SINGLE-USE STIRRER FOR MIXING BEVERAGES AND PRODUCTION METHOD

Abstract

 The invention relates to a single-use stirrer for mixing beverages (1) and to the method of producing single-use stirrers for mixing beverages (1).
The stirrer comprises a stirrer body (2) of planar shape elongated along a predominant axial direction, wherein said stirrer body (2) is made of cellulose material and a reinforcement element (3) which reinforces the stirrer body (2) to make it resistant and/or impermeable to basic or acidic liquids, both at high temperatures and at low temperatures.
in particular, the reinforcement element (3) covers the outside of the stirrer body (2) and/or at least partially impregnates the stirrer body (2).
An object of the invention is also the method of producing said single-use stirrer for mixing beverages.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a single-use stirrer for mixing beverages and to a method of producing single-use stirrers for mixing beverages.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to the food sector. In fact, in the present discussion, "single-use stirrer for mixing beverages" means that specific type of tool used for "shaking", "mixing", "stirring" a beverage before being consumed. "Single-use stirrers for mixing beverages" are also known as "stirrers".

[0003] In the prior art, single-use stirrer solutions for mixing beverages typically used in the consumption of beverages such as coffee, tea, milk, chocolate or the like are known.

[0004] Single-use stirrers for mixing beverages are known which are dispensed by the automatic machines together with the beverage. Typically, these single-use stirrers are of limited dimensions, particularly having a length compatible with the dimensions of the glass/cup which have a height of between 40 and 50 millimeters, in which the beverage is dispensed. Typically, such stirrers are of a polymeric material.

[0005] Furthermore, single-use stirrers for mixing beverages are known which are provided by the cafeteria to facilitate the consumption of the beverage. Typically, these single-use stirrers are larger than the stirrers described above, in particular having a length compatible with the size of the cups/mugs which have a height of between 70 and 120 mm, in which the beverage is prepared. Typically, such single-use stirrers are made of polymeric material or wood.

[0006] Preferably, known single-use stirrers for mixing beverages are used in bulk, or are dispensed automatically by the beverage dispensers. In some embodiments, moreover, the single-use stirrers for mixing beverages are positioned in special sachets to be protected from the action of external agents before being used.

[0007] It is intuitive that the large consumption of these beverages involves a large consumption of single-use stirrers, with consequent environmental impact.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a new single-use stirrer solution that solves the above problem, minimizing or eliminating the environmental impact thereof.

[0009] This object is achieved thanks to a single-use stirrer for mixing beverages according to claim 1 and thanks to a production method of single-use stirrers for mixing beverages according to with claim 8. Furthermore, embodiments with advantageous additional features are protected in the dependent claims.

[0010] The features and advantages of the single-use stirrer for mixing beverages and of the production method according to the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description, made by way of an indicative and non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

• figures 1, 1' and 1" respectively show a perspective view, a longitudinal sectional view and a transversal sectional view of a single-use stirrer for mixing beverages according to the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment;
• figures 2, 2' and 2" respectively show a perspective view, a longitudinal sectional view and a transversal sectional view of a single-use stirrer for mixing beverages according to the present invention, according to a further preferred embodiment;
• figure 3 schematically shows the production method of single-use stirrers for mixing beverages;
• figure 4 shows some steps of the production method of figure 3.

[0011] The reference numeral 1 indicates in the accompanying figures a single-use stirrer for mixing beverages, for example coffee, tea, milk, chocolate or the like.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the disposable single-use stirrer for mixing beverages 1 has a thickness of between 0.5 and 4 millimeters.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the single-use stirrer for mixing beverages 1 has a width of between 5 and 12 millimeters.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the single-use stirrer for mixing beverages 1 has an axial length of between 70 and 180 millimeters.

[0015] Preferably, according to a preferred embodiment, such as that shown in figures 1, 1' and 1", the single-use stirrer for mixing beverages 1 has specific application with "small" glasses/cups, i.e. indicatively with a height of between 40 and 50 millimeters; preferably, such a single-use stirrer for mixing beverages 1 has a width of between 5 and 10 millimeters and a length of between 70 and 80 millimeters.

[0016] Preferably, according to a preferred embodiment variant, such as the one shown in figures 2, 2' and 2", the single-use stirrer for mixing beverages 1 has a specific application with "large" cups/mugs, i.e. indicatively with a height of between 70 and 120 millimeters; preferably, such a single-use stirrer for mixing beverages 1 has a width of between 5 and 12 millimeters and a length of between 80 and 180 millimeters.

[0017] According to the present invention, the single-use stirrer for mixing beverages 1 comprises a stirrer body 2 and a reinforcement element 3 which covers and reinforces the stirrer body 2.

[0018] That is to say, the stirrer body 2 is the core of the single-use stirrer for mixing beverages 1 and the reinforcement element 3 which covers and reinforces the stirrer body 2 is its protective shell.

[0019] In fact, according to the present invention, the stirrer body 2 has a planar shape elongated along a predominant axial direction. Preferably, the stirrer body 2 substantially has the dimensions mentioned above. Preferably, the stirrer body 2 has substantially rounded ends.

[0020] According to the present invention, the stirrer body 2 is made of cellulose material.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the cellulose material is of the pure cellulose paper type.

[0022] According to an embodiment variant, the cellulose material is of the mixed cellulose paper type.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the cellulose material is of the "long fiber" type such as for example long fiber Kraft paper.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the stirrer body 2 consists of a sheet consisting of a multilayer element of cellulose material comprising two end sheets 21 and a central sheet 22 placed between them.

[0025] Said central sheet 22 is corrugated between the two end sheets 21.

[0026] The two end sheets 21 are perimetrically joined together. In fact, preferably, a perimeter edge 20 for joining the sheets that make up said stirrer body 2 is identified perimetrically to the stirrer body 2.

[0027] In particular, the stirrer body 2 is obtained by cutting a planar element of cellulose material obtained by overlapping the sheets with a special template.

[0028] In other words, the stirrer body 2 is obtained by punching a sheet of cellulose material.

[0029] Preferably, in said cutting operation, the two end sheets 21 are heat-sealed to each other. That is to say, the edges of the stirrer body are specially sealed by joining the two end sheets.

[0030] As said, the single-use stirrer for mixing beverages 1 comprises a reinforcement element 3 which reinforces the stirrer body 2 to make it resistant and/or impermeable to basic or acidic liquids, both at high temperatures (for example above 80 °C) and at low temperatures (for example below 5 °C).

[0031] According to the present invention, the reinforcement element 3 covers the outside of the stirrer body 2 and/or at least partially impregnates the stirrer body 2.

[0032] The reinforcement element 3 is therefore a film which covers the entire outer surface of the stirrer body 2. Preferably, said film has an indicative thickness comprised between 0.5 microns and 100 microns.

[0033] Preferably, the reinforcement element 3 has an indicative thickness in the order of a few microns.

[0034] Preferably, the reinforcement element 3 has thickness between 1 and 2 microns.

[0035] Preferably, the reinforcement element 3 is deposited on the stirrer body 2 in a liquid state, subsequently dried. Preferably, the reinforcement element 3 is deposited on the stirrer body 2 by immersing the latter in a bath containing said reinforcement element 3 in a liquid state. Preferably, the reinforcement element 3 is deposited on the stirrer body 2 by spraying it thereon.

[0036] In other words, the reinforcement element 3 is a barrier between the stirrer body 2 and the external environment. That is to say, the entire stirrer body 2 is covered by the reinforcement element 3. That is to say, no portion of the stirrer body 2 can be contacted/wetted by the external environment.

[0037] In other words, the reinforcement element 3 protects the stirrer body 2 from the action of external agents. The reinforcement element 3 waterproofs, protects and reinforces the stirrer body 2.

[0038] The reinforcement element 3 protects the stirrer body 2 from the beverage, from its high or low temperature, and from its acidity, whether the beverage is acidic or basic.

[0039] Furthermore, the reinforcement element 3 strengthens the stirrer body 2 so that it resists the mixing action of the beverage.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement element 3 is a material selected from the families of natural waxes. Preferably, said natural waxes are selected from the starch and/or vegetable oil families.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement element 3 is a material selected from the families of resins and natural or hydrocarbon rubbers. Preferably, the resins are of a vegetable or hydrocarbon origin.

[0042] According to an embodiment variant, the reinforcement element 3 is a material selected from polymers. Preferably, said polymers are selected from the ethylene or acetic acid families.

[0043] Preferably, the reinforcement element 3, and entering in detail the waxes and/or polymers that constitute it, is suitable for contacting food.

[0044] Preferably, the reinforcement element 3 has a melting point higher than 95 °C.

[0045] An object of the present invention is also a method of producing single-use stirrers for mixing beverages.

[0046] The method object of the present invention comprises the steps of:

• having a sheet consisting of a multilayer element made of cellulose material comprising two end sheets 21 and a central sheet 22 placed between them, wherein said central sheet 22 is corrugated;
• die-cutting said sheet of cellulose material, wherein the two end sheets 21 are heat-sealed to each other with the die-cutting, so as to obtain at least one stirrer body 2;
• covering the outside of the stirrer body 2 with a reinforcement element 3.

[0047] Preferably, such a method provides that the sheet of cellulose material has the features described above.

[0048] According to the present method, the sheet of cellulose material has a thickness of between 0.5 and 4 millimeters.

[0049] Preferably, the covering element 3 obtained by such a method has the features described above.

[0050] Preferably, the step of covering the stirrer body 2 comprises two steps: deposition of the covering element 3 on the stirrer body 2 and subsequent drying thereof.

[0051] Preferably, the deposition step of the reinforcement element 3 is carried out by immersion.

[0052] Preferably, the deposition step of the reinforcement element 3 is carried out by spraying.

[0053] Innovatively, the stirrer for mixing beverages and the method of producing single-use stirrers for mixing beverages fully solve the problems of the prior art.

[0054] Advantageously, the stirrer for mixing beverages object of the present invention falls within the known context, being an alternative to the currently known solutions which minimizes and cancels its impact on the environment.

[0055] Advantageously, the stirrer for mixing beverages object of the present invention is made of biodegradable/recyclable material.

[0056] Advantageously, the stirrer for mixing beverages object of the present invention resists the high temperatures and low temperatures of the beverages thanks to the presence of the covering element.

[0057] Advantageously, the stirrer for mixing beverages object of the present invention is structurally solid thanks to the combined presence of the stirrer body and the covering element which make it suitable for resisting the mixing action.

[0058] Advantageously, the stirrer for mixing beverages object of the present invention is suitable for coming into contact with food, avoiding the contamination thereof.

[0059] Advantageously, the stirrer for mixing beverages object of the present invention is extremely light.

[0060] Advantageously, the production method is extremely simple and allows wide production versatility.

[0061] It is clear that a man skilled in the art, in order to satisfy contingent needs, may make changes to the stirrer for mixing beverages and to the production method of single-use stirrers for mixing beverages, all falling within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Single-use stirrer (1) for mixing beverages, e.g. coffee, tea, milk, chocolate or the like, comprising:

- a stirrer body (2) with a planar shape elongated along a predominant axial direction, wherein said stirrer body (2) is made of cellulose material;

- a reinforcement element (3) which reinforces the stirrer body (2) to make it resistant and/or impermeable to basic or acidic liquids, both at high and low temperatures, wherein the reinforcement element (3) covers the outside of the stirrer body (2) and/or at least partly impregnates the stirrer body (2).

2. Single use stirrer for mixing beverages (1) according to claim 1, wherein the stirrer body (2) consists of a multi-layer element made of cellulose material comprising two end sheets (21) and a central sheet (22) placed between them, wherein the central sheet (22) is corrugated, wherein the two end sheets (21) are perimetrically joined to each other.

3. Single-use stirrer for mixing beverages (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cellulose material is of the pure cellulose paper or mixed cellulose paper type.

4. Single-use stirrer for mixing beverages (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement element (3) is made of a material chosen from the families of natural waxes or natural or hydrocarbon resins and rubbers, or from the families of polymers, which is deposited on the stirrer body (2).

5. Single-use stirrer for mixing beverages (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the single-use stirrer for mixing beverages (1) has a thickness between 0.5 and 4 millimeters.

6. Single-use stirrer for mixing beverages (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement element (3) has a thickness between 0.5 and 100 microns, preferably between 0.5 and 50 microns, preferably between 1 and 2 microns.

7. Single-use stirrer for mixing beverages (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the single-use stirrer for mixing beverages (1) has a thickness between 5 and 12 millimeters and an axial length between 70 and 180 millimeters.

8. Production method for single-use stirrers for mixing beverages (1) comprising the phases of:

- having a sheet of paper consisting of a multi-layer element made of cellulose material, preferably of the pure cellulose paper or mixed cellulose paper type, comprising two end sheets (21) and a central sheet (22) placed between them, wherein said central sheet (22) is corrugated;

- die-cutting said sheet of cellulose material, wherein the two end sheets (21) are heat-sealed to each other with the die-cutting, so as to obtain at least one stirrer body (2);

- covering the outside of the stirrer body (2) with a reinforcement element (3), preferably of the type chosen from the families of natural waxes or natural or hydrocarbon resins and rubbers or from the families of polymers.

9. Production method for single-use stirrers for mixing beverages (1) according to claim 8, wherein the sheet composed of the multi-layer element has a thickness between 0.5 and 4 millimeters.

10. Production method for single-use stirrers for mixing beverages (1) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the phase of covering the stirrer body (2) provides for a first step wherein the covering element (3) is deposited on the stirrer body (2) and a subsequent step that provides for the drying of the same, wherein the stage of depositing the reinforcement element (3) is carried out by immersion or spray.

Drawing