Container with plant material for preparing a tea beverage

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container (1) for use in a beverage preparation machine. The container (1) has an asymmetric shape so that it is functionally inserted inside the beverage preparation machine in a specific orientation. The container (1) comprises a container body (2) having a rear side (40) and a front side (3) delimiting a compartment suitable to be crossed by water injected therein by the beverage preparation machine through the rear side (40), and a plant material for the preparation of a tea beverage, the plant material being inside the compartment. The front side (3) comprises at least one discharge opening (31) arranged in an upper half of the front side (3), preferably in an upper third portion of the front side, when said container (1) is functionally inserted in the beverage preparation machine, so as to keep the water in the compartment at a defined level (L) above a median level (M) of said container (1) before dispensing the tea beverage outside said container (1), thereby allowing the plant material to be soaked in said water.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for use in a beverage preparation machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] Containers for use in a beverage preparation machine can be capsules or pods, for example round pods. The container or a part of the container is typically manufactured by separating a blank. The separation process can be a cutting process, such as a punch, and the blank can be a sheet (for example from a sheet roll or a roll of material). The separated blank is then subsequently formed and sealed with another separated blank, for example separated from the same blank, thereby making the container or at least a part of the container. The container can contain an ingredient, such as coffee or tea. The ingredient can be placed in prior to sealing, such that the ingredient is contained in a compartment of the container.

[0003] The container can contain tea, in particular tea leaves, as an ingredient. Tea, in particular in the form of leaves, requires a certain amount of contact time between hot water and each leaf for the tea to be properly prepared, in particular an extraction and / or infusion process. It is interesting for a user to prepare tea from a beverage machine and from a beverage preparation machine, such as a capsule machine. It is therefore interesting to provide a container for use in a beverage preparation machine, which allows for the preparation of tea.

[0004] Beverage preparation machines, in particular for the preparation of coffee, typically provide a flow of water at high pressure. The flow of pressurized water therefore traverses the container in a relatively short time. However, such brewing conditions can not be suitable for the preparation of tea. This is because tea requires a certain amount of time between hot water and tea leaves for the tea to be properly prepared. Furthermore, classic tea bags cannot be conveniently used in such beverage preparation systems.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. That is, it is in particular an object of the present invention to provide a container which improves the preparation of tea and which at the same time facilitates easy use in a beverage preparation machine.

[0006] These and other objects which will become apparent to the reader and which are encompassed by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention. SUMMARY

[0007] According to the present invention, a container for use in a beverage preparation machine is provided. The container has an asymmetrical shape, such that it is functionally inserted into the interior of the beverage preparation machine in a specific orientation. The container includes a container body having a rear side and a front side, the rear and front sides defining a compartment through which water, suitable for injection by the beverage preparation machine through the rear side, is traversed, and plant material for preparing a tea beverage is located inside the compartment. The front side includes at least one discharge opening arranged in the upper half of the front side, preferably in the upper third portion of the front side, when the container is functionally inserted into the beverage preparation machine, to maintain the water in the compartment at a defined level above the median height of the container before dispensing the tea beverage outside the container, thereby allowing the plant material to be immersed in the water.

[0008] Therefore, the container facilitates a longer contact time between water and the plant material because the injected water does not drain directly from the compartment. Instead, a specific arrangement, particularly of the front side and the drain opening, allows water to accumulate in the compartment, thus properly immersing the plant material in water and enabling the extraction process for producing tea beverages. Once the accumulated water reaches a defined level, the drain opening acts as an overflow outlet (under a controlled flow sequence), and thus drains the tea beverage from the container. Therefore, the container facilitates a slow and regular flow of water across the compartment, thereby improving tea preparation when used in conventional beverage preparation machines. Furthermore, the front side of the container body preferably provides rigidity to the container, and therefore the container can be used more conveniently in beverage preparation machines.

[0009] Plant materials can be selected from the following groups: tea leaves, herbal teas, herbal infusions, and fruits.

[0010] The opening can be positioned eccentrically relative to the front. Therefore, in the horizontal position of the container (where the horizontal axis preferably intersects the center of the front), the container can retain a relatively large amount of water and plant material. In this position, the defined level can be specifically located above the horizontal axis intersecting the center of the front.

[0011] The front side may only include a single exhaust opening. Therefore, the opening can be obtained very easily.

[0012] The exhaust opening can have a circular and / or polygonal shape. For example, the exhaust opening can partially correspond to the outline of the compartment. The exhaust opening can also take the form of a circular segment.

[0013] The container, such as the front side, may include one or more tabs, wherein the one or more tabs are preferably integrally formed with the container, such as the front side. The one or more tabs can make the container easier to use because they provide a structure for interaction with beverage preparation machinery and / or with the user, for example, to make the container easier to grip and / or handle. For example, the one or more tabs can help position and / or orient the opening relative to the machine.

[0014] One or more tabs may include gripping tabs for holding the container. Gripping tabs typically provide a surface suitable for being grasped by a user. Gripping tabs allow a user to easily grasp or (manually) manipulate the container, for example, relative to the beverage preparation machine, without contacting or acting on the body or the ingredients contained in the corresponding compartment of the body. For example, gripping tabs are provided so that a user can insert the container into the beverage machine and easily remove or withdraw the container from the beverage preparation machine for disposal, for example, because the beverage preparation machine does not include a container disposal bin. When inserted into the beverage preparation machine, the gripping tabs may extend in one direction to the outside of the beverage preparation machine so that the user can easily remove the container from the machine after use.

[0015] When viewed in a plan view of the front side, i.e., when viewed from a flat surface perpendicular to the front side, or in the direction of the axis of symmetry of the container (body) or rear side, the discharge opening can be arranged between the gripping protrusion and the center of the front side. Therefore, the opening can be very easily positioned by the gripping protrusion, allowing a relatively large amount of water to be retained in the compartment. For example, by orienting the gripping protrusion to extend vertically upwards, the opening automatically occupies a position in which the maximum amount of water accumulates in the compartment to soak the plant material. In this position / orientation, the opening is thus positioned on the upper side of the container.

[0016] One or more tabs may include identification tabs, which include information in the form of codes (2D, 3D, matrix barcodes, QR codes, RFID, etc.) for handling containers in beverage preparation machines. The identification tabs can carry information; for example, a corresponding code for the information can be printed on the identification tab. This information may include information related to the ingredients of the container and / or information related to process parameters for handling the container, such as for handling the ingredients contained within the body. Therefore, this information may include a recipe code. Thus, the identification tabs provide a surface on which information can be provided, making it particularly unnecessary to provide information on other parts of the container, such as the body or front side. Furthermore, the identification tabs provide good visibility of the information for the reader of the beverage preparation machine. The reader of the beverage preparation machine is typically adapted to automatically read the information when the information provided on the identification tab is within the reader's field of view. Therefore, the identification tabs make it very easy for a dedicated information reader of the beverage preparation machine to read the information provided on the identification tab. Thus, the identification tabs make the container easier to use in beverage preparation machines. Typically, information can be placed on the container, for example, directly (printed) on the front and / or on any part of the container other than one or more tabs.

[0017] The front side (as the front of the container) may include one or more first side (or peripheral) edges, wherein each of the one or more tabs has one or more second side (or peripheral) edges, wherein at least one of the one or more second side edges is at least partially formed complementary to one of the one or more first side edges. When forms can be joined to each other such that there is substantially no gap between these forms, for example when a convex form and a concave form are defined by substantially the same diameter, one form can be understood as being “complementarily formed” with another form. Additionally or alternatively, one or more second side edges can be formed by obtaining one or more additional, preferably identically formed front sides of other containers. In other words, multiple such front sides can be placed together like a jigsaw puzzle, for example, forming a single piece, and the connection between the front sides does not define any gaps. Thus, the amount of waste generated during the production of the front side can be reduced. That is, a significantly increased amount of material retained as waste after obtaining the respective front side and at least one additional front side is now used for one or more tabs. Thus, the respective front side of the container provides particularly more efficient manufacturing.

[0018] The asymmetrical shape of the container can be provided by accordingly designing (only) the front and / or rear sides and / or one or more tabs, particularly the corresponding one or more second side edges. Thus, the container can be shaped such that the container (e.g., the front side) is in a specific orientation, such as a defined position and / or orientation, within the beverage preparation machine. For example, at least one or more of the one or more tabs, or each tab, particularly one or more side edges of the corresponding tab, is at least partially shaped to correspond to a portion of the beverage preparation machine, thereby achieving a specific orientation relative to the beverage preparation machine. In this specific orientation, the container can be suitably handled by the beverage preparation machine, and / or the information provided on the container (e.g., on the identification tab) can be suitably read by the beverage preparation machine, and / or the (gripping) tabs extend in a certain direction to facilitate easy removal of the container from the beverage preparation machine. In particular, the defined shape of the container thus ensures that the opening is always in the same position and / or orientation when the container is used in the beverage preparation machine. Furthermore, since beverage preparation machines may require that the information read from the container is always in the same position within the machine, i.e., within the field of view of the beverage preparation machine's reader, the container can effectively ensure that the information provided on the tab is always in that position when the container is used (inserted) in the beverage preparation machine.

[0019] One or more second side edges can be formed by obtaining one or more additional front edges of different containers, such as by obtaining one or more first side edges and / or one or more second side edges of additional front edges.

[0020] The front side and one or more additional front sides can be obtained from the same blank. This improves the efficiency of container manufacturing. Additionally or alternatively, the front side and one or more additional front sides can be formed identically. "Identically formed" should be understood as such that the front side and one or more additional front sides have the same form or shape, at least when viewed in a plan view, which can be a view perpendicular to the flat surface of the blank from which these front sides are obtained. This improves the efficiency of container manufacturing.

[0021] The tabs can extend in different directions. Therefore, one tab, such as a gripping tab, effectively prevents another tab, such as an identifying tab, from interfering with the container's usability, thus improving the container's ease of use. Additionally or alternatively, the tabs can be arranged diametrically opposed. In particular, this makes the container especially easy to use because the larger relative distance between the tabs prevents them from obstructing each other.

[0022] The tabs can extend in the same plane. In other words, tabs can be obtained from the same blank with a flat surface that extends essentially in only one plane. This improves the compactness of the container.

[0023] At least one of the one or more second side edges may be a side edge disposed laterally relative to the corresponding tab. Since the lateral edge of the tab is typically the longest edge of the corresponding tab, a relatively large amount of waste can be reduced during container acquisition.

[0024] At least one of the one or more second side edges may be a side edge disposed at the distal end of the corresponding tab. Therefore, relatively long tabs can be provided because when two front sides are obtained from the same blank, the distal end corresponding to the first side edge can be formed by using material extending to the first side edge of the other front side. Thus, the front side may include, for example, only one tab for fulfilling different functions, such as the functions of both a gripping tab and an information tab, i.e., the function of both handling the container and providing information.

[0025] One or more second side edges of one of the tabs may include a second side edge that is complementary to the second side edge of another tab. In other words, by obtaining a second side edge of one of the tabs, it is possible to obtain a second side edge that is, for example, both the distal end of that tab and the second side edge of another tab, such as the distal end of the (another) tab on the front side of another container. Therefore, a container design for more efficient manufacturing is provided. Additionally or alternatively, one or more second side edges of one or more tabs may include a second side edge formed by obtaining one or more tabs on the additional front side of another container. Therefore, container manufacturing is more efficient.

[0026] At least one of the one or more second side edges may have a concave shape, while one or more first side edges thus have a convex shape. These complementary shapes or forms of the first and second side edges are particularly advantageous for the efficient manufacture of the container.

[0027] Each of the one or more tabs may have only three second side edges. These three second side edges may be continuous or discontinuously merged with each other. Two of these second side edges may be laterally disposed side edges of the corresponding tab, wherein the third of these second side edges is disposed at the distal end of the corresponding tab. In one embodiment, each of the three second side edges of the corresponding tab is at least partially formed complementary to one or more first side edges. Therefore, a particularly large amount of waste can be reduced during container manufacturing. According to this embodiment, a container with only one tab can be obtained. In another embodiment, only two of the second side edges of the corresponding tab (e.g., laterally disposed side edges) may each be at least partially formed complementary to one or more first side edges, wherein more preferably, the third side edge of the second side edge of the corresponding tab (e.g., disposed at the distal end) is at least partially formed complementary to the third of the second side edges of the corresponding other tab. Therefore, a particularly large amount of waste can be reduced during container manufacturing, and simultaneously, according to this embodiment, a container with at least or only two tabs can be obtained very efficiently.

[0028] The container may include a filter element positioned upstream of the discharge opening to prevent particles of plant material from being discharged from the container. This effectively prevents the beverage from containing such particles. Furthermore, in particular, the filter can be made to minimize or prevent obstruction of the machine, as the front side is thus positioned between the filter and the machine.

[0029] The rear side of the container (e.g., in the form of a rear section) is preferably obtained by forming and / or separating individual blanks (such as sheets). Therefore, containers can be produced very efficiently.

[0030] The front side can be (directly) attached to the rear side of the container, such as the back. This provides an easy and compact design for the container. The front side is preferably attached to the rear side by a seal (such as a heat seal). This provides very easy attachment of the front side, which simultaneously provides a seal for the container.

[0031] The filter element can be sandwiched between the rear and front sides. Therefore, the filter element and the front side can be very easily attached to the rear side, for example, by a seal that connects both the front side and the filter element to the rear side.

[0032] The container (e.g., the front side) may be made of materials selected from the following list: plastics, paper, cardboard, aluminum, multilayer laminates, biodegradable and / or compostable materials, or combinations thereof. A material shall be understood as “compostable” or “biodegradable” when it meets the requirements set forth in European standard EN 13431 (“Packaging – Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation – Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging”).

[0033] The container may be made of biodegradable and / or compostable materials, such as materials including compostable polymers, paper, and / or cellulose. Additionally or alternatively, the front side may be made of materials including plastics, paper, cardboard, aluminum, and / or multilayer laminates. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective exploded view of the container according to the preferred embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2 It is based on the fact that it is in an assembled state. Figure 2 A schematic perspective side view of the container;

[0037] Figure 3 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the container, which schematically represents the flow of water across the compartment;

[0038] Figure 4 It is a schematic plan (top view) of the front side according to the first preferred embodiment;

[0039] Figure 5 It is used to obtain the basis Figure 4 A schematic plan view of the multiple front-side blanks;

[0040] Figure 6 It is a schematic plan view (top view) of the front side according to the second preferred embodiment; and

[0041] Figure 7 It is used to obtain the basis Figure 6 A schematic plan view of multiple front-side blanks.

[0042] The accompanying drawings illustrate different preferred embodiments of container 1. Container 1 is adapted for use in beverage preparation machines, such as those suitable for capsules and / or sachets, like the "Nespresso Professional" type. Therefore, container 1 can be adapted to be traversed by a (pressurized and / or heated) flow of water. The beverage preparation machine may include a water tank, a heater for heating water from the water tank, and a pump for pumping the heated water. The beverage preparation machine may also include a retainer (e.g., in the form of a cavity) adapted to hold container 1. For example, the retainer is adapted to hold container 1 in a position / or orientation where the beverage preparation machine can produce a beverage from container 1 via (heated and / or pressurized) water. Container 1 is not limited to a specific container. For example, container 1 may be a (coffee) capsule or a (coffee) sachet.

[0043] Container 1 includes a container body 2 (hereinafter also referred to as the "body"), such as a sealed body, which is used to contain ingredients for preparing the beverage. The ingredients are plant materials used to prepare a tea beverage. For example, the plant materials do not include coffee beans. Additionally or alternatively, the plant materials may be selected from the group consisting of tea leaves, herbal teas, and fruits. The plant materials may also include any other plant materials suitable for preparing a tea beverage, such as herbs and / or spices. The ingredients may also include additives such as milk or sugar. Therefore, the beverage to be prepared using container 1 is a tea beverage.

[0044] The sealing body 2 includes a front side 3 (e.g., designed as a front portion and / or a retaining element) and a rear side 40, which may be designed as a rear portion. Figures 4 to 7 The rear side 40 is not shown in these figures because they show a plan view where the viewing direction is perpendicular to the flat surface of the front side 3. The rear side is located on the back of the front side 3. The front side 3 and the rear side 40 can be sealed at least along (only) one or more first side (or peripheral) edges 4. Therefore, the front side 3 and the rear side 40 define a (closed and / or internal) compartment containing the contents. Figure 1 In the diagram, the volume of the compartment is indicated between the filter element 50 and the rear side 40. The volume of the compartment can be, for example, 13350 mm². 3 .

[0045] Each of the one or more first side edges 4 may have a circular or convex shape. In other examples, each of the one or more side edges 4 may also have a different shape, such as a straight, elliptical, and / or polygonal shape. Therefore, sealing the front side 3 and the rear side 40 together may be done partially along the one or more side edges 4 and partially on other portions of the front side 3 and the rear side, resulting in a sealing path 5, such as a closed sealing path 5. The sealing path 5 may have a shape corresponding to the one or more first side edges 4. For example, the sealing path 5 may have a circular shape, particularly in the form of a (closed) circle. In other examples, the sealing path 5 may also have a polygonal shape. The sealing can be achieved by a heat sealing machine. In other examples, additional sealing elements, such as adhesive elements, such as glue, may be provided for sealing the front side 3 and the rear side 40 together. Typically, the front side 3 may be attached to the rear side or rear side 40 of the container in various ways, such as adhesive and / or friction connection and / or interlocking connection.

[0046] The front side 3 and / or the rear side 40 can each be provided in a shaped state, i.e., having a three-dimensional extension. For example, the front side 3 and / or the rear side 40 can initially be provided in a substantially flat state, wherein the corresponding portions have substantially only a two-dimensional extension. The front side 3 and / or the rear side 40 can be transformed from a flat state to a shaped state by a forming process, in which the corresponding portions are provided as substantially flat elements, such as blanks (e.g., sheets). Thus, the form of the front side 3 and / or the rear side 40 defines the spatial extent of the compartment defined by the front side 3 and the rear side 40.

[0047] The compartment defined by the front side 3 and the rear side 40 is adapted to be traversed by water. Therefore, the container 1 or the compartment is generally adapted to allow water to be injected into the compartment from either side of the container 1. According to the invention, the rear side 40 is adapted to inject water into the container 1, i.e., into the compartment defined by the front side 3 and the rear side 40. Thus, water traversing the compartment is injected by the beverage preparation machine through the rear side 40, i.e., injected into the compartment. Therefore, the rear side 40 is the injection side of the container 1. For example, the rear side 40 can be designed to be pierced by one or more needles, which thus inject water into the compartment. Water is facilitated to be drained from the container 1 and the compartment via the front side 3 (“dispensing side”) of the container 1. Thus, the front side 3 is adapted to drain water from the compartment. In other words, water enters the compartment through the rear side 40, comes into contact with the ingredients (i.e., plant materials) inside the compartment, thereby extracting and / or leaching soluble compounds and flavoring agents from the plant materials to prepare tea, and finally exits through the front side 3 to dispense the tea beverage thus prepared (i.e., extracted and / or leached tea).

[0048] The rear side 40 defining the compartment may include a sidewall 41 surrounding the plant material. The rear side 40 may include a bottom 42 and a top. The sidewall 41 may extend from the bottom 42 to the top of the rear side 40, i.e., to the front side 3 of the container 1. The bottom 42 may be (at least) a portion of the rear side 40 adapted to inject water into the compartment. Additionally or alternatively, the sidewall 41 may be adapted to inject water into the compartment. The rear side 40 may have a substantially cylindrical or conical form, particularly a truncated cone or frustoconical form. The rear side 40 may generally have an arched form, for example, a form that widens or tapers from the bottom 42 of the rear side toward the top (i.e., the front side of the container 1). The rear side 40 may have a prismatic form, a truncated pyramidal form, or a substantially flat form, such as a disc-shaped or pod-shaped form. In a top view of the rear side 40, the rear side 40 may have a circular, elliptical, and / or angled (polygonal, rectangular, square, etc.) form.

[0049] The front side 3 can be attached to the periphery of the rear side 40 or the side wall 41. The rear side 40 may include a flange 43, which preferably extends from the upper end of the side wall 41 to the outside of the container 1. The front side 3 can then be attached to this flange 43. In other examples, the front side 3 may also be attached differently, for example, directly to the side wall 41 without a flange. The front side 3 may be disc-shaped. For example, the form of the front side 3 substantially corresponds to the circumference of the rear side 40. Preferably, the (main) portion of the front side 3 attached to the rear side 40 for retaining water in the compartment has a circular or round shape, for example, its diameter is about 53 mm.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the front side 3 includes at least one discharge opening 31 (hereinafter also referred to as "opening") to retain water in the compartment at a defined level L. For example, the front side 3 may be adapted to retain water in the compartment at the defined level L. Thus, the opening 31 is arranged to discharge water from the compartment such that water cannot rise beyond the defined level L. Particularly in the horizontal orientation of the container 1 (e.g., when used in a beverage preparation machine, i.e., when functionally inserted), the defined level L can thus extend from the front side 3 to the rear side 40, thereby immersing the plant material in water. In other words, the water surface forming the defined level L can extend from the front side 3 to the rear side 40. Thus, the defined level L can extend from the lower edge of the opening 31. If the rear side 40 includes a bottom 42 and / or a sidewall 41, the defined level L can extend to the sidewall 41 and / or the bottom 42, for example, such that a portion of the sidewall 41 and / or the bottom 42 does not come into contact with water accumulating in the compartment.

[0051] The opening 31 thus ensures that the defined level L is higher than the median height M of the container 1 before the tea beverage is dispensed to the outside of the container 1, thereby allowing the plant material to soak in the water. When the container 1 is functionally inserted into the beverage preparation machine, the median height M of the container 1 can be measured vertically. For example, when the container is functionally inserted into the beverage preparation machine, the median height M corresponds to half the height H of the front side 3; if optional tabs 11 and / or 21 are present (see below), these tabs 11, 21 are not taken into account when calculating the height H of the front side 3 and the median height M. If the front side 3 has a substantially circular form (i.e., the form of the front side 3 without optional tabs 11, 21), such as a spherical or elliptical form and / or a form corresponding to the rear side 40 as a cylinder or (truncated) cone, then the median height therefore corresponds to the radius of said form (and thus the diameter of said form corresponds to the height H of the front side 3).

[0052] The defined level L divides the compartment into a portion containing plant material soaked in the injected water, and another portion containing no water and / or plant material. Furthermore, by draining water through opening 31, pressure buildup in the compartment due to accumulated water can be effectively prevented, thus improving the preparation of tea using plant material, for example, through extraction or leaching. Therefore, the front side 3 allows water to accumulate in the compartment, ensuring the plant material is properly soaked in water, thereby properly producing a tea beverage. Once the accumulated water (which already includes solubles and flavorings extracted from the plant material) reaches the defined level L, the opening 31 of the front side 3 acts as an overflow hole, thus draining the tea beverage from the container 1, i.e., from the compartment.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, when the container 1 is functionally inserted into the beverage preparation machine, the opening 31 is arranged in the upper half of the front side 3, preferably in the upper third portion. "Functionally inserted" is specifically understood to achieve a particular orientation of the container 1 in the beverage preparation machine, particularly for the proper preparation of a (tea) beverage from the container 1. The upper half of the front side 3 can extend vertically from the center of the front side 3 to its upper edge (e.g., the (proximal) end of the protrusion 11 or the side edge of the front side 3 if a tab 11 is present; that is, if tabs 11 and / or tabs 21 are present, these tabs 11, 21 are disregarded when calculating this portion of the front surface 3 (i.e., the upper half or upper third portion in which the opening 31 is arranged) or the circumference of the front side 3. Therefore, the upper half can extend at least or only half the height H of the front side 3, wherein if the front side 3 has a substantially circular form, the height H can correspond to the front side 3. The diameter (see above). The upper third portion of the front side 3 may extend from above the center of the front side 3 to the upper edge or circumference of the front side 3. Thus, the upper third portion may extend at least or only along one-third of the height H of the front side 3, but less than half the height H of the front side 3. Typically, the opening 31 may be eccentrically positioned relative to the front side 3, i.e., offset relative to the center of the front side 3. The center of the front side 3 may be a point where the axis of symmetry of the container 1 or the rear side 40 intersects the front side 3. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the opening 31 may be positioned next to the edge portion of the rear side 40 or the flange 43.

[0054] The front side 3 preferably includes only one discharge opening 31 for draining water, i.e., a tea beverage, from the compartment. In other examples, the front side 3 may also include multiple openings for draining water, wherein the multiple openings are preferably arranged in groups. The opening 31 is not limited to a particular form. The opening 31 may at least partially correspond to the profile of the rear side 40, which may be defined by the outer edge portion or flange 43 of the rear side 40. Preferably, the opening has a circular and / or polygonal shape, for example, in the form of a circular segment. For example, the straight portion of the opening 31 is the edge of the opening through which water drains from the compartment. That is, the straight portion of the opening 31 may be flush with the defined horizontal level L.

[0055] Container 1, such as the front side 3, may include a filter element 50 for preventing particles of the ingredients (plant material) from being discharged from container 1. When viewed from the front side 3 of container 1, the filter element 50 is positioned upstream of the opening 31, i.e., behind the corresponding opening 31 of the front side 3. The filter element 50 may be sandwiched between the rear side, such as the rear side 40, and the front side 3. Thus, by attaching the front side 3 to the rear side 40, for example using the aforementioned seal or sealing path, the filter element 50 can be simultaneously attached to the rear side 40. Therefore, attaching the front side 3, the filter element 50, and the rear side 40 to each other is very simple and effective. For example, the filter element 50 may also be attached to the edge portion or flange 43 of the rear side 40. The shape of the filter element 50 preferably corresponds to the shape or profile of the rear side 40, particularly the edge portion or flange 43 of the rear side 40. Additionally or alternatively, the front side 3 may be used as a filter element. For example, the filter element 50 is provided integrally with the front side 3. Therefore, the front side 3 and the filter element 50 can be provided more efficiently.

[0056] Container 1 may include, for example, one or more tabs integrally formed with container 1. For instance, the front side 3 and / or the rear side 40 may include one or more tabs that may be integrally formed with the front side 3 and / or the rear side 40. Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the front side 3 includes only one tab 11. The tab 11 is integrally formed with the front side 3 so that both the front side 3 and the tab 11 are obtained from the same blank (raw material). The tab 11 extends to the exterior of the front side 3 or the container 1. For example, the tab 11 may extend from a sealing path 5, preferably such that the proximal end of the tab 11 is located at the sealing path 5, or the sealing path 5 extends across the proximal end of the tab 11. The tab 11 may extend in a substantially flat manner, i.e., substantially only on one extending plane and having only one (relatively thin) thickness. The tab 11 may include a surface, wherein the surface is, for example, substantially parallel to the main extending plane of the front side 3.

[0057] The tab 11 can be a gripping tab for holding the container 1, particularly for inserting the container 1 into and removing it from the beverage preparation machine. Therefore, the surface of the tab 11 can be adapted for gripping by a user. This surface can be provided such that gripping the tab 11 or the surface does not obstruct the compartment defined by the rear side 40 and the front side 3. For example, the surface includes defined or undefined structures that facilitate gripping the tab 11. The surface can be roughened so that the tab 11 can be gripped particularly easily, and thus the front side 3 and the container 1 can be gripped.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the tab 11 may be an identification tab. Therefore, the tab 11 may include information for handling the container 1 in a beverage preparation machine. Process parameters may refer to, for example, water pressure and / or water temperature and / or the filling volume of the beverage to be prepared. This information may be provided in the form of a code. For example, the tab 11 or its surface may include a machine-readable code containing this information, which can be read by a dedicated reader in the beverage preparation machine. The machine-readable code may be an RFID tag (or any other near-field technology tag) and / or a barcode, such as a 2D, 3D, matrix, or QR barcode. Thus, the surface of the tab 11 may be provided for gripping the container 1 and for carrying information, thereby serving as both a gripping tab and an identification tab.

[0059] Preferably, the opening 31 is arranged between the tab 11 and the center of the front side 3, for example, the aforementioned center. That is, when viewed in a plan view of the front side 3, for example, when viewed in the direction of the axis of symmetry of the container 1 or the rear side 40, the opening 31 is preferably arranged between the tab 11 and the center of the front side 3. For example, the opening 31 is located next to the tab 11, that is, next to the proximal end of the tab 11. The tab 11 thus makes it very easy to position and / or orient the opening 31, which in particular allows the front side 3 to retain a relatively large amount of water. For example, by oriented the tab 11 to extend in an upward vertical direction (see, for example) Figure 3 The opening 31 automatically takes a certain position in which the front side 3 retains water, so that the maximum amount of water can be accumulated in the compartment for soaking the plant material.

[0060] Container 1 has an asymmetrical shape, allowing it to be functionally inserted into the beverage preparation machine in a specific orientation (particularly in a defined position and / or orientation). The asymmetrical shape of container 1 can be provided by correspondingly designing container 1, for example, the front side 3 and / or the rear side 40 and / or the tab 11. Thus, the front side 3 and / or the rear side 40 and / or the tab 11 can be shaped to position container 1 in a specific (defined) position and / or orientation within the beverage preparation machine. For example, the tab 11, or the structure of the tab 11 (e.g., the second side edge described below), is correspondingly shaped with a part of the beverage preparation machine, such as a part of the retainer of the beverage preparation machine. Therefore, the corresponding connection or engagement between the (structure) of the tab 11 and the beverage preparation machine positions container 1 in a specific position and / or orientation. In this specific position and / or orientation, opening 31 can be automatically positioned in a specific position and / or orientation, for example, such that a maximum amount of water and soaked plant material can be accumulated in the compartment; that is, opening 31 is then positioned on the upper side of container 1. Additionally or alternatively, in a specific location and / or orientation, the beverage preparation machine can appropriately process the container 1, for example, the beverage preparation machine can appropriately read the information provided on the tab 11 and / or inject water into the container 1 to prepare a beverage. Therefore, by utilizing the asymmetrical shape of the container 1, for example by appropriately designing the tab 11 and / or the front side 3, erroneous operation of the beverage preparation machine with the container 1 can be effectively prevented.

[0061] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion 11 may include multiple second side (or peripheral) edges 12, 13, 14. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the tab 11 includes only three second side edges 12, 13, and 14. The second side edges 12, 13, and 14 define the tab 11 or its surface. The second side edges 12 and 13 are side edges disposed laterally relative to the tab 11. That is, each of the second side edges 12 and 13 extends from the proximal end of the tab 11 to the distal end of the tab 11. For example, each of the second side edges 12 and 13 merges continuously with a first side edge 4, or, if present, merges continuously with a corresponding one of a plurality of first side edges 4. The second side edge 14 is located at the distal end of the tab 11. Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the second side edge 14 may be discontinuously merged with the laterally arranged second side edges 12 and 13, respectively. In other examples, the second side edge 14 may also be continuously merged with the laterally arranged side edges 12 and 13. For example, the second side edges 12, 13, and 14 may form a single second side edge that defines the surface of the gripping tab 11.

[0062] At least one or each of the second side edges 12, 13, 14 may be formed at least partially complementary to one or more first side edges 4. Due to this complementary form of at least one (or each) of the first side edge 4 on one side and the second side edges 12, 13, 14 on the other side, the amount of waste generated during the production of container 1, particularly the front side 3, can be reduced, because material that would actually be waste is now used to obtain the tab 11. More specifically and referring to… Figure 5 The tabs 11, i.e., the second side edges 12, 13, 14, can be obtained or formed by, for example, cutting or separating (such as stamping) one or more additional (or "first") front sides 3' of other containers. Figure 5 It is evident that the ("second") front side 3 and the other front side 3' can be obtained from the same blank 30, and / or can be formed identically when viewed in a plan view of the blank 30 or the front sides 3, 3'. The blank 30 may be provided in the form of having a (single) flat surface, and / or may be derived from a roll of material.

[0063] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of the second side edges 12, 13, 14 of the tab 11 is at least partially or completely formed complementary to the first side edge 4. Figure 5 It is evident that a region or area of ​​the blank 30 may be defined by three front sides 3' (“first front sides”) obtained from the blank 30; for example, the region may be between the circular shapes of the front sides 3, 3'. These three front sides 3' are obtained from the blank 30, for example by being separated at least along the respective first side edges 4, such that the aforementioned region or area is separated from these three front sides 3', but is still integrally formed with another front side 3 (“second front side”) obtained from the blank 30. Thus, the region or area previously defined by the three (first) front sides 3' obtained from the blank 30 becomes a tab 11 integrally formed with the remaining (second) front side 3. Thus, each of the second side edges 12, 13, 14 of the tab 11 of the second front side 3 is formed complementary to the first side edges 4 of the first three front sides 3, thereby generating substantially no waste for obtaining these four front sides 3, 3'.

[0064] The second side edges 12, 13, and 14 are not limited to a specific shape, as long as at least one of these second side edges 12, 13, and 14 is formed complementaryly to the first side edge 4, thereby reducing the amount of waste generated. A form can be understood as "complementarily formed" to another form when the forms can be connected or fitted together such that there is substantially no gap between them. For example, in the case where the complementary form is circular, the complementary forms have substantially equal diameters. Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, each of the second side edges 12, 13, and 14 preferably has a concave shape because the first side edge 4 has a convex shape. In other embodiments, the second side edges 12, 13, and 14 may also have different shapes, such as polygonal, rectangular, and / or straight shapes. Using this design, the corresponding front edges 3 of multiple containers 1 can be placed together like a jigsaw puzzle to form a single surface (when viewed in a plan view of this surface), and placing the front edges 3 together does not create any gaps, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0065] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 The image shows container 1 or front side 3 according to the second preferred embodiment. Unless otherwise specified below, container 1 (i.e., in particular front side 3) according to the second preferred embodiment substantially corresponds to container 1 (i.e., in particular front side 3) according to the first embodiment.

[0066] The container 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the container 1 according to the first embodiment in that the container 1 (e.g., its front side 3) includes a plurality of tabs, namely tab 11 and additional tabs 21. In other embodiments, the front side 3 may also include more than two tabs. Unless otherwise specified, the additional tabs 21 substantially correspond to tab 11, such that the description of tab 11 applies accordingly to the additional tabs 21. Thus, the additional tabs 21 also include one or more second side edges 22, 23, 24, wherein side edges 22, 23 are laterally disposed side edges, and side edge 24 is disposed at the distal end of the additional tabs 21. The additional tabs 11 may be used for a different function than tab 11. For example, tab 11 may be used only as a gripping tab, wherein additionally or alternatively, the additional tabs 21 may be used only as an identifying tab.

[0067] Plates 11 and 21 may extend in different directions and / or in the same plane. Specifically, from... Figure 6 Obviously, the tabs 11 and 21 can be arranged diametrically opposed. The tabs 11 and 21 can be arranged such that gripping the container 1 by means of the tab 11 placed inside the beverage preparation machine will cause the other tab 21 to enter a position and / or orientation in which the beverage preparation machine can read information provided on the other tab 21. Additionally or alternatively, the other tab 21 is designed to position the container 1 / front 3 in a position and / or orientation (i.e., a specific orientation) in which the opening 31 is automatically in a desired position and / or orientation, for example, to allow for the accumulation of maximum amount of water and soaking plant material in the compartment. Figure 3It is obvious that the additional tab 21 may be shorter than the tab 11, such that, in particular, the surface of the additional tab 21 (i.e., the surface that can be seen in the plan view of the front side 3) is smaller than the surface of the tab 21. For example, the surface of the additional tab 21 may be such that it substantially only includes information (e.g., a barcode), i.e., the information covers the entire surface of the additional tab 21.

[0068] The second embodiment of container 1 differs from the first embodiment in that one of the second side edges of each of the tabs 11, 21 is formed (at least partially or completely) complementary to the second side edge of the corresponding other tab in the tabs 11, 21. From, for example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is evident that the second side edge 14A (i.e., the third side edge 14A) located at the distal end of the protrusion 11 is formed complementaryly to the (third) second side edge 24 of the other protrusion 21 (also located at the distal end of the other protrusion 21). The corresponding two other second side edges 12, 13, 22, 23 are each formed at least partially complementary to one or more first side edges 4.

[0069] from Figure 7 It is evident that a region (or area) of the blank 30 is defined by two front sides 3' (“first front sides”) obtained from the blank 30; for example, the region may be between the circular shapes of the front sides 3, 3'. These two front sides 3' are obtained from the blank 30, for example by being separated at least along the respective first side edge 4. The aforementioned region is also separated along the second side edge 24, and thus along the second side edge 14A, such that the region is separated into a first part and a second part. The first part of the region is integrally formed with the (“second”) front side 3 (but separated from the corresponding other front side), thereby forming an additional tab 21 of the previous front side 3. The second part of the region is integrally formed with the other (“second”) front side 3, but separated from the corresponding other front side, thereby forming a tab 11 of this other front side 3. Thus, the region or area previously defined by the two (“first”) front sides 3' obtained from the blank 30 becomes a tab 11, and the additional tab 21 is integrally formed with the (“second”) front side 3 and the other (“second”) front side 3, respectively. Thus, in order to obtain multiple tabs 11, 21 on the front side 3, virtually no waste is generated. Furthermore, when the second side edges 12, 13 and the second side edges 22, 23 are formed complementary to the first side edges 4 of the corresponding other front sides 3, waste during manufacturing is significantly reduced.

[0070] The second side edges 14A and 24 are not limited to a specific shape, as long as they are formed complementaryly to each other, resulting in a reduction in waste. For example... Figure 6As shown, the second side edge 14A preferably has a convex (e.g., circular) shape, and the second side edge 24 therefore has a concave (e.g., circular) shape. In other embodiments, the second side edges 14A, 24 may also have different shapes, such as polygonal, rectangular and / or straight shapes.

[0071] Container 1 is not limited to a specific material. For example, the entire container 1, or at least the front side 3 and / or the rear side 40, may be made of a flexible or semi-flexible material and / or a water-repellent and / or waterproof material. Preferably, the entire container 1, or at least the front side 3 and / or the rear side 40, may be made of a material selected from the following list: plastics, paper, cardboard, cardboard boxes (e.g., 130 g / m³). 2 (Kraft pulp) paper and / or 30g / m³ 2 PLA), aluminum, and biodegradable and / or compostable (home compostable or industrial compostable) materials, such as materials including compostable polymers, paper, and / or cellulose. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rear side 40 and / or filter element 50 may be made of a nonwoven material (e.g., 30 g / m³). 2 (For example, known by the name CD50132M).

[0072] Those skilled in the art should understand that the implementation scheme shown in the figure is only a preferred implementation scheme, but other designs of container 1 may also be used.

Claims

1. A container (1) for use in a beverage preparation machine, the container (1) having an asymmetric shape such that it is functionally inserted in a specific orientation inside the beverage preparation machine, the container (1) comprising: a container body (2) having a rear side (40) and a front side (3) delimiting a compartment suitable to be crossed by water injected therein by the beverage preparation machine through the rear side (40), and a plant material for preparing a tea beverage, the plant material being inside the compartment, wherein the front side (3) comprises at least one discharge opening (31) arranged in an upper half of the front side (3) so as to keep the water in the compartment at a defined level (L) above a median height (M) of the container (1) before dispensing the tea beverage outside the container (1), thereby allowing the plant material to be soaked in the water, the container comprising one or more tabs (11, 21), wherein the one or more tabs (11, 21) comprise a gripping tab for gripping the container (1) and the discharge opening (31) is arranged between the gripping tab (11) and a center of the front side (3), wherein the front side (3) comprises one or more first side edges (4) and wherein each of the one or more tabs (11, 21) has one or more second side edges (12-14, 14A, 22-24), wherein at least one or each of the one or more second side edges (12-14, 14A, 22-24) is at least partially complementarily shaped with one of the one or more first side edges (4).

2. The container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plant material is selected from the group consisting of tea leaves, herbal tea, herbal infusion and fruits.

3. The container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front side (3) comprises only one discharge opening (31).

4. The container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge opening (31) has a circular and / or polygonal shape.

5. The container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more tabs (11, 21) comprise an identification tab comprising information for handling the container (1) in a beverage preparation machine.

6. The container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container (1) comprises a filter element (50) arranged upstream of the discharge opening (31) for preventing particles of the plant material from being discharged from the container (1).

7. The container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front side (3) and / or the rear side (40) are obtained by forming and / or separating a single blank (30).

8. The container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container is made of a material selected from the list of: plastic, paper, aluminum, or a combination thereof.

9. The container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container is made of a compostable material, the compostable material being a material comprising a compostable polymer.

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