Capsule for preparing edible products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capsule (1) for an edible product, comprising a closed container (2), which is delimited by a side wall (21) made of cellulosic material, a water inlet cover element (22), and an edible product outlet cover element (23), wherein the edible product outlet cover element (23) comprises an edible product outlet (6); the capsule (1) further comprises a filtration structure (3) arranged in the interior (24) of the container (2), between the water inlet cover element (22) and the edible product outlet cover element (23), wherein the filtration structure (3) comprises a filtration surface (31) having a plurality of through-holes (4) and at least one microfilm (5) arranged over the through-holes (4). The invention pertains to the field of capsules for preparing edible products.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] "CAPSULE FOR PREPARING EDIBLE PRODUCTS"

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to single-use capsules for preparing edible products, such as espresso coffee, tea, chocolate or the like.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The state of the art includes various solutions relating to single-use capsules for the preparation of edible products, such as espresso coffee, tea or the like.

[0007] Capsules are small containers that hold the edible product, used in compatible machines, allowing for the rapid preparation of the edible product. Generally, a capsule comprises two elements: a base cup and a lid. The base cup has a bottom that is either completely closed or pre-perforated, and the mouth of the capsule cup has a peripheral flap that then serves as a surface for attaching the lid, which usually consists of a plastic lid, aluminum foil, filter paper, or micro-perforated plastic.

[0008] The capsules used in edible product machines, after being placed in the machine, are perforated on both sides by a mechanized punching system. Some are perforated when the lid of the machine compartment where the capsule is placed is closed, while others are perforated by a punching mechanism incorporated into the machine and powered by an electrical system that ensures the pumping and heating of water.

[0009] There are also capsule coffee machines that work with the aid of a lever that opens an extraction unit consisting of a container where the capsule is housed after being inserted into the machine and a sealing lid that breaks or opens the capsule and introduces hot water. Once full and under high pressure, the capsule opens and releases the water mixture, which passes through the edible substance to the outside of the machine. Finally, the capsule is ejected by repeating the opening movement of the lever.

[0010] In the current state of the art, there are various types of capsules made from numerous shapes and materials (paper, plastic, and aluminum), resulting in different compositions that influence their performance in preserving the edible product. The use of various materials in capsule production, besides increasing production costs, creates problems with the collection, separation, and sorting of waste products, especially when capsules are collected for recycling. This is why they are sometimes more commonly placed in regular trash. Many currently available capsules are not recyclable or are difficult to recycle. Currently, aluminum is somewhat predominant as a capsule production material, as it ensures more effective preservation of the properties of edible products and also has the advantage of being "infinitely recyclable," quickly entering a new production cycle, and being a very lightweight material.However, this material has very different stiffness and strength characteristics from plastic, which brings some disadvantages in terms of its plastic deformation when applied to the part of the lid that is subject to opening by the machine.

[0011] Currently available coffee capsules have accustomed consumers to enjoying coffee quickly, hygienically, and with high quality. However, the material the capsule is made of—plastic or metal—combined with the organic matter of the coffee inside, makes its recycling process very complex and difficult to implement. One of the main concerns of coffee brands today is the development and presentation of solutions that reduce the ecological footprint caused by capsule consumption.

[0012] Currently, some more eco-responsible and sustainable solutions are already being publicized, which use recyclable materials and limit the amount of material used in the manufacture of capsules, such as those made from cellulosic material or also known as paper capsules.

[0013] However, the different mechanical characteristics of the cellulosic material used in paper capsules, compared to the more conventional aluminum and plastic materials, introduce new problems in recent paper capsules compatible with the various systems most popular among consumers, such as the difficulty in opening / piercing the capsules by the mechanical groups of the machines, achieving and maintaining the ideal water pressure inside the capsule for an organoleptically ideal extraction of the beverage, and structural impact on the capsule caused by water entering its interior.

[0014] In particular, the use of paper capsules compatible with the well-known NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® machine system presents difficulties related both to maintaining an ideal internal water pressure inside the capsule, and to its resistance to the mechanical impact caused by the water jet emitted by the machine's opening perforation elements.

[0015] Typically, a capsule compatible with the Dolce Gusto® system comprises a truncated conical container body closed at its upper end by a plastic film-shaped lid, which, when in use, is pierced by a syringe-type needle to inject water inside, and at its lower end by a bottom element that has a central through hole through which, when in operation, the edible beverage exits the capsule for distribution to the user.

[0016] The filtration system present in these capsules generally consists of a filtration mesh, usually made of synthetic material or filter paper, which allows water to pass through while retaining solid particles from the product, namely coffee beans or tea leaves. Although this approach has allowed for good filtration and the production of quality beverages, several studies and user observations indicate that there are limitations in the performance of the filtration system, particularly with regard to the consistency of the extraction and / or the efficiency in retaining particles.

[0017] Furthermore, existing filtration systems are not always adequate to guarantee the quality of more specific beverages, such as coffees with different intensities or drinks that require finer filtration, which can compromise the user experience. In many cases, the filter structure and the material used do not contribute to uniform filtration, resulting in inconsistent extraction and, sometimes, even the passage of unwanted particles into the extracted beverage.

[0018] Patent EP3083448B1, entitled "Capsule with Sensory Attributes," discloses a capsule designed to improve the organoleptic characteristics of beverages prepared using capsule-based systems, including those compatible with the "Dolce Gusto" system. The invention focuses on improving the flavor and aroma profiles of the beverage through a specific capsule design and material selection.

[0019] Chinese Utility Model CN205053807U, entitled "Reusable Coffee Capsule Suitable for Capsule Coffee Machine", presents a reusable coffee capsule compatible with coffee machines, including those of the "Dolce Gusto" system. The invention aims to provide a sustainable alternative to disposable capsules, featuring a filtration system that allows multiple uses without compromising the quality of the beverage.

[0020] Also, patent EP3214976B1, entitled "Capsule-Based System for Preparing and Dispensing a Beverage", provides a capsule-based system, including those compatible with the "Dolce Gusto" system. Issues related to the filtration process are addressed, with a view to improving preparation efficiency and the organoleptic quality of the beverage.

[0021] However, none of the state-of-the-art solutions concretely address the issues of water pressure and retention time inside the capsules from the perspective of improving the organoleptic characteristics of the beverage, nor the challenges posed to the structural integrity of paper capsules when subjected to perforation by needle-type opening elements (as in the case of the NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® system, among others) and subsequent injection of water under conditions of high dynamic pressure, which could damage the paper body of the capsule.

[0022] Therefore, there is a need in the field to develop capsules based on cellulosic material, namely capsules compatible with NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® machines and systems, whose capsules have characteristics that allow for the correct extraction of edible product and that, simultaneously, guarantee their own structural integrity in the face of the constraints imposed by the machine during use, thus contributing to a much greener and more sustainable edible product preparation system.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The following is a detailed description of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Fig. 1 represents a schematic perspective view of the external appearance of a capsule (1) of the present invention compatible with the NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® system.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows an exploded, cutaway view of one embodiment of the capsule (1) of the invention.

[0027] Fig. 3 shows an exploded cutaway view of another embodiment of the capsule (1) of the invention, in which there are two retaining films (10).

[0028] Fig. 4 shows one embodiment of the capsule, in cross-section and exploded view, in which the filtration structure is provided with a reinforcing collar ( 8 ).

[0029] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view, with an isometric and a front view, of a capsule of the invention.

[0030] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule (1) of the invention that has been perforated by a water injection element from a NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® type machine, illustrating by means of an arrow the entry of water into the capsule.

[0031] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule (1) of the invention, highlighting an enlarged detail of the figure illustrating a microfilm (5), still intact, positioned over the through holes (4) of the filtration structure.

[0032] Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule (1), highlighting an enlarged detail of the figure illustrating the microfilm (5) after it has ruptured due to the increased pressure of the water injected by the edible product preparation machine.

[0033] Figure 9 shows capsules filled with different soluble edible products, typically the first case, on the left, for "espresso" coffee, the second case, in the center, for long coffee, and the third, on the right, for soluble "cappuccino". SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The present invention relates to an edible product capsule (1) comprising a closed container (2), which contains a hollow interior (24) containing an individual dose of a soluble edible product (11), the container (2) being delimited by a side wall (21) of cellulosic material, a water inlet cover element (22) and an edible product outlet cover element (23), wherein the side wall (21), the water inlet cover element (22) and the edible product outlet cover element (23) define an interior surface (7) of the container (2), and wherein the edible product outlet cover element (23) comprises an edible product outlet (6);the capsule (1) being characterized by further comprising a filtration structure (3) disposed inside (24) the container (2), between the water inlet cover element (22) and the edible product outlet cover element (23), wherein the filtration structure (3) supports the said individual dose of soluble edible product (11) and comprises:

[0035] • a filtration surface ( 31 ) comprising a plurality of through holes ( 4 ) and ,

[0036] • at least one microfilm (5) placed over the said through holes (4).

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, the said filtration structure (3) further comprises a reinforcing collar (8) supported on a part of the inner surface (7) of the container (2).

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface (7) of the container (2) is partially or totally coated with a microfilm (5). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the water inlet cover element (22) and the edible product outlet cover element (23) are made of a cellulosic material, preferably paper pulp.

[0039] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the microfilm (5) is selected from the group comprising poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxybutyrate-co-polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHBHx).

[0040] In another embodiment, the side wall (21) of the container (2) is heat-welded or ultrasonically welded to the water inlet cover element (22).

[0041] Preferably, the filtration structure (3) is arranged on a part of the inner surface (7) of the container (2) by juxtaposition, by thermal welding or by ultrasonic welding.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, a set of drainage channels (9) converges to the edible product outlet (6), and this set of drainage channels (9) is located between the filtration structure (3) and the said edible product outlet (6).

[0043] In one aspect of the invention, the said set of drainage channels (9) is arranged in the outlet cover element (23).

[0044] In another aspect, the set of drainage channels (9) is arranged in the filtration structure (3). The capsule (1) of the invention is suitable for use in the preparation of edible products in soluble edible product machines, namely for the preparation of espresso coffee, tea, chocolate, chocolate milk or other edible products.

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] The present invention relates to a capsule for preparing edible products, such as espresso, tea, chocolate or the like. This capsule is for single use, as it contains an individual dose of soluble edible product to be extracted when the capsule is used in a compatible machine.

[0047] The capsule (1) of the present invention is designed for use in machines dispensing soluble edible products, such as espresso coffee, tea, chocolate, chocolate milk or similar products, where the capsule is opened by a water inlet cover element (22). For example, the capsule of the invention is compatible with the NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® system.

[0048] More specifically, with reference to the figures, in particular to Figs. 1 and 2, the present invention relates to a capsule (1) of an edible product comprising a closed container (2), which contains a hollow interior (24) containing an individual dose of a soluble edible product (11), the container (2) being delimited by a side wall (21) of cellulosic material, a water inlet cover element (22) and an edible product outlet cover element (23), wherein the side wall (21), the water inlet cover element (22) and the edible product outlet cover element (23) define an interior surface (7) of the container (2), and wherein the edible product outlet cover element (23) comprises an edible product outlet (6);the capsule (1) being characterized by further comprising a filtration structure (3) disposed inside (24) the container (2), between the water inlet cover element (22) and the edible product outlet cover element (23), wherein the filtration structure (3) supports the said individual dose of soluble edible product (11) and comprises:

[0049] • a filtration surface (31) comprising a plurality of through holes (4) and,

[0050] • at least one microfilm (5) placed over the said through holes (4).

[0051] The object of the present invention is to provide single-use capsules compatible with preparation systems for soluble edible products, such as espresso coffee, tea or others, adaptable to any machine on the market, wherein after water enters the capsule, the opening for the edible beverage to come out results from the interaction of the water pressure (about 15 bar) that the machine exerts on a microfilm (5) arranged on a filtration surface (31) of a filtration structure (3) that is located inside (24) the container (2), between the water inlet cover element (22) and the edible product outlet cover element (23) of the capsule (1) of the invention.In operation, the existence of a plurality of through holes (4) in the said filtration surface (31) will cause the microfilm (5) that is arranged over these holes (4) to break, allowing the passage of water and, consequently, the extraction of edible product. In the context of this description, the expression "edible product" refers to an edible product, more specifically to a beverage that can be prepared in a machine for preparing soluble edible products for subsequent consumption by the user.

[0052] The expression "soluble edible product" refers to an edible product, in the form of an individual dose, contained in an edible product capsule, which must be placed in a compatible machine for the preparation of a respective consumable beverage, obtained by injecting water into the capsule by the machine and subsequently passing the water through the individual dose of soluble edible product.

[0053] Within the scope of the present invention, the terms "water inlet cover element" and "edible product outlet cover element" should be understood as opposite elements that close the side wall of the capsule container, at the top and bottom, in any order, that is, the "water inlet cover element" can close the side wall at the top or bottom and the "edible product outlet cover element" can close the side wall at its (opposite) bottom or top. These two cover elements and the side wall thus define a hollow internal cavity of the container, which is indispensable to the container so that it can hold a dose of an edible product.

[0054] Within the scope of the present invention, "microfilm" is understood to be a film of a bio-polymer whose thickness is in the range of 1-200 µm and the bio-polymer may be selected from the group comprising poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxybutyrate-co-polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHBHx).

[0055] Within the scope of the present invention, "porous material" means any material containing pores (voids or hollows) which are filled with a fluid (liquid or gas). Examples of porous materials include: gypsum board, untreated wood, cement and bricks, paper, cardboard, etc.

[0056] In the context of this description, the term "comprising" should be understood as "including, among others." As such, the term should not be interpreted as "consisting only of."

[0057] Note that any value X presented in the course of this description should be interpreted as an approximate value of the actual value X, since such an approximation to the actual value would be reasonably expected by a person skilled in the art due to experimental and / or measurement conditions that introduce deviations from the actual value. Thus, for example, the reference to "50 pm" means a value of "about 50 pm".

[0058] The aforementioned microfilm (5) functions to create a barrier between the soluble edible product (11) contained within the capsule (1) and the air of the external environment, allowing the soluble edible product (11) to be preserved, maintaining its quality and shelf life for more than 12 months. This barrier is particularly important when the capsules are made of porous material, such as cellulosic material (e.g., paper). The microfilm (5) comprises a film of a bio-polymer whose thickness is preferably in the range of 1-200 µm. The bio-polymer can be selected from the group comprising poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxybutyrate-co-polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHBHx).

[0059] The joining of the side wall (21) of the container (2) with the water inlet cover element (22) can be done by juxtaposition and subsequently by thermal welding or ultrasound, and any other method that allows easy opening of the capsule (1) of the invention can also be used. A person skilled in the art will know how to proceed to make this connection between the said components without needing further explanation.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the water inlet cover element (22) is a sheet of paper laminated with a bio-polymer film. In this case, it is preferred that the thickness of the bio-polymer film be between 10 and 100 µm.

[0061] The water inlet cover element (22) can be joined to the side wall (21) of cellulosic material of the capsule (1) by any means considered suitable by a person skilled in the art. However, it is preferred that this joining be done by thermal welding.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, said filtration structure (3) comprises a biopolymer film of thickness between 20 and 50 µm disposed over the through holes (4) in the filtration surface (31). With reference to Fig. 4, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, said filtration structure (3) further comprises a reinforcing collar (8) supported on a part of the inner surface (7) of the container (2). This configuration helps to protect the integrity of the capsules (1) of the invention compatible with the Dolce Gusto® system or similar systems, which have needle-type perforation groups, which, in operation, inject water at high pressure that tends to damage the cellulosic material body of the side wall (21) of the container (2).In fact, it was found that without this reinforcing collar ( 8 ), the capsule ( 1 ) was sometimes damaged on its side wall (21 ), due to the cellulosic material (even though coated with a thin layer of a microfilm) being less resistant to the dynamic pressure of water injection when compared with conventional plastic or aluminum solutions.

[0063] Preferably, the filtration structure (3) is arranged on a part of the inner surface (7) of the container (2) by juxtaposition, by thermal welding or by ultrasonic welding, more preferably by juxtaposition and / or by thermal welding.

[0064] In another embodiment, not shown in the figures, a retaining film (10) of edible material, made of a porous material, is arranged over the aforementioned microfilm (5) which, in turn, is arranged over the through holes (4). This retaining film (10) is common in conventional filtration solutions of the prior art, although in the present case, associated with the aforementioned filtration structure (3), it provides an improved filtration function compared to the prior art, since it provides an additional layer that acts as a physical barrier, although permeable to the liquid flow of extracted edible product, between the solid material of the soluble edible product (for example, ground coffee powder) and the outlet (6) of the beverage after extraction, helping to prevent the through holes (4) from becoming obstructed by the aforementioned solid material of the soluble edible product.

[0065] In another, even more preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 3, in addition to the first edible material retention film (10) which is disposed over said microfilm (5), there is a second retention film (10) disposed on a second face of the filtration surface (31), opposite to that (first face) where the microfilm (5) and the first retention film (10) are disposed, this second face typically facing the edible product outlet cover element (23), while said first face faces the water inlet cover element (22). This configuration and arrangement of a second retention film (10) under the filtration structure (3) reinforces the capsule's ability to retain solid matter (i.e., “coffee grounds”, in the exemplary case of a coffee capsule), while the existence of the two (first and second) retention films (10), in addition to reinforcing the filtration function of the capsule (1) of the invention, also contribute (depending on their thickness and density) to increase or reduce, i.e., “regulate”, the desired pressure inside the capsule (1), especially after the rupture of the microfilm (5) that is located over the through holes (4) on the first face of the filtration surface (31), which surprisingly translates into an improvement in the organoleptic characteristics of the extracted beverage, when such improvement would not be expected by means of elements whose primary function is the filtration / retention of unwanted solid matter.

[0066] In yet another preferred embodiment, a set of drainage channels (9) converges to the edible product outlet (6) (see Figs. 2 to 5), and this set of drainage channels (9) is arranged between the filtration structure (3) and the said edible product outlet (6). The physical structure that defines the drainage channels (9) can also serve as a support for the filtration structure (3), since it is located between this structure (3) and the outlet cover element (23).

[0067] Therefore, from a constructive point of view, the aforementioned set of drainage channels (9) can be arranged in the outlet cover element (23) or in the filtration structure (3).

[0068] In operation, these drainage channels (9) will conduct the flow of edible product collected from the plurality of through holes (4) and conduct it to the edible product outlet (6) of the capsule (1).

[0069] It is surprising that the solution of the present invention using a filtration structure (3) disposed between the water inlet cover element (22) and the edible product outlet cover element (23), wherein the filtration structure (3) comprises a filtration surface (31) provided with a plurality of through holes (4), which are coated with a microfilm (5) and, optionally, with a retention film (10), provides a capsule (1) which, in addition to an adequate filtration function, also combines an improved extraction function resulting in improved organoleptic characteristics of the product obtained after said extraction and also the function of reinforcing the side wall (21) of the container (2), this reinforcement being very important for paper capsules compatible with Dolce Gusto® type systems.

[0070] Without intending to theorize, in operation, following the injection of water by the injection needle of the beverage extraction system (see Fig. 6), for example, of the Dolce Gusto® type, the opening of the capsule (1) of the invention occurs by way of rupture of the microfilm (5) over the through holes (4) in the filtration structure (3), as shown in Fig. 8, which is thought to happen at the limit of the effort to contain the pressure exerted by the water in the infusion chamber of the capsule (1). It is thought that the time that the water remains inside the infusion chamber without immediate release of pressure is determinant in the quality of the beverage obtained, provided that this time is not excessive, leading the edible product to overheat and thus acquire the typical "burnt" taste.For this purpose, the existence of a plurality of through holes (4) under the microfilm (5) produces a greater distribution of pressure in the microfilm (5) and consequently delays its rupture, which guarantees a longer (but not excessive) residence time of the water inside (24) the capsule (1) and, consequently, a greater organoleptic quality of the extracted beverage.

[0071] Comparative tests performed with coffee capsules of the prior art and capsules (1) of the present invention indicated an improvement in the organoleptic quality of the coffee extracted from the capsules (1) of the invention. In the embodiment of the capsules (1) of the invention, in which all capsules were produced in paper coated (or, in other words, laminated) internally by a bio-polymer and whose filtration structure (3) did not have a reinforcing collar (8), tests were carried out with coffee capsules in a Dolce Gusto® type machine, with some of the capsules tested showing rupture in the lateral wall (21), which compromised the extraction of the beverage. This situation of compromised structural integrity did not occur in any of the capsules tested whose filtration structure (3) contained a reinforcing collar (8).

[0072] It is possible to reinforce the side wall (21) of the capsules in the area of ​​incidence of the water jet from the extraction machine by means of a reinforced lamination of the microfilm (5) on said side wall (21) and, in this way, eliminate the problem of possible compromise of the structural integrity of the capsule in operation. However, the option of equipping the filtration structure (3) with a reinforcing collar (8) simplifies the capsule production process, since such a filtration structure (3) can be easily produced as a separate element which is subsequently (in the capsule production phase) fitted inside the capsule, with the reinforcing collar (8) resting on part of the inner surface (7) of the capsule container (2). Naturally, the joint can be complemented with thermal welding, although this is optional or complementary. In this way, the production process is simplified and its costs reduced.

[0073] Although it is a convenient solution, the existence of a reinforcing collar (8) in the filtration structure (3) is optional, since there may be other ways to reinforce the side wall (21) of the capsule container (2), while the filtration structure (3) remains in the simple form of a flat surface (31) with a plurality of through holes (4), this flat surface being conveniently suitable for fixing by juxtaposition to a part of the inner surface (7) of the container (2).

[0074] A clarification note is made here regarding the reference to a "plurality" of through holes (4) arranged on a filtration surface (31). It is understood that the specialist will understand without further explanation the meaning of "plurality" of holes, since this notion already existed in the prior art with reference to a surface which, due to the pressure when water enters the capsule, is pushed against a plurality of perforations that pierce it and thus open the outlet of the edible product. The quantity and dimensions (both with a good margin of variability) of the holes are known to the specialist and, for this reason, do not require further instruction.There are also other solutions that involve a plurality of through holes at the capsule outlet, in order to allow the prepared beverage of edible product to drain out and simultaneously function as a filter for solid matter, so the specialist is well aware of the inherent meaning of the plurality of through holes.

[0075] As previously mentioned, edible product capsules, such as coffee capsules, have the advantage of allowing consumers to consume the edible beverage quickly, hygienically, and with high quality. However, the materials most commonly used in the production of edible product capsules, such as plastic and / or aluminum, combined with the organic matter of the edible product inside, make their recycling process very complex and difficult to implement. Developing solutions that reduce the ecological footprint caused by capsule consumption has been a major concern for edible product brands. In this sense, it is also an objective of the present invention to provide more sustainable edible product capsules, presenting a technical solution at the level of the materials used.

[0076] Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the capsule (1) of the invention is formed from fully compostable materials, wherein all the material of the container (2), which is delimited by a side wall (21), a water inlet cover element (22) and an edible product outlet cover element (23), and the material of the filtration structure (3), as well as the set of drainage channels (9), if any, is made of cellulose pulp, such as paper pulp, laminated with a microfilm of a bio-polymer mentioned above. After use, these materials are suitable for disposal in unsorted waste or organic waste. Other sustainable cellulosic materials may be applied to the capsule (1) of the present invention, namely: paper, cardboard, paperboard, among others, or mixtures thereof.

[0077] In other words, the capsule (1) of the invention is laminated internally with a microfilm (5) of a bio-polymer, whose main function is to prevent the edible product from coming into contact with the air, through the cellulosic material itself, since it is a porous material.

[0078] This use of environmentally friendly, more sustainable, and fully compostable materials reduces the negative impact that plastics and aluminum currently have on consumers and the environment.

[0079] It has been surprisingly found that the solution proposed by the present invention has ensured superior organoleptic quality of the beverages produced from the capsules (1) of the invention, as well as providing an effective response to the structural integrity problems that were observed in capsules made of cellulosic material compatible with Dolce Gusto® type systems.

[0080] EXAMPLE

[0081] With reference to Figs. 1 to 9, a coffee capsule (1) comprises a closed, hollow container (2) containing an individual dose of coffee, which is delimited by a side wall (21), a water inlet cover element (22) and a coffee outlet cover element (23), this cover element (23) comprising a coffee outlet (6).

[0082] When in use, the coffee capsule is placed in the capsule compartment of the soluble edible product preparation machine, namely the NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® machine. The capsule (1) is held in said compartment and the machine's opening element, which pierces the capsule's water inlet cover element (22) with a needle-type piercing element, is activated. The water pressure from the machine on the filtration surface (31) of the capsule's filtration structure (3) causes the microfilm (5) arranged over the plurality of through holes (4) to break, thus allowing the coffee to be infused and subsequently exited from the capsule (1) through the outlet (6) of the coffee outlet cover element (23).By means of the design of the capsule (1) of the invention, which includes a microfilm (5) disposed over through holes (4) of a filtration surface (31) belonging to the filtration structure (3) that holds the coffee dose, the water supplied by the machine is mixed with the coffee powder inside the capsule (1) and a pressure buildup occurs inside the container (2) of the capsule (1) and, consequently, the increase in pressure on the microfilm (5) disposed over the through holes (4) forces the rupture of the microfilm (5) and the coffee is released, through the through holes (4) and then through the outlet (6) to the coffee receiving container.

[0083] The resistance of the microfilm (5) until its rupture associated with the diameter of the through holes (4), determines the coffee extraction time.

[0084] Reference Numbers

[0085] 1 - Edible product capsule

[0086] 2 - Sealed capsule container

[0087] 3 - Capsule filtration structure

[0088] 4 - Through holes in the filtration structure

[0089] 5 - Microfilm

[0090] 6 - Edible product output

[0091] 7 - Interior surface of the container

[0092] 8 - Reinforcing collar

[0093] 9 - Set of drainage channels

[0094] 10 - Retention film

[0095] 11 - Individual dose of edible soluble product

[0096] 21 - Container side wall

[0097] 22 - Water inlet cover element

[0098] 23 - Edible product outlet cover element 24 Hollow interior of container

[0099] 31 - Filtration surface

[0100] It should be noted that although the present invention has been described with reference to its preferred embodiments, many modifications and alternatives may be realized by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Edible product capsule (1) comprising a closed container (2), which contains a hollow interior (24) containing an individual dose of a soluble edible product (11), the container (2) being delimited by a side wall (21) of cellulosic material, a water inlet cover element (22) and an edible product outlet cover element (23), wherein the side wall (21), the water inlet cover element (22) and the edible product outlet cover element (23) define an interior surface (7) of the container (2), and wherein the edible product outlet cover element (23) comprises an edible product outlet (6);the capsule (1) characterized by further comprising a filtration structure (3) disposed inside (24) the container (2), between the water inlet cover element (22) and the edible product outlet cover element (23), wherein the filtration structure (3) supports the said individual dose of soluble edible product (11) and comprises: • a filtration surface ( 31 ) comprising a plurality of through holes ( 4 ) and , • at least one microfilm (5) placed over the said through holes (4).

2. Capsule (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that said filtration structure (3) further comprises a reinforcing collar (8) supported on part of the inner surface (7) of the container (2).

3. Capsule (1), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inner surface (7) of the container (2) is partially or totally coated with a microfilm (5).

4. Capsule (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the water inlet cover element (22) and the edible product outlet cover element (23) are made of a cellulosic material.

5. Capsule (1), according to claim 4, characterized in that said cellulosic material is paper pulp.

6. The capsule (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said microfilm (5) is selected from the group consisting of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxybutyrate-co-polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHBHx).

7. The capsule (1), according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the side wall (21) is heat-welded or ultrasonically welded to the water inlet cover element (22).

8. Capsule (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filtration structure (3) is arranged on a part of the inner surface (7) of the container (2) by juxtaposition.

9. Capsule (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filtration structure (3) is disposed on a part of the inner surface (7) of the container (2) by thermal welding or by ultrasonic welding.

10. Capsule (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by further comprising a set of drainage channels (9) arranged in a convergent manner towards the edible product outlet (6), wherein the set of drainage channels (9) is arranged between the filtration structure (3) and said edible product outlet (6).

11. Capsule (1), according to claim 10, characterized in that said set of drainage channels (9) is arranged in the outlet cover element (23).

12. Capsule (1), according to claim 10, characterized in that said set of drainage channels (9) is arranged in the filtration structure (3).

13. Use of the capsule (1) as claimed in claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it is for the preparation of edible products in soluble edible product machines.

14. Use of the capsule (1), according to claim 13, characterized by being for the preparation of espresso coffee, tea, chocolate, chocolate milk or other edible products.

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