Multilayer cover element for sealing capsules for producing beverages

Abstract

The cover element (1) for sealing a capsule (100) used for producing an extracted beverage comprises: a main layer (2) made of a compostable material, the main layer (2) having an inner surface (2a) facing a receiving area (106) of the capsule (100) for producing an extracted beverage and an outer surface (2b) opposite the inner surface (2b); a protective layer (3) covering the outer surface (2b) of the main layer (2); and a filter layer (4) located below the inner surface (2a) of the main layer (2), wherein at least the main layer (2) has a plurality of weakness lines (12) formed from at least one of the surfaces (2a, 2b).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover element for capsules used in the production of brewed beverages. The cover element is particularly adapted to close capsules adapted to be introduced into automatic and semi-automatic beverage brewing machines. By way of example, capsules equipped with the cover element of the present invention are generally adapted for use in the production of beverages such as coffee, tea, milk, chocolate, herbal teas, infusions, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] Cover elements for capsules used to produce extracted beverages are known in the art and are designed to seal capsules having a receiving area filled with a preparation for producing a beverage, such as coffee powder.

[0003] The cover element includes a main layer having an inner surface adapted to face a receiving area of the capsule for producing an extracted beverage, and the cover element further has an outer surface opposite the inner surface.

[0004] The protective layer is on the outer surface of the main layer, and the filter layer is on the inner surface of the main layer.

[0005] The inventors have noted the drawback that capsules with known types of elements do not function properly, especially in high humidity conditions.

[0006] For example, it has been found that in certain models, the water pressure during beverage dispensing can reach values of 18 bar when the known cover element is still intact. In this case, the pump becomes blocked and no beverage is dispensed. In other cases, the capsule may open at pressures above 12 bar, resulting in longer dispensing times. In the worst case, partial dispensing or a blocked pump may occur.

[0007] The inventors have found that in normal operation the capsule may open at a pressure of less than 12 bar, and upon dispensing the pressure must rise to 18 bar for optimum dispensing of the beverage.

[0008] US2017158422 and WO2018083564 disclose examples of cover elements with cutouts to facilitate rupture. US2017158422 provides cutouts that also reach the filter layer. In the case of WO2018083564, a metal waterproofing layer may be provided that is the outermost or innermost of all layers and is at least partially cut through its thickness. The preferred examples above show cutouts that extend at least partially through all layers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore a technical object of the present invention to provide a cover element for sealing a capsule used for producing an extracted beverage, which can avoid the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

[0010] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a cover element for use in the production of extracted beverages that can be reliably burst when the beverage is dispensed when subjected to a predetermined pressure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The aforementioned technical aims and objects are substantially achieved by a cover element for sealing a capsule used in the production of an extracted beverage, comprising the technical features disclosed in one or more of the appended claims.

[0012] In particular, the cover element for sealing a capsule used for producing an extracted beverage according to the invention comprises a main layer having an inner surface adapted to face a receiving area of the capsule for producing the extracted beverage, the main layer further having an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and the main layer being made of a compostable material.

[0013] A protective layer overlies the outer surface of the main layer.

[0014] The filter layer underlies the inner surface of the main layer.

[0015] At a minimum, the main layer has a plurality of lines of weakness formed on at least one of the inner or outer surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] This cover element solves the technical problem and allows the beverage to be properly dispensed, as the line of weakness is adjusted to burst under a predetermined pressure.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, a waterproof layer, including at least one metal layer, is disposed between the main layer and the filter layer. The waterproof layer and the filter layer have no weak lines. Therefore, the capsule is properly sealed until dispensing. When ruptured, the filter layer is in a position protected from the weak lines by the presence of the waterproof layer. Therefore, dispensing can be advantageously performed without the need to rupture the filter layer either, and the filter layer can properly perform its filtering function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following illustrative, non-limiting description of preferred, non-exclusive embodiments of a cover element for sealing a capsule used in the production of an extracted beverage, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a cover element for sealing a capsule used to produce an extracted beverage according to the invention;

[0020] [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a cover element for sealing a capsule used to prepare an extracted beverage according to the invention;

[0021] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a capsule used to produce an extracted beverage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] With reference to the accompanying figures, the numeral 1 designates a cover element of the present invention. The cover element 1 is adapted to be applied to a capsule 100 for use in producing an extracted beverage. In particular, the cover element 1 is adapted to seal the capsule 100.

[0023] By way of example, capsule 100 is shown schematically in Figure 3. Capsule 100 includes an enclosure 101, preferably made of a compostable material. A containment area 106 having an opening 103 is defined within enclosure 101. Enclosure 101 is generally frusto-conical in shape and has a base 102.

[0024] The aforementioned opening 103 is opposite the bottom 102. The enclosure 101 comprises a side wall 104 which approaches the opening 103 towards the bottom 102. The opening 103 is provided with a flange 105. A preparation, for example in powder form, for producing an extracted beverage is generally placed inside the receiving area 106.

[0025] In operation, the cover element 1 of the present invention is arranged to close the aforementioned opening 103. The cover element 1 comprises a main layer 2, in particular made of a compostable material. This main layer 2 has an inner surface 2a, which in operation faces the storage area 106. An outer surface 2b is opposite the inner surface 2a. The main layer 2 at least partially defines the support structure of the cover element 1. Furthermore, the main layer 2 is made of a compostable material, preferably cellophane.

[0026] Additional layers are bonded to the main layer 2, which will be described in detail hereinafter. For this purpose, the positions of these layers are identified with respect to the main layer 2 by the terms "above" and "below." Such terms should not be understood as limiting the orientation of either the cover element 1 or the capsule 100, which may be in any orientation. On the contrary, these terms are used only for the sake of simplicity and a more comprehensive description. As used herein, the term "below" is used to identify a direction and / or position from the cover element 1 towards the interior of the capsule 100, and the term "above" is used to indicate a direction from the cover element 1 towards the external environment.

[0027] More specifically, the protective layer 3 is on the outer surface 2b of the main layer 2. This protective layer 3 is defined in particular by a lacquer and faces directly to the external environment. It should be noted that in the embodiment as shown in Figure 1, the protective layer 3 is applied directly to the outer surface 2b of the main layer 2. Preferably, the protective layer 3 is defined by a lacquer well known to those skilled in the art and will not be further described herein.

[0028] A filter layer 4 lies below the inner surface 2 of the main layer 2. This filter layer 4 has the purpose of retaining the contents of the capsule 100 and preventing them from leaking when the beverage is dispensed. In both illustrated embodiments, the filter layer 4 directly faces the receiving area 106 located inside the capsule 100. This filter layer 4 may be made of a food-grade material known to those skilled in the art, for example a PLA nonwoven fabric.

[0029] To prevent moisture from penetrating into the capsule 100, the cover element 1 is provided with a waterproof layer 5. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the waterproof layer may be defined by a pair of metal layers 6 joined by an adhesive layer 7. In this case, the waterproof layer 5 is applied to the inner surface 2a of the main layer 2.

[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the waterproof layer 5 is defined by a single metal layer 6 applied directly to the outer surface 2 b of the main layer 2 .

[0031] In either case, the metal layer 6 may be made of aluminum and / or aluminum oxide and / or silicon oxide.

[0032] Optionally, the cover element has a mold coating 8. As shown in Figure 2, this mold coating 8 includes a primer layer 9 overlying a waterproof layer 5. An ink layer 10 is disposed between the primer layer 9 and the protective layer 3.

[0033] Optionally, as shown for example in Figure 1, the cover element may include a reinforcing layer 11 arranged between the inner surface 2a of the main layer 2 and the filter layer 4. The structural function of the reinforcing layer 11 is similar to that of the main layer 2. Consequently, the reinforcing layer 11 is also made of cellophane.

[0034] According to the invention, at least the main layer 2 has a plurality of lines of weakness 12 formed on at least one of the surfaces 2a, 2b, which are arranged in such a way that the main layer 22 can rupture when the pressure on the inner surface 2a reaches a value in the range of 5 to 15 bar, preferably 10 bar.

[0035] It should be noted that in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the line of weakness 12 is formed on the inner surface 2a of the main layer 2. Alternatively, the line of weakness 12 may be formed on the outer surface 2b of the main layer 2. Finally, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the line of weakness 12 may extend through the entire thickness of the main layer 2.

[0036] It should be noted that the line of weakness 12 may have a variable depth depending on the material and thickness of the main layer 2 and more generally on the composition of the cover element 1. Preferably, the line of weakness 12 passes through the main layer 2 for a length in the range of 50% to 100%, preferably 80%, of the thickness of the main layer 2.

[0037] Note that in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the line of weakness 12 is defined by a notch formed in the main layer 2 by mechanical material removal.

[0038] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, the line of weakness 12 is defined by a cut formed by thermal ablation, preferably by a laser.

[0039] It should be noted that in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the line of weakness 12 extends through the protective layer 3. This does not affect the sealing of the capsule 100, as the substrate, in particular the waterproof layer 5, remains intact. In this regard, it should be noted that in the embodiment of Figure 1, the reinforcing layer 11 does not have a line of weakness 12. The filter layer 4 is also free of a line of weakness.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1 , the waterproof layer 5, located between the inner surface 2 a of the main layer 2 and the filter layer 4, more specifically between the main layer 2 and the reinforcing layer 11, separates the group of layers having a line of weakness 12, i.e., the main layer 2 and the protective layer 3, from the group of layers not having the line of weakness 12, i.e., the waterproof layer 5 itself, the reinforcing layer 11, and the filter layer 4.

[0041] It must be noted that all layers 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11 are advantageously made of compatible materials, or alternatively, materials that are compatible with the composting process. Examples of embodiments of the present invention are listed in the following items [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 13]. [Aspect 1] a main layer (2) having an inner surface (2a) adapted to face the receiving area (106) of the capsule (100) used for producing the extracted beverage and an outer layer (2b) facing away from said inner surface (2b), said main layer (2) being made of a compostable material; - a protective layer (3) on said outer surface (2b) of said main layer (2); a waterproof layer (5) applied to the inner surface (2a) of the main layer (2) and comprising at least one metal layer (6); a filter layer (4) located underneath the inner surface (2a) of the main layer (2); 1. A cover element (1) for sealing a capsule (100) used to produce an extracted beverage, comprising: a main layer (2) having a plurality of lines of weakness (12) formed on at least the outer surface (2b), and a waterproof layer (5) and a filter layer (4) having no lines of weakness (12). [Aspect 2] The cover element (1) according to aspect 1, characterized in that the main layer (2) is configured to rupture at the weak portion (12) when the pressure on the inner surface (2a) reaches a value in the range of 5 to 15 bar, preferably 10 bar. [Aspect 3] The cover element (1) according to aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that the line of weakness (12) passes through the main layer (2) over a length in the range of 50% to 100%, preferably 80%, of the thickness of the main layer (2). [Aspect 4] A cover element (1) according to any one of the first to third aspects, characterized in that the line of weakness (12) extends through the entire thickness of the main layer (2). [Aspect 5] The cover element (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, characterized in that the waterproof layer (5) is disposed between the inner surface (2a) of the main layer (2) and the filter layer (4). [Aspect 6] The cover element (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the line of weakness (12) is defined by a notch formed in the main layer (2) by mechanical material removal. [Aspect 7] The cover element (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the lines of weakness (12) are defined by incisions made by thermal ablation, preferably using a laser. [Aspect 8] A covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the line of weakness (12) extends through the protective layer (3). [Aspect 9] The cover element (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, characterized in that it includes a reinforcing layer (11) disposed between the inner surface (2a) of the main layer (2) and the filter layer (4). [Aspect 10] Aspect 10. The cover element (1) according to aspect 9, characterized in that the reinforcing layer (11) does not have any lines of weakness (12). [Aspect 11] The cover element (1) according to any one of the first to 11 aspects, characterized in that the main layer (2) and / or the reinforcing layer (11) are made of cellophane. [Aspect 12] 12. The covering element (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that all said layers (2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11) are made of materials that are compatible with composting processes. [Aspect 13] 13. A capsule (100) comprising an enclosure (101), preferably made of a compostable material, the enclosure (101) having a receiving area (106) with an opening (103); a cover element (1) according to any one of the aspects 1 to 12, attached to the enclosure (101) for sealing the opening (103); and a capsule containing a preparation, preferably a powder, for producing an extracted beverage, preferably placed in the receiving area (106).

Claims

1. a main layer (2) having an inner surface (2a) adapted to face the receiving area (106) of the capsule (100) used for producing the extracted beverage and an outer surface (2b) facing away from said inner surface (2a), said main layer (2) being made of a compostable material; a protective layer (3) on said outer surface (2b) of said main layer (2); a waterproof layer (5) applied to the inner surface (2a) of the main layer (2) and comprising at least one metal layer (6); a filter layer (4) underneath the inner surface (2a) of the main layer (2); A cover element (1) for sealing a capsule (100) used for producing an extracted beverage, comprising: at least the main layer (2) having a plurality of lines of weakness (12) formed on at least the outer surface (2b); the waterproof layer (5) and the filter layer (4) having no lines of weakness (12), the lines of weakness (12) passing through the main layer (2) over a length of 50% to 80% of the thickness of the main layer (2).

2. 2. The cover element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the main layer (2) is configured to rupture at the line of weakness (12) when the pressure on the inner surface (2a) reaches a value in the range of 5 to 15 bar.

3. 3. A cover element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the waterproof layer (5) is arranged between the inner surface (2a) of the main layer (2) and the filter layer (4).

4. A covering element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the line of weakness (12) extends through the protective layer (3).

5. A cover element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a reinforcing layer (11) arranged between the inner surface (2a) of the main layer (2) and the filter layer (4).

6. 6. A covering element (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the reinforcing layer (11) is free of lines of weakness (12).

7. Cover element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the main layer (2) is made of cellophane.

8. 7. Cover element (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the reinforcing layer (11) is made of cellophane.

9. 9. The covering element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the main layer (2), the protective layer (3), the filter layer (4) and the waterproof layer (5) are all made of materials compatible with the composting process.

10. 9. Cover element (1) according to any one of claims 5, 6 and 8, characterized in that the reinforcing layer (11) is made of a material that is compatible with composting processes.

11. A capsule (100) comprising an enclosure (101), the enclosure (101) comprising a containment area (106) having an opening (103); and a cover element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 attached to the enclosure (101) for sealing the opening (103).

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