EP0451980A2 - Packages containing comestibles - Google Patents
Packages containing comestibles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0451980A2 EP0451980A2 EP91302535A EP91302535A EP0451980A2 EP 0451980 A2 EP0451980 A2 EP 0451980A2 EP 91302535 A EP91302535 A EP 91302535A EP 91302535 A EP91302535 A EP 91302535A EP 0451980 A2 EP0451980 A2 EP 0451980A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- package
- outlet
- ingredients
- beverage
- compartment
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
- B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
- G07F13/10—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with associated dispensing of containers, e.g. cups or other articles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to packages containing comestibles and, in particular, to sealed packages which are formed from a substantially air- and water-impermeable material and which contain comestibles, preferably one or more ingredients for the preparation of beverages.
- Cartridges containing roast and ground coffee in which hot water flows under gravimetric force through the cartridge are also known.
- a cartridge of this general type is described in British Patent No. 1397116.
- a package which contains at least one beverage preparation ingredient, e.g. roast and ground coffee.
- the package is formed from a substantially air- and water-impermeable material and comprises a sealed body portion having a compartment containing the beverage ingredient and an outlet channel, the compartment and the outlet channel co-operating in such a manner that, in use, the beverage is filtered, thereby avoiding the necessity for an external filter.
- the beverage packages as described in European Patent Application No. 87311325.2 are primarily intended to be used with a beverage preparation machine which handles the packages automatically or semi-automatically. A machine of this type is described in our European Patent Application No. 89302708.6.
- the packages may contain roast and ground coffee, leaf tea or one or more powder, paste or liquid beverage preparation ingredients such as powdered chocolate, powdered coffee or powdered soup.
- the beverage preparation ingredients are thus usually soluble and dissolve in the water introduced into the package thereby to form the beverage.
- problems may be encountered when the packages contain one or more powder, paste or liquid beverage preparation ingredients because the beverage preparation ingredient or ingredients may migrate through the capsule or cartridge to the outlet nozzle.
- the beverage preparation ingredient or ingredients will then contaminate the cup which the beverage is to be dispensed, which is unsightly and not liked by the consumer, and/or contaminate the cutting or piercing tool used to form an outlet in the package during the beverage preparation cycle.
- Packages which contain comestibles other than beverage preparation ingredients, for example mustard powder or paste, and powders or pastes for the preparation of sweet or savoury sauces are also known.
- the present invention provides a sealed package containing one or more powder, paste or liquid comestible preparation ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the said package comprising a compartment containing the said one or more comestible preparation ingredients, an inlet which communicates with the said compartment and an outlet which communicates with the said compartment the package being provided with control means to prevent the ingress of the powder, paste or liquid ingredient or ingredients into the outlet from the compartment containing the ingredients prior to the preparation of a comestible from the said ingredients.
- the packages of the present invention are preferably packages which contain one or more powder, paste or liquid beverage preparation ingredients and the invention will be more fully described hereinbelow with reference to such packages.
- the beverage package of the present invention preferably has a body portion which may be formed, for example, from a moulded plastics material.
- the inlet and/or outlet of the package may be closed by a plug of a plastics material moulded into the inlet and/or outlet during the moulding of the body portion.
- the inlet and/or outlet may be covered by a substantially air- and water-impermeable material, for example aluminium foil or a laminated material, such as a laminate of plastic material/metal foil/plastic material, prior to the opening of the inlet and/or outlet.
- a substantially air- and water-impermeable material for example aluminium foil or a laminated material, such as a laminate of plastic material/metal foil/plastic material, prior to the opening of the inlet and/or outlet.
- Specific examples of materials which can be used are aluminium foil having a thickness in the range of from 30 to 60 micrometres coated with a layer of polypropylene or a laminate of polypropylene/aluminium
- the outlet in the package may be prepared during the beverage preparation cycle using a cutting and piercing tool for example of the type as described in our European Patent Application No. 89302708.6.
- the inlet and/or outlet may be open and the beverage package provided with an outer wrapping or the like.
- a plurality of packages may be provided with a shrink wrapped outer layer.
- the control means incorporated into the beverage packages of the present invention is generally positioned between the compartment containing the beverage preparation ingredient(s) and the outlet in order to prevent the entry of the beverage preparation ingredient(s) into the outlet before the beverage is prepared.
- the control means may be of various different designs and some examples of different control means are described below. It will be appreciated that whilst some control means can be used to prevent powders, pastes and/or liquids from migrating to the outlet, other control means are suitable only for preventing the ingress of powdered ingredients into the outlet.
- a first type of control means comprises a flap positioned between the compartment and the outlet, the flap remaining closed under the weight of the ingredient(s), but deforming, in use, under the pressure of the beverage formed from the ingredient(s) thereby allowing the beverage to flow therethrough.
- a second type of control means comprises a slit of a deformable material, such as a plastics material, metal foil or laminate, positioned between the compartment and the outlet, the slit in the material not allowing the ingredient(s) to pass through it but deforming in use, under the pressure of the beverage formed from the ingredient(s), to allow the beverage to flow therethrough.
- a deformable material such as a plastics material, metal foil or laminate
- a third type of control means comprises a seal positioned between the compartment and the outlet, the seal being held in position by an adhesive which is susceptible to mechanical peel and/or elevated temperature so that it is ruptured by the pressure and/or temperature of the beverage formed from the beverage preparation ingredient(s).
- a fourth type of control means comprises a soluble plug or membrane of a water soluble harmless substance positioned between the compartment and the outlet, the plug or membrane dissolving when the beverage prepared from the beverage preparation ingredient(s) comes into contact therewith.
- a fifth type of control means comprises a mechanical plug positioned within the outlet the mechanical plug being adapted to move from a position in which it closes the outlet to a position in which the outlet is opened.
- the mechanical plug may be moved from its closed to its open position by a piercing tool of the type as described in our European Patent Application No. 89302708.6.
- the packages of the present invention are preferably provided with a recognition means whereby, in use, the package is identified by the machine into which it is placed for treatment and the identification of the package thereby causes it to be subjected to the correct treatment steps including the introduction of a fluid medium into the package.
- a fluid medium for the preparation of beverages from powdered beverage preparation ingredients the fluid medium introduced into the package will be water, or a water/air mixture.
- the recognition means may comprise one or more surface features formed in the body of the beverage package.
- the package body may be provided with one or more indents, cut outs, protrusions or holes which can be identified by a mechanical sensor in the beverage preparation machine, the mechanical sensor registering the presence or absence of the indents, cut outs, protrusions or holes.
- the recognition means may, alternatively, comprise a system which can be sensed by a simple optical device, for example a bar code printed onto the body of the package, a pattern of through holes in the package, a pattern of contrasting tones or colours printed onto the package or packages containing different comestibles being of different colours.
- a simple optical device for example a bar code printed onto the body of the package, a pattern of through holes in the package, a pattern of contrasting tones or colours printed onto the package or packages containing different comestibles being of different colours.
- the recognition means may also comprise one or more strips of a magnetic material applied to the body of the package which can be read by an appropriate magnetic sensor; one or more shaped or divided areas of metal foil applied to the package body which cause an inductive effect on movement of the package in the machine, which inductive effect can be sensed; or one or more electrically conductive areas formed on the body of the package which can be sensed electrically.
- the package of the present invention contains powder, paste or liquid comestible preparation ingredients, preferably one or more powdered beverage preparation ingredients, for example, powdered chocolate, powdered soup, powdered coffee, and sugar and/or creamer, as desired.
- powdered beverage preparation ingredients for example, powdered chocolate, powdered soup, powdered coffee, and sugar and/or creamer.
- One machine which can readily be adapted for the preparation of a beverage from the preferred beverage package of the invention which includes a recognition means is described in our European Patent Application No. 89302708.6.
- the only modification required to be made to such a beverage preparation machine is to incorporate an appropriate sensor or sensors into it, the sensor or sensors being designed to read the particular coding on the capsule and to send a signal to the controller, which then selects the appropriate beverage preparation cycle.
- the recognition system used on the beverage packages of the present invention enables a single beverage preparation machine to prepare from different beverage packages a great number of different beverages which require different beverage preparation conditions.
- the packages of the present invention may be treated by a machine which includes therein one or more sensors which are adapted to sense and identify a recognition means provided on a package inserted into the machine.
- the sensor may be, for example, a mechanical sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, an electrical sensor or an inductive sensor.
- the machine is preferably adapted so that the package is handled automatically following its insertion into the machine.
- a machine of the type as described in our European Patent Application No. 89302708.6 can be fitted with an appropriate sensor to sense and identify a recognition means provided on beverage packages intended for use therewith.
- a beverage package body is shown at 1.
- the body may be formed, for example, from a moulded plastics material.
- the body 1 has a compartment 2 in which the powdered beverage preparation ingredient or ingredients are contained.
- the package body has an outlet nozzle 3 formed therein.
- the compartment 2 is separated from the area of the body in which the nozzle 3 is formed by means of an upstanding wall 4.
- An extension 5 of wall 4 separates the compartment 2 from a chamber 7 which is positioned between the said compartment 2 and the outlet nozzle 3.
- the flap 8 covers the chamber 7 and thereby prevents any powder which migrates from compartment 2 entering outlet nozzle 3.
- the flap 8 is joined along edge 9 thereof to a turned over portion of outside wall 10 of the container.
- the other three edges of the flap are in close proximity to the other walls of the chamber 7, but are not attached thereto.
- the flap 8 is constructed from a thin plastics material which is substantial enough to resist the weight of the powdered ingredient(s) before the capsule is used.
- the flap 8 may be attached by flap edge 9 to the turned over portion of wall 10 either by moulding a fine gap around the flap, or by shearing the flap on three sides as a postmoulding operation.
- the bottom of the package is sealed by means of an aluminium foil or a laminated foil which is heat sealed to the lower edges of walls 4 and 10 and to the lower outer edge 23 of the package 1.
- Water enters the package at a pressure of about 105Pa via inlet 12 which is opened by piercing or cutting the material covering the said opening.
- the water enters a channel 11 surrounding two sides of the compartment 2 containing the beverage ingredients.
- the water which is under pressure, is forced through the elongate slots 13 formed in the wall 14 which separates channel 11 from compartment 2.
- the slots 13 as shown in Figure 1 are each approximately 0.5 mm wide and 3.5 mm long.
- the slots 13 act to impede the flow of water under pressure through them and give rise to turbulent flow of the water into the compartment 2.
- the turbulent flow effects a mixing and dissolution of the beverage preparation ingredients.
- the beverage so-formed, or the mixture of beverage ingredient(s) and water then passes through a slit 25, formed between the bottom of wall 5 and the aluminium foil or laminated foil sealing the bottom of the package, into chamber 7.
- the pressure of the beverage, or the mixture of beverage ingredient(s) and water causes the flap 8 to be displaced by the flow thereof and the beverage or mixture then flows into outlet nozzle 3.
- the beverage or mixture is then collected in a cup or other receptacle placed below the outlet nozzle 3.
- flap 8 is shown in its closed position in Figure 1C, hinged at 9 to a downturned portion of wall 10.
- flap 8 is opened by the flow of beverage under wall 5 via slit 25 in the direction indicated into compartment 7.
- the pressure of the beverage in compartment 7 causes the flap 8 to open and the beverage then flows in the direction indicated by the arrows into outlet nozzle 3.
- the beverage is then collected in a cup or other receptacle placed below the outlet nozzle 3.
- the flap 8 has been shown extending in a substantially horizontal direction before it is displaced by the beverage, it may be preferable for the flap 8 to extend downwardly at a slight angle to the horizontal.
- the flap 8 thus bears firmly against wall 4 and will not be readily displaced during transit or storage of the package, thereby preventing accidental opening or partial opening of the flap.
- the pressure of the beverage in compartment 7 is sufficient to cause flap 8 to flex and thereby to open.
- the beverage package as illustrated in Figures 1A to 1D incorporates the recognition means which is a preferred feature of the invention.
- the package of the invention 1 containing one or more beverage preparation ingredients has a generally rectangular shape with flat top and bottom surfaces and is thereby suitable for insertion into a beverage preparation machine, for example of the type as described in our European Patent Application No. 89302708.6, longitudinally through a slot.
- the package is also provided, as best shown in Figure 1B, with teeth 15 moulded along one side wall of compartment 2.
- the teeth 15 have recesses 16 formed therebetween. These teeth 15 are intended to enable the beverage package to be driven through a beverage preparation machine by the engagement of the teeth 15 with the tooth of a cam (not shown).
- the side wall 17 of the beverage package has an elongate recess 18 formed therein near to the leading end 19 of the package.
- the elongate recess 18 is sensed as the side edge of the package passes beneath a sensing arm (not shown).
- the elongate recess has a plurality of upstanding pegs 20,21,22 located therein and as the package is driven into the machine by the engagement of the teeth 15 with the tooth of a cam, the sensor senses the presence or absence of upstanding pegs 20,21,22.
- the sensing arm will thereby identify a different type of beverage package.
- the sensing arm operates a microswitch (not shown) which thereby transmits information concerning the presence or absence of the pegs on the package to the control mechanism for the beverage dispensing machine.
- the arrangement of pegs 20,21,22 on the package thus identifies the type of package to the controller which then selects the appropriate beverage preparation conditions.
- the presence or absence of the pegs 20,21,22 provides scope for the sensing arm to sense up to 8 different types of beverage packages. Thus, if the presence of a peg at a particular location is coded as 1 and the absence of a peg coded as 0, the following code combinations can be achieved.
- the water inlet 12 of the package is pierced or cut, an outlet 3 formed in the package and water caused to flow under pressure through the compartment containing the beverage ingredient(s).
- the chosen beverage then being collected in a cup or receptacle placed below the outlet 3 of the package.
- beverage or other ingredient may require significantly different treatment.
- some beverages will be prepared with hot water and some with cold water, whilst others, such as espresso coffee, will require a smaller amount of water for their preparation.
- Preparation times may require to be varied.
- water and/or air may be required either for preparing/dispensing the beverage/content of the package or for the purpose of pre-cleaning an inlet pipe or flushing out a used package.
- a user may require a particular beverage to be dispensed in combination with one or more ingredients from independent sources, e.g. powdered milk and/or sugar.
- FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention.
- a plastic film or foil laminate 31 is welded to a shoulder 32 formed in the walls of chamber 7 and surrounding the said chamber 7.
- the plastic film or foil laminate 31 has a slit 33 formed therein. Any powder migrating from chamber 2 through slit 25 cannot pass under its own weight through the slit 33, because the slit 33 will not open.
- the flow of the pressurized liquid or liquid/powder mixture through chamber 7 forces the slit 33 to open and the beverage then flows to outlet nozzle 3 and thence to a cup or receptacle positioned below outlet nozzle 3 for collection.
- FIG. 3 A still further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 3. This arrangement is similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 2.
- a seal 34 for example of a plastics film material, is bonded around its edges to the continuous shoulder 32 surrounding chamber 7 by means of a low tack adhesive.
- the low tack adhesive may be susceptible either to mechanical peel when a beverage formed from the beverage preparation ingredient(s) contained in chamber 2 passes via slit 25 to chamber 7, or by the action of the elevated temperature of the beverage, or a combination of both of these mechanisms. The seal thus ruptures and the beverage flows through outlet nozzle 3 to a cup or other receptacle positioned below outlet nozzle 3.
- a still further embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in Figure 4 where a plug 35 of a soluble material covers the outlet nozzle.
- the beverage prepared from the beverage ingredient(s) in compartment 2 passes through slit 25 and into chamber 7.
- the beverage then contacts the soluble plug 35 and causes the plug to dissolve, thus uncovering the outlet nozzle through which the beverage then flows into a cup or other receptacle.
- the soluble plug 35 should, of course, be prepared from a harmless material, or from a material which is to be incorporated into the beverage.
- the plug could be prepared from sugar for the preparation of sweetened beverages.
- FIG. 5A and 5B An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in Figures 5A and 5B.
- the body of a beverage package is shown generally at 40.
- the compartment containing the beverage ingredient or ingredients is shown at 41.
- the package has an outlet nozzle 42 formed therein which is surrounded by a counterbore 43.
- the outlet nozzle is prevented from communicating with the remainder of the body of the package by means of a seal 44 which is moulded into the plastics material from which the body portion of the package is formed.
- the seal is surrounded by a line of weakness 45.
- the outlet and the base of the package are closed by an air- and water-impermeable material 46, for example a metal foil.
- the outlet nozzle 42 is sealed, as mentioned above, by rupturable seal 44 and a mechanical plug 47 lies within the outlet nozzle.
- the plug 42 is provided with wings 48 which sit within a groove (not shown) formed in outlet nozzle 42.
- a platen 49 containing a piercing and folding mechanism 50 is positioned below the package.
- the piercing and folding mechanism is moved in an upwards direction by the beverage dispensing machine and causes the air- and water-impermeable material 46 to be cut.
- the mechanism 50 also folds the cut material back into the counterbore 43.
- the piercing and folding mechanism thus moves in an upwardly direction and the unserrated edge 51 of this mechanism co-operates with wings 48 formed on mechanical plug 47, thereby causing the mechanical plug to move upwards in the nozzle and to rupture rupturable seal 44.
- the mechanical plug moves in a groove in the outlet nozzle 42 (not shown).
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Cookers (AREA)
- External Artificial Organs (AREA)
- Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
- Beverage Vending Machines With Cups, And Gas Or Electricity Vending Machines (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)
- Noodles (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to packages containing comestibles and, in particular, to sealed packages which are formed from a substantially air- and water-impermeable material and which contain comestibles, preferably one or more ingredients for the preparation of beverages.
- It has previously been proposed to seal beverage preparation ingredients in individual air-impermeable packages. For example, cartridges or capsules containing compacted ground coffee are known for use in certain coffee making machines which are generally termed "espresso" machines. In the production of coffee using these coffee machines the coffee cartridge is placed in a brewing chamber and hot water is generally caused to pass under pressure through the cartridge, thereby extracting the aromatic coffee constituents from the ground coffee and producing a coffee beverage.
- Cartridges containing roast and ground coffee in which hot water flows under gravimetric force through the cartridge are also known. A cartridge of this general type is described in British Patent No. 1397116.
- In our European Patent Application No. 87311325.2 there is described a package which contains at least one beverage preparation ingredient, e.g. roast and ground coffee. In a preferred embodiment the package is formed from a substantially air- and water-impermeable material and comprises a sealed body portion having a compartment containing the beverage ingredient and an outlet channel, the compartment and the outlet channel co-operating in such a manner that, in use, the beverage is filtered, thereby avoiding the necessity for an external filter.
- There is also described in European Patent Application No. 87311325.2, a method for preparing a beverage which comprises positioning a beverage containing package at a brewing station, introducing water through water introduction means into the package, allowing the water to commingle with the beverage ingredient, and collecting the beverage so-formed through an outlet formed in the package.
- The beverage packages as described in European Patent Application No. 87311325.2 are primarily intended to be used with a beverage preparation machine which handles the packages automatically or semi-automatically. A machine of this type is described in our European Patent Application No. 89302708.6. The packages may contain roast and ground coffee, leaf tea or one or more powder, paste or liquid beverage preparation ingredients such as powdered chocolate, powdered coffee or powdered soup. The beverage preparation ingredients are thus usually soluble and dissolve in the water introduced into the package thereby to form the beverage. However, problems may be encountered when the packages contain one or more powder, paste or liquid beverage preparation ingredients because the beverage preparation ingredient or ingredients may migrate through the capsule or cartridge to the outlet nozzle. When the outlet for the beverage is formed in the package the beverage preparation ingredient or ingredients will then contaminate the cup which the beverage is to be dispensed, which is unsightly and not liked by the consumer, and/or contaminate the cutting or piercing tool used to form an outlet in the package during the beverage preparation cycle.
- Packages which contain comestibles other than beverage preparation ingredients, for example mustard powder or paste, and powders or pastes for the preparation of sweet or savoury sauces are also known.
- We have now developed a modified package containing one or more powder, paste or liquid comestible preparation ingredients which prevents the migration of the ingredient(s) into the outlet nozzle of the package.
- Accordingly, the present invention provides a sealed package containing one or more powder, paste or liquid comestible preparation ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the said package comprising a compartment containing the said one or more comestible preparation ingredients, an inlet which communicates with the said compartment and an outlet which communicates with the said compartment the package being provided with control means to prevent the ingress of the powder, paste or liquid ingredient or ingredients into the outlet from the compartment containing the ingredients prior to the preparation of a comestible from the said ingredients.
- The packages of the present invention are preferably packages which contain one or more powder, paste or liquid beverage preparation ingredients and the invention will be more fully described hereinbelow with reference to such packages.
- The beverage package of the present invention preferably has a body portion which may be formed, for example, from a moulded plastics material. The inlet and/or outlet of the package may be closed by a plug of a plastics material moulded into the inlet and/or outlet during the moulding of the body portion. Alternatively, the inlet and/or outlet may be covered by a substantially air- and water-impermeable material, for example aluminium foil or a laminated material, such as a laminate of plastic material/metal foil/plastic material, prior to the opening of the inlet and/or outlet. Specific examples of materials which can be used are aluminium foil having a thickness in the range of from 30 to 60 micrometres coated with a layer of polypropylene or a laminate of polypropylene/aluminium foil/polyester.
- The outlet in the package may be prepared during the beverage preparation cycle using a cutting and piercing tool for example of the type as described in our European Patent Application No. 89302708.6.
- Alternatively, the inlet and/or outlet may be open and the beverage package provided with an outer wrapping or the like. For example, a plurality of packages may be provided with a shrink wrapped outer layer.
- The control means incorporated into the beverage packages of the present invention is generally positioned between the compartment containing the beverage preparation ingredient(s) and the outlet in order to prevent the entry of the beverage preparation ingredient(s) into the outlet before the beverage is prepared. The control means may be of various different designs and some examples of different control means are described below. It will be appreciated that whilst some control means can be used to prevent powders, pastes and/or liquids from migrating to the outlet, other control means are suitable only for preventing the ingress of powdered ingredients into the outlet.
- A first type of control means comprises a flap positioned between the compartment and the outlet, the flap remaining closed under the weight of the ingredient(s), but deforming, in use, under the pressure of the beverage formed from the ingredient(s) thereby allowing the beverage to flow therethrough.
- A second type of control means comprises a slit of a deformable material, such as a plastics material, metal foil or laminate, positioned between the compartment and the outlet, the slit in the material not allowing the ingredient(s) to pass through it but deforming in use, under the pressure of the beverage formed from the ingredient(s), to allow the beverage to flow therethrough.
- A third type of control means comprises a seal positioned between the compartment and the outlet, the seal being held in position by an adhesive which is susceptible to mechanical peel and/or elevated temperature so that it is ruptured by the pressure and/or temperature of the beverage formed from the beverage preparation ingredient(s).
- A fourth type of control means comprises a soluble plug or membrane of a water soluble harmless substance positioned between the compartment and the outlet, the plug or membrane dissolving when the beverage prepared from the beverage preparation ingredient(s) comes into contact therewith.
- A fifth type of control means comprises a mechanical plug positioned within the outlet the mechanical plug being adapted to move from a position in which it closes the outlet to a position in which the outlet is opened. The mechanical plug may be moved from its closed to its open position by a piercing tool of the type as described in our European Patent Application No. 89302708.6.
- The packages of the present invention are preferably provided with a recognition means whereby, in use, the package is identified by the machine into which it is placed for treatment and the identification of the package thereby causes it to be subjected to the correct treatment steps including the introduction of a fluid medium into the package. For the preparation of beverages from powdered beverage preparation ingredients the fluid medium introduced into the package will be water, or a water/air mixture.
- The recognition means may comprise one or more surface features formed in the body of the beverage package. For example, the package body may be provided with one or more indents, cut outs, protrusions or holes which can be identified by a mechanical sensor in the beverage preparation machine, the mechanical sensor registering the presence or absence of the indents, cut outs, protrusions or holes.
- The recognition means may, alternatively, comprise a system which can be sensed by a simple optical device, for example a bar code printed onto the body of the package, a pattern of through holes in the package, a pattern of contrasting tones or colours printed onto the package or packages containing different comestibles being of different colours.
- The recognition means may also comprise one or more strips of a magnetic material applied to the body of the package which can be read by an appropriate magnetic sensor; one or more shaped or divided areas of metal foil applied to the package body which cause an inductive effect on movement of the package in the machine, which inductive effect can be sensed; or one or more electrically conductive areas formed on the body of the package which can be sensed electrically.
- As mentioned above, the package of the present invention contains powder, paste or liquid comestible preparation ingredients, preferably one or more powdered beverage preparation ingredients, for example, powdered chocolate, powdered soup, powdered coffee, and sugar and/or creamer, as desired. One machine which can readily be adapted for the preparation of a beverage from the preferred beverage package of the invention which includes a recognition means is described in our European Patent Application No. 89302708.6. The only modification required to be made to such a beverage preparation machine is to incorporate an appropriate sensor or sensors into it, the sensor or sensors being designed to read the particular coding on the capsule and to send a signal to the controller, which then selects the appropriate beverage preparation cycle.
- The recognition system used on the beverage packages of the present invention enables a single beverage preparation machine to prepare from different beverage packages a great number of different beverages which require different beverage preparation conditions.
- The packages of the present invention may be treated by a machine which includes therein one or more sensors which are adapted to sense and identify a recognition means provided on a package inserted into the machine.
- The sensor may be, for example, a mechanical sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, an electrical sensor or an inductive sensor. The machine is preferably adapted so that the package is handled automatically following its insertion into the machine. For example, a machine of the type as described in our European Patent Application No. 89302708.6 can be fitted with an appropriate sensor to sense and identify a recognition means provided on beverage packages intended for use therewith.
- The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
- Figure 1A is a perspective view of part of a beverage package of the invention;
- Figure 1B is a top plan view of the beverage package of Figure 1A;
- Figure 1C is a section through the beverage package of Figure 1A along line A-A with the control means in operation;
- Figure 1D is a section through the beverage package of Figure 1A along line A-A with the control means displaced by the flow of beverage;
- Figure 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the invention showing an alternative control means;
- Figure 3 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of the invention showing an alternative control means;
- Figure 4 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the invention showing an alternative control means;
- Figure 5A is a schematic view of a control means comprising a mechanical plug in its closed position; and
- Figure 5B is a schematic view of the mechanical plug shown in Figure 5A in its open position.
- Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, a beverage package body is shown at 1. The body may be formed, for example, from a moulded plastics material. The body 1 has a compartment 2 in which the powdered beverage preparation ingredient or ingredients are contained. The package body has an
outlet nozzle 3 formed therein. The compartment 2 is separated from the area of the body in which thenozzle 3 is formed by means of an upstanding wall 4. An extension 5 of wall 4 separates the compartment 2 from a chamber 7 which is positioned between the said compartment 2 and theoutlet nozzle 3. As best shown in Figure 1B, theflap 8 covers the chamber 7 and thereby prevents any powder which migrates from compartment 2 enteringoutlet nozzle 3. Theflap 8 is joined along edge 9 thereof to a turned over portion ofoutside wall 10 of the container. The other three edges of the flap are in close proximity to the other walls of the chamber 7, but are not attached thereto. Theflap 8 is constructed from a thin plastics material which is substantial enough to resist the weight of the powdered ingredient(s) before the capsule is used. Theflap 8 may be attached by flap edge 9 to the turned over portion ofwall 10 either by moulding a fine gap around the flap, or by shearing the flap on three sides as a postmoulding operation. - In use of the beverage package as shown in Figures 1A and 1B the bottom of the package is sealed by means of an aluminium foil or a laminated foil which is heat sealed to the lower edges of
walls 4 and 10 and to the lowerouter edge 23 of the package 1. Water enters the package at a pressure of about 10⁵Pa viainlet 12 which is opened by piercing or cutting the material covering the said opening. The water enters achannel 11 surrounding two sides of the compartment 2 containing the beverage ingredients. The water, which is under pressure, is forced through theelongate slots 13 formed in thewall 14 which separateschannel 11 from compartment 2. Theslots 13 as shown in Figure 1 are each approximately 0.5 mm wide and 3.5 mm long. Theslots 13 act to impede the flow of water under pressure through them and give rise to turbulent flow of the water into the compartment 2. The turbulent flow effects a mixing and dissolution of the beverage preparation ingredients. The beverage so-formed, or the mixture of beverage ingredient(s) and water, then passes through aslit 25, formed between the bottom of wall 5 and the aluminium foil or laminated foil sealing the bottom of the package, into chamber 7. The pressure of the beverage, or the mixture of beverage ingredient(s) and water, causes theflap 8 to be displaced by the flow thereof and the beverage or mixture then flows intooutlet nozzle 3. The beverage or mixture is then collected in a cup or other receptacle placed below theoutlet nozzle 3. - Referring to Figures 1C and 1D,
flap 8 is shown in its closed position in Figure 1C, hinged at 9 to a downturned portion ofwall 10. In Figure 1D,flap 8 is opened by the flow of beverage under wall 5 viaslit 25 in the direction indicated into compartment 7. The pressure of the beverage in compartment 7 causes theflap 8 to open and the beverage then flows in the direction indicated by the arrows intooutlet nozzle 3. The beverage is then collected in a cup or other receptacle placed below theoutlet nozzle 3. - Although in the embodiment as shown in Figures 1A to 1D the
flap 8 has been shown extending in a substantially horizontal direction before it is displaced by the beverage, it may be preferable for theflap 8 to extend downwardly at a slight angle to the horizontal. Theflap 8 thus bears firmly against wall 4 and will not be readily displaced during transit or storage of the package, thereby preventing accidental opening or partial opening of the flap. During the preparation of the beverage, the pressure of the beverage in compartment 7 is sufficient to causeflap 8 to flex and thereby to open. - The beverage package as illustrated in Figures 1A to 1D incorporates the recognition means which is a preferred feature of the invention. The package of the invention 1 containing one or more beverage preparation ingredients has a generally rectangular shape with flat top and bottom surfaces and is thereby suitable for insertion into a beverage preparation machine, for example of the type as described in our European Patent Application No. 89302708.6, longitudinally through a slot.
- The package is also provided, as best shown in Figure 1B, with
teeth 15 moulded along one side wall of compartment 2. Theteeth 15 haverecesses 16 formed therebetween. Theseteeth 15 are intended to enable the beverage package to be driven through a beverage preparation machine by the engagement of theteeth 15 with the tooth of a cam (not shown). Theside wall 17 of the beverage package has anelongate recess 18 formed therein near to theleading end 19 of the package. - As the package is driven into the beverage preparation machine the
elongate recess 18 is sensed as the side edge of the package passes beneath a sensing arm (not shown). The elongate recess has a plurality ofupstanding pegs teeth 15 with the tooth of a cam, the sensor senses the presence or absence ofupstanding pegs - If one or more of
pegs pegs -
- It will be understood that the presence of one or more further pegs at the top of
package wall 17 would provide an even larger number of code combinations. - When the beverage preparation machine has selected the appropriate beverage preparation conditions, the
water inlet 12 of the package is pierced or cut, anoutlet 3 formed in the package and water caused to flow under pressure through the compartment containing the beverage ingredient(s). The chosen beverage then being collected in a cup or receptacle placed below theoutlet 3 of the package. - It will be appreciated that for different types of packages the beverage or other ingredient may require significantly different treatment. Thus, some beverages will be prepared with hot water and some with cold water, whilst others, such as espresso coffee, will require a smaller amount of water for their preparation. Preparation times may require to be varied. Similarly water and/or air may be required either for preparing/dispensing the beverage/content of the package or for the purpose of pre-cleaning an inlet pipe or flushing out a used package. Furthermore, a user may require a particular beverage to be dispensed in combination with one or more ingredients from independent sources, e.g. powdered milk and/or sugar.
- Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment a plastic film or
foil laminate 31 is welded to ashoulder 32 formed in the walls of chamber 7 and surrounding the said chamber 7. The plastic film orfoil laminate 31 has aslit 33 formed therein. Any powder migrating from chamber 2 throughslit 25 cannot pass under its own weight through theslit 33, because theslit 33 will not open. However, when a beverage is prepared from the powdered ingredient(s) contained in chamber 2 the flow of the pressurized liquid or liquid/powder mixture through chamber 7 forces theslit 33 to open and the beverage then flows tooutlet nozzle 3 and thence to a cup or receptacle positioned belowoutlet nozzle 3 for collection. - A still further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 3. This arrangement is similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 2. A
seal 34, for example of a plastics film material, is bonded around its edges to thecontinuous shoulder 32 surrounding chamber 7 by means of a low tack adhesive. The low tack adhesive may be susceptible either to mechanical peel when a beverage formed from the beverage preparation ingredient(s) contained in chamber 2 passes via slit 25 to chamber 7, or by the action of the elevated temperature of the beverage, or a combination of both of these mechanisms. The seal thus ruptures and the beverage flows throughoutlet nozzle 3 to a cup or other receptacle positioned belowoutlet nozzle 3. - A still further embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in Figure 4 where a
plug 35 of a soluble material covers the outlet nozzle. The beverage prepared from the beverage ingredient(s) in compartment 2 passes throughslit 25 and into chamber 7. The beverage then contacts thesoluble plug 35 and causes the plug to dissolve, thus uncovering the outlet nozzle through which the beverage then flows into a cup or other receptacle. Thesoluble plug 35 should, of course, be prepared from a harmless material, or from a material which is to be incorporated into the beverage. For example, the plug could be prepared from sugar for the preparation of sweetened beverages. - An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in Figures 5A and 5B. Referring to these Figures the body of a beverage package is shown generally at 40. The compartment containing the beverage ingredient or ingredients is shown at 41. The package has an
outlet nozzle 42 formed therein which is surrounded by acounterbore 43. The outlet nozzle is prevented from communicating with the remainder of the body of the package by means of aseal 44 which is moulded into the plastics material from which the body portion of the package is formed. The seal is surrounded by a line ofweakness 45. The outlet and the base of the package are closed by an air- and water-impermeable material 46, for example a metal foil. Theoutlet nozzle 42 is sealed, as mentioned above, byrupturable seal 44 and amechanical plug 47 lies within the outlet nozzle. Theplug 42 is provided withwings 48 which sit within a groove (not shown) formed inoutlet nozzle 42. - In use of the package in a beverage preparation machine a
platen 49 containing a piercing andfolding mechanism 50 is positioned below the package. The piercing and folding mechanism is moved in an upwards direction by the beverage dispensing machine and causes the air- and water-impermeable material 46 to be cut. Themechanism 50 also folds the cut material back into thecounterbore 43. The piercing and folding mechanism thus moves in an upwardly direction and the unserrated edge 51 of this mechanism co-operates withwings 48 formed onmechanical plug 47, thereby causing the mechanical plug to move upwards in the nozzle and to rupturerupturable seal 44. The mechanical plug moves in a groove in the outlet nozzle 42 (not shown). Accordingly, as shown in Figure 5B there is no longer any obstruction between the outlet nozzle and the remainder of the beverage package. Thus, when a beverage is prepared it can flow via thebore 52 ofmechanical plug 47 throughoutlet aperture 42 into a cup or other receptacle positioned belowplaten 49. - Although the present invention has been described with specific reference to the preparation of beverages from powdered beverage preparation ingredients, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to packages containing only powdered beverage ingredients, but also includes within its scope packages containing other powder, paste or liquid comestibles.
Claims (17)
- A sealed package containing one or more powder, paste or liquid comestible preparation ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the said package comprising a compartment containing the said one or more comestible preparation ingredients, an inlet which communicates with the said compartment and an outlet which communicates with the said compartment the package being provided with control means to prevent the ingress of the powder, paste or liquid ingredient or ingredients into the outlet from the compartment containing the ingredients prior to the preparation of a comestible from the said ingredients.
- A package as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outlet is covered by a substantially air- and water-impermeable material prior to the formation, in use, of an outlet in the package.
- A package as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outlet is closed by a plug prior to the formation, in use, of an outlet in the package.
- A package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the control means comprises a flap positioned between the compartment and the outlet, which flap remains closed under the weight of the ingredient or ingredients, but which is adapted, in use, to deform under the pressure of the comestible formed from the ingredient(s) and thus to allow the comestible to flow therethrough.
- A package as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means comprises a slit deformable material positioned between the compartment and the outlet, which material does not deform under the weight of the ingredient or ingredients, but which is adapted, in use, to deform under the pressure of the comestible formed from the ingredient(s) and thus to allow the comestible to flow therethrough.
- A package as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the control means comprises a seal positioned between the compartment and the outlet, which is ruptured by the pressure and/or temperature of the comestible formed from the ingredient(s) and thus allows the comestible to flow therethrough.
- A package as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the control means comprises a water soluble plug of a harmless material positioned between the compartment and the outlet, the plug dissolving when the comestible formed from the ingredient(s) comes into contact therewith.
- A package as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the control means comprises a mechanical plug positioned within the outlet, the plug being adapted to move from a position in which it closes the outlet nozzle to a position in which the outlet nozzle is opened.
- A package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the powder, paste or liquid ingredient or ingredients are beverage preparation ingredients.
- A package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is provided with a recognition means whereby, in use, the package is identified by the machine into which it is placed for treatment therefrom and the identification of the package thereby causes it to be subjected to the correct treatment steps including the introduction of a fluid medium into the package.
- A package as claimed in claim 10 wherein the recognition means comprises one or more surface features formed in the body of the package.
- A package as claimed in claim 10 wherein the recognition means comprises a bar code.
- A package as claimed in claim 10 wherein the recognition means comprises a pattern of holes formed in the body of the package.
- A package as claimed in claim 10 wherein the recognition means comprises a pattern of contrasting tones or colours.
- A package as claimed in claim 10 wherein the recognition means comprises one or more strips of a magnetic material.
- A package as claimed in claim 10 wherein the recognition means comprises an inductive device.
- A package as claimed in claim 10 wherein the recognition means comprises a plurality of electrically conductive means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9007132 | 1990-03-30 | ||
GB909007132A GB9007132D0 (en) | 1990-03-30 | 1990-03-30 | Packages containing comestibles |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0451980A2 true EP0451980A2 (en) | 1991-10-16 |
EP0451980A3 EP0451980A3 (en) | 1992-01-22 |
EP0451980B1 EP0451980B1 (en) | 1994-09-21 |
Family
ID=10673534
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP91302535A Expired - Lifetime EP0451980B1 (en) | 1990-03-30 | 1991-03-22 | Packages containing comestibles |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0451980B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2690207B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR0170775B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE111856T1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2039243A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69104106T2 (en) |
DK (1) | DK0451980T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2060297T3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9007132D0 (en) |
HK (1) | HK146494A (en) |
Cited By (42)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003059778A2 (en) * | 2002-01-16 | 2003-07-24 | Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. | Closed capsule with opening mean |
US6758130B2 (en) | 2001-03-16 | 2004-07-06 | The Procter + Gamble Co. | Beverage brewing devices for preparing creamy beverages |
GB2397506A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Beverage cartridge |
GB2397502A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397505A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Beverage preparation system |
GB2397496A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397500A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397510A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge and machine for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397509A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Coded beverage cartridge |
GB2397497A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Beverage cartridge |
US7032818B2 (en) | 2001-07-03 | 2006-04-25 | Nestec S.A. | Method and system of setting and/or controlling of a food product dispensing machine using a tag-type communication device |
GB2404184B (en) * | 2003-06-19 | 2006-09-27 | Whitlenge Drink Equipment Ltd | Beverage dispensing system |
US7258061B2 (en) | 2003-07-17 | 2007-08-21 | Mars, Inc. | Semi-automatic beverage making apparatus |
US7673558B2 (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2010-03-09 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Insert, a machine and a system for the preparation of beverages |
US7921766B2 (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2011-04-12 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
US8033211B2 (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2011-10-11 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Insert, a machine and a system for the preparation of beverages |
WO2011141532A1 (en) | 2010-05-12 | 2011-11-17 | Nestec S.A. | Capsule, system and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation |
US8087347B2 (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2012-01-03 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Insert, a machine and a system for the preparation of beverages |
US8168247B2 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2012-05-01 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages |
CN102958816A (en) * | 2010-05-04 | 2013-03-06 | 流纳科技系统Lts有限公司 | Capsule for extraction material, method for producing the capsule, and device for brewing coffee |
EP2580142A1 (en) | 2010-06-12 | 2013-04-17 | Nestec S.A. | Portion capsule for pulverulent or liquid basic drinks compounds |
WO2014006048A2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2014-01-09 | Unilever Plc | Package recognition system |
US8771768B2 (en) | 2007-11-09 | 2014-07-08 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Beverage cartridge |
WO2014183219A1 (en) | 2013-05-17 | 2014-11-20 | 2266170 Ontario Inc. | Capsule for preparing consumable product |
US9101163B2 (en) | 2009-03-27 | 2015-08-11 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Sealed cartridge containing beverage concentrates |
CN104921601A (en) * | 2010-07-19 | 2015-09-23 | 卡夫食品研发公司 | Improvements In Containers |
US9783361B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2017-10-10 | Starbucks Corporation | Stretchable beverage cartridges and methods |
US9877495B2 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2018-01-30 | Starbucks Corporation | Method of making a sweetened soluble beverage product |
US9932168B2 (en) | 2011-03-08 | 2018-04-03 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Beverage delivery pod and methods of use and manufacture |
US10004353B2 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2018-06-26 | Conopco, Inc. | Method, device and capsule for brewing a beverage |
US10076208B2 (en) | 2011-09-30 | 2018-09-18 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | System for the production of beverages |
US10442610B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2019-10-15 | Starbucks Corporation | Pod-based restrictors and methods |
US10450131B2 (en) | 2014-10-01 | 2019-10-22 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | Coffee pod |
US10966564B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2021-04-06 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption |
US11096516B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2021-08-24 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System, apparatus, method, capsule and kit of capsules for preparing a beverage |
US11129492B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2021-09-28 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System for preparing a beverage |
US11129493B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2021-09-28 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System for preparing a beverage |
US11197574B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2021-12-14 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System and method for preparing a beverage field and background |
US11304555B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2022-04-19 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System and apparatus for preparing a beverage |
US11395557B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2022-07-26 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | Apparatus and method for preparing a beverage and system comprising the apparatus and an exchangeable capsule |
US11576519B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2023-02-14 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System, apparatus, method, capsule and kit of capsules for preparing a beverage |
US11944230B2 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2024-04-02 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | Air purge groove |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE202006007056U1 (en) | 2005-12-21 | 2006-10-12 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Cassette for preparation of drinks has entry direction of cassette and coding line not parallel, with coding line as a straight line which is perpendicular to entry direction |
TW201200433A (en) | 2010-05-06 | 2012-01-01 | Brita Gmbh | Container and device with such a container |
BR112012033353A2 (en) | 2010-06-28 | 2016-11-29 | Nestec Sa | "capsule detection system" |
DE102010030988B4 (en) | 2010-07-06 | 2012-04-05 | Brita Gmbh | container |
USD694620S1 (en) | 2011-03-08 | 2013-12-03 | Kraft Foods R&D, Inc. | Beverage cartridge |
GB2489409B (en) | 2011-03-23 | 2013-05-15 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | A capsule and a system for, and a method of, preparing a beverage |
USD708057S1 (en) | 2012-09-10 | 2014-07-01 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Beverage cartridge |
USD697797S1 (en) | 2012-09-12 | 2014-01-21 | Kraft Foods R&D, Inc. | Beverage cartridge |
USD732386S1 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2015-06-23 | Conopco, Inc. | Capsule |
USD732387S1 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2015-06-23 | Conopco, Inc. | Capsule |
USD757536S1 (en) | 2014-10-01 | 2016-05-31 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | Container |
CH717835A9 (en) * | 2020-09-10 | 2022-04-29 | Swiss Tea Innovation Ag | Infusion valve for an infusion container and infusion container. |
Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH458099A (en) * | 1966-02-09 | 1968-06-15 | Mazuranic Jankovic Mladen | Installation for the preparation of a drink |
LU57420A1 (en) * | 1968-11-02 | 1969-03-04 | ||
US3432087A (en) * | 1966-09-01 | 1969-03-11 | Alfred P Costello | Package valve |
US4200371A (en) * | 1976-10-15 | 1980-04-29 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Photographic camera with film speed setting system |
EP0060385A1 (en) * | 1981-03-16 | 1982-09-22 | Becton Dickinson and Company | Needle assembly with vein entry indicator |
WO1983001697A1 (en) * | 1981-10-30 | 1983-05-11 | Reeb, Max, E. | Identification device formed as a band carried by a tag-like object |
EP0153084A1 (en) * | 1984-02-07 | 1985-08-28 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Cassette removable piece |
EP0178013A1 (en) * | 1984-10-03 | 1986-04-16 | De Erven de Wed. J. van Nelle B.V. | Package for a consumer article |
DE3618829A1 (en) * | 1986-06-04 | 1987-12-10 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Packaging container with overpressure valve |
EP0272922A2 (en) * | 1986-12-23 | 1988-06-29 | General Foods Limited | Beverage packages |
US4833306A (en) * | 1988-05-18 | 1989-05-23 | Fluoroware, Inc. | Bar code remote recognition system for process carriers of wafer disks |
EP0337615A1 (en) * | 1988-03-21 | 1989-10-18 | General Foods Limited | Nozzle for beverage package |
EP0179641B1 (en) * | 1984-10-23 | 1990-01-03 | Mars G.B. Limited | Beverage packages |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5924947B2 (en) * | 1981-07-30 | 1984-06-13 | 四郎 斉藤 | package |
JPS5924948B2 (en) * | 1981-07-30 | 1984-06-13 | 四郎 斉藤 | package |
-
1990
- 1990-03-30 GB GB909007132A patent/GB9007132D0/en active Pending
-
1991
- 1991-03-22 AT AT91302535T patent/ATE111856T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1991-03-22 EP EP91302535A patent/EP0451980B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-03-22 DE DE69104106T patent/DE69104106T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-03-22 DK DK91302535.9T patent/DK0451980T3/en active
- 1991-03-22 ES ES91302535T patent/ES2060297T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-03-27 CA CA002039243A patent/CA2039243A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-03-29 KR KR1019910004996A patent/KR0170775B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1991-03-30 JP JP3067341A patent/JP2690207B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1994
- 1994-12-22 HK HK146494A patent/HK146494A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH458099A (en) * | 1966-02-09 | 1968-06-15 | Mazuranic Jankovic Mladen | Installation for the preparation of a drink |
US3432087A (en) * | 1966-09-01 | 1969-03-11 | Alfred P Costello | Package valve |
LU57420A1 (en) * | 1968-11-02 | 1969-03-04 | ||
US4200371A (en) * | 1976-10-15 | 1980-04-29 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Photographic camera with film speed setting system |
EP0060385A1 (en) * | 1981-03-16 | 1982-09-22 | Becton Dickinson and Company | Needle assembly with vein entry indicator |
WO1983001697A1 (en) * | 1981-10-30 | 1983-05-11 | Reeb, Max, E. | Identification device formed as a band carried by a tag-like object |
EP0153084A1 (en) * | 1984-02-07 | 1985-08-28 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Cassette removable piece |
EP0178013A1 (en) * | 1984-10-03 | 1986-04-16 | De Erven de Wed. J. van Nelle B.V. | Package for a consumer article |
EP0179641B1 (en) * | 1984-10-23 | 1990-01-03 | Mars G.B. Limited | Beverage packages |
DE3618829A1 (en) * | 1986-06-04 | 1987-12-10 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Packaging container with overpressure valve |
EP0272922A2 (en) * | 1986-12-23 | 1988-06-29 | General Foods Limited | Beverage packages |
EP0337615A1 (en) * | 1988-03-21 | 1989-10-18 | General Foods Limited | Nozzle for beverage package |
US4833306A (en) * | 1988-05-18 | 1989-05-23 | Fluoroware, Inc. | Bar code remote recognition system for process carriers of wafer disks |
Cited By (80)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6758130B2 (en) | 2001-03-16 | 2004-07-06 | The Procter + Gamble Co. | Beverage brewing devices for preparing creamy beverages |
US7032818B2 (en) | 2001-07-03 | 2006-04-25 | Nestec S.A. | Method and system of setting and/or controlling of a food product dispensing machine using a tag-type communication device |
US7387239B2 (en) | 2001-07-03 | 2008-06-17 | Netsec S.A. | Method and system of setting and/or controlling of a food product dispensing machine using a tag-type communication device |
WO2003059778A3 (en) * | 2002-01-16 | 2004-01-08 | Nestle Sa | Closed capsule with opening mean |
WO2003059778A2 (en) * | 2002-01-16 | 2003-07-24 | Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. | Closed capsule with opening mean |
US7604826B2 (en) | 2002-01-16 | 2009-10-20 | Nestec S.A. | Closed capsule with opening means |
AU2003215538B2 (en) * | 2002-01-16 | 2009-05-28 | Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. | Closed capsule with opening mean |
GB2397502B (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2005-06-29 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397505B (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2006-01-04 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | System and method for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397510A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge and machine for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397509A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Coded beverage cartridge |
GB2397497A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Beverage cartridge |
WO2004065257A1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-08-05 | Kraft Foods R. & D., Inc. | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397500B (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2005-03-23 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397496B (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2005-04-20 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
GB2407758A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2005-05-11 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages |
US8168247B2 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2012-05-01 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397506B (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2005-08-10 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397497B (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2005-11-02 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397509B (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2005-11-23 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | A system for the preparation of beverages |
EP1440913A1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397500A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
GB2407758B (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2006-07-12 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages |
US9994388B2 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2018-06-12 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages |
EP2058243B2 (en) † | 2003-01-24 | 2019-08-14 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | Method for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397496A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397505A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Beverage preparation system |
GB2397502A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
EP1440910B2 (en) † | 2003-01-24 | 2013-11-20 | Kraft Foods R&D, Inc. | System and method for the preparation of beverages |
CN1761604B (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2010-06-09 | 卡夫食品研发公司 | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages and method for using the cartridge |
GB2397506A (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Beverage cartridge |
US10676273B2 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2020-06-09 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages |
GB2404184B (en) * | 2003-06-19 | 2006-09-27 | Whitlenge Drink Equipment Ltd | Beverage dispensing system |
US7258061B2 (en) | 2003-07-17 | 2007-08-21 | Mars, Inc. | Semi-automatic beverage making apparatus |
US7673558B2 (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2010-03-09 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Insert, a machine and a system for the preparation of beverages |
US8087347B2 (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2012-01-03 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Insert, a machine and a system for the preparation of beverages |
US8033211B2 (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2011-10-11 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Insert, a machine and a system for the preparation of beverages |
US7921766B2 (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2011-04-12 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
US9828153B2 (en) | 2007-11-09 | 2017-11-28 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | Beverage cartridge |
US8771768B2 (en) | 2007-11-09 | 2014-07-08 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Beverage cartridge |
US9101163B2 (en) | 2009-03-27 | 2015-08-11 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Sealed cartridge containing beverage concentrates |
US9113654B2 (en) | 2009-03-27 | 2015-08-25 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Beverage concentrates |
EP2566784A1 (en) | 2010-05-04 | 2013-03-13 | Luna Technology Systems LTS GmbH | Capsule for an extraction material, method for producing the capsule, and device for brewing coffee |
US10244887B2 (en) | 2010-05-04 | 2019-04-02 | Qbo Coffee Gmbh | Capsule for an extraction material, method for producing the capsule, and device for brewing coffee |
CN102958816A (en) * | 2010-05-04 | 2013-03-06 | 流纳科技系统Lts有限公司 | Capsule for extraction material, method for producing the capsule, and device for brewing coffee |
EP2566784B1 (en) * | 2010-05-04 | 2016-03-23 | Qbo Coffee GmbH | Capsule for an extraction beverage and device for preparing a beverage |
AU2011250625B2 (en) * | 2010-05-04 | 2016-07-28 | Qbo Coffee Gmbh | Capsule for an extraction material, method for producing the capsule, and device for brewing coffee |
US9387978B2 (en) | 2010-05-04 | 2016-07-12 | Qbo Coffee Gmbh | Capsule for an extraction material, method for producing the capsule, and device for brewing coffee |
WO2011141535A1 (en) | 2010-05-12 | 2011-11-17 | Nestec S.A. | Support, capsule, system and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation |
WO2011141532A1 (en) | 2010-05-12 | 2011-11-17 | Nestec S.A. | Capsule, system and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation |
US20130209619A1 (en) * | 2010-06-12 | 2013-08-15 | Nestec S.A. | Portion capsule for pulverulent or liquid basic drinks compounds |
EP2580142A1 (en) | 2010-06-12 | 2013-04-17 | Nestec S.A. | Portion capsule for pulverulent or liquid basic drinks compounds |
EP2580142B1 (en) | 2010-06-12 | 2016-08-24 | Nestec S.A. | Portion capsule for pulverulent or liquid basic drinks ingredients |
CN104921601A (en) * | 2010-07-19 | 2015-09-23 | 卡夫食品研发公司 | Improvements In Containers |
US9932168B2 (en) | 2011-03-08 | 2018-04-03 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Beverage delivery pod and methods of use and manufacture |
US10076208B2 (en) | 2011-09-30 | 2018-09-18 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | System for the production of beverages |
WO2014006048A2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2014-01-09 | Unilever Plc | Package recognition system |
EP2987432A1 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2016-02-24 | Unilever PLC, a company registered in England and Wales under company no. 41424 of | Capsule recognition system |
US10004248B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2018-06-26 | Conopco, Inc. | Package recognition system |
US10143214B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2018-12-04 | Conopco, Inc. | Method and device for brewing a beverage |
WO2014006054A2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2014-01-09 | Unilever Plc | Capsule recognition system |
EP2989942A1 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2016-03-02 | Unilever PLC | Package recognition system |
US11191286B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2021-12-07 | Conopco, Inc. | Capsule, method and device for brewing a beverage |
US9783361B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2017-10-10 | Starbucks Corporation | Stretchable beverage cartridges and methods |
US10004353B2 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2018-06-26 | Conopco, Inc. | Method, device and capsule for brewing a beverage |
WO2014183219A1 (en) | 2013-05-17 | 2014-11-20 | 2266170 Ontario Inc. | Capsule for preparing consumable product |
EP2996963A4 (en) * | 2013-05-17 | 2017-01-18 | 2266170 Ontario, Inc. | Capsule for preparing consumable product |
US10442610B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2019-10-15 | Starbucks Corporation | Pod-based restrictors and methods |
US10450131B2 (en) | 2014-10-01 | 2019-10-22 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | Coffee pod |
US10820607B2 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2020-11-03 | Starbucks Corporation | Soluble beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas |
US9877495B2 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2018-01-30 | Starbucks Corporation | Method of making a sweetened soluble beverage product |
US10966564B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2021-04-06 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption |
US11096516B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2021-08-24 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System, apparatus, method, capsule and kit of capsules for preparing a beverage |
US11129492B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2021-09-28 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System for preparing a beverage |
US11129493B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2021-09-28 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System for preparing a beverage |
US11197574B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2021-12-14 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System and method for preparing a beverage field and background |
US11304555B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2022-04-19 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System and apparatus for preparing a beverage |
US11395557B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2022-07-26 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | Apparatus and method for preparing a beverage and system comprising the apparatus and an exchangeable capsule |
US11576519B2 (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2023-02-14 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | System, apparatus, method, capsule and kit of capsules for preparing a beverage |
US11944230B2 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2024-04-02 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | Air purge groove |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2039243A1 (en) | 1991-10-01 |
EP0451980A3 (en) | 1992-01-22 |
GB9007132D0 (en) | 1990-05-30 |
JP2690207B2 (en) | 1997-12-10 |
ES2060297T3 (en) | 1994-11-16 |
HK146494A (en) | 1994-12-30 |
JPH0597166A (en) | 1993-04-20 |
KR0170775B1 (en) | 1999-03-30 |
DK0451980T3 (en) | 1995-02-20 |
EP0451980B1 (en) | 1994-09-21 |
DE69104106T2 (en) | 1995-01-19 |
ATE111856T1 (en) | 1994-10-15 |
DE69104106D1 (en) | 1994-10-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP0451980B1 (en) | Packages containing comestibles | |
EP0449533A1 (en) | Comestible containing packages | |
EP0455337B1 (en) | Method of beverage preparation | |
US4853234A (en) | Beverage packages | |
EP1594763B1 (en) | A capsule to be used to prepare an infused beverage | |
RU2291092C2 (en) | Closed flexible cartridge | |
TWI328436B (en) | System for dispensing beverages having different foam levels from capsules | |
GB2121762A (en) | Beverage dispensing | |
RU2261211C2 (en) | Container for whipped beverage preparation | |
TW201311198A (en) | Compositions, systems and methods for portion-packaged soups and meals | |
AU2021319023A1 (en) | Beverage preparation system | |
WO1999005044A1 (en) | Beverage-producing packages | |
HUE029753T2 (en) | Closed capsule with opening means | |
EP0337615B1 (en) | Nozzle for beverage package | |
EP0389141B1 (en) | Beverage packages | |
EP0158511A2 (en) | Beverage infuser device | |
CA3000937C (en) | Cartridge for the preparation of a liquid product, and corresponding assortment | |
JPH0360753B2 (en) | ||
KR20220012887A (en) | Capsule system mountable within cartridges for beverage machines | |
EP3732117B1 (en) | System for flexible food or beverage packs | |
JPS6327259Y2 (en) | ||
JPS6327260Y2 (en) | ||
WO2004020308A1 (en) | Interconnected sachets adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents. | |
JPS6338756B2 (en) | ||
JPS6338755B2 (en) |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19920529 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19920820 |
|
RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: KRAFT JACOBS SUCHARD LTD. |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
ITF | It: translation for a ep patent filed |
Owner name: BARZANO' E ZANARDO ROMA S.P.A. |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 111856 Country of ref document: AT Date of ref document: 19941015 Kind code of ref document: T |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 69104106 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 19941027 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2060297 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
EAL | Se: european patent in force in sweden |
Ref document number: 91302535.9 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DK Ref legal event code: T3 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GR Ref legal event code: FG4A Free format text: 3014457 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed | ||
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Payment date: 19970403 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19980322 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: IF02 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20020304 Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Payment date: 20020305 Year of fee payment: 12 Ref country code: NL Payment date: 20020305 Year of fee payment: 12 Ref country code: AT Payment date: 20020305 Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Payment date: 20020306 Year of fee payment: 12 Ref country code: CH Payment date: 20020306 Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20020313 Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20020320 Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Payment date: 20020327 Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Payment date: 20020329 Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20020409 Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20030322 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20030322 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20030323 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20030324 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20030331 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20030331 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20030331 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20030331 |
|
BERE | Be: lapsed |
Owner name: *KRAFT JACOBS SUCHARD LTD Effective date: 20030331 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20031001 Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20031001 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20031002 |
|
EUG | Se: european patent has lapsed | ||
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20030322 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20031127 |
|
NLV4 | Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee |
Effective date: 20031001 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FD2A Effective date: 20030324 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20050322 |