MULTI-INGREDIENT BEVERAGE CARTRIDGE

Abstract

A cartridge for use in making a beverage includes an outer housing defining an inner space with a first chamber and a second chamber defined therein. A first quantity of a first beverage component is disposed in the first chamber and a second quantity of a second beverage component is disposed in the second chamber.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed concept relates generally to items used in producing beverages and, more particularly, to single-serving cartridges for use in making on-demand beverages for/by a consumer. The disclosed concept further relates to methods and machines for manufacturing such cartridges.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many arrangements exist for a consumer to make a single beverage, such as a cup of coffee or tea. One example of such an arrangement is a K-cup®, manufactured and sold by Keurig Green Mountain and related entities. Another example of such an arrangement is a Vue Cup, also manufactured and sold by Keurig Green Mountain and related entities. Such arrangements commonly use a disposable container that includes coffee or tea and is inserted into a brewing device wherein hot water is provided to produce the beverage. Consumers then may add further items as desired to the beverage before consuming the beverage. While such single-serve arrangements provide convenience and less waste as opposed to previous solutions (e.g., making a pot of coffee) there is still room for improvement of the convenience and beverages produced by such arrangements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the disclosed concept provide arrangements for producing multi-ingredient beverages that improve upon conventional arrangements. As one aspect of the disclosed concept, a cartridge for use in making a beverage is provided. The cartridge comprises: an outer housing defining an inner space with a first chamber and a second chamber defined therein; a first quantity of a first beverage component disposed in the first chamber; and a second quantity of a second beverage component disposed in the second chamber.

The outer housing may comprise a cup. The cup may comprise a plastic material. The cup may comprise a biodegradable material.

The first chamber may comprise an upper chamber and the second chamber may comprise a lower chamber. The cup may include a base, a top rim defining an opening, and a sidewall extending upward from the base to the rim; and the cartridge may further comprise: a seal material coupled to the top rim around the opening, the cup and the seal material defining the inner space; and a separator material positioned in the inner space and secured about a periphery of the separator material to the sidewall of the cup in a manner which defines the upper chamber within the inner space between the separator material and the seal material and the lower chamber within the inner space between the separator material and the base. The seal material may be positioned and configured to be pierced by a water supply nozzle of a brewing machine when the cartridge is positioned within a brewing compartment of the brewing machine, and the base may be structured to be pierced by a drain nozzle of the brewing machine when the cartridge is positioned within the brewing compartment of the brewing machine. The separator material may comprise a filter material arranged in a basket-like shape.

The first beverage component may comprise a ground coffee, and the second beverage component may comprise a coffee creamer.

The first beverage component may comprise one or more of: ground coffee, creamer, a vitamin, a protein, collagen, sugar, tea, a powder drink mix, a mushroom powder, a botanical, a supplement, a medication, a non-dairy creamer, a herbal supplement, an electrolyte, a non-caloric sweetener, milk, a stimulate, a dairy product, butter, an oil, creatine, a liquid, a spice, a natural flavoring, an artificial flavoring, a powdered alcohol, a CBD based powder, and/or a THC based powder; and the second beverage component may comprise another one or more of: ground coffee, creamer, vitamin, protein, collagen, sugar, tea, powder drink mix, mushroom powder, a botanical, a supplement, a medication, a non-dairy creamer, a herbal supplement, an electrolyte, a non-caloric sweetener, milk, a stimulate, a dairy product, butter, oil, creatine, a liquid, a spice, a natural flavoring, an artificial flavoring, a powdered alcohol, a CBD based powder, and/or a THC based powder.

The inner space may have a third chamber defined therein, and a third quantity of a third beverage component may be disposed in the third chamber.

As another aspect of the disclosed concept, a packaging machine for creating a cartridge such as described above for use in making a beverage is provided. The packaging machine comprises: a plurality of processing stations; and a conveyance arrangement structured to convey the cup of the cartridge for use in making the beverage among the plurality of processing stations, wherein the plurality of processing stations comprise: a first filler station structured to provide the second beverage component in the cup; a separator station structured to provide the separator material and secure the separator material about a periphery thereof to the sidewall of the cup; a second filler station structured to provide the first beverage component on the separator material in the cup; and a sealing station structured to couple the seal material to the top rim of the cup around the opening.

The packaging machine may further comprise a cup station structured to provide the cup on or in the conveyance arrangement.

The conveyance arrangement may comprise a multi-link conveyor arrangement.

As yet another aspect of the disclosed concept, a method of forming a cartridge for use in making a beverage is provided. The method comprises: providing a beverage component in a cup via an opening in the cup; securing a separator material by a periphery thereof to a sidewall of the cup such that the beverage component is contained within a lower chamber defined by a portion of the cup and the separator material; providing another beverage component in the cup on the separator material via the opening in the cup; and coupling a seal material to a top of the cup about the opening such that the other beverage component is contained within an upper chamber defined at least by the separator material and the seal material.

The beverage component may comprise a coffee creamer, and the other beverage component may comprise a ground coffee.

The first beverage component may comprise one or more of: ground coffee, creamer, a vitamin, a protein, collagen, sugar, tea, a powder drink mix, a mushroom powder, a botanical, a supplement, a medication, a non-dairy creamer, a herbal supplement, an electrolyte, a non-caloric sweetener, milk, a stimulate, a dairy product, butter, an oil, creatine, a liquid, a spice, a natural flavoring, an artificial flavoring, a powdered alcohol, a CBD based powder, and/or a THC based powder; and the second beverage component may comprise another one or more of: ground coffee, creamer, vitamin, protein, collagen, sugar, tea, powder drink mix, mushroom powder, a botanical, a supplement, a medication, a non-dairy creamer, a herbal supplement, an electrolyte, a non-caloric sweetener, milk, a stimulate, a dairy product, butter, oil, creatine, a liquid, a spice, a natural flavoring, an artificial flavoring, a powdered alcohol, a CBD based powder, and/or a THC based powder.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the disclosed concept, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosed concept.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic side view of a cartridge in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept for use in making a beverage showing internal details of the cartridge;

FIG. 2 is a partially schematic side view of a cartridge in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosed concept for use in making a beverage showing internal details of the cartridge;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a more particular example of a cartridge in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept for making a beverage shown with portions partially cut away to show internal details of the cartridge;

FIG. 4 is a partially schematic representation of a packaging machine for manufacturing a cartridge in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing general steps of a method of manufacturing a cartridge in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept for making a beverage.

It is to be expressly understood that the drawings are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described herein are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept. Accordingly, specific dimensions, orientations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Further, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not “coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof.

As used herein, “engage,” when used in reference to gears or other components having teeth, means that the teeth of the gears interface with each other and the rotation of one gear causes the other gear to rotate as well. When used in reference to components other than gears, “engage” means that two or more parts or components exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components.

As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies.

As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic side view of a cartridge 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept for use in making a beverage. The cartridge 10 includes an outer housing 12 formed from a plastic or other suitable material (e.g., a biodegradable material) defining an inner space 14 with a first chamber 16 and a separate second chamber 18 defined therein via at least one separator material 20. The separator material 20 may be formed from any suitable material(s) or combination(s) thereof that allow for the selective passage of liquid therethrough, and in some example embodiments is formed from a filter material such as employed in convention arrangements such as a Keurig K-Cup®. A water-soluble material is another particular example of a material that may be employed as a separator material 20 in example embodiments. The cartridge 10 further includes a first quantity of a first beverage component 22 disposed in the first chamber 16 and a second quantity of a second beverage component 24 disposed in the second chamber 18. In example embodiments of the disclosed concept cartridges 10 having first and second beverage components 22, 24 selected from: ground coffee, creamer, vitamin(s), protein, collagen, sugar, tea, powder drink mix(es), mushroom powder, botanicals, supplements, medications, non-dairy creamers, herbal supplements, electrolytes, non-caloric sweeteners, milk, stimulates (e.g., caffeine), dairy, butter/oils, creatine, liquids, spices, natural flavorings, artificial flavorings, powdered alcohol, and CBD and/or THC based powders have been employed, however it is to be appreciated that other ingredients may also be employed without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. When used to make a beverage, a supply of a suitable liquid (e.g., without limitation, hot water) is provided to the inner space 14 (e.g., via any suitable arrangement) of the cartridge 10 to intermix with the first and second beverage components 22, 24 before being evacuated from the cartridge 10 (e.g., via any suitable arrangement) to a cup or other suitable container for subsequent consumption by a consumer. It is to be appreciated that cartridges 10 in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosed concept may include more than two chambers arranged in any suitable manner without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. For example, FIG. 2 shows a cartridge 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept that includes three chambers, first and second chambers 16 and 18 similar to previously discussed, and a third chamber 26. In such example each of chambers 16, 18 and 26 each include a number of beverage components (e.g., beverage components 22, 24, and 28 respectively).

Referring now to FIG. 3, a more particular example of a cartridge 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept for making a beverage is shown with portions partially cut away to show internal details of the cartridge 10. Such cartridge 10 is sized and configured so as to be able to be used in place of a Keurig K-Cup® in any of the widely known Keurig® beverage brewing machines. Accordingly, in such example the outer housing 12 includes a cup 30 and a seal material 32. The cup 30 is formed from a plastic or other suitable material or materials (e.g., a biodegradable material) and includes a base 34, a top rim 36 defining an opening (not numbered), and a sidewall 38 extending upward from the base 34 to the rim 36. The seal material 32 is sealingly coupled to the rim 36 around the opening such that the cup 30 and the seal material 32 define the inner space 14. The separator material 20 is positioned in the inner space 14 and secured about a periphery thereof to the sidewall 38 of the cup 30 in a manner which defines the first chamber 16 (which in such example is an upper chamber) within the inner space 14 between the separator material 20 and the seal material 32 and the second chamber 18 (which in such example is a lower chamber) within the inner space 14 generally between the separator material 20 and the base 34. In such example the separator material 20 is formed from a filter material formed into a pleated basket-like shape.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, the seal material 32 (i.e., the “seal”) is positioned and configured to be pierced by a water supply nozzle of a Keurig brewing machine when the cartridge 10 is positioned within the brewing compartment of the brewing machine, and the base 34 of the cup 30 is structured to be pierced by a drain nozzle of the brewing machine when the cartridge 10 is positioned within the brewing compartment of the brewing machine. In such example embodiment, the first beverage component 22 is a ground coffee and the second beverage component 24 is a coffee creamer such that the finished beverage resulting from the single cartridge 10 is a coffee with creamer. Although shown with particular components/ingredients, it is to be appreciated that other components/ingredients (e.g., such as those discussed above) may be utilized in such example without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

Having thus described the general components/layout of a cartridge 10 in accordance with some example embodiments of the disclosed concept, a brief description of a packaging machine 40 for creating such cartridges 10 will now be discussed in regard to FIG. 4 which shows a schematic representation of a packaging machine 40 for manufacturing a cartridge 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The packaging machine 40 generally includes a plurality of processing stations 42 defined at least in-part by a housing 44, and a conveyance arrangement 46 that is structured to convey the cup 30 of a cartridge 10 among the plurality of processing stations 42. The example packaging machine 40 shown in FIG. 4 includes five processing stations, labeled A-E, however it is to be appreciated that other quantities of processing stations 42 may be employed depending on the arrangement of the cartridge 10 being manufactured without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the conveyance arrangement is a multi-link conveyor arrangement (similar to a metal military tank tread), however it is to be appreciated that other conveyance arrangements may be employed without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

The example packaging machine 40 of FIG. 4 includes a cup station A that is structured to provide the cup 30 of the cartridge 10 on/in the conveyance arrangement 46. A first filler station B is structured to provide a quantity of the second beverage component 24 in the bottom of the cup 30. A separator station C is structured to provide the separator material 20 in the cup 30 and secure the separator material 20 about a periphery thereof to the sidewall 38 of the cup 30. Additionally, the separator station C may, among others, be configured to cut the separator material 20 into a desired shape (e.g., a circle) from a roll of material, and distort/fold the separator material 20 into a desired shape (e.g., a generally basket shaped arrangement) prior to positioning/securing the separator material 20. A second filler station D is structured to provide the first beverage component 22 on the separator material 20 in the cup 30. A sealing station E is structured to provide/couple the seal material 32 to the top rim 36 of the cup 30 around the opening, thus completing formation of a cartridge 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. Although described as separate stations 42 with particular functions, it is to be appreciated that one or more of the quantity of stations 42 and particular functions thereof may be varied without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

Having thus described some example cartridges 10 as well as an example machine 40 for manufacturing such cartridges 10, an example method 50 for forming such cartridges 10 will now be described in conjunction with FIG. 5 which is a flow chart showing general steps of such a method 50 in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. Such method 50 begins by providing a beverage component (i.e., the second beverage component discussed above) in a cup via an opening in the cup, such as shown at 52. Next, the separator material is secured by a periphery thereof to a sidewall of the cup such that the beverage component provided in the previous step is contained within a lower chamber defined by a portion of the cup and the separator material, such as shown at 54. Next, as shown at 56, another beverage component (i.e., the first beverage component discussed above) is provided via the opening in the cup generally onto the separator material. Finally, as shown at 58, the seal material is coupled to a top of the cup about the opening such that the other beverage component is contained within an upper chamber defined at least by the separator material and the seal material and all of the contents of the cup are sealed therein. It is top be appreciated that such method 50 may be readily modified depending on the quantity of chambers and/or ingredients in the completed cartridge.

From the foregoing it is thus to be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosed concept provide cartridge arrangements for use by an end consumer or other individual(s) for making beverages. Such cartridges may be employed, for example, without limitation, in place of K-Cups or in brewing arrangements therefore. Among many benefits over prior arrangements, cartridges in accordance with the disclosed concept provide consumers with a wider range of taste and health related options and reduce/eliminate the need for additional condiments that can occupy space and produce waste when not used in large quantities. Additionally, arrangements in accordance with the disclosed concept provide greater convenience over existing solutions by providing a one step predictably repeatable solution.

While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed herein are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.

Claims

1. A cartridge for use in making a beverage, the cartridge comprising: an outer housing defining an inner space with a first chamber and a second chamber defined therein;a first quantity of a first beverage component disposed in the first chamber; anda second quantity of a second beverage component disposed in the second chamber.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer housing comprises a cup.

3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first chamber comprises an upper chamber and wherein the second chamber comprises a lower chamber.

4. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein: the cup includes a base, a top rim defining an opening, and a sidewall extending upward from the base to the rim; andthe cartridge further comprises: a seal material coupled to the top rim around the opening, the cup and the seal material defining the inner space; anda separator material positioned in the inner space and secured about a periphery of the separator material to the sidewall of the cup in a manner which defines the upper chamber within the inner space between the separator material and the seal material and the lower chamber within the inner space between the separator material and the base.

5. The cartridge of claim 4, wherein the seal material is positioned and configured to be pierced by a water supply nozzle of a brewing machine when the cartridge is positioned within a brewing compartment of the brewing machine, and wherein the base is structured to be pierced by a drain nozzle of the brewing machine when the cartridge is positioned within the brewing compartment of the brewing machine.

6. The cartridge of claim 4, wherein the separator material comprises a filter material arranged in a basket-like shape.

7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first beverage component comprises a ground coffee, and wherein the second beverage component comprises a coffee creamer.

8. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the cup comprises a plastic material.

9. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the cup comprises a biodegradable material.

10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first beverage component comprises one or more of: ground coffee, creamer, a vitamin, a protein, collagen, sugar, tea, a powder drink mix, a mushroom powder, a botanical, a supplement, a medication, a non-dairy creamer, a herbal supplement, an electrolyte, a non-caloric sweetener, milk, a stimulate, a dairy product, butter, an oil, creatine, a liquid, a spice, a natural flavoring, an artificial flavoring, a powdered alcohol, a CBD based powder, and/or a THC based powder; and wherein the second beverage component comprises another one or more of: ground coffee, creamer, vitamin, protein, collagen, sugar, tea, powder drink mix, mushroom powder, a botanical, a supplement, a medication, a non-dairy creamer, a herbal supplement, an electrolyte, a non-caloric sweetener, milk, a stimulate, a dairy product, butter, oil, creatine, a liquid, a spice, a natural flavoring, an artificial flavoring, a powdered alcohol, a CBD based powder, and/or a THC based powder.

11. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the inner space has a third chamber defined therein, and wherein a third quantity of a third beverage component is disposed in the third chamber.

12. A packaging machine for creating a cartridge for use in making a beverage, the cartridge comprising: a cup having a base, a top rim defining an opening, and a sidewall extending upward from the base to the rim; a seal material coupled to the top rim around the opening, the cup and the seal material defining an inner space; a separator material positioned in the inner space and secured about a periphery of the material to the sidewall of the cup in a manner which defines an upper chamber within the inner space between the separator material and the seal material and a lower chamber within the inner space between the separator material and the base; a first quantity of a first beverage component disposed in the upper chamber; and a second quantity of a second beverage component disposed in the lower chamber, the packaging machine comprising: a plurality of processing stations; anda conveyance arrangement structured to convey the cup of the cartridge for use in making the beverage among the plurality of processing stations,wherein the plurality of processing stations comprise: a first filler station structured to provide the second beverage component in the cup;a separator station structured to provide the separator material and secure the separator material about a periphery thereof to the sidewall of the cup;a second filler station structured to provide the first beverage component on the separator material in the cup; anda sealing station structured to couple the seal material to the top rim of the cup around the opening.

13. The packaging machine of claim 12, further comprising a cup station structured to provide the cup on or in the conveyance arrangement.

14. The packaging machine of claim 12, wherein the conveyance arrangement comprises a multi-link conveyor arrangement.

15. A method of forming a cartridge for use in making a beverage, the method comprising: providing a beverage component in a cup via an opening in the cup;securing a separator material by a periphery thereof to a sidewall of the cup such that the beverage component is contained within a lower chamber defined by a portion of the cup and the separator material;providing another beverage component in the cup on the separator material via the opening in the cup; andcoupling a seal material to a top of the cup about the opening such that the other beverage component is contained within an upper chamber defined at least by the separator material and the seal material.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the beverage component comprises a coffee creamer, and wherein the other beverage component comprises a ground coffee.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first beverage component comprises one or more of: ground coffee, creamer, a vitamin, a protein, collagen, sugar, tea, a powder drink mix, a mushroom powder, a botanical, a supplement, a medication, a non-dairy creamer, a herbal supplement, an electrolyte, a non-caloric sweetener, milk, a stimulate, a dairy product, butter, an oil, creatine, a liquid, a spice, a natural flavoring, an artificial flavoring, a powdered alcohol, a CBD based powder, and/or a THC based powder; and wherein the second beverage component comprises another one or more of: ground coffee, creamer, vitamin, protein, collagen, sugar, tea, powder drink mix, mushroom powder, a botanical, a supplement, a medication, a non-dairy creamer, a herbal supplement, an electrolyte, a non-caloric sweetener, milk, a stimulate, a dairy product, butter, oil, creatine, a liquid, a spice, a natural flavoring, an artificial flavoring, a powdered alcohol, a CBD based powder, and/or a THC based powder.