SINGLE DOSE CAPSULE, SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR PREPARING EDIBLE PRODUCTS USING SAID SINGLE DOSE CAPSULE

Field of the invention

The present invention refers to the field of single dose capsules adapted for preparing edible products, such as beverages.

The present invention further refers to a system and to a process for preparing different edible products, such as for example different types of aromatic beverages, based upon single dose capsules.

Background of the invention

The prior art includes different solutions of single dose portions adapted for preparing beverages, including by means of extraction an aromatic substance, such as for example espresso type coffee and other types of beverages. It is known that the efficacy of the mixing process with the edible substance and, therefore, the quality of the beverage obtained, depends to a large extent on several aspects relating to the fluid flow, usually water, injected in said capsule and flowing inside thereof along a prevailing flow direction.

A particularly relevant aspect relates to the flow entry and exit passages to be provided in the capsule envelope containing the single dose inside thereof. In particular, it is known that providing flow passages in the envelope by means of weakened material zones adapted so as to rupture under the upstream flow pressure presents several advantages relative to the alternative of perforation of said envelope. Moreover, it is known that small details in the configuration of said weakened material zones can produce very different results, as illustrated by the quantity and diversity of related documents in the prior art. Examples of this type of flow passageways are disclosed in the documents EP0806373A1, EP1S5218B1, EP1723047B1, WO2010/115970A1.

In particular, document WO2012/010760A1 discloses a capsule that presents a weakened material zone provided in the perimeter of a constructive part on the flow entry side in a dome-like shape adapted so that can be deflected under the upstream flow pressure.

Another particularly relevant aspect is the provision of flow confining zones that provide a volume and are adapted to retain the flow during a given period of time or to redistribute the flow to a downstream region. Examples of this type of flow confining zones is disclosed in the documents EP1344722B1 that discloses flow confining zones of interstitial spaces, and EP1608569B1 that discloses chamber-like flow confining zones .

In particular, the document EP1784344B1 discloses a capsule that presents an interior space adapted for collecting an edible substance, whereby said interior space is provided downstream of an entry flow confining zone of chamber type associated to a flow entry disposition, and downstream of a exit flow confining zone of a chamber type associated to a flow exit disposition, whereby the elements that delimit said space for collecting the edible substance present flow passageways. The distribution of the flow to the interior of said flow confining zones, or to regions downstream thereof, also plays an important role in the preparation of different quantities of product. The document EP1566127B1 discloses a solution.

Moreover, it is known that the weakened material zones provided in the exterior envelope of the capsules can compromise the oxygen barrier thereof, thereby reducing its shelve-life. The document GB2503697A. discloses a related solution.

Moreover, the solutions known do not solve the problem of upstream flow reflux as a result of flow accumulation in said flow confining zones, in particular in the case of entry flow confining zones.

There is therefore a need to provide single dose capsules adapted for preparing edible products and that, by simple constructive means, provide better flow entry and exit conditions, as well as ensure fluid barrier conditions, in particular oxygen barrier.

General description of the invention

The objective of the present invention is to provide a single dose capsule adapted for preparing edible products by means of mixing a pressurized fluid flow with an edible substance, such as for example aromatic beverages, including espresso type coffee, tea and similar, and other types of beverages and edible products, including in the form of rigid and flexible capsules, and presenting latent flow passage zones adapted so as to provide advantageous fluid flow conditions and spatial distribution patterns upstream and/or downstream of the interior space where said pressurized fluid mixes with an edible substance, including as a function of different states and compositions of said fluid flow, as well as a reliable behaviour of said latent flow passage zones.

In particular, the present invention refers to a single dose capsule that presents an exterior envelope including a flow entry disposition and a flow exit disposition arranged successively along a prevailing flow direction, in particular thereby configuring directly opposing exterior top walls of said capsule, and, optionally, also a structural disposition providing a sidewall of capsule that develops in a preferentially rotation symmetric manner between said flow entry and exit dispositions, so as to confine a collection space adapted for confining at least one edible substance, whereby at least one of said flow entry and exit dispositions comprises at least one respective flow confining space, in particular provided void as a temporary pressurized flow confining zone, and disposed adjacent respectively upstream and downstream of said edible substance confining space. Moreover, at least part of one of said flow entry and exit dispositions can be part of a container-like element, together with said sidewall disposition.

The objective above is attained according to the present invention by means of a single dose capsule according to claim 1.

In particular, the objective above is solved according to the present invention by means of a capsule wherein said flow confining space is adapted so as to provide a fluid barrier, including liquid barrier, relative to said edible substance confining space and relative to the exterior of said capsule, when said flow confining space presents a fluid pressure smaller than a previously defined first fluid pressure, thereby reinforcing the fluid barrier provided by the capsule m particular in the case of using certain materials, and at least one of said flow entry and exit dispositions provides successive latent flow passage zones along the prevailing flow direction of a pressurized fluid flow inside of said capsule, adapted so as to pxxrvide at least one respective flow passage when .impinged by an upstream fluid pressure bigger than a previously defined second fluid pressure, thereby providing greater control upon the fluid states, period of circulation and spatial pattern of pressurized flow though the capsule.

According to a preferred embodiment , said successive .latent flow passage zones are provided different, including by presenting different. fluid barrier, resistances as a function of the impinging fluid pressure, including oxygen and water vapour barrier until a first fluid pressure, and liquid barrier to the flow- passage until said fluid pressure is greater than said second first fluid pressure.

According to another preferred embodiment , said successive latent flow passage zones are provided different so as to induce a variation of at least one of flow spatial distribution, period of recirculation and inherent flow pressure build-up in said flow confining spaces.

In terms of a first technical effect, in the case of presenting successive latent; flow passage zones in said flow exit disposition, the capsule according to the invention provides two successive moments of temporary retention of the upstream pressurized flow, so that provides an additional control upon the time of residence of the flow inside of the capsule, both while in contact, with the edible substance inside the collection space, and afterwards, while in the exit flow confining space, with advantages in terras of the resulting quality of edible product.

In terms of a second technical effect, for example in the case of said flow entry disposition presenting successive latent flow passage zones, the capsule according to the invention provides two successive material barriers, so that provides a better oxygen and water vapour barrier in the space that confines the edible substance, and to an enhanced control upon the flow spatial distribution inside an entry flow confining zone and when contacting the edible substance inside said substance confining space, thus increasing the fraction of edible substance impinged by the flow, and therefore, the quality thereof at the exit of the capsule.

In terms of a third technical effect, in the case of said flow entry disposition presenting successive latent flow passage zones, the capsule according to the invention provides a more reliable opening of said latent flow passage zones when the upstream and downstream entry parts are not in the proximity of the edible substance.

According to a preferred embodiment, said successive latent flow passage zones present different types of latent flow passages, including with or without removal of the associated material, by means of reduction of thickness, by means of at least partial cut of the material, by means of local variation of mechanical properties or of the material structure and combination of different materials, disposed for example in layers.

According to another preferred embodiment, said successive latent flow passage zones present different rupture resistances under fluid pressure in the case they are provided by means of material removal or displacement, or different spreading apart resistance under fluid pressure in the case they are provided by means of material cuts or discontinuities.

According to another preferred embodiment, at .least one of said successive latent flow passage scries it? adapted so that configures part, of the perimeter of a circumference or trapezoid.

According to another preferred embodiment, at least parr,, preferentially at least most part of said latent flow passage, zones is provided in a region or by the intersection of at least two regions, of smaller material thickness, whereby said region preferentially presents a linear-like form. It is particularly preferred when said latent flow passage zones are adapted so that present a substantially elastic behaviour, so that they only provide a substantial passage opening in case there is a second fluid pressure upstream, and reduce sard op>ening the fluid pressure up-stream is smaller.

According to another preferred embodiment, at least, one of said upstream and/or downstream parts is provided in a dome-like form or similar, disposed with the convexi ty oriented upstream ,

According to another preferred embodiment, at least one of said upstream and downstream parts is supported by a plurality of. radial support grooves and/or by a plurality of perimeter support elements, preferentially provided as a single piece.

The capsules according to the present invention are adapted for collection of edible and ingestible substances in general, including substances associated to food products, such as for example aromatic beverages, refrigerants and other types of beverages, and associated with products with nutritional and health auxiliary property, in particular whenever the fluid barrier and pressurized fluid distribution functions are relevant. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system for preparing edible products comprising at least one type of injection device and at least two types of single dose capsules adapted so as to provide flow conditions for different types and/or quantities of edible product to be produced.

The objective above is attained according to the present invention by means of a system according to claim 10.

In particular, the different types of capsules comprise at least one of a flow entry and exit disposition including successive latent flow passage zones adapted so as to provide different flow conditions and/or patterns along the prevailing flow direction.

According to a first embodiment, said types of capsules present a similar general configuration and interior volume, as well as similar latent flow passage zones at least in the part of capsule that is furthest upstream, so that they can be used with a similar type of flow injection device, preferentially also in the part that is furthest downstream, but with different latent flow passage zones in at least one of upstream and downstream parts adjacent to the interior space that confines the edible substance, so as to thereby adapt to the characteristics of each edible product and respective preparation process.

According to another preferred embodiment, said types of capsule present a similar general configuration and interior volume but an interior space confining an edible substance of different volume and different latent flow passage zones, so that there is provided the possibility of different flow rates and so that there can be prepared different quantities of edible product. Another objective of the present invention, is to disclo.se a process for preparing an edible product that provides better quality of said edible product.

The objective above is attained according tc the present, invention by means of a process according to claim 12.

According to a preferred embodiment, an initial, for example mostly gaseous, pressurized fluid flow is injected under a first fluid pressure so that flows through both successive latent flow passage zones and a following, for example mostly liquid, pressurised fluid flow flows under a second fluid pressure bigger than said first fluid pressure, for example as a result of fluid accumulation in a flow confining space between successive latent flow passage zones. Different, flow conditions and spatial flow distribution patterns can thus be applied in the preparation of different types of edible products.

In the scope of the present invention, ^flow confining space" is understood as a camera-like, alveolar-like, inter stitial-Iike or similar zone inside of the capsule, provided upstream and/or downstream of a space that confines an edible substance, and adapted for at least one of at least partial accumulation and redistribution of flow along a flow prevailing direction, in particular for retaining the flow during a given period of time and/or for altering the flow pattern or rate, that, is to generate a different flow flux pattern in a downstream region. Moreover, "substance confining space" is understood as space adapted for collecting edible substance and where the mixture thereof with pressurized flow takes place. Description of the Figures

The present invention shall hereinafter be explained in greater detail based upon preferred embodiments and the attached Figures .

The Figures show, in simplified schematic representations :

Figure 1 : side views of a first embodiment of a capsule adapted for preparing beverages according to the prior art;

Figure 2: side-cut view (on the left-side) and top view

(on the right-side) of parts of a first embodiment of a single dose capsule (1) according to the present invention, corresponding to a first type of capsule (1) of a system (10) according to the present invention;

Figure 3: side-cut view (on the left-side) and top view

(on the right-side) of parts of a second embodiment of a single dose capsule (!' ) according to the present invention, corresponding to a second type of capsule (1') of a system (10) for preparing an edible product according to the present invention/

Figure A: side-cut view (on the left-side) and top view

(on the right-side) of parts of a third embodiment of a single dose capsule (1) according to the present invention; Figure 5: side-cut view (on the left-side) and top view (on the right-side) of parts of a third embodiment of a single dose capsule (1) according to the present invention;

Figure 6: side-cut view of two types of capsule (1, of a system (10) for preparing an ed product according to the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Figure 1 schematically represents a single dose capsule (1) according to prior art. The capsule (1) comprises a flow entry disposition (2) provided in a top part, a flow exit disposition (3) provided in a top part opposing the latter, downstream thereof along the flow prevailing direction, and a structural disposition (4) providing a side wall of capsule (1), so as to confine a substance confining space (5) adapted for collecting an edible substance that is to be impinged by a pressurized fluid flow. In particular, at least said flow exit disposition (3) presents an upstream part (31) and a downstream part (32) adapted so as to delimit a flow confining space (6) in a chamber-like form. According to the prior art it is known providing latent flow passage zones (7), in particular in the form of weakened material zones as a result of a reduction of thickness thereof or of at least partial cut thereof, in at least one construction part exposed to the exterior of the capsule (1), in this case a downstream part (32) of said flow exit disposition (3) . It is further known providing an interior constructive part, in this case an upstream part (31) of said flow exit disposition (3), with a plurality of flow passageways adapted as filter or similar.

Figure 2 represents a first embodiment of a single dose capsule (1) according to the present invention, corresponding to a first type of capsule (1) of a system (10) for preparing beverages, according to the present invention.

As one can observe, according to a first inventive aspect, there are provided successive latent flow passage zones (7) along the prevailing flow direction in at least one of said flow entry and exit dispositions (2, 3) . In particular, said latent flow passage zones (7) are provided in the upstream exit part (31) and in the downstream exit part (32) and present at least one different constructive parameter, so that there results a change of flow pattern through said exit flow disposition (3) . In particular in the case of said flow exit disposition (3) there result two successive moments of temporary upstream flow retention so that there is provided an additional control upon the time of residence of the flow inside of the capsule (1), both in contact with the edible substance inside the substance confining space (5), as well as afterwards, in the flow confining space (6) that is provided on the flow exit side out of the capsule (1) .

According to a preferred embodiment, said upstream exit part (31) presents a plurality of latent flow passage zones (7) and said downstream exit part (32) only one latent flow passage zone (7), so that the flow inside a respective flow confining space (6) is advantageously redistributed to a central discharge zone of the edible product , Other constructive parameters of said latent flow passage zones (7) that can vary in said upstream and downstream exit parts (31, 32) advantageously include the type of material and of material discontinuity, the resistance to open of flow passage, the configuration and the size of the flow passage area, the density of flow passage areas and the pattern of distribution of flow passages associated with said latent flow passage zones (7) .

Moreover, said successive upstream and downstream latent flow passage zones (7) can in advantageous manner present different types of material discontinuity with or with material removal, of at least partial material cut, of local variation of mechanic and structure material properties, and of combination of different materials.

As one can further observe, the upstream part (31) is provided in support upon radial support elements (8) , so as to reinforce the effect of the force exerted upstream of respective latent flow passage zones (7) and, therefore, the reliability of giving rise to a respective flow passageway. According to another preferred embodiment, at least one of said upstream and downstream exit parts (31, 32) is provided in a single piece with said structural disposition (4), for example as a container-like element or similar.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a single dose capsule (1) according to the invention, corresponding to a second type of capsule (1') of a system (10) for preparing beverages according to the present invention.

As one can observe, in this case the flow entry disposition (2) also presents an upstream entry part (21) and a downstream entry part (22) adapted so as to delimit at least part of a flow confining space (6) , provided therefore upstream of a substance confining space (5) adapted for collection of an edible substance.

The single dose capsule (I) according to the invention thus provides two successive fluid barriers, in particular at least, two liquid barriers at least one of which also provides oxygen and water vapour area, so that results an enhanced fluid barrier to the substance confining space and an enhanced control upon the spatial flow distribution in a entry flow confining zone and when coming into contact with the edible substance, thereby increasing the fraction of edible substance impinged by said pressurized flow and, therefore, the quality of the resulting edible product.

fts one can further observe, the downstream part (22) is provided supported upon perimeter support elements (9), preferentially provided as a single part with said downstream part. According to a preferred embodiment, said entry downstream part (22) presents the general form of a bowl or similar, with the sidewalls developing under pressure along said structural disposition (4) of the type sidewall of said capsule (1) .

Figure 4 schematically represents a third embodiment of single dose capsule (1) according to the present invention.

As one can observe, the capsule (1) in this case presents a flow entry disposition (2) comprising an upstream entry part (21) provided in the form of substantially fiat lid, and a downstream entry part (22) provided in a dome-like form, or similar, disposed with a concave part oriented upstream. As represented, both of said upstream and downstream parts (21, 22) present latent flow passage zones (7) that provide different flow conditions respectively downstream thereof. This dome- like configuration provides and additional backpressure in the central zone where the flow impinges as a result from the flow passage provided by said upstream entry part (21) , so that there results a more reliable opening of the latent flow passage zones (7) provided in said downstream entry part (22) .

Figure 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a single dose capsule (1) according to the present invention.

This embodiment is substantially similar to the one represented in Figure 4, whereby in this case, also the upstream exit part (31) is provided in dome-like form, in particular with a more elevated zone distributed by a circular zone at a distance from the centre thereof. Besides of the aforementioned effect, as a result of the backpressure force exerted in the upstream direction, this type of configuration can further provide two successive steps: a step of deflection of the concave form, providing a greater volume of respective flow confining space (6) and eventually thereby exerting pressure upon an edible substance that is downstream thereof, and a step of opening of respective latent flow passage zones (7) .

Figure 6 represents two types of capsules (1, 1') in a system (10) according to the present invention. In particular, said capsules (1, 1') present a similar general configuration and volume, but provide a substance confining space (5) of different volume adapted for collecting a different quantity of edible substance. Moreover, said capsules (1, 1') present different latent flow passage zones (7, 7'), adapted so those provide different flow passageways. An example is represented in Figures 4 and 5. This embodiment is thus adapted to prepare different quantities of edible product.

According to another embodiment (not represented) of the system (10) according to the invention, said types of capsule (1, 1') present a similar general configuration and interior volume, as well as similar latent flow passage zones (7) in the furthest upstream and downstream parts of the capsule, for example the upstream entry part (21) and the downstream exit part (32) in the case of Figures A and 5, so that can be used with the same type of flow injection device, but presenting different latent flow passage zones (?, 7') in at least one of the downstream entry parts (22) and upstream exit parts (31) that delimit the substance confining space (5) that collects the edible substance, so as to thereby adapt itself to the characteristics of respective preparation process .

Lisboa, November 17 ^th 2015