Capsules for preparing beverages

Abstract

A capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a device for making a beverage, the capsule (1) comprising a body (100) having a bottom wall (101) and a side wall (102) extending around a longitudinal axis (A) between a first annular rim (102A) and a second annular rim (102B) connected to the bottom wall, the side wall (102) having an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis (A) and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, an annular flange (103) extending from the second annular rim (102B) of the side wall (102) away from the longitudinal axis (A), and a plurality of protrusions (104) arranged around the longitudinal axis (A) and protruding from a first portion (1021) of the outer surface of the side wall (102) proximal to the flange (103).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a machine for making a beverage. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the capsule and a mold for producing the capsule. [Background technology]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of beverage production by infusion, in which the use of capsules containing an infusion material, such as coffee, is known. The capsules comprise a cup or body and a lid and are designed to be placed in a specific beverage production machine in which hot water or steam is supplied to the capsule to extract the beverage.

[0003] More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the field of infusion production of beverages such as American coffee. Capsules used in this field are larger than those used in coffee machines such as Nespresso, and typically include a filter element that divides the interior space into a first and a second portion, the first portion containing a substance for producing the beverage (e.g., coffee). The beverage production machine supplies hot water to the first portion, causing the substance contained in the first portion to infuse and produce the beverage, which then passes through the filter element to the second portion, and finally, the machine extracts the beverage from the second portion.

[0004] Capsules of this kind are described, for example, in the following patent documents: US2002 / 0020659, US9232871B2, US2018160845A1, US2018118450A1, US2017042362A1.

[0005] One problem with prior art capsules is that when the capsule manufacturing process involves stacking multiple capsules after the capsule body is formed and before the internal space is filled with the leaching substance, the capsules tend to stick together, making it difficult to separate them from one another. To overcome this problem, this type of prior art capsule may have a cylindrical underflange shape on its side wall that is wider than the rest of the side wall (which has a frusto-conical shape), so that when two capsules are stacked on top of each other, the flange spacing is maintained and it becomes easier to separate the capsules when necessary. However, in many cases, the underflange shape is not very effective in preventing the capsules from sticking together, and furthermore, the underflange shape makes the side wall thicker, making the capsules heavier and therefore more expensive.

[0006] Other solutions for capsules for containing products for making beverages are described in patent documents WO2013038382, WO2013164669, WO2015170385, WO2015056238. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide a capsule for preparing a beverage in an apparatus for making a beverage, a method for manufacturing the capsule, and a mold for manufacturing the capsule, in order to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0008] This object is fully achieved by the capsule, the method and the mould characterised in the appended claims.

[0009] More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a device for making a beverage.

[0010] The capsule comprises a body (or cup), which is preferably made of a thermoplastic material (such as a polymer, composite material or biocompatible material).

[0011] The body includes a bottom wall. The body includes a side wall. The side wall extends around the longitudinal axis between a first annular edge and a second annular edge. The first annular edge is connected to the bottom wall. Thus, the side wall extends between the bottom wall and the second annular edge. The side wall has an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite the inner surface.

[0012] The body also includes an annular flange. The annular flange is connected to the second annular edge of the sidewall. The annular flange extends from the second annular edge of the sidewall away from the longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the sidewall includes a first portion proximal to the flange and a second portion distal to the flange. Note that the second portion is preferably frustoconical in shape. The first portion may be cylindrical or frustoconical in shape. In one embodiment, the first portion has a different inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis compared to the second portion. More specifically, the first portion is less steeply inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis than the second portion. Preferably, the first portion projects radially from the second portion away from the longitudinal axis.

[0013] It should be noted that the flange preferably has a flat shape. Furthermore, the flat shape of the flange defines a plane that coincides with a radial plane, i.e., a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the flange is (generally) disposed along a plane oriented radially, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the capsule. In addition to being flat, the front surface of the flange is preferably smooth.

[0014] The sidewall of the capsule body has a thickness, and the thickness of the flange is the same or substantially the same as the thickness of the sidewall of the capsule body. Thus, the front face of the flange and the rear face of the flange are (parallel) spaced apart by an amount equal to the thickness. Therefore, the flange is thin, and the radial expansion of the flange is much greater than its thickness.

[0015] Within its interior, the capsule defines a space. In an exemplary embodiment, the space within the capsule is empty, i.e., without dividers or compartments.

[0016] The diameter of the second annular edge is 35 mm or more. More specifically, the diameter of the second annular edge is 40 mm or more. Preferably, the diameter of the second annular edge is 45 mm or more. Even more preferably, the diameter of the second annular edge is 50 mm or more (e.g., 51 mm).

[0017] The length of the capsule (i.e., the length of the capsule body or the length of the side wall of the capsule body) is 30 mm or more along the longitudinal axis. More specifically, the length of the capsule (i.e., the length of the capsule body or the length of the side wall of the capsule body) is 35 mm or more along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the length of the capsule (i.e., the length of the capsule body or the length of the side wall of the capsule body) is 40 mm or more (e.g., 45 mm) along the longitudinal axis. The length of the capsule or its side wall means the distance between the first and second annular edges.

[0018] Preferably, the body includes a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions are arranged around the longitudinal axis. The protrusions protrude from a first portion of the outer surface of the side wall. Thus, the protrusions are arranged on the outer surface of the side wall at a position adjacent to the annular flange. The protrusions create a local thickening of the side wall. The function of the protrusions is to prevent the capsule bodies from sticking together when they are stacked on top of each other (before filling and attaching the lid), thus facilitating their subsequent unstacking. Furthermore, by only locally thickening the side wall, the protrusions do not add significant weight to the capsule, so the capsule remains lightweight and therefore economical.

[0019] Preferably, the plurality of protrusions extend along respective axes that are contained in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis. Thus, the protrusions define ribs. The planes extend radially from the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the axes are parallel to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the axes have a component parallel to the longitudinal axis and a component radial to the longitudinal axis. The component parallel to the longitudinal axis is greater than the radial component. The fact that the plurality of protrusions extend along axes that are contained in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis or that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis facilitates unstacking. During unstacking, one capsule is lifted from another capsule by movement along the longitudinal axis, and thus along the axis of the plurality of protrusions.

[0020] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the protrusions may have different shapes, for example, they may extend along an axis that also has a tangential component to the longitudinal axis, or they may be in the form of small embossments or hemispheres.

[0021] Preferably, the plurality of protrusions are equally angularly spaced about the longitudinal axis.

[0022] Preferably, the plurality of protrusions comprises at least 3 protrusions. Even more preferably, the plurality of protrusions comprises at least 5 protrusions, or at least 7 protrusions, or at least 10 protrusions, or at least 15 protrusions.

[0023] It should be noted that the annular flange has a rear surface directed toward the bottom wall and a front surface opposite the rear surface.

[0024] Preferably, the capsule body includes a plurality of ridges arranged around the longitudinal axis and protruding from the rear surface of the annular flange. The ridges create localized thickening of the annular flange. The ridges not only facilitate unstacking of the stacked capsules, but also strengthen the annular flange. Thanks to the ridges, the annular flange can be made thinner, which reduces the weight of the capsule and allows for material savings.

[0025] Preferably, the plurality of ridges extend along respective radial axes that are contained in planes that extend radially from the longitudinal axis. More specifically, the radial axes extend radially from the longitudinal axis. Thus, the plurality of ridges define radial ribs.

[0026] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the ridges may have other shapes, for example, they may be in the shape of a hemisphere or a parallelepiped.

[0027] Preferably, the number of the plurality of protrusions is equal to the number of the plurality of ridges. Preferably, each ridge of the plurality of ridges is joined to a corresponding ridge of the plurality of ridges, such that each ridge constitutes an extension of the corresponding ridge on the rear surface of the flange.

[0028] The annular flange extends from the second annular edge of the side wall to a further annular edge surrounding the annular flange. Preferably, each ridge extends from a first end joined to the end of the corresponding projection to a second end located on the further annular edge. Thus, each ridge has a radial extension equal to the radial extension of the underside of the annular flange.

[0029] Each ridge of the plurality of ridges forms an angle with a corresponding protrusion of the plurality of projections of between 40° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 55°, or between 45° and 55°.

[0030] It should be noted that the capsule, at least in its final configuration ready to be placed in the beverage production machine, also includes a lid, which is joined to the annular flange, more specifically to the front surface of the annular flange.

[0031] The lid, together with the body, defines or encloses an interior space within the capsule. The capsule also preferably includes a filter element disposed in the interior space. The filter element may be made of, for example, a cellulose material such as paper. The capsule also includes a beverage-making substance that is at least enclosed in a space at least partially defined by the filter element. More specifically, the filter element divides the interior space into a storage space and a collection space, and the beverage-making substance is contained in the storage space.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the capsule is made of a biocompatible material. In an exemplary embodiment, the capsule is made of a moldable material, preferably derived from natural fibers, such as cellulose. Alternatively, the material is a biodegradable / compatible synthetic polymer material.

[0033] In one embodiment, the material is BIOMIND CCB07H5, a home compostable compound with a renewable content of 35%, preferably recommended for biodegradable, short-life products.

[0034] The properties of this material are shown in the table below. TIFF0007620081000001.tif50170

[0035] Other products that can be used have melting points in the range of 150° to 200°. Biodegradable resins with the properties shown in the following table can also be used. TIFF0007620081000002.tif115170

[0036] Another biocompatible material is INZEA F58 AL30®, a thermoplastic material made partially from biodegradable materials. INZEA F58 AL30® is suitable for injection molding applications. It can be processed on conventional polyolefin equipment. This material has the following properties: TIFF0007620081000003.tif83170

[0037] Listed below are other materials, each followed by a table showing its technical properties.

[0038] Ingeo® Biopolymer 2500HP Technical Data Sheet TIFF0007620081000004.tif207170

[0039] Ingeo® Biopolymer 3001D TIFF0007620081000005.tif98170

[0040] Ingeo® Biopolymer 3100HP Technical Data Sheet TIFF0007620081000006.tif204170

[0041] Ingeo® Biopolymer 3251D TIFF0007620081000007.tif95141

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the material is a heterophasic copolymer. An example of such a material is BJ356MO, which has the following data sheet: TIFF0007620081000008.tif70168

[0043] In one embodiment, the material is a polypropylene copolymer. An example of such a material is BJ368MO, which has the following data sheet: TIFF0007620081000009.tif58167

[0044] With regard to the above-listed examples of materials that can be used to manufacture the capsules and the associated data sheets, it should be noted that for each example, the material that makes up the plastic should have the value indicated in the table itself for at least one of the parameters indicated in the table (more specifically, for each table, the material should have the respective value indicated in the table itself for any combination or selection of the parameters in the table).

[0045] In one embodiment, the copolymer may be nucleated. The copolymer may also be heterophasic and may be polypropylene. In one embodiment, the copolymer may be a homopolymer. In one embodiment, the copolymer may be an antistatic homopolymer.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the material is a highly transparent polypropylene random copolymer.

[0047] The material derived from natural fibers may be in the form of a powder, solid, or paste. For example, the material derived from natural fibers may include a compressed powder, or it may be in the form of a ball, film, or pre-processed product. The pre-processed product may be flat, concave, or disc-shaped.

[0048] It is provided that the internal space does not necessarily need to be filled and may remain empty. Preferably, the storage space is partially defined by the lid (and the filter element), and the collection space is partially defined by the bottom wall (and the filter element). Thus, when the capsule is inserted into a beverage production machine, the machine supplies hot water to the storage space in which the substance is placed. The beverage is produced by infusion, passes through the filter element from the storage space to the collection space, and then the machine extracts the beverage from the collection space. More specifically, the machine drills a first hole in the lid, through which hot water is supplied to the storage space, and a second hole in the bottom wall, through which the produced beverage is extracted.

[0049] In one embodiment, the substances for making a beverage comprise coffee granules, in another embodiment, the substances for making a beverage comprise coffee powder, in another embodiment, the substances for making a beverage comprise chamomile or tea.

[0050] The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage-making device. The method includes forming a capsule body. The capsule, more specifically, the capsule body, is made according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The forming step includes forming a bottom wall, a side wall, and an annular flange of the capsule body. The side wall extends around a longitudinal axis between a first annular edge connected to the bottom wall and a second annular edge. The side wall has an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The annular flange extends from the second annular edge of the side wall away from the longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the side wall includes a first portion proximal to the flange and a second portion distal to the flange. The capsule body forming step also includes forming a plurality of protrusions disposed around the longitudinal axis and protruding from the first portion of the outer surface of the side wall. Thus, the plurality of protrusions are formed in a region of the outer surface of the side wall adjacent to the annular flange. The plurality of protrusions creates a localized thickening of the side wall.

[0051] Preferably, the forming step also forms a plurality of ridges disposed about the longitudinal axis and projecting from a rear surface of the annular flange, the rear surface facing toward the bottom wall.

[0052] In one embodiment, the forming step is performed by compression molding. Thus, the capsule body is formed from a charge of thermoplastic material. In this embodiment, the plurality of protrusions are compression molded integrally with the sidewall of the capsule body. The plurality of ridges are compression molded integrally with the annular flange (and capsule body).

[0053] In this embodiment, the forming step is performed by a mold made according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. More specifically, the forming step is performed by a mold including a lower unit and an upper unit that are movable relative to one another. Thus, the forming step includes preparing a charge of thermoplastic material, placing the charge in the lower unit of the mold, and closing the mold by moving the upper and lower units toward each other until they define a mold cavity in which the capsule body is formed from the charge. The forming step may also include cooling the capsule body.

[0054] The method also includes the steps of opening the mold by moving the upper and lower units away from each other and removing the formed capsule from the mold.

[0055] In one embodiment, the forming step is performed by injection molding. In this embodiment, the plurality of protrusions are integrally formed with the sidewall of the capsule body by injection molding. The plurality of ridges are integrally formed with the annular flange (and capsule body) by injection molding.

[0056] The method may also include preparing a filter element and inserting the filter element into the internal space inside the capsule body. The method may also include supplying a substance for making a beverage into the internal space. More specifically, the substance is supplied to a portion of the internal space partially defined by the filter element (also referred to as a storage space). The method may also include joining a lid to a front surface of the annular flange to close the internal space. After joining the lid, the storage space in which the substance is disposed is enclosed between the lid and the filter element.

[0057] The present disclosure also provides a mold for manufacturing capsules for beverage preparation in a beverage-making device. The mold is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration defining a molding cavity. The molding cavity is shaped to form a capsule according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. More specifically, the molding cavity includes a bottom recess, a side recess, and a flange recess. The side recess extends around a longitudinal axis between a first annular end connected to the bottom recess and a second annular end. The side recess has an inner wall facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite the inner wall. The flange recess is connected to the second annular end and extends away from the second annular end from the longitudinal axis. The outer wall of the side recess includes a first portion proximal to the flange recess and a second portion distal to the flange recess. Preferably, the second portion is frustoconical. The first portion is cylindrical or frustoconical.

[0058] Before the capsule is removed from the mold, the longitudinal axis of the mold is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the capsule formed in the mold.

[0059] Preferably, the second annular end (specifically, its outer edge) has a diameter of 35 mm (or 40 mm, or 45 mm, or 50 mm) or more, and the molding cavity (i.e., the side recess) has a length along the longitudinal axis of 35 mm (or 30 mm, or 40 mm, or 45 mm) or more.

[0060] Preferably, the side recess includes a plurality of recesses (or indentations) arranged around the longitudinal axis in a first portion of the outer wall of the side recess. Thus, the plurality of indentations are formed in a region of the outer wall adjacent to the flange recess. The plurality of indentations locally widen the side recess. Preferably, the plurality of indentations extend along axes contained in respective planes passing through the longitudinal axis. Thus, the indentations define grooves.

[0061] It should be noted that the flange recess has a rear wall facing the bottom recess and a front wall opposite the rear wall. Preferably, the flange recess includes a plurality of concave surfaces arranged around the longitudinal axis on the rear wall of the flange recess. The plurality of concave surfaces locally widen the flange recess. Preferably, the plurality of concave surfaces extend along respective radial axes radially arranged from the longitudinal axis. Thus, the concave surfaces also define grooves.

[0062] Preferably, the number of concavities is equal to the number of depressions. Each concavity is equal to a corresponding respective depression and therefore constitutes a development thereof. Preferably, each concavity forms an angle of between 40° and 55° with a respective depression.

[0063] Preferably, the mold comprises an upper unit and a lower unit movable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the mold being preferably parallel to gravity, and in the open configuration of the mold, the upper and lower units are spaced apart, and in the closed configuration of the mold, the upper and lower units are close together to define a molding cavity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0064] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a capsule body manufactured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 shows the capsule body of FIG. 1 in a further perspective view. [Figure 3]The capsule body of FIG. 1 is shown in a view from below. [Figure 4] The capsule body of FIG. 1 is shown in a longitudinal cross section. [Figure 5] 2 shows a capsule of the present disclosure including the body, filter, substance and lid shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5A] 6 shows a filter for the capsule of FIG. 5. [Figure 6] 2 shows a mold for producing the capsule body of FIG. 1 in an open configuration. [Figure 7] The mold in Figure 6 is shown in a closed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 designates a capsule. The capsule 1 comprises a body 100. The body 100 includes a bottom wall 101, a side wall 102, and an annular flange 103. The side wall 102 extends around a longitudinal axis A between a first annular edge 102A and a second annular edge 102B. The first and second annular edges 102A and 102B surround the longitudinal axis A. The first annular edge 102A is connected to the bottom wall 101. The second annular edge 102B is connected to the annular flange 103.

[0066] The sidewall 102 has an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis A and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The sidewall 102, or its outer surface, comprises a first portion 1021 and a second portion 1022. The first portion 1021 is proximal to the annular flange 103, and the second portion 1022 is distal from the annular flange 103. More specifically, the first portion 1021 is connected to the annular flange 103, and the second portion 1021 is connected to the bottom wall 101. Thus, the first portion 1021 extends about the longitudinal axis A between a first annular edge 102A of the sidewall and a connecting edge joining the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022. The second portion 1022 extends about the longitudinal axis A between a connecting edge joining the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 and the second annular edge 102B. The first portion 1021 has a substantially cylindrical shape. Therefore, the connecting edge joining the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 has the same diameter D1 as the second annular edge 102B. The second portion 1022 has a frustoconical shape. Therefore, the connecting edge joining the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the first annular edge 102A. Therefore, the second annular edge 102B has a diameter D1 larger than the diameter of the first annular edge 102A. The diameter D1 of the second annular edge 102B is preferably 40 mm or more.

[0067] The length L1 of the side wall 102, i.e., of the capsule body 100, is equal to or greater than 35 mm along the longitudinal axis, and defines the maximum distance between the bottom wall 101 and the second annular edge 102B.

[0068] The main body 100 includes a plurality of protrusions 104. The protrusions 104 protrude from a first portion 1021 of the outer surface of the sidewall 102. The protrusions 104 are elongated and extend parallel (or substantially parallel) to the longitudinal axis A. The protrusions 104 are equally spaced around the longitudinal axis A. The protrusions 104 extend on the first portion 1021 from a connecting edge joining the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 to the second annular edge 102B (i.e., to the annular flange 103). Thus, each protrusion 104 extends from a first end located on the connecting edge joining the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 to a second end in contact with the annular flange 103.

[0069] The main body 100 includes a plurality of ridges 105. The ridges 105 protrude from the rear surface of the annular flange 103, which faces the side wall 102, i.e., the bottom wall 101. The ridges 105 have elongated shapes extending along respective radial directions radiating from the longitudinal axis A. The ridges 105 are angularly spaced at equal intervals around the longitudinal axis A. Each ridge 105 is joined to a corresponding projection 104. More specifically, each ridge 105 extends between a first end joined to a second end of the corresponding projection 104 and a second end located at the outer edge of the annular flange 103.

[0070] The capsule 1 includes a lid 14. The lid 14 is joined to the front surface of an annular flange 103. Thus, a plurality of ridges 105 protrude from the annular flange 103 on the surface opposite to the surface to which the lid 14 is attached.

[0071] The lid 14 and the body 100 define an interior space inside the capsule 1 .

[0072] The capsule 1 also includes a filter element 11. The filter element 11 is disposed in the interior space inside the capsule 1. Preferably, the filter element 11 is cup-shaped and includes a side wall and a bottom wall. The side wall of the filter element 11 also extends around the longitudinal axis A. The side wall of the filter element 11 is parallel or substantially parallel to the side wall 102 (or the second portion 1022 of the side wall 102). The bottom wall of the filter element 11 is connected to the side wall of the filter element 11 (at a lower annular end of the filter element 11). Preferably, the bottom wall of the filter element 11 is parallel to the bottom wall 101 of the capsule body 100. Preferably, the upper annular end of the filter element 11 is joined (e.g., glued) to the capsule body 100 in a region proximal to the second annular edge 102B of the side wall 102. The bottom wall of the filter element 11 is spaced apart from the bottom wall 101 of the capsule body 100. The filter element 11 therefore defines within the interior space of the capsule 1 a receiving space 12 comprised between the lid 14 and the bottom wall of the filter element 11, and a collecting space 13 comprised between the bottom wall of the filter element 11 and the bottom wall 101 of the capsule. Substances for making a beverage (e.g. coffee granules) are placed in the receiving space 12. The collecting space 13 is filled with air.

[0073] When the capsule 1 is inserted into a beverage production machine, the injector 4 pierces the lid 14 to supply hot water to the receiving space 12. The beverage is produced by infusion and extracted through the filter element 11 into the collection space 13. The machine then pierces the bottom wall 101 to dispense the produced beverage.

[0074] The present disclosure also relates to a mold 2. The mold 2 is shaped to form the body 100 of the capsule 1. The mold 2 comprises an upper unit 21 and a lower unit 22 movable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis A (which coincides with the longitudinal axis A of the body 100 being formed). The upper unit 21 and the lower unit 22 are movable relative to one another between a spaced apart position, which defines an open configuration of the mold 2, and a close together position, which defines a closed configuration of the mold 2. In the open configuration, the mold 2 is configured to receive a charge 3 of thermoplastic material. Preferably, the charge 3 is placed on the lower unit 22. In the closed configuration, the upper unit 21 and the lower unit 22 define a mold cavity 200 in which the body 100 of the capsule 1 is formed from the charge 3 by compression molding.

[0075] The moulding cavity 200 includes a bottom recess 201 configured to form the bottom wall 101 of the body 100 of the capsule 1 .

[0076] The molding cavity 200 also includes a side recess 202 connected to (i.e., in communication with) the bottom recess 201. The side recess 202 is configured to form the side wall 102 of the body 100 of the capsule 1. More specifically, the side recess 202 extends around the longitudinal axis A between a first annular end 202A and a second annular end 202B. The first annular end 202A is connected to the bottom recess. The molding cavity 200 also includes a flange recess 203 extending from the second annular end 202B away from the longitudinal axis. Thus, the flange recess 203 is connected to (i.e., in communication with) the side recess 202 at the second annular end 202B. The side recess 203 is configured to form the annular flange 103 of the body 100 of the capsule 1.

[0077] The mold cavity 200 also includes a plurality of recesses 204 arranged about the longitudinal axis A in the portion of the side recess 202 adjacent to the flange recess 203. More specifically, the plurality of recesses 204 are recesses in the outer wall of the side recess 202 opposite the inner wall facing the longitudinal axis. The recesses 204 are configured to form the protrusions 104.

[0078] The mold cavity 200 also includes a plurality of concave surfaces (not shown) formed in the rear wall of the flange recess 203 and configured to form the ridges 105 . [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0079] [Patent Document 1] US2002 / 0020659 [Patent Document 2] US9232871B2 [Patent Document 3] US2018160845A1 [Patent Document 4] US2018118450A1 [Patent Document 5] US2017042362A1 [Patent Document 6] WO2013038382 [Patent Document 7] WO2013164669 [Patent Document 8] WO2015170385 [Patent Document 9] WO2015056238

Claims

1. A capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a machine for making a beverage, comprising a body, said body comprising: The bottom wall and a sidewall extending about a longitudinal axis between a first annular edge connected to the bottom wall and a second annular edge, the sidewall having an inner surface oriented toward the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite the inner surface; an annular flange extending from the second annular edge of the sidewall away from the longitudinal axis; the outer surface of the sidewall includes a first portion proximal to the flange and a second portion distal to the flange; the second annular rim has a diameter of 40 mm or more and the capsule has a length along the longitudinal axis of 35 mm or more; the body includes a plurality of protrusions disposed about the longitudinal axis and projecting from the first portion of the outer surface of the sidewall, the plurality of protrusions creating a localized thickening of the sidewall; The front surface of the flange and the rear surface of the flange are parallel and spaced apart an amount equal to a thickness of the side wall of the body.

2. The capsule of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of projections extend along respective axes contained in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis.

3. The capsule of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are equally angularly spaced about the longitudinal axis.

4. The capsule of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of protrusions includes at least three protrusions.

5. 5. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the annular flange has a rear surface directed toward the bottom wall and a front surface opposite the rear surface, and the body includes a plurality of ridges arranged about the longitudinal axis and protruding from the rear surface of the annular flange, the plurality of ridges creating a local thickening in the portion of the rear surface of the annular flange where the ridges are provided.

6. The capsule of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of ridges extend along respective radial axes, the respective radial axes extending radially from the longitudinal axis.

7. The capsule of claim 5 or 6, wherein each ridge of the plurality of ridges is joined to a corresponding protrusion of the plurality of protrusions.

8. 8. The capsule of claim 7, wherein each ridge of the plurality of ridges extending along a radial axis forms an angle of between 40° and 55° with a corresponding protrusion of the plurality of protrusions extending along a respective axis contained in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis, with an apex at a point where each ridge is joined to the corresponding protrusion.

9. a lid joined to the annular flange, the lid defining, together with the body, an interior space inside the capsule; a filter element disposed in the interior space, the filter element dividing the interior space into a storage space and a collection space, the storage space being partially defined by the lid and the collection space being partially defined by the bottom wall; 9. The capsule of claim 1, further comprising a substance contained in the containing space and used to make the beverage.

10. 10. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the side wall of the capsule has a frusto-conical portion distal to the flange and a cylindrical portion proximal to the flange.

11. 11. The capsule of claim 1, wherein each ridge has a radial development equal to the radial development of the rear surface of the annular flange.

12. 1. A method for manufacturing a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a machine for making a beverage, comprising the step of forming a body of said capsule, said step comprising: The bottom wall and a sidewall extending about a longitudinal axis between a first annular edge and a second annular edge connected to the bottom wall, the sidewall having an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite the inner surface; an annular flange extending from the second annular edge of the sidewall away from the longitudinal axis; the outer surface of the sidewall includes a first portion proximal to the flange and a second portion distal to the flange; the second annular rim has a diameter of 40 mm or more and the capsule has a length along the longitudinal axis of 35 mm or more; the forming step also forms a plurality of protrusions disposed about the longitudinal axis and projecting from the first portion of the outer surface of the sidewall, whereby the plurality of protrusions create a localized thickening of the sidewall; the front face of the flange and the rear face of the flange are parallel and spaced apart an amount equal to a thickness of the side wall of the body.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the forming step is performed by compression molding from a charge of thermoplastic material, and the plurality of protrusions are integrally formed with the sidewall of the body during compression molding.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the forming step also forms a plurality of ridges disposed about the longitudinal axis and protruding from a rear surface of the annular flange, the rear surface facing toward the bottom wall, and the plurality of ridges being integrally formed with the annular flange during compression molding.

15. 1. A mould for manufacturing capsules for the preparation of a beverage in a machine for making a beverage, said mould being movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration defining a moulding cavity, A bottom recess; a side recess extending about a longitudinal axis between a first annular end connected to the bottom recess and a second annular end, the side recess having an inner wall facing the longitudinal axis and an outer wall opposite the inner wall; a flange recess connected to the second annular end and extending from the second annular end away from the longitudinal axis; the outer wall of the side recess includes a first portion proximal to the flange recess and a second portion distal to the flange recess; the second annular end has a diameter of 40 mm or greater and the mold cavity has a length along the longitudinal axis of 35 mm or greater; the side recess includes a plurality of indentations disposed about the longitudinal axis in the first portion of the outer wall of the side recess; a front surface of the flange recess and a rear surface of the flange recess are parallel and spaced apart by an amount equal to a thickness of the side recess.

16. 16. The mold of claim 15, wherein the flange recess has a rear wall facing the bottom recess and a front wall opposite the rear wall, the flange recess including a plurality of concave surfaces disposed about the longitudinal axis in the rear wall of the flange recess.

17. 17. A mould according to claim 15 or 16, comprising an upper unit and a lower unit movable relative to one another along the longitudinal axis, wherein in the open configuration of the mould the upper unit and the lower unit are spaced apart and in the closed configuration of the mould the upper unit and the lower unit are close together to define the moulding cavity.

18. The capsule of claim 1 , wherein the capsule is made of a biocompatible material.

19. 10. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the capsule is made of home compostable compounds with a renewable content of 35%.

20. The capsule of claim 1 , wherein the capsule is made of a moldable material derived from natural fibers.

21. The capsule of claim 1 , wherein the capsule is made of a biodegradable or biocompatible synthetic polymeric material.

22. 10. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the capsule is made of a material having a melting point in the range of 150° to 200°.

23. The capsule of claim 1 , wherein the capsule is made of a heterophasic copolymer.

24. 24. The capsule of claim 23, wherein the capsule is made of a polypropylene copolymer.

25. The capsule of claim 23 , wherein the copolymer is nucleated.

26. The capsule of claim 1 , wherein the capsule is made of a homopolymer.

27. 24. The capsule of claim 23, wherein the copolymer is an antistatic homopolymer.

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