EP1694176B1 - Utility device for a container of liquid matter - Google Patents

Utility device for a container of liquid matter Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1694176B1
EP1694176B1 EP04798039A EP04798039A EP1694176B1 EP 1694176 B1 EP1694176 B1 EP 1694176B1 EP 04798039 A EP04798039 A EP 04798039A EP 04798039 A EP04798039 A EP 04798039A EP 1694176 B1 EP1694176 B1 EP 1694176B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cup
adopt
means adapted
6bis
configuration
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Not-in-force
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EP04798039A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1694176A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-François Bedon
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Individual
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Individual
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G23/00—Other table equipment
    • A47G23/02—Glass or bottle holders
    • A47G23/0208—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like
    • A47G23/0216—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like for one glass or cup
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/22—Details
    • B65D77/24—Inserts or accessories added or incorporated during filling of containers
    • B65D77/28—Cards, coupons, or drinking straws

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to containers of liquids such as for example a beverage, and in particular but not exclusively to disposable cups, and more specifically to a utensil equipments.
  • a device can serve both as agitator, straw, thermal protection by stiffening the body of the cup, and promotional message support. These elements can be easily detached from each other from the cup to mix or to drink a drink, and possibly to keep information printed on the thermal protection sheet "anti-burn finger".
  • a device according to the preamble of the claim is known US-6,601,728 B1 .
  • this type of cup has not only the major disadvantage of not being directly associated with a stirring means, such as a stirrer (currently the stirrers are provided independently), which can not be attached to the cup because of its size too large, but also an inconvenience especially when taking the cup filled with a hot drink, and even an impossibility to stir without getting dirty (wet) fingers due to too short dimensions of the independent agitator.
  • a stirring means such as a stirrer
  • the stirrers are provided independently
  • the rigidity of the body of the cup and its heat transfer capacity are directly a function of the thickness of the plastic and / or the board that constitutes it, and therefore the temperature of the liquid.
  • this type of cup has, also the major disadvantage of not being directly associated with a means that avoids tilting the cup to drink, such as a straw (currently the straws are provided independently), which can not be attached to the cup because of its excessive size, but also an inconvenience including eating while walking without risk of spilling the drink.
  • the body of the cup is seizable despite a hot drink without "burning" the fingertips of the user, by not deforming, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the walls of the cup which is incompatible with the size of the cup, the stacking of these, and the disposable nature of the cup.
  • this type of cup has the major disadvantage of not allowing to keep information (printed text of a promotional message or event) on a clean, dry and space-saving. Indeed, to keep the information (eg phone number of an advertiser, etc.) printed on the cup, it is necessary to clean the cup and then cut with a chisel the wall of the cup on which are printed information; this operation is on the one hand too complicated and too restrictive for the consumer, and consequently does not allow the advertisers to exploit in an efficient and profitable way the commercial potentialities that represents the surface of the body of a goblet.
  • information printed text of a promotional message or event
  • the present invention therefore aims to provide a device for liquid containers for convenient use for various applications.
  • the invention proposes a utilitarian device for a container of liquid material having a substantially cylindrical shape, the device comprising means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration and means able to assume a substantially flat configuration, secured to said container in such a way as to to allow maintenance of means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration and means capable of assuming a substantially flat configuration respectively in a configuration substantially along the circumference of said container, in order to allow stacking by device and container units, as well as a common or selective uncoupling of said means, wherein the means capable of taking an oblong configuration are an agitator and / or a straw.
  • the utensils can be used for a multiplicity of applications invoking for example the option of dip them in the liquid in the form of a spatula (means able to take a substantially flat configuration), an agitator or a straw (means capable of taking a substantially elongated or oblong configuration).
  • the means capable of taking a substantially oblong configuration are formed of a plastic or cardboard profile, in particular of a profile having a closed section or a C-shaped section.
  • a closed section allows a use easy as for a straw while a C-shaped section allows easy attachment to the edge of the container preferably having a complementary shape.
  • the means adapted to take a substantially flat configuration are formed of a sheet, in particular of plastic or cardboard. This allows a stiffening function and may also allow the provision of decoration or information, since such a sheet can easily be subjected to a printing process or other processing such as etching, etc.
  • the means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration may comprise latching / hooking means or be in engagement with latching means to allow attachment to the container or stall on the container allowing safe use. to tamper with the container by removing the means for use.
  • the means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration comprise at least one part, favoring a deformation, in particular a part with an accordion structure or a hinge equipped with a locking system.
  • the means capable of taking a substantially flat configuration may form or comprise an information medium. This makes it possible to provide an additional function to the device since one can imagine both providing information about the contents of the container and third party information such as an advertisement.
  • the means adapted to take a substantially flat configuration have a shape complementary to the container to allow a minimum of additional space.
  • a structure can take up the structures of stiffening and may allow stacking in the case of containers having an open face such as a cup.
  • the means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration and / or the means able to assume a substantially flat configuration are prestressed in one of their configurations.
  • the invention also provides a liquid container equipped with such a device.
  • a liquid container equipped with such a device.
  • This may be for example a cup as used in hot beverage dispensers with a device set up during the preparation of the drink or in a pre-assembled manner.
  • the container is formed of a material identical to that of at least a part of the device, in particular formed in one piece with said part. This allows a low cost and an implication of materials having a common food grade.
  • the device can therefore in a tumbler application comprise a foldable and disposable stirrer which has a circular arc shape, which comprises a base (spatula for stirring) and a handle engaged with the end of a leaflet thermal protection which further stiffens the body of the cup.
  • the cup is always equipped, safely, an agitator for soft drinks or beverages requiring homogenization for example.
  • the same foldable shaker integrated or attached to the top of the cup can simultaneously perform the functions of drinking straw by sucking a drink and shake, for example, ice cubes for a cool drink.
  • the device comprises locking, hooking or detent means adapted to retain the agitator and / or the straw on the upper rim of the cup.
  • the agitator and / or the straw, and the protective sheet are integrated or clipped in an extremely small space on the cup, it will be understood that it is easy for the user to drink from the cup without being bothered by the utility device.
  • the protective sheet which serves to stiffen the cup and to thermally insulate the wall of the cup can be unhooked or unclipped from the cup independently of the agitator and / or the straw, and be retained by the user.
  • This arrangement provides great convenience for the user and simplification of manufacture by grouping the various parts into a single unit, while satisfying the aesthetics of the cup, its small footprint / weight, and its principle of stacking with other cups.
  • the thermal protection and stiffening sheet is preferably made of a printable food grade plastic material or cardboard (with a food grade ink). ) which may optionally comprise horizontal and / or vertical grooves which are fitted on the grooves of the cup, thereby constituting a negligible over-thickness, the attachment systems or the clips being mounted on the top of the protective sheet.
  • the protective sheet of very thin thickness thus constituted is very interesting, not only during storage after manufacture (stacking), during unstacking in an automatic dispensing machine, but also especially when the cup is used to drink without burning the fingertips of the user and also when the protection sheet is kept as information medium by the user.
  • the thermal protection sheet and stiffening not having a bulky form credit card format for example
  • it is very convenient in its use, and also for the conservation of advertising information in a card holder.
  • the fineness of the attachment systems or clips offers a low resistance, which ensures a clean and very easy break of these fastening systems or clips and which prevents during the separation of the thermal protection sheet and stiffening agitator (and / or straw) the introduction of plastic debris or cardboard in the drink contained in the cup.
  • the securing relative to the means able to take a substantially oblong configuration and / or the means able to take a substantially planar configuration takes place directly and / or indirectly by welding, in particular at the upper edge of the container, or alternatively by thermoforming.
  • the cup 3 shown in Figure 2 is intended to receive a certain volume of liquid from the top of the cup 9 equipped with an agitator 6 (and / or a straw 6bis) and then deliver the liquid under gravity when the edge of the cup 9 is sufficiently inclined.
  • the liquid word used in the present invention preferably relates to a hot drink but can also define any other fresh beverage, sweet or not that you want to drink.
  • the cup is equipped with a device 1 which makes it possible, contrary to its low plastic elasticity and its ease of breaking at precise points, to move from an assembled state (FIG. 1) to a disassembled state after use (Figure 4).
  • the device 1 comprises an agitator 6 (and / or a straw 6bis), having an arcuate structure, which comprises a spatula 7 and a handle 14 engaging with the two thin tabs 4 and 4 'of the protection sheet 2, via the hooks 5 and 12 and which is likely to be, by the manufacturing process, a clipped position in which the tabs 4, 4 ', the hooks 5, 12 and the thickness of the cup 11 are held clipped, a position detached in which the protective sheet 2 is detached from the agitator 6.
  • an agitator 6 and / or a straw 6bis
  • the device 1 is made of plastic material or rigid cardboard (which may be the same material in which the current cups are made); having a low elasticity, sufficient to accept small deformations.
  • the rigid material having been satisfactory during multiple tests, is a plastic or a cardboard having relatively weak elastic characteristics.
  • a plastic or cardboard is for example thermoformable and food grade such as that used for the manufacture of disposable cups currently on the market.
  • This plastic or cardboard also has the advantage of being thermoformed or molded, of being printable with food ink and of easily breaking between the hooks 5, 12 and the tabs 4, 4 'at the level of the rupture axes 14 and 15.
  • the hooks and brackets will be positioned radially to the vertical axis to facilitate a clean break plastic or cardboard when unhooking the agitator , straw, and thermal protection.
  • the top of the protective sheet 2 could be slid into the lower groove in the thickness 11 of the edge of the cup (eg cardboard cups).
  • the stirrer 6 being arranged on the edge of the cup 9, the tabs 4, 4 ', 30 and the hooks 5, 12, 31 are connected point-to-point via the axes of rupture 14, 15, 32 respectively on the two diametrically opposite regions of the lower thickness 11 of the edge of the cup.
  • This well-balanced fixation of the stirrer can be achieved by clipping the break axes 14, 15, 32 into the lower groove in the thickness 11 of the cup edge.
  • the fastening principle realized by the clips composed of the hook 31, and the axis of rupture 32 which fixes the end (spatula side) of the agitator can be replaced by the spatula itself which is mounted under a slight meadow. -constraint.
  • This foldable spatula is to integrate (in closed position) without overflowing the upper edge of the cup. Thus, no discomfort and no additional space are generated by the folding spatula.
  • the spatula 7 has the ability to unfold. To allow this unfolding, the spatula 7 is split from its end to the point of folding 33 (over a length of 1 to 2 cm). Thus the spatula is composed of two plastic strands on the width 6 of the agitator: a strand 17 rather thick; and another strand 18 rather thin.
  • the strand 17 has a thickness of two thirds of the thickness 6 of the stirrer, while the strand 18 has a thickness of one third.
  • the automatic unfolding of the spatula is done simultaneously with the unclipping of the agitator from the edge of the cup.
  • the shearing of the hooks 5 and 12 at the breaking points 33 and 34 releases the agitator from the edge of the cup, and consequently the unfolding of the spatula. Thanks to a molding under a slight pre-stress of the strand 18, this strand automatically opens in "V".
  • the end of the strand 18 is equipped with a flat part 20 of very small thickness which matches the shape of the top of the cup 9. This flat part aims to offer a greater contact surface with the beverage to optimize the stirring of the drink.
  • this spatula 7 can be associated with the lower end of the straw 6a to stir certain beverage.
  • the protective sheet 2 is integral with the agitator 6 and / or the straw 6bis.
  • the device can move along a common axis A-A 'perpendicular to the upper edge of the cup.
  • the device 1 is provided with a handle 14 which can take for this purpose, a decoupling position for which the agitator 6 and / or the straw 6bis occupies their position of use ( Figure 4), allowing the user to mix the liquid and drink it by sucking it.
  • the stirrer comprises a clip structure consisting of several hooks, namely in the illustrated but nonlimiting example, three hooks referenced 5, 12, and 31, nested via break axes. 15, 16 and 32 in the thickness of the edge of the cup 11.
  • Each hook consists of legs of small thickness, in this case the hooks 5, 12 and 31 are intended via the axes of rupture to connect the stirrer to the thermal protection sheet.
  • said rupture axes thus constitute a breaking point 18 for separating the thermal protection sheet from the stirrer.
  • the hooks 5, 12 and 31 are sheared at the points 33 and 34 in the unclipping movement.
  • the thin tabs 4 and 4 'of the thermal protection sheet are sheared at points 18 by a movement of "uncapping" or unclipping the leaflet.
  • "anti-finger-burning" marks 38 are provided at the ends of the fingerprint-like sheet.
  • the thin legs 4 and 4 'and the marks 38 can be easily sheared the thermal protection sheet, to allow the consumer to keep a message support own format similar to that of a bank credit card.
  • the stirrer 6 and / or the straw made of a plastic material or cardboard with an arcuate shape.
  • the agitator and / or the straw have an accordion system 35.
  • the accordion system is locked by very thin tabs 36 and 37.
  • the two arcuate ends of the agitator and / or the straw on either side of the accordion system are aligned on the vertical axis. The liquid can easily circulate inside the tubular section accordion system.
  • the attachment of the device can be effected by enclosing the rim 11 of the cup.
  • the agitator and / or straw may extend over only a part of the perimeter or around the perimeter.
  • the stirrer and / or the straw comprise a stiffening frame formed of a sort of peripheral bead. 6 and 6bis whose thickness is less than that of space "G" between two stacked cups.
  • FIG. 3 it can be seen that there is illustrated in the upper part an embodiment using an agitator, while in the lower part is used a straw.
  • the attachment of the device is such that stacking by container and device units is feasible as for conventional cups without device. From then the straw or agitator is above the rim of the cup by forming hook means 5 or 12 a clip around the rim. The affixation is also reinforced by the presence of a bead-shaped rupture axis 15 meshing with a slot formed by the rim of the cup.
  • the bead 11 of the edge of the cup is formed by a plastic or cardboard of the same type as that of the device and because of its configuration acquires a hardness greater than the protective sheet 2.
  • this bead has a slightly thicker than that of the protection sheet. This bead serves as a dimensional reference frame for the clipping of the break axes 15, 16 and 32.
  • the device 1 is made in one piece at the same time as the cup 3. Thanks to a single pattern 47 cut out of a thin plastic or cardboard sheet, the Cup 3 and the device 1 are thermoformed industrially and automatically (without manual intervention) in a single pass.
  • the principle of thermoforming and stamping of the cup 3 and the device 1 makes it possible to obtain the right thicknesses for the various elements such as the stirrer 6, the straw 6 bis and the thermal protection 2. Indeed, thanks to this principle agitator 6 and straw 6bis thus formed have a sufficient thickness to give the necessary rigidity to their functionality; this thickness is almost identical to the thickness of the initial sheet.
  • the thermal protection 2 has a very thin thickness, thinner than that of the agitator 6 and the straw 6 bis.
  • the very thin thickness of the thermal protection 2 being identical to that of the wall of the cup 3, the stack of two cups as shown in Figure 7 is possible while keeping rigorously the same stacking step G between two cups.
  • the concave shape obtained by thermoforming and the dimensioning of the "anti-finger burn" marks 38 of the thin thermalifying stiffening protection 2 around a portion of the body of the cup 3 enables this protection to conform well to the shape cup and any grooves (horizontal or vertical).
  • the thermal protection thus well applied to the body of the cup allows the automatic stacking of the cups at very fast rates during the manufacturing process, not detaching the body of the cup despite the air flow generated by the speed of the cup. stacking the cups.
  • FIG. 8 Yet another preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 8, showing a unit formed of a cup 3 and a utility device substantially in the form of a sleeve.
  • the sleeve is substantially in accordance with the cup and has a detachable sheet 2 with, in addition, openings allowing easy detachment.
  • the sleeve is provided with an upper edge adapted to be placed under the rim of the cup as shown in FIG. 11. This rim forms at the same time that it is used for affixation with respect to the cup to be supplied. the agitator 6 or the straw 6 bis.
  • FIG. 8 could equally well be manufactured in a two-layer cup having punctures or micro-cuts at the chosen locations in order to allow the detackhability of the leaflet and the stirrer or the straw.
  • the pre-cuts of the shapes of the agitator 6 (including the handle 14, the spatula 7, the stall point 49 of the spatula, and the articulation 35), the straw 6 bis and the thermal protection 2, including the "anti-finger burn” marks 38 and the stalling eyelets 48 of the central part of the thermal protection are produced during the thermoforming operations of the cup 3 and the device 1 by mechanical, chemical or type cutting equipment. laser.
  • the agitator having an "L" section composed of a horizontal part 52 which has a thickness identical to that of the initial sheet, and which is aligned in line with the edge folded 11 (see Figure 11), and a vertical portion 53 which has a thinner thickness than the portion 52, identical to the wall of the cup 3.
  • the stirrer 6 is composed of two quarters of circumference 50 and 51 connected by a pivot point 35 (at the point M) which has a V-shaped cut-out on the horizontal part 52.
  • the vertical part 53 is not cut, it allows to maintain on the one hand the connection between the two quarters of circumference 50 and 51 and on the other hand the unfolding at an angle of 90 ° in the opposite direction of its radius of curvature.
  • the mechanical characteristics of the plastic or cardboard allow the plastic deformation to achieve the articulation 35 of the vertical portion 53 without breaking, as requested by this unfolding so that the handle moves from the point P 'to the point P (see Figure 12) .
  • One of the other advantages of the two-quarter-circumference agitator principle on the cup's half-circumference is to automatically adjust to the height of the cup regardless of the cup's capacity; this allows to equip cups at different heights used in automatic dispensing machines.
  • This advantage is doubly important, on the one hand it solves the problem of automatic dispensing systems that only accept single-length stirrers, and on the other hand it allows to make very significant savings in costs by allowing to remove these automatic agitator dispensing systems (in addition to the production costs of the agitators themselves) which are not very reliable for dispensing agitators one by one given the small thickness of the agitators.
  • the quarter circumference 50 of the agitator is not provided with attachment system.
  • the section 50 is held on the body of the cup partly because of its concavity.
  • the quarter-circle 51 of the stirrer is held on the body of the cup, in the extension of the edge 11 of the cup by the fastening system 49 positioned radially (not shown in Figure 11).
  • the stirrer can be in very specific form with a handle portion 14 and a spatula portion 7.
  • the consumer wishing to use the stirrer grasps the handle 14 of the stirrer to pull it into the stirrer.
  • perpendicular axis to pass from the point P on the axis BB to the point P on the axis CC (rotation of a 90 ° angle) of Figure 12.
  • the quarter of circumference 51 being maintained in a fixed position on the cup thanks to the attachment system 49, the articulation 35 of the agitator can be locked thanks to the locking system 36 and 37.
  • the articulation 35 being locked (without significant effort), the consumer continues to shoot slightly the handle 14 for to break the hooking system 49 which has a low breaking strength, so the two-quarters of the circumference 50 and 51 are aligned with the straight axis CC and the stirrer 6 is ready to be used for stirring a beverage.
  • the principle is identical to pick the straw 6 bis.
  • the device is made directly with the cup or fixed automatically (without manual intervention) on each cup during the process of manufacture of the cup, which means that the cup thus equipped is put available to each consumer.
  • the cup filled with the drink chosen by the consumer is made available in the automatic drink dispenser.
  • the consumer can take mentally the cup equipped with thermal protection sheet 2 without the risk of deforming the walls of the cup (which avoids any risk of spilling the drink), and burn the fingertips with a hot drink.
  • the advantage for the consumer is that he can grab the body of the cup without any special precautions. The consumer no longer has to grab the cup by its upper edge 9 to avoid getting burned.
  • the consumer can seize the stirrer 6 by unhooking or unclipping from the upper edge of the cup 9.
  • the disposable stirrer design type "two half-curves on a "very innovative" straight axis equipped with a foldable spatula according to the embodiment ensures a good mixture of the drink.
  • the agitator also has the advantages of preserving the cleanliness of the edge (9) of the cup, where the consumer puts his lips.
  • this agitator allows the consumer to have a clean agitator, which has not been touched by other consumers.
  • the consumer who does not use an agitator can drink his drink without having to remove the "combined system" from the top of the cup.
  • the small size of this agitator does not penalize the stacking of the cups in the cup manufacturer, and also does not penalize the unstacking of the cups in the automatic beverage dispenser.
  • the agitator 6 and the straw 6 bis are positioned on the half-circumference opposite that of the thermal protection 2 (see Figure 8). This arrangement allows on the one hand a perfect balance of the masses of the cup, and on the other hand ergonomically it allows the consumer to grasp with one hand the thermal protection 2 safely, and with his other hand to unhook the agitator 6 and / or straw 6a.
  • the protective sheet 2 can be easily grasped (unhooked or unclipped) from the cup, independently of the agitator at the moment desired by the consumer.
  • the protection sheet 2 has the advantage of being made of an easily printable food-grade plastic or carton which can be kept by the consumer after the cup and stirrer are discarded. Moreover, the surface of the thermal protection sheet 2 can be proposed and sold as a detachable advertising space to a client company that can print a promotional message either directly by the cup manufacturer, or by the vending machine manufacturers or the suppliers. maintenance teams of these machines on a region, who can print these advertising spaces to measure, by buying blank cups from the manufacturer of cups.
  • the technical and marketing possibilities offered by this device 1, the thermal protection 2 and its embodiments make it possible to open up new prospects with very strong commercial potential to a market of international stature which needs to reduce production costs ( increase production rates) cups failing to be able to give real added value to the current cups.
  • the automatic industrial production of the device described here would allow to have significant production rates and therefore to remain at cost levels identical to those of current cups.
  • the gains related to commercial value added are therefore very interesting for the various players in this automatic distribution market.
  • This promotional message which can be very easily exploited and preserved is intended for the consumer who takes a drink in a disposable cup.
  • the generic form 39 (example of the heart, or any other subject according to the occasion) can serve as a support for writing a name, etc. for a more festive use.
  • the device can be a piece of plastic or cardboard in one piece (plastic or food grade cardboard).
  • This configuration would have the advantage of thermoforming or molding the "combined system” in a single operation in proportion to the model of the plastic cup or cardboard, and produce large series at low cost.
  • the installation of the device on the edge of the cup could be made by a thermal principle to properly shape the clips.
  • the protective sheet 2 Before mounting on the cup, the protective sheet 2 could be printed on the front or on the front and back.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Table Devices Or Equipment (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Valves And Accessory Devices For Braking Systems (AREA)
  • Table Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

The device has a stirrer (6), a straw and a foldable spatula (7). A handle (14) is in engagement with two lugs of a protecting sheet (2), via hooks. The sheet is integrated to the stirrer and the straw. The stirrer is arranged on an edge of a tumbler. The spatula has two strands (17, 18), where the strands (18) end is provided with a thin plate (20) offering large contact surface with beverage. An independent claim is also included for a liquid container including a utility device.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte a des récipients de liquides tel que par exemple une boisson, et en particulier mais pas exclusivement aux gobelets jetables, et plus précisément à un ustensile les équipants. Un tel Dispositif peut à la fois servir d'agitateur, de paille, de protection thermique en rigidifiant le corps du gobelet, et de support de message promotionnel. Ces éléments peuvent être facilement détachés individuellement les uns des autres du gobelet pour mélanger ou pour boire une boisson, et pour éventuellement conserver une information imprimée sur le feuillet de protection thermique « anti-brûle doigt ».The present invention relates to containers of liquids such as for example a beverage, and in particular but not exclusively to disposable cups, and more specifically to a utensil equipments. Such a device can serve both as agitator, straw, thermal protection by stiffening the body of the cup, and promotional message support. These elements can be easily detached from each other from the cup to mix or to drink a drink, and possibly to keep information printed on the thermal protection sheet "anti-burn finger".

A ce jour les récipients pour liquides sous formes de gobelet ou analogues sont fortement utilises aussi bien dans des distributeurs automatiques que dans la restauration (restauration rapide, fêtes, voyages, etc.).To date containers for liquids in the form of cups or the like are widely used both in vending machines and catering (fast food, parties, trips, etc.).

Un dispositif selon le préambule de la revendication est connude US-6 601 728 B1 .A device according to the preamble of the claim is known US-6,601,728 B1 .

Mais, ce type de gobelet présente, non seulement l'inconvénient majeur de ne pas être directement associé à un moyen d'agitation, comme un agitateur (actuellement les agitateurs sont fournis indépendamment), qui ne peut pas être fixé au gobelet à cause de son encombrement trop important, mais aussi une incommodité notamment lors de la prise du gobelet rempli d'une boisson chaude, et voire une impossibilité d'agiter sans se salir (mouiller) les doigts dû à des dimensions trop courte de l'agitateur indépendant. En outre, comme on le comprendra, la rigidité du corps du gobelet et sa capacité de transfert thermique sont directement fonction de l'épaisseur du plastique et/ou du carton qui le constitue, et donc de la température du liquide.But, this type of cup has not only the major disadvantage of not being directly associated with a stirring means, such as a stirrer (currently the stirrers are provided independently), which can not be attached to the cup because of its size too large, but also an inconvenience especially when taking the cup filled with a hot drink, and even an impossibility to stir without getting dirty (wet) fingers due to too short dimensions of the independent agitator. In addition, as will be understood, the rigidity of the body of the cup and its heat transfer capacity are directly a function of the thickness of the plastic and / or the board that constitutes it, and therefore the temperature of the liquid.

De plus, ce type de gobelet présente, aussi l'inconvénient majeur de ne pas être directement associé à un moyen qui évite d'incliner le gobelet pour boire, comme une paille (actuellement les pailles sont fournies indépendamment), qui ne peut pas être fixée au gobelet à cause de son encombrement trop important, mais aussi une incommodité notamment de s'alimenter en marchant sans risquer de renverser de la boisson.In addition, this type of cup has, also the major disadvantage of not being directly associated with a means that avoids tilting the cup to drink, such as a straw (currently the straws are provided independently), which can not be attached to the cup because of its excessive size, but also an inconvenience including eating while walking without risk of spilling the drink.

Ainsi, si l'on désire que le corps du gobelet soit saisissable malgré une boisson chaude sans « brûler » le bout des doigts de l'utilisateur, en ne se déformant pas, il est nécessaire d'augmenter l'épaisseur des parois du gobelet, ce qui est incompatible avec l'encombrement du gobelet, l'empilage de ceux-ci, et le caractère jetable du gobelet.Thus, if it is desired that the body of the cup is seizable despite a hot drink without "burning" the fingertips of the user, by not deforming, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the walls of the cup which is incompatible with the size of the cup, the stacking of these, and the disposable nature of the cup.

Enfin, ce type de gobelet présente l'inconvénient majeur de ne pas permettre de conserver une information (texte imprimé d'un message promotionnel ou événementiel) sur un support propre, sec et peu encombrant. Effectivement, pour conserver les informations (exemple numéro de téléphone d'un annonceur, etc.) imprimées sur le gobelet, il est nécessaire de nettoyer le gobelet et ensuite de découper avec un ciseau la paroi du gobelet sur laquelle sont imprimées les informations ; cette opération est d'une part trop compliquée et trop contraignante pour le consommateur, et en conséquence ne permet pas aux annonceurs d'exploiter de manière efficace et rentable les potentialités commerciales que représente la surface du corps d'un gobelet.Finally, this type of cup has the major disadvantage of not allowing to keep information (printed text of a promotional message or event) on a clean, dry and space-saving. Indeed, to keep the information (eg phone number of an advertiser, etc.) printed on the cup, it is necessary to clean the cup and then cut with a chisel the wall of the cup on which are printed information; this operation is on the one hand too complicated and too restrictive for the consumer, and consequently does not allow the advertisers to exploit in an efficient and profitable way the commercial potentialities that represents the surface of the body of a goblet.

La présente invention a donc pour but de proposer un dispositif pour récipients de liquides permettant une utilisation commode pour diverses applications.The present invention therefore aims to provide a device for liquid containers for convenient use for various applications.

Il est proposé un dispositif ayant les caractéristiques de la revendication 1 ainsi qu'un récipient équipé d'un tel dispositif. Des caractéristiques favorables sont contenue dans les revendications dépendantes.There is provided a device having the features of claim 1 and a container equipped with such a device. Favorable features are contained in the dependent claims.

En particulier l'invention propose un dispositif utilitaire pour un récipient de matière liquide ayant une forme sensiblement cylindrique, le dispositif comprenant des moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement oblong et des moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement plane, solidarisés audit récipient de façon a permettre un maintien des moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement oblong et des moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement plane respectivement dans une configuration suivant sensiblement la circonférence dudit récipient, afin de permettre un empilement par unités de dispositif et de récipient, ainsi qu'une désolidarisation commune ou sélective desdits moyens, dans lequel les moyens aptes à prendre une configuration oblong sont un agitateur et/ou une paille. De ce fait il est possible de prévoir des ustensiles avec une étendue dépassant celle du récipient pratiquement sans augmenter l'encombrement et sans gêner un empilement. Les ustensiles peuvent servir a une multiplicité d'applications invoquant par exemple l'option de les tremper dans le liquide en forme d'une spatule (moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement plane), d'un agitateur ou d'une paille (moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement allongé ou oblong).In particular, the invention proposes a utilitarian device for a container of liquid material having a substantially cylindrical shape, the device comprising means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration and means able to assume a substantially flat configuration, secured to said container in such a way as to to allow maintenance of means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration and means capable of assuming a substantially flat configuration respectively in a configuration substantially along the circumference of said container, in order to allow stacking by device and container units, as well as a common or selective uncoupling of said means, wherein the means capable of taking an oblong configuration are an agitator and / or a straw. As a result it is possible to provide utensils with a range exceeding that of the container virtually without increasing the size and without hindering a stack. The utensils can be used for a multiplicity of applications invoking for example the option of dip them in the liquid in the form of a spatula (means able to take a substantially flat configuration), an agitator or a straw (means capable of taking a substantially elongated or oblong configuration).

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré les moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement oblong sont formés d'un profilé en matière plastique ou en carton, en particulier d'un profile présentant une section fermé ou en forme de C. Une section fermée permet une utilisation aisée comme pour une paille alors que une section un forme de C permet une fixation aisée sur le bord du récipient ayant préférentiellement une forme complémentaire.According to a preferred embodiment the means capable of taking a substantially oblong configuration are formed of a plastic or cardboard profile, in particular of a profile having a closed section or a C-shaped section. A closed section allows a use easy as for a straw while a C-shaped section allows easy attachment to the edge of the container preferably having a complementary shape.

De préférence les moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement plane sont formés d'une feuille, en particulier en matière plastique ou en carton. Ceci permet une fonction rigidifiante et peut par ailleurs permettre l'apport de décoration ou d'informations, puisque une telle feuille peut aisément être soumise a un procédé d'impression ou d'autre traitement comme la gravure, etc.Preferably the means adapted to take a substantially flat configuration are formed of a sheet, in particular of plastic or cardboard. This allows a stiffening function and may also allow the provision of decoration or information, since such a sheet can easily be subjected to a printing process or other processing such as etching, etc.

Les moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement oblong peuvent comprendre des moyens d'encliquetage / d'accrochage ou être en prise avec des moyens d'encliquetage afin de permettre une fixation sur le récipient ou le décrochage de sur le récipient permettant une utilisation sans risque d'altérer le récipient en enlevant les moyens en vue d'une utilisation.The means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration may comprise latching / hooking means or be in engagement with latching means to allow attachment to the container or stall on the container allowing safe use. to tamper with the container by removing the means for use.

Selon une variante préférée les moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement oblong comprennent au moins une partie, favorisant une déformation, en particulier une partie avec une structure en accordéon ou une articulation équipée d'un système de verrouillage.According to one preferred variant, the means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration comprise at least one part, favoring a deformation, in particular a part with an accordion structure or a hinge equipped with a locking system.

Les moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement plane peuvent former ou comprendre un support d'information. Cela permet d'apporter une fonction additionnelle au dispositif puisque l'on peut imaginer aussi bien d'apporter des informations concernant le contenu du récipient que des informations tiers telle qu'un message publicitaire.The means capable of taking a substantially flat configuration may form or comprise an information medium. This makes it possible to provide an additional function to the device since one can imagine both providing information about the contents of the container and third party information such as an advertisement.

De préférence les moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement plane présentent une forme complémentaire au récipient afin de permettre un minimum d'encombrement additionnel. Par ailleurs une telle structure peut reprendre les structures de rigidification et peuvent permettre un empilement en cas de récipients ayant une face ouverte telle qu'un gobelet.Preferably the means adapted to take a substantially flat configuration have a shape complementary to the container to allow a minimum of additional space. Moreover, such a structure can take up the structures of stiffening and may allow stacking in the case of containers having an open face such as a cup.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré les moyens aptes à prendre une configuration sensiblement oblong et/ou les moyens aptes à prendre une configuration sensiblement plane sont précontraint dans l'une de leurs configurations.According to a preferred embodiment, the means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration and / or the means able to assume a substantially flat configuration are prestressed in one of their configurations.

L'invention prévoit par ailleurs également un récipient de liquide équipé d'un tel dispositif. Il peut s'agir par exemple d'un gobelet tel que utilisé dans les distributeurs de boissons chaudes avec un dispositif mis en place lors de la préparation de la boisson ou de façon pre-assemblé.The invention also provides a liquid container equipped with such a device. This may be for example a cup as used in hot beverage dispensers with a device set up during the preparation of the drink or in a pre-assembled manner.

De façon préférentielle le récipient est formé d'une matière identique à celle d'au moins une partie du dispositif, en particulier formé d'un seul tenant avec ladite partie. Ceci permet un coût de revient bas et une implications de matériaux ayant un grade alimentaire commun.Preferably the container is formed of a material identical to that of at least a part of the device, in particular formed in one piece with said part. This allows a low cost and an implication of materials having a common food grade.

Selon l'invention, le dispositif peut donc dans une applications gobelet comprendre un agitateur pliable et jetable qui a une forme d'arc circulaire, qui comporte une embase (spatule pour agitation) et une poignée en prise avec l'extrémité d'un feuillet de protection thermique qui de plus rigidifie le corps du gobelet.According to the invention, the device can therefore in a tumbler application comprise a foldable and disposable stirrer which has a circular arc shape, which comprises a base (spatula for stirring) and a handle engaged with the end of a leaflet thermal protection which further stiffens the body of the cup.

Ainsi, grâce à cet agitateur qui est facilement fixé sur le haut du gobelet, le gobelet est toujours équipé, en toute sécurité, d'un agitateur pour les boissons sucrées ou les boissons nécessitant d'être homogénéisées par exemple.Thus, thanks to this stirrer which is easily attached to the top of the cup, the cup is always equipped, safely, an agitator for soft drinks or beverages requiring homogenization for example.

De part sa conception et sa section qui peut être tubulaire, ce même agitateur pliable intégré ou fixé sur le haut du gobelet peut assurer simultanément les fonctions de paille pour boire en aspirant une boisson et agiter par exemple les glaçons pour une boisson fraîche.Due to its design and its section that can be tubular, the same foldable shaker integrated or attached to the top of the cup can simultaneously perform the functions of drinking straw by sucking a drink and shake, for example, ice cubes for a cool drink.

Selon une caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, le dispositif comporte des moyens de blocage, d'accrochage ou d'encliquetage adapté à retenir l'agitateur et/ou la paille sur le rebord supérieur du gobelet.According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the device comprises locking, hooking or detent means adapted to retain the agitator and / or the straw on the upper rim of the cup.

Ainsi, puisque l'agitateur et/ou la paille, et le feuillet de protection sont intégrés ou clipsés en respectant un encombrement extrêmement réduit sur le gobelet, on comprendra qu'il est aisé pour l'utilisateur de boire au gobelet sans être gêné par le dispositif utilitaire.Thus, since the agitator and / or the straw, and the protective sheet are integrated or clipped in an extremely small space on the cup, it will be understood that it is easy for the user to drink from the cup without being bothered by the utility device.

En outre, lorsque le gobelet est vidé de sa boisson, on comprend qu'il suffit de jeter le gobelet, l'agitateur et/ou la paille.In addition, when the cup is emptied of its drink, it is understood that it is sufficient to throw the cup, the agitator and / or the straw.

Toutefois, le feuillet de protection qui sert à rigidifier le gobelet et à isoler thermiquement la paroi du gobelet peut être décroché ou déclipsé du gobelet indépendamment de l'agitateur et/ou de la paille, et être conservé par l'utilisateur.However, the protective sheet which serves to stiffen the cup and to thermally insulate the wall of the cup can be unhooked or unclipped from the cup independently of the agitator and / or the straw, and be retained by the user.

Cet agencement procure une grande commodité pour l'utilisateur et une simplification de fabrication en regroupant les diverses pièces en un ensemble d'un seul tenant, tout en satisfaisant l'esthétique du gobelet, son faible encombrement / poids, et son principe d'empilage avec d'autres gobelets.This arrangement provides great convenience for the user and simplification of manufacture by grouping the various parts into a single unit, while satisfying the aesthetics of the cup, its small footprint / weight, and its principle of stacking with other cups.

Afin de rendre l'invention particulièrement économique et compacte, et selon une autre caractéristique particulièrement avantageuse, le feuillet de protection thermique et rigidifiant est réalisé de préférence en un matériau plastique ou carton semi-rigide de grade alimentaire imprimable (avec une encre de grade alimentaire) qui peut éventuellement comporter des rainures horizontales et/ou verticales qui sont ajustées sur les rainures du gobelet, constituant ainsi une sur-épaisseur quasi négligeable, les systèmes d'accrochage ou les clips étant montés sur le haut du feuillet de protection.In order to make the invention particularly economical and compact, and according to another particularly advantageous characteristic, the thermal protection and stiffening sheet is preferably made of a printable food grade plastic material or cardboard (with a food grade ink). ) which may optionally comprise horizontal and / or vertical grooves which are fitted on the grooves of the cup, thereby constituting a negligible over-thickness, the attachment systems or the clips being mounted on the top of the protective sheet.

Le feuillet de protection d'épaisseur très fine ainsi constitué se révèle très intéressant, non seulement, lors du stockage après fabrication (empilage), lors du désempilage dans une machine de distribution automatique, mais aussi notamment lorsque le gobelet est utilisé pour boire sans brûler le bout des doigts de l'utilisateur et aussi lorsque le feuillet de protection est conservé comme support d'information par l'utilisateur. En effet, le feuillet de protection thermique et rigidifiant n'ayant pas une forme encombrante (format d'une carte bancaire de crédit par exemple), il est très commode dans son utilisation, et aussi pour la conservation d'une information publicitaire dans un porte-carte.The protective sheet of very thin thickness thus constituted is very interesting, not only during storage after manufacture (stacking), during unstacking in an automatic dispensing machine, but also especially when the cup is used to drink without burning the fingertips of the user and also when the protection sheet is kept as information medium by the user. Indeed, the thermal protection sheet and stiffening not having a bulky form (credit card format for example), it is very convenient in its use, and also for the conservation of advertising information in a card holder.

En outre, la finesse des systèmes d'accrochage ou des clips offre une faible résistance, ce qui garantit une rupture nette et très aisée de ces systèmes d'accrochage ou des clips et qui empêche lors de la séparation du feuillet de protection thermique et rigidifiant de l'agitateur (et/ou de la paille) l'introduction de débris de plastique ou de carton dans la boisson contenue dans le gobelet.In addition, the fineness of the attachment systems or clips offers a low resistance, which ensures a clean and very easy break of these fastening systems or clips and which prevents during the separation of the thermal protection sheet and stiffening agitator (and / or straw) the introduction of plastic debris or cardboard in the drink contained in the cup.

De préférence la solidarisation par rapport aux moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement oblong et/ou les moyens aptes a prendre une configuration sensiblement plane s'effectue directement et/ou indirectement par soudure, en particulier au niveau du bord supérieur du récipient, ou alternativement par thermoformage.Preferably the securing relative to the means able to take a substantially oblong configuration and / or the means able to take a substantially planar configuration takes place directly and / or indirectly by welding, in particular at the upper edge of the container, or alternatively by thermoforming.

Les caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront d'ailleurs de la description qui va suivre, prise à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue d'un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue d'un mode de réalisation alternatif du dispositif selon l'invention et représentée clipsée sur un gobelet ;
  • la figure 3 est une en coupe verticale du dispositif de la figure 2 représentant l'agitateur et/ou la paille fixés sur le haut de gobelets empilés avec un autre gobelet (Remarque : la figure 3 est à l'échelle 20) ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue éclatée représentant un exemple d'agitateur, de paille, et de feuillet de protection lorsque le dispositif selon un mode de réalisation légèrement modifié est en position d'utilisation de l'agitateur et/ou de la paille ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessus d'un mode de réalisation alternatif du dispositif selon l'invention et représentée d'une seule pièce avant mise en forme (par exemple thermoformage) ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue de la mise en forme en position intermédiaire du mode de réalisation de la figure 5
  • la figure 7 est une coupe verticale du dispositif des figures 5 et 6 représentant l'agitateur et/ou la paille fixés sur le rebord du gobelet empilés avec un autre gobelet (Remarque : la figure 7 est à l'échelle 20) ;
  • la figure 8 est une vue éclatée représentant l'empilage de deux gobelets équipés de l'agitateur et/ou la paille et du feuillet de protection ;
  • la figure 9 est une vue de dessus d'un mode de réalisation de l'agitateur adapté sur le bord du gobelet ;
  • la figure 10 est une vue en perspective de l'agitateur de la figure 9 en position sur le gobelet. ;
  • la figure 11 est une vue en coupe du positionnement de l'agitateur sur le bord du gobelet ;
  • la figure 12 est une vue présentant le principe de dépliage de l'agitateur et ou de la paille.
The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention and shown clipped on a cup;
  • Figure 3 is a vertical section of the device of Figure 2 showing the stirrer and / or the straw attached to the top of cups stacked with another cup (Note: Figure 3 is 20 scale);
  • Fig. 4 is an exploded view showing an example of an agitator, straw, and protective sheet when the device according to a slightly modified embodiment is in the use position of the agitator and / or the straw;
  • Figure 5 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention and shown in one piece before shaping (eg thermoforming);
  • FIG. 6 is a view of the shaping in the intermediate position of the embodiment of FIG. 5
  • Figure 7 is a vertical section of the device of Figures 5 and 6 showing the stirrer and / or the straw attached to the rim of the cup stacked with another cup (Note: Figure 7 is at scale 20);
  • Figure 8 is an exploded view showing the stack of two cups equipped with the agitator and / or the straw and the protective sheet;
  • Figure 9 is a top view of an embodiment of the agitator fitted to the edge of the cup;
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of the agitator of Figure 9 in position on the cup. ;
  • Figure 11 is a sectional view of the positioning of the agitator on the edge of the cup;
  • Figure 12 is a view showing the unfolding principle of the agitator and or straw.

Le gobelet 3 représenté à la figure 2 est destiné à recevoir un certain volume de liquide par le haut du gobelet 9 équipé d'un agitateur 6 (et/ou d'une paille 6bis) et à délivrer ensuite le liquide sous gravité lorsque le bord du gobelet 9 est suffisamment incliné. Le mot liquide utilisé dans la présente invention se rapporte de préférence à une boisson chaude mais peut également définir toute autre boisson fraîche, sucrée ou non que l'on souhaite boire.The cup 3 shown in Figure 2 is intended to receive a certain volume of liquid from the top of the cup 9 equipped with an agitator 6 (and / or a straw 6bis) and then deliver the liquid under gravity when the edge of the cup 9 is sufficiently inclined. The liquid word used in the present invention preferably relates to a hot drink but can also define any other fresh beverage, sweet or not that you want to drink.

Le gobelet est équipé d'un dispositif 1 qui permet, à l'encontre de sa faible élasticité plastique et de sa facilité de rupture en des points précis, de passer d'un état assemblé (figure 1) vers un état dés-assemblé après usage (figure 4).The cup is equipped with a device 1 which makes it possible, contrary to its low plastic elasticity and its ease of breaking at precise points, to move from an assembled state (FIG. 1) to a disassembled state after use (Figure 4).

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté, le dispositif 1 comprend un agitateur 6 (et/ou une paille 6bis), présentant une structure en arc de cercle, qui comporte une spatule 7 et une poignée 14 venant en prise avec les deux pattes fines 4 et 4' du feuillet de protection 2, via les crochets 5 et 12 et qui est susceptible d'être, par le processus de fabrication, soit une position clipsée en laquelle les pattes 4, 4', les cochets 5, 12 et l'épaisseur du gobelet 11 sont maintenues clipsés, soit une position détachée en laquelle le feuillet de protection 2 est détaché de l'agitateur 6.According to the embodiment shown, the device 1 comprises an agitator 6 (and / or a straw 6bis), having an arcuate structure, which comprises a spatula 7 and a handle 14 engaging with the two thin tabs 4 and 4 'of the protection sheet 2, via the hooks 5 and 12 and which is likely to be, by the manufacturing process, a clipped position in which the tabs 4, 4 ', the hooks 5, 12 and the thickness of the cup 11 are held clipped, a position detached in which the protective sheet 2 is detached from the agitator 6.

Dans les exemples de réalisation illustré sur les douze figures, le dispositif 1 est constitué en matériau plastique ou carton rigide (qui peut être la même matière dans laquelle sont réalisés les gobelets actuels) ; ayant une faible élasticité, suffisante pour accepter de faibles déformations. De préférence, le matériau rigide, ayant donné satisfaction lors de multiples essais, est un plastique ou un carton présentant des caractéristiques élastiques assez faible. Un tel plastique ou carton est par exemple thermoformable et de grade alimentaire tel que celui utilisé pour la fabrication des gobelets jetables actuellement sur le marché. Ce plastique ou carton a également pour avantage de se thermoformer ou de se mouler, d'être imprimable avec une encre alimentaire et de se rompre facilement entre les crochets 5, 12 et les pattes 4, 4' au niveau des axes de rupture 14 et 15. Dan le cas d'une réalisation du dispositif 1 par thermoformage selon un axe vertical, les crochets et pattes de fixation seront positionnés radialement à l'axe vertical pour faciliter une rupture nette du plastique ou du carton lors du décrochage de l'agitateur, de la paille, et de la protection thermique.In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the twelve figures, the device 1 is made of plastic material or rigid cardboard (which may be the same material in which the current cups are made); having a low elasticity, sufficient to accept small deformations. Preferably, the rigid material, having been satisfactory during multiple tests, is a plastic or a cardboard having relatively weak elastic characteristics. Such a plastic or cardboard is for example thermoformable and food grade such as that used for the manufacture of disposable cups currently on the market. This plastic or cardboard also has the advantage of being thermoformed or molded, of being printable with food ink and of easily breaking between the hooks 5, 12 and the tabs 4, 4 'at the level of the rupture axes 14 and 15. In the case of an embodiment of the device 1 by thermoforming along a vertical axis, the hooks and brackets will be positioned radially to the vertical axis to facilitate a clean break plastic or cardboard when unhooking the agitator , straw, and thermal protection.

Bien entendu, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, le haut du feuillet de protection 2 pourrait être glissé à force dans la rainure inférieure située dans l'épaisseur 11 du bord du gobelet (exemple des gobelets en carton).Of course, without departing from the scope of the invention, the top of the protective sheet 2 could be slid into the lower groove in the thickness 11 of the edge of the cup (eg cardboard cups).

Dans un mode de réalisation pratique de l'invention tel que montré dans les figures 1 et 2, l'agitateur 6 étant agencé sur le bord du gobelet 9, les pattes 4, 4', 30 et les crochets 5, 12, 31 sont reliés point à point via les axes de rupture 14, 15, 32 respectivement sur les deux régions diamétralement opposées de l'épaisseur inférieure 11 du bord du gobelet. Cette fixation bien équilibrée de l'agitateur peut être réalisée par clipsage des axes de rupture 14, 15, 32 dans la rainure inférieure située dans l'épaisseur 11 du bord du gobelet.In a practical embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stirrer 6 being arranged on the edge of the cup 9, the tabs 4, 4 ', 30 and the hooks 5, 12, 31 are connected point-to-point via the axes of rupture 14, 15, 32 respectively on the two diametrically opposite regions of the lower thickness 11 of the edge of the cup. This well-balanced fixation of the stirrer can be achieved by clipping the break axes 14, 15, 32 into the lower groove in the thickness 11 of the cup edge.

Le principe de fixation réalisé par les clips composé du crochet 31, et de l'axe de rupture 32 qui fixe l'extrémité (côté spatule) de l'agitateur peut être remplacé par la spatule elle-même qui est montée sous une légère pré-contrainte.The fastening principle realized by the clips composed of the hook 31, and the axis of rupture 32 which fixes the end (spatula side) of the agitator can be replaced by the spatula itself which is mounted under a slight meadow. -constraint.

Un des avantages de cette spatule pliable est de s'intégrer (en position fermée) sans déborder du bord supérieur du gobelet. Ainsi, aucune gêne et, aucun encombrement supplémentaire ne sont générés par la spatule pliable.One of the advantages of this foldable spatula is to integrate (in closed position) without overflowing the upper edge of the cup. Thus, no discomfort and no additional space are generated by the folding spatula.

Comme l'illustre la Figure 2, pour donner plus d'efficacité à l'agitateur 6, la spatule 7 a la capacité de se déplier. Pour permettre ce dépliage, la spatule 7 est fendue de son extrémité au point de pliage 33 (sur une longueur de 1 à 2 cm). Ainsi la spatule est composée de deux brins de plastique sur la largeur 6 de l'agitateur : un brin 17 plutôt épais ; et un autre brin 18 plutôt mince.As illustrated in Figure 2, to give more efficiency to the agitator 6, the spatula 7 has the ability to unfold. To allow this unfolding, the spatula 7 is split from its end to the point of folding 33 (over a length of 1 to 2 cm). Thus the spatula is composed of two plastic strands on the width 6 of the agitator: a strand 17 rather thick; and another strand 18 rather thin.

Le brin 17 a une épaisseur de deux tiers de l'épaisseur 6 de l'agitateur, alors que le brin 18 a une épaisseur d'un tiers.The strand 17 has a thickness of two thirds of the thickness 6 of the stirrer, while the strand 18 has a thickness of one third.

Lors du dépliage de la spatule, c'est le brin 18 le plus mince qui s'ouvre pour donner plus de surface de contact pour agiter la boisson. Grâce à son épaisseur un peu plus importante, le brin 17 ne se déplace pas, il garde sa position en arc de cercle. La spatule 7 dépliée forme un «V».When unfolding the spatula, it is the thinnest strand 18 that opens to give more contact surface to shake the drink. Due to its slightly larger thickness, the strand 17 does not move, it keeps its position in an arc. The unfolded spatula 7 forms a "V".

Le dépliage automatique de la spatule se fait simultanément au dé-clipsage de l'agitateur du bord du gobelet.The automatic unfolding of the spatula is done simultaneously with the unclipping of the agitator from the edge of the cup.

Effectivement, le cisaillement des crochets 5 et 12 au niveau des points de rupture 33 et 34 libère l'agitateur du bord du gobelet, et en conséquence le dépliage de la spatule. Grâce à un moulage sous une légère pré-contrainte du brin 18, ce brin s'ouvre automatiquement en « V ». L'extrémité du brin 18 est équipée d'une partie plate 20 de très faible épaisseur qui épouse la forme du haut du gobelet 9. Cette partie plate a pour but d'offrir une plus grande surface de contact avec la boisson pour optimiser l'agitation de la boisson.Effectively, the shearing of the hooks 5 and 12 at the breaking points 33 and 34 releases the agitator from the edge of the cup, and consequently the unfolding of the spatula. Thanks to a molding under a slight pre-stress of the strand 18, this strand automatically opens in "V". The end of the strand 18 is equipped with a flat part 20 of very small thickness which matches the shape of the top of the cup 9. This flat part aims to offer a greater contact surface with the beverage to optimize the stirring of the drink.

Bien sûr, cette spatule 7 peut être associée à l'extrémité inférieure de la paille 6bis pour agiter certaine boisson.Of course, this spatula 7 can be associated with the lower end of the straw 6a to stir certain beverage.

Ainsi lorsque le gobelet est rempli de liquide et grâce à la fixation de l'agitateur 6 au bord du gobelet 9, dans un premier temps on peut dé-clipser aisément l'agitateur 6 et/ou la paille 6bis, puis quelques instants plus tard, lorsque la boisson et la paroi du gobelet sont moins chaudes on peut dé-clipser et le feuillet de protection 2 du bord du gobelet voir la figure 4.Thus, when the cup is filled with liquid and thanks to the attachment of the stirrer 6 to the edge of the cup 9, in a first step can easily unclip the stirrer 6 and / or the straw 6bis, then a few moments later when the beverage and the cup wall are less hot, it can be unclipped and the protective sheet 2 of the cup edge see figure 4.

De manière à optimiser la commodité du dispositif, le feuillet de protection 2 est solidaire de l'agitateur 6 et/ou de la paille 6bis. Ainsi le dispositif peut se déplacer selon un axe commun A-A' perpendiculaire au bord supérieur du gobelet.In order to optimize the convenience of the device, the protective sheet 2 is integral with the agitator 6 and / or the straw 6bis. Thus the device can move along a common axis A-A 'perpendicular to the upper edge of the cup.

Grâce à cette disposition et selon une caractéristique préférentielle de l'invention, le dispositif 1 est pourvue d'une poignée 14 qui peut prendre à cet effet, une position de dé-clipsage pour laquelle l'agitateur 6 et/ou la paille 6bis occupe leur position d'utilisation (figure 4), permettant à l'utilisateur de mélanger le liquide et de le boire en l'aspirant.Thanks to this arrangement and according to a preferred feature of the invention, the device 1 is provided with a handle 14 which can take for this purpose, a decoupling position for which the agitator 6 and / or the straw 6bis occupies their position of use (Figure 4), allowing the user to mix the liquid and drink it by sucking it.

Comme on le voit mieux sur la figure 1, l'agitateur comporte une structure de clips constituée de plusieurs crochets, à savoir dans l'exemple illustré mais non limitatif, trois crochets référencés 5, 12, et 31, emboîtés via des axes de rupture 15, 16 et 32 dans l'épaisseur du bord du gobelet 11.As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 1, the stirrer comprises a clip structure consisting of several hooks, namely in the illustrated but nonlimiting example, three hooks referenced 5, 12, and 31, nested via break axes. 15, 16 and 32 in the thickness of the edge of the cup 11.

Chaque crochet est constitué de pattes de faible épaisseur, dans le cas présent les crochets 5, 12 et 31 sont destinés via les axes de rupture à relier l'agitateur au feuillet de protection thermique. Afin d'assurer une réalisation plus économique, et d'optimiser la fonctionnalité lesdits axes de ruptures constituent ainsi un point de rupture 18 pour désolidariser le feuillet de protection thermique de l'agitateur. Pour dans un premier temps libérer l'agitateur du bord du gobelet les crochets 5, 12 et 31 sont cisaillés aux points 33 et 34 dans le mouvement de dé-clipsage. Dans un second temps, les fines pattes 4 et 4' du feuillet de protection thermique sont cisaillées aux points 18 par un mouvement de « décapsulage » ou de dé-clipsage du feuillet.Each hook consists of legs of small thickness, in this case the hooks 5, 12 and 31 are intended via the axes of rupture to connect the stirrer to the thermal protection sheet. In order to ensure a more economical embodiment, and to optimize the functionality, said rupture axes thus constitute a breaking point 18 for separating the thermal protection sheet from the stirrer. To initially release the agitator from the cup edge, the hooks 5, 12 and 31 are sheared at the points 33 and 34 in the unclipping movement. In a second step, the thin tabs 4 and 4 'of the thermal protection sheet are sheared at points 18 by a movement of "uncapping" or unclipping the leaflet.

D'après un mode de réalisation légèrement modifié et tel que illustré dans la figure 4 des marques « anti-brûle doigt » 38 sont prévus aux extrémités du feuillet symbolisant les formes d'un bout de doigt. Les fines pattes 4 et 4' et les marques 38 peuvent être facilement cisaillé du feuillet de protection thermique, pour permettre au consommateur de conserver un support de message propre au format proche de celui d'une carte bancaire de crédit.According to a slightly modified embodiment and as shown in FIG. 4, "anti-finger-burning" marks 38 are provided at the ends of the fingerprint-like sheet. The thin legs 4 and 4 'and the marks 38 can be easily sheared the thermal protection sheet, to allow the consumer to keep a message support own format similar to that of a bank credit card.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique importante de l'invention et comme présentée à la figure 1, l'agitateur 6 et/ou la paille réalisés en un matériau plastique ou en carton à une forme d'arc de cercle. Selon une réalisation plus avantageuse et ergonomique, pour se déplier sur un axe vertical, l'agitateur et/ou la paille présentent un système accordéon 35. Pour garder une rigidité suffisante en position fermée, le système d'accordéon est verrouillé par de très fines pattes 36 et 37. Comme le montre la figure 4, afin d'optimiser la longueur de l'agitateur et/ou de la paille, après un cisaillement très facile des pattes de verrouillage 36 et 37, les deux extrémités en arc de cercle de l'agitateur et/ou de la paille de part et d'autre du système accordéon sont alignées sur l'axe vertical. Le liquide peut facilement circuler à l'intérieur du système accordéon de section tubulaire.According to yet another important characteristic of the invention and as shown in FIG. 1, the stirrer 6 and / or the straw made of a plastic material or cardboard with an arcuate shape. According to a more advantageous and ergonomic embodiment, to unfold on a vertical axis, the agitator and / or the straw have an accordion system 35. To maintain sufficient rigidity in the closed position, the accordion system is locked by very thin tabs 36 and 37. As shown in FIG. 4, in order to optimize the length of the stirrer and / or the straw, after very easy shearing of the locking tabs 36 and 37, the two arcuate ends of the agitator and / or the straw on either side of the accordion system are aligned on the vertical axis. The liquid can easily circulate inside the tubular section accordion system.

Tel que illustré dans les figures 2 et 3 la fixation du dispositif peut s'effectuer en enfermant le rebord 11 du gobelet. Il est a noter que l'agitateur et/ou la paille peut s'étendre sur seulement une partie du périmètre ou sur tout le pourtour. Dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 3 et de manière à garantir une parfaite insertion entre deux gobelets empilés l'un sur l'autre, l'agitateur et/ou la paille comportent un cadre de rigidification formé d'une sorte de bourrelet périphérique 6 et 6bis dont l'épaisseur est inférieure à celle de l'espace « G » entre deux gobelets empilés. Sur la représentation de la figure 3 l'on peut s'apercevoir que l'on a illustré en partie supérieure un mode de réalisation faisant appel a un agitateur, alors que dans la partie inférieure l'on utilise une paille. Le rattachement du dispositif se fait de sorte qu'un empilement par unités de récipient et de dispositif est faisable comme pour des gobelets classique sans dispositif. Dés lors la paille ou l'agitateur se trouve au dessus du rebord du gobelet en formant par moyens de crochet 5 ou 12 un clip autour du rebord. L'affixation est par ailleurs renforcé par la présence d'un axe de rupture en forme de bourrelet 15 engrenant dans une fente forme par le rebord du gobelet.As shown in Figures 2 and 3 the attachment of the device can be effected by enclosing the rim 11 of the cup. It should be noted that the agitator and / or straw may extend over only a part of the perimeter or around the perimeter. In the example shown in FIG. 3 and in order to guarantee perfect insertion between two cups stacked one on the other, the stirrer and / or the straw comprise a stiffening frame formed of a sort of peripheral bead. 6 and 6bis whose thickness is less than that of space "G" between two stacked cups. In the representation of Figure 3 it can be seen that there is illustrated in the upper part an embodiment using an agitator, while in the lower part is used a straw. The attachment of the device is such that stacking by container and device units is feasible as for conventional cups without device. From then the straw or agitator is above the rim of the cup by forming hook means 5 or 12 a clip around the rim. The affixation is also reinforced by the presence of a bead-shaped rupture axis 15 meshing with a slot formed by the rim of the cup.

Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, le bourrelet 11 du bord du gobelet est formé par un plastique ou carton de même type que celui du dispositif et du fait de sa configuration acquiert une dureté supérieure au feuillet de protection 2. Comme on le comprendra, ce bourrelet a une épaisseur légèrement supérieure à celle du feuillet de protection. Ce bourrelet sert de cadre de référence dimensionnel pour le clipsage des axes de ruptures 15,16 et 32.In a preferred embodiment, the bead 11 of the edge of the cup is formed by a plastic or cardboard of the same type as that of the device and because of its configuration acquires a hardness greater than the protective sheet 2. As will be understood, this bead has a slightly thicker than that of the protection sheet. This bead serves as a dimensional reference frame for the clipping of the break axes 15, 16 and 32.

Dans un mode de réalisation représenté aux figures 5 et 6, le dispositif 1 est réalisé d'une seule pièce en même temps que le gobelet 3. Grâce à un patron unique 47 découpé dans une feuille de plastique ou de carton de fine épaisseur, le gobelet 3 et le dispositif 1 sont thermoformés de manière industrielle et automatique (sans intervention manuelle) en une seule passe. Ainsi, le principe du thermoformage et d'emboutissage du gobelet 3 et du dispositif 1 permet d'obtenir les bonnes épaisseurs pour les différents éléments tels que l'agitateur 6, la paille 6 bis et la protection thermique 2. Effectivement, grâce à ce principe l'agitateur 6 et la paille 6bis ainsi constitués ont une épaisseur suffisante pour donner la rigidité nécessaire à leurs fonctionnalités ; cette épaisseur est quasi identique à l'épaisseur de la feuille initiale.In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the device 1 is made in one piece at the same time as the cup 3. Thanks to a single pattern 47 cut out of a thin plastic or cardboard sheet, the Cup 3 and the device 1 are thermoformed industrially and automatically (without manual intervention) in a single pass. Thus, the principle of thermoforming and stamping of the cup 3 and the device 1 makes it possible to obtain the right thicknesses for the various elements such as the stirrer 6, the straw 6 bis and the thermal protection 2. Indeed, thanks to this principle agitator 6 and straw 6bis thus formed have a sufficient thickness to give the necessary rigidity to their functionality; this thickness is almost identical to the thickness of the initial sheet.

Grâce à ce principe de thermoformage (emboutissage), la protection thermique 2 a une épaisseur très mince, plus fine que celle de l'agitateur 6 et la paille 6 bis. L'épaisseur très mince de la protection thermique 2 étant identique à celle de la paroi du gobelet 3, l'empilage de deux gobelets tel que montré en figure 7 est possible tout en gardant rigoureusement le même pas d'empilage G entre deux gobelets.With this principle of thermoforming (stamping), the thermal protection 2 has a very thin thickness, thinner than that of the agitator 6 and the straw 6 bis. The very thin thickness of the thermal protection 2 being identical to that of the wall of the cup 3, the stack of two cups as shown in Figure 7 is possible while keeping rigorously the same stacking step G between two cups.

Comme il est montré dans la figure 7, comparant l'empilage d'un gobelet classique (coté gauche) le respect du pas d'empilage G (et de la fine épaisseur des parois) entre des gobelets équipés du dispositif 1 (coté droit) permet le bon fonctionnement du désempilage dans les machines de distribution automatique sans changer les réglages des systèmes de désempilage de ces machines. En particulier l'on peut bien discerner que contrairement au modes de réalisations précédants la paille 6bis (partie supérieure du dessin) ou l'agitateur (partie inférieure) font partie intégrante du rebord du gobelet et ne sont plus superposé tel que cela est représenté en figure 3. Cette disposition permet en empilage ou des-empilage encore plus facile. Il est a noter que la configuration peut être obtenue soit lors de la production du gobelet lui même soit en rapportant le dispositif, par exemple moyennant un soudage ou utilisant une colle. Par ailleurs l'on peut bien s'apercevoir du fait que le feuillet épouse parfaitement la structure du gobelet ne gênant donc nullement son empilage.As shown in FIG. 7, comparing the stacking of a conventional cup (left side) with respect to the stacking pitch G (and the thin wall thickness) between cups equipped with device 1 (right side) enables de-stacking in automatic dispensing machines to work properly without changing the settings of the destacking systems of these machines. In particular, it can clearly be discerned that, contrary to the preceding embodiments, the straw 6bis (upper part of the drawing) or the agitator (lower part) form an integral part of the rim of the cup and are no longer superimposed as shown in FIG. Figure 3. This arrangement makes stacking or stacking even easier. It should be noted that the configuration can be obtained either during the production of the cup itself or by bringing the device, for example by welding or using an adhesive. Moreover one can well realize that the leaf perfectly fits the structure of the cup does not interfere in any way stacking.

Tel que illustré en figure 6 la forme concave obtenu par thermoformage et le dimensionnement des marques « anti-brûle doigt » 38 de la fine protection thermique rigidifiante 2 autour d'une partie du corps du gobelet 3 permet à cette protection de bien épouser la forme du gobelet et des éventuelles rainures (horizontales ou verticales). La protection thermique ainsi bien appliquée sur le corps du gobelet permet l'empilage automatique des gobelets à des cadences très rapides au cours du processus de fabrication, en ne se décollant pas du corps du gobelet malgré les flux d'air générés par la vitesse d'empilage des gobelets.As shown in FIG. 6, the concave shape obtained by thermoforming and the dimensioning of the "anti-finger burn" marks 38 of the thin thermalifying stiffening protection 2 around a portion of the body of the cup 3 enables this protection to conform well to the shape cup and any grooves (horizontal or vertical). The thermal protection thus well applied to the body of the cup allows the automatic stacking of the cups at very fast rates during the manufacturing process, not detaching the body of the cup despite the air flow generated by the speed of the cup. stacking the cups.

Encore un autre mode de réalisation préféré est illustré sur la figure 8, montrant une unité formé d'un gobelet 3 et d'un dispositif utilitaire en sensiblement en forme de manchon. Le manchon est sensiblement conforme au gobelet et présente un feuillet détachable 2 avec en sus des ouvertures permettant un détachement aisé. Par ailleurs le manchon est pourvu d'un bord supérieur apte a se placer sous le rebord du gobelet tel que cela est illustré a la figure 11. Ce rebord forme en même temps qu'il sert a l'afixation par rapport au gobelet a fournir l'agitateur 6 ou la paille 6 bis. Il est a noter que le mode de réalisation de la figure 8 pourrait aussi bien être fabrique en un gobelet deux couches ayant des perforation ou microcoupures aux endroits choisi afin de permettre la detachabilité du feuillet et de l'agitateur ou de la paille.Yet another preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 8, showing a unit formed of a cup 3 and a utility device substantially in the form of a sleeve. The sleeve is substantially in accordance with the cup and has a detachable sheet 2 with, in addition, openings allowing easy detachment. Furthermore, the sleeve is provided with an upper edge adapted to be placed under the rim of the cup as shown in FIG. 11. This rim forms at the same time that it is used for affixation with respect to the cup to be supplied. the agitator 6 or the straw 6 bis. It should be noted that the embodiment of FIG. 8 could equally well be manufactured in a two-layer cup having punctures or micro-cuts at the chosen locations in order to allow the detackhability of the leaflet and the stirrer or the straw.

Les pré-découpes des formes de l'agitateur 6 (y compris la poignée 14, la spatule 7, le point de décrochage 49 de la spatule, et l'articulation 35), de la paille 6 bis et de la protection thermique 2, y compris les marques « anti-brûle doigt » 38 et les oeillets de décrochages 48 de la partie centrale de la protection thermique sont réalisées lors des opérations de thermoformage du gobelet 3 et du dispositif 1 par des équipements de découpe mécanique, chimique ou de type laser.The pre-cuts of the shapes of the agitator 6 (including the handle 14, the spatula 7, the stall point 49 of the spatula, and the articulation 35), the straw 6 bis and the thermal protection 2, including the "anti-finger burn" marks 38 and the stalling eyelets 48 of the central part of the thermal protection are produced during the thermoforming operations of the cup 3 and the device 1 by mechanical, chemical or type cutting equipment. laser.

Pour tous les modes de réalisation il est possible d'agencer l'agitateur ayant une section en « L » composée d'une partie horizontale 52 qui a une épaisseur identique à celle de la feuille initiale, et qui est alignée dans le prolongement du bord replié 11 (voir figure 11), et une partie verticale 53 qui a une épaisseur plus fine que la partie 52, identique à la paroi du gobelet 3. Tel que illustré sur la figure 9 l'agitateur 6 est composé de deux quarts de circonférence 50 et 51 reliés par un point d'articulation 35 (au point M) qui a une découpe en forme de V sur la partie horizontale 52. La partie verticale 53 n'est pas coupée, elle permet de maintenir d'une part la liaison entre les deux quarts de circonférence 50 et 51 et d'autre part le dépliage sur un angle de 90° à contre sens de son rayon de courbure. Les caractéristiques mécaniques du plastique ou du carton autorisent la déformation plastique pour réaliser l'articulation 35 de la partie verticale 53 sans se rompre, comme demandée par ce dépliage pour que la poignée se déplace du point P' au point P (voir figure 12).For all the embodiments it is possible to arrange the agitator having an "L" section composed of a horizontal part 52 which has a thickness identical to that of the initial sheet, and which is aligned in line with the edge folded 11 (see Figure 11), and a vertical portion 53 which has a thinner thickness than the portion 52, identical to the wall of the cup 3. As shown in Figure 9 the stirrer 6 is composed of two quarters of circumference 50 and 51 connected by a pivot point 35 (at the point M) which has a V-shaped cut-out on the horizontal part 52. The vertical part 53 is not cut, it allows to maintain on the one hand the connection between the two quarters of circumference 50 and 51 and on the other hand the unfolding at an angle of 90 ° in the opposite direction of its radius of curvature. The mechanical characteristics of the plastic or cardboard allow the plastic deformation to achieve the articulation 35 of the vertical portion 53 without breaking, as requested by this unfolding so that the handle moves from the point P 'to the point P (see Figure 12) .

Un des autres avantages du principe de l'agitateur réalisé en deux quarts de circonférence sur la demi-circonférence du gobelet est de s'ajuster automatiquement à la hauteur du gobelet quelque soit la capacité du gobelet ; cela permet d'équiper les gobelets aux hauteurs différentes utilisés dans les machines de distribution automatique. Cet avantage est doublement important, d'une part il solutionne la problématique des systèmes de distribution automatique qui n'acceptent que des agitateurs à longueur unique, et d'autre part il permet de faire des économies très significatives de coûts en permettant de supprimer ces systèmes de distribution automatique d'agitateurs (en plus des coûts de production des agitateurs eux-mêmes) qui ne sont pas très fiable pour distribuer des agitateurs un par un compte tenu de la faible épaisseur des agitateurs.One of the other advantages of the two-quarter-circumference agitator principle on the cup's half-circumference is to automatically adjust to the height of the cup regardless of the cup's capacity; this allows to equip cups at different heights used in automatic dispensing machines. This advantage is doubly important, on the one hand it solves the problem of automatic dispensing systems that only accept single-length stirrers, and on the other hand it allows to make very significant savings in costs by allowing to remove these automatic agitator dispensing systems (in addition to the production costs of the agitators themselves) which are not very reliable for dispensing agitators one by one given the small thickness of the agitators.

Tel qu'il est montré dans la figure 11 il est possible pour permettre un décrochage aisé et ergonomique de l'agitateur 6, que le quart de circonférence 50 de l'agitateur ne soit pas pourvu de système d'accrochage. Dans ce mode de réalisation la section 50 se maintient sur le corps du gobelet en partie grâce a sa concavité. Le quart de circonférence 51 de l'agitateur est maintenu sur le corps du gobelet, dans le prolongement du bord 11 du gobelet par le système d'accrochage 49 positionné radialement (non représenté sur la figure 11).As shown in Figure 11 it is possible to allow an easy and ergonomic stall of the agitator 6, the quarter circumference 50 of the agitator is not provided with attachment system. In this embodiment the section 50 is held on the body of the cup partly because of its concavity. The quarter-circle 51 of the stirrer is held on the body of the cup, in the extension of the edge 11 of the cup by the fastening system 49 positioned radially (not shown in Figure 11).

Tel que illustré dans la figure 10 l'agitateur peut se présenter sous forme très spécifique avec une partie poignée 14 et une partie spatule 7. Ainsi le consommateur souhaitant utiliser l'agitateur saisi la poignée 14 de l'agitateur pour la tirer dans l'axe perpendiculaire pour passer du point P sur l'axe BB au point P sur l'axe CC (rotation d'un angle de 90°) de la figure 12. Dans ce mouvement, le quart de circonférence 51 étant maintenu en position fixe sur le gobelet grâce au système d'accrochage 49, l'articulation 35 de l'agitateur peut se verrouiller grâce au système de verrouillage 36 et 37. L'articulation 35 étant verrouillée (sans faire effort important), le consommateur continue à tirer légèrement sur la poignée 14 pour rompre le système d'accrochage 49 qui a une faible résistance à la rupture, ainsi les deux quarts de circonférence 50 et 51 sont alignés sur l'axe droit CC et l'agitateur 6 est prêt à être utilisé pour agiter une boisson. Le principe est identique pour décrocher la paille 6 bis.As illustrated in FIG. 10, the stirrer can be in very specific form with a handle portion 14 and a spatula portion 7. Thus, the consumer wishing to use the stirrer grasps the handle 14 of the stirrer to pull it into the stirrer. perpendicular axis to pass from the point P on the axis BB to the point P on the axis CC (rotation of a 90 ° angle) of Figure 12. In this movement, the quarter of circumference 51 being maintained in a fixed position on the cup thanks to the attachment system 49, the articulation 35 of the agitator can be locked thanks to the locking system 36 and 37. The articulation 35 being locked (without significant effort), the consumer continues to shoot slightly the handle 14 for to break the hooking system 49 which has a low breaking strength, so the two-quarters of the circumference 50 and 51 are aligned with the straight axis CC and the stirrer 6 is ready to be used for stirring a beverage. The principle is identical to pick the straw 6 bis.

Maintenant, nous allons décrire le fonctionnement et l'utilisation du gobelet par un consommateur dans le cadre notamment d'un distributeur automatique de boisson. Pour plus de commodité et aussi tenir compte des fortes contraintes économiques, le dispositif est réalisé directement avec le gobelet ou fixé automatiquement (sans intervention manuelle) sur chaque gobelet pendant le processus de fabrication du gobelet, ce qui signifie que le gobelet ainsi équipé est mis à disposition de chaque consommateur.Now, we will describe the operation and use of the cup by a consumer in particular in the context of a vending machine drink. For convenience and also to take into account the strong economic constraints, the device is made directly with the cup or fixed automatically (without manual intervention) on each cup during the process of manufacture of the cup, which means that the cup thus equipped is put available to each consumer.

Le gobelet rempli de la boisson choisie par le consommateur est mis à disposition dans le distributeur automatique de boisson. Le consommateur peut s'emparer franchement du gobelet équipé du feuillet de protection thermique 2 sans risquer de déformer les parois du gobelet (ce qui évite tout risque de renverser la boisson), et de se brûler le bout des doigts avec une boisson chaude. L'avantage pour le consommateur est qu'il peut saisir le corps du gobelet sans précaution particulière. Le consommateur n'a plus à saisir le gobelet par son bord supérieur 9 pour éviter de se brûler.The cup filled with the drink chosen by the consumer is made available in the automatic drink dispenser. The consumer can take frankly the cup equipped with thermal protection sheet 2 without the risk of deforming the walls of the cup (which avoids any risk of spilling the drink), and burn the fingertips with a hot drink. The advantage for the consumer is that he can grab the body of the cup without any special precautions. The consumer no longer has to grab the cup by its upper edge 9 to avoid getting burned.

Dans le cas d'une boisson sucrée par exemple, le consommateur peut se saisir de l'agitateur 6 en le décrochant ou en le dé-clipsant du bord supérieur du gobelet 9. L'agitateur jetable au design de type « deux demi-courbes sur un axe droit » très novateur équipé d'une spatule pliable selon le mode de réalisation permet d'assurer un bon mélange de la boisson.In the case of a sweet drink for example, the consumer can seize the stirrer 6 by unhooking or unclipping from the upper edge of the cup 9. The disposable stirrer design type "two half-curves on a "very innovative" straight axis equipped with a foldable spatula according to the embodiment ensures a good mixture of the drink.

L'agitateur a aussi les avantages de préserver la propreté du bord (9) du gobelet, à l'endroit où le consommateur pose ses lèvres. D'une part cet agitateur permet au consommateur de disposer d'un agitateur propre, qui n'a pas été touché par d'autres consommateurs. D'autre part le consommateur qui n'utilise pas d'agitateur peut boire sa boisson sans avoir à ôter le « système combiné » du haut du gobelet. Le faible encombrement de cet agitateur ne pénalise pas l'empilage des gobelets chez le fabricant de gobelets, et aussi ne pénalise pas le désempilage des gobelets dans le distributeur automatique de boisson.The agitator also has the advantages of preserving the cleanliness of the edge (9) of the cup, where the consumer puts his lips. On the one hand this agitator allows the consumer to have a clean agitator, which has not been touched by other consumers. On the other hand the consumer who does not use an agitator can drink his drink without having to remove the "combined system" from the top of the cup. The small size of this agitator does not penalize the stacking of the cups in the cup manufacturer, and also does not penalize the unstacking of the cups in the automatic beverage dispenser.

Par ailleurs, pour permettre un désempilage automatique facile des gobelets les uns des autres et permettre au gobelet de tomber en position strictement verticale dans le sas de remplissage de la machine de distribution automatique, l'agitateur 6 et de la paille 6 bis sont positionnés sur la demi-circonférence opposée à celle de la protection thermique 2 (voir figure 8). Cette disposition permet d'une part un parfait équilibrage des masses du gobelet, et d'autre part ergonomiquement cela permet au consommateur de saisir d'une main la protection thermique 2 en toute sécurité, et avec son autre main de décrocher l'agitateur 6 et/ou de la paille 6 bis.Furthermore, to allow easy automatic unstacking of the cups from each other and allow the cup to fall in a strictly vertical position in the filling chamber of the automatic dispensing machine, the agitator 6 and the straw 6 bis are positioned on the half-circumference opposite that of the thermal protection 2 (see Figure 8). This arrangement allows on the one hand a perfect balance of the masses of the cup, and on the other hand ergonomically it allows the consumer to grasp with one hand the thermal protection 2 safely, and with his other hand to unhook the agitator 6 and / or straw 6a.

Dans tous les cas, le feuillet de protection 2 peut être facilement saisi (décroché ou dé-clipsé) du gobelet, indépendamment de l'agitateur au moment voulu par le consommateur.In any case, the protective sheet 2 can be easily grasped (unhooked or unclipped) from the cup, independently of the agitator at the moment desired by the consumer.

Le feuillet de protection 2 présente l'avantage d'être fait d'un plastique ou un carton de grade alimentaire facilement imprimable, qui peut être conservé par le consommateur, après que le gobelet et l'agitateur soient jetés. Par ailleurs, la surface du feuillet de protection thermique 2 peut être proposée et vendue comme espace publicitaire détachable à une entreprise cliente qui peut faire imprimer un message promotionnel soit directement par le fabricant de gobelets, soit par les fabricants de machine de distribution automatique ou les équipes de maintenance de ces machines sur une région, qui peuvent imprimer ces espaces publicitaires sur mesure, en achetant des gobelets vierges au fabricant de gobelets. Les possibilités techniques et marketing offertes par ce dispositif 1, la protection thermique 2 et ses modes de réalisation permettent d'ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives à très fort potentiel commercial à un marché d'une envergure internationale qui a besoin de réduire les coûts de production (augmenter les cadences de production) des gobelets à défaut de pouvoir donnée une réelle valeur ajoutée aux gobelets actuels. La production industrielle en automatique du dispositif décrit ici permettrait d'avoir des cadences de production importantes et donc de rester à des niveaux de prix de revient identiques à ceux des gobelets actuels. Les gains liés à la valeur ajoutée commerciale sont donc très intéressants pour les différents intervenants sur ce marché de la distribution automatique. Ce message promotionnel qui peut être très facilement exploité et conservé est destiné au consommateur qui prend une boisson dans un gobelet jetable. En plus des formats décrits ci-dessus, la forme générique 39 (exemple du coeur, ou tout autre sujet selon l'occasion) peut servir de support pour écrire un nom, etc. pour un usage plus festif.The protection sheet 2 has the advantage of being made of an easily printable food-grade plastic or carton which can be kept by the consumer after the cup and stirrer are discarded. Moreover, the surface of the thermal protection sheet 2 can be proposed and sold as a detachable advertising space to a client company that can print a promotional message either directly by the cup manufacturer, or by the vending machine manufacturers or the suppliers. maintenance teams of these machines on a region, who can print these advertising spaces to measure, by buying blank cups from the manufacturer of cups. The technical and marketing possibilities offered by this device 1, the thermal protection 2 and its embodiments make it possible to open up new prospects with very strong commercial potential to a market of international stature which needs to reduce production costs ( increase production rates) cups failing to be able to give real added value to the current cups. The automatic industrial production of the device described here would allow to have significant production rates and therefore to remain at cost levels identical to those of current cups. The gains related to commercial value added are therefore very interesting for the various players in this automatic distribution market. This promotional message which can be very easily exploited and preserved is intended for the consumer who takes a drink in a disposable cup. In addition to the formats described above, the generic form 39 (example of the heart, or any other subject according to the occasion) can serve as a support for writing a name, etc. for a more festive use.

Comme le présente la figure 1 le dispositif peut être une pièce de plastique ou de carton d'un seul tenant (plastique ou carton de grade alimentaire). Cette configuration présenterait l'avantage de pouvoir thermoformer ou mouler le « système combiné » en une seule opération proportionnellement au modèle du gobelet en plastique ou en carton, et de produire des grandes séries à faible coût. La mise en place du dispositif sur le bord du gobelet pourrait être faite par un principe thermique pour bien mettre en forme les clips.As shown in Figure 1 the device can be a piece of plastic or cardboard in one piece (plastic or food grade cardboard). This configuration would have the advantage of thermoforming or molding the "combined system" in a single operation in proportion to the model of the plastic cup or cardboard, and produce large series at low cost. The installation of the device on the edge of the cup could be made by a thermal principle to properly shape the clips.

Avant le montage sur le gobelet, le feuillet de protection 2 pourrait être imprimé sur le recto ou sur le recto & verso.Before mounting on the cup, the protective sheet 2 could be printed on the front or on the front and back.

Bien évidement la présente invention n'est limité aux modes de réalisation décrits et illustrés mais englobe tout au contraire une multiplicité de variantes tel que couvertes par le revendications jointes. En particulier il est a noter que des caractéristiques décrites pour un mode de réalisation peuvent être librement combiné avec des caractéristiques d'autre modes de réalisation.Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, but rather encompasses a multiplicity of variants as covered by the appended claims. In particular, it should be noted that features described for one embodiment may be freely combined with features of other embodiments.

Claims (11)

  1. An apparatus useful with a recipient (3) for liquid material having a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the apparatus comprises means adapted to adopt a substantially elongated configuration (6, 6bis) and means adapted to adopt a substantially plane configuration (2), characterized in that these means are connected with said recipient (3) such that it enables keeping the means adapted to adopt a substantially elongated configuration (6, 6bis) and the means adapted to adopt a substantially plane configuration (2) in a configuration substantially along the circumference of the recipient (3) in order to enable a stacking of units of the apparatus and the recipient, as well as a common or selective release of the means (6, 6bis, 2), wherein the means adapted to adopt an elongated configuration (6, 6bis) are an agitator (6) and/or a straw (6bis).
  2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means adapted to adopt a substantially elongated configuration (6, 6bis) are made from a profile of plastics material, in particular from a profile presenting a closed or C-shaped cross-section.
  3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means adapted to adopt a substantially plane configuration (22) are made from a sheet, in particular of plastics material.
  4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the means adapted to adopt a substantially elongated configuration (6, 6bis) comprise locking means (5, 12, 31) or are engaged with locking means.
  5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means adapted to adopt a substantially elongated configuration (6, 6bis) comprise at least a section (35), favouring a deformation, in particular a section with an accordion-like structure.
  6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the means adapted to adopt a substantially plane configuration (2) form or comprise an information support (2).
  7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the means adapted to adopt a substantially plane configuration (2) present a shape corresponding to the recipient.
  8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the means adapted to adopt a substantially elongated configuration (6, 6bis) and/or the means adapted to adopt a substantially plane configuration (2) are pre-stressed into one of their configurations.
  9. Recipient of a liquid equipped with an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in particular in the shape of a beaker.
  10. Recipient according to claim 9, formed from a material identical to the material of at least a portion of the apparatus, in particular formed as a single supporter with said portion.
  11. Recipient according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the connection with respect to the means adapted to adopt a substantially elongated configuration (6, 6bis) and/or the means adapted to adopt a substantially plane configuration (2) is carried out directly and/or indirectly by soldering, in particular in the area of the upper edge of the recipient.
EP04798039A 2003-11-21 2004-11-22 Utility device for a container of liquid matter Not-in-force EP1694176B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0313686A FR2862509B1 (en) 2003-11-21 2003-11-21 UTILITY DEVICE FOR A CONTAINER OF LIQUID MATERIAL
PCT/EP2004/013239 WO2005048787A1 (en) 2003-11-21 2004-11-22 Utility device for a container of liquid matter

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1694176A1 EP1694176A1 (en) 2006-08-30
EP1694176B1 true EP1694176B1 (en) 2009-03-25

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04798039A Not-in-force EP1694176B1 (en) 2003-11-21 2004-11-22 Utility device for a container of liquid matter

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US (1) US20080110908A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1694176B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE426348T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004020258D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2862509B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005048787A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080264943A1 (en) * 2007-04-26 2008-10-30 Western Graphics (Us), Inc. Container lid for retaining object and related methods
CN106108554A (en) * 2016-07-28 2016-11-16 钦州学院 A kind of automatic stirring Heating Cup

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GB375560A (en) * 1930-08-06 1932-06-30 Melanie Wolf Improvements in or relating to lip and mouth projecting devices for drinking vessels
CH275038A (en) * 1949-07-20 1951-04-30 Berrini Jean For single use of certain containers containing a liquid.
US3826409A (en) * 1971-06-25 1974-07-30 E Chilcoate Liquid dosage dispenser
IT1039963B (en) * 1975-07-18 1979-12-10 Tomiati Umberto ROLLABLE NECK PARTICALLY LARLY FOR BOTTLES, JARS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS PER DRINK
US4573631A (en) * 1984-06-22 1986-03-04 Michael Reeves Disposable straw, lid and cup combination
US4993611A (en) * 1988-10-28 1991-02-19 Rocco Longo Beverage container support
FR2673606A1 (en) * 1991-03-08 1992-09-11 Langevin Jacques Device for the immediate consumption or use of a product as supplied by the producer without needing to make use of external intermediary instruments
US5170695A (en) * 1992-03-18 1992-12-15 Chang Kwei Tang Handle for kitchen utensils
US5203490A (en) * 1992-06-25 1993-04-20 Roe Mark E Hot cup with heat-insulating hand-grip
CA2227152A1 (en) * 1997-11-05 1999-05-05 Michael G. Evans Hot beverage lid with thermal guard
US6013230A (en) * 1998-04-02 2000-01-11 Kuchar; Michael A. Multi-functional holder article and method of using same
GB9911332D0 (en) * 1999-05-17 1999-07-14 Barnes Susan Food container
US6070755A (en) * 1999-07-20 2000-06-06 Waddington North America, Inc. Lid with folding side tabs for hot beverage cup
US6364151B1 (en) * 2000-11-02 2002-04-02 Regale Corporation Cup holder
US6601728B1 (en) * 2002-10-28 2003-08-05 Raymond Newkirk Thermal cup holder
US7275652B2 (en) * 2003-10-07 2007-10-02 Morris Jeffrey M Cup lid apparatus
US7467726B1 (en) * 2004-06-02 2008-12-23 Valentin Izraelev Combination beverage container and drinking vessel
US20060065668A1 (en) * 2004-09-14 2006-03-30 Keith Whitaker Apparatus for single handed can holding

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20080110908A1 (en) 2008-05-15
WO2005048787A1 (en) 2005-06-02
EP1694176A1 (en) 2006-08-30
DE602004020258D1 (en) 2009-05-07
FR2862509A1 (en) 2005-05-27
ATE426348T1 (en) 2009-04-15
FR2862509B1 (en) 2007-10-26

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