WO2020035411A1

WO2020035411A1 - Capsule for preparing beverages

Info

Publication number: WO2020035411A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/071438
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carlo Alberto PARISE
Original assignee: Gruden S.P.A.
Priority date: 2018-08-13
Filing date: 2019-08-09
Publication date: 2020-02-20
Also published as: IT201800008071A1

Abstract

A capsule (1) for preparing a beverage by injecting a fluid under pressure into the capsule, which comprises: - a cup-shaped body (2) which in turn comprises a side wall (3) which is substantially frustum-shaped and delimits an inlet (6) and a blind bottom (4), - a membrane (5) for closing the inlet (6) of the cup-shaped body (2), in order to delimit a chamber (7) which is configured to contain a food substance for preparing the beverage; the capsule (1) comprises, alternatively or in combination, reinforcement ribs with a pointed arch or an internal filter provided with a distribution channel.

Description

CAPSULE FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES

The present invention relates to a capsule for preparing beverages.

In the state of the art capsules are known for preparing beverages by way of injection, into the capsule, of a fluid under pressure, for example for the preparation of coffee in“espresso” machines or the like.

Usually such capsules comprise a cup-shaped body which in turn comprises a side wall which is substantially frustum-shaped and delimits an inlet and a blind bottom.

The conventional capsules in question have a chamber for containing a food substance for the preparation of the beverage, and this chamber is delimited by the cup-shaped body and by a membrane for closing the latter, which is applied at the inlet, to close the latter.

In the state of the art there are many variants of capsules that are compatible with existing machines on the market, each one having its own peculiar characteristics.

One drawback of the existing capsules relates to the thickness of the wall of the cup-shaped body: in fact it cannot have a thickness that is too thin because it has to withstand the stress of the water under pressure which is injected into the internal chamber of the capsule. Providing a relatively high wall thickness however brings some unattractive consequences: firstly the cost (associated with the material) of the capsule is relatively high; secondly (because the outside diameter is often constrained by compatibility requirements) an increase in the thickness of the wall of the body implies a reduction of the dimensions of the chamber; thirdly the preferred production techniques cannot be freely chosen, because some of them would entail a reduction in the wall thickness; as regards to the latter drawback, consider that the plastic capsules on the market are usually made by injection molding.

Another drawback of the conventional machines relates to the distribution of the water inside the chamber: in some machines in fact the bottom of the capsules is perforated by injection needles of the machine, which inject the water under pressure into the capsule in a direction that goes from the blind bottom of the capsule to the upper sealing membrane, which is ruptured in order to allow the outflow of the beverage (colliding with abutment parts of the machine); the applicant has noted that when this situation is created in conventional capsules it entails the formation of preferential channels which do not permit the contents of the capsule to be sprayed evenly, with consequent deterioration of the quality of the beverage.

Another drawback of the conventional capsules that are provided internally with a filtering element is that this filtering element is usually provided proximate to the blind bottom of the capsule, and the needles for injecting the water under pressure penetrate at this blind bottom.

In such capsules there is a risk that the injection needle, in breaking through or perforating the blind bottom, comes into contact with the filter, with the consequence that it pierces the filter or moves it from its seat; this can lead to a fouling of the injection needles with the substance for the preparation of the beverage contained in the capsule, with the consequence that a subsequent preparation of a beverage, other than a beverage that was prepared previously, may be tainted.

These capsules also have the drawback of uneven spraying of the contents of the capsule owing to the formation of preferential channels in the beverage.

The aim of the present invention consists in providing a capsule for preparing a beverage that solves the above technical problem, eliminates the drawbacks and overcomes the limitations of the known art, by making it possible to make available a capsule of lesser thickness, but which is capable of withstanding the stress of water under pressure.

Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a capsule that can be manufactured with techniques other than injection molding of the body made of plastic. Another object of the invention consists in providing a capsule that has an optimal distribution of the water.

Another object of the invention consists in providing a capsule that exhibits fewer problems of tainting in the subsequent preparation of different beverages.

Another object of the invention consists of providing a capsule that is capable of offering the widest guarantees of reliability and safety in use.

Another object of the invention consists in providing a capsule that is easy to implement and economically competitive when compared to the known art.

Furthermore, the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the known art in an alternative manner to any existing solutions.

This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a capsule according to claim 1 and/or according to claim 8, optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a capsule, illustrated for the purposes of non limiting example with the assistance of the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a capsule according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the capsule according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the capsule in Figure 1;

Figures 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of enlarged details of the capsule in the previous figures;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a filter of the capsule in the previous figures;

Figure 7 is a side view of the filter in the previous figure; Figure 8 is a cutaway perspective view of the filter in the previous figure;

Figure 9 is a view from above of the filter in Figures 5-7;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the filter according to a second embodiment thereof;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the filter in Figure 11;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the filter according to a third embodiment thereof;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the filter in Figure 12.

With reference to the figures, a capsule for preparing a beverage by injecting a fluid under pressure into the capsule, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a cup-shaped body 2.

ft is important to note from this point onward that the accompanying figures show an example of the capsule 1, which comprises in combination both reinforcement ribs 8 shaped like a pointed arch (which will be better described below) and an internal filter 17 provided with a circumferential distribution channel 19 (which will also be better described below); it should be noted however that some embodiments (not shown) of the capsule according to the invention are provided only with the reinforcement ribs 8 (thus lacking the filter 17 or provided with a different filter), while other embodiments (not shown) are provided only with the filter 17 (thus lacking the reinforcement ribs 8 or provided with different ribs).

Returning now to the cup-shaped body 2, this in turn comprises a substantially frustum-shaped side wall 3 which delimits an inlet 6, and a blind bottom 4, which are arranged at end faces of the truncated cone defined by the side wall 3; preferably the inlet 6 is arranged at the larger end face, while the blind bottom 4 is arranged at the smaller end face.

The inlet 6 is closed by a closing membrane 5 to delimit an internal chamber 7 which is configured to contain a food substance for the preparation of the beverage, for example coffee in powder form, freeze- dried coffee, chocolate, tea, chamomile, preparations for herbal teas and the like.

According to the invention, the side wall 3 of the cup-shaped body 2 has a plurality of reinforcement ribs 8 which are substantially shaped like a pointed arch; the point 9 of each arch of the respective rib 8 is proximate to the blind bottom 4 of the cup-shaped body 2, while the base 10 of the pointed arch is proximate to the inlet 6; the reinforcement ribs 8 are provided monolithically with the side wall 3.

The ribs 8 preferably have the same thickness as the surrounding and contiguous side wall, in this solution the ribs 8 are not provided, therefore, with a thickened region of the wall proper, but by folding the material that constitutes it, in particular by way of thermoforming.

Preferably, the body 2 is made of plastic material, more preferably of biodegradable plastic material and/or plastic material that is gas- impermeable, so as to preserve the integrity of the food substance contained in the capsule, for example preventing the oxidation thereof.

Preferably the body 2 is provided by way of thermoforming.

This makes it possible to provide slender wall thicknesses, for example comprised between 200 and 400 microns but which still, by virtue of the ribs 8, have mechanical characteristics that are such as to give the body 2 a sufficient rigidity to withstand the injection of a fluid (e.g. hot water) under pressure, without this resulting in deformations to such an extent as to compromise the very functionality of the capsule 1.

In the preferred and illustrated solution, the cup-shaped body 2 optionally comprises an annular flange 11 which protrudes radially from the body at its inlet 6.

The membrane 5 for closing the inlet 6 is coupled to the annular flange 11 , for example heat- welded or glued.

The membrane 5 is preferably made of a biodegradable barrier-coated material or for example aluminum+lacquer or barrier-coated polypropylene. The cup-shaped body 2 also has a circumferential reinforcement rib 12 proximate to the annular flange 11.

As can be seen in detail in Figure 3, the circumferential reinforcement rib 12 identifies in the body 2 a first frustum-shaped portion 13 which is proximate to the inlet 6 and has a diameter that increases toward the inlet 6 and a second frustum-shaped portion 14, which is proximate and adjacent to the first frustum- shaped portion 13 and has a diameter that increases toward the blind bottom 4, so that the first and second frustum-shaped portions 13, 14 together provide a converging-diverging portion of conduit.

In order to strengthen the overall structure of the capsule 1 and to discharge the forces that act on it during the preparation of a beverage, preferably the base 10 of each pointed arch of each reinforcement rib 8 substantially coincides with (or equivalently is in contact with) an angular portion (or arc) of the larger end face of the second frustum-shaped portion 14: in this manner the arch of each reinforcement rib 8 transfers stress to the circumferential reinforcement rib 12 and extends from it, thus making it possible to discharge the forces acting on the ribs 8 onto the circumferential reinforcement rib 12 which, with respect to the ribs, preferably has a greater thickness and therefore greater strength.

It should be noted in particular that the cup-shaped body 2 substantially has a first wall thickness which is identical for the entire body 2 except for the circumferential rib 12, where the thickness increases as described above, and for the annular flange 11, both of which have a corresponding wall thickness that is greater than the first thickness.

Preferably the body 2 has an annular constriction 15 between the side wall 3 and the blind bottom 4, one or more undercuts 16 being provided thereat and protruding radially inside the capsule 1.

Such undercuts 16 extend discontinuously, being provided at predefined angular positions of the annular constriction 15, so that they are distributed uniformly on the annular constriction 15. More preferably the undercuts 16 are positioned to alternate at angular positions so as to alternate with the points 9 of the arches of the ribs

8.

This contributes to further improving the strength of the capsule 1 according to the invention.

In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the capsule 1 also comprises an internal filter 17 which is proximate to the blind bottom 4.

The internal filter 17 comprises a bottom wall 18 which is arranged in contact with the blind bottom 18 of the capsule, a circumferential distribution channel 19 which is open toward the blind bottom 4 being provided in the bottom wall 4.

The filter 17 is preferably arranged between the blind bottom 4 and the undercuts 16, and is inserted in position under pressure by virtue of the elastic deformation of the undercuts 16 during the insertion step.

Note that, unless the distribution channel 19 is present, the bottom wall 18 (in the condition in which the capsule 1 is assembled) adheres to the blind bottom 4 thus having complementary shapes and dimensions.

The overall shape of the bottom wall 18 of the filter 17 comprises a substantially circular central region 18A, which is surrounded by the concentrically-arranged distribution channel 19, and a frustum-shaped portion 18B with a cylindrical abutment shoulder 18C is arranged concentrically around the distribution channel 19.

Figure 3 clearly shows the function of the distribution channel 19: at an annulus it spaces apart the filter 17 from the blind bottom 4, so that when the injection needles AI of the machine (arranged along a circumference contained in the annulus defined by the distribution channel 19) perforate the bottom wall 4 in order to inject water under pressure into the capsule 1, they face onto the distribution channel 19, thus avoiding coming into contact with the filter 4 and therefore avoiding the risk of moving it into the capsule 1; furthermore, advantageously, the injection needles AI of the machine do not risk coming into contact with the food substance or preparation contained in the chamber 7, thus avoiding fouling of the needles.

According to a preferred characteristic, the internal filter 17 comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of (in the example shown, three) distribution turrets 20 which protrude axially into the chamber 7 and which each have at least one, preferably two or more, supply openings 21 which are configured to introduce the fluid under pressure into the chamber 7; to this end the supply openings 21 have a fluid communication with the distribution channel 19.

Preferably the supply openings 21 are configured to introduce the fluid (e.g. water) into the chamber 7 in a radial direction, i.e. along planes which are substantially parallel to the one along which the sealing membrane 5 extends.

Even more preferably the distribution turrets 20 are frustum- shaped, and the supply openings 21 are provided in the side wall of each distribution turret 20.

This contrivance avoids the creation of preferential paths for the water in the chamber 7, thus rendering its diffusion more even and enabling the water to wet the food substance in the chamber 7 substantially uniformly.

Figure 6 shows the filter 17 with a plurality of holes 30 arranged between the turrets 20.

In a second embodiment, the number of holes between the turrets 20, designated in this case by the reference numeral 31 (Figure 10), is higher than the number of holes in Figure 6 and the holes are square in cross- section.

In a third embodiment, Figures 12 and 13, the holes are again designated by the reference numeral 31 and again are square in cross- section. In this case, however, the distribution turrets 20 lack the supply opening 21 and are instead provided with holes 32 which are arranged at the tops of the turrets.

Operation of the capsule 1 is clear and evident from the foregoing description.

In particular, it should be noted that the two embodiments of Figures 10-13 relate to a filter that enables an operation of the capsule that is opposite to that of the embodiment in Figures 1-9.

In substance, the capsule can be used with water entering at the portion of greater diameter or at the portion of smaller diameter (the bottom of the capsule).

In practice it has been found that the capsule according to the present invention achieves the intended aim and objects in that it makes it possible to make available a capsule for preparing a beverage that is thicker, but which is capable of withstanding the stress of water under pressure.

Another advantage of the capsule according to the invention consists in that it can be manufactured with techniques other than injection molding of the body made of plastic, for example preferably by way of thermoforming. Obviously, any manufacturing technique adapted for the purpose can be used.

Another advantage of the capsule according to the invention consists in that it has an optimal distribution of the water.

Another advantage of the capsule according to the invention consists in that it exhibits fewer problems of tainting in the subsequent preparation of different beverages.

Another advantage of the capsule according to the invention consists in that it is relatively easy to implement and economically competitive when compared to the known art.

The capsule, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102018000008071 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A capsule (1) for preparing a beverage by injecting a fluid under pressure into said capsule, which comprises:

- a cup-shaped body (2) which in turn comprises a side wall (3) which is substantially frustum- shaped and delimits an inlet (6) and a blind bottom (4),

- a membrane (5) for closing the inlet (6) of the cup-shaped body (2), in order to delimit a chamber (7) which is configured to contain a food substance for preparing the beverage,

characterized in that

the side wall (3) of the cup-shaped body (2) has a plurality of reinforcement ribs (8) which are substantially shaped like a pointed arch, wherein the point (9) of each arch of the respective rib (8) is proximate to the blind bottom (4) of the cup-shaped body (2), and wherein the base (10) of the pointed arch is proximate to the inlet (6), said reinforcement ribs (8) being provided monolithically with said side wall (3).

2. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cup shaped body (2) comprises an annular flange (11) which protrudes radially from the body at its inlet (6), said membrane (5) for closing the inlet (6) being coupled to the annular flange (11), and wherein the cup-shaped body (2) has a circumferential reinforcement rib (12) which is proximate to the annular flange (11), said circumferential reinforcement rib (12) identifying in the body a first frustum-shaped portion (13) which is proximate to the inlet (6) and has a diameter that increases toward said inlet (6) and a second frustum-shaped portion (14), which is proximate to the first frustum-shaped portion and has a diameter that increases toward said blind bottom (4), so that said first and second frustum-shaped portions (13, 14) identify a converging-diverging portion.

3. The capsule (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the base (10) of the pointed arch of each reinforcement rib (8) substantially coincides with an angular portion of the larger end face of the second frustum-shaped portion (14), so that the arch of each reinforcement rib (8) extends from said circumferential reinforcement rib (12).

4. The capsule (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cup-shaped body (2) substantially has a first wall thickness which is identical for the entire body (2) except for said circumferential reinforcement rib (12) and said annular flange (11), which have a corresponding wall thickness that is greater than the first thickness.

5. The capsule (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said body (2) has an annular constriction (15) between the side wall (3) and the blind bottom (4), one or more undercuts (16) being provided at said annular constriction (15) and protruding radially inside the capsule (1).

6. The capsule (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said undercuts (16) extend discontinuously, being provided at predefined angular positions of the annular constriction (15), so that they are distributed uniformly on said annular constriction (15).

7. The capsule (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said undercuts (16) are alternated with the points (9) of the arches of the ribs (8).

8. A capsule (1) for preparing a beverage by injecting a fluid under pressure into said capsule, which comprises:

characterized in that it comprises an internal filter (17) which is proximate to the blind bottom (4), said internal filter (17) comprising a bottom wall (18) which is arranged partially in contact with the blind bottom (4) of the capsule, a circumferential distribution channel (19) which is open toward said blind bottom (4) being provided in said bottom wall (18).

9. The capsule (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said internal filter (17) comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of distribution turrets (20) which protrude into said chamber (7) and each of which has at least one dedicated supply opening (21) which is configured to introduce the fluid under pressure into said chamber (7), said supply openings (21) having a fluid connection with the distribution channel (19).

10. The capsule (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the supply openings (21) are configured to introduce the fluid into the chamber (7) along planes which are substantially parallel to the one along which the sealing membrane (5) extends.

11. The capsule (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said distribution turrets (20) are frustum-shaped, said supply openings (21) being provided in the side wall of each distribution turret (20).

12. The capsule (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said filter (17) is accommodated stably between the undercuts (16) and the blind bottom (4).