JP2018507148A - Capsule for storing substance in disposable cup and use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a capsule for enclosing a substance on the bottom of a first disposable cup, comprising a bottom of the first cup and a rim deformed from the bottom, the capsule having a bottom having an outer periphery, and from the outer periphery With the extending wall and the opening, the capsule is configured to be received in a space defined by the bottom and rim of the second disposable cup inserted inside the first disposable cup. The capsule further comprises at least one handle and at least one inner wall. The present invention further provides a method for packaging a plurality of disposable cups, capsules, and materials in a manner that maintains the freshness of the material for a long period of time. [Selection figure] None

Description

  The present invention relates to accessories for disposable tableware. More particularly, the present invention relates to a capsule for storing a substance in a disposable cup.

  Solid and liquid substances are available and widely used for cooking application quantities of instant beverages or foods, such as coffee powder, instant soup powder, chopped dry tea leaves, instant potato puree powder and the like. An applied amount of a beverage or food is cooked by adding a liquid, such as water or milk, to the tableware containing the substance and dissolving, suspending or extracting the substance in the liquid. To facilitate the simplification and speed up of such instant beverage or food dosages, instant dishes such as instant cups pre-filled with substances for cooking instant beverages or food dosages Attempts have been made to provide.

  For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0096462A1 discloses a disposable cup having a bottom to which a solid, water-soluble, flavorful material is applied so that it dissolves when water is added to the cup. The water soluble flavorful material affixed to the bottom of the disposable cup is not covered and is therefore subject to oxygen and moisture that adversely affects the freshness of the water soluble flavorful material. Furthermore, the water-soluble flavorful material undergoes an artificial treatment to solidify the material to form a solid and affix it to the disposable cup bottom. This may prevent some potential consumers, such as those who avoid purchasing artificially processed beverages and foods, from using this disposable cup. In addition, the disposable cup is not covered or packaged with a solid, water-soluble, flavorful material, so it is not marketable in countries where there are regulations preventing market transactions for unpackaged beverages and foods. It may not be done. Furthermore, covering the water-soluble flavorful material inside the cup with a cover is most likely similar to stacking such multiple disposable cups, for example, with a cup of material and / or uncovered disposable cups inside the cup. You shouldn't be able to stack them in small pieces. This can increase the space occupied by these cups during storage and delivery, thereby affecting delivery costs and ultimately increasing the price of the product.

  Another approach that does not coagulate beverage or food material, but rather covers the material with a liquid-permeable cover is disclosed, for example, in the following publications. Chinese Utility Model No. 2564505Y discloses a paper tea cup with an intermediate layer on the bottom of the paper tea cup body. Dry powders of water-soluble beverages such as tea, coffee, and milk powder can be suitably placed in the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer being made from a strong filterable material including nonwovens. The beverage can be instantly brewed in a paper tea cup without the need to add additional beverages, and is therefore more convenient to carry and more practical for the use of paper tea cups. In addition, Chinese Utility Model No. 200001738Y discloses a disposable water cup, tea is placed on the bottom of the cup body, a layer of air-permeable and permeable filter paper is provided on the top of the tea, It is fixed to the cup wall near the bottom of the cup. Tea can be replaced with other edible exudates, coffee, milk powder, fruit juice powder, and the like. In these techniques, the material on the bottom of the disposable cup is covered with a cover that is permeable to liquid. While the beverage is being cooked and ingested, the cover remains in the disposable cup and this property may be a concern for potential consumers, for example, the possibility that the cover may come off the bottom of the disposable cup while ingesting the beverage People may not use this type of product. Further, since the cover is permeable to liquid, the cover does not block oxygen and moisture passages that can adversely affect the freshness of the material stored in the disposable cup. In addition, due to the cover within the disposable cup, a plurality of such disposable cups cannot be stacked together as discussed above.

  Solutions to the problem of having a cover in the disposable cup that covers the beverage or food substance and remains in the disposable cup while ingesting the beverage or food are for example paper cups, as well as instant coffee, powdered milk, malt milk, And Chinese Utility Model No. 2687065 which discloses a charging intermediate layer placed in a paper cup in which ingredients for cooking beverages such as tea are stored. The charging interlayer is made from edible starch paper. Thus, when water is added to the cup, the charging interlayer melts and the beverage ingredients can be mixed with water. After edible starch paper is present in the paper cup and melts in the beverage cooked in the paper cup, the user may be concerned about potential consumers, for example eating food paper, by ingesting the starch paper People may not use this type of product. In addition, starch paper does not block oxygen and moisture passages that can adversely affect the freshness of the material stored in the paper cup, and there are multiple intermediate layers, as discussed above, due to the presence of a charge interlayer in the paper cup. These paper cups cannot be stacked in small groups.

  Another approach that is commercially available is a capsule attached to a disposable cup, which includes a cover, where beverage or food substances are stored in the capsule. Remove capsule cover before use and pour liquid into disposable cup. Similarly, Chinese Utility Model No. 2606080Y discloses a cup comprising a cup body, a cup bottom, and a chamber formed between the cup body and the cup bottom, with a support frame disposed at a location around the chamber. The chamber, which is attached to the inner wall of the chamber, covers the support frame with a sealing membrane and is located at the bottom of the cup, is a quantitative instant beverage such as coffee, powdered milk, fruit juice powder, instant tea, and mixed instant beverages Filled. Before use, peel off the sealing film and pour water into the cup. This approach may solve the problem of avoiding exposure of the substance to oxygen and moisture when an appropriate sealing membrane is used, but there are capsules or chambers within the beverage or food dose during ingestion. To the problem that potential consumers are reluctant to use this product, as well as the problem that multiple disposable cups with capsules or chambers cannot be stacked together as discussed above. Not supported.

  Thus, it is easy to quickly and conveniently cook beverages or foods, keep the substance fresh for a long time, and also stack multiple disposable cups containing substances, e.g. stacking disposable cups without substances inside There is a need for disposable cups containing substances for cooking beverage or food dosages that can be stacked together in the smallest possible manner. The currently available solutions demonstrated in the aforementioned publication do not address this need.

  Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a capsule is provided for enclosing a material on a bottom of a first disposable cup, comprising a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom of the first cup, the capsule having an outer periphery. A capsule comprising a bottom, a wall extending from the outer periphery, and an opening, the capsule being received in a space defined by the bottom and rim of the second disposable cup inserted inside the first disposable cup; Configured.

  According to one embodiment, the capsule further comprises a margin extending outward from the edge of the wall.

  According to another embodiment, the capsule further comprises at least one handle attached to the wall.

  According to yet another embodiment, the capsule further comprises at least one handle attached to the margin.

  According to yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the margin is configured to be received in a slot in the lower portion of the first disposable cup.

  According to yet another embodiment, the slot in the first disposable cup is substantially 1 mm deep.

  According to a further embodiment, the capsule further comprises a slot near the edge of the wall, the slot of the capsule being along the wall of the first disposable cup substantially near the bottom of the first disposable cup, It is configured to accommodate the protrusion.

  According to yet further embodiments, the at least one handle is hollow.

  According to a still further embodiment, the capsule further comprises at least one inner wall dividing the capsule into at least two subcompartments.

  According to additional embodiments, the capsule further comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment is configured to face the bottom of the disposable cup in which the capsule is placed, the second compartment being It is configured to face the internal space of the disposable cup.

  According to a further embodiment, the second compartment is covered with a cover.

  Still according to an additional embodiment, the cover is made of a material resistant to oxygen and moisture.

  According to one embodiment, the capsule is further covered with a liquid permeable cover.

  According to another aspect of the invention, a stack of a disposable cup with a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom, a bottom having an outer periphery, a wall extending from the outer periphery, and a plurality of capsules with an opening is provided. A system is provided wherein each capsule is contained in a space defined by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup.

  According to one embodiment, the plurality of capsules is configured to avoid exposure of the material surrounded by the plurality of capsules to oxygen and moisture.

  According to a further aspect of the invention, a plurality of disposable cups comprising a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom, a bottom having an outer circumference, a wall extending from the outer circumference, a plurality of capsules comprising an opening, and surrounded by the capsule The method of stacking the materials is provided by positioning the disposable cup with the bottom and rim facing upwards, and with the capsule facing upward in the space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup. Providing, providing material into the capsule, covering the capsule with another disposable cup with the bottom and rim facing up, and forming a stack with the desired number of disposable cups, capsules, and material Until the bottom of the disposable cup and the space formed by the rim are The step of providing a Le, and a repeating the previous steps.

  According to an additional aspect of the present invention, a plurality of disposable cups having a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom, and a plurality of capsules having a bottom having an outer periphery, a wall extending from the outer periphery, and an opening are stacked. A method is provided for maintaining the freshness of the packaged substance for an extended period of time, each capsule being housed in a space defined by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup, and the method of keeping fresh is a material that is resistant to oxygen and moisture in the stack. Packaging in packaging made from.

  According to one embodiment, the method of maintaining the freshness of the packaged material in a stack of multiple disposable cups further includes adding an inert gas into the package.

  According to another embodiment, the inert gas is nitrogen.

  According to yet another embodiment, the method of maintaining the freshness of the material packaged in a stack of multiple disposable cups for a long period of time further comprises generating a negative pressure in the package.

  Embodiments are described herein by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring now in particular to the drawings in detail, the details shown are for illustrative purposes and are for purposes of illustration of the preferred embodiment, and are the most useful and easy-to-use aspects of the principles and concepts of the embodiment. Emphasizes what is presented to provide what is believed to be an understandable explanation. In this regard, no attempt is made to show the details of the structure in more detail than is necessary for a basic understanding, but it will be clear to those skilled in the art how to actually implement some forms by the description given in conjunction with the drawings. Would.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prior art disposable cup adapted to contain a hot or cold beverage or food according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a disposable cup and a capsule surrounding a substance on the bottom of the disposable cup, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule further comprising at least one handle placed on the bottom of a disposable cup, according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a system comprising a stack of multiple disposable cups, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. Schematic cross-section of a capsule with a slot near the edge of the capsule wall positioned on the bottom of the disposable cup, comprising a protrusion along the wall of the disposable cup near the bottom of the disposable cup, according to an exemplary embodiment FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule positioned on the bottom of a disposable cup with a slot in the lower portion of the wall of the disposable cup configured to receive at least a portion of the capsule margin, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule with at least one hollow handle, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule with two inner walls dividing the capsule into three sub-compartments, according to an exemplary embodiment. The first compartment comprises a first compartment configured to face the bottom of the disposable cup and a second compartment facing the interior space of the disposable cup, according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule further comprising an inner wall that divides the compartment into two subcompartments. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule covered with a liquid permeable cover, according to an exemplary embodiment.

  Before describing at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It should also be understood that the expressions and terminology used herein are for purposes of illustration and are not to be considered limiting. In discussing the various figures described herein below, like numerals refer to like parts. The drawings are generally not to scale.

  For the sake of clarity, unnecessary elements have been omitted from some drawings.

  One object of the present invention is to provide a capsule configured to surround a substance on the bottom of a disposable cup.

  Another object of the present invention is to enclose a material placed on the bottom of a disposable cup, which can be stacked in a plurality of disposable cups, containing capsules in a manner similar to the stacking of empty disposable cups. Is to provide a capsule configured.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a capsule configured to enclose a substance placed on the bottom of a disposable cup that can maintain the freshness of the substance for a substantially long time.

  The present invention provides an open capsule suitable for use with typical disposable cups adapted to contain hot or cold beverages or foods. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a prior art disposable cup 100, eg, a disposable cup 100 made of paper, adapted to contain a hot or cold beverage or food, according to an exemplary embodiment. The disposable cup 100 comprises, but not necessarily, a cup wall 110 that is essentially frustoconical and a bottom 120 that is, for example, disk shaped. The inner surface of the wall 110 and bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 is typically a thin layer of waterproof material (not shown) configured to prevent liquid from leaking through the wall 110 and bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, for example Covered with polyethylene. In addition, the bottom 120 is deformed to provide a rim 130 that is configured to stabilize the disposable cup 100 when the disposable cup 100 is standing on the surface. According to some embodiments, the height of the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 is substantially in the range of 4-8 mm. Both the rim 130 and the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 define a space 140 below the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100.

  The present invention provides a capsule configured to be received within a space 140 defined by the bottom 120 and rim 130 of the disposable cup 100.

  It should be noted that the disposable cup 100 shown in FIG. 1 is only an exemplary embodiment of a disposable tableware in which the capsule of the present invention is compatible. The capsules of the present invention are configured to fit any disposable tableware known in the art, including but not limited to disposable bowls containing, for example, instant soup powder, and dry noodles and sauce powders A rim deformed from the bottom of the disposable tableware, such as a disposable mug containing Therefore, for convenience only, the term “disposable cup” is used throughout the specification and claims of this application. However, it should be understood that the term “disposable cup” refers to any disposable tableware having a rim deformed from the bottom of the disposable tableware as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the capsule 1 surrounding the material 500 on the disposable cup 100 and the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. Material 500 is any material known in the art for cooking beverage or food dosages, such as solid materials, powder materials, and liquid materials. Examples of such material 500 include, but are not limited to, coffee powder, chopped dry tea leaves, instant soup powder, dry noodles, instant potato puree powder, and the like. According to one embodiment, the capsule 1 comprises a bottom 10 having a perimeter (not shown), a wall 20 and an opening 30.

  FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system 200 comprising a stack of multiple disposable cups 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this case, the capsule 1 is housed in each space 140 defined by the bottom 120 and the rim 130 of each cup of the disposable cup 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the capsule 1 allows the plurality of disposable cups 100 to be stacked together in a manner similar to the stacking of the plurality of disposable cups 100 without the capsule 1.

  According to one embodiment, the structure and diameter of the bottom 10 of the capsule 1 is similar to the structure and diameter of the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 and the wall 20 of the capsule 1 is similar to the structure of the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 and It has a structure and height similar to the height. According to another embodiment, the diameter of the bottom 10 of the capsule 1 is such that the bottom of the disposable cup 100 facilitates insertion of the capsule 1 into the space 140 defined by the bottom 120 and the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100. Slightly shorter than 120 diameters. For example, the diameter of the bottom 10 of the capsule 1 is substantially 1 mm shorter than the diameter of the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100. According to yet another embodiment, the height of the wall 20 of the capsule 1 is lower than the height of the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100.

  As can be seen from FIG. 3, when the capsule 1 is housed in the space 140 defined by the bottom 120 and the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100, the inner surface of the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 is relative to the capsule 1 in contact with the inner surface. Work as a cover. Thus, the substance 500 surrounded by the capsule 1 in a stack of multiple disposable cups 100 is well packaged in a way that the substance 500 is not exposed to oxygen and moisture, thus extending the shelf life of the substance 500, or in other words The freshness of the substance 500 is maintained for a long time.

  Note that keeping the freshness of the substance 500 for a long period of time means keeping the freshness of the substance 500 substantially for one year. Any means to avoid exposing the substance 500 to oxygen and moisture is within the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to making the disposable cup 100 and / or capsule 1 with a material that is resistant to oxygen and moisture. And removing air from the interior of the capsule 1 covered by the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, or from within the package comprising a stack of capsules 1 surrounding the plurality of disposable cups 100 and the substance 500, to generate negative pressure And nitrogen or any other suitable gas within the capsule 1 covered by the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 or in a package comprising a stack of capsules 1 surrounding the plurality of disposable cups 100 and the substance 500 Including. In addition, occupying the interior of the capsule 1 covered by the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 in contact with the capsule 1 reduces the amount of oxygen and moisture trapped inside the capsule 1 and thus during storage. This also contributes to the freshness of the substance 500.

  Furthermore, the materials from which the disposable cup 100 and capsule 1 of the present invention are made are all edible and heat resistant, and thus can be used for cooking cold and hot beverages or food dosages as well as storage of beverages or food substances. It is.

  Returning now to FIG. 2A, according to yet another embodiment, the capsule 1 further comprises a margin 40 extending outwardly from the edge of the wall 20 of the capsule 1. In the stacking of the disposable cups 100 with the capsule 1 as shown in FIG. 3, the lower edge of the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 presses the margin 40 of the capsule 1 and the capsule toward the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100. 1 in contact with the margin 40, thus sealing the interior of the capsule 1 and preventing the substance 500 surrounded by the capsule 1 from being exposed to oxygen and moisture. According to yet another embodiment, during the process of stacking and packaging a plurality of disposable cups 100, capsules 1 and substances 500, the margin 40 of the capsule 1 may be adhered to the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, 1 margin 40 contacts the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 to enhance and stabilize the internal sealing of the capsule 1. The bonding of the margin 40 of the capsule 1 to the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 may be performed by any method known in the art, such as welding, bonding with edible adhesives, and the like.

  There are several ways to eliminate exposure of substances present inside the capsule 1 to oxygen and moisture. According to one embodiment, the capsule 1 is made from a material resistant to oxygen and moisture, such as plastic or aluminum foil. According to another embodiment, the inner surface of the capsule 1 is covered with a layer made from a material resistant to oxygen and moisture. According to yet another embodiment, the disposable cup 100, or at least the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 that serves as a cover for the capsule 1 in the stack of the disposable cup 100 and capsule 1, is made of a material that is resistant to oxygen and moisture. Created. According to yet another embodiment, the surface of the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 and the inner surface of the rim 130, both facing the space 140 in which the capsule 1 is housed, are both made from a material that is resistant to oxygen and moisture. Or covered with a layer of material resistant to oxygen and moisture. According to a further embodiment, the stack of capsules 1 carrying the disposable cup 100 and the substance 500 is packaged with a material resistant to oxygen and moisture, for example an aluminum sheet. According to yet further embodiments, a vacuum or negative pressure may be applied in the packaging of the disposable cup 100 and capsule 1 to reduce the amount of oxygen and moisture inside the package.

  FIG. 2B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule 1 further comprising at least one handle 50 placed on the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to a preferred embodiment, the capsule 1 is squeezed before pouring liquid into the disposable cup 100 in order to cook a beverage or food application with a substance 500 enclosed in the disposable cup 100 by the capsule 1. It further comprises at least one handle 50 configured to facilitate removal of 1 from the disposable cup 100. According to one embodiment, the at least one handle 50 extends from the edge of the wall 20 of the capsule 1. According to another embodiment, the at least one handle 50 is attached in a flexible manner to the edge of the wall 20 of the capsule 1 so that the at least one handle 50 can be folded relative to the capsule 1. According to another embodiment, the length of the at least one handle 50 is at least similar to the height of the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100. According to a preferred embodiment, the length of the at least one handle 50 is slightly higher than the height of the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100. According to another preferred embodiment, the length of the at least one handle 50 is substantially in the range of 1-2 mm higher than the height of the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100. Thus, when the capsule 1 is positioned on the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, the at least one handle 50 makes it easier for the user to grip the at least one handle 50 on the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100, Protrudes from the disposable cup 100 in a manner that facilitates removal. According to a further embodiment, the width of the at least one handle 50 is such that it does not interfere with the stacking of the capsules 1 comprising a plurality of disposable cups 100 and handles 50. According to a preferred embodiment, the width of the at least one handle 50 is substantially 0.5 mm, which is slightly narrower than the space between the disposable cups 100 in which a plurality of disposable cups 100 are stacked. According to a still further embodiment, after removing the capsule 1 from the disposable cup 1, this at least one handle 1 is used as a stir bar while cooking a dose of beverage or food in the disposable cup 100. Also good. Thus, the at least one handle 50 is also made from a material that, according to some embodiments, is also edible and heat resistant.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a capsule 1 wall 20 positioned on the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 with a protrusion 117 along the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100 near the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 with a slot 25 near the edge. According to one embodiment, the slot 25 of the capsule 1 is configured to receive the protrusion 117 of the disposable cup 100 and thus further sealing inside the capsule 1 when positioned within the disposable cup 100, as well as the capsule A stability of 1 is also achieved. According to another embodiment, the protrusion 117 of the disposable cup 100 is removably attached to the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100. Therefore, after the substance 500 is surrounded by the capsule 1 during the packaging process, the slot 25 of the capsule 1 can be attached to the protrusion 117 of the disposable cup 100 by any means known in the art, such as welding, bonding with an edible adhesive, etc. Glued. Thus, by removing the capsule 1 from the disposable cup 100 prior to use, the protrusion 117 is removed from the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100 while still attached to the slot 25 of the capsule 1. In this approach, the protrusion 117 does not stay in the disposable cup 100 when a beverage or food application is cooked in the disposable cup 100.

  FIG. 5 shows the top of the disposable cup 100 with a slot 115 at the bottom of the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100 configured to receive at least a portion of the margin 40 of the capsule 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 positioned. According to one embodiment, the slot 115 is substantially 1 mm deep. According to another embodiment, the combined diameter of the open side of the capsule 1 and the margin 40 is slightly longer, for example substantially 1 mm longer than the diameter of the disposable cup 100 in which the slot 115 is made. When at least a portion of the margin 40 of the capsule 1 is inserted into the slot 115, further sealing inside the capsule 1 as well as the stability of the capsule 1 is achieved when positioned in the disposable cup 100.

  FIG. 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 comprising at least one hollow handle 52 according to an exemplary embodiment. According to this embodiment, the space 55 of the at least one hollow handle 52 is configured to hold a substance that is surrounded by the capsule 1 while cooking a beverage or food dose in the disposable cup 100. May be added to the material 500. For example, the capsule 1 may enclose instant soup powder, the hollow handle 52 may contain spices such as pepper in its space 55, and the user may add spices to the soup when cooking in the disposable cup 100. Also good.

  According to yet another embodiment, the capsule comprises at least one inner wall 15 that divides the capsule 1 into at least two subcompartments 16. FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 with two inner walls 15 dividing the capsule 1 into three sub-compartments 16 according to an exemplary embodiment. This at least two sub-compartments 16 of the capsule 1, or three sub-compartments 16 as exemplarily shown in FIG. 7, are at least two substances 500, or three as exemplarily shown in FIG. Constructed to hold substances 502, 504, and 506, these substances such as coffee powder, sugar, and dried milk powder are separated from one another. More specifically, the at least two sub-compartments 16 of the capsule 1 are materials that are not likely to be mixed for a long time during storage of the disposable cup 100 and the material 500 in the disposable cup 100 surrounded by the capsule 1. It is configured to hold 500.

  According to a further embodiment, the capsule 1 comprises a first compartment 60 and a second compartment 70, wherein the first compartment is configured to face the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 in which the capsule 1 is placed. The second compartment 70 is configured to face the internal space of the disposable cup 100. According to a still further embodiment, the first compartment 60 and / or the second compartment 70 of the capsule further divides the first compartment 60 and / or the second compartment 70 into at least two sub-compartments, at least One inner wall is further provided. 8 comprises a first compartment 60 configured to face the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 and a second compartment 70 facing the interior space of the disposable cup 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. The first compartment 60 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule 1 further comprising an inner wall 65 that divides the first compartment 60 into two sub-compartments 67. Compartments 60, 70 and sub-compartment 67 are each configured to carry separate materials 500, 504, and 506 as discussed above. According to an additional embodiment, the second compartment is preferably made of plastic and aluminum foil to avoid exposing the at least one substance 506 placed in the second compartment 70 to oxygen and moisture. Removably covered with a cover 77 made from such oxygen and moisture resistant material. During use, the user places at least one substance 506 stored in the second compartment 70 and at least one substance 502 and 504 surrounded by the first compartment 60 of the capsule 1 in the disposable cup 100. You may decide whether to add to the amount of beverage or food to be cooked.

  FIG. 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 covered with a liquid permeable cover 80 according to an exemplary embodiment. According to one embodiment, the capsule 1 covered with a liquid permeable cover 80 is configured to surround a substance 500 to be decocted with liquid in the disposable cup 100, for example chopped dry tea leaves, and after decoction the substance 500 can be removed from the liquid. The liquid permeable cover 80 is made of a material through which liquid can pass, such as woven fabric, porous plastic, and the like. In use, a liquid, for example hot water, is poured into the disposable cup 100 holding the capsule 1 covered with a cover 80 that is permeable to the liquid, and the substance 500 surrounded by the capsule 1 is decocted by the added liquid. The capsule 1 may be removed from the disposable cup 1 before ingesting the brewed beverage. According to some embodiments, if the capsule 1 covered with a liquid permeable cover 80 further comprises a handle 50, the user holds the handle 50 in hand to facilitate the extraction of the substance 500 surrounded by the capsule 1 For this purpose, the capsule 1 may be immersed several times in the liquid poured into the disposable cup 100. According to an additional embodiment, the liquid permeable cover 80 is such that when the capsule 1 is in contact with a liquid, in particular a warm or hot liquid, the liquid permeable cover 80 is the edge or margin 40 of the wall 20 of the capsule 1. Is attached to the edge or margin 40 of the wall 20 of the capsule 1 in a manner that remains attached to the capsule. For example, the liquid permeable cover 80 may be welded to the edge or margin 40 of the wall 20 of the capsule 1 or may be glued with a waterproof edible adhesive.

  According to one embodiment, a plurality of disposable cups comprising a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom, a plurality of capsules comprising a bottom having an outer periphery, a wall extending from the outer periphery, and an opening, and a substance surrounded by the capsule The stacking method positions the disposable cup with the bottom and rim facing up and provides a capsule with the opening facing up in the space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup Providing the substance into the capsule, covering the capsule with another disposable cup with the bottom and rim facing up, and forming a stack with the desired number of disposable cups, capsules, and substance Until the capsule is provided with the opening facing up in the space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup Steps, and a repeating the previous steps.

  According to another embodiment, a plurality of disposable cups comprising a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom, and a plurality of capsules comprising a bottom having an outer periphery, a wall extending from the outer periphery, and an opening are packaged. A method for maintaining the freshness of the substance for a long time, wherein each capsule is housed in a space defined by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup, and the method for maintaining the freshness was made from a material resistant to oxygen and moisture. Includes stacking in a package. According to yet another embodiment, the method further includes adding an inert gas, such as nitrogen, into the package.

  According to yet another embodiment, a method for maintaining the freshness of a packaged material in a stack of multiple disposable cups for a long period of time can be achieved, for example, by evacuating the package and creating a vacuum within the package. And generating a negative pressure.

  Without using the capsules of the present invention, either packaging a stack of disposable cups carrying a substance and adding an inert gas into the package or creating a negative pressure within the package is a disposable cup Note that the air is still entrained in the space defined by the bottom and rim of the tube, which is not effective in terms of keeping the material fresh for long periods of time. On the other hand, the use of the capsule of the present invention substantially reduces the amount of air entrained in the space defined by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup by enclosing the material in the capsule, thus allowing the freshness of the material. Is effective from the viewpoint of keeping the

  For the sake of clarity, it is understood that certain features of the invention described in the context of individual embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may be provided individually or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the invention has been described with specific embodiments thereof, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

  Some disposable cups use a lid to cover the material and provide it individually. The lid is designed so that an additional disposable cup can be inserted (inserted) into the first cup. The additional disposable cup reaches the bottom of the preceding cup, and in the same manner, When the next cup arrives, it is possible to cover the substance without covering it with the lid. With this design, it is possible to package the amount of disposable cups, one placed inside the other, in a way that ensures oxidation resistance and moisture resistance. The dimensions of the packaging are similar to the amount of disposable paper cups that do not cover the material with a lid to be placed at the bottom of the disposable cup and wrap other cups inside the laminated cup. ing.

The present invention relates to coffee for one person, for example.
Drinking a cup of coffee requires cooking that is cumbersome and cumbersome for consumers. As a result, people are looking for cheap, convenient, fast and clean solutions. Also, people may purchase a disposable cup sleeve, and if you want to prepare a cup of coffee at the bottom of the disposable cup, just remove the lid and pour hot water, it is cheap and convenient, Enjoy a quick and clean solution.
Of course, it would be desirable for consumers to obtain all of the above without compromising the quality and aroma of the coffee, and without worrying about usage and product costs.
In fact, the inventor has recognized that various ideas for one person have already been filed as patents in disposable cups, however, all of these ideas have not been resolved. Recognize that they have a profit. For example, the problem of having to give up the quality and aroma of coffee and / or causing a great disadvantage to the user and / or the same way as sleeve packaging for disposable cups without the substance for one person. There is a problem that disposable cups cannot be packaged in sleeve packaging. This disadvantage has a significant impact on both the negative convenience and shelf life of purchasing a cup, and further increases the cost of the product that cannot be ignored. Therefore, as will be described in detail below, conventional disposable cups hinder the potential for many people to use this product and are therefore not a product that everyone can use.
In the following, examples derived from products registered as patents and their problems are described in detail.

  For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0096462A1 discloses a disposable cup having a bottom to which a solid, water-soluble, flavorful material is applied so that it dissolves when water is added to the cup. The water soluble flavorful material affixed to the bottom of the disposable cup is not covered and is therefore subject to oxygen and moisture that adversely affects the freshness of the water soluble flavorful material. Furthermore, the water-soluble flavorful material undergoes an artificial treatment to solidify the material to form a solid and affix it to the disposable cup bottom. This may prevent some potential consumers, such as those who avoid purchasing artificially processed beverages and foods, from using this disposable cup. In addition, the disposable cup is not covered or packaged with a solid, water-soluble, flavorful material, so it is not marketable in countries where there are regulations preventing market transactions for unpackaged beverages and foods. It may not be done. Furthermore, covering the water-soluble flavorful material inside the cup with a cover is most likely similar to stacking such multiple disposable cups, for example, with a cup of material and / or uncovered disposable cups inside the cup. You shouldn't be able to stack them in small pieces. This can increase the space occupied by these cups during storage and delivery, thereby affecting delivery costs and ultimately increasing the price of the product.

  Another approach that does not coagulate beverage or food material, but rather covers the material with a liquid-permeable cover is disclosed, for example, in the following publications. Chinese Utility Model No. 2564505Y discloses a paper tea cup with an intermediate layer on the bottom of the paper tea cup body. Dry powders of water-soluble beverages such as tea, coffee, and milk powder can be suitably placed in the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer being made from a strong filterable material including nonwovens. The beverage can be instantly brewed in a paper tea cup without the need to add additional beverages, and is therefore more convenient to carry and more practical for the use of paper tea cups. In addition, Chinese Utility Model No. 200001738Y discloses a disposable water cup, tea is placed on the bottom of the cup body, a layer of air-permeable and permeable filter paper is provided on the top of the tea, It is fixed to the cup wall near the bottom of the cup. Tea can be replaced with other edible exudates, coffee, milk powder, fruit juice powder, and the like. In these techniques, the material on the bottom of the disposable cup is covered with a cover that is permeable to liquid. While the beverage is being cooked and ingested, the cover remains in the disposable cup and this property may be a concern for potential consumers, for example, the possibility that the cover may come off the bottom of the disposable cup while ingesting the beverage People may not use this type of product. Further, since the cover is permeable to liquid, the cover does not block oxygen and moisture passages that can adversely affect the freshness of the material stored in the disposable cup. In addition, due to the cover within the disposable cup, a plurality of such disposable cups cannot be stacked together as discussed above.

  Solutions to the problem of having a cover in the disposable cup that covers the beverage or food substance and remains in the disposable cup while ingesting the beverage or food are for example paper cups, as well as instant coffee, powdered milk, malt milk, And Chinese Utility Model No. 2687065 which discloses a charging intermediate layer placed in a paper cup in which ingredients for cooking beverages such as tea are stored. The charging interlayer is made from edible starch paper. Thus, when water is added to the cup, the charging interlayer melts and the beverage ingredients can be mixed with water. After edible starch paper is present in the paper cup and melts in the beverage cooked in the paper cup, the user may be concerned about potential consumers, for example eating food paper, by ingesting the starch paper People may not use this type of product. In addition, starch paper does not block oxygen and moisture passages that can adversely affect the freshness of the material stored in the paper cup, and there are multiple intermediate layers, as discussed above, due to the presence of a charge interlayer in the paper cup. These paper cups cannot be stacked in small groups.

  Another approach that is commercially available is a capsule attached to a disposable cup, which includes a cover, where beverage or food substances are stored in the capsule. Remove capsule cover before use and pour liquid into disposable cup. Similarly, Chinese Utility Model No. 2606080Y discloses a cup comprising a cup body, a cup bottom, and a chamber formed between the cup body and the cup bottom, with a support frame disposed at a location around the chamber. The chamber, which is attached to the inner wall of the chamber, covers the support frame with a sealing membrane and is located at the bottom of the cup, is a quantitative instant beverage such as coffee, powdered milk, fruit juice powder, instant tea, and mixed instant beverages Filled. Before use, peel off the sealing film and pour water into the cup. This approach may solve the problem of avoiding exposure of the substance to oxygen and moisture when an appropriate sealing membrane is used, but there are capsules or chambers within the beverage or food dose during ingestion. To the problem that potential consumers are reluctant to use this product, as well as the problem that multiple disposable cups with capsules or chambers cannot be stacked together as discussed above. Not supported.

  Thus, it is easy to quickly and conveniently cook beverages or foods, keep the substance fresh for a long time, and also stack multiple disposable cups containing substances, e.g. stacking disposable cups without substances inside There is a need for disposable cups containing substances for cooking beverage or food dosages that can be stacked together in the smallest possible manner. The currently available solutions demonstrated in the aforementioned publication do not address this need.

  Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a capsule is provided for enclosing a material on a bottom of a first disposable cup, comprising a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom of the first cup, the capsule having an outer periphery. A capsule comprising a bottom, a wall extending from the outer periphery, and an opening, the capsule being received in a space defined by the bottom and rim of the second disposable cup inserted inside the first disposable cup; Configured.

  According to one embodiment, the capsule further comprises a margin extending outward from the edge of the wall.

  According to another embodiment, the capsule further comprises at least one handle attached to the wall.

  According to yet another embodiment, the capsule further comprises at least one handle attached to the margin.

  According to yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the margin is configured to be received in a slot in the lower portion of the first disposable cup.

  According to yet another embodiment, the slot in the first disposable cup is substantially 1 mm deep.

  According to a further embodiment, the capsule further comprises a slot near the edge of the wall, the slot of the capsule being along the wall of the first disposable cup substantially near the bottom of the first disposable cup, It is configured to accommodate the protrusion.

  According to yet further embodiments, the at least one handle is hollow.

  According to a still further embodiment, the capsule further comprises at least one inner wall dividing the capsule into at least two subcompartments.

  According to additional embodiments, the capsule further comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment is configured to face the bottom of the disposable cup in which the capsule is placed, the second compartment being It is configured to face the internal space of the disposable cup.

  According to a further embodiment, the second compartment is covered with a cover.

  Still according to additional embodiments, the cover is made from an oxidation and moisture resistant material.

  According to one embodiment, the capsule is further covered with a liquid permeable cover.

  According to another aspect of the invention, a stack of a disposable cup with a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom, a bottom having an outer periphery, a wall extending from the outer periphery, and a plurality of capsules with an opening is provided. A system is provided wherein each capsule is contained in a space defined by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup.

  According to one embodiment, the plurality of capsules is configured to avoid exposure of the material surrounded by the plurality of capsules to oxygen and moisture.

  According to a further aspect of the invention, a plurality of disposable cups comprising a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom, a bottom having an outer circumference, a wall extending from the outer circumference, a plurality of capsules comprising an opening, and surrounded by the capsule The method of stacking the materials is provided by positioning the disposable cup with the bottom and rim facing upwards, and with the capsule facing upward in the space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup. Providing, providing material into the capsule, covering the capsule with another disposable cup with the bottom and rim facing up, and forming a stack with the desired number of disposable cups, capsules, and material Until the bottom of the disposable cup and the space formed by the rim are The step of providing a Le, and a repeating the previous steps.

  According to an additional aspect of the present invention, a plurality of disposable cups having a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom, and a plurality of capsules having a bottom having an outer periphery, a wall extending from the outer periphery, and an opening are stacked. A method is provided for maintaining the freshness of the packaged material for an extended period of time, each capsule being contained in a space defined by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup, and the method of maintaining freshness is resistant to oxidation and moisture in the stack. Including packaging in a package made from the material.

  According to one embodiment, the method of maintaining the freshness of the packaged material in a stack of multiple disposable cups further includes adding an inert gas into the package.

  According to another embodiment, the inert gas is nitrogen.

  According to yet another embodiment, the method of maintaining the freshness of the material packaged in a stack of multiple disposable cups for a long period of time further comprises generating a negative pressure in the package.

  Embodiments are described herein by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring now in particular to the drawings in detail, the details shown are for illustrative purposes and are for purposes of illustration of the preferred embodiment, and are the most useful and easy-to-use aspects of the principles and concepts of the embodiment. Emphasizes what is presented to provide what is believed to be an understandable explanation. In this regard, no attempt is made to show the details of the structure in more detail than is necessary for a basic understanding, but it will be clear to those skilled in the art how to actually implement some forms by the description given in conjunction with the drawings. Would.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prior art disposable cup adapted to contain a hot or cold beverage or food according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a disposable cup and a capsule surrounding a substance on the bottom of the disposable cup, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule further comprising at least one handle placed on the bottom of a disposable cup, according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a system comprising a stack of multiple disposable cups, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. Schematic cross-section of a capsule with a slot near the edge of the capsule wall positioned on the bottom of the disposable cup, comprising a protrusion along the wall of the disposable cup near the bottom of the disposable cup, according to an exemplary embodiment FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule positioned on the bottom of a disposable cup with a slot in the lower portion of the wall of the disposable cup configured to receive at least a portion of the capsule margin, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule with at least one hollow handle, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule with two inner walls dividing the capsule into three sub-compartments, according to an exemplary embodiment. The first compartment comprises a first compartment configured to face the bottom of the disposable cup and a second compartment facing the interior space of the disposable cup, according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule further comprising an inner wall that divides the compartment into two subcompartments. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule covered with a liquid permeable cover, according to an exemplary embodiment.

  Before describing at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It should also be understood that the expressions and terminology used herein are for purposes of illustration and are not to be considered limiting. In discussing the various figures described herein below, like numerals refer to like parts. The drawings are generally not to scale.

  For the sake of clarity, unnecessary elements have been omitted from some drawings.

  One object of the present invention is to provide a capsule configured to surround a substance on the bottom of a disposable cup.

  Another object of the present invention is to enclose a material placed on the bottom of a disposable cup, which can be stacked in a plurality of disposable cups, containing capsules in a manner similar to the stacking of empty disposable cups. Is to provide a capsule configured.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a capsule configured to enclose a substance placed on the bottom of a disposable cup that can maintain the freshness of the substance for a substantially long time.

  The present invention provides an open capsule suitable for use with typical disposable cups adapted to contain hot or cold beverages or foods. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a prior art disposable cup 100, eg, a disposable cup 100 made of paper, adapted to contain a hot or cold beverage or food, according to an exemplary embodiment. The disposable cup 100 comprises, but not necessarily, a cup wall 110 that is essentially frustoconical and a bottom 120 that is, for example, disk shaped. The inner surface of the wall 110 and bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 is typically a thin layer of waterproof material (not shown) configured to prevent liquid from leaking through the wall 110 and bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, for example Covered with polyethylene. In addition, the bottom 120 is deformed to provide a rim 130 that is configured to stabilize the disposable cup 100 when the disposable cup 100 is standing on the surface. According to some embodiments, the height of the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 is substantially in the range of 4-8 mm. Both the rim 130 and the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 define a space 140 below the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100.

  The present invention provides a capsule configured to be received within a space 140 defined by the bottom 120 and rim 130 of the disposable cup 100.

  It should be noted that the disposable cup 100 shown in FIG. 1 is only an exemplary embodiment of a disposable tableware in which the capsule of the present invention is compatible. The capsules of the present invention are configured to fit any disposable tableware known in the art, including but not limited to disposable bowls containing, for example, instant soup powder, and dry noodles and sauce powders A rim deformed from the bottom of the disposable tableware, such as a disposable mug containing Therefore, for convenience only, the term “disposable cup” is used throughout the specification and claims of this application. However, it should be understood that the term “disposable cup” refers to any disposable tableware having a rim deformed from the bottom of the disposable tableware as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the capsule 1 surrounding the material 500 on the disposable cup 100 and the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. Material 500 is any material known in the art for cooking beverage or food dosages, such as solid materials, powder materials, and liquid materials. Examples of such material 500 include, but are not limited to, coffee powder, chopped dry tea leaves, instant soup powder, dry noodles, instant potato puree powder, and the like. According to one embodiment, the capsule 1 comprises a bottom 10 having a perimeter (not shown), a wall 20 and an opening 30.

  FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system 200 comprising a stack of multiple disposable cups 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this case, the capsule 1 is housed in each space 140 defined by the bottom 120 and the rim 130 of each cup of the disposable cup 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the capsule 1 allows the plurality of disposable cups 100 to be stacked together in a manner similar to the stacking of the plurality of disposable cups 100 without the capsule 1.

  According to one embodiment, the structure and diameter of the bottom 10 of the capsule 1 is similar to the structure and diameter of the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 and the wall 20 of the capsule 1 is similar to the structure of the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 and It has a structure and height similar to the height. According to another embodiment, the diameter of the bottom 10 of the capsule 1 is such that the bottom of the disposable cup 100 facilitates insertion of the capsule 1 into the space 140 defined by the bottom 120 and the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100. Slightly shorter than 120 diameters. For example, the diameter of the bottom 10 of the capsule 1 is substantially 1 mm shorter than the diameter of the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100. According to yet another embodiment, the height of the wall 20 of the capsule 1 is lower than the height of the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100.

  As can be seen from FIG. 3, when the capsule 1 is housed in the space 140 defined by the bottom 120 and the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100, the inner surface of the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 is relative to the capsule 1 in contact with the inner surface. Work as a cover. Thus, the substance 500 surrounded by the capsule 1 in a stack of multiple disposable cups 100 is well packaged in a way that the substance 500 is not exposed to oxygen and moisture, thus extending the shelf life of the substance 500, or in other words The freshness of the substance 500 is maintained for a long time.

  Note that keeping the freshness of the substance 500 for a long period of time means keeping the freshness of the substance 500 substantially for one year. Any means to avoid exposing the substance 500 to oxygen and moisture is within the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to making the disposable cup 100 and / or capsule 1 with a material that is resistant to oxidation and moisture. And removing air from the interior of the capsule 1 covered by the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 or from a package comprising a stack of capsules 1 surrounding the plurality of disposable cups 100 and the substance 500 to generate negative pressure And nitrogen or any other suitable gas is provided within the capsule 1 covered by the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 or in a package comprising a stack of capsules 1 surrounding the plurality of disposable cups 100 and the substance 500. Including. In addition, occupying the interior of the capsule 1 covered by the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 in contact with the capsule 1 reduces the amount of oxygen and moisture trapped inside the capsule 1 and thus during storage. This also contributes to the freshness of the substance 500.

  Furthermore, the materials from which the disposable cup 100 and capsule 1 of the present invention are made are all edible and heat resistant, and thus can be used for cooking cold and hot beverages or food dosages as well as storage of beverages or food substances. It is.

  Returning now to FIG. 2A, according to yet another embodiment, the capsule 1 further comprises a margin 40 extending outwardly from the edge of the wall 20 of the capsule 1. In the stacking of the disposable cups 100 with the capsule 1 as shown in FIG. 3, the lower edge of the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 presses the margin 40 of the capsule 1 and the capsule toward the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100. 1 in contact with the margin 40, thus sealing the interior of the capsule 1 and preventing the substance 500 surrounded by the capsule 1 from being exposed to oxygen and moisture. According to yet another embodiment, during the process of stacking and packaging a plurality of disposable cups 100, capsules 1 and substances 500, the margin 40 of the capsule 1 may be adhered to the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, 1 margin 40 contacts the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 to enhance and stabilize the internal sealing of the capsule 1. The bonding of the margin 40 of the capsule 1 to the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 may be performed by any method known in the art, such as welding, bonding with edible adhesives, and the like.

  There are several ways to eliminate exposure of substances present inside the capsule 1 to oxygen and moisture. According to one embodiment, the capsule 1 is made from an oxidation and moisture resistant material, such as plastic or aluminum foil. According to another embodiment, the inner surface of the capsule 1 is covered with a layer made of an oxidation and moisture resistant material. According to yet another embodiment, the disposable cup 100 or at least the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 that serves as a cover for the capsule 1 in the stack of the disposable cup 100 and capsule 1 is a material that is resistant to oxidation and moisture. Created from. According to yet another embodiment, the surface of the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 and the inner surface of the rim 130, both facing the space 140 in which the capsule 1 is housed, are made from materials that are both oxidation and moisture resistant. Or covered with a layer of material that is oxidation and moisture resistant. According to a further embodiment, the stack of capsules 1 carrying the disposable cup 100 and the substance 500 is packaged with an oxidation and moisture resistant material, for example an aluminum sheet. According to yet further embodiments, a vacuum or negative pressure may be applied in the packaging of the disposable cup 100 and capsule 1 to reduce the amount of oxygen and moisture inside the package.

  FIG. 2B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule 1 further comprising at least one handle 50 placed on the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to a preferred embodiment, the capsule 1 is squeezed before pouring liquid into the disposable cup 100 in order to cook a beverage or food application with a substance 500 enclosed in the disposable cup 100 by the capsule 1. It further comprises at least one handle 50 configured to facilitate removal of 1 from the disposable cup 100. According to one embodiment, the at least one handle 50 extends from the edge of the wall 20 of the capsule 1. According to another embodiment, the at least one handle 50 is attached in a flexible manner to the edge of the wall 20 of the capsule 1 so that the at least one handle 50 can be folded relative to the capsule 1. According to another embodiment, the length of the at least one handle 50 is at least similar to the height of the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100. According to a preferred embodiment, the length of the at least one handle 50 is slightly higher than the height of the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100. According to another preferred embodiment, the length of the at least one handle 50 is substantially in the range of 1-2 mm higher than the height of the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100. Thus, when the capsule 1 is positioned on the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, the at least one handle 50 makes it easier for the user to grip the at least one handle 50 on the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100, Protrudes from the disposable cup 100 in a manner that facilitates removal. According to a further embodiment, the width of the at least one handle 50 is such that it does not interfere with the stacking of the capsules 1 comprising a plurality of disposable cups 100 and handles 50. According to a preferred embodiment, the width of the at least one handle 50 is substantially 0.5 mm, which is slightly narrower than the space between the disposable cups 100 in which a plurality of disposable cups 100 are stacked. According to a still further embodiment, after removing the capsule 1 from the disposable cup 1, this at least one handle 1 is used as a stir bar while cooking a dose of beverage or food in the disposable cup 100. Also good. Thus, the at least one handle 50 is also made from a material that, according to some embodiments, is also edible and heat resistant.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a capsule 1 wall 20 positioned on the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 with a protrusion 117 along the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100 near the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 with a slot 25 near the edge. According to one embodiment, the slot 25 of the capsule 1 is configured to receive the protrusion 117 of the disposable cup 100 and thus further sealing inside the capsule 1 when positioned within the disposable cup 100, as well as the capsule A stability of 1 is also achieved. According to another embodiment, the protrusion 117 of the disposable cup 100 is removably attached to the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100. Therefore, after the substance 500 is surrounded by the capsule 1 during the packaging process, the slot 25 of the capsule 1 can be attached to the protrusion 117 of the disposable cup 100 by any means known in the art, such as welding, bonding with an edible adhesive, etc. Glued. Thus, by removing the capsule 1 from the disposable cup 100 prior to use, the protrusion 117 is removed from the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100 while still attached to the slot 25 of the capsule 1. In this approach, the protrusion 117 does not stay in the disposable cup 100 when a beverage or food application is cooked in the disposable cup 100.

  FIG. 5 shows the top of the disposable cup 100 with a slot 115 at the bottom of the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100 configured to receive at least a portion of the margin 40 of the capsule 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 positioned. According to one embodiment, the slot 115 is substantially 1 mm deep. According to another embodiment, the combined diameter of the open side of the capsule 1 and the margin 40 is slightly longer, for example substantially 1 mm longer than the diameter of the disposable cup 100 in which the slot 115 is made. When at least a portion of the margin 40 of the capsule 1 is inserted into the slot 115, further sealing inside the capsule 1 as well as the stability of the capsule 1 is achieved when positioned in the disposable cup 100.

  FIG. 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 comprising at least one hollow handle 52 according to an exemplary embodiment. According to this embodiment, the space 55 of the at least one hollow handle 52 is configured to hold a substance that is surrounded by the capsule 1 while cooking a beverage or food dose in the disposable cup 100. May be added to the material 500. For example, the capsule 1 may enclose instant soup powder, the hollow handle 52 may contain spices such as pepper in its space 55, and the user may add spices to the soup when cooking in the disposable cup 100. Also good.

  According to yet another embodiment, the capsule comprises at least one inner wall 15 that divides the capsule 1 into at least two subcompartments 16. FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 with two inner walls 15 dividing the capsule 1 into three sub-compartments 16 according to an exemplary embodiment. This at least two sub-compartments 16 of the capsule 1, or three sub-compartments 16 as exemplarily shown in FIG. 7, are at least two substances 500, or three as exemplarily shown in FIG. Constructed to hold substances 502, 504, and 506, these substances such as coffee powder, sugar, and dried milk powder are separated from one another. More specifically, the at least two sub-compartments 16 of the capsule 1 are materials that are not likely to be mixed for a long time during storage of the disposable cup 100 and the material 500 in the disposable cup 100 surrounded by the capsule 1. It is configured to hold 500.

  According to a further embodiment, the capsule 1 comprises a first compartment 60 and a second compartment 70, wherein the first compartment is configured to face the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 in which the capsule 1 is placed. The second compartment 70 is configured to face the internal space of the disposable cup 100. According to a still further embodiment, the first compartment 60 and / or the second compartment 70 of the capsule further divides the first compartment 60 and / or the second compartment 70 into at least two sub-compartments, at least One inner wall is further provided. 8 comprises a first compartment 60 configured to face the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 and a second compartment 70 facing the interior space of the disposable cup 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. The first compartment 60 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule 1 further comprising an inner wall 65 that divides the first compartment 60 into two sub-compartments 67. Compartments 60, 70 and sub-compartment 67 are each configured to carry separate materials 500, 504, and 506 as discussed above. According to an additional embodiment, the second compartment is preferably made of plastic and aluminum foil to avoid exposing the at least one substance 506 placed in the second compartment 70 to oxygen and moisture. Removably covered with a cover 77 made from such an oxidation and moisture resistant material. During use, the user places at least one substance 506 stored in the second compartment 70 and at least one substance 502 and 504 surrounded by the first compartment 60 of the capsule 1 in the disposable cup 100. You may decide whether to add to the amount of beverage or food to be cooked.

  FIG. 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 covered with a liquid permeable cover 80 according to an exemplary embodiment. According to one embodiment, the capsule 1 covered with a liquid permeable cover 80 is configured to surround a substance 500 to be decocted with liquid in the disposable cup 100, for example chopped dry tea leaves, and after decoction the substance 500 can be removed from the liquid. The liquid permeable cover 80 is made of a material through which liquid can pass, such as woven fabric, porous plastic, and the like. In use, a liquid, for example hot water, is poured into the disposable cup 100 holding the capsule 1 covered with a cover 80 that is permeable to the liquid, and the substance 500 surrounded by the capsule 1 is decocted by the added liquid. The capsule 1 may be removed from the disposable cup 1 before ingesting the brewed beverage. According to some embodiments, if the capsule 1 covered with a liquid permeable cover 80 further comprises a handle 50, the user holds the handle 50 in hand to facilitate the extraction of the substance 500 surrounded by the capsule 1 For this purpose, the capsule 1 may be immersed several times in the liquid poured into the disposable cup 100. According to an additional embodiment, the liquid permeable cover 80 is such that when the capsule 1 is in contact with a liquid, in particular a warm or hot liquid, the liquid permeable cover 80 is the edge or margin 40 of the wall 20 of the capsule 1. Is attached to the edge or margin 40 of the wall 20 of the capsule 1 in a manner that remains attached to the capsule. For example, the liquid permeable cover 80 may be welded to the edge or margin 40 of the wall 20 of the capsule 1 or may be glued with a waterproof edible adhesive.

  According to one embodiment, a plurality of disposable cups comprising a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom, a plurality of capsules comprising a bottom having an outer periphery, a wall extending from the outer periphery, and an opening, and a substance surrounded by the capsule The stacking method positions the disposable cup with the bottom and rim facing up and provides a capsule with the opening facing up in the space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup Providing the substance into the capsule, covering the capsule with another disposable cup with the bottom and rim facing up, and forming a stack with the desired number of disposable cups, capsules, and substance Until the capsule is provided with the opening facing up in the space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup Steps, and a repeating the previous steps.

  According to another embodiment, a plurality of disposable cups comprising a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom, and a plurality of capsules comprising a bottom having an outer periphery, a wall extending from the outer periphery, and an opening are packaged. A method for keeping the freshness of the substance for a long time, wherein each capsule is contained in a space defined by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup, and the method for keeping the freshness is made from an oxidation and moisture resistant material. Including stacking and packaging in open packaging. According to yet another embodiment, the method further includes adding an inert gas, such as nitrogen, into the package.

  According to yet another embodiment, a method for maintaining the freshness of a packaged material in a stack of multiple disposable cups for a long period of time can be achieved, for example, by evacuating the package and creating a vacuum within the package. And generating a negative pressure.

  Without using the capsules of the present invention, either packaging a stack of disposable cups carrying a substance and adding an inert gas into the package or creating a negative pressure within the package is a disposable cup Note that the air is still entrained in the space defined by the bottom and rim of the tube, which is not effective in terms of keeping the material fresh for long periods of time. On the other hand, the use of the capsule of the present invention substantially reduces the amount of air entrained in the space defined by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup by enclosing the material in the capsule, thus allowing the freshness of the material. Is effective from the viewpoint of keeping the

  For the sake of clarity, it is understood that certain features of the invention described in the context of individual embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may be provided individually or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the invention has been described with specific embodiments thereof, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A capsule for enclosing a substance on the bottom of the first disposable cup, comprising a bottom of the first disposable cup and a rim deformed from the bottom, the capsule comprising:
A bottom having an outer periphery;
A wall extending from the outer periphery;
With an opening,
The capsule configured to be received in a space defined by the bottom and the rim of a second disposable cup inserted inside the first disposable cup.   The capsule of claim 1, further comprising a margin extending outwardly from an edge of the wall.   The capsule of claim 1, further comprising at least one handle attached to the wall.   The capsule of claim 2, further comprising at least one handle attached to the margin.   5. A capsule according to any one of claims 2 or 4, wherein at least a portion of the margin is configured to be received in a slot in a lower portion of the first disposable cup.   The capsule of claim 5, wherein the slot in the first disposable cup is substantially 1 mm deep.   A slot is further provided near the edge of the wall, the slot of the capsule containing a protrusion along the wall of the first disposable cup substantially near the bottom of the first disposable cup. 4. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 or 3, configured as follows.   The capsule according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the at least one handle is hollow.   9. A capsule according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one inner wall that divides the capsule into at least two subcompartments.   A first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment is configured to face the bottom of the disposable cup on which the capsule is placed, and the second compartment is located in the interior space of the disposable cup. 10. Capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 9, configured to face.   A capsule according to claim 10, wherein the second compartment is covered with a cover.   12. Capsule according to claim 11, wherein the cover is made from a material resistant to oxygen and moisture.   The capsule of any one of Claims 1-12 further covered with the cover which permeate | transmits a liquid.   A system comprising a stack of a plurality of disposable cups having a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom, a bottom having an outer periphery, a wall extending from the outer periphery, and a plurality of capsules having an opening, each A system wherein a capsule is received in a space defined by the bottom of the disposable cup and the rim.   The system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of capsules are configured to avoid exposure of material surrounded by the plurality of capsules to oxygen and moisture. Method of stacking a plurality of disposable cups comprising a bottom and a rim deformed from said bottom, a plurality of capsules comprising a bottom having an outer periphery, a wall extending from said outer periphery and an opening, and a substance surrounded by said capsule And the method of stacking is
Positioning the disposable cup with the bottom and rim facing upwards;
Providing a capsule with the opening facing upward in a space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup;
Providing a substance in the capsule;
Covering the capsule with another disposable cup with the bottom and rim facing upwards;
Providing the capsule with the opening facing up in the space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup until a stack of the desired number of disposable cups, capsules, and materials is formed; Repeating the previous step. Increases the freshness of the material packaged in a stack of a plurality of disposable cups having a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom, a bottom having an outer periphery, a wall extending from the outer periphery, and a plurality of capsules having openings. A method of maintaining a period of time, wherein each of the capsules is contained in a space defined by the bottom of the disposable cup and the rim, and the method of maintaining the freshness comprises:
Packaging the stack in a package made from oxygen and moisture resistant material.   The method of preserving freshness according to claim 17, further comprising adding an inert gas into the package.   The method for maintaining freshness according to claim 18, wherein the inert gas is nitrogen. 18. The method of preserving freshness according to claim 17, further comprising generating a negative pressure in the package.

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