Beverage capsule

Abstract

A capsule for use in a coffee machine having a brew chamber, which capsule is formed from a ductile metal such as aluminium. The capsule has a generally frusto-conical form with an upper surface and a lower surface, an annular flange being provided at the lower surface. An annular seal is provided on the annular flange having first and second layers, wherein the first layer comprises long, well-bound fibres of a cellulose material.

1 . A capsule for use in a coffee machine having a brew chamber, which capsule has a generally frusto-conical form with an upper surface and a lower surface, an annular flange being provided at the lower surface, wherein an annular seal is provided on the annular flange comprising a cellulose material such as paper that deforms plastically in use, wherein the annular seal comprises first and second layers, wherein the first layer comprises long, well-bound fibres. 
     
     
         2 . The capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the second layer comprises an elastically compressible material. 
     
     
         3 . The capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the seal further comprises a layer for adhesive for attaching the seal to the capsule rim. 
     
     
         4 . The capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the first layer is formed from chemical (sulphate) pulp or CTMP (chemi-thermomechanical pulp). 
     
     
         5 . The capsule according to claim  1 , wherein the seal comprises a layer of a liquid heat sealable adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . The capsule according to  claim 3 , wherein the adhesive is starch based biodegradable adhesive having a melt range around 140 degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         7 . The capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the seal is applied with pressure and/or heat without using an adhesive, wherein as pressure and/or the heat is applied the gasket swages out and tightens around the internal diameter of the seal to fix the seal in position on the capsule. 
     
     
         8 . The capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the seal is made from a non-coated board or only is only coated on one side and ink is applied to the non coated side. 
     
     
         9 . The capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein a pattern is applied to a or the non coated side of the seal, which breaks up the print layer into small pieces, thereby allowing pressure to escape. 
     
     
         10 . The capsule according to  claim 8 , wherein the seal is laminated over the top of the printed surface so that the ink is not in direct contact with the brew chamber of a coffee machine. 
     
     
         11 . The capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the edge wick is less than 5 mm in an edge wick test with Hot Water at 95° C. for 10 minutes. 
     
     
         12 . The capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the seal has a tear resistance of 3000-5000 mN and an internal bond strength of greater than or equal to 90 J/m2. 
     
     
         13 . The capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the seal is provided with an annular groove for receiving the capsule cage or brewhead of a coffee machine and thereby provide a sealing engagement. 
     
     
         14 . The capsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the seal is provided with an annular protrusion for engaging with the capsule cage or brewhead of a coffee machine and thereby provide a sealing engagement. 
     
     
         15 . The capsule according to  claim 13 , wherein the flange is provided with a corresponding groove or protrusion.