Patent Abstract:
A container having a top wall, which has at least one top wall region that can be perforated to form a feed opening for feeding a liquid; a bottom wall, which has at least one bottom wall region that can be perforated to form an outlet opening; and at least one chamber, which is surrounded by chamber walls and in which a base product and an adjustment element are located. The adjustment element is arranged such that it can be moved from an idle position to a working position and, when in the working position, opens at least one chamber wall. A chamber wall has at least one opening, on or in which a component of the adjustment element is detachably fastened when in the idle position. The component of the adjustment element closes the opening in the chamber wall.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a container, comprising: a cover wall provided with at least one cover wall region which can be pierced to form a supply opening for introducing a liquid; a bottom wall provided with at least one bottom wall region which can be pierced to form an outlet opening; and at least one chamber surrounded by chamber walls, in which a basic product and an adjustment element are present, wherein the adjustment element is arranged so that it can be moved from a position of rest to an operating position, and in its operating position opens at least one chamber wall. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In beverage machines, particularly in coffee makers, disposable containers or disposable packaging, for example in capsule form, are used, which are sealed using one or two foils and which contain, for example, coffee or other substances, such as flavourings, in powder or liquid form. These disposable containers are inserted into the beverage machine, the contents of the disposable container are combined with a liquid, for example water, and this preparation is subsequently dispensed as a beverage that is ready to drink. The used disposable container is subsequently removed from the beverage machine and disposed of. 
         [0003]    EP 0 451 980 B1 discloses a sealed package containing one or more powder, pasty or liquid comestible preparation ingredients. Through an inlet opening, water is supplied to these ingredients. The finished preparation is dispensed through an outlet nozzle in the bottom area, said outlet nozzle having a displaceable plug. For dispensing the finished preparation, the bottom wall of the package, consisting of a foil, is pierced from below in the area of the outlet nozzle by a connecting piece which is part of the machine, said connecting piece pushing the plug upwards against an intermediate wall after entering the outlet nozzle. This intermediate wall has a wall section equipped with predetermined breaking lines which is punctured by the plug, thus releasing the preparation. It flows downwards from the package through a central flow channel in the plug and subsequently through the connecting piece of the machine. 
         [0004]    This packaging has the disadvantage that the bottom outlet has to be opened by the connecting piece of the machine, so that the connecting piece comes into contact with the finished preparation. To satisfy the rigorous hygiene requirements that such a device has to meet nowadays, it is necessary to dean this connecting piece every time before inserting a new package. 
         [0005]    US 2004/0115317 A1 describes a cartridge filled with, for example, ground coffee, the bottom wall of which is pierced from the inside. Arranged above the bottom wall is a cup-shaped intermediate bottom which is termed an internal plunger, the dimensions of said intermediate bottom being adjusted to the interior dimensions of the cartridge. The powder resides between the intermediate bottom and the cover wall of the cartridge. The intermediate bottom has an outlet nozzle which is embodied as a cutting element. If water is introduced under pressure through the cover wall into the interior of the cartridge, the intermediate bottom is pushed downwards, whereby the cutting element pierces the bottom wall and the outlet is unblocked. 
         [0006]    This cartridge satisfies hygiene requirements, but the operability of the cartridge is not always ensured. It is essential in this embodiment that the water pressure and hence the pressure acting on the intermediate bottom be high enough, even from the start of introduction, that the bottom wall can be pierced. Jamming of the displaceable intermediate bottom in the process cannot be ruled out. In addition, since the intermediate bottom has a multitude of openings, liquid may enter the space between the bottom wall and the intermediate bottom, which may lead to relatively quick reduction of the pressure on the intermediate bottom after the beginning of the introduction process, whereby the bottom wall cannot be pierced reliably any more. 
         [0007]    Known from WO 2008/132671 are capsules containing a certain amount of a soluble beverage. The capsule has a cover foil which is perforated in the beverage machine by a connecting piece through which a liquid solvent under pressure, for example water, is led to the interior of the capsule. 
         [0008]    The capsule is essentially sub-divided into four chambers. The liquid supplied is first led into a distribution chamber and from there supplied to a storage chamber where the quantity of the soluble beverage is present. In this storage chamber, the soluble beverage mixes with the liquid supplied, and the prepared beverage is subsequently collected in a collection chamber, from where it is dispensed through an opening in the bottom wall of the capsule. 
         [0009]    To open the bottom wall, a displaceable perforator is arranged in a central chamber of the capsule, the perforator being pushed against the bottom wall by the connecting piece, so that the bottom wall is torn open. 
         [0010]    In the process, a through-channel arranged inside the perforator is aligned with the outlet opening of the collection chamber, so that the prepared liquid can be dispensed downwards from the capsule. 
         [0011]    This capsule, however, has the disadvantage that complicated built-in parts are required to separate the different chambers. A distribution chamber arranged before the storage chamber is required to ensure that the liquid is supplied to the storage chamber as uniformly as possible and to guarantee homogeneous mixing in the latter. 
         [0012]    WO 2007/114685 describes a capsule-shaped packaging containing a portion of liquid. A column is arranged centrally, which is connected with the bottom wall of the packaging at its bottom end via an undulating flexible bottom region. Both the top side and the underside of the packaging are closed off by a sealing foil. 
         [0013]    The upper sealing foil can be pierced and the column pushed downwards by means of a connecting piece, whereby it in turn punctures the foil attached to the bottom. The column is equipped with a venturi device through which the portion of liquid is drawn out of the chamber surrounding the column when a liquid is introduced into the column. Mixing of the two liquids takes place in the lower part of the column. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    It is an object of the invention to provide a container that has a simple construction and works reliably. 
         [0015]    This object is solved with the container according to the invention. 
         [0016]    The container is provided with a cover wall provided with at least one cover wall region that can be pierced to form a supply opening for introducing a liquid. The container further has a bottom wall that is provided with at least one bottom wall region that can be pierced to form an outlet opening, and with at least one chamber surrounded by chamber walls, in which a basic product and an adjustment element are present, wherein the adjustment element is arranged so that it can be moved from a position of rest to an operating position, and in its operating position opens at least one chamber wall. The chamber wall is provided with at least one opening to which or in which a component of the adjustment element is releasably attached in its position of rest, wherein this component of the adjustment element closes off the opening in the chamber wall. 
         [0017]    The term container is understood to mean both reusable containers and packaging and disposable containers and packaging. 
         [0018]    The term piercable indicates that the wall region in question can be opened in any particular manner and way. The opening of the wall region may, for example, be affected by incising or cutting open, broaching, puncturing or tearing open. 
         [0019]    In its position of rest, the adjustment element takes on the, in particular sealingly, closing off of the chamber containing the basic product, and is at the same time fixed in place due to the releasable attachment. Releasable attachment to the opening means that the component of the adjustment element is positioned at the outer surface of the wall region of the chamber wall that delimits the opening. 
         [0020]    Releasable attachment in the opening means that the component is arranged inside the opening at the wall region of the chamber wall which delimits the opening. 
         [0021]    The opening closed off by the adjustment element can be opened with a connecting and dispensing means, for example the connecting piece of a beverage machine, in that the closing component of the adjustment element is pushed inwards and out of the way inside the chamber. Depending on where this opening is located, the supply opening or the outlet opening of the chamber can thereby be created. 
         [0022]    The liquid supplied by the connecting and dispensing means of the beverage machine is led into the chamber and mixed with the basic product there. This chamber thus not only forms the storage space for the basic product but also the mixing chamber. Additional subdivisions of the container&#39;s interior can therefore be dispensed with. 
         [0023]    In an embodiment of the container, the chamber wall is a cover wall of the container, a bottom wall of the container or a partitioning wall inside the container. 
         [0024]    If the chamber wall forms the cover wall of the container, the supply opening through which the liquid can be led into the container out of the connecting and dispensing means of the beverage machine is created by detaching the releasable attachment of the component of the adjustment element. In this embodiment, the component of the adjustment element forms the cover wall region which can be pierced for the introduction of a liquid. 
         [0025]    If the chamber wall in question is the bottom wall, the outlet opening through which the mixture of liquid and basic product can be discharged is created by detaching the releasable attachment of the component of the adjustment element. In this embodiment, the component of the adjustment element forms the bottom wall region which can be pierced to form the outlet opening. In this embodiment the connecting and dispensing means first punctures the cover wall, and subsequently the adjustment element is actuated by this connecting and dispensing means. 
         [0026]    If the chamber wall is a partitioning wall located inside the container, an additional chamber is arranged inside the container between the partitioning wall and the cover wall or the bottom wall, which is advantageous for reasons of hygiene, be cause the component of the adjustment element closing off the opening is not directly exposed to external environmental influences. By detaching the releasable attachment of the component of the adjustment element, an access or exit opening of the chamber is created inside the container. 
         [0027]    In an embodiment of the container, the component of the adjustment element closes off the opening in a liquid-tight manner. 
         [0028]    The adjustment element may be connected to the chamber wall via a predetermined breaking line. This predetermined breaking line can, for example, be formed as an adhesive seam. Another possibility consists of casting the adjustment element to the chamber wall with a predetermined breaking line. In an embodiment a section of the predetermined breaking line may be constituted as a living hinge. 
         [0029]    In an embodiment of the container, the component of the adjustment element comprises a plate-shaped element that closes off the opening in the chamber wall. 
         [0030]    The plate-shaped element may be provided with an upstanding annular wall with at least one inlet opening. In this way, a cup-shaped formation is created, which the connecting piece of a beverage machine can engage, for example. 
         [0031]    In an embodiment, the adjustment element is provided with a cutting and/or puncturing device, which, in a particular embodiment, may consist of a needle. The bottom wall may, for example, be provided with a piercable region or a sealing foil that can be punctured with the cutting and/or puncturing device. 
         [0032]    When the connecting and dispensing means of a beverage machine engages the adjustment element, the opening in the chamber wall concerned is opened on the one hand and the bottom wall is simultaneously opened by means of the cutting and/or puncturing device on the other hand. 
         [0033]    In an embodiment of the container, the cutting and/or puncturing device extends to the bottom wall. In particular, the cutting and/or puncturing device contacts the bottom wall, so that an additional fixation of the adjustment element in its position of rest is achieved. The supply opening or an access opening and the outlet opening are thus created in the operating position of the adjustment element. 
         [0034]    In accordance with a further embodiment, the cutting and/or puncturing device may be provided with a tube section with at least one outlet opening. Other cutting and/or puncturing devices are possible. 
         [0035]    In accordance with a further embodiment, the component of the adjustment element is a plate-shaped element that closes off an opening in the bottom wall. 
         [0036]    The adjustment element may be provided with means for tilting the adjustment element. In this embodiment, the adjustment element, which is fixed to or in the bottom wall, projects upwards inside the container and is tilted by the connecting and dispensing means of the beverage machine so that the opening in the bottom wall is broken open. The means for tilting the adjustment element preferably comprise an actuating plate which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the adjustment element. 
         [0037]    The term basic product is understood to mean a powder and/or liquid product, which may consist of one or several components. The basic product can, for example, be a syrup, a concentrate, or an extract. The basic product can be mixed with the liquid supplied from outside, and is preferably soluble in this liquid. 
         [0038]    The basic product may be a foodstuff, a nutritional supplement, a dietary foodstuff, a pharmaceutical product or a cleaning agent. 
         [0039]    The type of liquid is to be selected in dependence on the type of basic product. The associated device in which such a container may be used is directed to and equipped to suit the intended use concerned. Such a device may be a beverage machine in which containers, in particular disposable containers, with the contents of which the taste of for example, dunking water can be changed, are put to use. 
         [0040]    The device is provided with a receiving part for a container and a connecting and dispensing means, in particular in the form of a connecting piece, with which the container can be pierced and with which at least one liquid can be supplied to the container. 
         [0041]    The container and/or the adjustment element may be made of plastic. Production can take place by means of an injection moulding process. The container with its circumferential wall and its bottom wall and any further chamber walls may be manufactured in one piece, wherein the bottom wall may be formed entirely or partially onto the single-piece container, depending on the embodiment. 
         [0042]    Depending on the embodiment, the two components, container and adjustment element, may also be manufactured in one piece. This single-piece container with adjustment element is subsequently filled with the basic product and sealed with a respective sealing foil as cover wall and/or bottom wall. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0043]    Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: 
           [0044]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective top view of a container, 
           [0045]      FIG. 2  a perspective bottom view of a container, 
           [0046]      FIG. 3  a cross-section of the container according to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , together with a connecting piece which is part of the machine, 
           [0047]      FIG. 4  the embodiment of a container shown in  FIG. 3  with inserted connecting piece, and 
           [0048]      FIG. 5-10  show further embodiments of a container with a connecting piece. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0049]    In  FIGS. 1 and 2  a container  10 , which is, for example, used as a disposable container, is shown in two perspective views. The container  10  has a cover wall  40 , a circumferential wall  30  and a bottom wall  50 . 
         [0050]    In the embodiment shown here, the cover wall  40  is formed by a foil  41  which is attached to an annular bead  32  of the circumferential wall  30 . 
         [0051]    The bottom wall  50  consists of a ring plate  52  and a centrally arranged foil  54 . Both the cover wall  40  and the bottom wall  50 , respectively the foil  54 , have a piercable wall region  42 ,  56 . 
         [0052]    The bottom wall  50  is further provided with two annular ribs  60  and radial ribs  62 , which are not displayed in the following figures for the sake of clarity, between the two annular ribs  60 . These ribs may be completely dispensed with. 
         [0053]    In  FIG. 3 , a vertical cross-section through the container  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is depicted. The interior space of the container  10  is partitioned into a first chamber  12  and a second, smaller chamber  18 . In the embodiment shown here, the chain chamber  18  is positioned centrally in the chamber  12 . This particular arrangement is rotationally symmetrical. An embodiment such as, for example, an asymmetrical arrangement is also possible. 
         [0054]    The two chambers  12 ,  18  are separated by a cylindrical partitioning wall  20 , wherein the cylindrical partitioning wall  20  extends from the cover wall  40  downwards into the container. Furthermore, the basic product  14 , above the surface level  15  of which a free space  16  in which a gas, for example air or a protective gas, is present, is provided in the chamber  12 . 
         [0055]    The chamber walls  13  of the first chamber  12  are formed by the cover wall  40 , the circumferential wall  30 , the bottom wall  50  and the partitioning wall  20 , wherein the partitioning wall  20  is provided with the opening  19 . 
         [0056]    Also, an adjustment element  100 , which is in its position of rest and is provided with a plate-shaped element  102 , on which an upstanding annular wall  104  with an inlet opening  106  is moulded, is provided in the chamber  12 . The plate-shaped element  102  with the annular wall  104  forms the component  101  of the adjustment element  100  that closes off the opening  19  in the partitioning wall  20 . A cup-shaped configuration of the component  101  is created by the annular wall  104 . 
         [0057]    The annular wall  104  abuts the inside of the partitioning wall  20  and is connected with it via a predetermined breaking line  108 , wherein the inlet openings  106  located above the predetermined breaking line  108  are closed off by the interior wall  20 . The annular wall  104  can, for example, be bonded adhesively to the partitioning wall  20  along the predetermined breaking line  108 . The component  101  is thus releasably attached in the opening  19 . 
         [0058]    A cutting and/or puncturing device  110 , which is formed in the shape of a needle  112 , is arranged on the underside of the plate-shaped element  102 . The needle extends from the underside of the plate-shaped element  102  to the bottom wall  50  and ends above the piercable region  56  of the bottom wall  50 . The bottom wall  50 , like the cover wall  40 , may consist of a foil  54 , in particular a sealing foil. 
         [0059]    In  FIG. 3 , the connection element  200  in the form of a connecting piece of a beverage machine, not shown, has been drawn in, with the connection element  200  being provided with a cutting and/or puncturing device  210  at its lower end, which has already partially punctured the cover wall  40  in its piercable region  42  for the purpose of forming the supply opening  46 , and is moving in the direction of the adjustment element  100 . The annular wall  104  forms the connection element  140  for the connecting piece  200 . After complete introduction of the connecting piece into the container  10 , a liquid can be led into the interior  12  of the first chamber via the through-channel  212  of the connecting piece  200 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The mixing of liquid and basic product  14  takes place in the chamber  12 . 
         [0060]    While  FIG. 3  shows the adjustment element  100  in its position of rest, the operating position of the adjustment element  100  is shown in  FIG. 4 . The adjustment element  100  is pushed downwards by means of the connecting piece  200 , whereby the predetermined breaking line  108  on the component  101  is broken open. The inlet openings  106  are unblocked, whereby an access opening to the chamber  12  is created. 
         [0061]    The cutting and/or puncturing device  110  has punctured the bottom wall  50  and in this way created the outlet opening  58  of the container  10 . The foil parts of the piercable region  56  hang downwards. The liquid supplied via the connecting piece  200  enters into the cup-shaped interior region of the adjustment element  100 , that is, the second chamber  18 , and can flow into the chamber  12  through the inlet openings  106  present in the annular wall  104 , and there mix with the basic product  14  into a mixture  14 ′. The chamber  12  thus also forms the mixing chamber for the two substances. 
         [0062]    If a free space  16  is present above the surface level  15  of the basic product  14 , as can be seen in the depiction shown here, the liquid introduced via the connecting piece  200  can first spread in this upper free space  16  before the mixing takes place in the lower part of chamber  12 . 
         [0063]    The length of the cutting and/or puncturing device  110 , in particular the length of the needle  112 , may be shorter than shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The advantage of a shorter needle  112  is that, when the adjustment element  100  is moved, the access openings in the form of the inlet openings  106  are opened first and the piercable area  56  is punctured at a later point in time. The liquid can thus enter into the chamber  12  prior to the opening of the bottom wall and begin the mixing process before discharge from the container  10  takes place. To promote this premature entering of the liquid into the chamber  12 , the connection piece  200  can be provided with a device  220  for puncturing the cover wall  40  and for creating at least one venting opening  44  (drawn in as an optional feature only in  FIG. 4  by means of dashed lines). 
         [0064]    In  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a further embodiment with an adjustment element  100  is shown in its position of rest and operating position, respectively, in which the cover wall  40  does not cover the region above the adjustment element  100 . This region remains uncovered, so that the component  101  of the adjustment element  100  is directly accessible. The partitioning wall  20 , which is also the chamber wall  13 , forms a component of the outer wall, that is, the cover wall  40 , of the container  10 . The component  101  of the adjustment element  100  forms the cover wall region  42  that is piercable to allow for the supply of the liquid in this embodiment. 
         [0065]    Here too, a plate-shaped element  102  with an annular wall  104  is shown as the component  101 , the end face of the annular will  104  being adapted to the shape of the cutting and/or puncturing device  210  of the connecting piece  200 . Also, only one lateral inlet opening  106 , which is arranged below the predetermined breaking line  108 , is provided in the annular wall. 
         [0066]    A column  122  is present at the underside of the component  101 , at the lower end of which bars  130  are arranged, between which openings  132  are formed, through which the mixture  14 ′ of liquid and basic product can enter the interior region in the operating position of the adjustment element  100 . An annular cutting and/or puncturing device  110  with a tube section  114 , which is provided with an outlet opening  116 , is arranged at these bars  130 . The mixture issues downwards through this outlet opening  116 . 
         [0067]    The opening  106  is unblocked, and thus the opening  19  opened, through detachment of the releasable attachment of the component  101  of the adjustment element  100 , whereby the supply opening  46  is formed. 
         [0068]    In  FIG. 7  a further embodiment is shown, in which the plate-shaped element  102  of the component  101  of the adjustment element  100  is provided with a significantly shorter annular wall  104  without an opening. The annular wall  104  serves as a clamping element, which the connection piece  200  engages. The predetermined breaking line  108  is provided between the end surfaces of the interior wall  20 , which is part of the cover wall  40 , and the annular wall  104 . The component  101  of the adjustment element  100  is located at the opening  19  and closes off the opening  19 . 
         [0069]    The connecting piece  200  has a through-channel  212  which branches into two transversely arranged outlet channels  214 . 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the lower section  202  of the connecting element  200  engages the space between the annular wall  104  and holds the component  101  in clamping relationship, so that it cannot drop down in an uncontrolled manner and possibly close the discharge opening  58  unintentionally. The separation force required for separating the predetermined breaking line  108  must be set such that the clamping connection can be established first, and the tearing off takes place only then. 
         [0071]    The liquid supplied is dispensed laterally from the outlet channels  214  into the chamber  12  where the mixing with the basic product  14  takes place. 
         [0072]    In  FIG. 9 , a further embodiment is shown, in which the adjustment element  100  is provided with a plate-shaped element  102 , which forms the component  101  that is releasably attached to the opening  19  of the bottom wall  50  and closes off the discharge opening  58  of the container  10 . A column  122  is moulded to the plate-shaped element  102 , the column  122  projecting upwards into the interior of the container  10  and provided at its upper end with an actuating plate  124 , inclined relative to the longitudinal axis  105  and slantingly arranged. 
         [0073]    Instead of the inclined actuating plate  124 , the column  122  may also be provided with a correspondingly inclined end face. 
         [0074]    The plate-shaped element  102 , and thus the component  101 , forms the piercable area  56  of the bottom wall  50  of the container  10 . The component  101  is connected to the bottom wall  50  via a predetermined breaking line  108 , wherein, in a section, the predetermined breaking line  108  is constituted as a living hinge  109 . The adjustment element and the bottom wall  50  and the circumferential wall  30  are constituted as a single piece. 
         [0075]    Once the connecting piece  200 —as shown in FIG.  10 —has punctured the cover wall  40 , the tip of the connecting piece  200  comes into contact with the slantingly arranged actuating plate  124  and swivels the adjustment element  100  sideways via the living hinge  109 , whereby the predetermined breaking line  108  in the region of the bottom wall  50  is broken open, and thus the discharge opening  58  is opened up. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           10  container 
           12  first chamber 
           13  chamber walls 
           14  basic product 
           14 ′ mixture 
           15  surface level 
           16  free space 
           18  second chamber 
           19  opening 
           20  partitioning wall 
           30  circumferential wall 
           32  annular collar 
           40  cover wall 
           41  foil 
           42  piercable wall region 
           44  venting opening 
           46  supply opening 
           50  bottom wall 
           52  ring plate 
           54  foil 
           56  piercable wall region 
           58  discharge opening 
           60  annular rib 
           62  radial rib 
           100  adjustment element 
           101  component 
           102  plate-shaped element 
           104  annular wall 
           105  longitudinal axis 
           106  inlet opening 
           108  predetermined breaking line, attachment point 
           109  living hinge 
           110  cutting and/or puncturing device 
           112  needle 
           114  tube section 
           116  outlet opening 
           122  column 
           124  actuating plate 
           130  bar 
           132  opening 
           140  connection element 
           200  connection element 
           202  lower section 
           210  cutting and/or puncturing device 
           212  through-channel 
           214  outlet channel 
           220  device for creating a venting opening

Technology Classification (CPC): 1