The invention relates to a device for cooling or homogenizing beverages. The invention also relates to a drinking cup for use in such a device. The invention further relates to a drinking cup holder for use in such a device. In addition, the invention relates to a method for assembling a drinking cup according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method for cooling beverage using the device according to the invention.

Consumers can choose nowadays from a wide range of cooled beverages, including milkshakes, smoothies, slush puppies etc. These beverages are prepared in situ in bulk quantities (multi-person portions) and cooled in preparation equipment intended for this purpose, after which the preparation equipment is cleaned intensively and optionally disinfected, usually by a skilled person. This preparation process and the subsequent cleaning process are perceived as laborious and time-consuming, The known method of preparation is moreover perceived as relatively inefficient, since a fraction of the prepared beverage will usually remain as residue in the preparation apparatus, and will be considered as waste.

An object of the invention is to provide a relatively efficient device and method for cooling bulk quantities of beverages.

The invention provides for this purpose a device for cooling beverage received in a drinking cup, comprising: a housing enclosing a receiving space, which receiving space is adapted to receive a plurality of closed drinking cups provided with beverage, at least one cooling element for cooling the receiving space, a plurality of drinking cup holders arranged in the receiving space of the housing, wherein each drinking cup holder is adapted to hold at least one drinking cup and wherein the drinking cup holders are coupled mechanically to each other, and at least one drive element for setting into motion the beverage received in the at least one drinking cup. By pre-packaging the beverage in dosed, (single-person) consumer portions in a drinking cup and then simultaneously cooling a plurality of drinking cups with prepackaged beverage and keeping them in motion in the receiving space of the housing of the device according to the invention, a relatively efficient method of cooling dosed portions of beverage can be achieved in that the operation and cleaning of the device are significantly less laborious than in the known device, and can moreover be performed by unskilled persons. A particular advantage of the device according to the invention is that a plurality of drinking cups can be cooled simultaneously by applying a plurality of drinking cup holders. Because the drinking cup holders are mechanically coupled to each other, the drinking cups can be simultaneously kept in motion using only a single drive element, whereby the device according to the invention makes it possible in relatively efficient manner to cool bulk quantities of beverage packaged in individual portions. The actual preparation and packaging of the beverage will take place elsewhere, at a location remote from the device, generally in the form of mass production. Keeping the beverage in motion in the device contributes toward a homogenous mixing of the beverage and can be realized in different ways, as will be elucidated hereinbelow. Particularly in the case that the at least one cooling element is adapted to cool the receiving space to a temperature of less than 0°C, more preferably to a temperature less than the freezing point (or freezing range) of the beverage, this being desirable in the preparation and/or conservation of determined beverages, such as slush puppies, milkshakes etc., generally desirable ice-crystal formation will occur in the beverage which contributes toward the taste sensation when the beverage is consumed. In other types of beverage, such as for instance soup or soft drinks, it is usually advantageous not to allow the temperature of the beverage to fall below 0°C. Keeping the beverage in preferably continuous motion can realize a homogenous cooling of the beverage in relatively controlled and effective manner, wherein the risk of lumps of ice forming in the beverage can be prevented as far as possible.

Being able to simultaneously keep the beverage in motion in each drinking cup with the at least one drive element is preferably realized in that the drive element is coupled to each drinking cup holder and is therefore adapted to set the drinking cup holders into motion. It is advantageous here for the at least one drive element to be adapted for axial rotation of the drinking cup holders, whereby the beverage can be kept in motion. Particularly advantageous is the embodiment in which each drinking cup holder is adapted for axial rotation about a substantially horizontal axis or a diagonal axis enclosing an angle of a maximum of 45° with the horizontal so as to enable sufficient mixing (homogenization) of the beverage to be realized in relatively simple manner. It is also advantageous for the drinking cup to comprise one or more turbulence- generating elements to enable the beverage to be kept in motion, which enhances the homogeneity of the beverage and whereby possible formation of lumps of ice in the beverage can be prevented. In addition to axial rotation of the drinking cup holders, and thereby the drinking cups, it is also possible to envisage causing the drinking cups to vibrate (ultrasonically), shake, or move in other manner by causing the drinking cup holders to move in corresponding manner.

The mutual coupling of the drinking cup holders can take place by having the drinking cup holders engage directly on each other, whereby movement of a drinking cup holder results in movement of one or more adjacent drinking cup holders. Direct engagement can for instance be realized by providing a peripheral side of the drinking cup holders with an optionally serrated contact surface, via which the drinking cup holders engage on each other. It is however also possible to envisage each drinking cup holder being connected to a force-transmitting element, wherein the force-transmitting elements mutually co-act with each other. The assembly of force-transmitting elements can here form a gear mechanism. The drinking cup holders thus co-act here via the force- transmitting elements. All drinking cup holders can be simultaneously set into motion by having at least one force-transmitting element, formed particularly by a toothed wheel, engage on the at least one drive element. In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention the device comprises a carrying structure for the drinking cup holders. It is advantageous here for the carrying structure to comprise at least one intermediate wall provided with at least one passage opening, wherein each drinking cup holder is coupled via a passage opening to a force-transmitting element, particularly a toothed wheel, wherein the force- transmitting element is coupled directly or indirectly to the at least one drive element. By applying the carrying structure all moving parts can be mounted in relatively simple manner at predefined positions and held at the desired position. The advantage of applying an intermediate wall is that the force-transmitting elements can be shielded from the drinking cups, this usually being advantageous from a hygienic and aesthetic viewpoint.

In a particular embodiment of the carrying structure the carrying structure comprises two intermediate walls, wherein each intermediate wall is provided with at least one passage opening, which intermediate walls mutually enclose a space for enclosing the at least one force-transmitting element, wherein at least one force-transmitting element is connected on either side to two drinking cup holders via connecting passage openings. The carrying structure thus in fact forms a preferably substantially closed casing for a gear mechanism (gearbox) or other type of assembly of force-transmitting elements via which the drinking cup holders can be set into motion. Some of the drinking cup holders are mounted here on a first intermediate wall while other drinking cup holders are mounted on a second intermediate wall of the carrying structure, whereby the carrying structure can be utilized on two sides for holding and keeping in motion drinking cups and beverage received therein, which can bring about a considerable increase in the capacity of the device. In the case only two intermediate walls are applied, the carrying structure can take a substantially plate-like form. It is also possible to envisage applying more than two intermediate walls which connect to each other, wherein each

intermediate wall is adapted to hold one or more drinking cup holders, whereby polygonal prismatic carrying structures can be obtained. It is not necessary here for each force-transmitting element to be directly connected to one or more drinking cup holders. It is also possible for one or more force-transmitting elements, in particular toothed wheels or (toothed) belts, to be adapted only for mechanical coupling of force- transmitting elements which are however connected to one or more drinking cup holders. Each drinking cup holder can be connected to the force-transmitting element in diverse ways and can for instance be adhered, welded or be connected to the force- transmitting element by means of snapping. However, because it is generally desirable to be able to replace a part such as a drinking cup holder if desired, it is advantageous for the drinking cup holder to be releasably coupled to the force-transmitting element. The releasable coupling can be realized by applying one or more mechanical coupling elements, such as for instance a bolt and a nut. In order to be able to prevent relative rotation (slip) between the drinking cup holder and the force-transmitting element, it is advantageous to impede this relative rotation, which can be realized in efficient manner by connecting each drinking cup holder to a force-transmitting element via a passage opening by means of a pin-hole connection preferably having a cross-section that is other than circular.

In an advantageous embodiment the carrying structure is received displaceably, preferably rotatably, in the receiving space. This generally makes the positioning of drinking cups in the drinking cup holders easier and moreover facilitates cleaning of the carrying structure and drinking cup holders mounted thereon. In addition, such a mobile arrangement is particularly advantageous in the case of multi-sided use of the carrying structure for carrying drinking cup holders and drinking cups received therein. It is thus possible for instance for the carrying structure to be rotated, generally through an angle of 180° , after removal of a final drinking cup from the drinking cup holder of an intermediate wall of the carrying structure, whereby an opposite intermediate wall, which has already been filled with drinking cups, is made accessible to a user. The unfilled intermediate wall can here first be filled with new drinking cups before it is rotated. Although the new drinking cups are not accessible to a user following rotation, they will however be cooled for later use. It is advantageous for the at least one drive element, particularly an electric motor, to be connected to the carrying structure.

In a further advantageous embodiment the device comprises a suspension structure positioned at least partially in the receiving space for suspending the carrying structure, which suspension structure is displaceable between a compact state, in which the carrying structure is positioned in the receiving space, and an extended state in which the carrying structure is positioned at least partially outside the receiving space. Being able to remove the carrying structure at least partially, and preferably completely, from the receiving space will considerably facilitate maintenance on and possible rotation of the carrying structure.

In the device according to the invention use is preferably made of air cooling for cooling the drinking cups and beverage received therein. Air cooling is sufficient for adequate cooling of the beverage within an acceptable period of time. Air cooling is moreover substantially more hygienic than cooling the drinking cups by means of cold water. The air is preferably guided actively in the device along the cooling element by applying an airflow-generating element such as a fan, whereby a (re)circulation flow of air can be created in the device. Particularly because drinking cups generally take an elongate form, it is generally advantageous to adapt the drinking cup holder such that a longitudinal axis of the at least one drinking cup held by the drinking cup holder encloses an angle with the vertical which lies between (and includes) 45° and 90° . In this way an enlarged (upper) beverage surface area (meniscus) is in fact realized, which can generally enhance the mixing considerably. The drinking cup is preferably held substantially horizontally in the drinking cup holder in order to maximize the beverage surface area, and thereby enable an intensive mixing to be realized in relatively simple manner. The drinking cup holder is preferably adapted to grip at least partially round the at least one drinking cup, whereby the drinking cup can be held in reliable manner by the drinking cup holder. The drinking cup is more preferably clamped here by the drinking cup holder. In order to enable this clamping to be improved, it is usually advantageous for the drinking cup holder to be provided with a gasket manufactured from an elastomer material. It is advantageous for the housing to comprise at least one access door which is displaceable between a closed position and an opened position. The access door will here generally form a front, generally substantially vertical or diagonal wall of the housing. The access door is generally connected pivotally to one or more adjacent walls of the housing. The access door here usually takes an at least partially transparent form to enable observation of the drinking cups received in the housing from outside the device. It is generally advantageous for a receiving opening of the at least one drinking cup holder to extend in the direction of the access door in closed position, which can considerably facilitate placing of drinking cups to be cooled in the housing and removal of drinking cups from the housing It is also possible to envisage applying a plurality of access doors, wherein one access door is for instance adapted for removal of drinking cups from the receiving space and wherein another access door is adapted to enable stocking of the receiving space with drinking cups for cooling. In an advantageous embodiment the access door is adapted for co-action with an electric switch for activating and deactivating the drive element, and thereby the movement of the drinking cups and the drinking cup holders. When the access door is opened the switch will generally be released and the drive element deactivated, whereby the moving components in the housing come to a stop, this being particularly advantageous from a safety viewpoint. Bringing the drinking cups to a stop moreover also facilitates taking hold of a drinking cup by a user. When the access door is then closed, the switch will then be charged and once again activate the drive element and once again set the drinking cup holders and possibly remaining drinking cups into motion. It is possible here to envisage having the drinking cup and/or drinking cup holders come to a stop in a predefined orientation when the drive element is deactivated, which can be

advantageous for a user from a practical viewpoint. Instead of or in addition to setting the drinking cup into motion, it is also possible to envisage setting the beverage into motion by causing (forced) active movement in the beverage of one or more turbulence-generating stirring elements, such as for instance a stirring blade or stirring screw. Because the drinking cups received in the housing are hermetically sealed, such stirring elements cannot be set into motion in mechanical manner by the housing, but can be however optionally under the influence of a preferably variable magnetic field, wherein the stirring element is manufactured at least partially from a magnetic or magnetizable material. The means for generating a magnetic field can for instance be formed by one or more optionally displaceable electric coils. It is however generally recommended more to apply a stirring element received substantially fixedly in the cup body, whereby the beverage is already kept sufficiently in motion by moving the drinking cup as such. Applying a stirring element received in fixed but preferably releasable manner in the cup body is recommended here because this embodiment can be manufactured in relatively inexpensive and simple manner, and moreover keeps a plurality of cup bodies stackable (nestable) as long as the associated stirring elements are not arranged in the cup bodies, this being particularly advantageous during storage and transport. The invention also relates to a device for homogenizing a beverage, comprising a housing enclosing a receiving space, which receiving space is adapted to receive a plurality of closed drinking cups provided with beverage, a plurality of drinking cup holders arranged in the receiving space of the housing, wherein each drinking cup holder is adapted to hold at least one drinking cup and wherein the drinking cup holders are mechanically coupled to each other, and at least one drive element for setting into motion the beverage received in the at least one drinking cup. This device is in fact identical to the device for cooling beverage described in the foregoing, with the difference that use of a cooling element is optional. It is also possible to envisage applying a heating element to enable heating of beverage, such as for instance soup, in the device. Further embodiments of the device are equivalent to the embodiments of the device for cooling beverages described in the foregoing.

In addition, the invention relates to a drinking cup for use in a device according to the invention, comprising a cup body, a cover connected releasably to the cup body, and at least one turbulence-generating element received in the cup body. The drinking cup can be of diverse nature here and can have a conventional cup form, but can for instance also be formed by a beverage can or bottle. The material from which the drinking cup is manufactured can also be diverse, although generally the drinking cup will be manufactured substantially from plastic, glass, metal and/or paper (cardboard). It can be advantageous here for the drinking cup to be manufactured at least partially from a thermochromic plastic. It is however also possible for other types of material, such as for instance magnetic or magnetizable materials, to be incorporated in the drinking cup. The one or more turbulence-generating elements received in the cup body actively or passively create a certain turbulence in the beverage present in the drinking cup, this stimulating a homogeneous mixing of beverage and possibly preventing formation of ice lumps in the beverage. The turbulence-generating elements can be formed here by baffles, ribs, a framework etc. The turbulence-generating element can here be received displaceably or fixedly in the cup body. It is possible here to envisage at least one turbulence-generating element forming an integral part of the cup body. When the drinking cup is manufactured from plastic, the turbulence-generating elements can be manufactured together with the drinking cup during an injection moulding process.

It is also possible to envisage at least one turbulence-generating element being received releasably in the cup body. The advantage hereof is that the cup bodies remain stackable during storage and transport, which is generally advantageous from a logistical and financial viewpoint. The turbulence-generating element can herein exert a bias on an inner wall of the cup body and thereby be fixed relative to the cup body. The orientation between the at least one turbulence-generating element and the cup body will hereby be substantially fixed. In a particular embodiment of the drinking cup a part of the drinking cup situated at a distance from a bottom wall is provided with an inward protruding securing edge for securing the turbulence-generating element. It is advantageous here that the smallest diameter of the securing edge is smaller than the largest diameter of a part of the turbulence-generating element situated between the bottom wall and the securing edge, whereby the turbulence-generating element can in fact be secured in the cup body. The securing edge can optionally take an interrupted form here and in fact be formed by one or more securing protrusions. In order to enable positioning of the turbulence-generating element in the drinking cup it is advantageous that the turbulence-generating element and/or (the securing edge of) the cup body is/are given a form which is to some extent flexible. In an alternative embodiment at least one turbulence-generating element is received displaceably in the drinking cup, wherein the turbulence-generating element can be formed by a stirring magnet at least partially manufactured from a magnetic or magnetizable material. In order to allow the most intensive possible mixing of beverage to take place in the drinking cup, it is advantageous that the at least one turbulence-generating element extends over substantially the frail height and/or width of the cup body. The turbulence- generating element can be formed here by an Archimedean screw, thereby in fact creating a screw pump. It is not otherwise necessary here for the Archimedean screw to be displaced relative to the cup body during cooling of the beverage. If the turbulence- generating element takes a substantially plate-like form, it is advantageous for the substantially plate-like turbulence-generating element to be provided with one or more beverage passage openings, which enhances the homogenization of the beverage being kept in motion.

In an advantageous embodiment of the drinking cup a core of the turbulence-generating element is adapted to receive a straw. Being able to arrange a straw in the drinking cup without interference can considerably facilitate the convenience of drinking. The drinking cup is preferably sealed initially, particularly by applying a substantially impermeable foil layer arranged on a beverage passage opening of the cup body. Other sealing mechanisms can of course also be applied.

The closing element of the drinking cup is adapted for preferably medium-tight closure of the cup body, whereby the beverage and the quantity of carbon dioxide possibly absorbed therein, and thereby the taste sensation, are preserved as well as possible. The drinking cup preferably takes a reclosable form here. The co-action between the closing element and the cup body can preferably be formed here by a screw thread connection, bayonet coupling and/or snap connection. It can be advantageous to apply a shape of the peripheral side of the cup body which is other than round in order to enable improved holding of the cup body by the drinking cup holder of the device according to the invention.

The invention further relates to an assembly of a device according to the invention and at least one drinking cup according to the invention provided with beverage and received in the receiving space of the housing of the device. The invention also relates to a drinking cup holder for use in a device according to the invention. It is possible to envisage marketing the drinking cup holder as a separate element. The drinking cup holder will generally be adapted to hold one or more drinking cups, wherein the drinking cup holder also comprises a coupling element, such as for instance a toothed wheel, for coupling the drinking cup holder to the means for setting the beverage into motion so as to enable rotation or shaking of the drinking cup holder.

In addition, the invention relates to a method for assembling a drinking cup according to the invention, comprising of: A) providing a cup body provided with at least one turbulence-generating element, B) at least partially filling the cup body with beverage, and C) arranging a closing element in releasable manner on the cup body. The turbulence-generating element can here form an integral part of the cup body, although it is also possible to envisage the turbulence-generating element being arranged in the cup body after manufacture of the cup body. In this latter case it is possible to envisage the turbulence-generating element exerting a bias on the inner wall of the cup body and thereby as it were being fixed relative to the cup body, although it is also possible to envisage the turbulence-generating element being received in freely displaceable manner in the cup body. The method preferably also comprises step D), comprising of sealing the drinking cup after filling the drinking cup as according to step C). A "tamper-evident" drinking cup can in this way be created, whereby the content of the cup body can be guaranteed as far as possible. The invention moreover relates to a method for cooling beverages using a device according to the invention, comprising of: I) arranging at least one drinking cup provided with beverage in at least one drinking cup holder, II) cooling the receiving space provided with the at least one drinking cup holder, and III) causing the beverage to move in the drinking cup. During step II) the beverage received in the drinking cup is preferably cooled to a temperature of less than 0°C, more preferably to a temperature lower than the freezing point (or freezing range) of the beverage. Causing the beverage to move as according to step III) can be a result of setting the drinking cup into motion, for instance by axial rotation and/or shaking, particularly vibrating, of the drinking cup.

In an advantageous embodiment the method also comprises step IV), comprising of generating a variable magnetic field in the receiving space of the housing during cooling of the receiving space as according to step II) so as enable movement of at least one magnetic or magnetizable element received in the drinking cup. The magnetic or magnetizable element can be displaced in the beverage by means of the magnetic field, whereby the beverage is mixed. Causing movement of the drinking cup can be envisaged here, but is not essential.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein:

figure 1 is an perspective view with exploded parts of a drinking cup according to the invention,

figure 2 is a perspective view of the drinking cup of figure 1 ,

figure 3a is a perspective view of a drinking cup holder provided with two drinking cups of figure 2,

figure 3b is a top view of the drinking cup holder of figure 3a,

figure 4 is a perspective view of a device for cooling a plurality of drinking cups according to figure 2,

figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the drinking cup according to the present invention,

figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the drinking cup according to the present invention,

figure 7 shows a horizontal section of the drinking cup of figure 6. figure 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the mixing unit according to the present invention,

figure 9a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mixing unit according to the present invention, wherein the mixing unit is shown in extended position, figure 9b is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mixing unit according to the present invention, wherein the mixing unit is shown in collapsed position, figure 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mixing unit according to the present invention,

figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cover provided with a mixing unit according to the present invention,

figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cover provided with a mixing unit according to the present invention,

figures 13a- 13f show successive perspective views of another device according to the invention,

figure 14 is a cut-away front view of a carrying structure applied in the device according to figures 13a-13f,

figures 15a-15f show successive top views of a part of the device according to figures 13a-13f,

figure 16 is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of components as applied in the device according to figures 13a- 13f,

figure 17 shows a schematic cross-section of the device according to 13a- 13f, in which the flow of air is shown,

figure 18a shows a cross-section of a drinking cup with exploded parts for use in the device according to figures 13a- 13f,

figure 1 b shows a cross-section of the assembled drinking cup according to figure 18a which is clamped by a drinking cup holder as applied in the device according to figures 13a-13f, and

figure 18c shows a detailed cross-section of a lower part of the assembled drinking cup according to figure 18a, which is clamped by a drinking cup holder as applied in the device according to figures 13a- 13f.

A drinking cup with exploded parts designated as a whole with 1 is shown with reference to figure 1. Drinking cup 1 comprises a cup body 2. Cup body 2 is constructed from a bottom part 2a, two opposite, flat, upright wall parts 2b and two rounded, upright wall parts 2c connecting to the two opposite, upright, flat walls 2b. On the side of cup body 2 remote from bottom part 2a the cup body 2 comprises a beverage passage opening 3. Beverage passage opening 3 is bounded by an upright neck 4, which neck 4 is provided with an external screw thread. A turbulence-generating mixing unit 5 can be placed in cup body 2. Mixing unit 5 comprises a tube 6 to which arms 7 are connected in integral manner. Mixing unit 5 can be placed in cup body 2 (see figure 2). Bottom part 2a can be provided with a circular protrusion (not shown) for co-action with mixing unit 5. Drinking cup 1 also comprises a cover 8, which cover comprises a flange 9 provided with an internal screw thread for co-action with the external screw thread of neck 4 of cup body 2 to enable preferably medium-tight closure of the cup body. On its side directed toward bottom part 2a in the position in which it closes cup body 2, cover 8 optionally comprises a circular protrusion (not shown) for co-action with tube 6 of mixing unit 5. Mixing unit 5 can hereby be placed unambiguously and thus fixed in and relative to cup body 2. Figure 2 shows drinking cup 1 of figure 1 , wherein cup body 2 is closed and wherein mixing unit 5 is placed in the cup body. The cup body is at least partially filled here with a beverage (not shown) such as a milkshake, a smoothie or a slush puppie.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a drinking cup holder 20 for use in a device according to the invention for cooling beverages received in drinking cups. Drinking cup holder 20 comprises a base embodied as toothed wheel 21. Perpendicularly of the rotation axis of the base embodied as toothed wheel 21 three uprights 22 (bars) are connected to toothed wheel 21 at mutually equal distances around the periphery of toothed wheel 21 and close to the peripheral edge of toothed wheel 21. The distance between uprights 22 is chosen such that a drinking cup 1 placed in drinking cup holder 20 is blocked in rotation direction by uprights 22 in that at least one of the two opposite, flat, upright wall parts 2b (see figure 3b) is engaged in locking manner by an upright 22. If drinking cup holder 20 is driven in rotation by having toothed wheel 21 co-act with preferably an electric motor, drinking cups 1 will hereby also be driven in rotation. Beverage present in drinking cups 1 will hereby be kept in motion. The mixing of beverage is intensified by the mixing unit 5 placed in drinking cup 1. The rotation speed of drinking cup holder 20 can be adjustable depending on for instance the type of beverage and/or composition of the beverage packaged in drinking cups 1. Referring to figure 4, a device designated as a whole with 30 for cooling a plurality of drinking cups according to figure 2 is shown. Device 30 comprises for this purpose a housing constructed from walls 31 and provided on a front side with a door 32 mounted hingedly on a wall part 31. A plurality of drinking cup holders 20 as according to figure 3a are connected to a rear wall of device 30 for rotation about the longitudinal axis of toothed wheel 21. Toothed wheels 21 of drinking cup holders 20 are connected via transmission gears (not shown) to an electric motor (not shown) for individually driving drinking cup holders 20 in rotation. Device 30 also comprises per se known cooling means for cooling the interior of the housing of device 30, wherein the cooling means are adapted to cool the receiving space enclosed by the housing of device 30 to below 0°C. Device 30 also comprises a thermostat for setting the desired temperature in the interior of the housing of device 30. Because the beverage in drinking cup holders 20 is kept in motion, the beverage can be cooled to below 0°C without the risk of the beverage present in drinking cups 1 freezing into one or more lumps of ice.

Figure 5 is a perspective top view of another embodiment of a drinking cup 1. Baffles 1 1 directed radially inward are connected to a cup body 2 of drinking cup 1. Cup body 2 of the drinking cup 1 shown here is provided on the outer side of drinking cup 1 with longitudinally extending grooves of concave form, whereby drinking cup holders 20 can receive drinking cup 1 in blocking manner in rotation direction.

Referring to figure 6, a drinking cup 1 is shown which comprises a cup body 2 comprising two opposite grooves 12 extending in longitudinal direction of cup body 2. Grooves 12 can be used so that drinking cup 1 is received in drinking cup holders 20 in blocking manner in rotation direction. Figure 7 shows a horizontal section of drinking cup 1 of figure 6, in which is shown the other than round shaping of an inner side of cup body 2.

An embodiment of a mixing unit 5 is shown with reference to figure 8. The mixing unit comprises a hollow tube 6 and a helix 7 (Archimedean screw) extending along tube 6. Mixing unit 5 can be placed in a drinking cup 1 according to the present invention, wherein hollow tube 6 is suitable for receiving a straw (not shown) for the purpose of removing beverage from drinking cup 1. Another embodiment of a mixing unit 5 is shown with reference to figure 9a. Mixing unit 5 comprises two means embodied as baffles 7 for creating turbulence in beverage moving in drinking cup 1. Baffles 7 are connected to a connecting unit 14 by means of arms 13. Mixing unit 5 is shown here in an extended position, wherein the mixing unit manufactured from a polymer is not placed under bias. By urging plates 7 toward each other the mixing unit 5, which in this way is made more compact, can be placed in a drinking cup 1 , as is shown in figure 9b.

An embodiment of a mixing unit 5 is shown with reference to figure 10. Mixing unit 5 comprises a tube 6 and flexible baffles 7 extending in radial direction along the height of tube 6. Mixing unit 5 can be placed in a drinking cup 1 according to the present invention. Mixing unit 5 here takes a deformable form, wherein baffles 7 can be pivoted until they are positioned laterally (side by side) relative to each other to enable positioning of mixing unit 5 in drinking cup 1.

Figure 11 shows a cover 8 for a drinking cup 1 according to the invention. Cover 8 is integrally connected here to a mixing unit 5. Mixing unit 5 comprises a cylindrical rod 6 connected to cover 8. A first baffle 7 is connected to rod 6 at a first distance from cover 8 and a second baffle 7 is connected to rod 6 on the opposite side of rod 6 at a second distance from cover 8 in order to generate additional turbulence when the beverage received in drinking cup 1 is set into motion. As shown, cover 8 is provided with an internal screw thread. The assembly of cover 8 and mixing unit 5 can for instance be manufactured integrally from plastic and by means of injection moulding. Figure 12 shows a cover 8 for a drinking cup 1 according to the invention. Cover 8 is connected to a mixing unit 5 for generating turbulence in a beverage received in a cup body 2 with which cover 8 can co-act. Mixing unit 5 comprises a cylindrical rod 6 which is connected at a first outer end 6a to cover 8 and provided at a second outer end 6b with a spoon-like element 15. Spoon-like element 15 can also be applied during consumption of the beverage to enable facilitated removal of beverage from drinking cup 1, and thereby acquires a dual functionality.

Figures 13a-13f show successive perspective views of another device 33 according to the invention. Device 33 comprises a housing 35 enclosing a receiving space 34, which receiving space 34 is closable by means of an access door (not shown). Arranged in receiving space 34 is a suspension structure 36 on which a plate-like carrying structure 37 is mounted in rotatable manner. Carrying structure 37 comprises two intermediate walls 38a, 38b positioned substantially parallel and enclosing a gearbox 39 between them (see figure 14). Each intermediate wall 38a, 38b is provided with a plurality of passage openings (not shown) to enable mounting of a plurality of drinking cup holders 40 on gearbox 39. Rotation of toothed wheels 41 , 42 of gearbox 39 will result in simultaneous axial rotation of drinking cup holders 40 about a substantially horizontal axis. Each drinking cup holder 40 is adapted to clamp a part of a drinking cup 45 (see figure 13f). In order to improve the clamping of drinking cup 45, drinking cup holder 40 is provided with an elastomer, particularly rubber, ring 43, via which ring 43 the drinking cup holder 40 can engage under bias on the drinking cup, whereby

unintentional removal of the drinking cup from drinking cup holder 40 can be prevented. An electric motor 44 is positioned against one of the intermediate walls 38a, 38b and is connected to a toothed wheel 41 of gearbox 39 via a passage opening in intermediate wall 38a to enable driving of gearbox 39. Because the two intermediate walls 38a, 38b are provided with drinking cup holders 40, the capacity can be more or less doubled relative to the situation where only a single intermediate wall were provided with drinking cup holders 40. In this exemplary embodiment the intermediate wall 38a shown in figure 13a is provided with fifty-four drinking cup holders 40, and an opposite intermediate wall 38b (see figures 13d and 13e) is provided with fifty-five drinking cup holders 40. Suspension structure 36 is adapted to displace carrying structure 37 relative to housing 35, from a position of use as shown in figures 13a and 13f to a maintenance position as shown in figures 13b-13e. In the maintenance position the carrying structure 37 can be rotated relatively easily and maintenance can moreover be carried out relatively easily and efficiently on carrying structure 37 and components connected thereto. In the shown exemplary embodiment one drinking cup holder 40 of one intermediate wall 38b of carrying structure 37 is provided with a drinking cup 45. A rear intermediate wall 38b will generally be provided with a full complement of (fifty- five) drinking cups 45, these drinking cups 45 functioning as supply in the case that drinking cups 45 initially provided on the opposite partition wall 38a are all removed by one or more users, whereby further drinking cups 45 can be made available relatively quickly and easily through rotation of carrying structure 37. Filling the two intermediate walls 38a, 38b with drinking cups 45 moreover has the additional advantage that a plurality of drinking cups 45 and the beverage received therein can be brought to a desired temperature (if desired) so that dispensing of drinking cups 45 with too high or too low a temperature can be prevented as far as possible. Figure 14 shows a cut-away front view of carrying structure 37 applied in device 33 according to figures 13a-13f, in which one intermediate wall 38a is omitted, and which comprises a plurality of toothed wheels 41 , 42 which co-act with each other. Toothed wheels 41, 42 can be driven simultaneously by applying electric motor 44. Some of toothed wheels 41 are connected directly on two sides to drinking cup holders 40. Other toothed wheels 42 serve only as force-transmitting element. Carrying structure 37 further comprises a plurality of connecting rods 46 for mutually connecting the two intermediate walls 38a, 38b.

Figures 15a-15f show successive top views of a part of device 33 according to figures 13a-13f. Figures 15a-l 5f particularly show in further detail the operation of suspension structure 36 of carrying structure 37. Suspension structure 36 comprises a frame 47 on which four articulated arms 48a, 48b are mounted in pivotal manner, only the two upper articulated arms 48a, 48b thereof being shown here. Articulated arms 48a, 48b are mounted on carrying structure 37 such that carrying structure 37 is rotatable relative to suspension structure 36. In this example carrying structure 37 is provided on two sides with drinking cups 45 which are clamped in drinking cup holders 40. Electric motor 44 is also clearly visible in these figures. Carrying structure 37 can be displaced forward or rearward (linearly) in a straight movement by applying articulated arms 48a, 48b. The advantage hereof is that the lateral space between carrying structure 37 and housing 35 can be kept particularly small, this being particularly advantageous from a structural viewpoint because device 33 can hereby be given a relatively compact form. Such a narrow connection moreover has the advantage that it will enhance a possible controlled air circulation in receiving space 34. The operation of suspension structure 36 can be described as follows. During use (figure 15a) suspension structure 36 is folded down and carrying structure 37 is positioned in receiving space 34. In this situation a user can remove a drinking cup 45 from a drinking cup holder 40 positioned on a (front) intermediate wall 38a. After the last drinking cup 45 has been removed from (front) intermediate wall 38a, an operator will usually fill the unfilled drinking cup holders 40 with new drinking cups 45 provided with beverage. This refilling of device 33 can take place in the position of use as shown in figure 15a, although it is also possible to displace carrying structure 37 in forward direction by pulling (figure 15b), wherein the articulated suspension structure 36 will be extended. In this extended position the carrying structure can also be rotated through an angle of 180° about a substantially vertical axis (figures 15c- 15e) until the intermediate wall 38b, which was in the first instance at the rear, has become the front intermediate wall 38b and intermediate wall 38a, which was in the first instance at the front, has become the rear intermediate wall 38a. Because the intermediate wall 38b then in front is provided with a plurality of drinking cups 45 a new supply of (acclimatized) drinking cups 45 can be made accessible relatively quickly to a user, while the drinking cups 45 newly arranged on the intermediate wall 38a now at the rear are given the chance to acclimatize for later use. After rotation of carrying structure 37, carrying structure 37 can be pushed linearly in rearward direction into receiving space 34 of the housing, wherein suspension structure 36 will fold down. Carrying structure 37 can optionally be provided with one or more handgrips (not shown) to facilitate displacement of carrying structure 37.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of components as applied in device 33 according to figures 13a-13f. This figure shows more particularly how two drinking cup holders 40 are mounted on opposite sides of a toothed wheel 41. Mounting takes place mechanically by applying a bolt 49 and an associated nut 50, wherein bolt 49 is adapted to be successively inserted through a drinking cup holder 40, a toothed wheel 41 and the other drinking cup holder 40. Axial rotation of drinking cup holders 40 relative to toothed wheel 41 can be prevented in that each drinking cup holder 40 co- acts with toothed wheel 41 by means of a pin-hole connection which is substantially square (in cross-section). For this purpose each drinking cup holder 40 is provided with an outer end 51 which is substantially square (in cross-section), and toothed wheel 41 is provided with two complementary, congruent recesses 52 in which the outer ends 51 of the two drinking cup holders 40 can be received. In the assembled situation each intermediate wall 38a, 38b of carrying structure 37 is situated between a drinking cup holder 40 and toothed wheel 41 , wherein drinking cup holder 40 is placed through a passage opening 53 arranged in the relevant intermediate wall 38a, 38b. In order to enable shielding of bolt 49 and nut 50 each drinking cup holder 40 is provided with a protective cap 54. Each drinking cup holder 40 encloses a substantially cylindrical receiving space 55 for receiving a part of a drinking cup 45, such as a beverage can. In order to enable a reliable clamping of drinking cup 45 an internal side 56 of drinking cup holder 40 is provided with a rubber ring 43 as already stated above.

Figure 17 shows a schematic lateral cross-section of device 33 according to 13a- 13f in which the flow of air is shown (see arrows). The airflow moves particularly through the receiving space 34 which is enclosed by housing 35 and in which suspension structure 36 and carrying structure 37 for drinking cup holders 40 and drinking cups 45 are positioned. An upper side of device 33 comprises airflow-generating means 57, such as a fan, for forcibly guiding air through receiving space 34. For this purpose air is extracted from receiving space 34 and then carried back again into receiving space 34. Applying an airflow intermediate wall 58 in receiving space 34 will enhance circulation of the airflow. The temporary extraction of air from receiving space 34 has the advantage that the air can be conditioned relatively easily by an (optional) air- conditioning component 59 (shown schematically), such as a cooling element, heating element, dehumidifier etc. Applying a cooling element is recommended here to enable cooling of beverages present in receiving space 34, optionally to a temperature lower than 0°C. The wall of housing 35 bounding receiving space 34 can here optionally be provided with one or more cooling elements. In the case no air-conditioning component 59 is applied, device 33 can still always be applied in particularly advantageous manner for the purpose of homogenizing beverage packaged in dosed packagings (drinking cups 45), wherein each drinking cup 45 is generally provided with a single-person portion of beverage (generally between 15 and 50 cl), but wherein the portions together form a bulk quantity of beverage. Figure 18a shows a cross-section of a drinking cup 45 with exploded parts for use in device 33 according to figures 13a-13f, comprising a cup body 60 and a plate-like stirring element 61 for use in such a cup body 60. Stirring element 61 is manufactured from plastic and takes a form which is to some extent flexible, and is shaped such that the lateral outer sides 62a, 62b are adapted to fit closely to an inner wall 63 of cup body 60. Stirring element 61 is provided with a plurality of beverage passage openings 64 so as to enable an improved mixing of the beverage in drinking cup 45. A bottom element 65 of cup body 60 is provided with an inward offset edge, also designated as securing edge 66. The diameter of cup body 60 increases slightly from securing edge 66 in the direction of a bottom wall 67. A lower part of stirring element 61 has a corresponding shape and is provided with an inward offset support edge 68 adapted to support on securing edge 66, wherein the lateral outer sides 62a, 62b diverge to some extent from support edge 68 toward a lower part of stirring element 61, wherein the width of the lower part of stirring element 61 is moreover slightly larger than the diameter of the lower part of cup body 60. Owing to this particular shape the somewhat deformable stirring element 61 can be clamped and secured by cup body 60. Because at least the lower part of stirring element 61 will engage under bias on cup body 60, stirring element 61 will be more or less fixed relative to cup body 60, and it will be possible to prevent rotation of stirring element 61 in cup body 60. By axially rotating the drinking cup 45 provided with stirring element 61 beverage received in drinking cup 45 can be mixed relatively intensively. Cup body 60 will generally also be manufactured from plastic, for instance by means of thermoforming or injection moulding. The advantage of applying a stirring element 61 which can be coupled releasabiy to cup body 60 is that cup body 60 is structurally relatively simple and can therefore be manufactured inexpensively, wherein cup body 60 moreover remains nestable (stackable) during storage and transport, which, in addition to being logistically advantageous, is also particularly advantageous from an economic viewpoint.

Figure 18b shows a cross-section of the assembled drinking cup 45 according to figure 18a clamped by a drinking cup holder 40 as applied in a device as according to figures 13a- 13f. Rubber ring 43 of drinking cup holder 40 exerts a bias on bottom element 67 of cup body 60, whereby drinking cup 45 as such can be clamped relatively firmly. An additional advantage here is that the bias exerted on drinking cup 45 by drinking cup holder 40 prevents bottom element 67 of cup body 60 from expanding, whereby securing of stirring element 61 in cup body 60 is consolidated. The detail view according to figure 18c then shows that an underside of stirring element 61 can be provided with two laterally protrusions 69 which are positioned in a slightly widened lower part 70 of bottom element 67 of cup body 60, whereby an additional securing of stirring element 61 in cup body 60 can be obtained.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described here, but that within the scope of the appended claims numerous variants are possible which will be self-evident to the skilled person in this field.