U.S. patent application number 12/443432 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-04 for capsule for containing an aromatic essence, process and apparatus that use such capsule.
Invention is credited to Maddalena Ricotti, Massimo Scrivani.
Application Number | 20100025282 12/443432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38984095 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100025282 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ricotti; Maddalena ; et
al. |
February 4, 2010 |
CAPSULE FOR CONTAINING AN AROMATIC ESSENCE, PROCESS AND APPARATUS
THAT USE SUCH CAPSULE
Abstract
The capsule (1) for containing an aromatic essence that can be
used in an apparatus for producing an aromatic beverage comprises a
body having at least one inlet hole (2) and respectively at least
one outlet hole (3), respectively closed by a first and a second
water-soluble caps (4, 5).
Inventors: |
Ricotti; Maddalena;
(Casteggio, IT) ; Scrivani; Massimo; (Casteggio,
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHELDON MAK ROSE & ANDERSON PC
100 Corson Street, Third Floor
PASADENA
CA
91103-3842
US
|
Family ID: |
38984095 |
Appl. No.: |
12/443432 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
October 2, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IT07/00685 |
371 Date: |
March 27, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/524.1 ;
206/524.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/8043 20130101;
B65D 65/466 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/524.1 ;
206/524.7 |
International
Class: |
B65D 65/46 20060101
B65D065/46; B65D 85/804 20060101 B65D085/804 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 4, 2006 |
IT |
MI2006A001911 |
Claims
1. A capsule for containing an aromatic essence that can be used in
an apparatus for producing an aromatic beverage, where the capsule
comprises a body having at least one inlet hole and at least one
outlet hole, and where the capsule is closed by a first
water-soluble cap and a second water-soluble cap.
2. The capsule of claim 1, where the first and second caps are
water-soluble at a different temperature.
3. The capsule of claim 1, where the first cap is water-solubleat a
lower temperature than said second cap.
4. The capsule of claim 1, where the body is made of thermoformed
plastics adapted to be recycled.
5. The capsule of claim 1, where the body is made of completely
biodegradable material.
6. The capsule of claim 1, where the inlet hole and the outlet hole
are countersunk.
7. The capsule of claim 1, where the body further comprises bases
having a surface and a thickness, and where the inlet hole and
outlet hole are recessed with respect to the surface of the bases,
and where the inlet hole and outlet hole extend through the
thickness of the bases.
8. The capsule of claim 7, where the bases have an internal side
and grooves along the internal side for a homogeneous distribution
of water inside the capsule.
9. The capsule of claim 1, where a position of the outlet hole is
positioned next to a corresponding collector of a plurality of
collectors that can be found in a positioning seat of the
apparatus.
10. The capsule of claim 1, where the outlet hole has different
positions that correspond to different types of aromatic essence
contained inside the capsule.
11. (canceled)
12. The capsule of claim 9, where the capsule comprises a recess
whose shape mates with a projection of the positioning seat.
13. The capsule of claim 1, where the capsule is shaped like a
cube.
14. The capsule of claim 1, where the outlet hole has, as
replacement of the second cap, a paper filter or has a removable
protecting tongue, or has both a paper filter and a removable
protecting tongue.
15. The capsule of claim 1, where the outlet hole has, in
combination with the second cap, a paper filter or has a removable
protecting tongues or has both a paper filter and a removable
protecting tongue.
16. The capsule of claim 1, where the inlet hole has, as
replacement of the first cap, a paper filter or has a removable
protecting tongue, or has both a paper filter and a removable
protecting tongue.
17. The capsule of claim 1, where the inlet hole has, in
combination with the first cap, a paper filter or has a removable
protecting tongue, or has both a paper filter and a removable
protecting tongue.
18. The capsule of claim 14, where the paper filter has a layered
structure comprising a first layer of filtering material and a
second layer of water-soluble material.
19. The capsule of claim 1, where the capsule further comprises a
transverse dividing partition separating the capsule into two
chambers, and having calibrated passage holes inside the capsule,
the partition being guided by internal side walls of the body in
order to translate between the inlet hole and the outlet hole due
to a pressure difference existing between the chambers.
20. An apparatus for producing an aromatic beverage with the
capsule of claim 9, where the positioning seat has a plurality of
collectors, and where each collector is associated with a
corresponding outlet hole of the capsule.
21. A process for preparing a beverage with a capsule and an
apparatus for producing an aromatic beverage with a capsule; where
the capsule comprises a body having at least one inlet hole and at
least one outlet hole; where the capsule is closed by a first
water-soluble cap and a second water-soluble cap; where a position
of the outlet hole is positioned next to a corresponding collector
of a plurality of collectors that can be found in a positioning
seat of the apparatus; where the positioning seat has a plurality
of collectors; and where each collector is associated with a
corresponding outlet hole of the capsule where the process
comprises: a) sending to the capsule a first flow of water at a
first temperature at which the first cap melts, but the second cap
does not melt, to allow keeping the first flow of water inside the
capsule for a necessary time for infusion or melting of the
aromatic essence contained in the capsule; and b) sending to the
capsule a second flow of water at a second temperature that is
higher than the first temperature, at which the second cap melts so
that the beverage is delivered outside the capsule.
Description
[0001] The present invention refers to a capsule for containing an
aromatic essence and to a process and an apparatus that use such
capsule for producing an aromatic beverage.
[0002] Automatic or semi-automatic machines, for example for making
coffee, are known in the art, adapted for producing a beverage
through infusion or melting of the essence contained in the
capsule.
[0003] The parts composing the capsules that are commonly used are
generally composed of materials that can hardly or cannot be
recycled.
[0004] In particular, the capsule body, as well as its possible
tongues protecting the inlet and/or outlet capsule holes and the
paper filters covering the inlet and/or outlet holes, generally
cannot be recycled.
[0005] Consequently, traditional capsules, after their use, must be
disposed of in wastes.
[0006] Another inconvenience linked to traditional capsules is that
a risk of contamination occurs for the beverage being produced,
with residuals deriving from the previous operating cycle of the
machine.
[0007] This is unpleasant, even more if the beverage being produced
is a different type from the beverage produced in the previous
cycle, in this case the contamination implying a high decay of the
organoleptic properties of the beverage being produced.
[0008] Object of the present invention, therefore, is providing a
capsule for containing an aromatic essence, a process and an
apparatus that use such capsule for producing an aromatic beverage
that allow removing the above prior art technical
inconveniences.
[0009] Within such technical task, an object of the invention is
providing a capsule for containing an aromatic essence that is
completely able to be recycled.
[0010] Another object of the invention is providing a capsule for
containing an aromatic essence and an apparatus that uses such
capsule for producing an aromatic beverage that are suitable to
avoid that the beverage being produced is contaminated with
residuals deriving from a previous operating cycle of a different
type of beverage.
[0011] Another object of the invention is providing a capsule for
containing an aromatic essence and an apparatus that uses such
capsule for producing an aromatic beverage, that allow optimising
the organoleptic properties of the produced beverage, being it a
hot or cold aromatic beverage, with or without gas, based on tea,
coffee, a tisane, a soup, a thirst-quenching drink, an energising
drink, or a food integrating drink.
[0012] Another object of the invention is providing a capsule for
containing an aromatic essence and an apparatus that uses such
capsule for producing an aromatic beverage, that are structurally
simple and inexpensive, but extremely reliable and functional, and
that can be adapted with flexibility to various uses.
[0013] The above and other tasks and objects according to the
present invention are obtained by providing a capsule for
containing an aromatic essence that can be used in an apparatus for
producing an aromatic beverage, characterised in that it comprises
a body having at least one inlet hole and respectively at least one
outlet hole, respectively closed by a first and a second
water-soluble cap.
[0014] Other characteristics of the present invention are further
defined in the following claims.
[0015] Further features and advantages of the invention will be
better clear from the following description of a preferred, but not
exclusive embodiment of the capsule for producing an aromatic
beverage according to the invention, shown as a non-limiting
example in the enclosed drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the capsule and
the positioning seat of the capsule in the apparatus for producing
the aromatic beverage according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the capsule of FIG. 1
sectioned with a central axial plane; and
[0018] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the capsule of FIG. 1.
[0019] With reference to the mentioned figures, a capsule is shown
for contanining an aromatic essence that can be used in an
apparatus for producing an aromatic beverage, globally designated
with reference number 1.
[0020] The capsule 1 comprises a body having at least one inlet
hole 2 and respectively at least one outlet hole 3, respectively
closed by a first and a second water-soluble caps 4 and 5.
[0021] Preferably, the first and second caps 4 and 5 are
water-soluble at a different temperature, and in particular the
first cap 4 is water-soluble at a lower temperature than the second
cap 5.
[0022] In this way, the apparatus can firstly send into the capsule
1 a first flow of water at a suitable temperature to melt only the
first cap 4, so that said first flow of water remains inside the
capsule 1 for the necessary time to be mixed with the aromatic
essence and melt it or perform the infusion, and secondly a second
flow of water with a higher temperature than the first flow of
water in order to possibly complete the melting or infusion, but
above all for melting the second cap 5 and allowing to deliver the
beverage outside the capsule 1.
[0023] In a preferred arrangement, the body of the capsule is made
of thermoformed plastics that is obtained, as known, through a
simple moulding operation.
[0024] The plastics of which the capsule body is made can be
recycled and therefore, after having used the capsule, since the
first and second caps 4 and 5 have melted, the capsule itself can
be completely recycled.
[0025] According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention,
the capsule 1 is made of completely biodegradable material.
[0026] The capsule 1, therefore, can both be recycled and be
disposed of in an ecologic way without risks of environmental
damages.
[0027] The inlet hole 2 and the outlet hole 3 are countersunk, and
in particular are recessed with respect to the surface of the bases
6 and 7 of the body of the capsule 1 thorugh which thickness they
extend.
[0028] Advantageously, the position of the outlet hole 3 is related
to the position of a corresponding collector 8 of a plurality of
collectors 8 that can be found in a seat 9 of the apparatus for
producing the beverage in which the capsule 1 is placed.
[0029] Different positions of the outlet hole 3 correspond to
different types of aromatic essence contained inside the capsule 1.
The collectors 8 are adapted to be selectively and sealingly
associated each one with its related outlet hole 3 of the capsule 1
when this latter one is placed in its positioning seat 9.
[0030] The capsule 1 provides for means (not shown) for a
compulsory positioning in the positioning seat 9, so that only by
inserting the capsule 1 with its correct orientation, it is
possible to operate the apparatus for producing the beverage.
[0031] The compulsory positioning means can, as an example,
comprise a recess whose shape mates with a projection of the
positioning seat 9 or vice versa.
[0032] In a preferred case, the compulsory positioning means can be
found on a side wall of the capsule 1.
[0033] The above-described arrangement is particularly suitable
when the aromatic essence is water-soluble, and the beverage is
prepared through melting the aromatic essence.
[0034] In an arrangement, not shown, of the capsule 1, particularly
suitable when the aromatic essence is not water-soluble and the
beverage is prepared through infusion of the aromatic essence, for
example powdery coffee, at least the outlet hole 3 has, as
replacement or in combination with the second cap 5, a paper
filter, possibly protected by a tongue, typically made of
aluminium, that can be removed before using the capsule.
[0035] Obviously, in this case, also the inlet hole 2 can have, as
replacement or in combination with the first cap 4, a paper filter,
possibly protected by a tongue, typically made of aluminium, that
can be removed before using the capsule.
[0036] Moreover, in this case, every paper filter can have a
layered structure comprising a first layer made of traditional
material and a second layer made of water-soluble material.
[0037] In every preferred embodiment, the capsule 1 is preferably
shaped as a cube.
[0038] As shown, the bases 6 and 7, in which inlet hole 2 and
outlet hole 3 are obtained, are composed of parallel faces of the
cubic body.
[0039] The bases 6 and 7 are crossed along their internal side by
grooves 10 and 11 that radially depart from the inlet and outlet
holes 2 and 3.
[0040] Such grooves 10 and 11 homogeneously distribute water inside
the capsule 1 to optimise the esence infusion or melting.
[0041] The capsule 1 is preferably divided, transversally to its
axis 16, into two chambers 14 and 15 by a partition 12, also made
of plastic, equipped with calibrated holes 13.
[0042] The partition 12 is freely slidable along the axis 16 of the
capsule 1.
[0043] The aromatic essence is contained in the chamber 15 defined
between partition 12 and base 7 having the outlet hole 3.
[0044] The holes 13 have a cumulative passage surface that is
smaller than the passage surface of the inlet hole 2 in order to
create, in the chamber 14, an overpressure that generates a force
for moving the partition 12 towards the base 7.
[0045] In this way, during the infusion, the aromatic essence is
kept compact and pressed towards the outlet hole 3.
[0046] The moving force can be adjusted by modifying the ratio
between inlet hole 2 surface and cumulative surface of the holes 13
of the partition 12.
[0047] In a different application, the aromatic essence can be
placed also or only in the chamber 14.
[0048] The operation of the apparatus for producing an aromatic
beverage according to the invention appears clear from what has
been described and shown and, in particular, it is substantially as
follows.
[0049] A capsule 1 is selected according to the type of desired
beverage.
[0050] As an example, a capsule 1 containing powdery coffee has its
inlet hole 2 in the centre of the base 6 and its outlet hole 3 in
the centre of the base 7, a capsule 1 containing powdery tea has
its inlet hole 2 in the centre of the base 6 but its outlet hole 3
next to a first edge of the base 7, and so on.
[0051] The recognition of the type of capsule 1 can be also
facilitated by placing thereon an indication, typically a specific
mark and/or colouring.
[0052] Once having performed the choice of a beverage and therefore
of a capsule 1, this latter one is inserted with its correct
orientation in its positioning seat 9.
[0053] The shape of the outlet hole 3 facilitates the sealed
coupling of the corresponding collector 8.
[0054] After having inserted the capsule 1 into its positioning
seat 9, the apparatus delivers the first flow of water that melts
only the first cap 4 and is mixed with the aromatic essence powder,
and only afterwards delivers the second flow of hotter water that
melts also the second cap 5 for making the infuse go out of the
capsule 1.
[0055] If, in the following operating cycle, the production of a
different type of beverage is required, the new capsule 1 will
have, with respect to the previous capsule 1, an outlet hole 3 in
such a different position as to be coupled with a different
collector 8: the infuse outlet path will then be different and will
exclude the possible contamination of the beverage with possible
residuals deriving from the production of the previous
beverage.
[0056] If the capsule 1 has the first cap 4 and the second cap 5
exposed to the environment without any protection, it is
conceivable that the machine, before supplying water to the capsule
1, performs an external pre-washing operation on the capsule 1 with
a suitable flow of pre-washing water.
[0057] The thereby conceived apparatus for producing an infuse of
an aromatic beverage is subjected to numerous modifications and
variations, all falling within the scope of the invention.
Obviously, moreover, also all details can be replaced by other
technically equivalent elements. In practice, the used materials,
in addition to sizes, could be of any type according to needs and
state of the art.
* * * * *