WO2013043595A1 - Emballage jetable et à usage unique pour boisson - Google Patents

Emballage jetable et à usage unique pour boisson Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013043595A1
WO2013043595A1 PCT/US2012/055910 US2012055910W WO2013043595A1 WO 2013043595 A1 WO2013043595 A1 WO 2013043595A1 US 2012055910 W US2012055910 W US 2012055910W WO 2013043595 A1 WO2013043595 A1 WO 2013043595A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
frame
basket
outer sleeve
beverage
rim
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/055910
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Matthew R. Cook
Thomas Z. Fu
Original Assignee
Lbp Manufacturing Inc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lbp Manufacturing Inc. filed Critical Lbp Manufacturing Inc.
Priority to KR1020147010721A priority Critical patent/KR20140078698A/ko
Priority to CN201280052073.4A priority patent/CN104024128A/zh
Priority to EP12833059.4A priority patent/EP2758322A4/fr
Priority to JP2014531908A priority patent/JP2014527880A/ja
Priority to CA2849745A priority patent/CA2849745A1/fr
Publication of WO2013043595A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013043595A1/fr

Links

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
    • B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D65/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D65/46—Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
    • B65D65/466—Bio- or photodegradable packaging materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00—Table service
    • A47G19/22—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
    • A47G19/2205—Drinking glasses or vessels
    • A47G19/2266—Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids
    • A47G19/2272—Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids from drinking glasses or cups comprising lids or covers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/4403—Constructional details
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/46—Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
    • A47J31/462—Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices with an intermediate liquid storage tank
    • A47J31/465—Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices with an intermediate liquid storage tank for the heated water
    • 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
    • B65D85/8055—Means for influencing the liquid flow inside the package
    • 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
    • B65D85/8061—Filters
    • 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
    • B65D85/808—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package for immersion in the liquid to release part or all of their contents, e.g. tea bags
    • 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
    • G07F13/06—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
    • G07F13/065—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof for drink preparation

Definitions

  • Single serve beverage brewing is popular among consumers. There are many formats of single serve brewers on the market. These brewers are designed to quickly brew a single cup of coffee or tea. The coffee or tea grounds are sold in prepared, single serving portions.
  • Reusable devices for single serve brewers may not suitable in some situations. For example, when efficiency is required such as in a busy home, in an office environment, or in a waiting-room environment. Reusable devices require cleaning, which may be complicated by the tendency of beverage grounds to cake into the filter openings. Additionally, to accommodate cleaning of reusable devices, the single serve brewer will be required to be placed near a source of water and a sink or drain. Provision of a sink or drain may be impracticable.
  • a basket for holding beverage grounds includes a frame.
  • the frame includes a continuous rim that defines an opening at a top of the frame, a bottom portion that is closed, and a plurality of spaced apart ribs that extend from the rim to a peripheral edge of the bottom portion.
  • the bottom edge, plurality of ribs, and rim define a plurality of openings that facilitate fluid flow.
  • a filter material is positioned in the plurality of openings.
  • a removable outer sleeve is formed on an outside surface of the frame. The outer sleeve is configured to cover at least the plurality of openings to thereby provide an air-tight seal within the frame.
  • a beverage package in a second aspect, includes a flow wrap material that defines a plurality of sealed pockets, and a beverage basket for storing beverage grounds positioned within each sealed pocket.
  • Each beverage basket includes a frame.
  • the frame includes a continuous rim that defines an opening at a top of the frame, a bottom portion that is closed, and a plurality of spaced apart ribs that extend from the rim to a peripheral edge of the bottom portion.
  • the bottom edge, plurality of ribs, and rim define a plurality of openings that facilitate fluid flow.
  • the beverage basket also includes a filter material positioned in the plurality of openings.
  • a removable outer sleeve is formed on an outside surface of the frame configured to cover at least the plurality of openings to thereby provide an air-tight seal within the frame.
  • a method for forming a beverage basket for holding beverage grounds includes forming a frame that includes a continuous rim that defines an opening at a top of the frame, a bottom portion that is closed, and a plurality of spaced apart ribs that extend from the rim to a peripheral edge of the bottom.
  • the bottom portion, plurality of ribs, and rim define a plurality of openings that facilitate fluid flow.
  • a filter material is positioned in the plurality of openings.
  • a removable outer sleeve is formed on an outside surface of the frame and is configured to cover at least the plurality of openings to thereby provide an air-tight seal within the frame.
  • Fig. 7A illustrates an exemplary filter medium side portion configured to be molded into a basket.
  • Fig. 7B illustrates an exemplary filter medium bottom portion, if needed, configured to be molded to a bottom surface of a frame of a basket.
  • Fig. 7C illustrates an exemplary filter side portion and filter bottom portion molded to a basket.
  • Fig. 8A illustrates the placement of a logo on the exemplary lid.
  • Fig. 8B illustrates the placement of a logo of the basket.
  • Fig. 8C illustrates the placement of a logo on underside of the basket.
  • Fig. 9A illustrates a disposable beverage portion basket that defines a groove on a bottom portion.
  • Fig. 9B illustrates a disposable beverage basket that defines a groove and indentation on a bottom portion.
  • Fig. 10A illustrates an exemplary cartridge with an annular ring used in connection with the beverage basket of Fig. 9A.
  • Fig. 10B illustrates an exemplary cartridge with a button used in connection with the beverage basket of Fig. 9B.
  • FIG. 1 1 A illustrates a disposable beverage basket with a group of outwardly extending ledges
  • Fig. 1 1 B illustrates a disposable beverage basket with a group of inwardly extending ledges
  • Fig. 12A illustrates stacking of disposable beverage baskets that include outwardly extending ledges
  • Fig. 12B illustrates stacking of disposable beverage portion baskets that include inwardly extending ledges.
  • FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate perspective, side, and bottom views
  • Figs. 14A and 14B illustrate a first lid embodiment for covering the beverage basket of Figs. 13A-13C.
  • Figs. 15A and 15B illustrate a second lid embodiment for covering the beverage basket of Figs. 13A-13C.
  • Figs. 16A and 16B illustrate a basket and lid that twist lock together.
  • Fig. 17 illustrates a basket and lid formed together.
  • Figs. 18A and 18B illustrate liquid distribution fins positioned on a lower surface of an exemplary lid.
  • FIG. 19A illustrates application of a first exemplary sleeve embodiment over a beverage basket.
  • FIG. 19B illustrates application of a second exemplary sleeve
  • Fig. 19C illustrates a sealed beverage basket embodiment.
  • Fig. 20A illustrates a sealed beverage basket embodiment that includes a tab for removing an outer sleeve.
  • Fig. 20B illustrates a sealed beverage basket embodiment that includes a notch for removing an outer sleeve.
  • Fig. 21A illustrates a beverage packet.
  • Fig. 21 B illustrates a string of beverage packets.
  • Single serve beverage brewing is popular among consumers due to the convenience and flexibility that it provides. Many single serve beverage brewers have entered the market. Traditional brewers typically produce between four and twenty cups of beverage at a time. The beverage sits on a hot plate until it is consumed. As time passes, the taste of the beverage may decline. Single serve brewing allows a consumer to enjoy beverages, such as coffee and tea, in an efficient fashion and without a decline in the taste profile of the beverage.
  • a disposable single use beverage package 100 may include a basket 1 10, which may be a permeable basket and barrier 1 12, which may be a disposable impermeable barrier.
  • the barrier 1 12 may have a first side 1 14 and a second side 1 16.
  • the first side 1 14 may include a score, a tab, a zip, an embedded string, or otherwise provide a means for assisting a user to open the barrier 1 12.
  • the barrier 1 12 may be sealed at the second side 1 16 or other sides by gusseting, pinching, heat sealing, stapling, or otherwise.
  • the barrier 1 12 may be a shrink wrap barrier or a wax barrier, among others.
  • the barrier 1 12 may be substantially resistant to the passage of liquids, gases, and solids.
  • the barrier 1 12 may be hermetically sealed to block moisture and oxygen from entering the pouch and to retain the aroma of the coffee.
  • several baskets may be prefilled and packaged together in an egg crate type configuration, a tube, or other packaging, to maintain freshness during shipping and storing.
  • the barrier 1 12 may be made of materials such as foil laminate, metalized films, EVOH films, polyolefin based material, parafilm, plastics, and combinations of these, among others.
  • a user may open the package 100, for example, by tearing the barrier 1 12 along the first side 1 14 to reveal the basket 1 10.
  • the user may remove the basket 1 10 from the barrier 1 12 and place the basket 1 10 into a single serve brewer.
  • the basket 1 10 may be prefilled with grounds, or alternatively, the user may add grounds to the basket 1 10.
  • the basket 1 10 may be a single-wall permeable basket including a first end 1 18, which may be reversibly closed or an open end, and a second end 120, which may be a closed end.
  • the basket 1 10 may be a cup shaped basket and may be used with a lid 122.
  • the basket 1 10 may also have a side wall 124 and a rim 126.
  • the side wall 124 may connect the second end 120 and the rim 126.
  • the side wall 124 may include a frame 128 and a filter medium 130.
  • the frame 128 may provide structure, stability, and integrity to the filter medium 130.
  • the frame 128 may be formed by injection molding or by a different process suitable for manufacturing a rigid form around a relatively flexible filter medium.
  • the frame 128 may be made of any one of many commercially available materials, such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide or Nylon, or other synthetic or natural plastics or combinations thereof.
  • the frame 128 may be made from other materials such as a bio-based polymer, such as polylaticacid (PLA), poly hydroxybutaric acid (PHA) or a starch based polymer.
  • PHA polylaticacid
  • PHA poly hydroxybutaric acid
  • the frame 128 may be made of other materials known to those skilled in the art.
  • the side walls 124 of the basket 1 10 may be defined by the frame 128 and a filter medium 130.
  • the filter medium 130 may be secured to the basket 1 10, for example, at the second end 120, the rim 126, and/or at that frame 128.
  • the filter medium 130 may be secured for example, by thermal bonding of the plastic used for the frame 128, or with an adhesive, by crimping, by heat sealing, or any other way.
  • the filter medium 130 may be secured in the frame 128 in insert-injection molding of the plastic frame around a filter medium insert. For example, a pre-die cut blank of filter medium may be placed on a mandrel which has channels around the shape of the pre die-cut blank.
  • Molten plastic may flow in and bond to the blank of the filter medium 130 during inert-injection molding.
  • the plastic may solidify into the frame 128, for example, upon cooling.
  • the filter medium 700 and 705 may be first formed into a generally cylindrical and tapered portion 700 and an optional bottom circular filter medium 705 herein after referred to as the circular portion 705.
  • the filter medium 700 and 705 may then be placed or inserted onto a mold for insert injection molding to form the basket 710 with the filter media 700 and 705 supported by the frame of the basket 710.
  • the bottom end 715 of the frame of the basket 710 may be substantially open and a circular filter portion 705 may cover the open portions.
  • the filter medium 130 may be a porous material and may be permeable to liquids and some oils. It may be formed of many materials, for example, non- woven materials such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid, cellulosic fibers, polyhydroxyalkanoates, thermoplastic starch, filter paper, other paper materials, polymer materials, a combination of these or any other material.
  • the filter medium 130 may also be formed from a polymer or plastic filtration mesh, or microporous or apertured films made of various plastic materials, such as polypropylene, Nylon 6 and high density polyethylene or other materials known to those skilled in the art.
  • the filter medium 130 may be formed from a bio-based polymer, such as polylatic acid (PLA), poly hydroxybutaric acid (PHA) or starch based polymer.
  • Characteristics of the filter medium 130 may be selected to meet the filtration needs of different products, such as ground coffee, tea powders or leaves, or other brewed products.
  • the basis weight, thickness, strand count, mesh size, flow rate and strength of the filter medium 130 may be selected based on the product to be brewed.
  • the filter medium 130 may be compostable, biodegradable, recycled, and/or recyclable. If the filter medium 130 is a non-woven material, it may have a greater resistance than, for example, a woven material or a metal filter. A non- woven filter medium 130 may retain water in the basket for longer than, for example, a woven or metal filter. The length of time that the water is retained in the basket with the grounds may influence the strength and therefore the taste profile of the resulting beverage. This may be because a woven material or a metal material may have technological limitations on the size of the openings there through. A non-woven material may not have the same technological limitations. Therefore, the difference may be that, in a woven material or metal material, the path of the water may be straight through the wall and in the non- woven material, the path may be indirect and convoluted.
  • the basket 1 10 may include a lid 122.
  • the lid 122 may include a rim 202 and a cover 200.
  • the cover 200 may be disposed below the rim 202 for secure fitting with the basket 1 10.
  • the cover 200 may not include a rim 202.
  • the cover 200 may be made from a material that may be punctured to allow a liquid to enter into the basket.
  • the cover 200 may be a material, such as a foil, film, coated film, or multilayer laminate, which is sealed to or across the rim 126 of the permeable basket 1 10 to maintain contents therein.
  • the cover 200 may keep dry contents dry, wet contents wet, and may maintain a freshness of the contents.
  • the cover 200 may be formed of a plastic, metallic foil, filter material, thermoplastic starch, or a laminate or composite thereof.
  • the basket 1 10 may be dimensioned for use with a commercial single serve coffee brewer.
  • Fig. 3 shows an exemplary basket 1 10.
  • the basket 1 10 may have width of the open end 312, and a height 316.
  • the open end 312 may be, for example but not limited to, about 38-42mm.
  • the height 316 may be, for example but not limited to, 38-42mm.
  • the rim 126 may have a dimension 314 of, for example but not limited to, 3.5-5.5mm.
  • the frame 128 may have a dimension 320 of, for example but not limited to, 5mm, and a dimension 318 of, for example but not limited to 2mm. These dimensions are merely exemplary and not limiting.
  • the basket 1 10 may also have other dimensions or shapes, for example, dimensions that permit use in various single serve beverage machines.
  • a basket 1 10 may be prefilled with beverage grounds 414, for example but not limited to, coffee or tea grounds. Alternatively or additionally, the basket 1 10 may be loaded with beverage grounds 414 immediately prior to use. If the basket 1 10 is prefilled with beverage grounds 414 it may be sealed with a lid 122. Alternatively, if the permeable basket 1 10 is not preloaded with beverage grounds 414, it may not have a lid 122, additionally or alternatively; it may have a removable lid 122, or otherwise.
  • a user may open the barrier 1 12, take out the basket 1 10 and place the basket 1 10 into a single serve beverage machine.
  • a heated liquid 410 may be received by the basket 1 10 through an opening in the cover 200 or otherwise.
  • a preloaded basket 1 10 may be placed inside a cartridge 400 for a single serve beverage machine.
  • the cartridge 400 may be reusable or disposable.
  • the cover 200 may be pierced by a probe 416 to admit heated liquid 410 into the basket 1 10.
  • the heated liquid may interact with the beverage grounds 414 creating a beverage medium.
  • the beverage medium 418 may flow through the filter medium 130 and exit through an opening in the cartridge 400.
  • an unloaded permeable basket 1 10 may be placed inside a cartridge 400 for a single serve beverage machine.
  • the cartridge 400 may be reusable or disposable.
  • the beverage grounds 414 may be placed into the basket 1 10.
  • a cover 200 may be attached to maintain the contents of the basket 1 10.
  • the cover 200 may be pierced by a probe 416 to admit heated liquid 410 into the basket 1 10.
  • the heated liquid may interact with the beverage grounds 414 creating a beverage medium.
  • the beverage medium 414 may flow through the filter medium 130 and exit through an opening in the cartridge 400.
  • no cover 200 may be required. In this case, the heated liquid 410 will flow directly into the basket 1 10.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates one example of a lid 122 for a basket 1 10.
  • the cover 200 of the lid 122 may include an opening 500 for entry of a liquid probe.
  • the opening 500 may be a weakened portion of the material of the cover 200 which may give easily under the pressure of a probe.
  • unloaded tapered baskets 1 10 may be configured for efficient nesting.
  • the baskets 1 10 may be sold nested in a stack or tube, which may be packed in a sleeve of plastic film, or otherwise.
  • the unloaded basket 1 10 may allow the end user to select a variety of beverage grounds 414 for use in their single serve brewer.
  • the end user may also be able to modify the amount of beverage grounds 414 for use in their single serve brewer.
  • the components of the single use beverage package 100 may be selected with the intention of creating an environmentally friendly product.
  • the filter medium 130 may be made from a range of synthetic or biodegradable, recycled or recyclable, or compostable materials such as polyolefins, polylacticacid, cellulosics, polyhydroxyalkanoates, thermoplastic starch, a combination of these or other materials.
  • the basket frame 128 material, cover 200 and barrier 1 12 may also be made out of these materials or similar synthetic, biodegradable, recycled or recyclable, or compostable materials which retain the properties of structural integrity (e.g., frame 128) and impermeability (e.g., barrier 1 12).
  • the logos 805 may also be printed on the filter medium 130.
  • the logos 805 enable a vendor to, for example, place descriptive information about the product that is in the basket, such as whether the product is coffee or tea, a type of blend, and the like. Other information known to those skilled in the art may also be printed.
  • Figs. 9A-10B illustrate yet other embodiments of disposable beverage baskets.
  • Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B illustrate beverage basket embodiments configured to control the positioning of the basket within a cartridge or brewer.
  • the beverage basket 900 (shown upside down) includes a frame 128 and filter material 903.
  • the frame 128 includes a rim 126, a bottom portion 120, and a group of ribs 906.
  • the rim 126 defines an opening that corresponds to the top of the frame 128 when the frame 128 is in an upright position.
  • the rim 126 may be continuous and have a circular shape, oval shape, or a different shape.
  • the bottom portion 120 is a closed surface that corresponds to the bottom of the frame 128.
  • the ribs 906 extend from the rim 126 to the edge of the bottom portion 120.
  • the ribs 906, rim 126, and bottom portion 120 define a group of openings that facilitate fluid flow, such as coffee, tea, or a different beverage.
  • the bottom portion 120 defines a groove 905 and/or an indentation 907 (See Fig 9B).
  • the groove 905 may extend in a continuous manner along and inward of the edge of the bottom portion 120.
  • the groove 905 and/or indentation 907 are configured to cooperate with a complementary feature, e.g., a protruded needle in the bottom of a cartridge or brewer to accurately position the basket 900 within the cartridge or brewer. That is the groove 905 and/or indentation 907 are configured to mesh with a complementary feature of the cartridge or brewer to control alignment of the basket 900 so that the outer walls of the basket 900 are not up against inner walls of the cartridge or brewer during use, which could otherwise limit fluid flow through the basket 900.
  • Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B illustrate exemplary cartridges 1000 and 1015 with alignment features.
  • the same alignment features may be provided in a brewer independently of a cartridge.
  • the feature corresponds to an annular ring 1005.
  • the annular ring 1005 may be suspended within the cartridge by one or more bridge members 1007 to facilitate fluid flow around the annular ring 1005.
  • the annular ring 1005 may be sized to fit within the groove 905 of the beverage basket 900.
  • the annular ring 1007 may be formed in a portion of the brewer configured to receive the beverage basket 900.
  • the annular ring 1005 and one or more bridge members 1007 may correspond to a separate component configured to fit substantially near the bottom of the cartridge 1000 or brewer and to maintain a distance between sidewalls of the cartridge 1000 or brewer.
  • the feature corresponds to a button 1017.
  • the button 1017 may be sized to fit within the indentation 907, described above.
  • the button 1017 may be supported by a bridge member 1019 to enable fluid flow around the button 1017.
  • the button 1017 may be formed in a portion of the brewer configured to receive the beverage basket 900.
  • the button 1017 and bridge member 1019 may correspond to a separate component configured to fit substantially near the bottom of the cartridge 1015 or brewer and to maintain a distance between sidewalls of the cartridge 1015 or brewer.
  • Fig. 1 1A and Fig. 1 1 B illustrate beverage basket embodiments 1 100 and 1 150 configured to be stacked.
  • the beverage basket 1 100 includes a frame 128 and filter material 903, as describe above.
  • the frame includes a rim 126, a bottom portion 120, and a group of ribs 906.
  • the rim 126 defines an opening that corresponds to the top a top of the frame 128.
  • the rim 126 may be continuous and have a circular shape, oval shape, or a different shape.
  • the bottom portion 120 is a closed surface that corresponds to the bottom of the frame 128.
  • the ribs 906 extend from the rim 126 to the edge of the bottom portion 120.
  • the ribs 906, rim 126, and bottom portion 120 define a group of openings that facilitate fluid flow, such as coffee, tea, or a different beverage.
  • Each rib 906 includes a ledge 1 105 and 1 1 10 (Fig. 1 1 B) positioned in a center region.
  • the ledges 1 105 and 1 1 10 are configured to limit an amount by which respective baskets 1 100 and 1 150 are insertable into one another.
  • the space 1210 may be sized to facilitate storage of beverage grounds, such as coffee ground, tea grounds, or other grounds, which the baskets 1 100 and 1 150 are stacked. That is, the position of the ledges 1 105 and 1210 along the ribs 906 may be configured to result in a desired amount of space 1210 between respective baskets.
  • several baskets may be advantageously filled with grounds and then stacked to save space.
  • the ledge 1 105 extends outwardly away from the center of the basket. (See Fig. 1 1 A.) Referring to Fig. 12A, in this
  • the ledge 1 105 of a top basket 1205 rests upon the rim 126 of a lower basket 1207.
  • the distance between opposing ledges 1 105 i.e., ledges 1 105 on opposite sides of the basket 1 100
  • the ledge 1 1 10 extends inwardly towards the center of the basket. (See Fig. 1 1 B.) Referring to Fig. 12B, in this configuration, the bottom portion 120 of the top basket 1205 rests upon the ledge 1 1 10 of the lower basket 1207. In this regard, the distance between opposing ledges 1 1 10 (i.e., ledges 1 105 on opposite sides of the basket 1 100) may be equal to about the outer diameter of the bottom portion 120.
  • Figs. 13A-13C illustrate perspective, side, and bottom views, respectively, of yet another beverage basket embodiment 1300.
  • the beverage basket 1300 is configured to be placed into a brewer (not shown) without the need for a cartridge 400.
  • brewers typically include a receiving member sized to receive a basket with a similar although not identical shape.
  • a protruded membrane-piercing needle is positioned in the lower portion of the receiving member and is configured to pierce the lower portion of a typical plastic cup (e.g., a generally cylindrically shaped cup with a flat and closed bottom surface) so as to facilitate fluid flow out of the basket, through the needle, and then into a cup.
  • the beverage basket embodiment 1300 includes a frame 1305.
  • the frame 1305 includes a rim 1310, a bottom portion 1315, and a group of ribs 1320.
  • the rim 1310 defines an opening that corresponds to the top of the frame 1305 when the frame 1305 is in an upright position.
  • the rim 1310 may be continuous and have a circular shape, oval shape, or a different shape.
  • the bottom portion 1315 is a closed surface that corresponds to the bottom of the frame 1305.
  • the ribs 1320 extend from the rim 1310 to the edge of the bottom portion 1315.
  • the ribs 1320, rim 1310, and bottom portion 1315 define a group of openings that facilitate fluid flow, such as coffee, tea, or a different beverage.
  • the beverage basket embodiment 1300 also includes a filter material that covers the openings, such as any of the filter materials described above, which is not shown in this instance for clarity.
  • a first portion 1325 (Fig. 13C) of the bottom portion 1315 is
  • a second portion 1330 of the bottom portion 1315 defines an indentation 1335, which can be either fully enclosed or semi enclosed.
  • the first portion 1325 may occupy 3 ⁇ 4 or more of the surface area of the bottom portion 1315.
  • the second portion 1330 may occupy the remaining area.
  • the indentation 1335 is sized so that when the basket 1300 is inserted into the receiving member, the membrane-piercing needle fits within the indentation 1335 and does not pierce the bottom portion 1315.
  • a depth D of the indentation 1335 relative to the lower surface of first portion 1325 of the bottom surface may be, for example but not limited to, about .388".
  • the width of the indentation 1330 may be, for example but not limited to, about 0.287", and the indentation 1335 may be offset towards a side edge of the bottom portion 1315, which corresponds to the location of the membrane-piercing needle in some brewer implementations. However, the indentation 1335 may be located in a different location when the membrane-piercing needle is positioned differently. Limiting the space occupied by the indentation 1335 (i.e., maximizing the space occupied by the first portion) results in more space within the basket 1300 for grounds, such as coffee grounds. This in turn facilitates the production of stronger blends.
  • Figs. 14A - 16B illustrate various exemplary lids for covering the beverage basket embodiment 1300.
  • the respective lids are configured to selectively substantially seal the opening defined at the top of the frame 1305.
  • Figs. 14A and 14B illustrate a first exemplary lid 1400.
  • the lid 1400 includes an opening 1402 in a center region through which a liquid flows into the basket 1300.
  • the lid 1400 also includes an annular ring 1405 configured to be friction fit against an inner surface of the rim 1310 of the frame 1305 to thereby form a seal between the lid 1400 and the beverage basket 1300. That is, a seal between the outer surface of the annular ring 1405 and the inner surface of the rim 1310.
  • the diameter of the annular ring 1405 may be sized to provide a tight fit between the lid 1400 and the basket 1300 while still facilitating removal of the lid 1400.
  • Figs. 15A and 15B illustrate a second exemplary lid 1500.
  • the lid 1500 includes an opening 1502 in a center region through which a liquid flows into the basket 1300.
  • the lid 1500 includes a sidewall 1505 configured to be snap fit over an outer edge of the rim 1310.
  • the seal between the lid 1500 and the beverage basket 1300 is formed between the inner surface of the sidewall 1505 and the outer surface of the rim 1310.
  • the diameter of the sidewall 1505 may be sized to provide a tight fit between the lid 1500 and the basket 1300 while still facilitating removal of the lid 1500.
  • Figs. 16A and 16B illustrate another exemplary beverage basket 1600 and lid 1610.
  • the beverage basket 1600 includes the features of the beverage basket 1300 described above.
  • the rim 1605 defines one or more cutouts 1612.
  • the lid 1610 includes one or more tracks 1615 configured to cooperate with the one or more cutouts 1612 to facilitate twist locking of the lid 1610 to the beverage basket 1600.
  • the thickness of the rim 1605 may gradually increase with a distance away from the cutouts 1612 so that the tightness between the lid 1610 and the beverage basket 1600 increases with further twisting of the lid 1610.
  • the basket 1700 and lid 1705 shown in Fig. 14 may be formed together so that in an open configuration the lid 1705 is attached to the basket 1700.
  • the lid 1705 may then be folded over the basket 1700 to close the top opening of the basket 1700 defined by the rim 1710.
  • a cutout 1715 may be formed in the rim 1710 to expose an underside of the lid 1705 when the lid 1400 is in the closed configuration. The cutout 1715 facilitates removal of the lid 1705 from the basket 1700.
  • liquid distribution fins 1810 may be formed on the underside of the lid 1805. During operation, liquid flowing into the lid opening will, through capillary pressure, be drawn over the liquid distribution fins 1810 and then drop onto the grounds in the basket 1800. The liquid distribution fins 1810 distribute the liquid over a larger portion of the grounds in the basket 1800 than would occur without the use of fins 1810. This in turn facilitates more even brewing of the beverage. It is understood that the shape and number of fins 1810 are only exemplary.
  • Figs. 19A-20B illustrate a sealed beverage basket 1900 (Fig. 19C) and operations for forming the same.
  • the sealed beverage basket 1900 includes a beverage basket wrapped in an outer sleeve that is made of a gas barrier material, such as aluminum foil, coated monolayer plastic films, multi-layer laminates comprising of different plastic, aluminum foil, metalized plastic, metalized paper and coated films, which acts as a high gas barrier to gasses such as nitrogen (N 2 ), carbon-dioxide (CO), Oxygen (O 2 ) and other aroma organic volatiles.
  • the outer sleeve is form fit to the beverage basket, which results in a smaller storage footprint. That is, the sealed beverage basket 1900 requires less space than some of the other embodiments.
  • the beverage basket may correspond to any of the described beverage basket embodiments.
  • the beverage basket may correspond to the basket 1 10 of Fig. 1.
  • the basket 1 10 includes a frame and filter medium, as described above.
  • the frame includes a rim, a bottom portion, and a group of ribs.
  • a lid 200 may be placed on the top of the frame 128 to secure contents within the frame 128.
  • Fig. 19A illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of an outer sleeve 1905 that may be placed around the outside surface of the basket 1 10 and subsequently form fit to the basket 1 10 to thereby provide a sealed beverage basket 1900.
  • the outer sleeve 1905 is configured to cover at least the openings in the basket 1 10 through which fluid flows to thereby provide an air-tight seal within the basket 1 10.
  • the air-tight seal preserves the freshness of contents stored within the basket 1 10.
  • the sidewall of the outer sleeve 1905 may be tapered and the diameter sized to facilitate sliding of the basket 1 10 within the outer sleeve 1905.
  • the diameter along a top edge of the outer sleeve 1905 may be sized to prevent the outer sleeve 1905 from extending passed the rim of the basket 1 10.
  • the bottom of the outer sleeve 1905 may be opened or closed.
  • an inert gas such as nitrogen
  • an inert gas such as nitrogen
  • heat may be applied to outer sleeve 1905 to cause the outer sleeve 1905 to shrink tightly around the basket 1 10 to thereby form an air-tight seal that prevents ambient air from entering the basket 1 10.
  • the outer sleeve 1905 may be configured to cover other areas of the basket 1 10.
  • the outer sleeve 1900 may cover a portion 1920 of the lid 200, as illustrated in Fig. 19C.
  • the diameter of the top edge of the outer sleeve 1905 may be sized to allow the sleeve 1905 to slide above the rim in the pre-form fit stage. This allows the sleeve to fold over the lid 200 during the form fitting process, which further secures the lid 200 to the frame of the basket 1 10 and provides a means for detection of tampering with the contents stored within the basket 1 10.
  • a torn outer sleeve 1905 may evince tampering with the contents of the sealed beverage basket 1900.
  • Fig. 19B illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of an outer sleeve 1910 that may be placed around the outside surface of the basket 1 10 and subsequently form fit to the basket 1 10.
  • the second outer sleeve embodiment 1910 is configured to cover at least the openings of the basket 1 10 through which fluid flows to thereby provide an air-tight seal within the basket 1 10.
  • the air-tight seal preserves the freshness of contents stored within the basket 1 10.
  • the outer sleeve 1910 may be configured to cover other areas of the beverage basket 1900, such as a portion 1920 of the lid 200, which may provide the advantageous features described above.
  • the outer sleeve 1910 is configured to be wrapped around the frame of the basket 1 10, as illustrated in Fig. 19B.
  • the outer sleeve 1910 is initially separated at first and second edges 1912 and is provided with an overlap amount, as illustrated by the dashed line 1915 in Fig. 19B.
  • the first and second edges 1912 overlap one another when the outer sleeve 1910 is wrapped.
  • An adhesive may be applied to one or both edges 1912 to facilitate joining of the edges.
  • the adhesive may be a food grade peelable pressure sensitive adhesive that does not contaminate beverage grounds stored within the basket 1 10.
  • the adhesive can be acrylic based pressure sensitive adhesives.
  • the edges 1912 may be joined through other suitable means, such as ultrasonic welding and the like.
  • the second outer sleeve embodiment 1910 may be cut from a sheet of sleeve material. Prior to cutting, graphics, labels, and the like may be printed on the sleeve material. This advantageously provides for a sealed beverage basket 1900 that includes graphics, labels, etc. on an outside surface. These in turn facilitate, for example, easy determination of the contents stored within the beverage basket 1 10, the manufacturer of the beverage basket, an expiration date, or any other desired information.
  • the outer sleeve 1905, 1910 includes a top portion 2005 configured to completely cover the lid 200.
  • the top portion 2005 may be formed from the same material as the rest of the outer sleeve 1905, 1910.
  • the first outer sleeve embodiment 1905 may be configured to have a closed top that corresponds to the top portion 2005 and may be configured (i.e., sized) to slide over the top of the basket 1 10 rather than the bottom.
  • the top portion 2005 may be a separate portion joined to the rest of the outer sleeve 1905, 1910 via any of the joining processes described above, or different joining process.
  • the top portion may be joined via an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or a different joining process.
  • the top portion 2005 may include a tab 2000 (Fig. 20A) or notch 2010 (Fig. 20B) to facilitate easy removal of the outer sleeve 1905, 1910 from the basket 1 10.
  • the outer sleeve portion that covers the openings in the beverage basket may define the tab 2000 and/or notch 2010.
  • Fig. 21 A illustrates an exemplary beverage packet 2100 that may be used in connection with any of the basket embodiments described above.
  • the beverage packet 210 is made from a flow wrap material that may be utilized to define a number of beverage packets 2100.
  • Each beverage packet 2100 may include a sealed beverage basket, such as the sealed beverage basket 1900, described above.
  • the flow wrap material may initially correspond to a tube closed at one end and with a length suited for packaging a desired number of sealed beverage baskets 1900.
  • a first sealed beverage basket 1900 is inserted into the tube.
  • the tube is then sealed above the sealed beverage basket 1900 to form a first beverage packet 2100 that holds one sealed beverage basket 1900.
  • a second sealed beverage basket 1900 is then inserted at the open end of the tube and sealed into the tube to provide a second beverage packet 2100.
  • the operations continue until the desired number of beverage packets 2100 is obtained.
  • the tube may be perforated between beverage packets 2100 to facilitate easy separation of the beverage packets 2100.
  • the entire tube of beverage packet 2100 may be stored in a container 2105 for distribution and storage.

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un panier destiné à supporter des bases de boisson, ledit panier comprenant un cadre. Le cadre comprend un rebord continu qui définit une ouverture au niveau de la partie supérieure du cadre, une partie inférieure qui est fermée et une pluralité de nervures espacées qui s'étendent depuis le rebord jusqu'à un bord périphérique de la partie inférieure. Le bord inférieur, la pluralité de nervures et le rebord définissent une pluralité d'ouvertures qui facilitent l'écoulement fluidique. Un matériau de filtre est positionné dans la pluralité d'ouvertures. Un manchon externe amovible est formé sur une surface extérieure du cadre. Le manchon externe est configuré pour recouvrir au moins partiellement la pluralité d'ouvertures pour donner, de ce fait, un joint étanche à l'air dans le cadre.
PCT/US2012/055910 2011-09-23 2012-09-18 Emballage jetable et à usage unique pour boisson WO2013043595A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020147010721A KR20140078698A (ko) 2011-09-23 2012-09-18 폐기 가능한 단일 사용 음료 팩키지
CN201280052073.4A CN104024128A (zh) 2011-09-23 2012-09-18 一次性的单一用途饮料包装
EP12833059.4A EP2758322A4 (fr) 2011-09-23 2012-09-18 Emballage jetable et à usage unique pour boisson
JP2014531908A JP2014527880A (ja) 2011-09-23 2012-09-18 使い捨て型シングルユース飲料パッケージ
CA2849745A CA2849745A1 (fr) 2011-09-23 2012-09-18 Emballage jetable et a usage unique pour boisson

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161538623P 2011-09-23 2011-09-23
US61/538,623 2011-09-23

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WO2013043595A1 true WO2013043595A1 (fr) 2013-03-28

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JP (1) JP2014527880A (fr)
KR (1) KR20140078698A (fr)
CN (1) CN104024128A (fr)
AR (1) AR088162A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2849745A1 (fr)
TW (1) TW201321282A (fr)
WO (1) WO2013043595A1 (fr)

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BE1024724B1 (nl) * 2016-11-08 2018-06-14 Koffie F. Rombouts N.V. Hernieuwbare koffiefilter
WO2019110440A1 (fr) * 2017-12-05 2019-06-13 Unilever Plc Flacon d'infusion de boisson
US11524268B2 (en) 2016-11-09 2022-12-13 Pepsico, Inc. Carbonated beverage makers, methods, and systems

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US6861086B2 (en) * 2001-02-14 2005-03-01 1361215 Ontario, Inc. Method of processing roasted coffee
US20040159075A1 (en) * 2003-02-19 2004-08-19 Matthews David J. Methods for manufacturing package strips
US20080251518A1 (en) * 2005-03-03 2008-10-16 Ffp Packaging Solutions Limited Self-Venting Cover for Heatable Food Package
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BE1024724B1 (nl) * 2016-11-08 2018-06-14 Koffie F. Rombouts N.V. Hernieuwbare koffiefilter
US11524268B2 (en) 2016-11-09 2022-12-13 Pepsico, Inc. Carbonated beverage makers, methods, and systems
WO2019110440A1 (fr) * 2017-12-05 2019-06-13 Unilever Plc Flacon d'infusion de boisson

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JP2014527880A (ja) 2014-10-23
CN104024128A (zh) 2014-09-03
KR20140078698A (ko) 2014-06-25
AR088162A1 (es) 2014-05-14
CA2849745A1 (fr) 2013-03-28
TW201321282A (zh) 2013-06-01
EP2758322A4 (fr) 2015-07-29
EP2758322A1 (fr) 2014-07-30

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