Container for preparing a beverage

Abstract

Container (1) intended for preparing a beverage in a device for making a beverage, comprising: a main body comprising a bottom wall (101); a side wall (102) extending around a longitudinal axis (A) between a first annular edge (102A) connected to the bottom wall and a second annular edge (102B), wherein the side wall (102) has an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis (A) and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface; an annular flange (103) extending from the second annular edge (102B) of the side wall (102) away from the longitudinal axis (A); a plurality of protrusions (104) disposed around the longitudinal axis (A) and protruding from a first portion (1021) of the outer surface of the side wall (102) proximal to the flange (103).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a container intended for the preparation of a beverage in a device for making beverages. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a container and a mould for manufacturing a container. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of production of beverages by infusion; for example, it is known in this field to use containers which contain an infusion material, such as coffee. The containers comprise a cup or body and a lid and are designed to be placed in a specific beverage-making machine in which hot water or steam is fed into the container in order to brew the beverage.

[0003] More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the field of production of beverages, such as American coffee, by infusion; the containers used in this field are larger than those used in Nespresso-like coffee machines; typically, the containers are provided with a filter element which divides the internal space into a first portion, which contains the substance intended for the production of the beverage (for example, coffee), and a second portion. The beverage-making machine feeds hot water into the first portion; the substance contained in the first portion is infused, which produces the beverage which migrates through the filter element into the second portion; finally, the machine extracts the beverage from the second portion.

[0004] Such containers are described, for example, in the following patent documents: US2002 / 0020659, US9232871B2, US2018160845A1, US2018118450A1, US2017042362A1.

[0005] One problem of the containers of the prior art is that, if the container production process involves stacking a plurality of containers one on top of the other after the container body has been formed and before the internal space is filled with the infusion substance, the containers tend to stick together, making it difficult to separate them from each other. In order to overcome this problem, the containers of this prior art can be provided, on their side wall, with a lower flange profile of cylindrical shape, wider than the rest of the side wall (with a truncated conical shape), so that when two containers are stacked on top of each other, the flanges remain spaced apart and make it easier to separate the containers, if necessary. However, in many cases, the lower flange profile is not very effective in preventing the containers from getting stuck inside each other; moreover, the lower flange profile makes the side wall thicker, which means that the containers are heavier and therefore more expensive.

[0006] Other solutions for containers intended to contain a product for making a beverage are described in WO2013038382, WO2013164669, WO2015170385 and WO2015056238. SUMMARY

[0007] The aim of the present disclosure is to provide a container for preparing a beverage in a device for making a beverage, a method for manufacturing a container and a mould for manufacturing a container which overcome the drawbacks of the prior art described above.

[0008] The aims described above are fully achieved by the container, the method and the mould characterised in the appended claims.

[0009] More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a container for preparing a beverage in a device for making a beverage.

[0010] The container comprises a main body (or cup). The main body is preferably made of a thermoplastic material (for example, a polymeric material, a composite material or a biocompatible material).

[0011] The main body comprises a bottom wall. The main body comprises a side wall. The side wall extends around a longitudinal axis between a first annular edge and a second annular edge. The first annular edge is connected with the bottom wall; therefore, the side wall extends between the bottom wall and the second annular edge. The side wall has an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface.

[0012] The main body further comprises an annular flange. The annular flange is connected with the second annular edge of the side wall. The annular flange extends away from the longitudinal axis from the second annular edge of the side wall. The outer surface of the side wall comprises a first portion close to the flange and a second portion away from the flange. It should be noted that the shape of the second portion is preferably frustoconical. The shape of the first portion can be cylindrical or frustoconical. In one embodiment, the inclination of the first portion with respect to the longitudinal axis is different compared to the second portion; more specifically, the inclination of the first portion with respect to the longitudinal axis is less steep than the second portion. Preferably, the first portion radially protrudes away from the longitudinal axis from the second portion.

[0013] It should be noted that the flange preferably has a flat shape. Moreover, the flat shape of the flange defines a plane coinciding with a radial plane, i.e. a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the flange is disposed (completely) along a radially oriented plane, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. In addition to being flat, the front face of the flange is preferably smooth.

[0014] The side wall of the main body of the container has a thickness; the thickness of the flange is the same or substantially the same as the thickness of the side wall of the main body of the container. Therefore, the front face of the flange and the back face of the flange are spaced apart by an amount equal to the thickness. Therefore, the flange is thin; the radial extension of the flange is much greater than its thickness.

[0015] Inside it, the container defines a space. In the example embodiment, the space inside the container is empty, that is, without any partitions or compartments.

[0016] The diameter of the second annular rim is greater than or equal to 35 mm; more particularly, the diameter of the second annular rim is greater than or equal to 40 mm; preferably, the diameter of the second annular rim is greater than or equal to 45 mm; more preferably, the diameter of the second annular rim is greater than or equal to 50 mm (for example, 51 mm).

[0017] The length of the container (i.e. of the container body or of the side wall of the container body) along the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 30 mm; more particularly, the length of the container (i.e. of the container body or of the side wall of the container body) along the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 35 mm; preferably, the length of the container (i.e. of the container body or of the side wall of the container body) along the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 40 mm (for example, 45 mm). The length of the container or of the side wall thereof refers to the distance between the first annular rim and the second annular rim.

[0018] Preferably, the body comprises a plurality of protrusions. These protrusions are disposed about the longitudinal axis. These protrusions protrude from the first portion of the outer surface of the side wall. Thus, the protrusions are located on the outer surface of the side wall at a location adjacent to the annular flange. The protrusions of the plurality of protrusions create a local thickening of the side wall. The function of the protrusions is to prevent the container bodies, when stacked inside one another (before filling and before application of the lid), from getting stuck inside one another; thus, the protrusions make it subsequently easier to disentangle them. Furthermore, by thickening the side wall only locally, these protrusions do not add a significant weight to the container, which thus remains lightweight and therefore economical.

[0019] Preferably, the plurality of protrusions extends along respective axes contained in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis. Thus, the protrusions define ribs. Said plane extends radially from the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, said axes are parallel to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, said axes have a component parallel to the longitudinal axis and a component radial to the longitudinal axis; the component parallel to the longitudinal axis is greater than the radial component. The fact that the protrusions extend along axes contained in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis facilitates disentanglement, since during disentanglement one container is pulled out of another by a movement along the longitudinal axis and thus along the axes of the protrusions.

[0020] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the protrusions can have different shapes; for example, they can extend along axes also having a component tangential to the longitudinal axis, or they can be in the form of small embossings or be in the shape of hemispheres.

[0021] Preferably, the plurality of protrusions is angularly equidistantly spaced about the longitudinal axis.

[0022] Preferably, the plurality of protrusions comprises at least three protrusions. More preferably, the plurality of protrusions comprises at least five protrusions, or at least seven, at least ten or at least fifteen protrusions.

[0023] It should be noted that the annular flange has a back face towards the bottom wall and a front face opposite the back face.

[0024] Preferably, the container body comprises a plurality of protrusions disposed about the longitudinal axis and protruding from the back face of the annular flange. The protrusions of the plurality of protrusions create a local thickening of the annular flange. The protrusions not only have the function of facilitating the disassembly of containers stacked one inside the other, but also have the function of reinforcing the annular flange; thanks to the protrusions, the annular flange can be made thinner, making the container lighter in weight, thus saving material.

[0025] Preferably, the plurality of protrusions extends along a respective radial axis. The radial axis is contained in a plane extending radially from the longitudinal axis. More specifically, the radial axis extends in a radial direction starting from the longitudinal axis. Thus, the protrusions define radial ribs.

[0026] It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the protrusions can have other shapes: for example, they can be hemispherical or parallelepiped in shape.

[0027] Preferably, the number of protrusions of the plurality of protrusions is equal to the number of protrusions of the plurality of protrusions. Preferably, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is joined to a corresponding protrusion of the plurality of protrusions. Thus, each protrusion constitutes an extension of the corresponding protrusion on the back face of the flange.

[0028] The annular flange extends from the second annular edge of the side wall to a further annular edge surrounding the annular flange. Preferably, each protrusion extends from a first end portion joined to an end portion of the corresponding protrusion to a second end portion positioned on the further annular edge. Thus, the radial extension of each protrusion is equal to the radial extension of the lower side surface of the annular flange.

[0029] The angle formed by each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions with the corresponding protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is between 40° and 60°; preferably between 40° and 55°, or between 45° and 55°.

[0030] It should be noted that the container also comprises a lid at least in its final configuration in which it is ready to be placed in a beverage making machine. The lid is joined to the annular flange; more specifically, the lid is joined to the front face of the annular flange. The lid delimits or encloses, together with the body, an internal space inside the container. The container preferably also comprises a filter element positioned in the internal space. The filter element can be made of a cellulosic material, for example paper. The container also comprises a substance for making a beverage. The substance for making a beverage is at least packaged in a space at least partially delimited by the filter element. More specifically, the filter element divides the internal space into a containment space and a collection space, and the substance for making a beverage is contained in the containment space.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the container is made of a biocompatible material. In an exemplary embodiment, the container is made of a formable material, preferably obtained from natural fibers (for example, cellulose). Alternatively, the material is a biodegradable / compatible synthetic polymeric material.

[0032] In one embodiment, the material is BIOMIND CCB07H5, that is to say, a home compostable compound with a 35% renewable content, which is preferably recommended for biodegradable short-life products.

[0033] The properties of this material are shown in the following table:

[0034]

[0035] Other products with a melting point in the range between 150° and 200° can be used. Biodegradable resins with the properties listed in the following table can also be used.

[0036]

[0037] Another biocompatible material is INZEA F58 That is to say, a thermoplastic material made partly of biodegradable material. INZEA F58 Suitable for injection molding applications. It can be processed in conventional polyolefin equipment. The material has the following properties:

[0038]

[0039] The following materials are listed, each followed by a table showing the corresponding technical properties.

[0040] Ingeo TM Biopolymer 2500HP technical data sheet:

[0041]

[0042]

[0043] Ingeo TM Biopolymer 3001D

[0044]

[0045] Ingeo TM Biopolymer 3100HP technical data sheet

[0046]

[0047]

[0048] Ingeo TM Biopolymer 3251D

[0049]

[0050]

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, the material is a heterophasic copolymer. One example of such a material is BJ356MO, which has the following data table:

[0052] Physical properties

[0053]

[0054] 1 Measured on injection molded samples according to ISO 1873-2

[0055] In one embodiment, the material is a polypropylene copolymer. One example of such a material is BJ368MO, which has the following data table:

[0056] Physical properties

[0057]

[0058]

[0059] With respect to the examples of materials listed above that can be used to make the container and the related data tables, it should be noted that for each example, the material that makes up the plastic should have the values indicated in the table itself for at least one of the parameters indicated in the table (more specifically, for each table, for any combination or selection of the parameters in the table, the material should have the corresponding values indicated in the table itself).

[0060] In one embodiment, the copolymer can be core-shell. Additionally, the copolymer can be heterophasic and polypropylene. In one embodiment, the copolymer can be a homopolymer. In one embodiment, the copolymer can be an antistatic homopolymer.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the material is a highly transparent polypropylene random copolymer.

[0062] The material obtained from natural fibers can be a powder, a solid, or a paste. For example, the material obtained from natural fibers includes a powder to be pressed, or it can be in the form of a pellet, a film, or a pre-processed product. The pre-processed product can have a flat, concave, or disc shape.

[0063] It should be noted that the inner space is not necessarily filled, but can also be empty. Preferably, the containing space is partly delimited by the lid (and by the filter element), and the collecting space is partly delimited by the bottom wall (and by the filter element). Thus, when the container is inserted into the beverage making machine, the machine feeds hot water into the containing space where the substance is located; the beverage is made by infusion and passes from the containing space through the filter element into the collecting space; then, the machine withdraws the beverage from the collecting space. More specifically, the machine makes a first hole in the lid and a second hole in the bottom wall, through which the machine feeds hot water into the containing space, and through which the made beverage is withdrawn.

[0064] In one embodiment, the substance for making a beverage comprises coffee granules. In another embodiment, the substance for making a beverage comprises coffee powder. In another embodiment, the substance for making a beverage comprises chamomile or tea.

[0065] The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a container intended for preparing a beverage in a device for making a beverage. The method comprises a step of forming a body of the container. According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the container is manufactured and more specifically the container body is manufactured. In the forming step, a bottom wall, a side wall and an annular flange of the container body are formed. The side wall extends around a longitudinal axis between a first annular edge connected to the bottom wall and a second annular edge; the side wall has an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The annular flange extends from the second annular edge of the side wall away from the longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the side wall comprises a first portion close to the flange and a second portion away from the flange. In the step of forming the container body, a plurality of protrusions is also made, the plurality of protrusions being arranged around the longitudinal axis and protruding from the first portion of the outer surface of the side wall. Thus, the protrusions are made in a region of the outer surface of the side wall adjacent to the annular flange. The protrusions of the plurality of protrusions create local thickening of the side wall.

[0066] Preferably, in the forming step a plurality of protrusions is also made, the plurality of protrusions being arranged around the longitudinal axis and protruding from a back face of the annular flange, the back face facing the bottom wall.

[0067] In one embodiment, the forming step is performed by compression molding. Thus, the container body is formed from a charge of thermoplastic material. In this embodiment, the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions are made integral with the side wall of the container body by compression molding. The protrusions of the plurality of protrusions are made integral with the annular flange (and with the container body) by compression molding.

[0068] In this embodiment, the forming step is performed by means of a mold manufactured according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure; more specifically, the forming step is performed by means of a mold comprising a lower unit and an upper unit that are movable with respect to each other. The forming step thus comprises preparing a charge of thermoplastic material, positioning the charge on the lower unit of the mold, closing the mold by moving the upper unit and the lower unit towards each other until they delimit a molding cavity in which the container body is formed from the charge. The forming step can also comprise cooling the container body. The method also comprises a step of opening the mold by moving the upper unit and the lower unit away from each other, and a step of extracting the formed container from the mold.

[0069] In one embodiment, the forming step is performed by injection molding. In this embodiment, the projections of the plurality of projections are integrally made with the side wall of the container body by injection molding. The projections of the plurality of projections are integrally made with the annular flange (and with the container body) by injection molding.

[0070] The method can also comprise a step of preparing a filter element and inserting the filter element into the internal space inside the container body. The method can also comprise a step of feeding a substance for making a beverage into the internal space; more specifically, into a portion of the internal space that is partially delimited by the filter element, also referred to as a containment space. The method can also comprise a step of joining a lid to the front face of the annular flange so as to close the internal space. The containment space, in which the substance is located, is closed between the lid and the filter element after the step of joining the lid.

[0071] The present disclosure also provides a mold for manufacturing a container intended for preparing a beverage in a device for making a beverage. The mold is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the mold defines a molding cavity. The molding cavity is shaped in such a way as to form a container according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. More specifically, the molding cavity comprises a bottom recess, a side recess and a flange recess. The side recess extends around a longitudinal axis between a first annular end connected to the bottom recess and a second annular end. The side recess has an inner wall facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite the inner wall. The flange hollow extends from the second annular end away from the longitudinal axis and is connected to the second annular end. The outer wall of the side hollow comprises a first portion close to the flange hollow and a second portion away from the flange hollow. Preferably, the second portion is frustoconical in shape. The first portion is cylindrical or frustoconical in shape.

[0072] Before the container is extracted from the mold, the longitudinal axis of the mold coincides with the longitudinal axis of the container formed in the mold.

[0073] Preferably, the diameter of the second annular end portion (in particular, of its outer edge) is greater than or equal to 35 mm (or 40 mm or 45 mm or 50 mm). The length of the shaped cavity (i.e., of the side hollow) along the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 35 mm (or 30 mm or 40 mm or 45 mm).

[0074] Preferably, the side hollow comprises a plurality of hollows (or recesses) arranged in a first portion of the outer wall of the side hollow around the longitudinal axis. Thus, the recesses are made in the area of the outer wall adjacent to the flange hollow. The recesses locally widen the side hollow. Preferably, the recesses extend along an axis contained in a respective plane passing through the longitudinal axis. Thus, the recesses define grooves.

[0075] It should be noted that the flange hollow has a rear wall facing the bottom hollow and a front wall opposite the rear wall. Preferably, the flange hollow comprises a plurality of depressions arranged in the rear wall of the flange hollow around the longitudinal axis. The depressions locally widen the flange hollow. Preferably, the depressions extend along respective radial axes arranged radially starting from the longitudinal axis. Thus, the depressions also define grooves.

[0076] Preferably, the number of depressions is equal to the number of recesses. Each depression is equal to a respective recess and thus constitutes an extension thereof. Preferably, each depression forms an angle of between 40° and 55° with the respective recess.

[0077] Preferably, the mold comprises an upper unit and a lower unit movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the mold is parallel to the force of gravity. In the open configuration of the mold, the upper unit and the lower unit are spaced apart, and in the closed configuration of the mold, the upper unit and the lower unit are brought together and delimit the shaped cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0078] These and other characteristics will become clearer from the following description of a preferred embodiment, shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0079] Figure 1 a perspective view of a container body manufactured according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0080] Figure 2 a container body of Figure 1 is shown in a further perspective view;

[0081] Figure 3 a container body of Figure 1 is shown in a view from below;

[0082] Figure 4 a container body of Figure 1 is shown in a longitudinal section;

[0083] Figure 5 The container shown in this disclosure includes Figure 1 The main body, filter, substance, and lid are shown.

[0084] Figure 5A It shows Figure 5 Container filters;

[0085] Figure 6 The diagram shows a manufacturing process in an open configuration. Figure 1 The mold for the main body of the container;

[0086] Figure 7 It shows a closed structure Figure 6 The mold. Detailed Implementation

[0087] Referring to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a container. Container 1 includes a body 100. The body 100 includes a bottom wall 101, side walls 102, and an annular flange 103. The side wall 102 extends about a longitudinal axis A between a first annular edge 102A and a second annular edge 102B. The first annular edge 102A and the second annular edge 102B are about the longitudinal axis A. The first annular edge 102A is connected to the bottom wall 101. The second annular edge 102B is connected to the annular flange 103.

[0088] The sidewall 102 has an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis A and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The sidewall 102 or its outer surface includes a first portion 1021 and a second portion 1022. The first portion 1021 is adjacent to the annular flange 103, and the second portion 1022 is away from the annular flange 103; more specifically, the first portion 1021 is connected to the annular flange 103, and the second portion 1021 is connected to the bottom wall 101. Thus, the first portion 1021 extends about the longitudinal axis A between a first annular edge 102A of the sidewall and a connecting edge connecting the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022. The second portion 1022 extends about the longitudinal axis A between the connecting edge connecting the first portion 1021 and the second portion and a second annular edge 102B. The first portion 1021 has a generally cylindrical shape; therefore, the connecting edge connecting the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 has the same diameter D1 as the second annular edge 102B. The second part 1022 is truncated conical in shape; therefore, the diameter of the connecting edge between the first part 1021 and the second part 1022 is larger than the diameter of the first annular edge 102A. Therefore, the diameter D1 of the second annular edge 102B is larger than the diameter of the first annular edge 102A. The diameter D1 of the second annular edge 102B is preferably greater than or equal to 40 mm.

[0089] Along the longitudinal axis, the length LI of the side wall 102 (i.e. the length LI of the container body 100) is greater than or equal to 35 mm. The length LI defines the maximum distance between the bottom wall 101 and the second annular edge 102B.

[0090] The body 100 comprises a plurality of protrusions 104. The protrusions 104 protrude from a first portion 1021 of the outer surface of the side wall 102. The protrusions 104 are elongated in shape and extend parallel (or substantially parallel) to the longitudinal axis A. The protrusions 104 are equally spaced around the longitudinal axis A. The protrusions 104 extend on the first portion 1021 from a connection edge linking the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 to the second annular edge 102B (i.e. to the annular flange 103). Thus, each protrusion 104 extends from a first end positioned on the connection edge linking the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 to a second end in contact with the annular flange 103.

[0091] The body 100 comprises a plurality of protrusions 104. The protrusions 104 protrude from a first portion 1021 of the outer surface of the side wall 102. The protrusions 104 are elongated in shape and extend parallel (or substantially parallel) to the longitudinal axis A. The protrusions 104 are equally spaced around the longitudinal axis A. The protrusions 104 extend on the first portion 1021 from a connection edge linking the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 to the second annular edge 102B (i.e. to the annular flange 103). Thus, each protrusion 104 extends from a first end positioned on the connection edge linking the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 to a second end in contact with the annular flange 103.

[0092] The container 1 comprises a lid 14. The lid 14 is linked to the front face of the annular flange 103. Thus, the protrusions 105 protrude from the annular flange 103 on the face opposite to the face on which the lid 14 is applied.

[0093] The lid 14 and the body 100 delimit an inner space inside the container 1.

[0094] The container 1 further comprises a filter element 11. The filter element 11 is positioned in the internal space inside the container 1. Preferably, the filter element 11 is cup-shaped and further comprises a lateral wall and a bottom wall. The lateral wall of the filter element 11 also extends around the longitudinal axis A; the lateral wall of the filter element 11 is parallel or substantially parallel to the lateral wall 102 (or to the second portion 1022 of the lateral wall 102). The bottom wall of the filter element 11 is connected with the lateral wall of the filter element 11 at the lower annular end of the filter element 11. Preferably, the bottom wall of the filter element 11 is parallel to the bottom wall 101 of the container body 100. Preferably, the upper annular end of the filter element 11 is joined (e.g. glued) to the container body 100 in the region close to the second annular edge 102B of the lateral wall 102. The bottom wall of the filter element 11 is spaced apart from the bottom wall 101 of the container body 100. Thus, the filter element 11 defines, within the internal space of the container 1, a containing space 12 comprised between the lid 14 and the bottom wall of the filter element 11, and a collecting space 13 comprised between the bottom wall of the filter element 11 and the bottom wall 101 of the container. The substance for making the beverage (e.g. coffee grains) is located in the containing space 12. The collecting space 13 is full of air.

[0095] When the container 1 is inserted into the beverage making machine, the injector 4 pierces the lid 14 and feeds hot water into the containing space 12. The beverage is produced by infusion and percolates through the filter element 11 into the collecting space 13. Then, the machine pierces the bottom wall 101 to dispense the made beverage.

[0096] The present disclosure also relates to a mold 2. The mold 2 is shaped in such a way as to form the body 100 of the container 1. The mold 2 comprises an upper unit 21 and a lower unit 22 which are movable with respect to each other along the longitudinal axis A (which coincides with the longitudinal axis A of the formed body 100). The upper unit 21 and the lower unit 22 are movable with respect to each other between a spaced position which defines an open configuration of the mold 2 and an approximated position which defines a closed configuration of the mold 2. In the open configuration, the mold 2 is configured to receive a charge 3 of thermoplastic material. Preferably, the charge 3 is placed on the lower unit 22. In the closed configuration, the upper unit 21 and the lower unit 22 delimit a molding cavity 200 in which the body 100 of the container 1 is formed by compression molding starting from the charge 3.

[0097] The molding cavity 200 comprises a bottom recess 201 configured to form the bottom wall 101 of the body 100 of the container 1.

[0098] The forming cavity 200 also comprises a side hollow portion 202 connected with (i.e. in communication with) the bottom hollow portion 201. The side hollow portion 202 is configured to form the side wall 102 of the main body 100 of the container 1. More specifically, the side hollow portion 202 extends around the longitudinal axis A between a first annular end portion 202A and a second annular end portion 202B. The first annular end portion 202A is connected with the bottom hollow portion. The forming cavity 200 also comprises a flange hollow portion 203 extending away from the longitudinal axis from the second annular end portion 202B. The flange hollow portion 203 is thus connected with (i.e. in communication with) the side hollow portion 202 at the second annular end portion 202B. The side hollow portion 203 is configured to form the annular flange 103 of the main body 100 of the container 1.

[0099] The forming cavity 200 also comprises a plurality of recesses 204 arranged in a portion of the side hollow portion 202 close to the flange hollow portion 203 around the longitudinal axis A; more specifically, the recesses 204 are hollow in an outer wall of the side hollow portion 202 opposite an inner wall facing the longitudinal axis. The recesses 204 are configured to form the protrusions 104.

[0100] The forming cavity 200 also comprises a plurality of recesses (not shown) formed in a rear wall of the flange hollow portion 203 and configured to form the protruding portion 105.

Claims

1. A container intended for preparing a beverage in an apparatus for making a beverage, the container comprising a body, the body comprising: bottom wall; A sidewall extending about a longitudinal axis between a first annular edge and a second annular edge connected to the bottom wall, wherein the sidewall has an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface; And an annular flange extending from the second annular edge of the sidewall away from the longitudinal axis, wherein the outer surface of the sidewall includes a first portion near the flange and a second portion away from the flange; Wherein the diameter of the second annular edge is greater than or equal to 40 mm, and wherein the length of the container along the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 35 mm. The body includes a plurality of protrusions arranged around the longitudinal axis and protruding from the first portion of the outer surface of the sidewall, such that the protrusions among the plurality of protrusions create a local thickening of the sidewall, wherein the front and back faces of the flanges are parallel and the amount of spacing corresponds to the thickness of the sidewall of the body.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusions of the plurality of protrusions extend along a corresponding axis contained in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis.

3. The container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protrusions of the plurality of protrusions are equidistantly spaced at an angle around the longitudinal axis.

4. The container according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of protrusions includes at least three protrusions.

5. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The back side of the annular flange faces the bottom wall, and the front side of the annular flange faces the back side. The body includes a plurality of protrusions arranged around the longitudinal axis and protruding from the back side of the annular flange, so that the protrusions among the plurality of protrusions create a local thickening of the annular flange.

6. The container according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protrusions of the plurality of protrusions extend along a corresponding radial axis, wherein the radial axis extends radially from the longitudinal axis.

7. The container according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of protrusions is connected to a corresponding protrusion among the plurality of projections.

8. The container according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of protrusions forms an angle between 40° and 55° with the corresponding protrusion among the plurality of projections.

9. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A lid, connected to the annular flange to define an internal space within the container from the body; - A filter element positioned in the interior space, wherein the filter element divides the interior space into a receiving space and a collecting space, wherein the receiving space is partially defined by the cover and the collecting space is partially defined by the bottom wall; - The substance contained in the said containment space and used for making the beverage.

10. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The sidewall of the container has a truncated conical portion away from the flange and a cylindrical portion near the flange.

11. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The annular flange extends from the second annular edge of the sidewall away from the longitudinal axis and is thin.

12. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The radial extension of each protrusion is equal to the radial extension of the lower surface of the annular flange.

13. A method for manufacturing a container intended for preparing a beverage in an apparatus for making a beverage, wherein the method includes a forming step of forming a body of the container, wherein the forming step produces the following portions: bottom wall; A sidewall extending about a longitudinal axis between a first annular edge and a second annular edge connected to the bottom wall, wherein the sidewall has an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface; And an annular flange extending from the second annular edge of the sidewall away from the longitudinal axis, wherein the outer surface of the sidewall includes a first portion near the flange and a second portion away from the flange; Wherein the diameter of the second annular edge is greater than or equal to 40 mm, and wherein the length of the container along the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 35 mm. The forming step further creates a plurality of protrusions arranged around the longitudinal axis and protruding from the first portion of the outer surface of the sidewall, thereby creating a local thickening of the sidewall, wherein the front and back faces of the flange are parallel and spaced apart by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the sidewall of the body.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The forming step is performed by compression molding starting from the loading of thermoplastic material, wherein the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions are integrally formed with the sidewalls of the body during compression molding.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The forming step also creates a plurality of protrusions arranged around the longitudinal axis and projecting from the back side of the annular flange, the back side facing the bottom wall, wherein one of the plurality of protrusions is integrally formed with the annular flange during compression molding.

16. A mold for manufacturing a container intended for preparing a beverage in a beverage-making apparatus, the mold being movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the closed configuration, the mold defines a forming cavity comprising: Concave bottom; A side hollow portion, the side hollow portion extending about a longitudinal axis between a first annular end and a second annular end connected to the bottom hollow portion, wherein the side hollow portion has an inner wall facing the longitudinal axis and an outer wall opposite to the inner wall; A flange hollow portion, the flange hollow portion being connected to the second annular end and extending away from the second annular end away from the longitudinal axis, wherein the outer wall of the side hollow portion includes a first portion close to the flange hollow portion and a second portion away from the flange hollow portion; Wherein the diameter of the second annular edge is greater than or equal to 40 mm, and wherein the length of the molding cavity along the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 35 mm. The side hollow portion is characterized in that it includes a plurality of recesses disposed in the first portion of the outer wall of the side hollow portion around the longitudinal axis, wherein the flange hollow portion is defined by a front flange surface and a rear flange surface, the front flange surface and the rear flange surface being parallel to each other and spaced apart by a distance equal to the distance between the inner wall and the outer wall of the side hollow portion.

17. The mold according to claim 16, characterized in that, The hollow flange portion has a rear wall facing the hollow bottom portion and a front wall opposite to the rear wall, wherein the hollow flange portion includes a plurality of recesses disposed in the rear wall of the hollow flange portion around the longitudinal axis.

18. The mold according to claim 16 or 17, comprising an upper unit and a lower unit movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, wherein, In the open configuration of the mold, the upper unit and the lower unit are spaced apart, and in the closed configuration of the mold, the upper unit and the lower unit are brought together and define the molding cavity.

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