Stackable stand for a drinking vessel

Abstract

Stackable support (1) for a drinking vessel with a vessel rim, wherein the stackable support (1) is formed in one piece and comprises: a depression (3) which is designed as a frustoconical upwardly open trough (10), comprising a circumferential trough wall (5) and a circular trough bottom (6) adjoining the trough wall (5), wherein the trough wall (5) tapers conically at least in sections from the trough edge to the trough bottom (6), and a rim (2) surrounding the tub wall (5), which has the form of an annular flat wall and forms a uniform angle of 90° plus / minus 30°, preferably 90° plus / minus 20° to the surrounding tub wall (5).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a stackable, one-piece support for a drinking vessel, comprising at least one recess in the form of a conically tapered basin. The support is designed to rest on the rim of a drinking vessel, with the recess extending below the rim, thus securing the support against falling off. A stack of such supports and a set comprising a support and a drinking vessel are also claimed. Context of the invention and prior art

[0002] At events such as opera, theater, or musical performances, or at celebrations like weddings, graduations, or receptions, it is common practice to consume drinks and accompanying food while standing. This often involves additional effort, as trays must be provided that offer space for both the drinks and the food. Furthermore, it is cumbersome if the drinks and food are provided separately for transport and consumption while standing. This reduces the appeal of having one person order, pay for, and transport drinks for at least two people along with a snack. Consequently, the snack is often not purchased at all in addition to the drinks.Serving drinks and snacks separately also requires additional work steps for staff and more space.

[0003] It is desirable that food containers can be collected after use and prepared for reuse. Previously, these had to be laboriously collected individually and stored haphazardly. This wastes space and incurs additional transportation costs. These disadvantages affect both service staff and consumers. Ease of use is particularly important in sectors such as event management and the hotel industry, where efficient and smooth operation for a large number of participants simultaneously is crucial.

[0004] From EP 1574154 A1, holders for drinking vessels are known which have a recess and / or at least one opening for receiving at least one edible item. The edible item extends at least partially below the rim of the drinking vessel and thus secures the holder against falling. However, the disclosed holders do not have a recess.

[0005] From DE 202020100870 U1, two-part holders are known which comprise a support surface in the form of a plate with an opening and a tray inserted into the opening. The tray at least partially pierces the opening, so that the lower part of the tray secures the holder against falling off when moved on the rim of the vessel. The two-part holders are not stackable because they tend to fall apart after use. Object of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a stackable tray for drinking vessels for holding food, which solves the problems known from the prior art. A further object of the present invention is that a large number of trays can be stored in an organized manner and easily provided. The trays should be easily removable and thus individually separable. The tray should also be easy to manufacture, stable, and dishwasher-safe, such as those used in the catering industry. The tray should be capable of holding food. Summary of the invention

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims or described below.

[0008] The stackable support is formed in one piece and comprises a depression which is designed as a frustoconical, upwardly open trough, comprising a circumferential trough wall and a circular trough base adjoining the trough wall, wherein the trough wall tapers conically at least in sections from the trough edge to the trough base, and a rim circumferential to the trough wall which has the form of an annular flat wall (rim wall) and forms a uniform angle of 90° plus / minus 30°, preferably 90° plus / minus 20° to the circumferential trough wall (5).

[0009] The rim and the tub wall of the mattress pad are preferably made of the same material. The rim may additionally be covered with a printed film.

[0010] The stackable tray is configured so that it can be stacked with other identically designed trays by inserting the lower end of the recess into the tray of the other tray.

[0011] The topping can be made from various materials, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, or similar materials like stainless steel, glass, or ceramic. It is also possible for the topping surface to be made of an edible material. If the topping is made of an edible material, this material could, for example, be made of waffle batter, be a shaped wafer, consist of edible paper or fondant paper, and / or be or include a sugar product, such as chocolate or brittle.

[0012] Preferably, the support is made of plastic, in particular one, two, or three layers of plastic. The plastic is preferably a rigid plastic. Typical materials for the plastic are polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, ABS, or Plexiglas (PMMA). Rigid plastic is a strong, dimensionally stable plastic, such as that used for durable objects with high mechanical strength. The Shore hardness of the plastic is preferably 65D to 82D (DIN EN ISO 868). The wall thicknesses are preferably from 0.5 to 3 mm in all areas, but typically 1.0 to 1.2 mm. Preferably, the wall thickness is uniform throughout (i.e., ±0.2 mm, in particular ±0.1 mm).

[0013] The coating is preferably transparent or at least translucent or see-through.

[0014] Furthermore, and regardless of the type of material, the cover is preferably inscribed or printed in the area of ​​the rim or provided with a printed inlay, e.g. in the form of a foil, e.g. with advertising and / or information about the food, such as ingredients, additives or allergens.

[0015] The support is designed in such a way that the recess tapers conically from the opening to the bottom of the tub, at least in sections, in order to further improve the stackability of the supports.

[0016] The pads according to the invention are stackable. The pads stacked in this way can form a set which can be transported and stored as such. The stacked pads of a set are fixed in such a way that individual pads cannot fall out of the stack. At the same time, the stacked pads can be easily separated from each other and used.

[0017] According to a first embodiment (A), the tub wall comprises an upper circumferential wall section and a lower wall section, wherein the outer diameter (a) of the lower wall section is smaller than the inner diameter (b) of the upper wall section, and at least one step or rib is formed on the outer surface at the transition from the lower wall section to the upper wall section (5a), e.g., by a sudden increase in diameter from (a) to (b). When supports are stacked, the upper support rests with its tub base on the step or rib of the next support (inner step or inwardly directed rib). Alternatively, the upper support rests with its outwardly directed step on the tub edge of the next support below. This prevents the supports from jamming against each other.

[0018] The step can be achieved, for example, by having the lower wall section have a thinner material than the upper wall section. A web can be pressed in from the outside all the way around or pressed from the inside out, for example by thermal forming.

[0019] The upper wall section with the step or ledge may also have open channels to allow air to pass from bottom to top and vice versa, so that the pads, when stacked, can also dry in the area of ​​the tub. If necessary, one or more small openings for air exchange may also be provided in the tub floor and / or in the lower wall section.

[0020] According to a second embodiment (B), the support comprises two or more recesses, preferably arranged in pairs opposite each other or preferably evenly distributed around the circumference. The recesses are designed as narrow, outwardly directed bulges extending downwards along the tub wall (preferably, however, not downwards along the entire tub wall). The recesses preferably taper outwards and / or downwards. This makes the support suitable, for example, for receiving a tea bag, which engages with its opposite edges in each recess / bulge and can thus be lifted and secured. The tea bag therefore does not lie flat on the support, but is inserted straight or slightly curved into the recesses.

[0021] In this way, the tea to be brewed is first placed in a drinking vessel filled with hot water, either as a packaged tea bag or, if necessary, as an already opened tea bag. After the tea has steeped, it can be placed wet in the bath and disposed of. The same applies to herbal mixtures, instant coffee sachets, or coffee pods.

[0022] According to a third embodiment (C), the rim has at least one clamping bracket formed from the material of the support, e.g., in the form of one or more corrugated ribs. When bent open, the clamping bracket exerts a restoring force and serves to hold the bag or pad firmly in place when laid flat on the support.

[0023] The configurations can also occur multiple times, e.g. (A) combined with (B) or (A) combined with (C).

[0024] The stackable support according to the invention, when placed on the rim of a drinking vessel, forms a further subject matter of the claim together with the drinking vessel as a set. The recess or tray projects into the drinking vessel and prevents the support from slipping or falling in / out. The recess or tray provides space for food.

[0025] "Foodstuffs" within the meaning of the present invention are all substances or products intended to be ingested by humans via the mouth. Foodstuffs also include beverages, including water or chewing gum. The foodstuffs may be packaged or unpackaged. Examples include biscuits, chocolates, gummy bears, peanuts, trail mix, fruit pieces, powders, granules, spices and tea, as well as liquid additives such as dips, liquid seasonings, sauces, coffee creamer, honey, or alcoholic shots.

[0026] If the depression contains, for example, "Popping Boba" or tapioca pearls that cause a tingling sensation on the tongue, these foods are intended to be added to the liquid in the drinking glass before drinking.

[0027] The food can also be enclosed in the tub using a film that seals the opening. The film is then removed, for example, before consumption.

[0028] The solution according to the invention is applicable to all drinking glasses known from everyday life, such as champagne flutes, coupes, wine glasses, beer glasses, water glasses, cocktail glasses, etc., as well as to drinking vessels in which hot drinks are usually served, such as coffee mugs and cups. Furthermore, the holder is not limited to drinking vessels with a substantially round rim.

[0029] The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail by the following figures. They show: Fig. 1. A section through the support according to embodiment (A); Fig. 2 The stackable top of the Fig. 1 in side view; Fig. 3 The stackable top of the Fig. 1 in top view; Fig. 4. Section through a stack of a variety of stackable pads according to Fig. 1; Fig. 5 stacks from a variety of editions according to Fig. 1 in side view; Fig. 6 stacks from a variety of editions according to Fig. 1 in top view; Fig. 7 The support with recesses according to embodiment (B) in side view; Fig. 8 The edition with cutouts according to Fig. 7 in top view; Fig. 9 The edition with cutouts according to Fig. 7 in spatial view obliquely from above; Fig. 10 stacks from a variety of stackable pads with cutouts made of Fig. 7 in side view; Fig. 11 stacks made from a variety of stackable pads with cutouts made of Fig. 7 in spatial view obliquely from above; Fig. 12 The support with clamping bracket according to embodiment (C) in a spatial view obliquely from above.

[0030] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a stackable support (1) according to the invention comprising a circumferential annular rim (2) and a recess (3). The stackable support (1) is suitable for being placed on a drinking vessel, wherein the rim (2) or the rim wall rests on the rim of the vessel and the recess (3) projects into the drinking vessel.

[0031] The opening (4) is used to fill the recess or tub with food (not shown). The recess is shaped like a tub and consists of a tub wall (5), which is divided into an upper wall section (5a) and a lower wall section (5b), and a tub bottom (6).

[0032] The maximum outer diameter (a) of the lower wall section (5b) is smaller than the maximum inner diameter (b) of the upper wall section (5a). This allows identical supports to be stacked inside one another by having an upper support (1) with its lower wall section (5b) protrude through the opening (4) of another lower support (1). The recess (3) of the stackable supports (1) in Fig. 1 tapers conically from the opening (4) towards the base of the tub (6) in two sections. The upper support (1) then rests on the lower support (1) via the step (8). The step (8) is created by different wall thicknesses. The upper wall section (5a) has a thicker wall than the lower wall section (5b). The base (6) of the upper support then lowers into the tub of the lower support (1) to approximately halfway through the recess (3).

[0033] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the stackable layer made of Fig. 1 in a side view and in a top view.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 shows a section through a stack (7) of four stackable trays (1) made of Fig. 1. Each upper support (1) rests with its step (8) on the transition from the rim to the basin (basin edge) of the respective lower support (1). The lower wall section (5b) of each upper support projects into the recess (3) of the respective lower support.

[0035] Fig. Figure 5 shows the stack (7) of four stackable trays (1) made of Fig. 3 in a side view and in Fig. 6 in a top view.

[0036] Fig. Figure 7 shows a stackable support (1) according to the invention with two opposing protrusions (12) which extend downwards only over a portion of the wall section (5), e.g., 25 to 75% of the height along the outer wall section, and taper outwards. An inserted bag thus does not rest directly on the bottom of the tub (6).

[0037] Fig. Figure 8 shows a top view of the stackable support (1) made of Fig. 7, in which the recesses (11) corresponding to the bulges (12) become visible.

[0038] Fig. Figure 9 shows a 3D view of the Fig. 8.

[0039] Fig. 10 shows a stack (7) of five editions (1) of the Fig. 7 in a side view. Each upper support (1) rests with its protrusions (12) in the corresponding indentations (11) of the next lower support (1). The protrusions (12) serve as a bearing surface on the lower supports (1) below.

[0040] Fig. Figure 11 shows a spatial side view of the stack of Fig. 10 from the top. You can see the recesses 11 and an opening (9) in the tub floor (6), see also Fig. 8.

[0041] Fig.Figure 12 shows a support with a clamp holder 13 according to embodiment (C) in a three-dimensional, oblique view from above. The clamp holder 13 is oriented with its clamp opening towards the center point of the opening 4. The clamp holder 13 has the shape of a clamp with a corrugated rib formed from the rim wall. The clamp holder 13 can be used, for example, to hold a bag or pad that lies flat on the support 1. Reference symbol list 1st edition 2 brim 3. In-depth study 4 Opening 5 bathtub wall 5a Upper wall section area 5b Lower wall section area 6 Bathtub floor 7 stacks 8 steps / bridge 9 Breakthrough 10 bathtubs 11 cutouts 12 Bulge 13 Clamp bracket a Outer diameter of the lower wall section area b Inner diameter of the upper wall section area QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] 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

[0000] EP 1574154 A1

[0004] DE 202020100870 U1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Stackable support (1) for a drinking vessel with a vessel rim, wherein the stackable support (1) is formed in one piece and comprises: a depression (3) which is designed as a frustoconical upwardly open trough (10), comprising a circumferential trough wall (5) and a circular trough bottom (6) adjoining the trough wall (5), wherein the trough wall (5) tapers conically at least in sections from the trough edge to the trough bottom (6), and a rim (2) surrounding the tub wall (5), which has the form of an annular flat wall and forms a uniform angle of 90° plus / minus 30°, preferably 90° plus / minus 20° to the surrounding tub wall (5). [2] The stackable tray (1) according to claim 1, wherein (A) the perimeter wall of the tub (5) has an upper perimeter wall section (5a) and a lower perimeter wall section (5b), wherein the outer diameter (a) of the lower wall section (5b) is smaller than the inner diameter (b) of the upper wall section (5a) and at least one step or rib (8) is formed on the outer surface of the wall at the transition from the lower wall section (5b) to the upper wall section (5a). [3] The stackable tray (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein (B) the rim (2) has two or more slot-shaped recesses (11), the recesses (11) extending downwards over the entire length or part of the length of the tub wall (5) and forming outwardly directed bulges (12) of the tub wall. [4] The stackable tray (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein (C) the brim has at least one clamping holder (13) which is formed from or attached to the material of the brim. [5] The stackable support (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the rim (2) and the tub bottom (6) are arranged parallel to each other. [6] The stackable support (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support is made of plastic, preferably hard plastic, and also independently thereof, in particular having a material thickness of 0.5 to 3 mm, in particular 0.8 to 1.5 mm, preferably a uniform material thickness for all wall areas. [7] The stackable layer (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the stackable layer (1) is transparent or opaque. [8] The stackable layer (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface of the brim is at least partially printed or a printed film is embedded in the brim or applied to the surface. [9] The stackable support (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the recesses (11) of the stackable support (1) according to embodiment (B) are arranged in pairs opposite each other with outwardly directed protrusions (12) or are evenly distributed over the circumference and / or, also independently thereof, there are two or four recesses (11) and protrusions (12) each. [10] The stackable support (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the support has a uniform material thickness in all areas. [11] The stackable support (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the circumferential tub wall (5) of the stackable support (1) according to embodiment (A) has an upper circumferential wall section area (5a) and a lower circumferential wall section area (5b) and the upper wall section area (5a) has a greater wall thickness than the lower wall section area (5b) in order to form at least one step or a rib. [12] Stack (7) consisting of a plurality of the stackable supports (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of stackable supports (1) are nested and stacked. [13] Drinking vessel with a circumferential vessel rim and with a stackable support (1) placed on the vessel rim according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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