WO2021005458A1

WO2021005458A1 - Single-dose capsule for machines for making infused beverages

Info

Publication number: WO2021005458A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/056212
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto Stefanoni
Original assignee: Imper S.P.A.
Priority date: 2019-07-09
Filing date: 2020-07-01
Publication date: 2021-01-14

Abstract

Single-dose and single-use capsule (1) for use in a beverage dispensing machine for dispensing infused beverages, which capsule (1) comprises a cup-shaped truncated- conical main body (100) containing coffee in granular form (200), which main body (100) has a top flange (101) sealed by a multilayer membrane (400), with an external layer (401) providing a barriering effect against oxygen and being preliminarily laser-worked to form structural weakening zones and with an internal layer (403) being made of Non- Woven Fabric (NWF).

Description

SINGLE-DOSE CAPSULE FOR MACHINES FOR MAKING INFUSED BEVERAGES

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of the extemporary preparation of hot or cold beverages from a single-dose single-use capsule containing a preparation in granular or liquid form, the capsule being inserted into a dispensing machine which introduces an infusion or mixing fluid into the capsule.

In the most common applications, the capsule and the machines of the aforementioned type are configured to make a hot beverage, such as for example coffee, tea, tisanes and the like, by an infusion process providing for the infusion of the preparation contained in the capsule.

State of the art

A lot of models of machines for the extemporary preparation of hot beverages in form of infusions, such as for example coffee, tea, tisanes and the like, from a capsule are known and widespread. Such machines are used in working premises, in public places and also at home.

The capsules used in such machines - typically single-use and typically single-dose capsules - have a cup-shaped main body, usually with a truncated-conical shape, which is closed at a mouth thereof by a gas-impermeable film or thin membrane, typically made of aluminium. The capsule contains inside the main body, i.e. is pre-packaged with, a preparation in granular form, usually in powder form. The final beverage is obtained by a process of so-called“extraction”, which consists in causing a liquid, typically water, at high temperature, to flow across the capsule. The liquid, downstream of such an “infusion” through the product contained in the capsule, forms the beverage which is dispensed to the user.

In some types of capsules, during the extraction process the capsule is punctured at its bottom by special elements of the machine, which usually also act as injection elements for injecting the infusion liquid. Further elements of the machine act as abutment elements during tearing of the aforementioned film , in order to allow outflow of the beverage infused across the capsule and hence dispensing of the beverage to the outside.

In other types of machines, the infusion liquid flows across the capsule in the opposite direction, i.e. from the mouth closed by the film to the bottom. Also in this case the film must be torn and to this end it cooperates with special elements of the machine. Each beverage dispensing machine uses its own special infusion head and/or its own special puncturing and abutment elements and, therefore, it only works with a particular kind of single-dose capsule, typically characterized by a peculiar shape of the main body.

A drawback of the aforementioned capsules is that each of them is made of at least two different materials, namely the plastic material of the main body and the aluminium of the closure film, neither of them being a compostable material, which adversely affects the environmental impact of the capsule.

Another drawback is also associated to the infusion modes. In fact, the current closure films made of aluminium are typically selectively torn as a result of their contact with the aforesaid special elements of the machine, typically having a pyramidal shape or an anvil-like shape. However, the interaction with said elements may even cause an uncontrolled tearing of the film, which is thus torn transversely. On the other hand, the use of compostable materials instead of aluminium involves other critical issues, associated for example to the higher elasticity of these materials. In this cases, the torn areas tend to close as a result of the pressure reduction inside the capsule caused by the first tearing of the film. Such a drawback adversely affects the infusion conditions, as it makes the outflow conditions of the liquid less controllable. In particular, in case of preparations that require a prolonged liquid flow into the capsule, for example in case of a so-called "long" coffee, the flow conditions greatly vary and there is the risk that dispensing of the requested beverage is actually hindered.

Summary of the invention

The technical problem posed and solved by the present invention is thus to provide a capsule, in particular a single-dose and/or single-use capsule, for use on machines for making beverages, especially infused beverages, which makes it possible to overcome one or more of the drawbacks mentioned above in connection with the prior art.

The above-mentioned technical problem is solved by a capsule according to claim 1 and by a capsule in combination with a dispensing machine according to claim 23.

Preferred features of the present invention are the subject-matter of the dependent claims.

The capsule of the invention comprises a cup-shaped main body, having in particular a truncated-conical or tapered shape, carrying a mouth through which a preparation, for example coffee in granular form, for the preparation of the final beverage is introduced during the packaging phase. The mouth is closed, and in particular sealed, by means of a membrane.

The membrane is advantageously formed by three layers, each of which is wholly formed by a same material. In particular, a layer of the membrane facing the outside of the capsule is made of a barrier material, i.e. an impermeable material, providing a barriering effect against liquids and gases, and advantageously against oxygen. A layer of the membrane facing the inside of the capsule is made of a breathable porous material, in particular a NWF (Non-Woven Fabric). An intermediate layer of the membrane between the two aforementioned layers is made of a further barrier material, i.e. an impermeable material, providing a barriering effect against liquids and gases, and advantageously against oxygen.

The outer layer of barrier material ensures that the preparation contained in the capsule is preserved. Advantageously, this layer has a facilitated breaking region, in particular a region extending substantially along a line, for example a region which has been preliminarily weakened by laser working, punching or other process. Advantageously, said facilitated breaking region is provided only on the external layer of the membrane. The intermediate layer of the membrane, also made of barrier material, thus compensates for the possibile loss of barriering effect due to the cuts on the external layer. The internal layer of the membrane performs a diffusion and/or filtering function. The various layers of the membrane may be coupled with each other by gluing or other known techniques.

The combination of layer(s) of barrier material with a porous layer, in particular a layer of NWF, confers elasticity to the external layer and, more generally, to the membrane.

The proposed configuration also improves the response of the external layer and, more generally, of the membrane to the abutment, puncturing and/or tearing action exerted by the elements of the machine, thereby allowing to create outlet or inlet areas for the liquid with regular and foreseeable position and development.

The above-mentioned structure of the membrane, and in particular the provision of a facilitated breaking region as illustrated above, allows a complete and regular dispensing of the beverage, preventing the openings from being totally or partially closed when the pressure of the liquid decreases. This is particularly advantageous in the preparation of so-called "long" beverages, such as for example long coffee, i.e. beverages that require a larger amount of liquid than the other beverages, just because the liquid flow is kept constant or substantially constant, with no progressive reduction of the liquid flow during an intermediate stage of the infusion or mixing process.

Advantageously, all the layers of the membrane are made of compostable material.

The configuration of the invention allows to select the area where tearing of the membrane occurs, defining the size of that area based on the properties of the materials being used.

Moreover, the configuration, the profile and/or the extension of the facilitated breaking region, or regions, may be selected depending on specific requirements, for example depending on the types of machines and/or of capsules. It is thus possible to obtain liquid inlet or outlet zones in a regular and predictable position and with a regular and predictable extension, as well as a complete and smooth dispensing of the beverage.

It will be understood that in the present context the term“membrane” means any thin element, obtained for example by rolling or other process, that is suitable for closing, in particular sealing, the capsule in the region of the filling mouth of the main body.

The structure of the capsule of the invention is particularly useful and advantageous in case the main body of the capsule is made of recyclable material, in particular compostable material.

Additionally, the capsule is particularly useful and advantageous in case the main body is made by injection or co-injection process, for example with a structure of the capsule and/or a packaging method as disclosed in Italian patent 102014902270816 and in International patent application WO 2017/103952.

The capsule of the invention may be configured to contain both products in granular form, i.e. in form of particles of any size or shape, for example in powder form, and products in form of concentrated liquid, such as syrup. Therefore, the capsule is suitable both for an infusion process as mentioned above and for a process whereby the preparation is mixed or dissolved with the inflowing liquid.

The present invention also relates to a capsule, in particular a single-use capsule, for use in a beverage dispensing machine, which capsule comprises: a cup-shaped main body, which main body is defined, in sequence along a longitudinal direction thereof, by a liquid inlet region, by a side wall and by an open outlet region; a preparation, in granular or liquid from, received within an internal chamber of the main body defined between said liquid inlet region and said open outlet region ; a membrane for closing said outlet region, which membrane has a multilayer construction comprising:

- an external layer, facing the outside of the capsule, which layer has a barriering effect to oxygen and humidity and features a facilitated breaking region; and

- an internal layer, facing the internal chamber, which layer is made of a porous material, in particular Non-Woven Fabric (NWF), with filtering properties.

Further advantages, features and modes of use of the present invention will appear from the following detailed description of some embodiments, given purely by way of non limiting example. Brief description of the drawings

Reference will be made to the Figures of the appended drawings, wherein:

^■ Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above of a capsule according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention ;

^■ Figure 2 shows a perspective view, partially exploded, of the capsule of Figure 1 ;

^■ Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section view, taken through section line A-A of Figure 1 , of a preferred embodiment of an upper closure membrane or film of the capsule of Figure 1 ; and

^■ Figure 4 shows a schematic view from above of a closure membrane or film according to another embodiment of the capsule of the present invention.

The sizes, in particular the thicknesses, shown in the above-mentioned Figures are for exemplary purposes only and are not necessarily represented in their actual proportions.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a single-use capsule according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is generally indicated with 1 .

The capsule 1 is, in the present example, a single-dose capsule and is configured to be used in a machine for making beverages from a preparation in granular form, in particular in powder form. In the present embodiment, the capsule 1 is filled, during the packaging phase, with coffee powder for the preparation of the final beverage by infusion process. According to other embodiments, the capsule of the invention may be filled with a preparation in liquid form, for example a syrup, or with another preparation in granular form.

The capsule 1 comprises first of all a main body 100 made as a hollow body. Advantageously, the main body 100 is made in one piece, its various parts being thus integral with each other. The main body 100 is obtained, for example, by moulding, injection or co-injection process. In particular, the main body 100 may be made by means of the method disclosed in WO2017/103952.

In the present example, the main body 100 has a substantially tapered configuration. In particular, it has a general geometry with a substantially circular plan and a mainly truncated-conical shape, extending longitudinally along an axis L. In the present example, the axis L is also an axis of symmetry of the main body 100 and, in general, of the capsule 1 . In use, the infusion or mixing liquid flows across the capsule 1 substantially along the axis L and, in the present example, in the direction designated by arrow V. The following description is anyway also applicable to a capsule across which the liquid flows in the opposite direction.

The main body 100 of the present example is substantially cup-shaped. In particular, it has a region for receiving the preparation (which preparation is indicated with 200) which defines an internal chamber 1 10.

The main body 100 also has a mouth, top or dispensing region 130, which is an upper region in the present example, and a bottom or inlet region 120, which is a lower region in the present example. Preferably, the generally tapered shape of the main body 100 has a cross-section whose area increases towards the mouth region 130.

More specifically, the main body 100 is defined by a side wall 1 1 1 , by a base or bottom 1 12, corresponding substantially to the aforementioned bottom region 120, and by a transverse peripheral flange 101 , or top flange, which projects outwards and defines the perimeter of a filling mouth.

The shape of the base 1 12 depends on the specific configuration and way the capsule is coupled with a brewing chamber of the machine and will not be further described.

A closure membrane 400 impermeable to liquids and gas, for example in the form of a film, is attached to the peripheral flange 101 . The closure membrane 400 preferably has a multilayer construction. The membrane 400 may be obtained by rolling, of the single layers and/or of more layers altogether, by extrusion or by any other known process.

The closure membrane 400 may be able to be torn by a corresponding device or element of the beverage preparation machine at the time the capsule 1 is used, in order to allow the beverage to flow out of the main body 100 and be therefore dispensed, or, in an inverted dispensing configuration, to allow the fluid to flow into the capsule. In other embodiments, the closure membrane 400 is not torn or punctured by elements of the machine, but opening of the closure membrane is obtained by virtue of the pressure of the liquid introduced into the capsule.

With reference also to Figure 3, in the present embodiment the closure membrane 400 comprises three layers, which are indicated respectively, from the outside to the inside of the capsule 1 , with 401 , 402 and 403 and are coupled with each other in the longitudinal direction.

In the present embodiment, the first layer 401 , i.e. the external layer, is of the type providing a barriering effect against gases, in particular oxygen and humidity. As shown, on this layer there is provided a facilitated breaking region 410, which in the present example comprises one or more structural weakening zones extending along a line, which are obtained in a same transverse direction of the closure membrane 400 and of the capsule 1 . In the cross-sectional view of Figure 3 three weakening zones of the above-mentioned type are shown, which are indicated with 41 1 , 412 and 413, respectively. Each weakening zone may for example be made as a cut or slit. In other words, a facilitated breaking region comprising one or more weakening zones is provided on the external layer 401 , or through said layer.

The weakening zones may be obtained by laser working, carried out either before or - advantageously - after the various layers forming the membrane are coupled with each other, or by any other technique, either mechanical or mechatronic, suitable for that purpose.

The facilitated breaking region 410 of the closure membrane 400 advantageously corresponds to the region of maximum pressure of the liquid in the capsule 1 or in the process of introduction of the liquid into the capsule 1 . In the example of Figure 1 , the facilitated breaking region 410 substantially corresponds to a diameter of the mouth 130, or of a top circular portion, of the capsule 1 .

As already stated, the first layer 401 (external layer) is of the type providing a barriering effect against liquids and gases. Such a barriering effect may be obtained, exclusively or also, by application of a lacquer coating 415, 416 on opposite transverse sides of the layer 401 .

The second layer 402 (intermediate layer) is also of the type providing a barriering effect and may have the same properties as those of the external layer 401 . Also on opposed transverse sides of this layer a lacquer coating may be applied or another treatment, in particular a barriering treatment, may be carried out. In the present example, on the outer side, or surface, of the second layer 402, i.e. the side adjacent the first layer 401 , a metal coating 425 is applied, whereas on the opposite side, i.e. the inner side facing the third layer 403, a lacquer coating 426 is applied. This latter ensures, during manufacturing, that the second layer 402 is not adversely affected by the preliminary laser working process or, more generally, by the weakening process, carried out on the first layer 401 , which process takes place from the outside to the inside.

The third layer 403 (internal layer) is of porous material, in particular of filtering and diffusing material, advantageously Non-Woven Fabric (NWF), facing the internal chamber 1 10 of the capsule 1 . The third layer 403 performs a mechanical function which is important for the beverage dispensing, as it reduces the turbulence of the inflowing liquid, slowing down and homogenising the flows and avoiding, or helping to avoid, discontinuities or irregularities in the flow entering the internal chamber of the capsule, thereby ensuring a smooth and constant dispensing of the beverage. The third layer 403 may also ensure that the closure membrane 400 is weldable to main body 100, in particular to the flange 101 thereof. Advantageously, the closure membrane 400 is indeed sealed, in particular welded, for example hot-welded, to said peripheral flange 101 .

The aforementioned three layers 401 , 402, 403 may be coupled with each other by gluing or any other known technique. Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the closure membrane of the capsule, which membrane is indicated in this case with 500. In the capsule of this example the liquid flows in the opposite direction with respect to the example of Figure 1 , and hence the beverage is dispensed through the bottom and the liquid flows into the capsule through the membrane 500.

Independently of the direction of the flow across the capsule, the only difference with respect to the above description consists in the configuration of the facilitated breaking region, herein generally indicated with 510. In particular, said region may be divided for illustrative purposes into four subregions, which are indicated with reference numerals from 51 1 to 514, respectively, and are concentrically arranged around the axis L. In other embodiments, only one or some of said subregions may be provided for.

In particular, an innermost subregion 51 1 defines a substantially polygonal profile, in particular a substantially quadrangular and even more specifically a square profile. In the present example, it is defined by four structural weakening zones, which extend each along a line, in particular along a substantially straight line, and are arranged along the sides of the quadrilateral and separated from each other at the geometrical corners of the same.

A second outer subregion 512, provided around the first subregion 51 1 , also defines a substantially polygonal profile, in particular a substantially quadrangular profile and even more specifically a square profile, which is rotated 90 degrees relative to the profile of the first subregion 51 1 , so that its sides extend substantially parallel to the diagonals of the profile of the first subregion 51 1 . In the present example, the subregion 512 is defined by eight structural weakening zones, which extend each along a line, in particular along a substantially straight line, are arranged along the sides of the quadrilateral and are separated from each other at the geometrical corners of the same and at the middle point of each side.

A third outer subregion 513, provided around the second subregion 512, also defines a substantially polygonal profile, in particular in this case a substantially octagonal profile and even more specifically a regular octagonal profile. In the present example, the subregion 513 is defined by eight structural weakening zones, which extend each along a line, in particular along a substantially straight line, are arranged along the sides of the octagon and are separated from each other at the geometrical corners of the same. The sides of the octagon preferably extend, alternately, substantially parallel to a side or a diagonal of the profile of the first subregion 51 1 or of the second subregion 512.

Finally, a fourth outermost subregion 514, provided around the third subregion 513, also defines a substantially polygonal profile, in particular in this case a substantially quadrangular profile and even more specifically a square profile. In the present example, the subregion 513 is defined by eight structural weakening zones, which extend each along a line, in particular a substantially straight line, are arranged two by two along a side of the square and are separated from each other at the geometrical corners of the same. The sides of the square preferably extend substantially parallel to respective sides of the profile of the first subregion 51 1 .

Figure 4 also shows, on the background, abutment, puncturing or tearing elements R of the beverage dispensing machine using the present capsule. Such elements R have, in some machines, a substantially pyramidal or truncated-pyramidal structure, wherein the tip of the profile comes in contact with the closure membrane of the capsule. In the present example the liquid is introduced into the capsule through such elements R.

As illustrated, the region 510 is configured in such a manner that in use its structural weakening zones extend between adjacent abutment, puncturing or tearing elements R or partially interferes with such elements R.

Generally, the proposed arrangement provides for weakening zones extending from the centre of the capsule, or better from the centre 550 of the membrane 500, to the outside, i.e. to the periphery 551 of the membrane 500, allowing to involve the dispensing elements in a number of points.

As mentioned above, during use of the capsule 1 in the beverage dispensing machine an infusion liquid, typically pressurized hot or cold water, is introduced through the bottom 120 (or the region 130, in case of a capsule operating with a direction of the flow opposite to that of arrow V) of the capsule 1 into the internal chamber 1 10 and flows out of the latter through the region 130 (or the bottom 120). To this end, the membrane 400 attached to peripheral flange 101 is torn or punctured to allow the beverage to be dispensed out of the capsule directly in a container for food products or in additional conduits of the machine, or to allow the liquid to flow into the capsule. The present invention has been so far described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is understood that other embodiments may be envisaged which share the same inventive concept, as defined by the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A capsule (1 ), in particular a disposable capsule, for use in a beverage dispensing machine, which capsule (1 ) comprises:

- a cup-shaped main body (100), which main body (100) is defined, in sequence along a longitudinal direction (L) thereof, by a first closed bottom region (120), by a lateral wall (1 1 1 ) and by a second open top region (130);

- a preparation (200), in granular or liquid form, received within an internal chamber (1 10) of the main body (100) defined between said bottom region (120) and said top region (130); and

- a closure membrane (400; 500) closing said top region (130), which closure membrane (400; 500) has a facilitated breaking region (410; 510), which facilitated breaking region (410; 510) is formed by one or more structural weakening zones (41 1 -413) extending along a line and extends from a central part (550) of the closure membrane (400; 500) towards a periphery (551 ) thereof.

2. Capsule (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said facilitated breaking region (410) extends along a line (41 1 , 412, 413), in particular a straight line, and is preferably obtained at a diameter of said top region (130).

3. Capsule (1 ) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said facilitated breaking region (410; 510) is formed by a plurality of structural weakening zones (41 1 -413), each extending substantially along a straight line.

4. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said or each structural weakening zone (41 1 -413) is in the form of a cut or slit.

5. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said or each structural weakening zone (41 1 -413) is obtained by preliminary laser working of said closure membrane (400; 500) or a layer thereof.

6. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said facilitated breaking region (510) comprises at least one subregion (51 1 , 512, 514) defining a substantially polygonal profile, in particular a substantially quadrangular profile and more preferably a square profile.

7. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said facilitated breaking region (510) comprises at least one subregion (513) defining a substantially octagonal profile, preferably shaped as a regular octagon. 8. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said facilitated breaking region (510) comprises: a first subregion (51 1 ), arranged at a central part (550) of the closure membrane (500) and defining a substantially quadrangular profile; a second subregion (512), arranged around said first subregion (51 1 ) and also defining a substantially quadrangular profile, rotated by about 90 degrees with respect to the profile of said first subregion (51 1 ); a third subregion (513), arranged around said second subregion (512) and defining a substantially polygonal profile, in particular a substantially octagonal profile; and a fourth subregion (514), arranged around said third subregion (513) and also defining a substantially quadrangular profile, preferably with its sides parallel to those of the profile of said first subregion (51 1 ).

9. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said closure membrane (400; 500) has a multilayer construction comprising:

- an external layer (401 ), facing the outside of the capsule (1 ), with a barriering effect to oxygen and humidity;

- an internal layer (403), facing said internal compartment (1 10), made of a porous material, in particular Non-Woven Fabric (NWF), with filtering properties.

10. Capsule (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein said facilitated breaking region (410; 510) is obtained on said external layer (401 ).

11. Capsule (1 ) according to claim 9 or claiml 0, wherein said facilitated breaking region (410; 510) is obtained after the assembly of the aforesaid external (401 ) and internal (403) layers.

12. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of claims 9 to 1 1 , wherein said external layer (401 ) of said closure membrane (400; 500) has a barriering lacquer coating (415, 416) on one or both of its opposite sides.

13. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein said closure membrane (400; 500) comprises an intermediate layer (402) interposed between said external (401 ) and internal (403) layers, advantageously made of an oxygen- and humidity- barrier material.

14. Capsule (1 ) according claim 13, wherein said intermediate layer (402) has a metal coating (425) on its side adjacent said external layer (401 ) and/or a barriering lacquer coating (426) on its side adjacent said internal layer (403).

15. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said closure membrane (400; 500) is made of compostable material(s).

16. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said top region (130) is a beverage dispensing region and said bottom region (120) is a fluid inlet region, or vice-versa.

17. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said preparation (200) is a coffee-based preparation for dispensing an infused beverage.

18. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main body

(100) has a tapered shape, in particular a truncated -conical shape, with a smaller base at said bottom region (120).

19. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said closure membrane (400; 500) is sealed, in particular welded, to a peripheral flange (101 ) of said main body (100).

20. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main body (100) has a circular symmetrical shape with respect to an axis directed along said longitudinal direction (L).

21. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main body (100) is obtained by injection or co-injection process.

22. Capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule is a single-dose and/or disposable capsule.

23. In combination, a capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims and a machine for making infused beverages, which machine comprises one or more abutment elements (R) configured to tear the closure membrane (400; 500) of said capsule (1 ).