US20170050799A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20170050799A1
Application number: US14/831,281
Authority: US
Inventors: Gianmario Anghileri
Original assignee: Novacart SpA
Current assignee: Novacart SpA
Priority date: 2015-08-20
Filing date: 2015-08-20
Publication date: 2017-02-23

Abstract

A capsule (1) for producing beverages including at least one container (2) of paper material exhibiting: a base (3), a lateral wall (4) transversally emerging from the base (3) to define a holding cavity (5) exhibiting, oppositely to the base (3), an opening of the container (2), an edge portion (6) placed at the container (2) opening and transversally emerging from the lateral wall (4) away from the holding cavity (5). The container (2) is made from a paper sheet extending between a first and second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b) adapted to define respectively at least partially the inner and outer surfaces of the container (2). The lateral wall (4) includes pleats (27) defining overlapping areas of paper material, and wherein said first and second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b) exhibit overlapping areas wherein portions of the same surface are in contact with each other, a plurality of portions of the same first and/or second prevalent development surfaces being stably constrained to each other.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a capsule for producing a beverage, particularly coffee, and a process for making the same.

BACKGROUND

As it is known, to date, technical solutions are marketed and largely spread for preparing beverages, particularly coffee from small containers holding a typical single-dose quantity of powdered concentrates, which are placed inside suitable machines destined to dispense the beverage; particularly hot water at a suitable temperature is caused to flow through said containers, in order to prepare the beverage for the consumption.

Presently, are for example commercially available the so-called coffee capsules typically formed by a base container defining a holding cavity adapted to receive coffee through an opening which is then closed by a covering element, for example a sealing film.

Under a condition of use, a coffee capsule is generally placed inside a suitable (at least partially) countershaped seat of a dispensing machine; during the dispensing step the same capsule is pierced at the top and at the bottom for defining a flow path for the hot pressurized water in order to dispense the coffee within seconds.

The capsules, which, to date, are the most widely spread, are formed by a holding plastic or aluminum body which, in turn is filled, sealed at the top by a film or a further closure aluminum sheet.

This type of containers has the problem of being difficult to recycle. De facto, the capsule comprises both a compostable moisture fraction (coffee), and materials destined to a completely different recycle chain, such as aluminum. Therefore, the recycle operations of such products seem hardly implementable because are borne by the final user, which should, at each consumption of the beverage, separate the moisture fraction from aluminum, so that each product will follow its own disposal path. Considering the high consumption and that the recycling operations are de facto assigned to the final users, the recovery operations of such materials are not actually performed.

In order to solve this disadvantage, in the past it was sought to manufacture containers which were recyclable, for example, because they consisted of paper material. However, the different capsules partially or completely of paper material have never been widely accepted due to a certain difficulty in obtaining the same cost and/or the same dispensing capacity and quality level as the products obtained by plastic/aluminum capsules.

However, among the different proposals which do not appear to be commercially successful, can be cited the containers for example described in the patent application EP0524464A1.

However, also these paper material containers, known to date, exhibit some serious shortcomings and/or limitations. De facto, even though the cost of the stock material (paper or paperboard) used for the paper containers is less than the one of the plastic and aluminum containers, the process for manufacturing the paper implementations is complex due to difficulties in processing the paper and is particularly expensive: the advantage obtained in terms of cost of the material is offset by the complex and expensive manufacturing process. In addition, it is noted that the paper containers devised to date, exhibit a structure having a low rigidity and are not very suitable to be used by the dispensing machines on the market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the invention is applicable to substantially solve at least one of the disadvantages and/or limitations of the preceding solutions.

The invention may include providing a capsule which is adapted to dispense a beverage and which is, in terms of performances, comparable with the common aluminum and/or plastic capsules. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a capsule which, although it is made of paper, exhibits an excellent tightness against pressurized fluids.

The invention, in a first aspect, is a capsule which can be suitable for dispensing machines already available on the market, in other words which does not require to provide specifically designed dispensing apparatuses.

Further, the invention may be configured to provide a capsule exhibiting a simple and robust structure which, at the same time, is economical to be manufactured.

In a first aspect, the invention includes a capsule (1) for producing beverages, comprising at least one paper material container (2), said container comprising:

a base (3),

a lateral wall (4) transversally emerging from the base (3) to define a holding cavity (5) adapted to receive a predetermined quantity of a powdered food substance adapted to enable to produce the beverage, the lateral wall (4) defining oppositely to the base (3) an opening of the container (2),

an edge portion (6), placed at the container (2) opening defined by the lateral wall (4), transversally emerging from the lateral wall (4) away from the holding cavity (5) and exhibiting at least one lower surface (6a) substantially facing the container (2) base (3) and at least one upper surface (6b) facing away from the lower surface (6a) with respect to the edge portion (6) itself, the base (3), lateral wall (4) and edge portion (6) of the container (2) being made in a single piece,

and wherein the container (2) is made of a paper sheet having a first and second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b), at least partially the first surface (2a) being adapted to define the outer surface of the container (2), while at least partially the second surface (2b) being adapted to define an inner surface of the container (2),

and wherein at least the lateral wall (4) of the container (2) comprises a plurality of pleats (27) defining overlapping areas of the paper sheet material, and wherein said first and second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b) exhibit overlapping areas wherein portions of the same surface are in contact with each other, a plurality of portions of the same first and/or second prevalent development surfaces being stably constrained and stably joined to each other.

In a 2nd aspect according to theaspect1, each pleat (27) exhibits at least two portions of said first prevalent development surface (2a) of the container (2) facing and stably constrained to each other.

In a 3rd aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, each pleat (27) exhibits at least two portions of said second prevalent development surface (2b) of the container (2) facing and stably constrained to each other.

In a 4th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the pleats (27) exhibit a prevalent development having an increasing trend starting from the base (3) towards the edge portion (6).

In a 5th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the pleats (27) are absent at the container (2) base (3).

In a 6th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the pleats (27) extend along the whole lateral wall (4) and along the container (2) edge portion (6).

In a 7th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the pleats (27) are evenly placed along the whole lateral development of the lateral wall (4).

In an 8th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the container (2) extends from the base (3) to the opening of the same container (2) along a longitudinal development axis (X).

In a 9th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the pleats (27), according to a cross-section normal to the container (2) development axis (X), comprise a plurality of first sectors (21) extending along at least the perimetral development of the lateral wall (4), said first sectors (21) being defined by a layer of said container (2) of paper material interposed by a plurality of second sectors (22) defined by an overlap of several layers of the container (2), the second sectors (22) comprising at least one portion (23) defined by the layer from a first sector (21), at least one portion (24) defined by the layer from the first sector (21) adjacent to the preceding one and by at least one junction portion (25) connecting, without interruption, the other two portions (23,24) in order to define an overlap of at least three layers of said container (2).

In a 10th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the second sectors (22) exhibit at least one portion (23) defined by the layer from a first sector (21) facing and constrained to the junction portion (25), and/or

wherein the portion (24) defined by the layer from the first sector (21) adjacent to the preceding one faces and is constrained to the junction portion (25).

In an 11th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the pleats (27) exhibit a lap area (30) comprising a first and second overlapping areas (31,32), the first overlapping area (31) comprising at least one first and one second portions (33,34) of the first prevalent development surface (2a) of the container, substantially facing each other, the second overlapping area (32) comprising at least one first and one second portions (35,36) of the second prevalent development surface (2b) of the container (2), facing each other,

and wherein at least partially the first prevalent development surface (2a) of the first portion (33) of the first overlapping area (31) is at least partially constrained to the first prevalent development surface (2a) of the second portion (34) of the first overlapping area (31) of the lap area (30), and/or at least partially the second prevalent development surface (2b) of the first portion (35) of the second overlapping area (32) is constrained to at least partially the second prevalent development surface (2b) of the second portion (36) of the second overlapping area (32) of the lap area (30).

In a 12th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the first and second portions (33,34) of the first prevalent development surface (2a) are constrained to each other and/or the first and second portions (35,36) of the second prevalent development surface (2b) are constrained to each other.

In a 13th aspect according to the

aspect

11 or12, at least one of the portions of the first and/or second overlapping areas (31,32) exhibits an area having an increasing trend away from the base (3).

In a 14th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the pleats (27) exhibit, according to a cross-section, a substantially “Z” outline.

In a 15th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the “Z” outline of the pleats (27) exhibits a development having an increasing trend away from the base (3).

In a 16th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the pleats (27) are substantially identical to each other, particularly equally spaced from each other along the perimetral development of the container (2).

In a 17th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the container (2) lateral wall (4) comprises a plurality of pleats (27) placed according to an even trend along said lateral wall (4) and/or along said edge portion (6).

In an 18th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the container (2), before the deforming step, lies in a plane and exhibits a first and second surfaces (2a,2b) opposite to each other, said container (2), after the deforming step, arranges itself in an operative condition in which the container (2) itself defines the holding cavity (5), the inner surface thereof is defined by the second prevalent development surface (2b).

In a 19th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the pleats (27) are configured for enabling, during the deforming step, to place the container (2) from the flat sheet arrangement to an operative three-dimensional arrangement.

In a 20th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the capsule (1) comprises at least one fixing element placed on at least one of said first and second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b), said fixing element being configured for being interposed between two portions of the same surface of a plurality of overlapping areas of the pleats for stably constraining said portions.

In a 21st aspect according to the preceding aspect, the fixing element comprises at least one plastic film covering the first and/or second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b), configured for constraining by thermo-forming the portions of the same first and/or second prevalent development surfaces of a plurality of overlapping areas of the pleats (27).

In a 22nd aspect according to theaspect20, the fixing element comprises at least one adhesive element, for example glue, interposed between portions of the same first and/or second prevalent development surfaces of a plurality of overlapping areas of the pleats (27).

In a 23rd aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the capsule comprises at least one reinforcing element (38) stably engaged with the container (2) edge portion (6) and exhibiting a central cavity (11) adapted to enable to gain access to the container (2) holding cavity (5), said reinforcing element (38) comprises at least one first peripheral edge (12) engaged with the upper surface (6b) of the edge portion (6) of the container (2), the first peripheral edge (12) extending around the container (2) holding cavity (5) to define a closed outline.

In a 24th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the first peripheral edge (12) of the reinforcing element (38) covers the whole upper surface (6b) of the container (2) edge portion (6).

In a 25th aspect according to the

aspect

23 or24, the first peripheral edge (12) covers the whole upper surface (6b) of the edge portion (6) and at least partially the container (2) lateral wall (4).

In a 26th aspect according to the

aspect

23 or24, the first peripheral edge (12) of the reinforcing element (38) comprises an abutment portion (39) facing away from the container (2) base (3), said abutment portion (39) exhibiting at least one closure surface (40) having a substantially smooth surface defining a closed outline around the container (2) opening.

In a 27th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the substantially smooth closure surface (40) is placed above the edge portion (6) and/or is placed in an area outside the outer perimeter of the edge portion (6).

In a 28th aspect according to the

aspect

26 or27, the closure surface (40) extends along a plane substantially parallel to the container (2) base (3), and exhibits at least one housing seat (42) having a concavity facing away from the container (2) base (3).

In a 29th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the housing seat (42) exhibits a substantially “C” outline.

In a 30th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 23 to 29, the reinforcing element (38) comprises a second peripheral edge (9) engaged with the lower surface (6a) of the container (2) edge portion (6), the second peripheral edge (9) extending around the holding cavity (5) of the container (2) to define a closed outline, the edge portion (6) being interposed between said first and second peripheral edges (12,9).

In a 31st aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the reinforcing element (38) covers at least the whole outer perimeter of the edge portion (6) to define a closed outline around the container (2) opening.

In a 32nd aspect according to the

aspect

30 or31, the first peripheral edge (9) covers at least partially the lower surface (6a) of the edge portion (6) to define a continuous closed outline element around the container (2) opening.

In a 33rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 30 to 32, the first peripheral edge (9) covers the whole lower surface (6a) of the edge portion (6).

In a 34th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 30 to 33, the first peripheral edge (9) covers the whole lower surface (6a) of the edge portion (6) and connects itself on the container (2) lateral wall (4).

In a 35th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 30 to 34, the reinforcing element (38) comprises a connecting portion (41) perimetrally abutting on the edge portion (6), said connecting portion (41) being made in a single piece with the first and second peripheral edges (12,9), the first peripheral portion (12), second peripheral portion (9) and connecting portion (41) defining a single piece.

In a 36th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the first peripheral edge (12), second peripheral edge (9) and connecting portion (41) define a substantially “C” cross-section configured for incorporating at least the edge portion (6).

In a 37th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 23 to 36, the reinforcing element (38) exhibits an annular shape having a radial size greater than the radial size of the edge portion (6).

In a 38th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the first peripheral edge (12) and second peripheral edge (9) exhibit the same radial size.

In a 39th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 23 to 38, the reinforcing element (38) is at least partially made of paper material and/or plastic material.

In a 40th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 23 to 39, the reinforcing element (38) is at least partially made of recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable plastic material.

In a 41st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 23 to 40, the reinforcing element (38) is made of MATERBI® and/or of biodegradable and/or compostable plastic materials.

In a 42nd aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the container (2) is made of recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable paper material.

In a 43rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 30 to 42, the first and second peripheral edges (12,9) of the reinforcing element (38) are integrally made.

In a 44th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 23 to 43, the reinforcing element (38) is directly made on the edge portion (6) by a thermo-forming process, particularly by a thermo-molding one.

In a 45th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 30 to 44, the first and second peripheral edges are made in a single piece directly made on the edge portion (6) by a thermo-forming process, particularly a thermo-molding one.

In a 46th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 23 to 45, the reinforcing element (38) is integrally made of plastic material by thermo-forming, particularly by thermo-molding, the element itself on the container (2) edge portion (6).

In a 47th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 23 to 46, the first peripheral edge (12) of the reinforcing element (38) has, in a cross-section according to a plane passing for a development axis (X) of the container (2), an outline at least slightly curved from a substantially flat radially most outward area to a radially inner area and partially overlapped with the most curved lateral wall (4).

In a 48th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the first peripheral edge (12) comprises an inner band (12a) and an outer band (12b) both at least partially overlapped and engaged with the edge portion (6), the inner band (12a) being at least partially placed inside the holding cavity (5), the outer band (12b) being directly placed on the edge portion (6).

In a 49th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the outer band (12b) of the second peripheral edge (12) carries the closure surface (40) of the abutment portions (39).

In a 50th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 30 to 48, the second peripheral edge (9) has, in a cross-section along a plane passing for a development axis (X) of the container (2), at least one slightly curved outline from a substantially flat radially most outward area to a radially inward area partially overlapped on the most curved lateral wall (4).

In a 51st aspect according to the preceding aspect, the second peripheral edge (9) comprises an inner band (9a) and an outer band (9b) both engaged with the container (2), the inner band (9a) being engaged at least partially with the edge portion (6) and with the lateral wall (4) of the container (2), the inner band (9a) being placed at least partially inside the holding cavity (5), the outer band (9b) of the first peripheral edge (9) being engaged with the edge portion (6).

In a 52nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the inner band (9a) is engaged at least partially with the edge portion (6) and with the lateral wall (4) of the container (2), the inner band (9a) being placed at least partially inside the holding cavity (5), the outer band (9b) of the first peripheral edge (9) being engaged with the edge portion (6) and at least partially integrally joined to the outer band (12b) of the second peripheral edge (12).

In a 53rd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the outer band (9b) of the peripheral edge (9) is coupled, particularly fluid-tightly, directly or indirectly to the outer band (12b) of the peripheral edge (12).

In a 54th aspect according to the aspect52 or53, the outer band (9b) of the peripheral edge (9) is fluid-tightly coupled directly to the outer band (12b) of the peripheral edge (12) by heat-sealing.

In a 55th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the capsule comprises at least one stiffening body (14) coupled to the container (2) inside the holding cavity (5) at the base (3).

In a 56th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the stiffening body (14) is a laminated body made of paper material and comprising a central through cavity (15) and a peripheral edge (16), particularly the central cavity (15) being substantially circular.

In a 57th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the base (3) comprises at least one flat central portion (3a) and an outer portion (3b) connecting with the lateral wall (4) and contiguous to the flat portion (3) with a sloped trend with respect to the flat portion, in a cross-section according to a plane normal to the development axis (X) of the container, the base (3) comprises a first segment (18) emerging from the lateral wall (4) and sloped with respect to the same, a second flat segment (19) extending from the first sloped segment, and a third segment (20) extending from the second flat segment and sloped with respect to the same.

In a 58th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the stiffening body (14) is at least coupled to the outer portion (3b) of the base (3).

In a 59th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 56 to 58, the central cavity (15) is placed at the flat central portion (3a), in a cross-section according to a plane normal to the development axis (X) of the container (2), the stiffening body (14) exhibiting at least two main lengths (26) which are respectively coupled to the first and third segments (18,20).

In a 60th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 23 to 59, the capsule (1) comprises at least one laminated element (13) closing the holding cavity (5) coupled, particularly substantially fluid-tightly, with the reinforcing element (38) for closing an access to the holding cavity (5).

In a 61st aspect according to the preceding aspect, the laminated closure element (13) is at least made partially of a recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable plastic material.

In a 62nd aspect according to the aspect60 or61, the laminated element (13) being stably constrained, by thermo-forming or heat-sealing, to the closure surface (40) of the second peripheral edge (12).

In a 63rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 60 to 62, the laminated element (13) exhibits a first and second surfaces (13a;13b) opposite to each other, said first surface (13a) of the laminated element (13) facing the container (2), and being coupled to at least the second peripheral edge (12).

In a 64th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 30 to 63, the first peripheral edge (9) and second peripheral edge (12) are made both of a recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable plastic material.

In a 65th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 30 to 64, the first peripheral edge (9) and second peripheral edge (12) are made of the same plastic material.

In a 66th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 55 to 65, the stiffening element (14) is made of paper and/or plastic material.

In a 67th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 55 to 66, the stiffening element (14) is made of a recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable material.

In a 68th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 23 to 67, the reinforcing element (38) comprises a connecting portion (45) joined in single piece to the first peripheral edge (9) and/or second peripheral edge (12), said connecting portion (45) extending on approach to the base (3).

In a 69th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the connecting portion (45) abuts, at least partially, on the container (2) lateral wall (4) outside and/or inside the holding cavity (5).

In a 70th aspect according to the aspect68 or69, the connecting portion (45) comprises a plurality of rods connected to the reinforcing element (38) and extending towards the base (3) to define an inner reinforcing cage inside and/or outside the container (2).

In a 71st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 68 to 70, the connecting portion (45) is connected to an end of the reinforcing element (38) and to the other end of the stiffening element (14).

In a 72nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 55 to 67, the laminated closure element (13) is made of paper material, particularly filter paper and/or plastic material.

In a 73rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 60 to 72, the laminated closure element (13) is made of a recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable material.

In a 74th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the base (3) exhibits a substantially circular shape, particularly wherein the base (3) comprises a disc or an annulus.

In a 75th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said lateral wall (4) exhibits, according to a plane parallel to the base (3), a substantially circular outline, particularly wherein said lateral wall (4) exhibits a frusto-conical shape.

In a 76th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the lateral wall (4) exhibits, with respect to the base (3), a demolding angle less than 110°, particularly less than 100°, still more particularly less than 95°.

In a 77th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the container (2) of paper sheet material exhibits a grammage comprised between 30 g/m²and 400 g/m², particularly comprised between 35 g/m²and 300 g/m², still more particularly comprised between 50 g/m²and 250 g/m².

In a 78th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the container (2) lateral wall (4) comprises at least one abutment ring (28).

In a 79th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the paper material defining the container (2) comprises dispersed nanoparticles having hydrophobic and/or oleophobic properties, the nanoparticles providing to the paper material corresponding hydrophobic and/or oleophobic properties.

In an 80th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the base (3) comprises a predetermined number of pre-holes for enabling a liquid to flow without the necessity of piercing the base itself under dispensing conditions.

In an 81st aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, further the capsule comprises a filter, for example as a sponge element, placed at the base (3) inside the holding cavity (5) for preventing coffee particulate from escaping from the base also during the steps of supplying a beverage.

In an 82nd aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the base (3) comprises one or more portions weakened by pre-cuts, or thinning by crushing, for example, for making easier opening the holes when dispensing coffee.

In an 83rd aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, further the capsule comprises a predetermined quantity of powdered concentrate placed inside the container (2).

In an 84th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the powdered concentrate comprises a food substance configured for enabling, mixed with water, to produce a beverage.

In an 85th aspect, it is provided a capsule (1) for producing beverages comprising at least one container (2) of paper material, said container comprising:

a base (3),

a lateral wall (4) transversally emerging from the base (3) to define a holding cavity (5) arranged to receive a predetermined quantity of a powdered food substance adapted to enable to produce the beverage, the lateral wall (4) defining, oppositely to the base (3), a container (2) opening,

an edge portion (6), placed at the container (2) opening defined by the lateral wall (4), transversally emerging from the lateral wall (4) away from the holding cavity (5) and exhibiting at least one lower surface (6a) substantially facing the container (2) base (3) and at least one upper surface (6b) facing away from the lower surface (6a) in relation to the edge portion (6) itself, the base (3), lateral wall (4) and edge portion (6) of the container (2) being made in a single piece,

at least one reinforcing element (38) of plastic material stably engaged with the container (2) edge portion (6) and exhibiting a central cavity (11) adapted to enable to gain access to the holding cavity (5) of the container (2) itself, said reinforcing element (38) comprising at least one first peripheral edge (12) engaged with the upper surface (6b) of the container (2) edge portion (6),

and wherein the container (2) is made of a paper sheet having one first and one second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b), at least partially the first surface (2a) being adapted to define an outer surface of the container (2), while at least partially the second surface (2b) being adapted to define an inner surface of the container (2), at least one of said first and second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b) being covered by a plastic material film,

and wherein at least the container (2) lateral wall (4) comprises a plurality of pleats (27) defining overlapping areas of the paper sheet material, and wherein said first and second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b) exhibit overlapping areas, wherein portions of the same surface are in contact with each other, a plurality of portions of the same first and/or second prevalent development surfaces being stably constrained to each other by heat-sealing the plastic film.

In an 86th aspect, it is provided a process for making a capsule (1) according to anyone of the preceding aspects.

In an 87th aspect, it is provided a process for making a capsule (1) for producing beverages, said process comprising at least the following steps:

providing a flat element (37) of paper material, for example of a substantially circular shape, exhibiting a first and second surfaces (2a,2b) opposite to each other,

deforming, for example by drawing, the flat element (37) for shaping it as a container (2) having a base (3) and a lateral wall (4) transversally emerging from the base (3) to define a holding cavity (5), the deforming step further defining on the container (2) an edge portion (6) transversally emerging from the lateral wall (4) at an opening of the container (2) placed oppositely to the base (3), the edge portion (6) emerging away from the holding cavity (5), the base (3), the lateral wall (4) and the edge portion (6) of the container (2) being integrally made,

and wherein the deforming step defines at least at the lateral wall (4) a plurality of pleats (27) defining overlapping areas of the paper sheet material of the container adapted to enable, during the same deforming step, to arrange the container (2) from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional configuration, and wherein said first and second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b) exhibit overlapping areas wherein portions of the same surface are in contact with each other,

fixing a plurality of portions of the same first and/or second prevalent development surfaces in contact with each other.

In an 88th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the fixing step is adapted to stably block, for each pleat (27), at least two portions of said first prevalent development surface (2a) of the container (2), facing each other.

In an 89th aspect according to the aspect87 or88, the fixing step is adapted to stably block, for each pleat (27), at least two portions of said second prevalent development surface (2b) of the container (2) facing each other.

In a 90th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 87 to 89, the deforming step comprises a step of drawing the flat element (37).

In a 91st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 87 to 90, the deforming step arranges the flat element (37) in a three-dimensional configuration wherein the container (2) extends from the base (3) to the opening of the same container (2) along a longitudinal development axis (X), the deforming step defining the pleats (27) which, according to a cross-section normal to the container (2) development axis (X), comprise a plurality of first sectors (21) extending at least along the perimetral development of the lateral wall (4), said first sectors (21) being defined by a layer of said container (2) of paper material interposed by a plurality of second sectors (22) defined by an overlap of plural layers of the container (2), the second sectors (22) comprising at least one portion (23) defined by the layer from a first sector (21), at least one portion (24) defined by the layer from the first sector (2) adjacent to the preceding one, and by at least one junction portion (25) connecting, without interruption, the other two portions (23,24) in order to define an overlap of at least three layers of said container (2),

and wherein the fixing step enables to stably engage at least one portion (23) of a second sector (22), defined by the layer from a first sector (21), with the junction portion (25) of the same pleat, and/or

wherein the fixing step enables to stably engage at least one portion (24) of a second sector (22), defined by the layer from a first sector (21) adjacent to the preceding one, with the junction portion (25) of the same pleat (27).

In a 92nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 87 to 91, the deforming step enables to define pleats (27) exhibiting a lap area (30) comprising a first and second overlapping areas (31,32), the first overlapping area (31) comprising at least one first and one second portions (33,34) of the first prevalent development surface (2a) of the container substantially facing each other, the second overlapping area (32) comprising at least one first and one second portions (35,36) of the second prevalent development surface (2b) of the container (2) facing each other,

and wherein the fixing step enables to stably engage at least partially the first prevalent development surface (2a) of the first portion (33) of the first overlapping area (31) with at least partially the first prevalent development surface (2a) of the second portion (34) of the first overlapping area (31) of the lap area (30), and/or

wherein the fixing step enables to stably engage at least partially the second prevalent development surface (2b) of the first portion (35) of the second overlapping area (32) with at least partially the second prevalent development surface (2b) of the second portion (36) of the second overlapping area (32) of the lap area (30).

In a 93rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 87 to 92, the fixing step comprises at least the following sub-steps:

applying on the first and/or second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b) of the sheet flat element (37) a fixing element,

executing the step of deforming the sheet flat element (37) to define said plurality of pleats (27) wherein each pleat (27) comprises at least one overlapping area of the first and second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b), and wherein at least one portion of the fixing element is interposed between portions of the overlapping area of the same prevalent development surface, the fixing element, at the end of the deforming step, stably engaging the portions of the overlapping area of the same prevalent development surface between which the same is interposed.

In a 94th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the fixing element comprises a covering plastic film of the first and/or second prevalent development surfaces (2a,2b),

the fixing step comprises a step of simultaneously deforming and thermo-forming the container, adapted to enable to seal the film portions of the same overlapping area of the paper material, optionally wherein the fixing step comprises a step of thermo-molding the container (2).

In a 95th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 87 to 94, the process further comprises a step of constraining a reinforcing element (38) to the edge portion (6) so that a central cavity (11) of the reinforcing element (38) enables to gain access to the container (2) holding cavity (5), the constraining step enabling at least one first peripheral edge (12) to be engaged with the upper surface (6a) of the container (2) edge portion (6).

In a 96th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the constraining step provides to engage, particularly by thermo-forming, at least one second peripheral edge (9) on the lower surface (6a) of the edge portion (6) of the container (2), the edge portion (6) becoming interposed between said first and second peripheral edges (12,9).

In a 97th aspect according to the aspect95 or96, the reinforcing element (38) is at least partially made of recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable plastic material, the step of constraining the reinforcing element (38) comprises a step of thermo-forming, particularly over-molding, the reinforcing element (38) on the edge portion (6) so that this latter can stably incorporate said edge portion (6).

In a 98th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of constraining the reinforcing element (38) to the edge portion (6) comprises a sub-step of defining, on the first peripheral edge (12), an abutment portion (39) exhibiting a substantially smooth closure portion (40) facing away from the container (2) base (3), said closure surface (40) defining a continuous closed outline around an opening of the container (2).

In a 99th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the process comprises at least the following steps:

making at least one closure laminated element (13) at least partially of plastic material film,

following the step of deforming the container, inserting a predetermined quantity of a powdered concentrate inside the container (2) holding cavity (5),

constraining the reinforcing element (37) to the container (2) edge portion (6),

coupling the closure laminated element (13) to an upper substantially smooth closure surface (40), facing away from the container (2) base (3), of the reinforcing element (38).

In a 100th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 87 to 90, the process comprises a step of coupling a stiffening body (14) to the container (2) base (3).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments and some aspects of the invention will be described in the following with reference to the attached drawings given only illustratively and therefore in a non limiting way, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a capsule according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view according to the line II-II of the capsule inFIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are details of a capsule according to the present invention;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are respective perspective views of embodiment variants of a capsule according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the capsule inFIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a detail of the cross-section view of the capsule inFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the capsule inFIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of an embodiment variant of a capsule according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the first steps of manufacturing a capsule according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of possible further steps of manufacturing a capsule according to the present invention;

FIGS. 13-16 are embodiment variants of a capsule according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a detailed cross-section view of an embodiment variant of a capsule according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment variant of a capsule according to the present invention.

MATERIALS AND DEFINITIONS

The figures could illustrate the object of the invention by not-drawn-in-scale representations; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures regarding the object of the invention could exclusively refer to schematic representations.

The term “beverage” means a composition at a liquid state destined to the food use. For example, the beverage can be of an alcohol-free type based on water, milk or tea to be consumed cold (for example drinks, fruit juices, sport drinks) or to be consumed hot (for example hot tea and coffee). Specifically, the beverage can be of a type obtainable by pressurized hot water flowing inside the capsule, such capsule holding a powdered/granular flavoring compound.

Thecontainer2 can be made, at least partially, of a paper sheet material. The term “paper material” means paper or paperboard; particularly, the sheet material useful for making the container, can exhibit a grammage comprised between 30 and 450 g/m², particularly comprised between 35 and 300 g/m², still more particularly between 50 and 250 g/m². The discussed paper material extends from a first and second prevalent development surfaces. The sheet paper material used for making the container can, in an embodiment variant thereof, be covered for at least one portion of the first and/or second prevalent development surface by a layer of plastic material, for example a food-grade film. In case the layer is arranged for covering at least partially the first prevalent development surface, the same layer will define an inner surface of the container. Viceversa, in case the layer is arranged on the second prevalent development surface, the same layer will define an outer surface of the container.

The layer can be thermally processed in order to operate as an element for engaging with, and fixing portions of the container. Further, the layer can be used for defining a kind of water and moisture barrier useful for avoiding a weakening and a loss of structurality of the container, which can cause a deformation of the paper material forming this latter component.

Advantageously, but not in a limiting way, the layer could comprise an extrusion-coating on one or both the sides (inner and/or outer sides) of the paper material defining the container with values which can for example vary between 10 and 50 μm of the layer material (i.e., of extrusion-coating). The layer plastic material could be for example selected among the following materials: LDPE, HDPE, PP, PE.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONCapsule

As shown in the Figures,1 generally indicates a capsule for producing a beverage. Thecapsule1, object of the present description, is particularly adapted to define a container for food products, as for example powdered coffee and/or tea and/or milk and/or fruit juices, and configured for enabling to dispense beverages.

Thecapsule1 comprises acontainer2, a reinforcingelement38 more possibly aninner stiffening body14. Thecapsule1, when is completed, will comprise also powdered coffee housed in thecontainer2 and a closurelaminated element13.

The capsule comprises a container made of paper sheet material exhibiting a firstprevalent development surface2aconfigured for at least partially defining the outer surface of the container and a secondprevalent development surface2a, opposite to thefirst surface2a, and adapted to define at least partially thecontainer2 inner surface.

The sheet material forming thecontainer2 is made of paper or paperboard and exhibits, for example, a grammage comprised between 30 g/m²and 400 g/m². Exemplifyingly, the used paper will have a grammage comprised between 90 and 100 g/m²(specifically 95 g/m²). Moreover, thecontainer2 thickness depends on the paper grammage. For the paper (10÷150 g/m²), the thickness will be comprised between 0.03 and 0.3 mm; for the paperboard (150÷450 g/m²) the thickness will be greater than 0.3 mm.

Advantageously, the material (paper or paperboard) used for making thecontainer2 is recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, thecontainer2 is compostable, in other words the material is disintegrable (not just biodegradable) with low levels of heavy metals, and further the decomposition process ends in a two/three months interval.

The hereinafter described particular application can be obtained, for example, by using a special hydrophobic and/or oleophobic paper, particularly processed by nanoparticles techniques, for example a type of paper described in the patent application PCT n. WO 2012085879 A1.

Thecontainer2, before a deforming step, is a flat sheet and lays in a prevalent development plane while, after the deforming step, is configured for being arranged in a first three-dimensional semifinished operative condition, in which thecontainer2 itself defines a holdingcavity5, the delimiting surface thereof is defined by the secondprevalent development surface2b(inner surface).

Thecontainer2, under the operative condition, comprises abase3 substantially defining the lower or abutment portion of thecapsule1. As it is visible in the attached figures, thebase3 substantially develops along a prevalent development plane. The attached figures show, in a non limiting way, abase3 exhibiting a substantially circular shape:such base3 substantially comprises a disc and is generally flat at least in the central area thereof. More specifically and as it is visible in the figures, thebase3 comprises at least a centralflat portion3a; in the embodiment illustrated for example inFIG. 7, the base3 (and thecentral portion3a) is substantially completely flat.

Thecentral portion3 can, in an embodiment, define the whole base (thebase3 is completely substantially flat); viceversa, the embodiment, for example shown inFIG. 7, comprises also anouter portion3bconnecting with thelateral wall4, contiguous to theflat portion3aand having a sloped trend with respect to the flat portion.

This embodiment, in a cross-section along a plane normal to a vertical development axis X of the container, shows abase3 having afirst segment18 emerging from thelateral wall4 and sloped with respect to the same, a secondflat segment19 extending from the first sloped segment and athird segment20 extending from the second flat segment and sloped with respect to the same; thethird segment20 is joined to thelateral wall4 oppositely to the first segment. In other words, thebase3 exhibits a large junction area which is concave towards the holdingcavity5.

From the dimensional point of view, thebase3, as a whole (the central area plus the peripheral one) exhibits a diameter comprised between 40 mm and 10 mm, particularly comprised between 35 mm and 15 mm, still more particularly comprised between 33 mm and 17 mm. Instead, with reference to thebase3 thickness, particularly the disk thickness, this is substantially equal to the thickness of the paper sheet material; such thickness, as previously discussed, depends at least partially on the grammage of the paper sheet making saidcontainer2.

In further embodiments not illustrated in the attached figures (and less interesting), thebase3 can define a substantially polygonal or elliptical shape and can also be slightly domed convexly or concavely according to the needs.

Alateral wall4 emerges from thebase3, at an outer perimeter of thebase3 itself, which defines a free edge delimiting thecapsule1

holding cavity

5 and which defines an opening placed on the top of thecapsule1 itself and therefore placed oppositely to thebase3 with respect to thelateral wall4.

As it is visible in the attached figures, thelateral wall4 exhibits, according to a plane substantially parallel to thebase3, a substantially circular outline (FIG. 2), then particularly the lateral wall exhibits a substantially frusto-conical shape (seeFIG. 1, for example) adapted to make the containers nestable and stackable.

Therefore, thelateral wall4 comprises a first lower end edge which is connected to thebase3, particularly connected to abase3 perimeter. Further, thelateral wall4 comprises a second end edge placed oppositely to the first end edge with respect to the lateral wall; particularly, the second end edge corresponds, under the operative condition, to the previously defined free edge. In the case illustrated in the attached figures, therefore the second end edge exhibits, in a non limiting way, a substantially circular shape, particularly the second end edge exhibits the same shape as the free edge.

In further embodiments not illustrated in the attached figures, thelateral wall4 can exhibit, according to a plane substantially parallel to thebase3, a polygonal or elliptical or another type of shape. In these latter cases, thelateral wall4 defines a substantially parallelepiped or substantially frusto-conical shape. In a further case, not illustrated in the attached figures, thelateral wall4 can exhibit the first end edge having a first shape and the second end edge having a second shape different from the shape of the first end edge. An example of this described latter configuration can be represented by a first end edge having a circular shape and a second end edge having a substantially polygonal shape.

From the geometrical point of view, thefirst surface2aof thelateral wall4 exhibits, with respect to thefirst surface2aof thebase3, a demolding angle less than 110°, particularly less than 100°, still more particularly less than 95°. Preferably, such angle will be however equal to or greater than 90°. In other words, thelateral wall4 could be cylindrical or slightly frusto-conical with an increment of the cross-section away from the base3 (see for exampleFIG. 7).

Instead, with reference to the dimensional aspect, thelateral wall4 exhibits an extension, with respect to a direction normal to thebase3, greater than 10 mm, particularly greater than 15 mm, still more particularly equal to or greater than 24 mm.

As it is possible to observe from the attached figures, thecontainer2, under the operative condition, comprises anedge portion6 extending from the free edge in a direction transversal to thelateral wall4 and away from the holdingcavity5 opening. More specifically, as it is visible in the attached figures, theedge portion6 extends almost parallelly to the middle plane containing thebase3. Particularly, thefirst edge portion6

surface

2adefines, with thefirst surface2aof thelateral wall4, an angle substantially complementary to the angle defined by the firstlateral wall4

surface

2awith thefirst surface2aof thebase3. Still more particularly, thesecond edge portion6

surface

2bdefines, with thesecond surface2boflateral wall4, an angle substantially equal to the angle defined by thefirst surface2aof thelateral wall4 with thefirst surface2aof thebase3.

From the dimensional point of view, thesecond surface2bof theedge portion6 defines, with thesecond surface2bof thelateral wall4, an angle less than 110°, particularly less than 100°, still more particularly less than 95°. In any case, such angle will be equal to or greater than 90°.

Generally, theedge portion6 lays in a plane substantially parallel to the plane (at least in the central area) of thebase3

central area

3a.

As it is visible in the attached figures, theedge portion6 extends along a development plane and exhibits afirst end edge43 connected to thelateral wall4 free edge, therefore to the second end edge of thelateral wall4, and asecond end edge44 at least partially spaced from the first end edge43 (seeFIG. 8). The attached figures represent, in a non limiting way, a configuration in which thefirst end edge43 of theedge portion6 exhibits the same shape, even though with smaller size, as thesecond end edge44 of theedge portion6. Alternatively, it is possible to make anedge portion6 exhibiting thefirst end edge43 having a first shape and asecond end edge44 having a second shape different from the first shape of thefirst end edge43.

Turning back to the description of the configuration represented in the attached figures, it is possible to observe that theedge portion6 exhibits, in a non limiting way, a substantially annulus or ring shape, the inner circumference thereof coinciding with the free edge. From the dimensional point of view, theedge portion6 exhibits an inner diameter greater than mm, particularly greater than 24 mm, still more particularly equal to or greater than 28 mm, while the outer diameter of the peripheral area is less than 66 mm, particularly less than 60 mm, still more particularly equal to or less than 50 mm.

As it is possible to observe in the attached figures, thecontainer2, under the operative condition, comprises a plurality ofpleats27 placed at thelateral wall4 andedge portion6.Such pleats27 are configured for enabling, during the deforming step, to arrange thecontainer2 from a flat configuration, wherein this latter lays in a prevalent development plane, to a container-type three-dimensional configuration. De facto, eachpleat27 defines overlapping areas of the paper sheet material of the container; thepleats27 therefore define overlapping areas wherein said first and second

prevalent development surfaces

2a,2bexhibit portions of the same surface in contact with each other.

More specifically, thepleats27 comprise a plurality offirst sectors21 extending along the perimetral development of thelateral wall9 and of the annulus11 (see alsoFIGS. 3A, 3B and 10). Thefirst sectors21 are defined by a single layer of thecontainer2 of paper sheet material interposed by a plurality ofsecond sectors22 defined by an overlap of more layers of thecontainer2. Thesecond sectors22 comprise at least oneportion23 defined by the layer from afirst sector21, at least oneportion24 defined by the layer from thefirst sector21 adjacent to the preceding one, and by at least onejunction portion25 connecting, without interruption, the other twoportions23,24: in this way the portions of the first sector and the connecting portion define an overlap of at least three layers of sheet material container2 (seeFIG. 3, for example).

In other words, thepleats27 comprise alap area30 comprising a first and second overlappingareas31,32: the first overlappingarea31 comprises at least one first and one

second portions

33,34 of thefirst surface2a, substantially facing each other, particularly in contact with each other, while the second overlappingarea32 comprises at least one first and one

second portions

35,36 of thesecond surface2b, substantially facing each other, particularly in contact with each other.

As previously discussed, thepleats27 are configured for enabling to deform thecontainer2, particularly for enabling to arrange this latter in a three-dimensional configuration. From a structural point of view, thepleats27 enable to offset the quantity of additional material which could build up during the transformation of thecontainer2 from the flat configuration to the three-dimensional one.

As it is understandable, the greater the vertical development of thecapsule1 is, the greater the quantity of material to offset will be. De facto, at least one of the portions of the first and/or second overlapping

areas

31,32 exhibits an area having an increasing trend away from the base3: such trend depends on thecontainer2 structure after the deforming step.

Generally and as hereinbefore discussed, thepleats27 define overlapping areas of paper sheet material and wherein said first and second

prevalent development surfaces

2a,2bexhibit overlapping areas wherein portions of the same surface are in contact with each other. Advantageously, a plurality of portions of the same first and/or second prevalent development surfaces are stably constrained to each other.

Specifically, each pleat27 exhibits at least two portions of said firstprevalent development surface2aof thecontainer2 facing and stably constrained to each other. Further, each pleat27 exhibits at least two portions of said secondprevalent development surface2bof thecontainer2 facing and stably constrained to each other.

Still in other words, the facing surfaces defining thepleats27 of thecontainer2 are all in contact with each other and further can be stably constrained (stably fixed). The constraint can be determined between portions of the first and/or second prevalent development surfaces.

By analyzing the structure of the container inFIG. 3, it is possible to define the constraint (fixing) configuration of thepleats27 by the portions of the

sectors

21 and22. For example, by considering the constraint of the portions of the firstprevalent development surface2a(outer surface), it is possible to specify that thesecond sectors22 exhibit at least oneportion23 defined by the layer from afirst sector21, facing and constrained to thejunction portion25. Alternatively, by considering the constraint of the portions of the secondprevalent development surface2b(inner surface), it is possible to specify that theportion24 defined by the layer from thefirst sector21 adjacent to the preceding one, faces and is constrained to thejunction portion25.

Still, in other words, it is possible to identify the constraint (fixing) of the surfaces of the pleats by the above described lap (element30) structure and illustrated inFIG. 4; de facto, in such case it is possible to specify that the first and

second portions

33,34 of thefirst surface2acan be constrained to each other and/or the first and

second portions

35,36 of thesecond surface2bcan be constrained to each other.

De facto, thecontainer2

lateral wall

4 comprises a plurality ofpleats27 formed by an excess of paper material, which exhibit a plurality of paper material surfaces overlapped and fixedly constrained to each other. The constraint is obtained, in a non limiting way, by (heat) sealing thepleats27 during the step of drawing thecontainer2, indeed at least one of the twosurfaces2aand/or2bof thecontainer2 can comprise a plastic film which, in the presence of heat and pressure, melts in order to enable to join the overlapped portions. This phenomenon enables to obtain a lateral wall sufficiently stiffened to oppose (by bulging) to the supply pressures which thecapsule1 will be then subjected to.

As it is possible to observe in the attached figures, thepleats27 exhibit, according to the cross-section, a substantially “Z” outline: such outline, as previously said, exhibits a development having an increasing trend away from thebase3.

By observing the attached figures, it is possible to note that thepleats27 are substantially identical to each other: such configuration is due to the shape of thecontainer2 before the deforming step. Particularly, thecontainer2 disk shape (before the deforming step—FIG. 6) enables to uniformly deform this latter during the deforming step.

Still more particularly, it is possible to note from the attached figured that the pleats are placed according to a uniform trend along thelateral wall4 and along saidedge portion6. Particularly, thepleats27 are substantially evenly spaced from each other.

It is possible to note that thebase3,lateral wall4 andedge portion6 are made in a single piece. Specifically, as it will be better described in the following, thecontainer2, under the operative condition, is formed by a paper material single sheet.

As discussed, thecontainer2, under the operative condition, defines said holdingcavity5, the inner surface thereof is defined by thesecond surface2bof thecontainer2 itself. The holdingcavity5, as it will be illustrated in the following description, is configured for enabling to hold a predetermined quantity of at least one powdered concentrate, such as for example a food substance, adapted to produce said beverage.

The volume of the holdingcavity5 can be a greater than 300 mm³, for example, particularly greater than 500 mm³, still more particularly greater than 700 mm³. More particularly, the inner volume of the holdingcavity5 is the less than 1,200 mm³, particularly less than 1,000 mm³, still more particularly less than 900 mm³.

As it is possible to observe from the attached figures, thecontainer2 of sheet material, previously the deforming step, could comprise, on at least one portion of the first and/or

second surfaces

2a,2b, a slippery material. This latter has the object of making easier to arrange thecontainer2 from the flat configuration to the three-dimensional one. Particularly, the slippery material enables thecontainer2 to resist to deformation, preventing ruptures or tears in the sheet material. For better understanding the purpose of the slippery material, it can be said that thecontainer2, during the deforming step, is subjected to a high stress due to the deformation, substantial along vertical direction of the paper and due to the following necessary folding of the same. Therefore, the slippery material enables to decrease the stresses on thecontainer2 during the step of deforming this latter and therefore to prevent possible ruptures or tears in the material which could compromise thecapsule1 structural integrity. Particularly, the slippery material is placed on at least one portion of the paper sheet material, which, under thecontainer2 operative condition, is placed on thelateral wall4. However, generally the entirefirst surface2aand/orentire surface2bis provided with such material.

The slippery material comprises, on at least one portion of thelateral wall4, at least one silicone material layer. Alternatively, as discussed, it is possible to apply the slippery material on the wholefirst surface2aof thecontainer2. The slippery material quantity will be comprised between 0.05 g/m²and 1 g/m². Particularly, such quantity will be comprised between 0.2 and 0.9 g/m²(for example about 0.6 g/m²). Preferentially, the slippery material, at the cited quantities, will be silicone. Further, it is preferred to use calendered papers which do not completely absorb the slippery material (for example silicone).

As it is visible for example inFIGS. 7, 9 and 10, further thecapsule1 can comprise at least one stiffeningbody14 coupled to thecontainer2 inside the holdingcavity5 at thebase3. The stiffeningbody14 is a disk-shaped laminated body and is made of paper and/or plastic material: as for thecontainer2, the material of the stiffeningelement14 is recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable. The same body comprises a central throughcavity15 and aperipheral edge16; particularly thecentral cavity15 is substantially circular and axially aligned with the circular peripheral edge16 (see for exampleFIG. 10).

More particularly, the stiffeningbody14, and particularly theperipheral edge16 thereof, has a top size substantially equal to the size of thecontainer2

base

3. For example, aperimetral end band17 of the stiffeningbody14 is, under the assembled configuration, in contact or partially overlapped with the lateral wall4 (see for exampleFIG. 10). In other words, the stiffeningbody14 has a circular symmetry being defined by a disk, particularly a centrally hollow one.Such body14 is coupled to at least thebase3

outer portion

3b, and particularly thecentral cavity15 is placed at the flatcentral portion3a.

As it is visible inFIGS. 7 and 10, in a cross-section according to a plane normal to a development axis X of the container, the stiffening body exhibits at least twomain segments26, which are respectively coupled to the first and

third segments

18,20 of thebase3. It is observed that the embodiment inFIGS. 10 and 11 is devoid ofsuch element14.

Further, thecapsule1 comprises a reinforcingelement38 stably engaged with theedge portion6 and exhibiting acentral cavity11 adapted to enable to gain access to thecontainer holding cavity5. The reinforcing element37 covers at least the inner perimeter outside theedge portion6 to define a closed outline around thecontainer2

cavity

5.

As it is visible from the cross-section view inFIG. 8, the reinforcingelement38 comprises substantially a first and second

peripheral edges

12,9 joined in a single piece, which covers at least partially theedge portion6. The first peripheral edge is engaged and in direct contact with theupper surface6bof theedge portion6, while the secondperipheral edge9 is engaged and in direct contact with thelower surface6aof thecontainer2

edge portion

6.

Specifically, the reinforcingelement38 is defined by a ring molded astride of theedge portion6 in order to completely incorporate it by gripping to this latter.

The firstperipheral edge12 defines an upper ring engaged with anupper surface6bof thecontainer2

edge portion

6.

The firstperipheral edge12 exhibits an abutment portion39 facing away from thebase3, and exhibiting a substantiallysmooth closure surface40. Theclosure surface40 is devoid of pleats and/or bumps and is configured for engagingly receiving at least one closure laminatedelement13 which will be better described in the following. The reinforcingelement38

closure surface

40 extends all around the opening of thecontainer2

holding cavity

5 to define a closed outline.

In a preferred but non limiting embodiment of the invention, the firstperipheral edge12 of the reinforcingelement38 comprises aninner band12aand anouter band12bboth engaged with thecontainer2; theinner band12ais at least partially overlapped on the edge portion and partially on thecontainer2

lateral wall

4, while theouter band12bis exactly placed on thecontainer2

edge portion

6. Theouter band12bof the firstperipheral edge12 carries the abutment portion39, consequently theclosure surface40, of the reinforcingelement38.

The attached figures illustrate, in a non limiting way, afirst edge portion12 countershaped to theedge portion6 and therefore exhibiting an annular shape having a radial size greater than theedge portion6 radial size.

The firstperipheral edge12 has, in a cross-section according to a plane passing for the container development axis X, an outline slightly curved from a substantially flat radially most outward area to a radially inward area and partially overlapped on the most curvedlateral wall4.

From the material point of view, also the firstperipheral edge12 is made of a recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable material, for example of MATERBI® or a similar material.

As hereinbefore discussed, the reinforcing element comprises asecond edge portion9 covering, in a non limiting way, the entirelower surface6aof theedge portion6 to define a closed outline continuous element around thecontainer2 opening. Then, it is observed that the secondperipheral edge9 of the reinforcingelement38 exhibits a substantially smooth lower surface facing thecontainer2

base

3, in other words devoid of pleats and/or bumps.

As it is visible from the detail inFIG. 8, also the secondperipheral edge9 of the reinforcingelement38 comprises aninner band9aand anouter band9bboth coupled to thecontainer2; theinner band9ais placed below and partially coupled to thecontainer2

lateral wall

4 and partially to theedge portion6, while theouter band9bis placed exactly below the edge portion and is stably constrained to this latter.

From the geometrical point of view, the secondperipheral edge9 follows, in a non limiting way, the shape of the edge portion; de facto, in the attached figures (the disk-shape edge portion) thesecond edge9 exhibits an annular shape having a radial size greater than the radial size of theedge portion6. The secondperipheral edge9 has, in a cross-section according to a plane passing for thecontainer2 development axis X, a slightly curved outline from a substantially flat most radially outward area to a radially inward area and partially overlapped with the most curvedlateral wall4.

In other words, the secondperipheral edge9 is substantially formed by a ring coupled below thecontainer2 edge portion6 (and possibly partially follows a short leading portion of the lateral wall4), wherein the outer peripheral portion of the ring projects besides theedge portion6.

The secondperipheral edge9 is made of a recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable material. Advantageously, the firstperipheral edge9 is made of MATERBI®, or another compostable and/or biodegradable plastic.

De facto, the inner reinforcingelement38 is completely made of a recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable plastic material. Under such condition, thecapsule1, formed by thecontainer2 and reinforcingelement38, is completely recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable.

Advantageously, the first and second

peripheral portions

12,9 are joined (and generally made of) in a single piece to define a single reinforcing ring coupled to theedge portion6. The firstperipheral edge12 defines an upper ring engaged with anupper surface6bof theedge portion6 of the container2: theedge portion6 being interposed between said

12,9 can emerge from theedge portion6 of thecontainer2 and are joined in a single piece by a connectingportion41 of the reinforcing element38 (seeFIG. 8, for example). Advantageously, the connectingportion41 covers the entire outer perimeter of theedge portion6 to join in a single piece the first and

second edges

12,9.

Thefirst edge12,second edge9 and connectingportion41 of the connecting element define, according to a cross-section, a substantially “C” outline receiving inside the concavity thereof the edge portion6 (the edge portion is incorporated inside the reinforcing element38).

In an embodiment (seeFIGS. 7 and 8, for example), the firstperipheral edge12 and secondperipheral edge9 exhibit the same annular shape and substantially the same size. Viceversa, in the embodiment ofFIG. 17, it is illustrated an embodiment variant of the reinforcingelement38 in which thefirst edge12 andsecond edge9 exhibit the same radial size but a different shape. Specifically, the secondperipheral edge9 exhibits an outer surface (lower surface) completely smooth having a substantially hyperbolic development. Also the upper surface of thefirst edge12 is substantially smooth, however, in comparison with thesecond edge9, it can be provided withseats42 having a concavity facing away from thecontainer2

base

3.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 17, there are, in a non limiting way, two seats42: a first seat having a substantially “U” shape overlapped with theedge portion6 and a second seat having a substantially “V” shape placed outside the outerradial perimeter44 of theedge portion6. Advantageously, theseats42 extend along the whole circular development of thefirst edge12 around thecontainer2 opening to define a closed outline. Further embodiments of thecapsule1, not illustrated, can provide just oneseat42 or a plurality ofseats42 or no seat at all (condition not illustrated in the attached figures).

It is noted that the first and

second edges

12,9 of thecapsule1, besides stiffening theedge6 annular portion, incorporate this latter by forming a “sandwich” and exhibit a most outward band devoid of the interposed edge portion wherein the same reinforcements are coupled to each other.

Such most outward coupling (preferably directly) band, between the

edges

9,12, extends all around the contour of the opening to ensure the pressurized fluid-tightness of the capsule.

In other words, the pressurized fluid that could penetrate between theedge portion6

pleats

27, cannot follow its path because the first andsecond edges12,9 (the upper edge and lower edge, respectively) are coupled to each other by the connectingportion41 to define a single piece, so that the fluid is positively contained and cannot leak out. Further, the finishing of the reinforcingelement38

closure surface

40 ensures a possibility of an optimal and tight coupling with thelaminated element13.

Lastly, the flatness of

such edges

9 and12 enables, also during a manufacturing step, to exert high pressures distributing uniformly themselves at the upper annular band of the capsule, to increase the coupling performances of the different parts.

As previously described, the reinforcingelement38 advantageously extends on theedge portion6 and possibly on a portion of thelateral wall4. In an embodiment variant of the capsule object of the present invention, the reinforcingelement38 can comprise a three-dimensional frame following the development of thepaper material container2. For example, the frame can comprise at least one connecting rib45 (see the cross-section view inFIG. 10) which extends along the containerlateral wall4 for being connected to thestiffening element14. De facto, thewall45, which is also made of a recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable plastic material, stably connects the reinforcingelement38 and stiffeningelement14 to define a single stiffening and reinforcing element made in a single piece.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 10, the connectingrib45 is placed, in a non limiting way, inside thecontainer2. Alternatively, the connectingrib45 can extend outside thecontainer2 and, by the reinforcingelement38, define a kind of “supporting frame” of thecontainer2 itself.

The stiffening frame can comprise one or more ribs defining a kind of cage inside and/or outside thecontainer2. Alternatively, the stiffening frame can define a completely solid contour or covering wall (a wall adapted to cover the entirelateral wall4 of the container2).

Further, it is an object of the present description also acapsule1 comprising at least onelaminated element13 closing the holdingcavity5 coupled to at least the secondperipheral edge12 in order to close an access to the housing compartment.

Thelaminated element13 comprises a paper sheet material, such as filter paper and/or a plastic sheet material. De facto, theelement13 can be totally made of paper or plastics; alternatively, it can comprise an area made of paper and an area made of plastic material. This latter example is illustrated in the embodiment inFIG. 13 showing, in a non limiting way, alaminated element13 exhibiting anouter disk13c, for example of plastic material, and an inner disk (central disk) made of paper (filter paper).

Theclosure element13 exhibits a first and

second surfaces

13a,13bopposite to each other; thefirst surface13aof thelaminated element13 faces thecontainer2 and is coupled to at least the firstperipheral edge12 of the reinforcing element. Particularly, theelement13 is stably coupled to thesmooth closure surface40.

Thelaminated element13 is configured to define an operative condition in which thecontainer2, placed in the three-dimensional condition, cooperating with saidelement13, enables to define, inside the holding cavity, a closed volume.

As it is possible to observe from the attached figures, thelaminated element13 is placed, when closing thesemi-finished capsule1 ofFIG. 12, at the firstperipheral edge12 which, as discussed, advantageously has a smooth or substantially smooth upper surface; at least the portion of thefirst element13

surface

13ais in contact with at least one portion of thefirst edge12 of the reinforcingelement38.

As it is understandable, the coveringlaminated element13 for defining inside the holding cavity5 a closed inner volume, must exhibit a minimum size greater than the size of the free edge (“minimum” means the development in width and length of the covering element13).

As it is possible to note in the attached figures, thelaminated element13 substantially extends in a prevalent development plane, particularly exhibits, in a non limiting way, a substantially circular shape defined by a disk.

Alternatively, thelaminated element13 can exhibit a substantially flat configuration defining a substantially polygonal or elliptical shape.

Thelaminated element13 enables thecapsule1 to hold and at the same time filter the fluid flowing from thecapsule1 itself. Specifically, thelaminated element13 must enable a selective passage of fluids or, better, must ensure to keep the food substance inserted in thecapsule1 inside theholding compartment5 and must simultaneously enable the water to enter (or eventually the beverage to exit—according to the direction of the flowing water).

In order to perform such task, thelaminated element13 could, for example, comprise at least one filter paper (or filtering paper) portion configured for enabling the fluids to selectively pass and capture the food substance particles (the ground coffee, for example). Such filtering paper portion is placed on at least a portion of the covering element placed inside the free edge; in such a way, the fluid passing from the capsule can be mixed with the food substance present inside thehousing5. Generally, the entirelaminated element13 is completely made of a filter paper.

Alternatively, the samelaminated element13 could comprise standard paper, also hydrophobic paper and be suitable perforated in the dispensing step, for example by needles or similar devices of the dispensing machine. Alternatively, further, the laminated element could formed by a plastic film, for example of recyclable and/or biodegradable and/or compostable material (for example MATERBI®).

Thelaminated element13, under the operative condition, when the capsule is exhausted, is stably constrained (even though indirectly by the interposition of the upper reinforcement) to thecontainer2; particularly, the constraint between the coveringelement13 andedge12 is a constraint obtained by heat-sealing. Particularly, the constraint between the coveringelement13 and the reinforcingelement38 is made without externally applying glue, but by exploiting the plastic smooth surface of thefirst edge12 on which theelement13 is heat-sealed.

With reference to the second embodiment inFIGS. 15 and 16, it is observed that the same exhibits a plan view greater than the one of the capsules illustrated in the preceding drawings and a smaller height (axis X).

Further, the capsule inFIGS. 15 and 16 does not have anystiffening element14, and thebase3 is completely flat and connected on the periphery to thelateral wall4 with a small radius of curvature. Lastly, with reference to the upper edge of thelateral wall4, it is present at least oneabutment ring28 defined by an abrupt cross-section widening of thelateral wall4.

It is observed that both thefirst edge12 and second edge9 (one or the other, alternatively) could extend to coversuch abutment ring28 as clearly shown in the attached photographs. All the remaining technical previously described features are still present in both the illustrated embodiments.

Process for Making a Capsule

Further, the invention refers to a process for making a capsule for producing beverages, particularly a capsule according to one or more of the attached claims.

A first step of the process provides to make thecapsule1

container

2 by a step of drawing a flat element37 of paper material. The sheet flat element37 extends between the first and second

prevalent development surfaces

2a,2bdelimiting the thickness of the sheet; as hereinbefore described, at least one of said first and second

prevalent development surfaces

2a,2bcomprises a plastic film covering said surface, for example an extrusion-coating adapted to contact food (food grade).

FIG. 11 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the flat element37 extending along a prevalent development plane to define a disk and exhibiting a substantially circular outline: such shape enables to define, at the end of the disk37 drawing step, the “frusto-conical”container2 illustrated inFIG. 1, for example.

The drawing step is schematically illustrated inFIG. 11: the disk is interposed between apunch100 defining a projection exhibiting, in a non limiting way, a cylindrical symmetry around a development axis A. Thepunch100 is laterally delimited by awall100awhich, during the step of deforming and forming the container, is configured for contacting/deforming the inner surface of this latter.

In front of thepunch100, with respect to the disk37, there is a die101 which is at least partially countershaped to thepunch100. Particularly, thedie101 defines a cavity laterally delimited by awall101awhich, during the step of deforming and forming thecontainer2, is configured for cooperating with thepunch100

lateral wall

100afor forming saidcontainer2.

The shapes of the punch and die, besides defining thebase3, thelateral portion4, are adapted to define, during the step of drawing the disk37, the edge portion6 (the outwardly lapped end edge of the container2).

Further, the shape of the surfaces which will get in contact between thepunch100 and die101, is shaped to define the ordered and guided formation of thepleats27 which are advantageously present on thelateral wall4 andedge portion6 of the container.

As hereinbefore described, the flat element can be coated at least partially by a plastic material film. Simultaneously or after the step of deforming the container, the process provides a step of thermoforming the container so that the portions contacting thepleats27 on which the plastic film is present, can be welded to each other and therefore stably engaging with each other. De facto, heating thecontainer2 covered by the plastic film, enables to melt the film and sealing the same to a portion in contact with this latter.

Advantageously, the process can provide a step of heat-molding thecontainer2; in such step, during the step of deforming the flat element, the mold is heated in order to melt the plastic film covering at least partially the first and/or second prevalent development surfaces; under such condition, at the end of the deforming (molding) step, the at least partially melt plastic film, interposed between two contacting portions of apleat27, enables to seal these latter. Fixing the contacting portions of thepleats27 enables to confer a greater rigidity to the container which could stably hold the three-dimensional shape.

Following the step of drawing thecontainer2, the process can comprise a step of placing the stiffeningbody14 at thecontainer2

base

3. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drawing step can be implemented both by forming thecontainer2 and placing thebody14. As already described hereinbefore, the stiffeningbody14 is adapted to hold/support the container during the use of the capsule in order to prevent undesired deformations of thecontainer2 itself which can compromise the capsule operation.

After the step of forming the containers, the same can be stacked, as shown inFIG. 12, and can be moved to another plant adapted to perform the successive manufacturing steps. Alternatively, thecontainers2 can continuously follow a single manufacturing line which can provide all thecapsule1 manufacturing steps.

After forming thecontainer2, the process can provide a step of constraining the reinforcingelement38 to thecontainer2, particularly constraining the reinforcingelement38 on at least a part of theedge portion6. Advantageously, the reinforcingelement38 is directly made on thecontainer2 through a molding process, particularly a thermo-molding. De facto, the steps of deforming, fixing the pleats and engaging the reinforcing element on the container can be performed substantially simultaneously by a single molding step.

Specifically, the step of constraining the reinforcingelement38 provides a step wherein thecontainer2 is inserted into a mold comprising in a non limiting way a die side104 and a punch side105; the die side104 (cavity) is adapted to receive thecontainer2 outer surface and define on this latter at least the second edge9 (the lower edge of the reinforcing element38), while the punch side105 (projection) is adapted to receive at least partially thecontainer1 inner surface and define on this latter at least the first edge12 (upper edge of the reinforcing element38). The step of constraining (molding) the reinforcingelement38 can further provide to make the connectingrib45 inside and/or outside thecontainer2.

What is obtainable by the constraining step is clearly and specifically shown inFIG. 8: the reinforcingelement38

edge

9 is coupled to theedge12 by the connectingportion41. The connectingportion41 can be made on the punch side and/or die side.

The process provides to insert inside thecontainer2 a predetermined quantity of coffee. Such step can be performed just after the positioning of the stiffeningbody14 or just after positioning and fixing the reinforcingelement38. After inserting the coffee, the process provides to close thecontainer2 by positioning and fixing thelaminated element13 on the reinforcing element38 (along the peripheral edge12) to define saidbeverage capsule1.

As previously described, fixing thelaminated element13 on a uniform/smooth portion, such as theedge12

closure surface

40, ensures to stably and strongly grip together theelement13 andedge12; such constrain/grip would be impossible to be obtained by the constraint of thelaminated element13 on the irregular (pleated) surface of thecontainer2

edge

6.

While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise.

Claims

We claim:

1. A capsule for producing beverages, comprising at least one container of paper material, said container comprising:

a base,

a lateral wall transversally emerging from the base to define a holding cavity adapted to receive a predetermined quantity of a powdered food substance adapted to enable to produce a beverage, the lateral wall defining, oppositely to the base, an opening of the container,

an edge portion, placed at the container opening defined by the lateral wall, transversally emerging from the lateral wall away from the holding cavity and exhibiting at least one lower surface substantially facing the container base and at least one upper surface facing away from the lower surface with respect to the edge portion itself, the base, the lateral wall and the edge portion of the container being made in a single piece,

and wherein the container is made from a paper sheet having a first and second prevalent development surfaces, at least partially the first surface being adapted to define the outer surface of the container, while at least partially the second surface being adapted to define an inner surface of the container,

and wherein at least the container lateral wall comprises a plurality of pleats defining overlapping areas of the paper sheet material, and wherein said first and second prevalent development surfaces exhibit overlapping areas wherein portions of the same surface are in contact with each other, a plurality of portions of the same first and/or second prevalent development surfaces being stably constrained to each other.

2. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein each pleat exhibits at least two portions of said first prevalent development surface of the container, facing and stably constrained to each other.

3. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein each pleat exhibits at least two portions of said second prevalent development surface of the container, facing and stably constrained to each other.

4. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the pleats exhibit a prevalent development having an increasing trend from the base towards the edge portion, and wherein the pleats extend along the whole lateral wall and along the container edge portion.

5. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the container extends from the base to the opening of the container itself along a longitudinal development axis,

the pleats, according to a cross-section normal to the container development axis, comprise a plurality of first sectors extending at least along the perimetral development of the lateral wall, said first sectors being defined by a layer of said paper material container, interposed by a plurality of second sectors defined by an overlap of plural layers of the container, the second sectors comprising at least one portion defined by the layer from a first sector, at least one portion defined by the layer from the first sector adjacent to the preceding one and from at least one junction portion connecting, without interruption, the other two portions in order to define an overlap of at least three layers of said container,

and wherein the second sectors exhibit at least one portion defined by the layer from a first sector, facing and constrained to the junction portion, and/or

wherein the portion defined by the layer from the first sector adjacent to the preceding one, faces and is constrained to the junction portion.

6. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the container is obtained by deforming a flat sheet extending between the first and second prevalent development surfaces, said container, after the deforming step, arranging itself in an operative condition, wherein the container itself defines the holding cavity the inner surface thereof is defined at least partially by the second prevalent development surface, while the outer surface is defined at least partially by the first prevalent development surface,

and wherein the pleats are configured for enabling, during the deforming step, to place the container from the sheet flat configuration to a three-dimensional operative configuration.

7. The capsule according toclaim 1, comprising at least one plastic film covering the first and/or second prevalent development surfaces configured for constraining, by thermoforming, the portions of the same first and/or second prevalent development surfaces of an overlapping area.

8. The capsule according toclaim 1, comprising at least one reinforcing element stably engaged with the container edge portion and exhibiting a central cavity adapted to enable to gain access to the holding cavity of the container itself,

said reinforcing element comprising at least one first peripheral edge engaged with the upper surface of the container edge portion, the first peripheral edge extending around the container holding cavity and defines a closed outline.

9. The capsule according to theclaim 8, wherein the first peripheral edge of the reinforcing element covers the whole upper surface of the container edge portion,

and wherein the first peripheral edge of the reinforcing element comprises an abutment portion facing away from the container base, said abutment portion exhibiting at least one closure surface having a substantially smooth surface defining a closed outline around the container opening.

10. The capsule according toclaim 8, wherein the reinforcing element is completely made of plastic material by thermoforming, particularly thermo-molding, the same element on the container edge portion.

11. The capsule according toclaim 1, comprising at least one stiffening body coupled to the container inside the holding cavity at the base,

and wherein the stiffening body is a laminated body, at least made partially of plastic and/or paper material, comprising at least one central through cavity and a peripheral edge, particularly the central cavity being substantially circular.

12. The capsule according toclaim 11, wherein the base comprises at least one flat central portion and an outer portion connecting with the lateral wall and contiguous to the flat portion with a trend sloped with respect to the flat portion, in a cross-section along a plane normal to a development axis of the container, the base comprises a first segment emerging from the lateral wall and sloped with respect to the same, a second flat segment extending from the first sloped segment and a third segment extending from the second flat segment and sloped with respect to the same,

and wherein the stiffening body is coupled to at least the base outer portion,

and wherein the central cavity of the stiffening body is placed at the flat central portion, in a cross-section along a plane normal to the container development axis, the stiffening body exhibiting at least two main lengths which are respectively coupled to the first and third segments.

13. The capsule according toclaim 8, comprising at least one laminated element closing the holding cavity, coupled, particularly substantially fluid-tightly, to the reinforcing element for closing an access to the holding cavity,

and wherein the laminated element is stably constrained, by thermoforming or sealing, to an upper closure surface of the second peripheral edge facing away from the base.

14. A capsule for producing beverages, comprising at least one container of paper material, said container comprising:

a base,

a lateral wall transversally emerging from the base to define a holding cavity adapted to receive a predetermined quantity of a powdered food substance adapted to enable to produce the beverage, the lateral wall defining, oppositely to the base, an opening of the container,

an edge portion, placed at the container opening, defined by the lateral wall, transversally emerging from the lateral wall away from the holding cavity and exhibiting at least one lower surface substantially facing the container base and at least one upper surface facing away from the lower surface with respect to the edge portion itself, the base, the lateral wall and the edge portion of the container being made in a single piece,

at least one reinforcing element of plastic material stably engaged with the container edge portion and exhibiting a central cavity adapted to enable to gain access to the container holding cavity, said reinforcing element comprising at least one first peripheral edge engaged with the upper surface of the container edge portion,

and wherein the container is made from a paper sheet having a first and second prevalent development surfaces, at least partially the first surface being adapted to define an outer surface of the container, while at least partially the second surface being adapted to define an inner surface of the container, at least one of said first and second prevalent development surfaces being covered by a plastic material film,

and wherein at least the container lateral wall comprises a plurality of pleats defining overlapping areas of the paper sheet material, and wherein said first and second prevalent development surfaces exhibit overlapping areas, wherein portions of the same surface are in contact with each other, a plurality of portions of the same first and/or second prevalent development surfaces being stably constrained to each other by thermo-sealing the plastic film.