ES2467565A1 - Device for absorption of beverages, improved (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Improvements in the device for absorption of beverages, comprising a tubular body (1) with open ends (2 and 3), whose lower end (2) is introduced into a beverage provided in a container container, and on whose upper end (3) the mouth of a user is located to absorb the drink; wherein the outer surface of a section of the lower end of the tubular body (1) comprises at least a longitudinal lateral extension (4a, 4b) to perform functions of remover and spoon; characterized in that the at least longitudinal lateral extension extends along the entire outer surface of the tubular body (1). The longitudinal edge of the lateral extension (4a, 4b) is configured to allow cutting and pulling. It is applied in drinks of all kinds, especially in shakes and the like. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, as expressed in the statement of this specification, refers to improvements introduced in a device that is intended to allow the absorption of beverages by means of a tubular body with open ends, so that its lower end it is introduced into a beverage contained in a container, and on whose upper end a user's mouth is located so that when applying suction it absorbs the beverage contained in the container. The object of the main patent was to provide the device with at least a lower longitudinal extension which, apart from the conventional function of allowing the beverage contained in a container to be absorbed, provides new functionalities, such as allowing the device to be used as a remover, a scavenger, Whisk and as a spoon to pick up and / or eat, for which the lower end of the tubular body comprises at least one lateral extension that allows performing the aforementioned functionalities. The object of the present addition is to longitudinally extend the at least longitudinal extension along the entire surface of the tubular body, so that the device can be manufactured continuously with great lengths and subsequently cut it to the length that is required depending on of the required needs such as the height of the container containing the beverage to be consumed or the tastes of the users. The new configuration allows manufacturing by extrusion, reducing costs and injection.

In general, the invention is applicable to absorb any beverage and more specifically to absorb, stir, batter, whisk and as a spoon to collect and / or eat beverages containing parts with different densities such as foam (milkshakes - ice creams with milk-, smoothies - fruits with ice and crushed-, coffees with frothed milk - cappuccino-, etc.).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The state of the art closest to the invention is the device of the main patent 201231091 comprising a tubular body with open ends, the lower end of which is introduced into a beverage located inside a container, so that on its end upper is allowed to locate the mouth of a user to absorb the beverage contained in the container; where the main novelty lies in the fact that the outer surface of a section of the lower end of the tubular body comprises at least one longitudinal lateral extension to allow new functions, such as remover, whisk and spoon. This configuration does not contemplate the possibility that the at least longitudinal lateral extension occupies the entire length of the tubular body, which would facilitate and / or reduce the manufacturing of the device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention has developed a new device for the absorption of beverages, which, like its main patent, comprises an open-ended body, the lower end of which is inserted into a beverage located inside a container, so that on its upper end it is allowed to locate the mouth of a user to absorb the beverage contained in the container; where the outer surface of a section of the lower end of the tubular body comprises at least one lateral extension. The invention presents the novelty that it is characterized in that the at least longitudinal lateral extension extends along the entire outer surface of the longitudinal tubular body to perform functions of remover, whisk and spoon. Therefore, the lateral extension, instead of occupying a tamo of the lower end of the tubular body, occupies its entire length.

This configuration has the advantage that the device can be manufactured continuously with a previously fixed length and subsequently cut into sections to obtain a plurality of devices of a certain length, which is adapted to the height of the container containing the drink you want to consume. The length of the device can also be adapted to the tastes of the users. This configuration simplifies and reduces the manufacturing of the device.

In addition, the configuration described offers a large area to place messages or advertising about the qualities and / or benefits of the beverage that is enjoyed or can be a magnificent advertising support for any brand.

The invention provides that the outer surface of the tubular body has an elliptical section, which determines that the configuration of the device is wider than high, as a spindle. This configuration facilitates its adaptation to the user's lips and therefore provides greater ergonomics. In this case the at least lateral extension is arranged in correspondence with one of the ends of the ellipse.

The invention also provides that the outer surface of the tubular body may have a circular section, but it could also be any other section that is required.

In any of the cases, the inner surface of the tubular body may have an elliptical or circular section, and also any other configuration that is required.

With respect to said at least lateral extension, the invention provides that in a present embodiment a circular section, which in the area of union with the tubular body defines a longitudinal striatum that forms a small valley-like recess that prevents the substances from slipping denser (foamed milk, cream, etc.) facilitating its consumption. In addition, this configuration allows the device to be used to cut substances that could include the drink, such as an ice cream.

In another embodiment of the invention the at least lateral extension has a rectangular contour with an upper and lower surface provided with undulations, the longitudinal side of which is curved. In the preferred embodiment the undulations of the upper and lower surface are arranged opposite. This configuration facilitates the collection of the densest substances, while also allowing the cutting of substances that could include the beverage.

As indicated once the device is manufactured, it is cut into sections to obtain a plurality of devices, so that said cut can be regular or irregular. In turn, the regular cut can be straight or curved and concave or convex. In short, the cut can present any other configuration that is required. According to the functionality and final use of the device, both ends can be cut according to the same or different shapes, which would result in a symmetric or asymmetric end device in each case.

In any of the embodiments, the longitudinal edge of the at least lateral extension constitutes a curved cutting and flocking surface. This configuration also provides a pleasant touch when the device is inserted into the mouth and adapts ergonomically to the shape of the mouth and / or lips when closed.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention it is envisioned that it comprises two opposite longitudinal lateral extensions that facilitate the performance of the aforementioned functionalities.

In an embodiment of the invention, in the case of incorporating two opposite longitudinal lateral extensions, it is anticipated that the cut that is made of the device in different sections according to the required length, as described, is carried out so that the lower edge of the opposite longitudinal lateral extensions, together with the lower end of the tubular body form a semicircular configuration of the ends of the device, which provides a pleasant touch when introducing the device into the mouth and also adapts better to the bottom of the container to in order to suck up the entire drink.

The different embodiments described provide a profile that can be manufactured by extrusion of plastics which significantly reduces manufacturing costs and hence its final sale price. It also allows manufacturing by injection.

In order to facilitate a better understanding of this descriptive report, and being an integral part thereof, a series of figures are attached in which the object of the invention has been shown as an illustrative and non-limiting nature.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the device of the invention, in which the longitudinal lateral extensions are circular in section.

Figure 2.- Shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, in which the longitudinal extensions are rectangular in shape and with upper and lower surface affected by undulations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Below is a description of the invention based on the figures mentioned above.

The device of the invention is constituted by a tubular body 1 of open ends 2 and 3 such that by introducing the lower end 2 into a beverage contained in a container, for example a glass (not shown), and after placing the mouth on the upper end 3, the absorption of the drink is allowed.

The novelty of the invention focuses on the fact that the tubular body 1 comprises at least one longitudinal lateral extension 4a, 4b as a fin or vane, which runs along the entire length of the tubular body 1, to perform remover functions, spoon and / or smoothie. In the preferred embodiment of the invention two opposite longitudinal lateral extensions 4a, 4b are included, as fins or vanes, to favor the functionality of remover, whisk and spoon.

This configuration allows the device to be manufactured continuously with a previously fixed length and subsequently cut into sections to obtain different devices of suitable length, according to the required consumption needs.

In Fig. 1 a first embodiment of the invention is shown in which the outer surface of the tubular body 1 has an elliptical section, at the ends of which it incorporates the longitudinal lateral extensions 4a, which are of circular section, whose curved surface allows make the cut of substances contained in the drink, such as an ice cream or similar and also allows the container to be flooded, while facilitating its adaptation to the lips of the user. In this way a more flat and functional configuration is obtained.

In the zone of union of the at least lateral extension 4a with the tubular body 1, it defines a small groove or longitudinal recess 7 as a valley that prevents the slipping of the densest substances (foamed milk, cream, etc.) since the The foam's own density and structure slows when it meets the striatum 7, which provides the device that can be used as a spoon when it is allowed to ingest the foam.

Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the invention in which the tubular body 1 is also of elliptical section at the ends of which it incorporates two lateral extensions 4b, which have a rectangular contour of upper and lower surface provided with corrugations 6, provided for facilitate the collection of the densest substances, which lacking edges is soft to the touch. In this case, the longitudinal side 5 of the at least lateral extension 4b has a curved-convex surface, to allow cutting and flocking, as in the example of Figure 1.

In the described embodiments the inner surface of the tubular body 1 is of elliptical section, but it is also possible that it has a circular section or any other configuration that is required.

In the exemplary embodiments, the device is cut to the required length, so that its upper and lower ends are curved-convex. Thus it is envisaged that in the described embodiments, this cut is made so that said ends of the device form a semicircular configuration, which provides a pleasant touch when introducing the device into the mouth and also adapts better to the bottom of the container so as suck up the entire drink.

The invention also provides that the cut can be straight or any regular cut, such as parabolic, hyperbolic, or even an irregular cut.

The different embodiments described provide a profile that can be manufactured either by extrusion or by injection.

Claims (12)

1.– IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN DEVICE FOR BEVERAGE ABSORPTION, comprising a tubular body (1) with open ends (2 and 3), whose lower end (2) is introduced into a beverage provided in a container container, and on whose end upper (3) is the mouth of a user to absorb the drink, where the outer surface of a section of the lower end of the tubular body (1) comprises at least one longitudinal lateral extension (4a, 4b) to perform remover functions and spoon; characterized in that the at least longitudinal lateral extension extends along the entire outer surface of the tubular body (1). 2. IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN DEVICE FOR BEVERAGE ABSORPTION, according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer surface of the tubular body (1) has a section selected between elliptical and circular; where when the section is elliptical the at least lateral extension is provided at one of its ends; and where the inner surface of the tubular body has a section selected between circular and elliptical. 3.- IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN DEVICE FOR BEVERAGE ABSORPTION, according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least lateral extension (4a, 4b) is of circular section. 4.– IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN DEVICE FOR BEVERAGE ABSORPTION, according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least lateral extension (4b) has a rectangular contour of upper and lower surface provided with undulations (6), and whose longitudinal side (5) It has a curved-convex surface. 5. IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN DEVICE FOR BEVERAGE ABSORPTION, according to claim 4, characterized in that the undulations (6) of the upper and lower surface of the at least lateral extension (4b) are arranged facing each other. 6. IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN DEVICE FOR BEVERAGE ABSORPTION, according to claim 1, characterized in that the device has a continuous length, previously established, which is cut into sections to obtain a plurality of devices. 7. IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN DEVICE FOR DRINK ABSORPTION, according to claim 6, characterized in that the cut of the tubular body (1) is selected from a regular and irregular cut 8. IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN DEVICE FOR DRINK ABSORPTION, according to claim 7, characterized in that the regular cut is selected between straight and curved. 9. IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN DEVICE FOR DRINK ABSORPTION, according to claim 8, characterized in that the curved cut is selected from concave and convex. 10. - IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN DEVICE FOR DRINK ABSORPTION, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two opposite longitudinal lateral extensions (4a, 4b). 11.– IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN DEVICE FOR BEVERAGE ABSORPTION, according to claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the cut determines ends of the semicircular configuration device. 6 7 SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 201231731 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 12.11.2012 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: A47G21 / 18 (2006.01) RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

56 Documents cited Claims Affected

TO

US 2004237311 A1 (BROWN KIRK ET AL.) 02/12/2004, Paragraphs [0001], [0014], [0017] and [0018]; 1-11

Figures 1 and 2.

TO

US 3648369 A (FRODSHAM VAUGHN D) 03/14/1972, Column 1, lines 36-40; column 2, 1-11

lines 21-28, and figure 3.

TO

US 1606039 A (MAX NORMAN) 09/11/1926, Page 1, left column lines 1-22 and figure 1. 1-11

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 17.07.2013

Examiner S. González Peñalba Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 201231731 Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) A47G Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENES, EPODOC, WPI State of the Art Report Page 2/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201231731 Date of Completion of Written Opinion: 07.17.2013 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 1-11 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims Claims 1-11 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. State of the Art Report Page 3/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201231731 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

US 2004237311 A1 (BROWN KIRK et al.) 02.12.2004

D02

US 3648369 A (FRODSHAM VAUGHN D) 03/14/1972

D03

US 1606039 A (MAX NORMAN) 09.11.1926

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement The present patent application refers, as it has been presented to improvements introduced in a device for the absorption of beverages characterized in that the longitudinal lateral extension of the main patent 201231091 extends along the entire outer surface of the tubular body (claim 1). The outer surface of the tubular body has a section selected between elliptical and circular (claim 2). The lateral extension is of circular section (claim 3). Said lateral extension has a rectangular contour of upper and lower surface provided with undulations and whose longitudinal side is curved-convex surface (claim 4), said undulations are arranged facing each other (claim 5). The device for absorbing beverages has a continuous length that is cut into sections to obtain a plurality of devices (claim 6). The cut of the tubular body is selected from a regular and irregular cut (claim 7). The regular cut is selected from a straight and curved cut (claim 8). The curved cut is selected between concave and convex (claim 9). Said device comprises two opposite longitudinal lateral extensions (claim 10). And finally, the cut determines ends of the semicircular configuration device (claim 11). NOVELTY AND INVENTIVE ACTIVITY ARTS. 6 AND 8 OF THE LP Document D01 refers to a useful utensil for eating and drinking in the form of a spoon and straw (see paragraph [0001]). The handle of said utensil is ergonomically designed to hold and has a channel-shaped configuration on its lower side (see paragraph [0014]). Said channel is formed by side walls (see paragraphs [0017] and [0018]). See also figures 1 and 2 of said document. Document D02 describes a straw and a spoon joined together by an adhesive layer (see column 1, lines 3640). The straw is attached to the spoon by means of an adhesive layer located in a channel on the back side of the spoon (see column 2, lines 21-26). The spoon has a platform-shaped portion and a handle-shaped portion (see column 2, lines 27-28, and figure 3). Document D03 deals with a combination of spoon and straw, in which the spoon is predisposed so that the straw can be placed and removed as desired (see page 1, left column lines 1-22 and figure 1). Therefore, in view of the documents cited above, it can be said that the present patent application, as it has been filed, has novelty and inventive activity since no documents have been found that comprise devices for the absorption of beverages that have a longitudinal lateral extension along the entire outer surface of the tubular body. Nor, in the cited documents, are there suggestions that direct the person skilled in the art towards the invention defined in claims 1-11. Therefore, claims 1-11 meet the requirements of novelty and inventive activity according to articles 6 and 8 of the LP. State of the Art Report Page 4/4