Patent Grant
12004678
The present disclosure relates to a beverage capsule and a method of manufacturing thereof.
A single-serve beverage capsule generally comprises a container, a filter assembly comprising a filter element, and a lid. The filter assembly is disposed within the container and separates the container into two chambers: (i) a first chamber defined by the space within the container between an upper surface of the filter and an opening of the container; and (ii) a second chamber occupying the space within the container between a base of the container and a lower surface of the filter assembly that is opposite the upper surface of the filter. Disposed into the first chamber may be dry beverage ingredients such as, but not limited to, coffee, tea, and cocoa powder. The lid covers the opening of the container, and seals the filter and dry beverage ingredients within the container.
The filter assembly preferably has a number of desirable qualities including, but not limited to, tight tolerances and ideal positioning within a beverage capsule. Filter elements may be manufactured from various suitable materials including, but not limited to nonwoven web materials. However, maintaining a tight tolerance, wherein “tolerance” refers to the amount of uncertainty or variability allowed for a given physical dimension or property, in the formation of a filter assembly using nonwoven web materials can be difficult due to the physical and dimensional inconsistencies in the nonwoven web material itself. For example, spunbond nonwoven web materials are synthesized by depositing fine extruded filaments in a sheet formation through for example, but not limited to, mechanical oscillation, electrostatic charging, slot attenuators, air foils, full-width draw rolls, and centrifugal foaming. While approximate uniformity can be achieved through such manufacturing methods, the synthesized material nevertheless can have inherent variances in thickness and density which can render their passage through the filter formation tool (for example, but not limited to, a filter forming die) at a consistent rate difficult (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,276,639). Indeterminately located thicker areas along the web surface of the spunbond nonwoven web materials of the filter element can cause disproportionately high drag in the flow of the material through the filter formation tool. Such drag may result in the die-cut filter web shifting off-center in relation to the filter formation tool, thereby causing non-uniform wall heights in the formed filter assemblies. This can be particularly relevant to filter webs that are die-cut to a specific diameter before being shaped or formed.
Non-uniform wall heights in the formed filter assemblies can create problems in the functionality of the single-serve beverage capsule. If the filter wall is too low, the filter can fall short of the sealing periphery and therefore result in beverage granules falling into the second chamber in between the filter and the sidewall of the container, contaminating the brewed beverage. If the filter wall is too high such that the filter extends beyond the height of the side walls and rim of the container, the filter may negatively affect the seal of the lid to the capsule by, for example, catching errant granules of beverage medium and/or interfering with the sealing interface between the container and lid; a weak or porous seal may result in blowouts along the seal when the beverage capsule is brewed within a brewing machine, thereby resulting in further potential contamination of the beverage ingredients in both the brewing machine and drinkable beverage.
Seating the filter assembly into a beverage capsule, wherein the bottom of the filter is located at a pre-defined optimal depth, is also a challenge. For example, the flexible nature of web materials of the filter element can make it challenging to ensure static dimensions at tight tolerances; filter elements that are formed with an array or arrays of pleats extending vertically along their side walls are affected by the elastic recovery of the filter web material, wherein the formed filter exhibits a slight return to its original flat state after being formed and disposed into the cup: causing the filter to expand and partially extricate itself from the beverage capsule, and thus resulting in an unintended seating depth. A filter that fails to sit at an appropriate filter depth can cause difficulties when a defined volume of beverage medium is added into the capsule. For example, an undesirably high-placed filter can reduce the intended volume of the first chamber of the capsule; as dry ingredients are added into the first chamber, errant beverage dry ingredients may spill along and beyond the rim of the container of the capsule. Displaced dry ingredients can negatively impact the quality of the seal of the lid to the container of the capsule and cause the capsule to lose beverage medium volume.
In an effort to ensure that the filter assembly is seated adequately deep enough in the container so that the top peripheral edge of the filter side wall does not interfere with sealing of the capsule or dosing of dry ingredients into the capsule, some capsule manufacturing machines (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,276,639) incorporate a tamping mechanism that contacts the top peripheral edge of the unwelded filter side wall. However, a filter with a variable side wall height may be tamped in a manner such that the longer portion of the filter side wall will force the bottom of the formed filter to seat lower than intended, thereby potentially causing the filter to fall within the puncturing depth of the brewing machine's fluid extractor needle into the capsule and risking damage to the filter. Conversely, the shorter portion of the filter side wall may fall below the sealing periphery during tamping of the filter, thereby potentially causing an imperfect seal between the filter assembly and the side wall of the container.
The present disclosure relates to a beverage capsule and a method of manufacturing thereof. The present disclosure is also related to a filter assembly of the single-serve beverage capsule and a method of disposing the filter assembly within the single-serve beverage capsule.
The filter assembly disclosed herein is configured to have the desired tight tolerances. Such tight tolerances are achieved independent of the thickness (or uniformity thereof) of the filter element of the filter assembly. The methods disclosed herein do not require ultra-precise tension calibration of forming dies or the uniform thickness of nonwoven filter materials to control a symmetrical formation of a formed filter assembly. The filter assembly and method of manufacturing thereof disclosed herein provides the benefits of tight tolerances, lower manufacturing machine development cost, higher and more consistent machine uptime, and higher product yields.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a registration element comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall extending therebetween. The registration element can have any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, cylindrical or polygonal. The registration element can comprise additional registration geometry that is, for example, recessed into the top surface, protruding from the top surface, or forming at least a portion of the side wall. The registration element is coupled to a top surface of a die-cut filter web of a filter assembly. The registration element may become temporarily engaged with a filter formation tool that is known in the art, in a manner similar to how a Robertson screwdriver engages with a Robertson screw head.
The filter formation tool comprises a bottom that has a geometry adapted to receive or fit into the corresponding protruding or recessed registration geometry of the registration element. The connection between the filter formation tool and the registration element allows the user to make any desired changes to adjust radial, angular, and/or axial alignment for the filter assembly, thereby preventing it from shifting off-center, spinning, tilting, or otherwise misaligning while the filter assembly is processed into a three-dimensional shape that can conform to the shape of a container using the filter formation tool to produce a beverage capsule.
Alternatively, the registration element could be reversibly coupled to a gripping element of the filter formation tool whereby the gripping elements would reversibly attach to a surface of the registration element. In aspects, the gripping elements attach to any one or more of a top surface and a periphery sidewall of the registration element.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a beverage capsule comprising: (a) a container comprising a rim that circumscribes an opening, a base, and a sidewall that extends between the base and the rim; (b) a filter element received into the container, the filter element comprising an edge that circumscribes an opening, a pierceable base, and a sidewall extending therebetween, the sidewall of the filtering element being coupled to one or more locations on the sidewall of the container, the filtering element separating a first and second chamber within the beverage capsule; (c) a lid sealing the opening of the container; and (d) a filter registration element comprising: (i) a pierceable top surface; (ii) a bottom surface; (iii) a cylindrical or polygonal sidewall extending therebetween; (iv) and indeterminate, radially symmetrical registration geometry either recessed into the top surface, protruding from the top surface, or constituting the sidewall. A dry particulate beverage ingredient may be disposed within the first chamber of the beverage capsule.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a registration element that is coupled to one or more layered die-cut filter webs, the one or more layered die-cut filter webs forming the filter element, such that the registration element acts as a solid substrate to which the filter webs of the filter element are bonded to. The bond is achieved, for example, ultrasonically, thermally, chemically, mechanically, or otherwise. The registration element is shaped in a way that allows it to become temporarily coupled with any number of tools for manipulation of the multi-layer filter assembly. During manipulation or movement of the multi-layer filter assembly, the filter webs are protected from becoming misaligned or completely separated.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a registration element. A volume of granular raw material such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid, polyethylene, or polypropylene is disposed in the shape of a pre determined geometric arrangement such as, but not limited to, a disc, a circle, a crescent, an oval, a polygon (e.g. a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon decagon, and the like), a star, a gear-shape, and the like, on the filter web of the filter element. The volume of granular raw material is welded to the filter web of the filter element by techniques such as, but not limited to, ultrasonic, thermal, or chemical welding, such that the volume of granular raw material amalgamate and form a porous but rigid registration element adapted to provide alignment of the filter assembly as it is formed into the container.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a beverage capsule adapted for single-serve use, the beverage capsule comprising: (a) a container comprising a base, a rim circumscribing an opening, and a sidewall extending between the base and the rim, the container defining an interior volume therein; and (b) a filter assembly at least partially disposed in the interior volume of the container. The filter assembly comprises: (i) a filter element comprising a first surface and a second surface that is opposite the first surface; and (ii) a registration element coupled to the first surface of the filter element, the registration element adapted for fitting and aligning the filter assembly into the container. The filter assembly divides the interior volume into a first chamber and a second chamber; the first chamber occupies a first volume of the interior volume defined by at least the first surface of the filter element and the opening of the container; and the second chamber occupies a second volume of the interior volume defined by at least the second surface of the filter element, the base of the container, and the sidewall of the container. The registration element has a shape or features that is/are complementary to a filter formation tool, the filter formation tool for use in fitting and aligning the filter assembly within the container.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a filter assembly, the method comprising: (a) providing a filter element made at least in part of web fibres, the filter element comprising a first surface and a second surface that is opposite the first surface; (b) disposing a registration element on the first surface on the filter element; (c) coupling the registration element to the filter element.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a beverage capsule for use in a brewed beverage machine including a piercing element, the capsule comprising: a container defining an interior volume including a base configured for being perforated upon contact with a piercing element; a filter assembly disposed in the interior volume and dividing the interior volume into a first chamber for receiving beverage ingredients and a brewing medium and a second chamber, the assembly comprising: a filter element; and a registration element having a top surface and a bottom surface opposed to the top surface, the registration element disposed above the filter element and configured for disposing the filter assembly into the container, wherein the filter element separates the registration element from the second chamber and is arranged to be contacted by the piercing element, and wherein a brewed beverage is formed when the brewing medium is directed into the first chamber containing the beverage ingredients, the brewed beverage is filtered through the filter assembly and then flows into the second chamber and exits the container through the base perforated upon contact with the piercing element.
In one aspect, the bottom surface defines one or more pockets, wherein upon contact of the bottom surface with the piercing element from below, the bottom surface directs the piercing element to pierce the filter element and then enter into the one or more pockets. In another aspect, the bottom surface comprises one or more supports downwardly extending from the bottom surface and defining one or more pockets, the one or more supports are configured, upon contact with the piercing element, to direct the piercing element to pierce the filter element and then enter into the one or more pockets.
In one aspect, the one or more supports comprise a pointed tip for contacting and securing the registration element to the filter element.
In one aspect, the beverage capsule further comprising a pierceable membrane disposed over the one or more pockets to sealingly retain contents within the one or more pockets.
In one aspect, the top surface and/or a sidewall connecting the top surface to the bottom surface is configured for releasable engagement with a filter formation tool for disposing the filter assembly into the interior volume.
In one aspect, the top surface and/or the sidewall comprises one or more alignment features configured to releasably engage with one or more alignment features on the filter formation tool. In one aspect, the sidewall is an internal sidewall that defines an aperture therethrough. In one aspect, the sidewall is a peripheral sidewall. In one aspect, the one or more alignment features are one or more of indentations, protrusions, and/or apertures are configured to permit a desired alignment of the registration element to the filter element before the registration element is secured to the filter element and/or a desired alignment of the registration element within the container after the registration element is secured to the filter element. In one aspect, the desired alignment is one or more of shifting upwards or downwards, shifting lateral, spinning about a central longitudinal axis, and tilting.
In one aspect, the registration element defines one or more channels dimensioned to allow the brewed beverage to flow therethrough.
In one aspect, the registration element is secured to the filter element by ultrasonic, thermal, or chemical weld.
In one aspect, the filter element comprises web fibres. In one aspect, the web fibres form an integral structure with at least a portion of the registration element.
In one aspect, the container further comprises an indentation at the base that extends upwardly towards the interior volume, the indentation providing a depth limit to which the filter assembly can be disposed into the container.
In one aspect, the container further comprises a rim circumscribing an opening and a container sidewall extending between the base and the rim.
In one aspect, the container sidewall comprises a ledge for supporting the filter assembly. In one aspect, the beverage capsule is biodegradable and/or compostable. In one aspect, the registration element comprises a polymeric material. In one aspect, the registration element comprises one or more of polylactic acid, INGEO™ material, and poly-L-lactide.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a beverage capsule for use in a brewed beverage machine, the method comprising: coupling a registration element to a filter formation tool; contacting a bottom surface of the registration element to a first surface of a filter element comprising web fibres to form a filter assembly; disposing, using the filter formation tool, the filter assembly into a container defining an interior volume such that the filter element divides the interior volume into a first chamber for receiving beverage ingredients and a brewing medium and second chamber; securing a second surface of the filter element to the container; uncoupling the filter formation tool from the registration element.
In one aspect, the disposing comprises adjusting the alignment of the filter assembly within the container.
In one aspect, the adjusting the alignment is one or more of shifting upwards or downwards, shifting lateral, spinning about a central longitudinal axis, and tilting.
In one aspect, the coupling the registration element comprises engagement with the top surface and/or a sidewall connecting the top surface to the bottom surface of the registration element.
In one aspect, the top surface and/or the sidewall comprises one or more alignment features configured to releasably engage with one or more alignment features on the filter formation tool.
In one aspect, the sidewall is an internal sidewall that defines an aperture therethrough. In one aspect, the sidewall is a peripheral sidewall.
In one aspect, the one or more alignment features are one or more of indentations, protrusions, and/or apertures are configured to permit a desired alignment of the registration element to the filter element before the registration element is coupled to the filter element and/or a desired alignment of the registration element within the container after the registration element is coupled to the filter element.
In one aspect, the contacting of the registration element to the first surface of the filter element is by ultrasonic welding.
In one aspect, the bottom surface defines one or more pockets. In one aspect, the bottom surface comprises one or more supports downwardly extending from the bottom surface, and defining one or more pockets.
In one aspect, the method further comprising dispensing a dosing ingredient into the one or more pockets and sealing the one or more pockets with a membrane. In one aspect, the membrane comprises a PLA laminate.
In one aspect, the dosing ingredient is an ingredient that would be desirable to maintain separation from the beverage ingredients before a process of brewing. In one aspect, the dosing ingredient is one or more of dairy, dairy substitutes, flavourings, concentrates, plant extracts, nutrients, vitamins, cannabinoids (CBD), and drugs. In one aspect, the dosing ingredient is a powder, liquid, or gel.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a filter assembly for use in making a beverage capsule for a brewed beverage machine, the method comprising: providing a filter element made at least in part of web fibres, the filter element comprising a first surface and a second surface that is opposite the first surface; disposing a
registration element on the first surface of the filter element; and coupling the registration element to the filter element, wherein when the filter assembly is disposed into a container to form a beverage capsule that is inserted into a brewed beverage machine, the filter element is arranged to be contacted by a piercing element of the brewed beverage machine.
In one aspect, the method of manufacturing a filter assembly further comprising cutting the filter element around the centre and a radial distance away from the registration element such that the filter element may be folded around the registration element and into a shape defining a filter element sidewall and suitable for containing beverage ingredients.
In one aspect, the registration element comprises a top surface, a bottom surface opposed the top surface, a sidewall connecting the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein the coupling the registration element comprises engagement with the top surface and/or the sidewall.
In one aspect, the top surface and/or the sidewall is configured for releasable engagement with a filter formation tool for disposing the filter assembly into the interior volume.
In one aspect, the top surface and/or sidewall comprises one or more alignment features configured to releasably engage with one or more alignment features on the filter formation tool.
In one aspect, the one or more alignment features are one or more of indentations, protrusions, and/or apertures configured to permit a desired alignment of the registration element to the filter element before the registration element is coupled to the filter element and/or a desired alignment of the registration element within the container after the registration element is coupled to the filter element.
The method of manufacturing a filter assembly of claim 42 wherein the desired alignment is one or more of shifting upwards or downwards, shifting lateral, spinning about a central longitudinal axis, and tilting.
In one aspect, the registration element defines one or more channels dimensioned to allow a brewed beverage to flow therethrough.
In one aspect, the bottom surface defines one or more pockets.
In one aspect, the bottom surface comprises one or more supports downwardly extending from the bottom surface and defining one or more pockets.
In one aspect, the one or more supports comprise a pointed tip for contacting and coupling the registration element to the filter element.
In one aspect, the coupling of the registration element to the filter element is by ultrasonic welding.
In one aspect, the method further comprising dispensing a dosing ingredient into the one or more pockets and sealing the one or more pockets with a membrane. In one aspect, the membrane comprises a PLA laminate. In one aspect, the dosing ingredient is an ingredient that would desirable to maintain separation from the beverage ingredients before a process of brewing. In one aspect, the dosing ingredient is one or more of dairy, dairy substitutes, flavourings, concentrates, plant extracts, nutrients, vitamins, cannabinoids (CBD), and drugs. In one aspect, the dosing ingredient is a powder, liquid, or gel.
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments:
Directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “vertically,” and “laterally” are used in the following description for the purpose of providing relative reference only, and are not intended to suggest any limitations on how any article is to be positioned during use, or to be mounted in an assembly or relative to an environment. The use of the word “a” or “an” when used herein in conjunction with the term “comprising” may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one” and “one or more than one”. Any element expressed in the singular form also encompasses its plural form. Any element expressed in the plural form also encompasses its singular form. The term “plurality” as used herein means more than one, for example, two or more, three or more, four or more, and the like.
As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including” and “containing,” and grammatical variations thereof, are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, un-recited elements and/or method steps. The term “consisting essentially of” when used herein in connection with a composition, use, or method, denotes that additional elements, method steps or both additional elements and method steps may be present, but that these additions do not materially affect the manner in which the recited composition, method or use functions. The term “consisting of” when used herein in connection with a composition, use, or method, excludes the presence of additional elements and/or method steps.
Beverage Capsule
The present disclosure relates to a beverage capsule and a method of manufacturing thereof. The present disclosure is also related to a filter assembly of the single-serve beverage capsule and a method of disposing the filter assembly within the single-serve beverage capsule. Referring to
The beverage capsule 100 comprises: (i) a container 110 that defines an interior volume; and (ii) a filter assembly 120 at least a portion of which is disposed in the interior volume of the container 110. When the filter assembly 120 is disposed into the container 110, the filter assembly 120 divides the interior volume into a first chamber 110a and a second chamber 110b. However, in other embodiments, the interior volume of the container 110 may be divided into more than two discrete chambers or sub-chambers. For example, first chamber 110a may be further sub-divided into two or more sub-chambers, each sub-chamber adapted to contain a dry beverage ingredient 50 or other material.
The container 110 comprises a base 112, a rim 114 circumscribing an opening 116, and a sidewall 118 extending between the base 112 and the rim 114. The base 112 comprises a surface portion 112a that circumscribes an indentation 112b. Surface 112a is preferably flat. However, in other embodiments, the surface 112a may be uneven or may have a combination of flat portions and uneven portions. The indentation 112b extends inwardly towards the interior volume of the container 110 and encroaches into the second chamber 110b.
As described in greater detail below, the indentation 112b is a structural feature forming a part of the base 112 of the container 110. The indentation 112b may extend the entire length (e.g. diameter) or over a portion of the length of the base 112. As contemplated in this illustrative embodiment, the indentation 112b occupies an area that is within and smaller than the area occupied by the base 112.
As described in greater detail below, the indentation 112b can act as a depth marker for use in determining or setting a depth to which the filter assembly 120 may be delivered into the container 110. For example, the filter assembly 120 can be delivered into the container 110 to a depth where at least a surface of the filter assembly 120 (e.g. an area of base 122a of the filter assembly 120) becomes contiguous with the indentation 112b. Depending on how far a manufacturer desires the filter assembly 120 to extend into the container 110, the height of the indentation 112b (i.e. the distance that the indentation 112b extends into the interior volume of the container 110) can be varied during the manufacturing process of the container 110. Depending on its manufactured height, the indentation 112b can also be adapted to decrease the likelihood of a filter formation tool (e.g. die 140) interference or friction fitting into the capsule 100 during filter assembly 120 formation. The indentation 112b can also act as a support for the filter assembly 120 during dosing of dry beverage ingredients and during tamping of the dry beverage ingredients the filter assembly 120 within the container 110.
As depicted in this illustrative embodiment, indentation 112b is frusto-conical in shape and centred in the base 112 of container 110. However, in other embodiments, the indentation can have any suitable shape such as a cone, a cylinder, a polygonal prism, and the like, and/or can be off-centred. In other embodiments, the container 110 can contain a plurality of indentations. In other embodiments, the container 110 can contain one or more indentations disposed in the side wall 118 and extending into the interior volume of the container 110.
In other embodiments, the container does not contain any indentations forming a part of the base. For example, and referring to
In other embodiments, for example, and referring to
Returning to
The opening 116 provides an ingress to the interior volume of the container 110. The opening 116 can be closed by a lid 130. As contemplated in this illustrative embodiment, the lid 130 is coupled to the rim 114 of the container 110 by a means known in the art such as, but not limited to, heat-sensitive adhesives and hot melting. However, in other embodiments, the lid 130 is not necessarily coupled to the rim 114 of container 110, and may be coupled to another appropriate location of the container 110. The lid 130 is made of any suitable material known in the art such as, but not limited to, a metallic foil, a polymer laminate material, and a biodegradable and compostable polymeric material such as polylactic acid (e.g. INGEO™ material or poly-L-lactide). Preferably, the lid 130 is water and gas impermeable. Preferably, the lid 130 is biodegradable.
The combination of the container 110 and the lid 130 (when closed over the opening 116 and sealing the interior volume) preferably provides a moisture and gas impermeable barrier between the contents (e.g. dry beverage ingredients 50) disposed within the beverage capsule 100 and the surrounding environment, thereby protecting the contents disposed within the beverage capsule 100 from, for example but not limited to, oxidation, rot, and/or moisture damage.
In this illustrative embodiment, the container 110 has a frustoconical shape. However, in other embodiments, the container may have any other suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a polygonal prism, a conical shape, a domed coup or a sphere. The container 110 is manufactured of any suitable material known in the art. For example, the container 110 may be made of a biodegradable and compostable fibre material such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid (e.g. Ingeo™), bamboo, bagasse, and any combination thereof. Preferably, the container 110 is biodegradable. Preferably, the container 110 is compostable.
The interior surface (not numbered) of the container 110 can be coated with a suitable coating material known in the art such as, but not limited to, a biodegradable and compostable polymeric material (e.g. polylactic acid, Ingeo™, poly-L-lactide, or a combination of biodegradable and compostable materials). Preferably, the coating material is water-impermeable. Preferably, the coating material is biodegradable. Preferably, the coating material is compostable.
The filter assembly 120 separates the first chamber 110a from the second chamber 110b and also acts a barrier to separate the dry beverage ingredients 50 from the second chamber 110b. The filter assembly 120 comprises a filter element 122 and a registration element 124 disposed thereon.
As contemplated in this illustrative embodiment, and referring to
As contemplated in this illustrative embodiment, and referring to
However, in other embodiments, the filter assembly can further comprise a rim, wherein the sidewall 122c of the filter element 122 terminates at the rim.
The filter element 122 has a first surface 123a and a second surface 123b that is opposite the first surface 123a. In a formed beverage capsule, and as described in greater detail below, the first surface 123a of the filter element 122 forms a portion of the boundary of the first chamber 110a, whereas the second surface 123b forms a portion of the boundary of the second chamber 110b.
As contemplated in this illustrative embodiment, the filter element 122 is entirely disposed within the interior volume of the container 110, and is coupled to the inner surface of the container 110 by means known in the art such as, but not limited to, a hot melt adhesive, thermal welding, a mechanical interference fit, suitable chemical processes, and ultra-sonication. For example, ultra-sonication can be used to weld the top of the side wall 122c of the filter element 122 to the inner surface of the side wall 118 at a location below the rim 114. Preferably, the top of the side wall 122c of the filter element 122 is ultra-sonically welded to the inner surface of the side wall 118 near the top of the container side wall 118. In other embodiments, the filter element 122 may be partially disposed in the interior volume of the container 110. In some of these other embodiments, portions of the filter element 122, particularly those portions of the filter element 122 that are near the edge 122b, can be formed into a rim, and the formed rim of the filter element can be joined to the lid 130 and/or between the lid 130 and the rim 114. In some other embodiments, portions of the filter element 122, particularly those portions of the filter element 122 that are near the edge 122b are secured to the rim 114 of the container. In some aspects, the filter element 122 is secured to rim 114 that is orthogonal to the side wall 118 of the container 110.
As contemplated in this illustrative embodiment, the filter element 122 is made of one or more spunbond nonwoven PLA filter web sheets, each sheet having a weight preferably between about 30 and about 80 grams per square meter. For example, the nonwoven PLA filter web sheets may also have a weight distribution of any one of about 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, and 80 g/m2. More preferably, the nonwoven PLA filter web sheets have a weight distribution of 45 g/m2. Spunbond nonwoven PLA filter web sheets can be oriented parallel or perpendicular to one another or any degree therebetween. For example, two spunbond nonwoven PLA filter web sheets forming a filter element can be oriented 0.1°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, or 90° relative to each other, or any degree therebetween.
Preferably, the filter element 122 has a permeability that allows heated liquid and dissolved solids to permeate through while preventing undissolved granular beverage ingredients 50 from filtering through. In other embodiments, the filter element 122 can be made of a heat sealable filter paper made of a petroleum-based material including, but not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. In other embodiments, the filter element 122 can be made of an undrawn nonwoven filter web material. In other embodiments, the filter element 122 can be made of a drawn nonwoven filter web material. In other embodiments, the filter element 122 can be made of a synthetic woven filter web material.
As contemplated in this illustrative embodiment, the filter element 122 has a substantially frusto-conical shape that is commensurate with the shape of the container 110. However, in other embodiments, the filter element 122 can have any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a cylinder shape, a polygonal prism, a domed shape, and a combination thereof.
The registration element 124 is adapted for coupling to the first surface 123a of the filter element 122, according to one embodiment.
The registration element 124 is made of a suitable material such as, but not limited to metal, a plastic, or a polymeric material derived from polylactic acid, Ingeo™, or poly-L-lactide. Preferably, the registration element 124 is made of a material that is biodegradable and preferably, the material is also compostable and fully plant based.
In a non-limiting example, a registration element made of one or more metals and can be coupled to the filter element 122 by a hot melt adhesive. In another non-limiting example, a thermo-plastic registration element can be ultrasonicated or thermally welded on the filter element 122 such that the bottom surface of the plastic registration element becomes affixed to the first surface 123a of the filter element 122, or and the web fibres of the filter element 122 become mixed together with portions of the registration element that are melted by thermal energy imparted by ultrasonication or thermal welding, the mixed web fibres and melted portions of the registration element forming an integral structure upon cooling.
The registration element 124 can be a discrete component that is pre-manufactured. For example, the registration element 124 can also be derived from a volume of granular raw material such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid, polyethylene, or polypropylene is disposed in the shape of a pre-determined geometric arrangement such as, but not limited to, a disc, a circle, a crescent, an oval, a polygon (e.g. a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon decagon, and the like), a star, a gear-shape, a washer-shape and the like. The granular raw material can then be heat moulded, or formed by another means known in the art, to form the registration element. In other embodiments, the volume of granular raw material can be directly disposed on the filter element 120, and the registration element can be directly formed onto the filter element 120.
According to one embodiment, the registration element 124 provides an otherwise loose filter element 122 with a static reference point from which a variety of mechanical processes can be performed. In a non-limiting example, the registration element 124 provides a structural feature for a mechanical apparatus to “pick and place” the filter assembly 120 (i.e. the mechanical apparatus is able to grasp the filter assembly 120 by the registration element 124), move the filter assembly 120 to a designated location, and release the filter assembly 120 at that designated location. The registration element 124 also provides a static reference point for use in centering filter assembly 120. For example, the registration element 124 can be welded to a static, central location on the filter element 122, so that the filter assembly 120 can be quickly and easily aligned to be concentric with a filter forming tool.
In some embodiments, the registration element 124 allows the manipulation of filter elements 122 made from biodegradable or plant-based materials (e.g. compostable plant polymers such as PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and PLA (polylactic acid)) which may have lower melting point and increase fragility into 3 dimensional geometries with symmetric folds without damaging the filter element 122. In some embodiments, the registration element 124 allows for precise location of the filter assembly 120 to any desired depth within the container 110. In particular, the registration element 124 allows for more precise positioning so that of the filter assembly 120 can be disposed to a position closer to the base 110 which increases the volume available for the loading of dry beverage ingredients 50 into the container 110. In some embodiments, the provision of the registration element 124 allows for more efficient control of the dosing of the dry beverage ingredients 50. For instance, since the registration element 124 will facilitate the positioning of the filter assembly 120 lower into the container 110, for a given amount, there would be a reduced likelihood of spillage of dry beverage ingredients 50 over the rim of the container 110 which will minimize wastage of the dry beverage ingredients 50 and does remove the need to clean the rim of the container 110 after the dosing. Additionally, in some embodiments, the diameter of the registration element 124 will dictate the depth at which the filter assembly 120 will seat in a typical frustoconically shaped container 110 and therefore, provision of the registration element 124 efficiently facilitates the positioning of the filter assembly 120 into the container 110.
In some embodiments, the provision of the registration element 124 will increase the quality of the brewed beverage because the registration element 124 when subjected to the upward movement of the piercing element 12 can function similar to a piston that exerts pressure and compresses the dry beverage ingredients 50 in the first chamber 110a to allow for better extraction during the brewing process (as will be described in detail below).
The registration element 124 comprises a top surface 124a, a bottom surface 124b, and a periphery sidewall 124c extending therebetween.
As contemplated in this illustrative embodiment, and referring to
The registration elements 124 can comprise additional features. As contemplated in this illustrative embodiment, and referring to
Non-limiting examples of features similar to aperture 124d that can increase the compatibility of the filter formation tool to the registration element are depicted in
The registration element can further comprise one or more channels for permitting the flow of liquid therethrough. As depicted in
One or more gaps 720 are defined by the space between projections 706 and collectively these features are configured to form a releasable connection with a filter formation tool 140 (as will be described in detail below).
One or more pockets 722 are formed in the space between the supports 712. The one or more pockets 722 are dimensioned to receive the piercing element from below. With reference to reference to
According to one embodiment, the provision of annular projections 706 and annular supports 712 provide some additional height for achieving more efficient processes of automation by improving unscrambling during transport on conveyors and mitigating the shingling effect observed when numerous substantially flat components are forced into an undesirable partially overlapping relationship with each other during the manufacturing process.
According to one embodiment, and with reference to
In addition, in some embodiments, the provision of the internal sidewall 124e and the aperture 124d provides an additional feature that a filter formation tool may be configured to complementary to, and thereby increasing the compatibility of the filter formation tool with the registration element 124.
In particular reference to
In particular reference to
In some aspects, the configuration of the registration elements 1024 and 1124 result in increased efficiency of construction because these designs removes the need for undercuts typically required during the moulding process.
In some aspects, the configuration of registration elements 1024 and 1124 overcomes various shortcomings arising from the use of certain materials such as PLA (which can be difficult to shoot and anneal (as this is done in mold) and require complicated and expensive mold making and design), which replaces the use of typical petroleum thermoplastics used in present commercial applications.
Construction of Filter Assembly and Placement Thereof into a Beverage Capsule
Referring to
The placement of the one or more registration element 124 on the first surface of the sheet of filter element 122 may not require exact measurement. However, planned placement of the one or more registration element 124 on the sheet of filter element 122 can maximize the number of registration elements 124 that can be disposed on the sheet of filter element 122, thereby optimizing usage of the sheet of filter element 122.
As described above, the method and means by which the registration element 124 can be coupled to the filter element 122 depends on the material of the registration element 124. For example, a registration element made of a suitable metal or metals (e.g. an inert metal that can withstand temperatures of 100° C. or greater) can be coupled to the filter element 122 by a hot melt adhesive. In another example, a registration element made of a material that can be at least partially melted (e.g. a polymeric material derived from polylactic acid, Ingeo™, or poly-L-lactide) can be coupled to the filter element 122 by thermal welding or ultrasonic welding. Furthermore, and depending on the material of the registration element, the registration element can also be coupled to the filter element by other means including, but not limited to, chemical processes, mechanical means (e.g. fasteners), magnetic means, or interference fit.
As contemplated in this illustrative embodiment, the registration element 124 is made of a material (e.g. a poly-lactic acid based material) that is the same as or substantially similar to the material from which the filter element 122 is made, and is coupled to the first surface of the filter element 122 by ultrasonic welding. In some instances of ultrasonic welding, at least a portion of the bottom surface 124b (as depicted in
In other manufacturing methods, the registration element is directly formed onto the filter element 122. For example, a volume of granular raw material such as, but not limited to, polylactic acid, polyethylene, or polypropylene can be disposed in the shape of a pre-determined geometric arrangement such as, but not limited to, a disc, a circle, a crescent, an oval, a polygon (e.g. a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon decagon, and the like), a star, a gear-shape, and the like, on the filter web of the filter element 122. The volume of granular raw material can be welded to the filter web of the filter element 122 by techniques such as, but not limited to, ultrasonic, thermal, or chemical welding, such that the volume of granular raw material amalgamates and forms a registration element adapted to provide alignment of the filter assembly 120 during its placement into the container 110.
As contemplated herein, the registration element 124 is positioned on the first surface of the filter element 122 such that when the filter assembly 120 is formed, the registration element 124 covers an area that is equal to or less than the area of the base 122a of the filer element 122.
Once affixed to the filter element 122, the affixed registration element 124 can be used as a reference point to die cut the sheet of filter element 122. For example, the sheet of filter element 122 can be die cut at a consistent radius from the centre of the registration element 124, thereby forming a filter assembly 120 comprising a filter element 122 and the registration element 124 centred on the filter element 122 (as depicted in
The filter assembly 120 is then disposed within the interior volume of the container 110. Referring to
The complementary fitting of the registration element 124 and the base 142 of the die 140, leading to the formation of interface 150, provides radial, angular, and/or axial alignment of the filter assembly 120 relative to the die 140. Such alignment minimizes the likelihood of the filter assembly 120, and particularly the filter element 122, shifting, spinning, tilting, or otherwise misaligning during insertion and fitting into the container 110. Features of the registration element such as the non-limiting examples depicted in
Referring to
The partially-formed beverage capsule 100 proceeds to subsequent manufacturing steps including coupling the filter assembly 120 to the container 110, introducing the dry beverage ingredients 50 into the first chamber 110a, tamping the dry beverage ingredients 50 within the first chamber 110a, and sealing the beverage capsule 100 with the lid 130. In other embodiments, the filter assembly 120 can be disposed into the container 110 such that it does not contact the indentation 112b (e.g. the base 122a of the filter assembly 120 is located at a pre-defined distance above the indentation 112b) and is delivered into the container 110 to a pre-determined depth.
The methods of manufacture disclosed herein can provide: (i) a side wall height tolerance as narrow as ±0.005 mm; (ii) a filter element depth tolerance (i.e. the depth that the filter assembly 120 is disposed into the container 110) as narrow as 0.01 mm; and/or (iii) an angular tolerance of the base of the seated filter assembly as narrow as ±0.1 degrees.
Referring to
Use of the Beverage Capsule
Referring to
A brewing medium (e.g. hot water) is expelled from the fluid injector and into the first chamber 110a. The brewing medium mixes with the beverage ingredients 50, and flavours from the beverage ingredients are extracted or dissolved into the brewing medium. The brewing medium containing the extracted or dissolved flavours percolates through the filter element 122 and into second chamber 110b. The fluid extractor extracts the brewing medium containing the extracted flavours from second chamber 110b. The brewing medium containing the extracted flavours is then dispensed from the brewing machine as a drink beverage. The used beverage capsule 100 is expelled from the brewing machine.
Referring to
Similar to the above, a brewing medium (e.g. hot water) (not shown) is expelled into the first chamber 710a and the brewing medium mixes with the beverage ingredients 50, and flavours from the dry beverage ingredients 50 are extracted or dissolved into the brewing medium. The brewing medium containing the extracted or dissolved flavours percolates through the filter element 122 and into second chamber 710b. The fluid extractor 12 extracts the brewing medium containing the extracted flavours from second chamber 710b. The brewing medium containing the extracted flavours is then dispensed from the brewing machine as a drink beverage. The used beverage capsule 700 is expelled from the brewing machine.
It should be understood that aspects of the invention are described herein with reference to the figures, which show illustrative embodiments in accordance with aspects of the invention. The illustrative embodiments described herein are not necessarily intended to show all aspects of the invention, but rather are used to describe a few illustrative embodiments. Thus, aspects of the invention are not intended to be construed narrowly in view of the illustrative embodiments. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals used throughout the drawings refer to the same or like parts.
It should be appreciated, then, that the various concepts and embodiments discussed herein may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the disclosed concepts and embodiments are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may be used alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the invention. In particular, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected to create alternate embodiments comprised of a subcombination of features which may not be explicitly described above. In addition, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected and combined to create alternate embodiments comprised of a combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. Features suitable for such combinations and subcombinations would be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art upon review of the present application as a whole. Any dimensions provided in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting on the scope of the invention. The subject matter described herein and in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.
This application is a continuation and claims priority benefit to Patent Cooperation Treaty No. PCT/CA2020/050015, filed Jan. 7, 2020, which claims priority benefit to U.S. provisional patent application 62/789,209 filed Jan. 7, 2019, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20210401219 A1 | Dec 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62789209 | Jan 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/CA2020/050015 | Jan 2020 | WO |
| Child | 17369641 | US |
