CN216140580U - Capsule body and capsule for a beverage preparation machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a capsule adapted to contain one or more beverage ingredients for use in a beverage preparation machine. A body of the capsule having sidewalls defining a cavity for containing the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the sidewalls include an inner surface facing the cavity defined by the sidewalls; and an outer surface which faces the beverage preparation machine in use. A flange-like rim of the capsule body extends from the plurality of side walls. The base and the flange-like rim are formed from laminated aluminium sheets comprising an aluminium layer and a polymer layer. The flange-like rim includes at least one slot in the aluminum layer, wherein the at least one slot is in the aluminum layer, and the polymer layer covers the at least one slot.

Description

Capsule body and capsule for a beverage preparation machine

Technical field and background of the utility model

In some embodiments thereof, the present invention relates to a disposable capsule for preparing a beverage using a beverage preparation machine, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a capsule made of aluminium sheet.

Single-use capsules containing compacted ground coffee, tea and/or other ingredients are known to be used in certain coffee making machines commonly referred to as "espresso" machines. Capsules of this type generally comprise a capsule body comprising compacted ground coffee and/or other ingredients; and a film or a lid, such as aluminum foil, sealing the capsule body. Typically, the capsule body is in the shape of a sharp truncated cone with an edge, and the membrane is attached to the edge to seal the capsule. The body of the capsule is usually made of aluminum or plastic. When an aluminium sheet is used, the interior of the capsule is typically coated with a thin layer of thermoplastic material for heat sealing the film to the edges and providing a barrier between the aluminium and the contents of the capsule. Typically, the film includes a similar coating and/or lacquer (lacquer).

In use in an "espresso" machine, the capsule is placed in a chamber, usually perforated on two opposite faces, and hot water is then passed through the capsule at relatively high pressure and temperature to extract the aromatic ingredient from the ingredient to prepare the beverage. Typically, during operation of an "espresso" machine, the rim of the capsule, together with the closure member of the machine chamber, is pressed against a capsule holder to form a sealing engagement. The sealing engagement with the capsule holder is generally used to ensure that all hot water passes through the capsule for preparing the coffee beverage and to prevent leakage around the capsule.

Us patent application publication No. 2018-0105355 describes a capsule body adapted to contain one or more beverage ingredients for use in a beverage preparation machine. It is described that the capsule comprises a base, a flange-like rim, and a sealing member adapted to provide sealing engagement between the capsule and the beverage preparation machine. The capsule body is characterized in that the sealing member is located on a surface of the flange-like rim extending from an inner surface of sidewalls of the base, the sidewalls defining a cavity for containing one or more beverage ingredients.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a capsule body configured to provide sealing engagement with a closure member of a beverage preparation machine. The capsule body is made from a laminated sheet of aluminium and comprises a base, a flange-like rim and an additional sealing member adapted to provide sealing engagement between the capsule body and the beverage preparation machine. According to some exemplary embodiments, the flange-like rim comprises one or more slots in the aluminium layer material that do not penetrate the polymer layer. A slot in an aluminum layer as defined herein may be a crack, gap, or window formed in the aluminum layer. The polymer layer may remain continuous over the flange-like rim and/or may be continuous over one or more slots formed in the aluminium layer.

In some exemplary embodiments, the capsule is formed such that the polymer layer on the aluminum sheet is the inner surface of the capsule body and provides a barrier between the aluminum and the contents of the capsule. Alternatively or additionally, a polymer layer (a second polymer layer) may be laminated to an outer surface of the capsule body. For example, the capsule body may be formed from an aluminum sheet comprising a double-sided polymer layer. In such a configuration, the at least one polymer layer is configured to be continuous over the flanged rim and/or continuous over one or more slots formed in the aluminum layer of the flanged rim.

A lid, such as aluminium foil for sealing the capsule, may be located on the sealing member and the sealing member may be sandwiched between the polymer layer (in the inner surface of the capsule) and the lid of the capsule. The sealing member may be mounted on the polymer layer such that it overlaps one or more slots. The polymer layer may also be used to heat seal a lid to the flange-like rim.

In some exemplary embodiments, aluminium is excluded, for example the plurality of slots are formed in a portion of the flange-like rim configured to be pressed into a chamber of the beverage preparation machine. Optionally, the exclusion of aluminum improves the sealing engagement during use. For example, the polymer layer may be more flexible with the sealing member and excluding aluminum. Furthermore, by placing the sealing member between a polymer layer and the lid, the sealing member may be protected from potential contamination and mechanical damage, for example when the capsule is handled before being inserted into the beverage preparation machine. Alternatively, the sealing member may be formed using a softer material based on its location in a more protected environment.

According to an aspect of some exemplary embodiments, there is provided a capsule adapted to contain one or more beverage ingredients for use in a beverage preparation machine, the capsule comprising: a base having a plurality of sidewalls defining a chamber for containing the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the plurality of sidewalls include an inner surface facing the chamber defined by the plurality of sidewalls; and comprising an outer surface which, in use, faces the beverage preparation machine; and a flange-like rim extending from the plurality of sidewalls, wherein the base and the flange-like rim are formed of laminated aluminum sheets including an aluminum layer and a polymer layer; wherein the flange-like rim comprises at least one slot in the aluminum layer, wherein the at least one slot is in the aluminum layer, and the polymer layer covers the at least one slot.

Optionally, the polymer layer is continuous over the at least one slot.

Optionally, the polymer layer covers at least 50% of the at least one slot.

Optionally, the polymer layer is continuous along the flange-like rim.

Optionally, the polymer layer is a transparent layer.

Optionally, the at least one slot is an annular gap in the aluminum layer and surrounds the substrate.

Optionally, the annular gap in the aluminum layer has a width of 0.9 to 1.6 millimeters.

Optionally, the polymer layer is 10 to 50 microns.

Optionally, the capsule further comprises a sealing member fixedly mounted on the flange-like rim and adapted to provide a sealing engagement between the capsule and the beverage preparation machine.

Optionally, the sealing member is bonded or welded to the polymer layer.

Optionally, the sealing member is annular, has a stepped cross-section, and is formed to have an inner annular portion and an outer annular portion, wherein the inner annular portion is thicker than the outer annular portion.

Optionally, the at least one slot is an annular gap surrounding the base, and the inner annular portion overlaps the annular gap.

Optionally, the sealing member extends from an edge between the flange-like rim and the plurality of side walls to a bend on the outer edge of the flange.

Optionally, the sealing member is formed of a polymer material different from the polymer layer laminated on the aluminum sheet.

Optionally, the flange-like rim comprises a raised portion configured to receive the sealing member below the raised portion.

Optionally, the sheet of aluminium is folded at an edge between the flange-like rim and the plurality of side walls.

Optionally, the capsule body has a frustoconical shape.

According to an aspect of some exemplary embodiments, there is provided a capsule for a beverage preparation machine, the capsule comprising: a capsule body comprising: a base having a plurality of sidewalls defining a chamber for containing a beverage ingredient, wherein the plurality of sidewalls include an inner surface facing the chamber defined by the plurality of sidewalls; and comprising an outer surface which, in use, faces the beverage preparation machine; a flange-like rim extending from the plurality of sidewalls, wherein the base and the flange-like rim are formed from an aluminum sheet laminated with a polymer layer; and a sealing member adapted to provide a sealing engagement between the capsule and the beverage preparation machine; wherein the flange-like rim comprises at least one slot in the aluminum sheet, wherein the at least one slot is in the aluminum sheet, and the polymer layer covers the at least one slot; a lid configured to seal the capsule body; and the beverage ingredient sealed in the capsule body by the lid.

Optionally, the lid is bonded to the sealing member.

Optionally, the at least one slot is an annular gap having a width of 0.9 mm to 1.6 mm and surrounds the substrate.

Optionally, the polymer layer has a thickness of 10 to 50 microns.

Optionally, the sealing member is annular, has a stepped cross-section, and is formed to have an inner annular portion and an outer annular portion, wherein the inner annular portion is thicker than the outer annular portion.

Optionally, the at least one slot is an annular gap, and wherein the inner ring portion overlaps the annular gap.

Optionally, the sealing member extends from an edge between the flange-like rim and the plurality of side walls to a bend on the outer edge of the flange.

Optionally, the sealing member is formed from a polymeric material that is different from the polymeric layer coated with aluminum.

Optionally, the flange-like rim comprises a raised portion configured to receive the sealing member below the raised portion.

Optionally, the plurality of side walls extend to the lid and are folded at an edge between the flange-like rim and the plurality of side walls.

Optionally, the capsule body has a frustoconical shape.

Unless defined otherwise herein, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification and its definitions will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Drawings

Some embodiments of the utility model are described herein, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, how embodiments of the present invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are perspective, cross-sectional, and detailed cross-sectional views, respectively, of an exemplary capsule body including an annular gap in a flange, according to some embodiments;

figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary flange and sealing member arrangement of the capsule body according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the sealing member according to some exemplary embodiments;

figure 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a closure member of a beverage preparation machine engaged with the flange of the capsule according to some exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary deformation of the arrangement of the flange and the sealing member after engagement with a beverage preparation machine, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary flange and seal member arrangement including a flat seal member according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side and cross-sectional detail views, respectively, of another exemplary flange and sealing member arrangement, including an additional fold in the aluminum sheet, according to some embodiments;

figures 7A and 7B are schematic perspective and detailed cross-sectional views, respectively, of an exemplary capsule body including a first pattern of slots, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

figures 8A and 8B are schematic perspective and detailed cross-sectional views, respectively, of an exemplary capsule body including a second pattern of slits, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In some embodiments thereof, the present invention relates to a disposable capsule for preparing a beverage using a beverage preparation machine, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a capsule made of aluminium sheet.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the capsule body is formed from an aluminium sheet consisting of an aluminium layer laminated with at least one polymer layer. In some embodiments, the capsule body comprises one or more slots (slits, gaps or windows) in the aluminum layer at the flange-like rim covered by the polymer layer. The polymer layer may comprise one or more layers of polymer material, such as polypropylene and nylon, and may be 5 to 10 microns thick. The polymer layer may be laminated to the inner surface of the capsule body, the outer surface of the capsule body, or at least two polymer layers may be provided to cover the inner surface as well as the outer surface of the capsule body.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more slots are covered by the polymer layer laminated on the inner surface of the capsule and extending to the flange-like rim. Alternatively, the one or more slots are covered by a polymer layer covering the outer surface of the capsule body. In some exemplary embodiments, a portion of the polymer layer covering the one or more slots comprises a tear or break due to a manufacturing process. Based on the rupturing, a portion of the one or more slots may be exposed (uncovered). In some exemplary embodiments, the one or more slots may still be substantially covered by the polymer layer. The substantially covered range may be 50%, 70%, 90% or 95%. According to some exemplary embodiments, the size and position of the one or more slots are configured to substantially correspond to the size and position of a closing member of the beverage preparation machine which is pressed against the flange-like rim during operation of the machine. The capsule body may further comprise a sealing member adapted to provide a sealing engagement with the closure member. According to some exemplary embodiments, the sealing member is mounted on the flange-like rim, beneath the portion of the polymer layer covering the one or more grooves in the flange-like rim. Optionally, the sealing member is configured to increase the mechanical retention of the rest of the capsule by the outer portion of the flange-like rim.

In some exemplary embodiments, the slot is annular and divides the flange-like rim into two concentric annular portions connected by the polymer layer. Optionally, the slot between the two concentric annular portions of the flange-like rim is between 1 and 2 mm, for example 1.2 to 1.6 mm, or 1.3 mm, in the radial direction.

The annular sealing member may cover the slot between the two concentric annular portions of the flange-like rim and may also extend in a radial direction on either side of the slot so that it overlaps both the inner and outer portions of the flange-like rim. In some exemplary embodiments, an annular sealing member extends radially from a side wall of the capsule to an edge outside the flange-like rim. The lid may be attached to the annular sealing member or may be attached to the polymer layer extending beyond the flange-like rim of the annular sealing member.

The annular sealing member may be a flat ring, may be formed with a step, or may have an L-shaped cross-section. According to some exemplary embodiments, the annular sealing member has a thickness of 0.7 to 1.1 mm, such as 0.8 mm. in some exemplary embodiments, the sealing member is made of a polymer material, such as having a Shore hardness of 15A to 70A (e.g., 20A), and is mounted on the capsule body.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the sidewalls of the base of the capsule extend to a height or level of the lid sealing the capsule body and are then folded back to form a step under which the annular sealing member may be mounted. Extending the sidewalls to the height of the lid provides greater protection against oxygen and moisture penetration into the capsule body. Optionally, the fold may also better secure the annular sealing member in place.

Reference is now made to fig. 1A, 1B, and 1C, which respectively illustrate schematic perspective, sectional, and detailed sectional views of exemplary capsule bodies including an annular gap in the flange, according to some embodiments. Generally, the capsule body 100 is in the shape of a sharp truncated cone and includes a base 105, sidewalls 110 extending from the base 105, and a flange 160 extending from the sidewalls 110. Alternatively, the capsule body 100 is formed from an aluminum sheet, for example, having a thickness of about 70 to 120 microns. The flange 160 may include a curved rim 112 formed by rolling an aluminum sheet. Optionally, the aluminum sheet is laminated with a polymer layer 115 on at least one of the surfaces forming an inner surface 111 of the capsule body 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the polymer layer 115 has a thickness of 10 to 50 microns, such as 30 microns. The polymer layer 115 may provide physical separation between the aluminum sheet material forming the capsule body 100 and the beverage ingredients stored in the capsule. An inner surface 111 of capsule 100 is opposite an outer surface 113 of capsule 100.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the flange 160 includes a slot or gap 150 in an aluminum layer of aluminum sheet material. The gap 150 separates an inner annular portion 120 of the flange 160 connected to the plurality of sidewalls 110 from an outer annular portion 130 of the flange 160 including the curved rim 112. The gap 150 may be annular and may be 0.9 to 1.6 millimeters in width.

In some exemplary embodiments, cracks or gaps are only in the aluminum layer and not in the polymer layer 115 (or in at least one polymer layer 115 when the capsule body 100 includes polymer layers on both sides of the aluminum layer). The polymer layer 115 may extend through the gap 150 and may be continuous throughout the capsule body. In some exemplary embodiments, the polymer layer 115 may optionally provide structural support to maintain attachment to the outer collar portion 130 of the capsule body 100.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, an annular sealing member 200 is mounted and/or positioned below the flange 160, such as on the surface of the flange 160 extending from the inner surface 111 of the plurality of sidewalls 110, and the sealing member 200 may be sized to extend between the plurality of sidewalls 110 and a curved rim 112. In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing member 200 is positioned to overlap the gap 150. The polymer layer 115 may cover the sealing member 200 such that it is not physically exposed through the gap 150. Optionally, the polymer layer 115 is transparent, and the sealing member 200 is visibly exposed through the polymer layer 115. According to some exemplary embodiments, a cross-section of the annular sealing member 200 is thicker near the gap 150 and thinner towards the curved rim 112. In some exemplary embodiments, the flange 160 includes a rise 135 to accommodate a sealing member 200 mounted below the rise 135, which is annular with a stepped cross-section. The elevation 135 provides a space in which the sealing member 200 can be mounted on the flange 160; while providing a flat surface on which a cap may be added to seal the contents of the capsule 100.

The sealing member 200 may be defined as a polymer having a hardness and/or elasticity suitable for forming a sealing connection with the closure member of the beverage preparation machine in response to a force and/or pressure. According to some embodiments, the sealing member 200 is formed from a material having a Shore (Shore) hardness of about 15A to 70A, such as 20A. The sealing member may be formed of plastic, rubber or silicone, and optionally by injection molding.

Reference is now made to fig. 2A, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary flange and seal member arrangement of a capsule body according to some embodiments, and fig. 2B illustrates a top view of a seal member according to some embodiments. The polymer layer 115 covering an inner layer of the capsule body 100 may extend below a surface of the flange 160 and may cover the gap 150. The sealing member 200 may fill a volume below the height formed in the flange 160. The sealing member 200 may include a first annular portion having a thickness greater than a second annular portion 200B of the sealing member 200. The first annular portion 200A may overlap the gap 150. Optionally, the flange 160 may include a raised portion 135 sized to fit the annular portion 200A of the sealing member 200. In some exemplary embodiments, the cover 190 may be sealed on the sealing member 200. The sealing member 200 may be sized and shaped to fill a volume between the raised portion of the flange 160 and the lid 190. In some exemplary embodiments, the thickness of the first annular portion 200A may be 300 to 800 microns and the thickness of the second annular portion may be 100 to 200 microns.

In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing member 200 may be fixedly mounted on the flange 160 by an adhesive or welding. Welding may include injection molding, in-mold labeling (in-mold labeling), and thermoforming. The adhesive may be a liquid adhesive or a meltable solid adhesive, such as a hot melt film. Optionally, the polymer layer 115 may participate in welding (i.e., melting) and may be partially mixed or compounded with the sealing member 200. Alternatively, the mixing portion may be a layer between 10 and 50 microns.

Alternatively, an additional polymer layer may cover an outer surface of the capsule body 100, which may remain intact when the gap 150 is formed, and the sealing member 200 may physically contact the polymer layer on the outer surface through the gap 150. In this case, polymer layer 115 may also optionally include gap 150.

Referring now to figure 3, a detailed cross-sectional view of a closure member of a beverage preparation machine engaging a flange of a capsule according to some embodiments is shown. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a closure member 300 of a beverage machine is operable to press a surface 310 of the closure member 300 against the flange 160 to form a sealing engagement. The sealing engagement with the closure member 300 generally serves to ensure that all of the hot water introduced through the base of the capsule 100 passes through the capsule to prepare the coffee beverage and prevents the hot water from leaking around the capsule. The closure member 300 also serves to press the capsule against a capsule holder 320.

Typically, an annular surface 310 of the closure member engages the flange 160 of the capsule and optionally passes through the gap 150. In some exemplary embodiments, a width of gap 150 is defined to accommodate surface 310 and/or to provide substantial and/or sufficient engagement of surface 310 with polymer layer 115 and sealing member 200. Typically, a width of the sealing member 200 exceeds a width of the gap 150. Typically, a thickness of the first portion 200A of the sealing member 200 is also defined to provide an adequate seal between the surface 310 and the sealing member in response to pressure applied by the surface 310. Optionally, the thickness of the first portion 200A of the sealing member 200 is 300 to 800 microns.

Typically, the lid 190 is comprised of an aluminum foil having a thickness of between 30 and 60 microns. In some exemplary embodiments, an inner surface membrane 190 is coated with a polymeric coating or lacquer (lacquer), such as a thermoplastic lacquer (lacquer). Typically, a polymer coating or lacquer (lacquer) provides the heat seal film 190 to the sealing member 200. Typically, the membrane 190 extends toward a flange bead 112 and covers the sealing membrane 200. Alternatively, the sealing member 200 extends beyond the film 190 such that the sealing member 200 is visible once the capsule body 100 is closed.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary variation of the arrangement of the flange and the sealing member after engagement with a beverage preparation machine, in accordance with some embodiments. According to some exemplary embodiments, the polymer layer 115 and the sealing member 200 may be depressed 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters based on the surface 310 of the closure member 300 (fig. 3) compressing the flange 160 to form a sealing joint. In some exemplary embodiments, the elastic properties of the polymer layer 115 keep the polymer layer 115 intact (without cracks) when pressed by the closure member 300. Alternatively, the sealing member 200 and the polymer layer 115 may undergo plastic deformation based on being pressed by the closure member 300.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another example flange and sealing member arrangement including a flat sealing member according to some embodiments. In some exemplary embodiments, a sealing member 201 may be formed as a flat annular element extending substantially from sidewalls 110 to flange bead 112. The flange 160 may be shaped to accommodate the shape of the sealing member 201.

Fig. 6A and 6B are side and detailed cross-sectional views, respectively, of another example flange and seal member arrangement including an additional fold in an aluminum sheet, according to some embodiments. According to some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of sidewalls 110 of the capsule body 101 extend to a height or level of the lid 190 and are then folded using the fold 125 to form a rise 135, under which rise 135 the annular sealing member 200 may be mounted. Extending the plurality of sidewalls 110 to the lid 190 may provide an improved barrier to prevent oxygen and moisture from penetrating into the space 260 of the capsule 101. The aluminum sheet forming the plurality of sidewalls 110 may optionally prevent permeation of oxygen and moisture through the sealing member 200. Optionally, a lid 190 may be attached to the capsule at the fold 125. Optionally, the fold 125 may also better secure the annular sealing member 200 in place.

Reference is now made to fig. 7A and 7B, which respectively illustrate schematic perspective and detailed cross-sectional views of an exemplary capsule body including a pattern of exemplary slots, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the utility model, the capsule body 300 includes one or more slots 351 formed in an aluminum layer on the flange 315, the sealing member 200 being exposed from the one or more slots 351. According to some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of slots 351 are covered by a polymer layer 115, the polymer layer 115 being part of a plurality of layers laminated on an aluminum sheet. In some exemplary embodiments, the slots 351 penetrate through the aluminum layer, but do not penetrate through the polymer layer 115 laminated to the aluminum sheet. The plurality of slots 351 are more clearly shown in the detail view 30 (fig. 7B). According to some embodiments, the plurality of slots 351 are elongated slots extending along a circumferential direction of the flange 315. In some exemplary embodiments, the width of the slot 351 is defined to fully accommodate a surface for forming a seal with the sealing member 200, e.g., the maximum width of the slot 351 is defined to be wide enough to fit within a rim of a beverage preparation machine that is in contact with the flange. Optionally, the width of the slot 351 is between 0.3 mm and 1 mm, for example 0.4 mm.

Reference is now made to fig. 8A and 8B, which respectively illustrate schematic perspective and detailed cross-sectional views of an exemplary capsule body including a pattern of exemplary slits, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the utility model, the capsule body 301 comprises one or more slits 352 formed in the aluminium layer on the flange 315, the sealing member 200 being visibly exposed through said slits 352. According to some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of slots 352 are covered by a polymer layer 115, the polymer layer 115 being part of a layer laminated on an aluminum sheet. The polymer layer may be transparent to visually expose the sealing member through the plurality of slots. In some example embodiments, the plurality of slots 352 penetrate the aluminum, but do not penetrate the polymer layer 115 laminated to the aluminum sheet. The plurality of slits 352 are more clearly shown in the detail view 32 (fig. 8B). Optionally, a plurality of slits 352 are disposed in a radial direction on the flange 315. Optionally, the flange 315 includes a plurality of slits 352 and a plurality of slots 351. Optionally, the slits 352 extend in a different direction than shown, for example in a circumferential direction or at an angle.

It is noted that although most embodiments of the utility model refer to a capsule having a sharp truncated cone shape with a rim, the utility model is not so limited and may be used to produce round (round), round (round) and/or domed or other shaped capsules.

It is to be noted that although most embodiments of the present invention refer to a capsule formed from an aluminum sheet and encapsulated using an aluminum film, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention may be applied to the production of capsule bodies from alternative and/or additional materials. It is noted that although most embodiments of the present invention relate to a capsule for preparing hot beverages such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate, the capsule described herein is not so limited and may also be used and/or adapted for preparing cold beverages including carbonated and/or alcoholic beverages.

The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to".

The term "consisting of means" including and limited to.

The term "consisting essentially of" means that a composition, method, or structure may include additional ingredients, steps, and/or components, provided that the additional ingredients, steps, and/or components do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method, or structure.

It is appreciated that certain features of the utility model, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the utility model, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the utility model. For example, the materials and shapes of the sealing elements, slots and slits described for one embodiment may be used with other described embodiments. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments should not be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiments are inoperative without those elements.

Claims (19)

1. A capsule (100) adapted to contain one or more beverage ingredients for use in a beverage preparation machine, the capsule comprising:

a base having a plurality of sidewalls (110), the plurality of sidewalls (110) defining a chamber for containing the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the plurality of sidewalls (110) include an inner surface (111) facing the chamber defined by the plurality of sidewalls (110); and an outer surface (113) which, in use, faces the beverage preparation machine; and

a flange-like rim (160) extending from the plurality of sidewalls (110), wherein the base and the flange-like rim (160) are formed from laminated aluminum sheets comprising an aluminum layer and a polymer layer (115), characterized in that:

the flange-like rim (160) comprises at least one slot (351) in the aluminium layer, the polymer layer (115) partially covering the at least one slot (351).

2. The capsule body (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the polymer layer (115) covers at least 50% of the at least one slot (351) or is continuous over the at least one slot (351).

3. The capsule body (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the polymer layer (115) is continuous along the flange-like rim (160).

4. The capsule body (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the polymer layer (115) is a transparent layer.

5. The capsule body (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one slot (351) is an annular gap in the aluminum layer and surrounds the substrate.

6. The capsule body (100) according to claim 5, wherein: the annular gap in the aluminum layer has a width of 0.9 to 1.6 millimeters.

7. The capsule body (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: the polymer layer (115) is 10 to 50 microns.

8. The capsule body (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: the capsule further comprises a sealing member fixedly mounted on the flange-like rim (160) and adapted to provide a sealing engagement between the capsule and the beverage preparation machine.

9. The capsule body (100) according to claim 8, wherein: the sealing member (200) is bonded or welded to the polymer layer (115).

10. The capsule body (100) according to claim 8, wherein: the sealing member (200) is annular, has a stepped cross section, and is formed to have an inner ring portion (200A) and an outer ring portion (200B), wherein the inner ring portion (200A) is thicker than the outer ring portion (200B).

11. The capsule body (100) according to claim 10, wherein: the at least one slot (351) is an annular gap around the base, and the inner ring portion (200A) overlaps the annular gap.

12. The capsule body (100) according to claim 8, wherein: the sealing member (200) extends from an edge between the flange-like rim (160) and the plurality of side walls (110) to a bend (112) on an outer edge of the flange-like rim (160).

13. The capsule body (100) according to claim 8, wherein: the sealing member (200) is formed of a polymer material different from the polymer layer (115) laminated on the aluminum sheet.

14. The capsule body (100) according to claim 8, wherein: the flange-like rim (160) comprises a raised portion (135) configured to receive the sealing member (200) below the raised portion (135).

15. The capsule body (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: the sheet of aluminium is folded at an edge between the flange-like rim (160) and the plurality of side walls (110).

16. The capsule body (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: the capsule body (100) has a truncated cone shape.

17. Capsule for a beverage preparation machine, characterized in that it comprises:

a capsule body (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6;

a lid (190) configured to seal the capsule body (100), wherein the lid (190) is adhered to the sealing member (200); and

the beverage ingredient is sealed in the capsule body (100) by the lid (190).

18. The capsule according to claim 17, wherein: the cap (190) is bonded to the sealing member (200).

19. The capsule according to claim 17, wherein: the plurality of side walls (110) extend to the lid (190) and are folded at an edge between the flange-like rim (160) and the plurality of side walls (110).

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