Beverage preparation capsule

Abstract

FIELD: beverages.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device. The capsule has a cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp and a lid for closing the cup-shaped body. The cup-shaped body comprises an annular flange for hermetically sealing the lid to it. At least the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp and comprises a bottom wall, a tubular side wall and an annular flange. The lateral tubular wall is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the cup-shaped body in the first direction. The cup-shaped body additionally comprises a connecting wall connecting the side wall and the annular flange. The connecting wall comprises at least a portion protruding outward relative to the side wall of the cup-shaped body.EFFECT: improved tightness with respect to leaks during beverage preparation.9 cl, 8 dwg

Description

[0001] Field of technology to which the invention relates

[0002] The present invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device. The capsule has a cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp.

[0003] Technology Level

[0004] Containers or capsules made from cellulose pulp are known in the field of beverage preparation devices. Also known are materials made from cellulose pulp capable of preserving the properties of a beverage within the capsule for at least a certain period of time. Disposable capsules for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device are also known.

[0005] These single-use capsules, made from cellulose pulp, offer a potential reduction in environmental impact compared to capsules made from other materials.

[0006] The known capsules made of cellulose pulp are used in beverage preparation devices and include a member that encloses the capsule during the process of preparing the beverage and injecting water into the capsule to prepare the beverage.

[0007] It is important that the engagement between the capsule and the enclosing member is tight to prevent the water injected into the capsule from leaking outside the capsule body.

[0008] If the seal between the capsule and the enclosing element is poor, water will leak outside the capsule without encountering sufficient flow resistance; the pressure inside the capsule will not be sufficient to rupture the capsule lid, or the low pressure will result in incomplete rupture of the lid, resulting in poor extraction of the beverage substance contained in the capsule. In this case, water will flow out of the beverage preparation device without interacting with the beverage substance, or without fully interacting with it even under sufficient pressure.

[0009] The present invention aims to improve the leakproof performance of a known beverage capsule made of cellulose pulp in a beverage preparation apparatus.

[0010] Disclosure of invention

[0011] The invention according to claim 1 is a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body and a lid for closing the cup-shaped body, wherein the cup-shaped body comprises an annular flange on which the lid is sealed. At least the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp and comprises a bottom wall, a tubular side wall and an annular flange. The cup-shaped body further comprises a connecting wall connecting the side wall and the annular flange. According to the invention, the connecting wall comprises at least a portion protruding outwardly relative to the side wall of the cup-shaped body. An advantage is that this protruding portion combines with the edge of the capsule-enclosing element of the beverage preparation device to improve the tightness against leaks during beverage preparation.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the density of the protruding portion is less than the maximum density of the side wall, and the thickness of this protruding portion is greater than the maximum thickness of the side wall of the cup-shaped body, in order to increase the deformability of the protruding portion, and also improve the tightness against leaks during the preparation of a beverage.

[0013] More preferably, according to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the difference between the maximum density of the side wall of the cup-shaped body and the density of the protruding portion of the connecting wall is from 0.1% to 20%. Even more preferably, the difference between the maximum density of the side wall of the cup-shaped body and the density of the protruding portion of the connecting wall is from 0.1% to 10%.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a rounded shape, and preferably the outer profile of the protruding portion is an arc of a circle.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment, the connecting wall has at least one inner surface facing the cavity of the cup-shaped housing. This inner surface, viewed in longitudinal section, is inclined in a direction that forms an angle with the direction of inclination of the side wall of the cup-shaped housing. The angle is from 100° to 150°, preferably approximately 135°.

[0016] According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a shape selected from the following shapes, or a shape that is a combination of one or more of the following shapes:

[0017] – the protruding part of the connecting wall on the outside has a rounded shape, and the protruding part of the connecting wall on the inside has a flat shape, inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the cup-shaped body; and / or

[0018] – the protruding part of the connecting wall has a rounded shape from the outside and inside; and / or

[0019] – the externally and internally protruding part of the connecting wall has a flat shape, inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the cup-shaped body; and / or

[0020] – the protruding part of the connecting wall has a stepped shape from the outside and inside.

[0021] Preferably, the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp containing cellulose fibers in a percentage content in the range of 80% to 100% by weight, and contains at least an oxygen-impermeable barrier liner attached to the inner and / or outer surface of said cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp.

[0022] Preferably, but not exclusively, the capsule of the invention is a disposable coffee capsule.

[0023] The invention also describes the use of a capsule as described above in a device for preparing a beverage.

[0024] In the context of the invention, the term "cellulose pulp" refers to a pulp containing cellulose fibers in a percentage content in the range of 80% to 100% by weight.

[0025] The term "cellulose fibers" refers to fibers derived from wood and / or non-wood sources. Non-limiting examples include: hardwood cellulose fibers, softwood cellulose fibers, wheat fiber, corn fiber, dried ground sugarcane fiber, bamboo fiber, hemp fiber, cotton fiber, other similar vegetable or plant fibers, or combinations thereof.

[0026] At least one oxygen-impermeable barrier liner consisting of one, and preferably several, layers is attached to a cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp.

[0027] The oxygen-impermeable barrier liner is a known single-layer or multi-layer polymer liner comprising, for example, a polymer of fossil or non-fossil origin or a polymer from biological sources, and attached to the inner surface of the cup-shaped body of the cellulose pulp capsule.

[0028] A preferred multi-layer barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties, surrounded by a sealing layer for hermetically attaching said barrier liner to a cellulose pulp material, and preferably a second outer sealing layer for hermetically attaching a closure cap to seal the capsule after it has been filled with an ingredient.

[0029] As non-limiting examples, the oxygen-impermeable barrier liner comprises one or more of the following layers:

[0030] – an outer polymer layer containing a biodegradable polymer selected from the list: polybutylene succinate (PBSA / bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or a combination thereof,

[0031] – the first connecting layer containing a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin,

[0032] – a barrier layer containing a polymer selected from the list: butenediol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or a combination thereof,

[0033] – a second connecting layer containing a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin,

[0034] – an inner polymer layer containing a biodegradable polymer selected from the list: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or a combination thereof.

[0035] The lid is made of a known material, preferably a polymer film membrane.

[0036] The lid can be flat, i.e. it is not given a three-dimensional shape.

[0037] The lid is hermetically attached to the sealing layer on the opening of the cup-shaped body to seal it after filling with the ingredient.

[0038] The cup-shaped capsule body is preferably obtained by molding in a mold from dry or wet, preferably wet, cellulose pulp.

[0039] Preferably, after the cup-shaped capsule body is formed, the above-mentioned barrier liner is laminated onto the inner and / or outer surface of said body.

[0040] Preferably, the oxygen barrier for both the lid and the cup-shaped body should be selected to ensure a sufficient shelf life, taking into account the nature of the beverage's ingredients. For example, for coffee, the expected shelf life might be 12 months.

[0041] Preferably, the cup-shaped body, its oxygen-impermeable barrier liner, and / or lid are made of materials suitable for home composting. The capsules according to the invention are typically recyclable at official recycling facilities in accordance with national regulations (e.g., paper recycling or general waste disposal or recycling). However, if the capsule is disposed of in nature, in home compostable waste, or in a landfill, the capsules are made of materials that can be naturally biodegraded under naturally occurring temperature and humidity conditions.This ensures that the capsules will not remain in nature and will naturally decompose within a short period of time (usually a few weeks) under conditions specified by home composting standards.

[0042] More precisely, the feasibility of home composting is currently clearly defined at the national level and is mainly based on the international standard EN 13432; therefore, further information on this issue is not required in this specification. Materials or products that meet these standards can be recognized by a conformity marking indicating the feasibility of home composting. Some examples of national-level certification for home composting include, but are not limited to, the following. The certification body TÜV AUSTRIA BELGIUM offers such a certification scheme for home composting, and DIN CERTCO offers certification for home composting according to the Australian standard AS 5810. Italy has a national standard UNI 11183:2006 for compostability at ambient temperature. In November 2015, the French standard NF T 51-800 “Plastics” was introduced.Technical conditions for plastics suitable for home composting." This standard is included in the DIN CERTCO scheme.

[0043] The beverage is prepared by mixing a liquid substance with an ingredient contained in the capsule. Preferably, the ingredients are selected from a list consisting of roasted and ground coffee, pressed or unpressed coffee, instant coffee powder, or loose leaf tea. Dairy ingredients (e.g., milk or cream), as well as chocolate, fruit juices, soups, vegetable juices, broths, smoothies, purees, coulis, creams, chicory, barley, culinary additives, soup ingredients, infant formula, or a combination thereof, may also be included, in powdered soluble form, liquid concentrated form of varying viscosities, or in gel form.

[0044] The most preferred ingredients of the drink are roasted and ground coffee.

[0045] The capsule of the invention can typically interact with a beverage and / or food preparation device, for example by introducing a diluent (e.g., hot, cold, or ambient temperature water) into the container; said diluent is mixed or otherwise interacted with the beverage ingredients. By "mixing the diluent with the beverage ingredient(s)" is meant that all ingredients contained in the capsule are in a form that allows it to be mixed by conventional mixing operations (dissolution, extraction, or infusion) with the diluent to produce a beverage.

[0046] Preferably, the cavity formed by the capsule body and capsule lid is substantially oxygen-free, and the void space is saturated with an inert gas, such as nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the capsule has an internal gas pressure greater than atmospheric pressure due to the gas contained in the coffee entering the cavity after sealing, such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

[0047] The beverage preparation device preferably comprises a capsule holder for receiving and sealing the capsule, and a pressurized liquid delivery system for delivering liquid into the capsule. Devices of this type are typically used, for example, for extracting traditional Nespresso® capsules.

[0048] Brief description of drawings

[0049] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are disclosed in the description and will be apparent from the description of the presently preferred embodiments, which are given below with reference to the following drawings:

[0050] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a capsule according to the present invention;

[0051] Fig. 2 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the capsule shown in Fig. 1;

[0052] Fig. 3 is a schematic enlarged view of the section in Fig. 2 indicated by arrow W;

[0053] Fig. 4 is a schematic and partial view in longitudinal section of the capsule shown in Fig. 1 when it is enclosed in the enclosing element of the beverage preparation device;

[0054] Fig. 4A is a schematic enlarged view of the section in Fig. 4 indicated by arrow W1;

[0055] Fig. 5, 6 and 7 show views similar to Fig. 3, which show three additional embodiments of the capsule.

[0056] Implementation of the invention

[0057] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of a capsule according to the invention for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device. This capsule comprises a cup-shaped body 1 and a lid 2 for closing the cup-shaped body 1.

[0058] The cup-shaped body 1 comprises an annular flange 3 for the lid 2, which is hermetically connected thereto. The cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp and comprises at least a bottom wall 4, a tubular side wall 5 and an annular flange 3. The side wall 5 and the annular flange 3 are connected by a connecting wall 6 (see Fig. 3) of the cup-shaped body 1.

[0059] According to the invention, the connecting wall 6 comprises at least a part 7 (Fig. 3) protruding outwardly relative to the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1. This outwardly protruding part 7 can be made convex. The protruding part 7 in the connecting wall 6 is an integral part of both the side wall 5 and the said annular flange 3 of the capsule. Thus, the protruding part is made of cellulose pulp. This outwardly protruding part 7 can be made convex. During operation, this protruding part 7 combines with the edge 8 of the capsule-enclosing element 9 of the beverage preparation device 10 (partially shown in Fig. 4) to improve the tightness of the connection of the said enclosing element 9 and the cup-shaped body 1 with respect to leaks during beverage preparation.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the density of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 is less than the maximum density of the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1. In addition, said protruding portion 7 also has a greater thickness T1 than the maximum thickness T2 of the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1.

[0061] Preferably, the difference between the maximum density D1 of the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 and the density D2 of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 is a value from 0.1% D1 ​​to 20% D1, that is:

[0062] 0.1% D1 ​​≤ (D1 - D2) ≤ 20% D1,

[0063] more preferably, the difference between the maximum density D1 of the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 and the density D2 of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 is a value from 0.1% D1 ​​to 10% D1, that is:

[0064] 0.1% D1 ​​≤ (D1 - D2) ≤ 10% D1.

[0065] In the context of the invention, the term "density" refers to the "volumetric mass density" of a material, which is the mass per unit volume of a given material. A reduced density of the cellulose pulp of the protruding portion 7 results in a reduction in the rigidity and hardness of this portion 7 relative to the rigidity and hardness of the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1, which has a higher density.

[0066] Preferably, the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 has a rounded shape in longitudinal section (see Fig. 3), and more preferably, the outer profile of said protruding portion 7 is an arc of a circle. Even more preferably, the arc of a circle is an arc of a circle having a diameter of 0.53 mm ±30%.

[0067] The shape and dimensions of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 ensure better and more gradual interaction between the edge 8 of the movable enclosing element 9 of the beverage preparation device 10, as well as improved sealing.

[0068] The shape, dimensions and density of the protruding part 7 of the connecting wall 6 ensure tightness during the preparation of the beverage. The tightness is achieved due to the local compaction and / or deformation of the cellulose pulp of the protruding part 7 (as shown in Fig. 4A) due to the lower density and greater thickness of this protruding part 7 relative to the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1. This difference in density creates a kind of “rubber effect” and / or increased mechanical flexibility of the protruding part 7, which is excellent for ensuring tightness: when the movable enclosing element 9 of the beverage preparation device 10 is closed around the capsule (as shown in Figs. 4 and 4A) and the edge 8 of this movable enclosing element 9 presses on the protruding part 7, the said protruding part 7 can bend and deform due to the fact that its density is lower than that of the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1.Furthermore, the lower density of protruding portion 7 may also have another beneficial technical effect. When water is injected into the capsule, the lower density of protruding portion 7 allows it to "absorb" some of the water and swell, resulting in an increase in its uncompressed volume and thus increasing the contact surface between said protruding portion 7 and the inner surface of edge 8 of enclosing element 9, further enhancing leak tightness.

[0069] The cup-shaped body 1 preferably has rotational symmetry. Preferably, the tubular wall 5 has the shape of a truncated cone with a circular cross-section and a diameter increasing toward the annular flange 3.

[0070] Preferably, the side tubular wall 5, when viewed in longitudinal section, is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis A of the cup-shaped body 1 in a first inclination direction M1 (shown in Fig. 3).

[0071] The bottom wall 4 preferably comprises a first inclined wall 4A and a second wall 4B to define a shallow concave volume. The first inclined wall 4A preferably has the shape of a truncated cone with a circular cross-section and a diameter increasing toward 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 into the cavity 1A).

[0072] The connecting wall 6 preferably comprises an inner surface 6B facing the cavity 1A of the cup-shaped body 1. This inner surface 6B, observed in longitudinal section, and when it is not compressed / deformed, is inclined in the direction M2 (Fig. 3), forming an angle G with the direction M1 of inclination of the side wall 5. The angle G is preferably from 100° to 150°, and more preferably about 135°. The inclination of the connecting wall 6 facilitates the deformation of said connecting wall 6 when it is engaged with the edge 8 of the female element 9 of the body, and ultimately contributes to the sealing.

[0073] The annular flange 3 preferably comprises a flat wall 3A.

[0074] The beverage preparation device 10, partially shown in Fig. 4, comprises a movable enclosing member 9 and a support plate 11 for supporting the lid 2 of the capsule. This support plate 11 opens the lid 2 and allows the beverage to flow out of the capsule when the liquid injected into the capsule creates a predetermined pressure in the capsule.

[0075] As is usual for a person skilled in the art, the enclosing element 9 is movable from an initial position (not shown), which allows the capsule to be inserted into the beverage preparation device, to a brewing position (shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 4A), in which the enclosing element 9 and the support plate 11 tightly seal the capsule. In this position, liquid is injected under pressure into the capsule through openings formed by one or more pointed elements 12 of the beverage preparation device 10. These pointed elements 12 are intended to pierce the bottom wall 4 of the cup-shaped body 1. The operation of the beverage preparation device 10, as well as the technical characteristics of its various components, are well known to a person skilled in the art and, therefore, will not be described in detail.

[0076] As described above, the cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp containing cellulose fibers in a percentage content in the range of 80% to 100% by mass.

[0077] The term "cellulose fibers" refers to fibers derived from wood and / or non-wood sources. Non-limiting examples include: hardwood cellulose fibers, softwood cellulose fibers, wheat fiber, corn fiber, dried ground sugarcane fiber, bamboo fiber, hemp fiber, cotton fiber, other similar vegetable or plant fibers, or combinations thereof.

[0078] The cup-shaped capsule body is preferably obtained by molding in a mold from dry or wet, preferably wet, cellulose pulp.

[0079] Alternatively, the cup-shaped body 1 may be formed from a sheet made of cellulose pulp by deforming it in a mold to give the sheet the desired cup-shaped form, as is usual for a person skilled in the art.

[0080] A cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp contains at least one oxygen-impermeable barrier liner 14 (Fig. 3) made of at least one, and preferably several, layers.

[0081] Preferably, after forming the cup-shaped capsule body, the oxygen-impermeable barrier liner 14 (Fig. 3) is attached in a known manner to the inner surface of the capsule body made of cellulose pulp. For example, the oxygen-impermeable barrier liner 14 is applied by lamination to the inner and / or outer surface of said body.

[0082] Preferably, the oxygen-impermeable barrier liner 14 is made of at least a home-compostable polymer so that the capsule or at least the cup-shaped body can be disposed of in home-compostable waste.

[0083] Preferably, the multi-layer oxygen-impermeable barrier liner comprises a core layer having barrier properties with respect to oxygen and / or moisture, surrounded by a sealing layer for hermetically sealing the said barrier liner with the cellulose pulp material.

[0084] A preferred multi-layer barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties, surrounded by sealing layers for hermetically bonding said barrier liner to cellulose pulp.

[0085] Preferably, the barrier insert 14 is provided on all inner surfaces of the cup-shaped body 1 so as to cover at least the entire cavity 1A for accommodating the beverage.

[0086] The oxygen-impermeable barrier liner 14 is a known single-layer or multi-layer polymer liner comprising, for example, a polymer of fossil or non-fossil origin or a polymer from biological sources, and attached to the inner surface of the cup-shaped body of the cellulose pulp capsule.

[0087] As non-limiting examples, the oxygen-impermeable barrier liner comprises one or more of the following layers:

[0088] – an outer polymer layer containing a biodegradable polymer selected from the list: polybutylene succinate (PBSA / bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or a combination thereof,

[0089] – the first connecting layer containing a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin,

[0090] – a barrier layer containing a polymer selected from the list: butene diol and vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or a combination thereof,

[0091] – a second connecting layer containing a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin,

[0092] – an inner polymer layer containing a biodegradable polymer selected from the list: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or a combination thereof.

[0093] Preferably, the thickness of the first polymer layer on the outer side is from 10 to 50 μm, the elongation at break of said layer is from 10% to 800%, the melt flow rate (MFR) is from 2 to 4 when measured at 150°C for 10 minutes under a pressure of 2.16 kg, and the melting point of said layer is less than 80°C.

[0094] Preferably, the first bonding layer has a melting point of 180°C to 230°C and a thickness of 1 to 12 μm.

[0095] Preferably, the barrier layer has a melting point of 180°C to 230°C and a thickness of 1 to 15 μm.

[0096] Preferably, the second bonding layer has a melting point of 180°C to 230°C and a thickness of 1 to 10 μm.

[0097] Preferably, the thickness of the deepest inner polymer layer is from 10 to 50 μm, the elongation at break of said inner layer is from 10% to 1000%, the melt flow rate (MFR) is from 4 to 10 when measured at 190°C for 10 minutes under a pressure of 2.16 kg, and the melting point of said layer is from 110°C to 180°C.

[0098] Preferably, the cup-shaped body 1 and its oxygen-impermeable barrier liner 14 are made of home-compostable materials (e.g., one or more of the materials listed above), allowing the body to be disposed of in home-compostable waste.

[0099] Cover 2 is made of a known material; it is preferably a polymer film membrane.

[0100] Cover 2 can be flat, i.e. it is not given a three-dimensional shape.

[0101] The lid 2 preferably comprises an oxygen-impermeable barrier layer.

[0102] Preferably, the lid 2 is also made of at least a home-compostable polymer so that it and more preferably also the cup-shaped body can be disposed of in home-compostable waste.

[0103] The lid 2 preferably comprises a sealing layer oriented towards the cavity 1A of the cup-shaped body 1.

[0104] Typically, the lid 2 may have a convex shape, i.e. protruding outward relative to the cavity 1A (as shown in Fig. 2), if the capsule has an internal gas pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0105] The lid is hermetically attached to the sealing layer on the opening of the cup-shaped body to seal it after filling with the ingredient.

[0106] Preferably, the oxygen barrier for both the lid and the cup-shaped body should be selected to ensure a sufficient shelf life, taking into account the nature of the beverage's ingredients. For example, for coffee, the expected shelf life might be 12 months.

[0107] Figures 5-7 show the second, third and fourth embodiments of the invention, respectively, in which the capsules have the same technical features as described with reference to the first embodiment, but have a different connecting wall 106, 206 and 306.

[0108] In Fig. 5, the connecting wall 106 is rounded both outside and inside (when viewed in longitudinal section), and the protruding portion 107 is also rounded. Preferably, the outer profile of the protruding portion 107 is an arc of a circle. Preferably, the arc of a circle is an arc of a circle having a diameter of 0.53 mm ±30%.

[0109] In Fig. 6, the connecting wall 206 and the protruding portion 207 have a slope shape and, when viewed in longitudinal section, are inclined in the direction M3, forming an angle G1 with the direction M1 of inclination of the side wall 5. The angle G1 is preferably from 100° to 150°, and more preferably about 135°.

[0110] In Fig. 7, the connecting wall 306 has a step shape, and the protruding portion 307 comprises a first wall portion 315, which is substantially parallel to the annular flange 3, and a second wall portion 320, which, when viewed in longitudinal section, is inclined in the direction M4, which forms an angle with the direction M1 of inclination of the side wall 5: said angle is preferably from 100° to 150°, and more preferably about 135°.

[0111] The density of the protruding portions 107, 207 and 307 of the second, third and fourth embodiments may be the same as that of the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1, or less than the maximum density of this side wall 5.

[0112] The maximum thickness T3, T4, T5 of the protruding parts 107, 207 and 307 may be equal to the maximum thickness T2 of the side wall 5 or more.

[0113] The shape and dimensions of the protruding portions 107, 207 and 307 of the connecting walls 106, 206 and 306 ensure better and more gradual interaction between the edge 8 of the movable enclosing element 9 and better sealing.

[0114] The shape, size, and density of protruding parts 107, 207, and 307 ensure a tight seal during beverage preparation. This tight seal is achieved through localized compaction and / or deformation of the cellulose pulp of protruding parts 107, 207, and 307.

[0115] As mentioned earlier, the entire capsule is biodegradable, most preferably compostable.

[0116] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the currently preferred embodiments of the capsules described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, as encompassed by the appended claims. For example, the connecting wall may have a shape that is a combination of the shapes of two or more connecting walls of the previously described embodiments.

Claims

1. A capsule for preparing a beverage in a device (10) for preparing a beverage, comprising: a cup-shaped body (1) and a lid (2) for closing the cup-shaped body (1), wherein the said 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) for hermetically connecting the cover (2) to it, wherein said tubular side wall (5) and said annular flange (3) are connected by a connecting wall (6; 106; 206; 306) of the cup-shaped body (1), characterized in that said connecting wall (6; 106; 206; 306) comprises at least a part (7; 107; 207; 307) protruding outward relative to said tubular side wall (5); wherein said at least protruding portion (7; 107; 207; 307) is configured to be combined with the edge (8) of the capsule-enclosing element (9) of the beverage preparation device (10) to improve the tightness against leaks during beverage preparation, wherein the protruding portion (7; 107; 207; 307) is an integral part of both the tubular side wall (5) and the said annular flange (3) of the capsule; the protruding portion (7; 107; 207; 307) is made of cellulose pulp; and the density of the protruding portion (7; 107; 207; 307) is less than the density of said tubular side wall (5).

2. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least protruding part has a greater thickness (T1; T3; T4; T5) than the maximum thickness (T2) of said tubular side wall (5).

3. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the protruding part (7; 107) of the connecting wall (6; 106) has a rounded shape.

4. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the difference between the density D1 of the tubular side wall (5) of the cup-shaped body (1) and the density D2 of the protruding part (7) of the connecting wall (6) is a value from 0.1% D1 ​​to 20% D1, that is: 1% D1 ​​≤ (D1 - D2) ≤ 20% D1.

5. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting wall (6, 206, 306) has at least one internal surface (6B) facing the cavity (1A) of the cup-shaped body (1), wherein said internal surface (6B), when viewed in longitudinal section, is inclined in the direction (M2, M3, M4), forming an angle (G; G1) with the direction of inclination of the tubular side wall (5) of the cup-shaped body (1), wherein said angle (G; G1) is from 100° to 150°.

6. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the protruding part (7; 107) of the connecting wall (6; 106) has a shape selected from one of the following shapes, or a shape that is a combination of one or more of the following shapes: – on the outside, said protruding part (7; 107) has a rounded shape, and on the inside, said protruding part (7; 107) has a flat shape, inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (A) of the cup-shaped body (1); and / or - the said protruding part (7; 107) has a rounded shape on the outside and inside; and / or – from the outside and from the inside, the said protruding part (7; 107) has a flat shape, inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (A) of the cup-shaped body (1); and / or – the said protruding part (7; 107) has a stepped shape from the outside and from the inside.

7. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the cellulose pulp contains cellulose fibers in a percentage content in the range from 80% to 100% by weight, and that it contains at least an oxygen-impermeable barrier liner (14) attached to the inner and / or outer surface of said cup-shaped body, wherein said oxygen-impermeable barrier liner is made of at least a compostable polymer.

8. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that said capsule is a disposable coffee capsule.

9. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the protruding part is made convex, while the cup-shaped body (1) has rotational symmetry.

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