WO2023072997A1 - Capsule for the preparation of a beverage - Google Patents
Capsule for the preparation of a beverage Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2023072997A1 WO2023072997A1 PCT/EP2022/079895 EP2022079895W WO2023072997A1 WO 2023072997 A1 WO2023072997 A1 WO 2023072997A1 EP 2022079895 W EP2022079895 W EP 2022079895W WO 2023072997 A1 WO2023072997 A1 WO 2023072997A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- cup
- shaped body
- capsule
- protruding part
- lateral wall
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 90
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 54
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 41
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 31
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 229920003043 Cellulose fiber Polymers 0.000 claims description 10
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 24
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 15
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 13
- 239000004629 polybutylene adipate terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 8
- -1 polybutylene succinate Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 239000004631 polybutylene succinate Substances 0.000 description 8
- 229920002961 polybutylene succinate Polymers 0.000 description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000013047 polymeric layer Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004372 Polyvinyl alcohol Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920002988 biodegradable polymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004621 biodegradable polymer Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000003085 diluting agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004626 polylactic acid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920002451 polyvinyl alcohol Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000008107 starch Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 4
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000012792 core layer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 3
- ORTVZLZNOYNASJ-UPHRSURJSA-N (z)-but-2-ene-1,4-diol Chemical compound OC\C=C/CO ORTVZLZNOYNASJ-UPHRSURJSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000609240 Ambelania acida Species 0.000 description 2
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000017166 Bambusa arundinacea Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000017491 Bambusa tulda Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 244000025254 Cannabis sativa Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000012766 Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa var. sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000012765 Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa var. spontanea Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 2
- 244000082204 Phyllostachys viridis Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000015334 Phyllostachys viridis Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 241000209140 Triticum Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000021307 Triticum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000010905 bagasse Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011425 bamboo Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000009120 camo Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229910002090 carbon oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 235000005607 chanvre indien Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000005056 compaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009264 composting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011121 hardwood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011487 hemp Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011122 softwood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000014347 soups Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000298479 Cichorium intybus Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000007542 Cichorium intybus Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000005979 Hordeum vulgare Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000007340 Hordeum vulgare Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000269722 Thea sinensis Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000019219 chocolate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000006071 cream Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013365 dairy product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013350 formula milk Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000015203 fruit juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001802 infusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000013570 smoothie Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000015192 vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
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
- B65D85/8064—Sealing means for the interface with the processing machine
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
- B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
- B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
Definitions
- the present invention concerns a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device.
- the capsule comprises a cup-shaped body made of cellulose pulp.
- Containers or capsules made of cellulose pulp are known in the field of beverage preparation devices. Materials made of cellulose pulp are also known which are capable of maintaining the qualities of the beverage substance in the capsule, at least for a certain period of time. Single-use capsules for preparing a beverage in a beverage production device are also known.
- Known cellulose pulp made capsules are used in beverage preparation devices and comprise a member enclosing the capsule during the beverage preparation process and the injection of water in the capsule for the preparation of the beverage.
- the present invention aims at an improving of the leak-tightness features of the known cellulose pulp made capsule forthe preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device.
- the invention as claimed in claim 1 is a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device.
- the capsule comprises a cup-shaped body and a cover for closing the cup-shaped body, wherein the cup-shaped body comprises an annular flange for the cover to seal thereon.
- At least the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp and comprises a bottom wall, a tubular lateral wall and the annular flange.
- the cup-shaped body further comprises a connecting wall connecting the lateral wall and the annular flange.
- the connecting wall comprises at least a part protruding outward with respect to the lateral wall of the cup-shaped body.
- this protruding part cooperates with an edge of a capsule enclosing member of the beverage preparation device for improving leak tightness during the preparation of the beverage.
- the density of the protruding part is less than the maximum density of the lateral wall and the thickness of this protruding part is greater than the maximum thickness of the lateral wall of the cup-shaped body, so as to increase the deformability of the protruding part and also improve the leak tightness during the preparation of the beverage.
- the difference between the maximum density of the lateral wall of the cup-shaped body and the density of the protruding part of the connecting wall is a value comprised between 0,1% and 20%. Even more preferably, the difference between the maximum density of the lateral wall of the cup-shaped body and the density of the protruding part of the connecting wall is a value comprised between 0,1% and 10%.
- the protruding part of the connecting wall has a rounded shape and, preferably, the external profile of the protruding part is an arc of a circle.
- the connecting wall comprises at least one inner surface facing the cavity of the cup-shaped body.
- This inner surface seen in longitudinal section, is inclined in a direction forming an angle with the direction of inclination of the lateral wall of the cup-shaped body.
- the angle is comprised between 100° and 150° and preferably is about 135°.
- the protruding part of the connecting wall has a shape chosen from one of following shapes, or has a shape which is a combination of one or more of following shapes:
- the protruding part of the connecting wall has a rounded shape and internally the protruding part of the connecting wall has a flat shape inclined with respect of a longitudinal axis of the of the cup-shaped body;
- the protruding part of the connecting wall has a rounded shape
- the protruding part of the connecting wall has a flat shape inclined with respect of a longitudinal axis of the of the cup-shaped body;
- the protruding part of the connecting wall has a stepped shape.
- the cup-shaped body is made of cellulose pulp comprising cellulose fibres in a percentage ranging from 80% to 100% by weight, and comprises at least an oxygen barrier liner attached at the inner and/or outer surface of said cup shaped body made of cellulose pulp.
- the capsule of the invention is a single use coffee capsule.
- cellulose pulp refers to a pulp comprising cellulose fibres in a percentage ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.
- cellulose fibres refers to fibres having a wood and/or a wood free origin.
- the fibres are: hard wood cellulose fibres, soft wood cellulose fibres, wheat fibres, corn fibres, bagasse fibres, bamboo fibres, hemp fibres, cotton fibres, other similar vegetable or plant fibres, or a combination thereof.
- At least one oxygen barrier liner made of one, preferably several layers.
- the oxygen barrier liner is made of a known mono or multilayer polymeric liner, comprising for example a polymer of fossil or non-fossil origin or a BioSource polymer, and is attached to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup shaped body of the capsule.
- a preferred multilayer barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and/or moisture barrier properties, surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing said barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material, and preferably a second external sealing layerfor sealing a closing cover, in orderto close the capsule after it has been filled with an ingredient.
- the oxygen barrier liner comprises one or more of following layers:
- an outermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA / bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA), or a combination thereof,
- PBSA / bioPBS polybutylene succinate
- PBAT polybutylene adipate terephthalate
- starch starch
- cellulose derivates polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA), or a combination thereof
- first tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin
- barrier layer comprising a polymer selected within the list of: butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or a combination thereof,
- a second tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin
- an innermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA) or a combination thereof.
- PBSA polybutylene succinate
- PBAT polybutylene adipate terephthalate
- PHA polyhydroxyalcanoates
- the cover is made in a known material, preferably it is a polymeric film membrane.
- the cover may be flat, i.e., non- formed in a three-dimensional shape.
- the cover is sealed onto a sealing layer of the cup shaped body opening, in order to close it after filling with an ingredient.
- the cup shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by moulding in a mould a dry or wet, preferably wet, cellulose pulp.
- the "barrier liner" mentioned above is laminated on the inside and/or outside surface of said body.
- the barrier to oxygen for both the cover and the cup shaped body is selected to provide a sufficient shelf life depending on the nature of the beverage ingredients.
- the shelf life expected may be of 12 months.
- the cup shaped body, its oxygen barrier liner and/or the cover are made of home compostable materials.
- the capsules according to the invention are normally meant to be recycled in recycling processes that are organized at official recycling facilities according to national regulations (for instance in paper recycling streams, or in general garbage recycling or treatment streams).
- national regulations for instance in paper recycling streams, or in general garbage recycling or treatment streams.
- said capsules are designed with materials that are naturally ready to be degraded by bacteria and in conditions of temperature and humidity that are naturally present in nature. In this way, it is ensured that such capsules will not stay in nature and will naturally disappear within a short period of time (a few weeks in principle) within the conditions defined by home compostability standards.
- home compostability is now well defined on a national level and mainly based on international standard EN 13432; therefore, they do not require to be further defined in-depth in the present specification.
- Materials or products compliant with these standards can be recognized by a conformity mark stating their home compostability.
- Some examples of home compostability certifications at a national level include, but are not limited to, the following.
- the certifier TUV AUSTRIA BELGIUM offers such a home compostability certification scheme
- DIN CERTCO offers a certification for home compostability according to the Australian standard AS 5810. Italy has a national standard for composting at ambient temperature, UNI 11183:2006.
- the French Standard "NF T 51-800 Plastics - Specifications for plastics suitable for home composting” was introduced. This standard is covered in the DIN CERTCO scheme.
- the preparation of the beverage is obtained by mixing of the fluid substance with an ingredient contained in the capsule.
- the ingredients are chosen within the list of roast and ground coffee, compacted or not, soluble powder coffee or leaf tea.
- Dairy ingredients e.g., milk or creamer
- dairy ingredients could also be provided, as well as chocolate, fruit juices, soups, vegetable juices, bouillons, smoothies, purees, coulis, creams, chicory, barley, culinary aid, soup ingredient, infant formula or a combination thereof, in powdered soluble form, liquid concentrated form having various viscosities or in gel form.
- the beverage ingredients are roast and ground coffee.
- the capsule of the invention may typically interact with a beverage and/or food preparation device, such as by being fed with a diluent (e.g., hot, cold or ambient water) in the container; such diluent mixes, or interacts otherwise, with the beverage ingredients.
- a diluent e.g., hot, cold or ambient water
- mixing of the diluent with the beverage ingredient(s) it should be intended that all the ingredients contained in the capsule are in a form which is compatible with a generic mixing operation (dissolution, extraction or infusion) with the diluent to obtain the beverage product.
- the cavity delimited by the capsule body and the cover of the capsule is essentially oxygen-free and the empty space is saturated with an inert gas such as nitrogen, carbon oxide and combinations thereof.
- the capsule has an internal pressure of gas above atmospheric pressure, due to the gas contained in the coffee and emanating in the cavity after sealing, such as carbon oxide and dioxide.
- the beverage preparation device preferably comprises a capsule holder for receiving and tightly enclosing the capsule, a pressurized liquid supply system for supplying this liquid inside the capsule.
- Devices of this type are for example those usually used for the extraction of traditional Nespresso® capsules.
- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a capsule according to the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the capsule of figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged view of the portion of figure 2 indicated by arrow W;
- Figure 4 is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the capsule of figure 1 when it is enclosed in a capsule enclosing member of a beverage preparation device;
- Figure 4A is a schematic enlarged view of the portion of figure 4 indicated by arrow Wl;
- Figures 5, 6 and 7 are views similar to figure 3, showing three further embodiments of the capsule. Detailed description of the invention
- FIGS 1, 2 and 3 a first embodiment of a capsule according to the invention, for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device, is shown.
- This capsule comprises a cup-shaped body 1 and a cover 2 for closing the cup-shaped body 1.
- the cup-shaped body 1 comprises an annular flange 3 for the cover 2 to seal thereon.
- the cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp and comprise at least a bottom wall 4, a tubular lateral wall 5 and the annular flange 3.
- the lateral wall 5 and the annular flange 3 are connected by a connecting wall 6 (see figure 3) of the cup-shaped body 1.
- the connecting wall 6 comprises at least a part 7 (figure 3) protruding outward with respect to the lateral wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1.
- This outwardly protruding part 7 can be defined as being convex.
- the protruding part 7, as part of the connecting wall 6, is integral with both the lateral wall 5 and said annular flange 3 of the capsule.
- the protruding part is made of cellulose pulp.
- This outwardly protruding part 7 can be defined as being convex.
- this protruding part 7 cooperates with an edge 8 of a capsule enclosing member 9 of a beverage preparation device 10 (partially shown in figure 4) for improving leak tightness between said enclosing member 9 and the cupshaped body 1 during the preparation of the beverage.
- the density of the protruding part 7 of the connecting wall 6 is less than the maximum density of the lateral wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1. Additionally, said protruding part 7 has also a greater thickness T1 than the maximum thickness T2 of the lateral wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1.
- the difference between the maximum density DI of the lateral wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 and the density D2 of the protruding part 7 of the connecting wall 6 is a value comprised between 0,1% of DI and 20% of DI, that is:
- the difference between the maximum density DI of the lateral wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 and the density D2 of the protruding part 7 of the connecting wall 6 is a value comprised between 0,1% of DI and 10% of DI, that is:
- the term “density” refers to the "volumetric mass density” of a material, which is the mass per volume unit of this material.
- the reduced density of the cellulose pulp of the protruding part 7 leads to a reduced stiffness and hardness of this part 7 with respect to the stiffness and hardness of the lateral wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1 having a greater density.
- the protruding part 7 of the connecting wall 6 has a rounded shape in longitudinal section (see figure 3) and more preferably the external profile of said protruding part 7 is an arc of a circle. Even more preferably, the circular arc is an arc of a circle having a diameter of 0,53 mm+/-30%.
- the shape and the dimensions the protruding part 7 of the connecting wall 6 allow a better and more gradual interaction between the edge 8 of the movable enclosing member 9 of the beverage preparation device 10, as well as a better sealing.
- the shape, the dimensions and the density of the protruding part 7 of the connecting wall 6 guarantee tightness during the beverage preparation. Tightness is achieved through local compaction and/or deformation of the cellulose pulp of the protruding part 7 (as shown in figure 4A), due to the lower density and greater thickness of this protruding part 7 with respect to the lateral wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1.
- This difference in density creates a sort of "rubber effect" and/or an increased mechanical flexibility of the protruding part 7, which is excellent for providing tightness: when the movable enclosing member 9 of the beverage preparation device 10 is closed around the capsule (as shown in figures 4 and 4A) and the edge 8 of this movable enclosing member 9 presses onto the protruding part 7, said protruding part 7 is capable of flexing and deforming due to its lower density with respect to the lateral wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1.
- the lower density of the protruding part 7 could also have another favourable technical effect.
- the lower density of the protruding part 7 allows this protruding part 7 to "absorb" some water and swell, hence increasing its non-compressed volume, and thereby also increasing the surface of contact between said protruding part 7 and the inner surface of the edge 8 of the enclosing member 9, thereby further improving leak tightness.
- the cup-shaped body 1 is preferably revolutionary symmetrical.
- the tubular wall 5 has a frustoconical shape, with a circular cross section and with an increasing diameter towards the annular flange 3.
- the lateral tubular wall 5 when seen in a longitudinal section, is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis A of the cup-shaped body 1, in a first inclination direction Ml (shown in figure 3).
- the bottom wall 4 preferably comprises a first inclined wall 4A and a second wall 4B, so as to delimit a shallow concave volume.
- the first inclined wall 4A preferably has a frustoconical shape, with a circular cross section and with an increasing diameter towards the lateral wall 5.
- the second wall 4B is preferably flat (as shown in figure 2) or convex (from the point of view of the cavity 1A, i.e., protruding internally towards the cavity 1A).
- the connecting wall 6 preferably comprises an inner surface 6B facing the cavity 1A of the cup-shaped body 1.
- This inner surface 6B seen in longitudinal section, and when it is not compressed/deformed is inclined in a direction M2 (figure 3) forming an angle G with the inclination direction Ml of the lateral wall 5.
- the angle G is preferably comprised between 100° and 150° and more preferably is about 135°.
- the inclination of the connecting wall 6 facilitates the deformation of said connecting wall 6 when it is engaged by the edge 8 of the enclosure member 9 and ultimately favours the seal.
- the annular flange 3 comprises a preferably flat wall 3A.
- the beverage preparation device 10 comprises the movable enclosing member 9 and a support plate 11 for supporting the cover 2 of the capsule.
- This support plate 11 tears off the cover 2 and allows the beverage to flow out of the capsule when the liquid injected into the capsule creates a predetermined pressure in the capsule.
- the enclosing member 9 is movable from an initial position (not shown), which allows the introduction of the capsule in the beverage preparation device, and a brewing position (shown in figure 4 and figure 4A), wherein the enclosing member 9 and the support plate 11 tightly enclose the capsule.
- pressurized liquid is injected into the capsule through openings formed by one or more pointed elements 12 of the beverage preparation device 10.
- pointed elements 12 are designed for piercing the bottom wall 4 of the cup-shaped body 1.
- the cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp comprising cellulose fibres in a percentage ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.
- cellulose fibres refers to fibres having a wood and/or a wood free origin.
- the fibres are: hard wood cellulose fibres, soft wood cellulose fibres, wheat fibres, corn fibres, bagasse fibres, bamboo fibres, hemp fibres, cotton fibres, other similar vegetable or plant fibres, or a combination thereof.
- the cup shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by moulding in a mould a dry or wet, preferably wet, cellulose pulp.
- the cup-shaped body 1 may be shaped from a sheet made of cellulose pulp, by deforming it into a mould to confer to the sheet the desired cup shape, as usual for the skilled person.
- the cup shaped body made of cellulose pulp comprises at least one oxygen barrier liner 14 (figure 3) made of at least one, preferably several layers.
- the oxygen barrier liner 14 (figure 3) is attached in a known manner to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup shaped body.
- the oxygen barrier liner 14 is laminated on the inside and/or outside surface of said body.
- the oxygen barrier liner 14 is made of at least a home compostable polymer, so that it is possible to throw the capsule or at least the cupshaped body in the household compostable waste.
- the multilayer oxygen barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and/or moisture barrier properties, surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing said barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material.
- a preferred multilayer barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and/or moisture barrier properties, surrounded by sealing layers for sealing said barrier liner onto the cellulose pulp.
- the barrier liner 14 is provided at all the inner surfaces of the cup-shaped body 1, such as to delimit at least the entire cavity lA for housing the beverage substance.
- the oxygen barrier liner 14 is made of a known mono or multilayer polymeric liner, comprising for example a polymer of fossil or non-fossil origin or a BioSource polymer, and is attached to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup shaped body of the capsule.
- the oxygen barrier liner comprises one or more of following layers:
- an outermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA / bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA), or a combination thereof,
- PBSA / bioPBS polybutylene succinate
- PBAT polybutylene adipate terephthalate
- starch starch
- cellulose derivates polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA), or a combination thereof
- first tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin
- barrier layer comprising a polymer selected within the list of: butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or a combination thereof
- a second tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin
- an innermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA) or a combination thereof.
- PBSA polybutylene succinate
- PBAT polybutylene adipate terephthalate
- PHA polyhydroxyalcanoates
- the first and outermost polymeric layer has a thickness comprised between 10 and 50 pm, and said layer has an elongation at break comprised between 10% and 800%, a melt flow rate (MFR) comprised between 2 and 4 when measured at 150°C during 10 minutes with a pressure of 2.16 kg, and said layer has a melting point temperature comprised below 80°C.
- MFR melt flow rate
- the first tie layer has melting point temperature comprised between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness comprised between 1 and 12 pm.
- the barrier layer has a melting point temperature comprised between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness comprised between 1 and 15 pm.
- the second tie layer has a melting point temperature comprised between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness comprised between 1 and 10 pm.
- the innermost polymeric layer has a thickness comprised between 10 and 50 pm, and said innermost layer has an elongation at break comprised between 10% and 1000%, a melt flow rate (MFR) comprised between 4 and 10 when measured at 190°C during 10 minutes with a pressure of 2.16 kg, and said layer has a melting point temperature comprised between 110°C and 180°C.
- MFR melt flow rate
- the cup shaped body 1 and its oxygen barrier liner 14 are made of home compostable materials (for example in one or more of the materials listed above) so, that it is possible to throw this body it in the household compostable waste.
- the cover 2 is made in a known material, preferably it is a polymeric film membrane.
- the cover 2 may be flat, i.e., non-formed in a three-dimensional shape.
- the cover 2 preferably comprises an oxygen barrier layer.
- the cover 2 is made of at least a home compostable polymer so that it is possible to throw it and more preferably also the cup shaped body in the household compostable waste.
- the cover 2 preferably comprises a sealing layer oriented towards the cavity 1A of the cup-shaped body 1.
- the cover 2 may take a convex form, i.e., protruding externally with respect to the cavity 1A, (as shown in figure 2) if the capsule has an internal pressure of gas above atmospheric pressure.
- the cover is sealed onto a sealing layer of the cup shaped body opening, in order to close it after filling with an ingredient.
- the barrier to oxygen for both the cover and the cup shaped body is selected to provide a sufficient shelf life depending on the nature of the beverage ingredients.
- the shelf life expected may be of 12 months.
- FIGS 5-7 respectively show a second, a third and a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which the capsules have the same technical features discussed with reference to the first embodiment but have a different connecting wall 106, 206 and 306.
- the connecting wall 106 is rounded both externally and internally (if seen in longitudinal section) and the protruding part 107 is also rounded.
- the external profile of the protruding part 107 is an arc of a circle.
- the circular arc is an arc of a circle having a diameter of 0,53 mm+/- 30%.
- the connecting wall 206 and the protruding part 207 have the form of a slope and, when viewed in longitudinal section, are inclined in a direction M3 forming an angle G1 with the inclination direction Ml of the lateral wall 5.
- the angle G1 is preferably comprised between 100° and 150° and more preferably is about 135°.
- the connecting wall 306 has the form of a step and the protruding part 307 comprises a first wall portion 315, which is substantially parallel to the annular flange 3, and a second wall portion 320 which, seen in longitudinal section, is inclined in a direction M4, which forms an angle with the inclination direction Ml of the lateral wall 5: said angle is preferably comprised between 100° and 150° and, more preferably, is about 135°.
- the density of the protruding parts 107, 207 and 307 of the second, third, and fourth embodiments can be the same as that of the lateral wall 5 of the cup-shaped body 1, or can be less than the maximum density of this lateral wall 5.
- the maximum thickness T3, T4, T5 of the protruding parts 107, 207 and 307 can be equal to the maximum thickness T2 of the lateral wall 5, or it can be greater.
- the shape and the dimensions of the protruding parts 107, 207 and 307 of the connecting walls 106, 206 and 306 allow a better and more gradual interaction between the edge 8 of the movable enclosing member 9 and a better sealing.
- the shape, the dimensions and the density of the protruding parts 107, 207 and 307 guarantee tightness during the beverage preparation. Tightness is achieved through local compaction and/or deformation of the cellulose pulp of the protruding parts 107, 207 and 307.
- the complete capsule is biodegradable, most preferably compostable.
- the connecting wall may have a shape that is the combination of the shapes of two or more of the connecting walls of the previously discussed embodiments.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA3234579A CA3234579A1 (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2022-10-26 | Capsule for the preparation of a beverage |
AU2022374942A AU2022374942A1 (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2022-10-26 | Capsule for the preparation of a beverage |
EP22809756.4A EP4422990A1 (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2022-10-26 | Capsule for the preparation of a beverage |
KR1020247010859A KR20240095177A (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2022-10-26 | Capsules for preparation of beverages |
MX2024004181A MX2024004181A (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2022-10-26 | Capsule for the preparation of a beverage. |
CN202280067382.2A CN118076546A (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2022-10-26 | Capsule for preparing a beverage |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP21205435 | 2021-10-29 | ||
EP21205435.7 | 2021-10-29 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2023072997A1 true WO2023072997A1 (en) | 2023-05-04 |
Family
ID=78414443
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2022/079895 WO2023072997A1 (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2022-10-26 | Capsule for the preparation of a beverage |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4422990A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20240095177A (en) |
CN (1) | CN118076546A (en) |
AR (1) | AR127502A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2022374942A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3234579A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2024004181A (en) |
TW (1) | TW202327956A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2023072997A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2010137962A1 (en) * | 2009-06-17 | 2010-12-02 | Sara Lee/De N.V. | Capsule comprising an extractable product |
US20140272018A1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-18 | Starbucks Corporation Dba Starbucks Coffee Company | Stretchable beverage cartridges and methods |
AU2018204387B1 (en) * | 2018-06-19 | 2018-12-13 | Anthony J. Orler | Cellulose-based beverage cartridge |
WO2019106485A1 (en) * | 2017-11-29 | 2019-06-06 | Goglio S.P.A. | A capsule for soluble or extractable products |
EP3617094A1 (en) * | 2018-08-29 | 2020-03-04 | Alain Frydman | Biodegradable self-opening capsule impervious to oxygen |
-
2022
- 2022-10-21 TW TW111139956A patent/TW202327956A/en unknown
- 2022-10-26 AU AU2022374942A patent/AU2022374942A1/en active Pending
- 2022-10-26 MX MX2024004181A patent/MX2024004181A/en unknown
- 2022-10-26 CA CA3234579A patent/CA3234579A1/en active Pending
- 2022-10-26 CN CN202280067382.2A patent/CN118076546A/en active Pending
- 2022-10-26 KR KR1020247010859A patent/KR20240095177A/en unknown
- 2022-10-26 WO PCT/EP2022/079895 patent/WO2023072997A1/en active Application Filing
- 2022-10-26 EP EP22809756.4A patent/EP4422990A1/en active Pending
- 2022-10-28 AR ARP220102949A patent/AR127502A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2010137962A1 (en) * | 2009-06-17 | 2010-12-02 | Sara Lee/De N.V. | Capsule comprising an extractable product |
US20140272018A1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-18 | Starbucks Corporation Dba Starbucks Coffee Company | Stretchable beverage cartridges and methods |
WO2019106485A1 (en) * | 2017-11-29 | 2019-06-06 | Goglio S.P.A. | A capsule for soluble or extractable products |
AU2018204387B1 (en) * | 2018-06-19 | 2018-12-13 | Anthony J. Orler | Cellulose-based beverage cartridge |
EP3617094A1 (en) * | 2018-08-29 | 2020-03-04 | Alain Frydman | Biodegradable self-opening capsule impervious to oxygen |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR20240095177A (en) | 2024-06-25 |
EP4422990A1 (en) | 2024-09-04 |
MX2024004181A (en) | 2024-04-23 |
TW202327956A (en) | 2023-07-16 |
AU2022374942A1 (en) | 2024-03-21 |
AR127502A1 (en) | 2024-01-31 |
CA3234579A1 (en) | 2023-05-04 |
CN118076546A (en) | 2024-05-24 |
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