U.S. patent application number 16/468061 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-16 for capsule with recess passageway and system for preparing edible products including said capsules.
This patent application is currently assigned to NOVADELTA - COMERCIO E IND STRIA DE CAFES S.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is NOVADELTA - COMERCIO E IND STRIA DE CAFES S.A.. Invention is credited to Joao Andre DE FIGUEIREDO BRANCO, Jesus MEDINA MUNDT, Rui Miguel NABEIRO.
Application Number | 20200017288 16/468061 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61006292 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200017288 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NABEIRO; Rui Miguel ; et
al. |
January 16, 2020 |
CAPSULE WITH RECESS PASSAGEWAY AND SYSTEM FOR PREPARING EDIBLE
PRODUCTS INCLUDING SAID CAPSULES
Abstract
The present invention refers to a capsule (1) presenting at
least one first construction element (2) configured in a
container-like shape, and a second construction element (3)
configured in a lid-like shape, adapted so as to contain an
individual portion of an edible substance, whereby said second
construction element (3) presents a passageway wall (4) provided as
a recess region and surrounded in at least most part of respective
perimeter by a weakened material region (41) provided as a
reduction of thickness in at least one of the upstream and
downstream sides of said passageway wall (4). The present invention
further refers to a system for preparing edible products including
a capsule (1), an apparatus for preparing edible products
comprising at least one brewing device (10) presenting injection
means (13) adapted so that exert a mechanic pressure upon the
passageway wall (4) on a region of the passageway wall (4) opposite
to the region of weakened material region (41).
Inventors: |
NABEIRO; Rui Miguel; (Campo
Maior, PT) ; DE FIGUEIREDO BRANCO; Joao Andre;
(Moscavide, PT) ; MEDINA MUNDT; Jesus; (Lisboa,
PT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NOVADELTA - COMERCIO E IND STRIA DE CAFES S.A. |
Lisboa |
|
PT |
|
|
Assignee: |
NOVADELTA - COMERCIO E IND STRIA DE
CAFES S.A.
Lisboa
PT
|
Family ID: |
61006292 |
Appl. No.: |
16/468061 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
December 27, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/PT2017/050030 |
371 Date: |
June 10, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 31/3623 20130101;
A47J 31/407 20130101; B65D 85/8043 20130101; B65B 29/022 20170801;
B65D 65/466 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804; B65B 29/02 20060101 B65B029/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 29, 2016 |
PT |
109813 |
Claims
1. A capsule (1) for preparing an edible product on a brewing
device (10), and presenting: a first construction element (2)
configured in a container-like form and adapted so as to provide a
collection volume for a single portion of an edible substance, and
a second construction element (3) configured in a circular lid-like
form, and adapted so as to confine said collection volume of first
construction element (2) and as to provide an entry flow passageway
to the interior of said first construction element (2), whereby
said second construction element (3) comprises a flow entry wall
part (31) that presents a disk-like general with a prevailing wall
thickness (e.sub.31) between two plane transversal relative to an
axial axis (X) of said wall part (31), whereby said flow entry wall
part (31) is provided in a rigid material, whereby said flow entry
wall part (31) comprises a passageway wall (4) provided with a
circular shape delimited by a first circumferential alignment and
disposed centred relative to an axial axis (X) of said capsule (1),
whereby said flow passageway wall (4) presents a weakened material
region (41) that develops along at least most part along at least
most part of said first circumferential alignment and that is
adapted so that breaks under a given upstream flow pressure, said
capsule (1) being characterized in that said passageway wall (4)
presents a passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4) that is smaller than
said prevailing wall thickness (e.sub.31), and respective weakened
material region (41) is provided by means of a localized reduction
of said passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4), so that results a
region with a weakened thickness (e.sub.41) along said first
circumferential alignment, thereby improving the opening of said
passageway wall (4) when impinged by a pressurized upstream
flow.
2. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said
passageway wall (4) is provided as a reduction of said prevailing
wall thickness (e.sub.31) on a region of circular shape and
disposed centred relative to said entry wall part (31), and in that
said weakened material region (41) is provided in a region
presenting said passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4) in the
proximity of a region presenting said prevailing wall thickness
(e.sub.31).
3. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said
passageway wall (4) presents a passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4)
that corresponds to a thickness reduction of said prevailing wall
thickness (e.sub.31) of said entry wall part (31), provided on a
region of circular shape and on both sides of said entry wall part
(31), so that said passageway wall (4) develops on an intercalary
plane between the exterior upstream and downstream oriented
surfaces of said entry wall part (31), and in that said passageway
wall (4) is provided disposed closer to the upstream oriented
surface than to the downstream oriented surface of said entry wall
part (31).
4. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said
passageway wall (4) is surrounded downstream by a wall that extends
beyond the plane defined by the wall thickness (e.sub.3) of said
entry wall part (31) so that deflects the pressurized flow through
the weakened material region (41), and in that at least said
downstream surrounding wall, preferentially also an upstream
surrounding wall of said passageway wall (4), develop along an
oblique region relative to the direction of said axial axis
(X).
5. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said
weakened material region (41) is provided along at least most part,
preferentially the totality, of a circumferential perimeter and
presents a first (e.sub.41) and a second (e.sub.42) weakened
thickness, whereby said first weakened thickness (e.sub.41) is
smaller than said second weakened thickness (e.sub.42).
6. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said
first weakened thickness (e.sub.41) is comprised between 0.05 and
0.20, preferentially between 0.10 and 0.15, of said passageway wall
thickness (e.sub.4) of said passageway wall (4).
7. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said
weakened material region (41) corresponds to the region between a
first recess provided on the upstream oriented side of said
passageway wall (4), and a second recess provided on the downstream
oriented side of said passageway wall (4), whereby each one of said
recesses develops along a transversal direction along a
circumferential alignment and develops in an axial direction so
that said recesses distance, in the nearest region between
themselves, in the value corresponding to said weakened thickness
(e.sub.41).
8. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said
weakened material region (41) is provided as the region between two
recesses in mutually opposing sides of said flow passageway wall
(4), whereby said recesses present at least one of different shape
and different dimension.
9. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said
weakened material region (41) is provided as region extending
between two recesses on said passageway wall (41) that present
different maximum depths relative to the surface planes of
respective sides of said passageway wall (4).
10. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that
said weakened material region (41) is provided as the region
extending between two recesses on said passageway wall (4) that
present maximum depths that develop in different planes at least
approximately parallel to said axial axis (X).
11. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that
said weakened material region (41) is provided as the region
between two recesses disposed in opposing side of said passageway
wall (4) and presenting at least one oblique surface relative to
the direction of said axial axis (X), whereby in the region closest
to each other said recesses configure two surfaces oblique relative
to said axial axis (X), and that develop at least approximately
parallel along a preferential rupture extension that presents said
weakened thickness (e.sub.41) and that develops in oblique manner
relative to the direction of said axial axis (X).
12. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that
said weakened material region (41) is provided as the region
between two recesses on opposite sides of said passageway wall (4),
whereby recesses disposed on the upstream side develop at least
partially in a more proximal region than recesses disposed on the
downstream oriented side, with reference to said axial axis
(x).
13. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that
said weakened material region (41) presents a first weakened
thickness (e.sub.41) that develops along an arch of circumference
comprised between 348.degree. and 325.degree., preferentially
between 345.degree. and 328.degree..
14. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that
presents at least one of: further presents a recess region (5)
provided on the upstream oriented side of said flow entry wall part
(31), whereby said recess region (5) develops from a second
circumferential alignment in the proximity of said passageway wall
(4) and so that defines an intercalary region (6) between said
recess region (5) and said passageway wall (4), whereby said recess
region (5) presents a recess wall thickness (e.sub.5) that is
smaller than the prevailing wall thickness (e.sub.31), and bigger
than the passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4) of said passageway
wall (4), so that said passageway wall (4) is deflected when the
pressurized flow breaks said weakened material region (41), an
intercalary region (6) that presents an intercalary wall thickness
(e.sub.6) that is bigger than the passageway wall thickness
(e.sub.4) of said passageway wall (4) and bigger than the wall
thickness of said recess wall (e.sub.5) of said recess region (5),
preferentially is at least approximately similar to said prevailing
wall thickness (e.sub.31), thereby improving the transmission of
structural resistance from said recess region (5) and into said
weakened material region (41).
15. A system for preparing edible products comprising: a capsule
(1) adapted for containing a single portion of an edible substance,
in particular a capsule (1) according to claim 1, and an apparatus
for preparing edible products based upon said capsule (1) and
including at least one brewing device (10) that presents two
actuation parts (11, 12), whereby said capsule (1) presents an
upstream oriented wall part (31) that presents a passageway wall
(4) of circular shape and disposed centred relative to an axial
axis (X) of said capsule (1), and successively surrounded by an
intercalary region (6) and a recess region (5), whereby said
actuation parts (11, 12) are adapted so as to collect said capsule
(1), and at least one of said actuation parts (11, 12) can be moved
relative to the other so as to engage with the exterior envelope of
said capsule (1), whereby an upstream actuation part (11) comprises
injection means (13) adapted for impinging a pressurized fluid flow
upon said passageway wall (4) provided on an upstream side of said
capsule (1), whereby a downstream actuation part (12) comprises
discharge means adapted for collecting a beverage from the
downstream side of said capsule (1), said system being
characterized in that said injection means (13) are provided as a
projection developing downstream and adapted so that exerts a
mechanic pressure upon part of said passageway wall (4) in the
proximity of said weakened material region (41), so that said
passageway wall (4) swivels downstream around a region of said
passageway wall (4) opposite to said weakened material region (41)
as a result of said mechanic pressure.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention refers to the field of the capsules
for preparing edible products including aromatic beverages, such s
for example espresso coffee, tea and similar.
[0002] The present invention further refers to a system for
preparing edible products based upon capsules.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The prior art includes several solutions relating to systems
for preparing beverages, such as for example machines for preparing
beverages including espresso coffee, tea and similar, based upon
capsules containing a single portion of edible substance and
provided so that are collected inside of a brewing device. Said
brewing device is adapted so as to inject a pressurized fluid flow
through an upstream side of capsule, and to collect the resulting
beverage from a downstream side of capsule.
[0004] In particular in the case of capsules provided in a
substantially rigid material and construction structure, despite
being retained by means of pressured engagement inside of a
respective brewing device, this type of capsules can slip a
direction transversal to the prevailing flow direction, notably in
a rotation movement around its axial axis, in particular in case
that the pressurized water injection is not done by means of
penetration of the capsule envelope. In fact, in the case of
brewing devices with multiple pressurized water injection outlets,
there is the need to ensure that a capsule of this type is retained
in reliable manner, and eventually positioned on a given angular
position, inside of a respective brewing device.
[0005] The document EP 2287090 B1 discloses a capsule comprising a
container part with a base wall that presents a structure that
forms a reduced thickness of entry wall of the pressurized fluid.
In particular, said structure forms a continuous annular recess
portion of radius R1 where there is provided a plurality of
injection holes.
[0006] The document EP 2394932 B1 discloses a capsule similar to
that of the aforementioned document, whereby in this case there is
provided a weakened material region designed such that breaks at
least partially under the pressure of a pressurized liquid.
Moreover, the body of the capsule is made of plastic or from a
plastic based material.
[0007] The document EP 2560897 B1 discloses a capsule comprising a
container part with a base wall that presents a weakened material
zone that defines a wall part that can be broken, and a portion of
greater thickness of said base wall around which the wall part that
can be broken turns.
[0008] The document EP 2757057 A1 discloses a capsule that presents
a groove that surrounds a central region that presents at least
perforation zone with perforations that provide an entry of hot
water into the interior of capsule.
[0009] The document WO 2015/002562 A1 submitted by the author of
the present application discloses a capsule comprising a lid-like
element that presents at least one engagement groove disposed such
that is surrounded by, or itself surrounds, a zone of said second
construction element adapted for fluid passage.
[0010] General Description of the Invention
[0011] The objective of the present invention is to provide a
capsule in a substantially rigid construction, for collection of a
single portion of an edible substance, in particular adapted for
preparing edible products, including beverages, inside of a
respective brewing device, and that provides sufficient oxygen
barrier and a reliable opening to pressurized flow through a
respective upstream oriented wall and presenting a weakened
material region.
[0012] This objective is solved by means of a capsule according to
claim 1.
[0013] In particular, this objective is attained by means of a
capsule that presents a lid-like construction element, presenting a
wall part and a flow passageway wall provided as a recess region of
circular shape in the central region of said wall part and
presenting a smaller wall thickness, whereby said passageway wall
is delimited along at least part of a circumferential alignment by
a weakened material region adapted so that said passageway wall
breaks in this zone and swivels around part of said circumferential
alignment.
[0014] The capsule according to the invention comprises a first
construction element configured in a container-like form, and a
second construction element configured in a lid-like form and
adapted for entry of a pressurized fluid preferentially without
holing of a respective exterior envelope, and adapted for joint
assembly so as to provide an interior volume for collection of a
portion of at least one edible substance, including coffee, tea and
similar.
[0015] It is preferred when the upstream oriented surface of
capsule presents a recess region surrounding the passageway wall
and an intercalary region between these.
[0016] It is preferred when said recess region develops from a
second circumferential alignment in the proximity of said
passageway wall and so that results an intercalary region between
said recess region and said passageway wall, whereby said recess
region presents a recess wall thickness (e.sub.5) that is smaller
than the prevailing wall thickness (e.sub.31), and bigger than the
passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4) of said passageway wall, so
that structurally reinforces the surrounding region of said
passageway wall and provides retention surfaces for an engagement
element provided on said brewing device.
[0017] It is preferred when at least most part, preferentially the
totality, of recess wall thickness (e.sub.5) of said recess region
develops between transversal planes in the proximity downstream of
the transversal planes that delimit the passageway wall thickness
(e.sub.4) of said passageway wall, so that at least most part of
said recess wall thickness (e.sub.5) is provided downstream of said
passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4).
[0018] It is preferred when said passageway wall is delimited by a
first circumferential alignment that presents a first diameter
(d.sub.1) smaller than 0.35 times the diameter (d) of said flow
entry wall part.
[0019] It is preferred when said recess region is delimited on a
respective distal side by a circumferential alignment presenting a
second diameter (d.sub.2), whereby said second diameter (d.sub.2)
is at least 1.2 times bigger, preferentially at least 1.4 times
bigger, and at most 2.5 times bigger, preferentially at most 2
times bigger than said first diameter (d.sub.1).
[0020] It is preferred when the radial extension of said recess
region is at least approximately similar, preferentially bigger
than 0.8 times and smaller than 1.2 times the radial extension of
said intercalary region.
[0021] It is preferred when said recess region presents a
substantially polygonal transversal section defining at least three
interior surfaces, preferentially five interior surfaces, and
presenting a depth between 1 and 3 mm, preferentially between 1.5
and 2.5 mm, relative to the exterior surface of said second
construction element, and a radial dimension between 1 and 3 mm,
preferentially between 1.5 and 2.5 mm.
[0022] It is preferred when said intercalary region presents an
intercalary wall thickness (e.sub.6) that is bigger than the
passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4) of said passageway wall and
bigger than the recess wall thickness (e.sub.5) of said recess
region, preferentially is at least approximately similar to said
prevailing wall thickness (e.sub.31), thereby structurally
reinforcing the region surrounding said weakened material region
and providing a support surface to a sealing element provided on
said brewing device.
[0023] It is preferred when said intercalary region presents an
intercalary wall thickness (e.sub.6) that develops between planes
transversal to the axial direction upstream and downstream of the
transversal planes that delimit said passageway wall thickness
(e.sub.4) and recess wall thickness (e.sub.5).
[0024] It is preferred when said intercalary region comprises a
seat region that develops in the upstream oriented surface of said
flow entry wall part along at least most part of the radial
extension between said passageway wall and said recess region,
whereby said seat region is adapted so that provides a seat surface
to a sealing element provided on said brewing device.
[0025] It is preferred when said seat region presents a seat wall
thickness (e.sub.61) that is bigger than the passageway wall
thickness (e.sub.4) of said passageway wall, thereby improving the
opening of said weakened material region as impinged by an upstream
pressurized flow.
[0026] It is preferred when said seat region presents a seat wall
thickness (e.sub.61) that is bigger than the recess wall thickness
(e.sub.5) of said recess region, preferentially presents a wall
thickness that is at least approximately similar to said prevailing
wall thickness (e.sub.31).
[0027] It is preferred when said intercalary region presents a
guiding projection along said first circumferential alignment so
that delimits said seat region relative to said passageway wall,
whereby said guiding projection projects beyond the upstream
oriented exterior surface of said flow entry wall part, so that
provides a conduction surface that is adjacent and substantially
orthogonal or oblique relative to the surface provided by said seat
region.
[0028] It is preferred when said passageway wall presents a
projection element that develops upstream, whereby said projection
element develops along an extension beyond the plane defined the
upstream oriented surface of said flow entry wall part, so that can
be impinged by a flow injection part of said brewing device.
[0029] It is preferred when said projection element is provided
only on one side of said passageway wall relative to said axial
axis (X), preferentially in the proximity of perimeter of said
passageway wall.
[0030] It is preferred when said projection element develops along
an extension comprised between 10 to 40.degree., preferentially
between 15 and 35.degree., of the circumferential alignment that
develops in at least approximately parallel manner relative to the
circumferential alignment defined by the exterior limit of said
passageway wall.
[0031] It is preferred when said projection element is provided in
the proximity of the perimeter and on the side that develops in the
weakened material region presenting a smaller thickness.
[0032] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
system for preparing edible products based upon capsules,
presenting capsules and a brewing device adapted so as to improve
the entry of flow into said capsules, in particular opening of a
passageway wall presenting a weakened material region.
[0033] This objective is solved according to claim 15.
[0034] It is preferred when said injection means are provided as a
projection adapted so that at least part, preferentially at least
most part of respective extension of projection develops inside the
recess formed by said passageway wall on said flow entry wall part,
when said brewing device is in a closed position.
[0035] It is preferred when said injection means are provided as a
projection adapted so that exerts a mechanic pressure,
preferentially in asymmetric manner, upon part of said passageway
wall, in asymmetric manner relative to the form thereof and on a
side opposite to that of a respective weakened material region.
[0036] It is preferred when said injection means are provided as a
projection adapted so that exerts a mechanic pressure upon a
projection element provided so that extends upstream and above and
higher than said passageway wall, preferentially higher than said
flow entry wall part.
[0037] An associated objective is to disclose a system that
provides an improved concentration of pressurized flow on a
passageway wall presenting a weakened material region.
[0038] It is preferred when said upstream actuation part presents
an engagement element provided as a protuberance that develops at a
distance from said injection means and adapted so that engages on
said recess region provided on said flow entry wall part, so as to
thereby retain said capsule with relation to a sealing element
provided so that surrounds said injection means.
[0039] It is preferred when said engagement element is provided so
that develops along an extension of arch of circumference that is
smaller than 20.degree., preferentially smaller than 15.degree.,
and bigger than 3.degree., preferentially bigger than
5.degree..
[0040] It is preferred when said sealing element is provided with a
ring shape and adapted so that sits on the seat region of said
intercalary region between said passageway wall and recess
region.
[0041] It is preferred when said sealing element is provided as a
projection that develops along the axial direction with a smaller
extension than the extension of said engagement element.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0042] The present invention shall be hereinafter explained in
greater detail based upon the description of preferred embodiments
thereof and the Figures attached.
[0043] The Figures show, in simplified schematic
representations:
[0044] FIG. 1: plan view (top) and side cut (bottom) of a capsule
(1) according to prior art;
[0045] FIG. 2: plan view (top) and side cut (bottom) of a capsule
(1) according to present invention;
[0046] FIG. 3: plan view of a first embodiment of a second
construction element (3) in a capsule (1) according to the
invention;
[0047] FIG. 4: side cut view (top) and respective detail of central
region (bottom) of second construction element (3) according to
FIG. 3;
[0048] FIG. 5: plan view of a second embodiment of second
construction element (3) in a capsule (1) according to the
invention;
[0049] FIG. 6: side cut view (top) and respective detail of central
region (bottom) of second construction element (3) according to
FIG. 5;
[0050] FIG. 7: plan view of a third embodiment of second
construction element (3) in a capsule (1) according to the
invention;
[0051] FIG. 8: side cut view (top) and respective detail of central
region (bottom) of second construction element (3) according to
FIG. 7;
[0052] FIG. 9: plan view of a fourth embodiment of second
construction element (3) in a capsule (1) according to the
invention;
[0053] FIG. 10: side cut view (top) and respective detail of
central region (bottom) of second construction element (3)
according to FIG. 9;
[0054] FIG. 11: side cut views of a brewing device (10) open
(left-hand side) and closed (right-hand side) and capsule (1)
according to the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 12: front view of the upstream actuation part (11) of a
brewing device (10) comprised in a system according to the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0056] As can be observed in FIG. 1, a capsule of the type of
capsule (1) includes a first construction element (2) configured in
a container-like shape and a second construction element (3)
configured in a lid-like shape. Said first and second construction
elements (2, 3) are provided as substantially rigid, for example in
a plastic material, and adapted for joint assembly along a common
central axis (X) of said capsule (1), thereby providing an interior
volume adapted for collection of a single portion of at least one
edible substance, such as for example roasted ground coffee
beans.
[0057] Optionally, there can be provided a recess region (5) on the
upstream-oriented side, of annular shape and eventually presenting
a weakened material region.
[0058] As can be observed in FIG. 2, in the case of a capsule (1)
according to the present invention, a second construction element
(3) presents a flow entry wall part (31) that presents a disk-like
general shape and a passageway wall (4) provided as a region that
is recessed relative to the exterior surface planes of said flow
entry wall part (31).
[0059] In the case of a first embodiment of said capsule (1), said
passageway wall (4) presents a passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4)
that corresponds to a reduction of thickness of the prevailing wall
thickness (e.sub.31) of said flow entry wall part (31), provided in
a region of circular shape and on both sides of said flow entry
wall part (31), so that said passageway wall (4) develops in a
intercalary plane between the exterior surfaces oriented upstream
and downstream of said flow entry wall part (31). Moreover, it is
preferred when at least the downstream surrounding walls,
preferentially also the upstream surrounding walls of said
passageway wall (4), develop along an oblique direction relative to
the direction of said axial axis (X).
[0060] Said passageway wall part (4) presents a weakened material
region (41) that develops along at least most part of said first
circumferential alignment and that is adapted so that breaks under
a given upstream pressure.
[0061] The second construction element (3) of said capsule (1)
further presents a recess region (5) provided on the upstream
oriented side of said flow entry wall part (31), whereby said
recess region (5) develops from a second circumferential alignment
in the proximity of said passageway wall (4) and so that results an
intercalary region (6) between said recess region (5) and said
passageway wall (4), whereby said recess region (5) presents a
recess wall thickness (e.sub.5) that is smaller than the prevailing
wall thickness (e.sub.31), and bigger than the passageway wall
thickness (e.sub.4) of said passageway wall (4), so that said
passageway wall (4) is deflected under the pressurized flow so that
breaks said weakened material region (41).
[0062] The second construction element (3) of said capsule (1)
further presents an intercalary region (6) that presents an
intercalary wall thickness (e.sub.6) that is bigger than the
passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4) of said passageway wall (4) and
bigger than the recess wall thickness (e.sub.5) of said recess
region (5), preferentially is at least approximately similar to
said prevailing wall thickness (e.sub.31), thereby improving the
transmission of structural resistance from said recess region (5)
and to said weakened material region (41).
[0063] According to an inventive aspect of a capsule (1) according
to the present invention, said passageway wall (4) presents a
passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4) that is smaller than said
prevailing wall thickness (e.sub.31), and respective weakened
material region (41) is provided by means of localized reduction of
said passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4), so that results a region
of weakened thickness (e.sub.41) along said first circumferential
alignment, thereby improving the opening of said passageway wall
(4) when impinged by an upstream pressurized flow--see FIGS. 3 and
4.
[0064] Moreover, said passageway wall (4) is provided as a
reduction of said prevailing wall thickness (e.sub.31) in a region
of circular shape and centred relative to the centre (X) of said
flow entry wall part (31), and said weakened material region (41)
is provided between said prevailing wall thickness (e.sub.31) and
said passageway wall thickness (e.sub.4).
[0065] According to an inventive aspect, said flow passageway wall
(4) presents a projection element (7) that extends upstream,
whereby said projection element (7) develops along an extension
beyond the plane defined by the upstream oriented surface of said
entry wall part (31), so that said projection element (7) can be
impinged by a flow injection part (13) of said brewing device (10)
as the latter moves in the closing movement, and thereby generates
a deflection moment upon said weakened material region (41)--see
FIGS. 3 to 10.
[0066] It is thus provided an additional element of mechanic
pressure upon the weakened material region (41) of said passageway
wall (4), thereby contributing to a reliable opening thereof.
[0067] It is preferred when said projection element (7) is provided
only on one side of said flow passageway wall (4) relative to said
axial axis (X), preferentially in the proximity of perimeter of
said flow passageway wall (4).
[0068] It is further preferred when said projection element (7)
develops along an angular extension comprised between 10 to
40.degree., preferentially between 15 to 35.degree., of a
circumferential alignment that develops in at least approximately
manner relative to the circumferential alignment defined by the
exterior limit of said passageway wall (4).
[0069] It is further preferred when said projection element (7) is
provided in the proximity of perimeter and on one side where
develops said weakened material region (41) presenting a smaller
wall thickness.
[0070] According to a preferred embodiment--see FIGS. 3 to 10--it
is preferred when said passageway wall (4) presents a passageway
wall thickness (e.sub.4) that corresponds to a thickness reduction
of prevailing wall thickness (e.sub.31) of said flow entry wall
part (31), provided in a region of circular shape and on both side
of said flow entry wall part (31), so that said passageway wall (4)
develops in an intercalary plane between upstream and downstream
oriented exterior surfaces of said flow entry wall part (31).
[0071] It is further preferred when said passageway wall (4) is
provided closer to the upstream oriented surface than from the
downstream oriented surface of said flow entry wall part (31).
[0072] According to an inventive aspect--see FIGS. 7 to 10 --said
weakened material region (41) is provided as the region between two
recesses in opposite sides of said passageway wall (4), whereby
said recesses presents at least one of different shape and
different dimension relative to the remaining passageway wall
(41).
[0073] It is preferred when said weakened material region (41) is
provided as the region between two recesses in opposite sides of
said passageway wall (4), developing along a circumferential
alignment of at least approximately similar dimension, whereby said
recesses distant from each other in the closest region between each
other in the value corresponding to said weakened thickness
(e.sub.41).
[0074] It is preferred when said weakened material region (41) is
provided as the region between two recesses in opposite sides of
said passageway wall (4), whereby said recesses presents different
depths relative to the surface planes of the respective sides of
said passageway wall (4), and said maximum depths develop in
different projections along planes parallel to said axial axis
(X).
[0075] It is further particularly preferred when said weakened
material region (41) is provided as the region between two recesses
in opposite sides of said passageway wall (4), whereby the recesses
disposed on the upstream side develop at least partially on a more
proximal region than the recesses disposed on the upstream oriented
side, with reference to said axial axis (x) of said passageway wall
(4).
[0076] According to another inventive aspect--see FIGS. 9 to 10--,
said weakened material region (41) is provided as the region
between two recesses in opposite sides of said passageway wall (4)
and presenting at least one oblique surface relative to the
direction of said axial axis (X), whereby in the region closest to
each other said recesses configure two surfaces oblique relative to
the direction of said axial axis (X), and that develop at least
approximately parallel along a preferential rupture extension that
presents said weakened thickness (e.sub.41) and develops in oblique
manner relative to the direction of said axial axis (X).
[0077] It is preferred when said passageway wall (4) is surrounded
downstream by a wall that extends beyond the plane defined by the
wall thickness (e.sub.3) of said flow entry wall part (31) so that
deflects the pressurized flow through the weakened material region
(41), and in that at least said downstream surrounding wall,
preferentially also an upstream surrounding wall of said passageway
wall (4), develop along an oblique direction relative to the
direction of said axial axis (X).
[0078] It is preferred when said weakened material region (41) is
provided along at least most part, preferentially the totality, of
a circumferential perimeter and presents a first (e.sub.41) and a
second (e.sub.42) weakened thickness, whereby said first weakened
thickness (e.sub.41) is smaller than said second weakened thickness
(e.sub.42).
[0079] It is further preferred when said first weakened thickness
(e.sub.41) develops along a bigger extension than said second
weakened thickness (e.sub.42).
[0080] FIG. 11 represents a system according to the present
invention comprising a capsule (1) adapted for containing an edible
substance, for example roasted and ground coffee beans, and a
brewing device (10) adapted for being part of an apparatus for
preparing edible products, such as for example a coffee
machine.
[0081] Said brewing device (10) presents an upstream part (11)
adapted for injection of pressurized flow, and a downstream part
(12) adapted for collection of the resulting edible product.
[0082] As one can observe in FIG. 12, the upstream part (11)
presents, along the radial direction, injection means (13), a
sealing element (14) provided in the proximity of said injection
means (13) and further an engagement element (15) provided adjacent
to said sealing element (14).
[0083] According to an inventive aspect, said injection means (13)
are provided as a projection extending downstream and adapted so
that exerts a mechanic pressure upon part of said passageway wall
(4) in the proximity of the weakened material region (41), so that
said passageway wall (4) swivels downstream around a region of said
passageway wall (4) that is opposite to said weakened material
region (41) as a result of said mechanic pressure--see drawing on
the right-hand side of FIG. 11.
[0084] Moreover, said injection means (13) are provided as a
projection adapted so that at least part, preferentially at least
most part of respective extension of projection develops inside of
the recess formed by said passageway wall on said flow entry wall
part (31), when the brewing device (10) is in a closed
position.
[0085] It is preferred when said injection means (13) are provided
as a projection adapted so that exerts a mechanic pressure,
preferentially in asymmetric manner, upon part of said passageway
wall (4).
[0086] It is further preferred when said injection means (13) are
provided as a projection adapted so that exerts a mechanic pressure
upon a projection element (7) provided so that extends upstream
above and higher than said passageway wall (4)--see FIGS. 3 to
10.
Lisbon, Dec. 27, 2017
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