FR2982136A1 - DEVICE FOR FACILITATING THE CONTACT BETWEEN A BLOCK OF SOLID MATERIAL AND THE DIFFERENT LAYERS OF A LIQUID CONTAINED IN A CONTAINER - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for facilitating the contact between a block of solid material and the different layers of a liquid contained in a container, characterized in that it comprises a means (3) for holding the block (B) of solid material, provided at a end of a handle (M) whose other end (5) is intended to be grasped by an operator or a consumer, for stirring the block of material (B) in the liquid at different depths, the holding means being provided for releasably positioning the block.

Description

DEVICE FOR FACILITATING THE CONTACT BETWEEN A BLOCK OF SOLID MATERIAL AND THE DIFFERENT LAYERS OF A LIQUID CONTAINED IN A CONTAINER.

The invention relates to a device for facilitating contact between a block of solid material and the different layers of a liquid contained in a container. Different types of solid block are concerned.

A first type of solid block is intended to provide a refrigerant function for cooling a liquid consumption contained in a container such as a drinking glass, the block of solid material being at a lower temperature than that of the contained liquid. in the container. It is thus usual to serve ice cubes in glasses of alcoholic beverages or not, at home, or in restaurants, cafes or nightclubs. The blocks may be small cubes or spheres of frozen water, small cubes or containers of various plastic shapes filled with frozen water or other solidified or cooled liquid, or small pieces of rock ( materials) or other substrates that have been previously cooled, for example in a freezer. The cubes of frozen water have the disadvantage of remaining on the surface, of melting in the drink and thus altering its consistency, its content and its original taste. Plastic containers containing frozen water, or another cold source, do not allow rapid heat exchange and do not have a natural and user-friendly appearance desired for consumption areas serving this kind of drink. The blocks of rock material or other previously cooled substrates generally have a density greater than that of the beverage and fall to the bottom of the container. Other types of solid material blocks are intended for other functions, including those of ingredients for culinary preparations. The blocks then consist of a solidified material which, by melting or dissolving, must mix with a liquid, for example a soup or a sauce, contained in a container to a considerable depth. In all cases, be it a cooling block or a block for culinary preparations or for other uses, this block is immersed in a volume of liquid having a depth which is a multiple of the maximum dimension of the block of solid material, and that can exceed five times this dimension. The density of the block of solid material is in general different from that of the liquid receiving this block. When the density of the block of solid material is lower than that of the liquid, which is the case of a cube of iced water placed in a drink, the block floats on the surface of the liquid so that the lower layers of the liquid do not are not in direct contact with the block of solid material and are cooled more slowly. On the other hand, if the density of the block of solid material is greater than that of the liquid, this block will fall to the bottom of the container and the contact with the upper layers of liquid will not be well assured. The same applies to a block of material for cooking or other applications. The invention aims, above all, to avoid the disadvantages mentioned above, with a device that facilitates contact between the block of solid material and the layers of a liquid located at different levels in a container. The invention also aims to improve the handling of blocks of solid material and, in the case of frozen blocks of materials, to make more convivial and festive the moment of tasting beverages requiring refrigeration. It is further desirable that the device is of a reduced cost, while being easy to implement. According to the invention, a device for facilitating contact between a block of solid material and the different layers of a liquid contained in a container is characterized in that it comprises a means for holding the block of solid material provided at one end. a handle whose other end is intended to be gripped by an operator or a consumer, for stirring the block of material in the liquid, at different depths, the holding means being provided for a removable installation of the block. The ease of disassembly of the block relative to the holding means makes it possible to wash the different elements separately and to repackage or place only the blocks in the refrigerator or in the freezer. The length of the handle is generally greater than the depth of the container into which the liquid is poured. This length can be of the order of 20 cm. The holding means may be constituted by a kind of gripper having at least one curved claw for gripping the block of solid material. Preferably, the bent claw or claws are flexible and can be spaced apart to insert the block of material, or to disengage it. The claws can be made of injected plastic or a metal, especially stainless steel or other material.

The handle may be constituted by a rod integral with the holding means. The stem can be hollow to ensure a function of straw and allow to suck the liquid. The handle and / or the end of this handle remote from the holding means may comprise ranges for advertising or other inscriptions, printed, etched, or molded directly in the mass during manufacture. The handle can be made in the form of a chain. The end of the handle opposite to the holding means may comprise a hooking means at the edge of the container, in particular at the edge of a glass. Advantageously, at least one claw of the holding means comprises a lug protruding inwards, adapted to cooperate with a blind hole provided in the block of solid material. Preferably, two opposing claws of the holding means each comprise a lug projecting radially inwards toward the other lug. The block of solid material may have a substantially spherical shape with two diametrically opposed blind holes, or a substantially cubic shape with two blind holes provided in the middle of two opposite faces, or on opposite diagonal edges. The holding means may be constituted by a rectangular or circular frame having opposed lugs protruding inwardly. The holding means may be in the form of a semicircle with one end having a radially protruding lug inwardly, or a rectangle or square shape open on one side, or angled, with lugs protruding at each end of the opening. The block of material then comprises two opposite blind holes adapted to cooperate with the lugs of the claw. The handle of the device may consist of a straw system of adjustable length. The block may consist of an open or closed container. The invention also relates to the assembly of a device as defined above and a block of material, characterized in that the block of material is retained by the holding means. When the holding means comprises at least one lug on a claw, the block of material comprises at least one blind hole adapted to cooperate with a lug of a claw of the holding means. The invention also relates to a mold for producing blocks of solid material having at least one blind hole to be retained by a device as defined above, characterized in that it comprises a base in which there are provided compartments each corresponding to a block of material with, for each compartment, at least one lug in the bottom part and / or under a lid to close the mold.

The mold may be used for material to be frozen, such as water, or for hot material which solidifies on cooling, caramel type, or for any other liquid material which is able to solidify or coagulate under the effect of an agent such as cold or at least one additive. The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, in a certain number of other arrangements which will be more explicitly discussed below with regard to embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but which are not in no way limiting. In these drawings: 1 is a schematic view of a block of rock maintained by a device according to the invention, and immersed in a drink contained in a glass. Fig. 2 is a schematic elevational view of a variant of the device with a chain. Fig. 3 is an elevational view of another variant of the device with hollow stem forming suction straw, and claws in an arc. Fig. 4 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 1, with a variant of a chain device. Fig. 5 is a schematic elevational view of a device with substantially semicircular claw having at its ends two pins protruding inwardly, the claw being attached to a handle rod. Figs. 6 to 9 show alternative embodiments of open claws with two opposite lugs. Fig. 10 shows a device in which the holding means is in a rectangular or square frame having, at mid-length of its long sides, two opposite lugs protruding inwardly. Fig. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of FIG. 10 with circular closed contour holding means and diametrically opposed lugs, aligned at right angles to the rod.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a cubic solid block held by a device according to FIG. 10. Fig. 13 illustrates a variant in which the claw has the shape of a C, one end has a lug protruding inwardly.

Fig. 14 shows a variant of the device of FIG. 13 for a cubic block that the claw substantially surrounds two sides and a half, with a lug located substantially mid-length of one side. Fig. 15 illustrates a variant according to which the claw in the form of a semicircle comprises at each end a lug radially projecting inwards, one of the lugs extending the handle rod. Fig. 16 illustrates a variant in which the claw has the shape of an angle whose one end is integral with the handle rod, this rod being extended by a lug, the other end of the claw having a lug facing each other. from the first.

Fig. 17 is a schematic vertical cross sectional view of a mold for making blocks of solid material with blind holes. Fig. 18 is a top view of the mold base of FIG. 17. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a block of solid material obtained with the mold of FIG. 17 and 18.

Fig. 20 is a vertical section of a glass in which is placed an open hollow block, containing cooled beads or balls, or crystals, and held by a device with hollow rod or sliding straw. Fig.21 is a partial section, on a larger scale of the lower end of the hollow stem, in a different position relative to the block, and Fig.22 is a partial section, similar to Fig.21, showing the lower end hollow rod engaged in the block. Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, we can see a device D to facilitate contact between a block B of solid material and the different layers of different levels, a liquid L contained in a container. According to the example of FIG. 1, the liquid L is a drink to consume, while the container is constituted by a relatively deep glass 1, for example about ten centimeters in height. Block B of solid material may consist of a block of rock or stone 2, of substantially cubic shape, or more generally parallelepiped, or of substantially spherical shape, intended to be cooled in a freezer to then be introduced into the liquid L to refresh it. A rock block 2 generally has a higher density than the liquid L so that it has a tendency to fall to the bottom of the glass 1. Such a block 2 does not dissolve or melt in the liquid L of which it does not does not change the composition, but simply intervenes on the temperature. Alternatively, the block B may consist of an ice cube (frozen water block) whose density is lower than that of the liquid L. In this case, the ice cube floats on the liquid L but is not in contact with the lower layers of the volume contained in the glass 1. The device D comprises a holding means 3 of the block B, removably, and is integral with an end of a handle M consisting, according to FIG. 1, by a rod 4 provided at its other end with a gripping means 5 facilitating the grasping of the device by a consumer. The holding means 3 is in the form of a sort of grapple, composed of curved claws 6 distributed around the rod 4, suitable for gripping the block B. According to the example of FIG. 1, the holding means 3 comprises four claws offset by about 90 ° about the longitudinal axis of the rod 4. The claws 6 are flexible and can be discarded for the insertion of the block B between them, or for its release . The end 6a of the claws 6 remote from the rod 4 is bent inwards to come below the lower face of the block B and hold it positively.

The device D allows the consumer to communicate to the block B a movement from top to bottom and vice versa in the liquid L, which promotes the contact between the block B and the different layers of liquid L and allows a rapid homogenization of the temperature in the glass 1. In addition, the operator can shake and stir the liquid L.

In the absence of the device D, the consumer should be content to leave a denser block B at the bottom of the glass 1, while an ice cube would remain on the surface. The claws 6 are advantageously made of injected plastic material and may be in one piece with the rod 4 also injected plastic material. Alternatively, the claws 6 may be made of stainless steel, or other food grade materials. The rod 4 may include at least one plate 7 on the side or on the stem, for inscriptions, including advertising. Similarly inscriptions are possible on the gripping means 5.

In order to grasp a cubic or parallelepipedic block B, the claws 6 have an angular contour with a portion extending radially from the rod 4, to form a sort of open umbrella extended by a portion substantially parallel to the rod 4 and whose end 6a is bent inwards. According to the example of FIG. 1, where the liquid L is a beverage, the block B is provided to ensure a cooling effect of the liquid L. Other applications are possible, according to which the block B is intended to heat, instead of cooling, a liquid, or according to which the block B is a block of a material which gradually disperses or dissolves in the liquid L, in particular for a culinary preparation such as a soup or a sauce contained in a container of a certain depth. In all cases, it is desirable that the rod 4 has a length at least equal and preferably greater than the depth of the liquid L, a length of at least ten centimeters and preferably about 20cm. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the rod 4 may be hollow, that is to say have an internal longitudinal channel 4b opening towards the upper end through an orifice 4c, and opening through an orifice 4d towards its lower end. in the vicinity of the holding means 3, in particular in the vicinity of the junction with the holding means 3. This lower end of the rod 4 is immersed in the liquid that can be sucked from the upper end of the rod 4, which ensures then the extra function of straw. The sucked liquid rushes to the block 2, and is thus refrigerated or mixed with the material according to the constitution of the latter. The material of the block 2 is maintained near the orifice where the liquid is sucked through the device D. The liquid is in close contact with the material during its acceleration in the passage between the block 2 of material and the lower orifice 4d of the hollow rod 4 acting like a straw. The liquid is all the better refrigerated or mixed when it arrives at the upper end of the straw and its entry into the mouth of the person who sucks. Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the device D with a holding means 3 similar to that of FIG. 1 but linked to a handle M consisting of a chain 8 provided at its end remote from the means 3 of a hook 9 for attachment to the edge of a container, in particular the edge of a glass as shown in FIG. 4. Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 1 according to which the claws 6.3 are in the form of arcuate concave curves inward, in particular in the form of arcs to surround a substantially spherical block such as the block 2.4 shown in FIG. 4. The claws 6.3 are connected to the hollow rod 4. The holding means 3, according to FIG. 3, has four claws 6.3 spaced approximately 90 °, but it could include a greater or smaller number, including three claws or branches spaced 120 °, like for the holding means 3 of Fig.1 and 2. Fig . 4 illustrates a variant of the device D of FIG. 3, according to which the claws 6.3, similar to those of FIG. 3, are connected to a chain 8 provided with a hook 9 which can be hooked, as shown in FIG. 4, at the edge of the glass 1.4. The spherical block 2.4 of a material denser than water, including a block of rock, is maintained by the claws 6.3. The consumer, by grasping the upper end of the chain 8, can move from bottom to top, and vice versa, the block 2.4 in the liquid L to promote contact and heat exchange between the different levels of the liquid L. FIG. 5 shows another variant embodiment of the device D according to which the holding means 3 consists of two claws 6.5a and 6.5b situated in the same plane and in the extension of one another to form a curve arc in FIG. C provided at each of its ends, a lug 10a, 10b projecting radially inwardly. The rod 4 is in the plane of the curve formed by the claws 6.5a, 6.5b to which it is linked to the junction of the claws. According to the example of FIG. 5, the claw 6.5a is longer than the claw 6.5b so that the line through the lugs 10a and 10b forms with the rod 4 an angle less than 90 °. Alternatively, the claws 6.5a, 6.5b could have the same length, in which case the angle would be equal to 90 °. A substantially spherical block 2.5 of solid material intended to be retained by the claws 6.5a, 6.5b comprises at least two blind holes 11a, 11b adapted to receive the lugs 10a, 10b. Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 5 that the rod 4 is replaced by a chain 8 provided at its end remote from the claws 6.5a, 6.5b, a hook 9. The claws and the pins are similar to those of FIG. 5. Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the device D of FIG. 5 for maintaining a cubic block 2.7 of solid material. A single claw 6.7 is provided in the form of a rectangle with a large side has been removed, which receives in its concavity substantially half of the block 2.7. The rod 4 is located in the plane of the claw 6.7 which has, at its end remote from the rod 4, a lug 10c inwardly projecting, while at its other end integral with the rod 4, the claw 6.7 has a lug 10d substantially in the extension of the rod 4. FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 7 that the rod 4 is replaced by a chain 8 with hook 9 and the connection between the claw 6.8 and the chain 8 is in the middle of the long side of the claw 6.8 constituting a kind of portal with two small branches at right angles to ends of the long side. Pins 10e, 10f projecting inwardly and in alignment with each other are provided at the ends of the small branches of the claw 6.8 to cooperate with blind holes provided in the block of solid material to be grasped. Fig. 9 illustrates a variant of the device of FIG. 7 according to which the claw 6.9 is in the form of a right angle, one end of which is connected to the rod 4 and the other end of which is at a distance from this rod but in its extension. An inwardly projecting lug 10g is provided at the end of the claw 6.9 remote from the rod 4 while another lug 10h extending the rod 4 is in alignment with the lug 10g. The cubic block 2.9 of solid material has, at the ends of a diagonal, or in the middle of two opposite sides, blind holes 11g, 11h adapted to receive the lugs 10g, 10h. The block is thus maintained in a diagonal direction. Fig. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the device D according to which the holding means 3 comprises a frame 12 with a rectangular or square contour, in the plane of which is the rod 4, one end of which is connected at a point situated in the middle of the sides of the frame 12, in particular the long side as illustrated in FIG. 10. Two lugs 10c, 10d project inward midway along the long sides to allow a block of cubic material to be hung in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 7, this block having blind holes for receiving the lugs. The placement of the block 2.7 in the frame 12 is achieved by elastic deformation of the outline of this frame 12. 12 illustrates, in perspective, the block 2.7 installed in the frame 12 which surrounds the block in a plane located midway between two parallel opposite vertical faces. The blind holes 10c, 10d provided for receiving the lugs have a relatively small depth, of the order of 5 mm. The blocks of cubic or spherical solid material admit sides or a diameter of about 3 to 4 cm. The rod 4 or the chain 8 of the device D may have a length of about 20 cm. Fig. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 10 in which the frame 12a has a circular shape, and the inwardly projecting lugs 10a, 10b are oriented at a diameter orthogonal to the shank 4. The block of solid material 2.5, similar to that of FIG. 5, is substantially spherical and has two diametrically opposed blind holes adapted to receive the lugs 10a, 10b. Fig. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the device D according to which the holding means 3 is formed by a flexible claw 6.13 extending in a circular arc of about 270 ° and one end of which is provided with a radially projecting lug 10a towards the inside. The rod 4 is connected to the claw 6.13 at a point located substantially opposite the lug 10a. The claw extends beyond the rod 4 in an arc of about 90 ° which is a wedge to retain a substantially spherical block 2.13 having a blind hole to receive the lug 10a. The rod 4, located in the plane of the claw 6.13, is inclined at an angle 13 relative to the diameter passing through the lug 10a. The rod 4 comprises on one side a plate 7 and, at its upper end, a gripping means 5 for entering messages, including advertising. Fig. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 13 adapted to a block of solid material 2.14 cubic or parallelepipedic. The claw 6.14 has a contour composed of a right angle whose sides 6.14a, 6.14b come to marry two faces of the block 2.14. The rod 4 is linked to the side 6.14a. The side 6.14b, at its end remote from the rod 4, is connected to a branch 6.14c at right angles whose length is substantially equal to half of one side of the block 2.14. A lug 10a inwardly projecting is provided at the end of this branch 6.14c to be received in a blind hole of the block 2.14. The other side 6.14a of the claw, at its end remote from the side 6.14b, is connected to a right-angle segment 6.14d applying against the adjacent face of the block 2.14 and constituting a blocking wedge of this block. The device D may be made of plastic or stainless steel or other food grade material. The flexibility of the substance constituting the device allows to separate the claws 6 of the holding means 3, to slide between the claws, or between a lug and a wedge, or between two lugs, the block of material that one wishes to use , with engagement of the lug or lugs in the corresponding blind holes.

The holding means 3, the "wedge" portion of the holding means, as well as the material used may have any suitable shape and geometric pattern. In the case of a block obtained from a solidified liquid material, in particular ice-cold, molds as described below with reference to FIGS. 17-19 are provided for shaping the desired geometric shapes with blind holes for receiving the lugs. Fig. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 13 according to which the claw 6.15 extends from the rod 4 substantially in a semicircle whose diameter is in the extension of the rod 4. A lug 10a inwardly projecting radially is provided at the end of the claw 6.15 remote from the rod 4 and another lug 10b radially projecting is provided in the extension of the rod 4, diametrically opposite the lug 10a. The block of solid material 2.15, of spherical shape, has two diametrically opposed blind holes, provided to receive the lugs 10a, 10b. Fig. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 15 in that the claw 6.16 has the shape of an acute angle of about 60 °, the end of which, on one side, is connected to the rod 4 and forms with the latter an angle of about 120 ° so that the end of the other side of the angle is in the extension of the rod 4. An inwardly projecting lug 10a is provided at this other end, aligned with another lug 10b which extends the rod 4. The block of solid material 2.16 has a prismatic shape with a cross section at an angle of about 60 ° with two blind holes, on faces of this block 2.16, conjugates of the lugs 10a, 10b. The claw 6.16 fits a portion of the cross section of the block 2.16, the lugs being engaged, by elastic deformation of the claw, in the blind holes of the block 2.16. Fig. 17 is a schematic vertical section of a mold 13 for producing blocks of solid material such as 2.7 of FIG. 7, 10 and FIG. 19, 20 having blind holes 11c, 11d in the center of two opposite faces of the cubic block. The mold 13 comprises a base 14 in which are provided upwardly open compartments 15 each constituting an individual mold for a block 2.7. The compartments 15 comprise, in the center of their bottom wall, a lug 16 projecting upwards, the imprint of which will determine a blind hole 11c. The mold 13 further comprises a cover 17, which can be hinged, in particular by a film hinge, on an edge of the base 14. The cover 17 has on its inner face lugs 18 projecting clean to come opposite the lugs 16 when the cover 17 is correctly positioned on the base 14. The imprint of the lugs 18 in the material of the block allows the formation of the blind holes 11d. The mold 13 makes it possible to produce blocks of solidified material, in particular frozen, in the form of cubes. Of course, the compartments 15 could have different shapes of the cubic shape shown in the drawings, with lugs arranged differently as needed. The mold 13 can also be used to make blocks of solidified or coagulated material from a liquid, other than water, poured into the compartments 15 and whose solidification or coagulation is ensured by a drop in temperature or by addition. of an ingredient. In the case where the blocks 2.7 consist of ice or frozen material, their preparation is as follows. The water or the liquid material to be frozen is poured into the compartments 15 of the base 14 of the mold. The mold is closed by placing the lid 17 and is installed in a freezer. Once frozen, the material is extracted from the mold in the form of blocks 2.7 having two blind holes 11c, 11d in the middle of opposite faces, to be grasped by a device D according to the invention with claws 6.7 10 and lugs 10c, 10d. Referring to Fig.20 to 22, there can be seen a variant according to which the block B is formed by a hollow container 19, rectangular parallelepiped shape, or cubic, but whose shape may be different, in particular spherical or cylindrical. The container 19 may be made of plastic, or metal, particularly stainless steel. An opening 19a is provided in the upper part of the container 19 to allow filling with elements 20, including elements cooled by immersion in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196 ° C, in the form of beads, beads, crystals. The material of the elements 20 may be formed of one or more components of a beverage. The holding means 3 of the block B or container 19 is in the form of a frame 12.1, similar to that of Fig.10, with at least two lugs 10a, 10b respectively on its two vertical sides, and if necessary a lug 10g in the middle of its lower side. The outer surface of the container 19 has recessed areas, or blind holes 25 corresponding to the lugs for receiving them. The frame 12 is connected, in the middle of its upper side, to a hollow outer rod 4.1 in which can slide an inner tube 4.2 used as straw to suck the liquid. The length of the tube 4.2 is greater than that of the rod 4.1, so that the tube 4.2 leaves the rod 4.1 at both ends. The tube 4.2 is provided at each of its ends, on its outer surface, with a frustoconical flange whose small base is turned towards the outside and whose large base has a diameter greater than the internal diameter of the stem 4.1 so that the tube 4.2 can not escape from the rod 4.1. When the tube 4.2 is made of plastic material, it can be forcibly engaged in the rod 4.1, with elastic deformation of the lower flange. In the case where the tube 4.2 would be metallic, the lower part provided with the collar would be removable, in particular by screwing. The entire hollow rod 4.1 and tube 4.2 is a straw system of adjustable length. By dipping and moving the block B containing the elements 20 in particular in a drink L, it is possible, depending on the mode and the speed of movement, to obtain a diffusion and a different effect each time resulting in a playful and festive side.

Example: Vodka is mixed with a K1 appetizer in a container where liquid nitrogen is added. Ice crystals are thus formed. These crystals are inserted into the opening 19a situated at the top of the container 19. The container 19 is immersed, with the aid of the holding means 3, in a glass 1 containing a mixed drink K 2, and thus obtaining a specific cocktail. In the case where the holding means 3 also serves as straw, according to the variant of Fig.20 to 22, the opening 19a of the block 3 being located near the lower end of the straw, the person enjoying the drink can depending on the suction and movement of the device inside the container, more or less strongly mix the material, frozen by liquid nitrogen at -196 ° C, to the drink and thus modulate the sensations obtained. This system may be suitable for tasting products including those from molecular cuisine. Crystals obtained from liquid nitrogen, or aromatic beads which may be alginate beads or agar beads, are inserted into the container 19 / block B. The block is then attached to the holding means. 3 of the device D. The lower part of the device D is immersed in a container containing a liquid. When the tube 4.2 is in the up position, as illustrated in Fig.21, its lower end is remote from the opening 19a of the block in which the crystals or the balls are. In this case, during aspiration by the upper part of the tube 4.2, the contents of the block B are not attracted and only the liquid contained in the container is sucked. When the tube 4.2 is in the middle position, according to Fig.20, with respect to the outer rod 4.1, its lower end is close to the opening 19a and therefore the contents of the block B. In this case, during a suction , the content of block B is partially sucked. This content of the block is mixed with the contents of the container 1 during the suction phase. When the tube 4.2 is in the lower position, according to Fig.21, its lower end is inside the block B. In this case the contents of the block is sucked in priority with respect to the contents of the container.

The modularity of the mixing is based on the suction speed and the height adjustment of the tube 4.2 with respect to the stem 4.1. The device D according to the invention thus makes it possible to set up, in the holding means 3, a block B of solid material which can be constituted by a small open container 19 according to FIG. 20, or closed, containing any solid material, liquid or gaseous, eutectic, water, or food for molecular cooking. Block B, whether its density is greater or less than that of the liquid in which it is immersed, can be moved up and down to facilitate contact with the different layers of the liquid.

The device D is a mixer for drinks, or for culinary preparations, and can convey information on the plates 7 of the handle, including advertising. The device D of the invention, for the consumption of drinks, can constitute an unusual object creating a festive atmosphere.

Such a device is also a useful object in the case of culinary preparations.

Claims (17)

REVENDICATIONS1. Device for facilitating the contact between a block of solid material and the different layers of a liquid contained in a container, characterized in that it comprises a means (3) for holding the block (B) of solid material, provided at a end of a handle (M) whose other end (5) is intended to be grasped by an operator or a consumer, for stirring the block of material (B) in the liquid at different depths, the holding means being provided for releasably positioning the block. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding means (3) is constituted by a kind of grapple having at least one curved claw (6, 6.3, 6.5, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9) to grip the block ( B) solid material. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the curved claw (s) (6, 6.3, 6.5, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9) are flexible and can be spaced apart to insert the block of material, or to disengage it. 4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the claws are made of injected plastic material or a metal, in particular stainless steel. 5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (M) is constituted by a rod (4) integral with the holding means (3). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the rod (4) is hollow with a channel (4b) opening through at least one orifice (4c, 4d) to each end to provide a straw function and allow to suck the liquid. 7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (M) and / or the end (5) of the handle remote from the holding means (3) comprise ranges for advertising or other inscriptions, printed, engraved, or molded directly into the mass during manufacture. 8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the handle (M) is formed as a chain (8). 9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that. the end of the handle opposite the holding means 5 may comprise a hooking means at the edge of the container, in particular at the edge of a glass. 10. Device according to any one of claims 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one claw (6.5a, 6.5b, 6.7,6.8,6.9) of the holding means 10 comprises a lug (10a, 10b 10c, 10f, 10e, 10g, 10h) projecting inwardly, adapted to cooperate with a blind hole (11a, 11b, 11g, 11h) provided in the block of solid material. 11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the holding means is constituted by a rectangular frame (12) or circular (12a) having opposite lugs (10c, 10d; 10a, 10b). projecting inwards. 12. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding means (3) is in the form of a semicircle (6.5a, 6.15), one end of which has a radially projecting lug inwards, or a rectangular shape (6.8) or square shape open on one side (6.14), or in the form of an angle (6.9.6.16), with protruding lugs at each end of the opening. 25 13. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the handle (M) consists of a straw system (4.1, 4.2) of adjustable length. 14. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the block (B) consists of an open container (19) or closed. 30 15. An assembly of a device according to any one of the preceding claims and a block of material (B), characterized in that the block of material (B) is retained by the holding means (3). 35 16. The assembly of claim 15 with a device according to claim 10, characterized in that the block of material (B) comprises at least one blind hole (11a, 11b) adapted to cooperate with a lug (10a, 10b) d a claw (6.5a, 6.5b) of the holding means (3). 17. Mold for producing blocks of solid material having at least one blind hole to be retained by a device according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a base (14) in which there are provided compartments (15) corresponding to each a block of material with, for each compartment, at least one lug (16,18) in the bottom portion and / or under a cover (17) adapted to close the mold.