Language selection

Search

Patent 2916130 Summary

Third-party information liability

Some of the information on this Web page has been provided by external sources. The Government of Canada is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability or currency of the information supplied by external sources. Users wishing to rely upon this information should consult directly with the source of the information. Content provided by external sources is not subject to official languages, privacy and accessibility requirements.

Claims and Abstract availability

Any discrepancies in the text and image of the Claims and Abstract are due to differing posting times. Text of the Claims and Abstract are posted:

  • At the time the application is open to public inspection;
  • At the time of issue of the patent (grant).
(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2916130
(54) English Title: SINGLE SERVE CAPSULE HAVING A FLUORESCENT AND/OR PHOSPHORESCENT IDENTIFIER
(54) French Title: CAPSULE PORTION AVEC IDENTIFIANT FLUORESCENT ET/OU PHOSPHORESCENT
Status: Deemed Abandoned and Beyond the Period of Reinstatement - Pending Response to Notice of Disregarded Communication
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • B65D 85/804 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • KRUGER, MARC (Germany)
  • EMPL, GUNTER (Germany)
(73) Owners :
  • K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH
(71) Applicants :
  • K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH (Germany)
(74) Agent: SMART & BIGGAR LP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2014-06-18
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2014-12-24
Examination requested: 2015-12-18
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/EP2014/062887
(87) International Publication Number: EP2014062887
(85) National Entry: 2015-12-18

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
10 2013 211 568.7 (Germany) 2013-06-19

Abstracts

English Abstract

The invention relates to a single serve capsule for producing a drink from a drink/food raw material which is provided in the cavity of a main body. The invention also relates to a method for producing a drink.


French Abstract

La présente invention concerne une capsule portion servant à préparer une boisson à partir d'un matériau brut pour boisson/aliment disposé dans la cavité d'une enveloppe. L'invention concerne en outre un procédé de préparation d'une boisson.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


- 20 -
CLAIMS:
1. A single serve capsule for producing a drink from a
drink/food raw material which is provided in the cavity of a
main body, wherein the main body has a fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance which makes it possible to
individualize the respective single serve capsule.
2. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the main body has a wall which is adjoined at its first
end by a bottom and at its second end by a cover, wherein the
fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is provided in the
area of the cover and/or in the area of the bottom.
3. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 2,
wherein the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is
provided only in a sub-region of the cover and/or of the
bottom.
4. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 2 or 3,
wherein the cover is a film, which is connected to the wall.
5. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 4,
wherein the film has at least two film layers.
6. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 4,
wherein the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is
provided between two film layers.
7. The single serve capsule as claimed in any one of
claims 1 to 6, wherein the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substance is printed.

- 21 -
8. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 7,
wherein the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is
printed onto a film layer.
9. The single serve capsule as claimed claim 7 or 8,
wherein the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is at
least partly surrounded by a filling layer.
10. The single serve capsule as claimed in any one of
claims 1 to 9, wherein it has a decorative print.
11. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 10,
wherein the decorative print at least partly covers the
fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance and/or the filling
layer.
12. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 10
or 11, wherein the decorative print is connected to a film
layer.
13. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 12,
wherein an adhesion promoter layer is provided between the
decorative print and the film layer.
14. The single serve capsule as claimed in any one of
claims 1 to 13, wherein it has an axis of rotation and wherein
the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is provided
rotationally symmetrically with respect to this axis of
rotation.
15. The single serve capsule as claimed in any one of
claims 1 to 14, wherein the identifier has two areas that are

- 22 -
spaced apart from each other and are preferably provided
concentrically in relation to each other.
16. The single serve capsule as claimed in claim 15,
wherein the substance is different in the two areas.
17. The single serve capsule as claimed in any one of
claims 1 to 16, wherein the layer thickness of the identifier
is 1-4 pm, preferably 2-3 pm.
18. The single serve capsule as claimed in any one of
claims 1 to 17, wherein the application of the identifier
is 0.5-2 g/m2, preferably 0.8-1.6 g/m2, particularly
preferably 1.0-1.4 g/m2.
19. The single serve capsule as claimed in any one of
claims 1 to 18, wherein it has an identifier which makes it
possible to individualize the respective single serve capsule,
and wherein it has a piercing area which is provided to open
the single serve capsule in order to have liquid flow through
the same, wherein the identifier and the piercing area are
provided such that they at least partly coincide.
20. A single serve capsule for producing a drink from a
drink/food raw material which is provided in the cavity of a
main body, wherein it has an identifier which makes it possible
to individualize the respective single serve capsule, and
wherein it has a piercing area which is provided to open the
single serve capsule in order to have liquid flow through the
same, wherein the identifier and the piercing area are provided
such that they at least partly coincide.

- 23 -
21. The single serve capsule as claimed in any one of
claims 1 to 20, wherein it has an identifier which makes it
possible to individualize the respective single serve capsule,
and wherein it has a piercing area which is provided to open
the single serve capsule in order to have liquid flow through
the same, wherein the identifier and the piercing area are
arranged locally separately from one another.
22. A single serve capsule for producing a drink from a
drink/food raw material which is provided in the cavity of a
main body, wherein it has an identifier which makes it possible
to individualize the respective single serve capsule, and
wherein it has a piercing area which is provided to open the
single serve capsule in order to have liquid flow through the
same, wherein the identifier and the piercing area are arranged
locally separately from one another.
23. The single serve capsule as claimed in any one of
claims 1 to 22, wherein it has an identifier which makes it
possible to individualize the respective single serve capsule,
and wherein the single serve capsule has a cavity in which a
drink/food raw material that has an expiration date is
provided, wherein the identifier is deactivated when the
expiration date passes.
24. A single serve capsule for producing a drink from a
drink/food raw material which is provided in the cavity of a
main body, wherein it has an identifier which makes it possible
to individualize the respective single serve capsule, and
wherein the single serve capsule has a cavity in which a
drink/food raw material that has an expiration date is

- 24 -
provided, wherein the identifier is deactivated when the
expiration date passes.
25. A method for producing a drink or food by using a
single serve capsule in which a drink/food raw material is
provided and which has an identifier which makes it possible to
individualize the respective single serve capsule, the single
serve capsule being pierced in order to produce a drink,
wherein the identifier is at least partly pierced as the
capsule is pierced.
26. A method for producing a drink or food by using a
single serve capsule in which a drink/food raw material is
provided and which has an identifier which makes it possible to
individualize the respective single serve capsule, the single
serve capsule being pierced in order to produce a drink,
wherein the single serve capsule is pierced first and then the
individualization is carried out.
27. The use of a single serve capsule as claimed in any
one of claims 1 to 26 to produce a drink or food.

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CA 02916130 2015-12-18
WO 2014/202694
PCT/EP2014/062887
Single serve capsule having a fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent identifier
The present invention relates to a single serve capsule
for producing a drink from a drink/food raw material,
which is provided in the cavity of a main body.
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method
for producing a drink.
Single serve capsules of this type are sufficiently
well-known and are offered on the market in a large
number of embodiments and are used to produce coffee,
espresso, cappuccino, tea, milk or cocoa drinks or else
other drinks or food such as soups. In order to
be
able to be produced in an automatic machine, these
capsules must all have the same external shape, the
respective production method differing. For example,
the quantity of water and/or the temperature which is
used to produce the respective drink can differ.
Furthermore, the water of the single serve capsule can
be led through the single serve capsule continuously or
intermittently. In order to make it easier for the
customer to produce the respective drink or food, it is
desirable that the automatic machine, for example the
coffee machine, should detect the respective single
serve capsule and automatically select the program
suitable for the production of the drink or food. The
automatic machines which are used to produce the
respective drink or food must be cleaned at regular
intervals, for which purpose cleaning capsules are
available, the external dimensions of which are
identical to the dimensions of the single serve
capsules and through which water likewise flows after
they have been introduced into the automatic machine,
said water dissolving the cleaning substance out of the
capsules and cleaning the brewing chamber of automatic
machine and the downstream lines by using the solution.
Here, it is absolutely necessary to avoid a user, for

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
. .
,
WO 2014/202694 - 2 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
example a child or a visually impaired adult, using the
cleaning capsule to produce a drink and consuming the
latter.
It was therefore the object of the present invention to
provide a single serve capsule which satisfies the
above requirements.
The object is achieved by a single serve capsule for
producing a drink from a drink/food raw material which
is provided in the cavity of a main body, wherein the
main body has a fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substance which makes it possible to individualize the
respective single serve capsule.
The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects
of the present invention and vice versa.
Single serve capsules of this type are generally
inserted into the brewing chamber of an automatic
machine and rinsed through with hot water there. The
water is enriched with an aromatic substance, for
example, which gives rise to a drink to be produced. In
the automatic machine, residues of the respective
drink/food raw material often build up but lime
deposits also arise and water deposits in the form of
steam and/or droplets are formed on the surfaces of the
automatic machine. It was entirely surprising and
unexpected to those skilled in the art that an
identifier of a single serve capsule which is based on
fluorescence and/or phosphorescence functions in such
an environment.
The present invention relates to a single serve capsule
for producing a drink or food which has a cavity in
which there is provided a drink/food raw material,
which is desorbed, extracted and/or dissolved in order

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
. t %
WO 2014/202694 - 3 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
to produce the drink. The drink/food raw material is,
for example, coffee powder, tea leaves, milk powder,
cocoa powder, an instant drink powder, a food
supplement powder or a soup powder. Such a single serve
capsule is produced, for example, from plastic, a
natural substance and/or a biodegradable material and
has a wall, for example a cylindrical, conical, four-
cornered wall, with a first and a second end. A bottom
is provided in the region of the first end and a cover
is provided in the region of the second end. The wall,
the cover and the bottom define the cavity in which the
drink/food raw material is located. In addition, a
filter and/or a liquid distribution system can also be
provided in the cavity. The bottom and the wall are
preferably provided in one piece and are produced, for
example, by deep drawing a film or by injection
molding. After the filling of the cavity, the cover is
fixed, in particular sealed, preferably to the end of
the wall which is opposite to the bottom. For this
purpose, this end of the wall preferably has a flange
with a sealing face. The
cover can be made from a
material that is the same as or different from the wall
and/or the bottom. The main body can be liquid-tight
and/or substantially gas-tight. However, it is also
conceivable for at least some sections of the main body
to be permeable to water.
To produce a drink, the single serve capsule is placed
in an automatic machine and a liquid, in particular hot
water, then flows through the same; in the process this
water is enriched with the desired drink or food
substance and after that is collected in a container.
If appropriate, the single serve capsule is opened at
one or more points, for example by the main body being
perforated. This perforation is preferably carried out
in the area of the cover and/or the bottom.

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
WO 2014/202694 - 4 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
The invention provides for this single serve capsule to
have an identifier which makes it possible to
individualize the respective single serve capsule.
Individualization in the sense of the invention
preferably means that the respective single serve
capsule can be assigned to a group which is suitable
for the production of a drink or food. It is not
necessary for the identifier to disclose which single
serve capsule is specifically involved, i.e. to
contain a serial number or batch number or the like,
but merely to permit the classification of the
respective single serve capsule to a group of single
serve capsules, for example drink/food single serve
capsules or cleaning capsules. Preferably, the
identifier permits differentiation between the
individual drinks and/or types of food, for example
that it is a capsule with which tea, coffee, a milk
drink or the like or a soup can be produced.
Preferably, a sensor/detection means provided on the
automatic machine, for example a coffee machine,
detects this identifier and preferably compares the
same with a stored identifier. The automatic machine,
in particular its pressure pump providing the water,
can then be started up preferably only if the
identifier determined agrees with the reference
identifier of a drink/food single serve capsule.
Otherwise, the coffee machine is not to be started,
since it is to be feared that this is a capsule in
which there is a cleaning agent, for example. In this
case, the automatic machine can be started up, for
example, only if a specific pushbutton combination on
the operating panel of the automatic machine has
previously been pressed. This reliably avoids the
situation in which a cleaning capsule is inadvertently
used for drink production.

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
WO 2014/202694 - 5 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
According to the invention, this identifier is, then, a
fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance.
A fluorescent substance in the sense consists of at
least one molecule having at least one electron which
is excited by electromagnetic radiation, is preferably
released from its orbit and is raised into a preferably
empty, unoccupied orbit with a higher energy content.
As a rule, this excited state is not stable, so that
the electron falls back into its original orbit again
and its energy is at least partly liberated in the form
of electromagnetic radiation. This liberated
electromagnetic radiation is preferably of longer
wavelength than the excitation radiation. In the case
of an identifier which is based on a fluorescent
substance, a sensor receives the liberated radiation
and a linked control system compares the profile and/or
the intensity of this radiation with a stored profile.
If these are at least partly identical, the linked
control system knows that this is a single serve
capsule and not a cleaning capsule and releases the
automatic machine. Alternatively or additionally, the
control system detects the type of single serve capsule
that is involved, for example tea, coffee, milk or the
like, and controls the automatic machine appropriately.
The liberated radiation preferably has at least one
maximum, particularly preferably a plurality of maxima.
The sensor or the linked control system then
investigates whether at least one of these maxima is
present in the received radiation.
A phosphorescent substance in the sense of the
invention consists of at least one molecule having at
least one electron which is excited by electromagnetic
radiation, is preferably released from its orbit and is
raised into a preferably empty, unoccupied orbit with a
higher energy content. As a rule, this excited state is
not stable, so that the electron falls back into its

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
=
WO 2014/202694 - 6 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
original orbit again and its energy is at least partly
liberated in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
This liberated electromagnetic radiation is preferably
of longer wavelength than the excitation radiation. In
the case of a phosphorescent substance, however, the
radiation emission does not end with the end of the
irradiation but decays over a longer time period than
is the case in fluorescence. In the case of an
identifier which is based on a phosphorescent
substance, a sensor receives the liberated radiation
and a linked control system compares this profile with
a stored profile or profile section. The intensity of
this radiation, in particular at a specific frequency,
is preferably compared with a stored profile and/or a
specific value. If these are at least partly identical,
the linked control system knows that this is a single
serve capsule and not a cleaning capsule and releases
the automatic machine. Alternatively or additionally,
the control system detects the type of single serve
capsule that is involved, for example tea, coffee, milk
or the like, and controls the automatic machine
appropriately. The the
sensor or the linked control
system investigates the time interval after which the
original intensity of the radiation has decayed by a
specific percentage and compares the measured value
with a stored value. Alternatively or additionally, the
height of the intensity of the radiation, in particular
at a specific frequency, is investigated after a
specific time period, and this value is compared with a
stored value. If the stored value coincides with the
measured value, the control system releases the
automatic machine or selects a specific preparation
program for the respective drink or food.
The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is
irradiated with a specific electromagnetic radiation
and as and/or after the radiation has been switched
off, the fluorescence and/or phosphorescence is

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
WO 2014/202694 - 7 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
measured. The irradiation can be carried out with one
wavelength or multiple wavelengths. The radiation can
comprise one or more sources which are used
simultaneously or one after another.
There can be one or more sensors which analyze the
radiation emitted by the fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance.
Automatic machine in the sense of the present
application is used as a synonym for any automatic
machine used for the production of a drink or food. A
coffee machine or tea-making machine may be mentioned
merely by way of example.
The detection means which reads the identifier can be
provided in the area of the insertion chute of the
automatic machine for the single serve capsules. In
another preferred embodiment, the detection means is
provided in the area of the brewing chamber.
Alternatively, the identifier prevents insertion of the
single serve capsule into the coffee machine or the
automatic feeding of the single serve capsule to the
coffee machine. Alternatively or additionally, a means,
in particular mechanical means, particularly preferably
one or more gear wheels, is provided in particular in
the insertion chute, preventing a wrong single serve
capsule getting into the coffee machine, in particular
the insertion chute.
Alternatively or additionally, the identifier can be
used to cause the coffee machine to execute a specific
program, i.e. for example to heat the water to a
determined temperature, provide the same at a specific
pressure and/or deliver a specific quantity of water
through the single serve capsule.

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
=
WO 2014/202694 - 8 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
Alternatively or additionally, the identifier serves to
sort the materials from which the single serve capsule
is produced during a subsequent disposal and/or
recycling process.
The main body preferably has a wall which is adjoined
at its first end by a bottom and at its second end by a
cover, wherein the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substance is provided in the area of the cover and/or
in the area of the bottom. Particularly preferably, the
fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is provided
only in a sub-region of the cover and/or of the bottom.
This reduces the production and/or disposal costs.
The cover is preferably a film, which is connected to
the wall. For this purpose, the wall preferably has a
sealing or adhesive face, for example in the form of a
flange, to which the cover film is connected.
The film from which the cover of the single serve
capsule is made preferably has at least two film
layers, which are in particular connected to each
other. The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance
is preferably provided between two of these film
layers. As a result, the fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance is, for example, protected
against environmental influences.
The fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is
preferably applied to the main body, in particular the
cover film, by a printing process. The
fluorescent
and/or phosphorescent substance is preferably printed
onto one of the layers of the cover film. This layer of
the cover film is preferably at least substantially
transparent.
According to a preferred embodiment, the fluorescent
and/or phosphorescent substance is at least partly

CA 029161302015-12-18
WO 2014/202694 - 9 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
surrounded by a filling layer. This filling layer
prevents the cover film having irregularities, since
the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is
particularly preferably not applied to the entire area
of the cover film or of a layer of the cover film.
Particularly preferably, the main body of the single
serve capsule, in particular the cover, has a
decorative print. Particularly preferably, the
fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is applied
at the same time as the application of this decorative
print. In particular, the fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance is the first component which
is printed onto the cover film or one of the film
layers of the latter. It was surprising to those
skilled in the art that the fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance is still detected adequately
by the detection means. Although a decorative print is
present. Furthermore, it was surprising to those
skilled in the art that the quality of the decorative
print is not influenced or is influenced only slightly
by the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance.
Particularly preferably, the decorative print at least
partly covers the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substance and/or the filling layer.
Particularly preferably, the decorative print is
connected to a film layer. Particularly preferably, an
adhesion promoter layer is provided between the
decorative print and the film layer. Very particularly
preferably, this film layer is white.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the cover film further has a barrier
layer. Particularly preferably, this barrier layer is
connected to the decorative layer.

CA 029161302015-12-18
. t
,
WO 2014/202694 - 10 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
The single serve capsule preferably has an axis of
rotation or symmetry. Particularly preferably, the
fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is provided
symmetrically, in particular rotationally symmetrically
to this axis. For example, the identifier is provided
as a circle or as one or more circular rings, the
circle and the circular rings being in particular
provided concentrically in relation to each other.
The identifier preferably has at least two areas that
are spaced apart from each other and are preferably
provided concentrically in relation to each other.
Particularly preferably, the fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance is different in the two areas.
The two areas can be detected by one or more sensors.
The layer thickness of the identifier is preferably
1 - 4 pm, preferably 2 - 3 pm.
The application of the identifier is preferably
0.5 - 2 g/m2, preferably 0.8 - 1.6 g/m2, particularly
preferably 1.0 - 1.4 g/m2 (dry).
The identifier can also be provided on the capsule
body. Here, it can involve coating by varnishing or by
plasma vapor deposition. Likewise, an application of an
in-mold label with appropriate printing is conceivable,
as is the application of a sleeve, in particular in a
sub-area of the cylindrical or conical outer side of
the capsule body which, for example, is connected to
the capsule body in a form-fitting manner via a shrink
tunnel. The coating can be carried out in sub-areas or
on the entire surface of the capsule body.
Furthermore, an additive having the described
properties can be added to the granules of the basic
film for the capsule; in this way, the capsule is given
these properties on the entire surface following the

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
WO 2014/202694 - 11 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
deep drawing. In this way, by means of a "reader" which
detects the signals when the brewing chamber is opened
or closed, possibly also and/or the signal could be
detected and evaluated, in order thus to permit
product-related recognition.
A further inventive or preferred subject of the present
invention is a single serve capsule which has an
identifier which makes it possible to individualize the
respective single serve capsule, wherein the single
serve capsule has a piercing area which is provided to
open the single serve capsule in order to have liquid
flow through the same. According to the invention,
provision is then made for the piercing area and the
identifier to be provided such that they at least
partly coincide.
The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects
of the present invention and vice versa.
This embodiment of the present invention has the
advantage that the identifier is at least partly
destroyed as the single serve capsule is pierced and
consequently cannot be used improperly.
The piercing area is preferably located in the cover
film or on the bottom of the single serve capsule. The
single serve capsule is preferably opened by one or
more piercing pins as a brewing chamber is closed, by
the respective piercing pin penetrating the main body
of the single serve capsule. Here, one or more of these
piercing pins also pierces the identifier and destroys
the latter, at least locally.
A further inventive or preferred subject of the present
invention is a single serve capsule which has an
identifier which makes it possible to individualize the

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
=
WO 2014/202694 - 12 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
respective single serve capsule, wherein the single
serve capsule has a piercing area which is provided to
open the single serve capsule in order to have a liquid
flow through the same. According
to the invention,
provision is then made for the piercing area and the
identifier to be arranged locally separately from one
another.
The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects
of the present invention and vice versa.
This embodiment of the present invention has the
advantage that the identifier is not impaired when the
single serve capsule is pierced.
The piercing area is preferably located in the cover
film or on the bottom of the single serve capsule.
Preferably, the single serve capsule is opened by one
or more piercing pins as a brewing chamber is closed,
by the respective piercing pin penetrating the main
body of the single serve capsule. In this case, the
identifier of the single serve capsule is maintained
undamaged.
A still further inventive or preferred subject of the
present invention is a single serve capsule which has
an identifier which makes it possible to individualize
the respective single serve capsule, wherein the single
serve capsule has a cavity in which a drink/food raw
material that has an expiration date is provided and
the identifier is deactivated when the expiration date
passes.
The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects
of the present invention and vice versa.

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
,
,
WO 2014/202694 - 13 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
Following expiry of the use-by date, the identifier
consequently changes such that no further release of
the automatic machine takes place. This prevents a user
producing a spoiled drink or food.
A still further subject of the present invention is a
method for producing a drink or food by using a single
serve capsule in which a drink/food raw material is
provided and which has an identifier which makes it
possible to individualize the respective single serve
capsule, the single serve capsule being pierced in
order to produce the drink, characterized in that the
identifier is at least partly pierced as the capsule is
pierced.
The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects
of the present invention and vice versa.
A still further subject of the present invention is a
method for producing a drink or food by using a single
serve capsule in which a drink/food raw material is
provided and which has an identifier which makes it
possible to individualize the respective single serve
capsule, wherein the single serve capsule is pierced in
order to produce the drink and the single serve capsule
is pierced first and then the individualization is
carried out.
The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the
present invention applies equally to the other subjects
of the present invention and vice versa.
The method according to the invention has the advantage
that very reproducible conditions are present for the
identifier. For example, a positive pressure that is
present in the single serve capsule and as a result of

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
29732-339
- 14 -
which the cover film bulges can initially at least partly be
dissipated before the identifier is read.
The identifier is preferably not damaged as the single serve
capsule is pierced.
.5 A still further subject of the present invention is the use of
the single serve capsule to produce a hot drink.
The disclosure made in relation to this subject of the present
invention applies equally to the other subjects of the present
invention and vice versa.
In some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided
a single serve capsule for producing a drink from a drink/food
raw material which is provided in the cavity of a main body,
wherein the main body has a fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substance which makes it possible to individualize the
respective single serve.capsule.
=
In some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided
a single serve capsule for producing a drink from a drink/food
raw material which is provided in the cavity of a main-body,
wherein it has an identifier which makes it possible to -
individualize the respective single serve capsule, and wherein
it has a piercing area which is provided to open the single
serve capsule in order to have liquid flow through the same,
wherein the identifier and the piercing area are provided such
that they at least partly coincide.
In some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided
a single serve capsule for producing a drink from a drink/food
raw material which is provided in the cavity of a main body,

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
29732-339
- 14a -
wherein it has an identifier which makes it possible to
individualize the respective single serve capsule, and wherein
it has a piercing area which is provided to open the single
serve capsule in order to have liquid flow through the same,
-5 wherein the identifier and the piercing area are arranged
locally separately from one another.
In some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided
a single serve capsule for producing a drink from a drink/food
raw material which is provided in the cavity of a main body,
wherein it has an identifier which makes it possible to
individualize the respective single serve capsule, and wherein
the single serve capsule has a cavity in which a drink/food raw
material that has an expiration date is provided, wherein the
identifier is deactivated when the expiration date passes.
In some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided
= a method for producing a drink or food by using a single serve
capsule in which a drink/food raw material is provided and
which has an identifier which makes it possible to
individualize the respective single serve capsule, the single
serve capsule being pierced in order to produce a drink,
wherein the identifier is at least partly pierced as the
capsule is pierced.
In some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided
a method for producing a drink or food by using a single serve
capsule in which a drink/food raw material is provided and
which has an identifier which makes it possible to
individualize the respective single serve capsule, the single
serve capsule being pierced in order to produce a drink,

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
29732-339
- 14b -
wherein the single serve capsule is pierced first and then the
individualization is carried out.
In some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided
the use of a single serve capsule as'described above to produce
a drink or food.
The invention will be explained below by using the figures 1-9.
These explanations do not restrict the general idea of the
invention. The explanations apply equally to all the subjects
of the present invention.
Figure 1 shows a single serve capsule
Figures 2 - 4 show identifiers
Figure 5 shows the piercing area of the single serve
capsule
Figures 6 and 7 show a main body having a plurality of film
layers
Figures 8 and 9 show the fluorescence and phosphorescence
of an identifier
Figure 10 shows a single serve capsule and a
detector.
Figure 1 shows a single serve capsule 1 which has a base
element 2 with a wall 2.1. A bottom is provided at the first
end 2.2 of the wall here, and a cover is provided at the second
end 2.4 of the wall here. In the

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
WO 2014/202694 - 15 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
present case, the cover is fixed, here sealed, to an
edge region 2.3 which adjoins the wall 2.1. The wall
2.1, the bottom 2.2 and the flange 2.3 are provided in
one piece in the present case. The wall 2.1, the bottom
2.2 and the cover 2.4 define a cavity, in which a
drink/food raw material and possibly an installation
element can be provided. After it has been filled, said
cavity is closed by the cover 2.4. The cover
and/or
the bottom can be designed to be liquid-tight or
liquid-permeable. In the first case, the single serve
capsule must be opened, for example pierced, before the
production of the drink. The single serve capsule, for
example a coffee capsule, is inserted into a brewing
chamber in which a liquid, for example water, flows
through the same. In the process, the drink raw
material is extracted, desorbed and/or dissolved and,
as a result, the desired drink, here coffee or
espresso, is produced.
According to the invention, this single serve capsule
then has an identifier, with which it can be
established whether the respective single serve capsule
is suitable for the production of a drink or food in an
automatic machine and/or how the process parameters
have to be set.
This identifier is a fluorescent and/or phosphorescence
substance 6 which, in the present case, is provided on
the cover 2.4 of the single serve capsule. The
fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance is
irradiated by using an electromagnetic radiation source
and in the process and/or thereafter the radiation
emitted by the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substance is analyzed by a sensor, which will be
explained by using figures 8 and 9. The analyzed values
are compared with reference values and, in accordance
with this comparison, the automatic machine is either

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
WO 2014/202694 - 16 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
started up or not and/or specific process parameters
are set.
In the present case, the single serve capsule is
provided rotationally symmetrically with respect to the
line of symmetry 4.
As can be gathered from figures 2 - 4, the identifier
can be provided, for example, as a circular area and/or
as a circular ring. The identifier is preferably in
each case provided rotationally symmetrically with
respect to the line of symmetry 4. For the case in
which two identifier areas 6 are provided, for example
a circular area and a circular ring or two circular
rings, these preferably have different fluorescent
and/or phosphorescent substances and/or different
concentrations, so that the electromagnetic radiation
respectively emitted by these two areas differs. One or
more areas can be analyzed for the identifier.
Figure 5 shows the cover of a single serve capsule
which has to be opened, for example pierced, before the
production of the drink or food. For this purpose, at
least one piercing area 7 is provided, in which the
automatic machine pierces the single serve capsule. In
the present case, the piercing area and the area in
which the identifier is provided cover each other, so
that the identifier is destroyed locally in the
piercing area(s). Alternatively or additionally, the
piercing area is specifically provided such that the
identifier is not damaged during piercing.
In figures 6 and 7, a main body of the single serve
capsule, here a cover film 5, which consists of a
plurality of film layers, is provided. The designation
8 symbolizes the environment of the single serve
capsule and the designation 3 symbolizes the capsule
interior. In the present case, the identifier 6 is

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
WO 2014/202694 - 17 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
applied by a printing process to the film layer 9,
which in the present case is preferably provided so as
to be transparent. In the present case, two identifier
areas 6 are applied, being provided at a distance from
each other.
The single serve capsule preferably also has a
decorative print. Preferably,
the fluorescent and/or
phosphorus substance and the decorative print are
applied to the film layer 9 in a printing process,
wherein the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent substance
6 is applied first and then the decorative print 11.
The colors gold, silver and metallic colors should
preferably be avoided as decorative printing inks.
Furthermore, carbon inks are preferably to be avoided
as a decorative print.
In the present case, the decorative print is covered by
a further film layer 10, in particular a white film
layer. A gas barrier can also be provided as an
additional film layer. The film layers are preferably
connected to each other via an adhesion promoter layer.
In the structure according to figure 7, reference can
be made substantially to the explanations according to
figure 6; in the present case a filling layer 12 is
present between the fluorescent and/or phosphorescent
substance 6 and/or around the latter on the outside, in
order if necessary to compensate for irregularities
which turn out to be too high.
Figures 8 and 9 show the functioning of the identifier
according to the invention. The fluorescent and/or
phosphorescent substance 6 is irradiated with an
electromagnetic radiation 14 with a wavelength A0 and
consequently excited, and emits the electromagnetic
radiation 15 which, overall, has a different wavelength

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
WO 2014/202694 - 18 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
than the excitation radiation. For example, in the
emitted electromagnetic radiation there are three peaks
at the wavelengths Al - A3. In the case
of the
fluorescence, a sensor investigates, for example,
whether there is a peak at the wavelengths A1 - A3
and/or what intensity the emitted radiation has at the
wavelengths Al- A3.
In the case of a phosphorescent substance, as soon as
the radiation 14 is switched off, the emitted radiation
decays over a certain time period, which is
illustrated in figure 9, in which the intensity I is
plotted against time for three wavelengths Al - A3. A
sensor investigates, for example, the time t after
15 which the radiation intensity I at the wavelengths Al -
A3 has decayed to x96.
The measured values are compared with stored values
and, if these agree, the automatic machine is released
to produce a drink or food or a specific production
method is selected. If the measured values do not agree
with the stored values, this is, for example, a
cleaning capsule which has no identifier. The
production of a drink consequently does not take place.
Figure 13 shows the arrangement of the sensor and the
radiation source 13 for the case in which the
identifier is provided in or on the cover film. The
distance between the sensor and the radiation source is
preferably always constant and preferably as low as
possible. The respective measurement is preferably
carried out under at least reduced daylight.

CA 02916130 2015-12-18
= ,
WO 2014/202694 - 19 -
PCT/EP2014/062887
List of designations
1 Single serve capsule
2 Main body
2.1 Wall
2.2 First end, bottom
2.3 Edge region, flange
2.4 Second end, cover
3 Cavity
4 Axis of rotation
5 Film, cover film
6 Identifier
7 Piercing area
8 Environment
9 First film layer, outer layer
10 Second film layer, inner layer
11 Decorative print
12 Filling layer
13 Sensor, radiation source
14 Excitation
15 Emission
I Intensity
t Time
A Wavelength

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

2024-08-01:As part of the Next Generation Patents (NGP) transition, the Canadian Patents Database (CPD) now contains a more detailed Event History, which replicates the Event Log of our new back-office solution.

Please note that "Inactive:" events refers to events no longer in use in our new back-office solution.

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Event History , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Event History

Description Date
Application Not Reinstated by Deadline 2018-05-17
Inactive: Dead - No reply to s.30(2) Rules requisition 2018-05-17
Deemed Abandoned - Failure to Respond to Maintenance Fee Notice 2017-06-19
Inactive: Abandoned - No reply to s.30(2) Rules requisition 2017-05-17
Inactive: S.30(2) Rules - Examiner requisition 2016-11-17
Inactive: Report - QC passed 2016-11-15
Maintenance Request Received 2016-06-09
Inactive: Cover page published 2016-02-23
Letter Sent 2016-01-06
Application Received - PCT 2016-01-06
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2016-01-06
Inactive: IPC assigned 2016-01-06
Inactive: Acknowledgment of national entry - RFE 2016-01-06
Request for Examination Requirements Determined Compliant 2015-12-18
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2015-12-18
All Requirements for Examination Determined Compliant 2015-12-18
National Entry Requirements Determined Compliant 2015-12-18
Application Published (Open to Public Inspection) 2014-12-24

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2017-06-19

Maintenance Fee

The last payment was received on 2016-06-09

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
  • the late payment fee; or
  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

Patent fees are adjusted on the 1st of January every year. The amounts above are the current amounts if received by December 31 of the current year.
Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Fee History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Paid Date
Basic national fee - standard 2015-12-18
Request for examination - standard 2015-12-18
MF (application, 2nd anniv.) - standard 02 2016-06-20 2016-06-09
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH
Past Owners on Record
GUNTER EMPL
MARC KRUGER
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

To view selected files, please enter reCAPTCHA code :



To view images, click a link in the Document Description column (Temporarily unavailable). To download the documents, select one or more checkboxes in the first column and then click the "Download Selected in PDF format (Zip Archive)" or the "Download Selected as Single PDF" button.

List of published and non-published patent-specific documents on the CPD .

If you have any difficulty accessing content, you can call the Client Service Centre at 1-866-997-1936 or send them an e-mail at CIPO Client Service Centre.

({010=All Documents, 020=As Filed, 030=As Open to Public Inspection, 040=At Issuance, 050=Examination, 060=Incoming Correspondence, 070=Miscellaneous, 080=Outgoing Correspondence, 090=Payment})


Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Description 2015-12-17 19 734
Claims 2015-12-17 5 141
Drawings 2015-12-17 4 37
Abstract 2015-12-17 1 5
Representative drawing 2015-12-17 1 3
Description 2015-12-18 21 811
Claims 2015-12-18 5 163
Acknowledgement of Request for Examination 2016-01-05 1 176
Notice of National Entry 2016-01-05 1 202
Reminder of maintenance fee due 2016-02-21 1 110
Courtesy - Abandonment Letter (R30(2)) 2017-06-27 1 164
Courtesy - Abandonment Letter (Maintenance Fee) 2017-07-30 1 172
National entry request 2015-12-17 3 69
Voluntary amendment 2015-12-17 11 377
International Preliminary Report on Patentability 2015-12-17 6 166
International search report 2015-12-17 4 119
Amendment - Abstract 2015-12-17 1 59
Maintenance fee payment 2016-06-08 2 82
Examiner Requisition 2016-11-16 5 332