ES1262001U - Capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages - Google Patents

Abstract

A capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages comprises a capsule body (1) having an annular side wall (2), a base (8) and a flange (12), a predefined dose of product to obtain the beverage and a lid attached to the flange (12) to close the capsule on top. The lid is suitable to be perforated by the injection of liquid under pressure. The capsule body (1) comprises at least one spacer element (14), for example in the form of rings, pins or ribs, made in one piece with the flange (12), protruding axially from the lower face (12b) of said flange (12) to create a thickness suitable for the dispensing unit to grip the capsule.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Capsules for the preparation of infused or soluble drinks

The object of the present invention is a capsule for the preparation of soluble or infused beverages. In particular, the object of the present invention is a capsule for the packaging of concentrated products (for example in the form of powder, granules, leaves) in predetermined doses and for a single use for the improvised preparation of beverages (such as tea, coffee, infusions, milk, chocolate, etc.) by introducing a fluid under pressure (usually hot water) in the same capsule.

In the field of capsules or pods for coffee or other infusions, it is known to use automatic or semi-automatic machines equipped with a dispensing unit adapted to produce an infusion by passing hot water under pressure through the capsule containing the product to be going to infuse or dissolve.

The capsule body comprises a base, a side wall, and a flange to which the cap is welded. Once the dispensing unit of the machine is opened, the capsule is inserted into a compartment and, once the dispensing unit is closed, automatically or manually, the flange is locked between a movable ring and a fixed stop.

During the closure of the dispensing unit, the lid is perforated to allow the introduction of a flow of hot water under pressure. Once the infusion of the product contained within the capsule is achieved, the infused beverage flows from the base of the capsule and is directed to the final cup or container.

In order to prevent the pressurized fluid from passing too quickly through the product to be infused and thus not spreading sufficiently inside the capsule with negative repercussions on the quality of the infused beverage, known capsules have a film layer at the base of the capsule. The increased pressure causes the film to warp, creating openings through which the beverage can flow. An embodiment of such a capsule is described in international application WO2016 / 135581, in the name of the applicant.

In light of the operation described above, it is understood that the flange plays a fundamental role in the proper functioning of the capsule, since it must resist adequately the forces generated during the perforation of the cap and during the injection of the liquid under pressure. For these reasons, said flange is made with a predefined thickness, which ensures adequate structural strength.

At the same time, as is known, there are other requirements, such as having a capsule that is impervious to oxygen and moisture, so that the product contained within can be kept in optimal storage conditions for a long time. Furthermore, this need is currently complicated by increasing attention to the environment, which requires compostable capsules to be available.

All this implies the use of particular technologies for the manufacture of the capsule body and the use of particular materials, which do not always allow the best implementation of constructive details of the capsule body such as those mentioned with reference to the flange.

The object of the present invention is to create a capsule impervious to oxygen and moisture that satisfies the above-mentioned requirements and at the same time overcomes the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art.

Such an object is achieved by a capsule made according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe other advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The characteristics and advantages of the capsule according to the invention will be apparent from the description given below by way of a non-limiting example, according to the attached figures, where:

figure 1 shows a capsule body of a capsule according to the present invention, according to a cross-sectional view, in the longitudinal direction;

Figures 2 and 3a respectively represent a capsule body and an enlargement of a flange of the capsule body, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

figure 3b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flange of a capsule according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4 and 5 respectively represent a capsule body and an enlargement of a flange of the capsule body, according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 6 and 7 respectively represent a capsule body and an enlargement of a flange of the capsule body, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 8 and 9 respectively represent a capsule body and an enlargement of a flange of the capsule body, according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 10 and 11 respectively represent a capsule body and an enlargement of a flange of the capsule body, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of the side wall and the flange of the capsule body, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Y

figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of the base of the capsule body, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule of figure 1 inserted in the dispensing unit of the beverage preparation machine;

figure 15 shows a detail of figure 14, in particular of the flange of the capsule locked between a mobile ring and a fixed stop of the machine.

With reference to the accompanying figures, a capsule body of a capsule for the preparation of soluble or infused beverages is collectively indicated at 1.

The capsule body 1 comprises an annular side wall 2, which has a central axis X. Axially, the side wall 2 extends between a lower end 4 and an upper end 6.

The capsule body 1 further comprises a base 8, extending radially into of the lower end 4 of the side wall 2 and is equipped with at least one conduit 10 through which the drink flows, and a flange 12, located at the upper end 6 of the side wall 2.

The flange 12 extends radially out of the upper end 6 of the side wall 2, substantially in an imaginary plane orthogonal to the central axis X. The flange 12 is peripherally delimited by a flange edge 13.

Said flange 12 has an upper face 12a, intended for example to be welded with a cap (not shown) of the capsule, and an opposite lower face 12b, both of which are substantially flat and in the shape of a circular crown.

The flange 12 further comprises at least one spacer element 14 projecting from the lower face 12b of the flange 12.

According to a first embodiment (Figures 2 and 3a), at least said spacer element 14 comprises a continuous outer ring 15a, protruding from the lower face 12b of the flange 12.

Preferably further, at least said spacer element 14 comprises a continuous inner ring 17a, arranged radially within the outer ring 15a.

Preferably further, at least said spacer element 14 comprises a continuous intermediate ring 19a, arranged in a radially intermediate position between the outer ring 15a and the inner ring 17a.

Preferably, furthermore, said rings 15a, 17a, 19a are arranged radially equidistant, for example at a radial distance A which is between 15% and 25% greater than the thickness H2 of the flange, preferably approximately 20%. Preferably, the radial distance A is between 0.7mm and 1.1mm. In an example embodiment, the radial distance A is 0.9mm.

According to another embodiment (Figures 4 and 5), at least said spacer element 14 comprises a discontinuous outer ring 16a, protruding from the lower face 12b of the flange 12.

In particular, said outer ring 16a is composed of a plurality of separate ring segments 16b, arranged in a circumferential succession, separated by respective free segments 16c, preferably of equal circumferential length and equally angularly spaced.

Preferably, furthermore, at least said spacer element 14 comprises a discontinuous inner ring 18a, arranged radially inside the outer ring 16a, provided, similarly to the outer ring 16a, with ring segments 18b and free segments 18c.

Preferably further, at least said spacer element 14 comprises a discontinuous intermediate ring 20a, arranged in an intermediate position between the outer ring 16a and the inner ring 18a.

Said intermediate ring 20a is composed of a plurality of separate ring segments 20b, arranged in circumferential succession, separated by respective free segments 20c, preferably of equal circumferential length and equally angularly spaced.

Each ring segment 20b of the intermediate ring 20a is arranged opposite a free segment 16c of the outer ring 16a or a free segment 18c of the inner ring 18a.

In a variant embodiment, the ring segments 16b of the outer ring 16a and the ring segments 18b of the inner ring 18a are radially aligned, as are their respective free segments 18c, 20c.

Preferably, in the latter variant, each ring segment 20b of the intermediate ring 20a is arranged opposite a free segment 16c of the outer ring 16a and a free segment 18c of the inner ring 18a.

Preferably, furthermore, said ring segments 20b of the intermediate ring 20a radially at least partially overlap with the ring segments 16b of the outer ring 16a and / or the ring segments 18b of the outer ring 18a.

According to a further embodiment (Figures 6 and 7), at least said spacer element 14 comprises a discontinuous outer ring 22a, with ring segments 22b and free segments 22c, a discontinuous inner ring 24a, with ring segments 24b and free segments 24c, and a discontinuous intermediate ring 26a, with ring segments 26b and free segments 26c.

In such an embodiment, the ring segments 26b of the intermediate ring 26a are the same length as the ring segments 22b of the outer ring 22a and the ring segments 24b of the inner ring 24a and are arranged opposite them.

As a result, the free segments 22c, 24c, 26c of the rings 22a, 24a, 26a are radially aligned and form radial channels 28 lacking a flange, which extend from the side wall 2 to the outer edge of the flange 12.

According to yet another embodiment (Figures 8 and 9), at least said spacer element 14 comprises a plurality of teeth 30, dispersed on the lower face 12b of the flange 12.

For example, said teeth 30 are in the form of small cylinders or cones or, according to another variant, in the form of small domes.

Preferably, said teeth 30 are organized along three imaginary concentric circles.

According to yet another embodiment (Figures 10 and 11), at least said spacer element 14 comprises a plurality of radial ribs 32, which protrude from the lower face 12b of the flange 12.

For example, each rib extends radially from side wall 2 to the outer edge of flange 12.

Preferably, said ribs 32 are equally angularly spaced.

According to the embodiment described above (for example, figure 3b), at least said spacer element 14 has a predefined height H1 whereby it protrudes axially from the lower face 12b of the flange 12; at the same time, said flange 12 has a predefined thickness H2 (axial distance between upper face 12a and lower face 12b). The total axial dimension of the flange with the spacer elements is thus defined as H1 + H2. Preferably, the height H1 of the spacer element 14 is between 0.2 mm and 6 mm. In an example embodiment, the height H1 is 0.4mm. Preferably, the thickness H2 of flange 12 is between 0.5mm and 0.9mm. In an example embodiment, the thickness H2 is 0.7mm. Preferably, the total axial dimension of the flange with the spacer elements is therefore between 0.7mm and 1.5mm. In an example embodiment, the overall axial dimension is 1.1mm.

Said flange 12 and at least said spacer element 14 are configured so that the height H2 of at least said spacer element is between 25% and 45% of the total dimension H1 + H2, preferably between 30% and the 40%, even more preferably about 35%.

According to a preferred embodiment (for example, figure 3b), each ring 15a-19a, 16a-20a, 22a-26a, has a cross section, in the longitudinal direction (obtained with an imaginary plane passing through the central axis X) of a substantially triangular (or trapezoidal) asymmetric shape. Preferably, the spacer element 14 is substantially trapezoidal in shape, with a larger base between 0.4mm and 0.8mm (preferably 0.6mm) and a smaller base between 0.1mm and 0.3mm. (preferably 0.2 mm).

In particular, each cross section is such that the outward-facing surface 54 is substantially orthogonal to the flange 12, for example to the outer face 12a thereof, while the inward-facing surface 56 is flared so as to be convergent towards the eyelash.

In an exemplary embodiment, surface 56 is inclined approximately 40 ° relative to underside 12b of flange 12.

The side wall 2 and the flange 12 with the spacer elements 14 are made in one piece.

For example, they are made in one piece by injection molding a single polymeric material, for example a material impermeable to oxygen and moisture.

According to another example (figure 12), the side wall 2 and the flange 12 with the spacer elements 14 are made in one piece by co-injection, so as to obtain a body impermeable to oxygen and moisture, provided of a barrier layer 50 of polymer completely embedded in an outer polymer matrix 52.

For example, the barrier layer is made of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH); for example, the outer matrix is made of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

In this exemplary embodiment, barrier layer 50 extends on side wall 2 and flange 12, but not on spacer elements 14.

Advantageously, according to this exemplary embodiment, the barrier layer is correctly positioned inside the outer matrix, since the flange is thin enough to avoid the phenomena of agitation of the barrier layer, which occur when the thickness of the matrix is excessive.

According to a further embodiment, the capsule, comprising the capsule body and the cap, is compostable, that is, it is made of various materials, but each of them is compostable.

Internally, the base 8 is provided with a plurality of ridges 40 and grooves 42, to form a support for a disk 70 that internally closes the access to said conduits 10.

Preferably, the disk 70 is glued or welded to the base 8.

The injection of the liquid under pressure causes the deformation of the disc which, due to the grooves 42, is deformed, without breaking, to detach or desolder in some parts and lift some portions, thus allowing the infused liquid to access the conduits 10 so that flow out.

Preferably, furthermore, the base 8 has a plurality of labyrinths 54, arranged upstream of the conduits 10 and below the disk, with the function of reducing the pressure of the exiting liquid and / or preventing dripping.

Depending on the embodiment, said ridges 40 and / or said labyrinths 52 are made in one piece with the base.

According to a further embodiment, said ridges and / or said labyrinths constitute a body made separately from the base and applied to it, internally.

Preferably, furthermore, the base 8, equipped with the conduits 10, is made in one piece with the side wall 2, for example by injection or co-injection molding.

According to another embodiment, the base provided with the conduits is made separately from the side wall and applied thereto, at the lower end.

In use, as shown in Fig. 14, when the dispensing unit 90 of the beverage preparation machine is opened, the capsule is inserted into a compartment 91, and when the dispensing unit is closed, automatically or manually, flange 12 remains locked between a movable ring 92 and a fixed stop 93.

The flange 12 plays a fundamental role in the proper functioning of the capsule, since it must adequately resist the forces generated during the perforation of the lid and during the injection of the liquid under pressure. For these reasons, the flange 12 comprises at least one spacer element 14, which is non-deformable and ensures adequate structural strength. The spacer element 14 is indeed provided with a certain thickness and / or geometry that makes it rigid, non-deformable, so as not to collapse or yield between the movable ring 92 and the fixed stop 93, as shown in figure 15.

In the capsule according to the present invention, in effect, of the type in which the introduction of the liquid under pressure takes place from the lid (which closes the body of the capsule 1) and the infused drink flows from the base 8 of the body 1 capsule, the sealing of the infusion chamber 91 is guaranteed by the upper face 12a of the flange 12, while the lower face 12b guarantees structural resistance. In other words, the fact that the spacer element 14 is rigid and non-deformable allows the closing conditions of the dispensing unit to remain unchanged during the piercing of the cap and the injection of the liquid under pressure. In known capsules, in fact, without a spacer element, it can happen that the flange of the capsule body is deformed causing misalignment between the movable ring and the fixed stop of the dispensing unit, compromising its correct closure.

In an innovative way, the capsule according to the present invention satisfies the needs of the sector, since it ensures a stable grip of the flange within the compartment of the dispensing unit, and at the same time overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above, because it can be optimally achieved by injection or co-injection molding technologies.

Advantageously, the capsule according to the present invention has a flanged capsule body equipped with at least one spacer element, for example in the form of rings, teeth or ribs, made in a single piece with the same flange, which protrudes axially. of the lower face of said flange, adapted to obtain a suitable thickness for the dispensing unit to grip the capsule.

Claims (15)

1. - Capsule to prepare infused or soluble beverages, comprising: - a capsule body (1) comprising: i) an annular side wall (2), having a central axis (X) extending axially between a lower end (4) and an upper end (6); ii) a base (8) located at the lower end (4) of the side wall (2), having at least one conduit (10) through which the beverage is dispensed; iii) a flange (12) arranged at the upper end (6) of the side wall (2) and projecting radially outward, provided with an upper face (12a) and a lower face (12b); - a predefined dose of product to obtain the drink, contained in the capsule body; - a cap applied to the flange (12) to close the capsule at the top, said cap being capable of being perforated for the injection of liquid under pressure; Y characterized in that the capsule body (1) comprises at least one spacer element (14), made in one piece with the flange (12), which projects axially from the lower face (12b) of said flange (12). 2. - Capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that said flange has a thickness that ensures adequate structural strength. 3. - Capsule according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the side wall (2) and the flange (12) with the spacer elements (14) are made in one piece. 4. - Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall (2) and the flange (12) are made of a single piece of polymeric material by co-injection, creating a single body equipped with a layer (50) of barrier completely embedded in an outer matrix (52). 5. - Capsule according to claim 4, characterized in that the barrier layer (50) extends on the side wall (2) and on the flange (12), but not on the spacer elements (14). 6. - Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capsule body is compostable. 7. - Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - said at least one spacer element (14) has a predefined height (H1) whereby it protrudes axially from the lower face (12b) of the flange (12), said flange (12) has a predefined thickness (H2); Y - said flange (12) and said at least one spacer element (14) are configured so that the height (H2) of said at least one spacer element (14) is between 25% and 45% of the dimension total (H1 H2), preferably between 30% and 40%, even more preferably around 35%. 8. - Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one spacer element (14) comprises a continuous outer ring (15a). 9. - Capsule according to claim 8, characterized in that said at least one spacer element (14) comprises a continuous inner ring (17a), arranged radially within the outer ring (15a), and a continuous intermediate ring (19a) , arranged in an intermediate position between the outer ring (15a) and the inner ring (17a). 10. - Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least one spacer element (14) comprises a discontinuous outer ring (16a). 11. - Capsule according to claim 10, characterized in that said at least one spacer element (14) comprises a discontinuous inner ring (18a), arranged radially within the outer ring (16a), and a discontinuous intermediate ring (20a) , arranged in an intermediate position between the outer ring (16a) and the inner ring (18a). 12. - Capsule according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that said rings (15a-19a; 16a-18a; 22a-26a) have a cross section, in the longitudinal direction, substantially triangular or trapezoidal, which is asymmetric , wherein an inward facing surface (56) is flared so as to converge toward the flange. 13. - Capsule according to claim 12, characterized in that said rings (15a-19a; 16a-18a; 22a-26a) further comprise a surface (54) facing outward and substantially orthogonal to the flange (12). 14. - Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least one spacer element (14) comprises a plurality of teeth (30), dispersed on the lower face (12b) of the flange (12 ). 15. - Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least one spacer element (14) comprises a plurality of radial ribs (32).