Compostable capsules for preparing beverages with improved fastening of the parts

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to capsules (1) for preparing beverages comprising compostable materials and configured so as to provide improved fastening of the lid part (11) on the container part (12), as well as improved structural and functional efficiency when impinged on by a flow of hot fluid under pressure.

Description

DESCRIPTION Compostable capsules for preparing beverages with improved part retention. TECHNICAL DOMAIN

[0001] This description refers to capsules for preparing beverages, especially espresso coffee, made from compostable materials. BACKGROUND

[0002] The state of the art includes solutions relating to capsules for preparing beverages, especially espresso coffee, made from compostable materials. In particular, the state of the art includes capsule solutions comprising two different compostable materials directly bonded on their surface, each with a specific and distinct function.

[0003] The state of the art includes capsules with a first material of paper pulp that provides a structural function including rigid or semi-rigid condition with overall shape maintenance of the capsule, and a second material in a biofilm that provides an oxygen barrier.

[0004] Document EP 3030503 BI discloses a fully compostable beverage preparation capsule of the type of the present disclosure, comprising a first material which is provided in at least 85% by weight of amorphous polylactic acid reinforced with fibers, in particular silica fibers, and arranged so as to surround a second material, provided as an oxygen-impermeable barrier layer, which in this case comprises at least 70% by weight of an oxygen barrier material, including aliphatic polyolefin, in particular glycerol.

[0005] Document EP 4247531 BI discloses a multi-layered, cellulose-based food packaging comprising a plastic layer, a barrier paper layer, and a molded cellulose layer, wherein the packaging has an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of less than 30 cc / m2 / d (23°C, 50%RH) according to the DIN 53338-5 method and a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of less than 20 g / m2 / d (38°C, 90%RH) according to the ISO 2528 method.

[0006] Document EP 2465793 BI discloses capsules for infusion products with container and cap parts of the type shown in this disclosure, including a retention region configured for form-fitting between a plurality of projecting portions of the cap part and the rim of the container part. The disclosed configuration exhibits relatively complex shapes that can be achieved by injection molding of synthetic material, but are difficult to achieve in the case of compostable materials. Furthermore, the cap part has a single upstream projecting portion provided as a narrow element in the central region and extending asymmetrically relative to the central axis of the cap.

[0007] Compostable materials, including biopolymers and paper pulp derivatives, typically exhibit lower rupture strength and structural rigidity than synthetic polymers, so the use of these types of materials raises problems in terms of the capsule's resistance to hydraulic pressure.

[0008] Document EP 2911577 BI was also registered by the applicant for this disclosure, and discloses capsules made of a material including biopolymers, with lower resistance to deformation than synthetic polymer materials, and configured so that the side and base walls of the container part exhibit greater structural strength, this result being provided by means of careful variation in the wall thickness of portions of the container part wall.

[0009] WO 2023 / 061891 Al and WO 2024 / 068417 Al disclose capsules made from molded cellulose with improved oxygen and moisture barrier properties, comprising a container part provided from molded cellulose pulp and a sealing membrane that closes the container part opening. The container part has a barrier lining associated with the inner surface of the container part and fixed to a rim portion that delimits the container part opening. The barrier lining comprises a plurality of layers and may comprise bioPBS. The sealing membrane is provided from extruded coated paper, spun fiber coated paper, or a polymer film comprising a compatible polymer material.

[0010] In this context, the use of compostable materials as construction materials for coffee capsules, such as pressed paper pulp or cellulose, can lead to problems of rupture and structural stability when exposed to extraction by pressurized flow. The hydraulic pressure of the flow in the case of espresso-type coffee extraction is typically between 0.5 and 1.8 MPa. The Applicant has conducted several tests which have established that the impact of pressurized flow on the cap portion and the increase in hydraulic pressure inside the capsule can lead to the rupture of the respective inlet and outlet portions of the capsule. This results in the need to provide a mechanically resistant retention of the cap portion to the container portion, as well as an efficient sealing connection.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to provide capsules for preparing edible products made from compostable materials that are resistant to deformation and rupture under pressure.

[0012] These facts are described in order to illustrate the technical problem solved by the achievements of this document. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0013] The objective of this disclosure is to present capsules for preparing beverages, especially espresso coffee, comprising only compostable materials and with improved structural and functional behavior. This objective applies, for example, to coffee capsules for extraction in a respective extraction device by means of a pressurized upstream flow, with a pressure of at least 0.4 MPa, preferably at least 0.8 MPa, and up to 1.8 MPa.

[0014] An associated objective is to provide capsules comprising only compostable materials and exhibiting good mechanical retention between the lid and container parts, which are made up at least predominantly of a first compostable material.

[0015] The above objective is achieved according to the present disclosure through capsules according to claim 1, with preferred embodiments being disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0016] The solution presented in this description describes a capsule for preparing beverages in a collection chamber, which confines a portion of edible beverage precursor substance, operable by a beverage preparation device, wherein the capsule comprises: a lid part and a container part arranged in an axial direction corresponding to a prevailing direction of pressurized flow; wherein the container part comprises: a top opening, a container rim portion around the top opening, a side wall portion, a base wall portion, and wherein the lid part comprises a projection portion and a lid rim portion configured to interact with the container rim portion of the container part, to provide a retention region between the lid part and the container part;and wherein the rim and projection portions of the lid and container rim jointly provide an axial retention extension and a transverse retention extension; and wherein the rim regions of the lid and container parts are juxtaposed, thus providing an axial rim extension, and the lid and container parts are constituted of a first compostable material comprising a fibrous plant material to provide structural rigidity, and a second compostable material arranged as at least one laminated layer over the surface of the first compostable material and configured to provide an oxygen barrier;and wherein, by joining the second compostable material, the axial retention extension and the transverse retention extension form the retention region comprising said axial retention extension and a frusto-conical retention extension to retain the projection portion and the lid rim portion to the container rim.

[0017] In particular, the objective is achieved according to the present disclosure by means of capsules that have a retention region which includes a downstream projection portion of the lid that engages with the inward-facing side of the container opening surrounded by a container rim portion, wherein the retention region has at least one feature dimension greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the lid and container walls.

[0018] The retention region extends advantageously only in a first contact area between surfaces oriented downstream of the lid rim and upstream of the container rim, relative to the prevailing flow direction, and in a second area between surfaces oriented outwards from the lid projection and inwards from the container rim, relative to the interior of the capsule, thus simplifying the configuration and production of the lid and container parts in the first compostable material, in particular in pressed paper pulp or cellulose.

[0019] The extension of the retention region through formwork between lid and container parts formed mostly of first compostable material advantageously corresponds to the extension of material bonding between surfaces of second compostable material associated with the first compostable material, thereby improving the strength of the bond between the lid and container parts.

[0020] The capsules, according to the disclosure, comprise lid and container parts including a first compostable material comprising a fibrous vegetable substance, including cellulose or other substances derived from cellulose or other vegetable fibers, and which provides mechanical retention between lid and container parts, maintaining overall dimensions when forced by a pressurized flow, in particular the wall thicknesses of the lid and container parts. Preferably, the first compostable material is pressed paper pulp, for example paper pulp derived from deciduous woods, including conifers and myrtaceae.

[0021] Furthermore, capsules according to the present disclosure comprise lid and container parts including a second compostable material configured so as to provide an oxygen barrier, disposed on the inner side of the capsule, and applied as a film or obtained by spraying, in particular by means of an aerosol, over at least the greater part of the generally inward-oriented surface of the lid and container parts. The second compostable material is further configured so as to also provide material bonding of adjacent films by means of heating them.

[0022] This objective is further achieved according to the present disclosure by means of capsules that have mechanically meshed retention regions between the lid and container parts, wherein the lid and container parts have at least one of the following: average wall thickness of the top wall of the lid part between 0.5 mm and 3.0 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm, more preferably between 1.0 mm and 2.3 mm; and average wall thickness of the side wall of the container part between 0.5 mm and 3.0 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0023] In one embodiment, the axial retention extension and the transverse retention extension form, by their union through fusion of the second compostable material, the retention region comprising said axial retention extension and said frusto-conical retention extension, in particular forming the retention region through said union by compression and thermal fusion of the second compostable material.

[0024] In one embodiment, it is preferred when the wall thickness of at least the top portion, preferably of the entire lid part, is greater than the wall thickness of at least the side wall, preferably also of the base wall of the container part.

[0025] In another embodiment, the base wall of the container may have one or more outlet passages with a cutout of a predetermined geometry in order to minimize deformation of the container's side walls during use. This predetermined geometry contributes to more efficient beverage extraction and facilitates capsule removal after use.

[0026] In one embodiment, the predetermined cutting geometry is selected from a list consisting of: cross-shaped opening, star-shaped opening, triangular opening, hexagon-shaped opening, "Y"-shaped opening, spiral opening, multiple micro-holes, petal-shaped opening, fan-shaped opening from a central zone, honeycomb-shaped opening, and combinations thereof.

[0027] In one embodiment, the predetermined cutting geometry is centered on the base wall of the container.

[0028] In one embodiment, the predetermined cutting geometry is not centered on the base wall of the container.

[0029] In one embodiment, the predetermined cutting geometry defines triangular flaps arranged to allow fluid passage, in particular a cross-shaped opening, a "Y"-shaped opening, or a star-shaped opening, or a plurality of sectorial openings, each sectorial opening comprising two cuts, forming three or more arms radiating from a center.

[0030] In one embodiment, the predetermined cutting geometry comprises a cross-shaped opening 0.5 to 2.5 mm wide, preferably 0.8 to 2 mm.

[0031] Within the scope of this description, and in this case as in the case of other characteristics associated with wall thicknesses, the term wall thickness may include in each case at least one of the respective nominal, maximum and average thicknesses associated with the respective construction element or portion of a capsule construction element.

[0032] A related objective is to provide capsules comprising only compostable materials and exhibiting good material bonding between lid and container parts, which are made up at least predominantly of a first compostable material.

[0033] The above objective is achieved according to the present disclosure by means of capsules comprising lid and container parts materially joined by respective extensions of a second material along a joining extension that extends along at least the greater part of at least one of: the contact region and the retention region between the lid's rim and projection portions and the container's rim portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0034] For easier understanding, the figures are attached, which represent preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this description.

[0035] Figure 1: Schematic representation of a side view of a first embodiment of a capsule (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2: Schematic representation of a side view of a second embodiment of a capsule (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 3: Schematic representation of a side cutaway view of a first embodiment of a capsule (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 4: Schematic representation of a side cutaway view of a second embodiment of a capsule (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 5: Schematic representation of a side cutaway detail view of the retention region between lid parts (11) and container parts (12) of a capsule (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 6: Schematic representation of a side cutaway detail view of the retention region between lid (11) and container (12) parts of a capsule (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 7: Schematic representation of a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the lid part (11) of a capsule (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8: Schematic representation of a top perspective view of a second embodiment of the lid part (11) of a capsule (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 9: Schematic representation of a side cutaway view of a form of embodiment of a capsule container part (12) according to the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 10: Schematic representation of a top view of a form of embodiment of a capsule container part (12) according to the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 11: Schematic representation of a perspective view from the base wall side (123) of a form embodiment of part of a capsule container (12) according to the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 12: Schematic representation of a perspective view from the base wall side (123) of a form embodiment of part of a capsule container (12), with a compostable material (IV) on the outside of the first compostable material (I) in which the outlet passages (120) are provided according to the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 13: Schematic representation of a basic perspective view of another embodiment of the container part (12) of a capsule (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 14: Schematic representation of a side cutaway view, of the embodiment of Figure 13, of part of a capsule container (12) according to the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 15: Schematic representation of a top view, of the embodiment of Figure 13, of part of a capsule container (12) according to the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 16: Schematic representation of a top view, of one embodiment of the container part (12) of capsule (1) according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The capsules (1) described in this disclosure are capsules configured to confine an individual portion of edible substance, for example roasted and ground coffee beans, with an oxygen barrier, and in such a way that they are operable by a pressurized flow, for example hot water at a pressure between 0.4 MPa and 1.8 MPa, in an extraction device of a beverage preparation apparatus.

[0052] A first embodiment of capsule (1), according to the present disclosure, is represented in Figure 1. The capsule (1) has a lid part (11) with a rim portion (1110) that rests on a rim portion (121) of container part (12), wherein the lid (11) and container (12) parts have wall portions oriented upstream and downstream respectively, configuring coplanar surfaces along at least the largest part of the characteristic transverse dimension of capsule (1), in this case diameter.

[0053] According to one aspect, the edge portion (1110) of the lid part (11) has a smaller axial extension than the axial extension of the edge portion (121) of the container part (12).

[0054] In terms of construction, the capsule (1) comprises a lid part (11) and a container part (12) configured so as to confine a collection volume (A) for edible substance, for example roasted and ground coffee beans.

[0055] The capsule (1) comprises a lid portion (11) and a container portion (12) which has a container opening surrounded by a rim portion (121), as well as a side wall (122) and a base wall (123).

[0056] The capsule (1) comprises a lid part (11) and a container part (12) having perimeters and outer walls that are symmetrical with respect to a central axial axis (XX) and along the axial direction (X) of the capsule (1), at least approximately equal to the prevailing direction of fluid flow inside the capsule (1).

[0057] The lid part (11) and the container part (12) are arranged successively along the axial direction of the capsule (1), that is, along the prevailing direction of pressurized flow.

[0058] The lid part (11) is advantageously configured to allow flow into the collection volume (A) and the container part (12) is advantageously configured to allow flow out of the collection volume (A).

[0059] The capsule (1) comprises a lid portion (11) and a container portion (12) configured so that they can be mutually retained by means of a retaining region extending along a perimeter extension associated with the opening flange of the container portion (12).

[0060] In the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the lid part (11) has an upstream projection portion (113), and the container part (12) has a downstream projection portion (124) which comprises the base wall (123).

[0061] According to one aspect, the capsule (1) in this case presents entry passage regions (110) associated at least in the vicinity of the upstream projection portion (113), and exit passages (120) associated with the base wall (123) of the downstream projection portion (124).

[0062] As represented in Figure 3, the capsule (1) comprises a lid portion (11) which has a lid rim portion (1110) that extends radially outward, preferably delimiting a projection portion (111) that extends upstream along the axial direction (X).

[0063] The capsule (1) comprises a container part (12) having a container rim portion (121) that projects outward relative to the side wall portion (122) along the perimeter of the opening of the container part (12).

[0064] The container rim portion (121) is configured so as to provide a retention region for the rim portions (1110) and lid projection (111), preferably by means of form fitting of the rim portions (1110) and lid projection (111) onto respective surfaces of the container rim portion (121).

[0065] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the lid (11) and container (12) parts are configured so as to provide contact surfaces comprising a joining extension (UE) for material joining along a perimeter extension of the container rim portion (121), for example by welding a certain compound.

[0066] In terms of constituent materials, the capsule (1) comprises a first compostable material (I), consisting at least in part of a fibrous plant material, and configured in such a way as to provide structural rigidity at least to the container part (12), preferably also to the lid part (11).

[0067] The capsule (1) further comprises a second compostable material (II) provided as a film with at least one layer and configured so that it can be laminated onto a surface of the first material (I), in particular onto a surface on the inside and / or oriented towards the inside of the capsule (1), so that it provides an oxygen barrier to at least part of the collection volume (A) relative to the outside.

[0068] The lid (11) and container (12) portions are made up, at least in their respective structural walls that make up their respective shapes, at least mostly of a first compostable material (1).

[0069] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured in such a way that the lid part (11) and the container part (12) comprise a first material (I) that has a combination of fibers of different lengths, preferably without PLA, and comprise a layer of second material (II) that has a compostable material film, such as Biopbs®.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first compostable material (I) preferably comprises, at least mostly by weight, pressed paper pulp.

[0071] In one embodiment, the first compostable material (I) preferably comprises, at least predominantly by mass fraction, a substance derived from deciduous wood, such as cellulose, including at least one of cellulose pulp and cellulose fiber. - a specific tensile strength of at least 700 kPa / 100g.nr 2 , preferably at least 1 MPa / 150 g.rrr2 ; - a density per unit area between 50 and 250 / m² 2 , preferably between 70 and 200 kg / m² 2 .

[0072] In one embodiment, the first compostable material (I) preferably comprises, at least predominantly by mass fraction, compacted or pressed paper pulp.

[0073] In one embodiment, the second compostable material (II) is a biofilm configured with at least one layer and configured so that it provides an oxygen barrier from the collection volume (A) to the outside.

[0074] In one embodiment, the second compostable material (II) is a thermally manipulable configured biofilm designed to provide material bonding by means of material fusion.

[0075] In one embodiment, the second compostable material (II) is a biofilm exhibiting at least one of: - bio-based polybutylene succinate, produced from the polymerization of bio-based succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol; - an ISO 527-2 tensile strength between 20 and 40 MPa.

[0076] In one embodiment, the second compostable material (II) is a biofilm devoid of PVOH.

[0077] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the capsule (1) comprises a certain dimensional relationship between the wall thicknesses of the lid part (11) and the container (12), mostly made up of the first compostable material (I), in particular compacted paper pulp, thus better adjusting the quantities of said first compostable material to the requirements of resistance to hydraulic pressure.

[0078] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) comprises a lid portion (11) having a top wall portion (112) having a wall thickness (ell2) greater than the wall thickness (el22) of the side wall portion (122) of the container portion (12).

[0079] In one embodiment, the top wall portion (112) comprises entrance passage regions (110) and has a wall thickness (ell2) between 0.5 mm and 3.0 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm, more preferably between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm, most preferably at least in the vicinity of the entrance passage regions (110).

[0080] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) comprises a lid portion (11) with an outer diameter between 37 and 40 mm, preferably between 37.5 and 39.5 mm.

[0081] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) comprises a container part (12) with a rim portion (121) that has a diameter between 38 and 40 mm, preferably between 38.5 and 39.5 mm.

[0082] In one embodiment, the axial retention extension and the transverse retention extension form, by their union through fusion of the second compostable material, the retention region comprising said axial retention extension and said frusto-conical retention extension, in particular forming the retention region through said union by compression and thermal fusion of the second compostable material.

[0083] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the lid part (11) is smaller than the outer diameter of the container part (12).

[0084] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the lid part (11) is equal to the outer diameter of the container part (12), for best results.

[0085] In another embodiment, the base wall of the container may have one or more outlet passages with a cutout of a predetermined geometry in order to minimize deformation of the container's side walls during use. This predetermined geometry contributes to more efficient beverage extraction and facilitates capsule removal after use, for better results.

[0086] In one embodiment, the predetermined cutting geometry is selected from a list consisting of: cross-shaped opening, star-shaped opening, triangular opening, hexagon-shaped opening, "Y"-shaped opening, spiral opening, multiple micro-holes, petal-shaped opening, fan-shaped opening from a central zone, honeycomb-shaped opening, and combinations thereof, for best results.

[0087] In one embodiment, the predetermined cutting geometry is centered on the base wall of the container for best results.

[0088] In one embodiment, the cutting geometry is not centered on the base wall of the container, for better results.

[0089] In one embodiment, the predetermined cutting geometry defines triangular flaps arranged to allow fluid passage, in particular a cross-shaped opening, a "Y"-shaped opening, or a star-shaped opening, or a plurality of sectorial openings, each sectorial opening comprising two cuts, forming three or more arms radiating from a center, for best results.

[0090] In one embodiment, the predetermined cutting geometry comprises a cross-shaped opening 0.5 to 2.5 mm wide, preferably 0.8 to 2 mm, for best results.

[0091] As represented in Figure 2 and following, the capsule (1) may comprise a lid portion (11) having on the downstream side an annular lid projection portion (111), preferably a single lid projection portion, projecting downstream and configured so that the outer region may be retained in the inner container opening rim region (121) of the container portion (12), wherein the lid projection portion (111) has a greater projection wall thickness (eRW), preferably at least 50% greater, more preferably at least 100% greater, than the average wall thickness (eSW) of the top wall (110) of the lid portion (11).

[0092] In one embodiment, the opening rim (121) comprises an axial extension of rim wall (X121) that is greater, preferably at least 50% greater, more preferably at least 100% greater, than the wall thickness (el22), including nominal or average, of the side wall (122) of the container part (12), at least in the region of the latter adjacent to the container rim portion (121).

[0093] In one embodiment, the sum of the container edge thickness value (X121) and the lid thickness (ell2) is contained within the range defined for the axial edge extension (Xr).

[0094] The capsule (1) according to the disclosure is configured in such a way that the lid part (11) and the container part (12) are mutually retained mechanically by means of form fitting, through a retention region having at least one of: an axial extension (XR) and a transverse extension (YR) including at least mainly a first compostable material (I), preferably compacted paper pulp, wherein said transverse direction corresponds to a radial direction in the preferred case of the container having a circumferential cross-section.

[0095] In one embodiment, the joint retention region has at least one axial and transverse retention extension (XR, YR) that also includes a second compostable material (II).

[0096] The use of compostable materials, such as compacted paper pulp, raises questions about the structural strength of the capsule (1) when forced by pressurized flow of beverage extraction fluid. Capsules (1) with a given configuration and provided in synthetic material exhibit greater structural strength for the same wall thickness, whether of the lid part (11) or the container part (12).

[0097] Figures 3 to 6 represent the main aspects of this publication.

[0098] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the capsule (1) comprises lid (11) and container (12) parts having a single lid rim portion (1110) alongside a single lid projection portion (111) and a single container rim portion (121), preferably all said portions being free of projections, cavities or notches, extending along their respective perimeter extensions.

[0099] It is particularly advantageous when the portions of the retention region, including a single lid rim portion (1110) alongside a single lid projection portion (111) and a single container rim portion (121), are configured without regions with variations greater than 50% along their respective axial and transverse extents, so that a simple configuration is provided that allows for production by pressing paper pulp or pulp.

[0100] Preferably, the lid (11) and container (12) parts are provided in such a way that together they configure at least one axial (X) and transverse (Y) extension of first compostable material (I) in the retention region between lid (11) and container (12) parts that is greater than the sum of extensions of first compostable material (I) in portions of the lid (11) and container (12) parts adjacent to the retention region.

[0101] The axial and transverse extension (Y) of the retention region corresponds to the smallest extension formed jointly by portions of the rim (1110) and projection (110) of the lid with the container rim portion (121), the retention region being provided along at least approximately the entire length of its extension by means of direct contact between the lid (11) and container (12) parts.

[0102] The rim portions (1110) and projection portions (110) of the lid and the container rim portion (121) are advantageously devoid of portions with at least one axial and radial dimension smaller than the wall thickness of the top walls (112) of the lid portion (112) and the side wall (122) of the container portion (12), so that a robust and reliable configuration is provided of at least the first compostable material (I) at least in the retention region.

[0103] In particular, it is preferred when the capsule (1) comprises lid (11) and container (12) parts which together configure at least one axial (XR) and transverse (YR) retention extension, at least mostly provided by the first compostable material (I), which is larger, preferably at least 50% larger than, more preferably at least twice the sum of the wall thicknesses (ell2, el22) of the top wall portion (112) of the lid part (11) and of the side wall portion (122) of the container part (12).

[0104] This dimensional relationship is preferably verified, at least in the vicinity of the retention region, that is, at least in the vicinity of the projection portions (111) of the lid part (11) and the rim portion (121) of the container part (12).

[0105] As represented in the figures, the lid part (11) has a projection portion (111) and the container part (12) has a rim portion (121) configured in such a way that they provide retention by means of fitting in such a way as to provide contact surfaces along at least most of the extent of the retention region that configure axial (XR) and transverse (YR) retention extensions comprising a first material (I) of the lid (11) and container (12) parts.

[0106] Alternatively, or complementarily, the capsule (1) is configured so that the axial edge extension (Xr) is greater than the sum of the wall thicknesses (ell2, el22) of the top wall portion (112) of the lid part (11) and the side wall portion (122) of the container part (12) at least in the vicinity of the edge region. That is, the lid edge portion (1110) and the container edge portion (121) are provided in juxtaposition so that together they configure an axial edge extension (Xr) greater than the sum of the top wall thickness (elll) and side wall thickness (el22) of the lid (11) and container (12) parts, respectively.

[0107] The aforementioned wall thicknesses may be at least one nominal thickness that is at least approximately constant along at least the greater part of the respective wall's length, an average thickness considering the wall thicknesses along at least approximately the entire length of the respective wall, and a maximum wall thickness along the length of the respective wall.

[0108] Figures 3 to 5 represent in each case the dimensions of the retention region and outer edge considered on only one side of the lid portions, when viewed in side section and in relation to a central axial axis (XX) of the capsule (1).

[0109] It is thus advantageously provided that the capsule (1) is configured in such a way that the retention region of the lid (11) and container (12) parts has at least a certain greater quantity of first compostable material (I) and corresponding greater structural strength than adjacent regions.

[0110] Considering the constraints of producing compression-molded parts from first compostable material (I), it is advantageous when the retention region comprises only one form gear including only the lid rim portions (1110), projection (111) and container rim portion (121), so that the lid (11) and container (12) parts are devoid of other projections and cavities in their respective rim regions.

[0111] In one embodiment, the retention region is provided by means of an inverted "L" shaped extension extending from the inner side to the upward-oriented side of the container rim portion (121) and corresponding lid projection portion (111) of the lid part (11), thereby simplifying the configuration and pressing process of first compostable material (I), preferably comprising paper pulp, both in the case of the lid part (11) and in the case of the container part (12).

[0112] In one embodiment, the contact surfaces of the retention regions and the outer perimeter regions in juxtaposition of the lid (11) and container (12) parts are provided in the second compostable material (II), wherein the second material (II) is configured in such a way as to provide material bonding between the lid (11) and container (12) parts.

[0113] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured such that the lid portion (11) and the container portion (12) have respectively a projection portion (111) and an edge portion (121) configured such that they jointly have at least one of: an axial retention extension (XR) and a transverse retention extension (YR) according to at least one of: - Greater than the sum, preferably greater than twice the sum, of the average wall thicknesses of the top wall portion (112) of the lid part (11) and the side wall portion (122) of the container part (12), preferably more than twice the average wall thicknesses of the lid parts (11) and container parts (12), Between 1.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1.8 mm and 4 mm, more preferably between 2 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0114] In this way, a retention region for the lid (11) and container (12) portions is advantageously provided, at least mostly provided by the first compostable material (I) and exhibiting greater volume and greater structural resistance than the respective neighboring regions of the lid (11) and container (12) portions.

[0115] The aforementioned axial and radial extensions (XR, YR) include at least mostly the first compostable material (I).

[0116] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured so that the lid part (11) and the container part (12) have perimeter regions in juxtaposition in the rim region configured so that together they have at least one of: - An axial flange extension (Xr) of at least 1.8 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm, more preferably between 2.3 and 4.5 mm, - A transverse flange extension (Yr) projecting beyond the side wall (122) of the container part (12) greater than the wall thickness (el22) of the side wall (122) between the flange portion (121) and the base wall (123).

[0117] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) comprises a lid portion (11) which is configured such that the wall thickness (ell2) of the top wall portion (112) of the lid portion (11) is: - Greater than the wall thickness (el22, el23) of at least one of the side wall (122) and base wall (123) portions of the container part (12), - Greater, preferably between 30% and 200% greater, more preferably between 50% and 100% greater, than the wall thickness (el22) of the side wall portion (122) of the container part (12).

[0118] In this case, as with other characteristics associated with wall thicknesses, the term wall thickness may include at least one of the respective nominal, maximum, and average thicknesses.

[0119] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured in such a way that the lid part (11) and the container part (12) provide a retention region arranged so that it extends outwards by axial projection (XX) relative to the top wall portion (112) comprising upstream flow passage regions (110), and relative to the base wall portion (123) comprising downstream flow passage regions (120), so that the forces are transmitted from the retention region between the lid (11) and container (12) parts to the base wall region (123) through a convergent configuration, preferably of a truncated cone type.

[0120] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the lid (11) and container (12) parts are materially joined by a compostable material joint (II) arranged on surfaces oriented inwards relative to the interior of the capsule (1), said joint extending into the retention region between the lid (11) and container (12) parts, preferably in at least the greater part of the retention region provided by the rim (1110) and lid projection (111) portions and the container rim (121) portion.

[0121] In particular, the capsule (1) comprises lid (11) and container (12) parts, each having first compostable material (I) and second compostable material (II) arranged such that the lid (11) and container (12) parts are materially joined by respective extensions of second material (II) along a joining extension (UE) that extends angularly along the perimeter of at least the greater part of the retention region and radially along at least the greater part of the retention region between the rim (1110) and projection (111) portions of the lid part (11) and the rim (121) portion of the container part (12).

[0122] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) comprises lid (11) and container (12) parts materially joined by respective extensions of second material (II) along a joining extension (UE) that extends along at least the greater part of at least one of the contact region and the retention region between the lid rim and projection portions (1110, 111) and the container rim portion (121).

[0123] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the capsule (1) comprises lid (11) and container (12) parts configured so that they include first compostable material (I) with a wall thickness of at least 0.8 mm, and also a second compostable material (II) provided on the surface of the first compostable material (I) on the side mostly directed inwards of the lid (11) and container (12) portions and with a thickness of up to 1 mm, preferably up to 0.5 mm.

[0124] It is further advantageous when the capsule (1) is configured so that at least the contact surfaces between the lid rim portions (1110) and projection portions (111) and the container rim portion (121) are provided in the second compostable material (II), thereby providing a bonding extension (UE) by means of bonding contact surfaces of the second compostable material (II).

[0125] The second compostable material (II) advantageously includes at least one of: bio-based polybutylene succinate produced from polymerization of bio-based succinic acid and 1,4-buanediol, an ISO 537-2 tensile strength between 20 and 40 MPa, so that it provides material bonding between the cap (11) and rim (12) parts by means of heating, for example by ultrasonic welding.

[0126] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured such that the lid part (11) can be materially joined to the container part (12) by means of a joining extension (UE) according to at least one of: - In such a way that it consists of only one continuous joining extension (UE), or in such a way that it comprises two or more joining extensions (UE1, UE2), preferably arranged close to or adjacent to each other, - So that it extends along at least most, preferably all, of the contact surfaces between the lid part (11) and the container part (12), - So that it extends along at least the greater part of the downstream side of the lid rim portion (1110) and the upstream side of the container rim portion (121), and also between an outward side of the projection portion (111) and an inward side of the container rim portion (121), - So that it extends angularly and radially along at least most, preferably along the entire length of contact between portions of the lid and container rim (1110, 121), including at least approximately along the axial (X) and transverse (Y) directions; - Comprising a portion of the joining extension (UE2) associated with the side wall of the container part (12) which corresponds to at least 30%, preferably at least 40% of the total dimension of the joining extension (UE).

[0127] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured such that the lid part (11) is materially joined to the container part (12) by means of a joining extension (UE) comprising at least two joining extension portions (UE1, UE2) directed in at least two different directions, preferably two joining extension portions (UE1, UE2) extending at least approximately in the axial direction (X) and in the transverse direction (Y).

[0128] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured such that the lid part (11) is materially joined to the container part (12) by means of a joining extension (UE) according to at least one of: - Such that it has a total dimension greater than the transverse extension (Y121) of the container rim portion (121) along the transverse direction (Y), and - Thus, it has a total dimension, measured radially along the axial (X) and transverse (Y) component directions, of at least 3 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 5 mm and 9 mm.

[0129] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured such that the lid part (11) is materially joined to the container part (12) by means of a joining extension (UE) which includes a portion extending in at least approximately an axial direction (X) which includes the container rim portion (121) and the lid projection portion (111), preferably the axial extension of (X121) of the container rim portion (121) is greater than the wall thickness (el22) of the side wall portion (122) of the container part (12).

[0130] As represented in enlarged form in Figures 5 and 6, in one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured so that the lid part (11) is materially joined to the container part (12) by means of a joining extension (UE) which includes a portion that extends in at least approximately an axial direction (X) such that at least the greater part of its dimension is common to at least one of: the axial extensions (X111, X121) and the contact surface extensions of the projection portion (111) and container rim (121).

[0131] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured such that the lid part (11) is materially joined to the container part (12) by means of a joining extension (UE) according to at least one of: - Comprising at least a first joining extension portion (UE1) directed in a direction at least close to the transverse direction (Y), including the mutually opposite edge surfaces of the lid and container (1110, 121), wherein the first joining extension portion (UE1) preferably has a dimension between 1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 1.1 mm and 2.5 mm, - A second joining extension portion (UE2) directed in a direction at least close to the axial direction (X), including the mutually opposite edge surfaces of the lid and container (1110, 121), wherein the second joining extension portion (UE2) preferably has a dimension between 1 mm and 7 mm, more preferably between 1.3 mm and 4 mm.

[0132] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured such that the lid part (11) is materially joined to the container part (12) by means of a joining extension (UE) according to at least one of: - On at least one wall surface extending from a direction that makes an angle of no more than 15° relative to the axial direction (X) and a direction that makes an angle of no more than 15° relative to the transverse direction (Y), - On at least two adjacent wall surfaces angled with each other, preferably with the first surface extending at least mostly along the transverse direction (Y) and the second surface extending at least mostly along the axial direction (X), thus providing retention by means of material bonding of the second material (II) with retention force components along the axial (X) and transverse (Y) directions.

[0133] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured so that the joining of the lid part (11) to the container part (12) is provided on at least two joining surfaces of each of the lid (11) and container (12) portions, including on at least one of: - on at least one wall surface of a container rim portion (121) extending in a direction at least approximately axial or at an angle of up to 7° relative to the axial direction (X), preferably at an angle between 1° and 6°, more preferably at an angle between 3° and 5°, - On at least one wall surface of a container rim portion (121) extending in a direction at least approximately transverse or at an angle of up to 5° relative to the transverse direction (Y).

[0134] Figures 7 and 8 represent perspective views of the capsule embodiments (1) shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. As can be seen, both embodiments comprise lid parts (11) that have projecting portions (113) in a central region of the top wall portion (112), and are configured as elements with a generally triangular shape of a segment of a circle when viewed in plan. This configuration advantageously provides better interaction of the first compostable material (I) with a corresponding extraction device portion of a beverage preparation apparatus.

[0135] According to a particularly advantageous aspect, the projection portions (113) of the cover are geometrically associated with at least one inlet passage region (110), thereby generating a lever force that is directly transmitted to that inlet passage region (110) in the vicinity.

[0136] Figure 9 shows a side cutaway view of the capsule embodiment (1) reproduced in Figure 2, wherein the container part (12) has an outlet chamber (B) associated with the base wall region (123), wherein the base wall (123) has a plurality of outlet openings (120) which are covered by at least one compostable material configured in such a way as to provide an oxygen barrier and disposed directly upstream and / or downstream of the base wall (123).

[0137] Figure 10 shows, in another embodiment according to the present disclosure, wherein the base wall (123) has a plurality of outlet openings (1201, 1202), in particular an outlet opening (1201) in the center of the container base wall (12) and outlet openings (1202), in particular four, radially distributed in said base wall and in relation to the outlet opening positioned in the center.

[0138] In one embodiment, the outlet chamber (B) is delimited by compostable materials, preferably of the paper type, arranged upstream and downstream of the outlet chamber (B).

[0139] Figures 11 and 12 show in particular the base wall (123) and the configuration of the outlet openings (120) which can be covered on the outside of the base wall (123), i.e., the first compostable material (I), by a compostable material, preferably a paper that provides at least one oxygen barrier and support for information recognizable by human and / or automatic means.

[0140] Figures 13 to 15 illustrate another embodiment of the present disclosure, in particular where the outlet passages (120) are configured in a centered "cross" outlet opening (1203) in order to minimize deformation of the side walls of the container part (12) and as such facilitate removal of the capsule from a beverage extraction mechanism.

[0141] In one embodiment, the predetermined cutting geometry is centered on the base wall of the container.

[0142] In one embodiment, the predetermined cutting geometry is not centered on the base wall of the container.

[0143] In one embodiment, the predetermined cutting geometry comprises a "cross" shaped opening 0.5 to 2.5 mm wide, preferably 0.8 to 2 mm.

[0144] In one embodiment, the capsule has a wall thickness of the top wall portion of the lid portion that is greater than the wall thickness of the side wall portion of the container portion, this difference preferably being between 30% and 200%, more preferably between 50% and 100%, and the wall thickness of the top wall portion of the lid portion being between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm.

[0145] In one embodiment, Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment of the container part (12) of the capsule (1) in which the predetermined cutting geometry defines triangular flaps arranged for opening for fluid passage, in particular a cross opening, a "Y" shaped opening or a star opening, or a plurality of sectoral openings, each sectoral opening comprising two cuts, forming three or more arms radiating from a center.

[0146] When ranges are provided, the limits are included. Furthermore, it should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated or evident from the context and / or the understanding of a person skilled in the art, the values ​​expressed as ranges may assume any specific value within the ranges indicated in different embodiments of the invention, down to one-tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise indicated or evident from the context and / or the understanding of a person skilled in the art, the values ​​expressed as ranges may assume any sub-range within the given range, wherein the endpoints of the sub-range are expressed with the same degree of precision as one-tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range.

[0147] The term "comprises" or "comprising" when used in this document is intended to indicate the presence of the features, elements, wholes, steps and components mentioned, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, wholes, steps and components, or groups thereof.

[0148] The present invention is, of course, in no way limited to the embodiments described in this document, and a person with average knowledge of the field could foresee many possibilities for its modification and for the substitution of technical features with equivalent ones, depending on the requirements of each situation, as defined in the appended claims.

[0149] The following claims define additional realizations of the present description. YOU

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Capsule for preparing beverages in a collection chamber (A), which confines a portion of edible beverage precursor substance, operable by a beverage preparation device, wherein the capsule comprises: a lid part and a container part arranged in an axial direction (X) corresponding to a prevailing direction of pressurized flow; where the container portion includes: a top opening, a portion of container edge around the top opening, a portion of side wall, a portion of base wall, and wherein the lid portion comprises a projection portion and a lid edge portion configured to interact with the container edge portion of the container portion, to provide a retention region between the lid portion and the container portion; and wherein the rim and lid projection portions and container rim jointly provide an axial retention extension (XR) and a transverse retention extension (YR); and where the rim regions of the lid and container parts are juxtaposed, thus jointly providing an axial rim extension (Xr), and the lid and container parts being made up of a first compostable material (I) comprising a fibrous plant material to provide structural rigidity, and a second compostable material (II) arranged as at least one laminated layer over the surface of the first compostable material (I) and configured to provide an oxygen barrier; and wherein, by joining the second compostable material (II), the axial retention extension (XR) and the transverse retention extension (YR) form the retention region comprising said axial retention extension (Xr) and a frusto-conical retention extension (XR-YR) to retain the projection portion and the lid rim portion to the container rim.

2. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the lid edge portion is adjacent to the lid projection portion, and wherein the container part comprises a container edge portion; wherein said portions are configured to additionally provide the retention region, preferably extending in two mutually intersecting planes, and such that the sum of the wall thicknesses of the top wall portion of the lid part and the side wall portion of the container part is less than at least one of the axial (XR) and transverse (YR) retention extension, and / or is less than the axial edge extension (Xr).

3. Capsule according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the cap and container parts together constitute at least one of: a transverse retention span (YR) at least approximately equal to or greater than an axial retention span (XR), preferably at least 50% greater than, more preferably at least twice; an axial retention extension (XR) at least approximately equal to or greater than an axial edge extension of the container's edge portion, preferably at least 50% greater, more preferably at least twice.

4. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lid and container parts together form an axial rim extension (Xr) with a dimension corresponding to at least one of: at least 1.8 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 2.7 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 2.3 mm and 4.5 mm, at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably equal to or greater than at least one of the axial projection extension of the lid projection portion and the axial rim extension of the container rim portion.

5. Capsule according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein a transverse rim projection extension of the respective lid rim portion has at least one of: a dimension between 1.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1.8 mm and 3 mm, in addition to the projection portion, a dimension at least approximately equal to or less than the transverse edge extent of the container's edge portion.

6. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the axial extension of the container rim portion has at least one of: a dimension between 1 and 3 mm, preferably between 1.4 mm and 2.5 mm, more preferably between 1.7 mm and 2.4 mm, a dimension at least approximately equal to or greater than the axial extension of the projecting edge of the cover portion, preferably at least twice as large.

7. Capsule according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lid portion comprises the projecting portion of the downstream side oriented from the pressurized fluid flow source, preferably a single projecting portion, annular in shape and projecting downstream in the axial direction to provide engagement of the lid portion in the top opening of the container portion, preferably by means of a form fitting, in particular a circular annular shape.

8. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lid portion comprises, on the downstream side of the pressurized fluid flow origin, a downstream projection portion with a radial projection extension that is equal to or greater than the transverse edge extension of the container side wall.

9. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the projection portion of the lid portion comprises an axial projection extension equal to or greater than the transverse projection extension.

10. Capsule according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the projecting portion of the cap part comprises a larger axial projection extension, preferably at least twice as large as at least one of: the wall thickness of the top portion of the cap between the perimeter and central regions of the cap part, and the average wall thickness of the cap part.

11. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the projecting portion of the cap part is oriented downstream of the pressurized fluid flow source, and comprises at least one outer perimeter surface oriented laterally relative to the prevailing flow direction and inclined inwards at an angle between 3° and 8° relative to the axial direction (X), preferably between 4° and 7°, and particularly preferably between 5° and 6°.

12. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a wall thickness of the top wall portion of the lid part is greater than a wall thickness of at least one of the side wall and base wall portions of the container part.

13. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the wall thickness of the top wall portion of the cap part is greater than the wall thickness of the side wall portion of the container part, preferably between 30% and 200% greater, more preferably between 50% and 100% greater; and / or wherein the wall thickness of the top wall portion of the cap part is between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm.

14. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the axial retention extension (XR) and the transverse retention extension (YR) form, by their union by fusion of the second compostable material (II), the retention region comprising said axial retention extension (Xr) and said frusto-conical retention extension (XR-YR), in particular forming the retention region by said union by compression and thermal fusion of the second compostable material (II).

15. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the lid edge portion is adjacent to the lid projection portion, said lid edge portion and said container edge portion being devoid of regions with variations in their respective axial and transverse extensions greater than 50%, preferably greater than 70%; and / or The lid edge portion is devoid of projections or cavities.

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