Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
1
CAPSULE FOR USE WITH A BEVERAGE PRODUCTION MACHINE
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a single use
capsule for preparation of a beverage with a beverage production machine and,
more
particularly, but not exclusively, to a capsule composed of aluminum sheet.
Single use capsules containing compacted ground coffee, tea and/or other
ingredients are known for use in certain coffee preparation machines which are
generally
termed "espresso" machines. Capsules of this type generally include a capsule
body
containing the compacted ground coffee and/or other ingredients and a membrane
and/or
cover such as aluminum foil that seals the capsule body. Typically, the
capsule body is
shaped as an acute truncated cone with a rim, and the membrane is attached to
the rim to
seal the capsule. The body of the capsule is typically made from either
aluminum or
plastic. When aluminum sheet is used, the inside of the capsule is typically
coated with
a thin layer of a thermoplastic material that is used to thermo-seal the
membrane to the
rim and to provide a barrier between the aluminum and content of the capsule.
Typically, the membrane includes a similar coating and/or lacquer.
During use in an "espresso" machine, the capsule is placed in a chamber where
it
is typically pierced on two opposing faces and hot water is passed through the
capsule at
relatively high pressure and temperature, thereby extracting the aromatic
constituents
from the ingredients to produce the beverage. Typically, during operation of
the
"espresso" machine, the rim of the capsule is pressed with a rim of the
machine chamber
against a capsule holder to form a sealed engagement. The sealed engagement
with the
capsule holder is typically used to insure that all of the hot water is passed
through the
capsule for preparation of the coffee beverage and to prevent leakage around
the capsule.
U.S. Patent No. 4,136,202 entitled "Capsule for beverage preparation," the
content of which is incorporated herein by reference describes a capsule
containing a
substance for making up a drink using an apparatus. The capsule includes a
body having
the general shape of an acute truncated cone with a rim and a membrane
positioned over
the rim to seal the capsule body. It is described that the body of the capsule
is composed
of aluminum sheet between 60 and 110 micrometers thick, preferably 80
micrometers
with the membrane composed of aluminum, preferably between 30 and 60
micrometers
thick.
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
2
European Patent No. 1,654,966 entitled "Capsule with sealing means," the
content of which is incorporated herein by reference describes a capsule that
contains
beverage ingredients such as ground coffee, tea or other ingredients. The
capsule is
configured for insertion in a beverage production machine (or device) in order
to have a
liquid under pressure enter the capsule and interact with the ingredients in
the capsule.
The capsule includes a base body and a foil member closing the base body by
being
attached to a flange-like rim extending from the side wall of the base body of
the
capsule. The outer surface of the base body of the capsule includes a
resilient sealing
member, the sealing member being designed to be in sealing engagement with an
enclosing member of the beverage production machine. The sealed engagement
assures
that all liquid flow is through the interior of the capsule during preparation
of the
beverage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is
provided a capsule body including a sealing member designed to be in sealing
engagement with an enclosing member of the beverage production machine. The
capsule
body typically includes a base body with side walls into which contents, such
as coffee,
is introduced, and a flange-like rim extending from the side wall. The flange-
like rim is
typically not in contact with contents contained in the capsule body and is
external to a
cavity defined by the side walls, e.g. its extends out from the cavity. A
capsule includes
the capsule body and a membrane or lid that encloses the capsule body.
According to
some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing member is mounted on
the
flange-like rim on a surface of the flange that extends from an inner portion
and/or
surface of the capsule body. The inner surface of the capsule body is the
surface that
faces content stored in the capsule while an outer surface faces the beverage
production
machine. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flange
includes
one or more holes and/or slots for exposing the sealing member from an outer
portion
and/or surface of the flange and/or for improving a seal between the flange
and the
enclosing member of the beverage production machine. The outer surface of the
flange
is the surface of the flange that extends from the outer surface of the
capsule body that
comes in to contact with the rim of the enclosing member of the beverage
production
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
3
machine. Alternatively or additionally, the flange includes one or more cuts
and/or slits
for weakening a portion of the flange outer surface and thereby improving a
seal
between the flange (including the sealing member) and the enclosing member of
the
beverage production machine.
An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention provides for a capsule
body adapted for containing one or more beverage ingredients for use in a
beverage
preparation machine including: a base body having side walls defining a cavity
for
receiving the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the side walls include
an inner
surface facing the cavity defined by the side walls and an outer surface
facing the
beverage preparation machine in use, a flange-like rim extending from the side
walls;
and a sealing member adapted to provide a sealed engagement between the
capsule body
and the beverage preparation machine; wherein the sealing member is positioned
on a
surface of the flange like rim that extends from the inner surface of the side
walls.
Optionally, the side walls are shaped as an acute truncated cone.
Optionally, the flange-like rim is formed with one or more slots and/or slits.
Optionally, the one or more slots extend in a circumferential direction around
the
flange-like rim.
Optionally, the one or more slots provides an opening that is 0.3 mm - 1 mm
wide.
Optionally, the slots are separated by bridge components formed from material
forming the capsule body.
Optionally, the one or more slits extend in a radial direction of the flange-
like
rim.
Optionally, the one or more slits are micro pre-cuts or stamping marks.
Optionally, a plurality of slits extends from the slots in a radial direction.
Optionally, the plurality of slits extend from an edge of the slot that is
distal to
the side walls.
Optionally, the capsule body is formed from aluminum sheet.
Optionally, the aluminum sheet on at least a portion of the flange like rim is
50-
150 p.m.
Optionally, at least one surface of the aluminum sheet is laminated with a
polymer material.
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
4
Optionally, the capsule body includes slots separated by bridge components,
wherein the bridge components are from by the polymer material laminated on
the
aluminum.
Optionally, the sealing member is ring shaped.
Optionally, the sealing member has an 'L' shaped cross-section.
Optionally, the 'L' shaped cross-section includes a first leg and a second leg
and
wherein the hardness of the first leg is different that of the second leg.
Optionally, one leg of the sealing member is fitted along the inner surface of
the
side walls.
Optionally, the hardness of the one leg fitted along the inner surface of the
side
walls is more than that of the leg fitted on the flange-like rim.
Optionally, the sealing member has step shaped cross-section formed with an
inner ring portion and an outer ring portion, wherein the inner ring portion
is thicker than
the outer ring portion.
Optionally, the sealing member is formed with a first layer overlaid on a
second
layer, wherein the first layer is formed from material selected to be softer
than the
second layer.
Optionally, the inner ring includes both the first layer and the second layer
and
wherein the outer ring portion is formed from the material of the second
layer.
Optionally, the sealing member extends from an edge between the flange-like
rim and the side walls to a curl in on outer edge of the flange.
Optionally, the sealing member is formed from a polymer material.
Optionally, the sealing member is applied on the flange-like rim as a liquid
and
cured in place.
Optionally, the sealing member is partially exposed through the flange-like
rim.
Optionally, the sealing member is color coded to provide indication regarding
the
contents of the capsule.
An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention provides for a capsule
for use in a beverage preparation machine, the capsule adapted for containing
one or
more beverage ingredients, the capsule including: a capsule body as described
herein
above; a membrane adapted to be positioned over the flange-like rim and
thereby
enclose the cavity defined by the capsule body; wherein the sealing member is
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
positioned between the flange like rim and the membrane adapted to enclose the
cavity
defined by the capsule body.
Optionally, the capsule includes coffee.
Optionally, the capsule includes an additional layer between the sealing
member
5 and the flange-like rim.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now
to the
drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of
example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this
regard, the
description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art
how
embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary capsule body including
an internal sealing member in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
FIGs. 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom perspective views respectively of
an exemplary sealing member in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
FIGs. 3A and 3B are a schematic perspective view and a detailed cross-
sectional
view respectively of an exemplary capsule body including a first pattern of
slots in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
FIGs. 4A and 4B are a schematic perspective view and detailed cross-sectional
view respectively of an exemplary capsule body including a second pattern of
slits in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
FIGs. 5A and 5B are a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary capsule
placed in an enclosing member of a beverage production machine and a detailed
schematic cross-sectional view of enclosing member engaging the sealing member
of the
capsule in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
6
FIGs. 6A and 6B are a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary capsule
body including an internal sealing member and a detailed schematic cross-
sectional view
of the sealing member in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
FIGs. 7A and 7B are a perspective view and top view of another exemplary
capsule body in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
FIGs. 7C and 7D are a top view and detailed view of another exemplary capsule
body in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bridge formed between slots on
a
rim of an exemplary capsule body shown in accordance with some embodiments of
the
present invention;
FIGs. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are simplified schematic cross-sectional views of
exemplary rim and sealing member arrangements in accordance with some
embodiments
of the present invention;
FIGs. 10A and 10B illustrate a sealing member formed from a single material
and a sealing member formed with two different materials respectively in
accordance
with some other embodiments of the present invention; and
FIG. 11 is a simplified flow chart of an exemplary method for forming sheet
material with slots or slits for use in producing a capsule body in accordance
with some
embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a single use
capsule for preparation of a beverage with a beverage production machine and,
more
particularly, but not exclusively, to a capsule composed of aluminum sheet.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the capsule is formed
of a body into which contents, such as coffee, is introduced and a flange-like
rim
extending from a side wall of the body. The surface of the capsule or side
walls facing
the contents is referred herein as an inner surface and the surface facing a
beverage
production machine (in use) is referred herein as an outer surface of the
capsule body or
side walls. Likewise, the surface of the flange-like rim extending from the
inner surface
of the capsule body is referred herein as an inner surface of the flange and
the surface of
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
7
the flange-like rim extending from the outer surface of the side walls is
referred herein
as an outer surface of the flange.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, a capsule includes a
sealing member positioned on an inner surface of a wall and flange-like rim,
e.g. rim
and/or flange of the capsule. According to some embodiments of the present
invention,
the sealing member provides a sealed engagement between the capsule body and
an
enclosing member of a beverage production machine.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing member is
held and/or positioned on an inner surface of the flange¨like rim, optionally
between the
flange-like rim of the capsule body and the membrane for enclosing the capsule
body.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flange-like rim
includes a
pattern of slits for weakening the flange-like rim and/or slots for exposing
the sealing
member through the rim. Optionally, the slots are at least partially formed
while drawing
a shape of the capsule body.
In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing member is shaped as a flat ring.
Optionally, the sealing member has an 'L' shaped cross-section and fits on an
edge
between the flange and inner wall of the capsule body. In some exemplary
embodiments,
a diameter of the capsule side walls around the sealing member is extended
forming a
step-like protrusion in the side walls. The step-like protrusion may be
smaller or larger
than the sealing member filling it. Optionally, the step-like protrusion is
filled by the
sealing member such that the inner side of the base body does not comprise a
step when
the sealing member is provided to it. Alternatively, the sealing member is
thicker than
the extension of the diameter of the step-like protrusion such that the
sealing member
causes a step-like inner protrusion in the side walls. In some exemplary
embodiments,
the sealing member is a ring with a step shaped cross-section and the flange
includes a
corresponding elevated section or bulge for receiving the sealing member
thereunder.
Typically, the step in the step shaped cross-section that is configured to be
positioned on
the flange is wider in width and shorter in height as compared to the 'L'
shaped cross-
section that is configured to fit on an edge between the flange and inner wall
of the
capsule body. Optionally, a portion of the ring near its inner diameter is
thicker than a
portion near its outer diameter. According to some embodiments of the present
invention, a portion of the flange that overlaps with the sealing member is
elevated
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
8
and/or raised as compare to other portions of flange. Optionally, the sealing
member is
fitted under the elevated portion of a flange-like rim. Optionally, the
elevated section
extends to the sidewalls. In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing member
may
have `I: shaped cross-section with a step on one leg of the `I: shape. The `I:
shaped
cross-section may fits on an edge between the flange and inner wall of the
capsule body
and the step may fitted under the elevated portion of a flange-like rim.
Typically, the sealing member is formed from a polymer material. Optionally,
the polymer material is an elastomer, a polymer with elastic properties and/or
a polymer
that is deformable. Optionally, the polymer material is defined to be soft so
that it
protrudes through the slots and/or slits formed on the flange. Alternatively,
the polymer
material is not deformable. Optionally, for an `I: shaped cross section, a
portion of the
ring that sits around the inner side walls of the capsule body is formed from
a material
that is harder than a material used to form a portion of the ring that sits on
the flange.
Optionally, the sealing member is formed of a layered material having
different
properties. Optionally, a first layer overlaid on the flange-like rim is
formed from a
material that is softer than a material used to form a second layer overlaid
on the first
layer.
Reference is now made to FIG. 1 showing a schematic perspective view of an
exemplary capsule body including an internal sealing member in accordance with
some
embodiments of the present invention. Typically, capsule body 100 is shaped as
an acute
truncated cone. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a
capsule
body 100 includes a base 105, side walls 110 extending from base 105 and a
flange 115
extending from the side walls 110. Capsule body 100 includes an inner surface
111 in
contact with the ingredients and an outer surface 113. According to some
embodiments
of the present invention, sealing member 200 is fitted and/or positioned on an
inner
surface of the flange, e.g. on the side of flange extending from an inner
surface of
capsule body 100. Optionally, sealing member 200 does not extend to the edge
of flange
115, e.g. the edge that is distal to side walls 110.
Typically, sealing member 200 is ring shaped and sized to fit on flange 115
and/or around an edge between flange 115 and side walls 110. In some exemplary
embodiments, capsule body 100 is made from aluminum. Optionally, capsule body
100
is formed from aluminum sheet, e.g. with about 100 p.m thickness. Optionally,
the
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
9
aluminum sheet is formed from a laminated material. According to some
embodiments
of the present invention, sealing member 200 is a polymer. Typically, the
polymer is
defined to have properties, e.g. hardness and/or elasticity that are suitable
for forming a
sealed connection with a rim of the enclosing member of the beverage
production
machine in response to force and/or pressure. According to some embodiments,
sealing
member 200 is formed with a material that has a hardness of around SHORE 15A
to
70A, e.g. 20A.
Reference is now made to FIGs. 2A and 2B showing simplified schematic top
and bottom perspective views respectively of an exemplary sealing member in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In some exemplary
embodiments, sealing member 200 includes a first ring section 210 that sits
flat against a
surface of flange 115 and another ring section 220 that sits flat against
inner surface 111
of side walls 110. In some exemplary embodiments, ring 210 is defined to have
a 300-
800 p.m thickness and/or 400-650 p.m thickness. Optionally, ring section 210
has a
different thickness and/or width than ring section 220. In some exemplary
embodiments,
sealing member 200 is formed from a single material. In some exemplary
embodiments,
sealing member 200 is formed from more than one material and/or one or more
layers of
material. Optionally, ring section 220 is formed with material and/or with
properties that
is harder than the material and/or properties of ring section 210.
In some exemplary embodiments, sealing member 200 is formed from a
thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide
(PA)
and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Optionally, sealing member 200 is formed
from a
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a blend of thermoplastic polymers and
thermoplastic
elastomers, or plastomer. Optionally, sealing member 200 formed from a polymer
compound that has a high barrier property against oxygen and moisture.
Optionally,
sealing member 200 is deformable under pressure. Optionally, the deformable
and/or
elastic properties of sealing member 200 provides for establishing a fluid
seal when
engaging an enclosing member of a beverage production machine. Optionally,
sealing
member 200 is colored, e.g. color coated according to the contents of the
capsule.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, sealing member is
sandwiched between flange 115 and a layer of aluminum or other material that
seals the
capsule body and provides barrier against oxygen and moisture.
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
Reference is now made to FIGs. 3A and 3B showing a schematic perspective
view and a detailed cross-sectional view respectively of an exemplary capsule
body
including an exemplary pattern of slots in accordance with some embodiments of
the
present invention. According to some embodiments of the present invention,
capsule
5 body 100 includes one or more slots 151 formed on flange 115 from which
sealing
member 200 is exposed. Slots 151 are shown more clearly in detailed view 30
(FIG.
3B). According to some embodiments, slots 151 are elongated slots extending
along a
circumferential direction of flange 115. Optionally, slots 151 are defined to
substantially
expose sealing member 200. Optionally, 2-6 slots 151 are used in a capsule,
e.g. 4 slots
10 151. Alternatively, slots 151 may be formed from a pattern of round or
elongated holes.
In some exemplary embodiments, width of slots 151 are defined to fully
accommodate a
surface with which sealing member is to form a seal, e.g. width of slots 151
are defined
to be wide enough to fit within the rim of the beverage production machine
that contacts
the flange. Optionally, width of slots 151 is between 0.3 mm - 1 mm, e.g. 0.4
mm.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, sealing member 200
has an 'L' shaped cross-section. Typically, the 'L' shaped cross-section helps
prevent
leakage through slots 151 near an edge between flange 115 and side walls 110.
In some
exemplary embodiments, a membrane for sealing contents of capsule body 100 is
adhered to the 'L' sealing member 200. Typically, 'L' sealing member 200 also
provides
for increasing the structural stability of capsule body 100 around an edge
between flange
115 and side walls 110.
Reference is now made to FIGs. 4A and 4B showing a schematic perspective
view and detailed cross-sectional view respectively of an exemplary capsule
body
including an exemplary pattern of slits in accordance with some embodiments of
the
present invention. According to some embodiments of the present invention,
capsule
body 101 includes one or more slits 152 formed on flange 115 through which
sealing
member 200 is exposed. Slits 152 are shown more clearly in detailed view 32
(FIG. 4B).
Optionally slits 152 are arranged on flange 115 in a radial direction. In some
exemplary
embodiments, slits 152 are relatively narrow slits that are designed to
provide
substantially a minimum amount of exposure. Optionally slits 152 are elongated
slits
extending perpendicular to a circumferential direction of flange 115.
Optionally, slits
152 instead provide for weakening the aluminum surface for increasing surface
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
11
deformation when pressure is applied. Optionally, slits 152 are formed from
micro
precuts and/or stamping marks. Typically, slits 152 serve as a better barrier
against
oxygen and moisture penetration through capsule body 101 as compared to slots
151.
Optionally, a thickness of the material used to form flange 115 is made
substantially
small, e.g. as thin as possible, to improve a seal with a surface pressing
against flange
115. Optionally, the hardness of sealing member 200 is adapted, e.g. made
softer to
provide an adequate seal via slits 152 in flange 115. Optionally, flange 115
includes both
slits 152 and slots 151. Optionally, slits extend in a different direction
than shown, for
example in a circumferential direction or at an angle.
Reference is now made to FIGs. 5A and 5B showing a schematic cross sectional
view of an exemplary capsule placed in an enclosing member of a beverage
production
machine and a detailed simplified schematic cross-sectional view of the
enclosing
member engaging the sealing member of the capsule in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the
present
invention, an enclosing member 300 of a beverage machine 390 is operative to
press
surface 310 of enclosing member 300 against flange 115 to form a sealed
engagement.
The sealed engagement with enclosing member 300 is typically used to insure
that all of
the hot water introduced through base 105 of capsule 100 is passed through
capsule 100
for preparation of the coffee beverage and to prevent leakage of the hot water
around
capsule 100. Enclosing member 300 also provides for pressing capsule 100
toward a
capsule holder 320. Capsule holder 320, typically includes protruding members
325 that
pierce through a membrane 190 for extracting the fluid from capsule 100.
Typically, membrane or lid 190 is composed of an aluminum foil that is between
and 60 micrometers thick. In some exemplary embodiments, an inner surface
25 membrane 190 is coated with a polymer coating or lacquer, e.g. a
thermoplastic lacquer.
Typically, polymer coating or lacquer provides for thermo-sealing membrane 190
to
sealing member 200. Typically, membrane 190 extends toward a flange curl and
covers
sealing membrane 200. Alternatively, sealing member 200 extends beyond
membrane
190 so that sealing member 200 is visible once capsule body 100 is enclosed.
30 Typically, a ring shaped surface 310 of enclosing member engages flange
115 of
capsule 100. In some exemplary embodiments, a width 70 of slots 151 is defined
to
accommodate surface 310 and/or to provide substantial and/or adequate
engagement of
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
12
surface 310 with sealing element 200. Typically, sealing member 200 has a
width that
exceeds width 70. Typically, a thickness 60 of sealing element 200 is also
defined to
provide adequate sealing between surface 310 and sealing element 200 in
response to
pressure applied by surface 310. Optionally, sealing member 200 is 300-800 p.m
thick.
Reference is now made to FIGs. 6A and 6B showing a schematic cross-sectional
view of an exemplary capsule including an internal sealing member and a
detailed
simplified schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the capsule around
the sealing
member in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. According
to
some embodiments of the present invention, flange 115 includes a step 120,
e.g. an
elevated portion accommodating ring 210 of sealing member 200 thereunder. In
some
exemplary embodiments, step 120 provides for improving the sealed connection
with
enclosing member 300. Optionally, elevating a portion of flange 115 that is
designed to
make a seal insures that enclosing member 300 contacts that portion, e.g.
sealing
member 200 prior to coming in contact with other surrounding surfaces that may
obstruct proper engagement with sealing member 200. Optionally, sealing member
200
is fully accommodated under step 120 and does not extend out of step 120.
In some exemplary embodiments, a diameter of the capsule side walls around the
sealing member bulges or is extended to form a step-like protrusion 130 in the
side
walls. In some exemplary embodiments, step-like protrusion 130 of the side
walls
improves structural strength of the capsule walls after being weakened by
slots 151 or
slits 152. Typically, step-like protrusion 130 is useful for providing some
extra room
from sealing ring 200. The extra diameter may help prevent obstruction of
water flow in
the cavity of the capsule and also help ease assembly of sealing member 200.
In some
exemplary embodiments, step-like protrusion 130 is sized and shaped to improve
the
ease in which the capsule bodies can be unstacked in a production site by
avoiding
conical locking. Typically, the step-like protrusion reduces contact between
capsules to
substantially a narrow ring defined by an upper surface of the step-like
protrusion.
Typically, sealing member fills the volume defined by step-like protrusion
130.
Reference is now made to FIGs. 7A and 7B showing a perspective view and top
view of another exemplary capsule body in accordance with some embodiments of
the
present invention. Capsule 102 may have a plurality of grooves or indentations
118 each
extending longitudinally and the plurality distributed around a circumference
of outer
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
13
surface 113. Typically, capsules 102 are delivered in stacks after
manufacturing.
Optionally, 6-15 grooves, e.g. 12 are distributed around side walls 110. In
some
exemplary embodiments, a slot 153 along flange 115 extends circumferential
direction
and divides flange 115 into an inner rim section 115B and an outer rim section
115A.
Slot 153 optionally includes a plurality of polymer bridges 154 each extending
in a
radial direction that may hold inner rim 115B and outer rim 115A together
until a
sealing member is adhered to an inner surface of flange 115. Optionally,
flange 115 is
2.5-3.5 mm, e.g. 3.3 mm wide and slot 153 is 0.5-0.1 mm wide. Optionally,
bridges 154
are formed from material coated or laminated on the aluminum sheet of capsule
body
102. Prior to a drawing process, bridges 154 may include aluminum that may
break or
separate during the drawing process. The coating or laminated layer on the
aluminum
may stay intact due to its superior elastic properties. Alternatively, the
bridges are also
formed of aluminum.
Optionally, sealing member 200 maintains connection between outer rim section
115A and the capsule body for example after use of the capsule.
Reference is now made to FIGs. 7C and 7D showing a top view and detailed
view of another exemplary capsule body in accordance with some embodiments of
the
present invention. According to some exemplary embodiments, capsule 103 may be
similar to capsule 102 and may include a plurality of slits 152 that extend
from slot 153.
In some exemplary embodiments, slits 152 extend in radial directions from slot
153.
Typically, slits 152 extend out from an outer diameter of slits 152 toward
edge of flange
115, e.g. toward curl 112. Optionally, slits 152 are 0.7 mm long and extend
from slot
153 with a distance of 2 mm between.
Reference is now made to FIG. 8 showing a schematic cross-sectional view of a
bridge formed between slots on a rim of an exemplary capsule body shown in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. A bridge 154 may be
formed from PP laminated layer or coating on aluminum sheet forming flange
115.
Optionally, bridge 154 may have a thickness 154 of about 0.03 mm as compared
to a
thickness 116 of about 0.12 mm of the aluminum with PP laminate. A sealing
member
200 positioned under flange 115 and may have a thickness of 0.7-1.1 mm, e.g.
0.8 mm.
Typically, lid 190 is attached to flange 115 via sealing member 200 and has a
thickness
of between 0.03 and 0.06 mm.
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
14
Reference is now made to FIGs. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D showing simplified
schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary rim and sealing member
arrangements in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Typically, a width
of a
sealing member, e.g. sealing membrane 200, 201, 202 or 203 is defined to be
significantly larger than a width of slot 153 to avoid or minimize oxygen and
moisture
permeability through slot 153 due to possible misalignment between the
elements.
Referring now to FIG. 9A, optionally sealing member 201 is shaped as a flat
ring and
has a width of about 2 mm. Optionally, sealing member 201 extends from an edge
between side wall 110 and flange 115 to a curl 112 of the aluminum sheet and
fits into
step 120 form of flange 115. Referring now to FIG. 9B, optionally, step 120 is
displaced
from curl 112 by around 1 mm and slot 153 with sealing member 201 is
positioned on
step 120. In FIG. 9C, a stepped shape sealing member 202 is used to cover both
an area
under step 120 and to extend toward curl 112. This embodiment may provide
maximum
protection against leakage and possible permeation of oxygen and moisture
around slot
153. Optionally, and outer section of sealing member 202 is thinner than an
inner
portion of sealing member 202.
Referring now to FIG. 9D, in some exemplary embodiments, sealing member
203 is formed from two materials 203A and 203B. Material 203A may typically be
selected to be harder than material 203B. Optionally, material 203A may be
selected to
have a hardness of between 50-70 SHORE D while material 203B may be selected
to
have a hardness of 40-60 SHORE A. Hardness of material 203A may provide
adequate
rigidity to facilitate assembling the sealing member 203 onto capsule 103.
Hardness of
material 203A may also provide improved sealing against oxygen and moisture
penetration through the seal. Lower density material 203B may be suitable for
providing
a seal between capsule 103 and enclosing member 300 of a beverage machine 390
(FIG.
5A).
Reference is now made to FIG. 10A and 10B showing a sealing member formed
from a single material and sealing member formed with two different materials
respectively in accordance with some other embodiments of the present
invention. In
some exemplary embodiments, sealing member 202 includes an outer ring 211 that
is
thinner than an inner ring 221. Optionally, outer ring 211 has a thickness of
about 0.4,
e.g. 0.2-0.6 mm and inner ring 221 has a thickness of about 0.9 mm, e.g. 0.7-
1.1 mm.
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
Optionally, a width of inner ring 221 is greater than a width of outer ring
211. Inner ring
221 may have a width of about 2.5 mm, e.g. 2-3mm and outer ring 211 may have a
width of about 1.5 mm, e.g. 1.2-2 mm.
Referring now to FIG. 10B, in some exemplary embodiments, sealing member
5 203 is formed from a first material 203A and second material 203B.
Sealing member
203 may be formed for example with a 2K injection molding process or with an
overmolding process. Typically, inner ring 221 layered with softer material
203B
overlaid on harder material 203A while outer ring 211 is predominantly formed
with
harder material 203A.
10 Reference is now made to FIG. 11 showing a simplified flow chart of an
exemplary method for forming sheet material with slits and/or slots for use in
producing
a capsule body in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, capsule body is formed
from
aluminum sheet. Optionally, the aluminum sheet has a thickness of between 50-
150 p.m,
15 e.g. 100 p.m. According to some embodiments of the present invention,
the aluminum
sheet is wound out (block 410). Optionally, one or both surfaces of the
aluminum sheet
that is used is laminated, coated and/or lacquered with a thin coating of
polymer and/or
lacquer e.g. that has a thickness of 20-50 micrometers, e.g. 30 micrometers.
Optionally,
a coated surface when provided is used as the inner side walls of the capsule
body to
provide separation between the contents of the capsule and the aluminum.
Optionally,
both sides are coated, e.g. the outside is coated for color. According to some
embodiments of the present invention, a deep drawing process is used to form
the
capsule body (block 415). Once the shape is formed, holes are punched out or
cuts are
made in defined locations to form slots 151, slits 152, or slot 153
respectively (block
420).
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing member is
installed on the capsule body after forming the capsule body shape (block
425).
Typically, the sealing member is manufactured separately and then positioned
on the
capsule body. Optionally, the sealing member is adhered with the capsule body.
Alternatively, the sealing member can be applied on the capsule body as a
liquid and
cured in place.
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
16
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the capsule body is
filled with a desired content (block 435) and then the membrane for enclosing
the
capsule body is adhered to the sealing member (block 440). Typically, the
filling and
closing of the capsule body is performed separately from the manufacturing of
the
capsule body.
It is noted that although only one exemplary slot pattern and one exemplary
slit
pattern are disclosed, the invention is not limited in this respect and the
present
invention can be applied to different slots, cuts and/or slit patterns for
exposing and/or
creating a sealed engagement with an enclosing member of a beverage production
machine.
It is noted that although the one exemplary slot pattern and one exemplary cut
pattern is shown to extend in the circumferential direction and one exemplary
slit
pattern is shown to extend in the radial direction, the invention is not
limited in this
respect and the slits and/or slots can be directed in different directions and
may have
different shapes.
It is noted that although most of the embodiments of the present invention,
refer
to a capsule that is shaped as an acute truncated cone with a rim, the
invention is not
limited in this respect and the present invention can be applied for producing
capsule
bodies that are round, rounded and/or have dome or alternate shapes.
It is noted that although most of the embodiments of the present invention,
refer
to a capsule that is formed from aluminum sheet and enclosed with an aluminum
membrane, the invention is not limited in this respect and the present
invention can be
applied for producing capsule bodies from alternate and/or additional
material.
It is noted that although most of the embodiments of the present invention
refer
to a capsule used for preparation of a hot beverage such as coffee, tea and
hot
chocolate, the capsule as described herein is not limited in this respect and
can also be
used and/or adapted for the preparation of cold beverage including carbonated
beverages and/or alcoholic beverages.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and
their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".
The term "consisting of' means "including and limited to".
CA 02981764 2017-10-04
WO 2016/174671
PCT/1L2016/050435
17
The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method or
structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if
the
additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic
and novel
characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for
clarity,
described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in
combination
in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which
are, for
brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided
separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other
described
embodiment of the invention. For example, materials and shapes of sealing
elements,
slots and slits described for one embodiment may be used with other
embodiments
described. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments
are not to be
considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is
inoperative without those elements.
