CN117241710A

CN117241710A - Straw and package

Info

Publication number: CN117241710A
Application number: CN202280030598.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 朱利奥·贝尔塔尼; 彼得罗·马提尼
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2021-06-24
Filing date: 2022-06-20
Publication date: 2023-12-15
Also published as: BR112023021061A2; EP4108140A1; MX2023010885A; US20240251978A1; JP2024529188A; WO2022268683A1

Abstract

A straw (3) for a package (1) filled with a pourable food product is described. The drinking straw (3) is configured to be at least partially inserted into the package body (2) of the package (1). The suction tube (3) comprises a tubular body (15) comprising a coupling portion (16) extending along a central axis (B); and a sleeve (17) fitted to the coupling portion (16) of the tubular body (15) and surrounding at least the coupling portion (16) of the tubular body (15). The sleeve (17) comprises an abutment portion (25), the abutment portion (25) being configured to abut on an inner surface of the packaging body (2) after partial insertion of the straw (3) into the packaging body (2) and during movement of the straw (3) out of the packaging body (2) for preventing and/or blocking and/or impeding removal and separation of the straw (3) from the packaging body (2). The abutment portion (25) has a frustoconical shape.

Description

Straw and package

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a straw for packaging filled with pourable food products.

The invention also relates to a package having a package body filled with a pourable food product and a straw.

Background

It is well known that many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material.

A typical example is a parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food products, called Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure comprising a carton and/or a paper base layer covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, such as polyethylene. For aseptic packages of long-storage products, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, such as aluminium foil, which is superimposed on one layer of heat-seal plastic material and in turn is covered by another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner surface of the package eventually contacting the food product.

Packages comprising a package body formed of a multilayer packaging material and a straw are known. These packages are particularly useful for consumption in mobility.

The main package includes a main opening configured to allow insertion of a straw into the main package. The package body further comprises a separation membrane covering the main opening for separating the interior space of the package body from the external environment, and the separation membrane is configured to be pierced by the straw to allow the straw to be guided through the main opening and inserted into the package, and subsequently the pourable food product to be extracted through the straw.

Each straw is typically attached to a respective package body within a closed plastic envelope. Prior to use, the consumer removes the respective straw from the envelope and introduces the straw into the package by piercing the separation membrane.

A disadvantage of these packages is that the straw may be thrown randomly from the package body, independently, voluntarily or involuntarily, after the pourable food product has been completely or partially consumed.

The applicant's document EP-a-3692866 solves such a problem by providing a suction tube having a main tubular body and a sleeve mounted on the main tubular body. The straw includes a tip configured to pierce the separation membrane. The tip is formed by both the main tubular body and the sleeve.

Further, the sleeve is provided with an abutment portion configured to allow insertion of the straw into the package body, but to ensure abutment against the inner surface of the package body during an attempt to remove the straw, thereby impeding removal of the straw.

According to the teaching of EP-a-3692866 the abutment can be realized as a thickening or by means of a palm tree structure.

A disadvantage of the described drinking straws is that the production of such drinking straws is limited when it is desired to further accelerate the production of such drinking straws.

Accordingly, it is desirable in the art to improve the known pipettes so that their production can be achieved in a manner that is easier and faster than the methods known in the art.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved drinking straw which solves the above-mentioned drawbacks in a simple and low cost manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved package which solves the above mentioned drawbacks in a straightforward and low-cost manner.

According to the present invention there is provided a straw according to the independent claim.

Further advantageous embodiments of the suction tube are specified in the claims depending on the independent claim.

Further, a package according to any one of claims 12 to 15 is provided.

Drawings

Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package having a package body and a straw according to the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity;

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a detail of the package of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity, prior to insertion of the straw portion into the package body;

FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a detail of the package assembly of FIG. 1 after insertion of the straw into the package body, with some parts removed for clarity; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective and partial cross-sectional view of a detail of the straw of FIG. 1, with some components removed for clarity.

Detailed Description

Reference numeral 1 generally designates a package having a package body 2, in particular a package body formed of a multi-layer package material, and a drinking straw 3. In particular, the package 1 is suitable for consumption in movement.

The package 1 may also comprise an envelope or pocket for containing the straw 3 prior to use. Preferably, the envelope or pocket may be provided on the packaging body 2 and/or fixed to the packaging body 2.

Furthermore, the packaging body 2 may be filled with a pourable food product, such as water, milk, a milk-based beverage, a yoghurt beverage, a coffee-based beverage, fruit juice, a pulp-containing beverage or other beverage.

The package body 2 may be obtained from a multi-layered packaging material. In particular, the multilayer packaging material may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, such as polyethylene, interposed between each other.

In addition, the multilayer packaging material may also comprise layers of gas and light barrier material, such as aluminium foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the multi-layered packaging material may further comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the layer of gas and light barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

With particular reference to fig. 1, the packaging body 2 may extend along a central (longitudinal) axis a.

In particular, the package 2 may comprise a first wall 4, the first wall 4 being in particular transverse, even more in particular perpendicular, to the central axis a, along which axis a the package body 2 extends from the first wall 4. Preferably, the first wall 4 may define a support surface of the package 2, which may be in contact with a support (e.g. a stand) when in use, e.g. exposed in a point of sale, placed in a storage compartment, placed in a refrigerator or the like. In particular, the first wall 4 may define a bottom wall when arranged on the support and/or during consumption of the pourable food product from the packaging body 2 by a consumer at the time of use.

Furthermore, the packaging body 2 may further comprise a side wall 5, the side wall 5 being (fixedly) connected to the first wall 4 and extending from the first wall 4, in particular substantially parallel to the central axis a.

In addition, the packaging body 2 may also comprise a second wall 6 opposite the first wall 4 and (fixedly) connected to the side wall 5. In other words, the side wall 5 may be interposed between the first wall 4 and the second wall 5. In particular, the second wall 6 may define a top wall when arranged on the support and/or during consumption of the pourable food product from the packaging body 2 by a consumer at the time of use.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the first wall 4 and the second wall 6 may be parallel to each other.

Alternatively, the first wall 4 and the second wall 6 may be inclined with respect to each other. For example. The second wall 6 may define a sloping roof (inclined-top) or a gable-top.

Furthermore, the packaging body 2 may comprise an inner space 7 for containing the pourable product, in particular an inner space 7 defined by the first wall 4, the side wall 5 and the second wall 6.

With particular reference to fig. 1 and 2a, the packaging body 2 may comprise a main opening allowing the insertion and/or introduction of the straw 3 into the packaging body 2.

Furthermore, the packaging body 2 may also comprise a separation membrane 8 covering the main opening and configured to be pierced (equivalently ruptured and/or opened and/or cut), in particular by the straw 3, so as to allow the insertion of the straw 3 (through the main opening) into the internal space 7. In particular, the separation membrane 8 may separate the inner space 7 containing the pourable food product from the external environment before losing its integrity. In this way, the pourable food product is protected from the external environment. Preferably, the separation membrane 8 may comprise a gas and light barrier material, for example, aluminum foil or a film comprising ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the separation membrane 8 may be defined by a portion of the multilayer packaging material, in particular by a portion of the layers of the multilayer packaging material different from the layers of fibrous material.

The primary opening may be defined by a corresponding hole in the fibrous material layer of the multi-layer packaging material.

The main opening and thus the separation membrane 8 may have a circular shape.

Preferably, the main opening and thus the separation membrane 8 may be provided on the second wall 6.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the extension of the main opening is delimited by the edge of the main opening itself. In particular, the edge has a circular shape.

According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the main opening may have a lateral (cross-sectional) extension d1. In particular, the transversal extension d1 is determined with respect to the central axis a. Even more particularly, the lateral extension d1 may be determined and/or measured taking into account the edges delimiting the main opening. According to the non-limiting embodiment disclosed in fig. 1 to 2b, the lateral extension d1 corresponds to the diameter of the main opening.

With particular reference to figures 1 to 3, the suction tube 3 comprises at least:

-an internal flow channel 12 for pourable food products;

an inlet opening 13 allowing the pourable food product to enter the straw 3 and the internal flow channel 12; and

an outlet opening 14 allowing the pourable food product to flow out of the straw 3 and the internal flow channel 12.

In particular, the internal flow channel 12 may extend between an inlet opening 13 and an outlet opening 14.

Furthermore, the inlet opening 13 and the outlet opening 14 may be arranged at opposite ends of the suction pipe 3.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the inlet opening 13 is configured to allow the introduction of a pourable food product into the straw 3, and in particular, the outlet opening 14 is configured to allow the outflow of the pourable food product from the straw 3 (i.e. in use, a consumer receives the pourable food product through the outlet opening 14).

Preferably, the straw 3 comprises or consists of a polymer and/or a fibrous material.

More specifically, the suction pipe 3 includes:

a tubular body 15 comprising a coupling portion 16 extending along a central axis B; and

a sleeve 17, which extends in particular along the central axis C (parallel to the central axis B, in particular coaxial), is fitted at least on the coupling portion 16 and surrounds at least the coupling portion 16.

Preferably, the tubular body 15 and the sleeve 17 are made of plastic or fiber-based material.

More specifically, the tubular body 15 and the sleeve 17 may define the internal flow passage 12.

In more detail, the tubular body 15 may comprise:

a suction nozzle 18 having and/or carrying an outlet opening 14; and

a tubular main portion 19 connected to the coupling portion 16 and interposed between the coupling portion 16 and the suction nozzle 18.

In particular, the suction nozzle 18 may define a first end of the tubular body 15, and in particular also a first end of the suction tube 3. The first end may have an outlet opening 14.

The suction nozzle 18 may have a hollow cylindrical shape.

In addition, the tubular body 15 may also include a second end (fluidly) opposite the first end. In particular, the coupling portion 16 may comprise a second end of the tubular body 15.

Furthermore, the tubular body 15 may also comprise a bellows 20, which bellows 20 is interposed between the suction nozzle 18 and the tubular main part 19, in particular also connected to the suction nozzle 18 and the tubular main part 19.

Preferably, the bellows 20 may be configured to allow relative movement between the suction nozzle 18 and the tubular main portion 19. In particular, the bellows 20 may allow the consumer to arrange the suction nozzle 18 according to the consumer's needs and/or preferences. In other words, the bellows 20 may allow the suction nozzle 18 to tilt relative to the tubular main portion 19.

Preferably, both the tubular main portion 19 and the coupling portion 16 may extend along the central axis B.

In more detail, the tubular main portion 19 and the coupling portion 16 may present a respective hollow cylindrical shape, in particular with a respective circular cross-sectional profile with respect to a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis B. In particular, the respective circular cross-sectional profiles are equal to each other.

Preferably, the tubular body 15, in particular the coupling portion 16, the tubular main portion 19, the suction nozzle 18 and the bellows 20, may be formed as a single piece.

Furthermore, the straw 3 may comprise a tip portion 21 configured to pierce the separation membrane 8 in use, in particular by a consumer arranging the tip portion 21 on the separation membrane 8 (see fig. 2 a) and applying a force to the straw 3 for guiding the straw 3 partly through the separation membrane 8 and into the inner space 7 (see fig. 2 b), in particular towards the first wall 4.

The tip portion 20 may be wedge-shaped.

Preferably, the sleeve 17 may comprise an end portion having the inlet opening 13. In particular, the end portion may have and/or define a tip portion 21.

More specifically, the coupling portion 16 does not include the inlet opening 13 (and the tip portion 21). In other words, the coupling portion 16 is spaced apart from the inlet opening 13 (and the tip portion 21).

Even in other words, the coupling portion 16 does not extend through the entire sleeve 17.

Preferably, the end portion (and/or the tip portion 21) may define a first portion 22 of the internal flow channel 12, the coupling portion 16 may define a second portion 23 of the internal flow channel 12, and the tubular main portion 19 may define a third portion 24 of the internal flow channel 12. In particular, the first portion 22, the second portion 23 and the third portion 24 are different from each other.

Referring to fig. 1-3, sleeve 17 comprises an abutment portion 25, abutment portion 25 being configured to allow partial insertion of straw 3 (by passing through the main opening) into packaging body 2 and/or interior space 7, and to prevent and/or block and/or hinder removal and/or separation of straw 3 from packaging body 2 after partial insertion of straw 3 into packaging body 2.

In particular, during partial insertion of the straw 3, at least the sleeve 17 and the coupling part 16 enter the packaging body 2 and the inner space 7. Furthermore, at least a part of the tubular body portion 19 may also enter the packaging body 2 and the inner space 7. In particular, the extension of the cross section of the tubular main portion 19 present in the inner space 7 may vary.

In more detail, the sleeve 17 together with the coupling portion 16 is configured to be inserted into the package body 2 through the main opening so as to pierce the separation membrane 8.

In particular, the sleeve 17 may be configured to form, during partial insertion of the drinking straw 3 into the packaging body 2, a hole in the packaging body 2 and/or the separation membrane 8, the hole having a size (substantially) corresponding to the transversal extension d1 of the main opening.

In more detail, the abutment portion 25 is configured to abut on an inner surface (in particular the second wall 6) of the packaging body 2 during removal of the partially inserted drinking straw 3 (in particular at least the sleeve 17 and the coupling portion 16) from the packaging body 2, for preventing and/or blocking and/or impeding the separation and/or removal of the drinking straw 3 from the packaging body 2.

In particular, the sleeve 17 as a whole and the abutment portion 25 are configured to pass through the main opening during insertion of the straw 3 into the packaging body 2, and the abutment portion 25 is further configured to prevent and/or block and/or hinder extraction of the sleeve 17 and the straw 3 from the packaging body 2.

More specifically, the abutment portion 25 may be configured to abut against the inner surface of the packaging body 2 in the region of the main opening (in particular at the main opening), in particular at the edge delimiting the main opening.

In more detail, in use, during insertion of the drinking straw 3 into the packaging body 2, the sleeve 17 is moved along a first direction D1 transverse to the separating membrane 8 and/or the main opening and/or the first wall 4 and/or the second wall 6. Ideally, after consuming the pourable food product present in the packaging body 2 completely or partially, the consumer will dispose of the packaging body 2 together with the straw 3 without attempting to remove the straw 3 from the packaging body 2. In non-ideal situations, the abutment portion 25 will limit the possible extraction by the consumer trying to remove and/or separate the straw 3 from the packaging body 2 by moving the straw 3 in a second direction D2, opposite to the first direction D1, and moving the packaging body 2 out, because the abutment portion 25 abuts against the inner surface of the packaging body 2 when the straw 3 is extracted to some extent.

It should be noted that the sleeve 17 is fitted to the coupling portion 16 in a non-detachable manner. In this way it is ensured that the tubular body 15 is not separated from the sleeve 17.

Preferably, the sleeve 17 can be non-detachably fitted to the coupling portion by mechanical friction, gluing, (solvent) bonding, welding (e.g. ultrasonic, hot plate or laser welding), mechanical deformation (e.g. cold forming or thermoforming (infrared heating, induction heating, heated gas flow)).

In more detail, the sleeve 17 may include an engagement portion 26, the engagement portion 26 fitting to and surrounding the coupling portion 16. In particular, the inner surface of the engagement portion 26 fits over and is secured to the outer surface of the coupling portion 16. In particular, the engagement portion 26 may have a hollow cylindrical shape.

Preferably, the abutment portion 25 may be connected to the engagement portion 26 and in particular extend from a first terminal end portion of the engagement portion 26.

In addition, an end portion of the sleeve 17, in particular the tip portion 21, may also be connected to the engagement portion 26, and in particular may extend from a second terminal portion of the engagement portion 26 opposite the first terminal portion.

In other words, the engagement portion 26 may be interposed between the abutment portion 25 and the end portion of the sleeve 17.

Preferably, the end portion, in particular the tip portion 21, does not contact the coupling portion 16 and/or does not fit onto the coupling portion 16.

In other words, the coupling portion 16 may be surrounded only by the engaging portion 26, not by the end portion of the sleeve 17.

Moreover, a second end of the tubular body 15, in particular of the coupling portion 16, may be interposed between the abutment portion 25 and the inlet opening 13.

In more detail, the abutment portion 25 may comprise an abutment profile 27, the abutment profile 27 being configured to abut against an inner surface of the package body 2. In particular, the abutment profile 27 faces away from the engagement portion 26. The abutment profile 27 may have a substantially circular shape.

More specifically, the abutment portion 25 can further comprise an interface portion 28 connected to the engagement portion 26 and opposite the abutment profile 27. The interface portion 28 may also have a substantially circular shape with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the abutment profile 27.

In particular, the abutment profile 27 is axially further from the inlet opening 13 than the interface portion 28.

Referring to fig. 1-3, the abutment portion 25 has a frustoconical shape (frustoconical shape), particularly a tapered frustoconical shape. In the following of the present disclosure, we will refer to the frustoconical (i.e. truncated cone (truncated conical)) shape as "cone-shape" for the sake of brevity. This shape is advantageous in that, on the one hand, it allows the straw 3 to be partly inserted into the packaging body 2 together with the sleeve 17, thereby blocking the straw 3 in an inseparable manner within the packaging body 2, and, on the other hand, the sleeve 17 with such a conical abutment 25 can be manufactured easily and quickly.

In particular, such a sleeve 17 may be formed from a tubular precursor (e.g. a cylindrical (plastic and/or fiber based) tube), in particular a tubular precursor having a hollow cylindrical shape. At least one end of the tubular precursor may then be shaped to obtain a tapered shape at that end.

Then, the coupling portion 16 may be inserted into the formed sleeve 17, and the sleeve 17 may be fitted onto the coupling portion 16.

Preferably, at least some of the portions other than the tapered/frustoconical end of the tubular precursor may also be widened to facilitate insertion of the coupling portion 16. Subsequently, the shaped and widened tubular precursor (sleeve 17) may be mounted on the coupling portion 16, for example by means of heat shrinkage, adhesion, welding, etc.

Advantageously, the tubular precursor and the tubular body 15 can be obtained by cutting the main tube so as to separate the tubular body 15 from the tubular precursor, which is then formed into the sleeve 17.

More specifically, the tapered abutment portion 25 may be obtained by inserting a tapered tool having a heated tapered/frustoconical portion into the tubular precursor. The tapered portion defines the shape of the abutment portion 25.

In this way, for example, the need to provide thickening or to provide a single palm leaf (e.g. obtained by incision) is avoided.

By having an abutment portion 25 with a frustoconical shape, it is ensured that the abutment portion 25 deflects in a controlled manner during insertion of the drinking straw 3 into the package body 2.

Preferably, the abutment portion 25 may be separate from a portion of the tubular main portion 19 and may surround a portion of the tubular main portion 19, in particular the portion connected to the coupling portion 16.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the abutment portion 25 may taper from the abutment profile 27 towards the engagement portion 26 and/or the interface portion 28.

In other words, at a first end of the abutment portion 25 having the abutment profile 27, the cross-sectional outer extension d2 (with respect to a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C) of the abutment portion 25 is greater than a second lateral outer extension (with respect to a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C) of the abutment portion 25 at a second end of the abutment portion 25, opposite to the first end of the abutment portion 25, and having the interface portion 28.

Preferably, the second cross-sectional outer extension is (substantially) equal to the (maximum) outer lateral extension d3 of the engagement portion 26. In particular, the outer lateral extension d3 is determined with respect to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the central axis C.

In other words, the cross-sectional outer extension d2 is greater than the outer lateral extension d3.

Preferably, the cross-sectional extension d2 may define a maximum cross-sectional extension d2 of the abutment portion 25.

In particular, the cross-sectional extension d2 may be larger than the (maximum) lateral extension d1 of the main opening.

Furthermore, the abutment portion 25 may extend from the engagement portion 26 such that the interface portion 28 may be radially closer to the longitudinal axis C than the abutment profile 27.

In particular, the abutment portion 25 may contact the coupling portion 16 only at the interface portion 28.

Preferably, the wall thickness of the engagement portion 26 may be (substantially) equal to (or (slightly) greater than) the wall thickness of the abutment portion 25.

In addition, the wall thickness of the end and/or tip portion 21 of the sleeve 17 may also be (substantially) equal to (or (slightly) greater than) the wall thickness of the abutment portion 25. In other words, the sleeve 17 may have a single wall thickness.

In use, during insertion and/or introduction of the drinking straw 3, in particular at least the sleeve 17 and the coupling part 16, into the packaging body 2 and through the main opening (i.e. movement of the drinking straw 3 in the direction D1), the consumer has to exert a force sufficient to overcome the resistance force due to the need for the abutment part 25 to pass through the main opening. In particular, the frustoconical abutment 25 facilitates the overall passage of the sleeve 17.

Then, when the drinking straw 3, in particular the sleeve 17, is moved out of the packaging body 2 (i.e. in direction D2), at some point the abutment portion 25 abuts the inner surface of the packaging body 2. In particular, the abutment portion 25 cannot be guided out of the packaging body 2 through the main opening.

The advantages of the drinking straw 3 and/or the package 1 according to the invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, the drinking straw 3 with the sleeve 17 cannot be thrown away from the packaging body 2 independently after use.

Furthermore, the pipette 3 can be produced easily and quickly. This is because the abutment portion 25 of the sleeve 17 can be easily and quickly formed and shaped.

It is clear that modifications may be made to the drinking straw 3 and/or to the package 1 as described herein, without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A straw (3) for a package (1) filled with a pourable food product;

the straw (3) is configured to be at least partially inserted into a package body (2) of the package (1);

the suction pipe (3) comprises:

a tubular body (15) comprising a coupling portion (16) extending along a central axis (B); and

-a sleeve (17) fitted at least on said coupling portion (16) of said tubular body (15) and surrounding at least said coupling portion (16);

wherein the sleeve (17) comprises an abutment portion (25), the abutment portion (25) being configured to abut on an inner surface of the packaging body (2) after partial insertion of the straw (3) into the packaging body (2) and upon removal of the straw (3) from the packaging body (2) for preventing and/or blocking and/or impeding removal and separation of the straw (3) from the packaging body (2);

wherein the abutment portion (25) has a frustoconical shape.

2. A straw according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve (17) comprises an end portion (21) having an inlet opening (13), the inlet opening (13) being configured to allow the introduction of the pourable food product into the straw (3).

3. A straw according to claim 2, wherein the tubular body (15) comprises a first end (18) and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end having an outlet opening (14), the outlet opening (14) being configured to allow the pourable food product to flow out of the straw (3);

wherein the second end is interposed between the abutment portion (25) and the inlet opening (13).

4. A suction tube according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the coupling portion (16) is spaced apart from the inlet opening (13).

5. A suction tube according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (17) comprises an engagement portion (26) fitted to the coupling portion (16) and surrounding the coupling portion (16).

6. A drinking straw according to claim 5, wherein the abutment portion (25) comprises an abutment profile (27) configured to abut on the inner surface of the packaging body (2).

Wherein the abutment portion (25) is connected to the engagement portion (26);

wherein the abutment portion (25) tapers from the abutment profile (27) towards the engagement portion (26).

7. A straw according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the sleeve (17) comprises an end portion (21) having an inlet opening (13), the inlet opening (13) being configured to allow the introduction of the pourable food product into the straw (3);

wherein the engagement portion (26) is interposed between the abutment portion (25) and the end portion (21).

8. A suction tube according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the end portion (17) extends from the engagement portion (26) and does not contact and/or fit onto the coupling portion (16).

9. A suction tube according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the engagement portion (26) has an outer lateral extension (d 3) smaller than an outer cross-sectional extension (d 2) of the abutment portion (25).

10. A suction tube according to any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the wall thickness of the engagement portion (26) is substantially equal to the wall thickness of the abutment portion (25).

11. A suction tube according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the abutment portion (25) is obtained by inserting a tapering tool with a heated tapering portion into the tubular precursor;

wherein the tapered portion is configured to form and define the abutment portion (25).

12. Package (1) comprising a package body (2) filled with a pourable food product and a straw (3) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The package according to claim 12, wherein the package body (2) comprises a main opening allowing the introduction of the straw (3) into the package body (2);

wherein the abutment portion (25) is configured to abut a portion of the inner surface at an edge defining the main opening.

14. The package according to claim 13, wherein the largest cross-sectional extension (d 2) of the abutment portion (25) is larger than the largest lateral extension (d 1) of the main opening.

15. The package according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the package body (2) comprises a pierceable separation membrane covering the main opening;

wherein the sleeve (17) comprises an end portion (17) having an inlet opening (13), the inlet opening (13) being configured to allow the introduction of the pourable food product into the straw (3) and to pierce the separation membrane during insertion of the straw (3) into the packaging body (2).