System, method and capsule for preparing a beverage

Abstract

The invention relates to a system, method and capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product. The receptacle comprises bottom piercing means intended for piercing an entrance area of an alternative capsule for creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product. The entrance area of the capsule according to the invention comprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through. In use, the entrance filter is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of the system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means.

1 .- 51 . (canceled) 
     
     
         52 . A capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising:
 a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product,   wherein the bottom comprises an entrance area arranged for supplying there through a fluid under pressure to the extractable product for preparing the beverage,   wherein the lid comprises an exit area for draining there through the prepared beverage from the capsule, and   wherein the exit area comprises an exit filter through which the beverage can drain from the capsule,   wherein the exit filter is formed by a porous sheet.   
     
     
         53 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the entrance area of the capsule comprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through. 
     
     
         54 . The capsule according to  claim 53 , wherein the entrance filter is formed by:
 a flexible porous sheet,   a flexible foil, such as a polymeric film, provided with a plurality of entrance openings, or   a plurality of entrance openings provided in the bottom of the capsule.   
     
     
         55 . The capsule according to  claim 54 , wherein the plurality of entrance openings is distributed over substantially the entire surface of the foil or the bottom, respectively. 
     
     
         56 .- 60 . (canceled) 
     
     
         61 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the exit filter forms an outermost boundary of the capsule in an axial direction thereof. 
     
     
         62 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the exit filter is formed by a flexible porous sheet. 
     
     
         63 . (canceled) 
     
     
         64 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the entire inner space is occupied by the extractable product. 
     
     
         65 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the bottom is integral with the circumferential wall. 
     
     
         66 .- 67 . (canceled) 
     
     
         68 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the capsule comprises an outwardly extending rim at the second end, wherein the lid is attached to the outwardly extending rim. 
     
     
         69 . The capsule according to  claim 68 , wherein the exit filter is attached to the outwardly extending rim. 
     
     
         70 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the bottom and/or the lid extends to the circumferential first wall. 
     
     
         71 .- 72 . (canceled) 
     
     
         73 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the capsule further comprises a lid seal at least partially removable connected to the lid for sealing the exit filter prior to use. 
     
     
         74 . The capsule according to  claim 73 , wherein the lid seal is arranged to be partially released from the lid under the effect of fluid pressure in the inner space, while remaining attached to the lid at at least one position. 
     
     
         75 . (canceled) 
     
     
         76 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the circumferential wall is substantially rigid. 
     
     
         77 . The capsule according to  claim 76 , wherein the capsule comprises stiffening ribs integral with the circumferential wall and/or bottom. 
     
     
         78 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the circumferential wall is cylindrical, hemispherical, frustoconical or polygonal, such as hexagonal or octagonal. 
     
     
         79 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the extractable product comprises roasted and ground coffee. 
     
     
         80 .- 85 . (canceled) 
     
     
         86 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein pores of the porous sheet are dimensioned such that a dimension of the pores is sufficiently small to retain the extractable product inside the capsule. 
     
     
         87 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the porous sheet forms the lid. 
     
     
         88 . The capsule according to  claim 52 , wherein the capsule comprises an outwardly extending rim at the second end, wherein the porous sheet forms the lid and is attached to the outwardly extending rim.