ES2687284T3 - Capsule for an edible product and process that uses it - Google Patents

Abstract

Capsule (1) for an edible product comprising: - a first construction element (2) configured in the form of a container and includes a base wall element (21) and a side wall element (22), - a second construction element (3) configured in the form of a circular cover and includes an upper element (31) and a notched coupling element (32) placed in the perimeter area of the upper element (31) and which provides an inwardly oriented recess of the capsule (1) and adapted for coupling with the side wall element (22) of said first construction element (2), wherein said first and second construction elements (2, 3) are adapted for assembly joint to provide an inner volume that develops along an axis of axial symmetry (XX) to accommodate a dose (4) of at least one edible substance, characterized in that said second construction element (3) has at least three ele structural reinforcement ments (33) provided on the face of said upper element (31) which is oriented towards the inside of the capsule (1), distributed substantially uniformly along an angular direction of said upper element (31) and extending along a radial direction to an area close to said notched coupling element (32).

Description

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Capsule for an edible product and process that uses it DESCRIPTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of capsules for edible products.

The present invention further relates to processes for producing and disassembling a capsule that includes the preparation of beverages by extracting aromatic edible substances such as, for example, espresso coffee, tea and the like, and the separation of respective residues after said beverage preparation.

Background of the invention

The prior art includes many solutions related to single dose containers that contain a certain amount of at least one aromatic edible product in an interior volume, and configured so that they can be processed in the extraction device of a respective beverage preparation machine, such such as an espresso machine. In particular, there are known embodiments of said capsules with a basic configuration of cylindrical or frustoconical container, and produced in substantially rigid material, in particular synthetic materials.

In the case of capsules with an element similar to a lid and an element similar to a container, the peripheral coupling of these elements is especially important on the tightness of the capsule. In addition, the construction configuration and materials are normally sized to ensure tightness of the capsule shell to the passage of oxygen and to resist the pressures that the capsule is subjected within a respective extraction device, including outside pressure and pressure. internal generated by the release of gases when the pressurized water affects the aromatic substance, for example, roasted and ground coffee. In particular, in the case of capsules using a substantially rigid synthetic material, the wall thickness commonly used in the market is greater than 1.0 mm.

In addition, the capsule-like element of the capsules is generally subjected to greater pressure forces, especially when coupled in a respective extraction device of a beverage preparation machine and when subjected to the injection of a pressurized water flow. on the side of the capsule that is oriented towards the upstream flow.

The relevant prior art includes several solutions related to the structural optimization of substantially rigid containers in synthetic material (for example, US 7,169,418 B2; US 7,712,624 b2).

In addition, there are known solutions related to capsules adapted for extraction in beverage preparation machines that allow a mechanical closure of a lid-like construction part with a container-like construction part (for example, EP 0584314 B1 ; WO 2012/080814 A1).

In particular, document FR 2970242 A1 discloses a capsule that includes a lid-like element that has a coupling notch on the respective edge, adapted to engage with a respective male coupling element provided, on the upper edge, of the wall side of the container-like element.

In addition, US 2013/0139699 A1 discloses a capsule having a mechanical pressurized coupling of the elements similar to a lid and similar to a container that develops along the perimeter of the element similar to a lid and with two coupling elements in two regions of reduced extension in relation to the perimeter. This document also discloses structural reinforcement elements that develop along part of the side wall and the base wall of the container-like part.

The solutions mentioned above do not provide a simple and effective solution for a resistant and substantially oxygen tight mechanical coupling for longer periods of time, between the main construction parts of a capsule, so that its use is restricted to the use of filling and immediate extraction

In addition, the solutions disclosed in the prior art do not minimize the amount of material used in the capsule, especially in view of the type of pressure forces to which the capsule is subjected in the case of extraction in a beverage preparation machine. .

Therefore, there is a need for a simple and reliable solution for capsules comprising individual doses of at least one edible substance, which includes aromatic substances such as, for example, coffee, appropriate

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for the preparation of different types of beverages and that provides substantial oxygen tightness, as well as minimizing construction material and production energy requirements and maximizing simplicity of use, even with a view to recycling coffee waste and waste of the capsule after use.

General Description of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a capsule for the collection of a dose of at least one edible substance, which includes coffee, tea, chocolate and the like, provided in substantially rigid general construction and construction material, and in particular adapted to its use in the preparation of aromatic beverages by extraction, which provides the closure of the main construction elements by means of mechanical coupling, and simultaneously greater structural strength, in particular to resist the pressure forces to which it is subjected in a process of preparation of beverages by extraction, in order to minimize the amount of construction material used without restriction of the long-term general oxygen tightness.

This objective is achieved by a capsule according to claim 1.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide methods for producing and disassembling capsules, in particular a capsule according to the invention, which reduces the use of energy in the assembly of capsules and encourages the recycling of residues of the edible substance and the capsule .

This objective is achieved by processes according to claims 14 and 15.

Description of the figures

The present invention will now be explained in greater detail based on the preferred embodiments and the attached figures.

The figures are shown in simplified schematic representations:

Figure 1: side section views (left) and top views (right) of an embodiment of a

capsule (1) according to the invention;

Figure 2: detailed view P01 according to figure 1;

Figure 3: top views of two embodiments of a capsule (1) according to the invention;

Figure 4: Lateral (top) and top (bottom) views of two embodiments of one

capsule (1) according to the invention;

Figure 5: side section views of two embodiments of a capsule (1) according to the invention;

Figure 6: main stages of an assembly stage of a capsule (1) in a process of use according to the

invention;

Figure 7: main stages of a beverage preparation phase from a capsule (1) in a process

of use thereof according to the invention;

Figure 8: main stages of a phase of waste separation of a capsule (1) in a process of use

according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1 depicts a first embodiment of a capsule (1) according to the invention having a first construction element (2) provided in a manner similar to a container that includes a base wall element (21) and a wall element side (22) and a second construction element (3) provided similarly to a cover that includes an upper element (31) in the form of a circular disk, and adapted for mechanical coupling along a respective perimeter region and so that jointly define an axis of axial symmetry (XX). In particular, said construction elements (2, 3) are adapted for assembly by means of a pressurized mechanical coupling of the respective edge areas. As can be seen better in detail P01 represented in Figure 2, said upper element (31) has a notched coupling element (32) in the outer perimeter that provides a recess oriented towards the inside of the capsule (1).

In addition, according to a first aspect of the invention and as can be best seen in the top view of the face of

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an upper element (31) oriented towards the inside of the capsule (1), said upper element (31) also has a plurality of structural reinforcement elements (33) arranged on the side of the upper element (31) which is oriented towards the inside the capsule (1) and in the proximity of the notched coupling element (32). These structural reinforcement elements (33) provide high structural resistance to the second construction element (3) allowing a reduction in wall thickness (e31) at least of the second construction element (3) and depending on the construction material, also depending on at least part of said first construction element (2). Furthermore, said structural reinforcement elements (33) work together with the coupling elements (23, 32) in order to jointly reinforce the structural strength of the mechanical coupling between the construction elements (2, 3).

According to a preferred embodiment, and considering the reduced wall thickness (e31) of the upper element (31), at least three structural reinforcing elements (33) are provided, preferably distributed uniformly along an angular direction (drawing a right) in the vicinity of the area of the edge of the upper element (31) and on the side facing the inside of the capsule (1). Alternatively, more structural reinforcing elements (33) can be provided, such as four, five or six.

As will be understood by an expert in the field, a greater number, extent and thickness of said structural reinforcement elements (33) directly contributes to a greater structural resistance of the second construction element (3) and of the capsule (1) in general. In any case, it has been demonstrated, experimentally, that it is particularly advantageous when said structural reinforcement elements (33) have a triangular shape and that it is sufficient when they have an extension less than one third of the radius of the upper element (31).

As depicted in detail in detail P01 (Figure 2), said first construction element (2) is provided at its edge with a male coupling element (23), preferably configured in the form of a wedge or the like, and sized to engage tightly pressed into said notched coupling element (32) disposed on the edge of said second construction element (3). As can be seen, said structural reinforcement elements (33) have a triangular wedge-like or similar format, whereby one of the two orthogonal triangular sides develops along at least one third of the radius value of said element. (31) upper and the other of the two orthogonal triangular sides develops along the vertical direction in the area closed to the perimeter edge of said upper element (31). In addition, the edge of said structural reinforcing elements (33) that is oriented outwardly of the capsule (1) is positioned at a distance from the notched coupling element (32) that is greater than the thickness of said wall element side (22) of said second construction element (2). Furthermore, it is preferred when the edge of said structural reinforcing elements (33) that is oriented towards the inside of the capsule (1) does not extend beyond said notched coupling element (32) along the direction inside the capsule (1).

The remaining closure assembly is then carried out by applying a compression force on the second construction element (3) so that the two construction elements (2, 3) result in a coupling, substantially , locked.

According to another aspect of the invention, better represented in Figure 3, said notched coupling element (32) is provided with a coupling dimension (e) that is variable along the respective perimeter, in particular with a larger area dimension that facilitates the initial introduction of said notched coupling element (23) in a respective perimeter region. The closing assembly of the construction elements (2, 3) can be carried out by means of the initial pressure followed by rotary compression, so that a substantial part of the perimeter enters the closing coupling under an additional pressure. This embodiment is advantageous in terms of simplicity of carrying out the assembly manually and in terms of a greater sealing of the capsule (1) with respect to oxygen. Optionally, the coupling element (23) may also be provided with a coupling dimension (e) that varies along the perimeter, which includes a variation that substantially corresponds to that of the notched coupling element (32).

Furthermore, as shown in the drawing in the upper right, it is advantageous when at least one of said structural reinforcement elements (33) has a reduction in the cross section to facilitate the initial coupling of the coupling element (23) in the respective notched coupling element (32).

Figure 4 depicts two embodiments of a capsule (1) according to the invention, provided in a substantially rigid synthetic material and having a first construction element (2) with a general cylindrical or frustoconical type shape having a side wall element (22) with an optimized wall thickness (e22), in particular smaller than 0.8 mm. The first construction element (2) can be configured only in the form of the vessel wall (drawing in the upper left), adapted to be assembled with a respective base wall element (21) (top right). This base wall element (21) has a wall thickness (e21) that is less than 1.2 mm, preferably less than 0.8 mm.

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The capsule (1) also has a second construction element (3) configured as a cover, and which includes an upper element (31) adapted to be mechanically coupled with said first construction element (2). The upper element (31) is also optimized to have a wall thickness (e31) of less than 1.0 mm.

Figure 5 represents other embodiments of a capsule (1) according to the present invention, whereby in this case the first construction element (2) is provided as a single piece having a container shape.

In particular, the wall thickness of the different construction elements may vary to optimize the structural strength depending on the expected requirements in different areas of the capsule (1). In a preferred embodiment (drawing in the upper left), the side wall element (22) has a wall thickness (e22a) in an upper area and a different wall thickness (e22b) in a lower area. In another preferred embodiment (drawing in the upper right), the base wall element (21) has sections (21a, 21b) of different inclination with respect to the axis of symmetry XX, and has different wall thicknesses (e21a, e21b ).

According to a preferred embodiment, said construction elements (2, 3) are provided in at least one synthetic material, which includes thermoplastics including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene (PE ), low density polyethylene (PEBD), polyamine (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and biopolymers in particular with biodegradable characteristics, preferably different, preferably presenting greater rigidity in the case of the upper element (31), so they are preferably produced in a single piece.

According to another preferred embodiment, at least part of said construction elements (2, 3) is provided in a biodegradable material.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 represent relevant parts of a process for using a capsule (1) according to the present invention, in particular with the advantages of less use of construction material as a result of the optimization of structural strength and mechanical seal assembly.

Figure 6 basically represents an assembly process of a capsule (1) according to the present invention, which includes the steps of supplying a first construction element (2), preferably with a side wall thickness (e22) of 0 , 8 mm maximum, filling it with a dose (4) of at least one edible substance, which includes at least one aromatic substance such as, for example, roasted and ground coffee, and a closing assembly of a second element of respective construction (3), preferably having a wall thickness (e31) greater than 1.0 mm maximum, on said first construction element (2). According to one aspect of the invention, this closure assembly is carried out by applying a mechanical force of compression and axial rotation, without applying thermal energy including, through the use of welding or other processes, thermal energy supply, or Adhesion media including a type of glue and the like.

In the case of the use of a capsule (1) according to the invention by a beverage preparation machine, in particular espresso coffee, the capsule (1) is used by an extraction device (5) (represented only indicatively) included in a beverage preparation machine (not shown). As is known, said extraction device (5) normally has two actuating parts (6, 7) that are coupled to the capsule (1) to inject a flow of pressurized hot water therein and to collect the beverage resulting, generally from the opposite side to the injection side, and for the respective delivery to a beverage discharge.

Figure 7 represents two main moments of said coupling of a capsule (1) between said actuating parts (6, 7), in particular in an initial opening position (upper drawing) and in a closed position. The preparation of espresso type coffee represents a particularly demanding case in terms of the structural strength of a capsule (1). In fact, attention is drawn to the fact that during the closed position, in particular during the injection of the pressurized water flow and during the increase in pressure inside as a result of the release of gases by the coffee, the structure of The capsule (1) is subjected to more relevant efforts. However, it has been possible to experimentally confirm the structural strength of the capsule (1) having a wall thickness of less than 0.8 mm, as well as the structural reinforcement of the edge area of said first and second construction elements (2 , 3) by means of said structural reinforcing elements (33).

Figure 8 represents the disassembly of a capsule (1) according to the invention, after having prepared a beverage, for example as described above. Therefore, the process basically includes the provision of a previously assembled capsule (1), the application of a mechanical force in the coupling area between said first and second construction elements (2, 3) to remove the respective coupling by blocking positive, and the separation of said first and second construction elements (2, 3), now considered as waste of synthetic material destined for recycling, and of the dose (4), now considered as waste of organic waste, for example waste of coffee, due to greater recovery. The simplicity of disassembly

the capsule (1) advantageously provides that end users can perform this operation.

According to a particularly preferred and advantageous embodiment of the present invention, said notched coupling elements (23, 32) and / or structural reinforcing elements (33) are provided so that a dismantling of the capsule (1) requires a movement rotating which results in a substantial deformation and / or destruction of at least one of said structural reinforcement elements (33) so that it is not possible to carry out a subsequent assembly thereof.

Lisbon, July 24, 2017

Claims (15)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 1. Capsule (1) for an edible product comprising: - a first construction element (2) configured in the form of a container and includes a base wall element (21) and a side wall element (22), - a second construction element (3) configured in the form of a circular cover and includes an upper element (31) and a notched coupling element (32) placed in the perimeter area of the upper element (31) and which provides an oriented recess into the capsule (1) and adapted for coupling with the side wall element (22) of said first construction element (2), wherein said first and second construction elements (2, 3) are adapted for the joint assembly to provide an inner volume that develops along an axis of axial symmetry (XX) to accommodate a dose (4) of at least one edible substance, characterized in that said second construction element (3) has at least three structural reinforcement elements (33) provided on the face of said upper element (31) that is oriented towards the inside of the capsule (1), distributed substantially uniformly along an angular direction of said upper element (31) and extending along a radial direction to an area close to said notched coupling element (32). 2. Capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said structural reinforcement elements (33) have a right triangular wedge or similar format, whereby one of the two orthogonal sides of the triangle develops along a radial direction of the capsule (1) along at least one third of the extension corresponding to the radius of said upper element (31) and the other of the two orthogonal sides of the triangle develops along the axial direction of the capsule (1) in the area near the peripheral edge of said upper element (31). 3. Capsule (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the edge of said structural reinforcing elements (33) oriented outside the capsule (1) is arranged at a distance from said notched coupling element (32 ) which is larger than the thickness of said side wall element (22) of said second construction element (2), and because the end of said structural reinforcing elements (33) oriented towards the inside of the capsule (1) it does not extend beyond said notched coupling element (32) along the axial direction of the capsule (1). 4. Capsule (1) according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the end of the side wall element (22) comprises a male coupling element (23) having a hook-like or similar shape, and is adapted so that it can engaging under pressure in said notched coupling element (32) of said second construction element (3). 5. Capsule (1) according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said notched coupling element (32) has a coupling dimension (e) that is variable along at least part of the respective perimeter, so that a respective joint assembly provide a substantially hermetic oxygen transfer closure of the respective perimeter surface. 6. Capsule (1) according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of said structural reinforcement elements (33) has a reduction of the cross-section in the area of its distal edge with respect to said axis of axial symmetry ( XX), to facilitate the initial coupling of said male coupling element (23) in the respective notched coupling element (32). 7. Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said notched coupling elements (23, 32) and said structural reinforcement elements (33) are provided with a smaller wall thickness and are provided a respective coupling with reduced clearance, so that the removal of a respective locking coupling results in substantial deformation and / or destruction of at least one of said notched coupling elements (23, 32) and / or reinforcing elements (33) structural. 8. Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said second construction element (3) has an upper element (31) with a wall thickness (e31) of a maximum of 1.2 mm, preferably 0.8 mm maximum, along at least most of its extension. 9. Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the wall thickness (e22) of said side wall element (22) of said first element (2) is a maximum of 0.8 mm , and the wall thickness (e21) of said base wall element (21) is 1.2 mm maximum. 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five 10. Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said side wall element (22) has a wall thickness (e22) that varies continuously or in sections along its length. 11. Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the wall thickness (e22) of said side wall element (22) is between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm. 12. Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the wall thickness (e21) of said base wall element (21) is variable in the respective wall sections (21a, 21b), whereby said wall thickness (e21) is preferably greater in the wall sections (21b) that are inclined with respect to said axis of axial symmetry (XX). 13. Capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said first construction element (2) is preferably provided as a cylindrical, truncated or similar shaped container, which defines an internal volume of at minus 20 cm3 and with a ratio of width to height between 0.5: 1 and 4: 1. 14. Process of manufacturing a capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, which includes the steps: - provision of at least a first construction element (2), - provision of a dose (4) of edible substance inside said first construction element (2), - application of a second construction element (3) having a plurality of structural reinforcement elements (33) on said first construction element (2) to close the latter by means of a mechanical locking coupling, Characterized in that the application of said second construction element (3) on said first construction element (2) is carried out by applying a mechanical compression force along an axial movement, or by applying mechanical compression force along an axial and rotational movement, without applying thermal energy or adhesion means. 15. Capsule disassembly process (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it includes the steps: - removal of the mechanical coupling of said second construction element (3) with said first construction element (2), - separation of the residues of said dose (4) of edible substance, wherein the removal of the locking closure coupling is carried out by the removal of the blocking coupling between the respective notched coupling elements (22, 32) manually or with a device for applying mechanical force, which includes, preferably, a rotation movement that results in substantial deformation and / or destruction of at least one of said structural reinforcing elements (33).