Compostable pods formed from sheets of cellulosic material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pod (100) for preparing beverages in a beverage preparation machine. The pod (100) comprises a pod body (120) made of a home-compostable material composition and composed of two half shells (200). The half shells (200) are joined to each other to define a chamber (211) for containing a beverage preparation substance (500). Each half shell (200) is molded from a sheet of a biodegradable cellulosic material having a barrier function. Each half shell (200) comprises a base (250), a circumferential sidewall (240), and a circumferential rim (230) to which the rim (230) of the respective half shell (200) is joined. The rim (230) and the sidewall (240) are directly connected by a circumferential rim transition region (234) having a rim radius (R34) of 1 mm to 3 mm. Additionally, the sidewall (240) and bottom (250) are directly connected by a circumferential bottom transition region (254) having bottom radii (R452) of 10 mm and 20 mm.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pod for preparing beverages in a beverage production machine, which pod is made from a home compostable material composition and is composed of at least one half shell formed from a sheet of biodegradable cellulosic material. [Background technology]

[0002] Disposable beverage containers for beverage preparation machines, such as capsules or pods, are known in the art. These beverage containers are generally used for dispensing individual servings of beverages such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and have gained popularity due to their fresh taste, variety of flavors, and convenience in beverage preparation.

[0003] Typically, a beverage container encloses beverage ingredients and is inserted into a container receptacle (e.g., a capsule holder) of a beverage preparation machine. The container receptacle 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. Once a sufficient amount of fluid has filled the beverage container, the beverage container is opened under the pressure of the fluid built up within the beverage container, releasing the prepared beverage. Such beverage preparation is convenient because a user can determine their preferred beverage, place the beverage container with the desired flavor into the machine, initiate the beverage preparation process, and then consume the beverage immediately.

[0004] Typically, these known beverage containers are made of materials that are difficult to reuse, recycle, or compost, especially after use of the beverage container. Therefore, efforts are being made to replace these established materials with biodegradable or compostable materials, such as cellulosic materials like paper, so that the process of disposing of used beverage containers (e.g., by composting) is less difficult.

[0005] The use of new materials in beverage containers also requires new manufacturing processes. For example, in industrial production, beverage containers made from cellulosic materials may be produced from an endless (continuous) sheet of paper material that moves through different stations on a production line. At one station, sections of the sheet are formed into half shells that are then filled with beverage ingredients, such as coffee, before being sealed with another half shell or a lid.

[0006] It has now been found that wetting the sheet prior to forming the half shells can be beneficial to the structural integrity and shelf life of the resulting beverage container, as the half shells can break, tear, or rip due to mechanical stress during the forming process. These negative side effects can be reduced by wetting the sheet prior to 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, wetting the sheet material prior to formation does not completely prevent structural damage, such as splits or cracks, from occurring in the beverage container during formation. The damage may be visible or invisible, such as microcracks. Microcracks, however, can be particularly problematic for the beverage preparation process. As discussed above, the beverage preparation process typically relies on sufficient pressure buildup inside the beverage container to open the beverage container at the correct time. However, if the container wall is damaged, the pressure buildup may be insufficient or too low, or the container wall may open in the wrong part of the beverage container, disrupting beverage preparation. This can lead to a poor brewed product and user experience. Visible cracks not only pose a problem for the beverage container's aesthetics, but also have a similarly negative impact on the beverage container by creating passages into the container's interior, thereby compromising the integrity and shelf life of the food within the beverage container. As a result, current manufacturing processes are insufficient to ensure the integrity, functionality, quality, and shelf life of the beverage container, as well as the quality of the produced beverage. Therefore, a solution to overcome these issues is needed.

[0008]

[0003] Prior art attempts have addressed the above-mentioned problems by replacing paper sheet materials with different materials or combinations of materials that provide greater mechanical flexibility to the beverage container, or by replacing paper sheet materials with different materials or combinations of materials that avoid forming the beverage container in a sheet-forming process. However, such approaches lead to increased material and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, it is difficult to provide beverage containers that are more easily compostable at home.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pod made from compostable materials, which can improve and guarantee the structural integrity and shelf life of the manufactured pod, wherein a further object of the present invention is to avoid damage to the container wall during the sheet formation process, without giving up the pod's ability to be composted at home after use.

[0010] These and other objects which become apparent on reading the detailed description of the invention are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention. Summary of the Invention

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

[0012] Here, the term "pod" may be understood as a receptacle, e.g. a capsule or any (closed) container, for a substance for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine. The beverage may be, for example, coffee or tea.

[0013] The pods are 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] Here, the term "compostable" may be understood to mean that when a material is composted, it can be substantially decomposed into organic matter within a few weeks or months. This can be achieved in industrial composting facilities and / or home composters. Such facilities may have specific conditions related to wind, sunlight, drainage, and other factors. At the end of the composting process, the material can be fully decomposed and provide nutrients to the soil. International standards such as EU 13432 or US ASTM D6400 provide frameworks for specifying technical requirements and procedures for determining the compostability of materials.

[0016] In comparison, a "biodegradable" material can be understood as any material that can be broken down by (the action of) living organisms (e.g., microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or algae) into environmentally harmless products. This process can occur in the environment regardless of the presence of oxygen (aerobic / anaerobic).

[0017] The pod comprises a pod body made up of two half shells joined (connected, sealed) to one another to define a chamber (enclosed space or volume) for containing substances for preparing a beverage.

[0018] Each half shell is formed from a sheet of biodegradable cellulosic material that has barrier properties.

[0019] Here, the term "shaping" may be understood as using the characteristics of a material that is formable, malleable, and / or flexible, for example, 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 piece of material. The expression "barrier function" may be understood as providing a structure inherent in or provided in the material that can prevent or inhibit gases, such as oxygen, and / or fluids (i.e., liquid and / or vaporous substances), from entering and / or leaving the interior of a beverage container, preferably to an extent suitable for food use. For example, a cellulosic material may be configured to provide a barrier function against gases, such as oxygen, flavorings, or carbon dioxide. For example, a sheet may be formed over a 5 cm 3The material may have an oxygen barrier with an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of less than 1 / m² / day, where OTR may be a measure of the amount of oxygen gas that passes through the material over a period of time. OTR may be measured using known methods defined in industry standards such as DIN 53380-3, ASTM D1434, or ISO 2872. Additionally or alternatively, a moisture barrier may be provided.

[0020] Each half shell has a bottom (e.g., the lowest part of the pod) and a circumferential sidewall. The (circumferential) sidewall extends from the bottom to the periphery of the sidewall to define a cavity. The sidewall tapers (e.g., may decrease radially and / or laterally) from the periphery (i.e., wider starting point) to the bottom (i.e., narrower ending point). Each half shell further has a circumferential rim extending laterally outward from the periphery to join with the rim of the respective other half shell so that their cavities together define a chamber. The circumferential inner edge of the rim bounds (e.g., may define the limits of) an opening to the cavity. The opening may be an aperture or passageway from outside the pod to the cavity.

[0021] The rim and sidewall are directly connected by a circumferential rim transition region (e.g., section or portion) having a rim radius of 1 mm to 3 mm. The sidewall and bottom are directly connected by a circumferential bottom transition region having a bottom radius of 10 mm to 20 mm.

[0022] Here, the expression "directly connected" can be understood, for example, as two structures being in direct physical contact. Therefore, for example, no other structures can be seen between the two directly connected structures. The expression "radius" can be understood as a structure having rounded corners (edges) (inner or outer), for example, fillets, etc. Furthermore, the expression "radius" can be understood, for example, as a definition of the length of such a circular (segment) structure.

[0023] The above configurations of the present invention can reduce the risk of material failure such as splits, cracks or fissures, thereby improving the integrity, quality and shelf life of the pods produced in the cellulosic sheet material forming process, thereby avoiding micro-cracks and improving the production efficiency as well as the beverage preparation process.

[0024] The inventors have surprisingly found that providing each section of a pod for a beverage production machine with a transition region including a radius of the above-specified dimensions significantly reduces mechanical stress on the sheet material during the forming process. This allows the forming stress to be distributed over a wider area, thereby reducing the concentration of stress on each section of the sheet material. Furthermore, the transition region gives the pod a more spherical shape, which results in a smaller surface area relative to the intended pod volume and therefore reduces material consumption. Therefore, the forming force required to form the sheet material into a desired shape can be reduced. The pod configuration according to the present invention also has advantages for the beverage preparation process. The more spherical shape of the pod allows stress resulting from pressure buildup within the pod to be uniformly distributed within the pod body, which is beneficial for the relatively thin wall thickness of the pod, since the relatively high brewing pressure required for the beverage preparation process can be achieved, thereby allowing the pod to be opened in a timely manner and brewing the brewed product only through the action of an opening mechanism (either internal or external to the pod).

[0025] Thus, the present invention overcomes the problems and drawbacks of the prior art.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the rim radius may be between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. However, it is also contemplated that the rim radius may be approximately 2 mm. The rim radius may preferably be provided (formed) to flare inward with respect to the cavity. For example, the rim radius may be concave or recessed.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the bottom radius may be between 12 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 13 mm and 14 mm. Preferably, the bottom radius may flare outwardly with respect to the cavity. For example, the bottom radius may be concave or recessed.

[0028] Any one of the above configurations can further enhance the beneficial effects described above.

[0029] According to further preferred embodiments, the rim transition region may extend over a top transition angle in vertical cross section of 90° to 160°, preferably 110° to 140°, most preferably 120° to 130°. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom transition region may extend over a bottom transition angle in vertical cross section of 20° to 90°, preferably 15° to 60°, most preferably 20° to 40°.

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

[0031] This allows the steepness and length of each transition region to be defined, thereby adapting the stress profile present during the forming process.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the bottom section of the sidewall may be directly connected to the rim section of the sidewall by a circumferential sidewall transition region. The circumferential sidewall transition region may have a sidewall radius of 2 mm to 4 mm, preferably about 3 mm, and most preferably 3 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the sidewall radius may flare outward with respect to the cavity. For example, the sidewall radius may be convex or convex in shape. Preferably, the sidewall transition region may extend over a sidewall transition angle of 20° to 80°, preferably 25° to 45°, in a vertical cross section, as measured in the direction of radius R451.

[0033] This allows for additional segments of the pod sidewall to have defined transition regions, which further reduces the level of mechanical stress during the pod molding process by more advantageously redistributing stress concentrations.

[0034] According to a further preferred embodiment, the bottom may be flat. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom may extend in a bottom plane. Preferably, the bottom has a length of 170 mm. 2 ~500mm 2 Alternatively or additionally, the base may have a diameter of 15 mm to 25 mm, or preferably 20 mm.

[0035] This allows for the provision of a pod that is compatible with existing established beverage production machines. In addition, the above specifications are beneficial for using the bottom of the pod as the brewing surface in the beverage preparation process. For this function, a relatively large, flat surface may be advantageous.

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

[0037] Thereby, a pod can be provided that is compatible with existing established beverage production machines and that can provide a sufficient volume to accommodate the substances required for beverage preparation.

[0038] According to a further preferred embodiment, the sidewall may extend from the rim to the bottom in a decreasing diameter. Preferably, the rim or opening may extend to the top surface. More preferably, the bottom and top surfaces may be parallel to one another.

[0039] This can improve the manufacturing process of the pods as the half shells can be more easily removed from the forming station, and in addition the pods can be more compactly and conveniently filled before being sealed.

[0040] According to a further preferred embodiment, in vertical cross section, the sidewall may extend at least partially along the sidewall surface. Preferably, the sidewall may extend at least partially along the sidewall surface at a rim-side section of the sidewall. Here, the sidewall surface and the top surface (or bottom surface) may preferably subtend an angle of 50° to 60°, preferably 55° to 58°. Alternatively or additionally, the sidewall surface and the top surface may subtend an angle of 50° to 60°, preferably 55° to 58°.

[0041] This allows the shape of the pod to be optimized with respect to stress concentration during the forming process, as it can provide a defined transition profile between the rim transition region and the bottom transition region, or between the rim transition region and the circumferential sidewall transition region, if present.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the half shells may be formed from a sheet having a multi-layer structure. The multi-layer structure may comprise at least one primary layer made of a cellulosic or regenerated cellulose material. Furthermore, the multi-layer structure may comprise at least a secondary layer having a barrier function, preferably an oxygen barrier function.

[0043] Thereby, it is possible to tailor the material composition of the sheet to the requirements of the application: for example, layers may be added to provide defined functionality, such as oxygen and / or moisture barrier.

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

[0045] This allows for the provision of pods that are compatible with existing established beverage production machines and have reduced manufacturing complexity.

[0046] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a pod for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, the pod being made from a home compostable material composition. The pod comprises a pod body composed of half shells and a lid, e.g., a membrane, joined to each other to define a chamber for containing substances for preparing the beverage. The half shells are molded from a sheet of a biodegradable cellulosic material having a barrier function. The half shells comprise a bottom, a circumferential sidewall, and a circumferential rim. The circumferential sidewall extends from the bottom to a periphery of the sidewall to define a cavity. The sidewall further tapers from the periphery to the bottom. The circumferential rim extends laterally outward from the periphery to be joined with a lid to close the chamber. Here, the circumferential inner edge of the rim defines an opening to the cavity. A circumferential rim transition region directly connecting the rim and the sidewall has a rim radius of 1 mm to 3 mm. The circumferential bottom transition region directly connecting the sidewall and the bottom has a bottom radius of 10 mm to 20 mm.

[0047] Thereby, a pod can be provided which has the same advantages and beneficial effects as those described above for the pod according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0048] Of course, the pod according to the further aspect of the invention may include all of the features described above for the pod according to the first aspect of the invention, however, for the sake of brevity, an explicit repetition of these features will be omitted here. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] Further features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, for example, where numerals are omitted from the figures for clarity, the corresponding features may still be present in the figures. [Figure 1] 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a pod body of a pod according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic cross-section through a wall portion of a pod according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a pod according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a pod according to a further embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The words "comprises," "comprising," and similar words as used herein should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to."

[0051] Any reference herein to a prior art document should not be taken as an acknowledgement that such prior art is well known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0052] 1-4 show different views and aspects of different embodiments of a pod 100 according to the present invention.

[0053] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a pod 100 for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine. For example, Figures 2 and 3 show two different embodiments of such a beverage container.

[0054] The pod 100 may be configured to cooperate with an existing beverage production machine (e.g., a capsule machine). The pod 100 may have a round shape or contour, preferably a circular or oval shape or contour, when viewed from above. The pod 100 may be mirror symmetrical with respect to a horizontal plane 101 and / or a vertical plane 102. This is exemplarily shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4.

[0055] The pod 100 is made from a home-compostable material composition. For example, the material composition may include cellulosic materials, paper, parchment paper, paperboard, cellulose nanofibers, air-laid cellulose, and / or delignified wood. Alternatively or additionally, the material composition may include a compostable plastic material, such as an extruded biopolymer, a compostable coating, and / or polylactic acid (PLA). Alternatively or additionally, the material composition may include a compostable or biodegradable polyester or polyvinyl alcohol polymer, or a combination thereof. However, this is not an exhaustive list of home-compostable material compositions suitable for the pod 100.

[0056] The pod 100 comprises a pod body 120. The pod body 120 may define the limits and boundaries of the volume occupied by the pod 100. The pod body 120 is composed of two half shells 200, which are exemplarily shown in FIG.

[0057] 1, 3, and 4 show different examples of half shells 200. Each half shell 200 is formed from a sheet material. Here, the half shells 200 can have any shape or configuration. For example, in a top view, each half shell 200 can have a round, circular, or oval shape or contour. FIG. 1 shows an example of the forming process of one of the half shells 200 in a forming die 800. The forming die 800 can have a shape or contour corresponding to the outer shape and contour of each half shell 200 (as described above and below). For forming the sheet, the forming die 800 can cooperate with a correspondingly designed plunger element, which can have an outer shape or contour corresponding to the inner shape or contour of the half shell 200. The forming die 800 and / or the plunger can be heated. The half shells 200 can be formed in a single forming process.

[0058] The half shells 200 are formed from a biodegradable cellulosic sheet material having a barrier function. For example, paper or pulp materials can be used. Preferably, a sheet having a multilayer structure can be used to form the half shells 200. FIG. 2 shows an example of a multilayer configuration for the wall 220 of the half shell 200. Here, the multilayer structure can include at least one primary layer 221 made of a cellulosic or regenerated cellulose material. In addition, the multilayer structure can include a secondary layer 222 having the barrier function. For example, the barrier function can be an oxygen or moisture barrier function. However, it is also contemplated that the multilayer structure can include one or more additional functional layers 223 that provide oxygen and moisture barrier functions to prevent moisture or oxygen from entering the interior of the pod. Alternatively or additionally, it is also contemplated that the wall 220 can include only a layer made of a cellulosic or regenerated cellulose material, preferably having a thickness that provides the necessary barrier function.

[0059] Each half shell 200 includes a bottom 250. Figures 1, 3, and 4 show an example of the bottom 250. The bottom 250 may be flat or extend along the bottom surface. However, other configurations of this portion of the half shell 200 (i.e., the bottom 250) are also conceivable. Preferably, the bottom 250 has a length of 170 mm. 2 ~500mm 2 , preferably 315mm 2 The bottom 250 may have a diameter D251 of 15 mm to 25 mm. Preferably, the diameter D251 may be 20 mm.

[0060] Each half shell 200 comprises a circumferential sidewall 240. Figures 1, 3, and 4 exemplarily illustrate the sidewall 240. The circumferential sidewall 240 extends (continuously) from a bottom 250 to a peripheral edge 241 of the sidewall 240. Here, a cavity 210 is defined, which may be bounded by (at least) the peripheral edge 241, the circumferential sidewall 240, and the bottom 250. Preferably, the sidewall 240 may form a continuous mantle surface of the half shell 200.

[0061] The circumferential bottom transition region 254 directly connects the sidewall 240 and the bottom portion 250. FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 exemplarily illustrate the bottom transition region 254. These figures show that the bottom transition region 254 can provide a link between the sidewall 240 and the bottom portion 250. Here, the bottom transition region 254 may have a defined transition shape, such as a radius or a fillet, having a defined size. More specifically, the bottom transition region 254 has a bottom radius R452 between 10 mm and 20 mm. Preferably, the bottom radius R452 may be between 12 mm and 15 mm, more preferably between 13 mm and 14 mm. The geometric range of the bottom radius R452 may be further defined by a bottom transition angle, which may determine the size of the radius (element), for example. For example, in a vertical cross section (e.g., FIG. 1), bottom transition region 254 may extend over a bottom transition angle, as measured in the direction of bottom radius R 452, that is between 20° and 90°, preferably between 15° and 60°, and most preferably between 20° and 40°, such that bottom radius R 452 may flare outward with respect to cavity 210, as shown in FIG.

[0062] Each half shell 200 includes a circumferential rim 230. FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 exemplarily illustrate the rims 230. The rims 230 extend laterally outward from a peripheral edge 241 so as to join with the rim 230 of the respective other half shell 200, with the cavities 210 thereof together defining a chamber 211. The circumferential inner edge 231 of the rim 230 bounds the opening 212 of the cavity 210. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1. Preferably, the rim 230 may extend completely around the sidewall 240. In top view, the opening 212 may have a rounded, circular, or elliptical shape or profile. The peripheral edge 241 and / or the opening 212 may extend to the top surface. FIG. 1 further illustrates that the bottom and top surfaces of the bottom 250 may be parallel to each other. Preferably, cavity 210 may have a height H201 of 5 mm to 7 mm, preferably 6 mm, as measured along the shortest distance between bottom 250 and opening 212. Rim 230 may have an outer diameter D232 of 35 mm to 50 mm, preferably 40 mm to 45 mm, and more preferably 41 mm to 42 mm. Furthermore, rim 230 may have an inner diameter D233 that may correspond to the diameter of opening 212. For example, inner diameter 233 may be in the range of 30 mm to 40 mm, preferably 38 mm to 39 mm.

[0063] The rim 230 and the sidewall 240 are directly connected by a circumferential rim transition region 234. This is illustrated in Figures 1, 3, and 4. The rim transition region 234 may have a defined transition shape, such as a radius or a fillet, having a defined size. For example, the rim transition region 234 has a rim radius R34. The rim radius R34 is between 1 mm and 3 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the rim 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 rim transition region 234 may extend over an upper transition angle of between 90° and 160°, preferably between 110° and 140°, and most preferably between 120° and 130°. Preferably, the rim radius R34 extends such that a height H204 in the range of between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm can be covered by the rim radius R34. The rim radius R34 may flare inward with respect to the cavity 210. Additionally, the rim transition region 234 may have a straight section or portion that may extend between the rim radius R34 and a bottom transition region 254 having a bottom radius R452. This is exemplarily shown in FIG. 1. For example, in a vertical cross section, the sidewall 240 may extend at least partially along the sidewall surface, preferably at the rim-side section of the sidewall 240. The sidewall surface and the top surface, and / or the sidewall surface and the top surface, may subtend an angle A245 between 50° and 60°, preferably between 55° and 58°. It is contemplated that the sidewall 240 may thereby extend in a decreasing diameter from the rim 230 to the bottom 250, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 1.

[0064] Additionally, the sidewall 240 may include a circumferential sidewall transition region 244 that directly connects the bottom section of the sidewall 240 to the rim section of the sidewall 240. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. The sidewall transition region 244 may include a defined transition shape, such as a radius or a fillet, having a defined size. 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. Here, the sidewall radius R451 may bulge outward with respect to the cavity 210. In a vertical cross section, the sidewall transition region 244 may extend over a sidewall transition angle of between 20° and 80°, preferably between 25° and 45°, as measured in the direction of the radius R451. For example, in the rim section of sidewall 240, diameter D242 may be in the range of 33 mm to 36 mm, and preferably, diameter D242 may be about 35 mm. In the bottom section of sidewall 240, diameter D243 may be in the range of 31 mm to 35 mm, and preferably, diameter D243 may be about 33 mm. Sidewall transition region 244 may have a height of about 1 mm to 2 mm, taking into account preferred vertical heights of 2 mm to 4 mm for height H203 and 3 mm to 5 mm for height H202.

[0065] The two half shells 200 are joined together to define a chamber 211 for containing a substance 500 for preparing a beverage. For example, the two half shells 200 may be joined together by heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing. Preferably, the chamber may be sealed or closed from the outside after joining the two half shells 200. This is exemplarily shown in Figure 3.

[0066] For example, when injecting a fluid (e.g., hot (40°C-100°C) water or milk, etc.) into the interior of the pod 100 for beverage preparation, the substance 500 may interact with the fluid injected into the chamber 211 to produce a desired beverage. Thus, the chamber 211 may constitute a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine or may constitute a brewing chamber in a beverage preparation process. Examples of substances may be roast and ground coffee, instant coffee, tea leaves, syrup concentrates, fruit extract concentrates, chocolate, dried edible substances, and / or combinations thereof.

[0067] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a differently configured pod 101 for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine. Like the pod 100 described above, the differently configured pod 101 is made from a home compostable material composition. However, unlike the pod 100 described above, the differently configured pod 101 comprises a pod body 120 consisting of only one of the half shells 200 described above, and a lid 300, e.g., a membrane. The lid 300 and the half shell 200 are joined to each other to define a chamber, e.g., chamber 211, for containing a substance, e.g., substance 500, for preparing the beverage. Figure 4 shows the pod 101, where the half shells 200 and the lid 300 may be joined to each other by heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing.

[0068] While the present invention has been described by way of example, it is not limited to the above-described embodiments, as long as it is encompassed by the scope of the appended claims. It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. All features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any possible manner and provided interchangeably. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist for particular features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred to herein.

Claims

1. A pod (100) for preparing a beverage in a beverage dispensing machine, wherein the pod (100) is made of a material composition that can be composted at home. The pod (100) comprises a pod body (120) consisting of two half-shells (200) joined together so as to define a chamber (211) for containing the substance (500) for preparing the beverage, Each of the aforementioned half-shells (200) is formed from a sheet of biodegradable cellulose-based material having a barrier function. Each of the aforementioned half shells (200) Bottom (250) and A circumferential side wall (240) that extends from the bottom (250) to the peripheral edge (241) of the circumferential side wall (240) so as to define the cavity (210), and is tapered from the peripheral edge (241) toward the bottom (250), A circumferential rim (230) is joined to the circumferential rim (230) of the other half shell (200), extending laterally outward from the peripheral edge (241) such that their cavities (210) together define the chamber (211), and the circumferential inner edge (231) of the circumferential rim (230) defines the opening (212) of the cavity (210), and Equipped with, The circumferential rim transition region (234) that directly connects the circumferential rim (230) and the circumferential side wall (240) has a rim radius (R34) of 1 mm to 3 mm. The circumferential bottom transition region (254) that directly connects the circumferential side wall (240) and the bottom (250) has a bottom radius (R452) of 10 mm to 20 mm. Pod (100).

2. The pod (100) according to claim 1, wherein the rim radius (R34) is 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm and / or protrudes inward with respect to the cavity (210).

3. The pod (100) according to claim 1, wherein in a vertical cross-section, the circumferential rim transition region (234) extends over an upper transition angle of 90° to 160°.

4. The pod (100) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom radius (R452) is 12 mm to 15 mm and / or protrudes outward with respect to the cavity (210).

5. The pod (100) according to claim 1, wherein in a vertical cross-section, the circumferential bottom transition region (254) extends over a bottom transition angle of 10° to 90°.

6. The pod (100) according to claim 1, wherein the circumferential side wall transition region (244) that directly connects the bottom section of the circumferential side wall (240) to the rim section of the circumferential side wall (240) has a side wall radius (R451) of 2 mm to 4 mm.

7. The pod (100) according to claim 6, wherein the circumferential sidewall transition region (244) protrudes outward with respect to the cavity (210).

8. The pod (100) according to claim 6, wherein in a vertical cross-section, the circumferential sidewall transition region (244) extends over a sidewall transition angle of 20° to 80°.

9. The bottom portion (250) is 170 mm ２ ~500mm ２ It has a bottom surface area and / or The bottom portion (250) has a diameter (D251) of 15 mm to 25 mm. The pod (100) according to claim 1.

10. The pod (100) according to claim 1, wherein the circumferential rim (230) has an outer diameter (D232) of 35 mm to 50 mm.

11. The pod (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cavity (210) has a height (H201) of 5 mm to 7 mm, measured along the shortest distance between the bottom (250) and the opening (212).

12. The pod (100) according to claim 1, wherein the circumferential side wall (240) extends from the circumferential rim (230) toward the bottom (250) such that its diameter decreases.

13. The bottom portion (250) is flat and / or extends to the bottom surface, and / or The pod (100) according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral portion (241) or the opening (212) extends to the upper surface.

14. In a vertical cross-section, the circumferential side wall (240) extends at least partially along the side wall surface. The pod (100) according to claim 1.

15. The pod (100) according to claim 14, wherein the side wall surface and the top surface, and / or the side wall surface and the bottom surface surround an angle of 50° to 60°.

16. The half shell (200) is formed from a sheet having a multilayer structure, and the multilayer structure is At least one primary layer (221) made of cellulose-based material or regenerated cellulose material, The secondary layer (222) having the barrier function, A pod (100) according to claim 1, comprising:

17. The pod (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, in a top view, each of the pod (100) and the half shell (200), and / or each of the openings (212), has a round shape or contour.

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