CAPSULE FOR EDIBLE PRODUCT AND METHOD FOR USING SAID CAPSULE

Abstract

 The present invention refers to a capsule (1) for an edible product presenting at least a first construction element (2) configured in a container-like form, and a second construction element (3) configured in a lid-like form, provided so as to contain a dose (4) of at least one edible substance, wherein said second construction element (3) presents a plurality of structural reinforcement elements (31) that provide better mechanical engagement with said first construction element (2), lower needs of construction material and of processing energy, notably when used for the preparation of aromatic beverages such as.for example espresso type coffee, tea and similar.
The present invention further refers to a process of use of said capsule (1), including for the preparation of aromatic beverages such as for example espresso coffee, tea and similar.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention refers to the field of capsules for edible products.

[0002] The present invention further refers to a process for use of a capsule including the preparation of beverages by means of extracting aromatic edible substances such as for example coffee of the espresso type, tea and similar, and the separation of respective residues after said preparation of beverages.

Background of the invention

[0003] The prior art includes many solutions relating to single-dose recipients containing a certain quantity of at least one aromatic edible product in an interior volume, and configured so that they can be processed in the extraction device of a respective beverage preparation machine, such as for example a machine for coffee of the espresso type. In particular, there are known embodiments of said capsules with a basic configuration of cylindrical or frusto-conic container and produced in substantially rigid material, in particular synthetic materials.

[0004] In the case of capsules with a lid-like element and a container-like element, the peripheral engagement of these elements holds particular importance on the tightness of the capsule. Moreover, the constructive configuration and the materials are usually dimensioned so as to ensure tightness conditions of the capsule envelope to the passage of oxygen and to resist to the pressures that the capsule is submitted inside of a respective extraction device, including outside pressure and inside pressure generated by the release of gases when pressurized water impinges the aromatic substance, for example roasted and grinded coffee. In particular, in the case of capsules using a substantially rigid synthetic material, the wall thickness commonly used in the market is bigger than 1,0 mm.

[0005] Moreover, the lid-like element of the capsules is usually submitted to bigger pressure forces, notably when engaged in a respective extraction device of a beverage preparation machine and when submitted to the injection of a pressurized water flow on the side of the capsule that is oriented towards the upstream flow.

[0006] The relevant prior art includes several solutions relating to the structural optimization of substantially rigid recipients in synthetic material (e.g., US 7,169,418 B2, US 7,712,624 B2).

[0007] Moreover, there are known solutions relating to capsules adapted for extraction in beverage preparation machines that enable a mechanic closure of a lid-like construction part with a container-like construction part (e.g., EP 0584314 B1, WO 2012/080814 A1).

[0008] In particular, document FR 2970242 A1 discloses a capsule that includes a lid-like element presenting an engagement indent in respective edge, adapted so as to engage with a respective male engagement element provided in the top edge of the sidewall of the container-like element.

[0009] Moreover, document US 2013/0139699 A1 discloses a capsule presenting a mechanic pressurized engagement of the lid-like and container-like elements that develops along the perimeter of the lid-like element and with two engagement elements in two regions of reduced extension relative to the perimeter. This document further discloses structural reinforcement elements developing along part of the sidewall and of the base wall of the container-like part.

[0010] The aforementioned solutions do not provide a simple and effective solution to a resistant mechanical engagement and substantially oxygen tight for longer periods of time, between the main construction parts of a capsule so that its use is restricted to the use of filling up and immediate extraction.

[0011] Moreover, the solutions disclosed in prior art do not minimize the amount of material used in the capsule, notably in view of the type of pressure forces that the capsule is submitted in the case of extraction in a beverage preparation machine.

[0012] There is therefore a need for a simple and reliable solution for capsules comprising individual doses of at least one edible substance, including aromatic substances such as for example coffee, appropriate for the preparation of different types of beverages and that provides substantial oxygen tightness, as well as minimizing the construction material and production energy requirements and maximizing the simplicity of use, including in view of recycling the coffee residues and the capsule residues after their use.

General description of the invention

[0013] The goal of the present invention is to provide a capsule for collection of a dose of at least one edible substance, including coffee, tea, chocolate and similar, provided in substantially rigid general construction and construction material, and in particular adapted for use in the preparation of aromatic beverages by extraction, that provides closure of the main construction elements by mechanical engagement means, and simultaneously bigger structural resistance, in particular so that it resists the pressure forces that it is submitted to in a beverage preparation process by means of extraction, so as to minimize the quantity of construction material used without constrain of the general long-term oxygen tightness.

[0014] This goal is attained by means of a capsule according to claim 1.

[0015] Another goal of the present invention is to provide a process for use of capsules, in particular a capsule according to the invention, that reduces the energy use in the assembly of capsules and that incentives recycling of residues of the edible substance and of the capsule.

[0016] This goal is attained by means of a process according to claim 14.

Description of the figures

[0017] The present invention shall now be explained in greater detail based upon preferred embodiments and the attached Figures.

[0018] The Figures show in simplified schematic representations :

Figure 1:

side cut views (on the left) and top views (on the right) of an embodiment of a capsule (1) according to the invention;

Figure 2:

detail view P01 according to Figure 1;

Figure 3:

top views of two embodiments of a capsule (1) according to the invention;

Figure 4:

side cut views (top) and top views (bottom) of two embodiments of a capsule (1) according to the invention;

Figure 5:

side cut views of two embodiments of a capsule (1) according to the invention;

Figure 6:

main steps of an assembly step of a capsule (1) in a process of use according to the invention;

Figure 7:

main steps of a beverage preparation phase from a capsule (1) in a process of use thereof according to the invention;

Figure 8:

main steps of a phase of separation of residues of a capsule (1) in a process of use according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

[0019] Figure 1 represents a first embodiment of a capsule (1) according to the invention presenting a first construction element (2) provided in a container-like form including a base wall element (21) and a sidewall element (22), and a second construction element (3) provided in a lid-like form including a top element (31) in a circular disc form, and adapted for mechanical engagement along a respective perimeter region and so that they jointly define an axial symmetry axis (XX). In particular, said construction elements (2, 3) are adapted for assembly by means of pressurized mechanical engagement of the respective edge zones. As it can be better observed in detail P01 represented in Figure 2, said top element (31) presents an indent engagement element (32) in the exterior perimeter that provides a recess oriented towards the interior of the capsule (1).

[0020] Moreover, according to a first inventive aspect and as one can better observe in the top view of the face of a top element (3) oriented towards the interior of the capsule (1), said top element (31) further presents a plurality of structural reinforcement elements (33) arranged on the side of the top element (31) that is oriented towards the interior of the capsule (1) and in the proximity of the indent engagement element (32). These structural reinforcement elements (33) provide a high structural resistance to the second construction element (3) enabling a reduction of the wall thickness (e₃₁) at least of the second construction element (3) and depending on the construction material, also of at least part of said first construction element (2). Moreover, said structural reinforcement elements (33) operate together with the engagement elements (23, 32) so as to jointly reinforce the structural resistance of the mechanical engagement between the construction elements (2, 3).

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, and considering the reduced wall thickness (e₃₁) of the top element (31), there are provided at least three structural reinforcement elements (33), preferentially distributed in a uniform manner along an angular direction (drawing on the right) in the proximity of the edge zone of the top element (31) and on the side oriented towards the interior of the capsule (1). Alternatively, there can be provided more structural reinforcement elements (33), such as for example four, five or six.

[0022] As it shall be understood by an expert in the field, a bigger number, extension and thickness of said structural reinforcement elements (33) directly contributes to a bigger structural resistance of the second construction element (3) and of the capsule (1) in general. In any case, it has been experimentally demonstrated that it is particularly advantageous when said structural reinforcement elements (33) present a triangular form and that it is sufficient when they present an extension smaller than a third of the radius of the top element (31).

[0023] As represented in enlarged manner in the detail P01 (Figure 2), said first construction element (2) it is provided in its edge with a male engagement element (23), preferentially configured in a wedge-like form or similar, and dimensioned so as to engage in a pressured tight manner inside of said indent engagement element (32) provided on the edge of said second construction element (3). As it can be observed, said structural reinforcement elements (33) present a triangular format of wedge-like type or similar, whereby one of the two orthogonal triangle sides develops along at least a third of the value of the radius of said top element (31) and the other of the two orthogonal triangle sides develops along the vertical direction in the zone closed to the perimeter edge of said top element (31). Moreover, the edge of said structural reinforcement elements (33) that is oriented towards the exterior of the capsule (1) is disposed at a distance from the indent engagement element (32) that is bigger than the thickness of said sidewall element (22) of said second construction element (2). Moreover, it is preferred when the edge of said structural reinforcement elements (33) that is oriented towards the interior of the capsule (1) does not extend beyond said indent engagement element (32) along the direction of the interior of the capsule (1).

[0024] The remaining closure assembly is thereafter carried out by means of applying a compression force upon the second construction element (3) so that the two construction elements (2, 3) result in substantially blocked engagement.

[0025] According to another inventive aspect, better represented in Figure 3, said indent engagement element (32) is provided with an engagement dimension (e) that is variable along the respective perimeter, in particular with a zone of bigger dimension that facilitates the initial introduction of said engagement element (23) in a respective perimeter region. The closing assembly of the construction elements (2, 3) can thus be carried out by means of initial pressure followed by rotating compression, so that a substantial part of the perimeter gets in closing engagement under an additional pressure. This embodiment is advantageous in terms of simplicity of carrying out the assembly manually and in terms of enhanced tightness of the capsule (1) relative to oxygen. Optionally, also the engagement element (23) can be provided with an engagement dimension (e) that varies along the perimeter, including a variation substantially corresponding to that of the indent engagement element (32).

[0026] Moreover, as represented in the drawing on the top right, it is advantageous when at least one of said structural reinforcement elements (33) presents a reduction of cross section so as to facilitate the initial engagement of the engagement element (23) in the respective indent engagement element (32).

[0027] Figure 4 represents two embodiments of a capsule (1) according to the invention, provided in a substantially rigid synthetic material and presenting a first construction element (2) with a general form of cylindrical or frusto-conic type that presents a sidewall element (22) with an optimized wall thickness (e₂₂), in particular smaller than 0,8 mm. The first construction element (2) can be configured only in form of the container wall (drawing on the top left), adapted so as to be assembled with a respective base wall element (21) (top right). This base wall element (21) presents a wall thickness (e₂₁) that is smaller than 1,2 mm, preferentially smaller than 0,8 mm.

[0028] The capsule (1) further presents a second construction element (3) configured in a lid-like form, and that includes a top element (31) adapted so as to mechanically engage with said first construction element (2). The top element (31) is likewise optimized so as to present a wall thickness (e₃₁) smaller than 1,0 mm.

[0029] Figure 5 represents other embodiments of a capsule (1) according to the present invention, whereby in this case the first construction element (2) is provided as a single piece presenting a container form.

[0030] In particular, the wall thickness of the different construction elements may vary so as to optimize the structural resistance as a function of the expectable requirements in different zones of the capsule (1). In a preferred embodiment (drawing on the top left), the sidewall element (22) presents a wall thickness (e_22a) at a superior zone and a different wall thickness (e_22b) at an inferior zone. In another preferred embodiment (drawing on the top right), the base wall element (21) presents sections (21a, 21b) of different inclination relative to the symmetry axis XX, and presenting different wall thickness (e_21a, e_21b).

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, said construction elements (2, 3) are provided in at least one synthetic material, including thermoplastics including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene (PE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyamine (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and bio-polymers in particular with biodegradable characteristics, preferentially different, preferentially presenting a bigger rigidity in the case of the top element (31), whereby they are preferentially produced in a single piece.

[0032] According to another preferred embodiment, at least part of said construction elements (2, 3) is provided in a biodegradable material.

[0033] Figures 6, 7 and 8 represent relevant parts of a process of use of a capsule (1) according to the present invention, in particular with the advantages of lesser use of construction material resulting from the optimization of the structural resistance and of the mechanic closure assembly.

[0034] Figure 6 basically represents a process of assembling a capsule (1) according to the present invention, including the steps of supplying a first construction element (2), preferentially with a sidewall thickness (e₂₂) of at most 0,8 mm, filling thereof with a dose (4) of at least one edible substance, including at least one aromatic substance such as for example roasted and grind coffee, and closing assembly of a respective second construction element (3), preferentially presenting a top wall thickness (e₃₁) of at most 1,0 mm, upon said first construction element (2). According to an inventive aspect, this closing assembly is carried out by means of applying a mechanical force of axial compression and rotation, without applying thermal energy including by means of using welding processes or other with supply of thermal energy, or adhesion means including of glue type and similar.

[0035] In the case of the use of a capsule (1) according to the invention by a beverage preparation machine, in particular espresso type coffee, the capsule (1) is used by an extraction device (5) (represented only in indicative manner) comprised in a beverage preparation machine (not represented). As it is known, said extraction device (5) usually presents two actuation parts (6, 7) that engage the capsule (1) so as to inject a pressurized hot water flow inside thereof and to collect the resulting beverage, usually from the side opposed to the injection side, and respective delivery to a beverage discharge.

[0036] Figure 7 represents two main moments of said engagement of a capsule (1) between said actuation parts (6, 7), in particular in an initial opening position (top drawing) and in a closed position. The preparation of espresso type coffee represents a particularly demanding case in terms of the structural resistance of a capsule (1). In fact, attention is called to the fact that it is during the closed position, in particular during the injection of the pressurized water flow and during the pressure increase inside as a result of the release of gases by the coffee, that the structure of the capsule (1) is submitted to more relevant efforts. Notwithstanding, it has been possible to experimentally confirm the structural resistance of the capsule (1) presenting a wall thickness inferior to 0,8 mm, as well as structural reinforcement of the edge zone of said first and second construction elements (2, 3) by means of said structural reinforcement elements (33).

[0037] Figure 8 represents the disassembly of a capsule (1) according to the invention, after having prepared a beverage, for example as described above. The process thus basically includes the provision of a previously assembled capsule (1), the application of a mechanical force in the engagement zone between said first and second construction elements (2, 3) so as to remove the respective engagement by positive locking, and the separation of said first and second construction elements (2, 3), now considered as synthetic material residues meant for recycling, and of the dose (4), now considered as organic waste residues, for example coffee residues, due for further valorisation. The simplicity of disassembling the capsule (1) advantageously provides for that the final users can do this operation.

[0038] According to a particularly preferred and advantageous embodiment of the present invention, said engagement elements (23, 32) and/or structural reinforcement elements (33) are provided so that a disassembly of the capsule (1) requires a rotation movement that results in a substantial deformation and/or destruction of at least one of said structural reinforcement elements (33) so that it is not possible to carry out a later assembly thereof.

Claims

1. Capsule (1) for an edible product comprising:

- a first construction element (2) configured in a container-like form and including a base wall element (21) and a sidewall element (22),

- a second construction element (3) configured in a circular lid-like form and including a top element (31) and an indent engagement element (32) disposed in the perimeter zone of the top element (31) and providing a recess oriented towards the interior of the capsule (1) and adapted for engagement with the sidewall element (22) of said first construction element (2),

wherein said first and second construction elements (2, 3) are adapted for joint assembly so as to provide an interior volume that develops along an axial symmetry axis (XX) for housing a dose (4) of at least one edible substance,
characterized
in that said second construction element (3) presents at least three structural reinforcement elements (33) provided in the face of said top element (31) that is oriented towards inside the capsule (1), distributed in a substantially uniform manner along an angular direction of said top element (31) and extending along a radial direction until a zone next to said indent engagement element (32) so as to provide a backpressure upon the sidewall element (22) of said second construction element (2).

2. Capsule (1) according to claim 1,
Characterized in that said structural reinforcement elements (33) present a right triangular format of wedge or similar type, whereby one of the two orthogonal sides of the triangle develop along a radial direction of the um capsule (1) along at least one third of the extension corresponding to the radius of said top element (31) and the other of the two orthogonal sides of the triangle develops along the axial direction of the capsule (1) in the zone next to the peripheral edge of said top element (31).

3. Capsule (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the edge of said structural reinforcement elements (33) oriented towards the exterior of the capsule (1) is disposed at a distance from said indent engagement element (32) that is bigger than the thickness of said side wall element (22) of said second construction element (2), and in that the end of said structural reinforcement elements (33) oriented towards the interior of the capsule (1) does not extend beyond said indent engagement element (32) along the axial direction of the capsule (1).

4. Capsule (1) according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the end of the side wall element (22) of said first construction element (2) comprises a male engagement element (23) presenting a hook-like form or similar, and adapted so that it can engage under pressure along the outside direction of the capsule (1) in said indent engagement element (32) of said second construction element (3).

5. Capsule (1) according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said indent engagement element (32) presents an engagement dimension (e) that is variable along at least part of the respective perimeter, so that a respective joint assembly provides a substantially oxygen transfer tight closure of the respective perimeter surface.

6. Capsule (1) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that at least one of said structural reinforcement elements (33) presents a reduction of cross section so as to facilitate the initial engagement of said male engagement element (23) in respective indent engagement element (32).

7. Capsule (1) according to any one of previous claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said engagement elements (23, 32) and said structural reinforcement elements (33) are provided with a reduced wall thickness and a respective engagement is provided with reduced clearance, so that the removal of a respective engagement results in a substantial deformation and/or destruction of at least one of said engagement elements (23, 32) and/or structural reinforcement elements (33).

8. Capsule (1) according to any one of previous claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said first construction element (2) includes a side wall element (22) presenting a wall thickness (e₂₂) of at most 0,8 mm, and a base wall element (21) presenting a wall thickness (e₂₁) of at most 1,2 mm.

9. Capsule (1) according to any one of previous claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the wall thickness (e₂₂) of said side wall element (22) is substantially constant or variable, whereby it is inferior to 0,8 mm along at least most part of its axial extension.

10. Capsule (1) according to any one of previous claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the wall thickness (e₂₂) of said side wall element (22) is between 0,4 mm and 0,6 mm.

11. Capsule (1) according to any one of previous claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the wall thickness (e₂₁) of said base wall element (21) is variable in respective wall sections (21a, 21b), whereby said wall thickness (e₂₁) is preferentially bigger in the wall sections (21b) that are inclined relative to said axial symmetry axis (XX).

12. Capsule (1) according to any one of previous claims, characterized in that said second construction element (3) presents a top element (31) with a wall thickness (e₃₁) of at most 1,2 mm, preferentially at most 0,8 mm, along at least most of its extension.

13. Capsule (1) according to any one of previous claims, characterized in that said first construction element (2) is provided preferentially as a container of cylindrical, frusto-conical or similar form, defining an interior volume of at least 20 cm³ and with a form ratio between width and height comprised between 0,5:1 e 4:1.

14. Process of use of a capsule (1), in particular of a capsule (1) according to previous claims 1 to 13, including the steps:

- provision of at least one first construction element (2),

- provision of a dose (4) of at least one edible substance to the interior of said first construction element (2),

- application of a second construction element (3) presenting a plurality of structural reinforcement elements (33) upon said first construction element (2) so as to close the latter by means of mechanic engagement,

characterized
in that the application of said second construction element (3) upon said first construction element (2) is carried out by means of applying a mechanic compression force along the axial direction, or by means of applying an axial and a rotation mechanic compression force, without applying thermal energy or adhesion means.

15. Process according to claim 14, characterized in that if further includes the steps:

- removal of the mechanic engagement of said second construction element (3) with said first construction element (2),

- separation of the residues of said dose (4) of edible substance,

wherein the removal of the closure engagement is carried out by means of removal of the engagement of the engagement elements (22, 32) manually or with a device for applying mechanic force, preferentially including a rotation movement that results in a substantial deformation and/or destruction of at least one of said structural reinforcement elements (33) so that it is unviable a later engagement of said second construction element (3) upon said second construction element (2).

Drawing