MXPA00011384A - Stoppers for individual beverage containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A stopper (30) for use with an individual beverage container (40) is disclosed. The stopper has a generally tubular side wall (32) with an upper edge and a lower edge. The side wall is dimensioned to fit snugly in the neck (50) of the beverage container with a pressure fit. A bottom (34) extends inwardly from the side wall. A flat upper portion is integrally attached to the bottom and is spaced upwardly from the bottom. An aperture (36) is formed in the bottom or the flat upper portion. In addition, a vent hole (38) is formed in the bottom or the flat upper portion. Preferably the flat upper portion is spaced from the side walls thereby forming a trough therebetween. Preferably the aperture is formed in the bottom and dimensioned to receive a straw (58) snugly therethrough. Preferably the flat upper portion is divided into a first and a second upper portion with a channel therebetween, with the channel being contiguous with the aperture and dimensioned to receive an upper portion of the straw when in a stowed position. In an alternate embodiment the aperture and vent hole are formed between the side wall and the neck of the bottle.

Description

PLUGS FOR INDIVIDUAL DRINK CONTAINERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to plugs for individual beverage containers and in particular to plugs that place a straw in an individual beverage container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Individual beverage containers such as bottles and cartons have been very popular for many years. They provide a container for easy storage and easy to transport for a drink. The individual bottle provides a portion for the user. Similarly, a carton with a side opening can provide a portion for the user. The portion can be compared with a large glass of the drink. Such containers are convenient in a number of applications as they provide a portion of the beverage and consequently a container. Originally after using the bottle it was discarded. More recently these bottles are recyclable. In the same way many of the cardboard type containers can be recycled. Most of the individual juice bottles sold in North America are wide-mouth bottles, that is, the mouth of the bottle is larger than that typically found in an opening bottle by jumping. The drawback of wide-mouth bottles is that drinking in them becomes problematic. Specifically, the wide mouth is generally too wide to put one's mouth completely around it and yet too narrow to allow one to take it as when taking from a cup. Are well known carton-type beverage containers with apex-shaped top. The top closure is formed by folding the upper portion of the sides inward with a fold down the center of the same and by folding the upper front portion and the posterior portion inward until they join and then by gluing the front, back and lateral to form a top closure. These upper portions are traditionally opened by breaking the seal of one half of the upper closure and by folding out the upper portion of one of the sides to form a nozzle. It is often difficult to break the seal in this way by damaging the cardboard around the nozzle. In addition, once the apex shaped top is opened in this way, it can be closed again but not sealed. Also more recently, some beverage containers with an apex-shaped upper part are provided with a side emptying nozzle that is placed on one side of the apex-shaped top. The side emptying nozzle is generally cylindrical and has a flange, a re-sealable threaded neck and an upper portion. Apex-type cartons have the same advantages as single-bottle beverage containers, but similarly they have the same drawbacks in relation to straws. To deal with this problem, the straws are frequently found at the point of purchase. The use of a straw reduces the possibility of accidental spilling while drinking. In addition, young people find it easier and more fun to have a drink when using a straw. Although straws are often available at the point of purchase it is not typically the case, when the beverage is sold in an automatic dispenser. In addition, retailers can run out of straws before running out of drinks. In addition, if the consumer does not drink directly after buying it, the straw may be lost or damaged. In addition, if the consumer does not drink all the drink at that precise moment, if the straw is removed, it may be lost or it may contaminate their other drinks. Some bottles with straws included in them have been suggested. For example, the patent of E.U.A. 2,748,968 issued to Attler on June 5, 1956, the patent of E.U.A. 3, 746,197 issued to Sather on July 17, 1973 and the patent of E.U.A. 2,432,132 issued to Alien on December 9, 1947 each shows a bottle with a straw in it. Each of these has a straw that extends above the mouth of the bottle and a lid that is modified to allow the straw to extend above the mouth of the bottle even when the lid is in position. The straw that is shown in the Alien patent extends out of the mouth of the bottle and then bends around the neck of the bottle. In addition, the Alien patent shows a small straw placed adjacent to the straw and provides a vent. Another bottle of the prior art that has been suggested is the patent of E.U.A. 2,175,735 issued to Banks on October 10, 1939. Banks' patent shows a bottle that includes a plate that is placed in the mouth of the bottle and that keeps such items as a spoon, a fork or a straw. The plate has a flange that extends laterally that rests in the mouth of the bottle or an inner edge of the same. The plate is provided with an opening and a collar or neck to hold the spoon, fork or straw. The plate is not placed safely in the mouth of the bottle but instead rests in the mouth of the bottle. In addition, the lid of the bottle must be modified to accommodate the dish placed in the mouth of the bottle. The patent of E.U.A. 2,052,307 issued to Kennedy on August 25, 1936 shows another beverage container and dispenser of the prior art. The Kennedy patent shows a container that is preferably made of a waxed or waterproof paper. The container includes a pair of long straws that extend through the lid of the container. A pair of small telescopic straws are placed on the lid and each long straw extends through one of the small straws so that it can move freely up and down. Each long straw has a closing lid or a small plug. Another beverage container of the prior art is suggested in the US patent. 3,291,331 issued to Grisham et al. On December 13, 1966. The Grisham et al. Patent shows a flexible straw clip. The straw clip is placed on the neck of the beverage container. The straw clip includes a very flexible bottom portion having the straw positioned therein and an upper portion that fits snugly into the neck of the beverage container. The straw clip has a hidden position where the upper end of the straw lies below the mouth of the beverage container and a position in use where the upper end of the straw extends above the mouth of the beverage container. An object of this invention is that when the beverage container is open the gas pressure will force the straw into the position in use. The patent of E.U.A. 2,844,267 issued for Petriccione on July 22, 1958 shows a combined straw and a bottle cap. The bottle cap includes a package with a straw placed therein, a crown portion with a slot formed therein and a liner. The lid is not mobile or replaceable. Preferably a portion of the liner is separated to provide access to the straw. Another patent of the prior art is shown in the patent of E.U.A. 3,568,870 issued to Elston on March 9, 1971. The Elston patent shows a plastic bottle with a cup placed in the mouth of the same and folded into it. The cup is made of metal sheet or other suitable material that will allow you to fold to the mouth of the bottle. The cup has an opening formed in it to receive a straw. The elongated opening allows the user to pour the contents of the bottle into a receptacle without removing the straw if the user so chooses. Most of these prior art containers have a similar drawback and this means that they are difficult to incorporate into the highly automated bottling process that is generally used today. For example, many of the prior art jars mentioned above require that the lid be modified and this in turn causes the machine that joins the lid to also be modified. Some of the straw clips are not secured to the neck of the bottle and thus will not minimize spillage if the beverage container falls off. Alternatively, some of the straw clips do not have the straw placed securely therein and therefore allow the liquid to filter around the straw if the beverage container falls off. Likewise, it would be convenient to provide a container with a straw placed in it that was quickly accessible and easy to use. In the same way, it would be convenient to provide a container with a stopper in it that minimizes spills while drinking a beverage. In addition, it would be convenient to provide a stopper that does not interfere with the sealing mechanisms of the existing bottles and that could be easily incorporated into the automatic bottling process that is generally used today.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a plug for use with a single beverage container or the like. The plug has a generally tubular side wall with an upper edge and a lower edge. The side wall is sized to fit snugly in the neck of the beverage container with a snap fit. A lower surface extends inwardly from the side wall. A flat upper portion integrally joins the lower surface and separates upwardly from the lower surface. An opening is formed in the lower surface or in the flat upper portion. In addition, a vent can be formed in the lower surface or the flat upper portion. Preferably the flat upper portion is separated from the side walls in this way by forming a conduit therebetween. Preferably the opening is formed in the bottom surface and is dimensioned to receive a straw tightly therebetween. Preferably the flat upper portion is divided into a first and a second upper portion with a channel therebetween, the channel being contiguous with the opening and dimensioned to receive an upper portion of the straw when it is in a hidden position.

In another aspect of the invention a stopper is provided for use with a single beverage container and a straw. The plug has a generally tubular side wall. The side wall has an upper edge and a lower edge and the side wall is dimensioned to fit snugly in the neck of the beverage container with a snap fit. The upper edge of the stopper is usually in a plane. A lower surface extends inwardly from the side wall. An opening is formed in the lower surface and is dimensioned to receive the straw tightly therein. A sleeve contiguous with the opening extends downwardly thereof and is dimensioned to receive the straw tightly therein. A vent can be formed in the lower surface. The plug may include a channel adjacent to the opening for receiving the upper portion of the straw, wherein the channel is generally parallel to, and is separated below, the plane of the upper edge of said side wall. In a further aspect of the invention, a plug is provided for use with a single beverage container or the like. The plug has a generally tubular side wall. The side wall has an upper edge and a lower edge and the side wall is dimensioned to fit snugly in the neck of the beverage container with a snap fit. A lower surface extends inwardly from the side wall. A flat upper portion integrally joins the lower surface and separates upwardly from the lower surface. An opening is formed between the side wall and the beverage container and a vent can be formed between the side part and the beverage container. The straw may be provided within the beverage container with a holder or stopper that holds the straw in the concealed position and the position to ingest the beverage; reduces the risk of accidental spills from the open container either when handled or when the beverage is being ingested; and allows the straw to hide again and allows the container to be recapped for discontinuous use. An adhesive patch can be attached to the straw to move the straw from the hidden position to the position to ingest the drink. A vent on the undersurface of the fastener will allow atmospheric pressure in the container while allowing the beverage that may be present above the fastener to flow back into the container. The straw, the bra and the patch can be presented as a pre-assembled unit, ready to be inserted into the beverage container at the time of filling and covering the container. When it is inserted in the container, the assembly will remain in place in the container by means of a snap fit between the fastener and the inside of the neck of the container. As a modification to the fastener described above, a server is suggested. The server will be provided inside the beverage container, it will be held in place by means of a snap fit between the server and the inside of the neck of the container. The server will assist the procedure for ingesting a beverage by providing a direct and regulated flow of the beverage from the container through an opening to ingest the beverage when it is commonly consumed by a consumer, this is intended to serve as a analogous to a cover with an opening for drinking the beverage and a ventilation hole for being able to serve it in a disposable coffee cup, wherein the beverage is available in the opening for drinking the beverage after tilting the container towards the mouth of the consumer, while providing a good measure of spill resistance from the open beverage container. At the same time, the opening to ingest the drink in the server must be of a size to pt a straw that the consumer can provide, if available, allowing an alternative consumption of the drink through the straw. A feature of this invention is to provide a hygienic mechanism to bring a straw from a hidden position to a position to ingest the beverage with the least contact and with least amount of effort on the part of the consumer. An additional feature of this invention is to provide a mechanism that minimizes spills in the event of an opening by agitated container, while also minimizing the spill related to handling and the act of ingesting a beverage from the container. open container. An additional feature of this invention is to provide a mechanism that allows the straw to return to the hidden position from the position to ingest the drink and vice versa many times, conveniently by the consumer. An additional feature of the invention is to provide means for easily removing the straw from the container if the consumer so wishes. Still a further feature of the invention is to provide a device that is recyclable. Additional features of the invention will be apparent in the course of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by means of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of the present invention placed in a single wide-mouth bottle with an expandable collapsible straw in the same; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the foldable straw of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the cap of the present invention placed in a single wide-mouth bottle with an expandable foldable straw placed therein; Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the plug of Figure 3 showing the straw in the upright position or position to ingest the drink; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of the present invention placed in a single wide-mouth bottle and having a straw folded in the hidden position and showing in imaginary lines the position to ingest the beverage; Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the plug of the present invention and has an alternate sidewall configuration; Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the plug of the present invention having detents to hold a straw in the hidden position; Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of the cap of the present invention showing an alternate channel for a straw; Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a third alternate embodiment of the cap of the present invention showing an alternate channel for a straw; Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention showing an alternate channel for a straw; Figure 11 is a partially separated perspective view of a version of the plug of the present invention placed in an individual bottle with a narrow mouth and having an expandable foldable straw placed therein and shown in a hidden or retracted position; Figure 12 is a partially separated perspective view of the cap of the present invention as shown in Figure 11 with the straw in the position to ingest the beverage. Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a fifth alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a plug adapted to facilitate the action of ingesting a beverage from the bottle without spilling liquid; Fig. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a sixth alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a plug adapted to facilitate the action of ingesting a beverage from the bottle without spilling liquid; Fig. 15 is a partial perspective view of a plug of the present invention showing an alternate embodiment having a barrel-shaped side wall; Figure 16 is a partial perspective view of a plug of the present invention showing a second alternate embodiment having a side wall in the form of a polygon; Fig. 17 is a partial perspective view of a plug of the present invention showing a third alternate embodiment having a side wall in serrated form; Figure 18 is a partial perspective view of a plug of the present invention showing a fourth alternate embodiment having a segmented side wall; Figure 19 is a partial perspective view of a plug of the present invention showing a fifth alternate embodiment having a ring-shaped or stepped side wall; Figure 20 is a partial perspective view of a plug of the present invention showing a sixth alternate embodiment having an inclined sidewall with an outwardly facing flange; Figure 21 is a partial perspective view of a plug of the present invention showing a seventh alternate embodiment having an inclined side wall with an inward flange. Figure 22 is a partial perspective view of a plug of the present invention showing an eighth alternate embodiment having a generally straight side wall with an annular ring; Figure 23 is a partial perspective view of a plug of the present invention showing a ninth alternate embodiment having a textured side wall; Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of a cap of the present invention showing a side nozzle of an apex-type cardboard beverage container with an expandable foldable straw positioned therein; Figure 25 is a perspective view with the separated pieces, amplified from a plug / straw / cardboard assembly of Figure 24; and Figure 26 is a perspective view of a plug of the present invention showing a tenth alternate embodiment having a straw integrally attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings and in particular to Figures 1, 3 and 4, a plug of the present invention is generally shown with the number 30. The plug 30 generally includes a generally tubular side wall 32, a lower surface 34 with an opening 36. and at least one vent hole 38 formed therein. The plug 30 is adapted to fit a single beverage container or bottle 40 as commonly used for juices and the like. Typically, fruit juice bottles are wide-mouth containers made of glass, plastic or other material. These bottles have various shapes and sizes depending on the manufacturer and the distributors. However, many of the bottles with different shapes have necks that have the same dimensions on the inside and the same dimensions on the outside. This may be the case in which bottles of different shape can be adjusted in the same machines for bottling. Also, although only one shape of the bottle is shown in the drawings herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it also applies to all shapes of the bottles. In addition, it will be appreciated that the cap of the present invention will fit into bottles of different shapes having the same neck and throat dimensions. The bottle 40 has an inner volume 42 which is defined by the outer walls 44. The outer walls 44 include side walls 46, a bottom surface 48, a neck 50 and a mouth 52. Typically the inside diameter of the neck 50 is conical or decreasing slightly down from the mouth 52 in a frustoconical shape and then increased to the diameter of the side walls 46. A cover 54 (shown in figure 1) of metal, plastic or other material is attached to the neck 50 to seal the bottle 40 and to cover the mouth 52. Typically the lid 54 is attached to the bottle by a threaded type closure or a pressure type closure. A threaded type closure 56 is shown in Figures 3 and 4. Similarly, a threaded type closure is shown in Figures 11 and 12 where the neck is provided with threads 57 on which the cover can be attached. Alternatively a ring (not shown) is provided on which a lid is attached through a snap fit. A straw 58 can be used in conjunction with the cap of the present invention. Referring to Figure 2, preferably the straw 58 includes an elongated portion 60, a short portion 62 and a corrugated portion 64 therebetween. The corrugated portion 64 permits the extension and compression of the straw 58. Moreover enables flexible handling of the straw and in particular the short portion 62. The short portion 62 is dimensioned so that the straw can have a closed position or hidden as best see Figures 1 and 3. The elongated portion 60 of the straw 58 is dimensioned so as to reach the bottom surface of the bottle 40, as shown in Figure 1. The generally tubular side wall 32 of the plug 30 is adapted to be placed in the neck 50 of the bottle 40 and to fit tightly therein. The side wall 32 may have a number of different configurations to ensure that it fits tightly therein, some of the examples are described below. It is important that the plug 30 have sufficient structural integrity so that once it is placed on the neck 50 of the bottle 40 it does not move easily again. Referring now to Figures 1, 5, 6 and 7 the cap 30 has a generally tubular sidewall 32 having an angle slightly inward to facilitate placement of the cap 30 on the neck 50 of the bottle 40. The cap that shows in figures 1nNE , 5, 6 and 7 is made of a thin material and to provide the plug with sufficient rigidity a pair of ribs or bands 65 are formed therein. Each rib 65 is formed so that a peripheral edge 67 separates inwardly from the side wall 32 and a peripheral duct 66 is formed therebetween. Each rib 65 has an i wall 68 that separates from the i wall of the adjacent rib so that a cha 70 is formed therebetween.

Preferably, the channel 70 has a curved shape so that when the corrugated portion 64 and the short portion 62 of the straw 58 are placed in the plug 30 and are in the hidden position they fit freely therein as shown in Figs. and 3. The lower surface of the duct 66 forms a circular interior surface 71. During the assembly process, a cylindrical pressure tool can be used that rests on the cylindrical interior surface 71. With reference to figures 1 and 5, the plug 30 is designed to withstand some compression forces that will be applied during the assembly process. A fold 149 is formed between the bottom surface 34 and the side wall 32 to insulate the bottom surface 34 of the side wall 32. The fold 149 is an extension of the conduit 66. Therefore when the radial compressive force is applied to the side walls 32 the crease 149 will absorb the force as it deforms or when the side walls are tilted inwardly and thus the bottom surface 34 is less prone to bending. If no crease 149 is formed between the bottom surface 34 and the side wall 32, a radial compression force of sufficient force will cause the bottom surface 34 to bend. With reference to Figures 1 and 6, an opening 36 of the plug 30, in this embodiment, is adapted to receive a straw 58 (not shown in Figure 6). A sleeve 72 extends upwardly from the opening for ingesting the beverage 36 and downwardly from the channel 70 and is positioned near the side wall 32. Preferably the sleeve 72 is as close to the side wall as practical so that when the straw 58 is placed therein, the short portion 62 thereof being as long as possible. The sleeve 72 is adapted to receive the straw 58. The sleeve 72 provides support to the straw 58 once it is placed in the opening 36. The opening 36 in the plug 30 can be a circular hole, an "X" shaped hole. or similar where the straw 58 can be easily inserted between it. The sleeve 72 is adapted to maintain the straw 58 in position during repeated manipulation of the straw 58 from the position in use to the hidden position. The channel 70 is configured so that it generally has a "U" shape between the ribs 65. The ribs 65 add rigidity to the cap 30. The radius 74, best seen in Figure 1, between the sleeve 72 and the channel 70 in the plug 30 reflects the shape of the corrugated portion 64 of the straw 58 when it is bent. The ribs 65, in the opposite lateral opening 36 may have a bent portion, separated from one another, as shown in numeral 61 of Figure 9, or they may be inclined towards the lower surface 34, as shown in number 63 in figure 8, to provide easy access to the upper part of the short portion 62 of the straw 58. In this way the user can easily move the straw 58 from the hidden position to the position to ingest the drink. The vent hole 38 is provided in the plug 30 to allow, after removal of the cap 54, to pass air through the plug 30 and equalize the pressure above and below the plug 30 placed in the bottle 40. This is particularly important with carbonated beverages wherein when opening the lid, the carbon dioxide gas will escape from the interior volume 42 of the container 40 through the ventilation hole 38 rather than coming out through the straw 58. The vent hole 38 should have a size and number sufficient to allow the beverage to drain or flow into the interior volume 42 of the container 40 if the beverage is present above the cap 30. Alternatively, if the fit between the cap 30 and the straw 58 is loose enough to allow some liquid between them but strong enough to keep the straw 58 in position, the vent 38 can be removed. With regard to figure 7, a removal tab 76 can be formed in the side wall 32 of the cap 30 and folded downwardly so as not to interfere with the cap 54 that is placed in the bottle 40. The removal tab 76 provides a mechanism to allow easy removal of plug 30 and straw 58 of bottle 40, if desired by the consumer. The hidden tabs 78, which are shown in Figure 7, can be formed in the ribs 65 of the plug 30 for the purpose of keeping the straw 58 in the hidden position. The hidden tongues 78 are flexible deformable so that under manipulation of the straw 58, it can move from the hidden position to the position in use and vice versa. The upper edge 80 of the side wall 32 of the plug 30 should not have a shape that interferes with the sealing ability of the lid 54. Each rib 65 has a flat portion 82 that will accept a label or mobile patch 84 with adhesive on the part The label 84 is movably attached to the flat portions 82 of the ribs 65. The label 84 may also be attached to the top of the short portion 62 of the straw 58 the hidden position. The tag 84 has a pull tab 86. Thus, when the user pushes the tongue 86, the tag 84 will disengage from the ribs 65 and push the straw 58 from the concealed position to the position in use. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, rather than providing a pull tab 86 the ribs 65 may be provided with slits or holes 85 to provide a place where the user can take the tag 84 and remove it from the ribs 65 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the tag 84 may have things printed thereon in this way providing a number of opportunities in the product market. Advertising or survey type information may also be printed on both sides of the label 84. The adhesive used in the label 84 may be of the type that allows for removal and repositioning. In this way the tag 84 can be used in a variety of promotional campaigns, for example the consumer has to put together a number of tags to decipher a word. The tag 84 will also keep the straw 58 in the hidden position during the automatic assembly process when the plug / straw / label combination is placed in the bottle 40. Referring to FIG. 5, alternatively the plug 30 of the present invention it can be used together with a generally available straight straw 88. The straight straw 88 is made of a material that allows it to twist in a very straight angle configuration and keep it in that position without permanent deformation to its cylindrical nature. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 10, a plug 90 may be made of a thick wall type material such as a plastic foam or the like. The plug 90 functions just like the plug 30 and has similar characteristics. The plug 90 has side walls 92 and a lower surface 94 having an opening 96 formed therein to receive a straw. A sleeve 98 extends downwardly from the opening 96 and is formed by the thick wall material. A channel 100 is contiguous with the aperture 96 and provides a place for an upper portion of a straw. A vent hole 102 is formed in the bottom surface 94. The flat portions 104 are formed of the thick wall material. Figures 11 and 12 show a plug 106 for a straw 108, similar to the straw 58, which is adapted to be used in an opening bottle by regular jaw break 110 with neck 112. The plug 106 is similar to the plug 30 described above. The cap 106 includes a generally tubular side wall 114, an opening 116, a sleeve 118, ventilation holes 120 and a bottom surface 122. A movable pull tag 124 is attached to the upper portion of the straw 108 to push the straw from the compressed position hidden to the position in use. Figures 13 and 14 show plugs of the present invention which are adapted to facilitate the action of ingesting drinks directly from the bottle so that the user does not need to put the entire mouth of the bottle in his mouth before ingesting a drink. Figure 13 shows a thin-walled plug 125 that includes a generally tubular side wall 126, a raised flat portion 128, and an inclined portion 130. An opening 132 is formed in the raised flat portion 128 that is large enough to allow the user to take it from it. A vent hole 134 is formed in the lower end of the inclined portion 130. The vent hole 134 allows air to enter the bottle 40 as the beverage is allowed to exit the opening 132 while also providing means for the drink that may be present in the cap, return to the bottle. The side wall 126 of the cap 125 has the same purpose as the side wall 32 of the cap 30. Similarly, Figure 14 shows a thick-walled plug 136 made of plastic foam or the like. The plug 136 is similar to the plug 125 but is made of a different material. The cap 136 has a side wall 138, a flat portion 140 and an inclined portion 142. A semicircular opening 144 is formed in the side wall 138 to provide an opening for drinking the beverage when the cap 136 is placed in the bottle. A small opening 146 is formed in the side wall 138 adjacent the lower end of the inclined portion 142 to provide a ventilation function when the cap 136 is placed in a bottle. Plugs 125 and 136 are adapted to ingest beverages through an opening 132 and portion 144. These are sized and formed to allow a satisfactory flow of beverage to the user and, alternatively, are able to accept through the opening to ingest the drink, a straw or straws provided by the user, thus allowing the consumption of the beverage through the straws with the stopper still in place inside the neck of the container. The plug of the present invention may have a number of different sidewall configurations. Many of the configurations are shown in Figures 15 to 23. Each configuration is such that the cap can be placed on the bottle 40 with a frictional fit under pressure. Each sidewall configuration incorporates some flexibility so that the plug can be placed on the collars within a predetermined tolerance scale. Fig. 15 shows a barrel-shaped side wall 150. Fig. 16 shows a polygon side wall 152. Fig. 17 shows a toothed side wall 154. Fig. 18 shows a segmented side wall 156. Fig. 19 shows a stepped side wall 158. FIG. 20 shows an inclined side wall with outward flange 160. FIG. 21 shows an inclined side wall with inward flange 162. FIG. 22 shows a side wall which is a generally side wall. straight 164 with an annular ring or a sliding edge 166 formed therein. The annular ring 166 can be placed on the lower edge of the side wall, for draining the beverage from inside the neck 50 of a container 40 during the automatic assembly of the cap / straw / label on the bottle 40. Figure 23 shows a wall side that has a textured surface 168. The textured surface 168 will allow the cap to be attached to the neck of the bottle even if during the bottling process the inside surface of the bottle is "wet" since the textured surface will provide a path for it to flow the liquid in the inner volume 42. Referring to Figure 26, as a further alternative, the plug 190 and straw 192 can be integrally joined as generally shown in numeral 194. Similar to the previous plugs the unitary plug / fastener 194 will have a snap fit and in this way may have the characteristics of one of the plugs described above. In addition, as described above, the straw 192 can be manufactured with or without corrugations as chosen by the manufacturer. The straw 192 can be flexible so that if in the installation the straw touches the bottom surface of the bottle, the straw is flexed so that the plug / holder 194 can still be firmly adjusted in the bottle. The straw 192 has a beveled end 196 to minimize the possibility that the user sucks the straw so that it sticks to the bottom surface of the bottle and liquid can not enter it. Preferably the plug 30 of the present invention is manufactured by means of injection molding. There are a number of characteristics of the plug 30 that make it adaptable to an injection molding process. Particularly the plug 30 has a uniform wall thickness and a thin wall design. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the side wall 32 and the alternate side walls shown in the drawings form a slightly inward angle from the upper edge to the lower edge. The side walls having an angle allow the plug to be easily released from the mold in the injection molding process. Uniform wall thickness makes molding easier in the injection molding process. The thin wall design keeps the cost of the material as low as possible. In addition the thin wall design keeps the manufacturing cost low since it only requires a short cycle time. An alternate use for the cap of the present invention is shown in Fig. 24 and 25 wherein a plug 170 is placed in a cardboard apex-shaped top 172. The plug 170 includes most of the features described above with relation to the plug 30. In addition the different side wall configurations described above will be applied in the same way to the plug 170. The plug 170 is placed in a neck or side dump nozzle 174. A straw 184 is placed in the plug 170. A label or patch 186 is used to hold the straw 184 in place and to seal the neck 174. The neck or side discharge nozzle 174 is generally cylindrical and has a flange 176, a threaded neck 178 and an upper portion 180. The flange 176 it is attached to a portion in the form of inclined apex 182 of the cardboard 172. As can be seen in figures 24 and 25, the plug 170 is not aligned coaxially in the cardboard 172 and therefore the po pot 184 placed therein is not aligned coaxially. To allow the user to easily remove the straw around the bottom surface of the cardboard sleeve 72 of the plug 30m, it is removed or modified. Referring to Figure 25, the plug 170 is placed on the neck 174. The straw 184 is placed on the plug 170. The patch 186 is attached to the plug 170 or the neck 174. The assembly of the plug 170, the straw 184 and the patch 186 on the neck 174 may occur either before or after the collar 174 attaches to the cardboard 172. The plug 170 may be placed in any rotary attitude, with the conduit 188 being horizontal, as in Figures 24 and 25 or inclined, with the hole in the straw 190 either close to the upper or lower edge of the neck 174. The label or patch 186 will be attached to the neck collar 174 to provide a seal. In general, at present, the apex-shaped top cartons with collars have a similar type of seal. It will be appreciated that the above description relates to one embodiment only by way of example. Many variations in the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described herein whether or not they are expressly described.

Claims (32)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A plug for use with an individual beverage container having a neck comprising a generally tubular side wall (32) having an upper edge and a lower edge and the side wall dimensioned to fit snugly in the neck (50) ) of the beverage container with a snap fit and a bottom surface (34) extends inwardly from the side wall (32) characterized by: a flat upper portion (82) integrally attached to the bottom surface (34) and spaced apart up from the bottom surface (34), and an opening (36) formed in the bottom surface (34) and sized to receive a straw (58) tightly therebetween, the flat top portion is divided into a first and a second one upper portion (65) with a channel (70) therebetween, the channel (70) being contiguous with the opening (36) and sized to receive an upper portion (62, 88) of the straw (58) when it is in a hidden position.

2. The plug according to claim 1, further characterized in that it includes a ventilation hole (38) formed in one of the lower surfaces (34) and the upper flat portion (82).

3. The plug according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the channel (70) has tabs (78) formed therein to retain the straw (58) in the hidden position.

4. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it includes a label (84) releasably attached to the flat upper portion (82).

5. The plug according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the flat upper portion (82) is separated from the side walls (72) in this way formed a conduit (66) between them.

6. The plug according to claim 5, further characterized in that the side wall has a barrel shape (150).

7. The plug according to claim 5, further characterized in that the top view of the side wall has a polygon shape (152).

8. The cap according to claim 5, further characterized in that the side wall has a serrated shape (154).

9. The plug according to claim 5, further characterized in that the side wall is segmented (156).

10. The cap according to claim 5, further characterized in that the side wall has a stepped shape (158).

11. - The stopper according to claim 5, further characterized in that the side wall has an outwardly curved shape (160).

12. The plug according to claim 5, further characterized in that the side wall has a shape with inward flange (162).

13. The cap according to claim 5, further characterized in that the side wall has an annular ring (166) that extends outwardly thereof.

14. The cap according to claim 5, further characterized in that the side wall has a textured exterior surface (168).

15. The cap according to any of claims 5-14, further characterized in that each side wall (32), the bottom surface (34), the first and second top portion (65), the duct (66) and the channel (70) all have thin walls.

16. The plug according to claim 15, further characterized in that the side wall (32), the bottom surface (34), the first and second top portion (65), the duct (66) and the channel (70) all have generally the same wall thickness.

17. The cap according to any of claims 5-16, further characterized in that the side wall (32) has a slightly inward angle from the upper edge to the lower edge.

18. - The plug according to any of claims 5-17, further characterized in that the conduit (66) has an inner cylindrical bottom surface.

19. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it includes a sleeve (72) adjacent to the opening (36) and extending down the same dimensioned to receive a straw (58) tightly in the same.

20. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized by including a straw (58) that is inserted into the opening (36) and fits tightly therein.

21. The cap according to any of claims 1-19, further characterized in that it includes a straw that extends through the opening (36) and is integrally attached to the cap.

22. The plug according to claim 20 or 21, further characterized in that the straw (58) has a bevelled lower end (196).

23. The cap for use with an individual beverage container having a neck and a straw (58) having an upper portion and a lower portion, the cap comprises a generally tubular side wall (32) having an upper edge and a lower edge and the side wall is dimensioned to fit snugly in the neck of the beverage container with a snap fit and wherein the top edge is generally a flat one and a bottom surface (34) extending inwardly from the side wall (32) characterized by: an opening (36) formed in the lower surface dimensioned to receive the straw (58) tightly therein; a sleeve (72) contiguous with the opening (36) and extending downwards from the same dimension to receive a straw (58) tightly therein; and a channel (70) contiguous with the opening (36) to receive the upper portion (62) of the straw (58) when it is in the hidden position. 24.- The cap according to claim 23, further characterized in that it includes a ventilation hole (38) formed in the lower surface (34) and the flat upper portion. 25. The cap according to claim 23 or 24, further characterized in that the channel (70) is generally parallel to, and is separated below the plane of the upper edge of the side wall (32). 26. The cap according to any of claims 23-25, further characterized in that it includes a straw (58) integrally attached to the cap. 27. The cap according to any of claims 20, 21, 22 or 26 further characterized in that the straw (58) has a corrugated portion (64) separated from an upper end. 28.- The cap for use with an individual beverage container having a neck comprising: a generally tubular side wall (138) having an upper edge and a lower edge and the side wall is sized to fit tightly in the beverage container neck with snap fit; a lower surface extending inward from the side wall; a flat upper portion (140) integrally joined to the bottom surface and spaced upwardly from the bottom surface; and an opening (144) formed between the side wall (138) and the beverage container. 29. The cap according to claim 28, further characterized in that it includes a ventilation hole (146) formed between the side wall (138) and the beverage container. 30. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the individual beverage container is an apex-type cardboard (172) with a side emptying nozzle. 31.- The cap according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the individual beverage container is a single wide-mouth bottle. 32. The stopper according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the individual beverage container is a single long-neck narrow-mouth drink container.