RU2732324C2 - Cartridge for beverages preparation and method of cartridge manufacturing - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: food industry.

SUBSTANCE: cartridge (1) containing one or more beverage ingredients (200) and made from essentially air- and water-impermeable materials, wherein cartridge comprises inlet and outlet (122) for dispensing beverage made from one or more beverage ingredients, wherein cartridge comprises outer member (2) and inner member (3), it differs from known designs in that inner element comprises dispensing branch pipe (43) to make cartridge outlet.

EFFECT: cartridge for making beverages and a method for manufacturing a cartridge are disclosed.

43 cl, 37 dwg, 2 tbl

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge for preparing beverages, and in particular to sealed cartridges that are made of substantially air and watertight materials and which contain one or more ingredients for preparing beverages.

It has previously been proposed to seal the beverage preparation ingredients in separate airtight containers. For example, cartridges or capsules containing compacted ground coffee are known for use in certain coffee-making machines that are commonly referred to as "espresso" machines. When making coffee using these machines, the coffee cartridge is placed in the brewing chamber, and hot water is passed through the cartridge at a relatively high pressure, thereby extracting aroma components from the ground coffee to obtain a coffee beverage. Typically, such machines operate under a pressure of more than 6x10 ⁵ Pa. Coffee machines of the type described have hitherto been quite expensive because machine components such as water pumps and seals have to withstand high pressures.

WO 01/58786 describes a cartridge for the preparation of beverages which operates under a pressure in the general range of 0.7 to 2.0x10 ⁵ Pa. However, this cartridge is designed for use in a beverage preparation machine for the commercial or industrial market and is relatively expensive. Therefore, there remains a need for a beverage preparation cartridge in which the cartridges and beverage preparation machine are suitable, in particular in terms of cost, performance and reliability, for household use.

It has also proved difficult to sterilize beverage cartridges of the types described above due to the narrow and tortuous channels that are formed in the cartridge bodies. Sterilization, for example by exposing cartridges to water vapor, may not be quite effective for tortuous channels, due to the characteristics of the surface tension of the cartridge, which prevents the penetration of water vapor into the tortuous channels and, accordingly, prevents water vapor from acting on the surfaces of the components.

Beverage cartridges can experience splashing and splashing problems that cause the beverage to be squirted out and spilled out of the receptacle when dispensing a beverage from the beverage cartridge. This is especially the case when dispensing beverages at a relatively high pressure. Attempts are being made to mitigate this problem by using a dispensing probe on the beverage preparation machine to guide the beverage into a receptacle. However, the dispensing probe tends to get dirty over time with beverage residues and is difficult to clean. In addition, there is the potential for cross-contamination of different types of beverages.

In addition, a strong jet of beverage is formed in the cartridge of WO 01/58786 by passing the beverage through the opening. It has proven difficult to accurately measure and locate these types of holes. Accurate sizing and positioning of the opening is essential as it is key to properly trapping air bubbles in the finished beverage. The formation of small holes is especially difficult in injection molded parts in which the hole placement is internal and surrounded by other parts of the part. The traditional method of forming a hole is to use a forming pin sized to fit the required hole diameter. However, the holes formed by the forming pins can generally only be directed towards the opening in the part (which opening allows the forming pin to enter the part during forming). In the beverage cartridge, this leads to a very rapid dispensing of the beverage from the opening at speeds up to 12-16 m / s, since it is directed directly to the outlet.

One of the factors in the reliability of cartridges is their ability to withstand increased internal pressure.

In order to reduce the cost of such cartridges, it is desirable to manufacture them in a simple, reliable manner. In particular, it is desirable to reduce the proportion of manual part operations as well as to reduce the total number of parts.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for introduction into the cartridge of an aqueous medium and an outlet for dispensing a beverage made from one or more beverage ingredients, the cartridge contains an outer element and an inner element combined into one unit with an outer element, characterized in that the inner element contains a dispensing pipe that forms the outlet of the cartridge.

The cartridge according to the invention is easily assembled from the main components, which are the inner element and the outer element. The use of separate parts for the interior and exterior elements, which are then combined into a single unit, optimizes the manufacture of each component. This is particularly useful in the cartridge of the invention, where very small tolerances are desired because the flow path of the beverage through the cartridge is limited by the interface between the outer member and the inner member. In addition, the components of the inner member and the outer member can more easily be sterilized prior to assembly when they are separated. Immediately after the connection of the components, several narrow, tortuous paths are formed, which cannot be sterilized by known methods. The ability to sterilize the components is a particularly important advantage when cartridges are used in the production of dairy-based beverages. In addition, due to the use of separate components that connect, the cartridge does not need to be inverted during assembly, since the connection of the inner element and, if desired, the filter, filling the cartridge with beverage ingredients and attaching the lid, such as a laminated material, can all be done at the same the same orientation of the outer element.

Preferably, the inner element comprises a dispensing tube. The dispensing spout serves to direct the dispensed beverage into a receptacle such as a cup. The dispensing nozzle avoids splashing or splashing of the beverage and is also useful in adjusting the flow characteristics of the beverage as it travels from the cartridge to the receiver. For example, the dispensing tube can be shaped to reduce the amount of turbulence imparted to the beverage in order to avoid an undesirable reduction in the number of bubbles contained in the beverage. It is also advantageous that the cartridge itself contains a dispensing port instead of having a separate dispensing port or probe in the beverage preparation machine. In this way, the risk of cross-contamination of beverage types between preparation and dispensing cycles is eliminated, since each dispensing connection is used only once and then removed along with the rest of the cartridge. In addition, preferably, the beverage dispensed through the dispensing nozzle will not come into contact with the outlet of the beverage preparation machine, thus avoiding contamination of the beverage preparation machine with beverage residues. Preferably, the outlet is integral with the inner element. Preferably, the dispensing tube and the inner member are injection molded or otherwise molded into a single, one-piece assembly, which reduces the cost of manufacturing the cartridge and reduces the number of components requiring assembly.

In one embodiment, the outlet includes a tapered section. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing spout comprises a cylindrical portion. In yet another further embodiment, the dispensing tube comprises a baffle extending over at least a portion of the length of the dispensing tube. The baffle reduces the amount of splashing and splashing of the beverage during dispensing.

Preferably, a snap fit is used to interconnect the outer member and the inner member. Typically, a snap fit includes engaging structures on the inner member and the outer member. Snap-in fit offers a quick assembly yet secure way of joining the inner member to the outer member. The advantage is that the snap fit eliminates the need for glue or other similar adhesives inside the cartridge in which they will be exposed to contact the beverage ingredients.

Preferably, the outer member comprises a closed first end and an open second end, with the inner member being connected to the outer member, the outlet of the dispensing spout facing the open second end. Also preferably, the inlet faces the open second end of the outer member. Thus, the inlet and outlet are facing the same side of the cartridge. This allows the cartridge to be used in a low profile machine, the penetration means for forming the inlet and outlet in use protrude from the same plane of the beverage preparation machine.

Preferably, the outer member and the inner member are interconnected at or adjacent to the closed first end of the outer member. Thus, the connection of the inner and outer elements is achieved at a point remote from the open end or mouth of the outer element. Preferably, the joining operation can be performed prior to filling the cartridge with beverage ingredients and prior to sealing the open end or mouth of the cartridge. This simplifies the assembly process as the inner and outer elements can first be connected together to form a cartridge assembly that can then be moved to the filling station of the packaging line in which one or more beverage ingredients are placed. The filled cartridge is then sealed with, for example, a laminated sheet which is heat welded to the open end of the outer member. This assembly process avoids the difficult task of aligning and maintaining alignment of the outer member, the inner member, and the laminate during a heat weld operation.

Preferably, the outer member comprises an inwardly facing projection that is inserted into the proximal end of the dispensing tube when the outer member and the inner member are connected.

In one embodiment, the inner member comprises a frame in which the filter is placed. Preferably, when joining the inner element and the outer element, one or more passageways are formed between the inner element and the frame. Further, one or more passages are preferably separated by webs extending upwardly from the frame to the closed first end of the outer member. Preferably, one or more of the passages slope downward towards the outlet.

In another embodiment, the inner element also includes a skirt surrounding the dispensing spout. Preferably, the skirt comprises an upper projection which, when the cartridge is assembled, contacts the closed first end of the cartridge. The upper edge of the upper protrusion preferably engages with the engaging formation of the outer member to form a snap fit for connecting the inner member to the outer member. Typically, the engaging formation of the outer member is an inwardly facing projection.

Preferably, the cartridge is in the form of a disc. In addition, the cartridge also contains means for producing a strong jet of beverage, which means is an opening in the flow path of the beverage between the inlet and outlet. The inlet and / or outlet is preferably covered with an air and watertight material prior to forming, using the inlet and / or outlet of the cartridge. For example, the entrance and / or exit is covered with a substantially air and watertight laminate. The laminated material can be polypropylene. The outer element and / or the inner element is made, for example, of polypropylene. Alternatively, the outer element and / or the inner element can be made of a biodegradable polymer.

Preferably, the inner member forms a load bearing member.

Preferably, a cartridge of cartridges is also provided, each cartridge as described above in which the percentage yield of beverage produced from one or more beverage ingredients contained in the cartridge is constant within 1.0 standard deviations.

The present invention provides a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, said cartridge comprising an inlet for introduction into the cartridge of an aqueous medium and an outlet for a beverage made from said one or more beverage ingredients, said cartridge the cartridge comprises an outer element and an inner element inserted into the outer element, and means for producing a strong jet of beverage, said means for producing a strong jet of beverage comprises an opening in the path for the flow of beverage connecting the inlet and outlet, characterized in that this opening is formed by a surface section between the inner element and the outer element.

The cartridge of the invention produces a strong beverage stream that can be used to alter the appearance and characteristics of the dispensed beverage, for example by entraining air in the beverage jet to create a variety of fine drinks in the dispensed beverage. The cartridge according to the invention is easily assembled from the main components, which are the inner element and the outer element. The use of separate parts for the interior and exterior elements, which are then combined into a single unit, optimizes the manufacture of each component. This is particularly useful in the cartridge of the invention, where very small tolerances are required for the sizing and location of the jetting hole and for the rest of the beverage path through the cartridge. In addition, the opening can be directed perpendicular to the general direction of the flow path so that the beverage hits the wall or surface of the cartridge and thus slows down before dispensing. As described above, such precision and hole orientation are difficult in injection molded components. According to the invention, this difficulty is overcome by limiting the hole by using a transition between the inner element and the outer element, instead of forming the entire hole in a separate component using, for example, a forming pin.

Preferably, one of the inner element and the outer element contains an opening, and the other of the inner element and the outer element contains an obstacle, so that when the inner element is inserted into the outer element, the obstacle partially obstructs the opening, thus forming an opening.

Preferably, it is easier to produce a separate opening and obstruction that can be brought together to constrain the opening. Preferably, the opening consists of an elongated slot that can be formed in the inner member. In this case, the outer element contains an obstacle.

Preferably, the obstacle comprises a projection of the outer element, at least part of which projects onto the inner element. An elongated slot can be formed in the cylindrical wall of the inner member. Preferably, the elongated slot reaches the top edge of the cylindrical wall. In one embodiment, the projection of the outer member is a cylindrical projection that slides into the cylindrical wall of the inner member. Typically, the hole has a cross-sectional area of 0.4 to 0.7 mm ² .

Preferably, the cartridge also comprises at least one air inlet and means for relieving the pressure of the strong jet of beverage, so that during use, at least one suction of air enters the beverage in the form of many small bubbles. Preferably, at least one air inlet is provided in the inner element downstream of the opening. The inner element may include a dispensing tube defining an outlet. Preferably, a strong jet of beverage exiting from the opening is directed into the dispensing nozzle, where it can strike the surface of the dispensing nozzle between the outlet from the opening and the exit from the outlet. Preferably, the surface is the concave wall of the outlet. The concave wall is preferably located on the opposite side of the outlet from the opening. Preferably, the opening directs the beverage flow substantially perpendicular to the beverage flow from the outlet. The beverage is thus deflected before it can leave the cartridge, which slows the beverage down to prevent splashing in the receiver.

The components of the inner member and the outer member can be sterilized more easily before assembly when they are separated. Immediately after the connection of the components, several narrow, tortuous paths are formed, which cannot be sterilized by known methods. The ability to sterilize the components is a particularly important advantage when cartridges are used to dispense dairy-based beverages.

Preferably, the outlet is integral with the inner element. The dispensing spout serves to direct the dispensed beverage into a receptacle such as a cup. The dispensing nozzle avoids splashing or splashing of the beverage and is also useful in adjusting the flow characteristics of the beverage as it travels from the cartridge to the receiver. For example, the dispensing tube can be shaped to reduce the amount of turbulence imparted to the beverage in order to avoid an undesirable reduction in the number of bubbles contained in the beverage. It is also advantageous that the cartridge itself contains a dispensing connection instead of having a separate dispensing connection in the beverage preparation machine. In this way, the risk of cross-contamination of beverage types between preparation and dispensing cycles is eliminated, since each dispensing connection is used only once and then removed along with the rest of the cartridge. In addition, preferably, the beverage dispensed through the dispensing nozzle will not come into contact with the outlet of the beverage preparation machine, thus avoiding contamination of the beverage preparation machine with beverage residues. Preferably, the dispensing tube and the inner member are injection molded or otherwise molded into a single, one-piece assembly, which reduces the cost of manufacturing the cartridge and reduces the number of components requiring assembly.

Preferably, the cartridge is disc-shaped. The outer element and / or the inner element is made, for example, of polypropylene. The cartridge can be made from a biodegradable polymer.

The present invention also provides a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising a compartment containing one or more beverage ingredients, a compartment containing a plurality of inlets for introducing an aqueous medium into the compartment and a plurality of outlets for a beverage derived from one or more beverage ingredients, in which at least a portion of the inlets are not aligned with the outlets such that at least a portion of the aqueous medium entering the compartment through the inlets is circulated in the compartment before leaving the compartment through the outlet openings, characterized in that the inlets are located along the periphery of the compartment.

Preferably, the cartridge according to the invention comprises inlets and outlets, at least some of which are not aligned. This prevents the aqueous medium entering the compartment containing the beverage ingredients from passing directly from the inlets to the outlets. Instead, the aqueous medium is forced to circulate in the compartment before exiting through the outlet. This increases the degree of mixing between the aqueous medium and the beverage ingredients since substantially all portions of the beverage ingredients in the compartment are caught in the path of the aqueous medium.

Preferably, the inlet openings can be evenly spaced around the periphery of the compartment. Preferably, the outlets are located closer to the center of the compartment as compared to the inlets. Outlets can be evenly spaced around the center of the compartment. Placing the inlets and outlets at equal intervals provides more uniform flow characteristics within the compartment, which allows for more even mixing of the beverage ingredients and the aqueous medium.

Preferably, the cartridge has 3 to 10 ports. In one embodiment, 4 inlets are provided.

Preferably, the cartridge has 3 to 10 outlets. In one embodiment, 5 outlets are provided.

Preferably, a different number of inlets and outlets are used.

Preferably, the number of inlets and outlets is determined by the formula:

X _o = X _i + C

Where

X _i = number of inlets

X _o = number of outlets

С = set of integers excluding 0 or nX _i

n = any integer.

Preferably, the number of inlets and outlets is selected according to the formula indicated. This is especially useful with a disc-shaped cartridge and the holes are evenly spaced around the cartridge since there is no need to deliberately align the cartridge components containing inlets and outlets during assembly. For any relative orientation of the components, at least some of the inlets and outlets will not be aligned. For example, with four inlets and five outlets that are all equally spaced, it is impossible to align more than one inlet with one outlet in any alignment of components containing inlets and outlets. This leads to a much faster and easier assembly procedure. On the other hand, the cartridge may contain the same number of inlets and outlets, but the spacing between them can be chosen to ensure that at least some of the inlets and outlets do not align.

Typically, the inlets are located in the outer member of the cartridge and the outlets are located in the inner member of the cartridge. Preferably, the inner member comprises a dispensing tube in communication with the outlet openings.

In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is disc-shaped. Preferably, the flow of the aqueous medium through the inlets into the compartment is directed radially inward towards the center of the cartridge.

The cartridge is particularly suitable for use with beverage ingredients in the form of viscous liquids or gels. In one application, cartridge 1 contains an ingredient in the form of liquid chocolate with a viscosity of 1700 to 3900 mPa at ambient temperature and 5000 to 10,000 mPa at 0 °, and refractive solids 67 brix ± 3. In another application, cartridge 1 contains liquid coffee with a viscosity of 70 to 2000 mPa at ambient temperature and 80 to 5000 mPa at 0 °, the coffee having a total dry matter content of 40 to 70%.

With soluble beverage ingredients such as a viscous liquid or gel, incomplete mixing of the ingredients with an aqueous medium can create a serious problem. In particular, in cartridges containing such products, channels between the inlet and outlet of the cartridge may rapidly develop due to local dissolution of the ingredient. The channels then form paths for the remaining aqueous medium to flow at a relatively low resistance, and the aqueous medium will tend to flow through these channels rather than through the remaining, undissolved, viscous ingredient in the compartment. The cartridge of the invention largely solves this problem by forcing the aqueous medium to circulate within the compartment, which not only leads to the dissolution of a greater proportion of the ingredients, but also creates turbulence inside the compartment, which improves mixing of the remaining ingredient, which in turn prevents the formation or maintenance of pathways. for low resistance flow, connecting inlets to outlets.

The outer element and / or the inner element can be made of polypropylene and can be obtained by injection molding. In one embodiment, the outer element and / or the inner element are made of a biodegradable polymer.

The present invention also provides a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an outer member defining a storage chamber in which one or more beverage ingredients are stored, and an inner member having a dispensing tube forming an outlet for a beverage formed from one or more beverage ingredients, characterized in that the inner member forms a load bearing member.

The cartridge of the invention provides a reliable beverage dispensing mechanism. In particular, the inner member forms a load bearing member. which allows the cartridge to withstand relatively high compressive loads during use. This allows the cartridge to be used in a beverage preparation machine that subjects the cartridge to compressive stress prior to the dispensing cycle. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of cartridge failure when the cartridge is pressurized internally. In addition, applying a compressive load to the cartridge ensures that the cartridge components are held firmly and precisely in place.

Preferably, the inner member and the outer member are separate components that are interconnected during assembly of the cartridge.

Preferably, the cartridge also contains a filter connected to the inner member.

Preferably, the inner member forms a load bearing member that is sufficiently rigid so that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load exceeding 130 N. More preferably, the load bearing member is sufficiently rigid so that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load exceeding 200 N. Preferably, the load bearing member has sufficient rigidity so that the load bearing member can withstand a compressive load exceeding 130 N.

In one embodiment, the inner member is made of polypropylene. On the other hand, the outer element and / or the inner element are made of a biodegradable polymer.

Preferably, the inner element comprises a dispensing tube. The dispensing spout serves to direct the dispensed beverage into a receptacle such as a cup. The dispensing nozzle avoids splashing or splashing of the beverage and is also useful in adjusting the flow characteristics of the beverage as it travels from the cartridge to the receiver. For example, the dispensing tube can be shaped to reduce the amount of turbulence imparted to the beverage in order to avoid an undesirable reduction in the number of bubbles contained in the beverage. Preferably, the dispensing tube and the inner member are integrally molded.

The present invention provides a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and is made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising a body having a closed first end and an open second end, the body defining a storage chamber in which one or more ingredients are stored beverage, and the open second end of the housing is sealed with a lid, characterized by a cartridge further containing a load bearing element and located between the closed first end of the housing and the lid.

Preferably, the load bearing member comprises a dispensing chute defining an outlet for flowing out a beverage made from one or more beverage ingredients.

Preferably, the load bearing member is located at or near the center of the cartridge.

Preferably, the inner member forms a load bearing member and is sufficiently rigid so that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load exceeding 130 N. More preferably, the load bearing member is sufficiently rigid so that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load exceeding 2000 N. Preferably, the load bearing member has sufficient rigidity so that the load bearing member can withstand a compressive load exceeding 130 N.

The present invention also provides a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an outer member defining a storage chamber in which one or more beverage ingredients are stored, an inner member having a dispensing tube, forming an outlet for the outflow of a beverage formed from one or more beverage ingredients, and a filter located between the storage chamber and the dispensing pipe, characterized in that the inner element and the filter are connected in one operation to the outer element by means of at least one weld.

Preferably, the cartridge of the invention can be assembled in a reliable manner with minimal manual handling of the components. In addition, the outer element, the inner element and the filter can be assembled first as an assembly and then easily transported without danger of the filter being dislodged. This allows the outer element, inner element and filter to be collected in a different location from where the cartridge is being filled and sealed.

Preferably, the outer member has an opening for accessing the storage chamber in which the inner member and the filter are connected to the outer member at a base remote from the opening.

Preferably, the inner element, the outer element and the filter are of an annular shape.

Preferably, the weld is substantially circular.

In one embodiment, the inner member and the outer member are made of plastic and the at least one weld seam is an ultrasonic weld seam.

In one example, the inner member comprises a frame and at least one weld seam is formed around the periphery of said frame. This weld seam prevents the beverage from flowing out of the storage chamber other than through the filter. Preferably, the frame comprises a plurality of baffles extending upwardly from the frame towards the closed first end of the outer member, defining one or more channels between the frame and the closed first end of the outer member, and wherein welds are formed between the baffles and the closed first end of the outer member.

The present invention also provides a method of making a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an outer member defining a storage chamber in which one or more beverage ingredients are stored, an inner member having a dispensing a nozzle defining an outlet for the outflow of a beverage formed from one or more beverage ingredients, and a filter characterized by a method comprising joining the inner element and the filter in one operation with the outer element by at least one welding operation.

Preferably, the welding operation is ultrasonic welding.

Preferably, the method also comprises forming a first weld around the periphery of the inner member and filter.

Preferably, the method also comprises forming a second weld around the inner member and filter at or near the dispensing tube.

It is understood that the term "cartridge" as used herein means any package, container, sachet or receptacle that contains one or more beverage ingredients as described above. The cartridge can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible.

The cartridge of the invention contains one or more beverage ingredients suitable for producing a finished beverage. The finished beverage can be, for example, coffee, tea, chocolate, or a milk-based beverage including milk. Milk ingredients can be in powder form, ground, leaf-based, or liquid. The ingredients in the drink can be insoluble or soluble. Examples include roasted and ground coffee, loose leaf tea, powdered chocolate and soup, liquid dairy-based drinks, and concentrated fruit juices.

The present invention also provides a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for introducing an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for dispensing a beverage made from one or more beverage ingredients, characterized in that that the cartridge comprises an outer member and an inner member, which are assembled together with the outer member, the inner member forming an outlet of the cartridge, in which a snap fit is used to assemble the cartridge to connect the outer member and the inner member.

The cartridge according to the invention is easily assembled from the main components, which are the inner element and the outer element. Using separate parts for the inner and outer elements, which are then combined into a single assembly using a snap-fit mechanism, optimizes the fabrication of each component and the assembly of the cartridge. This is particularly useful in the cartridge of the invention, where very small tolerances are desired because the flow path of the beverage through the cartridge is limited by the interface between the outer member and the inner member. In addition, the components of the inner member and the outer member can be sterilized more easily prior to assembly when they are separated. Once the components are connected by the snap-fit mechanism, several narrow, winding paths are formed that cannot be sterilized by known methods. The ability to sterilize the components is a particularly important advantage when cartridges are used to dispense dairy-based beverages. A snap fit provides a quick but secure way to connect the inner member to the outer member.

Preferably, the snap fit avoids the use of glue or other similar adhesives within the cartridge where they will be exposed to contact the beverage ingredients.

Typically, the snap-fit means comprise engaging formations on the inner member and the outer member. Preferably, the outer element comprises a closed first end and an open second end, with the inner element being snap-fit to the outer element, the outlet of the inner element facing the open second end. Also preferably, the inlet faces the open second end of the outer member. Thus, the inlet and outlet are facing the same side of the cartridge. This allows the cartridge to be used in a low profile machine, the penetration means for forming the inlet and outlet in use protrude from the same plane of the beverage preparation machine.

Preferably, the outer member and the inner member are interconnected by a snap fit mechanism at or near the closed first end of the outer member. Thus, the connection of the inner and outer elements is achieved at a point remote from the open end or mouth of the outer element. Preferably, the snap-fit operation may be performed prior to filling the cartridge with beverage ingredients and prior to sealing the open end or mouth of the cartridge. This simplifies the assembly process as the inner and outer members can first be joined together in a snap fit to form a cartridge assembly that can then be moved to the filling station of the packaging line where one or more beverage ingredients are placed therein. The filled cartridge is then sealed with, for example, a laminated sheet which is heat welded to the open end of the outer member. This assembly process avoids the difficult task of aligning and maintaining alignment of the outer member, the inner member, and the laminate during a heat weld operation.

Preferably, the snap fit means between the inner member and the outer member form a watertight seal.

In one embodiment, the inner member also includes a skirt surrounding the dispensing spout, the skirt comprising an upper protrusion having an upper edge that, when the cartridge is assembled, cooperates to form a snap fit mechanism to couple the inner member to the outer member. Typically, the engaging formation of the outer member is an inwardly facing projection.

Preferably, the outer member comprises an inwardly facing projection that is inserted into the proximal end of the dispensing tube at the junction of the outer member and the inner member.

Preferably, the inner element comprises a dispensing tube. The dispensing spout serves to direct the dispensed beverage into a receptacle such as a cup. The dispensing nozzle avoids splashing or splashing of the beverage and is also useful in adjusting the flow characteristics of the beverage as it travels from the cartridge to the receiver. For example, the dispensing tube can be shaped to reduce the amount of turbulence imparted to the beverage in order to avoid an undesirable reduction in the number of bubbles contained in the beverage. It is also advantageous that the cartridge itself contains a dispensing connection instead of having a separate dispensing connection in the beverage preparation machine. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination of beverage types between dispensing cycles, since each dispensing connection is only used once and then removed along with the rest of the cartridge. Furthermore, it is preferable that the beverage dispensed through the dispensing nozzle will not contact the outlet of the beverage preparation machine, thus avoiding contamination of the beverage preparation machine. Preferably, the outlet is integral with the inner element. Preferably, the dispensing tube and the inner member are injection molded or otherwise molded into a single, one-piece assembly, which reduces the cost of manufacturing the cartridge and reduces the number of components requiring assembly.

In one embodiment, the outlet includes a tapered section. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing spout comprises a cylindrical portion. In yet another further embodiment, the dispensing tube comprises a baffle extending over at least a portion of the length of the dispensing tube. The baffle reduces the amount of splashing and splashing of the beverage during dispensing.

Preferably, the inner element comprises a dispensing tube. The dispensing spout serves to direct the dispensed beverage into a receptacle such as a cup. The dispensing nozzle avoids splashing or splashing of the beverage and is also useful in adjusting the flow characteristics of the beverage as it travels from the cartridge to the receiver. For example, the dispensing tube can be shaped to reduce the amount of turbulence imparted to the beverage in order to avoid an undesirable reduction in the number of bubbles contained in the beverage. It is also advantageous that the cartridge itself contains a dispensing port instead of having a separate dispensing port or probe in the beverage preparation machine. In this way, the risk of cross-contamination of beverage types between preparation and dispensing cycles is eliminated, since each dispensing connection is used only once and then removed along with the rest of the cartridge. In addition, preferably, the beverage dispensed through the dispensing nozzle will not come into contact with the outlet of the beverage preparation machine, thus avoiding contamination of the beverage preparation machine with beverage residues. Preferably, the outlet is integral with the inner element. Preferably, the dispensing tube and the inner member are injection molded or otherwise molded into a single, one-piece assembly, which reduces the cost of manufacturing the cartridge and reduces the number of components requiring assembly.

In one embodiment, the outlet includes a tapered section. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing spout comprises a cylindrical portion. In yet another further embodiment, the dispensing tube comprises a baffle extending over at least a portion of the length of the dispensing tube. The baffle reduces the amount of splashing and splashing of the beverage during dispensing.

Preferably, the inner element comprises a dispensing tube. The dispensing spout serves to direct the dispensed beverage into a receptacle such as a cup. The dispensing nozzle avoids splashing or splashing of the beverage and is also useful in adjusting the flow characteristics of the beverage as it travels from the cartridge to the receiver. For example, the dispensing tube can be shaped to reduce the amount of turbulence imparted to the beverage in order to avoid an undesirable reduction in the number of bubbles contained in the beverage. It is also advantageous that the cartridge itself contains a dispensing port instead of having a separate dispensing port or probe in the beverage preparation machine. In this way, the risk of cross-contamination of beverage types between preparation and dispensing cycles is eliminated, since each dispensing connection is used only once and then removed along with the rest of the cartridge. In addition, preferably, the beverage dispensed through the dispensing nozzle will not come into contact with the outlet of the beverage preparation machine, thus avoiding contamination of the beverage preparation machine with beverage residues. Preferably, the outlet is integral with the inner element. Preferably, the dispensing tube and the inner member are injection molded or otherwise molded into a single, one-piece assembly, which reduces the cost of manufacturing the cartridge and reduces the number of components requiring assembly.

In one embodiment, the outlet includes a tapered section. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing spout comprises a cylindrical portion. In yet another further embodiment, the dispensing tube comprises a baffle extending over at least a portion of the length of the dispensing tube. The baffle reduces the amount of splashing and splashing of the beverage during dispensing.

Preferably, the inner element comprises a dispensing tube. The dispensing spout serves to direct the dispensed beverage into a receptacle such as a cup. The dispensing nozzle avoids splashing or splashing of the beverage and is also useful in adjusting the flow characteristics of the beverage as it travels from the cartridge to the receiver. For example, the dispensing tube can be shaped to reduce the amount of turbulence imparted to the beverage in order to avoid an undesirable reduction in the number of bubbles contained in the beverage. It is also advantageous that the cartridge itself contains a dispensing port instead of having a separate dispensing port or probe in the beverage preparation machine. In this way, the risk of cross-contamination of beverage types between preparation and dispensing cycles is eliminated, since each dispensing connection is used only once and then removed along with the rest of the cartridge. In addition, preferably, the beverage dispensed through the dispensing nozzle will not come into contact with the outlet of the beverage preparation machine, thus avoiding contamination of the beverage preparation machine with beverage residues. Preferably, the outlet is integral with the inner element. Preferably, the dispensing tube and the inner member are injection molded or otherwise molded into a single, one-piece assembly, which reduces the cost of manufacturing the cartridge and reduces the number of components requiring assembly.

In one embodiment, the outlet includes a tapered section. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing spout comprises a cylindrical portion. In yet another further embodiment, the dispensing tube comprises a baffle extending over at least a portion of the length of the dispensing tube. The baffle reduces the amount of splashing and splashing of the beverage during dispensing.

Preferably, the cartridge is disc-shaped. In addition, the cartridge also contains means for producing a strong jet of beverage, which means is an opening in the flow path of the beverage between the inlet and outlet. The outer element and / or the inner element is made, for example, of polypropylene.

In the following description, the terms "top" and "bottom" and their equivalents will be used to describe the relative placement of features of the invention. The terms "top" and "bottom" and their equivalents are to be regarded as referring to the cartridge (or other components) in their normal orientation for installation in a beverage preparation machine and subsequent dispensing, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4. In particular, “top” and “bottom” refer, respectively, to relative positions closer to and further from the upper surface 11 of the cartridge. In addition, the terms "inner" and "outer" and their equivalents will be used to describe the relative positioning of features of the invention. The terms "inner" and "outer" and their equivalents should be considered to refer to relative positions on the cartridge (or other components), respectively, closer and further from the center or major axis X of the cartridge 1 (or other component).

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is a cross-sectional view of an outer member of first and second embodiments of a cartridge according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a detail of the outer member of Figure 1 showing an inwardly facing cylindrical projection;

Fig. 3 Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a detail of the outer member of Fig. 1 showing the slit;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of Figure 1 in an inverted position;

Figure 6 is a top view of the outer member of Figure 1;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the inner member according to the first embodiment of the cartridge;

Figure 8 is a top perspective view of the inner member of Figure 7;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of Fig. 7 in an inverted position;

Figure 10 is a top view of the inner member of Figure 7;

11 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the cartridge in an assembled state;

12 is a sectional view of an inner member of a second embodiment of a cartridge;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of a detail of the inner member of Fig. 12 showing an opening;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of Fig. 12;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of Fig. 12 in an inverted position;

Fig. 16 is another sectional drawing of the inner member of Fig. 12;

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another detail of the inner member of Fig. 12 showing the air inlet;

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the cartridge in an assembled state;

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the outer member of the third and fourth embodiments of the cartridge of the invention;

Fig. 20 is a sectional view of a detail of the outer member of Fig. 19 showing an inwardly facing cylindrical projection;

Fig. 21 is a top view of the outer member of Fig. 19;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of Fig. 19;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of Fig. 19 in an inverted position;

24 is a sectional view of an inner member of a third embodiment of a cartridge;

Fig. 25 is a top view of the inner member of Fig. 24;

Fig. 26 is a sectional view of a detail of the inner member of Fig. 24 showing an inwardly wrapped upper rim;

Fig. 27 is a top perspective view of the inner member of Fig. 24;

Fig. 28 is a top perspective view of the inner member of Fig. 24 in an inverted position;

Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the cartridge in an assembled state;

Fig. 30 is a sectional view of an inner member of a fourth embodiment of a cartridge;

Fig. 31 is a top view of the inner member of Fig. 30;

Fig. 32 is a top perspective view of the inner member of Fig. 30;

Fig. 33 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of Fig. 30 in an inverted position;

Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the cartridge in an assembled state;

Fig. 35a is a graph showing concentration versus duty cycle;

Fig. 35b is a graph showing foam formation versus duty cycle;

Fig. 35c is a graph of temperature versus duty cycle.

As shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge 1 of the invention generally comprises an outer member 2, an inner member 3, and a laminate 5. The outer member 2, the inner member 3, and the laminate 5 are assembled to form a cartridge 1 that has an inner portion 120 for containing one or more beverage ingredients, inlet 121, outlet 122 and a beverage flow path that connects inlet 121 and outlet 122 and extends through interior 120. Inlet 121 and outlet 122 are initially sealed with laminate 5 and are opened in use by punching or cutting through the laminate material 5. The path for the flow of the beverage is determined by the spatial relationships between the outer element 2, the inner element 3 and the laminate 5, as will be discussed below. The cartridge 1 may additionally include another component, such as a filter 4, as will be described later.

A first embodiment of the cartridge 1, which will be described for preparation purposes, is shown in FIGS. 1-11. The first version of the cartridge 1 is especially intended for use when dispensing filtered products such as roasted and ground coffee or loose tea. However, this version of cartridge 1 and the other options described below can be used with other products such as chocolate, coffee, tea, sweeteners, stimulants, condiments, spirits, flavored milk, fruit juices, squash, sauces and desserts.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge 1 is generally circular or disc-shaped, the diameter of the cartridge 1 being generally significantly greater than its height. The major X axis passes through the center of the outer member as shown in FIG. 1. Typically, the entire diameter of the outer member 2 is 74.5 mm ± 6 mm, and the total height is 16 mm ± 3 mm. Typically, the volume of cartridge 1 after assembly is 30.2 ml ± 20%.

The outer element 2 generally comprises a cup-shaped casing 10 having a curved annular wall 13, a closed top 11 and an open bottom part 12. The diameter of the outer element 2 at the top 11 is smaller than the diameter at the bottom part 12 due to the expansion of the annular wall 13 downward, when transition from the closed top 11 to the open bottom part 12. The annular wall 13 and the closed bottom 11 together form a receiver with the inner part 34.

The closed top 11 comprises an inwardly facing hollow cylindrical protrusion 18 centered on a major axis X. As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the cylindrical protrusion 18 comprises a stepped profile having first, second and third portions 19, 20 and 21. First portion 19 has the shape of a regular cylinder. The second portion 20 is frusto-conical and tapered inward. The third section 21 is another regular cylinder and is closed by the bottom surface 31. The diameters of the first, second and third sections 19, 20 and 21 are successively reduced, so that the diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 18 decreases when moving from the top 11 to the closed bottom surface 31 of the cylindrical protrusion 18. B in general, a horizontal shoulder 32 is formed on a cylindrical protrusion 18 at the junction between the second and third portions 20 and 21.

An outwardly projecting shoulder 33 is formed on the outer element 2 in the direction of the lower part 12. The outwardly projecting shoulder 33 forms a secondary wall 15 coaxial with the annular wall 13 so as to delimit an annular path forming a conduit 16 between the secondary wall 15 and the annular wall 13. Conduit 16 extends around the circumference of the outer element 2. In the annular wall 13, a series of slots 17 are made flush with the pipeline 16 to allow the movement of gas and liquid between the pipeline 16 and the inner part 34 of the outer element 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the slots 17 are vertical slots in the annular wall 13. 20 to 40 slots are used. In the embodiment shown, thirty-seven slots 17 are used, generally spaced at regular intervals around the circumference of the conduit 16. The slots 17 are preferably 1.4 to 1.8 mm long. Typically, the length of each slit is 1.6 mm, accounting for 10% of the total height of the outer member 2. The width of each slit is 0.25 to 0.35 mm. Typically, the width of each slit is 0.3 mm. The shells 17 are narrow enough to prevent beverage ingredients from entering the conduit 16 during both storage and use.

The inlet chamber 26 is formed in the outer element 2 around the periphery of the outer element 2. As best shown in FIG. 5, a cylindrical wall 27 is provided which defines the inlet chamber 26 and separates the inlet chamber 26 from the interior 34 of the outer element 2. Cylindrical wall 27 has a closed upper surface 28, which is located in a plane perpendicular to the main axis X, and an open lower end 29, located in the same plane with the lower part 12 of the outer element 2. The inlet chamber 26 communicates, as shown in Fig. 1, with the pipeline 16 through two slots 30. Alternatively, one to four slots may be used for communication between conduit 16 and inlet chamber 26.

The lower end of the outwardly projecting shoulder 33 is provided with an outwardly projecting flange 34 that extends perpendicular to the major axis X. Typically, the flange 35 has a width of 2 to 4 mm. A portion of the flange 35 is enlarged to form a handle 24 by which the outer member 2 can be held. The handle 24 is provided with an upwardly facing rib 25 in order to improve grip.

The outer element 2 is made in one piece from high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester or a laminate of two or more of these materials. Suitable polypropylene can be selected from polymers available from DSM UK Limited (Redditch, UK). The outer element can be opaque, transparent, or translucent. The manufacturing process can be injection molding.

The inner element 3, as shown in FIGS. 7-10, comprises an annular frame 41 and a downwardly extending cylindrical funnel 40. The main axis X, as shown in FIG. 7, passes through the center of the inner element 3.

As best shown in FIG. 8, the annular frame 41 comprises an annular rim 51 and an inner sleeve 52, which are connected by ten equally spaced radial bridges 53. The inner sleeve is integral with and extends from the cylindrical funnel 40. Filter holes 55 are made in the annular frame 41 between the radial bridges 53. The filter 4 is placed on the annular frame 41 in such a way as to cover the filter holes 55. The filter is preferably made of a material with high wet strength, for example, a nonwoven fibrous material made of polyester ... Other materials that can be used include waterproof cellulosic material, such as cellulosic material containing woven paper fibers. Woven paper fibers can be blended with polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and / or polyethylene fibers. The incorporation of these plastic materials into the cellulosic material makes the cellulosic material heat sealable. The filter 4 can also be treated and coated with a material that is heat and / or pressure activated so that it can be adhered to the annular frame 41 in this way.

As shown in the cross-sectional profile of FIG. 7, when the inner sleeve 52 is positioned in the lower position with respect to the outer rim 51, the annular frame 41 has an inclined bottom profile.

The upper surface of each bridge 53 is provided with an uprising baffle 54, which divides the space of the cavity above the annular frame 41 into a plurality of passages 57. Each passage 57 is bounded on the sides by a baffle 54 and at the bottom by a filter 4. The passages 57 extend from the outer rim 51 down to the cylindrical funnel 40, opening into the openings 56 bounded by the inner edges of the partitions 54.

The cylindrical funnel contains an inner pipe 42 surrounding the inner outlet 43. The outer pipe 42 forms the outer part of the cylindrical funnel 40. The outlet 43 is connected to the outer pipe 42 at the upper end of the outlet 43 by means of an annular flange 47. The outlet 43 has an inlet at the upper end 45, which communicates with the openings 56 of the passageways 57 and an outlet 44 at the lower end through which the prepared beverage is dispensed into a cup or other receptacle. The outlet 43 has a frusto-conical portion 48 at the upper end and a cylindrical portion 58 at the lower end. The cylindrical section 58 may have a slight taper so that it tapers towards the outlet 44. The frusto-conical section 48 helps to transfer beverage from the passages 57 downward toward the outlet 44 without turbulence in the beverage. The upper surface of the frustoconical portion 48 is provided with four support webs 49 spaced at regular intervals around the circumference of the cylindrical funnel 40. The support webs 49 form channels 50 therebetween. The upper edges of the load-bearing webs 49 are level with each other and perpendicular to the main axis X.

The inner member 3 may be formed in one piece from polypropylene or the like as described above and by injection molding in the same manner as the outer member 2.

Alternatively, the inner element 3 and / or the outer element 2 can be made of biodegradable polyethylene (e.g. SPITEK, available from Symphony Environmental, Borhamwood, UK), a biodegradable polyester amide (e.g. BAK 1095, available from Symphony Environmental), lactic polyacids (PLA from Cargil, Minnesota, USA), starch-based polymers, cellulose derivatives and polypeptides.

The laminate 5 is formed from two layers, a first layer of aluminum and a second layer of cast polypropylene. The thickness of the aluminum layer is between 0.02 and 0.07 mm. The thickness of the cast polypropylene layer is between 0.025 and 0.065 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the aluminum layer is 0.06 mm and the polypropylene layer is 0.025 mm. This laminate is particularly suitable because it has a high resistance to twisting during assembly. As a result, the laminate 5 can be pre-cut to the desired size and shape, and then transferred to the assembly section of the production line when it is not warped. Consequently, the laminate 5 is particularly suitable for welding. Other laminates are available, including PET / Aluminum / PP, PE / EVON / PP, PET / Metallized / PP and Aluminum / PP laminated. Instead of a die cut blank, it is possible to use laminated material in rolls.

Instead of a flexible laminate, the cartridge 1 can be closed with a rigid or semi-rigid lid.

The assembly of cartridge 1 includes the following operations:

a) the inner element 3 is inserted into the outer element 2;

b) the filter 4 is cut into the desired shape and placed on the inner element 3 in such a way that it is placed over the cylindrical funnel 40 and placed on the annular frame 41;

c) the inner element 3, the outer element 2 and the filter 4 are joined by ultrasonic welding;

d) cartridge 1 is filled with one or more beverage ingredients;

e) the laminate 5 is attached to the outer element 2.

These operations will be discussed in more detail below.

The outer element 2 is positioned with the open bottom 12 facing upward. The inner member 3 is then inserted into the outer member 2 with the outer rim 51 loosely fitted into the axial projection 14 on the top 11 of the cartridge 1. The cylindrical projection 18 of the outer member 2 is at the same time inserted into the top of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3. The third section 21 cylindrical protrusion 18 is placed inside a cylindrical funnel 40 with a closed bottom surface 31 of cylindrical protrusion 18 resting on the support bridges 49 of the inner element 3. Then, a filter 4 is placed on the inner element 3 so that the filter material contacts the annular rim 51. After that, the welding process ultrasound is used to connect the filter 4 to the inner element 3 and at the same time, and during the same process step, to connect the inner element 3 to the outer element 2. The inner element 3 and the filter 4 are welded along the outer rim 51. The inner element 3 and the outer element 2 is connected by means of welds around the outer rim 51 and, in addition, the upper edges of the lintels 54.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 11, the outer element 2 and the inner element 3, when connected together, form a cavity 130 in the inner part 120 below the annular flange 41 and the outer part of the cylindrical funnel 40 forming a filter chamber. The filter chamber 130 and the passages 57 above the annular frame 41 are separated by filter paper 4.

The filter chamber 130 contains one or more beverage ingredients 200. One or more beverage ingredients are packaged in the filter chamber 130. For a filter type beverage, the ingredient is typically roasted ground coffee or leaf tea. The packing density of the beverage ingredients in the filter chamber 130 can be varied as desired. Typically, to obtain filtered ready-made coffee, the filter chamber contains from 5.0 to 10.2 grams of roasted and ground coffee in a filter layer with a typical thickness of 5-14 mm. Additionally, the interior 120 may include one or more bodies, such as balls, that move freely within the interior 120 to aid mixing by inducing turbulence and breaking up beverage deposits during beverage dispensing.

The laminate 5 is then attached to the outer member 2 by forming a weld 126 around the periphery of the laminate 5 to connect the laminate 5 to the lower surface of the outwardly projecting flange 35. The weld 125 continues to tightly attach the laminate 5 to the lower edge of the cylindrical wall 27 of the inlet chamber 26. Further, a weld 125 is formed between the laminate 5 and the lower edge of the outer tube 42 of the cylindrical funnel 40, so that the inner element 3 extends between the outer element 2 and the laminate 5. The laminate 5 forms the bottom wall of the filter chamber 130 and also seals the inlet a chamber 26 and a cylindrical funnel 40. However, before dispensing, there is a small gap 123 between the laminate 5 and the lower edge of the outlet 43. Various welding methods such as heat and ultrasonic welding are possible, depending on the characteristics of l aminated material.

Preferably, the inner member 3 extends between the outer member 2 and the laminate 5. The inner member 3 is made of a material having a relative rigidity, such as polypropylene. As such, the inner member 3 forms a load bearing member that serves to keep the laminate 5 and the outer member 2 separated when the cartridge 1 is compressed. The cartridge 1 desirably is subjected to a compressive load of 130 to 280 N in use, the load being applied by the machine for preparation of a drink into which the cartridge is inserted. However, with a certain arrangement of the cartridge and the machine, less force can be used, in excess of 50 N. The compressive force helps prevent the cartridge from collapsing under the influence of internal pressure and also serves to press the inner element 3 and the outer element 2 together. This ensures that the inner the dimensions of the passages and holes in the cartridge 1 remain fixed and cannot be changed during the pressurization of the cartridge 1.

For use, the cartridge 1 is first inserted into the beverage preparation machine, opening the inlet 121 and the outlet 122 with the punching elements of the beverage preparation machine, which puncture and fold back the laminate 5. The aqueous medium, usually water, enters the cartridge 1 under pressure through inlet 121 into the inlet chamber 26 at a pressure of 0.1-2.0 bar. From there, water is directed to flow through slots 30 and around conduit 16 into filter chamber 130 of cartridge 1 through a plurality of slots 17. Water is directed radially inward through filter chamber 130 and is mixed with beverage ingredients 200 contained therein. At the same time, water is directed upward through the beverage ingredients. The beverage formed by the passage of water through the beverage ingredients passes through the filter 4 and filter holes 55 into the passages 57 lying above the annular frame 41. The tight connection of the filter 4 with the bridges 53 and the welding of the rim 51 to the outer element 2 ensures that there are no detours and that, that the entire drink must pass through the filter 4.

The beverage then flows downwardly along the radial passages 57 formed between the webs 53 and through the openings 56 into the cylindrical funnel 40. The beverage flows along the channels 50 between the support webs 47 and down the dispensing chute 43 to an outlet 44 from which the beverage is discharged into a cup-like receiver ...

Preferably, the beverage preparation machine comprises an air blowing device that blows compressed air through the cartridge 1 at the end of the operating cycle in order to drain the remaining beverage into the receiver.

12-18 show a second version of the cartridge 1. The second version of the cartridge 1 is specially designed for use in dispensing espresso-type products such as roasted and ground coffee, when it is desired to obtain a beverage containing foam or tiny bubbles known as "creams" ( ital. "foam") . Many features of the second option 1 are the same as in the first option, and the same numeric positions are used to designate the same features. In the following description, the differences between the first and second options will be discussed. Common features acting in the same way will not be discussed in detail.

The outer member 2 has the same structure as in the first version of the cartridge 1 and as shown in FIGS. 1-6.

The annular frame 41 of the inner member 3 is the same as in the first embodiment. In addition, the filter 4 is positioned on the annular frame 41 in such a way as to cover the filter holes 55. The outer tube 42 of the cylindrical funnel 40 is also the same as before. However, there are a number of differences in the design of the inner element 2 of the second embodiment compared to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the outlet 43 is provided with a baffle 65 that extends partly up the outlet 43 from outlet 44. Baffle 65 helps prevent splashing and / or splashing of the beverage as it exits the outlet 43. The profile of the outlet 43 also differs and contains a stepped profile with a clearly visible curvature 66 near the upper end of the pipe 43.

A rim 67 is provided that rises from the annular flange 47 and connects the outer tube 42 with the outlet 43. The rim 47 surrounds the inlet 45 in the outlet 43 and forms an annular channel 69 between the rim 67 and the upper part of the outer tube 42. The rim 67 is provided with an inward-facing shoulder 68 At one point around the circumference of the rim 67, an opening 70 is formed in the form of a slot extending from the upper edge of the rim 67 to a point located at a minimum distance below the level of the shoulder 68, as best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The slot width is 0.64 mm.

An air inlet 71 is provided in the annular flange 47, which is aligned circumferentially with the opening 70, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The air inlet 71 comprises an opening passing through the flange 47 so as to provide communication between a point above the flange 47 and the cavity below the flange 47 between the outer pipe and the outlet 43. Preferably, and as shown, the air inlet 71 comprises an upper frustoconical portion 73 and a lower cylindrical portion 72. The air inlet 71 is typically formed by a forming tool such as a pin. The tapered profile of the air inlet 71 facilitates the removal of the molding tool from the molded component. The wall of the outer tube 42 adjacent to the air inlet 71 is formed into a chute 75 leading from the air inlet 71 to the inlet 45 of the outlet 43. As shown in FIG. 17, a beveled shoulder 74 is formed between the air inlet 71 and the chute 75 to ensure so that the strong jet of beverage exiting the slot 70 does not immediately hit the upper surface of the flange 47 in the immediate vicinity of the air inlet 71.

As in the first embodiment, the inner member 3 serves as a load bearing member.

The assembly procedure for the second version of the cartridge 1 is similar to the assembly in the first version. However, there are certain differences. As shown in Fig. 18, the third portion 21 of the cylindrical protrusion 18 is positioned within the carrier rim 67 rather than on the support webs. The shoulder 32 of the cylindrical protrusion 18 between the second section 20 and the third section 21 rests on the upper edge of the support rim 67 of the inner element 3. Between the inner element 3 and the outer element 2, a transition zone 124 is thus formed, containing the mechanical seal between the cylindrical protrusion 18 and the support rim 67 extending nearly the entire circumference of the cartridge 1. The seal between the cylindrical ridge 18 and the carrier rim 67 is not fluid impermeable because the slot 70 in the carrier rim 67 extends through the carrier rim 67 and down to a point just below the shoulder 68. As a result the boundary fit between the cylindrical ridge 18 and the support rim 67 converts the slot 70 into an opening 128, as best shown in FIG. 18, allowing gas and liquid to pass between the annular passage 69 and the outlet 43. The opening is typically 0.64 mm wide and long 0.69 mm.

The operation of the second version of the cartridge when dispensing a drink is similar to the operation of the first version, but with some differences. The beverage in the radial passageways 57 flows downwardly along the passageways 57 formed between the bridges 54 and through the openings 56 into the annular channel 69 of the cylindrical funnel 40. From the annular channel 69, the beverage is forced under pressure through the opening 128 by means of the backpressure of the beverage collected in the filter chamber 130 and the passageways 57 The beverage is thus forced through the opening 128 in a strong jet and into an expansion chamber defined by the upper end of the dispensing pipe 43. As shown in Fig. 18, a strong jet of beverage flows directly over the air inlet 71. When the beverage enters the outlet 43, the pressure in the beverage stream drops. As a result, air is entrained in the beverage stream in the form of a plurality of small air bubbles when air is sucked in through the air inlet 71. A strong stream of beverage exiting from opening 128 is directed downward to outlet 44, from which the beverage is discharged into a cup-type receptacle where air bubbles form the desired foam. Thus, the opening 128 and the air inlet 71 together form an ejector that serves to entrain air in the beverage. The flow of beverage into the ejector should be kept as smooth as possible in order to reduce pressure losses. Preferably, the walls of the ejector should be concave in order to reduce frictional losses due to the boundary effect. The tolerances for hole 128 are small. Preferably, the hole is dimensioned with a deviation of plus or minus 0.02 mm. Hair, fine fibers, or other surface irregularities may be provided within or at the outlet of the ejector to increase the effective cross-sectional area, which can help increase air entrainment.

Figures 19-29 show a third version of the cartridge 1. The third version of the cartridge 1 is specifically intended for use in dispensing instant products that can be in the form of a powder, liquid, syrup, gel, or the like. The soluble product is dissolved or suspended in an aqueous medium such as water as the aqueous medium passes through cartridge 1 during use. Examples of beverages include chocolate, coffee, milk, soup or other dehydrated or water-soluble products. Many of the features of the third version of the cartridge 1 are the same as in the previous versions, and the same numerals are used to denote the same features. In the following description, the differences between the third and previous options will be discussed. Common features acting in the same way will not be discussed in detail.

As shown in FIG. 20, compared with the outer member 2 according to the previous embodiments, the hollow inwardly facing cylindrical projection 18 of the outer member 2 according to the third embodiment has a larger outer diameter. In particular, the diameter of the first portion 19 is typically between 16 and 18 mm, compared to 13.2 mm for the outer member 2 of the previous embodiments. In addition, the first portion 19 is provided with a convex outer surface 19a, or bulge, as most clearly shown in FIG. 20, the function of which will be described below. However, the diameter of the third portions 21 of the cartridge 1 is the same, so that the area of the shoulder 32 in this third version of the cartridge 1 is larger. Typically, the assembled volume of cartridge 1 is 32.5 ml ± 20%.

The number and location of slots in the lower end of the annular wall 13 also differ. From 3 to 5 slots are used. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 23, four slots 36 are arranged around the circumference of the pipeline 16 at regular intervals. The slots 36 are somewhat wider than in the previous versions of the cartridge 1, having a width of 0.35 to 0.45 mm, preferably 0, 4 mm.

In other respects, the outer members 2 of the cartridges 1 are the same.

The construction of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner element 3 is the same as in the first version of the cartridge 1 with an outer tube 42, an outlet 45, an annular flange 47 and support webs 49. The only difference is that the outlet 45 is provided with an upper section 92 in the form a truncated cone and a lower cylindrical section 93.

In contrast to the previous versions, and as shown in Figures 24-28, the annular frame 41 is replaced by a skirt-shaped piece 80 that surrounds the cylindrical funnel 40 and is connected to it by means of eight radial brackets 87 that are located adjacent to the cylindrical funnel 40 on the annular flange 47 or near her. A cylindrical protrusion 81 of the skirt 80 extends upwardly from the brackets 87 to define the chamber 90 with an open top surface. As shown in FIG. 26, the upper rim 91 of the cylindrical protrusion 81 has an inwardly curved profile. An annular wall 82 of the skirt 80 extends downwardly from the brackets 87 to define an annular channel 86 between the skirt 80 and the outer tube 42.

The annular wall 82 comprises at its lower end an outwardly extending flange 82 located perpendicular to the major axis X. The rim 84 extends downwardly from the bottom surface of the flange 83 and contains five holes 85 at regular intervals around the circumference of the rim 84. Thus, the rim 84 is provided with a serrated bottom profile.

Openings 89 are formed between the brackets 87 to provide communication between the chamber 90 and the annular channel 86.

As in the first embodiment, the inner member 3 serves as a load bearing member.

The assembly procedure for the third version of the cartridge 1 is similar to the assembly of the first version with some differences. The outer member 2 and the inner member 3 are tightly joined together as shown in FIG. 20 and held together by a snap fit mechanism rather than welding. When two elements are connected, the inwardly facing cylindrical protrusion 18 enters into the upper cylindrical protrusion 81 of the skirt 80. The inner element 3 is held in the outer element 2 by the frictional interaction of the convex outer wall 19a of the first portion 19 of the cylindrical protrusion 18 with the inwardly bent rim 91 of the upper cylindrical protrusion 81. When the inner member 1 located in the outer member 2 forms a mixing chamber 134 located outside the skirt 80. The mixing chamber 134 contains the ingredients 200 of the beverage prior to preparation. It should be noted that four inlets 36 and five openings 85 are staggered around the circumference. The radial position of the two parts relative to each other should not be determined or fixed during assembly, since the use of two ports 36 and five holes 85 ensures that the ports and ports are not aligned regardless of the relative rotational position of the components. It is possible to establish a different number of inlets and outlets, which is determined by the formula:

X _o = X _i + C

Where

X _i = number of inlets

X _o = number of outlets

С = set of integers excluding 0 or nX _i

n = any integer.

On the other hand, the same number of inlets and outlets can be positioned around the circumference of the cartridge at irregular intervals to ensure that the inlets and outlets are not aligned.

One or more beverage ingredients are packaged in the mixing chamber 134 of the cartridge. The packing density of the beverage ingredients in the mixing chamber 134 can be varied as desired.

Then, the laminate 5 is attached to the outer element 2 and the inner element 3 in the same way as described above for the previous options.

In use, water enters the mixing chamber 134 through four slots 36 in the same manner as in previous cartridge designs. Water is pumped radially inward through the mixing chamber and mixed with the beverage ingredients it contains. The product dissolves or mixes in water and forms a beverage in the mixing chamber 134, which is then diverted through the openings 85 into the annular channel 86 under the influence of the backpressure of the beverage and water in the mixing chamber 134. The staggered arrangement of four inlet slots 36 and five openings 85 ensures that strong jets of water cannot pass radially directly from the inlet slots 36 to the openings 85, without circulating in the mixing chamber 134. The degree and uniformity of the dilution and mixing of the product is thus greatly increased. The beverage is diverted upwardly into the annular channel 86, through the holes 89 between the arms 87 and into the chamber 90. The beverage flows from the chamber 90 through the ports 45 between the support webs 49 into the dispensing nozzle 43 and towards the outlet 44 from which the beverage is discharged into a cup-type receptacle. The cartridge is particularly suitable for use with beverage ingredients in the form of viscous liquids or gels. In one application, cartridge 1 contains an ingredient in the form of liquid chocolate with a viscosity of 1700 to 3900 mPa at ambient temperature and 5000 to 10,000 mPa at 0 °, and refractive solids 67 brix ± 3. In another application, cartridge 1 contains liquid coffee with a viscosity of 70 to 2000 mPa at ambient temperature and 80 to 5000 mPa at 0 °, the coffee having a total dry matter content of 40 to 70%. The liquid coffee ingredient may contain from 0.1 to 2.0 wt% sodium bicarbonate, and preferably from 0.5 to 1.0 wt%. Sodium bicarbonate is used to maintain the pH of the coffee at 4.8 or below, ensuring that filled coffee cartridges have a shelf life of up to 12 months.

FIGS. 30 to 34 show a fourth version of the cartridge 1. The fourth version of the cartridge 1 is intended, in particular, for use in dispensing liquid products such as concentrated liquid milk. Many of the features of the fourth version of the cartridge 1 are the same as in the previous versions, and like numerals are used to denote like features. In the following description, the differences between the fourth and previous options will be discussed. Common features acting in the same way will not be discussed in detail.

The outer member 2 has the same structure as in the third version of the cartridge 1 and as shown in Figs. 19-23.

The cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner element 3 is similar to that shown in the second version of the cartridge 1, but with some differences. As shown in Fig. 30, the dispensing spout 43 is provided with an upper frustoconical portion 106 and a lower cylindrical portion 107. Three axial ribs 105 are formed on the inner surface of the dispensing spout 43 to guide the dispensed beverage towards the outlet 44 and not allow the dispensed beverage to swirl in the branch pipe. As a result, the ribs 105 serve as baffles. As in the second version of the cartridge 1, the air inlet 71 is made in the annular flange 47. However, the branch pipe 75 under the air inlet 71 is more elongated than in the second version.

Similarly to the third embodiment of cartridge 1 described above, a skirt portion 80 is proposed. The rim 84 has 5 to 12 holes. Typically, instead of the five holes provided for the third version of the cartridge 1, ten holes are provided.

An annular bowl 100 is provided which extends from the flange 83 of the skirt 80 and forms one piece with it. The annular bowl 100 has a mouth 101 with an upper opening 104 facing upward. Four feed holes 103 are shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 and are located in body 101 at or near the lower end of bowl 100 where it connects to skirt 80. Preferably, feed holes are spaced at regular intervals around the circumference of bowl 100.

As in the first embodiment, the inner member 3 serves as a load bearing member.

The laminate 5 is of the type described above in the previous embodiments.

Operation of the third version of the cartridge is similar to the operation of the third version. Water enters the cartridge 1 and the mixing chamber 134 in the same way as before. Here, the water mixes with the liquid product and dilutes it, after which it is discharged below the bowl 100 and through the openings 85 towards the outlet 44, as described above. A portion of the liquid product originally contained in the annular bowl 100, as shown in FIG. 34, does not immediately undergo dilution with the water entering the mixing chamber 134. Most likely, the diluted liquid product at the bottom of the mixing chamber 134 will tend to exit through the openings 85 instead of to flow upward and into the annular bowl 100 through the upper opening 104. As a result, the liquid product in the annular bowl 100 will remain relatively concentrated in the initial stages of the working cycle compared to the product in the lower part of the mixing chamber 134. The liquid product in the annular bowl 100 percolates through the feed openings 103 under the influence of gravity into the product flow leaving the mixing chamber 134 through holes 85 and under the bowl 100. The annular bowl serves to equalize the concentration of the diluted liquid product entering the cylindrical funnel 40 by delaying a part of the concentrated liquid product and gradually dispensing it into the waste channel a jet of liquid, as shown in FIG. 35a, in which the milk concentration is measured as a percentage of solids over a working cycle of approximately 15 seconds. Line "a" shows the concentration profile with the 100 cup, while the line "b" shows the cartridge without the 100 cup. It can be seen that the concentration profile with the 100 cup during the work cycle is more uniform and there is no sharp drop in concentration in at the very beginning, as happens in the absence of a 100 cup. The initial milk concentration is usually 30-35% SS (dry matter basis), and at the end of the cycle it is 10% SS. This leads to a dilution ratio of about 3 to 1, although dilution ratios of 1 to 1 to 6 to 1 are possible with the invention. For other liquid beverage ingredients, the concentration may vary. For example, in the case of liquid chocolate, the initial concentration is approximately 67% SS, and at the end of the cycle 12-13% SS. The result is a dilution ratio (the ratio of the aqueous medium to the beverage ingredient in the dispensed beverage) of the order of 5 to 1, although dilution ratios from 2 to 1 to 10 to 1 are possible according to the invention. In the case of liquid coffee, the initial concentration is 40 to 67%, and concentration at the end of dispensing 1-2% SS. The result is a dilution ratio of 20 to 1 to 70 to 1, although dilution ratios of 10 to 1 to 100 to 1 are possible according to the invention.

From the annular channel 86, the beverage is forced under pressure through the opening 128 by the backpressure of the beverage collected in the filter chamber 134 and the chamber 90. The beverage is thus forced through the opening 128 in the form of a strong jet and enters the expansion chamber defined by the upper end of the dispensing pipe 43. As shown in FIG. 34, a strong jet of beverage flows directly over the air inlet 71. When the beverage enters the outlet 43, the pressure in the beverage stream drops. As a result, air is entrained in the beverage stream in the form of a plurality of small air bubbles when air is sucked in through the air inlet 71. A strong stream of beverage exiting from opening 128 is directed downward to outlet 44, from which the beverage is drained into a cup-type receiver where air bubbles form the required frothiness.

Preferably, the inner member 3, the outer member 2, the laminate 5, and the filter 4 can all be easily sterilized since the components can be separated and do not individually contain winding passages or narrow slots. The required passages are instead formed only after the components are connected after sterilization. This is especially important when the beverage ingredient is a milk based product such as liquid milk concentrate.

The fourth embodiment of the beverage cartridge is particularly suitable for dispensing a concentrated liquid dairy product such as liquid milk. However, in a beverage such as cappuccino, milk must be frothed. Previously, this was achieved by passing steam through the liquid milk product. However, this requires the organization of steam delivery, which increases the cost and complexity of the machine used to dispense the beverage. The use of steam also increases the risk of injury when using the cartridge. Accordingly, the present invention provides a beverage cartridge that contains a concentrated milk-based liquid product. It has been found that, due to the concentration of the dairy product, it is possible to achieve the formation of more foam per given volume of milk compared to using fresh or pasteurized milk. This reduces the dimensions required for the milk cartridge. Fresh semi-skimmed milk contains approximately 1.6% fat and 10% solids. Concentrated liquid milk according to the invention contains from 0.1 to 12% fat and 25-40% dry matter. In a typical example, the dressing contains 4% fat and 30% solids. Concentrated milk dressings are suitable for frothing using a low pressure prep machine as described below. In particular, frothing of milk is achieved at a pressure below 2 bar, preferably about 1.5 bar, using the cartridge of the fourth embodiment described above.

Foaming of concentrated milk is especially important for drinks such as cappuccino and milkshakes. Preferably, passing milk through the opening 128 and over the air inlet 71, with the additional use of the bowl 100, allows a milk froth level of more than 40%, preferably more than 70%, to be achieved. For liquid chocolate, a foaming level of more than 70% is possible. For liquid coffee, a foaming level of more than 70% is possible. The foaming rate is measured as the ratio of the volume of foam produced to the volume of dispensed liquid beverage ingredient. For example, in the case of dispensing 138.3 ml of a beverage, of which 58.3 ml is foam, the foaming capacity is measured as [58.3 / (138.3-58.3)] x100 = 72.9%. The frothiness of milk (and other liquid ingredients) is improved by the use of a bowl 100 as shown in FIG. 35b. The frothiness of milk dispensed with a 100 cup (line a) is higher than milk dispensed without a cup (line b). This is because milk froth is positively correlated with milk concentration and, as shown in FIG. 35a, bowl 100 maintains a higher milk concentration for most of the cycle. It is also known that milk frothiness is positively correlated with the temperature of the aqueous medium, as shown in Fig. 35c. Thus, the bowl 100 is advantageous because most of the milk remains in the cartridge until almost the end of the working cycle, when the aqueous medium is hottest. This also helps to increase the foamability.

The fourth embodiment also has advantages in dispensing liquid coffee products.

It has been found that embodiments of the beverage cartridge according to the invention have the advantage of providing improved uniformity of dispensed beverage as compared to prior art cartridges. Table 1 below shows the beverage yield results for twenty samples for each of cartridges A and B containing roasted ground coffee. Cartridge A is a beverage cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Cartridge B is of the existing type described in Applicant's application WO 01/58786. The refractive index of the prepared beverage is altered in brix and converted to percent soluble on dry matter (% SS) using standard tables and formulas. In the examples below:

% SS = 0.7774 x (Brix density) + 0.0569

Yield,% = (% SS x beverage volume (g)) / (100 x coffee weight (g))

Table 1 Cartridge A Sample Drink volume, g Coffee weight, g Brix % SS (x) Output, % 1 105.6 6.5 1.58 1.29 20.88 2 104.24 6.5 1.64 1.33 21.36 3 100.95 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.06 4 102.23 6.5 1.71 1.39 21,80 five 100.49 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.67 6 107.54 6.5 1.59 1.29 21.39 7 102.70 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.41 8 97.77 6.5 1.86 1.50 22.61 nine 97.82 6.5 1.7 1.38 20.75 ten 97.83 6.5 1.67 1.36 20.40 eleven 97.6 6.5 1.78 1.44 21.63 12 106.64 6.5 1.61 1.31 21.47 13 99.26 6.5 1.54 1.25 19.15 fourteen 97.29 6.5 1.59 1.29 19.35 15 101.54 6.5 1.51 1.23 19.23 sixteen 104.23 6.5 1.61 1.31 20.98 17 97.5 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.03 18 100.83 6.5 1.68 1.36 21.14 nineteen 101.67 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.20 20 101.32 6.5 1.68 1.36 21.24 the average 20.99

Cartridge B Sample Drink volume, g Coffee weight, g Brix % SS (x) Output, % 1 100.65 6.5 1.87 1.511 23.39 2 95.85 6.5 1.86 1.503 22.16 3 98.4 6.5 1.8 1,456 22.04 4 92.43 6.5 2,3 1.845 26.23 five 100.26 6.5 1.72 1,394 21.50 6 98.05 6.5 2.05 1,651 24.90 7 99.49 6.5 1.96 1.581 24.19 8 95.62 6.5 2,3 1.845 27.14 nine 94.28 6.5 2.17 1,744 25.29 ten 96.13 6.5 1.72 1,394 20.62 eleven 96.86 6.5 1.81 1.484 21.82 12 94.03 6.5 2.2 1,767 25.56 13 96.28 6.5 1.78 1,441 21.34 fourteen 95.85 6.5 1.95 1,573 23.19 15 95.36 6.5 1.88 1,518 22.28 sixteen 92.73 6.5 1.89 1.596 21.77 17 88 6.5 1.59 1.293 17.50 18 93.5 6.5 2.08 1,674 24.08 nineteen 100.88 6.5 1.75 1.417 22.00 20 84.77 6.5 2.37 1,899 24.77 the average 23.09

Statistical analysis of the above data according to Student's t-test gave the following results:

table 2 Student's test:
Two samples with assumed equal spread of results Output,%
(cartridge A) Output,%
(cartridge B) The average 20.99 23.09 Scatter 0.77 5.04 Observations 20 20 Total spread 2.90 Estimated average difference 0 Df 38 t Stat -3.90 P (T <= t) one-sided test 0.000188 t critical one-sided test 1,686 P (T <= t) two-sided test 0.000376 t critical two-tailed test 2.0244 Standard deviation 0.876 2,245

The analysis shows that the constancy of the yield in%, which corresponds to the strength of the beverage, is significantly better with the cartridges according to the invention (at 95% confidence level) than with the known cartridges, with a standard deviation of 0.88% versus 2.24%. This means that the drinks dispensed with the cartridge according to the invention have a more reproducible and uniform strength. This is preferred by consumers who like to sample their drinks from time to time and do not want random changes in strength.

Although the first and second versions of the cartridge are described as being assembled by welding, they can equally be assembled according to the invention using a snap-fit mechanism. For example, the outer member 2 may be provided with a formation that cooperates with the periphery of the annular frame 41 to form a snap fit.

The materials of the cartridges described above can be provided with a protective coating to increase their resistance to oxygen and / or moisture and / or the penetration of other contaminants. The protective coating can also improve resistance to leakage of beverage ingredients from cartridges and / or reduce the release of extractables from cartridge materials that can adversely affect beverage ingredients. The protective coating can be a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyamide, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol), polyvinylidene chloride, or a metallized material. The protective coating can be applied in several ways, including, but not limited to, vacuum deposition, vapor deposition, plasma coating, bimetallic extrusion, in-mold marking, and two- and multi-stage molding.

Claims (43)

1. A cartridge (1) containing one or more beverage ingredients (200) and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an outer element (2) defining a storage chamber (130, 134) in which one or more beverage ingredients, and an inner element (3) having a dispensing pipe (43) defining an outlet (122) for the outflow of a beverage formed from one or more beverage ingredients, characterized in that the inner element (3) forms a load bearing element ... 2. The cartridge (1) according to claim 1, wherein the inner member (3) and the outer member (2) are separate components that are interconnected during assembly of the cartridge. 3. A cartridge (1) according to claim 1 or 2, which also contains a filter (4) connected to the inner element (3). 4. Cartridge (1) according to any one of claims. 1-3, in which the inner member (3) forms a load bearing member with sufficient rigidity so that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load exceeding 130 N. 5. Cartridge (1) according to claim 4, wherein the load bearing member has sufficient rigidity so that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load exceeding 200 N. 6. Cartridge (1) according to any one of claims. 1-5, in which the load bearing member has sufficient rigidity so that the load bearing member can withstand a compressive load exceeding 130 N. 7. Cartridge (1) according to any one of claims. 1-6, in which the inner member (3) is made of polypropylene. 8. Cartridge (1) according to any one of claims. 1-7, in which the outer element (2) and / or the inner element (3) are made of a biodegradable polymer. 9. Cartridge (1) according to any one of claims. 1-8, in which the inner element (3) and the outlet (43) are made in one piece. 10. A cartridge (1) containing one or more beverage ingredients (200) and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising a housing having a closed first end (11) and an open second end (12), the housing defining a chamber for storage (130, 134), in which one or more beverage ingredients are stored, and the open second end of the housing is sealed with a lid (5), characterized by a cartridge further containing a load bearing element and located in the interval between the closed first end of the housing and the lid, and the load bearing element is located at or near the center of the cartridge. 11. Cartridge (1) according to claim 10, wherein the load bearing member comprises a dispensing tube (43) defining an outlet (122) for dispensing a beverage made from one or more beverage ingredients. 12. Cartridge (1) according to any one of claims. 10, 11, in which the load bearing member has sufficient rigidity so that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load exceeding 130 N. 13. Cartridge (1) according to claim 12, wherein the load-bearing member has sufficient rigidity so that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load exceeding 200 N. 14. Cartridge (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 10-13, in which the load bearing member has sufficient rigidity so that the load bearing member can withstand a compressive load exceeding 130 N. 15. A cartridge (1) containing one or more beverage ingredients (200) and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an outer element (2) defining a storage chamber (130) in which one or more beverage ingredients, an inner element (3) having a dispensing pipe (43) defining an outlet (122) for the outflow of a beverage formed from one or more beverage ingredients, and a filter (4) located between the storage chamber and the dispensing pipe, characterized in that the inner element and the filter are connected in one operation to the outer element by means of at least one weld. 16. Cartridge (1) according to claim 15, in which the outer element (2) has an opening (12) for accessing the storage chamber (130), and the inner element and the filter are connected to the outer element at a base (11) remote from holes. 17. Cartridge (1) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the inner member, the outer member and the filter have an annular shape. 18. A cartridge (1) according to claim 17, wherein the weld is substantially circular. 19. Cartridge (1) according to any one of claims. 16-18, in which the inner member and the outer member are made of plastic, and the at least one weld seam is an ultrasonic weld seam. 20. Cartridge (1) according to any one of claims. 15-19, in which the inner member comprises a frame and at least one weld seam is made around the periphery of said frame. 21. A cartridge (1) according to claim 20, wherein the frame (41) comprises a plurality of baffles (54) extending upwardly from the frame towards the closed first end (11) of the outer element, forming one or more channels (57) between the frame and the closed first end of the outer member, and wherein welds are formed between the baffles and the closed first end of the outer member. 22. A method of manufacturing a cartridge (1) containing one or more beverage ingredients (200) and made of substantially air and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an outer element (2) defining a storage chamber (130) in which one or more beverage ingredients, an inner element (3) having a dispensing pipe (43) defining an outlet for the outflow of a beverage formed from one or more beverage ingredients, and a filter (4), characterized by a method comprising connecting the inner element and the filter during one operations on the outer element by means of at least one welding operation. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the welding step is ultrasonic welding. 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, further comprising forming a first weld around the periphery of the inner member and filter. 25. The method of claim 24 further comprising forming a second weld around the inner member and filter at or near the dispensing nozzle. 26. A cartridge (1) containing one or more beverage ingredients (200) and made of substantially air- and watertight materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet (121) for introducing an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet (122) for dispensing a beverage obtained of one or more beverage ingredients, characterized in that the cartridge contains an outer element (3) and an inner element (2), combined during assembly into one unit with the outer element, and the inner element forms the outlet of the cartridge, in which, when assembling the cartridge for connecting the outer the element and the inner element have a snap fit. 27. A cartridge (1) according to claim 26, wherein the snap fit comprises engaging formations (19a, 91) on the inner member and the outer member. 28. Cartridge (1) according to claim 26 or 27, in which the outer element comprises a closed first end (11) and an open second end (12), and with the inner element connected by a snap-fit mechanism to the outer element, the outlet (44) the inner member faces the open second end of the outer member. 29. A cartridge (1) according to claim 28, wherein the inlet faces the open second end of the outer member. 30. A cartridge (1) according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the outer member and the inner member are coupled together by a snap fit mechanism at or near the closed first end of the outer member. 31. Cartridge (1) according to any one of claims. 26-30, in which the snap fit between the inner member and the outer member forms a watertight seal. 32. Cartridge (1) according to any one of claims. 26-31, in which the inner element also comprises a skirt (5) surrounding the dispensing spout, the skirt comprises an upper projection (81) having an upper edge (91), which, when the cartridge is assembled, interacts with the engaging formation (19a) of the outer element to form a snap-fit mechanism for connecting the inner member to the outer member. 33. A cartridge (1) according to claim 32, wherein the outer member engaging formation is an inwardly facing projection (18). 34. Cartridge (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 26-33, in which the inner element contains an outlet (43) forming an outlet. 35. A cartridge (1) according to claim 34, wherein the outer member comprises an inwardly facing projection (18) that is inserted into the proximal end of the dispensing spout (43) when the outer member and the inner member are connected. 36. A cartridge (1) according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the dispensing tube (43) is integral with the inner member. 37. Cartridge (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 34-36, in which the outlet (43) contains a tapered section (45, 106). 38. Cartridge (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 34-37, in which the outlet (43) contains a cylindrical section (93, 107). 39. Cartridge (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 34-38, in which the outlet (43) comprises a baffle (65) extending at least along a portion of the length of the outlet. 40. Cartridge (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 26-39, in which the cartridge is disc-shaped. 41. Cartridge (1) according to any one of claims. 26-40, which also contains means for producing a strong jet of beverage, which means is an opening (70) in the flow path of the beverage between the inlet and outlet. 42. Cartridge (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 26-41, in which the outer member and / or the inner member are made of polypropylene. 43. Cartridge (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 26-42, in which the outer member and / or the inner member are injection molded.

Images