Structurally reinforced plastic capsule for beverage preparation

Abstract

The invention relates to a capsule (1) for beverage preparation, comprising a body (2) which includes a top section (3), two side walls (4, 5), an open base section (6), and a flange (7), wherein the top section (3) includes a top perimetral structural reinforcement (11) and a plurality of lateral structural reinforcements (12) connected to said top perimetral structural reinforcement (11). The structural reinforcements (11,12) contribute to the distribution of the forces applied to the capsule (1) during the manufacturing of the capsule by thermoplastic material injection and also during the preparation of the beverage by injection of pressurized water in the preparation device or machine. Furthermore, the reinforcements (11, 12) support sections of small thickness that facilitate the process of composting and / or recycling of the capsules, reducing their environmental impact.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] STRUCTURALLY REINFORCED PLASTIC CAPSULE FOR PREPARATION

[0003] OF DRINKS

[0004] TECHNICAL DOMAIN

[0005] The present invention relates to reinforced capsules for preparing beverages, in which the content for preparing the beverage is mixed, subjected to an infusion or percolation process (passage of a solvent through a fixed system for the removal of soluble substances) inside the capsule through a beverage preparation system, by means of a preparation device or machine that consists of a pressurized water injection system.

[0006] PRIOR TECHNIQUE

[0007] The prior art presents several examples of capsules for preparing beverages, particularly capsules made from thermoplastic materials. Initial plastic capsules consisted merely of cylindrical or truncated cones. One limitation of these plastic capsules is their low mechanical strength when subjected to a beverage preparation process using a machine that injects pressurized water into the capsule. To overcome the limitations of the simpler prior art capsules, beverage capsules have been developed with structural reinforcements arranged on the capsule's side walls.

[0008] International patent application WO2016012562A1, by Hansen, Nicholas and Halliday, Andrew, which was published on January 28, 2016, discloses a beverage capsule that has a plurality of structural reinforcements arranged longitudinally along the inner wall of a product storage chamber. The structural reinforcements do not protrude into the top section, where the perforation for the hot water inlet will occur.

[0009] In order to ensure or optimize efficiency in the various stages of the capsules' life cycle, products were developed to improve performance during the manufacturing process or use of the capsules in the preparation device. Furthermore, to reduce the impact of product disposal, new materials were also proposed that would allow the recycling or composting of the capsules.

[0010] Patent application US10159375B2 relates to a capsule prepared by a thermoplastic injection molding process, comprising: a side wall, a top section with zones of reduced thickness, where a perforation is made for the injection of pressurized water. The capsule has a plurality of structural reinforcements, which reinforce the top section and simplify the opening of the zones of reduced thickness when the pressurized water flows against the outer surface of the top section. Due to the existence of areas of reduced thickness, the top section can be opened merely by the pressure of the water, eliminating the need for the action of the perforating elements of the beverage preparation machine. Furthermore, among the materials capable of being used in the injection process are materials of biological origin.

[0011] Patent application US2018178972A1 relates to a capsule comprising a plurality of structural reinforcements, arranged longitudinally along the capsule body, which prevent the capsule body from breaking when the beverage preparation machine exerts pressure on the capsule. The material proposed for the constitution of such capsules is of vegetable origin, replacing aluminum or other polymers normally used in these products.

[0012] PROBLEMS OF THE PRIOR ART

[0013] The lateral structural reinforcements incorporated in the beverage capsule disclosed in international patent application WO2016012562A1 increase the mechanical strength of the capsule's side walls during the piercing and pressurized water injection steps for beverage preparation. However, the top section may be deformed in a way that impairs the adequate distribution of pressurized water throughout the bed comprising the beverage composition.

[0014] Additionally, the beverage capsules disclosed in WO2016012562A1 are not suitable for production by means of an injection molding process using thermoplastic materials in general. Specifically, the thermoplastic resins used in the preparation process of these prior art capsules include at least 5% by weight of silica particles, which are included in the resin composition to allow suitable injection molding and subsequent removal of the capsule from the mold.

[0015] Therefore, it is desirable to develop capsule systems for preparing beverages, which are prepared from a thermoplastic material, without the need for the addition of special additives to provide mechanical resistance to the thermoplastic material during molding. It is also desirable to develop a capsule that adequately resists the pressures and forces applied during molding and during removal of the part from the mold.

[0016] Among the relevant documents of the current state of the art, no products designed to combine desirable characteristics at different stages of the product's life cycle, including its disposal, were found. Even though some documents, such as those disclosed in US10159375B2 and US2018178972A1, propose reinforced capsules that can be produced by injection and using materials with a lower environmental impact, such reinforcements are designed solely to withstand the structural stresses present in different preparation devices.

[0017] Therefore, in addition to adequately withstanding the pressures and forces applied by a drilling and pressurized water injection subsystem, the reinforcements of the produced capsule must be configured to: a. Assist in the injection process, specifically by aiding material flow and serving as surfaces through which the extraction process can be carried out, preventing deformation or visual damage to the final product; b. Support sections of small thickness and variable thickness that, during degradation and after disposal, may subdivide the product into small parts, increasing its contact area with the environment and accelerating degradation; c. Support sections of small thickness and variable thickness that, during crushing and disposal, may subdivide the product into small parts, facilitating the recycling process.

[0018] PROBLEM SOLUTION

[0019] The present invention solves the problems of the prior art by incorporating a top perimeter structural reinforcement (11), which is connected to a plurality of lateral structural reinforcements (12) of variable thickness; said top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) being incorporated in a central surface (10) of a top section (3), so that the capsule (1) presents higher mechanical resistance properties and is appropriate for withstanding the production conditions by an injection molding process of thermoplastic materials and also for adequately withstanding the forces applied by a pressurized water injection subsystem of a beverage preparation machine during the preparation of the beverage.Furthermore, the structural reinforcements (11,12) support side walls (4 and 5) and a top surface (3) with low thickness (less than 0.5 mm), facilitating recycling, composting, degradation in organic waste processes, after the capsule is discarded and reducing its environmental impact.

[0020] ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The capsule (1) of the present invention presents the top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) that contributes to the distribution of the forces applied to the capsule (1) along the lateral structural reinforcements (12) being the most effective and uniform. The best distribution of the forces applied to the capsule (1) refers to the forces applied during the capsule preparation process through injection molding of thermoplastic materials and also refers to the forces applied by the pressurized water injection subsystem of a beverage preparation machine during the preparation of the beverage. Furthermore, the structural reinforcements (11, 12) support side walls (4 and 5) and a top surface (3) with low thickness (less than 0.5 mm), facilitating degradation, composting, solubility or recycling processes after disposal of the capsule.Additionally, the use of structural reinforcements contributes to a significant reduction in the amount of thermoplastic materials used during the manufacturing process of a capsule (1) by molding.

[0022] Furthermore, the reinforcements (11) correspond to a region where the extraction process can be carried out at the end of the thermoplastic injection, using the extractor (14) without the capsule (1) being deformed.

[0023] This extractor ( 11 ) is also the element responsible for ensuring the thickness of the upper central surface ( 10 ) , comprised in the top section ( 3 ) , allowing injection with small thicknesses .

[0024] Finally, the material used in manufacturing may be of biological or plant origin, or may have characteristics that allow the product to be composted or to be soluble in water. However, choosing materials with a lower environmental impact does not exclude the possibility of using other thermoplastic materials, preferably recyclable ones.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles according to the embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made to the embodiments illustrated in the figures and to the language employed to describe them. In any event, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the scope of the present invention to the content of the figures. Any subsequent changes or modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, as well as any additional applications of the principles and embodiments of the invention illustrated, which would normally occur to one skilled in the art having possession of this description, are considered within the scope of the claimed invention.

[0027] Figure 1 - illustrates a perspective view of the capsule for preparing a drink according to the invention;

[0028] Figure 2 - illustrates a bottom view of the capsule for preparing a beverage according to the invention; Figure 3 - illustrates a first detailed view of the connection between the top perimeter structural reinforcement and the lateral structural reinforcements; the angles of the lateral structural reinforcements (aep) and the ends of these reinforcements, which may have a rounded or chamfered shape, are also detailed;

[0029] Figure 4- illustrates a method of removing the capsule after an injection molding process; and

[0030] Figure 5 - Details the different regions of the lateral structural reinforcement, highlighting its different angles and thicknesses.

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0032] The present invention relates to a capsule (1) for preparing a beverage comprising a body (2) which includes a top section (3), a first side wall (4), a second side wall (5), an open base section (6) and a flange (7); wherein the top section (3) intersects a vertical axis (8); and wherein the first side wall (4) is arranged in at least one circumferential section around the vertical axis (8) and is adjacent to the top section (3); and wherein the second side wall (5) is arranged in at least one circumferential section around the vertical axis (8) and is adjacent to the first side wall (4); and wherein the diameter of the circumferential section formed by the first side wall (4) is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the circumferential section formed by the second side wall (5);and wherein the open base section (6) intersects the vertical axis (8) and is adjacent to the second side wall (5), said open base section (6) including a flange (7) which is disposed on the peripheral portion of said open base section (6); and wherein the top section (3), the first side wall (4), the second side wall (5) and the open base section (6) internally delimit a chamber (9); and wherein the capsule (1) further comprises: a central surface (10) which is incorporated in the top section (3); and a top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) which is disposed along the perimeter of said central surface (10) and projects from said central surface (10) into the interior of the chamber (9);and a plurality of lateral structural reinforcements (12), in which a terminal portion of the lateral structural reinforcement (12) is connected to the top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) and in which the lateral structural reinforcement (12) is arranged longitudinally along the first side wall (4); and in which the lateral structural reinforcement (12) is projected from an interior portion of the first side wall (4) into the interior of the chamber (9), and such projection forms an inclined wall that has, at the beginning of its linear region, at a point proximal to the top of the capsule, an angle (a) in relation to an axis perpendicular to the central axis (8), and, from the medial region of this wall, has an inclination equivalent to an angle (p) that extends to a rounded or chamfered edge (A).;

[0033] Furthermore, such lateral reinforcement (12) has a variable thickness, with the thickness in the distal region (in relation to the top) (e2) having values ​​equivalent to the range between 0.5 and 0.9 times the thickness in the proximal region (el).

[0034] The capsule (1) for preparing a beverage according to the invention is preferably produced using injection molding processes using thermoplastic materials. The lateral structural reinforcements (12) contribute to greater mechanical strength of the capsule (1) during the injection molding process, allowing the capsule to withstand greater filling pressures compared to prior art capsules with side walls of similar thickness.

[0035] Additionally, the lateral structural reinforcements (12), illustrated in detail in Figure 5, contribute to greater mechanical resistance of the capsule (1) for the preparation of a beverage during the beverage preparation process, which typically uses pressurized water systems with high pressures. Thus, the lateral structural reinforcements (12) distribute the forces exerted on the capsule more evenly, allowing the use of capsule construction materials (1) with thinner thicknesses and / or with lower mechanical resistance properties. In terms of increasing the mechanical resistance of the capsule during the beverage preparation process, the lateral structural reinforcements (12) also contribute to the absorption of part of the energy applied to the capsule (1) during the perforation of the capsule (1) by the pressurized water injection subsystem of a beverage preparation machine.

[0036] Furthermore, as the lateral structural reinforcements (12) have variable thickness (el and e2), exit angles are formed that facilitate the extraction of the part from the mold during the injection process. The surfaces of the lateral reinforcement (12) facing the interior of the chamber (9) have angles (a and p) and a rounded edge or chamfer (A) that allow the stacking, at least partially, of several capsules, reducing the volume of packaging for the shipment of empty capsules and meeting the requirements of beverage production lines in which a device or robot removes, from a stack, one capsule at a time and positions it in a line to fill with a product such as coffee, tea, or others. The angle a, in the proximal region of the capsule, has values ​​between 80 and 50°. The angle p, in the distal region of the capsule, always has values ​​less than or equal to the angle ae in the range between 80 and 30°.The selection between using a rounded edge or chamfer at the distal end (A) of the lateral reinforcement (12) is made depending on the need for a greater or lesser volume of reinforcements depending on each injected material.

[0037] The top perimeter structural reinforcement (11), which is connected to a plurality of lateral structural reinforcements (12), contributes to the most effective and uniform distribution of the forces applied to the capsule (1) along the lateral structural reinforcements (12). The best distribution of the forces applied to the capsule (1) refers to the forces applied during the capsule preparation process through injection molding of thermoplastic materials and also refers to the forces applied by the pressurized water injection subsystem of a beverage preparation machine during the preparation of the beverage. With regard to the injection molding process, the top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) allows the thermoplastic material, during the injection process, to flow more easily throughout the part.The thermoplastic material flows through the mold initially to form the top section (3), then flows to form the top perimeter structural reinforcement (11). The thermoplastic material is then easily distributed to form the side structural reinforcements (12) until the molded part is completely filled. The surface of the perimeter reinforcement (11) facing the interior of the chamber (9) and perpendicular to the central axis (8) comprises the region through which extraction is carried out using an extraction pin (14), allowing perfect extraction of the capsule with thin walls, without causing deformations in the capsule or breaking of the side walls (4 and 5).

[0038] The first side wall (4) defines a film with reduced mechanical resistance characteristics, in which said second side wall (4) is configured to provide easy and adequate penetration of the pressurized water injection subsystem of a beverage preparation machine, resulting in a perforation of the second side wall (4) during the beverage preparation process. This perforation creates stress points in the second side wall (4) and the presence of pressurized water will cause it to "tear" easily, facilitating the entry of water. Due to the easy perforation of the first side wall (4), the capsule proposed in the present invention is compatible with various preparation devices or machines since it can be perforated by a wide range of subsystems, including subsystems in which the perforation device exerts a reduced contact pressure with the capsule.

[0039] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in figures 1, 3 and 4, the lateral structural reinforcement (12) is arranged longitudinally along the first side wall (4) and along at least a portion of the second side wall (5), wherein the lateral structural reinforcement (12) projects from an interior portion of the first side wall (4) and from an interior portion of the second side wall (5) into the interior of the chamber (9). In preferred embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in figure 2, the capsule (1) for preparing a beverage includes at least three lateral structural reinforcements (12), one of which is illustrated in detail in figure 5. Even more preferably, the lateral structural reinforcements (12) are equally spaced from each other along a circumferential section around the vertical axis (8) on which a first side wall (4) is arranged.Even more preferably, the lateral structural reinforcements (12) are equally spaced apart along a circumferential section about the vertical axis (8) on which a second side wall (5) is disposed. Alternatively, the lateral structural reinforcements (12) are disposed symmetrically about the vertical axis (8). In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) is selected from the group consisting of a hollow prism and a hollow cylinder. Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) is configured as a hollow cylinder.

[0040] In the preferred embodiments according to the invention, the top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) and the lateral structural reinforcements (12) are configured as ribs.

[0041] The top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) additionally contributes to the capsule (1) being extracted from its mold, after the injection molding process, through the use of a central extraction pin (14), with a view to improving the mechanical resistance of the capsule (1) in the top section (3) and in the central surface (10). The central surface (10) is comprised in the top section (3), corresponding to an interior portion of the capsule (1). The top section (3) contributes to the flow of thermoplastic material during the injection molding process.The top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) helps the molded capsule (1) resist the force and pressure exerted by the central extraction pin (14), as illustrated in figure 4, since during the step of removing the part from the mold, the central extraction pin (14) is used to remove the capsule (1) from the mold, and the part must be configured to resist the force and pressure exerted by the central extraction pin (14), without this causing deformation of the capsule (1).

[0042] Furthermore, a diametrical reduction in the external surface (15) of the extraction pin (14) allows the generation, through the injection process, of the internal surface of the reinforcement (11) and the central surface of the top (10).

[0043] Preferably, the top section (3) and the central surface (10) have thicknesses in the range of about 0.20 mm to about 0.50 mm. Preferably, the top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) has thicknesses in the range of about 0.10 mm to about 0.50 mm. Preferably, the side structural reinforcements (12) have varying thicknesses along their length in the range of about 0.20 mm to about 0.50 mm. Preferably, the first side wall (4) has thicknesses in the range of about 0.15 mm to about 0.30 mm. Preferably, the second side wall (5) has thicknesses in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 0.50 mm.

[0044] The existence of different thicknesses along the side structural reinforcements (12) and the marked differences in thickness between the top section (3), the central surface (10), the first side wall (4) and the second side wall (5) allow the creation of regions more susceptible to degradation after disposal, accelerating the composting process by gradually subdividing the capsule into small pieces, causing an increase in the contact surface with the medium and making the composting process more efficient. Similarly, such differences in thickness create regions more susceptible to breakage in shredding processes during recycling, optimizing them. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first side wall (4) forms a first conical frustum around the vertical axis (8) and the second side wall (5) forms a second conical frustum around the vertical axis (8).

[0045] The capsule (1) is preferably produced from a polymeric thermoplastic material, selected from materials approved for contact with food and consisting of materials of biological origin, compostable, water-soluble or recyclable.

[0046] In order to package the composition for preparing a beverage, the capsule (1) for preparing a beverage according to the invention includes the flange (7), which is configured to be connected with a base closure film (13). The base closure (13) is preferably a filter or film made of compostable, soluble or recyclable material, this material being selected from a group consisting of fibrous materials, vegetable materials, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, a polymeric material, and laminated materials, wherein the laminated materials comprise a plurality of layers selected from one or more of the group consisting of fibrous materials, vegetable materials, aluminum, an aluminum alloy and a polymeric material.

[0047] Furthermore, this flange (7) has grooves that help seal the capsule (1) when inserted into a beverage preparation machine.

[0048] The capsule (1) can be configured for disposable use, i.e. for single use to prepare a drink.

[0049] In preferred embodiments according to the invention, the capsule (1) is configured to comprise a composition for preparing a beverage selected from the group consisting of coffee, milk, chocolate milk, tea and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, the capsule (1) is configured to package roasted and ground coffee beans.

[0050] As used in this description, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range of values ​​plus or minus 10% of the specified number.

[0051] As used throughout this patent application, the terms "greater" and "lesser" refer to a variation from a prior state of the art capsule or current art. For example, "greater mechanical strength" refers to an increase in the mechanical strength of the capsule proposed in this patent application compared to capsules in the current state of the art.

[0052] As used throughout this patent application, the term "or" is used in the inclusive rather than the exclusive sense, unless the exclusive sense is clearly defined in a specific situation. In this context, a sentence such as "X uses either A or B" should be interpreted as including all relevant inclusive combinations, for example "X uses A", "X uses B", and "X uses both A and B".

[0053] As used throughout this patent application, the indefinite articles "a" or an" should be interpreted generally as "one or more" and "an or more", unless the meaning of a singular embodiment is clearly defined in a specific situation.

[0054] As used throughout this patent application, the adjectives "proximal", "medial" and "distal" refer to the distances of the various elements of the capsule in relation to the top section thereof (3), with "proximal" being the region closest to the top section (3), "medial" being regions with a medium distance and "distal" being the regions furthest away.

[0055] As used throughout this patent application, the adverb preferably is used to indicate the solution considered optimal, not excluding other possibilities as long as they are capable of meeting the minimum requirements of the product or process.

[0056] As presented in this description, the terms related to examples should be interpreted for the purpose of illustrating an example of something and not indicating a preference.

[0057] As used in this description, the term "substantially" means that the actual value is within about 10% of the desired value, variable, or related limit, particularly within about 5% of the desired value, variable, or related limit, or especially within about 1% of the desired value, variable, or related limit.

[0058] The subject matter described above is provided as an illustration of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting it. Terminology employed for the purpose of describing specific embodiments according to the present invention is not to be construed as limiting the invention. As used in the description, the definite and indefinite articles, in their singular form, are intended to be construed to also include the plural forms, unless the context of the description explicitly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "comprise" and "include," when used in this description, specify the presence of related features, elements, components, steps, and operations, but do not exclude the possibility that other features, elements, components, steps, and operations are also contemplated.

[0059] All changes, provided they do not modify the essential characteristics of the claims that follow, must be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] LIST OF REFERENCE INDICATIONS 1. One capsule

[0061] 2. A body (conical trunk)

[0062] 3. A top section

[0063] 4. A first side wall

[0064] 5. A second side wall

[0065] 6. An open base section

[0066] 7. A flange

[0067] 8. A vertical axis

[0068] 9. A camera

[0069] 10. A central surface at the top of the capsule.

[0070] 11. A top perimeter structural reinforcement (rib)

[0071] 12. A lateral structural reinforcement (rib)

[0072] 13. A base clasp

[0073] 14. A central extraction pin

[0074] 15. One of the outer surfaces of the central extraction pin

[0075] A. A rounded or chamfered edge. a. An angle between an inclined wall of the gusset and an axis that is perpendicular to the central vertical axis and intersects a proximal (relative to the top) region of the lateral gusset. p. A second angle between an inclined wall of the gusset and an axis that is perpendicular to the central vertical axis and intersects a medial region of the lateral gusset. el. Thickness of the proximal (relative to the top) region of the lateral gusset. e2. Thickness of the distal (relative to the top) region of the lateral gusset.

[0076] LITERATURE ON PATENTS

[0077] International patent application WO2016012562A1; by Hansen, Nicholas and Halliday, Andrew, published January 28, 2016.

[0078] Patent Application US10159375B2; by AROMA SYSTEM SRL, published on December 25, 2018.

[0079] Patent Application US2018178972A1; of DIFFUSSENCE, published in

[0080] June 28, 2018.

Claims

MODIFIED CLAIMS Received by the International Secretariat on 22.04.2025 Claims

1. [Modified] A capsule (1), made of plastic material, structurally reinforced and intended for the preparation of a beverage; characterized in that it comprises a body (2), which includes a top section (3), a first side wall (4), a second side wall (5), an open base section (6) and a flange (7); wherein: the top section (3) intersects a vertical axis (8); and wherein the first side wall (4) is arranged in at least one circumferential section around the vertical axis (8) and is adjacent to the top section (3); and wherein the second side wall (5) is arranged in at least one circumferential section around the vertical axis (8) and is adjacent to the first side wall (4); and wherein the diameter of the circumferential section formed by the first side wall (4) is equal to or less than the diameter of the circumferential section formed by the second side wall (5);and wherein the open base section (6) intersects the vertical axis (8) and is adjacent to the second side wall (5), said open base section (6) including a flange (7) which is disposed on the peripheral portion of said open base section (6); and wherein the top section (3), the first side wall (4), the second side wall (5) and the open base section (6) internally delimit a chamber; (9); and a central surface (10), which is incorporated in the top section (3); and a top perimeter structural reinforcement (11), which is arranged along the perimeter of said central surface (10) and is projected from said central surface (10) into the chamber (9); and a plurality of lateral structural reinforcements (12) with varying thickness and angles, in which an end portion of the lateral structural reinforcement (12) is connected to the top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) and in which the lateral structural reinforcement (12) is arranged longitudinally along the first side wall (4) and in which the lateral structural reinforcement (12) is projected from an inner portion of the first side wall (4) into the chamber (9).

2. The capsule (1) for preparing a beverage according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lateral structural reinforcement (12) is arranged longitudinally along the first wall. MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) side wall (4) and along at least a portion of the second side wall (5), and the lateral structural reinforcement (12) is projected from an inner portion of the first side wall (4) and from an inner portion of the second side wall (5) into the chamber (9).

3. The capsule (1) for preparing a beverage according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes at least three lateral structural reinforcements (12).

4. The capsule (1) for preparing a beverage according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lateral structural reinforcements (12) are equally spaced from each other.

5. The capsule (1) for preparing a beverage according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) is selected from the group consisting of a hollow prism and a hollow cylinder.

6. [Modified] The capsule (1) for preparing a beverage according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top perimeter structural reinforcement (11) and the lateral structural reinforcements (12) are configured as ribs connected to each other and designed to: withstand structural stresses during use of the capsule (1); withstand stresses during extraction of the capsule (1) in the injection production process; and create separation points so that, after disposal of the capsule, it subdivides into multiple pieces, accelerating its degradation process.

7. The capsule (1) for preparing a beverage according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flange (7) is configured to be connected with a film or base closure filter (13).

8. [Cancelled] MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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