CN112703160A

CN112703160A - Capsule for beverage preparation having an integrally formed sealing member

Info

Publication number: CN112703160A
Application number: CN201980058596.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: G·班巴焦尼; V·贝尔曼; M·G·穆勒
Original assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Current assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA; Nestle SA
Priority date: 2018-09-14
Filing date: 2019-09-06
Publication date: 2021-04-23
Also published as: MX2021002142A; CA3112611A1; ZA202102229B; AU2019340821A1; JP2022500317A; SG11202101101WA; EP3849922A1; AR116398A1; BR112021002097A2; US20210323758A1; TW202023919A; KR20210059702A; WO2020053075A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a capsule (10) designed for preparing a beverage by a beverage preparation machine (20) upon injection of a liquid into the capsule, the capsule (10) having a longitudinal axis (y) and comprising a cup-shaped base body (1) for holding a beverage preparation ingredient, which is provided with a closed end (1a) and a lateral side wall (1b), and a flange-like outer rim (2) arranged at an open end (1c) of the base body (1) and radially terminating with a curled outer edge (2 c); wherein-the capsule (10) is in a first state prior to use in the beverage preparation machine, wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing member (3) for providing a fluid-tight engagement with a sealing profile of a capsule engagement member (21) of the beverage preparation machine (20), said sealing profile having at least one sealing surface (21a,21b,21c), wherein the base body (1), the flange-like rim (2) and the sealing member (3) are integrally made of a metal material, such as aluminum, as a one-piece component, and wherein the sealing member (3) comprises at least one dedicated surface (4) at a junction between the side wall (1b) of the base body (1) and the flange-like rim (2), said dedicated surface (4) being in the form of at least one step extending above the flange-like rim (2), and wherein-the capsule (10) is in the second state after use in the beverage preparation machine. The capsule is characterized in that, in the second state, after engagement between the sealing contour of the capsule engagement member (21) and the at least one step of the dedicated surface (4), the at least one step is plastically deformed, and the capsule (10) comprises, at the location of the at least one step (4), a flange-like outer rim (2) having a contour corresponding to the shape of at least one of the sealing surfaces (21a,21b,21c), said contour exhibiting at least three continuous surfaces (S1, S2, S3), each having a different orientation.

Description

Capsule for beverage preparation having an integrally formed sealing member

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a capsule designed for preparing a food product, such as a beverage, having a reinforced sealing member. In particular, the invention relates to a capsule having a body with an integrally formed sealing member made of a metallic material, such as aluminium.

Background

Capsules for preparing food products, such as beverages, are widely known on the market. An example of such a capsule intended to be used with a beverage preparation machine is described in EP 0512468 a 1. For beverage preparation in a dedicated beverage preparation machine, the capsule is inserted into the machine and the ingredients contained in the capsule are made to interact with the liquid provided to the capsule to form the desired beverage which is then made to leave the capsule. Thereby, the capsule opens under the influence of the rising pressure within the capsule, which urges the outlet face of the membrane against an opening member, such as a lifting assembly provided on a support portion of the beverage preparation machine. The capsule is sealed with a beverage preparation machine during a beverage preparation procedure, obtained by the outer portion of the flange-like rim of the capsule being contacted along a circumferential contact line by suitably shaped engaging members of the beverage preparation machine.

In order to enhance the seal between the capsule and the engaging member of the beverage preparation machine, capsules have been developed wherein a dedicated sealing member is applied, and wherein the material of the sealing member is different from the capsule body. For example, EP 1654966 a1, EP 1849715 a1, and EP 2151313 a1 relate to such capsules, wherein a sealing member of a rubber-elastic material is applied to the capsule. The sealing member may be applied to the capsule body by liquid deposition and hardening, gluing, or by pressing a part of the capsule body and/or a flange-like outer rim of the capsule onto the sealing member.

A disadvantage of these capsules is the more complicated manufacturing procedure, wherein the capsule and the sealing member are manufactured in separate manufacturing steps and then assembled. This solution is more expensive to manufacture both in terms of material costs and manufacturing costs, and also has an environmental impact due to the use of two different materials. Thus, a solution is sought which provides enhanced sealing properties of the flange-like rim of the capsule while enabling facilitated manufacturing procedures.

Capsules are also known which comprise an integrally formed sealing member, i.e. a sealing member made of the same material as the capsule body and the flange-like outer rim of the capsule. For example, EP 1654966 a1, EP 2303077B 1, EP 2387922B 1, and EP 2814328B 1 relate to a capsule comprising a sealing member formed by a plurality of concentric annular projections integrally formed with the flange-like outer rim.

EP 1654966 a1 discloses in a third embodiment thereof the resilient nature of the sealing member with the geometry of the capsule itself. It is proposed to have the sealing member in a stepped shape which increases the diameter of the side wall of the capsule. When the capsule engages the inclined sealing surface of the beverage preparation machine, a deflection of the sealing member occurs on the capsule.

WO2014/012783 a1, WO2014/184652 a1, WO2016/186489 a1, WO2016/186495 a1, and WO2016/186496 a1 also disclose capsules for beverage preparation, and which comprise a flange-like rim portion having an integrally formed annular sealing member.

WO2016/186495 a1 relates to a plastic capsule comprising a flange-like rim having two spaced projections projecting axially therefrom and a platform (plateau) between the two projections. During extraction of the capsule, certain parts of the beverage preparation machine are configured to interact with such projections and the platform to provide a sealing engagement.

However, these known capsules suffer from the drawback of manufacturing tolerances due to the dimensions of the capsule and manufacturing tolerances of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation machine, the two parts not being properly matched and joined, thus reducing the tightness between the capsule and the joining member, with the risk of leakage and dilution of the beverage by water.

Furthermore, due to the circumferentially arranged protrusions of the flange-like outer rim, tension may occur during the formation of the protrusions in the manufacturing procedure, which in turn leads to defects in the sealing member and/or the flange-like outer rim, and which negatively affects the sealing properties of the sealing member.

This applies in particular to metal capsules, for example made of aluminum or aluminum alloys. Thus, defects such as stress fractures, wrinkles, and other surface defects can occur during the deep drawing (deep drawing) procedure of aluminum when forming capsules.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved capsule which overcomes the drawbacks of the background art solutions. This object is solved by the independent claims. The dependent claims define further preferred embodiments of the invention.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a capsule designed for preparing a beverage when liquid is injected into the capsule by a beverage preparation machine.

The proposed capsule has a longitudinal axis and comprises a cup-shaped base body for holding a beverage preparation ingredient, the cup-shaped base body being provided with a closed end and lateral side walls, and a flange-like outer rim arranged at the open end of the base body and radially terminating with a curled outer edge.

The proposed capsule is in a first state prior to use in the beverage preparation machine, wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing member for providing a fluid-tight engagement with a sealing profile of a capsule engagement member of the beverage preparation machine, the sealing profile having at least one sealing surface, wherein the base body, the flange-like rim and the sealing member are integrally made of a metal material, such as aluminum, in a single-piece assembly, and wherein the sealing member comprises at least one dedicated surface at a junction between such a side wall of the base body and the flange-like rim, the dedicated surface being in the form of at least one step extending above the flange-like rim.

The proposed capsule assumes a second state after use in the beverage preparation machine.

According to the invention, in the second state, upon engagement between the capsule engagement member and the at least one step of the dedicated surface of the sealing member, the at least one step is plastically deformed, and the capsule comprises, at the location of the at least one step, a flange-like outer rim having a profile corresponding to the shape of the sealing profile of the capsule engagement member, the profile presenting at least three continuous surfaces (S1, S2, S3), each having a different orientation.

In the second state of the capsule, the newly established contour comprising such three surfaces, each having a different orientation, generates axial and radial forces around the engagement member, thereby generating an effective tightness between the flange-like outer rim and the sealing surface of the engagement member.

Such continuous surface established by the plastic deformation of the at least one step exhibits the following orientation:

the first surface is substantially parallel to the surface of the engagement member facing the side wall of the base body of the capsule;

-the second surface is substantially parallel to the flange-like outer edge; and

-the third surface forms an angle β with the base body side wall, the angle being comprised between 1 ° and 50 °.

The capsule according to the invention achieves an effective, reliable and resistant sealing structure made of a single integral piece and therefore omits any additional material (such as rubber).

Furthermore, the capsule can be formed in a facilitated manufacturing procedure with reduced costs, while at the same time providing a reinforced sealing member without any material defects, such as cracks, wrinkles, and surface defects, which may affect the capsule quality and tightness as well as the extraction procedure.

The flange-like rim is preferably a substantially planar collar extending from an open end of the cup-shaped base body, which is substantially perpendicular to the outer lateral side wall of the base body and/or to the axis of rotation of the capsule.

The dedicated surface is arranged at the junction between the cup-shaped base body and the flange-like outer rim and extends over a length D which is greater than the sealing profile of the engaging member.

In particular, the dedicated surface extends over a length D comprised between 0.5mm and 4 mm.

The dedicated surface of the sealing member (comprising at least one step) is preferably integrally formed in an otherwise substantially planar flange-like outer rim. The step formed in the flange-like outer edge preferably comprises a material thickness which substantially corresponds to the remaining part of the flange-like outer edge.

The step in the flange-like outer rim is preferably made by a deep-drawing process. In a preferred embodiment, the capsule body, the flange-like rim, and the sealing member are manufactured in a single deep-drawing process. The capsule can be manufactured, for example, by deep drawing an initially flat metal sheet.

The capsule is preferably made from a single metal sheet, such as aluminum.

The sealing member is considered to be part of the flange-like outer edge and forms a continuous surface therewith. The surface is directed towards the cup-shaped base body of the capsule. On the surface of the flange-like outer rim opposite thereto, a closure membrane may be connected to the capsule base body.

The dedicated surface is designed for receiving and engaging a preferably annular sealing contour of a capsule engaging member of the beverage preparation machine. The sealing profile of the capsule engagement member comprises at least one sealing surface. The engaging members are preferably substantially bell-shaped engaging members, respectively so-called capsule compartments (capsule cage), which are designed for receiving the cup-shaped base body of the capsule. The sealing profile of the engagement member may be a flat or rounded end surface of the engagement member.

In a preferred mode, the sealing profile of the engagement member is arranged for engaging the at least one step of the sealing member. The engagement of the sealing profile of the engaging member is designed such that it deforms the dedicated surface of the sealing member when it engages therewith. The engagement of the sealing profile of the engagement member may be such that it provides at least substantially radially and axially oriented sealing forces with the sealing member.

In a first embodiment, the dedicated surface comprises a step, which is substantially parallel to the flange-like outer edge. Which comprises a length d between 0.5mm and 3mm and a height H between 1mm and 3 mm.

In a second embodiment, the specialized surface comprises two steps: a first step adjacent to the remaining flange-like rim portion and parallel to the flange-like rim, and a second step between the first step and such side wall. The second step forms an angle a with the longitudinal axis of the capsule and has a height h comprised between 0.2mm and 2 mm.

The capsule preferably further comprises a closure membrane connected to the base body and/or the flange-like outer rim of the capsule. The closure membrane is preferably connected to the surface of the flange-like rim opposite to the surface where the dedicated surface of the sealing member is arranged. The closure membrane may be attached to the flange-like rim by means of an adhesive and/or welding technique. The closure film is preferably a closed film, i.e. without any perforations. However, the closure film may also include preformed perforations therein. The closure film is preferably an aluminum foil. The foil is preferably sealed to the flange-like outer edge, such as for forming a seal against gases with the capsule base body for preserving the freshness of such ingredients contained in the cartridge.

The thickness of the closure film is preferably between 60 and 100 microns (including the embossed structure and the lacquer(s) on the surface).

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system comprising a capsule as described above and a beverage preparation machine designed for providing a heated and/or pressurized liquid into the capsule for preparing a beverage upon interaction of the liquid with an ingredient held within the capsule.

The beverage preparation machine preferably comprises a pump, a heating and/or cooling member, a liquid supply (such as a water tank and/or a beverage brewing chamber) for selectively receiving a capsule for preparing a beverage from the capsule.

The beverage preparation machine preferably comprises a capsule-engaging member (e.g. as part of the brewing chamber) designed for accommodating a capsule when provided into the machine, and in particular the capsule base body. The engaging member comprises an annular sealing profile designed to interact with the sealing member of the capsule to achieve an effective sealing of the capsule during the beverage preparation procedure. As mentioned earlier, the sealing profile of the engagement member may be arranged for engaging the dedicated surface comprising at least one step. The engagement of the sealing profile of the engagement member may deform the dedicated surface. The engagement of the sealing profile of the engagement member may be such that it provides an at least substantially radially and axially oriented sealing force with the dedicated surface.

The beverage preparation machine preferably further comprises: a perforation mechanism (such as an injection blade or the like) designed to perforate the inlet face of the capsule (in particular at the closed end of the capsule base body) and to inject liquid inside the capsule.

The beverage preparation machine preferably further comprises a capsule support designed to hold the flange-like outer edge of the capsule at a side opposite to a side of the machine where the engagement member engages the sealing member of the capsule. The capsule support preferably comprises an opening member (such as e.g. a truncated pyramid-shaped element) against which a closing membrane of the capsule can be pushed during a pressure rise within the capsule to open the closing part, e.g. by tearing or rupturing.

The capsule according to the invention is preferably rotationally symmetric, i.e. symmetric along its vertical axis.

Such beverage preparation ingredients provided in the capsule are preferably selected from the group consisting of: roasted ground coffee, tea, instant coffee, a mixture of roasted ground coffee and instant coffee, a slurry concentrate, a fruit extract concentrate, a chocolate product, a milk-based product, or any other dehydrated edible substance (such as a dehydrated stock). The liquid used for beverage preparation is preferably water of any temperature.

The invention further relates to a cup-shaped base body for a capsule with a reinforced integrally formed sealing member for preparing a food product.

According to the present invention, a cup-shaped base body and a flange-like rim of a capsule for holding a beverage preparation ingredient and a sealing member are proposed, the sealing member comprising a dedicated surface with at least one step at the junction between the cup-shaped base body and the flange-like rim and extending above the flange-like rim, the at least one step being conformed for engagement with at least one sealing surface of a capsule engagement member of a beverage preparation machine, wherein the base body, the flange-like rim, and the sealing member are integrally made of a metallic material, such as aluminum.

The proposed flange-like rim is in a first state prior to use in a beverage preparation machine; and in a second state after use in the beverage preparation machine.

In a second state of the flange-like rim, at the location of the at least one step, the flange-like rim is plastically deformed and assumes a profile corresponding to the shape of at least one of the sealing surfaces, the profile comprising at least three continuous surfaces (S1, S2, S3), each having a different orientation, and generating axial and radial forces around the engaging component, thereby generating an effective tightness between the flange-like rim and the sealing component of the engaging component.

As proposed solution, allows to create an effective tightness between the flange-like outer rim and the sealing member of the engaging member, improving the current best technology.

Drawings

Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

These drawings depict only some embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. It should therefore be understood that the claimed invention is not intended to be limited in any way by these examples.

Figure 1a is a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 1b is a top view of the capsule according to FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1c is a cross-sectional side view of the capsule according to FIG. 1 a;

figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the first embodiment of the capsule-integrated sealing member of figure 1a and of an engaging member of a beverage preparation machine before engaging with each other according to the present invention;

figure 3 is a partially enlarged sectional side view of a first embodiment of a sealing member and an engaging member of a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention, before engaging with each other;

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged sectional side view of a first embodiment of a sealing member and an engaging member of a beverage preparation machine engaging each other according to the present invention;

figure 5a is a perspective side view of a second embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;

fig. 5b is a top view of the capsule according to fig. 5 a;

figure 5c is a cross-sectional side view of the capsule according to figure 5 a;

figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the engaging member of the capsule and beverage preparation machine of figure 5a before engaging with each other according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

figure 7 is a partially enlarged sectional side view of a second embodiment of a sealing member and an engaging member of a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention, before engaging with each other; and is

Fig. 8 is a partially enlarged sectional side view of a second embodiment of a sealing member according to the present invention and an engaging member of a beverage preparation machine engaging each other.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof.

In the drawings, like reference characters and references generally identify similar elements unless the context dictates otherwise.

The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description and drawings in the specification are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures of the specification, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of this disclosure.

The words "comprise" and "comprising" and similar words in this specification are not to be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, it is intended to represent "including but not limited to".

Any reference to background art documents in this specification should not be taken as an admission that such background art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

Fig. 1a to 4 relate to a first embodiment of a capsule 10 according to the present invention.

As presented in the figures, fig. 1a presents a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a capsule, fig. 1b is a top view of the capsule, fig. 1c is a cross-sectional side view of the capsule, and fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the capsule, the capsule 10 comprising a cup-shaped base body 1. The base body 1 comprises a closed end 1a (the entire area of the top part of the capsule, not just the centre), lateral side walls 1b, and an open end 1 c. This closed end 1a may serve as an injection face during a beverage preparation procedure, which injection face may be opened by a dedicated injection part of the beverage preparation machine 20.

During the extraction procedure, the engaging member 21 of the dedicated beverage preparation machine 20 as presented in fig. 3 engages with the capsule 10. The engagement member 21 preferably comprises a substantially hollow bell-shaped engagement member for receiving the capsule base body 1 therein. When placing the capsule 10 in the beverage preparation machine 20, the engaging member 21 will be lowered onto the capsule 10 by the dedicated closing force F.

The engagement member 21 comprises a sealing profile presenting

several sealing surfaces

21a,21b and 21 c. The sealing surface is tied to an inner portion of the engaging member 21, in contact with the capsule 10 over a portion of the engaging member 21. For example, the sealing surface may be in the form of an annular lower surface having rounded inner and outer circumferential edges, may be in the form of a flat surface which is parallel to the side wall of the capsule in use, or in any other form. The sealing surface 21a facing the peripheral portion of the capsule comprises a radial thickness, preferably lying between 0.1mm and 0.6mm, more preferably between 0.2mm and 0.5 mm.

As shown on fig. 1a, the capsule 10 further comprises a flange-like outer rim 2, which is preferably arranged at the open end 1c of the capsule 10. A flange-like outer rim 2 extends radially outwardly from the lateral side wall of the cup-shaped base body 1. The flange-like outer rim 2 is preferably arranged transversely to the rotation axis Y of the capsule 10 and presents a curled outer edge 2c at its end opposite the base body 1.

In the embodiment shown, the capsule is preferably made of aluminium.

In terms of dimensions, the base body 1 has a diameter comprised between 8mm and 30mm, a height of about 24mm to 30mm, a thickness of the base body side walls comprised between 0.08mm and 0.12 mm.

The flange-like outer rim 2 extending from the body base 1 has a length L measured from the body base side wall 1b to the curled outer rim 2c, which is between 2mm and 4 mm.

At the open end 1c (shown in fig. 1c) of the capsule base body 1, a closing membrane 9 may be arranged. The closing membrane 9 is preferably connected to the flange-like outer rim 2, as is presented in fig. 1c and 2. The closing membrane 9 is preferably connected to at least one lower annular surface 2b of the flange-like outer rim 2, the surface 2b of which is directed away from the capsule base body 1.

Alternatively, the closure membrane 9 may be connected to the base body 1, or to both the base body 1 and the flange-like rim 2.

The closing membrane 9 is preferably an aluminium foil sealed to the flange-like outer rim 2.

The cup-shaped base body 1 preferably encloses a beverage ingredient, such beverage ingredient being suitable for preparing a liquid foodstuff upon interaction with a liquid injected into the capsule 10. Such ingredients are preferably encapsulated by the cup-shaped base body 1 and the closure membrane 9. The beverage ingredient may be roast and ground coffee or other ingredients, as previously described.

The flange-like outer rim 2 comprises an integrally formed sealing member 3 arranged at the upper annular surface 2a of the flange-like outer rim. The annular surface 2a is arranged opposite to the surface 2b to which the closure membrane 9 is preferably connected. Thus, the annular surface 2a faces away from the open end 1c of the capsule.

The sealing member 3 is positioned between the capsule body base 1 and the flange-like rim 2. It comprises a dedicated surface 4 at the junction between the lateral side wall 1b of the main body base 1 and the flange-like outer rim 2.

The dedicated surface 4 extends over a length D which is greater than the inner portion of the engagement member 21 (where the sealing surface is located).

More precisely, the dedicated surface 4 extends over a length D (measured from the side wall 1b) comprised in the range from 0.5mm to 4 mm.

In this embodiment, the length D is about 2.5 mm.

The dedicated surface 4 comprises a step 4a extending from the lateral side wall 1b over the flange-like rim 2, the step 4a being substantially parallel to the direction of the flange-like rim. The step 4a is integrally formed with the flange-like rim 2 and the base body 1. This means that it is formed from the same material as the flange-like rim and the base of the body, and is formed by the flange-like rim (and not an additional part) to extend from the surface 2 a.

As can be seen in fig. 1b, the step 4a extends continuously and annularly around the lateral side wall 1b and is arranged to engage with a sealing surface 21a of a capsule engagement member 21 of the beverage preparation machine 20. This is visible in fig. 2, which shows the interaction of the capsule 10 with the engaging parts of the beverage machine 20.

In order to have an effective engagement, the length d of the step 4a (extending from the lateral side wall 1b) is preferably selected such that it interacts properly and completely with the dedicated sealing surface 21a of the engagement member 21 in sealing engagement.

The length d of the steps 4a is preferably between 0.5mm and 3mm, more preferably between 1mm and 2.5 mm. The height H of the steps 4a is preferably between 1mm and 3mm, more preferably between 1.5mm and 2.5 mm.

The step 4a then extends over a length d which is greater than the inner part of the engaging part 21 (where the sealing surface is located), while the remaining part of the flange-like rim 2 is preferably between 0.5mm and 1 mm.

The system into which the capsule and the beverage preparation machine are integrated operates as follows for preparing a cup of beverage, for example coffee. The capsule 10 is placed in the beverage preparation machine and when the beverage preparation machine is closed, the capsule engagement member 21 is in contact with the capsule 10. The capsule is pierced on its closed end 1a by a piercing member (not shown) for establishing an inlet for fluid under pressure (hot or cold) into the capsule 10. The water wets the coffee stored inside the capsule and extracts the desired substance to form a coffee beverage.

During the supply of water under pressure to the capsule, the pressure rise causes the closure membrane 9 to rupture (for example by pressing the closure membrane 9 against some of the lid piercing members), while the coffee beverage is delivered to the cup by expelling it from the capsule.

Reference is now made to fig. 3 and 4, which present a partially enlarged sectional side view of the embodiment of the sealing member of fig. 1a to 2 and of the engaging member of the beverage preparation machine before and during engagement with each other.

Specifically, when the engaging member 21 is lowered onto the sealing member 3 from the position shown in fig. 3 by the closing force F, the annular sealing surface 21a engages with the step 4 a.

Due to the force exerted on the sealing member 3 in the overlapping area between the joint member 21 and the sealing member 3, the step 4a of the sealing member 3 is plastically deformed during this joint. In practice, the step 4a extends over a length d which is greater than the inner portion of the engaging member 21 where such sealing surface is located.

In this condition, the length d of the step 4a is greater than the radial extension of the sealing surface 21 a.

As explained, the plastic deformation is due to the following applied forces:

applied by a clamping system when the coffee machine is closed by the engaging member 21; and

during the extraction procedure, the capsule is applied by water pressure through the engaging member 21.

The step 4a then closely conforms to the sealing surfaces 21a,21b,21c of the engagement part 21, so that during the extraction procedure the surface of the flange-like rim 2 conforms to the shape of the sealing profile (with the sealing

surfaces

21a,21b, and 21c) on the overlapping portions.

Fig. 4 shows this tight conformity between the sealing

surfaces

21a,21b,21c and the flange-like rim 2, which occurs during use (and is visible after use), wherein the step 4a and the flange-like rim 2 deform, resulting in a structure conforming to the groove of the sealing member. The resulting structure presents at least three new continuous (or adjacent) surfaces S1, S2, S3 formed during plastic deformation, such surfaces following the shape of the sealing

surfaces

21a,21b,21c of the capsule-engaging member 21.

Thus, the new shape of the flange-like outer rim 2 presents at least three new surfaces S1, S2, S3, each having a different orientation.

As can be seen on fig. 4, the first surface S1 of the capsule, where the flange-like outer edge is deformed, is substantially parallel to the base body side wall 1b and the sealing surface 21 b.

The second surface S2 of the capsule, where the flange-like rim is deformed, is substantially parallel to the flange-like rim 2 and the sealing surface 21 a.

The third surface S3 of the flange-like outer rim deformed capsule forms an angle β comprised between 1 ° and 50 ° with the base body side wall 1 b. In this case, the surface S3 is substantially parallel to the sealing surface 21c of the engaging member 21 and the angle β is about 22 °.

These three surfaces S1, S2, and S3, each presenting a different orientation, allow to fully conform to the sealing profile of the capsule engagement member 21, thus generating axial and radial forces around the engagement member and generating an effective fluid tightness between the capsule 10 and the beverage preparation machine 20.

As the deformed flange-like rim conforms to the shape corresponding to the sealing surfaces 21a,21b,21c, the sealing between the capsule flange-like rim 2 and the engaging member is increased.

In the proposed embodiment, the cup-shaped base body 1, the flange-like rim 2, and the sealing member 3 are integrally formed, i.e. one single piece made of the same material. Thus, the cup-shaped base body 1, the flange-like rim 2, and the sealing member 3 can be manufactured from the same material by well-known forming procedures. Specifically, the base body 1, the flange-like outer rim 2, and the integrally formed sealing member 3 may be formed in a deep drawing process. The deep-drawing procedure may require more than one deep-drawing step to properly form the body and sealing member of the capsule from a flat sheet of material, preferably a metal sheet.

The base body 1, the flange-like outer rim 2 and the sealing member 3 are formed from a workpiece made of metal, preferably aluminum, most preferably an aluminum alloy.

Fig. 5a to 8 relate to a second embodiment of a capsule 10 according to the present invention.

In the drawings of the specification a capsule 10 is shown, wherein fig. 5a presents a perspective side view of a first embodiment of the capsule, fig. 5b is a top view of the capsule, fig. 5c is a cross-sectional side view of the capsule, and fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the capsule.

As previously indicated, like symbols and references generally identify like components, and unless the context indicates otherwise, and only additional components will be described in detail, the previously described components also apply to this second embodiment herein.

In the second embodiment, the dedicated surface 4 of the sealing member 3 comprises two steps:

a first step 4a adjacent to the remaining flange-like outer edge 2 and parallel thereto. The first step has a length d in the range of 0.5mm to 3 mm; and

a second step 4b, which is located between the first step 4a and the side wall 1b of the base body 1. The second step 4b is shorter than the first step 4 a. Which forms an angle alpha with the longitudinal axis of the capsule. The angle alpha is in the range of 10 deg. to 80 deg.. The second step 4b has a height h comprised between 0.2mm and 2 mm.

Reference is now made to fig. 7 and 8, which present a partially enlarged sectional side view of the embodiment of the sealing member of fig. 5a to 6 and the engaging member of the beverage preparation machine before and during engagement with each other.

Specifically, when the engagement member 21 is lowered onto the sealing member 3 from the position shown in fig. 7 by the closing force F, the annular sealing profile of the engagement member 21 first engages with the step 4 b. In this case, the edge between the sealing

surfaces

21a and 21b is engaged with the step 4 b. In this overlapping area between the sealing

surfaces

21a,21b and the step 4b, the step 4b starts to plastically deform.

When further engagement is made, the sealing

surfaces

21a,21b,21c of the sealing profile further engage with the sealing member and enter into engagement with the first step 4 a.

Then, during this engagement, the first step 4a is plastically deformed.

The two

steps

4b, 4a closely conform to one another to at least one of the sealing

surfaces

21a,21b,21c of the engagement member 21.

At the end of the closing of the machine and the extraction procedure, when the engagement part is fully engaged with the dedicated surface, the plastic deformation is completed and the surface of the flange-like outer rim 2 conforms to the shape of the sealing profile (sealing

surfaces

21a,21b,21c) of the engagement part over the overlapping portion.

Fig. 8 shows this close conformation between the sealing

surfaces

21a,21b,21c and the flange-like rim 2 after use of the capsule. The

steps

4a and 4b have been deformed resulting in the flange-like rim 2 conforming to the configuration of the groove of the sealing surface 21. The resulting structure presents at least three new continuous (or adjacent) surfaces S1, S2, S3 from deformation, such surfaces following the shape of the sealing profile shape of the capsule-engaging member 21.

Similarly, as in the first embodiment:

-a first surface S1 of the flange-like outer rim is substantially parallel to the surface (21b) of the capsule-engaging member (21) in its second state.

The second surface S2 of the flange-like outer rim is in its second state substantially parallel to the flange-like outer rim 2 and the sealing surface 21 a.

The third surface S3 of the flange-like outer rim forms, in its second state, an angle β comprised between 1 ° and 50 ° with the base body side wall 1 b. In this case, the surface S3 is substantially parallel to the sealing surface 21c of the engaging member 21 and the angle β is about 22 °.

The dedicated surface 4 (with

steps

4a and 4b) of this second embodiment is larger than the dedicated surface 4 of the first embodiment. This results in making the sealing surface 21a larger, thus providing an improved fluid tightness between the engaging member and the capsule.

In this second embodiment, the step 4b also contributes to centering between the capsule and the engagement member. In fact, the step 4b extends from the side wall 1b of the body base and also presents a certain angle (angle α with the longitudinal axis), allowing a self-centering effect.

Thus, similar to the first embodiment, as the engagement member 21 moves towards the flange-like rim 2 during closure (mechanical force application) and/or extraction (pressure application), the sealing

surfaces

21a,21b,21c of the sealing profile deform the dedicated surfaces (first and second steps) and the flange-like rim 2 conforms to the sealing profile of the engagement member 21.

This conformation has the effect of increasing the contact surface area between the engagement members 21 and the capsule flange-like rim 2 and thus increasing the fluid tightness between the capsule 10 and the beverage machine 20.

The proposed embodiment shows a capsule engagement member 21 having a given geometry, however, other geometries of capsule engagement members are envisaged.

Since the proposed structure comprises at least one step, the proposed capsule has a uniqueness adapted to the capsule engagement member.

In any case, during the extraction procedure, the sealing member 3 comprising at least one

step

4a, 4b conforms to the shape of the sealing contour of the capsule engaging member 21 over at least three surfaces having different orientations, resulting in an increased sealing between the capsule and the beverage machine.

Claims

1. Capsule (10) designed for the preparation of a beverage by a beverage preparation machine (20) upon injection of a liquid into the capsule, the capsule (10) having a longitudinal axis (y) and comprising a cup-shaped base body (1) for holding a beverage preparation ingredient, provided with a closed end (1a) and lateral side walls (1b), and a flange-like outer rim (2) arranged at the open end (1c) of the base body (1) and radially terminating with a curled outer edge (2 c); wherein

-the capsule (10) is in a first state prior to use in the beverage preparation machine,

wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing member (3) for providing a fluid sealing engagement with a sealing profile of a capsule engagement member (21) of the beverage preparation machine (20), the sealing profile having at least one sealing surface (21a,21b,21c),

wherein the base body (1), the flange-like outer rim (2) and the sealing member (3) are integrally made as a one-piece component from a metal material such as aluminum, and

wherein the sealing member (3) comprises at least one dedicated surface (4) at the junction between the side wall (1b) of the base body (1) and the flange-like rim (2), the dedicated surface (4) being in the form of at least one step extending above the flange-like rim (2), and wherein

-the capsule (10) is in a second state after use in the beverage preparation machine; the method is characterized in that: in the second state, upon engagement between the sealing profile of the capsule engagement member (21) and the at least one step of the dedicated surface (4), the at least one step is plastically deformed, and the capsule (10) comprises, at the location of the at least one step (4), a flange-like rim (2) having a profile corresponding to the shape of at least one of the sealing surfaces (21a,21b,21c), said profile presenting at least three continuous surfaces (S1, S2, S3), each having a different orientation.

2. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the capsule is a capsule,

wherein the dedicated surface (4) extends over a length D which is greater than the sealing profile of the engagement member (21).

3. The capsule according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein said dedicated surface (4) extends over a length D comprised between 0.5mm and 4mm, preferably comprised between 0.7mm and 3 mm.

4. Capsule according to any of the preceding claims,

wherein the dedicated surface (4) comprises at least a first step (4a) and a second step (4 b).

5. The capsule according to claim 4, wherein the capsule is a capsule,

wherein the first step (4a) is substantially parallel to the flange-like outer rim (2).

6. The capsule according to any one of claims 4 or 5,

wherein said first step (4a) has a height H comprised between 1mm and 3mm and a length d comprised between 0.5mm and 3 mm.

7. The capsule according to any one of claims 4 to 6,

wherein the second step (4b) forms an angle a with the longitudinal axis (y) of the capsule (10), said angle a being comprised between 10 ° and 80 °.

8. The capsule according to any one of claims 4 to 7,

wherein said second step (4b) has a height h comprised between 0.2mm and 2mm, preferably comprised between 0.5mm and 1.5 mm.

9. Capsule according to any of the preceding claims,

wherein, upon engagement with at least one of the sealing surfaces (21a,21b,21c) of the capsule-engaging member (21), one of the surfaces of the flange-like rim in its second state (S1) is substantially parallel to one of the sealing surfaces (21b) of the capsule-engaging member (21).

10. Capsule according to any of the preceding claims,

wherein one of the surfaces of the flange-like outer rim (S2) in its second state is substantially parallel to the flange-like outer rim (2) upon engagement with at least one of the sealing surfaces (21a,21b,21c) of the capsule engagement member (21).

11. Capsule according to any of the preceding claims,

wherein, upon engagement with at least one of the sealing surfaces (21a,21b,21c) of the capsule engagement member (21), one of the surfaces of the flange-like rim in its second state (S3) forms an angle β with the base body side wall (1b), said angle β being comprised between 1 ° and 50 °.

12. Capsule according to any of the preceding claims,

wherein the capsule body (1), the flange-like rim (2) and the sealing member (3) are manufactured by deep drawing an initially flat metal sheet.

13. Capsule according to any of the preceding claims,

wherein the capsule (10) is made of aluminium.

14. Capsule according to any of the preceding claims,

wherein the capsule further comprises a closure membrane (9) connected to the base body (1) and/or the flange-like outer rim (2) of the capsule.

15. The capsule as claimed in claim 14, wherein,

wherein the closing membrane (9) is connected to a surface (2b) of the flange-like rim (2) opposite to the surface (2a), the sealing member (3) being arranged at the surface (2 b).

16. The capsule according to claim 14 or 15,

wherein the closing membrane (9) is an aluminium foil sealed to the flange-like outer rim (2) on the surface (2b) opposite to the surface (2 a).

17. System comprising a capsule (10) according to any of claims 1 to 16 and a beverage preparation machine (20) designed for providing heated and/or pressurized liquid into the capsule for preparing a beverage upon interaction of the liquid with the ingredients held within the capsule.

18. A cup-shaped base body (1) and a flange-like rim (2) of a capsule for holding a beverage preparation ingredient, and a sealing member (3) comprising a dedicated surface (4) having at least one step, located at the junction between the cup-shaped base body (1) and the flange-like rim (2) and extending above the flange-like rim (2), the at least one step being conformed for engagement with at least one of the sealing surfaces (21a,21b,21c) of a capsule engagement member (21) of a beverage preparation machine (20),

wherein the base body (1), the flange-like outer rim (2) and the sealing member (3) are integrally made of a metal material such as aluminum,

wherein the flange-like rim (2) is in a first state prior to use in a beverage preparation machine; and is

Wherein the flange-like rim (2) is in a second state after use in the beverage preparation machine, wherein at the location of the at least one step the flange-like rim (2) is plastically deformed and assumes a contour corresponding to the shape of at least one of the sealing surfaces (21a,21b,21c), the contour comprising at least three continuous surfaces (S1, S2, S3) each having a different orientation and generating axial and radial forces around the engagement member, thereby generating an effective tightness between the flange-like rim (2) and the sealing member (21a) of the engagement member (21).