Source: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/102127026/Insert-A-Machine-And-A-System-For-The-Preparation-Of-Beverages---Patent-8033211
Timestamp: 2014-08-21 12:07:13
Document Index: 599584574

Matched Legal Cases: ['art.\n17', 'art.\n28', 'art.\n45', 'art.\n49', 'art 255', 'art 255', 'art 256', 'art 255', 'art 255', 'art 255', 'art 255', 'art 402', 'art 401', 'art 402', 'art 402', 'art 401', 'art 401', 'art 402', 'art 401']

Insert, A Machine And A System For The Preparation Of Beverages - Patent 8033211
United States Patent: 8033211
8,033,211
An insert for use in a beverage preparation machine of a type comprising
a brew head suitable for receiving a rigid or semi-rigid cartridge. The
brew head comprises an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to the
brew head and a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage
produced by the machine, the insert comprises an upper part, a lower part
and sealing means, the upper and lower parts being moveable between an
open configuration in which a quantity of beverage ingredients may be
loaded into the insert and a closed configuration in which the upper and
lower parts are sealed together by the sealing means to define
therebetween a brewing volume containing, in use, the quantity of
beverage ingredients, the lower part passes upwardly through the inlet of
the insert into the brewing volume and such that beverage produced from
the water and the quantity of beverage ingredients passes downwardly
through the outlet of the insert to flow out of the outlet of the brew
Halliday; Andrew Michael (Hook Norton, GB), Hansen; Nicholas Andrew (Oxfordshire, GB), Ballard; Colin Darrel (Chiltenham, GB), Panesar; Satwinder Singh (Banbury, GB)
0403493.0
99/295  ; 99/279; 99/285
99/295,280,290,289R,302R,282,285
1.  An insert for use in a beverage preparation machine of a type comprising a brew head suitable for receiving a rigid or semi-rigid cartridge, the brew head comprising
an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to the brew head and a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage produced by the machine, the insert comprising an upper part, a lower part and sealing means, the upper and lower parts being
moveable between an open configuration in which a quantity of beverage ingredients may be loaded into the insert and a closed configuration in which the upper and lower parts are sealed together by the sealing means to define therebetween a brewing
volume containing, in use, the quantity of beverage ingredients, the lower part comprising an inlet and an outlet arranged to communicate respectively with the inlet and outlet of the brew head of the beverage preparation machine when the insert is
inserted into the machine such that, in use, water from the inlet of the brew head passes upwardly through the inlet of the insert into the brewing volume and such that beverage produced from the water and the quantity of beverage ingredients passes
downwardly through the outlet of the insert to flow out of the outlet of the brew head, wherein the inlet and outlet of the insert are coplanar.
2.  An insert as claimed in claim 1 wherein the quantity of beverage ingredients loaded in use into the insert are loose.
3.  An insert as claimed in claim 2 wherein the insert comprises filtering means between the brewing volume and the outlet of the insert.
4.  An insert as claimed in claim 1 wherein the quantity of beverage ingredients loaded in use into the insert are contained in a container comprising filtering means.
5.  An insert as claimed in claim 4 wherein the container is flexible.
6.  An insert as claimed in claim 5 wherein the container is formed at least in part from a filter paper or filtering membrane.
7.  An insert as claimed in claim 6, wherein the container is a filter bag.
8.  An insert as claimed in claim 4 wherein the container is a rigid or semi-rigid cartridge.
9.  An insert as claimed in claim 8 wherein the cartridge is any of semi-spherical, cylindrical, round or square in shape.
10.  An insert as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sealing means is located on or in the upper part of the insert.
11.  An insert as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sealing means is located on or in the lower part of the insert.
12.  An insert as claimed in any preceding claim 11, wherein the sealing means comprises a ring seal for sealing around a periphery of the brewing volume.
13.  An insert as claimed in claim 12 wherein the sealing means comprises an O-ring.
14.  An insert as claimed in claim 13, wherein the sealing means is formed from an elastomeric material.
15.  An insert as claimed in claim 14, wherein the upper part and lower part are disconnected from one another.
16.  An insert as claimed in claim 15 wherein the upper part and lower part comprise co-operating formations to permit snap-fitting together of the upper part and lower part.
17.  An insert as claimed in claim 15 wherein the upper part and lower part are joined by a hinge allowing the upper and lower parts to move between the open and closed configurations.
18.  An insert as claimed in claim 17, wherein the upper part of the insert is rigid or semi-rigid such that pressure applied, in use, to the upper part of the insert by a closure mechanism of the beverage preparation machine on closing of said
closure mechanism squeezes the upper and lower parts of the insert together with sufficient force for the sealing means to seal together the upper and lower parts.
19.  An insert as claimed in claim 18, wherein the upper part of the insert is rigid or semi-rigid such that pressure applied, in use, to the upper part of the insert by a closure mechanism of the beverage preparation machine on closing of said
closure mechanism seals the lower part of the insert against the inlet of the brew head of the beverage preparation machine.
20.  An insert as claimed in any preceding claim 19, wherein the upper part is in the form of a domed shell.
21.  An insert as claimed in claim 20, wherein the lower part of the insert is formed as one piece.
22.  An insert as claimed in claim 20, wherein the lower part of the insert is formed from more than one piece.
23.  An insert as claimed in claim 22, wherein the insert is disc-shaped.
24.  An insert as claimed in claim 23, formed from plastic.
25.  An insert as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an aperture for receiving on insertion of the insert in the beverage machine a window of a bar code reader or RFID reader of said machine.
26.  An insert as claimed in claim 25 wherein the aperture is coplanar with the inlet and outlet of the insert.
27.  An insert as claimed in claim 26, wherein the inlet of the insert is located at or near a periphery of the lower part and the outlet of the insert is located at a centre of the lower part.
28.  An insert as claimed in claim 27, wherein, in use, flow through the insert is from the inlet to the outlet.
29.  An insert as claimed in claim 28 wherein, in use, flow through the insert is generally in an inward direction from the inlet to the outlet.
30.  An insert as claimed in claim 29, further comprising rotatable means for rotatably attaching the insert to the beverage preparation machine.
31.  An insert as claimed in claim 30 wherein the rotatable means allows the insert to be rotated on closure of a closure mechanism of the beverage preparation machine into a horizontal orientation such that the lower part is sealed against the
inlet of the brew head.
32.  An insert as claimed in claim 31 wherein the rotatable means comprises one or more legs which are attachable to, and rotatable about, one or more pivot points of the brew head.
33.  An insert as claimed in claim 32, further comprising coding means for controlling operation of said beverage preparation machine.
34.  An insert as claimed in claim 33 wherein the coding means comprises a bar code or radio frequency identification device (RFID).
35.  An insert for use in a beverage preparation machine of a type comprising a brew head suitable for receiving a rigid or semi-rigid cartridge, the brew head comprising an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to the brew head and a
downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage produced by the machine, the insert comprising an upper part, a lower part and sealing means, the upper and lower parts being moveable between an open configuration in which a quantity of beverage
ingredients may be loaded into the insert and a closed configuration in which the upper and lower parts are sealed together by the sealing means to define therebetween a brewing volume containing, in use, the quantity of beverage ingredients, the lower
part comprising an inlet and an outlet arranged to communicate respectively with the inlet and outlet of the brew head of the beverage preparation machine when the insert is inserted into the machine such that, in use, water from the inlet of the brew
head passes upwardly through the inlet of the insert into the brewing volume and such that beverage produced from the water and the quantity of beverage ingredients passes downwardly through the outlet of the insert to flow out of the outlet of the brew
head, wherein the lower part of the insert has a generally planar surface facing the brew volume and comprises the inlet and the outlet of the insert.
36.  An insert as claimed in claim 35 wherein the quantity of beverage ingredients loaded in use into the insert are loose.
37.  An insert as claimed in claim 35 wherein the insert comprises filtering means between the brewing volume and the outlet of the insert.
38.  An insert as claimed in claim 35 wherein the quantity of beverage ingredients loaded in use into the insert are contained in a container comprising filtering means.
39.  An insert as claimed in claim 35 wherein the container is formed at least in part from a filter paper or filtering membrane.
40.  An insert as claimed in claim 35 wherein the cartridge is any of semi-spherical, cylindrical, round or square in shape.
41.  An insert as claimed in claim 35, wherein the sealing means is located on or in the upper part of the insert.
42.  An insert as claimed in claim 35, wherein the sealing means is located on or in the lower part of the insert.
43.  An insert as claimed in claim 35, wherein the upper part and lower part are disconnected from one another.
44.  An insert as claimed in claim 35 wherein the upper part and lower part comprise co-operating formations to permit snap-fitting together of the upper part and lower part.
45.  An insert as claimed in claim 35 wherein the upper part and lower part are joined by a hinge allowing the upper and lower parts to move between the open and closed configurations.
46.  An insert as claimed in claim 35, wherein the upper part of the insert is rigid or semi-rigid such that pressure applied, in use, to the upper part of the insert by a closure mechanism of the beverage preparation machine on closing of said
47.  An insert as claimed in claim 35, wherein the upper part of the insert is rigid or semi-rigid such that pressure applied, in use, to the upper part of the insert by a closure mechanism of the beverage preparation machine on closing of said
48.  An insert as claimed in claim 35, wherein the inlet of the insert is located at or near a periphery of the lower part and the outlet of the insert is located at a centre of the lower part.
49.  An insert as claimed in claim 35, further comprising coding means for controlling operation of said beverage preparation machine.
50.  An insert as claimed in claim 49, wherein the coding means comprises a bar code or radio frequency identification device (RFID).  Description
The present invention relates to an insert, a
machine and a system for the preparation of beverages.
It is known to provide machines and systems for the preparation of beverages such as coffee, tea and chocolate.  Typically, in such systems the beverage ingredients are used either in a loose form or contained in a container.  It is known in
some machines to use flexible containers, such as filter paper bags containing roast and ground coffee or leaf tea.  It is also known in other machines to use containers in the form of cartridges which may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible and which are
pierced during preparation of the beverage.  In both cases, the machine fox use with such containers is specially adapted to receive a particular design of container in a brew head and to pass water and/or steam through the container to prepare a
Accordingly, the present invention provides an insert for use in a beverage preparation machine of a type comprising a brew head suitable for receiving a rigid or semi-rigid cartridge, the brew head comprising an upwardly directed inlet for
supplying water to the brew head and a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage produced by the machine, the insert comprising an upper part, a lower part and sealing means, the upper and lower parts being moveable between an open configuration
in which a quantity of beverage ingredients may be loaded into the insert and a closed configuration in which the upper and lower parts are sealed together by the sealing means to define therebetween a brewing volume containing, in use, the quantity of
beverage ingredients, the lower part comprising an inlet and an outlet arranged to communicate respectively with the inlet and outlet of the brew head of the beverage preparation machine when the insert is inserted into the machine such that, in use,
water from the inlet of the brew head passes upwardly through the inlet of the insert into the brewing volume and such that beverage produced from the water and the quantity of beverage ingredients passes downwardly through the outlet of the insert to
flow out of the outlet of the brew head.
Advantageously, the insert allows a quantity of beverage ingredients to be dispensed from a beverage preparation machine designed to accommodate rigid, semi-rigid and flexible cartridges wherein the beverage ingredients are not necessarily
contained in a cartridge.  A
The quantity of beverage ingredients loaded in use into the insert may be loose.  For example, loose roast and ground coffee or leaf tea may be loaded into the insert.  In this case it is preferred that the insert comprises filtering means
between the brewing volume and the outlet of the insert.  This prevents the grounds or leaves being dispensed into the cup.  The filter may span between the upper and lower parts of the insert so as to surround the outlet of the insert.  Alternatively,
the filter may cover the outlet aperture itself.
In an alternative aspect the quantity of beverage ingredients loaded in use into the insert may be contained in a container comprising filtering means.  The container may be flexible.  The container may formed at least in part from a filter
paper or filtering membrane.  In a particular aspect the container is a filter bag.  Advantageously, the insert allows beverage ingredients in filter bags or similar to be dispensed without the need for the bag to be correctly sized to the brew head.
In an alternative aspect the container is a rigid or semi-rigid cartridge.  The cartridge may be any of semi-spherical, cylindrical, round or square in shape.  The insert may itself contain a cartridge.  This allows the beverage preparation
machine to utilise cartridges which are not sized specifically for the brew head.
The sealing means may be located on or in the upper part of the insert.  Alternatively, the sealing means may be located on or in the lower part of the insert.
In one embodiment, the sealing means comprises a ring seal for sealing around a periphery of the brewing volume.  For example, the sealing means may comprise an O-ring.
In one aspect the upper part and lower part are disconnected from one another.  This may be advantageous in simplifying the loading process.  The upper part and lower part may comprise co-operating formations to permit snap-fitting together of
the upper part and lower part.
One or other of the upper or lower parts my be mounted or inserted semi-permanently in the brew head of the machine.  In an alternative aspect the upper part and lower part are joined by a hinge allowing the upper and lower parts to move between
the open and closed configurations.  Advantageously, hinging the upper and lower parts helps to prevent one or other part being lost when the insert is removed from the machine.
The upper part of the insert is preferably rigid or semi-rigid such that pressure applied, in use, to the upper part of the insert by a closure mechanism of the beverage preparation machine on closing of said closure mechanism squeezes the upper
and lower parts of the insert together with sufficient force for the sealing means to seal together the upper and lower parts.  The force applied to seal the upper and lower parts by the closure mechanism prevents leakage of water or other fluid during
The insert is preferably rigid or semi-rigid such that pressure applied, in use, to the upper part of the insert by a closure mechanism of the beverage preparation machine on closing of said closure mechanism seals the lower part of the insert
against the inlet of the brew head of the beverage preparation machine.  The force applied to seal the lower part against the inlet by the closure mechanism prevents leakage of water or other fluid during dispensation at the point where water enters the
insert from the inlet of the brew head.
In one aspect, the lower part of the insert is formed as one piece.  Alternatively, the lower part of the insert may be formed from more than one piece.
The insert may be disc-shaped.  Advantageously this maximises the capacity of the brewing volume that can be accommodated by the brew head.
Preferably, the inlet and outlet of the insert are coplanar.  This beneficially ensures good sealing against the brew head where the brew head is substantially planar.  Alternatively, the inlet and outlet of the insert are not coplanar.
The insert may comprise an aperture for receiving on insertion of the insert in the beverage machine a window of a bar code reader or RFID reader of said machine.  The aperture may be coplanar with the inlet and outlet of the insert.
The inlet of the insert may be located at or near a periphery of the lower part and the outlet of the insert may be located at a centre of the lower part.  Consequently, in use, flow through the insert may be from the inlet to the outlet.  Flow
through the insert may be generally in an inward direction from the inlet to the outlet.  Advantageously inward flow towards a central outlet allows the beverage preparation machine to have a particularly compact size.
The insert may also comprise coding means for controlling operation of said beverage preparation machine.  The coding means may comprise a bar code or radio frequency identification device (RFID).
The beverage preparation machine preferably comprises a brew head suitable for receiving a rigid or semi-rigid cartridge, the brew head comprising an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to the brew head and a downwardly directed outlet
for outflow of beverage produced by the machine.  Advantageously the beverage preparation machine is particularly compact since the inflow into the insert is in an upward direction and the outflow is in a downward direction.  This removes the requirement
for the upper part of the brew head to be provided with and conduits for flow of water, beverage or power and results in a simpler construction of machine and a reduction in the overall height of the machine.
The brew head of the beverage preparation machine may comprise a closure mechanism moveable between an open configuration in which the insert can be inserted into the brew head and a closed configuration in which the insert is squeezed together
by the closure mechanism with sufficient force for the sealing means of the insert to seal together the upper and lower parts of the insert.
The brew head of the beverage preparation machine may comprise a closure mechanism moveable between an open configuration in which the insert can be inserted into the brew head and a closed configuration in which the lower part of the insert is
sealed against the inlet of the brew head of the beverage preparation machine.
The brew head may comprise a fixed lower part and a rotatable upper part, the fixed lower part comprising the brew head inlet and outlet, the upper part being rotatable from an open position in which the insert can be inserted into the brew head
and a closed position in which the insert is engaged between the fixed lower part and the rotatable upper part.
The insert may be locatable directly onto the fixed lower part of the brew head when the upper part of the brew head is in the open position.  The insert need not be attached to the brew head.
The system may further comprise a quantity of beverage ingredients.  In one aspect the quantity of beverage ingredients is contained in a container comprising filtering means.  The beverage ingredients may be selected from the group containing
roast and ground coffee, leaf tea, powdered coffee, powdered tea, creamer, cappuccino mix, chocolate and liquid chocolate, coffee, tea and milk.  The container may be flexible.  The container may be formed at least in part from a filter paper or
The present invention also comprises a method of dispensing a beverage using a beverage preparation machine comprising a brew head suitable for receiving a rigid or semi-rigid cartridge, the brew head comprising an upwardly directed inlet for
supplying water to the brew head and a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage produced by the machine, the method comprising the steps of:
The insert of the present invention may be loaded with one or more beverage ingredients suitable for the formation of a beverage product.  The beverage product may be, for example, one of coffee, tea, chocolate or a dairy-based beverage
FIG. 9a and 9b are schematic layouts of first and second code recognition means for the machine of FIG. 1a; and
The beverage preparation machine 201 is designed to be capable of dispensing beverage ingredients from cartridges 1 such as that illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 21.  In particular, the brew head 250 is designed to accommodate such cartridges 1 and
correctly dispense beverage ingredients contained therein.  According to one aspect of the present invention, an insert is provided to allow the brew head also to dispense beverage ingredients which are either loose or contained in other containers such
as flexible bags.  However, to aid understanding of the flexible operation of the beverage preparation machine and brew head an example of the cartridge 1 will first be described and its use in the beverage preparation machine 201 explained before the
insert is itself described.
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 21, the cartridge 1 generally comprises an outer member 2, an inner member 3 and a laminate 5.  The outer member 2, inner member 3 and laminate 5 are assembled to form the cartridge 1 which has an interior 120 for
As can be seen from FIG. 15, the overall shape of the cartridge 1 is generally circular or disc-shaped with the diameter of the cartridge 1 being significantly greater than its height.  A major axis X passes through the centre of the outer
member as shown in FIG. 11.  Typically the overall diameter of the outer member 2 is 74.5 mm.+-.6 mm and the overall height is 16 mm.+-.3 mm.  Typically the volume of the cartridge 1 when assembled is 30.2 ml.+-.20%.
between the secondary wall 15 and the annular wall 13.  The manifold 16 passes around the circumference of the outer member 2.  A series of slots 17 are provided in the annular wall 13 level with the manifold 16 to pro-vide gas and liquid communication
An inlet chamber 26 is formed in the outer member 2 at the periphery of the outer member 2.  A cylindrical wall 27 is provided, as most clearly shown in FIG. 15, which defines the inlet chamber 26 within, and partitions the inlet chamber 26
from, the interior 34 of the outer member 2.  The cylindrical wall 27 has a closed upper face 28 which is formed on a plane perpendicular to the major axis X and an open lower end 29 co-planar with the bottom 12 of the outer member 2.  The inlet chamber
26 communicates with the manifold 16 via two slots 30 as shown in FIG. 11.  Alternatively, between one and four slots may be used to communicate between the manifold 16 and the inlet chamber 26.
The cartridge 1 described above is given as an example of the type of cartridge that the brew head of the beverage preparation machine is capable of dispensing.  Other cartridges of a similar type may be provided for dispensing other beverage
types, for example foamed milk, espresso-style coffee, chocolate.
or -5% accuracy in the final volume of the dispensed beverage.  A suitable pump is the Evolution.RTM.  EP8 pump produced by Ulka S.r.l.  (Pavia, Italy).  A volumetric flow sensor (not shown) is preferably provided in the flow line either upstream or
operating temperature of around 85.degree.  C. in under 1 minute.  Preferably the dwell time between the end of one dispense cycle and the heater 225 being able to commence a subsequent dispense cycle is less than 10 seconds The heater maintains the
The memory of the control processor includes one or more variables for one or more operational parameters for the beverage preparation machine 201.  The operational parameters are the temperature of the water passed through the beverage
cartridge 1 during the operating stage, the speed of charging the beverage cartridge 1, the presence or otherwise of a soak step, the total dispensed volume of the beverage, the flow rate of the water during the discharge stage, and the flow rate and
period of the purge stage.
The variables for the operational parameters are stored in the memory.  The cartridge 1 comprises a code provided on or in the cartridge 1 representing the operational parameters required for optimal dispensation of the beverage in that
cartridge 1.  The code is in binary format and comprises a plurality of data bits corresponding to the variables stored in the control processor memory.
The U-shaped arm 281 extends around the front of the holder 251 and comprises two downwardly dependant hook members 287, one on each side of the holder 251, each comprising a cam surface 288 facing the hinge axis 258.  The fixed lower part 255
of the holder 251 is provided with two bosses 259, or detents, located one on each side of the lower part 255 at or near a front edge 260 thereof aligned generally with the hook members 287.
When the holder 251 is in the closed position, the viewing window 312 bears against the beverage cartridge 1 biasing it against the lower part 256.  In one arrangement, the rim 311 of the viewing window contacts and bears against the flange 35
of the beverage cartridge.  At the same time the window 312 contacts the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1.  In an alternative arrangement, only the viewing window 312 contacts the closed top 11 of the cartridge 1, and there is no bearing contact between
the rim 311 and the flange 35.  The pressure exerted by the rim 311 on the flange 35 and/or by the window 312 on the closed top 11 ensures a fluid tight seal between the cartridge 1 and the holder 251.
of the beverage cartridge 1, in use.  The inlet piercer 253 is in fluid communication with a water conduit 262 as shown in FIG. 7 which passes through the lower part 255 and is connected to an outlet conduit 263 of the water heater 225.  The outlet
means 252 comprises an optical barcode reader which reads a printed barcode 320 provided on the laminate 5 of the beverage cartridge 1 as shown in FIG. 10.  The barcode 320 is formed from a plurality of bars of contrasting colour.  Preferably the bars
are black on a white background to maximise the contrast.  The barcode 320 is not required to conform to a published standard but a standard format for barcodes, such as EAN-13, UPC-A, or Interleaf 2 of 5 may be used.  The optical barcode reader
comprises one or more LEDs 321 to illuminate the barcode 320, a focusing lens 322 to acquire an image of the barcode, a charge coupled device (CCD) 323 for producing an electrical signal representative of the acquired image and support circuitry for the
LEDs and CCD.  The space in the lower part for accommodating the barcode reader is limited.  A mirror or mirrors 324 may be used to reflect the light from the LEDs 321 to a focussing lens which is not located in the lower part 255.  Schematic
arrangements are shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b.  The lower part 255 comprises an aperture 326 which is the same size as the barcode 320 on the beverage cartridge 1.  The aperture 326 is closed by a window, preferably glass, which can transmit the signals
produced by the bar code reader.  In use the electrical signals produced are decoded by signal processing software and the results forwarded to the control processor.  The software can recognise whether the read of the barcode contained errors.  The
barcode 320 may be rescanned a number of times before an error message is presented to the consumer.  If the machine 201 is unable to read the barcode the consumer is able to use the beverage cartridge 1 to dispense a beverage using a manual mode of
operation.  Alternatively, the cartridge 1 may comprise an RFID code for reading by an RFID reader.
To insert the cartridge 1 the holder 251 is opened as described above to expose the cartridge mount 257.  The cartridge 1 is then placed on the cartridge mount 257 received within the recess 290 such that the handle 24 of the cartridge is
located in the irregularity 291.  The optical or magnetic barcode 320 of the cartridge 1 is orientated directly above the aperture 326 in the cartridge mount 257.  The holder 251 is then closed by operation of the clamping lever as described above.
In the brew/mixing stage water is passed through the cartridge 1 in order to produce the beverage from the beverage ingredients 200.  The temperature of the water is determined by the control processor which sends instructions to the water
heater 225 to heat the water passing from the water tank 220 to the brew head 250.  Water enters the lower part 255 of the holder 251 through the conduit 262 via the inlet valve and the inlet piercer 253 into the inlet chamber 126 of the beverage
barcode may be applied directly to the lower surface 417 of the lower part 402 without the need for a recess 415.
When the upper part 401 and lower part 402 are sealed together, the `O` ring 403 provides a peripheral seal surrounding the brewing volume to prevent leakage of fluid at the extremities of the insert 400.
As shown in FIG. 25, the insert 400 may be inserted into the beverage preparation machine of the type described above in place of the rotatable mount 257 and the removable inlet and outlet piercers 253, 254.  As with the mount 257, the insert
400 is rotatable about the pivot access of the beverage preparation machine.
together so as to seal the brewing volume by means of the `O` ring 403.  This loading operation may take place before or after the insert 400 is removably attached to the beverage preparation machine.  Preferably, the lower part 402 of the insert 400
Operation of the closure mechanism of the beverage preparation machine is exactly the same as described above.  In particular, it should be noted that on closure of the closure mechanism the brew head applies a downward pressure on the upper
part 401 of the insert 400 to hold the upper part 401 and lower part 402 together to create the seal therebetween.  The pressure may be applied to the upper part 401 by the top portion of the viewing window 311 or by the downwardly dependent rim of the
The insert has been specifically described in the above example as a replacement for the mount 257 of the machine 201.  However, it will be understood that the insert may take the form of any item insertable into the beverage preparation
machine, whether attached thereto or not, to allow dispensation of beverage ingredients in loose form or where contained in containers such as, but not limited to, flexible bags as set out in the following claims.
Insert, a machine and a system for the preparation of beverages, Halliday, et al., Andrew Michael Halliday, Nicholas Andrew Hansen, Colin Darrel Ballard, Satwinder Singh Panesar, Application number 10 589-459, Foods And Beverages: Apparatus
The present invention relates to an insert, amachine and a system for the preparation of beverages. It is known to provide machines and systems for the preparation of beverages such as coffee, tea and chocolate. Typically, in such systems the beverage ingredients are used either in a loose form or contained in a container. It is known insome machines to use flexible containers, such as filter paper bags containing roast and ground coffee or leaf tea. It is also known in other machines to use containers in the form of cartridges which may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible and which arepierced during preparation of the beverage. In both cases, the machine fox use with such containers is specially adapted to receive a particular design of container in a brew head and to pass water and/or steam through the container to prepare abeverage which is then dispensed. Such beverage preparation machine may be used in commercial or domestic markets. In the domestic market consumers may not wish to use separate machines when preparing beverages from different beverage ingredientcontaining containers or, indeed, loose beverage ingredients. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an insert, a beverage preparation machine and a beverage preparation system which allows consumers to use a variety of containersor loose ingredients in a single beverage preparation machine. In one aspect, it is an object of the present invention to provide an insert for a beverage preparation machine which is primarily designed for use with cartridges, whether rigid, semi-rigidor flexible, that allows the beverage preparation machine to dispense beverage ingredients from flexible containers such as filter bags. Accordingly, the present invention provides an insert for use in a beverage preparation machine of a type comprising a brew head suitable for receiving a rigid or semi-rigid cartridge, the brew head comprising an upwardly directed inlet forsupplying water to the brew