BonbonniÈre and confectionery

Abstract

A bonbonniere comprises a container (10) bounded by an outer wall (11, 12) and having a first chamber (25) for receiving confectionery therein. The first chamber is closed or at least closable by a removable lid (13). The container comprises a second chamber (35), wherein the first chamber (25) is separated from the second chamber (35) by an intermediate wall (23). The container further comprises an atomizing device (42) for releasing a wet vapour, which is coupled for this purpose to a liquid source (45). One or more outflow openings (18) which carry the vapour out of the container are provided in the outer wall (11, 12). One or more open vapour channels are provided in the container between the atomizer device on one side and the first chamber and the outflow openings on the other.

Description

[0001] Bonbonniere and confectionery

[0002] The present invention relates to a bonbonniere, comprising a container with an inner space which is bounded by an outer wall and which is closed or at least closable by a removable lid for receiving confectionery therein.

[0003] Bonbonnieres are generally known and generally comprise a bowl or dish of glass, metal, porcelain or ceramic material, which is covered by a lid in order to protect the confectionery. This protection serves firstly to avoid contamination of the confectionery, but also ensures that the confectionery dries out less quickly by creating a more or less isolated internal climate in which a comparatively increased relative air humidity can be maintained.

[0004] A drawback of the usually applied covering of a bonbonniere is that the contents are concealed from view thereby. As a result, the confectionery will be noticed less readily if attention is not drawn thereto, and could go to waste after some time due to going out of date.

[0005] The present invention has for its object, among others, to provide a bonbonniere which obviates the above stated drawback to at least significant extent.

[0006] In order to achieve the stated object a bonbonniere of the type described in the preamble has the feature according to the invention that the container comprises a first insert with a first chamber for receiving the confectionery therein, that the containercomprises a second insert with a second chamber in which the first insert is received, a compartment in the container separated from the first chamber and the second chamber provides space for an atomizing device, which is able and configured to release a wet vapour and is for this purpose coupled to a liquid source, that the outer wall leaves clear one or more outflow openings out of the container, and that one or more open vapour channels are provided in the container between the atomizer device on one side and the first chamber and the outflow openings on the other.

[0007] The bonbonniere is thus able to generate and maintain a humid mist during operation and lead it at least to the first chamber. This results in the first chamber, in which the confectionery is held, to an internal climate with an increased air humidity which enhances a shelf life and condition of the confectionery. On the other hand, the vapour exiting the container also draws attention to the container, whereby, despite the presence of the lid, the contents will be less likely to go unnoticed and untouched. This likewise enhances consumption of the confectionery before a best-before date thereof is exceeded.

[0008] It is noted here that, where reference is made in the present application to confectionery, this includes not only traditional chocolate confectionery, optionally with an alcoholic filling, but particularly also more innovative edible pearls, balls and other three-dimensional shapes with a core enclosed by a breakable outer shell, wherein the core comprises a liquid filling which may or may not contain alcohol. For the outer shell use can be made here of a form-retaining chocolate or sugar layer, but more refinedand sensational components, both edible and breakable, can also be used for this purpose, for instance an alginate such as gelatine and agar-agar, and other optionally wholly or partially crystallized or branched edible polysaccharides and other biopolymers.

[0009] The present invention also relates to such confectionery, comprising a coloured core enclosed by a breakable, form-retaining translucent outer shell, wherein the outer shell is formed at least partially from one or more optionally wholly or partially crystallized or branched edible polysaccharides or other biopolymers and the core comprises a liquid filling which may or may not contain alcohol, particularly a cocktail. Owing to the translucent outer shell the coloured core is visible therethrough as such. This produces a particularly attractive appearance, which encourages consumption. Once broken in the mouth, the liquid filling flows out and spreads almost instantaneously around the oral cavity. This results in a significantly increased flavour intensity when ingested orally.

[0010] With a view to spreading the mist created by the atomizing device over the first chamber, a particular embodiment of the bonbonniere has the feature according to the invention that the first chamber is separated from the second chamber by an intermediate wall, that provided in the intermediate wall are one or more first passages leading from the second chamber into the first chamber, that the second insert comprises a bottom which separates the second chamber from the compartment, and that provided in the bottom of the second insert are one or more perforations which allow the vapour to enter the second chamber.The vapour will here firstly spread over the perforations in the bottom and then flow via the second chamber to the passages in the intermediate wall as a more homogenous blanket. This blanket continues in the first chamber and exits out of the container as a cloud via the outflow openings. In respect of these passages, use is preferably made here of a series of elongate gaps lying distributed over a periphery of the first chamber in order to further enhance distribution of the vapour over the first chamber.

[0011] In order to lead the vapour from the first chamber to the outflow openings a particular embodiment of the bonbonniere has the feature according to the invention that the outflow openings are in open communication with the first chamber in order to carry the vapour from the first chamber out of the container. At least a part of the vapour channels thus runs via the second chamber and the first chamber to the outflow openings in order to there release the vapour outward.

[0012] With a view to a powerful vapour emission, one or more vapour channels directly to the outflow openings can also be provided. For this purpose a further particular embodiment of the bonbonniere has the feature according to the invention that the second insert is bounded all around by a chamber wall, that the chamber wall maintains to the outer wall of the container a cavity which provides for an open communication between the atomizing device and the outflow openings. The cavity here leads the vapour directly to the outflow openings. The outflow is here strengthened in a further embodiment of the bonbonniere according to the invention, characterized in that thecavity is divided into a number of cavity channels which are separated from each other by partitions. A particularly practical embodiment of the bonbonniere has the feature here according to the invention that the partitions are formed on the chamber wall of the second insert and connect at least substantially to the outer wall.

[0013] With a view to a practical inspection and / or cleaning of the bonbonniere, a preferred embodiment thereof has the feature according to the invention that the first insert and the second insert are removable from the container, and more particularly that the first insert protrudes releasably into the second insert.The second insert is here thus at least removable from the container with the first insert in order to enable it to be cleaned, filled and / or inspected, if desired. Removing the inserts moreover opens up the compartment in which the atomizing device and the liquid reservoir are accommodated. The atomizing device and the liquid reservoir are thus likewise directly accessible for maintenance and replenishment.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment the bonbonniere has the feature according to the invention that provided on the intermediate wall is a protruding edge which rests releasably on an edge of the second chamber. The intermediate wall of the second chamber is thus releasable in order to for instance be cleaned separately, if desired. An embodiment that is as effective as it is elegant has for this purpose the feature that the first insert is formed at least substantially as an optionally truncated hollow cone, and that provided on the intermediate wall is a protruding edge which rests releasablyon an edge of the second insert. The cone shape here leads the mist, distributed homogeneously all around, from below to above the intermediate wall, where the passages can be provided, in order to lead the vapour, likewise homogeneously, into the first chamber.

[0015] In order to be able to, if desired, completely disassemble the whole container a further preferred embodiment of the bonbonniere has the feature according to the invention that the outer wall comprises a set of casing members, comprising a first casing member which provides a support of the container and a second casing member which is releasable from the first casing member and leaves clear the one or more outflow openings on an edge thereof remote from the first casing member.

[0016] The casing members can here be released from each other in order to open up the second insert and the first insert. The second casing member particularly provides the outflow openings on an upper edge thereof remote from the first casing member in order to clear the way for the vapour when it presents itself.

[0017] In order to draw omnidirectional attention to the container a further preferred embodiment of the bonbonniere has the feature according to the invention that the outflow openings comprise a set of successive gaps which protrude in a peripheral direction of the container, particularly over almost a whole periphery thereof. The elongate gaps here distribute the exiting mist over the periphery of the container. The descending mist is thereby visible from all directions.The container can be embodied both with a fixed water connection and with an internal liquid source. In this respect a preferred embodiment of the bonbonniere has the feature according to the invention that the liquid source is formed by a liquid reservoir in the compartment.

[0018] One or more atomizers of varying nature can perse be applied in the atomizing device. With a view to an effective production in combination with a fine droplet size of the vapour, particularly good results have however been obtained with a particular embodiment of the bonbonniere which is characterized according to the invention in that the atomizer device comprises one or more piezoelectric atomizers.

[0019] In order to provide in addition to the humidification of the confectionery also for cooling thereof a further particular embodiment of the bonbonniere has the feature according to the invention that the container comprises one or more cooling bodies which are able and configured to enter into heat-exchanging contact with the first chamber. The cooling bodies can here particularly be formed by optionally reusable frozen bodies, particularly by ice cubes, which are distributed among the confectionery or are accommodated in the second chamber outside the first chamber in order to optionally enter via an intermediate wall into heat-exchanging contact with the first chamber.The possible melt water or condensation running down can be collected at a bottom of the first chamber. A further particular embodiment of the bonbonniere has the feature here according to the invention that the first chamber comprises in a bottom thereof a drainage opening. A drainage channel in the container runs from the drainage opening to the liquid source of the atomizing device. The drainage opening thus not only provides for discharge of moisture dripping down, but also serves for supply and replenishment of liquid for the atomizer device.

[0020] In order to boost attention on the container further, a further particular embodiment of the bonbonniere has the feature according to the invention that the container comprises one or more light sources, particularly light-emitting diodes (LEDs), more particularly polychromatic light-emitting diodes, which shine light through the outflow openings. It is partly owing to the shining light that the device shrouds the container in a mysterious vapour which, particularly with polychromatic lighting, will draw a particularly great deal of attention to the bonbonniere.

[0021] The invention will be further elucidated hereinbelow with reference to an exemplary embodiment and an accompanying drawing. In the drawing:

[0022] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of a bonbonniere according to the invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a cross-section of the bonbonniere of figure 1 in assembled state; Figure 3 is an exploded view of a second exemplary embodiment of a bonbonniere according to the invention; andFigure 4 is a cross-section of the bonbonniere of figure 3 in assembled state. It is otherwise noted here that the figures are purely schematic and not always drawn to (the same) scale. Some dimensions in particular may be exaggerated to greater or lesser extent for the sake of clarity. Corresponding parts are designated in the figures with the same reference numeral.

[0024] Figure 1 shows a bonbonniere according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this example the bonbonniere comprises a spherical container 10 which is bounded by an outer wall 11, 12. The outer wall comprises here a first casing member 11 and a second casing member 12 which are mutually releasable. A closure 14 unites or frees the two casing members 11, 12 by a small twisting motion which can be brought about manually in simple manner. In this example use is made for this purpose of a bayonet lock 14, although use can instead thereof also be made of a screw or clamping connection. The first casing member 11 provides a support of the container and can for this purpose be placed with a set of feet 14 on a base. The second casing member 12 leaves a set of outflow openings 18, which are provided in an elongate inward-inclining peripheral edge 16, clear close to an upper edge thereof. The container 10 is closable by a removeable lid 13 which rests on a peripheral edge of the second casing member 12.

[0025] Just as a majority of the other parts of the container, the casing members 11, 12 and the lid 13 are formed from a form-retaining and impact-resistant material, for instance a solid plastic, such as ABS, polyethylene or polypropylene, a metal or ceramic material.An optionally colourful and / or shiny coating can optionally be provided thereon. A volume of the container can vary from a fraction of a litre to several litres of gross volume.

[0026] The container comprises internally a hollow inner space 15. Situated therein under the lid 13 is a first insert 20 with a first chamber 25 in which confectionery can be received. The first insert 20 is received releasably inside a second chamber 35 which is formed by a second insert 30. An outer wall of the first insert 20 thus forms an intermediate wall 23 to the second chamber 35 inside the second insert 30 of the container. In this example the intermediate wall 23 takes the form of a hollow cone and the intermediate wall 23, with the apex angle of the cone directed downward, protrudes into the second chamber 30. The first insert 20 rests here with a protruding upper edge 21 of the intermediate wall 23 on an upper edge 31 of the second chamber. The second insert 30 extends with an outer wall 33 almost parallel to the casing members 11, 12 of the container, but maintains a cavity 17 thereto. The second insert 30 can be removed entirely, optionally together with the first insert 20, for instance for the purpose of cleaning and inspection, after the upper casing member 12 has been removed from the lower casing member 11.

[0027] Under the second insert 30, the container 10 provides space for a compartment 40. The second insert 30 lies loose on a set of protrusions provided in this compartment 40 lying thereunder. The second insert 30 can thus be removed in simple manner in order to open up the compartment 40, if desired. Accommodated in the compartment 40 arean atomizing device 42 and a liquid reservoir 44, together with an electronic control device 45 and optionally an electric power source which powers the control device 45.

[0028] For the power source a wholly external power supply can be provided, which can then be connected via a connector provided for this purpose in the outer wall 11 of the container, such as for instance a mains electricity adapter with a USB-C connection, or an internal power supply in the form of an optionally rechargeable battery can be selected therefor. A combination of the two is also possible, wherein, as in this example, a rechargeable battery is charged by an external power supply, which is then connected via a USB-C connection in the outer casing 11, 12.

[0029] The control device 45 controls the atomizing device 42. In this example the atomizing device 42 is embodied with four piezoelectric atomizers. These likewise take the electric power supply required for their operation from the control device 45. The atomizers 42 are coupled to the liquid reservoir 44 which is filled with water, and create a fine, wet mist during operation. The mechanical energy acting on the water mass here simultaneously imparts an impulse to the liquid vapour, which is thereby driven from the atomizers 42.

[0030] The container provides internally a number of vapour channels along which the thus formed vapour can flow away, which are shown schematically with arrows in the figure. To form these, a series of perforations 34, which are here arranged distributed over the bottom 32, are provided in a bottom 32 of the second insert 30. The bottom separatesthe underlying compartment 40 in which the vapour is formed from the second chamber 35 in the second insert 30, which can thus fill up with vapour. The intermediate wall 23 between the second chamber 35 and the first chamber 25 comprises close to the upper edge 21 of the first insert 20 a series of first passages 26, which provide for an open communication between the second chamber 35 and the first chamber 25. The vapour can here continue its path to the first chamber 25 in which confectionery is being displayed or at least can be displayed. In order to enhance a uniform filling of the first chamber 25 the passages 26 lie uniformly distributed over the periphery of the intermediate wall 23 under the edge 21 of the first insert 20. The vapour creates in the first chamber 25 a climate with an increased air humidity, this preventing drying out of the confectionery.

[0031] Once the first chamber 25 is filled with vapour, the vapour can reach the outer wall 12 of the container from the first chamber. For this purpose the first insert 20 also comprises beyond edge 21 a series about flow openings 27 along which the vapour can reach the cavity 17. The peripheral groove 16 formed in the outer wall 12 leaves clear a series of outflow openings 18 through which the vapour will spread over the groove 16 and, from groove 16, will descend along the walls of container 11, 12 in the manner of a cloud cover. A part of the formed vapour was here also able to reach the outlet opening 18 directly via the cavity 17 between the second insert part 30 and the outer wall 11, 12.The mysterious mist in which the container is thereby shrouded will be very effective in drawing the attention of bystanders, who will thereby notice the bonbonniere and will feel all the more attracted to its contents. Translucent balls or pearls 50 which are filled with an optionally alcoholic coloured cocktail are, as in this example, particularly selected as the confectionery. This filling provides a colourful liquid core 55 which is surrounded by an edible and breakable translucent outer shell 51. The outer shell 51 is for this purpose formed at least partially from one or more optionally wholly or partially crystallized or branched edible polysaccharides or other biopolymers, such as for instance a calcined alginate, such as gelatine or agar-agar. Taking the piece of confectionery in the mouth and biting through the outer shell releases the whole content at once, which creates a particularly pleasant sensation.

[0032] If desired, the pieces of confectionery 50 in the first chamber 25 can be mixed with ice cubes 60, or the second chamber 35 can be filled therewith. These function as cooling bodies and serve to cool the confectionery 50 and protect it against excessive warming. Any melting water can optionally be collected via a drainage opening 28 on a bottom of the first insert 20 and the perforations 34 in the bottom of the second insert 30 and be discharged, particularly via a channel (not shown) which runs to the liquid reservoir 44 for the atomizers 42, in order to feed it therewith.

[0033] For increased attractiveness one or more light sources can be provided in the container, such as particularly a series of light-emitting diodes 60 (LEDs) which shine a light in the elongate gap 16 in the outer wall and thereby illuminate the mist flowing past.Advantageously applied for this purpose are polychromatic LEDs 60 which are controlled by the control device 45 and powered to alternately display different light colours or can be set to a desired light colour.

[0034] An alternative second embodiment of the bonbonniere according to the invention is shown in figures 3 and 4. This embodiment is largely the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment of figures 1 and 2. The differences will therefore be substantially focused on in the following. The same reference numerals designate the same or similar components.

[0035] In the first exemplary embodiment the mist that was created by the atomizing device largely floated successively from the second chamber 35 in the second insert 30 and the first chamber 25 in the first insert 20 to the cavity 17 between the second insert 20 and the outer casing 11, 12 and then finally exited the container 10 via the outflow openings 18. In this example the vapour is guided substantially directly from the compartment 40, via the cavity 17 to the outflow openings 18. The corresponding vapour channels are indicated schematically with arrows in figure 4. To guide the vapour the cavity 17 is in this example divided into separate cavity channels; separated from each other by partitions 37. The partitions 37 are formed by slats or wings extending from the second insert 30, see figure 3, and connecting substantially to the outer wall 11, 12 of the container when insert 30 is placed. This creates a series of cavity channels which extend around the container 10 and which each debouch in an outflow opening 18.The division of the cavity 17 into relatively narrow channels creates a chimney effect which enhances the flow of vapour toward the outflow openings 18. A number of vapour channels is hereby formed parallel to each other around the container, these channels debouching in the outflow openings so that the vapour will descend along the wall 11, 12. A part of the vapour reaches the upper edge 31 of the insert 30 and, via a passage left there, will reach the first chamber 25 in the first insert 20 and also shroud this in vapour entirely. The intermediate wall 23 of the first chamber 20 requires no passage(s) from the second chamber 35 for this purpose, and can therefore take a closed form. The drainage opening 28 is however preferably preserved at the bottom of the first insert 20, and perforations 34 are also provided in the bottom 32 of the second insert 30 in order to enable discharge of leakage water. Otherwise, that which was stated above in respect of the first exemplary embodiment also applies for this embodiment.

[0036] Although the invention has been further elucidated above with reference to only a single exemplary embodiment, it will be apparent that the invention is by no means limited thereto. On the contrary, many variations and embodiments are still possible within the scope of the invention for a person with ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

Claims:

1. Bonbonniere, comprising a container with an inner space which is bounded by an outer wall and which is closed or at least closable by a removable lid for receiving confectionery therein, characterized in that the container comprises a first insert with a first chamber for receiving the confectionery therein, that the container comprises a second insert with a second chamber in which the first insert is received, that a compartment in the container separated from the first chamber and the second chamber provides space for an atomizing device, which is able and configured to release a wet vapour and is for this purpose coupled to a liquid source, that the outer wall leaves clear one or more outflow openings out of the container, and that one or more open vapour channels are provided in the container between the atomizer device on one side and the first chamber and the outflow openings on the other.

2. Bonbonniere according to claim 1, characterized in that the first chamber is separated from the second chamber by an intermediate wall, that provided in the intermediate wall are one or more first passages leading from the second chamber into the first chamber, that the second insert comprises a bottom which separates the second chamber from the compartment, and that provided in the bottom of the second insert are one or more perforations which allow the vapour to enter the second chamber.

3. Bonbonniere according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outflow openings are in open communication with the first chamber in order to carry the vapour from the first chamber out of the container.

4. Bonbonniere according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the second insert is bounded all around by a chamber wall, that the chamber wall maintains to the outer wall of the container a cavity which provides for an open communication between the atomizing device and the outflow openings.

5. Bonbonniere according to claim 4, characterized in that the cavity is divided into a number of cavity channels which are separated from each other by partitions.

6. Bonbonniere according to claim 5. characterized in that the partitions are formed on the chamber wall of the second insert and connect at least substantially to the outer wall.

7. Bonbonniere according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first insert and the second insert are removeable from the container.

8. Bonbonniere according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first insert protrudes releasably into the second insert.

9. Bonbonniere according to claim 8, characterized in that the first insert is formed at least substantially as an optionally truncated hollow cone, and that provided on theintermediate wall is a protruding edge which rests releasably on an edge of the second insert.

10. Bonbonniere according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer wall comprises a set of casing members, comprising a first casing member which provides a support of the container and a second casing member which is releasable from the first casing member and leaves clear the one or more outflow openings on an edge thereof remote from the first casing member.

11. Bonbonniere according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outflow openings comprise a set of successive gaps which protrude in a peripheral direction of the container, particularly over almost a whole periphery thereof.

12. Bonbonniere according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the atomizing device comprises one or more piezoelectric atomizers.

13. Bonbonniere according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container comprises one or more cooling bodies which are able and configured to enter into heat-exchanging contact with the first chamber.

14. Bonbonniere according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first chamber comprises a drainage opening in a bottom thereof.

15. Bonbonniere according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container comprises one or more light sources, particularly light-emitting diodes (LEDs), more particularly polychromatic light-emitting diodes, which shine light through the outflow openings.

16. Confectionery, comprising a coloured core enclosed by a breakable, formretaining translucent outer shell, wherein the outer shell is formed at least partially from one or more optionally wholly or partially crystallized or branched edible polysaccharides or other biopolymers and the core comprises a liquid filling which may or may not contain alcohol, particularly a cocktail.

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