EP3441322B1 - Container device for products for human consumption - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a container device according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the invention relates to a container device containing a liquid-secreting food, such as fruit salad.

A container device for receiving products intended for human consumption according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US 2008/0105697 A1 known. The in the US 2008/0105697 A1 The device described has a screen element provided with liquid-permeable holes. A rod element extends through the aforementioned shield element. The screen element is designed to be so flexible and at the same time provided with such a clamping force that it can be inserted in a compressed form through a relatively narrow opening in a bulbous glass container into the interior of the bulbous glass container and is stretched there in such a way that it is firm enough bears against the inner wall of the bulbous glass container in order to be able to serve in any vertical position within the bulbous glass container as a basket for receiving products intended for human consumption, for example olives. Said rod element and said shield element are designed and matched to one another in such a way that the vertical position of the shield element within the bulbous glass container can be changed by means of the rod element. The function of the screen element-rod element combination according to the US 2008/0105697 A1 consists of serving as a kind of conveyor basket device for the products in the glass container, for example the olives mentioned above. Using the umbrella element-rod element combination mentioned, the products - which are often located in the glass container together with a preservation liquid partially filling the glass container - can be lifted up to the vicinity of the glass container opening so that they can be used by a user as desired and in any case without problems - in particular without the user having to reach into the preserving liquid - can be removed from the glass container. Products that have not been removed from the glass container can then, if this should be desired by the user, by lowering the basket, ie of the screen element, again in the direction of the bottom of the glass container and thus also be conveyed back into the preservation liquid which may be present there.

One of the devices described in the preceding paragraph, structurally similar in design and serving the very same purpose, in a container for holding products intended for human consumption is from the FR 2 711 358 A1 known. A much stiffer conveyor basket device in a container for receiving products intended for human consumption is in the US 5,634,569 described.

The CH 638 455 A5 discloses a container for holding products intended for human consumption, which is divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber by means of a sieve drawn horizontally in its container interior. Liquid is poured into the lower chamber and certain solids for human consumption are placed in the upper chamber. The liquid in the lower chamber can, however, also simply be liquid which is separated or drained from the solids from the upper chamber through the sieve. By tilting the container by 180 °, a user can later easily bring the solids and the liquid together or bring them together again. Tilting the container back through 180 ° then again causes the liquid to separate from the solids.

Food packaged in containers such as meat, fish, mussels, fruit salad, vegetable salad or the like, which secrete liquid during the time of transport and storage of the container, place special demands on the type of packaging. If no special measures are taken, more and more liquid that is visible to a potential buyer will accumulate in the packaging container over time. The more liquid is visible, the stronger the potential buyer has the impression that it is not a fresh food. This impression could prevent the buyer from buying the packaged food. Especially with a food like fruit salad, which secretes a lot of liquid in a relatively short time, this subjective impression regularly deludes. Nevertheless, experience shows that potential buyers are very strongly guided by subjective rather than objective criteria when deciding whether to buy or not to buy.

Various packages for liquid-secreting foods are known from the prior art, in which the respective packaging or the respective container for holding the food is divided into two. A first container area serves to hold the liquid secreting food, and a second container area serves to hold the liquid secreted over time. Both container areas are separated from one another by a partially liquid-permeable separation in such a way that only the separated liquid, but not the food as such, can enter the second container area from the first container area. A liquid-absorbing agent is often arranged in the second container region. Examples of such packaging or containers known from the prior art can be found in the publications DE 10 2009 016 070 A1 , EP 0 068 530 A1 , EP 0 128 795 B1 , EP 1 798 160 A1 , EP 2 547 601 B1 , EP 2 107 010 A1 , WO 2011/113427 A1 , WO 2007/059187 A1 and FR 2 942 214 A1 .

An advantage of such containers known from the prior art is that the potential buyer does not notice the liquid separated from the food when looking at the container, the food looks fresh for a long time and the buyer does not make his purchase decision in this way is negatively influenced by purely subjective criteria. A disadvantage of those containers known from the prior art, however, is that the second container area ultimately represents an area that is lost for dealers and buyers alike, and in the end is only waste, because the partially liquid-permeable separation is regularly inextricably linked to the container, and this as a liquid-absorbing one Material used on a regular basis is neither edible nor usable in any other way.

Although there are containers in the prior art in which two different foods, such as a pudding and a sauce, are arranged one above the other and are separated from one another during transport and storage by a plastic film which can be pulled out by means of an edge flap, in these containers the pull-out plastic film is a completely closing one Plastic film that is used to completely separate the two container areas and is completely impermeable to liquids. In addition, pulling out the plastic film by means of the edge tab mentioned is not particularly convenient and can lead to spillage of some of the food if the user does not handle it carefully.

The invention has for its object to provide a novel container device containing a first product or product mixture intended for human consumption, which is particularly suitable for storing liquid-secreting food, such as fruit salad, in an appealing manner, and which at the same time has better space utilization efficiency and enables a higher liquid utilization efficiency than the prior art containers mentioned in the previous paragraph.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a container device according to claim 1. According to the invention, this object is also achieved by a container device according to claim 2.

As with the containers known from the prior art for storing a liquid-secreting food, both the container device according to the invention and the container device according to the invention are separated into two parts. A completely or partially liquid-permeable screen element serves as the separating element. In contrast to the containers known from the prior art, however, this screen element can be easily removed by the user both in the container device according to the invention and in the container device according to the invention and thus the separation of the two container parts can be eliminated. In this way, the user is either able to use the liquid accumulated in the lower part of the container separately after consuming a liquid-secreting product stored in the upper part of the container, or the user can, if desired, take the product back with him before consumption the liquid separated from this product.

Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the container device according to the invention according to claim 1 are the subject of claims 3 to 10, 12 to 15, 17 to 24 and 26 to 28. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the container device according to claim 2 are the subject of claims 4 to 9, 11 to 14, 16 to 23 and 25 to 28.

The embodiments according to claims 9 and 13 are particularly preferred. The provision of a fork or a spoon or spoon makes it easier for the user to consume the product in places and on occasions where the user does not otherwise directly and without further access to cutlery like traveling. A spoon is a piece of cutlery that combines the properties of a fork and a spoon and can be used by the user both as a fork and as a spoon. A spoon has the shape of a spoon, but the front end is not rounded, but instead is provided with indentations that form prongs.

The fact that both in the container device according to the invention and in the container device according to the invention according to claim 2 folds the screen element while pulling out of the container, the removal of the screen element is particularly easy and convenient for the user. Accidental spilling of products intended for human consumption when removing the screen element is largely excluded here.

The embodiment according to claim 26 is very particularly preferred. In contrast to the containers from the prior art, a product intended for human consumption is used here as the liquid-absorbing material. This means that no liquid is lost for consumption and the interior of the container is used more efficiently than in the containers known from the prior art with a partially liquid-permeable partition for the transport and storage of food. In the embodiment of the container device according to the invention according to claim 26 - as incidentally also in the embodiment of the container device according to the invention according to claim 24 and in the embodiment of the container device according to the invention according to claim 25 - the user can decide according to his or her own preference whether the two different products or product mixtures consume consecutively or mix before consumption.

Fig. 1

schematisch einen Querschnitt durch ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Behältervorrichtung mit eingesetztem Schirmelement und Stabelement,

Fig. 2

schematisch einen Querschnitt durch das Schirmelement und das Stabelement von Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

schematisch eine Draufsicht von oben auf das Schirmelement von Fig. 1 unter Weglassung des Stabelements,

Fig. 4

schematisch eine Draufsicht von oben auf das Schirmelement und das Stabelement von Fig. 1,

Fig. 5

schematisch einen Vorgang des Herausziehens des Schirmelements und des Stabelements aus dem Behälter von Fig. 1,

Fig. 6

schematisch das Stabelement aus dem Ausführungsbeispiel von Fig. 1 mit eingesteckter Gabel in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 7

schematisch das Stabelement von Fig. 6 mit eingesteckter Gabel in Draufsicht von oben,

Fig. 8

schematisch das Stabelement und die Gabel von Fig. 6 und Fig. 7 in voneinander getrenntem Zustand,

Fig. 9

schematisch einen Querschnitt durch ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Behältervorrichtung mit eingesetztem Schirmelement, Ständern und Stabelement,

Fig. 10

schematisch das Schirmelement, die Ständer und einen Teil des Stabelements aus dem Ausführungsbeispiel von Fig. 9 samt eines teilvergrößerten Ausschnittes hiervon,

Fig. 11

schematisch einen Querschnitt durch ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Behältervorrichtung mit eingesetztem Schirmelement und Stabelement und

Fig. 12

schematisch einen Querschnitt durch ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Behältervorrichtung mit eingesetztem Schirmelement, Ständern und Stabelement.

Advantageous and preferred exemplary embodiments of the container devices according to the invention are explained below with reference to figures. It shows:

Fig. 1

schematically shows a cross section through a first embodiment of a container device according to the invention with an inserted screen element and rod element,

Fig. 2

schematically shows a cross section through the screen element and the rod element of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3

schematically a top view of the screen element of FIG Fig. 1 omitting the staff element,

Fig. 4

schematically shows a top view of the screen element and the rod element from Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5

schematically a process of pulling out the screen element and the rod element from the container of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 6

schematically the rod element from the embodiment of Fig. 1 with inserted fork in side view,

Fig. 7

schematically the bar element of Fig. 6 with inserted fork in top view from above,

Fig. 8

schematically the rod element and the fork from 6 and 7 in separate condition,

Fig. 9

schematically shows a cross section through a second embodiment of a container device according to the invention with an inserted shield element, stand and rod element,

Fig. 10

schematically the screen element, the stand and part of the rod element from the embodiment of Fig. 9 including a partially enlarged section of it,

Fig. 11

schematically shows a cross section through a third embodiment of a container device according to the invention with an inserted shield element and rod element and

Fig. 12

schematically shows a cross section through a fourth embodiment of a container device according to the invention with inserted screen element, stand and rod element.

Fig. 1 shows, purely schematically and not to scale, a cross section through a first exemplary embodiment of a container device 1 according to the invention. The first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention has a cup-like container 1, which in turn has a base 2 and a side wall 3. In addition, a removable cover 4, for example in the form of a screw cap 4 or in the form of a removable cover 4, is provided. Viewed in plan view, the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention is round (cf. also FIG 3 and 4 ). The bottom 2, the side wall 3 and the removable cover 4 of the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention consist entirely of transparent plastic material. In other exemplary embodiments of container devices according to the invention, the base 2, the side wall 3 and the removable cover 4 are made of other suitable material and do not necessarily have to be transparent.

Approximately in its lower tenth, the side wall 3 of the container 1 of the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention is provided with a circumferential step 5, which serves as a support structure on which an edge of a screen element 6 rests. This in Fig. 3 Umbrella element 6, shown separately in plan view from above, is an umbrella-like device and consists of foldable material provided with various support struts 7. In its center, that is to say in the middle, the screen element 6 has an opening through which a rod element 8 extends. The rod element 8 was in the top view of Fig. 3 omitted for clarity. However, it is in the overall cross-sectional view of Fig. 1 to see. Fig. 2 shows the screen element 6 and the rod element 8 of Fig. 1 again separately in cross section. Fig. 4 shows the screen element 6 and the rod element 8 of Fig. 1 in plan view from above and is therefore a view of the embodiment of the cup device according to the invention from Fig. 1 from above through - in this special embodiment transparent - cover 4.

The foldable material with which the support struts 7 of the screen element 6 is covered is permeable to liquids. The screen element 6 can be opened and collapsed on the bar element 8 such that the bar element 8 extends in the longitudinal direction to both sides, ie both upwards and downwards, beyond the screen element 6 (cf. Fig. 1 and 2nd ). The shielding element 6, the rod element 8 and the peripheral step 5 of the side wall 3 of the container 1 serving as a support structure are set up and matched to one another such that the edge of the shielding element 6 rests on the peripheral step 5 in the opened state and thus the container 1 divides into a lower container part 9 and an upper container part 10 (cf. Fig. 1 ), the rod element 8 in this state extends both into the lower container part 9 and into the upper container part 10 and is supported with its lower end on the bottom 2 of the container 1 and the screen element 6 by pulling on the upper end of the rod element 8 can be pulled out of the container 1 together with the rod element 8. In order to be able to pull this out, the respective user of the first exemplary embodiment of the container 1 according to the invention must of course first remove the cover 4 from the side wall 3 of the container 1. In the closed state, the cover 4 also covers the entire rod element 8, ie the rod element 8 does not extend beyond the cover 4 in this state, as is the case in FIG Fig. 1 is shown.

In the embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention from Fig. 1 there is a fruit salad 11 in the filled state of the container 1 in the upper container part 10 (cf. Fig. 5 ). The filling height of the fruit salad 11 is, however, limited in such a way that the bar element 8, which rests on the bottom 2 of the container 1, projects upward above the fruit salad 11. The screen element 6 is set up in such a way that, when opened and resting on the revolving step 5, a separation of the fruit salad 11 from the lower container part 9 is ensured in such a way that any liquid separated from the fruit salad 11 can get into the lower container part 9.

In the lower container part 9 there is in the embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention Fig. 1 Cereals 12, for example Bulgur 12 (cf. Fig. 5 ). The grain 12 absorbs the liquid separated from the fruit salad 11 over time and drained through the screen element 6 into the lower container part 9. In this way, the fruit salad 11 does not begin to swim in its own liquid after a certain time and thereby become unsightly, but the fruit salad 11 remains pleasantly fresh for a long time, even though it continuously releases liquid in a natural manner. However, this liquid is effectively absorbed by the grain 12 in the lower container part 9 and is therefore not perceived as such by a potential buyer of the fruit salad-cereal pack, so that it cannot have a negative influence on the purchase decision of the potential buyer.

Although it is entirely possible not to fill the lower container part 9 with a product or product mixture intended for human consumption in advance, but simply to leave it empty, it is preferred according to the invention to arrange a product or product mixture intended for human consumption in the lower container part 9, which is able to bind the liquid dripping from the upper container part 10 through the screen element 6. In addition to the grain 12 already mentioned, such as bulgur, semolina, millet, lentils, soybeans, chia seeds, linseed or products made from them, the following can also be used, for example: couscous and / or amaranth and / or rice and / or quinoa and / or products from it and / or superfood such as Fruit powder, protein powder or the like and / or nuts and / or fruit and / or fruit products such as e.g. dried fruits, fruit puree or the like and / or vegetable and vegetable products and / or thickening and / or gelling agents. Many other foods, food mixtures, thickeners or gelling agents intended for human consumption and mixtures of foods and such thickening agents and gelling agents can also be used.

A buyer who has purchased the container 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention with the fruit salad 11 in the upper container part 10 and the cereal 12 moistened by the liquid dripping from the fruit salad 11 in the lower container part 9 can decide to consume the products in two ways . For example, he can first eat the fruit salad 11, then pull the bar element 8 together with the screen element 6 out of the container 1 and then consume the moistened grain 12. With a high probability However, the buyer will prefer to first remove the bar element 8 together with the screen element 6 from the container 1 before he starts eating the fruit salad-cereal combination 11, 12. This is made easier for the buyer in that in the exemplary embodiment of the container according to the invention of Fig. 1 / Fig. 5 the screen element 6, the bar element 8 and the fruit salad 11 - the latter in terms of their mass and consistency - are set up and matched to one another in such a way that the screen element 6 folds up, while - of course after opening the cover 4 - by pulling on the upper end of the bar element 8 together with the rod element 8 is pulled out of the container 1. This process is shown schematically in Fig. 5 shown.

In Fig. 5a The buyer or user who has acquired the container device 1 begins to pull the rod element 8 together with the shield element 6 upward out of the container 1 at the upper end of the rod element 8. The fruit salad 11 opposes the one resistance, which leads to the screen element 6 starting to fold up. As a result, the vertical contact surface of the fruit salad 11 against the screen element 6 becomes smaller, and the user can pull the bar element 8 and the screen element 6 further up without great effort. Here, the pressure of the fruit salad 11 against the screen element 6 continues - albeit with a reduced contact surface - and in this interplay the screen element 6 closes more and more (cf. Fig. 5b ), so that the user can continue to pull it up without great effort until it has finally completely left the area of the fruit salad 11 together with the bar element 8 (cf. Fig. 5c ).

This important detail can be summarized as follows: In the upper container part 10 there is a first product or product mixture 11 intended for human consumption, for example a fruit salad 11. The screen element 6 lies in the opened state with its edge on the circumferential step 5 of the support structure Side wall 3 of the container 1 and is set up in such a way that, in this state, it ensures a separation of the first product or product mixture 11 from the lower container part 9 in such a way that only liquid separated from the first product or product mixture 11 gets into the lower container part 9 can, and that in this state the rod element 8 protrudes above the first product or product mixture 11. The screen element 6, the bar element 8 and the first product or product mixture 11 are set up and matched to one another in such a way that the screen element 6 folds up, while it is pulled out of the container 1 by pulling on the upper end of the rod element 8 together with the rod element 8.

Although the rod element 8 does not actually need to have a special shape, apart from the fact that it must be suitably designed to hold the shield element 6 open and foldable, a special design of the upper end of the rod element 8 is often provided in container devices according to the invention.

In the case of the rod element 8 of the exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention from Fig. 1 For example, the rod element 8 is designed at its upper end as a chalice 13 for receiving at least one object. It is usually a piece of cutlery, such as a fork 14 or a spoon or a spoon. For example, two cutlery items, for example both a fork 14 and a spoon, can also be inserted into the cup 13 at the same time. This object or these objects can be collapsible in various exemplary embodiments of the invention. This is intended to make it easier for the buyer or user to eat the fruit salad 11 and the grain 12 even in those places and on those occasions in which no cutlery is usually immediately available, such as when traveling.

In the exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention, Fig. 1 provided to deposit a collapsible fork 14 in the cup 13. This collapsible fork 14 is in the representations of the 1 to 5 omitted for clarity. The representations of the 6 to 8 however, show the collapsible fork 14.

Fig. 6 shows schematically and not to scale a side view of the screen element 6 and the rod element 8 of FIG Fig. 1 with the folded fork 14 deposited in the cup 13, and Fig. 7 shows schematically and not to scale the associated top view from above. It should be noted that when the container 1 is closed, the fork 14 also remains below the cover 4 and thus within the upper container part 10 which is closed off at the top by the cover 4.

Fig. 8 finally the rod element 8 and the fork 14 of FIG 6 and 7 in separate condition. The user has removed the fork 14 from the cup 13 here, it opens and can then start to eat the fruit salad 11 and the grain 12 with the help of the fork 14.

At this point, it should be expressly pointed out that the rod element 8 in other exemplary embodiments of container devices according to the invention does not necessarily have to have any special shape at its upper end. It can also simply be a rod with or without a grip part, which the user can simply grasp in order to pull the rod element 8 together with the shield element 6 out of the respective container.

It should also be expressly pointed out here that in other exemplary embodiments of container devices according to the invention, instead of fruit salad 11, another product intended for human consumption, which secretes liquid over time, can be deposited in the upper container part 10, for example a vegetable salad, such as for example a beetroot salad, or a seafood salad or a fish salad or a sausage salad, or any combination of all of these salads. Although the use of fruit salad 11 is particularly preferred, the invention is in no way restricted to the use of fruit salad. It is important in any case that the screen element 6 used in each case is matched to the respective product or product mixture in the upper container part 10, so that it is ensured that when the screen element 6 is opened, liquid, but not the product or product mixture itself, from the upper container part 10 can get into the lower container part 9. The screen element 6 can be designed differently. It can, for example, be a lattice-like element, for example consisting of very fine metal wire, or it can, as in the embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 , Permeable or semipermeable material provided with support struts 7, or it can be gauze provided with support struts 7. In any case, it must be at least partially permeable to liquid, and it must be able to be opened and folded.

Fig. 9 shows purely schematically and not to scale a cross section through a second embodiment of a container device 15 according to the invention Fig. 9 The illustrated second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention is very similar to that in FIG Fig. 1 illustrated first embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention constructed and also works quite accordingly. The same parts are in the Fig. 9 and 1 provided with the same reference numerals.

The second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention has a cup-like container 15, which in turn has a base 2 and a side wall 3. Seen in plan view, the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention has a circular shape, exactly as it is shown in FIGS 3 and 4 for the first embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention is indicated purely schematically. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention, however, in the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention the side wall 3 of the container 15 is not provided with a step, but runs smoothly, ie without any steps or projections, from the bottom 2 to its top Edge on which the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention, like the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention, is closed by means of a removable or removable or unscrewable cover 4. The bottom 2, the side wall 3 and the cover 4 are also made of transparent plastic material in the second embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention. Instead of transparent plastic material, non-transparent or only partially transparent material can also be used in other exemplary embodiments. It is conceivable, for example, to manufacture the base 2 and the side wall 3 entirely or partially from glass and / or from wood and / or from metal. It is also possible, for example, to manufacture the cover 4 from metal and / or from wood.

As in the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention, there is also a shield element 6 within the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention, which is foldable and collapsible on a rod element 8 such that the rod element 8 extends in the longitudinal direction on both sides the shield element 6 also extends. The rod element 8 is constructed in the same way in the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention and in the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention and is therefore also in the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention at its upper end as a cup 13 for receiving at least one object, preferably a cutlery object such as a fork 14, a spoon or a spoon. In this respect, what is the chalice 13 of the bar element 8 and the cutlery object or cutlery objects deposited therein fully relates to the above description of the 6 to 8 referred.

The shielding element 6 as such is constructed in the same way in the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention and in the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention, and therefore also in the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention consists of support struts 7 covered with liquid-permeable material as for the screen element 6 as such, fully refer to the above description of the 3 and 4 referred.

In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention, in the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention, a plurality of stands 16 are attached to the screen element 6. The screen element 6, the stand 16 and the bar element 8 are set up and matched to one another in such a way that the stand 16 stands on the bottom 2 of the container 15 when the screen element 6 is open and supports the screen element 6 such that it holds the container 15 in divides a lower container part 9 and an upper container part 10, the rod element 8 in this state extends both into the lower container part 9 and into the upper container part 10 and is supported with its lower end on the bottom 2 of the container 15 and the screen element 6 can be pulled out of the container 15 by pulling on the upper end of the rod element 8 together with the rod element 8 and the stands 16.

The Fig. 10 shows the screen element 6, the stand 16 and part of the rod element 8 from the embodiment of the container device 15 of the invention from FIG Fig. 9 including a partially enlarged section of it.

If the screen element 6 stands up with its stands 16 on the bottom 2 of the container 15 in the opened state, the rod element 8, possibly including an object inserted into the cup 13, does not protrude beyond the removable or removable cover 4, ie the cover 4 closes off the container 15 including the rod element 8 and an object possibly inserted into the cup 13.

For the filling of the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention, everything applies that has already been stated above for the filling of the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention. The upper container part 10 is preferably filled with fruit salad, although the filling height of the fruit salad is limited in such a way that the rod element 8 projects upward beyond the fruit salad when it stands on the bottom 2 of the container 15 below. Grain, and particularly preferably Bulgur, is preferably deposited in the lower container part 9.

The following can be generalized for the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention: In the upper container part 10 there is a first product or product mixture intended for human consumption, for example a fruit salad. The screen element 6 stands in the opened state with its stands 16 on the bottom 2 of the container 15 and is set up so that in this state it ensures a separation of the first product or product mixture from the lower container part 9 in such a way that only possibly from the first Separated liquid product or product mixture can get into the lower container part 9, and that in this state the rod element 8 projects upwards beyond the first product or product mixture. The screen element 6, the stand 16, the bar element 8 and the first product or product mixture are set up and matched to one another in such a way that the screen element 6 collapses while it is pulled together with the bar element 8 and the stand 16 by pulling on the upper end of the bar element 8 is pulled out of the container 15.

In the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention, as in the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention, it is not absolutely necessary to arrange any product at all in the lower container part 9. However, as already described, it is far preferable to arrange in the lower container part 9 a second product or product mixture intended for human consumption, which is different from the first product or product mixture and which is capable of separating the product or product mixture that is separated and to absorb liquid dripped through the screen element 6 into the lower container part 9. However, since in the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention, the stands 16 fastened to the screen element 6 protrude into the lower container part 9 and thus - if present - into the second product or product mixture, In this case, it must be ensured that the nature and consistency of the second product or product mixture is selected and matched to the nature of the stand 16 in such a way that the second product or product mixture does not unduly complicate or hinder the extraction or folding of the screen element 6 or even completely makes impossible. In general, this can be expressed as follows: in the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention, the screen element 6, the stand 16, the bar element 8, the first product or product mixture and the second product or product mixture are set up and matched to one another in such a way that the screen element 6 collapses while it is pulled out of the container 15 by pulling on the upper end of the rod element 8 together with the rod element 8 and the stands 16.

The folding of the screen element 6 when pulling out of the container 15 according to the embodiment of FIG Fig. 9 runs completely in accordance with the folding of the screen element 6 when pulling out of the container 1 according to the embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 . Accordingly, in this context, for the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention, reference can be made here in full to those already mentioned above for the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention Fig. 5 given description of this process. The folding together of the screen element 6 in the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention is somewhat complicated, however, by the stands 16, which are unnecessary in the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention and therefore not present there, which are fastened to the screen element 6. The number, size, arrangement and shape of these stands 16 must be matched to the screen element 6 in such a way that they do not complicate or at least hamper or hinder the folding of the screen element 6 as little as possible.

Each of the two exemplary embodiments of the container device 1, 15 according to the invention described above has a certain advantage over the other exemplary embodiment, but also a certain disadvantage.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the container 1 requires a somewhat more complicated design in production, in that a support structure for the screen element 6 must be provided on the inside of the container on the side wall 3. This support structure can, for example the circumferential step 5 already described in the side wall 3 of the container 1. However, the support structure can also consist, for example, of a plurality of projections which extend from the side wall 3 of the container 1 at the same height. This somewhat more complicated design of the container 1, on the other hand, makes it possible to design the screen element 6 - apart from the bar element 8 - without additional stands and thus to ensure that the screen element 6 is simply folded up without any potential obstruction by additional stands. In this respect, the folding of the screen element 6 in the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention does not need to be taken into account of the product or product mixture that may be located in the lower container part 9, because in the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention this has in no case one Influence on the folding of the screen element 6 when pulling the screen element 6 out of the container 1 and is therefore in any case not restricted from this aspect in its selection.

In the second embodiment, the container 15 does not require any special measures during manufacture and can initially be produced very inexpensively as a very simple container 15 with a smooth side wall. For this, however, the complexity shifts here to the stands 16 to be fastened to the screen element 6, which, as already explained above, in number, arrangement, size and shape on the screen element 6 and also on the possible second product or product mixture in the lower one Container part 9 must be coordinated.

In various different exemplary embodiments of container devices according to the invention, the screen element 6 can be a lattice-like element, for example consisting of very fine metal wires, or it can have permeable or semipermeable material provided with support struts 7, or it can have gauze provided with support struts 7. In any case, the screen element 6 must be at least partially permeable to liquid as well as being foldable and foldable.

Fig. 11 shows purely schematically and not to scale a cross section through a third embodiment of a container device 17 according to the invention Fig. 11 The third exemplary embodiment of the container device 17 according to the invention largely corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention of Fig. 1 with the only difference that the bar element 8 at its upper end in the third exemplary embodiment of the container device 17 according to the invention is not designed as a goblet, but as a spoon 18. Otherwise it works in Fig. 11 shown third embodiment of the container device 17 according to the invention exactly like that with reference to FIG 1 to 5 described first embodiment of the container device 1 according to the invention, and it is therefore at this point fully in this respect to the above with reference to the 1 to 5 given description referenced. The same elements are in the Fig. 11 and 1 provided with the same reference numerals.

As soon as the user removes the rod element 8 together with the shield element 6 from the container 17 according to the invention from Fig. 11 has pulled out, the user can use the bar element 8 as a spoon 18 in order to eat the fruit salad and the grain in a convenient manner.

Fig. 12 shows purely schematically and not to scale a cross section through a fourth embodiment of a container device 19 according to the invention Fig. 12 The fourth exemplary embodiment of the container device 19 according to the invention largely corresponds to the second exemplary embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention from Fig. 9 with the only difference that the rod element 8 at its upper end in the fourth embodiment of the container device 19 according to the invention is not designed as a goblet, but as a spoon 18. Otherwise it works in Fig. 12 shown fourth embodiment of the container device 19 according to the invention exactly like that with reference to FIG Fig. 9 and 10th Described second embodiment of the container device 15 according to the invention, and it is therefore at this point fully in this respect to the above with reference to the Fig. 9 and 10th given description referenced. The same elements are in the Fig. 12 and 9 provided with the same reference numerals.

As soon as the user removes the rod element 8 together with the shield element 6 from the container 19 according to the invention from Fig. 12 has pulled out, the user can use the bar element 8 as a spoon 18 in order to eat the fruit salad and the grain in a convenient manner.

The in the Fig. 11 and 12th Exemplary embodiments of inventive container devices 17, 19 can also be modified such that the upper end of the rod element 8 is not designed as a spoon, but as a fork or a spoon.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the shape of the side wall 3, the bottom 2 and the cover 4 of container devices according to the invention are not subject to any limits as long as the functionalities claimed according to the invention remain guaranteed. In particular, the containers do not necessarily have to have a round base, but they can also be square or have a combined shape such as square with rounded edges.

Finally, it should be pointed out that there are also exemplary embodiments of container devices according to the invention in which not the entire side wall 3 of the container and not the entire base 2 of the container and not the entire cover 4 of the container are made of transparent material. For example, the bottom 2 and a part of the side wall 3 of the container belonging to the lower container part 9 can be colored opaque. Opaque imprints or stickers can also be located at any point on the base 2, the side wall 3 and the cover 4. In addition, instead of plastic material for the production of the base 2, the side wall 3 and the cover 4 of the container device, any other material can be used which is harmless and suitable for contact with products intended for human consumption.

The attachment of the cover 4 on the container 1, 15, 17, 19 is possible in a variety of ways. The cover 4 can, for example, be a cover which can be clipped onto the side wall 3 of the container 1, 15, 17, 19 and which is either completely removed from the rest of the container 1, 15, 17, 19 or by means of a hinge-like device on the side wall 3 of the Container 1, 15, 17, 19 is attached. However, the cover 4 can also be, for example, simply a plastic film or metal foil which is attached to the top of the side wall 3 of the container 1, 15, 17, 19 and covers the container 1, 15, 17, 19 and can be removed by the user. The cover 4 can also be made, for example, from a combination of such a plastic film or metal foil with an additional removable cover made of a stiffer material arranged above it. In other exemplary embodiments, the cover 4 can also be a screw cover.

The rod element 8 can for example be made of plastic material or of wood or metal. Its upper end does not necessarily have to be in the shape of a goblet or a spoon or a fork or a spoon. It can also simply be a stick with or be without handle. In general, the rod element 8 only has to be designed at its upper end in such a way that the user can grasp it and pull the shield element 6 out of the container.

Claims (28)

1. A container device (1, 17) containing a first product or product mixture (11) intended for human consumption,
   the container device comprising

   - a beaker-like container (1, 17), which has a base (2) and a side wall (3), and

   - a shield element (6) which is wholly or partially liquid-permeable and which is arranged on a rod element (8), such that the shield element can be folded out and folded together, in such a way that the rod element (8) extends beyond the shield element (6) on both sides in the longitudinal direction,

   characterised by
   a support structure (5) for the shield element (6), which support structure is provided on the side wall (3) in the container interior,
   wherein
   the shield element (6), the rod element (8), and the support structure (5) are configured and coordinated with one another in such a way that

   - the shield element (6) in the folded-out state rests via its edge on the support structure (5) and in this way divides the container (1, 17) into a lower container part (9) and an upper container part (10),

   - the rod element (8) in this state extends both into the lower container part (9) and into the upper container part (10) and is supported via its lower end on the base (2) of the container (1, 17), and

   - the shield element (6) can be withdrawn from the container (1, 17) together with the rod element (8) by pulling on the upper end of the rod element (8),

   and wherein also

   - the first product or product mixture (11) intended for human consumption is situated in the upper container part (10),

   - the shield element (6) in the folded-out state rests via its edge on the support structure (5) and is configured such that it, in this state, ensures a separation of the first product or product mixture (11) from the lower container part (9), in such a way that only any liquid emitted from the first product or product mixture (11) can pass into the lower container part (9), and such that, in this state, the rod element (8) protrudes upwardly beyond the first product or product mixture (11), and

   - the shield element (6), the rod element (8), and the first product or product mixture (11) are configured and coordinated with one another such that the shield element (6) folds together whilst it is being withdrawn from the container (1, 17) together with the rod element (8) by pulling on the upper end of the rod element (8).
2. A container device (15, 19) containing a first product or product mixture intended for human consumption,
   the container device comprising

   - a beaker-like container (15, 19), which has a base (2) and a side wall (3), and

   - a shield element (6) which is wholly or partially liquid-permeable and which is arranged on a rod element (8), such that the shield element can be folded out and folded together, in such a way that the rod element (8) extends beyond the shield element (6) on both sides in the longitudinal direction,

   characterised by
   a plurality of uprights (16) fastened to the shield element (6),
   wherein
   the shield element (6), the uprights (16), and the rod element (8) are configured and coordinated with one another in such a way that

   - the uprights (16), in the folded-out state of the shield element (6), stand on the base (2) of the container (15, 19) and support the shield element (6) in such a way that it divides the container (15, 19) into a lower container part (9) and an upper container part (10),

   - the rod element (8) in this state extends both into the lower container part (9) and into the upper container part (10) and is supported via its lower end on the base (2) of the container (15, 19), and

   - the shield element (6) can be withdrawn from the container (1, 17) together with the rod element (8) by pulling on the upper end of the rod element (8),

   and wherein also

   - the first product or product mixture (11) intended for human consumption is situated in the upper container part (10),

   - the shield element (6) in the folded-out state stands via its uprights (16) on the base (2) of the container (15, 19) and is configured such that it, in this state, ensures a separation of the first product or product mixture (11) from the lower container part (9), in such a way that only any liquid emitted from the first product or product mixture (11) may pass into the lower container part (9), and such that, in this state, the rod element (8) protrudes upwardly beyond the first product or product mixture (11), and

   - the shield element (6), the uprights (16), the rod element (8), and the first product or product mixture (11) are configured and coordinated with one another such that the shield element (6) folds together whilst it is being withdrawn from the container (15, 19) together with the rod element (8) and the uprights (16) by pulling on the upper end of the rod element (8).
3. A container device (1, 17) according to claim 1, characterised in that the support structure (5)

   - is a circumferential step (5) in the side wall (3) of the container (1, 17), or

   - consists of a plurality of protrusions extending at the same height beyond the side wall (3) of the container (1, 17).
4. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the shield element (6) is a grid-like element or comprises gauze provided with support struts (7), or comprises another foldable, permeable or semipermeable material.
5. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the side wall (3) of the container (1, 15, 17, 19) consists wholly or partially of transparent material and/or the base (2) of the container (1, 15, 17, 19) consists wholly or partially of transparent material.
6. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the side wall (3) of the container (1, 15, 17, 19) consists of opaque material and/or the base (2) of the container (1, 15, 17, 19) consists of opaque material.
7. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to claim 1 or according to claim 2, characterised in that the base (2) and the side wall (3) of the container (1, 15, 17, 19) consist wholly or partially of plastics material and/or of glass and/or of wood and/or of metal.
8. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rod element (8) consists wholly or partially of plastics material and/or of wood and/or of metal.
9. A container device (17, 19) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rod element (8) is formed at its upper end as a fork or as a spoon or as a spork (18).
10. A container device (1, 17) according to claim 1, characterised in that the container (1, 17) is closed on its side opposite the base (2) by a cover (4) that can be taken off or can be unscrewed or can be pulled off, and the rod element (8) does not protrude beyond the cover (4) when the shield element (6) in the folded-out state rests via its edge on the support structure (5) .
11. A container device (15, 19) according to claim 2, characterised in that the container (15, 19) is closed on its side opposite the base (2) by a cover (4) that can be taken off or can be unscrewed or can be pulled off, and the rod element (8) does not protrude beyond the cover (4) when the shield element (6) in the folded-out state stands via its uprights (16) on the base (2) of the container (15, 19).
12. A container device (1, 15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rod element (8) is formed at its upper end as a cup (13) for receiving at least one object (14).
13. A container device (1, 15) according to claim 12, characterised in that a fork (14) and/or a spoon and/or a spork is deposited in the cup (13).
14. A container device (1, 15) according to claim 13, characterised in that the fork (14) and/or the spoon and/or the spork is a fork (14) that can be folded out and folded together and/or a spoon that can be folded out and folded together and/or a spork that can be folded out and folded together, which is deposited in the cup (13) in the folded-together state.
15. A container device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 14 in dependency on claim 1, characterised in that the container (1) is closed on its side opposite the base (2) by a cover (4) that can be taken off or can be pulled off, and the rod element (8) inclusive of the object (14) deposited in the cup (13) does not protrude beyond the cover (4) when the shield element (6) in the folded-out state rests via its edge on the support structure (5) .
16. A container device (15) according to one of claims 12 to 14 in dependency on claim 2, characterised in that the container (15) is closed on its side opposite the base (2) by a cover (4) that can be taken off or can be pulled off, and the rod element (8) inclusive of the object (14) deposited in the cup (13) does not protrude beyond the cover (4) when the shield element (6) in the folded-out state stands via its uprights (16) on the base (2) of the container (15).
17. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to claim 10 or according to claim 11 or according to claim 15 or according to claim 16, characterised in that the cover (4) consists wholly or partially of transparent material.
18. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to claim 10 or according to claim 11 or according to claim 15 or according to claim 16, characterised in that the cover (4) consists of opaque material.
19. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to claim 10 or according to claim 11 or according to claim 15 or according to claim 16, characterised in that the cover (4) consists of plastics material and/or of metal and/or of wood.
20. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the container has a round form or an angular form or a combined angular and round shaping, for example an angular form with rounded edges.
21. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rod element (8) extends centrally through the shield element (6).
22. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to claim 1 or according to claim 2, characterised in that the first product or product mixture (11) is one that emits liquid.
23. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to claim 22, characterised in that the first product or product mixture (11) is a fruit salad (11) and/or a vegetable salad and/or a seafood salad and/or a fish salad and/or a sausage salad.
24. A container device (1, 17) according to claim 1, characterised in that a second product or product mixture (12) intended for human consumption is situated in the lower container part (9) and is different from the first product or product mixture (11).
25. A container device (15, 19) according to claim 2, characterised in that

    - a second product or product mixture (12) intended for human consumption is situated in the lower container part (9) and is different from the first product or product mixture (11), and

    - the shield element (6), the uprights (16), the rod element (8), the first product or product mixture (11), and the second product or product mixture (12) are configured and coordinated with one another such that the shield element (6) folds together whilst it is being withdrawn from the container (15, 19) together with the rod element (8) and the uprights (16) by pulling on the upper end of the rod element (8).
26. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to claim 24 or according to claim 25, characterised in that the second product or product mixture (12) is one that absorbs liquid.
27. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to claim 26, characterised in that the second product or product mixture is or comprises rice and/or couscous and/or amaranth and/or quinoa and/or cereal (12) and/or superfood and/or nuts and/or fruit and/or fruit products and/or vegetables and/or vegetable products and/or thickening and/or gelling agents and/or a product of rice and/or a product of couscous and/or a product of amaranth and/or a product of quinoa and/or a product of cereal.
28. A container device (1, 15, 17, 19) according to claim 27, characterised in that the second product or product mixture is or comprises bulgur (12) and/or semolina and/or millet and/or lentils and/or soya and/or chia seeds and/or linseed and/or a product of bulgur and/or a product of semolina and/or a product of millet and/or a product of lentils and/or a product of soya and/or a product of chia seeds and/or a product of linseed and/or fruit powder and/or protein powder and/or dried fruits and/or fruit purée.

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