Compostable capsules for preparing beverages with improved bonding of the parts

Abstract

The present invention relates to capsules (1) for preparing beverages comprising compostable materials and configured so as to provide improved material bonding between the lid part (11) and 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 union. TECHNICAL DOMAIN

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

[0002] The state of the art includes solutions relating to capsules for preparing beverages, notably espresso coffee, made from compostable materials.

[0003] In particular, the state of the art includes capsule solutions comprising two different compostable materials directly bonded at the surface, each with a specific and distinct function.

[0004] 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.

[0005] Document EP 3030503 BI discloses a fully compostable beverage preparation capsule of the type of the present invention, 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 polyol, in particular glycerol.

[0006] 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. 2 / d (23°C, 50%RH) using the DIN 53338-5:1976-04 method - Leather test; determination of behavior against water under dynamic stress in the penetrometer and a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of less than 20 g / m2 / d (38°C, 90%RH) using the ISO 2528: 2017 method - Sheet materials — Determination of water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) — Gravimetric method (plate).

[0007] Document EP 2465793 BI discloses capsules for infusion products with container and cap parts of the type of the present invention, 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] Document EP 2911577 BI was also registered by the applicant of the present invention, 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 of the wall thickness of portions of the container part.

[0010] Documents 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 polymeric film comprising a compatible polymer material.

[0011] 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 5 and 18 bar. 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] These facts are described in order to illustrate the technical problem solved by the achievements of this document. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0014] This description refers to capsules for preparing beverages, including espresso coffee, made from compostable materials.

[0015] The aim of this description is to disclose capsules for preparing beverages, specifically espresso coffee, made exclusively from compostable materials and with improved structural and functional behavior. This aim 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 4 bar, preferably at least 8 bar, and up to 18 bar.

[0016] The above objective is achieved according to the technology described by means of capsules according to claim 1, and preferred embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0017] An associated objective is to provide capsules made only of compostable materials and that exhibit a reliable material bond, with the lid and container parts consisting at least mostly of a first compostable material and the material bond being provided by a second compostable material.

[0018] In particular, the objective is achieved through 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.

[0019] According to an advantageous aspect, the capsule is configured so that the lid part is materially joined to the container part by means of a joining extension comprising at least two joining extension portions directed in at least two different directions, it being preferred when two joining extension portions extend at least approximately in the axial direction and in the transverse direction.

[0020] The capsules according to the described technology 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 impinged by a pressurized flow, in particular the wall thicknesses of the lid and container parts. It is preferred when 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 described technology comprise lid and container parts including a second compostable material configured so as to provide an oxygen barrier and applied as a film over at least the larger, 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 technology now described by means of capsules that have mechanically geared 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, particularly 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] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] A related objective is to provide capsules comprising only compostable materials and exhibiting good mechanical retention between lid and container parts consisting at least primarily of a first compostable material.

[0026] The above objective is achieved using the technology described through 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 characteristic dimension larger than the sum of the thicknesses of the lid and container walls.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] For easier understanding, the figures are attached, which represent preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this description.

[0030] Figure 1: Schematic representation of a side view of one embodiment of the capsule (1).

[0031] Figure 2: Schematic representation of a side view of one embodiment of the capsule (1).

[0032] Figure 3: Schematic representation of a side sectional view of a capsule embodiment (1).

[0033] Figure 4: Schematic representation of a side sectional view of a capsule embodiment (1).

[0034] 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 embodiment (1).

[0035] Figure 6: Schematic representation of a side cutaway detail view of the retention region between lid parts (11) and container parts (12) of a capsule embodiment (1).

[0036] Figure 7: Schematic representation of a top perspective view of an early embodiment of the lid part (11) of an embodiment of the capsule (1).

[0037] Figure 8: Schematic representation of a top perspective view of a second embodiment of the lid part (11) of an embodiment of the capsule (1).

[0038] Figure 9: Schematic representation of a side sectional view of a form embodiment of the container part (12) of a form embodiment of the capsule (D-

[0039] Figure 10: Schematic representation of a top view of an embodiment of the container part (12) of an embodiment of the capsule (1).

[0040] Figure 11: Schematic representation of a perspective view from the base wall side (123) of a container part embodiment (12) of a capsule embodiment (1).

[0041] Figure 12: Schematic representation of a perspective view of the base wall side (123) of a form embodiment of a capsule container part (12), with a compostable material (IV) on the outside of the first compostable material (I) where outlet passages (120) are provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] This description refers to capsules for preparing beverages, including espresso coffee, made from compostable materials.

[0043] The capsules (1) disclosed by 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 4 bar and 18 bar, in an extraction device of a beverage preparation apparatus.

[0044] A first embodiment of capsule (1) 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.

[0045] In one embodiment, 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).

[0046] In one embodiment, in constructive terms, 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.

[0047] In one embodiment, 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).

[0048] In one embodiment, 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).

[0049] In one embodiment, 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.

[0050] In one embodiment, the lid part (11) is advantageously configured to provide drainage inlet into the collection volume (A) and the container part (12) is advantageously configured to provide drainage outlet out of the collection volume (A).

[0051] In one embodiment, 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 rim of the container portion (12).

[0052] 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 includes the base wall (123).

[0053] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) in this case has entry passage regions (110) associated at least in proximity to the upstream projection portion (113), and exit passages (120) associated with the base wall (123) of the downstream projection portion (124).

[0054] As represented in Figure 3, in one embodiment, the capsule (1) comprises a lid portion (11) having a lid rim portion (1110) extending radially outward, preferably delimiting a projection portion (111) extending upstream along the axial direction (X).

[0055] In one embodiment, 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).

[0056] In one embodiment, 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) into respective surfaces of the container rim portion (121).

[0057] 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.

[0058] In one embodiment, in terms of constituent materials, the capsule (1) comprises a first compostable material (I) provided at least in part in a fibrous plant material and configured in such a way as to provide structural rigidity at least of the container part (12), preferably also of the lid part (11).

[0059] In one embodiment, 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.

[0060] In one embodiment, the lid (11) and container (12) portions are provided, at least in their respective structural walls that configure their respective forms, at least primarily in a first compostable material (D-

[0061] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) can be configured such 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®.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first compostable material (I) may preferably comprise, at least predominantly by mass fraction, a substance derived from deciduous wood, such as cellulose, including at least one component of cellulose pulp and cellulose fiber: - a rupture resistance of at least 700 kPa / 100g.nr 2 , preferably at least 1 MPa / 150 g.rrr 2 ; - a density per unit area between 50 and 250 / m² 2 , preferably between 70 and 200 kg / m² 2 .

[0063] In one embodiment, the first compostable material (I) can be, preferably at least mostly by mass fraction, compacted or pressed paper pulp.

[0064] In one embodiment, the second compostable material (II) can be 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.

[0065] In one embodiment, the second compostable material (II) could be a thermally manipulable configured biofilm that provides material bonding through material fusion.

[0066] In one embodiment, the second compostable material (II) can be a biofilm exhibiting at least one of: - bio-based polybutylene succinate, produced from the polymerization of bio-based succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol; - a tensile strength, determined by ISO 527-2: 2025 - Plastics — Determination of tensile properties, Part 2: Test conditions for molded and extruded plastics, between 20 and 40 MPa.

[0067] In one embodiment, the second compostable material (II) can be a biofilm devoid of PVOH.

[0068] According to one aspect of the technology now disclosed, the capsule (1) is characterized by a certain dimensional relationship between the wall thicknesses of the lid part (11) and the container (12), mostly provided by the first compostable material (I), in particular compacted or pressed paper pulp, thus better adjusting the quantities of said first compostable material (I) to the requirements of resistance to hydraulic pressure.

[0069] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) may comprise 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).

[0070] 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, particularly preferably between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm, wherein said wall thickness (ell2) is preferably provided at least in the vicinity of the entrance passage regions (110).

[0071] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) may have a lid part (11) with an outer diameter between 37 and 40 mm, preferably between 37.5 and 39.5 mm.

[0072] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) may have a container portion (12) with a rim portion (121) that has a diameter between 38 and 40 mm, preferably between 38.5 and 39.5 mm.

[0073] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the lid part (11) is smaller than the outer diameter of the container part (12).

[0074] As represented in Figure 2 and following, in one embodiment, the capsule (1) may comprise a lid portion (11) having on the downstream side a, preferably a single, annular lid projection portion (111) 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, particularly preferably at least 100% greater, than the average wall thickness (eSW) of the top wall (110) of the lid portion (11).

[0075] In one embodiment, the opening rim (121) has an axial rim wall extension (X121) greater, preferably at least 50% greater, particularly preferably at least 100% greater, than the wall thickness (el22) of the side wall (122) of the container part (12), at least in the region of the container adjacent to the container rim portion (121).

[0076] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) according to the disclosed technology 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 that has at least one of: an axial extension (XR) and a transverse extension (YR) including at least mostly a first compostable material (I), preferably compacted paper pulp.

[0077] In one embodiment, the joint retention region may have at least one axial and transverse retention extension (XR, YR) that also includes a second compostable material (II).

[0078] In one embodiment, the use of compostable materials, such as compacted paper pulp, raises questions of structural strength of the capsule (1) when subjected to pressurized flow of beverage extraction fluid. Capsules (1) with a given configuration and proportioned in synthetic material exhibit greater structural strength for the same wall thickness, whether of the lid part (11) or the container part (12).

[0079] Figures 3 to 6 represent key aspects of the technology presented.

[0080] According to one aspect of the disclosed technology, 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 devoid of projections, cavities or notches, extending along their respective perimeter extensions.

[0081] In one embodiment, it is particularly advantageous when the portions of the retention region, including a single lid edge portion (1110) alongside a single lid projection portion (111) and a single container edge portion (121), are configured devoid of regions with variations greater than 50% along their respective axial and transverse extents, so that a simple configuration is provided that provides production by pressing pulp or cellulose.

[0082] Furthermore, in one embodiment, when the lid (11) and container (12) parts are provided so 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.

[0083] In one embodiment, 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 rim portion of the container (121), wherein the retention region is provided along at least approximately the entire length of its extension by means of direct contact between the lid (11) and container (12) parts.

[0084] In one embodiment, the rim portions (1110) and projection portion (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.

[0085] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) comprises lid (11) and container (12) parts which together form 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, particularly preferably at least twice the summed 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).

[0086] 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).

[0087] As represented in the figures, in one embodiment, the lid part (11) has a projection portion (111) and the container part (12) has a rim portion (121) configured in such a way as to 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 first material (I) of the lid parts (11) and container parts (12).

[0088] Alternatively or complementarily, the capsule (1) is configured so that the axial rim 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 rim region.

[0089] 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.

[0090] In one embodiment, 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.

[0091] As will be readily recognized based on the representations of the dimensions mentioned above in Figures 3 to 5, these are 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).

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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).

[0095] 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.

[0096] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) is configured such that the lid part (11) and the container part (12) have respectively a projection portion (111) and a rim portion (121) configured such that together they 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 greater 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, and particularly preferably between 2 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0097] In one embodiment, a retention region is provided for the lid (11) and container (12) portions, at least mostly provided by the first compostable material (I) and exhibiting greater volume and greater structural strength than the respective neighboring regions of the lid (11) and container (12) portions.

[0098] In one embodiment, the aforementioned axial and radial extensions (XR, YR) include at least mostly the first compostable material (I).

[0099] 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 2 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 6 mm, particularly preferably between 2.8 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).

[0100] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) comprises a lid portion (11) that 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 portions (122) and base wall portion (123) of the container portion (12), - greater, preferably between 30% and 200% greater, particularly preferably between 50% and 100% greater, than the wall thickness (el22) of the side wall portion (122) of the container part (12).

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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-conical type.

[0103] According to one aspect of the present invention, 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.

[0104] In one embodiment, 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).

[0105] 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).

[0106] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) may comprise 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 mostly inward-facing side of the lid (11) and container (12) parts and with a thickness of up to 1 mm, preferably up to 0.5 mm.

[0107] In one embodiment, 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 material bonding of contact surfaces of the second compostable material (II).

[0108] In one embodiment, 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: 2012 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.

[0109] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) can be configured such that the lid part (11) can be materially joined with the container part (12) by means of a joining extension (UE) according to at least one of: - such that it consists of only one continuous joining extension (UE), or such that it comprises two or more joining extensions (UE1, UE2), preferably arranged close together or adjacent to each other, - so that it extends along at least most, preferably all, of the contact surfaces between the cover 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 of, 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; - featuring a joining extension portion (UE2) associated with the side wall of the container part (12) that corresponds to at least 30%, preferably at least 40% of the total dimension of the joining extension (UE).

[0110] 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, it being preferred when two joining extension portions (UE1, UE2) extend at least approximately in the axial direction (X) and in the transverse direction (Y).

[0111] 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: - so that it has a total dimension greater than the transverse extent (Y121) of the container rim portion (121) along the transverse direction (Y), and - such that 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, and particularly preferably between 5 mm and 9 mm.

[0112] 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), it being preferred when 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).

[0113] As represented in enlarged form in Figures 5 and 6, the capsule (1) can be 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 (Xlll, X121) and the contact surface extensions of the projection portion (111) and container rim (121).

[0114] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) can be configured so 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: - comprising at least one 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, 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, preferably between 1.3 mm and 4 mm.

[0115] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) can be configured such that the lid part (11) can be materially joined with 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° with respect to the axial (X) direction and a direction that makes an angle of no more than 15° with respect to the transverse (Y) direction, - on at least two adjacent wall surfaces angled to each other, preferably when the first surface extends at least primarily along the transverse (Y) direction and the second surface extends at least primarily along the axial (X) direction, 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.

[0116] In one embodiment, the capsule (1) can be 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 at least one of: - on at least one wall surface of a container rim portion (121) extending in at least approximately an axial direction or at an angle of up to 7° relative to the axial direction (X), preferably at an angle between 1 and 6°, particularly preferably at an angle between 3 and 5.5°, - on at least one wall surface of a container rim portion (121) extending in at least approximately a transverse direction or at an angle of up to 5° relative to the transverse direction (Y).

[0117] Figures 7 and 8 represent perspective views of the capsule embodiments (1) shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively.

[0118] 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 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.

[0119] In one embodiment and 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.

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] The term "includes" or "comprising" when used in this document is intended to indicate the presence of the features, elements, integers, steps, and components mentioned, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps, and components, or groups thereof.

[0125] The present invention is, of course, by no means 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.

[0126] The following claims define additional realizations of the present description.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Capsule comprising a collection chamber (A) for collecting a portion of edible beverage precursor substance, wherein the capsule comprises a lid portion and a container portion arranged in an axial direction (X) corresponding to the prevailing direction of pressurized flow, wherein the container portion comprises a top opening and a container edge portion around it, a side wall portion and a base wall portion, wherein the lid portion comprises a projection portion and a lid edge portion configured to provide retention regions on the container edge portion of the container portion, wherein the lid and container parts comprise lid and container rim and projection portions configuring a retention region thereby jointly providing an axial retention extension (XR) and a transverse retention extension (YR), wherein the lid and container parts comprise abject rim regions thereby jointly providing an axial rim extension (Xr), wherein the lid and container parts comprise a first compostable material (I) comprising a fibrous plant material and configured to provide structural rigidity, and a second compostable material (II) provided as at least one laminated layer over the surface of the first compostable material (I) and configured to provide an oxygen barrier, 1. Capsule according to the preceding claim, wherein the capsule comprises lid and container 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 rim and projection portions of the lid and the rim portion of the container.

2. Capsule according to the preceding claim, wherein said capsule is configured such that the lid part is materially joined to the container part by means of a joining extension (UE) provided by the second compostable material (II), wherein the second compostable material (II) comprises a thickness in the region of the joining extension (EU) that is at least approximately equal to the thickness of the second compostable material (II) at least in adjacent regions of the inward-oriented surface of the lid and container parts.

3. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the capsule is configured such that the lid part can be materially joined to the container part by means of a joining extension (UE) consisting of only one continuous joining extension (UE), or such that it comprises two or more joining extensions (UE1, UE2), preferably arranged close together or adjacent to each other.

4. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the capsule is configured such that the cap part is materially joined to the container part by means of a joining extension (UE) that extends along at least most, preferably all, of the contact surfaces between the cap part and the container part.

5. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the capsule is configured such that the lid portion is materially joined to the container portion by means of a joining extension (UE) that extends along at least the greater part of the downstream oriented side of the lid rim portion and the upstream oriented side of the container rim portion, and further between an outward oriented side of the projection portion and an inward oriented side of the container rim portion.

6. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the capsule is configured such that the lid portion is materially joined to the container portion by means of a joining extension (UE) that extends angularly and radially along at least the greater part, preferably along the entire length of contact between lid and container rim portions, including at least approximately along the axial (X) and transverse (Y) directions.

7. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the capsule is configured such that the lid part is materially joined to the container part by means of a joining extension (UE) comprising a joining extension portion (UE2) associated with the side wall of the container part which corresponds to at least 30%, preferably at least 40% of the total dimension of the joining extension (UE).

8. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the capsule is configured such that the lid part is materially joined to the container part by means of a joining extension (UE) comprising at least two joining extension portions (UE1, UE2) directed in at least two different directions, preferably with two joining extension portions (UE1, UE2) extending at least approximately in the axial (X) direction and in the radial (Y) direction.

9. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the capsule is configured such that the lid part is materially joined to the container part by means of a joining extension (UE) according to at least one of: - so that it has a total dimension greater than the transverse extent of the container rim portion along the radial direction (Y), and - so that 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. TI10. Capsule according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the capsule is configured such that the lid portion is materially joined to the container portion 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 and the lid projection portion, preferably when the axial extension of the container rim portion is greater than the wall thickness of the side wall portion of the container portion.

11. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the capsule is configured such that the lid part is materially joined to the container part by means of a joining extension (UE) which includes a portion extending in at least approximately an axial direction (X), preferably where at least the greater part of the dimension of the axial portion of the joining extension (UE) is common to at least one of: the axial extensions and the contact surface extensions of the container projection and rim portions.

12. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the capsule is configured such that the lid part can be materially joined to the container part by means of a joining extension (UE) 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, wherein the first joining extension portion (UE1) preferably comprises a dimension between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1.1 mm and 2.5 mm, more preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.3 mm.

13. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the capsule is configured such that the lid part can be materially joined to the container part by means of a joining extension (UE) comprising 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, 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, even more preferably between 1.8 and 3.8 mm.

14. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the capsule is configured such that the lid portion can be materially joined to the container portion 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 (X) direction and a direction that makes an angle of no more than 15° relative to the transverse (Y) direction, - on at least two adjacent wall surfaces angled to each other, preferably when the first surface extends at least mostly along the transverse (Y) direction and the second surface extends at least mostly along the axial (X) direction, 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.

15. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the capsule is configured such that the joining of the lid portion to the container portion is provided on at least two joining surfaces of each of the lid and container portions, including at least one of: - on at least one wall surface of a container rim portion extending in at least approximately an axial direction 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 5.5°, - on at least one wall surface of a container rim portion extending in at least approximately a transverse direction or at an angle of up to 5° relative to the transverse direction (Y).

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