EP3288864B1 - Capsule for use with a beverage production machine - Google Patents
Capsule for use with a beverage production machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3288864B1 EP3288864B1 EP16725245.1A EP16725245A EP3288864B1 EP 3288864 B1 EP3288864 B1 EP 3288864B1 EP 16725245 A EP16725245 A EP 16725245A EP 3288864 B1 EP3288864 B1 EP 3288864B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- flange
- sealing member
- capsule body
- capsule
- rim
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 title claims description 170
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 title claims description 37
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title description 21
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 136
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 40
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 36
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 36
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 20
- 235000013353 coffee beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 10
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 235000016213 coffee Nutrition 0.000 description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 8
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000004922 lacquer Substances 0.000 description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 241001122767 Theaceae Species 0.000 description 3
- 235000015114 espresso Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 235000013616 tea Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000034 Plastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000013334 alcoholic beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000037237 body shape Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000014171 carbonated beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000020965 cold beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003028 elevating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000012171 hot beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000020278 hot chocolate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002648 laminated material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
- B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
- B65D85/8064—Sealing means for the interface with the processing machine
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
Definitions
- the present invention in some embodiments thereof, relates to a single use capsule for preparation of a beverage with a beverage production machine and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a capsule composed of aluminum sheet.
- Capsules of this type generally include a capsule body containing the compacted ground coffee and/or other ingredients and a membrane and/or cover such as aluminum foil that seals the capsule body.
- the capsule body is shaped as an acute truncated cone with a rim, and the membrane is attached to the rim to seal the capsule.
- the body of the capsule is typically made from either aluminum or plastic.
- the inside of the capsule is typically coated with a thin layer of a thermoplastic material that is used to thermo-seal the membrane to the rim and to provide a barrier between the aluminum and content of the capsule.
- the membrane includes a similar coating and/or lacquer.
- the capsule During use in an "espresso" machine, the capsule is placed in a chamber where it is typically pierced on two opposing faces and hot water is passed through the capsule at relatively high pressure and temperature, thereby extracting the aromatic constituents from the ingredients to produce the beverage.
- the rim of the capsule is pressed with a rim of the machine chamber against a capsule holder to form a sealed engagement.
- the sealed engagement with the capsule holder is typically used to insure that all of the hot water is passed through the capsule for preparation of the coffee beverage and to prevent leakage around the capsule.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,136,202 entitled “Capsule for beverage describes a capsule containing a substance for making up a drink using an apparatus.
- the capsule includes a body having the general shape of an acute truncated cone with a rim and a membrane positioned over the rim to seal the capsule body. It is described that the body of the capsule is composed of aluminum sheet between 60 and 110 micrometers thick, preferably 80 micrometers with the membrane composed of aluminum, preferably between 30 and 60 micrometers thick.
- European Patent No. entitled “Capsule with sealing means” describes a capsule that contains beverage ingredients such as ground coffee, tea or other ingredients.
- the capsule is configured for insertion in a beverage production machine (or device) in order to have a liquid under pressure enter the capsule and interact with the ingredients in the capsule.
- the capsule includes a base body and a foil member closing the base body by being attached to a flange-like rim extending from the side wall of the base body of the capsule.
- the outer surface of the base body of the capsule includes a resilient sealing member, the sealing member being designed to be in sealing engagement with an enclosing member of the beverage production machine. The sealed engagement assures that all liquid flow is through the interior of the capsule during preparation of the Also WO 2007/122206 A1 describes such a capsule.
- a capsule body including a sealing member designed to be in sealing engagement with an enclosing member of the beverage production machine.
- the capsule body typically includes a base body with side walls into which contents, such as coffee, is introduced, and a flange-like rim extending from the side wall.
- the flange-like rim is typically not in contact with contents contained in the capsule body and is external to a cavity defined by the side walls, e.g. its extends out from the cavity.
- a capsule includes the capsule body and a membrane or lid that encloses the capsule body.
- the sealing member is mounted on the flange-like rim on a surface of the flange that extends from an inner portion and/or surface of the capsule body.
- the inner surface of the capsule body is the surface that faces content stored in the capsule while an outer surface faces the beverage production machine.
- the flange includes one or more holes and/or slots for exposing the sealing member from an outer portion and/or surface of the flange and/or for improving a seal between the flange and the enclosing member of the beverage production machine.
- the outer surface of the flange is the surface of the flange that extends from the outer surface of the capsule body that comes in to contact with the rim of the enclosing member of the beverage production machine.
- the flange includes one or more cuts and/or slits for weakening a portion of the flange outer surface and thereby improving a seal between the flange (including the sealing member) and the enclosing member of the beverage production machine.
- An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention provides for a capsule body adapted for containing one or more beverage ingredients for use in a beverage preparation machine including: a base body having side walls defining a cavity for receiving the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the side walls include an inner surface facing the cavity defined by the side walls and an outer surface facing the beverage preparation machine in use, a flange-like rim extending from the side walls; and a sealing member adapted to provide a sealed engagement between the capsule body and the beverage preparation machine; wherein the sealing member is positioned on a surface of the flange like rim that extends from the inner surface of the side walls.
- the side walls are shaped as an acute truncated cone.
- the flange-like rim is formed with one or more slots and/or slits.
- the one or more slots extend in a circumferential direction around the flange-like rim.
- the one or more slots provides an opening that is 0.3 mm - 1 mm wide.
- the slots are separated by bridge components formed from material forming the capsule body.
- the one or more slits extend in a radial direction of the flange-like rim.
- the one or more slits are micro pre-cuts or stamping marks.
- a plurality of slits extends from the slots in a radial direction.
- the plurality of slits extend from an edge of the slot that is distal to the side walls.
- the capsule body is formed from aluminum sheet.
- the aluminum sheet on at least a portion of the flange like rim is 50-150 ⁇ m.
- At least one surface of the aluminum sheet is laminated with a polymer material.
- the capsule body includes slots separated by bridge components, wherein the bridge components are from by the polymer material laminated on the aluminum.
- the sealing member is ring shaped.
- the sealing member has an 'L' shaped cross-section.
- the 'L' shaped cross-section includes a first leg and a second leg and wherein the hardness of the first leg is different that of the second leg.
- one leg of the sealing member is fitted along the inner surface of the side walls.
- the hardness of the one leg fitted along the inner surface of the side walls is more than that of the leg fitted on the flange-like rim.
- the sealing member has step shaped cross-section formed with an inner ring portion and an outer ring portion, wherein the inner ring portion is thicker than the outer ring portion.
- the sealing member is formed with a first layer overlaid on a second layer, wherein the first layer is formed from material selected to be softer than the second layer.
- the inner ring includes both the first layer and the second layer and wherein the outer ring portion is formed from the material of the second layer.
- the sealing member extends from an edge between the flange-like rim and the side walls to a curl in on outer edge of the flange.
- the sealing member is formed from a polymer material.
- the sealing member is applied on the flange-like rim as a liquid and cured in place.
- the sealing member is partially exposed through the flange-like rim.
- the sealing member is color coded to provide indication regarding the contents of the capsule.
- An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention provides for a capsule for use in a beverage preparation machine, the capsule adapted for containing one or more beverage ingredients, the capsule including: a capsule body as described herein above; a membrane adapted to be positioned over the flange-like rim and thereby enclose the cavity defined by the capsule body; wherein the sealing member is positioned between the flange like rim and the membrane adapted to enclose the cavity defined by the capsule body.
- the capsule includes coffee.
- the capsule includes an additional layer between the sealing member and the flange-like rim.
- the present invention in some embodiments thereof, relates to a single use capsule for preparation of a beverage with a beverage production machine and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a capsule composed of aluminum sheet.
- the capsule is formed of a body into which contents, such as coffee, is introduced and a flange-like rim extending from a side wall of the body.
- contents such as coffee
- the surface of the capsule or side walls facing the contents is referred herein as an inner surface and the surface facing a beverage production machine (in use) is referred herein as an outer surface of the capsule body or side walls.
- the surface of the flange-like rim extending from the inner surface of the capsule body is referred herein as an inner surface of the flange and the surface of the flange-like rim extending from the outer surface of the side walls is referred herein as an outer surface of the flange.
- a capsule includes a sealing member positioned on an inner surface of a wall and flange-like rim, e.g. rim and/or flange of the capsule.
- the sealing member provides a sealed engagement between the capsule body and an enclosing member of a beverage production machine.
- the sealing member is held and/or positioned on an inner surface of the flange-like rim, optionally between the flange-like rim of the capsule body and the membrane for enclosing the capsule body.
- the flange-like rim includes a pattern of slits for weakening the flange-like rim and/or slots for exposing the sealing member through the rim.
- the slots are at least partially formed while drawing a shape of the capsule body.
- the sealing member is shaped as a flat ring.
- the sealing member has an 'L' shaped cross-section and fits on an edge between the flange and inner wall of the capsule body.
- a diameter of the capsule side walls around the sealing member is extended forming a step-like protrusion in the side walls.
- the step-like protrusion may be smaller or larger than the sealing member filling it.
- the step-like protrusion is filled by the sealing member such that the inner side of the base body does not comprise a step when the sealing member is provided to it.
- the sealing member is thicker than the extension of the diameter of the step-like protrusion such that the sealing member causes a step-like inner protrusion in the side walls.
- the sealing member is a ring with a step shaped cross-section and the flange includes a corresponding elevated section or bulge for receiving the sealing member thereunder.
- the step in the step shaped cross-section that is configured to be positioned on the flange is wider in width and shorter in height as compared to the 'L' shaped cross-section that is configured to fit on an edge between the flange and inner wall of the capsule body.
- a portion of the ring near its inner diameter is thicker than a portion near its outer diameter.
- a portion of the flange that overlaps with the sealing member is elevated and/or raised as compare to other portions of flange.
- the sealing member is fitted under the elevated portion of a flange-like rim.
- the elevated section extends to the sidewalls.
- the sealing member may have 'L' shaped cross-section with a step on one leg of the 'L' shape. The 'L' shaped cross-section may fits on an edge between the flange and inner wall of the capsule body and the step may fitted under the elevated portion of a flange-like rim.
- the sealing member is formed from a polymer material.
- the polymer material is an elastomer, a polymer with elastic properties and/or a polymer that is deformable.
- the polymer material is defined to be soft so that it protrudes through the slots and/or slits formed on the flange.
- the polymer material is not deformable.
- a portion of the ring that sits around the inner side walls of the capsule body is formed from a material that is harder than a material used to form a portion of the ring that sits on the flange.
- the sealing member is formed of a layered material having different properties.
- a first layer overlaid on the flange-like rim is formed from a material that is softer than a material used to form a second layer overlaid on the first layer.
- FIG. 1 showing a schematic perspective view of an exemplary capsule body including an internal sealing member in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
- capsule body 100 is shaped as an acute truncated cone.
- a capsule body 100 includes a base 105, side walls 110 extending from base 105 and a flange 115 extending from the side walls 110.
- Capsule body 100 includes an inner surface 111 in contact with the ingredients and an outer surface 113.
- sealing member 200 is fitted and/or positioned on an inner surface of the flange, e.g. on the side of flange extending from an inner surface of capsule body 100.
- sealing member 200 does not extend to the edge of flange 115, e.g. the edge that is distal to side walls 110.
- sealing member 200 is ring shaped and sized to fit on flange 115 and/or around an edge between flange 115 and side walls 110.
- capsule body 100 is made from aluminum.
- capsule body 100 is formed from aluminum sheet, e.g. with about 100 ⁇ m thickness.
- the aluminum sheet is formed from a laminated material.
- sealing member 200 is a polymer.
- the polymer is defined to have properties, e.g. hardness and/or elasticity that are suitable for forming a sealed connection with a rim of the enclosing member of the beverage production machine in response to force and/or pressure.
- sealing member 200 is formed with a material that has a hardness of around SHORE 15A to 70A, e.g. 20A.
- sealing member 200 includes a first ring section 210 that sits flat against a surface of flange 115 and another ring section 220 that sits flat against inner surface 111 of side walls 110.
- ring 210 is defined to have a 300-800 ⁇ m thickness and/or 400-650 ⁇ m thickness.
- ring section 210 has a different thickness and/or width than ring section 220.
- sealing member 200 is formed from a single material.
- sealing member 200 is formed from more than one material and/or one or more layers of material.
- ring section 220 is formed with material and/or with properties that is harder than the material and/or properties of ring section 210.
- sealing member 200 is formed from a thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- sealing member 200 is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a blend of thermoplastic polymers and thermoplastic elastomers, or plastomer.
- TPE thermoplastic elastomer
- sealing member 200 formed from a polymer compound that has a high barrier property against oxygen and moisture.
- sealing member 200 is deformable under pressure.
- the deformable and/or elastic properties of sealing member 200 provides for establishing a fluid seal when engaging an enclosing member of a beverage production machine.
- sealing member 200 is colored, e.g. color coated according to the contents of the capsule.
- sealing member is sandwiched between flange 115 and a layer of aluminum or other material that seals the capsule body and provides barrier against oxygen and moisture.
- capsule body 100 includes one or more slots 151 formed on flange 115 from which sealing member 200 is exposed. Slots 151 are shown more clearly in detailed view 30 ( FIG. 3B ). According to some embodiments, slots 151 are elongated slots extending along a circumferential direction of flange 115. Optionally, slots 151 are defined to substantially expose sealing member 200. Optionally, 2-6 slots 151 are used in a capsule, e.g. 4 slots 151.
- slots 151 may be formed from a pattern of round or elongated holes.
- width of slots 151 are defined to fully accommodate a surface with which sealing member is to form a seal, e.g. width of slots 151 are defined to be wide enough to fit within the rim of the beverage production machine that contacts the flange.
- width of slots 151 is between 0.3 mm - 1 mm, e.g. 0.4 mm.
- sealing member 200 has an 'L' shaped cross-section.
- the 'L' shaped cross-section helps prevent leakage through slots 151 near an edge between flange 115 and side walls 110.
- a membrane for sealing contents of capsule body 100 is adhered to the 'L' sealing member 200.
- 'L' sealing member 200 also provides for increasing the structural stability of capsule body 100 around an edge between flange 115 and side walls 110.
- capsule body 101 includes one or more slits 152 formed on flange 115 through which sealing member 200 is exposed. Slits 152 are shown more clearly in detailed view 32 ( FIG. 4B ). Optionally slits 152 are arranged on flange 115 in a radial direction. In some exemplary embodiments, slits 152 are relatively narrow slits that are designed to provide substantially a minimum amount of exposure.
- slits 152 are elongated slits extending perpendicular to a circumferential direction of flange 115.
- slits 152 instead provide for weakening the aluminum surface for increasing surface deformation when pressure is applied.
- slits 152 are formed from micro precuts and/or stamping marks.
- slits 152 serve as a better barrier against oxygen and moisture penetration through capsule body 101 as compared to slots 151.
- a thickness of the material used to form flange 115 is made substantially small, e.g. as thin as possible, to improve a seal with a surface pressing against flange 115.
- the hardness of sealing member 200 is adapted, e.g.
- flange 115 includes both slits 152 and slots 151.
- slits extend in a different direction than shown, for example in a circumferential direction or at an angle.
- FIGs. 5A and 5B showing a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary capsule placed in an enclosing member of a beverage production machine and a detailed simplified schematic cross-sectional view of the enclosing member engaging the sealing member of the capsule in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
- an enclosing member 300 of a beverage machine 390 is operative to press surface 310 of enclosing member 300 against flange 115 to form a sealed engagement.
- the sealed engagement with enclosing member 300 is typically used to insure that all of the hot water introduced through base 105 of capsule 100 is passed through capsule 100 for preparation of the coffee beverage and to prevent leakage of the hot water around capsule 100.
- Enclosing member 300 also provides for pressing capsule 100 toward a capsule holder 320.
- Capsule holder 320 typically includes protruding members 325 that pierce through a membrane 190 for extracting the fluid from capsule 100.
- membrane or lid 190 is composed of an aluminum foil that is between 30 and 60 micrometers thick.
- an inner surface membrane 190 is coated with a polymer coating or lacquer, e.g. a thermoplastic lacquer.
- polymer coating or lacquer provides for thermo-sealing membrane 190 to sealing member 200.
- membrane 190 extends toward a flange curl and covers sealing member 200.
- sealing member 200 extends beyond membrane 190 so that sealing member 200 is visible once capsule body 100 is enclosed.
- a ring shaped surface 310 of enclosing member engages flange 115 of capsule 100.
- a width 70 of slots 151 is defined to accommodate surface 310 and/or to provide substantial and/or adequate engagement of surface 310 with sealing element 200.
- sealing member 200 has a width that exceeds width 70.
- a thickness 60 of sealing element 200 is also defined to provide adequate sealing between surface 310 and sealing element 200 in response to pressure applied by surface 310.
- sealing member 200 is 300-800 ⁇ m thick.
- flange 115 includes a step 120, e.g. an elevated portion accommodating ring 210 of sealing member 200 thereunder.
- step 120 provides for improving the sealed connection with enclosing member 300.
- elevating a portion of flange 115 that is designed to make a seal insures that enclosing member 300 contacts that portion, e.g. sealing member 200 prior to coming in contact with other surrounding surfaces that may obstruct proper engagement with sealing member 200.
- sealing member 200 is fully accommodated under step 120 and does not extend out of step 120.
- a diameter of the capsule side walls around the sealing member bulges or is extended to form a step-like protrusion 130 in the side walls.
- step-like protrusion 130 of the side walls improves structural strength of the capsule walls after being weakened by slots 151 or slits 152.
- step-like protrusion 130 is useful for providing some extra room from sealing ring 200. The extra diameter may help prevent obstruction of water flow in the cavity of the capsule and also help ease assembly of sealing member 200.
- step-like protrusion 130 is sized and shaped to improve the ease in which the capsule bodies can be unstacked in a production site by avoiding conical locking.
- the step-like protrusion reduces contact between capsules to substantially a narrow ring defined by an upper surface of the step-like protrusion.
- sealing member fills the volume defined by step-like protrusion 130.
- Capsule 102 may have a plurality of grooves or indentations 118 each extending longitudinally and the plurality distributed around a circumference of outer surface 113.
- capsules 102 are delivered in stacks after manufacturing.
- 6-15 grooves, e.g. 12 are distributed around side walls 110.
- a slot 153 along flange 115 extends circumferential direction and divides flange 115 into an inner rim section 115B and an outer rim section 115A.
- Slot 153 optionally includes a plurality of polymer bridges 154 each extending in a radial direction that may hold inner rim 115B and outer rim 115A together until a sealing member is adhered to an inner surface of flange 115.
- flange 115 is 2.5-3.5 mm, e.g. 3.3 mm wide and slot 153 is 0.5-0.1 mm wide.
- bridges 154 are formed from material coated or laminated on the aluminum sheet of capsule body 102. Prior to a drawing process, bridges 154 may include aluminum that may break or separate during the drawing process. The coating or laminated layer on the aluminum may stay intact due to its superior elastic properties. Alternatively, the bridges are also formed of aluminum.
- sealing member 200 maintains connection between outer rim section 115A and the capsule body for example after use of the capsule.
- capsule 103 may be similar to capsule 102 and may include a plurality of slits 152 that extend from slot 153.
- slits 152 extend in radial directions from slot 153.
- slits 152 extend out from an outer diameter of slits 152 toward edge of flange 115, e.g. toward curl 112.
- slits 152 are 0.7 mm long and extend from slot 153 with a distance of 2 mm between.
- a bridge 154 may be formed from PP laminated layer or coating on aluminum sheet forming flange 115.
- bridge 154 may have a thickness 154 of about 0.03 mm as compared to a thickness 116 of about 0.12 mm of the aluminum with PP laminate.
- lid 190 is attached to flange 115 via sealing member 200 and has a thickness of between 0.03 and 0.06 mm.
- FIGs. 9A , 9B , 9C and 9D showing simplified schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary rim and sealing member arrangements in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
- a width of a sealing member e.g. sealing membrane 200, 201, 202 or 203 is defined to be significantly larger than a width of slot 153 to avoid or minimize oxygen and moisture permeability through slot 153 due to possible misalignment between the elements.
- optionally sealing member 201 is shaped as a flat ring and has a width of about 2 mm.
- sealing member 201 extends from an edge between side wall 110 and flange 115 to a curl 112 of the aluminum sheet and fits into step 120 form of flange 115.
- step 120 is displaced from curl 112 by around 1 mm and slot 153 with sealing member 201 is positioned on step 120.
- a stepped shape sealing member 202 is used to cover both an area under step 120 and to extend toward curl 112. This embodiment may provide maximum protection against leakage and possible permeation of oxygen and moisture around slot 153.
- and outer section of sealing member 202 is thinner than an inner portion of sealing member 202.
- sealing member 203 is formed from two materials 203A and 203B.
- Material 203A may typically be selected to be harder than material 203B.
- material 203A may be selected to have a hardness of between 50-70 SHORE D while material 203B may be selected to have a hardness of 40-60 SHORE A.
- Hardness of material 203A may provide adequate rigidity to facilitate assembling the sealing member 203 onto capsule 103.
- Hardness of material 203A may also provide improved sealing against oxygen and moisture penetration through the seal.
- Lower density material 203B may be suitable for providing a seal between capsule 103 and enclosing member 300 of a beverage machine 390 ( FIG. 5A ).
- sealing member 202 includes an outer ring 211 that is thinner than an inner ring 221.
- outer ring 211 has a thickness of about 0.4, e.g. 0.2-0.6 mm and inner ring 221 has a thickness of about 0.9 mm, e.g. 0.7-1.1 mm.
- a width of inner ring 221 is greater than a width of outer ring 211.
- Inner ring 221 may have a width of about 2.5 mm, e.g. 2-3mm and outer ring 211 may have a width of about 1.5 mm, e.g. 1.2-2 mm.
- sealing member 203 is formed from a first material 203A and second material 203B.
- Sealing member 203 may be formed for example with a 2K injection molding process or with an overmolding process.
- capsule body is formed from aluminum sheet.
- the aluminum sheet has a thickness of between 50-150 ⁇ m, e.g. 100 ⁇ m.
- the aluminum sheet is wound out (block 410).
- one or both surfaces of the aluminum sheet that is used is laminated, coated and/or lacquered with a thin coating of polymer and/or lacquer e.g. that has a thickness of 20-50 micrometers, e.g. 30 micrometers.
- a coated surface when provided is used as the inner side walls of the capsule body to provide separation between the contents of the capsule and the aluminum.
- both sides are coated, e.g. the outside is coated for color.
- a deep drawing process is used to form the capsule body (block 415). Once the shape is formed, holes are punched out or cuts are made in defined locations to form slots 151, slits 152, or slot 153 respectively (block 420).
- the sealing member is installed on the capsule body after forming the capsule body shape (block 425).
- the sealing member is manufactured separately and then positioned on the capsule body.
- the sealing member is adhered with the capsule body.
- the sealing member can be applied on the capsule body as a liquid and cured in place.
- the capsule body is filled with a desired content (block 435) and then the membrane for enclosing the capsule body is adhered to the sealing member (block 440).
- the filling and closing of the capsule body is performed separately from the manufacturing of the capsule body.
- one exemplary slot pattern and one exemplary cut pattern is shown to extend in the circumferential direction and one exemplary slit pattern is shown to extend in the radial direction, the invention is not limited in this respect and the slits and/or slots can be directed in different directions and may have different shapes.
- the capsule as described herein is not limited in this respect and can also be used and/or adapted for the preparation of cold beverage including carbonated beverages and/or alcoholic beverages.
- compositions, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
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Description
- The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a single use capsule for preparation of a beverage with a beverage production machine and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a capsule composed of aluminum sheet.
- Single use capsules containing compacted ground coffee, tea and/or other ingredients are known for use in certain coffee preparation machines which are generally termed "espresso" machines. Capsules of this type generally include a capsule body containing the compacted ground coffee and/or other ingredients and a membrane and/or cover such as aluminum foil that seals the capsule body. Typically, the capsule body is shaped as an acute truncated cone with a rim, and the membrane is attached to the rim to seal the capsule. The body of the capsule is typically made from either aluminum or plastic. When aluminum sheet is used, the inside of the capsule is typically coated with a thin layer of a thermoplastic material that is used to thermo-seal the membrane to the rim and to provide a barrier between the aluminum and content of the capsule. Typically, the membrane includes a similar coating and/or lacquer.
- During use in an "espresso" machine, the capsule is placed in a chamber where it is typically pierced on two opposing faces and hot water is passed through the capsule at relatively high pressure and temperature, thereby extracting the aromatic constituents from the ingredients to produce the beverage. Typically, during operation of the "espresso" machine, the rim of the capsule is pressed with a rim of the machine chamber against a capsule holder to form a sealed engagement. The sealed engagement with the capsule holder is typically used to insure that all of the hot water is passed through the capsule for preparation of the coffee beverage and to prevent leakage around the capsule.
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U.S. Patent No. 4,136,202 entitled "Capsule for beverage describes a capsule containing a substance for making up a drink using an apparatus. The capsule includes a body having the general shape of an acute truncated cone with a rim and a membrane positioned over the rim to seal the capsule body. It is described that the body of the capsule is composed of aluminum sheet between 60 and 110 micrometers thick, preferably 80 micrometers with the membrane composed of aluminum, preferably between 30 and 60 micrometers thick. - European Patent No. entitled "Capsule with sealing means," describes a capsule that contains beverage ingredients such as ground coffee, tea or other ingredients. The capsule is configured for insertion in a beverage production machine (or device) in order to have a liquid under pressure enter the capsule and interact with the ingredients in the capsule. The capsule includes a base body and a foil member closing the base body by being attached to a flange-like rim extending from the side wall of the base body of the capsule. The outer surface of the base body of the capsule includes a resilient sealing member, the sealing member being designed to be in sealing engagement with an enclosing member of the beverage production machine. The sealed engagement assures that all liquid flow is through the interior of the capsule during preparation of the Also
WO 2007/122206 A1 describes such a capsule. - According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a capsule body including a sealing member designed to be in sealing engagement with an enclosing member of the beverage production machine. The capsule body typically includes a base body with side walls into which contents, such as coffee, is introduced, and a flange-like rim extending from the side wall. The flange-like rim is typically not in contact with contents contained in the capsule body and is external to a cavity defined by the side walls, e.g. its extends out from the cavity. A capsule includes the capsule body and a membrane or lid that encloses the capsule body. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing member is mounted on the flange-like rim on a surface of the flange that extends from an inner portion and/or surface of the capsule body. The inner surface of the capsule body is the surface that faces content stored in the capsule while an outer surface faces the beverage production machine. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flange includes one or more holes and/or slots for exposing the sealing member from an outer portion and/or surface of the flange and/or for improving a seal between the flange and the enclosing member of the beverage production machine. The outer surface of the flange is the surface of the flange that extends from the outer surface of the capsule body that comes in to contact with the rim of the enclosing member of the beverage production machine. Alternatively or additionally, the flange includes one or more cuts and/or slits for weakening a portion of the flange outer surface and thereby improving a seal between the flange (including the sealing member) and the enclosing member of the beverage production machine.
- An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention provides for a capsule body adapted for containing one or more beverage ingredients for use in a beverage preparation machine including: a base body having side walls defining a cavity for receiving the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the side walls include an inner surface facing the cavity defined by the side walls and an outer surface facing the beverage preparation machine in use, a flange-like rim extending from the side walls; and a sealing member adapted to provide a sealed engagement between the capsule body and the beverage preparation machine; wherein the sealing member is positioned on a surface of the flange like rim that extends from the inner surface of the side walls.
- Optionally, the side walls are shaped as an acute truncated cone.
- Optionally, the flange-like rim is formed with one or more slots and/or slits.
- Optionally, the one or more slots extend in a circumferential direction around the flange-like rim.
- Optionally, the one or more slots provides an opening that is 0.3 mm - 1 mm wide.
- Optionally, the slots are separated by bridge components formed from material forming the capsule body.
- Optionally, the one or more slits extend in a radial direction of the flange-like rim.
- Optionally, the one or more slits are micro pre-cuts or stamping marks.
- Optionally, a plurality of slits extends from the slots in a radial direction.
- Optionally, the plurality of slits extend from an edge of the slot that is distal to the side walls.
- Optionally, the capsule body is formed from aluminum sheet.
- Optionally, the aluminum sheet on at least a portion of the flange like rim is 50-150 µm.
- Optionally, at least one surface of the aluminum sheet is laminated with a polymer material.
- Optionally, the capsule body includes slots separated by bridge components, wherein the bridge components are from by the polymer material laminated on the aluminum.
- Optionally, the sealing member is ring shaped.
- Optionally, the sealing member has an 'L' shaped cross-section.
- Optionally, the 'L' shaped cross-section includes a first leg and a second leg and wherein the hardness of the first leg is different that of the second leg.
- Optionally, one leg of the sealing member is fitted along the inner surface of the side walls.
- Optionally, the hardness of the one leg fitted along the inner surface of the side walls is more than that of the leg fitted on the flange-like rim.
- Optionally, the sealing member has step shaped cross-section formed with an inner ring portion and an outer ring portion, wherein the inner ring portion is thicker than the outer ring portion.
- Optionally, the sealing member is formed with a first layer overlaid on a second layer, wherein the first layer is formed from material selected to be softer than the second layer.
- Optionally, the inner ring includes both the first layer and the second layer and wherein the outer ring portion is formed from the material of the second layer.
- Optionally, the sealing member extends from an edge between the flange-like rim and the side walls to a curl in on outer edge of the flange.
- Optionally, the sealing member is formed from a polymer material.
- Optionally, the sealing member is applied on the flange-like rim as a liquid and cured in place.
- Optionally, the sealing member is partially exposed through the flange-like rim.
- Optionally, the sealing member is color coded to provide indication regarding the contents of the capsule.
- An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention provides for a capsule for use in a beverage preparation machine, the capsule adapted for containing one or more beverage ingredients, the capsule including: a capsule body as described herein above; a membrane adapted to be positioned over the flange-like rim and thereby enclose the cavity defined by the capsule body; wherein the sealing member is positioned between the flange like rim and the membrane adapted to enclose the cavity defined by the capsule body.
- Optionally, the capsule includes coffee.
- Optionally, the capsule includes an additional layer between the sealing member and the flange-like rim.
- Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
- In the drawings:
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FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary capsule body including an internal sealing member in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGs. 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom perspective views respectively of an exemplary sealing member in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGs. 3A and 3B are a schematic perspective view and a detailed cross-sectional view respectively of an exemplary capsule body including a first pattern of slots in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGs. 4A and 4B are a schematic perspective view and detailed cross-sectional view respectively of an exemplary capsule body including a second pattern of slits in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGs. 5A and 5B are a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary capsule placed in an enclosing member of a beverage production machine and a detailed schematic cross-sectional view of enclosing member engaging the sealing member of the capsule in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGs. 6A and 6B are a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary capsule body including an internal sealing member and a detailed schematic cross-sectional view of the sealing member in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGs. 7A and 7B are a perspective view and top view of another exemplary capsule body in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGs. 7C and 7D are a top view and detailed view of another exemplary capsule body in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bridge formed between slots on a rim of an exemplary capsule body shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGs. 9A ,9B ,9C and9D are simplified schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary rim and sealing member arrangements in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGs. 10A and 10B illustrate a sealing member formed from a single material and a sealing member formed with two different materials respectively in accordance with some other embodiments of the present invention; and -
FIG. 11 is a simplified flow chart of an exemplary method for forming sheet material with slots or slits for use in producing a capsule body in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. - The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a single use capsule for preparation of a beverage with a beverage production machine and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a capsule composed of aluminum sheet.
- According to some embodiments of the present invention, the capsule is formed of a body into which contents, such as coffee, is introduced and a flange-like rim extending from a side wall of the body. The surface of the capsule or side walls facing the contents is referred herein as an inner surface and the surface facing a beverage production machine (in use) is referred herein as an outer surface of the capsule body or side walls. Likewise, the surface of the flange-like rim extending from the inner surface of the capsule body is referred herein as an inner surface of the flange and the surface of the flange-like rim extending from the outer surface of the side walls is referred herein as an outer surface of the flange.
- According to some embodiments of the present invention, a capsule includes a sealing member positioned on an inner surface of a wall and flange-like rim, e.g. rim and/or flange of the capsule. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing member provides a sealed engagement between the capsule body and an enclosing member of a beverage production machine.
- According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing member is held and/or positioned on an inner surface of the flange-like rim, optionally between the flange-like rim of the capsule body and the membrane for enclosing the capsule body. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flange-like rim includes a pattern of slits for weakening the flange-like rim and/or slots for exposing the sealing member through the rim. Optionally, the slots are at least partially formed while drawing a shape of the capsule body.
- In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing member is shaped as a flat ring. Optionally, the sealing member has an 'L' shaped cross-section and fits on an edge between the flange and inner wall of the capsule body. In some exemplary embodiments, a diameter of the capsule side walls around the sealing member is extended forming a step-like protrusion in the side walls. The step-like protrusion may be smaller or larger than the sealing member filling it. Optionally, the step-like protrusion is filled by the sealing member such that the inner side of the base body does not comprise a step when the sealing member is provided to it. Alternatively, the sealing member is thicker than the extension of the diameter of the step-like protrusion such that the sealing member causes a step-like inner protrusion in the side walls. In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing member is a ring with a step shaped cross-section and the flange includes a corresponding elevated section or bulge for receiving the sealing member thereunder. Typically, the step in the step shaped cross-section that is configured to be positioned on the flange is wider in width and shorter in height as compared to the 'L' shaped cross-section that is configured to fit on an edge between the flange and inner wall of the capsule body. Optionally, a portion of the ring near its inner diameter is thicker than a portion near its outer diameter. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the flange that overlaps with the sealing member is elevated and/or raised as compare to other portions of flange. Optionally, the sealing member is fitted under the elevated portion of a flange-like rim. Optionally, the elevated section extends to the sidewalls. In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing member may have 'L' shaped cross-section with a step on one leg of the 'L' shape. The 'L' shaped cross-section may fits on an edge between the flange and inner wall of the capsule body and the step may fitted under the elevated portion of a flange-like rim.
- Typically, the sealing member is formed from a polymer material. Optionally, the polymer material is an elastomer, a polymer with elastic properties and/or a polymer that is deformable. Optionally, the polymer material is defined to be soft so that it protrudes through the slots and/or slits formed on the flange. Alternatively, the polymer material is not deformable. Optionally, for an 'L' shaped cross section, a portion of the ring that sits around the inner side walls of the capsule body is formed from a material that is harder than a material used to form a portion of the ring that sits on the flange. Optionally, the sealing member is formed of a layered material having different properties. Optionally, a first layer overlaid on the flange-like rim is formed from a material that is softer than a material used to form a second layer overlaid on the first layer.
- Reference is now made to
FIG. 1 showing a schematic perspective view of an exemplary capsule body including an internal sealing member in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Typically,capsule body 100 is shaped as an acute truncated cone. According to some embodiments of the present invention, acapsule body 100 includes abase 105,side walls 110 extending frombase 105 and aflange 115 extending from theside walls 110.Capsule body 100 includes aninner surface 111 in contact with the ingredients and anouter surface 113. According to some embodiments of the present invention, sealingmember 200 is fitted and/or positioned on an inner surface of the flange, e.g. on the side of flange extending from an inner surface ofcapsule body 100. Optionally, sealingmember 200 does not extend to the edge offlange 115, e.g. the edge that is distal toside walls 110. - Typically, sealing
member 200 is ring shaped and sized to fit onflange 115 and/or around an edge betweenflange 115 andside walls 110. In some exemplary embodiments,capsule body 100 is made from aluminum. Optionally,capsule body 100 is formed from aluminum sheet, e.g. with about 100 µm thickness. Optionally, the aluminum sheet is formed from a laminated material. According to some embodiments of the present invention, sealingmember 200 is a polymer. Typically, the polymer is defined to have properties, e.g. hardness and/or elasticity that are suitable for forming a sealed connection with a rim of the enclosing member of the beverage production machine in response to force and/or pressure. According to some embodiments, sealingmember 200 is formed with a material that has a hardness of around SHORE 15A to 70A, e.g. 20A. - Reference is now made to
FIGs. 2A and 2B showing simplified schematic top and bottom perspective views respectively of an exemplary sealing member in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In some exemplary embodiments, sealingmember 200 includes afirst ring section 210 that sits flat against a surface offlange 115 and anotherring section 220 that sits flat againstinner surface 111 ofside walls 110. In some exemplary embodiments,ring 210 is defined to have a 300-800 µm thickness and/or 400-650 µm thickness. Optionally,ring section 210 has a different thickness and/or width thanring section 220. In some exemplary embodiments, sealingmember 200 is formed from a single material. In some exemplary embodiments, sealingmember 200 is formed from more than one material and/or one or more layers of material. Optionally,ring section 220 is formed with material and/or with properties that is harder than the material and/or properties ofring section 210. - In some exemplary embodiments, sealing
member 200 is formed from a thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Optionally, sealingmember 200 is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a blend of thermoplastic polymers and thermoplastic elastomers, or plastomer. Optionally, sealingmember 200 formed from a polymer compound that has a high barrier property against oxygen and moisture. Optionally, sealingmember 200 is deformable under pressure. Optionally, the deformable and/or elastic properties of sealingmember 200 provides for establishing a fluid seal when engaging an enclosing member of a beverage production machine. Optionally, sealingmember 200 is colored, e.g. color coated according to the contents of the capsule. According to some embodiments of the present invention, sealing member is sandwiched betweenflange 115 and a layer of aluminum or other material that seals the capsule body and provides barrier against oxygen and moisture. - Reference is now made to
FIGs. 3A and 3B showing a schematic perspective view and a detailed cross-sectional view respectively of an exemplary capsule body including an exemplary pattern of slots in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the present invention,capsule body 100 includes one ormore slots 151 formed onflange 115 from which sealingmember 200 is exposed.Slots 151 are shown more clearly in detailed view 30 (FIG. 3B ). According to some embodiments,slots 151 are elongated slots extending along a circumferential direction offlange 115. Optionally,slots 151 are defined to substantially expose sealingmember 200. Optionally, 2-6slots 151 are used in a capsule, e.g. 4slots 151. Alternatively,slots 151 may be formed from a pattern of round or elongated holes. In some exemplary embodiments, width ofslots 151 are defined to fully accommodate a surface with which sealing member is to form a seal, e.g. width ofslots 151 are defined to be wide enough to fit within the rim of the beverage production machine that contacts the flange. Optionally, width ofslots 151 is between 0.3 mm - 1 mm, e.g. 0.4 mm. - According to some embodiments of the present invention, sealing
member 200 has an 'L' shaped cross-section. Typically, the 'L' shaped cross-section helps prevent leakage throughslots 151 near an edge betweenflange 115 andside walls 110. In some exemplary embodiments, a membrane for sealing contents ofcapsule body 100 is adhered to the 'L' sealingmember 200. Typically, 'L' sealingmember 200 also provides for increasing the structural stability ofcapsule body 100 around an edge betweenflange 115 andside walls 110. - Reference is now made to
FIGs. 4A and 4B showing a schematic perspective view and detailed cross-sectional view respectively of an exemplary capsule body including an exemplary pattern of slits in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the present invention, capsule body 101 includes one ormore slits 152 formed onflange 115 through which sealingmember 200 is exposed.Slits 152 are shown more clearly in detailed view 32 (FIG. 4B ). Optionally slits 152 are arranged onflange 115 in a radial direction. In some exemplary embodiments, slits 152 are relatively narrow slits that are designed to provide substantially a minimum amount of exposure. Optionally slits 152 are elongated slits extending perpendicular to a circumferential direction offlange 115. Optionally, slits 152 instead provide for weakening the aluminum surface for increasing surface deformation when pressure is applied. Optionally, slits 152 are formed from micro precuts and/or stamping marks. Typically, slits 152 serve as a better barrier against oxygen and moisture penetration through capsule body 101 as compared toslots 151. Optionally, a thickness of the material used to formflange 115 is made substantially small, e.g. as thin as possible, to improve a seal with a surface pressing againstflange 115. Optionally, the hardness of sealingmember 200 is adapted, e.g. made softer to provide an adequate seal viaslits 152 inflange 115. Optionally,flange 115 includes bothslits 152 andslots 151. Optionally, slits extend in a different direction than shown, for example in a circumferential direction or at an angle. - Reference is now made to
FIGs. 5A and 5B showing a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary capsule placed in an enclosing member of a beverage production machine and a detailed simplified schematic cross-sectional view of the enclosing member engaging the sealing member of the capsule in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the present invention, an enclosingmember 300 of abeverage machine 390 is operative to presssurface 310 of enclosingmember 300 againstflange 115 to form a sealed engagement. The sealed engagement with enclosingmember 300 is typically used to insure that all of the hot water introduced throughbase 105 ofcapsule 100 is passed throughcapsule 100 for preparation of the coffee beverage and to prevent leakage of the hot water aroundcapsule 100. Enclosingmember 300 also provides for pressingcapsule 100 toward acapsule holder 320.Capsule holder 320, typically includes protrudingmembers 325 that pierce through amembrane 190 for extracting the fluid fromcapsule 100. - Typically, membrane or
lid 190 is composed of an aluminum foil that is between 30 and 60 micrometers thick. In some exemplary embodiments, aninner surface membrane 190 is coated with a polymer coating or lacquer, e.g. a thermoplastic lacquer. Typically, polymer coating or lacquer provides for thermo-sealingmembrane 190 to sealingmember 200. Typically,membrane 190 extends toward a flange curl and covers sealingmember 200. Alternatively, sealingmember 200 extends beyondmembrane 190 so that sealingmember 200 is visible oncecapsule body 100 is enclosed. - Typically, a ring shaped
surface 310 of enclosing member engagesflange 115 ofcapsule 100. In some exemplary embodiments, a width 70 ofslots 151 is defined to accommodatesurface 310 and/or to provide substantial and/or adequate engagement ofsurface 310 with sealingelement 200. Typically, sealingmember 200 has a width that exceeds width 70. Typically, athickness 60 of sealingelement 200 is also defined to provide adequate sealing betweensurface 310 and sealingelement 200 in response to pressure applied bysurface 310. Optionally, sealingmember 200 is 300-800 µm thick. - Reference is now made to
FIGs. 6A and 6B showing a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary capsule including an internal sealing member and a detailed simplified schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the capsule around the sealing member in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the present invention,flange 115 includes astep 120, e.g. an elevatedportion accommodating ring 210 of sealingmember 200 thereunder. In some exemplary embodiments,step 120 provides for improving the sealed connection with enclosingmember 300. Optionally, elevating a portion offlange 115 that is designed to make a seal insures that enclosingmember 300 contacts that portion,e.g. sealing member 200 prior to coming in contact with other surrounding surfaces that may obstruct proper engagement with sealingmember 200. Optionally, sealingmember 200 is fully accommodated understep 120 and does not extend out ofstep 120. - In some exemplary embodiments, a diameter of the capsule side walls around the sealing member bulges or is extended to form a step-
like protrusion 130 in the side walls. In some exemplary embodiments, step-like protrusion 130 of the side walls improves structural strength of the capsule walls after being weakened byslots 151 or slits 152. Typically, step-like protrusion 130 is useful for providing some extra room from sealingring 200. The extra diameter may help prevent obstruction of water flow in the cavity of the capsule and also help ease assembly of sealingmember 200. In some exemplary embodiments, step-like protrusion 130 is sized and shaped to improve the ease in which the capsule bodies can be unstacked in a production site by avoiding conical locking. Typically, the step-like protrusion reduces contact between capsules to substantially a narrow ring defined by an upper surface of the step-like protrusion. Typically, sealing member fills the volume defined by step-like protrusion 130. - Reference is now made to
FIGs. 7A and 7B showing a perspective view and top view of another exemplary capsule body in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.Capsule 102 may have a plurality of grooves orindentations 118 each extending longitudinally and the plurality distributed around a circumference ofouter surface 113. Typically,capsules 102 are delivered in stacks after manufacturing. Optionally, 6-15 grooves, e.g. 12 are distributed aroundside walls 110. In some exemplary embodiments, aslot 153 alongflange 115 extends circumferential direction and dividesflange 115 into aninner rim section 115B and anouter rim section 115A. Slot 153 optionally includes a plurality ofpolymer bridges 154 each extending in a radial direction that may holdinner rim 115B andouter rim 115A together until a sealing member is adhered to an inner surface offlange 115. Optionally,flange 115 is 2.5-3.5 mm, e.g. 3.3 mm wide andslot 153 is 0.5-0.1 mm wide. Optionally, bridges 154 are formed from material coated or laminated on the aluminum sheet ofcapsule body 102. Prior to a drawing process, bridges 154 may include aluminum that may break or separate during the drawing process. The coating or laminated layer on the aluminum may stay intact due to its superior elastic properties. Alternatively, the bridges are also formed of aluminum. - Optionally, sealing
member 200 maintains connection betweenouter rim section 115A and the capsule body for example after use of the capsule. - Reference is now made to
FIGs. 7C and 7D showing a top view and detailed view of another exemplary capsule body in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. According to some exemplary embodiments,capsule 103 may be similar tocapsule 102 and may include a plurality ofslits 152 that extend fromslot 153. In some exemplary embodiments, slits 152 extend in radial directions fromslot 153. Typically, slits 152 extend out from an outer diameter ofslits 152 toward edge offlange 115, e.g. towardcurl 112. Optionally, slits 152 are 0.7 mm long and extend fromslot 153 with a distance of 2 mm between. - Reference is now made to
FIG. 8 showing a schematic cross-sectional view of a bridge formed between slots on a rim of an exemplary capsule body shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Abridge 154 may be formed from PP laminated layer or coating on aluminumsheet forming flange 115. Optionally,bridge 154 may have athickness 154 of about 0.03 mm as compared to athickness 116 of about 0.12 mm of the aluminum with PP laminate. A sealingmember 200 positioned underflange 115 and may have a thickness of 0.7-1.1 mm, e.g. 0.8 mm. Typically,lid 190 is attached to flange 115 via sealingmember 200 and has a thickness of between 0.03 and 0.06 mm. - Reference is now made to
FIGs. 9A ,9B ,9C and9D showing simplified schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary rim and sealing member arrangements in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Typically, a width of a sealing member, e.g. sealingmembrane slot 153 to avoid or minimize oxygen and moisture permeability throughslot 153 due to possible misalignment between the elements. Referring now toFIG. 9A , optionally sealingmember 201 is shaped as a flat ring and has a width of about 2 mm. Optionally, sealingmember 201 extends from an edge betweenside wall 110 andflange 115 to acurl 112 of the aluminum sheet and fits intostep 120 form offlange 115. Referring now toFIG. 9B , optionally,step 120 is displaced fromcurl 112 by around 1 mm andslot 153 with sealingmember 201 is positioned onstep 120. InFIG. 9C , a steppedshape sealing member 202 is used to cover both an area understep 120 and to extend towardcurl 112. This embodiment may provide maximum protection against leakage and possible permeation of oxygen and moisture aroundslot 153. Optionally, and outer section of sealingmember 202 is thinner than an inner portion of sealingmember 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 9D , in some exemplary embodiments, sealingmember 203 is formed from twomaterials Material 203A may typically be selected to be harder thanmaterial 203B. Optionally,material 203A may be selected to have a hardness of between 50-70 SHORE D whilematerial 203B may be selected to have a hardness of 40-60 SHORE A. Hardness ofmaterial 203A may provide adequate rigidity to facilitate assembling the sealingmember 203 ontocapsule 103. Hardness ofmaterial 203A may also provide improved sealing against oxygen and moisture penetration through the seal.Lower density material 203B may be suitable for providing a seal betweencapsule 103 and enclosingmember 300 of a beverage machine 390 (FIG. 5A ). - Reference is now made to
FIG. 10A and 10B showing a sealing member formed from a single material and sealing member formed with two different materials respectively in accordance with some other embodiments of the present invention. In some exemplary embodiments, sealingmember 202 includes anouter ring 211 that is thinner than aninner ring 221. Optionally,outer ring 211 has a thickness of about 0.4, e.g. 0.2-0.6 mm andinner ring 221 has a thickness of about 0.9 mm, e.g. 0.7-1.1 mm. Optionally, a width ofinner ring 221 is greater than a width ofouter ring 211.Inner ring 221 may have a width of about 2.5 mm, e.g. 2-3mm andouter ring 211 may have a width of about 1.5 mm, e.g. 1.2-2 mm. - Referring now to
FIG. 10B , in some exemplary embodiments, sealingmember 203 is formed from afirst material 203A andsecond material 203B. Sealingmember 203 may be formed for example with a 2K injection molding process or with an overmolding process. Typically,inner ring 221 layered withsofter material 203B overlaid onharder material 203A whileouter ring 211 is predominantly formed withharder material 203A. - Reference is now made to
FIG. 11 showing a simplified flow chart of an exemplary method for forming sheet material with slits and/or slots for use in producing a capsule body in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the present invention, capsule body is formed from aluminum sheet. Optionally, the aluminum sheet has a thickness of between 50-150 µm, e.g. 100 µm. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the aluminum sheet is wound out (block 410). Optionally, one or both surfaces of the aluminum sheet that is used is laminated, coated and/or lacquered with a thin coating of polymer and/or lacquer e.g. that has a thickness of 20-50 micrometers, e.g. 30 micrometers. Optionally, a coated surface when provided is used as the inner side walls of the capsule body to provide separation between the contents of the capsule and the aluminum. Optionally, both sides are coated, e.g. the outside is coated for color. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a deep drawing process is used to form the capsule body (block 415). Once the shape is formed, holes are punched out or cuts are made in defined locations to formslots 151, slits 152, or slot 153 respectively (block 420). - According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing member is installed on the capsule body after forming the capsule body shape (block 425). Typically, the sealing member is manufactured separately and then positioned on the capsule body. Optionally, the sealing member is adhered with the capsule body. Alternatively, the sealing member can be applied on the capsule body as a liquid and cured in place.
- According to some embodiments of the present invention, the capsule body is filled with a desired content (block 435) and then the membrane for enclosing the capsule body is adhered to the sealing member (block 440). Typically, the filling and closing of the capsule body is performed separately from the manufacturing of the capsule body.
- It is noted that although only one exemplary slot pattern and one exemplary slit pattern are disclosed, the invention is not limited in this respect and the present invention can be applied to different slots, cuts and/or slit patterns for exposing and/or creating a sealed engagement with an enclosing member of a beverage production machine.
- It is noted that although the one exemplary slot pattern and one exemplary cut pattern is shown to extend in the circumferential direction and one exemplary slit pattern is shown to extend in the radial direction, the invention is not limited in this respect and the slits and/or slots can be directed in different directions and may have different shapes.
- It is noted that although most of the embodiments of the present invention, refer to a capsule that is shaped as an acute truncated cone with a rim, the invention is not limited in this respect and the present invention can be applied for producing capsule bodies that are round, rounded and/or have dome or alternate shapes.
- It is noted that although most of the embodiments of the present invention, refer to a capsule that is formed from aluminum sheet and enclosed with an aluminum membrane, the invention is not limited in this respect and the present invention can be applied for producing capsule bodies from alternate and/or additional material.
- It is noted that although most of the embodiments of the present invention refer to a capsule used for preparation of a hot beverage such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate, the capsule as described herein is not limited in this respect and can also be used and/or adapted for the preparation of cold beverage including carbonated beverages and/or alcoholic beverages.
- The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".
- The term "consisting of' means "including and limited to".
- The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
Claims (14)
- A capsule body adapted for containing one or more beverage ingredients for use in a beverage preparation machine comprising:a base body having side walls defining a cavity for receiving the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the side walls include an inner surface facing the cavity defined by the side walls and an outer surface facing the beverage preparation machine in use,a flange-like rim (115) extending from the side walls, wherein the flange-like rim includes a flange inner surface extending from the inner surface of the side walls and a flange outer surface extending from the outer surface of the side walls; anda sealing member (200) adapted to provide a sealed engagement between the capsule body and the beverage preparation machine;characterized in thatthe sealing member is either positioned only on the flange inner surface or is positioned only on the flange inner surface and a portion of the inner surface of the side walls; andthe flange-like rim (115) is formed with one or more slots (151) and/or slits (152).
- The capsule body according to claim 1, wherein the side walls are shaped as an acute truncated cone.
- The capsule body according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more slots extend in a circumferential direction around the flange-like rim, wherein the one or more slots provides an opening that is 0.3 mm - 1 mm wide and wherein the slots are separated by bridge components formed from material forming the capsule body.
- The capsule body according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more slits extend in a radial direction of the flange-like rim and wherein the one or more slits are micro pre-cuts or stamping marks.
- The capsule body according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein a plurality of slits extends from the slots in a radial direction and wherein the plurality of slits extend from an edge of the slot that is distal to the side walls.
- The capsule body according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the capsule body is formed from aluminum sheet, wherein the aluminum sheet on at least a portion of the flange like rim is 50-150 µm, wherein at least one surface of the aluminum sheet is laminated with a polymer material and comprising slots separated by bridge components, wherein the bridge components are from by the polymer material laminated on the aluminum.
- The capsule body according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the sealing member is ring shaped.
- The capsule body according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the sealing member has an 'L' shaped cross-section, wherein the 'L' shaped cross-section includes a first leg and a second leg and wherein the hardness of the first leg is different that of the second leg, wherein one leg of the sealing member is fitted along the inner surface of the side walls and wherein the hardness of the one leg fitted along the inner surface of the side walls is more than that of the leg fitted on the flange-like rim.
- The capsule body according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the sealing member has step shaped cross-section formed with an inner ring portion and an outer ring portion, wherein the inner ring portion is thicker than the outer ring portion, wherein the sealing member is formed with a first layer overlaid on a second layer, wherein the first layer is formed from material selected to be softer than the second layer and wherein the inner ring includes both the first layer and the second layer and wherein the outer ring portion is formed from the material of the second layer.
- The capsule body according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the sealing member extends from an edge between the flange-like rim and the side walls to a curl in on outer edge of the flange.
- The capsule body according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the sealing member is formed from a polymer material.
- The capsule body according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the sealing member is applied on the flange-like rim as a liquid and cured in place.
- The capsule body according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the sealing member is partially exposed through the flange-like rim.
- The capsule body according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the sealing member is color coded to provide indication regarding the contents of the capsule.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP19204969.0A EP3617095B1 (en) | 2015-04-27 | 2016-04-25 | Capsule for use with a beverage production machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562153032P | 2015-04-27 | 2015-04-27 | |
US201562189791P | 2015-07-08 | 2015-07-08 | |
US201562271415P | 2015-12-28 | 2015-12-28 | |
PCT/IL2016/050435 WO2016174671A1 (en) | 2015-04-27 | 2016-04-25 | Capsule for use with a beverage production machine |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19204969.0A Division EP3617095B1 (en) | 2015-04-27 | 2016-04-25 | Capsule for use with a beverage production machine |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3288864A1 EP3288864A1 (en) | 2018-03-07 |
EP3288864B1 true EP3288864B1 (en) | 2019-11-06 |
Family
ID=56081529
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19204969.0A Active EP3617095B1 (en) | 2015-04-27 | 2016-04-25 | Capsule for use with a beverage production machine |
EP16725245.1A Active EP3288864B1 (en) | 2015-04-27 | 2016-04-25 | Capsule for use with a beverage production machine |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19204969.0A Active EP3617095B1 (en) | 2015-04-27 | 2016-04-25 | Capsule for use with a beverage production machine |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20180105355A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP3617095B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2016254691A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2981764A1 (en) |
ES (2) | ES2770002T3 (en) |
IL (1) | IL255289A0 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2699455C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016174671A1 (en) |
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PL3134331T3 (en) | 2015-05-15 | 2018-12-31 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | A capsule, a system for preparing a potable beverage from such a capsule and use of such a capsule in a beverage preparation device. |
RU2705506C2 (en) | 2015-05-15 | 2019-11-07 | Конинклейке Дауве Егбертс Б.В. | Capsule, system for preparing drink suitable for drinking from similar capsule and use of such capsule in beverage preparation device |
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- 2016-04-25 AU AU2016254691A patent/AU2016254691A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-04-25 WO PCT/IL2016/050435 patent/WO2016174671A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-04-25 EP EP19204969.0A patent/EP3617095B1/en active Active
- 2016-04-25 ES ES19204969T patent/ES2888023T3/en active Active
- 2016-04-25 US US15/564,743 patent/US20180105355A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-04-25 EP EP16725245.1A patent/EP3288864B1/en active Active
- 2016-04-25 RU RU2017138122A patent/RU2699455C2/en active
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2017
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EP3288864A1 (en) | 2018-03-07 |
US20180105355A1 (en) | 2018-04-19 |
RU2017138122A (en) | 2019-05-27 |
RU2699455C2 (en) | 2019-09-05 |
ES2770002T3 (en) | 2020-06-30 |
CA2981764A1 (en) | 2016-11-03 |
EP3617095B1 (en) | 2021-06-09 |
EP3617095A1 (en) | 2020-03-04 |
ES2888023T3 (en) | 2021-12-30 |
AU2016254691A1 (en) | 2017-11-02 |
RU2017138122A3 (en) | 2019-06-10 |
WO2016174671A1 (en) | 2016-11-03 |
IL255289A0 (en) | 2017-12-31 |
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