CAPSULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF A BEVERAGE AND CAPSULE-HOLDING UNIT FOR USE THEREWITH

• US 20120006205A1
• Filed: 03/18/2010
• Published: 01/12/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Luigi Lavazza SPA (Finlav SPA)
• Original Assignee: Luigi Lavazza SPA (Finlav SPA)
• Inventors: Vanni, Alfredo
• Granted Patent: US 8,656,827 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 99/295
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/0642 specially adapted to cooperate with a cartridge, e.g. having grooves or protrusions to separate cartridge from the bottom of the brewing chamber A47J31/0668 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 65/466 Bio- or photodegradable packaging materials
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/8055 Means for influencing the liquid flow inside the package
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/8061 Filters

Abstract

The capsule (1) comprises a cup body (2), with a bottom wall (2f) on which is a separating structure (3) with a plurality of spokes (4), defined between which are corresponding interspaces (5). The bottom wall (2f) has in its central portion a plurality of drink exit openings (6) which are not aligned with the slopes (4). A first filter sheet (7) is arranged on the separating structure (3) in such a way that a plurality of brewing chambers is defined between the first filter sheet (7), the spoked structure (3) and the bottom wall (2f). A quantity of powdered or granular material (8), especially roast ground coffee, is placed in the body (2) on the filter sheet (7). The second sheet (9) of filter material is applied to a top outer edge of said body (2). In use, the pressure of the fluid injected into the capsule (1) deforms the first filter sheet (7) in such a way that it moves towards the bottom wall (2f) through the interspaces (5) between the spokes (4), while defining, along the opposite edges of each spoke (4), respective essentially radial channels or passages (10) for the drink to flow towards the openings (6) in the bottom wall (2f).

Claims

1. Capsule (1) for preparing a beverage, especially coffee, comprising

a cup-like containment body (2) with a bottom wall (2f), above which is a separating structure (3) with a plurality of at least approximately radial elements (4), defined between which are corresponding interspaces (5);

the bottom wall (2f) having in its central portion a plurality of beverage exit openings (6);

a first sheet (7) of filter material arranged on said separating structure (3);

a quantity of powdered or granular material (8), especially roast ground coffee, optionally pressed, arranged in the containment body (2) on top of said first sheet (7) of filter material and

a second sheet (9) of filter material applied to a top outer edge of said body (2);

wherein;

said at least approximately radial elements are in the form of spokes (4) which extend from the centre of said bottom wall (2f) towards its perimeter, in such a way that, between said first sheet (7) of filter material, the spokes (4) and said bottom wall (2f), a plurality of mutually separated brewing chambers is defined;

said exit openings (6) not being aligned with said spokes (4); and

the arrangement being such that, in use, a fluid injected at pressure into the capsule (1) is able to deform said first filter sheet (7) in such a way that it makes contact with the bottom wall (2f) through the interspaces (5) between the spokes (4), while defining, along the opposite edges of each spoke (4), respective essentially radial channels or passages (10) for the beverage to flow towards the openings (6) in the bottom wall (2f).

2. Capsule according to claim 1, in which the containment body (2) comprises a main part (2a) forming the side wall of the capsule and said spoked (4) separating structure (3), and an undercup (2b) sealed to the underside of said main part (2a).

3. Capsule according to claim 1, in which said cup-like containment body (2) is made in one piece.

4. Capsule according to claim 1, in which each of the spokes (4) is tapered in cross section.

5. Capsule according to claim 1, in which the containment body (2) is made from a biodegradable polymer, especially polylactic acid.

6. Capsule according to claim 1, in which the abovementioned openings (6) in the bottom wall (2f) comprise a plurality of incisions, and are preferably cross-shaped.

7. Capsule according to claim 1, in which the bottom wall (2f) is of a material whose thermomechanical properties are such that, in use, the cross section of said beverage exit openings (6) is variable as a function of percolation time and/or temperature.

8. Capsule according to claim 1, in which at least one seat (13) suitable for fitting onto a centring ridge formation (12) in a capsule holding unit (11) is formed in the bottom wall (2f).

9. Capsule holding unit for use with a capsule (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a wall operationally designed to engage with the bottom wall (2f) of a capsule (1), and having a central ridge formation (12) designed to contact and support the central part of said bottom wall (2f) of the capsule (1) and the central part of said spoked (4) separating structure (3).