EP4121371A1 - Capsule, method for realising a capsule and reel that can be used to realise the capsule - Google Patents
Capsule, method for realising a capsule and reel that can be used to realise the capsuleInfo
- Publication number
- EP4121371A1 EP4121371A1 EP21716548.9A EP21716548A EP4121371A1 EP 4121371 A1 EP4121371 A1 EP 4121371A1 EP 21716548 A EP21716548 A EP 21716548A EP 4121371 A1 EP4121371 A1 EP 4121371A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- web
- covering element
- layer
- capsule
- compostable
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 94
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 23
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 91
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 69
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 239000012467 final product Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000011247 coating layer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000013353 coffee beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 19
- 235000016213 coffee Nutrition 0.000 description 17
- 239000004626 polylactic acid Substances 0.000 description 13
- 229920000747 poly(lactic acid) Polymers 0.000 description 11
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 8
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 7
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000004372 Polyvinyl alcohol Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920002451 polyvinyl alcohol Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 235000019422 polyvinyl alcohol Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 244000269722 Thea sinensis Species 0.000 description 3
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 i.e. Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004745 nonwoven fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000005014 poly(hydroxyalkanoate) Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004631 polybutylene succinate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002961 polybutylene succinate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001610 polycaprolactone Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000903 polyhydroxyalkanoate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011241 protective layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 240000007154 Coffea arabica Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920000219 Ethylene vinyl alcohol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 240000005979 Hordeum vulgare Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000007340 Hordeum vulgare Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 208000034530 PLAA-associated neurodevelopmental disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229920000954 Polyglycolide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001328 Polyvinylidene chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002301 cellulose acetate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000013339 cereals Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004715 ethylene vinyl alcohol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004676 glycans Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000520 poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004633 polyglycolic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001282 polysaccharide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005017 polysaccharide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011118 polyvinyl acetate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005033 polyvinylidene chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013616 tea Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 1
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
-
- 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
- B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/46—Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
- B65D65/466—Bio- or photodegradable packaging materials
-
- 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
- B65D85/8061—Filters
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation
- Y02W90/10—Bio-packaging, e.g. packing containers made from renewable resources or bio-plastics
Abstract
A capsule (1) is described herein, comprising: - a casing (2), for example made of compostable material, which comprises a base wall (201) and a side wall (202) defining a cavity (203) containing an initial product (P) to be combined with a fluid to obtain a final product, and a flanged edge (204) extending from said side wall (202); - a covering element (3; 3'), fixed to the flanged edge (204) so as to close the cavity (203), which is perforable by an extraction device of a dispensing machine and through which the final product can be dispensed; wherein the covering element (3; 3') is made of a material comprising a layered structure, for example compostable, comprising a first layer (301) of coating, which is an external layer and is, for example, a barrier to oxygen and moisture, a second layer (302), also being a coating layer, which is for example a barrier to oxygen and moisture, a third layer (303) of support, which is interposed between the first layer (301) of coating and the second layer (302) of coating and is mutually coupled thereto, for example made of PLA or being cellulose-based; the capsule (1) comprising - at least one filtering element (401; 402), for example made of compostable material, interposed between the covering element (3; 3') and the initial product (P), - wherein the filtering element (401; 402) is separate with respect to the covering element (3; 3'), the filtering element (401; 402) and the covering element (3; 3') being mutually distinct components so as to ensure that after passing through the filtering element (401; 402), the final product present between the filtering element (401; 402) and the covering element (3; 3') can keep the covering element (3; 3') spaced from the filtering element (401; 402). A method is also described herein for making the capsule (1) and a reel of material, usable for making the capsule.
Description
DESCRIPTION
CAPSULE, METHOD FOR REALISING A CAPSULE AND REEL THAT CAN BE USED TO REALISE THE CAPSULE
The present invention relates to a capsule suitable for containing an initial product to be combined with a fluid to obtain a final product, a method for making said capsule and a reel usable for making the capsule.
In particular, the invention relates to a single-dose and disposable capsule containing an initial product, for example such as coffee powder, which is capable of making, by interacting with pressurised water, a final product, for example a coffee beverage.
In detail, the capsule is particularly configured to prepare products, for example beverages, in automatic dispensing machines. The known capsules for use in dispensing machines are disposable, single-dose containers comprising an outer casing and having the shape of a glass or cup. The casing usually has a base wall and a side wall defining a cavity containing the initial product, for example ground coffee or tea, from which the final product is to be obtained, for example the beverage. A flanged edge extends from the side wall and is arranged around the cavity opposite the base wall.
The cavity, at a mouth thereof, is hermetically closed by a covering element, fixed to the flanged edge, so as to seal the initial product inside the container. The base wall of the capsule can have an opening defined by a base edge on which a closing element can be fixed.
The capsule is perforable to allow the entry of pressurised liquid, typically water, and the dispensing of the coffee beverage produced. In detail, both the covering element and the base element, or optionally the closing element (if present), must be made in a perforable material, so as to ensure that the capsule can be used with great flexibility of use in the dispensing machines of interest.
For example, the capsule can be used in a dispensing machine in which
the base wall, or the closing element if present, are perforated by an injection device of the dispensing machine to inject pressurised liquid, for example water, into the capsule and the covering element is perforated by an extraction device of the dispensing machine to enable the final product to be dispensed.
The injection device comprises three blades configured to perforate the base wall, or the closing element, with cuts and a central injection duct, independent and separate with respect to the blades, which is configured to feed the pressurised fluid to a housing of the dispensing machine in which the capsule is housable. In fact, the flanged edge of the capsule comprises a sealing element configured to engage with the housing of the dispensing machine and achieve a fluid seal with the housing itself so as to prevent unwanted leakage of liquid from the housing and ensure that the liquid is fed through the cuts to the capsule cavity.
The extraction device of the dispensing machine comprises a plurality of pointed elements which, when a pressure of the fluid inside the capsule increases, engage with the covering element and perforate it in a plurality of different areas. The final product can flow into a fruition container through the perforations made by the extraction device of the dispensing machine.
It follows that, for the successful dispensing, the pointed elements must properly perforate the covering element and the resulting perforations must remain open throughout the dispensing of the final product.
In the known, most widespread capsules on the market, the casing is typically made of aluminium or a plastic material and the covering element, as well as the closing element if present, are made of an aluminium sheet provided with a weldable coating. In fact, the aluminium sheet is easily perforated at the working pressures of the dispensing machine, it is easy to weld to the flanged edge of the capsule and at the same time guarantees the correct seal as a protection against gases and moisture to preserve the initial product over time.
Recently, however, compostable capsules are more and more frequently spreading on the market whose outer casing, covering element and closing element, if present, are entirely made using a compostable material according to the harmonised standard of the European Committee UNI EN13432:2002.
In such capsules, the choice of the film of compostable material with which the covering element is made is particularly difficult because such a film must ensure the same performance as aluminium, i.e., it must be easily perforable, easily fixable to the flanged edge of the capsule, for example by welding, and ensure the seal of the cavity closure.
A multilayer structure film of compostable material is known from the application EP3388229, usable to make the closing element of a compostable capsule, which can be fractured and is suitable for being welded to the flanged edge of a compostable casing.
The multilayer structure film comprises an external coating layer, for example PVOH, a cellulose-based barrier layer, an inner layer in the same coating, for example PVOH-based, and finally a compostable non-woven fabric (TNT) layer, which is joined by means of an adhesive layer to the inner layer.
The compostable TNT layer allows the multilayer film to be fixed, for example by welding, to the flanged edge of the capsule and at the same time acts as a filter for the final product to be dispensed, which is particularly advantageous if the initial product is coffee powder.
The proprietor has noticed that, using such a material, some dispensing operations can stop after a few seconds without the dispensing having completed and the dispensing machine can even shut down.
The reason has been identified in the fact that, after the first perforations, the pressure of the fluid inside the capsule is reduced and such reduced pressure does not allow the multilayer film to further perforate. Under these conditions, the TNT layer, stressed by the pressure inside the capsule, tends to enter into the perforations generated in the multilayer
film and occludes them, thus interrupting the dispensing of the final product.
Therefore, the dispensing of the final product is compromised and simultaneously, liquid leakage is observed from the housing in which the capsule is inserted.
WO 2017/063680 A1 discloses a capsule comprising a casing which is closed by a film made by means of a multilayer structure comprising a locally weakened PLA (polylactic acid) inner layer, an oxygen barrier layer, a first glue layer, a cellulose layer, a second glue layer and an external filter paper layer.
WO 2015/082982 A1 discloses a capsule comprising a fully compostable casing, which comprises a barrier layer impermeable to oxygen and a protective layer surrounding the barrier layer, in which the casing is at least partially made of PLA, the protective layer comprises at least 85% PLA and the barrier layer is made of PVOH.
The technical purpose which forms the basis of the present invention is thus to make available a capsule which overcomes the drawbacks of capsules of known type.
A further purpose of the present invention is to obtain a capsule, simple to make and of low cost, in which a covering element in compostable material, to be fixed to a flanged edge of the capsule, guarantees a correct making of the perforations and also a good extraction quality of the beverage.
Such purposes are achieved by a capsule in accordance with the present invention, comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.
Another technical purpose which forms the basis of the present invention is to make available a method for making a capsule, which overcomes the drawbacks of the making methods of known type.
A further technical purpose which forms the basis of the present invention is to provide a method for making a capsule which includes fixing a
covering element, for example in compostable material, to a flanged edge of the capsule and which also guarantees a good extraction quality of the beverage.
A different object of the present invention is to make available a reel which is simple to make and of low cost, which allows to make a covering element for the capsule in accordance with the present invention in a simple and economical way.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following indicative, and hence non-limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a capsule as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a capsule in accordance with the present invention, in exploded view, comprising a casing defining a cavity containing an initial product to be combined with a fluid to obtain a final product, a covering element comprising a layered structure fixable to the flanged edge, a first filtering element made as a TNT filter and a second filtering element made as a free filter interposed between the initial product and the covering element, in which the first filtering element is weldable to the flanged edge and the second filtering element is resting on the initial product and is free in the capsule.
Figure 2 shows a variant of the covering element of figure 1 , which corresponds to an already known covering element, in which in addition to the layered structure of the covering element of figure 1 there is a layer of TNT joined by adhesive material.
Figure 3 shows a variant of the capsule of Figure 1 , in which the covering element of Figure 2 is superposed on a filtering element and both are weldable to the flange edge.
In the following description, the same elements are indicated with the same reference numbers in the various figures.
With reference to the attached figures, with 1 a capsule is indicated in accordance with the present invention, which is usable in a dispensing
machine.
The capsule 1 , as shown in detail in figures 1 and 3, comprises a casing 2 which has a longitudinal extension axis Z, for example an axis of symmetry. The casing 2, as will be seen better in detail below, can be made of a compostable material.
The casing 2 is preferably made by means of thermoforming or injection moulding of a sheet material and is substantially in the shape of a truncated cone, i.e., in the form of a glass or cup. The casing 2 comprises a base wall 201 and a side wall 202, defining an open cavity 203, and a flanged edge 204, which extends from the side wall 202.
In detail, the side wall 202 is divergent from the base wall 201. The flanged edge 204 can comprise a sealing element, not shown, configured to achieve a fluid seal with the dispensing machine when the capsule 1 is inserted into a suitably arranged housing (not shown) thereof. The sealing element can be made, for example and without any general restrictions, as a protrusion which extends from the flanged edge 204 and is in a single body with the flanged edge 204. The flanged edge 204 can also comprise a thickened part, not illustrated, which is arranged on an outer edge of the flange 204 and is configured to promote a correct positioning of the capsule 1 in the housing.
The cavity 203 is suitable for containing an initial product P to be combined with a fluid (not illustrated) to obtain a final product (not illustrated). The fluid is, preferably, a hot or cold pressurised liquid delivered into the cavity 203 in a step of injecting the fluid to obtain the final product.
As said previously, the initial product can be for example a soluble, freeze- dried, dehydrated, concentrated, percolatable, lyophilised, powdered food preparation - for example coffee; alternatively, the initial product can be for example a leaf food preparation - for example tea. The fluid is preferably water, which is hot and pressurised, which enables a beverage
to be obtained, for example coffee, barley, tea or an herbal drink.
The capsule 1 comprises a covering element 3 fixed to the flanged edge 204 so as to close the cavity 203. The covering element 3 can be fixed to the flanged edge 204 by heat or ultrasound welding, or gluing. It should be noted that, for reasons of clarity, the covering element 3 is shown in figures 1 and 3 detached from the flanged edge 204, that is before fixing. The covering element 3 is perforable by an extraction device of a dispensing machine, not illustrated, in which the capsule 1 is usable. The final product can be dispensed through the covering element 3.
The covering element 3 can be made of a material, for example compostable, comprising a layered structure comprising a first layer 301 of coating, which is a barrier to oxygen and moisture and is an external layer, a second layer 302, also being a coating layer, which is also a barrier to oxygen and moisture and a third layer 303 of support, which is interposed between the first layer of coating and the second layer of coating and is mutually coupled thereto.
As will be better seen below, the third layer 303 can, for example, be made of polylactic acid, i.e., PLA, or be cellulose-based.
If the third layer 303 is made of polylactic acid or is cellulose based and the first layer 301 and the second layer 302 are also made of a compostable material, the covering element 3 is completely made of a compostable material.
Preferably, the first layer 301 is external while the second layer 302 is internal, in the sense that it faces the cavity 203 of the capsule 1. The latter is weldable to the flanged edge 204.
According to the present invention, the capsule 1 comprises at least one filtering element, for example in compostable material, interposed between the covering element 3 and the initial product P and separate with respect to the covering element 3.
It is specified that the filtering element and the covering element 3 are mutually distinct components so as to ensure that, during the dispensing
and after passing through the filtering element, the final product present between the filtering element and the covering element 3 can keep the covering element 3 spaced from the filtering element.
Owing to the presence of the filtering element, interposed between the initial product P and the covering element 3, the final product passes through the filtering element before intercepting the covering element 3 and the pressure of the final product is thus evenly distributed in the covering element 3, ensuring that it is perforated uniformly. Furthermore, owing to the fact that the filtering element is a separate component from the covering element 3, the perforations of the covering element 3 are not occluded by the filtering element because, after passing through the filtering element, the final product present between the filtering element and the covering element 3 keeps the covering element 3 spaced from the filtering element itself.
The filtering element can comprise a filter 401 , for example in compostable TNT (non-woven fabric). In this case, the covering element 3 is superposed on the filter 401 and they are both fixed to the flanged edge 204.
It should be noted that the filter 401 and the covering element 3 are mutually distinct components, the filter 401 being a separate and distinct component with respect to the layered structure with which the covering element 3 is made.
According to a variant shown in figure 2, a covering element 3’, made according to document EP3388229, is proposed, in which the layered structure comprises a fourth layer 304, made of a compostable TNT, which is coupled to the second layer 302 by means of a fifth layer 305 of adhesive.
This known variant can also be used as a covering element 3’ in the capsule 1 , as shown in figure 3, as what has been stated above remains valid. In fact, the filter 401 and the covering element 3’ are mutually distinct components.
The presence of the filter 401 , even in the presence of the fourth layer 304 of TNT joined to the second layer 302, allows the covering element 3’ to be easily perforated without the perforations becoming occluded.
During the dispensing and after passing through the filter 401, the final product present between the filter 401 and the covering element 3’ keeps the covering element 3’ spaced from the filter 401 itself. Thereby, the pressure of the final product is evenly distributed in the covering element 3’ ensuring that it is perforated uniformly. This causes the fourth layer 304 of TNT to serve only as a filter, without entering into the perforations generated in the multilayer film of the covering element 3’.
The capsule 1 according to the invention is thus able to complete the dispensing correctly, which otherwise would not have occurred.
According to a different variant, the filtering element can comprise a free filter 402, for example made of paper or of a compostable TNT, having dimensions substantially identical to a mouth of the cavity 203, which is freely arranged in the cavity 203.
The free filter 402 can be inserted in addition to, or in place of, the filter 401 , made for example of TNT.
The proprietor has observed that even using only the free filter 402, in the absence of the filter 401 fixed to the flanged edge 204, the capsule 1 according to the invention is able to correctly complete the dispensing. It should be added that the free filter 402 can advantageously be used both with the covering element 3 of figure 1 comprising three layers, and with the covering element 3’ of figures 2 and 3, comprising five layers.
Again, it should be noted that the free filter 402 and the covering element 3, or 3’, are mutually distinct components.
The casing 2 can comprise one of the following materials selected from the materials of a first list:
- polylactic acid (PLA) and copolymers thereof, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polycaprolactones (PCL), polyglycolic acid and copolymers thereof, polybutylene succinate (PBS) and copolymers
thereof, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyethylene-furanoate (PEF);
- biodegradable and/or compostable materials other than PLA, for example of plant origin such as cellulose, or derivatives thereof, for example paper, lignocellulosic derivatives, mixtures of starches and derivatives thereof, for example Mater-bi, polysaccharides, etc.;
- recyclable materials (for example aluminium);
- polyolefin;
- paper;
- aluminium;
- and combinations thereof.
The above materials of the first list can be capable of offering a barrier to oxygen and/or water.
In one embodiment, the casing can comprise at least two layers, in which each layer can comprise at least one of the materials of the first list (for example cellulose/PLA).
In a further embodiment, the casing can comprise at least three layers, in which each layer can comprise at least one of the materials of the first list. In one embodiment, to improve the barrier properties to flavourings and/or liquids and/or gases of the casing, said casing can comprise at least one aluminium layer (e.g., cellulose/PLA/aluminium).
With regard to the covering element 3, the first layer 301 and the second layer 302 can comprise a material selected from one of the following materials of a second list:
- polylactic acid (PLA);
- EVOH;
- PVOH;
- PHBV;
- PVDC;
- and combinations thereof.
The third layer 303 of the covering element 3 can be made of a material selected from one of the materials of a third list:
- biodegradable and/or compostable materials other than PLA, for example of plant origin such as cellulose, or derivatives thereof, for example paper or cellulose acetate; and combinations thereof.
In use, when the capsule is inserted into the dispensing machine and the pressurised fluid is injected into the capsule, the filtering element 401 and/or 402, in addition to filtering the final product, for example in the case of coffee dispensing, distributes the final product itself. The final product, which is collected between the filtering element and the covering element 3, 3’, mutually separate and distinct, exerts a pressure on the covering element 3, 3’ which deforms the covering element 3, 3’ towards the pointed elements of the dispensing machine, which perforate the covering element 3, 3’ itself. In fact, the layered structure of the covering element 3, 3’ is easy to perforate. At the same time, the filtering element does not also deform towards the covering element 3, 3’ and this allows the final product thus obtained to be completely dispensed.
Experimental tests conducted by the proprietor have shown that, by interposing a filtering element between the covering element 3’ and the initial product P, the dispensing operations do not stop early but continue for the entire expected duration of the dispensing operation.
The experimental tests were conducted using the following Nespresso™ coffee machines: Essenza™, Essenza Mini™, Inissia™, Citiz 1™ and Nespresso U™.
Comparative Example 1
A first series of tests (75 dispensing operations) was conducted using commercially available compostable capsules with a compostable covering element and each containing 5.3g of coffee of different types.
Comparative Example 2
A second series of tests (40 dispensing operations) was conducted using compostable capsules comprising a covering element 3’ having the layered structure shown in figure 2 and without the filtering element, each
capsule containing 5.0g of a single type of coffee.
Example 3 in accordance with the invention
A third series of tests (140 dispensing operations) was conducted using compostable capsules according to the invention, of the type shown in figure 3, having the covering element 3’ and additionally comprising a filtering element 401 in TNT and each containing 5.0g of the same type of coffee as in comparative example 2.
Example 4 in accordance with the invention
A fourth series of tests (20 dispensing operations) was conducted using compostable capsules according to the invention, of the type shown in figure 3, having the covering element 3’, comprising a filtering element 401 in TNT and each containing 5.3g of the same type of coffee as in comparative example 2.
Example 5 in accordance with the invention A fifth series of tests (90 dispensing operations) was conducted using compostable capsules according to the invention having the covering element 3’, comprising a paper filtering element 402 and each containing 5.3g of the same type of coffee as in comparative example 2.
The following table shows the percentage of defects found in each series of tests, defective dispensing operations being expressed as a percentage of total dispensing operations performed.
(*) About 88% o the frontal leakage were detected in one of the coffee machines tested.
(**) About 66% of the frontal leakage were detected in one of the coffee
machines tested, the same one in which 88% of the frontal leakage of Example 3 were detected.
The difference in the percentage of machine blockage between example 3 and example 4 is also due to the grain size of the coffee used.
Machine blockage is intended as the fact that the machine on which the capsule is used dispenses only a few drops despite hearing the operation of the water feed pump, or that the machine becomes blocked. The different operation depends on the coffee machine model used, among those listed above.
Failure to dispense is intended as the fact that the dispensing machine, while not becoming blocked, stops dispensing coffee or dispenses a few drops, i.e., a small amount.
Suspended in machine is intended as the fact that the capsule, at the end of the dispensing operation, remains coupled in the plurality of pointed elements and does not uncouple automatically.
Frontal leakage is intended as the fact that water leakage occurs from the front of the dispensing machine.
In accordance with the present invention, a method for making a capsule 1 is also provided, comprising the following steps:
- providing a casing 2, for example in compostable material, which comprises a base wall 201 and a side wall 202 defining a cavity 203 suitable for containing an initial product P to be combined with a fluid to obtain a final product, and a flanged edge 204 extending from the side wall 202;
- providing a covering element 3, 3’ in material with a layered structure, for example compostable, comprising a first layer 301 of coating, which is a barrier to oxygen and moisture and is an external layer, a second layer 302, also being of coating layer, which is also a barrier to oxygen and moisture, a third layer 303 of support, which is interposed between the first layer 301 of coating and the second layer 302 of coating and is mutually coupled thereto and is, for example, made of PLA or is cellulose-based;
- fixing the covering element 3; 3’ to the flanged edge 204 so as to close the cavity 203, the covering element 3, 3’ being perforable by an extraction device of a dispensing machine in order to dispense the final product through the covering element.
The method further comprises the step of
- interposing at least one filtering element between the covering element 3, 3’ and the initial product P, separate with respect to the covering element 3, 3’,
- providing that the filtering element and the covering element 3; 3’ are mutually distinct components so as to ensure that after passing through the filtering element, the final product present between the filtering element and the covering element 3; 3’ can keep the covering element 3; 3’ spaced from the filtering element.
As previously mentioned, by interposing the filtering element between the covering element 3, 3’, made with the layered structure illustrated above, and the initial product P and keeping the filtering element separate with respect to the covering element 3, 3’, there is the advantage that the correct dispensing of the capsule 1 during use is guaranteed.
In fact, being mutually distinct and separate components, after passing through the filtering element, the final product present between the filtering element and the covering element 3, 3’ can keep the covering element 3, 3’ spaced from the filtering element.
Said step of interposing comprises the step of superposing the covering element 3, 3’ on a filter 401 , for example in a compostable TNT, and fixing both to the flanged edge of the capsule.
In addition, the method according to the present invention comprises the step of superposing to each other a first web (not shown) of material with layered structure, for example compostable, comprising the first layer 301, the second layer 302 and the third layer 303, or optionally also the fourth layer 304 and the fifth layer 305, and a second web (not shown) of filtering material, for example made of compostable TNT, simultaneously cutting
the covering element 3, or 3’, from the first web and the filter 401 from the second web to simultaneously obtain the covering element 3, 3’ and the filter 401 , for example in TNT.
Owing to the possibility of superposing the first web and the second web therebetween, simultaneously cutting the covering element 3, 3’ from the first web and the filter 401 , for example in TNT, from the second web, it is possible to create the capsule 1 in accordance with the invention in a simple and economical way.
The step of fixing the covering element 3, 3’ and the filter 401 to the flanged edge 204 also takes place simultaneously.
After superposing the first web and the second web, the covering element 3, 3’ and the filter 401 can advantageously be cut in a single apparatus by the respective webs and fixed to the flanged edge 204 of the capsule in a simple and economical way.
The method can comprise the step of feeding the first web from a first reel (not shown) of material with a layered structure, for example compostable, in which the layered structure is that described above which can comprise three layers or five, and the second web from a second reel (not shown) of a filtering material, for example compostable TNT, and can further comprise the step of performing said superposing step before the cutting step.
For example, the superposing can take place in the same apparatus which also performs the cutting (of the covering element 3, 3’ and the filter 401) and welding (of the covering element 3, 3’ and the filter 401 to the flanged edge 204 of the capsule).
Alternatively, the method according to the present invention can comprise the step of making a double- web reel (not shown) by superposing the first web of material having a layered structure described above, for example of compostable material, and the second web of filtering material, for example in compostable TNT, and feeding from said double-web reel the first web and the second web superposed together.
The possibility of using the double-web reel has the further advantage of simplifying the feeding of the material from which to obtain the covering element 3, 3’ and the TNT filter 401 , as well as the supply thereof.
The step of making the double-web reel can comprise the step of joining respective first edges of the first web and the second web and/or respective second edges of the first web and the second web, for example by punching, and/or by welding, and/or by means of adhesive material, and winding the first web and the second web joined together to form the double-web reel.
In other words, advantageously, the two webs can be joined at the respective selvedges.
According to a variant, the step of making said double-web reel can comprise the step of identifying first portions of the first web and the second web intended to make the covering element 3, 3’ and the filter 401 and second portions of the first web and the second web not intended to make the covering element 3, 3’ and the filter 401 , joining together the respective second portions, for example by punching, and/or by welding and/or by means of adhesive material, and winding the first web and the second web joined together to form said double-web reel.
In other words, equally advantageously, the first web and the second web can be joined outside the portions intended to make the covering element 3, 3’ and the TNT filter 401.
According to a further variant, the step of making the double-web reel can comprise the step of joining the first web and the second web while simultaneously placing under tension the first web and the second web during the winding intended to form said reel.
In particular, a joining effect by adhesion/attraction can be exploited between the first web and the second web which takes place if the first web and the second web are simultaneously placed under tension and wound.
Advantageously, in accordance with the present invention, a reel is
proposed herein for making the capsule comprising:
- a first web comprising a first layer 301 of coating, which is a barrier to oxygen and moisture, a second layer 302, also being a coating layer, which is also a barrier to oxygen and moisture, a third layer 303 of support, which is interposed between the first layer 301 of coating and the second layer 302 of coating and is mutually coupled thereto, and optionally a fourth layer 304 of TNT and a fifth layer 305 of adhesive to join the fourth layer 304 to the second layer 302;
- a second web of filtering material, for example of compostable TNT; in which the first web and the second web are joined together to allow to be simultaneously cut from the first web a respective covering element 3, 3’ to be fixed to the flanged edge 204 of the capsule 1 and from the second web a respective filter 401 , for example in TNT, to be interposed between the covering element 3, 3’ and the initial product P, also to be fixed to the flanged edge 204 of the capsule 1.
The reel in which the first web and the second web are joined together can be made, as illustrated above, by joining the respective selvedges, by joining outside the portions intended to make the covering element 3, 3’ and the TNT filter 401 or by means of joining by simultaneously tensioning and winding of the first web and the second web.
We have previously said that by interposing the filtering element between the covering element 3, 3’, and the initial product P and keeping the filtering element separate with respect to the covering element 3, 3’, there is the advantage that the correct dispensing of the capsule 1 is guaranteed during use.
Alternatively, said interposing step can comprise the step of making a free filter of dimensions substantially identical to a mouth of the cavity 203 and freely arranging it in the cavity 203.
Claims
1. A capsule (1) comprising: a casing (2), which comprises a base wall (201) and a side wall (202) defining a cavity (203) containing an initial product (P) to be combined with a fluid to obtain a final product, and a flanged edge (204) extending from said side wall (202);
- a covering element (3; 3’), fixed to the flanged edge (204) so as to close the cavity (203), which is perforable by an extraction device of a dispensing machine and through which the final product can be dispensed; wherein the covering element (3; 3’) is made of a material, comprising a layered structure comprising a first layer (301) of coating, which is an external layer and is, for example, a barrier to oxygen and moisture, a second layer (302), also being a coating layer, which is for example a barrier to oxygen and moisture, a third layer (303) of support which is interposed between the first layer (301) of coating and the second layer (302) of coating and is mutually coupled thereto, for example made of PLA or being cellulose-based; the capsule (1) comprising
- at least one filtering element (401 ; 402), for example made of compostable material, interposed between the covering element (3; 3’) and the initial product (P); the capsule (1) being characterised in that
- the filtering element (401 ; 402) is separate with respect to the covering element (3; 3'), the filtering element (401 ; 402) and the covering element (3; 3') being mutually distinct components so as to ensure that after passing through the filtering element (401 ; 402), the final product present between the filtering element (401 ; 402) and the covering element (3; 3') can keep the covering element (3; 3') spaced from the filtering element (401 ; 402).
2. The capsule according to claim 1 , wherein the filtering element comprises a filter (401), for example made of compostable TNT, the covering element (3; 3’) being superposed on the filter (401) and both being fixed to the flanged edge (204).
3. The capsule according to claim 1 , or 2, wherein the layered structure of the covering element (3’) comprises a fourth layer (304), made of a TNT, for example compostable, which is coupled to the second layer (302) by means of a fifth layer (305) of adhesive material.
4. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filtering element comprises a free filter (402), for example made of paper or of a compostable TNT, having dimensions substantially identical to a mouth of the cavity (203), which is freely arranged in the cavity (203).
5. The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing (2) is made of compostable material.
6. The capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering element is made of a compostable material.
7. A method for making a capsule (1) comprising the following steps:
- providing a casing (2), for example made of compostable material, which comprises a base wall (201) and a side wall (202) defining a cavity (203) suitable for containing an initial product (P) to be combined with a fluid to obtain a final product, and a flanged edge (204) extending from the side wall (202);
- providing a covering element (3, 3’) made of a material, for example compostable, having a layered structure comprising a first layer (301) of coating, which is a barrier to oxygen and moisture and is an external layer, a second layer (302), also being a coating layer, which is also a barrier to oxygen and moisture, a third layer (303) of support, which is interposed between the first layer (301) of coating and the second layer (302) of coating and is mutually coupled thereto, for example made of PLA or being cellulose-based;
- fixing the covering element (3; 3’) to the flanged edge (204) so as to close the cavity (203), the covering element (3; 3’) being perforable by an extraction device of a dispensing machine in order to dispense the final product through the covering element (3; 3’); the method further comprising the step of
- interposing at least one filtering element (401 ; 402) between the covering element (3; 3’) and the initial product (P), the filtering element (401 ; 402) being separate with respect to the covering element (3; 3’);
- providing that the filtering element (401 ; 402) and the covering element (3; 3') are mutually distinct components so as to ensure that after passing through the filtering element (401 ; 402), the final product present between the filtering element (401 ; 402) and the covering element (3; 3') can keep the covering element (3; 3') spaced from the filtering element (401 ; 402).
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the filtering element (401 ; 402) comprises a filter (401), for example in compostable TNT, and wherein said step of interposing comprises the step of superposing the covering element (3; 3’) on the filter (401) and fixing both thereof to the flanged edge (204) of the capsule (1).
9. The method according to claim 8, and comprising the step of superposing a first web of material with the said layered structure and a second web of filtering material, for example made of compostable TNT, simultaneously cutting the covering element (3; 3’) from the first web and the filter (401) from the second web in order to simultaneously obtain the covering element (3; 3’) and the filter.
10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the step of fixing the covering element (3; 3’) and the filter (401) to the flanged edge (204), for example by welding, takes place simultaneously.
11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, and comprising a step of feeding the first web from a first reel of material having a layered structure, for example compostable, and the second web from a second reel of a filtering material, for example compostable TNT, wherein said step of superposing is carried out prior to the step of cutting.
12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, and comprising the step of making a double-web reel superposing a first web of material having a layered structure, for example compostable, and a second web of filtering material, for example made of compostable TNT, and feeding, from said
double-web reel, the first web and the second web superposed and joined together.
13. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the step of making said double-web reel comprises the step of joining respective first edges of the first web and the second web and/or respective second edges of the first web and the second web, for example by punching and/or by welding and/or by means of adhesive material, and winding the first web and the second web joined together to form said double-web reel.
14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of making said double-web reel comprises the step of identifying first portions of the first web and the second web intended to make the covering element (3; 3’) and the filter (401) and second portions of the first web and the second web not intended to make the covering element (3; 3’) and the filter (401), joining together the respective second portions, for example by punching and/or by welding and/or by means of adhesive material, and winding the first web and the second web joined together to form said double-web reel.
15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of making said double-web reel comprises the step of joining the first web and the second web, simultaneously placing under tension the first web and the second web during the winding to form said reel.
16. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims 7 to 15, wherein said step of interposing comprises the step of making a free filter (402) having dimensions substantially identical to a mouth of the cavity (203) and arranging the free filter (402) freely in the cavity (203).
17. A reel for making a capsule, comprising a casing (2), for example made of compostable material, which comprises a base wall (201) and a side wall (202) defining a cavity (203) containing an initial product (P) to be combined with a fluid to obtain an final product, and a flanged edge (204) extending from said side wall (202); wherein the reel comprises: a first web comprising a first layer (301) of coating, which is a barrier to oxygen and moisture, a second layer (302), also being a coating layer,
which is also a barrier to oxygen and moisture, a third layer (303) of support, which is interposed between the first layer (301) of coating and the second layer (302) of coating and is mutually coupled thereto; a second web of filtering material, for example made of compostable TNT; wherein the first web and the second web are joined together in order to enable simultaneously cutting, from the first web, a respective covering element (3; 3’), to be fixed to the flanged edge (204) of the capsule (1) and from the second web a respective filter (401), for example made of compostable TNT, to be interposed between the covering element (3; 3’) and the initial product (P), also to be fixed to the flanged edge (204) of the capsule (1).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT102020000005635A IT202000005635A1 (en) | 2020-03-17 | 2020-03-17 | Capsule, method of making the capsule and reel that can be used to make the capsule |
| PCT/IB2021/052161 WO2021186336A1 (en) | 2020-03-17 | 2021-03-16 | Capsule, method for realising a capsule and reel that can be used to realise the capsule |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP4121371A1 true EP4121371A1 (en) | 2023-01-25 |
Family
ID=70918829
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP21716548.9A Pending EP4121371A1 (en) | 2020-03-17 | 2021-03-16 | Capsule, method for realising a capsule and reel that can be used to realise the capsule |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP4121371A1 (en) |
| IT (1) | IT202000005635A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2021186336A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2014358842B2 (en) * | 2013-12-03 | 2018-12-20 | Advanced Technology Assets B.V. | Capsule and device for preparing beverages and method for producing the capsule |
| ES2939589T3 (en) * | 2015-10-13 | 2023-04-25 | Advanced Tech Assets B V | Capsule and device for preparing beverages and method for manufacturing a capsule |
| IT201700039800A1 (en) | 2017-04-11 | 2018-10-11 | Corapack S R L | Breakable film for capsules of extractable substances and capsule sealed with this film |
-
2020
- 2020-03-17 IT IT102020000005635A patent/IT202000005635A1/en unknown
-
2021
- 2021-03-16 EP EP21716548.9A patent/EP4121371A1/en active Pending
- 2021-03-16 WO PCT/IB2021/052161 patent/WO2021186336A1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IT202000005635A1 (en) | 2021-09-17 |
| WO2021186336A1 (en) | 2021-09-23 |
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