CONTAINER FOR MIXING AND DRINKING A BEVERAGE

Abstract

The invention concerns a device (1) for mixing, storing and drinking a beverage comprising:a container body (2),a mixing device (23) positioned within the container body,a removable lid (3) comprising: at least two openings, one first opening (31) being configured as a beverage outlet, and one second opening (32) being configured as an air port, said second opening being positioned distant from the edge of the lid, a first member (41) configured for closing or opening the first opening (31) and movable between a first closing position and a second opening position, a second member (41) configured for closing or opening the second opening (32) and movable between a first closing position and a second opening position.

Claims

1. Device for mixing, storing and drinking a beverage comprising: a container body, comprising a floor and a sidewall extending upwardly and longitudinally from the floor to an upper edge; a mixing device positioned within the container body; a removable lid configured for cooperating with the upper edge of the container body and closing the container; the lid comprising: at least two openings, a first opening being configured as a beverage outlet, and, the first opening being close to the edge of the lid, and a second opening being configured as an air port, the second opening being distant from the edge of the lid, a first member configured for closing or opening the first opening and movable between a first closing position and a second opening position, and a second member configured for closing or opening the second opening and movable between a first closing position and a second opening position.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a heating device.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the mixing device is configured for rotating around the longitudinal axis of the container body.

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein, when the first member is in the first closing position of the first member, the second member is freely movable between the first position of the second member and the second position of the second member

5. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second opening is positioned at a distance closer to the center of the lid than the first opening.

6. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second opening is close to the center of the lid.

7. Device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the movable members is pivotally mounted on the lid.

8. Device according to claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a third opening, the third opening being configured as an air port and the third opening being positioned so that the first member closes or opens the third first opening when the first member is moved to the first closing position of the first member or to the second opening position of said first member respectively.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the first movable member comprises a plug adapted to locate in the third opening of the lid when the first member is in the first closing position of the first member.

10. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second members are configured so that the movements of the first and the second members are independent from one another.

11. Device according to claim 1, wherein: each of the first and the second members is pivotally mounted on the lid, and the second member is centered on the top of the lid; the first member surrounds the second member; and the lid comprises a third opening configured as an air port and positioned under the first member; and the first and the second members are movable independently on each other.

12. Device according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the second member to the second opening position of the second member induces the movement of the first member to the second opening position of the first member.

13. Device according to claim 12, wherein: each of the first and second members is pivotally attached to the upper surface of the lid; and the second member partially leans on the first member so that, when the first member is moved to the second opening position of the first member, the first member simultaneously moves the second member to the second opening position of the second member.

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein: each of the first and the second members is pivotally mounted on the lid; the second member is centered on the top of the lid; the first member surrounds the second member at least partially; and a part of the bottom surface of the second member leans on a part of the upper surface of the first member.

15. Device according to claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a safety pressure valve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood in relation to the following figures:

[0075] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention,

[0076] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container body of the device of FIG. 1,

[0077] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lid of the device of FIG. 1,

[0078] FIG. 4 is a top view of the container body of FIG. 2,

[0079] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the lid of the device of FIG. 1,

[0080] FIG. 6 is a top view of the lid of the device of FIG. 1,

[0081] FIG. 7 is an isolated view of the second member of the lid of the device of FIG. 1,

[0082] FIG. 8 is an isolated view of the first member of the lid of the device of FIG. 1,

[0083] FIG. 9 is a view of the upper surface of the lid from which the first and second members have been removed,

[0084] FIG. 10 is a view of the lid of the device of FIG. 1 in a drinking state operation,

[0085] FIG. 11 is a view of the lid of the device of FIG. 1 in a mixing state operation,

[0086] FIG. 12 is a view of the lid of the device of FIG. 1 illustrating both levers in their opening state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] FIG. 1 illustrates a device 1 according to the invention. The device is configured for preparing a beverage and storing this beverage. The device is configured for being transported in order to enable the consumer to drink on the go while travelling.

[0088] The device comprises a container body 2 to store the beverage. Generally this container body is made of an insulated material in order to keep the beverage at the desired temperature. Usually, the device is non disposable.

[0089] The device comprises a lid 3 to close the container body 2. This lid closes the device and is configured for enabling the consumer to drink therethrough. Accordingly the lid comprises an opening for drinking. In FIG. 1, this opening is closed by a movable member 41.

[0090] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 the container body 2 presents at its upper edge 221 means 222 for attaching the lid 3 to said edge and the lid 3 comprises corresponding cooperating attaching means 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooperating attaching means are bulges 222 and tracks 34. Yet any other current attaching means can be used like screwing means or snap fitting means.

[0091] FIG. 2 shows how the container extends upwardly and longitudinally along an axis XX.

[0092] FIG. 4 illustrates the inside of the container body. At the bottom, the container body 2 comprises a floor 21. The sidewall 22 extends therefrom upwardly and longitudinally to the upper edge 221.

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the device 1 comprises a mixing device 23 within the container body 2. Preferably, and as illustrated, the mixing device 23 is positioned at or close to the floor 21 of the container body. Generally, the mixing device is rotated around the longitudinal axis XX of the container body. As a result, during rotation, beverage rotates in the container body and swirls along the sidewall 22 of the container body. Depending on the volume of beverage and the speed of rotation, the swirl can reach the upper edge 221 of the container body.

[0094] The mixing device can be a whisk, a whipper, a stirrer or any other device known for agitating a beverage. The mixing device can be directly attached to the shaft of a rotating motor extending through the floor 21 of the container body. In the preferred embodiment, the device 1 can comprise magnetic drive means positioned under the floor 21 to impart a drive to the mixing device located in the container body without mechanical connection member intruding through the floor 21. A simple positioning element can raise from the floor to position the mixing element in relation to the magnetic field.

[0095] In the preferred embodiment, the device 1 comprises magnetic drive means providing indirect coupling with the mixing device. The drive means comprises a motor positioned under the floor and actuating the rotation a shaft. The shaft extends along the longitudinal axis XX. The end of the shaft comprises two elements made of ferro-magnetic material. As a result, the rotation of the shaft induces a rotary magnetic field. The mixing device 23 comprises two elements made of ferro-magnetic material. These elements are slaved to the magnetic field induced by the rotation of the shaft.

[0096] Generally, the device 1 comprises at least one actuating button (not represented) to initiate the beverage preparation. Preferably the device 1 comprises a heating device for heating the beverage hold in the container body. This heating device can be positioned under the floor 21 of the container body, yet the heating device can also be positioned in a part of the sidewall 22 of the container body.

[0097] According to a less preferred embodiment, the device can be deprived of heating device. Hot water or other hot liquid can be previously heated, for example with a kettle, before being introduced in the device for beverage preparation. This preparation can generate vapor and steam in the device too.

[0098] Generally, the motor for actuating the mixing device, the heating device, the battery for supplying these devices with energy are positioned under the floor of the container body at the bottom of the device. In an alternative embodiment, some of these features, in particular the motor, can be comprised in a docking station. The device is able to cooperate with the this docking station during beverage preparation.

[0099] FIGS. 5 and 6 are respectively bottom and top views of the lid 3 of the device.

[0100] The lower and internal side of the lid illustrated in FIG. 5 shows different openings in the lid. These openings traverses the lid and enable the passage of fluids therethrough.

[0101] A first opening 31 is the beverage outlet enabling the passage of beverage out of the device when the consumer drinks the beverage. It is preferably positioned on the lateral side of the lid so that the consumer can sip the beverage when the device is inclined and the user puts his/her lip on the lateral edge of the lid. For example, at the upper and external side of the lid, this first opening can be positioned so that its edge closest to the edge of the lid is at a distance of less than 2 cm, even more preferably less than 1 cm, from the edge of the lid. The surface of this opening is sufficiently large to enable drinking, for example this surface can be of about 80 mm.sup.2.

[0102] A second opening 32 is an air port or vent hole. It is configured for releasing gasusually steamthat can be produced during the beverage preparation. It is positioned far from the edge of the lid. As a result, compared to the first opening 31, it is positioned at a distance closer to the centre of the lid. It is preferably close to or in the area of the centre of the lid. Most preferably, it is positioned at the centre of the lid. Indeed, since during beverage preparation, the mixing device creates a swirl of beverage along the lateral side wall of the container body, this opening shall be far from the lateral edge of the lid to avoid that beverage passes therethrough which would dirty the external side of the lid. The precise position of the second opening can depend on the specific cross section of the container body and on the shape of the swirl generated by the specific mixing device present in the device. The surface of this opening is rather small since it is configured for the passage of gases only like air, steam or vapour. The surface of this second opening is usually smaller than the surface of this first opening. For example, the surface of the second opening can be of about 5 mm.sup.2.

[0103] A third illustrated opening 33 is an air port. It is configured for letting air flow in the container body while the consumer drinks beverage from the first opening 31. Drinking is facilitated. This port can present the same size as the second opening.

[0104] Lastly, the lid comprises a pressure relief valve 5. This valve aims to release pressure in case the second opening 32 remains closed due to the presence of residues or by inadvertence of the consumer.

[0105] At its upper and external side illustrated in FIG. 6, the lid comprises a first member 41 configured for closing or opening the first opening 31. This member is a plate movable between two positions: here it is represented in first closing position. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first member simultaneously closes the first opening 31 by means of a plug 411 and the third opening 33 by means of another plug 412.

[0106] At its upper and external side illustrated in FIG. 6, the lid comprises a second member 42 configured for closing or opening the second opening 32. This member is a plate movable between two positions: here it is represented in its first closing position. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second member closes the second opening 32 by means of a plug 421.

[0107] In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lid 3 enables the consumer to travel with the device without any risk of beverage leaking from any of the openings of the lid.

[0108] FIG. 7 is an isolated view of the second member 42. From the lower surface of the plate extends a plug 421 positioned so as to be able to slide inside the second opening 32 of the lid and hermetically close it. The plate is hingely attached to the external surface of the lid: it comprises two pins 422a, 422b designed to cooperate with two holes 34a, 34b provided in the upper surface of the lid as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0109] FIG. 8 is an isolated view of the first member 41. From the lower surface of the plate 41 extends a plug 411 positioned so as to be able to slide inside the first opening 31 of the lid and hermetically close it. The plate is hingely attached to the external surface of the lid. It comprises two pins 413a, 413b designed to cooperate with corresponding holes 35a, 35b provided in the upper surface of the lid as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0110] From the lower surface of the plate 41 extends another plug 412 positioned so as to be able to slide inside the third opening 33 of the lid and hermetically close it.

[0111] FIG. 10 is a view of the lid in a drinking state operation: the consumer has pushed up the first member 41 in order to open the beverage outlet. The first member 41 is positioned in its second opening position and as a result: [0112] the first opening 31 corresponding to the beverage outlet is opened, and [0113] the third opening 33 enabling the introduction of air during drinking is opened too.

[0114] The second position of the first member 41 is configured so as to not hamper the customer during drinking. Indeed, the first member 41 rotates by about 180 so as to extend along the surface of the lid in its second opening position.

[0115] In this drinking state operation, the second member 42 is preferably positioned in its first closing position. It can be noticed that the second member can be positioned in its second opening position without impacting the drinking operation, as illustrated in FIG. 12. Yet depending on the orientation of the second member 42 in its opening position, this member may hamper the consumer during drinking.

[0116] FIG. 11 is a view of the lid in a beverage preparation state operation. The consumer has positioned the first member in its first closing position and as result the first opening designing the beverage outlet is closed. The third opening 33 is closed by the first member too.

[0117] The consumer has also pushed up the second member 42: the second member 42 is positioned in its second opening position and, as a result, the second opening 32 corresponding to an air port through the lid between the container body and the atmosphere is opened.

[0118] In this beverage preparation state operation, the beverage can be mixed without any risk that pressure raises in the container body. In addition, the risk that beverage overflows through the second opening is limited because the swirl of beverage usually reaches the lateral side of the lid only

[0119] Simultaneously, this air port enables the presence of air in the device during mixing and the ability to froth the beverage during mixing.

[0120] The device of the present invention presents the advantage of enabling beverage preparation, travelling and drinking in safe conditions, in particular avoiding aby beverage leaking.

[0121] Although the invention has been described with reference to the above illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not limited in any way by these illustrated embodiments.

[0122] Variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred in this specification.

[0123] As used in this specification, the words comprises, comprising, and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean including, but not limited to.

LIST OF REFERENCES IN THE DRAWINGS

[0124] device 1

[0125] container body 2

[0126] floor 21

[0127] sidewall 22

[0128] upper edge 221

[0129] bulge 222

[0130] mixing device 23

[0131] lid 3

[0132] first opening 31

[0133] second opening 32

[0134] third opening 33

[0135] track 34

[0136] hole 35a, 35b, 36a, 36b

[0137] first member 41

[0138] plug 411, 412

[0139] pin 413a, 413b

[0140] second member 42

[0141] plug 421

[0142] pin 422a, 422b

[0143] pressure relief valve 5