IT202200023286A1 - DISPOSABLE FOOD CAPSULE - Google Patents

Description

Description of the patent for Industrial Invention entitled:

"SINGLE-USE FOOD CAPSULE?

Sector of Invention

The invention relates to a disposable food capsule, in particular a capsule for containing a dose of coffee or other food in grains intended for grinding and extraction, for example whole coffee beans.

State of the art

Currently, there are widely used systems for extracting espresso coffee that use capsules or pods to contain the coffee to be extracted.

Capsules are generally made of aluminum, plastic, or even compostable materials, while second pods are commonly made of paper filters. The most popular systems currently have in common the fact that the coffee is pre-packaged in single doses already ground.

Coffee extraction occurs through the passage of a flow of hot water under pressure inside the body of the capsule itself, while in the case of the pod, it is closed inside a chamber into which water is injected. There is also a system known commercially as "Vertuo", in which extraction occurs instead of through the generation of pressure through the use of centrifugal force.

The most common capsules have a truncated conical shape and are closed at the base by a perforable membrane.

The flow of hot water enters the capsule through the side opposite the membrane which may already be perforated or may be punctured by the coffee extraction machine which can then exit through the perforated membrane.

A first drawback of these known capsule systems is due to the fact that, since the extraction chamber is the capsule shell itself, during extraction there is direct contact between the hot water and the capsule, therefore there is the possibility of the release of unwanted substances into the drink.

Similarly, in the case of pods, the water passes through the paper filter which can also release substances.

In all capsules and pods where the shell is not made of compostable material, there is also a disposal problem due to the complexity of separating the exhausted ground coffee from the shell itself once extraction has taken place.

In this regard, systems that include a compostable shell have the advantage of being able to be disposed of entirely in the compost, but have the drawback of a greater negative influence on the aroma in the cup due to the release of unwanted scents by the compostable shell when the hot water passes through.

Furthermore, to maintain freshness, while non-compostable systems can be hermetically sealed, compostable systems almost always require additional packaging to prevent degradation, and this packaging is usually made of non-compostable material such as aluminum or plastic. It is also known that coffee, as an organic material, contains a number of substances that give it its characteristic aroma.

In particular, coffee is rich in fats that, when in contact with air, become rancid and oxidized in a process that is accelerated by the presence of humidity and heat, which is why coffee fears exposure to air, water and light, meaning it tends to lose its organoleptic characteristics.

Deterioration due to exposure to air, water or light is amplified in the case of ground coffee since ground coffee, compared to coffee beans, has a larger surface area in contact with atmospheric agents and is therefore much more delicate.

For these reasons, the coffee inside the capsules currently available is highly subject to the degradation of its aromas, to a greater extent than all the extractions that use freshly ground coffee from whole beans whose surface protects the inside.

For this reason, in the professional field, espresso coffee is ground on the spot and placed inside an extraction chamber that is suitably designed to guarantee consistency and repeatability for an adequate pressure and temperature of the water, while the known capsule or pod systems are unable to achieve this due to the extraction system used.

There are also some solutions that use reusable capsules, generally made of metal, which overcome some of the negative aspects of classic capsules: first of all the ecological impact and secondly the extraction of coffee inside cheap materials (disposable capsules).

However, these solutions have seen little diffusion because their use irremediably compromises many of the most significant advantages of capsule systems, including obviously the practicality of use, versatility and speed of the process which allow the selection and obtaining of coffee with the desired characteristics without making a mess and without the need for particular skills or to carry out any adjustments.

From US2012171332, an extraction system is known that uses a capsule containing whole coffee beans that are ground directly in the capsule.

A drawback of the system described is, however, that it is not possible to obtain an adequate grain size of the ground coffee and that the problem of the possible release of unwanted substances is amplified because, in addition to using the capsule as a container for extraction, there is also the additional risk associated with its use as a grinding chamber. Finally, this method does not even meet the reduction of environmental impact since the coffee block remains inside the capsule.

Purpose of the invention

The present invention therefore intends to overcome the drawbacks of the already known solutions and to propose a disposable coffee capsule that allows to reconcile the advantages of practicality and speed of the powdered coffee capsule systems with the quality of the classic extraction systems.

According to a further aspect, the invention aims to offer a grinding device that addresses and solves the problem of the extemporaneous preparation in the home of single doses of freshly ground coffee or other grindable food grains.

Summary of the invention

These purposes have been achieved by creating a disposable capsule according to at least one of the attached claims, comprising a containment shell and hermetic closing means movable on command with respect to the shell between a position for containing the beans and a position for ejecting the beans from the shell intended for immediate grinding in a grinding device associated with the capsule.

A first advantage is the ability to maintain maximum freshness of the coffee by grinding it on the spot and at the same time a high level of practicality of use.

A second advantage is the possibility of using multiple formats and therefore of offering different dosages by virtue of the various types of extraction accessible to the user.

A further advantage is the flexibility of use of the capsule, not limited to the use of espresso only, but which also allows extraction through other systems such as moka, filtered coffee, etc., since the quantity of coffee, the appropriate blend and the adequate grinding for each type of extraction is pre-packaged and ready to use, even the less experienced user can obtain satisfactory results without having the otherwise necessary knowledge as in all systems that grind the coffee on the spot.

An even further advantage is that only the right dose of the capsule is used for each extraction, therefore, there is no waste or deterioration of the coffee.

An even further advantage consists in the fact that according to the invention the body of the capsule separates completely from the coffee before grinding, allowing for individual disposal of the two components (capsule and coffee block residual from the subsequent extraction) and avoiding the risk of contamination of the coffee due to the extraction in the capsule and premature degradation due to the no longer fresh ground coffee.

An even further advantage is that the capsule can be made of biodegradable material without affecting the quality of the coffee in the cup since neither the grinding nor the extraction takes place in the capsule.

List of drawings

These and further advantages will be better understood by any person skilled in the art from the following description and the attached drawings, given as a non-limiting example, in which:

- fig.1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;

- fig.1a shows the capsule of figure 1 in section A-A;

- fig.1b and fig.1c show respectively the capsule of figure 1 in axonometric view from above and from below;

- figures 1d, 1e show the capsule of fig.1 in the open configuration;

- figures 1f, 1g show respectively in perspective view and in section a version of a capsule of the type of fig.1, but with a rotating opening;

- fig.2 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a capsule according to the invention in the open configuration;

- fig.2a shows the capsule of figure 2 in section A-A;

- fig.2b and fig.2c show respectively the capsule of figure 2 in axonometric view from above and from below;

- Figures 2d and 2e show the capsule of Figure 2, in closed configuration, in lateral view and in section respectively.

- figures 3a, 3b show a grinding device according to the invention with the capsule of fig.1 housed inside, respectively in the closed configuration and in the open configuration;

- figures 4a, 4b show a grinding device according to the invention with the capsule of fig.2 housed inside, respectively in the closed and open configurations.

- figures 5, 5a-5d show a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;

- figures 6, 6a show a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention in the closed configuration and in the open configuration respectively;

- figures 7, 7a show a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention in the closed configuration and in the open configuration respectively;

- fig.7b shows a variant of the capsule in figure 7;

- figures 8, 8a show a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention in the closed configuration and in the open configuration respectively;

- fig.9 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention;

- fig.9a shows the capsule of figure 1 in top view;

- fig.9b shows the capsule of figure 9a in section B-B;

- fig.9c shows the detail H of the capsule of figure 9b

- fig.9d shows the capsule of figure 9 in an axonometric view from below;

- fig.9e shows a side view of the capsule body of the capsule of fig.9;

- figures 9f and 9g show a detail of the connection between the capsule body and the capsule ring of fig.9.

- fig.10 shows a further embodiment of a disposable capsule according to the invention;

- figures 11a, 11b show a grinding device according to the invention with the capsule of fig.10 housed inside, respectively in the closed configuration and in the open configuration;

- fig.12 shows a detail of the housing of the capsule of the device of fig.11a, b.

Detailed description

With reference to the attached drawings 1a-1g and 3a-3b, preferred embodiments of a disposable capsule CB according to the invention are described, suitable for use in a grinding device 20 of food beans 2 to be ground, for example whole coffee beans.

In the example described, the device 20 is provided with a housing 18 to accommodate the capsule CB, which is arranged in correspondence with and communicates with a supply channel 19 of a manual or motorized grinding unit G, suitable for grinding the coffee beans and obtaining a coffee powder P suitable for extraction.

With reference to the embodiment of figures 1-1e, the capsule of the invention CB comprises a containment shell 1 in which the beans 2 to be ground are contained and which is provided with an opening 3 for their release, normally sealed by hermetic closing means, for example a membrane 4. The hermetic closing means are removable on command by the effect of a movement of the shell 1 with respect to a second element of the capsule CB, for example a ring or ring nut 6 or by means of a similar reciprocal movement between the shell 1 and the machine 20, using cutting elements placed directly and rigidly constrained to the machine 20.

Preferably, the capsule will have an identification number indicating the correct grain size to set for the correct grinding and/or extraction, so that the operator can adjust the grinding fineness of the device used based on the number indicated on the capsule in use.

It is specified that by means of hermetic sealing means we mean sealing means that hermetically isolate the inside of the shell from the outside, preventing the passage of gas or liquids, and which may include, for example, alone or in combination, separation septa or membranes, caps, sealing materials or other technical devices suitable for the purpose, which may be applied directly to the shell or to the second mobile element.

In this case, an additional seal 47 may be provided between the shell and the mobile element, for example by means of adhesives, films or other sealants, which is intended to be forced when the capsule is opened.

Preferably, inside the capsule there is an excipient capable of eliminating the electrostatics that is generated during the grinding process and the shell 1 in the position containing the whole coffee beans is in a controlled atmosphere.

Preferably the excipient may belong to the following macro families:

? Hydroxylated polymers or Polyether(s).

? Ester derivatives of monocarbohydrates or Sorbitan derivatives or Sorbitans ? Carbon or Activated carbon

? Waterfall

Preferably, in the embodiment of figures 1a-1e the hermetic closing means comprise a tearable membrane 4 supported by a closing element 6, in the form of a ring or ring nut movable on command with respect to the shell 1 between a position of non-interference with respect to the cutting means 5 and a position of interference with respect to the cutting means 5, at which point the cutting means cuts the membrane 4 and creates an opening 3 of dimensions such as to allow the whole beans 2 to emerge from the capsule.

It is specified that cutting means are to be understood as means capable of cutting or incising the membrane, for example, alone or in combination, cutting edges, blades, incising teeth, and other similar devices suitable for the purpose.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1, 1a-1e, the membrane 4 is applied to the ring 6 which is sealed in turn with respect to the shell 1 by means of a seal 47, and the cutting means 5 are integral with the shell 1, comprising a cutting edge 5 of the opening 3 of the shell which can slide axially with respect to the ring 6 along a common axis ?a?.

In different embodiments, the axial sliding may be of a substantially telescopic type by means of axial compression and a linear guide or by rotation guided for example by inclined profiles or threads. In the version illustrated in figures 1, 1a-1e, the sliding stroke between the shell 1 and the ring 6 may advantageously occur in a guided manner thanks to the axial sliding of the reliefs 22 of the cap inside linear recesses 23 of the shell between the non-interference position in which the ring 6 is hermetically connected to the shell 1 and the interference position in which the ring 6 is disconnected from the shell 1 and the cutting means have at least partially cut the membrane 4 allowing the grains 2 to escape.

Preferably, the cutting edge 5 is provided with perforation teeth 9 and has an oblique geometry with respect to the membrane in order to determine a lateral movement of the membrane 4 at the end of the cutting. With reference to figures 1f, 1g, a further version of the capsule is described in which the membrane 4 is still applied to the ring 6; axial sliding occurs by rotation on inclined guides or threads 220/250 respectively made on the shell 1 and in the ring 6.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the CB capsule in which the shell 1 is a flexible shell with a spiral support structure 28 capable of collapsing under pressure.

Figures 5a, 5b show the capsule with opening membrane 4, for example heat-sealed to the shell 1, with pre-breakage zones 30, hermetically sealed in the moulding. In this example, the membrane 4 breaks (fig.5b) due to the pressure generated by the compression thrust of the shell, transmitted by the grains 2 contained inside the flexible shell.

Figures 5c, 5d show the capsule of fig.5, in which the membrane is in the shape of an envelope closed on the lower side, for example with a heat seal. The lower seal opens (fig. 5d) due to the pressure generated by the thrust indirectly transmitted by the grains contained inside the flexible cone. The grains then fall due to gravity and pressure.

Figures 6 and 6a show a capsule similar to figure 5, but in which the flexible structure of the shell 1 is made with a bellows solution that can be opened by compression (fig.6a).

Figures 7, 7a, 7b show a capsule in which the shell 1 is a rigid shell with a closing membrane underneath formed by a rigid heat-sealed cap 31 which can be cut (fig.6a) by a guillotine 32 present on the device d possibly in such a way as to leave an attachment flap 33 on which, acting as a hinge (fig.6b), the cap 31 opens with a spring effect and remains attached to the capsule.

In figures 8, 8a a capsule is shown in which the shell 1 is composed of two half-shells 1a, 1b formed by a closed cylindrical surface, preferably with at least one flat side, hinged together at a point 34 (preferably on the flat side) and hermetically sealed together along a mutual contact surface. The capsule can be placed horizontally on a seat 35 of the grinding device used which has a central inclined cavity which will act as a cradle for the walls of the capsule once opened (fig. 8a). The capsule opens by pressing in a vertical direction near the hinge 34 and forcing it to rest on the walls of the seat 35 and opening to allow the beans to fall out by gravity.

With reference to figures 9-9f, a further embodiment of the capsule of the invention is described which provides a shell 91 closed by a tear-away membrane 94 and assembled with a seal 107, for example an adhesive or a film, to a ring 96 provided with cutting teeth 93 and also provided with an external groove 97 for connection and positioning of the capsule with the housing 18 of the grinding machine 20, which makes the ring and the machine itself integral by rotation.

The shell 91 also features external tabs 95 that slide inside corresponding inclined guides 92 present inside the ring 96, so as to form a threaded coupling, for example with three threads, which, due to a relative rotation of the capsule body with respect to the ring, causes a descent.

During the downward movement, the membrane 94 progressively encounters the cutting teeth 93 and is torn, allowing the coffee beans to escape.

In the case illustrated, the opening rotation of the capsule, with respect to the ring, is a clockwise rotation of 90° which results in a tear in the membrane of approximately 300°, with a flap that remains intact, avoiding the detachment of the membrane.

Preferably, with reference to the detail of fig.9f, 9g, at the beginning of each principle of the guides 96 of the ring, three spherical protrusions 98, 99, 100 are provided which cooperate with the tabs 95 of the shell 91 to prevent accidental movements of the same, as an alternative to the mutual sealing between the shell and the ring.

In particular, in the example illustrated:

the first protrusion 98 has the function of allowing the tongue 95 of the shell 91 to enter the guide or groove 92 but preventing it from rotating backwards (Fig.9g);

the second protrusion 99 is a stop to the vertical translation and allows the capsule body to be kept constrained to the ring, avoiding vertical movements;

the third protrusion 99 is a stop to accidental clockwise rotation and allows the capsule body to be locked once it is engaged with the ring, avoiding involuntary operation.

In operation, the capsule is inserted by the operator into the appropriate housing of the grinder/machine (positioning is facilitated by a ribbed profile) by engaging the ribbed profile of the ring, or ring nut, with a corresponding profile of the machine. Advantageously, the ring nut, being bound to the body of the machine, will therefore not be able to rotate.

The operator, by manually rotating the capsule body by approximately 90°, will lower it, bringing the membrane closer to the cutting teeth, thus causing the cutting teeth of the ring nut to penetrate inside the capsule body, perforating and cutting the membrane placed between them.

Advantageously, the membrane is cut along the inner edge of the shell and the cutting edges are developed in such a way that only a small intact flap remains which must ensure that the membrane remains bound to the capsule but at the same time allows it to flex under the weight of the coffee beans in order to allow their complete evacuation.

With reference to figures 10-12, a further preferred embodiment of the capsule of the invention is described in which the same functional and structural parts already identified above in relation to the capsule of figures 9-9f are indicated with the same numerical references.

In this case the disposable capsule is completely analogous to the capsule in fig.9 but composed only of the shell 91 carrying the tabs 95 sealed by the membrane 94 but without the ring 96.

In fig.3a, 3b, the use of a capsule according to the invention, generically indicated with CB, is schematized in a grinding machine 20 configured to accommodate the capsule of the type illustrated in figures 1, 1a-1f, 4-4d, 9-9g, i.e. a capsule closed by a membrane 4/94 and comprising a shell 1/91 movable with respect to a ring element 6/96 so as to be able to determine the tearing of the membrane by means of cutting edges. The capsule and the grinding device are configured in combination in such a way that the capsule, in cooperation with a housing 18 of the housing device and rotation and/or translation stop of the capsule, can pass from a position of hermetic closure and containment of the beans inside the shell 2 to a position of opening of the shell and escape of the beans.

It is specified that cooperation between the capsule and the housing of the grinding device must be understood as the presence of a combined technical effect which determines the opening of the capsule and which is made possible by the housing of the capsule in the seat of the grinding device, although it does not prevent the opening of the capsule from being performed independently of its association with the grinding device.

In the illustrated diagram, the capsule can be housed in a seat 18 of the machine 20 which defines a passage 26 above a drop channel 19 which in turn leads to a grinding unit G, for example driven by a motor M.

The capsule is arranged in the seat 18 with the opening 3 positioned on the passage 26 and facing downwards, while the ring 6/96 rests on a circular stop 21 of the seat 18, exceeding the overall dimensions of the shell, preferably by means of a centering formed for example by one or more reliefs of the ring which engage in corresponding recesses of the seat 18.

Fig.3b shows the position of the grains coming out obtained by compressing the shell on the stop 21 (as with the capsule of fig.1, 1a-1e), or by rotating the shell 1 (as in the embodiment of fig.1g-1f, fig.9-9g) and simultaneously causing the cutting edge or the cutting teeth to lower with the consequent cutting of the membrane 4/94.

Due to the cutting of the membrane, the beans 2 fall into the channel 19 and from there are conveyed to the grinding unit G to obtain the coffee powder to be subjected to extraction.

In Figures 11a, 11b, 12 a device 20 for use with a capsule according to Figure 10 is illustrated.

In this case, both the guides 92 provided for the sliding of the tabs 95 and the teeth 93 for cutting the membrane 94 are integrated into the seat 18 of the device.

In use, the cutting of the capsule membrane 94 occurs through the same mechanism described above, that is, through relative rotation of the capsule with respect to the housing 18 with the threaded coupling of the tabs 95 with the guides 92 which determines the descent of the membrane and its cutting, allowing the coffee beans to fall.

Advantageously, with the embodiment shown in figure 10, thanks to the integration of the cutting elements in the device, a simplification of the structure of the disposable capsule and a further reduction of the consumable material is obtained.

With reference to figures 2, 2a-2c, a second preferred embodiment of a capsule according to the invention is described, in which the shell 10 of the capsule and the hermetic closing means are mutually movable by means of a reciprocal translation mechanism, in the example described a screw mechanism, to pass from the position containing the beans to the exit position.

In greater detail, the shell 10 has a cylindrical body 11 provided with a base 12 from which emerges a nut screw 13 arranged internally to the shell and the hermetic closing means comprise a cap 40 of the opening 30, provided with a screw 14 arranged to engage with the nut screw 13 which engages with the shell with a hermetic joint 470. In this embodiment, the movement of separation of the shell and the cap is obtained following a reciprocal rotation of the screw and the nut screw, for which it is necessary that the rotation of one of the two elements, shell and cap, is blocked.

For this purpose, in the example described, the shell 10 has grooves 16 to block rotation and the cap has a shaped recess 15 accessible from the outside, and configured to be able to impart rotation to the cap by means of engagement means 29.

Preferably, the recess 15 is shaped with a toothing arranged to engage with a toothed pinion 29.

In use, the CT capsule is placed in a special housing 180 of a grinding device 200 which emerges from a passage 260 above a drop channel 190 which in turn leads to a grinding unit G? (fig.4a, 4b) G for example driven by a motor M?.

In the illustrated example, the housing 180 has internal linear reliefs 201 that fit into the external linear grooves 16 of the capsule shell 10, while the recess 15 present on the base of the capsule can engage with a rotating pinion 29 of the grinding device which also defines a support stop 221 for the capsule.

In different embodiments, the pinion 29 may be rotated manually or by means of a motor M?? in both cases so that the rotation of the pinion can transfer a rotational force to the cap 40. For example, the pinion 29 may be rotated by means of a rotating shaft 262 that engages a hexagonal profile 263 of the pinion 29. In operation, since the shell 10 of the capsule is constrained not to rotate with respect to the housing 180, in the event of manual operation or operation of the motor M??, the cap 40 begins to rotate and the screw/nut screw coupling 13/14 causes the cap 40 and the shell 10 to move apart, forcing the hermetic joint, which breaks, with only the cap continuing to rotate, causing the shell 10 to lift with respect to the cap 40 substantially axially along a common axis “a?”. until leaving a passage 70 sufficient to allow the beans to escape and fall through passage 260 to channel 190 and the grinding unit G?.

Advantageously, in order to facilitate the release of the grains from the shell 10, the cap has an inclined surface 44 designed to receive the grains and allow them to fall.

The invention achieves important advantages related to the possibility of a single-dose domestic use that preserves the freshness of freshly ground coffee while allowing even an inexperienced user to vary and choose single doses of different quality, aroma or type and independently perform the extraction of coffee, or other beverage obtained from the grinding of food grains.

Furthermore, in all the illustrated embodiments, the capsule is expected to have a number, a code or a different type of sensor or means of recognition indicating the ideal granulometric value for grinding the coffee contained in the capsule itself.

Advantageously, this granulometric value can be received and set, on the devices associated with the use of the capsule, manually by the operator or via motorized recognition and actuation means, in order to carry out the subsequent grinding and/or extraction phases according to parameters (for example granulometry, water temperature, infusion time) optimised based on the type of capsule and therefore of coffee to be processed.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred form of implementation, but it is understood that equivalent modifications may be made without departing from the scope of protection granted to this industrial property.

Claims (16)

1. Disposable food capsule comprising a containment shell (1, 91) containing a quantity of grains (2) to be ground and provided with an opening (3) for the release of the grains, first cuttable means (4, 94) for sealing said opening, characterised in that it comprises cutting means (5, 93) movable with respect to said cuttable sealing means, a second element (6, 96) movable on command with respect to the shell, between a first position of the shell containing the beans (2) in which said cutting means do not interfere with said cuttable sealing means and a second position of the shell for the release of the beans in which said cutting means interfere with said cuttable sealing means in response to said movement of the second element with respect to the shell. 2. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein said shell (1, 91) and said second movable element (6, 96) are movable relative to each other along a common axis (a). 3. Capsule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said sealing means comprise a tear-away membrane (4) applied to the second movable element (6), said cutting means are associated with said shell and are configured to cut the membrane (4) at said interference position and create through the opening (3) a passage (7) of such dimensions as to allow the grains to be ground (2) to exit from the shell (1). 4. Capsule according to claim 3, wherein said second movable closing element (6) is connected by second sealing means (47) to the shell (1) in the closed position. 5. Capsule according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said cutting means comprise a cutting edge of the shell (1) and said second movable element (6) comprises a ring (6) movable with respect to the shell (1) between said containment position and a grain release position in which the cutting edge has partially cut the membrane (4). 6. Capsule according to claim 5, wherein said cutting edge (5) is provided with piercing teeth (9). 7. Capsule according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said cutting edge (5) has an oblique geometry with respect to the membrane in order to determine a lateral movement thereof during cutting. 8. Capsule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said sealing means comprise a tear-away membrane (94) applied to the shell (91), said cutting means (93) are associated with said second mobile element (96) and are configured to cut the membrane (94) at said interference position and create through the opening (3) a passage (7) of such dimensions as to allow the grains to be ground (2) to exit from the shell (91). 9. Capsule according to claim 8 wherein said second movable element comprises a ring (96) provided with cutting teeth (93). 10. Capsule according to claim 8 or 9 wherein said shell (91) has at least one external tab (95) which can slide inside a corresponding inclined guide (92) present inside the second element (96) in such a way that, as a result of a relative rotation of the shell with respect to the second element, a relative axial displacement is determined and the membrane (97) progressively encounters the cutting teeth (93). 11. Capsule according to one of claims 8-10 wherein in said at least one guide (92) there is provided at least one spherical protrusion (98, 99, 100) cooperating in use with said tab (95) of the shell (91) to perform a function of blocking accidental movements of the shell (91) itself. 12. Capsule according to one of claims 8-11 wherein said second movable element (96) comprises an external geometry (97) for rotationally prevented connection and positioning of the second element of the capsule with a housing (18) of a grinding machine (20). 13. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims, wherein inside the capsule there is an excipient suitable for eliminating electrostaticity. 14. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims for use in combination with a grinding device (20) of food grains (2) provided with a seat (18) for housing and rotating and/or translating stop of the capsule arranged in correspondence with and communicating with a feed channel (19) of a grinding unit (G), wherein said second element (6, 96) is movable by force with respect to the shell (1, 91) in cooperation with said housing and stop seat. 15. Capsule according to one of the preceding claims wherein said shell, said second element and said first sealing means are made of compostable material. 16. Apparatus for grinding coffee beans comprising at least one disposable food capsule comprising a containment shell (1, 91) containing a quantity of whole grains (2) to be ground and provided with an opening (3) for the release of the grains, sealed by means of tear-away sealing means (4, 94), a grinding device (20) for food grains (2) provided with a seat (18) for housing and stopping the rotation and/or translation of said capsule, arranged in correspondence with and communicating with a channel (19) for feeding a grinding unit (G) for grains (2) coming out of the opening 3), cutting means (5, 93) movable with respect to said cuttable sealing means, wherein said shell (91) is movable on command with respect to said seat (18) between a first position of the kernel containment shell (2) in which said cutting means do not interfere with said cuttable sealing means and a second position of the kernel release shell in which said cutting means interfere with said cuttable sealing means in response to said movement of the shell with respect to the seat (18).