Capsule based system for preparing and dispensing a beverage

摘要

The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from a container by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to (1) a container and (2) the automated method for opening such container and (3) the automated method of dispensing of the contents from such container into a customer receptacle or glass.

主权项

1. A capsule stamped from a single piece of material for use in a beverage dispenser comprising:
a concave receptacle part for containing a drink mix, the concave receptacle part having a receptacle wall with a longitudinal axis and longitudinal dimension, a lateral axis and lateral dimension and a vertical axis and vertical dimension, the longitudinal dimension being greater than the lateral dimension; the receptacle part having a substantially flat rim part with upper and lower surfaces surrounding an opening in the concave receptacle, the rim part having an abrupt junction with the receptacle wall and extending outward away from the opening, the rim part having longitudinal and lateral dimensions greater than the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the receptacle part; the rim part configured to receive a flat cover disposed on the upper surface of the rim; wherein, the lower surface of the rim part has a weakened section located at the junction between the rim part and the receptacle wall extending around the receptacle on both sides up to points located approximately one third the longitudinal dimension of the receptacle; and wherein, the capsule is adapted to be opened by forcing the capsule downward against a protruding member or beak that engages only the bottom surface of the rim part at approximately the longitudinal centerline and continuing to mechanically force the receptacle part to pivot downward causing the rim part to tear away from the receptacle part along the weakened section.