U.S. patent application number 15/564743 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-19 for capsule for use with a beverage production machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is Spresso Novo Cap Ltd.. Invention is credited to Gad HARIF.
Application Number | 20180105355 15/564743 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56081529 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180105355 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HARIF; Gad |
April 19, 2018 |
CAPSULE FOR USE WITH A BEVERAGE PRODUCTION MACHINE
Abstract
A capsule body is adapted for containing one or more beverage
ingredients for use in a beverage preparation machine. The capsule
body includes a base body having side walls defining a cavity for
receiving the one or more beverage ingredients, a flange-like rim
extending from the side walls and a sealing member adapted to
provide a sealed engagement between the capsule body and the
beverage preparation machine. The side walls include an inner
surface facing the cavity defined by the side walls and an outer
surface facing the beverage preparation machine in use. The sealing
member is positioned on a surface of the flange like rim that
extends from the inner surface of the side walls.
Inventors: |
HARIF; Gad; (Kibbutz Metzer,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Spresso Novo Cap Ltd. |
Tel-Aviv |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
56081529 |
Appl. No.: |
15/564743 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
April 25, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2016/050435 |
371 Date: |
October 6, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62153032 |
Apr 27, 2015 |
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62189791 |
Jul 8, 2015 |
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62271415 |
Dec 28, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/8043
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804 |
Claims
1. A capsule body adapted for containing one or more beverage
ingredients for use in a beverage preparation machine comprising: a
base body having side walls defining a cavity for receiving the one
or more beverage ingredients, wherein the side walls include an
inner surface facing the cavity defined by the side walls and an
outer surface facing the beverage preparation machine in use, a
flange-like rim extending from the side walls; and a sealing member
adapted to provide a sealed engagement between the capsule body and
the beverage preparation machine; wherein the sealing member is
positioned on a surface of the flange like rim that extends from
the inner surface of the side walls.
2. The capsule body according to claim 1, wherein the side walls
are shaped as an acute truncated cone.
3. The capsule body according to claim 1, wherein the flange-like
rim is formed with one or more slots and/or slits.
4. The capsule body according to claim 3, wherein the one or more
slots extend in a circumferential direction around the flange-like
rim.
5. The capsule body according to claim 3, wherein the one or more
slots provides an opening that is 0.3 mm-1 mm wide.
6. The capsule body according to claim 3, wherein the slots are
separated by bridge components formed from material forming the
capsule body.
7. The capsule body according to claim 3, wherein the one or more
slits extend in a radial direction of the flange-like rim.
8. The capsule body according to claim 7, wherein the one or more
slits are micro pre-cuts or stamping marks.
9. The capsule body according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of
slits extends from the slots in a radial direction and wherein the
plurality of slits extend from an edge of the slot that is distal
to the side walls.
10. (canceled)
11. The capsule body according to claim 1, wherein the capsule body
is formed from aluminum sheet and wherein the aluminum sheet on at
least a portion of the flange like rim is 50-150 .mu.m.
12. (canceled)
13. The capsule body according to claim 11, wherein at least one
surface of the aluminum sheet is laminated with a polymer material
and comprising slots separated by bridge components, wherein the
bridge components are from by the polymer material laminated on the
aluminum.
14. (canceled)
15. The capsule body according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
member is ring shaped.
16. The capsule body according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
member has an `L` shaped cross-section, wherein the `L` shaped
cross-section includes a first leg and a second leg, wherein the
hardness of the first leg is different that of the second leg,
wherein one leg of the sealing member is fitted along the inner
surface of the side walls and wherein the hardness of the one leg
fitted along the inner surface of the side walls is more than that
of the leg fitted on the flange-like rim.
17-19. (canceled)
20. The capsule body according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
member has step shaped cross-section formed with an inner ring
portion and an outer ring portion, wherein the inner ring portion
is thicker than the outer ring portion.
21. The capsule body according to claim 20, wherein the sealing
member is formed with a first layer overlaid on a second layer,
wherein the first layer is formed from material selected to be
softer than the second layer, and wherein the inner ring includes
both the first layer and the second layer and wherein the outer
ring portion is formed from the material of the second layer.
22. (canceled)
23. The capsule body according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
member extends from an edge between the flange-like rim and the
side walls to a curl in on outer edge of the flange.
24. The capsule body according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
member is formed from a polymer material.
25. The capsule body according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
member is applied on the flange-like rim as a liquid and cured in
place.
26. The capsule body according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
member is partially exposed through the flange-like rim.
27. The capsule body according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
member is color coded to provide indication regarding the contents
of the capsule.
28. A capsule for use in a beverage preparation machine, the
capsule adapted for containing one or more beverage ingredients,
the capsule comprising: a capsule body comprising: a base body
having side walls defining a cavity for receiving the one or more
beverage ingredients, wherein the side walls include an inner
surface facing the cavity defined by the side walls and an outer
surface facing the beverage preparation machine in use; a
flange-like rim extending from the side walls; and a sealing member
adapted to provide a sealed engagement between the capsule body and
the beverage preparation machine; wherein the sealing member is
positioned on a surface of the flange like rim that extends from
the inner surface of the side walls; and a membrane adapted to be
positioned over the flange-like rim and thereby enclose the cavity
defined by the capsule body; wherein the sealing member is
positioned between the flange like rim and the membrane adapted to
enclose the cavity defined by the capsule body.
29. The capsule according to claim 28, comprising coffee.
30. The capsule according to claim 28, wherein the capsule
comprises an additional layer between the sealing member and the
flange-like rim.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to a single use capsule for preparation of a beverage with a
beverage production machine and, more particularly, but not
exclusively, to a capsule composed of aluminum sheet.
[0002] Single use capsules containing compacted ground coffee, tea
and/or other ingredients are known for use in certain coffee
preparation machines which are generally termed "espresso"
machines. Capsules of this type generally include a capsule body
containing the compacted ground coffee and/or other ingredients and
a membrane and/or cover such as aluminum foil that seals the
capsule body. Typically, the capsule body is shaped as an acute
truncated cone with a rim, and the membrane is attached to the rim
to seal the capsule. The body of the capsule is typically made from
either aluminum or plastic. When aluminum sheet is used, the inside
of the capsule is typically coated with a thin layer of a
thermoplastic material that is used to thermo-seal the membrane to
the rim and to provide a barrier between the aluminum and content
of the capsule. Typically, the membrane includes a similar coating
and/or lacquer.
[0003] During use in an "espresso" machine, the capsule is placed
in a chamber where it is typically pierced on two opposing faces
and hot water is passed through the capsule at relatively high
pressure and temperature, thereby extracting the aromatic
constituents from the ingredients to produce the beverage.
Typically, during operation of the "espresso" machine, the rim of
the capsule is pressed with a rim of the machine chamber against a
capsule holder to form a sealed engagement. The sealed engagement
with the capsule holder is typically used to insure that all of the
hot water is passed through the capsule for preparation of the
coffee beverage and to prevent leakage around the capsule.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,202 entitled "Capsule for beverage
preparation," the content of which is incorporated herein by
reference describes a capsule containing a substance for making up
a drink using an apparatus. The capsule includes a body having the
general shape of an acute truncated cone with a rim and a membrane
positioned over the rim to seal the capsule body. It is described
that the body of the capsule is composed of aluminum sheet between
60 and 110 micrometers thick, preferably 80 micrometers with the
membrane composed of aluminum, preferably between 30 and 60
micrometers thick.
[0005] European Patent No. 1,654,966 entitled "Capsule with sealing
means," the content of which is incorporated herein by reference
describes a capsule that contains beverage ingredients such as
ground coffee, tea or other ingredients. The capsule is configured
for insertion in a beverage production machine (or device) in order
to have a liquid under pressure enter the capsule and interact with
the ingredients in the capsule. The capsule includes a base body
and a foil member closing the base body by being attached to a
flange-like rim extending from the side wall of the base body of
the capsule. The outer surface of the base body of the capsule
includes a resilient sealing member, the sealing member being
designed to be in sealing engagement with an enclosing member of
the beverage production machine. The sealed engagement assures that
all liquid flow is through the interior of the capsule during
preparation of the beverage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention, there is provided a capsule body including a sealing
member designed to be in sealing engagement with an enclosing
member of the beverage production machine. The capsule body
typically includes a base body with side walls into which contents,
such as coffee, is introduced, and a flange-like rim extending from
the side wall. The flange-like rim is typically not in contact with
contents contained in the capsule body and is external to a cavity
defined by the side walls, e.g. its extends out from the cavity. A
capsule includes the capsule body and a membrane or lid that
encloses the capsule body. According to some embodiments of the
present invention, the sealing member is mounted on the flange-like
rim on a surface of the flange that extends from an inner portion
and/or surface of the capsule body. The inner surface of the
capsule body is the surface that faces content stored in the
capsule while an outer surface faces the beverage production
machine. According to some embodiments of the present invention,
the flange includes one or more holes and/or slots for exposing the
sealing member from an outer portion and/or surface of the flange
and/or for improving a seal between the flange and the enclosing
member of the beverage production machine. The outer surface of the
flange is the surface of the flange that extends from the outer
surface of the capsule body that comes in to contact with the rim
of the enclosing member of the beverage production machine.
Alternatively or additionally, the flange includes one or more cuts
and/or slits for weakening a portion of the flange outer surface
and thereby improving a seal between the flange (including the
sealing member) and the enclosing member of the beverage production
machine.
[0007] An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention
provides for a capsule body adapted for containing one or more
beverage ingredients for use in a beverage preparation machine
including: a base body having side walls defining a cavity for
receiving the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the side
walls include an inner surface facing the cavity defined by the
side walls and an outer surface facing the beverage preparation
machine in use, a flange-like rim extending from the side walls;
and a sealing member adapted to provide a sealed engagement between
the capsule body and the beverage preparation machine; wherein the
sealing member is positioned on a surface of the flange like rim
that extends from the inner surface of the side walls.
[0008] Optionally, the side walls are shaped as an acute truncated
cone.
[0009] Optionally, the flange-like rim is formed with one or more
slots and/or slits.
[0010] Optionally, the one or more slots extend in a
circumferential direction around the flange-like rim.
[0011] Optionally, the one or more slots provides an opening that
is 0.3 mm-1 mm wide.
[0012] Optionally, the slots are separated by bridge components
formed from material forming the capsule body.
[0013] Optionally, the one or more slits extend in a radial
direction of the flange-like rim.
[0014] Optionally, the one or more slits are micro pre-cuts or
stamping marks.
[0015] Optionally, a plurality of slits extends from the slots in a
radial direction.
[0016] Optionally, the plurality of slits extend from an edge of
the slot that is distal to the side walls.
[0017] Optionally, the capsule body is formed from aluminum
sheet.
[0018] Optionally, the aluminum sheet on at least a portion of the
flange like rim is 50-150 .mu.m.
[0019] Optionally, at least one surface of the aluminum sheet is
laminated with a polymer material.
[0020] Optionally, the capsule body includes slots separated by
bridge components, wherein the bridge components are from by the
polymer material laminated on the aluminum.
[0021] Optionally, the sealing member is ring shaped.
[0022] Optionally, the sealing member has an `L` shaped
cross-section.
[0023] Optionally, the `L` shaped cross-section includes a first
leg and a second leg and wherein the hardness of the first leg is
different that of the second leg.
[0024] Optionally, one leg of the sealing member is fitted along
the inner surface of the side walls.
[0025] Optionally, the hardness of the one leg fitted along the
inner surface of the side walls is more than that of the leg fitted
on the flange-like rim.
[0026] Optionally, the sealing member has step shaped cross-section
formed with an inner ring portion and an outer ring portion,
wherein the inner ring portion is thicker than the outer ring
portion.
[0027] Optionally, the sealing member is formed with a first layer
overlaid on a second layer, wherein the first layer is formed from
material selected to be softer than the second layer.
[0028] Optionally, the inner ring includes both the first layer and
the second layer and wherein the outer ring portion is formed from
the material of the second layer.
[0029] Optionally, the sealing member extends from an edge between
the flange-like rim and the side walls to a curl in on outer edge
of the flange.
[0030] Optionally, the sealing member is formed from a polymer
material.
[0031] Optionally, the sealing member is applied on the flange-like
rim as a liquid and cured in place.
[0032] Optionally, the sealing member is partially exposed through
the flange-like rim.
[0033] Optionally, the sealing member is color coded to provide
indication regarding the contents of the capsule.
[0034] An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention
provides for a capsule for use in a beverage preparation machine,
the capsule adapted for containing one or more beverage
ingredients, the capsule including: a capsule body as described
herein above; a membrane adapted to be positioned over the
flange-like rim and thereby enclose the cavity defined by the
capsule body; wherein the sealing member is positioned between the
flange like rim and the membrane adapted to enclose the cavity
defined by the capsule body.
[0035] Optionally, the capsule includes coffee.
[0036] Optionally, the capsule includes an additional layer between
the sealing member and the flange-like rim.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is
stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the
invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings
makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the
invention may be practiced.
[0038] In the drawings:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary
capsule body including an internal sealing member in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0040] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom perspective
views respectively of an exemplary sealing member in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0041] FIGS. 3A and 3B are a schematic perspective view and a
detailed cross-sectional view respectively of an exemplary capsule
body including a first pattern of slots in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0042] FIGS. 4A and 4B are a schematic perspective view and
detailed cross-sectional view respectively of an exemplary capsule
body including a second pattern of slits in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0043] FIGS. 5A and 5B are a schematic cross sectional view of an
exemplary capsule placed in an enclosing member of a beverage
production machine and a detailed schematic cross-sectional view of
enclosing member engaging the sealing member of the capsule in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0044] FIGS. 6A and 6B are a schematic cross-sectional view of an
exemplary capsule body including an internal sealing member and a
detailed schematic cross-sectional view of the sealing member in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0045] FIGS. 7A and 7B are a perspective view and top view of
another exemplary capsule body in accordance with some embodiments
of the present invention;
[0046] FIGS. 7C and 7D are a top view and detailed view of another
exemplary capsule body in accordance with some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0047] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bridge
formed between slots on a rim of an exemplary capsule body shown in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0048] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are simplified schematic
cross-sectional views of exemplary rim and sealing member
arrangements in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0049] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a sealing member formed from a
single material and a sealing member formed with two different
materials respectively in accordance with some other embodiments of
the present invention; and
[0050] FIG. 11 is a simplified flow chart of an exemplary method
for forming sheet material with slots or slits for use in producing
a capsule body in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0051] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to a single use capsule for preparation of a beverage with a
beverage production machine and, more particularly, but not
exclusively, to a capsule composed of aluminum sheet.
[0052] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
capsule is formed of a body into which contents, such as coffee, is
introduced and a flange-like rim extending from a side wall of the
body. The surface of the capsule or side walls facing the contents
is referred herein as an inner surface and the surface facing a
beverage production machine (in use) is referred herein as an outer
surface of the capsule body or side walls Likewise, the surface of
the flange-like rim extending from the inner surface of the capsule
body is referred herein as an inner surface of the flange and the
surface of the flange-like rim extending from the outer surface of
the side walls is referred herein as an outer surface of the
flange.
[0053] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a
capsule includes a sealing member positioned on an inner surface of
a wall and flange-like rim, e.g. rim and/or flange of the capsule.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing
member provides a sealed engagement between the capsule body and an
enclosing member of a beverage production machine.
[0054] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
sealing member is held and/or positioned on an inner surface of the
flange-like rim, optionally between the flange-like rim of the
capsule body and the membrane for enclosing the capsule body.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
flange-like rim includes a pattern of slits for weakening the
flange-like rim and/or slots for exposing the sealing member
through the rim. Optionally, the slots are at least partially
formed while drawing a shape of the capsule body.
[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing member is shaped
as a flat ring. Optionally, the sealing member has an `L` shaped
cross-section and fits on an edge between the flange and inner wall
of the capsule body. In some exemplary embodiments, a diameter of
the capsule side walls around the sealing member is extended
forming a step-like protrusion in the side walls. The step-like
protrusion may be smaller or larger than the sealing member filling
it. Optionally, the step-like protrusion is filled by the sealing
member such that the inner side of the base body does not comprise
a step when the sealing member is provided to it. Alternatively,
the sealing member is thicker than the extension of the diameter of
the step-like protrusion such that the sealing member causes a
step-like inner protrusion in the side walls. In some exemplary
embodiments, the sealing member is a ring with a step shaped
cross-section and the flange includes a corresponding elevated
section or bulge for receiving the sealing member thereunder.
Typically, the step in the step shaped cross-section that is
configured to be positioned on the flange is wider in width and
shorter in height as compared to the `L` shaped cross-section that
is configured to fit on an edge between the flange and inner wall
of the capsule body. Optionally, a portion of the ring near its
inner diameter is thicker than a portion near its outer diameter.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, a portion
of the flange that overlaps with the sealing member is elevated
and/or raised as compare to other portions of flange. Optionally,
the sealing member is fitted under the elevated portion of a
flange-like rim. Optionally, the elevated section extends to the
sidewalls. In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing member may
have `L` shaped cross-section with a step on one leg of the `L`
shape. The `L` shaped cross-section may fits on an edge between the
flange and inner wall of the capsule body and the step may fitted
under the elevated portion of a flange-like rim.
[0056] Typically, the sealing member is formed from a polymer
material. Optionally, the polymer material is an elastomer, a
polymer with elastic properties and/or a polymer that is
deformable. Optionally, the polymer material is defined to be soft
so that it protrudes through the slots and/or slits formed on the
flange. Alternatively, the polymer material is not deformable.
Optionally, for an `L` shaped cross section, a portion of the ring
that sits around the inner side walls of the capsule body is formed
from a material that is harder than a material used to form a
portion of the ring that sits on the flange. Optionally, the
sealing member is formed of a layered material having different
properties. Optionally, a first layer overlaid on the flange-like
rim is formed from a material that is softer than a material used
to form a second layer overlaid on the first layer.
[0057] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 showing a schematic
perspective view of an exemplary capsule body including an internal
sealing member in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention. Typically, capsule body 100 is shaped as an acute
truncated cone. According to some embodiments of the present
invention, a capsule body 100 includes a base 105, side walls 110
extending from base 105 and a flange 115 extending from the side
walls 110. Capsule body 100 includes an inner surface 111 in
contact with the ingredients and an outer surface 113. According to
some embodiments of the present invention, sealing member 200 is
fitted and/or positioned on an inner surface of the flange, e.g. on
the side of flange extending from an inner surface of capsule body
100. Optionally, sealing member 200 does not extend to the edge of
flange 115, e.g. the edge that is distal to side walls 110.
[0058] Typically, sealing member 200 is ring shaped and sized to
fit on flange 115 and/or around an edge between flange 115 and side
walls 110. In some exemplary embodiments, capsule body 100 is made
from aluminum. Optionally, capsule body 100 is formed from aluminum
sheet, e.g. with about 100 .mu.m thickness. Optionally, the
aluminum sheet is formed from a laminated material. According to
some embodiments of the present invention, sealing member 200 is a
polymer. Typically, the polymer is defined to have properties, e.g.
hardness and/or elasticity that are suitable for forming a sealed
connection with a rim of the enclosing member of the beverage
production machine in response to force and/or pressure. According
to some embodiments, sealing member 200 is formed with a material
that has a hardness of around SHORE 15 A to 70 A, e.g. 20 A.
[0059] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B showing simplified
schematic top and bottom perspective views respectively of an
exemplary sealing member in accordance with some embodiments of the
present invention. In some exemplary embodiments, sealing member
200 includes a first ring section 210 that sits flat against a
surface of flange 115 and another ring section 220 that sits flat
against inner surface 111 of side walls 110. In some exemplary
embodiments, ring 210 is defined to have a 300-800 .mu.m thickness
and/or 400-650 .mu.m thickness. Optionally, ring section 210 has a
different thickness and/or width than ring section 220. In some
exemplary embodiments, sealing member 200 is formed from a single
material. In some exemplary embodiments, sealing member 200 is
formed from more than one material and/or one or more layers of
material. Optionally, ring section 220 is formed with material
and/or with properties that is harder than the material and/or
properties of ring section 210.
[0060] In some exemplary embodiments, sealing member 200 is formed
from a thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA) and Polyethylene terephthalate
(PET). Optionally, sealing member 200 is formed from a
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a blend of thermoplastic polymers
and thermoplastic elastomers, or plastomer. Optionally, sealing
member 200 formed from a polymer compound that has a high barrier
property against oxygen and moisture. Optionally, sealing member
200 is deformable under pressure. Optionally, the deformable and/or
elastic properties of sealing member 200 provides for establishing
a fluid seal when engaging an enclosing member of a beverage
production machine. Optionally, sealing member 200 is colored, e.g.
color coated according to the contents of the capsule. According to
some embodiments of the present invention, sealing member is
sandwiched between flange 115 and a layer of aluminum or other
material that seals the capsule body and provides barrier against
oxygen and moisture.
[0061] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B showing a schematic
perspective view and a detailed cross-sectional view respectively
of an exemplary capsule body including an exemplary pattern of
slots in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, capsule
body 100 includes one or more slots 151 formed on flange 115 from
which sealing member 200 is exposed. Slots 151 are shown more
clearly in detailed view 30 (FIG. 3B). According to some
embodiments, slots 151 are elongated slots extending along a
circumferential direction of flange 115. Optionally, slots 151 are
defined to substantially expose sealing member 200. Optionally, 2-6
slots 151 are used in a capsule, e.g. 4 slots 151. Alternatively,
slots 151 may be formed from a pattern of round or elongated holes.
In some exemplary embodiments, width of slots 151 are defined to
fully accommodate a surface with which sealing member is to form a
seal, e.g. width of slots 151 are defined to be wide enough to fit
within the rim of the beverage production machine that contacts the
flange. Optionally, width of slots 151 is between 0.3 mm-1 mm, e.g.
0.4 mm.
[0062] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
sealing member 200 has an `L` shaped cross-section. Typically, the
`L` shaped cross-section helps prevent leakage through slots 151
near an edge between flange 115 and side walls 110. In some
exemplary embodiments, a membrane for sealing contents of capsule
body 100 is adhered to the `L` sealing member 200. Typically, `L`
sealing member 200 also provides for increasing the structural
stability of capsule body 100 around an edge between flange 115 and
side walls 110.
[0063] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A and 4B showing a schematic
perspective view and detailed cross-sectional view respectively of
an exemplary capsule body including an exemplary pattern of slits
in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, capsule
body 101 includes one or more slits 152 formed on flange 115
through which sealing member 200 is exposed. Slits 152 are shown
more clearly in detailed view 32 (FIG. 4B). Optionally slits 152
are arranged on flange 115 in a radial direction. In some exemplary
embodiments, slits 152 are relatively narrow slits that are
designed to provide substantially a minimum amount of exposure.
Optionally slits 152 are elongated slits extending perpendicular to
a circumferential direction of flange 115. Optionally, slits 152
instead provide for weakening the aluminum surface for increasing
surface deformation when pressure is applied. Optionally, slits 152
are formed from micro precuts and/or stamping marks. Typically,
slits 152 serve as a better barrier against oxygen and moisture
penetration through capsule body 101 as compared to slots 151.
Optionally, a thickness of the material used to form flange 115 is
made substantially small, e.g. as thin as possible, to improve a
seal with a surface pressing against flange 115. Optionally, the
hardness of sealing member 200 is adapted, e.g. made softer to
provide an adequate seal via slits 152 in flange 115. Optionally,
flange 115 includes both slits 152 and slots 151. Optionally, slits
extend in a different direction than shown, for example in a
circumferential direction or at an angle.
[0064] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B showing a schematic
cross sectional view of an exemplary capsule placed in an enclosing
member of a beverage production machine and a detailed simplified
schematic cross-sectional view of the enclosing member engaging the
sealing member of the capsule in accordance with some embodiments
of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the
present invention, an enclosing member 300 of a beverage machine
390 is operative to press surface 310 of enclosing member 300
against flange 115 to form a sealed engagement. The sealed
engagement with enclosing member 300 is typically used to insure
that all of the hot water introduced through base 105 of capsule
100 is passed through capsule 100 for preparation of the coffee
beverage and to prevent leakage of the hot water around capsule
100. Enclosing member 300 also provides for pressing capsule 100
toward a capsule holder 320. Capsule holder 320, typically includes
protruding members 325 that pierce through a membrane 190 for
extracting the fluid from capsule 100.
[0065] Typically, membrane or lid 190 is composed of an aluminum
foil that is between 30 and 60 micrometers thick. In some exemplary
embodiments, an inner surface membrane 190 is coated with a polymer
coating or lacquer, e.g. a thermoplastic lacquer. Typically,
polymer coating or lacquer provides for thermo-sealing membrane 190
to sealing member 200. Typically, membrane 190 extends toward a
flange curl and covers sealing membrane 200. Alternatively, sealing
member 200 extends beyond membrane 190 so that sealing member 200
is visible once capsule body 100 is enclosed.
[0066] Typically, a ring shaped surface 310 of enclosing member
engages flange 115 of capsule 100. In some exemplary embodiments, a
width 70 of slots 151 is defined to accommodate surface 310 and/or
to provide substantial and/or adequate engagement of surface 310
with sealing element 200. Typically, sealing member 200 has a width
that exceeds width 70. Typically, a thickness 60 of sealing element
200 is also defined to provide adequate sealing between surface 310
and sealing element 200 in response to pressure applied by surface
310. Optionally, sealing member 200 is 300-800 .mu.m thick.
[0067] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A and 6B showing a schematic
cross-sectional view of an exemplary capsule including an internal
sealing member and a detailed simplified schematic cross-sectional
view of a portion of the capsule around the sealing member in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, flange 115
includes a step 120, e.g. an elevated portion accommodating ring
210 of sealing member 200 thereunder. In some exemplary
embodiments, step 120 provides for improving the sealed connection
with enclosing member 300. Optionally, elevating a portion of
flange 115 that is designed to make a seal insures that enclosing
member 300 contacts that portion, e.g. sealing member 200 prior to
coming in contact with other surrounding surfaces that may obstruct
proper engagement with sealing member 200. Optionally, sealing
member 200 is fully accommodated under step 120 and does not extend
out of step 120.
[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, a diameter of the capsule
side walls around the sealing member bulges or is extended to form
a step-like protrusion 130 in the side walls. In some exemplary
embodiments, step-like protrusion 130 of the side walls improves
structural strength of the capsule walls after being weakened by
slots 151 or slits 152. Typically, step-like protrusion 130 is
useful for providing some extra room from sealing ring 200. The
extra diameter may help prevent obstruction of water flow in the
cavity of the capsule and also help ease assembly of sealing member
200. In some exemplary embodiments, step-like protrusion 130 is
sized and shaped to improve the ease in which the capsule bodies
can be unstacked in a production site by avoiding conical locking.
Typically, the step-like protrusion reduces contact between
capsules to substantially a narrow ring defined by an upper surface
of the step-like protrusion. Typically, sealing member fills the
volume defined by step-like protrusion 130.
[0069] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A and 7B showing a
perspective view and top view of another exemplary capsule body in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Capsule
102 may have a plurality of grooves or indentations 118 each
extending longitudinally and the plurality distributed around a
circumference of outer surface 113. Typically, capsules 102 are
delivered in stacks after manufacturing. Optionally, 6-15 grooves,
e.g. 12 are distributed around side walls 110. In some exemplary
embodiments, a slot 153 along flange 115 extends circumferential
direction and divides flange 115 into an inner rim section 115B and
an outer rim section 115A. Slot 153 optionally includes a plurality
of polymer bridges 154 each extending in a radial direction that
may hold inner rim 115B and outer rim 115A together until a sealing
member is adhered to an inner surface of flange 115. Optionally,
flange 115 is 2.5-3.5 mm, e.g. 3.3 mm wide and slot 153 is 0.5-0.1
mm wide. Optionally, bridges 154 are formed from material coated or
laminated on the aluminum sheet of capsule body 102. Prior to a
drawing process, bridges 154 may include aluminum that may break or
separate during the drawing process. The coating or laminated layer
on the aluminum may stay intact due to its superior elastic
properties. Alternatively, the bridges are also formed of
aluminum.
[0070] Optionally, sealing member 200 maintains connection between
outer rim section 115A and the capsule body for example after use
of the capsule.
[0071] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7C and 7D showing a top view
and detailed view of another exemplary capsule body in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention. According to some
exemplary embodiments, capsule 103 may be similar to capsule 102
and may include a plurality of slits 152 that extend from slot 153.
In some exemplary embodiments, slits 152 extend in radial
directions from slot 153. Typically, slits 152 extend out from an
outer diameter of slits 152 toward edge of flange 115, e.g. toward
curl 112. Optionally, slits 152 are 0.7 mm long and extend from
slot 153 with a distance of 2 mm between.
[0072] Reference is now made to FIG. 8 showing a schematic
cross-sectional view of a bridge formed between slots on a rim of
an exemplary capsule body shown in accordance with some embodiments
of the present invention. A bridge 154 may be formed from PP
laminated layer or coating on aluminum sheet forming flange 115.
Optionally, bridge 154 may have a thickness 154 of about 0.03 mm as
compared to a thickness 116 of about 0.12 mm of the aluminum with
PP laminate. A sealing member 200 positioned under flange 115 and
may have a thickness of 0.7-1.1 mm, e.g. 0.8 mm. Typically, lid 190
is attached to flange 115 via sealing member 200 and has a
thickness of between 0.03 and 0.06 mm.
[0073] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D showing
simplified schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary rim and
sealing member arrangements in accordance with some embodiments of
the present invention. Typically, a width of a sealing member, e.g.
sealing membrane 200, 201, 202 or 203 is defined to be
significantly larger than a width of slot 153 to avoid or minimize
oxygen and moisture permeability through slot 153 due to possible
misalignment between the elements. Referring now to FIG. 9A,
optionally sealing member 201 is shaped as a flat ring and has a
width of about 2 mm. Optionally, sealing member 201 extends from an
edge between side wall 110 and flange 115 to a curl 112 of the
aluminum sheet and fits into step 120 form of flange 115. Referring
now to FIG. 9B, optionally, step 120 is displaced from curl 112 by
around 1 mm and slot 153 with sealing member 201 is positioned on
step 120. In FIG. 9C, a stepped shape sealing member 202 is used to
cover both an area under step 120 and to extend toward curl 112.
This embodiment may provide maximum protection against leakage and
possible permeation of oxygen and moisture around slot 153.
Optionally, and outer section of sealing member 202 is thinner than
an inner portion of sealing member 202.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 9D, in some exemplary embodiments,
sealing member 203 is formed from two materials 203A and 203B.
Material 203A may typically be selected to be harder than material
203B. Optionally, material 203A may be selected to have a hardness
of between 50-70 SHORE D while material 203B may be selected to
have a hardness of 40-60 SHORE A. Hardness of material 203A may
provide adequate rigidity to facilitate assembling the sealing
member 203 onto capsule 103. Hardness of material 203A may also
provide improved sealing against oxygen and moisture penetration
through the seal. Lower density material 203B may be suitable for
providing a seal between capsule 103 and enclosing member 300 of a
beverage machine 390 (FIG. 5A).
[0075] Reference is now made to FIG. 10A and 10B showing a sealing
member formed from a single material and sealing member formed with
two different materials respectively in accordance with some other
embodiments of the present invention. In some exemplary
embodiments, sealing member 202 includes an outer ring 211 that is
thinner than an inner ring 221. Optionally, outer ring 211 has a
thickness of about 0.4, e.g. 0.2-0.6 mm and inner ring 221 has a
thickness of about 0.9 mm, e.g. 0.7-1.1 mm. Optionally, a width of
inner ring 221 is greater than a width of outer ring 211. Inner
ring 221 may have a width of about 2.5 mm, e.g. 2-3 mm and outer
ring 211 may have a width of about 1.5 mm, e.g. 1.2-2 mm.
[0076] Referring now to FIG. 10B, in some exemplary embodiments,
sealing member 203 is formed from a first material 203A and second
material 203B. Sealing member 203 may be formed for example with a
2K injection molding process or with an overmolding process.
Typically, inner ring 221 layered with softer material 203B
overlaid on harder material 203A while outer ring 211 is
predominantly formed with harder material 203A.
[0077] Reference is now made to FIG. 11 showing a simplified flow
chart of an exemplary method for forming sheet material with slits
and/or slots for use in producing a capsule body in accordance with
some embodiments of the present invention. According to some
embodiments of the present invention, capsule body is formed from
aluminum sheet. Optionally, the aluminum sheet has a thickness of
between 50-150 .mu.m, e.g. 100 .mu.m. According to some embodiments
of the present invention, the aluminum sheet is wound out (block
410). Optionally, one or both surfaces of the aluminum sheet that
is used is laminated, coated and/or lacquered with a thin coating
of polymer and/or lacquer e.g. that has a thickness of 20-50
micrometers, e.g. 30 micrometers. Optionally, a coated surface when
provided is used as the inner side walls of the capsule body to
provide separation between the contents of the capsule and the
aluminum. Optionally, both sides are coated, e.g. the outside is
coated for color. According to some embodiments of the present
invention, a deep drawing process is used to form the capsule body
(block 415). Once the shape is formed, holes are punched out or
cuts are made in defined locations to form slots 151, slits 152, or
slot 153 respectively (block 420).
[0078] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
sealing member is installed on the capsule body after forming the
capsule body shape (block 425). Typically, the sealing member is
manufactured separately and then positioned on the capsule body.
Optionally, the sealing member is adhered with the capsule body.
Alternatively, the sealing member can be applied on the capsule
body as a liquid and cured in place.
[0079] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
capsule body is filled with a desired content (block 435) and then
the membrane for enclosing the capsule body is adhered to the
sealing member (block 440). Typically, the filling and closing of
the capsule body is performed separately from the manufacturing of
the capsule body.
[0080] It is noted that although only one exemplary slot pattern
and one exemplary slit pattern are disclosed, the invention is not
limited in this respect and the present invention can be applied to
different slots, cuts and/or slit patterns for exposing and/or
creating a sealed engagement with an enclosing member of a beverage
production machine.
[0081] It is noted that although the one exemplary slot pattern and
one exemplary cut pattern is shown to extend in the circumferential
direction and one exemplary slit pattern is shown to extend in the
radial direction, the invention is not limited in this respect and
the slits and/or slots can be directed in different directions and
may have different shapes.
[0082] It is noted that although most of the embodiments of the
present invention, refer to a capsule that is shaped as an acute
truncated cone with a rim, the invention is not limited in this
respect and the present invention can be applied for producing
capsule bodies that are round, rounded and/or have dome or
alternate shapes.
[0083] It is noted that although most of the embodiments of the
present invention, refer to a capsule that is formed from aluminum
sheet and enclosed with an aluminum membrane, the invention is not
limited in this respect and the present invention can be applied
for producing capsule bodies from alternate and/or additional
material.
[0084] It is noted that although most of the embodiments of the
present invention refer to a capsule used for preparation of a hot
beverage such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate, the capsule as
described herein is not limited in this respect and can also be
used and/or adapted for the preparation of cold beverage including
carbonated beverages and/or alcoholic beverages.
[0085] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes",
"including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not
limited to".
[0086] The term "consisting of" means "including and limited
to".
[0087] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the
composition, method or structure may include additional
ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional
ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic
and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or
structure.
[0088] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination
or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention.
For example, materials and shapes of sealing elements, slots and
slits described for one embodiment may be used with other
embodiments described. Certain features described in the context of
various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of
those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without
those elements.
* * * * *