EP4688610A1 - Capsule or pod for beverage preparation, system comprising said capsule or pod, and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Capsule or pod for beverage preparation, system comprising said capsule or pod, and method for manufacturing the same

Info

Publication number
EP4688610A1
EP4688610A1 EP24713487.7A EP24713487A EP4688610A1 EP 4688610 A1 EP4688610 A1 EP 4688610A1 EP 24713487 A EP24713487 A EP 24713487A EP 4688610 A1 EP4688610 A1 EP 4688610A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
capsule
composition
pod
peripheral rim
cavity
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24713487.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Samuel ODET
Daniel Abegglen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Nestle SA
Original Assignee
Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Nestle SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Societe des Produits Nestle SA, Nestle SA filed Critical Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Publication of EP4688610A1 publication Critical patent/EP4688610A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
    • B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a capsule or a pod for beverage preparation, and more specifically to a self-repairing capsule or pod.
  • Beverage preparation capsules typically comprise a capsule body which is cup-shaped, with a peripheral rim extending outwardly from the upper side of the cup.
  • the rim not only serves as a support to seal a closing membrane to close the cup-shaped body, but also serves as an interfacing portion between the capsule and a beverage preparation machine.
  • the beverage capsule containing a beverage ingredient is inserted into a dedicated cavity of the beverage preparation machine, and then after closing the beverage preparation machine in order to start a beverage preparation, the capsule rim is sealingly pinched between two cooperating portions of the machine.
  • the sealing pressure applied by the machine onto the capsule rim is designed based inter alia on the considerations to prevent unsealing of the closing membrane from the rest of the capsule cup and/or fluid leakage at the interface between the capsule rim and the machine, when the beverage preparation starts and a physical stress is applied to the capsule.
  • said physical stress can be caused by a high-temperature water that is injected into the capsule and softens the material, hence weakening the seal.
  • sealing means can take the form of a specific deformable profile of the rim, e.g., a circular peripheral lip, or ribs or grooves which extend along the circumference of the rim on the upper and/or lower surface of said rim.
  • the sealing means can also take the form of a rubber or otherwise flexible coating or surface that extends across the surface of the rim. In all cases, the principle of the sealing means is that it is compressed between the machine cavity parts when the capsule is introduced in the machine cavity and the machine is closed.
  • the sealing means uncompresses to reach or tend to reach its initial volume and thickness to fill the volume between the surfaces of the capsule (rim) and machine, and "close the gap” between them to restore the leak-tightness between the two.
  • the above sealing means solutions have been found to raise an issue.
  • the functional play (or functional tolerance) at the interface between the capsule and the machine is very small, such that a variation of about 10 microns (micrometres, pm) or even less, in the thickness of the capsule walls and rim, modifies the system behaviour completely.
  • water leakage occurs during beverage preparation; alternatively, capsules equipped with the sealing means as described above cannot be inserted properly in a machine model which was designed and dimensioned for capsules deprived of sealing means, because the rim with its sealing means is too thick.
  • WO 2010/137957 Al discloses a capsule for containing a beverage ingredient and a beverage preparation device comprising an enclosing member for enclosing the capsule.
  • the capsule comprises a cup made from a material which, upon being wettened, expands such that a sealing contact between the capsule and the enclosing member is formed or reinforced. This solution, however, limits the range of materials from which the capsule may be made as well as the geometry of the capsules.
  • the invention relates to a capsule or pod for beverage preparation, the capsule or pod comprising a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod.
  • Said body comprises a peripheral rim, wherein said peripheral rim is configured to have a closing membrane attached thereto to close the cavity.
  • the capsule or pod is adapted for being introduced into a cavity of a beverage preparation machine such that when said capsule or pod is placed inside said machine cavity, the peripheral rim is pinched or otherwise held between cooperating portions of the machine.
  • the capsule or pod further comprises a composition applied on at least one side of said peripheral rim, wherein the composition is adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said composition in an unexpanded dry state.
  • the composition is applied as a coating onto the at least one side of said peripheral rim. More preferably, the coating is adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said coating in the unexpanded dry state.
  • said composition is a hydrophilic composition.
  • said composition comprises at least one or more polymers selected from: polyurethanes, polysaccharides, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, or a combination thereof. More preferably, said composition comprises a polysaccharide- based composition comprising starch, cellulose, alginate, chitosan, guar gum, sulphated polysaccharides, carrageenan, fucoidan, ulvan, porphyrin, laminarin, or a combination thereof.
  • composition and/or coating consists of a food-grade composition.
  • the composition in its dry and unexpanded state, has a thickness of equal to or less than 50 micrometres, more preferably equal to or less than 30 micrometres, even more preferably equal to or less than 15 micrometres, further preferably equal to or less than 12 micrometres, particularly equal to or less than 8 micrometres.
  • the composition, more preferably the coating, in its dry and unexpanded state preferably has a thickness of equal to or more than 1 micrometre, more preferably equal to or more than 2 micrometres.
  • composition more preferably the coating, may have a thickness of 1 to 50 micrometres or 2 to 50 micrometres, 1 to 30 micrometres or 2 to 30 micrometres, 1 to 15 micrometres or 2 to 15 micrometres, 1 to 12 micrometres or 2 to 12 micrometres, or 1 to 8 micrometres or 2 to 8 micrometres.
  • the composition in the dry and unexpanded state, may be only a few micrometres thick and has little or no impact on the overall thickness of the peripheral rim, making a capsule equipped with such a composition and/or coating similar in functionality and compatibility with a machine cavity as regular capsules not equipped with such a coating.
  • the composition is adapted to swell in contact with water. Preferably, when it is allowed to expand without constraints, the composition in contact with water swells to 2 to 20 times of its original volume in the dry and unexpanded state.
  • the actual expansion of the composition will be limited by the arrangement of the capsule or pod relative to the beverage preparation machine, specifically by the space between the peripheral rim of the capsule or pod and the cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine. Therefore, the description in the present application concerning the volumes of the coating or composition after expansion refers to the intrinsic material properties of the coating or composition and does not refer to the arrangement of the capsule or pod relative to the beverage preparation machine. In other words, said composition must be configured to reach such minimum expansion, e.g. 2 times of its original volume, when unconstrained.
  • the composition is adapted to swell when in contact with water to a volume of at least 5 times, more preferably at least 10 times, of a volume of said composition, more preferably of said coating, in the unexpanded dry state.
  • the composition, more preferably the coating is adapted to swell when in contact with water to a volume of at most 20 times, preferably at most 10 times, of a volume of said composition, more preferably of said coating, in the unexpanded dry state.
  • the composition or coating is preferably adapted to swell to a volume falling within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values, particularly a range defined by an upper limit of 20 or 10 times and a lower limit of 2 or 5, of a volume of said composition or coating in the unexpanded dry state.
  • the composition or coating may be adapted to swell 2 to 10 times, 5 to 20 times, or 5 to 10 times.
  • the composition e.g., the hydrophilic composition as stated above, forms a gel or a foam matrix when in contact with water, the gel or foam matrix expanding to a greater volume as set forth above.
  • the composition more preferably the coating, comprises a polyurethane-based composition having a low viscosity which expands into foam or gel upon being in contact with water.
  • the composition or coating is configured to form a waterproofing structure, such as a waterproofing gel.
  • a waterproofing gel such as a waterproofing gel.
  • a waterproofing gel such as a waterproofing gel.
  • Flexgel Hydrophilic NSF LV Gel from SealBoss Corp. (Santa Ana, CA, U.S.A.), a low-viscosity, single component hydrophilic polyurethane gel.
  • the composition and/or coating is configured to swell upon contact with water to 2 to 20 times its volume in the unexpanded dry state (or preferably to at least 5 times or at least 10 times its volume in the unexpanded dry state) within a time of not more than 10 seconds, preferably not more than 5 seconds, more preferably not more than 2 seconds.
  • the composition coating is configured to provide and/or improve a seal between the rim and the machine cavity.
  • the peripheral rim is provided with such a water- swellable composition
  • the composition would absorb the water, possibly changing its form to a foam or a gel, to expand and fill the "gap" between the peripheral rim (more specifically the composition) and the cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine which pinch the peripheral rim, thereby restoring the leak-tightness and stopping the water leaking therethrough.
  • the capsule or pod may be considered to be "self-repairing" because, in the event of a gap occurring due to a deformation of the capsule or pod, due a deformation of the machine, and/or due to manufacturing tolerances, a leakage is avoided by the expansion of the composition.
  • the capsule or pod comprises at least one bottom wall and preferably at least one peripheral wall, the bottom wall or the bottom and peripheral walls defining the cavity.
  • the at least one bottom wall and/or the at least one peripheral wall comprises at least one material selected within the list of: cellulose, algae, vegetable or animal fibres, a metal or a metalloid, a natural or synthetic biodegradable polymer, or a combination thereof. More preferably, an entirety of the body consists of any of the above materials, or of a combination of two or more of these materials.
  • the body, the closing membrane and/or the composition, more preferably the coating comprises or consists of one or more biodegradable materials.
  • the body of the capsule or pod is formed by a moulding process, preferably by moulding cellulose fibres.
  • the moulded body is reinforced with a reinforcing mesh.
  • the peripheral rim extends outward, more preferably from an upper side of the body, even more preferably from an end of the at least one peripheral wall of the capsule or pod that is opposite the at least one bottom wall.
  • the composition is applied continuously, more preferably along the entire circumference of the at least one side of said peripheral rim (or both sides), even more preferably over the entire surface of the at least one side of the peripheral rim (or both sides).
  • the composition or coating may be applied continuously along the entire circumference of the at least one side of said peripheral rim (or both sides) as a ring.
  • the radial width of the ring e.g., the maximum width or an average width of the rim
  • the coating may only cover a portion of the at least one side (or both sides) of said peripheral rim.
  • composition or coating may also be applied along sections of the circumference of the at least one side (or both sides) of said peripheral rim in a non- continuous manner.
  • the non-continuous sections may overlap to provide a higher degree of leak-tightness.
  • said composition is applied on both sides of the peripheral rim.
  • the beverage ingredient contained in the cavity of the capsule or pod comprises a water-soluble composition, vegetal leaves, or a non-soluble powder composition such as a roast and ground coffee powder.
  • the invention also relates to a use of the aforementioned capsule or pod, more specifically the use of the aforementioned capsule of pod to prepare a beverage. This is done by introducing water into the capsule or pod comprising the beverage ingredient. The beverage ingredient is extracted, infused or solubilized by the water to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod. In such use, the capsule or pod is placed inside a cavity of a beverage preparation machine, whereas the peripheral rim is pinched or otherwise held between cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine.
  • the peripheral rim is tightly held between the cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine on its entire periphery, and the water will not, or at least not substantially, propagate from inside the capsule towards the outside. In this case, the composition does not contact with water and remains at its dry and unexpanded state.
  • a gap may (temporarily) exist, and through said gap water may leak. In this case, the composition upon contact with water swells and fills the gap to stop the water leaking through.
  • the use in this second aspect therefore optionally comprises a scenario in which the composition expands upon introduction of water into the cavity to form and/or improve a seal between the peripheral rim and at least one of the cooperating portions.
  • the invention in a third aspect, relates to a system comprising a beverage preparation machine and the aforementioned capsule or pod.
  • the capsule or pod is configured to be placed inside a machine cavity of said beverage preparation machine, and the beverage preparation machine is configured to pinch or clamp or otherwise hold the peripheral rim of the capsule or pod between cooperating portions, preferably two cooperating portions such as cooperating jaws, of said beverage preparation machine.
  • the invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a capsule or pod for beverage preparation. Said capsule or pod may be the same as the aforementioned capsule or pod.
  • the method comprises a step of providing a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod, wherein said body comprises a peripheral rim.
  • the method further comprises a step of applying a composition on at least one side of said peripheral rim, said composition being adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said composition in an unexpanded dry state.
  • the method furthermore comprises a step of attaching a closing membrane along the peripheral rim to close the cavity.
  • the cavity is closed with the closing membrane after the beverage ingredient has been arranged in the cavity.
  • the composition is applied as a coating. More preferably, the coating is applied by an aqueous dispersion coating technique, or any other suitable coating technique like ultra-thin gel-coating techniques, with or without curing.
  • the present invention provides a capsule or pod, a method of manufacturing the same, a use thereof, and a system comprising said capsule or pod as well as a beverage preparation machine.
  • the invention overcomes or at least mitigates a water leakage problem which may occur in the prior art due to the (temporary) deformation of the parts of the machine during the beverage preparation and provides a solution which is suitably applicable to the existing machines.
  • Figure 1A schematically shows a capsule according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure IB schematically shows another capsule according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2A schematically shows a pod according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2B schematically shows a pod according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • a capsule 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprises a body having a bottom wall 102 and a peripheral wall 104.
  • the bottom wall 102 and the peripheral wall 104 define a cavity (or compartment) in which a beverage ingredient such as vegetal leaves or ground coffee powder may be contained to be later extracted, infused or solubilized by introducing hot water into the cavity to produce a beverage.
  • An outward extending peripheral rim 106 is formed at a topside of the body, i.e., at an end of the peripheral wall 104 opposite the bottom wall 102.
  • the peripheral rim 106 extends radially outward along a circumference of the topside of the body, i.e., at an upper end of the peripheral wall 104 that is opposite the bottom wall 102.
  • the capsule further comprises a closing membrane (not shown) attached to the upper side of the peripheral rim 106 to close the cavity.
  • the capsule 100 When in use, the capsule 100 is placed into a designated cavity of a beverage preparation machine.
  • the beverage preparation machine comprises, inter alia, a means for heating water, a means for piercing the closing membrane of the capsule 100, and a means for introducing hot water into the capsule 100 to react with the beverage ingredient such that a beverage is prepared.
  • the beverage preparation machine furthermore comprises cooperating portions (e.g., jaws) configured to pinch the peripheral rim 106 and the closing membrane to prevent delamination of the closing membrane from the peripheral rim 106 during the preparation of the beverage.
  • cooperating portions e.g., jaws
  • the capsule 100 comprises a coating 110 disposed on a topside of the peripheral rim 106, extending continuously along the entire circumference of said topside of the peripheral rim 106.
  • the coating 110 may be, e.g., flat or in a form of a stripe. It may have a thickness (in the case of stripe, the largest thickness) of between 2 and 8 micrometers. As such, the coating is relatively thin.
  • the peripheral rim 106 of the capsule 100 has an increased thickness, said increase in thickness however being so limited that it does not hinder the use of the capsule 100 in beverage preparation machines specifically designed for the other standard capsules, even though those machines may have very small functional play (or functional tolerance).
  • the coating 110 preferably is hydrophilic and water-swellable.
  • the coating 110 may comprise a hydrophilic polyurethane resin.
  • Such resin may be capable of incorporating large amounts of water, thereby forming a waterproof structure.
  • the coating 110 upon in contact with water forms as a gel or a foam, depending on the amount of water incorporated therein. That is, the coating 110 upon in contact with water swells to a greater volume, specifically a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume in its unexpanded dry state.
  • FIG. IB shows a capsule 200 according to another embodiment of the invention, in which a coating 210 is applied on the underside of the peripheral rim of the capsule 200.
  • the capsule 200 may further have a coating applied on the topside of the peripheral rim.
  • the material and the functionalities of the coating(s) are the same as described above. The same or different coatings may be used for the topside and the underside.
  • Figures 2A and 2B show, respectively, a pod 300 and a pod 400 according to embodiments of the invention.
  • the pods 300 and 400 may have slightly different configurations, such as round or rather flat, but they both comprise a coating as described above applied on the peripheral rim of the respective pod.
  • Figure 2A shows a coating 310 applied to an underside of the peripheral rim of the pod 300
  • Figure 2B shows a coating 410 applied to a topside of the peripheral rim of the pod 400
  • a pod in accordance with the invention may have a coating applied to both sides of its peripheral rim.
  • the material and the functionalities of the coating(s) are the same as described above.
  • the invention includes the following aspects.
  • a capsule or a pod for beverage preparation comprising a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod, said body comprising a peripheral rim, wherein said peripheral rim is configured to have a closing membrane attached thereto to close the cavity, said capsule or pod being adapted for being introduced into a cavity of a beverage preparation machine such that when said capsule or pod is placed inside said machine cavity, said peripheral rim is pinched or otherwise held between cooperating portions of said machine, said capsule or pod being characterized by a coating applied on at least one side of said peripheral rim, said coating comprising a composition adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said coating in an unexpanded dry state.
  • composition is a hydrophilic composition, preferably the hydrophilic composition forming a gel or a foam matrix when in contact with water.
  • the capsule or pod according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the coating in the unexpanded dry state is equal to or less than 50 micrometres, preferably equal to or less than 30 micrometres, more preferably equal to or less than 15 micrometres, even more preferably equal to or less than 12 micrometres, even more preferably equal to or less than 8 micrometres.
  • the thickness of the coating in the unexpanded dry state is equal to or more than 1 micron, preferably equal to or more than 2 micrometres.
  • composition is adapted to swell when in contact with water to a volume of at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times, of a volume of said coating in the unexpanded dry state, and/or to a volume of at most 20 times, preferably at most 10 times, of a volume of said coating in the unexpanded dry state.
  • the coating is configured to provide and/or improve a seal between the rim and the machine cavity, preferably wherein the composition is configured to form a waterproofing structure, such as a waterproofing gel.
  • composition comprises at least one polymer selected within the list of: polyurethanes, polysaccharides, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, or a combination thereof.
  • composition comprises a polysaccharide-based composition comprising starch, cellulose, alginate, chitosan, guar gum, sulphated polysaccharides, carrageenan, fucoidan, ulvan, porphyrin, laminarin, or a combination thereof.
  • the capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect which comprises at least one bottom wall and at least one peripheral wall, preferably wherein the bottom and peripheral walls define the cavity.
  • the at least one bottom wall and/or the at least one peripheral wall comprises at least one material selected within the list of: cellulose, algae, vegetable or animal fibres, a metal or a metalloid, a natural or synthetic biodegradable polymer, or a combination thereof.
  • beverage ingredient is a water-soluble composition, vegetal leaves, or a non-soluble powder composition such as a roast and ground coffee powder.
  • peripheral rim extends outward, preferably from an upper side of the body, more preferably from an end of the at least one peripheral wall that is opposite the at least one bottom wall.
  • the capsule or pod is placed inside a machine cavity of a beverage preparation machine
  • the peripheral rim is pinched or otherwise held between two cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine; and - the composition expands upon leakage of water between the rim and at least one of the cooperating portions to form and/or improve a seal between the peripheral rim and at least one of the cooperating portions.
  • a system comprising:
  • the capsule or pod according to any of aspects 1-15, wherein the capsule or pod is configured to be placed inside said machine cavity, and the beverage preparation machine is configured to pinch or otherwise hold the peripheral rim between the two cooperating portions of said beverage preparation machine.
  • a method of manufacturing a capsule or pod for beverage preparation comprising:
  • a step of applying a coating on at least one side of said peripheral rim comprising a composition adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said coating in an unexpanded dry state
  • composition is a hydrophilic composition, preferably hydrophilic composition forming a gel or a foam matrix.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

A capsule or a pod for beverage preparation, comprising a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod. Said body comprises a peripheral rim, wherein said peripheral rim is configured to have a closing membrane attached thereto to close the cavity. Said capsule or pod is adapted for being introduced into a cavity of a beverage preparation machine such that when said capsule or pod is placed inside said machine cavity, said peripheral rim is pinched or otherwise held between cooperating portions of said machine. Said capsule or pod further comprises a composition applied on at least one side of said peripheral rim, said composition being adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said composition in an unexpanded dry state.

Description

CAPSULE OR POD FOR BEVERAGE PREPARATION, SYSTEM COMPRISING SAID CAPSULE OR POD, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Field of the invention
The invention relates to a capsule or a pod for beverage preparation, and more specifically to a self-repairing capsule or pod.
Background of the invention
Beverage preparation capsules (or pods) typically comprise a capsule body which is cup-shaped, with a peripheral rim extending outwardly from the upper side of the cup. The rim not only serves as a support to seal a closing membrane to close the cup-shaped body, but also serves as an interfacing portion between the capsule and a beverage preparation machine.
In practice, the beverage capsule containing a beverage ingredient is inserted into a dedicated cavity of the beverage preparation machine, and then after closing the beverage preparation machine in order to start a beverage preparation, the capsule rim is sealingly pinched between two cooperating portions of the machine. The sealing pressure applied by the machine onto the capsule rim is designed based inter alia on the considerations to prevent unsealing of the closing membrane from the rest of the capsule cup and/or fluid leakage at the interface between the capsule rim and the machine, when the beverage preparation starts and a physical stress is applied to the capsule. Typically, said physical stress can be caused by a high-temperature water that is injected into the capsule and softens the material, hence weakening the seal. It can also be a mechanical force applied to the walls of the cup-shaped body of the capsule, e.g., by injecting water under pressure within the closed capsule compartment, hence generating expanding fluid pressure against the capsule walls, and especially in or near the region of the seal between the rim and the membrane.
It was found that despite the above construction which should reduce the risk of delamination of the membrane from the capsule rim during its use, some machine parts can deform (e.g., deviate from their normal positions), due to the functional forces that are applied to the whole system (capsule and machine) during beverage preparation. The machine deformation impairs the efficiency of the pinching strength applied onto the rim and membrane, such that the pinching force is not guaranteed anymore. In a certain number of cases, it was found that delamination of the membrane from the rim still occurs. This is of course undesirable as it negatively impacts the beverage quality and can even reduce the lifetime of the machine.
In order to tackle this technical problem, some capsules have been developed which are equipped with sealing means on the rim. Such sealing means can take the form of a specific deformable profile of the rim, e.g., a circular peripheral lip, or ribs or grooves which extend along the circumference of the rim on the upper and/or lower surface of said rim. The sealing means can also take the form of a rubber or otherwise flexible coating or surface that extends across the surface of the rim. In all cases, the principle of the sealing means is that it is compressed between the machine cavity parts when the capsule is introduced in the machine cavity and the machine is closed. Then, during beverage preparation, if the machine deforms such that the pinching force is no longer applied or insufficiently applied to the rim, the sealing means uncompresses to reach or tend to reach its initial volume and thickness to fill the volume between the surfaces of the capsule (rim) and machine, and "close the gap" between them to restore the leak-tightness between the two.
Despite being an interesting solution to leak-tightness, the above sealing means solutions have been found to raise an issue. In many beverage preparation systems, the functional play (or functional tolerance) at the interface between the capsule and the machine is very small, such that a variation of about 10 microns (micrometres, pm) or even less, in the thickness of the capsule walls and rim, modifies the system behaviour completely. In some instances, water leakage occurs during beverage preparation; alternatively, capsules equipped with the sealing means as described above cannot be inserted properly in a machine model which was designed and dimensioned for capsules deprived of sealing means, because the rim with its sealing means is too thick.
WO 2010/137957 Al discloses a capsule for containing a beverage ingredient and a beverage preparation device comprising an enclosing member for enclosing the capsule. The capsule comprises a cup made from a material which, upon being wettened, expands such that a sealing contact between the capsule and the enclosing member is formed or reinforced. This solution, however, limits the range of materials from which the capsule may be made as well as the geometry of the capsules.
Considering the above technical drawbacks with existing capsules, it is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a capsule that minimizes a risk of delamination of the closing membrane from the rim even in case of a deformation of the machine cavity and/or capsule during beverage preparation. It is a further object to provide a capsule adapted for use with various beverage preparation machines, e.g. machines dimensioned for very thin capsules.
Solution to the problem
In a first aspect, the invention relates to a capsule or pod for beverage preparation, the capsule or pod comprising a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod. Said body comprises a peripheral rim, wherein said peripheral rim is configured to have a closing membrane attached thereto to close the cavity. The capsule or pod is adapted for being introduced into a cavity of a beverage preparation machine such that when said capsule or pod is placed inside said machine cavity, the peripheral rim is pinched or otherwise held between cooperating portions of the machine. The capsule or pod further comprises a composition applied on at least one side of said peripheral rim, wherein the composition is adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said composition in an unexpanded dry state.
Preferably, the composition is applied as a coating onto the at least one side of said peripheral rim. More preferably, the coating is adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said coating in the unexpanded dry state.
Preferably, said composition is a hydrophilic composition.
Preferably, said composition comprises at least one or more polymers selected from: polyurethanes, polysaccharides, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, or a combination thereof. More preferably, said composition comprises a polysaccharide- based composition comprising starch, cellulose, alginate, chitosan, guar gum, sulphated polysaccharides, carrageenan, fucoidan, ulvan, porphyrin, laminarin, or a combination thereof.
The composition and/or coating consists of a food-grade composition.
Preferably, in its dry and unexpanded state, the composition, more preferably the coating, has a thickness of equal to or less than 50 micrometres, more preferably equal to or less than 30 micrometres, even more preferably equal to or less than 15 micrometres, further preferably equal to or less than 12 micrometres, particularly equal to or less than 8 micrometres. Alternatively, or additionally, the composition, more preferably the coating, in its dry and unexpanded state preferably has a thickness of equal to or more than 1 micrometre, more preferably equal to or more than 2 micrometres. The composition, more preferably the coating, may have a thickness of 1 to 50 micrometres or 2 to 50 micrometres, 1 to 30 micrometres or 2 to 30 micrometres, 1 to 15 micrometres or 2 to 15 micrometres, 1 to 12 micrometres or 2 to 12 micrometres, or 1 to 8 micrometres or 2 to 8 micrometres.
In other words, in the dry and unexpanded state, the composition, more preferably the coating, may be only a few micrometres thick and has little or no impact on the overall thickness of the peripheral rim, making a capsule equipped with such a composition and/or coating similar in functionality and compatibility with a machine cavity as regular capsules not equipped with such a coating.
The composition is adapted to swell in contact with water. Preferably, when it is allowed to expand without constraints, the composition in contact with water swells to 2 to 20 times of its original volume in the dry and unexpanded state. When the capsule is inserted into the beverage preparation machine, the actual expansion of the composition will be limited by the arrangement of the capsule or pod relative to the beverage preparation machine, specifically by the space between the peripheral rim of the capsule or pod and the cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine. Therefore, the description in the present application concerning the volumes of the coating or composition after expansion refers to the intrinsic material properties of the coating or composition and does not refer to the arrangement of the capsule or pod relative to the beverage preparation machine. In other words, said composition must be configured to reach such minimum expansion, e.g. 2 times of its original volume, when unconstrained.
Preferably, the composition, more preferably the coating, is adapted to swell when in contact with water to a volume of at least 5 times, more preferably at least 10 times, of a volume of said composition, more preferably of said coating, in the unexpanded dry state. Alternatively, or additionally, the composition, more preferably the coating, is adapted to swell when in contact with water to a volume of at most 20 times, preferably at most 10 times, of a volume of said composition, more preferably of said coating, in the unexpanded dry state. Specifically, the composition or coating is preferably adapted to swell to a volume falling within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values, particularly a range defined by an upper limit of 20 or 10 times and a lower limit of 2 or 5, of a volume of said composition or coating in the unexpanded dry state. For example, the composition or coating may be adapted to swell 2 to 10 times, 5 to 20 times, or 5 to 10 times.
Preferably, the composition, e.g., the hydrophilic composition as stated above, forms a gel or a foam matrix when in contact with water, the gel or foam matrix expanding to a greater volume as set forth above. Preferably, the composition, more preferably the coating, comprises a polyurethane-based composition having a low viscosity which expands into foam or gel upon being in contact with water. Preferably, the composition or coating is configured to form a waterproofing structure, such as a waterproofing gel. One example is Flexgel Hydrophilic NSF LV Gel from SealBoss Corp. (Santa Ana, CA, U.S.A.), a low-viscosity, single component hydrophilic polyurethane gel.
Preferably, the composition and/or coating is configured to swell upon contact with water to 2 to 20 times its volume in the unexpanded dry state (or preferably to at least 5 times or at least 10 times its volume in the unexpanded dry state) within a time of not more than 10 seconds, preferably not more than 5 seconds, more preferably not more than 2 seconds.
Preferably, the composition coating is configured to provide and/or improve a seal between the rim and the machine cavity.
Specifically, as the peripheral rim is provided with such a water- swellable composition, should water leakage occur due to, e.g., the above-described machine deformation during the preparation of beverage, the composition would absorb the water, possibly changing its form to a foam or a gel, to expand and fill the "gap" between the peripheral rim (more specifically the composition) and the cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine which pinch the peripheral rim, thereby restoring the leak-tightness and stopping the water leaking therethrough.
As such, the capsule or pod may be considered to be "self-repairing" because, in the event of a gap occurring due to a deformation of the capsule or pod, due a deformation of the machine, and/or due to manufacturing tolerances, a leakage is avoided by the expansion of the composition.
The capsule or pod comprises at least one bottom wall and preferably at least one peripheral wall, the bottom wall or the bottom and peripheral walls defining the cavity.
Preferably, the at least one bottom wall and/or the at least one peripheral wall comprises at least one material selected within the list of: cellulose, algae, vegetable or animal fibres, a metal or a metalloid, a natural or synthetic biodegradable polymer, or a combination thereof. More preferably, an entirety of the body consists of any of the above materials, or of a combination of two or more of these materials.
Preferably, the body, the closing membrane and/or the composition, more preferably the coating, comprises or consists of one or more biodegradable materials. Preferably, the body of the capsule or pod is formed by a moulding process, preferably by moulding cellulose fibres. Optionally, the moulded body is reinforced with a reinforcing mesh.
Preferably, the peripheral rim extends outward, more preferably from an upper side of the body, even more preferably from an end of the at least one peripheral wall of the capsule or pod that is opposite the at least one bottom wall.
Preferably, the composition, more preferably the coating, is applied continuously, more preferably along the entire circumference of the at least one side of said peripheral rim (or both sides), even more preferably over the entire surface of the at least one side of the peripheral rim (or both sides).
Alternatively, the composition or coating may be applied continuously along the entire circumference of the at least one side of said peripheral rim (or both sides) as a ring. The radial width of the ring (e.g., the maximum width or an average width of the rim) in the radial direction of the rim may be less than the radial width of the rim (e.g., the maximum width or an average width of the rim) in said radial direction. In other words, the coating may only cover a portion of the at least one side (or both sides) of said peripheral rim.
The composition or coating may also be applied along sections of the circumference of the at least one side (or both sides) of said peripheral rim in a non- continuous manner. The non-continuous sections may overlap to provide a higher degree of leak-tightness.
Preferably, said composition, more preferably said coating, is applied on both sides of the peripheral rim.
Preferably, the beverage ingredient contained in the cavity of the capsule or pod comprises a water-soluble composition, vegetal leaves, or a non-soluble powder composition such as a roast and ground coffee powder. In a second aspect, the invention also relates to a use of the aforementioned capsule or pod, more specifically the use of the aforementioned capsule of pod to prepare a beverage. This is done by introducing water into the capsule or pod comprising the beverage ingredient. The beverage ingredient is extracted, infused or solubilized by the water to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod. In such use, the capsule or pod is placed inside a cavity of a beverage preparation machine, whereas the peripheral rim is pinched or otherwise held between cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine.
During the preparation of the beverage, two possibilities arise: One is that the peripheral rim is tightly held between the cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine on its entire periphery, and the water will not, or at least not substantially, propagate from inside the capsule towards the outside. In this case, the composition does not contact with water and remains at its dry and unexpanded state. On the other hand, if the peripheral rim is for any reasons not tightly held by the cooperating portions of the machine, on at least one section of its periphery, a gap may (temporarily) exist, and through said gap water may leak. In this case, the composition upon contact with water swells and fills the gap to stop the water leaking through. The use in this second aspect therefore optionally comprises a scenario in which the composition expands upon introduction of water into the cavity to form and/or improve a seal between the peripheral rim and at least one of the cooperating portions.
In a third aspect, the invention relates to a system comprising a beverage preparation machine and the aforementioned capsule or pod. The capsule or pod is configured to be placed inside a machine cavity of said beverage preparation machine, and the beverage preparation machine is configured to pinch or clamp or otherwise hold the peripheral rim of the capsule or pod between cooperating portions, preferably two cooperating portions such as cooperating jaws, of said beverage preparation machine. In a fourth aspect, the invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a capsule or pod for beverage preparation. Said capsule or pod may be the same as the aforementioned capsule or pod. The method comprises a step of providing a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod, wherein said body comprises a peripheral rim. The method further comprises a step of applying a composition on at least one side of said peripheral rim, said composition being adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said composition in an unexpanded dry state. The method furthermore comprises a step of attaching a closing membrane along the peripheral rim to close the cavity.
Preferably, the cavity is closed with the closing membrane after the beverage ingredient has been arranged in the cavity.
Preferably, the composition is applied as a coating. More preferably, the coating is applied by an aqueous dispersion coating technique, or any other suitable coating technique like ultra-thin gel-coating techniques, with or without curing.
As stated above, the present invention provides a capsule or pod, a method of manufacturing the same, a use thereof, and a system comprising said capsule or pod as well as a beverage preparation machine. The invention overcomes or at least mitigates a water leakage problem which may occur in the prior art due to the (temporary) deformation of the parts of the machine during the beverage preparation and provides a solution which is suitably applicable to the existing machines.
The general aspects of the invention being outlined above, specific, non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the respective figures, in which
Figure 1A schematically shows a capsule according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure IB schematically shows another capsule according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2A schematically shows a pod according to an embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 2B schematically shows a pod according to an embodiment of the invention.
Detailed description
Referring to figure 1A, a capsule 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprises a body having a bottom wall 102 and a peripheral wall 104. The bottom wall 102 and the peripheral wall 104 define a cavity (or compartment) in which a beverage ingredient such as vegetal leaves or ground coffee powder may be contained to be later extracted, infused or solubilized by introducing hot water into the cavity to produce a beverage.
An outward extending peripheral rim 106 is formed at a topside of the body, i.e., at an end of the peripheral wall 104 opposite the bottom wall 102. The peripheral rim 106 extends radially outward along a circumference of the topside of the body, i.e., at an upper end of the peripheral wall 104 that is opposite the bottom wall 102. The capsule further comprises a closing membrane (not shown) attached to the upper side of the peripheral rim 106 to close the cavity.
When in use, the capsule 100 is placed into a designated cavity of a beverage preparation machine. The beverage preparation machine comprises, inter alia, a means for heating water, a means for piercing the closing membrane of the capsule 100, and a means for introducing hot water into the capsule 100 to react with the beverage ingredient such that a beverage is prepared.
The beverage preparation machine furthermore comprises cooperating portions (e.g., jaws) configured to pinch the peripheral rim 106 and the closing membrane to prevent delamination of the closing membrane from the peripheral rim 106 during the preparation of the beverage.
The capsule 100 comprises a coating 110 disposed on a topside of the peripheral rim 106, extending continuously along the entire circumference of said topside of the peripheral rim 106. The coating 110 may be, e.g., flat or in a form of a stripe. It may have a thickness (in the case of stripe, the largest thickness) of between 2 and 8 micrometers. As such, the coating is relatively thin.
As compared to other standard capsules without the coating 110, the peripheral rim 106 of the capsule 100 has an increased thickness, said increase in thickness however being so limited that it does not hinder the use of the capsule 100 in beverage preparation machines specifically designed for the other standard capsules, even though those machines may have very small functional play (or functional tolerance).
The coating 110 preferably is hydrophilic and water-swellable. For example, the coating 110 may comprise a hydrophilic polyurethane resin. Such resin may be capable of incorporating large amounts of water, thereby forming a waterproof structure. Specifically, the coating 110 upon in contact with water forms as a gel or a foam, depending on the amount of water incorporated therein. That is, the coating 110 upon in contact with water swells to a greater volume, specifically a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume in its unexpanded dry state.
In the event that the peripheral rim 106 and the closing membrane are not tightly pinched by the cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine during the beverage preparation, e.g. due to deformation of some machine parts, fluid leakage may occur at the interface between the peripheral rim 106 and the cooperating portions. Water entering said interface comes into contact with the coating 110, causing it to swell, thereby sealing the "gap" between the peripheral rim 106 and the cooperating portions and restoring the leak-tightness between the peripheral rim 106 and the cooperating portions. Figure IB shows a capsule 200 according to another embodiment of the invention, in which a coating 210 is applied on the underside of the peripheral rim of the capsule 200. The capsule 200 may further have a coating applied on the topside of the peripheral rim. The material and the functionalities of the coating(s) are the same as described above. The same or different coatings may be used for the topside and the underside.
Figures 2A and 2B show, respectively, a pod 300 and a pod 400 according to embodiments of the invention. The pods 300 and 400 may have slightly different configurations, such as round or rather flat, but they both comprise a coating as described above applied on the peripheral rim of the respective pod. While Figure 2A shows a coating 310 applied to an underside of the peripheral rim of the pod 300 and Figure 2B shows a coating 410 applied to a topside of the peripheral rim of the pod 400, it is contemplated that a pod in accordance with the invention may have a coating applied to both sides of its peripheral rim. The material and the functionalities of the coating(s) are the same as described above.
Various aspects and embodiments of the invention have been described for purposes of illustration. The invention, however, should not be unduly limited by any of the details of the above disclosure, as a person skilled in the art will appreciate that changes and modifications that do not contradict the principle of the invention may be made and are still covered by the invention. In particular, the invention shall not be construed to be limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings. Rather, the scope of protection of the invention is determined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.
The invention includes the following aspects.
1. A capsule or a pod for beverage preparation, comprising a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod, said body comprising a peripheral rim, wherein said peripheral rim is configured to have a closing membrane attached thereto to close the cavity, said capsule or pod being adapted for being introduced into a cavity of a beverage preparation machine such that when said capsule or pod is placed inside said machine cavity, said peripheral rim is pinched or otherwise held between cooperating portions of said machine, said capsule or pod being characterized by a coating applied on at least one side of said peripheral rim, said coating comprising a composition adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said coating in an unexpanded dry state.
2. The capsule or pod according to aspect 1, wherein the composition is a hydrophilic composition, preferably the hydrophilic composition forming a gel or a foam matrix when in contact with water.
3. The capsule or pod according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the coating in the unexpanded dry state is equal to or less than 50 micrometres, preferably equal to or less than 30 micrometres, more preferably equal to or less than 15 micrometres, even more preferably equal to or less than 12 micrometres, even more preferably equal to or less than 8 micrometres.
4. The capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect, wherein the thickness of the coating in the unexpanded dry state is equal to or more than 1 micron, preferably equal to or more than 2 micrometres.
5. The capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect, wherein the coating is applied continuously, preferably along the entire circumference of the at least one side of said peripheral rim, more preferably over the entire surface of the at least one side of the peripheral rim.
6. The capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect, wherein the composition is adapted to swell when in contact with water to a volume of at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times, of a volume of said coating in the unexpanded dry state, and/or to a volume of at most 20 times, preferably at most 10 times, of a volume of said coating in the unexpanded dry state.
7. The capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect, wherein the coating is configured to provide and/or improve a seal between the rim and the machine cavity, preferably wherein the composition is configured to form a waterproofing structure, such as a waterproofing gel.
8. The capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect, wherein said composition comprises at least one polymer selected within the list of: polyurethanes, polysaccharides, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, or a combination thereof.
9. The capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect, wherein said composition comprises a polysaccharide-based composition comprising starch, cellulose, alginate, chitosan, guar gum, sulphated polysaccharides, carrageenan, fucoidan, ulvan, porphyrin, laminarin, or a combination thereof.
10. The capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect, which comprises at least one bottom wall and at least one peripheral wall, preferably wherein the bottom and peripheral walls define the cavity. 11. The capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect, wherein the at least one bottom wall and/or the at least one peripheral wall comprises at least one material selected within the list of: cellulose, algae, vegetable or animal fibres, a metal or a metalloid, a natural or synthetic biodegradable polymer, or a combination thereof.
12. The capsule according to any preceding aspect, wherein said beverage ingredient is a water-soluble composition, vegetal leaves, or a non-soluble powder composition such as a roast and ground coffee powder.
13. The capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect, wherein said coating is applied on both sides of the peripheral rim.
14. The capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect, wherein the peripheral rim extends outward, preferably from an upper side of the body, more preferably from an end of the at least one peripheral wall that is opposite the at least one bottom wall.
15. The capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect, wherein the body, the closing membrane and/or the coating comprises or consists of one or more biodegradable materials.
16. Use of a capsule or pod according to any preceding aspect, wherein:
- the capsule or pod is placed inside a machine cavity of a beverage preparation machine;
- the peripheral rim is pinched or otherwise held between two cooperating portions of the beverage preparation machine; and - the composition expands upon leakage of water between the rim and at least one of the cooperating portions to form and/or improve a seal between the peripheral rim and at least one of the cooperating portions.
17. A system comprising:
- a beverage preparation machine; and
- the capsule or pod according to any of aspects 1-15, wherein the capsule or pod is configured to be placed inside said machine cavity, and the beverage preparation machine is configured to pinch or otherwise hold the peripheral rim between the two cooperating portions of said beverage preparation machine.
18. A method of manufacturing a capsule or pod for beverage preparation, comprising:
- a step of providing a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in orderto produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod, said body comprising a peripheral rim,
- a step of applying a coating on at least one side of said peripheral rim, said coating comprising a composition adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said coating in an unexpanded dry state, and
- a step of attaching a closing membrane along the peripheral rim to close the cavity.
19. The method of aspect 18, wherein the composition is a hydrophilic composition, preferably hydrophilic composition forming a gel or a foam matrix.
20. The method of aspect 18 or 19, wherein the coating is applied by an aqueous dispersion coating technique.

Claims

Claims
1. A capsule or a pod for beverage preparation, comprising a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in order to produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod, said body comprising a peripheral rim, wherein said peripheral rim is configured to have a closing membrane attached thereto to close the cavity, said capsule or pod being adapted for being introduced into a cavity of a beverage preparation machine such that when said capsule or pod is placed inside said machine cavity, said peripheral rim is pinched or otherwise held between cooperating portions of said machine, said capsule or pod being characterized by a composition applied on at least one side of said peripheral rim, said composition being adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said composition in an unexpanded dry state.
2. The capsule or pod according to claim 1, wherein the composition is applied as a coating on the at least one side of said peripheral rim, wherein the coating is adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said coating in the unexpanded dry state.
3. The capsule or pod according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition is a hydrophilic composition, preferably the hydrophilic composition forming a gel or a foam matrix when in contact with water.
4. The capsule or pod according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the thickness of the composition in the unexpanded dry state is equal to or less than 50 microns, preferably equal to or less than 30 microns, more preferably equal to or less than 15 microns, even more preferably equal to or less than 12 microns, even more preferably equal to or less than 8 microns, and/or wherein the thickness of the composition in the unexpanded dry state is equal to or more than 1 micron, preferably equal to or more than 2 microns.
5. The capsule or pod according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition is applied continuously, preferably along the entire circumference of the at least one side of said peripheral rim, more preferably over the entire surface of the at least one side of the peripheral rim.
6. The capsule or pod according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition is adapted to swell when in contact with water to a volume of at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times, of a volume of said composition in the unexpanded dry state, and/or wherein the composition is adapted to swell when in contact with water to a volume of at most 20 times, preferably at most 10 times of a volume of said composition in the unexpanded dry state.
7. The capsule or pod according to any preceding claim, wherein said composition comprises at least one polymer selected within the list of: polyurethanes, polysaccharides, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, or a combination thereof; and/or wherein said composition comprises a polysaccharide-based composition comprising starch, cellulose, alginate, chitosan, guar gum, sulphated polysaccharides, carrageenan, fucoidan, ulvan, porphyrin, laminarin, or a combination thereof.
8. The capsule or pod according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises at least one bottom wall and at least one peripheral wall, preferably wherein the bottom and peripheral walls define the cavity.
9. The capsule or pod according to claim 8, wherein the at least one bottom wall and/or the at least one peripheral wall comprises at least one material selected within the list of: cellulose, algae, vegetable or animal fibres, a metal or a metalloid, a natural or synthetic biodegradable polymer, or a combination thereof.
10. The capsule or pod according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said composition is applied on both sides of the peripheral rim.
11. The capsule or pod according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral rim extends outward, preferably from an upper side of the body, more preferably from an end of the at least one peripheral wall that is opposite the at least one bottom wall.
12. The capsule or pod according to any preceding claim, wherein the body, the closing membrane and/or the composition comprises or consists of one or more biodegradable materials.
13. A system comprising:
- a beverage preparation machine; and the capsule or pod according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the capsule or pod is configured to be placed inside said machine cavity, and the beverage preparation machine is configured to pinch or otherwise hold the peripheral rim between the cooperating portions of said beverage preparation machine.
14. A method of manufacturing a capsule or pod for beverage preparation, comprising: a step of providing a body defining a cavity for containing a beverage ingredient to be extracted, infused or solubilized by mixing with water that is introduced into said cavity in orderto produce a beverage to be dispensed outside the capsule or pod, said body comprising a peripheral rim, a step of applying a composition on at least one side of said peripheral rim, said composition being adapted to swell in contact with water to a volume of 2 to 20 times the volume of said composition in an unexpanded dry state, and a step of attaching a closing membrane along the peripheral rim to close the cavity.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the composition is applied as a coating on the at least one side of said peripheral rim, preferably by an aqueous dispersion coating technique.
EP24713487.7A 2023-04-04 2024-03-27 Capsule or pod for beverage preparation, system comprising said capsule or pod, and method for manufacturing the same Pending EP4688610A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23166440 2023-04-04
PCT/EP2024/058192 WO2024208676A1 (en) 2023-04-04 2024-03-27 Capsule or pod for beverage preparation, system comprising said capsule or pod, and method for manufacturing the same

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
PT2303077E (en) 2009-06-17 2011-11-15 Sara Lee De Nv Capsule, system and method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption
AU2014358842B2 (en) * 2013-12-03 2018-12-20 Advanced Technology Assets B.V. Capsule and device for preparing beverages and method for producing the capsule
GB2567418B (en) * 2017-09-28 2020-09-30 Hpc Healthline Uk Ltd A biodegradable single-serve beverage cartridge
GB2584610B (en) * 2019-05-07 2023-02-15 Alexander Charles Gort Barten Beverage capsule
EP3788884A1 (en) * 2019-09-05 2021-03-10 Delica AG Compostable capsule and production and use thereof

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