Capsule for beverage

Abstract

Described is a capsule for beverages comprising a casing which comprises a base wall and a lateral wall defining a cavity, containing an initial product to be added to a fluid to obtain a final product, and a flanged edge extending from the lateral wall. A covering element is fixed to the flanged edge for closing the cavity. The casing is made with a first film, which is flexible and compostable, and the covering element is made with a second film, which is flexible and compostable. The capsule also comprises a stiffening element associated with the edge for making a support for the capsule when the capsule is inserted in a dispensing machine, the stiffening element being made as a ring and comprising a cellulose-based material.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Capsule for beverage

[0003] This invention relates to a capsule for beverages. In particular, this invention relates to a capsule for beverages comprising a casing, which comprises a base wall and a lateral wall defining a cavity, which contains an initial product to be added to a fluid to obtain a final product.

[0004] In particular, the invention relates to a single-dose, single-use capsule, wherein the casing contains an initial product, for example coffee powder, which is able to make, interacting with the pressurised water, a final product, for example a coffee beverage.

[0005] In detail, the capsule is particularly configured for preparing products, for example beverages, in automatic dispensing machines.

[0006] The prior art capsules for coffee which can be used on dispensing machines are single-use and single-dose containers wherein the casing has the shape of a glass or cup, and wherein a flanged edge extends from the lateral wall and is positioned around the cavity, on the opposite side relative to the base wall.

[0007] The cavity, at a relative opening, is hermetically sealed by a covering element, fixed to the flanged edge, in such a way as to seal the initial product inside the container, for example coffee.

[0008] The base wall of the capsule can, optionally, have an opening delimited by a base edge to which a closing element can be fixed.

[0009] The covering element and the base wall, or the closing element if present, must be able to be perforated, so that the capsule can be used with great flexibility of use in the most common dispensing machines.

[0010] In effect, with regard to the type of dispensing machine in which the capsule is inserted, the base wall may be perforated by an injection device, or extraction device, of the dispensing machine.

[0011] If the capsule is used in a dispensing machine of a first type, the covering element may be perforated by a device for injecting water whilst the base wall may be perforated by an extraction device, to allow the extraction of the coffee beverage.

[0012] In this case, the injection device may comprise a plurality of blades, configured for perforating with cuts the covering element, and a central injection duct, independent and separate from the blades, which is configured for supplying pressurised water to a housing of the dispensing machine.

[0013] The extraction device may comprise a plurality of pointed elements which, engaging with the base wall during the extraction when a predetermined pressure is reached inside the cavity, perforate the base wall in a plurality of different zones.

[0014] However, alternatively, according to a variant of this dispensing machine, the injection device and / or the extraction device of the dispensing machine can be made as respective nozzles provided with a pointed end.

[0015] In the case of a capsule which can be used in a dispensing machine of a second type, the injection device and the extraction device may be similar to those of the dispensing machines of the first type, but the plurality of blades is configured for perforating with cuts the base wall of the capsule, whilst the pointed elements of the extraction device are configured for perforating the covering element, when the pressure increases inside the capsule.

[0016] The capsule designed to be used in this machine of the second type comprises a sealing element, associated with the flanged edge and configured to engage with the housing of the dispensing machine and make a fluid-tight seal with the housing in such a way as to prevent undesired escape of water from the housing and guarantee that the water is fed only to the cavity of the capsule through the cuts made by the injection device.

[0017] It follows that, in order to achieve a successful dispensing, it is necessary that both the base wall (or the closing element) and the covering element of the capsules can be easily perforated, in such a way as to be advantageously used in the dispensing machines of the first type, or of the second type.

[0018] The prior art capsules currently most widespread on the market have a casing made of aluminium, or a plastic material, and a covering element made using an aluminium sheet provided with a sealable coating. These materials allow an easy perforation of the base wall and the covering element and thereby guarantee an optimum dispensing of the coffee beverage and also an optimum quality of the coffee beverage.

[0019] Recently, however, compostable capsules are increasingly widespread on the market for which the outer casing, the covering element and the closing element, if present, are made entirely of a material which can be composted according to European standard UNI EN13432:2002.

[0020] These compostable capsules may have a casing made from bioplastic materials, obtained from corn starch, or from cellulose pulp, and have a rigid structure and a shape similar to the capsules of known type, made of aluminium, or plastic, so that they can be used in dispensing machines already widespread on the market.

[0021] However, compared with aluminium or plastic capsules, the compostable capsules have some problems which are linked to a limited shelf life, and also the quality of the coffee beverage obtained from them. In fact, if the base wall (or the closing element) and the covering element are not perforated correctly, respectively by the injection and extraction devices of the dispensing machine, or vice versa by the extraction and injection devices of the dispensing machine, the pressure of the liquid introduced in the cavity, at which the coffee beverage is obtained and subsequently dispensed, is not ideal and this may adversely affect the quality of extraction of the beverage.

[0022] The technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is therefore to provide a compostable capsule which overcomes the drawbacks of prior art capsules. A further aim of the invention is to obtain a compostable capsule, which is simple to make and has limited costs, wherein the casing and the covering material are made of respective compostable materials which guarantee a correct making of the perforations of the base wall and of the covering element, by, respectively, the injection device, or by the extraction device of the dispensing machine, to obtain a beverage of quality comparable to that of non-compostable capsules.

[0023] Another technical purpose of the invention is to provide a compostable capsule, alternative to those known up to now, which can be advantageously used in the prior art dispensing machines.

[0024] These aims are achieved by a capsule according to the invention, comprising the technical features described in one or more of the appended claims.

[0025] According to the invention, a capsule for beverages is proposed comprising:

[0026] - a capsule which comprises a base wall and a lateral wall defining a cavity, containing an initial product to be added to a fluid to obtain a final product, and a flanged edge extending from the lateral wall;

[0027] - a covering element, fixed to the flanged edge for closing the cavity;

[0028] - wherein the casing is made with a first film which is flexible and compostable, and the covering element is made with a second film which is flexible and compostable; the capsule also comprising

[0029] - at least one stiffening element, which is associated with the flanged edge for making a support for the capsule when the capsule is inserted in a dispensing machine, the stiffening element being made as a ring and comprising a compostable cellulose-based material, or compostable plastic, preferably being made from compostable cellulose.

[0030] Thanks to the fact that the casing is made with the first film, which is flexible and compostable, it is simple to make with shaping operations inside a mould die, and it is possible to apply to it, with a prior art process, the covering element by sealing it, for example, to the flanged edge. Thanks to the fact that the flanged edge is associated with the stiffening element, the capsule may be advantageously used in the prior art dispensing machines, since the stiffening element acts as a support for the capsule inside the housing of the dispensing machine.

[0031] Thanks to the fact that the stiffening element comprises a compostable cellulose-based material, or compostable plastic, and preferably is made from compostable cellulose, the entire capsule is compostable in accordance with European Directive UNI EN13432:2002 and can be disposed of as organic waste.

[0032] According to one version, the covering element is shaped in a planar fashion and the initial product contained in the cavity fills the entire cavity, in such a way as to give rigidity to the capsule and allow a perforation of the base wall and of the covering element of the capsule.

[0033] Thanks to the filling of the cavity, the entire casing is stiffened and the perforation of the covering element and of the base wall is facilitated by the blades (and / or nozzles) of the injection device and / or pointed elements (and / or nozzles) of the extraction device of the dispensing machine.

[0034] Thanks to a further version, the first film is made of a first material having a thickness of between 30 and 150 microns, preferably between 40 and 90 microns, for example equal to 55 microns, or 80 microns, or of a second material having a thickness of between 30 and 100 microns, preferably between 40 and 90 microns, for example equal to 30 microns, or 80 microns; wherein the first material and the second material have respective first multilayer structures, each first multilayer structure comprising a first cellulose-based level and a second compostable biopolymer-based level.

[0035] Thanks to the multilayer structure with which the first film and the second film are made, a barrier layer to humidity and oxygen is guaranteed.

[0036] Thanks to a different version, one of either the first film and the second film is made of the first material which has the thickness of between 30 and 150 microns, preferably between 40 and 90 microns, for example equal to 55 microns, or 80 microns, whilst the other film, between the second film and the first film, is made of the second material having a thickness of between 30 and 100 microns, preferably between 40 and 90 microns, for example equal to 30 microns, or 80 microns.

[0037] It should be noted how, in both the above-mentioned versions, the first film and the second film are very thin, whilst being resistant, and this favours the perforation.

[0038] Moreover, the reduced thickness of the first and second film allow the capsule to be disposed of in domestic composting and promote the environmental compatibility of the capsule.

[0039] According to another version, the covering element has a concave shape and has a further casing which comprises a further base wall and a further lateral wall defining a further cavity, and a further flanged edge extending from the further lateral wall, wherein the further flanged edge is facing the flanged edge and is fixed to it, the initial product being contained in the cavity and in the further cavity which are in connection with each other.

[0040] Thanks to the fact that the initial product is contained in the cavity and in the further cavity the containment space for the capsule is increased simply and inexpensively.

[0041] Further features and advantages of the present invention are more apparent from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description which follows of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of a capsule as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section view of a capsule according to the invention, which comprises a casing, having a base wall and a lateral wall defining a cavity containing an initial product, a flanged edge, a covering element, shaped in a planar fashion, and wherein an enlarged detail of a lateral wall of the casing is shown;

[0043] Figure 2 shows a variant of the capsule of Figure 1 , which differs from the capsule of Figure 1 in that it comprises a variant of the covering element of Figure 1 . Figure 3 shows a further variant of the capsule of Figure 1 , which differs from the capsule of Figure 1 in that it comprises a further variant of the covering element of Figure 1 , which is concave in shape and has a further casing having a further base wall and a further lateral wall defining a further cavity also containing the initial product, and a further flanged edge which faces and is fixed to the flanged edge.

[0044] The same elements in the various drawings will be indicated below with the same reference numerals.

[0045] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a capsule according to the invention, which can be used in a dispensing machine (not illustrated).

[0046] The capsule 1 , as illustrated in detail in Figure 1 , comprises a casing 2 which has an axis Z of longitudinal extension, for example an axis of symmetry.

[0047] The casing 2, as described in more detail below, is preferably made of a compostable material.

[0048] The casing 2 includes a base wall 201 and a lateral wall 202, defining a cavity 203 which is open, and a flanged edge 204, which extends from the lateral wall 202.

[0049] In detail, the lateral wall 202 is divergent starting from the base wall 201. Other shapes of the casing 2 are, however, possible although not illustrated. For example, the casing 2 may be shaped like a half-ball, wherein the base wall 201 and the lateral wall 202, concave, define the hemisphere.

[0050] The cavity 203 is designed to contain an initial product P to be added to a liquid (not illustrated) to obtain a final product (not illustrated). The liquid may be hot, or cold, and is introduced under pressure, in the cavity 203 in a step of injecting the fluid, to obtain the final product.

[0051] The initial product P may be, for example, a food product which is soluble, freeze-dried, dehydrated, concentrated, percolatable, in powder form - for example coffee; alternatively, the initial preparation can be, for example, a food product in leaf form - for example tea. The liquid is preferably water, hot and under pressure, which makes it possible to obtain a beverage, for example coffee, barley coffee, tea, or herbal tea.

[0052] Without limiting the scope of the invention, the fact that the initial product P is coffee powder and that the liquid introduced into the cavity 203 is hot water under pressure to make a coffee beverage will be considered below. The capsule 1 comprises a covering element 3, fixed to the flanged edge 204, so as to close the cavity 203.

[0053] It should be noted that the casing 2 is made of a first film 205, which is flexible and compostable, and the covering element 3 is made of a second film 301 , which is also flexible and compostable.

[0054] More in detail, advantageously, the first film 205 may be unwound from a reel (not illustrated) and is suitable to be shaped in such a way as to adopt the glass or cup shape of the casing 2, by means of reliable and economical shaping technology.

[0055] The second flexible film 301 can also be unwound, advantageously, from a reel and it is suitable for being sealed to the flanged edge 204 by thermal or ultrasound sealing, or gluing.

[0056] It should be noted that, for reasons of clarity, the covering element 3 is shown in Figure 1 detached from the flanged edge 204, and that is to say, before fixing to the flanged edge 204.

[0057] The capsule 1 comprises at least one stiffening element 4, which is associated with the flanged edge 204 for making a support for the capsule 1 , when the capsule 1 is inserted in the machine for beverages.

[0058] The stiffening element 4 may be fixed to the flanged edge 204 from a side opposite that of the covering element 3, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0059] Alternatively, according to a version not illustrated, the stiffening element 4 may be fixed directly to the covering element 3, but at the flanged edge 204. Alternatively, according to another version not illustrated, the stiffening element 4 may be fixed between the flanged edge 204 of the casing 2 and the covering element 3.

[0060] According to a further version, not illustrated, the capsule comprises a further stiffening element, which is respectively fixed to the covering element 3, at the flanged edge 204; or on the side opposite that of the covering element 3.

[0061] The stiffening element 4 is made like a ring and comprises a compostable cellulose-based material, or compostable plastic. Preferably, the stiffening element is made of a compostable cellulose-based material and the material may be recycled, or recyclable and compostable.

[0062] If the stiffening element 4 is made of compostable plastic-based material, it is preferably recycled, or recyclable.

[0063] Thanks to the stiffening element 4, which is associated with the flanged edge 204, it is therefore possible to make in a very simple manner a capsule 1 entirely with compostable materials, which has the same mechanical characteristics as the prior art capsules 1 .

[0064] It should be noted that the casing 2 can have longitudinal folds 206, which are obtained during a process for shaping the cavity 203, when the first film 205 is folded in a mould die (not illustrated) having a shape corresponding to a shape of the cavity 203.

[0065] The longitudinal folds 206, although illustrated here arranged and equidistant from each other, may differ from each other in terms of shape and / or size and / or since they are at irregular intervals on the casing 2.

[0066] Preferably, in each of the longitudinal folds 206 there is a zone of superposing between two different flaps of the first film 205, which join together in the flanged edge 204, at the moment in which the covering element 3 is fixed to the flanged edge 204.

[0067] Alternatively, according to a version not illustrated, the casing 2 may have longitudinal ribs corresponding to respective ribs of a forming punch configured for forming the first film 205.

[0068] Even though the forming of the first film 205 may also be performed hot by means of a thermoforming process, preferably the first film 205 is shaped without plastic deformation, either hot or cold, and adopts a final configuration corresponding to that of the casing 2 in the mould die after having been folded.

[0069] In the case, on the other hand, of hot forming of the first film 205 by thermoforming, it should be noted that the casing 2 stiffens when it adopts the final shape.

[0070] The covering element 3 may have a planar shape, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0071] Preferably, the initial product P is contained in the cavity 203 and fills the entire cavity 203, from the base wall 201 to the flanged edge 204.

[0072] This filling of the cavity 203 is designed to impart rigidity to the capsule 1 and promote a perforation of the base wall 201 and the covering element 3 of the capsule 1 .

[0073] It should be noted that the complete filling of the cavity 203 acts in conjunction with the stiffening element 4 to stiffen the capsule 1 .

[0074] For this purpose, if the initial product P is coffee, it may have a predetermined mechanical pressing density which also acts in conjunction to stiffen the capsule 1 . The mechanical pressing of coffee can, for example, be between 0.2 and 0.9 gr / cm3.

[0075] By way of example, the first film 205 may be made of a first material having a thickness of between 30 and 150 microns, preferably between 40 and 90 microns, for example equal to 55 microns or 80 microns; or it may be made of a second material having a thickness of between 30 and 100 microns, preferably between 40 and 90 microns, preferably equal to 55 microns or 80 microns.

[0076] Both the first material and the second material have respective first multilayer structures, and each first multilayer structure comprises a first cellulose-based level 205A and a second level 205B based on a compostable biopolymer.

[0077] The second level 205B based on the compostable biopolymer can be made of one of the following materials:

[0078] Polybutylene succinate (PBS);

[0079] MATER-BI™; Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA);

[0080] Polylactic acid (PLA).

[0081] It should be noted that the second level 205B based on the compostable biopolymer preferably faces towards the initial product P.

[0082] According to a variant, the second film 301 may be made of the same first material as the first film 205.

[0083] In other words, it is possible to use a single material for the casing 2 and the covering element 3, reducing the number of components necessary for making the capsule 1 and therefore the production costs.

[0084] According to another variant, at least one film, between the first film 205 and the second film 301 , is made of the first material whilst the other film, between the second film 301 and the first film 205, is made of the second material.

[0085] It should be noted how, in both the above-mentioned variants, the first film 205 and the second film 301 are very thin, whilst being resistant, since the multilayer structure comprises the first cellulose-based level 205A. This allows costs for making the casing 2 to be limited whilst favouring the perforation, both of the base wall 201 and of the covering element 3.

[0086] Thanks to the fact that the first film 205 is thin and has a reduced thickness, a capsule 1 may be made which can be disposed of as household composting and this increases the environmental compatibility of the capsule 1 .

[0087] The capsule 1 is designed to be used in a dispensing machine of a first type, wherein the covering element 3 is perforated, in use, by an injection device, whilst the base wall 201 is perforated, in use, by an extraction device of the dispensing machine.

[0088] The injection device can, for example, comprise a plurality of blades, configured for perforating with cuts the covering element 3, and an injection duct, independent and separate from the blades, for supplying pressurised water to a housing of the dispensing machine. The extraction device may comprise a plurality of pointed elements which, engaging with the base wall 201 during the extraction when a predetermined pressure is reached inside the cavity 203, perforate the base wall 201 in a plurality of different zones.

[0089] However, alternatively, the injection device and / or the extraction device of the first type dispensing machine can also be made as respective nozzles provided with a pointed end.

[0090] It should be noted that, when the capsule 1 is inserted in the dispensing machine, the stiffening element 4 is placed resting on a supporting surface of the housing element, in which the capsule 1 can be inserted.

[0091] Figure 2 shows a capsule 1 ’, which differs from the capsule 1 described above because it has a covering element 3’ which differs from the covering element 3. The covering element 3’ is, in effect, made by means of a second film 301 ’ having a respective second multilayer structure, even though it has the same planar shape.

[0092] The second multilayer structure comprises a first covering layer 301 ’A, facing towards the outside, a second supporting layer 301 ’B, a third covering layer 301 ’C, wherein the second supporting layer 301 ’B is interposed between the first covering layer 301 ’A and the third covering layer 301 ’C and is mutually coupled to them, a fourth joining layer 301 ’D, for joining the third covering layer 301 ’C to a fifth filtering layer 301 ’E, which faces the initial product P.

[0093] The covering element 3' may be made, by way of example, in accordance with document EP3388229 in the name of Corapack, or according to application EP4121371 A1 , in the name of Corapack and the same Applicant.

[0094] All that has been said for the casing 2 of the capsule 1 applies to the capsule T, and therefore the casing 2 may be made with the first film 205, wherein the first multilayer structure comprises the first cellulose-based level 205A and the second level 205B based on a compostable biopolymer.

[0095] However, with regard to the second film 30T, the second supporting layer 301 ’B may be a cellulose layer and the first covering layer 301 ’A and the third covering layer 301 ’C can be made as respective barrier layers to oxygen and humidity, to protect the second supporting layer 301 ’B.

[0096] The fifth filtering layer 301 ’E may be made of a compostable non-woven fabric and the fourth joining layer 301 ’D may be made by PLA or a compostable casein, to join the fifth filtering layer 301 ’E to the third covering layer 301 ’C.

[0097] It should be noted that the capsule 1 ’ can be used in a dispensing machine of a second type, wherein the base wall 201 of the capsule T can be perforated by an injection device of the dispensing machine and the covering element 3’ can be perforated by an extraction device of the dispensing machine.

[0098] In this case, it should be noted that the stiffening element 4 also acts as a sealing element between the capsule 1 and the housing element of the dispensing machine to which is supplied the water which must then be supplied exclusively to the cavity 203.

[0099] In effect, when the capsule T is inserted in the dispensing machine, the covering element 3’ is rested on the supporting surface of the housing element, in such a way as to be perforated by the pointed elements of the extraction device of the dispensing machine.

[0100] The stiffening element 4 is interposed between the supporting surface and the housing element, and forms a fluid-tight seal to guarantee that the pressurised water fed to the housing element by the injection device is only fed to the cavity 203 of the capsule 1 ’ through the cuts made by the injection device, without fluidic losses.

[0101] Figure 3 shows a capsule 1 ”, which differs from the capsules 1 and T described above because it has a covering element 3” which differs from the covering element 3.

[0102] In effect, the covering element 3”, made with the second film 301 , has a concave shape and has a further casing 5 which comprises a further base wall 501 and a further lateral wall 502 defining a further cavity 503. The longitudinal axis of extension of the further casing 5 coincides with the longitudinal axis Z of extension of the casing 2, for example with the axis of symmetry of the casing 2.

[0103] The further cavity 503 is open and a further flanged edge 504 extends from the further lateral wall 502, faces the flanged edge and is fixed to the flanged edge 204.

[0104] The second film 301 , which may be unwound from a reel (not illustrated), is also advantageously designed to be shaped in such a way as to adopt the glass or cup shape of the casing 5, by means of the same shaping technology which can be used for shaping the casing 2.

[0105] The second film 301 may be made of the same first material as the first film 205, and it is therefore possible to use a single material for the casing 2 and the covering element 3”, reducing the number of components necessary for making the capsule 1 ” and therefore the production costs.

[0106] Alternatively, as mentioned above, at least one film, between the first film 205 and the second film 301 , is made of the first material whilst the other film, between the second film 301 and the first film 205, is made of the second material.

[0107] The initial product P is contained in the cavity 203 and in the further cavity 503, which are connected to each other. In other words, the initial product P, which is contained in the cavity 203 and in the further cavity 503 which are open and connected to each other, is free to move between the cavity 203 and the further cavity 503.

[0108] With reference to the stiffening element 4 what has been said above applies, that is to say, the stiffening element 4 is associated with the flanged edge 204. More in detail, it may be fixed to the flanged edge 204 from a side opposite that of the covering element 3”, and that is to say, from the side opposite the further flanged edge 504, as shown in Figure 3.

[0109] Alternatively, according to a version not illustrated, the stiffening element 4 may be fixed directly to the covering element 3”, and that is to say it may be fixed to the further flanged edge 504, at the flanged edge 204, or alternatively between them.

[0110] The fact also applies for the capsule 1 ” that according to a further version, not illustrated, the capsule 1 ” may comprise the further stiffening element, fixed to the covering element 3”, and that is to say, to the further flanged edge 504 (if the stiffening element 4 is fixed to the flanged edge 204), or to the flanged edge 204 (if the stiffening element 4 is fixed to the further flanged edge 504).

[0111] It should be noted that the initial product P, which is contained in the cavity

[0112] 203 and in the further cavity 503 fills the entire cavity 203 from the base wall 201 to the flanged edge 204 and the entire further cavity 503, from the further base wall 501 to the further flanged edge 504, to impart rigidity to the capsule 1 ” and promote the perforation of the base wall 201 and of the further base wall 501 .

[0113] What has been stated above for the casing 2, made from the first film 205, also applies for the further casing 5, made from the second film 301 , which can also have further longitudinal folds 506, similar to the longitudinal folds 206 of the casing 2, or further longitudinal ribs, corresponding to respective ribs of a forming punch, and which can be obtained by means of a hot or cold thermoforming process of the second film 301 with which the covering element 3” is made.

[0114] It should be noted that the casing 5 can be equal to the casing 2, in which case the capsule 1 ” is made with double casing, which is symmetrical and specular relative to a joining plane defined by the joining of the flanged edge

[0115] 204 with the further flanged edge 504.

[0116] However, this is not necessary as the further casing 5 may have a different height along the axis Z with respect to the casing 2, and also, optionally, a different shape, that is to say, the casing 2 may have a divergent shape as shown in Figures 1 to 3 whilst the further casing 5 may have a divergent shape but with a smaller height, or the further casing 5 may have a different shape with respect to the casing 2 and be, for example, a hemisphere.

[0117] Thanks to the fact that the covering element 3” has a concave shape, the casing 2 may be filled entirely with the initial product P, from the base wall 201 to the flanged edge 204, but the initial product P may also be accumulated, and compacted, during the filling of the cavity 203, beyond the flanged edge 204 in such a way as to define a convex profile.

[0118] In effect, at the moment of application of the covering element 3”, which comprises the further casing 5 having the further cavity 503, the further cavity 503 is able to receive the initial product P which protrudes from the flanged edge 204 and which fills entirely also the further cavity 503.

[0119] The capsule 1 ” is designed to be used in the dispensing machine of the first type described above, wherein the covering element 3” is perforated, in use, by the injection device, whilst the base wall 201 is perforated, in use, by an extraction device of the dispensing machine. In detail, it is the further base wall 501 of the casing 5 which is perforated by the injection device.

[0120] Considering now the stiffening element 4, which may be associated with the flanged edge 204 of the capsule 1 , T, or 1 ”, it has been mentioned that it is shaped like an annular body and that is to say, a ring, and which comprises a compostable cellulose-based material, or compostable plastic, and which is preferably made from compostable cellulose.

[0121] The thickness of the stiffening element 4 may be between 0.2 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, and even more preferably equal to 1 mm.

[0122] If the stiffening element is cellulose-based, it may have a respective layered structure comprising a compostable cellulose-based element (paper, paperboard, or paper and paperboard together with PLA and Materbi) and a joining element configured to couple the compostable cellulose-based element to the flanged edge 204, by thermal or ultrasound sealing, or gluing. The thickness of the joining element is negligible since it is equal to a few microns before joining to the flanged edge 204 and reduces further after the stiffening element 4 is joined to the flanged edge 204.

[0123] It should be noted that the compostable cellulose-based element may comprise a single cellulose-based layer or it may comprise a plurality of respective cellulose-based layers (not illustrated) and respective further joining elements, configured for joining together the cellulose-based layers. The joining element, for joining the cellulose-based element to the flanged edge 204 or optionally the plurality of further joining elements, are made by means of a compostable sealing material.

[0124] The joining element may, however, be absent.

[0125] In effect, it should be noted that if the stiffening element 4 comprises a compostable plastic-based material, it is the plastic which makes the joining element since it may join to the flanged edge 204 when it receives heat at the moment of application of the covering element 3, or 3’.

[0126] The first film 205 which makes the casing 2 can also make the joining element, since it can also be joined to the stiffening element 204 when it receives heat at the moment of application of the covering element 3, or 3’. In use, when the capsule 1 is inserted in the dispensing machine of the first type, the covering element 3 is perforated by the injection device of the dispensing machine. The pressurised water extracts the coffee beverage from the coffee powder present in the cavity 203 and when the pressure in the cavity 203 increases beyond a predetermined value, the base wall 201 deforms towards the extraction device and is perforated, thus allowing the coffee beverage to come out from the cavity 203.

[0127] On the other hand, when the capsule T is inserted in the dispensing machine of the second type, the base wall 201 is perforated for injecting pressurised water into the cavity 203. The pressurized water extracts the coffee beverage from the coffee powder present in the cavity 203 and when the pressure in the cavity 203 increases beyond a predetermined value, the covering element 3’ perforates against the pointed elements of the extraction device. The presence of the fifth filtering layer 301 ’E of the covering element 3’ prevents the holes obtained by means of the pointed elements from being blocked, thereby guaranteeing a correct dispensing of the coffee beverage.

[0128] It should be noted, therefore, that thanks to the use of a first flexible and compostable film 205, it is possible to obtain a capsule 1 , or 1 ’ (relative to the covering element 3, 3’ used) which is simple to make and inexpensive, whilst guaranteeing excellent performance levels since the base wall 201 and the covering element 3, or 3’ can be easily perforated,

[0129] It should also be noted that the stiffening element 4 guarantees that the capsule 1 , or 1 ’, has good mechanical properties such as to be advantageously used in the prior art dispensing machines.

[0130] Thanks to the fact that the initial product P completely fills the cavity 203, from the base wall 201 to the covering element 3, 3’, the casing 2 of the capsule 1 , or T, is further stiffened to promote the perforation of the base wall 201 and the covering element 3, 3’.

[0131] The same considerations also apply in the case of the capsule 1 ”, wherein there is the casing 2 and the further casing 5, thanks to the fact that the initial product completely fills both the cavity 203 and also the further cavity 503, the casing 2 and the further casing 502 are further stiffened, to promote both the perforation of the base wall 201 and the perforation of the further base wall 501.

[0132] If the cavity 203 is filled with coffee powder, it is also possible to press it advantageously to a predetermined density, to guarantee an excellent quality of the coffee beverage and at the same time impart rigidity to the casing 2.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A capsule (1 ; 1 1 ”) for beverages, comprising:- a casing (2), which comprises a base wall (201 ) and a lateral wall (202) defining a cavity (203), containing an initial product (P) to be added to a fluid to obtain a final product, and a flanged edge (204) extending from the lateral wall (202);- a covering element (3; 3’; 3”), fixed to the flanged edge (204) for closing the cavity (203);- wherein the casing (2) is made with a first film (205), which is flexible and compostable, and wherein the covering element (3; 3’; 3”) is made with a second film (301 ; 301 ’), which is flexible and compostable; and wherein the capsule (1 ; 1 ’) further comprises- at least one stiffening element (4), which is associated to the flanged edge (204) for making a support for the capsule (1 ; 1 ’; 1 ”) when the capsule (1 ; 1 ’; 1 ”) is inserted in a dispensing machine;- wherein the stiffening element (4) is made like a ring and comprises a compostable cellulose-based material, or compostable plastic, preferably being made from compostable cellulose-based material.

2. The capsule (1 ; T) according to claim 1 , wherein the covering element (3; 3’) has a planar shape and the initial product (P) contained in the cavity (203) fills the entire cavity (203), from the base wall (201 ) to the flanged edge (204) to impart rigidity to the capsule (1 ; T) and promote a perforation of the base wall (201 ) and the covering element (3; 3’) of the capsule (1 ; 1 ’).

3. The capsule (1 ”) according to claim 1 , wherein the covering element (3”) has a concave shape and has a further casing (5) which comprises a further base wall (501 ) and a further lateral wall (502) defining a further cavity (503), and a further flanged edge (504) extending from the further lateral wall (502), wherein the further flanged edge (504) faces the flanged edge (204) and is fixed to it, the initial product (P) being contained in the cavity (203) and in the further cavity (503) which are in connection with each other.

4. The capsule (1 ”) according to claim 3, wherein the initial product (P)contained in the cavity (203) and in the further cavity (503) fills the entire cavity (203) and the entire further cavity (503), respectively from the base wall (201 ) to the flanged edge (204) and from the further base wall (501 ) to the further flanged edge (504), to impart rigidity to the capsule (1 ”) and to promote a perforation of the base wall (201 ) and the further base wall (501 ).

5. The capsule (1 ; 1 ”) according to claim 3, or 4, wherein the further casing (5) has ribs, or longitudinal folds (506).

6. The capsule (1 ; T; 1 ”) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first film (205) is made of a first material which has a thickness of between 30 and 150 microns, preferably between 40 and 90 microns; preferably 55 microns; or 80 microns; or is made of a second material which has a thickness of between 30 and 100 microns, preferably between 40 and 90 microns, preferably 30 microns; or 80 microns; wherein the first material and the second material have respective first multilayer structures, each first multilayer structure comprising a first cellulose-based level (205A) and a second level (205B) based on a compostable biopolymer.

7. The capsule (1 ; 1 ”) according to claim 6, wherein the second film (301 ) is made of the same first material as the first film (205).

8. The capsule (1 ; 1 ”) according to claim 6, wherein at least one film, between the first film (205) and the second film (301 ), is made of the first material whilst the other film, between the second film (301 ) and the first film (205), is made of the second material.

9. The capsule (1 ; 1 ”) according to any preceding claim, wherein the covering element (3; 3”) can be perforated by an injection device of the dispensing machine and the base wall (201 ) can be perforated by an extraction device of the dispensing machine.

10. The capsule (1 ”) according to claim 9, when it depends on claim 3, or 4, wherein the further base wall (501 ) can be perforated by the injection device of the dispensing machine and the base wall (201 ) can be perforated by an extraction device of the dispensing machine.

11. The capsule (T) according to claim 6 and claim 2, wherein the secondfilm (301 ’) has a respective second multilayer structure comprising a first covering layer (301 ’A), facing towards the outside, a second supporting layer (301 ’B), a third covering layer (301 ’C), wherein the second supporting layer (301 ’B) is interposed between the first covering layer (301 ’A) and the third covering layer (301 ’C) and is mutually coupled to them, a fourth joining layer (301 ’D), for joining the third covering layer (301 ’C) to a fifth filtering layer (301 ’E), which faces the initial product (P).

12. The capsule (T) according to claim 11 , wherein the base wall (201 ) of the capsule (T) can be perforated by an injection device of the dispensing machine and the covering element (3’) can be perforated by an extraction device of the dispensing machine.

13. The capsule (1 ; T; 1 ”) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stiffening element (4) is fixed to the flanged edge (204) on a side opposite that of the covering element (3; 3’; 3”); or is fixed to the covering element (3; 3’; 3”) at the flanged edge (204); or is fixed between the flanged edge (204) and the covering element (3; 3’; 3”).

14. The capsule (1 ; T; 1 ”), according to claim 13, wherein the capsule comprises a further stiffening element, which is respectively fixed to the covering element (3; 3’; 3”), at the flanged edge; or from the side opposite that of the covering element (3; 3’; 3”).

15. The capsule (1 ; T; 1 ”) according to any preceding claim, wherein the stiffening element (4) has a thickness of between 0.2 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, even more preferably equal to 1 mm.

16. The capsule (1 ; T; 1 ”) according to any preceding claim, wherein the stiffening element (4) comprises a compostable cellulose-based element and a joining element configured for associating the stiffening element (4) to the flanged edge (204).

17. The capsule (1 ; T; 1 ”) according to claim 16, wherein the cellulose- based element comprises a plurality of respective cellulose-based layers and respective further joining elements, configured for joining together thecellulose-based layers.

18. The capsule (1 ; T; 1 ”) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the joining element, or optionally the plurality of further joining elements, are made by means of a compostable sealing material.

19. The capsule (1 ; T; 1 ”) according to any preceding claim, wherein the casing (2) has ribs, or longitudinal folds (206).

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