Method for preparing a cold beverage

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a cold beverage using an apparatus (1) for mixing and storing a beverage, the apparatus comprising: - a container body (2) including a bottom plate (21) and a side wall (22) extending longitudinally upward from the bottom plate to an upper edge (221); - a removable and rotatable mixing device (23) positioned within the container body; - a motor (3) cooperating with the mixing device (23) via the bottom plate of the container body to rotate the mixing device, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - providing the mixing device (23), a portion of which is covered with ice; - positioning the mixing device in the container body (2) to cooperate with the motor; - introducing at least one beverage liquid into the container body; - actuating the motor (3) to rotate the mixing device in the at least one beverage liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to apparatus and methods for preparing cold drinks. Background Technology

[0002] It is known to quickly prepare beverages by dissolving soluble beverage powder, such as instant coffee, in a drinking cup with hot water. Soluble beverages are typically added from cans or sticks, and water is heated in a kettle. This preparation is very convenient and quick, but rarely yields an optimal reconstitution of the beverage.

[0003] An improvement to this preparation method has been proposed by providing a mixing container. These containers typically consist of a drinking vessel that includes a stirring device located at the bottom and a heater optionally located in the bottom plate or side wall of the vessel. The stirring device improves the dissolution of the beverage powder regardless of the temperature of the diluent introduced with it, and ultimately enables the beverage to foam. The heater allows the use of cold diluents, eliminating the need for a kettle to heat the water.

[0004] Using such equipment, when a cold drink must be prepared, the heater is turned off and water at ambient temperature is used. However, water at ambient temperature is typically around 20°C. Therefore, the resulting beverage is not truly cooled: it is impossible to achieve a temperature below 10°C.

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide a method that enables the preparation of cold drinks using appliances for mixing, storing and drinking beverages.

[0006] The final temperature of the cold drink produced from water at ambient temperature will be lower than the initial ambient temperature, which will be advantageous. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, a method for preparing a cold beverage is provided using an apparatus for mixing and holding a beverage, the apparatus comprising:

[0008] - A container body, comprising a bottom plate and sidewalls extending longitudinally upwards from the bottom plate to its upper edge.

[0009] - A removable and rotatable mixing device positioned within the container body.

[0010] - A motor, which engages with the mixing equipment via the bottom plate of the container body, to rotate the mixing equipment.

[0011] The method includes the following steps:

[0012] - Provide a mixing device, a portion of which is covered with ice.

[0013] - Position the mixing device within the container body for engagement with the motor.

[0014] - Introduce at least one beverage liquid into the container body.

[0015] - Actuate a motor to rotate a mixing device in at least one beverage liquid.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the appliance used in this method is configured to allow a consumer to drink the beverage directly from the appliance. In this embodiment, the appliance is essentially a drinking container, such as a cup, glass container, or jar.

[0017] Regardless of the implementation, the appliance includes a container body. The container body includes a base plate and sidewalls extending longitudinally upward from the base plate to an upper edge. In one mode, the container body is capable of introducing at least one beverage liquid to be cooled, or in a second mode, it is capable of introducing beverage ingredients and preparing a cold drink by mixing the ingredients.

[0018] In the first mode, the beverage liquid can be a ready-to-drink beverage that requires cooling, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, or juice. Ready-to-drink beverages can be the result of pre-preparation by beverage preparation devices such as coffee, tea, or chocolate machines, or machines used to reconstitute smoothies or juices, for example, machines that prepare beverages using capsules, sachets, packets, or pouches. Liquid mixtures, such as coffee and milk, tea and milk, etc., can also be introduced into the container.

[0019] In the second mode, at least one beverage ingredient is a liquid, typically an aqueous liquid diluent capable of dissolving at least one soluble beverage ingredient. The liquid diluent is typically water and / or milk. The soluble beverage ingredient can be a beverage powder or a beverage concentrate. Beverage powder can be instant coffee powder, 3-in-1 coffee blend, milk powder, instant tea powder, chocolate powder, soup powder, or fruit juice powder. Beverage concentrate can be coffee concentrate, tea concentrate, chocolate concentrate, syrup, or fruit juice concentrate.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the container body has an internal volume configured to prepare a beverage for one person, i.e., the volume of a jug. The container body may have an internal volume of approximately 300 ml. This internal volume allows for the preparation of a beverage of approximately 200 ml, as the liquid can swirl within the container body.

[0021] The apparatus includes a mixing device positioned within a container body. This mixing device is configured to mix at least one soluble beverage ingredient and at least one aqueous liquid diluent introduced into the container body. The mixing device can be a blade, whisk, stirrer, mixer (such as a ring coil), or any equivalent device configured to agitate the beverage. The mixing device is typically positioned on or near the bottom plate of the container body. Generally, the mixing device is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the container body.

[0022] The apparatus includes a motor for rotating the mixing equipment. The motor is typically a rotary motor, which includes a drive shaft that engages directly or indirectly with the mixing equipment via the bottom plate of the container body.

[0023] According to one model, the mixing device can be mechanically attached to or connected to the shaft of the motor (direct mating).

[0024] According to another preferred mode, the motor can drive the mixing device indirectly through the bottom plate of the container body via a magnetic drive effect.

[0025] Generally speaking, mixing equipment includes a connecting device designed to removably engage with a corresponding positioning device on the bottom plate of the container body of the appliance.

[0026] This positioning device enables the mixing equipment to be correctly positioned relative to the motor shaft in order to provide effective drive for the mixing equipment.

[0027] Preferably, the mixing device includes at least one magnetic component, and the motor is arranged to drive the mixing device by generating a rotating magnetic field in the container.

[0028] According to this embodiment, preferably, the positioning device at the bottom plate of the container body is a bulge or protrusion that rises from the bottom plate of the container body, and the connecting device of the mixing equipment is a slot designed to engage with the bulge or protrusion.

[0029] Preferably, and particularly if the appliance is essentially a drinking container such as a cup, glass container, or jar, the appliance includes a removable cap configured to engage with the upper edge of the container body. The cap is removable to allow for the introduction of beverage ingredients and cleaning of the appliance. Once engaged with the upper edge, the cap provides an airtight seal to the container body. The cap and the upper edge of the container can be engaged by a tightening device or any other means, such as a lifting member that slides into a mating slot or a mating member that engages via a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0030] Typically, the cap includes a first opening for drinking. The term "open" refers to the orifice that extends from the bottom of the cap to the top, allowing fluid communication between the container body and the atmosphere. This first opening is configured as a beverage outlet. Its function is to allow the consumer to sip the beverage. It is positioned near the edge of the cap. It is preferably large enough to dispense a flow of the beverage.

[0031] Preferably, the cap includes a second opening configured as an air vent. Its primary function is to allow pressurized air or gas to escape from the container body. Preferably, the second opening has a smaller cross-section compared to the first opening.

[0032] Typically, the cap includes a component configured to close or open a first opening and movable between a first closed position and a second open position. The function of this component is to close the beverage outlet during steps where there is a risk of accidental spillage, particularly during mixing operations or during travel. Conversely, the component opens the beverage outlet during drinking.

[0033] In a method for preparing cold drinks using the aforementioned apparatus, a mixing device is provided, a portion of which is encased in or covered by ice. This partially ice-covered mixing device is positioned within a container body for engagement with a motor. Then, at least one soluble beverage ingredient and at least one aqueous liquid diluent necessary for beverage preparation are introduced into the container, and the motor is actuated to rotate the mixing device in the liquid.

[0034] As the mixing apparatus rotates in the liquid, ice surrounding a portion of the apparatus cools the beverage for preparation. Simultaneously, the ice melts and provides additional liquid for beverage preparation. At the end of preparation, the beverage is cooler than the liquid introduced into the container.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the appliance can be a two-part assembly. An upper part, without a motor, includes a container and mixing equipment, while a lower part is a docking station that includes a motor and power supply and is designed to receive the container body. Mixing occurs only when the container is received at the docking station. Once mixing is complete, the container can be removed from the docking station for travel and drinking.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the motors for actuating the mixing and heating equipment, and the batteries for providing energy to these devices, are positioned below the bottom plate of the container body at the bottom of the equipment.

[0037] In one embodiment, the appliance may include a heater, which may be turned on before and / or at the start of the step of actuating the motor to rotate the mixing device in at least one beverage liquid.

[0038] The heater can be positioned on the outside of the container body; for example, the heating device can be a heating resistance ring.

[0039] The heating device can be located at the bottom of the container body; for example, the heating device can be a heating rod or a silk screen printing heating plate.

[0040] In this method, the short heating step is designed to melt the surface of the ice covering the mixing device, particularly the surface of the mixing device placed above the container bottom plate. Therefore, if the ice covering the mixing device defines an imperfect plane, the surface melts rapidly by default, and the rotation of the mixing device remains effective.

[0041] In a second aspect, a mold is provided for freezing water around a mixing device used in a vessel for mixing, storing, and drinking beverages into an ice-like state. The mixing device is configured to rotate inside the vessel, and includes a connecting device designed to removably engage with a positioning device inside the vessel.

[0042] The mold includes a compartment for receiving and storing water and a mixing device, and

[0043] The bottom of the compartment features a device for securing the mixing equipment inside the compartment, which engages with a connection device for the mixing equipment.

[0044] The device for securing the mixing equipment inside the compartment enables the mixing equipment to be properly positioned within the compartment during freezing operations and ensures that ice surrounds the mixing equipment as needed.

[0045] Furthermore, the fixing device engages with the connection device of the mixing equipment, which is designed to removably engage with a positioning device inside the appliance. Therefore, the fixing device prevents ice from freezing within the connection device of the mixing equipment.

[0046] Generally, the fixtures for compartments are designed to match the connecting devices of the mixing equipment. Typically, the fixtures for compartments are at least as large as the external shape of the appliance's positioning device. "Large" means that the shape of the fixture can encompass the shape of the appliance's positioning device.

[0047] Preferably, the compartment is shaped such that when the mixing equipment is engaged with the compartment's fixing device, the end piece of the mixing equipment opposite to the connecting device protrudes above the upper edge of the compartment.

[0048] Therefore, after the water in the compartment freezes, the end pieces of the mixing device are not surrounded by ice and can be easily picked up to be removed from the compartment and further inserted into the container of the appliance.

[0049] Generally speaking, a compartment includes at least one top opening.

[0050] Preferably, the upper surface of the bottom of the compartment molds the lower surface of the mixing device. Therefore, no ice can cover the bottom surface of the mixing device, and the connection between the mixing device and the motor via the bottom plate of the container body remains unaffected during mixing, storage, and drinking.

[0051] Therefore, the bottom of the compartment typically features a recess around the fixture, which is designed to fit with the bottom surface of the mixing equipment.

[0052] Even more preferably, the upper surface of the bottom of the compartment perfectly molds the lower surface of the mixing device.

[0053] Preferably, the mold is made of a flexible and elastic material. Flexibility and elasticity refer to a material that can deform briefly and return to its original shape even at low temperatures. Therefore, it is easier for the user to remove the mixing equipment surrounded by ice from the mold. This material can be a soft plastic such as silicone plastic.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the volume of the compartment is between 35 ml and 45 ml, preferably about 40 ml. Therefore, the volume of ice surrounding the mixing device remains below 45 ml, and when used to cool beverages, the resulting defrosting water does not significantly dilute a single serving. However, the volume of ice is sufficient to lower the temperature of about 180 ml of beverage, resulting in a temperature of about 20°C to a final temperature below 10°C and even below 5°C.

[0055] Preferably, the interior shape of the compartment is designed to mold an ice-like shape around the mixing device, the shape exhibiting rotational symmetry about the axis of rotation of the mixing device.

[0056] Therefore, the resulting ice-covered mixing device exhibits rotational symmetry and is easier to rotate compared to mixing devices with asymmetrical shapes. The latter would be more difficult to rotate via a motor, and the ice would not melt as quickly.

[0057] For example, the internal shape of the compartment can be designed to resemble an icicle surrounding the mixing equipment or a cone or top shape above the mixing equipment.

[0058] In one embodiment, the compartment is an assembly of removable upper and lower components configured to surround the mixing device when the components are attached to each other.

[0059] This implementation offers the following advantages: it provides a safer way to secure water-containing molds when they are placed in the freezer, and it provides an easier way to remove the ice-encased mixing device from the mold. Additionally, the upper component protects the ice from other frozen foods stored in the freezer and prevents cross-contamination of the ice, which could affect the taste of the final beverage.

[0060] Preferably, in the assembly of the detachable upper and lower components, the upper component includes an upper inlet for water and an overflow hole.

[0061] The upper part can easily fill the mold. Typically, the overflow hole is located at the liquid level to prevent the upper part of the mixing device from freezing.

[0062] According to the third aspect, a system is provided, comprising:

[0063] - An apparatus for mixing and storing beverages, the apparatus comprising:

[0064] The container body includes a bottom plate and sidewalls extending longitudinally upwards from the bottom plate to its upper edge.

[0065] A removable and rotatable mixing device, positioned within the container body.

[0066] The motor, which engages with the mixing equipment via the bottom plate of the container body, rotates the mixing equipment.

[0067] and

[0068] - A mold, used to freeze the water around the mixing equipment of the appliance into ice.

[0069] The mold includes a compartment for receiving and storing water and a mixing device.

[0070] Preferably, in this system:

[0071] - The mixing device for the appliance includes a connecting device designed to removably engage with a positioning device inside the appliance.

[0072] and

[0073] - The bottom of the mold compartment presents a device for securing the mixing equipment of the appliance inside the compartment, the securing device engaging with the connecting device of the mixing equipment.

[0074] According to a fourth aspect, a method is provided for producing a mixing device using a mold as described above, a portion of the mixing device being covered with ice, the method comprising the following steps:

[0075] a) The mixing equipment is secured within the mold compartment by engaging the connecting device of the mixing equipment with the fixing device at the bottom of the mold compartment.

[0076] b) Fill the mold compartments with water.

[0077] c) Freeze water in the mold.

[0078] d) Remove the ice-covered mixing equipment from the mold.

[0079] According to a fifth aspect, a mold is provided for freezing water into an ice-like form, the ice-like form being designed to be fitted around a mixing device of a vessel for mixing, storing, and drinking beverages, the mixing device being configured to rotate inside the vessel.

[0080] The mold described above includes compartments for receiving and storing water, and

[0081] The center of the compartment is designed to reproduce the external shape of the mixing equipment.

[0082] Therefore, the ice-like shape produced by the mold has a shape that complements the external shape of the mixing device, and the molded ice-like shape can be placed around the mixing device and covered with ice.

[0083] According to a sixth aspect, a method is provided for producing a mixing apparatus using a mold according to the fourth aspect above, wherein a portion of the mixing apparatus is covered with ice, the method comprising the following steps:

[0084] a) Fill the mold compartments with water.

[0085] b) Freeze water in the mold.

[0086] c) Remove the molded frozen ice cubes from the mold.

[0087] d) Cover the mixing equipment with molded frozen ice blocks.

[0088] In this application, the terms "upper part," "lower part," and "bottom" are used to describe the relational positioning of the features of the invention. These terms should be understood to refer to the mold in its normal orientation when frozen ice is placed, and respectively as follows: Figure 6 and Figure 3 The apparatus shown is in its normal orientation for producing beverages.

[0089] The foregoing aspects of the invention can be combined in any suitable manner. Furthermore, various features herein can be combined with one or more of the foregoing aspects to provide combinations other than those specifically shown and described. Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, detailed description, and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0090] The features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following figures:

[0091] - Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an apparatus for mixing, storing, and drinking beverages such as those used in this invention.

[0092] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the lid and body of the container.

[0093] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A vertical cross-sectional view of the appliance.

[0094] - Figure 4 The bottom of the container body is shown, to which the mixing device is attached.

[0095] - Figure 5 The bottom of the container body without mixing equipment is shown.

[0096] - Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a mold for freezing ice around a mixing device according to the present invention.

[0097] - Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A vertical cross-sectional view of the mold and mixing equipment along plane P.

[0098] - Figure 8a This is a comparison diagram of the shapes of the mold fixing device and the container body positioning device of the appliance.

[0099] - Figure 8b It is the vertical cross-section of the mixing equipment.

[0100] - Figure 8c This is a perspective view of the bottom of the mixing device.

[0101] - Figures 9a to 9f A method for producing a mixing device according to the third aspect is shown, wherein a portion of the mixing device is encased in ice.

[0102] - Figure 10a This is a perspective view of the mold used in the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0103] - Figure 10b yes Figure 10a The vertical cross-section of the mold,

[0104] - Figure 10c It is by Figure 10a The mold produces an ice-like perspective view. Detailed Implementation

[0105] Figure 1 An apparatus 1 is shown for mixing, storing, and drinking the beverage used in this invention. The apparatus is configured to prepare and store the beverage. Preferably, the apparatus is configured for transport so that consumers can drink it en route while traveling.

[0106] The appliance includes a container body 2 for storing beverages. Generally, the container body is made of insulating material to maintain the beverage at a desired temperature. Typically, the appliance is not disposable.

[0107] The appliance includes a lid 3 for sealing the container body 2. The lid seals the appliance and is configured to allow a consumer to drink from it. Therefore, the lid includes an opening for drinking. Figure 1 In the middle, the opening is closed by the movable component 41.

[0108] Figure 2 A cap 3, separate from the container body 2, is shown. The container has a device 222 at its upper edge 221 for attaching the cap 3 to said edge, and the cap 3 includes a corresponding mating attachment device 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating attachment device is a protrusion 222 and a track 34. However, any other current attachment device, such as a threaded device or a snap-fit ​​device, can be used.

[0109] Figure 2 The interior of the container body is shown. At the bottom, the container body 2 includes a base plate 21. Side walls 22 extend longitudinally upwards from there to the upper edge 221.

[0110] As shown in the figure, the apparatus 1 includes a mixing device 23 within the container body 2. Preferably, and as shown in the figure, the mixing device 23 is positioned at or near the bottom plate 21 of the container body. Generally, the mixing device rotates about the longitudinal axis XX′ of the container body (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). Therefore, during rotation, the beverage rotates within the container body and vortexes along the side wall 22 of the container body.

[0111] The mixing device can be a stirrer, a whisk, a mixer, or any other device known for stirring beverages. In the illustrated embodiment, the mixing device 23 includes a toroidal coil 231.

[0112] In a less preferred embodiment, the mixing device 23 may be directly attached to the shaft of a rotary motor that extends through the base plate 21 of the container body.

[0113] Then, as Figure 3As shown, in a preferred embodiment, appliance 1 includes a magnetic drive device that provides indirect coupling with the mixing device. The drive device includes a motor 3 positioned below a base plate 21 and actuating a shaft 31 to rotate. The shaft extends along a longitudinal axis XX′. The ends of the shaft include two elements 32 made of a ferromagnetic material. Thus, rotation of the shaft generates a rotating magnetic field. The mixing device 23 includes two elements 232 made of a ferromagnetic material. These elements are subordinate to the magnetic field generated by the rotation of the shaft.

[0114] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In a perspective view of the bottom 21 of the container body of the appliance, the bottom plate includes a positioning device 211 configured to removably engage with a corresponding connecting device 233 of the mixing equipment. The positioning device 211 is a raised portion rising from the surface of the bottom plate. On the other side of the bottom plate surface, the raised portion includes the end of a motor shaft.

[0115] On one side of the mixing device 23, the connecting device is a groove 233 at the center of the mixing device, which is designed to fit and surround the raised area. Figure 3 ).

[0116] The positioning device 211 has a shape complementary to the connecting device 233 so as to receive the latter's rotational engagement.

[0117] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the bottom 21 of the container body of the appliance, in which the mixing device has been removed, and the shape of the bulge 211 used as a positioning device is shown.

[0118] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of mold 4, which is used to make... Figures 1 to 5 The water around the mixing device 23 of the apparatus shown freezes into ice.

[0119] The mold includes a compartment 41 in which the mixing device 23 can be introduced and secured. The bottom 411 of the compartment includes a fixing device 42 configured to engage with the mixing device 23. Specifically, the fixing device 42 is capable of engaging with the connecting device 233 of the mixing device. In the illustrated embodiment, and particularly in... Figure 7 In this embodiment, the shape of the fixing device 42 perfectly matches the empty space defined by the connecting device 233 of the mixing equipment: in the illustrated embodiment, it is dome-shaped. Other types of shapes can also be achieved.

[0120] Therefore, the mixing device is effectively fixed to the bottom of the compartment. The fixing device 42 is positioned at the center of the compartment, meaning that when the compartment 41 is filled with water and placed on a horizontal tray in the freezer, the water can freeze evenly around the mixing device. The uniform and symmetrical final shape of the mixing device with the ice component is important to allow for easy further introduction of the mixing device into the vessel and to enable effective rotation of the mixing device to cool and mix the beverage in the vessel.

[0121] Preferably, the mold is made of a flexible and elastic soft material such as silicone plastic. This type of material has the advantage of being partially compressible, and the shape of the fixing device 42 can completely fill the empty space defined by the connecting device 233 of the mixing equipment, even if it is slightly larger. Then, after freezing, ice is avoided from forming in this part of the mixing equipment.

[0122] Because of the engagement between the fixing device 42 and the mating device 233 of the mixing equipment, the fixing device 42 prevents ice from freezing in the connecting device 233 of the mixing equipment. Therefore, when the mixing equipment, with a portion of it encased in ice, is positioned in the appliance, the mixing equipment can still be correctly positioned in the container body for engagement with the motor.

[0123] Generally speaking, such as Figure 8a As shown, the compartment's fixing device has a shape A (shown by a dashed line) that is at least as large as the external shape B (shown by a dashed line) of the appliance's positioning device. This ensures that the interface between the mixing equipment and the appliance's positioning device is not contaminated by ice.

[0124] Preferably, compartment 41 exhibits this height h ( Figure 7 When the mixing device 23 is engaged with the fixing device 42 of the compartment, the upper end piece 234 of the mixing device, which is opposite to the connecting device 233, protrudes above the upper edge 412 of the compartment. This prevents the mixing device from being completely covered by ice and allows the user to easily grasp the mixing device to put it back into the appliance.

[0125] Furthermore, when the mixing device 23 is fixed in the mold 4, the bottom surface 411 of the compartment takes the shape of being molded to resemble the lower surface of the mixing device. In a particular exemplary configuration, the upper surface 411 of the bottom of the compartment features a groove 4111 that replicates the contour of the bottom surface of the mixing device.

[0126] In fact, such as Figure 8b and Figure 8c As shown, the bottom surface of the mixing device is not perfectly flat: (the ferromagnetic element 232 is held in place...) Figure 8cThe central component (gray in color) protrudes from the lower surface of coil 231. The surface of the mold bottom perfectly replicates the shape of the bottom of the mixing device. Due to this perfect match between the mold and the surface of the mixing device, no ice can freeze on the bottom surface of the mixing device and at the connection point, either in the connecting device 233 or below the surface of the mixing device. When removed from the mold, there is no ice layer on the bottom of the mixing device. Then, when the ice-covered mixing device is introduced into the appliance, the ice does not hinder the rotation of the mixing device.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the interior shape of the compartment is designed to mold icicles around the mixing equipment. Other shapes can also be produced.

[0128] The maximum external dimensions of the ice-like substance should be smaller than the diameter of the container body.

[0129] Figures 9a to 9f A method for producing a mixing device, a portion of which is encased in ice, is shown, illustrated using a specific mold made of two detachable parts 41a, 41b.

[0130] exist Figure 9a In this process, the two components 41a and 41b forming the cavity of the mold are separated, and the mixing device 23 is positioned inside: the mixing device 23 is fixed in the lower compartment 41a by engaging the connecting device 233 of the mixing device 23 with the fixing device 42 at the bottom of the compartment of the mold. Then, the upper component 41b of the compartment is attached to the lower component 41a, and thus the resulting compartment surrounds the mixing device 23.

[0131] The upper component 41b of the compartment includes an upper opening 413, through which the upper end 234 of the mixing device can pass, such as Figure 9b As shown, the upper opening is large enough to allow water to be filled through it. Preferably, the opening is funnel-shaped to facilitate water filling. The upper component may include an overflow orifice 43 to control the level of water to be poured into the container, thereby controlling the shape of the ice enveloping the mixing device. This shape is also controlled by the internal shapes of the upper and lower compartments 41a, 41b.

[0132] exist Figure 9c In the process, the mold is placed in a freezer on a horizontal support, and water freezes around the mixing equipment.

[0133] When preparing cold drinks, such as Figure 9d and Figure 9e As shown, by removing the upper and lower parts 41b and 41a, the mold is removed from the freezer and the mixing device containing ice is removed from the mold. Figure 9f The resulting mixing device is shown.

[0134] Figure 10a and Figure 10b A mold used in the method according to a fourth aspect of the invention is shown. The mold 4 includes a compartment 41 for receiving and storing water. The center of the compartment includes a shape 414 that rises from the bottom 411 of the compartment and is designed to prevent ice from freezing in the center of the compartment. This shape 414 replicates the upper outer surface of the mixing device.

[0135] Figure 10c It shows the result of Figure 10a and Figure 10b Ice blocks 5 are produced by a mold. The outer shape of the ice blocks is cylindrical. The center of the cylinder has an empty space 51, the shape of which is designed to match the outer upper shape of the mixing device. Therefore, the formed ice blocks can slide on the upper part 234 of the mixing device, cover the upper surface of the mixing device, and provide an ice-covered mixing device. The bottom of the mixing device is not covered by ice and can still cooperate with the positioning device of the appliance.

[0136] Example—Preparation of Cold Coffee

[0137] In the first preparation step, using Figure 6 The mold shown was used to prepare a mixing device containing ice.

[0138] The mold was filled with 40ml of water and frozen in a freezer at -18°C.

[0139] Several hours later, the mold was removed from the freezer, and then the mixing equipment was removed from the mold. The mixing equipment, now encased in ice, was then introduced into the freezer. Figures 1 to 3 Among the appliances shown.

[0140] 166 ml of water at 20.8°C and 3 g of instant coffee powder are introduced into the device, and the motor is actuated at 1500 rpm for at least 35 seconds.

[0141] After 35 seconds, the resulting coffee beverage was 5°C, with a thin layer of foam on top.

[0142] After 60 seconds, the resulting coffee beverage was 4.6°C, with a 5mm layer of foam on top.

[0143] Although the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown above, it should be understood that the invention protected by the claims is not limited in any way to the embodiments shown.

[0144] Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, if known equivalents exist for a particular feature, such equivalents should be introduced as expressly mentioned in this specification.

[0145] As used in this specification, the words “including,” “contains,” and similar terms should not be construed as having an exclusive or exhaustive meaning. In other words, these terms are intended to mean “including but not limited to.”

[0146] List of markers in the attached diagram :

[0147] Utensil 1

[0148] Container body 2

[0149] Base plate 21

[0150] Positioning device 211

[0151] Side wall 22

[0152] Top edge 221

[0153] 222 protrusions

[0154] Mixing equipment 23

[0155] 231 toroidal coil

[0156] Ferromagnetic element 232

[0157] Connecting device 233

[0158] Upper part 234

[0159] Mold 4

[0160] Compartment 41

[0161] Lower component 41a

[0162] Upper component 41b

[0163] Bottom 411

[0164] Groove 4111

[0165] Top edge 412

[0166] Top opening 413

[0167] Shape 414

[0168] Fixture 42

[0169] Overflow hole 43

[0170] Ice Cube 5

[0171] 51 vacant spaces

Claims

1. A method for preparing a cold beverage using an apparatus (1) for mixing and holding a beverage, said apparatus comprising: - Container body (2), the container body includes a bottom plate (21) and a side wall (22), the side wall extending longitudinally upward from the bottom plate to the upper edge (221), - A removable and rotatable mixing device (23), said removable and rotatable mixing device being positioned within the container body, - Motor (3), which cooperates with the mixing device (23) via the bottom plate of the container body to rotate the mixing device. The method includes the following steps: - A mixing device (23) is provided, a portion of which is covered with ice, wherein water around the mixing device is frozen into ice using a mold, or water is frozen into ice blocks using a mold, the ice blocks being designed to be fitted around the mixing device. - The mixing device, to be covered by ice, is positioned within the container body (2) to cooperate with the motor. - Introduce at least one beverage liquid into the container body. - Actuate the motor (3) to rotate the mixing device in the at least one beverage liquid.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one beverage liquid is an ready-to-drink beverage.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one soluble beverage ingredient and at least one aqueous liquid diluent are introduced into the container body.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the mixing device (23) includes a connecting device (233) configured to removably engage with a corresponding positioning device (211) at the bottom plate of the container body of the appliance.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the apparatus includes a heater, and the heater is turned on before and / or at the start of the step of actuating the motor (3) to rotate the mixing device in the at least one beverage liquid.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein the at least one beverage liquid is a ready-to-drink beverage previously prepared by the beverage preparation apparatus.

7. A system for preparing cold drinks, the system comprising: - An apparatus (1) for mixing and storing beverages, said apparatus comprising: . Container body (2), the container body includes a bottom plate (21) and a side wall (22), the side wall extending longitudinally upward from the bottom plate to the upper edge (221), A removable and rotatable mixing device (23), said removable and rotatable mixing device being positioned within the container body, The motor (3) is connected to the mixing device (23) via the bottom plate of the container body to rotate the mixing device. and - A mold, the mold being used to freeze the water around the mixing device (23) of the apparatus into ice. The mold (4) includes a compartment (41) for receiving and storing water and the mixing device (23).

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein: - The mixing device of the appliance includes a connecting device (233) designed to removably engage with a positioning device (211) inside the appliance. and - The bottom (411) of the compartment of the mold presents a fixing device (42) for fixing the mixing device of the appliance inside the compartment, the fixing device engaging with the connecting device (233) of the mixing device.

9. A method for producing a mixing device using a mold (4), a portion of the mixing device being covered with ice, the mold being used to freeze water around the mixing device into ice. The mixing device (23) includes a connecting device (233) designed to removably engage with a positioning device inside a vessel for mixing, storing, and drinking beverages. The mold (4) includes a compartment (41) for receiving and storing water and the mixing device (23), and The bottom (411) of the compartment features a fixing device (42) for securing the mixing device inside the compartment, the fixing device engaging with the connecting device (233) of the mixing device. The method includes the following steps: a) The mixing device (23) is fixed in the compartment of the mold by engaging the connecting device (233) of the mixing device with the fixing device (42) at the bottom of the compartment (41) of the mold. b) Fill the compartment (41) of the mold with water. c) Freeze water in the mold. d) Remove the mixing device (23) covered with ice from the mold.

10. A method for producing a mixing device using a mold, a portion of the mixing device being covered with ice, the mold being used to freeze water into ice, the ice being designed to assemble around the mixing device. The mold (4) includes a compartment (41) for receiving and storing water, and The center of the compartment is designed to reproduce the external shape of the mixing device. The method includes the following steps: a) Fill the compartment (41) of the mold with water. b) Freeze water in the mold. c) Remove the molded frozen ice cubes (5) from the mold. d) Cover the mixing device (23) with the molded frozen ice blocks (5).

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