Capsule With Steeping Chamber

Abstract

A capsule, for use in a machine for preparing consumable products from capsules includes a body defining an interior space with an opening. A cover is disposed over the opening. A filter is disposed in the interior space to define a chamber between the filter and the cover. Ingredients are disposed in the chamber for preparing a desired product with at least 50% of the ingredients having a particulate size greater than a #16 mesh.

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;   a cover disposed over said opening;   a filter disposed in said interior space to define a chamber between said filter and said cover; and   ingredients disposed in said chamber for preparing a desired product, at least 50% of said ingredients having a particulate size greater than a #16 mesh.   
     
     
         2 . The capsule of  claim 1 , further comprising a second filter disposed in said chamber. 
     
     
         3 . The capsule of  claim 2 , wherein said second filter defines a first ingredients chamber that is adapted to contain a subset of said ingredients. 
     
     
         4 . The capsule of  claim 3 , wherein said cover is transparent and wherein said first ingredients chamber is disposed proximate to said transparent cover. 
     
     
         5 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein said filter has an average fluid flow rate that is in the range of 50% to 90% of the average fluid flow rate for fluid being injected into said capsule. 
     
     
         6 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein said chamber has a volume that is at least 90% filled by said ingredients. 
     
     
         7 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein said ingredients are selected from tea, herbs, spices, fruits and flowers. 
     
     
         8 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein said ingredients may be viewed through said cover prior to use of said capsule in said machine. 
     
     
         9 . The capsule of  claim 1 , further comprising a second filter disposed in said chamber. 
     
     
         10 . The capsule of  claim 9 , wherein said second filter defines a first ingredients chamber that is adapted to contain a subset of said ingredients. 
     
     
         11 . The capsule of  claim 10 , wherein said cover is transparent and wherein said first ingredients chamber is disposed proximate to said transparent cover. 
     
     
         12 . A capsule, for use in a machine for preparing consumable products from capsules, said machine having an injection system that includes at least one injection nozzle for injecting heated fluid into said capsule at a predetermined flow rate, said capsule comprising:
 a cover and a filter defining a steeping chamber;   said cover being formed of a material that is heat shrinkable and resistant to tearing so as to shrink sufficiently around said at least one injection nozzle; when said at least one injection nozzle pierces said cover and injects heated fluid into said capsule, to create a seal that allows pressure to build within said steeping chamber up to a maximum pressure;   said filter being formed of one or more materials that are sufficiently phobic to said heated fluid to cause said steeping chamber to fill with fluid without exceeding said maximum pressure; and   ingredients disposed in said steeping chamber for preparing a desired product,   wherein said filter is constructed and arranged to restrict a flow of the fluid through said filter to optimize extraction or infusion of said ingredients disposed within said steeping chamber.   
     
     
         13 . The capsule as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said filter is secured to said cover. 
     
     
         14 . The capsule as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising a body defining a flange for supporting said capsule within the machine. 
     
     
         15 . The capsule of  claim 12 , wherein said filter has an average fluid flow rate that is in the range of 50% to 90% of the average fluid flow rate for fluid being injected into said capsule. 
     
     
         16 . The capsule of  claim 12  wherein said steeping chamber has a volume that is at least 90% filled by said ingredients. 
     
     
         17 . A capsule, for use in a machine for preparing consumable products from capsules, said machine having a system for injecting heated fluid into said capsule at a predetermined flow rate, said capsule comprising:
 a filter defining a steeping chamber;   said filter being formed of one or more materials that are sufficiently phobic to the heated fluid injected into said capsule to allow said steeping chamber to fill with fluid and pressure to build within said steeping chamber up to a maximum pressure; and   ingredients disposed in said steeping chamber for preparing a desired product,   wherein said filter is constructed and arranged to restrict a flow of the fluid through said filter to optimize extraction or infusion of said ingredients disposed within said steeping chamber.   
     
     
         18 . The capsule of  claim 17 , wherein said filter has an average fluid flow rate that is in the range of 50% to 90% of the average fluid flow rate for fluid being injected into said capsule. 
     
     
         19 . The capsule of  claim 17  wherein said steeping chamber has a volume that is at least 90% filled by said ingredients. 
     
     
         20 . The capsule of  claim 17  wherein said filter includes one or more high flow zones that allow a higher rate of fluid flow compared to the remainder of said filter.