The present invention relates to a container and a method for manufacture thereof. Such a container is intended and suitable for containing treatment agent, which treatment agent serves to treat a food preparation device such as a coffee machine.

It is generally known in the art to use so-called pads. Such pads are also filled with ground coffee to thus enable coffee to be made. The ingredients for drinking chocolate or tea can also be arranged in such pads.

It is logical that cleaning agents and treatment agents for food preparation devices can be arranged in the same way in the hollow interior of pads as has heretofore been usual in respect of ground coffee, cocoa and tea. That is, it is a logical development for the treatment agents to be arranged in a container defining a hollow space, for instance of filter paper in the form of a pad, to the extent that such has already been disclosed in the prior art.

Such a configuration has a number of drawbacks however. It is therefore a drawback that water can get to the treatment agent and flush it through or out of the pad. However, as a result of the contact with the water, the treatment agent will usually begin to aggregate and no longer flow out of the pad to the desired extent in order to treat, in particular clean, the food preparation device in active manner.

The present invention has for its object to provide a solution to this problem, or at least reduce the problems of the known art.

For this purpose a container according to the present invention is distinguished from the known art by the measures as defined in the independent claims. A container is utilized here which is formed from a sheet-like element with a predetermined thickness, which element is manufactured from a material with a structure, this structure defining a plurality of spaces in the thickness of the element; and with treatment agent in these spaces. The treatment agent is as it were encapsulated here in these spaces, which are readily accessible from outside via for instance pores in the material of the sheet-like element. This encapsulation must be understood as an actual absorption of the treatment agent in the material of the element. The treatment agent is held fast in the element by this encapsulation and no enclosing layer is necessary to hold the treatment agent in place, as in sachets and pads known from the prior art. The container according to the invention can thus have a simple embodiment. The encapsulation of treatment agent in the material of the element simultaneously results in a good distribution over the element, so preventing aggregation. Release of the treatment agent is then considerably improved.

In the container according to the invention particularly the spaces in the material of the element are pore-like. A good encapsulation of treatment agent is thus effected and/or ensured.

The present invention has various preferred embodiments as designated in the dependent claims.

It is thus possible in an embodiment that the treatment agent is at least one of the agents from the group comprising at least: a cleaning agent and a neutralizing agent. A neutralizing agent can serve to make the food preparation device suitable for taking into use after cleaning agent has been applied. Neutralizing agent then serves to neutralize the possible harmful effects of the cleaning agent.

In an embodiment having containers with cleaning agent and containers with neutralizing agent it is possible for the two to be applied successively. It is also possible within the scope of the present invention for a single pad to be provided on one side with cleaning agent and to be provided on another side with neutralizing agent. Measures can be taken for the purpose of regulating or controlling the release so that cleaning agent is first applied in the food preparation device, and only then is the neutralizing agent generated or released from the container.

The treatment agent can comprise a mixture of at least: Rhodopol T, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium dichloride and sodium silicate. The sodium silicate in particular can serve to confine or enclose in the container the other substances which can form the treatment agent in the core.

In a production process it can be favourable to bring the mixture, optionally including sodium silicate, into suspension with preferably demineralized water. Incorporating the treatment agent into the spaces of the element can be considerably simplified if the treatment agent is suspended and be drawn as a suspension into these spaces of the element.

It is even possible to produce the suspension such that it can be a gel with a viscosity. The degree of viscosity can then be chosen within the parameters of the production process such that, taking into account the circumference and/or size of the spaces and accesses thereto, a good absorption of the gel into those spaces can still be realized.

In another embodiment it is possible for the mixture to further comprise at least one of the substances from the group comprising sodium metasilicate; and sodium carbonate. Such substances further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment agent.

In yet another embodiment it can be possible for the mixture to further comprise at least one of the substances from the group comprising at least potassium hydroxide. This then relates to a different embodiment per se, with which the effectiveness as treatment agent can likewise be further enhanced.

In such an embodiment potassium hydroxide is provided in the mixture in a concentration of at least one of 33% and 5% of the potassium hydroxide. It is also possible for both concentrations to occur and to be added or arranged in different steps of the production process.

In yet another embodiment of a container according to the present invention the element is formed from at least one material selected from a group which comprises at least: a woven material and a non-woven material. This of course includes almost all materials which could possibly be applied, but what is important here is that the element has spaces which are suitable for and can be used for arranging the treatment agent therein. Mentioned here in any case as specific embodiments of the material for the element are (only by way of example): felt, wool felt, paper, filter paper, sieve cloth, cloth, fabric, fibrous material and mineral wool. Mineral wool is understood to mean for instance glass wool and rockwool. Felt is particularly and highly suitable. All the stated materials can be applied provided they are available or provided in a desired and usable and useful thickness.

As already stated above, the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a container as described for instance in the foregoing. The container serves to contain the treatment agent and is first provided in a predetermined thickness. The element is manufactured from a material with a structure, which structure defines a plurality of spaces in the thickness of the element. In the method according to the present invention the treatment agent is further provided, and this treatment agent is arranged in the spaces provided (or present) in the element.

Diverse preferred embodiments are also possible within the scope of the thus defined method. It can thus be the case that in a specific embodiment the method has the features of subjecting the element to a compressive force and so making the spaces smaller, bringing together the container and the treatment agent, ending the compressive forces and thus allowing the treatment agent to be absorbed into the spaces. Applying or exerting a compressive force and releasing the compressive force when the container and the treatment agent have been brought together results in a suction action, on the basis of which the treatment agent penetrates further into the thickness of the element. The effectiveness of the method according to the invention is thus improved further.

According to an embodiment of the method with a step of forming a suspension and compressing the element, the method can further have the features of bringing together the element and the treatment agent prior to subjecting the element to a compressive force. Alternatively, it is of course also possible to exert the compressive force and then bring together the element and the treatment agent while the compressive force is being exerted. Whatever the case, it is important here that the compressive force is also released at some point in order to allow the treatment agent, optionally in the form of a suspension, to be absorbed into the spaces in the element. It can be favourable here for the method to have the feature of immersing or holding the element immersed in the suspension after releasing the compressive force, and thus allowing the suspension to be absorbed into the spaces. The suction action for the purpose of absorbing the suspension in the relevant spaces is then optimal, and a good saturation of the element with the suspension takes place.

In another embodiment a method according to the invention comprises of providing the treatment agent in the form of a suspension, and further arranging the treatment agent in the spaces in the element, followed by drying the element. Only dry treatment agent then remains in the element, which adheres well in the spaces of the element and is released when in a situation of use the element of the container is brought into contact with (warm) water, for instance (warm) water which is supplied by the food preparation device, such as a coffee machine.

As noted above, the suspension can take the form of a gel.

In another embodiment the method according to the invention further comprises of providing an associated basic element of the material for forming the at least one element, arranging the treatment agent, and dividing the basic element into at least two individual elements. An industrial production process is thus provided. The basic element can take various forms and, when the treatment agent is arranged in a suspension in the spaces of the element, can be sub-divided into at least two elements once the element has dried.

The sub-division of the elements from the basic element can take place with diverse operations, such as cutting, punching, breaking and so on. The elements can also be sub-divided into diverse forms from the basic element. It is thus possible for the element to have a disc-like, diamond-shaped, rectangular, square, oval, triangular, hexagonal or any other polygonal shape. It is particularly advantageous when a shape is chosen which results in the least possible cutting loss, and it is here possible to envisage rectangular, square, hexagonal or any other polygonal shape. It can however also be advantageous if the shape of the element is chosen in accordance with the intended application. In many coffee machines pads filled with ground coffee are used which usually have a round shape. A container according to the present invention then preferably has a corresponding shape with the same or roughly the same diameter, although the diameter can then still vary considerably. With such a shape the cutting loss or production loss can however be somewhat higher, although this is certainly not precluded within the scope of the present invention.

A number of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying figures, these embodiments being provided as non-limitative examples for the purpose of elucidating the present invention without representing a limitation with respect to the invention. In the various figures of the drawing the same or similar parts, aspects, components etc. are designated with the same reference numerals to the extent they fulfill the same function, wherein

• Fig. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a method according to the present invention;
• Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of a device for performing the method according to the invention;
• Fig. 3 shows a specific aspect in a device for performing the method;
• Fig. 4 shows a frontal or top view of a basic element with a number of elements therein; and
• Fig. 5 shows another basic element; and
• Fig. 6 shows a cross-section of Fig. 4.

Fig. 1 shows that a strip 1 of the material for forming at least one sheet-like element according to the present invention is carried into a container. Situated in container 2 is a suspension 3 with the treatment agent therein. Strip 1 of the material is fed between two running wheels 4, 5. The pressure exerted on strip 1 between running wheels 4, 5 and between contact points 8, 9 can be adjusted using an adjusting mechanism 6. Adjusting mechanism 6 is able to move running wheels 4, 5 closer together or further apart. Use is made for this purpose of a screw spindle 11 running through a nut 7.

As it runs through the path shown in Fig. 1, the strip 1 with material for at least one element is compressed at contact points 8, 9, after which the compressive force is released. When the compressive force is released, on the right in Fig. 1 to the side of contact point 9 the spaces in the material of strip 1 expand again and are suctioned full of or fill up with suspension 3. At the exit of container 2, i.e. at edge 12, the strip material 10 leaves container 2 and is then saturated with suspension 3.

As already stated above, the suspension comprises the treatment agent. Such treatment agent can be prepared in diverse ways.

Description of process for mixing gel for the purpose of impregnating wool felt or paper and/or other efficiently absorbing material for the professional market:

• The following raw materials must be added in the correct sequence to lukewarm (maximum 45°C) demineralized water. In order to prevent crystallization as far as possible, use must be made of the purest possible raw materials (free of iron salts).

The manufacturing process:
Materials required:

1. 1) Mixing vessel
2. 2) Heating element with thermostat
3. 3) Stirring mechanism

1. 1) Add Rhodopol T to the lukewarm demineralized water while stirring;
2. 2) Add sodium silicate to the mixture while stirring;
3. 3) Add the sodium tripolyphosphate while stirring;
4. 4) Add the sodium hydroxide while stirring;
   Note: When the liquid has cooled;
5. 5) Add the sodium dichloride while stirring.

Description of process for mixing gel for the purpose of impregnating wool felt or paper and/or other efficiently absorbing material for all sectors:

• The following raw materials must be added in the correct sequence to lukewarm (maximum 45°C) demineralized water. In order to prevent crystallization as far as possible use must be made of the purest possible raw materials (free of iron salts).

The manufacturing process:
Materials required:

1. 1) Mixing vessel
2. 2) Heating element with thermostat
3. 3) Stirring mechanism

• 1) Add Rhodopol T to the lukewarm demineralized water while stirring;
• 2) Add sodium metatrisilicate to the mixture while stirring;
• 3) Add the sodium tripolyphosphate while stirring;
  Note: When the liquid has cooled;
• 5) Add the sodium hypochlorite while stirring.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment other than in Fig. 1. A number of presses 13 is applied here, only one of which is therefore shown in Fig. 1. Presses 13 are disposed in the longitudinal direction of strip 1 of the material from which the elements for the containers must be formed. The material of strip 1 is thus compressed multiple times and released for absorbing the suspension, optionally in the form of gel, when the compressive force is released. A better saturation can thus be realized.

Fig. 3 shows a processing device. The processing device comprises a frame 14 and a conveyor belt 15, which conveyor belt 15 is endless and is moved around in the direction of arrow A by a drive (not shown). Positioned above conveyor belt 15 is a cassette 16 with a number of fans 17 at, on or close thereto. The fans provide for a drying action in respect of a strip 10 of material as can come from a container 2 as shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 strip 10 of the material for forming the elements for the container according to the invention is saturated here with suspension 3, optionally provided in the form of a gel. Fans 17 further comprise a heater (not shown) for heating the air blown by fans 17 in the direction of arrow B. The suspension 3 in strip 10 is thus dried, which strip 10 moves along under cassette 16, carried along on or over conveyor belt 15. Situated in the thus defined direction of movement of arrow C of strip 10 is a punching device 18 with a drive 19 in the form of a selectively driven cylinder. Cylinder 19 is connected to a punch block 20 which is provided on the underside with a knife 21 on the side of frame 14. The knife can take various forms in accordance with the desired eventual design of the container according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows that a narrow strip 1, 10 can be applied for the purpose of producing therefrom the largest possible number of elements 22 as embodiment of a container according to present invention. In Fig. 4 the elements 22, which are punched successively from strip 10 in the embodiment of Fig. 3, are disc-shaped or circular with a diameter corresponding to the intended application. It is appreciated that such a disc-shaped container 22 can become rigid after drying of suspension 3. It is noted in this respect that, in addition to defining the outer diameter of disc-shaped element 22, perforation lines 24 can also be defined which can be arranged in or inside the inner periphery of disc-shaped containers 22 using discontinuous punching knives. Diverse perforation lines 24 can thus be formed. Two such perforation lines 24 are provided in the embodiment of Fig. 4.

Fig. 5 differs from the embodiment of Fig. 4 in that containers 23 are here of honeycomb form. In Fig. 4 the main consideration in respect of the design of containers 22 is the eventual mode of use and the ability to fit as well as possible in a food preparation device such as a coffee machine. In Fig. 5 however, the main consideration in respect of the design of containers 23 is to limit and minimize the cutting loss which occurs when strips 1, 10 are punched, cut or otherwise sub-divided into the elements, each forming a container 23 per se.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-section along line VI-VI in Fig. 4. It is clearly apparent that fibrous material is applied in the interior of container 22. Fibrous material has an open structure, and spaces or cavities are thus defined in the interior of container 22, at least within the limitations of the thickness thereof. This in contrast to conventional pads which, with two filter elements connected to each other along edges, enclose a cavity.

After examination of the foregoing, many alternative and additional embodiments will occur to the skilled person which all lie within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims following below. It is thus possible for strips of a limited length, for instance 1 metre, to be supplied to the device as shown in Fig. 2 instead of the roll shown therein for providing the material that is immersed in suspension 3 in container 2. Other shapes and designs of the outer periphery of containers and/or elements are also possible, and an operation such as cutting or sawing can also be performed besides punching, this depending on the consistency of the finally formed pads. Described in the foregoing are specific treatment agents which are absorbed in gel form in the spaces in the thickness of the material for the element of the container. The treatment agents need not necessarily be in the form of a gel, and the described compositions do not necessarily have to be adhered to. Other treatment agents can also be applied within the scope of the present invention, also depending on the application with respect to the food preparation machine, such as a coffee-making machine. A coffee or tea-making machine requires a rather aggressive cleaning agent because the coffee and tea residues produce a limescale which is difficult to remove. It is therefore noted that the disclosed and described treatment agents are in no way limitative for the scope of the present invention.