Abstract: A Dual use food container has two sets of holding surfaces, one positions food items such as taco shells for storage and transport and the other set of surfaces position the taco shell in a position for assembly so the cook can add ingredients like meat, cheese and sauce to the shell without it tipping over. The formed surfaces that enable one position exist substantially without interference with the surfaces that enable the alternative position. A thin film can be applied to the top of the container to seal the food within when positioned for storage and transport and can be adopted to fit snugly in a box further protecting the food. Thin formable materials can be used in making the container. Versions of this material can allow food to be safely warmed in an oven within the container. Methods for preparing food within the container are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed dual-opening beverage container that functions as a mixing instrument, drinking straw, and a shot delivery (or shooter) device suitable for retail distribution is disclosed. An example embodiment includes a hermetically sealed beverage container for retail distribution including a vessel having a generally right rectangular prism shape, a first cap and a second cap both having a generally cube shape. Example embodiments of the hermetically sealed dual-opening beverage container reduce the amount of wasted space in the packaging and distribution process because of its efficient shape. Further, example embodiments of the container can poured contents at a faster rate, and can be reused and recycled. Further, the disclosed subject matter can be utilized as a straw and mixing device, like a stirrer, and makes consuming a shot from a bottle easier and quicker. This results in increased efficiency, increased functionality and increased pouring speed.

Abstract: Capsule (9) for use in a beverage preparation machine (1), said capsule comprising side (10), bottom (12) and top (11) walls defining a closed chamber, said chamber containing an ingredient to be dissolved and/or extracted by a fluid injected under pressure within said capsule, said fluid being provided through an injection element (20) of the machine that is able to pierce an injection wall of the chamber, said capsule further comprising a beverage dispensing wall able to open for releasing a beverage prepared from said ingredient and said fluid, said capsule comprising a separating wall (14) within the chamber that separates, in a leak-tight manner:—an ingredient-containing compartment (15), and—a fluid injection compartment (16), said separating wall (14) comprising a one-way valve (17) able to let fluid under pressure flow only from the injection compartment (16) towards the ingredient-containing compartment (15).

Abstract: A capsule includes a deformable and/or compressible casing that is provided with a base wall and with a side wall that define a cavity containing an initial product to be combined with a fluid to obtain a final product and with a nozzle provided with a plurality of openings for the passage of the fluid. The nozzle engages an outflow portion of the base wall and is arranged for exiting from the cavity through the outflow portion when the casing is compressed and/or crushed. The nozzle includes a first portion abutting on and sliding with interference inside the outflow portion in a sealed manner so that the final product exits the cavity at least initially only through at least one further opening of the nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a beverage packaging configuration whereby mix and base beverages are packaged in a single package, and the base beverage containers are not filled completely with the base beverage. The space within each base beverage container remaining above the base beverage volume provides space in the base container for the correct proportion of at least one mix beverage to be poured into the base beverage container to create a reproducible mixed drink. One exemplary embodiment provides for a single mix beverage container which contains a volume of mix beverage equally divisible between the volume remaining in a plurality of base beverage containers. Another exemplary embodiment includes more than one mix beverage container which may contain different mix beverages.

Abstract: A container for holding novelty items, toys or candies that is an openable closed-shape with a lock/release plug. The closed-shape can be repeatedly opened and closed to remove and refill the novelty items. The container can be any closed-shape required for end use. A lock/release plug is used to both open and lock the closed-shape into a closed state. The lock/release plug is dimensioned to fit within the interior diameter of the closed-shape. The closed-shape has slots proximate each open end that interact with compression tabs on the lock/release plug. A center stop assists in aligning the compression tabs with the slots. The container can be configured to be a hula hoop or be adorned on one's body, such as a necklace or a bracelet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to dispensing of a substance from a capsule by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to: (1) a capsule, (2) a beverage dispenser for receiving the capsule, and (3) mechanisms within the beverage dispenser for automatically opening the capsule and rotating the capsule while mixing a beverage within the capsule to pour into a user beverage container or glass. The La Vit system for cracking and peeling open the capsule provides a more hygienic approach to capsule-based beverage systems.

Abstract: A cover shell and container assembly comprising the cover shell and a tray or pan is disclosed. The cover shell includes inward projecting standoffs which restrict movement of a food product in the pan or tray and reduces damage to decorative elements of the food product during distribution and/or transport.

Abstract: A method for preparing hot beverages in a hot beverage machine by possibly repeatedly pumping a specific quantity of water from a water tank into a heating device, heating the quantity of water, pumping the heated quantity of water out of the heating device into a brewing chamber and possibly at the same time pumping a further quantity of water out of the water tank into the heating device, brewing a brewing substance contained in the brewing chamber to produce a hot beverage, and finally converting the quantity of water last pumped into the heating device completely into steam in a controlled manner for forcing liquid out of the entire line system downstream of the heating device.

Abstract: A unit dose package of a liquid nutritional product comprises a form-stable, cup shaped container with a capacity of less than 70 ml having a rim, a frustoconical sidewall and a base. A quantity of the nutritional product is enclosed within the container and a foil closure is sealed to the rim. The container is formed of a laminate comprising a barrier layer of highly 5 orientable EVOH having an ethylene content of less than 31 mol %, preferably around 27 mol %, and an oxygen transmission of less than 0.0068 ml/ml/year, between an inner carrier layer and an outer carrier layer. The package is especially adapted for long term storage of oxygen sensitive products.

Abstract: A method for packaging a frozen food product includes placing a fluid food product into a flexible container, sealing the container and pasteurizing the food product in the sealed container. The method further includes applying a form to at least one surface of the flexible container, the form embossing the container and creating a series of compartments separated by thin segments therebetween, and freezing the product in the container with the form in place.

Abstract: Beverage additive cartridges, beverage brewing systems and methods of brewing a beverage whereby a beverage additive cartridge containing an ingredient is used in combination with a beverage brewing cartridge to add the ingredient of the additive cartridge to the brewed fluid flow of the brewing cartridge. The resultant brew is an ingredient-brewed fluid mixture that outflows a brewing machine via an outlet probe.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an injection-molded capsule for use in a food preparation machine, said capsule for use in a food preparation machine comprising: (i) a structure (1) with a lower side (2), at least three pillars (3) extending from the lower side and linked to a circular upper frame (4) which defines the surroundings of the capsule top side, the pillars (3) having cross-sections S1, S2 and S3, the lower side (2) being a solid wall that comprises a dispensing opening (5) and is centered across the vertical symmetry axis VSA of said capsule, and (ii) a label (6) attached to the outer surface of the lower side (2), pillars (3) and upper circular frame (4), thus forming an envelope that defines capsule side walls, characterized in that the injection point IP of the capsule is off-centered in the vicinity of said dispensing opening (5), opposed the pillar (3) having a cross-section S3 relatively to the axis VSA, and in that S1=S2 and S3>S1.

Abstract: Packaging of bananas in containers, for example polyethylene bags, having designed permeabilities to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene. The bags preferably include a gas-permeable membrane comprising (1) a microporous film, and (2) a polymeric coating on the microporous film. The containers enable storage and/or ripening of bananas under controlled conditions. Using the new containers, bananas can be ripened while they are being transported, or in conventional ripening rooms without opening the containers in which they have been transported, or after they have left a ripening room. In addition, bananas can be preserved in a satisfactory ripened state for longer periods of time.

Abstract: Describe are food packages having features such as multiple containers in a single package and multiple pieces for a package; the packages can contain multiple food products including (for example) cereal and milk, for consumption together in a convenient manner.

Abstract: A percolating machine for producing a beverage using a sealed capsule containing anhydrous powdered material, the machine having a pressurized-hot-water dispenser assembly extending along a vertical axis, and in turn having a sprinkler having an end wall substantially crosswise to the aforementioned axis; a removable percolating cup positioned, in use, with its inlet facing the end wall, and for housing a sealed capsule positioned with a sealing wall facing the end wall; and a piercing device integral with the sprinkler and having a number of substantially rectangular-based projections, which extend downwards from the end wall of the sprinkler, are equally spaced about the aforementioned axis along a peripheral portion of the end wall, and pierce the sealing wall of the sealed capsule when the percolating cup is set to a work position contacting the sprinkler.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new food product (1) in the form of a meal comprising food (4) and a sauce (5), intended to be mixed for consumption of the meal, in closed packaging (1) comprising a container (2) in which the food (4) is placed and a lid (3) in which the sauce (5) is placed, the sauce being separated from the food by a seal (7) which closes off the part of the lid (3) facing the food (4) characterized in that the container (2) comprises a mechanism (11) to tear the seal (7) when the lid (3) is turned concurrently to the container (2) between a pre-tearing position of the seal (7) and a tearing position of the seal (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an extract of green coffee wherein green coffee beans are subjected to a heat treatment and extracted without being roasted.

Abstract: A coffee capsule which contains a capsule part is configured to receive roasted and ground coffee and is suitable for preparing an espresso beverage using pressurized hot water in an espresso machine. The capsule part is a frustoconical plastics part with a conical side wall and an outwardly protruding peripheral flange integrally formed on the large frustoconical diameter. The peripheral flange has a peripheral external thickened portion. A tearable membrane is able to be welded onto an internal peripheral welding surface of the peripheral flange. A radially extending bellows is present between the welding surface and the peripheral external thickened portion. The bellows can be plastically and/or elastically deformed while maintaining a sealing effect with radial and axial tolerance compensation for a brewing chamber-closing device of the espresso machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing a beverage, which includes an elongated member having a plurality of disks stacked along an axis of the elongated member; a filter having at least one slot and adapted to fit over the plurality of disks; and an elongated housing member having first and second slots on opposite sides of the elongated housing member, wherein the elongated housing member is adapted to fit over the filter.

Abstract: A beverage making cartridge for use in a beverage making machine includes a beverage making cartridge enclosure comprising a gas source portion, the gas source portion further including a solid gas source that through sublimation emits a gas, and a one-way vent arranged in the beverage making cartridge enclosure vents the gas emitted from the solid gas source, such that it can be captured and stored in a gas storage tank, wherein the gas from the gas storage tank is dissolved in a beverage diluent liquid and mixed with at least one of a beverage ingredient to form the beverage. Exemplary embodiment includes a dispenser attached to the beverage making cartridge, the dispenser dispenses the beverage diluent liquid and the beverage ingredient to form a beverage.

Abstract: A package for a portion of liquid foodstuff dilutable with a diluent includes a reservoir for containing a portion of liquid foodstuff dilutable with a diluent, a reservoir seal for closing the reservoir, a mixing element for mixing the dilutable liquid foodstuff with the diluent. The mixing element includes a mixing chamber having an outflow aperture for dispensing liquid foodstuff diluted with the diluent, a liquid passage for feeding dilutable liquid foodstuff from the reservoir to the mixing chamber, and a feed channel for feeding diluent to the mixing chamber. The feed channel has a first portion and a second portion, the cross section of the second portion being smaller than the cross section of the first portion and be so configured that when diluent is fed to the mixing chamber, a venturi effect occurs in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A pouch, designed to be attached, either directly or indirectly, to a container, is provided with two end portions, each of which is formed with an elongated slit. When the pouch is directly attached atop a container, the end portions are pulled over the lid and catch a rim portion of the container. When the pouch is placed upon a lid covered container, the end portions of the pouch can catch or engage the lid. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a pair of spaced slits extends from each elongated slit, thereby creating a tab or flap in each end portion. The flap is configured to either directly catch a rim of the container or be tucked under the lid, i.e., between the lid and the container, to attach the pouch to the lid and, indirectly, the container.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a capsule containing at least one aromatic substance, for production of a beverage by means of its crossing by a pressurized fluid flow and comprising at least one closing element retained in a removable union with at least one of the construction elements of the capsule. Said closing element may be reliably removed from its initial retention by means of applying at least one given actuation force exerted by means of a respective device used for extraction of a beverage from the capsule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dehydrated and aerated food product. The dehydrated and aerated food product includes a plant puree mixture and a hydrocolloid. The plant puree mixture and hydrocolloid combine to form a dehydrated and aerated plant puree foam having a hydrocolloid-based aeration network dispersed throughout the plant puree mixture. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using the dehydrated and aerated food product, and combination food products that include the dehydrated and aerated food product.

Abstract: Capsule for percolation of aromatic product (18) such as coffee, comprising a bottom (3), a side wall (2) and a cover (4) delimiting an internal volume (19) of the capsule, and made of a material that is sealed against the infiltration of air so as to conserve the aromatic product designed to be enclosed in the internal volume. The capsule can be perforated by a percolator. The bottom (3) can be deformed in the percolator. The bottom (3) and the side wall (2) are made of portions previously separate and fixed in a sealed manner by a surface zone (2b, 11a) common to the side wall and to the bottom.

Abstract: A cartridge comprising a cup-shaped body having a base, a peripheral side wall and an open top with a lid attached to the cup-shaped body to define a container volume. The lid being pierceable to accommodate an inflow of an aqueous medium. A filter being located within the container volume to divide the container volume into an ingredient chamber volume and a filtrate volume. The base being pierceable to accommodate an outflow from the filtrate volume. The peripheral side wall comprising a plurality of flutes that define a plurality of filtrate channels configured to direct beverage flow downwards. The cup-shaped body being configured to be laterally expandable in use when aqueous medium at a temperature of at least 85° C. and a pressure of at least 20 KPa is introduced into the container volume.

Abstract: This capsule (1000) comprises a body (1004) in the form of a cup and a seal (1006) delimiting together a chamber (1008) containing a substance for preparing a drink. The body (1004) comprises: an outer substantially frusto-conical side wall (1010), a base (1012) made in the same material with the side wall (1010) and closing the side wall (1010) at a rear end (1020) of the body (1004), and an annular rim (1016) extending radially outwards from the side wall (1010) and delimiting the front end (1022) of the body (1004). The seal (1006) closes the outer side wall (1010) at the front end (1022). The base (1012) and the wall (1010) are made in a first plastic material, the annular rim (1016) being formed in a second plastic material different from the first plastic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule associated with the perforating device of a machine used to prepare drinks by injecting water into the capsule. The capsule includes a side wall and a base forming a self-supporting shell, an upper wall enclosing a sealed volume inside the shell that contains a substance to be extracted, and a filter membrane in the sealed volume disposed on the base. The base has a peripheral portion and a central portion, the central portion extending beneath the peripheral portion with a depth and having a low wall portion configured to be perforated or cut by the perforating device in order to create one or more outlets for the drink flowing through the filter membrane. The peripheral portion comprises flow channels extending radially from the low wall portion to the side wall and being disposed between the support spokes to support the filter membrane.

Abstract: The capsule (1) comprises a cup body (2), with a bottom wall (2f) on which is a separating structure (3) with a plurality of spokes (4), defined between which are corresponding interspaces (5). The bottom wall (2f) has in its central portion a plurality of drink exit openings (6) which are not aligned with the slopes (4). A first filter sheet (7) is arranged on the separating structure (3) in such a way that a plurality of brewing chambers is defined between the first filter sheet (7), the spoked structure (3) and the bottom wall (2f). A quantity of powdered or granular material (8), especially roast ground coffee, is placed in the body (2) on the filter sheet (7). The second sheet (9) of filter material is applied to a top outer edge of said body (2).

Abstract: A capsule includes a deformable and/or compressible casing, provided with a base wall and a side wall defining a cavity that is open and suitable for containing an initial product to obtain a final food product. A supporting element is fixed to a first edge of the casing and facing the cavity and a nozzle is fixed to the supporting element and arranged for delivering a fluid into the cavity which interacts with the initial product to make the final product. The nozzle also opens the base wall and enables the final product to exit when the casing is compressed and crushed.

Abstract: Anti-boil-over compositions and methods are provided that significantly reduce boil-over during microwave oven cooking of pasta relative similar pasta and water mixtures such that oversized containers are not required. Thus, when prepared using limited volume container, the container of cooked pasta appears full.

Abstract: Kit (1A) for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device (30) comprising a capsule (2) by feeding liquid in the capsule and rotating the capsule along a central axis (I) to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid traversing the capsule thereby forcing the beverage out of the capsule by such centrifugal forces, wherein the capsule comprises containment walls forming a main cavity (4) of central axis (I) containing beverage ingredients; wherein said kit further comprising an insert (3) which is separate from the capsule and comprising a ring-shaped portion (5) intended to form a valve engaging portion engaging against a valve means (33) of the centrifugal brewing device.

Abstract: A capsule (1) for making beverages comprises a powdered food substance, and comprises a body (2) having a lower wall (3) and a side wall (4), and a lid (6) fixed to an edge (5) of the side wall (4). Between the lid (6) and the inner surface of the body (2) there is a chamber in which a rigid or semi-rigid filter (10) is positioned, coupled at a coupling portion (14) located on the side wall (4) close to the edge (5). The filter (10) extends between a rim (12) positioned close to the lid (6) and coupled to the coupling portion (14), and a bottom portion (13) positioned close to the lower wall (3), and separates the chamber into a first compartment (15), containing the substance, delimited at least between the filter (10) and the lid (6), and into a second compartment (16) partly positioned between the side wall (4) and the filter (10), delimited between the filter (10), the lower wall (3) and the portion of side wall (4) located between the lower wall (3) and the coupling portion (14).

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible pouch which comprises at least one wet compartment storing a first liquid and at least one adjacent dry compartment storing at least one compressed tissue or chemical compounds, or a combination thereof. In use, the user applies a certain force to the wet compartment to break membrane seal between the wet and dry compartments to allow the liquid flowing from the wet compartment to the dry compartment to activate the compressed tissue or the chemical compounds in the dry compartment. The flexible pouch may further comprises a second wet section storing a drinking liquid which is arranged separately from the first wet section.

Abstract: A capsule (1) for preparation of a beverage from a beverage ingredient (32). The capsule comprising a first section (12, 14) and a second section (15, 40) which together form a beverage ingredient compartment of the capsule in which is received a beverage ingredient. The first section comprising a pre-formed inlet (23) for entry of aqueous medium into the capsule and the second section comprising a pre-formed outlet (41) for beverage formed, in use, from the beverage ingredient and the aqueous medium. Wherein the capsule is compressible when the capsule is inserted into the receptacle of a beverage preparation machine by the first section of the capsule being engaged by an inlet piercer (60) of the beverage preparation machine so as to cause movement of the first section of the capsule towards the second section of the capsule without piercing of the first or second sections.

Abstract: A form-retaining pad for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption includes a first covering and a form-providing stiffening body, and a substance which is soluble in a liquid. The covering includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet that are manufactured from a material non-transmissive to the soluble substance, but transmissive to the substance dissolved in a liquid. The form-providing stiffening body is between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. The stiffening body has a compartmenting wall configuration having a grid structure which is transmissive to liquid from the top side to the bottom side. At least a part of the soluble substance is accommodated in the grid structure, and each compartment is surrounded by the wall configuration, the top sheet and the bottom sheet. At least the bottom side of the stiffening body includes a bulging part extending away from the top sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage, for example coffee, which includes a hollow element (1) for containing a product, for example ground coffee, said hollow element (1) including a side wall (4), a top surface, a bottom surface (5) and a flange (6), said flange including a deformable means (7). Said means is deformed by a deforming means (8) arranged on the capsule holder. The invention also relates to a device for using said capsule and to a method for extracting a beverage.

Abstract: A pouch, designed to be attached, either directly or indirectly, to a container, is provided with two end portions, each of which is formed with an elongated slit. When the pouch is directly attached atop a container, the end portions are pulled over the lid and catch a rim portion of the container. When the pouch is placed upon a lid covered container, the end portions of the pouch can catch or engage the lid. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a pair of spaced slits extends from each elongated slit, thereby creating a tab or flap in each end portion. The flap is configured to either directly catch a rim of the container or be tucked under the lid, i.e., between the lid and the container, to attach the pouch to the lid and, indirectly, the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule (1) designed for insertion in a beverage production device (23) for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces, the capsule comprising:—a body (2) comprising a bottom end and an open end;—an upper wall (3) for covering the body at its open end;—an enclosure (14) between the body and upper wall containing a predetermined amount of beverage substance; the capsule comprising a flange-like rim (4) extending outwardly from the body (2), wherein the flange-like rim comprises an annular force ring (8) designed for being engaged by an enclosing member (49) of a dedicated beverage production device (23), wherein the force ring comprises at least one curved, folded part (16) forming of at least one ply of material.

Abstract: Capsule (1) designed in particular for preparing a beverage by centrifugation of a capsule in a centrifugal preparation device, comprising:—a body (2) comprising a containment wall delimiting a main cavity (6) of central axis (I) and,—a lid (7) associated to the body for delimiting a compartment containing beverage ingredients; said capsule further comprising at least one breakable outlet area positioned at the body and/or lid; said at least one breakable area being positioned at a distance from the central axis (I) and being obtained by any of means (a) to (d): e) A breakable and dedicated membrane (9, 16) covering a predefined opening (8, 15) in the containment wall or lid and connected to the wall or lid, f) A dedicated membrane covering a predefined opening in the containment wall or lid and connected to the wall or lid by a breakable sealing joint or, g) A dedicated, breakable and localized reduction of thickness of the material of the containment wall or lid, h) Any possible combinations of a), b) or c)

Abstract: A solid food product is molded in a mold cavity and is thereafter packaged in the mold cavity. The mold cavity is formed in a sheet and includes a side wall which extends from the sheet and a bottom wall which includes an inverting portion which extends from said side wall and a central portion. The central potion of the bottom wall includes a plurality of ridges which form a decorative design. A liquid food product is introduced into the mold cavity and allowed to solidify to form a molded solid food product. The central portion of the bottom wall is thereafter pushed into the mold cavity to invert said inverting potion and to push the molded food product away from the central portion of the bottom wall. The molded food product includes ridges which correspond to the ridges in the bottom wall of the mold cavity. A lid is attached to the sheet to enclose and package the molded food product within the mold cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frozen solid state heat relieving thirst quencher, mainly configured to comprise a container or bag of soft or hard materials for convenient hand-carry applications. The container is filled with the heat relieving thirst quencher which can be presented in its solid state through a freezing process, thereby allowing convenient portability and readiness to serve anytime by direct consumption so as to achieve the heat relieving and thirst quenching effects such as stamina supplementation, electrolyte replenishment and body temperature reduction and the like. Meanwhile, in case of sport injuries or insect stings, it can be used for ice covering and swelling subsiding purposes. When the internal heat relieving thirst quencher is totally molten, it can be frozen once again to return to its solid state thus enabling practical usage advantages for various objectives and convenient portability.

Abstract: A package for tobacco material includes a portion of tobacco material, a wrapper enclosing the portion of tobacco material, a rigid base portion and at least one resealable adhesive label sealing the wrapper around the portion of tobacco material. The wrapper is formed of a flexible sheet material. The package may include an opening strip defined by one or more lines of weakness in the wrapper.

Abstract: A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion. Another method for opening comprises heating the container such that the barrier film layer ruptures upon heating, thus providing for components of the food product to combine.

Abstract: A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes an outer cup, an inner cup located inside the outer cup, and a seal covering the container. The inner cup includes a base and a plurality of concentric sections that are configured to collapse toward an opening in the container, when a force is exerted toward the opening on the base. The plurality of concentric sections may include three concentric sections: a base section, a middle section, and a top section, wherein the base section perimeter is smaller than the middle section perimeter, and the middle section perimeter is smaller than the top section perimeter.

Abstract: A coffee capsule for placement in a group head of espresso-making machines may produce espresso like that made by baristas. The capsule has a body wall, a curved top with a circumferential strip of reduced thickness configured for puncture and a circular flange projecting outward from the bottom end of the body wall. The capsules seals tightly with the group head against water leakage and produces espresso of optimal extraction rate due to one or more of the following: the thickness of the flange, the proximal ridge and small step on the flange, the outer step adjacent the body wall projecting upward from the bottom end of the body wall In addition, the coffee capsule may be made of polypropylene copolymer TR-50 and preferably about 80% TR-50 to also facilitate sealing. The flange has a pre-welding diameter calculated to expand to about 37 mm after being welded to the lid.

Abstract: Coffee capsule for coupling with multiple group heads has a flange whose proximal end meets a bottom end of the side wall. A raised plateau adjacent a bottom end of the side wall may receive pressure from and form a fluid-tight seal against the group head together with the side wall. A proximal lip more radially distal than the first plateau higher than the first plateau may protrude from the top surface of the flange. The side wall may have a narrowed top section to avoid protrusions from the group head. A curved top may have a circumferential strip of reduced thickness for water inlet formation. A second plateau along the top surface of the flange more radially distal than the proximal lip may form a fluid-tight seal against a different group head. The capsule may be made of polypropylene copolymer TR-50 and preferably about 80% TR-50 to facilitate sealing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a form-retaining pad, an assembly and a method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption. For this purpose, the pad is provided with a covering, in which a water-soluble substance, such as milk powder/creamer and sugar, is included. The covering includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The pad is further provided with a form-providing stiffening body, placed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, with the top sheet and the bottom sheet extending at least partly substantially parallel to each other and to a surface. The stiffening body has a top side adjacent to the top sheet and a bottom side adjacent to the bottom sheet, and, by providing a compartmenting wall configuration therein, has a grid structure transmissive to liquid, in which structure at least a part of the soluble substance is accommodated and each compartment formed by the wall configuration is surrounded by that wall configuration, the top sheet and the bottom sheet.