Compostable top lid structure for a beverage preparation capsule

Abstract

The invention concerns a capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, wherein the capsule (1) has a rotational symmetry and comprises: - a storage portion (2) in the form of a cup-shaped capsule body (5) comprising a sidewall (52), delimiting a chamber (6) for containing a substance (7) for the preparation of the beverage, and a flange portion (3) delimiting a circular opening (51) in the capsule body (5); - a closing membrane (4) made of biodegradable and / or compostable materials, the closing membrane (4) being connected; along its periphery; to the flange portion (3) of the capsule body (5), to close the chamber (6), and comprising in a layered manner: • a carrier layer (41), and • a barrier layer (42) providing a, preferably bidirectional, barrier against oxygen and / or water vapor or moisture, the barrier layer (42) being positioned on the surface of the closing membrane (4) that is oriented towards the chamber (6), wherein the carrier layer (41) has a radial extension (d) that is smaller than the radial extension (D) of the closing membrane (4). The invention is also related to a system for preparing a beverage using said capsule and to the use of the claimed capsule.

Description

[0001] COMPOSTABLE TOP LID STRUCTURE FOR A BEVERAGE PREPARATION CAPSULE

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a beverage capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, to a system for preparing a beverage comprising said capsule and to the use of said capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine.

[0004] Background

[0005] Single-serve beverage capsules for beverage preparation machines are known in the art. These capsules are commonly used for on demand dispensing of beverages, like coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and enjoy popularity due to their fresh tasting, variability of flavors and the convenience of the beverage preparation.

[0006] They are a convenient and clean approach to beverage consumption. In the following description, the generic term "capsule" will be used and encompasses single use containers for preparing beverages for human consumption by insertion in a beverage preparation machine that is adapted to inject a fluid - in principle hot water - into the container for mixing with an ingredient contained therein. Such beverage containers are not limited to rigid capsules, but also comprise semi-rigid capsules, or so-called "pods". So far, such capsules were mainly manufactured from plastics such as polyolefins or biodegradable plastics, or from aluminium, and then closed with a membrane to close the capsule in a tight manner.

[0007] Capsules, especially for food and beverage need to fulfil various purposes. Beyond storage of their contents, they need to be mechanically resistant to resist to the extraction process used for extracting the beverage from the beverage ingredient stored inside the capsule.

[0008] Usually in order to prepare a beverage, the capsule containing a beverage component or ingredient is inserted in a capsule holder of a beverage preparation machine, the capsule holder is closed, and the beverage preparation is started. Fluid, such as water or milk, is delivered to the capsule to interact with the beverage component contained inside the capsule to produce the desired beverage.

[0009] According to a well-known system using centrifugal forces, the capsule is filled with the extracting fluid and undergoes rotation inside the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine. The brewed beverage is extracted by rotating the capsule using centrifugal forces and exits the capsule via specific openings made along the periphery of the capsule's closing membrane. This system is proposed by Nespresso® and is known as Nespresso Vertuo® system.

[0010] According to another well-known system, when a sufficient amount of the fluid fills the capsule, the capsule opens under pressure of the fluid to release the prepared beverage. For example, opening of the capsule can be accomplished by pressing an extraction face of the capsule with a force effected by increasing pressure of the fluid inside the capsule against an opening structure (comprising relief and recessed elements) provided in the capsule holder such that the extraction face is torn upon reaching a breaking stress thereof. This system is proposed by Nespresso® and is known as Nespresso Original® system.

[0011] As can be understood, a high number of parameters and dynamic effects can influence the opening process of the capsule on the extraction face with the aforementioned opening structure and thus, repeatability and consistency in the opening process are difficult to achieve, which may have a negative impact on the result of the finished beverage.

[0012] In the case of capsules used in the Nespresso® Vertuo® system, it has been found that the membrane closing the capsule needs to show specific properties to ensure proper piercing for both fluid injection and beverage exiting openings.

[0013] In the prior art, these technical challenges are addressed, by forming the closing membrane, forming the extraction face, as a membrane made of aluminium with a very precisely controlled thickness, in particular, of about 20 to 40 micrometers and flexibility. Aluminium offers a number of advantages, such as good sealing properties, high-pressure resistance, durability, low weight, provision of long shelf-life and letting the taste of the prepared beverage unaltered.

[0014] In addition to Aluminium capsules, some consumers are expecting capsules made of alternative material, and in particular capsules made of compostable material or made of recyclable material.

[0015] Hence, in the recent period, new packaging solutions have been developed that are either biodegradable after use, or recyclable, and in particular such that a used container can be either composted or recycled in a recycling stream that, for example, is adapted for paper or carton ("paper recycling stream").

[0016] In particular, beverage preparation capsules have recently been developed which are made of cellulosic material, for instance fiber pulp (or "pulp" or "fiber") which is molded to form a rigid or semi-rigid capsule cup-shaped body defining a compartment for containing a beverage precursor ingredient such as roast and ground coffee, or alternatively, paper material which is formed into a three-dimensional capsule component from a flat sheet of paper. The cup-shaped body is closed by attaching (e.g. by sealing) a wall, for instance a membrane or a film to it.

[0017] In particular, the design of the closing membrane forming the extraction face of the capsule with alternative materials appears to be challenging, as it is not possible to simply transfer the design principles and solutions applied for the former aluminium capsules and membranes to these new materials.

[0018] Indeed, approaches that simply replace the known aluminium formed capsules and / or membrane with a compostable cellulose-based material have proved unsuccessful, for the two following reasons. First, the quality of the prepared beverages, reproducibility of flavors and beverage consistency were not comparable with the high standards set by the known aluminium-based capsules and secondly it raised some interaction issues between the capsule and the beverage preparation machines.

[0019] This is for example the case with one specific Vertuo® beverage preparation machine. This particular example is exemplified in connection with Figures 1A and IB comparing the interaction of a standard capsule comprising an aluminum membrane and a capsule made of cellulosic material comprising a non-optimized cellulose-based membrane, with an extraction unit, comprising a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine.

[0020] Conventionally, during beverage preparation, for example in a Nespresso Vertuo® machine, a capsule is inserted into the brewing chamber of the extraction unit of the beverage preparation machine. The machine comprises water injection means, equipped with at least one needle or blade, and an opening structure, comprising piercing elements in the form of a set of spikes or blades, which are both designed to pierce through the thickness of the capsule membrane. Further to the injection of water inside the capsule, through the needle of the injection means, water mixes with the ingredient. The produced beverage is then withdrawn out of the capsule upon rotation of the capsule via openings pierced through the closing membrane of the capsule by the spikes.

[0021] Internal water pressure and / or agitation (by rotation of the capsule) is necessary to achieve proper extraction of flavors, proteins and other components from the substance or precursor ingredient contained therein and allow a good quality product to be dispensed to the consumer.

[0022] As depicted in figure 1A, the brewing chamber 120 of the beverage preparation machine is formed by the coupling of a holding portion 112 (also named "capulse holder" or "chalice"), into which is accommodated the capsule 1, and a closing member 114 when the beverage preparation machine is in its closed configuration. The closing member 114 comprises a closing plate 115 on which are arranged the injection means 116 equipped with at least one needle 117 and the opening structure 118 comprising piercing elements 119 in the form of spikes 119a.

[0023] More precisely, the closing member 114 and the holding portion 112 are each mounted on a spring arrangement which provides some movement flexibility when the brewing chamber 120 is moved from its open to its closed configuration and allows to absorb closing forces which may otherwise damage either the capsule or the machine. The compression force of the springs is adapted such that it is more than the force required for piercing the closing membrane 4 of the capsule with water injection needle 117 and the opening spikes 119a of the closing member 114.

[0024] Furthermore, in order to guarantee that no water leaks outside the closed brewing chamber 120 during beverage preparation with the above described specific Vertuo® beverage preparation machine, a sealing element 113 is located at the interface between the closing member 114 and the holding portion 112. The sealing element 113 is generally made of a rubbery material that has some ability to be compressed.

[0025] When a capsule 1 is inserted in the brewing chamber 120 and the beverage machine is in its closed position, as illustrated in figure 1A, a flange portion 3 of the capsule body 5 and the closing membrane 4 of the capsule, are pinched between the closing plate 115 of the closing member 114 and the holding portion 112 together with the sealing element 113; the closing force of the brewing chamber is such that the sealing element 113 is slightly compressed against the flange portion 3 of the capsule, thus keeping the brewing chamber 120 hermetically closed. With this arrangement, no liquid can pass at the interface between the capsule 1, the closing plate 115, the holding portion 112, and the sealing element 113.

[0026] As can also be seen in figure 1A, in this closed configuration of existing machines and using prior art capsules - generally made of aluminium and comprising an aluminium membrane - the closing plate 115 of the closing member 114 is further locked by a set of closing hooks 121, which cooperate with corresponding protrusions 122 of the holding portionll2, such that both closing plate 115 and holding portion 112 are locked together during functioning of the machine.

[0027] As previously mentioned, in order to propose alternatives to recycling used aluminium capsules, new materials are envisaged to manufacture the capsules, in particular cellulosic materials, such as cellulosic pulp, paper of various grammage, to which compostable barrier polymers are added, in order to provide a barrier against moisture and oxygen transfer, and therefore protect the ingredient contained within the capsule against degradation during storage. The inventors have experienced that simple change of material from the existing capsule (which is typically aluminium) to a new material which is based on cellulose, for capsules to be used in existing machines may bring technical issues mainly due to higher thickness and rigidity of the new cellulose-based capsule and closing membrane when compared to aluminium capsules and membrane.

[0028] First, the surface profile of the new cellulose-based closing membrane does not perfectly fit the profile of the closing plate of the closing member of the extraction chamber, which may cause incomplete piercing of the capsule membrane by the injection means and opening structure of the of the closing plate, as depicted in figure IB.

[0029] Second, the cellulosic material used for manufacturing the closing membrane of the capsule may be too rigid and brittle, such that the needle of the injection means and / or the spikes forming the piercing elements of the opening structure, do not properly pierce the closing membrane 4 of the capsule 1 during the extraction process. In addition, in some instances, the cellulosic material cracks or tears around the piercing area, which is of course undesirable as it creates passages for water to leak through, back to the upper surface of the capsule.

[0030] Third, the thickness of cellulosic capsule is increased versus the thickness of previously existing capsules. As a result, when the machine is closed as depicted in figure IB, the closing plate 115 cannot move down entirely against the upper side of the holding portion 112 and is kept at a certain distance therefrom because the space between said closing plate 115 and holding portionll2 cannot accommodate the thicker closing membrane 4. As a result, closing hooks 121 and protrusions 122 cannot properly lock to one another, and the brewing chamber does not properly close. In some instances, as illustrated in figure IB, the hooks 121 of the closing plate 115 can be deformed outwardly due to the oversized top membrane 4, which pushes the water injection plate 1 upwardly. As a result, also, the sealing element 113 is not properly compressed at the interface between the closing member 114 and the holding portion 112, against the flange portion of the capsule, and water leaks L occur at this interface which may leads to water leaks L around and outside the brewing chamber 120.

[0031] As understood, any cellulose-based, preferably compostable, capsule and membrane need to be conceived first to fully fit within the extraction unit of the beverage preparation machine avoiding any leaks, uncomplete piercing or misalignments during the extraction process but should also be conceived so that the capsule may be used in any machines of a given extraction system. Indeed, full retro-compatibility of a newly conceived capsule, for a given extraction system, for example for the Vertuo® extraction system, is a crucial point to ensure the consumer can use the newly conceived compostable capsule in any beverage preparation machine of the given extraction system. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a capsule with a configuration and design that facilitates the use of compostable materials for the different components of the capsule while maintaining and / or exceeding the quality and continuity standards of the capsule itself and of the prepared beverage as set by a comparable aluminium capsule with the ability to use the capsule in any of the existing beverage preparation machine of the given system for which the capsule is conceived thereby ensuring full retro-compatibility.

[0032] These and other objects, which become apparent upon reading the description, are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0033] Summary of the Invention

[0034] As used herein, the term "machine" or "device" may refer to an electrically operated device or machine that: can prepare, from a precursor material or ingredient, a beverage and / or foodstuff, or; can prepare, from a pre-precursor material, a precursor material that can be subsequently prepared into a beverage and / or foodstuff. The machine may implement said preparation by one or more of the following processes: dilution; heating; pressurisation; cooling; mixing; whisking; dissolution; soaking; steeping; extraction; conditioning; infusion; grinding, and other like process. The machine may be dimensioned for use on a work top, e.g. it may be less than 70 cm in length, width and height. As used herein, the term "prepare" in respect of a beverage and / or foodstuff may refer to the preparation of at least part of the beverage and / or foodstuff (e.g. a beverage is prepared by said machine in its entirety or part prepared to which the end-user may manually add extra fluid prior to consumption, including milk and / or water).

[0035] As used herein, the term "container" or "capsule" may refer to any configuration to contain the precursor material, e.g. as a single-serving, pre-portioned amount. The container may have a maximum capacity such that it can only contain a single serving of precursor material. The container may be single use, e.g. it is physically altered after a preparation process, which can include one or more of: perforation to supply fluid; for example a liquid like water, to the precursor material; perforation to supply the beverage / foodstuff from the container; opening by a user to extract the precursor material. The container may be configured for operation with a container processing unit of the machine, e.g. it may include a flange for alignment and directing the container through or arrangement on said unit. The container may include a rupturing portion, which is arranged to rupture when subject to a particular pressure to deliver the beverage / foodstuff. The container may have a membrane for closing the container. The container may have various forms, including one or more of: frustoconical; cylindrical; disk; hemispherical, and other like form. The container may be formed from various materials, such as metal or plastic or wood pulp based a combination thereof. As a preference in the present invention, the container is a compostable capsule, preferably made of cellulose and preferably made as a cellulose or wood pulp molded capsule. The material may be selected such that it is: food-safe; it can withstand the pressure and / or temperature of a preparation process. The container may be defined as a capsule, wherein a capsule may have an internal volume of 5 - 100 ml. The capsule may be a coffee capsule, e.g. a Nespresso® capsule (including Original Line and Vertuo Line).

[0036] As used herein, the term "system" or "beverage or foodstuff preparation system" may refer to the combination of any two or more of: the beverage or foodstuff preparation machine; the container; the server system, and the peripheral device.

[0037] As used herein, the term "system" or "beverage or foodstuff preparation system" may refer to the combination of any two or more of: the beverage or foodstuff preparation machine; the container; the server system, and the peripheral device.

[0038] As used herein, the term "beverage" may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a potable substance, which may be chilled or hot. The beverage may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The beverage may include one or a combination of: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; cordial; vitamin composition; herbal tea / infusion; infused / flavoured water, and other substance. As used herein, the term "foodstuff" may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a nutriment for eating, which may be chilled or hot. The foodstuff may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The foodstuff may include yoghurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; custard; smoothies; other substance. It will be appreciated that there is a degree of overlap between the definitions of a beverage and foodstuff, e.g. a beverage can also be a foodstuff and thus a machine that is said to prepare a beverage or foodstuff does not preclude the preparation of both. As a preference, the beverage is coffee including roast and ground coffee.

[0039] As used herein, the term "precursor material" or "ingredient" or "substance" may refer to any material capable of being processed to form part or all of the beverage or foodstuff. The precursor material can be one or more of a: powder; crystalline; liquid; gel; solid, and other. Examples of a beverage forming precursor material include ground coffee; milk powder; tea leaves; coco powder; vitamin composition; herbs, e.g. for forming a herbal / infusion tea; a flavouring, and; other like material. Examples of a foodstuff forming precursor material include dried vegetables or stock as anhydrous soup powder; powdered milk; flour-based powders including custard; powdered yoghurt or ice-cream, and; other like material. A precursor material may also refer to any pre-precursor material capable of being processed to a precursor material as defined above, i.e. any precursor material that can subsequently be processed to a beverage and / or foodstuff. In an example, the preprecursor material includes coffee beans which can be ground and / or heated (e.g. roasted) to the precursor material. As a preference, within the disclosed extraction process, the precursor material is roast and ground coffee.

[0040] As used herein, the term "fluid" (in respect of fluid supplied by a fluid conditioning system) may include one or more of: water; milk; other. As used herein, the term "conditioning" in respect of a fluid may refer to changing a physical property thereof and can include one or more of the following: heating or cooling; agitation (including frothing via whipping to introduce bubbles and mixing to introduce turbulence); portioning to a singleserving amount suitable for use with a single serving container; pressurisation e.g. to a brewing pressure; carbonating; filtering / purifying, and; other conditioning process.

[0041] As used herein, the term "processing unit" may refer to an arrangement that can process precursor material to a beverage or foodstuff. It may refer to an arrangement that can process a pre-precursor material to a precursor material.

[0042] As used herein, the term "container processing unit" may refer to an arrangement that can process a container to derive an associated beverage or foodstuff from a precursor material. The container processing unit may be arranged to process the precursor material by one of more of the following: dilution; heating; cooling; mixing; whisking; dissolution; soaking; steeping; extraction; conditioning; pressurisation; infusion, and: other processing step. The container processing unit may therefore implement a range of units depending on the processing step, which can include: an extraction unit (which may implement a pressurised and / or a thermal, e.g. heating or cooling, brewing process); a mixing unit (which mixes a beverage or foodstuff in a receptacle for end user consumption therefore; a dispensing and dissolution unit (which extracts a portion of the precursor material and processes by dissolution and dispenses it into a receptacle), and: other like unit.

[0043] As used herein, the term "preparation process" may refer to a process to prepare a beverage or foodstuff from a precursor material or to prepare a pre-precursor material from precursor material. A preparation process may refer to the processes electrical circuitry executes to control the container processing unit to process said precursor or preprecursor material.

[0044] As used herein the term "wood pulp-based" may refer to the material or a portion of material forming the container which is one or more of: porous; fibrous; cellulosic; formed of cellulosic material; formed of natural cellulosic material; formed of reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material; non-woven; is composed entirely of or is a composition of wood pulp and is wet formed. A thickness of the wood-based material may be 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm or about 0.5 mm. The wood-based material may be 200-400 gsm.

[0045] As used herein the term "non-woven" may refer to a fabric-like material which is not woven or knitted. A non-woven material may be made from bonded together fibres. As used herein the term "porous" may refer to material configured with interstices to transmit water (or other liquid) therethrough. As used herein the term "fibrous" may refer to material comprised of fibres, which may be present in one or more of the material constituents. As used herein the term "cellulosic" or "cellulosic material" may refer to conventionally woody and / or non-woody materials, e. g. manila hemp, sisal, jute, bleached and unbleached soft wood and hard wood species. A cellulosic material may include a regenerated or reconstituted cellulose. As used herein the term "natural cellulosic material" may refer to conventionally woody materials, which are not regenerated. As used herein the term "reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material" may refer natural cellulosic material subject to processing that comprises reconstitution or regeneration, examples include rayon and lyocell. As used herein the term "wood pulp" may refer to a lignocellulosic fibrous material, which may be prepared by mechanical or chemical separation of cellulose fibres from one or more of wood, fibre crops, paper or rags.

[0046] As used herein the term "wet formed" may refer to a process of forming from an aqueous solution of fibres. The aqueous solution of fibres may be heated and pressed in a mould to set the material and remove water therefrom.

[0047] As used herein the term "dry formed" may refer to a process of forming not using aqueous solution of fibers.

[0048] Generally, the term "biodegradable" may be understood as meaning that a material is capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other biological means.

[0049] The expression "biodegradable material" may be understood as any material that can be broken down into environmentally innocuous products by (the action of) living things (such as microorganisms, e.g. bacteria, fungi or algae). This process could take place in an environment with the presence of oxygen (aerobic) and / or otherwise without presence of oxygen (anaerobic). This may be understood, for example, as meaning that composting can be carried out without reservation. In particular, at the end of a composting process there are no residues of the material, which may be problematic for the environment, or any non-biodegradable components.

[0050] Generally, the term "compostable" may be understood as meaning that a material may be substantially broken down into organic matter within a few weeks or months when it is composted. At the end of a composting process, the earth may be supplied with nutrients once the material has completely broken down. International standards, such as EU 13432 or US ASTM D6400, provide a legal framework for specifying technical requirements and procedures for determining compostability of a material. For instance, according to these standards, compostable materials must be biodegradable and disintegrable, i.e. fragmentation and invisibility in the final compost, and must not have negative effects on the composting process and quality. Composting may be accomplished in home composters and / or industrial composting sites. Defined conditions relating to wind, sunlight, drainage, and other factors may exist at such sites.

[0051] Biodegradation can be tested following standards such as ISO 14855, ISO 17556 or ISO 14851. For example, one of the tests requires that - in order to be considered as being "industrially compostable" - at least 90% of the material in question is biologically degraded under controlled conditions in 6 months. Similar tests exist also to enable home composting certification.

[0052] For "home compostable" requirements, home-compostable materials may be composted in home composters, such as compost barrels or a home compost bin over a period of weeks or months (e.g. at least 90% degradation of materials in 12 months at ambient temperature). As a result of the composting process, the home-compostable materials may be converted into a nutrient-rich soil. Thus, a home-compostable container can be simply disposed in a home-compost pile after its use.

[0053] The capsule presented in the context of the invention may be described as a Nespresso® Vertuo® capsule and has a diameter of 2 - 5 cm and an axial length of 2 - 4 cm. Constructional, manufacturing and / or (beverage) extraction details of containers and / or closing members (in Aluminium) are for instance disclosed in EP 2155019, EP 2155021, EP 2316310, EP 2152608, EP2378932, EP2470053, EP2509473, EP2667757 and EP 2528485. In such system, the preparation of the beverage by using centrifugation may use centrifugation processes and corresponding capsules, process and devices are disclosed in WO 2008 / 148601, W02008 / 148650, US 5,566,605, WO 2013 / 072351, WO 2013 / 007776, WO 2013 / 007779 and WO 2013 / 007780.

[0054] However, other type of container and systems may be considered as needed. For example, the capsule of the invention may also be a Nespresso® Original capsule. The Nespresso® Original system when used with capsule made of aluminium, are disclosed along with their opening system, for example, in one or more of EP0512468A1, EP0512470A1, EP1646305A1, EP1165398A1, EP1654966A1 or EP2142054A1. In these references, constructional, manufacturing and / or (beverage) extraction details of such aluminium capsules and / or closing members are also disclosed. In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated: the capsule may have other cross-section shapes, including square, other polygons, or elliptical; the flange is alternatively connected to the upper surface of the closing member, e.g. by crimping; the base is alternatively arranged, including with as flat or curved; the flange portion is connected to the storage portion rather than being integrally formed.

[0055] A first aspect of the invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine. In these respects, the invention provides a capsule according to Claim 1.

[0056] In more details, the capsule may be understood as a receptacle for containing a substance for preparing a beverage and preferably may form a case or container that surrounds the substance.

[0057] The preparation of the beverage in a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine while the capsule is hosted between the holding portion and the closing member of the brewing chamber, in the is made through injection of the fluid inside the capsule and interaction of the fluid with the substance / beverage ingredient, which may include any kind of chemical and / or physical reaction between the substance and the fluid, such as wetting, infusion, extraction, dissolution, and / or any other kind of corresponding interaction to produce a beverage product.

[0058] The capsule generally has a rotational symmetry along a central axis A and comprises a capsule body and a closing membrane.

[0059] The capsule body delimits a storage portion in the form of a cup-shaped capsule body. The storage portion comprises a sidewall, delimiting a chamber defined as compartment, cavity or hollow space, in the capsule for containing a substance for the preparation of the beverage. The capsule body may be made of biodegradable, preferably compostable, material. The storage portion further comprises a flange portion delimiting a circular opening in the sidewall of the capsule body.

[0060] The capsule further comprises a closing element for closing the capsule body. The closing element, which is in the form of a closing membrane, may as well be made of made of biodegradable and / or compostable materials. The closing membrane may be connected; along its periphery; to the flange portion of the capsule body, to tightly close the chamber.

[0061] As proposed the closing membrane comprises in a layered manner a carrier layer and a barrier layer. The barrier layer provides a, preferably bidirectional, barrier against oxygen and / or water vapor or moisture and is positioned on the surface of the closing membrane that is oriented towards the chamber. Particularly, the carrier layer of the closing membrane has a radial extension (d) that is smaller than the radial extension (D) of the closing membrane.

[0062] The reduced radial extension of the carrier layer over the closing membrane makes it possible to have the connecting zone between the capsule and closing membrane exclusively made from the barrier layer which lowers down the total thickness of the capsule at the location of its close interaction with the closing member of the brewing chamber. The closing of the brewing chamber is then improved and the risk of leakage during the extraction process reduced.

[0063] According to a proposed feature, the carrier layer of the closing membrane extends over the circular opening without extending over the flange portion of the capsule body. With the proposed arrangement, the closing membrane is connected to the flange portion of the capsule body solely via its barrier layer. This makes it possible to reduce locally, at the region of the flange portion of the capsule, the total thickness of the capsule. This feature allows to maintain a tight closure of the brewing chamber of the beverage preparation machine when the capsule is hosted in the brewing chamber thereby ensuring a regular extraction without leakage.

[0064] In addition, this feature also allows increasing the flexibility of the closing membrane proximal the flange portion of the capsule to perfectly fit with the closing member of the brewing chamber so that during closing of the brewing unit of the beverage preparation unit, the interaction between the injection means and the closing membrane is improved, and the piercing is more efficient. This feature also helps avoiding in cup coffee grounds.

[0065] According to one possible feature the carrier layer of the closing membrane comprises a central opening centered on the rotational axis of the capsule. In the proposed feature, the closing membrane comprises, at the location of the central opening of the carrier layer, the barrier layer ensuring the capsule is fully closed and tight. This feature may also be advantageous in that the piercing of the closing membrane for the injection of the water may be made easier. In fact, depending on the material and / or thickness of the carrier layer, the piercing of the closing membrane by the injection means of the beverage preparation machine may be improved.

[0066] For instance, it is proposed that the carrier layer extends over a maximum of 90 % of the radial extension (D) of the closing membrane, preferably between 25 and 90 %, more preferably between 50 and 90 %, most preferably between 65 and 90 %. The proposed range ensures that sufficient flexibility is brought to the closing membrane when it starts interacting with the injection means of the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine.

[0067] Within the disclosure of the structure of the closing membrane, the carrier layer of the closing membrane is a layer made of, or a laminate comprising a material selected within the group of cellulose fibers, paper, calendared paper, parchment paper, biopolyesters, Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Polyhydroxy butyrate (PH B) and co-polymers, Polybutylene succinate (PBS / PBS-A), biopolyesters, Cellulose Acetate, starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polymers where at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol, and combination thereof.

[0068] The proposed materials are biodegradable and / or compostable thereby participating in the biodegradability and / or compostability properties of the closing membrane and of the full capsule.

[0069] According to a possible option, the carrier layer comprises plant-based cellulose fibers, preferably plant-based fibers comprising wood and / or non-wood fibers.

[0070] More particularly, the carrier layer is made of a material, preferably a paper-based material, having a grammage between 10 g / m2 and 150 g / m2, preferably between 20 g / m2 and 100 g / m2. This allows for a variety of paper to be chosen according to the need, in particular depending on the extraction system for which the capsule and the closing membrane are developed.

[0071] According to a further feature, the carrier layer is a filter layer and / or comprises filter function. The filter layer is, preferably, made of non-woven compostable material. This feature further brings the advantage of being able, according to the needs, to filter the beverage exiting the capsule.

[0072] The characteristics of the filter can be set by defining their area density of material, i.e. as mass per unit of area. For example, the tensile strength of the filter can be improved by increasing the grammage of its material and / or by using a (non-woven) material comprising fibers of a defined length and / or with a defined fiber bonding. Moreover, the filtration capacity and / or the porosity of the filter can be modified, e.g. reduced to smaller particle diameters, by setting the filter layer's material characteristics accordingly. Thereby, it is possible to tailor the filter characteristics of the carrier layer to the specific requirements of the beverage preparation.

[0073] According to a possible feature the barrier layer is biodegradable and / or compostable and comprises at least one biopolymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), butanediol vinyl alcohol co-polymer (BVOH) or any vinyl alcohol co-polymers where at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol, and compounds or laminates of the above-mentioned materials.

[0074] It may be preferred that the barrier layer is made of a different material than the carrier layer as the expected physicochemical properties of the barrier layer is the protection of the substance enclosed in chamber against moisture and / or oxygen and not any filtering or retention properties.

[0075] According to another possible feature the barrier layer comprised a metallized layer. The layer may be made of an inorganic compound selected within the list of metals, metalloids, or a combination thereof. Said inorganic layer may have a thickness comprised between 1 and 100 nm. Such a moisture barrier inorganic layer may be deposited e.g. by vacuum deposition or transfer metallization. The metals and / or metalloids are preferably selected within the list of aluminium, aluminium oxide (AIOx), or silicon oxide (SiOx), or a combination thereof. Metallized layers have the advantage of increasing the moisture and / or water vapor barrier function.

[0076] With specific selection of the material forming the carrier layer and the barrier layer, the proposed membrane is designed as being suitable for both the injection of a fluid in the capsule's chamber and for the extraction of the formed beverage outside of the capsule.

[0077] In particular, the periphery of the closing membrane is connected to the flange portion of the capsule body by adhesive bonding or sealing, preferably heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing, of the barrier layer to the flange portion, the periphery of the closing membrane sealed to the capsule body being void of carrier layer. The proposed feature makes it possible to have both a tight sealing between the closing membrane and the capsule body and to reduce the thickness of the capsule (capsule body and closing membrane) at the location of the flange portion which, in use, is sandwiched between the capsule holding portion and the closing member of the brewing chamber of the beverage machine. The brewing chamber may then perfectly be locked to start extraction of the capsule.

[0078] In addition, the capsule body further comprises a layered and / or laminated liner structure comprising an oxygen and / or water vapor or moisture barrier and extending on the inner surface of the capsule body defining the chamber and on the flange portion of the capsule body facing away from the sidewall. Hence, the barrier layer of the closing membrane is connected to the liner structure. This connection is made by sealing or adhesive bonding of the barrier layer to the liner structure, preferably by heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing.

[0079] The use of a layered and / or laminated liner structure applied on the inner surface of the capsule body comprising an oxygen and / or water vapor or moisture barrier, guarantees freshness of the beverage ingredient over the lifetime of the capsule, and especially during storage until use. The direct connection of the layered and / or laminated liner structure to the barrier layer of the closing membrane ensures that full tightness of the capsule and also full barrier against oxygen and / or water vapor or moisture. Connection by sealing is preferred as it is a very efficient connection between the two proposed elements, and it is also easy to apply in the production line.

[0080] More particularly, the thickness of the capsule at the location the closing membrane is connected to the flange portion is less than the total thickness of the different elements at this same location, namely the flange portion, the liner structure and the barrier layer. Thanks to the connection by sealing where the liner structure and the barrier layer are linked and their material melt together, the thickness of the capsule (capsule body and closing membrane) is further reduced at the location of the flange portion of the capsule. This, therefore, provides an improved control of the thickness of the capsule ensuring full closure of the brewing unit for the extraction of a capsule of the invention.

[0081] The use of sealing technology is particularly interesting as during sealing, the barrier layer and the liner structure, at the location of the flange portion, are compressed together leading to the melting of the barrier layer and liner structure which mixes together and to the reduction of the thickness of this specific portion of the capsule body. The sealing technology may also induce a creeping effect which further decreases the thickness of the capsule at this location.

[0082] It is further proposed that the closing membrane further comprises an adhesive layer, positioned on the barrier layer, on the side of the closing membrane facing the chamber, for connecting the closing membrane to the flange portion. Such feature is further improving the sealing between the closing membrane and the flange portion of the capsule.

[0083] Preferably, the adhesive layer is of a biodegradable and / or compostable material, such as vegetable-based starch or acrylic adhesive so as to participate to the biodegradability / compostability of the complete capsule.

[0084] The adhesive layer may be made of a different material than the barrier layer and / or the liner structure to ensure each layer of the closing membrane is bringing properties which effects may be combined to the benefit of the closing membrane.

[0085] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a system for preparing a beverage comprising a capsule containing a beverage ingredient, preferably roast and ground coffee and as above described and a beverage production machine.

[0086] The proposed system makes use of a beverage production machine comprising a fluid dispensing unit capable of feeding an amount of a fluid, such as water, to the capsule, and with a brewing chamber, comprising a first part forming a holding portion for the capsule and a second part, connected to the fluid dispensing unit, forming a closing member for closing the brewing chamber. The closing member comprises injection means for injecting the fluid inside the capsule and an opening structure comprising a plurality of piercing elements for engaging with the closing membrane of the capsule thereby forming beverage delivery openings, when the brewing chamber holding the capsule is closed.

[0087] In use, the injection means face and interact first with either the carrier layer or the barrier layer of the closing membrane, and the opening structure faces and interacts first with either the carrier layer or the barrier layer of the closing membrane.

[0088] The proposed structure of the closing membrane and resulting interaction with the closing member of the brewing chamber ensure that both the injection means, generally in the form of at least one needle located centrally on the closing member, and the opening structure, made of piercing elements located in the periphery of the closing member, will interact with the closing membrane sequentially and in a way to provide efficient piercing of the closing membrane.

[0089] Thereby a reduced thickness of the capsule may be obtained at the location of the flange portion allowing for an improved closure of the brewing unit of the beverage preparation machine.

[0090] More particularly, thanks to the proposed structure of the closing membrane and its specific connection to the capsule body, the closing membrane is allowed to be pushed inwardly in the direction of the chamber of the capsule for an efficient piercing.

[0091] An additional aspect of the present invention relates to a use of a capsule as described above for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine having a capsule holding portion. So, a beverage can be prepared in an advantageous and ecologically beneficial manner.

[0092] Brief description of the Drawings

[0093] The invention is further described with reference to the following examples. It will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not intended to be limited in any way by these examples.

[0094] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0095] Figure 1A is a partial enlarged view of a brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine that shows the arrangement of a capsule inserted therein that is made of a non-cellulosic material. Figure IB is a figure similar to Figure 1A, wherein the capsule is manufactured, in a non-optimized way, with a cellulosic material.

[0096] Figures 2A and 2B are schematic illustrative diagrams showing a capsule processing system of a capsule of the invention in a beverage preparation machine.

[0097] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule body used in the invention.

[0098] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a capsule according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0099] Figures 5A and 5B show cut-out section views of the capsule of Figure 4.

[0100] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-section of portion of the capsule of Figure 4.

[0101] Figures 7A and 7B show alternative closing membranes of a capsule of the invention according to the first embodiment.

[0102] Figures 8A and 8B show top views of extracted capsules on the side of the closing membranes with closing membranes respectively corresponding to the ones presented in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0103] Figures 9A and Figures 9B are presenting a perspective and a cross section perspective views of a second embodiment of the proposed invention, in which the carrier layer of the closing membrane comprises a central opening.

[0104] Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of the behavior of the closing membrane when sealed on the flange portion of a capsule of the invention.

[0105] Detailed description

[0106] As used in this specification, the words "comprises", "comprising", and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean including, but not limited to.

[0107] Any reference to prior art documents in this specification is not to be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

[0108] The figures show different views and aspects of a capsule 1 the present invention for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine in accordance with the present invention. Figures 2A and 2B are illustrative diagrams of the extraction process of the capsule, Figures 4 to 6, 9A and 9B show different aspects and embodiments of the capsule and Figures 3, 7A, 7B; 8A, 8B and 10 show proposed structure of one of the elements of the capsule of the present invention. A capsule 1 is presented in Figures 3 to 6. The capsule 1 includes a storage portion 2 for storing a beverage ingredient 7, a flange portion 3 and a closing membrane 4.

[0109] The proposed capsule 1 is to be used in a beverage preparation machine comprising different elements among which a container processing unit (not represented), a fluid dispensing unit 200 and a code reading system 300 as presented in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0110] The capsule 1 includes: a storage portion 2, a flange portion 3 and a closing membrane 4.

[0111] The beverage preparation machine may for example be a Nespresso® Vertuo® system which working process will shortly be presented.

[0112] The container processing unit 100 is arranged to process the capsule 1 to derive a beverage or foodstuff from precursor material (not illustrated) therein. Generally, the code reading system 300 of the beverage preparation machine uses the preparation information, in the form of a code element 8 on the capsule, to control the container processing unit 100 to execute the preparation process.

[0113] The code reading system 300 of the machine may comprise an image capturing unit 310 to detect and / or read the code element 8 positioned on the capsule for processing specific recipes and propose optimised extraction of the ingredient contained in the capsule. The location of the code element 8 on the capsule may vary depending on the extraction system and related dedicated container.

[0114] The container processing unit 100 can be implemented with a range of configurations, one of which is illustrated in the example below.

[0115] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the container processing unit 100 is configured as an extraction unit 110 to extract the beverage from the capsule 1. The extraction unit 110 includes a capsule holding portion 112 and a closing member 114. The extraction unit 110 is movable to a capsule receiving position (figure 2A), in which the capsule holding portion 112 and the closing member 114 are arranged to receive a capsule 1.

[0116] In operation, a capsule 1 may be placed on the flange portion 3 inside the capsule holding portion 112 of the extraction unit.

[0117] The extraction unit 110 is movable to a capsule extraction position (figure 2B), in which the capsule holding portion 112 and a closing member 114 form a sealed chamber also called brewing chamber 120 around the capsule 1.

[0118] The extraction unit 110 further comprises on the closing member 114: injection means 116 comprising a needle 117 to penetrate the capsule to form one or more fluid inlets 11 and to inject fluid (received from the fluid dispensing unit 200) into the capsule 1 when the capsule is in the extraction position, and an opening structure 118 comprising a plurality of piercing elements 119 in the form of a set of spikes 119a for engaging with the closing membrane of the capsule and for forming beverage outlets 10 for the beverage delivery when the capsule is in the extraction position.

[0119] The beverage outlets 10 (also designated as beverage delivery openings) are arranged to capture the extracted beverage and convey it from the brewing chamber 120 to the consumer cup (not represented). The injection of the fluid inside the capsule 1 (through the needle 117 of the injection means 116) and the beverage outlets 10 are arranged on the same side of the capsule 1 (here, on the side of the closing member of the capsule).

[0120] The beverage can then be extracted from the capsule 1.

[0121] In the present case, the extraction unit 110 is arranged to prepare a beverage by application of a conditioned fluid (generally water) at a medium pressure (around 7 to 10 bars) to the precursor material or substance 7 hosted in the capsule 1 thanks to the inlet 11 formed by the injection means 116. The capsule is spun at a given rotational speed (depending among other on the material precursor inside the capsule and / or on the desired sensory profile of the beverage to be obtained), and the beverage is extracted out of the capsule 1 by centrifugation. The extracted beverage exits the capsule via the beverage outlets 10 formed in the closing membrane by the opening structure 118 upon closure of the brewing chamber 120. The extraction unit 110 can be actuator driven or manually movable between said positions.

[0122] As shown more specifically in Figure 2A, the image capturing unit 310 is provided on the capsule holding portion 112 and is arranged to read the code element 8 positioned on the flange portion 3 of the capsule 1. The code element 8 is, in the present case, located on the side of the flange portion 3 directed towards the capsule body 5 of the capsule 1. The code element 8 is positioned in regard to the image capturing unit 310 when the capsule is in the extraction position (figure 2B).

[0123] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, 9a and 9b, a capsule 1 for use within the beverage preparation machine above presented, is shown.

[0124] As mentioned, the capsule 1 includes: a capsule body 5 comprising a storage portion 2 and a flange portion 3, closed by a closing membrane 4.

[0125] With reference to Figure 3, a local capsule coordinate axis includes a depth direction

[0126] 100, longitudinal direction 102, and a lateral direction 104. A rotational axis 106 extends in the depth direction 100 and defines a radial direction 108, which is in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction 102, and the lateral direction 104.

[0127] The capsule 1 has a circular cross-section when viewed in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 102, and the lateral direction 104.

[0128] The storage portion 2 is in the form of a cup-shaped capsule body 5 having an opening 51. The capsule body includes a cavity forming a chamber 6 for storage of a substance (or ingredient) 7 for the preparation of a beverage. The capsule body 5 comprises a side wall 52 and base 53.

[0129] The opening 51 and the base 53 are on opposite sides of the capsule body 5. For example, the substance 7 is filled inside the capsule 1 through the opening 51. The substance 7 may fill the chamber 6 entirely. However, there may be a free space between the opening 51 and the filling level of the substance 7, which may be filled with an inert gas for keeping the substance 7 fresh.

[0130] The sidewall 52 and the base 53 are here provided such that they form a continuous mantle surface of the capsule body 5. For example, the sidewall 51 may have an inside surface facing the chamber 6 and an outside surface facing away from the chamber 6.

[0131] The flange portion 3 is arranged to interconnect the storage portion 2 and the closing membrane. Preferably, the flange portion 3 of the capsule 1 extends from the sidewall 52 of the capsule body 5, preferably away from the chamber 6 and may delimit the opening 51.

[0132] The flange portion 3 is arranged as an annular ring, which extends in the radial direction 108. The flange portion 3 presents an upper surface 31, which is arranged in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 102, and the lateral direction 104. The upper surface 31 is connected to a periphery of an interior surface of the closing membrane. A lower surface 32 of the flange faces towards the storage portion 2. As presented on figures 2A and 2B, the code element 8 is positioned on the lower surface 32 of the flange portion 3.

[0133] The capsule body 5 may have a composite structure and / or may be made from a composite material, which preferably may consist entirely of biodegradable and / or compostable materials.

[0134] In the proposed embodiments, the capsule body 5 is made of cellulose-based material, cellulose pulp and is therefore biodegradable, preferably compostable.

[0135] The term "cellulose pulp" refers to a pulp comprising cellulose fibers in a percentage higher than 50% by weight, preferably ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

[0136] The term "cellulose fibers" refers to fibers having a wood and / or a wood free origin. The fibers, by way of non-limiting examples, are: hard wood cellulose fibers, soft wood cellulose fibers, wheat fibers, corn fibers, bagasse fibers, bamboo fibers, hemp fibers, cotton fibers, other similar vegetable or plant fibers, or a combination thereof.

[0137] The capsule body 5 of the capsule 1 is preferably obtained by molding in a mold a dry or wet, preferably wet, cellulose pulp.

[0138] The capsules body 5 is furthermore preferably formed of a wood pulp-based material as a wet pulp molded element. The resulting capsule body 2 has, for example, a wood pulpbased material having a thickness of 150 to 300 pm.

[0139] Alternatively, the capsule body 5 may be shaped from a sheet made of cellulose pulp, by deforming it into a mold to confer to the sheet the desired cup shape, as usual for the skilled person.

[0140] For example, the capsule body 5 may be made of (laminated) (wet / dry) molded pulp fiber. Preferably, the capsule body 5 may be made of a biodegradable and / or compostable material.

[0141] Alternatively, the capsule body 5 may comprise a layered and / or laminated structure. For example, the capsule body 5 may be relatively stiff or rigid so not to collapse during operation in a beverage production machine or during storage. The layered and / or laminated design may provide the capsule body 5 with additional rigidity and / or stiffness in comparison to other designs. Therein, the molded pulp fiber may be a composite having an additional substrate, such as biodegradable resin, laminated on the capsule body 5.

[0142] Alternatively, the capsule body 5 may be made of paper-based material or of a paperbased material with a laminate, specifically shaped to delimit a chamber 6.

[0143] In order to bring the necessary protection to preserve the ingredient 7 hosted inside the chamber6 from oxidation and moisture, the capsule body 5 comprises on its inner surface facing the chamber 6 a layered and / or laminated liner structure so-called "barrier liner" for providing a preferably bidirectional barrier against moisture and / or oxygen for the ingredient.

[0144] The barrier liner 9 is generally a mono- or multilayer polymeric film comprising, for example a polymer of non-fossil origin or a BioSource polymer, that is preferably laminated and that is adhered to the inner surface of the pulp-based capsule body (i.e., the surface turned towards the ingredient). Adhering the liner onto the pulp-based material of the capsule body 5 is done, for example, by thermoforming the barrier liner 9 inside the capsule body 5 or by thermoforming the barrier liner 9 and the capsule body 5 in a mold.

[0145] In the proposed embodiments, the barrier liner 9 extends on all the inner surface of the capsule body and from the inside of the capsule body 5 to the upper surface 31 of the flange portion 3 of the capsule body 5. In this way, the barrier liner 9 delimits at least the entire chamber 6 for housing the beverage substance.

[0146] The barrier liner 9 may be provided additionally or alternatively on the outside surface of the sidewall 52. Additionally, or alternatively, the protective layer may be provided as a coating having similar barrier properties.

[0147] The barrier liner 9 is made of at least a home compostable polymer, so that it is possible to throw the capsule or at least the cup-shaped body in the household compostable waste.

[0148] In a proposed solution, the barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and / or water vapor or moisture barrier properties, surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing said barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material.

[0149] The barrier liner 9, by way of non-limiting examples, may comprise one or more of following layers: an outermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA / bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA), or a combination thereof, a first tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin, a barrier layer comprising a polymer for example, selected within the list of: butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or a combination thereof, a second tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin, an innermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA) or a combination thereof.

[0150] Preferably, the innermost and outermost polymeric layers may have a thickness comprised between 10 and 50 pm, and said layer has an elongation at break comprised between 10% and 800%. Preferably, the first and second tie layer may have a thickness comprised between 1 and 12 pm. Preferably, the barrier layer has a melting point temperature comprised between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness comprised between 1 and 15 pm. In a proposed solution, the barrier liner 9 may have a total thickness comprised between of 50 and 100 pm, generally around 60 to 70 pm.

[0151] In the presented embodiments, the capsule body 5 is formed by wet pulp molding. Therein, a slurry of biodegradable pulp material, such as wood pulp, bagasse pulp, non-wood pulp, and / or cellulose based pulp in any form, may be pressed into a mold to form the capsule body 5. Thereafter, the so formed capsule body Sis dried. The inside surface of the capsule body 5 is then provided with the barrier liner 9 which extends inside the capsule body and on the upper surface of the flange portion 3.

[0152] The capsule 1 hosts a substance 7 which comprises a beverage ingredient or a beverage precursor. The beverage precursor or ingredient and may be any type of (solid, liquid, at least partially soluble and / or percolate-able) matter of a particular or definite chemical constitution. Examples for substances 7 may be roasted ground coffee, instant coffee, tealeaves, syrup concentrate, fruit extract concentrate, a chocolate product, dehydrated edible substances, and / or combinations thereof. Accordingly, examples for beverages that may be prepared may be coffee- or chocolate-based drinks, or other similar types of food. However, the above examples for the substance 7 and beverages are not to be seen as a complete enumeration. Instead, various other examples are conceivable.

[0153] Preferably, the substance 7 is roast and ground coffee.

[0154] The capsule 1 in its construction comprises a closing membrane 4, shown in Figure 4 and in the following figures, that is provided to hermetically seal the substance 7 inside the storage portion 2 of the capsule. As exemplified in Figures 4, 5A and 5B, the closing membrane 4 is arranged in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 102, and the lateral direction 104 (as presented in connection with Figure 3). The closing membrane 4 is connected along its periphery to the upper surface 31 of the flange portion 3 of the capsule body 5 and extends entirely over the opening 51 overlapping (with) the flange portion 3, therefore closing the storage portion 2.

[0155] The closing membrane 4 is be connected to the flange portion 3, as visible in Figure 6, for example, by heat-sealing or adhesive bonding to close the chamber 6, thereby forming a closed capsule 1.

[0156] The closing membrane is made of biodegradable and / or compostable materials to allow full compostability of the capsule 1 after its extraction. The closing membrane 4 has a thickness about 100 pm (outside of the portion to be connected to the flange portion of the capsule body).

[0157] As visible from Figures 4 to 6, the closing membrane 4 comprises several layers.

[0158] Namely, the closing membrane comprises a carrier layer 41 and a barrier layer 42. In these figures, the carrier layer 41 has a radial extension d smaller than the radial extension D of the closing membrane 4. The carrier layer 41 appears smaller in diameter than the closing membrane.

[0159] As shown in Figures 5B and 6, the closing membrane 4 extends over the circular opening 51 of the capsule body 5 and is connected to the capsule body 5 on the flange portion 3. Hence the closing membrane 4 has a diameter greater than the one of the circular opening 51. On the other hand, the carrier layer 41 does not extend over the flange portion 3 of the capsule body 5.

[0160] In Figures 7A and 7B are shown two different extension of the carrier layer 41 on the same closing membrane 4. In these figures, the closing membrane 4 has a diameter D of 54 mm and the diameter d of the carrier layer is about 48 mm in Figure 7A and 36 mm (in Figure 7B.

[0161] As proposed, the carrier layer 41 extends over a maximum of 90 % of the radial extension D of the closing membrane 4, preferably between 25 and 90 %, more preferably between 50 and 90 %, most preferably between 65 and 90 %.

[0162] Hence, the radial extension d of the carrier layer covers between 25 and 90% of the radial extension D of the closing membrane 4.

[0163] With such configuration, at the location of the flange portion 3, the thickness of the closing membrane 4 which is about 100 pm is reduced to the thickness of the barrier layer 42 which is generally comprised between 30 and 50 pm. This allows a reduction of about 50% of the thickness of the closing membrane 4 at the location of its connection with the capsule body 5, i.e. at the location of the flange portion 3.

[0164] As presented in the Figures, the carrier layer 41 is positioned on the external side of the closing membrane 41, opposite the chamber 6 of the capsule body.

[0165] The carrier layer 41 may generally be a layer made of, or a laminate comprising a material that may be selected within the group of cellulose fibers, paper, calendared paper, parchment paper, biopolyesters, Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) and co-polymers, Polybutylene succinate (PBS / PBS-A), biopolyesters, Cellulose Acetate, starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polymers where at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol, and combination thereof.

[0166] In the present embodiment, the carrier layer 41 is a paper-based material, for example a calendared paper or a parchment paper comprising plant-based cellulose fibers comprising wood and / or non-wood fibers. Therein, the thickness and density of the material may influence the stiffness, i.e. the resistance to a bend, of the carrier layer 41. The carrier layer 41 may have a thickness of material of 10 to 150 ^m, preferably 30 to 70 pm.

[0167] Alternatively, or additionally, the paper-based material forming the carrier layer 41 has a grammage between 10 g / m2and 150 g / m2, preferably between 20 g / m2and 100 g / m2.

[0168] In the proposed embodiments, the carrier layer 41 may also have a filter function to filter any particle of the substance enclosed in the capsule chamber, for example roast and ground coffee, coming out of the capsule to ensure that no particles from the substance are entering the extracted beverage.

[0169] The carrier layer 41 is then preferably made of non-woven material.

[0170] Thereby, the characteristics of the carrier layer 41 with its optional filter properties can be set by defining their area density of material, i.e. as mass per unit of area. For example, the tensile strength of the carrier layer can be improved by increasing the grammage of its material and / or by using a (non-woven) material comprising fibers of a defined length and / or with a defined fiber bonding. Moreover, the filtration capacity and / or the porosity of the carrier layer can be modified, e.g. reduced to smaller particle diameters, by setting the carrier layer's material characteristics accordingly. Thereby, it is possible to tailor the carrier layer to the specific requirements of the beverage preparation.

[0171] Turning to the barrier layer 42, the barrier layer as described the proposed embodiment is positioned on the side of the closing membrane 4 facing the capsule opening 51, i.e. the chamber 6 of the capsule body 5. The barrier layer 42 aims at providing a barrier against oxygen and / or water vapor or moisture for optimal preservation (in combination with the liner structure 9 of the capsule body) of the nutritional properties and aromas of the substance 7 hosted in the chamber6.

[0172] The barrier layer 42 may be provided in the form of a single layer or in the form of multiple layers and its total thickness may vary between 30 pm and 50 pm. The amount of barrier material in the one or more layers of the barrier layer 42 may be comprised between 0,1 to 30 gsm (g / m2).

[0173] The barrier layer 42 is made of a biodegradable (preferably compostable material) such as biopolymers, polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or copolymers, or butanediol vinyl alcohol co-polymer (BVOH) or any polymers or co-polymers where at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol, and compounds or laminates of the above- mentioned materials. In the present case, the barrier layer is made of BVOH (Butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer) or co-polymer.

[0174] The barrier layer 42 also comprises a metallized layer made of metals and / or metalloids preferably selected within the list of aluminium, aluminium oxide (AIOx), or silicon oxide (SiOx), or a combination thereof with a thickness comprised between 1 and 100 nm. Metallized layer(s) provides an improved oxygen and water vapor barrier to the barrier layer 42.

[0175] Hence, the barrier layer 42 may comprise one or more of: a Butenediol-vinyl-alcohol-copolymer (BVOH) layer, a Polyvinyl-alcohol (PVOH) layer, a PVOH copolymer layer, a Polyglycolic acid (PGA) layer, cellophane, a metallization coating, a SiOx based coating, an AIOx based coating, or a combination thereof.

[0176] In any case, the barrier layer 42 is configured to integrate biodegradable and / or compostable materials and to provide optimum barrier properties for an improved shelf life of the capsule and tight connection to the flange portion 3 of the capsule body.

[0177] Preferably, each of the carrier layer 41 and the barrier layer 42 of the closing membrane 4 is made of a different biodegradable and preferably compostable material, wherein preferably the different materials distinguish in at least one of their respective physical properties, such as tensile strength, ductility, elasticity, puncture resistance, density, porosity, and / or, if applicable, fiber structure and / or fiber orientation.

[0178] Turning to Figures 9A and 9B, a second embedment of the closing membrane 4 is presented in which in addition to the reduced radial extension d of the carrier layer 41 vis-a- vis the closing membrane 4, the carrier layer 41 comprises a central opening C centered onto the rotational axis of the capsule 1. As understood, this opening C is at the location the injection means 116 will pierce the closing membrane 4 upon closure of the brewing chamber 120 of the beverage preparation machine. Hence at this location, the closing membrane is made only from the barrier layer 42. The thickness of the closing membrane 4 is therefore reduced to the thickness of the barrier layer 42 at this location. The proposed alternative may help the injections means 116 of the closing member 114 piercing the closing membrane 4. Figures 8A and 8B are top view of extracted capsules comprising closing membranes respectively corresponding to the closing membranes of Figures 7A and 7B.

[0179] In Figure 8A, the closing membrane 4 is presented after extraction. The closing membrane 4 is initially (before extraction) similar to the closing membrane 7A and after extraction, it comprises a centrally located injection opening 11 made by the injection means 116 of the beverage preparation machine and peripheral beverage outlets 10 made by the opening structure 118 of the beverage preparation machine. In this configuration, both the injection means 116 and the opening structures 118 respectively via the needle 117 and piercing elements 119, have first interacted with the carrier layer 41 of the closing membrane 4 before piercing the closing membrane 4.

[0180] In Figure 8B the closing membrane 4 is presented after extraction. The closing membrane 4 is initially (before extraction) similar to the closing membrane 7B and after extraction, it comprises a centrally located injection opening 11 made by the injection means 116 of the beverage preparation machine and peripheral beverage outlets 10 made by the opening structure 118 of the beverage preparation machine. In this configuration, the injection means 116 via the needle 117 has first interacted, during closure of brewing chamber 120, with the carrier layer 41 of the closing membrane 4 and the opening structure 118 via the piercing elements has first interacted with the barrier layer 42 of the closing membrane 4, which at this location does not comprise any carrier layer 41.

[0181] Figures 6 and 10 are presenting in detail, the connection between the capsule body 5 equipped with the liner structure 9 and the closing membrane 4. In these Figures, Figure 6 is a partial cross section view of the capsule 1 and Figure 10 is an enlarged schema showing the specific connection of the closing membrane 4 and flange portion 3 of the capsule body 5. The connection between the two elements is made by adhesive bonding or sealing.

[0182] As represented on the Figures, the periphery of the closing membrane 4 is connected to the flange portion 3 of the capsule body 5. At the location of the connection, the closing membrane 4 is solely constituted by the barrier layer 42 and is void of carrier layer 41. At the location of the connection between the two elements, the thickness of the capsule 1 (formed by assembly of the closing membrane 4 onto the capsule body 5) is reduced due to the absence of carrier Iayer41 having a radial extension d smaller than the radial extension D of the closing membrane 4.

[0183] Hence, the thickness of the capsule 1 at this location is reduced to the addition of the thicknesses of the following elements: capsule body 5 (150 to 250 pm), barrier liner 9 (50 to 100 pm) and barrier layer 42 of the closing membrane (30 to 50 pm). The thickness of the capsule at the connection's location then ranges approximately between 230 pm and 400 pm. 1 To connect the closing membrane 4 to the capsule body 5 comprising the barrier liner 9, it is preferred to use sealing technology, preferably heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing. At the location of the connection between the closing membrane 4 and the capsule body 5 on which is attached the liner structure 9, the sealing then occurs between the barrier layer 42 and the liner structure 9.

[0184] By using sealing technology, the thickness of the capsule 1 at the location of the connection between the closing membrane 4 and the capsule body 5 is further decreased by the pressing that is applied during the sealing, by the melting of the materials of the two elements that are sealed together and also by the material creeping occurring during the process.

[0185] After the sealing, the thickness of the capsule at the connection's location may reach less than 200 pm, for example between 180 and 200 pm. Material creeping occurring during the compression applied for the sealing, may also contribute to the thickness reduction of the capsule 1 at this location.

[0186] Hence, the thickness of the capsule 1 at the location the closing membrane 4 is connected to the flange portion is less than the total thickness of the different elements at this same location, namely the flange portion 3, the liner structure 9 and the barrier layer 42.

[0187] This further decrease of the capsule thickness at this specific location is particularly appreciated as it helps for the perfect closing of the brewing chamber 120 of the beverage preparation machine for some specific models.

[0188] As schematically represented in Figure 10, the barrier liner 9 and the barrier layer 42 have melted together and are forming a connected (or melted) layer CL thereby reducing the total thickness of the capsule 1 at this location.

[0189] This is also represented in Figure 6 where both layers, namely the barrier liner 9 and the barrier layer 42, are visible in the capsule's structure, except at the location of their connection on the flange portion 3 of the capsule body 5. At this specific location, the two layers have melted together.

[0190] With the proposed structure of the closing membrane 4 and specific capsule structure, during closure of the closing member 114 of the beverage preparation machine for the preparation of a beverage, the injection means 116 of the brewing chamber 120 may interact with different elements of the closing membrane 4.

[0191] For example, when the closing membrane 4 does not comprise any central opening C in the carrier layer 41 (as presented in Figures 4, 5A and 5B), the injection means 116 face and interact with the carrier layer 41 of the closing membrane 4 while the piercing elements 119 of the opening structure 118 face and interact solely with the barrier layer 42 of the closing membrane 4.

[0192] In another configuration, when the closing membrane 4 comprises a central opening C in the carrier layer 41 (as presented in Figures 9A and 9B), the injection means 116 face and interact directly (and solely) with the barrier layer 42 of the closing membrane 4 and the opening structure 118 face and interact also directly and solely with the barrier layer 42 of the closing membrane 4.

[0193] In an additional proposed embodiment, the closing membrane 4 further comprises an adhesive layer, positioned on the barrier layer 42, on the side of the closing membrane 4 facing the chamber 6, for connecting the closing membrane 4 to the flange portion 3 of the capsule body 5.

[0194] By wisely selecting the adhesive layer, said layer may add minimal thickness at the location of the connection between the capsule body 5 with the liner structure 9 and the closing membrane 4.

[0195] The adhesive layer is of a biodegradable and / or compostable material to contribute to the biodegradable / compostable properties of the entire capsule. It may be made of a vegetable-based starch or acrylic adhesive.

[0196] The adhesive layer is selected to be made of a different material than the barrier layer 42 and / or the liner structure 9 in order to contribute to improving the connection between the two elements.

[0197] As previously mentioned, the invention is also related to the use of a capsule and system as above described.

[0198] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments of the capsules described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention covered by the appended claims.

[0199] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0200] Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, example or claims prevent such a combination, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples, and of the following claims may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of the example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of the claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment", "according to an embodiment" and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an', 'one' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment.

[0201] The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various implementations of the present disclosure.

Claims

Claims1. A capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, wherein the capsule (1) has a rotational symmetry along an axis A and comprises:- a storage portion (2) in the form of a cup-shaped capsule body (5) made of biodegradable, preferably compostable, material, comprising a sidewall (52), delimiting a chamber (6) for containing a substance (7) for the preparation of the beverage, and a flange portion (3) delimiting a circular opening (51) in the capsule body (5);- a closing membrane (4) made of biodegradable and / or compostable materials, the closing membrane (4) being connected; along its periphery; to the flange portion (3) of the capsule body (5), to close the chamber (6), and comprising in a layered manner: o a carrier layer (41), and o a barrier layer (42) providing a, preferably bidirectional, barrier against oxygen and / or water vapor or moisture, the barrier layer (42) being positioned on the surface of the closing membrane (4) that is oriented towards the chamber (6), wherein the carrier layer (41) has a radial extension (d) that is smaller than the radial extension (D) of the closing membrane (4).

2. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein the carrier layer (41) of the closing membrane (4) extends over the circular opening (51) without extending over the flange portion (3) of the capsule body (5).

3. The capsule (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carrier layer (41) comprises a central opening centered on the rotational axis of the capsule (1).

4. The capsule (1) according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carrier layer (41) extends over a maximum of 90 % of the radial extension (D) of the closing membrane (4), preferably between 25 and 90 %, more preferably between 50 and 90 %, most preferably between 65 and 90 %.

5. The capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier layer (41) is a layer made of or a laminate comprising a material selected within the group of cellulose fibers, paper, calendared paper, parchment paper, biopolyesters, Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) and co-polymers, Polybutylene succinate (PBS / PBS-A), biopolyesters, Cellulose Acetate, starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polymers where at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol, and combination thereof.

6. The capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier layer (41) comprises plant-based cellulose fibers comprising wood and / or non-wood fibers.

7. The capsule (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier layer (41) is made of a material, preferably a paper-based material, having a grammage between 10 g / m2and 150 g / m2, preferably between 20 g / m2and 100 g / m2.

8. The capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier layer(41) is a filter, preferably made of non-woven compostable material.

9. The capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier layer(42) is biodegradable and / or compostable and comprises at least one biopolymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), butanediol vinyl alcohol co-polymer (BVOH) or any vinyl alcohol co-polymers where at least one of the monomer units is vinyl alcohol, and compounds or laminates of the above-mentioned materials.

10. The capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier layer(42) comprises a metallized layer made of metals and / or metalloids preferably selectedwithin the list of aluminium, aluminium oxide (AIOx), or silicon oxide (SiOx), or a combination thereof.

11. The capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the periphery of the closing membrane (4) is connected to the flange portion (3) of the capsule body (5) by adhesive bonding or sealing, preferably heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing, of the barrier layer (42) to the flange portion (3), the periphery of the closing membrane (4) sealed to the capsule body (5) being void of carrier layer (41).

12. The capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule body (5) further comprises a layered and / or laminated liner structure (9) comprising an oxygen and / or water vapor or moisture barrier and extending on the inner surface of the capsule body (5) defining the chamber (6) and on the flange portion (3) of the capsule body facing away from the sidewall (52), and wherein the barrier layer (42) is connected to the liner structure (9), by adhesive bonding or sealing to the liner structure, preferably by heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing.

13. The capsule (1) according to claim 12, wherein the thickness of the capsule at the location the closing membrane (4) is connected to the flange portion (3) is less than the total thickness of the different elements at this same location, namely the flange portion (3), the liner structure (9) and the barrier layer (42).

14. The capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing membrane (4) further comprises an adhesive layer, positioned on the barrier layer (42), on the side of the closing membrane (4) facing the chamber (6), for connecting the closing membrane (4) to the flange portion (3).

15. The capsule (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive layer is of a biodegradable and / or compostable material, such as vegetable-based starch or acrylic adhesive, and wherein the adhesive layer is preferably made of a different material than the barrier layer (42) and / or the liner structure (9).

16. System for preparing a beverage comprising a capsule (1) according to anyone of claims 1 to 14 and a beverage production machine with a fluid dispensing unit (200) capable of feeding an amount of a fluid, such as water, to the capsule (1), and with an brewing chamber (120), comprising a first part forming a holding portion (112) for the capsule (1) and a second part, connected to the fluid dispensing unit (200), forming a closing member (114) for closing the brewing chamber (120), wherein the closing member (114) comprises injection means (116) for injecting the fluid inside the capsule and an opening structure (118) comprising a plurality of piercing elements (119) for engaging with the closing membrane (4) of the capsule thereby forming beverage delivery openings (10), when the brewing chamber (120) holding the capsule (1) is closed, and wherein, in use, the injection means (116) face and interact first with either the carrier layer (41) or the barrier layer (42) of the closing membrane (4), and the opening structure (118) faces and interacts first with either the carrier layer (41) or the barrier layer (42) of the closing membrane (4).

17. Use of a capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine having a capsule holding portion (112).

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