HK1261134B - Capsule for the preparation of beverages - Google Patents

Description

Capsules for making beverages

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a type of capsule for making a beverage, which contains a powdered food substance, and the beverage can be made by passing hot water through the powdered food substance. The food substance can be soluble or of the type that can be extracted by soaking, such as roasted ground coffee.

Background Art

In particular, the present invention relates to capsules of the type described in patents EP 1 472 156, EP 1 500 358, EP 1 574 452, and EP 1 808 382. That is, when used in a suitable beverage preparation machine, the capsule is capable of dispensing a beverage directly into a cup below. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped receiving body having a bottom with a dispensing orifice. The receiving body is closed at the top by a closure element and, inside, has at least one lower filter element positioned between the powdered food substance and the bottom.

This type of capsule is typically manufactured in such a way that oxygen is prevented from reaching the powdered food material before use. This prevents spoilage. Furthermore, at the moment of use, the beverage-making machine only pierces the upper closure element to inject water into the capsule. In many prior art capsules, the beverage is prevented from flowing out due to the fact that the capsule includes an oxygen barrier made of aluminum sheet. After water is injected into the capsule, the aluminum sheet expands and tears against fixed contact elements within the capsule. Specifically, the lower filter element is virtually completely covered with pyramid-shaped spikes, which allow the aluminum sheet to tear as it expands.

Furthermore, as already mentioned, in these prior art capsules, the beverage is dispensed directly from the capsule into the cup, that is, without contact with any part of the machine. For this purpose, the injection-molded capsule housing body has a ring that extends outwards and surrounds the dispensing orifice, thus forming a short tube for guiding the beverage as it emerges, ensuring that it is correctly oriented towards the cup below.

It should be noted that the water injected into the capsule is at high pressure, which can produce an irregular beverage flow with spray after the aluminum sheet is torn. This problem is greater for capsules that are dispensed directly into a cup, because there is no dispenser outside the capsule suitable for regularizing the beverage flow.

Furthermore, at the end of beverage dispensing, there may be considerable dripping from the capsule as the powdered food substance releases the water it absorbed during the beverage making step. This is inconvenient as the drippings stain the underlying surface after removing the cup and the user must also deal with the dripping capsule.

Summary of the Invention

In this context, the main technical aim underlying the present invention is to provide a capsule for making beverages that can be used in the same type of machines using the capsules described above, but that is made in an alternative way with respect to the capsules of the prior art.

The technical aim of the present invention is also to provide a capsule wherein the beverage outflow is regular and substantially free of pressurized spray.

Another technical object of the present invention is also to provide a capsule having substantially negligible or absent dripping at the end of dispensing.

A second technical aim of the present invention is to provide a capsule using an alternative opening method with respect to beverage dispensing.

The technical aim indicated and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by a capsule for preparing beverages according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description, with reference to several preferred non-limiting embodiments of a capsule for making beverages illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- FIG1 is a side view of a capsule for preparing a beverage made according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side wall of the capsule is partially interrupted to reveal the interior of the capsule;

- FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of the capsule of FIG1 , taken along line II-II, without the powdered food substance, in order to better illustrate its internal structure;

- FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of the upper filter element of the capsule of FIG. 1 ;

- FIG4 is a perspective bottom view of the upper filter element of FIG3;

- Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the upper filter element of Figure 3;

- FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of the lower filter element of the capsule of FIG. 1 ;

- FIG. 7 is a perspective bottom view of the lower filter element of FIG. 6 ;

- Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lower filter element of Figure 6;

- FIG. 9 is a perspective top view of the dispensing element of the capsule of FIG. 1 ;

- FIG10 is a perspective bottom view of the dispensing element of FIG9;

- Figure 11 is a bottom view of the dispensing element of Figure 9;

- FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the dispensing element of FIG. 9 , taken along line XII-XII;

- FIG13 is a sectional view of the dispensing element of FIG9 taken along line XIII-XIII;

- Figure 14 is a top view of the flow restriction element of the capsule of Figure 1;

- FIG. 15 is a top view of the oxygen-impermeable barrier of the capsule of FIG. 1 ;

- FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the oxygen-impermeable barrier of FIG. 15 , taken along line XVI-XVI;

- FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the flow restriction element of FIG. 14 and a portion of the oxygen-impermeable barrier of FIG. 16 , superimposed on each other;

- FIG18 is a simplified top view of the bottom of the capsule of FIG1 , showing the flow restriction element of FIG14 and the oxygen-impermeable barrier of FIG15 stacked on top of each other;

- FIG19 is a side view of a capsule for preparing a beverage made according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side wall of the capsule is partially interrupted to reveal the interior of the capsule;

- FIG20 is a cross-sectional view of the capsule of FIG19 taken along line XX-XX and without the powdered food substance, in order to better illustrate its internal structure;

- FIG. 21 is a perspective top view of the dispensing element of the capsule of FIG. 19 ;

- FIG. 22 is a perspective bottom view of the dispensing element of FIG. 21 ;

- Figure 23 is a bottom view of the dispensing element of Figure 21;

- FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the dispensing element of FIG. 21 , taken along line XXIV-XXIV;

- Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing element of Figure 21 according to line XXV-XXV.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the above-mentioned drawings, numeral 1 generally designates a capsule made according to the present invention.

Similar to capsules of the prior art, the capsule 1 according to the present invention contains a powdered food substance 8 capable of producing a beverage by passing water, in particular pressurized hot water, through the powdered food substance 8. The powdered food substance 8 may be of a soluble type or of a type that can be extracted by soaking with more or less pressurized water, as described in more detail below. In any case, a certain degree of extraction pressure is always required.

In particular, the powdered food substance 8 is roasted ground coffee powder. The beverage obtained in this way is, for example, espresso.

It should be noted that for the sake of clarity in the drawings, the powdered food substance 8 is shown only in Figures 1 and 19 , where the body of the capsule 1 is shown with a window-like interruption to reveal the interior of the capsule, and the powdered food substance 8 is not shown in the other figures. The powdered food substance 8 is contained in the area between the lower filter element (referenced 3) and the upper filter element (referenced 4), or, if no upper filter element is present, in the area between the lower filter element 3 and the closure element 29.

Capsule 1 first comprises a container body 2, which is cup-shaped and includes a tubular sidewall 21 and a bottom 22. The container body 2 defines a container chamber 20 within itself. The tubular sidewall 21 extends between a first edge 23 and a second edge 24. The bottom 22 is connected to the first edge 23 and extends transversely (particularly perpendicularly) to the central axis 25 of the tubular sidewall 21, which also serves as the central axis of the capsule 1. The bottom 22 also has a dispensing orifice 26, particularly in its central region. A closure element 29 (such as a multilayer sheet of material capable of serving as an oxygen barrier) is secured to the second edge 24 of the tubular sidewall 21 to close the top of the container body 2 and the container chamber 20. The closure element 29 is typically secured by sealing or gluing.

In the embodiment shown, the tubular side wall 21 and the bottom 22 of the containment body 2 are preferably made in one piece using a material capable of acting as an oxygen barrier, such as a molded plastic material or a thermoformed multilayer film.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the bottom 22 of the containment body 2 includes an inner annular region 221 surrounding the dispensing orifice 26, an intermediate annular region 222 surrounding the inner annular region 221, and an outer annular region 223 surrounding the intermediate annular region 222. These three regions are arranged in a stepped manner relative to one another, with the inner annular region 221 being further away from the closure element 29 than the intermediate annular region 222, and the intermediate annular region 222 being further away from the closure element 29 than the outer annular region 223. In practice, the bottom 22 has a protruding portion extending away from the top of the capsule 1. On the inside of the capsule 1, the inner annular region 221, the intermediate annular region 222, and the outer annular region 223 each define a resting surface extending transversely relative to the central axis 25. Each resting surface is concentric relative to the central axis 25.

In particular, the containment body 2 is made of a plastic material that has provided an oxygen barrier by thermoforming, wherein the dispensing hole 26 can be made by die cutting. However, in general, the containment body 2 can be made using any material and any method, such as by injection molding.

A filter element, particularly a lower filter element, is mounted in the receiving chamber 20 and positioned between the powdered food substance 8 and the bottom 22. The lower filter element 3 is, for example, a rigid or semi-rigid plastic element provided with a plurality of through-holes 31. The figure shows an exemplary embodiment of the lower filter element 3, which is provided with radial reinforcing ribs 33 and a central projection 35 projecting toward the powdered food substance 8. In the example, the radial reinforcing ribs 33 are provided on the surface of the lower filter element 3 facing the bottom 22 and on the opposite surface facing the powdered food substance 8.

The lower filter element 3 rests on the inner surface of the outer annular area 223 and is held in place by shaped recesses 27 formed in the tubular side wall 21. The lower filter element 3 is inserted into the capsule 1, for example in a snap-in manner.

In the particular embodiment shown, the capsule 1 further comprises an upper filter element 4, which is located between the closing element 29 and the powdered food substance 8. The upper filter element 4 may also be a rigid or semi-rigid plastic element provided with a plurality of holes 41 and ribs 43. Other embodiments are possible.

The capsule 1 further comprises a distribution element 5, which is mounted in the housing chamber 20 and is located between the lower filter element 3 and the bottom 22. In particular, the distribution element 5 rests on the inner surface of the intermediate annular region 222 and the inner annular region 221. Essentially, the distribution element 5 is a flow guide that, during use, creates a tortuous path for the beverage flowing toward the dispensing orifice 26 by preventing the beverage from directly reaching the dispensing orifice 26. The distribution element 5 is, for example, made of a molded plastic material and is connected to the bottom 22 of the capsule 1.

A first embodiment of the distribution element 5 is shown in detail in FIGS. 9 to 13 , while a second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 21 to 25 .

In particular, the distribution element 5 has a first surface 51 facing the lower filter element 3, that is to say facing the top of the capsule 1, and a second surface 52 facing the bottom 22. The distribution element 5 also has a peripheral surface 53 or annular surface connecting the first surface 51 and the second surface 52 to each other.

On the first surface 51, the dispensing element 5 has a cavity or recess 551 in a central region (in fact, on the central axis 25 of the capsule 1), and one or more cavities or recesses 552 in an annular region, as well as a plurality of channels 553 that connect these cavities or recesses 551, 552 to each other and to the peripheral surface 53. In practice, the central cavity or recess 551 is a well that collects the beverage to be dispensed, while the annular cavities or recesses 552 (two of them in the embodiment of Figures 9 to 13) are concentric grooves that receive the beverage from the central cavity 551 or from the preceding annular cavity 552. The beverage is transferred from one cavity to the other by traveling along the channels 553, which extend, in particular, substantially radially. It should be noted that the central cavity 551 is deeper and has a larger capacity than the annular cavities 552.

On the second surface 52, the dispensing element 5 has, in an annular region, one or more chambers or recesses 562 and a plurality of channels 563 which connect said one or more chambers or recesses 562 to the peripheral surface 53 and to the dispensing orifice 26. In practice, the annular chambers or recesses 562 (only one of which in the embodiment of Figures 9 to 13) are concentric grooves which receive the beverage from the peripheral surface 53 or from the preceding annular chamber 562. The beverage is transferred from one chamber to the other by following the channels 563 which extend, in particular, substantially radially, until they reach the central region of the second surface 52, where the dispensing orifice 26 is located.

In order to more easily guide the beverage towards the outlet of the capsule 1, the dispensing element 5 comprises a guide protrusion 58 on the second surface 52, in particular in the centre of the second surface 52. The guide protrusion 58 is housed in a central position of the dispensing orifice 26 and is in practice a stud or the like that projects downwards from the second surface 52 and extends in the dispensing orifice 26 in such a way as to deflect and guide the beverage out.

In particular, the distribution element 5 has a channel 573 on the peripheral surface 53 , which connects the first surface 51 and the second surface 52 to each other.

As shown, the dispensing element 5 is completely housed in the protruding portion of the bottom 22 of the containing body 2. The first surface 51 of the dispensing element 5 is substantially flush with the outer annular area 223, while the second surface 52 of the dispensing element 5 rests on the middle annular area 222 and the inner annular area 221.

In order to reach the dispensing orifice 26 , the beverage located in the central chamber or recess 551 must follow a tortuous path passing through the annular chambers 552 , 562 and the channels 553 , 563 , 573 .

It should be noted that there are a number of channels 553, 563, 573 distributed along the entire periphery of the partition wall separating the chambers 551, 552, 562 from one another, which have a small channel cross section and are not very deep compared to the depth of the chambers 551, 552, 562 (which are connected to one another). This helps to increase the tortuosity of the path for the beverage.

Due to the tortuous path, the dispensing element 5 inhibits and slows down the flow of the beverage. This helps to achieve regular dispensing from the dispensing orifice 26 without spraying.

The tortuous path for the beverage comprises the first surface 51 , the peripheral surface 53 and the second surface 52 of the dispensing element 5 .

It should be noted that the dispensing element 5 itself may, if desired, be protected by patent (eg in a divisional patent application) independently of the other features of the capsule 1 .

Capsule 1 further comprises an oxygen-impermeable barrier 6 mounted within containment chamber 20 and positioned between lower filter element 3 and dispensing element 5. The oxygen-impermeable barrier is a sheet of flexible material secured to containment body 2 in an oxygen-tight manner and adapted to be torn during use, thereby allowing the beverage to pass therethrough. Prior to use of capsule 1, the portion of containment chamber 20 containing powdered food substance 8 is sealed in an oxygen-tight manner. During use of capsule 1, closure element 29 and the sheet of flexible material are torn, respectively allowing the ingress of water and egress of beverage.

For this purpose, the sheet of flexible material has at least one intended tearing zone 60 in which the sheet of flexible material is intended to be torn in use. In the particular embodiment shown, the sheet of flexible material has a single intended tearing zone 60, particularly located in the central area of the sheet 6. In practice, the single intended tearing zone 60 is located on the central axis 25 of the capsule 1.

In the configuration shown, the sheet of flexible material rests on the dispensing element 5 and is in contact with the first surface 51 of the dispensing element 5. The central cavity 551 of the dispensing element 5 faces the sheet of flexible material and surrounds the intended tear zone 60, so that the dispensing element 5 is adapted to receive the flow of beverage directly in the central cavity or recess 551.

In the embodiment shown, the sheet of flexible material comprises at least one first layer 61 and a second layer 62, connected to each other, the first layer 61 consisting of a film made of a plastic material (preferably polyethylene or polyester), and the second layer 62 consisting of an aluminum film. The first layer 61 is interposed between the lower filter element 3 and the second layer 62, which in turn is interposed between the first layer 61 and the distribution element 5.

In the expected tearing zone 60, the first layer 61 has a cut 615 or a through opening and is locally separated from the second layer 62 to allow, after an increase in pressure on the side of the first layer 61 facing the lower filter element 3, the second layer 62 to expand locally toward the bottom 22 in the expected tearing zone 60 until it bursts.

In other words, during use of the capsule 1 , the pressurized beverage passes through the cutout 615 in the first layer of plastic material and acts directly on the second layer 62 of the aluminium film in an area separated from the first layer 61 , causing the second layer 62 to expand until it yields and tears, thereby opening a passage for the beverage towards the dispensing orifice 26.

In particular, the tear zone 60 is intended to be located above the central chamber 551 of the distribution element 5, and thus the central chamber 551 itself provides expansion space for the expansion of the second layer 2. It should be noted that the rupture of the flexible material sheet is caused by exceeding the breaking strength of the second layer 62 (due to the pressure difference between its two surfaces). This is not due to interpenetration of the tear in the sheet 6 and the distribution element 5. In fact, the tear in the flexible material sheet affects an area of much smaller size than the central chamber 551 and is therefore completely surrounded by the same central chamber 551.

In the embodiment shown, the cutout 615 is in the shape of a cross and the separated area is in the shape of a circle. Obviously, other shapes are possible.

The sheet of flexible material may also include an adhesive layer 63 positioned between the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 to ensure their mutual adhesion. Adhesive layer 63 is interrupted at the intended tear zone 60. The sheet of flexible material may also include a lacquer layer 64 applied to the second layer 62 on its surface opposite the surface facing the first layer 61, and, if necessary, a woven plastic fiber layer 65 associated with the second layer 62 on the same side as the lacquer layer 64, so that the second layer 62 is held between the first layer 61 and the woven plastic fiber layer 65. The woven plastic fiber layer 65 is preferably composed of woven or non-woven polyester.

In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of each layer is as follows:

- First layer 61 (polyethylene film): 10μm±4μm;

- Adhesive layer 63: 4 μm ± 2 μm;

- Second layer 62 (aluminum film): 7μm±3μm;

- Paint layer 64: 4μm±2μm;

- Woven or non-woven polyester layer 65: 11 μm ± 3 μm.

For example, the thickness of the aluminum layer (second layer 62) is selected so that the second layer 62 tears autonomously when the pressure difference between the two surfaces of the flexible material sheet is equal to at least 2 bar, at least in the expected tearing zone 60. Depending on specific technical requirements, the aluminum layer 62 can obviously be selected to have a thickness such that it tears due to a pressure of less than 2 bar.

The thicknesses indicated above for the various layers are provided as examples and may be modified according to specific technical requirements. In particular, the thicknesses may be within a wider range than the ranges indicated above. For example, the thickness of the second layer 62 of aluminum may be between 6 μm and 30 μm.

Cut 615 can be made using a laser beam, and in particular can be made after first layer 61 and second layer 62 are already connected. In fact, using a laser beam of suitable intensity, polyethylene can be cut, whereas aluminum cannot be cut, as aluminum simply reflects the laser beam. For example, the length of cut 615 is approximately several millimeters, preferably between 1 and 10 mm, while the width of cut 615 is approximately 0.5 to 1 mm, and if necessary, approximately 0.5 to 2 mm.

In an alternative embodiment of the sheet of flexible material, the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are glued to each other even in the intended tearing zone 60, that is, they are not locally separated in this zone. The cutout 615 that is also present in this alternative embodiment constitutes a local weakening of the sheet of flexible material and allows the pressurized beverage to act directly on the second layer 62 of the aluminum film, thereby breaking it at the cutout 615.

The capsule 1 further comprises a flow-throttling element 7 mounted in the receiving chamber 20 at a position interposed between the lower filter element 3 and the dispensing element 5. The flow-throttling element 7 extends transversely to the central axis 25 of the tubular side wall and blocks the passage cross section of the beverage in the receiving chamber 20. In practice, the flow-throttling element 7 is a disc positioned perpendicular to the central axis 25 and extending across the entire cross section of the receiving chamber 20.

The flow-throttling element 7 has at least one through-opening 71 through which, in use, the beverage flows towards the dispensing element 5. In other words, the flow-throttling element 7 forces the beverage to flow through the at least one through-opening 71 having a passage cross section that is much smaller than the passage cross section of the tubular side wall 21.

Specifically, the flow throttling element 7 is a membrane or a thin plate, for example, having a thickness between 0.03 mm and 3 mm. In particular, the membrane or thin plate is made of a plastic material and can be a single-layer material (such as polyethylene, a polyethylene compound, or another material that can be sealed to the material of the housing body 2), a multi-layer material (for example, having a sealable layer, a middle layer made of any plastic material or aluminum, and a polyester outer layer), or a polyester+polyester+polypropylene multi-layer material.

In particular, the flow throttling element 7 is therefore a flexible sheet made of plastic material.

The at least one through-opening 71 is a hole or cut made in the membrane or sheet, in particular using a piercing needle which makes a hole in the membrane without removing material. Other methods of making holes, such as die cutting, are obviously possible.

In the embodiment shown, the through opening 71 is a hole with a diameter between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, in particular a diameter of 1.2 mm. If necessary, in certain embodiments, the diameter of the hole 71 can be greater than 3 mm.

Preferably, the through-opening 71 is a permanently open hole. That is, when the flow-throttling element 7 is not mechanically stressed, the material of the flow-throttling element 7 does not exhibit any elastic recovery capable of closing the hole 71. Furthermore, preferably, the hole 71 has the same dimensions before dispensing (that is, before the capsule is used) and after dispensing (that is, after the capsule is used). In other words, the material of the flow-throttling element 7 does not undergo plastic deformation during use of the capsule 1.

In particular, the flow-throttling element 7 has a single through-opening 71 which is located in particular in a central region of the flow-throttling element 7. In practice, the single through-opening 71 is located on the central axis 25 of the capsule 1 .

In alternative embodiments, there may be two or more through-openings 71, but their number is limited. For example, there may be a maximum of ten or twelve through-openings 71. Preferably, the total channel cross-section of the through-openings 71 is less than or equal to 0.5% of the corresponding channel cross-section of the accommodating chamber 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the membrane forming the flow-throttling element 7 and the flexible material sheet that is impermeable to oxygen are stacked one on top of the other. Specifically, the at least one through-opening 71 of the flow-throttling element 7 is located at the at least one intended tear zone 60 of the flexible material sheet. In other possible embodiments, the positions of the through-opening 71 and the intended tear zone 60 do not correspond to each other.

The flexible sheet of material and the flow-throttling element 7 each have respective peripheral regions 68, 78 secured to the containment body 2. As shown in FIG18 , the flexible sheet of material and the flow-throttling element 7 have circular shapes in plan view, but have different diameters. The respective peripheral regions 68, 78 are secured to the base 22 (particularly to the outer annular region 223), for example, by sealing or gluing. In other words, the two sheets 6, 7 are not secured to each other; rather, they are both secured to the base of the capsule 1. Furthermore, since the lower filter element 3 rests on the inner surface of the outer annular region 223, the flexible sheet of material and the flow-throttling element 7 are enclosed between the lower filter element 3 and the base 22 on one side and between the lower filter element 3 and the dispensing element 5 on the other side.

In a particular embodiment, the flow-restricting element 7 is placed between the lower filter element 3 and the oxygen-impermeable barrier 6, which in turn is placed between the flow-restricting element 7 and the bottom 22. In other words, the flow-restricting element 7 faces the powdered food substance 8, and the oxygen-impermeable barrier 6 faces the dispensing outlet.

This configuration is useful because it prevents the flow restriction element 7 from interfering with the expansion of the intended tear zone 60 prior to the rupture of the oxygen-impermeable barrier 6 .

An inverted configuration, in which the oxygen-impermeable barrier 6 is placed between the lower filter element 3 and the flow restriction element 7 , is still possible, although it is less advantageous.

In the embodiment described, in which there is only one through-opening 71 and a single intended tearing zone 60 , their positions correspond to one another and they are on the central axis 25 and at the central chamber 551 of the dispensing element 5 .

It should be noted that in the embodiment shown, the lower filter element 3, the flow throttling element 7, the oxygen-impermeable barrier 6 and the distribution element 5 are separate elements from one another, that is, they are separate components from one another and, if necessary, they can be made of different materials and have different shapes that are more suitable for their specific purposes.

However, in alternative embodiments, the flow-throttling element 7 and the oxygen-impermeable barrier 6 can be combined into a single component. In other words, a multilayer element can be provided, comprising a first layer, which is a membrane or sheet (e.g., a flexible sheet made of the material indicated above for the flow-throttling element 7) having at least one through-opening 71, connected to a sheet of flexible material for the oxygen-impermeable barrier as described above. The multilayer element thus obtained (formed by the membrane or sheet having the through-opening 71 and the sheet of flexible material connected to each other) is fixed to the container body 2 of the capsule 1, particularly on the inner side of the outer annular region 223 of the bottom 22. In this multilayer element, the through-opening 71 is preferably located at the intended tear zone 60.

19 to 25 relate to a second embodiment of the capsule 1 , which differs from the first embodiment described above primarily by the dispensing element 5 and therefore by its seating in the bottom 22 .

In particular, in the capsule of FIG. 19 , the dispensing element 5 and its seat have a diameter that is greater than the corresponding diameter of the capsule shown in FIG. 1 .

21 to 25 , the dispensing element 5 has four chambers or recesses 552 in the concentric annular area of the first surface 51 and three chambers or recesses 562 in the concentric annular area of the second surface 52. This allows an increased tortuosity of the flow path for the outflow of the beverage compared to the dispensing element 5 of the first embodiment.

The operation of the capsule 1 according to the present invention will now be briefly described.

When the capsule 1 is inserted into a beverage making machine (e.g. a coffee machine), a suitable piercing element belonging to the beverage making machine pierces the closing element 29 and injects pressurized hot water into the receiving chamber 20 through the closing element 29 itself. After passing through the upper filter element 4 (if present, which also serves to distribute the input water), the water then reaches the powdered food substance 8 and wets it, thereby starting the beverage making process, that is to say dissolving the powdered food substance 8 if it is soluble or extracting the aroma substances if it is insoluble.

The prepared beverage reaches the lower filter element 3 and passes through the lower filter element 3 to the flow restriction element 7, whose function is to retain the powdered food substance 8 and prevent it from flowing out. Through the at least one through-opening 71, the beverage reaches the still intact flexible material sheet and is blocked by the flexible material sheet. As the pressure inside the capsule 1 increases, the beverage passes through the at least one cutout 615 of the first layer 61 of the flexible material sheet and reaches the second layer 62 at the at least one intended tearing area 60.

The pressure difference gradually generated between the surface of the flexible material sheet facing the powdered food substance 8 and the opposite surface causes the second layer 62 to expand locally towards the bottom 22, in particular in the central cavity 551 of the dispensing element 5, until the second layer 62 tears at the intended tearing area 60.

Depending on the pressure differential and the specific mechanical properties of the flexible material sheet, the actual tear induced in the second layer 62 may have dimensions that are much smaller than the dimensions of the area where the first and second layers 61, 62 are separated from each other in the intended tear zone 60. For example, the tear may have dimensions comparable to or even smaller than the dimensions of the cut 615.

It should be noted that the different mechanical properties of the materials comprising the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 mean that while the second layer 62 tears following an increase in pressure, the first layer 61 may remain substantially undamaged.

The beverage is now free to continue on its path and falls into the central chamber 551 of the dispensing element 5 from which it reaches the dispensing orifice 26 by following a tortuous path on the first surface 51 , on the peripheral surface 53 and on the second surface 52 .

After the sheet of flexible material has been torn and as the beverage emerges from the capsule 1, the flow-throttling element 7 creates a resistance to the flow of beverage between the area where the powdered food substance 8 is located and the dispensing element 5, due to the passage cross section restricted to the at least one opening 71. In practice, the flow-throttling element 7 applies a pressure drop across it.

Thus, the flow throttling element 7 has a flow regulator function, enabling the flow of beverage in the capsule 1 to be slowed down and regularized.

The flow restriction element 7 may be used to maintain some counter pressure upstream thereof, that is to say in the infusion zone where the powdered food substance 8 is located, even after the sheet of flexible material has been broken. This aspect may allow for improved beverage extraction.

In the case of capsules 1 for coffee, some tests have clearly demonstrated that, at the end of dispensing, the "clump" of coffee powder remaining in the housing chamber 20 is more compact and firm than the "clump" of a capsule of the prior art using the same coffee powder. This can be considered an indication of the improved extraction achievable with the capsule 1 according to the invention.

Furthermore, at the end of dispensing, the flow throttling element 7 helps to prevent or at least slow down the dripping of residual water which tends to fall from the powdered food substance towards the bottom of the capsule 1. In fact, this is all the more true in the absence of a significant pressure difference, which is a considerable obstacle in the path of the residual water which can only pass through the small hole 71.

The present invention brings important advantages.

Thanks to the present invention, not only is it possible to provide an alternative capsule to the prior art capsules, which can be used in the same machines in which the above-mentioned prior art capsules are currently used, but also improved results can be achieved as described above.

Furthermore, the use of the above-mentioned specific flexible material sheet as an oxygen-impermeable barrier makes it possible to provide a system for opening capsules which is not only an alternative to the systems of the prior art, but is also capable of being opened using a greater pressure than that used to open capsules of the prior art, as well as reducing the risk of undesirable release of aluminium fragments into the beverage due to the absence of a mechanical piercing element to interact with the aluminium sheet.

Finally, it should be noted that the present invention is relatively easy to produce and that even the costs associated with implementing the invention are not very high.

The invention described above can be modified and adapted in various ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

All the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements, and the materials used as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components may vary according to requirements.

Claims (17)

1. A capsule (1) for making a beverage, comprising a powdered food substance (8) capable of making a beverage by passing water through the powdered food substance (8), said capsule (1) comprising: The cup-shaped receiving body (2) further includes a tubular sidewall (21) extending between a first edge (23) and a second edge (24), and a bottom (22) connected to the first edge (23) and extending transversely to the central axis (25) of the tubular sidewall (21), the bottom (22) including a dispensing hole (26), and the receiving body (2) defining a receiving chamber (20) therein; The closing element (29) is fixed to the second edge (24) to close the top of the receiving body (2); A filter element is installed in the receiving chamber (20) and located between the powdered food substance (8) and the bottom (22); A dispensing element (5) is installed in the receiving chamber (20) and located between the filter element and the bottom (22). The dispensing element (5) is used to form a tortuous path for the beverage flowing to the dispensing hole (26) during use. An oxygen-impermeable barrier (6) is installed in the containment chamber (20) and placed between the filter element and the distribution element (5). The oxygen-impermeable barrier (6) is a flexible material sheet that is fixed to the containment body (2) in an oxygen-sealed manner and is designed to be torn during use so that beverages can pass through it. A flow throttling element (7) is installed in the receiving chamber (20) at a position between the filter element and the dispensing element (5) and extends transversely to the central axis (25) of the tubular sidewall (21). The flow throttling element (7) blocks the cross-section of the beverage passage in the receiving chamber (20) and has at least one through opening (71) through which the beverage flows to the dispensing element (5) in use. 2. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flow throttling element (7) is placed between the filter element and the oxygen-impermeable barrier (6). 3. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flow throttling element (7) is a diaphragm or sheet made of a plastic material, and wherein the at least one through opening (71) is a hole or cut made in the diaphragm or sheet. 4. The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one through opening (71) of the flow throttling element (7) is a permanent opening. 5. The capsule (1) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one through opening (71) of the flow throttling element (7) has a diameter between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. 6. The capsule (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one through opening (71) of the flow throttling element (7) has a diameter of 1.2 mm. 7. The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow throttling element (7) has a single through opening (71), the through opening (71) being particularly in the central region of the flow throttling element (7). 8. The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow throttling element (7) is a diaphragm or sheet made of plastic material, wherein the diaphragm or sheet and a flexible material sheet of an oxygen-impermeable barrier (6) are stacked on top of each other, and each of them has a peripheral region (78, 68) fixed to the receiving body (2). 9. The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow throttling element (7) is a diaphragm or sheet made of plastic material, wherein the diaphragm or sheet and a flexible material sheet of an oxygen-impermeable barrier (6) are connected to each other to form a multilayer element fixed to the receiving body (2). 10. The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible material sheet of the oxygen-impermeable barrier (6) has at least one intended tear zone (60) for being torn in the intended tear zone during use. 11. The capsule (1) according to claim 10, wherein at least one through opening (71) of the flow throttling element (7) is located at at least one intended tear zone (60) of the flexible material sheet of the oxygen-impermeable barrier (6). 12. The capsule (1) according to claim 10, wherein the flexible material sheet of the oxygen-impermeable barrier (6) comprises at least a first layer (61) and a second layer (62) connected to each other, the first layer (61) being a membrane made of plastic material, the second layer (62) being an aluminum membrane, the first layer (61) being disposed between the filter element and the second layer (62). In at least one intended tear zone (60), the first layer (61) has a cut or through opening (615), and after pressure increases on the side of the first layer (61) facing the filter element, the second layer (62) is able to expand locally toward the bottom (22) in at least one intended tear zone (60) until it bursts, and in particular the first layer (61) and the second layer (62) are partially separated to allow the second layer (62) to expand locally. 13. The capsule (1) according to claim 10, wherein a flexible material sheet of the oxygen-impermeable barrier (6) rests on the dispensing element (5), and wherein the dispensing element (5) has a chamber or recess (551) on the side facing the oxygen-impermeable barrier (6), the chamber or recess (551) surrounding at least one intended tear zone (60), such that the dispensing element (5) is used to receive a flow of beverage in the chamber or recess (551). 14. The capsule (1) according to claim 10, wherein the flexible material sheet of the oxygen-impermeable barrier (6) has a single intended tear zone (60). 15. The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dispensing element (5) has a first surface (51) facing the filter element, a second surface (52) facing the bottom (22) of the receiving body (2), and a peripheral surface (53) connecting the first surface (51) and the second surface (52) to each other. The dispensing element (5) has a cavity or recess (551) in the central region and one or more cavities or recesses (552) in the annular region on the first surface (51), and a plurality of channels (553) that allow the cavities or recesses (551, 552) to communicate with each other and allow the cavities or recesses (551, 552) to communicate with the peripheral surface (53). The dispensing element (5) has one or more chambers or recesses (562) in an annular region on the second surface (52) and a plurality of channels (563) communicating the one or more chambers or recesses (562) with the peripheral surface (53) and with the dispensing hole (26). The tortuous path of the beverage includes the first surface (51), the peripheral surface (53), and the second surface (52) of the dispensing element (5). 16. The capsule (1) according to claim 15, wherein the dispensing element (5) has a channel (573) on its peripheral surface (53) that communicates the first surface (51) and the second surface (52) with each other. 17. The capsule (1) according to claim 15, wherein the dispensing element (5) includes a guide protrusion (58) on the second surface (52) located at the center of the dispensing hole (26).