Capsule for the preparation of a beverage
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TW · TW
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-21
- Publication Date
- 2023-07-16
Smart Images
Figure TWG2TA000917277_001 
Figure TWG2TA000917277_002 
Figure TWG2TA000917277_003
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation apparatus. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp. [Previous Technology]
[0002] Containers or capsules made of cellulose pulp are known in the field of beverage preparation equipment. Materials made of cellulose pulp that can maintain the quality of the beverage substance within the capsule for at least a certain period of time are also known. Single-use capsules for preparing beverages in beverage production equipment are also known.
[0003] Compared to capsules made of other materials, these single-use capsules made of cellulose pulp offer a potential reduction in environmental impact.
[0004] It is known that capsules made of cellulose pulp are used in beverage preparation apparatus and include components for sealing the capsules during the beverage preparation process and for injecting water into the capsules for beverage preparation.
[0005] A tight fit between the capsule and the sealing member is necessary to prevent water injected into the capsule from flowing out of the capsule body.
[0006] In cases of poor sealing between the capsule and the sealing member, water flows out of the capsule without encountering sufficient resistance to flow. The pressure required to tear the capsule cap will not be established within the capsule, or alternatively, low pressure will cause incomplete tearing of the cap, resulting in poor extraction of the beverage substances contained within the capsule. In this situation, water will be discharged from the beverage production unit without interacting with the beverage substances under sufficient pressure, or without complete interaction.
[0007] The present invention aims to improve the leakage tightness characteristics of known cellulose pulp capsules used in beverage preparation apparatus for preparing beverages. [Summary of the Invention]
[0008] The present invention, as claimed in claim 1, is a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation apparatus. The capsule includes a cup-shaped body and a cap for closing the cup-shaped body, wherein the cup-shaped body includes an annular flange to which the cap is sealed. At least the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp and includes a bottom wall, a tubular sidewall, and the annular flange. The cup-shaped body further includes a connecting wall connecting the sidewall and the annular flange. According to the invention, the connecting wall includes at least a portion that projects outwardly relative to the sidewall of the cup-shaped body. Advantageously, this projecting portion cooperates with an edge of a capsule sealing member of the beverage preparation apparatus to improve leak tightness during the preparation of the beverage.
[0009] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the density of the protruding portion is less than the maximum density of the sidewall, and the thickness of the protruding portion is greater than the maximum thickness of the sidewall of the cup-shaped body, so as to increase the deformability of the protruding portion and also improve the leak tightness during the preparation of the beverage.
[0010] More preferably, according to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the difference between the maximum density of the sidewall of the cup-shaped body and the density of the protruding portion of the connecting wall is a value between 0.1% and 20%. Even more preferably, the difference between the maximum density of the sidewall of the cup-shaped body and the density of the protruding portion of the connecting wall is a value between 0.1% and 10%.
[0011] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a rounded shape, and preferably, the outer contour of the protruding portion is an arc of a circle.
[0012] According to another preferred embodiment, the connecting wall includes at least one inner surface facing the cavity of the cup-shaped body. In a longitudinal section, this inner surface is inclined in one direction, forming an angle with the direction of inclination of the sidewall of the cup-shaped body. This angle is between 100° and 150°, and preferably about 135°.
[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a shape selected from one of the following shapes, or a combination of one or more of the following shapes: - the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a rounded shape on its outer surface and a flat shape on its inner surface that is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the cup-shaped body; and / or - the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a rounded shape on its outer surface and inner surface; and / or - the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a flat shape on its outer surface and inner surface that is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the cup-shaped body; and / or - the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a stepped shape on its outer surface and inner surface.
[0014] Preferably, the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp containing cellulose fibers ranging from 80% to 100% by weight, and includes at least one oxygen barrier liner attached to the inner and / or outer surface of the cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp.
[0015] Preferably, but not exclusively, the capsule of the present invention is a single-use coffee capsule.
[0016] According to the present invention, the use of the capsule as previously described in a beverage preparation apparatus is also disclosed.
[0017] In the context of this invention, the term "cellulose pulp" refers to pulp containing cellulose fibers ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.
[0018] The term "cellulose fiber" refers to fibers that have a wood source and / or no wood source. By way of non-limiting examples, such fibers include: hardwood cellulose fiber, softwood cellulose fiber, wheat fiber, corn fiber, sugarcane fiber, bamboo fiber, hemp fiber, cotton fiber, other similar vegetable or plant fibers, or combinations thereof.
[0019] A cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp is attached with at least one oxygen barrier liner made of one layer (preferably several layers).
[0020] The oxygen barrier liner is made of a known single or multilayer polymeric liner, comprising, for example, a polymer of fossil or non-fossil origin or a bio-derived polymer, and is attached to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup-shaped body of the capsule.
[0021] A preferred multilayer barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties, the core layer being surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing the barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material, and preferably surrounded by a second outer sealing layer for sealing a closure cap to close the capsule after it has been filled with a component.
[0022] By way of non-limiting examples, the oxygen barrier liner comprises one or more of the following layers: - an outermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected from the following list: polybutylene succinate (PBSA / bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or combinations thereof; - a first linking layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin; - a barrier layer comprising a polymer selected from the following list: butene glycol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), or combinations thereof; - a second linking layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin; - An innermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected from the following list: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or combinations thereof.
[0023] The cover is made of a known material, preferably a polymeric thin film.
[0024] The cover may be flat, that is, not formed in a three-dimensional shape.
[0025] Seal the cap onto the sealing layer of the cup-shaped body opening to close it after filling.
[0026] The cup-shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by molding dried or wet (preferably wet) cellulose pulp in a mold.
[0027] Preferably, after the cup-shaped body of the capsule is molded, the "barrier liner" mentioned above is laminated inside and / or on the outer surface of the body.
[0028] Preferably, both the lid and the cup body are selected to provide oxygen barriers to ensure sufficient shelf life, depending on the nature of the beverage ingredients. For example, for coffee, the expected shelf life may be 12 months.
[0029] Preferably, the cup-shaped body (its oxygen barrier liner) and / or lid system are made of household compostable material. The capsules according to the invention generally refer to those recycled in a recycling process organized according to national regulations at an official recycling facility (e.g., in a paper recycling stream, or in a general waste recycling or processing stream). However, in cases where the capsules are placed in nature, in household compostable waste, or in a landfill, the capsules are designed with materials that readily and naturally degrade naturally by bacteria under the temperature and humidity conditions naturally present in nature. In this way, it is ensured that such capsules do not remain in nature and will naturally disappear within a short period (in principle, a few weeks) within the conditions defined by household composting standards.
[0030] More precisely, home compostability is now defined at the national level and is primarily based on the international standard EN 13432; therefore, it does not need to be further defined in this specification. Materials or products conforming to these standards can be identified by markings indicating their home compostability. Some examples of national-level home compostability certification include, but are not limited to, the following. TÜV AUSTRIA BELGIUM provides this home compostability certification scheme, and DIN CERTCO provides home compostability certification according to Australian standard AS 5810. Italy has a national standard for composting at ambient temperature, UNI 11183:2006. In November 2015, the French standard "NF T 51-800 Plastics - Specifications for Plastics Applicable to Home Composting" was introduced. This standard is covered in the DIN CERTCO scheme.
[0031] The beverage is prepared by mixing a fluid substance with the ingredients contained in the capsule. Preferably, the ingredients are selected from a list of roasted and ground coffee, espresso or non-espresso, soluble powdered coffee, or leaf tea. Dairy ingredients (such as milk or cream) may also be provided, as well as chocolate, fruit juice, soup, vegetable juice, broth, smoothie, fruit puree, jam, cream, chicory, barley, cooking aids, soup ingredients, infant formula, or combinations thereof, in a powdered soluble form, a concentrated liquid with various viscosity, or a gel form.
[0032] Optimally, the beverage ingredients are roasted and ground coffee.
[0033] The capsules of the present invention can generally interact with beverage and / or food preparation devices, such as by being fed in a container with a diluent (e.g., hot, cold, or ambient water); such diluents mix or otherwise interact with beverage ingredients. The statement "mixing diluents with beverage ingredients" is intended to mean that all ingredients contained in the capsule are in a form compatible with general mixing operations (dissolving, extracting, or infusing) with diluents to obtain a beverage product.
[0034] Preferably, the cavity defined by the capsule body and the capsule cap is essentially oxygen-free, and the cavity is filled with an inert gas (such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or combinations thereof). Preferably, after sealing, the capsule has an internal gas pressure higher than atmospheric pressure due to the gases contained in the coffee and those emitted from the cavity (such as carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide).
[0035] The beverage preparation apparatus preferably includes a capsule holder for receiving and tightly sealing the capsule; and a pressurized liquid supply system for supplying the liquid into the capsule. This type of apparatus is, for example, commonly used in the extraction of conventional Nespresso® capsules.
Implementation Method
[0037] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of the capsule according to the present invention, which is used to prepare a beverage in a beverage preparation apparatus. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body 1 and a lid 2 for closing the cup-shaped body 1.
[0038] The cup-shaped body 1 includes an annular flange 3 on which the lid 2 is sealed. The cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp and includes 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 of the cup-shaped body 1 (see Figure 3).
[0039] According to the invention, the connecting wall 6 includes at least a portion 7 (FIG. 3) that protrudes outward relative to the sidewall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1. This outwardly protruding portion 7 can be defined as convex. The protruding portion 7, as part of the connecting wall 6, is integrated with both the sidewall 5 of the capsule and the annular flange 3. Therefore, the protruding portion is made of cellulose pulp. This outwardly protruding portion 7 can be defined as convex. In use, this protruding portion 7 cooperates with the edge 8 of the capsule sealing member 9 of the beverage preparation apparatus 10 (partially shown in FIG. 4) to improve the leak tightness between the sealing member 9 and the cup-shaped body 1 during the preparation of the beverage.
[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the present 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, the protruding portion 7 also has a thickness T1 that is greater than the maximum thickness T2 of the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1.
[0041] Preferably, the difference between the maximum density D1 of the sidewall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 and the density D2 of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 is a value between 0.1% and 20% of D1, wherein: 0.1% D1 ≤ (D1 - D2) ≤ 20% D1. More preferably, the difference between the maximum density D1 of the sidewall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 and the density D2 of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 is a value between 0.1% and 10% of D1, wherein: 0.1% D1 ≤ (D1 - D2) ≤ 10% D1.
[0042] In the context of this invention, the term "density" refers to the "volumetric mass density" of a material, which is the mass per unit volume of the material. The reduced density of the cellulose pulp in the protruding portion 7 results in a decrease in the stiffness and hardness of this portion 7 relative to the sidewall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1, which has a higher density.
[0043] Preferably, the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 has a rounded shape in the longitudinal section (see Figure 3), and more preferably, the outer contour of the protruding portion 7 is a circular arc. Even more preferably, the circular arc is an arc with a diameter of 0.53 mm + / - 30%.
[0044] The shape and size of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 allow for better and more gradual interaction between the edges 8 of the movable enclosure member 9 of the beverage preparation device 10, as well as better sealing.
[0045] The shape, size, and density of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 ensure tightness during beverage preparation. Due to the lower density and greater thickness of this protruding portion 7 relative to the sidewall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1, tightness is achieved through localized compression and / or deformation of the cellulose pulp of the protruding portion 7 (as shown in Figure 4A). This density difference produces a "rubber effect" and / or increased mechanical elasticity in the protruding portion 7, which is excellent for providing tightness: when the movable sealing member 9 of the beverage preparation device 10 is closed around the capsule (as shown in Figures 4 and 4A) and the edge 8 of this movable sealing member 9 presses against the protruding portion 7, the protruding portion 7 can flex and deform due to its lower density relative to the sidewall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1. In addition, the lower density of the protruding portion 7 can also have another advantageous technical effect. When water is injected into the capsule, the lower density of the protrusion 7 allows it to "absorb" some water and expand, thus increasing its uncompressible volume and consequently increasing the contact surface between the protrusion 7 and the inner surface of the edge 8 of the sealing member 9, thereby further improving the leak tightness.
[0046] The cup-shaped body 1 is preferably rotationally symmetric. Preferably, the tubular wall 5 has a truncated cone shape, a circular cross-section, and an increasing diameter toward the annular flange 3.
[0047] Preferably, in the longitudinal section, the tubular sidewall 5 is inclined in the first inclination direction M1 relative to the longitudinal axis A of the cup-shaped body 1 (shown in FIG3).
[0048] The bottom wall 4 preferably includes a first inclined wall 4A and a second wall 4B to define a shallow concave volume. The first inclined wall 4A preferably has a truncated cone shape, with a circular cross section and an increasing diameter toward the side wall 5. The second wall 4B is preferably flat (as shown in Figure 2) or convex (projecting toward the cavity 1A from the viewpoint of the cavity 1A, i.e., inside the cavity 1A).
[0049] The connecting wall 6 preferably includes an inner surface 6B facing the cavity 1A of the cup-shaped body 1. This inner surface 6B, as seen in the longitudinal section and when uncompressed / deformed, is inclined in direction M2 (FIG. 3), forming an angle G with the inclination direction M1 of the sidewall 5. Angle G is preferably between 100° and 150°, and more preferably about 135°. The inclination of the connecting wall 6, when engaged by the edge 8 of the enclosing member 9, promotes the deformation of the connecting wall 6 and ultimately contributes to the seal.
[0050] The annular flange 3 preferably includes a flat wall 3A.
[0051] The beverage preparation apparatus 10 partially shown in FIG4 includes a movable sealing member 9 and a support plate 11 for supporting the cap 2 of the capsule. When the liquid injected into the capsule generates a predetermined pressure in the capsule, the support plate 11 tears the cap 2, allowing the beverage to flow out of the capsule.
[0052] As is commonly known to those skilled in the art, the sealing member 9 is movable from an initial position (not shown) that allows the introduction of a capsule into the beverage preparation apparatus; and a brewing position (shown in Figures 4 and 4A), wherein the sealing member 9 and the support plate 11 tightly seal the capsule. In this position, pressurized liquid is injected into the capsule through an opening formed by one or more pointing elements 12 of the beverage preparation apparatus 10. These pointing elements 12 are designed to pierce the bottom wall 4 of the cup-shaped body 1. The operation of the beverage preparation apparatus 10 and the technical features of its various components are well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be described in detail.
[0053] As discussed above, the cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp containing cellulose fibers ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.
[0054] The term "cellulose fiber" refers to fibers that have a wood source and / or no wood source. By way of non-limiting examples, such fibers include: hardwood cellulose fiber, softwood cellulose fiber, wheat fiber, corn fiber, sugarcane fiber, bamboo fiber, hemp fiber, cotton fiber, other similar vegetable or plant fibers, or combinations thereof.
[0055] The cup-shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by molding dried or wet (preferably wet) cellulose pulp in a mold.
[0056] Alternatively, the cup-shaped body 1 may be shaped from a sheet made of cellulose pulp by deforming it into a mold to give the sheet the desired cup shape, as is generally known to those skilled in the art.
[0057] The cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp includes at least one oxygen barrier liner 14 (Fig. 3), which is made of at least one layer, preferably multiple layers.
[0058] Preferably, after molding the cup-shaped body of the capsule, the oxygen barrier liner 14 (FIG. 3) is attached to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup-shaped body in a known manner. For example, the oxygen barrier liner 14 is laminated on the inner and / or outer surface of the body.
[0059] Preferably, the oxygen barrier liner 14 is made of at least one compostable polymer, making it possible to discard the capsule or at least the cup-shaped body in household compostable waste.
[0060] Preferably, the multilayer oxygen barrier liner includes a core layer having oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties, which is surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing the barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material.
[0061] A preferred multilayer barrier liner includes a core layer having oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties, which is surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing the barrier liner onto the cellulose pulp.
[0062] Preferably, the barrier liner 14 is provided on all inner surfaces of the cup-shaped body 1, such as to delineate at least the entire cavity 1A for containing beverage substances.
[0063] The oxygen barrier liner 14 is made of a known single or multilayer polymeric liner, comprising, for example, a polymer of fossil or non-fossil origin or a bio-derived polymer, and is attached to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup-shaped body of the capsule.
[0064] By way of a non-limiting example, the oxygen barrier liner comprises one or more of the following layers: - an outermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected from the following list: polybutylene succinate (PBSA / bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or combinations thereof; - a first linking layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin; - a barrier layer comprising a polymer selected from the following list: butene glycol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), or combinations thereof; - a second linking layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin; - An innermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected from the following list: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or combinations thereof.
[0065] Preferably, the first and outermost polymeric layers have a thickness between 10 and 50 µm, and the layer has an elongation between 10% and 800% upon fracture, a melt flow rate (MFR) between 2 and 4 when measured over a period of 10 minutes at 2.16 kg pressure at 150°C, and a melting point temperature below 80°C.
[0066] Preferably, the first bonding layer has a melting point temperature between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness between 1 and 12 µm.
[0067] Preferably, the barrier layer has a melting point temperature between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness between 1 and 15 µm.
[0068] Preferably, the second bonding layer has a melting point temperature between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness between 1 and 10 µm.
[0069] Preferably, the innermost polymer layer has a thickness between 10 and 50 µm, and the innermost layer has an elongation between 10% and 1000% upon rupture, and has a melt flow rate (MFR) between 4 and 10 when measured at 2.16 kg pressure at 190°C for 10 minutes, and the layer has a melting point temperature between 110°C and 180°C.
[0070] Preferably, the cup-shaped body 1 and its oxygen barrier liner 14 are made of household compostable materials (such as one or more of the materials listed above), so that the body may be discarded in household compostable waste.
[0071] The cover 2 is made of a known material, preferably a polymeric thin film.
[0072] The cover 2 may be flat, that is, not formed in a three-dimensional shape.
[0073] The cover 2 preferably includes an oxygen barrier layer.
[0074] Preferably, the cover 2 is also made of at least one household compostable polymer, making it possible to discard it in household compostable waste, and more preferably also discard the cup-shaped body.
[0075] The cover 2 preferably includes a sealing layer oriented toward the cavity 1A of the cup-shaped body 1.
[0076] Generally speaking, if the capsule has an internal gas pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, the cap 2 can be convex, that is, protruding outward relative to the cavity 1A (as shown in Figure 2).
[0077] Seal the cap onto the sealing layer of the cup-shaped body opening to close it after filling.
[0078] Preferably, both the lid and the cup body are selected to provide oxygen barriers to ensure sufficient shelf life, depending on the nature of the beverage ingredients. For example, for coffee, the expected shelf life may be 12 months.
[0079] Figures 5 to 7 respectively show the second, third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, wherein the capsule has the same technical features as discussed with reference to the first embodiment, but has different connecting walls 106, 206 and 306.
[0080] In Figure 5, the connecting wall 106 is rounded both externally and internally (as seen in the longitudinal section), and the protruding portion 107 is also rounded. Preferably, the outer contour of the protruding portion 107 is a circular arc. Preferably, the circular arc is an arc with a diameter of 0.53 mm + / - 30%.
[0081] In Figure 6, the connecting wall 206 and the protruding portion 207 are in the form of a ramp, and when viewed in a longitudinal section, they are inclined in the direction M3, forming an angle G1 with the inclination direction M1 of the side wall 5. The angle G1 is preferably between 100° and 150°, and more preferably about 135°.
[0082] In Figure 7, the connecting wall 306 has a stepped form, and the protruding portion 307 includes a first wall portion 315 (which is substantially parallel to the annular flange 3) and a second wall portion 320. The second wall portion, as seen in the longitudinal section, is inclined in the direction M4 and forms an angle with the inclination direction M1 of the side wall 5. This angle is preferably between 100° and 150°, and more preferably about 135°.
[0083] The density of the protruding portions 107, 207, and 307 in the second, third, and fourth embodiments may be the same as or less than the density of the sidewall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1.
[0084] The maximum thicknesses T3, T4, and T5 of the protruding portions 107, 207, and 307 may be equal to the maximum thickness T2 of the sidewall 5, or may be greater.
[0085] The shape and size of the protrusions 107, 207 and 307 of the connecting walls 106, 206 and 306 allow for better and more gradual interaction between the edges 8 of the movable enclosure member 9, and better sealing.
[0086] The shape, size, and density of the protruding portions 107, 207, and 307 ensure compactness during beverage preparation. Compactness is achieved through localized compression and / or deformation of the cellulose pulp in the protruding portions 107, 207, and 307.
[0087] As previously mentioned, the entire capsule is biodegradable and ideally compostable.
[0088] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments of the capsule described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as covered by the appended claims. For example, the connecting wall may have a shape that is a combination of the shapes of two or more of the connecting walls of the previously discussed embodiments. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]
[0036] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described and apparent in the following description of the presently preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a capsule according to the invention; [Figure 2] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the capsule of Figure 1; [Figure 3] is a schematic enlarged view of the portion of Figure 2 indicated by arrow W; [Figure 4] is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the capsule when the capsule of Figure 1 is enclosed in a capsule enclosing member of a beverage preparation apparatus; [Figure 4A] is a schematic enlarged view of the portion of Figure 4 indicated by arrow W1; [Figures 5], [Figure 6] and [Figure 7] are views similar to Figure 3, showing three further embodiments of the capsule.
Claims
1. A capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation apparatus (10), the capsule comprising: a cup-shaped body (1) and a cap (2) for closing the cup-shaped body (1), the cup-shaped body (1) being made of cellulose pulp and comprising a bottom wall (4), a tubular sidewall (5), and an annular flange (3) for sealing the cap (2) thereon, wherein the sidewall (5) and the annular flange (3) are connected by a connecting wall (6; 106; 206; 306) of the cup-shaped body (1), characterized in that the connecting wall (6; 106; 206; 306) comprises at least a portion (7; 107; 207; 307) protruding outward relative to the sidewall (5); the at least one protruding portion (7; 107; 207; 307) 307) cooperates with an edge (8) of a capsule sealing member (9) of one of the beverage preparation devices (10) to improve leak tightness during the preparation of the beverage.
2. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the protruding portion (7; 107; 207; 307) is integrated with both the sidewall (5) and the annular flange (3) of the capsule, and is made of cellulose pulp.
3. The capsule of claim 1 or 2, wherein the density of the at least one protrusion (7; 107; 207; 307) of the connecting wall (6; 106; 206; 306) is less than the maximum density of the sidewall (5).
4. The capsule of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one protruding portion has a thickness (T1; T3; T4; T5) greater than the maximum thickness (T2) of the sidewall (5).
5. The capsule of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one protruding portion (7; 107) of the connecting wall (6; 106) has a rounded shape, and preferably, the outer contour of the protruding portion (7; 107) is an outwardly projecting arc of a circle.
6. The capsule of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the difference between the maximum density D1 of the sidewall (5) of the cup-shaped body (1) and the density D2 of the protrusion (7) of the connecting wall (6) is a value between 0.1% and 20% of D1, wherein: 0.1%D1 ≤ (D1 - D2) ≤ 20%D1 and more preferably, the difference is a value between 0.1% and 10% of D1, wherein: 0.1%D1 ≤ (D1 - D2) ≤ 10%D1.
7. The capsule of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connecting wall (6, 206, 306) includes at least one inner surface (6B) facing the cavity (1A) of the cup-shaped body (1), wherein, as seen in a longitudinal section, the inner surface (6B) is inclined in a direction (M2, M3, M4) and forms an angle (G; G1) with the inclination direction of the sidewall (5) of the cup-shaped body (1), wherein the angle (G; G1) is contained between 100° and 150°, and preferably about 135°.
8. The capsule of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least the protruding portion (7; 107) of the connecting wall (6; 106) has a shape selected from one of the following shapes, or a combination of one or more of the following shapes: - the protruding portion (7; 107) has a rounded shape on the outside and a flat shape on the inside that is inclined relative to one longitudinal axis (A) of the cup-shaped body (1); and / or - the protruding portion (7; 107) has a rounded shape on the outside and inside; and / or - the protruding portion (7; 107) has a flat shape on the outside and inside that is inclined relative to one longitudinal axis (A) of the cup-shaped body (1); and / or - the protruding portion (7; 107) has a stepped shape on the outside and inside.
9. The capsule of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cup-shaped body (1) is made of cellulose pulp comprising cellulose fibers ranging from 80% to 100% by weight, and includes at least one oxygen barrier liner (14) attached to the inner and / or outer surface of the cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp, wherein the oxygen barrier liner is made of at least one household compostable polymer, wherein, Preferably, the cover (2) is also made of a household compostable material.
10. The capsule as requested in any of items 1 to 9, wherein the capsule is a single-use coffee capsule.
11. Use of a capsule as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 in a beverage preparation apparatus (10).