U.S. patent application number 13/994658 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-13 for two-material capsule.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alain Frydman. Invention is credited to Alain Frydman.
Application Number | 20140069280 13/994658 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43640065 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140069280 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frydman; Alain |
March 13, 2014 |
TWO-MATERIAL CAPSULE
Abstract
This capsule (1000) comprises a body (1004) in the form of a cup
and a seal (1006) delimiting together a chamber (1008) containing a
substance for preparing a drink. The body (1004) comprises: an
outer substantially frusto-conical side wall (1010), a base (1012)
made in the same material with the side wall (1010) and closing the
side wall (1010) at a rear end (1020) of the body (1004), and an
annular rim (1016) extending radially outwards from the side wall
(1010) and delimiting the front end (1022) of the body (1004). The
seal (1006) closes the outer side wall (1010) at the front end
(1022). The base (1012) and the wall (1010) are made in a first
plastic material, the annular rim (1016) being formed in a second
plastic material different from the first plastic material.
Inventors: |
Frydman; Alain; (Paris,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Frydman; Alain |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
43640065 |
Appl. No.: |
13/994658 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
June 9, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR11/51321 |
371 Date: |
November 19, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
99/295 ;
426/112 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/8043 20130101;
A47J 31/3623 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
99/295 ;
426/112 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 11, 2010 |
FR |
1054651 |
Jun 11, 2010 |
FR |
1054652 |
Jun 11, 2010 |
FR |
1054653 |
Dec 16, 2010 |
FR |
10306432.5 |
Dec 16, 2010 |
FR |
10306436.6 |
Claims
1. A capsule for extracting a pressurized drink, the capsule
comprising a body in the form of a cup and a seal delimiting
together a chamber containing a substance for preparing a drink,
the body comprising: an outer substantially frusto-conical side
wall, a base, made in the same material as the outer side wall and
closing the outer side wall at a rear end of the body, and an
annular rim extending radially outwards from the outer side wall
and delimiting the front end of the body, the seal closing the
outer side wall at the front end, the capsule being adapted so as
to be positioned in an extraction device so that a pressurized
extraction liquid penetrates into the capsule through the base and
flows out therefrom through the seal characterized in that the base
and the wall are made in a first plastic material, the annular rim
being formed in a second plastic material, different from the first
plastic material.
2. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the first plastic
material is polyamide.
3. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the second plastic
material is polyurethane.
4. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the second plastic
material is a thermoplastic elastomer.
5. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the second plastic
material is thermoplastic polyurethane.
6. The capsule according to claim 1, the second plastic material is
an elastomerized polyamide.
7. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the outer side wall
comprises an inner surface, oriented towards the chamber, and an
outer surface opposite to the inner surface, the outer surface
defining a shoulder for connecting the annular rim to the outer
side wall.
8. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the outer side wall
defines a groove for connecting the annular rim to the outer side
wall, the annular rim including an annular protrusion cooperating
with the groove for reinforcing the connection of the annular rim
to the outer side wall.
9. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the first plastic
material is not colored in the bulk.
10. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the second plastic
material is colored in the bulk.
11. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the base is formed by
a peripheral region delimiting a rear end of the body, and by a
central region entering towards the inside of the capsule
relatively to the rear end while defining a recess outside the
body, the central region comprising at least an area of lower
strength intended to at least partly break under the pressure of a
pressurized liquid.
12. The capsule according to claim 11, wherein said or each area of
lower strength is adapted so as to break at a pressure of the
pressurized liquid comprised between 1 and 3 bars.
13. The capsule according to claim 11, wherein before breakage of
said or each area of lower strength, the base and the outer side
wall of the body are impervious to air and to liquids.
14. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the seal comprises a
filter and a membrane.
15. The capsule according to claim 14, wherein the filter is set
back from the front end of the body towards the chamber, the
membrane extending along the front end.
16. The capsule according to claim 15, wherein the gap between the
filter and the membrane is filled with nitrogen.
17. The capsule according to claim 14, wherein the membrane is
peelable.
18. A system comprising a capsule according to claim 1 and an
extraction device including a housing intended for receiving the
capsule, a support, and a conduit for supplying a pressurized
extraction liquid.
Description
[0001] The present relates to a capsule for extracting a
pressurized drink, of the type comprising a body in the form of a
cup and a seal delimiting together a chamber containing a substance
for preparing a drink, the body comprising: [0002] an external side
wall which is substantially frusto-conical, [0003] a base, made
from the same material as the external side wall and closing the
external side wall at a rear end of the body, and [0004] an annular
rim extending radially outwards from the external side wall and
delimiting the front end of the body, the seal closing the external
side wall at the front end, the capsule being adapted so as to be
placed in an extraction device so that a pressurized extraction
fluid penetrates into the capsule through the base and exits
therefrom through the seal.
[0005] FR 2 373 999 describes such a capsule intended to be used in
a device for extracting drinks, in order to produce a drink such as
coffee.
[0006] However, there is a risk that such a capsule collapses
during the closing of the device for drink extraction and/or for
injection of the pressurized liquid.
[0007] Further, such capsules are particularly expensive to
produce, in particular when they are produced in large series.
[0008] Further, it is difficult to be able to have both a capsule
which is inert towards the substance contained in the chamber and
to mark the capsule with a distinctive mark giving the possibility
of distinguishing without any ambiguity the substance contained in
the chamber.
[0009] Finally, when such a capsule is used in an extraction device
including a housing for receiving the capsule and a support against
which the capsule is applied, the seal is flattened against the
support, which prevents satisfactory flow of the liquid through the
capsule.
[0010] An object of the invention is to provide a capsule with
reduced cost. Other objects of the invention are to propose a
capsule made in a material which is inert towards the substance and
bearing a distinctive mark giving the possibility of easily
identifying the substance contained in the chamber, of proposing a
capsule compatible with many drink extraction devices, and of
providing a capsule allowing limitation of the risk of collapse
while allowing extraction of a drink.
[0011] For this purpose, a first aspect of the invention relates to
a capsule of the aforementioned type, wherein the base and the wall
are made in a first plastic material, the annular rim being formed
in a second plastic material different from the first plastic
material.
[0012] According to other embodiments, said capsule includes one or
more of the following features, taken individually or according to
any technically possible combination(s): [0013] the first plastic
material is polyamide, [0014] the second plastic material is
polyurethane, [0015] the second plastic material is a thermoplastic
elastomer, [0016] the second plastic material is thermoplastic
polyurethane, [0017] the second plastic material is an
elastomerized polyamide, [0018] the external side wall comprises an
inner surface, oriented towards the chamber and an external
surface, opposite to the inner surface, the external surface
defining a shoulder for connecting the annular rim to the external
side wall, [0019] the external side wall defines a groove for
connecting the annular rim to the external side wall, the annular
rim including an annular protrusion cooperating with the groove in
order to reinforce the connection of the annular rim to the
external side wall, [0020] the first plastic material is not
colored in the bulk, [0021] the second plastic material is colored
in the bulk, [0022] the base is formed by a peripheral region
delimiting a rear end of the body, and by a central region entering
the inside of the capsule relatively to the rear end while defining
a recess outside the body, the central region comprising at least
one area with lower strength intended to at least partly break
under the pressure of a pressurized liquid, [0023] said or each
area of lower strength is adapted so as to break at a pressure of
the pressurized liquid comprised between 1 and 3 bars, [0024]
before breakage of said or each area of lower strength, the base
and the external side wall of the body are impervious to air and to
liquids, [0025] the seal comprises a filter and a membrane, [0026]
the filter is set back from the front end of the body, towards the
chamber, the membrane extending along the front end, [0027] the
space between the filter and the membrane is filled with nitrogen,
[0028] the membrane is peelable.
[0029] A second aspect of the invention relates to a capsule for
extracting a pressurized drink of the type comprising a body in the
form of a cup and a seal delimiting a chamber containing a
substance for preparing a drink, the body comprising a
substantially frusto-conical side wall and a base made in the same
material as the side wall and closing the side wall at one end, the
seal closing the other end of the side wall, the capsule being
adapted so as to be placed in an extraction device so that a
pressurized extraction fluid penetrates into the capsule through
the seal and exits therefrom through the seal, characterized in
that the base includes a central region including an annular rib
for reinforcing the base protruding towards the inside of the body
and delimiting an annular trench on the outside of the body.
[0030] According to other embodiments, said capsule includes one or
more of the following features, taken individually or according to
any technically possible combination(s): [0031] the central region
has at least one area of lower strength intended to at least partly
break under the pressure of a pressurized liquid; [0032] the
annular rib has a U-section defined by two side portions connected
through a base, at least one weakened area being defined in the
base; [0033] the annular rib defines a central stud surrounded by
the annular trench, the central stud comprising at least one area
of lower strength; [0034] the base comprises a rounded peripheral
region with concavity turned towards the inside of the body; [0035]
the base and the side wall of the body are impervious to air and to
water; [0036] the body includes an annular rim extending radially
outwards from the side wall, the rim defining an end of the capsule
opposite to the base; [0037] the seal comprises a filter; [0038]
the seal comprises a membrane impervious to air and to water; and
[0039] the membrane is provided with weakened lines for opening the
membrane under the effect of the sole pressure of a pressurized
fluid.
[0040] A third aspect of the invention relates to a capsule for
extracting a pressurized drink, of the type comprising a body in
the form of a cup and an outlet filter delimiting a chamber
containing a substance for preparing a drink, the capsule
comprising a leakproof outlet membrane, the body comprising a base
delimiting a rear end of the body and a substantially
frusto-conical side wall extending from the base as far as an open
front end of the body, the membrane closing the front end, the
capsule being adapted so as to be placed in an extraction device so
that a pressurized extraction liquid penetrates into the capsule
through the base and exits therefrom through the outlet membrane,
characterized in that the filter and the membrane are set back
relatively to the front end of the body.
[0041] According to other embodiments, said capsule includes one or
more of the following characteristics, taken individually or
according to any technically possible combination(s): [0042] the
side wall includes an internal shoulder set back relatively to the
front end of the body, the filter and the membrane being attached
on the internal shoulder. [0043] the set-back distance of the
outlet membrane relatively to the front end is greater than 1 mm;
[0044] the outlet membrane is impervious to air and to water;
[0045] the outlet membrane is capable of tearing under the effect
of the sole pressure of a liquid, so as to allow outflow of a
liquid crossing the capsule; [0046] the outlet membrane includes at
least one breakage line; [0047] the outlet filter is placed between
the chamber and the outlet membrane; [0048] the filter and the
outlet membrane are placed side by side; [0049] the outlet filter
is in a woven or perforated plastic material; and [0050] the
membrane is a film in a plastic or metal material, in particular in
aluminum.
[0051] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to the system
comprising a capsule according to the first, second or third aspect
of the invention, and an extraction device including a housing
intended for receiving the capsule, a support and a conduit for
supplying an extraction liquid.
[0052] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a system, of the
type comprising a drink extraction device and a capsule for
extracting a pressurized drink, the capsule comprising a body in
the form of a cup and a seal delimiting a chamber containing a
substance for preparing a drink, the body comprising a
substantially frusto-conical side wall and a base closing the side
wall at one end, the seal closing the other end of the side wall,
the capsule being adapted so as to be placed in the extraction
device so that a pressurized extraction liquid penetrates into the
capsule through the base and exits therefrom through the seal, the
drink extraction device including an element for receiving a
capsule having an inner side face, characterized in that the
capsule is adapted so that the base produces a contact against the
receiving element along a closed annular contact line.
[0053] According to other embodiments, said system includes one or
more of the following features, taken individually or according to
any technically possible combination(s): [0054] the capsule and the
receiving element are configured so that the receiving element
exerts a compressive force on the base of the capsule, the base
and/or the side wall of the capsule being adapted so as to deform
under the effect of this force; [0055] the side wall and/or the
base of the body radially expands under the effect of the force
exerted by the receiving element of the extraction device, so as to
ensure contact between the side wall of the body of the capsule and
the inner side face of the receiving element; [0056] the base of
the body of the capsule comprises a rounded peripheral region with
concavity turned towards the inside of the body; [0057] the base of
the capsule comprises an annular peripheral region and a central
region comprising an annular trench, the contact line being defined
on the peripheral region; [0058] the contact line is defined by an
external edge of the trench at the junction between the trench and
the peripheral region; [0059] the external edge of the trench is
angled; [0060] the body of the capsule includes an annular rim at
the end of the side wall opposite to the base, the annular rim
being at least partly tilted towards the front of the capsule, on
the side opposite to the base; [0061] the rim of the body of the
capsule is frusto-conical, widening towards the front; and [0062]
the rim of the body of the capsule is curved towards the front.
[0063] A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a capsule for
extracting a pressurized drink, of the type comprising a body in
the form of a cup and a seal delimiting a chamber containing a
substance for preparing a drink, the body comprising a
substantially frusto-conical side wall and a base closing the side
wall at a first end, the seal closing the second end of the side
wall, the capsule being adapted so as to be placed in the
extraction device so that a pressurized extraction liquid
penetrates into the capsule through the base and exits therefrom
through the seal, characterized in that the capsule is adapted so
that the base produces a contact against a capsule-receiving
element of an extraction device, along a closed annular contact
line.
[0064] According to other embodiments, said capsule includes one or
more of the following features, taken individually or according to
any technically possible combination(s): [0065] the capsule is
adapted so that, when an axial force is applied on the base of the
body, at least one annular area of the side wall and/or of the base
expands radially outwards; [0066] the base of the body of the
capsule comprises a rounded peripheral region with concavity turned
towards the inside of the body; [0067] the base is adapted so as to
deform under the effect of an axially exerted force on the latter;
[0068] the base of the capsule comprises an annular peripheral
region and a central region comprising an annular trench, the
contact line being defined on the peripheral region; [0069] the
contact line is defined by an external edge of the trench, at the
junction between the trench and the peripheral region; [0070] the
external edge of the trench is angled; [0071] the body of the
capsule includes an annular rim at the end of the side wall
opposite to the base, the annular rim being at least partly tilted
towards the front of the capsule, on the side opposite to the base;
[0072] the rim of the body of the capsule is frusto-conical,
widening towards the front; [0073] the rim of the body of the
capsule is curved towards the front; and [0074] the body is made as
one piece in a plastic material or derived from plastic, or in
metal.
[0075] Finally, a seventh and last aspect of the invention relates
to an extraction method by means of a system according to the fifth
aspect of the invention, characterized in that the method includes
the following steps: [0076] installation of the capsule in the
drink extraction device; [0077] application by the receiving
element of the extraction device, of a force (F) on the base of the
capsule; [0078] deformation of the base and/or of the side wall of
the body of the capsule, a portion of the base and/or of the side
wall producing a contact along a closed line with the receiving
element of the extraction device; and [0079] injection of
extraction liquid into the capsule with liquid injection means of
the extraction device.
[0080] The invention will be better understood upon reading the
description which follows only given as an example and made with
reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
[0081] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first alternative
of a capsule according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0082] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the capsule of
FIG. 1;
[0083] FIG. 3 is a front view of the capsule of FIG. 1;
[0084] FIGS. 4 and 5 are views of the capsule of FIG. 1, installed
in an extraction device in the partly open and closed
configurations, respectively;
[0085] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second
alternative of the capsule according to the first embodiment;
[0086] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a third
alternative of the capsule according to the first embodiment;
[0087] FIG. 8 is a view of the capsule of FIG. 6, installed in an
extraction device in the closed configuration;
[0088] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first alternative of a
capsule according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0089] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the capsule of
FIG. 9;
[0090] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the capsule of FIG. 9;
[0091] FIG. 12 is a view of a detail marked as XII in FIG. 10;
[0092] FIG. 13 is a view of a detail marked as XIII in FIG. 10;
[0093] FIG. 14 is a view of the capsule of FIG. 8, installed in a
first extraction device in the closed configuration;
[0094] FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14, the capsule being
installed in a second extraction device in the closed
configuration;
[0095] FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second
alternative of a capsule according to the second embodiment;
[0096] FIG. 17 is a view of a detail marked as XVII in FIG. 16;
[0097] FIG. 18 is a rear view of a third alternative of a capsule
according to the second embodiment;
[0098] FIG. 19 is a rear view of a fourth alternative of a capsule
according to the second embodiment;
[0099] FIG. 20 is a rear view of a fifth alternative of a capsule
according to the second embodiment;
[0100] FIG. 21 is a rear view of a sixth alternative of a capsule
according to the second embodiment, and
[0101] FIG. 22 is a rear view of a seventh alternative of a capsule
according to the second embodiment.
[0102] The capsule 1 according to a first embodiment of the
invention, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, includes a hollow body 4
and an outlet seal 6 delimiting together an inner chamber 8
containing a substance (not shown) for preparing a drink.
[0103] The body 4 has a general shape of a cup and comprises a side
wall 10, a base 12 a closed rear end 20 of the body 4, and an
annular rim 16 surrounding an open front end 22 of the body 4.
[0104] The body 4 is made in one piece. The side wall 10, the base
12 and the annular rim 16 are made in the same material. The body 4
is made in a material impervious to air and water, for example in a
plastic material or derived from plastic, or in metal.
[0105] The side wall 10 extends from the base 12 along a
longitudinal axis X as far as the front end 22 of the body 4.
[0106] The side wall 10 comprises an inner shoulder 14. The
shoulder 14 extends in a radial plane and is oriented towards the
front.
[0107] The side wall 10 is substantially frusto-conical and
axisymmetrical around the longitudinal axis X. The side wall 10
comprises a relatively flexible rear segment 18 extending from the
base 12 and a relatively stiff front segment 19 axially extending
the rear segment 18. The front segment 19 has an axially increasing
thickness, greater than that of the rear segment 18.
[0108] The base 12 has a peripheral region 23, extending radially
inwards from the side wall 10, and a central region 24.
[0109] The peripheral region 23 is rounded. It extends radially
inwards and axially rearwards from the side wall 10 and has
concavity turned towards the inside of the body 4.
[0110] The central region 24 comprises an annular rib 26 axially
protruding towards the inside of the body 4 from the peripheral
region 23. The annular rib 26 defines an open annular trench 28 on
the outside of the body 4 rearwards. The annular rib 26 defines a
hollow central stud 30 axially protruding from the base of the
annular trench 28 while defining a recess inside the body 4.
[0111] The central region 24 has at least one area of lower
strength 32 intended to break under the effect of a pressurized
fluid. The areas of lower strength 32 are for example provided as
areas with smaller thickness of the central region 24, for example
defined by indentations made in the central region 24.
[0112] The areas of lower strength 32 are provided in walls of the
annular rib 26 and/or on the central stud 30.
[0113] In the illustrated example, the annular rib 26 comprises a
tubular external portion 36 extending axially towards the inside
from the peripheral region 23, a tubular internal portion 34
delimiting a side face of the central stud 30 and a base portion 38
extending radially between the external portion 36 and the internal
portion 34 giving the annular rib 26 a substantially U-shaped
cross-section.
[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 2, areas of lower strength 32 are
provided in the base portion 38 and in the central stud 30 as areas
with smaller thickness.
[0115] Alternatively, the central region 24 is without any area of
lower strength 32 in the central stud 30. Alternatively or
optionally, the annular rib 26 has areas of lower strength 32 in
the external portion 36 and/or the internal portion 34.
[0116] In another possible alternative different from the one of
the FIG. 2 by the shape of the annular rib 26, the external portion
36 and the internal portion 34 converge while giving the annular
rib 26 a substantially V-shaped cross section. In this case, areas
of lower strength 32 may be provided in the external portion 36,
the internal portion 34 and/or the central stud 30.
[0117] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the annular trench 28 has an
angled outer edge 44, preferably beveled, at the junction between
the annular rib 26 and the peripheral region 23. The outer edge 44
delimits the rear end 20 of the capsule 1. The central stud 30 is
axially set back towards the inside of the body 4 relatively to the
outer edge 44.
[0118] Preferably, the peripheral region 23 has an overthickness
along the outer edge 44, so as to reinforce the outer edge 44. The
peripheral region 23 for example has increasing thickness from the
side wall 10 towards the outer edge 44.
[0119] The internal shoulder 14 is annular and protrudes radially
from the side wall 10 towards the inside of the body 4. It is
axially set back towards the inside of the body 4 relatively to the
front end 22 of the body 4 and to the annular rim 16.
[0120] The seal 6 is attached through its periphery on the internal
shoulder 14 so that the seal 6 is placed set back axially towards
the inside of the body 4 relatively to a front end 22 of the body
4. Preferably the set-back distance of the seal 6 relatively to the
front end 22 of the body 4 is greater than 1 mm.
[0121] The seal 6 closes the front end 22 of the body 4. The seal 6
comprises an outlet filter 49 capable of letting through a
pressurized fluid while retaining the substance contained in the
chamber 8. The filter 49 is in porous filter paper, in woven
plastic material or in a perforated plastic film.
[0122] The seal 6 further comprises a membrane 50 impervious to air
and to water, lining the filter 49. The membrane 50 has weakened
lines 52 so that the membrane 50 is capable of tearing under the
sole effect of the pressure of a liquid. In the example illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 3, the weakened lines 52 form a cross.
Alternatively, they form a circle, circular arcs, or any other
suitable shape for allowing optimum tearing of the membrane 50.
[0123] The filter 49 is placed between the chamber 8 and the
membrane 50. The filter 49 and the membrane 50 are placed side by
side. The filter 49 and the membrane 50 for example appear in the
form of a bilayer complex film.
[0124] The annular rim 16 extends radially outwards from the side
wall 10. The annular rim 16 defines the front end 22 of the body 4.
The rim 16 has a free marginal region 54. It does not support any
added seal element or any deformable seal relief. As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 to 3, the annular rim 16 is substantially planar.
[0125] The capsule 1 is intended to be placed in an extraction
device 350, illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0126] The extraction device 350 includes a hollow receiving
element 352 delimiting a housing 353 for receiving the capsule 1,
and a support 354. It is capable of being maneuvered in an open
configuration in which the receiving element 352 and the support
354 are spaced apart from each other in order to introduce the
capsule 1 into the receiving element 352, and a closed position,
illustrated in FIG. 5, in which the receiving element 352 and the
support 354 are brought closer to each other, in order to inject
the extraction liquid into the capsule 1. In FIG. 4, the device 350
is illustrated in an intermediate configuration in which it is
partly open, but however not sufficiently open for allowing
introduction of the capsule 1.
[0127] The housing 353 has an inner side face 360, a housing base
370 and a conduit 372 for supplying an extraction fluid, opening
onto the base of the housing 370, substantially at the center and
an aperture 376 for introducing the capsule 1.
[0128] The inner side face 360 is axisymmetrical around a
longitudinal axis Y. In the illustrated example, it is
substantially frusto-conical. When the capsule 1 is placed in the
extraction device 350, the longitudinal axis X of the capsule 1 and
Y of the housing 353 substantially coincide.
[0129] The receiving element 352 has an annular edge 380
surrounding the aperture 376.
[0130] The capsule 1 has a sufficient axial length so that, in the
closed configuration of the extraction device 350, the capsule 1
through its annular rim 16 bears against the support 354 and
through its base 12 against the housing base 370 along a closed
annular contact line 122, preferably defined on the peripheral
region 23 along the outer edge 44 of the annular trench 28.
[0131] The capsule 1 is advantageously adapted so as to elastically
deform under the effect of an axial compressive force F in order to
ensure sufficient contact between the base 12 and the housing base
370.
[0132] Optionally, the capsule 1 is adapted so that, under the
effect of the axial compressive force F, at least one annular area
130 of the base 12 and/or of the side wall 10 of the capsule 1
radially expands outwards so as to ensure additional contact 128
with the side face 360 of the housing 353, along a closed annular
contact line.
[0133] The method for extracting the capsule 1 with the extraction
device 350 will now be described.
[0134] The capsule 1 is first placed in the device 350 in the open
configuration, and the device 350 is then maneuvered so as to move
into the closed configuration.
[0135] During this displacement towards the closed configuration,
the capsule 1 will, through its annular rim 16, bear against the
support 354 and then the receiving element 352 axially bears upon
the base 12 of the capsule 1, so that the contact 122 is created,
and the body 4 deforms in its entirety so that the contact 128 is
created with the receiving element 352 of the device 350.
[0136] Once the device 350 is in a closed configuration, the
extraction fluid is injected under pressure through the conduit
372. Under the effect of the pressure of the extraction fluid, the
areas of lower strength 32 of the central region 24 of the base 12
break and the extraction fluid penetrates into the capsule 1.
[0137] The liquid pressure in the capsule 1 then increases and
under the effect of this pressure, the outlet membrane 50 is torn.
The fluid then escapes out of the capsule 1 crossing the seal 6
while being filtered by the filter 49.
[0138] By means of the invention, the base reinforced by an annular
rib gives the possibility of making the body of the capsule in a
relatively flexible, deformable material without the base
collapsing towards the inside of the capsule under the effect of
the fluid pressure. The convexity of the base allows definition of
a resistance and an elastically deformable base, with a large
volume of the chamber giving the possibility of loading a larger
amount of substance into the capsule. The rib delimiting in the
outer face an annular trench allows improvement in the injection of
the extraction liquid into the capsule. The presence of an annular
rim gives the possibility of increasing the stability of the
capsule on the support of the extraction device.
[0139] The capsule has a body in the form of a cup, the base of
which is impervious to air and to water, the body being closed by a
seal impervious to air and to water. The seal of the capsule gives
the possibility of keeping the substance away from air and
humidity. The seal has a membrane which tears under the effect of
the pressurized fluid allowing suitable opening of the seal from a
determined pressure level, with a beneficial delay effect for
quality extraction. The seal set back axially towards the inside of
the body avoids any interference with the support of the extraction
device before opening the membrane, and thus allows controlled
opening of the capsule. The membrane associated with a filter gives
the possibility of ensuring extraction of the substance under
satisfactory pressure conditions with effective retention of the
substance inside the capsule. The seal provided as a complex film
facilitates the making of the capsule at a low cost.
[0140] The alternative capsules illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 differ
from those of FIGS. 1 to 3 in that the marginal region 54 of the
annular rim 16 is tilted towards the front of the capsule 1. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, the annular rim 16 is curved towards the
front of the capsule 1. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the annular rim
16 is frusto-conical flaring towards the front.
[0141] As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, during the closing of the
extraction device 350 under the effect of the supporting force
exerted by the support 354, the annular rim 16 deforms while
flattening.
[0142] Such a rim 16 gives the possibility of guaranteeing and
reinforcing the contact 122 between the base 12 of the capsule 1
and the housing base 370 upon closing the device 350, while it may
deform in order to allow closing of the extraction device 350.
[0143] The capsule 1000 according to a second embodiment of the
invention, illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 21, comprises, as visible in
FIGS. 9 and 10, a hollow body 1004 and an outlet seal 1006
delimiting together an inner chamber 1008 containing a substance
(not shown) for preparing a drink.
[0144] The body 1004 has the general shape of a cup and is
impervious to air and to water. It comprises an outer side wall
1010, a base 1012 closing a rear end 1020 of the body 1004, and an
annular rim 1016 surrounding an open front end 1022 of the body
1004.
[0145] The outer side wall 1010 and the base 1012 are made in the
same material and made in a first plastic material impervious to
air and to water. The first plastic material is selected so as to
be inert towards the substance contained in the capsule 1000.
Preferably, said first material is translucent and is not colored
in the bulk so as to avoid diffusion of the coloration into the
substance. Typically, the second plastic material is polyamide.
Polyamide does not interfere with foodstuffs and is a highly
performing barrier to air and to water.
[0146] Preferably, the annular rim 1016 consists of a second
plastic material, different from the first plastic material. The
second plastic material is preferentially selected so as to be a
low cost material. As the latter is not in contact with the
substance, its properties towards the substance are not taken into
account in the selection of the second material. Typically, the
second plastic material is polyurethane which is an inexpensive
material. Preferably, the second plastic material is a
thermoplastic elastomer, currently designated as TPE, such as
thermoplastic polyurethane, currently designated as TPU.
Alternatively, the second material is an elastomerized polyamide,
such as polyhexamethylene adipamide, currently designated as PA
6-6. These materials allow better attachment of the seal 1006 on
the annular rim 1016.
[0147] Preferably, the first and second plastic materials are
compatible materials, i.e. materials adapted for polymerizing with
each other.
[0148] Thus, it is possible to produce capsules 1000 at a reduced
cost. As these capsules are intended to be produced in very large
series, this allows significant savings to be made.
[0149] Preferably, the second material is colored in the bulk.
Thus, it is possible to color differently the annular rims 1016 of
capsules 1000 containing different substances, so as to easily
distinguish a capsule 1000 containing a first substance from
another capsule 1000 containing a second substance different from
the first.
[0150] The outer side wall 1010 extends from the base 1012 along a
longitudinal axis X as far as the front end 1022 of the body
1004.
[0151] The outer side wall 1010 is substantially frusto-conical,
axisymmetrical around the longitudinal axis X. It is rigid. It has
an inner surface 1010a oriented towards the chamber 1008, and an
outer surface 1010b, opposite to the inner surface 1010a.
[0152] The base 1012 comprises a peripheral region 1023 and a
central region 1024. The peripheral region 1023 is rigid. It is
rounded and extends radially inwards and axially rearwards from the
outer side wall 1010 and has concavity turned towards the inside of
the body 1004. It thus extends from the outer side wall 1010 as far
as the rear end 1020 of the body 1004. The rear end 1020 is
typically a closed line, for example a circle.
[0153] The central region 1024 axially enters the inside of the
chamber 1008 from the peripheral region. The central region 1024
thus defines in the base 1012 a recess 1028 outside the body
1004.
[0154] The central region 1024 comprises a tubular external portion
1036 axially extending towards the inside of the chamber 1008 from
the peripheral region 1023, a base portion 1038 extending radially
towards the inside from the inner end of the external portion 1036,
and closing the recess 1028, and a central internal portion 1034
protruding outwards from the base portion 1038.
[0155] The internal portion 1034 defines a hollow central stud 1030
in the recess 1028. The latter thus has an annular shape. The
external portion 1036, the base portion 1038 and the internal
portion 1034 define an annular rib 1026 in the central region
1024.
[0156] The base portion 1038 comprises at least one area of lower
strength 1032 intended to break under the effect of a pressurized
fluid. Preferably, said or each area of lower strength is provided
for breaking at a pressure of the pressurized fluid comprised
between 1 and 3 bars.
[0157] Said or each area of lower strength 1032 is for example
provided in the form of areas of smaller thickness, as illustrated
in FIG. 12. As long as said or each area of lower strength 1032 is
not broken, the base 1012 and by extension the whole of the body
1004, are impervious to air and to liquid.
[0158] In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the area of lower
strength is defined at the periphery of the base portion 1038, at
the junction between the base portion 1038 and the external portion
1036. The area of lower strength has the shape of a circular arc.
The circular arc preferably extends over at least 270.degree..
[0159] The shape of the internal portion of 1034 conditions the
axial shearing force generated by a pressurized liquid present in
the recess 1028.
[0160] In the embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 15, the internal portion
1034 has a frusto-conical shape, widening from rear to front of the
capsule 1000 and protruding outwards.
[0161] Alternatively, the internal portion 1034 extends in a radial
plane. At a determined pressure of the fluid present in the recess
1028, a planar internal portion 1034 induces a higher shearing
force than an outward protruding internal portion.
[0162] The body 1004 also comprises longitudinal ribs 1042 for
stiffening the outer side wall 1010 and radial ribs 1044 for
stiffening the base 1012.
[0163] Each longitudinal rib 1042 extends longitudinally along the
outer side wall 1010, preferably, as illustrated, along the inner
surface 1010a. Thus, the longitudinal ribs are adapted for
promoting the emulsion between the pressurized fluid and the
substance contained in the chamber 1008. Alternatively, each
longitudinal rib 1042 extends along the outer surface 1010b.
[0164] Each radial rib 1044 extends radially between the external
portion 1036 and the peripheral region 1023. The radial ribs 1044
stiffen the base 12 and thus promote the generation of shearing
forces induced by the pressure of the pressurized fluid directly on
said or each weakened area 1032. In the example illustrated in
FIGS. 10 to 15, each radial rib 1044 extends in the extension of a
longitudinal rib 1042.
[0165] The annular rim 1016 extends radially outwards, from an
inner annular edge 1046 as far as an outer annular edge 1048, from
the outer surface 1010b of the outer side wall 1010. It defines the
front end 1022 of the body 1004. It does not support any added seal
element or any deformable seal relief. Preferably, it is
substantially planar. The outer annular edge 1048 is free.
[0166] As visible on the detail illustrated in FIG. 13, the outer
surface 1010b of the outer side wall 1010 defines, in proximity to
the front end 1022 of the body 1004, an annular clearance space
1049 defining a shoulder 1050 and a groove 1052 for connecting the
annular rim 1016 to the outer side wall 1010.
[0167] The shoulder 1050 is set back rearwards relatively to the
front end 1022. It extends radially and parallel to the front end
1022, between an inner end 1054 and an outer end 1056.
[0168] The groove 1052 is formed in the shoulder 1050 and protrudes
longitudinally rearwards from the inner end 1054 of the shoulder
1050.
[0169] The annular rim 1016 comprises an annular protrusion 1058
protruding longitudinally from the inner annular edge 1046 in the
groove 1052. The protrusion 1058 cooperates with the groove 1052 in
order to reinforce the connection of the annular rim 1016 to the
outer side wall 1010.
[0170] Thus, a portion of the outer side wall 1010 extends between
the annular rim 1016 and the chamber 1008, which avoids that the
substance be in contact with the second material.
[0171] Returning to FIG. 1, the seal 1006 is attached through its
periphery onto the outer side wall 1010 and onto the annular rim
1016. The seal 1006 thus closes the front end 1022 of the body
1004.
[0172] The seal 1006 comprises an outlet filter 1060 capable of
letting through a pressurized fluid while retaining the substance
contained in the chamber 1008. The filter 1060 is in a porous
filter paper, in a woven plastic material or in a perforated
plastic film. Preferably, the filter 1060 is, as illustrated,
positioned set back from the front end 1022, towards the chamber
1008, and is attached on its periphery to the inner surface 1010a
of the outer side wall 1010. The filter 1060 is for example
positioned between 1 and 1.5 mm set back relatively to the front
end 1022.
[0173] The seal 1006 further comprises a membrane 1062 impervious
to air and to water, lining the filter 1060. Preferably, the
membrane 1062 is attached, for example welded on the annular rim
1016. The membrane 1062 extends along the front end 1022 of the
body 1004. The membrane 1062 gives the possibility of keeping the
substance in an inert atmosphere so as to avoid any oxidation of
the substance.
[0174] The membrane 1062 is peelable, i.e. it may easily be
detached from the body 1004. For this purpose, it comprises a tab
1064 extending radially outwards from the rim 1016 in order to
allow a user to easily remove the membrane 1062 before using the
capsule 1000 in an extraction device.
[0175] Optionally, the membrane 1062 has weakened lines (not shown)
so that the membrane 1062 is able to tear under the sole effect of
the pressure of a liquid. Thus, in the case when a user would have
forgotten to remove the membrane 1062 before inserting the capsule
1000 in an extraction device, the extraction may still be performed
normally without any risk of damage to the extraction device.
[0176] The filter 1060 is positioned between the chamber 1008 and
the membrane 1062. The space between the filter 1060 and the
membrane 1062 is preferably filled with an inert gas, typically
with nitrogen.
[0177] The capsule 1000 inserted into a drink extraction device
1100 is illustrated in FIG. 14. This device 1100 is similar to the
extraction device 350 described above. Similar elements are
designated with the same reference marks. It will be noted that the
capsule 1000 is adapted so that the annular edge 380 comes into
contact with the annular rim 1016 when the extraction device 1100
is in a closed configuration.
[0178] An alternative of the extraction device 1100 is illustrated
in FIG. 15. In this figure, it will be observed that the conduit
372 for supplying an extraction liquid is radially shifted
relatively to the longitudinal axis Y. Thus, the capsule 1000 is
also adapted so as to be used in drink extraction devices where the
arrival of pressurized liquid in the receiving housing 353 is not
at the center of the housing 353.
[0179] An alternative of the capsule 1000 is shown in FIGS. 16 and
17.
[0180] In this alternative, the internal portion 1034 has a
hemispherical shape with concavity oriented towards the inside of
the body 1004. This shape is adapted so as to allow breaking of the
weakened area 1032 at greater pressures in the case when the
internal portion 1034 has a frusto-conical shape.
[0181] The annular rim 1016 is not bound to the outer surface 1010b
of the outer side wall 1010, but to an annular front face 1066 of
the outer side wall 1010. Said front annular face 1066 defines a
groove 1068 protruding longitudinally rearwards and with which the
protrusion 1058 of the annular rim 1016 cooperates for reinforcing
the connection of the annular rim 1016 with the outer side wall
1010.
[0182] The inner surface 1010a of the outer side wall 1010 defines
an annular inner shoulder 1070 extending in a radial plane and
being oriented towards the front. The internal shoulder 1070 is
axially set back towards the inside of the body 1004 relatively to
the front end 1022 of the body 1004 and to the annular rim 1016.
This inner shoulder 1070 is adapted for supporting the seal
1006.
[0183] As the inner shoulder 1070 is set back relatively to the
front annular face 1066, the substance is thus not in contact with
the second material forming the annular rim 1016. In the same way
as in the first embodiment, the seal 1006 is formed by a bilayer
complex film comprising the filter 1060 and the membrane 1062. This
complex film is attached to its periphery onto the internal
shoulder 1070 so that the seal 1006 is positioned, axially set back
towards the inside of the body 1004 relatively to the front end
1022 of the body 1004. Preferably, the set-back distance of the
seal 1006 relatively to the front end 1022 of the body 1004 is
greater than 1 mm.
[0184] Other alternatives of the capsule 1000 are shown in FIGS. 18
to 22.
[0185] In the alternative illustrated in FIG. 18, the base portion
of 1038 comprises a plurality of areas of lower strength 1032, each
being formed by two weakened lines intersecting each other so as to
form a cross. In the illustrated example, the areas of lower
strength 1032 are four in number. Alternatively, a number of areas
of lower strength 1032 is different.
[0186] In the alternative illustrated in FIG. 18, the base portion
1038 comprises a plurality of areas of lower strength 1032, each
being formed by a closed circular weakened line, each delimiting a
disc not including the internal portion 1034. In the illustrated
example, the areas of lower strength 1032 are three in number.
Alternatively, the number of areas of lower strength 1032 is
different.
[0187] In the alternative illustrated in FIG. 20, the base portion
1038 comprises two areas of lower strength 1032, each having the
shape of a serrated semi-circle and extending at the periphery of
the base portion 1038, along the junction with the external portion
1036.
[0188] The base 12 further comprises two ribs 1080 for reinforcing
the central region 1024. Each rib 1080 extends longitudinally
between the tubular portion 1026 and the peripheral edge 1030. Each
rib 1080 is interposed between both areas of lower strength 1034.
In the illustrated example, the ribs 1080 are thus diametrically
opposed to each other.
[0189] These ribs 1080 are intended to concentrate the shearing
forces due to the force exerted by the pressurized fluid on the
base 1012 in the extraction device 1100 on the areas of lower
strength 1034.
[0190] In the alternative illustrated in FIG. 21, the base portion
1038 comprises three areas of lower strength 1032, each being
formed by a closed line delimiting a crescent, the large side of
which extends along the external portion 1036.
[0191] The base 1012 also comprises ribs 1080 for reinforcing the
central region 1024. These ribs 1080 are here three in number and
each is inserted between two areas of lower strength 1032.
[0192] Finally, in the alternative shown in FIG. 22, the base
portion 1038 comprises a single area of lower strength 1032 formed
by a closed circular line extending along the external portion
1036.
[0193] The method for making the capsule 1000 will be briefly
described, with reference to FIG. 10.
[0194] In a first phase, the first plastic material is cast, for
example injected, into a mold, in order to form the base 1012 and
the outer side wall 1010. Next, in a second phase, the second
plastic material is in turn cast into the mold so as to form the
annular rim 1016.
[0195] As the first and second plastic materials are compatible
materials, they bind together chemically. In particular, a portion
of the molecules of the first material diffuses into the second
material and vice versa. Thus, a thin layer is formed in which both
materials are mixed and both materials are thus intimately bound
with each other.
[0196] By means of the invention, the portion of the body of the
capsule in contact with the substance is formed in material which
is inert towards the substance, which gives the possibility of
keeping the substance under optimum conditions, without any risks
of degrading the substance by oxidation or by toxic elements
contained in the material in contact with the substance.
[0197] Further, as the first plastic material is not colored in the
bulk, it is possible to reduce the probability of migration of
toxic elements from the capsule to the substance.
[0198] Finally, by using a second material for the annular rim, it
is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the capsule and
further allows by coloration of the second material easy
identification of the substance contained in the chamber of the
capsule, without any risk of migration of the pigments into the
substance, the latter not being in contact with the second
material.
[0199] It will be noted that the description given above is by no
means restrictive, and the features of the different alternatives
and of the different embodiments may be combined with each other
without departing from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *