CÁPSULA OU CÁPSULA-POD PARA O PREPARO DE BEBIDAS, SISTEMA QUE COMPREENDENDO A DITA CÁPSULA OU CÁPSULA-POD E MÉTODO PARA FABRICAR OS MESMOS

Abstract

A capsule or a pod for beverage preparation, comprising a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod. Said body comprises a peripheral rim, wherein said peripheral rim is configured to have a closing membrane attached thereto to close the cavity. Said capsule or pod is adapted for being introduced into a cavity of a beverage preparation machine such that when said capsule or pod is placed inside said machine cavity, said peripheral rim is pinched or otherwise held between cooperating portions of said machine. Said capsule or pod further comprises a composition applied on at least one side of said peripheral rim, said composition being adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said composition in an unexpanded dry state.

Description

1 / 19 CAPSULE OR CAPSULE-POD FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES, SYSTEM COMPRISING SAID CAPSULE OR CAPSULE-POD AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a capsule or capsule-pod for preparing beverages and, more specifically, to a self-repairing capsule or capsule-pod. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Beverage preparation capsules (or pods) typically comprise a capsule body that is bowl-shaped, with a peripheral rim extending outward from the upper side of the bowl. The rim not only serves as a support to seal a closing membrane to close the bowl-shaped body, but also serves as an interface portion between the capsule and a beverage preparation machine.

[003] In practice, the beverage capsule containing a beverage ingredient is inserted into a dedicated cavity of the beverage preparation machine and then, after closing the beverage preparation machine in order to start beverage preparation, the edge of the capsule is compressed in a sealing manner between two cooperating portions of the machine. The sealing pressure applied by the machine to the edge of the capsule is designed based, among other things, on considerations to prevent the sealing membrane from separating from the rest of the capsule bowl and / or fluid leakage at the interface between the capsule edge and the machine when beverage preparation begins and physical stress is applied to the capsule. Typically, said physical stress can be caused by high-temperature water being injected into the capsule and softening the material, thus weakening the seal. It can also be a mechanical force applied to the walls of the capsule bowl, for example, by injecting water under pressure. Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 7 / 40 2 / 19 are inside the closed capsule compartment, thus generating expanding fluid pressure against the capsule walls and especially in or near the sealing region between the rim and the membrane.

[004] It has been observed that, despite the above construction, which should reduce the risk of membrane delamination from the capsule edge during its use, some machine parts may deform (i.e., deviate from their normal positions) due to the functional forces applied to the entire system (capsule and machine) during beverage preparation. Machine deformation impairs the efficiency of the compression resistance applied to the edge and membrane, so that the compression force is no longer guaranteed. In a number of cases, membrane delamination from the edge has been found to still occur. This is obviously undesirable as it negatively affects beverage quality and may even reduce the machine's lifespan.

[005] To solve this technical problem, some capsules equipped with edge sealing methods have been developed. Such sealing methods can take the form of a specific deformable edge profile, for example, a circular peripheral rim or ribs or grooves that extend along the circumference of the rim on the upper and / or lower surface of said rim. The sealing methods can also take the form of a rubber or otherwise flexible coating or surface that extends across the rim surface. In all cases, the principle of the sealing method is that it is compressed between the parts of the machine cavity when the capsule is introduced into the machine cavity and the machine is closed. Then, during beverage preparation, if the machine deforms in such a way that the compression force is no longer applied or is insufficiently applied to the rim, the sealing method will be used. Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 8 / 40 3 / 19 decompression occurs to reach or tend to reach its initial volume and thickness to fill the volume between the surfaces of the capsule (edge) and the machine, and close the gap between them to restore leak-proof sealing between the two.

[006] Although an interesting solution for leak tightness, the sealing methods described above have been found to present a problem. In many beverage preparation systems, the functional clearance (or functional tolerance) at the interface between the capsule and the machine is very small, so a variation of about 10 microns (micrometers, µm) or even less in the thickness of the capsule walls and rim completely alters the system's behavior. In some cases, water leakage occurs during beverage preparation; alternatively, capsules equipped with the sealing methods described above cannot be properly inserted into a machine model that was designed and sized for capsules lacking sealing methods because the rim with its sealing methods is too thick.

[007] Document WO 2010 / 137957 A1 discloses a capsule for containing a beverage ingredient and a beverage preparation device comprising a casing element for enclosing the capsule. The capsule comprises a bulge made of a material which, when moistened, expands so that a sealing contact between the capsule and the casing element is formed or reinforced. This solution, however, limits the range of materials from which the capsule can be made, as well as the geometry of the capsules.

[008] Considering the above technical disadvantages with existing capsules, it is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a capsule that minimizes the risk of delamination of the edge closure membrane, even in the event of a deformation of the Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 9 / 40 4 / 19 cavity of the machine and / or capsule during beverage preparation. An additional objective is to provide a capsule adapted for use with various beverage preparation machines, for example, machines designed for very thin capsules. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[009] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a capsule or capsule-pod for the preparation of beverages, the capsule or capsule-pod comprising a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water which is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or capsule-pod. Said body comprises a peripheral rim, said peripheral rim being configured to have a closing membrane attached to it to close the cavity. The capsule or capsule-pod is adapted to be introduced into a cavity of a beverage preparation machine, such that when said capsule or capsule-pod is placed within said cavity of the machine, the peripheral rim is compressed or otherwise held between the cooperating portions of the machine.The capsule or capsule-pod further comprises a composition applied to at least one side of said peripheral edge, wherein the composition is adapted to expand upon contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said composition in a dry, unexpanded state.

[0010] Preferably, the composition is applied as a coating on at least one side of said peripheral edge. More preferably, the coating is adapted to expand in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said coating in the dry, unexpanded state.

[0011] Preferably, said composition is a hydrophilic composition. Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 10 / 40 5 / 19

[0012] Preferably, said composition comprises at least one or more polymers selected from: polyurethanes, polysaccharides, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide or a combination thereof. More preferably, said composition comprises a polysaccharide-based composition comprising starch, cellulose, alginate, chitosan, guar gum, sulfated polysaccharides, carrageenan, fucoidan, ulvan, porphyrin, laminarin or a combination thereof.

[0013] The composition and / or coating consists of a food-grade composition.

[0014] Preferably, in its dry and unexpanded state, the composition, more preferably the coating, has a thickness equal to or less than 50 micrometers, more preferably equal to or less than 30 micrometers, even more preferably equal to or less than 15 micrometers, additionally more preferably equal to or less than 12 micrometers, particularly equal to or less than 8 micrometers. Alternatively or additionally, the composition, more preferably the coating, in its dry and unexpanded state preferably has a thickness equal to or greater than 1 micrometer, more preferably equal to or greater than 2 micrometers. The composition, more preferably the coating, can have a thickness of 1 to 50 micrometers or 2 to 50 micrometers, 1 to 30 micrometers or 2 to 30 micrometers, 1 to 15 micrometers or 2 to 15 micrometers, 1 to 12 micrometers or 2 to 12 micrometers or 1 to 8 micrometers or 2 to 8 micrometers.

[0015] In other words, in the dry and unexpanded state, the composition, more preferably the coating, may be only a few micrometers thick and have little or no impact on the overall thickness of the peripheral rim, leaving a capsule equipped with such a composition and / or coating with semi-functionality. Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 11 / 40 6 / 19 lhante and compatibility with a machine cavity like regular capsules not equipped with such a coating.

[0016] The composition is adapted to expand upon contact with water. Preferably, when allowed to expand without restriction, the composition in contact with water expands to 2 to 20 times its original volume in the dry, unexpanded state. When the capsule is inserted into the beverage preparation machine, the actual expansion of the composition will be limited by the arrangement of the capsule or capsule-pod in relation to the beverage preparation machine, specifically by the space between the peripheral edge of the capsule or capsule-pod and the cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine. Therefore, the description in this application relating to the volumes of the coating or composition after expansion refers to the intrinsic properties of the coating or composition material and does not refer to the arrangement of the capsule or capsule-pod in relation to the beverage preparation machine.In other words, the said composition must be configured to achieve such a minimum expansion, for example, 2 times its original volume, when not restricted.

[0017] Preferably, the composition, more preferably the coating, is adapted to expand when in contact with water to a volume of at least 5 times, more preferably at least 10 times, the volume of said composition, more preferably said coating, in the dry, unexpanded state. Alternatively or additionally, the composition, more preferably the coating, is adapted to expand when in contact with water to a volume of no more than 20 times, preferably no more than 10 times, the volume of said composition, more preferably said coating, in the dry, unexpanded state. Specifically, the composition or coating is preferably adapted to expand to a volume that falls within a range defined by any two of Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 12 / 40 7 / 19 previous values, particularly a range defined by an upper limit of 20 or 10 times and a lower limit of 2 or 5, of a volume of said composition or coating in the dry, unexpanded state. For example, the composition or coating may be adapted to expand 2 to 10 times, 5 to 20 times, or 5 to 10 times.

[0018] Preferably, the composition, for example, the hydrophilic composition as previously stated, forms a gel or foam matrix when in contact with water, wherein the gel or foam matrix expands to a larger volume as set forth above. Preferably, the composition, more preferably the coating, comprises a polyurethane-based composition with a low viscosity that expands into foam or gel upon contact with water. Preferably, the composition or coating is configured to form a waterproofing structure, such as a waterproofing gel. An example is SealBoss Corp.'s NSF LV Hydrophilic Flexgel Gel (Santa Ana, CA, USA), a low viscosity, single-component hydrophilic polyurethane gel.

[0019] Preferably, the composition and / or coating is configured to expand upon contact with water 2 to 20 times its volume in the dry, unexpanded state (or preferably 5 times or at least 10 times its volume in the dry, unexpanded state) within a time of no more than 10 seconds, preferably no more than 5 seconds, more preferably no more than 2 seconds.

[0020] Preferably, the composition and / or coating is configured to provide and / or improve a seal between the edge and the machine cavity.

[0021] Specifically, since the peripheral edge is provided with such a water-expandable composition, if water leakage occurs due to, for example, deformation of the machine described above during beverage preparation, the composition would absorb the water, possibly Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 13 / 40 8 / 19 changing its form into a foam or gel, to expand and fill the gap between the peripheral edge (more specifically the composition) and the cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine that compress the peripheral edge, thus restoring leak tightness and preventing water from leaking through it.

[0022] As such, the capsule or capsule-pod can be considered self-healing because, in the event of a gap occurring due to deformation of the capsule or capsule-pod, due to machine deformation and / or due to manufacturing tolerances, a leak is prevented by the expansion of the composition.

[0023] The capsule or capsule-pod comprises at least one bottom wall and preferably at least one perimeter wall, the bottom wall or walls and perimeter walls defining the cavity.

[0024] Preferably, at least one bottom wall and / or at least one perimeter wall comprises at least one material selected from the list of: cellulose, algae, vegetable or animal fibers, a metal or metalloid, a natural or synthetic biodegradable polymer, or a combination thereof. More preferably, the entire body consists of any one of the above materials, or a combination of two or more of these materials.

[0025] Preferably, the body, the closure membrane and / or the composition, more preferably the coating, comprises or consists of one or more biodegradable materials.

[0026] Preferably, the capsule body or capsule-pod is formed by a molding process, preferably by molding cellulose fibers. Optionally, the molded body is reinforced with a reinforcing mesh.

[0027] Preferably, the peripheral edge extends outwards, Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 14 / 40 9 / 19 preferably from an upper side of the body, more preferably from an end of at least one peripheral wall of the capsule or capsule-pod that is opposite to at least one bottom wall.

[0028] Preferably, the composition, more preferably the coating, is applied continuously, more preferably along the entire circumference of at least one side of said peripheral edge (or both sides), more preferably over the entire surface of at least one side of the peripheral edge (or both sides).

[0029] Alternatively, the composition or coating may be applied continuously along the entire circumference of at least one side of said peripheral edge (or both sides) as a ring. The radial width of the ring (e.g., the maximum width or an average width of the edge) in the radial direction of the edge may be less than the radial width of the edge (e.g., the maximum width or an average width of the edge) in said radial direction. In other words, the coating may cover only a portion of at least one side (or both sides) of said peripheral edge.

[0030] The composition or coating may also be applied along sections of the circumference of at least one side (or both sides) of said perimeter edge in a non-continuous manner. Non-continuous sections may overlap to provide a greater degree of watertightness.

[0031] Preferably, the said composition, more preferably the said coating, is applied to both sides of the peripheral edge.

[0032] Preferably, the beverage ingredient contained in the capsule or capsule-pod cavity comprises a water-soluble composition, vegetable leaves, or a non-soluble powder composition, such as roasted and ground coffee powder. Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 15 / 40 10 / 19

[0033] In a second aspect, the invention also relates to a use of the aforementioned capsule or capsule-pod, more specifically to the use of the aforementioned capsule-pod to prepare a beverage. This is done by introducing water into the capsule or capsule-pod comprising the beverage ingredient. The beverage ingredient is extracted, infused, or solubilized by the water to produce a beverage to be dispensed from the capsule or capsule-pod. In such use, the capsule or capsule-pod is placed within a cavity of a beverage preparation machine, while the peripheral edge is compressed or otherwise held between cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine.

[0034] During the preparation of the drink, two possibilities arise: One scenario is that the peripheral edge is firmly held between the cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine around its entire perimeter, and water will not propagate, or at least not substantially, from inside the capsule to the outside. In this case, the composition does not come into contact with the water and remains in its dry, unexpanded state. On the other hand, if the peripheral edge is not, for any reason, firmly held by the cooperating portions of the machine, in at least one section of its periphery, a gap may (temporarily) exist, and through said gap water may leak. In this case, the composition in contact with the water expands and fills the gap to prevent water leakage. The use in this second aspect, therefore, optionally includes a scenario in which the composition expands after the introduction of water into the cavity to form and / or improve a seal between the peripheral edge and at least one of the cooperating portions.

[0035] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a system comprising a beverage preparation machine and the aforementioned capsule or capsule-pod. The capsule or capsule-pod Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 16 / 40 11 / 19 is configured to be placed inside a machine cavity of said beverage preparation machine, and the beverage preparation machine is configured to compress or otherwise hold the peripheral edge of the capsule or capsule-pod between cooperating portions, preferably two cooperating portions, such as cooperating jaws, of said beverage preparation machine.

[0036] In a fourth aspect, the invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a capsule or capsule-pod for the preparation of beverages. Said capsule or capsule-pod may be the same capsule or capsule-pod mentioned previously. The method comprises a step of providing a body defining a cavity to contain a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water which is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed from the capsule or capsule-pod, wherein said body comprises a peripheral rim. The method further comprises a step of applying a composition to at least one side of said peripheral rim, said composition being adapted to expand upon contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said composition in a dry, unexpanded state.The method further includes a step of attaching a closure membrane along the peripheral edge to close the cavity.

[0037] Preferably, the cavity is closed with the sealing membrane after the beverage ingredient has been disposed of in the cavity.

[0038] Preferably, the composition is applied as a coating. More preferably, the coating is applied by an aqueous dispersion coating technique or any other suitable coating technique, such as ultrathin gel coating techniques, with or without curing.

[0039] As stated above, the present invention provides Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 17 / 40 12 / 19 a capsule or capsule-pod, a method of manufacturing the same, a use thereof, and a system comprising said capsule or capsule-pod, as well as a machine for preparing beverages. The invention overcomes or at least mitigates a water leakage problem that can occur in the prior art due to (temporary) deformation of machine parts during beverage preparation and provides a solution that is suitably applicable to existing machines.

[0040] The general aspects of the invention being described above, the specific and non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the respective figures, in which

[0041] Figure 1A schematically shows a capsule according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Figure 1B schematically shows another capsule according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0043] Figure 2A schematically shows a capsule-pod according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0044] Figure 2B schematically shows a capsule-pod according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] With reference to Figure 1A, a capsule 100 according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a body having a bottom wall 102 and a perimeter wall 104. The bottom wall 102 and the perimeter wall 104 define a cavity (or compartment) in which a beverage ingredient, such as vegetable leaves or ground coffee powder, can be contained to be subsequently extracted, infused or solubilized by introducing hot water into the cavity to produce a beverage.

[0046] A peripheral edge extending outwards 106 is formed on an upper side of the body, that is, at one end of the peripheral wall 104 opposite the bottom wall 102. The peripheral edge Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 18 / 40 13 / 19 106 extends radially outward along a circumference of the upper side of the body, that is, at an upper end of the peripheral wall 104 which is opposite the bottom wall 102. The capsule further comprises a closing membrane (not shown) attached to the upper side of the peripheral edge 106 to close the cavity.

[0047] When in use, capsule 100 is placed in a designated cavity of a beverage preparation machine. The beverage preparation machine comprises, among other things, a means for heating water, a means for piercing the sealing membrane of capsule 100, and a means for introducing hot water into capsule 100 to react with the beverage ingredient, so that a beverage is prepared.

[0048] The beverage preparation machine further comprises cooperating portions (e.g., jaws) configured to compress the peripheral edge 106 and the closing membrane to prevent delamination of the closing membrane from the peripheral edge 106 during beverage preparation.

[0049] The capsule 100 comprises a coating 110 disposed on an upper side of the peripheral edge 106, which extends continuously along the entire circumference of said upper side of the peripheral edge 106. The coating 110 may be, for example, flat or in the form of a strip. It may have a thickness (in the case of a strip, the greater thickness) between 2 and 8 micrometers. As such, the coating is relatively thin.

[0050] Compared to other standard capsules without coating 110, the peripheral edge 106 of capsule 100 has an increased thickness, said increase in thickness being, however, so limited that it does not hinder the use of capsule 100 in beverage preparation machines specifically designed for other capsules. Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 19 / 40 14 / 19 standard, even though these machines may have a very small functional clearance (or functional tolerance).

[0051] Coating 110 is preferably hydrophilic and water-expandable. For example, coating 110 may comprise a hydrophilic polyurethane resin. Such resin may be able to incorporate large amounts of water, thus forming a waterproof structure. Specifically, coating 110, upon contact with water, forms a gel or a foam, depending on the amount of water incorporated therein. That is, coating 110, upon contact with water, expands to a larger volume, specifically a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume in its dry, unexpanded state.

[0052] If the peripheral edge 106 and the sealing membrane are not firmly compressed by the cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine during beverage preparation, for example, due to deformation of some machine parts, fluid leakage may occur at the interface between the peripheral edge 106 and the cooperating portions. The water entering said interface comes into contact with the lining 110, causing it to expand, thus sealing the gap between the peripheral edge 106 and the cooperating portions and restoring the tightness between the peripheral edge 106 and the cooperating portions.

[0053] Figure 1B shows a capsule 200 according to another embodiment of the invention, in which a coating 210 is applied to the underside of the peripheral edge of the capsule 200. The capsule 200 may additionally have a coating applied to the top side of the peripheral edge. The material and functionalities of the coating(s) are the same as described above. The same coatings or different coatings may be used for the top and bottom sides. Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 20 / 40 15 / 19

[0054] Figures 2A and 2B show, respectively, a pod-capsule 300 and a pod-capsule 400 according to embodiments of the invention. The pod-capsules 300 and 400 may have slightly different configurations, such as round or quite flat, but both comprise a coating as described above applied to the peripheral edge of the respective pod-capsule. Although Figure 2A shows a coating 310 applied to one underside of the peripheral edge of the pod-capsule 300 and Figure 2B shows a coating 410 applied to one upper side of the peripheral edge of the pod-capsule 400, it is contemplated that a pod-capsule according to the invention may have a coating applied to both sides of its peripheral edge. The material and functionalities of the coating(s) are the same as described above.

[0055] Several aspects and embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative purposes. The invention, however, should not be unduly limited by any of the details of the disclosure above, since it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that alterations and modifications that do not contradict the principle of the invention can be made and still be covered by the invention. In particular, the invention should not be interpreted as limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings. Instead, the scope of protection of the invention is determined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0056] The invention includes the following aspects.

[0057] 1. A capsule or capsule-pod for the preparation of beverages, comprising a body that defines a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or capsule-pod, said body comprising a peripheral rim, wherein said rim Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 21 / 40 16 / 19 of the peripheral edge is configured to have a closing membrane attached thereto to close the cavity, said capsule or capsule-pod being adapted to be introduced into a cavity of a beverage preparation machine, such that when said capsule or capsule-pod is placed inside said cavity of the machine, said peripheral edge is compressed or otherwise held between cooperating portions of said machine, said capsule or capsule-pod being defined by a coating applied over at least one side of said peripheral edge, said coating comprising a composition adapted to expand upon contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said coating in a dry, unexpanded state.

[0058] 2. The capsule or capsule-pod, according to aspect 1, wherein the composition is a hydrophilic composition, preferably a hydrophilic composition forming a gel or a foam matrix when in contact with water.

[0059] 3. The capsule or capsule-pod, according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the coating thickness in the dry, unexpanded state is equal to or less than 50 micrometers, preferably equal to or less than 30 micrometers, more preferably equal to or less than 15 micrometers, more preferably equal to or less than 12 micrometers, and more preferably equal to or less than 8 micrometers.

[0060] 4. The capsule or capsule-pod according to any of the above aspects, wherein the thickness of the coating in the dry, unexpanded state is equal to or greater than 1 micron, preferably equal to or greater than 2 micrometers.

[0061] 5. The capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the coating is applied continuously, preferably along the entire circumference of at least one side. Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 22 / 40 17 / 19 of said peripheral edge, preferably over the entire surface of at least one side of the peripheral edge.

[0062] 6. The capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the foregoing aspects, the composition being adapted to expand when in contact with water to a volume of at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times, of the volume of said coating in the dry, unexpanded state, and / or to a volume of at most 20 times, preferably at most 10 times, of the volume of said coating in the dry, unexpanded state.

[0063] 7. The capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the coating is configured to provide and / or improve a seal between the edge and the cavity of the machine, preferably wherein the composition is configured to form a waterproofing structure, such as a waterproofing gel.

[0064] 8. The capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the foregoing aspects, said composition comprising at least one polymer selected from the list of: polyurethanes, polysaccharides, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide or a combination thereof.

[0065] 9. The capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein said composition comprises a polysaccharide-based composition comprising starch, cellulose, alginate, chitosan, guar gum, sulfated polysaccharides, carrageenan, fucoidan, ulvan, porphyrin, laminarin or a combination thereof.

[0066] 10. The capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the preceding aspects, comprising at least one bottom wall and at least one peripheral wall, preferably in which the bottom and peripheral walls define the cavity. Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 23 / 40 18 / 19

[0067] 11. The capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein at least one bottom wall and / or at least one perimeter wall comprises at least one material selected from the list of: cellulose, algae, vegetable or animal fibers, a metal or metalloid, a natural or synthetic biodegradable polymer or a combination thereof.

[0068] 12. The capsule, according to any previous aspect, wherein the said beverage ingredient is a water-soluble composition, vegetable leaves or a non-soluble powder composition, such as roasted and ground coffee powder.

[0069] 13. The capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein said coating is applied to both sides of the peripheral edge.

[0070] 14. The capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the preceding aspects, the peripheral border extending outwards, preferably from an upper side of the body, more preferably from an end of at least one peripheral wall that is opposite at least one bottom wall.

[0071] 15. The capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the above aspects, wherein the body, the sealing membrane and / or the coating comprise or consist of one or more biodegradable materials.

[0072] 16. Use of a capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the above aspects, provided that: - The capsule or capsule-pod is placed inside a cavity of a beverage preparation machine; - the peripheral edge is compressed or, otherwise, held between two cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine; and - the composition expands when water leaks out Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 24 / 40 19 / 19 between the edge and at least one of the cooperating portions to form and / or improve a seal between the peripheral edge and at least one of the cooperating portions.

[0073] 17. A system comprising: - a machine for preparing drinks; and - the capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of aspects 1 to 15, wherein the capsule or capsule-pod is configured to be placed inside said cavity of the machine, and the beverage preparation machine is configured to compress or otherwise hold the peripheral edge between the two cooperating portions of said beverage preparation machine.

[0074] 18. A method of manufacturing a capsule or capsulepod for the preparation of beverages, comprising: - a step in providing a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed out of the capsule or capsule-pod, wherein said body comprises a peripheral rim, - a step of applying a coating to at least one side of said peripheral edge, said coating comprising a composition adapted to expand upon contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said coating in a dry, unexpanded state, and - a step in attaching a closure membrane along the peripheral edge to close the cavity.

[0075] 19. The method of aspect 18, wherein the composition is a hydrophilic composition, preferably a hydrophilic composition forming a gel or a foam matrix.

[0076] 20. The method of aspect 18 or 19, wherein the coating is applied by an aqueous dispersion coating technique. Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 25 / 40

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. A capsule or capsule-pod for preparing beverages, comprising a body that defines a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or capsule-pod, said body comprising a peripheral rim, said peripheral rim being configured to have a closing membrane attached thereto to close the cavity, said capsule or capsule-pod being adapted to be introduced into a cavity of a beverage preparation machine, such that when said capsule or capsule-pod is placed inside said cavity of the machine, said peripheral rim is compressed or otherwise held between cooperating portions of said machine, said capsule or capsule-pod being characterized by a composition applied over at least one side of said peripheral rim,The said composition is adapted to expand upon contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said composition in a dry, unexpanded state.

2. Capsule or capsule-pod, according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition is applied as a coating on at least one side of said peripheral edge, wherein the coating is adapted to expand upon contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said coating in the dry, unexpanded state.

3. Capsule or capsule-pod, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the composition is a hydrophilic composition, preferably the hydrophilic composition forming a gel or a foam matrix when in contact with water.

4. Capsule or capsule-pod, according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the thickness of the composition in the unexpanded dry state is equal to or less than 50 microns, preferably equal to or less than 30 microns, more preferably equal to or less than 15 microns, more preferably equal to or less than 12 microns, more preferably equal to or less than 8 microns, and / or where the thickness of the composition in the unexpanded dry state is equal to or greater than 1 micron, preferably equal to or greater than 2 microns.

5. Capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composition is applied continuously, preferably along the entire circumference of at least one side of said peripheral edge, more preferably over the entire surface of at least one side of the peripheral edge.

6. Capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composition is adapted to expand when in contact with water to a volume of at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times, of the volume of said composition in the dry, unexpanded state and / or in that the composition is adapted to expand when in contact with water to a volume of at most 20 times, preferably at most 10 times, of the volume of said composition in the dry, unexpanded state.

7. Capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said composition comprises at least one polymer selected from the list of: polyurethanes, polysaccharides, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide or a combination thereof; and / or in that said composition comprises a polysaccharide-based composition comprising starch, cellulose, alginate, chitosan, guar gum, sulfated polysaccharides, carrageenan, fucoidan, ulvan, porphyrin, laminarin or a combination thereof.

8. Capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one bottom wall and at least one peripheral wall, preferably wherein the bottom and peripheral walls define the cavity.

9. Capsule or capsule-pod, according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one bottom wall and / or at least one perimeter wall comprises at least one material selected from the list of: cellulose, algae, vegetable or animal fibers, a metal or metalloid, a natural or synthetic biodegradable polymer or a combination thereof.

10. Capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said composition is applied to both sides of the peripheral edge.

11. Capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peripheral edge extends outward, preferably from an upper side of the body, more preferably from an end of at least one peripheral wall that is opposite to at least one bottom wall.

12. Capsule or capsule-pod, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body, the sealing membrane and / or the composition comprise or consist of one or more biodegradable materials.

13. System characterized by comprising: - a machine for preparing beverages; and - the capsule or capsule-pod, as defined in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the capsule or capsule-pod is configured to be placed within said cavity of the machine, and the Petition 870250084884, dated 19 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 40 4 / 4 machine for preparing beverages is configured to compress or otherwise hold the peripheral edge between the two cooperating portions of said machine for preparing beverages.

14. A method for manufacturing a capsule or capsule-pod for preparing beverages, characterized by comprising: - a step of providing a body defining a cavity to contain a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed from the capsule or capsule-pod, wherein said body comprises a peripheral rim, - a step of applying a composition to at least one side of said peripheral rim, wherein said composition is adapted to expand upon contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said composition in a dry, unexpanded state, and - a step of attaching a sealing membrane along the peripheral rim to close the cavity.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the composition is applied as a coating on at least one side of said peripheral edge, preferably by an aqueous dispersion coating technique. Petition 870250084884, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 29 / 40

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