A beverage preparation system, a capsule and a method for forming a beverage

Description

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beverage preparation system, a capsule, and a method for making beverages. The beverage preparation system is of the type comprising a beverage preparation machine wherein the capsule is arranged to be loaded into the interior of the beverage preparation machine to allow a pressurized fluid to flow through the capsule to produce a beverage based on interaction with ingredients disposed within the interior of the capsule. Background of the invention

[0002] Beverage preparation systems that include a beverage preparation machine and a capsule containing beverage ingredients are known in the art. One such system is disclosed in European Patent No. EP 1700548, which discloses a capsule comprising a cup-shaped shell and a foil closure member. The capsule is intended to be loaded into a beverage production device, wherein a pressurized beverage enters the capsule to act on the ingredients contained within the capsule to produce a ready-to-drink beverage. The capsule of European Patent No. EP 1700548 is provided with a dedicated hollow sealing member to prevent lateral water leakage around the outer surface of the capsule during use. The sealing member is in the form of a hollow sealing member on the outer surface of the capsule, for example, in the form of a step that, when closed, contacts the closure member of the beverage preparation machine.

[0003] The present disclosure provides an alternative capsule that can be used as part of a beverage preparation system. The capsule may be economical to produce and provide an effective seal in use.

[0004] International application WO 20113136209 describes a beverage preparation system comprising a capsule containing a powdered food substance which can be extracted to form a beverage, and a capsule loader comprising an insertion opening through which the capsule can be loaded, defined by an annular edge at the top of which is a projecting annular element and / or a corresponding seat. The capsule comprises a shell comprising a bottom wall, a side wall and a peripheral edge on which is an annular groove on the surface of which is a lower zone and, laterally positioned on opposite sides of the lower zone, two inner side surfaces and / or, respectively, an annular blade on the surface of which is a blade portion and, laterally positioned on opposite sides of the blade portion, two outer side surfaces.The capsule holder and capsule may assume a sealed configuration wherein a projecting annular member, inserted into the annular groove, is in sealing contact with at least one of the inner side surfaces, and / or, respectively, the annular seat receives an annular blade inwardly and is in sealing contact with at least one of the outer side surfaces. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides a beverage preparation system, a capsule for preparing a beverage and a method for preparing a beverage as claimed in the appended claims. Summary of Disclosure EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK

[0006] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a beverage preparation system comprising: a capsule containing the beverage ingredients; and a beverage preparation machine; wherein the capsule comprises a cup-shaped shell and a lid; wherein the cup-shaped shell has a base and a side wall and a lid sealed to the cup-shaped shell; wherein the capsule is arranged to be loaded into a beverage preparation machine to allow pressurized fluid to flow through the capsule to produce a beverage based on interaction with the beverage ingredients; wherein the beverage preparation machine has an enclosing member adapted to be selectively moved between an open position to allow loading of the capsule into the beverage preparation machine and a closed position in which the enclosing member sealingly engages the capsule; in which, before loading, the side wall contains: - an annular trough dimensioned to receive the closing element during movement of the closing element to the closed position; - a section of the first side wall extending between the base and the annular gutter; and - a section of the second side wall extending between the annular trough and the rim of the capsule.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a capsule for preparing a beverage comprising a cup-shaped shell and a lid; the cup-shaped shell having a base and a side wall and the lid being sealed to the cup-shaped shell; wherein the capsule is arranged to be loaded into a beverage preparation machine to allow pressurized fluid to flow through the capsule to produce a beverage based on interaction with the beverage ingredients; wherein the beverage preparation machine is of the type having an enclosing member adapted to be selectively moved between an open position to allow loading of a capsule into the beverage preparation machine and a closed position in which the enclosing member sealingly engages the capsule; in which the side wall comprises: - an annular trough sized to accommodate the closing member; - a first side wall section extending between the base and the annular gutter; - and - a second side wall section extending between the annular trough and the capsule rim.

[0008] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a beverage comprising the steps of: - insertion of the capsule as described above; - introducing a beverage preparation machine with a closing member; - moving the closing member to the open position; - loading the capsule into the beverage preparation machine; - closing the closing member so that the closing member tightly engages the capsule; EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK - passing a pressurised liquid through the capsule to produce a beverage based on interaction with the beverage ingredients; and - taking out the drink for consumption; wherein, upon closure, the closure member engages an annular trough of the side wall of the capsule to thereby deform the side wall; wherein deformation of the sidewall causes formation of at least one sealing joint between the enclosing member and the sidewall.

[0009] The above aspects may further include one or more of the following features: The annular trough may be sized to partially or completely receive the leading edge of the closing member in the closed position after the closing member is moved to the closed position.

[0010] The second side wall section may define a ridge zone located radially outward of the annular trough.

[0011] The side wall may be adapted to undergo plastic deformation upon closing of the closing member.

[0012] The side wall may be adapted such that, in use, closure of the closure member deforms the side wall to force the second section of the side wall into inward pressure against the outer surface of the closure member to form a sealing engagement with the outer surface of the closure member.

[0013] The annular trough may be adapted to form a sealing engagement with the leading edge of the closure member.

[0014] Advantageously, the sealing joint may be provided with both a leading edge and an outer surface of the enclosing member. In addition, deformation of the annular trough may also cause an outward pressure exerted by the side wall on the inner surface of the enclosing member to form a further sealing joint.

[0015] The sidewall may be adapted such that, during closing of the enclosing member, the sidewall is plastically drawn over the leading edge of the enclosing member. Advantageously, this may allow the sidewall to conform in shape to any grooves (or similar) provided in the leading edge.

[0016] Before loading, the annular trough may comprise an inner wall, an outer wall, and a bottom. Upon closing the closing member, the leading edge of the closing member may contact the outer wall of the annular trough and form a seal therewith.

[0017] The inner wall and the outer wall may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom. In an alternative arrangement, the outer wall may be inclined at an angle relative to the bottom so that the internal angle at the junction between the bottom and the outer wall is in the range of 90° to 120°, preferably 105°. Thus, the seal with the enclosing member may be a conical seal.

[0018] The ridge zone may comprise a vertex and the leading edge of the enclosing member may comprise an inner rim and an outer rim and a recess positioned between the inner rim and the outer rim, wherein, upon closure of the enclosing member, the vertex of the ridge zone may be accommodated in the recess between the inner rim and the outer rim. EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK

[0019] The annular trough may be adapted to adhere to a capsule loader part of the beverage preparation machine.

[0020] Before loading, the bottom of the annular trough may be raised relative to the rim. The bottom of the annular trough may be offset from the flexible end of the sidewall by a distance of from 0.1 to 2 mm. In one example, the offset may be relatively large, for example, from 1.55 to 2 mm. In a particular example, the offset may be 1.85 mm. Where the offset is relatively large, the bottom of the annular trough may be from 0.75 to 1.2 mm below the top of the ridge zone (where present). In one example, the distance may be 0.9 mm. In a further example, before loading, the bottom of the annular trough may be substantially level with the rim. For example, the offset may be from 0.1 to 0.5 mm. In one example, the offset may be 0.2 mm. In this alternative example, the bottom of the annular trough may be 2.0 to 2.5 mm below the top of the dorsal zone (when present).In one example, the distance is 2.2 mm.

[0021] The side wall may be adapted such that, in use, closure of the enclosing member deforms the side wall to cause the annular trough to be brought into substantially alignment with the rim.

[0022] The first side wall section, the annular trough and the second side wall section may be formed as a whole.

[0023] The rim may be formed with the cup-shaped casing as a whole.

[0024] The rim may be formed by a rolled portion of the side wall.

[0025] Before loading, the side wall may include a truncated cone-shaped section near the base.

[0026] Before loading, the side wall may comprise a cylindrical section between the frustoconical section and the annular trough.

[0027] The annular trough may have an inner width of 1.3 to 2.0 mm. In one example, the annular trough has an inner width of about 1.5 to 1.8 mm.

[0028] The annular trough may have an inner diameter of 27.5 to 30 mm and an outer diameter of 29.3 to 32.5 mm.

[0029] The lid may be sealed to the annular trough of the side wall. The lid may be sealed to the inner surface of the bottom of the annular trough.

[0030] The leading edge of the enclosing member may include a plurality of grooves or cutouts, and the sidewall may be adapted so that plastic deformation of the sidewall conforms to an annular trough of the sidewall against the grooves or cutouts to provide an effective seal.

[0031] At least part of the cup-shaped casing, preferably the entire cup-shaped casing, may be formed of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or a laminate comprising at least one layer formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. A layer of lacquer may be applied to one or both surfaces of the cup-shaped casing. Alternatively, another suitably ductile material may be used instead of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0032] The aluminium alloy may for example be a 3005, 3105, 8011 or 8079 grade alloy. Preferably, the aluminium alloy should have a tempering index of '0'.

[0033] The laminate, where used, may comprise a ductile structural layer formed from a material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy together with a resilient layer formed from a polymer. EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK The laminate may comprise only a single layer of aluminium or aluminium alloy together with a single layer of polymer together with one or more layers of varnish, a tie layer or an adhesive layer applied to the aluminium or aluminium alloy.

[0034] The cup-shaped casing may comprise a uniform piece of laminate material.

[0035] The polymer layer may, for example, comprise a material selected from the group: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), propylene-ethylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), polychloroprene or isobutylene.

[0036] The polymer of the polymer layer preferably has a hardness of less than or equal to 40 Shore D. Advantageously, the use of a relatively soft polymer for the outer surface of the laminate allows the material to deform over imperfections and features of the enclosing member to provide a tighter hydraulic seal.

[0037] The lid may be formed of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or a laminate comprising at least one layer formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Alternatively, another suitably ductile material may be used. The lid may further comprise a heat seal varnish or a heat seal layer to enhance the seal between the lid and the cup-shaped shell.

[0038] The cup-shaped casing may be formed from a single integral piece of material. The single piece of material may be cold drawn to form the cup-shaped casing shape, including the annular trough. A deep drawing technique may be used to cold form the cup-shaped casing. Where the cup-shaped casing material comprises a laminate with a polymer layer, a hot stretching technique may be used where the material is subjected to an elevated temperature to facilitate deformation of the polymer material but without detrimental effects on the material characteristics of the aluminum layer.

[0039] The cup-shaped cover and the rim may be made as a whole.

[0040] The cup-shaped casing may have a thickness in the range of 80 to 500 microns. In some aspects, the thickness may be in the range of 90 to 300 microns. Where the cup-shaped casing is formed solely of aluminum or an aluminum alloy (optionally with one or more layers of lacquer), a thickness in the range of 80 to 120 microns may be preferred. Where the cup-shaped casing is formed of a laminate material including a polymer layer, a thickness in the range of 100 to 500 microns is preferred. The thickness of the material may vary within the volume of the cup-shaped casing.

[0041] The rim may have an outer diameter of 37 mm.

[0042] Before loading, the capsule may have a height of 25 to 31 mm. In some aspects, the height may be 28.5 to 30 mm. Deformation of the capsule during use will tend to reduce the longitudinal height.

[0043] Advantageously, the cup-shaped casings may be shaped so as to be stackable and easily removed from a stack prior to being filled and connected to the lids.

[0044] The capsule may form a single-use disposable element. EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK

[0045] The capsule may contain a beverage ingredient or a mixture of beverage ingredients. As a non-limiting example, the beverage ingredient may include roasted ground coffee. Brief description of the drawings

[0046] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail, for purposes of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a capsule embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the detail of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the capsule of FIG. 1 including the closing member of the beverage preparation machine; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the detail of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the arrangement of FIG. 3 with the closure member in the closed position; FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the detail of FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a capsule embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the detail of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the capsule of FIG. 7 including the closure member of the beverage preparation machine; FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the detail of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the arrangement of FIG. 9 with the closure member in the closed position; FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the detail of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a capsule embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the detail of FIG. 13; FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of the capsule of FIG. 13 with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation machine; FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the detail of FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of the arrangement of FIG. 15 with the closure member in the closed position; and FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the detail of FIG. 17. Detailed description

[0047] FIG. 3 schematically shows part of a beverage preparation system according to the present disclosure. The beverage preparation system comprises a beverage preparation machine and a capsule 1.

[0048] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a capsule 1. The capsule 1 will be described in more detail but may have the general form of a cup-shaped shell 40 having a base 42 at one end and a side wall 43 extending from the base 42 towards the opposite end which is closed by a lid 41.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the beverage preparation machine comprises an enclosing member 2 and a capsule holder 20. The enclosing member 2 is selectively movable relative to the capsule holder 20. EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK between an open position to allow the capsule 1 to be loaded into the interior of the beverage preparation machine, and a closed position in which the closing member 2 sealingly engages the capsule 1 with the capsule loader 20 in a manner to be described below.

[0050] The closure member 2 may be moved between an open position and a closed position by means of a conventional mechanism well known in the art. For example, this means may comprise a mechanical mechanism operated by a manually sliding lever, or an automatic or semi-automatic mechanism where the movement is imparted by a motor. The closure member 2 may be moved while the capsule holder 20 remains stationary. Alternatively, the closure member 2 remains stationary and the capsule holder 20 is moved. In a further alternative arrangement, both the closure member 2 and the capsule holder 20 may move during the opening and closing operations.

[0051] The closing member 2 and the capsule holder 20 in the closed position together define a seat for supporting the capsule 1 during a dispensing operation.

[0052] The beverage preparation machine may further comprise other conventional elements which are not illustrated in the accompanying drawings and are well known in the art of beverage preparation machines. For example, the beverage preparation machine may comprise either an installation for storing a water medium, such as an internal container, or an installation for connecting to an external supply of a water medium, such as a feed water network. The water medium should typically be water. A pump, or equivalent, may be incorporated to supply the water medium under pressure to the capsule 1. The water medium may typically be supplied at a pressure of 9 to 14 bar. A heater may be incorporated to heat the water medium to the desired temperature. The heater may heat the water medium in the container (where present), or may heat the water medium on demand as it passes through a channel, or over a heating block, into the reservoir 3.The beverage preparation machine may include a base piercing means for piercing the base 42 of the capsule 1 and allowing the aqueous medium to enter the capsule 1 and interact with the beverage ingredients therein. Alternatively, the capsule 1 may be provided with one or more preformed openings to allow aqueous medium from the reservoir 3 to enter the interior of the capsule 1.

[0053] The closing member 2 may be of the type described in European patent no. EP 1700548 comprising an annular element 22 having a leading edge 23 in the form of an annular rim, an inner surface 25 facing towards the reservoir 3 and an outer surface 24 facing outwards. The leading edge 23 may be provided with a plurality of grooves as shown in European patent no. EP 1700548. An upper end (not shown) of the closing member 2 may be engaged with a supply of aqueous medium and may provide a seat for one or more perforating means arranged to pierce the base 42 of the capsule 1 in use.

[0054] The capsule loader 20 may be of the type described in European patent no. EP 1700548 comprising grooved elements 21 which are provided for peeling and perforating the lid 41 of the capsule 1. Peeling of the lid 41 may occur as a result of the internal pressure in the capsule 1 caused by the inflowing aqueous medium. The grooved elements 21 may have any protruding shape capable of causing partial peeling of the foil member, for example a pyramid shape, a needle shape, a hump shape, a cylinder shape or a longitudinal rib shape. EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, a cup-shaped shell 40 and a lid 41 of the capsule 1 together enclose a beverage ingredient chamber 50 that may be filled with a beverage ingredient or a mixture of beverage ingredients. As a non-limiting example, the beverage ingredient may include roasted ground coffee.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the cup-shaped shell 40 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. However, other materials, such as a laminate of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and a polymer, may be used. The cup-shaped shell 40 includes a base 42 and a side wall 43. As illustrated, a geometric discontinuity, for example, in the shape of a shoulder 57, may be present at the junction between the base 42 and the side wall 43. Alternatively, the base 42 and the side wall 43 may have a smooth geometric transition.

[0057] The cup-shaped casing 40 may have a thickness in the range of 80 to 500 microns. The thickness of the material may vary within the cup-shaped casing 40. In the illustrated example, the thickness is 100 microns.

[0058] The side wall 43 is provided with an annular trough 60 which is dimensioned to receive, partially or completely, the leading edge 23 of the enclosing member 2 in the closed position. A first side wall section 61 is provided extending between the base 42 and the annular trough 60, and a second side wall section 62 is provided extending between the annular trough 60 and the flexible end 43 of the side wall of the capsule 1.

[0059] The annular trough 60 may be defined by an inner wall 65, an outer wall 66 and a floor 64 that extends therebetween. The inner wall 65 and the outer wall 66 may, prior to loading the capsule 1 into the beverage preparation machine, extend perpendicularly to the floor 64. The inner wall 65 may be formed by part of the first side wall section 61.

[0060] A ridge zone 63 is positioned radially outward of the annular trough 60. The ridge zone 63 may include an annular projection that extends rearwardly in the general direction of the base 42 so that a peak 67 of the ridge zone is raised above the level of the bottom 64 of the annular trough 60. The peak 67 may be raised above the bottom 64 of the annular trough by a distance of 0.75 to 2.5 mm. As illustrated, in this embodiment, the distance is 0.9 mm. The ridge zone 63 may be formed to have an inner wall inserted through the outer wall 66 of the annular trough 60 and an outer wall 68 formed by at least a portion of the second sidewall section 62.

[0061] The side wall 43, including the annular trough 60 and the ridge zone 63, may be formed as a whole. Furthermore, the cup-shaped casing 40, including the side wall 43 and the base 42, may be formed as a whole.

[0062] The annular trough 60 may have an inner width of 1.3 to 2.0 mm. Typically, the inner width of the annular trough 60 is selected to be slightly greater than the width of the leading edge 23 of the annular member 22. In one example, the annular trough 60 has an inner width of about 1.5 mm to 1.8 mm.

[0063] The annular trough 60 may have an inner diameter of 27.5 to 30.0 mm (i.e., the diameter of the inner surface of the wall 65 facing the interior of the annular trough 60) and an outer diameter of 29.3 to 32.5 mm (i.e., the diameter of the outer surface of the wall 66 facing the annular trough 60). Alternatively, the inner diameter may be selected such that, when closed, there is a slight overlap fit between the inner wall 65 and the outer surface. EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK of the closing member 2. This helps to ensure good alignment of the ring trough 60 with the closing member 2.

[0064] As illustrated, the lid 41 is sealingly engaged with the annular trough 60. In particular, the lid 41 is sealingly engaged with the inner surface of the bottom 64 of the annular trough 60. The bottom 64 of the annular trough is raised relative to the flexible end of the side wall 43. Consequently, the lid 41 is also raised relative to the flexible end of the side wall 43. The bottom 64 can be offset from the flexible end of the side wall 43 by a distance of 0.1 to 2.0 mm, as previously described. As illustrated, the offset is 1.85 mm. The sealing of the lid 41 with the bottom 64 helps to ensure that the closure member 2 does not bear against the hollow portion of the capsule 1 to trap beverage ingredients between the leading edge 23 and the capsule loader 20, which could adversely affect the hydraulic tightness of the seal.

[0065] The lid 41 may be formed of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or a laminate containing aluminum.

[0066] The first side wall section 61 may include a frustoconical section 44 proximate the base 42 and a cylindrical section 45 spaced from the base 42, wherein a portion of the cylindrical section 45 forms an inner wall 65 of the annular trough 60.

[0067] The capsule 1 may be provided with a rim 47 formed at the end of the cup-shaped shell 40 remote from the base 42, i.e. at the flexible end of the side wall 43. The rim 47 may be formed integrally by the cup-shaped shell 40. In the example shown, the rim 47 may be formed by a rolled-up portion 48 of the side wall 43.

[0068] During use of the beverage preparation system, the closure member 2 is first moved to an open position and the capsule 1 is loaded into a location between the capsule holder 20 and the closure member 2. Depending on the design of the beverage preparation machine, the capsule 1 may be loaded by gravity or manually or a combination of both. In addition, pre-loading may position the capsule 1 adjacent to the closure member 2 so that subsequent movement of the closure member 2 brings the capsule 1 therewith into engagement with the capsule holder 20. Alternatively, pre-loading may position the capsule 1 adjacent to the capsule holder 20 so that the capsule 1 remains substantially stationary during closure of the closure member 2.

[0069] The closing member 2 is then closed to sealingly engage the closing member 2 with the capsule 1. During this step, the base 42 of the capsule 1 may be pierced by the perforation means of the closing member 2.

[0070] Next, to produce a beverage based on interaction with the beverage ingredients, a pressurized aqueous medium (which may be heated, at ambient temperature or cooled) is supplied to the interior of the capsule 1. During this step, the internal pressure in the beverage ingredient chamber 50 causes the lid 41 to deform outwardly against the hollow elements 21 of the capsule holder 20, thereby at least partially tearing the lid 41, which opens a path for the beverage to exit the capsule 1.

[0071] The beverage is then served for consumption.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, during the closing step of the closure member 2 with respect to the capsule holder 20, the side wall 43 of the capsule 1 is in contact through the closure member 2 to deform the side wall 43. In particular, the leading edge 23 engages the trough 43 of the capsule 1. EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK annular section 60 and rests against the bottom 64 and / or the inner wall 65 and / or the outer wall 66. The bottom 64 is pushed downwards by the action of the closing member 2 so that the bottom 64 (and the lid 41 are tightly connected to the bottom 64) adheres to the capsule holder 20. The leading edge 23 may also act to perforate the material of the side wall 43 during this movement, which consequently forces the ridge zone 63 to rotate inwardly to bring the apex 67 of the ridge zone 63 and / or the outer wall 66 of the annular trough 60 into sealing engagement with the outer surface 24 of the annular member 22 and / or the outer wall 66 of the annular trough 60 into sealing engagement with the outer surface 24 of the annular member 22, as shown in FIG. 6.It is important that the initial point of contact between the leading edge 23 and the floor 64 is axially distant from the capsule loader 20 so that there is sufficient room for the sidewall 43 to deform downwardly towards the capsule loader 20 to allow the spine zone 63 to rotate inwardly before the sidewall 43 engages the capsule loader 20.

[0073] The forced movement of the side wall 43 forces the side wall 43 to undergo plastic deformation. In particular, as the side wall 43 is deformed in the downward direction, the side wall 43 (in particular parts of the annular trough 60) can be plastically pulled by the leading edge 23 of the closing member 2, which supports the material of the side wall 43 in close fit with the grooves of the leading edge 23. Thus, the annular trough 60 can form a sealing joint with the leading edge 23 of the closing member 2.

[0074] Furthermore, the deformation of the annular trough 60 may also cause an outward pressure exerted by the side wall 43 on the inner surface 25 of the closing member 2 to form an additional sealing joint.

[0075] FIGS. 7 to 12 illustrate a second embodiment of capsule 1. Features corresponding to features of the first embodiment are designated by corresponding reference signs. If required, features of the first embodiment and this embodiment may be interchanged and combined with each other. In addition, in the following description, only the differences between the embodiments will be described in detail. In other respects, the reader is referred to the description of the preceding embodiment.

[0076] The cup-shaped casing 40 differs from the casing of the first embodiment in the configuration and geometry of the annular trough 60. As in the first embodiment, the annular trough 60 is dimensioned to receive, partially or completely, the leading edge 23 of the enclosing member 2 during movement of the enclosing member 2 into the closed position. The inner wall 65 of the annular trough 60, as before, is substantially perpendicular to the floor 64. However, on the contrary, the outer wall 66 is inclined at an angle relative to the bottom 64 so that the internal angle α at the junction between the bottom 64 and the outer wall 66 is from 90° to 120°, preferably 105°.

[0077] The ridge zone 63 is again positioned radially outward of the annular trough 60 and includes an annular projection that extends rearward in the general direction of the base 42 so that a peak 67 of the ridge zone 63 is raised above the level of the bottom 64 of the annular trough 60. The peak 67 may be raised above the bottom 64 by a distance of 0.75 to 2.5 mm. As illustrated in this embodiment, the distance is 2.2 mm. The ridge zone 63 may be formed so that the inner wall is inserted at an angle into the outer wall 66 of the annular trough 60 and the outer wall 68 is formed by at least a portion of the second side wall section 62 ... EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK shown more clearly in FIG. 8, the second side wall section 62 may include an additional annular ridge 70 between the outer wall 68 and the rolled portion 48 of the rim 47, which may provide additional stiffness to the outer portion of the flange. The height of the additional annular ridge 70 may be 0.7 to 0.8 mm.

[0078] The side wall 43, including the annular trough 60 and the ridge zone 63, may be formed as a whole. Furthermore, the cup-shaped casing 40, including the side wall 43 and the base 42, may be formed as a whole.

[0079] The annular trough 60 may have an inner width of 1.3 to 2.0 mm. As illustrated, the annular trough 60 has an inner width of approximately about 1.5 mm to 1.8 mm.

[0080] As illustrated, the lid 41 is sealed to the annular trough 60. In particular, the lid 41 is sealed to the inner surface of the bottom 64 of the annular trough 60. Before loading, the bottom 64 of the annular trough 60 is substantially horizontal with the flexible end of the side wall 43. As illustrated, the offset between the flexible end of the side wall 43 and the lid is only 0.2 mm.

[0081] During use of the beverage preparation system as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, as before, the closure member 2 will first be moved to the open position and the capsule 1 is loaded into a position between the capsule holder 20 and the closure member 2. FIG. 9 illustrates that the leading edge 23 of the closure member 2 may comprise an inner rim 23a and an outer rim 23b which are concentric and spaced apart to define a recess 23c therebetween, which may be generally annular (although may have interruptions at its periphery).

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, as the closure member 2 approaches the capsule holder 20, the side wall 43 of the capsule 1 will contact the closure member 2 to deform the side wall 43. In particular, the inner rim 23a of the leading edge 23 is received in the annular trough 60 and supported on the outer wall 66, while at the same time (or shortly thereafter), the apex 67 of the ridge zone 63 is received in the recess 23c. The ridge zone 63 (and the bottom 64) is forced downward by the action of the closure member 2 on the outer wall 66 and / or the apex 67, thereby engaging the outer wall 66 of the annular trough 60 and the outer wall 68 of the ridge zone 63 and deforming / indenting.During this sliding, the material of the sidewall 66 of the annular trough 60 may be pulled over the leading edge 23 to conform the outer wall 66 of the annular trough 60 to the grooves or notches to provide an effective seal.

[0083] The downward movement of the ridge zone 63 also adheres the bottom 64 (and the lid 41 sealed to the bottom 64) to the capsule holder 20, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0084] The geometry of the outer wall 68 of the ridge zone 63, with the additional annular trough 70, helps stiffen the flexible end of the side wall 43 and protects the rim 47 from bending down into contact with the capsule holder 20.

[0085] The downward movement of the closing member 2 may continue beyond the point illustrated in FIG. 12 until the inner rim 23a contacts and abuts the bottom 64 of the annular trough 60.

[0086] Piercing and brewing of the beverage from the capsule 1 may take place as described above in the first embodiment. EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK

[0087] FIGS. 13 to 18 illustrate a third embodiment of the capsule 1. Features corresponding to features of the first and / or second embodiments are designated with appropriate reference signs. Features of the first and / or second embodiments and this embodiment may be interchanged and combined as necessary. In addition, in the following description, only the differences between the embodiments will be detailed. In other respects, the reader is referred to the description of the preceding embodiments.

[0088] The cup-shaped casing 40 differs from the casings of the first and second embodiments in the configuration and geometry of the annular trough 60. As in the second embodiment, the annular trough 60 is dimensioned to receive, partially or completely, the leading edge 23 of the closing member 2 upon movement of the closing member 2 to the closed position. The inner wall 65 of the annular trough 60 is substantially perpendicular to the bottom 64, and the outer wall 66 is inclined at an angle relative to the bottom 64 such that the inner angle α at the junction between the bottom 64 and the outer wall 66 is from 90° to 120°, preferably 105°.

[0089] Ridge zone 63 is again positioned radially outward of annular trough 60 and includes an annular projection that extends rearward in the general direction of base 42 so that a peak 67 of ridge zone 63 is raised above the level of the floor 64 of radial trough 60. The peak 67 is somewhat more rounded than in the second embodiment. The peak 67 may be raised above the floor 64 by a distance of from 0.75 to 2.5 mm. As illustrated, in this embodiment, the distance is 2.2 mm. Ridge zone 63 may be formed so that an inner wall is inserted at an angle into an outer wall 66 of annular trough 66, and an outer wall 68 is formed by at least a portion of the second sidewall section 62. As shown more clearly in FIG.14, the outer wall 68 comprises three different sections - an upper section 73 which, before loading, is perpendicular to the bottom 64, a middle section 71 which is inclined at an angle β of 20 to 80°, preferably 60°, to the vertical, and a lower section 72 which comprises a horizontal section - parallel to the bottom 64 - before merging with the rolled section 48 of the rim 47.

[0090] The side wall 43, including the annular trough 60 and the ridge zone 63, may be formed as a whole. Furthermore, the cup-shaped casing 40, including the side wall 43 and the base 42, may be formed as a whole.

[0091] The annular trough 60 may have an inner width of 1.3 to 2.0 mm. As shown, the annular trough 60 has an internal width of approximately 1.5 mm to 1.8 mm.

[0092] As illustrated, the lid 41 is sealed to the annular trough 60. In particular, the lid 41 is sealed to the inner surface of the bottom 64 of the annular trough 60. Before loading, the bottom 64 of the annular trough 60 is substantially horizontal with the flexible end of the side wall 43. As illustrated, the offset of the flexible end of the side wall 43 and the lid is only 0.2 mm.

[0093] In use, the beverage preparation system as shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, as before, the closure member 2 is first moved to an open position and the capsule 1 is loaded into a position between the capsule holder 20 and the closure member 2.

[0094] As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, upon approaching the closure member 2 to the capsule holder 20, the side wall 43 of the capsule 1 will come into contact through the closure member 2 to deform the side wall 43. In particular, the inner rim 23a of the leading edge 23 will be received in the annular trough 60 and supported against the outer wall 66, while at the same time (or slightly EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK later), the top 67 of the ridge zone 63 will be received in the recess 23c. The ridge zone 63 (and the bottom 64) is forced downward by the action of the closing member 2 against the outer wall 66 and / or the top 67, forcing the outer wall 66 of the annular trough 60 and the outer wall 66 of the ridge zone to snap and deform / crush. During this movement, the material of the outer wall 66 of the annular trough can be plastically drawn over the leading edge 23 to align the outer wall 66 of the annular trough 60 with the grooves or notches to provide an effective seal.

[0095] Downward movement of the ridge zone 63 will also cause the bottom 64 (and the lid 41 sealed to the bottom 64) to adhere to the capsule holder 20, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0096] The geometry of the outer wall 68 of the ridge zone 63, including the upper section 73, the middle section 71, and the lower section 72, helps stiffen the flexible end of the side wall 43 and prevents the rim 47 from being deflected downwardly into contact with the capsule holder 20.

[0097] The downward movement of the closing member 2 may continue beyond the point illustrated in FIG. 12 until the inner rim 23a contacts and abuts the bottom 64 of the annular trough 60.

[0098] Piercing the capsule and brewing the beverage from the capsule may take place as described above in the first embodiment.

[0099] The capsule 1 of any of the above embodiments may include a sidewall 43 formed of a laminate material, as discussed above, having a polymer layer. In forming any of the sealing joints mentioned above, the closure of the enclosing member 2 may press against at least a polymer layer of the laminate material. The pressure of the polymer layer may assist in conforming the sidewall 43 to the shape of the leading edge 23. In particular, the polymer layer may assist in filling any gaps created by the presence of grooves in the leading edge 23. Preferably, the polymer layer faces outwardly into direct contact with the leading edge 23. The cup-shaped casing 40 may comprise a unitary piece of the laminate material.

[0100] The laminate, where used, may comprise a ductile structural layer formed of a material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, together with a resilient layer formed of a polymer. The laminate may comprise only a single layer of aluminum or aluminum alloy, together with a single layer of polymer, together with one or more layers of varnish, a tie layer, or an adhesive layer, applied to the aluminum or aluminum alloy. The polymer layer may, for example, comprise a material selected from the group: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), propylene-ethylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), polychloroprene or isobutylene.

[0102] Additionally, during use, hot water passing through the reservoir 3 may act to slightly soften the polymer layer material. Such softening may lead to further deformation of the side wall 43 under the compressive load of the enclosing member 2. This effect may assist in enhancing the hydraulic seal between the enclosing member 2 and the capsule 1 by tending to seal any gaps through which hot water leaks.

[0103] Deformation of the side wall 43 will typically cause the longitudinal height of the capsule 1 to decrease relative to its height prior to loading. EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK

Claims

1. A beverage preparation system comprising: a capsule (1) containing beverage ingredients; and a beverage preparation machine; the capsule (1) comprising a cup-shaped shell (40) and a lid (41); the cup-shaped shell (40) having a base (42) and a side wall (43) and the lid (41) sealed to the cup-shaped shell (40); the capsule (1) being arranged to be loaded into a beverage preparation machine to permit pressurized fluid to pass through the capsule (1) to produce a beverage based on interaction with the beverage ingredients; wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises a closure member (2) adapted to be selectively moved between an open position to allow loading of the capsule (1) into the beverage preparation machine and a closed position in which the closure member (2) sealingly engages the capsule (1);wherein, prior to loading, the side wall (43) comprises: - an annular trough (60) sized to receive the closure member (2) when the closure member (2) is moved into the closed position; - a first side wall section (61) extending between the base (42) and the annular trough (60); and - a second side wall section (62) extending between the annular trough (60) and the rim (47) of the capsule (1); wherein the cup-shaped shell (40) is formed of aluminium, an aluminium alloy or a laminate comprising at least one layer formed of aluminium or an aluminium alloy; wherein the first side wall section (61), the annular trough (60) and the second side wall section (62) are formed as a whole;and wherein the annular trough (60) is adapted to form a sealing engagement with the leading edge (23) of the closure member (2), and the side wall (43) is adapted such that during closing of the closure member (2) the side wall (43) is plastically pulled over the leading edge (23) of the closure member (2); 2. A beverage preparation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second side wall section (62) defines a ridge zone (63) located radially outward of the annular trough (60).

3. A beverage preparation system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the side wall (43) is adapted to undergo plastic deformation during closure of the closure member (2); and optionally wherein the side wall (43) is adapted such that, in use, closure of the closure member (2) deforms the side wall (43) to cause the second side wall section (62) to be forced in a central direction against an outer surface of the closure member (2) to form a sealing engagement with an outer surface (24) of the closure member (2).

4. A beverage preparation system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, prior to loading, the annular trough (60) comprises an inner wall (65), an outer wall (66) and a floor (64); and optionally wherein, upon closure of the closure member (2), the leading edge (23) of the closure member (2) contacts and forms a seal with the outer wall (66) of the annular trough (60).

5. A beverage preparation system as claimed in claim 4, wherein; the inner wall (65) and the outer wall (66) are substantially perpendicular to the bottom; or wherein the outer wall (66) is inclined at an angle relative to the bottom (64) such that the internal angle at the junction between the bottom (64) and the outer wall (66) is from 90° to 120°, preferably 105°.

6. A beverage preparation system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second side wall section (62) defines a ridge zone (63) located radially outward of the annular trough (60), and wherein the ridge zone (60) comprises a vertex (67) and the leading edge (23) of the closure member (2) comprises an inner rim (23a) and an outer rim (23b) and a recess (23c) located between the inner rim (23a) and the outer rim (23b), wherein upon closure of the closure member (2) the vertex (67) of the ridge zone (63) is received in the recess (23c) between the inner rim (23a) and the outer rim (23b).

7. A beverage preparation system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the annular trough (60) is adapted to engage a capsule loader (20) of the beverage preparation machine.

8. A beverage preparation system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, prior to loading, the bottom (64) of the annular trough (60) is raised relative to the rim (47); and optionally; wherein the side wall (43) is adapted such that, in use, closure of the closure member (2) deforms the side wall (43) to cause the bottom (64) of the annular trough (60) to be brought into a substantially flush position with the rim (47).

9. A beverage preparation system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rim (47) is formed integrally with the cup-shaped shell (40); and optionally wherein the rim (47) is formed by a rolled-up portion of the side wall (43). EP2996521 B1 V15654PL00 / KK 10. A beverage preparation system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the annular trough (60) has an inner width of 1.3 to 2.0 mm, preferably 1.5 to 1.8 mm; and / or wherein the annular trough (60) has an inner diameter of 27.5 to 30.0 mm and an outer diameter of 29.3 to 32.5 mm.

11. A beverage preparation system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the leading edge (23) of the closure member (2) comprises a plurality of grooves or cuts and the side wall (43) is adapted such that plastic deformation of the side wall (43) aligns with an annular trough (60) of the side wall (43) having grooves or cuts to provide an effective seal; and optionally wherein plastic deformation of the side wall (43) aligns with an outer wall (66) of the annular trough (60) having grooves or cuts to provide an effective seal.

12. A beverage preparation system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lid (41) is formed of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or a laminate comprising at least one layer formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy; and / or wherein the cup-shaped shell (40) has a thickness in the range of 80 to 500 microns.

13. A capsule (1) for preparing a beverage comprising a cup-shaped shell (40) and a lid (41); the cup-shaped shell (40) having a base (42) and a side wall (43) and the lid (41) sealingly connected to the cup-shaped shell (40); the capsule (1) being arranged to be loaded into a beverage preparation machine to allow a pressurized fluid to flow through the capsule (1) to produce a beverage by interaction with the beverage ingredients; the beverage preparation machine being of the type having an enclosing member (2) adapted to be selectively moved between an open position to allow loading of the capsule (1) into the beverage preparation machine and a closed position in which the enclosing member (2) sealingly engages the capsule (1); wherein the side wall (43) comprises: - an annular trough (60) sized to receive the closing member (2);- a first side wall section (61) extending between the base (42) and the annular trough (60); and - a second side wall section (62) extending between the annular trough (60) and the rim (47) of the capsule; wherein the cup-shaped shell (40) is formed of aluminium, an aluminium alloy or a laminate comprising at least one layer formed of aluminium or an aluminium alloy; wherein the first side wall section (61), the annular trough (60) and the second side wall section (62) are formed as a whole; and wherein the annular trough (60) is adapted to form a sealing engagement with the leading edge (23) of the closing member (2), and the side wall (43) is adapted such that during closing of the closing member (2) the side wall (43) is plastically pulled over the leading edge (23) of the closing member (2); 14. A capsule as claimed in claim 13, wherein the lid (41) is formed of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or a laminate comprising at least one layer formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy; and / or wherein the cup-shaped shell (40) has a thickness in the range of 80 to 500 microns. A method for preparing a beverage comprising the steps of: - introducing a capsule (1) as claimed in any one of claims 13-14; - introducing a beverage preparation machine having an enclosing member (2); - moving the enclosing member (2) to an open position; - loading the capsule (1) into the beverage preparation machine; - closing the enclosing member (2) so as to sealingly engage the enclosing member (2) with the capsule (1); - passing a pressurized fluid through the capsule (1) to produce a beverage by interaction with the beverage ingredients; and - dispensing the beverage for consumption; wherein upon closing, the enclosing member (2) engages an annular trough (60) of a side wall (43) of the capsule (1) to thereby deform the side wall (43); wherein the deformation of the side wall (43) will create at least one sealing interface between the enclosing member (2) and the side wall (43).ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK FIG. 6 ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK FIG. 8 ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK FIG. 13 ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK FIG. 14 ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK FIG. 18 ΕΡ2996521 Β1 V15654PL00 / KK References cited in the description The following list of references cited by the applicant is intended solely as a guide to the reader and does not form part of the European patent document. Although great care has been taken in compiling it, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard. Patent documents cited in the description EP 1700548 A [0002] [0053] (0054] WO 2013136209 A (0004].