EP2851316A2

EP2851316A2 - Container for preparing a beverage under the pressure of a fluid

Info

Publication number: EP2851316A2
Application number: EP13745142.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Francisco Navarro Alcantara
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-11
Filing date: 2013-05-10
Publication date: 2015-03-25
Also published as: ES2429638A1; WO2013167789A2; WO2013167789A3; WO2013167789A8; ES2429638B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container for preparing a beverage under the pressure of a fluid, comprising a capsule made of a leak-tight material, storing at least one dose of a product for preparing the beverage, with an upper mouth closed by a first leak-tight film and a lower mouth covered by means preventing the product contained in the capsule from falling out; and an outer covering made of a moisture and oxygen barrier material, attached to the body of the capsule in a leak-tight but detachable manner, at least partially surrounding it, covering its lower end, the covering being provided with a spout extending inwardly and communicating with outlet means leading out of the covering that allow the passage of the fluid that goes through the capsule while preparing a beverage if said beverage has been prepared without having first removed the covering.

Description

Technical Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a container for preparing a beverage, such as coffee, in a self-service machine by percolation.

Background of the Invention

A receptacle by way of a cup with non-porous walls loosely housing a capsule containing a product for preparing a hot beverage is known through patent document EP 1867585 .
The solution according to document EP 1867585 increases the versatility of the product as it is made available to the public because it is compatible with different machines. For example, the capsule can be extracted from the receptacle when the use of a machine compatible with said capsule is required, while at the same time the receptacle can be used directly, without previously extracting the capsule, in another type of machine different from the first type mentioned. From the ready to use product supplier viewpoint, this is a solution of interest because the supplier can supply the product without knowing in which machines the product will be used, but it is ready to be used in more than one type of machine.
An alternative to the solution described in EP 1867585 is a primary objective of the present invention.
According to the solution described in EP 1867585 , it is necessary to use two upper films for enclosing the product. More specifically, the upper mouth of the capsule is closed by a first film preventing the accidental extraction of the product and the receptacle housing the capsule is closed by another film acting as a barrier and preventing the entrance of air and moisture into the receptacle, the purpose of which is to preserve the product in optimal conditions during storage and transport.
Another objective of the invention is a solution in which the use of two upper films is not required for suitably enclosing the product.
On the other hand, it is of interest to provide a container the capsule element of which can be a conventional capsule of the type comprising a tubular body the upper and lower mouths of which are closed by leak-tight films offering a moisture and oxygen barrier. The use of these capsules can be limited to machines in which the receptacle for making the beverages must be used, i.e., in which the receptacle must be inserted without removing the capsule it houses, and which do not incorporate tools for perforating the lower portion of the mentioned receptacle. In such circumstances, not only would it be necessary to provide the receptacle with outlet means for the fluid, but it is also necessary to provide the assembly formed by the receptacle and the capsule with means to enable an exit from the capsule without having to extract said capsule from the receptacle. Another objective of the invention is therefore a solution that solves this drawback.
There are also machines that have a filter and machines that do not have a filter. In this latter case, only capsules incorporating filter means can be used, regardless of the format of the capsule, i.e., regardless of whether they must be inserted in the machine with or without the receptacle. Capsules incorporating filter means formed at the bottom of the capsule and capsules without filter means have been manufactured up until now. A secondary objective of the invention is also a manufacturing method that simplifies this process, the adopted solution being compatible with that or those that solve the aforementioned problems.
Stagnant fluid often remains at the bottom of the capsule, sometimes causing the dripping of leftover beverage when the cup or mug used by the user for the beverage has already been removed from the machine.
A secondary objective of the invention is also a solution that solves this drawback.

Disclosure of the Invention

The container of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a capsule formed by a body made of a leak-tight material storing at least one dose of a product for preparing the beverage, in which an upper mouth closed by a first leak-tight film welded to the mentioned body, and a lower mouth with means preventing the product contained in the capsule from falling out, are distinguished.
The container is essentially characterized in that it comprises an outer covering made of a moisture and oxygen barrier material, attached to the body of the capsule in a leak-tight but detachable manner such that it at least partially surrounds it, covering its lower mouth, the covering being provided with a spout extending inwardly and communicating with outlet means leading out of the covering that are suitable for allowing the passage of the fluid going through the capsule while preparing a beverage if said beverage has been prepared without having first removed the covering .
The mentioned spout is preferably arranged axially aligned and below the lower mouth of the body of the capsule.
In one embodiment, the covering is coupled to the body of the capsule such that the spout can move with respect to the capsule between at least two positions, the first position being a standby position (A), in which the upper edge of the spout is arranged below the plane of the lower mouth of the capsule; and the second position being an operating position, in which the upper edge of the spout goes through the mentioned lower mouth of the capsule.
In one variant of this embodiment, the means preventing the product contained in the capsule from falling out comprise a second film welded to the body of the capsule in its lower mouth, and the upper edge of the spout forms breaking means capable of breaking said second film when it adopts the operating position (B) due to the pressure of the upper edge of the spout on said second film, which enables the fluid to exit the capsule towards the outlet means of the covering while preparing a beverage if said beverage has been prepared without having first removed the covering .
Advantageously, the second film can be purposely welded to the body in a non-tensed manner, such that it adopts a slightly arched concave shape.
In one variant of interest, the capsule and the covering are provided with complementary mutual coupling means that allow the covering to slide over the wall of the body of the capsule between at least two positions, one position in which the spout adopts its standby position (A), and another position in which the spout adopts its operating position (B).
The invention contemplates the complementary coupling means comprising a threading on the outer surface of the wall of the body of the capsule and a complementary threading on the inner surface of the covering, all this such that the covering can be arranged in position (B) by screwing it in starting from position (A).
According to another feature of the invention, the spout is provided with holes in its portion adjacent to the upper edge, intended for acting as a filter and for allowing the discharge of the fluid that may accumulate at the bottom of the covering while preparing a beverage if said beverage has been prepared without having first removed the covering from the capsule.
The invention envisages that the outlet means comprise a one-way degassing valve or a hole blocked or closed by a seal member, susceptible to being moved or removed manually to enable a fluid outlet in the covering.
According to another variant of the invention, an accessory disc-shaped filter introduced in the capsule through its upper mouth is fitted inside the tubular body of the capsule on an annular lip formed in the lower mouth of said capsule. Optionally, if there is a filter, the capsule does not have any film or the like closing it in the lower portion.
In one embodiment, the filter is fitted between the walls of the body of the capsule at a certain distance above the annular lip of its lower end so that it is moved towards the lower mouth of the body due to the pressure of the fluid while preparing the beverage, prevented from being expelled from the body due to the pressure of the fluid while preparing a beverage by abutting against the mentioned annular lip.
In one variant of interest, an annular housing intended for tightly housing a corresponding perimetral rim provided for that purpose in the accessory disc-shaped filter is formed in the proximities of the lower mouth of the capsule, in the side wall of the body or in the annular lip.
Taking into consideration that the container comprises a capsule and a covering attached in a leak-tight but detachable manner, a capsule particularly suitable for achieving the invention is also object of the invention. Therefore, the invention also claims a capsule formed by a body made of a leak-tight material storing at least one dose of a product for preparing a beverage under the pressure of a fluid in which an upper mouth closed by a first leak-tight film welded to the mentioned body, and a lower mouth with means preventing the product contained in the capsule from falling out, are distinguished, the mentioned capsule being provided with coupling means suitable to allow coupling a covering to the body of the capsule in a leak-tight but detachable manner, at least partially surrounding it, covering its lower mouth,
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a range of containers according to the invention, in which a plurality of capsules formed by tubular bodies made of a leak-tight material is thermoformed or molded, in which an upper mouth and a lower end are distinguished, which lower end is partially closed by an annular lip oriented towards the inside of the body determining a lower mouth having a smaller cross-section than that of the upper mouth, the method including the steps of

arranging a plurality of airtight upper films;
arranging a plurality of lower films;
arranging a plurality of several types of disc-shaped filters according to the requirements of the product from which a beverage must be made, the method comprising the step of selecting a type of machine for making the beverage under the pressure of a fluid, such that
- a1) said machine being a machine that has no filter, a disc-shaped filter is introduced through the open upper mouth of the body until it is fitted inside the body; the body is filled with a dose of product that is deposited on the filter; an airtight upper film is welded thereto to close the upper mouth of the body and optionally a lower film is welded thereto to close the lower mouth of the body; or alternatively
- a2) said machine being a machine that has a filter, a lower film is welded thereto to close the lower mouth of the body; the body is filled with a dose of product that is deposited directly on said lower film; and an airtight upper film is welded thereto to close the upper mouth of the body,
  the method further comprising the operation of coupling an outer covering made of a moisture and oxygen barrier material to the capsule in a leak-tight but detachable manner with respect to the body of the mentioned capsule and such that it at least partially surrounds it, covering its lower end, said covering being provided with a spout extending inwardly and communicating with outlet means leading out of the covering that are suitable for allowing the passage of the fluid going through the capsule while preparing a beverage if said beverage has been prepared without having removed the covering.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figures 1 to 3 schematically show an exploded view of the different components and uses for which the container according to the invention is prepared;
Figure 4 is a schematic view showing in greater detail the variant of the container according to Figure 3 with its components duly placed and/or coupled;
Figures 5 and 6 are schematic views of another variant of a container according to the invention;
Figures 7 to 9 show different solutions applicable to the bottom of the covering for a container according to the invention;
Figure 10 is a detail of the lower mouth of the capsule for a variant of the invention; and
Figure 11 schematically shows a capsule and the possibilities of closing its lower mouth by means of a film purposely welded to the body of the capsule in a non-tensed manner, such that it adopts a slightly arched concave shape.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figures 1 to 3 show different combinations of components for obtaining a container according to the invention. The same reference numbers are used in said drawings to designate the same equivalent elements or components.
It must be observed that in all the depicted cases is contemplated the use of an identical capsule 2 and covering 8 assembly, being able to choose the remaining components according to the product 5, and particularly according to the potential machine in which the beverage will be made.
The capsule 2 is formed by a tubular body 3, preferably a body of revolution, formed in a known manner by a leak-tight material, i.e., it offers moisture and oxygen barrier features, in which an upper mouth 3a and a lower end are distinguished, which lower end is partially closed by an annular lip 6 oriented towards the inside of the body 3 and determining a lower mouth 3b having a smaller cross-section than that of the upper mouth 3a.
Said lower mouth 3b will be covered while manufacturing the container 1 by means preventing the product contained in the capsule 2 from falling out, being able to choose from several solutions without affecting the shape to be adopted by the capsule 2 or the covering 8.
So for example in the variant of Figure 2, the container 1 is intended for containing a product 5 for making a beverage in a machine that has no filter. For this purpose, a disc-shaped filter 15 on which the product 5 will accumulate, will be supported on the annular lip 6 of the lower mouth 3b of the body of the capsule 2. In this variant it will not be necessary to use of any film or equivalent element for closing or covering the lower portion of the capsule 2. The disc-shaped filter 15 prevents accidental exit of the product 5 in solid state, but it will allow in a known manner the passage of the fluid under pressure that will go through the capsule 2 while making the beverage.
The variant of Figure 3 is optimal for using machines that already incorporate a filter. In the example, the lower mouth 3b of the body 3 of the capsule is closed with a second film 7 which may or may not be a barrier that prevents the unwanted exit of the product 5 that will be introduced in the capsule 2. Advantageously, an unnecessary component, in this case the filter means, is eliminated, in addition to the fact that the nature of the film will not condition the later use of the container 1 in a machine even if the covering 8 is not removed because, as will be explained in greater detail below, said covering incorporates means for breaking the second film 7 if necessary. This can occur, for example, when the second film 7 is made of a barrier material that hermetically seals the capsule 2.
Naturally, the invention contemplates the simultaneous use of a second film 7 and of a disc-shaped filter 15, as schematically shown in Figure 1.
Alternatively, the means preventing the product from falling out can comprise a filter formed integrally with the walls of the body 3, optionally, the capsule further being provided with a second lower film closing its lower mouth. An example according to this alternative is described in patent document ES 200500304 , belonging to the same applicant as the present document, and in Utility Model U 201131091 .
Figure 10 shows a detail of the annular lip 6 of the lower mouth of the body 3 of the capsule 2 for an embodiment of the invention in which the capsule 2 is provided with an accessory filter 15, originally separated from the body 3 of the capsule 2. According to this embodiment, said annular lip 6 is provided with an annular housing 16 in which a perimetral rim 17 of the filter 15 is fitted or inserted to assure its function and fitting inside the capsule 2.
Going back to Figures 1 to 3, it is also seen that in all cases, the upper mouth 3a of the body of the capsule 2 will be closed with a first leak-tight i.e., watertight and airtight, film 4.
As regards to the outer covering 8, in all cases it is made of a moisture and oxygen barrier material and is coupled under the capsule 2 in a leak-tight but detachable manner. In the example the covering 8, configured by way of a cup, is coupled to the body 3 of the capsule 2 such that it laterally surrounds it and covers its lower end in the lower portion. An example of a material suitable for obtaining the covering 8 is ethylene vinyl alcohol, commonly abbreviated as EVOH or EVAL.
The covering 8 is provided with a spout 9 extending inwardly and communicating with outlet means 10 leading out of the covering 8 that are suitable for allowing the passage of the fluid that will go through the capsule 2 while preparing a beverage if said beverage has been prepared without having first removed the covering 8 from the mentioned capsule 2.
In summary, the invention provides a container 1 that has a single upper opening and a single film closing it in a leak-tight manner, said opening being formed by the upper mouth of the capsule 2 to which a removable covering 8 that hermetically seals it is coupled in the lower portion, isolating its contents from the outside regardless of whether its lower mouth 3b is closed, blocked or covered in a leak-tight manner.
At the time of preparing the beverage, the user will remove the covering 8 to insert the capsule 2 in the machine or will insert the container 1 formed by the coupled capsule 2 and covering 8 assembly in the machine, depending on the machine that the user has. In both the first and second cases, the covering 8 is particularly suitable for being able to unseal or break, where appropriate, the leak-tight barrier closing the lower mouth 3b of the capsule 2 without needing to use tools or accessories elements to that end and without the risk of getting dirty or contacting the product. Naturally, the inventor also envisages marketing the capsules alone, i.e., without being coupled to the outer covering even though they are particularly suited to that end.
In fact, and as shown Figures 4 to 6, the spout 9 of the covering 8 is arranged axially aligned and below the lower mouth 3b of the body 3 of the capsule 2, the covering 8 being coupled to the body 3 of the capsule 2 such that the spout 9 can move with respect to the capsule between at least two positions, the first position being a standby position (A), in which the upper edge 9a of the spout 9 is arranged below the plane of the lower mouth of the capsule 2; and the second position being an operating position (B), in which the upper edge of the spout goes through the mentioned lower mouth 3b of the capsule 2 breaking any second film 7 that is arranged closing said lower mouth 3b. For that purpose, the upper edge 9a of the spout 9 is configured such that it facilitates breaking said second film 7. For example, cutting the spout 9 along an inclined plane and/or providing sharp or saw-toothed edges to its upper edge 9a is contemplated.
In the example of Figure 4, the capsule 2 and the covering 8 are provided with complementary mutual coupling means 11 that allow the covering 8 to slide between the two positions over the wall of the body 3 of the capsule 2 by screwing it in, one position in which the spout 9 adopts its standby position (A), and another position in which the spout 9 adopts its operating position, not depicted for the variant of Figure 4.
Alternatively, in the example of Figures 5 and 6, the bottom of the covering 8 can be sunken inwardly by simple manual pressure, the spout 9 being moved far enough so as to break the second lower film 7.
In this second variant it is foreseen as an alternative to a threaded coupling between the capsule 2 and the covering 8, that the upper edge of the covering 8 snaps under pressure into an annular notch 14 made on the face lower of the collar 3c of the body 3 of the capsule 2.
Other forms of coupling the covering 8 and the capsule 2 without the intervention of auxiliary components are also contemplated. Such forms of coupling can be implemented, for example, by means of the fitting of projections and corresponding housings provided for that purpose in the capsule 2 and in the covering 8, respectively, or the reverse; or by means of the providing flexible tabs or flanges anchored in corresponding rib.
The invention contemplates the second film 7 being purposely welded to the body 3 in a non-tensed manner, such that it adopts a slightly arched concave shape that allows increasing the dose of product 5 contained in the capsule 2. As Figure 11 seeks to illustrate, this film can be welded to the annular lip 6 by its outer side, as is the case of the film 7 of Figure 11; or by its side inner, as would be the case of the film 7' of the same Figure 11.
As explained above, the spout 9 communicates with outlet means 10 leading out of the covering 8 that are suitable for allowing the passage of the fluid going through the capsule 2 while preparing a beverage if said beverage has been prepared without having first removed the covering 8. Figures 7 to 9 schematically illustrate different solutions that are compatible with the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a variant of the container 1 in which the outlet means 10 at the bottom of the covering 8 comprise a one-way degassing valve 18. Such valves can be formed when molding the covering 8 and are applied in the area of ground coffee or coffee beans, and particularly in bag-type containers obtained from a flexible material containing coffee. The goal of such valves is to let the excess pressure that is generated inside the container out, but with the added goal of not letting oxygen in.
Figure 8 shows another variant in which the lower end of the spout 9 is blocked by a seal member 19 formed integrally with the covering 8, i.e., it and the covering are one-piece, provided with a perforated line making it suitable for being broken by simple manual pressure and being removed from the lower mouth of the spout 9 when exerting a lateral force on it, the exit of the fluid through the spout 9 thus being enabled. It is further contemplated that this seal member 19 can be attached to the covering by means of a strip made of the actual material forming the covering 8.
Figure 9 shows another contemplated variant in which the outlet means 10 comprise a moving part which, like a tap, can be used to regulate the passage of the fluid exiting the container 1. Said Figure 9 depicts the moving part in a horizontal position in which it blocks the exit of the fluid, and in a vertical position in which it enables the exit of the fluid.
In the final beverage preparation phase, to prevent small amounts of fluid accumulated at the bottom of the covering 8 from causing unwanted dripping when the cup or mug holding the prepared beverage has been removed from the machine, the spout 9 is provided with a series of holes 13 in the portion adjacent to its upper edge 9a. The arrangement of these holes 13 allows the spout 9 to act as a an overflow spout, such that if the level of the fluid accumulated at the bottom of the covering 8 does not reach the holes, it will remain enclosed in the covering 8 without exiting it and the dripping effect therefore being eliminated.

Claims

A container (1) for preparing a beverage under the pressure of a fluid, characterized in that it comprises a capsule (2) formed by a body (3) made of a leak-tight material storing at least one dose of a product (5) for preparing the beverage, an upper mouth closed by a first leak-tight film (4) welded to the mentioned body (3), and a lower mouth with means preventing the product contained in the capsule from falling out, the container being characterized in that it further comprises an outer covering (8) made of a moisture and oxygen barrier material, attached to the body (3) of the capsule (2) in a leak-tight but detachable manner such that it at least partially surrounds it, covering its lower mouth, the covering (8) being provided with a spout (9) extending inwardly and communicating with outlet means (10) leading out of the covering (8) that are suitable for allowing the passage of the fluid going through the capsule while preparing a beverage if said beverage has been prepared without having first removed the covering.
The container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the mentioned spout (9) is arranged axially aligned and below the lower mouth of the body (3) of the capsule (2).
The container (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the covering (8) is coupled to the body (3) of the capsule such that the spout (9) can move with respect to the capsule between at least two positions, the first position being a standby position (A), in which the upper edge (9a) of the spout (9) is arranged below the plane of the lower mouth of the capsule; and the second position being an operating position (B), in which the upper edge of the spout goes through the mentioned lower mouth of the capsule.
The container (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the means preventing the product contained in the capsule from falling out comprise a second film (7) welded to the body (3) of the capsule (2) in its lower mouth, and in that the upper edge (9a) of the spout (9) forms breaking means capable of breaking said second film when it adopts the operating position (B) due to the pressure of the upper edge (9a) of the spout (9) on said second film (7), which enables the fluid to exit the capsule (2) towards the outlet means (10) of the covering (8) while preparing a beverage if said beverage has been prepared without having first removed the covering.
The container (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second film (7) is purposely welded to the body (3) in a non-tensed manner, such that it adopts a slightly arched concave shape.
The container (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the capsule (2) and the covering (8) are provided with complementary mutual coupling means (11) that allow the covering (8) to slide over the wall of the body (3) of the capsule (2) between at least two positions, one position in which the spout (9) adopts its standby position (A), and another position in which the spout (9) adopts its operating position (B).
The container (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the complementary coupling means (11) comprise a threading (12a) on the outer surface of the wall of the body (3) of the capsule (2) and a complementary threading (12b) on the inner surface of the covering (8), all this such that the covering can be arranged in position (B) by screwing it in starting from position (A).
The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spout (9) is provided with holes (13) in its portion adjacent to the upper edge (9a), intended for acting as a filter and for allowing the discharge of the fluid that may accumulate at the bottom of the covering (8) while preparing a beverage if said beverage has been prepared without having first removed the covering from the capsule.
The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet means (10) comprise a one-way degassing valve (18).
The container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the outlet means (10) comprise a hole blocked or closed by a seal member (19), susceptible to being moved or removed manually to enable a fluid outlet in the covering (8).
The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an accessory disc-shaped filter (15) introduced in the capsule (2) through the upper mouth is fitted inside the body (3) of the capsule (2) on an annular lip (6) formed in the lower mouth of the body (3) of said capsule (2).
The container (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the filter (15) is fitted between the walls of the body (3) of the capsule (2) at a certain distance above the annular lip (6) of its lower end so that it is moved towards the lower mouth of the body (3) due to the pressure of the fluid while preparing the beverage, prevented from being expelled from the body (3) due to the pressure of the fluid while preparing a beverage by abutting against the mentioned annular lip (6).
The container (1) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that an annular housing (16) intended for tightly housing a corresponding perimetral rim (17) provided for that purpose in the accessory disc-shaped filter (15) is formed in the proximities of the lower mouth of the capsule (2), in the side wall of the body (3) or the annular lip (6).
A capsule (2) formed by a body (3) made of a leak-tight material storing at least one dose of a product (5) for preparing a beverage under the pressure of a fluid, in which an upper mouth closed by a first leak-tight film (4) welded to the mentioned body (3), and a lower mouth with means preventing the product contained in the capsule from falling out, are distinguished, the capsule being characterized in that it is provided with coupling means (11) suitable to allow coupling a covering (8) to the body (3) of the capsule (2) in a leak-tight but detachable manner, at least partially surrounding it, covering its lower mouth.
A method for manufacturing a range of containers according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of capsules formed by tubular bodies made of a leak-tight material is thermoformed or molded, in which an upper mouth and a lower end are distinguished, which lower end is partially closed by an annular lip oriented towards the inside of the body, determining a lower mouth having a smaller cross-section than that of the upper mouth, the method including the steps of
- arranging a plurality of airtight upper films;

- arranging a plurality of lower films;

- arranging a plurality of several types of disc-shaped filters according to the requirements of the product from which a beverage must be made, the method comprising the step of selecting a type of machine for making the beverage under the pressure of a fluid, such that
a1) said machine being a machine that has no filter, a disc-shaped filter is introduced through the open upper mouth of the body until it is fitted inside the body; the body is filled with a dose of product that is deposited on the filter; an airtight upper film is welded thereto to close the upper mouth of the body and optionally a lower film is welded thereto to close the lower mouth of the body; or alternatively

a2) said machine being a machine that has a filter, a lower film is welded thereto to close the lower mouth of the body; the body is filled with a dose of product that is deposited directly on said lower film; and an airtight upper film is welded thereto to close the upper mouth of the body,
the method further comprising the operation of coupling an outer covering made of a moisture and oxygen barrier material to the capsule in a leak-tight but detachable manner with respect to the body of the mentioned capsule and such that it at least partially surrounds it, covering its lower end, said covering being provided with a spout extending inwardly and communicating with outlet means leading out of the covering that are suitable for allowing the passage of the fluid going through the capsule while preparing a beverage if said beverage has been prepared without having removed the covering.