Patent ID: 12208957

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings, and in particularFIGS.1aand1b, a capsule for the preparation of infusion or instant beverages, denoted by reference sign1, is shown.

The capsule1comprises a body or cup2adapted to define an internal volume V for containing at least one substance to be infused or dissolved, typically in powder or granular form.

The cup2is provided, on one side, with a bottom3and, on the opposite side, with an inlet opening21defined by an edge4protruding outwards.

The capsule1comprises a lid6fixed, by gluing or welding, to the edge4in order to seal the cup2at the top.

The cup2is provided, at the bottom3, with an outlet opening31, defined by a nozzle32, which allows the infused beverage to escape.

The cup2is provided internally, at the bottom3, with a base33provided with a plurality of reliefs310,320,330,340,350,360, vertically protruding from said base33.

The upper surface of the reliefs310,320,330,340,350,360is substantially flat and free from cutting or puncturing or tearing elements. In addition, the reliefs310,320,330,340,350,360have smooth and rounded edges.

Preferably, the reliefs310,320,330,340,350,360all have substantially the same vertical extent.

On the upper surface of at least some of the reliefs310,320,330,340,360, a sealing disc5is fixed by gluing or welding.

As shown for example inFIG.2, the base33comprises a central portion310, defined by a first relief, covering the outlet opening31of the nozzle32. The central portion310is provided with at least one opening311connecting the inside of the cup2to the outlet opening31to allow the infused beverage to flow out of the capsule1. Preferably, the central portion310comprises a number of connection openings311.

The base33comprises a labyrinth30defined by at least one additional relief320,330,340. The labyrinth is substantially circular in shape and arranged concentrically with respect to the nozzle32(and the central portion310).

Each relief320,330,340of the labyrinth30is provided with a plurality of preferably diagonal grooves, provided on the upper surface of each relief of the labyrinth, adapted to allow the infused beverage to flow out of the capsule1.

In the example shown inFIGS.1and2, the labyrinth30is defined by a first labyrinth portion320, a second labyrinth portion330and a third labyrinth portion340arranged concentrically with respect to the nozzle32.

In an example (not shown), the labyrinth30is formed by a single, annular relief provided with radial grooves in a zigzag pattern.

Advantageously, when a sealing disc5is fixed to the upper surface of the labyrinth30, the plurality of grooves of the labyrinth provide an anti-drip function, utilizing the principle of capillary action.

The base33comprises an external edge360, defined by an additional relief, on which a sealing disc5is fixed by gluing or welding.

In one exemplary embodiment, shown inFIG.2, the base33comprises a collection compartment352for the outflow of the infused beverage outside the capsule1. The collection compartment352, defined between the labyrinth30and the edge360, is an annular groove lowered with respect to the labyrinth30and the edge360.

In a different exemplary embodiment, shown inFIGS.3and4, the base33also comprises a plurality of sectors350, defined by further reliefs, arranged between the labyrinth30and the edge360, inside the collection compartment352.

In the example ofFIG.3, the sectors350are arranged circumferentially with respect to the nozzle32.

In the example ofFIG.4, the sectors350are arranged radially with respect to the nozzle32.

The sectors350are advantageously smooth and free of cutting or puncturing or tearing elements.

In one exemplary embodiment, the sealing disc5is supported on the upper surface of the sectors350.

In one exemplary embodiment, the sectors350are provided with a substantially flat upper surface.

In one variant, the sectors350have substantially the same vertical extent as the other reliefs310,320,330,340that form the base33. In a different variant, the sectors350have a shorter vertical extent, that is to say they are lowered as compared to the other reliefs310,320,330,340that form the base33.

The sectors350define a plurality of compartments351, or compartments or spaces, which allow the infused beverage to flow out of the capsule1. In particular, a compartment351is defined between a pair of adjacent sectors350. The presence of the sector350allows the disc5to be supported in such a way as to ensure an adequate width of the passage for the correct and easy outflow of the infused beverage.

Advantageously, since the disc rests only on the upper surface of the sectors350, without being welded or glued thereto, it may slide freely during the axial displacement generated by the pushing means actuated by a pressure force outside the capsule.

Capsule1comprises a sealing disc5, fixed inside the cup2at the bottom3, adapted to seal the cup2at the bottom. The disc5is positioned between the internal volume V and the reliefs310,320,330,340,350,360.

The capsule1is therefore provided with a sealed chamber12, which is defined at the top by the lid6and at the bottom by the disc5, and inside which the substance to be infused or dissolved is contained.

The presence of a hermetically sealed chamber12is important for the good maintenance and preservation of the substance: the hermetically sealed chamber12allows the organoleptic properties of the substance to be infused or dissolved to be maintained over time, and ensures an optimal quality of the infused beverage. An essential element for obtaining a hermetically sealed chamber12is the correct gas tightness of the fixing system of the sealing disc5inside the capsule1.

Preferably, the sealing disc5is formed by a single disc portion, that is to say it is a single piece.

The disc5is fixed at the base33of the cup2, in particular at the outer edge360, in a yielding, that is to say peelable, manner such that it is detached from the outer edge360when pushed (lifted) by pushing means actuated by a force external to capsule1.

The yielding or peelable fixing is achieved, for example, by the use of a heat-sealing lacquer with a low level of adhesion, or by an adhesive with a low level of adhesion, or by a weakened weld referred to as being peelable.

Preferably, the weld is of the peelable weld type and ensures a lower release force than a traditional weld.

In one exemplary embodiment, the peelable weld is obtained by introducing a percentage of different material, referred to as a contaminant (or even pollutant), into the material making up the lower layer of the disc5(material corresponding to that of the base33on which the disc5is to be fixed) in order to obtain a weakening of the weld.

For example, the capsule is made of polypropylene (PP) and the bottom layer of the disc5is a polypropylene compound with polyethylene as the pollutant (PP/PE compound). The polyethylene (PE) in the layer of the disc5that is to be in contact with the bottom of the capsule is used to make the disc5incompatible with the capsule, which is made of polypropylene. The polyethylene (PE) introduced into the disc5aims to create a discontinuity of interaction during the welding phase, which results in a lower sealing force of the weld itself, exploiting the concept of incompatibility between polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

In a preferred example, the bottom layer of the disc is a polypropylene compound with polyethylene as a pollutant (or other component that is not very compatible with polypropylene) present in a percentage between 3% and 25%, preferably between 8% and 20%, even more preferably between 10% and 15%.

In a different exemplary embodiment, the peelable weld is obtained by using, as the material making up the bottom layer of disc5, a material different from the one used for the base33on which the disc5is to be fixed.

In the capsule1, the disc5is permanently fixed on the labyrinth30, or at least on the outermost relief340that forms the labyrinth30. This permanent weld prevents the sealing disc5from detaching or separating from the labyrinth, which would compromise the anti-drip function.

The disc5is preferably permanently glued or welded also to the central portion310.

In the exemplary embodiment with sectors350(FIGS.3and4), the disc5is only resting, without being fixed (either in peelable fashion or permanently), above the sectors350.

The capsule1for the preparation of infusion or instant beverages, also comprises means for pushing the sealing disc5, operated before the injection of the fluid under pressure into the capsule. The pushing means are adapted to push the disc5until the peelable weld yields so as to cause the disc5to detach from the base33and allow the opening of a passage P for the outlet of the infused liquid.

The pushing means are formed at the bottom3of the capsule.

The means for pushing the disc comprise a peripheral edge81, connected by means of a first folding line84to an intermediate portion82, which is connected in turn by means of a second folding line85to a central portion83. The intermediate portion82is therefore placed between the peripheral edge81and the central portion83.

It should be noted that at least the central portion is collapsible towards the inside of the cup2by rotating around said second folding line85under the action of a pressure force exerted from outside the capsule on said central portion83and/or on said intermediate portion82.

Preferably, the intermediate portion82is also collapsible towards the inside of the cup2by rotating around the first folding line84and the second folding line85, respectively, under the action of the pressure force exerted from outside on the central portion83and/or the intermediate portion82.

It should be noted that:the peripheral edge81corresponds, at least partially, to the outer edge360of the inner base33;the central portion83corresponds, at least partially, to the labyrinth30and the central portion310of the inner base33;the intermediate portion82corresponds, at least partially, to the compartment351,352of the base33.

Preferably, the central portion83is of circular shape, coaxial with the longitudinal axis of symmetry X of the cup2. In addition, the pressure force is exerted from outside the capsule1at least on the central portion83in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry X.

Therefore, starting from the closed operating position of the capsule1(shown in particular inFIGS.1a,2a,3aand4a), by applying a pressure force to the central portion83and/or the intermediate portion82, at least the central portion83(preferably also the intermediate portion82) is made to collapse within the volume of the cup2. The collapse of the central portion83results in an axial shift (towards the inside of the cup2) of the labyrinth30, to which the disc5is permanently fixed. This upward thrust results in a lifting of the disc5, which lifting causes the peelable weld (at the outer edge360) to yield and causes a passage P for the outlet of the infused liquid to be opened, consequently bringing the capsule1into its dispensing operating position, as shown inFIGS.1b,2b,3band4b.

Preferably, the pushing means are snap-action means, that is to say the capsule1is bistable, i.e. it maintains the closed operating position until the pushing means are activated, and, once open, it maintains the dispensing operating position.

Preferably, the folding lines84,85are formed as narrowed material lines, or as thinned wall portions or grooves in the wall. In addition, the intermediate portion82is rigid to allow the snap-action opening.

Preferably, the central portion83is provided externally with at least one abutment88adapted to strike against a portion of the beverage extraction machine, for example against a wall of the infusion chamber into which capsule1is inserted.

The abutment88may be made in the form of one or more flaps or a circular collar (as shown inFIGS.2,3and4).

Preferably, the disc5is a plastic film, which does not break or tear due to increased pressure inside the capsule1.

In use, the capsule1is placed in a special seat, generally in the infusion chamber, provided in the extraction machine. When inserting the capsule1, the abutment88protruding from the central portion83strikes against the wall of the infusion chamber. When the infusion chamber is closed, the capsule is pushed further against the walls of the infusion chamber, generating a pressure force against the abutment88, which activates the pushing means.

Alternatively, the capsule1may be opened manually by the user prior to its insertion into the extraction machine by applying pressure to the bottom of the cup2, at the central portion83and/or the intermediate portion82, which pressure activates the pushing means.

The pushing means, activated by the pressure from outside the capsule, push the sealing disc5upwards until it detaches (without breakage or tearing) from the edge360to which it is fixed in peelable fashion, thus moving the capsule from the closed operating position (as inFIG.2a) to the dispensing operating position (as inFIG.2b), in which the internal volume of the containment body3is in communication with the outside of the capsule1.

A capsule according to the present invention is usable for the packaging of concentrated products (in the form of powder or granules or leaves) in predetermined and single-use doses, for the extemporaneous preparation of beverages such as leaf or instant tea, powdered or instant coffee, herbal teas, milk, chocolate, or other dehydrated and soluble products.

The capsule1, in its different variants, may be used for the extemporaneous preparation of beverages (such as tea, coffee, herbal teas, milk, chocolate, etc.) by means of automatic or semi-automatic machines provided with a dispensing group capable of producing an infusion by the passage of hot water under pressure through the capsule1.

Preferably, in the variant of the capsule1intended for the preparation of infusion beverages, for example containing coffee powder to be extracted, or tea leaves or herbal teas, there is provided a filter25, placed between the food substance and the disc5.

The filter25is fixed (at the inner side wall of the cup2) at a certain distance above the disc5, so that the pushing means (i.e. the labyrinth30) do not damage the filter as the capsule is opened.

Advantageously, the presence of the filter slows down the outlet flow of the extraction fluid, which remains for a certain period of time in contact with the substance to be infused or dissolved, so as to ensure an optimal infused beverage.

In a further exemplary embodiment, shown inFIGS.5aand5b, the capsule comprises:a sealing disc5fixed in peelable fashion to the edge360in a raised position relative to the labyrinth30;a lower disc5′, permanently fixed on the upper surface of the labyrinth30to close the grooves at the top, so that the labyrinth30may perform an anti-drip function utilizing the principle of capillary action.

In one example of operation, the labyrinth30is a means for pushing the disc5, that is to say it is the labyrinth30that pushes the disc5to lift itself away, detaching from the edge360, so as to form a passage P towards the exit of the capsule.

In a further example of operation, the capsule also comprises a plurality of sectors350arranged at the intermediate portion82, and it is the sectors350that push the disc5to lift away and detach from the edge360so as to form a passage P towards the exit of the capsule (FIG.4b).

The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a beverage infused by means of a capsule1according to the present invention, in which the opening of a passage for the release of the beverage is obtained by detaching/separating the sealing disc5from the edge to which it is fixed, in peelable fashion, by way of pushing means, inside the cup2, activated by an external pressure acting on the bottom3of the capsule.

In particular, the method comprises the steps of:activating the pressure means by exerting pressure on said central portion83and/or on said intermediate portion until the central portion83collapses towards the inside of the cup2, to lift disc5by detaching it from the edge360and thus form an outlet passage P for the beverage around disc5;introducing a fluid in the cup2, through the lid6, to infuse or dissolve the food substance contained in the internal volume V and thus obtain the beverage.

It should be noted that the pressure means may be activated manually or by inserting the capsule into the extraction machine.

In use therefore, starting from the closed operating position of the capsule1, by exerting a pressure force on the central portion83or on the intermediate portion82, the central portion83is pushed to collapse internally, and with it also the labyrinth30to which the disc5is fixed. The displacement of the labyrinth30causes a lifting of the disc5and its consequent detachment from the edge360to which it is fixed in peelable fashion, so as to reach the dispensing operating position by opening a passage for the beverage from the internal volume towards outside of the capsule1, through the nozzle32.

It should be noted that the outlet passage for the beverage does not pass through the disc5, but goes around it.

The extraction machine then perforates the lid6, closing the capsule1, and inserts, inside the chamber in which the food substance is contained, a fluid (mostly pressurized hot water) intended to infuse or dissolve this food substance to form a beverage. The beverage flows out, through the outflow passage, around disc5, to the outlet opening31to then be directed, through the nozzle32, into the cup or final container.

In known capsules, due to residual pressure and gas trapped inside the capsule at the end of the extraction, a jet of liquid may escape from the lid through the hole made by the injection needle of the extraction machine. This phenomenon is known in the industry as the “whale effect” and, although it occurs rarely and randomly, it is considered a negative and undesirable effect. First of all, the residual liquid inside the capsule at the end of dispensing is still very hot, and since the splashes are completely uncontrollable, this effect is dangerous for the user, who could burn himself. Furthermore, a leakage of liquid from the lid is also undesirable from the point of view of cleaning the extraction machine, as it could lead to the proliferation of bacteria around or inside the infusion chamber.

The capsule1forming the subject of the present invention is advantageously devoid of this “whale effect” which is typical of known capsules.

The capsule1is in fact provided with an elastically deformable portion that allows an initial reduction in capsule volume and a subsequent increase to return to the initial volume. The reversibility of the elastically deformable portion allows the capsule1to compress and then expand to regain its initial volume.

At the bottom3, the capsule1comprises a collapsible portion82,83towards the inside of the cup2under the action of an external pressure force. This collapsible portion82,83is reversible, that is to say it is able to expand again towards the outside of the cup2in order to return to its initial configuration under the action of an internal pressure force.

Preferably, the external volume of the capsule is reduced between 1% and 3%. Preferably, the volume reduction occurs at the bottom3of the cup2, while the internal volume V of the compartment in which the food substance to be infused or dissolved remains contained substantially in unchanged form.

With particular reference toFIGS.2aand2b, the peripheral edge81is connected to the intermediate portion82by a first folding line84, and the intermediate portion is connected to the central portion83by a second folding line85. A bending zone is defined between the peripheral edge81and the first folding line84.

The folding line84,85, also referred to as a diaphragm, has a thickness Sd between 20% and 60% of the thickness Sc of the central portion83or the thickness Sb of the peripheral edge81, where 20% is the minimum limit to allow the production of the cup2by injection molding, and 60% is the maximum limit to avoid excessive rigidity of the diaphragm. Preferably, the folding line84,85has a thickness Sd between 30% and 50% of the thickness Sc of the central portion83or the thickness Sb of the peripheral edge81, and this range represents the best compromise between printability and elasticity of the diaphragm.

In the initial configuration shown inFIG.2a, that is to say before the opening of the capsule1, the intermediate portion82is inclined at an angle α to the horizontal plane B defined by the central portion83. The intermediate portion82is inclined by an angle α comprised between 5° and 45°, where 5° is the minimum limit for the effectiveness of the pushing means (that is to say for the detachment of the disc5to open the capsule1), and 45° is the maximum limit to avoid excessive rigidity of the intermediate portion. Preferably, the intermediate portion82is inclined at an angle α of 20°, which is the best compromise for the effectiveness of the pushing means.

The bending zone has a thickness Sf between the thickness Sd of the first folding line84and the thickness Sb of the peripheral edge81. Preferably, the thickness Sf of the bending zone is gradually reduced towards the first folding line84.

As described above, the capsule1is inserted into the infusion chamber of the extraction machine until the bottom3of the cup2contacts the wall of the infusion chamber. When the infusion chamber is closed, the capsule is pushed further against the walls of the infusion chamber, generating a pressure force acting on the bottom3until the collapsible portion82,83collapses into the cup2. Alternatively, the bottom3of the cup2may be pushed manually by the user, before insertion into the extraction machine, until the collapsible portion82,83collapses inwards.

At the end of dispensing, the infusion chamber is reopened and the capsule returns to its initial configuration: the residual pressure inside the capsule1acts internally on the bottom3of the cup2until the collapsible portion82,83is re-collapsed outwards. In this way the internal volume of the capsule1increases, allowing a decompression of the gas trapped in the cup2and a consequent reduction of the pressure inside the capsule itself. This change in the internal volume of the capsule1makes it possible to solve the “whale effect” problem.

The use of a collapsible structure at the bottom3of the cup2as a deformable portion of the capsule1allows a reversible reduction of the capsule volume V without compromising the volume of the compartment in which the food substance is contained, which remains substantially unchanged. On the contrary, a deformable portion (for example in the form of a bellows) at the side walls that define the compartment in which the food substance is contained would not only reduce the useful space provided for containing the substance itself, but in the compression phase would generate convex geometries undesirable for the correct extraction of the food substance.

Furthermore, the use of a collapsible structure at the bottom3of the cup2as a deformable portion of the capsule1is advantageously technically simpler from a construction point of view and is producible by injection molding.

Innovatively, a capsule for the preparation of infusion or instant beverages according to the present invention allows precise control of the formation of the beverage outlet passage. In fact, in such a capsule, the beverage outlet passage does not pass through the disc5, but runs around it, thus avoiding any risk of uncontrolled tearing.

Advantageously, the pushing means are able to exert a high force on the disc, ensuring the safety of the peelable weld as this yields, and therefore ensuring the safety of the opening of a passageway for the outlet of the beverage.

The opening of the capsule is advantageously determined by the disengagement (detachment) of the disc from the base to which it is fixed, which disengagement occurs only at the peelable weld, while no disengagement occurs at the permanent weld, that is to say at the labyrinth intended to exert an anti-drip action.

Advantageously, in the capsule according to the invention, the pushing element of the disc is the labyrinth itself: this solution prevents any detachment of the disc from the labyrinth, which is intended to exert an anti-drip action.

It is clear that a person skilled in the art could make changes to the above-described capsule without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.