EP1967098A1 - Straw - Google Patents

Abstract

The straw (1) is closed and/or can be closed at both ends and acts as a storage container for a dry foodstuff (6). The straw can be reclosed at at least one end with a closure device in the form of a cap joined to the shaft by a connecting part fitted flush onto the end section of the straw part.

Description

The present invention relates to a straw with a food, a process for its preparation and its use.

From the prior art straws in various forms and uses are known. From the DE 20 2005010735U1 is a straw known in which a straw is covered with a layer of ice.
From the EP 963327 B1 discloses a plastic bag for liquids with a free-floating straw contained therein. This is a packaging container for liquids from sealed plastic bags wherein a straw-like object or drinking tube is held in the bag and floats freely in the liquid contained therein. For such bags, straws of sufficient rigidity are provided to pierce the bag without having to skew one end of the straw and without. to have another means attached to the straw in order to be able to grasp it in order to facilitate its movement in the bag, since such means entail other disadvantages in the automatic production of the bags together with its liquid content. Furthermore, such packaging containers for liquids must be very hygienic and be formed of a plastic, the one; contained therein liquid, especially if it is stored there for a long period, no off-taste (eg acid taste) gives. Moreover, this plastic film bag has a seal around the straw when the bag is pierced and which can withstand impacts during handling or shipping.

The disadvantage here is that great importance must be attached to the plastics in order to ensure hygiene and taste neutrality. In addition, the straw is in the bag and wetted with the liquid when it pierces the bag

The CH 496 428 shows a drinking straw which consists of transparent tubes having turns. The DE 203 09 272 U1 describes an adjustable drinking straw, the inlet opening is changeable.
The DE 199 61 725 A1 relates to a drinking straw which has an extended area of circular or oval radial cross-section at a suitable distance from the end of the drinking straw. When the drinking straw penetrates through the prepared opening of the drinking container, this opening is widened by the extended drinking straw area such that an opening is formed between the drinking straw and the container wall through which a pressure equalization takes place.
The DE 19503 104 A1 describes a drinking straw that has been extended to a point so that a container is formed which is suitable for receiving an additional product.
The DE 102 28 559 A1 concerns a straw with a closable bellows.
The DE 101 50 039 A1 shows a drinking straw clip for attaching drinking straws to any drinking vessels.
The DE 10045 702 C2 shows a plug-in part which can be plugged through the container opening. The plug-in part is used for piercing in a beverage container and has a cone shape, wherein a seal between the inner edge of the container opening and the drinking straw is achieved without additional sealing means on the container.
G 88 11 410.4 relates to a straw, which is a plurality of beads filled with air and serve as a floating body, is equipped.
The G 7529 324.2 relates to a drinking straw, which is provided at one end with two spaced mouthpieces. Two people can drink from a glass.

A disadvantage of this prior art is that the straws are either located outside of the corresponding fluid-filled storage containers and can be lost or damaged or come into contact with the contents of the bag through the straw through the straw through spillage. Furthermore, straws that are stored in the liquid may optionally release ingredients from the straw material into the liquid.

An object of the present invention has been to provide a straw which can be used as a storage container for food, ensuring a long storage and storage stability.

The object is achieved by a straw, which is optionally formed in one piece, is closed at the ends and / or resealable and serves as a storage container for a dry food.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the straw is formed in one piece, and has at the ends in each case a mouthpiece, which has a tapered towards the straw area. The straw is deformed below this area by 90 °, so that a kreuzfömige opening is formed. This opening is sufficiently large to ensure the flow of liquid through the straw without great suction resistance. Advantageously, this embodiment of the invention also ensures that irregularly shaped granules can be filled in a larger particle distribution, without the smaller particles can fall out through the opening.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the straw is integrally formed and closed at the ends. First, a side is welded and after filling with the dry food then the straw is also closed by welding on the filling side. The thus welded end regions are rounded. This prevents injuries to the oral cavity or the lips. In a further preferred embodiment, the straws are produced with only one opening, so that an end region is already rounded by the manufacturing process.
In the end are openings in the form of, for example, holes or slits or the like, which ensure the flow of liquids through the straw. Also in this embodiment it is ensured that irregularly shaped granules can be filled in a larger particle distribution without the smaller particles can fall out through the opening.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface of the straw is coated with an antimicrobial agent to increase the shelf life of the dry food.

Antimicrobial agents include preservatives, e.g. p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters, imidazolidinyl urea, formaldehyde, sorbic acid, bronopol, dehydroacetic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid.

The term "dry foods" is understood to mean substances or mixtures of powders, granules, pearls or the like which contain foods, vitamins, fruit flavors, natural sugars, thickeners, emulsifiers and the like. Dry foods in the broadest sense of the present invention are dry fruit extracts, Roar, understood in water-soluble vitamins or dietary supplement powder. Furthermore, freeze-dried soups with a defined grain size are also understood.

The straw according to the invention may be formed of a tubular shape as a higher polyhedron shape (octagonal, decaader, dodecahedron, icosahedron and higher Vielflächner).

In a further embodiment, the straw according to the invention is made flush at the end regions and provided with a shank having a connecting piece connected to a cap which fits flush with the end piece of the straw.

In a further embodiment, the straw according to the invention is formed at at least one point in the upper or lower region of the straw with a flexible region, a kink region, a concertina-shaped region or a fold covering region.

In a further embodiment, the straw according to the invention comprises at least one closable area, a straw center area with contents of a dry food and a flexible area, which is optionally arranged between the straw center area and the closable area.

In a further embodiment, the straw according to the invention is formed with a reusable additional device on the straw, which is arranged on the non-resealable end region.

In a further preferred embodiment, the straw according to the invention to which the reusable auxiliary device consists of an optionally flexible flexible material from the group of a flexible area, a kink area, a concertina-shaped area or a fold covering area that with a mouthpiece and with a reclosable end piece is formed.

In a further embodiment, the straw according to the invention comprises at least one region in which the straw according to the invention has a bendable part.

Another object is the method for filling the straw according to the invention, wherein the unilaterally sealed straw is filled with a dry food mixture, wherein the mixture below Oxygen exclusion or with an oxygen content of less than 0.9% in the straw of the invention is filled and sealed under an inert atmosphere. As a closure can serve membranes that dissolve on contact with liquids such as, for example, water and so the liquid gets to the dry food.

A further subject matter is the use of the straw according to the invention as a storage container for dry foods, in particular dry powder, which yield a drinkable liquid in conjunction with milk, natural juices from fruits, water or with aqueous media.

For a better understanding of the invention, the invention will be described in more detail by way of examples, but without limiting the scope of the invention thereto.

From the drawings show:

Figure. 1a

an inventive embodiment of the straw with a flattened fold as a plan view and as a longitudinal view B-B;

FIG. 1b

the straw according to the invention as a longitudinal view and 90 ° relative to the FIG. 1a turned;

FIG. 2a

an embodiment of the straw according to the invention in a perspective view;

FIG. 2b

the straw of the FIG. 2a in a 90 ° rotated perspective,

Figure 3 a

an inventive end piece as a plan view;

FIG. 3b

the tail of the invention FIG. 3a in cross-section;

Figure 3c

a further embodiment of the invention with the views "U" and "V";

3d figure

an inventive embodiment of the straw after Fig.1 with a flexible area;

FIG. 3e

an inventive embodiment of the straw after Fig.1 with a flexible area in perspective view;

FIG. 4

opened resealable tail in a perspective view;

FIG. 5

an embodiment of the flexible end piece in a perspective view;

FIG. 6

View of an end piece in perspective view from below;

FIG. 7

a further embodiment of the invention with the section C-C;

Figure 7a

Embodiment of the straw end region in the view "W" of the straw after the FIG. 7 and

FIG. 7b

an enlarged view of an end portion of the FIG. 7 with the section CC with circular openings.

FIG. 7c

an inventive embodiment of the straw after Figure 7 with a bendable area

FIG. 7d

an inventive embodiment of the straw after Figure 7 with a flexible area in perspective view;

FIG. 8a

a further embodiment of the invention with the section C-C;

Figure. 8b

an enlarged view of an end portion of the FIG. 8 with the section CC with circular openings.

FIG. 8c

Top view of the mouthpiece with welds and openings

FIG. 8d

a variant of the straw after FIG. 8 with a bendable area

FIG. 8e

an inventive embodiment of the straw after Figure 7 with a flexible area in perspective view;

The FIG. 1a shows an inventive embodiment of the straw (1) top view and as a longitudinal view BB. At the straw center portion (12) are the two straw end portions (7) and then there are the end pieces (2). The end piece (2) in the framed area consists of an outwardly tapered conical area (11) which serves as the swirling space in the interior and on a Fold (3) feeds. Behind the fold (3), the straw material expands again and opens into the mouthpiece (4) The straw means area (12) is designed as a storage container for the content (6).
The longitudinal view BB shows the embodiment in which in the fold welding points are present (not shown here) and are shown as a slot with a narrow opening. Towards the mouthpiece this is designed as a circular opening.

The FIG. 1b shows the embodiment of the invention FIG. 1a as a longitudinal view and rotated by 90 ° with respect to the longitudinal section AA. Here, in the figure, the end piece (2) with the tapering cone portion (11) and the widening mouthpiece (4) is shown. Between the end piece (2) and the straw end area (7) and the straw means area (12), the closure (5) is formed. The closure (5) serves to prevent the falling out of the contents (6) as well as the storage stability of the dry food. Dry foods are understood as meaning substances or mixtures of powders, granules, pearls or the like which contain foods, vitamins, fruit flavors, natural sugars, thickeners, emulsifiers and the like. In the broadest sense of the present invention, dry foods are understood to be dry fruit extracts, effervescent powders, water-soluble vitamins or food supplement powders. Furthermore, freeze-dried soups with a defined grain size are also understood.

The FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the straw according to the invention (1) with the end pieces (2) and the mouthpieces (4).

The FIG. 2b shows the perspective view of an embodiment of the straw (1) according to the invention. In this case, the contents (6) of the straw (1) can be seen in the area of the straw means (12).

The FIG. 3a shows the tail (2) of a straw (1) according to the invention in an enlarged sectional view. The material thickness (9) is in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 mm. The straw means section (12), not shown here, merges into the straw end section (7). This is followed by the Verwirbelungsinnenraum (10). This extends from the straw end region (7) to the opening (8) of the mouthpiece region (4). The swirling space is used for the turbulent flow of liquids (water, milk spirits or the like) to ensure rapid mixing with the contents, which are present as granules, powder, pearls or the like, and to accelerate the dissolution of the contents. The fold (3) divides the end region (2) into the mouthpiece (4) and the cone region (11).

The FIG. 3b shows the tail (2) in plan view. In the area of the fold (3), the flow of the liquid (water, milk spirits or the like) is highest and is led directly to the contents of the straw. In this embodiment, the closure (5) between the straw end region (7) and end piece (2) can be seen. By mechanical action, such as rubbing or squeezing or wetting with the liquid, the shutter is opened.

The Figure 3c shows a further embodiment of the present invention. Here is the straw (1) formed in one piece. It consists of a straw center area, and has at the ends in each case a mouthpiece, which has a tapered towards the straw area. The straw is deformed below this area by 90 °, so that a kreuzfömige opening is formed. The two end pieces are rotated by 90 ° to each other. This opening is sufficiently large to ensure the flow of liquid through the straw without much suction. Advantageously, this embodiment of the invention also ensures that irregularly shaped granules can be filled in a larger particle distribution, without the smaller particles can fall out through the opening.

The 3d figure shows a further embodiment of the present invention. Here is the straw (1) formed in one piece. It consists of a straw center area (12) which additionally has a flexible area (20), and at each end has a mouthpiece. The flexible area (20) is shown here with a concertina-shaped area. Other variants such as a kink area, a pleat area or the like are also possible. The flexible region (20) is arranged in the straw center region (12). According to the invention, it can be arranged over the entire area. It is preferred as in the 3d figure shown arranged in the upper third to one of the straw end regions.

The FIG. 3e shows the perspective embodiment of the variant of 3d figure of the present invention in bent form. The flexible region (20) is stretched by bending and extends the straw (1) according to the invention.

The FIG. 4 shows an openable according to the invention resealable tail (13), which can be placed on another embodiment of the mouthpiece (4/18) of the straw (1) according to the invention. The resealable end piece (13) consists in this embodiment of the reclosable end portion consisting of the cap (19) with the mouthpiece receptacle (21), the upper mouthpiece portion (16) of the closable end piece (13) slipped over the shaft (15) which is connected to the connecting piece (14), which is connected to the closure cap (19), is connected, and on the flexible region (20) rests. The mouthpiece is designed such that it is guided through the flexible region (13) and is formed in an upper region (16) for closure with the closure cap (19) and a lower region (17) of the reception of the mouthpiece (FIG. 4/18) of the straw (1) according to the invention. Here, the lower portion (17) is formed so that the labyrinth seals (24) as a receptacle for the mouthpiece (18) of the straw (1) according to the invention are conclusive.

The FIG. 5 shows the flexible end piece (13) in a perspective view. In the upper part of the mouthpiece (16) of the flexible end piece (13) is shown. At this mouthpiece (16) of the shaft (15) is arranged, which is arranged flush around the mouthpiece (16) on the flexible region (20). The connecting piece (14) with the closure cap (19) located on the shaft is not shown here.

The FIG. 6 shows the perspective view of an end piece (13) according to the invention from below. Visible is a variant for receiving (24) of the mouthpiece (4) of the straw according to the invention. This receptacle is designed as a bore in the lower part of the flexible region (23). This ensures when pulling on the straw that when inserting the end piece (2) of the straw according to the invention (1) seals the largest possible area and no air is drawn. In addition, it is ensured that the liquid does not escape at the connection point, due to the large number of sealing elements located in the receptacle.

The FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the present invention in which the straw (1) is integrally formed and sealed at the straw end portions (7). First, a side is welded and after filling with the dry food (6) is then closed on the filling side of the straw by welding as well. The thus welded end regions are rounded. This will prevent injury to the user's oral cavity or lips. In a further preferred embodiment, the straws are produced with only one opening at the two straw end areas (7), so that a straw end area (7) is already rounded off by the production method.
At the two straw end areas (7) there are passage openings (27) in the form of, for example, holes, slots. Slotted holes or similar, which ensure the flow of liquids through the straw. Advantageously, this ensures that even irregularly shaped granules can be filled in a larger particle distribution, without which the smaller particles can fall out through the passage openings (27).

The passage openings are arranged around the circumference of the straw (1) in the straw end region (7). There are at least 3 to 12 openings in this area provided. Preference is given to 4 to 8 passage openings.

In the FIG. 7 In addition, the section CC of the straw according to the invention is shown. Here, the passage openings (27) on the circumference of the straw in 90 ° intervals can be seen. The openings are formed so that a dry food (6) formed as irregular granules having a particle size distribution does not trickle out through the openings (27).

In the Figure 7a is the straw according to the invention after the FIG. 7 shown in enlarged form in the. Here are the three passage openings (27) formed as elongated slots.

In the FIG. 7b is a greatly enlarged view of a straw end region (7) with the section CC shown with circular passage openings (27). The openings are distributed at 90 ° intervals around the circumference of the straw.

The FIG. 7c shows a further embodiment of the present invention according to the variant according to FIG. 7 , Here is the straw (1) formed in one piece. It consists of a straw center area (12) which additionally has a flexible area (20), and at each end has a mouthpiece. The flexible area (20) is shown here with a concertina-shaped area. Other variants such as a kink area, a pleat area or the like are also possible. The flexible region (20) is arranged in the straw center region (12). According to the invention, it can be arranged over the entire area. It is preferred as in the 3d figure shown arranged in the upper third to one of the straw end regions.

The FIG. 7d shows the perspective embodiment of the variant of 3d figure of the present invention in bent form. The flexible region (20) is stretched by bending and extends the straw (1) according to the invention.

In the FIG. 8 a further embodiment of the straw according to the invention is shown. This is a modified embodiment of the FIG. 1a , The end piece (2) consists of an outwardly tapered cone region (11) which serves as a swirling space in the interior and feeds on a welding point (25). Behind the welding points (25), the straw material expands again and opens into the mouthpiece (4) The straw means area (12) is used as a storage container for the content (6) educated. There must be at least three spot welds to ensure that the straw will perform its inventory function.

The FIG. 8b shows a further embodiment of the present invention. Here is the straw (1) formed in one piece. It consists of a straw means area (12), and has at the ends in each case a mouthpiece, which has a tapered towards the straw area. The end piece (2) consists of an outwardly tapered cone region (11) which serves as a swirling space in the interior and feeds on a welding point (25). Behind the welding points (25), the straw material widens again and opens into the mouthpiece (4). The two end pieces are rotated by 90 ° to each other. This opening is sufficiently large to ensure the flow of liquid through the straw without much suction. Advantageously, this embodiment of the invention also ensures that irregularly shaped granules can be filled in a larger particle distribution, without the smaller particles can fall out through the opening.

The FIG. 8c shows the top view of the mouthpiece (4) with welds (25) and the passage openings (27). One sees on the mouthpiece (4), which tapers to the welding points (25). Between the welding points (25), the passage openings (27) are shown. Towards the mouthpiece this is designed as a circular opening.

The FIG. 8d shows a further embodiment of the present invention according to the variant according to FIG. 8 , Again, the straw (1) is formed in one piece. It consists of a straw center area (12) which additionally has a flexible area (20), and at each end has a mouthpiece. The flexible area (20) is shown here with a concertina-shaped area. Other variants such as a kink area, a pleat area or the like are also possible. The flexible region (20) is arranged in the straw center region (12). According to the invention, it can be arranged over the entire area. It is preferred as in the FIG. 8d shown arranged in the upper third to one of the straw end regions.

The FIG. 8e shows the perspective embodiment of the variant of FIG. 8d of the present invention in bent form. The flexible region (20) is stretched by bending and extends the straw (1) according to the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

drinking straw

2

tail

3

fold

4

mouthpiece

5

shutter

6

content

7

Strohhalmendbereich

8th

opening

9

material thickness

10

agitating

11

cone region

12

Straw central region

13

resealable tail

14

joint

15

shaft

16

Upper mouthpiece

17

Lower mouthpiece with adapter

18

Strohhalmendstück

19

cap

20

Flexible area

21

Mouthpiece receiver

22

recess

23

Lower part of the flexible area

24

Recording for the mouthpiece of the straw

25

WeldingSpot

26

cross opening

27

Through opening

Claims (15)

Straw, characterized in that the straw is closed at the ends and / or closable and serves as a storage container for a dry food. A straw according to claim 1, characterized in that the straw is reclosable at least at one end and the closure consists of a cap which is connected to a connecting part with a shaft which is placed flush on the end portion of the straw portion. A straw according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the straw is formed integrally from a Strohalmmittelbereich with two straw areas and the adjoining end pieces. A straw according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the straw at the end portions is flush with a shank having a connecting piece connected to a cap which fits flush with the end piece of the straw. Straw according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the straw is coated on the inside with an anti-bacterial agent. Straw according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the straw is formed at at least one point in the upper or lower region of the straw with a flexible region, a kink region, a concertina-shaped region or a fold covering area. Straw according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end piece is formed from a Verwirbelungsraum starting from the straw end region to the tapered fold and a mouthpiece. Straw according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fold additionally comprises struts. Straw according to claim 8, characterized in that the struts are designed as shit points of the straw material, webs, rods or the like. Straw according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the straw is integrally formed, and is formed closable at an end region. Straw according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the straw is integrally formed from a material. Straw according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one-piece straw is closed at the ends and in the region of the straw end region has openings which are circular or oblong. Straw according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the one-piece straw is formed with at least 3 to 12 openings per straw end region. Straw according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one-piece straw is preferably formed with at least 4 to 8 openings per straw end region. Use of the straw according to one of the preceding claims as a storage container for a dry foodstuff.

Images