U.S. patent application number 13/758376 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for capsule for the preparation of beverages.
This patent application is currently assigned to COFFEE STAR S.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is COFFEE STAR S.A.. Invention is credited to Accursi Giovanni.
Application Number | 20140220190 13/758376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51259415 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140220190 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giovanni; Accursi |
August 7, 2014 |
Capsule for the Preparation of Beverages
Abstract
A capsule for making beverages comprising at least one powdered
food substance which can be extracted using water to make a
beverage, comprises a cup-shaped outer body (2) with a lower wall
(3) and a first side wall (4), a lid (6), a filtering body (9)
comprising a first basket-shaped rigid or semi-rigid skeleton (10)
with a second side wall (11) and a bottom portion (12); the first
rigid or semi-rigid skeleton (10) comprises openings (13) made at
least through a part of the second side wall (11) which is
distanced from the first side wall; the capsule also comprises an
additional filtering element (26) positioned in the chamber (7)
between the filtering body (9) and the lower wall (3) for in use
intercepting the beverage which comes out of the filtering body (9)
and flows towards the bottom wall (3), the additional filtering
element (26) comprising at least one layer (27) of flexible
filtering material and being coupled to the inner part of the outer
body (2).
Inventors: |
Giovanni; Accursi; (Porretta
Terme, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COFFEE STAR S.A.; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
COFFEE STAR S.A.
Luxembourg
LU
|
Family ID: |
51259415 |
Appl. No.: |
13/758376 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/8043
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/115 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804 |
Claims
1) A capsule for making beverages comprising at least one powdered
food substance which can be extracted by passing (29) water through
it to make a beverage, comprising: a substantially cup-shaped outer
body (2) which in turn comprises a lower wall (3) and a first side
wall (4); a lid (6) fixed to the outer body (2) at an upper edge
(5) of the first side wall (4) located on the opposite side to the
lower wall (3), between the lid (6) and the inner surface of the
outer body (2) there also being a chamber (7) and between a central
point of the lid (6) and a central point of the lower wall (3)
being identified a capsule axis of extension (8); a filtering body
(9) comprising a basket-shaped first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton
(10) containing the powdered food substance, positioned in the
chamber (7) and comprising a second side wall (11) and a bottom
portion (12), the second side wall (11) comprising a substantially
annular upper rim (14) and the bottom of the second side wall being
connected to the bottom portion (12); the first rigid or semi-rigid
skeleton (10) comprising openings (13) for allowing fluid
communication through it which are made at least through the second
side wall (11); the upper rim (14) being positioned close to the
lid (6) of the capsule and coupled to the outer body (2) at a
coupling portion (15) of the first side wall (4), which is
substantially annular and is located close to the upper edge (5) of
the first side wall (4) itself; the bottom portion (12) being
positioned close to the lower wall (3) of the outer body (2); the
second side wall (11) being at least partly distanced from the
first side wall (4) to allow the beverage to flow towards the lower
wall (3), the openings (13) through the second side wall (11) being
made at least at the part of the second side wall (11) which is
distanced from the first side wall (4); the capsule also comprising
an additional filtering element (26) positioned in the chamber (7)
between the filtering body (9) and the lower wall (3) for in use
intercepting the beverage which comes out of the filtering body (9)
and flows towards the lower wall (3), the additional filtering
element (26) comprising at least one layer (27) of flexible
filtering material and being coupled to the inner part of the outer
body (2).
2) The capsule according to the preceding claim, wherein the
additional filtering element (26) consists of one or more layers
(27) of flexible filtering material whose periphery is sealed or
glued to the first side wall (4).
3) The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the additional
filtering element (26) comprises a second rigid or semi-rigid
skeleton (28) forming one or more passages (29) through it for the
beverage, the at least one layer (27) of flexible filtering
material being fixed to the passages, said second rigid or
semi-rigid skeleton (28) being constrained to the first side wall
(4).
4) The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the first side wall
(4) comprises, close to the lower wall (3) but spaced from it, a
fold (31) which in the chamber (7) forms an annular surface (32)
recessed towards the axis of extension (8), on which the additional
filtering element (26) is positioned.
5) The capsule according to claim 2, wherein the first side wall
(4) comprises, close to the lower wall (3) but spaced from it, a
fold (31) which in the chamber (7) forms an annular surface (32)
recessed towards the axis of extension (8), on which the additional
filtering element (26) is positioned.
6) The capsule according to the preceding claim 3, wherein the
first side wall (4) comprises, close to the lower wall (3) but
spaced from it, a fold (31) which in the chamber (7) forms an
annular surface (32) recessed towards the axis of extension (8), on
which the additional filtering element (26) is positioned.
7) The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the openings (13) are
of a size such that they act as a filter for the powdered food
substance and substantially retain it while allowing the beverage
to pass.
8) The capsule according to claim 2, wherein the openings (13) are
of a size such that they act as a filter for the powdered food
substance and substantially retain it while allowing the beverage
to pass.
9) The capsule according to claim 3, wherein the openings (13) are
of a size such that they act as a filter for the powdered food
substance and substantially retain it while allowing the beverage
to pass.
10) The capsule according to claim 4, wherein the openings (13) are
of a size such that they act as a filter for the powdered food
substance and substantially retain it while allowing the beverage
to pass.
11) The capsule according to claim 5, wherein the openings (13) are
of a size such that they act as a filter for the powdered food
substance and substantially retain it while allowing the beverage
to pass.
12) The capsule according to claim 6, wherein the openings (13) are
of a size such that they act as a filter for the powdered food
substance and substantially retain it while allowing the beverage
to pass.
13) The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the second side wall
(11) is distanced from the first side wall (4) at least for most of
its extension and/or wherein the distance between the second side
wall (11) and the first side wall (4) increases proceeding from the
upper rim (14) towards the bottom portion (12).
14) The capsule according to claim 2, wherein the second side wall
(11) is distanced from the first side wall (4) at least for most of
its extension and/or wherein the distance between the second side
wall (11) and the first side wall (4) increases proceeding from the
upper rim (14) towards the bottom portion (12).
15) The capsule according to claim 3, wherein the second side wall
(11) is distanced from the first side wall (4) at least for most of
its extension and/or wherein the distance between the second side
wall (11) and the first side wall (4) increases proceeding from the
upper rim (14) towards the bottom portion (12).
16) The capsule according to claim 4, wherein the second side wall
(11) is distanced from the first side wall (4) at least for most of
its extension and/or wherein the distance between the second side
wall (11) and the first side wall (4) increases proceeding from the
upper rim (14) towards the bottom portion (12).
17) The capsule according to claim 5, wherein the second side wall
(11) is distanced from the first side wall (4) at least for most of
its extension and/or wherein the distance between the second side
wall (11) and the first side wall (4) increases proceeding from the
upper rim (14) towards the bottom portion (12).
18) The capsule according to claim 6, wherein the second side wall
(11) is distanced from the first side wall (4) at least for most of
its extension and/or wherein the distance between the second side
wall (11) and the first side wall (4) increases proceeding from the
upper rim (14) towards the bottom portion (12).
19) The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the filtering body
(9) is coupled to the coupling portion (15) by mechanical
interference and/or the filtering body (9) is in sealed contact
with it.
20) The capsule according to claim 1, wherein, close to the upper
rim (14), the filtering body (9) comprises a shoulder (18) which is
substantially annular about the axis of extension (8) and which
projects radially relative to the rest of the filtering body (9)
with reference to the axis of extension (8), and wherein the
coupling portion (15) comprises a counter-shoulder (19) which is
substantially annular about the axis of extension (8) and also
projects radially, with reference to the axis of extension (8),
relative to the portion of the first side wall (4) adjacent to it
on the lower wall (3) side, said shoulder (18) resting on the
counter-shoulder (19) and said upper rim (14) being coupled to an
annular region (20) of the coupling portion (15) located between
the counter-shoulder (19) and the upper edge (5).
21) The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion
(12) of the filtering body (9) and the additional filtering element
(26) are at least partly spaced from the lower wall (3) to allow,
during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule (1),
through the lower wall (3), without the bottom portion (12) of the
filtering body (9) and the additional filtering element (26) being
damaged.
22) The capsule according to claim 21, wherein the bottom portion
(12) comprises an outer annular zone (22) and an inner zone (23),
the outer annular zone (22) being spaced from the lower wall (3) to
allow, during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule,
through the lower wall (3), without the bottom portion (12) of the
filtering body (9) being damaged, the inner zone (23) in contrast
being close to the lower wall (3), and wherein the additional
filtering element (26) is shaped in a similar way to the bottom
portion (12).
23) The capsule according to claim 2, wherein the bottom portion
(12) of the filtering body (9) and the additional filtering element
(26) are at least partly spaced from the lower wall (3) to allow,
during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule (1),
through the lower wall (3), without the bottom portion (12) of the
filtering body (9) and the additional filtering element (26) being
damaged.
24) The capsule according to claim 23, wherein the bottom portion
(12) comprises an outer annular zone (22) and an inner zone (23),
the outer annular zone (22) being spaced from the lower wall (3) to
allow, during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule,
through the lower wall (3), without the bottom portion (12) of the
filtering body (9) being damaged, the inner zone (23) in contrast
being close to the lower wall (3), and wherein the additional
filtering element (26) is shaped in a similar way to the bottom
portion (12).
25) The capsule according to claim 3, wherein the bottom portion
(12) of the filtering body (9) and the additional filtering element
(26) are at least partly spaced from the lower wall (3) to allow,
during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule (1),
through the lower wall (3), without the bottom portion (12) of the
filtering body (9) and the additional filtering element (26) being
damaged.
26) The capsule according to claim 25, wherein the bottom portion
(12) comprises an outer annular zone (22) and an inner zone (23),
the outer annular zone (22) being spaced from the lower wall (3) to
allow, during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule,
through the lower wall (3), without the bottom portion (12) of the
filtering body (9) being damaged, the inner zone (23) in contrast
being close to the lower wall (3), and wherein the additional
filtering element (26) is shaped in a similar way to the bottom
portion (12).
27) The capsule according to claim 4, wherein the bottom portion
(12) of the filtering body (9) and the additional filtering element
(26) are at least partly spaced from the lower wall (3) to allow,
during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule (1),
through the lower wall (3), without the bottom portion (12) of the
filtering body (9) and the additional filtering element (26) being
damaged.
28) The capsule according to claim 27, wherein the bottom portion
(12) comprises an outer annular zone (22) and an inner zone (23),
the outer annular zone (22) being spaced from the lower wall (3) to
allow, during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule,
through the lower wall (3), without the bottom portion (12) of the
filtering body (9) being damaged, the inner zone (23) in contrast
being close to the lower wall (3), and wherein the additional
filtering element (26) is shaped in a similar way to the bottom
portion (12).
29) The capsule according to claim 5, wherein the bottom portion
(12) of the filtering body (9) and the additional filtering element
(26) are at least partly spaced from the lower wall (3) to allow,
during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule (1),
through the lower wall (3), without the bottom portion (12) of the
filtering body (9) and the additional filtering element (26) being
damaged.
30) The capsule according to claim 29, wherein the bottom portion
(12) comprises an outer annular zone (22) and an inner zone (23),
the outer annular zone (22) being spaced from the lower wall (3) to
allow, during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule,
through the lower wall (3), without the bottom portion (12) of the
filtering body (9) being damaged, the inner zone (23) in contrast
being close to the lower wall (3), and wherein the additional
filtering element (26) is shaped in a similar way to the bottom
portion (12).
31) The capsule according to claim 6, wherein the bottom portion
(12) of the filtering body (9) and the additional filtering element
(26) are at least partly spaced from the lower wall (3) to allow,
during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule (1),
through the lower wall (3), without the bottom portion (12) of the
filtering body (9) and the additional filtering element (26) being
damaged.
32) The capsule according to claim 31, wherein the bottom portion
(12) comprises an outer annular zone (22) and an inner zone (23),
the outer annular zone (22) being spaced from the lower wall (3) to
allow, during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule,
through the lower wall (3), without the bottom portion (12) of the
filtering body (9) being damaged, the inner zone (23) in contrast
being close to the lower wall (3), and wherein the additional
filtering element (26) is shaped in a similar way to the bottom
portion (12).
33) The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the lower wall (3)
can be pierced during use to allow the beverage to come out of the
capsule, and wherein, during use, a piercing element can be
inserted between the additional filtering element (26) and the
outer body (2), without damaging the additional filtering element
(26), following penetration through the lower wall (3).
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a capsule for making beverages. In
particular reference is made to those capsules comprising an outer
body and a lid which closes the top of the outer body and in which
a powdered food substance (for example coffee powder) is
positioned, which can be extracted by passing water (which may be
pressurized) through it to make a beverage, for example coffee.
More specifically reference is made to those capsules in which the
outer body comprises a lower wall and a side wall which form a
chamber in which a rigid or semi-rigid filtering body is
positioned.
[0002] In more detail, reference is made to those capsules suitable
for use in beverage making systems in which the capsule is pierced
at the lid, to allow the injection of water (which may be
pressurized) into the capsule itself, and at the lower wall, to
allow dispensing outside the capsule of the beverage produced by
the interaction of the water with the powdered food substance.
[0003] In such capsules the filtering body is substantially a flat
filtering body, normally disk-shaped, positioned close to the lower
wall of the capsule outer body and separates the powdered food
substance from the lower wall in such a way that powder does not
come out of the capsule after a piercing element has penetrated
through the lower wall. In fact, the filtering body on one hand
allows the beverage to pass through it in such a way that said
beverage can come out of the capsule through the lower wall
(through a hole made by the piercing element or through a channel
present in the latter), and on the other hand allows the powdered
food substance to be retained in the capsule.
[0004] However, this prior art technology may have several
disadvantages under certain circumstances.
[0005] In particular, with some types and particle sizes of the
powdered food substance, and in the case of dispensing relatively
high quantities of beverage (such as American coffee), the prior
art capsules may not allow optimum extraction of the powdered food
substance. In fact, for example, the beverage made by the
interaction between the water and the powder located close to the
lid, in order to be able to come out of the capsule must reach the
filtering body and therefore must pass through all of the powder
below which may obstruct its path. In fact, once moistened with the
water, the powdered food substance tends to become compacted,
obstructing the flow of the liquids which encounter increased
resistance to permeation through the powder.
[0006] In fact, the water injected into the capsule tends to cause
compacting of the powdered food substance at the filtering body,
therefore increasing the resistance of the powdered food substance
to the passage of the water through it and resulting in
difficulties draining the beverage through it.
[0007] Moreover, during the injection of water into the capsule,
areas are created in the powder which are compacted to different
degrees. Therefore, prior art capsules have the disadvantage that
the powdered food substance can only be permeated unevenly, that is
to say, to drastically different degrees depending on the position
of the powdered food substance in the capsule. Moreover, in prior
art capsules, since the water tends to flow in the zones of the
powder which are less resistant to permeation, preferential
channels for the passage of the water are easily created, the
result being that the powdered food substance is not all permeated
homogeneously.
[0008] A first solution which overcomes those disadvantages is
described in Italian patent application No. VR2012A000133 and in
the corresponding U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/549,904 in
the name of this Applicant, whose content had still not been
disclosed at the time of filing this patent application.
[0009] In that case, the disk-shaped filter was replaced with a
rigid or semi-rigid filter having the shape of a basket with
openings at its side wall, which is distanced from the inner part
of the side wall of the outer body. Thanks to that solution it was
practically possible to avoid the various clogging problems which
may arise with prior art capsules.
[0010] However, even that solution did not allow all possible
disadvantages to be overcome.
[0011] In particular, when the powdered substance is not adequately
ground and contains an excessive quantity of powder which is below
a predetermined particle size, it is possible that powder will leak
out with the beverage, with consequent deterioration of the quality
of the beverage itself (even if, as is known, the leakage of an
extremely small quantity of powder is substantially normal in the
preparation of beverages of this type, and in particular of
coffee).
[0012] Finally, there are also prior art capsules in which in place
of a rigid or semi-rigid flat filter there is a conical or
frusto-conical filter consisting of a layer of flexible material.
However, even these capsules have significant disadvantages. In
particular, in the case of dispensing relatively large quantities
of beverage, such as American coffee, when the powder gets wet it
tends to become compacted on the bottom of the filter,
substantially clogging it. At that point the extraction water can
no longer penetrate the powder and tends to bypass it, coming out
of the filter laterally, above the powder, therefore without any
extraction effect. Therefore, the resulting beverage is of poor
quality.
[0013] In this context, the technical purpose which forms the basis
of this invention is to provide a capsule for making beverages
which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.
[0014] In particular it is the technical purpose of this invention
to provide a capsule for making beverages which allows the water
coming in to permeate the powdered food substance in a more even
way than prior art capsules, at the same time minimizing the risk
of powder coming out with the beverage.
[0015] It is also the technical purpose of this invention to
provide a capsule for making beverages which allows limitation,
compared with prior art capsules, of the risk of forming highly
compacted zones, in the powdered food substance, which could
obstruct the flow of the beverage, and/or the risk of forming
preferential channels for the passage of the water. The technical
purpose specified and the aims indicated are substantially achieved
by a capsule for making beverages as described in the appended
claims.
[0016] Further features and advantages of this invention are more
apparent in the detailed description below, with reference to
several preferred, non-limiting embodiments of a capsule for making
beverages, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic axonometric exploded view of a capsule
made according to a first embodiment of this invention, in
cross-section along a vertical middle plane;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical middle cross-section of a
capsule made according to a second embodiment of this invention
similar to the first embodiment; it should be noticed that for
greater clarity FIG. 2 only shows the details visible in the
cross-section plane and not those in the background;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical middle cross-section of a
capsule made according to a third embodiment of this invention; it
should be noticed that for greater clarity FIG. 3 only shows the
details visible in the cross-section plane and not those in the
background;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic vertical middle cross-section of a
capsule made according to a fourth embodiment of this invention; it
should be noticed that FIG. 4 also only shows the details visible
in the cross-section plane and not those in the background;
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a detail of the capsule of FIG. 3;
[0022] FIGS. 6 to 9 show several possible alternative embodiments
of the detail of FIG. 5; and
[0023] FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical middle cross-section of a
detail of the capsule of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration.
[0024] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1
denotes in its entirety a capsule for making beverages in
accordance with this invention.
[0025] As already indicated, this invention relates to a capsule 1
for making beverages comprising at least one powdered food
substance (not illustrated in the accompanying drawings) which can
be extracted by passing water through it to make a beverage. The
powdered food substance, for example powdered coffee, can be
extracted for example by infusion or is soluble to make a beverage
such as coffee or tea, infusions, soups, etc. The capsule 1 may be
suitable for allowing extraction of the powdered food substance,
such as coffee, by passing pressurized water through it, for
example to make an espresso coffee. The capsule 1 comprises a
substantially cup-shaped outer body 2 which in turn comprises a
lower wall 3 and a first side wall 4. In the embodiments
illustrated the lower wall 3 of the capsule 1 mainly extends in a
disk-shaped fashion and the first side wall 4 extends from it with
a shape that to a first approximation is frusto-conical, the upper
part of it ending with an upper edge 5 located on the opposite side
to the lower wall 3. A lid 6 is fixed to the outer body 2 at the
upper edge 5 and closes the top of the outer body 2. The outer body
2 and the lid 6 of the capsule 1 may each be made of different
materials. The outer body 2 may, for example, be made of a plastic
material whilst the lid 6 may be made of an aluminum sheet (both
may be either in a single layer or multi-layered).
[0026] Inside the outer body 2, between the lid 6 and the inner
surface of the outer body 2, there is a chamber 7. During use of
the capsule 1, the beverage is made in the chamber after
interaction between the powdered food substance and the water.
Between a central point of the lid 6 and a central point of the
lower wall 3 is identified an axis of extension 8 of the capsule 1,
visible in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. In all of the embodiments illustrated
the capsule 1 is symmetrical relative to the axis of extension
8.
[0027] Advantageously, in the embodiments illustrated, the capsule
1 is sealed closed, but in use the lid 6 can be pierced to allow
water to be injected into the capsule 1 and the lower wall 3 can
also be pierced to allow the beverage to come out of the capsule 1.
Therefore, hereinafter reference will preferably be made to this
embodiment. However, other embodiments are also possible in which
the lid 6 and/or the lower wall 3 are themselves able to allow the
passage of water and beverage (for example because they are
ready-pierced or permeable).
[0028] The capsule 1 is therefore suitable for use in a beverage
making system which advantageously comprises a housing in which the
capsule 1 can be inserted for use for making a beverage, for
example coffee. A system suitable for using the capsule 1
illustrated comprises, in the substantially known way, means for
injecting water into the capsule 1, which can be associated with
the lid 6, comprising an injecting element such as a needle or a
blade which may form a channel for the passage of the water, and it
also comprises means for extracting the beverage from the capsule
1, which can be associated with the lower wall 3, said means in
turn comprising a piercing element for piercing/penetrating the
lower wall 3 of the capsule 1 outer body 2. In this context, the
term piercing element refers to any element, substantially of the
known type, able to pierce, cut or tear, for example a spike or a
blade, fixed or mobile (again in this case if necessary forming a
channel for the passage of the water). The piercing element can
also pass through the lower wall 3 of the capsule 1 centrally or,
preferably, off-center.
[0029] The capsule 1 also comprises a filtering body 9 positioned
in the chamber 7, and substantially having the shape of a basket,
able to allow the passage of the beverage through it and at the
same time to substantially retain the powdered food substance so
that, during use of the capsule 1, the beverage can pass through
the filtering body 9 and then come out of the capsule 1 itself (for
example through a hole made by the piercing element in the lower
wall 3 or through a channel made in the piercing element itself),
whilst the powdered food substance can remain substantially trapped
inside.
[0030] The filtering body 9 comprises a first rigid or semi-rigid
skeleton 10 in the shape of a basket which contains the powdered
food substance, and which in turn comprises a second side wall 11
and a bottom portion 12. However, the latter may also consist
exclusively of a lower edge of the second side wall 11. The first
rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 comprises openings 13 for allowing
fluid communication through it. Advantageously the openings 13 are
made at least through the second side wall 11. Depending on the
embodiments, they may also be made through the bottom portion 12
(as in the cases illustrated in the accompanying drawings) or
not.
[0031] According to this invention, the second side wall 11
comprises its own upper rim 14 which is substantially annular and
the bottom of the second side wall is connected to the bottom
portion 12. In the assembled capsule 1, the upper rim 14 is
positioned close to the lid 6 of the capsule 1 (and may or may not
be in contact with the lid) and is coupled to the outer body 2 at a
coupling portion 15 of the first side wall 4, which is in turn
substantially annular and is located close to the upper edge 5 of
the first side wall 4. Therefore, advantageously, the upper rim 14
of the filtering body 9 also extends substantially annularly around
the axis of extension 8. The coupling between the filtering body 9
and the capsule 1 outer body 2 is described in more detail below.
The bottom portion 12 is in contrast positioned close to the lower
wall 3 of the outer body 2, even if it is possible that between the
two there is a predetermined distance, for the reasons explained
below.
[0032] In accordance with this invention the filtering body 9
therefore substantially separates the chamber 7 into a first
compartment 16 in which the powered food substance is contained and
a second compartment 17. In the preferred embodiment the piercing
element, during use, can penetrate the lower wall 3 and be inserted
in the second compartment 17 without damaging the filtering body 9.
A piercing injecting element may, in contrast, pass through the lid
6 and be inserted directly in the first compartment 16.
[0033] Advantageously, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the
upper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 substantially delimits an
access aperture to the first compartment 16 which in the
embodiments illustrated is substantially circular. Therefore, the
filtering body 9 is advantageously open at the top, that is to say,
on the side facing towards the lid 6. During capsule 1 production,
when the lid 6 is separate from the outer body 2, the powdered food
substance can therefore be inserted in the first compartment 16 by
simply pouring it into said compartment through the access
aperture.
[0034] Therefore, in the first compartment 16 the powered food
substance interacts with the water injected into the capsule 1 to
make the beverage. In contrast, the second compartment 17 is
intended, during use, to receive the beverage made in the first
compartment 16 and which comes out of the latter through the
filtering body 9.
[0035] In accordance with this invention, the first compartment 16
is delimited at least between the filtering body 9 and the lid 6
(FIGS. 2, 3 and 4). However, in many preferred embodiments, the
first compartment 16 may also be delimited by a small annular
portion of the first side wall 4 located between the upper edge 5
of the first side wall 4 itself and the coupling portion 15 (which,
as indicated, is in any case close to the upper edge 5--FIG. 10).
The first compartment 16 is therefore at least mainly delimited by
the filtering body 9, and advantageously extends over most of the
volume of the chamber 7.
[0036] According to this invention, the second side wall 11 is at
least partly distanced from the first side wall 4 (being placed
alongside and facing it) to allow the beverage to flow between them
towards the lower wall 3. Advantageously, the openings 13 through
the second side wall 11 are made at least at the part of the second
side wall 11 which is distanced from the first side wall 4. In this
way, said openings 13 allow a reduction, compared with prior art
capsules, in the average distance that the water must cover through
the powdered food substance in order to be able to come out of the
filtering body 9 in the form of the beverage, with the advantage
that the water encounters less resistance to its passage through
the substance. Consequently, the filtering body 9 allows improved
filtering of the beverage, a reduced tendency of the powdered food
substance to become unevenly compacted and therefore more even
permeation of the powdered food substance by the water injected
into the capsule 1.
[0037] The second compartment 17 is delimited between the filtering
body 9, the lower wall 3 and the portion of the first side wall 4
located between the lower wall 3 and the coupling portion 15, and
partly extends between the first side wall 4 and the second side
wall 11. In other words, the second compartment 17 surrounds at
least part of the filtering body 9. In particular, the second
compartment 17 extends along the first side wall 4 at least for
most of the distance, measured parallel with the axis of extension
8, between the coupling portion 15 and the lower wall 3, and
therefore it surrounds the filtering body 9 along most of its
extension parallel with the axis of extension 8.
[0038] Even more advantageously, as in the embodiments illustrated
in the accompanying drawings, the second compartment 17 extends
along the first side wall 4 to the coupling portion 15. Since the
filtering body 9 is coupled to the coupling portion 15 at the upper
rim 14, the substantial totality of the filtering body 9 is
surrounded by the second compartment 17. Advantageously, the
openings 13 are distributed over the entire part of the filtering
body 9 surrounded by the second compartment 17, and in particular
over the entire part of the second side wall 11 which is facing the
second compartment 17. Advantageously, in the embodiments
illustrated, the openings 13 are evenly distributed around the
filtering body 9, being grouped together in groups which are in
turn substantially evenly distributed along the extension of the
second side wall 11 between the upper rim 14 and the bottom portion
12.
[0039] However, advantageously, all of the openings 13 made in the
second side wall 11 are located at a height which is lower than the
maximum height reached by the powdered substance inside the first
compartment 16 (where the height is measured relative to the lower
wall 3), in such a way as to prevent the water from reaching the
openings 13 without having to pass through the powdered
substance.
[0040] As already indicated, the filtering body 9 is coupled to the
first side wall 4 at the coupling portion 15.
[0041] The coupling may be made in various ways.
[0042] In the case in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 the coupling is only
schematically illustrated with the upper rim 14 positioned
substantially adjacent to the lid 6.
[0043] However, a preferred embodiment is illustrated in the detail
in FIG. 10, where the first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 of the
filtering body 9 comprises a shoulder 18, close to the upper rim
14, with substantially annular extension about the axis of
extension 8 and projecting radially relative to the rest of the
filtering body 9 (again with reference to the axis of extension 8).
In other words, seen in a cross-section plane passing through the
axis of extension 8, on the outside of the first rigid or
semi-rigid skeleton 10 there is an inverted step close to the upper
rim 14. The filtering body 9 advantageously rests on the coupling
portion 15 by means of the shoulder 18. In fact, in the preferred
embodiment illustrated, the coupling portion 15 comprises a
counter-shoulder 19 which also has substantially annular extension
about the axis of extension 8 and which projects radially, with
reference to the axis of extension 8, relative to the portion of
first side wall 4 adjacent to it and on the lower wall 3 side.
[0044] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the shoulder 18 rests on the
counter-shoulder 19. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the
upper rim 14 is coupled to an annular region 20 of the coupling
portion 15 which is located between the counter-shoulder 19 and the
upper edge 5 of the first side wall 4 to which the lid 6 is fixed.
Therefore, advantageously, in the preferred embodiment, the
filtering body 9 is in contact with the outer body 2 of the capsule
1, and in particular with the coupling portion 15, substantially at
two annular portions of the first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10,
one corresponding to the upper rim 14 and another corresponding to
the shoulder 18. In particular, the contact between the shoulder 18
and the counter-shoulder 19 allows the filtering body 9, once
inserted in the capsule 1 outer body 2, to stop at the
counter-shoulder 19. In other words, the counter-shoulder 19 acts
as a contact element which prevents the filtering body 9 from being
subjected to further movements towards the lower wall 3 of the
capsule 1. That is particularly useful for keeping the filtering
body 9 in a predetermined position, as described in more detail
below.
[0045] However the coupling is created between the filtering body 9
and the coupling portion 15, the filtering body 9 may
advantageously be coupled to the coupling portion 15 by mechanical
interference, and, in addition or alternatively, forms a sealed
contact with it, where "sealed contact" in this context
advantageously refers to a contact which is watertight. Moreover,
the sealed contact may also be useful during capsule 1 production.
In fact, during insertion of the powdered food substance in the
first compartment 16, a sealed contact (at the coupling portion 15)
allows a guarantee that the powder cannot accidentally be poured
into the second compartment 17 (which would compromise use of the
capsule 1 for making the beverage).
[0046] The coupling which uses mechanical interference and/or is
sealed can be made in various ways.
[0047] In the embodiment illustrated in the detail in FIG. 10, the
mechanical interference coupling is created between the upper rim
14 of the filtering body 9 and the above-mentioned annular region
20 of the coupling portion 15. To highlight the mechanical
interference, in FIG. 10 the upper rim 14 is shown partly
overlapping with the annular region 20. In particular, that
representation implies that the interference contact between the
upper rim 14 and the annular region 20 in reality, advantageously,
requires at least one of these to be in a state of deformation
(advantageously elastic). Mechanical interference is preferably
possible thanks to the elastic deformability of the upper rim 14
and/or of the annular region 20, the elasticity advantageously
being allowed by the material used to make them and/or by their
shape. In the embodiment illustrated the annular region 20, that is
to say, the region of the coupling portion 15 located between the
counter-shoulder 19 and the upper edge 5, is advantageously able to
bend. In particular, the annular region 20 presses against the
upper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 thanks to the elastic
deformation to which it is subjected. As shown in FIG. 10, the
annular region 20, seen in axial section, also extends at an angle
relative to the axis of extension 8: in particular proceeding from
the upper edge 5 towards the lower wall 3 the annular region 20
moves away from the axis of extension 8. Moreover, the coupling
portion 15 at the upper edge 5 or at the part of the annular region
20 adjacent to the upper edge 5, delimits a cross-section,
perpendicularly to the axis of extension 8, which is advantageously
less than the area delimited by the upper rim 14 in the plane
perpendicular to the axis of extension 8. Advantageously, for that
reason, during capsule 1 production the coupling portion 15, and in
particular in the preferred embodiment its annular region 20,
resists the passage of the upper rim 14 during the end step of
filtering body 9 insertion in the chamber 7. Filtering body 9
insertion in the chamber 7 therefore requires pressure to be
applied on the filtering body 9, directed towards the lower wall 3,
at least as the upper rim 14 passes at the annular region 20. In
the preferred embodiment illustrated, advantageously, the pressure
on the filtering body 9 is applied until the shoulder 18 is resting
against the counter-shoulder 19, thus creating a snap-on type
insertion. That particular shape of the coupling portion 15 and its
interaction with the filtering body 9, and in particular with the
upper rim 14, advantageously prevents removal of the filtering body
9 from inside the capsule 1 outer body 2, for example after a
thrust applied on the bottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 and
directed towards the lid 6.
[0048] Moreover, advantageously, the sealed contact is also created
between the upper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 and the annular
region 20 of the coupling portion 15. In particular, in the
embodiments illustrated, the upper rim 14 and the annular region 20
are made in such a way that between them there is continuous
contact, and the seal is guaranteed by mechanical interference.
[0049] As already indicated, to avoid contact with the piercing
element as it penetrates into the second compartment 17 (if the
lower wall 3 can be pierced), the filtering body 9 will
advantageously have a shape that allows the piercing element to
enter but at the same time avoids contact with it, considering its
dimensions, the related stroke and its positioning.
[0050] Advantageously, in some preferred embodiments (FIGS. 1 to
3), this is achieved thanks to the fact that the bottom portion 12
of the filtering body 9 is spaced from the lower wall 3 to allow,
during capsule 1 use in a system suitable for using it, insertion
of the piercing element in the capsule 1, through the lower wall 3,
without the bottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 being
damaged. Moreover, the bottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9
preferably mainly comprises a substantially flat disk.
[0051] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10, the
position of the counter-shoulder 19 on the coupling portion 15 and
the position of the shoulder 18 on the filtering body 9, are
established to determine a distance between the lower wall 3 of the
outer body 2 and the bottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9
which is greater than the distance between the tip of the piercing
element and the lower wall 3 when the piercing element is inserted
in the capsule 1.
[0052] Alternatively, the bottom portion 12 may comprise a recess
21 towards the lid 6 in which the piercing element can be inserted.
The dimensions of the recess 21 will be proportionate to those of
the piercing element and to the related stroke that it must cover
inside the capsule 1 (the distance between the lower wall 3 and the
tip of the piercing element, when the latter is inserted in the
capsule 1). Depending if the piercing element passes through the
lower wall 3 centrally or off-center, the recess 21 will be located
respectively at the center of the bottom portion 12 or off-center
relative to the axis of extension 8, in the latter case having an
extension that is advantageously annular about it. This
configuration is illustrated in FIG. 4 where the bottom portion 12
comprises an outer annular zone 22 and an inner zone 23. The outer
annular zone 22 is spaced from the lower wall 3, whilst the inner
zone 23 is in contrast close to the lower wall 3.
[0053] Alternatively to the presence of an annular recess 21
(therefore, when the piercing element is off-center relative to the
axis of extension 8), the filtering body 9 may have a substantially
conical shape, the taper being such that it prevents contact with
the piercing element even when it is completely inserted
(considering its maximum stroke) in the second compartment 17.
[0054] Again with reference to the shape of the filtering body 9,
the top of it is, as already indicated, in contact with the first
side wall 4 at the coupling portion 15. In contrast, the bottom of
the filtering body 9 is spaced from the first side wall 4, that is
to say between the first side wall 4 of the outer body 2 and the
second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 there is an empty space
which corresponds to the part of the second compartment 17
positioned between the first side wall 4 and the filtering body 9.
Advantageously, the distance between the filtering body 9 and the
first side wall 4 at the second compartment 17 increases proceeding
towards the bottom portion 12. For example, if the first side wall
4 extends in a substantially conical fashion with reference to the
axis of extension 8, proceeding from the lid 6 towards the lower
wall 3, the second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 may have a
similar extension but with a more pronounced taper (FIG. 1).
Moreover, in the preferred embodiments illustrated, the second side
wall 11 of the filtering body 9 has the structure of superposed
rings 24, which are concentric about the axis of extension 8 and
connected to each other. Each ring 24, proceeding from the upper
rim 14 towards the bottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9,
delimits a respective section of the first compartment 16, in a
plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of extension 8,
having an area greater than that delimited by the next ring 24.
Advantageously, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the same
ring 24 delimits various sections of the first compartment 16
(which are perpendicular to the axis of extension 8) which have
decreasing areas proceeding in the direction from the upper rim 14
towards the bottom portion 12. In other words, each ring 24,
proceeding from the upper rim 14 towards the bottom portion 12,
converges towards the axis of extension 8. In the preferred
embodiment illustrated, each section delimited by a ring 24 is
substantially circular and its center is identified by the
intersection with the axis of extension 8.
[0055] Said structure of the second side wall 11 of the first rigid
or semi-rigid skeleton 10 gives it rigidity and makes its
production easier, which advantageously can be carried out using
injection molding.
[0056] The second side wall 11, seen in radial section relative to
the axis of extension 8, therefore comprises, on the side facing
towards the first compartment 16, a substantially stepped profile,
each step corresponding to one of the rings 24. Advantageously,
even the on the side facing towards the first side wall 4 the
second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 comprises a stepped
profile, each step radially recessed, with reference to the axis of
extension 8, relative to the adjacent step positioned between it
and the upper rim 14. In other words, the second side wall 11 of
the filtering body 9 comprises inner steps, formed by the rings 24,
and outer steps, facing towards the first side wall 4. As shown in
FIG. 1, the inner steps and the outer steps may not be aligned with
each other. In particular, in the first embodiment each outer step
extends substantially from approximately half the height, measured
parallel with the axis of extension 8, of each ring 24. However, in
other embodiments, other configurations and structures are possible
for the second side wall 11, such as those schematically
illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.
[0057] In the first embodiment the filtering body 9 also comprises
ribs 25 for stiffening it which, advantageously, are located at
least on the second side wall 11 of the first rigid or semi-rigid
skeleton 10. As shown in FIG. 1, advantageously, the ribs 25 of the
second side wall 11 extend longitudinally from the upper rim 14 at
least to the bottom portion 12 and lie substantially in planes
passing through the axis of extension 8. Preferably, the ribs 25
also extend on the bottom portion 12. In the first embodiment
illustrated, more precisely, some ribs 25 extend over radial
stretches (with reference to the axis of extension 8) on the bottom
portion 12 whilst other ribs 25 extend over annular stretches about
the axis of extension 8. The ribs 25 with annular extension and
radial extension may meet one another, as is clearly shown in FIG.
1. Some ribs 25 of the bottom portion 12 which extend radially may
also extend from the ribs 25 of the second side wall 11.
[0058] In the embodiment illustrated, the ribs 25 of the second
side wall 11 extend on the rings 24 and on the outer steps in which
the second side wall 11 is structured and they project radially
relative to the latter, creating an overall frusto-conical shape:
in other words, each rib 25 is angled in such a way that,
proceeding from the upper rim 14 towards the bottom portion 12 of
the filtering body 9, the distance between its outer surface and
the capsule 1 axis of extension 8 is reduced.
[0059] In the preferred embodiment the ribs 25 do not make contact
with the capsule 1 outer body 2, except at the coupling portion 15.
However, in general the filtering body 9 may be in contact with the
capsule 1 outer body 2 even at various points other than the
coupling portion 15, such as the outer surfaces of the ribs 25,
provided that there is no interruption in the fluid communication
both through the filtering body 9 and with the beverage outfeed
zone through the lower wall 3. Therefore, in some embodiments, one
or more of the ribs 25 present on the second side wall 11 and/or on
the bottom portion 12 may be in contact with the capsule 1 outer
body 2: for example the longitudinal ribs 25 present on the second
side wall 11 could be in contact at one or more points with the
first side wall 4, whilst between one rib 25 and another the
filtering body 9 is distanced from the first side wall 4. As
already indicated, the first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10
comprises openings 13 which allow fluid communication, that is to
say, which allow the passage of the beverage from the first
compartment 16 towards the second compartment 17.
[0060] As indicated, the openings 13 are located at least on the
second side wall 11. In the preferred embodiments illustrated,
there are several openings 13 on each of the rings 24 of the first
rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10. In the embodiments illustrated, in
particular, the openings 13 made in the second side wall 11 are
formed by slits extending mainly parallel with the axis of
extension 8, being arranged side by side. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4,
the slits extend substantially over the entire height of each ring
24 (and therefore of each inner step). In contrast, in the first
and second embodiments each through slit only extends on a portion
of each ring 24.
[0061] As already indicated, the openings 13 are advantageously
also made in the bottom portion 12 (which mainly has the shape of a
flat disk). In the embodiments illustrated, said openings 13 are
elongate slots extending on the bottom portion 12 in directions
which are radial relative to the axis of extension 8.
[0062] However, more generally, whatever the shape of the filtering
body 9 and wherever the openings 13 are positioned, they may have a
different shape, orientation, arrangement and dimensions, for
example, they may be circular holes, or cross-shaped, elongate
slits, curves, etc. Moreover, the same first rigid or semi-rigid
skeleton 10 may comprise different types of openings 13.
[0063] Finally, according to this invention the filtering body also
comprises at least one additional filtering element 26 positioned
in the chamber 7 between the filtering body 9 and the lower wall 3
for intercepting all of the beverage which comes out of the
filtering body 9 and flows towards the lower wall 3. The additional
filtering element 26 is coupled in a sealed fashion to the inner
part of the outer body 2, advantageously to the first side wall
4.
[0064] The additional filtering element 26 in general comprises at
least one layer 27 of flexible filtering material but may also
comprise more than one layer. Said flexible filtering material may
be, for example, non-woven fabric, fabric, paper, etc.
[0065] In the most simple embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2) the additional
filtering element 26 consists only of the one or more layers 27 of
flexible filtering material which are directly fixed at their
periphery to the outer body 2 (as labeled 27 for example in FIG.
2). That fixing may advantageously be achieved by sealing or
gluing.
[0066] In contrast, in other embodiments the additional filtering
element 26 comprises a second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28
forming one or more passages 29 through it for the beverage. In
this case, one or more layers 27 of flexible filtering material are
applied at the one or more passages 29 to close them and therefore
to intercept the beverage which passes through them.
[0067] In these embodiments, it is advantageously the second rigid
or semi-rigid skeleton 28 which is constrained to the outer body 2
and, more particularly, to the first side wall 4. Advantageously,
the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 can be fixed to the
first side wall 4 by gluing, sealing or mechanical interference
(the particularly preferred solution--FIG. 3).
[0068] FIGS. 5 to 9 show various possible embodiments of the second
rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28. In FIG. 5 it is exclusively an
annular element 30 with an L-shaped cross-section which forms a
single passage 29, and the flexible filtering material is fixed on
top of it. In contrast, in FIG. 6, in addition to the annular
element 30 the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 comprises
transversal elements 33 which are connected to the annular element
30 (with which they are advantageously in one piece) which divide
the passage 29 delimited by the annular element 30 into smaller
passages 29. Again in this case the flexible filtering material is
fixed on top of the annular element 30 and the transversal elements
33.
[0069] In contrast, in FIGS. 7 and 8 the second skeleton 28 is
similar respectively to that in FIGS. 5 and 6, but the flexible
filtering material is fixed on the bottom of it.
[0070] Finally, FIG. 9 shows a solution similar to that of FIG. 5
but with the annular element 30 consisting only of a band of
material which is not L-shaped.
[0071] It should also be noticed that when the bottom portion 21 of
the filtering body 9 comprises a recess 21, it may advantageously
be the case that the additional filtering element 26 (with or
without the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28) is shaped in a
similar way to the bottom portion 12, shown labeled 27 in FIG. 4.
In this way, during use, insertion of a piercing element in the
capsule 1, through the lower wall, is possible without damaging the
additional filtering element 26.
[0072] It should also be noticed that, in some embodiments the
first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 and the second rigid or
semi-rigid skeleton 28 may be rigidly connected to form one piece.
In all of the embodiments illustrated, the flexible filtering
material is applied to the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28
in one piece. However, in other embodiments, not illustrated, the
flexible filtering material may instead be used in a plurality of
smaller pieces, each fixed to the second rigid or semi-rigid
skeleton 28 at one or more passages 29.
[0073] The flexible filtering material can advantageously be fixed
to the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 in any way suitable
for the purpose, for example by sealing, gluing, or molding the
second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 directly on the layer 27 of
material.
[0074] However, in general, advantageously each piece of the
flexible filtering material is fixed to the second rigid or
semi-rigid skeleton 28 along a continuous line in such a way as to
prevent the formation of routes which may allow the beverage to
pass from the openings 13 to the lower wall 3 without passing
through the at least one layer 27 of flexible filtering
material.
[0075] In general, to allow easier positioning of the additional
filtering element 26, the first side wall 4 comprises, close to the
lower wall 3 but spaced from it, a fold 31 which in the chamber 7
forms an annular surface 32 recessed towards the axis of extension
8. The additional filtering element 26 is positioned/fixed on said
annular surface 32.
[0076] Although thanks to the presence of the additional filtering
element 26 it could be assumed that the openings 13 are of a shape
and/or size which allows the passage 29 of the powdered food
substance through them (but at that point there would no longer be
a filtering body), in the preferred embodiments that is not the
case and all of the openings 13 are of a size such that they act as
a filter for the powdered food substance, for retaining it at least
when it is above a predetermined particle size (usually less than
the nominal particle size of the powdered substance).
[0077] As indicated, the capsule 1 is suitable for use in a
beverage making system based on capsules which comprises water
injecting means that can be associated with the capsule 1 lid 6 and
beverage extracting means which can be associated with the lower
wall 3 of the capsule 1. In particular, in the preferred
embodiment, an injecting element which pierces the lid 6 is used to
inject the water into the first compartment 16 which contains the
powdered food substance. The water interacts with the powdered food
substance, making the beverage which, driven by the flow of the
water (which may be pressurized), passes through the powder,
covering stretches of it until it reaches the openings 13 present
in the filtering body 9. While the powdered food substance at least
mainly remains confined in the first compartment 16, the beverage
passes through the openings 13 from the first compartment 16 to the
second compartment 17, where it can come out of the capsule 1 after
the action of the piercing element which penetrates the lower wall
3. Depending on the type of beverage making system, the beverage
may come out through the hole left by the piercing element or
through a channel present in said element.
[0078] Any grains of powder which manage to pass beyond the
openings 13 are then intercepted and retained by the additional
filtering element 26. However, unlike what happens in prior art
capsules with flexible filtering material filters, in the preferred
embodiment in which the openings 13 are of a size such that they
act as a filter for the powdered food substance, for retaining it
at least above a predetermined particle size, it is possible to
prevent any clogging of the additional filtering element 26 itself,
since most of the powdered substance is retained directly by the
first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10.
[0079] This invention brings important advantages.
[0080] The basket shape of the filtering element and the presence
of the openings on the second side wall allow a reduction in the
average distance that the water must cover through the powdered
food substance in order to be able to come out of the filtering
body. For example, the beverage made close to the lid is not forced
to pass through substantially all of the powdered food substance in
order to be able to come out through the bottom portion of the
filtering body, but can come out through the above-mentioned
openings closer to it. In that way, the beverage encounters less
resistance during its movement. Moreover, in that way, the risk of
the formation of highly compacted areas linked to the substantially
unidirectional flow of water and beverage is reduced. In this way,
while the beverage is being made the powdered food substance
maintains substantially even compactness, consequently reducing the
risk of the formation of preferential water flow channels, and the
water can therefore permeate the food substance more evenly and
homogeneously, leading to an increase in the quality of the
beverage made.
[0081] However, at the same time, the use of an additional
filtering element 26 equipped with one or more layers 27 of
flexible filtering material allows a reduction, or even
elimination, of the micro-granules of powder which come out with
the beverage even if a certain quantity manages to get beyond the
filtering body.
[0082] Added to that is the fact that the filtering body of the
capsule which is the subject of this invention, thanks to its shape
and the presence of the above-mentioned openings, comprises a
filtering surface greater than that of a common flat filtering body
(the dimensions of the capsule being the same), while keeping the
quantity of powdered food substance contained in it substantially
unchanged. That allows improved filtering of the beverage.
[0083] Finally, it should be noticed that this invention is
relatively easy to produce and that even the cost linked to
implementing the invention is not very high.
[0084] The invention described above may be modified and adapted in
several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the
inventive concept.
[0085] Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted
with other technically equivalent elements and the materials used,
as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may
vary according to requirements.
* * * * *