HUE026679T2

HUE026679T2 - Capsule for preparing a beverage

Info

Publication number: HUE026679T2
Application number: HUE12794476A
Authority: HU
Inventors: Raffaele Rondelli
Original assignee: Macchiavelli Srl
Priority date: 2011-09-14
Filing date: 2012-09-14
Publication date: 2016-06-28
Also published as: US20140255564A1; SI2748087T1; JP2014531235A; RU2014114266A; AU2012310113B2; RU2605183C2; ES2561304T3; RS54581B1; CA2847100A1; WO2013038382A1; BR112014005877A2; HRP20160115T1; AU2012310113A1; JP6078545B2; CN103998354B; DK2748087T3; PT2748087E; MX2014002870A; CN103998354A; EP2748087A1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage of the infusion type.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Generally, when one wants to prepare a beverage by infusion formed by mixing at least two products (for example, to prepare a cappuccino which, as well known consists of coffee and milkfoam) is used a capsule or a chamber in which products are already mixed or a capsule in which are defined two chambers, one for each product and one overlapping the other. Forthe two chambered capsules in use hot water under pressure is channeled in the upper chamber so as to create a first infusion with the first product and then through the openings the first infusion is channeled towards the second chamber so as to mix with the second product to create the beverage. It seems obvious that if coffee and milk are used as products, the outcoming beverage from the capsule is not a real cappuccino but rather a normal milk and coffee. In fact, a real cappuccino involves separate preparation of coffee and of a milk foam, which are then always poured separately in a cup.

[0003] EP-A1-1 704 803 (TUTTOESPRESSO) describes a method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage dispensing apparatus, that is including a cartridge according to the preamble of claim 1 and a beverage collecting unit for dispensing a beverage from the cartridge to a beverage container, provides that the beverage is dispensed from the cartridge to the container along at least two separate dispensing devices for dispensing a beverage from a cartridge.

[0004] WO 2007/093355 (SAMAR TECHNOLOGIES LTD.) describes an apparatus for producing a brew of an aromatic drink comprises a capsule containing the pow-derof one or more aromatic essences with which to make the brew, able to be associated with a dispensing device having at least a first and a second dispensing path hydraulically separate from one another, and forced positioning means between the capsule and the dispensing device.

DISCLOSE OF INVENTION

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a capsule for preparing a beverage that is free from the above drawbacks.

[0006] According to the present invention a capsule is provided for preparing a beverage of the type comprising a cup-shaped body closed at the top by a lid, characterized in that it has a plurality of infusion chambers in its inside each provided with a respective area for the inlet of a water flow and each provided with a respective area for the outlet of the infusion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] For a better understanding of the invention an embodiment is herein described purely by way of illustration and not of limitation with the aid of the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views according to different angles of a capsule; and

Figure 3 is a perspective view, partial and in section of a capsule inserted in a percolation chamber.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, indicated as a whole with 1 is a capsule comprising a cup-shaped body 2 closed on the upper side by a lid 3 in the form of a disc. The cup-shaped body 2 presents a lateral wall 4 with cylindrical shape and a base wall 5. One intermediate wall 6, which divides the inside of said cup-shaped body 2 into two infusion chambers 7 and 8, is present inside the cup-shaped body 2 and is integral with the base wall 5, from which it extends parallel to the lateral wall 4. The chamber 7 is delimited at the bottom by a central portion 11 of the base wall 5 and laterally by the inner face of the intermediate wall 6. The chamber 8 is concentric to the chamber 7 and is delimited at the bottom by an annular portion 12 of the base wall 5 and laterally by the outer face of the intermediate wall 6 and by the inner face of the lateral wall 4. In the central portion 11 of the base wall 5 a first outlet area is obtained which in this embodiment is defined by a plurality of through holes 13 distributed according to a plurality of circumferences. In the annular portion 12ofthe base wall 5 a second outlet area is obtained which in this embodiment is defined by a plurality of through holes 14 distributed according to a circumference. Two annular projections 15 and 16 originate from the outer face of the base wall 5 and extend downwards. The projection 15 is next to the intermediate wall 6 and delimits the aforementioned first outlet area. While the projection 16 is substantially a continuation of the lower end of the lateral wall 4 and together with the projection 15 delimits the aforementioned second outlet area. The lateral wall 4 at its upper end has an annular edge 17 of thickness greater than the remaining part of the same wall 4; the edge 17 extending from the outer face of the wall 4.

[0009] The lid 3 has two annular thickenings 18 and 21 that define in the lid 3, two portions 22 and 23. The thickening 18 is formed along the peripheral edge of the lid 3 and with the lid 3 mounted it abuts against an annular projection 24 obtained on the innerface of the lateral wall 4 near the upper end thereof. The thickening 21 is concentric to the thickening 18 and with lid 3 mounted it ends up near the upper end of the intermediate wall 6. In the portion 22, which is central and which is delimited by thickening 18, is defined a first inlet area. In the portion 23, which is annular and which is delimited between the two thickenings 22 and 23, is defined a second inlet area. The first inlet area has a plurality of through holes 25 uniformly distributed and the second inlet area has a plurality of through holes 26 uniformly distributed along the portion 23.

[0010] As can be seen, with the lid mounted inside the capsule 1, were defined the two chambers 7 and 8 which are separated from one another and substantially sealed in a fluid-tight manner with respect to each other; each chamber 7 and 8 housing a predetermined quantity of a respective infusion. The chamber 7 is delimited at the bottom by the portion 11 of the base wall 5, laterally by the inner face of the intermediate wall 6 and at the top by the portion 22 of the lid 3. Is to be highlighted that after assembly of the lid 3, the peripheral edge of the portion 22 near the thickening 21 abuts against the upper end of the intermediate wall 6 therefore obtaining a substantial seal in a fluid-tight manner between the chamber 7 and the chamber 8.

[0011] The cham ber 8 is delim ited at the bottom by the portion 15 of the base wall 5, laterally by the outer face of the intermediate wall 6 and by the inner face of the lateral wall 4 and on the upper side by the portion 23 of the lid 3. To be highlighted is that the inner face of the lateral wall 4 is slightly flared upwards and the diameter of the lid 3 is such that after assembly the peripheral edge of the lid 3 is pressed with force upon the inner face of the lateral wall 4 so as to obtain a seal in a fluid-tight manner of the chamber 8.

[0012] In essence, the capsule 1 has two separate chambers 7 and 8 sealed in a fluid-tight manner with respect to each other and each chamber 7 and 8 has a respective area for the inlet of a fluid and a respective area for the outlet of a fluid.

[0013] With reference to Figure 3 in use the capsule 1 is inserted into a percolation element 30 which comprises a lower cup-shaped body 31 having a base wall 32 and a cylindrical lateral wall 33. The element 30 also comprises a plate 34 covering the upper edge of the lateral wall 33. The element 30 thus defines a percolation chamber 35 delimited at the bottom by the inner face of the base wall 32, laterally by the inner face of the lateral wall 33 and on the upperside by the innerface of the covering plate 34. As can be seen from Figure 3, as capsule 1 is inserted in the percolation chamber 35, the plate 34 is pressed upon the thickenings 18 and 21 creating a seal between the two inlet areas defined in the lid 3 of the capsule 1. The plate 34 is also pressed against the upper edge of the lateral wall 33, the edge 17 of the capsule 1. In this way a seal from the percolation chamber 35 towards the exterior is obtained. Finally always in figure 3 it can be seen that the projections 15 and 16 abut against the innerface of the base wall 32 of the body 31 obtaining both a seal in a fluid-tight manner between the two mentioned outlet areas of the capsule 1 and from the same towards the space defined between the outer surface of the capsule 1 and the percolation chamber 35.

[0014] In the plate 34 two through holes 36 and 37 are obtained of which the hole 36 has a lower end which is to be in correspondence with the portion 22 of the lid 3 and therefore of the above-mentioned first inlet area of the capsule 1. In particular, the hole 36 is obtained aligned with the longitudinal axis of the chamber 35 and therefore of the capsule 1. The hole 37 has a lower end which is in correspondence with the portion 23 of the lid 3 and therefore of the aforementioned second inlet area of the capsule 1. The base wall 32 of the body 31 also presents two through holes 38 and 41 of which the hole 38 has an upper end that is brought into correspondence with the aforementioned first outlet area of the capsule 1 and a lower end that leads outside the percolation chamber 35. In particular, the hole 38 is obtained aligned with the hole 36. The hole 41 has an upper end that is brought into correspondence with the aforementioned second outlet area of the capsule 1 and a lower end which leads outside the percolation chamber 35. In particular, the hole 41 is obtained aligned with the hole 37.

[0015] If the holes 36 and 37 are fed with a respective and separate water flow it is possible to define two distinct channels one for each infusion injected into the capsule 1. The first channel provides the hole 36, the chamber 7 and the hole 38. The second channel provides the hole 37, the chamber 8 and the hole 41. This division of the channels involves the possibility of feeding at the same time the two channels so that the two flows of water, once meeting the corresponding infusion, are then mixed into a container placed underneath the percolation element 30. Or the division of the channels may lead a first water flow along a first channel and subsequently a second water flow along the second channel so that the second flow passing through the second infusion falls in the container which already contains the first waterflow passing through the first infusion. Ultimately the two infusions can mix in the aforementioned container or while they are being channeled in the container itself or in subsequent times.

[0016] It is evident that it is possible to define inside the capsule 1 a greater number of chambers and this allows the possibility not only to use multiple infusions (one per chamber) but also with the same capsule 1 decide which mixture of infusions may constitute the beverage. In fact it can be expected to select which channels are to be fed with the corresponding water flow, with which flow rate and at what temperature.

[0017] A further variant may provide the absence of the thickening 21 in the lid 3, and therefore the waterflow towards the inlet areas of the capsule 1 may provide a single hole between the holes 36 and 37 as the main feature is to provide two distinct outlet areas from the capsule 1 one for each infusion.

[0018] Finally it should be outlined that in some or all of the infusion chambers at the respective outlet areas can be installed a respective filter to prevent leakage of the infusion.

[0019] From that above described are evident numer- ous advantages achieved with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] In particular a capsule with several chambers (an infusion per chamber) is provided which allows a channeling of a water flow for each chamber of the capsule. It appears obvious that if for example an infusion is defined by coffee powder and the second infusion is defined by milk powder or liquid milk the beverage obtained is a real cappuccino and not a normal milk and coffee. It is to be emphasized that it is possible to select the flow rate of water flow for each channel; flow rate that depends on the number and extent of holes 25 and 26 obtained in the lid 3. It also appears clear that with infusion chambers with annular development the capsule can be installed in the percolation element without the need to have a predefine installation direction. Finally, for capsules with a number of chambers of more than two units, it is possible to select which chambers are to be engaged by the water flow.

Claims 1. A capsule for preparing a beverage of the type comprising a cup-shaped body (2) closed on the upper side by a lid (3), wherein it presents, in its inside, a plurality of infusion chambers (7 and 8), each of which is provided with a respective area for the inlet of a water flow and each of which is provided with a respective area for the outlet of the infusion; wherein said infusion chambers (7 and 8) are concentric and are sealed in a fluid-tight manner with respect to each other; wherein said cup-shaped body (2) presents a lateral wall (4) with cylindrical shape and a base wall (5); at least one intermediate wall (6), which divides the inside of said cup-shaped body (2) into said infusion chambers (7 and 8), being present inside the cupshaped body (2) and being made as one single piece together with said base wall (5), from which it extends parallel to said lateral wall (4) ; wherein said base wall (5) presents a plurality of first through holes (13 and 14); wherein a plurality of annular projections (15 and 161. which originate from the outer face of said base wall (5) and extend downwards, separate some of said first holes (13) from other said first holes (14), so as to define a plurality of areas for the outlet of the infusions; said outlet areas being provided one for each one of said infusion chambers (7 and 8); wherein said lid (3) presents a plurality of second through holes (25 and 26) ; and wherein said lid (3) presents a plurality of annular thickenings (18 and 21), which separate some of said second holes (25) from other said second holes (26), so as to define a plurality of areas for the inlet of the water flow; said inlet areas being provided one for each one of said infusion chambers (7 and 8); characterised in that said annular thickening (18) is formed along the peripheral edge of said lid (3) and with the lid (3) mounted inside the capsule (1) it abuts against an annular projection (24) obtained on the inner face of the lateral wall (4) near the upper end thereof; and said annular thickening (21 ) is concentric to said annular thickening (18) and with lid (3) mounted inside the capsule (1) it ends up near the upper end of said intermediate wall (6). 2. A capsule according to claim 1, characterised in that said lid (3) abuts against said intermediate walls (6), so as to define a fluid-tight seal between said infusion chambers (7 and 8).

Patentansprüche 1. Kapsel zur Herstellung eines Getränks vom Typ, der einen tassenförmigen Körper (2) umfasst, der an der oberen Seite durch einen Deckel (3) verschlossen ist, wobei sie in ihrem Inneren eine Vielzahl Brühkammern (7 und 8) aufweist, von denen jede mit einem jeweiligen Bereich für den Einlass eines Wasserstroms versehen ist und von denen jede mit einem jeweiligen Bereich für den Auslass der Infusion versehen ist; wobei die Brühkammern (7 und 8) konzentrisch sind und in fluiddichter Weise in Bezug zueinander abgedichtet sind; wobejder tassenförmige Körper (2) eine Seitenwand (4) mit zylindrischer Form und eine Bodenwand (5) aufweist; mindestens eine Zwischenwand (6), die das Innere des tassenförmigen Körpers (2) in die Brühkammern (7 und 8) teilt, die in dem tassenförmigen Körper (2) vorhanden ist und einstückig mit der Bodenwand (5) hergestellt ist, von der sie sich parallel zu der Seitenwand (4) erstreckt; wobei die Bodenwand (5) eine Vielzahl erster Durchgangslöcher (13 und 14) aufweist; wobei eine Vielzahl ringförmiger Vorsprünge (15 und 16), die von der Außenfläche der Bodenwand (5) ausgehen und sich abwärts erstrecken, einige der ersten Löcher (13) von anderen ersten Löchern (14) derart trennen, dass sie eine Vielzahl Bereiche für den Auslass der Infusionen bestimmen; wobei jeweils einer der Auslassbereiche für jede der Brühkammern (7 und 8) vorgesehen ist; wobei der Deckel (3) eine Vielzahl zweiter Durchgangslöcher (25 und 26) aufweist; und wobei der Deckel (3) eine Vielzahl ringförmiger Verdickungen (18 und 21) aufweist, die einige der zweiten Löcher (25) von anderen zweiten Löchern (26) derart trennen, dass sie eine Vielzahl von Bereichen für den Einlass des Wasserstroms bestimmen; wobei jeweils einer der Einlassbereiche für jede der Brühkammern (7 und 8) vorgesehen ist; dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die ringförmige Verdickung (18) entlang der Umfangskante des Deckels (3) gebildet ist und bei dem Deckel (3), der in der Kapsel (1) angebracht ist, an einem ringförmigen Vorsprung (24) anliegt, der an der Innenfläche der Seitenwand (4) in der Nähe des oberen Endes davon erhalten wird; und dadurch, dass die ringförmige Verdickung (21) konzentrisch zu der ringförmigen Verdickung (18) ist und bei dem Deckel (3), der in der Kapsel (1) angebracht ist, schließlich in der Nähe des oberen Endes der Zwischenwand (6) endet. 2. Kapsel nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Deckel (3) derart an den Zwischenwänden (6) anliegt, dass ereinefluiddichte Dichtung zwischen den Brühkammern (7 und 8) bestimmt.

Revendications 1. Capsule pour la préparation d’une boisson du type comportant corps (2) en forme de coupe, fermée en partie supérieure par un couvercle (3), dans laquelle elle présente, à l’intérieur, une pluralité de chambres (7 et 8) d’infusion, chacune d’elles étant munie d’une surface respectivement pour l’entrée d’un flux et chacune d’elles étant munie d’une surface correspondante pour la sortie de l’infusion,

Dans laquelle lesdites chambres (7 et 8) sont concentriques et sont fermées de façon tout à fait étanche l’une par rapport à l’autre;

Dans laquelle le corps (2) en forme de coupe présente une paroi (4) latérale ayant une forme cylindrique et une paroi (5) de fond, au moins une paroi (6) intermédiaire qui divise l’intérieur du corps (2) en forme de coupe pourformer lesdites chambres (7 et 8), et présent dans ledit corps (2) en forme de coupe et étant venu de fabrication d’une seule pièce avec ladite paroi (5) de fond, de laquelle elle s’étend parallèlement à ladite paroi (4) latérale;

Dans laquelle ladite paroi (5) de fond présente une pluralité de premiers trous traversants (13 et 14) Dans laquelle une pluralité de projections (15 et 16) qui proviennent de la surface extérieure de ladite paroi (5) de fond et s’étendent vers le bas, séparant certains des premiers trous (13) des autres premiers trous, en sorte de définir une pluralité de surfaces pour la sortie des infusions, lesdites surfaces de sortie étant prévues une pour une pour lesdites chambres d’infusion (7 et 8)

Dans laquelle ledit couvercle (3) présente une pluralité de seconds trous (25 et 26) et dans laquelle ledit couvercle présente une pluralité de surépaisseurs (18 et 21 ) annulaires qui sépare certains desdits seconds trous (25) des autres seconds trous (26), de façon à définir une pluralité de surfaces d’entrée du flux d’eau; lesdites surfaces d’entrée étant prévues une pour une pour chacune desdites chambres d’infusion (7 et 8); caractérisée en ce que ladite surépaisseur (18) annulaire est réalisée le long du bord périphérique dudit couvercle (3) et avec le couvercle (3) monté dans la capsule (1) venant en aboutement contre une projection (24) annulaire obtenue sur la surface intérieure de la paroi (4) latérale à proximité de l’extrémité supérieure en conséquence; et ladite surépaisseur (21) annulaire est concentrique à ladite surépaisseur (18) annulaire et avec le couvercle monté à l’intérieur de la capsule son extrémité qui se termine vers le haut proche de l’extrémité supérieure de ladite paroi (6) intermédiaire. 2. Capsule selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ledit couvercle (3) vient en aboutement contre les parois (6) intermédiaires de façon à définir une joint tout à fait étanche entre lesdites chambres (7 et 8) d’infusion.

Claims

FOR HANDLING THE HANDBOOK

1, Capsule la! having a closed cup-shaped body (2) on the upper side with a lid (3) having a chassis chamber (7 and 8) provided with a water flow inlet region and a capping area 5; from this, the boiling chambers (7 and 8) are concentric and sealed out of each other; the inside of the cup-shaped body (2), the cylindrical side wall (4) and the bottom plate (δ) of the cup, and the inside of the cup-shaped body (2), the interior of the cup (2) is painted on the boiler chambers (7 and 8) at least one intermediate the wall (8), which is a single piece of the bottom plate (5), and the bottom plate parallel to the side wall (4), wherein the bottom plate (5} is provided with first through openings (13 and 14); 13) discloses some additional first openings (14} from the outer side of the bottom plate (δ) and leading downwards, the cooking spouts are separated by means of ring 15 projections (15 and 18), one for each of the boiling chambers (7 and 8); where the lid (3) comprises second passes (25 and 26}, and the lid (3) is annular (18 and 21), which are those of the stem of FIG. inlet chimeric domains designated a second opening (25), the second additional openings 20 (28} secrete; each of the boiling chambers | 7 and S) has an inlet region; characterized in that the annular thickness (18) on the outer edge of the lid (3) and the lid (3) placed inside the capsule (7} is a ring formed on the inner surface of the side wall (4): near the upper end of the side (4). 25 and the annular thickening (21) are concentric with the annular thick writing (18}, and the caps (3) are placed inside the capsule (3) near the upper end of the intermediate top (8). trained.

Capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid (3) lies on the intermediate walls p) between the brewing chambers (between 7 and 8) on the sealing wall seals.