EP3698679A1 - Variable-length drinking straw - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a variable-length drinking straw (100) for opening and removing flowable product from a container, comprising a first straw (200) and at least one second straw (300), the first and second straw (300) being designed in such a way that the one Pushing into one another is supported and the straws (200) are based on a cellulose or paper starting material, with a connection area (110) with a contact surface (111) being formed in one end position of the straws (200) so that the connection area (110) is largely liquid-tight and furthermore has a contact shoulder (112), so that a locking function is supported. The invention also relates to the method for producing an end region of a cellulose- or paper-based straw of a variable-length drinking straw (100) and its production process.

Description

The invention relates to a variable-length drinking straw for opening and removing flowable product from a container, comprising a first straw and at least one second straw, the first and second straws being designed in such a way that they can be pushed into one another and the straws on a cellulose or paper starting material based. The invention further relates to the method for producing an end region of a cellulose- or paper-based straw of a variable-length drinking straw and its production process.

Drinking straws, drinking pipes, tubes, also called straws, are known devices which make it possible to consume preferably liquid or flowable food from a container. To do this, one end of the drinking straw is inserted into the food, liquid, drink and the end that is still free is used to be enclosed by the user's mouth and used like a lifting pipe through a suction movement, so that the liquid from the container into the mouth got.

Sampling devices for liquids are available in different designs, in particular based on plastic materials. The EP172395A1 for example, shows a telescopic drinking straw consisting of preferably two telescoping drinking straw sections which, when pushed together, ensure a limited length of the drinking straw, but allow a sufficient overall length for use by pulling the two drinking straw sections apart.

The presented drinking straw is designed in such a way that the two drinking straw sections can be plugged into one another and can be locked against one another at least in one position relative to one another by positive engagement of radially directed projections and depressions. The depressions or projections are formed as beads, which are formed in the form of a ring, protruding inwards or outwards, into the drinking straws made of thermally deformable plastic.

The (shorter) outer drinking straw section (outer straw) is implemented with an inwardly shaped stop bead at a distance from one end. The other drinking straw section, namely the inner straw, is provided as a counterstop at its outer end with an outwardly directed edge thickening formed by thermal expansion of the inner straw. When the drinking straw is pulled out, this comes to rest against the bead-like, inwardly protruding stop bead.

The DE9516549U1 discloses a drinking straw realized on a paper-like basis and implemented integratively in a packaging. This embodiment is based on the idea of creating a paper cup with a drinking straw which is biodegradable after use and does not cause any environmental problems. This idea is based on the very current and correct knowledge that with advancing civilizational development, environmental and hygiene problems become more and more pressing. Particular care must be taken with regard to hygiene with things such as food or dishes that are taken to a picnic, an excursion, camping or generally to a trip. In addition, contagious diseases, such as hepatitis B, are widespread, so that kitchen hygiene cannot be neglected. Therefore, disposable tableware or containers have become popular. However, some materials of these disposable articles are not biodegradable, they pollute the environment and contribute to great problems in processing plastic disposable bottles, dishes and cups. Correctly recognizes the DE9516549U1 that plastic-based drinking straws contribute significantly to this problem negatively.

It is the object of the invention to further develop variable length drinking straws with regard to their undesirable environmentally polluting consequences and to improve them in such a way that the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art are at least partially reduced and / or an improved, simplified, economical production is supported.

To solve the problem, the invention proposes a variable-length drinking straw which is based on a biodegradable material and has a locking device Has sealing function. Furthermore, devices for producing the locking device and a production plant for the drinking straw are proposed.

• Die Arretiereinrichtung und die Abdichtungsfunktion sind in konstruktiv voneinander getrennten Bereichen, Abschnitten, korrespondierenden Halmflächen verwirklicht;
• Die Arretiereinrichtung und die Abdichtungsfunktion sind in integrativer Weise in korrespondierenden Halmflächen verwirklicht.

The invention provides two ways of implementing the locking device with a sealing function:

• The locking device and the sealing function are implemented in structurally separate areas, sections, and corresponding straw surfaces;
• The locking device and the sealing function are implemented in an integrative manner in corresponding straw surfaces.

The variable-length drinking straw according to the invention has at least two corresponding straws, tubes on which are matched to one another in terms of their dimensions and cross-sections in such a way that they can be pushed into one another. This means that the first (inner) stalk with its outer dimensions and in particular with the pipe outer diameter is realized below the inner diameter of the second (outer) stalk. It is also possible to make the outer diameter and / or the outer dimensions of the first stalk identical or slightly excessive to the inner diameter of the second stalk, so that the stalks can be pushed into one another with slight elastic deformations.

The invention recognizes that the at least partially biodegradable material based on lignin and / or cellulose is suitable for meeting the requirements with regard to mechanical stability, liquid resistance and fatigue strength. It is intended to use paper and / or cardboard-like starting materials for the variable-length drinking straw according to the invention. The invention encompasses both the structural design of the drinking straw with the geometries adapted to the special properties of the base material and the tools and process steps for production, because the move away from environmentally harmful plastic as the base material to biodegradable alternatives requires special and novel measures.

In view of the properties of the cellulose material, the invention provides a material-specific construction in order to achieve both a locking and largely liquid-tight fixation of the two drinking straw tubes in the drinking position - that is, in the position that depicts a maximum or at least extended situation of the relative position of the drinking straw tubes to one another and geometric design in front of each end on both stalks.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the end of the first, inner straw has a widening, spreading, which is preferably conical or spherical and is designed to correspond to a tapering also provided on the end of the second, outer straw. The corresponding design is such that a concentric contact shoulder of the two stalks with one another is formed, which supports extensive circumferential surface contact, so that an extensive seal against liquids or air is achieved. In addition, the locking of the connection is improved by a bead attached to the second stalk and protruding inwards. For this purpose, this at least regionally encircling bead is preferably designed directly adjacent to the taper so that it forms a contact shoulder in the longitudinal direction and represents a rear grip into which the front end of the first blade can engage when the end position is reached, so that end position fixation, locking is achieved . In order to support the sealing function of the connection, the geometry and its dimensions can be selected in such a way that the two stalks are slightly axially braced in the end position with respect to one another, so that a tight press fit is created.

This first possible embodiment of the invention realizes the locking device and the sealing function in structurally separate areas, sections or corresponding straw surfaces.

In order to be able to produce the widening, spreading at the end of the first, inner straw, the invention provides special measures and devices which take into account the properties of the cellulose-based, paper-like material. The first manufacturing step of widening, spreading can optionally take place in a humidification and / or heating. The aim here is to temporarily increase the deformability of the largely anisotropic, inelastic paper material. Then, in any order, a male mold, expanding tool (for example a mandrel, expanding mandrel with a corresponding geometry) is introduced into the interior of the first straw at the end and optionally a matrix, sleeve piece, molding tool is arranged on the outer end of the straw area. The position can be fixed by various measures: gluing, adhesive tape, mounting, clamping.

The expansion takes place by an insertion movement of the expansion mandrel into the first stalk, so that a preferably concentric widening is impressed into the stalk over the at least one conical geometric area of the mandrel. The previously fixed die can function as the outer contact surface. Optionally and depending on the material properties of the paper, the molding tool and / or the expanding mandrel can have one or more radial bores make it possible to introduce moisture and / or steam with or without adhesive components into the deformation area before and / or during the deformation process. As an alternative to the die and patrix tool combination, the spreading can be path-controlled, force-controlled or force-path-controlled only by the expanding mandrel and without a molding tool or sleeve piece.

According to the invention, the tapering provided at the end on the second, outer blade is formed geometrically corresponding to the spreading of the first blade by a forming process. Similar to the spreading and widening, the manufacturing steps moistening or steaming (optional), positioning the die and the male part, and forming can be implemented by axially displacing the expanding mandrel and / or sleeve piece. Before or parallel to the production of the taper, the bead or bead optionally attached to the second stalk and protruding inward can be embossed.

A variant of the first possible embodiment of the invention realizes the locking device and the sealing function in structurally separate areas, sections or corresponding straw surfaces in a multi-part structure. By means of a sleeve, intermediate piece introduced into the connection area between the first and second stalk, in addition to the functions mentioned above, a high level of lateral stability can also be achieved by increasing the overlap length in the axial direction.

A second embodiment of the variable-length drinking straw according to the invention provides that the locking device and the sealing function are implemented in an integrative manner in corresponding straw surfaces. This means that at least one corresponding contact surface is formed by the first and second straw, which is designed to be both sealing and locking functionally.

The third embodiment of the variable-length drinking straw according to the invention provides for the combination of separate and integrative functional surface combinations.

In order to achieve this integral function, the end of the first, inner straw on its outer surface has at least one groove, notch, groove, which is preferably at least partially circumferential and corresponding to at least one also at the end and preferably at least partially circumferential on the inside of the second, outer straw provided bead, projection, bead is formed. The corresponding design is such that a preferably at least regionally concentric contact shoulder of the two stalks with respect to one another is formed Surface contact is supported so that a high degree of tightness against liquids or air is achieved.

In addition and integratively, the locking of the connection is ensured by the at least one contact shoulder formed in the longitudinal direction, which represents a rear grip in which the groove surface of the first blade can engage in areas when the end position is reached, so that end position fixation, locking is achieved. Design variants can be selected through a plurality of corresponding grooves and beads or thread-like arrangements in order to achieve the integrative sealing and locking function.

• Nachverdichtung und plastische Verformung des Schneidkantenbereiches durch wenigstens bereichsweise Verpressung der stirnseitigen Schnittkante,
• Kantengeometriemodifikation zur Ausprägung einer spitzeren Schneidkante,
• Aufbringen oder Tränken des Papierwerkstoffes mit Kleber beziehungsweise Klebstoff, Leim, Farbe endseitig des Halmes an der Schneidkante.

On the end side of the first straw opposite the connecting area, a tip can be provided which has a cutting or piercing edge and can be used practically as an opening tool for the container. In terms of production, starting from a known bevel cut, which is usually inclined between 30 and 60 degrees (especially for paper materials approx. 60 degrees), at least one further treatment is carried out to achieve the mechanical properties of the paper material required for use as an opening tool. For this purpose, the cutting edge is post-treated in order to influence the mechanical properties and / or the surface properties and / or the modification of the cutting geometry. The following post-treatment steps can be implemented as a summary or separately:

• Redensification and plastic deformation of the cutting edge area through at least regional compression of the frontal cutting edge,
• Edge geometry modification to form a more pointed cutting edge,
• Applying or soaking the paper material with glue or glue, glue, paint at the end of the straw on the cutting edge.

With at least one of the post-treatment steps, the invention achieves improved functionality with regard to the use of the variable-length drinking straw as an opening tool for containers, since both the strength and the material hardness of the paper and also the cutting geometry are improved, so that piercing the packaging is more reliable.

The invention optionally provides that the second end region of the second straw is also tapered after the introduction of the first straw. The manufacturing steps can be analogous to opposite taper and offer the advantage that the first stalk is positively received by the second stalk, so that a functional unit is formed. This second taper also improves the feel of the mouth and lips of the consumer.

The (post) treatment of the cut edges according to the invention furthermore ensures that the paper detachment phenomena are reduced and possible residues of dust caused by the cut are reduced. The teaching of the invention also provides that now variable length drinking straws based on paper material can be telescoped to a usable length so that both complete immersion in the container, packaging and a sufficiently large projection length over the container surface is ensured. In this way, it is reliably prevented that the consumer touches the packaging with his mouth, which may contain dirt or germs.

Fig. 1

den längenveränderlichen Trinkhalm in einem ersten Längenzustand (obere Abbildung) und in einem zweiten Längenzustand (untere Abbildung);

Fig. 2a

den Verbindungsbereich des längenveränderlichen Trinkhalms gemäß der Abbildung aus Figur 1 untere Darstellung in einer vergrößerten Ansicht;

Fig. 2b

den Verbindungsbereich des längenveränderlichen Trinkhalms in einer ersten möglichen "langen" Variante;

Fig. 2c

den Verbindungsbereich des längenveränderlichen Trinkhalms in einer zweiten möglichen "langen" Variante;

Fig. 3

den Verbindungsbereich des längenveränderlichen Trinkhalms in einer mehrteiligen - hier mit drei Komponenten realisierten - Ausgestaltung;

Fig. 4

den Verbindungsbereich des längenveränderlichen Trinkhalms in einer Variante mit in integrativer Weise korrespondierenden Halmflächen;

Fig. 5

den ersten Halm mit seiner endseitigen Spitze in der erfindungsgemäß vorgesehenen Herstellungsvorrichtung bestehend im Wesentlichen aus Formdorn und optionalem Formwerkzeug;

Fig. 6

den ersten Halm mit seiner endseitigen Spitze als Ergebnis der Nachverdichtung und plastischen Verformung des Schneidkantenbereiches gemäß Figur 3;

Fig. 7

den ersten Halm mit seiner endseitigen Spreizung in der erfindungsgemäß vorgesehenen Herstellungsvorrichtung bestehend im Wesentlichen aus Formdorn und optionalem Formwerkzeug;

Fig. 8

den zweiten Halm mit seiner endseitigen Verjüngung und Sicke, Wulst in der erfindungsgemäß vorgesehenen Herstellungsvorrichtung bestehend im Wesentlichen aus Formdorn und optionalem Formwerkzeug;

Fig. 9

den längenveränderlichen Trinkhalm in seiner Funktion als Öffnungshilfe, Einstechwerkzeug zusammen mit einem zu öffnenden Behälter;

Fig. 10

den längenveränderlichen Trinkhalm in seiner Funktion als Trinkhilfe nach dem Einbringen in den Behälter und Eintauchen in das zu konsumierende Produkt im Behälterinnern und

Fig. 11

eine mögliche Prozessstrecke zur Herstellung und Verpackung von längenveränderlichen Trinkhalmen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Cellulose-Basiswerkstoffes für deren Halme.

The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the figures. Show:

Fig. 1

the variable-length drinking straw in a first length state (upper figure) and in a second length state (lower figure);

Fig. 2a

the connection area of the variable-length drinking straw according to the illustration Figure 1 lower illustration in an enlarged view;

Figure 2b

the connection area of the variable-length drinking straw in a first possible "long"variant;

Figure 2c

the connecting area of the variable-length drinking straw in a second possible "long"variant;

Fig. 3

the connecting area of the variable-length drinking straw in a multi-part design - realized here with three components;

Fig. 4

the connection area of the variable-length drinking straw in a variant with integratively corresponding straw surfaces;

Fig. 5

the first straw with its end-side tip in the manufacturing device provided according to the invention, consisting essentially of a mandrel and optional molding tool;

Fig. 6

the first stalk with its end-side tip as a result of the post-compression and plastic deformation of the cutting edge area according to FIG Figure 3 ;

Fig. 7

the first straw with its end-side spread in the manufacturing device provided according to the invention, consisting essentially of a mandrel and an optional molding tool;

Fig. 8

the second stalk with its end-side taper and bead, bead in the manufacturing device provided according to the invention, consisting essentially of a mandrel and an optional molding tool;

Fig. 9

the variable-length drinking straw in its function as an opening aid, piercing tool together with a container that can be opened;

Fig. 10

the variable-length drinking straw in its function as a drinking aid after it has been introduced into the container and dipped into the product to be consumed inside the container and

Fig. 11

a possible process route for the production and packaging of variable-length drinking straws with special consideration of the cellulose base material for their straws.

In Figure 1 the variable-length drinking straw 100 according to the invention is shown in two length states: In a first length state (upper figure) and in a second length state, which usually represents the length of use (lower figure). In order to get from a first, shorter state to a second, longer state, the variable-length drinking straw is telescopic, i.e. the two primary components, the first straw 200 and the second straw 300 of the variable-length drinking straw 100 are designed to be axially displaceable relative to one another.

The Figure 2a FIG. 10 shows the connecting area 110 of the variable-length drinking straw 100 in the positioning according to FIG Figure 1 lower representation in an enlarged view.

The end of the first, inner stem 200 has a widening, spreading 210 which, in this exemplary embodiment, is conical and designed to correspond to a taper 310 also provided on the end of the second, outer stem 300. The corresponding design is such that a concentric, inclined contact cone 111 (contact shoulder, contact surface) of both stalks 200, 300 is formed to one another, which supports extensive circumferential surface contact, so that extensive impermeability to liquids or air is achieved.

In addition to the actual clamping, the locking of the connection is improved by a bead 320 that is attached to the second blade 300 and protrudes inward. For this purpose, this at least regionally circumferential bead 320 is preferably designed directly adjacent to the taper 310 in such a way that it forms a contact shoulder 112 in the longitudinal direction and represents a rear grip into which the front end of the first straw can engage when the end position is reached, so that an end position fixation, Locking is achieved.

In order to support the sealing function of the connection, the geometry and its dimensions can be selected so that the two stalks 200, 300 are slightly axially braced in the end position to one another, so that a tight press fit is created in the contact surface 111.

In Figure 1 and Figure 2a a "short" connection area 110 is shown. Depending on the strength and guidance properties of the connection area, the invention also supports a "longer" version.

As in Figure 2c For example, the second blade 300 shown has a tubular extension 311 at the end with a diameter equal to the taper 310. Alternatively or additionally, as in Figure 2b shown, the end of the first blade 200 have a tubular extension 211 with a diameter equal to the spread 210 with a circumferential groove corresponding to the bead 320. In this way, the radial guidance of the connection area 110 in the end position of the stalks 200, 300 is improved without significantly impairing the locking function and / or tightness.

Figure 3 shows the connection area 110 of the variable-length drinking straw in an embodiment expanded by a sleeve, intermediate sleeve 400. In this exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 400 functions as a functional surface carrier and takes over the respective function of the first straw 200. On the front side, the sleeve 400 has a bevel 410 which corresponds to the bead 310 of the second straw 300 with regard to the sealing function. The same applies at least to the inner surface of the sleeve 400 on the contact surface with the first blade 200.

In addition to the actual clamping, the locking of the connection is improved by a bead 320 that is attached to the second blade 300 and protrudes inward. For this purpose, this at least regionally circumferential bead 320 is preferably designed at a distance of the sleeve length from the end bead 310 in such a way that it forms a contact shoulder 112 in the longitudinal direction and represents a rear grip into which the front end of the sleeve 400 at Reaching the end position can intervene so that an end position fixation, locking is achieved.

Figure 4 illustrates the connection area 110 of the variable-length drinking straw 100 in a variant with integratively corresponding straw surfaces 111, 112. This exemplary embodiment is characterized by at least one circumferential groove, notch 220 of the first straw 200 and at least one corresponding bead, bead 320 of the second straw 300 formed in such a way that both the sealing and locking functions are implemented in the functional surfaces 111, 112. The example shown has eight largely circumferential and concentric ring functional surface pairings formed by the contact surfaces 111 and contact shoulders 112.

In order to move the first blade 200 relative to the second blade 300 into the axial connection position shown, the elements 220, 230 are temporarily and largely elastically deformed until the connection position, end position, is reached. It is also advantageous that a considerable opening or piercing force for introducing the variable-length drinking straw 100 into the container B via the second straw 300 can be introduced into the tip 230 of the first straw 200, which is comparable in amount to the required deformation force of the elements 220 , 230 in the connection area.
Figure 5 shows the first blade 200 with its end tip 230 in the manufacturing device provided according to the invention, consisting essentially of a mandrel 20 and a molding tool 22. In the manufacturing state shown, the tip 230 is re-compacted by a tool mandrel 20 after the previously made bevel cut having a cutting angle ws.

The redensification and plastic deformation of the cutting edge area through at least regional compression of the frontal cutting edge serves to modify and improve the mechanical properties of the paper material so that its use as an opening tool, i.e. a piercing tool, is improved. As a result of the redensification, the cutting angle in the area of the tip can optionally be changed, so that an angle of the tip wp that deviates from the cutting angle is formed. The point angle wp is approximately 15 to 35 degrees, preferably approximately 25 degrees.

As an alternative or in addition to the redensification with or without the formation of the pointed angle, the paper material can be applied or soaked with glue or glue, glue, paint on the end of the stalk at the cutting edge. Through at least one of the aftertreatment steps, the invention achieves improved functionality with regard to the Use of the variable-length drinking straw as an opening tool for containers, since both the strength and the material hardness of the paper and also the cutting geometry are improved, so that piercing the packaging is more reliable.

The mandrel 20 has at least one conically designed area, which is designed as a pressing slope for compressing the tip. The redensification is realized by an axial force-displacement application, which is not absolutely necessary, but in Figure 3 The one-part or multi-part molding tool 22 shown encircles the straw 200 on the outside at least in some areas and serves as a counter bearing, abutment, contact shoulder for the straw 200. Furthermore, the molding tool 22 can be used as an axial guide for the molding mandrel 20.

Optionally, the molding tool 22 can have at least one bore 22 ′ in order to introduce moisture, steam, water, glue, adhesive and / or varnish or any mixtures thereof into the tip region 230, for example as part of one or more pre- or post-treatment steps.

Figure 6 illustrates the first blade 200 with its end-side tip 230 as a result of the redensification and plastic deformation of the cutting edge region according to FIG Figure 3 by at least regionally pressing the frontal cutting edge 230 with the manufacturing device provided according to the invention, consisting essentially of the mandrel 20 and the molding tool 22. The point angle wp is approximately 15 to 35 degrees, preferably approximately 25 degrees. The bevel cut ws is usually inclined between 30 and 60 degrees.

Figure 7 illustrates the first blade 200 with its end-side spreading 210 in the manufacturing device provided according to the invention, consisting essentially of a forming mandrel 24 and an optional forming tool 25.

In order to be able to produce the widening, spreading 210 at the end of the first, inner stalk 200 and to modify the properties of the cellulose-based, paper-like material in a suitable manner, a mandrel 24 is primarily used, which is actuated by force-displacement (displacement-controlled, force-controlled or force-displacement-controlled) accomplished the expansion in the axial direction with its preferably conical mandrel section. Before or during this production step of the widening 210, humidification and / or heating can optionally take place. The aim here is to temporarily increase the deformability of the largely anisotropic, inelastic paper material. Then, in any order, the Expanding mandrel 24 is introduced into the interior of the first straw 200 on the end face and optionally, but not necessarily, a die, sleeve piece, molding tool 25 is arranged on the outer end-side area of the straw. The position can be fixed by various measures: gluing, adhesive tape, mounting, clamping.

The expansion 210 takes place by an insertion movement of the expansion mandrel 24 into the first stalk 200, so that a concentric widening 210 is impressed in the stalk over the at least one conical geometric area of the mandrel. The one-part or multi-part molding tool 25 can function as the outer contact surface. Optionally and depending on the material properties of the paper, the forming tool 25 and / or the expanding mandrel 24 can have one or more radial bores 25 'which allow moisture or steam or lacquer or glue or adhesive to be introduced into the deformation area before and / or during the deformation process .

Figure 8 shows the second blade 300 with its end-side tapering 310 and bead, bead 320 in the manufacturing device provided according to the invention, consisting essentially of a mandrel 12 and an optional molding tool 11.

The tapering 310 provided at the end of the second, outer stalk 300 is designed to correspond to the spreading 210 of the first stalk 200 in such a way that a concentric, inclined contact cone 111 of the two stalks 200, 300 is formed to one another, which supports extensive circumferential surface contact, so that extensive tightness is achieved compared to liquids or air.

In order to be able to produce the taper 310 at the end of the second, outer blade 300, a mandrel 12 is primarily used, which is introduced into the second blade 300 in the axial direction. Before or during this manufacturing step of the taper 310, humidification and / or heating can optionally take place. The aim here is also to temporarily increase the deformability of the largely anisotropic, inelastic paper material. A die, sleeve piece, molding tool 11 is then arranged on the outer end-side handle area.

The tapering 310 occurs through the interaction of the mandrel 12 as a contact surface and a one-part or multi-part molding tool 11. Optionally and depending on the material properties of the paper, the molding tool 11 and / or the expanding mandrel 12 can have one or more radial bores 11 'which make it possible to Damp or steam or varnish or glue or Introduce adhesive into the deformation area before and / or during the deformation process.

Figure 9 forms the variable-length drinking straw 100 in its function as an opening aid, piercing tool, together with a container B to be opened. Preferably, but not absolutely necessary, the variable-length drinking straw 100 is locked in its maximum length position by the connection area 110, so that a piercing force acting in the axial direction of the drinking straw can be applied to the container B. Through the tip 230, the axial force acts on the container wall or an area of the wall provided for this purpose with reduced strength and pierces the container shell.

The Figure 10 shows the variable-length drinking straw 100 in its function as a drinking aid after it has been introduced into the container B and dipped into the product to be consumed inside the container. The invention provides an overall maximum length of the drinking straw 100 tailored to the container size, so that such a large projection of the drinking straw 100 over the container wall is ensured even with the maximum length of the drinking straw 100 in the container (preferably in a diagonal direction into a container corner) . This ensures that the user's mouth and lips do not come into contact with the possibly contaminated container.

Figure 11 comprises a possible process route for the production and packaging of variable-length drinking straws 100 with special consideration of the cellulose base material for its straws 200, 300. The representation is based on the material flow and the respective processing process steps. The cellulose-based straws 200, 300 are initially fed to the process as semi-finished products that are still to be processed and then gradually shaped, treated, assembled into a variable-length drinking straw 100 and packaged according to the invention

Claims (16)

A variable-length drinking straw (100) for opening and removing flowable product from a container B, comprising a first straw (200) and at least one second straw (300), the first and the at least second straw (200, 300) being designed in this way Pushing into one another is supported and the stalks (200, 300) are based on a cellulose or paper starting material, characterized in that a connecting area (110) with a contact surface (111) is formed in an end position of the stalks (200, 300) to one another, so that the Connection area (110) is largely gas and liquid-tight and also has a contact shoulder (112) so that a locking function is supported. A variable length drinking straw (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking device and the sealing function are constructed in structurally separate areas, sections, and corresponding straw surfaces. A variable-length drinking straw (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the contact surface (111) of the connecting area (110) is formed by a spreading (210) of the first straw (200) and a taper (310) of the second straw (300). A variable-length drinking straw (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the contact shoulder (112) of the connecting area (110) is formed by a bead, bead (320) which corresponds to an end face area of the first straw (200). A variable-length drinking straw (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the contact shoulder (112) of the connecting area (110) is formed by a bead, bead (320) which corresponds to a depression, crease line or groove of the first straw (200). A variable-length drinking straw (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one straw (200, 300) in the connecting area (110) has a tubular extension (211, 311) beyond it, so that the radial guidance of the connecting area (110) is supported. A variable-length drinking straw (100) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the connecting area (110) is supplemented by a sleeve (400). A variable-length drinking straw (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the sleeve (400) has at least one functional surface (410) so that the sealing function is supported. A variable-length drinking straw (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking device and the sealing function are integrally formed in at least one corresponding pair of straw surfaces (111, 112). A variable-length drinking straw (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one corresponding pair of straw surfaces (111, 112) are formed by at least one groove (220) and at least one bead (320). A variable-length drinking straw (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that a tip (230) and / or a taper (310) is provided at the end of a straw (200, 300) and on the side of the straw facing away from the connecting area (110). A variable-length drinking straw (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that the tip (230) has a tip angle wp which is 15 to 35 degrees and preferably 25 degrees. A variable-length drinking straw (100) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the tip (230) has a cutting angle ws which is 30 to 60 degrees. A variable-length drinking straw (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one end region of a straw (200, 300) is pretreated or post-treated by compression, glue, adhesive, lacquer, heat, water or steam. Method for producing an end area of a cellulose- or paper-based straw (200, 300) of a variable-length drinking straw (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a change in shape of the end area (210, 230, 310) by a forming process by means of a forming mandrel (12, 20, 24) and / or a molding tool (11, 22, 25) takes place. A method for producing an end area of a cellulose- or paper-based straw (200, 300) according to claim 15, characterized in that before, during or after the forming process, moisture, water, steam and, or glue and, or adhesive (F, D, W, L, K) is preferably introduced in the area of the deformation.

Images