WO2015124898A1

WO2015124898A1 - Infusion cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2015124898A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/050254
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher Dawson
Original assignee: Technology Partnership PLC
Current assignee: Technology Partnership PLC
Priority date: 2014-02-18
Filing date: 2015-01-30
Publication date: 2015-08-27
Anticipated expiration: 2016-08-18
Also published as: GB201402838D0

Abstract

A cartridge (10) comprises a body comprising a base (20), one or more walls (30), and a lid (40). The one or more walls are connected at a first end to the base and at a second end to the lid, so the base (20), the one or more walls (30) and the lid (40) together define an enclosed space. An infusion material is located in the enclosed space, an inlet (22) is located in the body for receiving a liquid into the enclosed space and an outlet (26) is located in the body for allowing the passage of the liquid from the enclosed space. The walls (30) are expandable such that when liquid is received into the enclosed space the area of the enclosed space increases, the cartridge (10) thereby transitioning from a first state into a second state.

Description

INFUSION CARTRIDGE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge and a corresponding apparatus for creating an infusion particularly for infused beverages such as tea or coffee.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditionally, beverages such as tea or coffee have been made by placing an infusion material such as tea leaves or coffee grounds in a pot. Hot water is added, then after an amount of time, the infusion is poured into a cup for consumption. Such methods are labour-intensive and prone to significant infusion variation depending on the person preparing. Further, a great deal of cleaning is required between infusions of difference substances to avoid cross- contamination. There is also the ever-present risk that the infusion material or the infusion itself becoming contaminated due to its contact with the outside environment.

[0003] There have been many attempts in the prior art to design a device which can ease or speed up the preparation of such infused beverages.

[0004] For example, United States patent number 4410550 describes a device having a porous member attached to a handle. The device can then be immersed in a cup and subsequently removed once the infusion is produced. However, the porous member only allows a restricted contact area between the infusion material and the water, which limits the rate of infusion. Further, before use of the device, the porous member is open to the environment, which can allow for contamination to occur.

[0005] United States patent number 6692781 describes a porous member connected in a bellows configuration to a handle, such that the porous member expands in water to increase the contact between the infusion material and the water. However this obscures viewing the infusion, which renders it difficult to a user to determine whether the infusion has reached a desired strength. Further, the porous member is again open to the environment, which can allow for contamination to occur. [0006] There is consequently a need for a device which provides for the convenient preparation of an infusion while minimising the risk of contamination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0007] Examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention in a first state;

[0009] Figure 2 shows the same embodiment transitioning from the first state to a second state;

[0010] Figure 3 shows the same embodiment in the second state;

[0011] Figure 4 shows the same embodiment transitioning from the second state to a third state; and

[0012] Figure 5 shows the same embodiment in the third state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] A cartridge 10 according to the present invention has a body which defines an enclosed space that is substantially sealed to the outside environment.

[0014] In particular, the body of the cartridge 10 comprises a base 20, one or more walls 30, and a lid 40. The base 20 is typically cup-like, having an internal space defined by one or more sides and a bottom, which can be integrally formed. The bottom of the base 20 is generally substantially flat to enable easy storage. The base 20 is preferably substantially rigid, and is typically formed of a food-safe thermoplastic material.

[0015] The one or more walls 30 are connected to the base 20 at a first end. For example, the walls 30 may be bonded to the inner face of the one or more sides of the base 20. The walls 30 are typically formed of a material that is substantially non-permeable to a liquid to be used in the cartridge 10. For example, a non-water-permeable material can be selected when the cartridge 10 is to be used in making tea or coffee. This prevents the liquid escaping unintentionally and ensures the hygienic and sanitary environment of the enclosed space is maintained both before use and during use. [0016] Preferably the walls 30 are formed so as to be collapsible. To this end, the walls 30 may have a bellows-type configuration such that they may be collapsed vertically. Alternatively, the walls 30 may have a helical configuration such that they can be collapsed by twisting.

[0017] In some cases, the walls 30 may be designed so that, in their collapsed state, the walls 30 fit entirely within the internal space of the base 20. This prevents contact with the walls 30, safeguarding them from potential damage, as well as minimised the outer dimensions of the cartridge 10 for storage.

[0018] The one or more walls 30 are connected to the lid 40 at a second end. The lid 40 can be formed of a substantially rigid material either the same or different to the material used for the base 20.

[0019] The body of the cartridge 10 can be of any shape, however the shape may be chosen to customise the thermal characteristics of the device. For example, in the case of beverages, it may be useful to minimise the cooling of a liquid held inside the internal space. Accordingly, the body of the device may have a substantially cylindrical shape (that is, having a circular cross-section). Such an arrangement maximises the internal space in comparison to the outer perimeter (that is, the greatest area to perimeter ratio), which can minimise cooling.

[0020] For the sake of clarity, the cartridge 10 will be described below as a cylinder, such that body has only a single annular wall 30. However, other shapes remain within the scope of the present invention.

[0021] An inlet 22 is provided into the body of the cartridge 10, for example in the base 20. The inlet 22 is configured to receive a liquid into the internal space. The inlet 22 may comprise an inlet seal (preferably self-sealing) configured to allow the liquid to travel only in a single direction.

[0022] An outlet 26 is also provided into the body of the cartridge 10, which can also be located in the base 20. The outlet 26 is configured to allow a liquid to pass from the internal space.

[0023] The outlet 26 may comprise an aperture in the body (preferably in the base 20) covered with an outlet seal. The material of the outlet seal is typically chosen such that its wetted flow resistance is sufficient to hold the liquid in the enclosed space of the body, but is nevertheless frangible. The material can then be pierced or otherwise damaged to enable outward flow of the liquid.

[0024] A transparent portion can be provided in the body of the cartridge 10. In some cases, the wall 30 may be formed of a transparent material, such that the transparent portion comprises the entirely of the wall 30. This allows a user to easily view the enclosed space and the state of any liquid inside.

[0025] The cartridge 10 is initially provided in a first state (hereafter called the primed state). The primed state of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1.

[0026] In the primed state, the wall 30 can be collapsed so that it is located within the internal space formed by the base 20. In such a case, a portion of the lid 40 may be connected to the upper face of the one or more sides of the base 20 by means of a temporary connection. The connection may be via a heat-sensitive seal, such that when heated (for example, by the passage of warmed liquid through the inlet 22), the connection is severed. Additionally or alternatively, the connection between the lid 40 and the base 20 can be frangible such that the connection can be severed by the pressure of liquid entering the cartridge 10 through the inlet 22 and/or by an externally-applied mechanical force, thereby allowing the wall 30 to be extended in use.

[0027] In some cases, the combination of the lid 40 being connected to the base 20 and the wall 30 being collapsed may prevent the inlet 22 and/or the outlet 26 being functional. This can further ensure the hygienic and sanitary environment of the enclosed space is maintained while the cartridge 10 is not in use.

[0028] Further, in the primed state, an infusion material 15 is located within the enclosed space of the cartridge 10. For example, the infusion material 15 may be tea leaves or coffee beans in a form suitable for making a beverage. The infusion material 15 is typically chosen so as to not be dissolvable within a liquid but to nevertheless create an infusion when immersed in the liquid.

[0029] The primed state substantially minimises the size of the cartridge 10 and protects the wall 30 from damage by encasing them in the rigid base 20. This allows for convenient storage of the cartridge 10 and reduces the risk that the hygienic and sanitary environment of the enclosed space of the cartridge 10 is compromised. [0030] In use, the cartridge 10 transitions into a second state (hereafter called the operative state). The state of a preferred embodiment of the present invention transitioning between the primed state and the operative state is shown in Figure 2. The transition from the primed state is typically prompted by pressure applied to the internal face of the body by a liquid injected through the inlet 22.

[0031] The liquid is chosen depending on the infusion material 15, and may be heated to a predetermined or selectable temperature depending on the infusion material 15. For example, if the infusion material 15 is black tea leaves, the liquid may be water at around 99°C, whereas if the infusion material 15 is green tea leaves, the liquid may be water at around 75°C.

[0032] In some cases, the inlet 22 is configured so that liquid passing through the inlet 22 enters the enclosed space in a tangential manner such that a vortex is created. This can improve the rate of infusion between the infusion material 15 and the liquid, as the infusion material 15 tends to be more widely dispersed throughout the liquid by the vortex. Moreover, it tends to normalise the infusion so as to reduce the chance of areas of the infusion having different strengths.

[0033] Once the connection between the lid 40 and the base 20 is broken (or if no such connection is provided), the lid 40 and the base 20 are connected only via the membrane. The liquid pressure within the enclosed space is such that the liquid fills the internal space and causes the wall 30 to extend from its initial collapsed state. As the wall 30 extends, the internal space grows larger and thus can accommodate a greater quantity of the liquid. The liquid will continue to fill the enclosed space until a fill condition is reached. The fill condition may be that the liquid pressure within the enclosed space reaches a predetermined value, and/or may be that a predetermined quantity of liquid has passed into the enclosed space.

[0034] Once the internal space is filled, the liquid stops flowing and the cartridge 10 completes its transition into the operative state. The operative state of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 3.

[0035] During the transition and while in the operative state, the chemical compounds and flavours from the infusion material 15 tend to be infused into the liquid, creating an infusion. [0036] In many cases, visual characteristics of the infusion (such as colour, hue or cloudiness) can provide an indication of the progress of the infusion. For example, an infusion of black tea leaves into water will tend to darken over time, and the strength of the infusion is directly correlated with its darkness.

[0037] The user is able to view the visual characteristics of the infusions through the transparent portion of the body of the cartridge 10. Once the infusion has reached a desired level of one or more visual characteristics, the cartridge 10 may be caused to transition into a third state (hereafter called the depleted state). The state of a preferred embodiment of the present invention transitioning between the operative state and the depleted state is shown in Figure 4.

[0038] For example, where an outlet seal is provided over the outlet 26, the outlet seal may be pierced or otherwise destroyed, creating an outlet opening 28, allowing the liquid to escape the cartridge 10.

[0039] In some cases, the outlet 26 may be designed to release and/or fail at a predetermined time (for example, based on the infusion material 15). This allows for repeatable infusions to be produced with minimum user action.

[0040] In any case, even when the outlet opening 28 is formed, it is generally preferable that the outlet 26 is designed such that the infusion material 15 remains held within the device. For example, a filter may be provided inside the outlet 26 such that only the liquid is able to exit through the outlet opening 28.

[0041] In some cases, further liquid may be injected into the enclosed space once the cartridge 10 begins to transition into the depleted state. This may be desirable if the final infusion needs to be diluted. In some cases, a second, different liquid (such as milk or carbonated water) may be injected at this stage.

[0042] Once the outlet 26 is opened, the liquid tends to naturally pass through the outlet opening 28. However, in some cases the flow rate is insufficient. Accordingly, external pressure may be applied to the body of the device in order to increase the flow rate of the liquid escaping the device. Generally the external pressure will be applied to the lid 40 and/or on the outer face of the wall 30.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, air or another fluid may be injected into the enclosed space to force the liquid to pass through the outlet 26. [0044] In general use, a cup or other container will be located below the outlet 26, such that the liquid escaping the cartridge 10 can be contained within the cup or other container.

[0045] As the liquid passes out of the cartridge 10, the wall 30 tends to return to its collapsed state. This is because the liquid pressure within the internal space is insufficient to maintain the wall 30 in its extended state. Thus the wall 30 collapses inside the base 20 and the lid 40 tends to move towards the base 20.

[0046] Once the bulk of the liquid has escaped the cartridge 10, the lid 40 will tend to touch the upper face of the base 20 and the wall 30 will not be visible to the user. In such a case, the cartridge 10 has completed its transition into the depleted state. The depleted state of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 5. The lid 40 may be again bonded to the base 20 to prevent the wall 30 leaving the base 20.

[0047] The cartridge 10 in the depleted state may look similar to the device in the primed state. However the inlet seal and/or the outlet seal may be damaged, and the infusion material 15 will generally have infused at least part of its composition into the liquid. The cartridge 10 may therefore have some visual indication placed thereon indicated that it is not suitable for reuse. The cartridge 10 may then be disposed of.

[0048] Accordingly, the cartridge 10 allows for convenient production of infusions. The single-use cartridge 10 is easily and safely storable and transportable and ensures that the infusion is performed in a hygienic and sanitary environment. Further, the cartridge 10 minimises the risk of other devices being contaminated, and of spills and the like occurring, while allowing for the infusion to be produced with user-specific characteristics.

[0049] An apparatus for use in combination with an infusion cartridge 10 as described above may also be provided. Although the apparatus will be described as a single apparatus having interconnected parts, it will be appreciated that the apparatus may comprise multiple unrelated parts.

[0050] The apparatus comprises a receptacle adapted to receive a device in the primed state. Located above the receptacle is a channel sized to receive the device in the operative state. In general, the base 20 of the device in the charged state and in the operative state will remain in the same location relative to the apparatus, and the lid 40 and the wall 30 of the cartridge 10 will be allowed to extend along the channel.

[0051] The channel typically comprises at least one transparent portion to allow the user to view the enclosed space of the cartridge 10 in the operative state.

[0052] The apparatus comprises a liquid injector adapted to provide a liquid into the cartridge 10 through its inlet 22. The liquid injector will preferably be adapted to be able to puncture or otherwise pass through an inlet seal. The liquid injector may comprise a pressure meter adapted to monitor the back pressure of the liquid within the internal space.

[0053] The liquid injector may be movable, such that at least a portion of the injector can be located within the device in order for liquid to be injected, and then removed once the injection is completed. Alternatively, the liquid injector may be fixed such that it maintains its position relative to the device as long as the device is installed in the apparatus.

[0054] The apparatus may have a second liquid injector for injecting a second, different liquid through the inlet 22 and/or may have a fluid injector for injection air or another fluid through the inlet 22 to force the liquid to exit the cartridge. In some cases, one or both of the second liquid injector and the fluid injector may be provided as the liquid injector, by varying the source of the liquid/fluid provided to the liquid injector.

[0055] The apparatus may further comprise a seal punch adapted to puncture or otherwise destroy the outlet seal of the device. The seal punch may be moved into located once the dispense condition is fulfilled, or may itself be part of the dispense condition.

[0056] The apparatus can further comprise a pressure device (such as a piston) in order to provide pressure to the cartridge in the second state, to force the liquid from the cartridge.

[0057] The apparatus may have a second receptacle adapted to receive a cup or other container in a position such that the liquid escaping the device can be contained within the cup or other container.

[0058] In this manner, it can be seen that the whole of the infusion process is performed within the cartridge 10, minimising contact with other devices. This minimises the risk of contamination of both other devices and the infusion, and avoids the need for cleaning the apparatus between infusions.

Claims

1. A cartridge, comprising:

a body comprising a base, one or more walls, and a lid, the one or more walls being connected at a first end to the base and being connected at a second end to the lid, wherein the base, the one or more walls and the lid together define an enclosed space;

an infusion material located in the enclosed space;

an inlet located in the body for receiving a liquid into the enclosed space; and

an outlet located in the body for allowing the passage of the liquid from the enclosed space;

wherein the walls are expandable such that when liquid is received into the enclosed space the area of the enclosed space increases, the cartridge thereby transitioning from a first state into a second state.

2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more walls is substantially transparent.

3. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the base is formed of a substantially rigid material.

4. The cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein in the first state, the one or more walls are collapsed so as to be located within the base.

5. The cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the walls expand after receiving liquid pressure at at least a predetermined level and/or liquid of a predetermined quantity through the inlet.

6. The cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein in the first state, the lid is connected to the base by means of a temporary connection.

7. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein prior to the cartridge transitioning from the first state to the second state, the lid is disconnected from the base.

8. The cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein when the outlet opens, at least part of the liquid passes from the enclosed space and the cartridge transitions from the second state to a third state.

9. The cartridge of claim 8, wherein pressure is applied to the lid and/or the walls in order to increase the flow rate of the liquid through the outlet.

10. The cartridge of claim 9, wherein the outlet opens in response to the pressure.

11. The cartridge of claim 8, wherein the outlet comprises a frangible seal and the outlet opens by a puncture being formed in the frangible seal.

12. The cartridge of any of any of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the cartridge is configured such that, in the third state, the walls are collapsed and are located substantially within the base.

13. The cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the body is substantially cylindrical such that the one or more walls comprise a single annular wall.

14. The cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the inlet is configured so that the liquid is received in the enclosed space tangentially such that a vortex is formed within the enclosed space.