US20140069280A1 - Two-material capsule - Google Patents

Abstract

This capsule (1000) comprises a body (1004) in the form of a cup and a seal (1006) delimiting together a chamber (1008) containing a substance for preparing a drink. The body (1004) comprises:

• • an outer substantially frusto-conical side wall (1010),
  • a base (1012) made in the same material with the side wall (1010) and closing the side wall (1010) at a rear end (1020) of the body (1004), and
  • an annular rim (1016) extending radially outwards from the side wall (1010) and delimiting the front end (1022) of the body (1004).

The seal (1006) closes the outer side wall (1010) at the front end (1022).

The base (1012) and the wall (1010) are made in a first plastic material, the annular rim (1016) being formed in a second plastic material different from the first plastic material.

Description

• The present relates to a capsule for extracting a pressurized drink, of the type comprising a body in the form of a cup and a seal delimiting together a chamber containing a substance for preparing a drink, the body comprising:
• • an external side wall which is substantially frusto-conical,
  • a base, made from the same material as the external side wall and closing the external side wall at a rear end of the body, and
  • an annular rim extending radially outwards from the external side wall and delimiting the front end of the body,
    the seal closing the external side wall at the front end, the capsule being adapted so as to be placed in an extraction device so that a pressurized extraction fluid penetrates into the capsule through the base and exits therefrom through the seal.
• FR 2 373 999 describes such a capsule intended to be used in a device for extracting drinks, in order to produce a drink such as coffee.
• However, there is a risk that such a capsule collapses during the closing of the device for drink extraction and/or for injection of the pressurized liquid.
• Further, such capsules are particularly expensive to produce, in particular when they are produced in large series.
• Further, it is difficult to be able to have both a capsule which is inert towards the substance contained in the chamber and to mark the capsule with a distinctive mark giving the possibility of distinguishing without any ambiguity the substance contained in the chamber.
• Finally, when such a capsule is used in an extraction device including a housing for receiving the capsule and a support against which the capsule is applied, the seal is flattened against the support, which prevents satisfactory flow of the liquid through the capsule.
• An object of the invention is to provide a capsule with reduced cost. Other objects of the invention are to propose a capsule made in a material which is inert towards the substance and bearing a distinctive mark giving the possibility of easily identifying the substance contained in the chamber, of proposing a capsule compatible with many drink extraction devices, and of providing a capsule allowing limitation of the risk of collapse while allowing extraction of a drink.
• For this purpose, a first aspect of the invention relates to a capsule of the aforementioned type, wherein the base and the wall are made in a first plastic material, the annular rim being formed in a second plastic material different from the first plastic material.
• According to other embodiments, said capsule includes one or more of the following features, taken individually or according to any technically possible combination(s):
• • the first plastic material is polyamide,
  • the second plastic material is polyurethane,
  • the second plastic material is a thermoplastic elastomer,
  • the second plastic material is thermoplastic polyurethane,
  • the second plastic material is an elastomerized polyamide,
  • the external side wall comprises an inner surface, oriented towards the chamber and an external surface, opposite to the inner surface, the external surface defining a shoulder for connecting the annular rim to the external side wall,
  • the external side wall defines a groove for connecting the annular rim to the external side wall, the annular rim including an annular protrusion cooperating with the groove in order to reinforce the connection of the annular rim to the external side wall,
  • the first plastic material is not colored in the bulk,
  • the second plastic material is colored in the bulk,
  • the base is formed by a peripheral region delimiting a rear end of the body, and by a central region entering the inside of the capsule relatively to the rear end while defining a recess outside the body, the central region comprising at least one area with lower strength intended to at least partly break under the pressure of a pressurized liquid,
  • said or each area of lower strength is adapted so as to break at a pressure of the pressurized liquid comprised between 1 and 3 bars,
  • before breakage of said or each area of lower strength, the base and the external side wall of the body are impervious to air and to liquids,
  • the seal comprises a filter and a membrane,
  • the filter is set back from the front end of the body, towards the chamber, the membrane extending along the front end,
  • the space between the filter and the membrane is filled with nitrogen,
  • the membrane is peelable.
• A second aspect of the invention relates to a capsule for extracting a pressurized drink of the type comprising a body in the form of a cup and a seal delimiting a chamber containing a substance for preparing a drink, the body comprising a substantially frusto-conical side wall and a base made in the same material as the side wall and closing the side wall at one end, the seal closing the other end of the side wall, the capsule being adapted so as to be placed in an extraction device so that a pressurized extraction fluid penetrates into the capsule through the seal and exits therefrom through the seal, characterized in that the base includes a central region including an annular rib for reinforcing the base protruding towards the inside of the body and delimiting an annular trench on the outside of the body.
• According to other embodiments, said capsule includes one or more of the following features, taken individually or according to any technically possible combination(s):
• • the central region has at least one area of lower strength intended to at least partly break under the pressure of a pressurized liquid;
  • the annular rib has a U-section defined by two side portions connected through a base, at least one weakened area being defined in the base;
  • the annular rib defines a central stud surrounded by the annular trench, the central stud comprising at least one area of lower strength;
  • the base comprises a rounded peripheral region with concavity turned towards the inside of the body;
  • the base and the side wall of the body are impervious to air and to water;
  • the body includes an annular rim extending radially outwards from the side wall, the rim defining an end of the capsule opposite to the base;
  • the seal comprises a filter;
  • the seal comprises a membrane impervious to air and to water; and
  • the membrane is provided with weakened lines for opening the membrane under the effect of the sole pressure of a pressurized fluid.
• A third aspect of the invention relates to a capsule for extracting a pressurized drink, of the type comprising a body in the form of a cup and an outlet filter delimiting a chamber containing a substance for preparing a drink, the capsule comprising a leakproof outlet membrane, the body comprising a base delimiting a rear end of the body and a substantially frusto-conical side wall extending from the base as far as an open front end of the body, the membrane closing the front end, the capsule being adapted so as to be placed in an extraction device so that a pressurized extraction liquid penetrates into the capsule through the base and exits therefrom through the outlet membrane, characterized in that the filter and the membrane are set back relatively to the front end of the body.
• According to other embodiments, said capsule includes one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or according to any technically possible combination(s):
• • the side wall includes an internal shoulder set back relatively to the front end of the body, the filter and the membrane being attached on the internal shoulder.
  • the set-back distance of the outlet membrane relatively to the front end is greater than 1 mm;
  • the outlet membrane is impervious to air and to water;
  • the outlet membrane is capable of tearing under the effect of the sole pressure of a liquid, so as to allow outflow of a liquid crossing the capsule;
  • the outlet membrane includes at least one breakage line;
  • the outlet filter is placed between the chamber and the outlet membrane;
  • the filter and the outlet membrane are placed side by side;
  • the outlet filter is in a woven or perforated plastic material; and
  • the membrane is a film in a plastic or metal material, in particular in aluminum.
• A fourth aspect of the invention relates to the system comprising a capsule according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention, and an extraction device including a housing intended for receiving the capsule, a support and a conduit for supplying an extraction liquid.
• A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a system, of the type comprising a drink extraction device and a capsule for extracting a pressurized drink, the capsule comprising a body in the form of a cup and a seal delimiting a chamber containing a substance for preparing a drink, the body comprising a substantially frusto-conical side wall and a base closing the side wall at one end, the seal closing the other end of the side wall, the capsule being adapted so as to be placed in the extraction device so that a pressurized extraction liquid penetrates into the capsule through the base and exits therefrom through the seal, the drink extraction device including an element for receiving a capsule having an inner side face, characterized in that the capsule is adapted so that the base produces a contact against the receiving element along a closed annular contact line.
• According to other embodiments, said system includes one or more of the following features, taken individually or according to any technically possible combination(s):
• • the capsule and the receiving element are configured so that the receiving element exerts a compressive force on the base of the capsule, the base and/or the side wall of the capsule being adapted so as to deform under the effect of this force;
  • the side wall and/or the base of the body radially expands under the effect of the force exerted by the receiving element of the extraction device, so as to ensure contact between the side wall of the body of the capsule and the inner side face of the receiving element;
  • the base of the body of the capsule comprises a rounded peripheral region with concavity turned towards the inside of the body;
  • the base of the capsule comprises an annular peripheral region and a central region comprising an annular trench, the contact line being defined on the peripheral region;
  • the contact line is defined by an external edge of the trench at the junction between the trench and the peripheral region;
  • the external edge of the trench is angled;
  • the body of the capsule includes an annular rim at the end of the side wall opposite to the base, the annular rim being at least partly tilted towards the front of the capsule, on the side opposite to the base;
  • the rim of the body of the capsule is frusto-conical, widening towards the front; and
  • the rim of the body of the capsule is curved towards the front.
• A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a capsule for extracting a pressurized drink, of the type comprising a body in the form of a cup and a seal delimiting a chamber containing a substance for preparing a drink, the body comprising a substantially frusto-conical side wall and a base closing the side wall at a first end, the seal closing the second end of the side wall, the capsule being adapted so as to be placed in the extraction device so that a pressurized extraction liquid penetrates into the capsule through the base and exits therefrom through the seal, characterized in that the capsule is adapted so that the base produces a contact against a capsule-receiving element of an extraction device, along a closed annular contact line.
• According to other embodiments, said capsule includes one or more of the following features, taken individually or according to any technically possible combination(s):
• • the capsule is adapted so that, when an axial force is applied on the base of the body, at least one annular area of the side wall and/or of the base expands radially outwards;
  • the base of the body of the capsule comprises a rounded peripheral region with concavity turned towards the inside of the body;
  • the base is adapted so as to deform under the effect of an axially exerted force on the latter;
  • the base of the capsule comprises an annular peripheral region and a central region comprising an annular trench, the contact line being defined on the peripheral region;
  • the contact line is defined by an external edge of the trench, at the junction between the trench and the peripheral region;
  • the external edge of the trench is angled;
  • the body of the capsule includes an annular rim at the end of the side wall opposite to the base, the annular rim being at least partly tilted towards the front of the capsule, on the side opposite to the base;
  • the rim of the body of the capsule is frusto-conical, widening towards the front;
  • the rim of the body of the capsule is curved towards the front; and
  • the body is made as one piece in a plastic material or derived from plastic, or in metal.
• Finally, a seventh and last aspect of the invention relates to an extraction method by means of a system according to the fifth aspect of the invention, characterized in that the method includes the following steps:
• • installation of the capsule in the drink extraction device;
  • application by the receiving element of the extraction device, of a force (F) on the base of the capsule;
  • deformation of the base and/or of the side wall of the body of the capsule, a portion of the base and/or of the side wall producing a contact along a closed line with the receiving element of the extraction device; and
  • injection of extraction liquid into the capsule with liquid injection means of the extraction device.
• The invention will be better understood upon reading the description which follows only given as an example and made with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
• FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first alternative of a capsule according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the capsule ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a front view of the capsule ofFIG. 1;
• FIGS. 4 and 5 are views of the capsule ofFIG. 1, installed in an extraction device in the partly open and closed configurations, respectively;
• FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second alternative of the capsule according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a third alternative of the capsule according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 8 is a view of the capsule ofFIG. 6, installed in an extraction device in the closed configuration;
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first alternative of a capsule according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the capsule ofFIG. 9;
• FIG. 11 is a rear view of the capsule ofFIG. 9;
• FIG. 12 is a view of a detail marked as XII inFIG. 10;
• FIG. 13 is a view of a detail marked as XIII inFIG. 10;
• FIG. 14 is a view of the capsule ofFIG. 8, installed in a first extraction device in the closed configuration;
• FIG. 15 is a view similar toFIG. 14, the capsule being installed in a second extraction device in the closed configuration;
• FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second alternative of a capsule according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 17 is a view of a detail marked as XVII inFIG. 16;
• FIG. 18 is a rear view of a third alternative of a capsule according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 19 is a rear view of a fourth alternative of a capsule according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 20 is a rear view of a fifth alternative of a capsule according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 21 is a rear view of a sixth alternative of a capsule according to the second embodiment, and
• FIG. 22 is a rear view of a seventh alternative of a capsule according to the second embodiment.
• Thecapsule1 according to a first embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3, includes ahollow body4 and anoutlet seal6 delimiting together aninner chamber8 containing a substance (not shown) for preparing a drink.
• Thebody4 has a general shape of a cup and comprises aside wall10, a base12 a closedrear end20 of thebody4, and anannular rim16 surrounding an openfront end22 of thebody4.
• Thebody4 is made in one piece. Theside wall10, thebase12 and theannular rim16 are made in the same material. Thebody4 is made in a material impervious to air and water, for example in a plastic material or derived from plastic, or in metal.
• Theside wall10 extends from thebase12 along a longitudinal axis X as far as thefront end22 of thebody4.
• Theside wall10 comprises aninner shoulder14. Theshoulder14 extends in a radial plane and is oriented towards the front.
• Theside wall10 is substantially frusto-conical and axisymmetrical around the longitudinal axis X. Theside wall10 comprises a relatively flexiblerear segment18 extending from thebase12 and a relatively stifffront segment19 axially extending therear segment18. Thefront segment19 has an axially increasing thickness, greater than that of therear segment18.
• Thebase12 has aperipheral region23, extending radially inwards from theside wall10, and acentral region24.
• Theperipheral region23 is rounded. It extends radially inwards and axially rearwards from theside wall10 and has concavity turned towards the inside of thebody4.
• Thecentral region24 comprises anannular rib26 axially protruding towards the inside of thebody4 from theperipheral region23. Theannular rib26 defines an openannular trench28 on the outside of thebody4 rearwards. Theannular rib26 defines a hollowcentral stud30 axially protruding from the base of theannular trench28 while defining a recess inside thebody4.
• Thecentral region24 has at least one area oflower strength32 intended to break under the effect of a pressurized fluid. The areas oflower strength32 are for example provided as areas with smaller thickness of thecentral region24, for example defined by indentations made in thecentral region24.
• The areas oflower strength32 are provided in walls of theannular rib26 and/or on thecentral stud30.
• In the illustrated example, theannular rib26 comprises a tubularexternal portion36 extending axially towards the inside from theperipheral region23, a tubularinternal portion34 delimiting a side face of thecentral stud30 and abase portion38 extending radially between theexternal portion36 and theinternal portion34 giving the annular rib26 a substantially U-shaped cross-section.
• As illustrated inFIG. 2, areas oflower strength32 are provided in thebase portion38 and in thecentral stud30 as areas with smaller thickness.
• Alternatively, thecentral region24 is without any area oflower strength32 in thecentral stud30. Alternatively or optionally, theannular rib26 has areas oflower strength32 in theexternal portion36 and/or theinternal portion34.
• In another possible alternative different from the one of theFIG. 2 by the shape of theannular rib26, theexternal portion36 and theinternal portion34 converge while giving the annular rib26 a substantially V-shaped cross section. In this case, areas oflower strength32 may be provided in theexternal portion36, theinternal portion34 and/or thecentral stud30.
• As illustrated inFIG. 2, theannular trench28 has an angledouter edge44, preferably beveled, at the junction between theannular rib26 and theperipheral region23. Theouter edge44 delimits therear end20 of thecapsule1. Thecentral stud30 is axially set back towards the inside of thebody4 relatively to theouter edge44.
• Preferably, theperipheral region23 has an overthickness along theouter edge44, so as to reinforce theouter edge44. Theperipheral region23 for example has increasing thickness from theside wall10 towards theouter edge44.
• Theinternal shoulder14 is annular and protrudes radially from theside wall10 towards the inside of thebody4. It is axially set back towards the inside of thebody4 relatively to thefront end22 of thebody4 and to theannular rim16.
• Theseal6 is attached through its periphery on theinternal shoulder14 so that theseal6 is placed set back axially towards the inside of thebody4 relatively to afront end22 of thebody4. Preferably the set-back distance of theseal6 relatively to thefront end22 of thebody4 is greater than 1 mm.
• Theseal6 closes thefront end22 of thebody4. Theseal6 comprises anoutlet filter49 capable of letting through a pressurized fluid while retaining the substance contained in thechamber8. Thefilter49 is in porous filter paper, in woven plastic material or in a perforated plastic film.
• Theseal6 further comprises amembrane50 impervious to air and to water, lining thefilter49. Themembrane50 has weakenedlines52 so that themembrane50 is capable of tearing under the sole effect of the pressure of a liquid. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3, the weakenedlines52 form a cross. Alternatively, they form a circle, circular arcs, or any other suitable shape for allowing optimum tearing of themembrane50.
• Thefilter49 is placed between thechamber8 and themembrane50. Thefilter49 and themembrane50 are placed side by side. Thefilter49 and themembrane50 for example appear in the form of a bilayer complex film.
• Theannular rim16 extends radially outwards from theside wall10. Theannular rim16 defines thefront end22 of thebody4. Therim16 has a freemarginal region54. It does not support any added seal element or any deformable seal relief. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3, theannular rim16 is substantially planar.
• Thecapsule1 is intended to be placed in anextraction device350, illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5.
• Theextraction device350 includes ahollow receiving element352 delimiting a housing353 for receiving thecapsule1, and asupport354. It is capable of being maneuvered in an open configuration in which the receivingelement352 and thesupport354 are spaced apart from each other in order to introduce thecapsule1 into the receivingelement352, and a closed position, illustrated inFIG. 5, in which the receivingelement352 and thesupport354 are brought closer to each other, in order to inject the extraction liquid into thecapsule1. InFIG. 4, thedevice350 is illustrated in an intermediate configuration in which it is partly open, but however not sufficiently open for allowing introduction of thecapsule1.
• The housing353 has aninner side face360, ahousing base370 and aconduit372 for supplying an extraction fluid, opening onto the base of thehousing370, substantially at the center and an aperture376 for introducing thecapsule1.
• Theinner side face360 is axisymmetrical around a longitudinal axis Y. In the illustrated example, it is substantially frusto-conical. When thecapsule1 is placed in theextraction device350, the longitudinal axis X of thecapsule1 and Y of the housing353 substantially coincide.
• The receivingelement352 has anannular edge380 surrounding the aperture376.
• Thecapsule1 has a sufficient axial length so that, in the closed configuration of theextraction device350, thecapsule1 through itsannular rim16 bears against thesupport354 and through itsbase12 against thehousing base370 along a closedannular contact line122, preferably defined on theperipheral region23 along theouter edge44 of theannular trench28.
• Thecapsule1 is advantageously adapted so as to elastically deform under the effect of an axial compressive force F in order to ensure sufficient contact between the base12 and thehousing base370.
• Optionally, thecapsule1 is adapted so that, under the effect of the axial compressive force F, at least oneannular area130 of thebase12 and/or of theside wall10 of thecapsule1 radially expands outwards so as to ensureadditional contact128 with theside face360 of the housing353, along a closed annular contact line.
• The method for extracting thecapsule1 with theextraction device350 will now be described.
• Thecapsule1 is first placed in thedevice350 in the open configuration, and thedevice350 is then maneuvered so as to move into the closed configuration.
• During this displacement towards the closed configuration, thecapsule1 will, through itsannular rim16, bear against thesupport354 and then the receivingelement352 axially bears upon thebase12 of thecapsule1, so that thecontact122 is created, and thebody4 deforms in its entirety so that thecontact128 is created with the receivingelement352 of thedevice350.
• Once thedevice350 is in a closed configuration, the extraction fluid is injected under pressure through theconduit372. Under the effect of the pressure of the extraction fluid, the areas oflower strength32 of thecentral region24 of the base12 break and the extraction fluid penetrates into thecapsule1.
• The liquid pressure in thecapsule1 then increases and under the effect of this pressure, theoutlet membrane50 is torn. The fluid then escapes out of thecapsule1 crossing theseal6 while being filtered by thefilter49.
• By means of the invention, the base reinforced by an annular rib gives the possibility of making the body of the capsule in a relatively flexible, deformable material without the base collapsing towards the inside of the capsule under the effect of the fluid pressure. The convexity of the base allows definition of a resistance and an elastically deformable base, with a large volume of the chamber giving the possibility of loading a larger amount of substance into the capsule. The rib delimiting in the outer face an annular trench allows improvement in the injection of the extraction liquid into the capsule. The presence of an annular rim gives the possibility of increasing the stability of the capsule on the support of the extraction device.
• The capsule has a body in the form of a cup, the base of which is impervious to air and to water, the body being closed by a seal impervious to air and to water. The seal of the capsule gives the possibility of keeping the substance away from air and humidity. The seal has a membrane which tears under the effect of the pressurized fluid allowing suitable opening of the seal from a determined pressure level, with a beneficial delay effect for quality extraction. The seal set back axially towards the inside of the body avoids any interference with the support of the extraction device before opening the membrane, and thus allows controlled opening of the capsule. The membrane associated with a filter gives the possibility of ensuring extraction of the substance under satisfactory pressure conditions with effective retention of the substance inside the capsule. The seal provided as a complex film facilitates the making of the capsule at a low cost.
• The alternative capsules illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7 differ from those ofFIGS. 1 to 3 in that themarginal region54 of theannular rim16 is tilted towards the front of thecapsule1. As illustrated inFIG. 6, theannular rim16 is curved towards the front of thecapsule1. As illustrated inFIG. 7, theannular rim16 is frusto-conical flaring towards the front.
• As illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, during the closing of theextraction device350 under the effect of the supporting force exerted by thesupport354, theannular rim16 deforms while flattening.
• Such arim16 gives the possibility of guaranteeing and reinforcing thecontact122 between the base12 of thecapsule1 and thehousing base370 upon closing thedevice350, while it may deform in order to allow closing of theextraction device350.
• Thecapsule1000 according to a second embodiment of the invention, illustrated inFIGS. 9 to 21, comprises, as visible inFIGS. 9 and 10, ahollow body1004 and anoutlet seal1006 delimiting together aninner chamber1008 containing a substance (not shown) for preparing a drink.
• Thebody1004 has the general shape of a cup and is impervious to air and to water. It comprises anouter side wall1010, abase1012 closing arear end1020 of thebody1004, and anannular rim1016 surrounding an openfront end1022 of thebody1004.
• Theouter side wall1010 and thebase1012 are made in the same material and made in a first plastic material impervious to air and to water. The first plastic material is selected so as to be inert towards the substance contained in thecapsule1000. Preferably, said first material is translucent and is not colored in the bulk so as to avoid diffusion of the coloration into the substance. Typically, the second plastic material is polyamide. Polyamide does not interfere with foodstuffs and is a highly performing barrier to air and to water.
• Preferably, theannular rim1016 consists of a second plastic material, different from the first plastic material. The second plastic material is preferentially selected so as to be a low cost material. As the latter is not in contact with the substance, its properties towards the substance are not taken into account in the selection of the second material. Typically, the second plastic material is polyurethane which is an inexpensive material. Preferably, the second plastic material is a thermoplastic elastomer, currently designated as TPE, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, currently designated as TPU. Alternatively, the second material is an elastomerized polyamide, such as polyhexamethylene adipamide, currently designated as PA 6-6. These materials allow better attachment of theseal1006 on theannular rim1016.
• Preferably, the first and second plastic materials are compatible materials, i.e. materials adapted for polymerizing with each other.
• Thus, it is possible to producecapsules1000 at a reduced cost. As these capsules are intended to be produced in very large series, this allows significant savings to be made.
• Preferably, the second material is colored in the bulk. Thus, it is possible to color differently theannular rims1016 ofcapsules1000 containing different substances, so as to easily distinguish acapsule1000 containing a first substance from anothercapsule1000 containing a second substance different from the first.
• Theouter side wall1010 extends from thebase1012 along a longitudinal axis X as far as thefront end1022 of thebody1004.
• Theouter side wall1010 is substantially frusto-conical, axisymmetrical around the longitudinal axis X. It is rigid. It has aninner surface1010aoriented towards thechamber1008, and anouter surface1010b,opposite to theinner surface1010a.
• Thebase1012 comprises aperipheral region1023 and acentral region1024. Theperipheral region1023 is rigid. It is rounded and extends radially inwards and axially rearwards from theouter side wall1010 and has concavity turned towards the inside of thebody1004. It thus extends from theouter side wall1010 as far as therear end1020 of thebody1004. Therear end1020 is typically a closed line, for example a circle.
• Thecentral region1024 axially enters the inside of thechamber1008 from the peripheral region. Thecentral region1024 thus defines in the base1012 arecess1028 outside thebody1004.
• Thecentral region1024 comprises a tubularexternal portion1036 axially extending towards the inside of thechamber1008 from theperipheral region1023, abase portion1038 extending radially towards the inside from the inner end of theexternal portion1036, and closing therecess1028, and a centralinternal portion1034 protruding outwards from thebase portion1038.
• Theinternal portion1034 defines a hollowcentral stud1030 in therecess1028. The latter thus has an annular shape. Theexternal portion1036, thebase portion1038 and theinternal portion1034 define an annular rib1026 in thecentral region1024.
• Thebase portion1038 comprises at least one area oflower strength1032 intended to break under the effect of a pressurized fluid. Preferably, said or each area of lower strength is provided for breaking at a pressure of the pressurized fluid comprised between 1 and 3 bars.
• Said or each area oflower strength1032 is for example provided in the form of areas of smaller thickness, as illustrated inFIG. 12. As long as said or each area oflower strength1032 is not broken, thebase1012 and by extension the whole of thebody1004, are impervious to air and to liquid.
• In the example illustrated inFIG. 11, the area of lower strength is defined at the periphery of thebase portion1038, at the junction between thebase portion1038 and theexternal portion1036. The area of lower strength has the shape of a circular arc. The circular arc preferably extends over at least 270°.
• The shape of the internal portion of1034 conditions the axial shearing force generated by a pressurized liquid present in therecess1028.
• In the embodiment ofFIGS. 9 to 15, theinternal portion1034 has a frusto-conical shape, widening from rear to front of thecapsule1000 and protruding outwards.
• Alternatively, theinternal portion1034 extends in a radial plane. At a determined pressure of the fluid present in therecess1028, a planarinternal portion1034 induces a higher shearing force than an outward protruding internal portion.
• Thebody1004 also compriseslongitudinal ribs1042 for stiffening theouter side wall1010 andradial ribs1044 for stiffening thebase1012.
• Eachlongitudinal rib1042 extends longitudinally along theouter side wall1010, preferably, as illustrated, along theinner surface1010a.Thus, the longitudinal ribs are adapted for promoting the emulsion between the pressurized fluid and the substance contained in thechamber1008. Alternatively, eachlongitudinal rib1042 extends along theouter surface1010b.
• Eachradial rib1044 extends radially between theexternal portion1036 and theperipheral region1023. Theradial ribs1044 stiffen thebase12 and thus promote the generation of shearing forces induced by the pressure of the pressurized fluid directly on said or each weakenedarea1032. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 10 to 15, eachradial rib1044 extends in the extension of alongitudinal rib1042.
• Theannular rim1016 extends radially outwards, from an innerannular edge1046 as far as an outerannular edge1048, from theouter surface1010bof theouter side wall1010. It defines thefront end1022 of thebody1004. It does not support any added seal element or any deformable seal relief. Preferably, it is substantially planar. The outerannular edge1048 is free.
• As visible on the detail illustrated inFIG. 13, theouter surface1010bof theouter side wall1010 defines, in proximity to thefront end1022 of thebody1004, an annular clearance space1049 defining ashoulder1050 and agroove1052 for connecting theannular rim1016 to theouter side wall1010.
• Theshoulder1050 is set back rearwards relatively to thefront end1022. It extends radially and parallel to thefront end1022, between aninner end1054 and anouter end1056.
• Thegroove1052 is formed in theshoulder1050 and protrudes longitudinally rearwards from theinner end1054 of theshoulder1050.
• Theannular rim1016 comprises anannular protrusion1058 protruding longitudinally from the innerannular edge1046 in thegroove1052. Theprotrusion1058 cooperates with thegroove1052 in order to reinforce the connection of theannular rim1016 to theouter side wall1010.
• Thus, a portion of theouter side wall1010 extends between theannular rim1016 and thechamber1008, which avoids that the substance be in contact with the second material.
• Returning toFIG. 1, theseal1006 is attached through its periphery onto theouter side wall1010 and onto theannular rim1016. Theseal1006 thus closes thefront end1022 of thebody1004.
• Theseal1006 comprises anoutlet filter1060 capable of letting through a pressurized fluid while retaining the substance contained in thechamber1008. Thefilter1060 is in a porous filter paper, in a woven plastic material or in a perforated plastic film. Preferably, thefilter1060 is, as illustrated, positioned set back from thefront end1022, towards thechamber1008, and is attached on its periphery to theinner surface1010aof theouter side wall1010. Thefilter1060 is for example positioned between 1 and 1.5 mm set back relatively to thefront end1022.
• Theseal1006 further comprises amembrane1062 impervious to air and to water, lining thefilter1060. Preferably, themembrane1062 is attached, for example welded on theannular rim1016. Themembrane1062 extends along thefront end1022 of thebody1004. Themembrane1062 gives the possibility of keeping the substance in an inert atmosphere so as to avoid any oxidation of the substance.
• Themembrane1062 is peelable, i.e. it may easily be detached from thebody1004. For this purpose, it comprises atab1064 extending radially outwards from therim1016 in order to allow a user to easily remove themembrane1062 before using thecapsule1000 in an extraction device.
• Optionally, themembrane1062 has weakened lines (not shown) so that themembrane1062 is able to tear under the sole effect of the pressure of a liquid. Thus, in the case when a user would have forgotten to remove themembrane1062 before inserting thecapsule1000 in an extraction device, the extraction may still be performed normally without any risk of damage to the extraction device.
• Thefilter1060 is positioned between thechamber1008 and themembrane1062. The space between thefilter1060 and themembrane1062 is preferably filled with an inert gas, typically with nitrogen.
• Thecapsule1000 inserted into adrink extraction device1100 is illustrated inFIG. 14. Thisdevice1100 is similar to theextraction device350 described above. Similar elements are designated with the same reference marks. It will be noted that thecapsule1000 is adapted so that theannular edge380 comes into contact with theannular rim1016 when theextraction device1100 is in a closed configuration.
• An alternative of theextraction device1100 is illustrated inFIG. 15. In this figure, it will be observed that theconduit372 for supplying an extraction liquid is radially shifted relatively to the longitudinal axis Y. Thus, thecapsule1000 is also adapted so as to be used in drink extraction devices where the arrival of pressurized liquid in the receiving housing353 is not at the center of the housing353.
• An alternative of thecapsule1000 is shown inFIGS. 16 and 17.
• In this alternative, theinternal portion1034 has a hemispherical shape with concavity oriented towards the inside of thebody1004. This shape is adapted so as to allow breaking of the weakenedarea1032 at greater pressures in the case when theinternal portion1034 has a frusto-conical shape.
• Theannular rim1016 is not bound to theouter surface1010bof theouter side wall1010, but to anannular front face1066 of theouter side wall1010. Said frontannular face1066 defines agroove1068 protruding longitudinally rearwards and with which theprotrusion1058 of theannular rim1016 cooperates for reinforcing the connection of theannular rim1016 with theouter side wall1010.
• Theinner surface1010aof theouter side wall1010 defines an annular inner shoulder1070 extending in a radial plane and being oriented towards the front. The internal shoulder1070 is axially set back towards the inside of thebody1004 relatively to thefront end1022 of thebody1004 and to theannular rim1016. This inner shoulder1070 is adapted for supporting theseal1006.
• As the inner shoulder1070 is set back relatively to the frontannular face1066, the substance is thus not in contact with the second material forming theannular rim1016. In the same way as in the first embodiment, theseal1006 is formed by a bilayer complex film comprising thefilter1060 and themembrane1062. This complex film is attached to its periphery onto the internal shoulder1070 so that theseal1006 is positioned, axially set back towards the inside of thebody1004 relatively to thefront end1022 of thebody1004. Preferably, the set-back distance of theseal1006 relatively to thefront end1022 of thebody1004 is greater than 1 mm.
• Other alternatives of thecapsule1000 are shown inFIGS. 18 to 22.
• In the alternative illustrated inFIG. 18, the base portion of1038 comprises a plurality of areas oflower strength1032, each being formed by two weakened lines intersecting each other so as to form a cross. In the illustrated example, the areas oflower strength1032 are four in number. Alternatively, a number of areas oflower strength1032 is different.
• In the alternative illustrated inFIG. 18, thebase portion1038 comprises a plurality of areas oflower strength1032, each being formed by a closed circular weakened line, each delimiting a disc not including theinternal portion1034. In the illustrated example, the areas oflower strength1032 are three in number. Alternatively, the number of areas oflower strength1032 is different.
• In the alternative illustrated inFIG. 20, thebase portion1038 comprises two areas oflower strength1032, each having the shape of a serrated semi-circle and extending at the periphery of thebase portion1038, along the junction with theexternal portion1036.
• The base12 further comprises tworibs1080 for reinforcing thecentral region1024. Eachrib1080 extends longitudinally between the tubular portion1026 and theperipheral edge1030. Eachrib1080 is interposed between both areas oflower strength1034. In the illustrated example, theribs1080 are thus diametrically opposed to each other.
• Theseribs1080 are intended to concentrate the shearing forces due to the force exerted by the pressurized fluid on thebase1012 in theextraction device1100 on the areas oflower strength1034.
• In the alternative illustrated inFIG. 21, thebase portion1038 comprises three areas oflower strength1032, each being formed by a closed line delimiting a crescent, the large side of which extends along theexternal portion1036.
• Thebase1012 also comprisesribs1080 for reinforcing thecentral region1024. Theseribs1080 are here three in number and each is inserted between two areas oflower strength1032.
• Finally, in the alternative shown inFIG. 22, thebase portion1038 comprises a single area oflower strength1032 formed by a closed circular line extending along theexternal portion1036.
• The method for making thecapsule1000 will be briefly described, with reference toFIG. 10.
• In a first phase, the first plastic material is cast, for example injected, into a mold, in order to form thebase1012 and theouter side wall1010. Next, in a second phase, the second plastic material is in turn cast into the mold so as to form theannular rim1016.
• As the first and second plastic materials are compatible materials, they bind together chemically. In particular, a portion of the molecules of the first material diffuses into the second material and vice versa. Thus, a thin layer is formed in which both materials are mixed and both materials are thus intimately bound with each other.
• By means of the invention, the portion of the body of the capsule in contact with the substance is formed in material which is inert towards the substance, which gives the possibility of keeping the substance under optimum conditions, without any risks of degrading the substance by oxidation or by toxic elements contained in the material in contact with the substance.
• Further, as the first plastic material is not colored in the bulk, it is possible to reduce the probability of migration of toxic elements from the capsule to the substance.
• Finally, by using a second material for the annular rim, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the capsule and further allows by coloration of the second material easy identification of the substance contained in the chamber of the capsule, without any risk of migration of the pigments into the substance, the latter not being in contact with the second material.
• It will be noted that the description given above is by no means restrictive, and the features of the different alternatives and of the different embodiments may be combined with each other without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. A capsule for extracting a pressurized drink, the capsule comprising a body in the form of a cup and a seal delimiting together a chamber containing a substance for preparing a drink, the body comprising:

an outer substantially frusto-conical side wall,

a base, made in the same material as the outer side wall and closing the outer side wall at a rear end of the body, and

an annular rim extending radially outwards from the outer side wall and delimiting the front end of the body,

the seal closing the outer side wall at the front end, the capsule being adapted so as to be positioned in an extraction device so that a pressurized extraction liquid penetrates into the capsule through the base and flows out therefrom through the seal characterized in that the base and the wall are made in a first plastic material, the annular rim being formed in a second plastic material, different from the first plastic material.

2. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the first plastic material is polyamide.

3. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the second plastic material is polyurethane.

4. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the second plastic material is a thermoplastic elastomer.

5. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the second plastic material is thermoplastic polyurethane.

6. The capsule according toclaim 1, the second plastic material is an elastomerized polyamide.

7. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the outer side wall comprises an inner surface, oriented towards the chamber, and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, the outer surface defining a shoulder for connecting the annular rim to the outer side wall.

8. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the outer side wall defines a groove for connecting the annular rim to the outer side wall, the annular rim including an annular protrusion cooperating with the groove for reinforcing the connection of the annular rim to the outer side wall.

9. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the first plastic material is not colored in the bulk.

10. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the second plastic material is colored in the bulk.

11. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the base is formed by a peripheral region delimiting a rear end of the body, and by a central region entering towards the inside of the capsule relatively to the rear end while defining a recess outside the body, the central region comprising at least an area of lower strength intended to at least partly break under the pressure of a pressurized liquid.

12. The capsule according toclaim 11, wherein said or each area of lower strength is adapted so as to break at a pressure of the pressurized liquid comprised between 1 and 3 bars.

13. The capsule according toclaim 11, wherein before breakage of said or each area of lower strength, the base and the outer side wall of the body are impervious to air and to liquids.

14. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the seal comprises a filter and a membrane.

15. The capsule according toclaim 14, wherein the filter is set back from the front end of the body towards the chamber, the membrane extending along the front end.

16. The capsule according toclaim 15, wherein the gap between the filter and the membrane is filled with nitrogen.

17. The capsule according toclaim 14, wherein the membrane is peelable.

18. A system comprising a capsule according toclaim 1 and an extraction device including a housing intended for receiving the capsule, a support, and a conduit for supplying a pressurized extraction liquid.

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