SYSTEM FOR PREPARING A BEVERAGE SUITABLE FOR CONSUMPTION, AND EXCHANGEABLE HOLDER FOR SUCH SYSTEM

• US 20090211456A1
• Filed: 04/19/2007
• Published: 08/27/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV (Mondelez International, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV (Mondelez International, Inc.)
• Inventors: Kamerbeek, Ralf, Koeling, Hendrik Cornelis, De Graaff, Gerbrand Kristiaan, Tsang, Ka Cheung
• Granted Patent: US 8,312,806 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 99/279
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/405 with one or more infusion chambers moving successively between loading, infusing and dumping stations
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/407 with ingredient-containing cartridges; Cartridge-perforating means
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/41 of liquid ingredients
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0021 the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0044 for mixing inside the dispensing nozzle
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0801 of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0895 Heating arrangements

Abstract

A system for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption, provided with an exchange-able holder and an apparatus provided with a fluid dispensing device which is detachably connected to the holder for dispensing at least one amount of at least a first fluid such as water under pressure to the exchangeable holder, while the exchangeable holder is provided with at least one storage space which is filled with a second fluid such as a concentrate.

Claims

1. A system for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption, the system comprising:

an exchangeable holder and an apparatus provided with a fluid dispensing device which is detachably connected to the holder for dispensing at least one amount of at least a first fluid, such as a liquid and/or a gas, in particular such as water and/or steam, under pressure to the exchangeable holder, wherein the exchangeable holder is provided with includes;

at least one storage space which is filled with a second fluid such as a concentrate, at least a first mixing chamber,

at least one outflow opening which is in fluid communication with the first mixing chamber for dispensing the beverage from the first mixing chamber, while, in use, there is at least one fluid communication between the storage space and the first mixing chamber for dispensing the second fluid to the first mixing chamber,

at least one inlet opening which is detachably connected to an outlet opening of the fluid dispensing device for supplying the first fluid to the first mixing chamber,

a dosing device which is designed for supplying the second fluid in a dosed manner from the storage space to the first mixing chamber by supplying the third fluid, such as a gas or a liquid, in a controllable manner, under pressure, to the second fluid in the storage space, while the fluid dispensing device is designed for supplying the first fluid under pressure to the first mixing chamber so that in the first mixing chamber the first fluid and the second fluid mix together for obtaining the beverage which, then, leaves the exchangeable holder via the outflow opening.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the third fluid is a gas.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the third fluid is a liquid, in particular a liquid with a specific weight lower than that of the second fluid.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein a first fluid flow path along which the first fluid is supplied to the first mixing chamber, is separated from a second fluid flow path along which the second fluid and, optionally, the third fluid are supplied to the first mixing chamber.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first mixing chamber comprises a first entrance opening and a second entrance opening placed at a distance from the first entrance opening, while, in use, the first fluid enters the first mixing chamber via the first entrance opening and the second fluid and/or the third fluid enter the first mixing chamber via the second entrance opening.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one fluid communication terminates into the second entrance opening and that the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the first entrance opening.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein, in use, the third fluid enters storage space via an uppermost point of the storage space, located near a top of the storage space, viewed in vertical direction.

8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid communication which, in use, is provided between the storage space and the mixing chamber, connects the storage space to the mixing chamber at a lowest point, located at a bottom of the storage space, viewed in vertical direction, while, in use, the second fluid leaves the storage space via this lowest point.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the fluid communication which, in use, is provided between the storage space and the mixing chamber, springs from a wall of the storage space.

10. A system according to claim 7, wherein, the lowest point and the uppermost point of the storage space are situated substantially opposite each other.

11. A system according to claim 1, wherein, in use, the holder is provided substantially vertically in the system, while, in use, the supply of the third fluid to the storage space takes place via a sidewall of the holder situated at an upper side.

12. A system according to claim 1, wherein the dosing device is provided with a needle which, in use, pierces through a wall of the holder, more particularly through a wall of the storage space or through a wall of the holder at a position below which there is a space which is in fluid communication with the storage space, for supplying the third fluid to the second fluid in the storage space.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the needle is provided all around with a sealing element, for instance a sealing tube or sealing ring, which is designed for cooperating with the wall of the holder, more particularly with the wall of the storage space or with the wall of the holder at a position below which there is a space which is in fluid communication with the storage space, in order to realize a fluid-tight sealing between the wall and the needle.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the wall comprises a conically extending opening for receiving, in use, the needle and the sealing element, while the conically extending opening has a greater diameter at a side proximal to the sealing element than at a side remote from the sealing element.

15. A system according to claim 1, further provided with further comprising a control device for controlling the dosing device and the fluid dispensing device.

16. A system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid dispensing device and the dosing device can supply the first fluid and the second fluid, respectively, independently of each other, to the first mixing chamber.

17. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a restriction which is included in a fluid flow path which extends, via the outlet opening of the fluid dispensing device, the inlet opening of the holder and the first mixing device, from the fluid dispensing device to the outflow opening.

18. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a restriction which is included in a fluid flow path which extends, via the outlet opening and the inlet opening, from the fluid dispensing device to the first mixing chamber.

19. A system according to claim 18, wherein the restriction is designed such that in use, with the restriction, a jet of the first fluid is generated which spouts into the first mixing chamber.

20. A system according to claim 18, wherein the restriction is designed such that in use, with the restriction, a mist is generated from the first fluid which flows into the first mixing chamber.

21. A system according to claim 19, wherein the dosing device supplies the second fluid in a dosed manner from the storage space to the first mixing chamber while the fluid dispensing device supplies the first fluid under pressure to the fluid flow path.

22. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system is further provided with a second mixing chamber that forms a fluid communication between the first mixing chamber and the outflow opening.

23. A system according to claim 22, further comprising a restriction which is included in a fluid flow path which extends, via the outlet opening of the fluid dispensing device, the inlet opening of the holder and the first mixing device, from the fluid dispensing device to the outflow opening, and wherein the restriction is included between the first mixing chamber and the second mixing chamber.

24. A system according to claim 23, wherein the restriction is designed such that, in use, with the restriction, a jet of the beverage is generated that spouts into the second mixing chamber.

25. A system according to claim 23, wherein the restriction is designed such that, in use, with the restriction, a mist of the beverage is generated that flows into the second mixing chamber.

26. A system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one inlet opening for supplying air to the beverage in the system.

27. A system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one air inlet opening for supplying air to the first mixing chamber so that, in use, air is whipped into the beverage for obtaining a beverage with a fine bubble froth layer.

28. A system according to claim 27, wherein the system is further provided with a second mixing chamber that forms a fluid communication between the first mixing chamber and the outflow opening and wherein the at least one air inlet opening is in fluid communication with the first mixing chamber downstream of the restriction.

29. A system according to claim 27 or according to claim 24, further comprising a restriction which is included in a fluid flow path which extends, via the outlet opening and the inlet opening from the fluid dispensing device to the first mixing chamber, and wherein the at least one air inlet opening terminates via a fluid communication in the fluid flow path.

30. A system according to claim 26, wherein the system is further provided with a second mixing chamber that forms a fluid communication between the first mixing chamber and the outflow opening and wherein the system is provided with the at least one air inlet opening for supplying air to the second mixing chamber.

31. A system according to claim 26, wherein the at least one air inlet opening forms part of the holder.

32. A system according to claim 26, wherein the at least one air inlet opening forms part of the apparatus.

33. A system according to claim 17, wherein the restriction forms part of the holder.

34. A system according to claim 17, wherein the restriction forms part of the apparatus.

35. A system according to claim 1, wherein between the storage space and the first mixing chamber, there is a seal which will open when the pressure applied by the second fluid to the seal increases to above a predetermined value.

36. A system according to claim 1, wherein the exchangeable holder is provided with a plurality of storage spaces, separated from each other, which are each filled with a second fluid.

37. A system according to claim 36, wherein the holder is provided with a plurality of fluid communications which each form a fluid communication between one of the storage space and the first mixing chamber.

38. A system according to claim 36, wherein between each storage space on the one side, and the first mixing chamber on the other side, a seal is present that will open when the pressure that is applied by one of the fluids to the seal increases to above a particular value.

39. A system according to claim 38, wherein at least a number of seals will open at mutually different pressures.

40. A system according to claim 36, wherein the at least two storage spaces are filled with second fluids having a mutually different viscosity.

41. A system according to claim 36, wherein the dosing device is designed for supplying the second fluids in a dosed manner from the storage spaces to the first mixing chamber by means of supplying the third fluid in a controllable manner, under pressure, to the second fluid in the storage spaces for dispensing the second fluids in a dosed manner to the first mixing chamber from the different storage spaces.

42. A system according to claim 40, wherein each fluid communication, via a through-flow opening, forms a connection between one of the storage spaces and the first mixing chamber while the size of a number of the through-flow openings are chosen to be mutually different, for instance for dispensing the fluids from the different storage spaces at mutually different flow rates with the aid of the actuator.

43. A system according to claim 41, wherein the dosing device is designed for supplying the third fluid to the second fluids in the storage space, independently, per storage space.

44. A system according to claim 36, wherein the system is designed for dispensing fluids from at least two storage spaces, at mutually different flow rates and/or during mutually different periods.

45. A system according to claim 26, wherein the at least one air inlet opening is provided with an adjustable valve for setting the size of the air flow.

46. A system according to claim 45, wherein the holder is provided with a code and the apparatus is provided with a code reading unit for reading the code and a control device that controls the apparatus depending on the code read.

47. A system according to claim 46, wherein the control device controls the fluid dispensing device depending on the code read by the code reading unit, for determining the pressure, the amount and/or the temperature of the liquid which, in use, is supplied to the holder.

48. A system according to claim 46, wherein the control device controls the valve depending on the code read.

49. A system according to claim 15, wherein the first mixing chamber is provided with an inside wall while the restriction is positioned such relative to the inside wall that, in use, the jet spouts against the inside wall.

50. A system according to claim 19, wherein in the first mixing chamber, a jet impact element is included while the restriction is positioned relative to the jet impact element such that, in use, the jet impacts on the jet impact element.

51. A system according to claim 1, wherein an inside wall of the first mixing chamber there is an opening which provides the first mixing chamber with a fluid communication to the outflow opening.

52. A system according to claim 24, wherein the second mixing chamber is provided with an inside wall while the restriction is positioned relative to the inside wall such that, in use, the jet spouts against the inside wall.

53. A system according to claim 24, wherein in the second mixing chamber, a jet impact element is included while the restriction is positioned relative to the jet impact element such that, in use, the jet impacts on the jet impact element.

54. A system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid dispensing device is detachably connected to the holder for dispensing at least one amount of at least one liquid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable holder, while the outflow opening is in fluid communication with the first mixing chamber for dispensing the beverage from the first mixing chamber, the system further being provided with a restriction which is included in a fluid flow path which forms a liquid flow path and which extends via the outflow opening of the fluid dispensing device and the inlet opening of the holder, from the fluid dispensing device to the first mixing chamber, the dosing device being designed for supplying the second fluid in a dosed manner from the storage space to the first mixing chamber while the fluid dispensing device supplies the liquid under pressure to the liquid flow path so that with the restriction, a jet of the liquid is generated which spouts into the first mixing chamber, while in the first mixing chamber, the second fluid and the liquid mix together for obtaining the beverage which, then, leaves the first mixing chamber via the outflow opening.

55. A system according to claim 1, excluding the system according to claim 50.

56. A system according to claim 1, wherein the dosing device is provided with at least one fluid dispensing device for supplying the third fluid under pressure to the second fluid in the storage space.

57. A system according to claim 56, wherein the fluid dispensing device is detachably connected to the holder.

58. A system according to claim 56, wherein the fluid dispensing device forms part of the apparatus.

59. A system according to claim 46, in so far as dependent on claim 11, wherein the control device is designed for controlling the fluid dispensing device.

60. A system according to claim 59, in so far as dependent on claim 15, wherein the control device forms part of the apparatus.

61. A system according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises means cooperating with the holder for supplying, with the apparatus, a third fluid, in a controllable manner, under pressure, to the second fluid in the storage space.

62. A system according to claim 61, wherein the means cooperating with the holder comprise a needle for piercing, in use, through a wall of the holder, more particularly through a wall of the storage space for supplying the third fluid to the second fluid in the storage space.

63. A system according to claim 62, wherein the needle forms part of the apparatus.

64. A system according to claim 56, wherein the fluid dispensing device is a joint fluid dispensing device for the different storage spaces, for supplying the third fluid, under pressure, to the different storage spaces.

65. A system according to claim 56, wherein the dosing device is provided with different, respective, fluid dispensing devices for supplying third fluids under pressure to the different, respective, storage spaces.

112. An apparatus for use in a system according to claim 1.

66. An exchangeable holder designed to be connected to an apparatus provided with a fluid dispensing device for dispensing, in use, at least a first fluid, such as a gas and/or liquid, under pressure to the exchangeable holder for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, the exchangeable holder is comprising:

at least one storage space which is filled with a second fluid, such as a concentrate,

at least a first mixing chamber,

at least one outflow opening which is in fluid communication with the first mixing chamber for dispensing the beverage from the first mixing chamber, while, in use, there is at least one fluid communication between the storage space and the first mixing chamber for dispensing the second fluid to the first mixing chamber,

at least one inlet opening which, in use, is detachably connected to an outlet opening of the fluid dispensing device for supplying the first fluid to the first mixing chamber, the storage space forming part, at least partly, of a dosing device while the holder is designed in a manner such that, in use, a third fluid can be supplied, with the apparatus, in a controllable manner, under pressure, to the second fluid in the storage space for dispensing the second fluid in a dosed manner from the storage space to the first mixing chamber while, in use, the first fluid is also supplied under pressure to the first mixing chamber so that the second fluid and the first fluid mix together for obtaining the beverage which, then, leaves the holder via the outflow opening.

67. A holder according to claim 66, wherein the holder is provided with means cooperating with the apparatus for, in use, supplying the third fluid, with the apparatus, to the second fluid in the storage space while, for instance, the means cooperating with the apparatus comprise at least one locally weakened area of a wall of the holder, more particularly a wall of the storage space or of a wall of the holder at a position below which there is a space which is in fluid communication with the storage space for, in use, piercing a needle of the dosing device through this area for supplying the third fluid to the second fluid in the storage space.

68. A holder according to claim 67, wherein the means cooperating with the apparatus are placed at a distance from the inlet opening.

69. A holder according to claim 66, wherein the first mixing chamber comprises a first entrance opening for supplying the first fluid via the first entrance opening to the first mixing chamber, and a second entrance opening placed at a distance from the first entrance opening for supplying the second fluid and/or the third fluid to the first mixing chamber

70. A holder according to claim 69, wherein the at least one fluid communication terminates into the second entrance opening and that the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the first entrance opening.

71. A holder according to claim 67, wherein, in use, a supply opening of the storage space, formed by, for instance, a pierced wall of the storage space or an extremity of the fluid communication which is present between a space below a wall of the holder and the storage space of the space, is provided at an uppermost point the storage space, viewed in vertical direction.

72. A holder according to claim 66, wherein the fluid communication which, in use, is provided between the storage space and the mixing chamber of the holder, connects the storage space to the mixing chamber at a lowest point, viewed in vertical direction.

73. A holder according to claim 72, wherein the fluid communication, which, in use, is provided between the storage space and the mixing chamber, springs from a wall of the storage space.

74. A holder according to claim 71, wherein the lowest point and the uppermost point of the storage space are situated substantially opposite each other.

75. A holder according to claim 66, wherein the holder is designed to be placed vertically in the apparatus, while in use, supplying the third fluid to the storage space takes place via a side wall of the holder located at an upper side.

76. A holder according to claim 66, wherein the holder comprises a conically extending opening, for receiving, in use, the needle with a sealing element provided all around the needle, in order to obtain a fluid-tight sealing between the needle and the holder while the conically extending opening has a greater diameter at a side proximal to the sealing element than at a side remote from the sealing element.

77. A holder according to claim 76, wherein the conically extending opening is provided in a wall of the storage space or in a wall of the holder at a position below which there is a space which is in fluid communication with the storage space.

78. A holder according to claim 66, further comprising a restriction which is included in a fluid flow path which extends from the inlet opening of the holder to the outflow opening.

79. A holder according to claim 66, further comprising a restriction which is included in a fluid flow path which extends from the inlet opening to the first mixing chamber.

80. A holder according to claim 79, wherein the restriction is designed such that, in use, with the restriction, a jet of the first fluid is generated which spouts in to the first mixing chamber.

81. A holder according to claim 79, wherein the restriction is designed such that, in use, with the restriction, a mist of the first fluid is generated which flows into the first mixing chamber.

82. A holder according to claim 66, wherein the system is further provided with a second mixing chamber which forms a fluid communication between the first mixing chamber and the outflow opening.

83. A holder according to claim 82, further comprising a restriction which is included in a fluid flow path which extends from the inlet opening of the holder to the outflow opening and wherein the restriction is included between the first mixing chamber and the second mixing chamber.

84. A holder according to claim 83, wherein the restriction is designed such that, in use, with the restriction, a jet is generated of the beverage, which spouts into the second mixing chamber.

85. A holder according to claim 83, wherein the restriction is designed such that, in use, with the restriction, a mist is generated of the beverage, which flows into the second mixing chamber.

86. A holder according to claim 66, wherein the holder is provided with at least one air inlet opening for supplying air to the beverage in the holder.

87. A holder according to claim 66, wherein the holder is provided with at least one air inlet opening for supplying air to the first mixing chamber so that, in use, air is whipped into the beverage for obtaining a beverage with a fine bubble froth layer.

88. A holder according to claim 87, further comprising a restriction which is included in a fluid flow path which extends from the inlet opening to the first mixing chamber and wherein the at least one air inlet opening is in fluid communication with the first mixing chamber downstream of the restriction.

89. A holder according to claim 80, wherein the at least one air inlet opening terminates, via a fluid communication, in the fluid flow path.

90. A holder according to claim 86, further comprising a restriction which is included in a fluid flow path which extends from the inlet opening to the first mixing chamber, and wherein the holder is provided with the at least one air inlet opening for supplying air to the second mixing chamber.

91. A holder according to claim 66, wherein between the storage space and the first mixing chamber there is a seal which will open when the pressure that is applied by the second fluid to the seal increases to above a predetermined value.

92. A holder according to claim 66, wherein the exchangeable holder is provided with a plurality of storage spaces, separated from each other, which are each filled with a second fluid.

93. A holder according to claim 92, wherein the holder, for the purpose of each storage space, comprises means cooperating with the apparatus for supplying a third fluid, with the apparatus, in a controllable manner, under pressure, to the second fluid in the storage space.

94. A holder according to claim 91, wherein the holder is provided with a plurality of fluid communications which each form a fluid communication between one of the storage spaces and the first mixing chamber.

95. A holder according to claim 91, wherein between each storage space on the one side, and the first mixing chamber on the other side, there is a seal which will open when the pressure which is applied by one of the fluids to the seal increases to above a predetermined value.

96. A holder according to claim 95, wherein at least a number of the seals will open at mutually different pressures.

97. A holder according to claim 81, wherein at least two storage spaces are filled with fluids which have a mutually different viscosity.

98. A system according to claim 94, wherein each fluid communication, via a through-flow opening, forms a connection between one of the storage spaces and the first mixing chamber, while the size of a number of the through-flow openings is chosen to be mutually different, for instance for dispensing the fluids from the different storage spaces at mutually different flow rates with the aid of the actuator.

99. A holder according to claim 91, wherein the holder is designed for dispensing fluids from at least two storage spaces at mutually different flow rates and/or during mutually different periods.

100. A holder according to claim 86, wherein the at least one air inlet opening is provided with an adjustable valve for setting the size of the air flow.

101. A holder according to claim 70, wherein the holder is provided with a code that can be read with a code reading unit.

102. A holder according to claim 100, wherein the first mixing chamber is provided with an inside wall while the restriction is positioned relative to the inside wall such that, in use, the jet spouts against the inside wall.

103. A holder according to claim 97, wherein in the first mixing chamber, a jet impact element is included while the restriction is positioned relative to the jet impact element such that, in use, the jet impacts on the jet impact element.

104. A holder according to claim 70, wherein in an inside wall of the first mixing chamber there is an opening which provides the first mixing chamber with a fluid communication to the outflow opening.

105. A holder according to claim 71, wherein the second mixing chamber is provided with an inside wall while the restriction is positioned relative to the inside wall such that, in use, the jet spouts against the inside wall.

106. A holder according to claim 87, wherein in the second mixing chamber, a jet impact element is included while the restriction is positioned relative to the jet impact element such that, in use, the jet impacts on the jet impact element.

107. A holder according to claim 70, wherein the inlet opening is provided with a removable sealing such as a seal.

108. A holder according to claim 70, wherein the outflow opening is provided with a removable sealing such as a seal.

109. A holder according to claim 70, wherein the fluid dispensing device is designed for dispensing a first fluid in the form of a liquid, under pressure, to the holder, while the outflow opening is in fluid communication with the first mixing chamber for dispensing the beverage from the first mixing chamber, while, in use, the liquid is also supplied under pressure to the mixing chamber so that the second fluid and the liquid mix together for obtaining beverage which, then, leaves the mixing chamber via the outflow opening.

110. A holder according to claim 70, excluding the holder according to claim 109.

111. A holder according to claim 70, wherein the storage space has walls which are at least partly flexible but not stretchable.