Assembly for use with a vapour emitting product

Abstract

 The present invention relates to an assembly for use with a product which emits vapour, the assembly comprising:
• a thin material section which is manufactured from a thin material, wherein the thin material section is constructed to deform or move when in use the vapour from the product flows along the surface of at least a portion of the thin material section,
• a support part which is connected to the thin material section, the support part being constructed to position the thin material section at a distance from the product in a vapour region above the vapour emitting product.
The present invention further relates to a method for using the assembly.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for use with a vapour emitting product, such as a warm beverage or dish. The present invention further relates to a method for using said assembly in combination with a vapour emitting product.

Background and prior art

[0002] Many kinds of decorative products are known. A continuous need exists for providing new decorative products. The present invention is directed at decorative products which are presented to users who consume a hot product such as a hot beverage or dish, for instance a customer in a restaurant. Normally, a customer who orders a drink or a dish simply receives what he ordered. However, if an extra decoration is added to the ordered drink or dish, an ensemble may be created which provides the customer with more satisfaction.

[0003] A further point of interest is the factor time. When a hot drink or dish is served, the temperature may initially be too high to consume the drink or dish immediately. Sometimes it may be necessary to wait for a certain period of time in order to allow the drink or dish to cool off to a certain extent. This period of waiting may cause boredom or irritation with a user. In particular children may find it difficult to wait until their drink or dish has reached the required temperature. It may be desirable to provide a temporary distraction to the user during that time period.

[0004] It is also possible that a certain time period is required for the drink or dish to reach a consumable state. Tea for instance requires a certain period of time to get enough flavour from the tea leaves in order to be ready to drink. It may also be required to provide some entertainment to the user during this time period.

[0005] A further consideration in the present invention is that in the preparation of warm or hot drinks, a certain action may be required at a certain point in time. Generally, said action will need to be taken by a user. A need exists for a device which can perform such an action without substantial assistance from said user.

[0006] US2005/0053776A1 discloses a plastic device made of two layers of plastic having different thermal coefficients. The plastic device deforms under the influence of heat. The device of US2005/0053776A1 is rather complex and performes limited movements.

Object of the invention

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a decorative device which is suitable to decorate a warm or vapour emitting product such as a warm or hot beverages and dishes.

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide some entertainment to a user of a hot drink or dish for a certain period of time in which the drink or dish can cool off or become consumable for other reasons.

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide a decorative device which is configured to hold or support or cover a product.

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide a device which assists a user in the preparation of a vapour emitting product such as a hot or warm beverage or dish.

The invention and preferred embodiments

[0011] In order to achieve at least one object, an assembly is provided for use with a product which emits vapour, the assembly comprising:

• a thin material section which is manufactured from a thin material, wherein the thin material section is constructed to deform or move when in use the vapour from the product flows along the surface of at least a portion of the thin material section,
• a support part connected to the thin material section or configured to be connected to the thin material section, the support part being constructed to position the thin material section at a distance from the product in a vapour region above the vapour emitting product.

[0012] The assembly may be used for decorating a warm or hot product which emits vapour or for performing an auxiliary function in the preparation of the warm or hot product.

[0013] The assembly may create a strong visual effect for the user of the hot product. In some embodiments, the assembly solely or primarily has a decorative function. In these embodiments, the assembly according to the invention may be referred to as a decorative device.

[0014] In one aspect, the invention will be used in combination with a hot beverage which is held in a cup or a hot dish which is held in a plate. Other product holders, such as a pan, are also possible.

[0015] However, the invention may also be used in combination with a hot bath or for instance a coffee filter with hot used coffee material, or any other product which emits vapour.

[0016] In a hot product, the vapour may be steam.

[0017] In an embodiment, the support part and the thin material section are integral with one another. The support part and the thin material section may also be visually inseparable parts of a unitary form.

[0018] The assembly according to the invention may stay intact and/or be re-usable.

[0019] When the invention is used, at least a part of the thin material section is positioned substantially above the vapour emitting product which is in the product holder. The thin material section becomes exposed to warm or hot vapour which rises up from the product. The vapour flows along a part of the thin material section. The vapour affects the thin material section.

[0020] This causes the thin material section to curl or fold or deform slightly in another way. This in turn causes the decorative device to 'come alive' and to start moving. One part of the thin material section may pivot relative to another part by bending the fold. The moving of the thin material section may continue as long as the vapour flows along the thin material section. The result may be described as a playful visual effect. The visual effect can be visually quite strong.

[0021] The assembly may be formed in many ways. Generally, the thin material section will have at least one fold or groove.

[0022] The assembly may be used in food design or in packaging design. The invention may be used with artificial flowers or in gadgets for a bathroom or sauna. The present invention may also be used in combination with a greeting card or as a part of a greeting card. The present invention may also be used in toys or as a gadget, for instance for gifts. The assembly may be used as an advertising agent. To this end, a part of the thin material section may be printed with an advertisement message. The advertisement may the moving part of the thin material section or printed on the moving part of the thin material section, thereby attracting attention to the advertisement.

[0023] The assembly may also be used in a different environment in which a product which emits vapour is used. The vapour emitting product may be a non-edible product.

[0024] The background of the invention is that some materials such as paper tend to deform or move when they are brought into contact with hot vapour, in particular water vapour. This tendency forms the technical basis for the present invention. The material tends to curl, bend or move. The curling, bending or moving tendency caused by the vapour may continue for several minutes. The fibres in the paper may act as actuators which pivot the hinge and cause a swaying movement of parts of the thin material. This may be caused by capillary action, i.e. the fibres may pull water particles inside and extend as a result of the absorbed water.

[0025] Other materials, e.g. materials which are water repellent and do not have capillary action, may extend more on one side than on the other side under the influence of water vapour on one side. A swaying movement back and forth is also possible when the vapour flow is unsteady, in particular when the material is sensitive to temperature changes, i.e. has a relatively high thermal expansion coefficient.

[0026] The vapour may comprise odor.

[0027] The warm vapour which flows along the thin material section may also cause the movement simply by urging a part of the thin material section in a certain direction by the flow, i.e. without the capillary action. The action occurs because the flowing vapour generates a force on the surface of the material, which force causes the material to deform or move.

[0028] A part of the thin material section which deforms may move a part of the thin material section which in itself does not deform. For instance, a fold which opens or closes as a hinge may pivot an extremity which in itself does not deform.

[0029] The invention may also be used with film materials. In this case, the technical working may be somewhat different. The film material may expand under the influence of the heat of the vapour.

[0030] However, whatever the technical background, the result is a deformation or a movement of a part of the thin material section under the influence of the vapour.

[0031] Because the vapour has a dynamic flow pattern around the assembly, the assembly may continue to deform and move and not come to a stand-still.

[0032] If the assembly is formed in an attractive way, the motion of the assembly may become visually attractive.

[0033] The thin material section may be punched from a larger piece of thin material according to a required form. After the punching , further processing operations may be possible, such as providing one or more folds or grooves or cuts in the thin material section.

[0034] In an embodiment of the invention, the support part is constructed to:

• be positioned on or in a cup or plate, or other product holder
• be held in the hand of a user in the vapour region, or
• rest on a table or other support surface on which the product holder is positioned.
  Different ways of positioning the thin material section in the vapour region are possible.

[0035] In an embodiment, the thin material section and the support part are separate but provided together in a common packing. In this embodiment, in use the user will connect the thin material section to the support part.

[0036] In the packing, a plurality of thin material sections may be provided with a single support part.

[0037] In an embodiment, the support part comprises at least one stick or similar elongate body which is connected to the thin material section, wherein said stick is configured to:

• rest on an upper rim of a cup or plate or other product holder and support the assembly in that position, or
• rest on a bottom of a plate, the stick or elongate body being constructed to support the thin material section in a vapour zone without touching the hot product above a fluid level of a hot product in the plate,
• be held in the hand of a user in the vapour region, or
• rest on a table or other support surface on which the cup or plate is positioned.

[0038] The support part may comprise multiple parts, i.e. multiple segments which are constructed to be connected to one another. The segments may be sticks which comprising connectors at the ends, which connectors fit into one another.

[0039] The elongate body may be a spoon, for instance a teaspoon. One stick or several sticks is a simple and effective way of positioning the assembly on a cup or plate or the like. The stick may extend from one side of the cup or plate to another side. Several elongate bodies may be used, which are connected together into a grid.

[0040] In another embodiment, the stick or similar elongate body extends through at least one hole in the thin material section. This is a simple way of connecting the stick to the thin material section.

[0041] The stick may also be connected to the thin material section via glue, tape or via other connecting means.

[0042] In another embodiment, the thin material section comprises a bottom side which extends substantially horizontally, and wherein further thin material extends upwards from said bottom side. The further thin material is connected to the bottom side via folds. In this way, many different forms can be provided which have a stable underside. In use, the folds start to act as a hinge.

[0043] In another embodiment, the thin material section comprises a bottom side which in use faces the vapour emitting product such as a hot beverage or dish, and wherein the bottom side comprises holes for allowing vapour to enter the assembly through the holes in the bottom side. The vapour enters the holes and may flow upwards on both sides of parts of the thin material sections. This provides a deformation which creates a nice visual effect. In use, the bottom side is generally positioned at a distance above the level of the beverage or the upper part of the dish.

[0044] In another embodiment, the thin material section defines one ore more vapour channels which have an opening which is substantially directed towards the surface of the vapour emitting product such as the beverage or dish below the assembly according to the invention, and which allow entry of vapour through said opening and allow passage of the vapour upwards to an exit of the vapour channel. Vapour channels allow a predefined trajectory of the vapour along and through the thin material section, and thus allow intricate movements of the assembly.

[0045] In another embodiment, the assembly has a figurative form, the thin material section being configured to cause the figurative form to perform a movement. The assembly may have the form of a dragon, a human figure, an animal or a flower. Many different forms are possible, also other forms than the mentioned forms. For instance, a human figure may be provided which makes a certain movement with his body, such as a laughing movement or a dancing movement. The figurative form may also be a sports figure, such as a football player which performs an action.

[0046] The figurative form may be constructed such that it pivots about an internal axis. The thin material section may comprise:

• a first fold or groove causing the thin material section to first pivot about an axis,
• a next fold or groove causing the thin material section to subsequently open up.

[0047] In an embodiment, the assembly is constructed in such a way that in use, direct contact between the assembly and vapour emitting product is avoided. The support part comprises a distance holder constructed to maintain the assembly at a distance from the vapour emitting product. In this way, the thin material section can stay substantially dry.

[0048] In another embodiment, the assembly has the form of a flower with several leaves which are connected to the support part via folds or grooves. Cuts may also be provided. A flower is very appealing to the human eye and the leaves provide very suitable extremities for movement under the influence of the vapour. The leaves are connected to the support part via a fold which in use acts as a hinge.

[0049] In another embodiment, the thin material section is configured to:

• perform a substantially closing movement under the influence of the vapour, and/or
• perform a substantially opening movement under the influence of the vapour.

[0050] In another embodiment, the assembly is:

• folded into a substantially closed state, and being configured to open up under the influence of the water vapour, or
• folded into a substantially open state, and being configured to close under the influence of the water vapour.

[0051] The assembly may have the form of a flower with several leaves, the leaves initially being closed and constructed to open. A flower which opens up or closes before a user provides a very nice visual effect.

[0052] In another embodiment, the thin material section comprises a plurality of folds. Every fold may provide a movement of some kind and thus contributes to the visual effect.

[0053] The thin material section may comprise superimposed forms with superimposed deformations or movements. For instance, an extremity may comprise multiple folds and/or grooves which are arranged between a proximal end and a distal end of the extremity. A tip of the extremity will move according to superimposed movements of the respective folds/ grooves along the extremity

[0054] In an embodiment, the thin material section comprises folds and/ or grooves an/or cuts with varying orientations. For instance, the thin material section may comprise a combination of horizontal and vertical folds and/or grooves and/or cuts, and folds and/or grooves and/or cuts having any other direction. This allows complex movements and/or deformations of the assembly in any direction, i.e. horizontally, vertically and in any other direction. The movements and/or deformations may be three-dimensional.

[0055] In an embodiment, the thin material section has a substantially two-dimensional form, i.e. a substantially flat form, and is constructed to deform into a three-dimensional form.

[0056] In an embodiment, the assembly comprises folds which extend over a substantial vertical distance. The vapour is capable of flowing along these folds.

[0057] In an embodiment, the thin material section comprises a number of extremities which are connected to the remainder of the thin material section via a fold or a groove, the extremities being configured to move back and forth. An extremity is a very suitable for the assembly because it can sway back and forth very nicely.

[0058] An extremity of the thin material section which is connected to the rest of the assembly with a horizontal fold tends to move up and down under the influence of the water vapour. The fold works as a hinge with a horizontal axis

[0059] An extremity of the thin material section which is connected to the rest of the assembly with a vertical fold tends to move from left to right and vice versa under the influence of the water vapour.

[0060] If the assembly is for instance a dragon, it is possible to fold wings which move up and down under the influence of the vapour, and to fold the head in such a way that it moves from left to right under the influence of the vapour. The folds work as hinges. Grooves may also work as hinges. A cut may also create a hinging connection between two parts. If a remaining connecting section between the two parts is relatively small due to the cuts, the remaining section may act as a hinge.

[0061] Generally, the assembly will comprise a plurality of folds.

[0062] In an embodiment, the thin material section is manufactured from a foldable material which does not break when folded or stick to oneself when folded.

[0063] Typically, the thin material section of the invention is manufactured from a thin sheet material.

[0064] In an embodiment, the thin material section is manufactured from a fibrous material or a synthetic film material.

[0065] In an embodiment, the thin material section is manufactured from a material chosen from a group of materials comprising: a paper material, slices of dried fruit material, slices of dried vegetable material, wafer paper, sheets of seaweed, leaves such as bamboo leaves or banana leaves, steam paper, rice paper, or dried Hoantchy root.

[0066] It was found in practice that paper with a weight of 20-80 gram/m2 is suitable for the thin material section. It was found in practice that paper with a weight of 30-60 gram/m2 is very suitable for the thin material section.

[0067] It was found that substantially water and oil repellent paper is very suitable for the invention. In particular, Ersatz paper was found to provide satisfactory results in terms of movement and duration of movement. Wax coated paper, china clay coated paper and Olin paper have provided good results.

[0068] In another aspect of the invention, uncoated paper (Project, On offset, Elementa) has provided good results.

[0069] The choice of paper can be tuned to the form, type and size of thin material section, and to the vapour emitting product for which the invention is intended.

[0070] In an embodiment, at least a part of the thin material section is manufactured from an edible material, such as dried fruit or dried vegetables.

[0071] The assembly of the invention may also be manufactured from fabric, such as silk.

[0072] In an embodiment, the thin material section comprises a bottom side and an outer wall which extends upwards from a perimeter of the bottom side and wherein the bottom side and the outer wall define a volume. In use, the volume may be filled with vapour which causes the assembly to deform and to move.

[0073] In an embodiment, the assembly is connected to a teabag, for instance via a string. This is a simple and effective embodiment. In use, the teabag can be dropped into a cup of hot water and the thin material section can be positioned in the vapour region. In the period in which the tea leaves have give off flavour to the water, the assembly moves and provides distraction and entertainment. When the tea is ready, the assembly can be removed by lifting it off the cup. In the same action, the teabag is also removed from the cup, due to the connection with the assembly.

[0074] In an embodiment, the teabag is connected directly to the assembly, i.e. without a string.

[0075] In another embodiment, the assembly is constructed to support a product such as a teabag which is suspended from the assembly and hangs in the cup. In this way, the assembly actually supports the teabag and holds it in a suspended state. One way of doing this is to connect the teabag via a relatively short string to the assembly, so that the teabag does not contact the bottom of the cup, but remains suspended.

[0076] In an embodiment, the assembly may comprise a sugar cube which is pressed from the assembly by the user.

[0077] In another embodiment, the thin material section comprises one or more curved parts of thin material. A curved surface may also deform nicely under the influence of water vapour and provide a strong visual effect.

[0078] In an embodiment, the support part is constructed to allow the assembly to be placed on an upper rim of a product holder such as a cup or plate. The upper rim is a logical place to support the assembly, because it provides a suitable distance to the beverage or dish and because a rim is a suitable form to support something.

[0079] In an embodiment, the assembly comprises several supports which comprise an inverted U-shaped form which fits over the ridge of a cup or plate. An inverted U-shape fits nicely over a rim and allows both vertical and sideways support of the assembly by the rim. The inverted U-shape may be formed by a cut-out or notch in the thin material section itself.

[0080] In an embodiment, the thin material section is constructed to hold a used teabag which is taken out of a cup. In this way, the hot vapour coming from the used teabag may drive the movements of the assembly. This embodiment provides the further advantage of providing a suitable place to dispose the used teabag when it is taken out of a cup. The thin material section may be provided with a closed bottom side and/or upstanding ridges such that drip from the teabag onto a table can be avoided. It is also possible to provide only a closed bottom, without upstanding ridges. Thus, the assembly may provide a suitable means of disposal simultaneously with the decorating function.

[0081] In an embodiment, the assembly is constructed to hide the used teabag from the view of a user. In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a recess at a bottom side and is constructed to be placed over a used teabag, such that the used teabag is accomodated in the recess and is substantially hidden from the view of a user.

[0082] In an embodiment, the assembly is constructed to:

• a support part configured to support the thin material section above the cup or plate in the vapour region in a first use step,
• a holder configured for holding a vapour emitting disposable article in a second use step.

[0083] The two step use provides entertainment during a first period, for instance in which the flavour from the tea leaves is given off to the water, and during a second period after the hot teabag is removed from the formed tea and disposed in the assembly. The movement continues in the second period and thus continues longer than if the assembly is only used in the first period.

[0084] The thin material section may remain dry in the first step so that it remains in a suitable shape to hold the teabag in a second step.

[0085] In an embodiment, the support part comprises a product holding part constructed to form the cup or plate for holding the vapour emitting product such as a beverage or dish or in order to support a warm or hot product which emits vapour, thereby obviating the need for a separate cup or plate.

[0086] The assembly may be integrated with a cup or plate or other product holding device, which creates advantages in terms of practical use. In one embodiment, the assembly is constructed to form a mat under the product.

[0087] In an embodiment, the thin material section is constructed to continuously move under the influence of a varying stream of water vapour.

[0088] In an embodiment, the thin material section comprises a compartment which holds an additional product, wherein the compartment is constructed to release the additional product under the influence of the water vapour and/or the thin material section comprises a moving section and the assembly comprises an additional product, the moving section being positioned relatively close to the additional product, the moving section being configured to move the additional product under the influence of heat, in order to move the additional product into the vapour emitting product. The additional product may be released into a dish or cup. This embodiment may have a surprising effect. In an embodiment, an additional product may be positioned near or on a moving part of the thin material section and be moved by the moving part of the thin material section.

[0089] In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a product compartment for holding an additional product such as croutons, sweets or other light products The additional product may also be sugar, powder milk, tealeaves, a complete teabag, soup powder, spices, herbs, sweets, chocolate bits or powder or something else which drops into or onto the beverage or dish under the influence of the water vapour. It is also possible that the compartment is configured to hold a liquid, such as liquid coffee milk. When used in combination with a bath, the compartment may hold bath salts, or bath oil. The assembly may be configured to be connected to the tap of the bath.

[0090] A lid may be formed on the underside of the compartment which opens under the influence of the water vapour. However, the compartment may also release the product in a different way, for instance by toppling over or pivoting in such a way that the product drops into the cup or dish. It is also possible that a connection initially holds the product above the beverage or dish, and that the connection disconnects under the influence of the vapour.

[0091] It is also possible that the entire thin material section opens up under the influence of the vapour thereby releasing the additional product.

[0092] The product may be croutons, sugar, tea, soup powder, spices, herbs, sweets, chocolate bits or powder or something else which drops into or onto the beverage or dish or other vapour emitting product under the influence of the water vapour and gravity.

[0093] The lid may comprise an adhesive section which has a mild adhesive which loosens under the influence of the vapour and allows the lid to open.

[0094] In an embodiment, the thin material section is configured to:

• have a certain time delay, in that the moving action starts a certain time period after the vapour contacts the thin material section, wherein the time delay is tuned to the required preparation time of the product, and/or
• start to move at a certain temperature, which temperature is tuned to the required preparation temperature of the product.

[0095] This embodiment for instance allows the assembly to be put into a micro-wave oven together with the product. The time delay is tuned to the preparation time of the product. When the product is ready, the assembly starts moving and indicates to the user that the product is ready. If the assembly is tuned to the required temperature, it may be a required temperature to which the product is heated or a temperature to which the product is cooled, such as for instance hot soup which should cool off before being consumed.

[0096] The method may comprise heating the vapour emitting product in a heating device such as a micro-wave oven or other heating device and waiting until the assembly starts moving for removing the product from the micro-wave or other heater.

[0097] In an embodiment, the thin material section may transform from one form into a very different form during the deformation of the thin material section, for instance from a flower to a fish.

[0098] The present invention further relates to a method, comprising:

• providing a vapour emitting product,
• providing an assembly for use with the vapour emitting product, the assembly comprising:
  • a thin material section which is manufactured from a thin material, wherein the thin material section is constructed to deform or move when in use the vapour from the product flows along the surface of at least a portion of the thin material section,
  • a support part which is connected to the thin material section or configured to be connected to the thin material section, the support part being constructed to support at least a part of the thin material section in a vapour region above the vapour emitting product,
• positioning the assembly such that at least a part of the thin material section is in the vapour region, wherein at least a part of the thin material section deforms or moves under the influence of the vapour which flows along at least a part of the thin material section.

[0099] The method provides substantially the same advantages as discussed in relation to the assembly.

[0100] It is possible that first the vapour emitting product is put in the product holder and that subsequently the assembly is positioned. However, it is also possible that the assembly is positioned first and that subsequently the vapour emitting product is put in the product holder.

[0101] In an embodiment, the method comprises providing an assembly which is attached to a teabag, the method comprising putting the teabag in the cup and putting the assembly in the vapour region in such a way that vapour flows along a part of the thin material section of the assembly. The assembly may be attached to the teabag via a string.

[0102] In an embodiment, the method comprises providing the assembly with a support part which comprises a product holding part constructed to form a cup or plate, thereby obviating the need for a separate cup or plate, the method comprising positioning the vapour emitting product in the product holding part of the support part.

[0103] In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of:

• filling a product holder with hot water,
• putting a teabag in the product holder,
• positioning the assembly in the vapour region,
• waiting for the tea to form while the assembly moves.

[0104] This is a practical and user friendly way of enjoying the present invention. It may be required to connect the teabag to the decorating assembly, but this connection may also already be present.

[0105] The teabag may be put in the product holder prior to or after the product holder is filled with hot water. The assembly may be positioned in the vapour region prior to the filling of the product holder with the hot water.

[0106] In an embodiment, the method comprises putting a disposable, vapour emitting article in the assembly after the disposable article has been used and should be disposed.

[0107] The disposable article may be a used teabag or other warm or hot disposable article.

[0108] The used teabag continues to emit vapour for some time. In this way, the assembly can be used as a container or holder for a used teabag or other disposable article, while at the same time providing entertainment via the moving action under the influence of the vapour.

[0109] In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of:

• in a first use step positioning the assembly above the vapour emitting product in the vapour region,
• in a second use step holding a used teabag or other disposable article with the assembly.

[0110] This two-step use provides a handy way of making full use of the moving effect of the assembly.

[0111] In an embodiment, at least a part of the thin material section is moved into and out of the vapour region. The device may be configured to perform this movement automatically under the influence of the vapour, or may be moved by the user into and out of the vapour region.

[0112] A skilled person will understand that the thin material section may comprise a single part or several different parts which may be connected to one another by connection means, for instance via glue.

[0113] It was found in practice that a single layer of paper moves more than a double layer of paper or other thin material.

[0114] In an embodiment, the method comprises:

• providing an assembly with a thin material section comprising a compartment which holds an additional product, wherein the compartment is constructed to release the additional product under the influence of the vapour,
• positioning the compartment in the vapour region,
• releasing the additional product
  and/or
• providing an assembly wherein the thin material section comprises a moving section and the assembly comprises an additional product, the moving section being positioned relatively close to the additional product, the moving section being configured to move the additional product under the influence of the vapour, in order to move the additional product into the vapour emitting product,
• positioning the assembly in the vapour region,
• moving the additional product into the vapour emitting product by the moving section.

[0115] It is possible to provide intricate configurations of folds, extremities, curved surfaces and vapour channels in order to create complex and appealing movements.

[0116] It is possible to first position the assembly in the vapour region and subsequently position the additional product near a moving part of the thin material section, or vice versa.

[0117] It is possible to form the thin material section in such a way that visual attractive shadows are cast on a surface.

[0118] The invention also relates to a combination of an assembly for use with a product which emits vapour, the assembly comprising:

• a thin material section which is manufactured from a thin material, wherein the thin material section is constructed to deform or move when in use the vapour from the product flows along the surface of at least a portion of the thin material section,
• a support part which is connected to the thin material section, the support part being constructed to position the thin material section at a distance from the product in a vapour region above the vapour emitting product, and
• a vapour emitting product.

[0119] In the following, the aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be elucidated further by reference to the annexed figures illustrating exemplary embodiments. In the figures, the same parts or parts having the same function have been identified with the same reference numeral.

Brief description of the Figures

[0120] 

Figure 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention in a flat state.

Figure 2 shows a top view of another embodiment of the invention in a flat state.

Figure 3 shows a top view of another embodiment of the invention in a flat state.

Figure 4A shows an orthogonal view of another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4B shows an orthogonal view of the embodiment of Figure 4A in action.

Figure 5A shows a top view of another embodiment of the invention in a flat state.

Figure 5B shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 5A in use.

Figure 6 shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 shows a flower-type embodiment of the invention in action.

Figure 8 shows a side view of an embodiment for holding a disposable product.

Figure 9 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention with a compartment.

Figure 10 shows a top view of the embodiment of Figure 9 in a flat state.

Figure 11 shows a top view of an embodiment in a flat state comprising glue zones.

Figure 12 shows an orthogonal view of the embodiment of figure 11.

Figures 13A, 13b and 14 show an embodiment of a flower.

Figure 15 shows a view of another embodiment of the invention in a flat state.

Figure 16 shows a side view the embodiment of figure 15 in a use state.

Figure 17 shows a top view of another embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the Figures

[0121] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention. The assembly 10 is a flower with leaves 12. The assembly 10 comprises a support part 14 and a thin material section 15 which is formed by the leaves 12 and a central part 11. The leaves 12 are connected to the central part 11 of the thin material section 15 via folds 16. The leaves 12 form extremities.

[0122] The support part 14 is not shown in Figure 1, but may be formed by one or more sticks or by a grid, as will be further discussed here below.

[0123] The central part 11 has an octagonal shape. The thin material section 15 is manufactured from thin sheet material. For example a paper material, a synthetic film material, dried fruit material, dried vegetable material, wafer, sheets of seaweed, bamboo leaves, or from steam paper or rice paper.

[0124] In use, the leaves 12 are folded about folds 16 in such a way that they extend upwards. The leaves 12 may extend substantially vertically but may also extend in an inclined fashion. The assembly 10 is positioned on sticks or a grid which are supported by the rim of the product holder (a cup) which holds a hot drink. Due to the water vapour, the leaves start swaying back and forth about fold lines 16.

[0125] The assembly 10 according to the invention allows the vapour to pass the assembly 10 in an upward or substantially upward direction. The vapour may flow freely past the assembly 10.

[0126] Figure 2 shows a variant of the embodiment of figure 1, wherein additional leaves 12 are provided at the central part 11. The leaves 12a also define an opening 18 in the central part 11 when they are folded upwards. The embodiment of Figure 2 is large enough to be positioned on the rim of a product holder (a cup), without additional sticks or a grid.

[0127] In use, vapour can flow through the opening 18 and cause the inner leaves 12a to sway back and forth. It is also possible that the leaves 12 , 12a are folded into a closed state prior to the use of the assembly. Then, in use, the leaves 12, 12a gently open up under the influence of the water vapour.

[0128] In use, the leaves 12 a move inwards toward the center of the assembly 10 and the leaves 12 move outwards toward the outer side of the assembly 10.

[0129] The folds 16 of the leaves 12 may be located close to the rim of the cup, in order to be located in a vapour region. Care is to be taken that when the outer leaves 12 fold from an open state into a closed state, the assembly 10 does not drop into the cup. It is for instance possible that two or more leaves 12 are not pivotable relative to the central part 11 and remain horizontal. These leaves 12 can then form the support part 14 by being positioned on a rim of a cup. A separate support part may also be provided.

[0130] Figure 3 shows another flower variant of the present invention. The central part 11 also forms the support part 14. The leaves 12, 12a are cut from the support part 14 and can be folded upwards. Each leaf 12, 12a defines an opening in the support part 14 when the leaf is folded upwards.

[0131] In use, the leaves 12, initially lie in the same plane as the central part 11. Water vapour may flow through the openings 18 and cause the assembly 10 to deform. The water vapour urges the leaves 12 upwards. The leaves 12a move in the opposite direction and initially are folded into a closed state. The vapour opens the leaves 12a. The openings 18 are spread substantially evenly over a surface area of the central part 11.

[0132] In another variant, all the leaves 12, 12a start in a closed state, i.e. the leaves are folded toward the center. In use, all the leaves open up under the influence of the vapour

[0133] Figure 4A shows another embodiment of the invention. The assembly 10 comprises a support part 14 which has a strip like form, i.e. an elongate form. The support part 14 is curved or can be bent into a curved state. Along one side of the support part 14, leaves 12 are formed which are connected to the support part 14 via folds 16.

[0134] Figure 4B shows this embodiment in use. The assembly 10 is positioned along an upper ridge of a cup or dish on the inner side thereof. The support part 14 may rest on the upper ridge or engage the inner or outer wall of the cup near the upper ridge. The support part 14 is formed into an annular form, such that the leaves 12 extend around the perimeter of the cup. The leaves 12 will start to sway back and forth under the influence of the vapour, as is indicated with arrows.

[0135] It is also possible that in the embodiment of Figure 4b, the leaves 12 close the opening of the cup 40 or other product holder, when the vapour starts to flow along the thin material section 15.

[0136] Figure 5A shows an embodiment of the assembly 10, wherein the thin material section 15 comprises fold lines 16 which allow the thin material section 15 to be folded into a skirt or dress shape, i.e. a shape that widens toward the bottom. The fold lines 16 extend from a center outwards and away from one another. The thin material section 15 comprises openings 20. Through the openings 20, a stick or other elongate body (not shown) can be inserted which forms the support part 14 of the assembly 10. It is possible that the skirt is further provided with extra parts in order to form a complete humanoid figure. The skirt may also be oriented in a different direction, for instance upside down, horizontally or in any other direction.

[0137] The thin material section can have any figurative form, such as a Christmas tree or an angel.

[0138] Figure 5B shows the embodiment of Figure 5A in action, wherein the thin material section 15 is positioned over a cup 40 with a stick 22 which forms the support part 14. The level of the beverage is indicated with 41. A vapour region 55 is located substantially above the product 41 and extends upward over some distance. The thin material section 15 will expand in all horizontal directions.

[0139] A teabag 42 is suspended from the decorating assembly.

[0140] In use, the vapour will rise from the teacup 40 and cause the thin material section 15 to move. The thin material section 15 starts as a folded, flat shape and becomes a three dimensional form. In the same time, the tea is formed by the tealeaves which give off the flavour to the hot water.

[0141] Figure 6 shows another embodiment, wherein the assembly 10 forms a dragon. A stick 22 forms the support part and is connected to the thin material section 15. A body 17 of the dragon is formed by a double layered sheet, the stick 22 being held and connected between the double layers. The body and paws will not move under the influence of the vapour due to the double layers of sheet.

[0142] The dragon comprises one or more wings 24 which are connected to the body of the dragon via folds 16.

[0143] The dragon may be formed by two identical sheets which are only glued onto one another at the body 17 and at the feet 25. The dragon 10 will then have two heads 26, two wings 24 and two tails 28, which are loose from one another.

[0144] The heads 26 of the dragon are connected to the body 17 of the dragon via another fold 16. The tail 28 of the dragon is connected to the body via another fold 16. The dragon also comprises paws 25. The wings 24, heads 26 and tails 28 form extremities.

[0145] In use, the user positions the assembly 10 over a hot product 43 which emits vapour (a cup 40 (not shown) or plate) by holding the stick 22 in the hand. The stick 22 may also be held in position in a different way, i.e. by mounting it to some kind of support or on the rim of the cup. The vapour will flow along the wings 16, the head 26 and the tail 28, which will sway back and forth and cause a nice visual effect.

[0146] Figure 7 shows a flower embodiment which is not entirely the same as the embodiment of figures 1-3, but is quite similar. A support part 14 rests on the rim 46 of a cup. The leaves 12 move under the influence of the vapour 44.

[0147] The teabag 42 comprises a carton strip 50 which extends through a gap in the support part 14 in such a way that the teabag 42 is suspended from the assembly.

[0148] Figure 8 shows an embodiment in which a used teabag 42 is held separate from the cup 40 by the assembly 10. In this embodiment, a film material is used. The leaves 12 will move under the influence of the vapour coming from the used teabag. Due to the cooling of the film material which is removed from the vapour region, a part of the film material will contract, which causes the leaves 12 to close around the teabag 42. The assembly 10 may first be positioned on the cup 40 and then be positioned on a table or other surface to hold the used teabag.

[0149] In an embodiment, the teabag 42 may be connected to the thin material section 15 via a string 51, but this is not the case in Figure 8.

[0150] Turning to figures 9 and 10, an embodiment is shown which is foldable in order to define a compartment 50. The thin material section 15 comprises three folds 16 which each define a lid 52, 53, 54. The support part 14 is formed at one end of the thin material section 15 and is indicated with dashed lines. The support part 14 is folded and glued onto itself. The support part 14 is integral with the thin material section 15. The support part comprises two notches 56 or cut-outs 56 which are constructed to be placed over a rim of a cup or other product holder 40.

[0151] In use, the assembly 10 is folded, curved or bent along a central curvature or bending section 58, such that a central section 60 forms an upper side or roof of the compartment 50, and side walls 61 extend downwards from the central section 60. The fold lines 16 are formed along the lower edges of the side walls 61. A tip section 62 defines a tip edge 16 along which a tip lid 54 is formed.

[0152] The lids 52, 53, 54 are folded in order to extend substantially horizontally and face the product level 41 when the assembly is positioned in the vapour region.

[0153] A teabag 42 is positioned inside the compartment. in se, hot water is provided in the cup. The assembly is positioned on the rim 46 of the cup 40.

[0154] When the vapour 44 flows along the folds 16, the lids 52, 53, 54 open up and the teabag 42 drops into the hot water 43. It is also possible that loose tealeaves are inside the compartment. Various other products may be inside the compartment 50, such as croutons, sweets or other light products, sugar, powder milk, tea, soup powder, spices, herbs, sweets, chocolate bits or powder or something else which drops into or onto the beverage or dish under the influence of the water vapour.

[0155] When the tea is ready, it is possible to pull the end 59 of the string 51. The teabag 42 is then pulled back into the compartment 50 (which is now open). It is possible to press the side walls 61 in order to press fluid from the teabag 42, in order to prevent drip when the teabag 42 is removed.

[0156] The assembly 10 can then be removed with the teabag 42 and put aside. Because .the teabag 42 gradually cools off, the lids 52, 53, 54 will close around the teabag 42. The assembly 10 with the teabag 42 can then be disposed together.

[0157] Figure 11 shows another variant in which lids 52, 53 are constructed to overlap one another in a glue zone 68 and are glued onto one another via the glue zone 68. The glue is of a kind which lets loose when vapour contacts the glue. The glue provides a good closure of the compartment 50. A front glue zone 69 is also provided to close the front of the compartment. The front glue zone 69 comprises side parts 74 which in use are glued onto central parts 75. Short folding lines 70 extend from the front ridge inward.over a short distance. A central fold line 72 is provided at the support part 14.

[0158] Figure 12 shows the embodiment of figure 11 in use, prior to the opening of the compartment 50. The glue zones 68 are closed. The glue zone 69 is also closed and forms a shape which resembles a "T". The thin material section 15 is folded along the short fold lines 70, which go over in a rounded shape in the central part of the support part 15. Near the support part 14, the rounded parts go over in the central fold 72. The thin material section 15 defines a volume inside in order to form a compartment 50. The vapour will cause the glue zones 68 to loosen and the additional product in the compartment 50 will drop into the vapour emitting product 41. Flaps 76 are defined to stabilize the assembly 10 on the rim of a cup.

[0159] It is possible that the compartment 50 is configured to hold a liquid, such as liquid coffee milk, bath salt, fluid soap or another liquid.

[0160] Figures 13A, 13b and 14 show an embodiment of a flower, which is configured to be plased on a rim of a cup or plate. The flower comprises two thin material sections 15A, 15B which are placed together and in total define four leaves 12 of the flower 10. The thin material section comprises folds or grooves 116 at the base of the flowers and folds or grooves 16 which divide the leaves 12 lengthwise.

[0161] In use, the leaves 12 have a superimposed movement, wherein the fold or groove 116 causes swaying according to arrows 118 and the folds or grooves 16 cause a swaying back and forth according to arrows 120.

[0162] Turning to figures 15 and 16 , another embodiment is shown wherein the support part 14 is integral with the thin material section 15. The support part 14 comprises a cut-out 56 which forms an inverted U which can be placed over a rim of a cup. The cut-out comprises a hook form 100 which is constructed to hook the rim of a cup and an abutment ridge 102 which is constructed to engage the inner wall of a cup. Due to the different folding lines 16, the assembly makes a superimposed movements. .It is noted that the folding lines 16 are shown as dashed lines, although in a "normal" side view the lines 16 in figure 16 would normally have been drawn as continuous lines.

[0163] Figure 17 shows an embodiment wherein vapour channels 18 are placed near moving parts 12 of the assembly 10. The vapour channels 18 are formed by the cut outs that the moving parts 12 leave behind when they pivot upwards from the central part 11. The moving parts 12 may be for instance be figures of football players. To this end, the moving parts 12 may be printed. The moving parts 12 may have a slit 106 which defines legs 104. The vapour channel 18 is provided near a bottom end 108 of the legs, is punched with a fold line 16 connecting a round dimple to the support part 14. The round flap 110 may have a print of a football on it and has the form of a ball.
In use, the bottom end 108 of the legs 104 moves like a kicking foot of a football player under the influence of the vapour. The moving part 12 moves like a football player in action. The round flap 110 also moves and together, a visually attractive scene is obtained. The combination of the position of the vapour channels, folds/ grooves and cuts make a visually attractive scene.

[0164] It is also possible that the support part 14 comprises a hole and that spherical objects of an additional product are provided. In use, the figures 12 may then move, i.e. kick, the spherical objects through the hole into the vapour emitting product.

[0165] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the details and the arrangement of the parts may be varied over considerable range without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Assembly for use with a product which emits vapour, the assembly comprising:

• a thin material section which is manufactured from a thin material, wherein the thin material section is constructed to deform or move when in use the vapour from the product flows along the surface of at least a portion of the thin material section,

• a support part connected to the thin material section or configured to be connected to the thin material section, the support part being constructed to support the thin material section at a distance from the product in a vapour region above the vapour emitting product.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support part is constructed to maintain the thin material section in a position above the vapour emitting product which is located in a cup or plate or other product holder.

3. Assembly according to any of claims 1 - 2, wherein the support part is constructed to:

• be positioned on or in the product holder, or

• be held in the hand of a user in the vapour region, or

• rest on a table or other support surface on which the cup or plate is positioned.

4. Assembly according to any of claims 1 - 3, wherein the thin material section:

ο comprises a bottom side which in use faces the vapour emitting product, and wherein the bottom side comprises holes for allowing vapour to enter the assembly through the holes in the bottom side,
and/or

o defines one or more vapour channels which have an opening which is directed towards the surface of the vapour emitting product below the decorating product, and which allow entry of vapour through said opening and allow passage of the vapour substantially upwards to an exit of the vapour channel.

5. Assembly according to any of claims 1 - 4, wherein the assembly has a figurative form, the thin material section being configured to cause the figurative form to perform a movement, and /or
wherein the thin material section is configured to:

• perform a substantially closing movement under the influence of the vapour, and/or

• perform a substantially opening movement under the influence of the vapour.

6. Assembly according to any of claims 1 - 5, wherein the thin material section comprises a plurality of folds, grooves or cuts, in particular folds, grooves or cuts with different orientations.

7. Assembly according to any of claims 1 - 6, wherein the thin material section is manufactured from paper which is substantially water and oil repellent.

8. Assembly according to any of claims 1 - 7, wherein the thin material section comprises a number of extremities which are connected to the remainder of the thin material section via a fold or a groove, the extremities being configured to move back and forth.

9. Assembly according to any of claims 1 - 8, wherein the assembly comprises a teabag or other product which is suspended from the assembly and is positioned in the cup and/or
wherein the thin material section is constructed to hold or cover a vapour emitting disposable article after the disposal thereof.

10. Assembly according to any of claims 1 - 9, comprising:

• a support part configured to support the thin material section above the cup or plate in the vapour region in a first use step,

• a holder configured for holding or covering a vapour emitting disposable article in a second use step.

11. Assembly according to any of claims 1 - 10, wherein the support part comprises a product holding part constructed to form the cup or plate for holding the vapour emitting product which emits vapour, thereby obviating the need for a separate cup or plate.

12. Assembly according to any of claims 1 - 11, wherein:

o the thin material section is constructed to continuously move under the influence of a varying stream of vapour and/or

o the thin material section comprises a compartment which holds an additional product, wherein the compartment is constructed to release the additional product under the influence of the vapour, and or

o the thin material section comprises a moving section and the assembly comprises an additional product, the moving section being positioned relatively close to the additional product, the moving section being configured to move the additional product under the influence of heat, in order to move the additional product into the vapour emitting product.

13. Method, comprising:

• providing a vapour emitting product,

• providing an assembly for use with the vapour emitting product, the assembly comprising:

- a thin material section which is manufactured from a thin material, wherein the thin material section is constructed to deform or move when in use the vapour from the product flows along the surface of at least a portion of the thin material section,

- a support part which is connected to the thin material section or configured to be connected to the thin material section, the support part being constructed to support at least a part of the thin material section in a vapour region above the vapour emitting product,

• positioning the assembly such that at least a part of the thin material section is in the vapour region, wherein at least a part of the thin material section deforms or moves under the influence of the vapour which flows along at least a part of the thin material section.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein:

the assembly is attached to a teabag, the method comprising putting the teabag in a product holder and positioning the thin material section in the vapour region
and/or

the method comprising the steps of

• in a first use step positioning the thin material section in a vapour region of the vapour emitting product,

• in a second use step holding a disposable article with the assembly and/or

• attaching the support part to an upper rim of a product holder,

• providing a vapour emitting product in the product holder,

• substantially closing an opening of the product holder by the thin material section when vapour flows along the thin material section.

15. Method according to any of claims 13 or 14, the method comprising:

• providing an assembly with a thin material section comprising a compartment which holds an additional product, wherein the compartment is constructed to release the additional product under the influence of the vapour,

• positioning the compartment in the vapour region,

• releasing the additional product
and/or

• providing an assembly wherein the thin material section comprises a moving section and the assembly comprises an additional product, the moving section being positioned relatively close to the additional product, the moving section being configured to move the additional product under the influence of heat, in order to move the additional product into the vapour emitting product,

• positioning the assembly in the vapour region,

• moving the additional product into the vapour emitting product.

Drawing