US20140220190A1 - Capsule for the Preparation of Beverages - Google Patents
Capsule for the Preparation of Beverages Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140220190A1 US20140220190A1 US13/758,376 US201313758376A US2014220190A1 US 20140220190 A1 US20140220190 A1 US 20140220190A1 US 201313758376 A US201313758376 A US 201313758376A US 2014220190 A1 US2014220190 A1 US 2014220190A1
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- Prior art keywords
- side wall
- bottom portion
- lower wall
- capsule
- capsule according
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
- B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
- B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
- B65D85/8061—Filters
Definitions
- This invention relates to a capsule for making beverages.
- those capsules comprising an outer body and a lid which closes the top of the outer body and in which a powdered food substance (for example coffee powder) is positioned, which can be extracted by passing water (which may be pressurized) through it to make a beverage, for example coffee.
- a powdered food substance for example coffee powder
- the outer body comprises a lower wall and a side wall which form a chamber in which a rigid or semi-rigid filtering body is positioned.
- capsules suitable for use in beverage making systems in which the capsule is pierced at the lid, to allow the injection of water (which may be pressurized) into the capsule itself, and at the lower wall, to allow dispensing outside the capsule of the beverage produced by the interaction of the water with the powdered food substance.
- the filtering body is substantially a flat filtering body, normally disk-shaped, positioned close to the lower wall of the capsule outer body and separates the powdered food substance from the lower wall in such a way that powder does not come out of the capsule after a piercing element has penetrated through the lower wall.
- the filtering body on one hand allows the beverage to pass through it in such a way that said beverage can come out of the capsule through the lower wall (through a hole made by the piercing element or through a channel present in the latter), and on the other hand allows the powdered food substance to be retained in the capsule.
- the prior art capsules may not allow optimum extraction of the powdered food substance.
- the beverage made by the interaction between the water and the powder located close to the lid in order to be able to come out of the capsule must reach the filtering body and therefore must pass through all of the powder below which may obstruct its path.
- the powdered food substance tends to become compacted, obstructing the flow of the liquids which encounter increased resistance to permeation through the powder.
- the water injected into the capsule tends to cause compacting of the powdered food substance at the filtering body, therefore increasing the resistance of the powdered food substance to the passage of the water through it and resulting in difficulties draining the beverage through it.
- prior art capsules have the disadvantage that the powdered food substance can only be permeated unevenly, that is to say, to drastically different degrees depending on the position of the powdered food substance in the capsule.
- the water tends to flow in the zones of the powder which are less resistant to permeation, preferential channels for the passage of the water are easily created, the result being that the powdered food substance is not all permeated homogeneously.
- the disk-shaped filter was replaced with a rigid or semi-rigid filter having the shape of a basket with openings at its side wall, which is distanced from the inner part of the side wall of the outer body. Thanks to that solution it was practically possible to avoid the various clogging problems which may arise with prior art capsules.
- the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to provide a capsule for making beverages which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.
- this invention provides a capsule for making beverages which allows the water coming in to permeate the powdered food substance in a more even way than prior art capsules, at the same time minimizing the risk of powder coming out with the beverage.
- the technical purpose specified and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by a capsule for making beverages as described in the appended claims.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic axonometric exploded view of a capsule made according to a first embodiment of this invention, in cross-section along a vertical middle plane;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical middle cross-section of a capsule made according to a second embodiment of this invention similar to the first embodiment; it should be noticed that for greater clarity FIG. 2 only shows the details visible in the cross-section plane and not those in the background;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical middle cross-section of a capsule made according to a third embodiment of this invention. It should be noticed that for greater clarity FIG. 3 only shows the details visible in the cross-section plane and not those in the background;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic vertical middle cross-section of a capsule made according to a fourth embodiment of this invention. It should be noticed that FIG. 4 also only shows the details visible in the cross-section plane and not those in the background;
- FIG. 5 shows a detail of the capsule of FIG. 3 ;
- FIGS. 6 to 9 show several possible alternative embodiments of the detail of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical middle cross-section of a detail of the capsule of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration.
- the numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a capsule for making beverages in accordance with this invention.
- this invention relates to a capsule 1 for making beverages comprising at least one powdered food substance (not illustrated in the accompanying drawings) which can be extracted by passing water through it to make a beverage.
- the powdered food substance for example powdered coffee
- the capsule 1 may be suitable for allowing extraction of the powdered food substance, such as coffee, by passing pressurized water through it, for example to make an espresso coffee.
- the capsule 1 comprises a substantially cup-shaped outer body 2 which in turn comprises a lower wall 3 and a first side wall 4 .
- the lower wall 3 of the capsule 1 mainly extends in a disk-shaped fashion and the first side wall 4 extends from it with a shape that to a first approximation is frusto-conical, the upper part of it ending with an upper edge 5 located on the opposite side to the lower wall 3 .
- a lid 6 is fixed to the outer body 2 at the upper edge 5 and closes the top of the outer body 2 .
- the outer body 2 and the lid 6 of the capsule 1 may each be made of different materials.
- the outer body 2 may, for example, be made of a plastic material whilst the lid 6 may be made of an aluminum sheet (both may be either in a single layer or multi-layered).
- a chamber 7 Inside the outer body 2 , between the lid 6 and the inner surface of the outer body 2 , there is a chamber 7 .
- the beverage is made in the chamber after interaction between the powdered food substance and the water.
- an axis of extension 8 of the capsule 1 Between a central point of the lid 6 and a central point of the lower wall 3 is identified an axis of extension 8 of the capsule 1 , visible in FIGS. 2 , 3 and 4 . In all of the embodiments illustrated the capsule 1 is symmetrical relative to the axis of extension 8 .
- the capsule 1 is sealed closed, but in use the lid 6 can be pierced to allow water to be injected into the capsule 1 and the lower wall 3 can also be pierced to allow the beverage to come out of the capsule 1 . Therefore, hereinafter reference will preferably be made to this embodiment.
- the lid 6 and/or the lower wall 3 are themselves able to allow the passage of water and beverage (for example because they are ready-pierced or permeable).
- the capsule 1 is therefore suitable for use in a beverage making system which advantageously comprises a housing in which the capsule 1 can be inserted for use for making a beverage, for example coffee.
- a system suitable for using the capsule 1 illustrated comprises, in the substantially known way, means for injecting water into the capsule 1 , which can be associated with the lid 6 , comprising an injecting element such as a needle or a blade which may form a channel for the passage of the water, and it also comprises means for extracting the beverage from the capsule 1 , which can be associated with the lower wall 3 , said means in turn comprising a piercing element for piercing/penetrating the lower wall 3 of the capsule 1 outer body 2 .
- piercing element refers to any element, substantially of the known type, able to pierce, cut or tear, for example a spike or a blade, fixed or mobile (again in this case if necessary forming a channel for the passage of the water).
- the piercing element can also pass through the lower wall 3 of the capsule 1 centrally or, preferably, off-center.
- the capsule 1 also comprises a filtering body 9 positioned in the chamber 7 , and substantially having the shape of a basket, able to allow the passage of the beverage through it and at the same time to substantially retain the powdered food substance so that, during use of the capsule 1 , the beverage can pass through the filtering body 9 and then come out of the capsule 1 itself (for example through a hole made by the piercing element in the lower wall 3 or through a channel made in the piercing element itself), whilst the powdered food substance can remain substantially trapped inside.
- a filtering body 9 positioned in the chamber 7 , and substantially having the shape of a basket, able to allow the passage of the beverage through it and at the same time to substantially retain the powdered food substance so that, during use of the capsule 1 , the beverage can pass through the filtering body 9 and then come out of the capsule 1 itself (for example through a hole made by the piercing element in the lower wall 3 or through a channel made in the piercing element itself), whilst the
- the filtering body 9 comprises a first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 in the shape of a basket which contains the powdered food substance, and which in turn comprises a second side wall 11 and a bottom portion 12 . However, the latter may also consist exclusively of a lower edge of the second side wall 11 .
- the first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 comprises openings 13 for allowing fluid communication through it.
- the openings 13 are made at least through the second side wall 11 . Depending on the embodiments, they may also be made through the bottom portion 12 (as in the cases illustrated in the accompanying drawings) or not.
- the second side wall 11 comprises its own upper rim 14 which is substantially annular and the bottom of the second side wall is connected to the bottom portion 12 .
- the upper rim 14 is positioned close to the lid 6 of the capsule 1 (and may or may not be in contact with the lid) and is coupled to the outer body 2 at a coupling portion 15 of the first side wall 4 , which is in turn substantially annular and is located close to the upper edge 5 of the first side wall 4 . Therefore, advantageously, the upper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 also extends substantially annularly around the axis of extension 8 .
- the coupling between the filtering body 9 and the capsule 1 outer body 2 is described in more detail below.
- the bottom portion 12 is in contrast positioned close to the lower wall 3 of the outer body 2 , even if it is possible that between the two there is a predetermined distance, for the reasons explained below.
- the filtering body 9 therefore substantially separates the chamber 7 into a first compartment 16 in which the powered food substance is contained and a second compartment 17 .
- the piercing element during use, can penetrate the lower wall 3 and be inserted in the second compartment 17 without damaging the filtering body 9 .
- a piercing injecting element may, in contrast, pass through the lid 6 and be inserted directly in the first compartment 16 .
- the upper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 substantially delimits an access aperture to the first compartment 16 which in the embodiments illustrated is substantially circular. Therefore, the filtering body 9 is advantageously open at the top, that is to say, on the side facing towards the lid 6 .
- the powdered food substance can therefore be inserted in the first compartment 16 by simply pouring it into said compartment through the access aperture.
- the powered food substance interacts with the water injected into the capsule 1 to make the beverage.
- the second compartment 17 is intended, during use, to receive the beverage made in the first compartment 16 and which comes out of the latter through the filtering body 9 .
- the first compartment 16 is delimited at least between the filtering body 9 and the lid 6 ( FIGS. 2 , 3 and 4 ).
- the first compartment 16 may also be delimited by a small annular portion of the first side wall 4 located between the upper edge 5 of the first side wall 4 itself and the coupling portion 15 (which, as indicated, is in any case close to the upper edge 5 — FIG. 10 ).
- the first compartment 16 is therefore at least mainly delimited by the filtering body 9 , and advantageously extends over most of the volume of the chamber 7 .
- the second side wall 11 is at least partly distanced from the first side wall 4 (being placed alongside and facing it) to allow the beverage to flow between them towards the lower wall 3 .
- the openings 13 through the second side wall 11 are made at least at the part of the second side wall 11 which is distanced from the first side wall 4 .
- said openings 13 allow a reduction, compared with prior art capsules, in the average distance that the water must cover through the powdered food substance in order to be able to come out of the filtering body 9 in the form of the beverage, with the advantage that the water encounters less resistance to its passage through the substance. Consequently, the filtering body 9 allows improved filtering of the beverage, a reduced tendency of the powdered food substance to become unevenly compacted and therefore more even permeation of the powdered food substance by the water injected into the capsule 1 .
- the second compartment 17 is delimited between the filtering body 9 , the lower wall 3 and the portion of the first side wall 4 located between the lower wall 3 and the coupling portion 15 , and partly extends between the first side wall 4 and the second side wall 11 .
- the second compartment 17 surrounds at least part of the filtering body 9 .
- the second compartment 17 extends along the first side wall 4 at least for most of the distance, measured parallel with the axis of extension 8 , between the coupling portion 15 and the lower wall 3 , and therefore it surrounds the filtering body 9 along most of its extension parallel with the axis of extension 8 .
- the second compartment 17 extends along the first side wall 4 to the coupling portion 15 . Since the filtering body 9 is coupled to the coupling portion 15 at the upper rim 14 , the substantial totality of the filtering body 9 is surrounded by the second compartment 17 .
- the openings 13 are distributed over the entire part of the filtering body 9 surrounded by the second compartment 17 , and in particular over the entire part of the second side wall 11 which is facing the second compartment 17 .
- the openings 13 are evenly distributed around the filtering body 9 , being grouped together in groups which are in turn substantially evenly distributed along the extension of the second side wall 11 between the upper rim 14 and the bottom portion 12 .
- all of the openings 13 made in the second side wall 11 are located at a height which is lower than the maximum height reached by the powdered substance inside the first compartment 16 (where the height is measured relative to the lower wall 3 ), in such a way as to prevent the water from reaching the openings 13 without having to pass through the powdered substance.
- the filtering body 9 is coupled to the first side wall 4 at the coupling portion 15 .
- the coupling may be made in various ways.
- the first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 of the filtering body 9 comprises a shoulder 18 , close to the upper rim 14 , with substantially annular extension about the axis of extension 8 and projecting radially relative to the rest of the filtering body 9 (again with reference to the axis of extension 8 ).
- the filtering body 9 advantageously rests on the coupling portion 15 by means of the shoulder 18 .
- the coupling portion 15 comprises a counter-shoulder 19 which also has substantially annular extension about the axis of extension 8 and which projects radially, with reference to the axis of extension 8 , relative to the portion of first side wall 4 adjacent to it and on the lower wall 3 side.
- the shoulder 18 rests on the counter-shoulder 19 .
- the upper rim 14 is coupled to an annular region 20 of the coupling portion 15 which is located between the counter-shoulder 19 and the upper edge 5 of the first side wall 4 to which the lid 6 is fixed. Therefore, advantageously, in the preferred embodiment, the filtering body 9 is in contact with the outer body 2 of the capsule 1 , and in particular with the coupling portion 15 , substantially at two annular portions of the first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 , one corresponding to the upper rim 14 and another corresponding to the shoulder 18 .
- the contact between the shoulder 18 and the counter-shoulder 19 allows the filtering body 9 , once inserted in the capsule 1 outer body 2 , to stop at the counter-shoulder 19 .
- the counter-shoulder 19 acts as a contact element which prevents the filtering body 9 from being subjected to further movements towards the lower wall 3 of the capsule 1 . That is particularly useful for keeping the filtering body 9 in a predetermined position, as described in more detail below.
- the filtering body 9 may advantageously be coupled to the coupling portion 15 by mechanical interference, and, in addition or alternatively, forms a sealed contact with it, where “sealed contact” in this context advantageously refers to a contact which is watertight.
- the sealed contact may also be useful during capsule 1 production. In fact, during insertion of the powdered food substance in the first compartment 16 , a sealed contact (at the coupling portion 15 ) allows a guarantee that the powder cannot accidentally be poured into the second compartment 17 (which would compromise use of the capsule 1 for making the beverage).
- the coupling which uses mechanical interference and/or is sealed can be made in various ways.
- the mechanical interference coupling is created between the upper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 and the above-mentioned annular region 20 of the coupling portion 15 .
- the upper rim 14 is shown partly overlapping with the annular region 20 .
- that representation implies that the interference contact between the upper rim 14 and the annular region 20 in reality, advantageously, requires at least one of these to be in a state of deformation (advantageously elastic).
- Mechanical interference is preferably possible thanks to the elastic deformability of the upper rim 14 and/or of the annular region 20 , the elasticity advantageously being allowed by the material used to make them and/or by their shape.
- the annular region 20 that is to say, the region of the coupling portion 15 located between the counter-shoulder 19 and the upper edge 5 , is advantageously able to bend.
- the annular region 20 presses against the upper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 thanks to the elastic deformation to which it is subjected.
- the annular region 20 seen in axial section, also extends at an angle relative to the axis of extension 8 : in particular proceeding from the upper edge 5 towards the lower wall 3 the annular region 20 moves away from the axis of extension 8 .
- the coupling portion 15 at the upper edge 5 or at the part of the annular region 20 adjacent to the upper edge 5 delimits a cross-section, perpendicularly to the axis of extension 8 , which is advantageously less than the area delimited by the upper rim 14 in the plane perpendicular to the axis of extension 8 .
- the coupling portion 15 resists the passage of the upper rim 14 during the end step of filtering body 9 insertion in the chamber 7 .
- Filtering body 9 insertion in the chamber 7 therefore requires pressure to be applied on the filtering body 9 , directed towards the lower wall 3 , at least as the upper rim 14 passes at the annular region 20 .
- the pressure on the filtering body 9 is applied until the shoulder 18 is resting against the counter-shoulder 19 , thus creating a snap-on type insertion.
- That particular shape of the coupling portion 15 and its interaction with the filtering body 9 , and in particular with the upper rim 14 advantageously prevents removal of the filtering body 9 from inside the capsule 1 outer body 2 , for example after a thrust applied on the bottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 and directed towards the lid 6 .
- the sealed contact is also created between the upper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 and the annular region 20 of the coupling portion 15 .
- the upper rim 14 and the annular region 20 are made in such a way that between them there is continuous contact, and the seal is guaranteed by mechanical interference.
- the filtering body 9 will advantageously have a shape that allows the piercing element to enter but at the same time avoids contact with it, considering its dimensions, the related stroke and its positioning.
- the bottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 is spaced from the lower wall 3 to allow, during capsule 1 use in a system suitable for using it, insertion of the piercing element in the capsule 1 , through the lower wall 3 , without the bottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 being damaged.
- the bottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 preferably mainly comprises a substantially flat disk.
- the position of the counter-shoulder 19 on the coupling portion 15 and the position of the shoulder 18 on the filtering body 9 are established to determine a distance between the lower wall 3 of the outer body 2 and the bottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 which is greater than the distance between the tip of the piercing element and the lower wall 3 when the piercing element is inserted in the capsule 1 .
- the bottom portion 12 may comprise a recess 21 towards the lid 6 in which the piercing element can be inserted.
- the dimensions of the recess 21 will be proportionate to those of the piercing element and to the related stroke that it must cover inside the capsule 1 (the distance between the lower wall 3 and the tip of the piercing element, when the latter is inserted in the capsule 1 ).
- the recess 21 will be located respectively at the center of the bottom portion 12 or off-center relative to the axis of extension 8 , in the latter case having an extension that is advantageously annular about it.
- This configuration is illustrated in FIG. 4 where the bottom portion 12 comprises an outer annular zone 22 and an inner zone 23 .
- the outer annular zone 22 is spaced from the lower wall 3
- the inner zone 23 is in contrast close to the lower wall 3 .
- the filtering body 9 may have a substantially conical shape, the taper being such that it prevents contact with the piercing element even when it is completely inserted (considering its maximum stroke) in the second compartment 17 .
- the top of it is, as already indicated, in contact with the first side wall 4 at the coupling portion 15 .
- the bottom of the filtering body 9 is spaced from the first side wall 4 , that is to say between the first side wall 4 of the outer body 2 and the second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 there is an empty space which corresponds to the part of the second compartment 17 positioned between the first side wall 4 and the filtering body 9 .
- the distance between the filtering body 9 and the first side wall 4 at the second compartment 17 increases proceeding towards the bottom portion 12 .
- the second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 may have a similar extension but with a more pronounced taper ( FIG. 1 ).
- the second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 has the structure of superposed rings 24 , which are concentric about the axis of extension 8 and connected to each other.
- Each ring 24 proceeding from the upper rim 14 towards the bottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 , delimits a respective section of the first compartment 16 , in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of extension 8 , having an area greater than that delimited by the next ring 24 .
- the same ring 24 delimits various sections of the first compartment 16 (which are perpendicular to the axis of extension 8 ) which have decreasing areas proceeding in the direction from the upper rim 14 towards the bottom portion 12 .
- each ring 24 proceeding from the upper rim 14 towards the bottom portion 12 , converges towards the axis of extension 8 .
- each section delimited by a ring 24 is substantially circular and its center is identified by the intersection with the axis of extension 8 .
- Said structure of the second side wall 11 of the first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 gives it rigidity and makes its production easier, which advantageously can be carried out using injection molding.
- the second side wall 11 seen in radial section relative to the axis of extension 8 , therefore comprises, on the side facing towards the first compartment 16 , a substantially stepped profile, each step corresponding to one of the rings 24 .
- the second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 comprises a stepped profile, each step radially recessed, with reference to the axis of extension 8 , relative to the adjacent step positioned between it and the upper rim 14 .
- the second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 comprises inner steps, formed by the rings 24 , and outer steps, facing towards the first side wall 4 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the inner steps and the outer steps may not be aligned with each other.
- each outer step extends substantially from approximately half the height, measured parallel with the axis of extension 8 , of each ring 24 .
- the second side wall 11 such as those schematically illustrated in FIGS. 2 , 3 and 4 .
- the filtering body 9 also comprises ribs 25 for stiffening it which, advantageously, are located at least on the second side wall 11 of the first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 .
- the ribs 25 of the second side wall 11 extend longitudinally from the upper rim 14 at least to the bottom portion 12 and lie substantially in planes passing through the axis of extension 8 .
- the ribs 25 also extend on the bottom portion 12 .
- some ribs 25 extend over radial stretches (with reference to the axis of extension 8 ) on the bottom portion 12 whilst other ribs 25 extend over annular stretches about the axis of extension 8 .
- the ribs 25 with annular extension and radial extension may meet one another, as is clearly shown in FIG. 1 .
- Some ribs 25 of the bottom portion 12 which extend radially may also extend from the ribs 25 of the second side wall 11 .
- each rib 25 of the second side wall 11 extend on the rings 24 and on the outer steps in which the second side wall 11 is structured and they project radially relative to the latter, creating an overall frusto-conical shape: in other words, each rib 25 is angled in such a way that, proceeding from the upper rim 14 towards the bottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 , the distance between its outer surface and the capsule 1 axis of extension 8 is reduced.
- the ribs 25 do not make contact with the capsule 1 outer body 2 , except at the coupling portion 15 .
- the filtering body 9 may be in contact with the capsule 1 outer body 2 even at various points other than the coupling portion 15 , such as the outer surfaces of the ribs 25 , provided that there is no interruption in the fluid communication both through the filtering body 9 and with the beverage outfeed zone through the lower wall 3 .
- one or more of the ribs 25 present on the second side wall 11 and/or on the bottom portion 12 may be in contact with the capsule 1 outer body 2 : for example the longitudinal ribs 25 present on the second side wall 11 could be in contact at one or more points with the first side wall 4 , whilst between one rib 25 and another the filtering body 9 is distanced from the first side wall 4 .
- the first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 comprises openings 13 which allow fluid communication, that is to say, which allow the passage of the beverage from the first compartment 16 towards the second compartment 17 .
- the openings 13 are located at least on the second side wall 11 .
- the openings 13 made in the second side wall 11 are formed by slits extending mainly parallel with the axis of extension 8 , being arranged side by side. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the slits extend substantially over the entire height of each ring 24 (and therefore of each inner step). In contrast, in the first and second embodiments each through slit only extends on a portion of each ring 24 .
- the openings 13 are advantageously also made in the bottom portion 12 (which mainly has the shape of a flat disk).
- said openings 13 are elongate slots extending on the bottom portion 12 in directions which are radial relative to the axis of extension 8 .
- the same first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 may comprise different types of openings 13 .
- the filtering body also comprises at least one additional filtering element 26 positioned in the chamber 7 between the filtering body 9 and the lower wall 3 for intercepting all of the beverage which comes out of the filtering body 9 and flows towards the lower wall 3 .
- the additional filtering element 26 is coupled in a sealed fashion to the inner part of the outer body 2 , advantageously to the first side wall 4 .
- the additional filtering element 26 in general comprises at least one layer 27 of flexible filtering material but may also comprise more than one layer.
- Said flexible filtering material may be, for example, non-woven fabric, fabric, paper, etc.
- the additional filtering element 26 consists only of the one or more layers 27 of flexible filtering material which are directly fixed at their periphery to the outer body 2 (as labeled 27 for example in FIG. 2 ). That fixing may advantageously be achieved by sealing or gluing.
- the additional filtering element 26 comprises a second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 forming one or more passages 29 through it for the beverage.
- one or more layers 27 of flexible filtering material are applied at the one or more passages 29 to close them and therefore to intercept the beverage which passes through them.
- the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 which is constrained to the outer body 2 and, more particularly, to the first side wall 4 .
- the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 can be fixed to the first side wall 4 by gluing, sealing or mechanical interference (the particularly preferred solution— FIG. 3 ).
- FIGS. 5 to 9 show various possible embodiments of the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 .
- the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 in addition to the annular element 30 the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 comprises transversal elements 33 which are connected to the annular element 30 (with which they are advantageously in one piece) which divide the passage 29 delimited by the annular element 30 into smaller passages 29 .
- the flexible filtering material is fixed on top of the annular element 30 and the transversal elements 33 .
- FIGS. 7 and 8 the second skeleton 28 is similar respectively to that in FIGS. 5 and 6 , but the flexible filtering material is fixed on the bottom of it.
- FIG. 9 shows a solution similar to that of FIG. 5 but with the annular element 30 consisting only of a band of material which is not L-shaped.
- the additional filtering element 26 (with or without the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 ) is shaped in a similar way to the bottom portion 12 , shown labeled 27 in FIG. 4 . In this way, during use, insertion of a piercing element in the capsule 1 , through the lower wall, is possible without damaging the additional filtering element 26 .
- first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 and the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 may be rigidly connected to form one piece.
- the flexible filtering material is applied to the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 in one piece.
- the flexible filtering material may instead be used in a plurality of smaller pieces, each fixed to the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 at one or more passages 29 .
- the flexible filtering material can advantageously be fixed to the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 in any way suitable for the purpose, for example by sealing, gluing, or molding the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 directly on the layer 27 of material.
- each piece of the flexible filtering material is fixed to the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28 along a continuous line in such a way as to prevent the formation of routes which may allow the beverage to pass from the openings 13 to the lower wall 3 without passing through the at least one layer 27 of flexible filtering material.
- the first side wall 4 comprises, close to the lower wall 3 but spaced from it, a fold 31 which in the chamber 7 forms an annular surface 32 recessed towards the axis of extension 8 .
- the additional filtering element 26 is positioned/fixed on said annular surface 32 .
- the openings 13 are of a shape and/or size which allows the passage 29 of the powdered food substance through them (but at that point there would no longer be a filtering body), in the preferred embodiments that is not the case and all of the openings 13 are of a size such that they act as a filter for the powdered food substance, for retaining it at least when it is above a predetermined particle size (usually less than the nominal particle size of the powdered substance).
- the capsule 1 is suitable for use in a beverage making system based on capsules which comprises water injecting means that can be associated with the capsule 1 lid 6 and beverage extracting means which can be associated with the lower wall 3 of the capsule 1 .
- an injecting element which pierces the lid 6 is used to inject the water into the first compartment 16 which contains the powdered food substance.
- the water interacts with the powdered food substance, making the beverage which, driven by the flow of the water (which may be pressurized), passes through the powder, covering stretches of it until it reaches the openings 13 present in the filtering body 9 .
- the beverage passes through the openings 13 from the first compartment 16 to the second compartment 17 , where it can come out of the capsule 1 after the action of the piercing element which penetrates the lower wall 3 .
- the beverage may come out through the hole left by the piercing element or through a channel present in said element.
- any grains of powder which manage to pass beyond the openings 13 are then intercepted and retained by the additional filtering element 26 .
- the openings 13 are of a size such that they act as a filter for the powdered food substance, for retaining it at least above a predetermined particle size, it is possible to prevent any clogging of the additional filtering element 26 itself, since most of the powdered substance is retained directly by the first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 10 .
- This invention brings important advantages.
- the basket shape of the filtering element and the presence of the openings on the second side wall allow a reduction in the average distance that the water must cover through the powdered food substance in order to be able to come out of the filtering body.
- the beverage made close to the lid is not forced to pass through substantially all of the powdered food substance in order to be able to come out through the bottom portion of the filtering body, but can come out through the above-mentioned openings closer to it. In that way, the beverage encounters less resistance during its movement. Moreover, in that way, the risk of the formation of highly compacted areas linked to the substantially unidirectional flow of water and beverage is reduced.
- the powdered food substance maintains substantially even compactness, consequently reducing the risk of the formation of preferential water flow channels, and the water can therefore permeate the food substance more evenly and homogeneously, leading to an increase in the quality of the beverage made.
- an additional filtering element 26 equipped with one or more layers 27 of flexible filtering material allows a reduction, or even elimination, of the micro-granules of powder which come out with the beverage even if a certain quantity manages to get beyond the filtering body.
- the filtering body of the capsule which is the subject of this invention, thanks to its shape and the presence of the above-mentioned openings, comprises a filtering surface greater than that of a common flat filtering body (the dimensions of the capsule being the same), while keeping the quantity of powdered food substance contained in it substantially unchanged. That allows improved filtering of the beverage.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a capsule for making beverages. In particular reference is made to those capsules comprising an outer body and a lid which closes the top of the outer body and in which a powdered food substance (for example coffee powder) is positioned, which can be extracted by passing water (which may be pressurized) through it to make a beverage, for example coffee. More specifically reference is made to those capsules in which the outer body comprises a lower wall and a side wall which form a chamber in which a rigid or semi-rigid filtering body is positioned.
- In more detail, reference is made to those capsules suitable for use in beverage making systems in which the capsule is pierced at the lid, to allow the injection of water (which may be pressurized) into the capsule itself, and at the lower wall, to allow dispensing outside the capsule of the beverage produced by the interaction of the water with the powdered food substance.
- In such capsules the filtering body is substantially a flat filtering body, normally disk-shaped, positioned close to the lower wall of the capsule outer body and separates the powdered food substance from the lower wall in such a way that powder does not come out of the capsule after a piercing element has penetrated through the lower wall. In fact, the filtering body on one hand allows the beverage to pass through it in such a way that said beverage can come out of the capsule through the lower wall (through a hole made by the piercing element or through a channel present in the latter), and on the other hand allows the powdered food substance to be retained in the capsule.
- However, this prior art technology may have several disadvantages under certain circumstances.
- In particular, with some types and particle sizes of the powdered food substance, and in the case of dispensing relatively high quantities of beverage (such as American coffee), the prior art capsules may not allow optimum extraction of the powdered food substance. In fact, for example, the beverage made by the interaction between the water and the powder located close to the lid, in order to be able to come out of the capsule must reach the filtering body and therefore must pass through all of the powder below which may obstruct its path. In fact, once moistened with the water, the powdered food substance tends to become compacted, obstructing the flow of the liquids which encounter increased resistance to permeation through the powder.
- In fact, the water injected into the capsule tends to cause compacting of the powdered food substance at the filtering body, therefore increasing the resistance of the powdered food substance to the passage of the water through it and resulting in difficulties draining the beverage through it.
- Moreover, during the injection of water into the capsule, areas are created in the powder which are compacted to different degrees. Therefore, prior art capsules have the disadvantage that the powdered food substance can only be permeated unevenly, that is to say, to drastically different degrees depending on the position of the powdered food substance in the capsule. Moreover, in prior art capsules, since the water tends to flow in the zones of the powder which are less resistant to permeation, preferential channels for the passage of the water are easily created, the result being that the powdered food substance is not all permeated homogeneously.
- A first solution which overcomes those disadvantages is described in Italian patent application No. VR2012A000133 and in the corresponding U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/549,904 in the name of this Applicant, whose content had still not been disclosed at the time of filing this patent application.
- In that case, the disk-shaped filter was replaced with a rigid or semi-rigid filter having the shape of a basket with openings at its side wall, which is distanced from the inner part of the side wall of the outer body. Thanks to that solution it was practically possible to avoid the various clogging problems which may arise with prior art capsules.
- However, even that solution did not allow all possible disadvantages to be overcome.
- In particular, when the powdered substance is not adequately ground and contains an excessive quantity of powder which is below a predetermined particle size, it is possible that powder will leak out with the beverage, with consequent deterioration of the quality of the beverage itself (even if, as is known, the leakage of an extremely small quantity of powder is substantially normal in the preparation of beverages of this type, and in particular of coffee).
- Finally, there are also prior art capsules in which in place of a rigid or semi-rigid flat filter there is a conical or frusto-conical filter consisting of a layer of flexible material. However, even these capsules have significant disadvantages. In particular, in the case of dispensing relatively large quantities of beverage, such as American coffee, when the powder gets wet it tends to become compacted on the bottom of the filter, substantially clogging it. At that point the extraction water can no longer penetrate the powder and tends to bypass it, coming out of the filter laterally, above the powder, therefore without any extraction effect. Therefore, the resulting beverage is of poor quality.
- In this context, the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to provide a capsule for making beverages which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.
- In particular it is the technical purpose of this invention to provide a capsule for making beverages which allows the water coming in to permeate the powdered food substance in a more even way than prior art capsules, at the same time minimizing the risk of powder coming out with the beverage.
- It is also the technical purpose of this invention to provide a capsule for making beverages which allows limitation, compared with prior art capsules, of the risk of forming highly compacted zones, in the powdered food substance, which could obstruct the flow of the beverage, and/or the risk of forming preferential channels for the passage of the water. The technical purpose specified and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by a capsule for making beverages as described in the appended claims.
- Further features and advantages of this invention are more apparent in the detailed description below, with reference to several preferred, non-limiting embodiments of a capsule for making beverages, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic axonometric exploded view of a capsule made according to a first embodiment of this invention, in cross-section along a vertical middle plane; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical middle cross-section of a capsule made according to a second embodiment of this invention similar to the first embodiment; it should be noticed that for greater clarityFIG. 2 only shows the details visible in the cross-section plane and not those in the background; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical middle cross-section of a capsule made according to a third embodiment of this invention; it should be noticed that for greater clarityFIG. 3 only shows the details visible in the cross-section plane and not those in the background; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic vertical middle cross-section of a capsule made according to a fourth embodiment of this invention; it should be noticed thatFIG. 4 also only shows the details visible in the cross-section plane and not those in the background; -
FIG. 5 shows a detail of the capsule ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIGS. 6 to 9 show several possible alternative embodiments of the detail ofFIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical middle cross-section of a detail of the capsule ofFIG. 1 in an assembled configuration. - With reference to the accompanying drawings, the
numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a capsule for making beverages in accordance with this invention. - As already indicated, this invention relates to a
capsule 1 for making beverages comprising at least one powdered food substance (not illustrated in the accompanying drawings) which can be extracted by passing water through it to make a beverage. The powdered food substance, for example powdered coffee, can be extracted for example by infusion or is soluble to make a beverage such as coffee or tea, infusions, soups, etc. Thecapsule 1 may be suitable for allowing extraction of the powdered food substance, such as coffee, by passing pressurized water through it, for example to make an espresso coffee. Thecapsule 1 comprises a substantially cup-shapedouter body 2 which in turn comprises alower wall 3 and afirst side wall 4. In the embodiments illustrated thelower wall 3 of thecapsule 1 mainly extends in a disk-shaped fashion and thefirst side wall 4 extends from it with a shape that to a first approximation is frusto-conical, the upper part of it ending with anupper edge 5 located on the opposite side to thelower wall 3. Alid 6 is fixed to theouter body 2 at theupper edge 5 and closes the top of theouter body 2. Theouter body 2 and thelid 6 of thecapsule 1 may each be made of different materials. Theouter body 2 may, for example, be made of a plastic material whilst thelid 6 may be made of an aluminum sheet (both may be either in a single layer or multi-layered). - Inside the
outer body 2, between thelid 6 and the inner surface of theouter body 2, there is achamber 7. During use of thecapsule 1, the beverage is made in the chamber after interaction between the powdered food substance and the water. Between a central point of thelid 6 and a central point of thelower wall 3 is identified an axis ofextension 8 of thecapsule 1, visible inFIGS. 2 , 3 and 4. In all of the embodiments illustrated thecapsule 1 is symmetrical relative to the axis ofextension 8. - Advantageously, in the embodiments illustrated, the
capsule 1 is sealed closed, but in use thelid 6 can be pierced to allow water to be injected into thecapsule 1 and thelower wall 3 can also be pierced to allow the beverage to come out of thecapsule 1. Therefore, hereinafter reference will preferably be made to this embodiment. However, other embodiments are also possible in which thelid 6 and/or thelower wall 3 are themselves able to allow the passage of water and beverage (for example because they are ready-pierced or permeable). - The
capsule 1 is therefore suitable for use in a beverage making system which advantageously comprises a housing in which thecapsule 1 can be inserted for use for making a beverage, for example coffee. A system suitable for using thecapsule 1 illustrated comprises, in the substantially known way, means for injecting water into thecapsule 1, which can be associated with thelid 6, comprising an injecting element such as a needle or a blade which may form a channel for the passage of the water, and it also comprises means for extracting the beverage from thecapsule 1, which can be associated with thelower wall 3, said means in turn comprising a piercing element for piercing/penetrating thelower wall 3 of thecapsule 1outer body 2. In this context, the term piercing element refers to any element, substantially of the known type, able to pierce, cut or tear, for example a spike or a blade, fixed or mobile (again in this case if necessary forming a channel for the passage of the water). The piercing element can also pass through thelower wall 3 of thecapsule 1 centrally or, preferably, off-center. - The
capsule 1 also comprises a filtering body 9 positioned in thechamber 7, and substantially having the shape of a basket, able to allow the passage of the beverage through it and at the same time to substantially retain the powdered food substance so that, during use of thecapsule 1, the beverage can pass through the filtering body 9 and then come out of thecapsule 1 itself (for example through a hole made by the piercing element in thelower wall 3 or through a channel made in the piercing element itself), whilst the powdered food substance can remain substantially trapped inside. - The filtering body 9 comprises a first rigid or
semi-rigid skeleton 10 in the shape of a basket which contains the powdered food substance, and which in turn comprises a second side wall 11 and abottom portion 12. However, the latter may also consist exclusively of a lower edge of the second side wall 11. The first rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 10 comprisesopenings 13 for allowing fluid communication through it. Advantageously theopenings 13 are made at least through the second side wall 11. Depending on the embodiments, they may also be made through the bottom portion 12 (as in the cases illustrated in the accompanying drawings) or not. - According to this invention, the second side wall 11 comprises its own
upper rim 14 which is substantially annular and the bottom of the second side wall is connected to thebottom portion 12. In the assembledcapsule 1, theupper rim 14 is positioned close to thelid 6 of the capsule 1 (and may or may not be in contact with the lid) and is coupled to theouter body 2 at acoupling portion 15 of thefirst side wall 4, which is in turn substantially annular and is located close to theupper edge 5 of thefirst side wall 4. Therefore, advantageously, theupper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 also extends substantially annularly around the axis ofextension 8. The coupling between the filtering body 9 and thecapsule 1outer body 2 is described in more detail below. Thebottom portion 12 is in contrast positioned close to thelower wall 3 of theouter body 2, even if it is possible that between the two there is a predetermined distance, for the reasons explained below. - In accordance with this invention the filtering body 9 therefore substantially separates the
chamber 7 into afirst compartment 16 in which the powered food substance is contained and asecond compartment 17. In the preferred embodiment the piercing element, during use, can penetrate thelower wall 3 and be inserted in thesecond compartment 17 without damaging the filtering body 9. A piercing injecting element may, in contrast, pass through thelid 6 and be inserted directly in thefirst compartment 16. - Advantageously, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the
upper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 substantially delimits an access aperture to thefirst compartment 16 which in the embodiments illustrated is substantially circular. Therefore, the filtering body 9 is advantageously open at the top, that is to say, on the side facing towards thelid 6. Duringcapsule 1 production, when thelid 6 is separate from theouter body 2, the powdered food substance can therefore be inserted in thefirst compartment 16 by simply pouring it into said compartment through the access aperture. - Therefore, in the
first compartment 16 the powered food substance interacts with the water injected into thecapsule 1 to make the beverage. In contrast, thesecond compartment 17 is intended, during use, to receive the beverage made in thefirst compartment 16 and which comes out of the latter through the filtering body 9. - In accordance with this invention, the
first compartment 16 is delimited at least between the filtering body 9 and the lid 6 (FIGS. 2 , 3 and 4). However, in many preferred embodiments, thefirst compartment 16 may also be delimited by a small annular portion of thefirst side wall 4 located between theupper edge 5 of thefirst side wall 4 itself and the coupling portion 15 (which, as indicated, is in any case close to theupper edge 5—FIG. 10 ). Thefirst compartment 16 is therefore at least mainly delimited by the filtering body 9, and advantageously extends over most of the volume of thechamber 7. - According to this invention, the second side wall 11 is at least partly distanced from the first side wall 4 (being placed alongside and facing it) to allow the beverage to flow between them towards the
lower wall 3. Advantageously, theopenings 13 through the second side wall 11 are made at least at the part of the second side wall 11 which is distanced from thefirst side wall 4. In this way, saidopenings 13 allow a reduction, compared with prior art capsules, in the average distance that the water must cover through the powdered food substance in order to be able to come out of the filtering body 9 in the form of the beverage, with the advantage that the water encounters less resistance to its passage through the substance. Consequently, the filtering body 9 allows improved filtering of the beverage, a reduced tendency of the powdered food substance to become unevenly compacted and therefore more even permeation of the powdered food substance by the water injected into thecapsule 1. - The
second compartment 17 is delimited between the filtering body 9, thelower wall 3 and the portion of thefirst side wall 4 located between thelower wall 3 and thecoupling portion 15, and partly extends between thefirst side wall 4 and the second side wall 11. In other words, thesecond compartment 17 surrounds at least part of the filtering body 9. In particular, thesecond compartment 17 extends along thefirst side wall 4 at least for most of the distance, measured parallel with the axis ofextension 8, between thecoupling portion 15 and thelower wall 3, and therefore it surrounds the filtering body 9 along most of its extension parallel with the axis ofextension 8. - Even more advantageously, as in the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the
second compartment 17 extends along thefirst side wall 4 to thecoupling portion 15. Since the filtering body 9 is coupled to thecoupling portion 15 at theupper rim 14, the substantial totality of the filtering body 9 is surrounded by thesecond compartment 17. Advantageously, theopenings 13 are distributed over the entire part of the filtering body 9 surrounded by thesecond compartment 17, and in particular over the entire part of the second side wall 11 which is facing thesecond compartment 17. Advantageously, in the embodiments illustrated, theopenings 13 are evenly distributed around the filtering body 9, being grouped together in groups which are in turn substantially evenly distributed along the extension of the second side wall 11 between theupper rim 14 and thebottom portion 12. - However, advantageously, all of the
openings 13 made in the second side wall 11 are located at a height which is lower than the maximum height reached by the powdered substance inside the first compartment 16 (where the height is measured relative to the lower wall 3), in such a way as to prevent the water from reaching theopenings 13 without having to pass through the powdered substance. - As already indicated, the filtering body 9 is coupled to the
first side wall 4 at thecoupling portion 15. - The coupling may be made in various ways.
- In the case in
FIGS. 2 , 3 and 4 the coupling is only schematically illustrated with theupper rim 14 positioned substantially adjacent to thelid 6. - However, a preferred embodiment is illustrated in the detail in
FIG. 10 , where the first rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 10 of the filtering body 9 comprises ashoulder 18, close to theupper rim 14, with substantially annular extension about the axis ofextension 8 and projecting radially relative to the rest of the filtering body 9 (again with reference to the axis of extension 8). In other words, seen in a cross-section plane passing through the axis ofextension 8, on the outside of the first rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 10 there is an inverted step close to theupper rim 14. The filtering body 9 advantageously rests on thecoupling portion 15 by means of theshoulder 18. In fact, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, thecoupling portion 15 comprises a counter-shoulder 19 which also has substantially annular extension about the axis ofextension 8 and which projects radially, with reference to the axis ofextension 8, relative to the portion offirst side wall 4 adjacent to it and on thelower wall 3 side. - Therefore, as shown in
FIG. 10 , theshoulder 18 rests on the counter-shoulder 19. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, theupper rim 14 is coupled to anannular region 20 of thecoupling portion 15 which is located between the counter-shoulder 19 and theupper edge 5 of thefirst side wall 4 to which thelid 6 is fixed. Therefore, advantageously, in the preferred embodiment, the filtering body 9 is in contact with theouter body 2 of thecapsule 1, and in particular with thecoupling portion 15, substantially at two annular portions of the first rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 10, one corresponding to theupper rim 14 and another corresponding to theshoulder 18. In particular, the contact between theshoulder 18 and the counter-shoulder 19 allows the filtering body 9, once inserted in thecapsule 1outer body 2, to stop at the counter-shoulder 19. In other words, the counter-shoulder 19 acts as a contact element which prevents the filtering body 9 from being subjected to further movements towards thelower wall 3 of thecapsule 1. That is particularly useful for keeping the filtering body 9 in a predetermined position, as described in more detail below. - However the coupling is created between the filtering body 9 and the
coupling portion 15, the filtering body 9 may advantageously be coupled to thecoupling portion 15 by mechanical interference, and, in addition or alternatively, forms a sealed contact with it, where “sealed contact” in this context advantageously refers to a contact which is watertight. Moreover, the sealed contact may also be useful duringcapsule 1 production. In fact, during insertion of the powdered food substance in thefirst compartment 16, a sealed contact (at the coupling portion 15) allows a guarantee that the powder cannot accidentally be poured into the second compartment 17 (which would compromise use of thecapsule 1 for making the beverage). - The coupling which uses mechanical interference and/or is sealed can be made in various ways.
- In the embodiment illustrated in the detail in
FIG. 10 , the mechanical interference coupling is created between theupper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 and the above-mentionedannular region 20 of thecoupling portion 15. To highlight the mechanical interference, inFIG. 10 theupper rim 14 is shown partly overlapping with theannular region 20. In particular, that representation implies that the interference contact between theupper rim 14 and theannular region 20 in reality, advantageously, requires at least one of these to be in a state of deformation (advantageously elastic). Mechanical interference is preferably possible thanks to the elastic deformability of theupper rim 14 and/or of theannular region 20, the elasticity advantageously being allowed by the material used to make them and/or by their shape. In the embodiment illustrated theannular region 20, that is to say, the region of thecoupling portion 15 located between the counter-shoulder 19 and theupper edge 5, is advantageously able to bend. In particular, theannular region 20 presses against theupper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 thanks to the elastic deformation to which it is subjected. As shown inFIG. 10 , theannular region 20, seen in axial section, also extends at an angle relative to the axis of extension 8: in particular proceeding from theupper edge 5 towards thelower wall 3 theannular region 20 moves away from the axis ofextension 8. Moreover, thecoupling portion 15 at theupper edge 5 or at the part of theannular region 20 adjacent to theupper edge 5, delimits a cross-section, perpendicularly to the axis ofextension 8, which is advantageously less than the area delimited by theupper rim 14 in the plane perpendicular to the axis ofextension 8. Advantageously, for that reason, duringcapsule 1 production thecoupling portion 15, and in particular in the preferred embodiment itsannular region 20, resists the passage of theupper rim 14 during the end step of filtering body 9 insertion in thechamber 7. Filtering body 9 insertion in thechamber 7 therefore requires pressure to be applied on the filtering body 9, directed towards thelower wall 3, at least as theupper rim 14 passes at theannular region 20. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, advantageously, the pressure on the filtering body 9 is applied until theshoulder 18 is resting against the counter-shoulder 19, thus creating a snap-on type insertion. That particular shape of thecoupling portion 15 and its interaction with the filtering body 9, and in particular with theupper rim 14, advantageously prevents removal of the filtering body 9 from inside thecapsule 1outer body 2, for example after a thrust applied on thebottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 and directed towards thelid 6. - Moreover, advantageously, the sealed contact is also created between the
upper rim 14 of the filtering body 9 and theannular region 20 of thecoupling portion 15. In particular, in the embodiments illustrated, theupper rim 14 and theannular region 20 are made in such a way that between them there is continuous contact, and the seal is guaranteed by mechanical interference. - As already indicated, to avoid contact with the piercing element as it penetrates into the second compartment 17 (if the
lower wall 3 can be pierced), the filtering body 9 will advantageously have a shape that allows the piercing element to enter but at the same time avoids contact with it, considering its dimensions, the related stroke and its positioning. - Advantageously, in some preferred embodiments (
FIGS. 1 to 3 ), this is achieved thanks to the fact that thebottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 is spaced from thelower wall 3 to allow, duringcapsule 1 use in a system suitable for using it, insertion of the piercing element in thecapsule 1, through thelower wall 3, without thebottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 being damaged. Moreover, thebottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 preferably mainly comprises a substantially flat disk. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 10 , the position of the counter-shoulder 19 on thecoupling portion 15 and the position of theshoulder 18 on the filtering body 9, are established to determine a distance between thelower wall 3 of theouter body 2 and thebottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9 which is greater than the distance between the tip of the piercing element and thelower wall 3 when the piercing element is inserted in thecapsule 1. - Alternatively, the
bottom portion 12 may comprise arecess 21 towards thelid 6 in which the piercing element can be inserted. The dimensions of therecess 21 will be proportionate to those of the piercing element and to the related stroke that it must cover inside the capsule 1 (the distance between thelower wall 3 and the tip of the piercing element, when the latter is inserted in the capsule 1). Depending if the piercing element passes through thelower wall 3 centrally or off-center, therecess 21 will be located respectively at the center of thebottom portion 12 or off-center relative to the axis ofextension 8, in the latter case having an extension that is advantageously annular about it. This configuration is illustrated inFIG. 4 where thebottom portion 12 comprises an outer annular zone 22 and aninner zone 23. The outer annular zone 22 is spaced from thelower wall 3, whilst theinner zone 23 is in contrast close to thelower wall 3. - Alternatively to the presence of an annular recess 21 (therefore, when the piercing element is off-center relative to the axis of extension 8), the filtering body 9 may have a substantially conical shape, the taper being such that it prevents contact with the piercing element even when it is completely inserted (considering its maximum stroke) in the
second compartment 17. - Again with reference to the shape of the filtering body 9, the top of it is, as already indicated, in contact with the
first side wall 4 at thecoupling portion 15. In contrast, the bottom of the filtering body 9 is spaced from thefirst side wall 4, that is to say between thefirst side wall 4 of theouter body 2 and the second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 there is an empty space which corresponds to the part of thesecond compartment 17 positioned between thefirst side wall 4 and the filtering body 9. Advantageously, the distance between the filtering body 9 and thefirst side wall 4 at thesecond compartment 17 increases proceeding towards thebottom portion 12. For example, if thefirst side wall 4 extends in a substantially conical fashion with reference to the axis ofextension 8, proceeding from thelid 6 towards thelower wall 3, the second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 may have a similar extension but with a more pronounced taper (FIG. 1 ). Moreover, in the preferred embodiments illustrated, the second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 has the structure ofsuperposed rings 24, which are concentric about the axis ofextension 8 and connected to each other. Eachring 24, proceeding from theupper rim 14 towards thebottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9, delimits a respective section of thefirst compartment 16, in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis ofextension 8, having an area greater than that delimited by thenext ring 24. Advantageously, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , thesame ring 24 delimits various sections of the first compartment 16 (which are perpendicular to the axis of extension 8) which have decreasing areas proceeding in the direction from theupper rim 14 towards thebottom portion 12. In other words, eachring 24, proceeding from theupper rim 14 towards thebottom portion 12, converges towards the axis ofextension 8. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, each section delimited by aring 24 is substantially circular and its center is identified by the intersection with the axis ofextension 8. - Said structure of the second side wall 11 of the first rigid or
semi-rigid skeleton 10 gives it rigidity and makes its production easier, which advantageously can be carried out using injection molding. - The second side wall 11, seen in radial section relative to the axis of
extension 8, therefore comprises, on the side facing towards thefirst compartment 16, a substantially stepped profile, each step corresponding to one of therings 24. Advantageously, even the on the side facing towards thefirst side wall 4 the second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 comprises a stepped profile, each step radially recessed, with reference to the axis ofextension 8, relative to the adjacent step positioned between it and theupper rim 14. In other words, the second side wall 11 of the filtering body 9 comprises inner steps, formed by therings 24, and outer steps, facing towards thefirst side wall 4. As shown inFIG. 1 , the inner steps and the outer steps may not be aligned with each other. In particular, in the first embodiment each outer step extends substantially from approximately half the height, measured parallel with the axis ofextension 8, of eachring 24. However, in other embodiments, other configurations and structures are possible for the second side wall 11, such as those schematically illustrated inFIGS. 2 , 3 and 4. - In the first embodiment the filtering body 9 also comprises
ribs 25 for stiffening it which, advantageously, are located at least on the second side wall 11 of the first rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 10. As shown inFIG. 1 , advantageously, theribs 25 of the second side wall 11 extend longitudinally from theupper rim 14 at least to thebottom portion 12 and lie substantially in planes passing through the axis ofextension 8. Preferably, theribs 25 also extend on thebottom portion 12. In the first embodiment illustrated, more precisely, someribs 25 extend over radial stretches (with reference to the axis of extension 8) on thebottom portion 12 whilstother ribs 25 extend over annular stretches about the axis ofextension 8. Theribs 25 with annular extension and radial extension may meet one another, as is clearly shown inFIG. 1 . Someribs 25 of thebottom portion 12 which extend radially may also extend from theribs 25 of the second side wall 11. - In the embodiment illustrated, the
ribs 25 of the second side wall 11 extend on therings 24 and on the outer steps in which the second side wall 11 is structured and they project radially relative to the latter, creating an overall frusto-conical shape: in other words, eachrib 25 is angled in such a way that, proceeding from theupper rim 14 towards thebottom portion 12 of the filtering body 9, the distance between its outer surface and thecapsule 1 axis ofextension 8 is reduced. - In the preferred embodiment the
ribs 25 do not make contact with thecapsule 1outer body 2, except at thecoupling portion 15. However, in general the filtering body 9 may be in contact with thecapsule 1outer body 2 even at various points other than thecoupling portion 15, such as the outer surfaces of theribs 25, provided that there is no interruption in the fluid communication both through the filtering body 9 and with the beverage outfeed zone through thelower wall 3. Therefore, in some embodiments, one or more of theribs 25 present on the second side wall 11 and/or on thebottom portion 12 may be in contact with thecapsule 1 outer body 2: for example thelongitudinal ribs 25 present on the second side wall 11 could be in contact at one or more points with thefirst side wall 4, whilst between onerib 25 and another the filtering body 9 is distanced from thefirst side wall 4. As already indicated, the first rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 10 comprisesopenings 13 which allow fluid communication, that is to say, which allow the passage of the beverage from thefirst compartment 16 towards thesecond compartment 17. - As indicated, the
openings 13 are located at least on the second side wall 11. In the preferred embodiments illustrated, there areseveral openings 13 on each of therings 24 of the first rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 10. In the embodiments illustrated, in particular, theopenings 13 made in the second side wall 11 are formed by slits extending mainly parallel with the axis ofextension 8, being arranged side by side. As shown inFIGS. 2 to 4 , the slits extend substantially over the entire height of each ring 24 (and therefore of each inner step). In contrast, in the first and second embodiments each through slit only extends on a portion of eachring 24. - As already indicated, the
openings 13 are advantageously also made in the bottom portion 12 (which mainly has the shape of a flat disk). In the embodiments illustrated, saidopenings 13 are elongate slots extending on thebottom portion 12 in directions which are radial relative to the axis ofextension 8. - However, more generally, whatever the shape of the filtering body 9 and wherever the
openings 13 are positioned, they may have a different shape, orientation, arrangement and dimensions, for example, they may be circular holes, or cross-shaped, elongate slits, curves, etc. Moreover, the same first rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 10 may comprise different types ofopenings 13. - Finally, according to this invention the filtering body also comprises at least one
additional filtering element 26 positioned in thechamber 7 between the filtering body 9 and thelower wall 3 for intercepting all of the beverage which comes out of the filtering body 9 and flows towards thelower wall 3. Theadditional filtering element 26 is coupled in a sealed fashion to the inner part of theouter body 2, advantageously to thefirst side wall 4. - The
additional filtering element 26 in general comprises at least onelayer 27 of flexible filtering material but may also comprise more than one layer. Said flexible filtering material may be, for example, non-woven fabric, fabric, paper, etc. - In the most simple embodiment (
FIGS. 1 and 2 ) theadditional filtering element 26 consists only of the one ormore layers 27 of flexible filtering material which are directly fixed at their periphery to the outer body 2 (as labeled 27 for example inFIG. 2 ). That fixing may advantageously be achieved by sealing or gluing. - In contrast, in other embodiments the
additional filtering element 26 comprises a second rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 28 forming one ormore passages 29 through it for the beverage. In this case, one ormore layers 27 of flexible filtering material are applied at the one ormore passages 29 to close them and therefore to intercept the beverage which passes through them. - In these embodiments, it is advantageously the second rigid or
semi-rigid skeleton 28 which is constrained to theouter body 2 and, more particularly, to thefirst side wall 4. Advantageously, the second rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 28 can be fixed to thefirst side wall 4 by gluing, sealing or mechanical interference (the particularly preferred solution—FIG. 3 ). -
FIGS. 5 to 9 show various possible embodiments of the second rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 28. InFIG. 5 it is exclusively anannular element 30 with an L-shaped cross-section which forms asingle passage 29, and the flexible filtering material is fixed on top of it. In contrast, inFIG. 6 , in addition to theannular element 30 the second rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 28 comprisestransversal elements 33 which are connected to the annular element 30 (with which they are advantageously in one piece) which divide thepassage 29 delimited by theannular element 30 intosmaller passages 29. Again in this case the flexible filtering material is fixed on top of theannular element 30 and thetransversal elements 33. - In contrast, in
FIGS. 7 and 8 thesecond skeleton 28 is similar respectively to that inFIGS. 5 and 6 , but the flexible filtering material is fixed on the bottom of it. - Finally,
FIG. 9 shows a solution similar to that ofFIG. 5 but with theannular element 30 consisting only of a band of material which is not L-shaped. - It should also be noticed that when the
bottom portion 21 of the filtering body 9 comprises arecess 21, it may advantageously be the case that the additional filtering element 26 (with or without the second rigid or semi-rigid skeleton 28) is shaped in a similar way to thebottom portion 12, shown labeled 27 inFIG. 4 . In this way, during use, insertion of a piercing element in thecapsule 1, through the lower wall, is possible without damaging theadditional filtering element 26. - It should also be noticed that, in some embodiments the first rigid or
semi-rigid skeleton 10 and the second rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 28 may be rigidly connected to form one piece. In all of the embodiments illustrated, the flexible filtering material is applied to the second rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 28 in one piece. However, in other embodiments, not illustrated, the flexible filtering material may instead be used in a plurality of smaller pieces, each fixed to the second rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 28 at one ormore passages 29. - The flexible filtering material can advantageously be fixed to the second rigid or
semi-rigid skeleton 28 in any way suitable for the purpose, for example by sealing, gluing, or molding the second rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 28 directly on thelayer 27 of material. - However, in general, advantageously each piece of the flexible filtering material is fixed to the second rigid or
semi-rigid skeleton 28 along a continuous line in such a way as to prevent the formation of routes which may allow the beverage to pass from theopenings 13 to thelower wall 3 without passing through the at least onelayer 27 of flexible filtering material. - In general, to allow easier positioning of the
additional filtering element 26, thefirst side wall 4 comprises, close to thelower wall 3 but spaced from it, afold 31 which in thechamber 7 forms anannular surface 32 recessed towards the axis ofextension 8. Theadditional filtering element 26 is positioned/fixed on saidannular surface 32. - Although thanks to the presence of the
additional filtering element 26 it could be assumed that theopenings 13 are of a shape and/or size which allows thepassage 29 of the powdered food substance through them (but at that point there would no longer be a filtering body), in the preferred embodiments that is not the case and all of theopenings 13 are of a size such that they act as a filter for the powdered food substance, for retaining it at least when it is above a predetermined particle size (usually less than the nominal particle size of the powdered substance). - As indicated, the
capsule 1 is suitable for use in a beverage making system based on capsules which comprises water injecting means that can be associated with thecapsule 1lid 6 and beverage extracting means which can be associated with thelower wall 3 of thecapsule 1. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, an injecting element which pierces thelid 6 is used to inject the water into thefirst compartment 16 which contains the powdered food substance. The water interacts with the powdered food substance, making the beverage which, driven by the flow of the water (which may be pressurized), passes through the powder, covering stretches of it until it reaches theopenings 13 present in the filtering body 9. While the powdered food substance at least mainly remains confined in thefirst compartment 16, the beverage passes through theopenings 13 from thefirst compartment 16 to thesecond compartment 17, where it can come out of thecapsule 1 after the action of the piercing element which penetrates thelower wall 3. Depending on the type of beverage making system, the beverage may come out through the hole left by the piercing element or through a channel present in said element. - Any grains of powder which manage to pass beyond the
openings 13 are then intercepted and retained by theadditional filtering element 26. However, unlike what happens in prior art capsules with flexible filtering material filters, in the preferred embodiment in which theopenings 13 are of a size such that they act as a filter for the powdered food substance, for retaining it at least above a predetermined particle size, it is possible to prevent any clogging of theadditional filtering element 26 itself, since most of the powdered substance is retained directly by the first rigid orsemi-rigid skeleton 10. - This invention brings important advantages.
- The basket shape of the filtering element and the presence of the openings on the second side wall allow a reduction in the average distance that the water must cover through the powdered food substance in order to be able to come out of the filtering body. For example, the beverage made close to the lid is not forced to pass through substantially all of the powdered food substance in order to be able to come out through the bottom portion of the filtering body, but can come out through the above-mentioned openings closer to it. In that way, the beverage encounters less resistance during its movement. Moreover, in that way, the risk of the formation of highly compacted areas linked to the substantially unidirectional flow of water and beverage is reduced. In this way, while the beverage is being made the powdered food substance maintains substantially even compactness, consequently reducing the risk of the formation of preferential water flow channels, and the water can therefore permeate the food substance more evenly and homogeneously, leading to an increase in the quality of the beverage made.
- However, at the same time, the use of an
additional filtering element 26 equipped with one ormore layers 27 of flexible filtering material allows a reduction, or even elimination, of the micro-granules of powder which come out with the beverage even if a certain quantity manages to get beyond the filtering body. - Added to that is the fact that the filtering body of the capsule which is the subject of this invention, thanks to its shape and the presence of the above-mentioned openings, comprises a filtering surface greater than that of a common flat filtering body (the dimensions of the capsule being the same), while keeping the quantity of powdered food substance contained in it substantially unchanged. That allows improved filtering of the beverage.
- Finally, it should be noticed that this invention is relatively easy to produce and that even the cost linked to implementing the invention is not very high.
- The invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.
- Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted with other technically equivalent elements and the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may vary according to requirements.
Claims (33)
Priority Applications (1)
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US13/758,376 US20140220190A1 (en) | 2013-02-04 | 2013-02-04 | Capsule for the Preparation of Beverages |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US13/758,376 US20140220190A1 (en) | 2013-02-04 | 2013-02-04 | Capsule for the Preparation of Beverages |
Publications (1)
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US20140220190A1 true US20140220190A1 (en) | 2014-08-07 |
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ID=51259415
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US13/758,376 Abandoned US20140220190A1 (en) | 2013-02-04 | 2013-02-04 | Capsule for the Preparation of Beverages |
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US (1) | US20140220190A1 (en) |
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US20130156897A1 (en) * | 2011-08-10 | 2013-06-20 | David Goldstein | Beverage filter cartridge |
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US20140377414A1 (en) * | 2013-06-25 | 2014-12-25 | William J. Walters | Single Serve Cup |
USD742221S1 (en) * | 2013-08-13 | 2015-11-03 | Caffitaly System S.P.A. | Capsule for making beverages |
US20160159564A1 (en) * | 2014-12-09 | 2016-06-09 | Diana Smith | Single-Serve Beverage Container |
US9783361B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2017-10-10 | Starbucks Corporation | Stretchable beverage cartridges and methods |
US9877495B2 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2018-01-30 | Starbucks Corporation | Method of making a sweetened soluble beverage product |
IT201700008719A1 (en) * | 2017-01-26 | 2018-07-26 | I M P Di Zanarini Gianfranco & C S A S | METHOD FOR THE REALIZATION OF A DISPOSABLE GLASS-CAPSULE COMPLEX FOR THE PREPARATION OF A BEVERAGE OBTAINED BY INFUSION |
IT201800003319A1 (en) * | 2018-03-06 | 2019-09-06 | Sarong Spa | CAPSULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF BEVERAGES |
US10442610B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2019-10-15 | Starbucks Corporation | Pod-based restrictors and methods |
CN112577793A (en) * | 2019-09-29 | 2021-03-30 | 广东体必康生物科技有限公司 | Double-layer membrane filter cup and application thereof |
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US20210137302A1 (en) * | 2007-07-13 | 2021-05-13 | Adrian Rivera | Brewing Material Container for a Beverage Brewer |
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US11548722B2 (en) * | 2010-07-22 | 2023-01-10 | K-Fee System Gmbh | Portion capsule having an identifier |
US20130156897A1 (en) * | 2011-08-10 | 2013-06-20 | David Goldstein | Beverage filter cartridge |
US20130243910A1 (en) * | 2011-10-13 | 2013-09-19 | K-Fee System Gmbh | Portion capsule for producing a beverage using a portion capsule |
US9409703B2 (en) * | 2011-10-13 | 2016-08-09 | K-Fee System Gmbh | Portion capsule for producing a beverage using a portion capsule |
US9783361B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2017-10-10 | Starbucks Corporation | Stretchable beverage cartridges and methods |
US20140377414A1 (en) * | 2013-06-25 | 2014-12-25 | William J. Walters | Single Serve Cup |
USD742221S1 (en) * | 2013-08-13 | 2015-11-03 | Caffitaly System S.P.A. | Capsule for making beverages |
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RU2762247C2 (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2021-12-16 | Бисио Прогетти С.П.A. | Method for making cup for capsule for tinctures or instant drinks and corresponding cup and capsule |
US20220079372A1 (en) * | 2017-10-23 | 2022-03-17 | Adrian Rivera | Windowed Single-Serving Brewing Material Holder |
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IT201800003319A1 (en) * | 2018-03-06 | 2019-09-06 | Sarong Spa | CAPSULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF BEVERAGES |
CN112577793A (en) * | 2019-09-29 | 2021-03-30 | 广东体必康生物科技有限公司 | Double-layer membrane filter cup and application thereof |
US11805934B1 (en) * | 2020-10-21 | 2023-11-07 | Adrian Rivera | Brewing material lid and container for a beverage brewer |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: COFFEE STAR, S.A., LUXEMBOURG Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GIOVANNI, ACCURSI;REEL/FRAME:030129/0879 Effective date: 20130218 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CAFFITALY SYSTEMS S.P.A., ITALY Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:CAFFITA SYSTEM, S.P.A.;REEL/FRAME:032336/0824 Effective date: 20131231 Owner name: CAFFITA SYSTEM S.P.A., ITALY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:COFFEE STAR S.A.;REEL/FRAME:032337/0278 Effective date: 20130627 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CAFFITALY SYSTEM S.P.A., ITALY Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:CAFFITA SYSTEM, S.P.A.;REEL/FRAME:032528/0733 Effective date: 20131231 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |