Abstract
A fully compostable beverage capsule may be produced by improving the seal strength between the capsule and its lid. Additionally, the lid itself may be made more resistant to the stress that occurs during brewing. In this invention, the lidding material is cut one or more times to produce a pattern similar to the blades of a pinwheel. The sections or “blades” are then overlapped and energetically welded to one another and joined to the beverage capsule. In this process, the double thickness of lidding material improves the seal between the lidding and the capsule. Each “blade” of the lidding has its own point of attachment to the capsule, which helps to isolate any stress that may occur during the beverage brewing process. As a result, the lidding as a whole remains securely attached to the capsule, even if one or two blades experience sufficient stress to trigger delamination.
Claims
1. A method of sealing a compostable container by deforming a portion of the lidding material, comprising the steps of; providing a compostable container with a sealing lip and, a compostable lidding material and, cutting at least one cut in the compostable lidding material and, placing the cut compostable lidding material on top of the sealing lip of the compostable container and, folding the cut compostable lidding material, such that a first edge of the cut is located over at least a portion of the compostable lidding material extending from a second edge of the cut, to create a first portion of the compostable lidding material which overlaps a second portion of the compostable lidding material and, welding the compostable lidding material to the sealing lip of the compostable container to create a seal and, wherein the compostable lidding material may contain several cuts, each cut may be folded to create a first portion of the compostable lidding material which overlaps a second portion of the compostable lidding material, the welding may be ultrasonic, thermal, or some other type of welding, the seal thereby created resisting delamination.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g. boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.
[0022] FIG. 1: Illustrates compostable beverage pod for use in a beverage machine, according to an embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 2: Illustrates a pinwheel compostable lidding, according to an embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 3: Illustrates a compostable beverage pod with pinwheel lidding, according to an embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 4A-C: Illustrates a manufacturing process for a capsule with pinwheel lidding, according to an embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 5: Illustrates a method of manufacturing a capsule with pinwheel lidding, according to an embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 6: Illustrates a capsule with spike protrusions, according to an embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 7: Illustrates a cross section of a capsule with spike protrusions, according to an embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 8: Illustrates a method of manufacturing a capsule with spike protrusions, according to an embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 9: Illustrates a capsule with tab protrusions, according to an embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 10: Illustrates a cross section of a capsule with tab protrusions, according to an embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 11: Illustrates a method of manufacturing a capsule with tab protrusions, according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.
[0034] It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the preferred, systems and methods are now described.
[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a compostable beverage pod for use in a beverage machine. This system comprises of Beverage pods, or beverage cartridges, are containers, pods, capsules, etc., for use in a beverage brewing machine, such as a coffee maker. They may include one or more of, a beverage medium that is either soluble or insoluble, one or more filters and a first portion in which liquid is passed into and a second portion through which liquid passes out of the cartridge. In some instances, they are portioned beverage packages often contain a water-soluble material, to make a drink such a hot chocolate, chai tea, etc. These portioned packages can be pouches as well as pods for beverage brewing machines, element 102. Beverage cartridges can contain a number of components, including pod lid, capsule lid, or cartridge lid, is one component of a beverage pod, often made of foil, that is sealed to the pod, cartridge, capsule, etc., so as to contain the beverage medium. A compostable capsule lid may be comprised of, for example a PLA web film (which may contain a proportion of PHA, in some embodiments), a cellulose paper film, etc., element 104. In a preferred embodiment, the lidding material is a multi-layer film comprising at least one layer of PLA film and at least a second layer of cellulose paper. Such a lidding material may have desirable properties for lidding material, such as being fully compostable, providing an air-barrier for the pod contents prior to beverage brewing, an maintain a look-and-feel of a fully compostable beverage pod. The pod bond is the connection between any two of the capsule lid, capsule outer shell, and capsule interior. This bond can be mechanical or chemical, and such as adhesives, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, etc. The pod bond and the filter bond can be in one place or separately depending upon the use case. A filter bond is a type of capsule bond that binds the filter medium to a portion of the capsule, such as by ultrasonic welding, adhesives, thermal sealing, etc., element 106. In a preferred embodiment, the pod bond is an thermoplastic weld using an energetic process, such as ultrasonic welding, which welds the PLA film of the lidding material to the PLA pod capsule. Such a bond is preferred since it does not require adhesives, which are not desirable in fully-compostable packaging products. A pod exterior, or capsule, or cartridge is the outer shell of the beverage cartridge. The exterior can be made of plastic (especially compostable plastic, such as PLA, PHA, or combinations thereof), cellulose, etc. It has similar properties to other thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polystyrene (PS). This allows it to serve as a biodegradable alternative for coffee pods. It can also be made from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are a biodegradable polyester produced through bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids. They can be used as alternatives to other synthetic plastics. The mechanical properties of PHAs can be modified for a given use case by blending it with other biodegradable polymers, such as PLAs. They can also be made from poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), which is a polymer that is also biodegradable and compostable. The material may be used to form various aspects of the beverage cartridge. PLLA is also readily renewable, typically made from fermented plant starch such as from corn, cassava, sugarcane, or sugar beet pulp. Cellulose fibers are fibrous materials made from plant materials such cotton, flax, wood pulp, etc. They provide a biodegradable filter material that could be used in coffee pods. Other materials that are biodegradable plastic alternatives include petroleum based plastics such as, Polyglycolic acid (PGA), Polybutylene succinate (PBS), Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), element 108. In a preferred embodiment, the pod exterior comprises deformable protrusions which may improve the strength of the pod bond 106. The protrusions may be deformed in at least one stage of the pod assembly process, and may increase surface area contact between the pod lid 104 and the pod exterior 108. Beverage cartridges can also contain a capsule interior that is separate from a filter, in beverages that have an insoluble beverage material such as coffee. The capsule interior can be used for a number of purposes, including, providing material properties such as structural integrity (e.g., provide addition strength to resist the pressure of liquid injection in the process of brewing a beverage, which may crack or otherwise compromise the beverage pod), or altering the biodegradability or rate of the beverage pod in some embodiments, element 110. A filter guard, or faceplate, is a solid structure integrated into a beverage pod that prevents the outlet piercing element from creating a path for the insoluble beverage material from inside the filter to the outlet. In some embodiments, the capsule interior may include integrated features to act as a filter guard, removing the requirement for a discrete component, element 112. A filter is a medium, such as spun bond PLA web, paper (cellulose), cloth or metal, that is used to prevent an insoluble beverage material from leaving the beverage pod and entering the beverage brewing machine or the beverage. Filters can be symmetrical (e.g., fluted), or asymmetrical (e.g. pleated), element 114. Beverage material is the material used to produce a brewed beverage, such as coffee grounds, tea, or a mix beverage where the beverage material is soluble, such as hot chocolate. Beverage material may include any flavorings, nutritional content (e.g., any oils, nutritional supplements, active ingredients such as pharmaceuticals, cannabinoids, etc.), alcohol, coloring, or any other composition which has an effect on the final beverage, element 116. Beverage brewing machines for brewing portioned beverages from pre-packed beverage pods exist for a variety of beverages made from a beverage material that is either insoluble, such as coffee, or soluble, such as hot chocolate. A beverage brewing machine will typically contain many other components, such as, for example, a heating element, a liquid reservoir or plumbing component, a liquid pump, an exterior chassis, a controller for the brewing process, a display or indicator lights and sounds, a user interface including buttons or a touchscreen, a tray to catch spillage, etc. For the purposes of description, it is assumed a beverage brewing machine contains all components necessary to accomplish the beverage brewing process, though specific reference to beverage brewing machine components may only be made to those components which come into direct contact with the beverage pod, such as the brewing chamber, a fluid injecting component, and a fluid extracting component, element 118. A beverage brewing machine will contain the following elements: A beverage brewing machine will contain the following elements: A fluid source that supplies the liquid, usually water, to the brewing machine for producing the desired beverage, element 120. A brewing chamber lid that opens to allow a new pod to be added to the machine, and in many of the most common embodiments of a beverage brewing machine, the chamber lid contacts the fluid source to the brewing pin, but the fluid source does not have to be in the brewing chamber lid, element 122. A brewing pin member, or fluid injecting component, that typically has a piercing element to puncture the beverage pod lid, that provides a liquid, typically hot water, to mix with the beverage medium to create the beverage, element 124. A brewing chamber, receptacle, or sieve holder, into which the beverage pod is placed so that a beverage can be brewed, element 126. An outlet, or fluid extracting component, that typically has a piercing element to puncture the bottom of the beverage pod to allow the brewed beverage to leave the brewing chamber. Depending upon the embodiment, it may pierce or deform other components of the beverage pod, element 128. The brewing chamber 126 is a common location for pod bond 106 to fail, by becoming delaminated. In such instances, the pod lid 104 may separate from the pod exterior 108, and/or layers of pod lid 104 may separate. The failure of the pod bond may result in in beverage material escaping the pod, causing mess and lower quality beverage, may cause the beverage pod to become stuck in the brewing chamber 126, may cause the pod lid 104 to become stuck on the brewing pin 124 and/or the outlet 128. In a preferred embodiment, pod bond 106 has increased strength caused by deforming protrusions of the pod exterior 108, shown in subsequent figures.
[0037] Functioning of a pinwheel compostable lidding will now be explained with reference to FIG. 2. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0038] FIG. 2 displays a pinwheel compostable lidding. The figure shows a cut into the lidding material that extends from the outer edge toward the interior of the circle of lidding material; note the cut does not reach the center of the circle of lidding; the length, relative angle, and other specifications of the cut may vary with the required seal strength and size of the capsule as element 202. The distance between the location of the first cut on the outer edge of the lidding material and the vertically measured diameter of the lidding material; this distance may vary depending on the required seal strength and side of the capsule; in the current embodiment, a distance of 1.50 mm is shown as element 204. A second cut into the lidding material that extends from the outer edge toward the interior of the circle of lidding material; note the cut does not reach the center of the circle of lidding; the length, relative angle, and other specifications of the cut may vary with the required seal strength and size of the capsule as element 206. The angle between the second cut in the lidding material and the vertical diameter of the lidding material; this angle may vary depending on the required seal strength and side of the capsule; in the current embodiment, an angle of 80° is shown as element 208. The angle between the second cut in the lidding material and the horizontal diameter of the lidding material; this angle may vary depending on the required seal strength and side of the capsule; in the current embodiment, an angle of 10° is shown as element 210. The distance between the internal end of the second cut and the horizontal diameter of the lidding material; note that the internal end of the cut is that which is closest to the center of the circle of lidding material; this distance may vary depending on the required seal strength and side of the capsule; in the current embodiment, a distance of 9.20 mm is shown as element 212. A third cut into the lidding material that extends from the outer edge toward the interior of the circle of lidding material; note the cut does not reach the center of the circle of lidding; the length, relative angle, and other specifications of the cut may vary with the required seal strength and size of the capsule as element 214. The diameter of the circle of lidding material; the size of the lidding material circle is appropriate to fit against the beverage capsule; in the current embodiment a diameter of 24.50 mm is shown as element 216. The length of the cuts made into the lidding material; note the cuts run from the outer edge of the circle of lidding material and toward the interior of the lidding material, but do not reach the middle of the lidding material; the length of the of the cut may vary with the required seal strength and size of the capsule; in the current embodiment the length of the cut is 8.07 mm as element 218. A fourth cut into the lidding material that extends from the outer edge toward the interior of the circle of lidding material; note the cut does not reach the center of the circle of lidding; the length, relative angle, and other specifications of the cut may vary with the required seal strength and size of the capsule as element 220. A fifth cut into the lidding material that extends from the outer edge toward the interior of the circle of lidding material; note the cut does not reach the center of the circle of lidding; the length, relative angle, and other specifications of the cut may vary with the required seal strength and size of the capsule as element 222. The distance between the internal (closest to the center of the circle) edge of a cut to the outer edge of the next cut; for instance, the distance between the internal edge of the fifth cut to the external edge of the sixth cut; this distance may vary with the requirements for size and strength of the lidding material; in the current embodiment, a distance of 2.64 mm is shown as element 224. A sixth cut into the lidding material that extends from the outer edge toward the interior of the circle of lidding material; note the cut does not reach the center of the circle of lidding; the length, relative angle, and other specifications of the cut may vary with the required seal strength and size of the capsule as element 226.
[0039] Functioning of a manufacturing process for a capsule with pinwheel lidding will now be explained with reference to FIG. 3. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0040] FIG. 3 displays a manufacturing process for a capsule with pinwheel lidding. The figure shows the exterior of the capsule; in some embodiments, the capsule may comprised of both the vertical walls and the top or bottom of the capsule, while in other embodiments, the capsule includes only the vertical walls with separate lidding materials being applied later in the manufacturing process; the vertical walls may meet the top and bottom of the capsule at any angle the creates a pod or capsule of appropriate shape for the beverage machine in which it will be used; if included, the top or bottom of the capsule may be flat or domed; the exterior of the capsule may be of any appropriate thickness and/or be constructed of one or more layers of material to provide adequate strength to withstand the brewing process and contain the beverage material; the surface of the capsule exterior may be modified, for instance roughened, grooved, or imprinted for ease of handling or identification; the walls, top, and/or bottom of the capsule may be made of the same or different materials as element 302. A thin piece of biodegradable polymer, appropriately shaped and sized to fit against the top lid sealing lip; for example, a piece of lidding made of polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), modified cellulose or similar starch blends, or a combination of such materials; the lidding has been sliced such that one of more cuts run from the outer edge toward the interior of the circle of lidding as element 304. The lower outer edge of the capsule, which includes a flat surface onto which lidding may be attached; the surface of the lip may be flat, lightly roughened, or be enhanced with grooves, ridges, or another similar shape; the lidding may be attached to all or a portion of the surface of the top lid sealing lip as element 306. The first location at which one cut section of the bottom lidding has been overlapped with the adjacent section; at the point of overlap, the two layers are energetically welded together to create a double thickness of lidding material; note that, near the outer edge of the lidding material, the lidding is also energetically welded to the bottom lid sealing lip; the additional thickness increases the strength of the seal between the lidding material and the capsule; the net result of the welding together of the cut sections is a series of overlapping “pinwheel blades” that create a strong seal and a lid in which the spread of stress between the “blades” is limited; each “blade” has its own point of attachment to the capsule, decreasing the chance of full delamination of the lidding material as element 308. The second location at which one cut section of the bottom lidding has been overlapped with the adjacent section; at the point of overlap, the two layers are energetically welded together to create a double thickness of lidding material; note that, near the outer edge of the lidding material, the lidding is also energetically welded to the bottom lid sealing lip; the additional thickness increases the strength of the seal between the lidding material and the capsule; the net result of the welding together of the cut sections is a series of overlapping “pinwheel blades” that create a strong seal and a lid in which the spread of stress between the “blades” is limited; each “blade” has its own point of attachment to the capsule, decreasing the chance of full delamination of the lidding material as element 310. The third location at which one cut section of the bottom lidding has been overlapped with the adjacent section; at the point of overlap, the two layers are energetically welded together to create a double thickness of lidding material; note that, near the outer edge of the lidding material, the lidding is also energetically welded to the bottom lid sealing lip; the additional thickness increases the strength of the seal between the lidding material and the capsule; the net result of the welding together of the cut sections is a series of overlapping “pinwheel blades” that create a strong seal and a lid in which the spread of stress between the “blades” is limited; each “blade” has its own point of attachment to the capsule, decreasing the chance of full delamination of the lidding material as element 312.
[0041] Functioning of a manufacturing process for a capsule with pinwheel lidding will now be explained with reference to FIG. 4. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0042] FIG. 4 displays a manufacturing process for a capsule with pinwheel lidding. The figure shows a fixture that utilizes heat and/or vibrations to attach the top lidding to the top lid sealing lip of the capsule; for instance, an ultrasonic welding anvil, a heat sealer, an induction sealer, a high frequency welding head, or a laser welding head; the shape of the welding head also forces the cut sections of the lidding material to overlap one another in preparation for sealing shown as element 402. The path of the upper energetic welding head during the process by which the top lidding is secured to the top lid sealing lip of the capsule; the path of the welding head also causes the cut sections or “blades” of the lidding material to overlap and become welded to one another; FIG. 4A shows the position of the welding head prior to sealing; FIG. 4B shows the position during sealing, as the cut sections of the lidding material overlap one another and the welding head welds the overlapping sections together and welds the lidding material to the capsule; and FIG. 4C shows the position after sealing has been accomplished and the welding head is withdrawing, shown as element 404. A thin piece of biodegradable polymer, appropriately shaped and sized to fit against the top lid sealing lip; for example, a piece of lidding made of polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), modified cellulose or similar starch blends, or a combination of such materials; the lidding has been sliced with one or more cuts running from the outer edge toward the interior of the circle of lidding to create two or more “pinwheel blades”; note that in FIG. 4A, the lidding material is separate from the capsule; in FIG. 4B it is energetically welded to the capsule sealing lip; and in FIG. 4C, a tight seal has been created between the cut sections of the lidding and between the lidding material and the capsule; in some embodiments, both a top and bottom lidding may be utilized, while other embodiments may utilize a single piece of lidding, shown as element 406. A capsule of biodegradable material designed for use in a beverage brewing machine, such as a coffee maker; they may include one or more of, a beverage medium that is either soluble or insoluble, one or more filters and a first portion in which liquid is passed into and a second portion through which liquid passes out of the cartridge, shown as element 408. A fixture that utilizes heat and/or vibrations to attach the bottom lidding to the bottom lid sealing lip of the capsule; for instance, an ultrasonic welding anvil, a heat sealer, an induction sealer, a high frequency welding head, or a laser welding head; the shape of the welding head also forces the cut sections of the lidding material to overlap one another in preparation for sealing as element 410. The path of the lower energetic welding head during the process by which the top lidding is secured to the bottom lid sealing lip of the capsule; the path of the welding head also causes the cut sections or “blades” of the lidding material to overlap and become welded to one another; FIG. 4A shows the position of the welding head prior to sealing; FIG. 4B shows the position during sealing, as the cut sections of the lidding material overlap one another and the welding head welds the overlapping sections together and welds the lidding material to the capsule; and FIG. 4C shows the position after sealing has been accomplished and the welding head is withdrawing shown as element 412. A thin piece of biodegradable polymer, appropriately shaped and sized to fit against the bottom lid sealing lip; for example, a piece of lidding made of polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), modified cellulose or similar starch blends, or a combination of such materials; the lidding has been slices with one or more cuts running from the outer edge toward the center to create two or more “pinwheel blades”; note that in FIG. 4A, the lidding material is separate from the capsule; in FIG. 4B it is energetically welded to the capsule sealing lip; and in FIG. 4C, a tight seal has been created between the cut sections of the lidding and between the lidding material and the capsule; in some embodiments, both a top and bottom lidding may be utilized, while other embodiments may utilize a single piece of lidding, shown as element 414.
[0043] Functioning of a method of manufacturing a capsule with pinwheel lidding will now be explained with reference to FIG. 5. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0044] FIG. 5 displays a method of manufacturing a capsule with pinwheel lidding. The process begins with Obtaining a biodegradable material to form the beverage capsule; for example, polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), modified cellulose or similar starch blends, or a combination of such materials at step 502. Utilizing the selected biodegradable material, forming a beverage capsule using, for instance, thermoforming or injection molding; the capsule is created with top and/or bottom lid sealing lips, appropriately sized to fit the beverage brewing machine and to create a seal with the lidding material at step 504. Obtaining a biodegradable material to form the lidding material; for example, a film of polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), modified cellulose or similar starch blends, or a combination of such materials at step 506. Utilizing the selected biodegradable material, forming at least one lidding appropriately shaped and sized to fit against the lid sealing lip; in some embodiments, lidding material may be formed using multiple layers of biodegradable material at step 508. Slicing the lidding(s) with a series of cuts that run from the outer edge toward the interior of the circle of lidding material, forming an approximation of the blades of a pinwheel; the number of cuts and their relative angles are appropriate for the required seal strength; the cuts may be created using a variety of techniques, for instance, a steel, glass, or diamond blade or a laser cutter at step 510. Filling the capsule with the chosen beverage substance; for example, filling the capsule with coffee grounds, sugar, cocoa, dry milk, or other beverage components; in some embodiments, other components, such as a filter layer, may also be inserted into the capsule during this step at step 512. Aligning at least one lidding piece with the appropriate sealing lip of the capsule; for example, aligning the top lidding piece with the top lid sealing lip of the capsule and/or aligning the bottom lidding piece with the bottom lid sealing lip of the capsule at step 514. Bringing the lidding material in contact with the sealing lip on the capsule, such that the edge of each cut portion of the lidding material overlaps the adjacent cut section; this effect would resemble the blades of a pinwheel overlapping one another; with the cut sections overlapped, the lidding material fits tightly against the lid sealing lip of the capsule at step 516. Energetically welding the lidding material to the capsule sealing lip, such that the cut sections of the lidding material overlap one another and are welded in place, creating a tight seal between the cut sections of the lidding material and between the lidding material and the capsule sealing lip; for instance, utilizing an ultrasonic welding anvil, a heat sealer, an induction sealer, a high frequency welding head, or a laser welding head to overlap and weld together the cut portions of the lidding pieces to create a tight seal both between the cut portions of lidding and between the lidding and the capsule at step 518.
[0045] Functioning of a capsule with spike protrusions will now be explained with reference to FIG. 6. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0046] FIG. 6 displays a capsule with spike protrusions. The process begins with the upper outer edge of the capsule, which includes a flat surface onto which lidding may be attached; the surface of the lip may be flat, lightly roughened, or be enhanced with grooves, ridges, or another similar shape; the lidding may be attached to all or a portion of the surface of the top lid sealing lip; the top sealing lip may include at least one spike or protrusion extending perpendicularly, or at some other angle, from the surface of the top lid sealing lip, shown as element 602. The lower outer edge of the capsule, which includes a flat surface onto which lidding may be attached; the surface of the lip may be flat, lightly roughened, or be enhanced with grooves, ridges, or another similar shape; the lidding may be attached to all or a portion of the surface of the top lid sealing lip; the top sealing lip may include at least one spike or protrusion extending perpendicularly, or at some other angle, from the surface of the top lid sealing lip, shown as element 604. Small protrusions located on the top lid sealing lip; the protrusions may be any appropriate length and may be conical, spherical, or cylindrical, and capable of increasing the surface area of contact between the lidding material and the top sealing lip or the bottom sealing lip. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusions may pierce through the lidding material in a manufacturing process, the protrusions extending through the sheet of lidding material, the protrusions may subsequently be flattened or otherwise deformed by an energetic process (e.g. ultrasonic welding) to create a seal with the lidding material resembling a metal rivet, shown as element 606. Small protrusions located on the bottom lid sealing lip; the protrusions may be any appropriate length and may be conical, spherical, or cylindrical, and capable of increasing the surface area of contact between the lidding material and the top sealing lip or the bottom sealing lip. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusions may pierce through the lidding material in a manufacturing process, the protrusions extending through the sheet of lidding material, the protrusions may subsequently be flattened or otherwise deformed by an energetic process (e.g. ultrasonic welding) to create a seal with the lidding material resembling a metal rivet, shown as element 608. The vertical walls of the capsule; the vertical walls may meet the top and bottom of the capsule at any angle the creates a pod or capsule of appropriate shape for the beverage machine in which it will be used; the walls may be of any appropriate thickness and/or be constructed of one or more layers of material to provide adequate strength to withstand the brewing process and contain the beverage material; the surface of the wall may be modified, for instance roughened, grooved, or imprinted for ease of handling or identification, shown as element 610.
[0047] Functioning of a capsule with spike protrusions will now be explained with reference to FIG. 7, which shows such a capsule in cross section. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0048] FIG. 7 displays a cross section of a capsule with spike protrusions. The figure shows the upper outer edge of the capsule, which includes a flat surface onto which lidding may be attached; the surface of the lip may be flat, lightly roughened, or be enhanced with grooves, ridges, or another similar shape; the lidding may be attached to all or a portion of the surface of the top lid sealing lip; the top sealing lip may include at least one spike or protrusion extending perpendicularly, or at some other angle, from the surface of the top lid sealing lip, shown as element 702. The lower outer edge of the capsule, which includes a flat surface onto which lidding may be attached; the surface of the lip may be flat, lightly roughened, or be enhanced with grooves, ridges, or another similar shape; the lidding may be attached to all or a portion of the surface of the top lid sealing lip; the top sealing lip may include at least one spike or protrusion extending perpendicularly, or at some other angle, from the surface of the top lid sealing lip, shown as element 704. Small protrusions located on the top lid sealing lip; the protrusions may be any appropriate length and may be conical, spherical, or cylindrical, and capable of increasing the surface area of contact between the lidding material and the top sealing lip or the bottom sealing lip. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusions may pierce through the lidding material in a manufacturing process, the protrusions extending through the sheet of lidding material, the protrusions may subsequently be flattened or otherwise deformed by an energetic process (e.g. ultrasonic welding) to create a seal with the lidding material resembling a metal rivet, shown as element 706. Small protrusions located on the bottom lid sealing lip; the protrusions may be any appropriate length and may be conical, spherical, or cylindrical, and capable of increasing the surface area of contact between the lidding material and the top sealing lip or the bottom sealing lip. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusions may pierce through the lidding material in a manufacturing process, the protrusions extending through the sheet of lidding material, the protrusions may subsequently be flattened or otherwise deformed by an energetic process (e.g. ultrasonic welding) to create a seal with the lidding material resembling a metal rivet, shown as element 708. The vertical walls of the capsule; the vertical walls may meet the top and bottom of the capsule at any angle the creates a pod or capsule of appropriate shape for the beverage machine in which it will be used; the walls may be of any appropriate thickness and/or be constructed of one or more layers of material to provide adequate strength to withstand the brewing process and contain the beverage material; the surface of the wall may be modified, for instance roughened, grooved, or imprinted for ease of handling or identification, shown as element 710. The open upper surface of the capsule; the opening may extend across the entire upper surface of the capsule or only a portion thereof; the opening is appropriately sized to allow the capsule to be filled with beverage material, a filter, or other needed components; in some embodiments, a top opening may not be required if filling can be achieved via the bottom opening only, shown as element 712. The open lower surface of the capsule; the opening may extend across the entire lower surface of the capsule or only a portion thereof; the opening is appropriately sized to allow the capsule to be filled with beverage material, a filter, or other needed components; in some embodiments, a bottom opening may not be required if filling can be achieved via the top opening only, shown as element 714.
[0049] Functioning of a method of manufacturing a capsule with spike protrusions will now be explained with reference to FIG. 8. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0050] FIG. 8 displays a method of manufacturing a capsule with spike protrusions. The process begins with Obtaining a biodegradable material to form the beverage capsule; for example, polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), modified cellulose or similar starch blends, or a combination of such materials at step 802. Utilizing the selected biodegradable material, forming a beverage capsule using, for instance, thermoforming or injection molding; the capsule is created with number spikes on the top and bottom lid sealing lips, where the size and number are appropriate for the sealing method and the required seal strength at step 804. Obtaining a biodegradable material to form the lidding material; for example, a film of polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), modified cellulose or similar starch blends, or a combination of such materials at step 806. Utilizing the selected biodegradable material, forming at least one lidding appropriately shaped and sized to fit against the lid sealing lip; in some embodiments, lidding material may be formed using multiple layers of biodegradable material at step 808. Filling the capsule with the chosen beverage substance; for example, filling the capsule with coffee grounds, sugar, cocoa, dry milk, or other beverage components; in some embodiments, other components, such as a filter layer, may also be inserted into the capsule during this step at step 810. Aligning at least one lidding piece with the appropriate sealing lip of the capsule; for example, aligning the top lidding piece with the top lid sealing lip of the capsule and/or aligning the bottom lidding piece with the bottom lid sealing lip of the capsule at step 812. Bringing the lidding material in contact with the spikes on the capsule, such that the spikes may pierce, partially pierce, or not pierce the lidding material, causing the lidding to conform around the spikes and increase the surface area contact at step 814. Energetically welding the lidding material to the capsule sealing lip, such that the spikes are flattened and a tight seal is formed between the lidding material and the capsule sealing lip; for instance, utilizing an ultrasonic welding anvil, a heat sealer, an induction sealer, a high frequency welding head, or a laser welding head to deform the spikes and create a tight seal between the lidding material and the capsule at step 816.
[0051] Functioning of a capsule with tab protrusions will now be explained with reference to FIG. 9. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0052] FIG. 9 displays a capsule with tab protrusions. The figure shows Small protrusions connected to the bottom lid sealing lip; these tabs may be any appropriate length and, in cross section, may be circular, oval, rectangular, triangular, or another shape; the ends of the tabs may be tapered or blunt; these tabs are capable of increasing the surface area of contact between the lidding material and the bottom lid sealing lip. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs may be deformed to fold over the lidding material in a manufacturing process, and the protrusions may subsequently be flattened or otherwise deformed by an energetic process (e.g. ultrasonic welding) to create a seal with the lidding material resembling a swage fitting; in the present embodiment, tabs are shown on the bottom lid sealing lip, but could also be present on the top lid sealing lip or only on the top lid sealing lip, shown as element 902. The upper outer edge of the capsule, which includes a flat surface onto which lidding may be attached; the surface of the lip may be flat, lightly roughened, or be enhanced with grooves, ridges, or another similar shape; the lidding may be attached to all or a portion of the surface of the top lid sealing lip; in some embodiments, the top lid sealing lip may have a number of tabs protruding from its surface (as is shown on the bottom lid sealing lip in the diagram), shown as element 904. The lower outer edge of the capsule, which includes a flat surface onto which lidding may be attached; the surface of the lip may be flat, lightly roughened, or be enhanced with grooves, ridges, or another similar shape; the lidding may be attached to all or a portion of the surface of the top lid sealing lip; in the present embodiment, a number of tabs protrude from the bottom lid sealing lip, shown as element 906. The vertical walls of the capsule; the vertical walls may meet the top and bottom of the capsule at any angle the creates a pod or capsule of appropriate shape for the beverage machine in which it will be used; the walls may be of any appropriate thickness and/or be constructed of one or more layers of material to provide adequate strength to withstand the brewing process and contain the beverage material; the surface of the wall may be modified, for instance roughened, grooved, or imprinted for ease of handling or identification, shown as element 908.
[0053] Functioning of a capsule with tab protrusions will now be explained with reference to FIG. 10. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0054] FIG. 10 displays a cross section of a capsule with tab protrusions. The figure shows The upper outer edge of the capsule, which includes a flat surface onto which lidding may be attached; the surface of the lip may be flat, lightly roughened, or be enhanced with grooves, ridges, or another similar shape; the lidding may be attached to all or a portion of the surface of the top lid sealing lip; in some embodiments, the top lid sealing lip may have a number of tabs protruding from its surface (as is shown on the bottom lid sealing lip in the diagram) in element 1002. Small protrusions connected to the bottom lid sealing lip; these tabs may be any appropriate length and, in cross section, may be circular, oval, rectangular, triangular or another shape; the ends of the tabs may be tapered or blunt; these tabs are capable of increasing the surface area of contact between the lidding material and the bottom lid sealing lip. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs may be deformed to fold over the lidding material in a manufacturing process, and the protrusions may subsequently be flattened or otherwise deformed by an energetic process (e.g. ultrasonic welding) to create a seal with the lidding material resembling a swage fitting; in the present embodiment, tabs are shown on the bottom lid sealing lip, but could also be present on the top lid sealing lip or only on the top lid sealing lip in element 1004. The lower outer edge of the capsule, which includes a flat surface onto which lidding may be attached; the surface of the lip may be flat, lightly roughened, or be enhanced with grooves, ridges, or another similar shape; the lidding may be attached to all or a portion of the surface of the top lid sealing lip; in the present embodiment, a number of tabs protrude from the bottom lid sealing lip in element 1006. The open upper surface of the capsule; the opening may extend across the entire upper surface of the capsule or only a portion thereof; the opening is appropriately sized to allow the capsule to be filled with beverage material, a filter, or other needed components; in some embodiments, a top opening may not be required if filling can be achieved via the bottom opening only in element 1008. The open lower surface of the capsule; the opening may extend across the entire lower surface of the capsule or only a portion thereof; the opening is appropriately sized to allow the capsule to be filled with beverage material, a filter, or other needed components; in some embodiments, a bottom opening may not be required if filling can be achieved via the top opening only in element 1010. The vertical walls of the capsule; the vertical walls may meet the top and bottom of the capsule at any angle the creates a pod or capsule of appropriate shape for the beverage machine in which it will be used; the walls may be of any appropriate thickness and/or be constructed of one or more layers of material to provide adequate strength to withstand the brewing process and contain the beverage material; the surface of the wall may be modified, for instance roughened, grooved, or imprinted for ease of handling or identification in element 1012.
[0055] Functioning of a method of manufacturing a capsule with tab protrusions will now be explained with reference to FIG. 11. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0056] FIG. 11 displays a method of manufacturing a capsule with tab protrusions. The process begins with Obtaining a biodegradable material to form the beverage capsule; for example, polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), modified cellulose or similar starch blends, or a combination of such materials at step 1102. Utilizing the selected biodegradable material, forming a beverage capsule using, for instance, thermoforming or injection molding; the capsule is created with number tabs on the top and/or bottom lid sealing lips, where the size and number are appropriate for the sealing method and the required seal strength at step 1104. Obtaining a biodegradable material to form the lidding material; for example, a film of polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), modified cellulose or similar starch blends, or a combination of such materials at step 1106. Utilizing the selected biodegradable material, forming at least one lidding appropriately shaped and sized to fit against the lid sealing lip; in some embodiments, lidding material may be formed using multiple layers of biodegradable material at step 1108. Filling the capsule with the chosen beverage substance; for example, filling the capsule with coffee grounds, sugar, cocoa, dry milk, or other beverage components; in some embodiments, other components, such as a filter layer, may also be inserted into the capsule during this step at step 1110. Aligning at least one lidding piece with the appropriate sealing lip of the capsule; for example, aligning the top lidding piece with the top lid sealing lip of the capsule and/or aligning the bottom lidding piece with the bottom lid sealing lip of the capsule at step 1112. Bringing the lidding material in contact with the sealing lip on the capsule, such that the lidding material is inside the tabs, allowing the tabs to be folded over the lidding material in the subsequent sealing step at step 1114. Energetically welding the lidding material to the capsule sealing lip, such that the tabs are folded over the lidding material and deformed, increasing the surface area contact and creating a tight seal between the lidding material and the capsule sealing lip; for instance, utilizing an ultrasonic welding anvil, a heat sealer, an induction sealer, a high frequency welding head, or a laser welding head to fold and deform the tabs over the lidding material and create a tight seal; this process is similar to the use of metal swage fitting at step 1116.
