CAPSULE FOR PREPARING A DRINK

Abstract

A capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation machine is disclosed. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body and a closing membrane for closing the cup-shaped body. The cup-shaped body comprises an annular flange for the closing membrane to seal thereon. At least the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp and comprises: a bottom wall, a tubular lateral wall and the annular flange. The annular flange further comprises a portion having a surface roughness comprised between 27 and 32 microns. This flange portion having specific roughness characteristics cooperates with an edge of a capsule enclosing member of the beverage preparation machine for improving leak tightness during the preparation of the beverage.

Description

CAPSULE FOR PREPARING A DRINK FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage and / or a foodstuff in a beverage preparation machine. The capsule comprises a bulb-shaped body made of cellulose pulp and is biodegradable, preferably compostable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Containers or capsules made of cellulose pulp are known in the field of beverage preparation devices and machines. Materials made of cellulose pulp that can maintain the qualities of the beverage substance in the capsule, at least for a certain period of time, are also known. Single-use capsules for preparing a beverage in a beverage production device are also known.

[003] These single-use capsules made from cellulose pulp provide a potentially reduced environmental impact compared to capsules made from other materials.

[004] Capsules made of known cellulose pulp are used in beverage preparation devices and comprise a member that surrounds the capsule during the beverage preparation process and the injection of water into the capsule for beverage preparation.

[005] It is essential that the coupling between the capsule and the surrounding member of the capsule cage be tight to prevent water injected into the capsule from flowing out of the capsule body.

[006] If the sealing engagement between the capsule and the surrounding member of the capsule cage is not satisfactory, water flows out of the capsule without encountering sufficient resistance to flow, the pressure necessary to cause the rupture of the capsule's sealing membrane will not be generated inside the capsule or, alternatively Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 7 / 52 2 / 29 Indeed, low pressure will cause an incomplete rupture of the sealing membrane and therefore a deficient extraction of the beverage substance contained in the capsule. In such a scenario, water will be drained from the beverage production device without having interacted or fully interacting with the beverage substance under sufficient pressure conditions.

[007] The present invention aims to improve the leak-proof features of a capsule made of known cellulose pulp for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] As used herein, the term machine or device may refer to an electrically operated device or machine that: can prepare, from a precursor material or ingredient, a beverage and / or a foodstuff; or can prepare, from a pre-precursor material, a precursor material that can subsequently be prepared into a beverage and / or a foodstuff. The machine may implement said preparation by one or more of the following processes: dilution; heating; pressurization; cooling; mixing; beating; dissolution; wetting; maceration; extraction; conditioning; infusion; grinding and other similar processes. In general, the machine may be sized for use on a work surface, for example, it may be less than 70 cm in length, width and height.As used herein, the term "prepare" in relation to a beverage and / or a foodstuff may refer to the preparation of at least part of the beverage and / or foodstuff (for example, a beverage is prepared by said machine in its entirety, or prepared in part, to which the end user may manually add additional fluid before consumption, including milk and / or water).

[009] As used here, the term container or capsule may Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 8 / 52 3 / 29 refers to any configuration for containing the precursor material, for example, as a single, pre-portioned quantity. The container may have a maximum capacity such that it can only hold a single portion of precursor material. The container may be for single use, for example, it is physically altered after a preparation process, which may include one or more actions among: piercing to supply fluid, for example, a liquid such as water, to the precursor material; piercing to supply the beverage / food product from the container; opening by a user to extract the precursor material. The container may be configured for operation with a machine container processing unit, for example, it may include a flange for alignment and direction of the container or arrangement in said unit.The container may include a rupture portion, which is designed to rupture when subjected to a specific pressure to deliver the beverage / food product. The container may have a membrane to close the container. The container may have various shapes, including one or more of the following: frustoconical; cylindrical; disc; hemispherical and other similar shapes. The container may be formed from various materials, such as metal-based or plastic materials or wood pulp or a combination thereof. The material may be selected so that it is food-safe; it can withstand the pressure and / or temperature of the preparation process. The container may be defined as a capsule, and a capsule may have an internal volume of 5 to 100 ml. The capsule includes a coffee capsule, for example, a Nespresso® capsule (including a Classic, Professional, Vertuo, Dolce Gusto or other capsule).

[0010] As used herein, the term beverage or food preparation system or system may refer to the combination of any two or more of the following: the beverage preparation machine Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 9 / 52 4 / 29 of the food or containers; the container; the server system and the peripheral device.

[0011] As used herein, the term beverage may refer to any substance capable of being processed into a potable substance, which may be chilled or heated. The beverage may be one or more of the following: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The beverage may include one or a combination of: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; fruit syrup; vitamin composition; tea / infusion; infused / flavored water, and other extractable substance. As used herein, the term foodstuff may refer to any substance capable of being processed into an edible nutrient, which may be chilled or heated. The foodstuff may be one or more of the following: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The foodstuff may include yogurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; cream; fruit vitamins; other substance.It will be recognized that there is a degree of overlap between the definitions of a beverage and a foodstuff; for example, a beverage can also be a foodstuff, and thus, a machine that is said to prepare a beverage or a foodstuff does not exclude the preparation of both.

[0012] As used herein, the term precursor material may refer to any material capable of being processed to form part or all of the beverage or foodstuff. The precursor material may be one or more of the following: a powder; a crystal; a liquid; a gel; a solid, and others. Examples of a beverage-forming precursor material include ground coffee; powdered milk; tea leaves; cocoa powder; vitamin composition; herbs, for example, to form a herbal blend / infusion; a flavoring; and other similar material. Examples of a food-forming precursor material include dried vegetables or broth as anhydrous soup powder; powdered milk; flour-based powders including cream; yogurt or ice cream powder; and / or Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 10 / 52 5 / 29 other similar material. A precursor material may also refer to any pre-precursor material capable of being processed into a precursor material as defined above, i.e., any precursor material that can be subsequently processed into a beverage and / or a foodstuff. For example, pre-precursor material includes coffee beans that can be ground and / or heated (e.g., roasted) into a precursor material.

[0013] As used herein, the term fluid (in relation to the fluid supplied by a fluid conditioning system) may include one or more liquids, for example, water; milk; others.

[0014] As used herein, the term wood pulp-based may refer to the material or a portion of the material that forms the container which is one or more of the following: porous; fibrous; cellulosic; formed of cellulosic material; formed of natural cellulosic material; formed of reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material; nonwoven; is composed entirely of, or is a composition of, wood pulp, and is formed by wet processing. The thickness of the wood-based material may be from 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm or about 0.5 mm. The wood-based material may be from 200 to 400 g / m2.

[0015] As used herein, the term nonwoven can refer to a fabric-like material that is not woven or knitted. A nonwoven material can be produced from fibers connected to each other. As used herein, the term porous can refer to a material configured with interstices to transmit water (or other liquid) through it. As used herein, the term fibrous can refer to a material comprised of fibers, which may be present in one or more of the material's constituents. As used herein, the term cellulosic or cellulosic material can refer to conventionally woody and / or non-woody materials, for example, Manila hemp, sisal, jute, bleached and unbleached softwood and Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 11 / 52 6 / 29 species of hardwood. A cellulosic material may include regenerated or reconstituted cellulose. As used herein, the term natural cellulosic material may refer to conventionally woody materials that are not regenerated. As used herein, the term reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material may refer to a natural cellulosic material subjected to processing comprising reconstitution or regeneration; examples include rayon and lyocell. As used herein, the term wood pulp may refer to a fibrous lignocellulosic material that may be prepared by mechanical or chemical separation of cellulose fibers from one or more of these materials, including wood, fiber cultures, papers, or rags. As used herein, the term wet-formed may refer to a process of forming an aqueous solution of fibers. The aqueous solution of fibers may be heated and pressed into a mold to shape the material and remove water from it.

[0016] The capsule of the invention has a diameter of 2 to 5 cm and an axial length of 2 to 4 cm. Details of construction, manufacture and / or extraction (of beverages) of containers and / or closing members are disclosed, for example, in documents EP 2155021, EP 2316310, EP 2152608, EP2378932, EP2470053, EP2509473, EP2667757 and EP 2528485.

[0017] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the capsule may have other cross-sectional shapes, including square, other polygons or elliptical; the closing member may be rigid or another non-membrane formation; the flange is alternatively connected to the upper surface of the closing member, for example, by crimping; the side wall is alternatively arranged, including with reverse tapering or is aligned with the depth direction, or is curved; the base is alternatively arranged, including with a flat or curved base; the flange portion is co Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 12 / 52 7 / 29 connected to the storage portion instead of being integrally formed; the closing member is arranged as a storage portion, for example, it comprises a cavity; and the flange portion is omitted, for example, the closing member connects directly to the storage portion.

[0018] The invention as claimed in claim 1 relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine. The capsule consists of a bulb-shaped body made of cellulose pulp and a sealing membrane to close the bulb-shaped body.

[0019] The bulb-shaped body and the closing membrane define a closed cavity to contain a beverage or food ingredient.

[0020] The bowl-shaped body comprises an annular flange with a ring portion for the sealing membrane to seal it. The annular flange also ensures alignment in the capsule / straining unit cage.

[0021] According to the invention, at least one portion of the annular flange has a surface roughness of the cellulose pulp between 27 and 33 microns.

[0022] Advantageously, this protruding part cooperates with an edge of a surrounding capsule member of the beverage preparation machine to improve leak tightness during beverage preparation.

[0023] The roughness of a surface is measured as below in accordance with the related standard ISO 3274.

[0024] Surface roughness, often shortened to roughness, is a component of surface texture. It is quantified by the deviations in the direction of the normal vector of a real surface from its ideal shape. Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 52 8 / 29

[0025] Roughness measurement can use surface profile measurement using a profilometer. In the present case, this is done using a contact or pen profilometer (such as the Smithers Handysurf E35B handheld) that moves a loaded diamond probe across the surface and records the vertical movement of the pen caused by surface irregularities.

[0026] It should be noted that the portion of the annular flange comprising the specific surface roughness extends from the side wall of the bulge-shaped body, into the annular flange, and is integral with both the side wall and the annular flange of the capsule. In the present case, there are no additional elements / parts bonded or sealed to the annular flange that simplify capsule production.

[0027] At least the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp and comprises a bottom wall, a tubular side wall and an annular flange.

[0028] Preferably, the bowl-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp comprising cellulose fibers in a percentage of at least 50% by weight, preferably ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

[0029] In the context of the invention, the term cellulose pulp refers to a pulp comprising cellulose fibers in a percentage of at least 50% by weight, preferably ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

[0030] The term cellulose fibers refers to fibers with a wood origin and / or a wood-free origin. Fibers, by way of non-limiting examples, are: hardwood cellulose fibers, softwood cellulose fibers, wheat fibers, corn fibers, bagasse fibers, bamboo fibers, hemp fibers, cotton fibers, other vegetable or similar plant fibers, or a combination thereof. Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 52 9 / 29

[0031] The bulb-shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by molding in a dry or wet mold, preferably wet, made of cellulose pulp.

[0032] The portion of the annular flange with controlled surface roughness extends into the annular flange from the side wall 5, along a radial distance (d) between 0.2 and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm. The proposed radial extension ensures that the edge of a surrounding capsule member of the beverage preparation machine will interact with the defined portion of the annular flange during the use of the capsule in the beverage preparation machine.

[0033] In the proposed solution, the annular flange, preferably said annular flange portion, comprises a water permeability of 100% water absorption in less than 5 seconds. This water permeability is limited so that the annular flange does not absorb too much water during the capsule extraction process.

[0034] Water absorption would cause the annular flange to swell and increase in volume, which could cause the capsule to become stuck in the beverage preparation machine.

[0035] Additionally, the annular flange of the capsule further comprises an external curved and / or coiled extension with reduced roughness when compared to the annular flange portion. Similarly, this technical feature prevents the capsule from getting stuck inside the beverage preparation machine.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cellulose pulp density of said annular flange portion (3) is comprised within a converted softness value between 40 N / mm and 80 N / mm.

[0037] In particular, the annular flange portion has a thickness similar to the thickness of the annular flange (3), preferably ranging from 0.25 mm to 1 mm, more preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.75 mm, even more preferably about 0.5 mm. This specific feature Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 52 10 / 29 ensures that the capsules do not tilt during interaction with the edge of a surrounding capsule member of the beverage preparation machine and contributes to improving the seal between the capsule and the beverage preparation machine.

[0038] In more detail, the sealing membrane is preferably made as a multi-layered laminate of material with different and specific properties. The sealing membrane preferably integrates at least one filter layer, a carrier layer, and a gas and / or moisture barrier layer. It is preferably made of biodegradable materials and more preferably of compostable materials, so it is biodegradable and / or compostable.

[0039] The sealing membrane may be flat, i.e., not formed in a three-dimensional shape, so as to be sealed in the ring portion of the annular flange of the bulb-shaped body opening, opposite the annular flange portion with specific roughness properties, after the capsule is filled with an ingredient, preferably a beverage ingredient.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the capsule additionally comprises a barrier layer, preferably at least an oxygen barrier lining fixed to the inner and / or outer surface of the bulb-shaped body made of cellulose pulp. Thus, preferably, after the bulb-shaped body of the capsule is molded, the aforementioned barrier lining is laminated onto the inner and / or outer surface of said body.

[0041] At least one oxygen barrier lining is made of one, preferably several layers.

[0042] The oxygen barrier lining is made of a known mono- or multilayer polymeric lining, preferably comprising, for example, a non-fossil polymer or a Bio polymer. Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 16 / 52 11 / 29 Source, and it is attached to the inner surface of the capsule's cellulose pulp bulge-shaped body.

[0043] A preferred multilayer barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties, surrounded by a sealing layer to seal said barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material and, preferably, a second outer sealing layer to seal a closing membrane in order to close the capsule after it has been filled with an ingredient.

[0044] Preferably, the multi-layer barrier lining also has a moisture or water barrier function.

[0045] Preferably, the oxygen / moisture or water barrier for both the sealing membrane and the bowl-shaped body is selected to provide sufficient shelf life depending on the nature of the beverage ingredients. For coffee, for example, the expected shelf life may be 12 months.

[0046] Preferably, the cavity enclosed by the capsule body and the capsule sealing membrane is essentially oxygen-free, and the empty space is saturated with an inert gas, such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and combinations thereof, which also contribute to increasing the capsule's shelf life. Preferably, the capsule has an internal gas pressure above atmospheric pressure, due to the gas contained in the coffee and emanating into the cavity after sealing, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

[0047] As mentioned, preferably, the cup-shaped body, its oxygen barrier lining and / or the sealing membrane are made of materials that are compostable at home. The capsules according to the invention are normally intended to be recycled in recycling processes that are organized in official recycling facilities in accordance with national regulations (by Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 52 12 / 29 for example, in paper recycling streams or in general recycling or waste treatment streams). However, if the capsule is placed in nature, in a home composting waste or in a landfill, said capsules are designed with materials that are naturally ready to be degraded by bacteria and under temperature and humidity conditions that are naturally present in nature. In this way, it is ensured that such capsules do not remain in nature and will naturally disappear within a short period of time (a few weeks, in principle) under the conditions defined by home compostability standards.

[0048] More specifically, home compostability is now well defined at the national level and primarily based on the international standard EN 13432; therefore, it does not need to be further defined in depth in this descriptive report. Materials or products conforming to these standards can be recognized by a certification mark claiming their home compostability. Some examples of certifications for home composting at the national level include, but are not limited to, the certifications described below. The certifier TÜV AUSTRIA BELGIUM offers such a certification scheme for home compostability, and DIN CERTCO offers a certification for home compostability according to the Australian standard AS 5810. Italy has a national standard for composting at ambient temperature, UNI 11183:2006.In November 2015, the French standard NF T 51-800 Plastics - Specifications for plastics suitable for home composting - was issued. This standard is covered by the DIN CERTCO scheme.

[0049] Preferably, but not exclusively, the capsule of the invention is a single-use coffee capsule.

[0050] The invention also relates to a system comprising Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 18 / 52 13 / 29 of a capsule, as described according to the invention, a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage and / or a food product thereof. The beverage preparation machine of the system comprises: - a capsule support portion to hold the capsule on the side of the closing membrane (2); - a capsule encircling member to hold the capsule inside the beverage preparation machine, the capsule encircling member, as it surrounds the capsule, comprising an edge that interacts with the annular flange portion having specific surface roughness characteristics to improve leak tightness during beverage preparation; - a means of injecting liquid to feed liquid into the capsule; - a processing unit for processing the capsule ingredient material, wherein the processing unit comprises a penetrator for piercing the bottom wall of the capsule; - an electrical circuit to control the processing unit.

[0051] Thus, the beverage preparation machine preferably comprises a capsule holder for receiving and tightly closing the capsule, a pressurized liquid supply system for delivering that liquid into the capsule. Devices and machines of this type are, for example, those normally used for extracting traditional Nespresso® capsules.

[0052] According to the invention, the use of a capsule as described above in a beverage preparation machine is also disclosed.

[0053] The drink is prepared by mixing Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 52 14 / 29 fluid substance with an ingredient contained in the capsule. Preferably, the ingredients are chosen from the list of: roasted and ground coffee, compacted or not, soluble coffee powder or loose leaf tea. Dairy ingredients (e.g., milk or a milk substitute), as well as chocolate, fruit juices, soups, vegetable juices, powdered broths, fruit vitamins, purees, vegetable or fruit purees, creams, chicory, barley, cooking aids, soup ingredient, infant formula or a combination thereof, in soluble powder form, in concentrated liquid form with various viscosities or in gel form, may also be supplied.

[0054] Preferably, the beverage ingredients are roasted and ground coffee.

[0055] The capsule of the invention can typically interact with a beverage and / or food preparation machine (device), for example, by being fed with a diluent, preferably a fluid (e.g., hot, cold, or ambient water) into the container; such diluent mixes or otherwise interacts with the beverage ingredients. By the expression "mixing of the diluent with the beverage ingredient(s)" it should be understood that all the ingredients contained in the capsule are in a form that is compatible with a generic mixing operation (dissolution, extraction, or infusion) with the diluent to obtain the beverage product.

[0056] The present invention also proposes a method for preparing a beverage and / or a foodstuff thereof from a capsule of beverage and / or foodstuff according to the invention in a beverage preparation machine, wherein the method comprises: - insert a capsule into a beverage preparation machine comprising a capsule support portion and a capsule surrounding member, wherein the surrounding member of Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 20 / 52 15 / 29 capsule comprises an edge portion that interacts in a fluid-tight manner with a portion of the capsule's annular flange, - to penetrate the lower wall of the cellulose pulp of the capsule with a penetrator from said machine to provide fluid inlets, - to deliver conditioned fluid to the beverage and / or food product in the capsule through the fluid inlets, and - to process beverage and / or food ingredients.

[0057] The preceding summary is provided for the purpose of summarizing some embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Consequently, the features described above are merely examples and should not be interpreted as restricting the scope or spirit of the matter described herein in any way. Furthermore, the above and / or following embodiments may be combined in any suitable combination to provide other embodiments. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the matter described herein will become apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments, the brief description of the figures, and the claims that follow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will become apparent from, the description of the present preferred embodiments, which are specified below with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention.

[0060] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view through section lines AA of the capsule in Figure 1.

[0061] Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the capsule in Figure 1. Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 52 16 / 29

[0062] Figure 4 is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the capsule of Figure 1, when it is surrounded in a surrounding capsule member of a beverage preparation machine.

[0063] Figure 4A is a schematic enlarged view of the portion of Figure 4 indicated by arrow W1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] Before describing various embodiments of the system, it should be understood that the capsule, system, and method of the invention are not limited to the construction details or process steps presented in the following description. It will be evident to those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure that the capsule, system, and method of the invention are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or performed in various ways.

[0065] The present revelation can be better understood in light of the following explanations:

[0066] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a proposed embodiment of a capsule according to the invention, for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine. The aim is to insert the capsule into the beverage preparation machine to be dispensed. This capsule comprises a bulb-shaped body opening 1 at one end and a closing membrane 2 to close the bulb-shaped body 1 at the opening.

[0067] The bowl-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp and is therefore biodegradable, preferably compostable.

[0068] The term cellulose pulp refers to a pulp comprising cellulose fibers in a percentage greater than 50% by weight, preferably ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

[0069] The term cellulose fibers refers to fibers with an origin Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 52 17 / 29 gem of wood and / or a wood-free origin. Fibers, by way of non-limiting examples, are: hardwood cellulose fibers, softwood cellulose fibers, wheat fibers, corn fibers, bagasse fibers, bamboo fibers, hemp fibers, cotton fibers, other vegetable or similar plant fibers, or a combination thereof.

[0070] The bulb-shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by molding in a dry or wet mold, preferably wet, made of cellulose pulp.

[0071] Alternatively, the bowl-shaped body 1 can be formed from a sheet made from cellulose pulp, deforming it in a mold to give the sheet the desired bowl shape, as is usual for those skilled in the art.

[0072] The bowl-shaped body 1 comprises at least one bottom wall 4 (which closes the bowl-shaped body at its second end), a tubular side wall 5 and an annular flange 3 for the closing membrane 2 to seal it.

[0073] As can be seen in the Figures, the bowl-shaped body 1 is preferably revolutionary symmetrical. Preferably, the tubular wall 5 has a frustoconical shape, with a circular cross-section and with a diameter increasing towards the annular flange 3.

[0074] Preferably, the lateral tubular wall 5, when viewed in longitudinal section (shown in Figure 2), is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis A of the bulge-shaped body 1, in a first inclination direction M1 (shown in Figure 3).

[0075] The back wall 4 preferably comprises a first inclined wall 4A and a second wall 4B, so as to delimit a shallow concave volume. The first inclined wall 4A preferably has a frustoconical shape, with a cross-section Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 23 / 52 18 / 29 circular and with an increasing diameter towards the side wall 5. The second wall 4B is preferably flat (as shown in Figure 2) or convex (from the point of view of cavity 1A, i.e., projecting internally towards cavity 1A).

[0076] The bulb-shaped body 1 also comprises reinforcing portions 7, which are arranged between the side wall 5 and the bottom wall 4 to stiffen the bulb-shaped body of the capsule. In particular, the stiffening portions 7 are intended to stiffen the bottom wall 4 which constitutes a perforation region to be perforated by one or more penetrating elements 12 (shown in Figure 4) of the beverage preparation machine.

[0077] The annular flange 3 comprises different portions, namely a portion 3A with specific surface characteristics, a rim portion 3B adjacent to the body opening in bulge form for the sealing membrane 2 to be sealed and an external curved and / or coiled extension 3C.

[0078] The side wall 5 and the annular flange 3 are integral and connected by a connecting portion 6 of the bulge-shaped body 1. They are therefore made of the same material and are biodegradable, preferably compostable.

[0079] Portion 3A of annular flange 3 comprises a surface roughness of the cellulose pulp material between 27 and 33 microns.

[0080] Surface roughness is measured according to ISO 3274 standard.

[0081] When the capsule is inserted into the beverage preparation machine 10 (as shown in Figure 4), portion 3A cooperates with at least one edge 8 of a surrounding capsule member 9 of the beverage preparation machine. In use, this cooperation, thanks to the specific surface characteristics of portion 3A of Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 24 / 52 19 / 29 flange 3, allows for improved leak tightness between said surrounding member 9 and the bowl-shaped body 1 during beverage preparation.

[0082] This portion 3A is integral with both the side wall 5 and the said annular flange 3 of the capsule. Thus, portion 3A is also made of cellulose pulp.

[0083] It extends over the annular flange 3, from the side wall 5, along a radial distance (d) between 0.2 and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm.

[0084] The table below shows the tightness between the capsule and the beverage preparation machine obtained with capsules with surface roughness different from the flange.

[0085] In this case, the tightness is expressed as the amount of water that comes out of the beverage preparation machine between the start of the brewing process and the start of coffee dispensing.

[0086] In fact, the more airtight the seal established between the capsule and the beverage machine, the less water will be dispensed before dispensing coffee. Reference of the capsule Flange portion roughness (micron) Amount of water before coffee dispensing (start of pouring) Max front weight (g) X1 28 to 32 0 to 0.5 X2 24 to 26 19.7

[0087] As can be seen in the table above, when the flange surface roughness is below 27 microns, the amount of water leaking from the beverage preparation machine is much greater, at least 35 times greater, than when the flange roughness is between 28 and 32 microns.

[0088] Controlled flange roughness is therefore important to prevent leaks between the capsule cage of the beverage machine and the capsule in a pulp-molded capsule. Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 52 20 / 29

[0089] The specific surface roughness of the cellulose pulp of portion 3A of annular flange 3 can be obtained using different methods.

[0090] For example, in one possible method, different pulp mixtures, which combine long and short fibers with the possible addition of appropriate additives, can lead to the compaction of the fibers with a certain surface state.

[0091] In another proposed method, texturing during capsule formation can lead to obtaining the necessary localized roughness on the flange. Currently, the molding tool can include a pattern that allows embossing the molded pulp at the flange location.

[0092] Post-production texturing can also be provided. Mechanical embossing or abrasion, as well as laser engraving, can be used.

[0093] The application or coating as a post-production step can also be used to modulate surface roughness.

[0094] The controlled roughness of portion 3A of the annular flange allows for better and more gradual interaction between the edge 8 of the surrounding moving member 9 of the beverage preparation machine 10, as well as better sealing.

[0095] In addition to the surface roughness characteristics, the material density of the cellulose pulp of portion 3A of the annular flange 3 is comprised of a converted softness value between 40 N / mm and 80 N / mm.

[0096] In the context of the invention, the term density refers to the volumetric mass density of a material, which is the mass per unit volume of that material.

[0097] Furthermore, the thickness of portion 3A of the annular flange is Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 52 21 / 29 similar to the thickness of the annular flange, preferably ranging from 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm, more preferably about 0.5 mm. There is no local increase in flange thickness or addition of material at this location.

[0098] In the proposed capsule, the bowl-shaped body 1, preferably the annular flange 3, more preferably portion 3A, comprises a water permeability of 100% water absorption in less than 5 seconds.

[0099] The curved and / or coiled outer extension 3C may have reduced roughness when compared to portion 3A of the annular flange 3. Such an arrangement may aid in the ejection of the beverage preparation capsule after capsule extraction.

[00100] In conclusion, the shape, dimensions, surface roughness, and density of portion 3A of the annular flange 3 ensure tightness during beverage preparation. Tightness is achieved through local interaction, for example, by compaction and / or deformation of the cellulose pulp of portion 3A (as shown in Figure 4A).

[00101] In the course of preparing a beverage and / or a food product thereof from the proposed capsule beverage and / or food product in the beverage preparation machine, • the capsule is first inserted into the beverage preparation machine which, as presented, comprises a capsule support portion 11 and a capsule surrounding member 9, the capsule surrounding member 9 comprising at least one edge portion 8 that interacts in a fluid-tight manner with a portion 3A of the capsule's annular flange 3, • the cellulose pulp lower wall 4 of the capsule is then perforated by one or more penetrating elements 12 of said machine to provide fluid inlets, • the machine additionally provides conditioned fluid, of Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 27 / 52 22 / 29 In general, water, for the beverage and / or food ingredient, generally roasted and ground coffee, from the capsule through the fluid inlets, and • the beverage and / or food ingredient is then processed by the beverage machine and extracted to provide the consumer with a beverage, generally coffee.

[00102] In conjunction with the drawings, the beverage preparation machine 10, partially revealed in Figure 4, comprises the movable surrounding member 9 and the capsule support in the form of a support plate 11 to support the capsule's sealing membrane 2. In detail, the surrounding member 9 is movable from an initial position (not shown), which allows the capsule to be introduced into the beverage preparation machine, to a preparation position (shown in Figure 4 and Figure 4A), where the surrounding member 9 and the support plate 11 tightly surround the capsule. In this configuration, pressurized liquid is injected into the capsule through inlet openings formed by one or more penetrating elements 12 of the beverage preparation machine 10. In the present embodiment, the three penetrating elements 12 are designed to pierce the lower wall 4 of the bowl-shaped body 1.After liquid is injected into the capsule and the pressure inside the capsule increases, the sealing membrane interacts with the support plate 11, which opens the sealing membrane and allows the beverage to flow out of the capsule.

[00103] The operation of the beverage preparation machine 10, as well as the technical features of its various components, are well known to those skilled in the art and, therefore, will not be described in detail.

[00104] The closure membrane 2 is made of a known material, preferably a polymeric film membrane. The closure membrane 2 is made of at least one polymer of Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 52 23 / 29 home composting, so that it is possible to throw it, and preferably the cup-shaped body as well, into the home composting waste.

[00105] The closing membrane 2 can be flat, that is, not formed in a three-dimensional shape.

[00106] The closure membrane 2 is not specifically detailed in the Figures, however, to ensure optimized extraction, it can be designed as a laminate comprising at least a carrier layer, a filter layer and a gas (oxygen, for example) and / or moisture barrier layer.

[00107] The closing membrane 2 preferably additionally comprises a sealing layer oriented towards the cavity 1A of the bulb-shaped body 1.

[00108] As usual, the closing membrane 2 can assume a convex shape, that is, one that projects outwards in relation to cavity 1A (as shown in Figure 2), if the capsule has an internal gas pressure above atmospheric pressure.

[00109] The sealing membrane 2 is sealed in the rim portion 3B of the bowl-shaped body opening in order to close the capsule after it has been filled with the beverage ingredient.

[00110] The bowl-shaped body made of cellulose pulp comprises a barrier layer, the barrier layer being at least one oxygen barrier liner 14 (Figure 3) made of at least one, preferably several layers. The barrier layer may also have a moisture / water barrier function.

[00111] Preferably, after the capsule's bulb-shaped body is molded, the oxygen barrier liner 14 is attached in a known manner to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp bulb-shaped body. However, for example, the oxygen barrier liner 14 is laminated onto the inner and / or outer surface of said body. Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 29 / 52 24 / 29

[00112] Preferably, the oxygen barrier liner 14 is produced from at least one home compostable polymer, so that it is possible to drop the capsule or at least the bowl-shaped body into the home compostable waste.

[00113] Preferably, the multilayer oxygen barrier lining comprises a core layer with oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties, surrounded by a sealing layer to seal said barrier lining to the cellulose pulp material.

[00114] A preferred multilayer barrier liner comprises a core layer with oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties, surrounded by sealing layers to seal said barrier liner onto the cellulose pulp.

[00115] The oxygen barrier lining, by way of non-limiting examples, may comprise one or more of the following layers: - an outer polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected from the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene terephthalate adipate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or a combination thereof, - a first fixing layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin, - a barrier layer comprising a polymer selected from the list of: butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or a combination thereof, - a second fixing layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin, - an inner polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected from the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene terephthalate adipate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 30 / 52 25 / 29 (PHA) or a combination thereof.

[00116] Preferably, the barrier lining 14 is provided on all internal surfaces of the bowl-shaped body 1, so as to delimit at least the entire cavity 1A to accommodate the beverage substance.

[00117] The oxygen barrier liner 14 is made of a known mono- or multilayer polymeric liner, comprising, for example, a non-fossil polymer or a BioSource polymer, and is attached to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp bulge-shaped capsule body.

[00118] Preferably, the first and outermost polymer layer has a thickness between 10 and 50 μm, and said layer has an elongation at break between 10% and 800%, a melt flow rate (MFR) between 2 and 4 when measured at 150°C for 10 minutes with a pressure of 2.16 kg, and said layer has a melting point temperature below 80°C.

[00119] Preferably, the first fixing layer has a melting point temperature between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness between 1 and 12 μm.

[00120] Preferably, the barrier layer has a melting point temperature between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness between 1 and 15 μm.

[00121] Preferably the second fixing layer has a melting point temperature between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness between 1 and 10 μm,

[00122] Preferably, the innermost polymer layer has a thickness between 10 and 50 μm, and said innermost layer has an elongation at break between 10% and 1000%, a molten mass flow rate (MFR) between Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 31 / 52 26 / 29 between 4 and 10 when measured at 190°C for 10 minutes with a pressure of 2.16 kg and said layer has a melting point temperature between 110°C and 180°C.

[00123] Preferably, the bowl-shaped body 1 and its oxygen barrier lining 14 are made from home compostable materials (for example, from one or more of the materials listed above), so that it is possible to dispose of this body in home compostable waste.

[00124] As an alternative (not shown), the bowl-shaped body may comprise a lining that incorporates an oxygen barrier material.

[00125] Preferably, the oxygen barrier for both the sealing membrane and the bowl-shaped body is selected to provide a sufficient shelf life depending on the nature of the beverage ingredients. For coffee, for example, the expected shelf life may be 12 months.

[00126] As previously mentioned, the complete capsule is biodegradable, with compostability being the most likely option.

[00127] In the proposed system, the capsule is interacting with the beverage preparation machine 10.

[00128] The beverage preparation machine 10, the machine includes the capsule support portion 11 to hold the capsule on the side of the sealing membrane 2, the capsule surrounding member 9 to keep the capsule inside the beverage preparation machine, the capsule surrounding member 9, when surrounding the capsule, comprising the edge 8 that interacts with the annular flange portion 3A to improve leak tightness during beverage preparation.

[00129] In addition, the beverage preparation machine 10 includes a liquid injection means (not shown) for feeding liquid Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 32 / 52 27 / 29 of the capsule and a processing unit for processing the capsule ingredient material, wherein the processing unit comprises one or more penetrating elements 12 (as shown in Figure 4) for perforating the bottom wall 4 of the capsule and an electrical circuit for controlling the processing unit.

[00130] With the use of the proposed molded cellulose pulp capsule, the airtight interaction between the beverage preparation machine and the capsule is increased and, in this way, no additional liquid (water), or at least reduced liquid, falls into the prepared beverage.

[00131] It should be understood that various alterations and modifications to the currently preferred embodiment of the capsule described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such alterations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, covered in the appended claims.

[00132] In claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses should not be interpreted as claim limiters. The expression comprises or includes does not exclude the presence of elements or steps beyond those mentioned in a claim. Furthermore, the terms a or an, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Additionally, the use of introductory phrases such as at least one and one or more in claims should not be interpreted as meaning that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles a or an limits any specific claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one of these elements, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases one or more or at least one and indefinite articles such as a or an. The same is true with respect to the use of definite articles.Except where otherwise specified, terms such as first and second are used to distinguish arbitration. Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 33 / 52 28 / 29 The terms described are distinct from those elements. Therefore, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are mentioned in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[00133] Except where explicitly indicated as incompatible, or the physical or otherwise applicable forms, example or claims preclude such combination, the features of the aforementioned forms and examples, and of the following claims may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially those where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to any specific benefit, and may instead arise from an ex post facto benefit. This means that the combination of features is not limited by the forms described, particularly the form (e.g., numbering) of the example(s), form(s) or dependency(ies) of the claim(s).Furthermore, this also applies to the phrase "in a modality," "according to a modality," and similar expressions, which are merely a form of word style and should not be interpreted as limiting the following functionalities of a separate modality to all other instances of the same or similar expression. That is to say, a reference to one, a, or some modality(ies) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all, of the modalities, or combination(s) thereof, revealed. In addition, similarly, the reference to the modality may not be limited to the immediately preceding modality.

[00134] The aforementioned description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 34 / 52 29 / 29 Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or can be acquired through the practice of various implementations of this revelation.

Claims

1. Capsule for use with a beverage preparation machine (10) for preparing a beverage and / or a food product thereof, wherein the capsule comprises: a bulb-shaped body (1) and a sealing membrane (2) for closing the bulb-shaped body (1), which defines a closed cavity for containing a beverage and / or food product ingredient, said bulb-shaped body (1) being made of cellulose pulp and comprising a bottom wall (4), a tubular side wall (5) and an annular flange (3) with a ring portion (3B) for the sealing membrane (2) to seal therefrom, said side wall (5) being connected to said annular flange (3), characterized in that at least one portion (3A) of the annular flange (3) has a cellulose pulp surface roughness between 27 and 33 microns,wherein said portion of the annular flange (3) cooperates with an edge (8) of a surrounding capsule member (9) of the beverage preparation machine (10) to improve leak tightness during beverage preparation.

2. Capsule, according to claim 1, characterized in that said portion of the annular flange (3) extends from the side wall (5), into the annular flange (3), and is integral with both the side wall (5) and the annular flange (3) of the capsule.

3. Capsule, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the bulbous body 1 is made of cellulose pulp comprising cellulose fibers in a percentage of at least 50% by weight, preferably ranging from 80% to 100% by weight. Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 36 / 52 2 / 4 4. Capsule, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the portion (3A) extends into the annular flange (3) along a radial distance (d) extending between 0.2 and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm, from the side wall (5).

5. Capsule, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular flange (3), preferably the portion (3A) of the annular flange (3) comprising a water permeability of 100% water absorption in less than 5 seconds.

6. Capsule, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular flange (3) further comprises a curved and / or coiled outer extension (3C) with reduced roughness compared to the portion (3A) of the annular flange (3).

7. Capsule, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cellulose pulp density of said portion (3A) of the annular flange (3) is comprised within a converted softness value between 40 N / mm and 80 N / mm.

8. Capsule, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said portion (3A) of the annular flange (3) has a thickness similar to the thickness of the annular flange (3), preferably ranging from 0.25 mm to 1 mm, more preferably about 0.5 mm.

9. Capsule, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing membrane (2) is biodegradable and / or home compostable and integrates at least one of a filter layer, a carrier layer and a gas and / or moisture barrier layer and wherein the closing membrane (2) is connected to the ring portion (3B) of the annular flange (3) opposite to portion (3A).

10. Capsule, according to any of the previous claims Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 37 / 52 3 / 4, characterized by additionally comprising at least one oxygen barrier liner (14) fixed to the inner and / or outer surface of said body in the shape of a bulb and said oxygen barrier liner being biodegradable and / or home compostable.

11. System characterized by comprising a capsule as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10 and a beverage preparation machine (10) for preparing a beverage and / or a foodstuff thereof, wherein the machine includes: - a capsule support portion (11) for holding the capsule on the side of the sealing membrane (2); - a capsule encircling member (9) for holding the capsule within the beverage preparation machine, wherein the capsule encircling member (9), when encircling the capsule, comprises an edge (8) that interacts with the portion (3A) of the annular flange (3) to improve leak tightness during beverage preparation; - a liquid injection means (38) for feeding liquid into the capsule; - a processing unit for processing the capsule ingredient material, wherein the processing unit comprises one or more penetrating elements (12) for piercing the bottom wall (4) of the capsule;- an electrical circuit to control the processing unit.

12. Use of the capsule as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by being intended for the system as defined in claim 11.

13. Method for preparing a beverage and / or a foodstuff thereof from a beverage ingredient and / or foodstuff. Petition 870250080752, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 1.38 / 52 4 / 4 food-grade capsule as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10, in a beverage preparation machine, characterized by comprising: • inserting a capsule into a beverage preparation machine comprising a capsule support portion (11) and a capsule surrounding member (9), wherein the capsule surrounding member (9) comprises an edge portion (8) that fluid-tightly interacts with a portion (3A) of the capsule's annular flange (3), • penetrating the cellulose pulp bottom wall (4) of the capsule with one or more penetrating elements (12) of said machine to provide fluid inlets, • providing conditioned fluid to the beverage and / or food ingredient of the capsule through the fluid inlets, and • processing the beverage and / or food ingredient.

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