Enhanced Exchangeable Cartridge System for Beverage Portion Dispensers
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An advanced exchangeable cartridge system for beverage portion dispensers, offering improved storage, dispensing, and refilling capabilities, with enhanced protection from ambient air, moisture, and UV light.
Background and Problem Solved
The original exchangeable cartridge for beverage portion dispensers had limitations in terms of storage capacity, protection from environmental factors, and refilling efficiency. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing compartmentalized storage, adjustable compartment sizes, and advanced sensing capabilities, ensuring a more efficient, convenient, and high-quality beverage preparation experience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced exchangeable cartridge system comprises an elongated hollowed storage member divided into multiple compartments to store different types of beverage items. The storage member is designed with adjustable compartment sizes to accommodate various sizes of beverage items. A sensor is integrated into the system to detect the type and quantity of beverage items stored in the cartridge. The cartridge is designed for easy refilling, with a process that ensures protection from ambient air and moisture. The system also includes a method for preparing beverages using the exchangeable cartridge, involving loading, dispensing, and refilling the cartridge with a plurality of beverage items.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features such as compartmentalized storage, adjustable compartment sizes, and advanced sensing capabilities, which provide a significant improvement over the original patent. The inventive step lies in the combination of these features, which enables a more efficient, convenient, and high-quality beverage preparation experience.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the number and size of compartments, using different types of sensors, or integrating additional features such as automated beverage preparation or real-time inventory tracking. Variations of the system could be designed for specific industries, such as coffee or tea, or for use in different types of beverage dispensers.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced exchangeable cartridge system has significant commercial potential in the beverage industry, particularly in the coffee and tea markets. The system's improved storage, dispensing, and refilling capabilities make it an attractive solution for businesses and consumers seeking a high-quality beverage preparation experience. The system's advanced sensing capabilities and potential for automation also make it suitable for use in commercial settings, such as cafes or restaurants.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47J31/407 |
| B | B65 | B65D85/804 |
| A | A47 | A47J31/4403 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Beverage portion dispensing systems, specifically focusing on cartridge design for storing and dispensing individual beverage portions, with expertise in mechanical design, packaging, and food processing technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or product designer with experience in food packaging, beverage dispensing systems, and modular container design, familiar with techniques for preserving food items and creating efficient storage solutions
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's compartmentalized storage and sensing technologies represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core beverage cartridge concept. The proposed variations leverage standard engineering design techniques to enhance functionality while maintaining the fundamental storage and dispensing principles established in the original patent. These modifications represent incremental improvements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize beverage portion cartridge performance.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,104 |
|---|---|
| Title | Exchangeable cartridge for beverage portion dispenser |
| Assignee(s) | SOCIÉTÉ DES PRODUITS NESTLÉ S.A. |