Cap extraction device

• US 8,613,246 B2
• Filed: 12/08/2009
• Issued: 12/24/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/10/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA (Nestle SA)
• Original Assignee: Nestec SA (Nestle SA)
• Inventors: Ryser, Antoine, Boussemart, Christophe, Denisart, Jean-Luc, Cahen, Antoine
• Primary Examiner(s): ALEXANDER, REGINALD
• Application Number:
  US12/607,670
• Publication Number:
  US 20100071563A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,477 Days
• Field of Search: 993/02.P, 993/02.R, 992/95, 992/97, 992/89.R
• US Class Current: 99/289.R
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/3633 Means to perform transfer from a loading position to an infusing position
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/3638 Means to eject the cartridge after brewing
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/3676 Cartridges being employed
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/368 Permeable cartridges being employed
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/407 with ingredient-containing cartridges; Cartridge-perforating means

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for extracting a cap (16) comprising a first part (2), a second part (3) which is movable with respect to the second part (2) which is provided with a space for the cap and defines the cap extracting position in a closed position thereof, an introduction and positioning part comprising the cap guiding elements (6, 7) which are arranged in such a way that it is possible to insert the cap by gravity force and position it in an intermediate position and a beverage pouring system (19) in which the second movable part (3) displaces the cap from the intermediate position to the extraction position.

Claims

1. A device for the extraction of a capsule comprising:

a first fixed part;

a second movable part that can be moved relative to the first fixed part;

a housing for a capsule and defining, in a closed position of the second movable part against the first fixed part, an extraction position of the capsule along an axis in the housing;

an insertion and positioning part comprising means for guiding the capsule arranged so as to insert the capsule by gravity and to position the capsule in an intermediate position;

a drink pouring system; and

the second movable part is so constructed and arranged to move the capsule from the intermediate position into the extraction position when the device is closed,

wherein the means for guiding comprises stopping means configured to keep the capsule in the intermediate position along an axis that is substantially coaxial to the axis of the housing, and wherein the second movable part is configured to force the capsule to move past the stopping means when the capsule travels from the intermediate position to the extraction position.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first part is fixed and comprises a substantially horizontal guide body to guide in translation the second movable part toward the first fixed part.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the insertion and positioning part is placed in front of the guide body and comprises two guidance means.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the guidance means are pivoting and comprise stopping means arranged to immobilize the capsule in an intermediate position when the second movable part is in the open position allowing the insertion of a capsule, and release the capsule when the second movable part is in the closed position allowing the capsule to move from the intermediate position to the extraction position and allowing the capsule to be released when the second movable part is reopened.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the reopening of the second movable part allows the capsule to fall by gravitation.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the capsule is guided in its fall by the guidance means.

7. The device of claim 1, comprising an extraction plate toward which the second movable part moves the capsule to the extraction position.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the second movable part is moved by means ensuring the movement to the open and closed position.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the means ensuring the movement are a system of rods.

10. An extraction system comprising:

a device for extraction of a capsule and a capsule that can be extracted in the device, the capsule having a guiding edge in the form of a flange, the device comprising

a first fixed part,

a second movable part that can be moved relative to the first fixed part,

a housing configured to receive the capsule and defining, in a closed position of the second movable part against the first fixed part, an extraction position of the capsule about an axis in the housing,

an insertion and positioning part comprising means for guiding the capsule arranged so as to insert the capsule by gravity and position the capsule in an intermediate position, the guiding edge of the capsule being taken charge of in the means for guiding, the means for guiding being introduction slides allowing the engagement of the flange; and

a drink pouring system,

wherein the second moveable part is so constructed and arranged to displace the capsule from the intermediate position to the extraction position when the device is closed,

wherein the means for guiding comprises stopping means configured to keep the capsule in the intermediate position, the flange pressing against the stopping means in the intermediate position, the second movable part takes charge of the capsule to displace it from the intermediate position to the extraction position about the axis of the capsule in the extraction position in the housing such that in its movement, the mobile part acts on the capsule to bring it down, the flange of the capsule passing beneath the stopping means, and to push it about the axis of the mobile part in its extraction position.

11. The extraction system of claim 10, wherein the capsule is in the form of a truncated cone.

12. The extraction system of claim 10, wherein the capsule is selected from the group consisting of an open capsule of the filter paper capsule type, a rigid or semi-rigid capsule in cylindrical form, a truncated cone form, and combinations thereof.

13. The extraction system of claim 10, wherein the capsule contains a food product selected from the group consisting of ground roasted coffee, soluble coffee, soluble cocoa, milk, tea, dehydrated substances for bouillons, and combinations thereof.

14. The extraction system of claim 10, wherein the stopping means retain the capsule in an inclined fashion with respect to the axis of the capsule in the extraction position in the housing such that the capsule tips slightly with respect to the axis of the capsule in the extraction position.

15. The extraction system of claim 14, wherein the stopping means retain the capsule in the inclined fashion at a small angle of less than 30 degrees with respect to the centering axis.

16. The extraction system of claim 10, wherein the capsule is asymmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the flange in such a way as to be able to be tilted due to its centre of gravity being shifted with respect to the flange.

17. The extraction system of claim 10, wherein the second moveable part is configured to force the capsule'"'"'s flange to pass beneath the stopping means, in particular beneath bosses, during the passage of the capsule from its intermediate position to its extraction position.

18. The extraction system of claim 17, wherein the bosses retain the capsule by support of the capsule'"'"'s flange on the bosses.

19. The extraction system of claim 10, wherein the means for guiding comprise introduction runners.

20. The extraction system of claim 10 further comprising an extraction plate towards which the second moveable part displaces the capsule into the extraction position.

21. The extraction system of claim 20, wherein the extraction plate comprises pyramids or spikes.

22. The extraction system of claim 20, wherein the extraction plate is a plate tapped with holes to allow an extraction liquid to pass when the capsule is in filter paper.

23. The extraction system of claim 10, wherein the capsule has a side intended to tear under an increase in pressure inside the capsule.