CN108137221A - Capsules for storing substances in disposable cups and their use - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a capsule for enclosing a substance in the bottom of a first disposable cup, the first disposable cup comprising a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom of the first disposable cup, the capsule comprising a bottom having a circumference, a wall extending from the circumference, and an opening, wherein the capsule is configured to be received in a space defined by the bottom and the rim of a second disposable cup inserted into the first disposable cup. The capsule may further comprise at least one handle and at least one inner wall. In addition, the present invention provides a method for packaging a plurality of disposable cups, capsules and substances so as to keep the substances fresh for an extended period of time.

Description

Capsules for storing substances in disposable cups and their use

technical field

The present invention relates to accessories for disposable tableware. More specifically, the present invention relates to capsules for storing substances in disposable cups.

Background technique

Solid and liquid substances such as coffee powder, instant soup stock, chopped dry tea leaves, instant mashed potato powder, etc. are available and widely used for the preparation of instant beverages or food dosages. The beverage or food dosage is prepared by adding a liquid, such as water or milk, to a vessel containing the substance and dissolving, suspending or extracting the substance in the liquid. In order to increase the ease and speed of preparing such instant beverage or food doses, attempts have been made to provide ready-to-eat containers, such as instant cups, pre-filled with substance for ready instant beverage or food doses.

For example, US Patent Application No. 2006/0096462A1 discloses a disposable cup having a bottom layer on which lumps of water-soluble flavoring substances attached are dissolved when water is added to the cup. The water-soluble flavor material attached to the bottom layer of the disposable cup is not covered and thus is exposed to oxygen and moisture which adversely affect the freshness of the water-soluble flavor material. In addition, the water-soluble flavoring substances are artificially cured to form a mass and stick to the bottom layer of the disposable cup. This may discourage the use of such disposable cups by some potential consumers, such as those who avoid consuming manually processed beverages and foods. Additionally, such disposable cups may not be marketable in countries with regulations prohibiting the sale of unpackaged beverages and food because the pieces of water-soluble flavor material are not covered or packaged. Furthermore, covering the water-soluble flavor material with a lid within the cup would not allow stacking of multiple such disposable cups with maximum compactness, for example in a manner similar to stacking disposable cups without material and/or inner lids. This may increase the space these cups take up during storage and shipping, thereby affecting shipping costs and ultimately increasing product prices.

Other methods which do not involve solidification of beverage or food substances but which involve covering the substance with a liquid-permeable cover are disclosed, for example, in the following publications. Chinese Utility Model No. 2564505Y discloses a paper teacup with an intermediate layer at the bottom of the main body of the teacup. Dry powder of soluble beverages such as tea, coffee and milk powder can be properly placed in the middle layer, which is made of strong filterable material including non-woven fabric. The beverage can be brewed immediately in the paper teacup without adding additional beverages, thereby bringing more convenience and practicality to the use of the paper teacup. In addition, Chinese Utility Model No. 200981738Y discloses a disposable water cup, wherein the bottom of the cup body is provided with tea, and the top of the tea is provided with a layer of air-permeable filter paper, and the periphery of the filter paper is fixed on the cup wall near the bottom of the cup. . Tea can be replaced with other edible items such as coffee, milk powder, fruit juice powder, etc. These methods involve covering the contents on the bottom of a disposable cup with a liquid permeable lid. The lid remains in the disposable cup during the preparation and consumption of the beverage - a feature that may deter potential consumers from using this type of product, for example may be concerned about the possibility of the lid being removed from the bottom of the disposable cup during consumption of the beverage sexual consumers. Furthermore, since the lid is permeable to liquids, it does not block the passage of oxygen and moisture, which may adversely affect the freshness of materials stored in disposable cups. In addition, as mentioned above, the presence of lids in disposable cups does not allow compact stacking of multiple such disposable cups.

For example, Chinese Utility Model No. 2687065 provides a solution to the problem that the lids present in disposable cups cover the beverage or food substance during consumption of the beverage or food and remain in the disposable cup, the Chinese Utility Model Publication A paper cup and a filling middle layer located in the paper cup, in which materials for preparing beverages, such as instant coffee, milk powder, wort and tea, are stored. The filling middle layer is made of edible starch paper. Thus, when water is added to the cup, the filling middle layer dissolves and allows the beverage to mix with the water. The presence of edible starch paper in a paper cup and consumed by the user after the beverage prepared in the paper cup dissolves may deter potential consumers from using this type of product, such as those who may be concerned about consuming edible paper. In addition, starch paper does not block the passage of oxygen and moisture, which may adversely affect the freshness of the material stored in the paper cups, and as mentioned above, the presence of the filling middle layer in the paper cups does not allow compact stacking of multiple paper cups.

Another method that is commercially available is a capsule attached to a disposable cup, the capsule including the lid, and the beverage or food substance being stored in the capsule. Before use, the caps of the capsules are removed and the liquid is poured into a disposable cup. Similarly, Chinese Utility Model No. 2606080Y discloses a cup comprising a cup body, a cup bottom and a cavity formed between the cup body and the cup bottom, and a supporting frame is arranged at a position around the cavity and fastened to the The inner wall of the chamber, wherein the sealing film is covered on the support frame; the chamber located at the lower part of the cup is filled with quantitative instant beverages, such as coffee, milk powder, fruit powder, instant tea and compound instant beverages. Before use, tear off the sealing film and pour water into the cup. This approach solves the problem of avoiding the exposure of the substance to oxygen and moisture if an appropriate sealing film is used, but still does not solve potential consumer concerns about the use of the product due to the presence of a capsule or chamber in a beverage or food dose during consumption. The problem of hesitation, and as discussed in detail above, is the inability to compactly stack multiple disposable cups with capsules or chambers contained therein.

Therefore, there is a need for a disposable cup containing a substance for the preparation of a drink or food dose which allows easy, quick and convenient preparation of the drink or food dose, prolongs the freshness of the substance for a period of time, and further allows Multiple disposable cups containing a substance are stacked for maximum compactness, for example in a manner similar to the stacking of disposable cups that do not contain a substance. The currently available solutions presented in the aforementioned publications do not address this need.

Contents of the invention

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not restrictive.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a capsule for encapsulating a substance in the bottom of a first disposable cup, said first disposable cup comprising a bottom and a a rim, the capsule comprising a base having a circumference, a wall extending from the circumference and an opening, wherein the capsule is configured to be received by the base of a second disposable cup inserted into the first disposable cup and the space defined by the rim.

According to one embodiment, the capsule further comprises a border extending outwardly from the edge of the wall.

According to another embodiment, said capsule further comprises at least one handle attached to said wall.

According to yet another embodiment, said capsule further comprises at least one handle attached to said border.

According to yet another embodiment, at least a portion of said border is configured to be received in a slot in a lower portion of said first disposable cup.

According to yet another embodiment, the slot of said first disposable cup is about 1 mm deep.

According to yet another embodiment, the capsule further comprises a slot near the edge of the wall, wherein the slot of the capsule is configured to accommodate a cup located substantially near the bottom of the first disposable cup and along the side of the cup. Describe the protrusion on the wall of the first disposable cup.

According to yet another embodiment, said at least one handle is hollow.

According to yet another embodiment, the capsule further comprises at least one inner wall dividing the capsule into at least two sub-compartments.

According to another embodiment, the capsule further comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment is configured to face the bottom of a disposable cup in which the capsule is placed, and the second compartment configured to face the interior space of the disposable cup.

According to yet another embodiment, said second compartment is covered with a lid.

According to yet another embodiment, said cover is made of oxygen and moisture resistant material.

According to one embodiment, said capsule is also covered with a liquid-permeable lid.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a stacked system comprising a plurality of disposable cups comprising a base and a rim deformed from the base, a plurality of capsules comprising a base having a circumference, A wall and an opening extending from the circumference, wherein each capsule is housed in the space defined by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup.

According to one embodiment, said plurality of capsules is configured to avoid exposure of substances encapsulated by said plurality of capsules to oxygen and moisture.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for stacking a plurality of disposable cups comprising a base and a rim deformed from the base, a plurality of capsules comprising a base having a circumference, Walls and openings extending from the circumference into which substances are encapsulated, the stacking method comprising: positioning a disposable cup with the bottom and rim upwards; opening in the space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup Supplying the capsule upwards; delivering the substance into the capsule; covering the capsule with another disposable cup with the bottom and rim upwards; opening upwards from the space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup The step of providing the capsules is repeated until a stack having the desired number of disposable cups, capsules and substance is formed.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for maintaining the freshness of a substance packaged in a stack of a plurality of disposable cups comprising a base and deforming from the base over an extended period of time. A rim of a disposable cup, a plurality of capsules comprising a bottom having a circumference, a wall extending from the circumference and an opening, wherein each capsule is housed in a space defined by the bottom and the rim of the disposable cup, said means for maintaining freshness The method includes packaging the stack in a package made of oxygen and moisture resistant material.

According to one embodiment, the method for maintaining the freshness of a substance packaged in a stack of a plurality of disposable cups for an extended period of time further comprises: applying an inert gas into said packaging.

According to another embodiment, the inert gas is nitrogen.

According to yet another embodiment, the method for maintaining the freshness of a substance packaged in a stack of a plurality of disposable cups for an extended period of time further comprises creating a negative pressure in said package.

Description of drawings

Embodiments are described herein, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings, it is emphasized that the particulars shown are by way of example only and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiment, and are provided in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood principles and principles of the embodiment. A description of the concept. In this respect, no attempt has been made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art the several forms that may be embodied in practice.

In the attached picture:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a prior art disposable cup suitable for containing warm or cold beverage or food according to an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 2A schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a disposable cup and a capsule enclosing a substance at the bottom of the disposable cup, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 2B schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a capsule according to an exemplary embodiment, the capsule further comprising at least one handle disposed at the bottom of the disposable cup.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system comprising a stack of multiple disposable cups according to an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a capsule comprising a slot at the bottom of the disposable cup near the edge of the wall of the capsule, the capsule also comprising a slot at the bottom of the disposable cup according to an exemplary embodiment. Protrusions near and along the wall of the disposable cup.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a capsule at the bottom of a disposable cup, the capsule including a slot in the lower portion of the wall of the disposable cup configured to receive the capsule edge, according to an exemplary embodiment at least part of .

Fig. 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule comprising at least one hollow handle according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule according to an exemplary embodiment, the capsule comprising two inner walls dividing the capsule into three sub-compartments.

Figure 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule according to an exemplary embodiment, the capsule comprising a first compartment configured to face the bottom of the disposable cup and a second compartment facing the inner space of the disposable cup, Whereas the first compartment compartment also includes an inner wall separating the first compartment into two sub-compartments.

Fig. 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule covered with a liquid-permeable lid according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed ways

Before setting forth at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. In discussing the various figures described below, like reference numerals refer to like parts. The figures are generally not drawn to scale.

For clarity, non-essential elements have been omitted in some of the drawings.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a capsule configured to enclose a substance arranged at the bottom of a disposable cup.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a capsule configured to enclose a substance disposed at the bottom of a disposable cup and capable of compactly stacking multiple disposable cups containing the capsules in a manner similar to stacking empty disposable cups .

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a capsule configured to enclose a substance disposed at the bottom of a disposable cup and capable of maintaining the freshness of the substance for a substantially extended period of time.

The present invention provides an open capsule suitable for use in common disposable cups containing warm or cold beverages or food. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a prior art disposable cup 100 suitable for containing warm or cold beverages or food (for example, a disposable cup made of paper) according to an exemplary embodiment. cup 100). Disposable cup 100 includes a substantially, but not necessarily frustoconical, cup wall 110 and a base 120, eg, disc-shaped. The inner surfaces of the walls 110 and bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 are typically coated with a thin layer (e.g., polyethylene) of a waterproof material (not shown) configured to prevent liquid from passing through the walls of the disposable cup 100. 110 and bottom 120 leak. Additionally, the bottom 120 is deformed to provide a rim 130 configured to provide stability to the disposable cup 100 when it is standing on a surface. According to some embodiments, the height of the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 is approximately in the range of 4-8 mm. The rim 130 and the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 together define a space 140 below the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 .

The present invention provides a capsule configured to be received in a space 140 defined by the bottom 120 and rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 .

It should be noted that the disposable cup 100 shown in Figure 1 is only an exemplary embodiment of a disposable tray suitable for the capsule of the present invention. Capsules of the present invention are configured to fit any disposable pan known in the art including a rim deformed from the bottom of the disposable pan, such as, but not limited to, disposable bowls containing instant soup powder and disposable bowls containing dried noodles And sauce powder disposable mug, etc. Therefore, the term "disposable cup" is used throughout the description and claims of this application for convenience only. However, it should be understood that the meaning of the term "disposable cup" refers to any disposable tray having a rim deformed from the bottom of the disposable tray (as shown in Figure 1).

Fig. 2A schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a disposable cup 100 and a capsule 1 encapsulating a substance 500 on the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Substance 500 is any substance known in the art for preparing beverage or food dosages, such as solid substances, powdered substances and liquid substances. Examples of such substances 500 include, but are not limited to, coffee powder, chopped dry tea leaves, instant soup powder, dry noodles, instant mashed potato powder, and the like. According to one embodiment, the capsule 1 comprises a bottom 10 with a circumference (not shown), a wall 20 and an opening 30 .

FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a system 200 comprising a stack of multiple disposable cups 100 in which a capsule 1 is housed in a base 120 and a wheel of each disposable cup 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. In each space 140 defined by the rim 130. As shown in FIG. 3 , the capsule 1 allows compact stacking of multiple disposable cups 100 in a manner similar to the stacking of multiple disposable cups 100 without the capsule 1 .

According to one embodiment, the structure and diameter of the bottom 10 of the capsule 1 is similar to the structure and diameter of the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 , and the wall 20 of the capsule 1 has a structure and height similar to the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 . According to another embodiment, the diameter of the bottom 10 of the capsule 1 is slightly shorter than the diameter of the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 in order to facilitate the insertion of the capsule 1 into the space 140 defined by the bottom 120 and the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 . For example, the diameter of the bottom 10 of the capsule 1 is substantially 1 mm shorter than the diameter of the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 . According to another embodiment, the height of the walls 20 of the capsule 1 is lower than the height of the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 .

It can be seen from FIG. 3 that when the capsule 1 is contained in the space 140 defined by the bottom 120 and the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 , the inner surface of the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 acts as a cover in contact with the capsule 1 . Thus, the substance 500 encapsulated by the capsule 1 in a stack of multiple disposable cups 100 is well packaged in a manner that does not expose the substance 500 to oxygen and moisture, thereby prolonging the shelf life of the substance 500, or in other words, in the Keeps Substance 500 fresh for an extended period.

It should be noted that keeping the substance 500 fresh for an extended period means keeping the substance 500 fresh for a period of about one year. Any method that does not expose the substance 500 to oxygen and moisture is within the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to using oxygen and moisture resistant materials to make the disposable cup 100 and/or capsule 1; The inside of the covered capsule 1 or in the packaging of the capsule 1 comprising stacked multiple disposable cups 100 and the encapsulated substance 500 is deaerated and negative pressure is generated; The inside of the capsule 1 covered by the bottom 120 of the or provided in a package of the capsule 1 comprising a plurality of disposable cups 100 and the encapsulated substance 500 stacked. Additionally, occupying the interior of the capsule 1 in contact with the substance 500 and covered by the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 reduces the amount of oxygen and moisture trapped inside the capsule 1, thus also contributing to the freshness of the substance 500 during storage.

Furthermore, it should be noted that all materials of the disposable cup 100 and capsule 1 of the present invention are food grade and heat resistant, thus able to be used for storage of beverages and food substances and preparation of hot and cold beverages or food doses.

Returning now to FIG. 2A , according to another embodiment, the capsule 1 further comprises a border 40 extending outwardly from the edge of the wall 20 of the capsule 1 . As shown in FIG. 3 , in a stack of disposable cups 100 with capsules 1 , the lower edge of the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 presses the border 40 of the capsule 1 in contact with it against the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 , Thereby sealing the interior of the capsule 1 and preventing the substance 500 enclosed by the capsule 1 from being exposed to oxygen and moisture. According to another embodiment, during packaging of the stacked plurality of disposable cups 100, capsule 1 and substance 500, the border 40 of the capsule 1 may be adhered to the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 in contact with it, to Increase and stabilize the seal inside the capsule 1 . Adhesion of the border 40 of the capsule 1 to the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 can be done by any method known in the art, such as welding, adhering with a food grade adhesive, etc.

There are several ways to keep the substances present inside capsule 1 from being exposed to oxygen and moisture. According to one embodiment, the capsule 1 is made of oxygen and moisture resistant material, such as plastic or aluminum foil. According to another embodiment, the inner surface of the capsule 1 is covered with a layer made of oxygen and moisture resistant material. According to another embodiment, the disposable cup 100 or at least the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 used as a cover for the capsule 1 in a stack of disposable cup 100 and capsule 1 is made of oxygen and moisture resistant material. According to another embodiment, the surface of the bottom 120 and the inner surface of the rim 130 of the disposable cup 100 (facing the space 140 accommodating the capsule 1 ) are made of oxygen and moisture resistant material or covered with a layer of oxygen and moisture resistant material. According to another embodiment, the disposable cup 100 and the stack of capsules 1 containing the substance 500 are packaged with an oxygen and moisture resistant packaging material (eg aluminum laminate). According to yet another embodiment, a vacuum or negative pressure may be applied in the packaging of the disposable cup 100 and capsule 1 to reduce the amount of oxygen and moisture inside the packaging.

Fig. 2B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, the capsule further comprising at least one handle 50 arranged on the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100. According to a preferred embodiment, the capsule 1 further comprises at least one handle 50 configured to facilitate the removal of the capsule 1 from the disposable cup 100 before pouring the liquid into the disposable cup 100 in order to prepare a A beverage or food dose of the substance 500 encapsulated by the capsule 1 . According to one embodiment, at least one handle 50 extends from the edge of the wall 20 of the capsule 1 . According to another embodiment, at least one handle 50 is connected in a flexible manner on the edge of the wall 20 of the capsule 1 so that the at least one handle 50 can be folded relative to the capsule 1 . According to another embodiment, the length of at least one handle 50 is at least approximately the height of the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100 . According to a preferred embodiment, the length of at least one handle 50 is slightly higher than the height of the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100 . According to another preferred embodiment, the length of at least one handle 50 is about 1-2 mm higher than the height of the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100 . Therefore, when the capsule 1 is located on the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100, at least one handle 50 protrudes from the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100, so that the user grasps the at least one handle 50 and removes the capsule from the disposable cup 100. 1. According to another embodiment, the width of at least one handle 50 is such that it does not interfere with the stacking of multiple disposable cups 100 and capsules 1 comprising the handle 50 . According to a preferred embodiment, at least one handle 50 has a width of approximately 0.5 mm, slightly below the space between disposable cups 100 when a plurality of disposable cups 100 are to be stacked. According to another embodiment, at least one handle 1 can be used as a stirrer when preparing a drink or food dose in the disposable cup 1 after the capsule 1 has been removed from the disposable cup 1 . Therefore, according to some embodiments, at least one handle 50 as well as the capsule 1 are made of food grade and heat resistant material.

Figure 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, the capsule comprising a slot 25 in the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 and close to the edge of the wall 20 of the capsule 1, the capsule also comprising The protrusion 117 is located near the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 and along the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100 . According to one embodiment, the slot 25 of the capsule 1 is configured to accommodate the protrusion 117 of the disposable cup 100 , thereby further achieving sealing of the interior of the capsule 1 and stability of the capsule 1 when positioned in the disposable cup 100 . According to another embodiment, the protrusion 117 of the disposable cup 100 is removably attached to the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100 . Thus, during packaging, after the capsule 1 encapsulates the substance 500, the groove 25 of the capsule 1 is adhered to the protrusion of the disposable cup 100 in any manner known in the art (e.g., welding, using a food grade adhesive, etc.) 117 on. Therefore, before use, the capsule 1 is removed from the disposable cup 100 such that the protrusion 117 is removed from the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100 while still adhering to the slot 25 of the capsule 1 . In this way, the protrusion 117 does not remain in the disposable cup 100 when a drink or food dose is prepared in the disposable cup 100 .

Fig. 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 at the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, the capsule comprising a slot 115 at the lower part of the wall 110 of the disposable cup 100, the slit The groove is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the rim 40 of the capsule 1 . According to one embodiment, the slot 115 is approximately 1 mm deep. According to another embodiment, the diameter of the open side of the capsule 1 together with the border 40 is slightly longer than the diameter of the disposable cup 100 at the slot 115 , for example about 1 mm longer. When at least a part of the border 40 of the capsule 1 is inserted into the slot 115, a further sealing of the interior of the capsule 1 and stability of the capsule 1 when positioned in the disposable cup 100 is achieved.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 comprising at least one hollow handle 52 according to an exemplary embodiment. According to this embodiment, the space 55 inside the at least one hollow handle 52 is configured to accommodate substances that may be added to the substance 500 encapsulated by the capsule 1 during preparation of a drink or food dose in the disposable cup 100 . For example, the capsule 1 may encapsulate instant soup powder, and the space 55 of the hollow handle 52 may contain spices such as pepper, which the user may add to the soup when it is prepared in the disposable cup 100 .

According to another embodiment, the capsule comprises at least one inner wall 15 dividing the capsule 1 into at least two subcompartments 16 . FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 comprising two inner walls 15 dividing the capsule into three sub-compartments 16 according to an exemplary embodiment. As exemplarily shown in FIG. 7, at least two sub-compartments 16 or three sub-compartments 16 of the capsule 1 are configured to hold at least two portions of a substance 500 or three portions of substances 502, 504 and 506 (for example, coffee powder, sugar, etc.) separated from each other. and dry milk powder). More specifically, at least two sub-compartments 16 of the capsule 1 are configured to accommodate a substance 500 that cannot be mixed together for a long time during storage of the disposable cup 100 and the substance 500 encapsulated inside by the capsule 1 .

According to another embodiment, the capsule 1 comprises a first compartment 60 and a second compartment 70, when the first compartment is configured to face the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 in which the capsule 1 is placed, the second compartment 70 is configured to face The inner space of the disposable cup 100. According to yet another embodiment, the first compartment 60 and/or the second compartment 70 of the capsule further comprises at least one inner wall further dividing the first compartment 60 and/or the second compartment 70 into at least two sub-compartments . Figure 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, the capsule comprising a first compartment 60 configured to face the bottom 120 of the disposable cup 100 and a second compartment 60 facing the inner space of the disposable cup. Two compartments 70 , while the first compartment 60 also includes an inner wall 65 that divides the first compartment 60 into two sub-compartments 67 . Each compartment 60, 70 and compartment 67 is configured to contain divided substances 500, 504 and 506 as described above. According to another embodiment, the second compartment is covered in a removable manner with a cover 77, preferably made of oxygen and moisture resistant material (for example, plastic and aluminum foil), so as to avoid placing at least one portion in the second compartment 70. Substance 506 is exposed to oxygen and moisture. During use, the user can decide whether to add at least one portion of substance 506 stored in second compartment 70 to a drink or food dose prepared in disposable cup 100 with at least one portion of substances 502 and 504, wherein the substance 502 and 504 are enclosed by the first compartment 60 of the capsule 1 .

Fig. 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule 1 covered with a liquid-permeable lid 80 according to an exemplary embodiment. According to one embodiment, the capsule 1 covered with a liquid-permeable lid 80 is configured to encapsulate a liquid-extractable substance 500 (for example, chopped dry tea leaves) in a disposable cup 100 and to allow extraction from the liquid after extraction. Substance 500 was withdrawn. The liquid permeable cover 80 is made of a material that allows the passage of liquid, such as fabric, porous plastic, or the like. During use, a liquid (eg hot water) is poured into the disposable cup 100 with the capsule 1 covered by the liquid-permeable lid 80 and the added liquid extracts the substance 500 encapsulated by the capsule 1 . The capsule 1 can be removed from the disposable cup 1 before consuming the extracted beverage. If, according to some embodiments, the capsule 1 covered with the liquid-permeable lid 80 also includes a handle 50, the user can hold the handle 50 and immerse the capsule 1 several times in the liquid poured into the disposable cup 100 to facilitate The substance 500 enclosed in capsule 1 is extracted. According to another embodiment, a liquid-permeable cover 80 is attached to the edge of the wall 20 or to the boundary 40 of the capsule 1 such that the liquid-permeable cover 80 remains Attached to the edge of the wall 20 or the boundary 40 of the capsule 1 . For example, the liquid permeable lid 80 may be welded or bonded to the edge of the wall 20 or the border 40 of the capsule 1 with a waterproof food grade adhesive.

According to one embodiment, a method for stacking a plurality of disposable cups comprising a base and a rim deformed from the base, a plurality of capsules comprising a base having a circumference, a rim extending from the circumference walls and openings, the substance is encapsulated, the stacking method comprising: positioning the disposable cup with the bottom and rim upwards; providing the capsule with the opening upwards in the space formed by the bottom and the rim of the disposable cup; Provide the substance into the capsule; cover the capsule with another disposable cup with the bottom and rim up; repeat the above steps from providing the capsule with the opening up in the space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup Steps until a stack with the desired number of disposable cups, capsules and substances is formed.

According to another embodiment, a method for maintaining the freshness of a substance packaged in a stack of a plurality of disposable cups comprising a base and a rim deformed from the base for an extended period of time , a plurality of capsules comprising a bottom having a circumference, a wall extending from the circumference and an opening, wherein each capsule is accommodated in a space defined by the bottom and the rim of the disposable cup, the method for maintaining freshness comprising: The above stacks are packed in a package made of oxygen and moisture resistant material. According to another embodiment, the method further includes applying an inert gas (eg, nitrogen) to the package.

According to another embodiment, the method for maintaining the freshness of a substance packaged in a stack of a plurality of disposable cups for an extended period of time further comprises: removing air from the package and creating a vacuum in the package, e.g. create negative pressure.

It should be noted that packaging a stack of disposable cups containing the substance and applying an inert gas or creating a negative pressure in the packaging is not sufficient to keep the substance fresh for an extended period of time without using the capsules of the invention, This is because there is still air in the space defined by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup. On the other hand, use of the capsules of the present invention keeps the substance fresh for an extended period of time because encapsulating the substance substantially reduces the amount of air present in the space defined by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup.

It is to be understood that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A capsule for encapsulating a substance in the bottom of a first disposable cup, said first disposable cup comprising a bottom and a rim deformed from the bottom of the first disposable cup, said capsule include: a bottom with a circumference; a wall extending from said circumference; and open mouth, Wherein said capsule is configured to be received in a space defined by the bottom and rim of a second disposable cup inserted into said first disposable cup. 2. The capsule of claim 1, further comprising a border extending outwardly from an edge of the wall. 3. The capsule of claim 1, further comprising at least one handle attached to said wall. 4. The capsule of claim 2, further comprising at least one handle attached to said border. 5. The capsule of any one of claims 2 and 4, wherein at least a portion of the border is configured to be received in a slot in the lower portion of the first disposable cup. 6. The capsule of claim 5, wherein the slot of the first disposable cup is about 1 mm deep. 7. The capsule of any one of claims 1 and 3, further comprising a slot located near an edge of the wall, wherein the slot of the capsule is configured to accommodate a A protrusion near the bottom of the cup and along the wall of the first disposable cup. 8. Capsule according to any one of claims 3-7, wherein said at least one handle is hollow. 9. Capsule according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprising at least one inner wall dividing the capsule into at least two sub-compartments. 10. The capsule according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment is configured to face the bottom of a disposable cup in which the capsule is placed , and the second compartment is configured to face the inner space of the disposable cup. 11. Capsule according to claim 10, wherein the second compartment is covered with a lid. 12. The capsule of claim 11, wherein the cover is made of oxygen and moisture resistant material. 13. Capsule according to any one of claims 1-12, further covered with a liquid permeable lid. 14. A system comprising a stack of a plurality of disposable cups comprising a base and a rim deformed from the base, a plurality of capsules comprising a base having a circumference, a wall extending from the circumference and an opening , in which each capsule is housed in the space defined by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of capsules is configured to avoid exposure of substances encapsulated by the plurality of capsules to oxygen and moisture. 16. A method for stacking a plurality of disposable cups comprising a base and a rim deformed from the base, a plurality of capsules comprising a base having a circumference, a wall extending from the circumference and an opening , the substance is encapsulated by the capsule, and the stacking method comprises: Position the disposable cup with the bottom and rim up; providing the capsule with the opening upwards in the space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup; delivering the substance into the capsule; Cover the capsule with another disposable cup with the bottom and rim up; The steps above are repeated from the step of providing the capsules with the opening upwards in the space formed by the bottom and rim of the disposable cup until a stack with the desired number of disposable cups, capsules and substance is formed. 17. A method for maintaining the freshness of a substance packaged in a stack of a plurality of disposable cups comprising a base and a rim deformed from the base, a plurality of capsules for an extended period of time Comprising a base having a circumference, a wall extending from the circumference, and an opening, wherein each capsule is housed in a space defined by the base and rim of the disposable cup, the method for maintaining freshness comprising: The stack is packed in a package made of oxygen and moisture resistant material. 18. The method for maintaining freshness of claim 17, further comprising applying an inert gas into the package. 19. The method for maintaining freshness of claim 18, wherein the inert gas is nitrogen. 20. The method for maintaining freshness of claim 17, further comprising creating a negative pressure in the package.