Biodegradable capsules

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capsule including a body in the form of a truncated cone, the body comprising: an injection face that is closed and at the narrower end of the body; an extraction face at the wider end of the body, with an opening and terminating in a collar; characterised in that the body is formed from a biodegradable material, and the collar has an outer diameter of about 36.6 mm.

Description

[0001] BIODEGRADABLE CAPSULES

[0002] The field of the present invention relates to optimised capsules for the preparation of beverages and methods for optimising such capsules.

[0003] Background

[0004] Systems for the preparation of beverages, such as coffee, using capsules have been popularised in recent years, due to advantages for consumers in terms of the extended shelf life of the ingredients within the capsules, the ease with which the beverages can be prepared, and the high quality of the resulting beverage. In certain devices for the preparation of beverages, such as that described in WO 2011 / 124484 A1 , incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, precise arrangements are provided to ensure that the process of inserting the capsules into the device, configuring for beverage preparation, preparing the beverage, and removing the spent capsule are easy and have a low error rate.

[0005] In a particular system :

[0006] The capsule comprises: a body in the form of a truncated cone comprising an injection face that is closed at the narrower end and an extraction face at the wider end of the body, with an opening and terminating in a collar; and sealing means, which is typically integral with, or affixed to, the collar. And

[0007] The device comprises: a chamber having an open position and a closed position, the chamber comprising a first chamber portion suitable for receiving the body of the capsule and a second chamber portion comprising an extraction plate, guidance rails for receiving the collar of the capsule, ensuring the capsule is inserted into the chamber in the correct orientation, lugs for temporarily holding the capsule in the correct orientation while the chamber is in the open position, perforating means for perforating the injection face of the capsule, retracting means, located in the first chamber portion, to remove the capsule from the extraction plate, means for releasing the capsule so as to disengage it from the first chamber portion, and an orifice through which the disengaged capsule exits the chamber.

[0008] It will be understood that in typical operation: the capsule is placed into the top of the device by the operator, the collar being received by the guide rails, the capsule is held in position by the lugs, the chamber is closed (i.e. by moving the first and second portions together, sealing the collar between the first and second chamber portions and perforating the injection face), the beverage is made (i.e. by flooding the chamber with hot, high-pressure water such that it passes through the perforated injection face, through the capsule, and out via the extraction plate), and the chamber is opened, the spent capsule falling from the chamber extraction face first.

[0009] The capsules used in such systems are typically formed of aluminium and are recyclable. However, the recycling of aluminium is relatively energy intensive and, inevitably, some capsule are discarded instead of recycled. In response, producers have developed new ranges of capsules comprised of biodegradable materials that have suitable shelf life. However, it has been found that capsules formed of biodegradable materials have a tendency to delaminate the sealing means, resulting in beverage ingredient entering the beverage. Such capsules also have a tendency to swell during beverage production, resulting in spent capsules becoming wedged within the device. Such wedged capsules require manual removal, introducing a risk of injury due to heat or, if not removed, a lack of cleanliness.

[0010] It is the object of the present invention to address at least one of the foregoing problems.

[0011] Summary of the Invention

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a capsule including a body in the form of a truncated cone, the body comprising: an injection face that is closed and at the narrower end of the body; an extraction face at the wider end of the body, with an opening and terminating in a collar; characterised in that the body is formed from a biodegradable material, and the collar has an outer diameter of from 36 to 37 mm. The collar may have a height of about 0.8 mm, wherein the height is measured in the direction of a central axis of the capsule.

[0013] The capsule may be furnished with a sealing means fitted to the collar.

[0014] The biodegradable material may comprise a cellulosic material, such as paper, paperboard, moulded pulp, preferably a wood-based moulded pulp.

[0015] The body may further comprise a protective layer, preferably on the internal surface. The protective layer provides a barrier function to inhibit the ingress of oxygen and / or moisture that may be deleterious to the contents of the capsule.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for reducing an outer diameter of a collar, the collar comprising part of a capsule, the method comprising pressing the collar between a punch and a die, the die having a frustoconical recess with a minimum diameter of about 32 mm.

[0017] The wall of the frustoconical recess may be at an angle of around 30° to the central axis of the capsule.

[0018] The frustoconical recess may have:

[0019] (i) a depth of from 1 to 5 mm; and / or

[0020] (ii) a maximum diameter of from 33 to 39 mm; and / or

[0021] (iii) a minimum diameter of about 32 mm.

[0022] The punch may be in the form of a cylinder. The punch may have an outer diameter of about 32 mm. The punch maybe hollow, optionally wherein the punch has an inner diameter of about 28.5 mm. When hollow, the capsule may located within the interior of the punch prior to pressing.

[0023] A sealing means may be provided between the collar and the die prior to pressing.

[0024] The step of pressing the collar between the punch and the die may further comprise heating the collar. The die and / or punch may comprise heating means. Alternatively, or additionally, separate heating means may be provided to heat the die and / or punch. A third aspect of the present invention relates to a capsule obtained, or obtainable, by the method of the second aspect of the present invention.

[0025] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of capsule according to the first or third aspects of the present invention, for packing a beverage ingredient, such as coffee.

[0026] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a system for preparing a beverage comprising: a capsule containing a beverage ingredient, preferably roast and ground coffee, according to the first or third aspect of the present invention, and a device capable of feeding the capsule with an amount of a fluid, such as water, with a pressure between 2 bars and 20 bars at a first end of the capsule, and said device comprising : a chamber having an open position and a closed position, the chamber comprising a first chamber portion suitable for receiving the body of the capsule and a second chamber portion comprising an extraction plate, guidance rails for receiving the collar of the capsule, ensuring the capsule is inserted into the chamber in the correct orientation, lugs for temporarily holding the capsule in the correct orientation while the chamber is in the open position, perforating means for perforating the injection face of the capsule, retracting means, located in the first chamber portion, to remove the capsule from the extraction plate, means for releasing the capsule so as to disengage it from the first chamber portion, and an orifice through which the disengaged capsule exits the chamber.

[0027] The device can correspond to the coffee machine sold under the reference Nespresso Original by Nespresso.

[0028] A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a capsule according to the first or third aspects of the present invention in a system for preparing a beverage according to the fifth aspect of the present invention. Description of Figures

[0029] Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of a capsule and a membrane.

[0030] Fig. 2 is an example of a sealing head adapted to also act as a die for deforming a capsule as per the method of the present invention so that it has the dimensions of the capsule of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 3A shows a cross sectional view (left hand side) through line A-A of the front view (right hand side) of an example of a die suitable for use in the method of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 3B shows a cross sectional view (left hand side) through line A-A of the front view (right hand side) of an example of a punch suitable for use in the method of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a boxplot of the outer diameters of collars (labelled “rim diameters”) of capsules of the prior art prior to deformation and capsules of the present invention after deformation. The process is clearly shown to reduce the outer diameter of the collar.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows a boxplot of the height of collars (labelled “rim height”) of capsules of the prior art prior to deformation and capsules of the present invention after deformation. The process is clearly shown to increase the collar height.

[0035] Fig. 6 shows side on photographs of a capsule of the prior art prior to deformation (A) and a capsule of the present invention after deformation. It can be seen that the capsule of the present invention possesses a collar with a lesser outer diameter, but greater height compared to the prior art capsule.

[0036] Fig. 7 shows a boxplot of the outer diameters of the collars of capsules that are unsuccessful in ejection (0) and of the outer diameters of the collars of capsules that are successful in ejection (1). The results show that capsules with larger outer diameters are less likely to be ejected successfully.

[0037] Fig. 8 shows a plot of the mean outer diameter of the collars of capsules that are unsuccessful in ejection (0) and of the mean outer diameters of the collars of capsules that are successful in ejection (1). The error bars show a confidence interval of 95%. Again, the results show that capsules with larger outer diameters are less likely to be ejected successfully.

[0038] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] A Capsule for the Preparation of Beverages

[0040] The present invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of beverages. The capsule including a body 200 in the form of a truncated cone. The body 200 comprises an injection face 220 that is closed and at the narrower end of the body and an extraction face 230 at the wider end of the body, the extraction face 230 having an opening and terminating in a collar 211.

[0041] The collar 211 extends radially outward from the body 200 and, optionally, toward the injection face 220. The collar 211 provides multiple functions to the capsule. Firstly, it provides a larger surface to which sealing means can be attached, reducing the likelihood of the sealing means detaching from the capsule and the contents 500 being lost. Secondly, it provides means for guiding the capsule as it enters and exits the system for the preparation of beverages (e.g. through interacting with guide rails or hooks).

[0042] The collar 211 has an outer diameter of from 36 to 37 mm. For example, the collar may have an outer diameter of from 36.1 to 36.9 mm, 36.3 to 36.8 mm, 36.4 to 36.7 mm, or about 36.6 mm. For the avoidance of doubt, the outer diameter is the maximum diameter in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the truncated cone that forms the body of the capsule.

[0043] In embodiments, the collar 211 extends towards the injection face 220 in addition to extending radially outward from the body 200. In such embodiments, the collar has a height (i.e. the maximum length in which it measures parallel to the axial direction of the truncated cone that forms the body of the capsule). The collar may have a height of from 0.5 to 1 .5 mm, such as 0.6 to 1.2 mm, such as 0.7 to 1 mm, such as about 0.8 mm.

[0044] The body 200 is formed from a biodegradable material. Being formed of a biodegradable material allows spent capsules and their contents to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner (e.g. composting). The biodegradable material may be a cellulosic material, such as paper, paperboard, or moulded pulp, preferably a moulded pulp, such as a wood-based moulded pulp. The body 200 may be provided with a protective layer 400, preferably on the internal surface. The protective layer 400 provides a barrier to moisture and / or oxygen through the body 200. The protective layer 400 may comprise organic barrier layers and / or inorganic barrier layers. In embodiments, the organic barrier layers are biodegradable, and preferably compostable, materials such as biopolymers or bioplastic families such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and co-polymers thereof, polybutylenesuccinate (PBS), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBS-A / PBSa), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), cellulose acetate, starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and it may include polymers where at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol, as well as compounds or laminates of any of the above-mentioned materials. Preferably, the protective layer 400 may be made of a food safe material (e.g. food contacting substances (FCS) and food contacting materials (FCMs)). Inorganic barrier layers may be selected from aluminium, aluminium oxide (AIOX), silicon oxide (SiOx), or combinations thereof.

[0045] The capsule may be furnished with a sealing means fitted to the collar. The sealing means is operable to enclose the internal volume of the capsule, thereby retaining its contents. The sealing means preferably also provides a barrier to the movement of moisture and gases (such as oxygen).

[0046] The sealing means may be in the form of a membrane 300 affixed to the collar 211 . The membrane 300 and collar 211 may be affixed in the region of the collar 211 substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the truncated cone that forms the body 200 of the capsule. Alternatively, the membrane 300 and collar 211 are affixed both in the region of the collar 211 substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the truncated cone that forms the body 200 of the capsule and in a substantial portion of the region of the collar 211 that extends radially outward from the body and, optionally, towards the injection face. In this latter embodiment, the area of contact (and hence the strength of the affixation) is greater.

[0047] The membrane 300 may be a multilayered membrane. The multilayered membrane may comprise:

[0048] • a filter layer 310 for filtering out particles from the prepared beverage dispensed via the delivery wall, the filter layer 310 being provided opposite to the chamber 250 with respect to the carrier layer 320; • a bonding layer 360 at least partially joining the filter layer 310 and the carrier layer 320 to each other on opposite sides thereof, preferably through adhesive bonding or heat-sealing and provided between the carrier layer 320 and the filter layer 310; and

[0049] • a carrier layer 320 adapted to be opened under the effect of rising pressure of the fluid being injected into the capsule.

[0050] The filter layer may comprise a compostable and / or non-woven material that is different from the carrier layer 320, such as wood or sugarcane pulp, cellulose fibres, rayon fibres, polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBS- A / PBSa), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and / or polylactic acid (PLA), and / or the filter layer 310 may have a grammage between 10 and 150 g / m2, preferably between 20 and 100 gsm.

[0051] The bonding layer may comprise a biodegradable and preferably compostable material, such as vegetable based starch or acrylic adhesive, and may have a grammage comprised between 1 to 5 gsm.

[0052] The carrier layer may comprise a material that is compostable and / or has a defined, preferably closed fibre structure, such as fibre structures with at least 50% of weight corresponding to softwood pulp, cellulose fibres, paper or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and co-polymers, polybutylenesuccinate (PBS), biopolyesters, cellulose acetate, starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), or polymers or copolymers where at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol, compounds and / or laminates of the above mentioned materials.

[0053] The multilayered membrane may further comprise an oxygen barrier layer, the oxygen barrier comprising a biodegradable, preferably compostable, material, such as biopolymers, polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), butanediol vinyl alcohol co-polymer (BVOH) or any vinyl alcohol co-polymers where at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol, and compounds or laminates of the above-mentioned materials. The amount of oxygen barrier material in one barrier layer may be comprised between 0.1 to 10 gsm for a total quantity in the total number of barrier layers 340 of 2 to 50 gsm, preferably of 5 to 40 gsm.

[0054] The multilayered membrane may further comprise a protective layer. The protective layer preferably extends between the barrier layer and the adhesive layer, for the protection of the barrier layer. It is thereby possible to guarantee that the barrier layer is fully protected. The protective layer is preferably not water soluble to avoid its degradation by the moisture content of the substance enclosed in the chamber. The protective layer is preferably made of a different material than the filter layer and / or the carrier layer to ensure proper separation of the physicochemical properties of the different layers. The protective layer is preferably applied in a total amount of 5 to 30 gsm), preferably between 5 and 20 gsm and with a maximum total thickness of 20 microns. The protective layer may comprise a biodegradable and preferably compostable material and is preferably not water soluble, such as vegetable starch-based, protein-based, natural rubber-based adhesive, aqueous dispersion of polyester and / or polyurethane elastomer or acrylic polymers and copolymer and / or combination thereof.

[0055] The multilayered membrane may further comprise a sealing layer for joining, preferably sealing, preferably heat-sealing, the multilayered membrane 300 onto the collar 211 of the body 200. The total grammage of the adhesive layer(s) is comprised between 0.5 to 20 gsm. It may be a vegetable-based starch or acrylic adhesive. The adhesive layer is preferably not water soluble to avoid any interaction with the moisture content of the beverage ingredient.

[0056] The capsule may be provided with the ingredients for the beverage 500 already present within the body 200. Ingredients for the beverage may comprise roast and ground coffee. This type of capsule can correspond to the home compostable capsules sold under the reference Nespresso Original by Nespresso.

[0057] A Method for Optimising Capsules for the Preparation of Beverages

[0058] The method of optimising capsules for the preparation of beverages may be a method for reducing an outer diameter of a collar, the collar comprising part of a capsule, the method comprising pressing the collar between a punch and a die, the die having a frustoconical recess with a minimum diameter of about 32 mm. By pressing the collar, its shape and dimensions may be manipulated to a form having a reduced outer diameter and, optionally, a greater height. It has been found that manipulating the shape of the capsule’s collar in this way greatly improves the ejection efficiency of the capsule.

[0059] The frustoconical recess is, in part, defined by a wall. The wall of the frustoconical recess is at an angle of around 30° to the central axis of the capsule. By an angle of around 30° to the central axis of the capsule it is meant that the angle is in the range of from 20° to 40°, such as from 25° to 35°, preferably from 26° to 34°, more preferably from 27° to 33°, further preferably from 28° to 32°, most preferably from 29° to 31 °, such as 30°.

[0060] The frustoconical recess may have a depth of about 1 to 6 mm. For example, the depth may be from 2 to 5 mm, preferably from 2.5 to 4 mm.

[0061] The frustoconical recess may have a maximum diameter (i.e. the diameter at the top of the recess) of from 33 to 39 mm. For example, the maximum diameter may be from 34 to 38 mm, preferably from 35 to 37 mm.

[0062] The frustoconical recess may have a minimum diameter (i.e. the diameter at the base of the recess) of about 32 mm. For example, the minimum diameter may be from 30 to 34 mm, preferably from 31 to 33 mm, most preferably from 31.5 to 33.5 mm, such as 32 mm.

[0063] The punch may be in the form of a cylinder. The cylinder is sized to fit to the frustoconical recess.

[0064] In embodiments, the punch has an outer diameter of about 32 mm. For example, the outer diameter may be from 30 to 34 mm, preferably from 31 to 33 mm, most preferably from 31.5 to 33.5 mm, such as 32 mm.

[0065] The punch may be hollow. The punch may have an inner diameter of about 28.5 mm. For example, the inner diameter may be from 27 to 30 mm, preferably from 28 to 29 mm, such as 28.5 mm. The capsule may be located within the interior of the punch prior to pressing.

[0066] The collar may be pressed between the punch and the die in the absence of the sealing means (and, optionally, any beverage ingredients within the capsule). The capsule is filled and sealing means affixed subsequently.

[0067] A sealing means may be provided between the collar and the die prior to pressing. Preferably, the sealing means is selected such that the pressing process also affixes the sealing means to the collar. For example, the sealing means may be a membrane provided with an adhesive that is sensitive to pressure and / or temperature. The step of pressing the collar between the punch and the die further comprises heating the collar. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the application of heat to the collar during the pressing process enhances the degree to which the shape of the collar is altered (e.g. by softening polymeric components of the biodegradable material). The application of heat also enables heat sealing of the sealing means to the collar.

[0068] In embodiments, at least one of the die and the punch comprise heating means, such as resistive heaters. Alternatively, external heating means may be applied, such as a radiative heater to heat the collar of the capsule immediately prior to pressing.

[0069] Prior to deformation, the capsules may have an outer diameter of more than about 37 mm. For example, the outer diameter may be greater than 36.6 mm, greater than 36.7 mm, greater than 36.8 mm, greater than 36.9 mm, greater than 37 mm, greater than 37.1 mm, greater than 37.2 mm, or greater than 37.3 mm.

[0070] Any suitable pressure may be applied to deform the capsules, and for any suitable period of time. For example, the pressure may be in the range of from 1 to 6 bar, and the time may be from 0.5 to 2 seconds.

[0071] In an alternative method, the capsule is directly produced from the biodegradable materials set out under the section of this document titled “A Capsule for the Preparation of Beverages” and in the dimensions set out in said section. In other words, the biodegradable material is formed into the body in the form of a truncated cone, the body having an injection face that is closed and at the narrower end of the body and an extraction face at the wider end of the body, the extraction face having an opening and terminating in a collar, the collar extending radially outward from the body and, optionally, toward the injection face and having an outer diameter of about 36.6 mm.

[0072] Examples

[0073] Capsules

[0074] The capsules used in the following examples were formed from wood-based moulded pulp, having an internal protective layer and had a collar with an average outer diameter of 37.16 mm. Deformation

[0075] A die (as depicted in Fig. 3A) and punch (as depicted in Fig. 3B) were used to deform the capsules. A capsule was placed on the die and the punch applied using a handpress at room temperature.

[0076] Analysis

[0077] Measurements of the capsules were undertaken using a Micro-Vu Vertex 341 equipped with the InSpec Metrology Software®. The outer diameters and collar heights of 61 capsules were measured. These capsules were then pressed as described and remeasured. The results (in mm) are shown in Figs. 4 and 5 and the table below.

[0078] As can be seen, the method of pressing the collar of the capsule is effective in reducing the outer diameter of the capsule and increasing the collar height. Photographs of this can be seen in Fig. 6, with A being the capsule before deformation and B being the capsule after deformation.

[0079] Ejection Testing

[0080] The ejection efficiency of capsules that were not pressed and those pressed as described herein was tested. Sequentially, 200 capsules (a mixture of non-deformed and inventive capsules that had undergone deformation) were measured, placed into a system for the preparation of beverages, used to prepare a beverage, and ejection attempted. From the 200 capsules tested, 137 were ejected successfully. Fig. 7 shows a box plot demonstrating that capsules that are unsuccessful in being ejected (“0”) have larger outer diameters, whereas capsules that are successfully ejected (“1”) have smaller outer diameters. Fig. 8 shows the mean outer diameter for capsules that are unsuccessful in being ejected (“0”) and the mean outer diameter for capsules that are successfully ejected (“1”), each with a 95% confidence interval being indicated. The mean outer diameter for the successfully ejected capsules was 36.63 mm. These figures show that capsules having collars with larger outer diameters (i.e. corresponding to capsules of the prior art) will fail to eject, while capsules having collars with smaller outer diameters (as per the present invention) will eject successfully.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A capsule including a body in the form of a truncated cone, the body comprising :- an injection face that is closed and at the narrower end of the body;- an extraction face at the wider end of the body, with an opening and terminating in a collar; characterised in that :- the body is formed from a biodegradable material, and- the collar has an outer diameter of from 36 to 37 mm.

2. The capsule of claim 1 , wherein the collar has a height of about 0.8 mm, wherein the height is measured in the direction of a central axis of the capsule.

3. The capsule of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the capsule is furnished with a sealing means fitted to the collar.

4. The capsule of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the biodegradable material comprises a cellulosic material, such as paper, paperboard, moulded pulp, preferably a wood-based moulded pulp.

5. The capsule of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body further comprises a protective layer, preferably on the internal surface.

6. A method for reducing an outer diameter of a collar, the collar comprising part of a capsule, the method comprising pressing the collar between a punch and a die, the die having a frustoconical recess with a minimum diameter of about 32 mm.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the wall of the frustoconical recess is at an angle of around 30° to the central axis of the capsule.

8. The method of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the frustoconical recess has:(i) a depth of from 1 to 5 mm; and / or(ii) a maximum diameter of from 33 to 39 mm; and / or(iii) a minimum diameter of about 32 mm.

9. The method of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the punch is in the form of a cylinder.

10. The method of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the punch has an outer diameter of about 32 mm.

11. The method of any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the punch is hollow, optionally wherein the punch has an inner diameter of about 28.5 mm.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the capsule is located within the interior of the punch prior to pressing.

13. The method of any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein a sealing means is provided between the collar and the die prior to pressing.

14. The method of any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the step of pressing the collar between the punch and the die further comprises heating the collar.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the die and / or punch comprises heating means, optionally wherein separate heating means are provided to heat the die and / or punch.

16. A capsule obtained, or obtainable, by the method of any one of claims 6 to 15.

17. The use of capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 16, for packing a beverage ingredient, such as roast and ground coffee.

18. A system for preparing a beverage comprising:- a capsule containing a beverage ingredient, preferably roast and ground coffee, according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 16, and- a device capable of feeding the capsule with an amount of a fluid, such as water, with a pressure between 2 bars and 20 bars at a first end of the capsule, and said device comprising :. a chamber having an open position and a closed position, the chamber comprising a first chamber portion suitable for receiving the body of the capsule and a second chamber portion comprising an extraction plate,. guidance rails for receiving the collar of the capsule, ensuring the capsule is inserted into the chamber in the correct orientation,. lugs for temporarily holding the capsule in the correct orientation while the chamber is in the open position,. perforating means for perforating the injection face of the capsule,. retracting means, located in the first chamber portion, to remove the capsule from the extraction plate,. means for releasing the capsule so as to disengage it from the first chamber portion, and. an orifice through which the disengaged capsule exits the chamber.

19. Use of a capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 16 in a system for preparing a beverage, preferably coffee, according to claim 18.

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