Patent Application
20240017912
The subject of this invention is a capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble beverages, in particular a biodegradable and/or compostable capsule that is self-opening due to an increase in pressure inside the capsule.
In the sector capsules are known for the packaging of concentrated products (e.g., in the form of powder, granules, leaves) in predetermined, single-use doses, for the impromptu preparation of beverages (such as tea, coffee, herbal teas, milk, chocolate, etc.) by means of the introduction, into said capsule, of a fluid under pressure (mostly hot water). The penetration of the essence to be infused or dissolved contained inside the capsule by said flow of hot water, delivered by an extraction machine, results in the impromptu preparation of the beverage.
Different types of automatic or semi-automatic beverage preparation machines are known in the industry.
A first type of machine envisages the perforation of the capsule on both sides, in order to allow the pressurized fluid to be injected into the cup on one side, and the beverage to flow out from the opposite side. This first type of machine is intended for very simple capsules, comprising a cup closed on both sides, respectively by a bottom and a cover.
A second type of machine envisages perforating the capsule only on one side to allow pressurized fluid to be injected into the cup. This second type of machine is in fact intended for complex capsules, comprising a cup equipped with an outlet for the beverage on one side and a closing cover on the opposite side, as well as its own inner opening means. Said opening means, usually in the form of cutting or piercing tips or contours, are activated by increasing the pressure within the cup to pierce or tear an inner sealing disc and thereby allow the beverage to escape from the outlet opening at the bottom of the cup. This type of capsule is rather complex from the construction point of view, especially with regard to the construction of the opening means.
Typically, to make and dispense the beverage, the flow of hot water is injected inside the capsule with a pressure of about 20 atmospheres for a time ranging from to 90 seconds. Thus, the capsules on the market are mainly made of mineral and synthetic materials such as, for example, aluminum and plastic, which provide said capsule with the necessary features to resist mechanical stresses, in particular pressure, and thermal stresses to which it is subjected during use.
As it is well known, these capsules are single-use and once the dispensing of the beverage is over, they become waste which is difficult to dispose of because of the materials from which they are made. In a more environmentally responsible vein, capsules have been made of biodegradable and/or compostable materials, as described for example in WO 2016/139554 A1 aimed at a compostable coffee capsule. As explained in WO 2016/139554 A1, the features that a material must possess in order to be defined as “compostable” are set forth in European Standard EN 13432 “Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation—Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging.” WO 2016/139554 A1 describes a capsule comprising a very simple cup, enclosed by a bottom and a cover, and intended for machines that envisage the simultaneous perforation of the capsule on both sides.
In the sector, biodegradable and/or compostable capsules are known only of the type comprising a cup closed on both sides and intended for machines that envisage the simultaneous perforation of the capsule on both sides.
However, in order to create proper water pressure inside the cartridge and to ensure optimal extraction quality, the opening of the dispensing side of the capsule should only occur after the injection of the pressurized fluid.
In the sector, there is therefore a need for a biodegradable and/or compostable capsule provided with its own inner opening means that are activated only after the injection of the pressurized fluid. As mentioned above, however, this type of capsule is rather complex from the construction point of view, especially with regard to the construction of the opening means. This complexity is accentuated when using biodegradable and/or compostable materials, which are typically characterized by poor mechanical and thermal features.
The object of this invention is to construct a capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble beverages that solves the problems of the prior art while taking into account the needs of the industry.
In particular, it is an object of this invention to provide a biodegradable and/or compostable capsule that is self-opening by the increase of the internal pressure and that is capable of withstanding the mechanical and thermal stresses to which it is subjected during use.
This object is achieved by a capsule for preparing infusion or soluble beverages according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.
The features and advantages of a capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble beverages according to this invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and according to the accompanying figures, wherein:
With reference to the attached figures, a capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble beverages is shown, indicated by the reference number 1.
The capsule 1 comprises a body or cup 2 suitable to define an inner volume V wherein at least one substance S to be infused or dissolved, typically in powder or granular form, is contained.
On one side, the cup 2 is provided with a bottom 3 and on the opposite side with an inlet opening 21 defined by an externally projecting edge 4.
The capsule 1 comprises a cover 6 fastened to the edge 4 to seal the cup 2 on top.
The capsule 1 comprises a sealing disc 5, arranged within the cup 2, which closes the capsule 1. In effect, between the cover 6 and the disc 5 the inner volume V is defined wherein the substance S to be infused or dissolved is contained.
At the bottom 3, the cup 2 is provided with an outlet opening 31 to allow the outflow of the infused beverage.
In the example of
In the example in
The cup 2 comprises therein a base 33, shown for example in
The cup 2 is made of biodegradable and compostable material.
Preferably, the cup 2 is made of compostable material suitable for ensuring dimensional stability and thermal and mechanical resistance. An example of suitable materials for this object are compostable polyesters, particularly polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) and/or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).
In one example, talc is added to the layer of material comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and/or polybutylene succinate (PBS) and/or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The talc content in this layer of material is between 10% and 40%, preferably between 15% and 30%.
Preferably, the cup 2 is made of a compostable material comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and/or polybutylene succinate (PBS).
Preferably, the cup 2 is made of a compostable material comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and/or polybutylene succinate (PBS) having at least one of the following features:
In an example embodiment, the cup 2 is made of a compostable material comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and having at least two of the following features:
In an example embodiment, the cup 2 is made of a compostable material comprising polybutylene succinate (PBS) and having at least two of the following features:
In an example embodiment, the cup 2 is made of a compostable material comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and having at least two of the following features:
Said features make it possible to obtain a compostable cup 2 with high thermal and mechanical resistance that may be penetrated by a flow of liquid at high temperature (between 90° and 95° C.) and pressure (between 10 and 12 bar) for the entire dispensing time (about 1 minute) without softening and deforming (e.g. at the bottom and at the nozzle) and without breaking (e.g. at the side walls).
Preferably, the cup 2 has a wall thickness between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm.
The cup 2 is made of compostable material, which is typically characterized by poor mechanical and thermal properties. Therefore, the bottom 3 of the cup 2 has been externally reinforced with outer reinforcement fins 81. Said outer reinforcement fins are arranged at the labyrinth portion 320. Preferably, the outer reinforcement fins 81 extend radially and form a uniform circumferential succession. Preferably, the outer reinforcement fins 81 are provided in large numbers to provide adequate support for the bottom 3 when the pressure inside the cup 2 increases. For example, the outer reinforcement fins 81 are provided in a number greater than 15.
Moreover, in the variant embodiment of
The cover 6 is also made of biodegradable and compostable material.
Preferably, the cover 6 is a multilayer compostable material having at least one layer that acts as an oxygen and/or vapor barrier. For example, said barrier layer is the top outer layer, made of metallized cellulose.
Preferably, the cover 6 has at least one layer made of compostable material comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and/or polybutylene succinate (PBS) and/or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). For example, said layer is the lower outer layer in order to provide a compostable material compatible with the welding to the cup 2.
Preferably, the cover 6 is made of a multilayer compostable material having at least one of the following features:
The disc 5 is made of biodegradable and compostable material.
In the variant in
In the variants in
Preferably, the disc 5 is a multilayer compostable material having at least one layer that acts as an oxygen and/or vapor barrier. For example, said barrier layer is an intermediate layer made of metallized cellulose or metallized cellophane.
Preferably, the disc 5 has at least one layer made of a compostable material suitable to be in contact with the food substance contained in the cup 2. For example, such a layer is the top outer layer, made of paper or cellophane.
Preferably, the disc 5 has at least one compostable material layer comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and/or polybutylene succinate (PBS). For example, said layer is the lower outer layer in order to provide a compostable material compatible with welding to the cup 2.
Preferably, the disc 5 is a multilayer compostable material having at least one of the following features:
Said features make it possible to obtain a compostable disc 5 with high thermal and mechanical resistance that may withstand the action of a flow of liquid at high temperature (between 90° and 95° C.) and pressure (between 10 and 12 bar) for the entire dispensing time (about 1 minute) without softening and deforming completely to such an extent that it does not allow the capsule to open correctly or even it adheres completely to the base 33 of the cup 2, closing the discharge passageway of the beverage.
In the variant of
As shown in
The base 33 is provided, between the perimeter edge 360 and the labyrinth portion 320, with a collection depression 330 suitable to collect the infused beverage and allowing it to flow toward the labyrinth portion 320. The collection depression 330 defines a space suitable to accommodate, without obstructing it, the deformation of the sealing disc 5, or at least a portion thereof, when the pressure exerted by the fluid within the capsule 1 reaches a certain opening threshold level.
The base 33 is further provided, between the labyrinth portion 320 and the central portion 310, with a conveying depression 340 suitable to collect the infused beverage and allow it to flow, through the at least one outlet opening 31, to the outside of the capsule 1.
The labyrinth portion 320 has a plurality of capillary channels 421 that allow the beverage to flow toward the outlet opening 31 and then out of the capsule 1. Conversely, said capillary channels 421 prevent the passage of the beverage when the pressure inside the capsule 1 drops below a threshold value, to prevent the beverage from dripping at the end of dispensing.
Each capillary channel 421 connects the collection depression 330 with the conveying depression 340.
The capillary channel 421 is closed at the top by the disc 5 made of compostable material, which typically has poor mechanical and thermal properties. When the disc 5 is a flexible film made of compostable material, as the pressure and temperature in the capsule 1 increases, it tends to soften and adhere to the contour of the base 33.
Thus, the capillary channels 421 have been made with a smaller cross section, to avoid possible obstructions by the sealing disc, and with an elevated length, to ensure an effective anti-drip effect.
Preferably, the capillary channel 421 has a zigzag or “square wave” pattern.
Preferably, the labyrinth 30 comprises a number of capillary channels 421 between 10 and 40, preferably between 20 and 30.
The labyrinth portion 320 comprises capillary channels 421 separated by dividers 322 on which the sealing disc 5 is permanently attached. Preferably, the surface occupied by the dividers 322 is greater than the surface occupied by the capillary channels 421 to adequately support the sealing disc 5 made of compostable material.
As mentioned above, when the disc 5 is a flexible film of compostable material, as the pressure and temperature in the capsule 1 increases, it tends to soften and adhere to the contour of the base 33.
Therefore, the capsule 1 is provided, at the base 33, with supports 90 suitable to keep the sealing disc 5 raised during the self-opening phase so that it does not adhere completely to the bottom of the collection depression 330, thus preventing the discharge of the beverage. Preferably, the supports 90 are radial protrusions arranged at the bottom of the collection depression 330.
Preferably, the capsule 1 is provided, at the base 33, with supports 350 on which the sealing disc 5 is fastened or at least supported during the pre-opening phase. Preferably, the supports 90 are circular arc protuberances projecting from the bottom of the collection depression 330. When provided, the supports 350 define a plurality of recesses 351 or compartments therebetween. In particular, a recess 351 is defined between a pair of adjacent supports 350. The recess 351 defines a space suitable to accommodate, without obstructing it, the deformation of at least a portion of the sealing disc 5 when the pressure exerted by the fluid within the capsule 1 reaches a certain opening threshold level. The recess 351 defines a preferred space for the deformation of the disc 5.
Preferably, when the substance S is ground coffee, the capsule 1 comprises a filter 7 fastened below the substance 11, just above the disc 5.
The filter 7 is made of biodegradable and compostable material.
Preferably, the filter 7 is made of paper fiber or cellulose and comprises polylactic acid (PLA) and/or polybutylene succinate (PBS) at least on the lower side to provide a compostable material compatible with the welding to the cup 2.
Preferably, when the substance S is ground coffee, the capsule 1 comprises a film 8, permeable or micro-perforated, fastened at some distance above the substance S, below the cover 6. The film 8 is equipped with holes to allow the uniform passage of the injected fluid from the machine toward the food powder.
The film 8 is made of biodegradable and compostable material.
Preferably, the film 8 is made of polylactic acid (PLA) and/or polybutylene succinate (PBS) at least on the lower side to provide a compostable material compatible with welding to the cup 2.
As shown in
The disc 5 is fastened to the base 33 in an at least partially releasable manner such that it at least partially detaches therefrom by the increase in pressure within the volume V in which the food substance S is contained.
The disc 5 is fastened, either permanently or releasably, to the perimeter edge 360.
The disc 5 is permanently fastened to the labyrinth portion 320 and the central portion 310.
In use, the capsule 1 is inserted into a slot provided in the extraction machine, which pierces the cover 6 and introduces a pressurized fluid (mostly hot water) into the inner volume V in which the substance S is contained. The presence of the sealing disc 5 closing the bottom 3 of the capsule 1 allows the pressurized fluid to remain for a certain time interval in contact with the substance 11 to be infused or dissolved, ensuring an optimal beverage. The pressure exerted by the fluid inside the capsule 1 rises until it reaches a certain threshold level, or opening pressure (e.g., between 4 and 8 bars), which pushes on the disc 5 until it causes the self-opening that allows for the outflow of the beverage.
In particular, as shown in
In the variant embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown in
The disc 5 is permanently fastened to the base 33, i.e., at least to the perimeter edge 360 and to the labyrinth portion 320. As seen in
As discussed above, when the disc 5 is a flexible film made of compostable material, as the pressure and temperature in the capsule 1 increases, it tends to soften and adhere to the contour of the base 33. Thus, in the capsule 1, the disc 5 comprises a rigid portion and a flexible portion joined together. This reduces the risk of the disc 5 softening and adhering completely to the base.
Preferably, the edge of the flexible portion is fastened below the edge of the rigid portion. As a result of the increase in pressure within the capsule 1, the flexible portion of the disc 5 deforms and separates at least partially from the rigid portion causing the previously provided sealing effect to fail and opening at least one passageway P for the outflow of the beverage.
In the example in
In the example of
In the variant embodiment of
In the variant embodiment of
A capsule according to this invention is usable for packaging concentrated products (in the form of powder or granules or leaves) in predetermined, single-use doses, for the impromptu preparation of beverages such as leaf or soluble tea, ground or instant coffee, herbal teas, milk, chocolate, or other dehydrated and soluble products.
Innovatively, a capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble beverages according to this invention is fully biodegradable and compostable and provided with its own inner opening means which are activated only later with respect to the injection of the pressurized fluid.
Advantageously, the biodegradable and compostable capsule according to this invention is self-opening by increasing the internal pressure and is able to withstand the mechanical and thermal stresses to which it is subjected during use.
Advantageously, the biodegradable and compostable capsule according to this invention is provided with reinforcements on the bottom to resist the mechanical and thermal stresses to which it is subjected during use.
Advantageously, the biodegradable and compostable capsule according to this invention is self-opening by the at least partial deformation of a partially rigid sealing disc to resist the mechanical and thermal stresses to which it is subjected during use.
It is understood that a person skilled in the art could make modifications to the capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble beverages described above, all of which are contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102020000030299 | Dec 2020 | IT | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2021/061495 | 12/9/2021 | WO |
