Disposable capsule for machines for preparing infused beverages

Abstract

A disposable capsule for use in machines for preparing infused beverages is disclosed. The capsule includes i) a cup-shaped hollow body adapted to receive a measured dose of a granulate or particulate product ii) a lid tightly fixed on a flange of the body; and iii) a distributor-collector insert. The insert stretches out axially from a base to a top of the body and has a glass-shaped portion arranged close to the top, a disk-shaped portion arranged at the base and a rod-shaped portion which connects the glass-shaped portion to the disk-shaped portion. The glass-shaped portion also has a plurality of through openings formed in a radial direction and the disk-shaped portion has a plurality of through openings formed in the axial direction.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to the preparation of infused beverages, such as coffee, tea, herbal teas and the like, starting from disposable capsules, and in particular to a disposable, single-dose or multi-dose capsule for machines for preparing infused beverages.BACKGROUND[0002]The disposable capsules used in machines for the dispensing of infused beverages contain a granular or particulate product such as e.g. coffee. It is known that a beverage is obtained through an “infusion” process that consists in making an infusion liquid to cross the capsule with the granular product. The infusion liquid, typically water, is supplied under pressure and at high temperature. The infusion liquid that exits the capsule enriched by the aroma of the granular product is the desired beverage, which is suitably channeled within a dispensing machine and served from a dispensing head e.g. into a cup.[0003]Known disposable capsules comprise a cup-shaped, hollow...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention allows for the creation of a single component that serves as both a distributor and collector for infusion liquid and beverage. This component can be easily fitted into a disposable capsule, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs. The design also allows for directional effects of the infusion liquid towards the granular product.

Problems solved by technology

A typical technical problem of known capsules is to maximize infusion of the beverage, which particularly depends on the uniformity of the flow of infusion liquid through the cup-shaped body.

This problem is particularly felt when dealing with in capsules which are opened under the effect of the pressure of the infusion liquid, wherein it is not possible to ensure the formation of uniform apertures at the desired positions.

Apertures of a large size may in fact cause flow of the granular product together with a beverage, whereas apertures of a small size may impede the flow of the infusion liquid thus penalizing the beverage infusion process.

However, they are additional components that affect the total cost of a capsule from the point of view of manufacturing and assembly.

This makes the design of a capsule body complex and has an impact on its manufacturing equipment, as well as on the assembly and packaging equipment of the finished capsules.

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