Functional capsule-lid couplable to a container for mixing products, processing machine for product mixtures, method for operating the machine and system

Abstract

The invention relates to a functional capsule-lid (1) couplable to a container (2) for mixing products, preferably food, a processing machine for product mixtures, a method for operating the machine and a processing system for mixtures. The capsule contains at least one product, preferably at least one product or ingredient, preferably food, although it may also be a cosmetic or medicinal product, which may be solid, dispersed or compact, or liquid, where the capsule in turn serves as a lid for closing the opening of a receptacle or container that includes another product or ingredient therein, or is capable of being filled with another product or ingredient before or after placing the capsule-lid on the container, preferably being a liquid ingredient or product, for example, water, although it could also be a gel or a cream. Said capsule is used in a particular mixing machine according to a specific method. The invention also relates to a system.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention, a functional capsule-lid couplable to a container for mixing products, preferably food, a processing machine for product mixtures, a method for operating the machine and a processing system for mixtures, firstly relates to a capsule containing at least one product, preferably at least one product or ingredient, preferably food, although it may also be a cosmetic or medicinal product, which may be solid, dispersed or compact, or liquid, where the capsule in turn serves as a lid for closing the opening of a receptacle or container that includes another product or ingredient therein, or is capable of being filled with another product or ingredient before or after placing the capsule-lid on the container, preferably being a liquid ingredient or product, for example, water, although it could also be a gel or a cream. Alternatively, the product or ingredient may not be expressly food, such as, for example, vitamin supplements, sports products, medical or cosmetic products, among others.

[0002] Likewise, the invention relates to a processing machine based on product mixtures, equipped with means for ensuring the placement of the capsule-lid as a closure of the container simultaneously, or subsequently, to the aperture of the capsule-lid, as well as means for opening the capsule-lid that guarantee that the contents in the capsule-lid fall into the container. Likewise, due to the action of stirring means comprised by the machine, the products are mixed after the container is closed with the capsule-lid, achieving a homogeneous mixture of the ingredients contained in the capsule-lid and in the container. The invention also relates to a method for operating the foregoing machine and to a processing system for product mixtures made up of at least two ingredients.

[0003] The field of application of the present invention is the sector of the product dispensing and mixing industry.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] As a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that although single-dose packaging in capsule form and products made from the mixture of two or more ingredients and sold packaged in a container are known on the market, at least the applicant is unaware of the existence of any element or any machine that has features such as those had by the capsule-lid, the machine, the method and the system objects of the present invention.

[0005] Specifically, capsule-type packaging containing a certain dose of product that exists on the market is usually designed either to be opened previously and the contents poured, without serving as a lid for the receptacle into which said contents are poured, or to be introduced into a machine and its contents infused, without being able to be used as a lid either, or they are articles that are difficult to manufacture so that, once the capsule is incorporated as a lid, it breaks at some point and the contents of the capsule are poured into the receptacle.

[0006] In no case are capsules known which, in addition to functioning as a lid and as a receptacle for at least one ingredient or component, have functional features that, due to their constructive features or configuration, contribute to their use in a machine that, after opening the capsule-lid, allow pouring the entire contents of the capsule into the receptacle, closing the capsule-lid over the receptacle and facilitating the mixing or dissolving of the contents of the capsule-lid with or in the contents of the receptacle (contents poured into the receptacle or contents before or after closing the same) by rotating and / or counter-rotating the receptacle itself, thereby mixing the contents, products or ingredients of the capsule-lid and of the receptacle.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The first object of the present invention is a capsule-lid couplable to a container for mixing food products according to claim 1. Optional and alternative features of the capsule-lid are included in claims 2 to 12. The capsule-lid object of the invention is a functional product, understood as having been designed while mainly taking into account the ease, usefulness and comfort of its use. Likewise, the capsule, in addition to containing the at least one ingredient or product to make the mixture, acts as a lid to make the mixture in the container, hence its name in this description as capsule-lid. Furthermore, it facilitates mixing. due to its configuration with protrusions.

[0008] Thus, the capsule-lid with at least one product or ingredient therein, preferably a food product, in powder or liquid form, comprises, among other particularities, a body with a cavity and an access aperture to the cavity, defining a volume for containing the food product, and which incorporates at least one inner protrusion, preferably two, which emerge from the inside of the body and towards the inside of the cavity, and which act, as discussed later, to promote homogeneous mixing of the at least one product contained in the capsule with the at least one product contained in a container or receptacle, for example, a cup, on which the capsule-lid is arranged. The perimeter of the aperture comprises coupling means to be able to couple the capsule-lid to a container, specifically to the opening or mouth thereof. Furthermore, the aperture of the body of the capsule-lid is sealed with a removable film, attached to the perimeter of the aperture. To remove the film, said film preferably comprises a side tab on the perimeter of the film. The configuration of the capsule-lid object of the present invention allows the very capsule that contains the at least one food ingredient or product, in a solid, dispersed or compacted form, or liquid, to act as a lid of a container to mix the product contained in the capsule-lid and at least one liquid product introduced into the container.

[0009] Alternatively, the body comprises a perimeter wing, projection or flange around the aperture in which case the coupling means for coupling the capsule-lid to a container are arranged on the perimeter of said wing or projection, in order to couple the capsule-lid to the opening of the container receptacle. In the case of the body with a perimeter wing or projection, the removable film can be attached either to the perimeter of the aperture or to the perimeter wing or projection.

[0010] The body of the capsule-lid has a vertical axis and said perimeter wing may or may not be perpendicular to said vertical axis, such that the perimeter wing has an inclination with respect to said axis, the perimeter of the wing being located below the aperture of the body of the capsule-lid, i.e., furthest from the body.

[0011] In particular, the capsule-lid couplable to a container for mixing ingredients, object of the invention, has a body with a cavity and an aperture with a geometric centre, which is crossed by a vertical axis, which define a volume for containing at least a product, preferably food, having: At least one protrusion, preferably two, which emerge from the inside of the body towards the inside of the cavity, Coupling means on the perimeter of the aperture for coupling to a container, and A removable film attached to the body, preferably to the perimeter of the aperture, which covers said aperture of the cavity, sealing it hermetically to prevent the contents of the food product from falling, as well as to prevent contamination of the surface of the capsule covered by the film. Likewise, said film allows a protective atmosphere to be applied to the capsule to extend the useful life of its contents.

[0012] The vertical axis that crosses the geometric centre of the shape that defines the aperture will be the centre of rotation of the body of the capsule-lid, and in particular if it is a body of rotation, such as a semi-sphere, a cylinder or a cone, among others.

[0013] Under certain circumstances, the capsule-lid may not include any protrusion, although the inclusion of at least one favours the mixing of the products and also lowers the mixing time.

[0014] As mentioned, the body may incorporate a perimeter wing, projection or flange around the aperture, with a geometric centre, which may or may not coincide with the geometric centre of the aperture, and the film covering the aperture may then be attached to the perimeter wing or projection. The fact that the aperture of the cavity is inscribed in the perimeter wing, projection or flange makes it possible for the contents of said cavity to always fall inside the container when the film is removed, preventing the contents from spilling out of the container.

[0015] When reference is made to the cavity, the description preferably refers to a laminar body, understood as being formed by a body of at least one sheet, which defines a cavity for containing a liquid or solid product, preferably in powder form.

[0016] The at least one protrusion, which may be vertical or inclined, of the capsule-lid may have different configurations, for example: At least one vertical or inclined elongation or recess, which emerges from the body of the capsule-lid or upper laminar body towards the inside of the cavity, preferably with a cone or conical shape, At least one vertical or inclined recess or elongation, with a triangular or pyramidal shape and a triangular base, which emerges towards the inside of the cavity, At least one elongation or recess with a semicircular section, or At least one flat, straight or square-like elongation or recess, for example, a rigid wing, like a fin, or preferably, for example, two or four elongations, which emerge towards the inside of the cavity from the body of the capsule-lid, for example, as blades, defining two or four spaces or gaps between the aforementioned protrusions.

[0017] Said protrusion, which may have different configurations as previously mentioned, may extend vertically from the body of the capsule-lid, understood as perpendicular to the film that closes the aperture of said capsule-lid, or it may extend in an inclined manner from the body of the capsule-lid, understood as forming an angle other than 90° with the film that closes the aperture of said capsule-lid. Likewise, the protrusion in the form of an elongation should be interpreted as a lengthening or stretching towards the inside of the body of the capsule-lid. On the other hand, the protrusion in the form of a recess should be interpreted as an element that enters towards the inside of the cavity, in the form of an elongation as previously described or in any other way, for example, by adding material to the cavity or as a result of a moulding process.

[0018] The capsule-lid object of the invention may incorporate one or more of the foregoing protrusions, said protrusions having the same or different configurations from each other.

[0019] Thus, these and other protrusions are preferably defined by the very deformation of the material, defining, on the outside of the body of the cavity, corresponding housings of shapes complementary to the protrusions. These housings may be used by means incorporated in a mixing machine to hold, orient or move the capsule-lid. This construction would exist when the capsule is manufactured by thermoforming, thus defining the hollow protrusions as housings on the outside of the body as described and with protrusions inside the cavity of the body. Alternatively, the capsules could be manufactured by injection, in which case the protrusions could be hollow or solid.

[0020] The perimeter of the aperture and the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection define a shape that may be circular or polygonal, such as, for example, triangular, rectangular, square, etc., said shapes being able to be the same or different; for example, the aperture could have a rectangular perimeter and the perimeter wing could have a circular perimeter or both could be circular or one triangular and the other rectangular. They will preferably be circular. In any case, the shape of the perimeter of the aperture or of the wing or projection will be complementary to the shape of the perimeter of the opening of the container on which either the aperture or the perimeter wing or projection will be coupled.

[0021] Thus, the capsule-lid object of the invention may have a polygonal or circular shape on the perimeter of the lower aperture of the cavity, while the perimeter of the perimeter wing / projection may also define a polygonal or circular shape, which may or may not be the same shape.

[0022] Furthermore, from the outside, the body of the capsule-lid that defines the cavity has a generally hemispherical shape, or a generally cylindrical shape, or a generally frustoconical shape, among others, with the perimeter of the aperture defining a circular or polygonal shape. Likewise, for example, the body of the capsule-lid may have a star-shaped section, with five or six points, that extends to the aperture, so that the opening of the receptacle should also have a complementary shape where they both can couple to each other. Alternatively, if the capsule-lid has a wing, the perimeter of said wing could also have a star shape or not, coinciding with the opening of the receptacle or container that will be coupled to the capsule-lid.

[0023] The materials of the body of the capsule-lid and that of the container or receptacle may or may not be the same, although they will preferably be different, one more rigid and the other more flexible to facilitate coupling between them when the capsule-lid is arranged on the container, and at the same time making said coupling more airtight, preventing leaks between them.

[0024] The centre of the aperture of the cavity, i.e., the centre of the geometric shape inscribed in the perimeter of the aperture, and the centre of the perimeter wing or projection, i.e., the centre of the geometric shape inscribed in the perimeter of the perimeter projection or wing, may or may not be on the same axis perpendicular to the plane that comprises the perimeter wing or projection, so that they may coincide or be moved with respect to the other, i.e., on two parallel axes, both axes being perpendicular to the plane that comprises the perimeter wing or projection.

[0025] Likewise, if the shapes of the aperture and of the perimeter wing are the same and the centres are on the same axis as previously mentioned, the distance between the perimeter of the wing and the perimeter of the aperture remains constant along the entire perimeter, the distance being the same if the shape is circular. For example, if the shape of the aperture is rectangular and the shape of the perimeter wing is circular, and both centres are on the same axis, the distances between perimeters will be constant between the sides of the rectangle of the aperture and the perimeter of the wing, although they will be different depending on the side of the rectangle. In these cases, the capsule-lid will be symmetrical at least with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane containing the perimeter wing or projection and which includes the centre of the aperture and of said perimeter wing or projection that are on the same axis.

[0026] However, on the other hand, if the geometric centres are not on the same axis perpendicular to the plane containing the perimeter wing or projection, the distance between the perimeter of the aperture and the perimeter of the wing will not be constant, regardless of the shape of the aperture and of the perimeter wing.

[0027] The coupling means of the capsule-lid, arranged on the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection, preferably have an open semicircular shape or perimeter groove on the lower portion thereof to fit onto the opening of a container, such that said semicircular shape or groove must be complementary to the opening of the container, allowing an adjustment between both components that prevents the loss of any of the ingredients during their mixing.

[0028] Alternatively, the coupling means have a thread that allows them to be coupled by threading to a container.

[0029] As mentioned, the removable film can be attached to the surface of the perimeter wing or projection existing between the perimeters of the aperture and of the wing or projection or to the very perimeter of the aperture.

[0030] Alternatively, the foregoing capsule-lid is made up of two independent parts, a lower part comprising the perimeter wing / projection and an upper part comprising the cavity and the film, having complementary coupling means between both parts, the lower part and the upper part. For example, said complementary coupling means between both parts are rails provided for this purpose.

[0031] In another alternative capsule-lid, the body may present, along the perimeter and above the aperture, an annular projection that will be used to hold the capsule-lid, mainly by a machine when said capsule-lid is introduced into a suitable machine.

[0032] As mentioned, to mix the contents of the capsule and the liquid product already introduced or to be introduced into the container, both are placed in a mixing machine object of the invention. This machine comprises a base with a mixing space on the same, the container being placed on said base. Furthermore, the machine comprises: Gripping means for holding a capsule-lid such as the one described previously, i.e., with a hollow body with a cavity and a lower aperture, preferably surrounded by a wing or projection, although not necessarily, which is sealed by a film, comprising at least one product, preferably food, inside the cavity, Optional orientation and / or movement means of the capsule-lid for orienting and / or moving the capsule-lid in a specific position prior to removing the film, A capsule-lid opening system with means for removing the film attached to the capsule-lid, Optional movement means for moving said capsule-lid from the film removal position until it is placed on the container, Fastening and coupling means for fastening and coupling the capsule-lid on the opening of the container, and Stirring means that rotate the assembly of the closed container with the capsule-lid to mix the ingredients.

[0033] This machine, combined with the configuration of the capsule-lid, ensures that 100% of the solid product, preferably in powder form, and / or the liquid product contained in the capsule-lid falls into the container, whereby all the ingredients reach the final consumer, having 0% waste and also being possible due to integral mixing with the liquid ingredient in the container due to the rotation and / or counter-rotation of the container in the machine. This mixing or processing machine for composite products based on mixtures is a second object of the present invention according to claim 13. Optional and alternative features of the machine are included in claims 14 to 17.

[0034] In the construction of a capsule-lid with a perimeter rim or wing, there is a space between the aperture of the cavity and the rim of the perimeter wing or projection of the body of the capsule that prevents the contents of said capsule-lid from spilling out of the container when the film is removed from the capsule-lid.

[0035] Likewise, the capsule-lids that have the centre of the aperture offset from the centre of the perimeter wing or projection, i.e., on different axes perpendicular to the plane in which the wing or projection is inscribed, and this plane coinciding with the plane in which the aperture of the cavity of the body of the capsule-lid is inscribed, must necessarily be introduced into the machine in a single position and direction, thus allowing the system for removing the film from the capsule-lid to operate correctly on said film.

[0036] In those capsule-lids that do not have the centre of the aperture offset from the centre of the perimeter wing or projection, i.e., those that are symmetrical, it is appropriate for the machine to have fastening means that orient and position the capsule-lid so that the film removal means can act on the same.

[0037] Preferably, the film removal means incorporated into the machine allow, as the capsule is placed on the container, the film to be removed in the direction opposite to the direction of introduction of the capsule (180°), so that the contents of said capsule fall by gravity into the container located under the capsule-lid. Alternatively, the film could be removed in another direction that is not opposite to the direction of introduction, for example, laterally from left to right or vice versa. Alternatively, the film removal means may comprise cutting means, for example, a blade that cuts the film. Once the film has been cut, said film can be gathered with additional means, for example, means similar to a clamp, and removed completely.

[0038] As mentioned, the ingredient, or ingredients, contained inside the capsule-lid may be solid or liquid. If it is solid, it is preferably a powdery compound that may be dispersed, i.e., with loose grains, or compacted, with compact grains. The fact of compacting the ingredient, or ingredients, allows a greater amount of powder to be introduced into the capsule-lid, or makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the cavity, and it additionally prevents the dispersion of the powder and therefore loss when it falls by gravity into the container.

[0039] Once the capsule-lid is placed on the opening of the container, said container closes on said capsule-lid by fastening and coupling means. These fastening and coupling means cause interaction between the same and the opening of the container. Said closure or coupling is preferably carried out by pressure, so that the fastening and coupling means press the capsule-lid from above, which, after having removed the film, already acts exclusively as a lid on the opening of the container, or they press and / or raise the container from below in order to introduce it into the coupling means of the capsule-lid. In this example, the coupling means on the capsule-lid have a preferably perimeter groove into which the opening of the container is introduced.

[0040] Alternatively, said fastening and coupling means allow the capsule-lid to be threaded onto the container, for which both the opening of the container and the coupling means of the capsule-lid have a thread. For this threading, either the capsule-lid is kept fixed and the container is rotated while it is raised, or the container is kept fixed and the capsule-lid is rotated while it is lowered onto the container.

[0041] Furthermore, preferably, before closing the container with the capsule-lid, a second food product or ingredient, preferably a liquid, for example, water, that is poured or injected into the container is introduced into the container. Said introduction of the liquid product is carried out by injection means arranged in the machine that supplies the liquid from a tank. Alternatively, the container may also be introduced into the machine with the liquid already included.

[0042] In another alternative, when the capsule-lid has a wing or projection on the surface between the aperture and the perimeter of the wing and outside the cavity into which the ingredient is incorporated, there is an injection point for the liquid product on the container, for example, a hole. In this way, said product can be injected after closing the container with the capsule-lid, using a needle that passes through the foregoing hole to introduce the liquid / water into the container. This hole can be open, or made up of cuts in the perimeter wing or projection of the capsule-lid, or included in a silicone valve, so that all the alternatives allow introducing a needle, which passes through the capsule-lid to reach the inside of the container. Likewise, this hole can be used to introduce a straw that allows the created mixture to be used without having to separate the capsule-lid and the container.

[0043] Alternatively, the very body with the cavity and the aperture, closed by the film, may incorporate a weakened area or an area sealed with a material other than that of the capsule-lid, which allows it to be passed through by an injector in order to introduce liquid into the container after the assembly formed by the capsule-lid and the container is closed, or in order to introduce a straw. Alternatively, said body may incorporate a hollow projection of the same material as the capsule-lid, slightly elongated with its closed end, and which closed end can be removed, either manually or with cutting means, to be able to access the contents inside the capsule-lid and container assembly, once the mixture has been made. In another alternative, said elongated projection could incorporate a cap that allows opening and closing said projection, through which it is possible to drink, and by extension of the capsule-lid and container assembly. If a hole is provided for introducing the straw, said hole must be slightly larger than the diameter of the straw or alternatively another viable hole must be provided in the body of the cavity, so that air can enter at the same time that the user drinks through the straw introduced into the capsule-lid. If the capsule-lid has a hollow elongated projection through which the user can drink, it will also be appropriate to provide another viable hole in the body of the cavity for the inlet of air.

[0044] In any case, when the assembly formed by the container with the capsule-lid has been closed, the mixing machine rotates and / or counter-rotates the assembly, preferably from the base of the container and along the axis of rotation of the container. Alternatively, the assembly could be rotated and counter-rotated from the capsule-lid, but if said capsule-lid is of the type that has the centres of the aperture and of the wing or projection on moved axes, an eccentric rotation of the assembly would be produced, which is not entirely desirable. However, if the capsule-lid is symmetrical with the geometric centres of the aperture and of the wing on the same vertical axis, the rotation of the assembly formed by the capsule-lid and the container could be driven from the capsule-lid or from the base that supports the container.

[0045] As previously described, different constructive alternatives for capsule-lids can be given: Symmetrical capsule-lid (geometric centres of the aperture and of the perimeter wing coincide, thus being located on the same vertical axis) and the axis of rotation of the machine coincides with the vertical axis of the capsule-lid, so that the assembly is centred when it rotates and counter-rotates, preventing vibrations from occurring. Non-symmetrical capsule-lid (geometric centres of the aperture and of the perimeter wing do not coincide, thus being located on different vertical axes) and the axis of rotation of the machine coincides with the vertical axis of the container or receptacle, so that when the assembly rotates and counter-rotates, some vibrations may occur. Capsule-lid may or may not be symmetrical, but the axis of rotation of the machine does not coincide with the vertical axis of the container or receptacle, so that both are offset, where more vibrations occur when the assembly rotates or counter-rotates than in the foregoing cases, which could be of interest to generate more turbulence that contributes to the mixing of the products.

[0046] The rotations and / or counter-rotations of the assembly cause its contents to rotate and collide with the inner protrusions of the capsule-lid, ensuring the mixing of the contents of the capsule-lid with the liquid in the container. The centrifugal force created by the rotation of the assembly allows the mixture created in the container to enter the spaces furthest from the axis of rotation, forcing the mixture to reach the aforementioned protrusions of the capsule-lid as it is raised inside the assembly.

[0047] In addition to closing the container with the capsule-lid, pressure means could be envisaged in the machine that force contact between the capsule and the container, minimising possible liquid leaks that could occur due to the rotation of the container and capsule-lid.

[0048] The capsule-lid may comprise, either on the outer surface of the body thereof or on the film that covers the aperture of the capsule-lid, a code, for example, a barcode, BiDi code, QR code or other type of code, which includes instructions that will be read by reading media incorporated into the processing machine, so that after reading said code, the machine, equipped with a control unit with storage and memory means, will execute instructions for correctly mixing the products. For example, said instructions will cause the introduction of a specific amount of a liquid or liquids into the container, the temperature of said liquid or liquids, as well as the rotation time and number of rotations and / or counter-rotations necessary to achieve optimal mixing, as well as the temperature of the liquid product. These conditions will depend on the contents of the capsule-lid, as well as its constitution or shape.

[0049] The control unit of the machine may be connected wirelessly to different elements, such as, for example, mobile devices, phones or tablets, the cloud, servers, etc. Likewise, the machine may incorporate facial, voice, digital, keyboard recognition means, etc. to recognise or identify the user. In this way, the user, after identifying themselves by one of the foregoing means, will be detected by the machine and the product will prepared according to their tastes and avoiding possible intolerances of said user. The machine will thus be able to adapt to different users and be able to maintain a stock of different products, as well as place orders for them.

[0050] A third object of the invention is a method for operating the processing machine according to claim 18. Optional and alternative features of the method are included in claims 19 to 24.

[0051] Specifically, the method for operating a processing machine for product mixtures, which processes composite products based on two or more ingredients by at least mixing and dispensing, comprises a step of introducing at least one liquid ingredient into a container and also the following steps: Fastening a capsule-lid with a hollow body and a lower aperture sealed by a film attached to the hollow body and comprising at least one food ingredient therein, Moving said capsule-lid until it is placed on the container arranged in the machine, Opening the capsule-lid with means for removing the film attached to the capsule-lid for pouring the at least one ingredient comprised therein inside the container, Coupling the capsule-lid on the container forming a closed mixing assembly, and Stirring by means of the at least one rotation and / or counter-rotation of the closed mixing assembly in at least one direction of rotation.

[0052] Alternatively, the capsule-lid is moved on the container at the same time that the film is removed from said capsule-lid or vice versa.

[0053] The liquid compound can be introduced into the container either before or after the film is removed. In the event that it is done after the film is removed, the introduction of the at least one liquid ingredient into the container is preferably carried out through the capsule-lid.

[0054] A fourth object of the present invention is a processing system for product mixtures made up of at least two ingredients according to claim 25. Specifically, the system comprises: a machine as previously described, a capsule-lid with a hollow body and a lower aperture sealed by a film attached to the hollow body and comprising at least one food ingredient therein, and a container with at least one liquid food ingredient on which the capsule-lid is coupled after the film is removed. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] To complete the description of the present invention and to make the features thereof more readily understandable, a set of figures is included as an integral part thereof in an illustrative and non-limiting manner. Figure 1 shows a schematic side sectional view of a first example of the capsule-lid object of the invention, specifically an example with a perimeter closing flange by snap-fit, being represented on the opening of the container for which it is intended. Figure 2 shows a schematic side sectional view of another example of the capsule-lid of the invention, in this case with a threaded perimeter closing flange. Figures 3 and 4 show schematic views of the profile of respective examples of the capsule-lid with a hemispherical cavity in figure 3 and a rectangular cavity in figure 4, having a perimeter gripping ring in both cases. Figure 5 shows a schematic side sectional view of another example of the capsule-lid, in this case symmetrical, such that the perimeter wing or projection shares a centre with the aperture. Figures 6 and 7 show schematic plan views of an example of the capsule-lid with the offset cavity and lateral fastening tongue on the lower closing film, where figure 7 shows a projection of the laminar body material with a recess or elongation that partially exposes the tongue. Figures 8-A and 8-B show side sectional and plan views, respectively, of an example of the capsule-lid with the cavity provided with protrusions formed by cone-shaped elongations that emerge from the central area thereof. Figures 9-A and 9-B show side sectional and plan views, respectively, of another example of the capsule-lid, in this case with the cavity provided with protrusions that emerge from the side walls and have triangular shapes. Figures 10-A and 10-B show side sectional and plan views, respectively, of another example of the capsule-lid, in this case with the cavity provided with a combination of protrusions formed by cone-shaped elongations that emerge from the central area thereof and protrusions that emerge from the side walls and have triangular shapes. Figures 11-A and 11-B show side sectional and plan views of an example of the capsule-lid with the container, where said container also has protrusions therein. Figure 12-A shows a schematic sectional view of an example of the capsule-lid formed by two independent parts where the cavity fits into rails of the base with the perimeter flange. Figure 12-B shows an enlarged view of detail A indicated in figure 12-A which shows the rails of the base for fixing the cavity. Figure 13 shows a schematic view of the profile of an example of the gripping means that the mixing machine of the invention has to place the capsule-lid on the container. Figures 14-A, 14-B and 14-C show respective schematic views of the phases of placing the capsule-lid on the container with the gripping means of the machine shown in figure 13. Figures 15-A and 15-B show schematic views of the phases of removing the sealing film from the capsule-lid when it is placed on the container with a first example of fastening means for fastening said film, specifically a wedge stop, which the mixing machine of the invention has. Figures 16-A and 16-B show schematic views of the phases of removing the sealing film from the capsule-lid when it is placed on the container with a second example of fastening means for fastening said film, in this case of the clamp-type, provided in the mixing machine. Figures 17-A and 17-B show schematic views of an example of means that the mixing machine has for stirring the assembly by fastening the capsule-lid to make it rotate, specifically a fork that can be inserted into the gaps in the protrusions of the capsule-lid, where the fork is represented unplaced and once it has been placed. Figure 18-A and 18-B show, respectively, a section of a capsule-lid prior to being coupled to a container with a liquid and a section of a capsule-lid coupled to a container with a liquid and rotating, where both show the position of the liquid inside the assembly formed by the container and the capsule-lid. Figure 19 shows a capsule-lid on a container or receptacle, in turn arranged on the axis of rotation of the machine which is shown to not coincide with the axis of rotation of the receptacle. Figures 20-A and 20-B show perspective views of a container with a capsule-lid with an approximately hemispherical cavity provided with protrusions (which can be seen in figure 20-B) directed towards the inside of the cavity, as well as recesses in the hemispherical surface of the capsule-lid. Figures 21-A and 21-B show two perspective views of the capsule-lid of the two previous figures, which show the protrusions, elongations or recesses, as well as the film (figure 21-B) that closes the capsule-lid from below. Figures 22-A and 22-B show perspective views of a container with a capsule-lid with an alternatively shaped cavity provided with protrusions (which can be seen in figure 22-B) directed towards the inside of the cavity, as well as recesses in the surface of the cavity, although it could have either only recesses or only protrusions. Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the capsule-lid of the two previous figures. Figures 24-A and 24-B show perspective views of a container with a circular section, with a capsule-lid with a star-shaped polygonal cavity, so that the recesses are part of the star shape. Figure 24-B shows a capsule-lid that includes protrusions directed towards the inside of the cavity. Figures 25-A and 25-B show perspective views of a container with a star cross section, with a capsule-lid with a star-shaped polygonal cavity coinciding with the shape of the container, so that the recesses are part of the star shape. Figure 24-B shows a capsule-lid that includes protrusions directed towards the inside of the cavity. Figure 26 shows an example of a capsule-lid according to the invention, which comprises therein two square elongations, like fins, that emerge towards the inside of the cavity from the body of the capsule-lid, for example, as a blades, defining two spaces or gaps between the aforementioned elongations. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0056] In view of the aforementioned figures, and according to the numbering included therein, several exemplary embodiments of the objects of the present invention can be observed.

[0057] Thus, as shown in said figures, the capsule-lid (1), which contains at least a first ingredient, in powder or liquid form, to mix in the container (2), which in turn contains and / or can incorporate at least a second ingredient, preferably liquid, said capsule-lid also acting as a closing lid for said container (2), comprises, by way of example, a preferably laminar, thermoformed or moulded body (3) of a circular or polygonal plan that has: a cavity (6) defining a volume of variable shape and size, for example, of a hemispherical dome (figure 3) or a rectangular dome (figure 4) or a truncated cone dome, which defines a hollow space where a first food component or ingredient is stored, a perimeter flange, wing or projection (4) around the aperture, so that the perimeter of the aperture is smaller than the perimeter of the perimeter flange, wing or projection, there being at least one protrusion, preferably two protrusions (7, 8), that emerge from the body (3) towards the inside of the cavity (6), with coupling means on the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection (4) to be coupled to the rim of the opening (5) of the container (2) and to close the same, where the capsule-lid acts as a lid, and a film (9), preferably heat-sealed, arranged to cover the aperture of the capsule-lid (1) and seal the same, preventing the contents of the cavity from spilling, and being able to be removed before it is fixed as a lid on the container (2).

[0058] Preferably, the capsule-lid (1) is configured to be coupled to the rim (5) of the opening (5) of the container (2) by means of coupling means arranged on the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection (4). Said coupling can be carried out by press-fit, for which the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection (4) has a groove open at the bottom to fit onto the container (2), as shown in figure 1. However, in other embodiment options, said perimeter flange, wing or projection (4) has a thread (10), as shown in figure 2, with a half thread or with other means for closing the rim (5) of the container (2) that will adjust to a thread arranged in the opening (5) of the container (2).

[0059] Likewise, preferably, as protrusions that emerge towards the inner portion of the cavity (6) that serves as a storage reservoir, the capsule-lid (1) has cone-shaped elongations (7), preferably located outside the centre and at a centred distance between the centre and the wall of said cavity (6), as shown in the example in figures 8-A and 8-B.

[0060] Alternatively, or simultaneously, the protrusions of the cavity (6) have triangular shapes (8) that emerge from the body (3) and enter the space of the cavity (6) and run vertically, as shown in the examples in figures 9-A to 10-B.

[0061] Thus, these and other protrusions (7, 8) are preferably defined by the very deformation of the material, defining, on the outside of the cavity (6), corresponding housings of shapes complementary to the protrusions.

[0062] Optionally, the receptacle that constitutes the container (2), a body of revolution, preferably also has one or two protrusions (7 or 8) that emerge towards the inside of the same to improve the mixing effect, for example, triangular shapes (8) that emerge from its walls, as shown in the example in figures 11-A and 11-B.

[0063] In any case, in a preferred embodiment, the laminar body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) is formed by a single part where the perimeter wing or projection (4) and the cavity (6) of the reservoir are formed by the deformation of the same sheet, as shown in the examples in figures 1 to 11.

[0064] However, in an alternative embodiment option, the preferably laminar body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) is formed by two independent laminar parts, one preferably laminar lower part (3a) that comprises the perimeter flange, projection or wing (4) and one preferably laminar upper part (3b) with the cavity (6) and which is fixed to the lower part (3a) by rails (11) provided for this purpose.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in figures 12-A and 12-B, the upper part (3b) with the cavity (6) preferably has a spoiler (12) on both sides of its base that is inserted into the rails (11) of the lower laminar part (3a).

[0066] In an alternative, the centre of the aperture of the cavity (6), i.e., the centre of the geometric shape inscribed in the perimeter of the aperture, and the centre of the perimeter wing or projection (4), i.e., the centre of the geometric shape inscribed in the perimeter of the perimeter projection or wing (4), may or may not be on the same axis perpendicular to the plane that comprises the perimeter wing or projection (4), so that they may coincide or be moved with respect to the other, i.e., on two parallel axes, both axes being perpendicular to the plane that comprises the perimeter wing or projection (4).

[0067] Likewise, if the shapes of the aperture and of the perimeter wing (4) are the same and the centres are on the same axis as previously mentioned, the distance between the perimeter of the wing (4) and the perimeter of the aperture remains constant along the entire perimeter, the distance being the same if the shape is circular.

[0068] For example, if the shape of the aperture is rectangular and the shape of the perimeter wing (4) is circular, and both centres are on the same axis, the distances between perimeters will be constant between the sides of the rectangle of the aperture and the perimeter of the wing (4), although they will be different depending on the side of the rectangle. In these cases, the capsule-lid (1) will be symmetrical at least with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane containing the perimeter wing or projection (4) and which includes the centre of the aperture and of said perimeter wing or projection (4) that are on the same axis.

[0069] However, if the centres are not on the same axis perpendicular to the plane containing the perimeter wing or projection, the distance between perimeters will not be constant, regardless of the shape of the aperture and of the perimeter wing.

[0070] The space between the aperture of the cavity (6) and the rim of the perimeter wing or projection (4) of the body of the capsule-lid (1) to prevent the contents thereof from spilling out of the container (2) when the film (9) is removed from the capsule-lid. Likewise, the capsule-lids (1) that have the centre of the aperture offset from the centre of the perimeter wing or projection (4), i.e., on different axes perpendicular to the plane in which the wing or projection (4) is inscribed, and this plane coinciding with the plane in which the aperture of the cavity (6) of the body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) is inscribed, must necessarily be introduced into the mixing and processing machine in a single position and direction, thus allowing the system for removing the film (9) from the capsule-lid (1) to operate correctly on said film (9), ensuring its correct removal.

[0071] In those capsule-lids (1) that do not have the centre of the aperture offset from the centre of the perimeter wing or projection (4), i.e., those that are symmetrical, it is necessary to correctly arrange the capsule-lid (1) so that the means for removing the film (9) can act on the same and remove it. Thus, it is appropriate for the machine to have fastening means that orient and position the capsule-lid so that the means for removing the film can act on the same.

[0072] To facilitate the removal of the film (9), it is preferable that the wing or projection (4) has a tab that clears access to a portion of the tab (9), thus making it easier for it to be held or grasped for removal by the means for removing the film (9).

[0073] Optionally, the body (3) has, along the perimeter on the outside of the cavity (6), an annular projection or ring (13) which, as shown in the examples in figures 3 and 4, emerges projected towards the outside, serving as a fastening point for the gripping means (14) of a mixing machine (100), which in turn constitutes a second object of the present invention, by means of which the capsule-lid (1) is placed on the container (2) and the subsequent movement and / or stirring of the assembly formed by the container (2) and the capsule-lid (1) is carried out to mix the contents of the components.

[0074] However, the fastening point of the aforementioned gripping means (14) of the machine (100) can be defined by the very perimeter flange (4) of the capsule-lid (1), as shown in figures 13 and 14, which serves to couple the capsule-lid (1) to the container (2). Alternatively, the housings of shapes complementary to the protrusions (7) of the body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) can also be used by means of the machine to hold, orient or move the capsule-lid (1).

[0075] In another embodiment option, as shown in figure 5, the capsule-lid (1) is symmetrical, so that the centre of the aperture is not off-centre, on a different axis perpendicular to the plane of the perimeter of the wing or projection (4), with respect to the centre of the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection (4), but rather both centres are arranged on the same axis perpendicular to the plane of the perimeter of the wing or projection (4). Likewise, the capsule-lid (1) in figure 5, like that in figure 2, shows a widening (15) on the perimeter of the wing or projection (4). This widening (15) contributes to the fact that if the powder contents of the capsule-lid (1) is dispersed, said contents will all fall into the container when the film (9) is removed.

[0076] Furthermore, the laminar body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) preferably comprises a filling point (16) located on the surface between the cavity (6) and the perimeter rim (4), as shown in figures 6, 7 and 9, which serves to introduce a liquid compound or ingredient that is injected into the container (2) after the capsule-lid (1) has been placed and the container (2) has been closed. Likewise, said filling point can be located in any portion of the body of the capsule-lid, preferably in the upper portion, furthest from the aperture.

[0077] Optionally, said filling point (16) is either a small weakening, is defined by one or two cuts made in the laminar body, or includes a silicone valve, to allow a needle to be inserted to inject liquid. This filling point (16) can also, or alternatively, be used to introduce a suction element to use the contents of the container (2) after the mixture has been made.

[0078] For its part, the lower film (9) that covers and seals the aperture of the cavity (6) of the body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) from below preferably has a tongue (9a) that, as shown in figure 6, protrudes laterally from the perimeter flange (4) of said upper laminar body (3) to facilitate its fastening at the time of removal by the mixing machine (100) through fastening means (17, 18) provided for this purpose.

[0079] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, said tongue (9a) is projected transversely and at 90° from the centre formed by the axis (e) that is drawn between the centre of the capsule-lid (1) and the moved centre of the cavity (6).

[0080] Optionally, as shown in the example in figure 7, said tongue (9a) is located coinciding with a projection (3c) of the material of the laminar body (3) in which a recess has been provided that leaves part of said tongue (9a) exposed, for its easy mechanical removal and to prevent the tongue (9a) from folding.

[0081] In any case, the capsule-lid (1) may have a type of code, for example, a BiDi code, QR code, barcode, among others, printed on one of its outer surfaces, for example, on the outside of the cavity (6) or on the film (9) that covers and seals the aperture of the cavity (6). Said code provides information or instructions to the mixing machine (100) about mixing conditions, such as identification of the product contained in the capsule-lid (1), the amount and temperature of the liquid, number of rotations and counter-rotations and their duration, stock maintenance (removal from stock once the capsule has been used) and other conditions.

[0082] To read this code, the machine is equipped with code reading means connected to a control unit with storage and memory means, which will execute the instructions obtained from the code.

[0083] Additionally, the outside of the capsule-lid (1) may incorporate a mark that facilitates its correct positioning in the machine to be able to remove the film (9).

[0084] For its part, the aforementioned mixing machine (100) for processing composite products based on mixtures comprises a base with a mixing space on the same to be occupied by a container (2) to be placed on the base, as well as other conventional operational components that are not part of the object of the invention because they are common to machines of this type and, in addition, at least the following: Gripping means (14) for holding a capsule-lid (1) of the type that comprises a hollow body (3), with a cavity (6), and an aperture of the cavity (6) sealed by a film (9) and that comprises at least one food compound or ingredient therein, A capsule-lid (1) opening system with means for removing (17, 18) the film attached to the capsule-lid (1) and with means for moving said capsule-lid (1) until it is placed on the container (2), Fastening or coupling means for fastening or coupling the capsule-lid (1) on the opening of the container (2), and Stirring means (19) that rotate the assembly of the closed container (2) with the capsule-lid (1) to mix the ingredients.

[0085] In addition to the gripping means for gripping the capsule-lid (1), the machine may comprise orientation means, which may coincide with the gripping means and which function is to rotate the capsule-lid (1) inside the machine to place the gripping position of the film (9) in its specific location. These orientation means are particularly useful in symmetrical capsule-lids, since capsule-lids that are not symmetrical can only be introduced into the machine in their correct position. As mentioned, the capsule-lid (1) may incorporate a mark that facilitates its correct positioning in the machine, although sometimes the aforementioned codes could also be used for this orientation function. This mark or code may be detected or read by the machine so that its orientation means place the capsule-lid (1) in position for removing the film (9).

[0086] Taking into account figures 13, 14-A, 14-B and 14-C, it is observed how, in one embodiment option, the gripping means (14) for holding, moving and placing the capsule-lid (1) in the receptacle (2) comprise respective arms (141) with clamping members (142) at the ends that couple either to the very perimeter flange (4) of the capsule-lid (1) coinciding with the flange of the aperture, when the capsule-lid (1) does not have a perimeter wing or projection (see figures 13, 14-A, 14-B, 14-C, 15-A and 16-B), or to a perimeter ring (13) of the cavity (6) as shown in figure 1. Alternatively, the gripping means (19) can be those that are used to rotate and counter-rotate the capsule-lid (1) when the projections of the fork (19) are introduced into the recesses complementary to the protrusions (7) in the cavity (6) of the body (3) of the capsule-lid (1).

[0087] The means for removing the film (9) from the capsule-lid (1) for its removal and extraction preferably allow, while the capsule-lid (1) is moved over the opening (5) of the container (2) in one direction and the film (9) is held, the removed portion of the film (9) to be folded over the portion of the film (9) that still attached to the capsule-lid (1), in other words, the film is removed in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the capsule-lid (1). In this way, as the film (9) is removed, the aperture is uncovered so that the contents of the cavity (6) of the capsule-lid (1) are poured into the container (2), which will preferably contain the liquid as a food component for the mixture with the contents of the capsule-lid (1).

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, said means for removing the film (9) are a wedge-shaped stop (17) where one end of the film (9), for example, a tongue (9a), is affixed, and when the capsule-lid (1) is placed and moved, the film is removed in the opposite direction, as shown in figures 15-A and 15-B. This wedge (17) is hollow to allow the contents of the capsule-lid (1) to fall into the container (2), making the body of the capsule-lid and the film independent. Optionally, prior to coupling the capsule-lid (1) on the container (2) in order to close the same, the wedge (17) can be removed.

[0089] In an alternative, the removal means are a clamp (18) or similar device that holds the tongue (9a) of said film (9), separating it from the body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the capsule-lid (1) on the container (2), as shown in the example in figures 16-A and 16-B, allowing the contents of the cavity (6) to be poured into the container (2) located below.

[0090] In another alternative solution, after placing the capsule-lid on the container, the film is removed to allow its contents to fall into the packaging.

[0091] After emptying the capsule-lid (1) into the container (2), it is necessary to close said container (2) with said capsule-lid (1), and to do so, means are provided in the machine that allow said closure. For example, if the coupling means arranged on the capsule-lid (1) are a groove in the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection (4) that must be pressed on the opening (5) of the container (2), the fastening and coupling means of the machine (100) press the capsule-lid (1) from above, already acting exclusively as a lid on the opening (5) of the container (2), or they press the container (2) from below in order to introduce it into the coupling means of the capsule-lid (1).

[0092] Alternatively, said fastening and coupling means of the machine (100) allow the capsule-lid to be threaded onto the container, for which both the opening (5) of the container (2) and the coupling means of the capsule-lid (1) have a thread. For this threading, for example, either the capsule-lid (1) is kept fixed and the container (2) is rotated while it is raised, or the container (2) is kept fixed and the capsule-lid (1) is rotated while it is lowered onto the container.

[0093] Once the container (2) is closed with the capsule-lid (1), acting exclusively as a lid since its contents have already been emptied, the stirring means of the machine are activated, said means consisting of causing the rotation and / or counter-rotation of the assembly formed by said container (2) and said capsule-lid (1). Said stirring means cause the rotation and / or counter-rotation of either the container (2) from its support base or of the capsule-lid (1) from its upper portion by which the capsule-lid (1) is gripped.

[0094] In an alternative, the stirring means of the assembly of the container (2) with the capsule-lid (1) for mixing the compounds or ingredients contained therein preferably comprise at least one fork-shaped rotating device (19) that, equipped with a plurality of points (191) in number, arrangement and configuration complementary to the gaps defined by the cone-shaped protrusions (7) and / or triangular protrusions (8) of the cavity (6) of the capsule-lid (1), is inserted fitted into said gaps to rotate and counter-rotate the assembly by moving it from the capsule-lid (1), as shown in figures 17-A and 17-B.

[0095] Alternatively, the rotation and / or counter-rotation of the assembly is transmitted from means that hold the base of the container (2).

[0096] The rotations and / or counter-rotations of the assembly cause its contents to rotate and collide with the protrusions (7) of the capsule-lid (1), ensuring the mixing of the contents of the capsule-lid (1) with the liquid in the container (2). Thus, the centrifugal force created by the assembly when rotating allows the mixture created in the container (2) to enter the spaces furthest from the axis of rotation, forcing the mixture to reach the aforementioned protrusions (7) of the capsule-lid (1) as it is raised inside the assembly (see figures 18-A and 18-B).

[0097] Figure 19 shows a capsule-lid arranged on a container or receptacle that is in turn arranged on the axis of rotation of the machine which is shown to not coincide with the axis of rotation of the receptacle. The capsule-lid may or may not be symmetrical, which is not the case in this figure, but since the axis of rotation of the machine does not coincide with the vertical axis of the container or receptacle, both are off-centre, producing vibrations that may not be desirable in some cases when the assembly rotates or counter-rotates, with the suitable damping means arranged in the machine, and turbulence could be generated that contributes to the mixing of the products.

[0098] Figures 20-A and 20-B show alternative capsule-lids arranged on a container. Likewise, figures 21-A and 21-B show two perspective views of the capsule-lid of the two previous figures, where their protrusions and their recesses are shown, as well as the film that closes the capsule-lid from below.

[0099] Figures 22-A and 22-B show alternative capsule-lids to the previous ones on a container with a capsule-lid. Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the capsule-lid of the two previous figures without the packaging.

[0100] Figures 24-A and 24-B show alternative capsule-lids on a container with a circular section. Specifically, figure 24-A shows a capsule-lid with a star-shaped polygonal cavity, so that the recesses are part of the star shape. Figure 24-B shows a capsule-lid like that in figure 24-A which further includes protrusions directed towards the inside of the cavity.

[0101] Figures 25-A and 25-B show capsule-lids like those shown in figures 24-A and 24-B, respectively, but with a container with a star cross section coinciding with the shape of the capsule-lid, so that the recesses are part of the star shape.

[0102] It is worth mentioning that although no example of the described mixing machine (100) has been represented as a whole, it is assumed that the person skilled in the art understands that the different means and elements it comprises may be arranged in the way that best suits each case, depending on the configuration of the packaging lines.

[0103] Based on the foregoing, the operating method of a processing machine for composite products based on mixtures, which processes composite products based on two or more ingredients by at least mixing and dispensing, comprises the following steps: Fastening a capsule-lid (1) with a body (3) with a cavity (6) with an aperture, which comprises a solid or liquid food product around which a perimeter wing or projection (4) is arranged, said aperture being sealed by a removable film (9), Introducing at least one liquid compound into the container (2), Moving said capsule-lid (1) until it is placed on the container (2) arranged in the machine (100), being able to comprise the orientation of the capsule-lid (1) by rotating it, for the next step, Opening the capsule-lid (1) with means for removing (17, 18) the film (9) attached to the capsule-lid (1) for pouring the at least one food compound comprised therein into the container (2), Coupling the capsule-lid (1) on the container (2) forming a closed mixing assembly, and Stirring by means of the rotation and / or counter-rotation of the closed mixing assembly, for its mixing.

[0104] Based on the foregoing, when the capsule-lid is placed on the container, the user can introduce said capsule-lid into the machine with a single orientation forced by the shape of the capsule-lid and the receptacle of the machine that receives said capsule-lid, which only allows its introduction in a single position. In another construction and if the capsule-lid does not have a particular shape, or has a symmetrical shape, the user introduces the capsule-lid and it is the machine that detects it and orients it so that the film removal means act on the same.

[0105] Alternatively, the capsule-lid (1) is moved on the container (2) at the same time that the film (9) is removed from said capsule-lid (1).

[0106] The liquid compound can be introduced into the container (2) either before or after the film (9) is removed. In the event that it is done after the film is removed, the introduction of the at least one liquid ingredient into the container is preferably carried out through the capsule-lid.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0056]In view of the aforementioned figures, and according to the numbering included therein, several exemplary embodiments of the objects of the present invention can be observed.

[0057]Thus, as shown in said figures, the capsule-lid (1), which contains at least a first ingredient, in powder or liquid form, to mix in the container (2), which in turn contains and / or can incorporate at least a second ingredient, preferably liquid, said capsule-lid also acting as a closing lid for said container (2), comprises, by way of example, a preferably laminar, thermoformed or moulded body (3) of a circular or polygonal plan that has:

a cavity (6) defining a volume of variable shape and size, for example, of a hemispherical dome (figure 3) or a rectangular dome (figure 4) or a truncated cone dome, which defines a hollow space where a first food component or ingredient is stored, a perimeter flange, wing or projection (4) around the aperture, so that the perimeter of the aperture is smaller than...

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention, a functional capsule-lid couplable to a container for mixing products, preferably food, a processing machine for product mixtures, a method for operating the machine and a processing system for mixtures, firstly relates to a capsule containing at least one product, preferably at least one product or ingredient, preferably food, although it may also be a cosmetic or medicinal product, which may be solid, dispersed or compact, or liquid, where the capsule in turn serves as a lid for closing the opening of a receptacle or container that includes another product or ingredient therein, or is capable of being filled with another product or ingredient before or after placing the capsule-lid on the container, preferably being a liquid ingredient or product, for example, water, although it could also be a gel or a cream. Alternatively, the product or ingredient may not be expressly food, such as, for example, vitamin supplements, sports products, medical or cosmetic products, among others.

[0002] Likewise, the invention relates to a processing machine based on product mixtures, equipped with means for ensuring the placement of the capsule-lid as a closure of the container simultaneously, or subsequently, to the aperture of the capsule-lid, as well as means for opening the capsule-lid that guarantee that the contents in the capsule-lid fall into the container. Likewise, due to the action of stirring means comprised by the machine, the products are mixed after the container is closed with the capsule-lid, achieving a homogeneous mixture of the ingredients contained in the capsule-lid and in the container. The invention also relates to a method for operating the foregoing machine and to a processing system for product mixtures made up of at least two ingredients.

[0003] The field of application of the present invention is the sector of the product dispensing and mixing industry.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] As a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that although single-dose packaging in capsule form and products made from the mixture of two or more ingredients and sold packaged in a container are known on the market, at least the applicant is unaware of the existence of any element or any machine that has features such as those had by the capsule-lid, the machine, the method and the system objects of the present invention.

[0005] Specifically, capsule-type packaging containing a certain dose of product that exists on the market is usually designed either to be opened previously and the contents poured, without serving as a lid for the receptacle into which said contents are poured, or to be introduced into a machine and its contents infused, without being able to be used as a lid either, or they are articles that are difficult to manufacture so that, once the capsule is incorporated as a lid, it breaks at some point and the contents of the capsule are poured into the receptacle.

[0006] In no case are capsules known which, in addition to functioning as a lid and as a receptacle for at least one ingredient or component, have functional features that, due to their constructive features or configuration, contribute to their use in a machine that, after opening the capsule-lid, allow pouring the entire contents of the capsule into the receptacle, closing the capsule-lid over the receptacle and facilitating the mixing or dissolving of the contents of the capsule-lid with or in the contents of the receptacle (contents poured into the receptacle or contents before or after closing the same) by rotating and / or counter-rotating the receptacle itself, thereby mixing the contents, products or ingredients of the capsule-lid and of the receptacle.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The first object of the present invention is a capsule-lid couplable to a container for mixing food products according to claim 1. Optional and alternative features of the capsule-lid are included in claims 2 to 12. The capsule-lid object of the invention is a functional product, understood as having been designed while mainly taking into account the ease, usefulness and comfort of its use. Likewise, the capsule, in addition to containing the at least one ingredient or product to make the mixture, acts as a lid to make the mixture in the container, hence its name in this description as capsule-lid. Furthermore, it facilitates mixing. due to its configuration with protrusions.

[0008] Thus, the capsule-lid with at least one product or ingredient therein, preferably a food product, in powder or liquid form, comprises, among other particularities, a body with a cavity and an access aperture to the cavity, defining a volume for containing the food product, and which incorporates at least one inner protrusion, preferably two, which emerge from the inside of the body and towards the inside of the cavity, and which act, as discussed later, to promote homogeneous mixing of the at least one product contained in the capsule with the at least one product contained in a container or receptacle, for example, a cup, on which the capsule-lid is arranged. The perimeter of the aperture comprises coupling means to be able to couple the capsule-lid to a container, specifically to the opening or mouth thereof. Furthermore, the aperture of the body of the capsule-lid is sealed with a removable film, attached to the perimeter of the aperture. To remove the film, said film preferably comprises a side tab on the perimeter of the film. The configuration of the capsule-lid object of the present invention allows the very capsule that contains the at least one food ingredient or product, in a solid, dispersed or compacted form, or liquid, to act as a lid of a container to mix the product contained in the capsule-lid and at least one liquid product introduced into the container.

[0009] Alternatively, the body comprises a perimeter wing, projection or flange around the aperture in which case the coupling means for coupling the capsule-lid to a container are arranged on the perimeter of said wing or projection, in order to couple the capsule-lid to the opening of the container receptacle. In the case of the body with a perimeter wing or projection, the removable film can be attached either to the perimeter of the aperture or to the perimeter wing or projection.

[0010] The body of the capsule-lid has a vertical axis and said perimeter wing may or may not be perpendicular to said vertical axis, such that the perimeter wing has an inclination with respect to said axis, the perimeter of the wing being located below the aperture of the body of the capsule-lid, i.e., furthest from the body.

[0011] In particular, the capsule-lid couplable to a container for mixing ingredients, object of the invention, has a body with a cavity and an aperture with a geometric centre, which is crossed by a vertical axis, which define a volume for containing at least a product, preferably food, having: At least one protrusion, preferably two, which emerge from the inside of the body towards the inside of the cavity, Coupling means on the perimeter of the aperture for coupling to a container, and A removable film attached to the body, preferably to the perimeter of the aperture, which covers said aperture of the cavity, sealing it hermetically to prevent the contents of the food product from falling, as well as to prevent contamination of the surface of the capsule covered by the film. Likewise, said film allows a protective atmosphere to be applied to the capsule to extend the useful life of its contents.

[0012] The vertical axis that crosses the geometric centre of the shape that defines the aperture will be the centre of rotation of the body of the capsule-lid, and in particular if it is a body of rotation, such as a semi-sphere, a cylinder or a cone, among others.

[0013] Under certain circumstances, the capsule-lid may not include any protrusion, although the inclusion of at least one favours the mixing of the products and also lowers the mixing time.

[0014] As mentioned, the body may incorporate a perimeter wing, projection or flange around the aperture, with a geometric centre, which may or may not coincide with the geometric centre of the aperture, and the film covering the aperture may then be attached to the perimeter wing or projection. The fact that the aperture of the cavity is inscribed in the perimeter wing, projection or flange makes it possible for the contents of said cavity to always fall inside the container when the film is removed, preventing the contents from spilling out of the container.

[0015] When reference is made to the cavity, the description preferably refers to a laminar body, understood as being formed by a body of at least one sheet, which defines a cavity for containing a liquid or solid product, preferably in powder form.

[0016] The at least one protrusion, which may be vertical or inclined, of the capsule-lid may have different configurations, for example: At least one vertical or inclined elongation or recess, which emerges from the body of the capsule-lid or upper laminar body towards the inside of the cavity, preferably with a cone or conical shape, At least one vertical or inclined recess or elongation, with a triangular or pyramidal shape and a triangular base, which emerges towards the inside of the cavity, At least one elongation or recess with a semicircular section, or At least one flat, straight or square-like elongation or recess, for example, a rigid wing, like a fin, or preferably, for example, two or four elongations, which emerge towards the inside of the cavity from the body of the capsule-lid, for example, as blades, defining two or four spaces or gaps between the aforementioned protrusions.

[0017] Said protrusion, which may have different configurations as previously mentioned, may extend vertically from the body of the capsule-lid, understood as perpendicular to the film that closes the aperture of said capsule-lid, or it may extend in an inclined manner from the body of the capsule-lid, understood as forming an angle other than 90° with the film that closes the aperture of said capsule-lid. Likewise, the protrusion in the form of an elongation should be interpreted as a lengthening or stretching towards the inside of the body of the capsule-lid. On the other hand, the protrusion in the form of a recess should be interpreted as an element that enters towards the inside of the cavity, in the form of an elongation as previously described or in any other way, for example, by adding material to the cavity or as a result of a moulding process.

[0018] The capsule-lid object of the invention may incorporate one or more of the foregoing protrusions, said protrusions having the same or different configurations from each other.

[0019] Thus, these and other protrusions are preferably defined by the very deformation of the material, defining, on the outside of the body of the cavity, corresponding housings of shapes complementary to the protrusions. These housings may be used by means incorporated in a mixing machine to hold, orient or move the capsule-lid. This construction would exist when the capsule is manufactured by thermoforming, thus defining the hollow protrusions as housings on the outside of the body as described and with protrusions inside the cavity of the body. Alternatively, the capsules could be manufactured by injection, in which case the protrusions could be hollow or solid.

[0020] The perimeter of the aperture and the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection define a shape that may be circular or polygonal, such as, for example, triangular, rectangular, square, etc., said shapes being able to be the same or different; for example, the aperture could have a rectangular perimeter and the perimeter wing could have a circular perimeter or both could be circular or one triangular and the other rectangular. They will preferably be circular. In any case, the shape of the perimeter of the aperture or of the wing or projection will be complementary to the shape of the perimeter of the opening of the container on which either the aperture or the perimeter wing or projection will be coupled.

[0021] Thus, the capsule-lid object of the invention may have a polygonal or circular shape on the perimeter of the lower aperture of the cavity, while the perimeter of the perimeter wing / projection may also define a polygonal or circular shape, which may or may not be the same shape.

[0022] Furthermore, from the outside, the body of the capsule-lid that defines the cavity has a generally hemispherical shape, or a generally cylindrical shape, or a generally frustoconical shape, among others, with the perimeter of the aperture defining a circular or polygonal shape. Likewise, for example, the body of the capsule-lid may have a star-shaped section, with five or six points, that extends to the aperture, so that the opening of the receptacle should also have a complementary shape where they both can couple to each other. Alternatively, if the capsule-lid has a wing, the perimeter of said wing could also have a star shape or not, coinciding with the opening of the receptacle or container that will be coupled to the capsule-lid.

[0023] The materials of the body of the capsule-lid and that of the container or receptacle may or may not be the same, although they will preferably be different, one more rigid and the other more flexible to facilitate coupling between them when the capsule-lid is arranged on the container, and at the same time making said coupling more airtight, preventing leaks between them.

[0024] The centre of the aperture of the cavity, i.e., the centre of the geometric shape inscribed in the perimeter of the aperture, and the centre of the perimeter wing or projection, i.e., the centre of the geometric shape inscribed in the perimeter of the perimeter projection or wing, may or may not be on the same axis perpendicular to the plane that comprises the perimeter wing or projection, so that they may coincide or be moved with respect to the other, i.e., on two parallel axes, both axes being perpendicular to the plane that comprises the perimeter wing or projection.

[0025] Likewise, if the shapes of the aperture and of the perimeter wing are the same and the centres are on the same axis as previously mentioned, the distance between the perimeter of the wing and the perimeter of the aperture remains constant along the entire perimeter, the distance being the same if the shape is circular. For example, if the shape of the aperture is rectangular and the shape of the perimeter wing is circular, and both centres are on the same axis, the distances between perimeters will be constant between the sides of the rectangle of the aperture and the perimeter of the wing, although they will be different depending on the side of the rectangle. In these cases, the capsule-lid will be symmetrical at least with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane containing the perimeter wing or projection and which includes the centre of the aperture and of said perimeter wing or projection that are on the same axis.

[0026] However, on the other hand, if the geometric centres are not on the same axis perpendicular to the plane containing the perimeter wing or projection, the distance between the perimeter of the aperture and the perimeter of the wing will not be constant, regardless of the shape of the aperture and of the perimeter wing.

[0027] The coupling means of the capsule-lid, arranged on the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection, preferably have an open semicircular shape or perimeter groove on the lower portion thereof to fit onto the opening of a container, such that said semicircular shape or groove must be complementary to the opening of the container, allowing an adjustment between both components that prevents the loss of any of the ingredients during their mixing.

[0028] Alternatively, the coupling means have a thread that allows them to be coupled by threading to a container.

[0029] As mentioned, the removable film can be attached to the surface of the perimeter wing or projection existing between the perimeters of the aperture and of the wing or projection or to the very perimeter of the aperture.

[0030] Alternatively, the foregoing capsule-lid is made up of two independent parts, a lower part comprising the perimeter wing / projection and an upper part comprising the cavity and the film, having complementary coupling means between both parts, the lower part and the upper part. For example, said complementary coupling means between both parts are rails provided for this purpose.

[0031] In another alternative capsule-lid, the body may present, along the perimeter and above the aperture, an annular projection that will be used to hold the capsule-lid, mainly by a machine when said capsule-lid is introduced into a suitable machine.

[0032] As mentioned, to mix the contents of the capsule and the liquid product already introduced or to be introduced into the container, both are placed in a mixing machine object of the invention. This machine comprises a base with a mixing space on the same, the container being placed on said base. Furthermore, the machine comprises: Gripping means for holding a capsule-lid such as the one described previously, i.e., with a hollow body with a cavity and a lower aperture, preferably surrounded by a wing or projection, although not necessarily, which is sealed by a film, comprising at least one product, preferably food, inside the cavity, Optional orientation and / or movement means of the capsule-lid for orienting and / or moving the capsule-lid in a specific position prior to removing the film, A capsule-lid opening system with means for removing the film attached to the capsule-lid, Optional movement means for moving said capsule-lid from the film removal position until it is placed on the container, Fastening and coupling means for fastening and coupling the capsule-lid on the opening of the container, and Stirring means that rotate the assembly of the closed container with the capsule-lid to mix the ingredients.

[0033] This machine, combined with the configuration of the capsule-lid, ensures that 100% of the solid product, preferably in powder form, and / or the liquid product contained in the capsule-lid falls into the container, whereby all the ingredients reach the final consumer, having 0% waste and also being possible due to integral mixing with the liquid ingredient in the container due to the rotation and / or counter-rotation of the container in the machine. This mixing or processing machine for composite products based on mixtures is a second object of the present invention according to claim 13. Optional and alternative features of the machine are included in claims 14 to 17.

[0034] In the construction of a capsule-lid with a perimeter rim or wing, there is a space between the aperture of the cavity and the rim of the perimeter wing or projection of the body of the capsule that prevents the contents of said capsule-lid from spilling out of the container when the film is removed from the capsule-lid.

[0035] Likewise, the capsule-lids that have the centre of the aperture offset from the centre of the perimeter wing or projection, i.e., on different axes perpendicular to the plane in which the wing or projection is inscribed, and this plane coinciding with the plane in which the aperture of the cavity of the body of the capsule-lid is inscribed, must necessarily be introduced into the machine in a single position and direction, thus allowing the system for removing the film from the capsule-lid to operate correctly on said film.

[0036] In those capsule-lids that do not have the centre of the aperture offset from the centre of the perimeter wing or projection, i.e., those that are symmetrical, it is appropriate for the machine to have fastening means that orient and position the capsule-lid so that the film removal means can act on the same.

[0037] Preferably, the film removal means incorporated into the machine allow, as the capsule is placed on the container, the film to be removed in the direction opposite to the direction of introduction of the capsule (180°), so that the contents of said capsule fall by gravity into the container located under the capsule-lid. Alternatively, the film could be removed in another direction that is not opposite to the direction of introduction, for example, laterally from left to right or vice versa. Alternatively, the film removal means may comprise cutting means, for example, a blade that cuts the film. Once the film has been cut, said film can be gathered with additional means, for example, means similar to a clamp, and removed completely.

[0038] As mentioned, the ingredient, or ingredients, contained inside the capsule-lid may be solid or liquid. If it is solid, it is preferably a powdery compound that may be dispersed, i.e., with loose grains, or compacted, with compact grains. The fact of compacting the ingredient, or ingredients, allows a greater amount of powder to be introduced into the capsule-lid, or makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the cavity, and it additionally prevents the dispersion of the powder and therefore loss when it falls by gravity into the container.

[0039] Once the capsule-lid is placed on the opening of the container, said container closes on said capsule-lid by fastening and coupling means. These fastening and coupling means cause interaction between the same and the opening of the container. Said closure or coupling is preferably carried out by pressure, so that the fastening and coupling means press the capsule-lid from above, which, after having removed the film, already acts exclusively as a lid on the opening of the container, or they press and / or raise the container from below in order to introduce it into the coupling means of the capsule-lid. In this example, the coupling means on the capsule-lid have a preferably perimeter groove into which the opening of the container is introduced.

[0040] Alternatively, said fastening and coupling means allow the capsule-lid to be threaded onto the container, for which both the opening of the container and the coupling means of the capsule-lid have a thread. For this threading, either the capsule-lid is kept fixed and the container is rotated while it is raised, or the container is kept fixed and the capsule-lid is rotated while it is lowered onto the container.

[0041] Furthermore, preferably, before closing the container with the capsule-lid, a second food product or ingredient, preferably a liquid, for example, water, that is poured or injected into the container is introduced into the container. Said introduction of the liquid product is carried out by injection means arranged in the machine that supplies the liquid from a tank. Alternatively, the container may also be introduced into the machine with the liquid already included.

[0042] In another alternative, when the capsule-lid has a wing or projection on the surface between the aperture and the perimeter of the wing and outside the cavity into which the ingredient is incorporated, there is an injection point for the liquid product on the container, for example, a hole. In this way, said product can be injected after closing the container with the capsule-lid, using a needle that passes through the foregoing hole to introduce the liquid / water into the container. This hole can be open, or made up of cuts in the perimeter wing or projection of the capsule-lid, or included in a silicone valve, so that all the alternatives allow introducing a needle, which passes through the capsule-lid to reach the inside of the container. Likewise, this hole can be used to introduce a straw that allows the created mixture to be used without having to separate the capsule-lid and the container.

[0043] Alternatively, the very body with the cavity and the aperture, closed by the film, may incorporate a weakened area or an area sealed with a material other than that of the capsule-lid, which allows it to be passed through by an injector in order to introduce liquid into the container after the assembly formed by the capsule-lid and the container is closed, or in order to introduce a straw. Alternatively, said body may incorporate a hollow projection of the same material as the capsule-lid, slightly elongated with its closed end, and which closed end can be removed, either manually or with cutting means, to be able to access the contents inside the capsule-lid and container assembly, once the mixture has been made. In another alternative, said elongated projection could incorporate a cap that allows opening and closing said projection, through which it is possible to drink, and by extension of the capsule-lid and container assembly. If a hole is provided for introducing the straw, said hole must be slightly larger than the diameter of the straw or alternatively another viable hole must be provided in the body of the cavity, so that air can enter at the same time that the user drinks through the straw introduced into the capsule-lid. If the capsule-lid has a hollow elongated projection through which the user can drink, it will also be appropriate to provide another viable hole in the body of the cavity for the inlet of air.

[0044] In any case, when the assembly formed by the container with the capsule-lid has been closed, the mixing machine rotates and / or counter-rotates the assembly, preferably from the base of the container and along the axis of rotation of the container. Alternatively, the assembly could be rotated and counter-rotated from the capsule-lid, but if said capsule-lid is of the type that has the centres of the aperture and of the wing or projection on moved axes, an eccentric rotation of the assembly would be produced, which is not entirely desirable. However, if the capsule-lid is symmetrical with the geometric centres of the aperture and of the wing on the same vertical axis, the rotation of the assembly formed by the capsule-lid and the container could be driven from the capsule-lid or from the base that supports the container.

[0045] As previously described, different constructive alternatives for capsule-lids can be given: Symmetrical capsule-lid (geometric centres of the aperture and of the perimeter wing coincide, thus being located on the same vertical axis) and the axis of rotation of the machine coincides with the vertical axis of the capsule-lid, so that the assembly is centred when it rotates and counter-rotates, preventing vibrations from occurring. Non-symmetrical capsule-lid (geometric centres of the aperture and of the perimeter wing do not coincide, thus being located on different vertical axes) and the axis of rotation of the machine coincides with the vertical axis of the container or receptacle, so that when the assembly rotates and counter-rotates, some vibrations may occur. Capsule-lid may or may not be symmetrical, but the axis of rotation of the machine does not coincide with the vertical axis of the container or receptacle, so that both are offset, where more vibrations occur when the assembly rotates or counter-rotates than in the foregoing cases, which could be of interest to generate more turbulence that contributes to the mixing of the products.

[0046] The rotations and / or counter-rotations of the assembly cause its contents to rotate and collide with the inner protrusions of the capsule-lid, ensuring the mixing of the contents of the capsule-lid with the liquid in the container. The centrifugal force created by the rotation of the assembly allows the mixture created in the container to enter the spaces furthest from the axis of rotation, forcing the mixture to reach the aforementioned protrusions of the capsule-lid as it is raised inside the assembly.

[0047] In addition to closing the container with the capsule-lid, pressure means could be envisaged in the machine that force contact between the capsule and the container, minimising possible liquid leaks that could occur due to the rotation of the container and capsule-lid.

[0048] The capsule-lid may comprise, either on the outer surface of the body thereof or on the film that covers the aperture of the capsule-lid, a code, for example, a barcode, BiDi code, QR code or other type of code, which includes instructions that will be read by reading media incorporated into the processing machine, so that after reading said code, the machine, equipped with a control unit with storage and memory means, will execute instructions for correctly mixing the products. For example, said instructions will cause the introduction of a specific amount of a liquid or liquids into the container, the temperature of said liquid or liquids, as well as the rotation time and number of rotations and / or counter-rotations necessary to achieve optimal mixing, as well as the temperature of the liquid product. These conditions will depend on the contents of the capsule-lid, as well as its constitution or shape.

[0049] The control unit of the machine may be connected wirelessly to different elements, such as, for example, mobile devices, phones or tablets, the cloud, servers, etc. Likewise, the machine may incorporate facial, voice, digital, keyboard recognition means, etc. to recognise or identify the user. In this way, the user, after identifying themselves by one of the foregoing means, will be detected by the machine and the product will prepared according to their tastes and avoiding possible intolerances of said user. The machine will thus be able to adapt to different users and be able to maintain a stock of different products, as well as place orders for them.

[0050] A third object of the invention is a method for operating the processing machine according to claim 18. Optional and alternative features of the method are included in claims 19 to 24.

[0051] Specifically, the method for operating a processing machine for product mixtures, which processes composite products based on two or more ingredients by at least mixing and dispensing, comprises a step of introducing at least one liquid ingredient into a container and also the following steps: Fastening a capsule-lid with a hollow body and a lower aperture sealed by a film attached to the hollow body and comprising at least one food ingredient therein, Moving said capsule-lid until it is placed on the container arranged in the machine, Opening the capsule-lid with means for removing the film attached to the capsule-lid for pouring the at least one ingredient comprised therein inside the container, Coupling the capsule-lid on the container forming a closed mixing assembly, and Stirring by means of the at least one rotation and / or counter-rotation of the closed mixing assembly in at least one direction of rotation.

[0052] Alternatively, the capsule-lid is moved on the container at the same time that the film is removed from said capsule-lid or vice versa.

[0053] The liquid compound can be introduced into the container either before or after the film is removed. In the event that it is done after the film is removed, the introduction of the at least one liquid ingredient into the container is preferably carried out through the capsule-lid.

[0054] A fourth object of the present invention is a processing system for product mixtures made up of at least two ingredients according to claim 25. Specifically, the system comprises: a machine as previously described, a capsule-lid with a hollow body and a lower aperture sealed by a film attached to the hollow body and comprising at least one food ingredient therein, and a container with at least one liquid food ingredient on which the capsule-lid is coupled after the film is removed. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] To complete the description of the present invention and to make the features thereof more readily understandable, a set of figures is included as an integral part thereof in an illustrative and non-limiting manner. Figure 1 shows a schematic side sectional view of a first example of the capsule-lid object of the invention, specifically an example with a perimeter closing flange by snap-fit, being represented on the opening of the container for which it is intended. Figure 2 shows a schematic side sectional view of another example of the capsule-lid of the invention, in this case with a threaded perimeter closing flange. Figures 3 and 4 show schematic views of the profile of respective examples of the capsule-lid with a hemispherical cavity in figure 3 and a rectangular cavity in figure 4, having a perimeter gripping ring in both cases. Figure 5 shows a schematic side sectional view of another example of the capsule-lid, in this case symmetrical, such that the perimeter wing or projection shares a centre with the aperture. Figures 6 and 7 show schematic plan views of an example of the capsule-lid with the offset cavity and lateral fastening tongue on the lower closing film, where figure 7 shows a projection of the laminar body material with a recess or elongation that partially exposes the tongue. Figures 8-A and 8-B show side sectional and plan views, respectively, of an example of the capsule-lid with the cavity provided with protrusions formed by cone-shaped elongations that emerge from the central area thereof. Figures 9-A and 9-B show side sectional and plan views, respectively, of another example of the capsule-lid, in this case with the cavity provided with protrusions that emerge from the side walls and have triangular shapes. Figures 10-A and 10-B show side sectional and plan views, respectively, of another example of the capsule-lid, in this case with the cavity provided with a combination of protrusions formed by cone-shaped elongations that emerge from the central area thereof and protrusions that emerge from the side walls and have triangular shapes. Figures 11-A and 11-B show side sectional and plan views of an example of the capsule-lid with the container, where said container also has protrusions therein. Figure 12-A shows a schematic sectional view of an example of the capsule-lid formed by two independent parts where the cavity fits into rails of the base with the perimeter flange. Figure 12-B shows an enlarged view of detail A indicated in figure 12-A which shows the rails of the base for fixing the cavity. Figure 13 shows a schematic view of the profile of an example of the gripping means that the mixing machine of the invention has to place the capsule-lid on the container. Figures 14-A, 14-B and 14-C show respective schematic views of the phases of placing the capsule-lid on the container with the gripping means of the machine shown in figure 13. Figures 15-A and 15-B show schematic views of the phases of removing the sealing film from the capsule-lid when it is placed on the container with a first example of fastening means for fastening said film, specifically a wedge stop, which the mixing machine of the invention has. Figures 16-A and 16-B show schematic views of the phases of removing the sealing film from the capsule-lid when it is placed on the container with a second example of fastening means for fastening said film, in this case of the clamp-type, provided in the mixing machine. Figures 17-A and 17-B show schematic views of an example of means that the mixing machine has for stirring the assembly by fastening the capsule-lid to make it rotate, specifically a fork that can be inserted into the gaps in the protrusions of the capsule-lid, where the fork is represented unplaced and once it has been placed. Figure 18-A and 18-B show, respectively, a section of a capsule-lid prior to being coupled to a container with a liquid and a section of a capsule-lid coupled to a container with a liquid and rotating, where both show the position of the liquid inside the assembly formed by the container and the capsule-lid. Figure 19 shows a capsule-lid on a container or receptacle, in turn arranged on the axis of rotation of the machine which is shown to not coincide with the axis of rotation of the receptacle. Figures 20-A and 20-B show perspective views of a container with a capsule-lid with an approximately hemispherical cavity provided with protrusions (which can be seen in figure 20-B) directed towards the inside of the cavity, as well as recesses in the hemispherical surface of the capsule-lid. Figures 21-A and 21-B show two perspective views of the capsule-lid of the two previous figures, which show the protrusions, elongations or recesses, as well as the film (figure 21-B) that closes the capsule-lid from below. Figures 22-A and 22-B show perspective views of a container with a capsule-lid with an alternatively shaped cavity provided with protrusions (which can be seen in figure 22-B) directed towards the inside of the cavity, as well as recesses in the surface of the cavity, although it could have either only recesses or only protrusions. Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the capsule-lid of the two previous figures. Figures 24-A and 24-B show perspective views of a container with a circular section, with a capsule-lid with a star-shaped polygonal cavity, so that the recesses are part of the star shape. Figure 24-B shows a capsule-lid that includes protrusions directed towards the inside of the cavity. Figures 25-A and 25-B show perspective views of a container with a star cross section, with a capsule-lid with a star-shaped polygonal cavity coinciding with the shape of the container, so that the recesses are part of the star shape. Figure 24-B shows a capsule-lid that includes protrusions directed towards the inside of the cavity. Figure 26 shows an example of a capsule-lid according to the invention, which comprises therein two square elongations, like fins, that emerge towards the inside of the cavity from the body of the capsule-lid, for example, as a blades, defining two spaces or gaps between the aforementioned elongations. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0056] In view of the aforementioned figures, and according to the numbering included therein, several exemplary embodiments of the objects of the present invention can be observed.

[0057] Thus, as shown in said figures, the capsule-lid (1), which contains at least a first ingredient, in powder or liquid form, to mix in the container (2), which in turn contains and / or can incorporate at least a second ingredient, preferably liquid, said capsule-lid also acting as a closing lid for said container (2), comprises, by way of example, a preferably laminar, thermoformed or moulded body (3) of a circular or polygonal plan that has: a cavity (6) defining a volume of variable shape and size, for example, of a hemispherical dome (figure 3) or a rectangular dome (figure 4) or a truncated cone dome, which defines a hollow space where a first food component or ingredient is stored, a perimeter flange, wing or projection (4) around the aperture, so that the perimeter of the aperture is smaller than the perimeter of the perimeter flange, wing or projection, there being at least one protrusion, preferably two protrusions (7, 8), that emerge from the body (3) towards the inside of the cavity (6), with coupling means on the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection (4) to be coupled to the rim of the opening (5) of the container (2) and to close the same, where the capsule-lid acts as a lid, and a film (9), preferably heat-sealed, arranged to cover the aperture of the capsule-lid (1) and seal the same, preventing the contents of the cavity from spilling, and being able to be removed before it is fixed as a lid on the container (2).

[0058] Preferably, the capsule-lid (1) is configured to be coupled to the rim (5) of the opening (5) of the container (2) by means of coupling means arranged on the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection (4). Said coupling can be carried out by press-fit, for which the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection (4) has a groove open at the bottom to fit onto the container (2), as shown in figure 1. However, in other embodiment options, said perimeter flange, wing or projection (4) has a thread (10), as shown in figure 2, with a half thread or with other means for closing the rim (5) of the container (2) that will adjust to a thread arranged in the opening (5) of the container (2).

[0059] Likewise, preferably, as protrusions that emerge towards the inner portion of the cavity (6) that serves as a storage reservoir, the capsule-lid (1) has cone-shaped elongations (7), preferably located outside the centre and at a centred distance between the centre and the wall of said cavity (6), as shown in the example in figures 8-A and 8-B.

[0060] Alternatively, or simultaneously, the protrusions of the cavity (6) have triangular shapes (8) that emerge from the body (3) and enter the space of the cavity (6) and run vertically, as shown in the examples in figures 9-A to 10-B.

[0061] Thus, these and other protrusions (7, 8) are preferably defined by the very deformation of the material, defining, on the outside of the cavity (6), corresponding housings of shapes complementary to the protrusions.

[0062] Optionally, the receptacle that constitutes the container (2), a body of revolution, preferably also has one or two protrusions (7 or 8) that emerge towards the inside of the same to improve the mixing effect, for example, triangular shapes (8) that emerge from its walls, as shown in the example in figures 11-A and 11-B.

[0063] In any case, in a preferred embodiment, the laminar body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) is formed by a single part where the perimeter wing or projection (4) and the cavity (6) of the reservoir are formed by the deformation of the same sheet, as shown in the examples in figures 1 to 11.

[0064] However, in an alternative embodiment option, the preferably laminar body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) is formed by two independent laminar parts, one preferably laminar lower part (3a) that comprises the perimeter flange, projection or wing (4) and one preferably laminar upper part (3b) with the cavity (6) and which is fixed to the lower part (3a) by rails (11) provided for this purpose.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in figures 12-A and 12-B, the upper part (3b) with the cavity (6) preferably has a spoiler (12) on both sides of its base that is inserted into the rails (11) of the lower laminar part (3a).

[0066] In an alternative, the centre of the aperture of the cavity (6), i.e., the centre of the geometric shape inscribed in the perimeter of the aperture, and the centre of the perimeter wing or projection (4), i.e., the centre of the geometric shape inscribed in the perimeter of the perimeter projection or wing (4), may or may not be on the same axis perpendicular to the plane that comprises the perimeter wing or projection (4), so that they may coincide or be moved with respect to the other, i.e., on two parallel axes, both axes being perpendicular to the plane that comprises the perimeter wing or projection (4).

[0067] Likewise, if the shapes of the aperture and of the perimeter wing (4) are the same and the centres are on the same axis as previously mentioned, the distance between the perimeter of the wing (4) and the perimeter of the aperture remains constant along the entire perimeter, the distance being the same if the shape is circular.

[0068] For example, if the shape of the aperture is rectangular and the shape of the perimeter wing (4) is circular, and both centres are on the same axis, the distances between perimeters will be constant between the sides of the rectangle of the aperture and the perimeter of the wing (4), although they will be different depending on the side of the rectangle. In these cases, the capsule-lid (1) will be symmetrical at least with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane containing the perimeter wing or projection (4) and which includes the centre of the aperture and of said perimeter wing or projection (4) that are on the same axis.

[0069] However, if the centres are not on the same axis perpendicular to the plane containing the perimeter wing or projection, the distance between perimeters will not be constant, regardless of the shape of the aperture and of the perimeter wing.

[0070] The space between the aperture of the cavity (6) and the rim of the perimeter wing or projection (4) of the body of the capsule-lid (1) to prevent the contents thereof from spilling out of the container (2) when the film (9) is removed from the capsule-lid. Likewise, the capsule-lids (1) that have the centre of the aperture offset from the centre of the perimeter wing or projection (4), i.e., on different axes perpendicular to the plane in which the wing or projection (4) is inscribed, and this plane coinciding with the plane in which the aperture of the cavity (6) of the body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) is inscribed, must necessarily be introduced into the mixing and processing machine in a single position and direction, thus allowing the system for removing the film (9) from the capsule-lid (1) to operate correctly on said film (9), ensuring its correct removal.

[0071] In those capsule-lids (1) that do not have the centre of the aperture offset from the centre of the perimeter wing or projection (4), i.e., those that are symmetrical, it is necessary to correctly arrange the capsule-lid (1) so that the means for removing the film (9) can act on the same and remove it. Thus, it is appropriate for the machine to have fastening means that orient and position the capsule-lid so that the means for removing the film can act on the same.

[0072] To facilitate the removal of the film (9), it is preferable that the wing or projection (4) has a tab that clears access to a portion of the tab (9), thus making it easier for it to be held or grasped for removal by the means for removing the film (9).

[0073] Optionally, the body (3) has, along the perimeter on the outside of the cavity (6), an annular projection or ring (13) which, as shown in the examples in figures 3 and 4, emerges projected towards the outside, serving as a fastening point for the gripping means (14) of a mixing machine (100), which in turn constitutes a second object of the present invention, by means of which the capsule-lid (1) is placed on the container (2) and the subsequent movement and / or stirring of the assembly formed by the container (2) and the capsule-lid (1) is carried out to mix the contents of the components.

[0074] However, the fastening point of the aforementioned gripping means (14) of the machine (100) can be defined by the very perimeter flange (4) of the capsule-lid (1), as shown in figures 13 and 14, which serves to couple the capsule-lid (1) to the container (2). Alternatively, the housings of shapes complementary to the protrusions (7) of the body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) can also be used by means of the machine to hold, orient or move the capsule-lid (1).

[0075] In another embodiment option, as shown in figure 5, the capsule-lid (1) is symmetrical, so that the centre of the aperture is not off-centre, on a different axis perpendicular to the plane of the perimeter of the wing or projection (4), with respect to the centre of the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection (4), but rather both centres are arranged on the same axis perpendicular to the plane of the perimeter of the wing or projection (4). Likewise, the capsule-lid (1) in figure 5, like that in figure 2, shows a widening (15) on the perimeter of the wing or projection (4). This widening (15) contributes to the fact that if the powder contents of the capsule-lid (1) is dispersed, said contents will all fall into the container when the film (9) is removed.

[0076] Furthermore, the laminar body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) preferably comprises a filling point (16) located on the surface between the cavity (6) and the perimeter rim (4), as shown in figures 6, 7 and 9, which serves to introduce a liquid compound or ingredient that is injected into the container (2) after the capsule-lid (1) has been placed and the container (2) has been closed. Likewise, said filling point can be located in any portion of the body of the capsule-lid, preferably in the upper portion, furthest from the aperture.

[0077] Optionally, said filling point (16) is either a small weakening, is defined by one or two cuts made in the laminar body, or includes a silicone valve, to allow a needle to be inserted to inject liquid. This filling point (16) can also, or alternatively, be used to introduce a suction element to use the contents of the container (2) after the mixture has been made.

[0078] For its part, the lower film (9) that covers and seals the aperture of the cavity (6) of the body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) from below preferably has a tongue (9a) that, as shown in figure 6, protrudes laterally from the perimeter flange (4) of said upper laminar body (3) to facilitate its fastening at the time of removal by the mixing machine (100) through fastening means (17, 18) provided for this purpose.

[0079] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, said tongue (9a) is projected transversely and at 90° from the centre formed by the axis (e) that is drawn between the centre of the capsule-lid (1) and the moved centre of the cavity (6).

[0080] Optionally, as shown in the example in figure 7, said tongue (9a) is located coinciding with a projection (3c) of the material of the laminar body (3) in which a recess has been provided that leaves part of said tongue (9a) exposed, for its easy mechanical removal and to prevent the tongue (9a) from folding.

[0081] In any case, the capsule-lid (1) may have a type of code, for example, a BiDi code, QR code, barcode, among others, printed on one of its outer surfaces, for example, on the outside of the cavity (6) or on the film (9) that covers and seals the aperture of the cavity (6). Said code provides information or instructions to the mixing machine (100) about mixing conditions, such as identification of the product contained in the capsule-lid (1), the amount and temperature of the liquid, number of rotations and counter-rotations and their duration, stock maintenance (removal from stock once the capsule has been used) and other conditions.

[0082] To read this code, the machine is equipped with code reading means connected to a control unit with storage and memory means, which will execute the instructions obtained from the code.

[0083] Additionally, the outside of the capsule-lid (1) may incorporate a mark that facilitates its correct positioning in the machine to be able to remove the film (9).

[0084] For its part, the aforementioned mixing machine (100) for processing composite products based on mixtures comprises a base with a mixing space on the same to be occupied by a container (2) to be placed on the base, as well as other conventional operational components that are not part of the object of the invention because they are common to machines of this type and, in addition, at least the following: Gripping means (14) for holding a capsule-lid (1) of the type that comprises a hollow body (3), with a cavity (6), and an aperture of the cavity (6) sealed by a film (9) and that comprises at least one food compound or ingredient therein, A capsule-lid (1) opening system with means for removing (17, 18) the film attached to the capsule-lid (1) and with means for moving said capsule-lid (1) until it is placed on the container (2), Fastening or coupling means for fastening or coupling the capsule-lid (1) on the opening of the container (2), and Stirring means (19) that rotate the assembly of the closed container (2) with the capsule-lid (1) to mix the ingredients.

[0085] In addition to the gripping means for gripping the capsule-lid (1), the machine may comprise orientation means, which may coincide with the gripping means and which function is to rotate the capsule-lid (1) inside the machine to place the gripping position of the film (9) in its specific location. These orientation means are particularly useful in symmetrical capsule-lids, since capsule-lids that are not symmetrical can only be introduced into the machine in their correct position. As mentioned, the capsule-lid (1) may incorporate a mark that facilitates its correct positioning in the machine, although sometimes the aforementioned codes could also be used for this orientation function. This mark or code may be detected or read by the machine so that its orientation means place the capsule-lid (1) in position for removing the film (9).

[0086] Taking into account figures 13, 14-A, 14-B and 14-C, it is observed how, in one embodiment option, the gripping means (14) for holding, moving and placing the capsule-lid (1) in the receptacle (2) comprise respective arms (141) with clamping members (142) at the ends that couple either to the very perimeter flange (4) of the capsule-lid (1) coinciding with the flange of the aperture, when the capsule-lid (1) does not have a perimeter wing or projection (see figures 13, 14-A, 14-B, 14-C, 15-A and 16-B), or to a perimeter ring (13) of the cavity (6) as shown in figure 1. Alternatively, the gripping means (19) can be those that are used to rotate and counter-rotate the capsule-lid (1) when the projections of the fork (19) are introduced into the recesses complementary to the protrusions (7) in the cavity (6) of the body (3) of the capsule-lid (1).

[0087] The means for removing the film (9) from the capsule-lid (1) for its removal and extraction preferably allow, while the capsule-lid (1) is moved over the opening (5) of the container (2) in one direction and the film (9) is held, the removed portion of the film (9) to be folded over the portion of the film (9) that still attached to the capsule-lid (1), in other words, the film is removed in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the capsule-lid (1). In this way, as the film (9) is removed, the aperture is uncovered so that the contents of the cavity (6) of the capsule-lid (1) are poured into the container (2), which will preferably contain the liquid as a food component for the mixture with the contents of the capsule-lid (1).

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, said means for removing the film (9) are a wedge-shaped stop (17) where one end of the film (9), for example, a tongue (9a), is affixed, and when the capsule-lid (1) is placed and moved, the film is removed in the opposite direction, as shown in figures 15-A and 15-B. This wedge (17) is hollow to allow the contents of the capsule-lid (1) to fall into the container (2), making the body of the capsule-lid and the film independent. Optionally, prior to coupling the capsule-lid (1) on the container (2) in order to close the same, the wedge (17) can be removed.

[0089] In an alternative, the removal means are a clamp (18) or similar device that holds the tongue (9a) of said film (9), separating it from the body (3) of the capsule-lid (1) in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the capsule-lid (1) on the container (2), as shown in the example in figures 16-A and 16-B, allowing the contents of the cavity (6) to be poured into the container (2) located below.

[0090] In another alternative solution, after placing the capsule-lid on the container, the film is removed to allow its contents to fall into the packaging.

[0091] After emptying the capsule-lid (1) into the container (2), it is necessary to close said container (2) with said capsule-lid (1), and to do so, means are provided in the machine that allow said closure. For example, if the coupling means arranged on the capsule-lid (1) are a groove in the perimeter of the perimeter wing or projection (4) that must be pressed on the opening (5) of the container (2), the fastening and coupling means of the machine (100) press the capsule-lid (1) from above, already acting exclusively as a lid on the opening (5) of the container (2), or they press the container (2) from below in order to introduce it into the coupling means of the capsule-lid (1).

[0092] Alternatively, said fastening and coupling means of the machine (100) allow the capsule-lid to be threaded onto the container, for which both the opening (5) of the container (2) and the coupling means of the capsule-lid (1) have a thread. For this threading, for example, either the capsule-lid (1) is kept fixed and the container (2) is rotated while it is raised, or the container (2) is kept fixed and the capsule-lid (1) is rotated while it is lowered onto the container.

[0093] Once the container (2) is closed with the capsule-lid (1), acting exclusively as a lid since its contents have already been emptied, the stirring means of the machine are activated, said means consisting of causing the rotation and / or counter-rotation of the assembly formed by said container (2) and said capsule-lid (1). Said stirring means cause the rotation and / or counter-rotation of either the container (2) from its support base or of the capsule-lid (1) from its upper portion by which the capsule-lid (1) is gripped.

[0094] In an alternative, the stirring means of the assembly of the container (2) with the capsule-lid (1) for mixing the compounds or ingredients contained therein preferably comprise at least one fork-shaped rotating device (19) that, equipped with a plurality of points (191) in number, arrangement and configuration complementary to the gaps defined by the cone-shaped protrusions (7) and / or triangular protrusions (8) of the cavity (6) of the capsule-lid (1), is inserted fitted into said gaps to rotate and counter-rotate the assembly by moving it from the capsule-lid (1), as shown in figures 17-A and 17-B.

[0095] Alternatively, the rotation and / or counter-rotation of the assembly is transmitted from means that hold the base of the container (2).

[0096] The rotations and / or counter-rotations of the assembly cause its contents to rotate and collide with the protrusions (7) of the capsule-lid (1), ensuring the mixing of the contents of the capsule-lid (1) with the liquid in the container (2). Thus, the centrifugal force created by the assembly when rotating allows the mixture created in the container (2) to enter the spaces furthest from the axis of rotation, forcing the mixture to reach the aforementioned protrusions (7) of the capsule-lid (1) as it is raised inside the assembly (see figures 18-A and 18-B).

[0097] Figure 19 shows a capsule-lid arranged on a container or receptacle that is in turn arranged on the axis of rotation of the machine which is shown to not coincide with the axis of rotation of the receptacle. The capsule-lid may or may not be symmetrical, which is not the case in this figure, but since the axis of rotation of the machine does not coincide with the vertical axis of the container or receptacle, both are off-centre, producing vibrations that may not be desirable in some cases when the assembly rotates or counter-rotates, with the suitable damping means arranged in the machine, and turbulence could be generated that contributes to the mixing of the products.

[0098] Figures 20-A and 20-B show alternative capsule-lids arranged on a container. Likewise, figures 21-A and 21-B show two perspective views of the capsule-lid of the two previous figures, where their protrusions and their recesses are shown, as well as the film that closes the capsule-lid from below.

[0099] Figures 22-A and 22-B show alternative capsule-lids to the previous ones on a container with a capsule-lid. Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the capsule-lid of the two previous figures without the packaging.

[0100] Figures 24-A and 24-B show alternative capsule-lids on a container with a circular section. Specifically, figure 24-A shows a capsule-lid with a star-shaped polygonal cavity, so that the recesses are part of the star shape. Figure 24-B shows a capsule-lid like that in figure 24-A which further includes protrusions directed towards the inside of the cavity.

[0101] Figures 25-A and 25-B show capsule-lids like those shown in figures 24-A and 24-B, respectively, but with a container with a star cross section coinciding with the shape of the capsule-lid, so that the recesses are part of the star shape.

[0102] It is worth mentioning that although no example of the described mixing machine (100) has been represented as a whole, it is assumed that the person skilled in the art understands that the different means and elements it comprises may be arranged in the way that best suits each case, depending on the configuration of the packaging lines.

[0103] Based on the foregoing, the operating method of a processing machine for composite products based on mixtures, which processes composite products based on two or more ingredients by at least mixing and dispensing, comprises the following steps: Fastening a capsule-lid (1) with a body (3) with a cavity (6) with an aperture, which comprises a solid or liquid food product around which a perimeter wing or projection (4) is arranged, said aperture being sealed by a removable film (9), Introducing at least one liquid compound into the container (2), Moving said capsule-lid (1) until it is placed on the container (2) arranged in the machine (100), being able to comprise the orientation of the capsule-lid (1) by rotating it, for the next step, Opening the capsule-lid (1) with means for removing (17, 18) the film (9) attached to the capsule-lid (1) for pouring the at least one food compound comprised therein into the container (2), Coupling the capsule-lid (1) on the container (2) forming a closed mixing assembly, and Stirring by means of the rotation and / or counter-rotation of the closed mixing assembly, for its mixing.

[0104] Based on the foregoing, when the capsule-lid is placed on the container, the user can introduce said capsule-lid into the machine with a single orientation forced by the shape of the capsule-lid and the receptacle of the machine that receives said capsule-lid, which only allows its introduction in a single position. In another construction and if the capsule-lid does not have a particular shape, or has a symmetrical shape, the user introduces the capsule-lid and it is the machine that detects it and orients it so that the film removal means act on the same.

[0105] Alternatively, the capsule-lid (1) is moved on the container (2) at the same time that the film (9) is removed from said capsule-lid (1).

[0106] The liquid compound can be introduced into the container (2) either before or after the film (9) is removed. In the event that it is done after the film is removed, the introduction of the at least one liquid ingredient into the container is preferably carried out through the capsule-lid.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0056]In view of the aforementioned figures, and according to the numbering included therein, several exemplary embodiments of the objects of the present invention can be observed.

[0057]Thus, as shown in said figures, the capsule-lid (1), which contains at least a first ingredient, in powder or liquid form, to mix in the container (2), which in turn contains and / or can incorporate at least a second ingredient, preferably liquid, said capsule-lid also acting as a closing lid for said container (2), comprises, by way of example, a preferably laminar, thermoformed or moulded body (3) of a circular or polygonal plan that has:

a cavity (6) defining a volume of variable shape and size, for example, of a hemispherical dome (figure 3) or a rectangular dome (figure 4) or a truncated cone dome, which defines a hollow space where a first food component or ingredient is stored, a perimeter flange, wing or projection (4) around the aperture, so that the perimeter of the aperture is smaller than...

Claims

1. A functional capsule-lid for coupling to a container (2) for mixing products, characterised in that it comprises a body (3) with a cavity (6) and an aperture with a geometric centre, which define a volume for containing at least a food product, having: - At least one protrusion (7, 8) that emerges from the inside of the body (3) towards the inside of the cavity (6), - Coupling means on the perimeter of the aperture for coupling to a container (2), and - A removable film (9) attached to the perimeter of the aperture that covers the aperture of the cavity (6), sealing it hermetically.

2. The capsule-lid, according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a perimeter wing or projection (4), with a geometric centre, around the aperture with the coupling means on the perimeter of said wing or projection instead of said means being located on the perimeter of the aperture.

3. The capsule-lid, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling means have a semicircular shape open at the bottom to fit onto a container (2).

4. The capsule-lid, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling means have a thread.

5. The capsule-lid, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the perimeter of the aperture of the cavity (6) defines a polygonal or circular shape.

6. The capsule-lid, according to any of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the perimeter of the perimeter wing / projection defines a polygonal or circular shape.

7. The capsule-lid, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body (3) with the cavity has a hemispherical shape or cylindrical shape or frustoconical shape with the perimeter of the aperture determining a circular or polygonal shape.

8. The capsule-lid, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one protrusion (8) is a vertical or inclined recess or elongation.

9. The capsule-lid, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body (3) has, on the outside and along the perimeter above the aperture, an annular projection (13) as fastening means of the capsule-lid.

10. A processing machine for product mixtures made up of at least two ingredients, which processes by at least mixing and dispensing and has a base with a mixing space on the same to be occupied by a container (2) with at least one liquid food ingredient on the base, characterised in that it further comprises: - Gripping means for holding a capsule-lid (1) of the type that comprises a hollow body and a lower aperture sealed by a film attached to the hollow body and comprising at least one food ingredient therein, - A capsule-lid (1) opening system with means for removing (17, 18) the film attached to the capsule-lid (1) and with means for moving said capsule-lid (1) until it is placed on the container (2), - Fastening means for fastening the capsule-lid (1) on the opening of the container (2), and - Stirring means (19) that rotate the assembly of the closed container (2) with the capsule-lid (1) to mix the ingredients.

11. A method for operating a processing machine for product mixtures, which processes composite products based on two or more ingredients by at least mixing and dispensing, characterised in that it comprises a step of introducing at least one liquid ingredient into a container (2) and also the following steps: - Fastening a capsule-lid (1) of the type that comprises a hollow body and a lower aperture sealed by a film attached to the hollow body and comprising at least one food ingredient therein, - Moving said capsule-lid (1) until it is placed on the container (2) arranged in the machine, - Opening the capsule-lid (1) with means for removing (17, 18) the film attached to the capsule-lid (1) for pouring the at least one ingredient comprised therein into the container (2), - Coupling the capsule-lid (1) on the container (2) forming a closed mixing assembly, and - Stirring by means of the at least one rotation and / or counter-rotation of the closed mixing assembly in at least one direction of rotation.

12. The method, according to claim 11, characterised in that it is executed in a machine according to claim 10.

13. The method, according to any of claims 11 to 12, characterised in that it comprises a capsule according to claim 1.

14. A processing system for product mixtures made up of at least two ingredients, characterised in that it comprises: - a machine according to claim 10, - a capsule-lid (1) comprising a hollow body and a lower aperture sealed by a film attached to the hollow body and comprising at least one food ingredient therein, and - a container (2) with at least one liquid food ingredient on which the capsule-lid (1) is coupled after the film is removed.

15. The system, according to claim 14, characterised in that it comprises a capsule according to claim 1.

Images