FR2862509A1 - Utility device for liquid container e.g. tumbler, has foldable spatula including two strands, where one strands end is provided with plate offering large contact surface with beverage, and protecting sheet integrated to stirrer and straw - Google Patents

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

SONNENBERG 21045 FORTMANN

  Title: Utility device for a container of liquid material Applicant: Jean-François Bedon Our Reference: 21045

Description

  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 for mixing or drinking a beverage, and possibly to preserve information printed on the anti-burn finger thermal protection sheet.

  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.).

  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 which constitutes it, and therefore of the temperature of the liquid.

  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. i0

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  21045 FORTMANN 2 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 stack of them, and the disposable nature of the cup.

  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.

  The present invention therefore aims to provide a device for liquid containers for convenient use for various applications.

  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.

  In particular, the invention proposes a utility device for a container of liquid material having a substantially cylindrical shape, the device comprising means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration and / or means capable of assuming a substantially flat configuration, secured to said container of in order to allow maintenance of the means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration and / or means capable of taking a substantially flat configuration in a configuration substantially along the circumference of said container and a joint or selective desolidarization of said means. Therefore it is possible to provide utensils with a range beyond that of the container virtually without increasing the size. Utensils can be used for a multiplicity of applications invoking for example the option of dipping them in the liquid in the shape of a spatula (means able to take a substantially flat configuration), an agitator or a straw (means able to take a configuration substantially elongated or oblong).

  According to a preferred embodiment the means capable of taking a substantially oblong configuration are formed of a plastic profile, in particular a profile 21045 FORTMANNRG 3 having a closed section or a C-shaped section. A closed section allows a use easy as straw while a C-shaped section allows easy attachment to the edge of the container preferably having a complementary shape.

  Preferably the means adapted to take a substantially flat configuration are formed of a sheet, in particular plastic. This allows a stiffening function and can 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 engraving etc. The means adapted to take a substantially oblong configuration may comprise latching means or be engaged with latching means to allow attachment to the container allow use without risk of tampering the container by removing the means in view of use.

  According to a 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.

  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.

  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 may take up the stiffening structures and may allow stacking in the case of containers having an open face such as a cup.

  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.

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  The invention furthermore 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.

  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 for a low cost of ownership and an implication of materials having a common food grade.

  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.

  Thus, thanks to this stirrer which is easily attached to the top of the cup, the cup is always equipped, safely, with a stirrer for sugary drinks for example.

  Because of its design and its section that can be tubular, this same collapsible stirrer attached to the top of the cup can simultaneously perform the functions of straw to drink by sucking a drink and shake for example the ice cubes for a cool drink.

  According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the device comprises locking or latching means adapted to retain the stirrer and / or the straw on the upper rim of the cup. In the case of a cup equipped with a lid, the foldable and disposable straw is fixed on the rim of the lid. In the case of a can of soda (for soda), the foldable and disposable straw is fixed on the upper rim of the can, in a manner identical to the method of attachment to the lid.

  Thus, since the agitator and / or the straw, and the protective sheet are 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.

  SONNENBERG FORTMANN 5 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, and the lid. In the case of the metal can, we will also throw the can.

  However, the protective sheet which serves to stiffen the cup and thermally insulate the wall of the cup can be declipped 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. In the case of a cup with lid, the thermal protection sheet made of translucent plastic or cardboard is fixed on the edge of the cup under the lid (without altering the tightness of the lid), or is molded on the lower part of the lid. lid rim.

  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 semi-rigid plastic material (with a food grade ink) which may comprise horizontal grooves which are fitted on the grooves of the cup, thus constituting an almost negligible over-thickness, 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), 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 an 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.

  In addition, the fineness of the clips offers a low resistance, which guarantees a clean and very easy break of these clips and which prevents during the separation of the thermal protection sheet

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  and stiffening the agitator (and / or the straw) the introduction of plastic debris in the drink contained in the cup.

  The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a view of an embodiment of the invention. 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 at scale 20); Fig. 4 is an exploded view showing an example of a stirrer, straw, and protection sheet when the device according to this embodiment is in the use position of the agitator and / or the straw; Figure 5 is a view of another embodiment adapted on a cup lid.

  Figure 6 is a view of another embodiment adapted to the upper rim of a metal can.

  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).

  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 protective sheet 2, via the SONNENBERG FORTMANN 7 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 kept clipped, ie a detached position in which the protective sheet 2 is detached from the stirrer 6.

  In the embodiment illustrated in the five figures, the device 1 is made of rigid plastic material but having a low elasticity to accept small deformations. Preferably, the rigid material, having been satisfactory during multiple tests, is a plastic having relatively weak elastic characteristics. Such a plastic is for example a food-grade thermoplastic plastic such as that used for the manufacture of disposable cups currently on the market. This plastic also has the advantage of being 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.

  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).

  In a practical embodiment of the invention, 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 rupture axes. 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.

  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 foldable spatula.

  SONNENBERG 8 FORTMANN 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.

  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.

  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.

  The automatic unfolding of the spatula is simultaneously unclipping the agitator from the edge of the cup.

  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. By molding under a slight pre-stress of the strand 18, this strand automatically opens 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.

  Of course, this spatula 7 can be associated with the lower end of the straw 6a to stir certain beverage.

  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 drink and the wall of the cup are less hot can be unclipped and the protective sheet 2 of the edge of the cup see Figure 4.

  SONNENBERG FORTMANN 9 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 AA 'perpendicular to the upper edge of the cup.

  Thanks to this arrangement and according to an important feature of the invention, the device 1 is constituted by 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. position of use (Figure 4), allowing the user to mix the liquid and drink it by sucking it.

  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.

  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. In order 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.

  The anti-finger burn marks 38 which symbolize the shapes of a fingertip and the thin tabs 4 and 4 'can be easily sheared from the thermal protection sheet, to allow the consumer to keep a message support of the same format close to that of a credit card.

  According to yet another important feature of the invention and as shown in Figure 1, the agitator 6 and / or the straw made of a plastic material to 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 keep a SONNENBERG 21045 FORTMANN 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 circle 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.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2 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 the space between two stacked cups.

  In a preferred embodiment, the bead 11 of the cup edge is formed by a plastic 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 thickness slightly greater than that of the protective sheet. This bead serves as a dimensional reference frame for the clipping of the break axes 15, 16 and 32.

  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, the device is attached to each cup during the cup manufacturing process, which means that the cup thus equipped is made 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 seize frankly the cup equipped with the thermal protection sheet 2 without risk of deforming the walls of the cup (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 was pleased to grasp the cup by its upper edge 9 to avoid getting burned.

  SONNENBERG 21045 FORTMANN In the case of a sweet drink for example, the consumer can grab the agitator 6 by unclipping it from the upper edge of the cup 9. The agitator with a very innovative design equipped with a folding spatula allows a good mix 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. 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 de-stacking of the cups in the automatic beverage dispenser.

  As shown in Figure 5, the operation and use of the utility device in the case of a cup equipped with a lid 41 is quite similar to that described above. For convenience, the device is preferably attached to each lid during the manufacturing process, which means that the cup thus equipped is made available to each consumer.

  On the lid 41, the straw 6a and / or the stirrer 6 are held in the folded position in a groove 40, equipped with clips 39. To allow easy extraction of the groove 40, only a third of the circumference of the straw and / or the stirrer is held between the clips 39.

  By cons, in the case of the cup with a lid, the protective sheet 2 is fixed by the thin tabs 4 and 4 'preferably on the lower edge of the lid 41. It is however possible to fix the tabs 4 and 4' via the same system of hooks and break axes on the edge of the cup (which can be made of cardboard).

  In any case, the protective sheet 2 can be easily grasped (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, which can be kept by the consumer after the cup and the agitator are discarded. Furthermore, the surface of the thermal protection sheet 2 can be proposed and sold to a client company which can print a promotional message thereon. This promotional message 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. As shown in Figure 1 the device can be a piece of plastic in one piece (food grade plastic). This configuration would have the advantage of being able to mold 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.

  Before mounting on the cup, the protective sheet 2 could be printed on the front or on the front and back.

  In Figure 6 is shown an alternative application, referring to a utility device provided on a metal can. As shown in Figure 6, the operation and use of the utility device in the case of a metal can for soda is quite similar to that described for the goblet or goblet equipped with a lid. For convenience, the device is preferably attached to the flange 43 of each bobbin during the manufacturing process, which means that the bobbin thus equipped is made available to each consumer.

  On the flange 43, the straw 6a is held in the folded position and / or curved in the groove 44 inside the flange 43, by two clips 5 and 12. One of the advantages of the positioning of the straw in this way is to preserve the cleanliness of the rim 43 where the consumer puts his lips to drink. To maintain all its hygiene and avoid any insertion of dust inside the straw, the two ends 45 and 46 can be nested one into the other until the use of the straw by the user. To allow easy extraction of the groove 44, only one-third of the circumference of the straw is held in the groove. The shearing of the clips at the axes of rupture 15 and 16 makes it possible to easily release the straw from the rim of the container.

  21045 FORTMANNRG 13 The protective sheet 2 via the thin tabs 4 and 4 'preferably which are connected to the hooks 5 and 12, can remain fixed on the body of the metal can and be unclipped independently of the straw.

  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.

  SONNENBERG FORTMANN 4 Title: Utility device for a liquid container Depositor: Jean-François Bedon Our Reference: 21045

Claims (10)

claims   1. Utility device for a container of liquid material having a substantially cylindrical shape, the device comprising means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration and / or means adapted to take a substantially flat configuration, secured to said container so as to allow maintenance means capable of assuming a substantially oblong configuration and / or means capable of assuming a substantially flat configuration in a configuration substantially along the circumference of said container and a common or selective separation of said means.   2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the means adapted to take a substantially oblong configuration are formed of a plastic profile, in particular a profile having a closed section or C-shaped. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means adapted to take a substantially flat configuration are formed of a sheet, in particular of plastic.   4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the means adapted to take a substantially oblong configuration comprise latching means or are engaged with latching means.   5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means adapted to take a substantially oblong configuration comprise at least one portion, promoting a deformation, in particular a portion with an accordion structure.   21045 FORTMANNRG 15 6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the means adapted to take a substantially flat configuration form or comprise an information carrier.   7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the means adapted to take a substantially flat configuration have a shape complementary to the container.   8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the means adapted to take a substantially oblong configuration and / or the means adapted to assume a substantially flat configuration are prestressed in one of their configurations.   9. Liquid container equipped with a device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in particular in the form of cup, lid cup or metal can.   10. Container according to claim 9, being formed of a material identical to that of at least a part of the device, in particular formed in one piece with said part.