Single-use capsule for machines for the dispensing of infused beverages

Abstract

A disposable capsule for machines for preparing beverages is provided. The capsule has a hollow, cup-shaped body with an insert having a frustoconical disk-like portion having a plurality of through openings formed in a mantle thereof, perforation members formed in a cavity thereof, and a stem that extends axially from a top portion of the frustoconical disk-like portion. The insert is axially movable between an assembly or packaging position, wherein the frustoconical disk-like portion rests on the bottom of the hollow body and the stem presses against the cover of the capsule deforming it outwards, and an opening position, wherein a free end of the stem is advanced in the axial direction and substantially aligned with a flange within the cup-shaped body, and the disk-like portion is flattened on the bottom and an perforation members interfere with the inner film thereby tearing it.

1 . A disposable capsule for machines for preparing beverages, said capsule comprising:
 i) a hollow, cup-shaped body adapted to receive a measured dose of a granular or particulate product, said hollow body comprising a bottom wherein a through opening is formed, a peripheral wall and a flange formed on a peripheral edge of said peripheral wall;   ii) a cover tightly fixed on said flange;   iii) an inner film applied on said bottom so as to seal said through opening; and   iv) an insert housed in said hollow body, said insert comprising a frustoconical disk-like portion, said frustoconical disk-like portion having a plurality of through openings formed in a mantle thereof and perforation members formed in a cavity thereof, and a stem that extends axially from a top portion of said frustoconical disk-like portion,   wherein the insert is axially movable between an assembly or packaging position, wherein said frustoconical disk-like portion rests on the bottom of the hollow body and said stem presses against said cover deforming it outwards, and an opening position, wherein a free end of the stem is advanced in the axial direction and substantially aligned with said flange, and the disk-like portion is flattened on the bottom and said perforation members interfere with the inner film thereby tearing it, and   wherein the insert further comprises a cup-shaped element restrained to the body of the capsule in a seat formed close to its flange,   wherein the stem and the cup-shaped element are coupled to one another by means of breakable connecting means, the overall configuration being such that the insert, fitted into the cavity of the body of the capsule, separates the cavity into two sectors adjacent to each other and not communicating with each other.   
     
     
         2 . The capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the stem comprises an end portion which, in an assembled configuration of the disposable capsule, axially protrudes beyond the flanged edge of its body. 
     
     
         3 . A The capsule according to  claim 2 , wherein said end portion is formed integrally with the cup-shaped element and restrained thereto by way of a breakable collar, said collar forming the breakable connecting means. 
     
     
         4 . The capsule according to  claim 3 , wherein the stem and its end portion are connected axially through a shape coupling. 
     
     
         5 . A The capsule according to  claim 2 , wherein the stem is fitted in a through opening formed axially in the cup-shaped element so that said end portion protrudes axially therefrom, and wherein the stem is restrained to the cup-shaped element by way of a breakable collar formed along the peripheral edge of said through-opening, said collar forming the breakable means.