ES2951085T3 - Capsule - Google Patents

Abstract

A capsule (1) is described which comprises: - a housing (2) having an axis (Z) of longitudinal extension, the housing (2) comprising a base wall (201) and a side wall (202) that defines a open cavity (203), designed to contain an initial product to be added to a fluid to obtain a final product, and a flange edge (204) extending from said side wall (202); - a covering element (3) fixed to the edge of the flange (204) to close the cavity (203), which can be pierced by an extraction device of a dispensing machine in which the capsule (1) can be used; - a closure element (4) fixed to the base wall (201) that can be pierced by a fluid injection device of the dispensing machine comprising piercing blades. The base wall (201) comprises an edge region (205), which is annular and extends to the side wall (202), a central region (206), and a groove (207), which is interposed between the region central (206) and the edge region (205) and is shaped to receive the piercing blades; and wherein the closure element (4) has a central portion (401), configured to be attached to the central region (206) and an edge portion (402), configured to be attached to the edge region (205), and wherein the central region (206) and the edge region (205) extend in respective planes that are offset from each other along the axis (Z) such that an intermediate portion (403) of the closure element ( 4), interposed between the central portion (401) and the edge portion (402) to close the slot (207) are inclined. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Capsule

The invention relates to a capsule suitable for containing an initial product that will be joined to a fluid to obtain a final product.

In particular, the invention relates to a single-dose, single-use capsule, which contains an initial product capable of manufacturing, by reacting with the pressurized fluid, a final product.

In detail, the capsule is particularly configured to prepare products, for example, drinks, in automatic dispensing machines.

State-of-the-art capsules, for use in dispensing machines, are single-use, single-dose containers that comprise an outer shell and are in the shape of a glass or cup. The casing usually has a base and a side wall that define an open cavity containing the initial product, for example, ground coffee or tea, from which the final product, for example, the beverage, is obtained.

The base of the capsule has an opening delimited by a base edge to which a closure element is attached. A flange extends from the side wall and is placed around the open cavity, on the opposite side to the base. The cavity is sealed by a covering element, fixed to the rim, so that the initial product is sealed within the container.

A capsule of the type described above is shown, for example, in patent WO2015056202 of the same Applicant.

The capsule can be perforated to allow the introduction of a pressurized liquid, typically water, and the dispensing of the coffee-based beverage obtained. In detail, both the covering element and the closing element must be made of a material that can be perforated, so that the capsule can be used with great flexibility of use in the dispensing machines of interest.

The capsule can be used, for example, in a dispensing machine in which the closure element can be pierced by an injection device of the dispensing machine, while the coating element can be pierced by a extraction device.

The injection device comprises three blades configured to pierce the closure element with cuts and a central injection conduit, independent and separate from the blades, which is configured to supply the pressurized fluid.

The extraction device, for its part, comprises a plurality of sharp elements that, upon increasing the pressure of the fluid inside the capsule, engage with the closure element and pierce it in a plurality of different areas.

For dispensing to be successful, the blades must correctly pierce the closure element, so that the fluid dispensed by the central injection conduit can be evenly distributed inside the cavity through the cuts made by the blades.

However, it has been observed that perforation of the closure element may be difficult when the closure element, made, for example, of an aluminum film or plastic material, is difficult to pierce. In fact, the closure element can be dragged by the blades into the cavity through the opening, deforming and adopting a concave shape, before being pierced.

In this case, the capsule may be perforated incorrectly, that is, partially and/or insufficiently, which affects the distribution of the fluid in the cavity and, therefore, the quality of the final product dispensed.

On the other hand, it should be noted that in the food packaging sector, capsules in which the closing element and the covering element are made entirely of a compostable material according to the European standard UNI EN13432 are increasingly widespread on the market: 2002.

In these capsules, the compostable material film from which the closure element and the covering element are made is particularly difficult to puncture. Therefore, especially with these materials, the closure element is frequently pulled through the opening and is not pierced by the blades, so there may be incorrect or insufficient perforations, such as to negatively affect the extraction quality of the Final product.

Document WO2019106485 discloses a capsule for soluble or extractable products using a pressurized extraction fluid, comprising a container body having a lower base and an upper base and a side wall, wherein the capsule comprises a first compostable barrier cap which is hermetically associated with said upper base and a second compostable barrier cap associated with an interior surface of the lower base.

The technical objective underlying this invention is therefore to provide a capsule that overcomes the drawbacks of prior art capsules.

Another objective of the invention is to obtain a capsule of simple construction and limited costs, which can be easily perforated to guarantee a correct distribution of water in the capsule and, therefore, a good quality extraction of the drink.

These objectives are achieved by a capsule according to the invention, which comprises the technical characteristics described in one or more of the attached claims.

Other features and advantages of the present invention are more evident from the non-limiting description that follows a preferred and non-limiting embodiment of a capsule as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is an exploded front view of a beverage capsule according to the invention comprising a cover, which comprises a base and a rim, a closing element that is fixed to the base, a covering element that is fixed to the rim of the capsule;

- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the capsule of Figure 1, along a cross-sectional plane that passes through a longitudinal axis of extension of the capsule, in which the closure element is fixed to the base wall and the covering element is fixed to the flange;

- Figure 2a shows an enlargement of a part of the closure element of Figure 2, fixed to the base, in which the capsule cover has been removed, for reasons of clarity;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view from the outside of the cover of Figure 1.

The same elements in the various drawings will be indicated below with the same reference numbers.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the number 1 denotes a capsule according to the invention, which can be used in a dispensing machine.

The capsule 1, as illustrated in detail in Figures 1 to 3, comprises a cover 2 having an axis A of longitudinal extension, for example, an axis of symmetry.

The housing 2 is preferably manufactured by injection molding or thermoforming a sheet of material and has a substantially frustoconical shape, that is, in the shape of a glass or cup. The housing 2 includes a base 201 and a side wall 202, which define an open cavity 203, and a lip 204 extending from the side wall 202.

In detail, the side wall 202 is divergent from the base 201 to the rim 204.

The flange 204 may comprise a sealing element 204a, configured to provide a fluid-tight seal with the dispensing machine when the capsule 1 is inserted into a housing (not shown) suitably arranged therefor. The sealing element 204a is made, for example, as a projection that extends from the flange 204 and forms a single body with the flange 204. The flange 204 may also comprise a flare 204b, which is located on an outer edge of the flange. 204 and is configured to promote correct positioning of the capsule 1 in the housing.

The cavity 203 is suitable for containing an initial product (not shown) that will be joined with a fluid (not shown) to obtain a final product (not shown). The fluid is, preferably, a hot or cold liquid under pressure, introduced into the cavity 203 in a fluid injection step, to obtain the final product.

As mentioned above, the initial product is, for example, a soluble, freeze-dried, dehydrated, concentrated, percolatable food product in powder form, for example, coffee; alternatively, the initial preparation may be, for example, a leaf-shaped food product, for example, tea. The initial product is preferably hot and pressurized water, which allows obtaining a beverage, for example, coffee, barley coffee, tea or herbal tea.

The capsule 1 comprises a covering element 3, which is fixed to the rim 204, to close the cavity 203.

The covering element 3 is fixed to the flange 204 by heat or ultrasonic welding or gluing.

Thanks to the covering element 3, the cavity 203 is hermetically closed and the initial preparation is isolated from the external environment. The covering element 3 is usually a film, as described in detail below.

The covering element 3 can be pierced by an extraction device of a dispensing machine in which the capsule 1 can be used.

The capsule 1 comprises a closure element 4 fixed to the base 201, which can be pierced by a fluid injection device (not shown) of the dispensing machine, which comprises piercing blades.

The closure element 4 is fixed to the base 201 by thermal or ultrasonic welding, or gluing.

The injection device also comprises a fluid dispensing device, which is independent of the piercing blades.

The base 201 comprises an edge region 205, which is annular and extends to the side wall 202, a central region 206, and a groove 207, which is interposed between the central region 206 and the edge region 205, and has the suitable shape to receive the drilling blades.

The edge region 205 is interposed, along the Z axis, between the central region 206 and the flange 204. In other words, the central region 206 protrudes with respect to the edge region 205.

As shown in Figure 2, the closure element 4 comprises a central part 401, fixed to the central region 206, and an edge part 402, fixed to the edge region 205.

Advantageously, the central region 206 and the edge region 205 extend on respective planes that are offset from each other along the Z axis in such a way that an intermediate part 403 of the closure element 4, interposed between the central part 401 and the edge portion 402 and configured to close the slot 207, is inclined. Thanks to the fact that the intermediate part 403 is inclined with respect to the central part 401 and the edge part 402, perforation by the blades of the dispensing machine is facilitated. Indeed, the inclination of the intermediate part 403 between the two fixing planes 206, 205 contributes to keeping the intermediate part 403 under tension, which therefore does not deform in the groove 207 and is easily drilled even with materials that are difficult to drill. Advantageously, the intermediate portion 403 is tensioned between an outer edge 206' of the central region 206 and an inner edge 205' of the edge region 205.

In fact, the outer edge 206' of the central region 206 and the inner edge 205' of the edge region 205 form localized discontinuities that favor the tensioning of the intermediate part 403.

The planes over which the central region 206 and the edge region 205 extend are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the Z axis.

In Figure 2a, which shows the closing element 4 applied to the base 201, the intermediate part 403, inclined, forms in relation to an axis H, parallel to the axis Z, an angle (a) preferably between 71° and 85°. °, even more preferably between 75° and 82°, for example, equal to 78°.

It should be noted that the central region 206 comprises at least one outer frame, which is not illustrated, which extends to the outer edge 206'. Preferably, the closure element 4, in particular its central part 401, is fixed at least to the outer frame of the central region 206 in such a way that the fixation extends to the outer edge 206'. Likewise, the edge region 205 comprises at least one inner frame, which is not illustrated, that extends to the inner edge 205'. Preferably, the closure element 4, in particular its edge part 402, is fixed at least to the inner frame of the edge region 205.

Fixing the closure element 4, and more specifically the central part 401, at least to the outer frame of the central region 206 and/or fixing the edge part 402 to at least the inner frame of the edge region 205, allows to avoid folds in the intermediate part 403 when the closure element 4 is fixed to the base 401. In fact, the fixation of the closure element 4 acts together to keep the intermediate part 403 under tension between the outer edge 206' of the region central 206 and the inner edge 205' of the edge region 205.

The slot 207 has a bottom wall 207a provided with openings 207b configured to allow the fluid injected by the injection device to be dispensed to the initial product contained in the cavity 203.

Thanks to the fact that the intermediate part 403 is inclined, the closure element 4 can be easily pierced and, therefore, since the pressurized fluid is uniformly distributed in the cavity 203 through the openings 207b, the quality can be raised. of the beverage being dispensed.

It is known that the pressurized fluid injected into the capsule must be distributed as uniformly as possible in the initial product to extract from it the aromatic components that will be transferred to the beverage, especially if the initial product is coffee powder.

The lower wall 207a is located at a distance such that it is not pierced by the piercing blades of the injection device. The slot 207 may be positioned concentrically with respect to the Z axis to contain the piercing blades therein if the piercing blades are concentric with respect to the Z axis. Preferably, the central region 206 is circular, the groove 207 is annular as is the intermediate part 403. The intermediate part 403 therefore has a frustoconical lateral surface shape.

The outer frame of the central region 206 and the inner frame of the edge region 205 are, therefore, annular and concentric with each other.

The edge region 205 has an outer edge 205" that is located between the base 201 and the side wall 202.

According to a version of the capsule 1, which is not illustrated, the closure element 4 is larger than the base 201, so that it can also be fixed to the side wall 202, adjacent to the base 201, to remain attached to the capsule 1 even in the presence of an increase in pressure inside the capsule 1. In other words, the closure element 4 extends beyond the outer edge 205" and overlaps the outer edge 205" itself.

The increase in pressure inside the capsule 1 may be due to the gas released by the coffee contained in the capsule 1, if, for example, the initial product is non-degassed coffee.

As mentioned above, the central region 206 protrudes from the edge region 205. To this end, the closure element 4 is preferably made of an elastic and deformable material configured to be able to change from a flat configuration to a deformed configuration, illustrated in detail in figure 2a. Indeed, before being fixed to the base 201, the closing element 4 has a flat configuration while, after having been fixed to the edge region 205 and to the central region 206 which are offset from each other along the Z axis, The closing element 4 is deformed, since the intermediate part 403 is inclined. When the closure member 4 is fixed to the base 201, the closure member 4 adopts a convex shape.

In detail, the casing 2 can be chosen from one of the following materials from a first list:

- Polyolefin (preferably polypropylene PP or polyethylene PE), polyethylene terephthalate PET, polystyrene PS, polylactic acid PLA, polyethylene furanoate PEF;

- Biodegradable and/or compostable materials other than polylactic acid PLA, for example, of plant origin such as cellulose or derivatives thereof, for example, paper;

- Recyclable materials, for example, aluminum.

The materials mentioned in the first list may be capable of providing a barrier to oxygen and/or water.

According to one embodiment, the casing may comprise at least two layers, where each layer may comprise at least one of the materials from the first list, for example cellulose, polyethylene PE; or cellulose, PLA polylactic acid.

According to another embodiment, the casing may comprise at least three layers, wherein each layer may comprise at least one of the materials from the first list, for example, cellulose, polylactic acid PLA and aluminum, wherein the aluminum constitutes a barrier layer resistant to aromas and/or liquids and/or gases.

The covering element 3 and the closing element 4 may comprise at least one layer comprising a material chosen from one of the following materials from a second list:

- Polyolefin (preferably polypropylene PP or polyethylene PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PET comprising aluminum oxides and silicon oxides), polylactic acid PLA;

- Recyclable materials, for example, aluminum;

- PVDC polyvinyl chloride;

- PLA polylactic acid;

- Ethyl vinyl alcohol EVOH or polyvinyl alcohol PVOH;

- Biodegradable and/or compostable materials other than PLA polylactic acid, for example of plant origin such as cellulose, or derivatives thereof, for example, paper or cellulose acetate.

According to one embodiment, the covering element 3 and/or the closure element 4 may comprise at least two layers, where each layer may comprise at least one of the materials from the second list, for example, PET polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride PVDC; or PET polyethylene terephthalate, aluminum.

According to another embodiment, the covering element 3 and/or the closure element 4 may comprise at least three layers, in which each layer may comprise at least one of the materials of the second list, for example, polypropylene PP, vinyl alcohol ethylene EVOH, polypropylene PP; or polypropylene PP, ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH, polyethylene PE; or polypropylene PP, ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH, polyactic acid PLA.

If, for example, the capsule 1, i.e. the casing 2, the covering element 3 and the closure element 4, are made of paper, the paper from which the closure element 4 is made must be deformable.

The same considerations apply if the capsule 1, i.e. the shell 2, the covering element 3 and the closure element 4, are made of PLA.

Advantageously, if the capsule 1 is completely biodegradable and compostable being made, for example, of paper or PLA, the user can dispose of the entire capsule 1 among organic waste.

If, on the other hand, the capsule 1 is made of recyclable material, such as aluminum, or plastic material, the shell 2 can be recycled after emptying the shell 2 of the initial product contained therein. In the case of capsules 1 made of aluminum or plastic, the closing element 4 can be made, respectively, of aluminum or plastic.

In practice, the user inserts the capsule 1 into the housing of a dispensing machine that has an injection device with piercing blades located, for example, around a conduit to supply pressurized fluid. When the housing is closed, the base 201 interferes with the piercing blades and the intermediate portion 403 of the closure member, inclined with respect to the Z axis and positioned to close the slot 207, can be easily pierced by the piercing blades. By being inclined and further tensioned between an outer edge 206' of the central region 206 and an inner edge 205' of the edge region 205, the intermediate portion 403 can be easily pierced.

Due to the capsule according to the invention, which has an edge region 205 and a central region 206 of a base 201 displaced along the Z axis in such a way that an intermediate part 403 of the closure element 4, positioned to close a slot 207, is inclined with respect to the Z axis, it is ensured that the closure element 4 can be easily drilled in a simple and economical manner.

Advantageously, the invention can be applied not only to fully biodegradable and compostable capsules 1, but also made of aluminum or plastic, thus reducing dispensing defects due to capsules that are not perfectly perforated.

Claims (15)

1. A capsule (1) comprising: - a cover (2) having an axis (Z) of longitudinal extension, the cover (2) comprising a base (201) and a side wall (202) defining an open cavity (203), designed to contain a product initial that will be added to a fluid to obtain a final product, and a flange (204) that extends from said side wall (202); - a covering element (3) fixed to the rim (204) to close the cavity (203), which can be pierced by an extraction device of a dispensing machine in which the capsule (1) can be used. - a closure element (4) fixed to the base wall (201) that can be pierced with a fluid injection device of the dispensing machine comprising piercing blades; in which - the base (201) comprises an edge region (205), which is annular and extends to the side wall (202), a central region (206), and a groove (207), which is interposed between the central region (206) and the edge region (205) and are shaped to receive the piercing blades; and in which - the closure element (4) has a central portion (401), configured to be fixed to the central region (206) and an edge part (402), configured to be fixed to the edge region (205); characterized because - the central region (206) and the edge region (205) extend on respective planes offset from each other along the axis (Z) and in such a way that an intermediate part (403) of the closure element (4), interposed between the central part (401) and the edge part (402) to close the slot (207), it is inclined. 2. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate part (403) is tensioned between an outer edge (206') of the central region (206) and an inner edge (205') of the edge region (205). ). 3. The capsule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the central region (206) and the edge region (205) extend on planes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis (Z), forming the intermediate part (403). , with respect to an axis (H), parallel to the axis (Z), an angle (a) preferably between 71° and 85°, even more preferably between 75° and 82°, for example being 78°. 4. The capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central region (206) comprises an outer frame extending to an outer edge (206') and wherein the edge region (205) comprises a frame interior that extends to an interior edge (205'), the closure element (4) being fixed, at least, to the exterior frame and/or, at least, to the interior frame. 5. The capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the slot (207) has a bottom wall (207a) provided with openings (207b) configured to allow the fluid injected by the injection device to be dispensed to the initial product contained. in the cavity (203). 6. The capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central region (206) is circular and the groove (207) is annular. 7. The capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge region (205) has an outer edge (205") that interposes between the base (201) and the side wall (202), the element of closure (4) larger than the base (201) so that it can also be fixed to the side wall (202). 8. The capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (4) is made of an elastic and deformable material so as to be able to go from a flat configuration, before being fixed to the base (201), to a configuration deformed, in which the intermediate part (403) is inclined, after being fixed to the edge region (205) and to the central region (206) of the base (201). 9. The capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing (2), the covering element (3) and the closure element (4) are made of a biodegradable and/or compostable material to allow the capsule (I) is disposed of as organic waste after use. 10. The capsule according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the casing (2) is selected from one of the following materials from a first list: - Polyolefin (preferably polypropylene PP or polyethylene PE), polyethylene terephthalate PET, polystyrene PS, polylactic acid PLA, polyethylene furanoate PEF; - Biodegradable and/or compostable materials other than PLA polylactic acid, for example, of plant origin such as cellulose, or derived from them, for example, paper; - Recyclable materials (for example, aluminum). 11. The capsule according to claim 10, wherein the shell (2) comprises at least two layers, wherein each layer may comprise at least one of the materials of the first list, for example, cellulose, polyethylene PE; or cellulose, PLA polylactic acid. 12. The capsule according to claim 10, wherein the shell (2) comprises at least three layers, wherein each layer may comprise at least one of the materials of the first list, for example, cellulose, polyactic acid PLA and aluminum, the aluminum constituting a barrier layer resistant to aromas and/or liquids and/or gases. 13. The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering element (3) and the closure element (4) can comprise at least one layer comprising a material chosen from one of the following materials of a second list: - Polyolefin (preferably polypropylene PP or polyethylene PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PET comprising aluminum oxides and silicon oxides), polylactic acid PLA; - Recyclable materials, for example, aluminum; - PVDC polyvinyl chloride; - PLA polylactic acid; - Ethyl vinyl alcohol EVOH or polyvinyl alcohol PVOH; - Biodegradable and/or compostable materials other than PLA polylactic acid, for example, of plant origin such as cellulose, or derivatives thereof, for example, paper or cellulose acetate. 14. The capsule according to claim 13, wherein the covering element (3) and/or the closure element (4) can comprise at least two layers, wherein each layer can comprise at least one of the materials of the second list, for example, polyethylene terephthalate PET, polyvinyl chloride PVDC; or PET polyethylene terephthalate, aluminum. 15. The capsule according to claim 13, wherein the covering element (3) and/or the closure element (4) can comprise at least three layers, wherein each layer can comprise at least one of the materials of the second list, for example, polypropylene PP, ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH, polypropylene PP; or polypropylene PP, ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH, polyethylene PE; or polypropylene PP, ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH, polyactic acid PLA.