FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a single-use, disposable food or beverage assembly for preparing and consuming a liquid food or beverage product. The present invention further relates to a mould for making a combination of a first receptacle and a mixing member of the food or beverage assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many liquid food or beverage products are consumed via single-use plastic cups. Consumers of for example coffee may like milk and/or sugar with their coffee. Idem for tea. Another popular food or beverage product is instant soup, wherein a powder is mixed with hot water. In order to better dissolve the powder, the liquid is stirred. Also coffee is often provided as powder, thereby providing instant coffee when mixed with hot water.

For several situations, single-use cups provide advantages. As they are cheap, it is no problem to throw them away. A consumer does not have to worry about cleaning the cup after use.

An exemplary situation where single-use cups are often used, is during the moving of houses and possible reconstruction works. In such a case, the new house does not yet contain cups or glasses to facilitate the consumption of a liquid food or beverage. Often several people help during moving and reconstruction works, and they usually have different taste preferences and desire different liquid food or beverages. Therefore, different ingredients need to be provided, e.g. tea, sugar, coffee, milk. It is not convenient to buy large packages, as only little amounts are required to prepare the liquid food or beverage.

Another problem with said exemplary situation is that in order to properly dissolve for example sugar, the liquid food or beverage has to be mixed, preferably stirred. Therefore a spoon has to be provided, which is often not available in a new house.

It was recognized that at present there seems to be a‘to go’-trend, in the sense that there is an increase in the use of take away food and beverages. Consumers like to have their coffee to go, their soup to go, or other food or beverages to go. It was recognized in the present invention that there is a need for a more convenient and user-friendly food and beverage assembly.

DE8226733U1 discloses an upper cup and a lower cup which can be connected to each other in several ways.

US6688469B1 discloses a moulded plastics pot for containing food which has a base and a side wall. A plastic utensil such as a spoon to assist the consumption of food contained in the pot is moulded integrally with the pot, and is hinged by the end of the handle to the upper or lower end of the pot. The length of the utensil is equal to the depth of the pot and the side wall of the pot has a recess in which the utensil can be accommodated, nibs serving to retain the utensil in the recess until required for use. Then, the utensil may be pulled out of the recess and broken away from the hinge.

W002/46051A1 discloses an assembly of a cup and a stirring element, wherein the stirring element and/or the cup are provided with fastening means for fastening the stirring element to the cup, wherein the fastening means are designed such that, in fastened condition, the stirring element assumes a shape which is such that the stirring element in the fastened condition has the function of a handle by which the cup can be lifted.

The above disclosures do not have the advantage(s) of the present invention, as will be explained below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention has as objective to provide a more convenient and user- friendly food or beverage assembly. This objective is achieved by a single-use, disposable food or beverage assembly for preparing and consuming a liquid food or beverage product, the food or beverage assembly comprising:

- a first cup-shaped receptacle comprising a first bottom wall at a first bottom end of the first receptacle, a first side wall which extends upward from the first bottom end and defines a first opening at a first top end of the first receptacle, and a first connecting member provided at the first bottom end, the first receptacle being configured to accommodate a prepared liquid food or beverage product,

- a second receptacle comprising a second bottom at a second bottom end of the second receptacle, a second side wall which extends upward from the second bottom end and defines a second opening at a second top end of the second receptacle, and a second connecting member provided at the second top end and configured to be connected to the first connecting member, the second receptacle being configured to accommodate at least one ingredient for the preparation of the liquid food or beverage product,

wherein the first and second connecting member provide a releasable coupling between the first bottom end of the first receptacle and the second top end of the second receptacle, and wherein the second bottom end is configured to form a base for positioning the assembly on a surface when the first and second receptacle are connected, the first bottom end being configured to form a base for positioning the first receptacle on a surface when the first and second receptacle are not connected,

- an elongate mixing member which is connected to the first receptacle and

configured to be detached from the first receptacle, wherein a lower end of the elongate mixing member extends downward to a position below the first receptacle, wherein the first top end is open, thereby making the food or beverage assembly stackable.

An advantage of the assembly is that a complete food or beverage solution is provided, in the sense that a consumer only has to add a liquid in order to provide a desired liquid food or beverage product. The required ingredients may be provided in the second receptacle. The provided mixing member allows the liquid to be stirred, thereby quickly dissolving the provided ingredients. A consumer therefore does not have to go and look for a spoon or the like in order to prepare the liquid food or beverage product, thereby providing a more user- friendly food or beverage assembly.

An advantage of the releasable coupling is that at least one ingredient is retained in the assembly while the receptacles are coupled. Allowing the second receptacle to be released from the first receptacle also allows the at least one ingredient to be taken out of the second receptacle.

A stackable assembly is beneficial from a storage and transport perspective.

An advantage of the mixing member extending below the first receptacle, is that the mixing member may be easily engaged by a finger of a user for detaching the mixing member. This is in particular the case when the second receptacle is decoupled from the first receptacle.

As the second receptacle provides more or less an elongation of the first side wall, it becomes possible to provide an attached mixing member that extends beyond the first bottom of the first receptacle. When stirring the liquid food or beverage, it is advantageous for the mixing member to touch the bottom of the first receptacle with a first end, while at an opposite end the mixing member extends out of the first receptacle for the user to grab it with his fingers. The invention thus provides the advantage that a longer mixing member may be provided.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the elongate mixing member is only connected to the first receptacle and not to the second receptacle.

From a production point of view, it may be easier to manufacture the first and second receptacle separately. In such a case it may be convenient to connect the elongate mixing member during the manufacturing of the first receptacle to said first receptacle, in particular during injection moulding.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the elongate mixing member is integrally connected to the first side wall via at least one strut.

An advantage of the at least one strut is that is provides an easy release of the mixing member from the first side wall. The strut also has little influence on the structural integrity of the first receptacle, which is beneficial, as tearing the mixing member from the first side wall should be performed while remaining the first receptacle intact. Furthermore, a strut provides a simple construction.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the elongate mixing member is removably connected to an outer surface of the first side wall of the first receptacle.

An advantage of connecting the mixing member to the outer surface of the first receptacle is an easier detachment for the user. The mixing member is easier to engage when provided at said outer surface in comparison to the inner surface.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the mixing member extends parallel to the first side wall and is in particular positioned at a distance from the first side wall, the distance being defined by a length of the at least one strut. Said embodiment is advantageous from a manufacturing perspective.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the mixing member is connected to the first receptacle by a top strut positioned at the first top end of the first receptacle and a bottom strut positioned at the first bottom end of the first receptacle. Such an embodiment provides a good connection, while keeping the number of strut connections low.

In an embodiment, a length of the mixing member is greater than a height of the first cup shaped receptacle.

In an embodiment, a cross-sectional area of the assembly, when seen in top view, decreases from the first top end of the first receptacle towards the second bottom end of the second receptacle.

Said decreasing cross-section is beneficial for stacking multiple assemblies on top of each other.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the first connecting member extends to below the first bottom wall and forms a bottom rim of the first receptacle.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the second receptacle comprises a sealing member, in particular at the second top end, for providing a sealed inner volume.

The sealing member is beneficial for the at least one ingredient provided in the second receptacle, as the ingredient is better protected and may take longer to be out of date.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the assembly has a conical shape. A conical shape is easy to manufacture and provides easy stackability.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the first and second connection members together form a bayonet coupling. This coupling allows the first and second receptacle to be manufactured separately.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the first receptacle comprises a female part of the bayonet coupling, and the second receptacle comprises a male part of the bayonet coupling. A vice versa arrangement may also be possible.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the second receptacle comprises a holding member for holding the elongate mixing member. In an embodiment of the assembly, the holding member comprises a first part extending transversely away from the second side wall over a first distance and a second part extending away from the first part at the first distance and substantially parallel to the second side wall.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the second part comprises a cam extending towards the second side wall.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the holding member is connected to the second receptacle at the second top end thereof.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the first and second connection members together form a snap closure. This is a simple construction.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the first and second connection members together form a tearable connection.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the second receptacle comprises multiple compartments for storing multiple ingredients. This way, several types of liquid food or beverage products may be prepared and consumed.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the assembly is made from a single material, in particular plastic, and is in particular manufactured by injection moulding. This is a simple way of manufacturing.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the first receptacle and second receptacle are made from paper, cardboard, pulp or bagasse.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the elongate mixing member is connected to the first receptacle via an adhesive, in particular an adhesive tape.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the elongate mixing member has a width which decreases in a longitudinal direction from an upper end to the lower end thereof, wherein the upper end of the elongate mixing member having the larger width is configured to be provided at the top end of the first receptacle, and the lower end having the smaller width being configured to extend in the direction of the bottom end. In an embodiment of the assembly, the upper end of the elongate mixing member is configured to be clamped by a top ridge of the first receptacle.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the elongate mixing member is made from plastic, cardboard, or wood.

In an embodiment of the assembly, at least one extra receptacle is provided below the second receptacle.

The invention further relates to a mould assembly designed and configured to manufacture a combination of the first receptacle and the mixing member of the food or beverage assembly according to the invention, the mould assembly comprising moulding parts for forming a cavity, the cavity comprising:

- a conical section for forming the first side wall, the conical section having a top side and a bottom side, wherein, when seen in top view, the top side has greater cross- sectional dimensions than the bottom side,

- a disk shaped section for forming the first bottom, the disk shaped section being provided between the first side wall, at a distance from the bottom side,

- coupling sections for together forming the first connection member, in particular the bayonet coupling, the coupling sections being provided below the disk shaped section extending inwards from the first bottom, wherein the coupling sections are L-shaped,

- a mixing member section for forming the mixing member, the mixing member section extending parallel to the conical section,

- at least one strut section for forming at least one integral strut which connects the mixing member to the first receptacle, the at least one strut section extending between the conical section and the mixing member section,

the moulding parts comprising:

- a base part corresponding with an underside of the first bottom and with the coupling sections, wherein the base part comprises a first cylindrical part on which a second cylindrical part is provided, wherein a diameter of the second cylindrical part is smaller than a diameter of the first cylindrical part, the second cylindrical part comprising a plurality of L-shaped recesses provided in an outer

circumference, and a corresponding plurality of adjacent recesses provided adjacent to L-shaped recesses, wherein the first cylindrical part comprises releasing parts configured to be movable between a first moulding position and a first releasing position, wherein in the first moulding position the releasing parts are positioned in the adjacent recesses and are flush with a second top surface of the second cylindrical part, and in the first releasing position the releasing parts are flush with a first top surface of the first cylindrical part, wherein the base part is pivotable about a central axis over an angular distance which is at least equal to an angular distance of the L-shaped recess,

- at least two side parts, each side part comprising a part of the conical section corresponding with the outer surface of the first side wall of the first receptacle, wherein each side part further comprises a recess, the recess forming a part of each strut and a part of the mixing member, the side parts being configured to move between a second releasing position and a second moulding position, wherein in the second releasing position the side parts are positioned away from each other, and in the second moulding position the side parts are connected, thereby defining the outer surface of the first side wall, the mixing member, and the at least one strut,

- an inner wall part configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the second top surface between a third moulding position and a third releasing position, wherein in the third moulding position, the inner wall part is positioned inside the two side parts, thereby enclosing the cavity, and in the third releasing position the inner wall part is positioned away from the base part,

- an injection hole adjacent to the cavity when the mould is in the first, second and third moulding position,

- an ejection mechanism for ejecting the combination.

In an embodiment of the mould, the ejection mechanism is provided in the inner wall part.

In an embodiment of the mould, the injection hole is provided in the base part.

The invention yet further relates to a method of manufacturing the combination of the first receptacle and the mixing member according to the invention, the method comprising:

- providing the mould assembly according to the invention,

- positioning the releasing parts in the first moulding position, the at least two side parts in the second moulding position, and the inner wall part in the third moulding position,

- injecting material, in particular plastic, through the injection hole, thereby filling the cavity and forming the combination of the first receptacle and the mixing member,

- waiting a predetermined period of time until the material is hardened, - positioning the releasing parts in the in the first releasing position, the at least two side parts in the second releasing position, and the inner wall part in the third releasing position,

- pivoting the base part over the angular distance, thereby providing space above the coupling sections for the combination to be ejected,

- ejecting the combination by the ejection mechanism.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the combination of the first receptacle and the second receptacle comprising at least one ingredient according to any one of the, wherein the combination is made from paper, cardboard, pulp or bagasse, the method comprising:

- providing a first tapered cylinder,

- providing a second tapered cylinder comprising the at least one ingredient,

- positioning the second top end of the second tapered cylinder over the first bottom end of the first tapered cylinder,

- connecting the second top end of the second tapered cylinder to the first bottom end of the first tapered cylinder, thereby obtaining a combination of the first receptacle and the second receptacle.

In an embodiment of the method of manufacturing the combination of the first receptacle and the second receptacle comprising at least one ingredient, the first tapered cylinder comprises a thin section at the bottom end thereof for connecting the second top end of the second tapered cylinder thereto, the thin section having a smaller wall thickness and/or a smaller outer diameter than the first side wall.

In an embodiment of the method of manufacturing the combination of the first receptacle and the second receptacle comprising at least one ingredient, the elongate mixing member is connected to the first side wall of the first receptacle via an adhesive tape, and an upper end of the mixing member is positioned between a top ridge of the first side wall and the first side wall, thereby clamping the upper end of the mixing member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the system and the method will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: Figure 1 A schematically shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a food or beverage assembly according to the invention,

Figure 1 B schematically shows a perspectie view of a second embodiment of a food or beverage assembly according to the invention,

Figure 1C schematically shows a perspective view of a first detail of the food or beverage assembly of figure 1 B,

Figure 1 D schematically shows a perspective view of a second detail of the food or beverage assembly of figure 1 B,

Figure 1 E schematically shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a food or beverage assembly according to the invention,

Figure 2 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the food or beverage assembly of figure 1A,

Figure 3A schematically shows an exploded perspective view of the firstembodiment of the food or beverage assembly of figure 1 A,

Figure 3B schematically shows an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the food or beverage assembly of figure 1 B,

Figures 4A and 4B schematically show a side view of two embodiments of the food or beverage assembly according to the invention,

Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of a mould assembly designed and configured to manufacture a combination of a first receptacle and a mixing member of the food or beverage assembly according to the invention,

Figure 6 schematically shows a cross-section of the mould assembly of figure 5 in a moulding position,

Figures 7 A and 7B schematically show a perspective view of an embodiment of the mould assembly of figure 5,

Figures 8A-8C schematically show a cross-sectional side view of a step of a method of manufacturing the combination of the first receptacle and the mixing member according to the invention,

Figure 9 schematically shows a side view of another step of the method according to the invention,

Figures 10A-10L schematically show different steps of a method for manufacturing the food or beverage assembly of figure 1 E.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Turning to figures 1A, 1 B, 1 E and 2, a single-use, disposable food or beverage assembly 1 for preparing and consuming a liquid food or beverage product is shown. The assembly 1 has a first receptacle 2, which comprises a first bottom wall 3 at a first bottom end 4 of the first receptacle 2. The first receptacle 2 further comprises a first side wall 5 which extends upward from the first bottom end 4 and defines a first opening 6 at a first top end 7 of the first receptacle 2. The first top end 7 is open, so the assembly 1 is stackable. A first connecting member 8 is provided at the first bottom end 4. The first receptacle 2 is configured to accommodate a prepared liquid food or beverage product. The first receptacle 2 is cup shaped.

The assembly 1 has a second receptacle 9, which comprises a second bottom 10 at a second bottom end 11 of the second receptacle 9. The second receptacle 9 further comprises a second side wall 12 which extends upward from the second bottom end 11 and defines a second opening 13 at a second top end 14 of the second receptacle 9. A second connecting member 15 is provided at the second top end 14 and configured to be connected to the first connecting member 8. The second receptacle 9 is configured to accommodate at least one ingredient for the preparation of the liquid food or beverage product. Also extra receptacles may be connected to the assembly below the second receptacle 9, via similar connecting members 8, 15. The extra receptacles are also configured to accommodate an ingredient.

The first and second connecting member 15 provide a releasable coupling 17 between the first bottom end 4 of the first receptacle 2 and the second top end 14 of the second receptacle 9. The second bottom end 11 is configured to form a base for positioning the assembly 1 on a surface when the first and second receptacle 9 are connected. When the first and second receptacle 9 are not connected, the first bottom end 4 forms a base for positioning the first receptacle 2 on a surface.

The assembly 1 also comprises an elongate mixing member 19. The mixing member 19 is integrally connected to the first receptacle 2 via one or more struts 20 (figure 2) and is configured to be detached from the first receptacle 2 by breaking the one or more struts 20.

The elongate mixing member 19 is only connected to the first receptacle 2 and not to the second receptacle 9. For the first and second embodiments of figures 1 A and 1 B the mixing member 19 is integrally connected to the first side wall 5 via at least one strut 20. The mixing member 19 is in particular removably connected to an outer surface 21 of the first side wall 5 of the first receptacle 2.

In the second embodiment of figure 1 B the elongate mixing member 19 is integrally connected to the top ridge 58 of the first side wall 5, see figure 1C for a detailed view thereof. The elongate mixing member 19 is kept in place at a lower end 24 thereof by a holding member 36.

The second receptacle 9 comprises the holding member 36 for holding the elongate mixing member 19.

Figure 1 D shows a detailed view of the holding member 36. The holding member 36 has a first part 37 extending transversely away from the second side wall 12 over a first distance 38 and a second part 39 extending away from the first part 37 at the first distance 38 and substantially parallel to the second side wall 12.

The second part 39 comprises a cam 40 extending towards the second side wall 12. The cam 40 extends into a recess 41 of the elongate mixing member 19 for better holding the mixing member.

The holding member is connected to the second receptacle at the second top end 14 thereof.

The mixing member 19 extends parallel to the first side wall 5 and is in particular positioned at a distance from the first side wall 5. The distance is defined by a length of the at least one strut 20.

The mixing member 19 is connected to the first receptacle 2 by a top strut 22 positioned at the first top end 7 of the first receptacle 2 and a bottom strut 23 positioned at the first bottom end 4 of the first receptacle 2.

The third embodiment of figure 1 E does not have a strut integrally connecting the mixing member to the first receptacle. Instead, the mixing member 19 of the third embodiment is connected to the first receptacle via an adhesive. In the shown embodiment this is an adhesive tape 69. It may also be possible to provide an adhesive between the first side wall 5 and the mixing member 19. The lower end 24 of the mixing member 19 extends to a position below the first receptacle 2.

The mixing member 19 of the third embodiment as shown in figure 1 E has a width which decreases in a longitudinal direction from an upper end to the lower end thereof. The upper end 70 of the elongate mixing member 19 having the larger width is provided at the first top end 7 of the first receptacle 2, and the lower end 24 having the smaller width extends in the direction of the bottom end. The upper end 70 of the elongate mixing member 19 is clamped by a top ridge 58 of the first receptacle 2.

The mixing member may be made from for example cardboard, plastic, or preferably wood.

A lower end 24 of the elongate mixing member 19 extends downward to a position 25 below the first receptacle 2, which is in particular shown in figure 4, figure 3B and figure 1 E. A length of the elongate mixing member 19 is typically greater than a height of the first receptacle 2.

A cross-sectional area of the assembly 1 , when seen in top view, decreases from the first top end 7 of the first receptacle 2 towards the second bottom end 11 of the second receptacle 9. The assembly 1 has a conical shape.

The first connecting member 8 extends to below the first bottom wall 3 and forms a bottom rim 27 of the first receptacle 2.

The food or beverage assembly 1 as shown in figures 2 and 3 have first and second connection members together forming a bayonet coupling 30. The first receptacle 2 comprises a female part 31 of the bayonet coupling 30, and the second receptacle 9 comprises a male part 32 of the bayonet coupling 30.

The food or beverage assembly 1 may however also have other coupling arrangements. Figure 4A shows an embodiment wherein the first and second connection members 8, 15 together form a snap closure 33. Figures 4B and 1 E show embodiments wherein the first and second connection members 8, 15 together form a tearable connection 34.

As shown in the figures, the second receptacle 9 comprises a single compartment 26 defined by the inner volume 29. However, it may also be possible to provide multiple compartments for storing multiple ingredients. This can be done by simply providing a wall extending from the second bottom 10 towards the second opening 13, thereby dividing the inner volume.

The second receptacle 9 may comprise a sealing member 28, in particular at the second top end 14, for providing a sealed inner volume 29. The assembly 1 is made from a single material, in particular plastic, and is in particular manufactured by injection moulding. However, the assembly may also be made from paper or cardboard.

The third embodiment of figure 1 E may for example be made from paper or cardboard, but also from for example pulp or bagasse.

A mould assembly 100 designed and configured to manufacture a combination 101 of the first receptacle 2 and the mixing member 19 of the food or beverage assembly 1 according to the invention is shown in figure 5. The mould assembly 100 comprises moulding parts 102 for forming a cavity 103, as shown in figure 6. The material, in particular plastic, is injected into the cavity 103 for forming the combination 101.

Turning to figure 6, the cavity 103 formed by the moulding parts 102 comprises a conical section 104 for forming the first side wall 5. The conical section 104 has a top side 105 and a bottom side 106. Seen in top view, the top side 105 has greater cross-sectional dimensions than the bottom side 106.

The cavity 103 has a disk shaped section 107 for forming the first bottom. The disk shaped section 107 is provided between the first side wall 5, at a distance from the bottom side 106.

The cavity 103 has coupling sections 108 for together forming the first connection member 8, in particular the bayonet coupling 30. The coupling sections 108 are provided below the disk shaped section 107 and extend inwards from the first bottom. The coupling section are L- shaped (figure 7).

A mixing member section 109 for forming the mixing member 19 extends parallel to the conical section 104. Two strut sections 110 extend between the conical section 104 and the mixing member section 109. The two strut sections 110 form two integral struts 20 which connect the mixing member 19 to the first receptacle 2.

Turning to figure 5, the moulding parts 102 are shown which form the cavity 103. The moulding parts comprise a base part 111 corresponding with an underside 112 (figure 8A) of the first bottom and with the coupling sections 108. The base part 111 has a first cylindrical part 113 on which a second cylindrical part 114 is provided. A diameter of the second cylindrical part 114 is smaller than a diameter of the first cylindrical part 113. The second cylindrical part 114 comprises a plurality of L-shaped recesses 115 provided in an outer circumference 116, see figure 7. A corresponding plurality of adjacent recesses 117 are provided adjacent the L-shaped recesses 115.

The first cylindrical part 113 has releasing parts 118 which are movable between a first moulding position 119 (figure 7A) and a first releasing position 120 (figure 7B). In the first moulding position 119 the releasing parts 118 are positioned in the adjacent recesses 117 and are flush with a second top surface 121 of the second cylindrical part 114. In the first releasing position 120 the releasing parts 118 are flush with a first top surface 122 of the first cylindrical part 113.

The base part 111 is pivotable about a central axis 123 over an angular distance 124 which is at least equal to an angular distance 125 of the L-shaped recess 115.

The mould assembly 100 comprises at least two side parts 126. Each side part 126 comprises a part of the conical section 104 corresponding with the outer surface 21 of the first side wall 5 of the first receptacle 2. Each side part 126 further comprises a recess 128. The recess 128 forms a part of each strut 20 and a part of the mixing member 19. The side parts 126 are configured to move between a second releasing position 131 and a second moulding position 132 (figure 6). In the second releasing position 131 the side parts 126 are positioned away from each other. In the second moulding position 132 the side parts 126 are connected, thereby defining the outer surface 21 of the first side wall 5, the mixing member 19, and the at least one strut 20.

The mould assembly 100 further comprises an inner wall part 133. The inner wall part 133 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the second top surface 121 between a third moulding position (figure 6) and a third releasing position 136. In the third moulding position, the inner wall part 133 is positioned inside the two side parts 126, thereby enclosing the cavity 103. In the third releasing position 136 the inner wall part 133 is positioned away from the base part 1 11.

The mould assembly 100 has an injection hole 137 adjacent to the cavity 103 when the mould is in the first, second and third moulding position 119, 132, 135. The injection hole 137 is provided in the base part 111.

An ejection mechanism 138 for ejecting the combination 101 is also provided in the mould assembly 100. The ejection mechanism 138 is provided in the inner wall part 133. Operation

In operation, the mould assembly 100 for manufacturing the combination 101 of the first receptacle 2 and the mixing member 19 is provided.

First the releasing parts 118 are positioned in the first moulding position 119, the at least two side parts 126 are positioned in the second moulding position 132, and the inner wall part 133 is positioned in the third moulding position 135. This way, the cavity 103 is formed and enclosed, such that material, in particular plastic, may be injected through the injection hole 137, thereby filling the cavity 103 and forming the combination 101 of the first receptacle 2 and the mixing member 19.

The material has to harden, so a predetermined period of time is used to wait in order for the combination 101 to harden. When the material has reached the desired hardness the releasing parts 118 are positioned in the first releasing position 120, the at least two side parts 126 are positioned in the second releasing position 131 , and the inner wall part 133 is positioned in the third releasing position 136.

Turning to figures 8A-8C, a next step is shown. The base part 111 is pivoted over the angular distance 124, thereby providing space above the coupling sections 108 for the combination 101 to be ejected.

Figure 8A shows the base part 111 with the releasing part in the first moulding position 119. The releasing part is positioned in the adjacent recess 117. The L-shaped female part 31 of the bayonet coupling 30 of the combination 101 is positioned in the L-shaped recess 115.

Figure 8B shows the base part 111 with the releasing part 118 in the first releasing position 120. The releasing part 118 is not visible, because it is retracted in the first cylindrical part 113 and flush with the first top surface 122. The base part 111 is rotated to the left, thereby moving the L-shaped recess 115 away from the L-shaped female part 31.

Figure 8C shows a side view of the embodiment of figures 8A and 8B, but under a slightly different angle. The base part 111 is rotated such that the L-shaped female part 31 of the bayonet coupling 30 is positioned in the adjacent recess 117. The L-shaped female part 31 can now be removed from the base part 111 by either lifting the combination 101 , or by lowering the base part 111 while holding the combination 101. In figure 8C the combination 101 is almost removed. Turning to Figure 9, the combination 101 is removed from the base part 111 , and ejected by the ejection mechanism 138. The ejection mechanism 138 is provided in the inner wall part 133.

Figures 10A - 10L show different steps of a method for manufacturing the food and beverage assembly 1 of figure 1 E, in particular the assembly made of paper, cardboard, pulp or bagasse.

Figure 10A shows a first step, wherein a first piano 50 is provided. The first piano 50 corresponds to the first side wall 5 of the assembly 1. The width of the first piano 50 decreases from a top end 51 to a bottom end 52 thereof, thereby defining a tapered shape. The bottom end 52 comprises a thin section 53 which has a smaller thickness than the rest of the first piano 50.

Figure 10C shows the first piano 50 after it is shaped into (fgure 10B) a first tapered cylinder 55 defining the first side wall 5 of the assembly 1. The sides 54 of the first piano 50 are connected to each other. This can be done by, for example, an adhesive.

Figure 10D shows a next step, wherein the first bottom wall 3 is connected at the bottom end 52 of the first tapered cylinder 55. The bottom wall 3 comprises a connecting section 56 which is connected to the inside of the first tapered cylinder 55, in particular to the thin section 53. The connection can be made by, for example, an adhesive. The bottom wall section 57 extending substantially perpendicular to the connecting section 56 closes the first tapered cylinder 55 at the bottom end 52 thereof.

Figure 10E shows a manufacturing step wherein the top ridge 58 is formed. This is done by twisting, or rolling the top end 51 of the tapered cylinder 55.

Figure 10F shows a first manufacturing step of part of the second receptacle 9 and the first connecting member 8 of the first receptacle 2 by providing a second piano 59. Although the second piano 59 as shown has a straight rectangular shape, the second piano may also be provided with the tapered shape corresponding to the first piano 50. The second piano 59 comprises a connecting section 60, a tearing section 61 , and a wall section 62. Although not shown, the width of the second piano 59 may decrease from a top end 63 to a bottom end 64 thereof, thereby defining a tapered shape. The tearing section may comprise a tearing lip 71 for easier tearing the tearing section. The tearing section further comprises the first connecting member 8 and the second connecting member 15. Figure 10H shows the second piano 59 after it is shaped into (figure 10G) a second tapered cylinder 65 defining the second side wall 12 of the assembly 1. The sides 66 of the second piano 59 are connected to each other. This can be done by, for example, an adhesive.

Figure 101 shows a next step of the method for manufacturing the assembly 1 , wherein the second bottom wall 10 is connected at the bottom end 64 of the second tapered cylinder 65. The second bottom wall 10 comprises a connecting section 67 which is connected to the inside of the tapered cylinder 65. The connection can be made by, for example, an adhesive. The second bottom wall section 68 extending substantially perpendicular to the connecting section 67 closes the second tapered cylinder 65 at the bottom end 64 thereof.

Figure 10J shows a next step, wherein the at least one ingredient 16 is positioned in the second tapered cylinder 65.

Figure 10K shows a next step, wherein the second tapered cylinder 65 comprising the at least one ingredient is connected to the first tapered cylinder 55. The second connecting section 67 of the second tapered cylinder 65 is positioned over the thin section 53, which are subsequently attached to each other by for example an adhesive.

Figure 10L shows the first tapered cylinder 55 and second tapered cylinder 65 being connected to each other. Said first and second tapered cylinders 55, 56 together form the first receptacle 2 comprising the first connecting member 8 and the second receptacle 9 comprising the second connecting member 15. Said connecting members form the releasable coupling 17 in the form of a tearable connection 34, which can be teared by the tearing lip 71.

Figure 10L further shows a step of connecting the elongate mixing member 19 to the first side wall 5 of the first receptacle 2. This can be done by a simple adhesive tape 69. The elongate mixing member 19 is slightly tapered, wherein an upper end 70 of the mixing member has a larger width than the lower end 24. This prevents the mixing member 19 from sliding down between the first side wall 5 and the adhesive tape 69. The adhesive tape 69 may be provided with a corresponding tapered section.

Turning to figure 1 E, the finished assembly 1 according to the third embodiment of the invention is shown. The mixing member 19 may be positioned such that it is clamped between the top ridge 58 of the first side wall 5 and the first side wall 5. This way the top ridge 58 prevents the upper end 70 of the mixing member 19 from detaching during transport. Also, when multiple assemblies 1 are stacked and a user takes one assembly 1 out of the stack, the mixing member 70 will, due to the clamping action of the top ridge 58, stay in place.

So the method of manufacturing the third embodiment of figure 1 E may comprise the following steps:

- providing the first tapered cylinder 55,

- providing the second tapered cylinder 65 comprising the at least one ingredient,

- positioning the second top end 63 of the second tapered cylinder 65 over the first bottom end 52 of the first tapered cylinder 55, in particular over the thin section 53,

- connecting the second top end 63 of the second tapered cylinder 65 to the first bottom end 52 of the first tapered cylinder 55, in particular to the thin section 53, thereby obtaining a combination of the first receptacle 2 and the second receptacle 9.

The method may further comprise connecting the elongate mixing member 19 to the first side wall 5 of the first receptacle 2 via an adhesive tape 69, wherein an upper end 70 of the mixing member 19 is positioned between a top ridge 58 of the first side wall 5 and the first side wall 5. This provides a clamping action to the upper end of the mixing member that keeps the mixing member in place.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the system and method according to the invention without departing from the scope as defined in the claims.

The present invention further relates to the following numbered clauses:

1. Single-use, disposable food or beverage assembly (1) for preparing and consuming a liquid food or beverage product, the food or beverage assembly comprising:

- a first cup-shaped receptacle (2) comprising a first bottom wall (3) at a first bottom end (4) of the first receptacle, a first side wall (5) which extends upward from the first bottom end and defines a first opening (6) at a first top end (7) of the first receptacle, and a first connecting member (8) provided at the first bottom end, the first receptacle being configured to accommodate a prepared liquid food or beverage product,

- a second receptacle (9) comprising a second bottom (10) at a second bottom end (11) of the second receptacle, a second side wall (12) which extends upward from the second bottom end and defines a second opening (13) at a second top end (14) of the second receptacle, and a second connecting member(15) provided at the second top end and configured to be connected to the first connecting member, the second receptacle being configured to accommodate at least one ingredient for the preparation of the liquid food or beverage product,

wherein the first and second connecting member provide a releasable coupling (17) between the first bottom end of the first receptacle and the second top end of the second receptacle, and wherein the second bottom end is configured to form a base for positioning the assembly on a surface when the first and second receptacle are connected, the first bottom end being configured to form a base for positioning the first receptacle on a surface when the first and second receptacle are not connected,

- an elongate mixing member (19) which is integrally connected to the first

receptacle via one or more struts (20) and configured to be detached from the first receptacle by breaking the one or more struts,

wherein the first top end is open, thereby making the food or beverage assembly stackable. 2. Food or beverage assembly according to clause 1, wherein the elongate mixing member is only connected to the first receptacle and not to the second receptacle.

3. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the mixing member is integrally connected to the first side wall via at least one strut.

4. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the mixing member is removably connected to an outer surface (21) of the first side wall of the first receptacle.

5. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the mixing member extends parallel to the first side wall and is in particular positioned at a distance from the first side wall, the distance being defined by a length of the at least one strut.

6. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the mixing member is connected to the first receptacle by a top strut (22) positioned at the first top end of the first receptacle and a bottom strut (23) positioned at the first bottom end of the first receptacle.

7. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein a lower end (24) of the elongate mixing member extends downward to a position (25) below the first receptacle.

8. Food or beverage assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a length of the elongate mixing member is greater than a height of the first receptacle.

9. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein a cross-sectional area of the assembly, when seen in top view, decreases from the first top end of the first receptacle towards the second bottom end of the second receptacle.

10. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first connecting member extends to below the first bottom wall and forms a bottom rim (27) of the first receptacle. 11. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second receptacle comprises a sealing member (28), in particular at the second top end, for providing a sealed inner volume (29).

12. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the assembly has a conical shape.

13. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first and second connection members together form a bayonet coupling (30).

14. Food or beverage assembly according to the previous clause, wherein the first receptacle comprises a female part (31) of the bayonet coupling, and the second receptacle comprises a male part (32) of the bayonet coupling.

15. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the clauses 1-11 , wherein the first and second connection members together form a snap closure (33).

16. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the clauses 1-12, wherein the first and second connection members together form a tearable connection (34).

17. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second receptacle comprises multiple compartments for storing multiple ingredients.

18. Food or beverage assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the assembly is made from a single material, in particular plastic, and is in particular manufactured by injection moulding.

19. Food or beverage assembly according to any of the precedings clauses, wherein at least one extra receptacle is provided below the second receptacle.

20. Mould assembly (100) designed and configured to manufacture a combination (101) of the first receptacle and the mixing member of the food or beverage assembly according to any one of the clauses 1-14, 17-19, the mould assembly comprising moulding parts (102) for forming a cavity (103), the cavity comprising: - a conical section (104) for forming the first side wall, the conical section having a top side (105) and a bottom side (106), wherein, when seen in top view, the top side has greater cross-sectional dimensions than the bottom side,

- a disk shaped section (107) for forming the first bottom, the disk shaped section being provided between the first side wall, at a distance from the bottom side,

- coupling sections (108) for together forming the first connection member, in particular the bayonet coupling, the coupling sections being provided below the disk shaped section extending inwards from the first bottom, wherein the coupling sections are L-shaped,

- a mixing member section (109) for forming the mixing member, the mixing member section extending parallel to the conical section,

- at least one strut section (110) for forming at least one integral strut which

connects the mixing member to the first receptacle, the at least one strut section extending between the conical section and the mixing member section,

the moulding parts comprising:

- a base part (111) corresponding with an underside (112) of the first bottom and with the coupling sections, wherein the base part comprises a first cylindrical part (113) on which a second cylindrical part (114) is provided, wherein a diameter of the second cylindrical part is smaller than a diameter of the first cylindrical part, the second cylindrical part comprising a plurality of L-shaped recesses (115) provided in an outer circumference (116), and a corresponding plurality of adjacent recesses (117) provided adjacent to L-shaped recesses, wherein the first cylindrical part comprises releasing parts (118) configured to be movable between a first moulding position (119) and a first releasing position (120), wherein in the first moulding position the releasing parts are positioned in the adjacent recesses and are flush with a second top surface (121) of the second cylindrical part, and in the first releasing position the releasing parts are flush with a first top surface (122) of the first cylindrical part, wherein the base part is pivotable about a central axis (123) over an angular distance (124) which is at least equal to an angular distance (125) of the L-shaped recess,

- at least two side parts (126), each side part comprising a part of the conical section corresponding with the outer surface of the first side wall of the first receptacle, wherein each side part further comprises a recess (128), the recess forming a part of each strut and a part of the mixing member, the side parts being configured to move between a second releasing position (131) and a second moulding position (132), wherein in the second releasing position the side parts are positioned away from each other, and in the second moulding position the side parts are connected, thereby defining the outer surface of the first side wall, the mixing member, and the at least one strut,

- an inner wall part (133) configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the second top surface between a third moulding position (135) and a third releasing position (136), wherein in the third moulding position, the inner wall part is positioned inside the two side parts, thereby enclosing the cavity, and in the third releasing position the inner wall part is positioned away from the base part,

- an injection hole (137) adjacent to the cavity when the mould is in the first, second and third moulding position,

- an ejection mechanism (138) for ejecting the combination.

21. Mould according to clause 20, wherein the ejection mechanism is provided in the inner wall part.

22. Mould according to clause 20 or 21 , wherein the injection hole is provided in the base part.

23. Method of manufacturing the combination of the first receptacle and the mixing

member according to any one of the clauses 1-8 and 11-14, the method comprising:

- providing the mould according to clauses 20-22,

- positioning the releasing parts in the first moulding position, the at least two side parts in the second moulding position, and the inner wall part in the third moulding position,

- injecting material, in particular plastic, through the injection hole, thereby filling the cavity and forming the combination of the first receptacle and the mixing member,

- waiting a predetermined period of time until the material is hardened,

- positioning the releasing parts in the in the first releasing position, the at least two side parts in the second releasing position, and the inner wall part in the third releasing position,

- pivoting the base part over the angular distance, thereby providing space above the coupling sections for the combination to be ejected,

- ejecting the combination by the ejection mechanism.