WO2025219792A1 - Cellulose cup and related capsule for beverages - Google Patents

Abstract

A compostable cellulose cup (2) according to the present invention is provided with a bottom (3), which is a wall (8) with inner reliefs (340, 360) and outer reliefs (930, 950), wherein the inner reliefs define outer recesses (941, 960) and the outer reliefs define inner recesses (310, 330, 350). The cup is characterized in that the bottom (3) comprises a plurality of radial outer reliefs (930), uniformly arranged around the nozzle (32), and each radial outer relief (930) defines a corresponding radial inner channel (330). Advantageously, the fact that the bottom wall is a sequence of inner reliefs and recesses which form corresponding outer reliefs and recesses allows producing a cellulose capsule provided with the necessary functional means for proper beverage dispensing and capable of withstanding the temperatures and pressures of the machines for preparing beverages.

Description

"CELLULOSE CUP AND RELATED CAPSULE FOR BEVERAGES" DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a compostable capsule for preparing beverages , provided with a cellulose cup with its own opening means .

[0002] Capsules are known in the industry for packaging concentrated products ( in the form of soluble or insoluble powders ) in predetermined, single-use doses , for the extemporaneous preparation of beverages ( such as coffee, cappuccino, milk, hot chocolate ) by introducing a pressurized fluid, i . e . , hot water, into the capsule itself . The food powder contained inside the capsule being crossed by the flow of hot water, delivered by an extraction machine, results in the extemporaneous preparation of the beverage .

[0003] Different types of automatic or semi-automatic machines for preparing beverages are known in the industry . One type of extraction involves piercing the capsule at the bottom of the cup-shaped body to allow injecting pressurized hot water, and tearing the lid against piercing means of the extraction machine to allow the beverage to exit .

[0004] Instead, the type of capsule of the present invention is very different , suitable for being used in a machine which involves piercing the capsule only on one side to allow injecting pressurized hot water into the cup-shaped body . Indeed, the capsule of the present invention is of complex type, comprising a cup-shaped body with a conduit provided with a beverage outlet opening, a closing lid fixed to the cup-shaped body, in addition to its own inner opening means integral with the cup-shaped body . Such opening means are activated by raising the pressure inside the cup-shaped body to allow opening an inner sealing disc and thus allow the beverage to exit from the outlet conduit present at the bottom of the cup-shaped body .

[0005] With an ever-increasing focus on environmental protection, the disposal of capsules at the end of use becomes particularly important . In particular, more and more attention is being paid to compostable materials , and there is a particular need for capsules which can be thrown directly into the compost bin, even at home . Therefore, they are known in the cellulose capsule industry .

[0006] Typically, for making and dispensing the beverage, the hot water flow is injected into the capsule at a pressure of up to 15 atmospheres for a time ranging from 15 to 90 seconds . Therefore, for creating the capsule, it is important to select a material which provides the necessary features to withstand the mechanical stresses , in particular pressure, and the thermal stresses to which the capsule is subjected during use .

[0007] The main problem of the prior-art capsules precisely lies in the material of which they are made, since cellulose is poorly resistant to the thermal and mechanical stresses typical of the industry of machines for preparing beverages . Furthermore, cellulose is a material with which it is very difficult to achieve precise geometries and complex profiles .

[0008] An example of a known capsule with cellulose cup is described in document W02022049017A1 . Such a known capsule comprises opening means arranged inside the cup, in particular piercing tips , made of a different , in particular stiffer, material than the cellulose used for the cup . Despite being interesting in terms of the environmental and compostability aspects of the capsule, such a solution is very complex from a constructional point of view .

[0009] It is the object of the present invention to provide a capsule for preparing beverages which solves the problems of the prior art by considering the needs of the sector .

[0010] In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide a compostable capsule for preparing beverages , provided with its own inner opening means , capable of withstanding the temperatures and pressures of the machines for preparing beverages while ensuring optimal opening and beverage dispensing .

[0011] Such an object is achieved by a compostable capsule for preparing beverages provided with a cellulose body with integrated opening means , also made of cellulose .

[0012] In particular, such an object is achieved by a cup having a bottom wall which, by means of a sequence of inner reliefs and recesses which form corresponding outer reliefs and recesses , creates all the functional means necessary for a capsule for properly dispensing the beverage, without the need for any inner insert .

[0013] Such an object is achieved by a cup according to claim 1 and a capsule obtained with said cup according to claim 11 . The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention .

[0014] The features and advantages of a capsule for preparing beverages according to the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, according to the accompanying figures , in which :

- figure 1 shows an axonometric view of the outside and the bottom of a capsule of the present invention;

- figure 2 shows a section view of the capsule in figure

1 ; figure 3 shows a section view of the bottom part of the capsule in figure 1 ;

- figure 4 shows an axonometric section view of the bottom part of the capsule in figure 1 without the inner disc for clarity reasons .

[0015] With reference to the accompanying figures, reference numeral 2 indicates a cup suitable for defineing an inner volume V for containing at least one substance to be infused/extracted or dissolved, typically in powder or granular form .

[0016] Said cup 2 is usable for producing a capsule for preparing infused or soluble beverages , indicated by reference numeral 1 . When the cup 2 is used to create a capsule for preparing a beverage, it contains the food substance to be infused (thus insoluble ) or the substance to be dissolved (thus soluble ) for preparing the beverage .

[0017] The cup 2 is a single body, made of a compostable material . In particular, the cup 2 is made of cellulose, otherwise known as cellulose pulp .

[0018] The cup 2 is made of molded cellulose pulp . The cellulose is obtained from plant fibers or recycled paper .

[0019] The cup 2 is provided with a bottom 3 , on one side, and an inlet opening 21 , on the opposite side, defined by an outwardly protruding edge 4. When it is used to create a capsule for preparing a beverage, the inlet opening 21 is closed by a lid 9 sealingly fixed onto the edge .

[0020] The cup 2 is externally provided, at the bottom 3, with an outlet opening 31 suitable for allowing the infused beverage to exit. Preferably, the outlet opening 31 is defined by a nozzle 32, as shown in figures 1 and 3.

[0021] The bottom 3 is concave and defines a "funnel- shaped" structure which facilitates the outflow of the beverage towards the outlet opening 31.

[0022] The bottom 3 is internally provided with a plurality of inner reliefs, some radial (320) and some circumferential (340, 360) , protruding vertically inwards into the cup 2. The circumferential inner reliefs serve as supports for a sealing disc 5 because they define, at the top thereof, a fixing surface for such a disc. The radial inner reliefs serve as ridges to avoid the sealing disc 5 from completely adhering to the bottom 3 when opening the capsule for the beverage to exit .

[0023] The bottom 3 is also provided with a plurality of inner recesses (310, 330, 350), which define concavities facing inwards into the cup 2, necessary for the collection of the beverage (e.g., circumferential recesses) and the proper outflow of the beverage towards the outlet opening 31 (e.g., radial recesses) .

[0024] The bottom 3 of the cup 2 is also provided with a plurality of outer reliefs, some radial (930, 950) and some circumferential (911) , protruding vertically outwards from the cup 2. For example, the outer radial reliefs form reinforcing ribs of the bottom 3. For example, the circumferential outer reliefs form the nozzle 32 or supports for a proper abutment of the cup 2 inside the infusion chamber of the machine.

[0025] The bottom 3 is also provided with a plurality of outer recesses (941, 960) , which define concavities facing outwards from the cup 2.

[0026] As can be seen from the section view in figures 3 and 4, the bottom 3 of the cup 2 is defined by a wall 8 having substantially the same thickness, and is characterized by alternating reliefs and recesses. Note that the wall of bottom 3 defining a relief on the inner side is the same wall of bottom 3 defining a recess on the outer side.

[0027] The inner reliefs of the bottom 3 are internally hollow, so that an outer recess is obtained at an inner relief. Indeed, each inner relief of the bottom 3 corresponds to a respective outer recess. And vice versa: each outer relief of the bottom 3 corresponds to a respective inner recess. [0028] The geometry of an inner relief substantially corresponds to the geometry of the respective outer recess .

[0029] The bottom 3 is completely free of sharp edges and has only radiused surfaces . All the reliefs of the bottom 3 , whether inner reliefs or outer reliefs , have no sharp edges . All the recesses of the bottom 3 , whether inner recesses or outer recesses , have no sharp edges . All the reliefs of the bottom are provided with an outer radiused pattern between 0 . 2 to 0 . 5mm .

[0030] As shown in figure 3 , the nozzle 32 is defined by a central outer relief 911 , preferably annular in shape, which defines the outlet opening 31 of the nozzle 32 at an end thereof . A central inner collection recess 310 corresponds to the central outer relief 911 , on the inner side of the bottom 3 .

[0031] The bottom 3 comprises an annular peripheral inner relief 360 , flat at the top, on which it is possible to fix a sealing disc 5 . An annular outer recess 960 is formed on the outer side of the bottom 3 at the peripheral inner relief 360 .

[0032] The bottom 3 comprises an annular central inner relief 340 , which opposes the uncontrolled outflow of the beverage towards the outlet 31 . The central inner relief

340 is formed by a plurality of banks 341 arranged transversely to the outflow direction of the beverage interspersed with apertures 342 which allow a controlled outflow of the beverage to the outlet opening 31 . The banks 341 are shaped as an internally hollow box . A chamber 941 is obtained on the outer side of the bottom 3 at a bank 341 , which protrudes inwards into the cup 2 . [0033] The bottom 3 comprises a plurality of radial outer reliefs 930 , arranged uniformly around the nozzle 32 , which make reinforcing ribs of the bottom 3 of the cup 2 . As seen for example in figure 1 , the radial outer reliefs 930 extend from the nozzle 32 to the annular outer recess 960 . Such reinforcing ribs also allow discharging the pressure of the beverage extraction step uniformly and directly onto the bottom of the extraction chamber of the machine, avoiding undesired deformations of the cup 2 . The annular outer recess 960 also contributes to discharging the pressure uniformly and directly onto the bottom of the extraction chamber of the machine, avoiding undesired deformations of the cup 2 .

[0034] At each radial outer relief 930 , a radial inner channel 330 is created inside cup 2 , which is suitable for conveying the beverage towards the nozzle 32 . Each radial inner channel 330 extends from the peripheral inner relief 360 . Each radial inner channel 330 is arranged at an aperture 342 ; a free path is thus created for the proper outflow of the beverage .

[0035] On either side of a radial inner channel 330 extend two inner ridges 320 , each defined by a radial inner relief , suitable for preventing the sealing disc 5 from completely adhering to the bottom 3 of the cup 2 when opening the capsule .

[0036] The bottom 3 comprises a plurality of outer support s 950 arranged uniformly around the outer annular recess 960 , suitable for allowing the correct support of the bottom 3 of the cup 2 inside the infusion chamber of the extraction machine . As seen for example in figure 1 , the outer supports 950 are substantially trapezoidal in shape . Such outer supports also allow discharging the pressure of the beverage extraction step uniformly and directly onto the bottom of the extraction chamber of the machine, avoiding undesired deformations of the cup 2 .

[0037] A substantially trapezoidal basin 350 is created inside the bottom at an outer support 950 . The basin 350 is arranged between two inner ridges 320 .

[0038] As anticipated above, the cup 2 is made of cellulose .

[0039] The cup 2 is provided with an inner surface, intended to come into contact with a liquid, which is liquid-impermeable .

[0040] In a preferred example, the cup 2 comprises an inner lining 41 made of a liquid- impermeable, compostable material .

[0041] Preferably, the cup 2 comprises an inner lining 41 made of a biodegradable or compostable plastic material . Such a solution improves the fixing, by sealing, of a compostable plastic insert 3 which will be discussed below .

[0042] Preferably, the inner lining 41 is a biodegradable or compostable polymer layer, such as polylactic acid (PLA) , polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polybutylene succinate (PBS ) , polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) , or a combination thereof . Preferably, the inner lining 41 covers the entire inner surface of the cup 2 .

[0043] In a further embodiment , the cup 2 is made of cellulose pulp with the addition of at least one compostable additive or is made of cellulose with a treatment which makes at least the inner surface of the cup 2 impermeable .

[0044] The cup 2 is a single element , thus a one-piece .

[0045] The method of producing the cup 2 includes creating the bottom 3 as a wall 8 , of substantially uniform thickness , consisting of reliefs and recesses , so that a corresponding inner recess is obtained for each outer relief of the bottom 3 , and a corresponding outer recess is obtained for each inner relief of the bottom 3 . Advantageously, some outer reliefs are reinforcements for the bottom 3 while simultaneously forming inner recesses for the proper outflow of the beverage .

[0046] The method of producing the cup 2 includes creating a single body already provided with the outlet opening 31 in the bottom 3 . Therefore, in a single step, the cup 2 already has a central portion 310 provided with an outlet opening 31 for the outflow of the infused beverage towards the outside of the capsule 1 . Such a production method includes creating a cellulose cup 2 ; said cup 2 being a single body provided with an inlet opening 21 and, on the opposite side, a bottom 3 provided with a nozzle 32 ; said cup 2 having an inner base 33 comprising a central portion 310 with an outlet opening 31 .

[0047] Such a cup 2 is usable to create a capsule 1 for preparing an infused or soluble beverage . The capsule 1 comprises a lid 6 sealed, by heat-sealing or ultrasonic sealing, onto the upper edge 4 to seal the cup 2 at the top . The outer casing of the capsule 1 is thus obtained by joining the cup 2 and the lid 6 together, as in figure 2 .

[0048] The lid 6 is a flexible film obtained by blown film extrusion or by extrusion followed by lamination .

[0049] Preferably, the lid 6 is compostable .

[0050] Preferably, the lid 6 is a film provided with a bottom layer, intended to be fixed to the cup 2 , made of a compostable plastic material thermally compatible with the material used for making the inner lining 41 which covers the entire inner surface of the cup 2 .

[0051] Even more preferably, such a bottom layer is made of the same compostable plastic material used to make the inner lining 41 . Such a solution ensures that , even at high levels of pressure inside the capsule 1 , the lid 6 does not delaminate and thus does not tear by detaching from the edge 4 of the cup 2 onto which it is sealed .

[0052] Preferably, both the cup 2 and the lid 6 have barrier properties .

[0053] Advantageously, since the cup 2 is made of cellulose and the lid 6 is made of compostable plastic material, the spent capsule can be thrown directly into the compost bin, even at home .

[0054] The capsule 1 comprises a sealing disc 5 , arranged inside the cup 2 , between the lid 6 and the insert 3 , which forms the bottom closure of the capsule 1 . Indeed, the inner volume V in which the food substance is contained is defined between the lid 6 and the disc 5 . Preferably, the sealing disc 5 is compostable .

[0055] Thus , the capsule 1 is provided with a closed chamber, defined at the top by the lid 6 and at the bottom by the disc 5 , in which the substance to be infused or dissolved is contained . The presence of a hermetically sealed chamber is important for the proper maintenance and preservation of the substance . The disc 5 is positioned below the food substance and above the bottom 3 .

[0056] The disc 5 is fixed inside the cup 2 , at the bottom 3 , on the peripheral inner relief 360 and on the banks 341 . Preferably, the disc 5 is sealed using a heat- activatable material (a lacquer, a glue, a bottom polymer layer in the case of a multilayer disc) .

[0057] In an embodiment , the disc 5 is permanently fixed onto the banks 341 and instead with a low level of adhesion at the peripheral inner relief 360 so that it becomes detached, i . e . , unstuck, therefrom due to the increase in temperature and pressure inside the capsule 1 , as in figure 6 .

[0058] In a further embodiment , the disc 5 is permanently fixed on both the banks 341 and the peripheral inner relief 360 , and the opening of the capsule is obtained by collapsing the disc 5 due to the increase in pressure inside the capsule 1 . In such a variant , the disc 5 preferably has weakenings , such as cuts or incisions , leading to the tearing of the disc 5 due to the increase in pressure inside the capsule 1 .

[0059] In use, the capsule 1 is inserted into an appropriate seat provided in the extraction machine which pierces the lid 6 and inserts a pressurized fluid (mostly hot water) into the inner volume V in which the food substance S is contained . The pressure applied by the fluid inside the capsule 1 rises until it reaches a given threshold level, or opening pressure, which pushes onto the disc 5 to tear it in the case of the weakened disc, to detach it from the peripheral edge 60 to which it is fixed in the case of the peelable disc .

[0060] The capsule 1 can be made in different versions , e . g . , for preparing infused beverages (e . g . , coffee ) or soluble beverages .

[0061] In the constructional variant for infused beverages , in which the food substance contained in the capsule is coffee powder which remains as coffee grounds at the end of infusion, the capsule 1 comprises a filter and a micro-perforated film . The presence of the filter allows filtering the infused liquid before it exits from the capsule 1 . The micro-perforated film is a permeable film fixed at a given distance above the substance . The presence of such a film, which allows the passage of pressurized fluid but not the passage of the substance, avoids the dispersion of the coffee powder during infusion, improving the quality of the infused beverage .

[0062] In such an embodiment , the capsule 1 is a capsule for preparing beverages from an insoluble food substance preferably insoluble coffee . In such an embodiment , the capsule 1 further comprises :

[0063] - below the lid 6 and above the food substance S, fixed inside the cup 2 , a compostable containment wall 61 , referred to as a micro-perforated film, provided with holes suitable for allowing the passage of pressurized liquid and retain the food substance S ;

[0064] - below the food substance S and above the sealing disc 5 , fixed inside the cup 2 , a compostable filtering wall 62 provided with holes suitable for allowing the passage of the beverage and retain the food substance S .

[0065] In the case of a capsule for preparing soluble beverages , such as hot chocolate or milk, for example, the capsule 1 comprises the lid 6 and the sealing disc 5 , and has no filter and permeable or micro-perforated film . [0066] The capsule 1 , in the different constructional variants thereof , is usable for the extemporaneous preparation of beverages ( such as tea, coffee, herbal teas , milk, hot chocolate, etc . ) by means of automatic or semi-automatic machines provided with a dispensing unit suitable for producing an infusion by passing hot water under pressure through the capsule 1 .

[0067] Innovatively, the cellulose cup according to the present invention has a bottom wall which, by means of a sequence of inner reliefs and recesses which form corresponding outer recesses and reliefs , allows producing a capsule provided with the necessary functional means for proper beverage dispensing . Therefore, advantageously, the cup according to the present invention, although made of cellulose, does not need any inner insert . This allows simplifying production and assembly, reducing production costs . [0068] Advantageously, such a compostable capsule for preparing beverages , provided with its own inner opening means , is capable of ensuring optimal opening and beverage dispensing . [0069] Advantageously, such a compostable capsule, provided with a cellulose body with integrated opening means , also made of cellulose, is capable of withstanding the temperatures and pressures of machines for preparing beverages . [0070] Advantageously, the capsule for preparing beverages according to the present invention is entirely compostable . Compared to the known capsules made of different plastic materials or coupled with paper or aluminum, which are very difficult to separate from one another at the time of waste collection, the capsule of the present invention is easily recyclable for both the end consumer and the industries which decide to invest in green solutions .

[0071] Advantageously, the capsule for preparing beverages according to the present invention is entirely compostable . Compared to the known capsules , such a capsule can be thrown into the compost bin, even at home .

[0072] It is apparent that those skilled in the art may make changes to the cup, the capsule and the method described above, all contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims .

Claims

1. Compostable cellulose cup (2) for a capsule for preparing beverages, having a bottom (3) with an outlet opening (31) defined by a nozzle (32) on one side and an inlet opening (21) defined by an outwardly protruding edge (4) on the opposite side; wherein the bottom (3) is a wall (8) with inner reliefs (340, 360) and outer reliefs (930, 950) , and wherein the inner reliefs define outer recesses (941, 960) and the outer reliefs define inner recesses (310, 330, 350) , characterized in that the bottom (3) comprises a plurality of radial outer reliefs (930) , uniformly arranged around the nozzle (32) , and each radial outer relief (930) defines a corresponding radial inner channel (330) .

2. Cup (2) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom (3) has no sharp edges and has all radiused surfaces.

3. Cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (3) is concave and defines a funnel- shaped structure.

4. Cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two inner ridges (320) , each defined by a radial inner relief of the bottom (3) , extend on both sides of a radial inner channel (330) .

5. Cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (3) comprises a central outer relief

(911) forming the outlet nozzle (32) .

6. Cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (3) comprises a central inner relief (340) consisting of a plurality of banks (341) interspersed with apertures (342) .

7. Cup (2) according to claim 6, wherein the radial inner channels (330) are aligned with the apertures (342) .

8. Cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (3) comprises a plurality of outer supports (950) , and each outer support (950) defines an inner basin (350) of the bottom (3) .

9. Cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an inner lining (41) made of a liquid- impermeable, compostable plastic material.

10. Cup (2) according to claim 9, wherein said inner lining (41) covers the entire inner surface of the cup (2) .

11. Compostable capsule (1) for preparing a beverage, comprising :

- a cup (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said cup (2) containing a food substance for producing a beverage ;

- a compostable lid (9) fixed tightly at the edge (4) of the cup (2 ) ; - a compostable, inner sealing disc (5) fixed at the bottom (3) of the cup (2) under the food substance.

12. Capsule (1) according to claim 11, wherein said cup (2) comprises an inner lining (41) made of a compostable plastic material, and wherein said lid (6) and/or said inner sealing disc (5) is a film provided with a bottom layer intended to be fixed to the cup (2) , said bottom layer being made of the same compostable plastic material used to make the inner lining (41) .