Capsule for containing a substance for preparing beverages

Abstract

A capsule (1) for containing a substance for preparing a beverage comprises a containment body (2), made of biological material, extending along a central axis (A) and comprising a bottom wall (21), substantially perpendicular to the central axis (A), a side wall (22), rising from the bottom wall (21) along an axial direction (DA), parallel to the central axis (A), a sealing flange (23), extending from the side wall (22) along a radial direction (R), perpendicular to the axial direction (DA). The capsule (1) comprises a lid (3), connected to the second surface (23B) of the sealing flange (23), so as to define a containment volume (VI) of the substance delimited by the bottom wall (21), the side wall (22) and the lid (3). The bottom wall (21) comprises a sealing portion (211) having a sealing thickness and a weakening track (212) having a weakening thickness, smaller than the sealing thickness, and surrounding the central axis (A). The weakening track (212) has a variable distance from the central axis (A).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] “CAPSULE FOR CONTAINING A SUBSTANCE FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES”

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a capsule for containing a substance for preparing beverages.

[0005] Background art

[0006] In the sector of the capsules in question, different types of capsules are known which have more or less different configurations, also to adapt to the respective existing beverage production apparatuses.

[0007] In general, a generic capsule includes a bottom wall, a side wall, frustoconical or cylindrical, and an annular flange, configured to provide a hydraulic sealing during dispensing.

[0008] In addition thereto, the capsule comprises a lid that is usually heat-sealed to the flange on a surface opposite to that in which the fluid-tight sealing occurs during dispensing.

[0009] Such capsules are usually employed in beverage preparation devices that involve the perforation of the bottom wall, so as to allow a circulation of water which, after having passed inside the capsule and after having infused into the substance, exits from the perforations on the bottom wall to be dispensed.

[0010] The successful outcome of the dispensed beverage therefore depends on various factors but, certainly, an adequate perforation is a very important requirement to allow a correct infusion time and an adequate dispensing of the infused liquid. Furthermore, the sealing also plays a very important role since, in the event of leakage, the pressure drop considerably reduces the infusion speed, determining a watery beverage.

[0011] The known solutions involve forming with a thickness of the bottom wall smaller than the others, to facilitate perforation. In particular, solutions are known with circular weakening zones, equidistant from the central axis. However, an in-depth study of such phenomena has led to the identification of considerable room for improvement on such matter, in particular due to the fact that the known solutions exhibited non-negligible occurrences of failed perforations. Indeed, the weakening solution including circular zones generated a continuous weakening zone which, following the thrust of the perforators, instead of being etched, caused a deformation of the central portion of the bottom wall, with consequent reduced penetrating capability.

[0012] Furthermore, in such solutions, the sealings have configurations that, not infrequently, result in leakage and pressure losses.

[0013] Solutions that have the disadvantages described above are illustrated for example in the following documents: EP4134331 A1 , EP2957524A1 , US2015201792A1 , EP4134331 A1 and EP2957524A1.

[0014] Disclosure of the invention

[0015] It is the object of the present invention to provide a capsule, a method for producing it, and a method for preparing a beverage with said capsule, which solve the above-mentioned issues of the background art.

[0016] Said object is fully achieved by the capsule and by the methods of the present invention, which is characterized by the content of the following claims.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present description, the present invention provides a capsule for containing a substance for preparing a beverage.

[0018] The capsule comprises a containment body. The containment body is preferably, but not necessarily, made of biological material. The containment body extends along a central axis (of symmetry).

[0019] The containment body comprises a bottom wall, substantially perpendicular to the central axis.

[0020] The containment body comprises a side wall. The side wall rises from the bottom wall along an axial direction, parallel to the central axis, between a first end, connected to the bottom wall, and a second end.

[0021] The containment body comprises a sealing flange. The sealing flange extends from the second end of the side wall along a radial direction, perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0022] Said sealing flange includes a first surface, facing towards the bottom wall, and a second surface, opposite the first surface.

[0023] The capsule comprises a lid. The lid is connected to the second surface of the sealing flange, so as to define a containment volume of the substance delimited by the bottom wall, the side wall, and the lid.

[0024] The bottom wall comprises a sealing portion having a sealing thickness. The bottom wall comprises a weakening track having a weakening thickness, smaller than the sealing thickness. The weakening track (at least partially) surrounds the central axis.

[0025] Advantageously, the weakening track has a variable distance from the central axis.

[0026] The fact of providing a track which has a variable distance from the central axis allows having a structure, at the circumference in which the perforators are arranged, which is stiffer except for the presence of some specific weakening points (those of the track farther from the axis). Thereby, the bottom wall does not deform and allows an accurate and correct etching.

[0027] The bottom wall comprises an inner surface, facing the containment volume, and an outer surface, opposite the inner surface.

[0028] Preferably, the weakening track comprises a weakening groove, made at the inner surface of the bottom wall.

[0029] This configuration allows an easier production of the capsule.

[0030] However, it is foreseeable that the weakening groove is formed on the outer surface of the bottom wall.

[0031] In an embodiment, the weakening track comprises a weakening step, formed at the outer surface. The weakening step has a profile that follows the weakening trace. Alternatively, or in addition to the weakening groove, the presence of the outer step contributes to a further reduction of the thickness, with a consequent improvement of performance. Furthermore, the step contributes to radially abutting the perforators.

[0032] In an embodiment, the weakening groove has a variable depth with respect to the width thereof and / or a constant depth along a path defined by the weakening track.

[0033] This configuration of the groove enables a facilitation of the production of the capsule which, in the molding step, does not comprise severe undercuts but gentler inclined surfaces, thus more easily obtainable. Similarly, a very reduced section of the track is obtained in any case.

[0034] In an embodiment, the bottom wall defines a first portion, connected to the side wall, and a second portion, crossed by the central axis. The first and second portions are separated by the weakening track.

[0035] More in detail, in a plane passing through the radial direction and the central axis, the weakening groove defines a first surface, connected to the first portion and inclined with respect to the central axis by a first angle of inclination.

[0036] Furthermore, still in the same plane, the weakening groove defines a second surface, connected to the second portion and inclined with respect to the central axis by a second angle of inclination.

[0037] The second angle of inclination is greater than the first angle of inclination. The first and the second surfaces converge at a point of minimum section, defining a minimum section of the weakening track.

[0038] The point of minimum section is the one with the most reduced section and the one that therefore will be subjected to the perforation by the perforators of the preparation device.

[0039] In an embodiment, the weakening track comprises a plurality of apexes, defined by being arranged at the maximum distance from the central axis. Furthermore, the weakening track defines a plurality of connection portions that connect the apexes of said plurality in pairs. In an embodiment, said connection portions may:

[0040] (a) have a curved profile, or

[0041] (b) have a straight profile, or

[0042] (c) be intermittent, or

[0043] (d) be continuous, or

[0044] (e) have a broken line profile.

[0045] These embodiments each allow respective advantages and corresponding trade-offs in other respects.

[0046] It is noted that said perforators may etch both at the apexes and at points on the connection portions.

[0047] According to other embodiments (independent of the other features introduced so far and not functionally and structurally linked), the weakening track is defined by geometric shapes that are adjacent to each other along a circumference surrounding the central axis. In particular, the weakening track comprises a plurality of weakening sectors, defining a weakening perimeter, whose thickness is smaller than the sealing thickness of the bottom wall. Said weakening sectors are adjacent to each other along a circumferential direction surrounding the central axis.

[0048] In an embodiment, said weakening sectors are portions of a circular crown, or circumferences or slot-shaped, or elliptical.

[0049] In an embodiment, the number of weakening sectors is at least greater than four, preferably greater than six.

[0050] In an embodiment, the capsule comprises a plurality of ribs. The ribs of said plurality extend along the radial direction, from an inner surface facing the containment volume of the side wall. In addition or alternatively, the ribs of said plurality extend along the radial direction, from an inner surface facing the containment volume of the bottom wall.

[0051] Said plurality of ribs extends, along the axial direction, at least along the side wall of the capsule between a first end and a second end.

[0052] The presence of the ribs allows for a useful stiffening of the capsule, in particular, according to an embodiment, of the side wall. In an embodiment, the first end of each of said ribs is arranged on the bottom wall.

[0053] Thereby, the bottom wall is further stiffened, thus increasing the perforating effectiveness.

[0054] It is clarified that the ribs may extend on both the side wall and the bottom wall, only on the side wall, or only on the bottom wall, addressing, in the different embodiments, different technical tasks.

[0055] Preferably, the first end of each rib of said plurality is spaced-apart from the sealing flange by a stiffness distance. The stiffness distance is at most one-fifth of an axial length of the side wall along the axial direction.

[0056] Such a configuration ensures the best compromise between stiffness of the capsule and constructional complexity thereof.

[0057] In an embodiment, the weakening track comprises a plurality of apexes, defined by being arranged at the maximum distance from the central axis.

[0058] Each of said ribs is angularly aligned with a respective apex of said plurality, so that the first end of each rib departs at (or very close to) the respective apex.

[0059] Such embodiment ensures a stiffening of the capsule precisely close to the apexes. Thereby, plastic deformation of the bottom wall is further avoided and the etching is further optimized.

[0060] Preferably, the biological material is biodegradable. Preferably, the biological material comprises cellulose pulp.

[0061] Such embodiment enables an environmentally sustainable solution with relatively simple sourcing.

[0062] In an embodiment, the biological material comprises bagasse.

[0063] In an embodiment, the side wall comprises a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions is preferably formed on an inner surface, facing the containment volume, of the side wall.

[0064] Each protrusion defines a respective support surface, at least partly perpendicular to the axial direction, for abutting the bottom wall of a further capsule stacked on the capsule. Said plurality of protrusions being angularly spaced (preferably in a uniform manner) about the central axis.

[0065] The presence of the protrusions prevents stacked capsules to get stuck due to the vacuum effect.

[0066] Each support surface is spaced from the sealing flange along the axial direction of a support distance. The support distance is at most equal to half an axial length of the side wall along the axial direction.

[0067] This configuration allows avoiding capsules getting stuck but without making their stacking too bulky and without reducing the containment volume too much.

[0068] In an embodiment, the side wall has a frustoconical shape. In such an embodiment, said plurality of protrusions is defined by corresponding squared portions of the side wall having an extension parallel to the axial direction.

[0069] In other words, the frustoconical side wall is in fact cut by axial planes that are tangent to the first end of the bottom wall (the one with smaller diameters). In this way, internal undercuts are generated, the more exposed internally to the containment volume, the greater the axial extent of said cutting planes.

[0070] This mode enables optimization and facilitation in the production of the capsule.

[0071] According to an aspect of the present description, the sealing flange comprises an edge, rising from the first surface of the sealing flange along the axial direction. The sealing flange comprises a sealing lip, extending from the first surface of the sealing flange along the axial direction and being interposed between the side wall and the edge.

[0072] The sealing flange comprises a first annular portion, interposed between the edge and the sealing lip. The first annular portion has a first axial thickness. The sealing flange comprises a second annular portion, interposed between the side wall and the sealing lip. The second annular portion has a second axial thickness. Preferably, the first axial thickness is greater than the second axial thickness.

[0073] Preferably, the sealing lip has an extension, along the radial direction, at least equal to one fifth of the extension, along the radial direction, of the sealing flange.

[0074] Such a configuration provides a more extensive sealing surface, thereby improving the overall sealing performance of the sealing flange.

[0075] According to an aspect of the present description, the present invention provides a method for producing a capsule for containing a substance for preparing a beverage.

[0076] The method comprises a step of arranging biological material.

[0077] The method comprises a step of molding a containment body, made of biological material, extending along a central axis and comprising:

[0078] - a bottom wall, substantially perpendicular to the central axis;

[0079] - a side wall, rising from the bottom wall along an axial direction, parallel to the central axis, between a first end, connected to the bottom wall, and a second end;

[0080] - a sealing flange, extending from the second end of the side wall along a radial direction, perpendicular to the axial direction, said sealing flange including a first surface, facing towards the bottom wall, and a second surface, opposite the first surface.

[0081] The method comprises a step of providing a lid.

[0082] The method comprises a step of connecting the lid to the second surface of the sealing flange, so as to define a containment volume of the substance, delimited by the bottom wall, the side wall and the lid.

[0083] In an embodiment of the method, during the molding step, a sealing portion for the bottom wall is made, having a sealing thickness, and a weakening track of the bottom wall having a weakening thickness smaller than the sealing thickness, and surrounding the central axis. Furthermore, the weakening track is made so as to have a variable distance from the central axis. According to an aspect of the present description, the present invention provides a method for preparing a beverage from a capsule for containing a substance, according to any one of the features described in the present document with reference to the capsule.

[0084] The method comprises a step of providing a beverage preparation device including:

[0085] - a housing, for receiving the capsule resting thereon;

[0086] - a plurality of rear perforators, configured to perforate the bottom wall of the capsule;

[0087] - a front perforation system, configured to perforate the lid;

[0088] - a dispensing chamber, which is fluid-tight with the sealing flange, to allow a flow of water within the capsule, through the lid and, thereafter, through the bottom wall,

[0089] The method comprises a step of positioning the capsule inside the housing.

[0090] The method comprises a step of sliding the plurality of perforators, towards the bottom wall, until the bottom wall is etched at one or more points of the weakening track.

[0091] The method comprises a step of circulating pressurized water in the containment volume.

[0092] The method comprises a step of dispensing water from the containment volume through etches made on the bottom wall by said plurality of perforators.

[0093] Brief description of drawings

[0094] This and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, merely shown by way of nonlimiting example in the appended drawings, in which:

[0095] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a capsule for containing a substance for preparing a beverage, according to the present invention;

[0096] - Figure 2 shows a side view of the capsule of Figure 1 , in which a lid is also visible;

[0097] - Figures 3A and 3B show a bottom view and a top view of the capsule of Figure 1 , respectively;

[0098] - Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the capsule of Figure 1 ;

[0099] - Figures 4A and 4B show a first detail of a weakening groove and a second detail of a sealing flange of the section of the capsule of Figure 4, respectively;

[0100] - Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F show a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth and a sixth embodiment of the capsule of Figure 1 , respectively.

[0101] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0102] With reference to the accompanying Figures, a capsule for containing a substance for preparing a beverage is indicated with reference numeral 1 . The capsule 1 comprises a containment body 2. The containment body 2 has a preferably frustoconical shape that extends symmetrically about a central axis A.

[0103] The containment body 2 comprises a bottom wall 21. The containment body comprises a side wall 22. The containment body comprises a sealing flange 23.

[0104] The side wall 22 has a frustoconical shape that extends along an axial direction DA, parallel to the central axis A, between a first end 22A, connected to the bottom wall 21 and defining the minimum diameter of the side wall, and a second end, connected to the sealing flange 23 and defining the maximum diameter of the side wall 22.

[0105] The sealing flange 23 extends from the second end 22B of the side wall 22 along a radial direction R, perpendicular to the central axis A. The sealing flange 23 comprises a first surface 23A, facing towards the bottom wall 21 , and a second surface 23B, opposite the first surface 23A.

[0106] The capsule 1 comprises a lid 3 that is connected (preferably heat-sealed) to the second surface 23B of the sealing flange 23. The lid 3, the bottom wall 21 and the side wall 22 define a containment volume VI in which the substance is contained.

[0107] The bottom wall 2 is substantially perpendicular to the central axis AC. More in detail, the bottom wall 2 comprises portions that are perpendicular and portions that, instead, are inclined with respect to the central axis AC.

[0108] The bottom wall 21 comprises an inner surface 211 facing the containment volume VI and an outer surface 21 E opposite the inner surface 211.

[0109] The bottom wall 2 comprises a sealing portion 211 and a weakening track 212.

[0110] The sealing portion 211 has a thickness greater than the thickness of the weakening track 212.

[0111] The sealing portion 211 comprises a first portion 211 A and a second portion 211 B, which are separated by the weakening track 212. More in detail, the first portion 211 A is connected to the side wall 22 (at the first end 22A thereof) and has an extension along a direction inclined with respect to the central axis A. Instead, the second portion 211 B is crossed by the central axis A and comprises at least one perpendicular portion 211 B’ that is perpendicular to the central axis A.

[0112] In an embodiment, the perpendicular portion 211 B’ is not planar but has a series of concentric depressions and / or ridges.

[0113] With reference instead to the weakening track 212, it is in fact defined by respective features that may be provided on the inner surface 211 and / or on the outer surface 21 E.

[0114] In particular, according to an embodiment, the weakening track 212 comprises a weakening groove SC. The weakening groove SC is made at the inner surface 211 of the bottom wall 21 . The weakening groove SC has a width LG.

[0115] In an embodiment, in a radial plane passing through the central axis A, the weakening groove SC defines a first inclined surface SS1. The first inclined surface SS1 starts from the inner surface 211 of the first portion 211 A. The first inclined surface SS1 is inclined with respect to the axial direction DA by a first angle of inclination A1 .

[0116] The first inclined surface SS1 is inclined so as to define a progressive reduction in thickness of the bottom wall 21 . The first inclined surface SS1 may have a variable inclination or, alternatively, the inclination may be constant.

[0117] The first inclined surface SS1 terminates at a minimum section point PMS, in which the thickness of the bottom wall 21 is equal to a minimum section Smin. The point of minimum section is a point of the weakening track 212 since it defines, in fact, the point in which the perforators will etch.

[0118] The weakening groove SC defines a second inclined surface SS2. The second inclined surface SS2 extends from the point of minimum section PMS to the inner surface 211 of the second portion 211 B. The second inclined surface SS2 is inclined with respect to the axial direction DA by a second angle of inclination A2.

[0119] The second inclined surface SS2 is inclined so as to define a progressive increase in thickness of the bottom wall 21. The second inclined surface SS2 may have a variable inclination or, alternatively, the inclination may be constant.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, the first angle of inclination A1 is smaller than the second angle of inclination A2.

[0121] In addition or alternatively, the weakening track 212 comprises a step GR. The step GR is formed on the outer surface 21 E.

[0122] The step GR is such as to determine a reduction of the thickness of the bottom wall 21. In particular, the step GR determines a reduction of the thickness in a direction oriented towards the central axis A.

[0123] In an embodiment, the weakening track 212 has a variable distance from the central axis A, i.e., it defines points at a first distance and points at a second distance, smaller than the first distance.

[0124] More in detail, according to an embodiment, the weakening track 212 comprises a plurality of apexes 212A, which define the points at the maximum distance from the central axis A. Furthermore, the weakening track 212 comprises connection portions 212C that in fact connect said apexes 212A in pairs. The points that define the connection zones 212C are spaced apart from the central axis by a distance smaller than the distance of the apexes 212A.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the weakening track 212 defines a starshaped geometry, whose points define said apexes 212A. Alternatively, the shape may be a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, or any regular geometric shape circumscribable by a circumference. In such a case, the vertices of the regular geometric shape define said apexes 212A, while the sides define the connection zones 212C.

[0126] Preferably, the shape of the weakening track 212 is a regular geometric shape with at least four vertices.

[0127] According to other embodiments, the weakening track 212 is defined by a plurality of geometric shapes that are adjacent to each other along a weakening (fake, virtual) circumference surrounding the central axis A. In particular, the weakening track 212 comprises a plurality of weakening sectors SI defining a weakening perimeter PR, whose thickness is smaller than the thickness of the sealing portion 211 of the bottom wall 21. Said weakening sectors are adjacent to each other along a circumferential direction surrounding the central axis A.

[0128] In an embodiment, said weakening sectors are portions of a circular crown SI’, or circumferences SI”, or slot-shaped SI’”, or elliptical.

[0129] In an embodiment, the number of weakening sectors SI is greater than ten.

[0130] The side wall 22 comprises an inner surface 22I, facing the containment volume VI, and an outer surface 22E, opposite the inner surface 22I.

[0131] In an embodiment, the capsule 1 comprises a plurality of ribs 223. The ribs 223 extend along the side wall 22. In addition or alternatively, the ribs 223 extend along the bottom wall 21 .

[0132] In any case, the ribs 223 extend between a first end 223A that reaches the bottom wall 21 and a second end 223B that is instead proximal to the second end 22B of the side wall 22.

[0133] The ribs 223 rise from the inner surface 211 of the bottom wall, or from the inner surface 22I of the side wall, towards the containment volume VI.

[0134] The ribs 223 of said plurality are angularly spaced about the central axis A. According to a preferred embodiment, the first end 223A of each rib 223 is angularly aligned with a respective apex 212A of said plurality of apexes.

[0135] The rib 223 comprises a connecting surface 223R, inclined, with respect to the inner surface 211 of the bottom wall, by an angle of less than 90 degrees. The connecting surface 223R defines the first end 223A of the same rib, which, in fact, is connected to the first inclined surface SS1 of the weakening groove SC at the respective apex 212A.

[0136] In an embodiment, the side wall 22 comprises a plurality of protrusions 224. Said plurality of protrusions 224 extend from the inner surface 22I towards the containment volume VI. Said plurality of protrusions 224 define respective support surfaces 224A facing towards the sealing flange 23.

[0137] In a preferred embodiment, such protrusions 224 are generated by a particular configuration of the side wall 22. In particular, the side wall 22 is cut, at a number of points corresponding to the number of protrusions 224, by a plane which, parallel to the axial direction DA, is tangent to the side wall 22 at the first end 22A thereof. Such cutting planes in fact cut the frustoconical body and define the corresponding protrusions 224 inside the capsule 1. In a corresponding manner, on the outer surface 22E, a corresponding plurality of undercuts 225 is generated, which define respective abutment surfaces 225R.

[0138] When the capsules 1 are stacked with one another, the abutment surfaces 225R of the upper capsule rest against the support surfaces 224A of the lower capsule, avoiding the interlocking of the two capsules.

[0139] In an embodiment, the sealing flange 23 comprises an edge 231. The edge 231 is arranged at the outer radial end of the sealing flange 23. The edge 231 extends, along the axial direction DA, from the first surface 23A. The edge 231 has a radial thickness equal to at least one fifth of the radial extension of the sealing flange 23.

[0140] In an embodiment, the sealing flange 23 comprises a sealing lip 232. The sealing lip 232 is arranged, along the radial direction R, between the edge 231 and the side wall 22.

[0141] The sealing lip 232 rises, along the axial direction DA, from the first surface 23A.

[0142] The sealing lip 232 has a radial thickness equal to at least one fifth of the radial extension of the sealing flange 23.

[0143] In an embodiment, the sealing flange 23 defines a first zone (or first annular portion) Z1 , interposed, along the radial direction R, between the edge 231 and the sealing lip 232. The first zone Z1 has a first thickness SP1.

[0144] In an embodiment, the sealing flange 23 defines a second zone (or second annular portion) Z2, interposed, along the radial direction R, between the side wall 22 and the sealing lip 232. The second zone Z2 has a second thickness SP2.

[0145] The second thickness SP2 is smaller than the first thickness SP1 .

[0146] With the capsule of the present invention, it is possible to achieve a method for preparing a beverage. The method is developed using a beverage preparation device. Said apparatus 100 comprises a housing 101 , within which the capsule is positioned. The apparatus 100 further comprises a plurality of rear perforators 102, configured to perforate the bottom wall 21 of the capsule 1 .

[0147] The apparatus 100 comprises a front perforation system 103, configured to perforate the lid 3.

[0148] The apparatus 100 comprises a dispensing chamber 104, which is fluid- tight on the sealing flange 23, to allow a flow of water within the capsule 1 , through the lid 3 and, thereafter, through the bottom wall 21 .

[0149] After having positioned the capsule 1 , the plurality of rear perforators 102 approach the bottom wall 21 and, simultaneously, the front perforation system 103 approaches the sealing flange 23. The front perforation system 103 approaches the lid 3 and perforates it so as to allow a pressurized water inlet inside the containment volume VI. The front perforation system 103 is further brought into pressure contact with the sealing flange 23 and, by pressing it, it determines a sealing by means of the sealing lip 232.

[0150] The method thus provides the sliding of the plurality of rear perforators 102, towards the bottom wall 21 , until the bottom wall 21 is etched at one or more points of the weakening track 212, preferably at said apexes 212A.

[0151] The method therefore provides circulating pressurized water in the containment volume VI.

[0152] The method provides a step of dispensing water from the containment volume through etches made on the bottom wall 21 by said plurality of rear perforators 102.

[0153] In the capsule-based beverage preparation applications, it is often that the contents within the containment volume VI be in such a way as to limit or prevent flavor loss. At the same time, there is a need to reduce the environmental i associated with the materials.

[0154] In one or more embodiments, the such that the containment therefore at least the bottom wall 21 , the side wall 22, and the is made of material, thus the the need for "selective of mixtures of non-bi materials.

[0155] In one or more embodiments, the material and / or consists of cellulose and / or wood and / or cellulose or , and / or combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the containment 2 is made of and / or cardboard type material and / or fibrous material obtained from in which the fibers are bonded mechanical stability to the containment body 2.

[0156] In one embodiment, a blend of bamboo fibers and suqarcane fibers is used to make the containment 2. In one embodiment, the weiqht ratio of bamboo fibers to fibers is between 90%-

[0157] 10% and 50%-50%; in a embodiment, this ratio is

[0158] 30%-70%. These blends allow for a containment mechanical ity, while beneficial for aroma

[0159] In one or more embodiments, to i aroma retention, the material of the containment and / or sheath. In one embodiment, this and / or sheath is based on starch and / or starch and / or starch flour. In one embodiment the and / or sheath is and / or as an rous material of the containment 2, so as to to the loss of aroma.

[0160] In one or more embodiments, the starch-based is >

[0161] • to the inner surface 211 of the bottom wall 21 and / or to the inner surface

[0162] 22I of the side wall 22, and / or

[0163] • to the outer surface 21 E of the bottom wall 21 and / or to the outer surface

[0164] 22E of the side wall 22, and / or

[0165] • to both (inner and to increase the seal aqainst aroma diffusion. In one embodiment, applyinq the coatinq on the outer side limits the coatinq's contact with the substance in volume VI, while applyinq it on the inner side can be used when the coatinq is compatible with food contact; both solutions can contribute to improvinq the seal.

[0166] In one or more embodiments, the bioloqical material of the containment 2 is made from a fibrous pulp obtained similar to those of papermaking: the fibers are treated to obtain a pulp, the pulp is in a mold to create the of the body 2, and then dried. In one embodiment, this can generate a difference in finish between a smoother side and a rougher side on how the pulp is and drained ; these aspects can also be based on the of the

[0167] In one or more embodiments 1 is configured to maintain aroma retention for at least a (e.g., weeks or combination of fibrous material and

[0168] In one or more embodiments, structural elements are such as the plurality of ribs 223 described in IT1 , made of the same material as the 2 and / or integral with it. In one embodiment, the the ribs 223 also maintain the geometry of the body 2 the of the , as well as

[0169] In one or more embodiments, the at least one of the substance contained in volume VI extraction. In one embodiment, this element is a filter and / or a bi filter element in volume VI near the bottom wall 21 and / or near the lid 3. In one embodiment, this filter has such as to the of the substance; in one embodiment, the are less than 0.5 mm less than 0.1 mm. In one embodiment, the filter thickness is between 1 and 1000

[0170] In one or more embodiments, the lid 3 is made of a bi material and / or - or multifilter ; in one embodiment, the filter has a unit area of between 20 g / m2and 100 g / m2. In one embodiment, the lid 3 is connected to the second surface 23B of the VI before use.

[0171] In one or more embodiments, the wall thickness of the container 2

[0172] (and therefore of at least one or more of the bottom wall 21 , side wall 22, and is between 0.1 mm and 3 mm between

[0173] 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm, to balance mechanical riqi material be made in the lid 3 described in IT1 ) to allow water to enter volume VI, while the li exit the bottom wall 21 via incisions made by the rear at one or more of the track 212. In one embodiment, these and / or incisions be made at the time of extraction, thus the aroma seal before use.

[0174] In one or more embodiments, the 23 (in with the device's create a fluid seal extraction; in one embodiment, in addition to the an annular element, also be to further increase the seal

Claims

CLAIMS1. A capsule (1 ) for containing a substance for preparing a beverage, comprising:- a containment body (2), made of biological material, extending along a central axis (A) and comprising: a bottom wall (21 ), substantially perpendicular to the central axis (A); a side wall (22), rising from the bottom wall (21 ) along an axial direction (DA), parallel to the central axis (A), between a first end (22A), connected to the bottom wall (21 ), and a second end (22B); a sealing flange (23), extending from the second end (22B) of the side wall (22) along a radial direction (R), perpendicular to the axial direction (DA), said sealing flange (23) including a first surface (23A), facing towards the bottom wall (21 ), and a second surface (23B), opposite the first surface (23A);- a lid (3), connected to the second surface (23B) of the sealing flange (23), so as to define a containment volume (VI) of the substance delimited by the bottom wall (21 ), the side wall (22) and the lid (3), wherein the bottom wall (21 ) comprises a sealing portion (211 ), having a sealing thickness, and a weakening track (212), having a weakening thickness, smaller than the sealing thickness, and surrounding the central axis (A), characterized in that the weakening track (212) has a variable distance from the central axis (A).

2. A capsule (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom wall (21 ) comprises an inner surface (211), facing the containment volume (VI), and an outer surface (21 E), opposite the inner surface (211), wherein the weakening track (212) comprises a weakening groove (SC), made at the inner surface (211) of the bottom wall (21 ).

3. A capsule (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the weakening track (212) comprises a weakening step (GR), made at the outer surface (21 E).

4. A capsule (1 ) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the weakening groove (SC) has a variable depth with respect to the width thereof and a constant depth along a path defined by the weakening track (212).

5. A capsule (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the bottom wall (21 ) defines a first portion (211 A), connected to the side wall (22), and a second portion (211 B), crossed by the central axis (A), wherein the first and second portions (211 A, 211 B) are separated by the weakening track (212), and wherein, in a plane passing through the radial direction (R) and the central axis (A), the weakening groove (SC) defines:- a first surface (SS1 ), connected to the first portion (211 A) and inclined with respect to the central axis (A) of a first angle of inclination (A1 );- a second surface (SS2), connected to the second portion (211 B) and inclined with respect to the central axis (A) by a second angle of inclination (A2), greater than the first angle of inclination (A1 ), the first and second surfaces (SS1 , SS2) converging at a point of minimum section (PMS), defining a minimum section (Smin) of the weakening track (212).

6. A capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weakening track (212) comprises a plurality of apexes (212A), defined by the fact of being arranged at the maximum distance from the central axis (A), and a plurality of connection portions (212C) connecting the apexes of said plurality (212A) in pairs, wherein said connection portions (212C) may:(a) have a curved profile, or(b) have a straight profile, or(c) be intermittent, or(d) be continuous, or(e) have a broken line profile.

7. A capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of ribs (223), rising from an inner surface (22I), facing the containment volume (VI), of the side wall (22) and / or from an inner surface (211), facing the containment volume (VI), of the bottom wall (21 ), said plurality of ribs (223) extending, along the axial direction (DA), at least along the side wall (22) between a first end (223A) and a second end (223B).

8. A capsule (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the first end (223A) of each of said ribs (223) is arranged on the bottom wall (21 ).

9. A capsule (1 ) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the second end (223B) of each rib (223) of said plurality is spaced from the sealing flange (233) by a stiffness distance (DR), wherein the stiffness distance (DR) is at most one-fifth of an axial length (LA) of the side wall (22) along the axial direction (DA).

10. A capsule (1 ) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the weakening track (212) comprises a plurality of apexes (212A), defined by the fact of being arranged at the maximum distance from the central axis (A), and wherein each of said ribs (223) is angularly aligned with a respective apex (212A) of said plurality, so that the first end (223A) of each rib (223) departs at the respective apex (212A).

11. A capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biological material is biodegradable and comprises cellulose pulp.

12. A capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (22) comprises a plurality of protrusions (224), made on an inner surface (22I) facing the containment volume (VI), and each defining a respective support surface (224A), at least partly perpendicular to the axial direction (DA), said plurality of protrusions (224) being angularly spaced about the central axis (A).

13. A capsule according to claim 12, wherein each support surface (224A) is spaced from the sealing flange (23) along the axial direction (DA) of a support distance (DD), wherein the support distance (DD) is at most equal to half the axial length (LA) of the side wall (22) along the axial direction (DA).

14. A capsule (1 ) according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the side wall (22) has a frustoconical shape and wherein said plurality of protrusions (224) is defined by corresponding squared portions (225) of the side wall(22) having an extension parallel to the axial direction (DA).

15. A capsule (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing flange (23) comprises:(a) an edge (231 ), rising from the first surface (23A) of the sealing flange(23) along the axial direction (DA);(b) a sealing lip (232), rising from the first surface (23A) of the sealing flange (23) along the axial direction (DA) and being interposed between the side wall (22) and the edge (231 ) along the radial direction (R), wherein the sealing flange (23) comprises a first annular portion (Z1 ), interposed between the edge (231 ) and the sealing lip (232) and having a first axial thickness (SP1 ), and a second annular portion (Z2), interposed between the side wall (22) and the sealing lip (232) and having a second axial thickness (SP2),wherein the first axial thickness (SP1 ) is greater than the second axial thickness (SP2).

16. A capsule (1 ) according to claim 15, wherein the sealing lip (232) has an extension, along the radial direction (R), at least equal to one fifth of the extension, along the radial direction (R), of the sealing flange (23).

17. A method for producing a capsule (1 ) for containing a substance for preparing a beverage, the method comprising the following steps:- arranging biological material;- molding a containment body (2), made of biological material, extending along a central axis (A) and comprising: a bottom wall (21 ), substantially perpendicular to the central axis (A); a side wall (22), rising from the bottom wall (21 ) along an axial direction (DA), parallel to the central axis (A), between a first end (22A), connected to the bottom wall (21 ), and a second end (22B); a sealing flange (23), extending from the second end (22B) of the side wall (22) along a radial direction (R), perpendicular to the axial direction (DA), said sealing flange (23) including a first surface (23A), facing towards the bottom wall (21 ), and a second surface (23B), opposite the first surface (23A);- providing a lid (3);- filling a containment volume (VI), defined by the bottom wall (21 ) and the side wall (22), with the substance;- connecting the lid (3) to the second surface (23B) of the sealing flange (23), so as to circumscribe the containment volume (VI) filled with the substance, wherein, during the molding step, a sealing portion (211 ) for the bottom wall (21 ) is made, having a sealing thickness, and a weakening track (212) of the bottom wall (21 ), having a weakening thickness, smaller than thesealing thickness, and surrounding the central axis (A), wherein the weakening track (212) has a variable distance from the central axis (A).

18. A method for preparing a beverage from a capsule (1 ) for containing a substance according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising the following steps:- providing a beverage preparation device (100) including: a housing (101 ), for receiving the capsule (1 ) resting thereon; a plurality of rear perforators (102), configured to perforate the bottom wall (21 ) of the capsule (1 ); a front perforation system (103), configured to perforate the lid (3) and to provide a sealing on the sealing flange (23); a dispensing chamber (104), fluid-tight on the sealing flange (23), to allow a flow of water within the capsule (1 ), through the lid (3) and, thereafter, through the bottom wall (21 ),- positioning the capsule (1 ) inside the housing (101 );- sliding the plurality of rear perforators (102) towards the bottom wall (21 ), until the bottom wall (21 ) is etched at one or more points of the weakening track (212);- etching the bottom wall (21 ) by means of said plurality of rear perforators (102) to define a plurality of dispensing openings;- sliding the front perforation system (103), towards the lid (3);- perforating the lid (3) by means of the front perforation system (103);- fluid-tight sealing at the sealing flange (23) in response to the pressure exerted by the front perforation system on the sealing flange (23);- circulating pressurized water in the containment volume (VI);- dispensing water from the containment volume (VI) through said dispensing openings made on the bottom wall (21 ).

Images