Insert for a container

The present invention relates to an insert for a container, more particularly, but not exclusively, to an insert for use in the storage and preparation of a consumable in a container. The present invention also relates to a container assembly for use in the storage and preparation of a consumable in the container, and to methods of using such inserts and assemblies.

It is known to prepare beverages such as coffee and milkshakes using a mixture of dry state consumable with milk and/or water.

WO 2004/074111 A2 discloses a cup-type container having a sealed portion of dry state consumable. The consumable is stored in the container and transported to a dispensing location. When it is desired to dispense a beverage using the container, the seal is removed and liquid is poured into the container for mixing with the dry state consumable. The resulting beverage can then be consumed from the container.

The consumable is stored in an insert which is adhered inside the container. The insert itself defines an open chamber and a removable foil membrane is used to provide a hermetic seal over the consumable. The membrane includes a tab which extends up and over the rim of the container. By pulling on the tab, the membrane can be removed, so that liquid poured into the container can mix with the stored consumable.

The container and insert described in WO 2004/074111 have inherent disadvantages. In particular, the assembly process requires that the insert is fitted inside the container before charging with consumable, so that the foil membrane can be sealed in place over the consumable, with its tab correctly positioned over the rim of the container. The foil membrane acts as a primary seal for the stored consumable and therefore the integrity of the seal is paramount. As such, inspection is required to ensure that each insert is correctly positioned for receiving its membrane, and to ensure that the stored

consumable does interfere with the surface onto which the foil membrane is to be applied. This significantly effects the efficiency of the assembly process.

It is also difficult to pull on the tab without touching the rim of the container. This is a particular problem if the container is to be used commercially for preparing and serving a consumable to a customer, since contact with the rim can significantly affect the hygiene of the container.

There is a need for an improvement of the above assembly and it is an object of the invention to provide an insert for a container which significantly reduces or substantially obviates one or more of the disadvantages referred to above.

According to the invention, there is provided a removable insert for a container, the insert comprising: a closure portion for use in defining a chamber in a lower region of a container; and a release portion extending up from the closure portion, so as to project from the container, in use; wherein the closure portion has a periphery which is configured for engagement in a compression fit with an internal surface of the container for sealing product in the container beneath the insert.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a container assembly for use in the storage and preparation of a consumable, the assembly comprising an open ended container in which the preparation is to occur and an insert for fitting inside the container, the insert having integral release means for removing the insert from the container, the release means being configured to extend from the open end of the container when fitted inside the container, wherein the insert includes a closure portion which is configured to be received in an operative position within the container so as to define a chamber in a lower region of the container for storing a consumable below the insert, and wherein the closure portion is configured to be arranged in a compression fit with an internal surface of the container in its operative position.

The inter-engagement between the closure portion of the insert and the internal surface of the container thereby substantially reduces or eliminates the need for the separate chamber-defining insert associated with the prior art.

The closure portion preferably has an edge which is configured to be arranged in an interference fit with the internal surface of the container.

Preferably, the closure portion has an outer profile which is complimentary to the internal surface of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the internal surface of the container defines a taper and an outer region of the closure portion has a complimentary taper.

The insert is preferably nestable with other inserts of the same kind and configuration, one on top of another, and may include a footing which is configured to nest with a corresponding footing on a subjacent insert.

Conveniently, the release portion is in the form of a self-supporting arm or tab extending away from the closure portion to the open end of the container. This can enable the insert to be reciprocably moved within a container between its operative position and an open position, using the tab to manoeuvre the insert. This also enables the insert to be reusable, that is to say, the insert can be used in a first container, and then removed using the tab and cleaned for similar use in a second container, wherein the tab can be used to locate the insert in the second container.

As such, the release portion is preferably rigidly formed or coupled with the closure portion, whilst retaining a degree of flexibility to enable the insert to be removable. The release means preferably extends generally in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the container, with the closure portion extending in a transverse direction.

Preferably, the insert is formed of a plastics material and may take the form of a one-piece moulding.

Preferably, the distal end of the release means includes a portion which is configured to project from the open end of the container when the insert is in its operative position. Conveniently, the distal end of the release means may include a finger hole or a lip for use in releasing the insert from its operative position.

In a preferred embodiment, the release means includes an elongate portion configured to abut the internal surface of the container in the operative position. The elongate portion may include a hinge, which allows the elongate portion to be moved from an extended position to a folded position.

The release means may include a portion which is configured to clip over the periphery of the open end of the container, for securing the release means to the container. In one embodiment, the distal end of the release means includes a first hook for engaging the rim of the container and a second hook spaced from the rim of the container and configured to be engaged by a finger or the like, for releasing the first hook from its engagement with said rim for pulling the insert out from the container.

The closure portion preferably includes an annular seal for sealing engagement with the internal surface of the container, for example a removable O-ring or a co-moulded seal.

In certain embodiments, the container may include an internal shoulder onto which the insert locates in its operative position.

The insert is preferably affixed in its operative position, for example by ultrasonic welding, heat-welding or using an adhesive.

The insert may includes a plurality of release means about the circumference of the closure portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insert for a container, the insert having a portion which is configured to be removably received in an operative position within a container, so as to define a chamber in a lower region of

the container for storing a consumable therein, wherein the insert includes release means configured to extend or project from the open end of the container when the insert is in its operative position, to enable the insert to be removed from the container for providing access to the stored consumable, wherein the insert is configured to be arranged in a compression fit with the internal wall of the container in its operative position.

It will be appreciated that the provision of an insert having release means which extends away from the open end of the container is of particular advantage in reducing or eliminating the likelihood of contact with the rim of the container during removal of the insert, thus significantly improving the hygiene of the insert removal process.

However, in other aspects or preferred embodiments the release portion may extend towards the open end of the container, yet not project from said open end. Rather, it may include a flexible tab or the like secured to its distal end, wherein the tab can be arranged to hang, clip or otherwise project from the open end of the container. In such aspects or preferred embodiments, it is preferred that the release portion extends a substantial distance from the closure portion relative to the internal depth of the container, so as to extend significantly towards the open end of the container, wherein the tab is shorter in length than the remainder of the release portion. To remove such inserts, a user pulls on the flexible tab, which in turn pulls on the release portion, so as to dislodge the closure portion from its operative state in the container. The tab also provides means for avoiding direct user contamination of the rim or open end of the container.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an insert for a container, the insert comprising a closure portion for creating a storage chamber in a lower region of a container; the closure portion having a periphery which is configured for engagement in a compression fit with an internal surface of a container for storing product in the container beneath the insert, and an integral release portion, the release portion being self supporting so as to extend up from the closure portion, wherein the

insert is nestable with other such inserts of the same kind and configuration, to create a stack of inserts.

The closure portion is preferably configured for nesting within the closure portion of a subjacent insert of the same kind and configuration, when the inserts are stacked together.

Furthermore, the insert is preferably configured such that, when two or more of said inserts are stacked together, the release portions of the inserts are aligned in register with one another. In a most preferred embodiment, the closure portion is configured to provide registration of the stacked inserts.

Such inserts are preferably configured for resisting rotation between adjacent inserts of the same kind and configuration, when stacked together.

A footing may depend from the underside of the closure portion, the footing being configured for nesting engagement with the footing of a subjacent insert of the same kind and configuration. The footing is preferably defined by an annular concavity formed in the upper side of the closure portion, the annular concavity also defining an internal concavity on the underside of the closure portion.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of dispensing blended food product, such as milkshakes, comprising the steps of: providing a disposable container; providing a lid for said container, wherein the lid has a blending element depending from its underside for blending product within the container, the blending element being coupled for rotation with a drive slave forming part of the lid, which drive slave is provided for operative connection with a drive master external to and separate from the lid and container for rotatably driving the blending element; charging the container with dried food product at a charging location remote from a dispensing location; sealing the dried food product in the container at the charging location using an insert positioned within the container in a pressure fitting engagement with the inside of the container so as to create a sealed chamber beneath the insert,

wherein the insert is removable; removing said insert at a blending location remote from said charging location, hydrating said dried food product within the container during or prior to blending; releasably connecting the drive slave to a drive master external to and separate from the lid and container for rotatably driving the blending element; and blending and dispensing the hydrated and blended food product.

It should be appreciated that the containers for use in this embodiment are intended to be disposed of after a single blending and dispensing operation, for example to be thrown away and broken down and recycled after a single use. The containers are preferably of the kind familiar to persons who purchase fast-food beverages, such as coffee and milkshake, that is to say a thin walled cup type container made from plastics, paper or cardboard, which is intended to be placed in a waste receptacle after a single dispensing operation.

Preferably, the containers are nestable with containers of the same form and structure, one within another, so as to create a stack of nested containers, wherein the containers are nested for storage at the charging location prior to being charged with said dried food product.

Preferably, the dried food product is hydrated using liquid, or liquid and ice, which is added at the blending location, either through an aperture in the lid or prior to positioning of the lid on the container.

The liquid may be heated or chilled and comprise water or milk-based liquid.

Preferably, the lid is an injection moulded item, whose make-up and structure is intended to render the lid usable for only a single blending operation, wherein the lid is then disposed of. Alternatively, the lid may be suitable for only a limited number of blending operations, wherein the lid is cleaned after each use, and is disposed of after said limited number of blending operations.

Other aspects and features of the invention will be readily apparent from the claims and the following description of several preferred embodiments of the invention, provided by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a container having an insert according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the container shown in Figure 1 turned through 90 degrees;

Figure 3 is view similar to Figure 1, showing a container having an insert according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is view similar to Figure 2, showing the container of Figure 3 turned through 90 degrees;

Figure 5 is view similar to Figure 1, showing a container having an insert according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is view similar to Figure 2, showing the container of Figure 5 turned through 90 degrees;

Figure 7 is view similar to Figure 1, showing a container having an insert according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is view similar to Figure 2, showing the container of Figure 7 turned through 90 degrees;

Figure 9 is view similar to Figure 1, showing a container having an insert according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is view similar to Figure 2, showing the container of Figure 9 turned through 90 degrees;

Figure 11 is schematic cross-sectional view through a modified form of container, including an insert according to the third preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is view similar to Figure 2, showing the container of Figure 11 turned through 90 degrees;

Figure 13 is view similar to Figure 11, showing the modified container having an insert according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is view similar to Figure 12, showing the container of Figure 13 turned through 90 degrees;

Figure 15 is view similar to Figure 11, showing the modified container having an insert according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 is view similar to Figure 12, showing the container of Figure 15 turned through 90 degrees;

Figure 17 is view similar to Figure 11, showing the modified container having an insert according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 18 is view similar to Figure 12, showing the container of Figure 17 turned through 90 degrees;

Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of another insert;

Figure 20 is a schematic front view of a stack of inserts of the kind shown in Figure 19;

Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the stack of inserts shown in Figure 20;

Figure 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a blending assembly for use in blending food product, in accordance with a further aspect of the invention;

Figure 23 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred nestable insert;

Figure 24 is an upturned view of the insert shown in Figure 23; and

Figure 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view through a stack of inserts of the kind shown in Figures 23 and 24.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a container assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 10. The assembly 10 includes a container 12 in the form of a cup or beaker type vessel having a base 14 and side walls 16 extending up from the base 14 to form an open end 18 with an out-turned rim 20. As can be seen clearly in Figure 1, the walls 16 of the container 12 taper outwardly from the base, such that the open end 18 of the container has a greater diameter than the base 14. The side walls define an internal surface 22 within the container 12, which is circular in cross-section, i.e. when viewed from above in Figure 1.

The assembly 10 also includes an insert 24 having a closure portion 26 and a releasing portion 28. The closure portion 26 is configured to be removably received in an operative position within the container 12, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In its operative position, the closure portion 26 defines a chamber 30 with the subjacent portions of the container 12 for storing a consumable 32 beneath the insert, as will be described in more detail below. The release means 28 is configured to extend up to the open end 18 of the container 12 when the insert 24 is in its operative position. A user can then pull on the insert to remove it from the container 12, thereby providing access to the stored consumable 32.

In this embodiment, the closure portion 26 is in the form of a shallow cup-type member, which is channel shaped in cross-section, as viewed in Figure 1. More particularly, the closure portion 26 defines a base portion 34 and side walls 36 extending up from the base portion 34, so as to define a concavity 38. The side walls 36 taper outwardly from the base portion 34 at an angle which is intended to be complimentary to the taper of the internal surface 22 of the container 12, so as to enable the side walls 36 of the closure portion 26 to be wedged into an interference fit with the internal surface 22 of the container 12 at a predetermined height from the base 14 of the container 12. When so positioned, the insert 24 provides an airtight chamber 30 within the container 12, beneath the base portion 34.

The release means 28 is in the form of an elongate and thin handle-type member 40, which extends upwardly from the closure portion 26 as viewed in Figures 1 and 2. More particularly, the handle 40 is self supporting and extends in alignment with the taper of the adjacent portion of side wall 36 of the closure portion 26, so as to extend upwardly at an angle which is complimentary to the taper of the internal surface 22 of the container 12. Hence, when the insert 24 is located in its operative position within the container 12, the outer surface of the handle 40 lies closely adjacent or in a snug, nested contact with the internal surface of the container 12, substantially along its length.

As can be seen clearly in Figure 1, the handle 40 extends out from the open end 18 of the container 12 when the insert 24 is located in its operative position. In this embodiment, the distal end of the handle 40 is substantially m-shaped, so as to define first and second hook portions 42, 44.

The first hook portion 42 is configured to be resiliently arranged in snap-fitting engagement with the rim 20 of the container 12, as shown in Figure 1. The second hook portion 44 is configured to receive a user's finger, for reasons which will be described in more detail below.

In a preferred method of storing a consumable using the assembly 10, a predetermined quantity of consumable, for example dried powder milkshake formulation 32, is poured into the container 12 through its open end 18. The insert is then lowered into the container 12 until the side walls 36 of the closure portion 26 are brought into an interference fit with internal surface 22 of the container 12, substantially at the position shown in Figure 1.

As the insert 24 moves towards its intended interference fit position, i.e. towards its intended operative position, within the container 12, the handle comes into contact with the internal surface 22 of the container 12 and acts as a guide for correctly positioning the insert 24 within the container 12. The first hook portion 42 of the distal end of the handle 40 is thereby correctly arranged above the rim 20 of the container and is brought into snap fitting, spring biased engagement with the rim 20 as the closure portion 26 is wedged into its operative position. In the operative position, the first hook portion 42 is in tight fitting nested contact with the rim 20, as can be seen from Figure 1, which helps to secure the insert 24 in its operative position.

It should be noted that the intimate contact between the handle 40 and the internal surface 22 of the container 12 in the operative position, by virtue of their complimentary tapers, also helps to secure the insert 24 in its operative position.

Preferably, the closure portion 26 is forced down in a controlled manner within the container 12, for example using a mandrill or like plunger, to ensure that the closure portion 26 is brought into sealing engagement with the internal surface 22 of the container 12.

With the insert 24 located in its operative position, the assembly 10 defines an airtight chamber 30 below the insert, in which the consumable 32 can be stored for an extended period of time until it is required, for example in the preparation of a beverage within the container 12.

It should also be noted that the quantity of consumable 32 is selected to correspond generally to the predetermined height of the operative position of the insert 24 within the container 12.

To remove the insert 24 in a hygienic manner, without physical contact with the rim 20 of the container 12, the free end of the release means 28 should be pulled upwardly, preferably whilst the container 12 is suitably supported. More particularly, it is advisable to pull upwardly on the distal end of the release means 28, whilst at the same time pulling the handle 40 away from its contact with the internal surface of the container.

In a preferred method of removing the insert 24 from its operative position, the container is manually or mechanically held in place and a user then places his or her index finger or the like under the second hook portion 44 at the distal end of the handle 40. At least the free end of the second hook portion 44 is then caused to proscribe a short arc, anti clockwise as viewed in Figure 1, against the spring bias of the first hook portion 42. If sufficient upward force is used, the distal end of the first hook portion 42, to the right as viewed in Figure 1, will then be caused to disengaged from its engagement with the rim 20. In turn, the upper portion of the handle 40 will be moved away from the internal surface 22 of the container 12, to the left as viewed in Figure 1. A continued upward force will then cause the closure portion 26 to be dislodged from its sealing engagement with the internal walls of the container, so that the insert 24 can then be removed from the container 12.

Liquid, preferably milk or water, can then be poured into the container 12 through its open end 18 and onto the stored consumable 32, for mixing therewith, as required, in order to prepare a beverage within the container 12.

Figures 3 to 10 show various alternative embodiments of inserts for use with the container 12, and the same reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding features, where appropriate.

In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the insert 24 has a closure portion 26 which corresponds substantially to the insert of Figures 1 and 2, but which defines a downwardly disposed concavity 38 rather than the upwardly disposed concavity of Figures 1 and 2.

In Figures 5 and 6, the closure portion 26 is in the form of a disc 46 having an edge 48 which is tapered for complimentary engagement with the internal surface 22 of the container, substantially as described above.

In Figures 7 and 8, the closure portion 26 corresponds exactly with the closure portion from Figures 1 and 2. However, the distal end of the handle 40 is not configured to hook over the rim 20 of the container, but instead projects upwardly from the open end of the container 12. The distal end of the handle 40 includes an aperture 50 for a finger or the like, by means of which the insert 24 can be pulled upwardly so as to dislodge the closure portion 26, substantially in the manner described above.

The insert 24 of Figures 9 and 10 includes a combination of the apertured handle 40 of Figures 7 and 8 and the disc-type closure portion 26 of Figures 5 and 6.

Figures 11 to 16 show the inserts of Figures 1, 2 and 5 to 10 configured for use with a modified form of container, indicated generally at 52. In these embodiments, the container 52 corresponds substantially with the container 12 described above, but also defines an internal step or shoulder 54 onto which the closure portion 26 is intended to be seated in its operative position. It should be noted that the inserts 24 can be heat sealed or otherwise releasably bonded to the shoulder 54, e.g. using a hot melt adhesive during moulding, if desired.

It will be understood that the operative positioning and subsequent removal of the inserts shown in Figures 3 to 16 corresponds substantially to that described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and is therefore not described further.

In the above described embodiments, the insert comprises a single-piece plastics moulding or extrusion. However, the insert may be provided with a separate annular seal or gasket, for example a rubber O-ring, arranged for providing an hermetic seal with the internals walls of the container, as illustrated by way of example in Figures 17 and 18.

The insert may alternatively be co-moulded with an annular seal or gasket, for example by a two-shot injection moulding process. By integrally forming a seal on the insert, the preferred embodiment eliminates the need for a separate sanitising step that would be required if using a removable seal.

A preferred method of placing the insert in an operative position within a container includes a 'pick and place' type feed device which is arranged to pick up an insert and position it in an interference fit with the internal walls of the container at the desired location at a predetermined distance from the base of the container.

Alternatively, the insert can be manually located within the container at the desired position.

It is important to note that the inserts described herein are preferably suitably rigid so that the closure portion remains at an substantially transverse attitude with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container into which it is intended to be fitted, if being fitted using the handle portion for example. This can be afforded if the connection between the closure and release portions are integrally moulded, for example, and not formed from a flimsy paper or foil type material..

Each insert is preferably positioned inside its container at or adjacent the filling location for the consumable. The inserts are most preferably used for storing coffee, tea, milkshake or other beverage formulations, preferably in dried powder or concentrated form.

In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the distal end of the release means of the insert can be provided with striations, knurling and or other suitable surface formations which assist the user in gripping the release means during removal of the insert from its operative position in a container.

Although not essential, the handle may include a hinge halfway along its length, which allows the handle to be moved from the extended position shown in the Figures to a folded or stowed position.

The inserts and containers described herein are preferably configured to be nested with other inserts and containers of the same dimensions. Most preferably, the assembly of a container and operatively positioned insert is configured to be nested with other such configured assemblies.

A particularly preferred insert is indicated generally at 60 in Figure 19. The closure portion 26 is generally of the form shown in Figure 1 and defines an upwardly disposed concavity, whereas the release portion 28 is substantially straight and terminates in a short outwardly directed lip 62. The lip 62 is not intended to engage the open end of a container, in use. Instead, the length of the release portion 28 is selected so as to extend at least 10-20 mm above the open end of the container into which it is operatively fitted. The lip 62 provides a convenient, yet unobtrusive point for contact by a user when removing the insert from a container. The degree of extension from the container is selected to minimise the risk of contamination of the rim of the container during removal of the insert.

The outer wall of the closure portion has a depth of between 5 mm and 15 mm, and preferably in the region of 5 to 10 mm. This provides a greater sealing effect than a simple disc shaped closure portion 26 of the kind shown in Figures 5 and 6. It has also been found that closure portions 26 having a much greater depth are less easy to remove, since the portion of wall opposite the release portion 28 will be urged against the internal wall of the container as the release portion is pulled upwardly, thereby preventing smooth removal of the insert. If this happens, a greater degree of force is

required to remove the insert, and the reaction force once the closure becomes dislodged can lead to spillage of the stored consumable. However, for large volume containers, for example containers for dispensing a litre or more of beverage, a depth of 15 to 20 mm may be preferred.

Feet 64 depend from the underside of the closure portion 26, and an internal periphery of the closure portion 26 defines a shoulder 66, adjacent its upper end.

Opposing nibs 68 are provided on the release portion 28, substantially halfway along its length. Furthermore, the release portion 28 is arcuate in the transverse axis, and is intended to nest closely adjacent to or against the internal profile of the container into which it is to be fitted, in use.

The insert 60 is intended specifically to be nested within other such inserts of the same kind and configuration, as shown in Figures 20 and 21. The nibs 68 serve to align adjacent release portions 28, whereas a first closure portion 26A is intended to depend within a subjacent closure portion 26B, with the lower end of closure portion 26A sitting in abutment with the shoulder 66 of closure portion 26B. The feet 64 provide support for the closure portion 26A..

Another one-piece insert is indicated at 200 in Figures 23 and 24. The insert 200 corresponds substantially with the insert 60 of Figures 19 to 21.

The insert 200 has an integral release arm 204 which projects rigidly from a ring-type closure portion 206. The release arm 204 is intended to project from the open end of a container in use, to avoid contamination with the rim of the container during removal of the insert 200.

The closure portion 206 has an outer peripheral wall which is configured to be arranged in a compression fit with the internal shape of a container, for defining a storage chamber beneath the insert 200. The closure portion 206 also defines a first concavity 208, similar to the concavity of the insert 60 of Figures 19 to 21.

An annular concavity 210 is formed in the closure portion 26, as can be seen in Figure 23. The annular concavity 210 defines a footing 202 by means of which a series of such inserts 200 can be nested with one another, as shown in Figure 25.

As can be seen in Figure 24, the footing 202 defines a tapered internal concavity 212, as can be seen in Figure 24, which is configured to nest over the correspondingly tapered outer shape of the footing 202A of a subjacent insert 200A (see Figure 25).

The annular concavity 210 is formed in the upper side of the closure portion 206, and substantially defines the internal concavity 212 on the underside of the closure portion 206. As can be seen, the internal concavity 212 is of a greater depth than the annular concavity 210, such that the footing 202 has an upper surface 216 which projects above the base wall 218 of the closure portion 206.

The footing 202 is shaped so as to provide registration between adjacent inserts, when stacked together, to provide uniformity to the stack of inserts. In this embodiment, the footing 202 is substantially D-shaped in cross-section, which ensures that a stack of inserts 200, when nested, are arranged with their release portions 204 in alignment with one another. The planar wall 214 of the D-shaped footing 202 also acts as an anti-rotation feature, to prevent or resist relative rotation between adjacent inserts 200, when stacked. Of course, the footing 202 may have other configurations which are equally suited to providing registration and/or anti-rotation for a stack of such inserts.

It will be appreciated that an insert for use with a container in the manner described above may incorporate any combination of the release portions and closure portions described above, for example with or without support feet, a nestable footing, projecting tabs and/or hook formations.

At this point, it should be noted that, in accordance with the above embodiments, each container is preferably devoid of any positive interdigitation features, either adjacent its base or its open end, such as a screw thread or bayonet type fitting or any other form of

fixing device specifically adapted to directly interlock with the open end of the container for securing a lid or like closure directly to the container, or to directly interlock the base of the container on a blending location, for example. This should be appreciated when considering the type of container encompassed by the most preferred embodiments of the invention.

The inserts and containers described above are ideally suited for use in blending and dispensing a beverage, such as a milkshake, within the containers. To that end, the containers may be provided with a lid-type closure of the kind referred to in the applicant's International applications, WO99/21466 and WO2005/070271, for example.

In these applications, it has been proposed to blend food product within a container when preparing, for example, milkshakes, in which a blending element is carried on a lid for the container, and wherein the container is inverted and the blending element is driven to cause the contents to be blended.

An example of a blending assembly of the kind referred to above is indicated at 100 in Figure 22. The assembly 100 includes a container 110 having a blending lid 120, which is mounted in a blending position on a seating 140, for driving engagement on a drive arrangement 130.

The container 110, lid 120, drive arrangement 130 and seating 140 correspond substantially with features described and illustrated in the applicant's co-pending International Application claiming priority from British Patent applications, GB 0510767.7 and GB 0517194.7, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

As can be seen, the drive arrangement 130 includes a drive motor 132 arranged beneath the seating 140. The motor 132 has an output shaft 134 which extends through the seating 140, and on which is mounted a drive master 136.

The lid 120 includes a drive slave 122 configured for removable engagement with the drive master 136, which is external and separate from the lid 120 and the container 110. The lid 120 also includes a blending element 124 arranged on the lid 120, so as to extend into the container 110, in use, for blending product in the container 110. In particular, the blending element 124 is arranged to rotate in response to driven rotation of the drive slave 122.

The lid 120 is intended to act a a closure for the container 110. More particularly, the lid 120 is configured to fit over a lip 112 of the container 110.

In Figure 22, the combination of the lid 120 and the container 110 is illustrated in an inverted blending position, which is a preferred blending position for said combination. In particular, the lid 120 is shown with its drive slave 122 in active engagement with the drive master 136 of the drive arrangement 130.

The drive master 134 includes drive formations or teeth which engage with complimentarily arranged formations on the drive slave 122 of the lid 120. In use, the motor 132 is selectively actuated to drive the rotation of the output shaft 134 and, hence, the drive master 136. This causes the drive slave 122 and, hence, the blending element 124 to rotate and thereby blend product within the lowermost region of the inverted container 110.

In a preferred use of the containers and inserts described above, that is to say, in dispensing blended food product, such as milkshakes, the container is preferably provided as a disposable container. The container is therefore intended to be disposed of after a single blending and dispensing operation, for example to be thrown away and broken down for recycling after a single use.

The containers for use in this aspect of the invention are preferably of the kind familiar to persons who purchase fast-food beverages, such as coffee and milkshake, that is to say a thin walled cup-type container made from plastics, paper or cardboard, which is intended to be placed in a waste receptacle after a single dispensing operation.

In the preferred method, the container is charged with dried food product at a charging location remote from an intended dispensing location. At the charging location, the dried food product is then sealed in the container using an insert of the kind referred to above, wherein the insert is positioned within the container in a pressure fitting engagement with the inside of the container, so as to create a sealed chamber for the dried food product within the container. As will be appreciated from the above description, the insert is intended to be removed at a desired blending location remote from said charging location, wherein the dried food product can be hydrated within the container during or prior to blending. Using the lid as a closure for the container, the drive slave is releasably connected to the drive master (external to and separate from the lid and container), for rotatably driving the blending element. The hydrated food product is blended, so that a blended food product can then be dispensed from the container, for example by drinking the blended product directly from the container, once the container has been removed from its engagement with the drive master and everted.

As mentioned above, the containers are preferably nestable with containers of the same form and structure, one within another, so as to create a stack of nested containers.

According to a preferred method of the invention, the containers are nested for storage at the charging location prior to being charged with said dried food product. For example, after production of the containers, they can be arranged in a nested stack and shrink wrapped, for storage and transportation to a charging location.

The containers may also be nested at the blending location after being charged with said dried food product, one inside another with the base of a first container resting in abutment with an insert located in a subjacent container. A stack of nested container assemblies can then be conveniently stored and transported to a blending location, and stored at the blending location in a nested stack.

The interface between the container and insert may not necessarily be airtight, rather the stored product is merely sealed against escape by the insert. In such instances, it will be preferable for each assembly or a nested stack of such assemblies to be wrapped or otherwise packaged together, for example using a foil or film material, so as to preserve the integrity of the stored consumables within the or each assembly for a prolonged period. The wrapping therefore provides the primary seal for the stored consumable, with the tight fitting engagement between each container/insert coupling providing a secondary sealing action when the primary seal has been broken. The size of stack can thus be chosen to suit the intended dispensing environment. In areas where the secondary seal may not be particularly effective, for example in a humid environment, it may be preferable to have individually wrapped assemblies or stacks comprising only two or three assemblies. However, certain environments may be conducive to larger size stacks. For example, if the rate of dispensing is likely to be high, it may be adequate to have stacks comprising ten or more assemblies, wherein the secondary seal will be sufficient to maintain the consumable in a hygienic state for the period in which the lower most assembly is likely to be stood awaiting use, once the primary seal has been broken.

In certain embodiments, it will be preferred to hydrate the dried food product using liquid, or a combination of liquid and ice, which may be added at the blending location, either through an aperture in the lid or prior to positioning of the lid on the container. The liquid may be heated or chilled, and take the form of water or a milk-based liquid.

The lids themselves may preferably take the form of an injection moulded item, whose make-up and structure is intended to render the lid usable for only a single blending operation, wherein the lid is then disposed of. Alternatively, the structure may be suitable for only a limited number of blending operations, wherein the lid is cleaned after each use, and is disposed of after said limited number of blending operations.

The dried food product is preferably in the form of a dried powder type formulation for the creation of a milkshake or coffee or the like.