Patent Abstract:
Portable beverage preparation devices for preparing a beverage from an ingredients containing capsule are disclosed and include a beverage brewing unit and beverage dispensing means that includes a safety outlet valve. Also disclosed are systems that include the beverage preparation devices and receptacles for use with the beverage preparation devices.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE STATEMENT 
       [0001]    This application is a US national stage application filed under 35 USC §371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2015/060143, filed May 8, 2015; which claims priority to Application No. EP 14167849.0, filed May 12, 2014. The entire contents of the above-referenced application are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a system for preparing a beverage from a beverage ingredients containing capsule. In particular, the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a beverage preparation device comprising a dispensing safety valve arrangement. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Devices for preparation of a beverage such as coffee or tea from ingredients containing capsules are well-known in the prior art. These devices are generally stationary devices equipped with a liquid tank, a pump and heating means in order to provide pressurized, heated liquid through a capsule inserted into the device. The liquid is injected into the capsule and will interact with the ingredients provided in the capsule. The resulting beverage is then drained from the capsule and may be collected in a dedicated receiving vessel. 
         [0004]    A drawback of the known systems is the fact that these devices are designed for stationary use only. This means that the device has to be placed at a fixed location within the household, close to a main power supply. In addition, the device has to be placed close to a water supply in order to enable filling or re-filling of the liquid into a liquid tank of the device. The beverage preparation can thus only be carried out at a predefined stationary location of the device. 
         [0005]    Therefore, portable devices have been proposed which enable the preparation and provision of a hot beverage such as in particular a coffee beverage at remote places. 
         [0006]    EP 1 277 428 for example relates to an espresso coffee machine designed for use in conjunction with a low-voltage power supply of a vehicle, the machine comprising a water reservoir connected to a pump to convey water to a heating element, which itself is connected to an extraction head for providing a portion of coffee. The extraction head of the device is arranged for pouring a predefined portion of coffee beverage from above into a provided receiving vessel. 
         [0007]    US 2009/0029021 relates to a portable device for brewing a coffee beverage, the device comprising a water tank, a housing including a chamber presenting a hot water feed nozzle and an opening through which a fill of brew preparation can be inserted, a closure part for closing said chamber, means connected to the tank to act during a brewing cycle to deliver a certain volume of water that has been raised to a brewing temperature from said tank to said chamber, and a brew outflow orifice from which the resulting beverage may be poured into a suitable receiving vessel. The body of the device includes handle means enabling the outflow orifice to be placed, during the brewing cycle, to face down towards a receptacle such as e.g. a cup for collecting the beverage. 
         [0008]    A drawback of the known devices is the fact the beverage preparation devices usually comprise a simple outlet orifice or outlet duct from which the beverage is drained into a dedicated receptacle by means of gravity or by means of tilting the beverage preparation device. In particular in the field portable devices, this may lead to residue of water and/or coffee beverage to be drained from a beverage brewing unit of the device to the outlet orifice during transport of the device. 
         [0009]    Therefore, in view of the known prior art, a beverage preparation device is sought-after which overcomes the above-identified drawback of the prior art. In particular, an enhanced and safe closing of a fluid communication between a beverage brewing unit and an outlet orifice of the device is desired. In particular, a safe closing is desired when a receptacle is moved away from the dispensing area and/or disconnected from dispensing means to prevent projection or spillage of hot liquid. The presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) offers additional benefits to the existing prior art, which will become apparent in the following description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    Further features, advantages and objects of the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) will become apparent for a skilled person when reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s), when taken in conjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1 a    is a perspective side view of a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment of the portable beverage preparation device being connected to a docking station. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1 b    is a perspective exploded assembly drawing of a system comprising the portable beverage preparation device as shown in  FIG. 1   a,  a docking station and a battery unit. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  relates to a sectional side view of a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment of the portable beverage preparation device in a storage or transport position. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 3 a  to 3 c    are sectional side views of the portable beverage preparation device during provision of a capsule into the brewing unit of the device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3 d    is a partial sectional side view of the device in an operation state of the device, i.e. during beverage production. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4 a    is a perspective view from above of a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment of the beverage brewing unit of the beverage preparation device (lid member removed). 
           [0017]      FIG. 4 b    is a perspective view from below of a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment of (part of) the beverage brewing unit of the device. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4 c    is a perspective side view of a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment of a lid member for being connected to the housing of the device. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    relate to a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment of a receptacle for being connected to the device according to the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s), the receptacle comprising selective openable valve means. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5 c    relates to a bottom view of a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment of the receptacle as shown in  FIGS. 5 a    and  5   b.    
           [0021]      FIG. 6 a    relates to a sectional side view of a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment of the device comprising a safety outlet valve according to the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) in its closed state. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6 b    relates to a sectional side view of the particular (but non-limiting) embodiment as shown in  FIG. 6 a   , wherein the safety outlet valve is brought into its open state. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7 a    relates to a perspective side view of a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment of an outer guiding element of the safety outlet valve according to the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s). 
           [0024]      FIGS. 7 b  and 7 c    relates to a perspective side view of a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment of the movable element of the safety outlet valve. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    In a first aspect, the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a beverage preparation device for preparing a beverage from an ingredients containing capsule, the device comprising a beverage brewing unit for receiving the capsule and preparing the beverage from the ingredients within the capsule by means of injection of pressurized liquid into the capsule, beverage dispensing means connected to the beverage brewing unit and designed for dispensing the resulting beverage from the device via a dispensing outlet, wherein the beverage dispensing means comprise a safety outlet valve adapted to selectively open a fluid communication from the beverage brewing unit to the outlet dependent on the presence and/or proximity of a receptacle being equipped with activation means for the outlet valve. 
         [0026]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the beverage preparation device is a portable device. However, the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) may also apply to a stationary device. 
         [0027]    It is noted that the term “portable” beverage preparation device is to be understood as suitable for being used at remote places by contrast to a stationary beverage preparation device. In particular, the device is adapted for being easily and conveniently carried by a human such as by hand or a small suitcase without embarking a high water volume reservoir. 
         [0028]    The presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) enables the selective opening of the fluid communication between the beverage brewing unit and the beverage dispensing outlet of the device in dependency of the presence and/or proximity of activation means that are provided in a receptacle into which the resulting beverage is to be dispensed. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the safety outlet valve is designed for being opened upon bringing a receiving receptacle for the resulting beverage in proximity of the safety outlet valve respectively in proximity of the dispensing outlet of the device. According to such arrangement, the fluid communication from the brewing unit to the dispensing outlet is selectively opened only in case of the receiving receptacle being engaged with the dispensing outlet. 
         [0029]    In a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment, the safety outlet valve is designed for being magnetically engaged by the activation means. In particular, the safety outlet valve is, in certain non-limiting embodiments, designed to open the fluid communication upon magnetic engagement by the activation means of the receptacle. A magnetic engagement between the activation means and the safety outlet valve, in certain non-limiting embodiments, takes place only in case the activation means are brought in close proximity to the safety outlet valve. Thereby, the term “close proximity” relates to a particular (but non-limiting) distance between the activation member and the safety outlet valve at which a magnetic interaction between different magnetic poles arranged within the respective entities may still occur. 
         [0030]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the safety outlet valve is arranged below a support surface of the beverage preparation device for the receptacle. Thereby, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the beverage dispensing outlet of the device is arranged to protrude from the support surface of the device. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the support surface of the beverage preparation device comprises a planar, for example, circular surface. Thereby, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the beverage dispensing outlet protrudes perpendicular to the support surface. The support surface may be designed for connecting to a top and/or bottom portion of the receptacle. 
         [0031]    The support surface and the dispensing outlet may be comprised by a lid member of the device, which lid member is, in certain non-limiting embodiments, adapted to be selectively connectable to a housing of the device. Thereby, the lid member may form part of the beverage brewing unit. The safety outlet valve may be arranged within the lid member. 
         [0032]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the safety outlet valve is arranged such as to magnetically engage with activation means of the receptacle in case the receptacle is brought into contact with the support surface. Thereby, a magnetic interaction between the activation means and the safety outlet valve takes place, in certain non-limiting embodiments, upon bringing an outer face of the receptacle such as e.g. the bottom portion comprising the activation means in contact with the support surface. 
         [0033]    Accordingly, in case the receptacle is brought in contact with the support surface of the device, the activation means will magnetically interact with the safety outlet valve in order to enable a beverage flow from the beverage brewing unit of the device to the dispensing outlet and thus into the receptacle. Due to such arrangement, a proper fitting is ensured between the receptacle and the dispensing means so that spilling of liquid from the dispensing outlet is prevented. Further, in case the receptacle is distanced from the support surface and thus from the dispensing outlet, the safety outlet valve will close again the fluid communication to the dispensing outlet, thereby enabling an automatic and convenient closure of the dispensing means of the device. Accordingly, the leakage of residue of beverage or water from the device during storing or transport thereof is effectively prevented. 
         [0034]    In a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment, at least a portion of the safety outlet valve is arranged movable in a direction essentially perpendicular to the support surface. Thereby, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the safety outlet valve is of essentially disc-shaped form. 
         [0035]    In a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment, the safety outlet valve is biased in a closing position in a direction away from the support surface. For this purpose, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the safety outlet valve comprises at least one biasing spring member that is arranged between the support surface and the safety outlet valve. 
         [0036]    In a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment, the safety outlet valve may comprise a movable element having an essentially disc-shaped body with an inner liquid channel that is arranged moveable within an outer guiding element comprising radial flow passages. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the radial flow passages are arranged for being selectively closed upon movement of the disc-shaped element with respect to the guiding element. 
         [0037]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the safety outlet valve is made from plastic material comprising specifically arranged ferromagnetic substances. 
         [0038]    In a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment, the safety outlet valve comprises a plurality of magnetic substances arranged about the circumference of the outlet valve. Thereby, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the plurality of magnetic substances present alternating magnetic poles arranged about the circumference of the valve. 
         [0039]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the beverage preparation device according to the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) is designed for preparing espresso-type coffee at high pressure requiring high water pressure supply and high water temperature setting. 
         [0040]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the beverage preparation device comprises a pump, a heating unit, and a liquid reservoir connected to the pump and the heating unit. Accordingly, hot pressurized liquid may be provided to the beverage brewing unit of the device. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the device is designed for preparing a beverage at a high pressure of between 10 to 15 bar. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the heating means of the device comprises two cartridge heaters designed for being supplied with 12 to 15 Volts nominal voltage. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the pump of the device is a membrane pump. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the pump is vibration-decoupled from a housing of the device. 
         [0041]    A further aspect of the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a portable beverage preparation device for preparing a beverage from an ingredient containing capsule, the device comprising a beverage brewing unit for receiving the capsule and preparing the beverage from the ingredients within the capsule by means of injection of pressurized liquid into the capsule, a lid member selectively connectable to the brewing unit in order to enclose a capsule provided thereto, wherein the lid member comprises, in certain non-limiting embodiments, a beverage dispensing outlet designed to selectively connect to a portion of a receptacle such as the bottom of the receptacle, and wherein the beverage brewing unit is arranged moveable within a housing of the device such as to selectively open a fluid-connection from the brewing unit to a fluid reservoir of the device. 
         [0042]    Accordingly, in case of the open fluid-connection from the brewing unit to the fluid reservoir, refilling of the fluid reservoir of the device via filling of liquid into the empty brewing unit is enabled. A user may thus remove the lid member from the brewing unit respectively the housing of the device and simply fill a predefined amount of liquid into the brewing unit in order to refill the liquid reservoir. Hence, a dedicated separate aperture or valve means at the device suitable for refilling purposes of the liquid reservoir may be omitted. 
         [0043]    In a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment, the fluid-connection from the brewing unit to the fluid reservoir is opened dependent on the provision of the lid member to the device respectively the brewing unit. Thereby, in case no lid member is arranged at the device, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the beverage brewing unit is urged in a direction away from the fluid reservoir such as to open a dedicated valve means, e.g. an annular passage enabling fluid flow from the beverage brewing unit to the liquid reservoir. This may be obtained by spring members that are arranged at the brewing unit. Upon closing of the lid member onto the device respectively the brewing unit, the brewing unit is urged in a direction towards to fluid reservoir, whereby the valve means, e.g. the annular fluid passage from the brewing unit to the liquid reservoir is closed. 
         [0044]    In a further aspect, the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a system comprising a portable beverage preparation device as described above, the system further comprising a receptacle, wherein the receptacle comprises activation means designed to magnetically engage the safety outlet valve. 
         [0045]    The presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) relates also to a receptacle for use with the beverage preparation device of the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s). 
         [0046]    In a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment, the activation means are arranged in a bottom portion of the receptacle. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the activation means comprise magnetic material arranged at the bottom portion of the receptacle, such as (but not limited to) at the circumference of the bottom portion. Thereby, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the arrangement of the magnetic material is conformal with the arrangement of the magnetic material provided in the safety outlet valve of the device. 
         [0047]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, and as present in the safety outlet valve, magnetic material provided in the receptacle may be arranged such as to present alternating magnetic poles arranged about the circumference of the valve. According to such arrangement, dependent on the rotational orientation of the receptacle with respect to the safety valve means of the device, an attraction or a rejection between the receptacle and the safety outlet valve will take place. 
         [0048]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the receptacle according to the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) is equipped with a central inlet means designed for engaging the dispensing outlet of the device. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the inlet means are integrally formed in the bottom wall of the receptacle. The inlet means may for example be a valve or a self-closing membrane. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the closing strength of the valve or the membrane is selected to ensure that it can withstand at least the pressure exerted on it by liquid in the receptacle, in case the receptacle is filled completely, without any leakage. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b    show perspective side views of a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment of the portable beverage preparation device  20 . The device  20  is adapted for being electrically and mechanically connected to a docking station  30  which is electrically connected to the mains via a power cable  30   b.  The docking station  30  is adapted to support battery units  40  which are designed for being electrically and mechanically connected to the docking station via connecting members  50 , 51 . 
         [0050]    The beverage preparation device  20  itself also comprises an electric connection means  51  (see  FIG. 2 ) to which the docking station  30  or a battery unit  40  may be connected. 
         [0051]    Further, a power cable (not shown) may as well be connected to the electric connection means  51  of the device  20  for providing the device with power. 
         [0052]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the device  20  comprises a housing  20   a  and a lid member  13  arranged at a top portion of the housing  20   a.  The lid member comprises an upper support surface  12  on which a receptacle  11  may be arranged. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the receptacle  11  and the support surface  12  are designed for enabling a support of the receptacle  11  in an operating state of the device as shown in  FIG. 1   a,  as well as in a transport state of the device as shown in  FIG. 1   b.    
         [0053]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the device  20  is further equipped with a user interface  20   b.  In certain non-limiting embodiments, the user interface comprises at least a start/stop button for enabling a user to selectively start and stop the beverage preparation by means of the device. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the device further comprises a window  20   c  for enabling a user to control the liquid level in a liquid reservoir  8  (see  FIG. 2 ) of the device. 
         [0054]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the device  20  comprises an essentially vertical cylindrical form. In an operating state, the device stands, in certain non-limiting embodiments, on a round front respective bottom surface  20   d.  In certain non-limiting embodiments, the bottom surface  20   d  and a support surface  30   a  of the docking station  30  are of conformal shape in order to guarantee a stable positioning of the device  20  when being connected to the dockings station  30 . 
         [0055]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the device  20  further comprises a handle  20   e  that is pivotally arranged at the housing  20   a  and extends from a central portion of the device towards an upper portion thereon. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the handle  20   e  extends upwardly beyond the support surface  12  of the lid member  13 . Thereby, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the handle  20   e  is shaped to support the receptacle  11  during transport of the device such as e.g. indicated in  FIG. 1   b.    
         [0056]      FIG. 2  relates to a sectional side view of the device  20  in a transport or storage mode thereof. Thereby, the receptacle  11  is placed with its circumferential upper edge  11   b  on the support surface  12  of the device. The support surface  12  may have dedicated engagement means such as a circular protrusion enabling a clamping engagement with the edge  11   b  of the receptacle. As further indicated in the figure, the handle  20   e  is arranged to press against the bottom  11   a  of the receptacle. Accordingly, the receptacle  11  may be safely retained between the handle  20   e  and the support surface  12  of the device during transport and storage. 
         [0057]    The device comprises a pump  7  such as a membrane pump, and which is connected to a motor  7   a.  In certain non-limiting embodiments, the pump  7  and/or the motor  7   a  are vibration-decoupled from the housing  20 , e.g. by means of springs  7   b.  The device further comprises a liquid reservoir  8  that is in fluid connection with the pump  7 , and a heating means  9 . The heating means  9  may comprise a temperature sensor  9   a.  In certain non-limiting embodiments, the device also comprises a control unit  9   b  connected to at least the pump  7 , the heating means  9  and the user interface  20   b.    
         [0058]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the device further comprises a beverage brewing unit  5  arranged at an upper portion of the device  20 . In certain non-limiting embodiments, the brewing unit  5  comprises a capsule injection cage  5   a  that has a conformal shape to a capsule  10  to be received therein. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the injection cage  5   a  has an essentially bell-shaped form at which circumference linear protrusions may be formed as indicated in the figure. These may enable a facilitated removal of the capsule from the cage  5   a  after beverage preparation. 
         [0059]    The brewing unit  5  further comprises liquid inlet means  5   b  connected to the liquid reservoir  8 , the pump  7  and the heating means  9  of the device. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the brewing unit  5  also comprises opening means  5   c  such as a piercing member or cutting blade, which is adapted for opening an inlet face  10   a  of a capsule  10  if placed within the brewing unit  5 . 
         [0060]    At In certain non-limiting embodiments, an upper portion of the brewing unit  5  is formed by the removable lid member  13  which may be selectively connected to the lower portion of the brewing unit  5 . The lid member  13  comprises an outer circumferential lid portion  13   b  and an inner central lid portion  13   a  which are arranged freely rotatable relative to each other. The lid member  13 , in particular the inner central lid portion  13   a  is equipped with opening means  15  arranged for opening an outlet face  10   b  of the capsule  10  during the beverage preparation process. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the opening means  15  is a pyramidal plate comprising a horizontally arranged base plate from which a plurality of small protrusions  15   a  are directed downwards in direction of the outlet face  10   b  of the capsule  10  (see  FIG. 3 c   ). In case of increasing pressure within the capsule  10 , an outlet face  10   b  thereof will be urged against the pyramidal plate  15  and will then tear at its protrusions  15   a.  The pyramidal plate  15  further comprises small liquid channels  15   b  enabling a fluid flow from the plate  15  towards a liquid dispensing means  6  of the lid member  13 . 
         [0061]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the liquid dispensing means  6  are comprised by the lid member  13  and enable a fluid flow from the beverage brewing unit  5  towards the receptacle  11 . The dispensing means  6  are arranged vertically above the brewing unit  5  of the device. The dispensing means  6  comprise a beverage outlet  6   a  protruding from the support surface  12  for the receptacle  11 . In certain non-limiting embodiments, the beverage outlet is an injection member that is arranged central at the support surface  12 . 
         [0062]    The liquid dispensing means  6  further comprise a safety outlet valve  26  adapted to selectively open a fluid communication from the beverage brewing unit  5  to the outlet  6   a  dependent on the presence and/or proximity of a receptacle  11  being equipped with activation means  27  for the outlet valve  26 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 3 a    relates to a sectional side view of the device when the lid member  13  was removed from the housing  20 . 
         [0064]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the beverage brewing unit  5  is arranged movable within the housing  20   a.  In particular, an external cage block  5   d  (see also  FIG. 4 b   ) holding the capsule injection cage  5   a  is arranged movable within the device  20 . In certain non-limiting embodiments, the injection cage  5   a  is also arranged movable with respect to the cage block  5   d,  e.g. by means of a central spring member  5   f.    
         [0065]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the cage block  5   d  holding the injection cage  5   a  is arranged vertically movable within the housing  20   a  by means of dedicated resilient means  5   e  such as e.g. springs. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the springs  5   e  are homogenously arranged at the circumference of the cage block  5   d  (see also  FIG. 4 b   ). In certain non-limiting embodiments, the cage block  5   d  is moveable between a lower position as shown in  FIG. 2  in case of the lid member  13  being connected to the housing  20   a  and an upper position as shown in  FIG. 3 a   , when no lid member  13  is connected to the housing  20 . In its upper position, a fluid passage  16  between the injection cage  5   a  and the liquid reservoir  8  is opened. In particular an annular passage  16  is provided in the fluid communication from the pump  7  to the injection cage  5   a,  which enables the direction of fluid provided into the injection cage  5   a  to the liquid reservoir  8 . Thereby, dedicated guiding means such as a liquid passage  16   a  and a guiding channel  16   b  are in fluid communication with the annular passage  16  in order to re-direct fluid provided from above in the injection cage  5   a  to the liquid reservoir  8 . The cage block  5   d  may further comprise air exhausting means  25  (see  FIG. 4 b   ) designed for enabling a circulation of air between the liquid reservoir  8  and the exterior of the housing  20 . According to such arrangement, the user may remove the lid member  13  from the brewing unit  5  and may fill liquid such as water directly into the capsule injection cage  5   a  for re-filling the liquid reservoir  8 . As an alternative to such arrangement, a dedicated refill-aperture may be provided at the housing  20   a  of the device. 
         [0066]      FIG. 3 b    relates to a sectional side view of the device  20  when a capsule  10  comprising beverage ingredients has been provided to the capsule injection cage  5   a.  In certain non-limiting embodiments, the capsule  10  is made from aluminium. However, the capsule may as well be made from plastic or biodegradable material. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the capsule  10  comprises a rotational-symmetric truncated-cone shaped body having an inlet face  10   a  and an outlet face  10   b.  The outlet face  10   b  is connected to a circumferential flange-like rim portion  10   c  of the capsule. Opening means  5   c  of the injection cage  5   a  (such as blades) are arranged to open respectively pierce the inlet face  10   a  of the capsule as depicted in  FIG. 3 b   . When inserted into the device  20 , the capsule outlet face  10   b  is arranged at an uppermost portion of the capsule. The inlet face  10   a  is arranged at a lowermost portion of the capsule. 
         [0067]    In case the lid member  13  is re-connected to the housing  20   a  as shown in  FIG. 3 c   , the capsule  10  as previously provided to the capsule cage  5   a  is enclosed in the brewing unit  5  by means of the capsule cage  5   a  and the pyramidal plate  15  of the lid member  13 . Thereby, the pyramidal plate  15  presses against the upper outlet face  10   b.  The lid member  13  may be connected to the housing  20   a  by means of a helical path  13   c  enabling a translatory motion of the lid member in downwards direction upon rotation of the outer part  13   b  of the lid member  13  with respect to housing  20   a.  Note that the liquid passage  16  between the capsule injection cage  5   a  and the liquid reservoir  8  is (re-)closed due to the external cage block  5   d  being pushed in a downward direction as the lid member  13  is connected to the housing  20   a.    
         [0068]    Further, upon (re-)connecting the lid member  13  with the housing  20   a,  the inner lid portion  13   a  will interact with rotation-prevention means  14  arranged at the beverage brewing unit  5  and in particular at the external cage block  5   d  thereof (see also  FIG. 4 a   ), in order to prevent a relative movement of the inner lid portion  13   a  and the capsule  10  arranged within the beverage brewing unit  5 . Thereby, the inner lid portion  13   a  may comprise dedicated serrations or protrusions  13   d  (see  FIG. 4 c   ) that interact with the rotation-prevention means  14  of the brewing unit  5 . Due to the inner portion  13   a  being freely rotationally movable with respect to the outer portion  13   b  of the lid member  13 , a complete closure of the lid member  13  onto the housing  20   a  is enabled. When the lid member  13  is then disengaged from the housing  20   a  after the beverage preparation, the central portion of the lid member  13  is prevented from rotation with respect to the capsule  10  and thus, the pyramidal plate  15  is prevented from further rupturing respectively from destroying the outlet face  10   b  of the capsule  10 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 3 d    relates to an operating position of the beverage preparation device  20  according to the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s). Thereby, the receptacle  11  is connected to the beverage dispensing means  6  of the device. This is obtained via valve means  17  arranged in a bottom portion  11   a  of the receptacle  11  which interact with the dispensing outlet respectively injection member  6   a  of the dispensing means  6 . In particular, the injection member  6   a  when being connected to the bottom portion  11   a  urges the valve means  17  upwardly in order to enable a fluid communication between the injection member  6   a  and the interior of the receptacle  11   c.    
         [0070]    Further, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the receptacle  11  comprises activation means  27  designed to interact with a safety outlet valve  26  of the device  20  as will be explained in more detail with respect to  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    below. 
         [0071]    In case the user starts the beverage preparation by means of the user interface  20   b,  the pump  7  will provide heated pressurized liquid, in particular water, into the beverage brewing unit  5  via dedicated tubing of the device. The liquid will be provided to the capsule cage  5   a,  to the opening(s) created within the inlet face  10   a  of the capsule  10  and thus to the interior of the capsule  10 . The pressure rise within the capsule leads to a deformation of the outlet face  10   b  against the pyramidal plate  15  due to which the outlet face  10   b  ruptures. A beverage resulting from the interaction of the liquid with the ingredients contained in the capsule  10  will then be urged upwardly, against gravity, in direction of the beverage dispensing means  6 . Due to the established connection between the dispensing means  6  and the interior of the receptacle  11 , the resulting beverage will be provided through the bottom portion  11   a  of the receptacle  11  into the interior  11   c  thereof. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the control unit  9   b  of the device stops the provision of liquid to the brewing unit  5  after a predefined amount of liquid was provided thereto. Due to the direct provision of the resulting beverage through the bottom portion  11   a  of the receptacle, spilling of the beverage is effectively prevented. It is noted that the fluid flow of the beverage in particular from the brewing unit  5  to the interior  11   c  of the receptacle  11  is, in certain non-limiting embodiments, in a common direction, in particular in a direction essentially opposite to gravity. Accordingly, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the fluid flow direction does not change from in particular the brewing unit  5  to the receptacle  11 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 4 a    relates to a perspective side view onto the capsule cage block  5   d  and the capsule injection cage  5   a  when being inserted into the housing  20   a  of the device. As can be seen in the figure, serrations  14  are, in certain non-limiting embodiments, arranged about the circumference of an upper surface of the capsule cage block  5   d,  which act as rotation-prevention means when being engaged by the central portion  13   a  of the lid member  13 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 4 b    relates to a perspective side view onto the capsule cage block  5   d  when being disconnected from the housing  20   a.  The cage block  5   d  comprises springs  5   e  arranged about the circumference of the block  5   d  and which are designed to urge the cage block  5   d  in an upwards direction in case the lid member  13  is not connected to the housing  20   a.    
         [0074]      FIG. 4 c    relates to perspective bottom view of the lid member  13  in which the annular protrusions respectively serrations  13   d  are indicated. The serrations  13   d  protrude from a lower surface arranged at the circumference of the pyramidal plate  15  and are designed to interact with serrations  14  of the cage block  5   d  (see  FIG. 4 a   ). As shown in the figure, an inner surface of the outer lid portion  13   b  comprises connecting members  13   e  designed to interact with recessions  13   c  at the housing  20   a  of the device (see  FIG. 3 d   ) for connecting the lid member  13  to housing  20   a.    
         [0075]      FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    show the receptacle  11  designed for being connected to device  20 . Thereby,  FIG. 5 a    shows the valve means  17  of the receptacle in their open state and  FIG. 5 b    relates to the valve means  17  being closed. 
         [0076]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the valve means  17  comprises an elastic part  23  that is extensible in vertical length when engaged by the beverage dispensing outlet respectively injection member  6   a  of the beverage dispensing means  6  of the device  20 . Thereby, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the elastic part  23  comprises a lower part  23   c  that is fixed within an essentially vertical aperture  24  provided in the bottom portion  11   a  of the receptacle. Upon extension of the part  34  in an upwards direction due to the injection member  6   a  (not shown in the figure) being introduced into a vertical bore  23   d  of the part  23 , an upper portion  23   a  of the part  23  extends beyond the vertical aperture  24  in the bottom portion  11   a  of the receptacle, such that fluid communication between the interior  11   c  of the receptacle  11  and the vertical bore  23   d  is enabled due to radially extending bores  23   b  within the elastic part  23 . When the valve means  17  are disengaged from the protruding outlet respectively injection member  6   a,  the elastic part  23  will retract and thus close the radially extending bores  23   b.    
         [0077]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 a    to  5   c,  the receptacle comprises activation means  27  in the bottom portion  11   a  of the receptacle. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the activation means  27  are designed for magnetically interacting with a safety outlet valve  26  of the device  20  as will be described further with reference to  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    below. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the activation means  27  are integrally formed within the bottom portion  11   a.  The activation means  27  may be as well be connected to a lower surface of the bottom portion  11   a.    
         [0078]    In certain non-limiting embodiments, the activation means  27  comprise a plurality of magnetic elements  22   a,   22   b  arranged at the circumference of the bottom portion  11   a  as indicated in  FIG. 5   c.  Thereby, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the activation means  27  are provided in circular arrangement at the bottom portion  11   a  of the receptacle  11  about the central valve means  17 . In certain non-limiting embodiments, the magnetic elements  22   a,   22   b  are arranged with alternating polarity as indicated by N for “north” and  5  for “south” in the circular arrangement as shown in  FIG. 5   c.    
         [0079]      FIG. 6 a    relates to a sectional side view of an upper portion of the device  20 . As shown in the figure, the safety outlet valve  26  of the device is arranged in a fluid path between the beverage brewing unit  5  and the dispensing outlet  6   a.  The safety outlet valve  26  is arranged below the support surface  12  of the device and may be integrally formed with the lid member  13 . 
         [0080]    The safety outlet valve  26  comprises an inner movable element  26   a  (see also  FIG. 7 b ,7 c   ) and an outer guiding element  26   b  (see also  FIG. 7 a   ) in which the inner movable element  26   a  is supported. Thereby, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the inner movable element  26   a  is of essentially disc-shaped form and comprises an inner flow passage  28   a  arranged within a tubular member  28   b.  The tubular member  28   b  is moveably supported within a guiding recess  28   c  that is coaxially arranged with the tubular member  28   b.  The guiding recess  28   c  comprises radially extending flow passages  28   d  that enable a fluid communication of a lower portion of the guiding element  26   a  to which the brewing unit  5  of the device is connected with the inner guiding recess  28   c  and thus with the inner flow passage  28   a  of the movable element  26   a  leading to the dispensing outlet  6   a  of the device. Dependent on the relative position of the movable element  26   a  with respect to the guiding element  26   b,  the flow passages  28   d  are open or blocked, thereby enabling a fluid communication between the beverage brewing unit  5  and the dispensing outlet  6   a  or not. 
         [0081]    In a transport or storage state as shown in  FIG. 6 a    of the device, biasing means  31   b  (see  FIG. 7 c   ) of the safety valve  26  urge the movable element  26   a  of the valve means  26  in a direction away from the support surface  12  and towards the guiding element  26   b  in order to close-off the flow passages  28   d  and thus the fluid path between the beverage brewing unit  5  and the dispensing outlet  6   a.    
         [0082]    In case a receptacle  11  is placed into the support surface  12  as shown in  FIG. 6 b   , the activation means  27  arranged at the bottom portion  11   a  of the receptacle  11  are brought into close proximity to the safety outlet valve  26 , and thus, a magnetic interaction between the activation means  27  and the valve  26  takes place. In particular, a magnetic force of attraction will be present between the activation means  27  and magnetic elements  29   a,    29   b  arranged at the movable element  26   a  of the valve, in case the relative rotational orientation of the receptacle  11  and the support surface  12  leads to different polarities between adjacent magnetic elements of the activation means  27  and the valve  26 . Thereby, as indicated in  FIG. 7 b   , the magnetic elements  29   a,    29   b  of the valve  26  are, in certain non-limiting embodiments, arranged in alternating polarities about the circumference of the movable element  26   a.  Due to a magnetic force of attraction between the moveable element  26   a  of the valve  26  and the activation means  27 , the biasing force of the springs  31   b  is overcome and thus, the moveable element  26   a  is distanced from the guiding element  26   b  and drawn in direction towards the support surface  12 , thereby opening the flow passages  28   c  as indicated in  FIG. 6 b   . Accordingly, as long as the receptacle  11  is situated in close proximity and, in certain non-limiting embodiments, directly adjacent to the support surface  12  of the device, with the dispensing means being engaged with the valve means  17  of the receptacle, the fluid flow between the beverage brewing unit  5  and the dispensing outlet  6   a  is enabled. 
         [0083]    Further, in case of alternating polarities of the magnetic members at the movable element  26   a  and the activation means  27 , a user may rotates the receptacle  11  on the support surface  12  in order to arrange for an equal polarity being present between the receptacle  11  and the movable element  26   a,  thus leading to a separating force between the receptacle  11  and the safety outlet valve  26 . Hence, after beverage preparation, the user may rotate the receptacle  11  to facilitate removal from the surface  12 . 
         [0084]    It is noted that although the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) has been described with reference to particular (but non-limiting) embodiments thereof, many modifications and alternations may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) which is defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0