AU2012356914B9

AU2012356914B9 - Capsule, system and method for preparing a beverage

Info

Publication number: AU2012356914B9
Application number: AU2012356914A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Raphael Gugerli
Original assignee: Delica AG
Current assignee: Delica AG
Priority date: 2011-12-21
Filing date: 2012-12-20
Publication date: 2017-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2032-12-20
Also published as: ES2573304T5; ES2573304T3; DK2794427T3; AU2012356914A1; ES2656203T3; RU2014129800A; PL2794427T3; EP2794427B1; PT2985240T; AU2012356914C1; EP2985240A1; AU2012356914B2; WO2013092910A1; IL233218A0; EP2794427B2; DE202012013330U1; RU2623917C2; PL2794427T5; KR20140105834A; EP2985240B1

Abstract

The capsule (1) according to the invention consists of a capsule body (2) with a side wall (3) and a base (4). The capsule (1) comprises a lid (5) covering the capsule body (2) in order to form an enclosed chamber (6), which contains a substance for preparing a foodstuff. The capsule body (2) has at least one slot (8), formed substantially without material removal, for passing a fluid through the capsule (1). The slot (8) in the capsule body (2) is formed prior to the intended use of the capsule (1) in a device for producing a foodstuff.

Description

H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 1 -

Capsule, system and method for preparing a beverage

The present invention relates to a capsule as well as to a method for producing a capsule of this type. 5

Capsules, which, in particular, are used just once and are disposed of after use, are widely used today as portion packagings for the preparation of, for example, coffee or tea in an apparatus. The consumer therefore, 10 for example, no longer has to bother about apportioning the correct amount of coffee and after the extraction operation can dispose of the capsule together with the contents . 15 WO 2010/128844 A1 makes known a capsule which contains a substance for producing a beverage, said capsule comprising circular openings or elongated slots in the base. WO 2004/026091 A1 makes known a capsule for accommodating a substance for producing a beverage, 20 where slots, which are able to be opened by means of an opening device, are arranged in the lid. US 5,756,311 makes known a capsule for receiving a substance for the production of a beverage where a base or a membrane of the capsule comprise regions of reduced thickness which 25 can tear open in operation under the pressure of a supplied liquid. In addition, EP 2 133 285 A1 makes known a portion packaging having a receptacle, a base and a membrane, where for supplying liquid the base is perforated in operation by means of a piercing device. 30 DE 27 52 733 makes known a capsule which contains a substance such as, for example, coffee for producing of a beverage as result of brewing in an apparatus. Said known capsule is usually produced from aluminum sheet. 35 However, the disadvantage of using aluminum as the material for the capsule known from the prior art is H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 2 - that aluminum is expensive and a large amount of energy is used when the aluminum is produced. WO 2008/087009 A2 makes known a plastics material 5 capsule which contains a substance for the production of a beverage using a machine. Said known capsule is already less costly to produce than, for example, aluminum and the energy consumption for the production thereof is also reduced compared to the known aluminum 10 capsules.

However, the disadvantage of said known capsule is that the plastic material capsule is often not penetrated in a reliable manner in the machines for producing the 15 foodstuff, as a result of which sometimes reduced quality foodstuffs are produced if, corresponding to the respective specification, insufficient liquid is conveyed through the capsule. In addition, it is also possible for a large overpressure to be generated in 20 the apparatus if the capsule is not penetrated and the supplied liquid is consequently not easily removable, as a result of which the apparatus can possibly become damaged. In addition, there can also be a safety risk to the operator as a result of the overpressure. 25 A further disadvantage of the known prior art is the necessity to arrange a device for penetrating the capsule in the apparatus, which is expensive. 30 Embodiments of the present invention therefore seek to avoid the disadvantages of the known, by providing capsules which in the case of the intended use in an apparatus to produce a foodstuff, preferably enable increased operating reliability and a capsule that may 35 be less environmentally harmful and may be produced economically. In addition, a capsule which can be used H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 3 - in an apparatus for producing a beverage without a penetrating device is to be provided.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, 5 there is provided a capsule consisting of a preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body having a side wall and having a base which is realized integrally with said side wall, as well as having a lid which covers the capsule body for forming a closed chamber 10 which contains a substance for the preparation of a foodstuff, wherein the capsule body comprises at least one slot for the passage of a liquid through the capsule, said slot being formed substantially without material removal, and wherein the slot is formed in the 15 capsule body prior to the intended use of the capsule in an apparatus for producing a foodstuff, wherein the slot is closed with a substantially hermetic layer on the side of the capsule body which is remote from and/or facing the chamber. 20

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a capsule body, as previously described, including a deep-drawing of the capsule body with following and/or 25 simultaneous cutting of at least one slot, in such a manner that substantially no material is removed, wherein the opposite edges of the slot contact one another at least in portions, in a preferred manner along at least 90%, in a preferred manner along at 30 least 95% and in a quite especially preferred manner along 100% of a length of the slot.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system including a 35 capsule which is filled with a substance as previously described and a beverage producing apparatus, wherein the beverage producing apparatus comprises a capsule H :\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_1 .doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 4 - holder for receiving the capsule, as well as a device for supplying a liquid into the capsule for extracting the substance for producing a beverage, wherein the beverage is removable through a lid of the capsule or 5 that the beverage producing apparatus additionally comprises a penetrating device.

The wording "substantially without material removal" is to be understood in terms of the present application as 10 a non-machining method by way of which the slot is formed, this means that substantially no material is removed from the capsule body when forming the slot. This can be achieved, for example, with a cutting method if a suitable cutting tool such as, for example, 15 a blade is used.

The wording "the slot in the capsule body is formed prior to the intended use of the capsule in an apparatus for producing a foodstuff" is to be 20 understood in terms of the present application as the slot being formed in the capsule body during the production of the capsule body, after the production of the capsule body or after the filling and closing of the capsule with a lid and the capsule being sold and 25 stored with the slot in the capsule body. A capsule where a slot is formed during the use in an apparatus for producing a foodstuff as a result of a device of the apparatus is consequently in terms of the present application not a slot in the capsule body which is 30 formed prior to the intended use of the capsule.

For example, the slot can be produced using a blade and/or a laser. 35

In particular, the capsule is suitable for producing a foodstuff and in particular a beverage in an apparatus without a penetrating device. H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 5 -

The advantage here is that the production of a cost-efficient apparatus for producing a foodstuff is made possible . 5 "A penetrating device" is to be understood in terms of the present application as a device by way of which the capsule can be penetrated in the apparatus when used as intended and in particular can be pierced such that liquid is able to be conducted through the capsule. 10

The term "rotationally symmetrical" is to be understood in terms of the present application as a symmetry with reference to rotation around the longitudinal axis of the capsule by a discrete angle or also by an arbitrary 15 angle.

The advantage of forming at least one slot in the capsule body is that in the case of, where applicable, unreliable penetration of the capsule body, the liquid 20 is able to flow through the slot. The achievement in an advantageous manner as a result of this is that generation of an overpressure in the apparatus is able to be avoided, as a result of which the risk of damage to the apparatus is reduced. In addition, by arranging 25 the slot in the capsule body it is possible to achieve a more constant quality of the produced foodstuff since at least one certain flow is ensured through the apparatus. A further advantage is the usability of the capsule according to embodiments of the invention in an 30 apparatus for producing a foodstuff without a penetrating device.

Coffee, tea and chocolate or arbitrary combinations thereof can be used in particular as the substance. 35

In particular, therefore, when used as intended, it is possible to influence the opening behavior of the slot H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 6 - in an advantageous manner, for example as a result of parameters such as, for example, the length of the slot, the wall thickness of the capsule body and of the material of the capsule body or arbitrary combinations 5 of said parameters; for example it is possible as a result for the slot not to be opened for the passage of the liquid until a certain overpressure, which simply does not exist if the capsule is not correctly penetrated, is achieved in the apparatus; the slot can 10 consequently function as a safety valve and/or as a flow control device.

In a preferred manner, in a position of rest, the opposite edges of the slot contact one another at least 15 in portions. In a preferred manner, the opposite edges of the slot contact one another along at least 90% of a length 1 of the slot, in a particularly preferred manner along at least 95% and in a quite especially preferred manner along 100%. The term "100%" is to be 20 understood as contact along substantially the entire length 1 of the slot. A "position of rest" in terms of the present application is to be understood as the position of the 25 slot in which, for example, no force is exerted onto the capsule body by the apparatus for producing a foodstuff. A force of this type can be, for example, a mechanical action of force to deform the capsule body, as a result of which the slot would be moved out of the 30 position of rest. As an alternative to this or in addition to it, it can also be, for example, a hydraulic action of force which is generated in the capsule to extract the substance when a liquid is supplied under pressure into the capsule, for example 35 for brewing a coffee beverage. H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 7 -

The advantage of developing the slot in such a manner that the opposite edges contact one another at least in portions in the position of rest is that the capsule is substantially closed and no substance is able to pass 5 out of the capsule body.

In a particularly preferred manner, the slot is openable from a position of rest into an open position by means of an action of force. In particular, the slot 10 is openable by means of a mechanical and/or hydraulic action of force.

An "open position" of the slot in terms of the present application is to be understood as that position of the 15 slot where the opposite edges of the slot are spaced apart from one another for the passage of the liquid as a result of the action of force.

The advantage of this is that the slot is openable from 20 the position of rest into the open position in dependence on the action of force, for example to adapt the flow through the slot in dependence on the action of force. 25 In a quite especially preferred manner, the slot is openable by means of generating a pressure difference at least in the region of the slot between the chamber and the outside surface of the capsule body, in particular when generating the pressure difference by 30 means of a liquid which is suppliable under pressure. In other words, the slot is openable by means of a pressure difference between the outside surface of the capsule and the inside surface of the capsule formed by the chamber. 35

The advantage of this is that in dependence on the pressure difference being set in the apparatus between H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 8 - the inside surface and the outside surface of the capsule, for example as result of supplying a liquid, the slot is able to open for the extraction of the substance for the further improved and more reliable 5 use of the capsule in the apparatus.

In a preferred manner, once the action of force has been removed the slot is closable in a substantially reversible manner and returns substantially into the 10 position of rest.

The advantage of this is that once the foodstuff has been produced, the slot is essentially automatically closed again and consequently the extracted substance 15 remains enclosed in the capsule, which results in improved handling. In addition, the advantage of this is that the slot, where applicable, simply opens at a certain overpressure and once the overpressure is removed closes again such that the production of the 20 foodstuff is able to be effected under, where applicable, standardized operating conditions to achieve as constant and high a quality of the foodstuff as possible. 25 In a particularly preferred manner, the slot remains substantially in the open position once it has opened into the open position by means of an action of force and the thermal energy has been supplied. In other words, the slot remains in the open position once the 30 pressure difference has been removed. In particular, the slot remains in the open position after opening by means of a liquid to generate the pressure difference when the temperature of the liquid is in excess of 70° C, in a preferred manner in excess of 75° C and in an 35 especially preferred manner in excess of 80° C for supplying the thermal energy. H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 9 -

In particular, the capsule body is substantially irreversibly deformed as a result of the thermal energy at least in the region of the slot such that the slot remains in the open position. 5

The advantage of this is that even, for example, when reducing the pump output for the supplied liquid, a good flow through the capsule is ensured as the slot remains in the open position even when the pressure 10 difference is reduced.

In a quite especially preferred manner, the open position of the slot is dependent on the pressure difference in such a manner that when the pressure 15 difference is increased, the opening of the slot in the open position can be enlarged.

The advantage of this is that the opening of the slot in the open position with the pressure difference, for 20 example generated as a result of a varying pump output, is able to be adapted to the respective pressure difference and consequently flow control is achieved.

In a preferred manner, the capsule body is produced by 25 means of deep-drawing. In particular, the capsule body consists of a polymer. In a preferred manner, the capsule body has a wall thickness within the range of between 0.05 mm and 0.4 mm, in a particularly preferred manner within the range of between 0.06 mm and 0.3 mm 30 and in a quite particularly preferred manner within the range of between 0.07 mm and 0.25 mm.

The "wall thickness" of the capsule body in terms of the present application is to be understood as the mean 35 wall thickness of the base and of the side wall. H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 10 -

The advantage of producing the capsule body by means of deep-drawing is that this is possible in a cost-efficient manner. In particular, the advantage of the small wall thickness is that as a result the 5 consumption of material is reduced when producing the capsule and consequently the costs are able to be reduced further.

In a particularly preferred manner, the slot comprises 10 a length 1 within the range of between 0.1 and 20 mm, in a preferred manner between 1 mm and 15 mm and in a particularly preferred manner between 3 mm and 8 mm.

The advantage of this is that the development of the 15 slot can be adapted to the respective requirements of the foodstuff to be produced and/or of the apparatus used to produce the foodstuff.

In a quite particularly preferred manner, the slot in 20 the open position comprises a maximum width b of 6 mm, in particular of 5 mm and further in particular of 4 mm. In the closed position, the slot comprises, in particular, a width b of approximately 0 mm. 25 The advantage of this is further improvement in the flow control in dependence on the respective requirements for the production of the foodstuff.

In a preferred manner, the slot is arranged in the 30 base.

The advantage of this is that the supplied liquid which is conveyed through the slot is able to wet as large a proportion of the substance to be extracted as possible 35 as the liquid has to traverse substantially the entire length of the capsule such that a qualitatively high-value product can be produced with as small an amount H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 11 - of substance as possible, which makes the production of the capsule more cost-efficient.

In a particularly preferred manner, the base comprises 5 at least two slots which in particular cross one another, in a preferred manner approximately in the geometric center point of the base.

The advantage of this is that the face of the openings 10 formed by the at least two slots is enlarged such that more liquid is able to be conveyed through the same for better extraction of the substance. The further advantage of the arrangement of at least two slots in the base which in particular cross one another, in a 15 preferred manner approximately in the geometric center point, is that in dependence on the pressure difference generated, larger openings of the slots can be formed for better flow control. 20 In a quite particularly preferred manner, the slot is arranged in the side wall. In particular, the slot is arranged with reference to the overall length of the capsule along the longitudinal axis of the capsule along the central stream of the liquid through the 25 capsule in a first half, in a preferred manner in a first third and in a particularly preferred manner in a first quarter of the side wall. In other words, the slot, when viewed from the base in the direction of flow, is for example in the first half, in the first 30 third or in the first quarter of the side wall with reference to the length along the longitudinal axis of the capsule.

The advantage of this is that as a result of said 35 arrangement of the slot the supplying of liquid into the capsule is further improved as well as also the flow control. In particular, the advantage of the H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 12 - arrangement of the slots in a first half with reference to the length of the capsule and the direction of flow of the liquid is that as large a proportion as possible of the substance can be wetted through the slot which 5 is arranged in the side wall, which improves the quality of the foodstuff produced and results in a requirement for less substance, which is cost-efficient . 10 In a preferred manner, the slot is arranged substantially along the circumference of the side wall. In other words, the slot is therefore arranged substantially parallel to a circumference of the in particular rotationally symmetrical capsule body. 15

For example, in the case of a cone-shaped capsule body, the circumference of the side wall is therefore substantially a circle in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the capsule. 20

The advantage of said arrangement of the slot substantially along the circumference or at an angle to the circumference is further improved flow control and leads to increased extraction efficiency of the 25 substance.

In particular, it is possible in the case of an arrangement of several slots to arrange said slots in combination according to the arrangements disclosed 30 above. For example, it is possible to provide two slots which are arranged in the geometric center point in the base as well as at least one slot substantially along the circumference and a further slot substantially perpendicular to the circumference. 35 H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 13 -

In a quite especially preferred manner, no bead is arranged in the region of the edges of the slot on the side which faces the chamber. 5 A bead of this type can be created, for example, when generating the slot for example as a result of the cutting tool. The advantage of avoiding the arrangement of a bead of this type is that the flow of the liquid in the capsule is not negatively influenced in the 10 region of the slot and consequently the flow control and/or the flow is improved.

In a preferred manner, the capsule body comprises at least two slots, in particular at least three slots and 15 further in particular four slots.

The advantage of this is further improved flow control and improved extraction of the substance to increase the quality of the foodstuff produced. 20

In a particularly preferred manner, the slot is realized as a substantially straight slot.

In a quite particularly preferred manner, the slot is 25 realized as a substantially curved slot.

The advantage of this is that the form of the slot can be correspondingly chosen in dependence on the requirement. In the case of an arrangement of at least 30 two slots, a combination of straight and curved slots is also possible.

In a preferred manner, the slot is realized in such a manner that prior to extracting the substance for 35 producing the foodstuff substantially no substance is able to pass through the slot. H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 14 -

In particular, a substance comprises a particle size distribution within the range of between greater than 0 pm and 800 pm, in a preferred manner between 25 pm and 750 pm and in a particularly preferred manner between 5 50 pm and 700 pm. A substance comprises a particle size distribution of this type when at least 95 percent by weight, in a preferred manner 97 percent by weight and in a particularly preferred manner 99 percent by weight of the particles comprise a particle size within the 10 afore-defined ranges. A particle size in terms of the present application is to be understood as the largest expansion of a particle.

The advantage of this is that the handling of the 15 capsule is improved and during storage or also transport substance is not able to escape from the capsule, which can sometimes result in reduced quality as the capsule in such a case can contain less substance than prescribed. 20

In a particularly preferred manner, the slot is closed by a substantially hermetic layer. In particular, the hermetic layer is arranged on the side of the capsule body which is remote from and/or faces the chamber. 25

The advantage of this is that the capsule is closable in a substantially aroma-tight manner by means of the hermetic layer and consequently no additional outer sleeve is necessary for storage or transport, which can 30 make the production of the capsule more expensive and handling by an operator by an operator more difficult. 35

In a preferred manner, the layer is applied substantially over the entire surface of the capsule body and in particular of the side wall and/or the base. H:\gh\Intemoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 15 -

The advantage of this is a simplified coating method as the entire capsule body is coated irrespective of the position of the slots, which makes the method easier to carry out and consequently more cost-efficient. 5

In a preferred manner, the layer is applied in portions to close the slot.

The advantage of this is the reduced consumption of 10 material for the layer, which reduces the material costs. In addition, the advantage of this is that less material of the layer passes into the foodstuff as, during production of the foodstuff, the layer is in contact with the liquid which is used to produce the 15 foodstuff.

In a particularly preferred manner, the layer is applied on at least one of the opposite edges and in particular on both opposite edges of the slot. 20

The advantage of this is further reduction in the material required for the layer with the aforementioned advantage. In addition, in dependence on the material chosen for the layer, targeted conglutination of the 25 slot is possible which results in further improved sealing and, where applicable, better defined opening characteristics of the slot under pressure.

In a quite particularly preferred manner, the layer 30 consists at least of a dissolvable and food-safe material, of aluminum or a dissolvable polymer or an arbitrary combination thereof. The polymer fuses in particular at temperatures of > 50 °C. In particular, sugar, polysaccharide, hydro gel, biopolymer, wax and 35 paraffin or arbitrary combinations thereof are used to form the substantially hermetic layer. H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 16 -

The advantage of this is that where a dissolvable and food-safe material and/or a dissolvable polymer are used, the layer dissolves during the production of the foodstuff and consequently, where applicable, makes 5 possible the production. The advantage of using a food-safe material such as, for example, a dissolvable sugar layer is that this is generally recognized as safe for the production of the foodstuff. 10 The advantage of using aluminum is that a more reliable seal is achievable. The aluminum layer is either removed from the capsule body prior to use or is fastened in such manner on and/or in the capsule that, where applicable, it is detached from the slot by means 15 of the supplied liquid and continues, however, to stay fastened to the capsule. As an alternative to this, it is also possible for the aluminum layer to tear under pressure and/or to be pierced by, where applicable, correspondingly arranged penetrating means. The 20 advantage of this is that the produced foodstuff is not contaminated by the aluminum. A further embodiment of the present invention relates to a capsule consisting of a preferably rotationally 25 symmetrical capsule body. The capsule is in particular a capsule as described above. The capsule body may consist in particular of a polymer. The capsule body consists of a side wall and a base, the side wall and the base being realized in particular in one piece. The 30 capsule includes a lid which covers the capsule body for forming a closed chamber which contains a substance for the preparation of a foodstuff. The capsule body comprises at least one opening for the passage of a 35 liquid through the capsule. The opening is realized, in particular, as a slot. The opening is formed in the capsule body prior to the intended use in an apparatus for preparing the foodstuff. Between the substance and H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRtortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 17 - the opening a substantially hermetic and aroma-tight membrane is arranged for sealing the closed chamber in relation to the opening. The membrane is in particular fastened in the capsule body. In other words, the 5 closed chamber contains the substance, the substantially hermetic membrane being arranged in the capsule body such that there is no direct liquid connection for, for example, liquids and/or gases from the opening to the substance prior to the use of the 10 capsule.

The advantage of this is that the material of the capsule body and the material of the membrane can be selected so as to be different with regard to the 15 ability to be pierced by way of a penetrating device of the apparatus for preparing the foodstuff. This increases the reliability of the piercing of the capsule in operation such that the foodstuff is able to be prepared in a reliable manner. In addition, this 20 enables cost-efficient production of the capsule body which can be produced, for example, from plastics material.

In operation, when using plastics material capsules 25 which consist, for example, of a polymer, it can frequently be observed that once the capsule body has been pierced by way of a penetrating device, the penetrating opening generated by the penetrating device is partially closed again as a result of the partially 30 elastic behavior of the capsule body such that insufficient liquid is able to be supplied for preparing the foodstuff. As a result of the arrangement of at least one opening in the capsule body, it can now be ensured that even after a partial closing of the 35 penetrating opening as a result of the elastic behavior of the material of the capsule body, sufficient liquid is suppliable into the closed chamber of the capsule. H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 18 -

As a result of the arrangement of the at least one opening in the capsule body, however, the capsule is prevented from being closed in a substantially airtight manner to form an aroma-tight packaging; in this 5 case, it is to be recommended, for example when using coffee as the extracted substance, to close the capsule in a substantially air-tight manner in an outer sleeve for transport and/or storage of the capsule, which, however, has the disadvantage that more packaging 10 material is consumed and in addition each packaged capsule assumes a larger volume than the capsule as such. As a result of the arrangement of the substantially hermetic membrane in the capsule between the opening and the substance, the substance can be 15 closed in the capsule in a substantially air-tight manner such that an aroma-tight capsule is formed.

An opening in the capsule body can be realized, for example, as a hole with a rectangular, elliptical or 20 circular cross section or also as a slot. Where more than one opening is arranged in the capsule body, the forms of the openings can be combined in an arbitrary manner corresponding to the requirements, for example by arranging one opening with a circular cross section 25 as well as a slot in the base and/or the side wall.

In a preferred manner, the substantially hermetic membrane is arranged at least in the region of the at least one opening at a spacing from the side wall 30 and/or the base. In particular, the substantially hermetic membrane is arranged at a spacing from the entire base.

The advantage of this is that once the membrane has 35 been pierced by the penetrating device, a flow connection from the opening to the position of the piercing of the membrane is formed for reliable H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 19 - extraction of the substance for preparing the foodstuff. In particular, when spacing the membrane from the entire base and when arranging several openings in the base, reliable and rapid extraction of 5 the substance can thus be effected for preparing the foodstuff.

Spacing the membrane from the opening is to be 10 understood in the present case as the membrane not abutting against the capsule body in the region in which the opening is arranged.

In a preferred manner the capsule body comprises at 15 least two openings, all the openings being arranged on the side of the substantially hermetic membrane which is remote from the substance.

The advantage of this is that no direct fluid 20 connection is created between the surrounding area and the substance as a result of arranging the openings in the capsule body for the simplified sealing of the closed chamber in which the substance is arranged. 25 In a preferred manner, the substantially hermetic membrane is arranged in such a manner that, when used as intended, the membrane is penetratable in operation by a penetrating device of the apparatus for preparing the foodstuff. 30

The advantage of this is that the capsule body and the membrane are penetratable by means of the same penetrating device for reliably supplying the liquid and extracting the substance for preparing the 35 beverage. H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l .doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 20 -

As an alternative to this, it is obviously also conceivable for only the capsule body to be pierced by means of the penetrating device and for the membrane to tear open in operation as a result of the pressure of 5 the supplied liquid. To this end, in particular, weakening regions can be arranged on the membrane such that it tears open more easily in operation.

In a preferred manner, the membrane is produced from 10 aluminum and/or a laminate. In particular, the laminate is substantially plastically deformable.

The advantage of this is the adaptability of the capsule to the corresponding apparatus for preparing 15 the foodstuff in which said capsule is to be used for ensuring a reliable supply of liquid into the closed chamber for extraction of the substance. In particular, the use of aluminum is advantageous as when it is pierced, the aluminum membrane is substantially 20 plastically deformed and consequently the penetrating opening can be formed reliably in the aluminum for supplying the liquid. As an alternative to this, the membrane can also be formed from a laminate, that is a multilayer material which is, in particular, 25 plastically deformable for the reliable formation of the penetrating opening.

For example, the laminate can be formed from two layers of polymers or also from one layer of aluminum in 30 combination with one layer of polymer corresponding to the requirements for the capsule.

In a preferred manner, the capsule body and the lid are produced from a substantially hermetic material. The 35 advantage of this is that the substance accommodated in the capsule is closed in a substantially air-tight manner such that an aroma-tight capsule is formed and H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 21 - no additional outer sleeve is required, which reduces production costs and simplifies the handling of the capsule when used by an operator. 5 In a preferred manner, for the passage of the liquid through the closed chamber, the base of the capsule is penetratable at a penetration region of the base by way of a penetrating device that is arranged outside the capsule. The base, in this case, comprises a 10 reinforcement region, in particular a central region of the base being realized as the penetration region. The reinforcement region is arranged around the penetration region. The reinforcement region is arranged in particular in a rotationally symmetrical manner around 15 the penetration region. The reinforcement region is realized in the base as at least one portionwise indentation substantially in the circumferential direction. 20 An indentation in the base is to be understood as an indentation on an outside surface of the capsule, as an integral component part of the base. A portionwise indentation in the base substantially in 25 the circumferential direction is to be understood as an indentation having an extension which is smaller than 360° in the circumferential direction. A penetration region in terms of the present 30 application is to be understood as a region of the base which is penetrated by the penetrating device. A reinforcement region in terms of the present application is to be understood as a region of the base 35 in which the indentations are arranged for reinforcement. H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 22 -

The advantage of the arrangement of the reinforcement region around the penetration region is that the base is penetratable in a reliable manner by means of penetrating devices that are arranged in commercially 5 available apparatuses for preparing a foodstuff such that the production of the beverage is made possible. In addition, the capsule can also be produced in a cost-efficient manner as the reinforcement region is realized as an integral component part of the capsule 10 and the capsule can consequently be produced, for example, by means of a deep-drawing process. Consequently, in commercially available apparatuses it is possible to use capsules of plastics material which are not always reliably penetrated in the apparatuses 15 without the arrangement of a reinforcement region.

In a preferred manner, the indentation comprises at least two wall portions which are inclined toward one another. In particular, the wall portions are inclined 20 toward one another in a sectional plane, which extends along the longitudinal axis of the capsule body, as a result of the indentation.

Said arrangement of two wall portions inclined toward 25 one another as an indentation has proved to be advantageous in practice for forming the reinforcement region, said indentation additionally being producible in a simple and cost-efficient manner, for example using a deep-drawing process. 30 A further embodiment of the present invention relates to a capsule body for a capsule as described above.

An additional embodiment of the present invention 35 relates to a method for producing a capsule body, in particular as described above. Said method may include the step of a deep-drawing of the capsule body. H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 23 -

Following and/or simultaneously with the deep-drawing, at least one slot may be cut. The step of cutting may be effected in such a manner that substantially no material is removed. In particular the opposite edges 5 of the slot may contact one another at least in portions, in a preferred manner along at least 90%, in a particularly preferred manner along at least 95% and in a quite especially preferred manner along 100% of a length L of the slot. 10

The advantage of generating at least one slot in the deep-drawn capsule body is that the slot can be produced at such a size in a cost-efficient manner such that substantially no substance is able to pass out of 15 the capsule. In particular, the method for generating at least one slot is substantially more cost-efficient than the generating of holes with a correspondingly small diameter in the capsule body. The at least one slot can be generated in particular after the substance 20 has been filled in and the capsule body closed with a lid.

In a preferred manner, a substantially hermetic layer is applied in portions and/or over the entire surface. 25 In particular, the layer is applied on the side wall and/or the base. A further embodiment of the present invention relates to a system which includes a capsule filled with a 30 substance, as described above, and a beverage producing apparatus. The beverage producing apparatus may comprise a capsule holder to accommodate the capsule. The beverage producing apparatus may additionally comprise a device for supplying a liquid into the 35 capsule for the extraction of the substance for producing a beverage, the beverage being removable through a lid of the capsule. Finally, in an H:\gh\Intemoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 24 - advantageous manner, the beverage producing apparatus may also comprise a penetrating device.

The beverage producing apparatus additionally may 5 comprise a device for removing the beverage, for example into a drinking container.

For better understanding, further features and advantages of the invention are explained in more 10 detail below by way of exemplary embodiments without the invention being restricted to the exemplary embodiments. The figures are as follows: figure 1: shows a top view of a capsule body with four 15 slots; figure 2: shows a top view of an alternative capsule body with slots with a coating over the entire surface; 20 figure 3: shows a top view of a capsule body with slots with a coating in portions; figure 4: shows a top view of a capsule body with slots 25 with a coating over the entire surface of the base; figure 5: shows a top view of a capsule body with slots in the base and the side wall; 30 figure 6: shows a top view of a capsule body with curved slots in the base; 35 figure 7: shows a top view of a capsule body with slots in the side wall and a coating over the entire surface; H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 25 - figure 8: shows a top view of a further alternative capsule body with slots; figure 9: shows an enlarged representation of the 5 detail A according to figure 8 with a slot in the rest position; figure 10: shows an enlarged representation of the detail A according to figure 8 with the slot 10 in an open position with coating; figure 11: shows a side view of a capsule with a curved slot; 15 figure 12: shows a schematic representation of a system consisting of a capsule and a beverage producing apparatus; figure 13: shows a schematic representation of an 20 alternative system consisting of capsule and beverage producing apparatus with a penetrating device; figure 14: shows a top view on a capsule with slots; 25 figure 15: shows a sectioned side view of an alternative capsule body; figure 16: shows a part-sectioned side view of a 30 further alternative capsule; figure 17: shows a top view of a capsule with openings. Figure 1 shows a top view of the base 4 of a capsule 35 body 2 . The capsule body 2 comprises a flange 22 and a side wall 3. Four slots 8 in a rest position, that is Η: \sj h\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_1 .doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 26 - in a closed position, are shown in the base 4. No force is exerted onto the capsule body 2.

Figure 2 shows a top view of an alternative capsule 5 body 2. Identical references designate identical features in all the figures and are consequently only explained again where required.

Two slots 8 which cross approximately in the geometric 10 center point of the base 4 are arranged in the base of the capsule body 2. To seal the slots 8, the capsule body 2, that is the side wall 3 and the base 4, are closed over the entire surface by way of a substantially hermetic layer 10. Said layer 10 is 15 realized as a dissolvable and hermetic food-safe layer consisting substantially of sugar.

Figure 3 shows a further alternative capsule body 2 with slots 8. The slots 8 are sealed by way of an 20 aluminum layer 10 which covers the base 4 in portions.

Figure 4 shows a top view of a further capsule body 2. The slots 8 in the base are closed with a dissolvable polymer layer 10 which covers the entire surface of the 25 base 4.

Figure 5 shows a top view of a further capsule body 2 with slots 8 in the base 4 and the side wall 3. A layer for closing the slots 8 is applied on the inside 30 surface, that is in the chamber of the capsule body in which the substance for producing a beverage is accommodated. Said layer is not visible in the present figure . 35 Figure 6 shows a top view of a further capsule body with curved slots. H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 27 -

Figure 7 shows a top view of a further capsule body 2 with slots 8 in the side wall which are closed by way of a dissolvable and food-safe layer 10. The layer 10 is applied over the entire surface of the side wall 3. 5

Figure 8 shows a further top view of an alternative embodiment of the capsule body 2 which includes two slots 8 in the base. The detail A is explained in more detail below in figures 9 and 10. 10

Figure 9 shows an enlargement of the detail A according to figure 8.

The slot 8 is situated in a rest position 15, that is 15 no force is exerted onto the slot or the capsule body.

The length 1 of the slot 8 is 4 mm.

Figure 10 shows an enlargement of the detail A according to figure 8 with the slot 8 in an open 20 position 16. The slot 8 has a maximum width of b = 4 mm in the open position.

One of the two opposite edges 9 of the slot 8 is coated with a dissolvable and food-safe layer 10, which leads 25 to closing and in the present case to conglutination in the rest position as shown in figure 9.

Figure 11 shows a side view of a capsule body 2.

30 The arrow designated by the reference 21 shows the direction of flow of the liquid. Hot water is supplied as liquid at a pressure of approximately 15 bars. A slot 8 is realized as a curved slot and is arranged in the side wall 3. With reference to the longitudinal 35 axis 17 of the capsule body 2 along the central flow of the liquid through the capsule body, the curved slot 8 is arranged in a first quarter starting from the base H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 28 - with reference to the entire length between the base 4 and the flange 22.

Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a system 5 11 which includes a beverage producing apparatus 12 with a mesh plate 19 and a capsule 1 with slots 8.

The capsule 1 has a side wall 3 and a base 4 and is closed by way of a lid 5 to form a chamber 6. A 10 substance which is not shown here is filled in the chamber 6.

In the representation shown here, it is possible to see two slots 8 which are arranged in the side wall and 15 extend substantially along a symbolically shown circumferential plane U.

The beverage producing apparatus 12 includes a capsule holder 13 for accommodating the capsule 1 and a device 20 14 for supplying a liquid. The beverage producing device 12 does not comprise a penetrating device.

In operation, water is heated and supplied to the capsule 1 by means of the device for supplying a 25 liquid. The heated water then passes through the slots 8 into the chamber 6 of the capsule 1 such that a beverage, in this case coffee, is able to be extracted. The extracted beverage is removed through the lid 5 and the mesh plate 19. 30

To wet the substance in the chamber 6 in a better manner, the capsule 1 comprises slots (not visible here) in the base 4. 35 Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of an alternative system 11. In contrast to figure 12, the beverage producing apparatus 12 comprises a penetrating H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 29 - device 18 for penetrating the capsule in the base 4. The capsule comprises slots 8 which are arranged in the side wall. Two of the visible slots 8 are arranged substantially along the circumferential plane U. A 5 further slot comprises an angle W of approximately 90° with the circumferential plane U and consequently extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 17. A part-sectioned side view shows the capsule 1 with the 10 substance 7 in the chamber 6.

Figure 14 shows a top view in the direction of the longitudinal axis of a further capsule body 2 with four slots 8 which are arranged in the base 4. 15

The capsule body 2 comprises reinforcement elements which are realized as reinforcement region 24 and are formed by indentations 25 in the base such that a penetration region 23 of the base 4 is piercable, where 20 applicable, in a more reliable manner by means of the penetrating device.

The capsule body 2 comprises several reinforcement ribs 27, which are distributed laterally over the 25 circumference, and is realized integrally with the base 4 by way of the reinforcement region 24. The capsule body 2 consists of a plastics material and it is produced using the deep-drawing method 23. 30 Figure 15 shows a sectioned representation of an alternative capsule body 2, the outside form of which corresponding to that according to figure 14. The reinforcement ribs 27 can be seen in the side wall 3 of the capsule body 2 to reinforce the capsule body 2 35 among other things when being penetrated in the penetration region 23 by means of a penetrating device. H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\l 2967920_l.doc-! 3/02/2017 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 - 30 -

The base 4 is provided with the slots 8 according to figure 14. The base 4 also comprises the reinforcement region 24 which is formed from indentations 25. The reinforcement region 24 is arranged in a rotationally 5 symmetrical manner around the penetration region 23. A substantially hermetic membrane 26, for example of aluminum, is arranged close to the base 4 in the capsule body 2. The substance (not shown here) in the 10 closed chamber 6 is arranged on the side of the membrane 26 which is remote from the base. A symbolically shown penetration mandrel 18 pierces both the base 4 and the aroma-tight membrane 26. 15 Figure 16 shows a part-sectioned side view of an alternative capsule 1. The capsule 1 is closed by way of a lid 5 of aluminum. The substance 7, which is coffee, is arranged in the closed chamber 6. The substantially hermetic membrane is fastened in the 20 capsule 1 for example by means of fusion welding.

One slot is arranged in the side wall 3 of the capsule 1 and two openings 20 or also slots in the base 4. 25 Figure 17 shows a top view of a further alternative capsule body 2. Unlike the capsule body according to figure 14, the capsule body 2 according to figure 17 comprises four openings 20 which have an elliptical cross section and are arranged in the penetration 30 region 23. A substantially hermetic membrane, which is not visible here, is arranged in the capsule body 2 at a spacing from the base.

While various embodiments of the present invention have 35 been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person 2012356914 13 Feb 2017 H:\sjh\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SJH\12967920_l.doc-13/02/2017 - 31 - skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the 5 above described exemplary embodiments.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and 10 "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. 15 The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it) , or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information 20 derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Capsule consisting of a preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body having a side wall and having a base which is realized integrally with said side wall, as well as having a lid which covers the capsule body for forming a closed chamber which contains a substance for the preparation of a foodstuff, wherein the capsule body comprises at least one slot for the passage of a liquid through the capsule, said slot being formed substantially without material removal, and wherein the slot is formed in the capsule body prior to the intended use of the capsule in an apparatus for producing a foodstuff, wherein the slot is closed with a substantially hermetic layer on the side of the capsule body which is remote from and/or facing the chamber.
2. Capsule according to Claim 1, wherein the layer is applied on at least one of the opposite edges of the slot.
3. Capsule according to either of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the layer consists at least of a dissolvable and food-safe material, of aluminum or a dissolvable polymer which melts at temperatures in excess of 50 °C, or arbitrary combinations thereof.
4. Capsule according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the slot is openable from a position of rest into an open position by means of a mechanical and/or hydraulic action of force and in that the slot is closable in a substantially reversible manner once the action of force has been removed and returns substantially into the position of rest.
5. Capsule according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the capsule body is produced from a polymer by means of a deep-drawing process, in a preferred manner with a wall thickness within the range of between 0.05 mm and 0.4 mm, in a preferred manner within the range of between 0.06 mm and 0.3 mm and in a quite preferred manner within the range of between 0.07 mm and 0.25 mm.
6. Capsule according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the capsule body comprises at least two slots, especially at least three slots and further especially at least four slots, which are arranged in the base.
7. Capsuleconsisting of a preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body which consists of a polymer, having a side wall and having a base which is realized integrally with said side wall, as well as having a lid which covers the capsule body for forming a closed chamber which contains a substance for the preparation of a foodstuff, wherein the capsule body comprises at least one opening, in particular a slot, for the passage of a liquid through the capsule, wherein a substantially hermetic, aroma-tight membrane is fastened between the substance and the opening for sealing the closed chamber in relation to the opening.
8. Capsule according to Claim 7, wherein the membrane is arranged at least in the region of the at least one opening at a spacing from the side wall and/or the base .
9. Capsule according to either one of Claims 7 or 8, wherein the capsule body comprises at least two openings, wherein all of the openings are arranged on the side of the membrane remote from the substance.
10. Capsule according to one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the membrane is arranged in such a manner that, when used as intended, it is penetratable in operation by a penetrating device of the apparatus for the preparation of the foodstuff.
11. Capsule according to one of Claims 7 to 10, wherein the membrane is produced from aluminum and/or a laminate which is substantially plastically deformable.
12. Capsule according to one of Claims 7 to 11, wherein the capsule body and the lid are produced from a substantially hermetic, aroma-tight material.
13. Capsule according to one of Claims 7 to 12, wherein all of the openings are arranged in the base.
14. Capsule according to one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein at least the base is penetratable at a penetration region of the base by way of a penetrating device which is arranged outside the capsule for the passage of the liquid through the closed chamber, wherein the base comprises a reinforcement region, and wherein a central region of the base is realized as the penetration region, wherein the reinforcement region is arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the penetration region, wherein the reinforcement region is realized in the base as at least one portion-wise indentation substantially in the circumferential direction.
15. Capsule according to Claim 14, wherein the indentation comprises at least two wall portions which are inclined toward one another.
16. Capsule according to one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein the slot can be produced or is produced using a blade or using a laser.
17. Capsule according to one of the claims 1 to 16, wherein for the passage of the liquid through the closed chamber, the base of the capsule is penetratable at the penetration region of the base by way of a penetrating device that is arranged outside the capsule and that the liquid food stuff is removable through the lid.
18. Capsule body for a capsule according to one of Claims 1 to 16.
19. Method for producing a capsule body, according to Claim 18, including a deep-drawing of the capsule body with following and/or simultaneous cutting of at least one slot, in such a manner that substantially no material is removed, wherein the opposite edges of the slot contact one another at least in portions, in a preferred manner along at least 90%, in a preferred manner along at least 95% and in a quite especially preferred manner along 100% of a length of the slot.
20. System including a capsule which is filled with a substance according to one of Claims 1 to 16 and a beverage producing apparatus, wherein the beverage producing apparatus comprises a capsule holder for receiving the capsule, as well as a device for supplying a liquid into the capsule for extracting the substance for producing a beverage, wherein the beverage is removable through a lid of the capsule or that the beverage producing apparatus additionally comprises a penetrating device.