Capsule With Messaging System

Abstract

A capsule is provided with a body defining an interior space having an opening. A filter is disposed in the interior space to define an ingredients chamber. Ingredients are disposed in the ingredients chamber and a cover is disposed over the opening to seal the interior space. A messaging system is provided with the capsule to provide a desired message.

I/we claim: 
     
         1 . A capsule for use in a machine to prepare a desired product, the machine having an injection system for injecting a fluid into the capsule and a dispensing system for dispensing the product from the capsule to a desired receptacle, the capsule comprising:
 a body defining an interior space having an opening;   ingredients disposed in said interior space for mixing with a fluid to prepare a desired product;   a messaging system disposed in said interior space, said messaging system being adapted to deliver a desired message upon the occurrence of a triggering event;   a cover disposed over said opening for sealing said interior space.   
     
     
         2 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein said triggering event comprises the injection of fluid into said capsule. 
     
     
         3 . The capsule of  claim 2 , wherein said messaging system comprises a moisture sensor for sensing when fluid has been injected into said capsule. 
     
     
         4 . The capsule of  claim 2 , wherein said messaging system comprises a sensor for sensing when said capsule has been pierced by at least one of the injection system and dispensing system of the machine. 
     
     
         5 . The capsule of  claim 3  wherein said messaging system further comprises a signaling system, said signaling system emitting a desired signal upon said moisture sensor sensing when fluid has been injected into said capsule. 
     
     
         6 . The capsule of  claim 3  wherein said messaging system further comprises a signaling system, said signaling system emitting a desired signal upon said sensor sensing when said capsule has been pierced by at least one of the injection system and dispensing system of the machine. 
     
     
         7 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein said messaging system comprises a substance that is adapted to interact with fluid injected into said capsule in order that product dispensed from said capsule has one or more distinctive attributes not normally associated with the product that is intended to be prepared by said capsule. 
     
     
         8 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein said messaging system comprises a sound emitter. 
     
     
         9 . The capsule of  claim 1  wherein said messaging system comprises a tag. 
     
     
         10 . The capsule of  claim 1 , further comprising a filter disposed in said interior space for filtering at least some of said ingredients. 
     
     
         11 . A capsule for use in a machine to prepare a desired product, the machine having an injection system for injecting a fluid into the capsule and a dispensing system for dispensing the product from the capsule to a desired receptacle, the capsule comprising:
 a body defining an interior space having an opening;   ingredients disposed in said interior space for mixing with a fluid to prepare a desired product;   a cover disposed over said opening for sealing said interior space, said cover being adapted to be removed at least partially from said opening following use of said capsule in the machine;   indicia displayed on an interior surface of said capsule, said indicia being adapted to deliver a desired message only when said cover has been at least partially removed from said capsule.   
     
     
         12 . The capsule of  claim 11 , further comprising a filter disposed in said interior space for filtering at least some of said ingredients. 
     
     
         13 . The capsule of  claim 11 , wherein said indicia is displayed on an interior surface of said body. 
     
     
         14 . The capsule of  claim 11 , wherein said indicia is displayed on a surface of said cover that faces said interior space. 
     
     
         15 . The capsule of  claim 12  wherein said body comprises a multilayered material that includes a messaging layer displaying said indicia and a sealing layer that covers said messaging layer and faces said interior space. 
     
     
         16 . The capsule of  claim 12  wherein said cover comprises a multilayered material that includes a messaging layer displaying said indicia and a sealing layer that covers said messaging layer and faces said interior space. 
     
     
         17 . A capsule for use in a machine to prepare a desired product, the machine having an injection system for injecting a fluid into the capsule and a dispensing system for dispensing the product from the capsule to a desired receptacle, the capsule comprising:
 a body defining an interior space having an opening;   ingredients disposed in said interior space for mixing with a fluid to prepare a desired product;   a cover disposed over said opening for sealing said interior space;   indicia displayed on an interior surface of said capsule, said indicia being adapted to deliver a desired message only when said capsule has been used in machine.   
     
     
         18 . A capsule as claimed in  claim 17  wherein a portion of said capsule is adapted to be removed following use in the machine to reveal said indicia.