Abstract:
A device and to the use thereof for mixing material to be mixed. A method for providing material to be mixed has the following steps:  provision of a container with a single container opening and an inner chamber which contains an initial filling,  surrounding the container with a jacket,  introduction of a mixer such that the mixer protrudes into the inner chamber of the container, wherein the mixer is connected to a drive unit or the mixer can be connected to a drive unit in a subsequent step,  rotary driving of the mixer using the drive unit in order to provide the material to be mixed by mixing the initial filling,  removal of the mixer from the inner chamber of the container,  separation of container and jacket in order to provide the container with all of the material to be mixed located inside, for consumption.

Description:
[0001]    The invention relates to a device and a method for mixing material to be mixed. The invention especially concerns the mixing of food products and, in the area of food products, especially drinkable food products. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Prior Art 
       [0002]    There are many areas which are concerned with the mixing of materials to be mixed. The following primarily concerns the field of food products, although the invention can also be applied to numerous other areas. 
         [0003]    There are mixers, blenders and other means to allow the mixing of food products and ingredients in the private household and in professional kitchens when necessary. The preparation of salad sauces is mentioned as an example. The liquid and solid ingredients are frequently added to a mixing container which can be sealed by a lid. The components are mixed with each other by shaking. In order to improve the thorough mixing, there are containers whose lid contains a fixed rod assembly which protrudes into the interior of the container and promotes the thorough mixing. Mixing containers are also known which comprise a mixing mechanism which is integrated in the lid and can be moved by cranking a hand knob on the upper side of the lid. Such containers typically comprise a spout so that the lid need not be removed. 
         [0004]    The preparation of a mixing material  1  to be mixed by means of a stirring staff  2  is shown by reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The mixing by using a stirring staff  2  does not work in a conventional drinking cup  3  because it is typically too small and too unstable. That is why a mostly high and inherently stable stirring cup  4  is used, as shown in  FIG. 1A . The stirring staff  2  comprises a mixing mechanism  5  which is immersed into the mixing material  1  to be mixed in the stirring cup  4 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . After the mixing, the mixing material  1  is usually decanted to a drinking cup  3 , as indicated in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0005]    Better mixing results are achieved in that solutions are used which allow overhead mixing. An approach is designated in this case as overhead mixing in which the mixing mechanism  5  is situated at the bottom in a mixing container  6  and in which the mixing material  1  is situated above the mixing mechanism  5 . 
         [0006]    One example of a typical kitchen mixer  10  which allows overhead mixing is shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The kitchen mixer  10  comprises a drive unit  7  which can be placed on a worktop T. A stable special container, which is used as the mixing container  6 , is screwed onto the drive unit  7  for mixing. The mixing container  6  comprises a cap  8  in the bottom region which fulfils several objectives. A mixing mechanism  5  which protrudes into the interior of the mixing container  6  is integrated in said cap  8 . The cap  8  seals the mixing container  6  in the downward direction and the cap  8  is used as a screw connection to a connecting region of the drive unit  7 . The cap  8  is typically welded or glued thereon in order to prevent leakages. In addition to the respective bottom opening which is sealed with the cap  8 , the mixing container  6  comprises an upper opening  11  which can be sealed in a splash-proof manner by a lid  9 . Good mixing results can be achieved with such a kitchen mixer  10 . 
         [0007]    The cap  8 , which accommodates the mixing mechanism  5 , is frequently composed of several components which are difficult to mount and dismount. The amount of cleaning work is often very high because it is also necessary to clean the mixing container  6  and the lid  9 . 
         [0008]    There are also other approaches which allow overhead mixing. Such an approach is illustrated in  FIGS. 3A to 3D . The MixFIT system of Betty Bossi can be mentioned as an example for such a solution. This solution uses a stable mixing container  6  which comprises an upper opening  13  with a thread  12 . The mixing container  6  is filled through the upper opening  13  with the mixing material  1 . A lid  14  which accommodates a mixing mechanism  5  is then screwed onto said container. This step is shown in  FIG. 3B . The mixing container  6  is now tightly sealed. It can be turned upside down (placed on its head) and be introduced into a receiving region of a standing unit  15 , as shown in  FIG. 3C . Overhead mixing can then occur in this constellation. The mixing container  6  is removed from the standing unit  15  after the overhead mixing and the lid  14  is unscrewed. Since the thread  12  at the upper edge of the mixing container  6  is a disturbance during drinking, an annular plastic element  16  is screwed onto said thread, as shown in  FIG. 3D . The annular plastic element  16  has an opening. Drinking can then be carried out from the mixing container  6 . 
         [0009]    The cleaning effort is also high in this solution because the mixing container  6 , the lid  15  and the plastic element  16  need to be cleaned. 
         [0010]    It is a disadvantage of the known solutions that a number of special parts or appliances is necessary. Aspects such as functionality, variability and flexibility play a major role in the field of food products in particular. It is further important that such appliances should offer easy and complete dismounting capabilities in order to meet the highest possible demands concerning hygiene. It is a further problem of such appliances that they are used especially in kitchens and public areas by several users. Ingredients can thus mingle with each other in an undesirable manner. 
         [0011]    It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a simpler approach for mixing, mingling, stirring and even crushing or chopping ingredients or other mixing materials. The respective means shall offer universal use to the highest possible extent and still offer sufficient hygiene for each user. 
         [0012]    According to the invention, a completely new approach is used, which is based on the fact that a device with a cup such as a conventional drinking cup is used which comprises only one single (drinking) opening. 
         [0013]    Said cup is surrounded by a jacket, which is provided among other things to stabilise the cup. A mixing mechanism is introduced in such a way that the mixing mechanism protrudes into the interior space of the cup, wherein the mixing mechanism is connected to a drive unit or the mixing mechanism can be connected to a drive unit in a separate (e.g. subsequent) step. The mixing mechanism is then rotatably driven by the drive unit in order to provide a mixing material by mixing from an initial filling, which mixing material can be drunk or eaten for example. The mixing mechanism is taken from the interior space of the cup and the cup is separated from the jacket. The cup plus the mixing material disposed in the interior is now ready for consumption. 
         [0014]    This approach offers a complete release of the cup for the first time in that the initial filling is provided and the mixing material is offered for consumption after the mixing. 
         [0015]    The invention allows for the first time that the customers bring their own cup or purchase a cup with an initial filling for example in order to have it mixed in a special device. The mixing material only comes into contact the interior of the cup and the mixing mechanism. 
         [0016]    The invention allows offering completely new business schemes for the first time. 
         [0017]    A mixing mechanism which is (fixedly) integrated in a lid is preferably provided in all embodiments. During the introduction of the mixing mechanism into the interior space of the cup, the lid can be used for closing and/or fixing the opening of the cup. The device further comprises a drive device with a receiving region (connecting region) which is formed in such a way that the cup plus jacket and mixing mechanism can be attached to or placed on the receiving region. The stirring mechanism is drivingly connected (preferably in a friction-locked manner) to the drive device during the attachment or placement. When the drive device is activated, it makes the mixing mechanism rotate through the lid. The rotation of the mixing mechanism produces the mixing or mingling of the initial filling which is situated in the interior of the cup. 
         [0018]    The device in accordance with the invention allows a large number of new applications which will gain in importance especially in the field of nutrition. 
         [0019]    The device in accordance with the invention can be used flexibly and can be cleaned easily. 
         [0020]    In accordance with the invention, disposable cups (cups for one-time use) or even thin-walled, film-bag-like cups can be used. 
         [0021]    This solution avoids the usual washing of many individual parts of the device that are often difficult to access. Furthermore, the decanting of mixing material for storage or further processing can be avoided because the mixing material is provided in situ, i.e. directly in the cup. The mixing material can be produced, stored and transported in an entirely hygienic manner. Depending on the configuration, no third party has access to the mixing material, which can be relevant especially in the area of high-performance sports and in the professional sports area. 
         [0022]    The device in accordance with the invention is especially suitable as a beverage mixer. 
         [0023]    The device in accordance with the invention can also be used for example as a kitchen and restaurant application for producing soups, sauces, beverages, shakes, dips, soft drinks etc. 
         [0024]    The device in accordance with the invention can be used in the field of sports for preparing fitness drinks, fitness cocktails, fruit juices, power food for athletes etc. 
         [0025]    The invention is also suitable for providing baby foods and liquid foods in the hospital area, retirement homes and the like. 
         [0026]    New and innovative possibilities for meals are provided by simple handling and by the fact that there are only very few basic elements. 
         [0027]    The invention can also be used in other areas where the rapid and easy mixing of components is concerned. The mixing of multicomponent substances such as adhesive or colour substances and the mixing of medications or food supplements must be mentioned in particular. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    Further details and advantages of the invention will be described below by reference to embodiments and the drawings. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 1A to 1B  show a sequence of schematic illustrations which show a possible application of a known hand-held blender (prior art); 
           [0030]      FIGS. 2A to 2B  show a sequence of schematic illustrations which show a possible application of a known kitchen blender (prior art); 
           [0031]      FIGS. 3A to 3D  show a sequence of schematic illustrations which show a possible application of a further known blending mixer (prior art); 
           [0032]      FIG. 4A  shows a schematic side view of a cup according to the invention in a first embodiment; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4B  shows a schematic side view of the cup adjacent to a jacket in accordance with the invention which is shown in a sectional view; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4C  shows a schematic sectional view of the cup after it was inserted into the jacket in accordance with the invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4D  shows a schematic side view of  FIG. 4C ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4E  shows a schematic side view of the cup in the jacket, after a mixing mechanism (which is formed here as a part of a lid) was introduced; 
           [0037]      FIG. 4F  shows a schematic side view of the constellation (assembly) of  FIG. 4E  when turned upside down; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4G  shows a schematic side view of the constellation (assembly) of  FIG. 4E  after it was turned upside down and was introduced into the receiving region of a drive unit; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4H  shows a schematic side view of the constellation (assembly) after renewed twisting and during the removal of the mixing mechanism (which is formed here as a part of a lid); 
           [0040]      FIG. 4I  shows a schematic side view of the cup according to the invention which contains the completed mixing material; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5A  shows a schematic side view of a cup according to the invention in a second embodiment, wherein the cup was inserted into a jacket and wherein a mixing mechanism (which is formed here as a part of a lid) is shown above the cup; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5B  shows a schematic side view of the constellation in  FIG. 5A , wherein the jacket was lifted in relation to the cup; 
           [0043]      FIG. 5C  shows a schematic side view of the constellation in  FIG. 5B , wherein the mixing mechanism (which is formed here as a part of a lid) was introduced into the cup; 
           [0044]      FIG. 5D  shows a schematic side view of the constellation (assembly) of  FIG. 5C  after a drive unit was connected upside down to the receiving region with the mixing mechanism (which is formed here as a part of a lid) (first approach); 
           [0045]      FIG. 5E  shows a schematic side view of the constellation (assembly) of  FIG. 5C  after the cup plus the jacket and the mixing mechanism was turned upside down and was introduced into the receiving region of a drive unit (second approach; overhead mixture); 
           [0046]      FIG. 6  shows a schematic side view of a cup in accordance with the invention in a third embodiment, wherein the cup was inserted into a jacket and wherein an adapter ring and a mixing mechanism (which is formed here as a part of the lid) are shown above the cup; 
           [0047]      FIG. 7  shows a schematic side view of a cup in accordance with the invention in a fourth embodiment, wherein the cup was inserted into a waisted jacket and wherein an adapter ring and a mixing mechanism (which is formed here as a part of a lid) are shown above the cup; 
           [0048]      FIG. 8A  shows a top view of a jacket in a further embodiment; 
           [0049]      FIG. 8B  shows a sectional view of the jacket of  FIG. 8A , wherein the jacket has at least the same taper as the cup to be received therein; 
           [0050]      FIG. 8C  shows a sectional view of an adapter ring which is formed for use with the jacket of  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 8D  shows a side view of the adapter ring of  FIG. 8C ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 8E  shows a sectional view of a constellation (assembly) which comprises an adapter ring according to  FIG. 8C , a jacket according to  FIG. 8A  and a cup (the mixing mechanism is not shown here); 
           [0053]      FIG. 9  shows a schematic side view of a cup together with a jacket in accordance with the invention in a further embodiment, wherein the jacket is formed as a slotted sleeve; 
           [0054]      FIG. 10  shows a schematic side view of a cup together with a jacket in accordance with the invention in a further embodiment, wherein the jacket can be assembled from two halves of a sleeve; 
           [0055]      FIG. 11  shows a schematic sectional view of a cup together with a jacket in accordance with the invention in a further embodiment, wherein the jacket can be assembled from a cup cone and a telescopic element. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0056]    The invention is described in embodiments below which are especially adapted to the field of food products. The invention can easily be applied to other conceptual systems and/or special fields. The terms shall be applied analogously in other special fields. 
         [0057]    A sequence of individual steps is shown in  FIGS. 4A to 4I . The fundamental elements of the invention shall be described by reference to a first embodiment in said individual steps. 
         [0058]    The term cup  31  is used here in order to define cups which have one or several of the following properties: 
         [0059]    They can be stacked with other cups of the same size/configuration. 
         [0060]    Conical wall  36  (at least in part). 
         [0061]    Horizontal base region  37  (at least in part). 
         [0062]    Freestanding/self-supported on a horizontal surface T. 
         [0063]    Thin wall (typical wall thickness of the wall). 
         [0064]    Disposable or returnable cup. 
         [0065]    Cup made of plastic, glass, metal, cardboard or laminated paper. 
         [0066]    Thermos cup. 
         [0067]    Weight of a 200 ml cup is typically &lt;15 g, preferably &lt;5 g per cup. 
         [0068]    Diameter at the top of a 200 ml cup is typically 70 to 80 mm. 
         [0069]    Height of a 200 ml cup is typically approximately 90 to 100 mm. 
         [0070]    Said cups  31  can consist of plastic, preferably polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP), cardboard or laminated paper. 
         [0071]    The term initial filling  1  is used here among other things to circumscribe 
         [0072]    liquid or viscous material with one or several ingredients; 
         [0073]    mixtures or combinations of various materials with one or several ingredients; 
         [0074]    mixtures or combinations of liquid and viscous materials with solid ingredients. 
         [0075]    A number of examples for the initial fillings  1  from the area of food products are mentioned below:
       liquid (e.g. water) with flavour additives (e.g. syrup);   milk products with fruit (e.g. raspberries) or vegetable additives (e.g. cucumber);   fruit and/or vegetables with or without liquid;   mixed beverages made from alcoholic and non-alcoholic components;   hot or cold beverages made from a liquid together with a soluble powder or granulate (e.g. instant coffee or soup powder).       
 
         [0081]    It is also possible to use an initial filling  1  from the area of non-food products. 
         [0082]    The term jacket  40  is used here to describe a three-dimensional element which has one or several of the following properties: 
         [0083]    washable; 
         [0084]    disinfectable; 
         [0085]    inherently stable; 
         [0086]    inherently self-supporting; 
         [0087]    open on at least one face side; 
         [0088]    open on both face ends; 
         [0089]    (at least partly) cylindrical and/or (at least partly) conical. 
         [0090]    The jacket  40  is preferably formed in all embodiments in such a way that it rests at least partly on the wall  36  of a cup  31  in order to stabilise said wall  36 . 
         [0091]    The jacket  40  is preferably formed in all embodiments in such a way that it completely encloses/surrounds a cup  31 . In this case, the jacket  40  only has a front opening  43  (e.g. see  FIG. 4B ). 
         [0092]    The jacket  40  is preferably formed in all embodiments in such a way that it encloses/surrounds a cup  31  only along a section. In this case, the jacket  40  has two end openings (see  FIG. 5A ). 
         [0093]    If the jacket  40  surrounds/encloses the cup  31  only along a section, it can have the form of a sleeve or collar, as shown in  FIG. 5A  for example. 
         [0094]    The following describes an exemplary method of the invention for providing mixing material  1 *, wherein reference is made to the exemplary illustrations  FIGS. 4A to 4I . The method can comprise the following steps:
       Providing a cup  31  with a single cup opening  35  and with an interior space  34  which contains an initial filling  1  (see  FIG. 4A ). The cup  31  can optionally be sealed with a lid or a foil  33  (see  FIG. 4A ).   Providing a jacket  40 , which in this case only comprises one front opening  43  (see  FIG. 4B ).   Surrounding the cup  31  with the jacket  40 , in that the cup  31  for example is inserted into the jacket  40  (see  FIG. 4C ).  FIG. 4D  shows that in this embodiment the jacket  40  comprises an upper thread  41 .   Introduction of a mixing mechanism  51  in such a way that the mixing mechanism  51  protrudes into the interior space  34  of the cup  31  (see  FIG. 4E ). This can occur for example by placing or screwing a lid  50  which comprises the mixing mechanism  51 .   Depending on the embodiment, the mixing mechanism  51  is connected to a drive unit  52  or the mixing mechanism  51  is connected in a separate (subsequent) step to a drive unit  52  (see  FIG. 4G ).   Rotatably driving the mixing mechanism  51  by the drive unit  52  in order to provide the mixing material  1 * from the initial filling  1  by mixing (see  FIG. 4G ).   Removal of the mixing mechanism  51  from the interior space  34  of the cup  31  (see  FIG. 4H ).   Separation of cup  31  and jacket  40  (see  FIG. 4I ) in order to provide the cup  31  plus the mixing material  1 * situated in the interior for consumption.       
 
         [0103]    This embodiment is especially suitable for overhead mixing, as shown in  FIG. 4G . 
         [0104]    The jacket  40  may have the shape of a cup or mug with a single access opening  43  (see  FIG. 4B ), wherein the jacket  40  comprises a base area  45  and a wall  46 , which surround an interior region  44 . 
         [0105]    The jacket  40  is preferably formed for positioning on a surface T and is formed for inserting the cup  31  through the access opening  43  into the interior region  44  (see  FIG. 4C ). 
         [0106]    The mixing mechanism  51  can be part of a lid  50  in all embodiments, which lid is connected to the jacket  40  during the introduction of the mixing mechanism  51  in such a way that the mixing mechanism  51  protrudes into the interior space  34  of the cup  31 , and the access opening  43  is sealed and the cup opening  35  is tightly closed by the lid  50  (see  FIG. 4E ). 
         [0107]    The mixing mechanism  51  can preferably be connected in all embodiments to the drive unit  52  in that the lid  50  plus the jacket  40  and the cup  31  situated in its interior region  44  can be placed in an upside down manner into a receiving area  53  of the drive unit  52  (see  FIG. 4G ). For this purpose, the mixing mechanism  51  can comprise a sliding driver or an interlocking driver for driving connection. 
         [0108]    The jacket  40  can have a cup or mug shape with a single access opening  43  in all embodiments, and it can comprise a base area  45  and a wall  46  which surround an interior region  44 . A mixing mechanism  51  can protrude into the interior region  44  through the base region  45 . Such an embodiment is used as follows:
       Application of the jacket  40  from above with respect to the cup  31 , wherein the mixing mechanism  51  is inserted through the cup opening  35  into the interior region  44  during the application of the jacket  40 , and wherein the cup opening  35  is tightly sealed by the base region  45  of the jacket  40 . In this case, the jacket  40  and the mixing mechanism  51  practically form an assembly.       
 
         [0110]    The mixing mechanism  51  can be formed in a connectable manner to the drive unit  52  in all embodiments,
       in that either the jacket  40  plus the cup  31  situated in its interior region  44  can be inserted in an upside down manner into a receiving region  53  of the drive unit  52  (see  FIG. 5E ),   or in that the drive unit  52  is connectable to the jacket  40  from above (see  FIG. 5D ).       
 
         [0113]    The cup ( 31 ) is stabilised and/or sealed in preferably all embodiments by surrounding the cup  31  by the jacket  40 . 
         [0114]    The device  100  preferably comprises in all embodiments 
         [0115]    a mixing mechanism  51  and 
         [0116]    a drive unit  52  which is formed for driving the mixing mechanism  51 . 
         [0117]    The device  100  preferably further comprises in all embodiments
       a disposable or returnable cup  31  with a single cup opening  35 , a base region  37  and a wall  36 , which define an interior space  34  which is formed for receiving an initial filling  1 ;   a jacket  40  which comprises a front access opening  43  and a wall  46 , which define an inner region  44 , wherein the jacket  40  is formed for introducing the cup  31  through the access opening  43  into the interior region  44  of the jacket  40 , and wherein the jacket  40  is formed for stabilising and/or sealing the cup  31 .       
 
         [0120]      FIG. 6  shows a schematic side view of a cup  31  according to the invention in a further embodiment, wherein the cup  31  was inserted into a jacket  40 , and wherein an adapter ring  54  and a mixing mechanism  51  (shown here as a part of a lid  50 ) are shown above the cup  31 . The adapter ring  54 , if any, can comprise an internal thread which can be formed in a complementary manner in relation to the outer thread  41  of the jacket  40 . 
         [0121]      FIG. 7  shows a schematic side view of a jacket  40  plus cup  31  in accordance with the invention in a further embodiment. The jacket  40  has a waisted jacket form, which rests at least partly (in some sections) on the wall  36  of the cup  31  in order to thus stabilise the cup. 
         [0122]      FIG. 8A  shows a top view of a jacket  40  of a further embodiment which is preferred.  FIG. 8B  shows a sectional view of the jacket  40  of  FIG. 8A , wherein the jacket  40  at least partly has the same taper as a cup  31  to be accommodated therein, as shown in  FIG. 8E .  FIG. 8C  shows a sectional view of an adapter ring  54  which is formed for use with the jacket  40  of  FIG. 8A . An internal thread  55  can be attached to the interior of the jacket  40  in the region of a first front opening  43 . The adapter ring  54  can comprise a complementary outer thread  56 . 
         [0123]    The complementary threads  55 ,  56  are preferably formed as a partial thread in such a way that fixing of the two elements  40 ,  54  is possible by a small rotation (as in a pickle jar). 
         [0124]    The adapter ring  54  can comprise an outer thread  57  in a throat region  58  in order to connect it to a drive unit  52  or a mixing mechanism  51  and/or lid  50 . 
         [0125]    Instead of complementary threads, all elements of the invention which are to be connected to each other temporarily can also comprise other connecting means (e.g. in form of a bayonet catch or clasp connection or snap-on connection or magnetic connection, or a hydraulic or pneumatic connection). 
         [0126]      FIG. 8E  shows a sectional view of a constellation (assembly)  60 , which comprises an adapter ring according to  FIG. 8C , a jacket  40  according to  FIG. 8A  and a cup  31  (the mixing mechanism  51  is only indicated in the illustration). 
         [0127]      FIG. 9  shows a schematic side view of a cup  31 , together with a jacket  40  in accordance with the invention in a further embodiment, wherein the jacket  40  is formed as a slotted sleeve. 
         [0128]    The jacket  40  can also be formed from two halves (e.g. in form of half-shells) which can be placed around a cup  31 , similar to  FIG. 9 . 
         [0129]    A jacket according to  FIG. 9 , or a jacket  40 , which can be assembled from two halves  49  (as shown schematically by reference to an example in  FIG. 10 ), is especially suitable for automated solutions. A jacket  40  consisting of two parts or halves  49  is preferably adjusted in all embodiments to the exterior shape of the cup  31 . The jacket  40 , which is shown in  FIG. 10  in a purely schematic form, comprises two halves  49 , which jointly have the form of a hollow cylinder. Such a jacket  40  is suitable for a cylindrical cup  31  for example. Such a jacket  40  can also be assembled from parts or halves  49  in such a way that a conical interior space is obtained for a conical cup  31 . 
         [0130]    Fastening means  47  can be arranged on the jacket  40  in all embodiments in the region of the upper edge  48  for example, which fastening means allow connecting the jacket  40  (plus the cup  31 ) temporarily to a drive unit  52  and/or a lid  50  and/or an adapter ring  54 . Three magnets are arranged in  FIG. 9  at the upper edge  48  which are used as fastening means  47 . 
         [0131]      FIG. 11  shows a schematic sectional view of a cup  31  together with a jacket  40  in accordance with the invention in a further embodiment. The cup  31  is represented here merely by a bold circumferential line. In this embodiment, the jacket  40  is composed of an outer cone  70  and a telescopic element  71 . The outer cone  70  and the telescopic element  71  can be assembled in the region  77 . A cup cone  72  is situated in the interior of the cup  31 . The cup cone  72  comprises a truncated cone-shaped section  75  on the one hand which engages in the interior of the cup  31  and whose form is adjusted approximately to the interior shape of the cup  31 . In the illustrated orientation, the cup cone  72  upwardly comprises a throat region  74 . An outer thread  73  is provided in the throat region  74 , which is schematically indicated in  FIG. 11 . The throat region  74  with the outer thread  73  are preferably formed in the same manner as the throat region  58  and the outer thread  57  in  FIGS. 8C and 8D . 
         [0132]    The cup cone  72  preferably has a slightly resilient shape which can be achieved by providing an annularly circumferential gap  76 . The cup cone  72  is pressed against the inner wall of the cup  31  as a result of the slightly resilient shape. 
         [0133]    A lid  50  is shown in a highly simplified form in  FIG. 11  above the cup  31 . The actual mixing mechanism  51  is not shown in  FIG. 11 . Only a shaft  59  is shown which extends from the lid  50  into the interior of the cup  31 . A driver  79 , which is shown in  FIG. 11  in a purely schematic form, can be provided at the upper end of the shaft  59 . An internal thread is provided in the inner region  78  of the lid  50 , which thread is not shown in  FIG. 11  however. The internal thread allows screwing the lid  50  onto the outer thread  73 . 
         [0134]    An assembly  60  is formed by the aforementioned elements. Once the lid  50  was screwed on, the assembly  60  can be turned upside down and, as shown in  FIG. 5E , can be placed on a drive unit  52  in order to initiate the mixing process. A drive connection is produced by the driver  79  after placing the assembly on the drive unit  52 . 
         [0135]    An interlocking connection is preferably provided in all embodiments between the cup cone  72  and the inner wall of the cup  31 . Seals can be provided in all embodiments to improve the sealing so that no mixing material can leak therefrom. 
         [0136]    A resiliently mounted ring (not shown) is preferably provided in all embodiments in the region of the lid  50  and/or in the throat region  74 , which ring is displaced when the lid  50  is screwed on. A start-up safety device can thus be realised, which only permits start-up of the drive when a matching lid  50  was tightly screwed onto the assembly  60  and was inserted correctly in the drive unit  52 . 
         [0137]    The parts of the jacket  40  and the cup  31  are preferably made of transparent plastic in all embodiments, so that the interior  34  of the cup  31  can be inspected during mixing of the mixing material  1 . 
         [0138]    The insertion of an assembly  60 , as shown in  FIG. 11  for example, offers high security against erroneous manipulation on the one hand. On the other hand, the individual elements can easily be cleaned after use, which is highly important in respect of hygiene. The cup  31  (even when it is provided with a thin-walled configuration) is provided with high stability as a result of the special arrangement of a cup  31  in the interior of the jacket  40 , as shown in  FIG. 11  for example. This stability is important because the mixing mechanism rotates in the interior space  34  with high speed in order to achieve good mixing results. 
         [0139]    Webs or ribs can be provided in all embodiments in the interior of the  31  in order to further improve thorough mixing during the mixing process. 
         [0140]    The (two-part or multipart) jacket  40  is practically used as an adapter, which for the first time allows mixing directly in a disposable cup  31 . Such a disposable cup  31  can be offered with a mixing material to be mixed (e.g. with fruit). In order to protect the mixing material, the cup  31  can be provided with a removable or detachable lid. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0141]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Mixing material 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 Stirring staff 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                 Cup 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 Stirring cup 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                 Mixing mechanism 
                 5 
               
               
                   
                 Mixing container 
                 6 
               
               
                   
                 Drive unit 
                 7 
               
               
                   
                 Cap 
                 8 
               
               
                   
                 Lid 
                 9 
               
               
                   
                 Kitchen blending mixer 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 Opening 
                 11 
               
               
                   
                 Thread 
                 12 
               
               
                   
                 Opening 
                 13 
               
               
                   
                 Lid 
                 14 
               
               
                   
                 Standing unit 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 Annular plastic element 
                 16 
               
               
                   
                 Cup unit 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 Cup 
                 31 
               
               
                   
                 Edge/bulge 
                 32 
               
               
                   
                 Foil/lid 
                 33 
               
               
                   
                 Interior space 
                 34 
               
               
                   
                 Upper opening 
                 35 
               
               
                   
                 Wall 
                 36 
               
               
                   
                 Base region 
                 37 
               
               
                   
                 Surrounding cup/jacket 
                 40 
               
               
                   
                 Edge with thread/thread attachment 
                 41 
               
               
                   
                 Circumferential edge 
                 42 
               
               
                   
                 (Access) opening 
                 43 
               
               
                   
                 Interior region 
                 44 
               
               
                   
                 Base area 
                 45 
               
               
                   
                 Wall 
                 46 
               
               
                   
                 Fastening means (e.g. magnets) 
                 47 
               
               
                   
                 Upper edge 
                 48 
               
               
                   
                 Jacket parts/halves 
                 49 
               
               
                   
                 Lid/dancer 
                 50 
               
               
                   
                 Mixing mechanism 
                 51 
               
               
                   
                 Drive unit 
                 52 
               
               
                   
                 Receiving region 
                 53 
               
               
                   
                 Adapter ring 
                 54 
               
               
                   
                 Internal thread 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                 Outer thread 
                 56 
               
               
                   
                 Outer thread 
                 57 
               
               
                   
                 Throat region 
                 58 
               
               
                   
                 Shaft 
                 59 
               
               
                   
                 Assembly 
                 60 
               
               
                   
                 Outer cone 
                 70 
               
               
                   
                 Telescopic element 
                 71 
               
               
                   
                 Cup cone 
                 72 
               
               
                   
                 Outer thread 
                 73 
               
               
                   
                 Throat region 
                 74 
               
               
                   
                 Truncated cone-shaped section 
                 75 
               
               
                   
                 Gap 
                 76 
               
               
                   
                 Region 
                 77 
               
               
                   
                 Inner region 
                 78 
               
               
                   
                 Driver 
                 79 
               
               
                   
                 Device 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                 Table/worktop/surface 
                 T