CAPSULE FOR INFUSION OR SOLUBLE PRODUCTS

Abstract

 Capsule (1) for infusion or soluble products having a distal end (ED) and a proximal end (EP), opposite the distal end (ED); the capsule (1) comprises: a cup-shaped body (2) which defines a cavity (6) configured to house an infusion material; the cup-shaped body (2) comprises a side wall (4) and a bottom wall (5) (in particular, closed); the bottom wall (5) comprises at least one annular portion (7; 7A, 7B) at which the capsule (1) is configured to be perforable; and a closing element (3) which is arranged to close the cavity (6) of the cup-shaped body (2), at the proximal end (EP). The annular portion (7; 7A, 7B) has a plurality of protrusions (8) and a plurality of recesses (9; 9A, 9B) which are alternated with one another; wherein the plurality of protrusions (8; 8A, 8B) and the plurality of recesses (9; 9A, 9B) have a same thickness (S1), which is constant throughout the annular portion (7; 7A, 7B).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102023000020658 filed on October 5, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a capsule for infusion or soluble products.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention is advantageously (but not exclusively) applied to capsules for granular, powdered or leaf infusion or soluble products, such as for example coffee, barley, powdered milk, tea, camomile, fruit.

PRIOR ART

[0004] As is known, capsules for infusion or soluble products typically comprise a cup-shaped body preferably having, as a whole, a truncated cone shape which in turn comprises a side wall and a bottom wall. The cup-shaped body has a proximal end, opposite the bottom wall, which is closed by a closing element, also called lid. Typically, the proximal end has a dimension (in particular, diameter) greater than the distal end (at the bottom wall of the cup-shaped body).

[0005] The cup-shaped body thus defines a cavity inside which the infusion or soluble material is housed.

[0006] The capsule for infusion or soluble products is configured to be arranged, in use, inside a percolation chamber of a beverage extraction machine. The percolation chamber defines a housing and typically has a support which defines an upper shoulder against which an upper edge of the side wall of the cup-shaped body abuts.

[0007] The capsule, such as for example the one described in EP4134331, housed in the percolation chamber is perforated by means of a perforating unit which comprises perforation means. The perforation means are configured to perforate the capsule at the closing element and at the bottom wall of the cup-shaped body. In particular, through at least one opening (in particular, hole) made at the closing element, pressurized water is injected for mixing it inside the cup-shaped body with the infusion product. Whereas, through at least one opening (in particular, hole) made at the bottom wall of the cup-shaped body, the infused beverage comes out of the cup-shaped body so as to be collected inside a container, such as for example a coffee cup, mug or glass.

[0008] The disadvantage of the known capsules is that the bottom wall is bendable and, therefore, deforms when it is perforated by means of the perforations means, with consequent problems during the perforation which is not performed in a precise and constant manner.

[0009] WO2013122460 describes a capsule for infusion products which has a flat bottom wall.

[0010] WO2022123478A1 describes a capsule for infusion products which is not perforable. In WO2022123478A1 the opening occurs on its own due to the increase in pressure inside the capsule.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a capsule for infusion or soluble products which is at least in part devoid of the drawbacks of the state of the art and which is easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0012] According to the present invention, a capsule for infusion or soluble products is provided according to what claimed in the appended claims, which describe preferred embodiments of the present invention forming integral part of the present description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In order to better understand the invention, embodiments are described, by way of mere example, wherein:

• Figure 1 is a schematic top perspective view (with some parts removed for clarity) of a capsule manufactured in accordance with a first possible embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 2 is a schematic bottom perspective view (with some parts removed for clarity) of the capsule of Figure 1;
• Figures 3 and 4 are schematic longitudinal section views (with some parts removed for clarity) of the capsule of Figures 1 and 2, made along a different cutting plane;
• Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 4;
• Figure 6 is a schematic section view (with some parts removed for clarity) of the capsule of Figures 1-5 arranged inside a percolation chamber;
• Figure 7 is a schematic perspective section view (with some parts removed for clarity) of the capsule of Figures 1-5 arranged inside a percolation chamber;
• Figure 8 is a schematic top perspective view (with some parts removed for clarity) of a capsule manufactured in accordance with a second possible embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 9 is a schematic bottom perspective view (with some parts removed for clarity) of the capsule of Figure 8;
• Figures 10 and 11 are schematic longitudinal section views (with some parts removed for clarity) of the capsule of Figures 8 and 9, made along a different cutting plane;
• Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 11;
• Figure 13 is a schematic section view (with some parts removed for clarity) of the capsule of Figures 8-12 arranged inside a percolation chamber; and
• Figure 14 is a schematic perspective section view (with some parts removed for clarity) of the capsule of Figures 8-12 arranged inside a percolation chamber.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In the accompanying figures, reference numeral 1 indicates, as a whole, a capsule for infusion or soluble products according to the present invention. The capsule 1 has a proximal end EP and a distal end ED. The proximal end EP is opposite the distal end ED.

[0015] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-7, pressurized water is injected, in use, at the distal end ED; whereas, the infused or dissolved product comes out of the capsule 1 at the proximal end EP. On the contrary, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8-14, pressurized water is injected, in use, at the proximal end EP; whereas, the infused or dissolved product comes out of the capsule 1 at the distal end ED.

[0016] The capsule 1 comprises a cup-shaped body 2 and a closing element 3 (which is schematically illustrated only in Figures 3, 4, 10 and 11; whereas, in the remaining figures it is not shown for improving clarity). The cup-shaped body 2 comprises (in particular is composed of) a side wall 4 and a bottom wall 5. In particular, the bottom wall 5 is closed, namely does not have through openings prior to use. The cup-shaped body 2 defines a cavity 6 configured to house inside it an infusion or soluble material. Namely, the walls 4 and 5 delimit the cavity 6 inside them.

[0017] The cup-shaped body 2 is open at the top (at the proximal end EP) and is closed by the closing element 3. In other words, the closing element 3 is arranged to close the cavity 6 of the cup-shaped body 2, at the proximal end EP. In particular, the closing element 3 rests on or is connected (in particular, glued, sealed or interlocked) to an annular shoulder 10 made at the proximal end EP of the cup-shaped body 2. The side wall 4 comprises the annular shoulder 10. In particular, the annular shoulder 10 laterally (in particular, radially) extends (namely, projects) outwards from the side wall 4. The infusion or soluble material is preferably in granular, powdered or leaf form.

[0018] The bottom wall 5 comprises at least one annular portion 7 at which the capsule 1 is configured to be perforated (namely is perforable), in use, by means of perforation means E of the percolation machine. The perforation means E and the percolation machine are not part of the present invention. In particular, the bottom wall 5 is configured to be perforable exclusively at the annular portion 7. The annular portion 7 has a plurality of protrusions 8 and a plurality of recesses 9 which are alternated with one another. In particular, the recesses 9 are not through openings. In other words, two adjacent protrusions 8 are interspersed with (i.e. there is interposed) a recess 9 (viewed with reference to the inner cavity 6), in particular in circumferential direction. Therefore, the annular portion 7 of the bottom wall 5 is shaped in waves, in particular in circumferential direction with respect to the axis X.

[0019] The term "protrusion" means the part of the bottom wall 5 shaped so as to project outwards (with reference to the cavity 6); whereas, the term "recess" means the part of the bottom wall 5 shaped so as to project inwards (with reference to the cavity 6). Therefore, each protrusion 8 is defined by a radial rib (which extends radially with respect to the axis X); whereas, each recess 9 is defined by a radial groove (which extends radially with respect to the axis X). The plurality of protrusions 8 and the plurality of recesses 9 have the same thickness S1 (in particular circumferentially), which is constant throughout the annular portion 7. In other words, as is illustrated in Figures 4 and 11 which show a cross-section made along a longitudinal plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the capsule 1, the bottom wall 5 forming the plurality of protrusions 8 and the plurality of recesses 9 have the same thickness S1 which is constant throughout the annular portion 7 (as is visible in Figures 5 and 12). Therefore, the wall 5 has at the annular portion 7, and thus at the protrusions 8 and recesses 9 of the same, the thickness S1 which is constant. Therefore, each recess 9 is not obtained by means of a reduction in thickness S1 of the at least one annular portion 7. Preferably, the thickness S1 is between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0020] Advantageously, as is illustrated in the accompanying figures, the annular portion 7 is arranged at a distance D1 and D2, both not zero, from a longitudinal axis X of the capsule 1 and from the side wall 4 of the same. In other words, the annular portion 7 is arranged at the distance D1 from the longitudinal axis X of the capsule 1 and is arranged at the distance D2 from the side wall 5, with both distances D1 and D2 which are not zero. In Figure 10, the distances D1 and D2 are indicated between the axis X and the mean radius of the portion 7A or 7B.

[0021] Advantageously (but not limitedly), according to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-7, the annular portion 7 is one.

[0022] Advantageously (but not limitedly), according to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8-14, the annular portions 7 are two (indicated by 7A and 7B, respectively, in Figures 8-14) and are arranged concentrically with respect to each other. In particular, according to what is illustrated in Figures 8-14, the annular portion 7A is arranged radially more internal with respect to the annular portion 7B. Preferably, according to what is illustrated in the accompanying figures, the recesses 9A of one annular portion 7A and the recesses 9B of the other annular portion 7B are radially aligned with one another. According to a possible alternative (which is not illustrated), at least two (in particular all the) recesses 9A of an annular portion 7A and at least two (in particular all the) recesses 9B of the other annular portion 7B are radially offset with respect to one another.

[0023] Advantageously, according to what is illustrated in the accompanying figures, the recesses 9A of one annular portion 7A and the recesses 9B of the other annular portion 7B have the same thickness S1 and/or the same shape and/or the same dimensions (in particular, circumferential dimension and radial dimension with respect to the axis X). Alternatively, according to an embodiment not illustrated, the recesses 9A of one annular portion 7A and the recesses 9B of the other annular portion 7B have the thickness S1 and/or the shape and/or the dimensions (in particular, circumferential dimension and radial dimension with respect to the axis X) different from one another.

[0024] According to what is illustrated, the recesses 9 of the same annular portion 7 have the same shape and/or the same dimensions (in particular, circumferential dimension and radial dimension with respect to the axis X). Alternatively, according to an embodiment the recesses 9 of the same annular portion 7 have different shapes and/or dimensions (in particular, circumferential dimension and radial dimension with respect to the axis X).

[0025] Advantageously, but not limitedly, according to what is illustrated in the accompanying figures, each protrusion 8, 8A or 8B and/or recess 9, 9A or 9B has a trapezoidal transverse shape.

[0026] Advantageously, between the two annular portions 7 an annular rib 11 is interposed (as is illustrated in Figures 8-14). According to what is illustrated, the annular rib 11 has a thickness S2 which is greater than the thickness S1 of the annular portion 7, so as to stiffen the zone. However, according to a possible alternative, the thickness S2 could also be identical to or smaller than the thickness S1.

[0027] According to a possible embodiment not illustrated, the capsule 1 comprises more than two annular portions 7.

[0028] Advantageously, but not limitedly, the bottom wall 5 of the capsule 1 comprises besides the annular portion 7 also a central portion 12 which is concentric to the annular portion 7. The central portion 12 is arranged internally (namely closer to the longitudinal axis X) with respect to the annular portion 7. The central portion 12 typically comprises a central recess 13. The central recess 13 is one. According to what is illustrated, the central portion 12 has a thickness S3 which is greater than the thickness S1 and/or S2.

[0029] Advantageously, but not limitedly, the bottom wall 5 comprises a peripheral portion 14, having an annular shape. The peripheral portion 14 is arranged perimetrically (namely radially more external) to the annular portion 7. Therefore, the annular portion 7 is interposed between the central portion 12 (if present) and the peripheral portion 14.

[0030] Advantageously, but not limitedly, perimetrically to the annular portion 7, in particular to both annular portions 7A and 7B, an annular rib 15 is arranged (comprised in the bottom wall 5) which is concentric with the at least one annular portion 7.

[0031] Advantageously, according to what is illustrated in Figures 1-7, the capsule 1 comprises a plurality of longitudinal ribs 16, preferably equally spaced apart from one another, made at the inner surface (facing the cavity 6) of the side wall 4, in particular between the side wall 4 and the bottom wall 5 (in particular of its peripheral portion 14). The rib 16 is configured to increase the stiffness of the capsule 1. In particular, the capsule 1 illustrated in Figures 1-7 comprises six longitudinal ribs 16. The ribs 16 preferably have a longitudinal section having a triangular shape.

[0032] Advantageously, according to what is illustrated in the accompanying figures, the capsule 1 comprises a plurality of longitudinal ribs 17, preferably equally spaced apart from one another, made at the external surface (opposite the cavity 6) of the side wall 4. The longitudinal ribs 17 are configured to perform the centring of the capsule 1 inside a percolation chamber C. According to what is illustrated in Figures 1-7, the longitudinal ribs 17 are made at or in the proximity of the shoulder 10. In particular, the capsule 1 illustrated in Figures 1-7 comprises ten longitudinal ribs 17. In particular, the longitudinal ribs 17 are divided into two groups (with reference, for example, to the capsule 1 of Figures 1-7, two groups are present, each made up of five longitudinal ribs 17). Each group is arranged at a different distance D3 from the proximal end EP with respect to the other group. The distance D3 is measured from the proximal end EP (in particular from the element 3) up to the lower end of the longitudinal rib 17.

[0033] Advantageously, according to what is illustrated in Figures 8-14, the capsule 1 comprises a plurality of longitudinal ribs 17 which act as stiffening elements of the side wall 4. The longitudinal ribs 17 are arranged in the proximity of the distal end ED.

[0034] According to the advantageous non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, the capsule 1 preferably has a truncated cone shape and therefore the longitudinal axis x also acts as symmetry axis of the capsule 1.

[0035] According to alternative non-limiting embodiments which are not illustrated, the capsule 1 can have a shape, namely a section transverse to the longitudinal extension between the ends EP and ED of the capsule 1, which is (non-exhaustive list) elliptical, rectangular, square, polygonal, shaped or a combination thereof.

[0036] Advantageously, but not limitedly, the cup-shaped body 2 is preferably manufactured as a single block (namely, is manufactured as one single piece).

[0037] Preferably, the cup-shaped body 2 is made of a material comprising one of the following: a plastic material, a biodegradable material, a compostable material (namely a material which complies with regulation UNI EN 13432), or a combination thereof.

[0038] In use, as is schematically illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 13 and 14, the capsule 1 is inserted in the percolation chamber C (only partially illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 13 and 14) of the machine for the extraction of the product. The capsule 1 inserted in the percolation chamber C has the longitudinal ribs 17 (if present) that engage in abutment against the side wall 4 of the percolation chamber C. The percolation chamber C has the perforating unit U which is configured to perforate the closing element 3 and the bottom wall 5. In particular, the perforating unit U comprises a plurality of perforation means E. It is highlighted that, for simplicity, Figures 6, 7, 13 and 14 illustrate only the perforation means E of the bottom wall 5; whereas, the perforation means E of the closing element 3 are not illustrated.

[0039] At this point, in the capsule 1 illustrated in Figures 1-7, through at least one opening (in particular, hole) made at the closing element 3, pressurized water is injected for mixing it inside the cup-shaped body with the infusion product. Subsequently, the infused or dissolved product comes out of the cup-shaped body 2 through at least one opening (in particular, hole) made at the bottom wall 5 (in particular at the annular portion 7) so as to be collected inside a container (such as, for example, a coffee cup, mug, or glass).

[0040] On the contrary, in the capsule 1 illustrated in Figures 1-7, through at least one opening (in particular, hole) made at the bottom wall 5 (in particular at the annular portion 7) pressurized water is injected for mixing it inside the cup-shaped body 2 with the infusion product.

[0041] Subsequently, the infused or dissolved product comes out of the cup-shaped body 2 through at least one opening (in particular, hole) made at the closing element 3 so as to be collected inside a container (such as, for example, a coffee cup, mug or glass).

[0042] In both cases, preferably, the water injected under pressure is hot, but alternatively it could be cold or warm.

[0043] The capsule 1 described up to here has a plurality of advantages.

[0044] The capsule 1 has an improved perforation, as by comprising the three-dimensional shape (given by the protrusions 8 and by the recesses 9) with a constant thickness S1, the stiffness of the annular portion 7 is increased and, consequently, of the bottom wall 5 at the perforation zone. In other words, the geometry having plane jumps with constant thickness S1, allows a better perforation of the capsule 1 by the perforation means E of the machine. In fact, the protrusions 8 and recesses 9 made as previously described, allow obtaining a greater stiffness than the known capsules, in which the protrusions 8 and recesses 9 are made by means of the localized reduction in thickness. A thickness heterogeneity is thus eliminated in the annular portion 7. The stiffness of the geometry of the annular portion 7, allows optimizing the perforation of the capsule 1 by the perforation means E, reducing the spring effect caused by the plastic deformation of the bottom wall 5.

[0045] Therefore, the capsule 1 has a greater perforation precision, as by increasing the stiffness of the bottom wall 5 the perforability of the same is increased.

Claims

1. A capsule (1) for infusion or soluble products having a distal end (ED) and a proximal end (EP), opposite the distal end (ED); the capsule (1) comprises:

a cup-shaped body (2) defining a cavity (6) configured to house an infusion material; the cup-shaped body (2) comprises a side wall (4) and a bottom wall (5) (in particular, closed); the bottom wall (5) comprises at least one annular portion (7; 7A, 7B) at which the capsule (1) is configured to be perforable; and

a closing element (3) which is arranged to close the cavity (6) of the cup-shaped body (2) at the proximal end (EP) ;

characterized in that the annular portion (7; 7A, 7B) has a plurality of protrusions (8; 8A, 8B) and a plurality of recesses (9; 9A, 9B) which are alternated with one another; wherein the wall (5) forming the plurality of protrusions (8; 8A, 8B) and the plurality of recesses (9; 9A, 9B) has the same thickness (S1), which is constant throughout the annular portion (7; 7A , 7B).

2. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom wall (5) is configured to be perforable exclusively at the annular portion (7; 7A, 7B).

3. The capsule (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the annular portion (7; 7A, 7B) is arranged at a first distance (D1) from a longitudinal axis of the capsule (1) and is arranged at a second distance (D2) from the side wall (5); wherein both distances (D1, D2) are not zero.

4. The capsule (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the annular portions (7; 7A, 7B) are two and are arranged concentrically with respect to each other.

5. The capsule (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each protrusion (8; 8A, 8B) is defined by a radial rib; whereas, each recess (9; 9A, 9B) is defined by a radial groove.

6. The capsule (1) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein at least two, in particular all the recesses (9; 9A) of a first annular portion (7; 7A) and at least two, in particular all the recesses (9; 9B) of a second annular portion (7; 7B) are radially aligned with one another.

7. The capsule (1) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein at least two, in particular all the recesses (9; 9A) of a first annular portion (7; 7A) and at least two, in particular all the recesses (9; 9B) of a second annular portion (7; 7B) are radially offset with respect to one another.

8. The capsule (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each protrusion (8; 8A, 8B) and/or recess (9; 9A, 9B) has a trapezoidal transverse shape.

9. The capsule (1) according to any previous claim, wherein the thickness (S1) is between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm.

10. The capsule (1) according to any previous claim, wherein perimetrically to the annular portion (7; 7A; 7B), in particular to both annular portions (7; 7A, 7B), an annular rib (15) is arranged which is concentric with at least one annular portion (7; 7A; 7B).

Drawing