Compostable capsules formed from sheets of cellulose-based material

Abstract

The invention relates to a capsule (100) for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine. The capsule (100) is made of a domestic compostable material composition and comprises a capsule body (120) consisting of two half shells (200). The half shells (200) engage one another so as to define a chamber (211) for containing a substance (500) for preparing a beverage. Each of the half shells (200) is formed from a sheet of biodegradable cellulose-based material having a barrier function. Each of the half shells (200) includes a bottom (250), a circumferential side wall (240), and a circumferential rim (230) at which the rim (230) of the respective other half shell (200) is engaged. The rim (230) and the side wall (240) are directly connected by a circumferential rim transition region (234) having a rim radius (R34) of between 1 mm and 3 mm. In addition, the side wall (240) and the bottom (250) are directly connected by a circumferential bottom transition region (254) having a bottom radius (R452) of between 10 mm and 20 mm.

Description

1. Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, the capsule being made of a home compostable material composition and consisting of at least one half-shell formed from a sheet of biodegradable cellulose-based material. 2. Background technology

[0002] Single-serve beverage containers (such as capsules or pods) for beverage preparation machines are known in the art. These beverage containers are typically used to dispense beverages on demand, such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and are popular due to the fresh taste, variability of flavor and convenience of beverage preparation.

[0003] Typically, a beverage container surrounds the beverage ingredients and is inserted into a container receiver (e.g., a capsule holder) of a beverage preparation machine. The container receiver is closed and beverage preparation begins. A fluid (such as hot water or milk) is injected into the beverage container to interact with the beverage ingredients in the beverage container to produce the desired beverage. When a sufficient amount of fluid fills the beverage container, the beverage container opens to release the prepared beverage under the pressure of the fluid accumulated in the beverage container. This makes beverage preparation very convenient, as the user only needs to decide on the beverage they like, place the beverage container with the desired flavor into the machine, start the beverage preparation process, and then drink it soon after.

[0004] Typically, these known beverage containers are made of materials that are challenging to reuse, recycle or compost, particularly after use of the beverage container. Therefore, efforts are made to replace these established materials with biodegradable or compostable materials (such as cellulose-based materials, such as paper), for which the process of disposing of the used beverage container (e.g., via composting) is less challenging.

[0005] The use of new materials for beverage containers also requires new manufacturing processes. For example, in industrial production, beverage containers made of cellulose-based materials can be produced from a continuous (continuous) sheet of paper material that travels through different stations of a production line. At one station, a section of the sheet is formed into a half shell and then filled with a beverage component, such as coffee, before being sealed closed using another half shell or a lid.

[0006] Among other things, it has been found that wetting the sheet prior to forming the half shells can benefit the structural integrity and shelf life of the resulting beverage container, as the half shells may break, tear or split due to mechanical stress during the forming process. These negative side effects can be reduced by wetting the sheet prior to performing the forming step. An example of a manufacturing process that implements such a wetting process can be found in WO 2020 / 031096 A1.

[0007] However, despite wetting the sheet material before forming, the situation of generating structural cracks (such as slits or cracks) in the beverage container during forming the beverage container cannot be completely eliminated. The cracks may have a size that makes them visible or invisible, such as the case of microcracks. Among them, for the beverage preparation process, microcracks may become particularly problematic. As mentioned above, the beverage preparation process usually relies on establishing enough pressure accumulation in the beverage container to open the beverage container at the right time. However, the cracks in the container wall may impair the beverage preparation because the pressure accumulation may become insufficient or too low, or the container wall may open at the wrong part of the beverage container. This may lead to low quality of brewed products and poor user experience. Visible cracks have similar negative effects on beverage containers because they not only cause problems for the aesthetics of the beverage container, but also form a channel to enter the interior of the container, so the integrity and shelf life of the food in the beverage container will be impaired. Therefore, the current preparation process is not enough to ensure the integrity, functionality, quality and shelf life of the beverage container and the quality of the beverage produced, so a solution to overcome these problems is needed.

[0008] In the prior art, attempts have been made to address the above problems by replacing the paper sheet material with a different material or material combination that provides the beverage container with greater mechanical flexibility, or by avoiding forming the beverage container during the sheet forming process. However, such approaches result in increased material and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, it is difficult to provide a beverage container that is still convenient for home composting.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pouch made of compostable material wherein the structural integrity and shelf life of the produced pouch is improved and guaranteed. It is another object of the present invention to avoid the creation of cracks in the container wall during the sheet forming process without losing the ability of the pouch to be home composted after its use.

[0010] These and other objects which become apparent after reading the description are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims.The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention. 3. Summary of the invention

[0011] A first aspect of the invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine.

[0012] The term "capsule" may be understood as a container of a substance for preparing a beverage, such as a capsule or any (closed) container, for example, in a beverage production machine. For example, the beverage may be coffee or tea.

[0013] The bladder is made from a home compostable material composition.

[0014] For example, a home compostable material composition may include one or more ingredients, each of which or a combination of which may be a home compostable substance.

[0015] Wherein, the term "compostable" may be understood to mean that when material is composted, it can be decomposed into organic matter in a few weeks or months. This can be completed in industrial composting sites and / or household composters. Specific conditions relevant to wind, sunlight, drainage and other factors may be present in these sites. When the composting process ends, once the material is fully decomposed, nutrients can be supplied to the land. International standards (such as, EU 13432 or US ASTM D6400) provide a framework for the technical requirements and procedures for determining the compostability of materials.

[0016] In contrast, "biodegradable" materials may be understood as any material that can be broken down into environmentally benign products by (the action of) organisms such as microorganisms, e.g., bacteria, fungi or algae. This process may take place in the presence or absence of oxygen (aerobic / anaerobic).

[0017] The capsule comprises a capsule body. The capsule body is composed of two half shells. The two half shells are joined (connected, sealed) to each other so as to define a chamber (enclosed space or volume) for containing a substance for preparing a beverage.

[0018] Each of the half shells is formed from a sheet of biodegradable cellulose-based material having a barrier function.

[0019] Therein, the term "forming" may be understood as, for example, utilizing the formability, extensibility and / or flexibility of a material to change its (three-dimensional) shape (with or without the support of additional tools and / or preferably with or without the application of heat). The term "sheet" may be understood as, for example, a large, thin, flat sheet of material. The expression "barrier function" may be understood as providing a configuration inherent in or provided by the material that prevents or blocks gases such as oxygen and / or fluids (i.e. liquid and / or vapor substances) from entering and / or leaving the interior of the beverage container, preferably to an extent suitable for food applications. For example, a cellulose-based material may be configured to provide a barrier function against gases such as oxygen, flavoring substances or carbon dioxide. For example, the sheet may have an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of less than 5 cm 3 / m2 / day oxygen barrier. Wherein, OTR can be a measure of the amount of oxygen passing through a substance in a defined period of time. OTR can be measured using known methods specified in industrial standards, such as DIN53380-3, ASTM D1434 or ISO 2872. Additionally or alternatively, a moisture barrier can be provided.

[0020] Each of the half shells includes a bottom (e.g., the lowest part of the bladder) and a circumferential sidewall. The (circumferential) sidewall extends from the bottom to the circumferential edge of the sidewall to define a cavity. The sidewall tapers (e.g., may radially and / or laterally decrease) from the circumferential edge (i.e., the wider starting point) toward the bottom (i.e., the narrower end point). Each of the half shells also includes a circumferential edge that extends laterally outward from the circumferential edge to engage with the edge of the corresponding other half shell so that their cavities together define a chamber. The circumferential inner edge of the edge defines an opening of the cavity (e.g., may define the boundaries of the opening of the cavity). The opening may be a hole or passage from the outside of the bladder to the cavity.

[0021] The edge and the side wall are directly connected by a circumferential edge transition region (e.g., a segment or portion) having an edge radius between 1 mm and 3 mm. The side wall and the bottom are directly connected by a circumferential bottom transition region having a bottom radius between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0022] Therein, the expression "directly connected" may be understood as meaning, for example, that two structures are in direct physical contact. Thus, for example, no other structures may be present between two directly connected structures. The expression "radius" may be understood as meaning, for example, a rounded structure with a (inner or outer) corner (edge), such as a fillet. Furthermore, the expression "radius" may be understood as meaning, for example, a definition of the length of such a circular (segment) structure.

[0023] Using the above configuration of the present invention, the risk of material breaks (such as slits, cracks or tears) can be reduced, thereby improving the integrity, quality and shelf life of the capsules produced during the cellulose-based sheet forming process. Therefore, not only can the manufacturing efficiency be improved, but also the beverage preparation method can be improved because micro cracks can be avoided.

[0024] Among them, the inventors surprisingly found that providing a rounded transition area including the above-specified dimensions at the corresponding section of the capsule for the beverage production machine can significantly reduce the mechanical stress on the sheet material during the forming process. In this way, by distributing the forming stress over a wider area, the stress concentration on each section of the sheet material can be reduced. In addition, the transition area provides a more spherical shape for the capsule, which results in a smaller surface area for the desired capsule volume and thus reduces material consumption. Therefore, the forming force required to form the sheet material into the desired shape can be reduced. The configuration of the capsule according to the present invention also has benefits for the beverage preparation process. The more spherical shape of the capsule allows the stress that occurs due to the pressure accumulated in the capsule to be evenly distributed in the capsule body, which is beneficial for the relatively low wall thickness of the capsule, because the relatively high brewing pressure required for the beverage preparation process can be achieved, so that the capsule can be opened at the right time and the brewed product is released only by the operation of the opening mechanism provided (inside or outside the capsule).

[0025] Therefore, the present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages of the prior art.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the edge radius may be between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. However, it is also conceivable that the edge radius may be about 2 mm. The edge radius may preferably be arranged (formed) so that it may be convex inwardly relative to the cavity. For example, the edge radius may be a concave or concave geometry.

[0027] Alternatively or in addition, the bottom radius may be between 12 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 13 mm and 14 mm. Preferably, the bottom radius may be convex outwardly relative to the cavity. For example, the bottom radius may be concave or a concave geometry.

[0028] By utilizing any of the above configurations, the above-mentioned beneficial effects can be further amplified.

[0029] According to another preferred embodiment, the edge transition region can extend in a vertical cross section at a top transition angle between 90° and 160°, preferably between 110° and 140°, most preferably between 120° and 130°. Alternatively or in addition, the bottom transition region can extend in a vertical cross section at a bottom transition angle between 20° and 90°, preferably between 15° and 60°, most preferably between 20° and 40°.

[0030] Therein, the expression "transition angle" may be understood as, for example, defining the angle at which the respective transition region (or radius) extends (in the cross-sectional plane). For example, this may be the angle measured between the start and end of the transition region relative to the (imaginary) center point of its respective radius.

[0031] Thus, the steepness and the length of the respective transition region can be defined and thus adapted to the stress distribution existing during the forming process.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the bottom side section of the sidewall can be directly connected to the edge side section of the sidewall through a circumferential sidewall transition region. The circumferential sidewall transition region can have a sidewall radius between 2mm and 4mm, preferably about 3mm, most preferably 3mm. Alternatively or in addition, the sidewall radius can be convex outwardly relative to the cavity. For example, the sidewall radius can be a convex or convex geometry. Preferably, when measured in the direction of radius R451, the sidewall transition region can extend in a vertical cross section at a sidewall transition angle between 20° and 80°, preferably between 25° and 45°.

[0033] Thereby, the additional section of the pad side wall may be provided with a defined transition area, which further reduces the mechanical stress level during the pad forming process by more advantageously redistributing stress concentrations.

[0034] According to another preferred embodiment, the bottom may be flat. Alternatively or in addition, the bottom may extend in a bottom plane. Preferably, the bottom may have a 170 mm 2 With 500mm 2 Alternatively or in addition, the bottom may have a diameter of between 15 mm and 25 mm, or preferably 20 mm.

[0035] Thus, a capsule compatible with existing established beverage production machines can be provided. Furthermore, the above specifications facilitate the use of the bottom as an extraction surface of the capsule during beverage preparation. For this function, a relatively large and flat surface may be advantageous.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the rim may have an outer diameter between 35 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 45 mm, more preferably between 41 mm and 42 mm. Preferably, the height of the cavity (measured along the shortest distance between the bottom and the opening) may be between 5 mm and 7 mm, or preferably 6 mm.

[0037] Hereby, a pad may be provided which is compatible with existing established beverage production machines and which may provide a sufficient volume to receive the substances required for preparing a beverage.

[0038] According to another preferred embodiment, the side wall may extend from the edge towards the bottom in a manner of decreasing diameter. Preferably, the peripheral edge or the opening may extend in a top plane. More preferably, the bottom plane and the top plane may be parallel to each other.

[0039] Therefore, owing to can more easily remove half shell from forming station, so can improve the manufacturing process of pad.In addition, before sealing closure, can more compact, more conveniently fill pad.

[0040] According to another preferred embodiment, in a vertical cross section, the side wall may extend at least partially along the side wall plane. Preferably, the side wall may extend at least partially along the side wall plane at the edge side section of the side wall. Therein, the side wall plane and the top plane (or bottom plane) may preferably enclose an angle between 50° and 60°, preferably between 55° and 58°. Alternatively or in addition, the side wall plane and the top plane may enclose an angle between 50° and 60°, preferably between 55° and 58°.

[0041] Thereby, since a defined transition profile may be provided between the edge transition region and the bottom transition region or between the edge transition region and the circumferential sidewall transition region (if present), the shape of the bladder may be optimized with respect to stress concentrations during the forming process.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the half shell can be formed from a sheet having a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure can include at least one primary layer made of a cellulose-based material or a regenerated cellulose material. In addition, the multilayer structure can include at least one secondary layer having a barrier function, preferably an oxygen barrier function.

[0043] Thus, the material composition of the sheet can be tailored to the requirements of the application. For example, layers can be added to provide defined functions, such as oxygen and / or moisture barriers.

[0044] According to another preferred embodiment, in top view, the pad, each of the half-shells and / or the respective opening may have a circular-like shape or contour, preferably a circular or oval shape or contour.

[0045] Hereby, a pad may be provided which is compatible with existing established beverage production machines and has reduced manufacturing complexity.

[0046] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, wherein the capsule is made of a home compostable material composition. The capsule includes a capsule body, which is composed of a half shell and a cover (such as a film), which are joined to each other to define a chamber for accommodating a substance for preparing a beverage. The half shell is formed by a biodegradable cellulose-based material sheet with a barrier function. The half shell includes a bottom, a circumferential side wall and a circumferential edge. The circumferential side wall extends from the bottom to the circumferential edge of the side wall to define the cavity. In addition, the side wall tapers from the circumferential edge toward the bottom. The circumferential edge extends laterally outward from the circumferential edge to engage with the cover to close the chamber. Wherein, the circumferential inner edge of the edge defines the opening of the cavity. The circumferential edge transition region directly connecting the edge and the side wall has an edge radius between 1mm and 3mm. The circumferential bottom transition region directly connecting the side wall and the bottom has a bottom radius between 10mm and 20mm.

[0047] Thereby, a pad having the same advantages and beneficial effects as the pad according to the first aspect of the invention described above may be provided.

[0048] Naturally, the pad in another aspect of the invention may comprise all the above-mentioned features of the pad according to the first aspect of the invention. However, for reasons of brevity, an explicit repetition of these features is omitted at this point. 4. Description of the drawings

[0049] When reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, additional features, advantages and objects of the invention will become apparent to the skilled person. Where numbers are omitted from the drawings, for example for clarity, corresponding features may still be present in the drawings.

[0050] Figure 1A schematic cross-section of a portion of a pad body of a pad according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic cross section through a wall portion of a pad according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 3 A schematic cross-section of a pad according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0053] Figure 4 A schematic cross-section of a pad according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. 5. Specific implementation methods

[0054] As used in this specification, the words "include", "comprising" and similar words should not be understood as having an exclusive or exhaustive meaning. In other words, these words are intended to mean "including but not limited to".

[0055] Any reference to prior art documents in this specification is not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is well known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0056] Figures 1 to 4 Different views and aspects of different embodiments of a pad 100 according to the invention are shown.

[0057] A first aspect of the invention relates to a capsule 100 for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine. For example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 Two different embodiments of such beverage containers are shown.

[0058] The container 100 may be configured to work with existing beverage production machines (e.g., capsule machines). When viewed in a top view, the capsule 100 may have a circular shape or profile, preferably a circular or oval shape or profile. The capsule 100 may be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the horizontal plane 101 and / or the vertical plane 102. This is particularly useful in Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is shown as an example in FIG.

[0059] The bag 100 is made of a home compostable material composition. For example, the material composition may include cellulose-based materials, paper, parchment, cardboard, cellulose nanofibers, air-laid cellulose and / or delignified wood. Alternatively or in addition, the material composition may include a compostable plastic material, such as an extruded biopolymer, a compostable coating and / or polylactic acid (PLA). Alternatively or in addition, the material composition may include compostable or biodegradable polyester or polyvinyl alcohol polymers or combinations thereof. However, this is not a complete enumeration of suitable home compostable material compositions for the bag 100.

[0060] The capsule 100 includes a capsule body 120. The capsule body 120 may define the boundaries and borders of the volume occupied by the capsule 100. The capsule body 120 is composed of two half shells 200. Figure 3 It is shown as an example in FIG.

[0061] Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Different examples of half shells 200 are shown. Each of the half shells 200 is formed from a sheet material. Among them, the half shells 200 can have any shape or form. For example, in a top view, each of the half shells 200 can have a circular, round or oval shape or outline. Figure 1 An example of the forming process of one of the half shells 200 in a forming die 800 is shown. The forming die 800 can have a shape or contour corresponding to the outer shape and contour of the corresponding half shell 200 (as described above and below). For the forming of the sheet, the forming die 800 can cooperate with a correspondingly designed plunger element, the outer shape or contour of which can correspond to the inner shape or contour of the half shell 200. The forming die 800 and / or the plunger can be heated. The half shell 200 can be formed in a single forming step.

[0062] The half shell 200 is formed of a biodegradable cellulose-based sheet material having a barrier function. For example, paper or pulp material can be used. Preferably, a sheet material having a multi-layer structure can be used to form the half shell 200. Figure 2 An example of a multilayer configuration of the wall 220 of the half-shell 200 is shown. Therein, the multilayer structure may comprise at least one primary layer 221 made of a cellulose-based material or a regenerated cellulose material. In addition, the multilayer structure may comprise a secondary layer 222 having said barrier function. For example, the barrier function may be an oxygen barrier function or a moisture barrier function. However, it is also conceivable that the multilayer structure may comprise one or more additional functional layers 223 to provide an oxygen and moisture barrier function, thereby preventing moisture or oxygen from entering the interior of the capsule. Alternatively or in addition, it is also conceivable that the wall 220 may comprise only a layer made of a cellulose-based material or a regenerated cellulose material, preferably with a thickness that provides the required barrier function.

[0063] Each of the half-shells 200 includes a bottom 250 . Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The bottom 250 is shown by way of example. The bottom 250 may be flat and may extend in a bottom plane. However, other configurations of this portion (component) of the half shell 200 (i.e., the bottom 250) may be envisioned. Preferably, the bottom 250 may have a 170 mm 2 With 500mm 2 Between, preferably 315mm 2 The bottom surface area of ​​the bottom 250 may have a diameter D251 between 15 mm and 25 mm. Preferably, the diameter D251 may be 20 mm.

[0064] Each of the half-shells 200 comprises a circumferential side wall 240 . Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The side wall 240 is shown exemplarily. The circumferential side wall 240 extends (continuously) from the bottom 250 to the circumferential edge 241 of the side wall 240. Therein, a cavity 210 is defined, which may be delimited by (at least) the circumferential edge 241, the circumferential side wall 240 and the bottom 250. Preferably, the side wall 240 may form a continuous covering surface of the half shell 200.

[0065] A circumferential bottom transition region 254 directly connects the sidewall 240 and the bottom 250 . Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The bottom transition region 254 is shown as an example. As can be seen from these figures, the bottom transition region 254 can provide a connection between the side wall 240 and the bottom 250. Therein, the bottom transition region 254 can include a defined transition geometry, such as a rounding with a defined size, such as a radius or a fillet. More specifically, the bottom transition region 254 has a bottom radius R452 between 10 mm and 20 mm. Preferably, the bottom radius R452 can be between 12 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 13 mm and 14 mm. The geometric range of the bottom radius R452 can also be defined by the bottom transition angle, for example, the bottom transition angle can determine the size of the radius (element). For example, in a vertical cross section (for example, in Figure 1 ), when measured in the direction of the bottom radius R452, the bottom transition region 254 can extend at a bottom transition angle between 20° and 90°, preferably between 15° and 60°, and most preferably between 20° and 40°. Thus, the bottom radius R452 can be convex outwardly relative to the cavity 210, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0066] Each of the half-shells 200 comprises a circumferential rim 230 . Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The rim 230 is shown as an example. The rim 230 extends laterally outward from the circumferential edge 241 so as to engage with the rim 230 of the corresponding other half shell 200 so that their cavities 210 together define a chamber 211. The circumferential inner edge 231 of the rim 230 defines the opening 212 of the chamber 210. This is Figure 1 240. Preferably, the edge 230 may extend completely around the side wall 240. In a top view, the opening 212 may have a circular, round or oval shape or contour. The circumferential edge 241 and / or the opening 212 may extend in a top plane. Figure 1 It is also shown that the bottom plane and the top plane of the bottom 250 can be parallel to each other. Preferably, when measured along the shortest distance between the bottom 250 and the opening 212, the cavity 210 can have a height H201 between 5 mm and 7 mm, preferably 6 mm. The rim 230 can have an outer diameter D232 between 35 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 45 mm, and more preferably between 41 mm and 42 mm. In addition, the rim 230 can have an inner diameter D233, which can correspond to the diameter of the opening 212. For example, the inner diameter 233 can be in the range of 30 mm to 40 mm, preferably 38 mm to 39 mm.

[0067] The rim 230 and the sidewall 240 are directly connected by a circumferential rim transition region 234 . Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is shown in FIG. 2. The edge transition region 234 may be

[0068] The edge transition region 234 may include defined transition geometries, such as roundings, such as radii or fillets, of defined dimensions. For example, the edge transition region 234 may have an edge radius R34. The edge radius R34 may be between 1 mm and 3 mm. Alternatively or in addition, the edge radius R34 may be between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably 2 mm. In a vertical cross section (e.g., as in Figure 1 ), the edge transition region 234 may extend at a top transition angle between 90° and 160°, preferably between 110° and 140°, and most preferably between 120° and 130°. Preferably, the edge radius R34 may extend so that a height H204 in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm may be covered by the edge radius R34. The edge radius R34 may bulge inwardly relative to the cavity 210. In addition, the edge transition region 234 may have a straight section or portion, which may extend between the edge radius R34 and a bottom transition region 254 having a bottom radius R452. This Figure 1For example, in a vertical cross section, the side wall 240 may extend at least partially along the side wall plane, preferably at the edge side section of the side wall 240. The side wall plane and the top plane, and / or the side wall plane and the top plane may enclose an angle A245 between 50° and 60°, preferably between 55° and 58°. Therefore, it is conceivable that the side wall 240 may extend from the edge 230 toward the bottom 250 in a manner of decreasing diameter, such as Figure 1 As shown in FIG.

[0069] It is also contemplated that the sidewall 240 includes a circumferential sidewall transition region 244 that directly connects a bottom-side section of the sidewall 240 with an edge-side section of the sidewall 240 . Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is shown by way of example. The sidewall transition region 244 may include a defined transition geometry, such as a rounding with a defined size, such as a radius or fillet. For example, the sidewall transition region 244 may have a sidewall radius R451 between 2 mm and 4 mm, preferably about 3 mm, and most preferably 3 mm. Wherein, the sidewall radius R451 may bulge outward relative to the cavity 210. In a vertical cross section, when measured in the direction of the radius R451, the sidewall transition region 244 may extend in a vertical cross section at a sidewall transition angle between 20° and 80°, preferably between 25° and 45°. For example, at the edge side section of the sidewall 240, a diameter D242 in the range between 33 mm and 36 mm may be found, preferably the diameter D242 may be about 35 mm. At the bottom side section of the sidewall 240, a diameter D243 in the range between 31 mm and 35 mm may be found, preferably the diameter D243 may be about 33 mm. Considering the preferred vertical height of 2 mm to 4 mm for height H203 and the preferred vertical height of 3 mm to 5 mm for height H202, sidewall transition region 244 may have a height of approximately 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0070] The two half shells 200 are joined to each other so as to define a chamber 211 for containing a substance 500 for preparing a beverage. For example, the two half shells 200 can be joined to each other by heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing. Preferably, the chamber can be sealed or closed from the outside after the two half shells 200 are joined. This is particularly useful in Figure 3 It is shown as an example in FIG.

[0071] For example, when a fluid (such as hot (40°C to 100°C) water or milk) is injected into the capsule 100 for beverage preparation, the substance 500 can interact with the fluid injected into the chamber 211 to produce the desired beverage. Therefore, the chamber 211 can constitute a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine or a beverage preparation process. Examples of substances can be roasted ground coffee, instant coffee, tea leaves, syrup concentrates, fruit extract concentrates, chocolate, dehydrated edible substances and / or combinations thereof.

[0072] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a differently configured capsule 101 for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine. Like the capsule 100 described above, the differently configured capsule 101 is made of a home compostable material composition. However, unlike the capsule 100 described above, the differently configured capsule 101 comprises a capsule body 120 and a cover 300, such as a membrane, which is composed of only one of the half shells 200 described above. The cover 300 and the half shell 200 are joined to each other so as to define a chamber (such as the chamber 211) for containing a substance (such as the substance 500) for preparing a beverage. Figure 4 A pad 101 is shown wherein a half shell 200 and a cover 300 may be joined to each other by heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing.

[0073] Although the present invention has been described by way of example, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein above as long as it is covered by the appended claims. It should be understood that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. All features of the embodiments described above can be combined in any possible way and can be provided interchangeably. In addition, if there are known equivalents for specific features, such equivalents should be incorporated as explicitly mentioned in this specification.

Claims

1. A capsule (100) for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, wherein the capsule (100) is made of a home compostable material composition, wherein the capsule (100) comprises a capsule body (120) consisting of two half shells (200) joined to each other so as to define a chamber (211) for containing a substance (500) for preparing the beverage, wherein each of the half shells (200) is formed of a biodegradable cellulose-based material sheet having a barrier function, and wherein each of the half shells (200) comprises: Bottom (250), a circumferential side wall (240) extending from the bottom (250) to a circumferential edge (241) of the side wall (240) to define a cavity (210), wherein the side wall (240) tapers from the circumferential edge (241) towards the bottom (250), a peripheral rim (230) extending laterally outwardly from the peripheral edge (241) so as to engage with the rim (230) of the respective other half-shell (200) so that their cavities (210) together define the chamber (211), wherein the peripheral inner edge (231) of the rim (230) delimits the opening (212) of the chamber (210), A circumferential edge transition region (234) directly connecting the edge (230) and the side wall (240) has an edge radius (R34) between 1 mm and 3 mm, and a circumferential bottom transition region (254) directly connecting the side wall (240) and the bottom (250) has a bottom radius (R452) between 10 mm and 20 mm.

2. The pad (100) according to claim 1, wherein the edge radius (R34) is between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably 2 mm, and / or is convex inwardly relative to the cavity (210).

3. The pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In vertical cross-section, the edge transition region (234) extends at a top transition angle between 90° and 160°, preferably between 110° and 140°, most preferably between 120° and 130°.

4. The pad (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom radius (R452) is between 12 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 13 mm and 14 mm, and / or is convex outwardly relative to the cavity (210).

5. The pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In vertical cross section, the bottom transition region (254) extends at a bottom transition angle between 10° and 90°, preferably between 15° and 60°, most preferably between 20° and 40°.

6. A bag (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a circumferential side wall transition region (244) directly connecting the bottom side segment of the side wall (240) with the edge side segment of the side wall (240) has a side wall radius (R451) between 2 mm and 4 mm, preferably about 3 mm, most preferably 3 mm, and preferably bulges outwardly relative to the cavity (210).

7. The pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In vertical cross section, the side wall transition region (244) extends at a side wall transition angle between 20° and 80°, preferably between 25° and 45°.

8. The pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (250) has a width of 170 mm. 2 With 500mm 2 The bottom surface area between The bottom (250) has a diameter (D251) between 15 mm and 25 mm, preferably 20 mm.

9. The pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rim (230) has an outer diameter (D232) between 35 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 45 mm, more preferably between 41 mm and 42 mm.

10. The capsule (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (210) has a height (H201) measured along the shortest distance between the bottom (250) and the opening (212), which is between 5 mm and 7 mm, preferably 6 mm.

11. The pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (240) extends in a decreasing diameter from the rim (230) towards the bottom (250).

12. The pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (250) is flat and / or extends in a bottom plane, and / or Wherein the circumferential edge (241) or the opening (212) extends in a top plane, wherein preferably the bottom plane and the top plane are parallel to each other.

13. The pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In a vertical cross section, the side wall (240) extends at least partially along a side wall plane, preferably at or at an edge side section of the side wall (240), Preferably, the side wall plane and the top plane, and / or the side wall plane and the bottom plane form an angle between 50° and 60°, preferably between 55° and 58°.

14. The pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the half-shell (200) is formed from a sheet material having a multilayer structure comprising: at least one primary layer (221) made of a cellulose-based material or a regenerated cellulose material, and A secondary layer (222), said secondary layer having said barrier function, preferably an oxygen barrier function.

15. The pad (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein In a top view, the pad (100), each of the half-shells (200) and / or the corresponding opening (212) have a circular-like shape or contour, preferably a circular or oval shape or contour.

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