Machine for the preparation of beverages

• US 20040211322A1
• Filed: 01/23/2004
• Published: 10/28/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV (Mondelez International, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Kraft Foods Incorporated (Mondelez International, Inc.)
• Inventors: Carter, Steve, Halliday, Andrew
• Granted Patent: US 7,231,869 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 99/279
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/0673 Means to perforate the cartridge for creating the beverage outlet
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/3695 Cartridge perforating means for creating the hot water inlet cartridge perforating means of the filter holder for creating the beverage outlet A47J31/0673
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/4407 Lids, covers or knobs
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/446 Filter holding means; Attachment of filters to beverage-making apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/4492 Means to read code provided on ingredient pod or cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/56 having water-level controls; having temperature controls
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/8058 Coding means for the contents

Abstract

A closure mechanism for a beverage preparation machine comprising a lower part and an upper part, the upper part and lower part being movable relative to one another from an open position in which a beverage cartridge can be received in the closure mechanism and a closed position in which the beverage cartridge is fixedly retained between the upper part and lower part, wherein in the closed position the closure mechanism contacts a top surface and a bottom surface of the beverage cartridge at or near a centre of the beverage cartridge to exert a compressive force of greater than 50N.

Claims

1. A closure mechanism for a beverage preparation machine comprising a lower part and an upper part, the upper part and lower part being movable relative to one another from an open position in which a beverage cartridge can be received in the closure mechanism and a closed position in which the beverage cartridge is fixedly retained between the upper part and lower part, wherein in the closed position the closure mechanism contacts a top surface and a bottom surface of the beverage cartridge at or near a center of the beverage cartridge to exert a compressive force of greater than 50N.

2. A closure mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the closure mechanism exerts a compressive force of greater than 130N.

3. A closure mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the closure mechanism exerts a compressive force of approximately 200N.

4. A closure mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the closure mechanism contacts an uppermost surface of the beverage cartridge.

5. A closure mechanism as claimed in claim 4 wherein the closure mechanism in addition contacts a peripheral flange of the beverage cartridge.

6. A closure mechanism as claimed in claim 5 further comprising a resilient member which contacts at least a part of the top surface of the beverage cartridge

7. A closure mechanism as claimed in claim 6 wherein the resilient member is a sprung member.

8. A closure mechanism as claimed in claim 7 wherein the sprung member is a viewing window.

9. A closure mechanism as claimed in claim 8 wherein the lower part comprises a raised portion which contacts a central portion of the bottom surface of the beverage cartridge.

10. A closure mechanism as claimed in claim 9 wherein the lower part is fixed and the upper part is rotatable relative to the lower part from the open position to the closed position.

11. A closure mechanism as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a cartridge mount interposed between the lower part and the upper part and being rotatable relative to the lower part and the upper part for receiving, in use, the beverage cartridge.