System and method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage

[0001] The invention relates to a system for preparing a predetermined quantity of consumable drink using an extraction product. The system includes a replaceable capsule. The system further comprises a device comprising a fluid dispensing device for supplying a quantity of fluid, such as water, to a replaceable capsule, a seat for inserting a replaceable capsule, and an outlet system for supplying a beverage to a container, such as a cup. The capsule comprises a peripheral wall, a bottom, a lid, an inlet area and a closed outlet area. The perimeter wall, bottom and lid surround the inner space containing the product to be extracted. The system is designed to form a fluid connection of the fluid dispensing device to this inlet area to feed fluid to the extraction product to make a drink. The system is further configured so that, in use, the outlet system is in fluid communication with the outlet area to drain the prepared beverage from the capsule.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for preparing a predetermined quantity of consumable beverage using an extraction product. The method comprises a replaceable capsule comprising a circumferential wall, bottom, lid, inlet area and a closed outlet area in which the peripheral bottom wall and lid surround the inner space in which the extraction product is placed. The method further includes a device comprising a seat for holding a replaceable capsule, a device for dispensing fluid to supply a certain amount of fluid, such as water, to the replaceable capsule and an outlet system which, in use, is in fluid communication with the capsule to drain the prepared beverage from the capsule and delivering the beverage to a container, such as a cup, The device is designed to form a fluid connection with the inlet area to supply fluid to the extraction product to make a drink.

[0003] Hermetically sealed capsules containing ground coffee for placing in a coffee dispensing device are known in the art. When making coffee, the inlet area of ​​such a sealed capsule is pierced so that inlet openings are created for supplying pressurized fluid to the ground coffee in the inner space of the capsule. This in turn causes the pressure in the inner space of the capsule to increase, such that the outlet area of ​​the capsule is pressed against the lid piercing elements that are present in the device. When sufficient pressure is exerted, the outlet area will be broken by the lid piercing means forming the outlet openings through which the coffee beverage from the capsule can be drained through the outlet present in the device. In use, the outlet is in fluid communication with the outlet area of ​​the socket so that the coffee beverage can flow through the outlet.

[0004] It has been found that in the arrangement shown above, the preferred fluid flow paths can run through the extraction product inside the capsule, e.g. from at least one inlet to the at least one outlet, which can lead to undesirable power of the prepared drink and / or changes in the strength of the prepared drink between each capsule. In addition, because the outlet openings are created by fluid pressure, the number, position and / or size of the outlet openings are created by accident.

[0005] Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an alternative system, capsule and method.

[0006] For this, according to a first aspect, a system according to claim 1 is provided.

[0007] It should be noted that W02009 / 110783A2 discloses a system comprising a capsule having a seal for closing the exit holes prior to use. The seal is at least partially removably connected to the capsule. WO 2009 / 110783A2 does not disclose a capsule comprising an opening element formed by soluble and / or degradable material blocking the exit holes from the outlet area.

[0008] The capsule of the invention has an opening member adapted to form at least one opening in the closed outlet area. This opening element is present in the capsule itself instead of in the reservoir or outlet system. The opening element is an additional feature of adaptation to the capsule. The opening element itself can open the outlet area. Through the at least one outlet formed, the prepared beverage can be drained from the capsule through the outlet system into the container. Equipping the capsule with an opening element may provide a predetermined number of outlets, with a predetermined position of each outlet, and / or a predetermined size of the outlet, replacing, for example, reliance mainly on the internal pressure of the fluid in the capsule.

[0009] The arrangement of the outlet openings according to the invention can be predetermined independently of the device. The number, position and / or size of the outlet openings can for example be determined on the basis of the type of extraction product, the size of the beans in the extraction product, the desired beverage strength, etc., the capsule which contains such an extraction product may contain one or more opening elements which can provide a certain number, position and / or size of the exit holes on the capsule. In addition, the opening means may form exit holes, independent or partially independent of the pressure generated inside the capsule. It is possible to provide for the implementation of multiple opening parts.

[0010] Preferably, the capsule can be sealed to the external environment. Preferably, the housing is impermeable to fluid and / or air, such that the extraction product can be substantially unchanging, preferably substantially without loss of taste and extractability, during a relatively long shelf life before use. It is only immediately before use or during use that the opening element can be actuated in such a way that the drink can flow through the outlet area. [0011] In one embodiment, the opening element is arranged to be manually actuated, e.g. before starting the device . In another embodiment, the opening element is adapted to be activated by the device, e.g. during operation.

[0012] In an embodiment, the outlet area may be located in the capsule cap and / or in a part of the circumferential wall. The outlet area may further include an outlet filter for holding the product for extracting and draining the beverage. The outlet area can be located in the capsule bottom and / or in a part of the circumferential wall. The inlet may include an inlet filter that allows fluid to flow under pressure and keep the product to be extracted.

[0013] In one embodiment, the opening element may be separated from the filter outlet and / or the lid. For example, the opening element can be at least partially moved to open the outlet area. In an embodiment, the at least partially moved opening member of the outlet area can be partially peeled, latched, broken or opened. In a further embodiment, the device may have movable elements, such as bottom piercing elements and / or a seat. The opening element can be moved through the piercing elements and / or the seat to open the outlet area.

[0014] In another embodiment, the opening element may be positioned at least partially offset from respective outlet openings that are located in the outlet filter. For example, the opening element may be designed to be at least partially deformed, for example by means of heat and / or in reaction with a fluid.

[0015] In one embodiment, the opening element may be separated from the filter outlet and / or the lid. According to the invention, the opening element is designed to be at least partially dissolved and / or decomposed by the liquid from the fluid dispensing device to form an opening through the exit area. For example, the outlet openings can be located in and / or opposite the outlet filter, which openings are filled with soluble and / or degradable material. By supplying fluid to the outlet filter, the outlet openings can be opened.

[0016] In an embodiment, the same opening element can be designed to provide an opening in the inlet area to supply fluid to the capsule, in particular to the extractable product and through the outlet area, for example at the same time. In another embodiment, the opening element may include first and second opening elements. In use, the first opening element may be an opening in the inlet area and the second opening element may be an opening in the outlet area.

[0017] The capsule may comprise a rigid rim and / or a rigid peripheral wall, such that the capsule can be held in its seat. In use, the rim may be pressed between the seat and the outlet system to hold the capsule in place while draining the beverage from the capsule.

[0018] In an embodiment, the seat comprises a bottom piercing means for piercing the bottom of the replaceable capsule to form at least one inlet in the inlet area of ​​the replaceable capsule to feed the extraction product through the at least one inlet. The system capsule is designed such that, when used, the bottom of the system capsule is positioned some distance from the bottom piercing elements such that it is not pierced by the bottom piercing elements and remains intact.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the socket includes lid piercing means for piercing the outlet area of ​​the replaceable capsule when the outlet area sufficiently presses the lid piercing means under the action of fluid and / or beverage pressure in the capsule to form at least one outlet, through which the drink can be drained from this replaceable capsule. Preferably, the lid piercing elements and the capsule of the system are adapted to each other in such a way that the lid, during use, is not pierced by the lid piercing elements and remains intact.

[0020] The fluid dispensing device may be adapted to supply fluid to the replaceable capsule at a pressure of approximately 4-20 bar, preferably 5-18 bar, preferably 6-15 bar. In one embodiment, a pressure of 6 bar created in a suitable fluid dispensing device is delivered to the capsule. The extraction product may contain, for example, ground coffee beans, and the system may be designed to prepare espresso and / or other coffee-like drinks.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method according to claim 25.

[0022] In this method, a capsule is used which comprises an opening element that provides an opening through the outlet area, after which the prepared drink is drained from the capsule. The outlet area may be closed before use. Only immediately before use or during use, the opening element can be actuated in such a way that the drink can flow through the outlet area. Then, the liquid and / or the drink is drained from the capsule through the outlet opening into the outlet system, and preferably into a container such like a cup. The outlet area and / or the inlet area is opened by activating the opening element, e.g. by pressing, heating, humidifying, pressure, breaking, tearing, etc.

[0023] Further embodiments of the invention and its advantages may be defined in the claims and the description, with reference to the drawings.

[0024] In the drawings:

Figures la-c schematically show a prior art cross-sectional beverage production system;

Fig. 2 schematically shows a beverage production system in cross section from the front;

Figure 3 schematically shows a capsule in cross section in front;

Figure 4 schematically shows another capsule in cross-section from the front;

Figure 5 schematically illustrates yet another capsule in cross-section from the front;

Figure 6 schematically shows a portion of yet another capsule in cross-section from the front;

Figure 7 schematically illustrates the capsule and bottom piercing elements in cross section from the front; Figure 8 schematically illustrates yet another capsule in cross-section from the front;

Figure 9 schematically illustrates yet another capsule in cross-section from the front;

[0025] In the present description, identical or corresponding elements have identical or corresponding reference numerals. The presented embodiments should not be construed as limiting in any way and serve only as an illustration.

[0026] Figures. 1a-1c show a prior art system 101 for preparing a predetermined quantity of consumable drink using an extraction product. System 101 includes a replaceable capsule 102 and device 104. Device 104 includes a seat 106 for holding the replaceable capsule 102. In Figs. 1a-1c, a gap is drawn between the capsule 102 and the seat 106 for clarity. It will be appreciated that in use, the capsule 102 may be in contact with the seat 106. Typically, the seat 106 is complementary to the shape of the capsule 102. The device 104 further includes a fluid dispensing device 108 for delivering some fluid, such as water, underneath. pressure, e.g., 9 bar, into the replaceable capsule 102. In addition, an outlet device 109 may be provided to deliver fluid from the capsule 102 to a container, such as a cup.

[0027] In the system 101 shown in figures 1a-1c, the replaceable capsule 102 comprises a circumferential wall 110, a bottom 112 closing the circumferential wall 110 at the first end 114, and a lid 116 closing the circumferential wall 110 at the second end 118 opposite the bottom 112. The circumferential wall 110, bottom 112 and lid 116 surround inner space 120 containing product 20 for extraction.

[0028] System 101 shown in Figures 1a-1c includes a bottom piercing member 122 for piercing the capsule 102. Fig. 1a shows the bottom piercing member 122 in a retracted position. Fig. 1b shows the members 122 piercing the bottom in the extended position to form an inlet 124 in the bottom 112 for feeding fluid to the extraction product 20 through the inlet 124. In Fig. 1a-1c, the piercing elements 122 include an opening 126 through which fluid for the extraction product 20 contained in the inner space 120 can be fed. The arrangement 101 shown in Figures 1a-1c further includes lid piercing elements 128, here made in the form of projections, intended for for piercing the lid 116 of the capsule 102. In the embodiment shown, the piercing means of the lid 128 may form part of the outlet system 109.

[0029] System 101 shown in the figures. 1a-1c is used to prepare a cup of coffee, wherein the extraction product 20 is roasted and ground coffee, as follows.

[0030] The capsule 102 is placed in the seat 106 (see Fig. 1a). The bottom piercing elements are actuated to pierce the bottom 112 of the capsule 102 (see Fig. 1b) to form the inlet opening 124. The fluid, here hot water under pressure, is fed to the extraction product 20 in the internal space 120 through the inlet opening 124. Water moisturizes ground coffee and extracts the desired substances to prepare a coffee drink.

[0031] When supplying pressurized water to the interior space 120, the pressure in the capsule 102 increases. This increase in pressure causes the lid 116 to deform, causing it to be pressed against the lid piercing elements 128. When the pressure reaches a certain level, the tear strength of the lid 116 will be exceeded and the lid will break in place opposite the lid piercing elements 128, forming exit holes 130 (see Fig. 1c). The brewed coffee will be drained from the capsule 102 through the outlet openings 130 and the outlet 132 of the outlet system 109 and may be fed into a container such as a cup (not shown).

[0032] When preparing the beverage in the arrangement 101 shown in the figures. 1a-1c, privileged flow paths may be present in the extraction product within the inner space 120 of the capsule 102. These privileged paths may extend from the inlet opening 124 to the outlet openings 130. One such privileged path is indicated by the line PP in Fig. 1c.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a system 1 according to the invention for preparing a predetermined quantity of consumable drink using an extraction product. The system 1 comprises a replaceable capsule 2 and a device 104. The capsule 2 is open, the opening means (not shown in figure 2) already activated to open the exit and entry areas. Opening elements will be discussed below.

[0034] The device 104 includes a seat 106 for holding the replaceable capsule 2. In this example, the seat 106 has a shape complementary to the shape of the capsule 2. In Fig. 2, a gap is drawn between the capsule 2 and the seat 106 for clarity. It should be understood that during use, the capsule 2 may come into contact with the seat 106. The device 104 further includes a fluid dispensing device 108 for delivering some fluid, such as water, under pressure to the replaceable capsule 2.

In the system 1 shown in Fig. 2, the replaceable capsule 2 comprises a circumferential wall 10, a bottom 12 closing the circumferential wall 10 at the first end 14, and a lid 16 closing the circumferential wall 10 at the second end 18 opposite the bottom 12. The circumferential wall 10, bottom 12 and lid 16 surround the interior space 20 containing the product 20 for extraction. In this example, the replaceable capsule 2 contains a certain amount of extraction product suitable for preparing a single portion of beverage, preferably one cup of beverage, e.g. 30 to 200 ml of prepared beverage. The replaceable capsule is therefore a single-dose unit packaging.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the system 1 of Fig. 2 comprises bottom piercing members 122 for piercing the capsule 102 according to the prior art as shown in Figs. 1a-1c. Fig. 2 shows the bottom piercing elements in the extended position intended to form an inlet opening 124 in the bottom 112 of the replaceable capsule 102. According to a further embodiment, the capsule 2 comprises an inlet filter 34 that is positioned some distance from the bottom piercing elements 12, so that the capsule 2 is not pierced by the bottom piercing elements 122 and the bottom 12 remains intact when the bottom piercing elements are in position extended. In this embodiment, the inlet filter 34 is the inlet area. The inlet filter is provided with inlets 24 that can be formed by activating the elements opening the entrance, which will be explained below.

[0037] In Fig. 2, the piercing elements 122 include an opening 126 through which fluid is introduced into the interior space of the seat 106. Fluid, here hot water under pressure, e.g. over six bars, flows through the inlet filter 34 into the interior space 20 of the capsule 2 to extract the desired substances from the extraction article 20, in this example, approximately 7 grams of roast and ground coffee, to brew, in this case, a single cup of drink, in this case coffee.

[0038] Thus, more generally, in the example of Fig. 2, the bottom 12 comprises an inlet area formed by the inlet filter 34, and the system 1 is constructed to form a fluid connection of the fluid dispensing device 108 with this inlet area to supply fluid to the product 20 for extraction to make a drink.

[0039] In the example of Fig. 2, the circumferential wall 10 is substantially rigid. The peripheral wall may e.g. contain a plastic material and may be formed, for example, by injection molding, vacuum molding, thermoforming or the like. In the example of Figure 2, the bottom 12 is integral with the circumferential wall 10. In this example, the inlet filter 34 is formed by a plurality of inlet openings 24 in the bottom 12, thereby forming an inlet area. In this example, a plurality of inlet openings 24 are distributed over substantially the entire surface of the bottom 12. In the embodiment shown, fluid is fed to the extraction product 20 through the plurality of inlet openings 24, which causes the extraction product 20 to wet the substantially entire cross-section of the capsule 2. In this connection, a very homogeneous delivery of the extraction fluid 20 can be achieved. In this way, the risk of occurrence of privileged paths through which the fluid flows through the extraction product 20 is significantly reduced. In another embodiment, additional openings 24 may be provided on the peripheral wall 10, preferably near the bottom 12 so that the inlet area can be arranged on the bottom 12 and along the peripheral wall 10.

[0040] In a further embodiment that can be used in addition to or above the embodiments described above, the system 1 of Fig. 2 includes lid piercing elements 128 for piercing the lid 116 of the known capsule 102 when the lid 116 sufficiently presses the lid piercing elements 128 under the action of fluid and / or beverage pressure in the capsule 102 to form at least one outlet 130 through which the beverage can be drained from the prior art capsule 102. According to an embodiment of the invention, the capsule 2 comprises an outlet filter 36, comprising outlet ports 30 through which the beverage can be drained from the capsule 2. As will be explained below, the capsule may have provided means for opening the outlet opening 30 before or during use. The outlet filter 36 may have a sufficiently high tear strength so that it is not pierced by the lid piercing elements 128 under pressure inside the capsule 2. Alternatively or additionally, the outlet filter 36 has sufficiently low hydraulic resistance for the beverage flowing out of the capsule 2 such that the outlet filter 36 is not pressed against the lid piercing elements 128 with sufficient force to be pierced by the lid piercing elements 128 and the lid remains intact. [Thus, the outlet filter 36 is adapted to the lid-piercing elements 128 such that the capsule 2 is not, through use, pierced by the lid-piercing elements 128 and the lid 16 remains intact. More generally, it appears that the outlet filter 36 and the lid piercing elements 128 are adapted to each other such that the capsule 2 is not, through use, pierced by the lid piercing elements 128 and the lid 16 remains intact.

[0041] In the example of Fig. 2, the outlet filter 36, forming the outlet area of ​​the capsule 2, through which the beverage, here coffee, can be drained from the capsule, is formed of a porous sheet, such as filter paper. In this example, the entire lid 16 is formed as an outlet filter 36. In the example of Figure 2, the capsule 2 comprises an outwardly projecting rim 38 at the other end 18, wherein the lid 16 is attached to the outwardly projecting rim 38 e.g. by gluing, welding or the like. Hence, in this example, the outlet filter 36, i.e., a porous sheet, is attached to the outwardly extending rim 38.

[0042] In this example, the outlet filter 36 forms a substantially continuous fluid-permeable sheet connecting substantially the entire second, open end 18 of the capsule 2. Thus, the fluid can be drained from the capsule 2 over a large area. Accordingly, a very homogeneous beverage flow can be obtained from the extractable product. In this way, the risk of occurrence of privileged paths through which the fluid flows through the extraction product 20 is significantly reduced.

[0043] In general, the parameters of the outlet filter 36 of the capsule 2 of the system 1 according to the invention can be selected such that the outlet filter 36 does not tear or break, for example has sufficiently high tear strength and / or has sufficiently high stiffness and / or puts enough hydraulic resistance to prevent it from being punctured or torn. It will be appreciated that the lid and / or outlet filter 36 may deform toward the lid piercing elements, although they will not tear or tear. When the outlet filter 36 is, for example, made of filter paper, the parameters of the filter paper, such as density, thickness and / or PE content, can easily be selected to provide an outlet filter 36 having a sufficiently high tear strength and / or having a sufficiently low resistance hydraulic. Alternatively, when the outlet filter 36 is, for example, made of a polymer film provided with a plurality of outlet openings, polymer film parameters such as density, thickness, number of outlet openings, size and / or shape of the outlet openings can easily be selected to provide a third wall having Sufficiently high tear strength and / or sufficient hydraulic resistance.

[0044] In the example of Fig. 2, lid piercing elements 128 are shown having sharp toothed points for piercing the lid. It will be appreciated that alternatively, the lid piercing elements 128 may have blunt piercing surfaces, e.g. as indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. 2. The replaceable capsule known from the prior art may, however, be pierced by the blunt piercing elements 128, e.g. when the lid is made is made of aluminum foil sheet. The parameters of the outlet filter 36 of the capsule 2 of the system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention can be chosen such that the outlet filter 36 has a sufficiently high tear strength and / or creates a sufficiently low hydraulic resistance so that it is not pierced or torn. It should be understood that when the elements piercing the lid are blunt, the parameters of the outlet filter can be selected in accordance with these blunt piercing elements. When the piercing elements are blunt, the outlet filter may be, for example, thinner than when the lid piercing elements are sharp, ensuring that the outlet filter has a sufficiently high tear strength and / or provides sufficiently low hydraulic resistance so that it is not pierced or torn .

[0045] It is possible to provide the lid piercing elements with protrusions to which the lid adheres during use. Such protrusions may be formed by blunt piercing elements 128, as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 2. The protrusions may, for example, constitute at least 10%, or at least 25% of a part of the seat surface 106 which, during use, coincides with the part the surface area of ​​the lid 16 lying over the other end 18. Thus, in use, lid 16 may be supported by protrusions for example at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, of a portion of the surface area of ​​lid 16 lying on the other, open end 18. As already indicated, the lid 116 of the known replaceable capsule 102 can be pierced through such ridges, while the parameters of the outlet filter 36 of the capsule 2 of the system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention can be easily selected such that the outlet filter has a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or sufficient stiffness not to be pierced or torn. It should be understood that when the lid piercing elements comprise protrusions, the parameters of the outlet filter can be selected according to those of the lid piercing elements.

[0046] In the example of Fig. 2, the ridges have edges that are not sharp. In this example, the radius of curvature of the edges is approximately 50 μm, although other radii such as 100, 200 or 500 μm can be imagined. The prior art capsule 102 can, however, be pierced by blunt piercing elements 128, for example when the lid is made of an aluminum foil sheet. It will be appreciated that when the lid piercing elements have a blunt edge, the parameters of the outlet filter 36 can be selected according to those of the lid piercing elements. The parameters of the outlet filter 36 of the capsule 2 of the system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention can be chosen such that the outlet filter 36 has a sufficiently high tear strength and / or creates a sufficiently low hydraulic resistance so that it is not pierced or torn.

[0047] The protrusions of the elements 128 piercing the lid may also have a convex tip on which the lid 16 rests. Hence, when the lid 16 is pressed against these protrusions during use, the surface on which the lid is supported by the protrusions increases, thereby reducing same local pressure exerted on the lid by protuberances. In this way it is possible to ensure in a simple manner that the lid, during use, does not tear and / or crack and remains intact.

[0048] Before placing the capsule 2 in the seat 106, the capsule 2 can be closed, such that the extraction product 20 remains intact until the beverage is prepared. As shown in Fig. 3, the capsule 2 may include an outlet opening element adapted to provide an opening 30 through the outlet area for draining the prepared beverage. Before opening, the opening element closes the outlet area. The opening element may comprise a closure 40. Removal of closure 40 causes filter openings 30 to be exposed and beverage can flow through them. The closure 40 may be removed manually before placing the capsule 2 in the seat 106. The closure 40 may be provided with a tab 42 gripped between the fingers to remove the closure 40. The closure 40 may be a separate part separate from the outlet filter 36 and / or rim 38, that is, it is molded separately from outlet filter 36 and / or rim 38. The closure 40 may comprise a cork, foil or sheet or the like and may be made of, for example, paper, plastic and / or metal foil. The closure 40 may be connected to the capsule 2, in particular to the rim 38, in any suitable manner, for example by welding or gluing or the like.

[0049] As shown, an opening element of the inlet area can be provided to form an opening through the inlet area for supplying fluid to the capsule 2 through the otherwise closed inlet area. The opening element may comprise a second closure 44. By removing the second closure 44, for example by pulling with a second tab

46, the inlet openings 24 in the inlet filter 34 are exposed. The inlet closure 44 can have the same functions as the outlet 40 closure. In one embodiment, the inlet and outlet closures 44.40 can be connected to each other and / or together form one close.

[0050] In another embodiment, the capsule 1 may have an outlet and / or inlet opening element that must be pressed or torn apart to make an opening in the outlet and / or inlet area, respectively (see Fig. 4). Such an opening element may comprise sheet 48, 50, respectively. For example, by pressing or locally tearing the respective sheets 48, 50, the respective holes 30, 24 can be uncovered so that liquid and drink can flow into and out of the capsule 2. For example, the outlet filter 36 and / or the inlet filter 34 can be made of relatively strong and / or thick material so that it is not torn and / or pushed out, together with the corresponding opening element. For example, the outlet filter 36 and / or the inlet filter 34 may comprise metal and / or reinforced paper and / or plastic. The filter 34, 36 may for example be relatively thicker than the sheet 50, 48, respectively.

[0051] In another embodiment, the opening element may comprise a wrapper 52 (Fig. 5). The wrapper 52 may be formed by a surrounding sealing, foil, paper or similar material that surrounds and seals the bottom 12, the peripheral wall 10 and the lid 16. The wrapper 52 can seal the filters 34, 36 so that the extraction product 20 remains unchanged. Before use, to isolate the extraction product 20, wrapper 52 must be removed. The rim 38 can be connected to the peripheral wall 10 and / or the lid 16 of the capsule 2. A separate reusable rim 38 can be provided separately, the separate rim can be connected to the disposable capsule 52 before use and removed after use, so that be used again. In another embodiment, each capsule 2 may be provided with a rim 38, the whole capsule 2 including the rim 38 may be disposable.

[0052] In one embodiment, the opening element is arranged to at least partially slide relative to the outlet area and / or in the inlet area to form an opening 30, 24 in the outlet area and / or in the inlet area, preferably remaining at least partially connected to the capsule. Fig. 6 shows the opening element of the outlet area. Similarly, an opening element may be provided in the inlet area. For example, the capsule 2 may contain elements that are activated by heat. When the heated water comes into contact with the opening elements, the opening elements at least partially slide revealing the respective exit or entry holes 30, 24. For example, the opening element may comprise shape memory alloy tape and / or bimetal adapted to deform under the influence of heat, i.e. when its temperature rises above a certain threshold temperature.

[0053] In a further embodiment, the opening element may, for example, comprise an element containing a material that reacts with a liquid and / or a certain amount of moisture. For example, when the element is in contact with some liquid, the material may become relatively weak and thus deform so that the outlet area and / or the inlet area will be opened, or the element may become weak under the influence of the supplied fluid, what can be displaced or deformed by the fluid under pressure and / or the movements of the extraction product 20.

[0054] In another embodiment, the opening element may comprise a locally dried and / or compressed extraction product 20, such as grains. The locally dried and / or compressed extraction product 20 can block the exit and / or entry holes 24, 30 so that the rest of the extraction product 20 in the interior space remains substantially intact. Locally dried and / or compacted material may become weak or disintegrate under the influence of fluid, so that the fluid can flow through holes 24, 30 and extract the flavor from the extraction product 20.

In a further embodiment, the opening element and the device are designed such that the device moves the opening element to provide an opening in the outlet and / or inlet area. The movable parts of the device may, for example, be elements 122 piercing the bottom and / or seat 106 or parts of the device 104 which otherwise contact the capsule 2.

[0056] In an embodiment, the opening element comprises an opening element for opening the inlet area and / or outlet area. The opening element may comprise a part constituting one whole. In addition, a plurality of opening elements may be provided, for example at least one in the inlet area and at least one for the outlet area, wherein the opening elements may be combined. The opening element may be actuated by means 122 piercing the bottom. For example, during operation, the bottom piercing members 122 may push the opening member away from the entrance zone and / or towards the outlet area (Fig. 7). By pushing the opening member away from the entrance zone, at least one opening 24 may be formed in the inlet area. For example, the opening member may be detached from the bottom or may be pushed out of its attachment. In another embodiment, the outlet area is also opened by the same push action. As shown in Fig. 7, the opening element 55 may pierce the outlet area by a push action, so that one or more outlet openings 30 may be formed. In another embodiment, a similar opening element may be manually pushed out or otherwise manually actuated prior to placing the capsule. 2 in the socket 106.

[0057] In another embodiment (not shown), the capsule 2 comprises an integral opening element. The system 1 can be designed such that after placing the capsule 2 in the seat 106, the seat 106 is moved towards the outlet system 109, whereby the rim 38 can be clamped between the seat 106 and the outlet system 109. By moving the container 106 with the capsule 2 towards the outlet system 109, the device may locally deform part of the capsule 2, which may cause local tearing and / or cracking of the capsule 2 in the outlet area and / or inlet area. Here, the opening element may be integrally formed with the capsule 2, for example in the lid and / or near the lid and / or bottom. For example, the opening element may include one or more protrusions that are pressed when the seat 106 and the exhaust system 109 move relative to each other when pressed against the rim 38. The rim 38 may be designed such that by pressing or clamping the rim 38, the protrusion is pressed and the lid and / or bottom may locally crack, for example in a recess near or on the projection.

[0058] In a further embodiment, covers 60, 62 can be designed for sealing the outlet area and / or the inlet area, respectively (Fig. 8). For example, a plurality of covers may cover the exit holes 30 and the entry holes 24. In the case of fluid delivery to the capsule 2 when it is placed in the seat 106, the covers may be removed from the respective holes 30, 24 by water pressure. In this way, the entry and exit areas will be opened, and fluid and drink may flow out through the openings 30, 24.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, the opening element is at least partially soluble, for example in a fluid and / or liquid under pressure. Fig. 9 shows soluble elements 62, 64 that are adapted to block each opening 24, 30. When fluid is delivered to the capsule 2, the soluble opening elements 62, 64 dissolve to allow fluid and / or beverage to flow. Soluble opening elements 62, 64 can be placed on and / or in the holes 24, 30, preferably sealing the holes 24, 30.

[0060] In an embodiment, in addition to the fact that the capsule has an opening element to provide openings in the outlet area, the capsule 102 can be designed to be pierced by the bottom piercing elements 126 and / or the lid piercing elements 128. For example, the opening element may be designed to form an opening in the outlet area, and the bottom 12 is designed to be pierced by the bottom piercing elements 126.

[0061] In the above description, sealing or "closure" may be understood as sealing the opening substantially in an airtight manner, or at least sealing the capsule 2 with the extraction product 20 [0062] From the above, it follows that the extraction product 20 may contain a coffee product or extraction teas, such as roasted and ground and / or cut coffee beans, dried and / or cut tea leaves. Extraction product 20 may also contain chocolate extracts, milk powder or any other product suitable for extraction 20. Extraction product 20 may further include any mixture of the above and / or any of the above mentioned products placed in layers on and / or between themselves. The extraction product 20 may also contain chemicals to impart aroma to the liquid. Extraction product 20 can be pressed to be placed in capsule 2. The fluid that is added to the extraction product 20 to obtain a beverage can be, for example, hot or cold water or milk. The resulting drink may be, among others, tea coffee, chocolate drink or other.

[0063] The material of the capsule 2 may contain cellulose, paper, cotton and / or starch-based products. For example, the capsule material 4 may contain biodegradable material. In another embodiment, the material of the capsule 4 may comprise plastic. Cap 12 and lid 14 may include an inlet filter and an outlet filter 34, 36, respectively. The capsule 4 may, for example, be shaped by injection molding, vacuum molding, thermoforming, compression molding or the like. In the above description, integrally shaped it can be understood that individual parts of the capsule 2 are made at approximately the same time in one form of the process. For example, the corresponding elements may be formed in the same form. In another embodiment, the various parts may be welded, glued or fused to form a capsule

2.

[0064] At least one of the filters 34, 36 may comprise a porous, fluid-permeable sheet. At least one of the filters 34, 36 may contain filter paper and / or polyethylene (PE) fibers. In principle, the entire surface of the bottom 12 and / or the lid 14, at least in part extending inside the circumferential wall 10, may be liquid-permeable. Filters 34, 36 can also be made permeable to water supplied at a certain pressure, for example at a pressure of at least 6 bar. For example, low pressure fluid will not flow through filter 34, 36. At least one of the filters 34, 36 may be flexible. Filter 34, 36 may include a polymer film.

[0065] It should be obvious that the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments which are described in the description and drawings. Numerous variations and combinations are possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is possible within the scope of the present invention to combine one or more aspects, embodiments or combinations of different embodiments. It should be understood that all comparable embodiments fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.