US20160347538A1

US20160347538A1 - Cup with a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup

Info

Publication number: US20160347538A1
Application number: US14/722,213
Authority: US
Inventors: Nikola Trajanov
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-05-27
Filing date: 2015-05-27
Publication date: 2016-12-01

Abstract

A cup or a stack of cups with improved handling wherein the cup includes a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup, comprising a receiving container which is arranged in the bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent, which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to cups and more particularly to cups with a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a wide variety of tea and coffee products which can be used for preparing a liquid in a cup. Nevertheless, most of these products comprise several disadvantages like losing flavor quite fast, being unhygienic and/or comprising a difficult handling, e.g. have to be uncovered before operation.
Thus, there is a desire for a cup with an economic cup inset comprising an improved handling and being advantageously hygienically.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a cup with a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup, comprising a receiving container which is arranged in a bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent, which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup, wherein the receiving container forms at least one lower standing region of the cup. In the present case the receiving container defines a bottom-near region of the cup and is embodied at least partly in one piece with the cup. In addition, the receiving container is at least partially formed and/or limited by the cup and is preferably a shell of the cup and/or a bottom of the cup. More preferably, the receiving container is limited by the shell of the cup on all sides and by that extends over the whole bottom region of the cup. Moreover, in the present case the cup is preferably formed as a plastic cup and more preferably as a stack of several cups or plastic cups.
Preferably, the cups are produced as bulk goods. This is why the cups all have a shell, whose wall thickness is more or less the same over the complete height of the cup. An interior surface of the shell substantially follows the course of an exterior surface of the shell, i.e. the interior surface extends substantially parallel to the exterior surface. This is why these cups are stackable into each other. Where the exterior surface has a concave exterior shape, the interior surface comprises a corresponding convex interior shape. Hence, it can be ensured that the upper cup establishes a tight connection with the lower cup when they are stacked into each other. Moreover, during the stacking, the cups are firmly locked into each other.
According to the first aspect of the invention, a stack of several cups is delivered ready for use. Each cup of the stack comprises a barrier layer that closes the receiving container and thus defines an underlying bottom-near region. In this bottom-near region and/or receiving container of each cup a preparing agent is located which, after filling of a liquid, interacts with it.
A cup of the stack has only to be removed and to be filled with a liquid. Depending on the embodiment, the filling can be effected without removing the barrier layer (e.g. when the barrier layer is formed as a filter paper) or after the barrier layer has been removed.
Moreover, the cups can be marked or labeled otherwise in order to give a note regarding its content. Different tea types can be made distinguishable for example by a colored marking.
In case there is an opening element like an extension that enables an opening and/or a removal of the barrier layer, there also can be a marking or label at the exterior end of the opening element (e.g. some kind of flag or tag as it is the case in known tea bags).
Additionally, by using an opening element with an extension the barrier layer can be removed before, during or after the filling. However, in some cases the barrier layer can also remain in the cup.
Furthermore, when the cups are stacked into each other, it is for certain preparing agents not necessary to separate off respectively to protect those with a barrier layer, as the bottom-near regions and/or the receiving containers are each sealed air-tight by the stacking. Additionally, the topmost cup of the stack can optionally be protected with a lid. When pulling out the respectively bottom-most cup from the rest of the stack, it is ready for use and can be put under a coffee machine for example in order to let hot water run into the cup.
In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a cup with a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup, comprising a receiving container which is arranged and preferably hold in a bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent, which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup, wherein the receiving container is embodied as an inlay that is insertable into the cup and completely removable from the cup. In the present case the receiving container and the cup are embodied separately, whilst the receiving container is preferably located in the cup when filling the liquid into the cup.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a cup inset for preparing a liquid in a cup, comprising a receiving container which is arranged and preferably hold in a bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup.
Generally, the term cup is to be understood as generic term for any drinking vessel as for example a bottle, a mug, a beaker, a tea cup or a coffee cup. Moreover, the term liquid is used in order to describe water, milk, soup, alcohol, juice and other liquids.
The receiving container could be formed in any shape as for example spherical, hemispherical, ellipsoidal, cylindrical or cuboidal as long as it comprises at least one receiving chamber for receiving the preparing agent. Preferably, the receiving container keeps its shape for example as a box or a can and by that distinguishes from an at least substantially flexible element like a tea bag or a pad. In this context, it has to be noted that the receiving container could also comprise more than one receiving chamber as for example at least two or three receiving chambers for different preparing agents.
Further, the term preparing agent involves all media that are drinkable after interaction with a liquid. It can be for example powdery, flake-shaped, granulate shaped, fibrous or leaf-shaped media. However, there can also be other embodiments (such as a thick, hardly flowing mass, e.g. syrup). Examples for preparing agents are all sorts of tea, coffee, cacao, milk powder, soups, sauces and other infusion beverages, -food, -food supplements, -luxury food, -extracts etc. and all products that have been derived from the above mentioned preparing agent. Furthermore, it is also possible that preparing agents are formed as a part of a sport drink (e.g. produced of an isotonic powder) or as medicaments (e.g. thickened cough syrup or tablets). It is also possible that the preparing agent is given as a medium which is volatile, perishable and/or losing its activity when being in contact with air. Moreover, the preparing agent could be some kind of mixture which is merely allowed to react in a liquid.
The term barrier layer describes all sorts of layer elements which close the receiving container and by that prevent the preparing agent from leaving the receiving container. The barrier element can be at least partly permeable to the liquid and/or completely impermeable for any kind of fluid. Preferably, a filter-paper, non-woven, fabric or a knitted-fabric is used as barrier layer. Moreover, a barrier layer of aluminum, plastic (e.g. a foil) or coated paper can be used. It is also possible to use more than one barrier layer for example at least two or three barrier layers which could be located directly adjacent to each other. In the present case it is possible to use one barrier layer which is at least partly permeable to the liquid and one barrier layer which is completely impermeable for any kind of fluid and thus seals the receiving container air-tight. A thickness of the barrier layer is at most 1.5 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, more preferably at most 0.1 mm and most preferably at most 0.05 mm.
Preferably, the holding element is embodied foldable or collapsible, so that the holding element can be folded up or collapsed up. Thereto the holding element comprises at least one bending edge and advantageously at least two bending edges. Thus a required space of the holding element can be reduced, in particular during transport and/or in distribution. Moreover, the holding element can comprise at least one latching means, which restabilizes and/or retightens the holding element in at least one operating state, in particular in an unfolded and/or an opened up state of the holding element. As a result of this a space-saving and easily distributable cup inset can be provided.
These and other features and improvements of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with several drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a schematic sectional view of two known cups that are stacked into each other,

FIG. 1B shows a schematic sectional view of two cups according to the invention that are stacked into each other,

FIG. 2A shows a schematic sectional view of a further cup according to the invention with a slightly concave shape in the lower third,

FIG. 2B shows a schematic view of the cup of FIG. 2A from above,

FIG. 3A shows a schematic sectional view of a further cup according to the invention with a slightly concave shape in the lower third,

FIG. 3B shows a schematic view of the cup of FIG. 3A from above,

FIG. 4A shows a schematic sectional view of a further cup according to the invention with a slightly concave shape in the lower third,

FIG. 4B shows a schematic view of the cup of FIG. 4B from above,

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a cup-shaped application that can be used in a cup according to the invention,

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of several cups according to the invention that are stacked into each other,

FIG. 7A shows a schematic sectional view of a further cup according to the invention,

FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of a cup inset that can be used in a cup according to the invention,

FIG. 7C shows a foldable holding element in an detached state and

FIG. 7D shows a packed cup inset according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements. Moreover, location and direction information are used in order to better describe the invention.
Hereafter, cups 10 are described. According to the invention, cups 10 from different materials can be described. The following embodiments are applicable to cardboard-, carton-, synthetic material-, plastic-, glass-, metal- and ceramic cups.
In FIG. 1A, a schematic sectional view of two known cups 110.1, 110.2 is shown that have a conical shape and are stacked into each other. The stack is designated with the reference sign 200.
FIG. 1B shows, compared to FIG. 1A, a schematic sectional view of two cups 10.1 and 10.2 according to the invention that are stacked into each other. Those cups are built completely concave. A stack of cups according to the invention is designated with the reference sign 20. Comparing FIGS. 1A and 1B, it can be recognized that beneath the standing region 5.1 of the upper cup 10.1 a bottom-near region 8 results in the interior space of the lower cup, which is considerably bigger than the corresponding region 108.2 in FIG. 1A. This is because the cups 10 according to the invention have a rotationally symmetrically shell 1, which is at least partly shaped concave. In FIG. 1B the shell of the cup 10.1 is designated with the reference sign 1.1 and the shell of the cup 10.2 is designated with the reference sign 1.2. In FIG. 1B, the concave shape of the shell is particularly portrayed in a clear way in order to receive a better illustration.
The concave shape of the shell 1 can extend via the complete height of the cup 10, or it can extend on a partial region of the cup 10, as it can be seen in the FIGS. 2A to 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B the ring-shaped (shell-) region with concave exterior shape extends from the standing region 5.1 respectively 5.2 to the circumferential upper edge 7.1 respectively 7.2.
Besides the fact that due to the concavity of the shell 1 of the cups 10, a bigger bottom-near region 8 arises as it is the case with conventional cups 110 that are shaped conical, the concave exterior shape of the shell 1 has a further important function. Due to the concavity of the shell 1 the upper cup 10.1 tightly fits into the lower cup 10.2. The exterior side of the shell 1.1 builds a close connection with the interior side of the shell 1.2. As a consequence of this, the bottom-near region 8 is air-tight sealed towards its environment. Furthermore, the cups 10 are interlocked firmly what eases the transport.
The invention uses this effect in order to be able of disposing a preparing agent 3 in the bottom-near region 8 of each cup 10 that is later supposed to be used for preparing a meal or beverage.
Among other things, the invention describes food that interacts with a fluid, in particular a liquid such as water or milk in order to provide a meal or a beverage.
The term preparing agent 3 is to be understood as generic term for all media that are drinkable after interaction with a liquid, like for example powdery, flake-shaped, granulate shaped, fibrous or leaf-shaped media. The invention is not only particularly suitable for the field of leisure-, food- and beverage, but also especially for the care of babies, small children and also elderly or disabled people. The term preparing agent 3 is in this connection used in order to subsume all the before mentioned and other similar media.
The term liquid is in this connection used in order to describe water, milk, soup, alcohol, juice and other liquids that are brought into contact with the preparing agent 3, before the prepared beverage is drinkable. The liquid can be drunk hot, warm or cold.
With the FIGS. 2A and 2B, a first exemplary embodiment according to the invention is described concretely. FIG. 2A shows a cut through a cup 10, which is built concave in the lower third. The concave region is designated with the reference sign 2 and has been highlighted in black for better visibility.
The following embodiments are also valid for FIGS. 3A to 6.
The cup 10 is especially designed for receiving and releasing a liquid. The cup 10 has a rotationally symmetrically shape with respect to a central axis A, which is drawn into FIG. 2A. The rotationally symmetrically shape is important for the stackability and for the sealing when stacking several cups 10 into each other.
The cup 10 comprises a circular lower standing region 5 that enables the cup to be put on a ground U in known manner. Furthermore, it comprises a circumferential upper edge 7 and the cup 10 comprises a shell 1 that extends rotationally symmetrically to a central axis A. This shell 1 is widening—from the standing region 5—upwards and from there extends over to the upper edge 7.
The shell 1 presents in a ring-shaped region 2 a concave exterior shape. The concave (shell-) exterior shape is highlighted in FIG. 2A by a thick black line. The cup comprises a cup inset 14 which is built integrally with the cup 10, in particular the standing region 5 of the cup 10. The cup inset 14 comprises a receiving container with an opening wherein the preparing agent 3 is located and a barrier layer 4 for closing the opening. The receiving container and the barrier layer 4 are located near the bottom-near region in the interior space I of the cup 10. The barrier layer 4 limits the receiving container which is equal to a bottom-near region 8.1 which is substantially equal to the above mentioned bottom-near region 8 towards the remaining upper region 8.2 of the cup 10. The remaining upper region 8.2 of the cup is opened upwards.
In the embodiments of the FIGS. 1A-6, the barrier layer 4 divides the interior space I of the cup 10 into the bottom-near region 8.1 which is equal to the receiving container and into the upper region 8.2.
In FIGS. 2A and 2B a barrier layer 4 is used, which is formed as a filter layer. The barrier layer 4 separates the bottom-near region 8.1 from the upper region 8.2, wherein no preparing agent 3 can get from the upper region 8.2 into the bottom-near region 8.1. Even if the cup 10 is turned upside down, the preparing agent 3 cannot flow out.
As the upper cup 10.2 is sealing air-tight the bottom-near region 8.1 of the lower cup 10.2 while stacking two cups 10.1, 10.2 into each other, preferably a filter-paper, non-woven, fabric or a knitted-fabric is used as barrier layer 4 in the embodiments according to FIGS. 2A and 2B. In case of taking out the upper cup 10.1 of a stack 20 from the lower cup 10.2 and for example filling hot water into the interior space I of the lower cup 10.1, then the water percolates the barrier layer 4 and a tea beverage occurs. The tea leaves that are used as preparing agent 3 in the present case stay in the bottom-near region 8.1 beneath the barrier layer 4 or the receiving container respectively.
Different variations are possible in this embodiment, as it will be illustrated in the following examples.
There are types of teas where it is not critical leaving them for too long in hot water. There are also dosage forms of food that completely dissolve within a liquid. In the present case, the barrier layer 4 can be manufactured of filter-paper, non-woven, fabric, knitted fabric or of a similar material that is permeable. The barrier layer 4 can rest in such embodiments in the cup 10 and doesn't have to be removed after infusing.
However, there are also other embodiments possible, where the barrier layer 4 can or has to be removed. Such embodiments are shown in FIGS. 3A to 4B. Moreover, in FIG. 5 an embodiment is shown, where the barrier layer 4 is part of a pan-shaped pack 12. This pack 12 can be removed either with the barrier layer 4 or only the barrier layer 4 is separated and removed from the pack 12.
In some cases, a barrier layer 4 is provided to be in the cup 10 that separates a bottom-near region 8.1 or a receiving container towards the upper region 8.2 of the cup. Again, there is a preparing agent 3 in this receiving container (e.g. a detachable drink powder). Along the transition region between the barrier layer 4 and the interior surface of the shell 1 of the cup 10, an opening element (e.g. a cord or a strip) can be provided, which is designated with the reference 11.1 and 11.2 sign. In FIG. 3B it can be recognized that the opening element comprise a circumferential medium 11.1 that can be connected with an extension part 11.2 or can pass over into an extension part 11.2.
In FIG. 3A it can be seen that this extension part 11.2 can be lead upwards along the interior surface of the shell 1 and can be made accessible on the upper edge 7. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the extension part 11.2 was guided outwards over the edge 7 and along the exterior surface of the shell 1 to some extent downwards. In order to ensure that the extension part 11.2 does not slip away or shifts, it can be fixed temporarily in the region 11.3, e.g. with a drop of glue or by clamping. Nevertheless, in the present case sticking or clamping of the extension part 11.2 is optional.
The barrier layer 4 is formed detachable. In case of wanting to remove the barrier layer 4, the extension part 11.2 can be grabbed on an outer end, the optional drop of glue in the region 11.3 can be detached and then it can be pulled on the extension part 11.2. Handling in this way, the barrier layer 4 can be detached completely and can be removed out of the cup 10 along with the opening element, as indicated in FIG. 3B via two arrows P1 and P2. In the last moment of detaching, the barrier layer 4 remains preferably on the opening element and in particular on the circumferential medium 11.1 so that all together can be removed from the interior space I of the cup 10.
Such an embodiment can not only be used with a permeable (filter-shaped) barrier layer 4, but it can also be used in an embodiment, where the barrier layer 4 is impermeable, in particular liquid-tight and/or air-tight.
A barrier layer 4 of aluminum, plastic (e.g. a foil) or coated paper can for example be used in order to keep the preparing agent 3 in the bottom-near region 8.1 and/or the receiving container until the preparing agent 3 is supposed to be used by infusing a liquid.
By implementing the opening element, the barrier layer 4 can be removed before, during or after infusing as it was described in examples before. However, the barrier layer 4 can also rest in the cup.
Further embodiments are possible, where e.g. a pack 12 (e.g. a bag or pad) with a preparing agent 3 (e.g. tea) is arranged beneath a barrier layer 4. The barrier layer 4 keeps the pack 12 in place until it is used. Furthermore, the barrier layer 4 can save the pack 12 from manipulation or harmful substances. In such embodiments an extension part 11.2 is preferably installed directly on the pack (e.g. analog to FIGS. 3A and 3B or FIG. 5). By pulling the extension part 11.2, the barrier layer 4 can be ripped or detached. In preferred embodiments, the barrier layer 4 is connected with the pack 12 and the pack 12 is removed together with the barrier layer 4 out of the liquid.
A corresponding embodiment is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 5 shows details of a bowl-shaped pack 12 that can be used in the cups 10 of FIGS. 1A-6. The pack 12 has more or less the shape of the bottom-near region 8.1 and/or the receiving container. The pack 12 is for example filled with a detachably coffee granulate (e.g. instant coffee). The barrier layer 4 is above the pack 12 in order to keep the pack 12 in place and in order to protect it. The barrier layer 4 can be embodied separately, as indicated in FIG. 4A or the barrier layer 4 can be part of the pack 12 as indicated in FIG. 5. An opening element with a circumferential medium 11.1 and an extension part 11.2 can be used that is connected with the barrier layer 4 and/or with the pack 12 in this manner that by pulling on the extension part 11.2, the barrier layer 4 and/or the pack 12 can be removed out of the liquid and/or the cup 10. In order that the extension part 11.2 does not slip away or shift, it can temporarily be fixed in the region 11.3 with e.g. one drop of glue.
For fixation, also a clamp can be used, or a lug can be provided at the cup 10 that enables the extension part 11.2 to be fixed and detached. Those means are optional.
In a preferred embodiment, the barrier layer 4 and the pack 12 can be detached completely and can be removed together with the circumferential medium 11.1 out of the cup 10, as indicated in FIG. 4B through an arrow P3.
In all embodiments, there can be a lug on the cup 10 instead of a circumferential medium 11.1 for detaching the barrier layer 4 and/or the pack 12.
In all embodiments, a spoon or another item can be used for opening and detaching the barrier layer 4. The spoon or the other item does not have to be delivered together with the cup 10 or the stack 20 of the cups, but it can be part of the scope of delivery.
Preferably, one barrier layer 4 serves as interlayer that is inserted as a separate element into the interior space I of the cup 10. The insertion can be carried out via insertion, plugging, pressing-in, clamping, sticking-in, interlocking or vulcanizing. In FIG. 5 it can be recognized that the barrier layer 4 or the pack 12 can comprise a circumferential collar 4.1 that is slightly conically sloped outwards. With insertion into the interior of the cup, this collar 4.1 is deforming itself while lying on the inner wall of the cup 10.
In FIG. 6 a stack 20 with six cups 10.1 to 10.6 is shown. The lowest cup 10.6 is shown in sectional view in order to show the details of the invention in a better way. In FIG. 6 the bottom-near region 8.1 and/or the receiving container can be recognized that is filled with a preparing agent 3. In the embodiment, according to FIG. 6, it can be recognized that the barrier layer 4 or the pack 12 comprises a circumferential collar 4.1.
Moreover, in FIG. 6 it can be seen how the cups 10.1 to 10.6 are joining into each other and how for example the upper cup 10.5 is sealing the bottom-near region 8.1 and/or the receiving container in the lowest cup 10.6.
In order to be able to also seal the most upper cup 10.1 of the stack 20, it can be provided with a recyclable lid 13.
In the embodiments of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B and 6, the ring-shaped region 2 is provided to be on the shell 1 in the region of the barrier layer 4.
However, in the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the ring-shaped, concave region 2 extends over the complete height of the cup 10.
Preferably, the cup 10 in the embodiments of the FIGS. 1A-6 comprises, supplemental to the ring-shaped region 2, which is at least substantially concave, one or more of the following regions on the shell 1:

- a cylindrical ring-shaped region 9.1 (see FIG. 2A, 3A, 4A), which is arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the central axis A,
- a conical ring-shaped region 9.2 (see FIG. 2A, 3A, 4A), which is arranged rotationally symmetrically with regard to the central axis A.

It is an advantage of the invention that the stack of cups can be filled without problem in most vending machines and machines.
The FIGS. 7A-7D show another, slightly different, exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7A shows a cup 10 in a lateral sectional view. The cup 10 comprises a lower standing region 5. The standing region 5 is embodied circular. The standing region 5 allows the cup 10 to be deposited on a ground. Furthermore, the cup 10 comprises a circumferential upper edge 7. The edge 7 is embodied circular. For connecting the standing region 5 with the edge 7, the cup 10 furthermore comprises a shell 1, which extends from the standing region 5 to the edge 7. The standing region 5, the shell 1 and the edge 7 define an interior space of the cup 10 for receiving and releasing a liquid. As an alternative, a standing region and/or an edge can comprise a shape differing from a circular shape, such as elliptic and/or angular. It is also conceivable that a cup comprises several shells and therefore is embodied multi-walled, in particular double-walled, wherein a cooling or a heating of a liquid can at least be reduced.
The cup 10 furthermore comprises a cup inset 14 (see also FIG. 7B). In the present case, the cup inset 14 is embodied as an insert element and is insertable into the cup 10 and removable completely from the cup 10. The cup inset 14 is provided for preparation of a meal, a dish or a beverage. The cup inset 14 comprises a receiving container 15, which is arranged in a bottom-near region of the cup 10. The receiving container 15 is in the beginning and in particular in an inserted state, air-tight sealed. The receiving container 15 comprises an at least substantially circle-cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the receiving container 15 comprises a receiving chamber wherein a preparing agent 3 is arranged, such as tea leaves or coffee powder. The preparing agent 3 interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup 10. Therefore, the receiving container 15 comprises at least one opening 16. The opening 16 is embodied as inlet opening for the liquid. As an alternative, it is conceivable that an opening is embodied as an outlet opening for a preparing agent.
For an in particular air-tight sealing of the opening 16, the cup inset 14 furthermore comprises at least one barrier layer 4. The barrier layer 4 is fluid-impermeable, in particular air-impermeable and liquid-impermeable. The barrier layer 4 is embodied as an aluminum foil and comprises a material thickness of approximately 0.02 mm. The barrier layer 4 seals the receiving container 15 in an aromatically neutral and/or aromatically tight manner. The barrier layer 4 prevents a contact of the preparing agent 3 with air. Furthermore, the barrier layer 4 prevents an undesired escape of the preparing agent 3. The barrier layer 4 is herein connected detachably with the receiving container 15.
In particular, the receiving container can also comprise several openings, in particular at least two, at least three and/or at least four openings, several receiving chambers, in particular at least two, at least three and/or at least four receiving chambers, and/or several preparing agents, in particular at least two, at least three and/or at least four preparing agents, in particular arranged in different receiving chambers, so that a mixing behavior of different preparing agents can be influenced. Additionally, preparing agents can be stored advantageously separated from each other and can react and/or mix with each other merely when being used. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a cup inset comprises several barrier layers, in particular arranged next to each other and/or one above the other, wherein at least one of the barrier layers can also be embodied liquid-permeable and in particular non-removable.
For opening the barrier layer 4, in particular in an inserted state of the cup inset 14 into the cup 10, the cup inset 14 comprises an opening element 11. The opening element 11 is embodied as a filament. The opening element 11 extends from the receiving container 15 into the direction of the edge 7. In particular, the opening element 11 can at least partly extend over the edge 7 and/or can be guided over the edge 7. The opening element 11 is directly fixed to the barrier layer 4 and removes the barrier layer 4 in case of an external force impact completely, in particular when a user is pulling. Additionally, the opening element 11 extends, in a region of the barrier layer 4, in circumferential direction of the receiving container 15 completely around the receiving container 15. As an alternative, it is conceivable that an opening element only partly removes and/or destroys a barrier layer in case of an external force impact, in particular when a user is pulling.
Furthermore, the cup inset 14 comprises a holding element 17. The holding element 17 is fastened at the receiving container 15. In the present case, the holding element 17 is glued to the receiving container 15. As an alternative, a holding element can be embodied in one piece with a receiving container. The holding element 17 is at least substantially embodied dimensionally stable. Preferably, the holding element 17 is made of timber or plastic. The holding element 17 is at least substantially embodied rod-shaped and comprises a length which extends up to the edge 7. In the present case, the holding element 17 is embodied as a hook and extends from the receiving container 15 at least partly over the edge 7. The holding element 17 comprises herein a hook-shaped part, which can be hooked on the upper edge 7, so that in particular a shifting or slipping of the holding element 17 into the liquid can be avoided. As an alternative or additionally, it is conceivable that a holding element can be fixed on an upper edge in particular by a tight fit or a force fit, so that an opening of the receiving container 15 can be simplified. Furthermore, the opening element 11 is connected with the holding element 17. The connection is herein arranged in the region of the upper edge 7 or in the region of the hook-shaped part of the holding element 17. In the present case, the opening element 11 is bonded, in particular by a drop of glue, to the holding element 17. Moreover, the opening element 11 is connected detachably to the holding element 17 and thus can be removed by a user to the purpose of a removal of the barrier layer 4 of the holding element 17. As an alternative, there are also other possibilities to fix the opening element to the holding element, like a tight fit or a force fit. Moreover, the holding element 17 is embodied collapsible, whereby advantageously a required space of the holding element 17, in particular in a packed state can be highly reduced (see in particular FIGS. 7C and 7D). The holding element 17 comprises two bending edges 18 with which the holding element 17 is collapsible and/or can be opened up. In order to retighten the holding element 17 in an opened up state, the holding element 17 comprises two latching means 19. The latching means 19 are substantially embodied identical to each other and are respectively arranged in a close range of the bending edges 18. Each of the latching means 19 comprise a first latch, which is embodied as a latch bolt, and a corresponding second latch, which is embodied as a latch recess, and latch with each other in an opened up state. Additionally, the holding element 17 serves as an agitation aid, so that additional agitation elements, such as a spoon or other objects, can be dispensed. In the present case, the holding element 17 is detachable from the receiving container 15 by an external force of a user. As an alternative, it is conceivable that the holding element comprises at least one liquid-soluble part which dissolves after a certain time. Moreover, the holding element could comprise at least one predetermined breaking point which is used to separate the holding element.
FIG. 4 finally shows the cup inset 14 in a packed state. In the present case, an especially space-saving and easily distributable embodiment can be achieved.

Claims

1. A cup with a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup, comprising:

a receiving container which is arranged in a bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent, which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup, wherein the receiving container forms at least one lower standing region of the cup.

2. The cup according to claim 1, wherein the cup inset comprises at least one at least partly permeable barrier layer which seals the opening of the receiving container and prevents unwanted leakage of the preparing agent.

3. The cup according to claim 2, wherein the cup inset comprises at least one further barrier layer which seals air-tight the opening of the receiving container.

4. The cup according to claim 3, wherein the further barrier layer is detachably connected with the receiving container.

5. The cup according to claim 4, wherein the cup inset comprises an opening element, which has at least one connection with the further barrier layer and in case of a force impact at least partly removes or destroys the further barrier layer.

6. The cup according to claim 5, wherein the opening element is directly fixed to the further barrier layer.

7. The cup according to claim 6, wherein the opening element is at least partly guided over a circumferential upper edge of the cup.

8. The cup according to claim 7, wherein the opening element is embodied as a cord, as a filament or as a lug.

9. A cup with a cup inset for preparing a liquid in the cup, comprising:

a receiving container which is arranged in a bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent, which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup, wherein the receiving container is embodied as an inlay that is insertable into the cup and completely removable from the cup.

10. The cup according to claim 9, wherein the cup inset comprises at least one barrier layer which is detachably connected with the receiving container which seals air-tight the opening of the receiving container, and prevents unwanted leakage of the preparing agent.

11. The cup according to claim 10, wherein the cup inset comprises an opening element, which is directly fixed to the barrier layer and in case of a force impact at least partly removes or destroys the barrier layer.

12. The cup according to claim 11, wherein the cup inset comprises a holding element, which is connected to the receiving container and holds the receiving container in the bottom-near region, at least when removing or destroying the barrier layer.

13. The cup according to claim 12, wherein the holding element is at least substantially embodied rod-shaped.

14. The cup according to claim 13, wherein the holding element is embodied as a hook.

15. The cup according to claim 14, wherein the holding element is guided at least partly over a circumferential upper edge of the cup.

16. The cup according to claim 15, wherein the opening element is connected to the holding element.

17. The cup according to claim 16, wherein the holding element forms an agitation aid.

18. A cup inset for preparing a liquid in a cup, comprising:

a receiving container which is arranged in a bottom-near region of the cup, which comprises at least one opening and which contains at least one preparing agent which interacts in at least one state with the liquid filled into the cup.

19. The cup inset according to claim 18, comprising at least one barrier layer which is detachably connected to the receiving container, which seals air-tight the opening of the receiving container at least in an initial state, and which prevents unwanted leakage of the preparing agent.

20. The cup inset according to claim 19, comprising an opening element which is directly fixed to the barrier layer and in case of a force impact at least partly removes or destroys the barrier layer.

21. The cup inset according to claim 20, wherein the opening element is embodied as a cord, or as a filament or as a lug.

22. The cup inset according to claim 21, comprising a holding element which is connected with the receiving container and holds the receiving container in the bottom-near region, at least when removing or destroying the barrier layer.

23. The cup inset according to claim 22, wherein the holding element is embodied as a hook and is guided at least partly over a circumferential upper edge of the cup.

24. The cup inset according to claim 23, wherein the opening element is connected to the holding element.