Capsule for preparing consumable product

Abstract

A capsule is provided for use in a machine for preparing product from capsules. The capsule includes a body that defines an interior space with an opening at one location and an aperture at another location. A soluble closure is disposed on an interior surface of the body to cover the aperture. Ingredients are disposed within the interior space for preparing a desired product. A cover is disposed over the opening and a removable cover is disposed over the aperture. The removable cover is removed from capsule prior to insertion of capsule into the machine. The soluble closure is adapted to dissolve upon exposure to fluid from the capsule machine in order to allow prepared product to exit capsule through aperture. In another embodiment, a delivery system such as a soluble pouch or a film containing ingredients is disposed in the capsule.

I/We claim: 
     
         1 . A capsule, for use in a machine for preparing consumable products from capsules, said capsule comprising:
 a body defining an interior space with an opening at one location and an aperture at another location;   a soluble closure disposed in said body for closing said aperture;   ingredients disposed in said interior space for preparing a desired product;   a cover disposed over said opening; and   a removable cover disposed on an exterior surface of said body over said aperture.   
     
     
         2 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein said body includes a side wall that tapers inwardly from said opening to said aperture. 
     
     
         3 . The capsule of  claim 2 , wherein said side wall has a first portion that extends from said opening to a second portion, said second portion tapering inwardly from said first portion to said aperture. 
     
     
         4 . The capsule of  claim 1  wherein said ingredients include insoluble consumable ingredients. 
     
     
         5 . The capsule of  claim 4  wherein said ingredients include noodles. 
     
     
         6 . The capsule of  claim 4  wherein said ingredients include dried vegetables. 
     
     
         7 . The capsule of  claim 1  further comprising a filter disposed in said body for filtering at least some of said ingredients. 
     
     
         8 . The capsule of  claim 7 , wherein said filter defines a first chamber containing insoluble non-consumable ingredients. 
     
     
         9 . The capsule of  claim 1  further comprising an exit nozzle disposed in said aperture, said exit nozzle being adapted for directing the consumable product from said capsule to a desired receptacle without the consumable product contacting the machine. 
     
     
         10 . The capsule of  claim 9  wherein said exit nozzle is adapted to move from a retracted position to an extended position. 
     
     
         11 . The capsule of  claim 1  further comprising an insert disposed in said interior space, said insert being adapted for directing the consumable product to said aperture. 
     
     
         12 . The capsule of  claim 1  further comprising a soluble delivery system disposed in said body, said soluble delivery system containing at least some ingredients for preparing a desired product. 
     
     
         13 . The capsule of  claim 12  wherein said soluble delivery system comprises a soluble pouch containing at least some ingredients. 
     
     
         14 . The capsule of  claim 12  wherein said soluble delivery system comprises a soluble film comprising one or more layers containing at least some ingredients. 
     
     
         15 . The capsule of  claim 12  wherein said soluble film includes a protective layer adapted to protect certain ingredients disposed in said film from exposure to other ingredients disposed in said capsule. 
     
     
         16 . A capsule, for use in a machine for preparing consumable products from capsules, said capsule comprising:
 a body defining an interior space with an opening at one location and an aperture at another location;   a soluble delivery system disposed in said body, said soluble delivery system containing ingredients for preparing a desired product;   a cover disposed over said opening; and   a removable cover disposed on an exterior surface of said body over said aperture.   
     
     
         17 . The capsule of  claim 16 , wherein said body includes a side wall that tapers inwardly from said opening to said aperture. 
     
     
         18 . The capsule of  claim 17 , wherein said side wall has a first portion that extends from said opening to a second portion, said second portion tapering inwardly from said first portion to said aperture. 
     
     
         19 . The capsule of  claim 16  wherein said ingredients contained in said soluble delivery system include soluble consumable ingredients. 
     
     
         20 . The capsule of  claim 16  further comprising a filter disposed in said body, wherein said filter defines a chamber containing insoluble non-consumable ingredients for preparing a desired product. 
     
     
         21 . The capsule of  claim 16  wherein said soluble delivery system comprises a soluble pouch containing at least some ingredients. 
     
     
         22 . The capsule of  claim 16  wherein said soluble delivery system comprises a soluble film comprising one or more layers containing at least some ingredients. 
     
     
         23 . The capsule of  claim 16  wherein said soluble film includes a protective layer adapted to protect certain ingredients disposed in said film from exposure to other ingredients disposed in said capsule.