Capsules for preparing beverages

Abstract

A capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine is disclosed. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body and a closure membrane for closing the cup-shaped body. The cup-shaped body comprises an annular flange for sealing the closure membrane. At least the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp and comprises a bottom wall, a tubular side wall, and the annular flange. The annular flange further comprises a portion having a surface roughness of 27 to 32 μm. The flange portion having a specific roughness characteristic cooperates with an edge of a capsule enclosure member of the beverage preparation machine to improve leak-proofness during beverage preparation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a capsule for preparing beverages and / or food in a beverage preparation machine, the capsule having a cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp and being biodegradable and preferably compostable. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of beverage preparation devices and machines, containers or capsules made of cellulose pulp are known. Materials made of cellulose pulp are also known that are capable of maintaining the quality of the beverage substance in the capsule at least over a certain period of time. Disposable capsules for preparing beverages in beverage production machines are also known.

[0003] These disposable capsules made from cellulose pulp promise to reduce the environmental impact compared to capsules made from other materials.

[0004] Known cellulose pulp capsules are used in beverage preparation devices and include a member that surrounds the capsule during the beverage preparation process and during the injection of water into the capsule to prepare the beverage.

[0005] In order to prevent the water injected into the capsule from leaking out of the capsule body, it is essential that the engagement between the capsule and the surrounding member of the capsule cage is tight.

[0006] If the sealing engagement between the capsule and the surrounding member of the capsule cage is not good, the water will flow out of the capsule without encountering sufficient resistance to its flow, and the pressure required to cause the capsule closing membrane to rupture will not build up inside the capsule, or the low pressure will cause the closing membrane to rupture incompletely, thus resulting in insufficient extraction of the beverage substance contained within the capsule. In such a scenario, the water will be expelled from the beverage production device without interacting with the beverage substance, or without interacting completely with it under sufficient pressure conditions.

[0007] The present invention aims to improve the leak-proof characteristics of known cellulose pulp capsules for preparing beverages in beverage preparation devices. Summary of the Invention

[0008] As used herein, the terms "machine" or "device" may refer to a powered device or machine capable of preparing beverages and / or foods from precursor or raw materials, or from pre-precursor materials, precursor materials that can subsequently be prepared into beverages and / or foods. The machine may perform the preparation by one or more of the following processes: diluting, heating, pressurizing, cooling, mixing, frothing, dissolving, immersing, steeping, extracting, conditioning, infusing, crushing, and other similar processes. The machine may be sized for use on a countertop; for example, the machine may be less than 70 cm in length, width, and height. As used herein, the term "preparing" with respect to beverages and / or foods may refer to at least partial preparation of the beverage and / or food (e.g., a beverage may be prepared in whole or in part by the machine, and an end user may manually add additional fluids, including milk and / or water, before consumption).

[0009] As used herein, the terms "container" or "capsule" may refer to any configuration for containing a precursor material, e.g., a pre-portioned amount, such as a single serving. The container may have a maximum capacity that can contain only a single serving of precursor material. The container may be single-use and, for example, may undergo a physical change after the preparation process, including one or more of a perforation for supplying a fluid, e.g., a liquid such as water, to the precursor material, a perforation for supplying a beverage / food from the container, and a user opening for extracting the precursor material. The container may be configured to operate with a container processing unit of the machine and may, for example, include a flange for aligning and guiding the container through or onto the unit. The container may include a tear-away portion configured to rupture when subjected to a certain pressure to deliver the beverage / food. The container may have a membrane for closing the container. The container may have various shapes, including one or more of a frusto-conical, cylindrical, disc, hemispherical, and other similar shapes. The container may be formed from a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, wood pulp-based, or a combination thereof. The material may be selected to be food-safe and able to withstand the pressure and / or temperature of the preparation process. The container may be defined as a capsule, which may have an internal volume of 5 to 100 mL. The capsule may include a coffee capsule, for example, a Nespresso® capsule (including Classic, Professional, Vertuo, Dolce Gusto, or other capsules).

[0010] As used herein, the terms "system" or "beverage or food preparation system" may refer to a combination of two or more of a beverage or food preparation machine, a container, a server system, and peripheral devices.

[0011] As used herein, the term "beverage" may refer to any substance that can be processed into a drinkable substance, which may be chilled or hot. Beverages may be one or more of a solid, liquid, gel, or paste. Beverages may include one or a combination of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, milk, juice, vitamin compositions, herbal teas / infusions, infused / flavored water, and other extractable substances. As used herein, the term "food" may refer to any substance that can be processed into nutrients for consumption, which may be chilled or hot. Food may be one or more of a solid, liquid, gel, or paste. Food may include yogurt, mousse, parfait, soup, ice cream, sorbet, custard, smoothie, or other substance. It is understood that there is some overlap between the definitions of beverage and food; for example, beverages may be foods, and thus, a machine that is said to prepare beverages or foods does not exclude the preparation of both.

[0012] As used herein, the term "precursor material" may refer to any material that can be processed to form part or all of a beverage or food product. The precursor material may be one or more of a powder, crystal, liquid, gel, solid, etc. Examples of beverage-forming precursor materials include ground coffee, milk powder, tea leaves, cocoa powder, vitamin compositions, herbs for forming herbal teas / infused teas, flavorings, and other similar materials. Examples of food-forming precursor materials include dried vegetables or stocks as anhydrous soup powders, powdered milk, flour-based powders including custard, powdered yogurt or ice cream, and other similar materials. Precursor material may also refer to any pre-precursor material that can be processed into a precursor material as defined above, i.e., any precursor material that can be subsequently processed into a beverage and / or food product. In one example, the pre-precursor material includes coffee beans that can be ground and / or heated (e.g., roasted) into the precursor material.

[0013] As used herein, the term "fluid" (with respect to the fluid delivered by the fluid regulation system) may include one or more liquids, such as water, milk, and the like.

[0014] As used herein, the term "wood pulp-based" may refer to a material or portion of a material forming a container, the container being one or more of: porous; fibrous; cellulosic; formed from cellulosic material; formed from natural cellulosic material; formed from reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material; nonwoven; composed entirely of or of a wood pulp composition; and wet-formed. The thickness of the wood-based material may be 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm or about 0.5 mm. The wood-based material may be 200 to 400 gsm.

[0015] As used herein, the term "nonwoven" may refer to a cloth-like material that is neither woven nor knitted. Nonwoven materials may be made from fibers bonded together. As used herein, the term "porous" may refer to a material configured to have interstices that allow water (or other liquids) to pass through. As used herein, the term "fibrous" may refer to a material composed of fibers, which may be present in one or more of the material's components. As used herein, the terms "cellulosic" or "cellulosic material" may refer to traditional wood and / or non-wood materials, such as Manila hemp, sisal, jute, bleached and unbleached softwood and hardwood species. Cellulosic materials may include regenerated or reconstituted cellulose. As used herein, the term "natural cellulosic material" may refer to traditional wood materials that have not been regenerated. As used herein, the term "reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material" may refer to natural cellulosic materials that have undergone processing, including reconstitution or regeneration, and examples include rayon and lyocell. As used herein, the term "wood pulp" may refer to a lignocellulosic fibrous material that may be prepared by mechanically or chemically separating cellulose fibers from one or more of wood, fiber crops, paper, or cloth scraps. As used herein, the term "wet-formed" may refer to a process of forming from an aqueous solution of fibers. The aqueous solution of fibers may be heated and pressed in a mold to harden the material and remove water therefrom.

[0016] The capsules of the present invention have a diameter of 2 to 5 cm and an axial length of 2 to 4 cm. Details of the construction, manufacture and / or (beverage) extraction of the container and / or closure are disclosed, for example, in EP 2155021, EP 2316310, EP 2152608, EP 2378932, EP 2470053, EP 2509473, EP 2667757 and EP 2528485.

[0017] In alternative embodiments not shown, the capsule may have other cross-sectional shapes, including square, other polygonal, or oval; the closure member may be a rigid structure or other non-membrane structure; the flange may alternatively be connected to the top surface of the closure member, for example by crimping; the sidewall may alternatively be configured to include a reverse taper, depth registration, or curve; the base may alternatively be configured to include a flat or curved shape; the flange portion may be connected to the storage portion rather than being integrally formed therewith; the closure member may be configured as the storage portion, for example, with a cavity; and the flange portion may be omitted, for example, the closure member may be directly connected to the storage portion.

[0018] The invention as defined in claim 1 relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, which comprises a cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp and a closing membrane for closing the cup-shaped body.

[0019] The cup-shaped body and the closure membrane define a closed cavity for holding a beverage or food ingredient.

[0020] The cup-shaped body comprises an annular flange having a rim portion for sealing against the closure membrane, the annular flange also ensuring alignment within the capsule cage / brewing unit.

[0021] According to the present invention, at least a portion of the annular flange has a surface roughness of 27 to 33 μm of cellulose pulp.

[0022] Advantageously, this protruding portion cooperates with the edge of the capsule enveloping member of the beverage preparation machine to improve leak-proofness during preparation of the beverage.

[0023] Surface roughness is measured according to the relevant standard ISO 3274 as follows:

[0024] Surface roughness, often shortened to roughness, is a component of surface texture. It is quantified by the deviation in the direction of the normal vector of an actual surface from its ideal form.

[0025] Roughness measurements may also be made using surface profilometry using a profilometer, which uses a contact or stylus surface profilometer (e.g., Smithers portable Handysurf E-35B), which moves a loaded diamond probe across the surface and records the vertical movement of the stylus caused by surface irregularities.

[0026] It should be noted that the portion of the annular flange that includes the particular surface roughness extends from the side wall of the cup-shaped body at the annular flange and is integral with both the side wall and the annular flange of the capsule, in this case there are no additional elements / parts that are glued or sealed onto the annular flange, which simplifies the manufacturing of the capsule.

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

[0028] Preferably, the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp containing cellulose fibers in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably in the range of 80% to 100% by weight.

[0029] In the context of the present invention, the term "cellulose pulp" refers to a pulp that contains at least 50% by weight, preferably 80% to 100% by weight, of cellulose fibers.

[0030] The term "cellulose fibers" refers to fibers of wood and / or non-wood origin, including, but not limited to, hardwood cellulose fibers, softwood cellulose fibers, wheat fibers, corn fibers, bagasse fibers, bamboo fibers, hemp fibers, cotton fibers, other similar vegetable or plant fibers, or combinations thereof.

[0031] The cup-shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by moulding dry or wet cellulose pulp, preferably wet cellulose pulp, in a mould.

[0032] The portion of the annular flange having the controlled surface roughness extends at the annular flange over a radial distance (d) of 0.2 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3 mm from the side wall 5. The proposed radial extension ensures that an edge of a capsule enveloping member of a beverage preparation machine interacts with a defined portion of the annular flange during use of the capsule in the beverage preparation machine.

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

[0034] The absorption of water causes the annular flange to expand and increase in volume, which can cause the capsule to crash inside the beverage preparation machine.

[0035] Furthermore, the annular flange of the capsule further comprises an outer curved and / or curled extension having reduced roughness compared to the portion of the annular flange. This technical feature also prevents the capsule from getting stuck inside the beverage preparation machine.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the density of the cellulose pulp in the portion of the annular flange (3) falls within the softness conversion value of 40 N / mm to 80 N / mm.

[0037] In particular, this portion of the annular flange has a thickness similar to that of the annular flange (3), preferably in the range of 0.25 mm to 1 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm to 0.75 mm, and even more preferably about 0.5 mm. This particular property ensures that the capsule does not tilt during interaction with the edge of the capsule enveloping member of the beverage preparation machine, contributing to an improved seal between the capsule and the beverage preparation machine.

[0038] More specifically, the closure membrane is preferably made as a laminate of multiple material layers having different specific properties. The closure membrane preferably integrates at least one of a filter layer, a carrier layer, and a gas and / or moisture barrier layer. The closure membrane is preferably made of a biodegradable material, most preferably a compostable material, and is therefore itself biodegradable and / or compostable.

[0039] The closing membrane may be flat, i.e. not three-dimensionally shaped, so that it is sealed onto the rim portion of the annular flange of the cup-shaped body opening opposite the portion of the annular flange having the particular roughness characteristics after the capsule has been filled with an ingredient, preferably a beverage ingredient.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the capsule further comprises a barrier layer, preferably at least an oxygen barrier liner, attached to the inner and / or outer surface of the cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp. Preferably, therefore, after the cup-shaped body of the capsule has been moulded, the aforementioned "barrier liner" is laminated onto the inner and / or outer surface of said body.

[0041] The at least one oxygen barrier liner is made of one, and preferably multiple layers.

[0042] The oxygen barrier liner is preferably made of known single layer or multi-layer polymer liners, including, for example, non-fossil sourced polymers or BioSource polymers, and is attached to the interior surface of the cellulose pulp cup-shaped body of the capsule.

[0043] A preferred multi-layer barrier liner includes a core layer having oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing the barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material, and preferably includes a second outer sealing layer for sealing a closure membrane to close the capsule after it has been filled with ingredients.

[0044] Preferably, the multi-layer barrier liner also has moisture or water barrier functionality.

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

[0046] Preferably, the cavity defined by the capsule body and the closing membrane of the capsule is essentially oxygen-free, and the empty space is filled with an inert gas, such as nitrogen, carbon oxides, and combinations thereof, which also contribute to extending the shelf life of the capsule. Preferably, the capsule has an internal gas pressure higher than atmospheric pressure due to gases, such as carbon oxides and carbon dioxide, contained in the coffee and released into the cavity after sealing.

[0047] As mentioned above, the cup-shaped body, its oxygen barrier liner, and / or the closing membrane are preferably made of home compostable materials. The capsules according to the present invention are intended to be recycled in a recycling process (e.g., in the paper recycling stream or in the general food waste recycling or treatment stream) usually organized in public recycling facilities in accordance with national regulations. However, the capsules are designed using materials that are easily decomposed by bacteria under the temperature and humidity conditions naturally present in nature when the capsules are placed in nature, in home compostable waste, or in a landfill. In this way, it is ensured that such capsules do not remain in nature within the conditions defined by the home compostability standards, but will naturally disappear within a short period of time (typically within a few weeks).

[0048] More precisely, home composting capabilities are currently clearly defined at the national level, primarily based on the international standard EN 13432. Therefore, they need not be further defined herein. Materials or products conforming to these standards can be recognized by a mark of conformity indicating their home composting capabilities. Some examples of home composting certification at the national level include, but are not limited to: the certification body TUV AUSTRIA BELGIUM offers such a certification scheme for home composting capabilities, and DIN CERTCO provides certification for home composting capabilities according to Australian Standard AS5810. Italy has a national standard for ambient temperature composting, UNI 11183:2006. In November 2015, the French standard "NF T51-800 Plastics - Specification for Plastics Suitable for Home Composting" was introduced. This standard is covered by the DIN CERTCO scheme.

[0049] Preferably, but not exclusively, the capsule of the present invention is a disposable coffee capsule.

[0050] The present invention also relates to a system comprising a beverage preparation machine for preparing capsules, beverages and / or food products as described in accordance with the present invention, the beverage preparation machine of the system comprising: a capsule holder part for holding the capsule on the side of the obturator membrane (2); a capsule enclosing member for maintaining the capsule inside the beverage preparation machine, the capsule enclosing member having an edge that, when enclosing the capsule, interacts with a portion of the annular flange having specific surface roughness characteristics to improve leak-tightness during beverage preparation; a liquid injection means for supplying liquid into the capsule; a processing unit for processing raw materials for capsules, the processing unit comprising a piercing part for piercing a bottom wall of the capsule; and an electrical circuit for controlling the processing unit.

[0051] Therefore, the beverage preparation machine preferably comprises a capsule holder for receiving and tightly surrounding the capsule, and a pressurized liquid supply system for supplying pressurized liquid into the capsule. Devices and machines of this type are, for example, those typically used for brewing conventional Nespresso® capsules.

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

[0053] The beverage is prepared by mixing a fluid substance with the ingredients contained in the capsule. Preferably, the ingredients are selected from the list of roast and ground coffee, compressed or uncompressed soluble coffee powder, or leaf tea. Dairy ingredients (e.g., milk or creamer) can also be provided, as can chocolate, fruit juice, soup, vegetable juice, bouillon, smoothie, puree, coulis, cream, chicory, barley, cooking supplements, soup ingredients, infant formula, or combinations thereof, in powder soluble form, liquid concentrate form with various viscosities, or gel form.

[0054] Most preferably, the beverage ingredient is roast and ground coffee.

[0055] The capsule of the present invention may typically interact with a beverage and / or food preparation machine (device), such as by providing a diluent, preferably a fluid (e.g., hot, cold, or ambient temperature water), in the container. Such a diluent mixes with or otherwise interacts with the beverage ingredients. By the expression "mixing the diluent with the beverage ingredients," it is intended that all ingredients contained within the capsule are in a form compatible with typical mixing actions (dissolving, extracting, or infusing) with the diluent (typically water) to obtain a beverage product.

[0056] The present invention also proposes a method for preparing beverages and / or food products in a beverage preparation machine from the beverage and / or food ingredients of the capsules of the present invention, said method comprising the steps of: - inserting the capsule into a beverage preparation machine comprising a capsule-holder part and a capsule enclosing member, the capsule enclosing member comprising a rim portion that interacts in a fluid-tight manner with a portion of the annular flange of the capsule; piercing a cellulose pulp bottom wall of the capsule with a piercing section of the machine to provide a fluid inlet; supplying the conditioned fluid to the beverage and / or food ingredient of the capsule via the fluid inlet; and processing beverage and / or food ingredients.

[0057] The foregoing summary is provided for the purpose of summarizing some embodiments to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Furthermore, the above-described and / or preceding embodiments may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further embodiments. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, brief description of the drawings, and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0058] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, or will be apparent from, the following description of the presently preferred embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a capsule according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 1 taken along section line AA. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the capsule of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 1 when enclosed in a capsule enclosing member of a beverage preparation machine; FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 5 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion indicated by an arrow W1 in FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] Before describing several embodiments of the system, it should be understood that the capsules, systems, and methods of the present invention are not limited to the details of construction or method steps set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the capsules, systems, and methods of the present invention are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0060] The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following description.

[0061] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a proposed embodiment of a capsule according to the invention for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine. The capsule is intended to be inserted into the beverage preparation machine for extraction. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body 1 that is open at a first end and a closing membrane 2 for closing the cup-shaped body 1 in the open position.

[0062] The cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp and is therefore biodegradable and preferably compostable.

[0063] The term "cellulose pulp" refers to pulp containing cellulose fibers in a proportion greater than 50% by weight, preferably in the range of 80% to 100% by weight.

[0064] The term "cellulose fibers" refers to fibers of wood and / or non-wood origin, including, but not limited to, hardwood cellulose fibers, softwood cellulose fibers, wheat fibers, corn fibers, bagasse fibers, bamboo fibers, hemp fibers, cotton fibers, other similar vegetable or plant fibers, or combinations thereof.

[0065] The cup-shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by moulding dry or wet cellulose pulp, preferably wet cellulose pulp, in a mould.

[0066] Alternatively, the cup-shaped body 1 may be formed by deforming a sheet made of cellulose pulp into a mould to give it the desired cup shape, as would be conventional to a person skilled in the art.

[0067] The cup-shaped body 1 comprises at least a bottom wall 4 (closing the cup-shaped body at its second end), a tubular side wall 5 and an annular flange 3 for sealing the obturator membrane 2 .

[0068] As can be seen, the cup-shaped body 1 is preferably rotationally symmetrical. Preferably, the tubular wall 5 has a frusto-conical shape with a circular cross section and increasing in diameter towards the annular flange 3.

[0069] Preferably, the lateral tubular wall 5, when viewed in longitudinal section (as shown in Figure 2), is inclined in a first inclination direction M1 relative to the longitudinal axis A of the cup-shaped body 1 (as shown in Figure 3).

[0070] The bottom wall 4 preferably comprises a first sloping wall 4A and a second wall 4B so as to bound a shallow recessed volume. The first sloping wall 4A preferably has a frustoconical shape with a circular cross section and an increasing diameter towards the side wall 5. The second wall 4B is preferably flat (as shown in FIG. 2) or convex (from the perspective of the cavity 1A, i.e., protruding inward towards the cavity 1A).

[0071] The cup-shaped body 1 also comprises a reinforcing portion 7 arranged between the side wall 5 and the bottom wall 4 in order to reinforce the cup-shaped body of the capsule. In particular, the reinforcing portion 7 is intended to reinforce the bottom wall 4 which constitutes the perforation area to be pierced by one or more piercing elements 12 (shown in Figure 4) of the beverage preparation machine.

[0072] The annular flange 3 comprises different portions, namely a portion 3A with particular surface characteristics, a rim portion 3B adjacent to the opening of the cup-shaped body so that the closure membrane 2 is sealed onto it, and an outer curved and / or curled extension 3C.

[0073] The side wall 5 and the annular flange 3 are integral and connected by a connecting portion 6 of the cup-shaped body 1. They are therefore made of the same material and are biodegradable and preferably compostable.

[0074] The portion 3A of the annular flange 3 includes a material surface roughness of 27 to 33 μm of cellulose pulp.

[0075] Surface roughness is measured according to ISO 3274.

[0076] When the capsule is inserted inside the beverage preparation machine 10 (as shown in Figure 4), the portion 3A cooperates with at least one edge 8 of a capsule enclosing member 9 of the beverage preparation machine. In use, this cooperation allows, thanks to the particular surface properties of the portion 3A of the flange 3, to improve leak-tightness between said enclosing member 9 and the cup-shaped body 1 during the preparation of the beverage.

[0077] This part 3A is integral with both the capsule side wall 5 and the annular flange 3. Part 3A is therefore also made of cellulose pulp.

[0078] The portion 3A extends from the side wall 5 at the annular flange 3 over a radial distance (d) of 0.2 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3 mm.

[0079] The table below shows the adhesion between capsule and beverage preparation machine obtained for capsules with different flange surface roughness.

[0080] In this case, this adhesion is expressed as the amount of water that comes out of the beverage preparation machine between the start of the brewing process and the start of the coffee dispense.

[0081] Indeed, the more tightly the seal established between the capsule and the beverage machine, the less water is dispensed before the coffee is dispensed.

[0082] [Table 1]

[0083] As can be seen from the table above, when the flange surface roughness is less than 27 μm, the amount of water leaking from the beverage preparation machine is much higher, at least 35 times higher, than when the flange roughness is 28-32 μm.

[0084] Therefore, a controlled roughness of the flange is important to avoid leakage between the capsule cage of the beverage machine and the capsules in the pulp moulded capsules.

[0085] The particular surface roughness of the cellulose pulp of the portion 3A of the annular flange 3 can be obtained using different methods.

[0086] For example, possible methods include the mixing of different pulps, the combination of long and short fibers and the addition of suitable additives, which may facilitate the compaction of the fibers in a given surface condition.

[0087] In another proposed method, texturization during the formation of the capsule can lead to obtaining the required local roughness on the flange. Currently, the molding tool may be equipped with a pattern that makes it possible to emboss the molding pulp at the flange location.

[0088] Post-manufacturing texturing is also envisioned: mechanical embossing or polishing can be used, as well as laser engraving.

[0089] A post-manufacturing application or coating can also be used to adjust the surface roughness.

[0090] The controlled roughness of the portion 3A of the annular flange allows for a better and more gradual interaction with the edge 8 of the movable enclosing member 9 of the beverage preparation machine 10 as well as a better seal.

[0091] In addition to the surface roughness characteristics, the material density of the cellulose pulp in the portion 3A of the annular flange 3 is included in the softness conversion value of 40N / mm to 80N / mm.

[0092] In the context of the present invention, the term "density" refers to the "volume mass density" of a material, which is the mass per unit of volume of that material.

[0093] Furthermore, the thickness of portion 3A of the annular flange is the same as the thickness of the annular flange, preferably in the range of 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm, more preferably about 0.5 mm, and there is no local increase in thickness or addition of material to the flange at this location.

[0094] In the proposed capsule, the cup-shaped body 1, preferably the annular flange 3, more preferably the portion 3A, has water permeability with a water absorption rate of 100% in less than 5 seconds.

[0095] The outer curved and / or curled extension 3C may have reduced roughness compared to the portion 3A of the annular flange 3. Such a configuration may aid in ejecting the capsule from the beverage preparation after extraction of the capsule.

[0096] In conclusion, the shape, dimensions, surface roughness, and density of portion 3A of annular flange 3 ensure adhesion during beverage preparation, which is achieved through localized interactions, for example, by compression and / or deformation of the cellulose pulp of portion 3A (as shown in FIG. 4A).

[0097] In the process of preparing beverages and / or food products in a beverage preparation machine from the beverage and / or food ingredients of the proposed capsules, The capsule is first inserted into the beverage preparation machine, which comprises, as presented, a capsule-holder part 11 and a capsule enclosing member 9, which comprises at least a rim portion 8 which interacts in a fluid-tight manner with a portion 3A of the annular flange 3 of the capsule, the cellulose pulp bottom wall 4 of the capsule is pierced by one or more piercing elements 12 of the machine to provide a fluid inlet; The machine further comprises: supplying a conditioned fluid, typically water, to the capsule's beverage and / or food ingredients, typically roast and ground coffee, via the fluid inlet; The beverage and / or food ingredients are then processed and extracted by a beverage machine to provide the consumer with a beverage, typically coffee.

[0098] With reference to the drawings, a beverage preparation machine 10, partially disclosed in Fig. 4, comprises a movable enclosing member 9 and a capsule holder in the form of a support plate 11 for supporting a closure membrane 2 of the capsule. In particular, the enclosing member 9 is movable from an initial position (not shown), which allows the introduction of the capsule into the beverage preparation machine, to a brewing position (shown in Figs. 4 and 4A), in which the enclosing member 9 and the support plate 11 tightly enclose the capsule. In this configuration, pressurized liquid is injected into the capsule through an inlet opening formed by one or more piercing elements 12 of the beverage preparation machine 10. In this embodiment, three piercing elements 12 are designed to pierce the bottom wall 4 of the cup-shaped body 1. Upon injection of liquid into the capsule and the increase in pressure inside the capsule, the closure membrane interacts with the support plate 11, thereby opening the closure membrane and allowing the beverage to flow out of the capsule.

[0099] The operation of the beverage preparation machine 10, as well as the technical features of its various components, are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0100] The closure membrane 2 is made of a known material, preferably a polymer film membrane. The closure membrane 2 is made of at least a home-compostable polymer, so that the closure membrane 2, and more preferably also the cup-shaped body, can be disposed of in home-compostable waste.

[0101] The dosing membrane 2 may be flat, that is, not formed into a three-dimensional shape.

[0102] The closure membrane 2, although not shown in particular detail in the figures, may be considered as a laminate comprising at least a carrier layer, a filter layer and a gas (e.g. oxygen) and / or moisture barrier layer to ensure optimized extraction.

[0103] The closure membrane 2 preferably further comprises a sealing layer directed towards the cavity 1A of the cup-shaped body 1.

[0104] As is usual, when the capsule has an internal gas pressure above atmospheric pressure, the closing membrane 2 can assume a convex configuration, ie a configuration that projects outward relative to the cavity 1A (as shown in FIG. 2).

[0105] A closing membrane 2 is sealed onto the rim portion 3B of the cup-shaped body opening to close the capsule after it has been filled with beverage ingredients.

[0106] The cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp includes a barrier layer, which is at least an oxygen barrier liner 14 (FIG. 3) made of at least one layer, preferably multiple layers, which may also have moisture / water barrier functionality.

[0107] Preferably, after the capsule cup-shaped body is molded, the oxygen barrier liner 14 is attached to the interior surface of the cellulose pulp cup-shaped body in a known manner, although for example, the oxygen barrier liner 14 may be laminated onto the interior and / or exterior surface of the body.

[0108] Preferably, the oxygen barrier liner 14 is made from at least one home compostable polymer, so that the capsule, or at least the cup-shaped body, can be disposed of in home compostable waste.

[0109] Preferably, the multi-layer oxygen barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing the barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material.

[0110] A preferred multi-layer barrier liner includes a core layer having oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing the barrier liner onto the cellulose pulp.

[0111] The oxygen barrier liner may include, by way of non-limiting example, the following layers: an outermost polymer layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected from the list of polybutylene succinate (PBSA / bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or a combination thereof; a first tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin; a barrier layer comprising a polymer selected from the list of butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), or a combination thereof; a second tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin; an innermost polymer layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected from the list of polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or combinations thereof.

[0112] Preferably, the barrier liner 14 is provided on all the inner surfaces of the cup-shaped body 1 so as to delimit at least the entire cavity 1A for containing the beverage substance.

[0113] The oxygen barrier liner 14 is made of known single layer or multi-layer polymer liners, including, for example, non-fossil sourced polymers or BioSource polymers, and is attached to the interior surface of the cellulose pulp cup-shaped body of the capsule.

[0114] Preferably, the first outermost polymer layer has a thickness of 10 to 50 μm, the layer has an elongation at break of 10% to 800%, a melt flow rate (MFR) of 2 to 4 when measured at 150°C for 10 minutes under a pressure of 2.16 kg, and the layer has a melting point temperature of less than 80°C.

[0115] Preferably, the first tie layer has a melting point temperature of 180°C to 230°C and a thickness of 1 to 12 µm.

[0116] Preferably, the barrier layer has a melting point temperature of 180°C to 230°C and a thickness of 1 to 15 µm.

[0117] Preferably, the second tie layer has a melting point temperature of 180°C to 230°C and a thickness of 1 to 10 µm.

[0118] Preferably, the innermost polymer layer has a thickness of 10 to 50 μm, the innermost layer has an elongation at break of 10% to 1000%, a melt flow rate (MFR) of 4 to 10 when measured at 190°C for 10 minutes under a pressure of 2.16 kg, and the layer has a melting point temperature of 110°C to 180°C.

[0119] Preferably, the cup-shaped body 1 and its oxygen barrier liner 14 are made from home compostable materials (e.g., one or more of the materials listed above), so that the body can be disposed of in home compostable waste.

[0120] Alternatively (not shown), the cup-shaped body may be provided with an integral coating of oxygen barrier material.

[0121] Preferably, the oxygen barrier of both the closing membrane and the cup-shaped body is selected to provide a sufficient shelf life depending on the nature of the beverage ingredients, for example for coffee the expected shelf life may be 12 months.

[0122] As previously mentioned, the complete capsule is biodegradable and most preferably compostable.

[0123] In the proposed system, the capsule interacts with a beverage preparation machine 10 .

[0124] The beverage preparation machine 10 includes a capsule holder part 11 for holding the capsule on the side of the closure membrane 2, a capsule enclosing member 9 for maintaining the capsule inside the beverage preparation machine, the capsule enclosing member 9 having an edge 8 that interacts with a portion 3A of the annular flange 3 when enclosing the capsule to improve leak-tightness during beverage preparation.

[0125] In addition, the beverage preparation machine 10 comprises liquid injection means (not shown) for supplying liquid into the capsule, a processing unit for processing the raw materials of the capsule, the processing unit comprising one or more piercing elements 12 (as shown in Figure 4) for perforating the bottom wall 4 of the capsule, and an electric circuit for controlling the processing unit.

[0126] The proposed use of cellulosic pulp molded capsules increases the intimate interaction between the beverage preparation machine and the capsule, resulting in no or at least reduced runoff of additional liquid (water) into the prepared beverage.

[0127] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments of the capsules described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as encompassed by the appended claims.

[0128] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those recited in the claim. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "a" or "an" are defined as one or more. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in a claim should not be construed as meaning that the introduction of another claim element with the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits a particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even if the same claim also contains the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an." The same applies to the use of definite articles. Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements they describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate a chronological or other priority of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0129] Unless expressly stated as incompatible or unless the physical or other properties of the embodiments, examples, or claims preclude such combination, the features of the foregoing embodiments, examples, and appended claims may be combined together in any suitable configuration, particularly those that result in beneficial effects. This is not limited to any particular benefit alone, but may instead result from a "post-hoc" benefit. This means that the combination of features is not limited to the described form, particularly the dependency format (e.g., numbering) of the example(s), embodiment(s), or claim(s). Furthermore, this also applies to phrases such as "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," etc., which are merely grammatical and should not be interpreted as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment relative to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This means that a reference to "an," "one," or "some" embodiment(s) may refer to one or more and / or all of the disclosed embodiments, or to a combination(s) thereof. Likewise, references to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment.

[0130] The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from experience with various implementations of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A capsule for use with a beverage preparation machine (10) for preparing beverages and / or food, comprising: The device comprises a cup-shaped body (1) and a closing membrane (2) for closing the cup-shaped body (1), the cup-shaped body (1) and the closing membrane (2) defining a closed cavity for holding a beverage and / or food ingredient, The cup-shaped body (1) is made of cellulose pulp and comprises a bottom wall (4), a tubular side wall (5), and an annular flange (3) having a rim portion (3B) for sealing the closure membrane (2), the side wall (5) being connected to the annular flange (3). In the capsule, At least a portion (3A) of the annular flange (3) has a surface roughness of 27 to 33 μm of the cellulose pulp; said portion of said annular flange (3) co-operating with an edge (8) of a capsule enveloping member (9) of said beverage preparation machine (10) to improve leak-tightness during preparation of said beverage; A capsule characterized by:

2. 2. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the portion of the annular flange (3) extends from the side wall (5) at the annular flange (3) and is integral with both the side wall (5) and the annular flange (3) of the capsule.

3. 3. Capsule according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp containing cellulose fibers in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably in the range of 80% to 100% by weight.

4. 4. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said portion (3A) extends at said annular flange (3) over a radial distance (d) extending from said side wall (5) in the range of 0.2 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3 mm.

5. A capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the annular flange (3), preferably the portion (3A) of the annular flange (3), has water permeability with a water absorption rate of 100% in less than 5 seconds.

6. 6. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the annular flange (3) further comprises an outer curved and / or curled extension (3C) having reduced roughness compared to the portion (3A) of the annular flange (3).

7. 7. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the density of the cellulose pulp of the portion (3A) of the annular flange (3) is included in the softness conversion value of 40 N / mm to 80 N / mm.

8. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the portion (3A) of the annular flange (3) has a thickness similar to that of the annular flange (3), preferably in the range of 0.25 mm to 1 mm, more preferably about 0.5 mm.

9. 9. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the closing membrane (2) is biodegradable and / or home compostable, integrates at least one of a filter layer, a carrier layer, and a gas and / or moisture barrier layer, and is connected to the rim portion (3B) of the annular flange (3) opposite the portion (3A).

10. 10. The capsule of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least an oxygen barrier liner (14) attached to the inner and / or outer surface of the cup-shaped body, wherein the oxygen barrier liner is biodegradable and / or home compostable.

11. A system comprising a capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a beverage preparation machine (10) for preparing beverages and / or food, said machine comprising: a capsule holder part (11) for holding the capsule on the side of the closure membrane (2); a capsule enclosing member (9) for maintaining the capsule inside the beverage preparation machine, the capsule enclosing member (9) having an edge (8) that, when enclosing the capsule, interacts with the portion (3A) of the annular flange (3) to improve leak-tightness during beverage preparation; a liquid injection means (38) for supplying liquid into the capsule; a processing unit for processing the raw material of the capsules, the processing unit comprising one or more piercing elements (12) for piercing the bottom wall (4) of the capsules; an electrical circuit for controlling the processing unit; Including, the system.

12. Use of a capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 10 in a system according to claim 11.

13. A method for preparing beverages and / or food products in a beverage preparation machine from beverage and / or food ingredients of a capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: - inserting a capsule into a beverage preparation machine comprising a capsule-holder part (11) and a capsule enclosing member (9) comprising a rim part (8) which interacts in a liquid-tight manner with a part (3A) of the annular flange (3) of the capsule; piercing the cellulose pulp bottom wall (4) of the capsule with one or more piercing elements (12) of the machine to provide a fluid inlet; supplying a conditioned fluid to the beverage and / or food ingredient in the capsule via the fluid inlet; treating said beverage and / or food ingredient; A method comprising:

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