WO2020026101A1

WO2020026101A1 - Capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages

Info

Publication number: WO2020026101A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/056401
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matteo SCHENONE
Original assignee: Bisio Progetti S.P.A.
Priority date: 2018-08-01
Filing date: 2019-07-26
Publication date: 2020-02-06
Also published as: DE202019104062U1; ES1262001Y; ES1262001U; IT201800007734A1

Abstract

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

Description

"CAPSULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF INFUSED OR SOLUBLE

BEVERAGES"

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The subject of the present invention is a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages. In particular, the subject of the present invention is a capsule for the packaging of concentrated products (for example in the form of powder, granules, leaves) in predetermined and single-use doses for the impromptu preparation of beverages (such as tea, coffee, herbal teas, milk, chocolate, etc.) by introducing a fluid under pressure (usually hot water) into the same capsule.

[0002] In the field of capsules or pods for coffee or other infusions, it is known to use automatic or semi-automatic machines equipped with a dispensing unit adapted to produce an infusion by passing hot water under pressure through the capsule containing the product to be infused or dissolved.

[0003] The capsule body comprises a base, a side wall and a flange to which the lid is welded. Once the dispensing unit of the machine has been opened, the capsule is inserted into a compartment, and, once the dispensing unit is closed, automatically or manually, the flange remains locked between a movable ring and a fixed stop.

[0004] During the closing of the dispensing unit, the lid is perforated to allow the introduction of a flow of hot water under pressure. Once the infusion of the product contained within the capsule is achieved, the infused beverage flows out from the base of the capsule and is directed into the cup or the final container.

[0005] To prevent the pressurized fluid from passing too quickly through the product to be infused, and thus not spreading sufficiently within the capsule with negative repercussions on the quality of the infused beverage, the known capsules have a layer of film on the base of the capsule. The increase in pressure causes the deformation of the film, creating openings from which the beverage may flow. An embodiment of such a capsule is described in the International Application W02016/ 135581 , in the name of the Applicant.

[0006] In the light of the operation described above, it is understood that the flange plays a fundamental role in the proper functioning of the capsule, as it must adequately withstand the forces generated during the perforation of the lid and during the injection of the liquid under pressure. For these reasons, said flange is made with a predefined thickness, which ensures adequate structural strength.

[0007] At the same time, as is known, there are other requirements, such as that of having a capsule that is impermeable to oxygen and humidity, so that the product contained inside may be kept for a long time in optimal storage conditions. Moreover, this need is currently complicated by a growing attention to the environment, which requires that compostable capsules be made available .

[0008] All this involves the use of particular technologies for making the capsule body and the use of particular materials, which do not always allow the best implementation of constructive details of the capsule body such as those mentioned with reference to the flange .

[0009] The object of the present invention is to create a capsule impermeable to oxygen and humidity that satisfies the aforesaid requirements and at the same time overcomes the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art.

[0010] Such object is achieved by a capsule made according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0011] The features and advantages of the capsule according to the invention will be apparent from the description provided below by way of non-limiting example, in accordance with the accompanying figures, wherein:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0012] With reference to the accompanying figures, a capsule body of a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages is collectively indicated at 1.

[0013] The body capsule 1 comprises an annular side wall 2, having a central axis X. Axially, the side wall 2 extends between a lower end 4 and an upper end 6.

[0014] The capsule body 1 further comprises a base 8, which extends radially inside the lower end 4 of the side wall 2 and is equipped with at least one conduit 10 through which the beverage flows, and a flange 12, located at the upper end 6 of the side wall 2.

[0015] The flange 12 extends radially outside of the upper end 6 of the side wall 2, substantially on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the central axis X. The flange 12 is peripherally delimited by a flange edge 13. [0016] Said flange 12 has an upper face 12a, intended for example for welding with a lid (not shown) of the capsule, and an opposite lower face 12b, both substantially flat and in the form of a circular crown.

[0017] The flange 12 further comprises at least one spacer element 14 protruding from the lower face 12b of the flange 12.

[0018] According to a first embodiment (figures 2 and 3a), said at least one spacer element 14 comprises a continuous outer ring 15a, protruding from the lower face 12b of the flange 12.

[0019] Preferably, moreover, said at least one spacer element 14 comprises a continuous inner ring 17a, arranged radially inside the outer ring 15a.

[0020] Preferably, moreover, said at least one spacer element 14 comprises a continuous intermediate ring 19a, arranged in a radially intermediate position between the outer ring 15a and the inner ring 17a.

[0021] Preferably, moreover, said rings 15a, 17a, 19a are arranged equidistant radially, for example at a radial distance A that is between 15% - 25% greater than the thickness H2 of the flange, preferably about 20%. Preferably, the radial distance A is between 0.7mm and

1.1mm. In an example embodiment, the radial distance A is 0.9mm. [0022] According to a further embodiment (figures 4 and 5), said at least one spacer element 14 comprises a discontinuous outer ring 16a, protruding from the lower face 12b of the flange 12.

[0023] In particular, said outer ring 16a is composed of a plurality of separate ring segments 16b, arranged in circumferential succession, separated by respective free segments 16c, preferably of equal circumferential length and equally spaced angularly.

[0024] Preferably, moreover, said at least one spacer element 14 comprises a discontinuous inner ring 18a, arranged radially inside the outer ring 16a, provided, similarly to the outer ring 16a, with ring segments 18b and free segments 18c.

[0025] Preferably, moreover, said at least one spacer element 14 comprises a discontinuous intermediate ring 20a, arranged in an intermediate position between the outer ring 16a and the inner ring 18a.

[0026] Said intermediate ring 20a is composed of a plurality of separate ring segments 20b, arranged in circumferential succession, separated by respective free segments 20c, preferably of equal circumferential length and equally spaced angularly.

[0027] Each ring segment 20b of the intermediate ring 20a is arranged opposite a free segment 16c of the outer ring 16a or a free segment 18c of the inner ring 18a.

[0028] In a variant embodiment, the ring segments 16b of the outer ring 16a and the ring segments 18b of the inner ring 18a are radially aligned, as are their respective free segments 18c, 20c.

[0029] Preferably, in the latter variant, each ring segment 20b of the intermediate ring 20a is arranged opposite a free segment 16c of the outer ring 16a and a free segment 18c of the inner ring 18a.

[0030] Preferably, moreover, said ring segments 20b of the intermediate ring 20a overlap radially, at least partially, with the ring segments 16b of the outer ring 16a and/or the ring segments 18b of the outer ring 18a.

[0031] According to a further embodiment (Figures 6 and 7), said at least one spacer element 14 comprises a discontinuous outer ring 22a, with ring segments 22b and free segments 22c, a discontinuous inner ring 24a, with ring segments 24b and free segments 24c, and a discontinuous intermediate ring 26a, with ring segments 26b and free segments 26c.

[0032] In said embodiment, the ring segments 26b of the intermediate ring 26a are the same length as that of the ring segments 22b of the outer ring 22a and the ring segments 24b of the inner ring 24a and are arranged opposite thereof. [0033] As a result, the free segments 22c, 24c, 26c of the rings 22a, 24a, 26a are radially aligned and form radial channels 28 lacking ridges, which extend from the side wall 2 to the outer edge of the flange 12.

[0034] According to a still further embodiment (figures 8 and 9) , said at least one spacer element 14 comprises a plurality of pins 30, dispersed on the lower face 12b of the flange 12.

[0035] For example, said pins 30 are in the form of small cylinders or cones or, according to a further variant, in the form of small domes.

[0036] Preferably, said pins 30 are organized along three imaginary concentric circumferences.

[0037] According to a still further embodiment (figures 10 and 11), said at least one spacer element 14 comprises a plurality of radial ribs 32, protruding from the lower face 12b of the flange 12.

[0038] For example, each rib extends radially from the side wall 2 to the outer edge of the flange 12.

[0039] Preferably, said ribs 32 are equally spaced angularly .

[0040] According to the embodiment described above (for example, Figure 3b) , said at least one spacer element 14 has a predefined height HI whereby it protrudes axially from the lower face 12b of the flange 12; at the same time, said flange 12 has a predefined thickness H2 (axial distance between the upper face 12a and the lower face 12b) . The total axial dimension of the flange with the spacer elements is thus defined as H1+H2. Preferably, the height HI of the spacer element 14 is between 0.2mm and 6mm. In an example embodiment, the height HI is 0.4mm. Preferably, the thickness H2 of the flange 12 is between 0.5mm and 0.9mm. In an example embodiment, the thickness H2 is 0.7mm. Preferably, the total axial dimension of the flange with the spacer elements is thus between 0.7mm and 1.5mm. In an example embodiment, the total axial dimension is 1.1mm.

[0041] Said flange 12 and said at least one spacer element 14 are configured so that the height H2 of said at least one spacer element is between 25% - 45% of the total dimension H1+H2, preferably between 30% - 40%, even more preferably around 35%.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment (for example, Figure 3b), each ring 15a-19a, 16a-20a, 22a-26a, has a longitudinal cross-section (obtained with an imaginary plane passing through the central axis X) of a substantially triangular (or trapezoidal) asymmetrical shape. Preferably, the spacer element 14 has a substantially trapezoidal shape, with a larger base between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm (preferably 0.6 mm), and a smaller base between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm (preferably 0.2 mm) .

[0043] In particular, each cross-section is such that the surface 54 facing outwards is substantially orthogonal to the flange 12, for example to the outer face 12a thereof, while the surface 56 facing inwards is flared so as to be convergent towards the flange.

[0044] In an example embodiment, the surface 56 is tilted about 40° relative to the lower face 12b of the flange 12.

[0045] The side wall 2 and the flange 12 with the spacer elements 14 are made in a single piece.

[0046] For example, they are made in a single piece by injection molding of a single polymeric material, for example a material impermeable to oxygen and moisture.

[0047] According to a further example (Figure 12), the side wall 2 and the flange 12 with the spacer elements 14 are made in a single piece by co-injection, so as to obtain a body impermeable to oxygen and moisture, provided with a polymeric barrier layer 50 completely embedded in an outer polymeric matrix 52.

[0048] For example, the barrier layer is made of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) ; for example, the outer matrix is made of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) .

[0049] In this example embodiment, the barrier layer 50 extends into the side wall 2 and into the flange 12, but not into the spacer elements 14.

[0050] Advantageously, according to this example embodiment, the barrier layer is correctly positioned inside the outer matrix, since the flange is thin enough to avoid fluttering phenomena of the barrier layer, which occur when the thickness of the matrix is excessive.

[0051] According to a further embodiment, the capsule, comprising the capsule body and the lid, is compostable, i.e. made of various materials, but each of them compostable .

[0052] Internally, the base 8 is provided with a plurality of ridges 40 and grooves 42, so as to form a support for a disk 70 that internally closes the access to said conduits 10.

[0053] Preferably, the disc 70 is glued or welded to the base 8.

[0054] The injection of the liquid under pressure causes the deformation of the disc which, due to the grooves 42, is deformed - without breaking - so as to detach or unweld in some parts and lift some portions, thus allowing the infused liquid to access the conduits 10 to flow out.

[0055] Preferably, moreover, the base 8 has a plurality of labyrinths 54, arranged upstream of the conduits 10 and below the disk, with the function of reducing the pressure of the outflowing liquid and/or preventing dripping .

[0056] Depending on the embodiment, said ridges 40 and/or said labyrinths 52 are made in a single piece with the base .

[0057] According to a further embodiment, said ridges and/or said labyrinths constitute a body made separately from the base and applied thereto, internally.

[0058] Preferably, moreover, the base 8, equipped with the conduits 10, is made in a single piece with the side wall 2, for example by means of injection or co-injection molding .

[0059] According to a further embodiment, the base provided with the conduits is made separately from the side wall and applied thereto, at the lower end.

[0060] In use, as shown in figure 14, when the dispensing unit 90 of the beverage preparation machine is opened, the capsule is inserted in a compartment 91 and, when the dispensing unit is closed, automatically or manually, the flange 12 remains locked between a movable ring 92 and a fixed stop 93.

[0061] The flange 12 plays a fundamental role in the proper functioning of the capsule, as it must adequately withstand the forces generated during the perforation of the lid and during the injection of the liquid under pressure. For these reasons, the flange 12 comprises at least one spacer element 14, which is non-deformable and ensures adequate structural strength. The spacer element 14 is in effect provided with a certain thickness and/or geometry that makes it rigid, non-deformable, so as not to crush or yield between the movable ring 92 and the fixed stop 93, as shown in Figure 15.

[0062] In the capsule according to the present invention, in effect, of the type wherein the introduction of the liquid under pressure takes place from the lid (which closes the body of the capsule 1) and the infused beverage flows out from the base 8 of the capsule body 1, the seal of the infusion chamber 91 is guaranteed by the upper face 12a of the flange 12, while the lower face 12b guarantees structural strength. In other words, the spacer element 14 being rigid and non-deformable, it allows the conditions of closure of the dispensing unit to remain unchanged during the perforation of the lid and the injection of the liquid under pressure. In known capsules, in effect, without a spacer element, it may happen that the flange of the capsule body deforms causing misalignments between the movable ring and the fixed stop of the dispensing unit, compromising the correct closure thereof. [0063] Innovatively, the capsule according to the present invention meets the needs of the sector, as it ensures a stable grip of the flange inside the compartment of the dispensing unit, and at the same time overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above, because it is optimally achievable through the technologies of injection or co injection molding.

[0064] Advantageously, the capsule according to the present invention has a capsule body with flange equipped with at least one spacer element, for example in the form of rings, pins or ribs, made as a single piece with the same flange, protruding axially from the lower face of said flange, adapted to obtain a thickness suitable for the dispensing unit to grip the capsule.

Claims

1. Capsule for preparing infused or soluble beverages, comprising :

- a capsule body (1) comprising:

i) an annular side wall (2), having a central axis (X) extending axially between a lower end (4) and an upper end ( 6 ) ;

ii) a base (8) located at the lower end (4) of the side wall (2), having at least one conduit (10) through which the beverage is dispensed;

iii) a flange (12) arranged at the upper end (6) of the side wall (2) and projecting radially outwardly, provided with an upper face (12a) and a lower face (12b) ;

a predefined dose of product to obtain the beverage, contained in the capsule body;

- a lid applied to the flange (12) to close the capsule on top, said lid being suitable to be perforated for the injection of liquid under pressure; and

wherein the capsule body (1) comprises at least one spacer element (14), made in one piece with the flange (12), projecting axially from the lower face (12b) of said flange ( 12 ) .

2. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein said flange has a thickness that ensures adequate structural strength.

3. Capsule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the side wall (2) and the flange (12) with the spacer elements

(14) are made in a single piece.

4. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (2) and the flange (12) are made in a single piece of polymer material by co-injection, creating a single body equipped with a barrier layer (50) completely embedded in an outer matrix (52) .

5. Capsule according to claim 4, wherein the barrier layer (50) extends into the side wall (2) and into the flange (12), but not into the spacer elements (14) .

6. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule body is compostable.

7. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

said at least one spacer element (14) has a predefined height (HI) whereby it protrudes axially from the lower face (12b) of the flange (12), said flange (12) has a predefined thickness (H2); and

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

8. Capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one spacer element (14) comprises a continuous outer ring (15a) .

9. Capsule according to claim 8, wherein said at least one spacer element (14) comprises a continuous inner ring (17a), arranged radially inside the outer ring (15a) and a continuous intermediate ring (19a), arranged in an intermediate position between the outer ring (15a) and the inner ring (17a) .

10. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least one spacer element (14) comprises a discontinuous outer ring (16a) .

11. Capsule according to claim 10, wherein said at least one spacer element (14) comprises a discontinuous inner ring (18a), arranged radially inside the outer ring (16a) and a discontinuous intermediate ring (20a) , arranged in an intermediate position between the outer ring (16a) and the inner ring (18a) .

12. Capsule according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein said rings (15a-19a; 16a-18a; 22a-26a) have a substantially triangular or trapezoidal longitudinal cross-section, which is asymmetrical, wherein a surface (56) facing inwards is flared so as to be convergent towards the flange.

13. Capsule according to claim 12, wherein said rings

( 15a-l 9a; 16a-l 8a; 22a-26a) further comprise a surface (54) facing outwards and substantially orthogonal to the flange ( 12 ) .

14. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least one spacer element (14) comprises a plurality of pins (30), scattered on the lower face (12b) of the flange (12) .

15. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least one spacer element (14) comprises a plurality of radial ribs (32) .