Capsule and system for making a beverage

Abstract

A capsule (1) for making a beverage comprises a main body (2) that is cup-shaped and has an inner cavity (20) containing a food substance (15). A top film (3) attached to the main body closes the inner cavity and forms an inlet wall for water into the capsule. An intermediate film (4), positioned between the top film and the food substance, is spaced apart from the top film and is attached to a side wall (21) of the main body along a peripheral attachment area (48), such that a pocket (47) is defined between the top film and the intermediate film. The intermediate film separates the pocket from a remaining portion (201) of the inner cavity, in which the food substance is located. The intermediate film, which initially is not permeable and does not allow a passage of water from the pocket to the remaining portion of the inner cavity, has at least one weakened region (410) that is configured to form a through-opening (44) between the pocket and the remaining portion of the inner cavity due to an action of a force caused by the water pressure in the pocket. Therefore, in use the water dispensed into the pocket by a water dispenser flows toward the food substance through the through-opening formed.

Description

[0001] CAPSULE AND SYSTEM FOR MAKING A BEVERAGE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] This invention relates in general to the sector for making beverages and specifically to a capsule for making a beverage and a system for making a beverage which comprises that capsule.

[0004] In particular this invention relates to a capsule containing a powdered food substance inside it, which enables the beverage to be made by passing a flow of water through the food substance. This invention may be applied both if the food substance enables the beverage to be made by extraction or infusion in the water which passes through it (for example roast and ground coffee), and if the food substance enables the beverage to be made as a result of dissolving, full or partial, of the food substance in the water which passes through it (for example milk, chocolate, powdered tea, etc.).

[0005] In general, in accordance with the prior art, the capsule comprises a main body and a top film which closes the top of the main body. The main body is usually substantially cup-shaped and has a side wall, a base wall, and an inner cavity which contains the food substance. The side wall typically has a shape that is roughly frustoconical or cylindrical. In most prior art applications, the capsule is inserted into an openable and closable infusion chamber, defined by the apparatus for making the beverage. When the capsule is inside the closed infusion chamber, the water (hot and more or less pressurised depending on each case) is injected into the capsule, in order to obtain the beverage as a result of the interaction of the water with the food substance. Finally, the beverage is made to come out of the capsule and the apparatus through a dispensing path.

[0006] This invention is intended for a type of capsule into which water is injected through the top film, with the beverage coming out of the capsule through the base wall. In most applications the top film is initially closed and is pierced by a perforator which is included in the apparatus for making the beverage. The outflow of the beverage through the base wall is through an opening which may already be present in the base wall or which may be made in the base wall by the apparatus for making the beverage.

[0007] Irrespective of how they are structured, the prior art capsules are also usually provided with a barrier to the passage of oxygen, with the aim of guaranteeing optimum preservation of the food substance contained in them.

[0008] In many types of prior art capsules, in the inner cavity of the capsule there is a permeable element which is positioned between the top film and the food substance. For example, the inner permeable element is a micro-perforated membrane, which is flexible and permeable for the water, or a rigid or semi-rigid body made by moulding and in which there are holes for the passage of the water.

[0009] The inner permeable element usually has the function of distributing over the food substance the water entering the capsule through a perforation made in the top film. In the prior art, other functions were also added for it.

[0010] For example in some embodiments proposed by international patent application WO 2006 / 021405 A2 the inner permeable element is positioned to keep the bed of food substance in a compressed state.

[0011] In one embodiment proposed by international patent application WO 2017 / 195170 A1 the capsule is optically recognisable thanks to the inner permeable element in whose material a recognition substance with known optical properties is inserted. That inner permeable element with recognition substance may be looked at by the apparatus only after the top film has been perforated. For this purpose the recognition device comprises a reading head, for example formed by an optical fibre fixed to the perforator. Optical recognition of the capsule may for example enable the apparatus to adopt the optimum dispensing parameters for the food substance contained in the capsule, therefore dispensing a high quality beverage.

[0012] The inventors of this invention noticed that use of the inner permeable element for these purposes not directly linked to distribution of the water may give rise to disadvantages. For example, with the inner permeable element directly in contact with the powdered food substance, if the capsule is greatly agitated during transport or before use, a part of the powdered substance may pass through the permeable element and take up position on it, thereby disturbing the reading by the recognition device. Even keeping the bed of food substance in a compressed state may be compromised by the permeability of the inner permeable element. Moreover, if the top film is damaged and no longer ensures airtight closing of the capsule body, the food substance would remain exposed to the outside environment through the pores of the inner permeable element.

[0013] In this context the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to make a capsule - and a system for making a beverage comprising that capsule - which at least partly overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages or which at least offers an alternative solution to those of the prior art. The technical purpose and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by a capsule in accordance with independent claim 1 and by a system which comprises said capsule and a suitable apparatus for making beverages. Particular embodiments of this invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0014] According to this invention, the capsule comprises an intermediate film that is distinct from the top film and is positioned between the top film and the food substance. The intermediate film is spaced apart from the top film and is attached to the side wall of the capsule body, such that a pocket is defined between the top film and the intermediate film. The intermediate film separates the pocket from the food substance which is located in the remaining portion of the inner cavity. Upon perforation of the top film, the pocket receives water dispensed by a water dispenser.

[0015] According to one aspect of this invention, initially the intermediate film is not permeable and does not allow a passage of water from the pocket to the remaining portion of the inner cavity. Therefore, before use, the food substance is located in a portion of inner cavity that is separate from and not communicating with the pocket accessible by perforating the lid.

[0016] According to another aspect of this invention, the intermediate film has at least one weakened region that is configured to form a through-opening between the pocket and the remaining portion of the inner cavity due to an action of a force which, in use, pushes the intermediate film toward the base wall of the capsule: specifically, said force is caused by a water pressure in the pocket. Therefore, in use, the water dispensed into the pocket by the water dispenser flows toward the food substance through the through- opening formed after a threshold value for the water pressure in the pocket has been exceeded.

[0017] Therefore, the food substance is completely confined in a base portion of the inner cavity until, during use of the capsule and only after making of the beverage has started, the weakened region breaks creating an opening that puts in communication the top portion of the inner cavity (that is to say, the pocket) and the base portion.

[0018] That is useful for example for achieving compression of the food substance before it makes contact with the water for infusion: the water pressure in the pocket - even before the threshold value is exceeded - deforms the intermediate film toward the base of the capsule and presses it on the food substance. The mechanical strength characteristics of the at least one weakened region may be selected in such a way that the pressure threshold value for it breaking is such that correct compression of the food substance is achieved.

[0019] In one particular embodiment, the capsule is optically recognisable thanks to the intermediate film which comprises an optical reading area, which is facing the top film and is provided with an optical recognition substance. The fact that the intermediate film remains whole until the threshold value for the water pressure is reached is useful because it ensures that the optical reading area is clean and perfectly readable for the recognition device, which obviously reads the optical reading area before beverage making starts.

[0020] Further features and the advantages of this invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of several preferred, non-limiting embodiments of a capsule and of a system for making a beverage illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a capsule made in accordance with this invention;

[0022] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of the capsule of Figure 1 , in which a top film is partly sectioned and an intermediate film is partly visible;

[0023] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of the capsule of Figure 1 , without the top film;

[0024] - Figure 4 is a side view vertical section of the capsule of Figure 1 ;

[0025] - Figure 5 is a side view vertical section of the capsule of Figure 1 , with a plurality of openings formed in the intermediate film;

[0026] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of a variant of a capsule made in accordance with this invention, in which the top film is partly sectioned and the intermediate film is partly visible;

[0027] - Figure 7 is a side view vertical section of the capsule of Figure 6, with an opening formed in the intermediate film;

[0028] - Figures 8 to 12 show, in simplified plan views, different embodiments of this invention as regards the intermediate film;

[0029] - Figure 13 is a side view vertical section of an apparatus for making a beverage, said apparatus being part of a system for making a beverage in accordance with this invention;

[0030] - Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a detail of the apparatus of Figure 13;

[0031] - Figure 15 is a simplified side view vertical section of the capsule of Figures 1 to 5 in a first step of use in the apparatus of Figure 13; - Figure 16 is a simplified side view vertical section of the capsule of Figures 1 to 5 in a second step of use in the apparatus of Figure 13;

[0032] - Figure 17 is a simplified side view vertical section of the capsule of Figures 6 and 7 in the second step of use in the apparatus of Figure 13.

[0033] In this detailed description first the capsule for making a beverage will be described, then the system for making a beverage which comprises the capsule will be described.

[0034] In a similar manner as similar prior art capsules, the capsule 1 comprises a food substance 15 which enables the beverage to be made by passing a flow of water through the food substance 15 itself. In fact, the capsule 1 is intended to be used in an apparatus 8 for making beverages.

[0035] The capsule 1 comprises a main body 2, that is substantially cup-shaped, which in turn has a side wall 21 , a base wall 22, and an inner cavity 20 (which is delimited by the side wall 21 and by the base wall 22). The main body 2 has a central longitudinal axis 10. The food substance 15 is in the inner cavity 20, that is to say, the capsule 1 contains the food substance 15 inside it.

[0036] The side wall 21 of the main body 2 extends between a first edge 25, which defines an access opening 26 to the inner cavity 20, and a second edge 27, to which the base wall 22 is connected; the base wall 22 also closes the main body 2 at said second edge 27. It should be noticed that in the embodiments illustrated the passage from the side wall 21 to the base wall 22 is without interruption, so that the second edge 27 coincides with a perimetric edge of the base wall 22.

[0037] In the embodiments illustrated, the side wall 21 of the capsule 1 comprises a flange 28 which defines the first edge 25 and which extends radially outwards from the capsule 1 . The flange 28 therefore forms a substantially flat circular collar and has an internal diameter equal to the diameter of the access opening 26.

[0038] The expression “substantially cup-shaped” means that the main body 2 of the capsule 1 has a shape which resembles that of a cup, as is the case of most prior art capsules for making a beverage.

[0039] Moreover, in the context of this description the terms “top” and “lower” are understood to refer to a positioning of the main body 2 of the capsule 1 similar to that of a cup, that is to say, with the base wall 22 resting on a horizontal resting plane; therefore, these terms do not refer to a way of using the capsule 1 , in fact the capsule 1 may be suitable for being used both in apparatuses with so-called horizontal infusion units, and in apparatuses with so-called vertical infusion units.

[0040] Similarly to prior art capsules, the capsule 1 according to this invention comprises a top film 3 that is attached to the main body 2 at the first edge 25 and closes the access opening 26 (therefore also closing the top of the inner cavity 20). If the capsule 1 has the flange 28, the top film 3 is attached to the main body 2 at the flange 28. Preferably, the top film 3 is attached to the main body 2, and in particular to the flange 28, by sealing or by gluing.

[0041] Specifically, the top film 3 seals the main body 2 of the capsule 1 , which is as a whole made in such a way as to form a barrier to oxygen for the food substance 15 contained inside it. In particular, the main body 2 and the top film 3 are made with a respective material capable of creating a barrier to oxygen so as to guarantee improved preservation of what is contained in the capsule 1.

[0042] Preferably, while the main body 2 is a rigid or semi-rigid shaped element, the top film 3 is a flexible film. The main body 2 and the top film 3 may be made mainly with a plastic or metal material (in particular aluminium), or with a compostable or biodegradable material (in these cases the other components of the capsule 1 will also advantageously be respectively compostable or biodegradable).

[0043] In this description, the term “flexible” means that the object thus defined is in itself capable of bending and rolling up on itself, like an object formed by a plastic film.

[0044] The top film 3 is configured to form an inlet wall for the water into the capsule 1 ; the base wall 22 of the main body 2 is configured to form an outlet wall for the beverage out of the capsule 1 .

[0045] Although not shown in the figures, in at least some embodiments the capsule 1 comprises a lower filtering member which is positioned inside the main body 2 between the food substance 15 and the outlet wall (that is to say, the base wall 22). The lower filtering member is configured to filter, in use, the beverage that is formed as a result of the passage of the flow of water through the food substance 15. The term “filter” means that the lower filtering member is configured to allow the beverage to pass, whilst it retains at least most of the powdered food substance contained between the water flow distribution member 6 and the lower filtering member itself; only a minimal part of food substance will be able to come out as powder with the beverage dispensed (usually these are granules with a particle size significantly lower than the nominal particle size for the food substance). What was described in detail up to now for the capsule 1 can be made in accordance with the prior art, even in terms of the materials usable.

[0046] According to this invention, the capsule 1 comprises an intermediate film 4 that is distinct from the top film 3 and is positioned between the top film 3 and the food substance 15. Like the top film 3, the intermediate film 4 is also a flexible film and may be made mainly with a plastic material, or with a compostable or biodegradable material.

[0047] The intermediate film 4 is spaced apart from the top film 3 and is attached to the side wall 21 of the main body 2 along a peripheral attachment area 48, so that a pocket 47 is defined between the top film 3 and the intermediate film 4. Specifically, the peripheral attachment area 48 is an outer perimetric edge of the intermediate film 4. Since the intermediate film 4 is not joined to the top film 3 and is not directly attached to the latter, at least one central region 40 of the intermediate film 4 may be locally moved away from the top film 3.

[0048] The intermediate film 4 separates the pocket 47 from a remaining portion 201 of the inner cavity 20 (that is to say, the remaining portion 201 is the portion between the intermediate film 4 and the base wall 22). The food substance 15 is in the remaining portion 201 of the inner cavity 20, not in the pocket 47.

[0049] Upon perforation of the top film 3 at the pocket 47, the pocket 47 is intended to receive water dispensed by a water dispenser (the dispenser is part of the apparatus 8 for making beverages).

[0050] Initially (that is to say, before use of the capsule 1 or in any case when the intermediate film 4 is still whole) the intermediate film 4 is not permeable and does not allow a passage of water from the pocket 47 to the remaining portion 201 of the inner cavity 20. However, the intermediate film 4 has at least one weakened region 410 that is configured to form a through-opening 44 between the pocket 47 and the remaining portion 201 of the inner cavity 20 due to an action of a force which, in use, pushes the intermediate film 4 toward the base wall 22 of the capsule 1 . Specifically that force is caused by a water pressure in the pocket 47, that is to say, the pressure of the water that the water dispenser dispenses into the pocket 47 after perforation of the top film 3. In use, the through- opening 44 forms as a result of a partial shifting of a region of the intermediate film 4 toward the base wall 22, under the action of the force. In fact, when that shifting is beyond a certain point the tensile stresses that start in the material of the intermediate film 4 are such that they break or open the intermediate film 4 at the weakened region 410, which forms an area for preferential breakage.

[0051] Therefore, in use the water dispensed into the pocket 47 by the water dispenser flows toward the food substance 15 through the through-opening 44 formed after a threshold value for the water pressure in the pocket 47 has been exceeded. For example, the threshold value for the pressure is between 2 bar and 5 bar.

[0052] To sum up: after perforation of the top film 3 during use of the capsule 1 in the apparatus 8, the intermediate film 4 is still not permeable and the food substance 15 remains isolated from the water in the pocket 47, until the water injected into the pocket 47 exceeds the threshold value that is necessary to break the weakened region 410 and to form the through-opening 44.

[0053] In one embodiment, that is useful for compressing and compacting the food substance 15 before infusion is started, thereby achieving improved extraction and a higher quality beverage.

[0054] This is achieved thanks to the intermediate film 4 which is deformable and is in contact with the food substance 15: in use, the water pressure in the pocket 47 (even before the threshold value is exceeded) deforms the intermediate film 4 toward the base wall 22 and, before the pressure threshold value is exceeded, the food substance 15 is therefore is compressed by the deformed intermediate film 4. In other words, the deformation of the intermediate film 4 thanks to the water pressure reduces the space occupiable by the food substance 15 in the remaining portion 201 of the inner cavity 20. Figure 15 shows that in a simplified way (in reality, the intermediate film 4 adopts a curved shape and the region at the central longitudinal axis 10 is that shifted furthest toward the base wall 22).

[0055] Thanks to the fact that initially the intermediate film 4 is not permeable, the compression of the food substance 15 is effective since it starts when the food substance 15 is still dry and with a force that makes full use of the pressure difference between the pocket 47 and the remaining portion 201 of the inner cavity 20.

[0056] In specific embodiments (if necessary, combinable with that just mentioned), the capsule 1 is intended to be used in an apparatus 8 for making beverages that is provided with an optical recognition device 9, by means of which the apparatus 8 is capable of recognising a recognition substance placed inside the capsule 1 and of adjusting its operation based on what the optical recognition device 9 detects. For this purpose, the capsule 1 is optically recognisable by the optical recognition device 9: the intermediate film 4 comprises an optical reading area 5 which is facing the top film 3 (that is to say, toward the lower face of the top film 3, which is the face facing the inner cavity 20) and is provided with an optical recognition substance which, when stimulated by a first predetermined optical signal, emits a second optical signal with known and recognisable characteristics, whereby the capsule 1 is optically recognisable. The optical reading area 5 is in the pocket 47 and can be read upon perforation of the top film 3, or through the top film 3 if the latter is made of transparent material.

[0057] In the apparatus 8 illustrated here, as will be more apparent in the following description, the optical recognition device 9 performs the reading by means of a head 91 that enters the capsule 1 through a perforation made in the top film 3. In fact, the pocket 47 is intended to house the head 91 of the optical recognition device 9. In this condition the optical reading area 5 in the pocket 47 is facing the head 91 , which is configured to send the first optical signal onto the optical reading area 5 and to receive the second optical signal emitted by the optical recognition substance in response to the stimulation caused by the first optical signal. Therefore, during use of the capsule 1 in the apparatus 8, the optical reading area 5 in the pocket 47 is read by the optical recognition device 9, which can therefore perform the operations for optical recognition of the capsule 1 .

[0058] Thanks to the fact that the intermediate film 4 breaks only after the water has been dispensed, the reading by the optical recognition device 9 can be performed on an intermediate film 4 that is still whole, so that the optical reading area 5 is intact and in the expected position.

[0059] Specifically, the optical reading area 5 is in a central region 40 of the intermediate film 4. It should be noticed that the fact that the optical reading area 5 is in the central region 40 does not mean that the optical recognition substance is present only in that central region 40. In fact, in one embodiment, the optical recognition substance is present in the entirety of the intermediate film 4. For example, for simple production, that optical recognition substance is a fluorescent pigment which is added to the material of the intermediate film 4 when the latter is made and therefore any part of the intermediate film 4 is potentially optically readable. The important aspect at least in some particular embodiments of this invention is that at least in the central region 40 there is an optically readable area: that area is the optical reading area 5 considered here.

[0060] Regarding the central region 40 of the intermediate film 4, it shall be understood that it is centred relative to the side wall 21 of the main body 2, that is to say, it is central relative to the central longitudinal axis 10 of the capsule 1 and is located at the head 91 of the optical recognition device 9 of the apparatus 8 when the capsule 1 is used in the apparatus 8.

[0061] In particular, in the preferred embodiments the first predetermined optical signal has a frequency that is included in the visible and / or ultraviolet and / or infra-red band of frequencies, and has a first emission spectrum in that range of frequencies which is known and predetermined (in use, the first optical signal will coincide with the stimulating optical signal emitted by the optical recognition device 9 of the apparatus 8). The optical recognition substance is a substance selected in such a way that, once irradiated with that first predetermined optical signal, it emits a second optical signal with frequencies in the visible and / or ultraviolet and / or infra-red range of frequencies and with corresponding characteristics of the emission spectrum that are known and recognisable. In one specific embodiment, the optical recognition substance has fluorescent properties: using a first optical signal with a frequency band included in the ultraviolet range of frequencies, the optical recognition substance emits a second optical signal with a frequency band included in the visible range of frequencies; therefore, in this embodiment, the first predetermined optical signal is in the ultraviolet band and the second optical signal is in the visible band.

[0062] Further details about the aspects linked to recognition will be supplied below in the context of the description of the apparatus 8.

[0063] In one embodiment, the at least one weakened region 410 comprises at least one weakened section 41 that is formed by a non-through incision in the intermediate film 4. That incision may be made for example with a pressing blade, by appropriately adjusting the force applied so that the material of the intermediate film 4 is not completely lacerated, or with a laser, by appropriately adjusting its power. The depth of the incision may even be selected depending on the thickness of the intermediate film 4.

[0064] The non-through incision is an area for preferential breakage of the intermediate film 4, that is to say, an area with reduced mechanical strength compared with the other parts subjected to tensile stresses and which therefore breaks first (thereby forming the through-opening 44) when the force of the water pressure acts, pushing the intermediate film 4 (in particular its central region 40) toward the base wall 22. In the broken area the intermediate film 4 has a first flap 431 and a second flap 432, which is opposite the first flap 431 ; the through-opening 44 is between the two flaps 431 , 432.

[0065] In another embodiment, the at least one weakened region 410 comprises at least one pre-cut section 41 that is formed by a through-cut in the intermediate film 4. In the capsule 1 (that is to say, before use of the capsule 1 ) the through-cut is initially sealed and opens upon the action of said force, thereby forming the through-opening 44. Therefore, the seal is weak, since it breaks with the force of the water pressure. In particular, the through-cut defines a first flap 431 and a second flap 432, opposite each other, which are then sealed. For example, the two flaps 431 , 432 are sealed with a glue having a gluing property that is weak but sufficient to join the flaps 431 , 432 and to hold them in position, until the force of the water pressure overcomes the resistance of the glue and makes the flaps 431 , 432 move away from each other, thereby re-opening the through-cut (which therefore forms the through-opening 44).

[0066] For example an edible glue can be used, which is a glue formed by organic substances of natural origin and already used for example to apply labels directly onto foods. As well as having a strength of adhesion suitable for the purpose indicated herein, a further advantage of this type of glue is that its strength of adhesion is greatly reduced in contact with hot water, such as that dispensed into the pocket 47 of the capsule 1 for making the beverage.

[0067] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 the intermediate film 4 has a plurality of weakened regions 410, each configured to form a respective through-opening 44. The weakened regions 410 are positioned substantially homogeneously over the intermediate film 4, that is to say, they are evenly distributed over its surface.

[0068] In use, the water dispensed into the pocket 47 by the water dispenser flows toward the food substance 15 through the through-openings 44 that have formed and, thanks to the fact that the through-openings 44 are positioned homogeneously, the water is distributed over the food substance 15 in a plurality of zones.

[0069] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 6 to 10 the at least one weakened or pre-cut section 41 is part of a perimeter line 45 which surrounds the central region 40 and which is interposed between the peripheral attachment area 48 and the central region 40. In particular, the perimeter line 45 is substantially circular (Figures 6 to 8, in which the section 41 is semi-circular) or substantially rectangular (Figure 9, in which three sections 41 are three sides of the rectangle) or substantially triangular (Figure 10, in which two sections 41 are two sides of the triangle). In a different embodiment illustrated in Figure 11 the weakened or pre-cut section 41 extends between opposite sides of the peripheral attachment area 48.

[0070] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 6 to 10 the perimeter line 45 comprises at least one first section which is the weakened and / or pre-cut section 41 , and at least one remaining section in which the intermediate film 4 is not weakened. In use, the through- opening 44 formed by the breaking or by the opening of the one or more sections 41 delimits a tab 50 (which in particular may comprise the optical reading area 5) flexible relative to a remaining portion of the intermediate film 4, as shown for example in Figure 7. In fact, the tab 50 remains connected to the remaining portion of the intermediate film 4 by said remaining non-weakened section.

[0071] In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 the intermediate film 4 comprises a plurality of weakened regions 410 (each comprising at least one weakened or pre-cut-and-sealed section 41 ) which are positioned homogeneously over the entire surface of the intermediate film 4; a plurality of through-openings 44 are formed which enable more even distribution of the water over the food substance 15; that is advisable when the food substance 15 is ground coffee or another insoluble substance.

[0072] In the embodiments of Figures 6 to 11 , in contrast, there is only one weakened region 410 present (or in any case few weakened regions 410) and only a single through- opening 44 is formed (or in any case few through-openings 44); therefore, the distribution of the water is not even and is more turbulent; that is advisable when the food substance is a soluble substance.

[0073] The shape and number of the weakened sections 41 may be appropriately selected in order to ensure that the threshold value of pressure for their opening is such that correct compression of the food substance 15 is obtained.

[0074] In the embodiments described above the attachment along the peripheral attachment area 48 of the intermediate film 4 to the side wall 21 of the main body 2 is substantially permanent (for example it is a heat-sealed attachment) and at it the intermediate film 4 is separable from the side wall 21 only by applying a high level of force. In the weakened region 410, which is located in a region more central than the peripheral area 48, formation of the through-opening 44 in contrast occurs by applying a much lower level of force. In one alternative embodiment shown in Figure 12, the at least one weakened region 410 is in the peripheral attachment area 48 and the through-opening 44 is formed by a local detachment of the intermediate film 4 from the side wall 21 . That can be achieved for example by using a weak glue to attach a portion of the peripheral area 48 and heatsealing the rest of the peripheral area 48.

[0075] Moving on now to describe the system for making a beverage according to this invention, it comprises the capsule 1 described above (in its different embodiments) and the apparatus 8 for making beverages which uses that capsule 1 .

[0076] The apparatus 8 comprises an infusion unit 85 that defines an infusion chamber 86 configured to house the capsule 1 . As already mentioned, the infusion unit 85 may extend vertically or may extend horizontally; in other, less common embodiments the infusion unit 85 may extend in a way that is different both from the vertical and horizontal. The infusion unit 85 usually comprises a first part 87 and a second part 88. The first part 87 and the second part 88 are movable relative to each other between an operating position, in which they are coupled to each other forming the infusion chamber 86, and a non-operating position, in which they are spaced apart from each other and allow insertion or removal of the capsule 1 in the infusion chamber 86. In order to open and close the infusion chamber 86, that is to say, to move the first part 87 and the second part 88 between the operating position and the non-operating position, the apparatus 8 may further comprise a movement mechanism 89 which enables control of the shifting of the first part 87 and of the second part 88 relative to each other. The movement mechanism 89 may be operated directly by the user of the apparatus 8, for example through a lever in the case of manual operation, or by pressing a button in the case of motor-driven operation, or may be fully automatic in accordance with ways of making it which are known and therefore not described in detail.

[0077] Basically, the infusion unit 85 is switchable between a non-operating mode, in which the infusion chamber 86 is open and the capsule 1 can be inserted into the infusion chamber or removed from the infusion chamber, and an operating mode, in which the infusion chamber 86 is closed and the apparatus 8 can proceed to make the beverage by dispensing water into the capsule 1 housed in the infusion chamber 86.

[0078] The apparatus 8 further comprises a perforator 81 , capable of perforating the top film 3 of the capsule 1 when the latter is housed inside the infusion chamber 86, and a water dispenser to dispense water into the capsule 1 through the top film 3 perforated by the perforator 81 .

[0079] Specifically, the water dispenser comprises a nozzle 82 which is configured to inject water into the capsule 1 . The nozzle 82 may be defined by the perforator 81 or may be joined to the perforator 81 in such a way that it is movable with the latter and enters the capsule 1 through the perforated top film 3. The water dispenser is part of water feeding means (not shown further in the figures) which comprise for example: a tank configured to contain the water to be run into the capsule 1 ; a pump which enables the desired pressure to be achieved for injecting the water, and a heater which enables the water to be brought to the temperature necessary for making the beverage.

[0080] In the embodiment illustrated, the apparatus 8 comprises a lower perforating system 83 configured to create at least one hole in the base wall 22 of the capsule 1 , in such a way as to allow the beverage to come out of the capsule 1 . The lower perforating system 83 may be fixed or movable. In the latter case, in some embodiments it may be activated by means of the movement mechanism 89 previously described, in such a way that the capsule 1 can be pierced at the base wall 22 as a result of reaching the operating position starting from the non-operating position or during the shifting between the two positions. The apparatus 8 may comprise an ejector which is configured to expel the capsule 1 from the infusion chamber 86 after the beverage has been dispensed. Even the ejector may if necessary be activated by means of the movement mechanism 89 previously described, in such a way that the capsule 1 is ejected as a result of reaching the nonoperating position starting from the operating position. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures the ejector is not present, whilst a disengaging element 84, with elastic operation, is present, configured to disengage the capsule 1 from the perforator 81 when the first part 87 and the second part 88 return to the non-operating position.

[0081] The system is configured in such a way that: when switching from the non-operating mode to the operating mode (with the capsule 1 in the infusion chamber 86), the perforator 81 perforates the top film 3 at the pocket 47; in the operating mode, the water is dispensed into the pocket 47 (in particular, the water is injected by the nozzle 82 into the pocket 47 through the perforation in the top film 3) and pushes the intermediate film 4 toward the base wall 22, whereby the through-opening 44 (or the plurality of through- openings) is formed in the weakened region 410 (or in the weakened regions) of the intermediate film 4 once a threshold value for the water pressure in the pocket 47 has been exceeded; during the making of the beverage, the water dispensed into the pocket 47 flows toward the food substance 15 through the through-opening 44.

[0082] It should be noticed that, as shown in Figure 15, the perforator 81 perforates the top film 3 but does not penetrate inside the pocket 47 enough to break the weakened region 410 or a central weakened region 410 of the intermediate film 4. Therefore, when the water dispensing starts, the intermediate film 4 forms a membrane that is not permeable between the pocket 47 and the food substance 15. As the pressure in the pocket 47 increases, the intermediate film 4 deforms toward the base wall 22, as shown in a simplified way in Figure 15, and compresses the food substance 15, until the pressure reaches a value such that the weakened region 410 yields and the through-opening 44 is formed between the pocket 47 and the remaining portion 201 of the inner cavity 20. That is shown in Figures 16 and 17 for the embodiment with a plurality of weakened regions and for the embodiment with a single weakened region, respectively.

[0083] The water flows toward the food substance 15 through the through-opening 44 and interacts with the food substance 15 to make the beverage, which then comes out of the hole created in the base wall 22.

[0084] In the specific embodiment illustrated, the apparatus 8 further comprises the optical recognition device 9, whose head 91 is joined to the perforator 81 . The optical recognition device 9 is configured to generate the first optical signal and to send it (by means of the head 91 ) onto the optical reading area 5 when the capsule 1 is inserted into the infusion chamber 86, and to detect a response optical signal generated in this way. In fact, the head 91 is configured to receive the second optical signal emitted by the optical recognition substance in response to the stimulation caused by the first optical signal. The optical recognition device 9 is further configured to inspect the response optical signal and to control operation of the apparatus 8 depending on the result of that inspection. In particular, the inspection is intended to ascertain if the response optical signal has the characteristics of the emission spectrum which are known and recognisable as being those of the second optical signal described above (which and how many characteristics must be inspected may be decided on each occasion at the design stage). If the result of the inspection is positive (that is to say, there is a match) the optical recognition device 9 considers the capsule 1 recognised and controls operation of the apparatus 8 accordingly, in the known ways. If the result of the inspection is negative (that is to say, there is no match), the optical recognition device 9 considers the capsule 1 not recognised; at that point operation of the apparatus 8 may be allowed or not depending on design choices made.

[0085] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the optical recognition device 9 is operatively joined to the perforator 81 and comprises an emitter 92 for generating the first signal, for example an LED, an optical fibre 93 configured to direct the first signal toward the reading area 5 of the capsule 1 inserted in the infusion chamber 86, and a mirror 94, which is semi-transparent or dichroic and is positioned in such a way as to reflect at least part of the light radiation it receives from the LED, into the optical fibre 93. The optical fibre 93 is mounted inside the perforator 81 and is directly facing the reading area 5 to irradiate it with the first optical signal. The same optical fibre 93 receives the response optical signal and sends it toward a detecting sensor 95 which in the embodiment illustrated is placed behind the mirror 94. The head 91 is therefore the final part of the optical fibre 93. Specifically, the mirror 94 is a dichroic mirror which reflects the band of frequencies in which the part of interest of the first optical signal is included, and which is in contrast transparent for the band of frequencies of interest for the response optical signal.

[0086] In the operating mode the head 91 is housed in the pocket 47 and is facing the optical reading area 5, so that the head 91 is positioned to send the first optical signal onto the optical reading area 5 and to receive the second optical signal. In fact, the perforator 81 has not passed through the intermediate film 4 and the central region 40 remains in front of the head 91 , leaving the optical reading area 5 facing the latter in the reading position. Upon recognition of the capsule 1 the dispensing of water is started, the through-opening 44 is formed as described above, and the beverage is made.

[0087] This invention is useful because it makes it possible to achieve initial compression of the food substance in an effective way. Moreover, it makes it possible to ensure that while making the beverage the water effectively reaches the food substance by following the path established inside the capsule; in fact, the one or more weakened regions of the intermediate film determine where the water enters the layer of food substance.

[0088] For the embodiments in which the capsule is optically recognisable, this invention is useful because it makes it possible to avoid disadvantages which could make the optical reading area in the capsule unavailable for reading by the optical recognition device.

[0089] The invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the attached claims. All details may be substituted with other technically equivalent elements and the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may vary according to requirements.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A capsule (1 ) for making a beverage, wherein the capsule (1 ) comprises: a main body (2) that is substantially cup-shaped and has a side wall (21 ), a base wall (22), and an inner cavity (20), the side wall (21 ) extending between a first edge (25), which defines an access opening (26) to the inner cavity (20), and a second edge (27), the base wall (22) being connected to the second edge (27) and closing the main body (2) at said second edge (27); a food substance (15) which enables the beverage to be made by passing a flow of water through the food substance (15), the food substance (15) being in the inner cavity (20); a top film (3), attached to the main body (2) at the first edge (25) and closing the access opening (26); an intermediate film (4) that is distinct from the top film (3) and is positioned between the top film (3) and the food substance (15), the intermediate film (4) being spaced apart from the top film (3) and being attached to the side wall (21 ) of the main body (2) along a peripheral attachment area (48), such that a pocket (47) is defined between the top film (3) and the intermediate film (4), the intermediate film (4) separating the pocket (47) from a remaining portion (201 ) of the inner cavity (20), the food substance (15) being in the remaining portion (201 ) of the inner cavity (20); wherein the top film (3) is configured to form an inlet wall for water into the capsule (1 ), and the base wall (22) is configured to form an outlet wall for the beverage out of the capsule (1 ); wherein, upon perforation of the top film (3) at the pocket (47), the pocket (47) is intended to receive water dispensed by a water dispenser; wherein initially the intermediate film (4) is not permeable and does not allow a passage of water from the pocket (47) to the remaining portion (201 ) of the inner cavity (20); wherein the intermediate film (4) has at least one weakened region (410) that is configured to form a through-opening (44) between the pocket (47) and the remaining portion (201 ) of the inner cavity (20) due to an action of a force which, in use, pushes the intermediate film (4) toward the base wall (22), said force being caused by a water pressure in the pocket (47);whereby, in use, the water dispensed into the pocket (47) by the water dispenser flows toward the food substance (15) through the through-opening (44) formed after a threshold value for the water pressure in the pocket (47) has been exceeded.

2. The capsule (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate film (4) is deformable and is in contact with the food substance (15), whereby, in use, the water pressure in the pocket (47) deforms the intermediate film (4) toward the base wall (22) and, before the pressure threshold value is exceeded, the food substance (15) is compressed by the deformed intermediate film (4).

3. The capsule (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one weakened region (410) comprises at least one weakened section (41 ) that is formed by a non-through incision in the intermediate film (4), said non-through incision being an area for preferential breakage of the intermediate film (4).

4. The capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one weakened region (410) comprises at least one pre-cut section (41 ) that is formed by a through-cut in the intermediate film (4), wherein the through-cut is initially sealed and opens upon the action of said force.

5. The capsule (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the intermediate film (4) has a plurality of said weakened regions (410), each configured to form a respective through-opening (44), the weakened regions (410) being positioned substantially homogeneously over the intermediate film (4), such that, in use, the water dispensed into the pocket (47) by the water dispenser flows toward the food substance (15) through the through-openings (44) that have formed and is distributed over the food substance (15) in a plurality of zones.

6. The capsule (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one weakened region (410) is in the peripheral attachment area (48) of the intermediate film (4) to the side wall (21 ) of the main body (2), the through-opening (44) being formed by a local detachment of the intermediate film (4) from the side wall (21 ).

7. The capsule (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the intermediate film (4) comprises an optical reading area (5) which is facing the top film (3) and which is provided with an optical recognition substance which, when stimulated by a first predetermined optical signal, emits a second optical signal with known and recognisable characteristics, whereby the capsule (1 ) is optically recognisable.

8. The capsule (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the optical recognition substance is present in the entirety of the intermediate film (4).

9. A system for making a beverage, comprising a capsule (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an apparatus (8) for making beverages, the apparatus (8) comprising: an infusion unit (85) that defines an infusion chamber (86), the infusion chamber (86) being configured to house the capsule (1 ); a perforator (81 ) capable of perforating the top film (3) of the capsule (1 ), when the capsule (1 ) is housed inside the infusion chamber (86); and a water dispenser to dispense water into the capsule (1 ) through the perforated top film (3); wherein the infusion unit (85) is switchable between a non-operating mode, in which the infusion chamber (86) is open and the capsule (1 ) can be inserted into the infusion chamber (86) or removed from the infusion chamber (86), and an operating mode, in which the infusion chamber (86) is closed and the apparatus (8) can proceed to make the beverage by dispensing water into the capsule (1 ) housed in the infusion chamber (86), the system being configured in such a way that: when switching from the non-operating mode to the operating mode, the perforator (81 ) perforates the top film (3) at the pocket (47); in the operating mode, the water is dispensed into the pocket (47) and pushes the intermediate film (4) toward the base wall (22), whereby the through-opening (44) is formed in the weakened region (410) of the intermediate film (4) once a threshold value for the water pressure in the pocket (47) has been exceeded; during the making of the beverage, the water dispensed into the pocket (47) flows toward the food substance (15) through the through-opening (44).

10. The system for making a beverage according to claim 9, wherein the capsule is according to claim 7 or 8 and wherein the apparatus (8) comprises an optical recognition device (9) having a head (91 ) that is joined to the perforator (81 ), in the operating mode the head (91 ) of the optical recognition device (9) being housed in the pocket (47) and facing the optical reading area (5), such that the head (91 ) is positioned to send the first optical signal onto the optical reading area (5) and to receive the second optical signal.

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