Kit for preparing and / or using with beverages

DE102025106965A1Undetermined Publication Date: 2026-08-27SKUPSKI SVEN
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102025106965
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-24
Publication Date
2026-08-27

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Abstract

The invention relates to a kit for preparing and / or using beverages, comprising a vessel (1) containing a drinking liquid, at least one capsule (2) to be inserted into the vessel (1), and a handling element (3) for moving and positioning the at least one capsule (2) inserted into the vessel (1). Movement of the at least one capsule (2) effected by a user with the aid of the handling element (3) is mediated between the capsule and the handling element (3) by a magnetic force penetrating the vessel wall.The handling element (3) has at least one electronic functional unit and at least one radio transmission unit (4) connected to it for data exchange with computer equipment, which is at least designed and equipped to receive control data from a computer equipment for the execution of a function provided by the at least one electronic functional unit and / or to send data acquired by means of it to a computer equipment for the vessel (1), the capsule (2) or the drinking liquid.
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Description

The invention relates to a kit, i.e., a multi-component technical solution, which serves to prepare beverages and / or is intended to be used by a user when consuming a beverage, i.e., in conjunction with the respective beverage. The object of the invention is therefore a solution which, depending on the configuration—namely, the selection of the components forming the kit and their respective specific design—either serves to prepare a beverage, is used solely in connection with the consumption of a beverage, or is usable for both (preparation of the beverage and use during its consumption). With regard to its use with a beverage, i.e., during its consumption, a particular focus of the solution (the kit) presented below is on influencing the drinking behavior of a user employing this solution. From the perspective of individual beverage preparation, it can be desirable for a variety of reasons to allow users to purchase beverage ingredients—specifically, a drinking liquid, typically water, and substances to be added to this liquid—as separate products. Aside from the fact that water is essentially the basis of every beverage and is often consumed in its pure form, separately purchased substances to add to water offer several advantages. These ingredients allow users to create beverages according to their specific taste preferences and, if necessary, to accommodate changing needs over time. The freshness of beverages "composed" in this way by the user can also be a compelling argument. Beyond personal taste preferences, this also allows users to add vitamins, dietary supplements, and similar substances to their drinks according to their needs and preferences. Furthermore, offering separate options for water as the base for beverages and for adding ingredients to that water can also be advantageous from a sustainability perspective in food production, particularly for beverages. This is especially true if the capsules used to ingest the substances, which are a key component of the solution presented here, are recyclable or reusable. Regarding the other key aspect of the solution described here, namely the use of the presented kit with beverages and their consumption, the possibility of influencing people's / users' drinking habits from a health perspective is particularly noteworthy. Many people, especially older people, often drink too little throughout the day. Depending on the specific configuration of the presented solution, this problem can be effectively addressed. Nevertheless, for many people today, beverages are often more than just a thirst quencher or something that serves to meet the body's fluid requirements for maintaining health or even survival. Rather, beverages are also indulgences and, particularly among younger consumers, sometimes even a lifestyle product. Against this backdrop, the food industry undertakes a variety of efforts to appeal to a broad customer base with individual products, or, where appropriate, to specific customer groups. The object of the invention is to provide an alternative solution for the possibilities of individual beverage preparation and individually customizable beverage consumption. For this purpose, a kit consisting of several components is to be provided. The problem is solved by a kit for preparing and / or using beverages, characterized by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of this solution are given by the dependent claims. The proposed kit for preparing and / or using beverages comprises a container holding a drinking liquid, at least one capsule that is inserted into the container through an opening, and a handling element. The handling element allows the at least one capsule inserted into the container to be moved through a container wall and, in particular, positioned within the container. In its operational state, i.e., when the kit is in use, the at least one capsule is inserted into the container belonging to the kit. The container could be, for example, a drinking bottle, a cup, a beaker, a drinking glass, or a can. The aforementioned at least one capsule, or possibly several capsules, can be inserted individually into the container, which is preferably a drinking bottle, or together with a capsule holder. If the at least one capsule is inserted into the container together with a capsule holder, it is secured to the capsule holder, for example by means of a plug connection, a screw connection, or a bayonet connection. The feature that the at least one capsule is secured to the capsule holder implies that various possible configurations are conceivable in this context. Accordingly, exactly one capsule can be attached to such a capsule holder and inserted into the container, for example, a drinking bottle. However, it is also possible for several capsules with different properties to be attached to such a capsule holder inserted into the container or bottle. Finally, this also includes the combination of both of the aforementioned scenarios: that is, the possibility that one or more capsule holders, each with one attached capsule, as well as one or more capsule holders, each with several attached capsules, are inserted into the container. Furthermore, one or more capsules attached to one or more capsule holders, as well as one or more capsules without a corresponding capsule holder, can be inserted into the container simultaneously. In this respect, any combination is conceivable.The at least one capsule may preferably, but need not necessarily, contain at least one substance and be designed to release this at least one substance contained in it into the drinking liquid taken up by the vessel after piercing or removing a seal and inserting the capsule into the vessel. As explained above, the at least one capsule in the container can be moved and positioned through the container wall by means of the handling element. Movement of the at least one capsule, initiated by a user with the help of the handling element, is mediated between the capsule and the handling element by a magnetic force penetrating the container wall. This magnetic force acts between at least one magnet and at least one complementary element, either metallic or also designed as a magnet. The at least one magnet is either located on the handling element and the at least one complementary magnetic element is located on the capsule or the capsule holder, or vice versa.An arrangement of the at least one magnet or the at least one complementary element on the at least one capsule expressly includes the possibility of an arrangement of the at least one magnet or the at least one complementary element inside the at least one capsule. Taking into account the fact that the container holding the drinking liquid and the handling element can be combined with a wide variety of capsules of varying numbers to form the kit, the magnet (a permanent magnet or an electromagnet) will preferably be arranged in or on the handling element, whereas a simple metallic element, such as a metal strip, is typically arranged as a complementary element in or on a respective capsule or on the capsule holder. According to the solution proposed here, the handling element of the kit solving the problem is further characterized by the fact that it has at least one electronic functional unit and at least one radio transmission unit in operative communication with it for data exchange with computer systems. The at least one radio transmission unit is designed and configured to receive control data from a computer system in interaction with the at least one electronic functional unit for the execution of a function provided by the at least one electronic functional unit and / or to transmit data acquired by the at least one electronic functional unit concerning the container, the at least one capsule, or the drinking liquid to a computer system. The handling element is also designed to accommodate at least one battery or at least one rechargeable battery for powering its at least one electronic functional unit and at least one radio transmission unit. For charging a battery or rechargeable battery that may be accommodated by the handling element, the handling element may additionally have a connection for connecting to a charging device plug, a unit for inductive charging of the battery, or at least one solar cell. The at least one radio transmission unit is a transmission unit that can support one of the currently used radio transmission technologies or standards, such as mobile communications, Bluetooth, WLAN, WiFi, or even satellite telephony, or a future radio transmission technology. Given that the handling element, as stated, has "at least" one radio transmission unit, the handling element itself can, depending on its specific features and configuration, support multiple radio transmission technologies and / or standards. The handling element is described in this way in the context of the description of the invention and its various embodiments, since the handling of at least one capsule inserted into the container with the drinking liquid (mediated by a magnetic force) is certainly one of the essential functions of this element. Its specific inventive design, however, additionally confers upon this element one or more significantly further functionalities, which could also be described as "handling". The kit presented to solve the problem differs considerably from other prior art solutions that work with one or more capsule(s) to be inserted into a drinking vessel, in particular also from the solution known from EP 4 108 592 B1, by virtue of the two aforementioned units of the handling element, namely the at least one radio transmission unit and the at least one electronic functional unit that works together with it. However, it is precisely this difference that lends the solution presented here added value, which goes far beyond the mere possibility of preparing beverages using a capsule placed in a container. Further details regarding the existing possibilities and corresponding proposed embodiments of the kit according to the invention will follow, whereby the possibilities described here can only be presented as examples and not exhaustively. The feature of equipping the handling element with at least one radio transmission unit and at least one interacting electronic functional unit opens up virtually countless possibilities without departing from the basic principle of the solution and thus the scope of the invention.It should also be expressly pointed out at this point that the equipping of the handling element with at least one electronic functional unit means that the handling element can have several different electronic functional units that provide various functionalities (shown below only as examples) and can be combined with each other or interact / work together in the handling element as desired. As explained above, the at least one capsule preferably forms a volume containing at least one substance to be added to the drinking liquid. The at least one capsule is equipped with at least one pierceable or removable seal. Furthermore, it is designed to release the at least one substance contained in the capsule into the drinking liquid, or to release it within the drinking liquid, after this seal has been pierced or removed and the capsule has been placed in the container receiving the drinking liquid (in particular, a drinking bottle). With regard to the statement that the at least one capsule contains at least one substance, it should be clarified here that a (single) such capsule may also be divided into several chambers, each containing different substances to be added to a drinking liquid. In such a case, at least one opening must be provided for each volume segment formed in the capsule, or for each chamber, for the release of the respective substance. This opening must be sealed until the capsule is placed in the container. Regarding the substance(s) already mentioned, preferably ingested via at least one capsule, these can be substances of a wide variety. In particular, they could include vitamins added to a beverage such as pure water, various flavorings, or different types of dietary supplements. Flavorings, for example, could be additives that give the prepared beverage a fruity note. Other possibilities include flavorings such as various sweeteners, such as stevia, vegetable powders, or caffeine. A capsule equipped with multiple chambers offers the possibility of infusing the drinking liquid with a mixture of different substances, such as various flavors, or even with a vitamin on one side and a flavoring additive on the other. There are virtually no limits to this, given the wide variety of taste preferences people have, as well as their different needs regarding vitamins, dietary supplements, and the like. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted here that the drinking liquid, or the beverage prepared by adding an additive to the drinking liquid, could also be a beverage for a pet. Naturally, the pet owner would be responsible for preparing the beverage, handling the capsule if necessary, and using any other features provided by the kit according to the invention. With regard to the aspect of viewing a beverage prepared or consumed using the kit as a lifestyle product, but also with regard to the aspect of information transfer, a multitude of possibilities exist for the at least one electronic functional unit comprised of the handling element and its configuration. Against this background, there are also various ways to activate functions provided by one or more electronic functional units of the handling element in this way, or to give a user of the kit the opportunity to influence or control such functions in their specific form / design or with regard to the processes associated with them. For this purpose, the handling element may be equipped with at least one user-operated control element for one or more electronic functional units. Depending on the nature of the electronic functional unit(s) encompassed by the handling element, the handling element may also be equipped with at least one loudspeaker and / or a microphone. A display for outputting visual information may also be provided on the handling element. As is common today, such a display may also be a touch display or touchscreen, which, in addition to its function of outputting visual information, can also serve as a control element for the electronic functional unit(s).Furthermore (alternatively or cumulatively), the handling element can be equipped with at least one vibration element to output a haptic confirmation signal or a warning signal. The solution described above in its various forms also includes training configurations in which the handling element itself is a computer device with storage means and a central processing unit (CPU or microcontroller) that processes an operating system and program applications loaded into the storage means, and which includes at least one electronic functional unit and at least one radio transmission unit. In such a case, the handling element can also have at least one microphone for receiving voice commands interpreted and processed by the computer device.In addition to its function of moving and positioning a capsule inserted into the vessel, which is also present in this case, the handling element forms a microcomputer, which, for example, can be designed similarly to a smartwatch in terms of its external appearance. The handling element can also be equipped with a camera and, if configured as a (more or less independent) computer device, be designed and configured to recognize gestures for controlling functions provided by the handling element and to execute them accordingly. If the handling element itself is configured as a computer device, this computer device should preferably be set up in such a way that a user authenticates themselves to the computer device for its use, i.e., logs in to it, for example by entering a code or PIN or using biometric features, thus unlocking the corresponding computer device. Regardless of whether the handling element, as described above, is itself designed as a microcomputer or includes one, the kit may include a mobile device equipped with a program application. By running this application, the mobile device is configured for data exchange with the handling element's at least one radio transmission unit and for using functions provided by the handling element's at least one electronic functional unit. This naturally refers in particular to a smartphone or smartwatch equipped with a corresponding program application or mini-program application (app) and thus configured for interaction with the handling element. As previously explained, the at least one radio transmission unit of the handling element, which interacts with the at least one electronic functional unit, can be designed and configured to transmit data acquired by the aforementioned functional unit concerning the container, the at least one capsule, or the drinking liquid or beverage itself to a computer system. The radio transmission unit can be configured to transmit data of the aforementioned type to a server on the internet via a mobile device belonging to the kit (e.g., smartphone or smartwatch) or using a SIM module integrated into the handling element itself via the mobile network. This provides suppliers of kits or their components according to the invention, as well as beverage manufacturers and bottlers, with the opportunity to collect and evaluate statistical data on the drinking behavior of kit users (preferably anonymized) and on substances (flavorings, vitamins, and the like) that users particularly like to add to the drinking liquid via corresponding capsules for marketing purposes. In this context, the at least one electronic functional unit of the handling element can be configured to read a code present on or in the at least one capsule inserted into the container. Such a code can, in particular, contain coded information about one or more substances absorbed by the capsule. Data relating to the code read by the at least one functional unit of a suitably designed handling element can be transmitted, for example, to a previously mentioned server belonging to a manufacturer of kit components or a beverage producer, in interaction with the at least one transmission unit of the handling element. Depending on the specific design of the at least one functional unit, however, the corresponding data can also be pre-processed by it and only then transmitted to such a server via the at least one radio transmission unit. In this context, "data" refers to the code itself or to information obtained from it through decoding and appropriate processing. There are also different possibilities for the method of applying a code for the aforementioned purposes in or on the at least one capsule, as well as for the technical means required for this purpose by the functional unit of the handling element and, if applicable, also in the at least one capsule. According to a preferred embodiment in this respect, the corresponding electronic functional unit of the handling element is equipped with an optical receiving unit for reading the code of the at least one capsule, for example, with a CCD element or a camera, wherein the vessel wall of the vessel containing the capsule is at least partially transparent with respect to light with a receiving wavelength of the respective receiving unit.Using a suitable electronic functional unit of the handling element, for example a barcode or QR code attached to the outside of the at least one capsule can be read. It is also conceivable that at least one functional unit of the handling element is equipped with a radio-based transmitter and receiver (not to be confused with, nor identical to, the previously mentioned radio transmission unit of the handling element), and that at least one capsule contains a passive transponder or tag bearing a code readable by the radio-based transmitter and receiver. However, considering costs and the desire to keep them as low as possible, a variant with a barcode or QR code on the capsule and an optical receiver as part of the electronic functional unit would likely be preferable.With regard to the previously mentioned possibility of influencing the drinking behavior of kit users, i.e., encouraging users to drink sufficiently, the handling element can also include a timer as an electronic functional unit. This timer is designed to be set and started using controls on the handling element itself or on a mobile device belonging to the kit, which exchanges data with the handling element's at least one radio transmission unit. Furthermore, such a timer is designed to output an acoustic and / or visual signal and / or a vibration signal upon its expiration via a designated output device on the handling element itself and / or on a mobile device belonging to the kit.A user of the kit would therefore be reminded by a signal when the timer expires to consume some of the liquid contained in the container. The timer can also be designed to automatically reset to a preset time and restart after it expires. An alternative possibility is that the handling element includes an electronic functional unit comprising at least one motion sensor. This functional unit is designed to evaluate the sensor signals from this at least one motion sensor and to output an acoustic and / or visual signal and / or a vibration signal to a designated output device on the handling element and / or a mobile device belonging to the kit, provided that the container holding the drinking liquid has not been tilted at least at a specific angle to the vertical for a defined period of time, an angle typical when drinking from the container. This angle is preferably preset by the manufacturer of the kit or the handling element in the corresponding electronic functional unit.Regarding the aforementioned duration, this can be set, for example, by the user of the kit using the controls provided on the handling element. Another embodiment of the kit, designed to accommodate different configurations of the handling element, consists of a handling element comprising at least one temperature sensor in contact with the wall of the container holding the drinking liquid and an electronic functional unit for evaluating the sensor signals from the temperature sensor belonging to this functional unit. In this way, the user can be informed about the temperature of the drinking liquid or beverage. The at least one functional unit of the handling element can be configured to calculate the temperature of the drinking liquid from the sensor signals, taking into account the thermal conductivity of the container wall. Another possible design of the handling element is that it includes an electronic functional unit which has at least one light source for emitting light into the interior of the container (through its wall, which in this case is also transparent in at least a designated area). The aforementioned at least one light source can, for example, emit light in preferably different selectable colors and thereby convey different effects to a consumer of the drinking liquid and / or their surroundings. Furthermore, the at least one light source, or at least one of potentially several light sources of the handling element, may also be a light source that emits UV light, in particular UVC light (wavelength approximately 100 nm to 280 nm), to kill any germs in the drinking liquid absorbed by the container. Moreover, in connection with the presence of at least one light source shining into the container, it is also possible that the at least one capsule inserted into the container is designed to release a substance into the drinking liquid, on which a glittering effect is caused by the light shining into the container. In a further embodiment of the presented solution, the handling element can include an electronic functional unit designed to emit a signal tone via a speaker on the handling element in response to contact initiated by a mobile device included in the kit via the handling element's transmission unit. This enables the user to locate the handling element, particularly if it is not attached to the vessel wall due to magnetic interaction with a capsule or if it has been misplaced. Another possible configuration for the presented kit involves the handling element incorporating an electronic functional unit. This unit is designed to establish an ad hoc network with similarly configured kits located within range of the radio transmission unit, thus enabling communication between users of these kits. Users of a suitably configured or equipped kit can, for example, connect with multiple other users in a shared environment, such as a gym or club, and essentially form a (at least temporary) community. Users can communicate directly with each other via their kit's handling element, which in this case functions similarly to a smartwatch. Communication can occur via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.In this context, the handling element can (also) be equipped with a camera (selfie camera) on its front, i.e., on the side facing the user. With reference to the drawings, some possible embodiments of the kit according to the invention will be briefly discussed below, which correspond to the basic configurations already mentioned. It should be emphasized that the corresponding embodiments are only symbolically represented in the drawings, particularly with regard to possible functional units of the handling element. It should also be noted again that the possibilities of the invention are not exhausted by these embodiments and that several electronic functional groups can be combined in a single handling element, as shown in the individual examples. Essential elements of the kit according to the invention – and therefore also depicted in all figures and provided with the same reference numerals – are a container for holding a drinking liquid (in all examples shown, this is a drinking bottle, although other containers are also possible), at least one capsule placed in such a container, and a handling element connected to this at least one capsule or capsule holder through a container wall in a magnetically effective manner. All embodiments also have in common that said handling element comprises at least one radio transmission unit, illustrated by corresponding symbols representing the means it encompasses (in particular, input and / or output means), and at least one electronic functional unit. From the reference symbols designating the relevant means / elements, such as input and output means or the radio transmission unit, lines are therefore drawn through the symbols illustrating these means / elements to the handling element that encompasses / receives them. It should also be noted here that handling elements in very different configurations, as described above, can be combined with the container (for example, a drinking bottle) and at least one capsule to form a kit. This means that the user can purchase handling elements with different features—for example, a handling element forming a computer device or a significantly simpler handling element with less complex functionality—at different prices and use them together with a suitable container and a capsule to be inserted into the container and the drinking liquid as a kit within the meaning of the invention. In the drawings explained below, the dashed wavy line symbolizes a drinking liquid, such as water, that has been absorbed by the container or drinking bottle. The four circular segments (reference symbol 4) each symbolize at least one radio transmission unit. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment in which the at least one electronic functional unit comprises several light sources (for example, laser diodes, see Fig. 2) and an optical receiver. In this embodiment, a code (code 11) arranged on the outside or inside of the (then preferably transparent) capsule 2 can be read by means of the light sources and the optical receiver. Information encoded by means of the relevant code can be transmitted by means of the radio transmission unit 4 of the handling element 3, for example, to the server of a beverage bottler on the internet for statistical or other evaluation purposes. It should be noted that a light source (light source 5 in Fig. 1) is also included.2) for example, it may also be located in the center of the handling element 3 and may radiate into the capsule 2 through an opening for ventilation that is released by removing a seal. Fig. 2 shows the embodiment according to Fig. 1 again in a view looking at the side of the vessel 1, or the transparent drinking bottle, opposite the handling element 3. From this viewpoint, the light sources 51-5 of the handling element 3 shown in the example can be seen through the drinking bottle. Apart from the possibility of reading a code (code (11)) explained in Fig. 1, light sources encompassed by the handling element 3, controlled either on the element itself or by means of a coupled (part of the kit, not shown here) mobile device 10, can also be provided and used to shine into the drinking liquid and illuminate it in different colors to create mood images. It is also conceivable that a substance released into the drinking liquid from the capsule 2 could be stimulated to glitter by means of corresponding light sources of the handling element 3.Furthermore, the light sources 51-5n can also be light sources 51-5n which emit UV light to kill any germs that may be present in the drinking liquid. Figure 3 shows a configuration in which the handling element 3 is equipped with a microphone 7, a loudspeaker 8, a camera 9, and a SIM module 6 (SIM card) for mobile communication. As mentioned, the aforementioned elements are represented here only by appropriate symbols. In this embodiment, the kit, or rather its handling element 3, is suitable, for example, for enabling its user to communicate with another user who has a similar kit. The recess for the SIM module 6 and the microphone 7 are, for example, arranged on the circumference of the preferably, but not necessarily, circular handling element 3, whereas the loudspeaker 8 and the camera 9 are located on the front of the handling element 3. As shown in Fig. 4, a display 12 can also be arranged on the front of the handling element 3, which, for example, shows the user the current temperature of the drinking liquid. In this case, the handling element 3 has a corresponding temperature sensor and an electronic functional unit that evaluates its sensor data. The display 12 can optionally also be a touch display. According to another embodiment, or another function provided by the handling element 3 as shown in Fig. 4, a clock, for example a timer clock, can also be displayed on a display 12 of the handling element 3, as shown in Fig. 5. The handling element 3 can also have a manually operated control element 13, as indicated in the figure. Using this control element 13, the user can, for example, set the timer (Aquatimer) and be reminded to drink at the appropriate time. The timer's expiration can be signaled to the user acoustically and / or visually and / or by vibration, either on the handling element 3 itself or on a mobile device 10 (not shown) belonging to the kit and connected to the handling element. Figure 6 shows a symbolic representation of an embodiment in which the handling element 3 has one or more electronic functional units which can detect if the handling element 3 falls off the bottle and thus interrupts the magnetic connection between the capsule 2 and the handling element. Using the radio transmission unit 4, a user of the kit can, for example, receive a notification on a mobile device 10 (not shown) belonging to the kit, alerting them to this. The mobile device 10 belonging to the kit (also not shown) is equipped with a program application (app) that alerts the user to an impending loss of the handling element.The impending loss of the handling element can also be signaled, for example, by a signal tone emitted from the loudspeaker 8 of the handling element 3. Consider, for example, situations where a user engaged in sports, such as during running training, loses the handling element 3. Such a training configuration of the kit is particularly advantageous because, depending on its features, the handling element 3 can be quite expensive and therefore should ideally not be lost. Within this configuration of the solution presented here, the at least one electronic functional unit of the handling element 3 can also be configured to trigger an alarm or issue a corresponding message only when the at least one capsule 2 and the handling element 3 are a certain distance apart.If necessary, this distance can also be adjusted by the user on the handling element 3 using the operating means 13 provided for this purpose or using a mobile device 10 belonging to the kit and coupled to the handling element 3. Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which, as mentioned above, the kit according to the invention comprises a mobile device 10 equipped with a corresponding app. It should be noted that, alternatively or cumulatively, the handling element 3 itself can also be designed in the manner of a computer device, for example comparable to a smartwatch. Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment in which the handling element 3 of a kit according to the invention can be configured to establish an ad hoc network with the handling element of a comparably configured kit (belonging to another user). For example, WLAN or Bluetooth can be used as the connection technology. Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which the handling element 3 itself is designed as a computer unit with storage means and a central processing unit and, as is already known from smartwatches, can be used to initiate electronic payment transactions. The electronic functional unit of the handling element 3, or the handling element 3 designed as a computer unit, is configured and set up to manage a software wallet 14 that can hold various virtual payment methods and to use it for payment transactions. In this configuration, in particular, it will be necessary for the user to authenticate themselves to the handling element 3 by entering a PIN or using a biometric feature in order to use the payment function.The PIN and / or biometric feature may differ from the features used to unlock the handling element 3 designed as a computer device. Figure 10 shows an embodiment in which the radio transmission unit 4 is configured for data exchange with a satellite system 15. A corresponding configuration can, for example, enable GPS data to be received by the handling element 3, processed, and, if necessary, forwarded to a mobile terminal 10 belonging to the kit (not shown here). However, a configuration is also conceivable that (again, cumulatively or alternatively) enables the use of the handling element 3 for satellite telephony. In this case, application scenarios in which the kit is part of survival equipment used for expeditions are also conceivable. Figure 11 illustrates again, with a view to the front of the handling element 3, the possibility of receiving and processing GPS data discussed in relation to Figure 10. This data can be used to provide the user with information about their current location on the display 12, similar to a navigation system. Depending on the design and features of the display 12, the position can also be displayed as a map. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature EP 4 108 592 B1

[0017]

Claims

Kit for preparing and / or using with beverages, comprising a vessel (1) containing a drinking liquid, at least one capsule (2) to be inserted into the vessel (1) through an opening in the vessel (1), and a handling element (3) by means of which the at least one capsule (2) inserted into the vessel (1) can be moved and positioned through a vessel wall, wherein the at least one capsule (2) is inserted into the vessel (1) individually or together with a capsule holder to which the at least one capsule (2) is attached, and a movement of the at least one capsule (2) between the capsule and the handling element (3) effected by a user by means of the handling element (3) is mediated by a magnetic force penetrating the vessel wall and acting between at least one magnet and at least one metallic or complementary element also designed as a magnet.wherein - the at least one magnet is arranged on the handling element (3) and the at least one complementary element is arranged on the at least one capsule (2) or the capsule holder, or - the at least one magnet is arranged on the at least one capsule (2) or the capsule holder and the at least one complementary element is arranged on the handling element (3), characterized in that the handling element (3) has at least one electronic functional unit and at least one radio transmission unit (4) commencing with it for data exchange, which is at least designed and configured to interact with the at least one electronic functional unit, to receive control data from a computer device for the execution of a function provided by the at least one electronic functional unit and / or to transmit data about the vessel (1) acquired by means of the at least one electronic functional unit.to send the at least one capsule (2) or the drinking liquid to a computer device, wherein the handling element (3) is designed to receive at least one battery or at least one rechargeable battery for the power supply of the at least one electronic functional unit and the at least one radio transmission unit (4). Kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the handling element (3) for charging an accumulator received by it is equipped with one or more of the following elements, namely: - a connection for connection to a plug of a charging device; - a unit for inductive charging; - at least one solar element. Kit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one capsule (2) contains at least one substance and is equipped with at least one pierceable or removable seal and is designed to release the at least one substance contained therein to the drinking liquid taken up by the vessel (1) after its at least one seal has been pierced or removed and the capsule (2) has been placed in the vessel (1). Kit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the handling element (3) is equipped with at least one operating element (13) for the at least one electronic functional unit which can be operated manually by a user. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the handling element (3) is equipped with at least one loudspeaker (8). Kit according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the handling element (3) is equipped with at least one microphone (7). Kit according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the handling element (3) is equipped with at least one display (12). Kit according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one display (12) of the handling element (3) is designed as a touch display. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the handling element (3) is equipped with at least one camera (9). Kit according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the handling element (3) is equipped with at least one vibration element for outputting a haptic confirmation signal or a warning signal. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the handling element (3) itself is a computer device equipped with storage means and with a central unit that processes an operating system and is designed for processing program applications loaded into the storage means, which comprises at least one electronic functional unit and at least one radio transmission unit (4). Kit according to claim 11, characterized in that the handling element (3) includes an electronic functional unit which is designed to establish an ad hoc network with the handling element (3) of another within range of the at least one radio transmission unit (4) and to enable communication between the users of the kits connected with their handling elements (3) in the ad hoc network via this network. Kit according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one handling element (3) is equipped with at least one microphone (7), characterized in that the computer device for controlling the at least one electronic functional unit is designed and configured in accordance with the voice commands received by means of the at least one microphone (7) and interpreted by the computer device. Kit according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one handling element (3) is equipped with at least one camera (9), characterized in that the computer device for controlling the at least one electronic functional unit is designed and configured in accordance with gestures received by means of the at least one camera (9) and interpreted by the computer device. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a mobile terminal device (10) equipped with a program application, which is set up by executing this program application for data exchange with the at least one radio transmission unit (4) of the handling element (3) and for using functions provided by the at least one electronic functional unit of the handling element (3). Kit according to claim 1 or 15, characterized in that the at least one radio transmission unit (4) of the handling element (3) is configured to transmit data acquired to the vessel (1), to the at least one capsule (2) or to the drinking liquid via its at least one electronic functional unit to a mobile terminal device (10) belonging to the kit or using a SIM module (6) received by the handling element (3) via the mobile network to a server on the Internet. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the handling element (3) comprises an electronic functional unit which is equipped with a receiving unit or with a transmitting and receiving unit and is configured to read a code (11) on or in the at least one capsule (2) arranged inside the vessel (1) by means of the receiving unit or the transmitting and receiving unit and a) to transmit this code (11) to a computer device by means of the at least one radio transmission unit (4) or b) to decode information contained in the code (11) and to output this information on a display (12) of the handling element (3) or to transmit it to a computer device by means of the at least one radio transmission unit (4). Kit according to claim 17, characterized in that the electronic functional unit for reading the code (11) of the at least one capsule (2) is equipped with an optical receiving unit, wherein the vessel wall is at least partially transparent with respect to light with a receiving wavelength of the at least one receiving unit. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the handling element (3) comprises a timer as an electronic functional unit, which is designed to be set and started by means of operating elements on the handling element (3) or on a mobile terminal device (10) belonging to the kit, which exchanges data with the at least one radio transmission unit (4) of the handling element (3), and to output an acoustic and / or a visual signal and / or a vibration signal on an output means of the handling element (3) or / and a mobile terminal device (10) belonging to the kit during its expiry. A kit according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the handling element (3) includes an electronic functional unit which comprises at least one motion sensor and is configured to evaluate the sensor signals of this at least one motion sensor and to output an acoustic and / or a visual signal to a corresponding output means of the handling element (3) and / or to a mobile device (10) belonging to the kit which exchanges data with the at least one radio transmission unit (4) of the handling element (3), provided that the container (1) receiving the drinking liquid has not been inclined at least at an angle stored in this electronic functional unit for a specified period of time, wherein the aforementioned period of time can be set by means of operating elements on the handling element (3) or on a mobile device (10) belonging to the kit. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the handling element (3) comprises at least one temperature sensor brought into contact with the vessel wall of the vessel (1) receiving the drinking liquid and an electronic functional unit for calculating a temperature from the sensor signals of the at least one temperature sensor, which is configured to output the calculated temperature on a display (12) of the handling element (3) or to transmit it to a mobile terminal device (10) belonging to the kit, which exchanges data with the at least one radio transmission unit (4) of the handling element (3), for visualization on a display of this mobile terminal device (10). Kit according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the handling element (3) includes an electronic functional unit which comprises at least one light source (51- 5n) for emitting light into the interior of the vessel (1) through its vessel wall which is transparent at least in a region provided for this purpose. Kit according to claim 15, characterized in that the handling element (3) includes an electronic functional unit which is designed to emit a signal tone via a loudspeaker (8) of the handling element (3) in response to contact being made by means of the mobile terminal (10) comprising the kit which processes the program application via the transmission unit of the handling element (3). Kit according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the at least one electronic functional unit of the handling element (3) is configured to detect an interruption of the magnetic functional connection existing between it and the at least one capsule (2) or the capsule holder and to signal such an interruption at at least one output means of the handling element (3) and / or to transmit a control signal by means of the at least one radio transmission unit (4) of the handling element (3) to a mobile terminal device (10) comprised of the kit and equipped with a program application for the output of a warning signal. Kit according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the at least one electronic functional unit of the handling element (3) is configured to receive position data relating to the current position of the handling element (3) from a positioning system and a.) process the position data and display information about its current position on a display (12) of the handling element (3) or b.) transmit the position data by means of the at least one radio transmission unit (4) of the handling element (3) for further use to a mobile terminal (10) included in the kit and equipped with a program application. Kit according to claim 22, characterized in that the at least one light source (51- 5n) or at least one of several light sources is a UV light emitting light source (51- 5n). Kit according to claim 22, characterized in that the at least one capsule (2) inserted into the vessel (1) is designed to release a substance contained in this capsule (2) into the drinking liquid, on which a glitter effect is caused by the light shining into the vessel (1). Kit according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the at least one capsule (2) placed in the vessel (1) and in the drinking liquid absorbed by it is recyclable.

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