EP3817991A1

EP3817991A1 - Capsule

Info

Publication number: EP3817991A1
Application number: EP19749418.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea Bartoli; Davide CAPITINI
Original assignee: Sarong SpA
Current assignee: Sarong SpA
Priority date: 2018-07-02
Filing date: 2019-06-26
Publication date: 2021-05-12
Also published as: WO2020008303A1; IT201800006861A1

Abstract

Described is a capsule comprising a casing 2 which includes a base wall 201, which includes a dispensing opening 202, a lateral wall 203, and a flanged edge 204 extending from the lateral wall 203. The capsule 1 comprises a covering element 3 fixed to the flanged end 204 and a closing 5 element 4, fixed to the lateral wall 203, between which a containment chamber 5 is defined for an initial product to be joined to a fluid to obtain a final product. The capsule 1 also comprises a collection chamber 6 which comprises the dispensing opening 202 for delivering the final product when the capsule is in a dispensing configuration. The closing element 4 is 10 configured for sealing the containment chamber 5 when the capsule 1 is in a non-operating configuration and comprises a first layer 401, facing the containment chamber 5, a second layer 402, facing the collection chamber 6, and a fixing edge 403, at which the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 are fixed in a detachable manner. The fixing edge 403 divides the 15 closing element 4 into an inlet zone 404, with an inlet passage 405; 412, and in an outlet zone 406, equipped with an outlet passage 407, in such a way that with an increase of the pressure in the containment chamber 5 the final product exerts a progressively increasing stress on the fixing edge 403 which is able to detach the first layer 401 from the second layer 402 20 so that the final product flows from the containment chamber 5 to the collection chamber 6, through the inlet passage 405, 412 and the outlet passage 407.

Description

DESCRIPTION

CAPSULE

The invention relates to capsules or containers, in particular for preparing products, for example beverages, in automatic dispensing machines. In particular, the invention relates to a sealed single-dose, single-use capsule containing an initial product which is able to make a final product interacting with a pressurised liquid.

There are prior art capsules designed for use on dispensing machines which consist of single-use containers which comprise an outer casing made of a material which is impermeable to liquids and gases, such as, for example, aluminium or plastic material, and having the shape of a glass or cup.

The casing has a base wall and a lateral wall which define an upper opening, through which the initial product is introduced from which to obtain the final product. The upper opening is hermetically sealed by a covering element, typically a film of aluminium or plastic film, in such a way as to seal the initial product inside the container. The covering element is secured to a flange-shaped edge, which extends from the lateral wall and is positioned around the upper opening.

An outlet opening through which the final product is dispensed is made in the base wall. The capsule also comprises a closing element, superposed on one or more perforation projections of a base, which closes a chamber for containing the initial product defined between the covering element and the closing element.

The closing element is made of aluminium.

In use, when the covering element is perforated by a injection unit of the dispensing machine which introduces inside the capsule a pressurised fluid, typically water, the final product is obtained from the initial product together with the fluid and the pressure inside the containment chamber increases, deforming the closing element and pushing it against the perforation projections of the base which create openings in it. The final product comes out through these openings from the containment chamber and flows in a collection chamber from which it passes through the dispensing opening for being dispensed in a use container.

This type of capsule is particularly suitable for a versatile use as it lends itself to contain an initial product in the form of a powder (for example, coffee or another percolatable, soluble, freeze-dried, dehydrated or concentrated product) or in the form of a syrup or cream, which can be optionally dissolved or diluted with a hot or cold liquid.

In detail, the effectiveness of dispensing the final product is determined firstly by the shape of the perforation projections but also by the type of material selected for the closing element. In fact, dispensing of the beverage occurs when the pressure in the containment chamber increases beyond a predetermined value, relative to the mechanical strength of the closing element, which depends on the thickness of the closing element. However, in order to dispense final products of a different type, which require different pressures for feeding the fluid, the closing element must guarantee controlled breakage not only at a predetermined pressure but in a range of different pressures.

The breakage of the closing element can, however, cause a sudden change in pressure inside the capsule which can trigger a so-called“water hammer effect” and cause an uncontrolled fracture of the closing element. For this reason, in order to prevent that the final product under pressure comes out at high speed and cause splashes in the use container which could dirty a user and/or the dispensing machine, the prior art teaches preparing a plurality of labyrinth-like paths between the perforation projections for directing the final product in a controlled manner to the dispensing outlet.

In order to reduce the complexity of the capsule and reduce the costs, avoiding the production of labyrinth-like paths, the patent application WO2017/081622 by the same Applicant teaches the preparation in the collection chamber of a damping element fixed, in a non-operating position, to the closing element and to a step of the lateral wall, for controlling the speed of the final product.

As the pressure of the final product in the containment chamber increases, the damping element moves from the non-operating position to a dispensing position and the closing element is consequently torn, between the damping element and the step, causing the final product to come out.

In the food container sector, following the request for differentiating the collection of solid urban waste, the need has recently emerged of disposing of the containers, once the containers have been used, by separating the components depending on the material from which they are made, in particular by dividing the plastic or metal (aluminium) material from the product contained therein.

The prior art capsules described above have the casing, the covering element and the projections, or the damping element, made of plastic material whilst the closing element is made of aluminium. The removal of this closing element made of aluminium, after use of the capsule, is complex and difficult, since the covering element is torn during the dispensing of the final product.

One aim of this invention is to provide a versatile capsule, which overcomes the problems of the prior art.

A further different aim of the invention is to provide a capsule with a simplified structure, which is simpler and less expensive to make with respect to the prior art capsules, which at the same time guarantees a high quality of the final product in a predetermined range of dispensing pressure.

Yet another aim of the invention is to provide a capsule which facilitates the user and allows the various components from which the capsule is made to be disposed of correctly.

These aims and others are achieved by a capsule according to any one of the appended claims.

Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of a capsule by way of example and in which:

- Figure 1 is a cross section through the plane l-l of Figure 2 of a capsule for preparing a final product obtained from an initial product, in accordance with the invention, wherein the capsule is in a non-operating configuration and comprises a covering element fixed to a flanged end, a filtering element fixed to a first step of a lateral wall, a closing element fixed to a second step of the lateral wall and a guide element of the final product located in a chamber for collecting the final product in a non-operating position;

- Figure 2 is a view from above of the capsule of Figure 1 , showing the filtering element but the covering element has been omitted, for clarity;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cross section of the capsule of Figure 1 in the non-operating configuration, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity, wherein the closing element comprises a first layer and a second layer which can be fixed together in a detachable manner in a fixing edge which is annular in shape, the first layer comprising an inlet passage made as an inlet hole and the second layer comprising an outlet passage made as an outlet hole;

- Figure 4 is a view of the capsule of Figure 3, in a configuration for injecting a pressurised fluid, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity, wherein a first layer and a second layer of the closing element are spaced from each other in an inlet zone due to the presence between them of the final product, but the fixing edge holds together the first layer and the second layer;

- Figure 5 is a view of the capsule of Figure 3 in a dispensing configuration, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity, wherein the fixing edge is detached and the final product in the collection chamber has pushed the guiding element in a dispensing position;

- Figure 6 is a view of the capsule of Figure 5, wherein the filtering element has been removed, for clarity;

- Figure 7 is a view of a first variant of the capsule of Figure 3, in the non operating configuration, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity, wherein the closing element is fixed to the first step;

- Figure 8 is a view of the capsule of Figure 7, in the injection configuration;

- Figure 9 is a view of the capsule of Figure 7, in the dispensing configuration;

- Figure 10 is a view of a second variant of the capsule of Figure 3, in the non-operating configuration, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity, wherein the closing element is fixed to the first step and the filtering element is fixed to the second step;

- Figure 1 1 is a perspective view from the side of a base wall of the capsule of Figure 10;

- Figure 12 is a view of the capsule of Figure 10, in the injection configuration;

- Figure 13 is a view of the capsule of Figure 10 in the dispensing configuration;

- Figure 14 is a view of a third variant of the capsule of Figure 3, in the non-operating configuration, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity, wherein the first layer is fixed to the first step and the second layer is fixed to the second step;

- Figure 15 is a view of the capsule of Figure 14, in the injection configuration;

- Figure 16 is a view of the capsule of Figure 14 in the dispensing configuration;

- Figure 17 is a perspective view from the side of the base wall of a fourth variant of the capsule of Figure 1 , wherein some parts have been removed for clarity and wherein the lateral wall comprises an outer protrusion;

- Figure 18 is a perspective view of a section of the capsule of Figure 17, in the non-operating configuration, wherein the first layer of the closing element is fixed to the first step for a first stretch wherein the projection is absent and it is free of fixing for a second stretch, wherein the protrusion is present;

- Figure 19 is a cross section view of the capsule of Figure 18 along the section plane IXX-IXX shown in Figure 20, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity;

- Figure 20 is a view from above of the capsule of Figure 19, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity;

- Figure 21 is a view fro above of a fifth variant of the capsule of Figure 1 , wherein some parts have been removed for clarity, wherein the fixing edge of the closing element is annular in shape, the inlet passage is made in the first layer as a plurality of inlet holes, the outlet passage is made in the second layer as a plurality of outlet cuts;

- Figure 22 is a view from above of a sixth variant of the capsule of Figure 1 , wherein some parts have been removed for clarity, wherein the fixing edge is square in shape, the first layer has the inlet passage made as a plurality of inlet holes, and the second layer has the outlet passage made as a plurality of outlet holes;

- Figure 23 is a view from above of a seventh variant of the capsule of Figure 1 , wherein some parts have been removed for clarity, wherein the fixing edge is annular in shape, the inlet passage is made in the first layer as a plurality of inlet holes, the outlet passage is made in the second layer as a single outlet hole;

- Figure 24 is a view from above, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity, of an eighth variant of the capsule of Figure 1 , wherein the fixing edge is rectilinear, the inlet passage is made in the first layer as a plurality of inlet holes, the outlet passage is made in the second layer as a single outlet hole;

- Figure 25 is a view from above, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity, of a ninth variant of the capsule of Figure 1 , wherein the fixing edge is annular, the inlet passage is made in the first layer as a plurality of inlet micro-perforations, the outlet passage is made in the second layer as a plurality of micro-perforations;

- Figure 26 is a perspective view of the guide element of the final product of Figures 1 , 3, 4, 5 and 6;

- Figure 27 is a perspective view, with some parts cut away for clarity, of the guide element of Figure 26.

The same elements in the various drawings will be indicated below with the same reference numerals.

With reference to Figures 1 to 27, the numeral 1 denotes a capsule for making a final product which can be housed in a dispensing machine (not illustrated).

The capsule 1 comprises an outer casing, or container, 2 shown in detail in Figures 7 to 19, which has an axis A of longitudinal extension, for example an axis of symmetry, shown in Figure 1. The casing 2 comprises a base wall 201 , which includes a dispensing opening 202, shown in Figures 7 to 19. The casing 2 also comprises a lateral wall 203 and a flanged edge 204 which extends from the lateral wall 203.

The casing 2 is substantially in the shape of a glass or cup and the lateral wall 203 is substantially divergent from the base wall 201 to the flanged edge 204.

The capsule 1 is able to dispense the food product directly into a container of use (cup, glass, etc.), not illustrated.

The capsule 2 comprises a covering element 3 (Figure 1 ) fixed to the flanged edge 204 and a closing element 4, fixed to the lateral wall 203.

The covering element 3 is fixed to the flanged edge 204 by an adhesive material or by sealing, for example heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing.

The capsule 2 comprises in addition a containment chamber 5, defined between the covering element 3 and the closing element 4 and suitable for containing an initial product (not illustrated) to be joined to a fluid to obtain final product (not illustrated).

The dispensing machine in fact comprises an injection unit (not illustrated) configured to perforate the covering element 3 of the capsule 1 and dispense the pressurised fluid into the containment cavity 5 to be joined with the initial product for obtaining the final product.

The pressurised fluid can preferably be hot or cold liquid under pressure, introduced in the containment cavity 5 in a step of injecting the fluid, to obtain the final product.

As mentioned above, the initial product is, for example, a food preparation which is soluble, freeze-dried, dehydrated, concentrated, percolatable, in powder form - for example coffee; alternatively, the initial product can be, for example, a food preparation in leaf form - for example tea. The initial product is to be mixed with water, preferably hot and under pressure, to obtain the final product of a final preparation, such as a beverage (for example, coffee, barley coffee, tea, or herbal tea) or a vegetable broth, in which the initial product is optionally dissolved or diluted.

The capsule 1 comprises a collection chamber 6, which comprises the dispensing opening 202. The latter allows the final product to leave the collection chamber 6 when the capsule 1 is in a dispensing configuration. The covering element 3 is configured to hermetically seal the containment cavity 5 and isolate the initial preparation from the outside environment. The covering element 3 is typically a film, as described below in detail.

The closing element 4 is configured for sealing the containment chamber 5, when the capsule 1 is in a non-operating configuration, but is configured to allow the dispensing of the final product when the capsule 1 is in a dispensing configuration, as described below.

The collection chamber 6 is defined between the closing element 4 and the base wall 201 of the capsule 1.

The closing element 4 comprises a first layer 401 , facing the containment chamber 5, and a second layer 402, facing the collection chamber 6. The layers 401 and 402 are coupled to each other. The closing element 4 also comprises a fixing edge 403, at which the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 are fixed together in a detachable manner. The term detachable means that the first layer 401 detaches easily from the second layer 402 to which it is fixed, for example sealed, when it is pulled.

The possibility that the first layer 401 detaches easily from the second layer 402 may be made possible thanks to a joining layer, detachable by pulling.

The joining layer may be made, for example and without restricting the scope of the invention, by a heat seal resin suitable for contact with food. The resin, depending on its nature, can be applied to one of the layers, for example to the first layer 401 , or to the second layer 402 or to both, to join together the layers 401 and 402. The application of the heat seal resin, for example by heat sealing, generates a closing edge 403 which is sealed but which can be easily detached, that is to say, with a detachable sealing. The resin can be applied to one of the two layers 401 , 402, or to both, by means of a plurality of application methods such as, for example and without limiting the scope of the invention, a so-called“extrusion coating” of polyolefin resins, a glue coupling of polyolefin film, a spreading layer of heat sealing lacquer, and the co-extrusion of multi-layer film.

The resin is configured to detach from the layer to which it is applied, or to break, when it is subjected to traction, to detach the first layer 401 from the second layer 402.

Alternatively, the joining layer may be made of fibrous material, or paper, interposed between the first layer 401 and the second layer 402, which is configured for flaking, when it is subjected to pulling, to detach the first layer 401 from the second layer 402.

The fixing edge 403 divides the closing element 4 into an inlet zone 404, as shown with more detail in Figures 21 to 25, equipped with at least one inlet passage, and into an outlet zone 406, equipped with at least one outlet passage, in such a way that with an increase of the pressure in the containment chamber 5 the final product exerts a progressively increasing stress on the fixing edge 403 which is able to detach at least partly the first layer 401 from the second layer 402 so that the final product can flow from the containment chamber 5 to the collection chamber 6, through the inlet passage and the outlet passage, and allows in this way the coming out of the final product through the dispensing opening 202.

Thanks to the fixing edge 403, wherein the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 are fixed in a detachable manner, the inlet zone 404 is separated from the outlet zone 406 when the capsule 1 is in the non operating configuration. For this reason, in the non-operating configuration of the capsule 1 , the inlet passage and the outlet passage are not in communication with each other, being interposed between them the fixing edge 403. The fixing edge 403 delimits, at least partly as described below, both the inlet zone 404 and the outlet zone 406.

When the inlet fluid is fed to the containment chamber 5, in an injection condition, the final product is obtained in the containment chamber 5, which also flows through the inlet passage, between the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 of the inlet zone 404 but is retained in the inlet zone 404 by the fixing edge 403. It should be noted in Figures 4, 8, 12 and 15 in which the injection condition is illustrated, that the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 are spaced apart from each other, precisely due to the presence of the final product between the two layers 401 and 402.

Both the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 can in fact deform, in relation to the material with which they are made, as described in more detail below.

Thanks to the fact that, even if stressed, the fixing edge 403 detaches, at least partly, only when the pressure of the final product is above a predetermined value, the passage of the final product from the containment chamber 5 to the collection chamber 6 is guaranteed, through the closing element 4, only when desired.

In fact, only at the predetermined pressure, wherein the fixing edge 403 is absent, or only partly detached, the inlet passage is in communication with the outlet passage and the final product can therefore flow between the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 from the inlet zone 404 to the outlet zone 406.

Initially, for example, at the predetermined pressure, only a limited portion of the fixing edge 403 can detach itself and only subsequently, during the dispensing, the first layer 401 can detach completely from the second layer 402.

Alternatively, according to a variant not illustrated, the fixing edge 403 can remain only partly detached, even at the end of the dispensing, for particular uses of the capsule 1.

It should be added that, in order to vary the pressure at which the fixing edge 403 detaches it is possible, advantageously, to vary the dimensions of the fixing edge 403 without having to modify the materials selected for the first layer 401 and the second layer 402, with consequent reduction in the components necessary for making the capsule 1 and a consequent reduction of the production costs of the capsule 1 , as described in more detail below.

During the dispensing, the absence of any tearing or fracture of the first layer 401 and/or the second layer 402 of the closing element 4 should be noted, which remains fixed in a non-detachable manner to the lateral wall 203 of the capsule 1.

Advantageously, the inlet passage is associated with the first layer 401 and the outlet passage is associated with the second layer 402.

In detail, the inlet passage comprises at least one inlet opening 405 in the first layer 401 , which can be made like a hole (as illustrated in Figures 3 to 10, in Figures 12 to 15 and in Figures 18 and 20) or alternatively, according to a variant, not illustrated, like a cut. Flowever, preferably, the inlet passage can comprise a plurality of inlet openings 405 in the first layer 401 , shown in Figures 21 to 25, made as holes, or alternatively, according to a variant embodiment, not illustrated, as cuts, are spaced at equal angular intervals relative to the longitudinal axis of extension A of the capsule 1. As illustrated in Figure 25, the plurality of inlet openings 405 can also have reduced dimensions, for example smaller or equal to 1 mm, and be made as micro-perforations.

In this variant embodiment of the capsule 1 , the first layer 401 also performs, in the inlet zone 404, the filter function for the final product.

Advantageously, thanks to the fact that the inlet passage is made as one or a plurality of openings 405, holes and/or cuts, it is possible to select the preferred configuration, the number and/or the dimensions of the holes or cuts to ensure that the fixing edge 403 detaches at the desired pressure, which is optimum for the type of initial product that the capsule 1 is designed to contain.

The outlet passage comprises at least one outlet opening 407 in the second layer 402, which may be made like a hole, as illustrated in Figures 3 to 10, in Figures 12 to 15, in Figures 18 and 20, in Figures 23 and 24, or alternatively, according to a variant not illustrated, like a cut. Flowever, preferably, the outlet passage can comprise a plurality of outlet openings 407 made as holes, as illustrated in Figures 22 and 25, or as cuts, as illustrated in Figure 21.

Advantageously, thanks to the fact that the outlet passage is made as one or a plurality of outlet openings 407, made as holes and/or cuts, it is possible to select the preferred configuration, the number and/or the dimensions of the holes or cuts to ensure that the passage of the final product from the containment chamber 5 to the collection chamber occurs in the ideal way to allow a controlled and optimum dispensing of the final product through the dispensing opening 202 without splashing or spray.

For example, the outlet openings 407 can be distributed uniformly in the outlet zone 406 so that the outlet zone 406 acts as a distributor for controlling the passage of the final product to the collection chamber.

As mentioned above, the closing element 4 is fixed to the lateral wall 203. As shown in the accompanying drawings, the lateral wall 203 comprises at least one step. Preferably, the lateral wall comprises a first step 205 and a second step 206.

In a variant embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, shown in Figures 1 to 13, the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 are fixed to each other and are fixed to one of either the first step 205 or the second step 206.

In detail, the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 have a respective outer portion 408 at which they are fixed to each other in a non-detachable manner.

The closing element 4 is fixed in a non-detachable manner to the first step

205, or to the second step 206, by means of said outer portion 408. The outer portion 408 is, for example, annular and externally delimits the closing element 4 which is shaped like a disc. The outer portion 408 can be fixed by means of an adhesive material or by sealing, for example heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing.

According to a variant embodiment of the capsule of Figures 1 to 5 and 10 to 13, the capsule 1 comprises in addition a filtering element 7, fixed to the other step, and that is to say to the second step 206, or the first step 205, to which the closing element 4 is not fixed.

If the filtering element 7 is absent, the lateral wall 203 can also comprise only one step 205, or 206.

The filtering element 7 comprises a respective outer portion 701 , for example annular, at which it is fixed in a non-detachable manner to the second step 206, or to the first step 205 and a plurality of micro perforations 702.

For example, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the filtering element 7 is fixed to the first step 205 whilst the closing element 4 is fixed to the second step

206.

In this case, the filtering element 7 is contained in the containment chamber 6 for delimiting a retaining cavity of the initial product, if the final product obtained by it needs to be filtered before being able to interact with the closing element 4. This variant of the capsule 1 lends itself, for example, to an initial percolating product such as coffee powder or to an initial infusion product such as tea leaves or multi-ingredient herbal tea and multi-ingredient tea which needs to be filtered in order to be dispensed. The presence of the filtering element 7 prevents residue of coffee powder or tea leaves from occluding the inlet passage and therefore adversely affecting the dispensing of the final product.

If the capsule 1 contains coffee, the latter could have been introduced and enclosed in the capsule even though it has not been correctly degassed and, therefore, during a storage of the capsule, before being put on sale, the coffee can produce carbon dioxide inside the capsule.

The fixing edge 403 is suitably designed in such a way that the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 remain joined to each other even in the pressure of the carbon dioxide naturally developed by the coffee inside the capsule.

If, on the other hand, the capsule 1 contains leaf tea, which requires an infusion period, the fixing edge 403 is suitably designed to guarantee a sufficiently long infusion period.

Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 10 to 13, the closing element 4 is fixed to the first step 205 and the filtering element 7 is fixed to the second step 206. The filtering element 7 is in this case contained in the collection chamber 6 for interacting with the final product before dispensing through the dispensing opening 202.

The filtering element 7 can, advantageously, have the function of a distributor of the final product and allow the final product to be directed in a controlled manner towards the dispensing outlet, slowing down at the same time the speed of the final product being dispensed.

It should be noted that, advantageously, the dispensing opening 202 in the base wall 201 may be achieved by means of a pair of cuts 207, positioned perpendicular to each other, which define flaps of the base wall 201 which, in the non-operating condition of the capsule shown in Figure 1 1 , are close together and are configured to bend, in the dispensing condition of the capsule 1 , in such a way as to make the final product leave under pressure in a controlled manner.

This variant of the capsule 1 lends itself, for example, to being used with an initial soluble, freeze-dried, dehydrated product, which is to be joined with hot or cold water to obtain the final product.

It is not necessary to position a filtering element 7 in the containment chamber 5, since the final product is a liquid, but it is advantageous, on the other hand, to position the filtering element 7 in the collection chamber for guiding the final product during dispensing.

In a variant of the capsule shown in Figures 14 to 20, the first layer 401 of the closing element 4 is fixed to the first step 205 in a non-detachable manner and the second layer 402 is fixed to the second step 206 in a non- detachable manner.

The first layer 401 has an outer margin 409, for example annular in shape, at which the first layer 401 is fixed in a non-detachable manner to the first step 205. The second layer 402 has a respective outer margin 410, which is also annular in shape, at which the second layer 402 is fixed to the second step 206. Both the fixing at the outer margin 409 and a fixing at the outer margin 410 can be made by means of an adhesive material or by sealing, for example heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing.

When the capsule 1 is in the non-operating condition, the fixing edge 403 divides the first layer 401 into a first inlet part, at the inlet zone 404, and into a first outlet part at the outlet zone 406; the fixing edge 403 divides the second layer 402 into a second inlet part, at the inlet zone 404 and a second outlet part at the outlet zone 406.

It should be noted that, according to the versions previously illustrated, in which the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 are fixed to each other in a non-detachable manner at the outer portion 408, the first inlet part and the second inlet part, as well as the first outlet part and the second outlet part are superposed on one another and substantially in contact, in the non-operating condition of the capsule 1.

Only when the capsule 1 is in the injection condition is the first inlet part spaced from the second inlet part, due to the presence of the final product between the first layer 401 and the second layer 402.

If, on the other hand, the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 are fixed, respectively, to the first step 205 and to the second step 206, the closing element 4 comprises a compartment 41 1 in the inlet zone 404 which is delimited by the fixing edge 403.

In fact, the first inlet part and the second inlet part are spaced apart also when the capsule 1 is in the non-operating configuration. The dimensions of the compartment 41 1 are such that it is able to receive the final product through the inlet passage, to be filled, when the capsule 1 is in the injection condition.

The compartment 41 1 deforms and increases in volume in the injection condition of the capsule 1 , as shown in Figure 15.

Thanks to the fixing of the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 to respective steps 205 and 206 of the lateral wall 203, which define the compartment 41 1 , the final product can be retained in the compartment 41 1 before the fixing edge 403 detaches.

Advantageously, by varying the position of the first step 205 and the second step 206 axially along the longitudinal axis A of the capsule 1 , the size of the compartment 41 1 and the pressure of the final product necessary to detach the fixing edge 403 can be modified.

According to a variant illustrated in Figures 17 to 20, the capsule 1 comprises at least one projection 208 facing towards the outside, which is positioned at the first step 205.

Also according to this version, the first layer 401 is fixed to the first step 205 and the second layer 402 is fixed to the second step 206 by means of the respective outer margins 409 and 410 and, therefore, there is the compartment 41 1 already when the capsule 1 is in the non-operating condition. Flowever, in this variant, the first layer 401 is fixed to the first step 205 only for a first stretch 409a of the outer margin 409 in which the projection 208 is absent and it is free of fixing for a second stretch 409b where the projection 208 is present. In this way, the inlet passage is defined in the second stretch 409b, wherein the first layer 401 is not fixed to the first step 205, and is made as a lateral space 412, defined at the projection 208, between the lateral wall 203 and the outer margin 409 of the first layer 401 , through which the final product may flow into the compartment 41 1.

According to a variant embodiment not illustrated, the capsule 1 can also comprise a plurality of projections 208 at which the first layer 401 is without the fixing to the first step 205, as described above.

In this way, a plurality of inlet passages may be defined, each inlet passage being made as a lateral space 412 defined between the lateral wall 203 and the outer margin 409 of the first layer 401 , at the respective projection 208.

Thanks to the presence of the lateral passage 412, the final product enters laterally into the inlet passage and radially stresses the fixing edge 403.

As shown at least in Figure 20, optionally, the inlet passage can also comprise the inlet opening 405 in the inlet zone 404, for example made as a hole for favouring the flow of the final product through the inlet passage. According to a different variant of the capsule shown in Figures 1 to 9 and from 14 to 20, the dispensing opening 202 is shaped like a dispensing hole of the base wall 201.

In effect, according to this variant embodiment, the capsule 1 comprises an element 8 for guiding the final product, which is configured to guide the outfeed product dispensed by the capsule 1 without splashes or uncontrolled dispensing of the final product to the use container. In fact, the guide element 8 acts as damping element to control the outlet speed of the final product and to prevent the occurrence of the water hammer phenomenon when the fixing edge 403 of the closing element 4 detaches, allowing the dispensing of the final product. The guide element 8, shown in Figures 26 and 27, is positioned at least partly in the collection chamber 6 and comprises an outlet duct 801 with a shape substantially matching the shape of the dispensing opening 202. If the dispensing opening 202 is a hole with a circular shape, the outlet duct 801 is cylindrical in shape.

The outlet duct 801 extends through the dispensing opening 202 and is of dimensions such as to be received in a sealed manner in the dispensing opening, in such a way that the final product comes out from the collection chamber 6 exclusively through the outlet duct 801.

In other words, the guide element 8 can be held in position in the collection chamber 6 also by interference between the outlet duct 801 with the dispensing opening 202.

It should be noted that, even though it has not been shown in the accompanying figures, the capsule 1 can comprise the guide element 8 in the collection chamber 6, irrespective of how the closing element 4 is fixed in a non-detachable manner to the first step 205 and/or to the second step 206.

For example, the capsule of Figure 1 is a capsule which comprises the closing element 4, the filtering element 7 and also the guide element 8.

The capsule of Figure 10, on the other hand, comprises the filtering element 7 but does not comprise the guide element 8 since the dispensing opening 202 is not shaped like a hole. Flowever, if the dispensing opening 202 has the shape of a hole, the capsule 1 might comprise both the filtering element 7 and the guide element 8 in the collection chamber 6.

The guide element 8 comprises a first plate 802 and a second plate 803 which is smaller than the first plate 802, measured transversely relative to the longitudinal axis A of the capsule 1 , and is interposed between the first plate 802 and the outlet duct 801.

The second plate is configured to make contact with the base wall 201.

If the collection chamber 6 is delimited by a lateral wall 203 with a cylindrical shape, advantageously the first plate 802 is in the shape of a disc.

The second plate 803 can also be in the shape of a disc and in this case the diameter of the second plate 803 is less than the diameter of the first plate 802.

The first plate 802 preferably has a rectangular transversal cross section and is sized in such a way that between it its outer edge and the lateral wall 203 is defined a first lateral passage having a width sufficient to allow the guide element 8 to significantly slow down the speed of the final product. For example, the first lateral passage has a width not greater than 1 mm.

The second plate 803 also preferably has a rectangular transversal cross section and it is also sized in such a way that between a relative outer edge and the lateral wall 203 is defined a second lateral passage, but the width of the second lateral passage is greater than the width of the first lateral passage.

The first plate 802 and the second plate 803 are coaxial relative to the axis of longitudinal extension A and are offset along the longitudinal axis.

The guide element 8 comprises at least one connection element 804, preferably a pair of connection elements 804, between the first plate 802 and the second plate 803, each connection element 804 being, for example, shaped like a column.

The outlet duct 801 is fixed to the second plate 803 and is coaxial with the second plate 803.

The outlet duct 801 is made as a hollow body having at a first end an inlet 805, made in the second plate 803, for receiving the final product from the collection chamber 6 and at a second end, opposite the first end, an outlet 806 for dispensing the final product.

The inlet 805 is positioned between the connection elements 804.

The guide element 8 also comprises a guide wall 807 which extends inside the outlet duct 801 for guiding the final product during dispensing. The guide wall 807 is fixed to the first plate 802 and extends from the first plate 802 to the second end of the outlet duct 801.

In order to correctly position the guide element 8 in the collection chamber 6, the lateral wall 203 comprises a plurality of inner protrusions 209 positioned at the collection chamber 6, which are annular and configured to make contact with the first plate 802 in such as way as to prevent possible movements towards the closing element 4. If we consider an arrangement of the capsule 1 with the axis of longitudinal extension A positioned vertically, the inner projections 209 make contact above the first plate 802.

According to an embodiment of the capsule 1 according to the invention, not illustrated, the guide element 8 is positioned in the collection chamber 6 in a predetermined position and is kept in position by the interference existing between the outlet duct 801 and the dispensing opening 202. For example, the guide element 8 can be positioned in such a way that the second plate 803 makes contact with the base wall 201.

Alternatively, according to a preferred embodiment of the capsule according to the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the guide element 8 is movable in the collection chamber 6, by the effect of an increase in the pressure of the final product in the collection chamber 6, between a non-operating position, wherein the second plate 803 is far from the base wall 201 and a dispensing position wherein the second plate

803 makes contact with the base wall 201.

If the guide element 8 is mobile, the flow of the final product intercepts during the dispensing the guide element 8 and pushes it towards the base wall 201 until moving the second plate 803 to make contact with the base wall 201. The second plate 803 performs the limit stop function for the guide element 8.

Figures 21 to 25 show different variants of the capsule according to the invention, in relation to the shape and arrangement of the fixing edge 403 in the closing element 4.

In fact, the fixing edge 403 can be a closed line, which is inside the closing element 4. In this case, the outlet zone 406 is positioned inside the inlet zone 404 and is surrounded by the inlet zone 404.

If the fixing edge 403 is a closed line, without distinction, the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 of the closing element 4 can be fixed to each other in a non-detachable manner and fixed in a non-detachable manner to a single step between the first step 205 or the second step 206, or can be fixed, respectively, to the first step 205 or to the second step 206 to define the compartment 211.

If the closed line is annular, the inlet zone 404 is annular in shape and externally surrounds the outlet zone 406, with a circular shape.

This shape of the fixing edge 403 is shown in Figures 1 to 20 and also in Figure 21.

Alternatively, the fixing edge 403 may be made as a polygon provided with at least three vertices and the outlet zone 406 is positioned in this case inside the polygon.

It should be noted that each vertex of the polygon can, advantageously, define an element which promotes detachment at which the gradual and progressive separation between the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 of the fixing edge 403 is facilitated.

Figure 22 shows a fixing edge 403 with a square shape with four vertices 403a, each of which defines an element which promotes detachment. Alternatively, if the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 of the closing element 4 are fixed to each other in a non-detachable manner and fixed in a non-detachable manner to a single step between the first step 205 or the second step 206, the fixing edge 403 can be made as an open line not twisted which extends from a first portion to a second portion of the first step 205, or of the second step 206. In this case, the shape of the inlet zone 404 matches the shape of the outlet zone 406.

Figure 22 shows a fixing edge 403 made as a rectilinear open line, which is aligned with a diameter of the closing element 4. The inlet zone 404 and the outlet zone 406 are made as respective semicircles. Both the covering element 3 and the closing element 4 are made, preferably, of materials selected in such a way as to preserve over time the initial preparation contained in the capsule from humidity and from oxygen.

In detail, the casing can be chosen from among one of the following materials of a first list:

- Polyolefin (preferably PP or PE);

- polyethylene terephthalate (PET);

- polystyrene (PS);

- polyactic acid (PLA);

- Polyethylene-furanoate (PEF);

- Biodegradable and/or compostable materials different from PLA, for example of a vegetable origin;

- Recyclable materials (for example aluminium).

The above-mentioned materials of the first list are able to provide a barrier to oxygen and/or water.

The covering element 3 can comprise at least one material chosen from among one of the following materials of a second list:

- PET;

- PET comprising aluminium oxides and silicon oxides;

- Aluminium;

- PVDC;

- PP;

- PE;

- PLA;

- EVOH;

- Paper;

- Cellulose acetate.

According to an embodiment, the covering element 3 can comprise at least two layered materials, wherein each layer can comprise at least one of the materials of the second list (for example PET/PVDC, PET/Aluminium).

According to a further embodiment, the covering element 3 can comprise at least three layered materials, wherein each layer can comprise at least one of the materials of the second list (for example PP/EVOH/PP, PP/EVOH/PE, PP/EVOH/PA).

Advantageously, the closing element 4 can be chosen from among one of the following materials of a third list:

- Polyolefin (preferably PP or PE);

- polyethylene terephthalate (PET);

- polystyrene (PS);

- polyactic acid (PLA);

- Polyethylene-furanoate (PEF);

- Biodegradable and/or compostable materials different from PLA, for example of a vegetable origin.

Advantageously, both the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 can be selected from among the materials of the third list above. It follows that the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 of the closing element 4 can be selected in an economic material since they remain intact at the end of the dispensing process.

For example, both the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 can be made of plastic film.

Alternatively, if the casing is also made of compostable material, the closing element 4 could also advantageously be made from a compostable material.

For example, both the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 can be made of compostable film.

The entire capsule 1 could be disposed of as organic waste, if the covering element 3 were also made from compostable material.

The first layer 401 and the second layer 402 can be made of materials which are different from each other, in any case belonging to the third list, or they can have, respectively, a first thickness and a second thickness which are different to each other.

The thickness of each layer 401 , 402 determines the deformability of the closing element 4 in the injection condition of the capsule 1.

The thickness of each layer 401 , 402 can be within the range of 0.02 mm to 3 mm.

Preferably, the second layer 402 is made of a material with a thickness of between 0.02 mm and 0.5 mm, in such a way that the second layer 402 is deformable in the injection condition, to receive the final product before the detachment of the fixing edge 403.

Alternatively, according to a variant embodiment, not illustrated, of the capsule according to the invention, the first layer 401 can also be made with a large thickness, that is, in the range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, if the first layer 401 is to be rigid.

According to this version, which is similar to the version shown in Figures 14 to 16, the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 are fixed, respectively, to the first step 205 and to the second step 206 but the first layer 401 is large in thickness and is a rigid body. In this version, the compartment 41 1 deforms and increases in volume, in the condition of injection of the capsule 1 , only due to the deformation of the second layer 402.

In addition to the fixing at the outer margin 409 indicated above, for example made of an adhesive material or by sealing, the first layer 401 can be fixed to the lateral wall 203 by interference. The outer margin 409 can, for example, make contact with the lateral wall 203 and optionally rest on the first step 205.

Advantageously, in this version, the first layer 401 can comprise a plurality of inlet openings made as micro-perforations to perform the function of filtering element.

It should be noted that, in the capsule 1 according to the invention, the shape of the detachable fixing edge 403 can be selected according to any of the variant embodiments of Figures 20 to 25 in combination with the fixing of the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 of the closing element 4 to the first step 205 and/or to the second step 206, optionally the presence of the filtering element 7, optionally the presence of the guide element 8, in relation to the final product to be made and the pressure at which the fixing edge 403 must be detached. It should be noted that it is easily and economically possible to make different capsules.

In use, a user inserts the capsule 1 in the dispensing machine. When a injection unit (not illustrated) of the dispensing machine starts to dispense pressurised fluid in the containment chamber 5, the final product is obtained by joining the fluid with the initial product. The capsule 1 passes from the non operative condition to an injection condition since the final product flows progressively through the inlet passage 405 of the inlet zone 404 between the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 of the closing element 4 and is blocked by the fixing edge 403 which keeps the first layer

401 fixed to the second layer 402.

With regard to the shape of the fixing edge 403, the fluid can fill an inlet zone 404 which is, for example, annular externally or a semicircle. If the fixing edge 403 is square in shape, the presence of vertices 403a in the fixing edge 403 promotes the detachment of the first layer 401 from the second layer 402.

When the pressure of the final product exceeds a predetermined pressure, the fixing edge 403 detaches. If the first layer 401 and the second layer

402 were sealed to the same step, the two layers 401 would remain separate and apart from each other only in the central zone.

If, on the other hand, the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 were sealed in different steps 205, 206, the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 would remain separate from each other.

The collection chamber 6 receives the final product which flows from the inlet passage 405, or 412 in the presence of the projection 208, to the outlet passage 407.

The speed of delivery of the final product in the collection chamber 6 can be controlled by the presence of the guide element 8, which is optionally mobile, or by the presence of the filtering element 7 configured to distribute and slow down the final product as it flows out of the collection chamber 6.

By modifying the shape of the fixing edge 403 and/or the arrangement and the number of inlet passages in the inlet zone and in the outlet zone, it is possible to make completely different capsules from the point of view of the dispensing pressure of the final product and the outlet speed of the product.

A capsule 1 is therefore provided which allows a final product to be obtained in an optimum manner and which is simple and inexpensive to make.

Claims

1. A capsule comprising:

a casing (2) which includes a base wall (201 ), which includes a dispensing opening (202), a lateral wall (203), and a flanged edge (204) extending from the lateral wall (203); a covering element (3) fixed to the flanged edge (204); a closing element (4), fixed to the lateral wall (203); a containment chamber (5) defined between the covering element (3) and the closing element (4), which contains an initial product to be joined with a fluid to obtain a final product; a collection chamber (6) which comprises the dispensing opening (202) for discharging the final product when the capsule (1 ) is in a dispensing configuration; and wherein the closing element (4) is configured for sealing the containment chamber (5) when the capsule (1 ) is in a non-operating configuration; the capsule (1 ) being characterised in that the closing element (4) comprises a first layer (401 ), facing the containment chamber (5), a second layer (402), facing the collection chamber (6), and a fixing edge (403), at which the first layer (401 ) and the second layer (402) are fixed together in a detachable manner, which divides the closing element (4) into an inlet zone (404), provided with an inlet passage (405; 412), and an outlet zone (406), provided with an outlet passage (407), in such a way that with the increase in the pressure in the containment chamber (5) the final product exerts a progressively increasing stress on the fixing edge (403) which is able to detach at least partly the first layer (401 ) from the second layer (402) in such a way that the final product can flow from the containment chamber (5) to the collection chamber (6), through the inlet passage (405; 412) and the outlet passage (407).

2. The capsule according to claim 1 , wherein the inlet passage (405; 412) is associated with the first layer (401 ) and the outlet passage (407) is associated with the second layer (402).

3. The capsule according to claim 2, wherein the inlet passage comprises at least one inlet opening (405) made in the first layer (401 ), for example as a hole or a cut; or wherein the inlet passage comprises a plurality of inlet openings (405) made in the first layer (401 ), for example as holes and/or as cuts, which are spaced at equal angular intervals from each other relative to a longitudinal axis of extension (A) of the capsule (1 ).

4. The capsule according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of inlet openings (405) are micro-perforations of reduced size, for example smaller or equal to 1 mm.

5. The capsule according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the outlet passage comprises at least one outlet opening (407) made in the second layer (402), for example as a hole or a cut; or wherein the outlet passage comprises a plurality of outlet openings (407) made in the second layer (402), for example as holes and/or as cuts.

6. The capsule according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the lateral wall (203) comprises at least one step (205; 206) and wherein the first layer (401 ) and the second layer (402) have an outer portion (408) at which they are fixed to each other in a non-detachable manner; the closing element (4) being fixed in a non-detachable manner by means of said outer portion (408) to the step (205; 206).

7. The capsule according to claim 6, wherein the lateral wall (203) comprises a first step (205) and a second step (206) and wherein the closing element (4) is fixed in a non-detachable manner by means of the outer portion (408) to one between the first step (205) or the second step (206); and wherein the capsule (1 ) comprises in addition a filtering element (7), which is fixed to the other step (206; 205) to which the closing element (4) is not fixed.

8. The capsule according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the lateral wall (203) comprises a first step (205) and a second step (206), and wherein the first layer (401 ) is fixed in a non-detachable manner to the first step (205) and the second layer (402) is fixed in a non-detachable manner to the second step (206), the closing element (4) comprising a compartment (41 1 ) in the inlet zone (404) which is delimited by the fixing edge (403).

9. The capsule according to claim 8, wherein the lateral wall (203) comprises at least one projection (208) facing towards the outside, positioned at the first step (205), and wherein the first layer (401 ) is fixed to the first step (205) for at least a first stretch (409a) of an outer margin (409) wherein the projection (208) is absent and does not have a fixing for at least a second stretch (409b) of the outer margin (409) wherein the projection (208) is present; the inlet passage being defined in the second stretch (409b) as a lateral space (412) between the lateral wall (203) and said outer margin (409).

10. The capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection chamber (6) is defined between the closing element 4 and the base wall 201 of the capsule 1.

1 1. The capsule according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the dispensing opening (202) is shaped like a dispensing hole and the capsule (1 ) comprises an element (8) for guiding the final product, which is located at least partly in the collection chamber (6) and comprises an outlet duct (801 ) which has a shape matching the shape of the dispensing opening (202) and is of dimensions such as to be received in a sealed manner in the dispensing opening (202), in such a way that the final product comes out from the collection chamber (6) exclusively through the outlet duct (801 ).

12. The capsule according to claim 1 1 , and wherein the guide element (8) comprises a first plate (802) and a second plate (803), wherein the second plate (803) is smaller than the first plate (802) and is interposed between the first plate (802) and the outlet duct (801 ), the second plate (803) being configured to make contact with the base wall (201 ).

13. The capsule according to claim 12, wherein the guide element (8) is movable in the collection chamber (6), by the effect of an increase in the pressure of the final product in the collection chamber (6), between a non operating position wherein the second plate (803) is far from the base wall (201 ) and a dispensing position wherein the second plate (803) comes into contact with the base wall (201 ).

14. The capsule according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the lateral wall (203) comprises a plurality of inner protrusions (209), for example annular, positioned at the collection chamber (6), which are configured to make contact with the first plate (802) in such as way as to prevent possible movements towards the closing element (4).

15. The capsule according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the guide element (8) comprises a connection element (804), preferably a pair of connection elements (804) for example made like a pair of columns, interposed between the first plate (802) and the second plate (803).

16. The capsule according to claim 7, wherein the dispensing opening (212) is shaped like a pair of cuts (207) perpendicular to each other and wherein the closing element (4) is fixed to the first step (205) and the filtering element (7) is fixed to the second step (206).

17. The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing edge (403) is a closed line inside the closing element (4) and the outlet zone (406) is positioned inside the inlet zone (404) and is surrounded by the inlet zone (404).

18. The capsule according to claim 17, wherein the closed line is annular and the inlet zone (404) is annular in shape and surrounds externally the outlet zone (406), which is circular in shape.

19. The capsule according to claim 17, wherein the closed line is a polygon equipped with at least three vertices (403a), the outlet zone (406) being defined inside the polygon and each vertex (403a) defining an element which promotes detachment at which is facilitated a gradual and progressive separation between the first layer (401 ) and the second layer (402) of the fixing edge (403).

20. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 16, when dependent on claim 6 or 7, wherein the fixing edge (403) is an open line not twisted which extends from a first portion to a second portion of the first step (205), or of the second step (206), the shape of the inlet zone (404) being combined with the shape of the outlet zone (406).

21. The capsule according to claim 20, wherein the open line is rectilinear and is aligned with a diameter of the closing element (4), the inlet zone (404) and the outlet zone (406) being made as a semicircle.

22. The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer (401 ) and the second layer (402) are fixed to each other by a joining layer, which is easily detached when subjected to pulling.

23. The capsule according to claim 22, wherein the joining layer is made by a heat seal resin suitable for contact with food, which may be applied to the first layer (401 ), or to the second layer (402), or to both.

24. The capsule according to claim 22, wherein the joining layer is made from fibrous material, or paper, interposed between the first layer (401 ) and the second layer (402), which is configured for flaking, when it is subjected to pulling, to detach the first layer (401 ) from the second layer (402).