# US 2014/0197061 A1 · Method and Apparatus for Beverage Capsule Storage

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- Number: US 2014/0197061 A1
- Document ID: US20140197061A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 13/742,741
- Filed: 2013-01-16
- Published: 2014-07-17
- Earliest claimed: 2013-01-16
- Inventors: Norman Meindl, JR.
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140197061A1

## CPC

- A47J 31/44: Parts or details {or accessories} of beverage-making apparatus (filters or strainers A47J31/06)
- B65D 85/8043: {Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents (B65D85/808 takes precedence; filters or reusable cartridges for coffee or tea makers, not used as packages A47J31/06)}
- Y10T 29/49826: Assembling or joining
- A47J: KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- 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
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A beverage capsule storage apparatus and method of use is described. Embodiments of the beverage capsule storage apparatus are typically comprised substantially of a resilient foam panel having a rectangular shape. The foam panel includes a plurality of apertures each adapted to receive a beverage capsule. Beverage capsules include capsules and pods used in single cup brewers. Additionally, an adhesive layer can be included to removably couple the apparatus to a cupboard door or other surface.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An apparatus for storing beverage capsules, the apparatus comprising:
a closed-cell foam panel;
a plurality of apertures within the foam panel, each of the plurality of apertures adapted to hold a beverage capsule; and
an adhesive layer on a bottom surface of the foam panel, the adhesive layer adapted to removably secure the foam panel to an object.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam panel comprises:
a first piece of closed-cell foam; and
a second piece of closed-cell foam coupled to the first piece of closed-cell foam, wherein the coupling comprises an adhesive.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apertures are generally rigid proximate a location of the coupling of the first piece of foam to the second piece of foam.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of apertures has a first diameter located proximate a top surface of the foam panel and a second diameter located proximate the bottom surface of the foam panel.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of apertures tapers from the first diameter to the second diameter.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first diameter is approximately 1.630 inches and the second diameter is approximately 1.455 inches.

### Claim 8 (depends on 4)

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first diameter is equal in size to the second diameter.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures are arranged in two rows.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a first row has five apertures and a second row has four apertures.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first row and the second row are staggered.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam panel has approximately a one inch thickness.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer is a rubber based pressure sensitive adhesive.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

A combination comprising:
the apparatus of claim 1; and
one or more beverage capsules secured in the plurality of apertures.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The combination of claim 14, the combination further including a cabinet door, wherein the apparatus is coupled to the cabinet door.

### Claim 16

An apparatus for storing beverage capsules, the apparatus comprising:
a cross-linked polyethylene closed-cell foam panel having approximately a one inch thickness, the foam panel having a rectangular shape;
a plurality of apertures within the foam panel, each of the plurality of apertures adapted to hold a beverage capsule; and
a rubber based pressure sensitive adhesive layer on a bottom surface of the foam panel, the adhesive layer adapted to removably secure the foam panel to an object.

### Claim 17 (depends on 16)

The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the object consists of one of:
a cabinet;
a refrigerator; and
a drawer.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The apparatus of claim 17, wherein a color of the foam panel is matched to a color of the object.

### Claim 19

A method comprising:
determining a surface to removably attach a storage apparatus to;
removing a release paper from the storage apparatus; and
pressing the storage apparatus into place, the storage apparatus comprising:
a closed-cell foam panel having approximately a one inch thickness;
a plurality of apertures within the foam panel, each of the plurality of apertures adapted to hold a beverage capsule; and
an adhesive layer on a bottom surface of the foam panel, the adhesive layer adapted to removably secure the foam panel to the surface.

### Claim 20 (depends on 19)

The method of claim 19 further comprising:
filling the plurality of apertures with beverage capsules.