TW202327956A - Capsule for the preparation of a beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

A capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device is disclosed. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body and a cover for closing the cup-shaped body. The cup-shaped body comprises an annular flange for the cover to seal thereon. At least the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp and comprises: a bottom wall, a tubular lateral wall and the annular flange. The lateral tubular wall is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cup-shaped body in a first direction. The cup-shaped body further comprises a connecting wall connecting the lateral wall and the annular flange. The connecting wall comprises at least a part protruding outward with respect to the lateral wall of the cup-shaped body. This protruding part cooperates with an edge of a capsule enclosing member of the beverage preparation device for improving leak tightness during the preparation of the beverage.

Description

Capsules for preparing beverages

The invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device. Capsules consist of a cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp.

Containers or capsules made of cellulose pulp are known in the field of beverage preparation devices. Materials made of cellulose pulp are also known which are able to maintain the quality of the beverage substance in the capsule, at least for a certain period of time. Single use capsules for preparing beverages in beverage production devices are also known.

Such single-use capsules made from cellulose pulp offer a potentially reduced environmental impact compared to capsules made from other materials.

Capsules made of cellulose pulp are known for use in beverage preparation devices and comprise means for enclosing the capsule during the beverage preparation procedure and for filling the capsule with water for preparing the beverage.

The tightness of the joint between the capsule and the enclosure member is necessary to prevent the water injected into the capsule from flowing out of the capsule body.

In the event of a poor sealing engagement between the capsule and the enclosure member, water flows out of the capsule without encountering sufficient resistance to flow, and the pressure required to tear the capsule cover will not build up within the capsule, or instead Conversely, the low pressure will cause incomplete tearing of the cap and thus poor extraction of the beverage substance contained in the capsule. In this case the water will be expelled from the beverage production device without interacting or fully interacting with the beverage substance under sufficient pressure conditions.

The present invention aims to improve the leakage tightness characteristics of known capsules made of cellulose pulp for preparing beverages in beverage preparation devices.

The invention as claimed in claim 1 is a capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device. The capsule includes a cup-shaped body and a lid for closing the cup-shaped body, wherein the cup-shaped body includes an annular flange on which the lid is sealed. At least the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp and includes a bottom wall, a tubular side wall, and the annular flange. The cup-shaped body further includes a connecting wall connecting the side wall and the annular flange. According to the present invention, the connecting wall comprises at least a portion protruding outward relative to the side wall of the cup-shaped body. Advantageously, this protruding portion cooperates with an edge of a capsule-enclosing member of the beverage preparation device for improving leak-tightness during the preparation of the beverage.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the density of the protruding portion is less than the maximum density of the side wall, and the thickness of the protruding portion is greater than the maximum thickness of the side wall of the cup-shaped body, so as to increase the density of the protruding portion. Deformability and also improves leak tightness during preparation of the beverage.

More preferably, according to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the difference between the maximum density of the side wall of the cup-shaped body and the density of the protruding portion of the connecting wall is comprised between 0.1% and 20%. A value of . Even better, the difference between the maximum density of the side wall of the cup-shaped body and the density of the protruding portion of the connecting wall is comprised of a value between 0.1% and 10%.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a rounded shape, and preferably, the outer contour of the protruding portion is an arc of a circle.

According to another preferred embodiment, the connecting wall comprises at least one inner surface facing the cavity of the cup-shaped body. Seen in longitudinal section, the inner surface is inclined in a direction forming an angle with the direction of inclination of the side wall of the cup-shaped body. This angle is comprised between 100° and 150°, and preferably about 135°.

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a shape selected from one of the following shapes, or has a shape that is a combination of one or more of the following shapes: - the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a rounded shape on the outside and the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a flat shape on the inside inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cup-shaped body; and/or - the protruding portion of the connecting wall has a rounded shape externally and internally; and/or - the protruding portion of the connecting wall has, externally and internally, a flat shape inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the cup-shaped body; and/or - The protruding portion of the connecting wall has a stepped shape on the outside and on the inside.

Preferably, the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp comprising cellulose fibers ranging from 80% to 100% by weight, and comprises at least one oxygen barrier liner attached to a The inner and/or outer surface of the cup-shaped body.

Preferably, but not exclusively, the capsule of the present invention is a single use coffee capsule.

According to the present invention, the use of a capsule as previously described in a beverage preparation device is also disclosed.

In the context of the present invention, the term "cellulose pulp" means a pulp comprising cellulose fibers in a percentage by weight ranging from 80% to 100%.

The term "ellulose fiber" refers to fibers having wood and/or wood-free origin. By way of non-limiting example, the fibers are: hardwood cellulose fibers, softwood cellulose fibers, wheat fibers, corn fibers, sugar cane fibers, bamboo fibers, hemp fibers, cotton fibers, other similar vegetable or plant fibers, or combinations thereof .

At least one oxygen barrier liner made of one layer (preferably several layers) is attached to the cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp.

The oxygen barrier liner is made from known single or multilayer polymeric liners, comprising for example polymers of fossil or non-fossil origin or polymers of biosource, and is attached to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup-shaped body of the capsule.

Preferred multilayer barrier liners comprise a core layer having oxygen and/or moisture barrier properties, the core layer is surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing the barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material, and is relatively Preferably surrounded by a second outer sealing layer for sealing a closure lid to close the capsule after it has been filled with an ingredient.

By way of non-limiting example, the oxygen barrier liner comprises one or more of the following layers: - an outermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected from the following list: polybutylene succinate (PBSA/bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT ), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or combinations thereof, - a first tie layer comprising a biodegradably modified or functionalized polyolefin, - a barrier layer comprising a polymer selected from the following list: butylene glycol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), or combinations thereof, - a second tie layer comprising a biodegradably modified or functionalized polyolefin, - an innermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected from the following list: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), Starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or combinations thereof.

The cover is made of a known material, preferably it is a polymeric thin film membrane.

The cover may be flat, ie not formed in a three-dimensional shape.

The lid is sealed to the sealing layer of the opening of the cup-shaped body to close it after filling with ingredients.

The cup-shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by molding dry or wet (preferably wet) cellulose pulp in a mould.

Preferably, the above-mentioned "barrier liner" is laminated inside and/or on the outside of the cup-shaped body of the capsule after molding the body.

Preferably, the barrier to oxygen is chosen for both the lid and the cup-shaped body to provide sufficient shelf life, which depends on the nature of the beverage ingredients. For example, for coffee, the expected shelf life may be 12 months.

Preferably, the cup-shaped body (its oxygen barrier liner) and/or the lid system are made of household compostable material. The capsules according to the invention are generally intended to be recycled in recycling programs organized according to national regulations at official recycling facilities (for example, in the paper recycling stream, or in the general waste recycling or disposal stream) . However, where the capsule is placed in nature, in household compostable waste, or in a landfill, the capsule is designed with a material that is easy to absorb in the conditions of temperature and humidity that occur naturally in nature. Naturally degraded by bacteria. In this way, it is ensured that such capsules do not end up in nature and will disappear naturally within a short period of time (in principle, a few weeks) within the conditions defined by the home compostable standards.

More precisely, household compostability is now defined at national level and mainly based on the international standard EN 13432; therefore, it does not need to be defined further in this specification. Materials or products that meet these standards can be identified by a compliance mark stating that they are home compostable. Some examples of home compostability certifications at the national level include, but are not limited to, the following. The certifier TÜV AUSTRIA BELGIUM provides this household compostability certification scheme, and DIN CERTCO provides certification of household compostability according to the Australian standard AS 5810. Italy has a national standard for composting at ambient temperature, UNI 11183:2006. In November 2015, the French standard "NF T 51-800 Plastics-Specifications for Plastics Suitable for Home Composting" was introduced. This standard is covered by the DIN CERTCO scheme.

The preparation of the drink is obtained by mixing a fluid substance with the ingredients contained in the capsule. Preferably, the ingredients are selected from a list of roast and ground coffee, espresso or not espresso, soluble ground coffee, or leaf tea. Dairy ingredients such as milk or cream are also available, as well as chocolate, fruit juices, soups, vegetable juices, broths, smoothies, purees, jams, cream, endive, barley, cooking aids, soup ingredients, infant formula , or a combination thereof, in powder soluble form, liquid concentrated form with various viscosities or gel form.

Most preferably, the beverage ingredient is roast and ground coffee.

Capsules of the present invention may generally interact with beverage and/or food preparation devices, such as by feeding in a container with a diluent (e.g., hot, cold or ambient water); such diluent mixes or otherwise mixes with the beverage ingredients interaction. The statement "mixing the diluent with the beverage ingredients" shall mean that all ingredients contained in the capsule are in a form compatible with the usual mixing operations (dissolution, extraction, or infusion) with the diluent to obtain the beverage product .

Preferably, the cavity delimited by the body of the capsule and the lid of the capsule is substantially free of oxygen and the empty space is filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and combinations thereof. Preferably, after sealing, the capsule has a gaseous internal pressure above atmospheric pressure due to gases contained in the coffee and emanating from the cavity, such as carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide.

The beverage preparation device preferably comprises a capsule holder for receiving and tightly enclosing the capsule, and a pressurized liquid supply system for supplying the liquid inside the capsule. Devices of this type are, for example, those commonly used in extractors of traditional Nespresso® capsules.

A first embodiment of a capsule according to the invention for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device is shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3 . The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body 1 and a lid 2 for closing the cup-shaped body 1 .

The cup-shaped body 1 includes an annular flange 3 on which the lid 2 is sealed. The cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp and includes at least a bottom wall 4 , a tubular side wall 5 and an annular flange 3 . The side wall 5 and the annular flange 3 are connected by a connecting wall 6 (see FIG. 3 ) of the cup-shaped body 1 .

According to the invention, the connecting wall 6 comprises at least a portion 7 ( FIG. 3 ) which protrudes outwards relative to the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 . This outwardly protruding portion 7 may define a convex shape. The protruding portion 7 being part of the connecting wall 6 is integral with both the side wall 5 and the annular flange 3 of the capsule. Therefore, the protruding part is made of cellulose pulp. This outwardly protruding portion 7 may define a convex shape. In use, this protruding portion 7 cooperates with the edge 8 of the capsule enclosing member 9 of the beverage preparation device 10 (shown in part in FIG. 4 ) for improving the relationship between the enclosing member 9 and the cup-shaped body 1 during the preparation of the beverage. leak tightness.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the density of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 is less than the maximum density of the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 . In addition, the protruding portion 7 also has a thickness T1 greater than the maximum thickness T2 of the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 .

Preferably, the difference between the maximum density D1 of the side walls 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 and the density D2 of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 is comprised between 0.1% of D1 and 20% of D1, which is : 0.1% D1 ≤ (D1 - D2) ≤ 20% D1 More preferably, the difference between the maximum density D1 of the side walls 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 and the density D2 of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 is comprised between 0.1% of D1 and 10% of D1, which is : 0.1% D1 ≤ (D1 - D2) ≤ 10% D1.

In the context of the present invention, the term "density" refers to the "volumetric mass density" of a material, which is the mass per unit volume of this material. The reduced density of the cellulose pulp of the protruding portion 7 leads to a reduction in the stiffness and stiffness of this portion 7 relative to the stiffness and stiffness of the side walls 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 having a greater density.

Preferably, the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 has a rounded shape in longitudinal section (see FIG. 3 ), and more preferably, the outer contour of the protruding portion 7 is an arc of a circle. Even better, the circular arc is the arc of a circle with a diameter of 0.53 mm+/−30%.

The shape and size of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 allows a better and more gradual interaction between the edges 8 of the movable enclosure member 9 of the beverage preparation device 10 and a better sealing.

The shape, size and density of the protruding portion 7 of the connecting wall 6 ensures tightness during beverage preparation. Due to the lower density and greater thickness of this protruding portion 7 relative to the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 , compactness is achieved by localized compression and/or deformation of the cellulose pulp of the protruding portion 7 ( as shown in FIG . 4A ). This density difference produces a kind of "rubber effect" and/or increased mechanical elasticity of the protrusion 7, which is excellent for providing tightness: when the movable enclosing member 9 of the beverage preparation device 10 is closed around the capsule ( as shown in Fig . 4 and shown in Figure 4A ) and when the edge 8 of this movable enclosing member 9 is pressed onto the protruding part 7, the protruding part 7 is able to flex due to its lower density relative to the side wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 and out of shape. Furthermore, the lower density of the protrusions 7 may also have another advantageous technical effect. When water is injected into the capsule, the lower density of the projection 7 allows this projection 7 to "absorb" some of the water and expand, thus increasing its uncompressed volume and thus also the edge 8 of the projection 7 and the enclosing member 9 The contact surface between the inner surfaces, thereby further improving the leakage tightness.

The cup-shaped body 1 is preferably rotationally symmetrical. Preferably, the tubular wall 5 has a frusto-conical shape, with a circular section and increasing diameter towards the annular flange 3 .

Preferably, seen in longitudinal section, the tubular side wall 5 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis A of the cup-shaped body 1 in a first inclination direction M1 (shown in FIG . 3 ).

The bottom wall 4 preferably comprises a first inclined wall 4A and a second wall 4B to delimit a shallow concave volume. The first inclined wall 4A preferably has a frusto-conical shape with a circular cross-section and increasing diameter towards the side wall 5 . The second wall 4B is preferably flat (as shown in FIG. 2 ) or convex (from the viewpoint of the cavity 1A, ie protruding inwardly towards the cavity 1A).

The connecting wall 6 preferably comprises an inner surface 6B facing the cavity 1A of the cup-shaped body 1 . This inner surface 6B, seen in longitudinal section and when it is not compressed/deformed, is inclined in the direction M2 ( FIG. 3 ), forming an angle G with the direction of inclination M1 of the side wall 5 . Angle G is preferably comprised between 100° and 150°, and more preferably about 135°. The inclination of the connecting wall 6 facilitates the deformation of the connecting wall 6 when engaged by the edge 8 of the enclosure member 9 and ultimately contributes to the sealing.

The annular flange 3 preferably comprises a flat wall 3A.

The beverage preparation device 10 partially disclosed in Fig. 4 comprises a movable enclosure member 9 and a support plate 11 for supporting the lid 2 of the capsule. When the liquid injected into the capsule creates a predetermined pressure in the capsule, this support plate 11 tears the cover 2 and allows the beverage to flow out of the capsule.

As is generally known to those skilled in the art, the enclosure member 9 is movable from an initial position (not shown), which allows the introduction of the capsule in the beverage preparation device; and a brewing position (shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A ). Middle), wherein the enclosing member 9 and the support plate 11 tightly enclose the capsule. In this position, pressurized liquid is injected into the capsule through the opening formed by one or more pointing elements 12 of the beverage preparation device 10 . These pointing elements 12 are designed to pierce the bottom wall 4 of the cup-shaped body 1 . The operation of the beverage preparation device 10 and the technical features of its various components are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and will therefore not be described in detail.

As previously discussed, the cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp comprising a percentage of cellulose fibers ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.

The term "ellulose fiber" refers to fibers having wood and/or wood-free origin. By way of non-limiting example, the fibers are: hardwood cellulose fibers, softwood cellulose fibers, wheat fibers, corn fibers, sugar cane fibers, bamboo fibers, hemp fibers, cotton fibers, other similar vegetable or plant fibers, or combinations thereof .

The cup-shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by molding dry or wet (preferably wet) cellulose pulp in a mould.

Alternatively, the cup-shaped body 1 may be shaped from a sheet made of cellulose pulp by deforming it into a mold to give the sheet the desired cup shape, as is generally known to those skilled in the art.

The cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp contains at least one oxygen barrier liner 14 ( FIG. 3 ), which is made of at least one layer, preferably several layers.

Preferably, after molding the cup-shaped body of the capsule, an oxygen barrier liner 14 ( FIG . 3 ) is attached in known manner to the inner surface of the cup-shaped body of cellulose pulp. For example, an oxygen barrier liner 14 is laminated within and/or on the exterior of the body.

Preferably, the oxygen barrier liner 14 is made of at least a household compostable polymer, making it possible to dispose of the capsule or at least the cup-shaped body in household compostable waste.

Preferably, the multilayer oxygen barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and/or moisture barrier properties surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing the barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material.

A preferred multilayer barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and/or moisture barrier properties surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing the barrier liner to the cellulose pulp.

Preferably, a barrier liner 14 is provided at all inner surfaces of the cup-shaped body 1 , such as to delimit at least the entire cavity 1A for containing the beverage substance.

The oxygen barrier liner 14 is made of known single or multi-layer polymeric liners comprising, for example, polymers of fossil or non-fossil origin or polymers of biological origin, and is attached to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup-shaped body of the capsule .

By way of non-limiting example, the oxygen barrier liner comprises one or more of the following layers: - an outermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected from the following list: polybutylene succinate (PBSA/bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT ), starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or combinations thereof, - a first tie layer comprising a biodegradably modified or functionalized polyolefin, - a barrier layer comprising a polymer selected from the following list: butylene glycol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), or combinations thereof, - a second tie layer comprising a biodegradably modified or functionalized polyolefin, - an innermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected from the following list: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), Starch, cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), or combinations thereof.

Preferably, the first and outermost polymeric layer has a thickness comprised between 10 and 50 µm, and the layer has an elongation at rupture comprised between 10% and 800%, when at 150°C 2.16 The layer has a melt flow rate (MFR) when measured during 10 minutes under a pressure of kg comprised between 2 and 4, and the layer has a melting point temperature comprised below 80°C.

Preferably, the first bonding layer has a melting temperature comprised between 180° C. and 230° C. and a thickness comprised between 1 and 12 μm.

Preferably, the barrier layer has a melting point temperature comprised between 180° C. and 230° C. and a thickness comprised between 1 and 15 μm.

Preferably, the second bonding layer has a melting temperature comprised between 180° C. and 230° C. and a thickness comprised between 1 and 10 μm.

Preferably, the innermost polymeric layer has a thickness comprised between 10 and 50 µm, and the innermost layer has an elongation at break comprised between 10% and 1000%, when 2.16 kg at 190°C The innermost layer has a melt flow rate (MFR) comprised between 4 and 10 when measured during 10 minutes under pressure, and the layer has a melting point temperature comprised between 110°C and 180°C.

Preferably, the cup-shaped body 1 and its oxygen barrier liner 14 are made of a household compostable material such as one or more of the materials listed above, so it is possible to dispose of this in household compostable waste. ontology.

The cover 2 is made of a known material, preferably a polymeric film.

The cover 2 may be flat, ie not formed in a three-dimensional shape.

The cover 2 preferably comprises an oxygen barrier layer.

Preferably, the lid 2 is also made of at least one household compostable polymer, making it possible to dispose of it in household compostable waste, and more preferably also the cup-shaped body.

The lid 2 preferably comprises a sealing layer oriented towards the cavity 1A of the cup-shaped body 1 .

In general, if the capsule has a gas internal pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, the cover 2 may take a convex form, ie protrude outwards with respect to the cavity 1A (as shown in Figure 2 ).

The lid is sealed to the sealing layer of the opening of the cup-shaped body to close it after filling with ingredients.

Preferably, the barrier to oxygen is chosen for both the lid and the cup-shaped body to provide sufficient shelf life, which depends on the nature of the beverage ingredients. For example, for coffee, the expected shelf life may be 12 months.

Figures 5 to 7 show respectively the second, third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, wherein the capsule has the same technical features as discussed with reference to the first embodiment, but with different connecting walls 106, 206 and 306 .

In FIG. 5 the connecting wall 106 is rounded externally and internally (if seen in longitudinal section), and the protruding portion 107 is also rounded. Preferably, the outer contour of the protruding portion 107 is an arc of a circle. Preferably, the arc of a circle is the arc of a circle with a diameter of 0.53 mm+/−30%.

In FIG. 6 , the connecting wall 206 and the protruding portion 207 have the form of a slope and, when viewed in longitudinal section, are inclined in the direction M3 forming an angle G1 with the direction of inclination M1 of the side wall 5 . The angle G1 is preferably comprised between 100° and 150°, and more preferably about 135°.

In Figure 7 , the connecting wall 306 has the form of a step and the protruding portion 307 comprises a first wall portion 315 (which is substantially parallel to the annular flange 3) and a second wall portion 320, the second wall portion being seen in longitudinal section It is inclined in the direction M4, forming an angle with the direction of inclination M1 of the side wall 5: this angle is preferably comprised between 100° and 150°, and more preferably about 135°.

The density of the protrusions 107 , 207 , and 307 of the second, third, and fourth embodiments can be the same as that of the sidewall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 , or can be smaller than the maximum density of the sidewall 5 .

The maximum thickness T3, T4, T5 of the protrusions 107, 207, and 307 may be equal to the maximum thickness T2 of the sidewall 5, or it may be greater.

The shape and size of the protrusions 107, 207, and 307 of the connecting walls 106, 206, and 306 allow a better and more gradual interaction between the edges 8 of the movable enclosure member 9, and a better sealing.

The shape, size and density of the protrusions 107, 207, and 307 ensure tightness during beverage preparation. Compactness is achieved by localized compression and/or deformation of the cellulose pulp of the protrusions 107, 207, and 307.

As mentioned previously, the entire capsule is biodegradable and optimally compostable.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments of the capsules described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention covered by the appended claims. For example, a connecting wall may have a shape that is a combination of the shapes of two or more of the connecting walls of the previously discussed embodiments.

1: cup-shaped body 1A: cavity 2: cover body 3: ring flange 3A: Flat Wall 4: Bottom wall 4A: First sloped wall 4B: Second Wall 5: Tubular side wall; side wall 6: Connection wall 6B: inner surface 7: protruding part; part 8: edge 9: Enclosing components 10: Beverage preparation device 11: Support plate 12: pointing to the component 14: Barrier liner 106,206,306: connection wall 107,207,307: overhangs 315: first wall part 320:Second wall part A: vertical axis D1: maximum density D2: Density G, G1: Angle M1: first tilt direction M2: Direction M3: Direction M4: Direction T1, T2, T3, T4, T5: Thickness

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described and are apparent in the following description of the presently preferred embodiment set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a first embodiment of a capsule according to the present invention Schematic perspective view; [ Fig. 2 ] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the capsule in Fig. 1; [ Fig. 3 ] is a schematic enlarged view of the part of Fig. 2 indicated by arrow W; [ Fig. 4 ] is when the capsule in Fig. 1 is in [ Fig. 4A ] is a schematic enlarged view of the part of Fig. 4 indicated by arrow W1 when enclosed in the capsule enclosing member of the beverage preparation device; [ Fig. 5 ], [ Fig. 6] ] and [ FIG. 7 ] are views similar to FIG. 3 showing three further embodiments of the capsule.

2: cover body

3: ring flange

3A: Flat Wall

5: Tubular side wall; side wall

6: Connection wall

6B: inner surface

7: protruding part; part

14: Barrier liner

G: Angle

M1: first tilt direction

M2: Direction

T1, T2: Thickness

Claims (11)

A capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device (10), the capsule comprising: a cup-shaped body (1) and a lid (2) for closing the cup-shaped body (1), the cup-shaped The body (1) is made of cellulose pulp and comprises a bottom wall (4), a tubular side wall (5), and an annular flange (3) on which the lid (2) is sealed, wherein the The side wall (5) and the annular flange (3) are connected by a connecting wall (6; 106; 206; 306) of the cup-shaped body (1), characterized in that the connecting wall (6; 106; 206; 306) comprising at least one portion (7; 107; 207; 307) protruding outwardly with respect to the side wall (5); the at least one protruding portion (7; 107; 207; 307) is connected An edge (8) of a capsule enclosing member (9) cooperates to improve leak tightness during the preparation of the beverage. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the protruding portion (7; 107; 207; 307) is integral with both the side wall (5) and the annular flange (3) of the capsule and is made of cellulose pulp. The capsule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the density of the at least one protruding portion (7; 107; 207; 307) of the connecting wall (6; 106; 206; 306) is less than the maximum density of the side wall (5). Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one protruding portion has a thickness (T1; T3; T4; T5) greater than the maximum thickness (T2) of the side wall (5). The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one protruding portion (7; 107) of the connecting wall (6; 106) has a rounded shape, and preferably, the protruding portion (7; 107 ) is an outwardly projecting arc of a circle. The capsule according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the maximum density D1 of the side wall (5) of the cup-shaped body (1) is between the density D2 of the protruding portion (7) of the connecting wall (6) The difference of is a value comprised between 0.1% of D1 and 20% of D1, which is: 0.1%D1 ≤ (D1 - D2) ≤ 20%D1 And more preferably, the difference is comprised between 0.1% of D1 and 10% of D1, which is: 0.1%D1 ≤ (D1 - D2) ≤ 10%D1. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connecting wall (6, 206, 306) comprises at least one inner surface (6B) facing the cavity (1A) of the cup-shaped body (1), wherein Seen in longitudinal section, the inner surface (6B) is inclined in a direction (M2, M3, M4), forming an angle (G; G1) with the direction of inclination of the side wall (5) of the cup-shaped body (1), Wherein the angle (G; G1 ) is comprised between 100° and 150°, and preferably about 135°. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least the protruding portion (7; 107) of the connecting wall (6; 106) has a shape selected from one of the following shapes, or has a shape in One or more of a combination of one shape: - the protrusion (7; 107) has a rounded shape on the outside and a flat shape on the inside which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (A) of the cup-shaped body (1); and /or - the protrusion (7; 107) has a rounded shape externally and internally; and/or - the protruding portion (7; 107) externally and internally has a flat shape inclined relative to a longitudinal axis (A) of the cup-shaped body (1); and/or - The protrusion (7;107) has a stepped shape on the outside and on the inside. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cup-shaped body (1) is made of cellulose pulp comprising cellulose fibers ranging from 80% to 100% by weight, and comprises at least one oxygen barrier A liner (14) attached at the inner and/or outer surface of the cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp, wherein the oxygen barrier liner is made of at least one household compostable polymer, wherein less Preferably, the cover (2) is also made of a household compostable material. The capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the capsule is a single-use coffee capsule. Use of a capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 10 in a beverage preparation device (10).

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