HK1172877B - Capsule, system and method for the preparation of a beverage and a method for manufacturing such a capsule - Google Patents

Abstract

Capsule (2) for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, for instance roast and ground coffee, comprising a circumferential first wall (14), a second wall (16) closing the circumferential first wall at a first end (18), a perforate and/or porous third wall (20) closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end (22) opposite the second wall arranged for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule, wherein the first, second and third wall enclose an inner space (24) comprising the extractable product, wherein the extractable product in the inner space has particles falling within a preselected distribution by weight, wherein a 10th percentile of the particle size is 20 - 60 μm, wherein a 50th percentile of the particle size is 400-600 μm and wherein a 90th percentile of the particle size is 700-1000 μm. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a capsule, a system comprising such a capsule for preparing a beverage and a method for preparing of a beverage.

Description

Capsule, system and method for preparing a beverage and method for manufacturing such a capsule

The present invention relates to a capsule (capsule) for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable (extractable) or soluble product, such as roast and ground coffee, comprising a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, a perforated and/or porous third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second open end opposite the second wall and arranged to drain the prepared beverage from the capsule, wherein the first, second and third wall enclose an inner space containing the extractable product.

Such capsules are known per se and can be used in an apparatus for preparing a beverage. The capsule provides convenience in use and reproducible extraction conditions, making it easy to prepare a cup of coffee of constant quality. The known capsule may be an open capsule comprising a circumferential wall and an exit area adapted to drain the prepared beverage from the capsule. In the inner space of the capsule, an amount of extractable product, such as roast and ground coffee, is provided, for example by providing an amount of coffee having a volume smaller than the volume of the inner space. Such a capsule may be used in a beverage production apparatus in which a liquid under pressure enters the capsule in order to interact with the extractable product in the capsule and to drain the beverage from the capsule out of the apparatus and into a container, such as a coffee cup.

When using known capsules having an open exit area and loosely providing roast and ground coffee, the water supplied to the capsule may quickly pass through the capsule, resulting in a pressure inside the capsule which is lower than the desired pressure, thereby extracting the coffee with a relatively low extraction pressure. This may lead to an uncontrolled beverage preparation process which may adversely affect the prepared beverage. In particular, the quality of the coffee may be poor, for example because of a lower extraction pressure, the coffee may be a diluted or poor foam layer, because of the lower CO of the coffee beverage occurring when extracted at a lower extraction pressure₂Content of, and CO₂Is important for generating foam.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved capsule provided with an extractable or soluble product for preparing a beverage, more particularly to at least reduce the above problems. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved capsule comprising roast and ground coffee, such that the coffee prepared with such capsule has an improved taste.

To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, a capsule of the above-mentioned type is provided, wherein the extractable product in the inner space of the capsule has particles falling within a preselected weight distribution range, wherein the 10 th percentile interval (percentile, the interval distributed in percent) of the particle size is between 20 and 60 μm, preferably less than 40 μm, wherein the 50 th percentile interval of the particle size is 400-600 μm, preferably 450-550 μm, and wherein the 90 th percentile interval of the particle size is 700-1000 μm, preferably 825-950 μm.

Preferably, the capsule is provided with openings in its exit area, which openings may be substantially evenly distributed around the cross-section of the exit area. It will be appreciated that the flange of the capsule may not be considered as a suitable exit area.

It has been found that when using such capsules for preparing coffee, particles having smaller dimensions do not substantially stay within the openings in a given weight distribution, thereby improving the coffee preparation process due to an improved flow pattern. In addition, it has been found that the amount of undesired sediment in the cup is reduced when using a capsule provided with an exit opening, relative to a capsule intended to be torn during use. In particular, it has been found that in an open capsule according to an aspect of the invention provided with openings in the exit area, the size of the particles may be arranged to match these openings, thereby improving the flow pattern of the liquid exiting the capsule. In addition, it has been found that such matching may lead to an improved oil concentration in the resulting beverage and to an improved Dry Matter Accumulation (DMA), while keeping the setting time substantially the same as in capsules known in the prior art. More particularly, such a particle size distribution of the roast and ground coffee inside the capsule prevents the breaking of the coffee cake when the coffee is pressurized with water.

Advantageously, the coffee is compacted within the capsule. For example, a suitable coffee starting material may be compacted within the capsule.

It will be appreciated that the particles of the coffee raw material entering the capsule (and thus not yet compacted) may have a size slightly smaller than the particles of the final product as set forth in claim 1.

For example, the particles of coffee raw material may have the following weight distribution: the 10 th percentile range of particle sizes may be 25-55 μm, preferably less than 40 μm, the 50 th percentile range of particle sizes may be 450-550 μm, and the 90 th percentile range of particle sizes may be 600-800 μm.

It will be appreciated that due to the compaction step, e.g. by compacting the coffee raw material, the particle size may increase due to the particles sticking together.

As a result, in the capsule, relatively large particles may surround relatively small particles due to the compaction of the coffee, so that the relatively small particles do not move towards the exit filter before the preparation of the beverage. When water is supplied to the inner space of the capsule, the relatively small particles will flow together with the water towards the exit filter, forming a flow restriction together with said exit filter. At the same time, this particle size distribution provides a high quality coffee with a good taste. If the overall particle size is too small, the coffee cake may break, so that the prepared beverage cannot pass easily, resulting in an undesirably long beverage preparation time. On the other hand, if the overall particle size is too large, the supplied fluid will quickly pass through the coffee, resulting in a watery coffee beverage without a foam layer comprising a low concentration of dissolved dry matter.

It is noted that the above preferred particle size distribution according to the invention is determined with a commonly known Sympatec analyzer, which is suitable for determining the particle distribution and size in the dried product. Such an analyzer may be a Sympatec central unit "Helos" used with a dry dispersion system Rodos T4.1 unit. The measurement range R7 used includes 0.5/18.0-3500. mu.m. The sample is positioned in the measurement cell. Determining the particle size distribution of the sample by a laser diffraction technique. The light emitted by the laser is diffracted by the sample particles. The amount of diffraction depends on the particle size of the roast and ground coffee of the sample. The diffused light is detected by a detector after passing through a lens, which is an R7 lens.

It will be appreciated that the coffee may be suitably compacted before being inserted into and/or within the capsule. Compaction prior to introduction into the capsule may be achieved by means of a suitable plunger. It will be appreciated that this operation may be preceded by a concentration step, in which a flow of extractable product is passed under pressure through a narrow septum. By pressing it appropriatelyCoffee starting material in the capsule to achieve compaction in the capsule. By compressing the coffee starting material in the capsule, the particles of roast and ground coffee are pressed against the walls of the inner space of the exchangeable capsule, thereby preventing the occurrence of preferential fluid flow paths along the respective walls of the capsule. This may also be advantageous in case the capsule has to be placed in the apparatus such that the exit filter is directed sideways, e.g. extending in a substantially vertical plane. By providing compacted coffee inside the capsule, but also in the rotated position of the capsule, the coffee remains in the vicinity of the entire exit filter, thereby preventing a preferred fluid flow path. Thereby, the supplied fluid (e.g. water) is guided from the entrance area through the coffee cake to the exit area of the capsule, independently of the position of the capsule, thereby providing a controllable beverage preparation. Thus, by compacting the coffee, the flow between the entrance area and the exit area of the exchangeable capsule may be controlled. Furthermore, such a compacted coffee cake provides, together with the exit area of the coffee, a desired flow restriction within the capsule during preparation of the beverage. This allows a higher extraction pressure to build up within the inner space of the capsule, thereby providing a higher extraction pressure to build up in the capsule. For example, so that a higher CO with a desired concentration can be provided₂Content of coffee beverage, resulting in a high quality coffee beverage with a foam layer.

Preferably, the capsule according to the invention comprises a quantity of coffee suitable for preparing a single serving of beverage, preferably, for example, one cup of beverage from 30-200ml of prepared beverage. Thus, the capsule may comprise 4.0-8g, preferably 4.9-5.7g, preferably about 5.3 ± 0.2g of roast and ground coffee. For example, a capsule containing about 5.3g may be used to prepare a cup of espresso coffee. Thus, the exchangeable capsule is a single-portion package. Thus, the capsule is suitable for preparing a predetermined quantity of coffee by supplying a predetermined quantity of hot water under high pressure to the capsule. The capsule comprising the amount of coffee provides a coffee beverage with an advantageous amount of foam, a desired amount of soluble dry matter extracted from the coffee starting material. It should be noted that an advantageous amount of foam is preferably at least about 5ml of foam or more, e.g. 9ml of foam on top of the prepared beverage containing about 40 ml. Furthermore, the capsule comprises a sufficiently loose particle distribution to prevent formation of flow restrictions in the whole coffee cake, undesirably long beverage preparation times and large amounts of coffee oil contained in the beverage.

In another detail of the invention, the inner space of the capsule preferably has a volume of about 10-14ml, preferably 11.5-12.5ml, more preferably about 11.8 ml.

It is advantageous if the entire inner space is occupied by the extractable product, for example roast and ground coffee. Thus, when using ground coffee of a matching density, the inner volume of the capsule may be optimally used. This further provides the advantage of: when the fluid flows through the capsule, the extractable product does not move entirely within the inner space, so that no preferential path is formed. Furthermore, since the entire inner space is occupied by the coffee, no water will remain in the capsule between the coffee and the respective side wall after the preparation of the beverage. Thus, the capsule may be removed from the apparatus and the risk of soiling the apparatus due to water leaking from the capsule is minimized.

The applicant has found that according to another detail of the invention it is advantageous if the roast and ground coffee is compacted such that the compacted coffee in the inner space of the capsule comprises a substantially uniform density. During use, such homogeneous coffee particles within the capsule may redistribute forming a relatively loose coffee cake layer near the second wall, thereby forming an entrance area of the capsule and a relatively compacted coffee cake layer near the third wall, thereby creating an exit area of the capsule. This compacted coffee cake layer together with the exit filter provides the capsule with a filtering capacity with a desired pressure drop. Thus, the compacted coffee cake layer and the exit filter together provide a deceleration of the outflow of the prepared coffee beverage from the capsule.

According to another aspect of the invention, the third wall comprises an exit filter for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule, wherein the exit filter is formed by a porous or perforated sheet, for example. The outlet filter may be formed by a woven or non-woven fibrous sheet (e.g. filter paper) or a membrane (e.g. a polymer membrane) provided with a plurality of outlet openings. In use, such an outlet filter together with the compacted coffee cake layer near the filter provides the desired flow restriction, which may result in a coffee beverage with good quality and good taste. By using filter paper as the outlet filter, a low cost third wall can be provided. Furthermore, the third wall, being of filter paper nature, may result in filtering oil from the beverage (i.e. from the coffee) before supplying the coffee to the container (e.g. cup). This may be advantageous in reducing the amount of oil in the coffee, which may adversely affect the taste and/or quality of the coffee. The filtration of cafestol from coffee is particularly advantageous. Furthermore, the porous third wall may provide the advantage that: the beverage may be drained from the capsule over substantially the entire cross-section of the inner space. Thus, the beverage can flow out of the inner space very uniformly. This prevents a preferred fluid flow path within the interior space. Preferred fluid flow paths are believed to reduce the reproducibility of the process of preparing a beverage.

It is advantageous if the outlet filter, for example an outlet filter of a polymer membrane, comprises 80-140 outlet openings, wherein the opening diameter is between 0.20mm + -0.05 mm and 0.40mm + -0.05 mm, preferably about 0.3mm + -0.05 mm. Such outlet openings, together with the relatively small coffee particles redistributed during the water supply and located near the openings, may provide the desired flow restriction and thus the pressure drop. Due to the opening, the prepared beverage will leave the capsule at a desired speed, such that the preparation time will not be too long, e.g. not more than 40 seconds, preferably not more than 30 seconds. Furthermore, the opening is small enough to prevent coffee particles from leaving the capsule and stopping (ending up) in the cup with the prepared coffee beverage. The preferred number of openings in the outlet filter is such that the outlet filter is able to form the desired flow restriction together with the compacted coffee cake layer in the vicinity of the filter, thereby obtaining a coffee beverage with an acceptable oil balance, a desired brew strength and an acceptable preparation time. Such a coffee beverage will have good quality and good taste.

In another detail, the first circumferential wall is substantially rigid. In general, the first circumferential wall may have any shape, such as a cylinder, a semicircle, a truncated cone, or a polygon, such as a hexagon or an octagon.

Preferably, the capsule comprises an inlet filter, wherein the flow resistance of the inlet filter is lower than the flow resistance of the compacted extractable product in combination with the outlet filter, avoiding that an excessive pressure builds up upstream of the inlet filter. This is advantageous because such upstream pressure build-up does not contribute to the brewing of the beverage.

According to another aspect of the invention, the extractable product is compacted into tablets from a coffee raw material. This provides the advantage of: the risk of preferred fluid flow paths occurring in the compacted extractable product tablet is reduced. It will be appreciated that when using a compacted tablet, the second wall may be omitted from the capsule, as the risk of spilling the extractable product is greatly reduced.

In a further detail of the invention, the tablet may comprise at least one aperture extending from a side of the tablet facing the second wall in the direction of the third wall. Thus, the aperture provides an injection means for wetting the tablet in a uniform manner.

It is also possible to compact the extractable product into a plurality of tablets preferably having a packing density different from each other. For example, the extractable product may be provided as a stack of tablets having different compactities from each other. For example, the degree of compaction of each tablet in the direction from the second wall to the third wall may be increased. In this way, the effort required to completely wet the tablets in the direction from the second wall to the third wall will also be increased, ensuring that each upstream tablet has been properly wetted when wetting the more downstream tablets, thereby providing a very uniform wetting of the total volume of extractable product.

The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing the capsule described above, comprising:

-providing a coffee containing cup comprising a circumferential first wall and one of a second and a third wall defining an inner space arranged for containing roast and ground coffee;

-providing a quantity of roast and ground coffee having a preselected weight distribution in the inner space of the coffee receiving cup, wherein the 10 th percentile interval of the particle size is 20-60 μm, preferably smaller than 40 μm, wherein the 50 th percentile interval of the particle size is 400-.

It will be appreciated that the providing step may comprise the step of compacting a quantity of roast and ground coffee starting material such that the capsule comprises compacted coffee having a particle distribution as defined in claim 1. For example, the particles of coffee raw material may have the following weight distribution: the 10 th percentile range of particle sizes may be 25-55 μm, preferably less than 40 μm, the 50 th percentile range of particle sizes may be 450-550 μm, and the 90 th percentile range of particle sizes may be 600-800 μm.

The entire quantity of coffee may be provided in the inner space of the capsule and then compacted to compact said quantity of coffee.

In an alternative embodiment of the method of the invention, the method may comprise:

-providing a first portion of a quantity of roast and ground coffee raw material in the inner space;

-compacting the first part such that the first part is compacted;

-then providing a further portion of the quantity of roast and ground coffee starting material on top of the compacted first portion in the inner space of the capsule;

-compacting the further portion such that the further portion is compacted. Or by providing and compacting portions of a quantity of coffee, the coffee may be inserted into the capsule more easily, while the risk of damaging the coffee raw material may be reduced.

It will be appreciated that the tablet or tablets may have a predetermined particle size distribution as described with reference to claim 1. The coffee starting material may have a particle distribution as described above.

According to another aspect of the invention, the coffee raw material inserted into the inner space of the capsule may also be concentrated by vibration before compacting the coffee raw material.

Preferably, the compacted volume of the roast and ground coffee is substantially similar to the volume of the interior space of the coffee containing cup.

This approach provides the advantages of: the distribution of the coffee particles within the coffee cup of the exchangeable capsule may be determined during the manufacturing process. The distribution of coffee particles will be homogeneous, wherein relatively small particles may be surrounded by relatively large particles. Due to the compaction of the coffee, the distribution will not vary substantially, for example during transportation of the exchangeable capsule. Thus, the predetermined distribution of the particles within the capsule may remain intact. By preparing a beverage with such a capsule, the coffee preparation process is controllable and reproducible.

Furthermore, by compacting the coffee in the inner space of the capsule, a flat surface is provided at the side of the exchangeable capsule to which the exit filter has to be connected. Such a flat surface enhances the tight sealing of the exit filter against the circumferential first wall of the exchangeable capsule, thereby preventing e.g. pinholes between the sheet and the first wall of the exit filter. The latter may result in a capsule of poor quality, because of which a beverage of poor quality may be produced, coffee and fluid may leak through the pores, without passing through the exit filter.

The compacting of the coffee further improves the sealing quality of the outlet filter against the circumferential first wall, as the risk of coffee particles being located on the circumferential first wall surface is reduced. Thus, the quality of the seal of the outlet filter along the entire circumferential first wall is not deteriorated by particles between the filter and the wall.

In a further detail of the method according to the invention, the roast and ground coffee is compacted with a compaction force of substantially 50-300N, preferably 50-500N, preferably substantially 400-600N. Good results have been achieved with a pressing force of about 500N.

In order to provide a predetermined amount of roast and ground coffee starting material in the inner space of a coffee receiving cup having a volume of about 10-14ml, preferably 11.5-12.5ml, more preferably about 11.8ml, preferably the infusion volume of the roast and ground coffee starting material (not yet compacted) is preferably in the range of 600-. For such a filling volume, the compacted roast and ground coffee may have a weight of 4.0-8g, preferably 4.9-5.7g, preferably about 5.3g ± 0.2 g. It will be understood that the term raw material refers to the state of the coffee before the coffee is introduced into the capsule.

The applicant found that a cup of coffee prepared using the capsule yields a cup of water-rich coffee without a good foam layer if the exchangeable capsule according to the invention comprises coffee having an infusion volume of less than 600ml per 250g of coffee starting material. It will be understood that the infusion volume in this respect refers to the state of the coffee prior to the step of compacting in the capsule. Furthermore, if the infusion volume is less than 600ml per 250g, the coffee beverage may contain a relatively large amount of coffee oil, which may adversely affect the quality of the prepared beverage. High pouring volumes above the preferred volumes mentioned above are also undesirable, as this may lead to too long beverage preparation times.

It should be noted that the infusion volume of the coffee raw material is determined by measuring the volume of 250g of coffee after the concentration (grinding post condensation) of the grinding column. To determine this volume, a quantity of roast and ground coffee starting material is poured from a funnel into a tray arranged below the end, the tray having a volume of 250 ml. The tray has a closed slide so that a volume of 250ml of coffee grinds remains in the tray. The weight of the coffee grounds in the tray was then determined and converted to a fill volume expressed in ml/250 g.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the invention, it is desirable that the roast and ground coffee raw material has a water content of 1.0-4.0%, preferably 1.5-2.2%, more preferably about 1.5%, before compacting the roast and ground coffee raw material in the inner space of the capsule. The formation of the moisture content of the coffee raw material is due to the inhibition (queue) of the coffee raw material with moisture before grinding the coffee raw material. The moisture content was determined by measuring the degree of weight loss of 5g of coffee raw material as a result of drying the coffee raw material in an oven at 103 ℃ for 3 hours.

Preferably, according to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the coffee beans intended for the roast and ground coffee raw material are roasted for approximately 250-. An exchangeable capsule comprising such roast and ground coffee provides a cup of a coffee beverage with a very good aroma, which contains an acceptable amount of coffee oil. This degree of roasting further provides a roast and ground coffee raw material which, as mentioned above, may be compacted in a desired manner at a desired pressure. The roast degree of the coffee raw material is determined by measuring the reflection of light on a reference quantity (levelled amount) of ground coffee raw material. This can be performed, for example, with the model LMG163 color analyzer LK100 of doctor Bruno Lange GmbH. A quantity of light, for example light having a wavelength of 640nm, is directed at the sample containing the reference quantity of abrasive powder. The amount of light was reflected and measured according to the darkness of the ground powder. This value represents the degree of baking. The color analyzer is calibrated daily by using two calibration tiles in succession. Thereafter, the calibration piece is measured, and then the sample is measured. The roasted coffee beans were ground to a particle size of 3/4, with an average particle size of about 0.39mm, if necessary. The coffee should be leveled by keeping the scale upright and at a 90 degree angle to the coffee surface. The coffee is leveled by three smooth movements (back and forth) on the edge of the sample tray. If significant irregularities are determined on the coffee surface, leveling should be performed again.

In another detail of the invention, coffee beans are ground to provide a roast and ground coffee raw material having a particle size distribution by weight, wherein the 10 th percentile interval of the particle sizes is 25-55 μm, wherein the 50 th percentile interval of the particle sizes is 400-550 μm, and wherein the 90 th percentile interval of the particle sizes is 600-800 μm. When compacting such a roast and ground coffee raw material in the inner space of the capsule, the predetermined uniform distribution of particles may be provided as described above with a particle distribution as set forth in claim 1.

The invention also relates to a capsule obtainable by the above method, to a system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption according to claim 27 and to a method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption according to claim 29.

Further advantageous embodiments of the capsule according to the invention, of the method for manufacturing such a capsule, of the system and of the method for preparing a beverage are set forth in the dependent claims.

The invention will now be further illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows an example of a first embodiment of a system for preparing a beverage according to the present invention;

figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;

figure 3 shows the capsule of figure 2 during preparation of a beverage;

figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;

figure 5 shows a third embodiment of a capsule according to the invention; and

fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of a capsule according to the invention.

It should be noted that the same or corresponding elements in different drawings are denoted by the same or corresponding reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a first embodiment of a system 1 for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product according to the invention. The system 1 comprises an exchangeable open capsule 2 and an apparatus 4. The apparatus 4 comprises a receptacle 6 for receiving the exchangeable capsule 2. In fig. 1, a gap is drawn between the capsule 2 and the receptacle 6 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, in use, the capsule 2 may be placed in contact with the receptacle 6. In this example, the receptacle 6 has a shape complementary to the shape of the capsule 2. In this example, the receptacle 6 comprises an upper portion 8 and a support surface 10.

The apparatus 4 further comprises fluid dispensing means 12 for supplying an amount of fluid, for example hot water, at a high pressure, for example greater than about 6 bar (absolute), to the exchangeable capsule 2.

In the system 1 shown in fig. 1, the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises a substantially rigid circumferential first wall 14, a second wall 16 closing the circumferential first wall 14 at a first end 18, and a third wall 20 closing the circumferential first wall 14 at a second open end 22 opposite the second wall 16. The circumferential first wall 14, the second wall 16 and the third wall 20 enclose an inner space 24 containing an extractable product, which in this example is roast and ground coffee. In this example, the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises an amount of extractable product, for example about 4.9-5.7g of roast and ground coffee, preferably about 5.3g ± 0.2g, suitable for preparing a single serving of beverage, preferably, for example, a cup of beverage from 30-200ml of prepared beverage.

In the capsule 2 according to the invention roast and ground coffee is provided, the particles of which fall within a preselected weight distribution range, wherein the 10 th percentile interval of the particle size is 20-60 μm, preferably smaller than 40 μm, wherein the 50 th percentile interval of the particle size is 400-600 μm, preferably 450-.

It has been found that this range of particle distribution has a beneficial effect on reducing the brewing time and the amount of sediment in the cup. However, it will be appreciated that there is an interplay between the following parameters: ground size, amount of coffee, number and size of openings in the outlet area of the third wall, as well as brewing time and sediment accumulation in the cup.

For example, by increasing the grind size, the brewing time and amount of sediment in the cup can be reduced to a beneficial point. It has been found that the range of particle size distribution in the open capsule according to the invention, the amount of coffee required to produce a palatable coffee beverage can be reduced, which has economic advantages.

The amount of extractable product can vary depending on the desired concentration of the beverage prepared. For example, for preparing a cup of espresso coffee, the capsule 2 may comprise approximately 5.3g, whereas for preparing a cup of longo coffee, the capsule 2 may comprise approximately 6.0 g. In another embodiment of the invention, the capsule may also comprise other quantities of coffee between 4.0 and 8g, preferably between 4.9 and 5.7 g. The interior space 24 may have a volume of about 10-14ml, preferably 11.5-12.5ml, more preferably about 11.8 ml. Thus, the exchangeable capsule is a single-portion package. According to another aspect of the invention, the extractable product in the inner space 24 of the capsule 2 is compacted.

In the example of fig. 1, the circumferential first wall 14 is substantially rigid. The circumferential first wall 14 may comprise, for example, a plastic material and may be formed by, for example, injection molding, vacuum forming, thermoforming, or the like.

In this example, the second wall 16 is integral with the circumferential first wall 14. In this example, the second wall 16 is substantially rigid and comprises a plurality of entrance openings 26 for allowing fluid to enter the capsule 2. The second wall 16 provides an entrance filter for the capsule 2.

In this example, the third wall 20 is flexible and laminar. Furthermore, in this example, the third wall is porous. In this example, the third wall 20 is made of filter paper. In this example, the filter paper comprises Polyethylene (PE) fibers. In this example, the third wall 20 is connected to the circumferential first wall 14 by heat sealing. In this example, the third wall 20 forms the outermost boundary of the capsule 2 in its axial direction. As can be seen in fig. 1, the third wall 20 abuts the support surface 10 of the receiver 6.

The system 1 shown in fig. 1 is operated as follows to prepare a cup of coffee.

The capsule 2 is placed in the receptacle 6. The third wall 20 is brought into abutment with the support surface 10. Fluid, here hot water under pressure, is supplied from the fluid dispensing device 12 through the inlet opening 26 to the extractable product in the inner space 24. The fluid dispensing device 12 may be adapted to supply water to the exchangeable capsule 2 at a pressure of about 4-20 bar, e.g. 9-15 bar, preferably about 6 bar. Good results were obtained with a pressure of about 6 bar established in the fluid dispensing device. The water will wet the coffee powder and extract the desired substance to form a coffee beverage. The prepared coffee will drain from the capsule 2 through the porous third wall 20. The coffee beverage is further discharged from the receptacle 6 via a plurality of outlets 28 and may be supplied to a container 30, such as a cup. During the supply of water to the compacted coffee in the inner space of the capsule 2, the coffee particles are redistributed in the inner space 24 of the capsule 2 such that a relatively loose coffee cake layer L is formed near the second wall 16 and a relatively compacted coffee cake layer C is formed near the third wall 20 (see fig. 3). The relatively small particles S move together with the water towards the outlet filter forming the third wall 20 and will be located near the opening 38 of the outlet filter 20. The small particles S will form, together with the exit filter 36, a flow restriction of the capsule 2 (see fig. 3), providing a desired pressure drop and thus a desired extraction pressure within the capsule 2, so that soluble dry matter can be extracted from the compacted coffee and a cup of beverage having a desired brew strength and quality is obtained.

In the example of fig. 1, a plurality of inlet openings 26 are distributed over substantially the entire second wall 16. Thus, fluid is supplied to the extractable product via the plurality of inlet openings 26, which results in the extractable product becoming wet over substantially the entire cross-section of the capsule 2. Thus, a very uniform fluid supply to the extractable product is obtained. Thereby, the risk of occurrence of a preferred path via which the fluid flows through the extractable product is greatly reduced.

In another (not shown) embodiment of the capsule 2 according to the invention, the third wall 20 is formed by a porous sheet, e.g. filter paper, which forms an exit filter of the capsule 2, through which the beverage, here coffee, may be drained from the capsule 2. Thus, the entire third wall 20 may be formed as a porous sheet. For example, the third wall 20 may form a substantially continuous fluid permeable sheet spanning substantially the entire second open end 22 of the capsule 2. Thus, fluid may be drained from the capsule 2 over a larger area. Thereby, a very uniform discharge of the beverage from the extractable product is obtained. Thus, the risk of occurrence of a preferred path via which the fluid flows through the extractable product is greatly reduced.

It will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the system, not shown, the apparatus may be different from that described in the first embodiment of the system. For example, the apparatus may be provided with a hollow space between the third wall 20 of the capsule 2 and the exit opening 28 of the apparatus 4. In another example, the apparatus may comprise piercing means for piercing a lid for sealing a known capsule. It is therefore noted that the capsule according to the invention may be used in any suitable apparatus for preparing a beverage using high pressure.

Fig. 2 to 5 show embodiments of a capsule according to the invention. In fig. 2, the second wall 16 is integral with the circumferential first wall 14, similar to that of fig. 1. The second wall 16 includes a plurality of inlet openings 26 in the second wall 16. The third wall 20 is formed by a flexible sheet 36, for example a polymer sheet, provided with a plurality of outlet openings 38. In fig. 2, the capsule 2 comprises an outwardly extending rim 40 at the second end 22 of the circumferential first wall 14. The third wall 20 is attached to the outwardly extending edge 40, for example by gluing, welding, heat sealing or the like. Thus, the third wall 20 may be securely attached to the edge 40. It will be appreciated that it is also possible that the outwardly extending edge 40 extends between the upper portion 8 of the receiver 6 and the support surface 10 of the receiver 6, such that the edge 40 is sandwiched between the upper portion 8 and the support surface 10. Thus, in use, i.e. when fluid pressure is applied, the third wall 20 is clamped against the rim 40, thereby reducing the risk of the third wall 20 separating from the rim 40.

In fig. 4, the third wall 20 is formed from a flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper. In fig. 4, the second wall 16 is also formed from a flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper. In this example, the second wall 16 is attached to an inwardly extending flange 42. In this example, the second wall 16 is attached to the inside of an inwardly extending flange 42.

It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, not shown, the third wall 20 may be formed from a porous sheet (e.g. filter paper) or from a polymer sheet, provided with a plurality of outlet openings 30, similar to those in fig. 1 and 2. It will be appreciated that the capsule 2 may comprise any second wall 16 according to any of the illustrated embodiments in combination with any third wall 20 according to any of the illustrated embodiments. Preferably, the circumferential first wall 14 is substantially rigid. Thus, the capsule 2 will not easily be deformed by transportation and/or handling, so that the capsule 2 will always adapt to the receptacle 6. In addition, the circumferential first wall 14 is preferably elastic, so that any possible deformation of the circumferential first wall 14 will recover once the force causing the deformation is removed. However, it is also feasible that the circumferential first wall 14 is formed by a flexible sheet, preferably integral with the second wall 16. Thus, substantially the entire capsule 2 may be made of a flexible sheet, which reduces the amount of material needed to provide the capsule 2.

In the example, the circumferential first wall 14 is substantially cylindrical. It will be appreciated that the capsule according to the invention is not limited to this shape. The circumferential first wall 14 may be, for example, frustoconical, semicircular or polygonal, such as hexagonal, octagonal, etc.

Preferably, the capsule 2 according to the invention is manufactured by providing a coffee containing cup 32 comprising a circumferential first wall 14 and a second wall 16. The first wall 14 and the second wall 16 define an interior space 24. A roast and ground coffee starting material, such as an Arabica coffee with a maximum of 30% of a chinese cherry (Robusta) coffee, having a desired particle size distribution, a desired moisture content, a desired roast degree, and a desired pour volume, is supplied into the interior space 24 of the coffee containing cup 32. The coffee raw material is then compacted by a suitable compacting means, for example with a compacting force of about 500N. After compacting the coffee in the inner space 24 of the cup, the surface of the compacted coffee remote from the second wall 16 is substantially flat. Furthermore, at most a limited amount of coffee particles may be located on the top surface of the circumferential first wall 14 remote from the second wall 14. In this example of a capsule 2 according to the invention, at most a limited amount of coffee particles, preferably no particles at all, may be located on the extended rim 40. Thus, the outlet filter (e.g., the polymer sheet layer 36) can be simply placed and sealed in a tight manner on the extended edge 40 of the circumferential first wall 14 with minimal risk of unsealed areas between the circumferential first wall 14 and the outlet filter 20. This forms a capsule 2 with a substantially flat third wall 20, in other words the third wall 20 will not substantially extend from the circumferential first wall 14 in a direction parallel to the central axis a of the capsule 2 (see fig. 3). Thus, when using such a capsule 2 in an apparatus 4 for preparing a beverage, the capsule 2 may simply be placed in the receptacle 6 without becoming stuck due to the extended third wall 20. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first portion of coffee raw material may be inserted into the inner space 24 of the capsule 2. The first portion of coffee raw material may be compacted by suitable compacting means, for example with a compacting force of about 500N. It will be appreciated that the compacting apparatus may be rotated at intervals during compaction or between subsequent compactions. This has the following advantages: on the one hand the oil can be significantly reduced and on the other hand the DMA can be increased or kept at the same level. Then, on top of the compacted first portion of the coffee raw material, a further portion of the quantity of roast and ground coffee raw material (as explained above) may be provided in the inner space 24 of the capsule 2. Then, another portion of the quantity of coffee raw material is compacted by suitable compacting means, for example with a compacting force of about 500N, so that the other portion is compacted. This provides a simple way of inserting and compacting the coffee raw material in the capsule 2. The method for manufacturing the capsule may further comprise alternately inserting and compacting more than two portions of a quantity of coffee starting material within the capsule 2.

Fig. 5 shows an example of a capsule 2 according to the invention in which the extractable product is compacted into a plurality of tablets, in this example four tablets 58, 60, 62, 64. In fig. 5, tablets 58, 60, 62, 64 are stacked within interior space 24. In fig. 5, each tablet 58, 60, 62, 64 spans substantially the entire cross-section of the inner space 24 of the capsule 2. In this example, the density (i.e., the degree of compaction) of the tablets 58, 60, 62, 64 is different for each tablet. The density of the tablets 58, 60, 62, 64 increases in the direction from the second wall 16 to the third wall 20. This provides the following advantages: the fluid will more readily wet the lower density tablets than the higher density tablets, so that each upstream tablet is already properly wetted as the water wets the subsequent downstream tablet. Thus, a very uniform wetting of the extractable product is achieved. While this example shows four stacked tablets, it will be understood that any number of tablets may be used.

Fig. 6 shows an example of a capsule 2 comprising a single tablet 66 of compacted extractable product. In the example of fig. 6, the tablet 66 includes an aperture 68 extending into the tablet 66 from the side of the tablet 66 facing the second wall 16 in the direction of the third wall 20. The length of the hole 68 is shorter than the thickness of the tablet 66 in the direction along the hole 68. Thus, the hole 68 does not form a shortcut for the fluid passing through the tablet 66, but rather provides a passage for the fluid to enter the core of the tablet 66. These holes 68 allow the intended penetration of the fluid into the tablet. Thus, a preferred wetting of the compacted extractable product may be obtained.

It will be appreciated that a single tablet 66 or a plurality of tablets 58, 60, 62, 64 may be used with any of the capsules 2 mentioned above. It will also be appreciated that the second wall 16 of the capsule is not strictly required if the extractable product is compacted into a tablet, as the extractable product cannot escape from the capsule 2 before use.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

For example, the open capsule may be contained in an air-tight package prior to use to improve shelf life.

For example, the capsule 2 may be made of a biodegradable material.

For example, the capsule 2 may have a different size or a different shape.

Further, different suitable devices for compacting may be used for compacting the coffee in the inner side of the capsule.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the coffee may be compacted before being supplied to the inner space of the capsule. For example by first compacting the coffee starting material into tablets having a size corresponding to the size of the inner space of the coffee containing cup of the capsule.

However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specification, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an" should not be construed as limited to "only one," but rather are used to mean "at least one," and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (47)

1. Capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption with an extractable product, the capsule comprising a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, a perforated and/or porous third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second open end opposite the second wall and arranged to drain the prepared beverage from the capsule, wherein the first, second and third wall enclose an inner space containing the extractable product, wherein the extractable product in the inner space has particles falling within a preselected weight distribution, wherein a 10 th percentile interval of the particle size is 20-60 μ ι η, wherein a 50 th percentile interval of the particle size is 400-600 μ ι η, and wherein a 90 th percentile interval of the particle size is 700-1000 μ ι η.

2. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the 10 th percentile interval of particle sizes is less than 40 μ ι η, the 50 th percentile interval of particle sizes is 450-.

3. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the extractable product of the capsule is at least partially compacted.

4. Capsule according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the capsule contains 4.0-8g of roast and ground coffee.

5. Capsule according to claim 4, wherein the capsule comprises 4.9-5.7g of roast and ground coffee.

6. Capsule according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the inner space of the capsule has a volume of 10-14 ml.

7. Capsule according to claim 6, wherein the inner space of the capsule has a volume of 11.5-12.5 ml.

8. Capsule according to claim 7, wherein the inner space of the capsule has a volume of 11.8 ml.

9. Capsule according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the entire inner space is occupied by the extractable product.

10. Capsule according to claim 3, wherein the extractable product is compacted such that the compacted extractable product in the inner space has a uniform density.

11. Capsule according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the third wall comprises an exit filter arranged to drain the prepared beverage from the capsule, wherein the exit filter is formed by a woven or non-woven fibrous sheet provided with a plurality of exit openings.

12. Capsule according to claim 11, wherein the exit filter is formed by filter paper or by a polymer film.

13. Capsule according to claim 11, wherein the exit filter comprises 80-140 exit openings, wherein the opening diameter is between 0.4mm ± 0.05mm and 0.2mm ± 0.05 mm.

14. Capsule according to claim 13, wherein the opening diameter is 0.3mm ± 0.05 mm.

15. A capsule according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the circumferential first wall is rigid.

16. Capsule according to claim 11, wherein the capsule comprises an entrance filter, wherein the entrance filter has a lower flow resistance than the compacted extractable product in combination with the exit filter.

17. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the compacted beverage ingredient is provided as a tablet.

18. Capsule according to claim 17, wherein the tablet comprises at least one aperture extending from a side of the tablet facing the second wall in the direction of the third wall.

19. Capsule according to any one of claims 17-18, wherein the extractable product is compacted into a plurality of tablets.

20. Capsule according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of tablets have a packing density different from each other.

21. Capsule according to claim 19, wherein the compacted density increases from the second wall towards the third wall of the capsule.

22. A method for manufacturing a capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises:

-providing a coffee receiving cup comprising a circumferential first wall and one of a second wall and a third wall defining an inner space arranged for receiving roast and ground coffee having particles falling within a preselected weight distribution, wherein the 10 th percentile interval of the particle sizes is 20-60 μ ι η, wherein the 50 th percentile interval of the particle sizes is 400-;

-providing a quantity of the roast and ground coffee in an inner space of the coffee receiving cup.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the 10 th percentile interval of the particle sizes is less than 40 μ ι η, the 50 th percentile interval of the particle sizes is 450-.

24. Method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the step of providing comprises the step of compacting a quantity of roast and ground coffee starting material such that the capsule contains compacted coffee having the preselected weight distribution.

25. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the method comprises:

-providing a first portion of a quantity of roast and ground coffee raw material in the inner space;

-compacting the first part such that the first part is compacted;

-then providing a further portion of the quantity of roast and ground coffee starting material on top of the compacted first portion in the inner space of the capsule;

-compacting the further portion.

26. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the compacted volume of the roast and ground coffee is similar to the volume of the interior space of the coffee containing cup.

27. A method according to claim 24, wherein the roast and ground coffee starting material is compacted with a compaction force of 50-800N.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the compaction force is 400-600N.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the compressive force is 500N.

30. Method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the inner space of the capsule has a volume of 10-14 ml.

31. Method according to claim 30, wherein the inner space of the capsule has a volume of 11.5-12.5 ml.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the interior space of the capsule has a volume of 11.8 ml.

33. A method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the compacted roast and ground coffee has a weight of 4.0-8 g.

34. A method according to claim 33, wherein the compacted roast and ground coffee has a weight of 4.9-5.7 g.

35. Method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the roast and ground coffee starting material has a perfusion volume in the range of 600-680ml per 250g of coffee prior to introduction into the capsule.

36. A method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the roast and ground coffee raw material has a moisture content of 1.0-4.0%.

37. A method according to claim 36, wherein the roast and ground coffee raw material has a moisture content of 1.5-2.2%.

38. A method according to claim 37, wherein the roast and ground coffee raw material has a moisture content of 1.5%.

39. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the coffee beans for the roast and ground coffee raw material are roasted for 250-.

40. The method as claimed in claim 39, wherein the coffee beans for the roast and ground coffee raw material are roasted for 450 sec.

41. A method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the roast and ground coffee starting material has a roasting degree in the range of 30-60.

42. A capsule obtained by the method according to any one of claims 22 to 41.

43. A system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, the system comprising:

exchangeable capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or according to claim 42; and

an apparatus, comprising:

a fluid dispensing device for supplying a quantity of fluid under high pressure to the exchangeable capsule;

a receptacle for receiving the exchangeable capsule; and

an outlet, in use, in fluid communication with the capsule, for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container.

44. System according to claim 43, wherein the fluid dispensing device is adapted to supply the fluid to the exchangeable capsule at a pressure of 4-20 bar.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the pressure is 9-15 bar.

46. A method of preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, which is roast and ground coffee, the method comprising:

providing an exchangeable capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or according to claim 42,

providing an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a receptacle for receiving the exchangeable capsule; a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid to the exchangeable capsule at a pressure of at least 6 bar; and an outlet in fluid communication with the capsule in use for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule and supplying the beverage to a container;

arranging the exchangeable capsule in the receptacle;

supplying the fluid under pressure to the compacted extractable product for preparing a beverage, thereby redistributing relatively small coffee particles in the inner space of the capsule such that the coffee particles are located near the exit filter and provide, together with the exit filter, a flow restriction of the capsule.

47. Method according to claim 46, using a system according to any one of claims 43 to 45, using a capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or 42.