Patent Publication Number: US-10758079-B2

Title: Coffee bean package for dispensing a dose of coffee beans

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation application of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/NL2010/050170 filed on Apr. 1, 2010; which claimed priority to The Netherlands Application No. NL2002722 filed on Apr. 6, 2009. Both applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The invention concerns a coffee bean package provided with an inner space for holding a collection of coffee beans for multiple portions of coffee beverage, which inner space is at least partly surrounded by at least one wall, and a coffee bean outlet for dispensing coffee beans from the inner space. 
     The invention further concerns a method for dispensing a dose of coffee beans to a grinder, wherein a collection of roasted and possibly quenched and/or sprayed coffee beans during a packaging process are packaged in a coffee bean package, such that exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented. 
     Existing coffee makers are for instance filter coffee makers and espresso machines. In the case of filter coffee makers, an amount of ground coffee is placed in a filter, after which hot water is poured onto the ground coffee. Upon the water passing the ground coffee, the ground coffee is extracted and a coffee beverage is obtained after which the coffee beverage, also referred to as filter coffee, flows through the filter while the coffee residues are left behind in the filter. It is customary for the hot water to flow through the ground coffee and the filter with the aid of gravity. After the hot water that corresponds with the amount of desired coffee beverage has been poured out over the ground coffee and has passed through the filter, the filter, at least if it is a disposable filter, can be thrown away with the ground coffee residue. Such a disposable filter typically consists substantially of paper. Also known are filters which are designed to be used more than once. After use, these filters are, for instance, cleaned, so that they can be filled with a next portion of ground coffee for preparing a new coffee beverage with the same filter. 
     In coffee making by means of espresso machines, also a filter is provided for holding an amount of ground coffee. Here, under a relatively high pressure, hot water is forced through the ground coffee and the filter. The coffee beverage thereby obtained generally has a higher dry matter content than filter coffee and typically has a stronger concentration of coffee extracts than filter coffee, at least given a comparable amount of ground coffee and supplied water. Typically, a metal filter is used. 
     Coffee beverage can be obtained in a known manner also with the aid of a percolator. In certain machines, such as, for instance, the Senseo® coffee machine of the producers Douwe Egberts® and Philips®, for instance a paper disposable filter and a metal filter holder are used. Further known is instant coffee, where coffee concentrate or freeze-dried coffee is dissolved in hot water. In this latter method, no filter at all is used. 
     If a relatively long time has elapsed between the grinding of the coffee beans and the preparation of the coffee beverage with the ground coffee, there is a chance that a part of the flavor and aromas given by coffee beans is lost. Without wishing to be bound to any theory, it may be that the larger total surface of the particles of the ground coffee together, compared with the joint surface of unground coffee beans of the same weight, causes relatively more exchange between the surface and the ambient air than the total surface of the coffee beans, which can adversely affect the taste and odor of the coffee beverage. In current machines with grinders, the coffee beans are for that reason ground a short time before the preparation of the coffee beverage. 
     Incidentally, it may also be that flavors and odors connected with the coffee beans may be lost or diminish when unground coffee beans come into contact with ambient air for a long time. Generally, coffee beans and ground coffee are for that reason packaged in airtight and/or vacuum packages. 
     Certain coffee machines may be provided with grinders that are integrated in the coffee machine. Also, such coffee makers may be provided with coffee bean holders for feeding the coffee beans directly from the coffee bean package. Through operation of the coffee making apparatus, a part of the coffee beans from the coffee bean holder is ground, for the purpose of preparing a coffee beverage with this ground coffee. For instance, the grinder is directly operated by pressing a button, while, for instance, the number of times the button is pressed, or the length of time of pressing the button, can determine the amount of ground coffee. In automatic coffee makers with grinders, the amount of coffee beverage and the strength of the coffee beverage can be pre-selected and/or pre-set, in which case on the basis of the selected strength a dose of beans is supplied from the holder to the grinder so that an amount of coffee is obtained which, together with the predetermined amount of water, can result in a desired amount of coffee beverage of a desired strength. 
     Disadvantages of the above-mentioned principles can be that an amount of coffee beans is present in the coffee maker for a long time before it is ground, in that a complete pack of coffee beans is emptied into the coffee bean holder. This can adversely affect the taste and odor of the coffee beverage prepared with these coffee beans. 
     Also, in and around the grinder of existing coffee makers there are typically residues left of the preceding grinding runs. Study has shown that in conventional grinders typically 3-10 grams of one or more previous grinding runs are left behind in the grinder. These remainders of a previous grinding run may subsequently be entrained in a new grinding run, which can affect the taste of the coffee beverage. Moreover, if the coffee maker is filled with new coffee beans whose taste differs from the previous filling, the remainders of the previous filling may possibly be mixed with the ground coffee of the new coffee beans, so that not the desired taste inherent to the new coffee beans can be obtained. This may be disadvantageous in particular if the user regularly wishes to change the type of coffee beans. In conventional coffee makers, the user can circumvent this problem only by dosing the coffee bean holder in each case with a small amount of coffee beans. A disadvantage involved here, however, is that the coffee bean package then is not entirely emptied into the coffee maker and is left partly filled, so that the remaining coffee beans come into contact with ambient air. Typically, the coffee beans then are stored in the meantime in a separate, preferably airtight holder, such as an airtightly closable pot or tin. These holders, however, can take up relatively much space. 
     In the current state of the art, after grinding and making the coffee beverage, either ground coffee is left behind in the coffee maker or coffee beans are left behind in the coffee maker. The coffee bean package and/or the coffee bean holder are not wholly emptied, so that coffee beans are left behind in the package and/or holder. There is moreover no system that allows regularly changing taste of freshly ground coffee in an efficient and convenient manner. 
     SUMMARY 
     An object of the invention is to obviate at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages and/or other disadvantages. 
     In the following description, that the coffee beans or ground coffee remain preserved or package-fresh may be understood to mean that the taste, aromas and/or volatile components of the coffee beans or ground coffee remains relatively preserved. Package-fresh in this description may additionally be understood to mean the particular condition of coffee beans shortly after the package has been opened. This package has preferably been applied in a packaging process preferably right after roasting of the coffee beans. The package is preferably airtight and/or vacuumized so that the coffee beans can be preserved better. A particular ‘kind’ of coffee beans may be understood to mean that the kind in question pertains to a specific coffee bean-related taste, composition of aromas and volatile components of the coffee beans, or to a particular mix, composition or blend of coffee beans, preferably as stated on the package. If in this description different kinds of coffee beans are described, it may be understood that the related taste, aromas, mix, composition or blends are different. Unless stated otherwise, in this description coffee beans are understood to be roasted coffee beans, or at least coffee beans which are to be ground for obtaining ground coffee beans for preparing coffee. A predetermined dose in this description may for instance be understood to mean that the dose has been set beforehand, for instance by a configuration of a circuit or mechanical system of the coffee maker determined during manufacture, or that the dose has been set by the user just prior to coffee making. 
     In a first aspect, the invention provides a coffee bean package according to claim  1 . 
     The coffee bean package may be provided with a dosing device which is arranged for dispensing a predetermined dose of coffee beans. The dosing device can contribute to the purpose of allowing not more and not less than approximately a predetermined dose of coffee beans to be supplied to the grinder, while a residual amount of coffee beans can remain behind in the package, unless a last amount of coffee beans in the package is involved, which last amount is less than the predetermined dose. Preferably, the predetermined dose forms a part of the total amount of coffee beans in the inner space of the package. The coffee beans can for instance after roasting be packaged in the package and upon use be supplied directly from the package in a dosed manner to a coffee bean grinder. 
     The dosing device can for instance comprise a scoop or trough or the like, arranged for holding a particular volume and/or weight of coffee beans. The at least one wall can comprise at least a circumferential wall and a bottom. Preferably, also a top wall is provided, so that the package can be wholly closed. 
     One of the insights that could lead to the invention is that it is possible to arrange the dosing device for dosing coffee beans to a coffee bean grinder in the coffee bean package. In existing systems the dosing device is present in the coffee making apparatus. With the invention, the predetermined dose of coffee beans can in principle be supplied directly from the package to the grinder. This can be of benefit to the taste of the coffee beverage. Moreover, directly a coffee kind as desired can be prepared. Through the coffee bean package according to the invention, separate coffee bean holders, in addition to the coffee bean package, can become redundant. The apparatus may for instance be provided with a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the apparatus. Incidentally, the invention can optionally be used with apparatuses with grinders that do have coffee bean holders. 
     Before the coffee bean package has been opened a first time for consumption, it can be closed to prevent contact between the coffee beans and ambient air, for instance through a seal or closing foil. For instance, the package is closed off substantially airtightly and/or vacuumized. 
     An apparatus provided with a coffee bean grinder can for instance involve a coffee bean grinder separate from the coffee making apparatus, or a coffee making apparatus provided with a coffee bean grinder. 
     In an embodiment, the package is provided with a movable dosing device, which can for instance be controlled by the apparatus, while for instance multiple dosages can be passed out of the package. For separating a dose of coffee beans from the collection of coffee beans in the package, the dosing device can for instance comprise a scoop. In use, the coffee bean package and/or the scoop may be set up movably, for instance with respect to the apparatus, for moving the scoop through the collection of coffee beans, so that a dose of coffee beans can be scooped from the collection. Furthermore, the scoop can dispense the loaded dose of coffee beans through the coffee bean outlet, for supplying the dose of coffee beans to the grinder. 
     The scoop can be provided with a loading wall for separating coffee beans in the scoop with respect to coffee beans in the package, and for guiding and supporting beans in the scoop. The loading wall may be arranged to surround one predetermined dose of coffee beans. The loading wall may be arranged to guide the coffee beans from the scoop through the outlet. The loading wall may comprise a dosing edge for determining the upper surface of the loaded dose of coffee beans. Upon filling of the scoop, an excess of coffee beans can project above the dosing edge, and fall out of the scoop. The height and/or width of the dosing edge can determine the accuracy of the dose. 
     In an embodiment, the loading wall can extend from the outlet up to, or beyond, the dosing edge of the scoop along a curve. The coffee beans can slide along the curve. Initially the beans will be guided over the dosing edge along the loading wall. In a later stage the beans will slide along the loading wall through the outlet. The loading wall can moreover be provided with a carrying wall part which extends beyond the dosing edge. The loading wall can merge smoothly into the carrying wall part, and extends as one integral wall part beyond the dosing edge. The carrying wall part can carry coffee beans from the package and guide them over the dosing edge. The loading wall can moreover be provided with a scoop bottom which extends at least partly approximately parallel to the circumferential wall of the package. 
     The scoop may be fixed with respect to the outlet and/or the bottom and/or the wall of the package. In an embodiment, the scoop is fixed with respect to the wall and it rotates together with the wall about a rotation axis of the package. By rotating the scoop through the coffee beans in the package, a dose of coffee beans can be loaded into the scoop. The loading wall can separate the coffee beans in the scoop from the rest of the coffee beans in the package, so that a predetermined dose can be surrounded by the scoop, in particular by the loading wall. As the outlet can have a fixed position with respect to the scoop, it is possible, once the predetermined dose of coffee beans is in the scoop, separately from the rest of the coffee beans, to release the outlet so that the beans can be dispensed through the outlet. 
     In an embodiment, the scoop may be fastened to a wall of the package, for instance to a bottom and/or to a circumferential wall of the package. The scoop can for instance be fixed with respect to the wall, while in use the wall and/or the whole package is moved, in particular rotated, for moving the scoop through the coffee beans. The outlet may for instance be fixed with respect to the scoop. The scoop can for instance have the shape of a trough, for scooping and carrying along an approximately measured amount of coffee beans. Between the scoop and the wall an opening can extend, for loading coffee beans into the scoop. The scoop can for instance be provided with a carrying wall part for sliding the coffee beans through the scoop opening, and/or the scoop may for instance move in the direction of the opening, so that the coffee beans are loaded through the opening. 
     Under the influence of gravity, in a use position of the package, the collection of coffee beans can continue to remain present in the package at least at the bottom, while at the top in the package there may be some empty space if the package is not completely filled. Therefore, in an embodiment, the scoop can move from the top down within the apparatus and thereby carry along a dose of coffee beans towards the empty space, where the scoop can pass the dose of coffee beans through the outlet. To this end, for instance the scoop may be arranged movably within the package and/or the package may be arranged movably within the apparatus. In a dispense position, the scoop is for instance relatively high up in the package, preferably at least partly above the top surface of the collection of coffee beans. In a loading position the scoop is for instance relatively lower down in the package, preferably at least partly below the top surface of the collection of coffee beans. Preferably, the scoop is so arranged that also the last coffee beans are carried along out of the package, while these last coffee beans, in a use position of the package, may under the influence of gravity be situated at the bottom in the package. 
     In an embodiment, the package is provided with closing means for closing off the coffee bean outlet. The closing means can release the outlet when the scoop is in the dispense position, so that a dose of coffee beans can be supplied through the outlet to the grinder. The outlet is preferably closed off by the closing means if the scoop is not in a dispense position. For instance, the closing means are arranged to close off the outlet if the package is uncoupled from the apparatus, and/or if the package is coupled with the apparatus but does not dispense any coffee beans. This can then prevent beans falling out of the package during or after uncoupling. Also, the coffee beans in the package may be preserved longer after uncoupling, and/or in each preparation a particular kind of coffee from a different package can be chosen. This can be especially of importance when the coffee bean package, after first being connected to a coffee making apparatus and being opened, is uncoupled from the coffee making apparatus while in the coffee package still an amount of beans is present that can be used for preparing at least one consumption of coffee beverage (for instance of a magnitude of a cup of coffee). Such a situation can arise when such a package is connected to the coffee making apparatus and a number of consumptions of coffee beverage are prepared with coffee beans from this coffee bean package, while subsequently the coffee bean package is uncoupled from the coffee machine while beans are still present in the coffee bean package that can be used for one or more consumptions of coffee beverage, in which case it is favorable that the uncoupled coffee bean package is closed. Subsequently a different coffee bean package can be connected to the coffee making apparatus for preparing a different type of coffee beverage. Different coffee bean packages can hence comprise different kinds of coffee beans and a consumer can at will alternately connect and uncouple at the coffee making apparatus different coffee bean packages that still contain beans while the uncoupled coffee bean package is closed off, which is favorable when it still contains coffee beans. 
     In an embodiment, the closing means can close off the coffee beans in the package so that the exposure of the coffee beans in the coffee bean package to ambient air can at least to some extent be prevented. This may be understood to mean inter alia a closure which allows at least substantially no air to pass from the environment to the beans in the package and vice versa. Preferably, the closing means can allow at least substantially no air to pass from the environment to the beans in the package and vice versa when there is a pressure difference between the space in the package in which the beans are situated and the environment that is at most 1.1, preferably 1.2, more preferably 1.3 and still more preferably 1.5 bar. 
     In a non-connected condition of the package, the closing means and outlet are preferably arranged fixedly with respect to each other, so that the outlet is closed off. The closing means may for instance be provided with a securing provision or the like, which fixes the closing means in closed condition. The securing provision can for instance comprise a foil or plastic breaking element or the like, which can be broken before or at a first use. Furthermore, the closing means can be moved for releasing the outlet by opening means which are arranged to operate the closing means. The apparatus may be provided with such opening means. 
     The closing means can for instance comprise a valve or slide. The valve or slide can comprise a passage. If the passage overlaps the outlet, the coffee beans can pass for supplying the coffee beans from the package to the grinder. The valve or slide may be arranged so that, if the passage does not overlap the outlet, the valve or slide closes off the outlet, so that the package is closed off. In an embodiment, the valve or slide is arranged rotatably relative to the outlet, so that the passage can be rotated into said overlapping position, for instance by a user or by opening means which are provided in the apparatus. The valve or slide can for instance comprise a rotary disc. 
     The package may be provided with a circumferential wall, and a top wall and a bottom. The circumferential wall may be circular so that the package can rotate relatively simply in the apparatus, while the circumferential wall can be guided by the apparatus. The apparatus can moreover be provided with a circular guide, at least a guide along the circumferential wall, for guiding the package when connecting and/or moving the package in the apparatus. Preferably, the package comprises one cylindrically and/or at least partly conically shaped circumferential wall. The circumferential wall, top wall and bottom are preferably relatively stiff, so that the package can retain its shape and can be connected to the apparatus relatively easily. For instance, the outlet is provided in the bottom. The closing means may be provided parallel to the bottom, while the passage may be arranged, for instance, parallel to the bottom. The valve or slide can be arranged to be rotatable relative to the bottom, so that it closes off, or releases, the outlet. 
     In a second aspect, the invention provides a package component according to claim  25 . 
     The package component comprises a scoop and a bottom. The bottom is provided with an outlet opposite the scoop so that the beans can slide from the scoop through the outlet. A loading wall is arranged to guide the beans through the outlet. The package component can be connected with package walls for forming a package as already described hereinabove. Preferably, the scoop and the bottom form one integral part, being manufactured, for instance, through molding, in particular injection molding. For instance, the bottom is circular for the purpose of connecting the package component with cylindrical wall parts for forming the package. The package can also comprise, for instance, four circumferential walls at right angles to each other. 
     In a third aspect, the invention provides a system for dosing coffee beans according to claim  26 . 
     In an embodiment, the package is part of a system, where, in addition to the package, there is further provided an apparatus provided with a grinder. The apparatus may be provided with a coffee bean inlet which can be connected to the coffee bean outlet of the package. Via the inlet, a dose of coffee beans can be supplied to the grinder. The apparatus comprises furthermore a connecting device so that the package can be connected to the apparatus, preferably so that the coffee bean outlet and the coffee bean inlet are connected to each other. The connecting device may be arranged for setting the dosing device into motion, in particular the package and/or the scoop. The connecting device may be arranged to have the dosing device move between a loading position and a dispense position. The movement between these positions preferably has a vertical movement component, for the purpose of scooping up the beans in the package. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises opening means which are arranged to operate the closing means of the package for releasing and closing off the coffee bean outlet, allowing the beans to slide from the dosing device through the outlet under the influence of gravity. The opening means can rotate the closing means for aligning the passage and the outlet, such that the outlet is released. 
     The connecting device may be provided with a drive for driving the dosing device. For driving the dosing device, the drive may be provided with a cam. The package may be provided with an engagement element corresponding with the cam. In a condition of the package when connected to the apparatus, the cam can engage the package such that the dosing device is driven for dispensing beans. In particular, the drive can rotate the package by means of the cam, while the dosing device is fixed in the package and is also rotated for scooping up and dispensing coffee beans. For instance, the dosing device can be moved in a path along the circumference of the package. The dosing device can comprise a scoop. 
     Furthermore, the connecting device may be provided with a drive and a cam for respectively driving and engaging the closing means, the closing means comprising an engagement element corresponding with the cam. In this way, the drive can drive the closing means for closing off or opening the package. For instance, the drive drives on the one hand the dosing device for loading the dosing device with a predetermined dose of coffee beans, and on the other hand the closing means for releasing and closing off the outlet. Then, in one rotational direction the dosing device and/or the closing means can be driven, and in another rotational direction only the closing means. For instance, the drive can engage the closing means and rotate the package through the closing means in one rotational direction. In this rotational direction, the closing means exert for instance friction on the bottom of the package so that the closing means carry the package along in the rotating movement. If the drive rotates in the opposite rotational direction, for instance no friction or little friction is exerted, so that the closing means rotate and the package stands still. 
     In an embodiment, the connecting device is provided with a mechanical lock. The lock can comprise a movably arranged engagement element for engaging the package and keeping it clamped against the apparatus. The apparatus may be provided with a detector. The detector may be arranged for activating the lock if the package is connected to the connecting device. For instance, the detector comprises a spring element and/or switching element which is mechanically activated by the package. In connected condition, the package is therefore difficult to take out of the apparatus, at least not at all or difficultly so, unless a function for releasing the package is activated. Furthermore, the detector may be arranged for releasing the opening means and/or the grinder when the package is connected. Preferably, the apparatus does not work if the package is not connected. 
     In a use position of the package, the circumferential wall and/or the rotation axis of the package can include, for instance, an angle of between approximately 2 and 30 degrees, preferably between approximately 4 and 15 degrees, with the horizontal. In this way, the package is oriented somewhat obliquely and the coffee beans can slide along the circumferential wall in the direction of the bottom to accumulate at least near the bottom. 
     It may be advantageous if the scoop is so arranged that in a use position of the package, upon a complete rotation of the scoop, all coffee beans present in the package are loaded onto the scoop when only an amount of coffee beans that is less than or approximately equal to one predetermined dose is present in the package. Preferably, the apparatus is provided with a measuring device for measuring the dose dispensed through the outlet. If a dose of coffee beans is dispensed from the scoop through the outlet, it can then be determined, for extra certainty, whether the dispensed dose is approximately equal to the predetermined dose. If this is not the case, the apparatus can for instance give a signal to the user. 
     In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a coffee making apparatus according to claim  43 . 
     The coffee making apparatus may be provided with a connecting device, for connecting a coffee bean package, for instance a package as described above. The connecting device can cause a part of the package to rotate, for dispensing coffee beans from the package to the grinder. 
     The coffee making apparatus can in principle comprise any apparatus for preparing coffee. The coffee making apparatus can for instance comprise a filter coffee making apparatus, or a coffee making apparatus arranged to supply water to ground coffee under elevated pressure. Elevated pressure may be understood to mean a pressure that is more than one atmosphere. The coffee making apparatus can for instance be an espresso machine, or for instance a coffee making apparatus working with a pressure of approximately 1-3 bar. 
     In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method for dispensing a dose of coffee beans to a grinder according to claim  44 . 
     In this method a collection of dried and/or roasted coffee beans is packaged during a packaging process in a coffee bean package, preferably such that the exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented. Also, the package may be provided with a seal or closing foil for closing off the package. For instance, the coffee beans are vacuum-packed or a gas is added to promote the shelf life of the beans in the package. The coffee bean package can for instance be supplied via a shop or directly to the end user. The user can connect the coffee bean package to an apparatus with a coffee bean grinder. In a favorable manner, a predetermined dose of coffee beans is supplied directly from the coffee bean package to the grinder, while the coffee bean package remains connected to the apparatus. After supplying the dose of coffee beans, a residual amount of coffee beans may still be present in the coffee bean package. After multiple dosages have been supplied from the package to the grinder and the package is empty, the package can be thrown away. 
     In an embodiment, the package is provided with an outlet which is closed off, at least unless the package is in a condition where coffee beans are dispensed to the grinder. Prior to the supply of the dose of coffee beans to the grinder, the outlet is released so that the dose of coffee beans can be dispensed to the grinder. A relatively short time after the dose of coffee beans has been fed to the grinder, the outlet can be closed off again. In this way, multiple dosages of coffee beans can be supplied to the grinder one by one from the package, while the package in the meantime can be taken off and connected again. In an embodiment, the coffee bean package, after supply of a dose of coffee beans to the grinder of the apparatus, is closed off by the apparatus, and taken off by the user. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus moves the scoop through the coffee beans in the inner space of the package, so that a dose of coffee beans is carried along by the scoop, and is fed to the grinder. In a further embodiment, at least a part of the package can be rotated relative to the apparatus, so that the scoop rotates and is passed through the collection of coffee beans. During rotation the scoop can be moved in a vertical direction from the bottom to the top, for carrying along coffee beans from the collection of coffee beans in the package. The scoop then scoops up a predetermined dose of coffee beans, which dose is passed on through an outlet and/or passage to the grinder. In a dispense position of the scoop, where the beans are dispensed through the outlet and/or passage to the grinder, the upper edge of the scoop, called dosing edge in this description, is preferably situated above the level of the residual coffee beans in the package. 
     The package is preferably coupled with the apparatus in such a manner that the circumferential wall extends at an oblique angle with the horizontal, so that at least a part of the collection of coffee beans in the inner space lies against the bottom under the influence of gravity. When in the package there is an amount of coffee beans that is less than the predetermined dose of coffee beans, the scoop preferably carries along the complete amount of coffee beans and dispenses them to the grinder. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus may be provided with a drive for driving the dosing device, in particular the scoop. The drive may be arranged such that it first rotates relative to the dosing device, until the drive during rotation engages the package so that the dosing device rotates along with the drive. The dosing device can then be rotated at least 360° for carrying along one predetermined dose of coffee beans. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further embodiments, effects and features of the present invention can appear inter alia from the following description, in which the invention is described in more detail on the basis of several exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings. In the drawing: 
         FIG. 1  shows in side elevation a schematic diagram of a cross section of a system for preparing coffee beverage; 
         FIGS. 2A-C  schematically show cross sections in side elevation of a coffee bean package in positions; 
         FIGS. 3A-C  schematically show the cross sections in side elevation of the coffee bean package and the position of  FIGS. 2A-C ; 
         FIGS. 4A-C  schematically show three method steps in section and side elevation of a further embodiment of a coffee bean package; 
         FIG. 5A  shows a cross section in perspective of a package and a connecting device; 
         FIG. 5B  shows a detail of the cross section of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  shows a cross section in side elevation of a package connected to a connecting device; 
         FIG. 6B  shows a detail from the cross section of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7  shows a lock with a sleeve, as used in the embodiment of  FIGS. 5A and 6A ; 
         FIG. 8  shows in perspective a package component comprising a scoop with bottom; 
         FIG. 9A  shows in perspective an alternative package component comprising a scoop with bottom and a rear wall; 
         FIG. 9B  shows in perspective a package with the alternative package component of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10  shows in perspective a circumferential wall with top wall for a coffee bean package; 
         FIG. 11  shows in perspective a coffee bean package with a scoop and bottom according to  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows in perspective a package with a scoop filled with an excess of beans; 
         FIG. 13  shows in perspective the package according to  FIG. 12  without excess; 
         FIG. 14  shows a schematic cross section of a filled scoop with an excess of beans with a loading opening having a relatively small surface; 
         FIG. 15  shows a schematic cross section of a filled scoop with an excess of beans with a loading opening having a relatively large surface; 
         FIG. 16  further shows a perspective view of the package with a comparable scoop to that shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 17  shows in front view the bottom of the package; 
         FIG. 18  shows in front view the bottom of the package with a scoop of alternative design to  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  shows in front view the bottom of the package at an alternative angle of the scoop in dispense position with respect to  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  shows the package with closing means in perspective; 
         FIG. 21  shows the package in side elevation at an angle; 
         FIG. 22  shows the package according to  FIG. 21  at a different angle; 
         FIG. 23  shows in perspective the circumferential wall with a vibrating element. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLAR EMBODIMENTS 
     In this description the same or corresponding parts have the same or corresponding reference numerals. In the drawing, embodiments are shown only by way of example. The elements used there are mentioned only as examples and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Also, different parts may be used within the framework of the present invention. The proportions of the embodiments shown in the figures are typically represented schematically and/or exaggeratedly and should not be construed to be limiting. 
     In this description, in particular reference is made to a package for coffee beans. This description, however, does not relate to just whole coffee beans. Coffee beans should be understood to cover also fragmented coffee beans, that is, coffee bean fragments, which coffee bean fragments are still to be ground for extracting desired coffee beverage. The coffee beans are for instance broken, before they are packaged. In an embodiment, at least a part of the coffee beans in the coffee bean package is divided into about thirty or less, in particular about fifteen or less, more particularly about ten fragments or less. One coffee bean fragment then comprises for instance one-thirtieth part, in particular one-fifteenth part, more particularly one-tenth part or more of a coffee bean. For instance, the coffee bean fragments comprise a half or a quarter of a coffee bean. An advantage of the use of coffee bean fragments compared with whole coffee beans can be that coffee bean fragments can be supplied to the grinder relatively simply and/or that the package can be closed off relatively simply. This is because the coffee bean fragments are relatively small and hence can slide relatively easily through openings in the package and the apparatus and/or will block the coffee bean outlet and/or closing means less easily. As the coffee beans may beforehand have been divided into fragments, though not ground, in the meantime comparatively more bean surface can come into contact with any ambient air than would be the case with whole coffee beans. On the other hand, less bean surface will come into contact with air than would be the case with ground coffee, so that coffee bean fragments can be preserved better than ground coffee beans. Only just before preparation of the coffee beverage are the coffee bean fragments ground for obtaining coffee beverage. In this description, therefore, coffee bean may also be understood to include a fragmented coffee bean, that is, which is still to be ground for preparing the desired coffee beverage. 
     In  FIG. 1  a system  1  for preparing coffee beverage is shown. The system comprises a coffee making apparatus  2  and a coffee bean package  3 . A connecting device  4  may be provided for preferably directly connecting the coffee bean package  3  onto the coffee making apparatus  2 . 
     The coffee bean package  3  has an inner space which at least before use may have been partly filled with the coffee beans. Preferably, the coffee bean package  3 , at least before it is placed on the coffee making apparatus  2 , is in itself closed off such that exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented. Preferably, to that end, the package  3  is closed off airtightly and/or vacuumized. The coffee bean package  3  can be a disposable package and/or for instance be manufactured substantially from paper and/or foil and/or cellulose and/or plastic and/or tin, while the package  3 , after being emptied, can be thrown away. 
     The connecting device  4  may be arranged for receiving the coffee bean package  3  in whole or in part. In an embodiment, the coffee bean package  3  is for instance provided with relatively stiff guide parts, which can serve as a guide along the connecting device  4 , for connecting the coffee bean package  3  to the coffee making apparatus  2 . The guide parts can for instance comprise stiff walls, or an at least partly cylindrically and/or at least partly conically shaped wall, so that the coffee bean outlet  11  can be guided to the coffee bean inlet  5 . For instance, the connecting device  4  and the package  3  are provided with corresponding guide parts, while the guide parts can comprise for instance screw thread, a snap connection, a bayonet closure or other connection possibility. 
     In an embodiment, a coffee bean inlet  5  is provided for supply of the coffee beans from the coffee bean package  3  to a grinder  6 , when the package  3  is connected to the coffee making apparatus  2 . In the coffee making apparatus, between the coffee bean inlet  5  and the grinder  6 , a coffee bean transport path may extend. The grinder  6  is arranged for grinding the coffee beans to obtain ground coffee. The ground coffee can be supplied to a coffee preparation device  7 . The coffee preparation device  7  is arranged for preparing coffee beverage, with supply of water to the ground coffee. A coffee outlet  8  is provided for dispensing the coffee beverage, preferably to a cup  9 , mug, pot or thermos bottle or the like. The coffee preparation device  7  can for instance be arranged to supply hot water under pressure, as in an espresso machine, and/or be arranged as a pour-on system, as with a filter coffee maker. Also, the coffee preparation device  7  may be arranged to prepare the coffee beverage under slightly elevated pressure in the order of 1.1-2, in particular 1.1-1.5 bar. A water provision  10  may be provided for furnishing water, preferably hot water, for the preparation of coffee beverage. For heating the water, at least one heat element may be provided. 
     In  FIGS. 2A-C , and corresponding thereto,  FIGS. 3A-C , there is shown a coffee bean package  3  in three different method steps. In  FIGS. 2A and 3A , the coffee bean package  3  is shown in a dispense position while the coffee bean outlet  11  is closed off by closing means  12 . In  FIGS. 2 b  and 3 b    the coffee bean package  3  is shown in a loading position. In  FIGS. 2C and 3C  the coffee bean package  3  is shown in a dispense position while the closing means  12  release the coffee bean outlet  11 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 2A and 3A , a collection of coffee beans is in the inner space of the package  3 . The inner space is formed by a circumferential wall  13 , a top wall  14 , and a bottom  15 . The outlet  11  is provided in the bottom  15 . In another embodiment, the outlet  11  is for instance provided in the circumferential wall  13 , near the bottom  15 . The package  3  is furthermore provided with a scoop  16 . Also, the package  3  may be provided with above-mentioned closing means  12  for closing off the outlet  11 . The closing means  12  can be designed in the form of a slide, scoop, valve or disc or the like, in particular in the form of a rotary disc, while the closing means  12  may be arranged, for instance, approximately parallel to the bottom  15  for closing off the outlet  11 . The closing means  12  are provided with a passage  17 , which passage can be positioned opposite the outlet  11  for passing coffee beans from the package  3 . 
     The closing means  12  may be rotatably arranged with respect to the outlet  11 , for closing off, or releasing, the outlet  11 , through the positioning of the passage  17 . In particular, the closing means  12  may be set up movably relative to the bottom  15 . The bottom  15  may for instance be fixed with respect to the rest of the package  3 , and can comprise the outlet  11 . By moving, in particular rotating, the closing means  12  to a particular position, the passage  17  can overlap the outlet  11 , so that coffee beans can be dispensed. By moving the closing means  12  to another position, the closing means  12  can close off the outlet  11  and/or block passage of the coffee beans. In particular, the passage  17  can then be rotated away relative to the outlet  11 . 
     The scoop  16  may be arranged for holding one dose of coffee beans. The scoop  16  may be partly fixed to the bottom  15  and/or to the circumferential wall  13 . The scoop  16  can extend for instance from the bottom  15  in the direction of the inner space. The scoop  16  is for instance partly fastened to the circumferential wall  13 , while a loading opening  18  extends between the scoop  16  and the circumferential wall  13  for allowing loading of coffee beans from the collection of coffee beans in the inner space. The coffee beans can load into the scoop through the loading opening  18 . The scoop  16  may be provided with a loading wall  19  against which the coffee beans are pressed upon movement of the scoop  16  through the collection of coffee beans. Also, the scoop  16  may be provided with a scoop bottom  20 , for instance at least partly between the loading opening  18  and the loading wall  19 , for supporting the dose of coffee beans. The scoop  16  may be provided with one or more loading walls  19 , and the scoop bottom  20  may also be regarded as a second loading wall. 
     In the position of the closing means  12  shown in  FIGS. 2A and 3A , the outlet  11  is closed off by the closing means  12 , preferably so that contact of the coffee beans in the inner space with the ambient air is at least to some extent prevented. The closing means  12  can close off the package  3  substantially airtightly. As shown, the passage  17  may be situated opposite the bottom  15  of the package  3 , such that the passage  17  does not overlap the outlet  11 , and the closing means  12  close off the outlet  11 . For instance, the rotary disc is controlled such that the outlet  11  is closed off unless the passage  17  at least partly overlaps the outlet  11 . In an embodiment, the closing means  12  can for instance evacuate the outlet  11  to some extent, in cooperation with pressure regulating means (not shown), and then close it off substantially airtightly. 
     Furthermore, in  FIGS. 2A and 3A  there is shown that the package  3  may be situated, in a use position, at an angle α with respect to a horizontal H, as is also shown in  FIG. 1 . In a use position of the package  3  and/or in a condition when coupled with an upstanding apparatus  2  the package  3 , or at least the circumferential wall  13  and/or the rotation axis L of the package  3 , includes for instance an angle α of between approximately 15 and 60 degrees with the horizontal H, in particular of between approximately 20 and 40 degrees with the horizontal H. As a result, the coffee beans slide for instance in the direction of the bottom  15 . Also, a last residue of coffee beans in the package  3  will be able to collect at the bottom  15 . As a result, the coffee beans can be relatively easily carried along by the scoop  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The connecting device  4  is for instance arranged so that upon coupling of the package  3 , this angular position is achieved. For instance, the guide parts of the connecting device  4  can guide the package  3  such that at least a lower part of the circumferential wall  13  includes the above-mentioned angle α, to have the coffee beans collect towards the bottom. 
     In  FIGS. 2B and 3B , the scoop  16  is shown in a loading position. The package  3  is for instance rotated 180 degrees with respect to the position shown in  FIGS. 2A and 3A , for instance about a rotation axis L of the package  3 , so that the scoop  16  is at the bottom in the package  3 , preferably partly under the coffee beans. The connecting device  4  may be arranged to rotate the package  3  between said dispense and loading positions. For instance, the connecting device  4  comprises a driving device for rotating the package  3 . Another embodiment is for instance arranged so that the user himself can rotate the package  3 , while the package  3  is received in the connecting device  4 . 
     During rotation of the package  3 , the collection of coffee beans can slide within the package  3  under the influence of gravity so that it continues to extend at the bottom in the package  3 . From the position of  FIGS. 2A and 3A , the scoop  16  with the loading opening  18  can move in the direction of the coffee beans, so that the coffee beans are pressed through the loading opening  18  against the loading wall  19  of the scoop  16 . The outlet  11  can have a position which is fixed with respect to the scoop  16  and/or the bottom  15 , and hence move along with the scoop. The outlet  11  may for instance be arranged at the dispense end of the scoop  16 . 
     Upon the movement of the scoop  16  to the loading position, the closing means  12  can for instance move along with the scoop  16  so that the outlet  11  remains closed, as is shown in steps in  FIGS. 2A and 3A  and  FIGS. 2B and 3B . In the loading position shown in  FIGS. 2B and 3B , the passage  17  is positioned relatively high up at the bottom  15 , while the outlet  11  is positioned low down at the bottom  15 , so that the outlet  11  is closed off, or at least the beans are blocked. 
     In the position shown in  FIGS. 2C and 3C  the scoop  16  has been rotated approximately 180 degrees further, with respect to  FIGS. 2B and 3C , so that the scoop  16  is placed in a dispense position. Upon rotation of the scoop  16  to the dispense position, the closing means  12  can be positioned such that the passage  17  overlaps the outlet  11 . For instance, the closing means  12  can have remained at a standstill with respect to the previous position, while the scoop  16  rotated, as appears from  FIGS. 2B and 3B  with respect to  2 C and  3 C. Upon movement of the scoop  16  out of the collection of coffee beans in the direction of the dispense position, the dose of coffee beans is for instance chiefly supported by the scoop bottom  20 . The scoop bottom  20  is then for instance at a such an angle, for instance said angle α, that the beans under the influence of gravity will slide along the scoop  16  towards the outlet  11 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 2C and 3C  the closing means  12  are in a condition such that the outlet  11  is released, so that the dose of coffee beans can be dispensed under the influence of gravity through the outlet  11  and the passage  17  to the inlet  5  and/or the grinder  6 . The whole dose of dispensed coffee beans can be passed via the inlet  5  to the grinder  6  and preferably be wholly ground, so that a next portion of coffee can make use only of package-fresh coffee beans. 
     After the whole dose has been passed through the passage  17 , the closing means  12  can again be moved relative to the outlet  11  such that the outlet  11  is closed off. As a result, exchange of ambient air with the beans in-between two coffee bean dosages can be prevented. Also, the package  3  can be taken from the apparatus  2 , without coffee beans thereby falling out of the outlet  11 . 
     With a package  3  as described above, a predetermined dose of coffee beans can be dispensed. To this end, the package  3  is provided with a dosing device. The dosing device may be formed inter alia by the scoop  16 , the outlet  11  and the closing means  12 . For instance, the scoop  16  is dimensioned such that it can hold one predetermined dose. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus  2 , in particular the connecting device  4 , comprises opening means for driving the package  3  relative to the closing means  12 , and/or driving the closing means  12  relative to the package  3 , in order to release and close off the outlet  11 . In particular, the opening means rotate the scoop  16 , for instance by engaging the circumferential wall and/or the bottom  15 . The opening means can moreover comprise engagement elements for moving the closing means  12 , for instance for closing off the outlet  11  when it is positioned in a loading position, for instance relatively high up at the bottom  15 . The opening means can for instance be controlled via a movement device such as a motor for moving the scoop  16  and/or closing means  12 , and comprise drive elements such as wheels. The opening means can for instance comprise a cam which can stop and/or drive a part of the package  3  while the rest of the package  3  is driven and/or stopped, respectively, by the connecting device  4 . 
     In another embodiment, the opening means may be arranged such that they engage the closing means  12 . The scoop  16  is then arranged rotatably relative to the closing means  12 , and preferably fixed with respect to the rest of the package  3 , or at least the bottom  15 . While the opening means keep the closing means  12  still with respect to the apparatus  2 , the user can rotate the package  3  relative to the apparatus  2  and the closing means  12 , for instance until the outlet  11  extends opposite the passage  17 , for releasing the outlet  11  ( FIGS. 2C, 3C ), or until the outlet  11  extends next to the passage  17 , so that the outlet  11  is closed off. Through rotation of the package  3 , in particular the bottom  15 , more particularly the scoop  16 , the user can move the scoop  16  relative to the passage  17  for dispensing dosages of coffee beans to the grinder  6 . In particular, the user can then move the scoop  16  through the coffee beans whereby upon each stroke of 360 degrees a dose of coffee beans can be dispensed. During rotation the closing means  12  can stand still with respect to the apparatus  2  through the engagement of the opening means. 
     In a condition coupled with the apparatus  2 , the scoop  16  is preferably arranged to have at least one vertical movement component, between a loading position and a dispense position, to allow a dose of coffee beans to be scooped up from the bottom towards the top in the inner space, at least in a condition of the package  3  coupled with an apparatus  2 . 
     In another embodiment, not shown, the connecting device  4  can be arranged to move the scoop  16  relative to the outlet  11  and/or the bottom  15 . For instance, the scoop  16  may be fixedly connected with the circumferential wall  13 . The bottom  15  may be arranged rotatably relative to the circumferential wall  13 . The bottom  15  may be provided with the outlet  11 , so that the outlet  11  is rotatable relative to the scoop  16 . In a condition of the package  3  coupled with the apparatus  2 , the outlet  11  is for instance positioned in a relatively high position. By rotating the circumferential wall  13  and scoop  16  relative to the bottom  15 , a dose of coffee beans can be dispensed through the outlet  11  when the scoop  16  has been rotated into a dispense position, that is, a relatively high position. 
     The collection of coffee beans is for instance in a first packaging process packaged in the coffee bean package  3 , such that exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented. For instance, in the production process, the package  3  is closed off airtightly, and/or vacuumized or provided with a particular storability influencing gas. Thereupon the package  3  can be supplied directly or indirectly to a user. Without first being transferred into a holder, the coffee beans can in measured dosages be fed directly to the grinder  6 , while the coffee bean package  3  can remain connected to the apparatus  2 . For instance, after a first dosage there is a residual amount of coffee beans left in the coffee bean package  3 . As the outlet  11  can be closed off after the dispensing of the dose of coffee beans, the residual coffee beans in the package  3  can remain relatively intact. Preferably, the outlet  11  is already closed a relatively short time after the whole dose of coffee beans has been fed to the grinder  6 , so that contact with ambient air can be prevented. A relatively short time may be understood to mean, for instance, a few seconds or less, for instance ten seconds or less. 
     If a user has indicated through operation of the apparatus  3  that he wishes to have multiple cups of coffee, for instance multiple dosages of coffee beans can be dispensed in succession via the outlet  11 , while the closing means  12  can meanwhile close off the outlet  11  or not. 
     In  FIGS. 4A-C  a further, slightly more detailed embodiment of the coffee bean package is shown, again in three method steps.  FIG. 4A  shows the package with the scoop  16  in a dispense position, in which no coffee beans are present in the scoop  16 , and the closing means  12  close off the outlet  11 . As can be seen, the scoop  16  is provided with a projecting slide  22  which may be arranged so that upon movement of the scoop  16  the coffee beans are guided towards the loading opening  18 . In  FIG. 4B  the scoop  16  is shown in a dispense position after the scoop  16  has rotated through 360 degrees and has carried along a dose of coffee beans  22  out of the collection of coffee beans. The closing means  12  are positioned with respect to the outlet  11  such that the outlet  11  is released, in particular the passage  17  is positioned such that it overlaps the outlet  11 . For instance the closing means  12  have been rotated with respect to the position as shown in  FIG. 4A . The dose of coffee beans can now under the influence of gravity slide out of the scoop  16 , towards the grinder  6 , as shown in  FIG. 4C . 
     In an embodiment, the package  3  is also suitable be used loosely for dosing coffee beans, not necessarily directly to a grinder  6 . For instance, the package  3  can be used to furnish the user with a particular dose of coffee beans, while the user can supply the dose manually to an apparatus with a grinder  6 . The user can then hold the package  3  in the use position, at said angle α, so that the package  3  in itself can function as a dosing system. For instance, the package  3  can be opened for refilling, for instance the top wall  14  can at least partly be opened for filling the package  3 . In an alternative embodiment, the package  3  is secured against refilling, for instance in that the package  3  can be opened only through deformation. 
     Multiple packages  3  for different types and/or tastes of coffee beans can for instance be coupled with the apparatus  2  per dosage, while the residual coffee beans in the package  3  can remain relatively preserved. Also, different packages  3  for different sizes of dosages may be utilized, for instance for different strengths of coffee. 
     Different coffee bean packages with different kinds of coffee beans can be successively connected to the coffee making apparatus, while each coffee bean type can be fed to the grinder in package-fresh condition. The package can be closed off after a dose of coffee beans has been passed out of it, while a residual amount of coffee beans remains behind in the package. Advantageously, the package can then be closed off practically airtightly. As a result, the package can be connected to the apparatus and uncoupled therefrom several times, while the coffee beans packaged therein can remain practically package-fresh. 
     A predetermined dose of coffee beans comprises for instance at most approximately 50 grams or less, in particular approximately 25 grams or less, more particularly approximately 15 grams or less, for instance approximately 7 grams, or at least between 4 and 10 grams. In an embodiment, the predetermined dose is based on an amount of coffee beans that is needed for preparing one cup of coffee beverage, for instance coffee beverage of an amount by volume of 20 to 500 milliliters, while the strength could be co-predetermined by the user, for instance through an operating element that is present on the apparatus. The predetermined dose may depend on an amount of coffee beverage and/or strength of the coffee beverage that is set by the user. The dose can be determined, for instance, on the basis of weight, volume, or amount of coffee beans. It is also possible that larger amounts of coffee beverage are prepared, such as, for instance, a jug of coffee. 
     The circumferential wall  13  may be cylindrically shaped, and be closed off by the top wall  14  and the bottom  15 . The diameter of the cylinder can for instance be less than 200 millimeters, preferably less than 140 millimeters. The length of the cylinder can for instance be approximately 200 millimeters or less, for instance 140 milliliters or less. In another embodiment, the circumferential wall  13  is for instance angled, or provided with rounded corners. 
     In  FIGS. 5A and 5B  an embodiment is shown with a connecting device  4  and a package  3 . The connecting device  4  can be part of a coffee making apparatus  2  with a grinder  6 . The package  3  comprises a bottom  15 , a circumferential wall  13  and a top wall  14 . The bottom  15  may be fixedly connected with the circumferential wall  13 . The scoop  16  may also be connected with the bottom  15  and extends partly parallel along the circumferential wall  13  for carrying along beans which may be situated against the bottom  15  and the circumferential wall  13  under the influence of gravity. The closing means  12  are arranged parallel to bottom  15 . The closing means  12  comprise a rotary disc. The bottom  15  is provided with an outlet  11 , and the closing means  12  are provided with a passage  17 . In the bottom, a receiving element  34  may be provided. The receiving element  34  can comprise a hollow cylindrical part which extends partly in the inner space of the package  3 . The receiving element  34  may be arranged for receiving a corresponding projection  25  of the connecting device  4 . 
     The connecting device  4  is provided with multiple guide parts for guiding the package  3 . The guide parts may be arranged for guiding the package  3  upon coupling and/or uncoupling of the package  3  with the connecting device  4 . The guide parts may further be arranged for guiding the package  3  upon rotation of the package  3  in the connecting device  4 . The guide parts of the connecting device  4  can comprise a relatively round guide wall  23  which corresponds with the circumferential wall  13  of the package  3 , so that the package  3  can be slid into the connecting device  4 . The guide parts can also comprise rollers  24  for facilitating the rotation of the package  3  in the connecting device  4 . Furthermore, the connecting device  4  can comprise a projection  25  which extends from a bottom surface  26  of the connecting device  4  between the guide wall  23  for connection with the receiving element  34 . The bottom surface  26  may be provided with an opening to the inlet  5 . Preferably, the guide wall  23  is cylindrical and the projection  25  extends approximately parallel to the guide wall through the centerline of the guide wall  23 . The projection  25  may be arranged as a lock  28 , for clamping the package  3  in the connecting device  4 , and also as a guide part. Preferably, the lock  28  is arranged so as to allow rotation of the package  3  in the apparatus  2 . Upon coupling of the package  3  with the apparatus  2 , the package  3  can be slid parallel to the guide wall  23  and the projection  25  in the connecting device  4 , until the bottom  15  of the package  3 , or at least the closing means  12 , extends practically against the bottom surface  26 . In the connected condition of the package  3 , the projection  25  extends preferably in the receiving element  34  of the package  3 . 
     Adjacent the bottom surface  26  of the connecting device  4 , a detector device  29  may extend. The detector device  29  can comprise a microswitch which can be mechanically activated. For instance, the microswitch may be activated in that it is depressed by the closing means  12  of the package  3 . By switching on the detector device  29 , the lock  28  can be activated, so that the package  3  in principle cannot be taken from the apparatus  2  anymore. The lock  28  preferably comprises a movably arranged engagement element for engaging the package  3  and keeping it clamped against the apparatus, while allowing the package  3  to rotate in the apparatus  2  about the projection  25 . The lock, in accordance with a known principle, can for instance comprise a pin  30  with spheres. The pin  30  may be included in the projection  25 , such that the pin  30  can move only in axial direction. The projection  25  comprises openings  32  through which the spheres  31  extend in part. By moving the pin in axial direction, the spheres  31  can be moved through the openings  32  into an outside position, that is to say, to a point outside the projection  25 . The pin  30  may be provided with a cam  44  for moving out the spheres  31 . 
     In an outside position, the spheres  31  extend partly outside the projection  25 . When the package  3  is connected, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the spheres  31  extend along a stop edge  33  on the inside of the receiving element  34  of the package. The stop edge  33  prevents the receiving element  34  being moved along the spheres  31  for taking the package  3  out of the apparatus  4 . 
     The lock  28  can be activated by moving the pin  30  in axial direction. The pin  30  can for instance be moved in axial direction with the aid of a solenoid  35 . The solenoid  35  can be moved through a signal from the detector device  29  in the direction away from the pin  30 . Through activation of the solenoid  35 , the spheres  31  are moved to the outside position, so that the package  3  cannot, or can only with difficulty, be uncoupled from the apparatus  3 . The connecting device  4  may be provided with a stop  36  which can define an end position of the solenoid  35 , for placing the spheres  31  in the outside position with the pin  30 . 
     The connecting device  4  may furthermore be provided with a drive  37  for rotating the package  3 , or at least the scoop  16 . The drive  37  may be provided with a rotary motor  38  and a transmission  39 . The transmission  39  may for instance comprise a shaft  40  and/or a gear  41 . The transmission  39  can furthermore comprise a sleeve  42 , which may be arranged around the lock  28 . The sleeve  42  can be driven through the gearwheel  41 . The sleeve  42  may be arranged to engage the package  3 , for instance on and/or in the receiving element  34 . The receiving element  34  may to that end be arranged with a first part  34 A for receiving the lock  28 , and a second part  34 B for receiving the drive  37 , in particular the sleeve  42 . The first part  34 A can be a part of the bottom  15 , the second part  34 B can be a part of the closing means  12 . The sleeve  42  may be provided with a cam  43 , such as shown in  FIG. 7 , which cam  43  can engage an engagement element which is provided in the second part  34 B of the receiving element  34 . For instance, the receiving element  34  is to that end provided with an abutment edge  46 , in which an opening is provided, in which the cam  43  can be received. When the cam  43  of the sleeve  42  extends into this opening, the package  3  can be driven via the second part  34 B of the receiving element  34 . In principle, the drive  37  then drives the closing means  12 . Furthermore, a spring  45  may be provided which in a connected condition of the package pushes the sleeve  42  towards the package  3 . When the cam  43  is adjacent the opening in the abutment edge  46 , the cam  43  can be pushed into the opening. 
     When connecting the package  3  to the connecting device  4 , the circumferential wall  13  of the package  3  is guided into the connecting device  4  by the guide wall  23 . The receiving element  34  can be guided along and around the projection  25 . The closing means  12  can move towards the bottom surface  26  until the detector device  29  detects the package  3 . The stop edge  33  thereby passes the spheres  31  of the lock  28 . The detector device  29 , as it is moved by the package  3 , delivers a signal to the solenoid  35 , or releases the solenoid  35 , so that the solenoid  35  moves up to the stop  36 , whereby the pin  31  is carried along. As a result of the pin  31  moving in axial direction, the spheres  31  are pushed by the cam  44  through the openings  32  outside the projection  25 , so that the stop edge  33  cannot move back over the spheres  31 , at least not without some deformation of the package  3  or unlocking of the lock  28 . Therefore the package  3  after coupling can be relatively fixedly coupled with the connecting device  4 . The package  3  can for instance be released again by activating the solenoid  35  through an operating element on the apparatus  2 , so that the pin  30  moves back again and the spheres  31  retract. 
     When the apparatus  2  is activated for preparing an amount of coffee, for instance one predetermined dose of beans may be needed. To this end, it may be necessary that the scoop  16  should perform at least one complete rotation, so that the scoop  16  moves wholly through the coffee beans in the package  3 , and thereupon with the outlet  11  in a dispense position, is positioned above the level of the coffee beans. The dispense position can be a position at the top in the package  3 . The drive  37  can drive the package  3 , and hence the scoop  16 . When the package  3  is connected to the connecting device  4 , with the aid of the lock  28 , then, through activation of the apparatus  2 , the sleeve  42  can be rotated through the drive  37 . Unless the cam  43  of the sleeve  42  is already positioned in the opening of the receiving element  34 , the sleeve  42  will be rotated along the abutment edge  46  of the receiving element  37  until the cam  43  reaches the opening in the receiving element  34  and is pushed into the opening by the spring  45 . Then the sleeve  42  can be received at least in part in the second part  34 B of the receiving element  34  for drive of the package  3 , or at least the scoop  16 . The package  3  can then rotate along with the drive  37 . The position of the opening  44  is preferably predetermined with respect to the scoop  16  and/or the outlet  11 . The cam  43  can then be so rotated, for instance two rotations, until the scoop  16  is in a dispense position. For instance at least upon the second rotation of the drive  37 , the scoop  16  has then been able to traverse a complete rotation and scoop up the predetermined dose of coffee beans. 
     The closing means  12  in principle close off the package  3  when the package  3  is taken from and/or coupled to the apparatus  2 . When the scoop  16  is in the dispense position, after the activation of the apparatus  2  for preparing the coffee, the closing means  12  can be turned so that the passage  17  is opposite the outlet  11  and the scoop  16 . Thereupon the predetermined dose of beans in the scoop  16  can slide under the influence of gravity through the outlet  11  and the passage  17 , and through the inlet  5 , towards the grinder  6 . A measuring device may be provided for verifying whether the dispensed dose of coffee beans does in fact involve approximately the predetermined amount, after which the coffee beans can proceed further to the grinder  6 . For instance, the measuring device comprises a weight sensor or other type of sensor in the path of the beans towards the grinder  6 . When the scoop  16  is empty, the closing means  12  can be rotated again so that the outlet  11  is closed off again. 
     Besides being employed for driving the scoop  16 , the drive  37  can also be employed, for instance, for driving the closing means  12 . For instance, the closing means  12 , for placing the passage  17  opposite the outlet  11 , are turned in a rotary direction opposite to the rotary direction of the scoop  16 . For instance, the sleeve  42  engages the receiving element  34 . The receiving element  34  is preferably connected with the closing means  12 . In particular, the part of the receiving element  34  which is engaged by the sleeve  42  is actually a part of the closing means  12 , so that the sleeve  42  can rotate the closing means  12 . The package  3  may be arranged such that upon rotation of the sleeve  42  in one direction, the closing means  12  rotate along with the scoop  16  and outlet  11 , and in the other direction the closing means, by contrast, rotate relative to the outlet  11  for the purpose of opening and closing the outlet  11 . 
     When the sleeve  42  rotates the closing means  12  for passing the scoop  16  through the beans, the bottom  15  of the package  3 , and the scoop  16  and passage  17 , can be carried along with the closing means  12 . For instance, the closing means  12  can carry the bottom  15  along through friction. However, the bottom  15  and the closing means  12  are preferably so arranged with respect to each other that in the opposite rotary direction the closing means  12  do not carry along the bottom  15 . For instance, the closing means  12  and/or the bottom  15  are to that end provided with a finger hinging to one side, or a friction element which offers resistance only in one direction, or the like. Also, the guide wall  23  and/or the guide rollers  24  may be arranged so that the package  3  is guided into the apparatus only in one rotary direction, and in the opposite rotary direction is stopped by friction, so that the closing means  12  can be moved relative to the outlet  11 . The guide wall  23  can for instance comprise a knurled path or rubber. The guide rollers  24  can for instance comprise rubber and/or rotate only in one rotary direction for guiding the package  3 . 
     For releasing the outlet  11 , in a dispense position of the scoop  16 , the closing means  12  can be turned from a position in which the outlet  11  is closed off by the closing means  12 , to a release position, in opposite direction to the rotary direction of the package  3 , so that the passage  17  is in line with the outlet  11 . For instance, the closing means  12  are to that end rotated through approximately 60°. After the coffee beans have been dispensed from the scoop  16 , the closing means  12  can be rotated for instance through 300°, so that the outlet  11  is closed off again, and upon a next dispense position of the scoop  16 , after the scoop has been moved at least once through the beans, the closing means  12  can be rotated 60° again for release of the outlet  11 . 
     In the above description, the detector device  29  may further comprise a different type of sensor, which may be arranged for detecting the package  3  in connected condition, as for instance an optical and/or magnetic sensor, or for instance a radiofrequency chip reader or other reading device. Also, a detection system may be provided for detecting whether the scoop  16  and/or the outlet  11  is in a dispense position, in particular an upper position. The skilled person will also understand that in the above description corresponding engagement elements, such as for instance cams, openings, and so forth, can be interchanged between the apparatus  2  and the package  3 , for achieving the same function. A cam of the apparatus  3  can engage an opening or engagement element of the package  2 , while instead the package  3  may for instance be provided with a cam, and the apparatus  2  with a corresponding opening or engagement element. 
     The bottom surface  26  of the connecting device  4  of the apparatus  2  may be provided with an opening  47  towards the inlet  5 . Coffee beans can be dispensed via the outlet  11  and passage  17  through the opening  47  to the grinder  6 . In an embodiment, the opening  47  towards the inlet  5  is closed when no package  3  is connected to the apparatus  2 . For instance, a valve or other closure is provided for closing off the inlet  5  when the package  3  is not connected. The detection device  29  or other detection system may be arranged to open or close the inlet  5  upon detection of the package  3 . The detection device  29 , or other detection system, may also be arranged not to open the inlet  5  until the outlet  11  and the passage  17  are both in line with the opening  47 . In the latter case, only when the outlet  11 , passage  17  and the opening  47  at least partly overlap each other will the inlet  5  be released. This can prevent coffee beans being directly supplied into the inlet  5 . In another embodiment, the grinder  6  is not activated, or at least enabled to grind supplied coffee beans, until the package  3  is connected to the connecting device  4  and/or until the inlet  11 , passage  17  and the opening  47  at least partly overlap each other for dispensing beans. In such a case, the detection device  29  or other detection system can deliver a signal to the grinder  6  upon detection of the package  3 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a key is provided, which key can activate the detection device  29  and/or the detection system for releasing the inlet  5  and/or the grinder  6 . By activating the apparatus  2  with the key, coffee beans can be supplied and ground. For instance, the coffee beans can then be supplied manually to the apparatus  2 , or from a dummy package. The key may for instance be mechanically coupled with the detection device  29  and/or with the sleeve  42  and/or with the projection  25 . The key can for instance comprise a form lock which corresponds to the projection  25  and the sleeve  42 . 
     In  FIG. 8  an embodiment of a scoop  16  is shown. The scoop  16  may be fixedly connected with the bottom  15  or be formed integrally therewith. The scoop  16  and the bottom  15  can in use be connected with the circumferential wall  13  of the package  3 . The scoop  16  and the bottom  15  can jointly form a loose package component. 
     The scoop  16  may be provided with loading walls  19 ,  20 . A first loading wall  19  can comprise an upper edge  48  which in use can extend against or near the circumferential wall  13  of the package  3 , so that the beans can be passed along the wall  19  in the scoop  16 . A second loading wall can be the scoop bottom  20 , also for guiding and surrounding coffee beans in the package  3 . The scoop bottom  20  can in use extend approximately parallel to the circumferential wall  13 . In this description, the first loading wall  19  will be referred to as loading wall, and the second loading wall as scoop bottom  20 . 
     The bottom  15  may be provided with an outlet  11  for dispensing coffee beans from the scoop  16 . The outlet  11  is preferably situated opposite the scoop  16 . The loading wall  19  can extend along a curve along which the coffee beans are guided in the scoop, and through the outlet  11 . The scoop bottom  20  can comprise a dosing edge  49 . The loading opening  18  of the scoop  16  can extend between the dosing edge  49 , the loading wall  19 , the bottom  15  and the circumferential wall  13 . A carrying wall part  51  of the loading wall  19  can extend beyond the dosing edge  49  for carrying along coffee beans in the package  3  upon rotation through the coffee beans, so that the coffee beans can be guided along the loading wall  19  over the dosing edge  49  into the scoop  16 . The carrying wall part  51  can extend in a bend, along the curve C, in a direction away from the bottom  15 . 
     The scoop  16  may be arranged such that it fills when the scoop  16  rotates in a rotation direction R. A part of the beans will be partly carried along by the carrying wall part  51  during the rotation, and be guided between the carrying wall part  51  and the bottom  15  into the scoop  16 . The height of the loading wall  19  can determine the distance between the circumferential wall  13  and the scoop bottom  20 . Once loaded, the coffee beans can be situated between the circumferential wall  13 , the loading wall  19 , the scoop bottom  20 , the bottom  15  and the closing means  12 , which define the dosing space of the scoop  16 . The dosing space of the scoop  16  can have a predetermined volume for containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans. The closing means  12  can prevent the beans falling out of the outlet  11 . The loading wall  19  can terminate at a lower edge  50  of the outlet  11 . When the closing means  12  release the outlet  11 , the beans will flow along the loading wall  19  and the scoop bottom  20  out of the outlet  11 . 
     An embodiment of the scoop  16  may be provided with a rear wall  52  ( FIGS. 9A, 9B ). The rear wall  52  can extend approximately opposite the scoop bottom  20  for forming the dosing space. The rear wall  52  can for instance extend between the end of the carrying wall part  51  and the bottom  15 . This embodiment may be advantageous, for instance if the circumferential wall  13  is not cylindrical and/or not accurately shaped, and/or if the loading wall  19  does not wholly extend along the circumferential wall  13 . In particular, this embodiment can provide advantage if the circumferential wall  13  adjacent the bottom has a smaller diameter than the circumferential wall  13  remote from the bottom  15 . 
     During assembly of the package  3 , the bottom  15  and scoop  16  can be connected with the circumferential wall ( FIG. 10 ). The bottom  15  and scoop  16  can be fixed with respect to the circumferential wall  13 , so that for taking up coffee beans into the scoop  16  the whole package  3 , or at least the circumferential wall  13 , is to be rotated. The bottom  15  may be coupled with the circumferential wall  13  through gluing, clamping, sealing, snapping or in another suitable manner. 
     In  FIG. 11  a package  3  is shown. In this embodiment, the top wall  14  has been taken off. The bottom  15  and scoop  16  are connected with the circumferential wall  13 . For taking up coffee beans into the scoop  16 , the scoop  16  can move and rotate about the rotation axis L of the package  3 . The circumferential wall  13  can then rotate along. The rotation axis L and/or the circumferential wall  13  can include an angle with the horizontal of preferably between 2 and 30 degrees, in particular between 4 and 15 degrees, more particularly approximately 13 degrees. As a result, the coffee beans in the package  3  can shift towards the bottom  15 , or at least remain lying against the bottom  15  and the part of the circumferential wall  13  adjacent the bottom, so that the scoop  16  during rotation moves through the beans. As the scoop  16  moves through the beans, the beans are loaded by the carrying wall part  51  and the loading wall  19  into the dosing space. 
     As the scoop  16  is moved through the beans, the coffee beans collect in the scoop  16 . Upon upward movement of the scoop  16 , for instance a few beans can fall back over the dosing edge  49 , as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . In  FIG. 12  it can be seen that the coffee beans have collected in the scoop  16 . The rest of the coffee beans in the package  3  is not shown, for clarification of the illustration. As can be seen in  FIG. 12 , a part of the beans in the scoop  16  projects above the dosing edge  49 . These beans are relatively unstably disposed and, upon upward movement of the scoop  16 , as indicated with R, of the dose of beans in the scoop  16 , fall off, over the dosing edge  49 , as indicated with X. At least a part of the relatively unstably disposed beans can fall off over the edge  49  of the stack of scooped-up beans until no beans fall over the edge anymore and the dose of coffee beans that is left does not decrease anymore, as shown in  FIG. 13 . From various tests, an optimum height position can be determined where no beans fall from the scoop  16  anymore. The volume of the dose of coffee beans that is scooped up by the scoop  16  can be approximately equal upon each rotation. 
     In  FIGS. 14 and 15 , schematic cross sections of different scoops  16  are shown. The scoop  16  as shown in  FIG. 14  has a relatively narrow loading opening  18 , and for instance also a relatively short dosing edge  49  and/or narrow scoop bottom  20 . In particular, the widest cross section b l  of the loading opening  18  can for instance be smaller than the depth d s  of the scoop  16  and/or the length l w  of the loading wall  19 . Said length l w  and/or depth d s  can for instance be measured from the dosing edge  49  up to the lower edge  50  of the outlet  11 . In principle, given a relatively small surface of the passage opening  18 , less spread will occur in the dosages of the beans by the scoop  16 . As can be seen, the excess  53  of beans in  FIG. 14  is relatively small with respect to the excess  53  of beans in  FIG. 15 , since in  FIG. 15  the loading opening  18  of the scoop  16  is relatively large. The spread of successive dosages of coffee beans can therefore be larger in  FIG. 15  than the spread in  FIG. 14 . 
     It has been found that given a relatively small surface of the loading opening  18 , with respect to the size of the coffee beans, there may be a risk of the beans flowing in relatively difficultly. In the relatively narrow dosing space in the scoop  16 , the beans may for instance get stuck, against each other and/or against the walls  19 ,  20 ,  13 ,  15 ,  52 . Therefore the loading opening  18  is preferably such that a balance can be achieved between a favorable inflow of the coffee beans and limitation of a spread of the dose of coffee beans in the scoop  16  through reduction of the excess  53 . In an embodiment, the scoop  16  may be at least once, in particular at least 1.3, more particularly at least 1.6 times as deep as the widest cross section b 1  of the loading opening  18 . Similarly, the loading wall  19  can be at least once, in particular at least 1.3 times, more particularly at least 1.6 times as long as the widest cross section b l  of the loading opening  18 . In an embodiment, the scoop  16  is for instance at least approximately twice as deep as the width b l  of the loading opening  18 . 
     In  FIG. 16  a possible dispense position of the scoop  16  is shown. In a dispense position, the coffee beans are dispensed through the outlet  11 , preferably in that the outlet is released by the closing means  12  (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 16 , the dosing edge  49  is then preferably situated in a relatively high position, in particular the dosing edge  49 , in a dispense position, preferably extends above the upper surface of the rest of the coffee beans in the package  3 . Thereupon the scoop  16 , in principle, will not be loaded further anymore, and the outlet  11  can be released. The scoop  16  during dispensing can remain in the dispense position for some time for dispensing the coffee beans towards the grinder  6 . 
     In  FIG. 17  a dispense position of the scoop  16  is shown, in a front view of the package  3 . For instance, the dosing edge  49  can extend approximately in the highest position, so that at least after some time of standstill no excess  53  of beans is formed. Reference number  49 A denotes a projection line on the loading wall  19 , which extends from the dosing edge  49  straight up along the loading wall  19 , to clearly represent the position of the dosing edge  49 . With the position of the dosing edge  49  as shown, a relatively accurate dosage can be achieved. For instance, the lower edge  50  of the outlet  11  in the dispense position can extend approximately horizontally, and/or the dosing edge  49  in the dispense position can extend at an angular distance γ of approximately 90 degrees from the lower edge  50  of the outlet  11 . In approximately horizontal position of the lower edge  50 , the coffee beans can be dispensed from the scoop  16  in a relatively simple and controlled manner, preferably along the curve C of the loading wall  19 . The angular distance γ between the lower edge  50  and the dosing edge  49  may also be, for instance, greater or smaller than approximately 90 degrees, for instance approximately 100 degrees or more, preferably 110 degrees or more, or 80 degrees or less. In an embodiment, the system is arranged such that the dosing edge  49  in a dispense position extends approximately in a highest position, and the lower edge  50  extends for instance at an angular distance γ of approximately 110 degrees from the dosing edge  49 , in a relatively oblique position, in particular approximately 20 degrees with respect to the horizontal (see  FIG. 18 ). A proportional position may also be suitable for dispensing coffee beans from the outlet  11 . 
     For instance, the dosing edge  49 , in a dispense position, extends at an angular distance β of approximately 20 degrees or less, preferably 10 degrees or less, in particular approximately 0 degrees with respect to the vertical. At a larger angular distance β, as shown in  FIG. 19 , it may be that an excess  53  of beans can be formed, which can result in inaccuracies. 
     In  FIG. 20  a part of the package  3  is shown, wherein a closing means  12  is fastened rotatably or fixedly with respect to the bottom  15 . For illustration, the closing means  12  is represented as transparent. The closing means  12  comprises a rotary disc with a passage  17 . In the position shown, the passage  17  is positioned at a distance from the outlet  11 , so that the outlet is closed. By turning the closing means  12 , the passage  17  can overlap and release the outlet  11  for dispensing beans. The closing means  12  and/or the package  3  can for instance be provided with a lock, so that only the apparatus  2  can move the closing means  12  relative to the bottom  15  for releasing the outlet  11 . The closing means  12  may for instance be fixed with respect to the bottom  15  and/or the outlet  11  until the lock is opened. Such a principle has already been described hereinabove, for instance with reference to  FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B and 7 . 
     In an embodiment, the angle α of the rotation axis L and/or circumferential wall  13  with the horizontal H in a connected condition is at least 2 degrees and at most 30 degrees, in particular at least 4 degrees ( FIG. 21 ) and at most approximately 15 degrees ( FIG. 22 ), more particularly approximately 13 degrees. At an angle of approximately 4 degrees or more, the beans can move towards the bottom  15  and/or the scoop  16 , depending on the resistance of the circumferential wall  13 . At an angle α of 15 degrees or less, preferably 13 degrees, with the horizontal H, the coffee beans can be scooped up relatively easily. At a larger angle α the pressure on the coffee beans in the scoop  16  can increase to such an extent that arching between the beans may occur. Arching may be understood to mean that the beans can be clamped between the walls  19 ,  20 ,  15 ,  13 ,  52  and against each other, so that the beans do not of their own motion shift further into or out of the scoop  16  anymore. 
     Preferably, the system  1  is provided with a vibrating element  54  which is arranged to vibrate the package  3  relative to the apparatus  2 , particularly during the rotation of the package  3 . Vibrations can stimulate the dosing of coffee beans, the downward shift of coffee beans in the package  3 , and/or the filling of beans into the scoop  16 . By vibrating the package  3 , in particular during rotation but optionally also in the dispense position for preventing an excess  53 , arching of beans in the scoop  16  can be prevented. With the vibrating element  54 , the filling of the scoop  16  and the dispensing of beans out of the scoop  16  can be done relatively reliably, and/or the system  1  can dose relatively accurately. As shown in  FIG. 23 , a vibrating element  54  may be provided in the package  3 , in particular against the outside of the circumferential wall  13 . The vibrating element  54  can comprise a relief, so that the package  3  can be caused to vibrate through rotation. Preferably, the vibrating element  54  is so arranged that the number of vibrations per second is such that arching in the scoop  16  can be prevented. For instance, the vibrating frequency of the vibrating element  54  may be between 4 and 30 vibrations per second, in particular between 8 and 20 vibrations per second, more particularly approximately 14 vibrations per second. The dosing accuracy can then be relatively good. The vibrating frequency may depend on the rotational speed. Also vibration of the scoop  16  during dispensing of beans through the outlet  11  may be favorable, for instance for preventing arching, which could hinder the desired outflow of beans. In particular designs, the vibrating element may be provided in the apparatus and for instance be driven by piezo elements, an electric motor, cams, etc. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus  2  is provided with a cover, for instance to close off the connecting device  4 , so that the package  3  is surrounded by the connecting device  4  and the cover. For instance a detection system is provided which detects the closed cover and a connected package  3 , the detection system being so arranged that it gives a signal to the driving unit of the apparatus  2 , the grinder  6  and/or the inlet closure  47 , upon detection of connected package  3  and closed cover, so that beans can be dispensed from the package  3  and be ground. This prevents e.g. the package  3  being replenished while connected to the apparatus  2 . 
     In an embodiment, the inner space of coffee bean package  3  when not used before comprises at least 20 grams, more particularly at least 50 grams, still more particularly at least 70 grams and still more particularly at least 200 grams of coffee beans. From this, multiple dosages of coffee beverage can be dosed. Since the coffee making apparatus may be suitable for preparing different kinds of coffee beverage in succession, that is, based on different kinds of coffee beans, it may be favorable to provide coffee bean packages of relatively small volumes. The coffee bean package may be disposable, which may for instance be of benefit to the convenience in use and can keep production costs low. The package can be largely manufactured from environment-friendly disposable, degradable or reusable material, for instance foil, paper or cellulose. In another embodiment, the package may comprise only one dose of coffee beans, so that the system after each connection of the package processes one dose of coffee beans, for preparing a consumption, for instance one cup of coffee beverage. It then holds, for instance, that the inner space when the package has not been used before comprises an amount of coffee beans for preparing one consumption of coffee such as a cup of coffee, preferably about 5-10 grams, more particularly about 6-8 grams of coffee beans. 
     In an embodiment, the package  3  has a circumferential wall  13  and a bottom  15 .
         The top wall  14  may for instance comprise a detachable and/or hingeable cover, or may even not be present. In this way, the package  3  can be connected to the apparatus  2  and also be replenished.       

     In an embodiment where the top wall  14  is present, the package  3 , prior to first use, may be filled with a few predetermined doses of coffee beans. Preferably, the package  3  is not completely filled. A part of the inner space can be kept clear, so that the scoop  16  in a dispense position extends at least partly above the level of the collection of coffee beans. In a dispense position the scoop  16  may be loaded with one predetermined dose of coffee beans and extend above a dispense position, near the upper side of the bottom  15  for dispensing the predetermined dose. The scoop  16  and the outlet  11  then preferably extend above the level of the rest of the coffee beans, except for the coffee beans already present in the scoop  16 , so that no residual coffee beans are still discharged through the outlet  11 . In a dispense position, the package  3  preferably has such an angle of inclination that on the one hand all coffee beans are situated in the lower portion of the package  3 , partly against the bottom  15  and partly against the circumferential wall  13 , and, on the other hand, the scoop  16  is situated above the level of the coffee beans, except for the coffee beans scooped up by the scoop  16 . 
     The inside of the circumferential wall  13  may be arranged to guide collection of beans in the package  3 , in a use position of the package  3 , in the direction of the bottom side of the package  3 , preferably partly against the bottom  15  and partly against the circumferential wall  13 . For instance, the inner side is of relatively smooth design, to prevent any friction between the wall  13  and the beans. For instance, to that end, the inner side is provided with a coating or the like. The inner side of the circumferential wall  13  may further be provided with spiral-shaped paths in the inner wall, so that in a use position the beans are guided downwards. Also the scoop  16  may be arranged to prevent friction, for guiding the beans in the scoop  16  under the influence of gravity through the outlet  11 . 
     In an embodiment, the scoop  16  extends over substantially the full height of the circumferential wall  13 , between the bottom  15  and the top wall  14 . In this way, all beans can be scooped up from the package  3 , also when there is less than a predetermined dose in the package  3 , and the last coffee beans are not situated at the very bottom of the package  3 . 
     In an embodiment, the filled package  3  is provided with oxygen-absorbing means, with which, in particular before opening the package  3 , contact between the beans and oxygen can at least to some extent be prevented. 
     In yet another embodiment, the package  3 , in particular the wall of the package, comprises pressure-regulating means and/or a valve, to allow gases to be released from the package  3  and/or for preventing an unduly high pressure in the package  3 . For instance, at an unduly high pressure in the package  3  gas can be released from the package  3  via the valve, which can prevent deformation of the package  3  due to an unduly high internal pressure. 
     In yet another embodiment, the package  3  may be provided with multiple scoops  16 . For instance, the scoops  16  are arranged in the package  3  at a mutually equal distance, in particular angular distance. For instance, two scoops  16  are situated opposite each other in the package  3 , or three scoops  16 , each spaced apart from another at an angular distance of approximately 120 degrees. 
     The variations described and many comparable variations, as well as combinations thereof, are understood to fall within the framework of the invention outlined by the claims. Naturally, different aspects of different embodiments and/or combinations thereof can be combined with each other and interchanged within the framework of the invention. Thus, there should be no limitation to just the embodiments mentioned.