U.S. patent application number 17/599658 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-23 for portion capsule having an identifier.
The applicant listed for this patent is K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH. Invention is credited to Gunter Empl, Marc Kruger.
Application Number | 20220194690 17/599658 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220194690 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kruger; Marc ; et
al. |
June 23, 2022 |
Portion Capsule Having an Identifier
Abstract
The present invention relates to a portion capsule for producing
a beverage, comprising a basic element having a cavity in which a
raw beverage material is provided and being closed by a membrane
fastened to the basic element.
Inventors: |
Kruger; Marc; (Bergisch
Gladbach, DE) ; Empl; Gunter; (Bergisch Gladbach,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH |
Bergisch Gladbach |
|
DE |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/599658 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
April 3, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2020/059513 |
371 Date: |
September 29, 2021 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 3, 2019 |
DE |
10 2019 204 774.2 |
Jul 2, 2019 |
DE |
10 2019 117 803.7 |
Claims
1. A portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a basic
element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in
which a raw beverage material is provided, and having a periphery
region provided on the basic element and the cavity being
preferably closed by a membrane which is fastened to the periphery
region of the basic element, the portion capsule having an
identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective
portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a code, in particular a
barcode, which is provided on a side of the periphery region of the
basic element facing away from the membrane, and wherein
indentations and/or protrusions are provided, which extend at least
in sections between the periphery region and the bottom area in the
wall region, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are
grooves/notches, wherein their longitudinal extent is provided at
an angle >0 and <180.degree. relative to a central
axis/rotation axis.
2. The portion capsule according to claim 1, wherein a
cross-section of the grooves/notches changes with their
longitudinal extension.
3. The portion capsule according to claim 1, wherein the
grooves/notches are provided at least partially crossing each
other.
4. A portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a basic
element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in
which a raw beverage material is provided, and having a periphery
region provided on the basic element and the cavity being
preferably closed by a membrane which is fastened to the periphery
region of the basic element, the portion capsule having an
identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective
portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a code, in particular a
barcode, which is provided on a side of the periphery region of the
basic element facing away from the membrane, and wherein
indentations and/or protrusions are provided, which extend at least
in sections between the periphery region and the bottom area in the
wall region, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are
provided as a golf ball structure.
5. The portion capsule according to claim 4, wherein the
indentations have a circular, oval or polygonal cross-section.
6. A portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a basic
element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in
which a raw beverage material is provided, and having a periphery
region provided on the basic element and the cavity being
preferably closed by a membrane which is fastened to the periphery
region of the basic element, the portion capsule having an
identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective
portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a code, in particular a
barcode, which is provided on a side of the periphery region of the
basic element facing away from the membrane, and wherein
indentations and/or protrusions are provided, which extend at least
in sections between the periphery region and the bottom area in the
wall region, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are
grooves/notches and/or the indentations and/or protrusions are
provided as golf ball structure, wherein the indentations and/or
protrusions are applied.
7. Use of the portion capsule according to claim 1 for preparing a
hot beverage.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a portion capsule for
producing a beverage comprising a basic element having a wall
region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in which a raw beverage
material is provided and having a periphery region provided on the
basic element and the cavity being closed by a membrane fastened to
the periphery region of the basic element, having an identifier
which makes it possible to individualize the respective portion
capsule, wherein the identifier is a barcode which is provided on
the side of the periphery region of the basic element facing away
from the membrane, and wherein indentations and/or protrusions are
provided which extend at least in sections between the periphery
and the bottom area in the wall region, wherein the indentations
and/or protrusions are grooves/notches.
[0002] Such portion capsules are well known and are being launched
on the market in a variety of embodiments, however they still show
potential for improvement in terms of stiffness and/or liquid flow
in the capsule.
[0003] It was therefore the object of the present invention to
provide a portion capsule which does not have the disadvantages of
the prior art.
[0004] The object is accomplished with a portion capsule for
producing a beverage, comprising a basic element having a wall
region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in which a raw beverage
material is provided, and having a periphery region provided on the
basic element and the cavity being preferably closed by a membrane
which is fastened to the periphery region of the basic element, the
portion capsule having an identifier which makes it possible to
individualize the respective portion capsule, wherein the
identifier is a code, in particular a barcode, which is provided on
the side of the periphery region of the basic element facing away
from the membrane, and wherein indentations and/or protrusions are
provided, which extend at least in sections between the periphery
and the bottom area, in the wall region, wherein the indentations
and/or protrusions are grooves/notches, wherein their longitudinal
extent is provided at an angle (.alpha.)>0 and <180.degree.
relative to a central axis/rotation axis.
[0005] Explanations made with respect to this subject matter of the
present invention apply equally to the other subject matter, and
vice versa. Features disclosed with respect to this subject matter
of the present invention may be combined with features of other
subject matter, and vice versa.
[0006] The present invention relates to a portion capsule for
producing a beverage or foodstuff, which has a cavity in which a
raw beverage material is provided. Such a portion capsule is made,
for example, of plastic, a metallic material, in particular
aluminum, a natural material and/or a biodegradable material and
has a basic element, in particular a deep-drawn basic element,
which is preferably frustoconical, cylindrical or cup-shaped. The
raw beverage material, which is extracted and/or dissolved by a
liquid, in particular water, for example, is filled into the cavity
of the portion capsule. Preferably, the raw beverage material is
ground coffee, tea, milk powder and/or cocoa powder. The basic
element is preferably closed after the raw beverage material has
been filled in, in particular with a membrane. The membrane is
preferably provided opposite the bottom of the basic element. The
membrane may be made of the same or a different material than the
basic element and is preferably fastened to the basic element by
sealing and/or bonding. For example, the membrane is a film with at
least one layer, such as a plastic or metal layer. Preferably, the
membrane has a sealing layer. Preferably, the portion capsule is
substantially rotationally symmetric. The portion capsule may
rotate during the beverage production process. In this case, the
liquid is preferably provided at a very low overpressure, for
example 0.5-3 bar overpressure. However, it is also possible for
the liquid to be provided at a pressure of up to 30 bar, especially
if the portion capsule is not moved during the beverage production
process.
[0007] According to the invention, it is provided that this portion
capsule has an identifier which makes it possible to individualize
the respective portion capsule. In the context of the invention,
individualizing preferably means that the respective portion
capsule can be associated with a group that is suitable for the
respective coffee machine. It is not necessary for the coffee
machine to recognize which portion capsule in particular is
involved, but merely to recognize that the respective portion
capsule belongs to a group of portion capsules which is suitable
for the respective coffee machine. In particular, individualizing
means that portion capsules that are not suitable for the
respective coffee machine cannot be inserted into it and/or fall
out again directly and/or that the coffee machine is only to be
operated with the correct capsules. Preferably, a sensor/detection
means provided on the coffee machine detects this identifier and
compares it preferably with a stored identifier. Preferably, the
coffee machine, in particular the water-providing pressure pump
will only be activated, if the detected identifier matches the
reference identifier. Otherwise, the coffee machine will not start
operating.
[0008] The identifier is preferably a barcode provided on the side
of the periphery region of the basic element facing away from the
membrane. The identifier can be printed or realized by means of
embossing, for example. The barcode has alternating stripes with
different optical properties. These stripes can each have a
different width, wherein the width in each case stands for a number
between 0 and 9. The barcode can also be a bit code, i.e. a
combination of 0 and 1. Several stripes with the same value can
also be arranged next to each other. In this case, the width of the
stripe corresponds to a multiple of "0" or "1".
[0009] However, the identifier can also be another code, for
example a QR code or a code consisting of an optically detectable
pattern.
[0010] According to the invention, indentations and/or protrusions
are provided in the wall region, which extend at least in sections
between the periphery and the bottom region. In this subject matter
of the present invention, the indentations and/or protrusions are
configured as grooves/notches.
[0011] These grooves/notches can be of any cross-section, for
example round, oval or polygonal. The grooves may extend over the
entire surface of the wall region or the grooves may be present
only in sections so that a region below the periphery region and/or
above the bottom is not provided with grooves. Preferably, the
grooves extend around the entire circumference of the wall region.
However, it is also conceivable for the grooves to extend over only
part of the circumference. The grooves can be provided
equidistantly or have a different spacing. The grooves may extend
from the wall in the direction of the interior or vice versa.
Preferably, the grooves are produced by deep drawing or embossing,
in particular during deep drawing/embossing of the basic
element.
[0012] According to the invention, the longitudinal extension of
the grooves is provided at an angle>0 and <180.degree.
relative to a central axis/rotation axis. The grooves extend along
the wall region, however, they are provided at an angle to the
central axis/rotation axis.
[0013] In the event that the portion capsule is rotated during the
beverage production process, the grooves can rise with the
direction of rotation from the bottom to the periphery of the basic
element or vice versa.
[0014] In the event that the wall region has several grooves, these
can be provided parallel to each other or have a different angle to
the central axis/rotation axis.
[0015] The grooves can all have the same or a different length in
the longitudinal extension direction. The cross-section of the
individual grooves can be the same or different.
[0016] The grooves provided at an angle of inclination have the
advantage of increasing stability in the longitudinal direction
and/or in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the
extraction of the raw beverage material and/or its dissolution can
be positively influenced by the inclined grooves.
[0017] A further or preferred subject matter of the present
invention is a portion capsule in which the cross-section of the
grooves/notches varies with their longitudinal extension
[0018] This subject matter of the invention also accomplishes the
object set forth at the outset.
[0019] Explanations made with respect to this subject matter of the
present invention apply equally to the other subject matter, and
vice versa. Features disclosed with respect to this subject matter
of the present invention may be combined with features of other
subject matter, and vice versa.
[0020] According to this subject matter of the present invention,
the cross-section of the grooves changes along their longitudinal
extension. This change may be continuous or discontinuous. The
change may only affect the size of the cross-section while
maintaining the same shape. However, it is also possible that the
cross-sectional shape changes alternatively or additionally. When
the cross-section is increased, the size of the cross-section can
increase from the periphery of the basic element in the direction
of the bottom of the basic element, or vice versa. The change in
cross-section may extend over the entire length of the groove or
only over a partial region.
[0021] The grooves can have different cross-sections and/or
cross-sectional profiles.
[0022] A further or preferred subject matter of the present
invention is a portion capsule in which grooves/notches are
provided at least partially crossing each other.
[0023] This subject matter of the invention also accomplishes the
object set forth at the outset.
[0024] The explanations made with respect to this subject matter of
the present invention apply equally to other subject matter, and
vice versa. Features disclosed with respect to this subject matter
of the present invention may be combined with features of other
subject matter, and vice versa.
[0025] Crossing grooves create a particularly good swirling of the
liquid in the portion capsule and/or give the portion capsule a
particular stability.
[0026] At least two grooves provided on the circumference of the
basic element cross. However, there can also be more. The angle at
which the two grooves cross can be the same or different. The
distance of the crossing point of two grooves may differ in its
spacing from the periphery region and/or from the bottom of the
basic element. A groove may have more than one crossing point.
[0027] Yet another subject matter of the present invention is a
portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a basic
element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in
which a raw beverage material is provided and having a periphery
region provided on the basic element and the cavity being closed by
a membrane fastened to the periphery region of the basic element,
having an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the
respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a barcode
which is provided on the side of the periphery region of the basic
element facing away from the membrane, and wherein indentations
and/or protrusions are provided which extend at least in sections
between the periphery and the bottom area in the wall region,
wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are provided as a golf
ball structure.
[0028] This subject matter of the invention also accomplishes the
object set forth at the outset.
[0029] The explanations made with respect to this subject matter of
the present invention apply equally to other subject matter, and
vice versa. Features disclosed with respect to this subject matter
of the present invention may be combined with features of other
subject matter, and vice versa.
[0030] According to the invention, the portion capsule has a golf
ball structure in the region of the wall. This golf ball structure
has a plurality of indentations and/or protrusions in which the
length and the width are preferably at least substantially the
same. For example, the cross-section of each indentation and/or
protrusion is circular, oval or polygonal, in particular
quadrangular or polygonal. The indentations and/or protrusions may
be provided equidistantly and/or according to a pattern. The
indentations and/or protrusions can extend around the entire
circumference of the basic element, in particular its wall region,
or be provided only in sections. The individual indentations and/or
protrusions may differ in their cross-sectional shape and/or depth.
An indentation preferably extends in the direction of the interior
of the portion capsule and a protrusion preferably extends in the
opposite direction.
[0031] Another subject matter of the present invention is a portion
capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a basic element having
a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in which a raw
beverage material is provided, and having a periphery region
provided on the basic element and the cavity being closed by a
membrane fastened to the periphery region of the basic element,
having an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the
respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a barcode
which is provided on the side of the periphery region of the basic
element facing away from the membrane, and wherein indentations
and/or protrusions are provided which extend at least in sections
between the periphery and the bottom area in the wall region,
wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are grooves/notches
and/or the indentations and/or protrusions are provided as a golf
ball structure, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are
applied.
[0032] This subject matter of the invention also accomplishes the
object set forth at the outset.
[0033] The explanations made with respect to this subject matter of
the present invention apply equally to other subject matter, and
vice versa. Features disclosed with respect to this subject matter
of the present invention may be combined with features of other
subject matter, and vice versa.
[0034] In this subject matter of the present invention, the
indentations and/or protrusions are applied to the basic element
from the same or a different material as the basic element. The
indentations and/or protrusions may be prefabricated and, for
example, bonded to the basic element or applied to the basic
element and dried there.
[0035] In the following, the inventions are explained with
reference to the Figures. These explanations are merely exemplary
and do not limit the general concept of the invention. The
explanations apply equally to all subject matter of the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the portion capsule
according to the invention.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows details of the cross-section of a groove.
[0038] FIGS. 3 und 4 each show embodiments of the portion capsule
according to the invention.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the portion capsule 1
according to the invention. This comprises a basic element 14,
which in the present case is cup-shaped and has a wall region 4 and
a bottom area 7. At the end of the bottom area opposite the basic
element, a circumferential periphery 3 is provided, the
circumference/outer diameter of which is larger than the
circumference/outer diameter of the wall region of the basic
element so that a flange-like element 3 is obtained. A cover film 2
is provided on this periphery, for example by means of sealing or
bonding, which hermetically seals the portion capsule after a raw
beverage material, for example ground coffee, has been filled into
the portion capsule. Preferably, the portion capsule is provided
rotationally symmetrical about a central axis 8. According to a
preferred embodiment, the portion capsule is rotated during the
beverage manufacturing process, for example during extraction, as
shown by the arrow 16. Preferably, the portion capsule is pierced
in the region of its cover film/membrane, in particular in the
central region, and the beverage to be produced is also discharged
via the cover film, preferably via perforations in the membrane,
which are provided in particular in a circular manner in the
vicinity of the upper end of the wall region. Furthermore,
according to the invention, the portion capsule has an identifier
15 which allows the portion capsule to be individualized so that,
for example, the amount of liquid and/or the temperature of the
liquid can be controlled individually for each portion capsule.
This identifier is provided on the rear side of the flange as
symbolized by the arrow 15, i.e. on the side of the flange opposite
the membrane.
[0040] Furthermore, according to the invention, the portion capsule
according to FIG. 1 has indentations and/or protrusions 5, which in
the present case are configured as grooves. In the present case,
several grooves 5 are preferably provided equidistantly. These
grooves can extend over the entire circumference of the wall region
or only over a partial region of the circumference. The grooves
each have a longitudinal extent, the length of which is symbolized
by the reference sign 11. Preferably, the indentations and/or
protrusions are provided spaced apart from the flange, which is
symbolized by the reference sign 6. The indentations and/or
protrusions can extend into the bottom area 7 or be spaced apart
from it, the spacing being symbolized by the reference sign 9. The
spacing between the indentations and/or protrusions may be the same
or different, which is symbolized by the reference sign 10. As
mentioned above, in the present case the indentations and/or
protrusions are represented as grooves provided relative to the
alignment of the central axis 8 at an angle .alpha. thereto, this
angle .alpha. being greater than 0 and less than 180 degrees so
that the indentations and/or protrusions do not extend parallel to
the central axis. This embodiment of the present invention has the
advantage of achieving an increased stiffness of the wall region of
the basic element and of enhancing the extraction process for
coffee. In the present case, the angle .alpha. is such that the
indentations and/or protrusions are aligned in the direction of
rotation 16 of the portion capsule, as seen from the bottom in the
direction of the flange, which in particular enhances the drainage
of the extraction liquid from the portion capsule, but also results
in a particularly intimate extraction liquid/coffee powder contact.
The grooves can function here as a liquid collection channel which
drains the liquid in the direction of the holes in the cover
film.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows four different cross-sections 17 of the
indentations and/or protrusions 5, in particular of the grooves. It
can be clearly seen that this cross-section is triangular in
embodiment a), rectangular or square in embodiment b), round or
oval in embodiment c) and polygonal in embodiment d). By the
reference signs 12, 13 and 13, 12, respectively, it is symbolized
that the indentations and/or protrusions can be provided both in
the direction of the interior and away therefrom, wherein
indentations embossed in the direction of the interior of the basic
element are preferred
[0042] The indentations and/or protrusions can be produced by deep
drawing or embossing, for example.
[0043] The basic element of the portion capsule is preferably made
of a metallic material, in particular aluminum or an aluminum
alloy. The same applies to the cover film/membrane, wherein this
preferably has an additional sealing layer. The material thickness
of the basic element is preferably greater as the material
thickness of the cover film. The indentations and/or protrusions
can be produced by embossing and/or deep drawing.
[0044] FIGS. 3 and 4 each show a further embodiment of the portion
capsule according to the invention.
[0045] In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, crossing indentations
and/or protrusions, in particular grooves, are provided as
indentations and/or protrusions. These grooves may be provided in a
single row or, as shown in the present case, in multiple rows and
may extend over the entire or only a partial region of the
circumference or height of the basic element.
[0046] FIG. 4 shows a portion capsule in which a golf ball
structure is provided in the wall region of the basic element, in
this case in the form of indentations, i.e. indentations extending
in the direction of the cavity. In the present case, the
indentations are provided equidistantly and/or according to a
repeating pattern. In the present one, the golf ball structure has
been produced with elements having a circular cross-section. The
skilled person will recognize, however, that the cross-section may
also be triangular or polygonal, for example. Diamond-shaped
structures and/or a diamond grid are also feasible. The golf ball
structure does not have to extend over the entire wall region, but
can be provided spaced apart from both the flange and/or the
bottom. The golf ball-like structure imparts increased stiffness to
the basic element of the portion capsule while maintaining the same
material thickness. The golf ball structure can also improve
extraction by improving liquid/solid contact.
[0047] In all embodiments, it is preferred that the indentations
and/or protrusions are provided such that the formed basic element
can be removed from the thermoforming or embossing mold.
Preferably, the indentation and/or protrusion does not have an
undercut.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0048] 1 portion capsule [0049] 2 cover film, membrane [0050] 3
periphery, circumferential periphery, flange [0051] 4 wall region
[0052] 5 indentation, protrusion, groove [0053] 6 spacing between
indentation surface and periphery [0054] 7 bottom area [0055] 8
central axis rotation axis [0056] 9 spacing between indentation
surface and periphery [0057] 10 spacing between two indentations
and/or protrusions [0058] 11 length of an indentation and/or
protrusion [0059] 12 interior of the portion capsule [0060] 13
outer region of the portion capsule [0061] 14 basic element [0062]
15 identifier, barcode [0063] 16 rotation direction of the portion
capsule [0064] 17 cross-section [0065] 18 golf ball structure
* * * * *