FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a capsule made of a paper material that can be used for dispensing drinks, for example coffee, tea, fruit juices and/or the like. The capsule made of paper material can be used both privately and commercially in appropriate machines/dispensers for dispensing coffee and/or like drinks.

PRIOR ART

As is known, use of capsules containing freeze-dried products for dispensing drinks is increasingly widespread both in private in commercial settings. The capsules are essentially rigid containers inside which powder products are inserted, such as coffee and/or tea and/or milk and/or the like. To obtain the beverage, the capsule is inserted internally of special dispensers, such as coffee machines, which enable the capsule contents to be mixed with hot water and then dispense the desired drink. In particular, the dispensers enable a perforation of the capsule to be made on a side thereof and water to be injected therein which is to be mixed with the powdered substance present inside and enables release of the flavour; the drink then exits from further perforations made on the other side of the capsule and is directed toward the cup/container for consumption. The capsule is a substantially rigid container of a small size (different to a pod because the pod is made of a non-rigid paper filter) having a substantially cylindrical shape closed at both ends and made generally of a plastic and/or aluminium material.

Coffee capsules are known that are closed at an end by a filter that allows the passage of the liquid during the injecting of water by the coffee machine, while preventing the outflow of the substance in powder form. Alternatively, coffee capsules can be closed at one end by a film of plastic and/or aluminium. During the insertion of the capsule in the coffee machine, the coffee machine creates the perforations at both ends, respectively useful for the entry of water and the outflow of the beverage.

Also known is the manufacturing of coffee capsules made of paper material. A first example, described in document WO 2010/055 469 Al, relates to a capsule for dispensing aromatic products such as coffee. The capsule consists of a base which is coupled to a lateral wall. A cover is applied on the top of the lateral wall, in particular at an end of the lateral wall opposite the base with respect to the lateral wall thereof. In this way the base, the lateral wall and the cover delimit the internal volume of the capsule. The base and the lateral wall are two separate parts which are joined and sealed to each other by a suitable glue.

The above-described capsule has several drawbacks and limitations.

The structure of the capsule requires several stages of production for obtaining the final product. In particular, the capsule requires a step of coupling between the base and the lateral wall, which contributes to weakening the structure and to increasing the production time with a consequent increase of costs. Furthermore, the use of additional material, in particular the glue, for the coupling between the base and the lateral wall, leads to an increase in the cost of the product. The use of glue also involves additional problems, since this must not come into contact and thus contaminate the drink.

A second example, described in WO 2007/126608 A2, relates to an apparatus and a method for the production of coffee capsules made of paper material. The apparatus comprises a base able to receive a sheet material and a pressure tool hinged to the base. The base and the pressure tool respectively have a seating and a protrusion having a substantially circular shape and are respectively complementarily shaped. The sheet material is constituted by a first and a second portion coupled to each other and both having a substantially circular starting shape. The first and second portions are coupled together so as to define a template having a figure-of-eight shape. Once a substantially cylindrical container has been defined, a flavouring substance is positioned internally of the container and thereafter the container is closed by folding the second portion (which can maintain a substantially flat shape) on the first portion so as to define a capsule. The second portion is maintained in contact with the first portion and joined by means of adhesive material.

The container of the capsule can be obtained starting from a sheet material in a single piece although the geometry obtainable without tearing the paper is not clear. In any case, with respect to the capsule of the previous example, the step of assembly of the container is eliminated, but the process appears to be entirely manual and not industrialisable. Although the capsule described in the second example does not require the assembly step of the base to the lateral wall of the container, it does however exhibit some limits in any case.

In particular, during the capsule closing step there is an additional contribution of material suitable for ensuring the seal of the capsule. The introduction of further substances for coupling involves an increase in costs of the product and also, as previously mentioned, the use of adhesive material and/or glue entails the danger that the food powder present in the capsule and/or the liquid crossing the capsule comes into contact with the glue, with a consequent contamination of the drink.

A third example, described in the document US 6,189,438 Bl, relates to a capsule, or filter element, for dispensing beverages and a relative manufacturing method for the realisation of the capsule. The filtering element is constituted by a rigid support structure having a curved form and defining a hollow container. The support structure has an upper opening defined by the external perimeter of the arched portion: this opening also defines the inlet which allows entry of water into the capsule. On the bottom of the support structure, in particular on the side opposite the entry of water, a further opening is present from which the drink flows out. In more detail, the support structure is configured so as to internally accommodate a container that is substantially complementarily shaped to the support structure, made of paper material within which a powder solution is contained that is suitable for mixing with the water and generating the beverage.

The container is formed from a flat sheet of paper material having a substantially circular shape. The flat sheet is deep drawn so as to define the container having the arched shape. The drawing of the flat sheet generates, on the lateral wall of the container, pleat shapes that are substantially uniform throughout the development of the lateral wall, which compensate for the surplus of material generated by the pleating of the flat sheet into the three-dimensional form.

The capsule described in the third example has several limitations. In particular, the domed structure of the paper container means that it cannot provide any structural support: in fact the capsule requires an additional support structure able to support the rigid outer paper powder container, which greatly increases product costs.

AIM OF THE INVENTION An aim of the present realisation is thus substantially to obviate all the drawbacks and limitations of the preceding claims.

A first objective is to disclose a capsule that is easy to realise and thus has low production costs. A further auxiliary aim is to provide a capsule made of paper material able to contain the powder substance present internally thereof.

An aim is to provide a capsule for preparing drinks can enable indicating the content, thus being differentiated by a capsule for preparing a different drink. In this sense, an additional aim is to prevent any contact between the drink (water, food powder and water plus flavourings) with eventual substances (for example, colorants, lacquers or paints) which differentiate the capsules from one another.

A further particular objective is to enable passage of water crossing the capsule without any need for always perforating both the upper and lower inlet walls.

An additional objective is to provide a capsule which is without glues or adhesives while guaranteeing the containing of the food substance.

A secondary objective is to obtain a capsule having improved rigidity in relation to the deformations of the lateral wall thereof.

A possible objective is to improve the content of the food substance, possibly facilitating the mixability thereof with the crossing water.

A further additional aim is to improve the final aspect of the product following production thereof by deep drawing.

One or more of the above-described aims, which will emerge more fully during the course of the following description, are substantially attained by a capsule made of a paper material according to one or more of the accompanying claims.

Aspects of the invention are described in the following.

In a 1st aspect, a capsule (1) is comprised for dispensing drinks, comprising at least a capsule for dispensing drinks, comprising at least a main body (2) made of a paper sheet material, the main body (2), previously to a step of deformation, lying in a prevalent development plane and exhibiting a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite to one another, the main body (2), following the step of deformation, being arranged in an operating condition in which the main body (2) defines a housing compartment (14) an internal surface of which is defined by the first surface (2a), the main body (2), in the operating condition, exhibiting a base (8) from which emerges, at an external perimeter of the base (8), a lateral wall (9) defining a free edge (19) delimiting the housing compartment (14) and which defines an opening (20) located in an upper part of the capsule (1), the main body (2), in the operating condition, further comprising a crown

(11) extending from the free edge (19) in a transversal direction to the lateral wall (9) and distancingly from the opening (20) of the housing compartment (14), the main body (2), in the operating condition, exhibiting, at the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11), a plurality of pleats

(12) configured such as to enable, during the step of deformation, arrangement of the main body (2) from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional configuration, the base (8), the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11) being realised in a single piece; characterised in that the main body (2) comprises at least a visual sign (3) arranged on the second surface (2b) facing on an opposite side with respect to the housing chamber (14).

A 2nd aspect relates to a capsule (1) for dispensing drinks, comprising at least a main body (2) made of a paper sheet material, the main body (2), previously to a step of deformation, lying in a prevalent development plane and exhibiting a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite to one another, the main body (2), following the step of deformation, being arranged in an operating condition in which the main body (2) defines a housing compartment (14) an internal surface of which is defined by the first surface (2a), the main body (2), in the operating condition, exhibiting a base (8) from which emerges, at an external perimeter of the base (8), a lateral wall (9) defining a free edge (19) delimiting the housing compartment (14) and which defines an opening (20) located in an upper part of the capsule (1), the main body (2), in the operating condition, further comprising a crown (11) extending from the free edge (19) in a transversal direction to the lateral wall (9) and distancingly from the opening (20) of the housing compartment (14), the main body (2), in the operating condition, exhibiting, at the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11), a plurality of pleats (12) or crushed portions, configured such as to enable, during the step of deformation, arrangement of the main body (2) from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional configuration, the base (8), the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11) being realised in a single piece; characterised in that the man body (2) made of paper material, previously to the deforming step, comprises, on at least a portion of the first surface (2a), a gliding material (6) configured such as to enable a deformation of the main body (2) from the flat configuration to the three-dimensional configuration, the gliding material (6) facilitating deformation of the main body (2) without breaking the sheet material.

A 3rd aspect relates to a capsule (1) for dispensing drinks, comprising at least a main body (2) made of a paper sheet material, the main body (2), previously to a step of deformation, lying in a prevalent development plane and exhibiting a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite to one another, the main body (2), following the step of deformation, being arranged in an operating condition in which the main body (2) defines a housing compartment (14) an internal surface of which is defined by the first surface (2a), the main body (2), in the operating condition, exhibiting a base (8) from which emerges, at an external perimeter of the base (8), a lateral wall (9) defining a free edge (19) delimiting the housing compartment (14) and which defines an opening (20) located in an upper part of the capsule (1), the main body (2), in the operating condition, further comprising a crown (11) extending from the free edge (19) in a transversal direction to the lateral wall (9) and distancingly from the opening (20) of the housing compartment (14), the main body (2), in the operating condition, exhibiting, at the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11), a plurality of pleats (12) or crushed portions of material configured such as to enable, during the step of deformation, arrangement of the main body (2) from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional configuration, the base (8), the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11) being realised in a single piece, at least a covering element (13) arranged at the free edge (19) of the housing compartment (14), the covering element (13) being configured such as to define a working condition in which the main body (2), arranged in the operating condition, cooperates with the covering element (13) such as to define a closed volume; characterised in that the covering element (13) comprises a material made of a paper sheet, such as a filter paper, exhibiting a first and a second surface (13a, 13b) opposite one another, the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) facing towards the first surface (2a) of the main body (2), at least a portion of the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) being in contact with the first surface (2a) of the main body (2), at least a portion of the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) is in contact with at least a portion of the crown (11) and characterised in that the covering element (13), in the working condition, is constrained to the main body (2) by means of a constraint of known type.

A 4th aspect relates to a capsule (1) for dispensing drinks, comprising at least a main body (2) made of a paper sheet material, the main body (2), previously to a step of deformation, lying in a prevalent development plane and exhibiting a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite to one another, the main body (2), following the step of deformation, being arranged in an operating condition in which the main body (2) defines a housing compartment (14) an internal surface of which is defined by the first surface (2a), the main body (2), in the operating condition, exhibiting a base (8) from which emerges, at an external perimeter of the base (8), a lateral wall (9) defining a free edge (19) delimiting the housing compartment (14) and which defines an opening (20) located in an upper part of the capsule (1), the main body (2), in the operating condition, further comprising a crown (11) extending from the free edge (19) in a transversal direction to the lateral wall (9) and distancingly from the opening (20) of the housing compartment (14), the main body (2), in the operating condition, exhibiting, at the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11), a plurality of pleats (12) or crushed portions of material configured such as to enable, during the step of deformation, arrangement of the main body (2) from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional configuration, the base (8), the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11) being realised in a single piece; characterised in that the crown (11) exhibits a radial length (a+b) starting from the lateral wall (9) up to the free edge of not less than 10 mm and optionally not less than 11 mm, especially the diameter of the base being less than 30 mm.

In a 5th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the visual sign (3), in the operating condition, is arranged at least partially on the crown (11).

In a 6th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the visual sign (3) comprises a plurality of tracts.

In a 7th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the visual sign (3) comprises a single tract.

In an 8th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the visual sign (3) exhibits, on at least a portion of the crown (11), at least a tract having a substantially arched shape. In a 9th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the visual sign (3) exhibits a shape which is, at least for a tract, equidistanced from the free edge (19) of the housing compartment (14).

In a 10th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the visual sign (3) comprises, at least at the crown (11), a tract defining a substantially closed profile.

In an 11th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the visual sign (3) exhibits, at least for a tract arranged on the crown (11), a substantially crown- or ring-shaped profile.

In a 12th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the folding of two or more tracts of the visual sign (3) defines a substantially circular crown or ring shape.

In a 13th aspect according to the preceding aspect the visual sign (3) exhibits a radial extension, measured along the radius of the circular crown or ring, of greater than 3 mm.

In a 14th aspect according to the 12th or 13th aspects the visual sign (3) exhibits a radial extension, measured along the radius of the circular crown or ring, of greater than 5 mm.

In a 15th aspect according to the 12th or 13th or 14th aspects the visual sign (3) exhibits a radial extension, measured along the radius of the circular crown or ring, of greater than 10 mm.

In a 16th aspect according to any one of aspects from 11 to 15, the free end (19) exhibits a substantially circular shape having a diameter that is substantially equal to or less than the internal diameter of the visual sign (3).

In a 17th aspect according to the preceding aspect the visual sign is crown shaped or has a ring development.

In an 18th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the visual sign (3) comprises a tract having a differentiated colour with respect to a colour of the second surface (2b).

In a 19th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the crown (11) extends substantially along a prevalent development plane, the ratio between the extension area of the crown (11) and the extension area of the visual sign is greater than 1.2.

In a 20th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the crown (11) extends substantially along a prevalent development plane; the ratio between the extension area of the crown (11) and the extension area of the visual sign is greater than 1.5. In a 21st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the crown (11) extends substantially along a prevalent development plane; the ratio between the extension area of the crown (11) and the extension area of the visual sign is greater than 2.

In a 22nd aspect according to any one aspects from 12 to 21, the internal diameter of the circular crown or ring defined by the visual sign (3) is greater than 50 mm.

In a 23rd aspect according to any one aspects from 12 to 22, the internal diameter of the circular crown or ring defined by the visual sign (3) is greater than a 60 mm.

In a 24th aspect according to any one aspects from 12 to 23, the internal diameter of the circular crown or ring defined by the visual sign (3) is greater than 70 mm.

In a 25th aspect according to any one aspects from 12 to 24, the external diameter of the circular crown or ring defined by the visual sign (3) is greater than 60 mm.

In a 26th aspect according to any one aspects from 12 to 25, the external diameter of the circular crown or ring defined by the visual sign (3) is greater than 70 mm.

In a 27th aspect according to any one aspects from 12 to 26, the external diameter of the circular crown or ring defined by the visual sign (3) is greater than 80 mm.

In a 28th aspect according to any one of claims from 16 to 27, the ratio between the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3), before the deforming step, and the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3), following the deformation, is greater than 1.2.

In a 29th aspect according to any one of claims from 16 to 28, the ratio between the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3), before the deforming step, and the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3), following the deformation, is greater than 1.5.

In a 30th aspect according to any one of claims from 16 to 29, the ratio between the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3), before the deforming step, and the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3), following the deformation, is greater than 1.8. In a 31st aspect according to any one of preceding claims, the ratio between the surface area of the main body (2) before the deforming step, and the internal or external surface area of the main body (2) following the deformation, is greater than 1.2.

In a 32nd aspect according to any one of preceding claims, the ratio between the surface area of the main body (2) before the deforming step, and the internal or external surface area of the main body (2) following the deformation, is greater than 1.5.

In a 33rd aspect according to any one of preceding claims, the ratio between the surface area of the main body (2) before the deforming step, and the internal or external surface area of the main body (2) following the deformation, is greater than 2.

In a 34th aspect according to any one of preceding claims, the base (8) develops substantially in a prevalent development plane.

In a 35th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the base (8) has a substantially circular shape, in particular in which the base (8) is a disc.

In a 36th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the lateral wall (9) exhibits, according to a parallel plane to the base (8), a substantially circular profile.

In a 37th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the lateral wall (9) exhibits a truncoconical shape.

In a 38th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first surface (2a) of the lateral wall (9) exhibits, with respect to the first surface (2a) of the base (8), a deformation angle of less than 110°.

In a 39th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first surface (2a) of the lateral wall (9) exhibits, with respect to the first surface (2a) of the base (8), a deformation angle of less than 100°.

In a 40th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the first surface (2a) of the lateral wall (9) exhibits, with respect to the first surface (2a) of the base (8), a deformation angle of less than 95°.

In a 41st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the lateral wall (9) comprises a connecting portion (10) configured such as to connect the lateral wall (9) to the base (8). In a 42nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the lateral wall (9) comprises an extension, with respect to a perpendicular direction to the base, of greater than 15 mm.

In a 43rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the lateral wall (9) comprises an extension, with respect to a perpendicular direction to the base, of greater than 20 mm.

In a 44th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the lateral wall (9) comprises an extension, with respect to a perpendicular direction to the base, of greater than 25 mm.

In a 45th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the capsule exhibits a height of greater than 15 mm.

In a 46th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the capsule exhibits a height of greater than 20 mm.

In a 47th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the capsule exhibits a height of greater than 25 mm.

In a 48th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the crown (11) exhibits a substantially circular crown or ring shape an internal circumference of which coincides with the free edge (19).

In a 49th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the crown (11) develops along a prevalent development plane.

In a 50th aspect according to the preceding aspect the crown (11) is substantially parallel to the base (8).

In a 51st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pleats comprise a plurality of first sectors (21) extending along the perimeter development of the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11), the first sectors (21) being defined by a layer of the main body (2) in sheet material intercalated by a plurality of second sectors (22) defined by a superposing of several layer of main body (2), the second sectors (22) comprising at least a portion (23) defined by the layer coming from a first sector (21), at least a portion (24) defined by the layer coming from the first sector (21) adjacent to the preceding layer and by at least a connecting portion (25) which connects, without interruption, the other two portions (23, 24) in such a way as to define a superposing of at least three layers of the main body (2) in sheet material. In a 52nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pleats (12) comprise a folded zone (30) which comprises a first and a second superposing zone (31, 32), the first superposing zone (31) comprising at least a first and a second portion (33, 34) of the first surface (2a) substantially facing one another, in particular in contact with one another, the second superposing zone (32) comprising at least a first and a second portion (35, 36) of the second surface (2b) substantially facing one another, in particular in contact with one another.

In a 53rd aspect according to the preceding aspect at least one of the portions of the first and/or the second superposing zone (31 , 32) exhibits an area having an extension that increases in a distancing direction from the base (8).

In a 54th aspect according to the preceding aspect the pleats (12) exhibit, in a transversal section, a substantially Z-shaped profile.

In a 55th aspect according to the preceding aspect the Z-shaped profile exhibits an extension having a growing progression in a distancing direction from the base (8).

In a 56th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pleats (12) are substantially identical to one another.

In a 57th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the pleats (12) are arranged in a uniform progression along the lateral wall (9) and/or along the crown (11).

In a 58th aspect according to the preceding aspect the pleats (12) are substantially equally distanced from one another.

In a 59th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the housing compartment (14) exhibits an internal volume of greater than 300 mm ³ .

In a 60th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the housing compartment (14) exhibits an internal volume of greater than 500 mm ³ .

In a 61st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the housing compartment (14) exhibits an internal volume of greater than 700 mm ³ .

In a 62nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the housing compartment (14) exhibits an internal volume of greater than 1200 mm ³ .

In a 63 rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the housing compartment (14) exhibits an internal volume of less than 1000 mm ³ . In a 64th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the housing compartment (14) exhibits an internal volume of less than 900 mm ³ .

In a 65th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the main body (2) in paper sheet material exhibits a grammage comprised between 30 g/m ² and 400 g/m ² .

In a 66th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the main body (2) in paper sheet material exhibits a grammage comprised between 35 g/m ² and 300 g/m ² .

In a 67th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the main body (2) in paper sheet material exhibits a grammage comprised between 50 g/m ² and 250 g/m ² .

In a 68th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the main body (2) in paper sheet material, previously to the deforming step, comprises, on at least a portion of the first surface (2a), a gliding material (6) configured such as to enable deformation of the main body (2) from the flat configuration to the three-dimensional configuration, in particular the gliding material facilitating (26) the deformation of the main body (2) without breaking the sheet material.

In a 69th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the gliding material (6) is arranged on at least an external portion of the lateral wall (9).

In a 70th aspect according to aspects 68 or 69, the gliding material (6) comprises at least a layer made of a silicone material.

In a 71st aspect according to aspects 68 or 69 or 70 the gliding material (6) is located on all the second surface (2b) of the main body.

In a 72nd aspect according to aspects from 68 to 71, the gliding material (6) is interposed between the visual sign (3) and the main body (2) made of paper material.

In a 73rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the capsule comprises at least a covering element (13) arranged at the free edge (19) of the housing compartment (14), the covering element (13) being configured such as to define a working condition in which the main body (2), arranged on the operating condition, cooperates with the covering element (13) such as to define a closed volume.

In a 74th aspect according to the preceding aspect the covering element (13) comprises a sheet material exhibiting a first and a second surface (13a, 13b) opposite one another, the first surface (2), at least a portion of the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) being in contact with the first surface (2a) of the main body (2).

In a 75th aspect according to the preceding aspect at least a portion of the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) is in contact with at least a portion of the crown (11).

In a 76th aspect according to any one of aspects from 73 to 75, the covering element (13), in the working condition, is constrained to the main body (2).

In a 77th aspect according to the preceding aspect the constraint between the covering element (13) and the main body (2) is a mechanical constraint.

In a 78th aspect according to any one of aspects from 73 to 77, the covering element (13) and the main body (2), in the working condition, define, in cooperation with one another, a fold (17) developing at least on a portion of the crown (11).

In a 79th aspect according to the preceding aspect the fold (17) is defined by the cooperation of external perimeter portions of the covering element (13) and the main element (2).

In an 80th aspect according to the preceding aspect the fold (17) develops about the free edge (19) of the housing compartment (14).

In an 81st aspect according to any one of aspects from 78 to 80, the fold (17) delimits a tract having a closed profile about the free edge (19) of the housing compartment.

In an 82nd aspect according to any one of aspects from 78 to 81, the closed-profile tract of the fold (17) exhibits a substantially circular shape.

In an 83rd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the fold (17) defines a closing edge of the capsule (1).

In an 84th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the closing edge is an end closing edge arranged on the top of the capsule (1).

In an 85th aspect according to any one of aspects from 73 to 84, the fold (17) comprises at least a curl (18), the curl (18) comprising at least a folding of the main body (2).

In an 86th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the curl (18) comprises at least a folding of the main body (2) and at least a folding of the covering element (13). In an 87th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the folding of the curl (18) is configured such as to bring the material that is part of the crown (11) to envelop the material that is part of the covering element (13).

In an 88th aspect according to any one of aspects from 85 to 87, the second surface (2b) of the main body (2) defines, also at the curl (18), the external surface of the capsule (1).

In an 89th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the visual sign (3) is arranged, in the working condition, at least a portion of the surface that is superiorly exposed (18a) of the curl

(18).

In a 90th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the visual sign (3), in the working condition, is arranged over all the superiorly-exposed surface (18a) of the curl (18).

In a 91st aspect according to any one of aspects from 73 to 90, the covering element (13) exhibits a substantially circular shape.

In a 92nd aspect according to the preceding aspect the covering element (13) is a disc.

In a 93rd aspect according to any one of aspects from 85 to 92, the curl (18) substantially defines a continuous circular element.

In a 94th aspect according to the preceding aspect the curl (18) is a ring.

In a 95th aspect according to any one of aspects from 73 to 94, the covering element (13) comprises a material made of paper sheet.

In a 96th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the paper sheet material of the covering element (13) comprises at least a portion of filtering paper configured such as to enable a selective passage of the fluid.

In a 97th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the capsule (1), in the working condition, does not exhibit glued parts.

In a 98th aspect according to the preceding aspect, there is no glue between the covering element (13) and the main body (2).

In a 99th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects the capsule (1) does not comprise film made of a plastic material, such as an extrusion covering.

i ₅ In a 100th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the capsule comprises internally of the housing compartment (14) a predetermined quantity of a food substance (15) configured such as to enable obtaining a comestible drink.

In a 101st aspect according to the preceding aspect, the food substance (15) is configured such as to mix and release a flavour during passage of a liquid substance, in particular water, internally of the housing compartment (14).

In a 102nd aspect according to aspects 100 or 101, the food substance (15) is a granular and/or powder substance.

In a 103rd aspect according to any one of aspects from 100 to 102, the food substance (15) is a freeze-dried substance.

In a 104th aspect according to any one of aspects from 100 to 103, the food substance (15) comprises coffee and/or tea and/or milk.

In a 105th aspect, a packaging element is comprised, configured such as to enable housing one or more capsules (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects.

In a 106th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the packaging element is configured such as to define a closed volume internally of which one or more capsules (1) are arranged.

In a 107th aspect according to aspects 105 or 106 the packaging element comprises an envelope made at least partially of plastic material and/or at least partially of aluminium.

In a 108th aspect a process is comprised such as to realise a capsule for dispensing drinks, comprising at least a main body (2) made of a paper sheet material, the main body (2), previously to a step of deformation, lying in a prevalent development plane and exhibiting a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite to one another, the main body (2), following the step of deformation, being arranged in an operating condition in which the main body (2) defines a housing compartment (14) an internal surface of which is defined by the first surface (2a), the main body (2), in the operating condition, exhibiting a base (8) from which emerges, at an external perimeter of the base (8), a lateral wall (9) defining a free edge (19) delimiting the housing compartment (14) and which defines an opening (20) located in an upper part of the capsule (1), the main body (2), in the operating condition, further comprising a crown (11) extending from the free edge (19) in a transversal direction to the lateral wall (9) and distancingly from the opening (20) of the housing compartment (14), the main body (2), in the operating condition, exhibiting, at the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11), a plurality of pleats (12) configured such as to enable, during the step of deformation, arrangement of the main body

(2) from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional configuration, the base (8), the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11) being realised in a single piece, the main body (2) comprises a visual sign

(3) arranged on the second surface (2b); the process comprising following steps: predisposing the main body (2) made of sheet paper material in a flat configuration; deforming the main body (2) such as to arrange the main body (2) in the operating condition in which the main body (2) exhibits a three-dimensional configuration, applying, previously or contemporaneously, or following the deformation step of the main body (2), the visual sign (3) on the second surface (2b) of the main body (2).

In a 109th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the deformation step comprises a substep of deep drawing the main body (2) which comprises realising a housing compartment (14) and internal surface of which is defined by the first surface (2a), the deep-drawing step being configured such as to define the base (8) from which emerges, at an external perimeter of the base (8), the lateral wall (9) defining a free edge (19) delimiting the housing compartment (14) and which defines an opening (20) located in the upper part of the capsule (1).

In a 110th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the deep-drawing step is configured such as to define the crown (11), which extends from the free edge (19) in a transversal direction to the lateral wall (9) and distancingly from the opening (20) of the housing compartment (14).

In a 111th aspect according to the preceding aspect the deep-drawing step is configured such as to define, at the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11), a plurality of pleats (12) suitable for enabling, during the deformation step, the arrangement of the main body (2) from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional configuration.

In a 112th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 111, the base (8), the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11) are realised in a single piece.

In a 113th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 112, the application step of the visual sign (3) comprises a substep of applying a plurality of tracts or a single tract of the visual sign (3). In a 114th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 113, the application step of the visual sign (3) comprises a substep of applying at least a tract having a substantially arched shape.

In a 115th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 114 the application step of the visual sign (3) comprises a substep of applying at least a tract having a substantially closed profile or in which the folding of two or more tracts defines a substantially closed profile.

In a 116th aspect, according to the preceding aspect, the closed tract, defined by the sub-step of application of the visual sign (3), exhibits a substantially circular crown- or ring shape.

In a 177th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 116, the deformation step comprises a substep able to give the free edge (19) a circular configuration.

In an 118th aspect according to the preceding aspect the diameter of the free end (19) is smaller than the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3).

In a 119th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 118, the visual sign comprises at least a tract of differentiated colour with respect to a colour of the second surface (2b).

In a 120th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 119, the deformation step comprises a substep configured such as to arrange the crown (11) along a prevalent development plane, the ratio between the extension area of the crown (11) and the extension area of the visual sign is greater than 1.2.

In a 121st aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 120, the deformation step comprises a substep configured such as to arrange the crown (11) along a prevalent development plane, the ratio between the extension area of the crown (11) and the extension area of the visual sign is greater than 1.5.

In a 122nd aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 121, the deformation step comprises a substep configured such as to arrange the crown (11) along a prevalent development plane, the ratio between the extension area of the crown (11) and the extension area of the visual sign is greater than 2.

In a 123rd aspect according to any one of aspects from 116 to 122, the internal diameter of the circular crown or ring defined by the visual sign (3) is greater than 50 mm. In a 124th aspect according to any one of aspects from 116 to 123, the internal diameter of the circular crown or ring defined by the visual sign (3) is greater than 60 mm.

In a 125th aspect according to any one of aspects from 116 to 124, the internal diameter of the circular crown or ring defined by the visual sign (3) is greater than 70 mm.

In a 126th aspect according to any one of aspects from 116 to 125, the external diameter of the circular crown or ring defined by the visual sign (3) is greater than a 60 mm.

In a 127th aspect according to any one of aspects from 116 to 126, the external diameter of the circular crown or ring defined by the visual sign (3) is greater than a 70 mm.

In a 128th aspect according to any one of aspects from 116 to 127, the external diameter of the circular crown or ring defined by the visual sign (3) is greater than a 80 mm.

In a 129th aspect according to any one of claims from 116 to 128, the ratio between the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3), before the deforming step, and the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3), following the deformation, is greater than

1.2.

In a 130th aspect according to any one of claims from 116 to 129, the ratio between the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3), before the deforming step, and the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3), following the deformation, is greater than 1.5.

In a 131st aspect according to any one of claims from 116 to 130, the ratio between the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3), before the deforming step, and the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign (3), following the deformation, is greater than 1.8.

In a 132nd aspect according to any one of claims from 116 to 131, the ratio between the surface area of the main body (2) before the deforming step, and the internal or external surface area of the capsule (1) following the deformation, is greater than 1.2.

In a 133rd aspect according to any one of claims from 108 to 132, the ratio between the surface area of the main body (2) before the deforming step, and the internal or external surface area of the capsule (1) following the deformation, is greater than 1.5. In a 134th aspect according to any one of claims from 108 to 133, the ratio between the surface area of the main body (2) before the deforming step, and the internal or external surface area of the capsule (1) following the deformation, is greater than 2.

In a 135th aspect according to any one of claims from 108 to 134, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to arrange the base (8) substantially along a prevalent development plane.

In a 136th aspect according to any one of claims from 108 to 135, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the base (8) a substantially cylindrical shape; in particular the base (8) is a disc.

In a 137th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 136, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the lateral wall (9) a shape exhibiting, according to a plane that is substantially parallel to the base (8), a substantially circular profile.

In a 138th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the lateral wall (9) exhibits a truncoconical shape.

In a 139th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 138, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the first surface (2a) of the lateral wall (9), with respect to the first surface (2a) of the base (8), a deformation angle of less than 110°.

In a 140th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 139, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the first surface (2a) of the lateral wall (9), with respect to the first surface (2a) of the base (8), a deformation angle of less than 100°.

In a 141st aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 140, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the first surface (2a) of the lateral wall (9), with respect to the first surface (2a) of the base (8), a deformation angle of less than 95°. In a 142nd aspect according to any one of aspects from 135 to 141, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the lateral wall (9) and an extension, with respect to the perpendicular direction to the base, of greater than 15 mm.

In a 143rd aspect according to any one of aspects from 135 to 142, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the lateral wall (9) and an extension, with respect to the perpendicular direction to the base, of greater than 20 mm.

In a 144th aspect according to any one of aspects from 135 to 143, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the first surface (2a) of the lateral wall (9) and extension, with respect to the perpendicular direction to the base, of greater than 25 mm.

In a 145th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 144, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the capsule a height of greater than 25 mm.

In a 146th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 145, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the capsule a height of greater than 20 mm.

In a 147th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 146, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the capsule a height of greater than 25 mm.

In a 148th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 147, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the crown (11) a circular crown or ring the internal circumference of which coincides with a free edge (19).

In a 149th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 148, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the lateral wall (9), along the perimeter development thereof, a plurality of first sectors (21) defined by a layer of the main body (2) in sheet form intercalated by a plurality of second sectors (22) defined by a superposing of several layers of main body (2), the second sectors (22) comprising at least a portion (23) defined by the layer coming from a first sector (21), at least a portion (24) defined by the layer coming from the first sector (21) adjacent to the preceding sector and by at least a connecting portion (25) which connects, without an interruption in continuity, the other two portions (23, 24) in such a way as to define a superposing of at least three layers of the main body (2) in sheet material.

In a 150th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 149, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the pleats (12) a folding zone (30) which comprises a first and a second superposing zone (31, 32), the first superposing zone (31) comprising at least a first and a second portion (33, 34) of the first surface (2a) substantially facing one another, in particular in contact therewith, the second superposing zone (32) comprising at least a first and a second portion (35, 36) of the second surface (2b) substantially facing one another, in particular in contact with one another.

In a 151st aspect, according to the preceding aspect at least one of the portions of the first and/or the second superposing zone (31, 32) exhibits an area having an extension that increases in a distancing direction from the base (8).

In a 152nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the pleats (12), according to a transversal section, a substantially Z-shaped profile.

In a 153rd aspect according to the preceding aspect the profile exhibits an extension having a growing progression in a distancing direction from the base (8).

In a 154th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 153, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to define pleats (12) that are substantially identical to one another.

In a 155th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 154, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to arrange the pleats (12) in a uniform progression along the lateral wall (9) and/or along the crown (11).

In a 156th aspect according to the preceding aspect the pleats (12) are substantially equally distanced from one another.

In a 157th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 156, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the housing compartment (14) an internal volume of greater than 300 mm ³ . In a 158th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 157, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the housing compartment (14) an internal volume of greater than 500 mm ³ .

In a 159th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 158, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the housing compartment (14) an internal volume of greater than 700 mm ³ .

In a 160th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 159, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the housing compartment (14) an internal volume of greater than 1200 mm ³ .

In a 161st aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 160, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the housing compartment (14) an internal volume of less than 1000 mm ³ .

In a 162nd aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 161, the deformation step of the main body (2) comprises a substep configured such as to give the housing compartment (14) an internal volume of less than 900 mm ³ .

In a 163rd aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 162, the process comprises, before the deformation step, a step of application of at least a gliding material (6) on at least a portion of the second surface (2b) configured such as to enable deformation of the main body (2) from the flat configuration to the three-dimensional configuration.

In a 164th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the application step of the gliding material (6) guarantees the deformation of the main body (2) without breaking the sheet material.

In a 165th aspect according to aspects 163 or 164, the gliding material (6) is arranged on at least a portion of the paper sheet material which, in the working condition of the main body (2) is arranged on the lateral wall (9).

In a 166th aspect according to any one of aspects from 163 to 165, the application step of at least a gliding material (6) comprises a substep of application of a least a layer made of a silicone material. In a 167th aspect according to any one of aspects from 163 to 166, the application step of at least a gliding material (6) comprises a substep of application of a portion of the gliding material (6) having a substantially circular ring shape.

In a 168th aspect according to any one of aspects from 163 to 167, the portion of gliding material (6), preceding the deformation step, is arranged internally of the visual sign (3).

In a 169th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 168, the process comprises a step of predisposing at least a covering element (13) arranged at the free edge (19) of the housing compartment (14), the covering element (13) being configured such as to define a working condition in which the main body (2), arranged on the operating condition, cooperates with the covering element (13) such as to define a closed volume.

In a 170th aspect according to the preceding aspect the covering element (13) comprises a sheet material exhibiting a first and a second surface (13a, 13b) opposite one another, the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) being facing towards the first surface (2a) of the main body (2), at least a portion of the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) being in contact with the first surface (2a) of the main body (2).

In a 171st aspect in accordance with aspects 169 or 170, the step of application of the covering element (13) comprises a substep configured such as to arrange at least a portion of the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) in contact with at least a portion of the crown (11). In a 172nd aspect according to any one of aspects from 169 to 171, the application step of the covering element (13) comprises a substep configured such as to constrain the covering element (13) to the main body (2).

In a 173rd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the substep defines, between the covering element (13) and the main body (2), a mechanical constraint.

In a 174th aspect according to any one of aspects from 169 to 173, the application step of the covering element (13) comprises a substep configured such as to define a fold (17) developing at least on a portion of the crown (11) and defined by the cooperation between the covering element (13) and the main body (2).

In a 175th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the fold (17) is defined by the cooperation of perimeter portions of the covering element (13) and the main body (2). In a 176th aspect according to aspects 174 or 175, the fold (17) develops about the free edge (19) of the housing compartments (14).

In a 177th aspect according to any one of aspects from 174 to 176, the fold (17) defines a closed tract about the free edge (19) of the housing compartment

In a 178th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the closed-profile tract of the fold (17) exhibits a substantially circular shape.

In a 179th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the fold (17) defines a closing edge (20) of the capsule (1).

In a 180th aspect according to the preceding aspect the closing edge (20) defines an end closing end arranged on the top of the capsule (1).

In a 181st aspect according to any one of aspects from 174 to 180, the substep of defining the fold comprises a substep configured such as to define a recycling (18) defined by at least a folding of the main body (2).

In an 182nd aspect according to the preceding aspect (18) the curl (18) comprises at least a folding of the main body (2) and at least a folding of the covering element (13).

In an 183rd aspect according to aspects 191 or 182, the aspect of the substep of defining the curl comprises a substep in which the curl (18) is made on an opposite side with respect to the base (8) of the main body (2).

In a 184th aspect according to any one of aspects from 181 to 183, the substep of defining the curl comprises a substep configured such as to define the second surface (2b) of the main body (2), at least at the fold (17), as an external surface of the capsule (1).

In a 185th aspect according to any one of aspects from 174 to 184 the application step of the visual sign (3) comprising a substep configured such as to arrange the visual sign (3) at least on a portion of the fold.

In a 186th aspect according to any one of aspects from 174 to 185, the application step of the visual sign (3) comprises a substep configured such as to arrange the visual sign (3) on at least a portion of an external surface of the fold (17). In a 187th aspect according to the preceding aspect the application step of the visual sign (3) comprises a substep configured such as to arrange the visual sign (3) over all the external surface ofthe fold (17).

In a 188th aspect according to any one of aspects from 169 to 187, the step of predisposing the covering element comprises a substep configured such as to give the covering element (13) a substantially circular shape.

In a 189th aspect according to the preceding aspect the step of predisposing the covering element comprises a substep configured such as to give the covering element (13) a disc shape.

In a 190th aspect according to any one of aspects from 174 to 189 the step of defining the fold

(17) comprises a substep configured such as to give the fold a substantially continuous circular shape.

In a 191st aspect according to the preceding aspect the step of defining the fold (17) comprises a substep configured such as to give the fold a ring shape.

In a 192nd aspect according to any one of aspects from 169 to 191, the covering element (13) comprises an element made of paper sheet material.

In a 193rd aspect according to the preceding aspect the element made of a paper sheet material of the covering element (13) comprises at least a portion of filtering portion configured such as enable selective passage of the fluids.

In a 194th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 193, the process does not exhibit steps of gluing or application of external elements to the main body (2) for the constraint between the covering element (13) and the main body (2).

In a 195th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 194, the process does not exhibit steps of application of plastic and/or aluminium film.

In a 196th aspect according to any one of aspects from 108 to 195, the process comprises a step of predisposing, internally of the housing compartment (14), a predetermined quantity of a food substance (15) configured such as to enable a composition of a comestible beverage, the food substance (15) being configured such as to mix and release a flavour during passage of a liquid substance, in particular water, internally of the housing compartment (14). In a 197th aspect according to the preceding aspect the food product (15) is a granular and/or a powder substance.

In a 198th aspect according to aspects 196 or 197, the food substance (15) is a freeze-dried substance.

In a 199th aspect according to aspects 196 or 197 or 198 aspect, the food substance (15) comprises coffee and/or tea and/or milk.

A 200th aspect relates to a process for realising a capsule for dispensing a drink comprising at least a main body (2) made of a paper sheet material, the main body (2), previously to a step of deformation, lying in a prevalent development plane and exhibiting a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite one another, the main body (2), following the step of deformation, being arranged in an operating condition in which the main body (2) defines a housing compartment (14) an internal surface of which is defined by the first surface (2a), the main body (2), in the operating condition, exhibiting a base (8) from which emerges, at an external perimeter of the base (8), a lateral wall (9) defining a free edge (19) delimiting the housing compartment (14) and which defines an opening (20) located in an upper part of the capsule (1), the main body (2), in the operating condition, further comprising a crown (11) extending from the free edge (19) in a transversal direction to the lateral wall (9) and distancingly from the opening (20) of the housing compartment (14), the main body (2), in the operating condition, exhibiting, at the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11), a plurality of pleats (12) configured such as to enable, during the step of deformation, arrangement of the main body (2) from a fiat configuration to a three-dimensional configuration, the base (8), the lateral wall (9) and the crown (11) being realised in a single piece; the process comprises following steps: predisposing the main body (2) made of sheet paper material in a flat configuration; deforming the main body (2) such as to arrange the main body (2) in the operating condition in which the main body (2) exhibits a three-dimensional configuration, inserting a predetermined quantity of a food substance suitable for releasing a flavour when crossed by a fluid, for example water, positioning at the opening (20) of the housing compartment (14) a covering element (13) made of paper material, in particular filter paper, the covering element (13) being configured such as to define a working condition in which the main body (2), arranged in the operating condition, cooperates with the covering element (13) such as to define internally of the housing compartment (14) a closed volume which closes the food substance, coupling the covering element (13) and the crown (11) by means of a mechanical coupling by deformation, the coupling being done by deformation of the corresponding portions of the covering element (13) and the crown (11) which, once deformed, cooperate to maintain the engagement between the main body (2) and the closing element (13). In a 201st aspect according to the preceding aspect the process comprises a step of realising a visual sign (3) arranged on the second surface (2b) facing the opposite way with respect to the housing compartment (14).

In a 202nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the visual sign (3) is arranged at the mechanical coupling by deformation and is exposed to a user's view.

In a 203rd aspect according to aspects from 200 to 202, the visual sign is made before the step of coupling the covering element (13) and the crown (11) by means of a mechanical coupling by deformation.

In a 204th aspect according to any one of aspects from 200 to 203, the coupling step comprises a substep of defining a fold (17) developing along a portion of the crown (11) and defined by a cooperation between the covering element (13) and the main body (2).

In a 205th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the fold emerges transversally, optionally perpendicularly and/or towards the base (8), from a first radially internal portion of the crown (11).

In a 206th aspect according to aspects 204 or 205, the substep of defining a fold (17) comprises a step of folding the radially external portions of the crown (11) and the covering element (13) such as to define a superposing of the two parts with respective profiles and a straight extension that is parallel in section according to a vertical plane; the fold emerging from a radially internal portion of the crown (11) and terminating at a free end (17a).

In a 207th aspect according to the preceding aspect the coupling step comprises a substep of engaging the free end (17a) by means of a die shaped for rolling the fold (17) on itself in a nearing direction to the radially more internal zone of the crown (11). In a 208th aspect according to any one of aspects from 204 to 207 the substep of defining a fold (17) comprises a step of folding the radially external portions of the crown (11) and the covering element (13) downwards and towards the base (8).

In a 209th aspect according to the preceding aspect the substep of engaging the free end (17a) by means of an appropriate shaped die leading to an initial movement of the free end (17a) distancingly from the lateral wall (9) and the base (8).

In a 210th aspect according to any one of aspects from 200 to 209, the coupling step of the covering element (13) and the crown (11) by means of a mechanical coupling by deformation comprises a substep of realising a curl (18) comprising material of the portion of the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) and the material of the crown (11).

In a 211th aspect according to the preceding aspect the curl (18) comprises, in section, an alternating of material of the main body (2) and the covering element (13) in which the external surface of the curl (18) is defined by material of the main body (2).

In a 212th aspect according to any one of aspects from 200 to 211, the process comprises a step of defining an abutting surface (16) at a radially internal zone of the crown (11), the abutting surface (16) lying in a substantially parallel plane to the lie plane of the base (8) and being adjacent to the mechanical coupling zone between the covering element (13) and the crown (11). In a 213th aspect according to any one of aspects from 200 to 212 the process comprises a step of applying a gliding material (6) at least at the first surface (2a).

In a 214th aspect according to the preceding aspect the application of a gliding material (6) is performed before the step of deforming the main body (2) such as to arrange the main body (2) in the operating condition in which the main body (2) exhibits a three-dimensional configuration. In a 215th aspect according to any one of aspects from 200 to 214, before the step of realising the mechanical coupling by deformation, the process comprises a step of blocking the radially internal portion of the crown (11) and the corresponding superposed portion of the covering element (13) to one another by crushing between two opposite elements (101a, 102a) of a die (100). In a 216th aspect according to any one of aspects from 200 to 215, the process does not include steps of gluing and/or steps of application of adhesive and/or elements that are external of the main body (2) for constraining between the covering element (13) and the main body (2).

In a 217th aspect according to any one of aspects from 200 to 216, the covering element (13) comprises a sheet material exhibiting a first and a second surface (13a,13b) opposite to one another, the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) being facing towards the first surface (2a) of the main body (2), at least a portion of the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) being in contact with the fist surface (2a) of the main body (2), the step of applying the covering element (13) comprises a substep configured such as to arranged at least a portion of the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) in contact with at least a portion of the crown (11) and the coupling step comprises defining a curl (18) comprising material of the portion of the first surface (13a) of the covering element (13) and material of the crown (11), the curl (18) comprising, in section, an alternating of material of the main body (2) and of the covering element (13).

Ina 218th aspect a process is comprised according to any one of aspects from 200 to 217 and to any one of aspects from 108 to 109.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments and aspects of the invention will be described in the following with reference to the drawings, supplied exclusively by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

figure 1 is a view from above of a flat blank for realising a capsule made of paper material;

> figure 2 is an enlarged end section view of the blank of figure 1 ;

figure 3 is a perspective view of a semi-finished capsule according to a first embodiment;

figure 3A is a section according to a horizontal plane of the view of figure 2;

figure 4 is a view from above of the semi-finished capsule of figure 3;

> figure 5 is a view from below of the semi-finished capsule of figure 3;

> figure 6 is a vertical section of the semi-finished capsule of figure 3;

figure 7 is a vertical section of a semi-finished capsule containing a powder substance internally thereof and exhibiting a covering element;

figure 7A is a detail of the vertical section of an end portion of the semi-finished capsule of figure 7;

figure 8 is a vertical section of the semi-finished capsule with the covering element and exhibiting the end portion turned downwards following a further working step;

figure 9 is a vertical section of the capsule with the covering element and exhibiting the end portion curled upwards;

figure 10 is a perspective view of the finished capsule of figure 9;

figures 11 and 12 illustrate views of details of the lateral walls of the capsule in a partial section;

> figure 13 is an alternative embodiment of the finished capsule of figure 10;

> figure 14 is a vertical section of the alternative embodiment of the finished capsule of figure 13;

> figure 14a illustrates a detail of the curl of figure 14;

figure 15 is a die for bringing the semi-finished capsule of figure 3 into the condition of figure 13;

> figure 16 is a die for performing a possible further step of stiffening the semi-finished capsule; and

> figure 17 is a stiffened variation of the semi-finished capsule of figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the above figures, reference numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a capsule in sheet material, in particular paper material.

The capsule 1 of the present description is particularly suited to defining a container for food products, such as coffee and/or tea and/or milk, and is configured to enable dispensing of beverages.

Before describing the use and the method for realization of the capsule, the physical structure and geometry thereof will be described in detail. In particular, the capsule 1 comprises a main body 2 made of a paper sheet material which in turn comprises a first and a second surface 2a, 2b opposite one another. The sheet material 5, which constitutes the main body 2, is made of paper or cardboard and exhibits, for example, a grammage of between 30 g/m ² and 400 g/m ² , in particular a grammage of between 35 g m ² and 300 g/m ² , more in particular a weight of 50 g/m ² to 250 g/m ² . By way of example, the paper used has a weight of between 90 and 100 g/m ² (in detail 95 g/m ² ). Among other things, the thickness of the main body 2 depends on the weight of the paper. As for the paper (10 ÷ 150 g/m ² ), the thickness will be between 0.03 and 0.3 mm; as for the cardboard (150 ÷ 450 g/m ² ), its thickness will be greater than 0.3 mm. The particular application described below was obtained using a NordicPaper manufactured paper of the "Single Proof type with a grammage of 95 g/m ² , gloss percentage of 78 (ISO 2470: 1999 E), opacity percentage of 77 (ISO 2471 :1998 E). In general and for the specific application in capsules for foodstuffs, the air permeance (SCAN P26-78) of the paper used is less than 1.3 nm/Pa 's and in detail equal to 1 nm Pa' s.

The main body 2, before a deformation step, is a flat sheet and lies in a prevalent development plane while, following the deformation step, it is configured such as to be arranged in a first semi-finished operating condition in which the three-dimensional main body 2 defines a housing compartment 14 an inner surface of which is defined by the first surface 2a.

The housing compartment 14 will be more fully described in the following.

The main body 2, in the operative condition, comprises a base 8 substantially defining the lower or support part of the capsule 1. As can be seen from the accompanying figures, the base 8 extends substantially along a prevalent development plane. The accompanying figures non- limitingly illustrate a base 8 having a substantially cylindrical shape: the base 8 substantially comprises a disc and is generally flat at least in a central area thereof. In terms of size the base 8 has a diameter of between 40 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 35 mm and 15 mm, even more in particular between 30 mm and 17 mm. As regards instead the thickness of the base 8, in particular of the disc, this is substantially coincident with the thickness of the paper sheet material; the thickness, as previously mentioned, depends at least in part on the grammage of the paper sheet comprising the main body 2.

In further embodiments not illustrated in the accompanying figures (and of less interest), the base 8 may define a substantially polygonal or elliptical shape and may also be slightly curved in a concave or convex depending on needs. A lateral wall 9 emerges from the base 8 at an external perimeter of the base 8, defining a free edge 19 which delimits the housing compartment 14 of the capsule 1 and which defines an opening 20 placed on the top of the capsule 1 and thus arranged on the opposite side to the base 8 with respect to the lateral wall 9.

In the illustrated embodiments the base 8 exhibits an annular connector 10 which defines an inclined conjoining portion between the flat central area of the base and the attachment of the lateral wall. As shown in the accompanying figures the lateral wall 9 exhibits, in a plane substantially parallel to the base 8, a substantially circular profile (figure 3A), and in particular the lateral wall 9 has a substantially truncooconical shape (figures 3 and 6).

The lateral wall 9 therefore comprises a first end edge 9a which is connected with the base 8, in particular connected to a perimeter of the base 8. The lateral wall 9 also includes a second end edge 9b arranged on the opposite side to the first end edge 9a with respect to the lateral wall 9, in particular wherein the second end edge 9b corresponds, in the operative condition, to the free edge 19.

In the case illustrated in the accompanying figures the second end edge therefore has a substantially circular shape, in particular the second end edge exhibits the same shape as the free edge 19.

In further embodiments not represented in the accompanying figures, the lateral wall 9 can exhibit, in a plane substantially parallel to the base 8, a polygonal or an elliptical shape or others besides. In these cases the lateral wall 9 defines a substantially parallelepiped or substantially truncooconical shape.

In a further case, not shown in the accompanying figures, the lateral wall 9 can exhibit the first end edge 9a having a first shape and the second end edge 9b having a second shape that is different to the shape of the first end edge.

An example of the above-described configuration can be represented by a first end edge 9a having a circular shape and a second end edge 9b having a substantially polygonal shape. In terms of geometry, the first surface 2a of the lateral wall 9 exhibits, with respect to the first surface 2a of the base 8, a deformation angle of less than 110°, in particular less than 100°, even more in particular less than 95°. This angle will, however, be preferentially equal to or greater than 90°. In other words, the lateral wall can be cylindrical or slightly truncoconical with an increase of the section in the distancing direction from the base.

As for the dimensional aspect, the lateral wall 9 has an extension, with respect to a perpendicular direction to the base 8, of more than 15 mm, in particular greater than 20 mm, still more particularly equal to or greater than 24 mm. As can be seen from the accompanying figures, the main body 2, in the operating condition, comprises a crown 11 extending from the free edge 19 in a transversal direction to the lateral wall 9 and in a distancing direction from the opening 20 of the housing compartment 14. More in detail, as visible from the accompanying figures, the crown 11 extends parallel with respect to the median plane containing the base 8.

In particular, the first surface 2b of the crown 11 defines, with the first surface 2b of the lateral wall 9, an angle that is substantially complementary to the angle defined by the first surface 2a of the lateral wall 9 and the first surface 2a of the base 8.

Even more particularly, the second surface 2b of the crown 11 forms, with the second surface 2b of the lateral wall 9, an angle substantially identical to the angle defined by the first surface 2a of the lateral wall 9 with the first surface 2a of the base 8. In terms of size, the second surface 2b of the crown 11 defines, with the second surface 2b of the lateral wall 9, an angle of less than 110°, in particular less than 100°, even more in particular less than 95°. In any case, this angle will be equal to or greater than 90°. In general the crown 11 lies in a plane substantially parallel to the plane (at least in the central area) of the base 8.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the crown 11 extends along a development plane and exhibits a first end edge 11a connected to the free edge 19, and thus to the second end edge 9b of the lateral wall 9, and to a second end edge 1 lb at least partially distanced from the first end edge 11a. The figures non-limitingly illustrate a configuration in which the first end edge 11a of the crown 11 has the same shape, although with smaller dimensions, as the second end edge l ib of the crown 11. Alternatively, a crown 11 can be realied that has a first end edge 11a having a first shape and a second end edge l ib having a second shape that is different to the first shape of the first end edge 11a.

Returning to the description of the configuration shown in the accompanying figures, it can be observed that the crown 11 has, but limitingly, a substantially circular crown- or ring-shape an inner circumference of which coincides with the free edge 19. In terms of size, the crown 11 exhibits an internal diameter greater than 20 mm, in particular greater than 24 mm, still more in particular equal to or greater than 28 mm, while the outer diameter of the peripheral zone is less than 66 mm, in particular less than 60 mm, still more particularly equal to or less than 50 mm. As can be seen from the accompanying figures, the main body 2, in the operative condition, comprises a plurality of pleats 12 arranged at the lateral wall 9 and the ring 11. The pleats 12 are configured such as during the deformation step to allow the arrangement of the main body 2 from a flat configuration, in which the the main body 2 lies on a prevalent development plane, to a three-dimensional container configuration.

The pleats 12 comprise a plurality of first sectors 21 extending along the perimetral development of the lateral wall 9 of the crown 11 (see also figure 11). The first sectors 21 are defined by a single layer of the main body 2 in the paper sheet material intercalated with a plurality of second sectors 22 defined by a superposing of several layers of the main body 2. The second sectors 22 comprise at least a portion 23 defined by the layer coming from a first sector 21, at least an adjacent portion 24 defined by the layer coming from the first sector 21 at least one connecting portion 25 that connects the other two portions 23, 24 without any break in continuity. In this way the portions of the first sector and the connecting portion define a superposing of at least three layers of the main body 2 in sheet material.

In other words, the pleats 12 comprise a fold area 30 which comprises a first and a second superposing zone 31, 32: the first superposing zone 31 comprises at least a first and a second portion 33, 34 of the first surface 2a, substantially facing one another, in particular in contact with each other, while the second superposing zone 32 comprises at least a first and a second portion 35, 36 of the second surface 2b, substantially facing one another, in particular in contact with each other.

As previously mentioned, the pleats 12 are configured such as to enable the deformation of the main body 2, in particular, enabling it to be arranged in a three-dimensional configuration. Structurally speaking, the pleats 12 can compensate for the additional amount of material that would be created during the passage of the main body 2 from the flat configuration to the three- dimensional configuration. As can be imagined, the greater the development in height of the capsule 1 the greater the amount of material to be compensated. In fact at least one of the portions of the first and/or second superposing zone 31, 32 has an area having an increasing trend in a distancing direction from the base 8: this progression depends on the structure of the main body after the deformation step.

As can be seen from the accompanying figures, the pleats 12 exhibit in cross-section a substantially Z-shaped profile: this profile, as previously mentioned, exhibits a development having an increasing trend in a distancing direction from the base 8. Observing the accompanying figures it can be observed that the pleats 12 are substantially identical to one another: this configuration is due to the shape of the main body 2 prior to the deformation step. In particular, the disc shape of the main body 2 enables uniformly deforming the main body 2 during the deformation step. Even more in detail, the accompanying figures show that the pleats are arranged in a uniform pattern along the lateral wall 9 and along the crown 11. In particular, the pleats are substantially equally spaced from one another. It can be observed that the base 8, the lateral wall 9 and the ring 11 are made in a single piece. In particular, as will be described more fully in the following, in the operating condition the main body 2 consists of a single sheet of paper material.

As mentioned, in the operating condition the main body 2 defines the housing compartment 14 the internal surface of which is defined by the first surface 2a of the main body 2. The housing space 14, as will be explained in the following, is configured such as to enable containing a predetermined amount of at least a food substance 15. The housing compartment 14 has a volume of greater than 300 mm ³ , in particular greater than 500 mm ³ , even more in particular greater than 700 mm ³ . More in detail, the housing compartment 14 has an internal volume of less than 1200 mm ³ , in particular less than 1000 mm ³ , even more in particular less than 900 mm ³ .

As can be seen from the accompanying figures, before the step of deformation the main body 2 of sheet material comprises a gliding material 6 on at least a portion of the first surface 2a. The gliding material 6 has the purpose of facilitating the re-arrangement of the main body 2 from the flat configuration to the three-dimensional configuration. In particular, the gliding material 6 ensures the maintaining of the deformation of the main body 2, preventing breakage or tearing of the sheet material. To better understand the functionality of the gliding material 6 it can be said that during the deformation step the main body 2 is subjected to high stress due to the considerable deformation of the paper in the vertical direction and the consequent necessary bending thereof.

The gliding material 6 therefore enables reducing the stresses on the main body 2 during the deformation step thereof and thus prevents any tearing or breakage of the material that might compromise the structural integrity of the capsule 1.

In detail, the gliding material 6 is arranged on at least a portion of the paper sheet material which, in the operating condition of the main body 2, is arranged on the lateral wall 9. However, in general the entire first surface 2a exhibits this material 6.

On at least a portion of the lateral wall 9, the gliding material 6 comprises at least a layer of silicone material. Alternatively, and as mentioned, it is possible to apply the gliding material 6 on the entire first surface 2a of the main body 2. The amount of gliding material will be comprised between 0.05 g/m2 and 1 g/m2. In detail, the amount will be comprised between 0.2 and 0.9 g/m2 (for example about 0.6 g/m2). The gliding material of the quantities shown will preferably be silicone.

Furthermore, calendered paper materials are preferred, as they do not absorb completely internally of the gliding material (e.g. silicone).

Obviously, as an alternative to a paper treated on one side only (single-coated) with gliding material (such as described above) use can be made of a paper treated on both sides (double coated) or even a card material that internally contains the gliding material, defining once more a container in which the gliding material is present on both sides. The present description also relates to a capsule 1 comprising at least a covering element 13 which is arranged at the free edge 19 of the housing compartment 14.

The covering element 13 is configured to define a working condition in which the main body 2, arranged in the three-dimensional condition, cooperates with the covering element 13 and enables defining a closed volume inside the housing space 14. As for the main body, the covering element 13 too is constituted by a paper sheet material having a first and a second surface 13 a, 13b opposite one another. In working conditions, the first surface 13a faces the first surface 2a of the main body 2. In particular, at least a portion of the first surface 13a of the covering element 13 is in contact with the first surface 2a of the main body 2.

As can be observed from the accompanying figures, the covering element 13 is arranged, during closing of the semi-finished capsule of figure 3, at the crown 11; at least a portion of the first surface 13a of the covering member 13 is in contact with at least a portion of the crown 11. As can be imagined, in order to be able to define a closed internal volume inside the housing compartment 14, the covering element 13 must have a minimum volume that is larger than the size of the free edge 19 (as a minimum the development in width and length of the covering element 13).

As can be seen in the accompanying figures, the covering element 13 extends substantially in a prevalent development plane, and in particular non-limitingly exhibits a substantially circular shape defined by a disc. Alternatively, the covering element 13 can exhibit a substantially flat configuration defining a substantially polygonal or elliptical shape.

The covering member 13 enables the capsule 1 to contain and at the same time to filter the fluid passing through the capsule 1. In detail, the covering element 13 must allow selective passage of fluids or better must ensure the maintenance of the food substance 15 inserted in the capsule 1 inside the housing space 14 and at the same time allow the entry of water (or possibly the outflow of the drink - depending on the direction of water flow). To accomplish this task, the covering element 13 comprises at least a portion of filter paper (or filtering paper) configured precisely to allow the selective passage of fluids and the retention of the particles of food substance (for example, ground coffee). This portion of filter paper is arranged on at least a portion of the covering element arranged internally of the free edge 19: in this way the fluid passage from the capsule can mix with the food substance 15 inside the housing 14. In general the entire cover element 13 is made entirely of filter paper.

The covering element 13, in the capsule-finished working condition, is constrained to the main body 2; in particular the constraint between the covering element 13 and the main body 2 is of a purely mechanical type. In particular, the constraint between the covering element 13 and the main body 2 is achieved without addition of glue or other additional elements. More in detail, in the working condition the covering element 13 and the main body 2 define a fold (or rather a curl) 18 created precisely by cooperation between the covering element 13 and the main body 2. Even more in detail, the said curl 18 is defined by the cooperation of peripheral portions of the covering member 13 and corresponding peripheral portions of the crown 11. The curl 18 extends around the free edge 19 of the housing compartment, in particular defining a closed tract which surrounds the housing compartment 14 (figures 9, 10, 13 and 14).

The closed tract of the curl 18 has a substantially circular shape, in particular 17 defining a closing edge of the capsule 1 : the closing edge is an end closing edge arranged on top of the capsule 1. From a structural point the curl 18 is substantially defined by at least one enveloping fold of the main body 2. More in detail the curl 18 includes at least one folding of the main body 2 and at least one folding of the covering member 13, in particular interposed between them. The folding of the curl 18, obtained as will be more fully described below, enables arranging the second surface 2b of the main body 2 as the (upper) external surface 18a of the capsule 1 : the second surface 2b thus defines, at least at the curl 18, part of the visible upper surface of the capsule 1.

As can be seen from the figures, the curl 18 substantially defines a continuous circular element, in particular substantially defines a ring.

As previously mentioned the covering element 13 and the main body 2 consist of paper sheet material; consequently the fold is also made entirely of printed paper sheet material, in particular by a superposing in the radius of the filter paper (of the covering element 13), and plain paper with a gliding agent (the crown 11).

As previously mentioned, internally of the housing compartment 14 the capsule comprises a predetermined amount of at least a food substance 15: this substance is configured to allow the preparation of a beverage and in detail is configured to mix and release a flavouring during the passage of a liquid substance, in particular hot or cold water, inside the housing space 14. The food substance 15 present inside the housing compartment is a granular substance and/or is in powder form: this substance is in particular a freeze-dried substance such as coffee and/or tea and/or milk and/or fruit juice in powder form and/or similar substances suitable for giving particular tastes to the dispensed beverage.

As can be observed from the accompanying figures, the body 2 also comprises a visual sign 3 arranged on the second surface 2b. The visual sign 3, in the operating condition, is at least partially arranged on the crown 11. The visual sign 3 comprises at least a tract or alternatively consists of a plurality of tracts.

As can be observed in the accompanying figures, at least a portion of the visual sign 3 is at least partially complementarily shaped to the free edge 19. A configuration is non-limitingly represented in the accompanying figures in which the free edge exhibits, as previously mentioned, a substantially circular shape and wherein the visual sign 3 also has a substantially circular shape. In a further embodiment, not represented in the accompanying drawings, the visual sign 3 exhibits a substantially polygonal or elliptical shape and may or may not comprise a plurality of discrete portions arranged on the peripheral area.

Returning to the description of the visual sign 3 represented in the accompanying figures, it can be observed at least at the crown 11 that it exhibits at least a section defined by a substantially circular profile. In detail it can be observed that the portion has a substantially circular crown or ring shape (in a further embodiment that is not shown in the accompanying figures, the folding of at least two tracts of the visual sign 3 may define a substantially circular crown or ring ).

In a geometric analysis, the visual sign 3 can be seen to have an extension, measured along the radius of the circular crown or ring, of greater than 3 mm, in particular greater than 5 mm, even more in particular greater than 10 mm. In fact, the crown or ring defining the visual sign 3 exhibits an internal diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the free edge 19 of the housing compartment 14. Quantitatively the internal diameter of the crown or ring defined by the visual sign is greater than 50 mm, in particular greater than 60 mm, even more in particular greater than 70 mm. More in detail, the external diameter of the crown or ring defining the visual sign 3 is more than 60 mm, in particular greater than 70 mm, even more in particular greater than 80 mm. The dimensions of the visual sign 3 can be defined by relating them to the dimensions of the peripheral zone 7. As previously mentioned, the crown 11 lies substantially in a prevalent development plane: the ratio between the area of extension of the crown 11 and the surface area of the visual sign 3 is greater than 1.2, in particular greater than 1.5, even more particular greater than 2. The dimensions of the visual sign 3 can be defined by a relation of the size thereof before and after the deformation step. In particular the ratio between the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign 3 before the step of deformation and the internal diameter of the circular crown of the visual sign 3 after the deformation step is greater than 1.2, in particular greater than 1.5, even more in particular greater than 1.8.

As previously mentioned the curl 18 is arranged at the crown 11 of the capsule 1. In the working condition the visual sign is arranged on at least an upper portion 18a of the curl 18; in particular the visual sign 3, in the working condition, is arranged on at least a portion of the closing edge 20. In greater detail, in the operating condition the visual sign 3 is arranged in such a way that in the working condition of the capsule 1 the visual sign 3 is arranged on at least a portion of the external surface of the curl 18 that is visible to a consumer.

The accompanying figures illustrate a configuration in which the visual sign 3 in the working condition is arranged on the entire external surface of the curl 18. Alternatively, in further embodiments not represented in the accompanying drawings, the visual sign 3 can be arranged, in the operating condition, on the crown 11 so that during the working condition of the capsule 1, the visual sign 3 defines a plurality of discrete visible portions on the curl 18. The visual sign 3 comprises at least a section, in particular the entire visual sign, having a different colour in comparison to a colour of the second surface 2b. The visual sign 3 is configured such as to identify the contents of the capsule 1.

More in detail, the visual sign 3 is configured to identify the type of food substance 15 present inside the capsule 1 and then identify the beverage dispensed from the capsule 1. In this way the user, based on the visual sign 3 on the capsule 1, can identify and then select the type of beverage he or she wishes to be dispensed. The present description also relates to a packing element configured to allow the housing of one or more capsules 1 described above. The packing element is configured to define a substantially closed volume inside which one or more capsules 1 are arranged. In a preferred embodiment, the packaging element is substantially an envelope which is formed at least partially of plastic material and/or at least partially of aluminium.

From the manufacturing point of view, first the main body 2, made of paper material, is arranged in a flat configuration where it lies on a prevalent development plane (figures 1 and 2). For example the material can be unwound from a reel and then suitably scored to define the required outline, such as the shape illustrated in figure 1 ; obviously more shapes will be scored into the unreeled material so as to use the maximum quantity of material and minimise waste. The various outline shapes can be maintained united together by small areas of material so that the correct feed rate can be guided integrally. Once the waste has been removed the deformation (typically but not necessarily by drawing) of the main body 2 takes place, which enables it to be taken from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional configuration, i.e. the configuration of figure 3.

More specifically, the deformation step, as described above, enables the main body 2 to be arranged in the operative condition in which it exhibits a first container shape. The container shape obtained by the deformation of the main body 2 gives the main body 2 the geometrical characteristics as described above. In particular, in the operative condition the main body 2 defines the housing compartment 14, the internal surface of which is constituted by the first surface 2a of the main body 2. The housing compartment 14 is delimited at the bottom by the base 8 and peripherally by the lateral wall 9. The lateral wall defines the free edge on the top 19, which in turn defines the opening 20.

As already described above, the crown 11 emerges at the free edge 19 which extends transversally with respect to the lateral wall 9. Observing in particular figures 3 to 10, the main body 2 can be defined by using male and female dies (not shown in the accompanying figures) and the main body 2 can have different shapes depending on the shape of the dies. In an advantageous production process, the flat sheet 9 is deep drawn by means of the first and second dies; the first die (not visible in the accompanying figures) comprises at least a cavity having a shape substantially coinciding with the outer shape of the main body 2 after the deformation step (for example a truncoconical shape). The second die will be provided with at least a male body having a shape substantially coinciding with the internal shape of the main body 2 after the deformation step thereof: the male body can cooperate with the respective cavity to define said capsule 1.

Prior to the deformation step the main body 2 made of paper sheet material is interposed between the first and second dies. The interaction of the dies in the presence of high pressure and heat is used to deform the main body 2 and confer thereon a three-dimensional conformation so as to bring it into the configuration of semi-finished capsule shown in figures 3 to 6.

In greater detail, the deformation step comprises a step of drawing the main body 2 made of the paper sheet material from which it is possible to pass in a single step only from the flat configuration of the main body 2 to the three-dimensional form, generating the base 8, the lateral wall 9, the crown 11 and all the pleats 12 of the type described herein above. As can be seen from the accompanying figures the procedure for realising the capsule 1, in particular the drawing phase of the main body 2 enables formation of the main body starting from a single flat sheet and obtaining the main body 2 in the operative condition: therefore the base 8, the side wall 9 and the crown 11 are in single piece.

The accompanying figures non-limitingly illustrate a configuration of the main body 2 made using a die having a slightly truncoconical shape. In this way a substantially flat base 8 can be obtained that has a substantially circular shape peripherally connected to the lateral wall 9. The truncoconical shape of the die gives the lateral wall 9 the same shape, in particular wherein the lateral wall 9 exhibits a substantially circular profile in a parallel plane to the base 8 (figure 3 A). Note that the embodiments illustrated in the figures relate to a truncoconical body, through the present method is applicable also to defining polygonal shapes of the main body 2, as previously described.

The drawing step also defines the crown 11 of the main body 2. The accompanying figures non- limitingly illustrate a configuration in which the crown 11 is shaped as a circular sector. As for the base 8 and the lateral wall 9, the present method is applicable also to defining additional shapes of the crown 11 : this variation is possible by means of a suitable variation of the scored blank sent in input to the dies and/or by means of variations of the die shape. The deformation or bending or deep drawing of the main body 2 from the base 8 up to generating the lateral wall 9 will generate excess material that will be recovered by the creation of the pleats 12, which connect contiguous portions of the lateral wall 9.

In particular, the deformation step suitable for generating the pleats 12 is configured such as to impart on the lateral wall 9 and the ring 11 , along the perimeter thereof, a plurality of first sectors 21 defined by a layer of the main sheet material body 2 intercalated by a plurality of second sectors 22 defined by a superposing of several layers of the main body 2. The second sectors 22 comprise at least a portion 23 defined by the layer coming from a first sector 21, at least a portion 24 defined by the layer coming from the first sector 21 adjacent to the previous sector and at least a connecting portion 25 that connects the other two portions 23, 24, without any break in continuity, such as to define a superposing of at least three layers of the main body 2 of sheet material. In other words, the substep gives the pleats 12 a fold area 30 which comprises a first and a second superposing area 31, 32: the first superposing zone 31 comprises at least a first and a second portion 33, 34 of the first surface 2a that substantially face one another, in particular are in contact with each other, the second superposing zone 32 comprising at least a first and a second portion 35, 36 of the second surface 2b that are substantially facing one another, in particular in contact with each other.

The substep of defining the pleats 12 gives the pleats one or more of the geometrical characteristics described above. Note also that the drawing phase of the main body 2 as described above enables a simultaneous generating of the base 8, the lateral wall 9, the crown 11 and the pleats 12, such as to be able to define in a single step the entire container structure of the semi-finished capsule of figure 3.

The type of folding described above enables, therefore, acounting for the excess material with respect to the circular (or polygonal) base at the moment in which a finished container is realised. It is clear that the greater the size of the finished container, the greater the size of the lateral wall 9, the crown 11 and the excess material to be accounted for. By following the procedure described above it is therefore possible to realize semi-finished capsules for subsequent containing of food products, from a single sheet and of desired size and shape with the base 8 circualr and the section of the lateral wall 9 which is also circular (see figures 3 to 6). The step of predisposing the sheet material 2 can comprise a sub-step of preparing at least a gliding material 6 on at least a portion (in general on the whole) of the first surface 2a configured such as to facilitate the deformation of the main body 2 from the flat to the three-dimensional configuration. In particular, the step of applying the gliding material 6 ensures the deformation of the main body 2 by preventing (or very much limiting) any breakage of the sheet material. In fact this facilitates the generation of the lateral wall 9 and the base 8 without the zones of greater stress to which the paper is subjected reaching the breaking limit (in particular the perimeter edge that connects the base 8 to the lateral wall 9). The gliding material 6 affords, as previously described, a better sliding and is constituted in particular by a silicone material, which facilitates the passage of the main body 2 from the flat to the three-dimensional configuration: the gliding element 6 in fact prevents any rips and tearing of the paper or weakenings which might damage the structural strength of the main body 2.

The substep of applying the gliding material 6 means that the main body 2 can be given the geometrical characteristics described above. Moreover, the presence thereof helps the capsule to maintain its three-dimensional shape as the heat applied during the drawing step makes the silicone material or in any case the gliding material tend to maintain the achieved geometry by improving the maintenance of the shape of the paper material, or by reducing the release thereof and the tendency to return to its undeformed state.

Further, the gliding material present on the inner surface of the semi-finished capsule of figure 3 is significant even in the early stages of use of the capsule, as will be more fully described in the following. If it were desired to further increase the resistance to bulging of the lateral wall 9, appropriate ribs 40 (one or more) can be fashioned, thus improving the resistance to increased internal pressure in the capsule (figure 17). In particular, by using a die 200 at least partially complementarily shaped to the base 8 and the lower zone of the capsule, in conjunction with two or more upper blocking dies 201, 202 which retain at least the crown 11, it is possible to define the rib 40 (figure 16).

In particular, in the working configuration the above-mentioned dies define a cavity in the area of the lateral wall 9 in which the ribs are to be defined; by nearing the upper dies 201, 202 to the lower die 200 and pushing the excess paper material generated on the lateral wall 9 (towards the outside - as shown, but also inwards if desired) the rib of figure 17 can be obtained. Note that figure 17 illustrates only one rib 40 but a plurality (2 or more) could also be fashioned, depending on requirements. Further, the rib 40 of figure 17 is left to emerge radially, but in general will be crushed onto the lateral wall 9.

The process of realising the capsule further comprises a step of filling the housing compartment 14 with a predetermined quantity of a food substance 15 then configured such as to enable preparation of a comestible beverage. The food substance 15 is configured such as to mix and release a flavour during the passage of a liquid, in particular water, internally of the housing compartment 14.

The realising process of the capsule further comprises a step of providing at least a covering element 13 at the free edge 19 of the housing compartment 14 (figure 7). The covering element 13 is configured such as to define a working condition of the main body 2 in which the body 2 is arranged in the operating condition, and cooperates with the covering element 13 such as to define a closed volume inside the housing compartment 14.

In particular, the above-described step comprises a substep configured such as to have at least a portion of the first surface 13a of the cover member 13 in contact with at least a portion of the crown 11. In addition to the preparation step of the covering element, the method comprises a step configured such as to constrain the covering element 13 to the main body 2, in particular wherein the substep defines a constraint of a mechanical type between the covering element 13 and the main body 2 (sequence of figures 8 and 9 - the die of figure 14). As previously described the constraint between the covering element 13 and the main body does not include the presence of any external element suitable for creating a coupling between the two bodies. In particular, the constraint will be free of glue, adhesives or other additional external coupling elements. For this reason, the process exhibits no additional steps of gluing or insertion of elements external of the capsule and external of the paper elements defining the capsule.

The step of constraining the covering element 13 and the main body 2 comprises a sub-step of defining a fold 17 preferably extending downwards (towards the base 8) as illustrated in figure 8. In particular, an end portion of the crown 11 and a corresponding end portion of the covering element are folded downwards leaving only a small radial internal crown 16 in a substantially flat situation and parallel to the base 8. The substep of defining of the fold 17 then comprises a further subsequent sub-step for creating a curl 18 defined by at least a folding of the main body 2, in particular wherein the curl 18 includes at least a folding of the main body 2 and at least a folding of the covering element 13.

The curl 18 is folded by deforming the fold with a motion from the bottom upwards, i.e. forcing the lower end 17a of the fold 17 to exit outwardly distancingly from the lateral wall 9 and moving it upwardly, thus curling it, i.e. on the opposite side with respect to the base 8 of the main body 2.

In this way, folding the curl 18 from the opposite side to the base 8, i.e. as seen in figures 7 and 8 - folding the part of fold 17 shown on the right in figure 8 in an anticlockwise direction, and the part of fold 17 shown on the right in figure 8 in a clockwise direction, the second surface 2b of the main body 2 defines the external surface of the capsule 1. In other words the paper, or in more detail the filter paper, forming the closing element 13 will be completely covered by paper material defining the radially outermost zone of the crown 11 (figure 9 or figure 14a).

Figure 15 illustrates a die 100 for bringing the semi-finished capsule with the covering element 13 in a fiat form applied (the condition of figure 7) in the conditions of figure 10 or 13 in a single production step. In particular the semi-finished capsule is positioned inside a female counter-die

101 which supports the capsule at least at an internal zone of the circular crown 11 close to the lateral wall 9. In particular an abutment 101a (for example circular) is present and supports part of the crown 11, while the remaining part of the crown emerges projectingly. A blocking member

102 descends towards the female die 101 and the portions 102a of the blocking element 102 cooperate with the abutment 101a and pinch the radially internal part of the crown 11.

At this point the jacket 103 drops downwards, bending the free portion of the crown 11 and of the covering element 13 bearing the container in the configuration of figure 8 in which a small area 'a' of the ring 11 and of the covering element 13 remain flat and superposed (in general pinched between the above-mentioned portions 101a and 102a) while the remaining area 'b' is folded. Then the jacket 103 and a cooperating body 104 are brought together and in an upwards direction. The fold 17 trapped between the female die 101 and the jacket 103 is guided by the jacket 103 and by the cooperating body 104 jointly in the seating defined by the portions 103a and 104a that cooperate to curl the fold 17 such as to define the curl. Depending on how far the jacket 103 and the cooperating body 104 are raised the conditions of figure 9 or figure 14A can be reached.

At the dimensional level, in order to obtain a 'good' curl 18, sufficiently rigid and stable but not too bulky, the radial length of 'b' will be between 4 and 15 mm and in more detail between 7 and 13 mm. The portion 'a' defines a flat abutment which will be used during dispensing of the beverage from the dispensing machine as a reference for blocking the capsule in the correct position. The radial dimensions of portion 'a' will be between 1 and 5 mm and in detail between 2 and 4 mm.

The substep of applying the covering element 13 and execution of the fold comprise the substeps configured respectively for imparting on both the covering element 13 and the fold identical physical and geometric characteristics as mentioned above.

The manufacturing process further comprises a step, prior or subsequent or simultaneous to the deformation step of the main body 2, for application of the visual sign 3 on the second surface 2b of the main body 2. In fact, this step can be carried out before the deformation step of the main body 2, when the main body 2 has a flat configuration, or alternatively simultaneously with or subsequent to the deformation step, therefore when it already exhibits a three-dimensional shape. A further alternative can include the application of the visual sign 3 simultaneously or subsequently to the step where the main body 2 is arranged in the working condition. The step of applying the visual sign 3 comprises a substep configured for arranging the visual sign 3 on the main body 2 at least on a portion of the fold 17. In particular, the sub-step enables applying the visual sign 3 on at least a portion of an external surface of the fold 17 so that the external surface is clearly visible during the arrangement of the main body 2 in the working condition. Figure 10 non-limitingly illustrates a preferred embodiment of the capsule in which the visual sign 3 covers the entire external surface of the fold 17.

The application of the visual sign 3 enables the user to identify the contents of the capsule and then to select the beverage to be dispensed through the capsule 1. The capsule 1 can be used with dispensers of beverages, in particular with machines for coffee and/or tea and/or milk and/or similar beverages. In the following reference will be made only to coffee machines without excluding machines that can dispense similar beverages or which are able to use the capsule 1 described above. It should be noted that the presence of gliding material 6 inside the housing compartment prevents the coffee or in any case the powder substance from adhering to the walls and facilitates the mixing with the passing water, thus improving the release of the flavour.

The capsule can be used in any type of dispenser. A first macro-division can be made between coffee machines, as a function of the way of loading/unloading the capsule, namely: manual machines where there is a loading/unloading of capsules by hand; semi-automatic machines where the coffee capsule is inserted into the machine and discharged, normally, by the movement of a lever of the expulsive actuating mechanism; automatic machines in which the capsule is inserted into the machine and from this automatically discharged into a drawer tray for the capsules.

The above-described capsule exhibits numerous advantages. The fact that it is entirely made of paper material can significantly reduce the cost of the material. Beyond this, the fact of making a container (main body 2 in the operating condition) in a single piece eliminates additional steps of assembly of the body of the capsule 1 which would contribute to increasing the cost. The fact of assembling the main body 2 and the covering element 13 by portions thereof can be added to this.

In practice the realization of the capsule with a covering element is done by means of a mechanical coupling between the covering element 13 and the main body 2 without any addition of external elements such as glue and coupling elements. In fact this enables reducing both the costs of the product and the costs of assembly.

Finally, the arrangement of the visual sign 3 on the second surface 2b externally of the housing compartment prevents any contact between the drink and the visual sign 3 - which is done with ink and/or paint. This ensures that the drinks preserve their composition and quality without suffering any contamination from the ink and/or paint of the visible sign 3. The fold 17, in addition to ensuring the bond between the main body 2 and the covering element 13, lastly enables the visible sign to be moyed from a substantially hidden and inconvenient zone to an area where it can easily be identified.