber defined by a set of walls including a pair of side walls each including a flat surface, and a closure movable between an open position allowing access to the chamber and a closed position closing access to the chamber.

[0073] 10. A beverage system according to the preceding paragraph, further comprising a base having a flat surface defining a bottom wall of the chamber, the bottom wall being part of a set of walls.

[0074] 10. A beverage system as described in any preceding claim, wherein the bottom wall further comprises a recess, the recess accommodating a cutter set movable from within the recess into the chamber at least partially outside the recess.

[0075] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the pair of side walls are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the bottom wall.

[0076] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding clause, wherein the set of walls further comprises a top wall, a front wall and a rear wall that define the remainder of the chamber.

[0077] 10. The beverage system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the top wall, the front wall, and the rear wall comprises a flat surface.

[0078] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding clause, wherein the set of walls comprises at least three walls that are independently movable relative to one another.

[0079] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding clause, wherein the at least three walls are a top wall, a front wall, and a rear wall.

[0080] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding clause, wherein the set of walls includes at least one movable wall defined by a closure.

[0081] A beverage system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the chambers are configured to receive pods of sizes that differ from one another by a single dimension.

[0082] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one movable wall translates along one direction to accommodate pods of different sizes.

[0083] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the brewer is configured to receive at least one pod that fits snugly within the chamber when the closure is in the closed position.

[0084] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the chamber has an extruded shape defined by a set of walls when in the closed position.

[0085] 10. The beverage system of any preceding claim, wherein the extruded shape is a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0086] A beverage system comprising at least one pod of beverage ingredient, the at least one pod comprising a holder and a wrapper completely surrounding the holder and defining an exterior of the at least one pod, the exterior of the at least one pod being configured to be perforated to form an exterior inlet and an exterior outlet.

[0087] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the holder has an extruded shape.

[0088] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding clause, wherein the holder comprises at least two flat sides that are parallel to each other.

[0089] 10. The beverage system of any preceding claim, wherein the extruded shape is a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0090] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the holder defines a rigid structure for the pod.

[0091] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the holder includes at least one opening having at least a portion that aligns with the external outlet to define a fluid outlet.

[0092] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the holder includes at least one opening having at least a portion that aligns with the external inlet to define a fluid inlet.

[0093] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a filter portion within the holder, the holder comprising at least one protection device for protecting the filter portion when the outside of the holder is punctured.

[0094] The beverage system of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising at least one opening in the holder that aligns with at least one of the external inlet or the external outlet, the filter portion covering the at least one opening and sealing the holder to hold the beverage ingredient.

[0095] 10. The beverage system of claim 1, wherein the filter portion is a filter pouch separate from and located within the holder, the filter pouch holding the beverage ingredient.

[0096] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the wrapper is a single piece of material not attached to the holder.

[0097] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the wrapper fits snugly around the holder.

[0098] A beverage system comprising at least one pod having a holder and a wrapper completely surrounding the holder, the wrapper defining the exterior of the at least one pod; a brewer having a chamber defined by a set of walls including a pair of side walls each including a flat surface; and a closure movable between an open position allowing access to the chamber and a closed position closing access to the chamber, the brewer being configured to puncture the exterior of the at least one pod to form an external inlet and an external outlet on the exterior of the at least one pod when the closure is moved from the open position to the closed position.

[0099] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the holder has an extruded shape.

[0100] 10. A beverage system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the at least one pod further comprises a set of end seals, and the set of walls comprises at least one sloped portion configured to press against the set of end seals to fit snugly within the chamber.

[0101] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pod has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0102] The beverage system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the chamber further comprises a recess for accommodating a set of cutters.

[0103] A beverage system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the set of cutters is located within the bottom wall of the chamber and has an alterable configuration for varying the number of external outlets punctured within the pod.

[0104] The beverage system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the set of cutters is a fixed set of cutters configured to puncture the wrapper as it expands to define the exterior outlet.

[0105] 10. A beverage system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the holder comprises a pattern of openings for controlling the internal pressure of the pod.

[0106] 10. A beverage system according to any preceding claim, wherein the holder comprises a pattern of openings for controlling the flow of liquid within the holder.

[0107] 1. A method of brewing a beverage, the method comprising: passing water through a packaged material defining an interior; passing the water from an area of ​​relatively high pressure to an area of ​​relatively low pressure relative to the interior; introducing the water in a first direction; and forcing the water through the interior in a second direction different from the first direction and expelling the water from the interior.

[0108] 10. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising introducing water through an opening in a first end of the packaged material and expelling the water through a second end opposite the first end.

[0109] 10. The method of any preceding clause, wherein forcing the water through the interior further comprises flowing the water at a uniform velocity along a flow path.

[0110] 10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein forcing the water through the interior further comprises forcing the water along a flow path that is longer than it is wide.

[0111] 10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein expelling the water from the interior further comprises expelling water extracted from the packaged material.

[0112] Item 11. The method of any preceding item, wherein ejecting water from within includes ejecting water in a first direction.

[0113] Item 11. The method of any preceding item, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0114] 10. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising controlling the flow of water through the packaged material.

[0115] 10. The method of any preceding clause, wherein controlling the flow of water includes directing water to an exterior outlet of the packaged material.

[0116] 10. The method of any preceding clause, wherein controlling the flow of water comprises increasing or decreasing the amount of water flow.

Claims

1. A brewer having a liquid storage section, a chamber defined by a set of walls including at least three walls movable independently of each other and a pair of side walls each including a flat surface, and fluidly connected to the liquid storage section, and a closure movable between an open position allowing access to the chamber and a closed position closing access to the chamber.

2. 10. The brewer of claim 1 further comprising a base portion having a flat surface defining a bottom wall of said chamber, said bottom wall being part of said set of walls.

3. 3. The brewer of claim 2, wherein said bottom wall includes a recess that accommodates a cutter set that is movable into said chamber from within said recess to at least partially outside said recess.

4. 3. The brewer of claim 2, wherein said pair of side walls are parallel to each other and perpendicular to said bottom wall.

5. 3. The brewer of claim 2, wherein the set of walls includes a top wall, a front wall, and a rear wall that define the remainder of the chamber.

6. 6. The brewer of claim 5, wherein at least one of the top wall, the front wall, and the rear wall comprises a flat surface.

7. 10. The brewer of claim 1, wherein the at least three walls are a top wall, a front wall, and a rear wall.

8. 10. The brewer of claim 1, wherein said set of walls includes at least one movable wall defined by said closure.

9. 9. The brewer of claim 8, wherein the chambers are configured to receive pods of sizes that differ from each other by a single dimension.

10. 10. The brewer of claim 9, wherein said at least one movable wall translates along one direction to accommodate said different sized pods.

11. 10. The brewer of claim 1, wherein the brewer is configured to receive at least one pod that fits snugly within the chamber when the closure is in the closed position.

12. 2. The brewer of claim 1, wherein said chamber has an extruded shape defined by said set of walls when in said closed position.

13. 13. The brewer of claim 12, wherein the extruded shape is a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

14. A pod for holding a beverage ingredient, comprising a holder and a wrapper that completely surrounds the holder and defines the exterior of the pod, the exterior of the pod being configured to be perforated to form an exterior inlet and an exterior outlet.

15. The pod of claim 14 , wherein the holder has an extruded shape.

16. The pod of claim 15 , wherein the holder includes at least two flat sides that are parallel to one another.

17. 17. The pod of claim 16, wherein the extruded shape is a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

18. The pod of claim 14 , wherein the holder defines a rigid structure for the pod.

19. The pod of claim 14 , wherein the holder includes at least one opening having at least a portion aligned with the outer outlet to define a fluid outlet.

20. The pod of claim 14 , wherein the holder includes at least one opening having at least a portion aligned with the outer inlet to define a fluid inlet.

21. 15. The pod of claim 14, comprising a filter portion within the holder, the holder comprising at least one protection device for protecting the filter portion when the exterior is punctured.

22. 22. The pod of claim 21, wherein the holder includes at least one opening aligned with at least one of the exterior inlet or the exterior outlet, and the filter portion covers the at least one opening to seal the holder for holding a beverage ingredient.

23. 22. The pod of claim 21, wherein the filter portion is a filter pouch separate from and disposed within the holder, the filter pouch holding a beverage ingredient.

24. 15. The pod of claim 14, wherein the wrapper is a single piece of material that is not attached to the holder.

25. 25. The pod of claim 24, wherein the wrapper fits snugly around the holder.

26. at least one pod having a holder and a wrapper completely surrounding the holder, the wrapper defining an exterior of the at least one pod; a brewer having a chamber defined by a set of walls including a pair of side walls each including a flat surface, and a closure movable between an open position allowing access to the chamber and a closed position closing access to the chamber; A beverage system wherein the brewer is configured to puncture the exterior of the at least one pod to form an exterior inlet and an exterior outlet on the exterior of the at least one pod when the closure is moved from the open position to the closed position.

27. 27. The beverage system of claim 26, wherein the holder has an extruded shape.

28. 27. The beverage system of claim 26, wherein the at least one pod further comprises a set of end seals, and the set of walls comprises at least one sloped portion configured to press against the set of end seals to fit snugly within the chamber.

29. 27. The beverage system of claim 26, wherein the at least one pod has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

30. 27. The beverage system of claim 26, wherein the chamber further comprises a recess for receiving a set of cutters.

31. 31. The beverage system of claim 30, wherein the set of cutters is disposed on a bottom wall of the chamber and has an alterable configuration for varying the number of outer outlets perforated in the pod.

32. 31. The beverage system of claim 30, wherein the set of cutters is a fixed set of cutters configured to pierce the wrapper as it expands to define the outer outlet.

33. 27. The beverage system of claim 26, wherein the holder includes a pattern of openings for controlling the internal pressure of the pod.

34. 27. The beverage system of claim 26, wherein the holder includes a pattern of openings for controlling the flow of liquid within the holder.

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