Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
KR00108-WO 1
SPECIFICATION
Title
Single serve capsule for preparing a beverage with the aid of a beverage
preparation machine,
and use of a single serve capsule
Prior art
The present invention proceeds from a single serve capsule for preparing a
beverage with the
aid of a beverage preparation machine, the single serve capsule having a base
element with a
cavity for receiving a beverage raw material, and a capsule lid which closes
the cavity; the base
element comprising a capsule base, an encircling flange, and a capsule wall
which extends from
the capsule base to the encircling flange; the capsule lid being fastened to
the flange; the single
serve capsule having in particular a feature which is optically detectable by
a detector of the
beverage preparation machine.
Such single serve capsules are known from the prior art. For example,
publication
WO 2016/186 488 Al discloses such a generic single serve capsule. This single
serve capsule
is provided to be placed in a brewing chamber in which the single serve
capsule is perforated so
as to direct brewing liquid in the form of pressurized hot water into the
cavity. A beverage is
created as a result of the interaction between the introduced water and the
beverage raw
material, in particular roasted and ground coffee, the beverage exiting the
single serve capsule
by way of further perforated locations and making its way into a vessel.
For each single serve capsule there is typically a matching beverage
preparation machine which
is optimized for preparing beverages based on the matching single serve
capsule. For the
avoidance of malfunctions, it has proven successful to provide single serve
capsules of this type
with detectable features that are optically readable by a machine in such a
way that a verification
as to whether the inserted single serve capsule is compatible with the machine
can take place
prior to the beginning of the brewing process. Optionally, a matching brewing
program for the
beverage raw material located in the single serve capsule can moreover be
started.
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 2
From publications EP 3 023 362 B1, WO 2020/201 487 Al and US 10 800 600 B2 it
is known to
print such optically detectable features in the form of bar codes or binary
codes onto the flange
of the capsule.
Disclosure of the invention
It is an object of the present invention to make available a single serve
capsule having an
optically detectable feature (hereunder also referred to only as feature) of
the type mentioned at
the outset, which represents an improvement in comparison to the solutions
known from the
cited prior art. It is the intention in particular that the reliability in
terms of reading the detectable
feature by the detector of the beverage preparation machine is increased, and
the sensitivity of
the detectable feature in relation to damage (scratching) due to external
forces acting thereon
during transport or storage of the single serve capsules is reduced. It is
furthermore an objective
to lower the production costs, the production time and/or the weight of the
single serve capsule.
The object of the present invention is achieved by a single serve capsule as
claimed in claim 1.
Advantageous design embodiments and refinements of the invention can be
derived from the
dependent claims and the following description with reference to the drawings.
Disclosed is a single serve capsule, for preparing a beverage with the aid of
a beverage
preparation machine, the single serve capsule having a base element with a
cavity for receiving
a beverage raw material, and a capsule lid which closes the cavity; the base
element
comprising a capsule base, an encircling flange and a capsule wall which
extends from the
capsule base to the encircling flange; the capsule lid being fastened to the
flange; the single
serve capsule having a feature which is optically detectable in particular by
a detector of the
beverage preparation machine; the flange being at least in part configured to
be optically
transparent, and the optically detectable feature being disposed in the region
of the optically
transparent flange. The optically detectable feature is therefore
advantageously protected
against external mechanical forces, that is to say in particular against
scratching, in that the
optically detectable feature is disposed beneath the transparent flange
region. At the same
time, machine reading is possible in the brewing chamber since the flange
region is constructed
to be transparent to optical light. The explanations hereunder pertaining to
preferred
refinements of this single serve capsule optionally also apply to all other
single serve capsules
disclosed in this description.
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 3
It is preferably provided that the optically detectable feature is disposed
between the optically
transparent flange and the capsule lid.
It is preferably provided that the optically detectable feature is disposed,
in particular imprinted,
on a side of the capsule lid facing the optically transparent flange.
It is preferably provided that the optically detectable feature is disposed in
a peripheral region of
the capsule lid in terms of a plane of main extent of the capsule lid.
It is preferably provided that the optically detectable feature is disposed,
in particular imprinted,
on a side of the optically transparent flange facing the capsule lid.
It is preferably provided that the single serve capsule has a ring, wherein
the optically detectable
feature is disposed, in particular imprinted, on the ring, wherein the ring is
disposed between the
flange and the capsule lid.
It is preferably provided that the base element is configured so as to be
completely optically
transparent.
It is preferably provided that the base element is constructed in two parts,
of a base part and a
flange part, wherein only the flange part is configured to be optically
transparent, wherein the
base part and the flange part are connected to one another.
Alternatively, it is provided that the flange has regions of dissimilar
transparency. These regions
herein are in particular configured to be dissimilarly translucent in such a
manner that a
machine-readable code, in particular a bar code or bit code is derived from
the different regions.
It is conceivable that transitions between the different regions run along a
radial direction in
terms of the central rotational symmetry axis of the single serve capsule. In
principle, it would
be possible for there to be only two regions of dissimilar transparencies or
translucencies, which
can be optically distinguished from one another by a detector in the beverage
preparation
machine and thus represent a bar code with dissimilar wide lines, or a bit
code.
It is preferably provided that the optically detectable feature is a machine-
readable code,
preferably a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional bit code or bar code.
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 4
A further subject matter of the present invention is the use of the
abovementioned single serve
capsule according to the invention for preparing a beverage with the aid of a
beverage
preparation machine.
It goes without saying that the above explanations pertaining to various
single serve capsules
are also to be understood in combination with one another.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided
that the base
element is made integrally of aluminum and/or plastics material. The base
element is preferably
produced by cold or hot forming, in particular deep drawing. The design
embodiment of the base
element with a cavity is preferably generated by thermoforming, for example
deep drawing by
means of negative pressure, positive pressure and/or a movable ram. The base
element is
preferably configured as a deep-drawn aluminum part. Alternatively, it would
however also be
conceivable that the base element is configured from polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene (PP),
polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively,
the single serve
capsule is produced by means of injection molding methods, in particular by
the single-
component, multi-component or in-mold method.
The base element is preferably of a frustoconical, conical, cylindrical,
spherical, hemispherical,
elliptic, or partially elliptic configuration. The base element is preferably
of a rigid or semi-rigid
configuration. The cavity formed by the base element serves for receiving
beverage raw
material, for example roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate
powder, tea blends, milk
powder and/or the like. The lid film is in particular of a planer or almost
planar configuration, at
least immediately after closing the filled single serve capsule with the lid
film. Any crownings of
the lid film over time by gas emissions of coffee powder do not preclude the
lid film being planar
in the context of the present invention because these crownings typically
occur only at some
time after filling the single serve capsule.
The lid film preferably comprises an aluminum foil or a plastic/aluminum
composite film, or a
plastic film, or a multi-layer plastic film. It is conceivable that the single
serve capsule is
configured to be rotationally symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. The
longitudinal axis thus
forms a central axis of rotational symmetry which runs centrically through the
single serve
capsule and therefore, in particular, substantially perpendicularly to a plane
of main extent of the
lid film. The flange of the base element preferably runs at an angle between
70 and 110
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 5
degrees, particularly preferably from 80 to 100 degrees, and most particularly
preferably of
substantially 90 degrees, in relation to the axis of rotational symmetry. The
flange is configured
to be encircling, in particular closed in an encircling manner. The free outer
end of the flange
preferably has a bead, a flanging, or a so-called crimped rim, so as to avoid
injury to the user on
the sharp-edged end.
The single serve capsule can contain one or a plurality of beverage
substances. The one or the
plurality of beverage substances may be a liquid, a sirup, a solid, a powder,
coffee or cocoa
grounds, tea leaves, or a combination thereof. The one or the plurality of
beverage substances
can be diluted or extracted in a beverage preparation machine and/or a
beverage system in
order to prepare a beverage.
The single serve capsule can comprise each of the optically detectable
features and/or elements
described and/or depicted herein. Each of the features and/or elements
described herein can be
combined for producing a single serve capsule. Each of the features and/or
elements described
herein can be duplicated in order to produce a single serve capsule. Each of
the features and/or
elements described herein can be eliminated or omitted in order to produce a
single serve
capsule. Each of the features disclosed herein can be rearranged on each of
the elements or
surfaces listed herein. For example, a feature or element which is said to be
located on the
flange of the single serve capsule may additionally or alternatively be
disposed on the lid or the
base element.
The single serve capsule can have a body or a base element. The body or the
base element can
be a container, or form one or a plurality of cavities in which the beverage
substance and/or one
or a plurality of elements are received and/or stored. The body or the base
element can have a
lateral wall with radiused, curved or hemispherical surfaces. The body or the
base element can
have a lateral wall with rectilinear, flat or tapered faces. The body or the
base element can have
a lateral wall with surfaces that form a hemisphere, a dome, a cone, or a
truncated cone. The
base element can have a base area. The base area can be radiused or be
hemispherical. The
base area can be generally flat or planar. The base area can have one or a
plurality of
concavities. If the base has more than one depression, the two or more
depressions can be
concentric or lie in one another. The base area can be angled or inclined in
relation to the lateral
wall.
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 6
The single serve capsule can have a flange. The flange and the base element
can be composed
of one or a plurality of integral materials. The flange and the base element
can be formed from
one or a plurality of separate materials and then be connected to one another
by a joining
process. For example, the flange and the base element can be connected using
an adhesive, a
seal, or any other suitable connecting method. The flange can be composed of
the same
material as the base element and/or the lid. The flange can be composed of a
different material
than the base element and/or the lid. The flange can have an annular shape
which extends at
least partially about the entire circumference of the base element. In
specific embodiments, the
flange can however extend only about part of the circumference of the base
element. In some
cases, the flange can be composed of two or more tabs which extend from the
base element.
The flange can extend or project outward from the base element or the lateral
wall of the base
element. The flange can extend at an angle from the base element in such a way
that an angle
between the upper face of the flange and the lateral wall of the capsule is an
acute angle (of less
than 90 degrees). The flange can extend at an angle from the base element in
such a way that
an angle between the upper side of the flange and the lateral wall of the
capsule is an obtuse
angle (of less than 90 degrees). The flange can extend at an angle from the
base element in
such a way that an angle between the upper side of the flange and the lateral
wall of the capsule
is approximately a right angle (of approximately 90 degrees).
The flange can be located on the upper side of the base element. The flange
can be located on
the lower side of the base element. The flange can be located in a region
between the lower
surface and the lower surface of the base element. The flange can be located
closer to the
upper side than the lower side of the base element, or vice versa.
The single serve capsule can be provided with a lid (also referred to as the
capsule lid). The lid
can close or seal the cavity or the base element once the beverage ingredient
has been added
or incorporated in the cavity. The lid can generate an air-tight or hermetic
seal so as to maintain
the freshness of the beverage ingredient. The lid can cause a seal that is not
air-tight or
hermetic. The lid can generate a seal in such a way that air and moisture can
be prevented from
invading the cavity or the capsule, and/or from leaving the latter. The lid
can be fastened to the
single serve capsule, to the base element, to the upper side of the base
element, to the lower
side of the base element, to the flange, to the upper side of the flange, to
the lower side of the
flange, or to a combination thereof. The lid can be attached by adhesive
bonding, welding, or
any other suitable fastening method or device. The lid can be composed of the
same material as
the base element and/or the flange. The lid can be produced from a different
material than the
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 7
base element and/or the flange. The lid, the flange and/or the base element
can be composed of
one or a plurality of integral materials. The lid, the flange and/or the base
element can be
composed of one or a plurality of separate materials and then be connected to
one another by a
joining process. For example, the lid, the flange and/or the base element can
be connected
using an adhesive, a seal, a welding method, or any other suitable connecting
method.
The single serve capsule, the body or the base element, the flange and/or the
lid can be
composed of a material which is suitable for preparing a beverage and/or for
storing ingredients
for the beverage preparation. The single serve capsule, the base element, the
flange and/or the
lid can be produced from a metal. The single serve capsule, the base element,
the flange and/or
the lid can be composed of a non-metallic material. The single serve capsule,
the base element,
the flange and/or the lid can be produced from a recycled material. The single
serve capsule, the
base element, the flange and/or the lid can be produced from a recyclable
material. The single
serve capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be produced
from a biologically
decomposable material. The single serve capsule, the base element, the flange
and/or the lid
can be produced from a paper material. The single serve capsule, the base
element, the flange
and/or the lid can be produced from a compostable material. The single serve
capsule, the base
element, the flange and/or the lid can be produced from a cellulosic material.
The singe serve
capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be produced from a
material containing
polylactic acid. The single serve capsule, the base element, the flange and/or
the lid can be
produced from a material which is more or less resistant to deformation,
decomposition and
collapsing at temperatures of up to at least 120 C. The single serve capsule,
the base element,
the flange and/or the lid can be produced from a material harvested from corn.
The single serve
capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be produced from a
plant-based
material. The single serve capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the
lid can be produced
from a material which is free of polystyrene. The single serve capsule, the
base element, the
flange and/or the lid can be produced from a food-safe material. The single
serve capsule, the
base element, the flange and/or the lid can be produced by injection-molding,
thermoforming,
drawing, or the like. The base element, the flange and/or the lid can be
laminated. The single
serve capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be produced
from an electrically
conductive material. The single serve capsule, the base element, the flange
and/or the lid can be
produced from an electrically non-conducting material. The single serve
capsule, the base
element, the flange and/or the lid can be produced from a woven fabric
material. The single
serve capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can be produced
from a rubber
material. The single serve capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the
lid can be produced
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 8
from a plastics material. The single serve capsule, the base element, the
flange and/or the lid
can be produced from aluminum. The single serve capsule, the base element, the
flange and/or
the lid can be composed of a material that is elastic or deformable. The base
element, the flange
and/or the lid can be composed of a deformable material which can withstand
various liquid
temperatures (hot and cold) and pressures without being damaged (i.e. without
the base
element, the flange and/or the lid rupturing or breaking in undesirable
regions). The single serve
capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the lid can have generally
identical wall
thicknesses. The single serve capsule, the base element, the flange and/or the
lid can have
different wall thicknesses. For example, the single serve capsule, the base
element, the flange
and/or the lid can have a thicker wall thickness in specific regions so as to
prevent destruction of
the single serve capsule during handling and/or use.
The single serve capsule can have one or a plurality of capsule features. The
one or the plurality
of capsule features can be one or a plurality of protrusions, ridges,
elevations and/or convexities
which extend away from the external face of the base element, or protrude
beyond the latter.
The one capsule feature, or the capsule features, can be one or a plurality of
channels, grooves,
depressions, troughs or concavities which extend from the external face into
the base element,
or project into the latter. The one capsule feature, or the capsule features,
can extend about the
entire circumference of the body or of the base element. The one capsule
feature, or the plurality
of capsule features, can also extend only about part, or a region, of the
circumference of the
body or of the base element. The one surface capsule feature, or the plurality
of surface capsule
features, can extend continuously about the body or the base element. The one
capsule feature,
or the plurality of capsule features, can extend in an intermittent manner
(beginning and end)
about the body or the base element. The one capsule feature, or the plurality
of capsule
features, can be located only on the base element. The one capsule feature, or
the plurality of
capsule features, can be located only on the lid. The one capsule feature, or
the plurality of
capsule features, can be disposed only on the flange. The one capsule feature,
or the plurality of
capsule features, may not be located on the bode, the flange, the lid, or a
combination thereof.
The one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can be located
on the internal face
of the base element. The one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule
features, can be
disposed on the external face of the base element. The one capsule feature, or
the plurality of
capsule features, can be disposed on the upper side of the flange, the lower
side of the flange,
the lateral face of the flange, or a combination thereof. The one capsule
feature, or the plurality
of capsule features, can be one or a plurality of rings which extend about the
entire
circumference, or part of the circumference, of the single serve capsule. The
one or the plurality
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 9
of features of the single serve capsule can be diagonal, or extend along a
diagonal or at an
angle relative to a central longitudinal axis of the single serve capsule. The
one capsule feature,
or the plurality of capsule features, can have irregular shapes such as
scrolls and twirls. The one
capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can be vertically
aligned (from the upper
side to the lower side of the base element). The one capsule feature, or the
plurality of capsule
features, can extend on the flange (upper side, lower side and/or lateral face
of the flange). The
one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, may not extend on
the flange. The one
capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can extend from the
flange to the base area
of the base element. The one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule
features, can extend
from the flange in the direction of the base area of the base element, but
must not extend to the
base area. The one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can
extend from the
lower surface of the base element to the upper surface of the base element,
but must not extend
to the upper surface. The spacing between the adjacent capsule features can be
uniform. In
other words, the spacing between some or all capsule features can be
substantially identical.
The spacing between adjacent capsule features can be dissimilar. In other
words, the spacing
between some or all capsule features can be dissimilar. The one capsule
feature, or the plurality
of capsule features, can have a zebra shape, or a printed zebra pattern. This
can mean that the
one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, extend along at
least part of the (or the
entire) body or base element, lid and/or flange. The one capsule feature, or
the plurality of
capsule features, can fade or be less visible in specific regions, while they
are more intense or
better visible in other regions. For example, the visibility of the one
capsule feature, or of the
plurality of capsule features, can vary. For example, the depth of a
depression or groove may
become flatter or deeper in specific regions of the base element, of the lid
and/or of the flange.
For example, the height or the protrusion of a rib or of a ridge may be larger
or smaller in specific
regions of the base element, of the flange and/or of the lid than in other
regions of the base
element, of the flange and/or of the lid.
The one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can be located
only on the external
face of the lateral wall or of the body. The one capsule feature, or the
plurality of capsule
features, can be located only on the internal face of the lateral wall or of
the body. The one
capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can be located on the
internal face as well
as on the external face of the lateral wall or of the body. The one capsule
feature, or the plurality
of capsule features, located on the external surface, can correspond to the
one capsule feature,
or the plurality of capsule features, located on the internal face of the
capsule body. For
example, a groove on the external face of the capsule body can form a rib or a
protrusion on the
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 10
internal face of the lateral wall, or vice versa. For example, a groove on the
upper side of the
flange or lid can form a rib or a protrusion on the lower side of the flange
or lid, or vice versa.
The one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, located on an
internal face or in the
interior of the cavity can serve for varying or interrupting the liquid stream
of the beverage into
and/or through the base element. The one capsule feature, or the plurality of
capsule features,
can serve to cause or generate a turbulent liquid stream into and/or through
the capsule. The
one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can serve to cause
or generate a
laminar liquid stream into and/or through the capsule. The one capsule
feature, or the plurality of
capsule features, can serve to cause the liquid to swirl into and/or through
the capsule. The one
capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can cause the liquid
flowing in and through
the capsule to move upward and/or downward so as the extract and/or dissolve
the beverage
component in the capsule.
The single serve capsule can be coated with an ink, with a material that
imparts a metallic
appearance to the single serve capsule and can be produced from an ink or
metallic flakes or
metallic particles or pigments. The particles can be suspended or dispersed in
an aqueous
medium and then be applied to the base element, the lid and/or the flange. In
order to provide
the metallic appearance, it is possible that the particles or pigments are
incorporated in the
plastics material when the plastics material is in a fused or softened state.
For example, an
aluminum flake material can be added to the plastics material so as to impart
the latter a unique
appearance, and/or to hide production swirls or defects which as a result of
The one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can be
configured integrally on the
capsule body or the base, the lid and/or the flange. The one capsule feature,
or the plurality of
capsule features, can be added to the capsule body or the base, the lid and/or
the flange. The
one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can be printed on
or attached to the
capsule body or the base, the lid and/or the flange. The one capsule feature,
or the plurality of
capsule features, can be molded or produced from the same material as the
capsule body, the
flange and/or the lid. The one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule
features, can be
molded or produced from a different material than the capsule body, the flange
and/or the lid.
The one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can be printed,
embossed, etched,
adhesively bonded or attached on or to the capsule body, the flange and/or the
lid.
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR001 08-WO 11
The one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can be
adhesively bonded or
welded to the capsule base, or fastened to the latter in another way.
The one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features, can also be the
one or the plurality
of optically identifiable features. In this context, the one capsule feature,
or the plurality of
capsule features, can serve for one or a plurality of purposes or functions
disclosed herein.
Alternatively, the one capsule feature, or the plurality of capsule features,
can fulfil only the
function or the purpose of an optically identifiable feature.
The single serve capsule can have one or a plurality of optically identifiable
features. The one
optically identifiable feature, or the plurality of optically identifiable
features, can be located on
the singe serve capsule, the body or the base element, the lateral wall, the
external face of the
lateral wall, the internal face of the lateral wall, the flange, the upper
side of the flange, the lower
side of the flange, the lateral face of the flange, the lid, the upper side of
the lid, the lower side of
the lid, the lateral face of the lid, or a combination thereof.
The one optically detectable feature, or the plurality of optically detectable
features, can be read,
detected, recognized and/or identified by one or a plurality of detectors of
the beverage machine
and/or of the system. The one detector, or the plurality of detectors, can be
one or a plurality of
lasers, lights, light curtains, scanners, readers, eyes, cameras, bar code
readers, bit code
readers, or a combination thereof. Once the single serve capsule has been
introduced into the
beverage machine, the one or the plurality of detectors can be disposed above
the single serve
capsule, below the single serve capsule, beside the single serve capsule, or a
combination
thereof. The one detector, or the plurality of detectors, can contain one or a
plurality of
processors, memories, programs, hard drives, RAMs, or other computer hardware
and software,
or be electronically connected thereto. The one detector, or the plurality of
detectors, can
function in such a way that they read or identify the one or the plurality of
optically identifiable
features, and/or correlate the latter with one or a plurality of stored
references. One of the read
optically identifiable feature, or a plurality of the read optically
identifiable features, can be stored
on a hard drive, in a memory, or in a cloud of the detector, of the beverage
machine, or in both.
The one detector, or the plurality of detectors, can function in such a way
that they read or
identify the one or the plurality of optically identifiable features, and/or
correlate the latter with
one or a plurality of stored references so as to determine the type of single
serve capsule. For
example, the one detector, or the plurality of detectors, can recognize
whether the single serve
capsule contains coffee, expresso, cocoa, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage
ingredients, or
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 12
ingredients for cleaning the machine. For example, the one detector, or the
plurality of detectors,
can recognize whether the single serve capsule requires warm, cold or ambient
water, or any
other liquid (milk, juice, etc.), in order to prepare the desired beverage.
For example, the
detector or detectors can ascertain the machine parameters for preparing the
desired or
intended beverage, such as, for example, the liquid temperature, the liquid
pressure, the liquid
quantity, the heating or cooling time and/or temperature, whether additional
ingredients or liquids
have to be mixed with the beverage, or whether said additional ingredients or
liquids have to run
through the single serve capsule. The one detector, or the plurality of
detectors, can be capable
of identifying the machine parameters for cleaning the beverage machine when
the detector
recognizes that the capsule is specified for cleaning the machine. The one
detector, or the
plurality of detectors, can function in such a way that they recognize an
incompatible optically
detectable feature when a single serve capsule that is not intended for use in
the machine is
introduced into the machine. This can advantageously prevent errors from
occurring, the
machine being damaged, and/or an operator or bystander being injured.
The one optically identifiable feature, or the plurality of optically
identifiable features, can be one
or more of the following: colors, patterns, logos, bar codes (two-dimensional
and/or three-
dimensional), bit codes, binary codes, depressions, notches, elevations,
protrusions, elevations.
The one optically identifiable feature, or the plurality of optically
identifiable features, can be
visible to the human eye. The one optically identifiable feature, or the
plurality of optically
identifiable features, can be invisible to the human eye. The one optically
identifiable feature, or
the plurality of optically identifiable features, can comprise ribs,
protrusions, elevations, studs,
spacers, barbs, openings, holes, depressions, grooves and depressions. The one
optically
identifiable feature, or the plurality of optically identifiable features, can
be one or a plurality of
images, lines or grooves. The one optically identifiable feature, or the
plurality of optically
identifiable features, can be flat or one-dimensional. The one optically
identifiable feature, or the
plurality of optically identifiable features, can be three-dimensional.
The beverage machine can contain one or a plurality of detectors. The one
detector, or the
plurality of detectors, can be electrically connected (by wire or wirelessly)
to a system network.
The one detector, or the plurality of detectors, can transmit information
pertaining to the use of
the single serve capsule in the machine to the system network. The items of
information can be
collected from one or a plurality of optically identifiable features and/or
the machine and then be
transmitted to a system network. The items of information collected and
transmitted can assist a
supplier or manufacturer of the single serve capsule and/or machines, or
assist a service
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 13
technician, to identify issues with the single serve capsule and/or the
machine. The items of
information collected and transmitted can assist a supplier or manufacturer of
the single serve
capsules and/or machines in predicting the habits of the consumers, in
determining the
consumption, in raising orders, in managing the stock, in establishing a
customer loyalty
program, in collecting data pertaining to consumer preferences, in generating
and analyzing
data, in predicting production, manufacture and shipping based on the
consumption of the
consumers. The system network may be located anywhere in the world, including
the same
state or country as the beverage machine and/or the user, or in a different
state or country.
The present teaching provides a method for recycling and/or composting a
single serve capsule,
the lid, the filter, or a combination thereof. The method can comprise the
severing or one or a
plurality of elements (if present) from the single serve capsule, the severing
of the lid from the
single serve capsule, and the composting of one or a plurality of the base
elements and/or the
lid. The method can comprise a step of composting the entire single serve
capsule including the
lid, the filter (if present) and/or the base.
Further details, features and advantages of the single serve capsule are
derived from the
drawings and from the description hereunder of preferred embodiment by means
of the
drawings. The drawings herein only illustrate exemplary embodiments of the
single serve
capsule that do not limit the substantial concept of the invention.
Brief description of the drawings
figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a single serve
capsule according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
figure 2 shows a schematic view of the single serve capsule
according to a further
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
figure 3 shows a schematic detailed view of the ring element
according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
figure 4 shows a schematic view of the ring element according to a
further exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 14
figure 5 shows a schematic detailed view of the ring element
according to the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention illustrated in figure 4;
figure 6 shows a further schematic detailed view of the ring
element according to the
exemplary embodiment of the present invention illustrated in figure 4; and
figure 7 shows a schematic view of the single serve capsule
according to a further
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Embodiments of the invention
Disclosed in figure 1 is a schematic lateral view of a single serve capsule 10
for preparing a
beverage.
The single serve capsule 10 has a base element 12 (also referred to as the
body). The body, or
the base element 12, comprises a lateral wall 14 (also referred to as the
capsule wall). The
lateral wall 12 extends from a base region 22 (also referred to as the capsule
base) to an
encircling flange 26 which projects laterally and is in particular configured
to be encircling. The
base element 12 defines a cavity 20 which is provided for receiving beverage
raw material. The
base element, on the side facing away from the base region 22, has a filling
opening through
which the cavity 20 is able to be filled with the beverage raw material.
By way of example, the single serve capsule 10 has a spherically configured
base element 12
which on the closed side thereof has the capsule base 22 (which may be
configured to be
convex and does not at all have to be configured to be planar), and on the
open side thereof has
an encircling flange 26. Between the capsule base 22 and the flange 26, the
capsule wall 14
extends about the cavity 20. The single serve capsule 10 is constructed to be
rotationally
symmetrical about its centric central longitudinal axis. The flange 26, which
is configured to be
annular and thus to be encircling in the circumferential direction, projects
outward beyond the
capsule wall 14 in the radial direction in relation to the centric rotational
symmetry axis.
The flange 26 is fixedly connected to a capsule lid 33 (also referred to as
the lid) in the form of
an in particular annular lid film which closes the cavity 20 on the open side
of the base element
12. For this purpose, the flange 26 preferably has a sealing plane which faces
the capsule lid 33
and extends approximately perpendicularly to the rotational symmetry axis. The
capsule lid 33 in
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 15
its peripheral region is sealed, welded or adhesively bonded to the flange 26,
in particular to the
sealing plane.
The capsule lid 33 is preferably embodied from aluminum or plastics material.
Configured within
the base element 12 is the cavity 20 which is filled with the beverage raw
material, for example
roasted coffee granules, instant coffee, chocolate powder, tea blend, milk
powder and/or the like
(not illustrated for reasons of clarity) and is closed by the capsule lid 33.
The spherical design embodiment of the base element 12 is preferably generated
by
thermoforming, for example deep drawing by negative pressure, positive
pressure and/or a
movable ram. The base element 12 is preferably configured as a deep-drawn
aluminum part.
Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the base element 12 to be
configured from plastics
material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride
(PVC) or polyethylene
terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the single serve capsule 10 is produced by
means of
injection-molding methods, in particular by the single-component, multi-
component or in-mold
method. As a further alternative, it would be conceivable for the base element
12 to be produced
completely or partially from a biologically decomposable material, in
particular from cellulose
fibers which may be embedded in a resin matrix.
The single serve capsule 12 is provided to be introduced into a brewing unit
of a beverage
preparation machine 14 in order to prepare a beverage. The brewing unit
comprises a first
brewing chamber part and a second brewing chamber part, wherein the first or
the second
brewing chamber part is movable, in particular pivotable or displaceable,
relative to the other
brewing chamber part, between a converged position in which the first and the
second brewing
chamber part form a closed brewing chamber, and an open position in which the
first and the
second brewing chamber part are mutually spaced apart in order for the single
serve capsule 1
to be inserted or ejected.
In the closed position, the capsule lid 33 and/or the capsule base 22 are
perforated so as to
generate perforation openings for incorporating brewing liquid, or for
discharging the prepared
beverage. The pressurized brewing liquid is directed into the cavity 20. The
desired beverage is
created as a result of the interaction between the brewing liquid and the
beverage raw material,
said desired beverage exiting the single serve capsule 12 through the
perforation openings and
being fed to a beverage vessel. Any potential particles of the beverage raw
material can be
filtered from the beverage and retained in the single serve capsule 10 by an
optional filter
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 16
medium. However, the capsule lid 33 with multiple perforations preferably
functions as a filter
element.
The single serve capsule 10 now in particular has a feature 34 which is
optically detectable by a
detector of the beverage preparation machine. This feature 34 preferably
serves for identifying
the single serve capsule 10 in the beverage preparation machine. In this way,
it can be verified
by the beverage preparation machine whether, for example, the single serve
capsule 10 located
in the brewing chamber is a system-compatible single serve capsule 10 and/or a
matching
brewing program can be automatically selected and started for the beverage raw
material
located in the single serve capsule 10. It is also conceivable that brewing
parameters which are
to be used specifically are embedded in the optically detectable feature 34,
and are read by
means of the detector.
The optically detectable feature 34 is in particular a machine-readable code,
preferably a one-
dimensional or multi-dimensional bit code or bar code.
The flange 26 can have an upper face 28 and, opposite thereto, a lower face
30. The upper face
28 can face away from the base element 12. The lower face 30 can face the base
element 12.
The flange 26 can have a lateral face 32. The lateral face 32 can extend
between the upper face
28 and the lower face 30 and connect said faces 28, 30 to one another.
The lid 33 can be fastened or attached to the base element 12, the lateral
wall 14, the flange 26,
the upper side 28 of the flange 26, the lateral face 32 of the flange 26, the
lower side of the
flange 26, or a combination thereof.
The single serve capsule 10 can have one optically detectable feature 34, or a
plurality of
optically detectable features 34. The one optically detectable feature 34, or
the plurality of
optically detectable features 34 (schematically illustrated by boxes in dashed
lines) can be
located on the body or the base element 12, the lateral wall 14, the external
face 16, the flange
26, the upper face 28 of the flange 26, the lower face 30 of the flange, the
lateral face 34 of the
flange 26, the lid 33, or a combination thereof. The one optically detectable
feature 34, or the
plurality of optically detectable features 34, can be one or a plurality of
the optically identifiable
features disclosed herein. The one optically detectable feature 34, or the
plurality of optically
detectable features 34, can be same as the one or the plurality of capsule
features 36 disclosed
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 17
herein. The one optically detectable feature 34, or the plurality of optically
detectable features
34, can differ from the one or the plurality of capsule features 36 disclosed
herein.
The explanations set forth above in the context of figure 1 apply in
particular very generally to all
variants of the single serve capsule 10 described hereunder, and are in each
case not repeated
again in the more detailed description of figures 2 to 16 only for reasons of
clarity.
Disclosed in figure 2 is a schematic lateral view of a single serve capsule 10
for preparing a
beverage according to a first variant.
In the first variant, the optically detectable feature 34 extends across the
capsule wall 14 of the
base element 12. The optically detectable feature 34 comprises a machine-
readable code
composed of a plurality of lines, wherein all lines, or at least a plurality
of lines, extend across
the capsule wall 14. It is conceivable that the lines at least in part run
parallel to one another and
in particular have dissimilar thicknesses.
The lines are printed on the capsule wall 14, or configured as groove-shaped
depressions in the
capsule wall 14 (or projecting webs on the capsule wall 14).
In the region of the capsule wall 14, the lines are configured to be partially
curved and in
particular wave-shaped.
The body, or the base element 12, comprises one or a plurality of capsule
features 36. The one
capsule feature 36, or the plurality of capsule features 36, can be one or a
plurality of waves, or
have a wave shape. The one capsule feature 36, or the plurality of capsule
features 36, can
extend so as to be generally horizontal in relation to a central longitudinal
axis 38 of the single
serve capsule 10.
Disclosed in figure 3 is a schematic lateral view of a single serve capsule 10
for preparing a
beverage according to a second variant.
The second variant is substantially similar to the first variant, whereby the
optically detectable
feature 34 extends across the capsule wall 14 as well as across the flange 26.
The optically
detectable feature 34 is again a machine-readable code which is constructed
from a plurality of
lines, wherein all lines, or at least a plurality of lines, extend in each
case across the capsule wall
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 18
14 as well as across the flange 26. It is conceivable that the lines at least
in part run parallel to
one another and in particular have dissimilar thicknesses.
In the region of the capsule wall 14, the lines are in part curved and in
particular configured to be
wave-shaped, and in the region of the flange 26 open out into lines which, on
a side (lower side
30) of the flange 26 facing away from the capsule lid 33, run straight and in
particular radially in
relation to the central rotational symmetry axis of the single serve capsule
10.
In this way, the lines in the flange region 26 form in particular a one-
dimensional bit code or bar
code.
The lines are printed on the capsule wall 14 and/or the flange 26, or are
configured as groove-
shaped depressions in the capsule wall 14 and/or the flange 26 (or as
projecting webs on the
capsule wall 14 and/or the flange 26).
The body, or the base element 12, comprises one or a plurality of capsule
features 36. The one
capsule feature 36, or the plurality of capsule features 36, can be one or a
plurality of waves or
have a wave shape. The one capsule feature 36, or the plurality of capsule
features 36, can
extend at an angle (i.e. diagonally) relative to a central longitudinal axis
38 of the single serve
capsule 10. Additionally or alternatively, these features can be disposed on
the lid 33 and/or the
flange 26.
Disclosed in figure 4 is a schematic lateral view of a single serve capsule 10
for preparing a
beverage according to a third variant.
The third variant is in particular similar to the second variant shown in
figure 3, the only point of
differentiation being that the lines in the region of the capsule wall 14 do
not run in a wave shape
but straight. The lines run in particular at an angle in relation to the plane
of main extent of the
capsule lid 33.
The body, or the base element 12, comprises one or a plurality of capsule
features 36. The one
capsule feature 36, or the plurality of capsule features 36, can run at an
angle (i.e. diagonally)
relative to a central longitudinal axis 38 of the single serve capsule 10. The
spacings between
the adjacent capsule features 36 can generally be of identical size. The
spacings between the
adjacent capsule features 36 can differ. For example, the spacing 40 between
specific capsule
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 19
features 36 can be larger or more pronounced than the spacing 42 between
specific other
capsule features 36. Additionally or alternatively, these features can be
located on the lid 33
and/or the flange 26.
Disclosed in figure 5 is a schematic lateral view of a single serve capsule 10
for preparing a
beverage according to a fourth variant.
The fourth variant is in particular similar to the first variant shown in
figure 2, the only point of
differentiation being that the lines in the region of the capsule wall 14 do
not run in a wave shape
but straight. The lines run in particular parallel to the plane of main extent
of the capsule lid 33,
and thus orthogonally to the central rotational symmetry axis of the single
serve capsule 10.
The body, or the base element 12, comprises one or a plurality of capsule
features 36. The one
capsule feature 36, or the plurality of capsule features 36, can extend at an
angle (i.e.
horizontally, generally perpendicularly) relative to a central longitudinal
axis 38 of the single
serve capsule 10. The spacings between the adjacent capsule features 36 can
generally be of
identical size. The spacings between the adjacent capsule features 36 can
differ. For example,
the spacing 40 between specific capsule features 36 can be larger or more
pronounced than the
spacing 42 between specific other capsule features 36. Additionally or
alternatively, these
features can be located on the lid 33 and/or the flange 26.
Disclosed in figure 6C is a schematic view (view onto the side of the single
serve capsule 10
facing away from the lid film 33) of a single serve capsule 10 for preparing a
beverage according
to a fifth variant.
The optically detectable feature 34, 36 is disposed on a separate ring 44
(illustrated in figure 6B)
which is connected to the base element 12 (illustrated in figure 6A). The ring
44 herein is in
particular attached to the side (lower side 30) of the flange 26 facing away
from the capsule lid
33.
Fig. 6A shows part of the capsule 10, more specifically the base area 30 of
the base element.
Fig. 6B shows a capsule feature 36 which can contain one or a plurality of
optically identifiable
features 34. The capsule feature 36 can be a ring 44. The ring 44 can be an 0-
ring or another
element that has the additional function of forming a seal between the single
serve capsule 10
and the beverage machine, so as to prevent that water or liquid leaks from
between the capsule
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 20
and the machine. The ring 44 can be composed of the same material as the base,
the flange
and/or the lid, or from a different material. The ring 44 can have an opening
which is sized in
such a way that said opening slides over the base area 22 of the body or of
the base element
12. However, the opening of the ring 44 can be smaller than the flange 26 in
such a way that the
ring 44 can be placed against the base area 30 of the flange 26.
As is shown in fig. 6C, the one optically identifiable feature 34, or the
plurality of optically
identifiable features 34, of the ring 44 can be seen from a base and/or a side
of the capsule 10
or of the flange after the ring 44 has been placed onto the capsule 10. The
ring 44 can be
fastened (adhesively bonded, adhesively bonded, welded, etc.) to the capsule
10 or the flange
26. Alternatively, the ring 44 can be free of any fastening elements between
the ring 44 and the
capsule 10 and/or the flange 26.
Disclosed in figure 7C is a schematic view (view onto the side of the single
serve capsule 10
facing away from the lid film 33) of a single serve capsule 10 for preparing a
beverage according
to a sixth variant.
The flange 26 is provided with clearances 37 (also referred to as cutouts),
which serve for
forming the optically detectable features 34, 36. As a result of the
clearances 37, webs 38 (or
web-type planar protrusions), which project in the radial direction in terms
of the central
rotational symmetry axis of the single serve capsule 10, are formed in the
flange 26.
The clearances 37 extend parallel to the rotational symmetry axis, preferably
completely through
the flange 26, and are covered by the annular capsule lid 33. The capsule lid
33, on the side
thereof facing the flange 26, has in particular a different color than the
flange 26 on the side
thereof facing away from the capsule lid 33. A view onto the lower side 30 of
the flange 26 thus
results in a contrasting image of webs and clearances, the capsule lid 33
being visible through
the latter. The capsule lid 33, conjointly with the clearances 37, forms a
relief-type machine-
readable code, preferably a one-dimensional bit code or bar code.
It is alternatively conceivable that the clearances 37 extend parallel to the
rotational symmetry
axis and not through the entire flange 26 and are only inserted into the side
(lower side 30)
facing away from the capsule lid 33. The optically detectable feature 34, 36
thus comprises a
relief which is incorporated into the lower side 30 and which represents the
machine-readable
code, preferably a one-dimensional bit code or bar code. The optically
detectable feature 34, 36
is therefore configured as a three-dimensional structure in the flange 26. It
therefore preferably
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 21
comprises a plurality of clearances 37 and elevations 38, which are configured
in particular in
the form of grooves 37 and protrusions 38, which run radially in relation to
the centric rotational
symmetry axis of the single serve capsule.
It is conceivable that the three-dimensional structure is integrally molded
during the production of
the base element 12, in particular during a deep drawing process for producing
the base
element 12. Furthermore, the three-dimensional structure may have been
embossed, stamped
or engraved in the flange 26. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the
three-dimensional
structure is configured in the form of a ladder structure of clearances 37 and
non-clearances 38
incorporated in the flange 26.
A further alternative lies in that the optically detectable features 34, 36 in
the form of the
clearances 37 are not incorporated in the flange 26 of the base element 12,
but in a ring 44. The
ring is illustrated in figure 7B and is connected to the flange 26 of the base
element 12
(illustrated in figure 7A), for example adhesively bonded to the latter. The
ring 44 has a ladder
structure of clearances 37 and non-clearances 38 which represent the code, as
described
above. It is conceivable that the non-clearances 38 are connected to one
another in an annular
manner only on their radially inward side.
After the ring 44 has been connected to the base element 12, the ring 44 shown
in figure 7B can
be referred to as the second flange region, while the flange 26 which is shown
in figure 7A and
does not have clearances 37 is to be referred to as the first flange region.
The first flange region
on the side thereof facing the second flange region preferably has a different
color than the
second flange region on the side thereof facing away from the first flange
region.
Figure 7A shows part of the capsule 10, more specifically the lower side 30 of
the base element.
The lower side 30 of the flange 26 can have a color (e.g. black, white, blue,
red, green, etc.).
Figure 7B shows a capsule feature 36 which can be a ring 44. The ring 44 can
have open
locations like rungs of a ladder The ring 44 can have a color which differs
from the color of the
lower side 30 of the flange 26. As can be derived from fig. 7C, after the ring
44 has been
assembled on the capsule 10, the one or a plurality of optically detectable
features 34 of the ring
44 interact with the colored base area 30 of the flange so as to generate an
optically detectable
feature 34 which can be read or identified by a detector.
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 22
Disclosed in figure 8 is a schematic lateral view of a single serve capsule 10
for preparing a
beverage according to a seventh variant.
Illustrated in figure 8 is a detailed sectional view (section in the radial
direction in terms of the
central rotational symmetry axis of the single serve capsule 10) of the flange
26. The optically
detectable feature 34, 36 is formed by protrusions 46 and depressions 48 which
can be
incorporated in the flange 26 by deep drawing, stamping, pressing, injection
molding or other
methods, as described above.
Fig. 8 shows a capsule feature 36 and/or optically identifiable features 34.
The features 36, 34
are a series of protrusions 46 and depressions 48, or peaks and troughs, which
extend from the
base area 30 of the flange 26. The protrusions 46 and depressions 48 can be
applied to a ring,
as is described above in the context of figs. 6A-7C. The protrusions 46 and
depressions 48 can
be adhesively bonded to the flange 26. The protrusions 46 and clearances 48
can be configured
integrally with the flange 26. The optically identifiable features 34, and in
particular the
protrusions 46 and depressions 48, or peaks and troughs, form an optically
identifiable feature
34 which can be read or identified by a detector.
Disclosed in figure 9A is a schematic sectional view (section in the radial
direction in terms of
the central rotational symmetry axis of the singe serve capsule 10) of a
single serve capsule 10
for preparing a beverage according to an eighth variant.
The eighth variant is distinguished in that the single serve capsule again has
a feature 34 which
is in particular optically detectable by a detector of the beverage
preparation machine, whereby
the single serve capsule 10 however has an encircling lip 50 (also referred to
as a wing) which
projects from the base element 12, and the optically detectable feature 34 is
disposed on the lip
50. The optically detectable feature 34, 36 herein is in particular disposed
on a side of the lip 50
facing away from the flange 26.
The lip 50 per se, and/or the connection between the lip 50 and the base
element 12, is
preferably configured to be flexible or movable in such a manner that the lip
50 (the side of the
latter facing the flange 26) can bear on the lower side 30 of the flange 26 in
the brewing
chamber of the beverage preparation machine (this situation is illustrated in
fig. 9B). The lower
side 30 is that side of the flange 26 that faces away from the capsule lid 33.
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 23
It is conceivable that the lip 50 is a sealing element which is in particular
made of an elastically
or plastically deformable material, thus improving the seal between the
brewing chamber
element and the flange 26.
The lip 50 is in particular configured to be annular, and in particular
fastened in an encircling
manner to the capsule wall 14. Alternatively, the lip 50 is fastened to the
lower side 30 of the
flange 26. It would also be conceivable for the lip 50 to be fastened to the
radially outward
external edge of the flange 26, or to the lower side 30.
Optionally, the lip 50 is fastened to the base element 12 in a transition
region from the capsule
wall 14 to the flange 26. It is conceivable that the fastening of the lip 50
to the base element 12
functions as a hinge.
In the initial position illustrated in figure 9A, the lip 50 is aligned at an
angle of 25 to 65 degrees,
preferably of 35 to 55 degrees, and particularly preferably of substantially
45 degrees, in
relation to a direction of main extent of the flange 26.
The optically detectable feature 34 located on the lip 50 is, for example, a
machine-readable
code, preferably a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional bit code or bar code.
The single serve capsule 10 is illustrated in fig. 9A. The single serve
capsule 10 comprises one
or a plurality of capsule features 36. The capsule feature 36 can be a lip or
a wing 50, or a
separate element on the body or the base element 12. The lip, or the wing 50,
can be attached
to the capsule body 12, or be configured integrally with the base element 12.
The lip, or the wing
50, can be a ring which fits over the body or the base element. The lip or the
wing can extend
about the entire circumference of the base element, or only about part of the
circumference. The
lip, or the wing 50, can be or contain an optically identifiable feature 34,
36. The optically
identifiable feature 34, 36 can face the lateral wall 14 or the base area 30
of the base element
12, and face away from the base area 30 of the flange 26. In some
configurations however, the
optically detectable feature 34, 36 can be additionally or alternatively
oriented away from the
lateral wall 14 or the base area 30 of the base element 12 and toward the base
area 30 of the
flange 26. As can be derived from fig. 9B, the lip, or the wing 50, after the
capsule 10 has been
inserted into a beverage machine 10, can be deformed, or be folded upward
against the flange
26, and be jammed between the flange 26 and the capsule holder of the beverage
machine 100.
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 24
The optically identifiable feature 34, 36 can be read or identified by a
detector. The detector can
be disposed above, below or laterally beside the capsule.
Disclosed in figure 10 is a schematic view from above (view onto the side of
the single serve
capsule 10 facing away from the lid film 33) of a single serve capsule 10 for
preparing a
beverage according to a ninth variant.
In the ninth variant, the optically detectable feature 34, 36, thus in
particular the machine-
readable code, extends only across a sub-segment of the lower side 30 of the
circular flange 26,
and thus in particular not across the entire circumference of the flange 26.
Fig. 10 shows a single serve capsule 10 which comprises a base element 12 and
a flange 26.
The base area 30 of the flange 26 contains one or a plurality of capsule
features 36 and/or
optically identifiable features 34. The one capsule feature 36, or the
plurality of capsule features
36, and/or the one optically detectable feature 34, or the plurality of
optically detectable features
34, do not extend across the entire circumference of the flange 26 or of the
base element 12.
Instead, the one capsule feature 36, or the plurality of capsule features 36,
and/or the one
optically detectable feature 34, or the plurality of optically detectable
features 34 are disposed
only along a portion of said flange 26 or of said base element 12, e.g. along
an arc of 10
degrees or less, an arc of 20 degrees or less, an arc of 30 degrees or less,
an arc of 45 degrees
or less, an arc of 60 degrees or less, an arc of 90 degrees or less, an arc of
120 degrees or less,
an arc of 180 degrees or less, an arc of 270 degrees of less, or an arc of
less than 360 degrees.
Disclosed in figure 11 is a schematic view from above (view onto the side of
the single serve
capsule 10 facing away from the lid film 33) of a single serve capsule 10 for
preparing a
beverage according to a tenth variant.
In a manner similar to the ninth variant, the optically detectable feature 34,
36, thus in particular
the machine-readable code, in the tenth variant likewise extends only across a
sub-segment of
the lower side 30 of the circular flange 26, and thus in particular not across
the entire
circumference of the flange 26.
Fig. 11 is similar to fig. 10. The single serve capsule 10 has two discrete
portions with capsule
features 36 and/or optically identifiable features 34. The region between the
capsule features 36
and/or optically detectable features 34 can be free of any capsule features 36
and/or optically
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 25
detectable features 34. There can be any number of these discrete or partial
portions of capsule
features 36 and/or optically detectable features 34 (two or more, three or
more, four or more,
etc.). These sub-portions can be configured directly on the lower side 30 of
the flange 26, or be
applied to the latter in a subsequent printing or application method, or even
be configured as a
ring as described above in the context of figs. 6B, 7B.
Disclosed in figure 12C is a schematic view from above (view onto the lower
side (capsule base
22) of the single serve capsule 10 facing away from the lid film 33) of a
single serve capsule 10
for preparing a beverage according to an eleventh variant.
The eleventh variant is distinguished in that the flange 26 is at least in
part configured to be
optically transparent, and the optically detectable feature 34 is disposed in
the region of the
optically transparent flange 26.
The optically detectable feature 34, 36 is in particular disposed on a side of
the flange 26 facing
the capsule lid 33, or disposed on a side of the capsule lid 33 facing the
flange 26, or disposed
on an additional element (in particular a ring 44) disposed between the
capsule lid 33 and the
flange 33.
In all three cases, the optically detectable feature 34 is detectable through
the flange 26 which is
configured to be optically transparent. At the same time, the optically
detectable feature 34, 36 is
protected against external environmental influences. The base element 12 can
in particular be
configured so as to be almost completely optically transparent.
Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the base element 12 is
constructed in two parts,
of a base part and a flange part, wherein only the flange part is configured
to be optically
transparent, wherein the base part and the flange part are connected to one
another.
The capsule lid 33 is depicted in figure 12B, wherein the lower side 52 of the
capsule lid 33
facing the base element 12 can be seen. In this variant, the optically
detectable feature 34, 36 is
disposed, preferably imprinted, in the peripheral region of this lower side
52.
The optically detectable feature 34, 36 here comprises a machine-readable
code, preferably a
one-dimensional or multi-dimensional bit code or bar code.
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 26
Illustrated in figure 12A is the base element 12 which is either configured to
be completely
transparent, or only has a transparent flange 26. In order for the transparent
base element 12 to
be configured, the base element 12 is in particular made of a transparent
plastics material, for
example a transparent film.
Fig. 12A shows a body, or a base element 12, and a flange 26 of the single
serve capsule. The
base element 12 and/or the flange 26 can be at least partially transparent,
light-permeable, see-
through, or a combination thereof. A lid 33 is illustrated in fig. 12B. The
lid comprises an upper
side and, opposite thereto, a lower side 52. The lid 33, and in particular the
lower side 52 of the
lid 33, have one or a plurality of capsule features 36 and/or optically
identifiable features 34. Fig.
12B shows the assembled single serve capsule 10 with a view onto the lower
side of the body,
or of the base element 12. The lower side 52 of the lid 33 is disposed in such
a way that said
lower side 52 faces the upper side 28 of the flange 26 in such a way that,
when viewing the
single serve capsule 10 from below, the one capsule feature 36, or the
plurality of capsule
features 36, and/or the one optically detectable feature 34, or the plurality
of optically detectable
features 34, are visible through the at least partially transparent,
translucent or see-through
flange 26, or the lower side 30 of the flange 26. Accordingly, the one capsule
feature 36, or the
plurality of capsule features 36, and/or the one optically detectable feature
34, or the plurality of
optically detectable features 34 would be protected against liquid splashes
and/or against
damage during production, shipping and/or handling.
Disclosed in figure 13 is a schematic sectional view of a single serve capsule
10 for preparing a
beverage according to a twelfth variant.
In comparison to the other variants, the twelfth variant is distinguished in
particular in that the
single serve capsule 12 has a further base element 12' (also referred to as
the outer base
element 12') which at least partially surrounds the base element 12 (also
referred to as the inner
base element 12). The further base element 12' here in particular has a
further cavity 20' in
which the base element 12 is partially disposed. The base element (12) here is
preferably
disposed so far within the further cavity 20' in such a manner that a further
capsule wall 14' of
the further base element 12' extends, in particular parallel to the capsule
wall 14 of the base
element 12, to the flange (26).
The further base element 12' is preferably configured to be free of a flange
so that the flange 26
of the inner base element 12 is not covered and, in this way, the optically
detectable feature 34,
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 27
36 disposed on the lower side 30 of the flange 26 is readable and the field of
view is not
obscured.
The further base element 12' can advantageously be configured as a shape-
imparting or
structure-imparting base part, while only the inner base element 12, which has
the flange 26 with
the optically detectable feature 34, 36, can be optimized with a view to a
favorable production
method.
The material in the region of the capsule wall 14 of the inner base element 12
is preferably
configured to be softer, less stiff, or thinner than in the region of the
capsule wall 14' of the outer
base element 12'.
It is also conceivable that the material of the inner base element 12 is
configured to be more
impermeable to gas than the material of the outer base element 12'.
The inner base element 12 and the outer base element 12' are preferably
adhesively bonded,
compressed or welded to one another in a planar manner in the region of the
capsule walls 14.
The inner base element 12 and the outer base element 12' can be made of the
same material or
of different materials.
A single serve capsule 10 is illustrated in fig. 13. The single serve capsule
10 has a body, or a
base element 12, and an outer body or base element 12'. The outer body, or the
base element
12', can be substantially identical to the body or the base element 12, so
that all remarks
pertaining to the base element 12 also apply to the outer base element 12'.
The base element
12 is sized in such a way that it fits into the outer base element 12'. The
base element 12 has a
flange 26, and the outer base element 12' is free of a flange. The two base
elements 12, 12' can
be connected to one another by an interference fit or by a fastening means or
a fastening
method (welding, adhesive bonding, etc.). Each of the surfaces of the base
element 12 and/or of
the base element 12' can have one or a plurality of the capsule features 36
and/or optically
identifiable features 34 disclosed herein.
Disclosed in figures 14, 15 and 16 are schematic lateral views of single serve
capsules 10 for
preparing a beverage according to a thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth
variant.
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
KR00108-WO 28
In these three variants, the optically detectable features 34, 36 are
configured in the form of
three-dimensional structurings of the capsule wall 14. In the thirteenth
variant, the structuring
comprises spherical shapes, in the fourteenth variant lozenge shapes, and in
the fifteenth variant
encircling protrusions.
Illustrated in figures 14, 15 and 16 is a single serve capsule 10. The single
serve capsule 10
comprises a body, or a base element 12, a flange 26 and a lid 33. The body, or
the base
element 12, the lateral wall 14 (internal and/or external faces), the flange
26, the lid 33, or a
combination thereof, have one or a plurality of capsule features 36 and/or
optically identifiable
features 34. The one capsule feature 36, or the plurality of capsule features
36, and/or the one
optically detectable feature 34, or the plurality of optically detectable
features 34, in fig. 14 can
be dimples, elevations, depressions or notches. The one capsule feature 36, or
the plurality of
capsule features 36, and/or the one optically identifiable feature 34, or the
plurality of optically
identifiable features 34, may be similar to the dimples of a golf ball. The
one capsule feature 36,
or the plurality of capsule features 36, and/or the one optically detectable
feature 34, or the
plurality of optically detectable features 34 in fig. 15 can be composed of a
multiplicity of
lozenges, lozenges, triangular or square flat faces. The one capsule feature
36, or the plurality of
capsule features 36, and/or the one optically identifiable feature 34, or the
plurality of optically
identifiable features 34, in fig. 16 can be one or a plurality of grooves,
steps, ribs or rings. The
one capsule feature 36, or the plurality of capsule features 36 and/or the one
optically
identifiable feature 34, or the plurality of optically identifiable features
34, in fig. 16 can be one or
a plurality of spirals, arcs or curved features.
CA 03226644 2024- 1-22
