Capsule, device, and method for preparing infused beverages

Abstract

A device 120 for preparing infused beverages including: a capsule 102, with the front face 103 in a substantially vertical position; an injector 124 for introducing an infusing liquid into the capsule 102 through the frangible region 116 when the capsule 102 is in the receptacle 118; and an infusion vessel 123 with a substantially vertical side opening 125 to the receptacle 118, so as to be in fluid connection with the filter wall 114 of the capsule 102 when the capsule 102 is in the receptacle 118, and an openable and closable bottom opening 127 to allow an infused beverage to flow out of the infusion vessel 123.

1 . A device ( 120 ) for preparing infused beverages comprising:
 a capsule ( 102 , 202 ) containing dry infusible matter ( 101 ) for preparing infused beverages, and including:
 a front face ( 103 , 203 ) comprising a filter wall ( 114 ); 
 a rim ( 105 , 205 ) surrounding said front face ( 103 , 203 ); 
 a back face ( 104 , 204 ), substantially opposed to said front face ( 103 , 203 ) along a main longitudinal axis ( 107 ) of the capsule ( 102 , 202 ), and comprising a frangible region ( 116 , 216 ) for the injection of infusing liquid; and 
 a solid envelope ( 106 , 206 ) between said rim ( 105 , 205 ) and said back face ( 104 ), said rim ( 105 , 205 ) presenting an outer edge with a backwards-oriented annular lip behind a substantially straight backwards taper ( 108 ), said annular lip presenting an outer perimeter surface ( 109 ) connected to said taper ( 108 ) and substantially parallel to said main longitudinal axis ( 107 ); and 
   injecting means ( 124 ) for introducing an infusing liquid into said capsule ( 102 , 202 ) through said frangible region ( 216 ); and   an infusion vessel ( 123 ) having a side opening ( 125 ) with a rim in substantially leak-tight engagement with said substantially straight backwards taper ( 108 ) of the rim ( 105 ) of the capsule ( 102 , 202 ).   
     
     
         2 . A device ( 120 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein said infusion vessel ( 123 ) is at least partially made of a fluoropolymer material. 
     
     
         3 . A device ( 120 ) according to  claim 2 , wherein said infusion vessel ( 123 ) comprises an inner shell ( 150 ) at least partially made of said fluoropolymer material, and encased in an outer shell ( 151 ) of a different material. 
     
     
         4 . A device ( 120 ) according to  claim 3 , wherein said inner shell is molded. 
     
     
         5 . A device ( 120 ) according to  claim 4 , wherein said fluoropolymer material comprises perfluoroalkoxy plastic. 
     
     
         6 . A device ( 120 ) according to  claim 2 , wherein said inner shell ( 150 ) comprises two inner half-shells ( 150   a,   150   b ) divided by a first joint line, and said outer shell ( 151 ) comprises two outer half-shells ( 151   a,   151   b ) divided by a second joint line. 
     
     
         7 . A device ( 120 ) according to  claim 6 , wherein said first and second joint lines intersect at an angle γ higher than 30°. 
     
     
         8 . A device ( 120 ) according  claim 1 , wherein said capsule ( 102 ) is received in a receptacle ( 118 ) of a capsule carrier ( 119 ) with a significantly open structure. 
     
     
         9 . A device ( 120 ) according to  claim 1 , further comprising a nozzle for introducing a rinsing fluid into said infusion vessel ( 123 ).