A DEVICE FOR PREPARING A BEVERAGE FROM AN AT LEAST PARTIALLY WATER-SOLUBLE FOOD POWDER

DESCRIPTION Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for preparing an amount of a liquid food product, for instance a beverage such as Turkish coffee, starting from an at least partially water-soluble food powder.

[0002] More in detail, the invention relates to a device for removing the food powder from a single-dose capsule and for bringing the food powder into a beverage preparation container, where it is mixed with water.

[0003] The invention also relates to a single-dose capsule configured for containing a food powder such as coffee, and to be used in the above device.

Background of the invention

[0004] Devices exist to prepare Turkish coffee, see for instance EP2316312 or DE10200600251 1 A1 .

[0005] In particular, DE10200600251 1A1 describes a device for preparing a beverage from a food powder, in particular from powder coffee, comprising a housing configured for receiving a capsule filled with the food powder, the capsule comprising a hollow body having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to each other, and having an outlet mouth for the food powder at the first end portion; a frangible membrane arranged at the first end portion, to provide a first closure member to the capsule, which closes the outlet mouth; and a second closure member at the second end portion. The device also comprises a means for applying a push action on the capsule, said push action directed from the second closure member towards the outlet mouth.

[0006] This device has the drawback that the second end portion is pressed, which causes the capsule to be crumpled. Therefore,

a part of the food powder remains within the capsule; the capsule can contain only a limited amount of food powder because it must have the shape of a curved surface, in order to be pressed;

the compression may break the capsule and dangerously spread fragments of the capsule, which may fall down along with the food powder.

Summary of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a food powder capsule container for preparing a beverage, and to provide a device for removing the food powder from the capsule and for bringing the food powder into a beverage preparation container, which solves the above- mentioned technical problems.

[0008] It is also an object the present invention to avoid any filling of the capsule by a user and/or an unauthorised subject, which could otherwise be occur in uncontrolled conditions, which may be detrimental to consumers' health.

[0009] These and other objects are achieved by a capsule for a food powder, in particular powder coffee, for preparing a beverage from the food powder, comprising:

a hollow body having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to each other, and having an outlet mouth for the food powder at the first end portion;

an openable membrane arranged at the first end portion, to provide a first closure member, i.e. a front closure member, of the capsule that closes the outlet mouth;

- a second closure member at the second end portion;

the capsule configured for receiving a push action directed from the second closure member, or rear closure member, towards the outlet mouth,

wherein the second closure member is configured for translating within the hollow body towards the outlet mouth under the effect of the push action until it reaches the first end portion, so as to produce a thrust that causes the openable membrane to be opened and to cause the food powder to be discharged from said capsule through the outlet mouth. [0010] In a possible exemplary embodiment, the translation movement of the rear closure member towards the outlet mouth causes a rigid displacement, i.e. a sort of "piston flow" of the whole amount of food powder contained within the hollow body towards the outlet mouth, so that no appreciable food powder residue remains within the capsule.

[0011] Moreover, the compliant portion of the capsule, i.e. the rear closure member, remains unbroken during the translation movement, therefore no closure member fragments are produced and the food powder is not contaminated by foreign material.

[0012] Furthermore, the rear closure member can, like the front closure member, be manufactured so as to take a minimum portion of the internal space of the hollow body, therefore the food powder uses substantially the whole capacity of the hollow body.

[0013] Advantageously, the capsule comprises a removable portion arranged to be removed from the capsule under the effect of the push action along the hollow body, in such a way that a recess is formed in the capsule when the removable portion is removed from the capsule, the recess configured to serve as a signal of a previous use of the capsule, in order to avoid a reuse thereof. This way, a used capsule can be easily recognized by means of sensor of any kind suitable for detecting the presence and the absence of the removable portion. In particular, the sensor can produce a unused capsule signal and/or a used capsule signal, in order to enable and/or to prevent the use of a new/used container in a beverage production operation. This prevents the capsule from being filled by any unauthorised subject, who is different from the capsule manufacturer.

[0014] Preferably, the removable portion can be made along a flange element of the capsule that extends in a plane substantially orthogonal to the hollow body at the first end portion of the hollow body. In particular the flange element has four sides and the removable portion is provided on at least two sides, preferably on three or four sides. Such arrangement assists the removal of the removable portion.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the capsule, the second closure member can be slidingly arranged by a sliding seal means along an inner surface of the hollow body and can be configured for translating up to the first end portion under the action of a force directed along the hollow body. This exemplary embodiment has the advantage of allowing the capsule to be filled even without a protective atmosphere.

[0016] In a second exemplary embodiment, the second closure member can be integral with the hollow body and connected to an inner surface of the hollow body by a perimetral membrane arranged about the closure member and configured to be broken under the action of a force directed along the hollow body and, once said membrane broken, to translate along the hollow body up to the first end portion. This exemplary embodiment has the advantages of shortening the time and of reducing the costs needed of preparing the capsule.

[0017] In a third exemplary embodiment of the capsule, the second closure member can be a membrane closure member that is fixed at the second end portion and is configured to be broken under the action of a force directed along the hollow body and, once broken, to translate along the hollow body up to the first end portion. This exemplary embodiment has the advantages of shortening the time and of reducing the costs needed of preparing the capsule.

[0018] The above mentioned objects are also reached by a device for preparing a beverage from a food powder, in particular from powder coffee, comprising a housing configured for receiving a capsule filled with the food powder, the capsule comprising:

a hollow body having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to each other, and having an outlet mouth for the food powder at the first end portion;

an openable membrane arranged at the first end portion, to provide a first closure member of the capsule that closes the outlet mouth;

a second closure member at the second end portion,

the device comprising a push means for applying a push action on the capsule, said push action directed from the second closure member towards the outlet mouth,

wherein the push means is configured to cause the second closure member to translate in the hollow body until it reaches the first end portion, such that the second closure member produces a thrust that causes the openable membrane to be opened and causes the food powder to be discharged from the capsule through the outlet mouth.

[0019] Such a device allows using the capsule described above, which has the above mentioned advantages.

[0020] Advantageously, the device comprises:

a means for applying a force directed along the hollow body on the capsule, in order to remove a removable portion of the capsule.

This makes it possible to recognize used and unused capsules by the presence or the absence of the removable portion.

[0021] Preferably, the removable portion can be made along a flange element of the capsule that extends in a plane substantially orthogonal to the hollow body at the first end portion of the hollow body. In particular, the flange element has four sides, and the removable portion is provided on at least two sides, preferably on three or four sides.

[0022] Advantageously, the device comprises:

a sensor configured for detecting the presence/absence of a removable portion in the capsule and to generate an unused capsule signal if the removable portion of the capsule is present;

a program means configured for receiving the unused capsule signal and for enabling/inhibiting a further step of the preparation of the beverage according to whether the unused capsule signal is present/absent.

This prevents the capsule from being filled by any unauthorised subject, who is different from the capsule manufacturer.

[0023] In particular, the removable portion can be made along a flange element of the capsule that extends in a plane substantially orthogonal to the hollow body at the first end portion of the hollow body. In particular, the flange element has four sides and the removable portion is provided on at least two sides, preferably on three or four sides.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the push means comprises a piston configured for carrying out a forward movement from a withdrawn position, with respect to the housing, to an advanced position, protruding into the housing, and a rearward movement opposite to said forward movement.

[0025] Advantageously, the push means comprises a grip element configured for engaging with an outer surface of the hollow body of the capsule and for blocking the capsule in a working position within said housing. Preferably, the grip element is configured to slide integrally to the piston between the withdrawn position and the advanced position. This makes it possible to arrange the capsule in a suitable use position, which makes it easier to centre the device, and simplifies the means therefor.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the push means comprises a closure member removal means configured for punching a frangible membrane closure member which, in an above described advantageous exemplary embodiment of the capsule, is fixed at the second end portion of the hollow body, and is also configured for subsequently maintaining the membrane closure member on the piston so that the membrane closure member carries out the forward movement along with the piston.

[0027] The closure member removal means can comprise a circular blade arranged about the piston for cutting the membrane closure member at an inner wall of the hollow body.

[0028] The means for punching the closure member can comprise a plurality of sharpened pins protruding from the front face of the piston. The sharpened pins allow the frangible membrane closure member to fix itself to the piston after being punched, and to remain fixed to the piston during the translation movement.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises an expulsion rod that is slidably arranged with respect to the push means and is configured for abutting against a fixed portion of the device during the rearward movement of the push means, such that the membrane closure member is detached from the piston. More in particular, said expulsion rod is slidingly arranged within said push means, typically within said piston. This way, the frangible membrane closure member disengages from the piston within the cylindrical body and, once the food powder has been delivered, it makes it easier to recover the capsule portions as they remain after preparing the beverage.

[0030] In a fourth exemplary embodiment of the capsule, the first closure member and the second closure member are linked together by a substantially rigid connection bar, such that the first closure member and the second closure member carry out the translation movement integrally to each other, and such that the push action is exerted on the second closure member through the connection bar, causing the openable membrane to be opened.

[0031] Advantageously, the connection bar is connected to the first closure member and/or to the second closure member by a non-releasable connection. For example, the connection bar is manufactured integrally with the first closure member and/or with the second closure member.

[0032] In a fifth exemplary embodiment of the capsule, the second closure member has at least one plug configured to be irreversibly mounted within a respective through hole of the second closure member, such that the hollow body of the capsule can be filled with the food powder while the first closure member and the second closure member are arranged at the first end portion and at the second end portion, respectively.

[0033] In a sixth exemplary embodiment of the capsule, the first closure member comprises:

- a peripheral portion, connected to the second closure member through a plurality of substantially stiff connection bars, and

a central portion adjacent to the peripheral portion.

[0034] Advantageously, the central portion is selected from the group consisting of:

- a flexible central portion, in particular a portion made of a film thermally welded to the peripheral portion;

a rigid central portion thermally or ultrasonically welded to the peripheral portion.

[0035] Advantageously, a frame can be provided that is configured for peripherally engaging with said capsule, in particular said frame comprising, on at least two own sides, abutment surfaces configured to abut with a flange of the capsule. In particular, a passage can be provided across at least one abutment surface to allow an integrity sensor and a protruding element to detect and to remove, respectively, a removable portion of said flange.

[0036] In a possible exemplary embodiment, the frame comprises abutment elements that extend from a surface of said frame opposite to said abutment surfaces, in particular resilient bumper elements are provided between engagement surfaces and the abutment elements, such that the engagement surfaces, the abutment elements and the resilient bumper elements form a counterthrust means for pushing said capsule in a direction opposite to the movement of the piston, in order to assist the removal of the capsule from a capsule-stop element after the use, i.e. after discharging the food powder.

[0037] Advantageously, each abutment member can comprise a recess, for instance a cylindrical cavity, configured for slidingly receiving a respective spring, in particular end portions are provided that are configured for slidingly receiving a respective abutment member.

[0038] Preferably, said frame comprises a movable support element, configured to move from a support position, in which said movable support element protrudes from the frame, so as to be arranged below the flange of the capsule when the flange abuts against the frame, and to provide a support to the flange, thus preventing the capsule from moving downwards, to a release position, in which said movable support disengages from a lower portion of the flange so as to allow the capsule to move downwards and to leave the frame.

[0039] Preferably, an automatic actuation means is provided for actuating the movable support element, said automatic actuation means configured for causing the movable support element to move from the support position to the release position when the capsule is about to be expelled, after discharging the food powder, such that the capsule falls into a descent channel of the device.

[0040] In a possible exemplary embodiment of the invention, an auxiliary unload means is provided for discharging the food powder, in particular said auxiliary unload means comprising a stroke element rotatably arranged about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, i.e. parallel to the movement direction of a capsule, in particular said rotatable stroke element having a protruding portion rotatably mounted about a pivot parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device through a torsion spring, in particular a cam follower element extending tangentially with respect to the protruding portion, said cam follower element engaging with a longitudinal cam.

Brief description of the drawings

[0041] The invention will be now explained with the description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings in which: Figs. 1 and 2 are two perspective views of a capsule for use in the device of to the invention, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, before preparing the beverage;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the capsule of Figs. 1 and 2;

- Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, configured for processing the capsule of Figs. 1 -3;

Fig. 5 is a partial perspective longitudinal sectional view of the device of Fig. 4;

- Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are partial perspective longitudinal sectional views of the device of Figs. 4 and 5, with the piston in a starting condition and in a final condition to discharge the food powder from the capsule, and in a subsequent capsule disengagement condition, respectively;

Fig. 9 is a perspective rear view of the capsule of Figs. 1-3 as configured once the food powder has been discharged;

Fig. 10 is a perspective longitudinal sectional view of the capsule in the configuration of Fig. 9;

- Fig. 1 1 is a perspective front view of the capsule in the configuration of Fig. 9;

- Figs. 12 and 13 are perspective longitudinal sectional views of a capsule according to a second exemplary embodiment, configured for use in the device of Fig. 4, as an alternative to the capsule of Figs. 1 -3 and 9-10, before and after the use, respectively;

Figs. 14 and 15 are two perspective views of a capsule for use in the device according to the invention, according to a third exemplary embodiment, before preparing the beverage;

Fig. 16 is a sectional view of the capsule of Figs. 14 and 15;

Fig. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of a device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, configured for processing the capsule of Figs. 12-14;

Fig. 18 is a partial perspective longitudinal sectional view of the device of Fig. 17; Figs. 19-20 are partial perspective longitudinal sectional views of the device of Fig. 17, with the piston in a condition before and after discharging the food powder from the capsule, respectively;

- Figs. 21 -22 are partial perspective longitudinal sectional views of the device of Fig. 17, with the piston in a capsule disengagement condition and in a condition in which the piston retains a rear closure film of the capsule, respectively;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the capsule of Figs. 12-14 as configured after discharging the food powder;

- Fig. 24 is a perspective longitudinal sectional view of the capsule in the configuration of Fig. 20;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a capsule according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the first and the second closure members are both stiff and are integral to each other due to a connection bar; - Figs. 26 and 27 are perspective longitudinal sectional views of the capsule of Fig. 25, before and after the use, respectively;

- Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a movable unit of the capsule shown in Figs. 25-27, comprising the first and the second closure member, as well as the connection bar;

- Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a capsule according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the second closure member comprises two snap-on plugs for respective capsule-filling holes;

Fig. 30 is a perspective longitudinal sectional view of the capsule of Fig.

29, with the first closure member and the connection bar for connecting the second closure member manufactured integrally to each other, before the use;

Figs. 31 and 32 are perspective longitudinal sectional views of a capsule according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention before and after the use, respectively, in which the first and the second closure members are connected through a plurality of connection bars;

- Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a movable unit of the capsule shown in

Figs. 31 and 32, comprising the first and the second closure members and the connection bar;

Figs. 34 and 35 are a vertical and a horizontal longitudinal sectional views, respectively, of a portion of a device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, during the forward movement of a capsule from the supply chamber to the capsule-stop element;

Fig. 36 is a partial perspective longitudinal sectional view of the device of Figs. 34 and 35;

- Figs. 37 and 38 are perspective views of the frame of the device of Figs. 36-36, shown along with the capsule of Fig. 25-27;

Figs. 39 and 40 are front and side views of the frame of Figs. 37 and 38; Figs. 41 and 42 are front views of a device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, equipped with a stroke element;

- Fig. 43 is a perspective partially sectional view of the device of Figs. 41 and 42;

Fig. 44 is a perspective view of a detail of the device of Figs. 41 -43.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0042] With reference to Figs. 1 -3, a capsule 10 is described, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, which comprises a hollow body 1 1 defining a collection space 40 for a food powder, for instance powder coffee (Fig. 3), a first closure member 16 at an outlet mouth 14 in a first end portion 1 1 ' of hollow body 1 1 , hereinafter indicated as the front portion, for tightly sealing collection space 40, and a second closure member 13 slidably arranged within collection space 40 of hollow body 1 1 . More in detail, slidable closure member 13 can move from a second end portion 1 1 " of hollow body 1 1 , hereinafter indicated as the rear end portion (Figs. 1 -3), towards front end portion 1 1 ', maintaining an own edge 13' substantially in contact with an inner wall 1 1 "' of hollow body 1 1 , until its own front face 13" reaches front end portion 1 1 ', as shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

[0043] The cross section of hollow body 1 1 and of edge 13' of second closure member 13 may have any shape, in particular a circular shape, as shown in Figs. 1 -3. Hollow body 1 1 and closure members 16, 13 are made of a food-use material that is resistant to the temperature. Preferably, hollow body 1 1 and slidable closure member 13 are made of a plastic material.

[0044] Preferably, slidable closure member 13 comprises a transversal seal portion 41 that extends along the whole cross section of collection space 40, and a stiff network portion 44 arranged on transversal seal portion 41 , preferably arranged outwards of hollow body 1 1. Stiff network portion 44 preferably comprises stiff radial elements 42 and circumferential elements 43. Stiff network portion 44 and transversal seal portion 41 can be manufactured integrally to each other, for instance by a plastic moulding process. As an alternative, transversal seal portion 41 and stiff network portion 44 are connected together after being manufactured separately.

[0045] At front end portion 1 ', hollow body 1 1 has a flange element or flange 12 that extends along a plane that is substantially orthogonal to hollow body 1 1 . Hollow body 1 1 also has at least one removable portion 15, preferably a plurality of removable portions 5 that can be removed by a push action axially directed with respect to hollow body 1 1 . In this case, removable portions 15 are made on flange 12, in this case at the edge of flange 12. More in detail, in the case of a capsule having a symmetrical flange 12 with respect to an axis of symmetry, removable portions 15 are arranged at symmetrical positions, with respect to the axis of symmetry. In particular, in the case of a flange 12 that has a polygonal perimeter, in particular a square perimeter as in Figs. 1 -3, a plurality of removable portions 15 is provided, each removable portion being located at a distance Li , l_2 from two consecutive vertices of the perimeter, so that, by travelling along the perimeter in one direction, the distances Li and L ₂ alternate. Instead, in the case of a circular flange, not shown, a plurality of removable portions 15 can be provided at predetermined mutual angular distances, in particular the removable portions 5 are arranged at the same angular distance from one another.

[0046] Slidable closure member 13 can be snap-on connected within hollow body 1 1 . In particular, according to the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 1 -3 and 9-10, capsule 10 has a sliding seal means 19, in this case it has a seal lip element 19 of slidable closure member 13 to form a tight connection of collection space 40, which contains the food powder, while the sliding closure member 13 slides on inner wall 1 1 "' of hollow body 1 1 .

[0047] According to this first exemplary embodiment, first closure member 16 comprises a membrane, i.e. a frangible film, preferably made of aluminium.

[0048] Advantageously, film closure member 16 has a plurality of notches 17 that are preferably directed towards a same point, in this case radial notches, in order to make it easier to break closure member 16 when a predetermined pressure is exerted on slidable closure member 13. [0049] As shown in two sectional views of figures 4 and 5, a device 100, according to the invention, is configured for use with capsule 10 of Figs. 1 -3, in order to prepare an amount of a liquid food product starting from an at least partially water-soluble food powder, by bringing the food powder into a preparation container for the food product. This is the way to prepare, in particular, such beverages as Turkish coffee.

[0050] Device 100 comprises a supply chamber 50 comprising a predeterminedly outlined element configured for receiving capsule 10, in particular predeterminedly outlined element 50 has the same cross section shape as capsule 10, a play being provided to allow capsule 10 to slide along predeterminedly outlined element 50. A lower abutment member 50' is configured for providing a lower support to capsule 10 within supply chamber 50.

[0051] Device 100 comprises a working chamber 51 configured for receiving capsule 10 in a substantially vertical position. Working chamber 51 is laterally defined by two side walls 49 and is longitudinally defined by a front external wall 48 of supply chamber 50 and by a capsule-stop element 53. The external wall of supply chamber 50 has a passageway to allow capsule 10 to move from supply chamber 50 to working chamber 51 . Capsule-stop element 53 has in turn a passage hole 74 (Figs. 5 and 8) to allow the passage of the food powder previously contained in collection space 40 of capsule 10, as described hereinafter. Capsule-stop element 53 comprises an edge of passage hole 74 configured to provide a support to flange 12 of capsule 10, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

[0052] Device 100 comprises a piston 57 configured for sliding forwards/rearwards between a withdrawn position (Fig. 6), with respect to working chamber 51 , and an advanced position protruding into working chamber 51 (Fig. 7) and vice-versa. Piston 57 has a shape suitable for advancing within food powder collection space 40 of capsule 10 when the latter is arranged in a working position centred with respect to hole 74, while 57 abuts against slidable closure member 13 with its own front portion 57'. A fixed guide element is provided for sliding piston 57, in particular said guide element is made on an inner wall of a box of device 100. [0053] Device 100 comprises a grip element 55 configured for engaging with the outer surface of hollow body 1 1 of capsule 10. In particular, in Figs. 5-8, a cylindrical ring grip element is shown for engaging with a hollow cylindrical body. Grip element 55 is configured for sliding between a withdrawn position (Fig. 6) with respect to working chamber 51 and an advanced position protruding into working chamber 51 (Fig. 7). In the withdrawn position, the grip element is arranged to hold capsule 10 in the working position, i.e. with flange 12 substantially parallel to and, subsequently, in an abut position against capsule-stop element 53.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 5-8, grip element 55 is integral to piston 57. In particular, grip element 55 and piston 57 comprise respective mutual montage rear portions 54' and 54", configured for a form-fit or a force- fit coupling, so that a gap is formed between the outer surface of piston 57 and the inner surface of grip element 55 arranged for receiving the thickness of hollow body 1 1 of capsule 0.

[0055] Device 100 further comprises an actuation means 70 for piston 57. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 4, actuation means 70 comprises a lever 72 that has an end portion hinged at a pivot point 74 integral to guide element 56, and a connecting rod 75 that is pivotally connected, at own opposite ends 75', 75" with a central portion of lever 72 and with an end portion of piston 57. This way, by rotating lever 72 in opposite directions, counterclockwise and clockwise in Fig. 4, piston 57 moves forwards/rearwards, respectively, along guide element 56 approaching to / moving away from working chamber 51 .

[0056] Actuation means 70 of piston 57 can also be of a type different from what is shown in Fig. 4, for instance a different mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic means can be provided. Moreover, actuation means 57 can comprise an electrical servomechanism.

[0057] Device 100 also comprises a collection box 77 for used capsules 0 that is in communication with working chamber 51 through a descent channel 52.

[0058] Device 100 comprises a sensor 58 arranged for detecting a removable portion 15 of capsule 10, i.e. an integrity sensor 58 to detect the integrity of capsule 10. The integrity sensor may have the shape of a plunger 58 protruding from capsule-stop element 53 into working chamber 51 and configured for sliding in the direction in which piston 57 is configured to move. In other words, plunger 58 is arranged to be compressed under the effect of a push action in this direction, and to cause an electric circuit to be opened or to to be close, so as to generate a presence electric signal related to the presence of the removable portion. A program means of the device, not shown, is configured for receiving and for processing the presence signal as described hereinafter.

[0059] Device 100 comprises a means 59 for removing removable portions 15 from flange 12 of capsule 10, preferably for removing all removable portions 15, when capsule 10 is used. The means for removing removable portions 15 can comprise one or more protruding elements or projections 59 of capsule-stop element 53 that are positioned with respect to one another as removable portions 15 of capsule 10 are. In particular, protruding element 59 or one of protruding elements 59 is arranged at integrity sensor 58. More in detail, protruding element 59 can have a central hole through which plunger 58 protrudes. Plunger 58 applies a reaction force on removable portion 15 that is not strong enough to remove removable portion 15.

[0060] Device 100 can comprise a counterthrust means for pushing capsule 10 in the opposite direction with respect to the movement of the piston, in order to assist the removal of capsule 10 from capsule-stop element 53 after the use. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 4 and 5, the counterthrust means can comprise a plurality of rods 71 protruding from capsule-stop element 53 and configured for moving according to the direction of the movement of piston 57 under the effect of a push action exerted by flange element 12 in the advancement direction of moving piston 57, and under the reaction of a resilient element that pushes in the opposite direction, for instance a compression spring, not shown.

[0061] Device 100 can comprise a capsule retaining means for retaining capsule 10, in order to make it easier to disengage piston 57 from grip element 55. The retaining means can comprise a couple of abutment elements 76 each protruding from a respective side wall 49 of working chamber 51 . In particular, one-way abutment elements 76 are configured to be deformed or to move towards respective side walls 49 in order to allow capsule 10 to move forwards under the action of piston 57, and are configured for abutting against the rear face of flange 12 when piston 57 and capsule 10 move rearwards under the action of counterthrust means 71 .

[0062] The operation of device 100 of Figs. 4 and 5 will now be described with reference to Figs. 6-8. After inserting capsule 10 into supply chamber 50 through an upper hole thereof, lever 72 is operated counterclockwise, according to Fig. 4, so that grip element 55 and piston 57 move forwards integrally along guide element 56. Grip element 55 radially blocks capsule 10 and, afterwards, piston 57 abuts against the rear closure member of capsule 10 pushing capsule 10 forward so that the latter passes from supply chamber 50 into working chamber 51 . In its forward movement, flange 12 of capsule 10 abuts against extraction rods 71 , which are pushed beyond the capsule-stop element 73 under the reaction of a return spring.

[0063] Subsequently, flange 12 pushes plunger 58 of the integrity sensor, which produces an unused capsule signal 10 to enable the beverage preparation to continue. In particular, if the integrity of capsule 10 is detected, the program means of device 100 provides a consent signal to a water delivery means, in order to deliver water into the beverage preparation container, in particular into a Turkish coffee preparation container, in a subsequent step of the beverage preparation process. On the contrary, the consent signal is not generated, or a signal of previously used capsule is generated in order to prevent capsule 10 from being used again.

[0064] Then, removable portions 15 of flange 12 touch respective projections 59 that causes the removable portions to be removed from flange 12, leaving a lack of material or recess 18 in the positions of flange 12 where removable portions 15 were previously present.

[0065] Subsequently, flange 12 abuts against capsule-stop element 53 and piston 57 causes rear closure member 13 to move forwards within collection space 40 towards capsule-stop element 53, thus pushing the food powder contained within collection space 40. The food powder, in turn, presses aluminium frangible closure member 16, breaks it and is discharged from hollow body 1 1 at front end portion 1 1 '. Piston 57 ends its own stroke when front face 13' of rear closure member 13 has achieved front end portion 1 1 ' of hollow body 1 1 , therefore all the food powder is discharged from capsule 10 (Fig. 8). [0066] Figs. 9-1 1 show capsule 10 as configured after discharging the food powder.

[0067] Still with reference to Figs. 7 and 8, by operating lever 72 clockwise, piston 57 is moved away from capsule-stop element 53 along with grip element 55, until it is disengaged from capsule 10, as shown in Fig. 8. At the beginning of this step, capsule 10 is maintained in contact with front face 57' of piston 57 by means of extraction rods 71 , which are resiliently brought again in their own extended configuration towards working chamber 51 by their respective resilient element, e.g. a compression spring. Extraction rods 71 and a movable abutment member 73 are arranged in such a way that, when extraction rods 71 have been brought again to their own rest configuration, movable abutment element 76 abuts against the rear face of flange 12. In these conditions, capsule 12, is no more supported vertically, therefore it falls down into collection box 77 through descent channel 52, through which removable portions 15 of flange 12 of capsule 10 have already fallen.

[0068] Exhausted capsule 10 cannot be used for a further beverage preparation by device 100, since frangible closure member 16 is irreversibly open at notches 17, so that collection space 40 cannot receive new food powder any longer. Moreover, removable portion 15 or all removable portions 15 are missing after the use, therefore flange 12 cannot engage with sensors 58 any longer to confirm the integrity of the capsule and to enable the beverage preparation to be continued. In particular, the electronics of device 100 would otherwise allow water and possibly other additives to be delivered, which provides the precise composition of the beverage.

[0069] Figs. 12 and 13 show a capsule 20 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, respectively before and after the use, configured for use with apparatus 100 of Figs. 4-8. Capsule 20 differs from capsule 10 in that a slidable portion 23 is manufactured integrally with hollow body 1 1 , for instance by a moulding technique. More in detail, capsule 20 is manufactured with slidable portion 23 connected to inner surface 1 1 "' of hollow body 1 1 through a thin connection member, i.e. a perimetral membrane 25 arranged about closure member 23, in particular a ring membrane 25 that can be broken under the effect of a push that has the same direction as the forward movement of hollow body 1 1 , exerted by piston 57 once the front face of flange 12 has been brought into contact with capsule-stop element 53. At front end portion 1 1 ', a retainment ring 26 is provided to prevent slidable closure portion 23 from leaving capsule 20 along with the food powder discharged from collection space 40. This ring can be provided also in capsule 10.

[0070] With reference to Figs. 14-16, a capsule 30 is described according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention. Capsule 30 differs from capsule 10 of Figs. 1 -3 in that it comprises a film second closure member i.e. a membrane closure member 33, instead of a second closure member 13 or 23 slidably arranged within capsule 10. Closure members 16 and 33 are indicated hereinafter respectively as front and rear frangible closure member. Rear frangible closure member 33 is made of a food-use material that is resistant to the temperature, such as aluminium. Preferably, at the rear end portion, hollow body 1 1 has a tapered surface.

[0071] Figures 17 and 18 show two sectional views of a device 300, according to the invention, configured for use with capsule 30 of Figs. 14-16, for preparing such a beverage as indicated above.

[0072] Device 300 differs from device 100 of Fig. 4 in that it comprises a piston 67, instead of piston 57, that has a punch and displace means 81 ,82 for punching and displacing rear film closure member 33. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, punch and displace means comprises sharpened pins 81 protruding from a front face 67' of piston 67 for punching rear film closure member 33, and a circular blade 82 arranged about said piston 67 for cutting rear film closure member 33 at inner wall 1 1 "' of hollow body 1 1 .

[0073] Sharpened pins 81 can be retainment pins configured for retaining rear closure member 33, once the latter has been removed from its own position at rear end portion 1 " of hollow body 1 , in order to prevent it from leaving hollow body 1 1 , in particular while discharging food powder contained within collection space 40.

[0074] Moreover, an expulsion rod 68 is provided slidably arranged within piston 67 for removing rear closure member 33 from piston 67 once the return stroke of piston 67 has been accomplished.

[0075] The operation of device 300 of Figs. 17 and 18 will now be described with reference to Figs. 16-18. [0076] After inserting capsule 30 into supply chamber 50 through an upper hole thereof, lever 72 is operated counterclockwise, according to Fig. 4, so that grip element 55 and piston 67 move forwards integrally along guide element 56. Grip element 55 radially blocks capsule 10 and, subsequently, piston 67 abuts against rear film closure member 33 of capsule 30, while sharpened pins 81 punch rear film 33, causing capsule 30 to advance and protrude into working chamber 51 . In its own forward movement, flange 12 abuts against extraction rods 71 , which are pushed beyond capsule-stop element 73 under the action of a return spring.

[0077] Afterwards, flange 12 pushes plunger 58 of the integrity sensor, which generates an unused capsule signal 30, which is processed as described above. Afterwards, removable portions 15 of flange 12 touch projections 59 that cause the removable portions to be removed from flange 12.

[0078] Subsequently, flange 12 abuts against capsule-stop element 53 and circular blade 82 cuts rear closure member 33. Piston 67 continues to move forwards within collection space 40 towards capsule-stop element 53, and pushes the food powder contained therein. Then front closure member 16 breaks as in the case of capsule 10 and of device 100, and the food powder is discharged. Figs. 23 and 24 show capsule 30 as configured after discharging the food powder. In particular, rear film 33 remains fixed to piston 67 due to retainment sharpened pins 81 .

[0079] A step of recovering the capsule, by operating lever 72 clockwise, is then carried out as described with reference to capsule 10, apart from the fact that, by continuing the slide movement of piston 67, expulsion rod 68 abuts against a fixed portion 69 of device 300. Since expulsion rod 68 is slidably mounted with respect to piston 67, the latter continues to move rearwards with respect to expulsion rod 68 protruding from front face 67' of piston 67, thus causing rear film 33 to disengage from sharpened pins 81 and then from front face 67' of piston 67 (Fig. 22), so that also rear film 33, which has been removed from capsule 30, falls down into collection box 77.

[0080] Exhausted capsule 30 cannot be used for a further beverage preparation by device 300 as well, since frangible closure members 16 and 33 are opened irreversibly, so that collection space 40 cannot receive new food powder any longer. Moreover, removable portions 15 are missing after the use, so that flange 12 cannot engage with sensors 58 any longer to confirm the integrity of the capsule and to enable the beverage preparation to be continued.

[0081] With reference to Figs. 25-28, a capsule 60 is described, according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention, which differs from capsule 10 of Figs. 1 -3 in that it comprises a first closure member 86 that can be detached from the edge of outlet mouth 14, instead of first frangible membrane closure member 16. As Figs. 26 and 27 show, first and second closure members 86, 13 are integrally connected to one another by a stiff connection bar 87. Fig. 28 shows a movable unit 61 comprising first and second closure members 86,13 and connection bar 87. As more fully described hereinafter, movable unit 61 translates within hollow body 1 1 of the capsule under the effect of a push action directed from second closure member 13 towards outlet mouth 14, clearing outlet mouth 14 and causing the food powder contained in the collection space 40 to be discharged. Connection bar 87 can comprise a larger push portion 87', in order to apply the push action on a wider surface of second closure member 86. Preferably, all the components of movable unit 61 are made of a plastic material, which in favour of recyclability.

[0082] Capsule 60 can be prepared by prearranging second closure member 13 at second end portion 1 1 " by a forced coupling, and then by filling collection space 40 with the food powder. Connection bar 87 can be connected to the closure member before or after filling collection chamber 40 by a forced connection, for instance, by a snap-on connection. After filling collection chamber 40, first closure member 86, for instance a film closure member, is fixed by a weaker connection to the edge of outlet mouth 14 and by a tougher connection to the the end portion of connection bar 87 that faces outlet mouth 14, for instance by a thermal welding technique, so that the push action exerted on second closure member 13 only causes the connection between first closure member 86 and the edge of outlet mouth 14 to be broken.

[0083] Capsule 60 has the advantage that connection bar 87, instead of the food powder, pushes first closure member 86, as a consequence the food powder is no further compressed within collection space 40 and therefore it is no more likely to form a compact mass, so it flows freely when it is discharged, without substantially leaving any appreciable food powder residue within the hollow body 1 1 , and without being retained by any residue fragment of first closure member 86.

[0084] Moreover, the reuse of the capsule is made more difficult. In fact, after the use, first closure member 86 protrudes from outlet mouth 14 and hinders a new filling of capsule 60 through outlet mouth 14.

[0085] Moreover, capsule 60 is particularly easy to be recycled, since it can be made exclusively of plastic material.

[0086] In a first alternative embodiment, connection bar 87 can be connected to first closure member 86, forming one piece, by a non-releasable connection, for instance by a forced connection or by a snap-on connection. In other words, any attempt to disassemble connection bar 87 from first closure member 86 causes bar 87 to break, or causes first closure member 86 to break proximate to the connection.

[0087] In a second alternative embodiment, connection bar 87 can be irreversibly connected to second closure member 86, forming one piece, for instance connection bar 87 and second closure member 86 can be a single part manufactured by a casting or a moulding technique.

[0088] Both in the first and in the second alternative embodiments, a reduced number of parts is provided, which advantageously reduces manufacturing time and costs of the capsule.

[0089] Moreover, both in the first in the second alternative embodiments, any attempt to bring movable unit 61 towards its starting position, by pushing it into hollow body 1 1 , causes bar 87 to break or first closure member 13 or second closure member 86 to break proximate to the connection. This makes even more difficult to reuse the capsule after its first use.

[0090] With reference to Figs. 29 and 30, a capsule 80 is described, according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprising a second closure member 83 that has one plug or preferably two plugs 84, in the present case two plugs symmetrically arranged with respect to a diameter of second closure member 83, which are preferably mounted within two through holes of second closure member 83. As shown in Fig. 30, second closure member 83, first closure member 86 and connection bar 87 form a one-piece movable unit 81 , which can be obtained, for instance, by an injection moulding technique. Movable unit 81 is preferably mounted with second closure member 83 forced within hollow body 1 1 . The filling of capsule 8 is carried out via the through holes of second closure member 83. Once collection space 40 has been filled, plugs 84 are inserted into the respective holes by a snap-on connection, or they are forced therein or, as an alternative, they are thermally welded therein, for instance, they can be ultrasonically welded. Even in this case, the filling of the capsule after its use is made difficult because first closure member 86 is located in front of outlet mouth 14 and, moreover, it is not possible to restore the starting position of movable unit 81 without breaking bar 87 or the first or the second closure members 83,86 proximate to the connection.

[0091] With reference to Figs. 31 -33, a capsule 90 is described according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which a movable unit 91 comprises, besides a second closure member 13 like in Fig. 1 -3, a first closure member 96 consisting a peripheral portion 98, in this case a ring portion, that is rigidly connected to second closure member 13 through a plurality of connection bars 97, and also comprises a central portion 99 that is connected to peripheral portion 98 by thermal welding, in the case of a film central portion 99, or by ultrasound welding, in the case of a film or of a stiff central portion 99.

[0092] With reference to Fig. 34, a device 400 is described, according to the invention, that is configured for use with a capsule according to any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, in particular with capsule 60 of Figs. 25-28. Device 400 differs from device 100 of Figs. 4-8 in that it comprises a frame 31 that is configured for peripherally engaging with capsule 60.

[0093] Figs. 37-39 show a frame 31 , according to an exemplary embodiment, comprising abutment surfaces 39 on at least two sides, against which flange 12 of capsule 60 can abut by an own boundary region. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, in which device 400 is configured for processing a capsule 60 that has a square flange 12, frame 31 can comprise two sides 32 parallel to each other and a side 33, perpendicular to sides 32, sides 32 and 33 forming three sides of a square. Frame 31 is arranged with side 33 at a region of device 400 that, in use, is oriented upwards, i.e. opposite to the discharge direction of capsule 60. This way, while piston 57 is moved, capsule 60 is maintained with its flange 12 perpendicular to piston 57. Frame 31 can also comprise two side containment walls 32' arranged along two sides 32, as well as an upper containment wall 33' arranged along upper side 33, in order to secure capsule 60 arranged as indicated above.

[0094] Preferably, a passage 39' is provided across at least one abutment surface 39 (Fig. 39) in order to allow integrity sensor 58 and protruding element 59 (Fig. 8) to detect and to remove removable portion 15, respectively, when flange 12 approaches capsule-stop element 53 under the push action of piston 57.

[0095] Frame 31 can also comprise abutment elements 36 that extend from a surface of frame 31 opposite to abutment surfaces 39, for instance it can comprise a couple of projections 36 each arranged at a respective side 32 of frame 31 (Figs. 37 and 38). In this case, device 400 has engagement surfaces 71 ' for engaging with abutment elements 36.

[0096] In particular, as shown in Fig. 35, device 400 comprises resilient bumper elements 79, such as compression springs, which are located between engagement surfaces 71 ' and abutment elements 36, so that engagement surfaces 71 ', abutment elements 36 and springs 79 form a counterthrust means for pushing capsule 10 in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the piston, in order to assist capsule 10 to be removed from capsule-stop element 53 after the use, i.e. after discharging the food powder. With this arrangement of counterthrust means 36,79, the outflow and of fall of the food powder is substantially free from obstacles and from points at which the powder can pile up.

[0097] Preferably, each abutment member 36 comprises a cavity 36', for instance a cylindrical cavity, that is configured for slidingly receiving a respective spring 79. In an exemplary embodiment, device 400 comprises an end cavity 78 configured for slidingly receiving a respective abutment member 36. In particular, abutment elements 36 and end cavities 36' have a cylindrical shape.

[0098] Frame 31 advantageously comprises a movable support element 38 that is configured to move from a support position, in which said movable support element protrudes from frame 31 so as to be arranged below flange 12 of capsule 60, when the flange abuts against frame 31 , and to provide a support to flange 12, thus preventing capsule 60 from moving downwards, to a release position, in which said movable support disengages from a lower portion of flange 12, so as to allow capsule 60 to move downwards and to leave frame 31 . Moreover, an automatic actuation means is provided for actuating movable support element 38, said automatic actuation means configured for causing movable support element 38 to move from the support position to the release position when capsule 60 is about to be expelled, after discharging the food powder, so that capsule 60 falls into descent channel 52 of device 400. In particular, two movable support elements 38 are provided mounted at each vertical side 32 of frame 31 . As described, the capsule is expelled when movable abutment element 76 abuts against the rear face of flange 12. Movable support elements 38 prevent capsule 60 from sliding downwards while it advances towards capsule-stop element 53 and during the discharge of the food powder, and therefore they prevent it to get stuck while moving horizontally to be expelled.

[0099] In particular, movable support elements 38 are slidably mounted in a slide seat 38" of the lower portion of frame 31 , between an extended support position, in which support elements 38 protrude out of slide seat 38", to a retracted release position, in which a longer portion thereof is contained within slide seat 38". In particular, the automatic actuation means can comprise a resilient bumper means 65 such as a compression spring 65 mounted between each slide seat 38" and respective support element 38 so as to resist a retraction movement thereof. Moreover, the automatic actuation means can comprise actuation elements 38', each integral to a respective support element 38 and configured for engaging with a respective engagement element 62 of device 400 when frame 31 and capsule 60 are pushed back by resilient bumper elements 79 of frame 31 , so that two support elements 38 move from the extended support position to the retracted release position in a housing 68" and allow the capsule 60 to fall down into descent channel 52. More in particular, each actuation element 38' is adjacent to a respective support element 38, and is arranged at a position beyond the profile of flange 12 of capsule 60. In particular, engagement elements 62 are plate elements connected to respective pivots 63 rotatably arranged about vertical axes and held in the open position of Fig. 35 by a torsion spring 64. In this position, engagement elements 62 allow the passage of frame 31 along with capsule 60. Engagement elements 62 are released from the open position once flange 12 has snapped beyond abutment element 76, by a mechanism not shown, and once it has come to an engagement position, in which it hinders a rearward movement of frame 31 and pushes on actuation elements 38', to bring sliding support elements 38 to the release position.

[0100] With reference to Figs. 41 -44, a device 500 is described, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprising a food powder unload auxiliary means. The unload auxiliary means comprises a stroke element 45 rotatably arranged about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of device 500, i.e. parallel to the movement direction of a capsule according to the invention, for instance a capsule 60 as shown in Figs. 25-28. For example, rotatable stroke element 45 has a bush protruding portion 46' that is rotatably mounted about a pivot 46" parallel to the longitudinal axis of device 500. A torsion spring 47' is configured for turning back stroke element 45 counterclockwise. As shown in Fig. 44, a block lever 45' is rotatably arranged about a horizontal pivot 95 and has a foot 94 configured for engaging with stroke element 45 so as to maintain it blocked in the raised rest position of Fig. 41 , in which lever 45' is held by a resilient rotation means associated with pivot 95. The block lever is also arranged in such a way that one end thereof, opposite to foot 94, can engage with an element 35' integral to capsule 60, once this has moved forwards and has reached the discharge position, in order to push this end so that lever 45' carries out a predetermined rotation, and foot 94 disengages stroke element 45. This way, the stroke element moves to working position of Fig. 42, shaking the food powder and/or striking a projection of flange 12 of capsule 60, at the outlet mouth. For example, the element integral to capsule 60 can be a cam 35 arranged on a side protrusion 35' of frame 31 (Fig. 38), as in device 400.

[0101] A cam mechanism 66, as shown in Fig. 43, can be provided in order to refit stroke element 45, i.e. in order to bring it from the working position of Fig. 42 back to the rest position of Fig. 41. More in detail, a cam follower element 47" extends tangentially from bush protruding portion 46', said cam follower element engaging with a longitudinal cam 48 comprising an upper portion 48' and a lowered portion 48" connected by an intermediate sloping connection portion 48"'. The contact of cam follower element 37" with the lower surface of longitudinal cam 48 is assured by torsion spring 47'. Cam 48 is integral to a connection element 101 integral to the main carriage. When the capsule, in particular along with frame 31 , is caused to move rearwards by counterthrust means 36,79, the cam follower element moves from cam upper portion, at which it was arranged in the working position of stroke element 45, Fig. 42, to cam lower portion, so that stroke element 45 is brought back to the rest position of Fig. 41 .

[0102] The foregoing description of exemplary specific embodiments of the device according to the invention and of their mode of use, will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or to adapt in various applications the specific exemplary embodiments without further research and without parting from the invention and, accordingly, it is meant that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiments. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology that is employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.