A composite capsule for a capped stopper providing at least one sensory property

Abstract

The present disclosure is enclosed in the area of capsules for capped stoppers. The present disclosure includes a composite capsule for a capped stopper which may comprise cork particles and a binding polymer, the capsule being obtained such that it provides at least one sensory property for a user, the sensory property comprising of one or more of a predefined fragrance, luminescence, colour or texture. Thus, the composite capsule of the present disclosure provides a solution for capsules for capped stoppers which involves the reuse of cork particles, as referred. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a solution which, beyond that reuse, introduces additional properties in capsules for capped stoppers, in particular one or more of a predefined fragrance, luminescence, colour or texture.

Description

[0001] A COMPOSITE CAPSULE FOR A CAPPED STOPPER PROVIDING AT LEAST ONE SENSORY PROPERTY

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure is enclosed in the area of capsules for capped stoppers.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Solutions exist in the art where a capped stopper is provided with a capsule to which the stopper is coupled to. The capsule is typically made of a single material, namely wood, plastic (usually PVC), porcelain, metal or glass.

[0006] This type of closure ensemble is practical for users, as it allows for easy reuse. This feature is important, as the corresponding bottles have a content (usually fortified wines) which is not to be fully consumed in a single use.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a solution for capsules for capped stoppers which makes use of cork particles. Cork particles, which typically have sizes up to 1 mm, are commonly considered waste products in the cork industry. Thus, their main use is burning, to generate energy for boilers in the industry. Thus, the solution of the present disclosure provides a reuse of cork particles.

[0008] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a solution which, beyond a reuse of cork particles, introduces additional properties in capsules for capped stoppers, in particular one or more sensory properties, which a user may sense. Such sensory property may consist of a texture, a predefined fragrance, luminescence, or colour or colours. The texture is provided on the surface of the capsule. The capsule may be provided with one or more sensory properties.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0010] The present disclosure includes a composite capsule for a capped stopper. The composite capsule may comprise cork particles and a binding polymer, the capsule being obtained such that it has a texture in an outer surface provided by the cork particles. Thus, the composite capsule of the present disclosure provides a solution for capsules for capped stoppers which involves the reuse of cork particles, as referred. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a solution which, beyond that reuse, introduces additional properties in capsules for capped stoppers, in particular at least one sensory property for a user, the sensory property comprising of one or more of a predefined fragrance, luminescence, colour or colours, or texture in the surface of the capsule.

[0011] The present disclosure may include a composite capsule for a capped stopper. The composite capsule may comprise cork particles and a binding polymer. A sensory property may be provided, in particular consisting or including a texture in the surface of the composite capsule.

[0012] The composite capsule is suitable to be associated with a stopper element (such as a cork stopper), forming a capped stopper. The stopper element in turn is suitable for being provided as a closure of a container by being inserted and securely retained in a portal forming neck of the container.

[0013] The sensory property may be adapted to correspond to a content of the container associated with the capped stopper.

[0014] The binding polymer may be a biopolymer. The binding polymer may be a thermoplastic. The binding polymer may be a thermoplastic biopolymer.

[0015] The cork particles may be in an amount of at least 20 wt. %, optionally of 20-60 wt. %, optionally 30-50 wt. %, optionally 35-45 wt. %, optionally 40 wt. %.

[0016] The binding polymer may be in an amount of 35-85 wt. %, optionally of 40-80 wt. %, optionally of 50-70 wt. %, optionally of 55-65 wt. %, optionally of 60 wt. %.

[0017] The at least one sensory property may consist of texture, the capsule being obtained such that it has a texture in an outer surface provided by the cork particles.

[0018] The composite capsule may be such that it comprises cork particles with a first size range and a second size range, the second size range being of a larger size than the first size range, and wherein the texture provided in the outer surface is formed by the cork particles with the second size range.

[0019] The composite capsule may be such that the first size range is between 1 pm and 1000 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 900 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 800 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 700 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 600 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 500 pm. The particle size may still range between 100 pm and 500 pm, optionally between 200 pm and 500 pm, optionally between 300 pm and 500 pm, optionally between 400 pm and 500 pm.

[0020] The composite capsule may be such that the second size range is between 500 pm and 5000 pm, optionally 500 pm and 3000 pm, optionally 1000 pm and 5000 pm, optionally between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, optionally between 1000 pm and 2000 pm, optionally between 1000 pm and 1500 pm. The outer surface may be such that it does not include a section suitable for the coupling of a stopper element which in turn is suitable for being provided as a closure of a container by being inserted and securely retained in a portal forming neck of the container.

[0021] The texture may be such that it is provided in the finalized capsule.

[0022] The texture may consist of a roughened finishing of the outer surface of the composite capsule, provided by the cork particles, which protrude from the binding agent.

[0023] The capsule may further comprise an additive, wherein an at least one sensory property not consisting of texture is provided by the additive.

[0024] The binding polymer and the additive may have a food grade.

[0025] The additive may be in an amount of 0.1-1 wt. %, optionally of 0.1-0.8 wt. %, optionally of 0.1-0.6 wt. %, optionally of 0.1-0.4 wt. %.

[0026] The additive may be such that each sensory property not consisting of texture provided by the additive is sensed or felt in a finalized capsule.

[0027] The at least one sensory property not consisting of texture may consist of one of a predefined fragrance, luminescence or colour or colours, thereby the additive providing that the capsule has a predefined fragrance, luminescence or colour or colours.

[0028] Luminescence may be provided, for instance, through the provision of a fluorescent agent as the additive. Colour or colours may be provided by one or more pigments as the additive. A fragrance may be provided by one or more fragrances as the additive. The fluorescent agent may comprise or consist of sodium fluorescein.

[0029] The composite capsule may be obtained by moulding, injection moulding.

[0030] The composite capsule may comprise a section suitable for the coupling of a stopper element which in turn is suitable for being provided as a closure of a container by being inserted and securely retained in a portal forming neck of the container, when combined with a respective stopper.

[0031] A composite capsule which is provided with a sensory property which consists of texture may be obtained or obtainable by:

[0032] • obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer,

[0033] • extruding the mixture to obtain a pellet, and

[0034] • heating the pellet to liquification, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould and providing an outer surface with a texture formed by the cork particles, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding with a texture.

[0035] Alternatively, a composite capsule which is provided with a sensory property which consists of texture may be obtained or obtainable by:

[0036] • obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould and providing an outer surface with a texture formed by the cork particles, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding with a texture.

[0037] When the composite capsule further comprises at least one sensory property not consisting of texture, such as a predefined fragrance, luminescence or one or more colours: • step heating the pellet to liquification further comprises mixing it with one or more additives, or

[0038] • step obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer further comprises the mixture comprising one or more additives, wherein the one or more sensory properties not consisting of texture are respectively provided by each of the one or more additives.

[0039] A composite capsule which is provided with a sensory property which does not consist of texture may be obtained or obtainable by:

[0040] • obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer,

[0041] • extruding the mixture to obtain a pellet, and

[0042] • heating the pellet to liquification and mixing it with one or more additives, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding.

[0043] Alternatively, a composite capsule which is provided with a sensory property which does not consist of texture may be obtained or obtainable by:

[0044] • obtaining a mixture of cork particles, a binding polymer and one or more additives,

[0045] • extruding the mixture to obtain a pellet, and

[0046] • heating the pellet to liquification, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding.

[0047] Alternatively, a composite capsule which is provided with a sensory property which does not consist of texture may be obtained or obtainable by:

[0048] • obtaining a mixture of cork particles, a binding polymer and one or more additives, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding.

[0049] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a use may be provided. Such use may include the use of the composite capsule, including any of the described provisions, as a cap for a capped stopper.

[0050] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a capped stopper may be provided. The capped stopper may comprise the composite capsule, including any of the described provisions, and a stopper, the stopper being coupled to the composite capsule thereby providing a capped stopper.

[0051] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a first method for obtaining a capsule with sensory property which consists of texture on its surface may be provided. The first method may be for obtaining a composite capsule for a capped stopper and may comprise the steps of:

[0052] • obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer,

[0053] • extruding the mixture to obtain a pellet, and

[0054] • heating the pellet to liquification, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould and providing an outer surface with a texture formed by the cork particles, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding with a texture.

[0055] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an alternative, second, method for obtaining a capsule with sensory property which consists of texture on its surface may be provided may be provided. The second method may be for obtaining a composite capsule for a capped stopper and may comprise the steps of:

[0056] • obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould and providing an outer surface with a texture formed by the cork particles, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding with a texture.

[0057] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a third method may be provided. The third method is for obtaining a capsule with sensory property which does not consist of texture on its surface. The third method may be for obtaining a composite capsule for a capped stopper and may comprise the steps of:

[0058] • obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer,

[0059] • extruding the mixture to obtain a pellet, and

[0060] • heating the pellet to liquification and mixing it with one or more additives, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper, each of the one or more additives providing that the capsule respectively has at least one sensory property consisting of a predefined fragrance, luminescence or colour or colours.

[0061] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a fourth method may be provided. The fourth method is alternative to the third method. The fourth method is for obtaining a capsule with sensory property which does not consist of texture on its surface. The fourth method may be for obtaining a composite capsule for a capped stopper and may comprise the steps of:

[0062] • obtaining a mixture of cork particles, a binding polymer and one or more additives,

[0063] • extruding the mixture to obtain a pellet, and

[0064] • heating the pellet to liquification, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper, each of the one or more additives providing that the capsule respectively has at least one sensory property consisting of a predefined fragrance, luminescence or colour or colours.

[0065] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a fifth method may be provided. The fifth method is alternative to the third and fourth methods. The fifth method is for obtaining a capsule with sensory property which does not consist of texture on its surface. The fifth method may be for obtaining a composite capsule for a capped stopper and may comprise the steps of:

[0066] • obtaining a mixture of cork particles, a binding polymer and one or more additives, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper, each of the one or more additives providing that the capsule respectively has at least one sensory property consisting of a predefined fragrance, luminescence or colour or colours.

[0067] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0068] Figure 1 - representation of a composite capsule for a capped stopper according to the present disclosure. In the figure, it is shown a top side of the capsule, which has a substantially discoid shape.

[0069] Figure 2 - representation of a composite capsule for a capped stopper according to the present disclosure. In the figure, it is shown a bottom side of the capsule shown in Figure 1. This bottom side comprises means for securing a stopper - which include a set of radial protrusions. The radial protrusions are formed within a rim of the capsule, which projects from the surface shown in the top side of Figure 1.

[0070] Figure 3 - cross-section of a composite capsule for a capped stopper according to the present disclosure, in which sizes of several sections of the capsule are indicated, in mm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] The binding polymer is such that it contributes or specifically provides for the cohesion of the capsule.

[0072] The pellet, or composite pellet, may have a substantially tubular form.

[0073] In an example, the composite capsule consists of a bio-based high-density polyethylene of 35-85 wt. %, optionally of 40-80 wt. %, optionally of 50-70 wt. %, optionally of 55-65 wt. %, optionally of 60 wt. %.

[0074] The cork particles may be within a wide range of sizes. The particle size may range between 1 pm to 2000 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 1500 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 1200 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 1000 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 900 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 800 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 700 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 600 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 500 pm. The particle size may still range between 100 pm and 500 pm, optionally between 200 pm and 500 pm, optionally between 300 pm and 500 pm, optionally between 400 pm and 500 pm.

[0075] The extrusion of pellets may be performed in a twin or single-spindle extruder, and the geometry of the extrusion die may be adapted.

[0076] The formation of a composite capsule through moulding may be performed through an adaptation to a specific mould. Such specific mould may result in a capsule format as those shown in the Figures.

[0077] The capsule may be provided with a single sensory property, the sensory property consisting of texture. In such case, the capsule does not comprise the additive.

[0078] The capsule may be provided with a single sensory property, the sensory property consisting of a predefined fragrance, luminescence or one or more colours. In such case, the capsule is not provided with the texture according to the present disclosure on its surface.

[0079] The capsule may be provided with more than one sensory property. In such case, the capsule comprises an additive. The sensory properties may consist of texture and one or more of a predefined fragrance, luminescence or one or more colours. In such case, the additive provides for the predefined fragrance, luminescence or one or more colours.

[0080] The capsule may be provided with more than one sensory property, and none of such sensory properties consists of texture. In such case, the capsule comprises more than one additive, each providing for a respective sensory property which includes the predefined fragrance, luminescence or one or more colours.

[0081] A first and second methods have been described, the first and second methods providing a capsule with a sensory property which consists of texture on its surface may be provided.

[0082] The first and second method may be further complemented such that the resulting capsule is provided with one or more sensory properties other than texture.

[0083] In such case, composite capsule resulting from the first or second method further comprises at least one sensory property not consisting of texture, and wherein:

[0084] • step heating the pellet to liquification further comprises mixing it with one or more additives, or

[0085] • step obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer further comprises the mixture comprising one or more additives, wherein the one or more sensory properties not consisting of texture are respectively provided by each of the one or more additives. Luminescence as provided in a finalized capsule may be predefined, meaning that the intensity and distribution of luminescence across the capsule are predefined.

[0086] Conversely, the fragrance as provided in a finalized capsule may be predefined, meaning that the intensity and distribution of a fragrance across the capsule are predefined.

[0087] Conversely, the one or more colours as provided in a finalized capsule may be predefined, meaning that the tone, intensity and distribution of one or more colours across the capsule are predefined.

[0088] The same is applicable to the texture. Texture as provided in a finalized capsule may be predefined, meaning that the distribution and protrusion of texture across the capsule are predefined.

[0089] The distribution of the sensory property or properties across the capsule may be such that all the capsule is covered by the property.

[0090] This means, as an example, that an additive providing fragrance may be mixed such that the whole capsule provides such fragrance.

[0091] The additive providing fragrance may comprise or consist of one or more of esters, terpenes, furanic compounds, thiols, fatty acids.

[0092] Conversely, in another example, it may mean that texture by means of the cork particles across the capsule is distributed across the whole external surface of the capsule. It may also mean that only a portion of the capsule has such texture. For instance, texture may be provided in a top surface, opposite to a bottom surface, in which a stopper is couplable. In another example, texture may be provided in a side surface, perpendicular to a top surface and a bottom surface. In another example, texture may be provided in a top surface and a side surface.

[0093] As will be clear to one skilled in the art, the present disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, and a number of changes are possible which remain within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0094] Of course, the preferred embodiments shown above are combinable, in the different possible forms, being herein avoided the repetition all such combinations.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A composite capsule for a capped stopper characterised in that it comprises cork particles and a binding polymer, wherein the capsule is such that it provides at least one sensory property for a user, the sensory property comprising of one or more of a fragrance, luminescence, colour or texture.

2. A composite capsule according to the previous claim wherein the binding polymer is a biopolymer.

3. A composite capsule according to any of the preceding claims wherein the binding polymer is a thermoplastic.

4. A composite capsule according to any of the preceding claims wherein the cork particles are in an amount of at least 20 wt. %, optionally of 20-60 wt. %, optionally 30-50 wt. %, optionally 35-45 wt. %, optionally 40 wt. %.

5. A composite capsule according to any of the preceding claims wherein the binding polymer is in an amount of 35-85 wt. %, optionally of 40-80 wt. %, optionally of 50-70 wt. %, optionally of 55-65 wt. %, optionally of 60 wt. %.

6. A capsule according to any of the preceding claims wherein the at least one sensory property for a user consists of texture, the capsule being obtained such that it has a texture in an outer surface provided by the cork particles.

7. A composite capsule according to the previous claim wherein it comprises cork particles with a first size range and a second size range, the second size range being of a larger size than the first size range, and wherein the texture provided in the outer surface is formed by the cork particles with the second size range.

8. A composite capsule according to the previous claim wherein the first size range is between 1 pm and 1000 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 900 pm,optionally between 1 pm and 800 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 700 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 600 pm, optionally between 1 pm and 500 pm. The particle size may still range between 100 pm and 500 pm, optionally between 200 pm and 500 pm, optionally between 300 pm and 500 pm, optionally between 400 pm and 500 pm.

9. A composite capsule according to the previous claim wherein the second size range is between 500 pm and 5000 pm, optionally 500 pm and 3000 pm, optionally 1000 pm and 5000 pm, optionally between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, optionally between 1000 pm and 2000 pm, optionally between 1000 pm and 1500 pm.

10. A composite capsule according to any of the claims 6-9 wherein the outer surface does not include a section suitable for the coupling of a stopper element which in turn is suitable for being provided as a closure of a container by being inserted and securely retained in a portal forming neck of the container.

11. A composite capsule according to the previous claim wherein the texture comprises roughened finishing of the outer surface of the composite capsule, provided by the cork particles, which protrude from the binding agent.

12. A composite capsule according to any of the preceding claims wherein it further comprises one or more additives, wherein each sensory property not consisting of texture is provided by an additive.

13. A composite capsule according to the previous claim wherein the additive is such that each sensory property not consisting of texture provided by the additive is sensed in a finalized capsule.

14. A composite capsule according to any of the claims 12-13 wherein the additive is in an amount of 0.1-1 wt. %, optionally of 0.1-0.8 wt. %, optionally of 0.1-0.6 wt. %, optionally of 0.1-0.4 wt. %.

15. A composite capsule according to any of the claims 12-14 wherein the at least one sensory property not consisting of texture consists of one of a predefined fragrance, luminescence or colour or colours, thereby the additive providing that the capsule has a predefined fragrance, luminescence or colour or colours.

16. A composite capsule according to any of the preceding claims wherein it is obtained by moulding, injection moulding.

17. A composite capsule according to any of the claims 6-11 wherein it has been obtained by:• obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer,• extruding the mixture to obtain a pellet, and• heating the pellet to liquification, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould and providing an outer surface with a texture formed by the cork particles, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding with a texture.

18. A composite capsule according to any of the claims 6-11 wherein it has been obtained by:• obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould and providing an outer surface with a texture formed by the cork particles, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding with a texture.

19. A composite capsule according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the composite capsule further comprises at least one sensory property not consisting of texture, and wherein:• step heating the pellet to liquification further comprises mixing it with one or more additives, or• step obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer further comprises the mixture comprising one or more additives, wherein the one or more sensory properties not consisting of texture are respectively provided by each of the one or more additives.

20. A composite capsule according to any of the claims 12-15 wherein the composite capsule does not comprise at least one sensory property consisting of texture, and wherein the capsule has been obtained by:• obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer,• extruding the mixture to obtain a pellet, and• heating the pellet to liquification and mixing it with one or more additives, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding.

21. A composite capsule according to any of the claims 12-15 wherein the composite capsule does not comprise at least one sensory property consisting of texture, and wherein the capsule has been obtained by:• obtaining a mixture of cork particles, a binding polymer and one or more additives,• extruding the mixture to obtain a pellet, and• heating the pellet to liquification, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding.

22. A composite capsule according to any of the claims 12-15 wherein the composite capsule does not comprise at least one sensory property consisting of texture, and wherein the capsule has been obtained by:• obtaining a mixture of cork particles, a binding polymer and one or more additives, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding.

23. A composite capsule according to any of the preceding claims wherein it comprises a section suitable for the coupling of a stopper element which in turn is suitable for being provided as a closure of a container by being inserted and securely retained in a portal forming neck of the container, when combined with a respective stopper.

24. Use of the composite capsule of any of the preceding claims as a cap for a capped stopper.

25. A capped stopper comprising the composite capsule of any of the claims 1-23 and a stopper, the stopper being coupled to the composite capsule thereby providing a capped stopper.

26. A method for obtaining a composite capsule for a capped stopper characterised in that it comprises the steps of:• obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer,• extruding the mixture to obtain a pellet, and• heating the pellet to liquification, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, or• obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould and providing an outer surface with a texture formed by the cork particles, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper through moulding with a texture.

27. A method according to the previous claim wherein the composite capsule is according to any of the claims 6-13.

28. A method for obtaining a composite capsule for a capped stopper characterised in that it comprises the steps of:• obtaining a mixture of cork particles and a binding polymer,• extruding the mixture to obtain a pellet, and• heating the pellet to liquification and mixing it with one or more additives, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, or• obtaining a mixture of cork particles, a binding polymer and one or more additives,• extruding the mixture to obtain a pellet, and• heating the pellet to liquification, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, or• obtaining a mixture of cork particles, a binding polymer and one or more additives, thereby obtaining a pre-capsule mixture, and injecting the pre-capsule mixture into a mould, thereby obtaining the composite capsule for a capped stopper, the additive providing that the capsule has at least one sensory property consisting of a predefined fragrance, luminescence or colour or colours.

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