CUP WITH A CUP INSET FOR PREPARING A LIQUID IN THE CUP
A cup or a stack of cups with improved handling wherein the cup includes a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup, comprising a receiving container which is arranged in the bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent, which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup.
The present invention relates generally to cups and more particularly to cups with a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThere is a wide variety of tea and coffee products which can be used for preparing a liquid in a cup. Nevertheless, most of these products comprise several disadvantages like losing flavor quite fast, being unhygienic and/or comprising a difficult handling, e.g. have to be uncovered before operation.
Thus, there is a desire for a cup with an economic cup inset comprising an improved handling and being advantageously hygienically.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a cup with a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup, comprising a receiving container which is arranged in a bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent, which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup, wherein the receiving container forms at least one lower standing region of the cup. In the present case the receiving container defines a bottom-near region of the cup and is embodied at least partly in one piece with the cup. In addition, the receiving container is at least partially formed and/or limited by the cup and is preferably a shell of the cup and/or a bottom of the cup. More preferably, the receiving container is limited by the shell of the cup on all sides and by that extends over the whole bottom region of the cup. Moreover, in the present case the cup is preferably formed as a plastic cup and more preferably as a stack of several cups or plastic cups.
Preferably, the cups are produced as bulk goods. This is why the cups all have a shell, whose wall thickness is more or less the same over the complete height of the cup. An interior surface of the shell substantially follows the course of an exterior surface of the shell, i.e. the interior surface extends substantially parallel to the exterior surface. This is why these cups are stackable into each other. Where the exterior surface has a concave exterior shape, the interior surface comprises a corresponding convex interior shape. Hence, it can be ensured that the upper cup establishes a tight connection with the lower cup when they are stacked into each other. Moreover, during the stacking, the cups are firmly locked into each other.
According to the first aspect of the invention, a stack of several cups is delivered ready for use. Each cup of the stack comprises a barrier layer that closes the receiving container and thus defines an underlying bottom-near region. In this bottom-near region and/or receiving container of each cup a preparing agent is located which, after filling of a liquid, interacts with it.
A cup of the stack has only to be removed and to be filled with a liquid. Depending on the embodiment, the filling can be effected without removing the barrier layer (e.g. when the barrier layer is formed as a filter paper) or after the barrier layer has been removed.
Moreover, the cups can be marked or labeled otherwise in order to give a note regarding its content. Different tea types can be made distinguishable for example by a colored marking.
In case there is an opening element like an extension that enables an opening and/or a removal of the barrier layer, there also can be a marking or label at the exterior end of the opening element (e.g. some kind of flag or tag as it is the case in known tea bags).
Additionally, by using an opening element with an extension the barrier layer can be removed before, during or after the filling. However, in some cases the barrier layer can also remain in the cup.
Furthermore, when the cups are stacked into each other, it is for certain preparing agents not necessary to separate off respectively to protect those with a barrier layer, as the bottom-near regions and/or the receiving containers are each sealed air-tight by the stacking. Additionally, the topmost cup of the stack can optionally be protected with a lid. When pulling out the respectively bottom-most cup from the rest of the stack, it is ready for use and can be put under a coffee machine for example in order to let hot water run into the cup.
In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a cup with a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup, comprising a receiving container which is arranged and preferably hold in a bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent, which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup, wherein the receiving container is embodied as an inlay that is insertable into the cup and completely removable from the cup. In the present case the receiving container and the cup are embodied separately, whilst the receiving container is preferably located in the cup when filling the liquid into the cup.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a cup inset for preparing a liquid in a cup, comprising a receiving container which is arranged and preferably hold in a bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup.
Generally, the term cup is to be understood as generic term for any drinking vessel as for example a bottle, a mug, a beaker, a tea cup or a coffee cup. Moreover, the term liquid is used in order to describe water, milk, soup, alcohol, juice and other liquids.
The receiving container could be formed in any shape as for example spherical, hemispherical, ellipsoidal, cylindrical or cuboidal as long as it comprises at least one receiving chamber for receiving the preparing agent. Preferably, the receiving container keeps its shape for example as a box or a can and by that distinguishes from an at least substantially flexible element like a tea bag or a pad. In this context, it has to be noted that the receiving container could also comprise more than one receiving chamber as for example at least two or three receiving chambers for different preparing agents.
Further, the term preparing agent involves all media that are drinkable after interaction with a liquid. It can be for example powdery, flake-shaped, granulate shaped, fibrous or leaf-shaped media. However, there can also be other embodiments (such as a thick, hardly flowing mass, e.g. syrup). Examples for preparing agents are all sorts of tea, coffee, cacao, milk powder, soups, sauces and other infusion beverages, -food, -food supplements, -luxury food, -extracts etc. and all products that have been derived from the above mentioned preparing agent. Furthermore, it is also possible that preparing agents are formed as a part of a sport drink (e.g. produced of an isotonic powder) or as medicaments (e.g. thickened cough syrup or tablets). It is also possible that the preparing agent is given as a medium which is volatile, perishable and/or losing its activity when being in contact with air. Moreover, the preparing agent could be some kind of mixture which is merely allowed to react in a liquid.
The term barrier layer describes all sorts of layer elements which close the receiving container and by that prevent the preparing agent from leaving the receiving container. The barrier element can be at least partly permeable to the liquid and/or completely impermeable for any kind of fluid. Preferably, a filter-paper, non-woven, fabric or a knitted-fabric is used as barrier layer. Moreover, a barrier layer of aluminum, plastic (e.g. a foil) or coated paper can be used. It is also possible to use more than one barrier layer for example at least two or three barrier layers which could be located directly adjacent to each other. In the present case it is possible to use one barrier layer which is at least partly permeable to the liquid and one barrier layer which is completely impermeable for any kind of fluid and thus seals the receiving container air-tight. A thickness of the barrier layer is at most 1.5 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, more preferably at most 0.1 mm and most preferably at most 0.05 mm.
Preferably, the holding element is embodied foldable or collapsible, so that the holding element can be folded up or collapsed up. Thereto the holding element comprises at least one bending edge and advantageously at least two bending edges. Thus a required space of the holding element can be reduced, in particular during transport and/or in distribution. Moreover, the holding element can comprise at least one latching means, which restabilizes and/or retightens the holding element in at least one operating state, in particular in an unfolded and/or an opened up state of the holding element. As a result of this a space-saving and easily distributable cup inset can be provided.
These and other features and improvements of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with several drawings and the appended claims.
Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements. Moreover, location and direction information are used in order to better describe the invention.
Hereafter, cups 10 are described. According to the invention, cups 10 from different materials can be described. The following embodiments are applicable to cardboard-, carton-, synthetic material-, plastic-, glass-, metal- and ceramic cups.
In
The concave shape of the shell 1 can extend via the complete height of the cup 10, or it can extend on a partial region of the cup 10, as it can be seen in the
Besides the fact that due to the concavity of the shell 1 of the cups 10, a bigger bottom-near region 8 arises as it is the case with conventional cups 110 that are shaped conical, the concave exterior shape of the shell 1 has a further important function. Due to the concavity of the shell 1 the upper cup 10.1 tightly fits into the lower cup 10.2. The exterior side of the shell 1.1 builds a close connection with the interior side of the shell 1.2. As a consequence of this, the bottom-near region 8 is air-tight sealed towards its environment. Furthermore, the cups 10 are interlocked firmly what eases the transport.
The invention uses this effect in order to be able of disposing a preparing agent 3 in the bottom-near region 8 of each cup 10 that is later supposed to be used for preparing a meal or beverage.
Among other things, the invention describes food that interacts with a fluid, in particular a liquid such as water or milk in order to provide a meal or a beverage.
The term preparing agent 3 is to be understood as generic term for all media that are drinkable after interaction with a liquid, like for example powdery, flake-shaped, granulate shaped, fibrous or leaf-shaped media. The invention is not only particularly suitable for the field of leisure-, food- and beverage, but also especially for the care of babies, small children and also elderly or disabled people. The term preparing agent 3 is in this connection used in order to subsume all the before mentioned and other similar media.
The term liquid is in this connection used in order to describe water, milk, soup, alcohol, juice and other liquids that are brought into contact with the preparing agent 3, before the prepared beverage is drinkable. The liquid can be drunk hot, warm or cold.
With the
The following embodiments are also valid for
The cup 10 is especially designed for receiving and releasing a liquid. The cup 10 has a rotationally symmetrically shape with respect to a central axis A, which is drawn into
The cup 10 comprises a circular lower standing region 5 that enables the cup to be put on a ground U in known manner. Furthermore, it comprises a circumferential upper edge 7 and the cup 10 comprises a shell 1 that extends rotationally symmetrically to a central axis A. This shell 1 is widening—from the standing region 5—upwards and from there extends over to the upper edge 7.
The shell 1 presents in a ring-shaped region 2 a concave exterior shape. The concave (shell-) exterior shape is highlighted in
In the embodiments of the
In
As the upper cup 10.2 is sealing air-tight the bottom-near region 8.1 of the lower cup 10.2 while stacking two cups 10.1, 10.2 into each other, preferably a filter-paper, non-woven, fabric or a knitted-fabric is used as barrier layer 4 in the embodiments according to
Different variations are possible in this embodiment, as it will be illustrated in the following examples.
There are types of teas where it is not critical leaving them for too long in hot water. There are also dosage forms of food that completely dissolve within a liquid. In the present case, the barrier layer 4 can be manufactured of filter-paper, non-woven, fabric, knitted fabric or of a similar material that is permeable. The barrier layer 4 can rest in such embodiments in the cup 10 and doesn't have to be removed after infusing.
However, there are also other embodiments possible, where the barrier layer 4 can or has to be removed. Such embodiments are shown in
In some cases, a barrier layer 4 is provided to be in the cup 10 that separates a bottom-near region 8.1 or a receiving container towards the upper region 8.2 of the cup. Again, there is a preparing agent 3 in this receiving container (e.g. a detachable drink powder). Along the transition region between the barrier layer 4 and the interior surface of the shell 1 of the cup 10, an opening element (e.g. a cord or a strip) can be provided, which is designated with the reference 11.1 and 11.2 sign. In
In
The barrier layer 4 is formed detachable. In case of wanting to remove the barrier layer 4, the extension part 11.2 can be grabbed on an outer end, the optional drop of glue in the region 11.3 can be detached and then it can be pulled on the extension part 11.2. Handling in this way, the barrier layer 4 can be detached completely and can be removed out of the cup 10 along with the opening element, as indicated in
Such an embodiment can not only be used with a permeable (filter-shaped) barrier layer 4, but it can also be used in an embodiment, where the barrier layer 4 is impermeable, in particular liquid-tight and/or air-tight.
A barrier layer 4 of aluminum, plastic (e.g. a foil) or coated paper can for example be used in order to keep the preparing agent 3 in the bottom-near region 8.1 and/or the receiving container until the preparing agent 3 is supposed to be used by infusing a liquid.
By implementing the opening element, the barrier layer 4 can be removed before, during or after infusing as it was described in examples before. However, the barrier layer 4 can also rest in the cup.
Further embodiments are possible, where e.g. a pack 12 (e.g. a bag or pad) with a preparing agent 3 (e.g. tea) is arranged beneath a barrier layer 4. The barrier layer 4 keeps the pack 12 in place until it is used. Furthermore, the barrier layer 4 can save the pack 12 from manipulation or harmful substances. In such embodiments an extension part 11.2 is preferably installed directly on the pack (e.g. analog to
A corresponding embodiment is shown in
For fixation, also a clamp can be used, or a lug can be provided at the cup 10 that enables the extension part 11.2 to be fixed and detached. Those means are optional.
In a preferred embodiment, the barrier layer 4 and the pack 12 can be detached completely and can be removed together with the circumferential medium 11.1 out of the cup 10, as indicated in
In all embodiments, there can be a lug on the cup 10 instead of a circumferential medium 11.1 for detaching the barrier layer 4 and/or the pack 12.
In all embodiments, a spoon or another item can be used for opening and detaching the barrier layer 4. The spoon or the other item does not have to be delivered together with the cup 10 or the stack 20 of the cups, but it can be part of the scope of delivery.
Preferably, one barrier layer 4 serves as interlayer that is inserted as a separate element into the interior space I of the cup 10. The insertion can be carried out via insertion, plugging, pressing-in, clamping, sticking-in, interlocking or vulcanizing. In
In
Moreover, in
In order to be able to also seal the most upper cup 10.1 of the stack 20, it can be provided with a recyclable lid 13.
In the embodiments of
However, in the embodiment of
Preferably, the cup 10 in the embodiments of the
-
- a cylindrical ring-shaped region 9.1 (see
FIG. 2A, 3A, 4A ), which is arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the central axis A, - a conical ring-shaped region 9.2 (see
FIG. 2A, 3A, 4A ), which is arranged rotationally symmetrically with regard to the central axis A.
- a cylindrical ring-shaped region 9.1 (see
It is an advantage of the invention that the stack of cups can be filled without problem in most vending machines and machines.
The
The cup 10 furthermore comprises a cup inset 14 (see also
For an in particular air-tight sealing of the opening 16, the cup inset 14 furthermore comprises at least one barrier layer 4. The barrier layer 4 is fluid-impermeable, in particular air-impermeable and liquid-impermeable. The barrier layer 4 is embodied as an aluminum foil and comprises a material thickness of approximately 0.02 mm. The barrier layer 4 seals the receiving container 15 in an aromatically neutral and/or aromatically tight manner. The barrier layer 4 prevents a contact of the preparing agent 3 with air. Furthermore, the barrier layer 4 prevents an undesired escape of the preparing agent 3. The barrier layer 4 is herein connected detachably with the receiving container 15.
In particular, the receiving container can also comprise several openings, in particular at least two, at least three and/or at least four openings, several receiving chambers, in particular at least two, at least three and/or at least four receiving chambers, and/or several preparing agents, in particular at least two, at least three and/or at least four preparing agents, in particular arranged in different receiving chambers, so that a mixing behavior of different preparing agents can be influenced. Additionally, preparing agents can be stored advantageously separated from each other and can react and/or mix with each other merely when being used. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a cup inset comprises several barrier layers, in particular arranged next to each other and/or one above the other, wherein at least one of the barrier layers can also be embodied liquid-permeable and in particular non-removable.
For opening the barrier layer 4, in particular in an inserted state of the cup inset 14 into the cup 10, the cup inset 14 comprises an opening element 11. The opening element 11 is embodied as a filament. The opening element 11 extends from the receiving container 15 into the direction of the edge 7. In particular, the opening element 11 can at least partly extend over the edge 7 and/or can be guided over the edge 7. The opening element 11 is directly fixed to the barrier layer 4 and removes the barrier layer 4 in case of an external force impact completely, in particular when a user is pulling. Additionally, the opening element 11 extends, in a region of the barrier layer 4, in circumferential direction of the receiving container 15 completely around the receiving container 15. As an alternative, it is conceivable that an opening element only partly removes and/or destroys a barrier layer in case of an external force impact, in particular when a user is pulling.
Furthermore, the cup inset 14 comprises a holding element 17. The holding element 17 is fastened at the receiving container 15. In the present case, the holding element 17 is glued to the receiving container 15. As an alternative, a holding element can be embodied in one piece with a receiving container. The holding element 17 is at least substantially embodied dimensionally stable. Preferably, the holding element 17 is made of timber or plastic. The holding element 17 is at least substantially embodied rod-shaped and comprises a length which extends up to the edge 7. In the present case, the holding element 17 is embodied as a hook and extends from the receiving container 15 at least partly over the edge 7. The holding element 17 comprises herein a hook-shaped part, which can be hooked on the upper edge 7, so that in particular a shifting or slipping of the holding element 17 into the liquid can be avoided. As an alternative or additionally, it is conceivable that a holding element can be fixed on an upper edge in particular by a tight fit or a force fit, so that an opening of the receiving container 15 can be simplified. Furthermore, the opening element 11 is connected with the holding element 17. The connection is herein arranged in the region of the upper edge 7 or in the region of the hook-shaped part of the holding element 17. In the present case, the opening element 11 is bonded, in particular by a drop of glue, to the holding element 17. Moreover, the opening element 11 is connected detachably to the holding element 17 and thus can be removed by a user to the purpose of a removal of the barrier layer 4 of the holding element 17. As an alternative, there are also other possibilities to fix the opening element to the holding element, like a tight fit or a force fit. Moreover, the holding element 17 is embodied collapsible, whereby advantageously a required space of the holding element 17, in particular in a packed state can be highly reduced (see in particular
Claims
1. A cup with a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup, comprising:
- a receiving container which is arranged in a bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent, which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup, wherein the receiving container forms at least one lower standing region of the cup.
2. The cup according to claim 1, wherein the cup inset comprises at least one at least partly permeable barrier layer which seals the opening of the receiving container and prevents unwanted leakage of the preparing agent.
3. The cup according to claim 2, wherein the cup inset comprises at least one further barrier layer which seals air-tight the opening of the receiving container.
4. The cup according to claim 3, wherein the further barrier layer is detachably connected with the receiving container.
5. The cup according to claim 4, wherein the cup inset comprises an opening element, which has at least one connection with the further barrier layer and in case of a force impact at least partly removes or destroys the further barrier layer.
6. The cup according to claim 5, wherein the opening element is directly fixed to the further barrier layer.
7. The cup according to claim 6, wherein the opening element is at least partly guided over a circumferential upper edge of the cup.
8. The cup according to claim 7, wherein the opening element is embodied as a cord, as a filament or as a lug.
9. A cup with a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup, comprising:
- a receiving container which is arranged in a bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent, which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup, wherein the receiving container is embodied as an inlay that is insertable into the cup and completely removable from the cup.
10. The cup according to claim 9, wherein the cup inset comprises at least one barrier layer which is detachably connected with the receiving container which seals air-tight the opening of the receiving container, and prevents unwanted leakage of the preparing agent.
11. The cup according to claim 10, wherein the cup inset comprises an opening element, which is directly fixed to the barrier layer and in case of a force impact at least partly removes or destroys the barrier layer.
12. The cup according to claim 11, wherein the cup inset comprises a holding element, which is connected to the receiving container and holds the receiving container in the bottom-near region, at least when removing or destroying the barrier layer.
13. The cup according to claim 12, wherein the holding element is at least substantially embodied rod-shaped.
14. The cup according to claim 13, wherein the holding element is embodied as a hook.
15. The cup according to claim 14, wherein the holding element is guided at least partly over a circumferential upper edge of the cup.
16. The cup according to claim 15, wherein the opening element is connected to the holding element.
17. The cup according to claim 16, wherein the holding element forms an agitation aid.
18. A cup inset for preparing a liquid in a cup, comprising:
- a receiving container which is arranged in a bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup.
19. The cup inset according to claim 18, comprising at least one barrier layer which is detachably connected to the receiving container, which seals air-tight the opening of the receiving container at least in an initial state, and which prevents unwanted leakage of the preparing agent.
20. The cup inset according to claim 19, comprising an opening element which is directly fixed to the barrier layer and in case of a force impact at least partly removes or destroys the barrier layer.
21. The cup inset according to claim 20, wherein the opening element is embodied as a cord, or as a filament or as a lug.
22. The cup inset according to claim 21, comprising a holding element which is connected with the receiving container and holds the receiving container in the bottom-near region, at least when removing or destroying the barrier layer.
23. The cup inset according to claim 22, wherein the holding element is embodied as a hook and is guided at least partly over a circumferential upper edge of the cup.
24. The cup inset according to claim 23, wherein the opening element is connected to the holding element.
Type: Application
Filed: May 27, 2015
Publication Date: Dec 1, 2016
Inventor: Nikola TRAJANOV (Bremgarten)
Application Number: 14/722,213