Capsule magazine unit with a capsule retaining member
AssigneeNestec S.A.
InventorDaniel Fischer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A capsule magazine unit having a holding device for capsule magazine unit, into which the capsule magazine unit can be releasably inserted, such as of an espresso machine. The capsule magazine unit can comprise at least one essentially vertical capsule magazine tube that is suitable for holding capsules of coffee or other beverage or food forming components stacked one above another and can have a lateral capsule removal opening at the bottom. A locking ring, which is arranged around the capsule magazine unit, can be displaced essentially vertically with respect to the capsule magazine unit. At least one locking-ring lifting element on a holding device for holding the capsule magazine unit can be provided that is suitable for acting on the locking ring.
Claims21
A capsule magazine unit that is releasably associable with a magazine receiving portion of a device for preparing a food or beverage, comprising:
- at least one capsule magazine configured for receiving a plurality of capsules that contain a substance for preparing the food or beverage, the magazine having a removal opening configured and dimensioned for removal of the capsules from the magazine;
- a capsule retainer associated with the magazine and movable with respect thereto between a retaining position, in which the retaining member blocks the removal opening sufficiently to keep the capsules from falling through the retaining opening, and a releasing position, in which the retaining member allows the capsules to be removed from the magazine through the opening for the preparation of the food or beverage;
- and
- a retainer positioner associated with the retainer and configured for moving the retainer between the retaining and the releasing position upon an association of the positioner with a first portion of the device.
A beverage preparation device for preparing a beverage, comprising:
- a magazine receiving portion;
- a capsule magazine unit that is releasably associable with the magazine receiving portion, the magazine unit comprising:
- at least one capsule magazine configured for receiving a plurality of capsules that contain a substance for preparing the food, the magazine having a removal opening configured and dimensioned for removal of the capsules from the magazine;
- a capsule retainer associated with the magazine and movable with respect thereto between a retaining position, in which the retaining member blocks the removal opening sufficiently to keep the capsules from falling through the retaining opening, and a releasing position, in which the retaining member allows the capsules to be removed from the magazine through the opening for the preparation of the food;
- and
- a retainer positioner associated with the retainer and configured for moving the retainer between the retaining and the releasing position upon an association of the positioner with a first portion of the food preparation machine;
- and
- a mixing device configured for mixing contents of the capsules with a fluid to produce beverages.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.