CN114901568A - Container with plant material for preparing tea beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (1) for use in a beverage preparation machine. The container (1) has an asymmetric shape such that it is functionally inserted in a specific orientation inside the beverage preparation machine. The container (1) comprises a container body (2) having a rear side (40) and a front side (3), the rear side (40) and the front side (3) delimiting a compartment adapted to be traversed by water injected therein by a beverage preparation machine through the rear side (40), and plant material for preparing a tea beverage, the plant material being located inside the compartment. The front side (3) comprises at least one discharge opening (31) arranged in the upper half of the front side (3), preferably in the upper third of the front side, when said container (1) is functionally inserted in a beverage preparation machine, so as to keep the water in the compartment at a defined level (L) above the median height (M) of said container (1) before dispensing the tea beverage outside said container (1), thereby allowing the plant material to be soaked in said water.

Description

Container with plant material for preparing tea beverage

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a capsule for use in a beverage preparation machine.

Background

The container used in the beverage preparation machine may be a capsule (capsule) or a sachet (pod), e.g. a circular sachet. The container or a portion of the container is typically manufactured by separating a blank. The separation process may be a cutting process (such as stamping) and the blank may be a sheet material (e.g. from a roll of sheet material or a roll of material). The separated blank is then subsequently formed and sealed with another separated blank (e.g., separated from the same blank) to form the container or at least a portion of the container. The container may contain an ingredient such as coffee or tea. The ingredients may be placed prior to sealing such that the ingredients are contained in the compartment of the container.

The container may contain tea, in particular tea leaves, as an ingredient. Tea, particularly in the form of leaves, requires a certain amount of contact time between the hot water and each leaf in order to prepare the tea correctly, particularly during extraction and/or infusion. The preparation of tea from a beverage machine and from a container for use in a beverage preparation machine, such as a capsule machine, is convenient for the user and therefore interesting.

Beverage preparation machines, in particular for preparing coffee, usually provide a flow of water under high pressure. Thus, the flow of pressurized water traverses the container in a relatively short time. However, such brewing conditions may not be suitable for making tea. This is because tea requires a certain amount of time between the hot water and the tea leaves to be properly prepared. Furthermore, classic tea bags cannot be conveniently used in such beverage preparation systems.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. That is, the object of the present invention is in particular to provide a container which improves the preparation of tea and at the same time facilitates easy use in a beverage preparation machine.

These and other objects that will become apparent upon reading the following description are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention, a container for use in a beverage preparation machine is provided. The container has an asymmetric shape such that the container is functionally inserted into the interior of the beverage preparation machine in a specific orientation. The container comprises a container body having a rear side and a front side defining a compartment adapted to be traversed by water injected therein by the beverage preparation machine through the rear side, and a plant material for preparing a tea beverage, the plant material being located inside said compartment. The front side comprises at least one discharge opening arranged in the upper half of said front side, preferably in the upper third of said front side, when said container is functionally inserted in a beverage preparation machine, in order to keep the water in the compartment at a defined level above the median height of said container, before dispensing the tea beverage outside said container, allowing to soak the plant material in said water.

Thus, the container facilitates a longer contact time between the water and the plant material, as the injected water is not directly drained from the compartment. In contrast, the particular arrangement of the front side and the discharge opening in particular enables the accumulation of water in the compartment and therefore the proper immersion of the plant material in the water, thus properly enabling the extraction process for producing the tea beverage. Once the accumulated water reaches a defined level, the discharge opening acts as an overflow aperture (under a controlled sequence of flows) and thus expels the tea beverage from the container. Thus, the container facilitates the water to traverse the compartment at a slow and regular flow rate, thereby improving the preparation of tea when used in a conventional beverage preparation machine. Furthermore, the front side of the container body preferably provides rigidity to the container, and thus the container may be more conveniently used in a beverage preparation machine.

The plant material may be selected from the group consisting of: tea leaves, herb tea, herbal extracts and fruits.

The opening may be arranged eccentrically with respect to the front side. Thus, in a horizontal position of the container (wherein the horizontal axis preferably intersects the center of the front side), the container may retain a relatively large amount of water and plant material. In this position, the defined level may in particular be located above said horizontal axis intersecting the center of the front side.

The front side may comprise only one discharge opening. Thus, the opening can be obtained very easily.

The discharge opening may have a circular and/or polygonal shape. For example, the discharge opening may partially correspond to the contour of the compartment. The discharge opening may be in the form of a segment of a circle.

The container, e.g. the front side, may comprise one or more tabs, wherein the one or more tabs are preferably integrally formed with the container, e.g. the front side. The one or more tabs may make the container easier to use, as the one or more tabs provide structure for cooperating with the beverage preparation machine and/or with a user, for example to make the container easier to grasp and/or handle. For example, one or more tabs may assist in positioning and/or orienting the opening with respect to the machine.

The one or more tabs may include a grip tab for gripping the container. The grip tab typically provides a surface suitable for grasping by a user. The grip tab allows a user to easily grip or (manually) manipulate the container, e.g. with respect to the beverage preparation machine, without touching or acting on the body or the ingredients contained in the respective compartments of the body. For example, a grip tab is provided so that a user can insert the container into the beverage preparation machine and easily remove or withdraw the container from the beverage preparation machine to dispose of the container, e.g. because the beverage preparation machine does not comprise a waste bin for the container. When inserted into the beverage preparation machine, the grip tab may extend in a certain direction to the outside of the beverage preparation machine, so that a user may easily remove the container from the machine after use.

The discharge opening may be arranged between the grip tab and the center of the front side when viewed in plan view of the front side, i.e. when viewed perpendicular to the flat surface of the front side or when viewed in the direction of the axis of symmetry of the container (body) or the rear side. Thus, the opening can be positioned very easily by gripping the tab, so that a relatively large amount of water remains in the compartment. For example, by orienting the gripping tab to extend in an upward vertical direction, the opening automatically assumes a position in which a maximum amount of water is accumulated in the compartment in order to soak the plant material. In this position/orientation, the opening is thus positioned at the upper side of the container.

The one or more tabs may include identification tabs that include information, for example in the form of a code (2D, 3D, matrix barcode, QR code, RFID, etc.), that is used to process the container in the beverage preparation machine. The identification tab may carry information, for example, a corresponding code for the information may be printed onto the identification tab. The information may comprise information related to the ingredients of the container and/or information related to process parameters for processing the container, such as for processing the ingredients contained in the body. Thus, the information may include a recipe code. Thus, the identification tab provides a surface on which information may be provided, such that it is particularly not necessary to provide information on other parts of the container, such as on the main body or front side. Furthermore, the identification tab provides a good visibility of information for a reader of the beverage preparation machine. The reader of the beverage preparation machine is typically adapted to automatically read the information when the information provided on the identification tab is located in the field of view of the reader. Thus, the identification tab makes it very easy for a dedicated information reader of the beverage preparation machine to read the information provided on the identification tab. Thus, the identification tab makes the container easier to use in a beverage preparation machine. In general, the information may be arranged on the container, e.g. directly (printed) on the front side and/or any part of the container other than the tab or tabs.

The front side (as the front of the container) may comprise one or more first side (or peripheral) edges, wherein each of the one or more tabs has one or more second side (or peripheral) edges, wherein at least one of the one or more second side edges is at least partially formed complementary to one of the one or more first side edges. When forms can be connected to each other such that substantially no gaps are formed between the forms, for example when the male and female forms are defined by substantially the same diameter, one form can be understood as being "complementarily formed" with the other form. Additionally or alternatively, one or more second side edges may be formed by obtaining one or more further, preferably identically formed, front sides of other containers. In other words, a plurality of such front sides may be put together like a jigsaw puzzle, e.g. forming a single piece, without the connection between the front sides defining any gaps. Thus, the amount of scrap generated when producing the front side can be reduced. That is, a significantly increased amount of material remaining as scrap after obtaining the respective front side and at least one further front side is now used for the tab or tabs. The respective front side of the container thus provides in particular a more efficient manufacture.

The asymmetrical shape of the container may be provided by designing (only) the front side and/or the rear side and/or the one or more tabs, in particular the respective one or more second side edges, accordingly. Thus, the container may be shaped such that the container (e.g. the front side) is in a specific orientation, e.g. a defined position and/or orientation, in the beverage preparation machine. For example, at least one or each of the one or more tabs, in particular one or more side edges of the respective tab, is shaped at least partially corresponding to a portion of the beverage preparation machine, so as to achieve a specific orientation with respect to the beverage preparation machine. In a particular orientation of the container, the container may be suitably processed by the beverage preparation machine, and/or information provided on the container (e.g. on an identification tab) may be suitably read by the beverage preparation machine, and/or the (grip) tab extends in a certain direction, in order to easily remove the container from the beverage preparation machine. In particular, the defined shape of the container may thus ensure that the opening is always in the same position and/or orientation when the container is used in a beverage preparation machine. Furthermore, since the beverage preparation machine may need to have the information read from the container always in the same position within the machine, i.e. in the field of view of the reader of the beverage preparation machine, the container may effectively achieve that the information provided on the tab is always in this position when the container is used (inserted) in the beverage preparation machine.

The one or more second side edges may be formed by obtaining one or more further front sides of different containers, such as by obtaining one or more first side edges and/or one or more second side edges of the further front sides.

The front side and the one or more further front sides may be obtained from the same blank. This improves the efficiency of manufacturing the container. Additionally or alternatively, the front side and the one or more further front sides may be identically formed. "identically formed" is to be understood such that the front side and the one or more further front sides have the same form or shape at least when viewed in a plan view of these front sides, which may be the viewing direction perpendicular to these front sides or the flat surface of the blank from which these front sides are obtained. This improves the efficiency of manufacturing the container.

The tabs may extend in different directions. Thus, one of the tabs, e.g. the grip tab, is effectively prevented from interfering with the other one of the tabs, e.g. the identification tab, thereby improving the ease of use of the container. Additionally or alternatively, the tabs may be arranged diametrically opposite. In particular, this makes the container particularly easy to use, since the tabs are prevented from interfering with each other due to the large relative distance between the tabs.

The tabs may extend in the same plane. In other words, the tab can be obtained from the same blank having a flat surface extending substantially in only one plane. Thus, the compactness of the container is improved.

At least one of the one or more second side edges may be a side edge disposed transversely with respect to the respective tab. Since the transverse edges of the tabs are usually the longest edges of the respective tabs, a relatively large amount of waste during the obtaining of the container can be reduced.

At least one of the one or more second side edges may be a side edge disposed at a distal end of the respective tab. Thus, a relatively long tab may be provided, since when two front sides are obtained from the same blank, the distal end corresponding to the first side edge may be formed thereby by using material of the first side edge extending to the further front side. Thus, the front side may comprise for example only one tab for fulfilling different functions, such as the function of both gripping and information tabs, i.e. the function of both handling the container and providing information.

The one or more second side edges of one of the tabs may include a second side edge that is formed complementary to the second side edge of the other of the tabs. In other words, by obtaining the second side edge of one of the tabs, it is possible to obtain the second side edge, which is for example both the distal end of that tab and the second side edge of the other tab, for example the (further) second side edge which is also the distal end of the (further) tab of the front side of the other container. Thus, a design for a more efficiently manufactured container is provided. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more second side edges of the one or more tabs comprise second side edges formed by one or more tabs from which additional front sides of other containers are obtained. Thus, the manufacture of the container is more efficient.

At least one of the one or more second side edges may have a concave shape, wherein the one or more first side edges thus have a convex shape. These complementary shapes or forms of the first and second side edges are particularly advantageous for efficient manufacture of the container.

Each of the one or more tabs may have only three second side edges. The three second side edges may merge continuously or discontinuously with each other. Two of the second side edges may be transversely disposed side edges of the respective tabs, with a third of the second side edges disposed at a distal end of the respective tabs. In one embodiment, each of the (three) second side edges of the respective tab is formed at least partially complementary to the one or more first side edges. Thus, a particularly large amount of waste material during the manufacture of the container can be reduced. According to this embodiment, a container having only one tab can be obtained. In another embodiment, only two of the second side edges (e.g., laterally disposed side edges) of the respective tabs may each be at least partially formed complementary to one or more of the first side edges, wherein more preferably, a third one of the second side edges (e.g., disposed at the distal end) of the respective tab is at least partially formed complementary to a third one of the second side edges of the respective other tabs. Thus, a particularly large amount of waste during the manufacture of the container can be reduced, while according to this embodiment a container with at least or only two tabs can be obtained very efficiently.

The container may include a filter element disposed upstream of the discharge opening for preventing particles of the plant material from being discharged from the container. Thus, the beverage can be effectively prevented from containing such particles. Furthermore, in particular, it may be possible to reduce or prevent the filter from interfering with the machine, since the front side is thereby arranged between the filter and the machine.

The rear side of the container (e.g. in the form of a rear portion) is preferably obtained by forming and/or separating a single blank, such as a sheet. Thus, the container can be produced very efficiently.

The front side may be (directly) attached to a rear side, e.g. the rear, of the container. Thus, an easy and compact design of the container is provided. The front side is preferably attached to the back side by a seal, such as a heat seal. This provides for a very easy attachment of the front side, which at the same time provides for a sealing of the container.

The filter element may be sandwiched between the rear side and the front side. Thus, the filter element and the front side can be attached to the rear side very easily, for example by sealing, which connects both the front side and the filter element to the rear side.

The container (e.g. front side) may be made of a material selected from the following list: plastic, paper, cardboard, aluminum, multi-layer laminates, biodegradable and/or compostable materials, or combinations thereof. Materials are understood to be "compostable" or "biodegradable" when they meet the Requirements established by the European Specification EN 13431 ("Packaging-requisitions for Packaging-capable through-compounding and biodegradation-Test scheme and evaluation for the final access of Packaging").

The container may be made of biodegradable and/or compostable materials, such as materials including compostable polymers, paper, and/or cellulose. Additionally or alternatively, the front side may be made of a material comprising plastic, paper, cardboard, aluminum, and/or a multi-layer laminate.

Detailed Description

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective exploded view of a container according to a preferred embodiment;

fig. 2 is a schematic perspective side view of the container according to fig. 2 in an assembled state;

fig. 3 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the container according to fig. 2, wherein the water flow across the compartment is schematically indicated;

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan (top) view of the front side according to the first preferred embodiment;

fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of a blank for obtaining a plurality of front sides according to fig. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan (top) view of the front side according to a second preferred embodiment; and is

Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of a blank for obtaining a plurality of front sides according to fig. 6.

In the drawings, different preferred embodiments of the container 1 are shown. The container 1 is suitable for use in a beverage preparation machine, for example a capsule and/or sachet-adapted beverage preparation machine, such as of the "Nespresso professional" type. Thus, the container 1 may be adapted to be traversed by a flow of water (pressurized and/or heated). The beverage preparation machine may comprise a water tank, a heater for heating water from the water tank and a pump for pumping the heated water. The beverage preparation machine may further comprise a holder (e.g. in the form of a cavity) adapted to hold the container 1. For example, the holder is adapted to hold the container 1 in a position/orientation in which the beverage preparation machine can produce a beverage from the container 1 by means of water (heated and/or pressurized). The container 1 is not limited to a specific one. For example, the container 1 may be a (coffee) capsule or a (coffee) sachet.

The container 1 comprises a container body 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "body"), for example a sealed body, for containing ingredients for preparing a beverage. The ingredient is a plant material for preparing a tea beverage. For example, the plant material does not include coffee beans. Additionally or alternatively, the plant material may be selected from the group consisting of: tea, herb tea and fruit. The plant material may also comprise any other plant material suitable for preparing a tea beverage, such as herbs and/or spices. The ingredients may also include additives such as milk or sugar. Thus, the beverage to be prepared with the container 1 is a tea beverage.

The sealing body 2 comprises a front side 3 (e.g. designed as a front and/or holding element), and a rear side 40, which may be designed as a rear. In fig. 4 to 7, the rear side 40 is not shown, since these figures show plan views, in which the viewing direction is perpendicular to the flat surface of the front side 3. The rear side is arranged behind the front side 3. The front side 3 and the back side 40 may be sealed at least along (only) one or more first side (or perimeter) edges 4. Thus, the front side 3 and the back side 40 define a (closed and/or inner) compartment containing the ingredients. In fig. 1, the volume of the compartment is shown between the filter element 50 and the rear side 40. The volume of the compartment may be, for example, 13350mm ³ 。

Each of the one or more first side edges 4 may have a rounded or convex form (shape). In other examples, each of the one or more side edges 4 may also have a different shape, such as a straight, elliptical, and/or polygonal shape. Thus, sealing the front side 3 and the back side 40 together may be partly along one or more side edges 4 and partly on other parts of the front side 3 and the back side, such that a sealed path 5, e.g. a closed sealed path 5, is obtained. The sealing path 5 may have a shape corresponding to one or more first side edges 4. For example, the sealing path 5 has a circular shape, in particular in the form of a (closed) circle. In other examples, the sealing path 5 may also have a polygonal form. The sealing may be achieved by a heat sealer. In other examples, further sealing elements, for example adhesive elements, such as glue, may be provided for sealing the front side 3 and the back side 40 together. Generally, the front side 3 may be attached to the rear side or rear side 40 of the container in various ways, such as an adhesive and/or frictional connection and/or an interlocking connection.

The front side 3 and/or the back side 40, respectively, may be provided in a formed state, i.e. with a three-dimensional extension. For example, the front side 3 and/or the back side 40 may initially be provided in a substantially flat state, wherein the respective portion has substantially only a two-dimensional extension. The front side 3 and/or the back side 40 may be changed by a forming process from a flat state, in which the respective portion is provided as a substantially flat element, such as a blank (e.g. a sheet), to a formed state. Thus, the form of the front side 3 and/or the back side 40 defines the spatial extent of the compartment defined by the front side 3 and the back side 40.

The compartment delimited by the front side 3 and the rear side 40 is adapted to be traversed by water. Thus, the container 1 or compartment is typically adapted such that water can be injected into the compartment from either side of the container 1. According to the invention, the rear side 40 is adapted to inject water into the container 1, i.e. into the compartment defined by the front side 3 and the rear side 40. Thus, water traversing the compartment is injected therein, i.e. into the compartment, through the rear side 40 by the beverage preparation machine. The rear side 40 is thus the filling side of the container 1. For example, the rear side 40 may be designed to be pierced by a needle or needles, which thus inject water into the compartment. Drainage of water from the container 1 and the compartment is facilitated by the front side 3 ("dispensing side") of the container 1. Whereby the front side 3 is adapted to discharge water from the compartment. That is, water enters the compartment through the rear side 40, comes into contact with the ingredients (i.e. plant material) inside the compartment, for example to extract and/or leach soluble compounds and flavors from the plant material to prepare tea, and finally exits through the front side 3 to dispense the tea beverage so prepared (i.e. extracted and/or leached tea).

The rear side 40 defining the compartment may comprise a side wall 41 surrounding the plant material. The rear side 40 may include a bottom 42 and a top. The side wall 41 may extend from the bottom 42 to the top of the rear side 40, i.e. to the front side 3 of the container 1. The bottom 42 may be (at least) the portion of the rear side 40 adapted to inject water into the compartment. Additionally or alternatively, the side wall 41 may be adapted to inject water into the compartment. The rear side 40 may have a substantially cylindrical or conical form, in particular a truncated cone or a truncated cone form. The rear side 40 may have a generally arcuate form, for example, a form that widens or tapers from a bottom 42 of the rear side toward the top (i.e., the front side of the container 1). The rear side 40 may have a prismatic form, a truncated pyramidal form, or a substantially flat form, such as a disk-like or pod-like form. In a top view of the rear side 40, the rear side 40 may have a circular, elliptical and/or angled (polygonal, rectangular, square, etc.) form.

The front side 3 may be attached to the rear side 40 or to the periphery of the side wall 41. The rear side 40 may comprise a flange 43, preferably extending from the upper end of the side wall 41 to the outside of the container 1. The front side 3 may then be attached to this flange 43. In other examples, the front side 3 may also be attached differently, for example directly to the side wall 41 without the need for a flange. The front side 3 may be disc-shaped. For example, the form of the front side 3 substantially corresponds to the circumference of the rear side 40. Preferably, the (main) part of the front side 3 attached to the rear side 40 for retaining water in the compartment has a circular or rounded form, for example with a diameter of about 53 mm.

As shown in fig. 3, the front side 3 comprises at least one discharge opening 31 (also referred to as "opening" in the following) in order to keep the water in the compartment at a defined level L. For example, the front side 3 may be adapted to retain water in the compartment at a defined level L. Thus, the opening 31 is arranged to drain water from the compartment such that the water cannot rise beyond the defined level L. In particular in a horizontal orientation of the container 1 (e.g. when used in a beverage preparation machine, i.e. when functionally inserted), the defined level L may thus extend from the front side 3 to the rear side 40, thereby soaking the plant material in water. In other words, the water surface forming the defined level L may extend from the front side 3 to the rear side 40. Thus, a defined level L may extend from the lower edge of the opening 31. If the rear side 40 comprises a bottom 42 and/or a side wall 41, the defined level L may extend to the side wall 41 and/or the bottom 42, e.g. such that a portion of the side wall 41 and/or the bottom 42 is not in contact with water accumulating in the compartment.

The opening 31 thus achieves that the defined level L is higher than the median height M of the container 1 before dispensing the tea beverage outside the container 1, allowing the plant material to soak in said water. When the capsule 1 is functionally inserted in a beverage preparation machine, the median height M of the capsule 1 can be measured along the vertical direction. For example, when the container is functionally inserted in the beverage preparation machine, the median height M corresponds to half the height H of the front side 3; if optional tabs 11 and/or tabs 21 are present (see below), said height does not take into account this or these tab(s) 11,21 when calculating the height H and the median height M of the front side 3. If the front side 3 has a substantially circular form (i.e. the form of the front side 3 without optional tabs 11,21), for example a spherical or elliptical form and/or a form corresponding to the rear side 40 as a cylinder or a (truncated) cone, the median height thus corresponds to the radius of said form (thus the diameter of said form corresponds to the height H of the front side 3).

The defined level L thus divides the compartment into a part comprising plant material soaked in the injection water and another part not comprising or accumulating any water and/or plant material. Furthermore, by discharging water through the opening 31, pressure build-up in the compartment due to accumulated water can be effectively prevented, thereby improving the preparation of tea from plant material, for example by extraction or leaching. Thus, the front side 3 achieves that water is accumulated in the compartment, so that the plant material is properly soaked in the water, thereby properly producing the tea beverage. Once the accumulated water (which already comprises solubles and flavors extracted from the plant material) reaches the defined level L, the opening 31 of the front side 3 serves as an overflow aperture and thus the tea beverage is discharged from the container 1, i.e. from the compartment.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the opening 31 is arranged in the upper half, preferably in the upper third, of the front side 3 when said container 1 is functionally inserted in a beverage preparation machine. By "functionally inserted" is in particular understood that a specific orientation of the container 1 in the beverage preparation machine is achieved, in particular in order to properly prepare a (tea) beverage from the container 1. The upper half of the front side 3 may extend in a vertical direction from the centre of the front side 3 to the upper side edge (e.g. the (proximal) end of the tab 11, if the tab 11 is present, or the side edge of the front side 3; that is, if the tab 11 and/or the tab 21 are present, these tabs 11,21 are not taken into account when calculating the circumference of that part of the front surface 3 (i.e. the upper half or upper third in which the opening 31 is arranged) or the front side 3. accordingly, the upper half may extend at least or only along half the height H of the front side 3, wherein the height H may correspond to the diameter of the front side 3 (see above) if the front side 3 has a substantially circular form-the upper third of the front side 3 may extend above the centre of the front side 3 to said upper side edge or circumference of the front side 3-accordingly, the upper third may extend at least or only along one third of the height H of the front side 3, but less than half the height H of the front side 3. Typically, the opening 31 may be arranged eccentrically with respect to the front side 3, i.e. offset with respect to the center of the front side 3. The center of the front side 3 may be a point where the axis of symmetry of the container 1 or the rear side 40 intersects the front side 3. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the opening 31 may be provided beside an edge portion or flange 43 of the rear side 40.

The front side 3 preferably comprises only one discharge opening 31 to discharge water, i.e. tea beverage, from the compartment. In other examples, the front side 3 may also comprise a plurality of openings for discharging water, wherein the plurality of openings are preferably arranged in groups. The opening 31 is not limited to a specific form. The opening 31 may at least partially correspond to the contour of the rear side 40, which may be defined by an outer edge portion or flange 43 of the rear side 40. Preferably, the opening has a circular and/or polygonal shape, for example in the form of a segment of a circle. For example, the straight portion of the opening 31 is the edge of the opening through which water is drained from the compartment. That is, the straight portion of the opening 31 may be flush with the defined level L.

The container 1, for example the front side 3, may comprise a filter element 50 for preventing particles of the ingredient (plant material) from being discharged from the container 1. The filter element 50 is arranged upstream of the openings 31, i.e. behind the respective openings 31 of the front side 3, as seen in the front side 3 of the container 1. The filter element 50 may be sandwiched between the rear side, e.g. the rear side 40 and the front side 3. Thus, by attaching the front side 3 to the back side 40, for example using the above-described seal or seal path, the filter element 50 may be attached to the back side 40 at the same time. Thus, attaching the front side 3, the filter element 50 and the back side 40 to each other is very simple and effective. For example, the filter element 50 may also be attached to an edge portion or flange 43 of the rear side 40. The shape of the filter element 50 preferably corresponds to the shape or contour of the rear side 40, in particular the edge portion or flange 43 of the rear side 40. Additionally or alternatively, the front side 3 may serve as a filter element. For example, the filter element 50 is provided integrally with the front side 3. Thus, the front side 3 and the filter element 50 can be provided more efficiently.

The container 1 may comprise one or more tabs, for example, integrally formed with the container 1. For example, the front side 3 and/or the back side 40 include one or more tabs, which may be integrally formed with the front side 3 and/or the back side 40. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 5, the front side 3 comprises only one tab 11. The tab 11 is made in one piece with the front side 3 so as to obtain the front side 3 and the tab 11 from the same blank (raw material). The tab 11 extends to the front side 3 or outside the container 1. For example, the tab 11 may extend from the sealing path 5, preferably such that a proximal end of the tab 11 is disposed at the sealing path 5, or the sealing path 5 extends across the proximal end of the tab 11. The tab 11 may extend in a substantially flat manner, i.e. substantially in only one plane of extension and have only one (relatively thin) thickness. The tab 11 may comprise a surface, wherein the surface is for example substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the front side 3.

The tab 11 may be a gripping tab for gripping the container 1, in particular for inserting the container 1 into a beverage preparation machine and for removing the container 1 from the beverage preparation machine. Thus, the surface of the tab 11 may be adapted to be grasped by a user. Thus, the surface may be provided such that the tab 11 is caught or the surface does not interfere with the compartment defined by the rear side 40 and the front side 3. For example, the surface may include defined or undefined structures that aid in grasping the tab 11. This surface may be roughened so that the tab 11 and thus the front side 3 and the container 1 can be gripped particularly easily.

Additionally or alternatively, the tab 11 may be an identification tab. Thus, the tab 11 may comprise information for processing the container 1 in the beverage preparation machine. The process parameter may refer to, for example, water pressure and/or water temperature and/or fill volume of the beverage to be prepared. This information may be provided in the form of a code. For example, the tab 11 or the surface of the tab 11 may comprise a machine readable code containing this information, wherein the machine readable code may be read by a dedicated reader in the beverage preparation machine. The machine-readable code may be an RFID tag (or any other near field technology tag) and/or a barcode, such as a 2D, 3D, matrix or QR barcode. Thus, the surface of the tab 11 may be provided for gripping the container 1 and for carrying information, thus being both a gripping tab and an identification tab.

Preferably, the opening 31 is arranged between the tab 11 and the center of the front side 3, for example the aforementioned center. That is, the opening 31 is preferably arranged between the tab 11 and the center of the front side 3 when viewed in a plan view of the front side 3, for example when viewed in the direction of the axis of symmetry of the container 1 or the rear side 40. For example, the opening 31 is provided beside the tab 11, i.e. beside the proximal end of the tab 11. The tab 11 thus makes it possible for the opening 31 to be positioned and/or oriented very easily, which in particular makes it possible for the front side 3 to retain a relatively large amount of water. For example, by orienting the tab 11 to extend in an upward vertical direction (see e.g. fig. 3), the opening 31 is automatically in a position in which the front side 3 retains water, which may accumulate a maximum amount of water in the compartment for steeping the plant material.

The capsule 1 has an asymmetrical shape such that it is functionally inserted inside the beverage preparation machine in a specific orientation, in particular in a defined position and/or orientation. The asymmetrical shape of the container 1 may be provided by designing the container 1 accordingly, e.g. the front side 3 and/or the rear side 40 and/or the tab 11. Thus, the front side 3 and/or the rear side 40 and/or the tab 11 may be shaped to bring the container 1 in a specific (defined) position and/or orientation in the beverage preparation machine. For example, the tab 11 or the structure of the tab 11 (e.g. the second side edge described below) is shaped correspondingly to a part of the beverage preparation machine, such as a part of a holder of the beverage preparation machine. Thus, the corresponding connection or engagement between (the structure of) the tab 11 and the beverage preparation machine brings the container 1 in a specific position and/or orientation. In a particular position and/or orientation, the opening 31 may automatically be in a particular position and/or orientation, for example such that a maximum amount of water and soaked plant material may accumulate in the compartment; i.e. the opening 31 is then provided at the upper side of the container 1. Additionally or alternatively, in a particular position and/or orientation, the beverage preparation machine may suitably process the container 1, e.g. the beverage preparation machine may suitably read information provided on the tab 11 and/or inject water into the container 1 to prepare a beverage. Thus, with an asymmetrical shape of the container 1, erroneous operation of the beverage preparation machine with the container 1 can be effectively prevented, for example by designing the tab 11 and/or the front side 3 accordingly.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the tab 11 may include a plurality of second side (or peripheral) edges 12, 13, 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 5, the tab 11 comprises only three second side edges 12, 13, 14. The second side edge 12, 13, 14 defines the tab 11 or a surface of the tab 11. The second side edges 12, 13 are side edges arranged transversely with respect to the tab 11. That is, each of the second side edges 12, 13 extends from the proximal end of the tab 11 to the distal end of the tab 11. For example, each of the second side edges 12, 13 merges continuously with the first side edge 4, or, if present, with a respective one of the plurality of first side edges 4. The second side edge 14 is provided at the distal end of the tab 11. As exemplarily shown in fig. 1, the second side edges 14 may be discontinuously merged with the laterally disposed second side edges 12, 13, respectively. In other examples, the second side edge 14 may also merge continuously with the laterally disposed side edges 12, 13. For example, the second side edges 12, 13, 14 may form a single second side edge, which defines (the surface of) the grip tab 11.

At least one or each of the second side edges 12, 13, 14 may be at least partially formed complementary to one or more of the first side edges 4. Due to this complementary form of at least one (or each) of the first side edge 4 on the one hand and the second side edges 12, 13, 14 on the other hand, the amount of scrap generated in the production of the container 1, in particular the front side 3, can be reduced, since the material which would actually be scrap is now used for obtaining the tabs 11. More specifically and with reference to fig. 5, the tab 11, i.e. the second side edge 12, 13, 14, may be obtained or formed by obtaining, for example, one or more further (or "first") front sides 3' from which further containers are cut or separated, such as punched. As is apparent from fig. 5, the ("second") front side 3 and the further front side 3 'may be obtained from the same blank 30 and/or may be identically formed when viewed in plan view of the blank 30 or the front sides 3, 3'. The blank 30 may be provided in the form of a (single) flat surface and/or may be from a roll of material.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 5, each of the second side edges 12, 13, 14 of the tab 11 is formed at least partially or completely complementary to the first side edge 4. As is apparent from fig. 5, one area or zone of the blank 30 may be delimited by three front sides 3' ("first front sides") to be obtained from the blank 30; for example, the area may be between the circular shapes of the front sides 3, 3'. These three front sides 3 'are obtained from the blank 30, for example by being separated at least along the respective first side edges 4, so that the aforementioned areas or zones are separated from these three front sides 3', but still formed integrally with the other front side 3 ("second front side") to be obtained from the blank 30. Thus, the area or zone previously delimited by the three (first) front sides 3' to be obtained from the blank 30 becomes the tab 11 integral with the remaining (second) front side 3. So that each of the second side edges 12, 13, 14 of the tabs 11 of the second front side 3 is formed complementary to the first side edge 4 of the first three front sides 3, so that there is substantially no waste material produced in order to obtain these four front sides 3, 3'.

The second side edges 12, 13, 14 are not limited to a particular shape as long as at least one of these second side edges 12, 13, 14 is formed complementary to the first side edge 4, so that the amount of waste generated is reduced. When forms can be connected or mated to one another such that substantially no gaps are formed between the forms, one form can be understood as being "complementarily formed" with the other. For example, where the complementary forms are circular in shape, the complementary forms have substantially equal diameters. As shown in fig. 4 and 5, each of the second side edges 12, 13, 14 preferably has a concave shape, since the first side edge 4 has a convex shape. In other embodiments, the second side edges 12, 13, 14 may also have different shapes, such as polygonal, rectangular and/or straight shapes. With this design, the respective front sides 3 of a plurality of containers 1 can be put together like a jigsaw puzzle, thus forming a single surface (when viewed in plan view of this surface), without any gaps being formed by putting the front sides 3 together, as shown in fig. 5.

In fig. 6 and 7, a container 1 or front side 3 according to a second preferred embodiment is shown. Unless otherwise indicated below, the container 1 according to the second preferred embodiment (i.e. in particular the front side 3) substantially corresponds to the container 1 according to the first embodiment (i.e. in particular the front side 3).

The container 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the container 1 according to the first embodiment in particular in that the container 1 (for example its front side 3) comprises a plurality of tabs, namely a tab 11 and a further tab 21. In other embodiments, the front side 3 may also comprise more than two tabs. The further tab 21 corresponds substantially to the tab 11, unless otherwise indicated, so that the description of the tab 11 applies correspondingly to the further tab 21. Thus, the further tab 21 also comprises one or more second side edges 22, 23, 24, wherein the side edges 22, 23 are transversely arranged side edges and the side edge 24 is arranged at a distal end of the further tab 21. The further tab 11 may serve a different function than the tab 11. For example, the tab 11 serves only as a gripping tab, wherein additionally or alternatively the further tab 21 serves only as an identification tab.

The tabs 11,21 may extend in different directions and/or in the same plane. As is apparent in particular from fig. 6, the tabs 11,21 may be arranged diametrically opposite. The tabs 11,21 may be arranged such that by gripping the container 1 by means of the tab 11 to be placed inside the beverage preparation machine, the further tab 21 is brought into a position and/or orientation in which the beverage preparation machine may read the information provided on the further tab 21. Additionally or alternatively, the further tab 21 is designed to bring the container 1/front side 3 in a position and/or orientation (i.e. a specific orientation) in which the opening 31 is automatically in a desired position and/or orientation, e.g. such that a maximum amount of water and soaked plant material can be accumulated in the compartment. As is apparent from fig. 3, the further tab 21 may be shorter than the tab 11, so that in particular the surface of the further tab 21 (i.e. the surface which can be seen in plan view of the front side 3) is smaller than the surface of the tab 21. For example, the surface of the further tab 21 may be such that: this surface comprises substantially only information (e.g. a bar code), i.e. the information covers the entire surface of the further tab 21.

The second embodiment of the container 1 also differs from the first embodiment of the container 1 in that one of the second side edges of each of the tabs 11,21 is formed complementary (at least partially or completely) to the second side edge of the respective other one of the tabs 11, 21. As is apparent from, for example, fig. 6 and 7, the second side edge 14A (i.e., the third side edge 14A) provided at the distal end of the tab 11 is formed complementarily to the (third) second side edge 24 of the further tab 21 (also provided at the distal end of the further tab 21). The respective other two second side edges 12, 13, 22, 23 are each formed at least partially complementary to one or more first side edges 4.

As is evident from fig. 7, one area (or zone) of the blank 30 is delimited by two front sides 3' ("first front sides") to be obtained from the blank 30; for example, the area may be between the circular shapes of the front sides 3, 3'. The two front sides 3' are obtained from the blank 30, for example by being separated at least along the respective first side edges 4. The aforementioned region also separates along the second side edge 24, and thus along the second side edge 14A, such that the region separates into a first portion and a second portion. A first part of this area is formed integrally with the ("second") front side 3 (but separately from the respective other front side), so as to form a further tab 21 of this front side 3. A second part of this area is formed integrally with the further ("second") front side 3, but is separated from the respective other front side, so that the tabs 11 of this further front side 3 are formed. Thus, the area or zone previously delimited by the two ("first") front sides 3' to be obtained from the blank 30 becomes the tab 11, and the further tabs 21 are respectively integral with the ("second") front side 3 and with the further ("second") front side 3. Thus, in order to obtain a plurality of tabs 11,21 of the front side 3, substantially no scrap is produced. Furthermore, in the case where the second side edges 12, 13 and 22, 23 are formed complementarily to the respective first side edges 4 of the other front sides 3, the scrap during manufacture is significantly reduced.

The second side edges 14A, 24 are not limited to a particular shape as long as they are formed complementary to each other, resulting in a reduction in the amount of scrap. As shown in fig. 6, the second side edge 14A preferably has a convex (e.g., circular) shape, and the second side edge 24 thus has a concave (e.g., circular) shape. In other embodiments, the second side edges 14A, 24 may also have different shapes, such as polygonal, rectangular, and/or straight shapes.

The container 1 is not limited to a specific material. For example, the (entire) container 1 or at least the front side 3 and/or the back side 40 is made of a flexible or semi-flexible material and/or a water repellent and/or waterproof material. Preferably, the (entire) container 1 or at least the front side 3 and/or the back side 40 is made of a material selected from the list of: plastics, paper, cardboard, cartons (e.g., 130 g/m) ² (Kraft) paper and/or 30g/m ² PLA), aluminum, biodegradable and/or compostable (home-compostable or industrial compostable) materials, such as materials including compostable polymers, paper, and/or cellulose. In particularly preferred embodiments, the rear side 40 and/or the filter element 50 can be made of a nonwoven material (e.g., 30 g/m) ² Known for example by the name CD 50132M).

It should be clear to the skilled person that the embodiment shown in the figures is only a preferred embodiment, but that other designs of the container 1 may be used.

Claims (10)

1. A capsule (1) for use in a beverage preparation machine, said capsule (1) having an asymmetric shape such that it is functionally inserted in a specific orientation inside said beverage preparation machine, said capsule (1) comprising:

a container body (2) having a rear side (40) and a front side (3), said rear side (40) and said front side (3) delimiting a compartment suitable for being traversed by water injected therein by said beverage preparation machine through said rear side (40), and

a plant material for preparing a tea beverage, the plant material being located inside the compartment,

wherein the front side (3) comprises at least one discharge opening (31) arranged in the upper half of the front side (3), preferably in the upper third of the front side, when the container (1) is functionally inserted in the beverage preparation machine, so as to keep the water in the compartment at a defined level (L) above the median height (M) of the container (1) before dispensing the tea beverage outside the container (1), thereby allowing to soak the plant material in the water.

2. The container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plant material is selected from the group consisting of: tea leaves, herb tea, herbal extracts and fruits.

3. Container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front side (3) comprises only one discharge opening (31).

4. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge opening (31) has a circular and/or polygonal shape.

5. A container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more tabs (11,21), wherein the one or more tabs (11,21) preferably comprise a grip tab for gripping the container (1), and/or wherein the one or more tabs (11,21) comprise an identification tab comprising information, for example in the form of a code, for handling the container (1) in a beverage preparation machine.

6. Container (1) according to claim 5, wherein the front side (3) comprises one or more first side edges (4), and wherein each of the one or more tabs (11,21) has one or more second side edges (12-14,14A,22-24), wherein at least one or each of the one or more second side edges (12-14,14A,22-24) is at least partially formed complementary to one of the one or more first side edges (4).

7. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (1) comprises a filter element (50) arranged upstream of the discharge opening (31) for preventing particles of the plant material from being discharged from the container (1).

8. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front side (3) and/or the back side (40) are obtained by forming and/or separating a single blank (30), such as a sheet.

9. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, made of a material selected from the list of: plastic, paper, cardboard, aluminum, multi-layer laminates, biodegradable and/or compostable materials, or combinations thereof.

10. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (1) is made of a biodegradable and/or compostable material, such as a material comprising compostable polymers, paper and/or cellulose.

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