Capsule for infusion or soluble products

Abstract

Capsule (1) for infusion or soluble products having a distal end (ED) and a proximal end (EP), opposite the distal end (ED); the capsule (1) comprises: a cup-shaped body (2) which defines inside it a cavity (7) configured to house an infusion or soluble material; the cup-shaped body (2) comprises a side wall (4) and a bottom wall (5); a closing element (3) which is arranged to close the cavity (7) of the cup-shaped body (2), at the proximal end (EP); and a first impermeable layer (9) which is arranged to close the cavity (7) at the distal end (ED). The bottom wall (5) is configured to bend due to the pressure inside the cavity (7) following the introduction of pressurized water, so as to create an opening of the first impermeable layer (9), so as to allow the infusion or soluble product to pass beyond the first impermeable layer (9).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102023000020640 filed on October 5, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

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

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

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

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

[0006] In the cavity of the cup-shaped body, in particular in the proximity of the bottom wall, a filtering element and an impermeable layer are arranged (in particular by means of an interlocking coupling). The filtering element can be arranged above or below the impermeable layer. In particular, the filtering element can be arranged in contact with the impermeable layer or can be arranged spaced apart from it.

[0007] The filtering element is manufactured as a component which is distinct and separate from the cup-shaped body.

[0008] The capsule for infusion or soluble products is configured to be arranged, in use, inside a percolation chamber of a beverage extraction machine. The percolation chamber defines a housing and typically has a support which defines an upper shoulder against which an upper edge of the side wall of the cup-shaped body abuts.

[0009] The capsule housed in the percolation chamber is perforated by means of a perforating unit which comprises perforation means. The perforation means are configured to perforate the capsule at the closing element. In particular, through at least one opening (in particular, hole) made at the closing element, pressurized water is injected for mixing it inside the cup-shaped body with the infusion or soluble product. Once the product has been infused or made soluble, it comes out of an outlet present at the distal end so as to be collected inside a container, such as for example a coffee cup, mug or glass.

[0010] However, the disadvantage of the known capsule is that it is difficult to manage (both from the point of view of its assembling during the production of the capsule, and from the point of view of its disposal once the capsule has been utilized for obtaining the infused or soluble product).

[0011] Based on documents WO2017163210A1, WO2014037339A1 and WO2018167642A1, capsules for infusion products are known in which the increase in pressure inside the cavity of the capsule (due to the injection of pressurized water) causes the tearing of a layer of material arranged in the cavity so as to allow the infused product to come out.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a capsule for infusion or soluble products which is at least in part devoid of the drawbacks of the state of the art and which is easy and cost-effective to manufacture, maintaining the very high-quality dispensing performance.

[0013] According to the present invention, a capsule for infusion or soluble products is provided according to what claimed in the appended claims, which describe preferred embodiments of the present invention forming integral part of the present description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In order to better understand the invention, embodiments are described, by way of mere example, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic top perspective view (with some parts removed for clarity) of a capsule manufactured in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic bottom perspective view (with some parts removed for clarity) of the capsule of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic section view (with some parts removed for clarity) of the capsule of Figures 1 and 2 manufactured in accordance with a first embodiment; Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 3; Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a schematic top plan view of a cup-shaped body of the capsule illustrated in Figures 3 and 4; Figure 7 is a schematic section view (with some parts removed for clarity) made in accordance with a second embodiment; Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 7; Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 7; and Figure 10 is a schematic top plan view of a cup-shaped body of the capsule of Figures 7 and 8. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In the accompanying figures, reference numeral 1 indicates, as a whole, a capsule for infusion or soluble products according to the present invention. The capsule 1 has a proximal end EP (at which, in use, pressurized water is injected) and a distal end ED (at which, in use, the infused or dissolved product comes out). The proximal end EP is opposite the distal end ED.

[0016] The capsule 1 comprises a cup-shaped body 2 and a closing element 3 (which is schematically illustrated only in Figures 3 and 7; whereas, in the remaining figures it is not shown for clarity). The cup-shaped body 2 comprises (in particular is composed of) a side wall 4 and a bottom wall 5 at which the infused product comes out of the capsule 1. In particular, the bottom wall 5 comprises an outlet 6 through which the infused product comes out of the capsule 1. The outlet 6 is made at the distal end ED and comprises at least one, in particular a plurality of through openings (as is illustrated in the accompanying figures). The cup-shaped body 2 is open at the top (at the proximal end EP) and is closed by the closing element 3. In particular, the closing element 3 rests on or is connected (in particular, glued, sealed or interlocked) to an annular shoulder 8 made at the proximal end EP of the cup-shaped body 2. The side wall 4 comprises the annular shoulder 8. In particular, the annular shoulder 8 laterally (in particular, radially) extends (namely, projects) outwards from the side wall 4.

[0017] The cup-shaped body 2 defines inside it a cavity 7. The cavity 7 is configured to house inside it an infusion or soluble material. The infusion or soluble material is preferably in a granular, powdered or leaf form. The closing element 3 is arranged to close the cavity 7 of the cup-shaped body 2, at the proximal end EP. Whereas, an impermeable layer 9 is arranged to close the cavity 7 at the distal end ED. The impermeable layer 9 is connected at least at a perimeter portion 10 thereof (namely, along a perimeter edge which externally delimits the layer 9) to the bottom wall 5, in such a way as to close the cavity 7 at the distal end ED. In particular, the impermeable layer 9 is connected along the entire perimeter (i.e. perimeter portion 10) to the bottom wall 5. The perimeter portion 10 is external, i.e. far from a longitudinal axis which extends between the two ends EP and ED.

[0018] In particular, the impermeable layer 9 is connected (preferably glued or sealed) by means of the perimeter portion 10 to the bottom wall 5 (in particular at a connection area 30 of the bottom wall 5). The connection area 30 of the wall 5 is arranged radially external (namely, perimetrically) with respect to a labyrinth path 12 which is better described in the following.

[0019] Following the introduction of pressurized water, the opening of the impermeable layer 9 is created by (i.e. by means of) at least one portion of the perimeter portion 10 of the impermeable layer 9 which is at least partially disconnected (i.e. detached) from the bottom wall 5 due to the bending of the bottom wall 5, in such a way as to create at least one detachment area at which the impermeable layer 9 is detached from the bottom wall 5 and at which the product passes through the impermeable layer 9; i.e. through which the infused or soluble product is allowed to flow (in particular towards the outlet 6). In other words, the detachment of the impermeable layer 9 from the bottom wall 5 defines the at least one detachment area which creates said opening of the impermeable layer 9.

[0020] The impermeable layer 9 is made of a material comprising one of the following: aluminium, a plastic material, a compostable material, a biodegradable material, or a combination thereof. The impermeable layer 9 is configured to close the cavity 7 in such a way as to maintain the characteristics (such as, for example, moisture and / or the organoleptic characteristics) of the infusion or soluble material substantially unvaried prior to the use of the capsule 1.

[0021] The bottom wall 5 is shaped (in particular has a dimension in the three directions of space, as well as a shape), in such a way as to allow a bending thereof under the action exerted by the water injected under pressure in the capsule 1. In other words, the bottom wall 5 is configured to bend due to the pressure inside the cavity 7 following the introduction of pressurized water, so as to create an opening of the impermeable layer 9, so as to allow the infused product to pass beyond the impermeable layer 9. The bent bottom wall 5 acts on the impermeable layer 9 stressing it mechanically. Therefore, due to the bending of the bottom wall 5, an opening of the impermeable layer 9 is thus created, so as to allow the passage of the infused product through the impermeable layer 9 towards the distal end ED (in particular towards the outlet 6).

[0022] According to a further embodiment, in addition to the detachment areas, due to the bending of the bottom wall 5, the impermeable layer 9 tears, in such a way as to define at least one torn area (not illustrated) at which the product passes through the impermeable layer 9; i.e. through which the infused or soluble product is allowed to flow towards the outlet 6. Preferably, the torn area is created in a central portion 11 of the impermeable layer 9. The central portion 11 is externally (namely perimetrically) delimited by the perimeter portion 10.

[0023] Advantageously, but not limitedly, the at least one torn area can be created in a random position of the central portion 11 of the impermeable layer 9.

[0024] Advantageously, but not limitedly, the impermeable layer 9 is provided with areas of material weakening (not illustrated) which define areas of preferential tearing, at which due to the bending of the bottom wall 5, the impermeable layer 9 is configured to tear in such a way as to create the at least one torn area at which the product passes through the impermeable layer 9; i.e. through which the infused or dissolved product is allowed to flow.

[0025] Advantageously, but not limitedly, the at least one area of preferential tearing comprises at least one slit (namely, a non-through cut) or at least one incision (namely, a localized thickness reduction). The at least one incision can be made for example by means of the aid of a laser. The at least one incision and / or the at least one slit can be obtained with a regular pattern on the impermeable layer 9.

[0026] According to what is illustrated in the accompanying non-limiting figures, the capsule 1 is provided with a bottom wall 5 which comprises a labyrinth path 12 configured to filter the infused or soluble product. In other words, the wall 5 comprises (in particular is composed of) the labyrinth path 12 and the connection area 30. The connection area 30 is arranged radially more external than the labyrinth path 12. Specifically, the portion of the bottom wall 5 which comprises the labyrinth path 12 is the portion of the bottom wall 5 which bends under the action of the pressure exerted by the injected pressurized water. The bending occurs axially outwards (namely in the sense of the defined direction from the proximal end EP to the distal end ED). The labyrinth path 12 also acts as filter. The labyrinth path 12 radially extends around the outlet 6. The labyrinth path 12 comprises a plurality of channels 13. Preferably, the plurality of channels 13 comprise non-through grooves (namely, that do not extend for the entire thickness S2 of the bottom wall 5) which are obtained in the bottom wall 5, so as to form the path (i.e. the labyrinth path 12) along which the infused or soluble product is fed so as to make it exit from the distal end ED, namely towards the outlet 6. The channels 13 are separated from one another by flaps of material which define a respective rib 14 (i.e. partitions, which can extend in radial and / or circumferential direction). Preferably, the channels 13 and the grooves 13 are arranged in an orderly manner (i.e. in a symmetrical manner with respect to a longitudinal axis which connects the two ends EP and ED) both radially and circumferentially. The labyrinth path 12 is further configured to slacken the infused product (in particular the water being infused) so that it stays longer inside the capsule 1 and to mix the infused product, so as to improve the quality of the product.

[0027] The arrangement and the shape of the channels 13, as well as of the ribs 14 vary depending on the type of the product to be obtained (i.e. if the product is an infusion or soluble product). To such regard, the capsule 1 with the bottom wall 5 manufactured according to what is illustrated in Figures 3-6 is advantageously applied to infusion products; whereas, the capsule 1 with the bottom wall 5 manufactured according to what is illustrated in Figures 7-10 is advantageously applied to soluble products.

[0028] Advantageously, according to what is illustrated in the accompanying figures, the impermeable layer 9 is arranged on the bottom wall 5 in such a way as to cover (in particular completely) the labyrinth path 12. As described in the foregoing, the impermeable layer 9 is connected to the bottom wall 5. Such connection is preferably made at least at the connection area 30. In other words, preferably the perimeter portion 10 of the impermeable layer 9 is connected to the connection area 30 of the wall 5. Additionally or alternatively, the connection between the impermeable layer 9 and the bottom wall 5 can also be made at the ribs 14.

[0029] According to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figures 3-5, the capsule 1 also comprises a filtering layer 15. The filtering layer 15 is used in particular for infusion products, so that the material does not clog the channels 13 of the labyrinth path 12. The filtering layer 15 preferably comprises a layer of filtering paper. The filtering layer 15 is arranged on the impermeable layer 9. In other words, the impermeable layer 9 is interposed between the filtering layer 15 and the bottom wall 5. Preferably, the filtering layer 15 is at least partially connected to the impermeable layer 9.

[0030] Preferably, the filtering layer 15 has a dimension (in particular, diameter) greater than the impermeable layer 9. In other words, the filtering layer 15 is arranged on the impermeable layer 9 radially protruding from it. Therefore, the filtering layer 15 is connected to the bottom wall 5 at a perimeter portion 16 of its own in which the impermeable layer 9 is not present. Both the filtering layer 15, and the impermeable layer 9 are connected to the cup-shaped body 2, at different (in particular circumferential) portions of the bottom wall 5, in particular of the connection area 30.

[0031] According to what is illustrated in particular in the enlarged portion illustrated in Figure 5, the filtering layer 15 is folded in such a way as to define a seat 17 configured to accommodate the impermeable layer 9 inside it. Whereas, the impermeable layer 9 is planar.

[0032] Preferably, but not limitedly, the capsule 1 for infusion products comprises a further filtering layer 18 (schematically illustrated only in Figure 3). The filtering layer 18 is preferably a layer of micro-perforated material which is arranged at a non-zero distance D1 and D2 from both ends ED and EP. In other words, the filtering layer 18 is arranged at the distance D1 from the proximal end EP (in particular from the closing element 3) and at the distance D2 from the distal end ED (in particular from the bottom wall 5). The filtering layer 18 is connected (in particular glued or sealed) to the side wall 4. The filtering layer 18 thus defines two chambers 19A and 19B of the cavity 7. In particular, the two chambers 19A and 19B together define the cavity 7. The chamber 19A is arranged closer to the proximal end EP; whereas, the chamber 19B is arranged closer to the distal end ED and accommodates inside it the infusion material from which the infusion product is obtained. The two chambers 19A and 19B are separated from each other by the filtering layer 18. The filtering layer 18 prevents the infusion material from passing from the chamber 19B to the chamber 19A. The filtering layer 18 is further configured to distribute in a uniform manner the pressurized water injected in the chamber 19A, on the infusion material comprised in the chamber 19B. The infusion material is thus wet in a uniform manner in the chamber 19B thanks to the action of the filtering layer 18.

[0033] In the capsule 1 for soluble products (such as, for example, the capsule 1 illustrated in Figures 7-10) the filtering layer 18 is absent. Namely, the capsule 1 for soluble products is devoid of the filtering layer 18.

[0034] According to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figures 7-9 concerning a capsule 1 for soluble products, instead of the filtering layer 15, the capsule 1 comprises a further impermeable layer 20. The impermeable layer 20 is arranged on the impermeable layer 9. The impermeable layer 9 is arranged between the impermeable layer 20 and the bottom wall 5. In other words, in the case where both impermeable layers 9 and 20 are present, the impermeable layer 9 is arranged between the impermeable layer 20 and the bottom wall 5. Preferably, the impermeable layer 20 has a dimension (in particular, diameter) greater than the impermeable layer 9. In other words, the impermeable layer 20 is arranged on the impermeable layer 9 radially protruding from it. Therefore, the impermeable layer 20 is connected to the bottom wall 5 at a perimeter portion 21 of its own in which the impermeable layer 9 is not present. Both the impermeable layer 20, and the impermeable layer 9 are connected to the cup-shaped body 2, at different (in particular circumferential) portions of the bottom wall 5, in particular of the connection area 30.

[0035] According to what is illustrated in the enlarged detail of Figure 9, both impermeable layers 9 and 20 are planar.

[0036] According to the illustrated non-limiting embodiments, the cup-shaped body 2 has a shape, namely a section transverse to the longitudinal extension between the ends EP and ED of the capsule 1, which is preferably that of a truncated cone.

[0037] According to alternative non-limiting embodiments (which are not illustrated), the cup-shaped body 2 has a shape, namely a section transverse to the longitudinal extension between the ends EP and ED of the capsule 1, which is (non-exhaustive list) elliptical, rectangular, square, polygonal, shaped or a combination thereof.

[0038] Advantageously, but not limitedly, the cup-shaped body 2 is preferably manufactured as a single block (namely, is manufactured as one single piece).

[0039] Advantageously, but not limitedly, the side wall 4 has a thickness S1; whereas, the labyrinth path 12 (in particular the wall 5 at the path 12) has the thickness S2 which is greater than the thickness S1. Advantageously, the thickness S1 is between 0.25 mm and 0.60 mm, in particular equal to approximately 0.35 mm; whereas, the thickness S2 is between 1.5 mm and 4.5 mm, in particular equal to approximately 2.0 mm.

[0040] In use, the capsule 1 is inserted in a percolation chamber (which is not illustrated and is not part of the present invention) of a beverage extraction machine. When the capsule 1 is inserted in the percolation chamber, the shoulder 8 of the capsule 1 is in abutment with a respective shoulder of the percolation chamber. The percolation chamber is provided with a perforating unit which is configured to perforate the closing element 3. In particular, the perforating unit comprises a plurality of perforation means which perforate the closing element 3. Through at least one opening (in particular, hole) made at the closing element 3, pressurized water is injected for mixing it inside the cup-shaped body 2 with the infusion or soluble material in such a way as to obtain the product.

[0041] Preferably, the water injected under pressure is hot. Alternatively, the water could be cold or warm.

[0042] At this point, in the capsules 1 for infusion products (which preferably comprise the filtering layer 18), the water is introduced in the chamber 19A, passes through the filtering layer 18 and uniformly wets the infusion material which thereby starts to infuse. Whereas, in the capsules 1 for soluble products (which are preferably devoid of the filtering layer 18), the water is introduced in the cavity 7 and uniformly dissolves the soluble material which thereby starts to dissolve.

[0043] At this point, the pressure inside the cavity 7 increases, causing the bending of the bottom wall 5 of the capsule 1 (in particular of the portion provided with the labyrinth path 12). The increase in pressure and the consequent bending of the bottom wall 5 of the capsule 1 cause the opening of the impermeable layer 9. In particular, the bottom wall 5 is allowed to bend towards the percolation chamber, thanks to the distance between the bottom wall 5 and an underlying wall of the underlying percolation chamber (in particular of a small glass which accommodates the capsule 1). This distance allows the capsule 1 to bend at the bottom wall 5, inducing in this manner the opening of the impermeable layer 9 (by means of the disconnection of at least one perimeter portion 10 of the impermeable layer 9 from the bottom wall 5 (in particular from its connection area 30) and / or tearing of the impermeable layer 9 as described in the foregoing).

[0044] At this point, the infused or dissolved product passes through the layer 15 or 20 (depending on which of the two layers is present as illustrated in Figure 1) and exits from the capsule 1 passing through the labyrinth path 12 and the outlet 6 so as to be collected inside a container (such as, for example, a coffee cup, mug or glass).

[0045] The embodiments described herein can be combined with one another without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] The capsule 1 described up to here has a plurality of advantages.

[0047] Firstly, an opening of the impermeable layer 9 is obtained, only and exclusively when reaching a threshold value of the inner pressure (which is typically between 2 and 4 bar). Therefore, the characteristics of the material contained in the capsule 1 are maintained unvaried up to the use of the capsule 1.

[0048] The capsule 1 further has the advantage that no further breakage elements or means for breaking the impermeable layer 9 are necessary. In fact, the opening of the impermeable layer 9 occurs autonomously when reaching the threshold value of the inner pressure of the capsule downstream of the injection of the pressurized water.

[0049] Additionally, the capsule 1 has the advantage that the labyrinth path 12 is integrated in the cup-shaped body 2. Therefore, the production of the capsule 1 results to be economically more advantageous. Furthermore, since there are less components to be assembled, the assembling of the capsule 1 is facilitated.

[0050] The capsule 1 further has the advantage that the thicknesses of the cup-shaped body 2 are optimized, thus using less material and improving the recyclability. In particular, in the case where biodegradable or compostable materials are used (namely a material which complies with regulation UNI EN 13432), its compostability is improved.

Claims

1. Capsule (1) for infusion or soluble products having a distal end (ED) and a proximal end (EP), opposite the distal end (ED); the capsule (1) comprises: a cup-shaped body (2) which defines inside it a cavity (7) configured to house an infusion or soluble material; the cup-shaped body (2) comprises a side wall (4) and a bottom wall (5) at which the infused product comes out of the capsule (1); a closing element (3) which is arranged to close the cavity (7) of the cup-shaped body (2), at the proximal end (EP); and a first impermeable layer (9) which is arranged to close the cavity (7) at the distal end (ED); the first impermeable layer (9) is connected at least at a perimeter portion (10) thereof to the bottom wall (5); the bottom wall (5) is configured to bend due to the pressure inside the cavity (7) following the introduction of pressurized water, so as to create an opening of the first impermeable layer (9), so as to allow the infusion or soluble product to pass beyond the first impermeable layer (9); the capsule (1) is characterized in that said opening is created by at least one portion of the perimeter portion (10) of the first impermeable layer (9) which is at least partially disconnected from the bottom wall (5) due to the bending of the bottom wall (5), in such a way as to create at least one detachment area at which the first impermeable layer (9) is detached from the bottom wall (5) and at which the product passes through the first impermeable layer (9).

2. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first impermeable layer (9) is configured to tear due to the bending of the bottom wall (5), in such a way as to define at least one torn area at which the product passes through the first impermeable layer (9).

3. The capsule (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first impermeable layer (9) is provided with areas of material weakening which define areas of preferential tearing, at which due to the bending of the bottom wall (5), the first impermeable layer (9) is configured to tear in such a way as to create the at least one torn area at which the product passes through the first impermeable layer (9).

4. The capsule (1) according to any previous claim, wherein the bottom wall (5) comprises a labyrinth path (12) configured to filter the infused or soluble product; and the labyrinth path (12) comprises a plurality of channels (13) which form the path along which the infused or soluble product is fed towards the distal end (ED).

5. The capsule (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first impermeable layer (9) is arranged on the bottom wall (5) in such a way as to cover the labyrinth path (12).

6. The capsule (1) according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a second impermeable layer (20) arranged on the bottom wall (5) in such a way as to cover the labyrinth path (12); and the first impermeable layer (9) is arranged between the second impermeable layer (20) and the bottom wall (5).

7. The capsule (1) according to claim 6, wherein the impermeable layers (9, 20) are both planar.

8. The capsule (1) according to claim 6, comprising a first filtering layer (15); the first filtering layer (15) being folded in such a way as to define a seat (17) configured to accommodate the first impermeable layer (9) inside it; and the first impermeable layer (9) being planar.

9. The capsule (1) according to claim 8, comprising a second filtering layer (18) which is arranged at a non-zero distance (D1, D2) from both ends (ED, EP).

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