ES2809305T3 - Capsule for preparing a drink and use of such a capsule - Google Patents

Abstract

Capsule (2) for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising a substantially rigid circumferential wall (10), a lower part (12) integral with the circumferential wall (10) and closing the same at a first end (14), and a cover (16) that closes the circumferential wall (10) at a second end (18) opposite the bottom (12), where the circumferential wall (10), the bottom (12) and the lid (16) enclose an interior space (20) comprising the removable product, wherein the lower part (12) comprises an inlet area arranged to supply through it a fluid under pressure to the removable product for preparing the beverage, wherein the capsule (2) comprises an outlet filter (36) for extracting through it the prepared beverage from the capsule (2), and wherein the capsule (2) comprises an edge (38) extending outwardly at the second end (18), the cover (16) to the edge (38) that extends outwards, characterized in that the outlet filter (36) is formed by a flexible porous sheet, which is part of the cover (16), so that the cover is partially porous.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Capsule for preparing a drink and use of such a capsule

The invention relates to a capsule for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The invention also relates to the use of such a capsule.

There are systems that comprise an interchangeable capsule, and an apparatus that comprises a receptacle for housing the interchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a quantity of a fluid under pressure, such as water, to the interchangeable capsule, wherein the capsule Interchangeable comprises a circumferential wall, a lower part that closes the circumferential wall at least at a first end, and a cover that closes the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the lower part, where the wall, the lower part and the cover enclose an interior space comprising the removable product, wherein the lower part comprises an inlet area and the system is arranged to fluidly connect the fluid dispensing device with the inlet area to supply the fluid to the removable product in order to prepare the beverage, and wherein the lid comprises an outlet area and the system comprises an outlet which, in use, is It is in fluid communication with the outlet area to extract the prepared beverage from the capsule and deliver the beverage to a container, such as a cup.

Such systems are known per se. A special type of these known systems is used to prepare the beverage using a hermetically sealed capsule comprising the extractable product. During the preparation of the beverage, the inlet area of said hermetically sealed capsule is perforated, so that at least one inlet opening is formed to supply fluid under pressure to the exchangeable product in the interior space of the capsule through the opening. input. Delivering the fluid under pressure to the interior space causes the pressure in the interior space of the capsule to increase. This, in turn, causes the outlet area of the capsule to be pressed against a lid piercing means present in the receptacle. When the outlet area is pressed against the lid piercing means with sufficient force, the outlet area tears against the lid piercing means, creating at least one outlet opening through which the beverage can be drawn from the capsule.

It has been discovered that, in the known systems described above, the occurrence of preferential fluid paths in the extractable product within the capsule is possible, e.g. ex. from the at least one inlet opening to the at least one outlet opening, which can lead to undesired strength of the prepared beverage and / or variations in the strength of the prepared beverage from one capsule to another.

A capsule according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from FR 2 617 389 A. Furthermore, EP 1854 741 A describes a bowl system that is inserted into an espresso coffee maker.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved capsule and its corresponding use to at least lessen the problem described above.

The above-mentioned object is achieved by a capsule according to claim 1 and a use according to claim 24.

According to a first aspect, a system is disclosed wherein the receptacle comprises bottom piercing means designed to pierce the entry area of an alternative capsule, e.g. g., a hermetically sealed capsule of the known system, to create at least one inlet opening in order to supply the fluid to the extractable product through said at least one inlet opening, and wherein the inlet area of the capsule of the The system comprises an inlet filter, to supply the fluid to the extractable product through it, said inlet filter in use being arranged at a certain distance from the bottom piercing means, so that the capsule of the system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means and the bottom remains intact.

Therefore, it is possible to supply the fluid to the removable product within the capsule without piercing the capsule. Therefore, the inlet filter forms an inlet area, optionally uniform, through which fluid can be supplied to the capsule. This allows to obtain the advantage that it is possible for the beverage to enter the capsule in a larger area than when inlet openings are drilled in known systems, thus reducing the risk of occurrence of preferential fluid paths in the extractable product in the capsule and improving the reproducibility of the intensity of the drink.

In addition, it has been found that using the inlet filter reduces the risk of removable product spilling from the capsule when removing the capsule from the apparatus.

Preferably, the exchangeable capsule comprises an amount of removable product and is therefore suitable and designed to prepare a single portion of the beverage, preferably a single cup of the beverage, e.g. ex. 30 to 200 ml of the prepared drink. The interchangeable capsule is therefore a single portion package. In one embodiment, the capsule comprises 4-8 grams, preferably about 7 grams, of extractable product, e.g. Eg roast and ground coffee.

Preferably, the exchangeable capsule is disposable after a single use.

According to a second aspect, a system is disclosed wherein the receptacle comprises lid piercing means designed to pierce the exit area of an alternative capsule, e.g. eg, a hermetically sealed capsule of the known system, when the outlet area presses sufficiently against the lid piercing means under the influence of fluid and / or beverage pressure in the capsule to create at least one outlet opening to through which the beverage can be extracted from the alternative capsule, and wherein the outlet area of the capsule of the system comprises an outlet filter, through which the beverage can be extracted from the capsule of the system, where the Cap piercing means and the outlet filter are matched to each other so that, in use, the capsule of the system is not pierced by the cap piercing means and the cap remains intact.

Thus, the outlet filter forms an outlet area, optionally uniform, through which the beverage can leave the capsule. This allows to obtain the advantage that it is possible for the beverage to leave the capsule in a larger area than when outlet openings are formed by piercing the lid, thus reducing the risk of occurrence of preferential fluid paths in the removable product in the capsule and improving the reproducibility of the intensity of the drink. Furthermore, the capsule, by not being perforated by the lid piercing means and remaining intact, allows to obtain the advantage that the predetermined size and distribution of pores and / or outlet holes of the outlet filter, which define outlet openings of the outlet filter, remain intact, so that the size and distribution of the outlet openings does not depend on random factors, such as in the case where the outlet openings are formed by drilling.

Furthermore, it has been found that using the outlet filter reduces the risk of removable product spilling from the capsule when removing the capsule from the apparatus.

Furthermore, if the extractable product is roast and ground coffee, using the outlet filter gives the advantage that the outlet filter can filter oils from the beverage, that is, from the coffee, before supplying the coffee to the container, such as Cup. This can be advantageous in removing coffee oils that negatively affect the taste and / or quality of the coffee. It is especially advantageous to filter cafestol from coffee, since it is understood that cafestol increases the blood cholesterol content. Therefore, using the outlet filter can improve the quality of the coffee as far as the consumer's health is concerned.

Preferably, the outlet filter fits the cap piercing means, so that, in use, the capsule is not pierced by the cap piercing means and the cap remains intact. Thus, it is only necessary to select output filter parameters.

Preferably the outlet filter has a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or forms a sufficiently low flow resistance that, in use, the capsule of the system is not pierced by the cap piercing means and the cap remains intact. It has been found that if the outlet filter has a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or forms a sufficiently low flow resistance, it does not tear against the cap piercing means.

According to a third aspect, the capsule can be provided with the inlet filter and the outlet filter, as described above. Therefore, in use, the capsule is not pierced by the bottom piercing means and the lid piercing means, so that the capsule remains fully intact. This makes it possible to obtain the advantage that the risk of occurrence of preferential fluid paths in the extractable product in the capsule and the reproducibility of the intensity of the beverage are further improved.

Preferably, the inlet filter is formed of a porous sheet, such as a filter paper, a sheet, such as a polymeric film, provided with a plurality of inlet openings, or a plurality of inlet openings arranged at the bottom of the the system capsule. In this way, the inlet filter can be used in a simple way.

In one embodiment, the plurality of inlet openings are distributed substantially over the entire surface of the sheet or the bottom, respectively. This makes it possible to obtain the advantage that the fluid can be supplied substantially to the entire section of the interior space. In this way, the extractable product is moistened very homogeneously.

In another embodiment, the plurality of inlet openings comprise lateral inlet openings arranged in the circumferential wall. This makes it possible to obtain the advantage that the removable product is also at least partially wet from the side. This makes it possible to obtain the advantage that the fluid can be supplied to the extractable product in a very homogeneous and controlled manner.

According to the present invention, the outlet filter is formed by a porous sheet, such as filter paper. In this way, the outlet filter can be used easily. Furthermore, the parameters of the outlet filter can be easily selected so that the outlet filter has a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or forms a sufficiently low flow resistance.

For example, in one embodiment, the outlet filter can be formed from a sheet of filter paper. The filter paper allows to obtain a low cost outlet filter. Furthermore, the parameters of the filter paper, such as density, thickness and / or PE content, can be easily selected to obtain an outlet filter that has a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or forms a sufficiently low flow resistance.

In one embodiment, the cap piercing means may have a blunt piercing surface. However, in such an embodiment, the alternative capsule can be pierced by the blunt piercing means, while the capsule of the present system has the outlet filter with a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or that forms a sufficiently low flow resistance. , so that it does not pierce or tear.

It is possible that the lid piercing means comprise at least one ridge against which the lid in use rests. The at least one edge may form at least 10%, possibly at least 25%, of the part of the receptacle surface that, in use, coincides with the part of the surface area of the overlapping cap with respect to the second end. open. In use, the cap may be supported by the at least one edge for at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, of the portion of the surface area of the cap overlapping with respect to the second open end. The lid of the alternative capsule can be pierced by such piercing means, while the parameters of the outlet filter of the capsule of the system can be easily selected so that the outlet filter has a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or forms a resistance to flow low enough that it will not be punctured or torn.

It is possible that the lid piercing means and / or the at least one edge comprise edges, where the edges are not sharp. Possibly the edges have a radius of curvature of at least 50 pm, preferably at least 100 pm. The lid of the alternative capsule can be pierced by such piercing means, while the parameters of the outlet filter of the capsule of the system can be easily selected so that the outlet filter has a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or forms a resistance to flow low enough that it will not be punctured or torn.

According to another aspect of the invention, the entire interior space is occupied by the removable product. This allows to obtain the advantage that the removable product cannot move within the interior space when the fluid flows through the capsule, so that preferential paths cannot be formed.

The bottom is integral with the circumferential wall. This allows to obtain the advantage that the capsule can be simply formed from a generally cup-shaped structure that forms the circumferential wall and the bottom and, e.g. eg, a foil-shaped lid. The cap is attached to an outwardly extending edge of the capsule, eg, by gluing, welding, folding or the like.

According to the present invention, the capsule comprises an outwardly extending edge at the second end, wherein the cap is attached to the outwardly extending edge. In this way, it is possible to connect eg. eg, the foil-shaped lid, comprising the outlet filter, on the edge. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a simple structure of the capsule.

In a special embodiment, the capsule further comprises an at least partially removable bottom seal connected to the bottom to seal the inlet filter before use. In this way, the entry of air into the interior space through the inlet filter before use of the capsule can be avoided, improving the shelf life of the product inside the capsule.

In a special embodiment, the capsule further comprises an at least partially removable cap seal connected to the cap to seal the outlet filter before use. In this way, the entry of air into the interior space through the outlet filter before use of the capsule can be avoided, improving the shelf life of the product inside the capsule.

Preferably, the cap seal is arranged for partial release from the cap under the effect of fluid pressure in the interior space, while remaining attached to the cap at least in one position. Thus, it is not necessary to remove the cap seal from the capsule by the user of the capsule. When fluid enters the interior space, pressure will build until the seal is partially released from the cap and the beverage can exit through the outlet filter. The removable connection can be shaped, eg. eg, as a so-called peel seal. Since the cap seal is permanently attached to the cap in at least one position, the cap seal does not completely separate from the capsule. This has the advantage that the cap seal will automatically be disposed of from the apparatus when the used capsule is discarded.

In general, the circumferential wall may be formed of a flexible, optionally porous sheet or sheet, such as filter paper, integral with the bottom. In this way, it is possible to obtain a very simple and optionally environmentally friendly capsule.

Alternatively, the circumferential wall can be substantially rigid. This allows to obtain the advantage that the capsule does not tend to deform before use, so that the capsule can fit into the receptacle without problems. Preferably, the capsule comprises stiffening ribs integral with the circumferential wall and / or bottom to increase the rigidity of the capsule.

In general, the circumferential wall can have any shape, such as cylindrical, hemispherical, frusto-conical, or polygonal, such as hexagonal or octagonal.

Preferably, the extractable product comprises roast and ground coffee. Therefore, the capsule is suitable for preparing a predetermined amount of coffee by supplying a predetermined amount of hot water under pressure to the capsule.

Preferably, the extractable product is compacted into a tablet. This makes it possible to obtain the advantage that the risk of occurrence of preferential flow paths in the compacted removable product pellet is reduced.

Preferably, the tablet comprises at least one hole extending from the side of the tablet facing the inlet area in the direction of the lid. Thus, the hole forms an infusion means to moisten the tablet in a homogeneous manner.

It is also possible that the extractable product is compacted into a plurality of tablets, preferably with a mutually different packaging density. For example, it is possible that the removable product is supplied as a single stack of tablets having different degrees of compaction with each other. For example, it is possible that the degree of compaction increases per tablet in the direction from bottom to top. In this way, the effort to fully wet a tablet will also increase in the bottom-to-cap direction, ensuring that each tablet arranged upstream has been adequately moistened when a tablet arranged further downstream is wetted, thus obtaining a very high wetting. homogeneous of the total volume of extractable product.

The invention will be described in greater detail by means of non-limiting examples referring to the drawing, in which

Figs. 1a-1c show a state-of-the-art system for preparing a beverage;

Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a system for preparing a beverage;

Figs. 3a-3d show capsule embodiments not forming part of the invention;

Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c show examples of additional embodiments of a capsule 2 that do not form part of the invention; Y

Figs. 5a and 5b show examples of still other embodiments of a capsule that are not part of the invention.

As mentioned above, the above-mentioned examples do not illustrate embodiments of the present invention. In fact, these examples serve to explain some details of the invention and its background.

Figs. 1a-1c show a state-of-the-art system 101 for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system 101 comprises an interchangeable capsule 102 and an apparatus 104. The apparatus 104 comprises a receptacle 106 for containing the interchangeable capsule 102. In Figs. 1a-1c a gap has been drawn between the capsule 102 and the receptacle 106 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, in use, the capsule 102 may be in contact with the receptacle 106. Typically, the receptacle 106 has a complementary shape to the shape of the capsule 102. The apparatus 104 further comprises a fluid dispensing device 108 for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, at a pressure, e.g. For example, 9 bar, to the exchangeable capsule 102.

In the system 101 shown in Figs. 1a-1c, the interchangeable capsule 102 comprises a circumferential wall 110, a lower part 112 that closes the circumferential wall 110 at a first end 114 and a cap 116 that closes the circumferential wall 110 at a second end 118 opposite the lower part 112 Circumferential wall 110, bottom 112, and lid 116 enclose an interior space 120 that comprises the removable product.

The system 101 of Figs. 1a-1c comprises bottom piercing means 122 for piercing the capsule 102. Fig. 1a shows the bottom piercing means 122 in a retracted position. Fig. 1b shows the bottom piercing means 122 in an extended position to create an inlet opening 124 in the bottom 112 in order to supply fluid to the removable product through the inlet opening 124. In Figs. 1a-1c the piercing means 122 comprises a hole 126 through which fluid can be supplied to the removable product contained in the interior space 120. The system 101 of Figs. 1a-1c further comprises cap piercing means 128, here made as projections, intended to pierce the cap 116 of the capsule 102.

The system 101 shown in Figs. a-1c works as follows to prepare a cup of coffee, the removable product being roasted and ground coffee.

Capsule 102 is disposed in receptacle 106 (see Fig. 1a). The bottom piercing means is activated to pierce the bottom 112 of the capsule 102 (see Fig. 1b) to create the inlet opening 124. The fluid, in this case hot water under pressure, is supplied to the removable product in the interior space 120 through the inlet opening 124. The water will moisten the coffee grounds and extract the desired substances to form the coffee drink.

During supply of the pressurized water to the interior space 120 the pressure within the capsule 102 will increase. The increase in pressure will cause the cap 116 to deform and press against the cap piercing means 128. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, the tear strength of the cap 116 will be overcome and the cap will break against the cap piercing means 128, creating outlet openings 130 (see Fig. 1c). The brewed coffee will be drawn from the capsule 102 through the outlet openings 130 and outlets 132 of the receptacle 106, and may be supplied to a container, such as a cup (not shown).

During the preparation of the beverage in the system 101 shown in Figs. 1a-1c there may be preferred flow paths in the removable product within the interior space 120 of the capsule 102. These preferred paths may extend from the inlet opening 124 to the outlet openings 130. One of these possible trajectories is indicated by the line PP in Fig. 1c.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a first embodiment of a system 1 according to the present description that does not correspond to claim 1 for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system 1 comprises an interchangeable capsule 2 and an apparatus 104. The apparatus 104 comprises a receptacle 106 for containing the interchangeable capsule 2. In this example, the receptacle 106 has a complementary shape with respect to the shape of the capsule 2. In the Fig. 2 has drawn a gap between the capsule 2 and the receptacle 106 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, in use, the capsule 2 may be in contact with the receptacle 106. The apparatus 104 further comprises a fluid dispensing device 108 for delivering an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure, to the interchangeable capsule 2 .

In the system 1 shown in Fig. 2, the interchangeable capsule 2 comprises a circumferential wall 10, a lower part 12 that closes the circumferential wall 10 at a first end 14 and a cap 16 that closes the circumferential wall 10 at a second end 18 opposite the lower part 12. The circumferential wall 10, the lower part 12 and the lid 16 enclose an interior space 20 comprising the removable product. In this example, the interchangeable capsule 2 comprises an amount of extractable product suitable for preparing a single beverage portion, preferably a single beverage cup, e.g. ex. 30 to 200 ml of the prepared drink. The interchangeable capsule is therefore a single portion package.

According to a first aspect, the system 1 of Fig. 2 comprises bottom piercing means 122 for piercing the capsule 102 of the state of the art, as shown in Figs. 1a-1c. Fig. 2 shows the bottom piercing means in an extended position, intended to create the inlet opening 124 in the bottom 112 of the state of the art capsule 102. The capsule 2 comprises an inlet filter 34 which is arranged at a distance from the bottom piercing means 12, in such a way that the capsule 2 is not pierced by the bottom piercing means 122 and the bottom portion 12 remains intact when the bottom piercing means goes into the extended position.

In Fig. 2 the piercing means 122 comprises a hole 126 through which the fluid is supplied to an interior space of the receptacle 106. The fluid, here hot water at a pressure of, e.g. For example, more than 6 bars, it will flow through the inlet filter 34 into the interior space 20 of the capsule 2 to extract desired substances from the extractable product, in this example approximately 7 grams of roast and ground coffee, to prepare, in this example, the only cup of the drink, here coffee.

Therefore, more generally, in the example of Fig. 2, the lower part 12 comprises an inlet area formed by the inlet filter 34, and the system 1 is arranged to put the fluid dispensing device 108 in fluid communication with the inlet area in order to supply the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage.

In the example of Fig. 2, the circumferential wall 10 is substantially rigid. The circumferential wall can, e.g. g., comprise a plastic material and can be formed by, eg. eg injection molding, vacuum forming, thermoforming or the like. In the example of Fig. 2, the bottom 12 is integral with the circumferential wall. In this example, the inlet filter 34 is formed by a plurality of inlet openings 24 in the lower part 12. In this example, the plurality of inlet openings 24 are distributed substantially throughout the lower part 12. Therefore, the fluid is supplied to the extractable product through the plurality of inlet openings 24, which causes the extractable product to be substantially wetted over the entire section of the capsule 2. Thus, a very homogeneous supply of fluid to the product is obtained removable. In this way, the risk of preferential pathways through which fluid flows through the removable product is greatly reduced.

According to a second aspect, which can be used in addition to or separately from the first aspect described above, the system 1 of Fig. 2 comprises cap piercing means 128 intended to pierce the cap 116 of the capsule 102 of the state of the art when lid 116 exerts sufficient pressure against means 128 perforation of the lid under the influence of the pressure of the fluid and / or beverage in the capsule 102 to create at least one outlet opening 130 through which the beverage can be withdrawn from the capsule 102 of the state of the art. According to the invention, the capsule 2 comprises an outlet filter 36 through which the beverage can be extracted from the capsule 2. The outlet filter 36 is arranged to have a tear resistance sufficiently high so that it is not punctured by the media. 128 perforation of the lid under the influence of the pressure within the capsule 2. Alternatively or additionally, the outlet filter 36 forms a sufficiently low flow resistance for the beverage exiting the capsule 2, so that the filter Outlet 36 is not pressed against the cap piercing means 128 with sufficient force to be pierced by the cap piercing means 128 and the cap remains intact. In this way, the outlet filter 36 conforms to the cap piercing means 128 such that the capsule 2, in use, is not pierced by the cap piercing means 128 and the cap 16 remains intact. More generally, the outlet filter 36 and the cap piercing means 128 are matched to each other such that the capsule 2, in use, is not pierced by the cap piercing means 128 and the cap 16 remains intact. .

In the example of Fig. 2, the outlet filter 36, which forms an outlet area of the capsule 2 through which the beverage, here coffee, can be extracted from the capsule, is formed by a porous sheet, such as filter paper. In this example, the entire cap 16 is shaped like the outlet filter 36. In the example of Fig. 2, the capsule 2 comprises an outwardly extending edge 38 at the second end 18, the cap 16 joining the outwardly extending edge 38, e.g. eg, by gluing, welding or similar. Thus, in this example, the outlet filter 36, ie, the porous sheet, is attached to the outwardly extending edge 38.

In this example, the outlet filter 36 forms a substantially continuous fluid-permeable sheet that substantially encompasses the entire second open end 18 of the capsule 2. Therefore, fluid can be withdrawn from the capsule 2 over a large area. Thus, a very homogeneous extraction of the beverage from the extractable product is obtained. In this way, the risk of preferential pathways through which fluid flows through the removable product is greatly reduced.

In general, it is possible to select the parameters of the outlet filter of the capsule 2 of the system 1 so that the outlet filter does not tear or break, e.g. ie, that it has a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or forms a sufficiently low resistance to flow so that it is not punctured or torn. It will be appreciated that the cap and / or outlet filter may deform against the cap piercing means, although it will not break or tear. When the output filter 36 is done, e.g. For example, of filter paper, the parameters of the filter paper, such as density, thickness and / or PE content, can be easily selected to obtain an outlet filter that has a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or forms a resistance to flow low enough.

In the example of Fig. 2, the cap piercing means 128 is shown with sharp serrated tips intended to pierce the cap. It will be appreciated that, alternatively, the cap piercing means 128 may have blunt piercing surfaces, e.g. eg, as indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 2. In such an embodiment, however, the state-of-the-art capsule 102 may be pierced by the blunt piercing means 128, e.g. eg, when the lid 116 consists of a sheet of aluminum foil. The parameters of the outlet filter of the capsule 2 of the system according to the present description can be selected so that the outlet filter has a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or forms a sufficiently low resistance to flow so that it is not punctured or torn. . It will be appreciated that when the cap piercing means is blunt, the outlet filter parameters can be selected to match these blunt piercing means. When the piercing media is blunt, the outlet filter can be eg. For example, finer than when the cap piercing means are pointed, while ensuring that the outlet filter has a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or forms a sufficiently low resistance to flow so that it is not punctured or torn.

The cap piercing means may comprise ridges against which the cap in use rests. Such ridges may be formed by blunt piercing means 128, as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 2. Eg, ridges may form at least 10%, possibly at least 25%, of the part of the surface of the receptacle 106 which, in use, coincides with the part of the surface area of the lid 16 superimposed with respect to the second open end 18. Thus, in use, the lid 16 may be supported by the edges, p. For example, by at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, of the portion of the surface area of the cap 16 overlapping with respect to the second open end 18. As already noted, the cap 116 of the capsule 102 of the state of the art can be pierced by said edges, while the parameters of the outlet filter 36 of the capsule 2 of the system 1 according to the present description can be easily selected in such a way that the outlet filter has a tear resistance high enough and / or forms a low enough flow resistance that it is not punctured or torn. It will be appreciated that when the cap piercing means comprises ridges, the parameters of the outlet filter can be selected to suit such cap piercing means.

In the example of Fig. 2, the edges comprise edges that are not sharp. In this example the radius of curvature of the edges is approximately 50 pm, although other radii are possible, such as 100, 200 or 500 pm. However, the state of the art capsule 102 can be pierced by the blunt piercing means 128, e.g. ex. when the lid 116 consists of a sheet of aluminum foil. It will be appreciated that when the cap piercing means comprises blunt edges, the parameters of the outlet filter can be selected to suit such means. cap drilling. The parameters of the outlet filter of the capsule 2 of the system according to the present description can be selected so that the outlet filter has a sufficiently high tear resistance and / or forms a sufficiently low resistance to flow so that it is not punctured or torn. .

It is also possible that the edges of the cap piercing means 128 have a convex top against which the cap 16 rests. Thus, when the cap is pressed against the ridges in use, the surface area in the surface increases. that the lid is supported by the edges, thus reducing the local pressure exerted by the edges on the lid. In this way it is possible to provide in an easy way that the cap, during use, does not tear and / or break and remains intact.

Figs. 3a-3d show embodiments of capsules 2.

In Fig. 3a, the bottom 12 is integral with the circumferential wall 10, as in Fig. 2. The inlet filter 34 is formed by the plurality of inlet openings 24 in the bottom 12. The filter 36 of outlet is formed by a sheet 40, p. eg, a flexible polymeric sheet, provided with a plurality of outlet openings 30.

In Fig. 3b, the outlet filter 36 is formed by the flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper, as in Fig. 2. In Fig. 3b, the inlet filter 34 is also formed by a porous sheet. flexible, such as filter paper. In this example, the inlet filter is attached to an inwardly extending edge 42. In this example, the inlet filter 34 is attached to the inner side of the inwardly extending edge 42. This maximizes the internal volume of the capsule 2, since the thickness of the edge is not present in the interior space 20 of the capsule 2.

In Fig. 3c, the outlet filter 36 is formed by the flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper, as in Figs. 2 and 3b. In Fig. 3c, the inlet filter 34 is also formed of a flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper. In this example, the inlet filter 34 is attached to the outer side of the inwardly extending edge 42. Thus, the risk of fluid under pressure tearing the inlet filter 34 from the inwardly extending edge 42 is reduced. It is possible for the inlet filter 34 to protrude from a circumferential edge of the bottom. In this way, a greater surface area is available to join the inlet filter 34 to the bottom 12 and the circumferential wall 10, resulting in a more robust connection.

In Fig. 3d, the outlet filter 36 is formed by a sheet 40, e.g. eg, a flexible polymeric sheet provided with a plurality of outlet openings 30, as in Fig. 3a. In Fig. 3d, the inlet filter 34 is also formed by a sheet 44 provided with the plurality of inlet openings 24.

In all the embodiments of Figs. 3a-3d, the outlet filter is formed of a flexible sheet-like material. More specifically, in all the embodiments of Figs. 3a-3d the lid is formed solely of the flexible sheet-like material. It has been found that, in general, no supporting structure, such as a substantially rigid grid, for example, posterior to the exit sheet, is required to support the exit sheet to prevent the exit sheet from tearing and / or or break.

In all the embodiments of Figs. 3b-3d, the inlet filter is made of a flexible sheet-like material. More specifically, in all the embodiments of Figs. 3b-3d, the inlet area is only formed by the flexible sheet-like material. It has been found that, in general, no supporting structure, such as a practically rigid grid, for example, posterior to the lead sheet, is required to support the lead sheet to prevent the lead sheet from tearing and / or or break.

In all the embodiments of Figs. 3a-3d, the outlet filter forms the outermost boundary of the capsule in its axial direction.

It will be appreciated that the capsule 2 may comprise any inlet filter according to any one of the shown embodiments in combination with any outlet filter according to any one of the shown embodiments. Although not shown, it is possible that the lid comprises a substantially rigid wall provided with the outlet openings 30.

In general, the outlet openings or pores 30 of the porous sheet are sized such that a dimension of the opening or pore 30 is small enough to retain the extractable product, such as ground coffee, within the capsule 2. Also In general, the inlet openings or pores 24 of the porous sheet are dimensioned such that a dimension of the opening 24 or pore is small enough to retain the extractable product, such as ground coffee, within the capsule 2.

In general, the inlet openings 24 are preferably distributed over substantially the entire surface of the bottom portion or sheet 44, at least substantially over the entire surface of the opening defined by the inwardly extending edge 42. Optionally, inlet openings 24 are also present in circumferential wall 10, e.g. eg, in the part of the circumferential wall 10 near the first end 14. This allows a homogeneous supply of the fluid to the extractable product within the capsule 2.

In general, the outlet openings 30 are preferably distributed over substantially the entire surface of the lid or sheet 40, at least substantially over the entire surface of the opening defined by the outwardly extending edge 38. This allows a homogeneous extraction of the drink from the extractable product inside the capsule 2.

In the examples of Figs. 2, 3a-3d, the inlet openings 24 and the outlet openings 30 have a circular cross section. The openings 24, 30 with circular cross section are easy to manufacture. Optionally the cross-section of the inlet openings 24 is reduced (tapers) towards the interior space 20. This allows to obtain the advantage that the inlet openings act as nozzles that cause a jet of fluid to enter the interior space 20.

It will be appreciated that the inlet openings 24 and / or outlet openings 30 may also have alternative shapes. The openings 24, 30 may be, for example, in the form of elongated cuts. Preferably, the small dimension of the cuts is small enough to retain the removable product within the capsule 2.

In a special embodiment, the cuts may be shaped to define a tongue in the plane of the bottom. The cuts may then have a substantially U-shape, such as semicircular, horseshoe, rectangular, or V-shaped. This has the advantage that the tongue can bend out of the plane of the bottom under the effect of fluid flow through. through the opening defined by the tongue. Therefore, a larger fluid flow can be obtained. If the bottom is made of a flexible material, the tongue will bend back to the bottom plane once the fluid flow stops, thus preventing spillage of removable product (before and) after preparation of the drink. It will be appreciated that the cuts that define a tongue can be applied to the cap mutatis mutandis.

Fig. 4a shows an example of another embodiment of a capsule 2. Fig. 4a shows a modification of the capsule shown in Fig. 3a. It will be appreciated that this modification can be applied to any capsule 2 mentioned above. In the example of Fig. 4a, the capsule 2 further comprises a bottom seal 46. The bottom seal 46 closes the inlet openings 24 (or the porous sheet) before use. Bottom seal 46 is at least partially removably connected to bottom 12. In this example, bottom seal 46 comprises a lip 48 to allow easy removal of bottom seal 46 by a user. of capsule 2. In Fig. 4a, capsule 2 further comprises a lid seal 50. The lid seal 50 closes the outlet openings 30 (or the porous sheet) before use. Cap seal 50 is at least partially removably connected to cap 16. In this example, cap seal 50 comprises a lip 52 to allow easy removal of cap seal 50 by a user of capsule 2 Bottom seal 46 and lid seal 50 enhance the shelf life of the product within the capsule by preventing air from entering the capsule through the openings 24, 30 or the porous sheet.

In a special embodiment (not shown), lip 46 of bottom seal 46 is connected to lip 52 of cap seal 50. Therefore, the bottom seal 46 and the cover seal 50 can be made unitary. In this way, a user can be prevented from accidentally forgetting to remove the bottom seal or the lid seal.

Figs. 4b and 4c show an example of a plan view of a further embodiment of the capsule 2 when viewed from the side of the lid 16. In Figs. 4b and 4c the capsule comprises the cap seal 50. The cap seal 50 is attached to the cap 16 with a removable seal 54. In this example, the removable seal forms a circumferential seal adjacent to a circumferential edge of the cap 16. The removable seal 54 is arranged for release from the cap. 16 under the effect of the pressure of the fluid in the inner space 20. The removable seal can be eg. eg, a peelable seal with a predetermined release strength. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to remove the cap seal 50 from the capsule 2, as the seal opens automatically while the beverage is being prepared.

In Figs. 4b and 4c, the cap seal 50 is also attached to the cap 16 with a permanent connection 56. The permanent connection may be, e.g. eg, a glued or welded connection. In Fig. 4b the permanent connection is arranged adjacent to the center of the cap. In Fig. 4c, permanent connection 56 is disposed adjacent the circumferential edge of the cap. This allows to obtain the advantage that the removable seal can be released under the effect of pressure to allow extraction of the beverage from the capsule, while the lid seal 50 remains attached to the lid 16 at least in one position. Thus, it is not necessary to dispose of the cap seal 50 separately, which improves ease of use and prevents loss.

It will be appreciated that, instead of, or in addition to, being attached to the cap, the cap seal 50 may also be attached to the edge adjacent the second end 18, and / or the circumferential wall 14.

It will be appreciated that similarly, alternatively or additionally, the capsule 2 may be provided with the bottom seal 46, e.g. g., on the inner side of the lower part 12, for its release with respect to the lower part 12 under the effect of the pressure of the fluid that is supplied to the capsule 2 and, optionally, it can be provided with at least one connection permanent between the bottom and the bottom seal 46. It will be appreciated that instead of or in addition to being attached to bottom 12, bottom seal 46 may also be attached to edge adjacent first end 14, and / or circumferential wall 14.

It will also be appreciated that cap seal 50 and / or bottom seal 46 may also be used in combination with alternative capsules, where the cap does not form an outermost boundary of the capsule in its axial direction, e.g. eg, a capsule having an edge extending axially beyond the cap.

Preferably, the circumferential wall is substantially rigid. In this way, the capsule will not tend to deform by shipping and / or handling, so that the capsule 2 will always fit into the receptacle 106. Furthermore, the circumferential wall is preferably flexible, such that any possible deformation of the first wall Circumferential will reverse once the force causing the deformation is removed. To improve the stiffness of the capsule 2, the capsule 2 may comprise stiffening ribs integral with the circumferential wall 10. The stiffening ribs may extend from the first end 14 toward the second end 18. Alternatively or additionally, the stiffening ribs stiffness can extend in a circumferential direction. When the lower part 12 is integral with the circumferential wall 10, the stiffening ribs can also be integral with the lower part 12.

However, it is possible that the circumferential wall is formed by a flexible sheet or sheet, e.g. eg, porous, preferably integral with the underside. In this way, substantially all of the capsule can be manufactured with the flexible sheet, reducing the amount of material necessary to obtain the capsule. Optionally, the outwardly extending edge may be substantially rigid to improve the ease of handling of the capsule.

In the examples, the circumferential wall is substantially frusto-conical. It will be appreciated that the capsule according to the invention is not limited to this shape. The circumferential wall can be eg. eg, cylindrical, hemispherical, or polygonal, such as hexagonal, octagonal, etc.

According to another aspect, the removable product in the interior space 20 is compacted. Fig. 5a shows an example where the removable product is compacted into a plurality of tablets 58, 60, 62, 64, in this example four. In Fig. 5a, the tablets are stacked within the interior space 20. In Fig. 5a, each tablet 58, 60, 62, 64 spans substantially the entire section of the capsule 2. In this example, the density, that is, the degree of compaction of the tablets is different for each of the tablets. The density of the tablets 58, 60, 62, 64 increases in the direction from the lower part 12 to the lid 16. This allows to obtain the advantage that the fluid will moisten a lower density tablet more easily than a higher density tablet, so that each upstream bar is suitably moistened while the water moistens a subsequent downstream bar. Thus, a highly homogeneous wetting of the extractable product is achieved. Although the example shows four stacked tablets, it will be appreciated that any number of tablets can be used.

Fig. 5b shows an example of a capsule 2 comprising a single tablet 66 of compacted extractable product. In the example of Fig. 5b the tablet 66 comprises holes 68 that extend in the tablet 66 from the side of the tablet 66 facing the bottom 12 in the direction of the lid 16. The length of the holes 68 is more cuts that thickness of pad 66 in the direction along hole 68. Thus, holes 68 do not form shortcut passages for fluid through pad 66, but instead allow fluid to pass into the core of the pad. pad 66. These holes allow a predetermined penetration of the fluid into the pad. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a preferred wetting of the compacted extractable product.

In the examples of Figs. 5a and 5b the inlet filter 34 and the outlet filter 36 of the capsule are shown substantially as in Fig. 3c. It will be appreciated that the tablet 66 or plurality of tablets 58, 60, 62, 64 can be used in combination with any of the aforementioned capsule 2. It will also be appreciated that if the extractable product is compacted into the lozenge or lozenges, the bottom portion 12 of the capsule is not strictly necessary, as the extractable product is not likely to be poured from the capsule prior to use.

It will be appreciated that the capsules 2 mentioned above can also be used in an alternative apparatus for preparing the beverage, for example in an apparatus which is not provided with the bottom piercing means and / or which is not provided with the piercing means. Cover.

Specific examples that do not form part of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. Rather, these examples may include specific details of the invention, defined by the appended claims.

In particular, according to the present invention, the outlet filter is formed by a flexible porous sheet, which is part of the cap, so that the cap is partially porous.

However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention according to the appended claims.

For example, the capsule 2 may be contained in an airtight envelope before use to improve its shelf life.

It is also possible that the lower part comprises a recessed area to receive the lower part piercing means without piercing the lower part, in order to increase the volume of the capsule.

In the examples above, the input filter forms the bottom. It is also possible that the inlet filter is part of the bottom. For example, the bottom can be partially porous and / or partially perforated.

However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible. Accordingly, the specifications, drawings and examples are to be considered in an illustrative and not restrictive sense.

In the claims, any reference sign placed in parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claim. The word 'understand' does not exclude the presence of other characteristics or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words 'a' and 'one' should not be considered as limited to 'only one', but are used to mean 'at least one' and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (23)

i. Capsule (2) for preparing a predetermined amount of drink suitable for consumption using an extractable product, comprising a substantially rigid circumferential wall (10), a lower part (12) integral with the circumferential wall (10) and closing the same at a first end (14), and a cap (16) that closes the ^{circumferential wall (10) at a second end (} 18 ^{) opposite the lower part (12), where the} circumferential wall (10), the lower part (12) and the cover (16) enclose an interior space (20) that comprises the removable product, wherein the lower part (12) comprises an inlet area arranged to supply through it a fluid under pressure to the extractable product to prepare the beverage, wherein the capsule (2) comprises an outlet filter (36) to extract through it the drink prepared from the capsule (2), and wherein the capsule (2) comprises an outwardly extending edge (38) at the second end (18), the cap (16) being attached to the outwardly extending edge (38), characterized in that the outlet filter (36) is formed by a flexible porous sheet, which is part of the cover (16), so that the cover is partially porous. 2. Capsule (2) according to claim 1, wherein the inlet area of the capsule (2) comprises an inlet filter (34) for supplying the fluid to the extractable product through it, wherein the filter (34) The inlet is formed by a plurality of inlet openings (24) in the lower part (12) of the capsule (2), wherein the inlet openings (24) are elongated cuts. Capsule (2) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of inlet openings (24) are distributed substantially over the entire surface of the lower part (12). Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein the plurality of inlet openings (24) comprise lateral inlet openings arranged in the circumferential wall (10). Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the inlet openings are arranged to open under pressure. Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the outlet filter (36) forms an outermost limit of the capsule (2) in an axial direction thereof. Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the entire interior space (20) is occupied by the extractable product. 8. Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the cap (16) extends up to the circumferential wall (10). Capsule (2) according to claim 8, depending on claim 2, wherein the inlet filter (34) extends to the circumferential wall (10). Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 2-9, wherein the capsule (2) further comprises a bottom seal (46) at least partially removably connected to the bottom (12) to seal the inlet filter (34) before use. Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the capsule further comprises a cap seal (50) connected at least partially removably to the cap (16) to seal the outlet filter prior to its use. Capsule (2) according to claim 11, wherein the cap seal (50) is arranged for partial release from the cap under the effect of the pressure of the fluid in the interior space, while remaining attached to the cap in at least one position. Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the circumferential wall (10) is formed by a sheet or sheet. Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the capsule (2) comprises stiffening ribs integral with the circumferential wall (10) and / or the lower part (12). Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the circumferential wall (10) is cylindrical, hemispherical, frusto-conical or polygonal, such as hexagonal or octagonal. 16. Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the extractable product comprises roasted and ground coffee. Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the extractable product is compacted into a tablet (58, 60, 62, 64). 18. Capsule (2) according to claim 17, wherein the tablet (58, 60, 62, 64) comprises at least one hole (68) extending from the side of the tablet (58, 60, 62, 64) oriented towards the inlet area in the direction of the lid (16). Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein the extractable product is compacted into a plurality of tablets (58, 60, 62, 64), preferably with a mutually different packaging density. Capsule (2) according to any one of claims 2-19, wherein the cuts have a shape that defines a tongue in the plane of the lower part (12). 21. Capsule (2) according to claim 20, wherein the cuts are substantially U-shaped, such as a semicircular, horseshoe, rectangular or V-shape. Capsule (2) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the tongue is arranged to be bent out of the plane of the lower part (12) under the effect of fluid flow through the opening defined by the tongue. 23. Capsule (2) according to claim 22, wherein the lower part (12) is made of a flexible material, so that the tongue will bend to return to the plane of the lower part (12) once fluid flow it stops, thus avoiding the spillage of extractable product after the preparation of the drink and, optionally, before it. Use of a capsule (2) according to claim 16, while preparing coffee, to at least partially remove the cafestol content from the coffee using the outlet filter (36).