Cartridge for the preparation of beverages

1. A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an outer member defining a storage chamber in which is stored the one or more beverage ingredients, the outer member being sealed to a separate inner member having a discharge spout forming an outlet for outflow of beverage formed from the one or more beverage ingredients, the inner member forms a load-bearing member spanning between a closed end of the outer member and a lid sealing an open end of the outer member and effective to withstand compressive forces during formation of a beverage from the one or more beverage ingredients under internal pressurization.

2. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner member and outer member are conjoined during assembly of the cartridge.

3. A cartridge as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a filter conjoined to the inner member.

4. A cartridge as claimed in claim 3 wherein the inner member forms a load-bearing member of sufficient rigidity such that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load of greater than 130 N.

5. A cartridge as claimed in claim 4 wherein the load-bearing member is of sufficient rigidity such that the cartridge can withstand a compressive force of greater than 200 N.

6. A cartridge as claimed in claim 5 wherein the load-bearing member is of sufficient rigidity such that the load-bearing member can withstand a compressive force of greater than 130 N.

7. A cartridge as claimed in claim 6 wherein the inner member is formed from polypropylene.

8. A cartridge as claimed in claim 7 wherein the outer member and/or inner member are formed from a biodegradable polymer.

9. A cartridge as claimed in claim 8 wherein the inner member and discharge spout are formed as one piece.

10. A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising a housing having a closed first end and an open second end, the housing defining a storage chamber in which is stored the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the open second end of the housing is sealed by a lid, the cartridge further comprising a load-bearing member separate from the housing and spanning between the closed first end of the housing and the lid.

11. A cartridge as claimed in claim 10 wherein the load-bearing member comprises a discharge spout forming an outlet for outflow of beverage formed from the one or more beverage ingredients.

12. A cartridge as claimed in claim 11 wherein the load-bearing member is located at or near a center of the cartridge.

13. A cartridge as claimed in claim 12 wherein the load-bearing member is of sufficient rigidity such that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load of greater than 130 N.

14. A cartridge as claimed in claim 13 wherein the load-bearing member is of sufficient rigidity such that the cartridge can withstand a compressive force of greater than 200 N.

15. A cartridge as claimed in claim 14 wherein the load-bearing member is of sufficient rigidity such that the load-bearing member can withstand a compressive force of greater than 130 N.

16. A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an outer member defining a storage chamber in which is stored the one or more beverage ingredients, the outer member being sealed to a separate inner member having a discharge spout forming an outlet for outflow of beverage formed from the one or more beverage ingredients, the inner member forms a load-bearing member spanning between a closed end of the outer member and a lid overlying the outlet of the cartridge and sealing an open end of the outer member and effective to withstand compressive forces during formation of a beverage from the one or more beverage ingredients under internal pressurization.

17. A cartridge as claimed in claim 16 wherein the lid is sealed to the discharge spout.

18. A cartridge as claimed in claim 3 wherein the inner member spaces the filter from the outer member.

19. A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an outer member having a closed end and an open end sealed with a lid, the outer member defining a storage chamber in which is stored the one or more beverage ingredients and an inner member having a discharge spout forming an outlet for outflow of beverage formed from the one or more beverage ingredients, the inner member forms a load-bearing member spanning between the closed end of the outer member and the lid and a flow path extends between the storage chamber and the discharge spout of the inner member at a portion of the inner member opposite the outlet.

20. A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an outer member having a closed end and an open end sealed with a lid, the outer member defining a storage chamber having an inlet in which is stored the one or more beverage ingredients and an inner member having a discharge spout forming an outlet for outflow of beverage formed from the one or more beverage ingredients, the inner member forms a load-bearing member spanning between the closed end of the outer member and the lid and the inlet and the outlet of the cartridge are on the same side of the cartridge.

21. A cartridge as claimed in claim 20 wherein the outer member has an open end sealed by a lid, the lid overlying both the inlet and outlet of the cartridge.

22. A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an outer member defining a storage chamber having an inlet and in which is stored the one or more beverage ingredients and an inner member having a discharge spout forming an outlet for outflow of beverage formed from the one or more beverage ingredients, the inner member forms a load-bearing member and the inlet and the outlet of the cartridge are on the same side of the cartridge, wherein the outer member has an open end sealed by a lid, the lid overlying both the inlet and outlet of the cartridge and wherein the lid is sealed to the discharge spout.