Containers used to prepare beverages in beverage-making apparatus

Abstract

A container (1) intended for preparing a beverage in an apparatus for making a beverage includes: a bottom wall (101); a side wall (102); and an annular flange (103), wherein the bottom wall (101) includes an annular support portion (1011) connected to the side wall (102) and a central portion (1012) surrounded by the annular support portion (1011), wherein the annular support portion (1011) protrudes from the central portion (1012), and wherein the central portion includes a first region (1021A) having a first thickness (S1) and a second region (1021B) having a second thickness (S2), wherein the second thickness (S2) is less than the first thickness (S1), and wherein the second region (1021B) is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a container intended for use in a beverage preparation apparatus. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the container and a mold for manufacturing the container.

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of producing beverages by brewing; for example, containers containing brewing materials such as coffee are known in this field. The container includes a cup or body and a lid, and is designed to be placed in a particular beverage-making machine in which hot water or steam is supplied to the container to prepare the beverage.

[0003] More specifically, this disclosure relates to the field of producing beverages such as Americano by brewing; 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 that divides the internal space into a first part and a second part, the first part containing a substance intended for the production of a beverage (e.g., coffee). The beverage-making machine supplies hot water to the first part; brews the substance contained in the first part, producing a beverage that migrates through the filter element to the second part; finally, the machine removes the beverage from the second part. Background Technology

[0004] Such containers are described in, for example, the following patent documents: US2002 / 0020659, US9232871B2, US2018160845A1, US2018118450A1, and US2017042362A1. In particular, patent document US2017042362A1 describes a container in which the bottom wall includes an annular support portion connected to the side walls, and a central portion is surrounded by the annular support portion, wherein the annular support portion protrudes from the central portion.

[0005] In this field, there is a general need to make containers lighter to save material while maintaining good mechanical properties and effectively isolating the product inside the container from external reagents. Furthermore, if the container is manufactured by compression molding, there needs to be a process that facilitates the filling of the mold with the material used to form the container to ensure that the resulting container has good quality.

[0006] In addition, the following patent documents describe containers of the aforementioned type: EP2962957A1, WO2004 / 087529A1, WO2017 / 055350A1, and US2017 / 042362A1. However, these documents also have the disadvantage of an inefficient relationship between weight and mechanical strength. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a container for preparing a beverage in an apparatus for making a beverage, a method for manufacturing the container, and a mold for manufacturing the container, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art described above.

[0008] The above-mentioned objectives are achieved entirely by means of the containers, methods and molds characterized in the appended claims.

[0009] More specifically, this disclosure relates to a container for preparing a beverage in an apparatus for making a beverage.

[0010] The container includes a body (or cup). The body is preferably made of a thermoplastic material (e.g., a polymer material, a composite material, or a biocompatible material).

[0011] The main body includes a bottom wall. The main body also includes side walls. The side walls extend about a longitudinal axis between a first annular edge and a second annular edge. The first annular edge is connected to the bottom wall; therefore, the side walls extend between the bottom wall and the second annular edge. The side walls have an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The side walls and the bottom wall define an internal space within the container body.

[0012] The body also includes an annular flange. The annular flange connects to a second annular edge of the sidewall. The annular flange extends from the second annular edge of the sidewall away from the longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the sidewall includes a first portion near the flange and a second portion away from the flange. It should be noted that the second portion of the sidewall is preferably truncated conical in shape. The first portion of the sidewall can be cylindrical or truncated conical. In one embodiment, the first portion of the sidewall is truncated conical in shape and has a different inclination relative to the longitudinal axis compared to the second portion; more specifically, the taper direction of the first portion is opposite to the taper direction of the second portion. Preferably, the first portion of the sidewall protrudes radially from the second portion of the sidewall away from the longitudinal axis.

[0013] The bottom wall includes an annular support portion and a central portion surrounded by the annular support portion. The annular support portion is connected to the sidewall. The annular support portion protrudes from the central portion away from the second annular edge. The central portion is therefore recessed relative to the annular support portion.

[0014] The annular support section has a variable cross-section to allow for greater thickness at points of maximum stress and to increase the rigidity of the container.

[0015] The central portion includes a first region having a first thickness and a second region having a second thickness. The second thickness is less than the first thickness. Therefore, the second region is thinner than the first region, allowing for the use of less material and making the body of the container lighter. Preferably, the second region is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first region is also oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; preferably, the central portion is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the second region is recessed relative to the first region on the inner surface (or inner wall) of the central portion (facing the interior space).

[0016] In one example, the first region surrounds the second region and is positioned radially outside the second region. This allows the thinnest region to be kept in a region of lower stress, thereby reducing weight without compromising the mechanical strength of the container.

[0017] The second region is complete; that is, the second region has no holes. The second region is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the container.

[0018] The second region is obtained through a groove on the rear wall. This groove faces the internal volume of the container. The groove includes chamfered walls to prevent edges from acting as stress concentration points. In one example, the ratio of the radial extension of the first region to the radial extension of the second region is between 0.8 and 1.5.

[0019] It should be noted that in one embodiment, the second region has an annular shape and surrounds the first region. In at least one embodiment, the first region has a circular shape; therefore, the longitudinal axis passes through the first region (the center of the circle).

[0020] In one embodiment, the central portion of the bottom wall includes a third region; the third region is annular in shape; the third region surrounds the second region. Therefore, the second region is interposed between the first and second regions. The third region has a third thickness; the third thickness is preferably greater than the second thickness. The second region is also recessed relative to the third region on the inner surface of the central portion.

[0021] In one implementation, the third thickness is equal to the first thickness.

[0022] In one embodiment, the bottom wall includes a connecting portion interconnecting the central portion and the annular support portion. More specifically, the bottom wall interconnects a third region of the central portion with the annular support portion. The connecting portion is obliquely inclined relative to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the connecting portion has a fourth thickness greater than the second thickness; more specifically, the fourth thickness is equal to the first thickness and / or the third thickness.

[0023] It should be noted that the annular support portion has a support thickness greater than the first thickness. The support thickness is also greater than the third and / or fourth thickness.

[0024] The diameter of the first annular edge is greater than or equal to 40 mm; that is, the radius is greater than or equal to 20 mm. More specifically, the diameter of the first annular edge is greater than or equal to 45 mm (e.g., 46 mm).

[0025] The diameter of the second annular edge is greater than or equal to 35 mm.

[0026] Preferably, the width of the second region, measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is between 4 mm and 8 mm; more preferably, it is between 5 mm and 7 mm (e.g., 6 mm).

[0027] Therefore, preferably, the ratio between the width of the second region, measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the radius of the first annular edge is between 0.2 and 0.5; more preferably, between 0.3 and 0.4. This size range allows the second region to be large enough to effectively make the container lighter in weight, but not so large as to negatively impact its moisture barrier and mechanical resistance properties.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first thickness (and / or the third thickness) is between 0.35 mm and 0.40 mm; the second thickness is between 0.15 mm and 0.20 mm. Therefore, the ratio between the second thickness and the first thickness is between 0.35 and 0.55, specifically between 0.40 and 0.50.

[0029] The width of the annular support portion, measured in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is less than the width of the second region. The ratio between the width of the annular support portion, measured in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the radius of the first annular edge, is between 0.1 and 0.2.

[0030] The height of the container (i.e., the container body or the sidewall of the container body) along the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 30 mm; more specifically, the height of the container (i.e., the container body or the sidewall of the container body) along the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 35 mm; preferably, the height of the container (i.e., the container body or the sidewall of the container body) along the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 40 mm (e.g., 45 mm). The height of the container or its sidewall refers to the maximum distance between the bottom wall and the second annular edge.

[0031] It should be noted that the container, at least in its final configuration ready to be placed in a beverage-making machine, also includes a lid. The lid is attached to an annular flange; more specifically, the lid is attached to the front of the annular flange. The lid, together with the body, defines or encloses an internal space within the container. The container preferably also includes a filter element positioned within the internal space. The filter element may be made of a cellulose material, such as paper. The container also includes a substance for making the beverage. The substance for making the beverage is at least enclosed within a space at least partially defined by the filter element. More specifically, the filter element divides the internal space into a receiving space and a collecting space, and the substance for making the beverage is received in the receiving space. Preferably, the receiving space is partially defined by the lid (and by the filter element), and the collecting space is partially defined by the bottom wall (and by the filter element). Thus, when the container is inserted into the beverage-making machine, the machine supplies hot water to the receiving space where the substance is located; the beverage is made by brewing and passes from the receiving space through the filter element into the collecting space; the machine then removes the beverage from the collecting space. More specifically, the machine has a first hole in the lid and a second hole in the bottom wall. Hot water is supplied to the receiving space through the first hole, and the brewed beverage is removed through the second hole. Preferably, a second (thin) region with a second thickness is located near the punch, which is part of the coffee machine and configured to create the second hole. This means the punch penetrates the thinner region that is easier to pierce.

[0032] In one embodiment, the substance used to make the beverage includes coffee granules. In another embodiment, the substance used to make the beverage includes coffee powder. In one embodiment, the substance used to make the beverage includes chamomile or tea.

[0033] This disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a container intended for preparing a beverage in an apparatus for making a beverage. The method includes a forming step of forming a body of the container. According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, a container is manufactured, and more specifically, a container body is manufactured. In the forming step, a bottom wall, side walls, and an annular flange of the container body are formed. The side wall extends about a longitudinal axis between a first annular edge and a second annular edge connected to the bottom wall; 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.

[0034] The bottom wall includes an annular support portion connected to the sidewalls and a central portion surrounded by and recessed relative to the annular support portion. According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the central portion includes a first region having a first thickness and a second region having a second thickness; more specifically, the second thickness is less than the first thickness, and the second region is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0035] In one embodiment, the forming step is performed by compression molding. Therefore, the container body is formed from a dosage dose of thermoplastic material.

[0036] In this embodiment, the forming step is performed using a mold manufactured according to one or more aspects of this disclosure; more specifically, the forming step is performed using a mold comprising a lower unit and an upper unit movable relative to each other. Therefore, the forming step includes: preparing a dosage of thermoplastic material, positioning the dosage on the lower unit of the mold, and closing the mold by moving the upper and lower units toward each other until they define a molding cavity in which the dosage forms the container body. The forming step may also include cooling the container body. The method further includes the step of opening the mold by moving the upper and lower units away from each other, and the step of removing the formed container from the mold.

[0037] In one embodiment, the forming step is performed by injection molding.

[0038] The method may further include the steps of preparing a filter element and inserting the filter element into the internal space within the container body. The method may also include the step of supplying a substance for making a beverage into the internal space; more specifically, supplying the substance into a portion of the internal space partially defined by the filter element (also referred to as the containment space). The method may further include the step of attaching a lid to the front of an annular flange to close the internal space. After attaching the lid, the containment space containing the substance is closed between the lid and the filter element.

[0039] This disclosure also provides a mold for manufacturing a container intended for preparing a beverage in a beverage-making apparatus. The mold is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the mold defines a forming cavity. According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the forming cavity is shaped in a manner that forms a container. More specifically, the forming cavity includes a bottom hollow portion, side hollow portions, and a flange hollow portion. The side hollow portions extend about a longitudinal axis between a first annular end connected to the bottom hollow portion and a second annular end. The side hollow portions have an inner wall facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite to the inner wall. The flange hollow portion is connected to and extends away from the second annular end from the longitudinal axis. The outer wall of the side hollow portion includes a first portion adjacent to the flange hollow portion and a second portion away from the flange hollow portion. Preferably, the second portion is truncated conical in shape. The first portion is cylindrical or truncated conical in shape.

[0040] Before the container is removed from the mold, the longitudinal axis of the mold coincides with the longitudinal axis of the container formed in the mold.

[0041] Preferably, the diameter of the second annular end (specifically, its outer edge) is greater than or equal to 35 mm (or 40 mm, 45 mm, or 50 mm). The length of the molding cavity (i.e., the side hollow portion) along the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 35 mm (or 30 mm, 40 mm, or 45 mm).

[0042] The bottom wall includes an annular portion connected to the side hollow portion and a central portion surrounded by the annular portion; the annular portion protrudes from the central portion away from the second annular end. The central portion includes a first region having a first thickness and a second region having a second thickness less than the first thickness, and the second region is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first region is also oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and / or the central portion is also oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second region has a radial extension greater than the axial extension relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0043] Preferably, the first region surrounds the second region. Therefore, the second region serves as a container for material during the forming step of molding.

[0044] Therefore, a less thick second region has several advantages: it makes the container body lighter and allows for material savings; it also allows for more efficient filling of the mold when the container is manufactured by molding (in particular, compression molding); and it also provides an easily perforated area that can be easily punctured by the punches of beverage making machines.

[0045] The central portion may further include a third region surrounding the second region and having a third thickness greater than the second thickness of the second region. The second region is recessed relative to the first region and / or the second region on the inner surface of the bottom wall facing the second annular end.

[0046] The bottom hollow portion also includes a connecting portion that connects the central portion to an annular portion connected to the side hollow portions. The connecting portion is obliquely inclined relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0047] Preferably, the mold comprises an upper unit and a lower unit movable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the mold is parallel to gravity. In the open configuration of the mold, the upper and lower units are spaced apart, and in the closed configuration of the mold, the upper and lower units are brought together and define a molding cavity. In the closed configuration, the lower unit is positioned below the upper unit and is at least partially inserted into the hollow portion of the upper unit; this configuration is particularly advantageous when the body of the container is made of multiple layers of material. Attached Figure Description

[0048] These and other features will become clearer from the following description of preferred embodiments illustrated by way of non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 A longitudinal section of a container body manufactured according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0050] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Details of the container body;

[0051] Figure 3 Shown in 3D Figure 1 The main body of the container;

[0052] Figure 4 Shown in top view Figure 1 The main body of the container;

[0053] Figure 5 The container shown in this disclosure includes Figure 1 The main body, filter, substance, and lid are shown.

[0054] Figure 5A It shows Figure 5 Container filters;

[0055] Figure 6 The diagram shows a manufacturing process in an open configuration. Figure 1 The mold for the main body of the container;

[0056] Figure 7 It shows a closed structure Figure 6 The mold. Detailed Implementation

[0057] 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, a side wall 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.

[0058] 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 the first annular edge 102A of the sidewall and the connecting edge connecting the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022.

[0059] The second portion 1022 extends about the longitudinal axis A between the connecting edge of the first portion 1021 and the second portion and the second annular edge 102B. The inner surface of the first portion 1021 has a generally cylindrical shape. The second portion 1022 is truncated conical in shape; therefore, the radius of the connecting edge of the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 is greater than the radius R1 of the first annular edge 102A.

[0060] The radius R2 of the second annular edge 102B is greater than the radius R1 of the first annular edge 102A. More specifically, the radius R2 of the second annular edge 102B is preferably greater than 20 mm (e.g., 22 or 23 mm); the radius R1 of the first annular edge 102A is preferably greater than 15 mm (e.g., 17 or 18 mm). The radius R2 of the second annular edge 102B is substantially the same as the radius of the connecting edge connecting the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 (at least on the inner surface). The annular flange 103 has an outer edge, the radius of which is preferably greater than or equal to 25 mm.

[0061] Along the longitudinal axis A, the height H of the sidewall 102 (i.e., the height H of the container body 100) is greater than or equal to 35 mm. Height H defines the maximum distance between the bottom wall 101 and the second annular edge 102B.

[0062] Container 1 includes a lid 14. The lid 14 is attached to the front of an annular flange 103. The lid 14 and the body 100 define an internal space V within container 1; when the lid 14 is attached to the annular flange 103, the internal space V is a closed space.

[0063] The bottom wall 101 includes an annular support portion 1011 connected to the side wall 102. The bottom wall 101 includes a central portion 1012 surrounded by the annular support portion 1011. The central portion 1012 is recessed relative to the annular support portion 1011: that is, its distance from the lid 14 along the longitudinal axis A is less than the distance of the annular support portion 1011 from the lid. The annular support portion 1011 is located at the periphery of the bottom wall. The annular support portion 1011 protrudes longitudinally away from the second annular edge 102B relative to the central portion 1012, such that the container can be placed on a supporting surface (e.g., a countertop or tabletop), wherein the outer surface of the annular support portion 1011 defines a single surface in contact with the supporting surface.

[0064] The bottom wall 101 includes a connecting portion 1013 that connects the annular support portion 1011 to the central portion 1012. Therefore, the connecting portion 1013 is obliquely inclined relative to the longitudinal axis A at an angle between 10° and 80°.

[0065] The central portion 1012 includes a first region 1012A through which the longitudinal axis A passes, a second region 1012B surrounding the first region 1012A, and a third region 1012C surrounding the second region 1012B. The third region 1012C is connected to the connecting portion 1013. The central portion 1012 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A; therefore, the first region 1012A, the second region 1012B, and / or the third region 1012C are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The second region 1012B is recessed on the inner surface of the bottom wall 101 facing the inner space V relative to the first region 1012A and relative to the third region 1012C. Conversely, on the outer surface of the bottom wall 101 opposite the inner surface, the central portion 1012 is uniform. More specifically, the first region 1012A has a first thickness S1, the second region 1012B has a second thickness S2, and the third region 1012C has a third thickness S3. The second thickness S2 is less than the first thickness S1 and the third thickness S3. The first thickness S1 can be the same as the third thickness S3. The ratio between the second thickness S2 and the first thickness S1 (or the third thickness S3) is between 0.35 and 0.55.

[0066] The first region 1012A has a circular shape with a radius greater than 5 mm (specifically, greater than 7 mm). The second region 1012B has an annular shape with a width L2 greater than 4 mm (specifically, greater than 6 mm). The width L2 of the second region 1012B refers to the difference between the (maximum) radius of the second region 1012B and the (maximum) radius of the first region 1012A; therefore, the width L2 is defined in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Therefore, preferably, the ratio between the width L2 of the second region 1012B and the radius R1 of the first annular edge 102A is between 0.2 and 0.5.

[0067] It should be noted that, preferably, there is a connecting portion that connects the second region 1012B to the first region 1012A, and / or a second connecting portion that connects the second region 1012B to the third region 1012C, the connecting portions and the second connecting portions being obliquely inclined (at an angle between 10° and 80°) relative to the longitudinal axis A.

[0068] The connecting portion 1013 has a fourth thickness S4. The fourth thickness S4 is also greater than the second thickness S2; for example, the fourth thickness S4 may be the same as the first thickness S1 and / or the third thickness S3.

[0069] The annular support portion 1011 has a fifth thickness S5. The fifth thickness S5 is preferably greater than the first thickness S1, the second thickness S2, the third thickness S3, and the fourth thickness S4. The fifth thickness S5 is also greater than the thickness of the sidewall 102 (more specifically, the thickness of the first portion 1021 of the sidewall 102). The annular support portion 1011 has a width L3 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The width L3 is preferably smaller than the width L2.

[0070] Container 1 also includes a filter element 11. The filter element 11 is positioned within the internal space V of container 1. Preferably, the filter element 11 is cup-shaped and includes sidewalls and a bottom wall. The sidewalls of the filter element 11 also extend about the longitudinal axis A; the sidewalls of the filter element 11 are parallel to or substantially parallel to sidewall 102 (or the second portion 1022 of sidewall 102). The bottom wall of the filter element 11 is connected to the sidewalls 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 a region near the second annular edge 102B of the sidewall 102. The bottom wall of the filter element 11 is spaced apart from the bottom wall 101 of the container body 100. Therefore, the filter element 11 defines a receiving space 12 within the interior space of the container 1, including between the lid 14 and the bottom wall of the filter element 11, and a collection space 13 between the bottom wall of the filter element 11 and the bottom wall 101 of the container. Substances for making a beverage (e.g., coffee particles) are located in the receiving space 12. The collection space 13 is filled with air.

[0071] When container 1 is inserted into the beverage making machine, a syringe pierces cap 14 and supplies hot water into receiving space 12. Beverage is produced by brewing and permeates through filter element 11 into collection space 13. The machine then uses a punch to pierce bottom wall 101 to dispense the prepared beverage. Preferably, the punch pierces a second region 1012B of the central portion 1012 of bottom wall 101.

[0072] This disclosure also relates to a mold 2. The mold 2 is formed in a manner that forms the body 100 of the container 1. The mold 2 includes an upper unit 21 and a lower unit 22 that are movable relative to each other along a 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 relative to each other between a spaced position defining an open configuration of the mold 2 and an approaching position defining a closed configuration of the mold 2. In the open configuration, the mold 2 is configured to receive a dosage dose 3 of thermoplastic material. Preferably, the dosage dose 3 is placed on the lower unit 22. In the closed configuration, the upper unit 21 and the lower unit 22 define a molding cavity 200 in which the body 100 of the container 1 is formed by compression molding starting from the dosage dose 3.

[0073] The molding cavity 200 includes a bottom hollow portion 201, which is configured to form the bottom wall 101 of the main body 100 of the container 1.

[0074] The molding cavity 200 also includes a side hollow portion 202 connected to (i.e., communicating with) the bottom hollow portion 201. The side hollow portion 202 is configured to form a side wall 102 of the body 100 of the container 1. More specifically, the side hollow portion 202 extends about a longitudinal axis A between a first annular end 202A and a second annular end 202B. The first annular end 202A is connected to the bottom hollow portion. The molding cavity 200 also includes a flange hollow portion 203 extending from the second annular end 202B away from the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the flange hollow portion 203 is connected to (i.e., communicating with) the side hollow portion 202 at the second annular end 202B. The side hollow portion 203 is configured to form an annular flange 103 of the body 100 of the container 1.

[0075] The bottom hollow portion 201 includes an annular portion connected to the side hollow portions and a central portion surrounded by the annular portion; the annular portion protrudes from the central portion away from the second annular end. Therefore, the annular portion of the bottom hollow portion 201 is configured to form an annular support portion 1011 of the body 100 of the container 1. The central portion of the bottom hollow portion 201 is configured to form a central portion 1012 of the body 100 of the container 1. The central portion includes a first region having a first thickness and a second region having a second thickness. The second thickness is less than the first thickness. The second region (and preferably, the first region) is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and surrounds the first region. The first region of the bottom hollow portion 201 is configured to form a first region 1021A of the central portion 1021 of the bottom wall 101 of the body 100 of the container 1; therefore, the first region of the bottom hollow portion 201 has a thickness S1. The second region of the hollow bottom portion 201 is configured to form the second region 1021B of the central portion 1021 of the bottom wall 101 of the body 100 of the container 1; therefore, the second region of the hollow bottom portion 201 has a thickness S2. The central portion includes a third region that surrounds the second region and is connected to the annular portion via a connecting portion. The third region of the hollow bottom portion 201 is configured to form the third region 1012C of the central portion 1021 of the bottom wall 101 of the body 100 of the container 1; therefore, the third region of the hollow bottom portion 201 has a thickness S3.

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 and the bottom wall define an internal space within the body of the container; An annular flange extending from the second annular edge of the sidewall away from the longitudinal axis. The bottom wall includes an annular support portion connected to the side wall and a central portion surrounded by the annular support portion, wherein the annular support portion protrudes from the central portion away from the second annular edge. The central portion includes a first region with a first thickness and a second region with a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness, and the second region is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The bottom wall includes a connecting portion that interconnects the central portion and the annular support portion, the connecting portion being obliquely inclined relative to the longitudinal axis. The ratio between the width of the second region in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the radius of the first annular edge is between 0.2 and 0.

5. The second region has a ring shape and surrounds the first region. The central portion of the bottom wall includes a third region surrounding the second region and having a third thickness greater than the second thickness, wherein the second region is recessed on the inner surface of the central portion relative to the first region and relative to the third region.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central portion has an inner face facing the interior space and an outer face opposite to the inner face, wherein the second region is recessed on the inner face of the central portion relative to the first region.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The annular support portion has a support thickness greater than the first thickness.

4. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The ratio between the second thickness and the first thickness is between 0.35 and 0.

55.

5. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The radius of the second annular edge is greater than or equal to 20 mm, and the height of the container along the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 35 mm.

6. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sidewall has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being close to the flange, and the second portion being away from the flange and connected to the first portion and the bottom wall, wherein the second portion is truncated conical in shape.

7. The container according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first part has an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall faces the internal space and is cylindrical in shape. The outer wall is opposite to the inner wall and is truncated conical in shape. The taper direction of the outer wall is opposite to that of the second part.

8. The container according to claim 1 or 2, 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; A substance contained in the contained space and used for making a beverage.

9. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The annular support portion is located at the periphery of the bottom wall and protrudes longitudinally away from the second annular edge relative to the central portion, so that the container can be placed on the support surface, wherein the outer surface of the annular support portion is the only surface in contact with the support surface.

10. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second region has a radial extension and an axial extension relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the radial extension is greater than the axial extension.

11. 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 and the bottom wall define an internal space within the body of the container; An annular flange extending from the second annular edge of the sidewall away from the longitudinal axis. The bottom wall includes an annular support portion connected to the side wall and a central portion surrounded by the annular support portion, wherein the annular support portion protrudes from the central portion away from the second annular edge. The central portion includes a first region with a first thickness and a second region with a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness, and wherein the second region is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The bottom wall includes a connecting portion that interconnects the central portion and the annular support portion, the connecting portion being obliquely inclined relative to the longitudinal axis. The ratio between the width of the second region in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the radius of the first annular edge is between 0.2 and 0.

5. The second region has a ring shape and surrounds the first region. The central portion of the bottom wall includes a third region surrounding the second region and having a third thickness greater than the second thickness, wherein the second region is recessed on the inner surface of the central portion relative to the first region and relative to the third region.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The forming step is performed by compression molding, starting with the dosage of thermoplastic material.

13. 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: Hollow bottom section; A side hollow portion, which extends about a longitudinal axis between a first annular end and a second annular end connected to the bottom hollow portion; A hollow flange portion, which is connected to the second annular end portion and extends from the second annular end portion away from the longitudinal axis; The bottom hollow portion includes an annular portion connected to the side hollow portion and a central portion surrounded by the annular portion, wherein the annular portion protrudes from the central portion away from the second annular end. The central portion includes a first region with a first thickness and a second region with a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness, and wherein the second region is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The hollow bottom portion includes a connecting portion that interconnects the central portion and the annular portion, the connecting portion being obliquely inclined relative to the longitudinal axis. The ratio between the width of the second region in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the radius of the first annular end is between 0.2 and 0.

5. The second region has a ring shape and surrounds the first region. The central portion of the hollow bottom includes a third region surrounding the second region and having a third thickness greater than the second thickness, wherein the second region is recessed on the inner surface of the central portion relative to the first region and relative to the third region.

14. The mold according to claim 13, comprising an upper unit and a lower unit movable relative to each other along said 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, wherein in the closed configuration, the lower unit is positioned below the upper unit and is at least partially inserted into the hollow portion of the upper unit.

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