Single-use capsule for machines for the dispensing of infused beverages

Abstract

A disposable capsule for machines for preparing beverages is provided. The capsule has a hollow, cup-shaped body with an insert having a frustoconical disk-like portion having a plurality of through openings formed in a mantle thereof, perforation members formed in a cavity thereof, and a stem that extends axially from a top portion of the frustoconical disk-like portion. The insert is axially movable between an assembly or packaging position, wherein the frustoconical disk-like portion rests on the bottom of the hollow body and the stem presses against the cover of the capsule deforming it outwards, and an opening position, wherein a free end of the stem is advanced in the axial direction and substantially aligned with a flange within the cup-shaped body, and the disk-like portion is flattened on the bottom and an perforation members interfere with the inner film thereby tearing it.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to the preparation of infused beverages such as coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like, as well as drinks based on syrups, and on liquid and powder concentrates starting from single-use capsules. More particularly, the invention relates to a disposable, single-dose or multi-dose capsule for machines for the preparation of such beverages.BACKGROUND[0002]Disposable capsules used in dispensing machines for infused beverages contain a product in granular or particulate form, for example coffee. It is known that a final beverage is obtained through an “extraction” process, whereby an infusion liquid, supplied under pressure and at a high temperature, typically water, crosses the capsule containing the granular product. The infusion liquid coming out from the capsule enriched by the aroma of the granular product is the desired beverage, which is suitably channeled within a dispensing machine and dispensed from a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a coffee capsule that separates the coffee from the infusion liquid, keeping it pure and good-tasting. The capsule can be used with different types of beverages, such as syrups, concentrates, and powders, by filling each sector with a different base beverage and a specific ingredient. This allows for easy customization and flexibility in creating different be temperatures and textures. Additionally, the capsule has a smaller opening, making it easier to prepare the beverage and flow the infusion liquid.

Problems solved by technology

Since a beverage extracted from the capsule is channeled within a dispensing machine and its served by a dispensing head thereof for example into a cup, it is difficult, if not impossible, to avoid flavor contamination between different beverages produced one after the other, for example coffee, tea and chocolate, because of beverage residuals that remain after infusion typically on the perforator elements, but also inside the channels formed in the dispensing head.

A problem of this type of capsules is that it is difficult to accurately predict the pressure threshold above which opening of the capsule occurs.

This does not allow to ensure constancy of the organoleptic properties of an infused beverage so obtained, which can be negatively perceived by users.

Since both the insert and the cup-shaped element coupled therewith are made of plastic and manufactured by way of injection molding processes, due to manufacturing tolerances a play may be formed at the coupling between the insert stem and the hole of cup-shaped element, which does not allow to achieve a tight coupling.

Conversely interference may occur between the insert stem and the hole of cup-shaped element, which makes it difficult to assemble the two components and hence penalizes packaging of the disposable capsule.

Images