Container and Stirring Device

Abstract

A combined container and stirring device which can be used with and resembles the shape of known infusion bags is disclosed. The combined container and stirring device comprises a body made of material that is resistant to liquids. The body comprises a lower body and an upper body. A filter bag surrounding a granular, powdered, or liquid product is provided. The filter bag is arranged within a cavity in the lower body. The upper body wraps around the lower body to form a compact shape when the device is in a folded state. The upper body extends upwardly from the lower body to form a handle when the device is in an expanded state.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A combined container and stirring device, comprising:
 a body made of material that is resistant to liquids, the body comprising a lower body and an upper body, and   a filter bag surrounding a granular, powdered, or liquid product, the filter bag being arranged within a cavity in the lower body,   wherein the upper body wraps around the lower body to form a compact shape when the device is in a folded state, and   wherein the upper body extends upwardly from the lower body to form a handle when the device is in an expanded state.   
     
     
         2 . The device as in  claim 1 , wherein the lower body is formed by folding a first lower body section onto a second lower body section along a bottom folding edge, the first lower body section being spaced apart from the second lower body section at a bottom section formed within the folding edge. 
     
     
         3 . The device as in  claim 2 , wherein an upper end of the second lower body section is glued or welded to an upper end of the first lower body section. 
     
     
         4 . The device as in  claim 2 , wherein an upper end of the second lower body section comprises a flap which engages a slot in an upper end of the first lower body section. 
     
     
         5 . The device as in  claim 2 , wherein the bottom folding edge is substantially oval and wherein the bottom section of the lower body is formed inside the substantially oval bottom folding edge. 
     
     
         6 . The device as in  claim 5 , wherein the lower body forms a cavity between the first lower body section, the second lower body section, and the bottom section, the cavity being outwardly accessible through two opposing cutouts, a first cutout being arranged in the first lower body section and a second cutout being arranged in the second lower body section, and wherein the filter bag is arranged within the cavity. 
     
     
         7 . The device as in  claim 1 , wherein the upper body comprises a center section in between two lateral ribs, wherein the center section and the lateral ribs are arranged coplanar when the device is in the folded state and wherein the lateral ribs are folded along longitudinal handle folds when the device is in the expanded state. 
     
     
         8 . The device as in  claim 1 , wherein an upper end of the upper body comprises a flap which engages a slot at an upper end of the lower body when the device is in the folded state. 
     
     
         9 . A combined container and stirring device, the device comprising:
 a lower body having a first lower body section and a second lower body section, the second lower body section being attached around its edge against the first lower body section and at least one of the first lower body section and the second lower body section having a cutout exposing a filter bag; and   a foldable upper body connected to the first lower body and designed so that (i) the upper body is substantially flat in shape to fold over and wrap around the lower body to form a secure compact shape to protect the lower body and (ii) when unfolded from the lower body, the upper body employs folded ribs along the upper body to form a stable handle to permit the device to be used as a stirrer.   
     
     
         10 . The device as in  claim 9 , wherein the cutout is in the second lower body section. 
     
     
         11 . The device as in  claim 9 , wherein the upper body is secured against the first lower body section when folded. 
     
     
         12 . A foldable container device comprising:
 a lower body formed by a first lower body section attached to a second lower body section and having a cutout in at least one of the first lower body section and the second lower body section;   a filter bag positioned within the lower body between the first lower body section and the second lower body section;   a foldable upper body connected to the lower body and designed so that (i) when folded, the upper body is substantially flat in shape, wrapping around lower body, and is secured against one of the lower body sections and (ii) when unfolded from the lower body, the upper body employs folded ribs along the upper body to provide a stable handle that permits the lower body to be stirred in fluid.   
     
     
         13 . The device as in  claim 12 , wherein the cutout is in the second lower body section. 
     
     
         14 . The device as in  claim 12 , wherein the upper body is secured against the first lower body section when folded.