FR3038304A1 - CAPSULE FOR PREPARING A BEVERAGE, PROCESS FOR PRODUCING THE SAME, AND PROCESS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capsule (1), comprising a hollow body (2) made of a first vegetable material and adapted to receive an infusable product (3) made of a second plant material, the body (2) having an opening (4). ) closed by a lid to contain the infusable product (3), characterized in that the capsule (1) comprises at least one breakable prominence (6) projecting from the body (2) opposite the opening ( 4) and punched by a machine for infusing the infusible product (3). The invention also relates to a manufacturing method and a method for implementing such a capsule (1).

Description

CAPSULE FOR PREPARING A BEVERAGE, METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING

The present invention relates to a capsule comprising a hollow body of plant material, designed to receive an infusable product also plant material. The invention also relates to a manufacturing method and a method of implementing such a capsule.

The field of the invention is that of capsules used in a machine for preparing beverages, in particular a coffee brewing machine, for example of the Nespresso, Keurig (registered trademarks) or other type.

Conventionally, the capsules used with known machines are made of aluminum or plastic, which is not satisfactory from an environmental point of view.

Some manufacturers are putting forward ecological arguments to sell oxo-degradable plastic capsules, whose decomposition is accelerated by exposure to heat, light or mechanical stress. Abandoned in the open air, for example in a landfill, these plastics take between two and five years to disintegrate into small fragments, after which the natural degradation of these small fragments is very slow. Under these conditions, these plastics can not be described as biodegradable. In addition, these plastics are not compostable because the fragments denature the compost to the point of rendering it unusable. Finally, these plastics are not recyclable according to the usual methods, because additives that promote their disintegration also affect the mechanical and chemical properties of the recycled product.

In addition, the existing machines and capsules are mostly designed specifically for coffee, but not for the preparation of a product to be infused, such as tea or herbal tea. The machine has particular settings (temperature, pressure, water flow, perforating device, machine cycle time, etc.), while the capsule has a particular configuration suitable for this machine and the preparation of coffee. However, in practice, the optimum preparation conditions of a product to be infused are different from the coffee preparation conditions. Thus, when a capsule provided for the coffee is filled with a product to be infused and then used in the machine for coffee, the result is not satisfactory from a taste point of view.

Under these conditions, manufacturers have developed machines and capsules designed specifically for tea. However, for users who already have a machine type Nespresso or other for coffee, it requires to be equipped with a new machine for tea. In addition, the capsules for tea are made with the same materials as the coffee capsules, and therefore have the same disadvantages.

The object of the present invention is to provide an ecological capsule adapted to prepare a product to be infused in a machine initially designed to prepare the coffee, in particular a percolation coffee preparation machine (corresponding to the passage of water under high water). pressure through the capsule), for example Nespresso or other type. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a capsule, comprising a hollow body made of a first plant material and designed to receive an infusable product made of a second plant material, the body having an opening closed by a cover for containing the product. infusable, characterized in that the capsule comprises at least one breakable prominence formed protruding from the body opposite the opening and punchable by a machine for infusing the infusible product.

Thus, the capsule according to the invention makes it possible to optimize the quantity and the flow of water necessary to infuse the infusable product, and thus to obtain an aromatic power and a satisfactory flavor, with a reduced infusion time. The brewing machine then becomes a multifunction machine, for making coffee, but also other types of drink depending on the nature of the infusable product. In addition, the capsule has both a container and a content biodegradable and compostable, in respect of the environment.

Moreover, as an alternative to food applications, the capsule can be used for pharmaceutical applications. Finally, although the capsule is generally used for the preparation of hot drinks, it can also be used for the preparation of cold drinks.

According to other advantageous features of the invention, taken separately or in combination: the or each breakable prominence is bordered by three internal lines of localized weakening. - The or each breakable prominence has four external facets. - The capsule has several breakable prominences regularly distributed around a central axis and covering together an angular zone of at least 240 degrees around this central axis. - The breakable prominences together cover an angular zone of at least 280 degrees about the central axis, for example an angular zone of 320 degrees around the central axis. - The breakable prominences are four in number. - The neighboring breakable prominences are connected by an intermediate internal line of localized weakening. - The capsule has a single ringable prominently annular shape centered on a central axis. The body comprises an annular internal reinforcement located at the base of the at least one breakable prominence. - The capsule has reinforcing ribs disposed in the body. - The reinforcing ribs extend between a first circle located at the edge of the at least one breakable prominence and a second circle located at a distance from the opening. - Each reinforcing rib has a generally increasing thickness from the first circle to the second circle. - The operculum is made of a third plant material, preferably food paper. - The capsule comprises an outer flange formed radially on the body at the opening and constituting on the one hand, a fixing support for the lid and, on the other hand, a sealing seat when the capsule is positioned in the machine. - The infusable product comprises at least one element selected from tea, herbal tea, plants, plants, herbs, vegetables, fruits, natural flavors, essential oils, or a mixture of several of these elements. In the case of a pharmaceutical application, the infusible product also comprises at least one drug-active substance, mixed with at least one of the elements mentioned above. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a capsule as mentioned above. The method is characterized in that it comprises the following successive phases: a) manufacturing the body according to the following successive steps: a1) cutting into fragments of all the aerial parts of a plant or a substantial fraction thereof aerial parts, a2) crushing, or shearing, of fragments until aggregates having an average size of between 0.01 and 10 millimeters are obtained, a3) adjusting the water content of aggregates to a level of overall hydration between about 10 and 35%, and a4) shaping the plant material to form the body; b) manufacture the product to be infused in the following successive steps: b1) contacting the dry or fresh plant material with a solvent, for example water, b2) extraction of the active ingredients of the plant material, b3) drying extracted plant material in the presence of the fraction obtained at the end of this extraction, to allow the attachment of the active ingredients to the plant material and obtaining the product to be infused; c) fill the body with the product to be infused; d) close the opening with the cover. The invention also relates to a method for implementing a capsule as mentioned above. The method is characterized in that it comprises a punching operation of the at least one breakable prominence by the machine for infusing the infusible product. The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view, from above, of a capsule according to the invention; Figure 2 is another perspective view, from below, of the capsule shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top view along the arrow III in Figure 1, with some elements shown by dashed transparency; Figure 4 is a bottom view along the arrow IV in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a section along line V-V in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a detail view on a larger scale of a portion of Figure 5; Figure 7 is an enlarged detail view of another portion of Figure 5; and Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are bottom views similar to Fig. 4, showing capsules respectively in accordance with a second, a third and a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 1 to 7 show a capsule 1 according to the invention, comprising a hollow body 2 intended to receive an infusable product 3. For the sake of simplification, the product 3 is not shown, but its position at The interior of the body 2 is indicated by a dashed arrow in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5.

In the case of a food application, the infusable product 3 comprises at least one element selected from tea, herbal tea, plants, vegetables, herbs, vegetables, fruits, natural flavors, essential oils, or a mixture of several of these elements. In other words, each element mentioned above can be used individually or mixed with others to obtain the product 3.

In the case of a pharmaceutical application, the infusable product 3 comprises a solid carrier, preferably of the type of the above-mentioned elements, as well as at least one drug-active substance mixed with the solid carrier.

The capsule 1 also has breakable prominences 6, reinforcing ribs 7, an outer collar 8 and an inner bead 9. The prominences 6 are punchable by a machine for infusing the product 3, including a Nespresso type machine.

The capsule 1 has a central axis X1, which extends in the direction of its height and forms an axis of revolution for the body 2. In the example of the figures, between the opening 4 and the flange 8 on the one hand , and the top of the body 2 on the other hand, the capsule 1 has a height equal to 28.35 millimeters. In this case, the dimensions of the capsule 1 are adapted to its use in a machine type Nespresso.

Alternatively, the capsule 1 may have different shapes and dimensions, adapted to its use in another type of machine, in particular a machine percolator, for example Keurig type or other.

The body 2 has an opening 4 closed by a cover 5, to contain the product 3. Still for the sake of simplification, the cover 5 is shown only in Figure 5. The opening 4 has a circular shape, while the cover 5 has a disc shape, centered on the axis X1. The diameter of the cap 5 is greater than the diameter of the opening 4, so that the cap 5 can be fixed on the flange 8.

The body 2 generally has a dome shape, which is closed at its top and open at the opening 4. From the opening 4 to the top, the body 2 comprises a first sloping portion 21, a second portion sloping 22 more inclined than the portion 21, a hemispherical portion 23 and a recess 24 formed at the top. In the example of the figures, the portion 21 is inclined at an angle of 2 degrees, while the portion 22 is inclined at an angle of 9 degrees, relative to the axis X1. The hollow 24 corresponds to the injection point of the material of the body 2 during its manufacture. The hollow 24 has a concave profile outside and convex inside the body 2.

The body 2 also comprises an internal reinforcement 25, having an annular shape centered on the axis X1. The reinforcement 25 is located in the portion 23 of the body 2, at the base of the prominences 6. The reinforcement 25 constitutes a frame avoiding the deformation of the body 2 when the machine receiving the capsule 1 exerts punching forces on the prominences 6.

The body 2 has a thickness e2 that is generally constant, equal to 0.6 millimeters, except at the level of the reinforcement 25 where this thickness e2 is greater. In addition, the thickness of the capsule 1 increases or decreases locally at the prominences 6. Also, the thickness of the capsule 1 increases at the ribs 7 and the bead 9.

In the case of a food application, the capsule 1 is entirely vegetable, that is to say that both the container (body 2 and operculum 5) and the contents (product 3) are entirely made of vegetable matter , easily biodegradable. In the case of a pharmaceutical application, the content (product 3) may comprise at least one active drug substance added to teas, herbal tea, plants, herbs, herbs, vegetables, fruits, natural flavors, essential oils.

Thus, the capsule 1 is recyclable, biodegradable and compostable. This capsule 1 offers an ecological alternative to aluminum or polluting plastic pods.

In addition, the body 2 and the lid 5 are suitable for food contact and constitute gas barriers, allowing the capsule 1 to contain and protect the product 3 before infusion into the machine.

The body 2 is made from plant material derived from cereal plants, for example based on corn starch. Preferably, the body 2 is made of biosourced composite material VEGEMAT (registered trademark), in accordance with the teachings of document FR 2 783 740. The body 2 is thus compostable according to standard EN 13432, detailed below.

In a first step, the aerial parts of a plant, or a substantial fraction of these aerial parts, are cut into fragments. In a second step, these fragments are crushed or sheared until granules having an average size of between 0.01 and 10 millimeters are obtained. In a third step, the water content of the aggregates is adjusted until an overall hydration level of between about 10 and 35% is reached. In a fourth step, the plant material is shaped to obtain the body 2. Other advantageous features of the VEGEMAT material and its manufacturing process are detailed in the aforementioned document.

The product to be infused 3 is prepared from extracts of plants grown according to methods of organic farming or reasoned. Preferably, the product 3 is prepared according to the HTVE (High Technology of Vegetable Extract) process, in accordance with the teachings of EP 2 080 436.

In a first step, similar to a maceration step, the plant material (dry or fresh, for example tea leaves or mixture for herbal tea, plants, plants, herbs, vegetables, fruits) is brought into contact with a solvent. In the case of a food application, the solvent is preferably water. Alternatively, in the context of the preparation of other products (for example for a pharmaceutical application), this aqueous solvent can be replaced by a hydro-organic or purely organic solvent. In particular, this solvent may be an aqueous-alcoholic mixture, for example a 50/50 (volume) water / alcohol mixture, especially a 50/50 V / V hydroethanolic mixture. Nonlimiting examples of organic solvents that may be used are ethanol, methanol, acetone or their mixtures.

In a second step (which can be posterior or simultaneous with the first step), active principles are extracted from the plant material (preferably under heating, and under reduced pressure).

In a third step, the extracted plant material is dried in the presence of the fraction obtained at the end of this extraction, to allow the attachment of the active ingredients on the plant material.

Thanks to the implementation of this method, the aromatic power of the infusion is preserved, and its infusion time is reduced. Thus, the infusion of the product 3 is compatible with the short cycle of a percolator type machine for the preparation of coffee capsule. Other advantageous variants and features of the process are detailed in the aforementioned document. The lid 5 is made of filter paper, preferably micro-perforated food-grade filter paper, in accordance with EC Regulation No. 1935/2004, Directives 80/590 / EEC and 89/109 / EEC, and Regulation 21 CFR Ch. I §§ 176.170 and 176.180 of the US FDA. The lid 5 has an optimized resistance and permeability, allowing a constant flow of water to circulate throughout the infusion cycle of the product 3 in the machine.

In a preferred embodiment, the lid 5 is made of microperforated food filter paper having a thickness of the order of 0.2 millimeters, a grammage of between 52 and 58 g / m 2, a moisture content of between 4.5 and 6.5%, a dry tensile force of between 1 and 1.5 kN / m in one direction of the test machine ("dry tensile strenght MD") and between 0.8 and 1, 2 kN / m in a transverse direction ("dry tensile strenght CD"), a wet tensile force of between 0.3 and 0.4 kN / m ("wet tensile strenght MD"), and an elongation at break included between 6 and 7%.

In practice, the capsule 1 as a whole is thus compostable according to EN 13432, which results in four main requirements: biodegradability (90% biodegradation in less than six months), disintegration (all residues greater than 2 millimeters length must be less than 10% of the initial mass after three months of composting), composition (a defined maximum rate of volatile solids and heavy metals must be respected), ecotoxicity (the quality of the compost must not be changed and the residue must not be toxic to the environment).

By complying with this standard, the capsule 1 according to the invention differs from other existing capsules, less respectful of the environment. In particular, the capsule 1 differs from the capsules presented as biodegradable and compostable for commercial purposes, but which do not meet this standard.

In addition, the capsule 1 has particular structural characteristics optimizing its use in the machine, as detailed below.

The prominences 6 are formed protruding on the upper body 2, more precisely on the portion 23, opposite the opening 4. The prominences 6 are designed to be broken by a machine adapted to receive the capsule 1 and infuse product 3, under the conditions normally provided for the preparation of coffee. The prominences 6 are therefore said to be scored, ruptible or punchable.

In the example of the figures, the capsule 1 has four prominences 6 regularly distributed around the central axis X1 and the hollow 24. Alternatively, the capsule 1 may comprise a different number of prominences 6, and these may have shapes and / or different dimensions of the description below. Outside the capsule 1, each protrusion 6 comprises four facets 61, 62, 63 and 64, namely a lateral facet 61 oriented outwards with respect to the axis X1, an upper facet 62 oriented to the opposite of the opening 4, and two radial facets 63 and 64 of smaller dimensions on the edges. The edges between the facets 61-64 can be more or less rounded. Each prominence 6 thus has a certain volume, which allows it to be punched instead of being perforated, as is the case for other known capsules. Inside the capsule 1, each prominence 6 is bordered by four lines 65, 66, 67 and 68, including three lines 66, 67 and 68 of localized weakening, which is materialized by a localized reduction in the thickness of the body 2. The line 65 is located on the reinforcement 25 of the body 2. The lines 65-68 are arranged opposite the facets 61-64, respectively.

For the same prominence 6, the facets 63 and 64 are separated by an angle ae (alpha e) of 62 degrees, while the lines 67 and 68 are separated by an angle ai (alpha i) of 70 degrees, around the X1 axis. Thus, the four protuberances 6 together cover an angular zone equal to 280 degrees around the axis X1. If the prominences 6 have a number, shapes and / or different dimensions, the angular area covered is preferably between 260 and 340 degrees.

When the machine receiving the capsule 1 exerts punching forces on their upper facets 62, the protuberances 6 (at least one in four) yield at the lines 66, 67 and 68 of localized weakening and are slightly sunk inwards of the body 2, pivoting around the lines 65. A space is then provided between each of the protrusions 6 broken and the rest of the body 2, which allows the penetration of water under pressure in the capsule 1 to infuse the product 3 The water circulates rapidly in the capsule 1 and instantly charges in a maximum of active ingredients from the product 3.

In practice, in a percolator machine, the quantity and the flow rate of water necessary for infusing the product 3 are different in comparison with the preparation of the coffee. The prominences 6 equipping the capsule 1 according to the invention make it possible to obtain a satisfactory result, that is to say an aromatic power and a satisfactory flavor, in a reduced infusion time.

The reinforcing ribs 7 are disposed inside the body 2, to provide the capsule 1 a mechanical strength well adapted to the intended application. Tests have shown that when the capsule 1 is devoid of ribs or that the body 2 is manufactured with a smaller thickness, the body 2 presents a risk of deformation or cracking under the action of the machine, which adversely affects the product preparation 3.

In the example of the figures, the capsule 1 comprises twelve ribs 7 regularly distributed around the central axis X1 and the hollow 24. Alternatively, the capsule 1 may comprise a different number of ribs 7, for example six, eight or ten Eight, and these may have shapes and / or dimensions different from the description below.

Each rib 7 has two longitudinal ends 71 and 72, two concave internal surfaces 73 and 74 facing the axis X1, and two flat lateral surfaces 75 and 76 radial to the axis X1. The surface 73 extends almost the entire length of the rib 7, while the surface 74 is formed only at the lower end 72. Between its faces 75 and 76, the rib 7 extends around the axis X1 at an angle β7 equal to 4 degrees.

In their longitudinal direction, the ribs 7 extend in a median zone Z2 of the body 2, between two virtual circles C4 and C6. The median zone Z2 extends partially over the portion 22 and partially over the portion 23 of the body 2. Alongside the axis X1, the ribs 7 have a length L7 corresponding to the distance between the two circles C4 and C6. The circle C6 is located at the edges of the prominences 6, along the reinforcement 25 and lines 65. The circle C4 is positioned at a distance from the opening 4, that is to say away from the opening 4 of a distance d7 defined parallel to the axis X1.

In the example of the figures, the length L7 is of the order of 13.1 millimeters, while the distance d7 is of the order of 11.1 millimeters. In other words, the ratio between the length L7 and the distance d7 is of the order of 1.18. If the ribs 7 have different shapes and / or dimensions, this ratio is preferably between 1 and 1.4.

The ribs 7 have a generally increasing thickness e7 from their end 71 towards their end 72, that is to say from the circle C6 to the circle C4. The thickness e7 decreases only at the level of the surface 74. The ribs 7 have a thickness e7 that is almost zero on the circle C6, at the level of the reinforcement 25, and of the order of 1 millimeter on the circle C4.

When the machine receiving the capsule 1 exerts punching forces on the prominences 6, the presence of the ribs 7 prevents cracking of the body 2. Thus, the pressurized water can enter the capsule 1 under optimal conditions to infuse the product 3.

The outer flange 8 is formed radially on the body 2, at the opening 4. The flange 8 has a bottom face 81, constituting a fixing support for the cap 5, to seal the opening 4 after filling the body 2 into product 3. The flange 8 has an upper face 82 provided with protuberances 83, constituting a sealing seat for the capsule 1 positioned in the machine. The protuberances 83 have an annular shape centered on the axis X1 and are provided to bear against an organ of the machine. The sealing is ensured before, during and after punching of the prominences 6, during the infusion of the product 3 in the machine.

The bead 9 is formed inside the body 2, more precisely in its portion 22, between the opening 4 and the ribs 7. The bead 9 has an annular shape centered on the axis X1. The bead 9 is a small undercut, usually called "godron" in plastic, which serves as a hook during the ejection of the body 2 out of its mold.

Furthermore, the capsule 1 may be shaped differently from Figures 1 to 7 without departing from the scope of the invention.

In addition, the manufacturing method and the method of implementation of the capsule 1 may be different from the examples mentioned above without departing from the scope of the invention, especially in the case of a pharmaceutical application. Other embodiments of a capsule 1 according to the invention are shown in Figures 8 to 10. Their constituent elements are comparable to those of the first embodiment described above and, for the sake of simplification, carry the same numerical references.

FIG. 8 shows a capsule 1 in which, for the same prominence 6, the lines 67 and 68 are separated by an angle α of 80 degrees, defined around the axis X1. Thus, the prominences 6 together cover an angular zone equal to 320 degrees around the axis X1. As this angular area is larger than in the first embodiment, the risk is lower than the punch of the machine supports in an intermediate space between two prominences 6. In other words, the punching of the prominences 6 is facilitated.

FIG. 9 shows a capsule 1 in which intermediate internal lines 69 of localized weakening are formed between the lines 67 and 68 of two adjacent prominences 6, in the extension of the lines 65. Thus, the punching of the prominences 6 is facilitated.

Figure 10 shows a capsule 1 having a single breakable prominence 6, having an annular shape centered on the central axis. In other words, this breakable prominence covers an angular zone of 360 degrees around the axis X1. A single line 65 and a single line 66 of circular shape extend all around the axis X1. According to one conceivable variant, line 65 may be a localized line of weakness, such as line 66. Such a capsule 1 is well suited for certain types of machines, for example a Keurig type machine.

Moreover, the technical characteristics of the various variants mentioned in the above description may be, in whole or in part, combined with one another. Thus, the capsule 1 can be adapted in terms of cost, functionality and performance.

Claims (10)

1. Capsule (1), comprising a hollow body (2) made of a first plant material and designed to receive an infusable product (3) made of a second plant material, the body (2) having an opening (4) closed by a cover (5) for containing the infusable product (3), characterized in that the capsule (1) has at least one breakable prominence (6) projecting from the body (2) opposite the opening ( 4) and punched by a machine for infusing the infusible product (3). 2. Capsule (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the or each breakable prominence (6) is bordered by three internal lines of localized weakening (66, 67, 68). 3. Capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of breakable prominences (6) regularly distributed about a central axis (X1) and covering together an angular zone of at least 240 degrees around this central axis (X1). 4. Capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capsule (1) has reinforcing ribs (7) disposed in the body (2). 5. Capsule (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the reinforcing ribs (7) extend between a first circle (C6) located at the edge of the at least one breakable prominence (6) and a second circle (C4) located away from the opening (4). 6. Capsule (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each reinforcing rib (7) has a thickness (e7) generally increasing from the first circle (C6) to the second circle (C4). 7. Capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (5) is made of a third plant material, preferably food paper. 8. Capsule (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capsule (1) has an outer collar (8) formed radially on the body (2) at the opening (4) and constituting d on the one hand, a fixing support for the cover (5) and, on the other hand, a sealing seat when the capsule (1) is positioned in the machine. 9. A method of manufacturing a capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises the following successive phases: a) manufacture the body (2) according to the following successive steps: a1) cutting into fragments of all the aerial parts of a plant or a substantial fraction of these aerial parts, a2) grinding, or shearing, of the fragments until granules having an average size of between 0, 01 and 10 millimeters, a3) adjustment of the water content of the aggregates until reaching an overall hydration level of between about 10 and 35%, and a4) shaping of the plant material to form the body (2) ; b) making the product to be infused (3) according to the following successive steps: b1) contacting the dry or fresh plant material with a solvent, for example water, b2) extracting the active ingredients of the plant material, b3) drying the extracted plant material in the presence of the fraction obtained at the end of this extraction, to allow the attachment of the active ingredients to the plant material and obtaining the product to be infused (3); c) filling the body (2) with the product to be infused (3); d) close the opening (4) with the cover (5). 10. A method of implementing a capsule (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a punching operation of the at least one breakable prominence (6) by the machine intended infusing the infusible product (3).