U.S. patent application number 14/034313 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-01 for container with improved puncture design.
This patent application is currently assigned to Printpack Illinois, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Printpack Illinois, Inc.. Invention is credited to Harold Stephen Bowen, Rabeh Elleithy, David T. Foster, Patrick L. O'Brien.
Application Number | 20140120218 14/034313 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50547475 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140120218 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Brien; Patrick L. ; et
al. |
May 1, 2014 |
Container With Improved Puncture Design
Abstract
The present description includes containers having an improved
puncture design that can be punctured without substantial
deformation of the container. Such containers are particularly
suitable for use in preparing beverages using automatic machines,
particularly those used for preparation of single serve beverages.
Also provided are thermoplastic materials having improved
punctureability for use in containers, containers for preparation
of a beverage, and methods for preparing a beverage using such
containers.
Inventors: |
O'Brien; Patrick L.; (Toano,
VA) ; Foster; David T.; (Williamsburg, VA) ;
Elleithy; Rabeh; (Williamsburg, VA) ; Bowen; Harold
Stephen; (Hayes, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Printpack Illinois, Inc. |
Elgin |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Printpack Illinois, Inc.
Elgin
IL
|
Family ID: |
50547475 |
Appl. No.: |
14/034313 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61719136 |
Oct 26, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/8043
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/115 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804 |
Claims
1. A container formed from a thermoplastic material comprising: a
substantially circular base; a frustoconically shaped wall
extending therefrom and defining a cavity therein; and a stacking
shoulder which intersects and extends laterally from the wall;
wherein the base comprises an outer annular peripheral support
structure and optionally an inner annular support structure with a
continuous puncture region therebetween, the outer annular
peripheral support structure comprising a plurality of recesses
therein; wherein the continuous puncture region is sized and shaped
to permit a puncture therein without interference and without
substantial deformation of the container; and wherein the
thermoplastic material includes a thermoplastic polymer, a
nucleating agent in an amount from about 0.5 to about 5.0% by
weight of the thermoplastic material, and a second additive in an
amount from about 7.0 to about 25.0% by weight of the thermoplastic
material.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is
selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polystyrene,
nylon, polyethylene, and combinations thereof.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is a
polyolefin, the nucleating agent is present in an amount from about
0.5 to about 5.0% by weight of the thermoplastic material, and the
second additive is present in an amount from about 7.0 to about
18.0% by weight of the thermoplastic material.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is a
polyolefin, the nucleating agent is present in an amount from about
0.5 to about 2.5% by weight of the thermoplastic material, and the
second additive is present in an amount from about 7.0 to about
12.0% by weight of the thermoplastic material.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the second additive is
selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, talc,
clays, and combinations thereof.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer annular peripheral
support structure comprises a first outer annular structure and a
second outer annular structure positioned inside the first outer
annular structure, a first portion of the plurality of recesses
being disposed in the first outer annular structure and a second
portion of the second outer annular structure.
7. The container of claim 6, wherein the first portion of the
plurality of recesses of the first outer annular structure and
second portion of the plurality of recesses of the second outer
annular structure are offset.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is characterized
by a container height (h) from the base to the stacking shoulder, a
stacking shoulder radius (R.sub.1) defined by an inner radius of
the container measured at the stacking shoulder, a base radius (R)
defined by a an outer radius of a base including the outer annular
peripheral support structure, and an approach angle (.PHI.), having
a mathematical relationship: h=(R.sub.1-R)tan(90-.PHI.).
9. The container of claim 8, wherein R.sub.1>R, R1 is from about
11.0 mm to about 55.0 mm, and R is from about 10.0 mm to about 50.0
mm.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is
characterized by a radius (R) of the base including the outer
annular peripheral support structure, a radius (r) of the base
excluding the outer annular peripheral support structure, an inner
radius (r.sub.1) of the inner annular support structure, an outer
radius (r.sub.2) of the inner annular support structure, a width
(w.sub.o) of the outer annular peripheral support structure, a
width (d) of the continuous puncture region, a width (w.sub.i) of
the inner annular support structure, and height (t) of the outer
annular peripheral support structure, having a mathematical
relationship: w.sub.o=R-r w.sub.i=r.sub.2-r.sub.1
d=1/2t=r-r.sub.2
11. The container of claim 10, wherein r.sub.2>r.sub.1, r.sub.1
is from about 0.0 to about 39.0 mm, and r.sub.2, is from about 0.0
to about 40.0 mm.
12. The container of claim 10, wherein R is from about 10.0 mm to
about 50.0 mm and r is from about 9.0 mm to about 49.0 mm.
13. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer annular peripheral
support structure is characterized by a feature angle
(.theta..sub.o), a recess angle (.theta..sub.1), and a number of
recesses (n) related by a mathematical relationship:
.theta..sub.o=(360/n)-.theta..sub.1
0<.theta..sub.1<.theta..sub.o
14. The container of claim 13, wherein n is from about 1 to about
50.
15. The container of claim 1, further comprising a feature
imprinted on an inner surface of the base, wherein the feature
functions to increase the punctureability of the base.
16. The container of claim 1, wherein the container has improved
punctureability as characterized by a puncture load of less than
6.0 kg.
17. The container of claim 1, wherein the container has improved
punctureability as characterized by a puncture load of about 2.5 kg
to about 5.0 kg.
18. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is
recycleable.
19. A container for forming a beverage comprising the container of
claim 1, and further comprising: a filter disposed in the cavity of
the container and defining first and second chambers in the cavity;
a beverage medium disposed in the cavity and arranged to interact
with a liquid introduced into the container to form a beverage; and
a lid attached to a rim of the container to contain the beverage
medium and filter disposed therein.
20. The container of claim 19, wherein the beverage medium
comprises coffee grinds, ground tea leaves, chocolate, flavored
powder, and combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/719,136 filed
on Oct. 26, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present application relates generally to the field of
containers for preparation of beverages, especially coffee and tea.
These containers commonly are referred to as cartridges, cups,
capsules, or pods, and are particularly suitable for use in the
preparation of a single-serve beverage.
[0003] In recent years, single-serve beverage machines have become
popular in homes and businesses as a quick and convenient manner of
brewing beverages. These machines generally brew coffee, tea, or
other hot beverages through polymer containers that may have
integral filters and are filled with coffee grinds, tea leaves, or
other soluble products. Upon brewing of these products, the
container may be easily discarded so that the machine is available
for preparation of subsequent beverages. These containers thereby
enable users to customize their beverages and also enjoy freshly
brewed beverages quickly and easily.
[0004] Although convenient, existing containers used for the
preparation of beverages have numerous drawbacks. For example, many
commercially available containers are prepared using materials that
are less easily recycled. This is due at least in part due to the
structural characteristics that are required for these containers.
For example, the containers must be sufficiently strong to permit
puncturing of the base of the container without substantial
deformation of the container. Thus, there exists a need for a
structure that permits use of more easily recycled materials while
still having sufficient structural integrity.
SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION
[0005] Embodiments of the present description address the
above-described needs by providing a container including a
substantially circular and horizontally extending base, a
frustoconically shaped wall extending therefrom and defining a
cavity therein, and a stacking shoulder which intersects and
extends laterally from the wall. The base includes an outer annular
peripheral support structure including a plurality of recesses
therein. The base optionally may include an inner annular support
structure that together with the outer annular peripheral support
structure defines a continuous puncture region sized and shaped to
permit a puncture therein without interference and without
substantial deformation of the container.
[0006] Also provided in embodiments herein are containers for
preparation of a beverage using the above-described container and
methods for preparing a beverage using such containers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a container
according to a first embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a bottom view the container illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a top view of the container illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a forward lower perspective view of the container
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a forward lower perspective view of a container
according to a second embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are schematic illustrations of a design
that may be applied to the inner surface of a cup base according to
embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are schematic illustrations defining
various parameters of a container according to embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Embodiments of the present application address the
above-described needs by providing a container for preparation of a
beverage. As used herein, the term "container" is synonymous with
cartridges, cups, capsules, pods, and the like, that may be used in
the preparation of a beverage.
[0015] The container generally comprises a cup-shaped container
with a base and a frustoconically shaped sidewall defining an
opening. In an embodiment, the base includes an outer annular
peripheral support structure comprising a plurality of recesses and
optionally an inner support structure. A continuous puncture region
disposed between the outer annular peripheral support structure and
optional inner support structure is configured such to permit the
container base to be punctured in the continuous puncture region
during the preparation of the beverage.
[0016] An exemplary embodiment of a container 10 is further
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. The container 10 comprises the base 12
and the frustoconically shaped sidewall 14 defining an opening 16.
The sidewall 14 may include a radially outwardly protruding lip 18
surrounding the opening 16. In one aspect, the radially outwardly
protruding lip 18 further comprises a stacking shoulder 19 that
intersects and extends laterally from the sidewall 14.
[0017] The base 12 includes an outer peripheral support structure
20, an inner support structure 22, and a continuous puncture region
24 therebetween. In embodiments, the outer peripheral support
structure 20 is an annular shape having a plurality of recesses 26
similar in appearance to an inverted parapet (i.e., castle-like
structure of a battlement or crenellation). In embodiments, the
inner support structure 22 is an annular shape or a circular
shape.
[0018] The continuous puncture region between the outer peripheral
support structure 20 and inner support structure 22 is configured
to permit the puncture of the container base at any position in the
continuous puncture region 24 during preparation of the beverage.
Although the presently described embodiment of outer peripheral
support structure 20 or inner support structure 22 are annular
shapes, other shapes also may be used (e.g., elliptical,
triangular, square, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, and the
like), provided the structure does not interfere with puncturing of
the base in the continuous puncture region 24. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate, however, that the concentric annular shaped
support structures are particularly suitable for defining a
continuous puncture region that may be punctured at any position,
thereby allowing the container to be positioned within the beverage
machine without regard for the position of the puncture region.
[0019] In embodiments, the outer peripheral support structure may
comprise more than one annular shape having a plurality of recesses
as illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, the outer peripheral support
structure 122 may comprise a first outer annular shape 123' having
a plurality of recesses 126 and a second outer annular shape 123''
having a plurality of recesses 126 positioned inside the first
outer annular shape 123' and outside the continuous puncture
region. The plurality recesses of the 126 of the first outer
annular shape 123' and second outer annular shape 123'' may be
offset from each other. In embodiments, the first outer peripheral
support structure and the second outer peripheral support structure
have substantially the same dimensions. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate, however, that the dimensions of the first outer
peripheral support structure and second outer peripheral support
structure may be different (i.e., different widths, recess sizes,
number of recesses, and the like).
[0020] In embodiments, the container further comprises other
features to facilitate the punctureability of the base. For
example, in an embodiment the container may include a feature in
the inner surface of the base of the container. The feature may be
effective to weaken the material of the base during its puncture
without sacrificing its strength, for example, by providing stress
concentrators. Two exemplary embodiments of the feature are
illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, which illustrate the designs that
may be imprinted in the inner surface of the base of the container.
Other designs also may be used.
[0021] In an embodiment, the container may be further characterized
by the following mathematical relationship:
h=(R.sub.1-R)tan(90-.PHI.)
wherein h is the height of the container from the base 12 to the
stacking shoulder 19, R.sub.1 is the inner radius of the container
at the stacking shoulder 19, R is the radius of the base 12
including the outer peripheral support structure 20, and .PHI. is
the approach angle.
[0022] The container can further be characterized by the dimensions
of the base features: r is the radius of the base 12 excluding the
outer peripheral support structure 20, r.sub.1 is the inner radius
of the inner support structure 22 comprising an annular shape,
r.sub.2 is the outer radius of the inner support structure 22,
w.sub.o is the width of the outer peripheral support structure 20,
d is the width of the continuous puncture region 24 of the base 12,
w.sub.i is the width of the inner support structure 22 comprising
an annular shape, and t is the height of the outer peripheral
support structure 20. Accordingly, in certain embodiments the base
12 is further characterized by the following mathematical
relationships:
w.sub.o=R-r
w.sub.i=r.sub.2-r.sub.1
d=1/2t=r-r.sub.2
[0023] In embodiments, r.sub.1 and r.sub.2, independent from one
another, may be from about 0.0 to about 5.0 mm. For example, in
embodiments in which the inner support structure comprises a
circular shape with only a single radius, r.sub.1 is zero and
w.sub.i=r.sub.2, which may be from about 0.01 to about 5.0 mm. In
embodiments in which the inner support structure comprises an
annular ring, r.sub.2>r.sub.1 and r.sub.1 and r.sub.2,
independent from one another, may be from about 0.01 to about 5.0
mm. For example, r.sub.1 may be 3.8 mm and r.sub.2 may be 1.3 mm
such that w.sub.i is 2.5 mm. In embodiments in which there is no
inner support structure, w.sub.i, r.sub.1, and r.sub.2 are 0.0.
[0024] The outer peripheral support structure 20 can still further
be characterized by the feature angle (.theta..sub.o), the recess
angle (.theta..sub.1), and the number of features (n), which have
the following relationships:
.theta..sub.o=(360/n)-.theta..sub.1
0<.theta..sub.1<.theta..sub.o
[0025] In embodiments, the height of the outer peripheral support
structure (t) is from about 0.5 to about 2.0 mm, the height of the
container (h) from the base to the stacking shoulder is about 39.4
mm, and the inner radius of the container at the stacking shoulder
(R.sub.1) is about 43.7 mm. In an embodiment, the approach angle is
from about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees. Exemplary ranges of the
foregoing variables are summarized in the table below.
TABLE-US-00001 Dimension Exemplary Ranges height of the container H
20.0 mm-100.0 mm inner radius of the R.sub.1 11.0 mm-55.0 mm
container at the stacking shoulder radius of the base R 10.0
mm-50.0 mm approach angle .PHI. 2 degrees-10 degrees inner radius
of the outer r 9.0 mm-49.0 mm peripheral support structure outer
radius of the inner r.sub.2 0.0 mm-40.0 mm support structure inner
radius of the inner r.sub.1 0.0 mm-39.0 mm support structure height
of the outer T 0.5 mm-2.5 mm peripheral support structure number of
recesses n 1-50
[0026] In embodiments, a self-supporting filter element (not
illustrated) known to those skilled in the art may be disposed in
the container and either removably or permanently joined to an
interior surface of the container. For example, the filter may be
in the shape of an inverted hollow cone having a curved wall
tapering evenly from a rim surrounding an opening. The filter
element then may be placed in the container so that the apex of the
cone is supported on and slightly flattened by the base of the
container, thereby enlarging the volume within the cone and
providing beneficial support for the filter element.
[0027] In embodiments, the container provided herein further
comprises a pierceable cover in a hermetically sealed relationship
with the lip of the container, closing the opening to form a
cartridge. The cover desirably is formed of an impermeable and
imperforate material that may be pierced with an instrument, such
as a tubular needle, through which hot water is delivered for
preparation of the beverage. For example, in embodiments the cover
may comprise a polymer film or a foil heat-sealed to the lip of the
container.
[0028] In embodiments, the containers may be prepared by molding
and thermoforming the container from a thermoplastic material.
Desirably, the thermoplastic material is substantially impermeable
and imperforate. Non-limiting examples of suitable thermoplastic
materials include polyolefins such as polypropylene and
polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, and other polymers. In particular
embodiments, it is particularly desirable that the thermoplastic
material be a bio-based resin, readily recycleable, and/or comprise
at least a portion of recycled material. For example, in an
embodiment the thermoplastic material may comprise a recycled
polypropylene base resin.
[0029] In embodiments, the thermoplastic material may be blended
with one or more additives to impart the desired mechanical and
thermal properties to the container. For example, in embodiments
the thermoplastic material may be blended with one or more
additives to impart the desired stiffness to the container. In an
embodiment, the additive comprises an immiscible polymer that may
function as a stress concentrator by hindering the natural ability
of the thermoplastic material to deform plastically and promoting
controlled crack propagation. Non-limiting examples of immiscible
polymers that may be suitable for use with a thermoplastic material
comprising polypropylene include acrylics, styrenics, or their
blends and copolymers with polyolefins. In an embodiment, one
additive comprises a nucleating agent. In an embodiment, a second
additive comprises a metallic stearate, non-limiting examples of
which include calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, zinc stearate,
and combinations thereof. Other non-limiting examples of additives
include calcium carbonate, talc, clays, and nano grades of these
additives.
[0030] Desirably, the containers provided herein have a puncture
load of less than about 6 kg. As used herein, the "puncture load"
means the force required to puncture the continuous puncture region
in the base of the container using a needle. It should be
appreciated that the puncture load depends in part on the type of
needle used to measure the puncture load of a container. For
example, the puncture load measured using a dull needle generally
will be greater than the puncture load measured using a sharp
needle. For example, in embodiments the containers may have a
puncture load measured using a sharp needle of less than about 3
kg, less than about 2.75 kg, or less than about 2.5 kg. In
embodiments, the containers may have a puncture load measured using
a sharp needle of about 4.2 to about 3 kg, about 2.99 to about 2.75
kg, or about 2.74 to about 2.5 kg. In embodiments, the containers
may have a puncture load measured using a dull needle of less than
about 5 kg. For example, the containers may have a puncture load
measured using a dull needle of about 4.0 to about 5.0 kg.
[0031] In embodiments, the container may be configured to receive
an insert in which the dry beverage ingredients are disposed. For
example, the container may be configured to receive an insert
comprising a filter cup in which are disposed the ingredients for
preparing a beverage. For example, the container may further
comprise a filter cup comprising a brew substance, non-limiting
examples of which include coffee grinds, ground tea leaves,
chocolate, flavored powders, and the like. The brew substance also
may include a combination of dry milk, sugar or sugar substitute,
or other flavorings to enhance the quality of the resulting
beverage.
[0032] The containers embodied herein are particularly suited for
use in an automatic machine, such as a coffee brewing machine. Upon
placing the container in the machine, a piercing member punctures
the cover to introduce pressurized hot water through the hole where
it comes into contact with the beverage ingredients disposed in the
filter. A second piercing member punctures the base of the
container at any position in the puncture region to enable the
prepared beverage to flow out of the container and be dispensed
into a cup or container for consumption by the consumer.
[0033] The foregoing embodiments can be further understood and
illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0034] 1.9 ounce containers were prepared from mono-layer sheets
and compared to a commercially available K-Cup.RTM. to evaluate the
effect of the different polymer formulations on the punctureability
of an exemplary container. Polypropylene base resins included
recycled PP, a homopolymer polypropylene ("Homopolymer PP 1"), and
a medium impact polystyrene were used either alone or in
combination with the additives white pigmented PS, CaCO.sub.3
masterbatch 1 or CaCO.sub.3 masterbatch 2, and PolyOne.RTM.
proprietary masterbatch. The polymer formulations and results are
provided in the following tables.
TABLE-US-00002 Cup Base Resin Additives (w/w) K-Cup .RTM.
Polystyrene 1 Recycled PP N/A 2 Recycled PP White Pigmented PS (5%)
3 Recycled PP PolyOne .RTM. ABPE 007 (3%) 4 Homopolymer PP 1 N/A 5
Homopolymer PP 1 White pigmented PS (5%) 6 Homopolymer PP 1
CaCO.sub.3 masterbatch 1 (3%) 7 Homopolymer PP 1 CaCO.sub.3
masterbatch 2 (3%) 8 Medium impact Polystyrene N/A
TABLE-US-00003 Top Top Load Top Mid Bottom Direct Puncture Vacuum
Load Flanges Flange Wall Wall Wall Heel Bottom Load Cup (in Hg)
(lbs) (lbs) (10.sup.-2) (10.sup.-2) (10.sup.-2) (10.sup.-2)
(10.sup.-2) (10.sup.-2) (lbs) K-Cup .RTM. 4.58 49.49 4.40 3.660
1.325 0.853 1.665 1.005 2.225 5.74 1 7.52 67.15 9.356 4.180 1.165
1.068 1.395 2.760 4.390 11.01 2 4.58 49.49 4.40 3.660 1.325 0.853
1.165 1.005 2.225 10.91 3 6.05 58.32 6.88 3.920 1.470 0.960 1.280
1.883 3.308 10.44 4 5.95 47.16 8.36 3.915 1.290 2.347 1.095 1.785
4.610 N/A 5 6.71 63.79 8.64 3.925 1.355 1.013 1.300 2.575 4.745
12.78 6 5.33 37.33 9.39 4.060 1.290 0.984 1.250 2.045 4.655 N/A 7
5.03 40.23 10.22 5.205 1.375 0.973 1.085 1.995 4.485 11.42 8 18.0
196.80 7.7 3.500 1.875 1.672 1.550 1.010 1.260 4.34
[0035] The polystyrene-based K-Cup used as a control had the lowest
"vacuum strength" of the containers tested, had a moderate
top-load, the lowest side-load, and the lowest puncture load.
Neither the neat polypropylene (Cup 4) nor the polypropylene with a
3% loading of CaCO.sub.3 masterbatch 1 (Cup 6) were capable of
being punctured. However, it was observed that the use of the
recycled PP seemed to promote the punctureability of the container
as did the additives CaCO.sub.3 masterbatch 2 and White pigmented
PS.
Example 2
[0036] 1.9 ounce containers were prepared from mono-layer sheets
using various combinations of polypropylene and additives and
compared to a commercially available K-Cup.RTM. to evaluate the
effect of the polymer materials on the punctureability of an
exemplary container.
[0037] Polypropylene base resins included Homopolymer PP 1, High
Stiffness Homopolymer PP 1, High Stiffness Homopolymer 2, High
Stiffness Homopolymer PP 3, and Homopolymer PP 2, and were used
either alone or in combination with the additives White Pigmented
PS Nucleating Agent 1, Nucleating Agent 2, Stearate Masterbatch 1
or Stearate Masterbatch 2. The polymer formulations and results are
provided in the following tables.
TABLE-US-00004 Cup Base Resin Additives (w/w) K-Cup .RTM.
Polystyrene 1 Homopolymer PP 1 White Pigmented PS 2 High stiffness
Homopolymer PP 1 (15%) 3 High stiffness Homopolymer PP 2 4 High
stiffness Homopolymer PP 3 5 Homopolymer PP 2 6 Homopolymer PP 1
Nucleating Agent 1 7 High stiffness Homopolymer PP 2 (3%) 8
Homopolymer PP 1 Nucleating Agent 2 (3%) 9 Homopolymer PP 1
Stearate Masterbatch 1 10 High stiffness Homopolymer PP 2 (4%) 11
High stiffness Homopolymer PP 2 Stearate Masterbatch 2 (2%)
TABLE-US-00005 Top Top Load Puncture Load Flanges Punctured Opaque/
Cup Load (kg) (kg) (kg) (Yes/No) Translucent K-Cup .RTM. 2.83 21.4
8.5 Yes Translucent 1 2.4 14.1 6.26 Yes Opaque 2 2.5 15.3 9.3 Yes
Opaque 3 3.00 20.7 8.7 Yes Opaque 4 3.1 20.1 9.0 Yes Opaque 5 2.6
12.9 6.5 Yes Opaque (partly) 6 2.7 9.61 7.1 Yes Translucent 7 2.73
20.1 8.1 Yes Translucent 8 4.2 10.57 7.3 Yes Translucent 9 4.19
16.05 8.3 Yes Translucent 10 2.91 17.7 8.8 Yes Translucent 11 2.70
22.4 9.3 Yes Translucent
[0038] It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to
certain embodiments of the present application and the resultant
patent. Numerous changes and modifications may be made herein by
one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the general
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following
claims and the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *