Cartridge, machine and system for the preparation of beverages and process for manufacturing the cartridge

Abstract

The cartridge ( 1 ) according to the invention comprises an envelope ( 2 ) having a first and a second end wall ( 4, 5 ) connected together by an annular lateral wall ( 6 ) and defining an inner chamber ( 7 ) containing a quantity or dose of a substance (S) for preparation of the beverage. The envelope ( 2 ) has at least one first and at least one second permeable wall ( 6 a, 5 ) acting as an inlet for the introduction of a flow of water into the chamber ( 7 ) and as an outlet from it respectively for outflow of the beverage from chamber ( 7 ). Between the first and the second permeable walls ( 6 a, 5 ) the envelope ( 2 ) has an outwardly projecting annular formation ( 3 g ). A portion of the permeable inlet wall ( 6 a ) for the introduction of water into the chamber ( 7 ) is made in the annular lateral wall ( 6 ) of the envelope ( 2 ). The annular formation ( 3 g ) extends from the second end wall ( 5 ) in a direction substantially opposite to the first end wall ( 4 ).

1 . Cartridge ( 1 ) for the preparation of a beverage, comprising
 an envelope ( 2 ) having first and second end walls ( 4 ,  5 ) connected to each other by an annular lateral wall ( 6 ) and defining an internal chamber ( 7 ) containing an amount or dose of a substance (S) for preparation of the beverage;   the said envelope ( 2 ) having at least one first and at least one second permeable wall ( 6   a ,  5 ) defining an inlet and an outlet respectively for the introduction of a flow of water into the said chamber ( 7 ) and outflow of the beverage from the said chamber ( 7 ) respectively; between the said first and second permeable walls ( 6   a ,  5 ) the envelope ( 2 ) having an annular formation ( 3   g ) protruding outward; and in which   a permeable inlet wall portion ( 6   a ) for the introduction of water into the said chamber ( 7 ) is provided in the said annular lateral wall ( 6 ) of the envelope ( 2 );   the cartridge ( 1 ) being characterised in that the said annular formation ( 3   g ) extends from the said second end wall ( 5 ) in a direction substantially opposite the said first end wall ( 4 ).   
     
     
         2 . Cartridge according to  claim 1 , in which the said annular formation ( 3   g ) extends as a prolongation of the lateral wall ( 6 ) of the envelope ( 2 ), protruding beyond the said second end wall ( 5 ), substantially along the axial direction of the said envelope ( 2 ). 
     
     
         3 . Cartridge according to  claim 1 , in which the envelope ( 2 ) has a transverse annular formation ( 3   a ) protruding radially toward outward, in the form of a flange, around the said first end wall ( 4 ). 
     
     
         4 . Cartridge according to  claim 3 , in which the said inlet wall portion ( 6   a ) for the introduction of water into the said chamber ( 7 ) is provided only in the annular lateral wall ( 6 ) of the envelope ( 2 ). 
     
     
         5 . Cartridge according to  claim 1  or  claim 2 , in which a further inlet wall portion for the introduction of water into the cartridge ( 1 ) is provided in an end wall ( 4 ) of the envelope ( 2 ). 
     
     
         6 . Cartridge according to  claim 5 , in which the said further inlet wall portion of the envelope ( 2 ) for the introduction of water into the said chamber ( 7 ) has a flow area or cross-section smaller than that of the inlet wall portion ( 6   a ) provided in the lateral wall ( 6 ), such that the introduction of water into the chamber ( 7 ) takes place mainly through the said lateral wall ( 6 ). 
     
     
         7 . Cartridge according to  claim 1 , in which the envelope ( 2 ) has a general shape which is essentially cylindrical or frustoconical or prismatic or frustopyramidal. 
     
     
         8 . Cartridge according to  claim 1 , in which the said envelope ( 2 ) comprises an essentially cup-shaped body ( 3 ) made of an injection-moulded plastics material. 
     
     
         9 . Cartridge according to  claim 8 , in which the said envelope ( 2 ) further comprises a top wall or cover ( 4 ), connected to the mouth of the said cup-shaped body ( 3 ). 
     
     
         10 . Cartridge according to  claim 8 , in which the said material is chosen from the group comprising:
 polylactic acid (PLA),   poly-L-lactide (PLLA),   poly-D-lactide (PDLA),   stereo complex blends of PDLA and PLLA,   corn starches,   cellulosic materials,   PLA-, PDLA-, PLLA-based compounds, with mineral fillers,   PLA-, PDLA-, PLLA-based compounds with mineral fillers and plasticisers,   PLA-, PDLA-, PLLA-based compounds and cellulose,   compounds based on corn starches, with mineral fillers,   polybutylene succinate,   polybutylene succinate with mineral fillers,   polymers produced by micro-organisms or bacteria, such as PHA (poly-hydroxy-alkanoates) or PHB (poly-beta-hydroxy-butyrate),   compounds of plant fibres and starches,   compounds of plant biomass and starches,   compounds of plant fibres and PLA,   compounds of plant biomass and PLA, and   combinations of the materials listed above.   
     
     
         11 . Method for manufacturing at least part of the envelope ( 2 ) of a cartridge ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 a first step of forming at least one part of the said envelope ( 2 ), and   a second step of thermal post-treatment of the said at least one part of the said envelope ( 2 ), comprising one or more of the following steps:   i) residence in a closed mould,   ii) baking in an oven,   iii) treatment with ultraviolet radiation.   
     
     
         12 . Machine (M) for the preparation of beverages, intended for the use of a cartridge ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , comprising
 an infusion unit (G) capable of receiving a cartridge ( 1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, and with which supply means ( 30 ,  31 ) are associated for supplying a flow of water intended to be introduced into the cartridge ( 1 ) as well as discharge means ( 16 ,  14 ) for outflow of the beverage formed in the infusion unit (G) toward a collecting vessel;   the infusion unit (G) including a plurality of parts ( 10 - 12 ) which can be moved apart and brought close together, and coupled together in a leak-tight way to define as a whole an infusion chamber in which the said cartridge ( 1 ) can be introduced; the infusion chamber being capable of defining, relative to a cartridge ( 1 ) positioned therein, an annular space ( 20 ,  22 ) which can be connected to water supply means ( 30 ,  31 ), and is separated in a liquid-tight manner from the discharge means ( 14 ,  16 ).   
     
     
         13 . Machine according to  claim 12 , in which
 one part of the infusion unit (G) associated with the discharge means ( 14 ,  16 ) has a sealing ring ( 17 ) of a deformable material, against which the said annular end formation ( 3   g ) of the cartridge ( 1 ) positioned in the infusion chamber abuts when the latter is closed, and in which   another cooperating part of the infusion unit (G) comprises an active formation ( 19   b ) which when the infusion chamber is closed interferes with the said sealing ring ( 17 ) such as to deform it radially against the said annular end formation ( 3   g ) of the cartridge ( 1 ), for separating the infusion chamber from the discharge means ( 16 ,  14 ) in a liquid-tight manner.   
     
     
         14 . (canceled)