(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`(19) World Intellectual Property
`Organization
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`20 November 2014 (20.11.2014)
`
`WIPO!IPCT
`
`\=
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 2014/184653 Al
`
`GD)
`
`International Patent Classification:
`A47JF 31/36 (2006.01)
`B6SD 85/804 (2006.01)
`
`(21)
`
`International Application Number:
`
`PCT/IB2014/000957
`
`(22)
`
`International Filing Date:
`
`(25)
`
`(26)
`
`(30)
`
`(71)
`
`(72)
`
`Filing Language:
`
`Publication Language:
`
`16 May 2014 (16.05.2014)
`
`English
`
`English
`
`Priority Data:
`1308929.7
`
`17 May 2013 (17.05.2013)
`
`GB
`
`Applicant: KRAFT FOODS R&D, INC. [US/US]; Three
`Parkway North, Deerfield, IL 60015 (US).
`
`Inventors: HALLIDAY, Andrew; Mondelez UK R&D
`Limited, Ruscote Avenue, Banbury, Oxon OX16 2QU
`(GB). AHEARN, Daniel;
`1 Scotland Close, Cambridge,
`Cambridgeshire CB4 1QH (GB). CHAPMAN, Andrew; |
`The Ashes, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE7 OLA (GB).
`SHABUDIN, Esak; Mondelez UK R&D Limited, Ruscote
`Avenue, Banbury, Oxon OX16 2QU (GB).
`
`(81)
`
`Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW,BY,
`
`BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM,
`DO, DZ, EC, EL, LG, LS, FI, GB, GD, GE, GIL, GM, GT,
`HN, HR, HU,ID,IL, IN,IR,IS, JP, KE, KG, KN, KP, KR,
`KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME,
`MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NL, NO, NZ,
`OM,PA,PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA,
`SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM,
`TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM,
`ZW.
`
`(84)
`
`Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ,
`UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, TJ,
`TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK,
`EE, ES, FL FR, GB, GR, HR, HU,IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV,
`MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM,
`TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW,
`KM,ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`Published:
`
`with international search report (Art. 21(3))
`
`before the expiration of the time limit for amending the
`claims and to be republished in the event of receipt of
`amendments (Rule 48.2(h))
`
`(34) Title: A BEVERAGE PREPARATION SYSTEM, A CAPSULE AND A METHOD FOR FORMING A BEVERAGE
`
`
`
`
`
`2014/184653AXIDIIMMITINITAIIATTNTATTA
`
`(57) Abstract: A beverage producing system is provided comprising a capsule (1) containing beverage ingredients and a beverage
`preparation machine. The capsule (1) comprises a cup-shaped body (40) anda lid (41); the cup-shaped body (40) having a base (42)
`and a side wall (43) and the lid (41) being sealed to the cup-shaped body (40). At least a portion of the cup-shaped body is formed
`© from a laminate material comprising at least an aluminiumlayer (71) and a polymer layer (72). A capsule and a method are also dis-
`clos ed.
`WwW
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`

`

`WO 2014/184653
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`PCT/1IB2014/000957
`
`A Beverage Preparation System, a Capsule and a Method for
`
`forming a Beverage
`
`The present disclosure relates to a beverage
`
`preparation system, a capsule and a method for forming a
`
`beverage. The beverage preparation system is of the type
`
`comprising a beverage preparation machine wherein the
`capsule is designed for insertion into the beverage
`preparation machine to permit a pressurised liquid to be
`
`10
`
`flowed through the capsule in order to produce a beverage
`
`from interaction with beverage ingredients contained within
`
`the capsule.
`
`Background
`
`15
`
`Beverage preparation systems which comprise a. beverage
`
`preparation machine and a capsule containing beverage
`ingredients are known in the art. One such system is taught
`in EP 1700548, which discloses a capsule comprising a cup-.
`like base body and a closing foil member. The capsule is
`
`20
`
`designed for insertion in a beverage production device in
`
`which a liquid under pressure enters the capsule in order to |
`
`interact with ingredients in the capsule to form a beverage
`which is output for consumption. The capsule of EP 1700548
`is provided with a dedicated sealing member to prevent a by-
`pass flow of water around the exterior of the capsule in
`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 which is contacted on closure of an
`enclosing member of the beverage preparation machine.
`Alternatively, a separate sealing member is taught which can
`be attached to the surface of the capsule or cured in place
`
`25
`
`30
`
`on the formed capsule.
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`WO 2014/184653
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`PCT/1IB2014/000957
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`The present disclosure provides an alternative capsule
`
`which may be used as part of such a beverage preparation
`
`system. The capsule may be economical to produce and provide
`effective sealing in use.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`Summary of the Disclosure
`
`In a first aspect the present disclosure provides a
`
`beverage producing system comprising:
`a capsule containing beverage ingredients; and
`a beverage preparation machine;
`the capsule comprising a cup-shaped body and a lid;
`
`the
`
`cup-shaped body having a base and a side wall and the lid
`
`being sealed to the cup-shaped body;
`
`_ the capsule being designed for insertion into the
`beverage preparation machine to permit a pressurised liquid
`to be flowed through the capsule in order to produce a
`
`beverage from interaction with the beverage ingredients;
`the beverage preparation machine having an enclosing
`
`member adapted to be selectively movable between an open
`
`20
`
`position to permit insertion of the capsule into the
`
`beverage preparation machine and a closed position in which
`
`the enclosing member sealingly engages the capsule;
`
`wherein at least a portion of the cup-shaped body is
`
`formed from a laminate material comprising at least an
`aluminium layer and a polymer layer.
`
`25
`
`the present disclosure provides a
`In a second aspect,
`capsule for preparing a beverage comprising a cup-shaped
`
`body and a lid; the cup-shaped body having a base and a side
`
`30
`
`wall and the lid being sealed to the cup-shaped body;
`|
`the capsule being designed for insertion into a
`beverage preparation machine to permit a pressurised liquid
`
`

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`WO 2014/184653
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`PCT/1IB2014/000957
`
`to be flowed through the capsule in order to produce a
`beverage from interaction with the beverage ingredients;
`the beverage preparation machine ‘being of the type
`having an enclosing member adapted to be selectively movable
`“between an open position to permit insertion of the capsule
`into the beverage preparation machine and a closed position
`
`in which the enclosing member sealingly engages the capsule;
`
`wherein at least a portion of the cup-shaped body is
`formed from a laminate material comprising at least an
`aluminium layer and a polymer layer.
`
`In a third aspect the present disclosure provides a
`
`method for preparing a beverage comprising the steps of:
`- providing a capsule as described above;
`
`- providing a beverage preparation machine having an
`enclosing member ;
`
`- moving the enclosing member into an open position;
`
`- inserting the capsule into the beverage preparation
`machine;
`.
`
`- closing the enclosing member so as to sealingly
`engage the enclosing member with the capsule;
`- flowing a pressurised liguid through the capsule to
`produce a beverage from interaction with the beverage
`ingredients; and
`
`- outputting the beverage for consumption;
`wherein on closure,
`the enclosing member engages the
`laminate material of the capsule to thereby form at least
`one sealing interface between the enclosing member and the
`
`capsule.
`
`The above aspects may further comprise one or more of the
`
`following features:
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
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`25
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`30
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`WO 2014/184653
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`PCT/1IB2014/000957
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`The cup-shaped body may comprise an outwardly-extending
`
`flange at an end of the capsule distal the base.
`
`The outwardly-extending flange may be formed from the
`
`laminate material.
`
`The cup-shaped body may be wholly formed from the
`laminate material.
`.
`
`The cup-shaped body may comprise a unitary piece of
`
`laminate material.
`
`The laminate material may,
`
`in some aspects, comprise
`
`only a single aluminium layer and a single polymer layer
`
`(with optionally one or more lacquer layers, tie layers or
`
`adhesive layers). Advantageously,
`
`this helps to reduce the
`
`cost and manufacturing complexity of the capsule.
`The polymer layer may comprise a material selected from
`the group of: 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), ethylene
`propylene diene monomer
`(EPDM), polychloroprene or
`isobutylene.
`
`The polymer of the polymer layer preferably has a
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`hardness of less than or equal to 40 D Shore Hardness.
`
`25
`
`Advantageously, using a relatively soft polymer for the
`
`outer layer of the laminate allows the material to deform
`around imperfections and features of the enclosing member to
`
`provide a more effective hydraulic seal.
`
`The polymer layer may have a thickness greater than or
`
`30
`
`equal to 100 microns. Preferably,
`
`the polymer layer may have
`
`a thickness greater than or equal to 120 microns.
`
`In some
`
`examples,
`
`the polymer layer may have a thickness greater
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`

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`WO 2014/184653
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`PCT/1IB2014/000957
`
`than or equal to 130 microns. Preferably,
`the polymer layer
`has a thickness no more than 300 microns. Advantageously,
`combining a relatively soft polymer of less than or equal to
`
`40 D Shore Hardness with a relatively thick layer of greater —
`
`than or equal to 100 microns beneficially results ina
`
`Material that can deform sufficiently to seal around
`
`moderately sized imperfections and features of the enclosing
`
`member without requiring too high a closing force on the
`
`enclosing member to operate.
`
`10.
`
`The aluminium layer of the laminate material may be
`
`‘formed from aluminium or an aluminium alloy. The aluminium
`
`alloy may,
`
`for example, be of grade 3005, 3105, 8011 or
`
`8079.
`
`The aluminium alloy may have an ‘O’
`
`temper rating.
`
`The aluminium layer may have a thickness in the range
`
`15
`
`of 80 to 150 microns.
`
`The laminate material may be adapted such that,
`
`in use,
`
`closure of the enclosing member deforms the polymer layer to
`thereby form a sealing interface between the capsule and the
`
`enclosing member.
`
`20
`
`The laminate material may be adapted to form a sealing
`
`interface with a leading edge of the enclosing member.
`
`the deformation of the laminate
`Advantageously,
`material due to the compressibility of the polymer layer
`allows for the laminate material to conform to the shape of
`the leading edge of the enclosing member. In particular the
`
`25
`
`polymer layer is able to fill any gaps arising due to the
`
`presence of grooves in the leading edge.
`
`The laminate material may be adapted to be nipped
`
`against a capsule holder of the beverage preparation machine
`
`30
`
`part.
`
`The outwardly-extending flange may comprise at least
`one raised ridge formed from the laminate material. The at
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`WO 2014/184653
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`PCT/1IB2014/000957
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`least ome raised ridge may be on the side of the outwardly-
`extending flange that faces away from the lid.
`On closure of the enclosing member a leading edge of
`the enclosing member may contact the at least one raised
`
`ridge and forms a seal therewith.
`
`The raised ridge may comprise an apex that is located
`at a higher level relative to a remainder of the flange.
`
`The raised ridge may comprise an inner wall facing the
`‘side wall. On closure of the enclosing member a leading edge
`of the enclosing member may contact the inner wall of the
`
`10
`
`raised ridge and forms a seal zherewith.
`
`The inner wall of the raised ridge may be angled, such-
`that an angle a at a junction between a remainder of the
`flange and the inner wall is from 90° to 120°, preferably
`
`15
`
`105°. Thus the seal with the enclosing member may be a
`
`tapered seal.
`
`The raised ridge may comprise an apex, and a leading
`
`edge of the enclosing member may comprise an inner rim and
`an outer rim and a recess located between the inner rim and
`
`20
`
`the outer rim, wherein on closure of the enclosing member
`
`the apex of the raised ridge may be received in the recess
`
`between the inner rim and the outer rim.
`
`The raised ridge may have a height of 0.75 to 2.5 mm,
`
`25
`
`30
`
`preferably 1.0 to 1.5 mm, more preferably 1.3 mm.
`
`The polymer layer may be provided towards an exterior
`of the capsule and the aluminium layer may be provided
`towards an interior of the capsule. This has been found to
`
`provide an improved sealing interface with the leading edge
`of the enclosing member.
`|
`The laminate material may further comprise a lacquer
`layer. The lacquer layer may be applied to the aluminium
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`

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`WO 2014/184653
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`PCT/1IB2014/000957
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`layer. The lacquer layer may assist in preventing flavour-
`
`contamination of the beverage ingredients.
`
`The cup-shaped body may be a cold-formed cup-shaped
`
`body. Advantageously,
`
`the laminate material comprising the
`
`aluminium layer and the polymer layer may be cold drawn thus
`avoiding the need to attach a separate sealing member in
`
`another manufacturing step or apply and cure a polymer on to
`an already drawn aluminium component in another
`.
`manufacturing step. A deep-drawing technique may be used to
`cold form the cup-shaped body. As an alternative to cold-
`
`10
`
`forming, a warm-drawing technique may be used where the
`
`material is subjected to an increased temperature to promote
`easier deformation of the polymer material but without
`detrimental effects on the material characteristics of the
`
`15
`
`aluminium layer.
`
`The capsule may further comprise a rim. The rim may be
`
`integral with the cup-shaped body. The rim may be formed by
`a rolled-over portion of the side wall.
`
`The side wall may comprise a frustoconical section.
`
`The lid may be sealed to an outwardly-extending flange
`
`of the cup-shaped body.
`
`The lid may be sealed to the side wall at a location
`
`spaced from an outwardly-extending flange of the cup-shaped
`body .
`
`The lid may be formed from aluminium, an aluminium
`
`alloy or a laminate comprising at least one layer formed
`
`from aluminium or an aluminium alloy. Alternatively,
`another, suitably ductile material could be utilised. The
`
`lid may further comprise a heat seal lacquer or heat seal
`
`layer to enhance sealing of the’ lid to the cup-shaped body.
`.
`The rim may have an outer diameter of approximately 37
`mm.
`
`20
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`25
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`30
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`WO 2014/184653
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`PCT/1IB2014/000957
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`Prior to insertion,
`
`the capsule may have a height of
`
`from 25 to 31 mm.
`
`In some aspects the height may be from
`
`28.5 to 30 mm.
`
`Preferably,
`
`the cup-shaped bodies may be shaped ina
`
`way that can be stacked and destacked easily prior to
`
`filling and assembly with the lids.
`
`The capsule may form a single-use, disposable element.
`
`The capsule may contain a beverage ingredient or
`mixture of beverage ingredients. As a non-limiting example,
`
`10
`
`the beverage ingredient may comprise roasted ground coffee.
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`Examples of the present disclosure will now be
`described in more detail,
`for exemplary purposes only, with
`
`15
`
`reference to the accompanying drawings,
`
`in which:
`
`Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first
`
`20
`
`embodiment of capsule according to the present disclosure;
`Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a detail of the
`capsule of Figure 1 with an enclosing member of a beverage
`preparation machine in a closed position;
`
`Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of a laminate
`
`material of the capsule of Figure 1;
`
`25
`
`Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second
`
`embodiment of- capsule according to the present. disclosure;
`and
`|
`
`Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a detail of the
`capsule of Figure 4 with an enclosing member of a beverage
`preparation machine in a closed position.
`
`30
`
`Detailed Description
`
`

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`WO 2014/184653
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`PCT/IB2014/000957
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`Figure 2 shows schematically a part of a beverage
`
`preparation system according to the present disclosure. The
`
`beverage preparation system comprises a beverage preparation
`machine and a capsule 1.
`.
`
`Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the capsule 1. The
`
`capsule 1 will be described in more detail below but may
`have the general form of a cup-shaped body 40 having a base
`42 at one end and a side wall 43 extending from the base 42
`
`10
`
`towards an opposed end which is closed-off by a lid 41.
`
`As shown in Figure 2,
`
`the beverage preparation machine
`
`comprises an enclosing member 2 and a capsule holder 20. The
`
`enclosing member 2 is selectively movable relative to a
`
`capsule holder 20 between an open position,
`
`to permit
`
`15
`
`insertion of the capsule 1 into the beverage preparation
`_ machine, and a closed position, in which the enclosing
`member 2.sealingly engages the capsule 1 against the capsule
`holder 20 in a manner that will be described. below.
`
`The enclosing member 2 may be moved between the open
`and closed positions by means of a conventional mechanism
`
`20
`
`well known in the art. For example,
`
`the means may involve a
`
`mechanical mechanism activated by a manually-movable lever
`or an automatic or semi-automatic mechanism where movement
`is driven by a motor. The enclosing member 2 may be moved
`
`25
`
`while the: capsule holder 20 remains stationary.
`
`Alternatively,
`
`the enclosing member 2 may remain stationary
`
`and the capsule holder 20 be moved.
`
`In a further alternative
`
`arrangement, both the enclosing member 2 and the capsule
`
`holder 20 may move during the opening and closing
`
`30
`
`operations.
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`WO 2014/184653
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`PCT/1IB2014/000957
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`The enclosing member 2 and the capsule holder 20 in the
`closed position together define a receptacle 3 ‘for holding:
`the capsule 1 during a dispensing operation.
`
`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 a facility for
`
`storing an aqueous medium, such as an internal reservoir, or
`
`10
`
`a facility for connection to an external supply of aqueous
`medium, such as mains water. The aqueous medium will
`typically be water. A pump or equivalent may be provided for
`
`supplying the aqueous medium in a pressurised state to the
`
`capsule 1. The aqueous medium will typically be supplied at
`
`15
`
`a pressure of up to 9 to 14 bar. A heater may be provided
`
`for heating the aqueous medium to a desired temperature. The
`heater may heat the aqueous medium in the reservoir (where
`present) or may heat the aqueous medium on-demand as it
`passes: through a conduit or over a thermoblock to the
`
`20
`
`receptacle 3. The beverage preparation machine may comprise
`
`base piercing means for piercing the base 42 of the capsule
`
`1 to permit the aqueous medium to enter the capsule 1 and
`
`interact with the beverage ingredients therein.
`
`the capsule 1 may be provided with one or
`Alternatively,
`more pre-formed openings to allow entry of the aqueous
`
`25
`
`into the capsule 1.
`medium from the receptacle 3
`The enclosing member 2 may be of the type described in
`
`EP 1700548 comprising an annular element 22 having a leading
`edge 23 in the form of an annular rim, an inner face 25
`
`30
`
`facing the receptacle 3 and an outer face 24 facing an
`
`exterior. The leading edge 23 may be provided with a
`
`plurality of grooves as taught in EP 1700548. An upper end
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`WO 2014/184653
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`PCT/1IB2014/000957
`
`(not shown) of the enclosing member 2 may be coupled to a
`supply of the aqueous medium and may provide a mounting for
`
`one or more perforation elements intended to pierce the base
`
`42 of the capsule 1 in use.
`
`The capsule holder 20 may be of the type described in
`
`EP 1700548 comprising relief elements 21 which are designed
`
`to tear and perforate the lid 41 of the capsule 1. The
`
`tearing of the lid 41 may occur due to internal
`
`pressurisation of the capsule 1 caused by inflowing aqueous
`
`10
`
`medium. The relief elements 21 may have any protruding shape
`
`able to cause a partial tearing of the foil member, e.g.
`
`pyramids, needles, bumps, cylinders, or elongated ribs.
`
`As shown in Figure.1,
`
`the cup-shaped body 40 and the
`
`lid 41 of the capsule 1 together enclose a beverage
`
`15
`
`ingredient chamber 50 which may be filled with a beverage
`
`ingredient or mixture of beverage ingredients. As a non-
`
`limiting example,
`
`the beverage ingredient may comprise
`
`roasted ground coffee.
`At least a portion of the cup-shaped body 40 utilised
`for sealing with the enclosing member 2 is made from a
`
`20.
`
`laminate material comprising at least an aluminium layer 71
`
`and a polymer layer 72 together, optionally, with one or
`
`more tie layers and/or adhesive layers as necessary to bond
`
`the laminate
`together the layers 71 and 72. Additionally,
`May comprise one or more lacquer layers on its inner and/or
`outer surface. The general structure of the laminate
`
`material is shown in Figure 3 - the tie and/or adhesive
`and/or lacquer layers are omitted from the drawing for
`
`clarity as they are very thin relative to the layers 71 and
`
`72. The polymer layer 72 provides a compressible structure
`that aids sealing.
`
`25
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`30
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`WO 2014/184653
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`The cup-shaped body 40 includes the base 42 and the
`side wall 43. There may be, as illustrated, a geometric
`discontinuity at the junction between the base 42 and the
`
`side wall 43, for example,
`
`in the form of a shoulder 57.
`
`Alternatively,
`the base 42 and the side wall 43 may have a
`smooth geometric transition.
`,
`
`The side wall 43 of the cup-shaped body 40 may
`
`comprise, as shown, an outwardly-extending flange 70 at an
`
`end of the capsule 1 distal the base 42.
`
`In which case,
`
`10
`
`preferably the whole of the flange 70 is made from the
`laminate material. The flange 70 may be provided with a rim
`
`47 which may be formed by a rolled-over section of the
`
`flange.
`More preferably the whole of the cup-shaped body40 is
`made from the laminate material,
`including the flange 70 and
`
`15
`
`rim 47 where present. Also, preferably,
`
`the cup-shaped body
`
`40 is formed from a unitary piece of the laminate material.
`The cup-shaped body 40 may be formed by cold or warm
`
`drawing the laminate material.
`
`20
`
`The polymer layer 72 may comprise a material selected
`
`from the group of: 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), ethylene propylene diene monomer
`(EPDM), polychloroprene or isobutylene.
`,
`The polymer layer 72 may have a thickness t, greater
`
`the polymer layer
`than or equal to 100 microns. Preferably,
`72 may have a thickness ty greater than or equal to 120
`|
`microns. In some examples,
`the polymer layer 72 has a
`
`thickness t, greater than or equal to 130 microns.
`
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`However, it is preferred that the polymer layer 72 has
`a thickness tp, no more than 300 microns.
`.
`The aluminium layer 71 may have a thickness ta in the
`
`range of 80 to 150 microns.
`The polymer layer 72 is provided towards an exterior of
`
`the capsule 1 to be contacted by the enclosing member 2 and
`
`the aluminium layer 71 is provided towards an interior of
`
`;
`the capsule 1.
`A lacquer layer may be provided which may be applied to
`the aluminium layer 71.
`:
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`10
`
`The laminate material may also comprise a printed layer
`
`facing the exterior of the capsule 1,
`
`to allow the provision
`
`of text, pictures,
`
`logos, etc.
`
`The lid 41 may be sealed to an underside of the
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`outwardly-extending flange 70. Alternatively,
`
`the lid 41
`
`could be sealed to the side wall 43 at a location spaced
`
`from the outwardly-extending flange 70 of the cup-shaped
`body 40.—
`|
`
`The lid 41 may be formed from aluminium or a laminate
`
`20
`
`containing aluminium.
`
`In use of the beverage preparation system the enclosing
`member 2 is first moved into the open position and the
`capsule 1 is inserted into a location in between the capsule
`
`holder 20 and the enclosing member 2. Depending on the
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`25
`
`design of the beverage preparation machine,
`the capsule 1
`may be inserted by gravity or by manual placement ora
`combination thereof.
`In addition,
`the initial insertion may
`
`place the capsule 1 in proximity to the enclosing member 2
`
`such that subsequent movement of the enclosing member 2
`carries the capsule 1 therewith into engagement with the
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`30
`
`capsule holder 20. Alternatively, initial insertion may
`
`place the capsule 1 in proximity to the capsule holder 20
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`WO 2014/184653
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`such that the capsule 1 remains substantially stationary
`during closure of the enclosing member 2.
`The enclosing member 2 is then closed so as to
`
`sealingly engage the enclosing member 2 with the capsule 1.
`
`During this step the base 42 of the capsule 1 may be pierced
`
`by the perforation elements of the enclosing member 2.
`
`Pressurised aqueous medium is then flowed into the
`
`capsule 1 to produce a beverage from interaction with the
`
`beverage ingredients. During this step internal
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`
`pressurisation of the beverage ingredient chamber 50 causes
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`15
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`20
`
`the lid 41 to be deformed outwardly against the relief
`
`elements 21 of the capsule holder 20 resulting in at least
`
`partial tearing of the lid 41 which opens up an exit path
`from the capsule 1 for the beverage.
`.
`The beverage is then output for consumption.
`As shown in Figure 2, during the step of closing the
`
`enclosing member 2 relative to the capsule holder 20 the
`flange 70 (or other part of the side wall 43) of the capsule
`1 is contacted by the enclosing member 2 to deform the
`flange 70 (or other part of the side wall 43).
`In the
`example shown, the enclosing member 2 contacts the flange 70
`only. However, other arrangements are contemplated by the
`present disclosure whereby the enclosing member 2 contacts a
`
`different portion of the side wall 43, e.g. a frustoconical
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`25
`
`portion, or contacts multiple locations of the capsule 1.
`
`The leading edge 23 contacts and bears on the laminate
`
`material of the side wall 43 and nips the laminate material
`
`against the capsule holder 20. The enclosing member 2
`
`thereby deforms at least the polymerlayer 72 of the
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`
`laminate material forming a sealing interface between the
`enclosing member 2 and the capsule 1. The deformation of the
`
`laminate material due to the compressibility of the polymer
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`WO 2014/184653
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`layer 72 allows for the laminate material to conform to the
`
`shape of the leading edge 23.
`
`In particular the polymer
`
`layer 72 is able to fill any gaps arising due to the
`
`presence of grooves in the leading edge 23.
`
`In addition,
`
`during use the hot water passed through the receptacle 3 may
`
`act to slightly soften the material of the polymer layer.
`
`Such softening may lead to further deformation of the side
`
`wall 43 under the compressive loading of the enclosing
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`
`member 2. This effect may help to reinforce the fluid seal
`between the enclosing member 2 and the capsule 1 by tending
`to seal up any gaps having hot water leaking there through.
`
`The deformation of the polymer layer 72 may be elastic,
`
`plastic or a combination of the two.
`Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a second embodiment of
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`15
`
`capsule 1. Features corresponding to those of the first
`
`20
`
`25
`
`embodiment are denoted by corresponding reference signs.
`Features of the first embodiment and this embodiment may be
`interchanged and combined as desired.
`In addition,
`in the
`
`following description only differences between the
`embodiments will be described in detail.
`In other respects
`the reader is directed to the description of the prior
`
`embodiment.
`The cup-shaped body 40 differs from that of the first
`embodiment
`in the configuration and geometry of the
`
`outwardly extending flange 70.
`The outwardly-extending flange 70 is provided.with a
`raised ridge 80 formed from the laminate material. The
`raised ridge 80 is.formed by bending of the laminate
`material, i.e.
`the raised ridge 80 is a convolution in the
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`30
`
`material rather than a locally thickened region.
`
`The raised ridge 80 comprises an inner wall 81 that
`
`faces the side wall 43 of the capsule 1 and an outer wall 82
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`that faces away from the side wall 43. An apex 83 of the
`raised ridge 80 joins the inner wall 81 and the outer wall
`
`82. The raised ridge 80 may have a generally triangular
`shape and in particular the. inner wall 81.may be angled,
`such that an angle a at a junction between a remainder of
`the flange 70 and the inner wall 81 is from 90° to 120°,
`
`preferably 105°.
`
`The apex 83 is located at a higher level relative toa
`
`remainder of the outwardly extending flange 70. The raised
`
`ridge 80 may have a height of 0.75 to 2.5 mm, preferably 1.0
`to 1.5 mm, more preferably 1.3 mm.
`|
`In use, as shown in Figure 5, on closure of the
`enclosing member 2 a leading edge 23 of the enclosing member
`2 contacts the at least one raised ridge 80 and forms a seal
`
`therewith. Figure 5 illustrates that the leading edge 23 of
`
`the enclosing member 2 may comprise an inner rim 23a andan
`
`outer rim 23b which are concentric and spaced apart from one
`
`another to define a recess 23c there between, which may be
`generally annular (although may have interruptions around
`
`its circumference). Preferably, on closure of the enclosing
`
`member 2 the inner rim 23a of the leading edge 23 contacts
`
`the inner wall 81 of the raised ridge and forms a seal
`
`therewith. At the same time (or shortly thereafter) the apex
`
`83 of the raised ridge 80 is received in the recess 23c. The
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`15
`
`20
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`25
`
`raised ridge 80 (and the remainder of the flange 70) may be
`
`driven downwards by the action of the enclosing member 2 on
`
`the inner wall 81 and/or apex 83 which may cause the inner
`
`wall 81 and/or outer wall 82 to buckle and deform/crumple.
`In addition, as in the first embodiment,
`the deformation of
`the laminate material due to the compressibility of the
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`30
`
`- polymer layer 72 allows for the laminate material to conform
`
`to the shape of the leading edge 23.
`
`In particular the
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`WO 2014/184653
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`polymer layer 72 is able to fill any gaps arising due to the
`
`presence of grooves in the leading edge 23.
`Downward movement of the enclosing member 2 may
`continue beyond the point illustrated in Figure 5 until the
`inner rim 23a contacts and bears against the remainder of
`
`the outwardly extending flange 70.
`
`Piercing and brewing of a beverage from the capsule 1
`
`may be as described above in the first embodiment.
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`WO 2014/184653
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`Claims:
`
`1.
`
`A beverage producing system comprising:
`
`a capsule containing beverage ingredients; and
`
`a beverage preparation machine;
`“the capsule comprising a cup-shaped body and a lid; the
`cup-shaped body having a base and a side wall and the lid
`
`being sealed to the cup-shaped body;
`
`the capsule being designed for insertion into the
`
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`
`beverage preparation machine to permit a pressurised liquid
`to be flowed through the capsule in order to produce a
`
`beverage from interaction with the beverage ingredients;
`
`the beverage preparation machine having an enclosing
`
`‘member adapted to be selectively movable between an open
`
`7 15
`
`position to permit insertion of the capsule into the
`
`beverage preparation machine and .a closed position in which
`
`the enclosing member sealingly engages the capsule;
`
`wherein at least a portion of the cup-shaped body is
`
`formed from a laminate material comprising at least an
`aluminium layer and a polymer layer.
`
`20
`
`A beverage producing system as claimed in claim 1,
`2.
`wherein the cup-shaped body comprises an outwardly-extending
`
`flange at an end of the capsule distal the base.
`
`25
`
`A beverage producing system as claimed in claim 2,
`3.
`wherein at least the outwardly-extending flange is formed
`
`from the laminate material.
`
`30
`
`4.
`
`A beverage producing system as claimed in any preceding
`
`claim, wherein the cup-shaped body is wholly formed from the
`
`laminate material.
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`WO 2014/184653
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`5.
`
`A beverage producing system as claimed in any preceding
`
`claim, wherein the cup-shaped body comprises a unitary piece
`of laminate material.
`
`A beverage producing system as claimed in any preceding
`6.
`claim, wherein the polymer layer comprises a material
`
`selected from the group of: 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), ethylene propylene diene monomer
`(EPDM) , polychloroprene or isobutylene.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`A beverage producing system as clai