CAPSULE FOR PREPARING A BEVERAGE, MANUFACTURING METHOD AND IMPLEMENTATION METHOD

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capsule (1), comprising a hollow body (2) made from a first plant material and designed to receive an infusible product (3) made from a second plant material, the body (2) having an opening (4) sealed with a lid to contain the infusible product (3), characterized in that the capsule (1) has at least one breakable protuberance (6) protruding from the body (2) opposite to the opening (4) and punchable by a machine intended to infuse the infusible product (3). The invention also relates to a manufacturing method and a method for using such a capsule (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a capsule comprising a hollow body made from a plant material, designed to receive an infusible product also made from plant material. The invention also relates to a manufacturing method and a method for using such a capsule.

The field of the invention is that of capsules used in a beverage preparation machine, in particular a percolator machine for preparation of coffee, for example of the Nespresso, Keurig (registered trademarks) or other type.

Conventionally, the capsules used with the known machines are made from aluminum or plastic, which is unsatisfactory from an environmental point of view.

Certain manufacturers are highlighting ecological arguments for selling capsules made from oxo-degradable plastics, of which the decomposition is accelerated by exposure to heat, light or under the effect of mechanical stresses. Abandoned in the open air, for example in a landfill site, these plastics take between two and five years to disintegrate into small fragments, after which the natural breakdown of these small fragments is very slow. Under these conditions, these plastics cannot be classed as biodegradable. Further, these plastics are not compostable, because the fragments denature the compost to the point of making it unusable. Finally, these plastics are not recyclable via conventional methods, as the additives which promote their disintegration also affect the mechanical and chemical properties of the recycled product.

Furthermore, the existing machines and capsules are mostly specifically designed for coffee, but not for the preparation of a product to be infused, such as tea or herbal tea. The machine has particular settings (temperature, pressure, water flow rate, perforating mechanism, machine cycle duration, etc.), while the capsule has a particular configuration adapted to this machine and to the preparation of coffee. However, in practice, the optimal preparation conditions of a product to be infused are different to the conditions for preparing coffee. Thus, when a capsule designed for coffee is filled with a product to be infused, then used in the coffee machine, the result is unsatisfactory from a taste point of view and regarding the preservation of all of the properties of the plant.

Under these conditions, manufacturers have developed machines and capsules designed specifically for tea. However, for users already in possession of a Nespresso or other type coffee machine, this requires them to get a new machine for tea. Further, the majority of capsules for tea are manufactured from the same materials as capsules for coffee, and therefore have the same disadvantages.

EP 2,573,008 describes a capsule comprising a hollow body made from a first plant material and an infusible product made from a second plant material. The body has an opening sealed with a lid to contain the infusible product. This capsule is ecological and of simple construction, but is not suitable for use in a machine originally designed to prepare coffee.

The aim of the present invention is to propose an ecological capsule, suitable for preparing a product to be infused in a machine originally designed to prepare coffee, in particular a machine for preparing coffee via percolation (corresponding to the passage of water under high pressure through the capsule), for example, of the Nespresso or other type.

To this end, the invention concerns a capsule, comprising a hollow body made from a first plant material and designed to receive an infusible product made from a second plant material, the body having an opening sealed with a lid to contain the infusible product, characterized in that the capsule has at least one breakable protuberance protruding from the body opposite the opening and punchable by a machine intended to infuse the infusible product.

Thus, the capsule according to the invention can optimize the quantity and flow rate of water necessary to infuse the infusible product, and thus obtain a satisfactory aromatic strength and flavor, with a reduced infusion time, while preserving all the properties of the plant. The percolator machine then becomes a multifunctional machine, allowing the preparation of coffee, but also of other types of beverage depending on the nature of the infusible product. Further, the capsule has both a biodegradable and compostable container and contents, making it environmentally-friendly.

Furthermore, as an alternative to food applications, the capsule can be used for pharmaceutical applications. Finally, although the capsule is generally used for the preparation of hot beverages, it may be also be used for the preparation of cold beverages.

According to other advantageous characteristics of the invention, taken in isolation or in combination:

• • The or each breakable protuberance is edged by at least one internal section of localized weakening.
  • The or each breakable protuberance is edged by three internal sections of localized weakening.
  • The or each internal section of localized weakening is edged, on the one hand, by a first portion belonging to the breakable protuberance and, on the other hand, by a second portion belonging to the top of the body.
  • The or each internal section of localized weakening has a radial width decreasing to an area of zero or almost zero thickness.
  • The area is situated at the junction of the first portion and the second portion.
  • The or each breakable protuberance has four external facets.
  • The capsule has several breakable protuberances regularly spaced around a central axis and together covering an angular area of at least 240 degrees around this central axis.
  • The breakable protuberances together cover an angular area of at least 280 degrees around the central axis, for example an angular area of 320 degrees around the central axis.
  • The breakable protuberances are four in number.
  • The neighboring breakable protuberances are connected by an intermediate section of localized weakening.
  • The capsule has a single annular-shaped breakable protuberance centered on a central axis.
  • The body has an internal annular-shaped reinforcement situated at the base of the at least one breakable protuberance.
  • The capsule has strengthening ribs arranged in the body.
  • The strengthening ribs extend between a first circle situated at the edge of the at least one breakable protuberance and a second circle located away from the opening.
  • Each strengthening rib has a thickness increasing overall from the first circle towards the second circle.
  • The lid is made from a third plant material, preferably from food-grade paper.
  • The capsule has an external collar formed radially on the body near the opening and constituting, on the one hand, a support for attaching the lid, and on the other hand, a seat for sealing when the capsule is positioned in the machine.
  • The infusible product comprises at least one element selected from tea, herbal tea, plants, botanicals, seasonings, vegetables, fruits, natural flavorings, essential oils, or a mixture of several of these elements.
  • In the case of a pharmaceutical application, the infusible product also comprises at least one medicinally-active substance, mixed with at least one of the above-mentioned elements.

The subject of the invention is also a method for manufacturing a capsule as described above. The method is characterized in that it comprises the following successive steps:

a) manufacturing the body according to the following successive steps:

• • a1) cutting into fragments all of the aerial parts of a plant or a substantial fraction of these aerial parts;
  • a2) grinding, or shearing, of the fragments until granules having an average size of between 0.01 and 10 mm are obtained;
  • a3) adjustment of the water content of the granules until an overall hydration rate of between 10 and 35% is reached; and
  • a4) shaping the plant material to form the body;

b) manufacturing the product to be infused according to the following successive steps:

• • b1) placing the dry or fresh plant material in contact with a solvent, for example water;
  • b2) extraction of the active ingredients from the plant material;
  • b3) drying of the plant material having undergone extraction in the presence of the fraction obtained at the end of this extraction, in order to enable the active ingredients to be fixed on the plant material and obtaining the product to be infused;

c) filling the body with the product to be infused;

d) sealing the opening with the lid.

The subject of the invention is also a method for using a capsule as described above. The method is characterized in that it includes an operation of punching the at least one breakable protuberance by the machine intended to infuse the infusible product.

The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely as a non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, from above, of a capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view, from below, of the capsule shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view from above along arrow III in FIG. 1, with certain elements shown in transparency by dotted lines;

FIG. 4 is a view from below along arrow IV in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section along line V-V in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section along line VI-VI in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a larger scale view of the detail VII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a detailed view on a larger scale of a portion of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a detailed view on a larger scale of another portion of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-section views analogous to FIGS. 6 and 7 respectively, showing a capsule in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are cross-section views analogous to FIG. 11, showing capsules conforming to a third, fourth and fifth embodiment of the invention respectively; and

FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 are views from below analogous to FIG. 4, showing capsules conforming to a sixth, seventh and eighth embodiment of the invention respectively.

On FIGS. 1 to 9, a capsule 1 conforming to the invention is shown, comprising a hollow body 2 intended to receive an infusible product 3. With a view to simplification, product 3 is not shown, but its position inside the body 2 is designated by a dashed arrow in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5.

In the case of a food application, the infusible product 3 comprises at least one element selected from tea, herbal tea, plants, botanicals, seasonings, vegetables, fruits, natural flavorings, essential oils, or a mixture of several of these elements. In other words, each element mentioned above may be used individually or mixed with others to obtain the product 3.

In the case of a pharmaceutical application, the infusible product 3 comprises a solid excipient, preferably of the type of elements mentioned above, as well as at least one medicinally-active substance mixed with the solid excipient.

The capsule 1 also has breakable protuberances 6, strengthening ribs 7, an external collar 8 and an internal bead 9. The protuberances 6 are punchable by a machine intended to infuse the product 3, notably a Nespresso-type machine.

The capsule 1 has a central axis X1, which extends in the height direction thereof and forms an axis of revolution for the body 2. On the example from the figures, between the opening 4 and the collar 8 on the one hand, and the summit of the body 2 on the other hand, the capsule 1 has a height equal to 28.35 mm. In this case, the dimensions of the capsule 1 are adapted to its use in a Nespresso-type machine.

Alternatively, the capsule 1 may present different shapes and dimensions, adapted to its use in another type of machine, in particular a percolator machine, for example of Keurig or other type.

The body 2 has an opening 4 sealed with a lid 5, serving to contain the product 3. Still with a view to simplification, the lid 5 is shown only on FIG. 5. The opening 4 has a circular shape, while the lid 5 has a disc shape, centered on axis X1. The diameter of the lid 5 is greater than the diameter of the opening 4, such that the lid 5 may be fixed on the collar 8.

The body 2 is dome-shaped overall, which is closed at its summit and open near the opening 4. From the opening 4 to the summit, the body 2 has a first sloping part 21, a second sloping part 22 more inclined than part 21, a hemispherical part 23 and a hollow 24 formed at the summit. On the example from the figures, part 21 is inclined at an angle of 2 degrees while part 22 is inclined at an angle of 9 degrees, relative to the axis X1. The hollow 24 corresponds to the point of injecting the material of body 2 during its manufacture. The hollow 24 has a concave profile on the outside and convex profile on the inside of body 2.

The body 2 also has an internal reinforcement 25, having an annular shape centered on axis X1. The reinforcement 25 is situated in the part 23 of the body 2, at the base of the protuberances 6. The reinforcement 25 constitutes a framework preventing the deformation of the body 2 when the machine receiving the capsule 1 exerts a force to punch the protuberances 6.

The body 2 has a thickness e2 that is globally constant, equal to 0.6 mm, except at the reinforcement 25 where this thickness e2 is greater. Further, the thickness of the capsule 1 increases or decreases locally at the protuberances 6. Also, the thickness of the capsule 1 increases near the ribs 7 and the bead 9.

In the case of a food application, the capsule 1 is entirely plant-based, i.e., both the container (body 2 and lid 5) and the contents (product 3) are entirely made from plant material, readily biodegradable. In the case of a pharmaceutical application, the contents (product 3) may comprise at least one medicinally-active substance added to the tea, herbal tea, plants, botanicals, seasonings, vegetables, fruits, natural flavorings, essential oils.

Thus, the capsule 1 is recyclable, biodegradable and compostable. This capsule 1 offers an ecological alternative to polluting aluminum or plastic pods.

Further, the body 2 and the lid 5 are suitable for food contact and constitute barriers to gases, enabling the capsule 1 to contain and protect the product 3 before infusion in the machine.

The body 2 is made from plant-based material originating from grain plants, for example based on corn starch. Preferably, the body 2 is made from the biosourced composite material VEGEMAT (registered trademark), in accordance with the teachings from document FR 2,783,740. The body 2 is thus compostable according to standard EN 13432, detailed below.

In a first step, the aerial parts of a plant, or a substantial portion of these aerial parts, are cut into fragments. In a second step, these fragments are ground or sheared until granules having an average size of between 0.01 and 10 mm are obtained. In a third step, the water content of the granules is adjusted until an overall hydration rate of between 10 and 35% is reached. In a fourth step, the plant material is shaped to obtain the body 2.

Other advantageous characteristics of the VEGEMAT material and its manufacturing method are detailed in the above-mentioned document.

The product to be infused 3 is prepared from plant extracts grown in accordance with organic or integrated farming practices. Preferably, the product 3 is prepared according to the HTVE (“High Technology of Vegetable Extract”, registered trademark) method, in accordance with the teachings from document EP 2,080,436.

In a first step, similar to a maceration step, the plant material (dried or fresh, for example tea leaves or mixture for herbal tea, plants, botanicals, seasonings, vegetables, fruits) is placed in contact with a solvent. In the case of a food application, the solvent is preferably water. Alternatively, in the scope of the preparation of other products (for example for a pharmaceutical application), this aqueous solvent may be replaced by a hydro-organic or purely organic solvent. In particular, this solvent may be a hydro-alcohol solvent, such as for example a 50/50 (volume) water/alcohol mixture, notably a mixture of water and ethanol at 50/50 v/v. Non-limiting examples of organic solvents capable of being used are ethanol, methanol, acetone or mixtures thereof.

In a second step (that may be after or simultaneous to the first step), active ingredients are extracted from the plant material (preferably by heating, and under reduced pressure).

In a third step, the plant material having undergone extraction is dried in the presence of the fraction obtained at the end of this extraction, in order to enable the active ingredients to be fixed on the plant material.

By using this method, the aromatic strength of the infusion and all the properties of the plant are preserved. Furthermore, its infusion time is reduced. Thus, the infusion of the product 3 is compatible with the short cycle of a percolator-type machine for the preparation of coffee from a capsule.

Other variants and advantageous characteristics of the method are detailed in the above-mentioned document.

The lid 5 is manufactured from filter paper, preferably from microperforated food-grade filter paper, in accordance with EC regulation 1935/2004, Directives 80/590/EEC and 89/109/EEC, as well as with Title 21 CFR Ch. I §§ 176.170 and 176.180 of the American Food and Drug Act. The lid 5 has an optimized strength and permeability, enabling a constant flow rate of water to be circulated throughout the infusion cycle of product 3 in the machine.

In a preferred embodiment, the lid 5 is made from microperforated food-grade filter paper with a thickness in the order of 0.2 mm, a surface density of between 52 and 58 g/m², a moisture content of between 4.5 and 6.5%, a dry tensile strength MD of between 1 and 1.5 kN/m and a dry tensile strength CD of between 0.8 and 1.2 kN/m, a wet tensile strength MD of between 0.3 and 0.4 kN/m, and an elongation at break of between 6 and 7%.

In practice, the capsule 1 in its entirety is thus compostable according to standard EN 13432, which is reflected by four main requirements: biodegradability (90% biodegradation in under six months), disintegration (all residues greater than 2 mm in length must be less than 10% of the initial mass after three months of fragmentation into compost), composition (a defined maximum level of volatile solids and heavy metals must be respected), ecotoxicity (the quality of the compost must not be modified and the residue must not be toxic to the environment).

By complying with this standard, the capsule 1 according to the invention is distinguished from existing capsules, which are less environmentally-friendly. In particular, the capsule 1 is differentiated from capsules presented as biodegradable and compostable for marketing purposes, but which do not comply with this standard.

Furthermore, the capsule 1 has particular structural characteristics optimizing its use in a machine, as detailed below.

The protuberances 6 are formed as protrusions on the top of the body 2, more precisely on the part 23, opposite the opening 4. The protuberances 6 are designed to be broken by a machine adapted to receive the capsule 1 and infuse the product 3, under the conditions conventionally intended for the preparation of coffee. The protuberances 6 are therefore said to be breakable, rupturable or punchable.

On the example of the figures, the capsule 1 has four protuberances 6 regularly spaced around the central axis X1 and the hollow 24. Alternatively, the capsule 1 may have a different number of protuberances 6, and these may be of different shapes and/or have different dimensions than the description below.

On the exterior of the capsule 1, each protuberance 6 has four facets 61, 62, 63 and 64, namely one lateral facet 61 oriented towards the exterior relative to the axis X1, an upper facet 62 oriented away from the opening 4, as well as two radial facets 63 and 64 of smaller dimensions on the edges. The edges between the facets 61-64 may be more or less rounded. Each protuberance 6 thus has a certain volume, which enables it to be punched instead of being perforated, as is the case for other known capsules.

Inside the capsule 1, each protuberance 6 is edged by four linear sections 65, 66, 67 and 68, including three sections 66, 67 and 68 of localized weakening, which is implemented by a localized reduction in the thickness of the body 2. The section 65 is situated on the reinforcement 25 of the body 2. The sections 65 and 66 are curved, while sections 67 and 68 are straight. The sections 65-68 are arranged opposite facets 61-64 respectively.

For a single protuberance 6, the facets 63 and 64 are separated by an angle αe (alpha e) of 62 degrees, while sections 67 and 68 are separated by an angle αi (alpha i) of 70 degrees, around axis X1. Thus, the four protuberances 6 together cover an angular area equal to 280 degrees around axis X1. Although the protuberances 6 have a number of different shapes and/or dimensions, the angular area covered is preferably between 260 and 340 degrees.

When the machine receiving the capsule 1 exerts punching forces on their upper facets 62, the protuberances 6 (at least one in four) give way near the sections 66, 67 and 68 of localized weakening and are slightly depressed towards the interior of the body 2, by pivoting around sections 65. A space is therefore made between each of the ruptured protuberances 6 and the remainder of the body 2, which allows the penetration of water under pressure into the capsule 1 in order to infuse the product 3. The water circulates rapidly in the capsule 1 and is instantaneously loaded with a maximum of the active ingredients from the product 3.

In practice, in a percolator machine, the quantity and flow rate of water necessary to infuse the product 3 are different in comparison with the preparation of coffee. The protuberances 6 equipping the capsule 1 according to the invention enable a satisfactory result to be obtained, i.e., a satisfactory aromatic strength and flavor, in a reduced infusion time, while preserving the properties of the plant.

FIG. 7 shows the linear section 66 of localized weakening; nevertheless the explanations below are also applicable to sections 67 and 68. Section 66 is edged, on the one hand, by a portion 661 belonging to the protuberance 6 and, on the other hand, by a portion 662 belonging to the summit of the capsule 1, between the protuberance 6 and the hollow 24. The section 66 has a tapered profile, with a width (defined radially, in a plane including axis X1) decreasing from the interior towards the exterior of the capsule 1, thus forming the localized thinning of the body 2. The width of the section 66 decreases up to an area 660 situated at the junction of portions 661 and 662. Within the scope of the invention, the body 2 of the capsule 1 is manufactured such that the area 660 has a thickness of zero or almost zero, thus facilitating the separation of portions 661 and 662, and thus the punching of the protuberance 6.

The strengthening ribs 7 are arranged inside the body 2, to give the capsule 1 a mechanical strength well-suited to the intended application. Tests have shown that when the capsule 1 is devoid of ribs or that the body 2 is manufactured with a smaller thickness, there is a risk of deforming or cracking the body 2 under the action of the machine, which disrupts the preparation of the product 3.

On the example of the figures, the capsule 1 has twelve ribs 7 regularly spaced around the central axis X1 and the hollow 24. Alternatively, the capsule 1 may have a different number of ribs 7, for example six, eight or eighteen, and these may be of different shapes and/or have different dimensions than the description below.

Each rib 7 has two longitudinal ends 71 and 72, two concave internal surfaces 73 and 74 orientated facing the axis X1, and two planar lateral surfaces 75 and 76 radial to axis X1. The surface 73 extends almost over the entire length of the rib 7, while the surface 74 is formed only at the lower end 72. Between its surfaces 75 and 76, the rib 7 extends around axis X1 along an angle β7 equal to 4 degrees.

Following their longitudinal direction, the ribs 7 extend in a median area Z2 of the body 2, between two virtual circles C4 and C6. The median area Z2 extends partially over part 22 and partially over part 23 of the body 2. Parallel to axis X1, the ribs 7 have a length L7 corresponding to the gap between the two circles C4 and C6. The circle C6 is situated on the edge of protuberances 6, along the reinforcement 25 and of sections 65. Circle C4 is positioned at a distance from the opening 4, i.e., separated from the opening 4 by a defined distance d7 parallel to axis X1.

On the example of the figures, the length L7 is in the order of 13.1 mm, while the distance d7 is in the order of 11.1 mm. In other words, the ratio of the length L7 to the distance d7 is in the order of 1.18. Although the ribs 7 have different shapes and/or dimensions, this ratio is preferably between 1 and 1.4.

The ribs 7 have a thickness e7 globally increasing from their end 71 towards their end 72, i.e., from the circle C6 towards the circle C4. The thickness e7 only decreases near the surface 74. The ribs 7 have a thickness e7 of almost zero on the circle C6, near the reinforcement 25, and of order of 1 mm on the circle C4.

When the machine receiving the capsule 1 exerts punching forces on the protuberances 6, the presence of the ribs 7 prevents cracking of the body 2. Thus, water under pressure can penetrate into the capsule 1 under optimal conditions for infusing the product 3.

The external collar 8 is formed radially on the body 2, near the opening 4. The collar 8 has a flat lower surface 81, constituting an attachment support for the lid 5, in order to seal the opening 4 after filling the body 2 with product 3. The collar 8 has an upper surface 82 free from protuberances 83, constituting a seat for sealing capsule 1 positioned in the machine. The protuberances 83 have an annular shape centered on axis X1 and are intended to be pressed against a machine component. The seal is ensured before, during and after punching of the protuberances 6, during infusion of the product 3 in the machine.

The bead 9 is formed inside the body 2, more precisely in part 22 thereof, between the opening 4 and the ribs 7. The bead 9 has an annular shape centered on axis X1. The bead 9 is a small plastic undercut, used to hold during ejection of the body 2 from its mold.

Moreover, the capsule 1 can be shaped differently than in FIGS. 1 to 9 without departing from the scope of the invention.

Further, the manufacturing method and the method of using capsule 1 may be different from the examples mentioned above without departing from the scope of the invention, notably in the case of a pharmaceutical application.

Other embodiments of a capsule 1 according to the invention are shown in FIGS. 10 to 17. Their constituent elements are comparable to those of the first embodiment described above, and for purposes of simplification, bear the same numerical references.

FIGS. 10 to 14 show capsules 1 in which the protuberances 6 and the sections of localized weakening are different from the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows protuberances 6 that are broader than in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a section 66 formed by a fillet between portions 661 and 662, at the hollow of which is situated the area 660 of zero or almost zero thickness. The profile defined by the internal surface of the portion 661 and the external surface of the portion 662 is a curved line. The profile defined by the external surface of the portion 661 and the internal surface of the portion 662 is a sinusoidal line.

FIG. 12 shows a section 66 formed by a concave cut-out inside the body 2, with a circular profile. The area 660 is situated at the hollow of this cut-out. The profiles defined on the one hand by the internal surfaces and on the other hand by the external surfaces of the portions 661 and 662 are curved lines.

FIG. 13 shows a section 66 formed by a fillet between portions 661 and 662, at the hollow of which is located area 660, with a sudden stop of the protuberance 6 near the facet 62. The profile defined by the external surface of the portion 661 and the internal surface of the portion 662 is a straight line.

FIG. 14 shows a section 66 formed by two concave cut-outs, inside and outside the body 2 respectively, on both sides of portions 661 and 662. Area 660 is situated between these two cut-outs. The profiles defined on the one hand by the internal surfaces and on the other hand by the external surfaces of portions 661 and 662 are curved lines.

FIG. 15 shows a capsule 1 in which, for a single protuberance 6, sections 67 and 68 are separated by an angle αi of 80 degrees, defined around axis X1. Thus, the protuberances 6 together cover an angular area equal to 320 degrees around the axis X1. As this angular area is wider than in the first embodiment, the risk of the punch of the machine bearing on a space between two protuberances 6 is lower. In other words, the punching of the protuberances 6 is facilitated.

FIG. 16 shows a capsule 1 in which internal intermediate sections 69 of localized weakening are formed between the sections 67 and 68 of two neighboring protuberances 6, in the continuation of sections 65. Thus, the punching of the protuberances 6 is facilitated.

FIG. 17 shows a capsule 1 having a single breakable protuberance 6, having an annular shape centered on the central axis. In other words, this breakable protuberance covers an angular area of 360 degrees around the axis X1. A single section 65 and a single section 66 having circular shapes extend all around axis X1. According to a feasible variant, the section 65 may be a circular line of localized weakening, like section 66. Such a capsule 1 is well-suited to certain types of machines.

Moreover, the technical characteristics of the various embodiments mentioned in the description above can, as a whole or in part, be combined with each other. Thus, the capsule 1 may be adapted in terms of cost, functionality and performance.

Claims

1. A capsule, comprising a hollow body made from a first plant material and designed to receive an infusible product made from a second plant material, the body having an opening sealed with a lid to contain the infusible product and a top opposite the opening, wherein the capsule has at least one breakable protuberance protruding from the body opposite to the opening and is punchable by a machine intended to infuse the infusible product.

2. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the at least one breakable protuberance is edged by at least one internal section of localized weakening.

3. The capsule according to claim 2, wherein the at least one breakable protuberance is edged by three internal sections of localized weakening.

4. The capsule according to claim 2, wherein the at least one internal section of localized weakening is edged at a first-portion by the breakable protuberance and at a second portion the top of the body.

5. The capsule according to claim 2, wherein the at least one internal section of localized weakening has a radial width decreasing to an area of zero or almost zero thickness.

6. The capsule according to claim 5, wherein the area of zero or almost zero thickness is situated at the junction of the first portion and the second portion.

7. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the capsule has several breakable protuberances regularly spaced around a central axis and together covering an angular area of at least 240 degrees around the central axis.

8. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the capsule has strengthening ribs arranged in the body.

9. The capsule according to claim 8, wherein the strengthening ribs extend between a first circle situated at the edge of the at least one breakable protuberance and a second circle located a distance from the opening.

10. The capsule according to claim 9, wherein each strengthening rib has a thickness increasing overall from the first circle towards the second circle.

11. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the lid is made from a third plant material.

12. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the capsule has an external collar formed radially on the body near the opening and constituting a support for attaching the lid, and a seat for sealing when the capsule is positioned in the machine.

13. A method for manufacturing a capsule according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises the following successive steps:

a) manufacturing the body according to the following successive steps: a1) cutting into fragments all of the aerial parts of a plant or a substantial fraction of these aerial parts; a2 grinding, or shearing, of the fragments until granules having an average size of between 0.01 and 10 mm are obtained; a3) adjustment of the water content of the granules until an overall hydration rate of between 10 and 35% is reached; and a4) shaping the plant material to form the body;

b) manufacturing the product to be infused according to the following successive steps: b1) placing the dry or fresh plant material in contact with a solvent; b2) extraction of the active ingredients from the plant material; b3) drying of the plant material having undergone extraction in the presence of the fraction obtained at the end of this extraction, in order to enable the active ingredients to be fixed on the plant material and obtaining the product to be infused;

c) filling the body with the product to be infused;

d) sealing the opening with the lid.

14. A method of using the capsule according to claim 1, wherein the method includes an operation of punching the at least one breakable protuberance by the machine intended to infuse the infusible product.