Beverage Capsule With Moldable Filter

Abstract

A method for making a beverage capsule for use in a beverage preparing machine disposes a moldable non-woven fabric over an opening defined by a body having an interior space. The fabric includes multi-component fibers that are constructed and arranged to be drawn to a desired depth. A portion of the fabric is sealed to a sealing layer disposed on the body. A portion of the fabric disposed over the opening is molded to the desired depth in the interior space to form a filter defining an ingredients chamber. Ingredients are disposed in the ingredients chamber for preparing a desired beverage. A cover disposed over the opening. The cover is sealed to the body.

I/We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for making a beverage capsule for use in a beverage preparing machine, said method comprising the steps of:
 disposing a moldable non-woven fabric over an opening defined by a body having an interior space, said fabric comprising multi-component fibers that are constructed and arranged to be drawn to a desired depth;   sealing a portion of said fabric to a sealing layer disposed on said body;   molding a portion of said fabric disposed over said opening to said desired depth in said interior space to form a filter defining an ingredients chamber;   disposing ingredients in said ingredients chamber for preparing a desired beverage;   disposing a cover over said opening; and   sealing said cover to said body.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of evacuating air from said interior space and replacing with an inert gas. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said body includes a flange that extends around the perimeter of said opening, said fabric being sealed to said sealing layer disposed on said flange. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said cover is sealed to said fabric on said flange.