# US 8,770,096 B2 · Cartridge-holder assembly, and cartridge for the preparation of a beverage, particularly coffee

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 8,770,096 B2
- Document ID: US8770096B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/058,620
- Filed: 2009-08-11
- Published: 2011-06-09
- Granted: 2014-07-08
- Earliest claimed: 2008-08-12
- Assignees: Luigi Lavazza S.P.A.
- Applicants: Alfredo Vanni
- Inventors: Alfredo Vanni
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8770096B2

## CPC

- A47J 31/0621: {with means for varying the infusion outflow velocity, e.g. for brewing smaller quantities}
- A47J 31/461: {Valves, e.g. drain valves}
- B65D 85/8043: {Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents (B65D85/808 takes precedence; filters or reusable cartridges for coffee or tea makers, not used as packages A47J31/06)}
- A47J: KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES

## Abstract

The cartridge-holder assembly (1) comprises a cup-shaped body (2) in which there are formed an upper receptacle (3) adapted to receive a cartridge or pod (C) containing a substance (S) for the preparation of the beverage, and a lower duct (7) in communication with said receptacle (3) and intended to convey the beverage towards an underlying collecting container. In said duct (7) there is provided a control valve device (9-15) including a valve seat (11), an associated section-throttling member (12), and a control device (13-15) capable of causing a relative movement of the section-throttling member (12) with respect to the seat (11), between a first and a second working position, to correspondingly vary the cross section of said duct (7) and the rate of the flow of said beverage between a minimum and a maximum value, respectively.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A cartridge-holder assembly (1) configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from a head dispensing hot water and/or steam for the preparation of a beverage, particularly coffee, comprising a cup-shaped body (2) in which there are formed:
an upper receptacle (3) adapted to receive a cartridge or pod (C) containing a substance (S) for the preparation of the beverage, and
a lower duct (7) in communication with said receptacle (3) and intended to convey the beverage towards an underlying collecting container;
wherein in said duct (7) there is provided a control valve device (9-15) including:
a valve seat (11),
an associated section-throttling member (12), and
control means (13-15) capable of causing a relative movement of the section-throttling member (12) with respect to said seat (11), between a first and a second working position, to correspondingly vary the cross section of said duct (7) and the rate of the flow of said beverage between a minimum and a maximum value, respectively;
the valve seat (11) being fixed and the section-throttling member (12) being movable, and the control means comprising a rotatable cam member (14) which acts on the section-throttling member (12) and is carried by a shaft (15) which is mounted rotatably in said body (2),
wherein the body (2) has a handle (16) which extends along a fixed direction forming an angle with respect to the axis of said duct (7), and wherein said handle (16) is rotatable with respect to the body (2) about said direction, said shaft (15) rotates with said handle (16), and said handle (16) is coaxial with said shaft (15).

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

Cartridge-holder assembly according to claim 1, wherein upstream of said valve seat (9, 11) there is provided a filter (6) for the beverage.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

Cartridge-holder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve seat (9, 11) is made of a silicone resin.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

Cartridge-holder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the section-throttling member (12) is made of metallic material.