KR20050044715A - Method and device for preventing the inadvertent outflow of a fluid from a drinking container - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and device for preventing unintended liquid flow from drinking containers are achieved by means of securing an inner tube (29) provided with a bellows (4) within an outer tube (1) and terminating one end of the inner tube (29) as a valve (70, 70'), whereby the suction force from the user provides a pressure difference across the bellows (4), causing the bellows (4) to move the valve (70, 70') with sufficient force to open. When the suction force ceases, the valve (70, 70') closes, and it remains closed, even when the liquid in the drinking container (61) is pressurized with pressure (P3).

Description

Method and device for preventing the inadvertent outflow of a fluid from a drinking container}

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preventing the unintended flow of liquid from beverage containers, such as bags and bags and bottles. For example, the device is in the form of a beverage straw or beverage outlet so that it is easy to replace a preferred current beverage straw that requires additional functionality to prevent spills. By the suction force of the user, the flow of liquid is started and controlled. When the suction force stops, the flow stops, and then the valve shuts off the liquid flow even if overpressure is present in the vessel.

In addition to typical beverage straws or beverage outlets, the specification of this patent describes a number of specific devices that effectively prevent liquid from flowing freely from the beverage container. US Patent Application Nos. 5,975,369 and 5,465,876 provide examples of such devices. These devices do not have an automatic closing mechanism and therefore must be implemented with mechanical force when the user opens and closes the device. In addition, devices with automatic closing are known, but they have other disadvantages such as low durability against pressure differences, relative complexity, and the need for containers of specific construction. U.S. Patent Application 5,607,073 provides an example of such a device. Moreover, a device is known which does not leak liquid even if the liquid is pressurized, which is described in Norwegian patent application 137258. This type of device is designed to enhance the overpressure of the liquid for the purpose of closing the valve, so that the drink cannot be consumed with the device while the liquid is pressurized. The general features of all the devices described above occupy relatively high production costs, so the devices may not be used as disposable items.

1 shows a preferred embodiment of a device with a drinking straw according to the invention,

2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the same device as the mounting apparatus;

3a is a sectional view of a preferred valve positioned in the closed position;

3b is a sectional view of a preferred valve positioned in an open position;

4 shows another embodiment of the device according to the invention,

5, 6, 7 and 8 show another embodiment of the bellows coupled to the device,

9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B show another embodiment of a valve coupled to the device,

13 and 14 schematically show the principle of the operation of the apparatus and the method thereof;

15, 16a and 16b show a selectable embodiment of an outer tube of the device,

17A and 17B show a further embodiment of the outer tube of the device.

The object of the present invention is to solve the disadvantages of the prior art. The object of the invention is achieved according to the features specifically described in the specification of the invention below.

The object of the present invention is achieved by forming a beverage straw or beverage outlet, here simply an outer tube, whereby the liquid does not force the liquid out of the beverage container until the user sucks it.

The device transfers liquid from the container to the user and protects the inner tube against external physical loads, while at the same time forming an anchoring object that surrounds the parts of the device that move relative to each other when the user applies suction. It consists of an outer tube. The outer tube also has a pointed end, which is hard enough to puncture the beverage container.

The device also consists of an inner tube with a mounting device for mounting the outer tube. In the length extension, the inner tube is formed of a flexible bellows. Bellows are provided in a helical pattern along the longitudinal direction, increasing the force and rotational force when the suction force is applied. The structure of this pattern is chosen based on the free zone of liquid flow, the available length of the tube and the need for the properties of the material, so that the allowable pressure difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the bellows is dependent on the length and rotation of the bellows. Cause change. By forming a deep thin pattern, a more elastic bellows or spiral bellows is achieved, while the free area for liquid flow is reduced. The pitch of the helical pattern 33 actually determines the transfer rate between force and movement. Large pitches provide large forces but cause small movements, and small pitches provide the opposite. Pitches between 30 and 60 ° can provide adequate force and sufficient movement at the same time. The pattern is substantially changeable, and different directions of rotation and patterns can be combined within the same tube to achieve the desired function. In such a case, it is preferable to separate the movement only by vertical movement. This is achieved by combining two or more areas of the bellows with a pattern in the opposite direction of rotation or by bellows with a ring-shaped recess. The latter solution provides a small excess force but a large deflection force over the total length of the bellows. In addition, the rotational force can be separated, for example, by combining a spiral pattern and a bellows pattern with at least one ring-shaped recess, so that the bellows portion absorbs vertical movement because of the small vertical rigidity while transmitting the rotational force efficiently. The movement is transmitted from the end to the part of the inner tube arranged by the valve and moves relative to the outer tube for opening and closing.

For example, the valve mechanism uses a valve head that seals against an outer tube contiguous with a tube formed below the bellows, but has an outer tube with one or more flow holes positioned in this way, the movement being an inner tube. Block the fluid flow until it is sufficiently displaced over the hole in the outer tube so that it is no longer blocked.

Optionally, the valve is deformed in advance while producing the portion below the bellows in such a way that the valve is normally closed, and the movement transmitted through the suction force from the bellows is shown in the valves (Figs. 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B). ) Causes the opening. The deformable valve must be mounted on the outer tube at the lower end.

In some cases, the modifying valves require rotational and longitudinal movements that can operate optimally. The rotation is then prevented at the mounting point in such a way as to essentially engage the top and bottom of the inner tube in the outer tube, while maintaining a sufficient seal against the outer tube. The fastenings are located in separate grooves so that the sealing and fastenings are independently optimized for each other. Inclined flutes or flue-shaped grooves are also formed in one or two parts, ensuring correct tightening of the valves during part assembly.

Another method of fabricating the valve involves inserting an additional part that seals the end of the same tube with bellows, while at the same time performing a function like a sliding seal on the valve accessory of the inner valve (shown in Figure 12). .

Sliding valves according to the deformable type or the latter are freely positioned above or below the water surface in the container, and do not require suction of liquid from the side of the tube. Moreover, the lower end of the tube need not be closed to form the desired functional valve at any position.

When the device is not in use, the bellows will be affected by the same pressure on the inner and outer surfaces and will not cause a force for the bellows to rotate or change in the longitudinal direction. Then, the valve part is kept in the closed position even if overpressure is formed in the beverage container to be connected.

In the case of a tube made of bellows, the tube is preferably coated with a plastic material different from the plastic material of the inner surface. For example, the outer plastic material is made of polypropylene, so that the tube can be welded and fixed to an outer tube that is part of a beverage container, such as a bag. In other cases, by better use of soft plastics on the inner surface of the tube, better sealing of the tube is achieved. In addition, a combination of these properties is suitably adapted to maintain a smooth inner surface that allows the tube to be welded and at the same time sufficiently sealed.

In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one vent is easily located in the outer tube to ensure space between the bellows and the outer tube completely exposed to atmospheric pressure. In addition, the same hole is sufficiently small that the user experiences some delay in mechanical response time when starting or stopping. Such modifications also mitigate any fluctuations that occur during use. In addition, other special modifications are suitable for forming one or more sealing surfaces formed between the inner surface and the outer tube. It is also desirable in some cases to provide one or more smaller flow holes for the bellows to drain liquid from the area between the outer tube and the bellows.

Another importance of the device is to use an air inlet which replaces the liquid to be drinking from the container and which maintains the physical shape (with the containment container, the bottle, and similarly rigid containers). The above-described preferred delay time for actuation and stopping allows the injection of air into the vessel, thereby maintaining the vessel's own shape. Another method includes providing at least one unidirectional valve for air at the outer side of a portion of the outer tube located at the inner side of the vessel. For example, one or more barbs that hold the device against loosening when used are cut in a manner that allows it to act like a unidirectional valve. Optionally, the auger end of the outer tube is made like a unidirectional valve, but only opened by overpressure on the outer surface of the vessel. Such modifications will be described in detail in the following accompanying drawings.

An improved mounting mechanism that prevents loosening of the drinking straw or beverage outlet when exposed or used under overpressure in the container is achieved by the use of one or more combined barbs to secure the outside of the fixing flange to ensure proper use of the beverage straw or beverage outlet. Achieved with a tube. It is also possible to fabricate an outer tube on a portion of the cap or to provide an outer tube with another fixing mechanism or thread, so that it is used in bottles or similar containers with standard or specific connectors.

When using a modified valve, the valve can also be placed in some or all of the inner tube, for example in a beverage container or part of a bag (shown in FIG. 15) or in a separate bag or rigid casing. Used as beverage straws (shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B).

During production of massive quantities, the beverage straws or beverage outlets can be filled, adjusted and used in the same manner as current beverage straws or beverage outlets.

In the following, numerous non-limiting examples of preferred embodiments are described, which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a preferred embodiment, the outer tube 1 having an inner tube 29. The inner tube 29 is partly formed of bellows 4 with a spiral pattern 33. For the bellows 4, the inner tube 29 is contracted along the longitudinal direction at a pressure P2 on the inner surface of the inner tube 29 lower than the pressure P1 on the outer surface 13 of the inner tube 29. do. The lower end B of the inner tube 29 ends with the valve head 26 as compared to FIG. 3A. In this form, the valve head 26 functions not only to seal the inner surface 21 of the outer tube 1 but also to the valve 70 having valve openings 36a and 36b together.

In the closed position, the valve 70 will be sealed even if the liquid pressure P3 in the combined beverage container exceeds the atmospheric pressure P1.

When assembling the outer tube 1 and its inner tube 29, the connecting groove 38 in the upper end A of the inner tube 29 will engage the corresponding groove 37 of the outer tube 1. . Therefore, the inner tube 29 is pressure-sealed and mounted to the inner surface of the outer tube 1. Preferably, the grooves 37 and 38 are fitted with the parts in a mutually fixed position via continuous heating.

At the lower end of the outer tube 1, the outer tube 1 is clamped, for example, with a rigid and rigid end 35 which perforates the beverage container. In addition, the outer tube 1 is provided with a ring 39, the purpose of which is to stabilize the degree to which the end 35 is pressed and overlapped. Moreover, the device has a fixed flange 31 and four barbs 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d to ensure correct use and prevents the device from forcibly exiting the outer surface of the container when it is affected under overpressure. do. In one of the barbs 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, the slit 2 is cut in one direction to form a continuous air injection mechanism into the beverage container 61. The outer tube 1 has a hole 20 for transmitting the atmospheric pressure P1 through the slit 2 at the outer surface 13 of the inner tube 29 and the inner surface of the beverage container 61.

In contrast, when the outer tube 1 is filled, the length extension 5 of the outer tube 1 forms a flexible joint 30 so that it can be folded in parallel with the remaining length of the outer tube 1.

2 is a cross-sectional view after the device shown in FIG. 1 is inserted into a beverage container 61.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a device similar to the device of FIG. 1 with a valve 70, wherein the valve head 26 includes the valve head 26 and the outer tube 1 and the outer tube 1 and the inner tube 29. Gaskets (41a, 41b, 41c) capable of properly sealing and holding the pressure region (P1) between the two.

Figure 3b shows the same valve as Figure 3a in the open position.

4 shows another embodiment of the device, in which the lower end of the outer tube 1 is inserted into the beverage container 61, so that the outer tube 1 is formed with a beverage straw. The shorter the bellows 4, the valve 70 moves closer to the stationary flange 31 and the barbs 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d, while the valve has the same structure as the valve of FIG. have.

5 shows a spiral bellows 4 with an initial elliptical shape 71 when viewed in cross section. When the pressure on the inner surface 22 decreases relative to the pressure on the outer surface 13, the elliptical shape 71 is compressed, so that the shape, length and twist angle of the bellows 4 by the pattern 33 Changes.

FIG. 6 shows another helical bellows 4 with two spheres 72a and 72b when viewed in cross section, which are formed based on the pattern 33.

FIG. 7 shows another spiral bellows 4 having a circular shape 73 interrupted by two V-shaped grooves 75a, 75b positioned radially when viewed in cross-section, wherein the V-shaped groove is a tube ( 77) extends toward the inner surface.

FIG. 8 shows another spiral bellows 4 having a circular shape 73 interrupted by two V-shaped grooves 76a, 76b located radially when viewed in cross-section, wherein the V-shaped groove is a tube ( 77) extends toward the outer surface.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1, with another type of valve 70 ′. The strain valve 70 'operates in correspondence with the preformed strings 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d to be overlapped and crimped during production, and then the groove 46 is coupled with the corresponding groove 45 of the outer cap. Tighten. Here, the grooves 45 and 46 are slightly shaken to avoid relative rotation between the grooves of the outer tube 1 and the grooves of the inner tube 29. Rotation and retraction of bellows 4 opens valve 70 '. When the negative pressure disappears, the rigidity of the bellows 4 will cause the valve 70 'to rotate in the opposite direction and will be forced back to the closed position. Arrows indicate the flow direction.

9b shows the same device of FIG. 9a in the closed position.

Referring to Figure 9, Figure 10a shows a modification valve. When the user applies negative pressure to the bellows 4, vertical movement of the bellows 4 is used to open the compression zones 80a and 80b. The lower portion of the inner tube 29 is welded, fused or glued with the outer tube 1 at the surfaces 45 'and 46'.

Fig. 10B shows the apparatus of Fig. 10A and is in an open state. Arrows indicate the downstream flow direction.

FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1, with another type of valve. FIG. Here, the longitudinal reduction and rotation to be caused by the spiral bellows 4 can be completely opened even with a small suction force by the user. The end 47 of the valve head 26 is cut obliquely, so that rotation will improve substantial opening compared to a valve using only vertical movement of the valve head 26.

Fig. 11B shows the device of Fig. 11A and is in an open state. Arrows indicate the flow direction.

FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1, with another type of valve. FIG. Here, the valve head 26 has a reduced diameter to accommodate a valve counterpart 50 having a flow channel 51 allowing liquid flow over the valve head 26. Further, the valve counter 50 has a sealing surface 52 that seals against the valve head 26. The notches 55 and 56 fasten the valve counterpart 50 seated on the outer tube 1.

12B shows the device of FIG. 12A and is in an open state. Arrows indicate the flow of liquid downstream.

Fig. 13 shows the principle according to the method of the present invention, between the outer surface 13 (atmospheric pressure, P1) of the bellows and the inner surface 22 of the bellows (negative pressure for suction input, P2). The pressure difference causes a relative movement with respect to the outer tube 1. The combined beverage container 61 opens the valve 70 which has been closed by movement under overpressure P3. Among other situations, overpressure P3 is caused when the user presses the beverage container 61 or if the beverage container 61 is placed in a horizontal position with the water surface positioned higher than the height of the device.

14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13 with the valve 70 in an open state.

15 is another embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention. Here, the beverage container 61 is a bag. The type of valve to be used as an example is practically the same as the valve of FIGS. 10A and 10B. The bellows 4 forms a vacuum in the tube 95, which is fixed to the bag by welding or adhesion to the surfaces 94a and 94b. The remainder of the bag is welded or glued along the tip 93. The membrane 4 and the valve 70 'are stacked in the same way in separate portions of the beverage container 61. The device has a hole 20 for guiding air into the bellows 4 to provide atmospheric pressure to the outer surface 13 of the bellows 4. The bag 61 has a protector 92 to be dismantled before use to protect the top of the integral inner tube 29 against dust and bacteria.

FIG. 16A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the outer tube 1 is vacuumed and then welded or glued together with the inner tube 29 at surfaces 94a and 94b along the entire surface 93. It consists of a plastic foil to be made. The casing surrounds, secures and protects the bellows 4 and the valve 70 '. The inner tube 29 terminates with a tip 96 that is inclinedly cut to facilitate insertion of the inner tube 29 into the beverage container 61. Here, the deformation valve 70 'is in a closed state.

Fig. 16B shows the embodiment of Fig. 16A and is in an open state. Arrows indicate the flow direction of the liquid.

Figure 17a shows a selectable embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the outer tube 1 is a cap. The bellows 4 and the valve seat 53 are of a type corresponding to and providing the same function as the apparatus shown in Figs. 12A and 12B. In order to efficiently supply air to the beverage container 61, the cap 1 is provided with a device capable of continuously allowing the injection of air, the one or more grooves 100a, 100b and the inner surface 106 of the gasket. Is made of a gasket 101 with an inner curved opening 104 that can seal against the curved surface 102 when the pressure of the gasket is equal to or higher than the pressure on the outer surface 105 of the gasket. In addition, the gasket 101 performs the same function as a general gasket for sealing between the cap 1 and the beverage container 61. When the pressure of the beverage container 61 (acting on the inner surface 106 of the gasket) is lower than atmospheric pressure (acting on the outer surface 105 of the gasket), the gasket 101 will bend downward, thereby Surfaces 102 and 104 do not seal against each other. Then, the atmosphere is injected into the beverage container 61 while the user is drinking the contents, thereby preventing air from being injected into the beverage container 61 to stop the operation. The arrow shows the air and liquid flow injected through the groove (100a).

FIG. 17B shows the apparatus of FIG. 17A, which is a sectional view seen from above. FIG.

Claims (15)

The inner tube 29 has a pattern 33 that can change shape when the inner pressure P2 is applied, terminates as a valve head 26 and is fixed to the outer tube 1 at one end A. However, the other end of the inner tube 29 is a valve head 26 that can shield the at least one opening 36 of the outer tube 1 until the user provides a sufficient negative pressure P2, 負壓. Method for preventing the leakage of liquid from the beverage container, characterized in that used as. The inner tube 29 has a pattern 33 which can change shape when the inner pressure P2 is applied, terminated as a strain valve 70 'and the outer tube 1 at both ends A and B. Is fixed to the valve 70 'and maintains the closed state (9b, 10a) until the user provides sufficient negative pressure (P2). . In the device consisting of the outer tube (1) and the inner tube (29) and mounted on the beverage container 61, One end of the inner tube 29 is fixedly mounted to the outer tube 1, and the inner tube 29 is also arranged to be movable relative to the outer tube 1, at least one of which is in the movement region. A valve head 26, the outer tube 1 having at least one opening 36a, 36b, the movement of the at least one valve head 26 with respect to the opening 36a, 36b The liquid from the beverage container 61 is to open or close the flow, the negative pressure in the inner tube 29 to open the liquid flow, otherwise the inner tube 29 closes the liquid flow Apparatus for preventing the leakage of liquid from the beverage container, characterized in that. In the device consisting of the outer tube (1) and the inner tube (29) and mounted on the beverage container 61, Both ends of the inner tube 29 are fixedly mounted to the outer tube 1, and the inner tube 29 is also arranged to be movable relative to the outer tube 1, and at least one of the movement regions. A modification valve 70 ', the relative movement of the free end of the bellows 4 relative to the fixed end of the modification valve 70' to open or close the flow of liquid from the beverage container 61, The negative pressure in the inner tube 29 opens the deformation valve 70 'so that the liquid flows, otherwise the deformation valve 70' closes the liquid flow to prevent leakage of liquid from the beverage container. Device. 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the strain valve (70 ') uses both axial and rotary movement of the bellows (4). 5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the outer tube (1) comprises at least one barb (32). 5. The liquid from the beverage container according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the outer tube (1) has at least one hole (20) for injecting air into the beverage container (61) while drinking the beverage. Device to prevent leakage. The liquid from the beverage container according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the outer tube (1) is formed as part of a cap or has a thread (11) or other fastening device for connecting with the beverage container (61). Device to prevent leakage. 5. The bellows (4) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the bellows (4) is formed with at least one recess (33) formed in the inner tube (29), wherein the at least one recess (33) is at least one. A device for preventing the leakage of liquid from a beverage container, characterized in that formed in a spiral having a rotational direction and at least one pitch. 5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the outer tube (1) is formed as part of a beverage container (61). 5. The method of claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one valve (70, 70 ') is located inside the beverage container (61) after installation of the device. Device. 5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the inner tube (29) is coated with at least one outer layer of plastic material before thermal welding the outer surface (13) to another surface. Device to prevent leakage. 5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer tube (1) is formed by itself or with a plastic foil (91) attached to each other or attached to the inner tube (29). 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the inner tube (29) is coated with at least one inner layer of plastic material that maintains a proper seal of the strain relief valve (70 '). .  In a device consisting of a gasket 101 with an outer tube 1 and a hole 104 with a sealing surface 102 and at least one groove 100 for airflow, The at least one groove 100 is located on the surface of the outer tube 1 to seal against the gasket 101, and air is sucked from the outside of the outer tube 1 and transported over the sealing surface 102. The external pressure P1 is adapted to act on the outer surface 102 of the gasket, thereby allowing at least one groove 100 from the outside of the device when sufficient negative pressure is present in the beverage container 61. A device for continuously injecting air into a beverage container, characterized in that for opening the valve area (102,104) to inject air through.