Capsule for preparing a beverage by centrifugation in a beverage preparation device and device adapted therefore

Abstract

Capsule ( 1 ) insert able in a beverage production device ( 23 ) for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces for producing the beverage which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relatively to a central axis (A) of the capsule corresponding to an axis of rotation during the centrifuging operation comprising: an enclosure containing a predetermined amount of beverage substance, a cup-like shaped body ( 2 ), an upper wall ( 3 ) for closing the body, wherein it comprises a flange-like rim ( 4 ) extending outwardly from the body which comprises an annular raising portion ( 8 ) forming a restriction for the centrifuged liquid flow path when said portion is engaged by a pressing surface of the beverage production device.

1 . Capsule that can be inserted into a beverage production device for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces for producing the beverage which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relative to a central axis of the capsule corresponding to an axis of rotation during the centrifuging operation comprising:
 an enclosure containing an amount of beverage substance,   a cup-like shaped body comprising a sidewall,   an upper outer wall for closing the body,   and a flange-like rim extending outwardly from the body comprising an annular raising portion forming a restriction for the centrifuged liquid flowpath when the portion is engaged by a pressing surface of the beverage production device.   
     
     
         2 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular raising portion extends in a direction opposite to a bottom of the body. 
     
     
         3 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular raising portion extends a certain height (“d”) from a relatively flat annular inward portion of the rim merging with the sidewall. 
     
     
         4 . Capsule according to  claim 3 , wherein the annular raising portion creates an increased thickness (“d+d 1 ”) on the inward portion. 
     
     
         5 . Capsule according to  claim 3 , wherein the annular inward portion forms a sealed portion for the upper wall. 
     
     
         6 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular raising portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a transversal plane of extension of the flange-like rim. 
     
     
         7 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular raising portion is rigid. 
     
     
         8 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular raising portion is made integral with the flange-like rim. 
     
     
         9 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the lower surface of the flange-like rim merging with the sidewall of the body is free of any projection in a direction opposed to the annular raising portion. 
     
     
         10 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the flange-like rim comprises an annular groove on a surface directly opposed to the annular raising portion. 
     
     
         11 . Capsule according to  claim 10 , wherein the annular raising portion is embossed in the flange-like rim. 
     
     
         12 . Capsule according to  claim 10 , wherein the cup-like shaped body comprises a material selected from the group consisting of aluminium and plastics. 
     
     
         13 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular raising portion is a separate element and attached to the flange-like rim. 
     
     
         14 . Capsule according to  claim 13 , wherein the annular raising portion is made of rubber elastic material. 
     
     
         15 . Capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the raising portion comprises a gas vent means. 
     
     
         16 . A method of using a capsule comprising:
 inserting into a beverage production device a capsule comprising a capsule comprising an enclosure containing an amount of beverage substance, a cup-like shaped body comprising a sidewall, an upper outer wall for closing the body, and a flange-like rim extending outwardly from the body comprising an annular raising portion forming a restriction for the centrifuged liquid flowpath when the portion is engaged by a pressing surface of the beverage production device;   preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing liquid through the substance; and   using centrifugal forces for producing the beverage which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relative to a central axis of the capsule corresponding to an axis of rotation during the centrifuging operation.   
     
     
         17 . Beverage preparation device for producing from a capsule that can be inserted into a beverage production device for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces for producing the beverage which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relative to a central axis of the capsule corresponding to an axis of rotation during the centrifuging operation the capsule comprising: an enclosure containing an amount of beverage substance, a cup-like shaped body comprising a sidewall, an upper outer wall for closing the body, and a flange-like rim extending outwardly from the body comprising an annular raising portion forming a restriction for the centrifuged liquid flowpath when the portion is engaged by a pressing surface of the beverage production device the beverage device, comprising:
 a liquid injection head for injecting liquid in the capsule,   a capsule holder for holding the capsule in the device,   means for centrifuging the capsule; and   a pressing surface for applying a determined closing force onto the annular raising portion of the flange-like rim for substantially closing the flowpath to the beverage.   
     
     
         18 . Device according to  claim 17 , wherein the pressing surface and/or the capsule holder is associated with spring-loading means for enabling the opening of a restriction flowpath for the centrifuged liquid by the pressing surface moving relatively away from the annular raising portion. 
     
     
         19 . Device according to  claim 18 , wherein the pressing surface forms a surface of a valve part which is separately moveable from the injection part of the head. 
     
     
         20 . Device according to  claim 19 , wherein the injection part comprises outlet perforating members forming a filter when in perforating engagement in the capsule for the centrifuged liquid when engaged in the capsule. 
     
     
         21 . Device according to  claim 17 , wherein the pressing surface forms a relatively flat annular surface. 
     
     
         22 . Device according to  claim 17 , wherein the capsule holder comprises a support surface for supporting the flange-like rim of the capsule and comprising an annular indentation indented to fit into an annular groove of the flange-like rim. 
     
     
         23 . Device according to  claim 17 , wherein the injection head comprises a central injection needle. 
     
     
         24 . Capsule system comprising: a capsule for the preparation of a beverage that can be inserted into a beverage production device for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces for producing the beverage which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relative to a central axis of the capsule corresponding to an axis of rotation during the centrifuging operation comprising: an enclosure containing an amount of beverage substance, a cup-like shaped body comprising a sidewall, an upper outer wall for closing the body, and a flange-like rim extending outwardly from the body comprising an annular raising portion forming a restriction for the centrifuged liquid flowpath when the portion is engaged by a pressing surface of the beverage production device and a device, wherein the annular raising portion of the capsule is engaged against a pressing surface of the device for providing a valve member that delays and restricts the flow of the centrifuged liquid leaving the capsule.