EP2353461A1 - Drink container - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (1) has a time measuring device (5) i.e. timer, fixed at a hollow cylindrical, contoured peripheral wall (2) or at a handle (4) by magnetic force. The measuring device includes a signalizing unit (6) such as a display (7) i.e. LCD, for signalizing expiration of preset time span i.e. brewing time, by sending a short message service (SMS), a multimedia messaging service (MMS) or electronic mail and/or by producing vibrations. The measuring device includes a thermal element i.e. peltier element, for producing electrical energy from heat of fluid for operating the measuring device.

Description

The invention relates to a drinking container, in particular a cup or a cup, for drinkable fluids, such as soups or drinks, preferably hot drinks such as teas. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising such a drinking container.

Are tea cups in many variants and made of different materials, such. B. of ceramic materials. Tea drinkers know that the brewing time has a significant influence on the taste and the effect of the tea. The brewing time is the time the tea leaves remain in the hot water. It can not be specified uniformly and depends on the variety in a range between 20s and 10min. Depending on the duration of the tea has different strong stimulating. In the first two to three minutes, especially the caffeine goes into solution and provides the well-known stimulating effect. The caffeines contained in the tea leaf dissolve more slowly in the water, converting the caffeine into a water-insoluble form. The longer the tea draws, the lower the proportion of physiologically usable caffeine.

In order to determine the desired brewing time (period of time), tea drinkers are also used as egg timer, kitchen alarm clock, kitchen clock, signal clock or Kurzzeitwecker known, separate time measuring devices that usually have their place in the kitchen. This often means that the brewing time in the kitchen is awaited before the actual Teekonsumierplatz is visited.

However, the problem described above exists not only in the preparation of teas, but also, for example, in the preparation of instant soups, ie wherever a drinkable food, such as a soup or a drink for a certain period of time, especially brewing time, until its completion needed.

Based on the aforementioned prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a drinking container, with a comfortable fluid preparation, especially tea or soup preparation is possible. Furthermore, the object is to provide a correspondingly optimized system comprising a drinking container, in particular a cup or a cup.

This object is achieved in a generic drinking container characterized in that the drinking container comprises a time measuring device with signaling means for signaling the expiration of a predetermined and / or predefinable period of time.

In a generic system, the object is achieved by providing a releasably fixed to the cup time measuring device for determining a predetermined and / or predetermined period of time.

Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. All combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the figures fall within the scope of the invention. In order to avoid repetitions, features disclosed in accordance with the device should be considered to be disclosed according to the method and be able to be claimed. Likewise, according to the method disclosed features should be considered as device disclosed and claimed claimable.

The invention is based on the idea of equipping the drinking container with a time measuring device which can alternatively be permanently fixedly connected to the drinking container, preferably a peripheral wall and / or on a handle of the drinking container or detachably attached to the drinking container, preferably on the peripheral wall can be fixed at a certain peripheral wall position. The time measuring device can thus be started directly or automatically on the drinking container and signals via suitable, for example optical, acoustic, or vibration-generating signaling means when the set or predetermined period of time, for example, a brewing time for tea has expired. The user therefore does not have to operate a time measuring device separate from a drinking container and either remain with the drinking container within the signaling range or alternatively transport the time measuring device separately in the second hand to the desired consumer location, but can conveniently simply integrate the drinking container by transporting the drinking container Take the time measuring device with you.

In the case of the complete or sectional design of the, preferably a closed peripheral wall and a bottom having drinking container made of plastic, it is possible to permanently fix the time measuring device by partial encapsulation. Regardless of the choice of material of the drinking container, it is possible to permanently connect the time measuring device by the use of adhesive to the drinking container. It is particularly preferred, however, if the time measuring device is not permanently, ie permanently, but detachably fixed to the drinking container, for example by the use of suitable reusable. ie releasable adhesive, in particular adhesive films or by the provision of a Velcro fastener, a push button, a snap connection, etc. According to a very particularly preferred embodiment, a fixation of the time measuring device is realized by magnetic forces, in particular by the use of at least one magnet, most preferably at least one permanent magnet , For this purpose, for example, ferromagnetic material may be provided on the drinking container as an adhesive, for example by the ferromagnetic material adhered to the drinking container, molded from the drinking container material or incorporated into the Trinkbehältnismaterial, that is enclosed by this. It is also conceivable that the drinking container made of ferromagnetic material. At the same time, at least one magnet for cooperation with the ferromagnetic material of the drinking container is provided on the time measuring device, preferably on its rear side. Of course, a reverse arrangement is possible, ie ferromagnetic material is at the Time measuring device and a magnet, preferably a permanent magnet provided on the drinking container, preferably incorporated into the Trinkbehältnismaterial, for example by encapsulation. Of course, it is also conceivable to provide both the drinking container and the time measuring device a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet. It is essential that a fixing possibility is realized on the basis of the effect of magnetic forces.

It is also possible, for example, ferromagnetic material, such as a metal plate, in particular of magnetic stainless steel, by means of a, preferably dishwasher-safe, i. temperature and moisture-resistant adhesive, such as silicone, on the peripheral wall of the drinking container, preferably in a, for example, designed as a cutout to define depression. In principle, the size, the shape and the position of the ferromagnetic material and / or a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet on the drinking container and / or on the time measuring device is variable.

Particularly useful is a variant in which in a peripheral wall of the drinking container a, preferably trough-like, depression is provided in the ferromagnetic material and / or a permanent magnet are arranged / cooperate with a magnet and / or ferromagnetic material at the time measuring device.

With regard to the specific design of the time measuring device, there are a variety of possibilities. For example, it can be designed to work mechanically, for example as an hourglass. It is also possible that the time measurement takes place on a color change with a temperature effect over a certain period of time. The time measuring device can also be designed to work electronically.

Also with regard to the specific design of the signaling means for signaling the time span sequence, in particular the drawing time out there it different ways. Thus, the expiration of the time period, for example visually on a display and / or by a color change, in particular by using thermochromic material, and / or acoustically, for example by an alarm sound or playing an acoustic text message or a song or alternatively, the signaling means an SMS and / or an MMS and / or an email sending to be formed. If appropriate, suitable transmission means, for example radio resources, for example for the use of a WLAN network can be provided for this purpose.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the time measuring device, preferably also the signaling means of the time measuring device can be operated with electrical energy. For this purpose, the time measuring device may for example be provided with a, preferably replaceable battery.

It is particularly preferred if the electrical energy for operating the time measuring device is generated with at least one thermocouple, in particular a Peltier element, preferably by converting thermal energy of the drinkable fluid into electrical energy. It is particularly useful when the time measuring device requires no battery, i. E. Batterielos is formed. If necessary, an electrical energy store, for example in the form of at least one capacitor, can be provided for temporarily storing the electrical energy generated by the Peltier element.

In a development of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the time measuring device comprises a display. This is preferably used to represent the already expired and / or the remaining time of the period. Additionally or alternatively, the display of the time measuring device can be designed to display images, texts, films and / or advertising. For this purpose, the display is preferably connected to a corresponding control device which controls the reproduction corresponding image content on the display controls. For example, advertising of a fluid manufacturer, for example, a tea manufacturer can be displayed on the display. It is particularly expedient if the display is operable with electrical energy of a previously mentioned Peltier element. The image data can be stored on an integral memory and / or received via radio.

The invention also leads to a system comprising a drinking container for drinkable fluids such as soups or drinks, in particular hot drinks such as teas. According to the invention, the system comprises a time measuring device with signaling means for signaling the passage of a predetermined and / or predefinable time span (in particular, pulling time).

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

Fig. 1:

ein als Tasse mit Griff bzw. Henkel ausgebildetes Trinkbehältnis umfassend eine an einer Umfangswand, vorzugsweise lösbar, festgelegte Zeitmesseinrichtung mit Display,

Fig. 2:

einen Ausschnitt einer Umfangswand eines Trinkbehältnisses, bei welchem in der Umfangswand eine als Ausfräsung ausgebildete Aussparung vorgesehen ist, in der ein ferromagnetisches Metallplättchen oder ein plättchenförmiger Dauermagnet festgelegt ist,

Fig. 3:

eine Seitenansicht einer Zeitmesseinrichtung, die zum Zusammenwirken mit dem in Fig. 2 gezeigten Trinkbehältnisausschnitt ausgebildet ist,

Fig. 4:

eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Trinkbehältnisses, und

Fig. 5:

die Zeitmesseinrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 in Alleinstellung.

These show in:

Fig. 1:

a drinking container designed as a cup with handle or handle, comprising a time measuring device with display, which is fixed to a peripheral wall, preferably releasably,

Fig. 2:

a section of a peripheral wall of a drinking container, in which in the peripheral wall a cutout designed as a recess is provided, in which a ferromagnetic metal plate or a plate-shaped permanent magnet is fixed,

3:

a side view of a time measuring device, which cooperates with the in Fig. 2 formed Trinkbehältnisausschnitt is formed,

4:

an exploded view of a section of a drinking container, and

Fig. 5:

the time measuring device according to Fig. 1 in isolation.

In the figures, like elements and elements having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 is designed as a cup drinking container 1 shown. This comprises a in the embodiment shown hollow cylindrical contoured peripheral wall 2 and an orthogonal thereto, the drinking container 1 bottom concluding bottom 3. Furthermore, the drinking container 1 comprises a handle 4 (alternatively handle-free) for easier gripping.

The drinking container 1 is designed to hold fluids, in particular drinkable hot fluids such as teas or soups.

The drinking container 1 may for example be formed entirely of metal, wherein it is preferred that the peripheral wall 2 and the bottom 3 are formed of a non-metal material, preferably of plastic or a ceramic material.

Out Fig. 1 shows that on the peripheral wall 2, either inextricably or preferably releasably a time measuring device 5 is fixed. This comprises signaling means 6, here in the form of a display 7 for signaling the passage of a predefinable and / or predetermined period of time. In the embodiment shown, the expiration of the time period is signaled by the display 00:00. Additionally or alternatively, the signaling means 6 may comprise a loudspeaker for outputting an acoustic signal. Additionally or alternatively, the course of the time period can also be signaled by a flashing light realized, for example, by means of a blinking diode. The signaling means may also be designed to trigger vibrations. In the embodiment shown, the works Time measuring device 5 electrically, ie requires electrical energy. This is obtained from a Peltier element, not shown, which converts the heat energy of the charged fluid into electrical energy and optionally cached, for example, in a capacitor, also not shown. According to an alternative embodiment variant, a battery, in particular an accumulator, is provided for the energy supply.

In the illustrated embodiment, the timer 5 configured as a timer is provided with a start-up pressure switch 8 for detecting, via a (minute) pressure switch 9, that is, a start pressure switch 8. to start given period of time. A reset, i. a provision is possible by simultaneously pressing the two pressure switches 8, 9. Additionally or alternatively, a touchscreen can be provided as a simultaneous display and input function.

Fig. 2 shows a section of the drinking container 1 in an enlarged detail of a trough-like recess 10 in the peripheral wall 2. This indicates the attachment position for the time measuring device 5 - this is not at any point but only in the recess 10, ie the in Fig. 2 shown detachably connected to the drinking container 1 connectable.

In the recess 10, i. on the peripheral wall 2, a ferromagnetic material 11 designed as a platelet is fixed, for example glued over a silicone layer. Additionally or alternatively, a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet may be fixed to the peripheral wall 2. It is also conceivable that the ferromagnetic material 11 and / or a permanent magnet are integrated into the peripheral wall, preferably such that the ferromagnetic material or the permanent magnet is not visible from the outside.

In the embodiment shown, the ferromagnetic material 11 is located in a lower region of the recess 10. An upper region the recess 10 remains free. As an alternative to a recess 10, a flattening can also be provided in order to provide a planar contact surface for a ferromagnetic plate or a permanent magnet.

Fig. 3 shows a time measuring device 5, which cooperates with the in Fig. 2 shown fastening position is formed. Additionally or alternatively, depending on the configuration of the drinking container 1 or the attachment means of the drinking container 1, ferromagnetic material for cooperation with a magnet of the drinking container 1 can be provided on the time measuring device 5. The magnet 12 is used for releasably fixing the time measuring device 5 on the drinking container 1. The recess 10 is dimensioned so that it is at least approximately completely covered by the time measuring device 5, if this is fixed to the ceramic in the embodiment shown or made of plastic drinking container 1 ,

Fig. 4 shows an in Fig. 2 shown section of the drinking container 1 in an exploded view. Evident is an adhesive layer formed of silicone material 13 on the peripheral wall 2, here within the recess 10, wherein the ferromagnetic material 11 (additionally or alternatively a permanent magnet) by means of the adhesive layer 13 is permanently connected to the drinking container 1 and thus with this a unit forms.

Fig. 5 shows the time measuring device 5 in an enlarged view. The time measuring device 5 forms with a drinking container 1 a functional unit, since the time measuring device 5, for example, via magnetic forces, etc. releasably releasably secured to the drinking container 1. The structure of the time measuring device 5 corresponds to the representation according to Fig. 1 , wherein it is expressly pointed out that alternatively configured time measuring devices 5 can be realized, which need not necessarily be electrically operable.

reference numeral

1

drinking vessel

2

peripheral wall

3

ground

4

handle

5

Time measuring device

6

signaling means

7

display

8th

Start-pressure switch

9

Minute pressure switch

10

recess

11

ferromagnetic material

12

magnet

13

adhesive layer

Claims (11)

1. Drinking container for drinkable fluids, such as soups or drinks, preferably hot drinks such as teas,
characterized,
that the drink receptacle (1) comprises a time measuring device with Signalisierungsmittein (6) for signaling the lapse of a predetermined and / or predeterminable period of time. 2. Drinking container according to claim 1,
characterized,
in that the time measuring device (5) can be secured releasably to the drinking container (1), in particular a peripheral wall (2) or to a handle (4), preferably by means of magnetic force. 3. Drinking container according to one of claims 1 or 2,
characterized,
that in a peripheral wall (2) of the drinking container (1) a, preferably trough-like depression or flattening for receiving the time measuring device (5) is provided. 5. Drinking container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the time measuring device (5) is the time mechanically, chemically or electrically determining and / or signaling formed. 4. Drinking container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the signaling means (6) optically and / or acoustically and / or electronically, in particular by the time span sequence Sending a text message, an MMS or an email, and / or formed by generating vibrations signaling. 5. Drinking container according to one of the preceding claims
characterized,
that the time measuring device (5) is electrically operated. 6. Drinking container according to claim 5,
characterized,
in that the time measuring device (5) comprises at least one thermocouple, in particular a Peltier element, for generating electrical energy, in particular for operating the time measuring device, from the heat energy of the drinkable fluid. 7. drinking container according to claim 6,
characterized,
in that the Peltier element comprises an electrical energy store, in particular at least one capacitor for temporarily storing the electrical energy obtained by Peltier element. 8. Drinking container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the time measuring device (5) comprises a display (7), in particular a liquid crystal display, preferably for displaying the already expired and / or the remaining time. 9. drinking container according to claim 8,
characterized,
that a control device is connected to the display (7) signal-conducting, which is designed such that on the display (7) images and / or texts and / or films and / or advertising is reproducible / is. 10. System comprising a drinking container (1) for drinkable fluids, such as soups or drinks, in particular hot drinks such as teas, and a detachable at this, in particular via a magnetic force, definable time measuring device (5) with signaling means (6) for signaling the flow of a predetermined and / or predefinable period of time.

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