WO2004101381A2

WO2004101381A2 - Drinking element with passage for cooperation with a beverage container

Info

Publication number: WO2004101381A2
Application number: PCT/NL2004/000339
Authority: WO
Inventors: Etiënne Herman Walter BLONDEEL
Original assignee: Golden Nugget B.V.
Priority date: 2003-05-15
Filing date: 2004-05-17
Publication date: 2004-11-25
Also published as: NL1024755C1; WO2004101381A3; US20060131255A1; EP1633645A2

Abstract

A drinking element (1) with passage (7) for cooperation with a beverage container, comprising: a coupling part (2) for engaging an opening in the beverage container; an engaging part (3) located at a distance from the coupling part, dimensioned so as to be enclosed by the lips of a user, and a passage opening provided (7) through the coupling part and the engaging part for passing beverage from the beverage container through the drinking element to the user, wherein the coupling part is designed to be fastened in and/or over the opening of a beverage container while forming a liquid-tight sealing between the drinking element and the beverage container.

Description

Title: Drinking element with passage for cooperation with a beverage container.

The invention relates to a drinking element with passage for cooperation with a beverage container, which can be coupled to a beverage container.

Beverages such as, for instance, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are offered in large quantities in beverage containers such as bottles, cans and cartons from which the beverage can be directly consumed. This means that the consumer of the beverage places the beverage container directly to his lips and then supplies the beverage coming from the beverage container directly to the mouth, i.e. without interposition of, for instance, a mug or glass. Also in restaurants and bars, there is an increasing tendency to consume beverages directly from the beverage container. Examples hereof are the increasing use of so-called mix-drinks (spirits mixed with a soft drink) and special beers. In addition, it has already been trendy for a longer period of time to consume soft drinks from the bottle or can. Consuming beverages in this manner renders the use of further accessories superfluous and is therefore simple. Also, consuming directly from the beverage container provides an image that in particular young consumers pursue. Disadvantages of consuming directly from the beverage container are the reduced drinking ease and the reduced hygiene caused by the physical contact with the beverage container. The object of the present invention is to simplify the consumption of beverages directly from a beverage container, and to reduce the drawbacks of consuming beverages directly from the beverage container according to the state of the art.

To that end, the present invention provides a drinking element with passage for cooperation with a beverage container, comprising: a coupling part for engaging an opening in the beverage container, an engaging part located at a distance from the coupling part, dimensioned so as to be enclosed by the lips of a user, and a passage opening provided through the coupling part and the engaging part for passing beverage from the beverage container through the drinking element to the user. With the neck of the bottle, the coupling part forms a liquid-tight sealing, for instance through flexible deformation of a part of the coupling part and/or of the neck of the beverage container such as the neck of a bottle.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the coupling part is at least partly flexible for engagement in and/or around the opening in the beverage container in an at least substantially liquid-tight manner, by means of a pre-stress developed by the flexibility of the coupling part. Such a drinking element can be designed in a very simple manner and, for that reason, can be manufactured at very reduced costs particularly when in larger production numbers. Important advantages of the drinking element are that the shape of the engaging part can be optimised so as to be enclosed by the lips of the consumer so that an enhanced drinking ease can be obtained. The risk of liquid issuing from the liquid container in undesired manner will also be reduced. Yet another advantage is that undesired substances entering the liquid container can be reduced. Dirt or insects can be considered here, which are kept out of the beverage container by the drinking element, but also the unnoticed adding of substances by third parties (for instance drugs or stimulating substances) is made considerably more difficult by the drinking element. Another advantage of the drinking element is that contact between the beverage container and the lips of the consumer becomes superfluous; this leads to improved hygiene since, as a rule, the outside of a beverage container is not always bound to be clean. Yet another advantage is that the drinking element can form a protection against (undesired) contract of teeth with the beverage container. In this manner, the drinking element can function as a protection ('"bumper") for the teeth of a consumer.

In a preferred variant, the coupling part of the drinking element is provided with an insertion part with an outwardly facing, flexible contact surface such that the insertion part is designed to internally engage the opening in the beverage container. Such a drinking element is particularly suitable to be placed into an opening of a beverage container. For instance, a drinking element placed in a neck of a bottle or in the opening in a can can be considered here. The advantage is that then, the outside of the beverage container remains visually intact. This is important in particular there, where the appearance of the beverage container plays in important part. Another advantage of inserting the drinking element into an opening in a beverage container is that the visibility of the drinking element in an inserted condition can be very limited.

In a different preferred variant of the drinking element according to the invention, the coupling part is provided with a sleeve part with an inwardly facing, flexible contact surface such, that the sleeve part is designed to externally engage an edge surrounding an opening in the beverage container. Such a drinking element can externally engage, for instance, a neck of a bottle and then screens off the neck of the bottle from undesired contact with lips and teeth of a consumer. This sleeve part can for instance be provided with screw thread for engaging screw thread on the neck of the bottle. When the coupling part is provided with a contact surface the distance between opposite sides of which are differently dimensioned on various positions, it is possible that a single neck of a bottle can cooperate with beverage containers with beverage openings of very divers dimensions. To enhance the drinking ease, preferably, the engaging part is at least substantially form-retaining. However, in special circumstances it is also conceivable that, conversely, the engaging part is designed so as to be highly flexible.

In still another variant embodiment, the drinking element is provided with an aeration, an aeration opening of which, located on the outside of the drinking element, being located between the engaging part and the coupling part such that in an operative condition, wherein the drinking element cooperates with both a beverage container and the lips of the user, the opening remains clear. Due to the aeration, during drinking, air can be supplied to the beverage container so that the outflow of liquid is not, or to a lesser extent, inhibited by a reduced pressure building up in the beverage container. To prevent beverage from exiting through the aeration, the aeration can be provided with a valve.

The drinking element can be manufactured in a very simple manner, for instance by means of injection moulding. This is particularly advantageous in the variant embodiment of the drinking element manufactured as one single form part. Thus, with one single injection moulding operation, a ready product can be manufactured.

In yet a different variant embodiment, the drinking element is provided with sealing means. For instance a hood enclosing the engaging part can be considered here or a seal to be placed or moved in the passage. With the sealing means, the beverage container can be sealed off when the drinking element is not used for consuming beverage. A particular variant hereof consists of a drinking element provided, before use, with a seal which is detachable from the drinking element. For instance, in a not previously used condition, a sealing element can be provided with a seal which can be removed (broken, cut) and is not replaceable. With this, an indication is directly present showing the previous use of a drinking element. A different form of sealing means consists of a removable layer of material (for instance a foil layer). Such a layer can, at will, be attached to one side (for instance to the coupling part, to the engaging part or in the passage). Possible means for fastening a layer of material are, for instance, gluing, ultrasonic welding, heating. For a simple removal of the layer of material, this can be provided with an engaging part (for instance a projecting lip). It is also possible to have the sealing element form part of a removable cap (housing) enclosing the drinking element. Here, a more or less conventional or screw cap provided with a seal which cooperates with a drinking element can be considered. When the drinking element is provided with advertisements, a connection can be sought with the advertisements on the beverage container. It is also conceivable that the beverage container is made available, free of charge, by an advertiser or that the beverage container is used as an element with which a consumer has a personal bond, respectively.

In a particular preferred variant, the engaging part of the drinking element can be moved relative to the coupling part between an operative condition in which the engaging part projects outside the coupling part and a stored condition in which the engaging part is surrounded, at least partly, by the coupling part. As a result, it becomes possible to store (fold in) the drinking element when it is not used for drinking. As a result, the drinking element only occupies a limited space during storage and transport. It also becomes possible to place a drinking element in a conventionally sealed off beverage container; for instance in the neck of a bottle which is sealed off by means of a screw cap or crown cap.

In order to provide this functionality too, the coupling part can link up with the engaging part by interposition of a transition part. To that end, the transition part can be manufactured from a deformable material, such as for instance a thin -walled plastic material. Thus, the relative movement of the coupling part and engaging part is simply compensated by deforming the transition part.

In a specific variant, the engaging part can be placed in the stored condition at a pre-stress. Through the provision of a cover (for instance a foil, (screw) cap or (crown) cap), the engaging part can be secured in the stored condition. After removal of such a cover, due to the pre-stress, and without further operations being required to that end, the engaging part will be moved from the stored condition to the operative condition. Hence, the drinking element is brought, "by itself to the condition for drinking. To thereupon prevent the engaging part from moving back in an undesirable manner from the operative condition to the stored condition, the operative condition is preferably stable. In this manner, the risk is reduced that during drinking the engaging part unexpectedly gives way. It is noted that it is possible that the stable operative condition of the drinking element can again be reversed into a stored condition, provided that a sufficiently great force is applied. In the most advantageous case, the force to be applied to that end will be greater than the forces applied in the same direction during use of the drinking element.

As an alternative to the above-described variant embodiment, it is also possible that the engaging part has a stable stored condition. In this case, a force is to be applied to enable the reversal from a stored to an operative condition. This can be done, for instance but not exclusively, by coupling a cover element to the engaging part. Upon removal of the covering element, a force can thus be transmitted to the engaging part which, as a result, can move to the operative condition. Examples thereof are coupling a screw cap to the engaging part; upon removal of the screw cap, the engaging part will be pulled along to the operative condition. Another possibility is providing a foil on the engaging part. When engaging the foil and pulling it loose, also the engaging part can be moved to the operative condition. This pulling loose and away is further simplified by the provision of a projecting part on the foil.

The invention further relates to a drinking element according to claim 18.

With a drinking element according to claim 18, the drinking element can be provided in and/or over an opening of a beverage container, while a cap for sealing off the beverage container is connected to the drinking element. Therefore, they can be placed jointly, which can be commercially advantageous. Moreover, as a result, the manufacture can be simplified.

The cap and the drinking element can be detachably connected to each other, so that when the beverage container is opened, the cap can be detached and the drinking element can be used separately thereof. However, it is also possible to maintain the cap connected to the drinking element so that the cap is prevented from becoming lost. Furthermore, pollution of the environment can thus be prevented.

Preferably, the cap is a cap which can be provided over a neck of a bottle, such as a known screw cap. Often, within such a cap, a relatively soft plastic element is provided against an end wall, which element, when the cap is screwed onto the neck of the bottle, ensures a liquid-tight sealing against the bottle. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a drinking element is formed together with this element such that with it, it can be connected to the cap. In a first preferred embodiment, upon removing the cap, the drinking element is then released from or of this element, for instance by breaking coupling elements, tear lines or the like. In an alternative embodiment, this element is then pulled from the cap and remains connected to the drinking element.

The invention further relates to a method for closing a beverage container. In particular, the invention relates to such a method for closing a bottle. According to the invention, such a method is characterized by the features of claim 23.

With such a method, the advantage is achieved that in a simple manner, a drinking element can be provided which is hygienically covered and protected from being manipulated from outside as long as the bottle is closed.

Moreover, the drinking element cannot inadvertently come loose from the bottle, at least not for as long as the cap is provided.

In a first embodiment, in a first step, the drinking element is provided and in a second step the cap. As an alternative, these two steps can also be carried out simultaneously, while cap and drinking element are preferably mutually connected or are coupled to each other before placing.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, when placing the cap, the drinking element is at least partly pressed into the beverage container, in particular while being partly deformed. For instance, the drinking element can be placed in the opening, while an engaging part extends at least partly outside this opening and outside the beverage container, whereupon, when the cap is placed, said part of the engaging part is pressed as far as into the beverage container. Preferably, a deforming part is then provided which deforms elastically, such that the drinking element is pressed against the inside of the cap at a pre-stress. Upon removal of the cap, the above-mentioned part of the engaging part will then be pressed back to the position extending partly outside the beverage container.

Preferably, as described hereinabove, the drinking element is fastened in the opening by deformation of at least a part of the drinking element and/or the beverage container.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for closing beverage containers, in particular bottles, characterized by the features of claim 28.

With such an apparatus, in a rapid and simple manner, beverage container can be provided in an opening thereof with of a drinking element and moreover be closed such that the drinking elements are screened from the outside in an hygienic manner and against manipulation.

The apparatus can be designed for sequential as well as for simultaneous placement of drinking element and cap. In a more general sense, the patent also relates to an apparatus for placing a drinking element according to be invention in and/or over a neck of a bottle, in particular in an automated manner.

The invention further relates to a beverage container, in particular a bottle provided with a drinking element according to the invention, preferably with a drinking element and cap according to the invention and/or a beverage container closed with a method or apparatus according to the invention.

The present invention will be further clarified with reference to the non-limitative exemplary embodiments represented in the following Figures. In the Figures: Fig. 1A shows a perspective view to first variant embodiment of a drinking element according to the present invention;

Fig. IB shows a view to a cross section through the drinking element shown in Figure 1A; Fig. 1C shows a perspective view to a first variant embodiment of the drinking element equipped with an additional aeration channel;

Fig. ID shows a view to a cross section through the drinking element shown in Fig. 1C;

Fig. IE shows a view to a cross section through the drinking element shown in Fig. 1A in a somewhat adapted form;

Fig. IF shows a top plan view of a valve body for a drinking element according to the invention;

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view to a second variant embodiment of a drinking element according to the present invention; Fig. 2B shows a view to a cross section through the drinking element shown in Fig. 2A;

Fig. 3A shows a perspective view to a third variant embodiment of the drinking element according to the present invention;

Fig. 3B shows a view to a cross section through the drinking element shown in Fig. 2A;

Fig. 3C shows a perspective view to the drinking element according to Figs. 3A and 3B in a condition wherein it cooperates with a neck of a bottle;

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view to a fourth variant embodiment of a drinking element according to the present invention; Fig. 4B shows a view to a cross section through the drinking element shown in Fig. 4A;

Fig. 5A shows a cross section through a fifth variant embodiment of a drinking element according to the present invention in a stored condition;

Fig. 5B shows a cross section through the drinking element of Fig. 5A in an operative condition; Fig. 6A shows a cross section through a sixth variant embodiment of the drinking element according to the present invention in a stored condition;

Fig. 6B shows a cross section through the drinking element of Fig. 6A in an operative condition; Fig. 7A shows a cross section through a seventh variant embodiment of a drinking element according to the present invention, in a stored condition;

Fig. 7B shows a cross section through the drinking element of Fig. 7A in an operative condition;

Fig. 8A shows a cross section through an eighth variant embodiment of a drinking element according to the present invention in a stored condition;

Fig. 8B shows a cross section through the drinking element of Fig. 8A in an operative condition;

Fig. 9A shows a cross section of a drinking element comparable to the embodiment according to Fig. 8, in a somewhat adapted form; Fig. 10A shows a cross section through a ninth variant embodiment of a drinking element according to the present invention in a stored condition;

Fig. 10B shows a cross section through the drinking element from Fig. 10A in an operative condition;

Figs. 11A-E show a tenth variant embodiment of a drinking element according to the invention;

Fig. 12 schematically shows an apparatus for placing a drinking element into a bottle, and

Fig. 13 shows, in perspective view, a drinking element and cap according to the invention. In this description, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals. In the embodiments shown, each time, a plastic bottle such as a blown beverage bottle, manufactured from, for instance, PET, is shown as a beverage container with which a drinking element according to the invention can be used. However, it will be directly clear that different types of beverage containers too can be used, for instance from a different material and/or having a different shape. As a manner of fastening, on the neck of the bottle, each time a screw thread is shown. However, naturally, also different manners of fastening can be chosen within the invention. Fig. 1A shows a drinking element 1 with a coupling part 2 and an engaging part 3 for the mouth of a user (not represented). The coupling part 2 has a contact side 4 with several differing diameters so that the coupling part 2 can cooperate with openings of various dimensions. Between the engaging part 3 and the coupling part 2 a separating edge 5 is provided, preventing the drinking element from being slid too far into an opening, and which edge 5 also protects a user of the drinking element 1 from contacting a liquid container. For a good fastening of the drinking element 1 in an opening of a beverage container, the contact side 4 of the coupling part 2 is flexible, at least to a limited extent. As is more clearly visible in Fig. IB, the drinking element 1 is also provided with a central passage opening 6 terminating on the side of the engaging part 3 in a drinking opening 7. At will, the drinking opening 7 can be designed such that a straw can be inserted through it or be clamped by it.

Figs. 1C and ID show the drinking element 1, however, now provided with an additional aeration channel 30 which, on one end, by means of an opening 31, links up with the engaging part 3 and, on the opposite end, with an opening 32, ends up at the underside of the contact side 4. For an improved working of the aeration channel 30, the opening 32 is located lower than the connection of the opening of the passage opening 6 in the contact side 4. In Fig. IE, a drinking element 1 is shown, largely identical to that of

Figs. 1A and IB. However, here, at the underside of the drinking element 1, a membrane 40 is provided, linking up in a liquid-tight manner against the underside of the passage opening 6. This membrane 40 (Fig. IF) is provided with an opening 41, for instance a slit-shaped or cross-shaped opening which, in a position of rest, is sealed off through the flexibility of the membrane which is manufactured from, for instance, an elastomeric plastic such as silicon or rubber. This membrane 40 functions as valve body. When in rest, the content of the bottle, such as carbonated beverage, will be sealed off from the environment by the then closed membrane 40, at least opening 41. As a result, carbon dioxide for instance is prevented from escaping from the beverage too easily. Moreover, leakage is prevented even better. If suction is applied to the drinking element or if the bottle is squeezed, the opening 41 will be slightly opened and the beverage can be drunk. Naturally, also a straw or the like can be pushed through the opening 41 In this embodiment, an example is given of a gas escape provision

42. In a bottle containing a gas-containing beverage, for instance carbonated beverage, the possibility exists that an excess pressure builds up in the bottle, in particular before it is opened for the first time. In the drinking element 1 according to Fig. IE, at least one slit-shaped recess 43 is provided, extending in an outside surface of the coupling part 2, along the contact side 4 as far as below the edge 5. During use, when the edge 5 completely abuts against the neck of the bottle, the recess 43 will be sealed off as a result of elastic deformation. However, if the pressure within the bottle becomes higher than desired, gas will be able to escape through the recess by pressing the edge 5 slightly away from the neck of the bottle, at least deforming the material of the edge 5 such that gas can pass this recess. Naturally, several of such recesses 43 can be provided or an escape provision 42 can be designed in a different manner, as long as it allows for rapid discharge of excess pressure, so that the drinking element is not pressed from the bottle. Figures 2A and 2B show a drinking element 8 with a coupling part 9 and an engaging part 10. The coupling part 9 is provided with three flexible and projecting discs 11 for engaging openings with differing diameters. Through the drinking element 8 runs an opening 12 terminating, on the side of the engaging part 10, in a drinking opening 13. In the drinking element 8, also an aeration 14 has been provided in which a valve 15 has been placed. During use of the drinking element 8, the aeration 14 remains clear so that air can flow through the valve 15 into the opening 12.

Figs 3A - 3C show a drinking element 16 with a conical coupling part 17 and an engaging part 18. Between the coupling part 17 and the engaging part 18, reinforcement ribs 19 have been placed to increase the firmness of the drinking element 16. However, it should be ensured that the conical coupling part remains flexible, at least to a limited degree. The drinking element 16 too is provided with a central passage 20 with a drinking opening 21. Figure 3 C shows the drinking element 16 in a condition fastened in a neck 22 of a bottle. In addition to the shape of the drinking element 16 represented, it is also possible to provide one or more openings in the connection of the coupling part 17 to the underside of the engaging part. Such an opening, not represented, can then function as an aeration opening for supply of air to a beverage container to which the modified drinking element 16 connects. By means of the thus supplied air, formation of a considerable reduced pressure in a beverage container during the consumption of beverage is prevented; the air supplements the volume of the beverage extracted from the beverage container.

Figs. 4A and 4B show a drinking element 23 with a coupling part 24 and an engaging part 25. Through the coupling part 24 runs an aeration channel 26 which, on the side of the drinking element 23 remote from the engaging part 25, by means of a passage 27, ends lower than the passage 28 which is designed for allowing beverage to pass. Such a construction allows for a still better flow-through of the drinking element 23. Fig. 5A shows a drinking element 50 in a stored condition, an engaging part 51 being surrounded by a coupling part 52. By interposition of a (flexible) transition part 53, the engaging part 51 is connected to the coupling part 52. The coupling part engages a neck 54 of a bottle which is provided with an external screw thread 55 to which a screw cap 56 has been provided. Due to the presence of the screw cap 56, the engaging part 51 is pressed inwards (into the neck 54 of the bottle). After removal of the screw cap 56, the condition as represented in Fig. 5B is formed. Due to the pre-stress generated by the transition part 53, the engaging part 51 is urged outwards, i.e. towards an operative condition in which the engaging part 51 is not surrounded by the coupling part 52 and/or the neck 54 of the bottle. The condition of the drinking element 50 represented in Fig. 5A is stable; through the disappearance of the resistance of the screw cap 56, the drinking element 50 adopts its stable condition of equilibrium.

At the underside of the edge 52 and the flexible part 53, a groove 43 is provided as a gas escape device 42. With this, excess pressure can be removed without the drinking element 50 being launched from the neck of the bottle.

Moreover, it is noted here that the screw cap 56 and the engaging part can additionally be provided with a form-closing coupling (for instance male/female) for an optimal sealing.

Fig. 6A shows a drinking element 60 in a stored condition in which an engaging part 61 is surrounded by a coupling part 62. By interposition of a (flexible) transition part 63, the engaging part 61 is connected to the coupling part 62. The coupling part engages a neck 64 of a bottle. Other than in Figs. 5A and 5B, the transition part 63 has two stable conditions of equilibrium. In the first (stored) condition of the drinking element 60, the engaging part 61 is surrounded by the coupling part 62 (stored in the neck 64 of the bottle). For sealing the drinking element 60, a passage 65 through the engaging part 61 is covered with a foil material 66. For the sake of engagement, the foil part 66 is provided with a lip 67. When, presently, an (in the Fig.) upwards directed force is applied to the engaging part 61 (for instance by pulling the lip 67) the drinking element 60 can be brought into a second stable condition of equilibrium. This condition is represented in Fig. 6B. It is clearly visible there that the engaging part 61 now projects outside of the neck 64 of the bottle and the coupling part 62. For providing the possibility to drink, however, the foil part 66 should be removed from the passage 65.

Figs. 7A and B show a drinking element 50 comparable to that of Fig. 5, while, however, the drinking element 50 is provided with a sleeve 57 extending, in the exemplary embodiment shown, in a concentric manner around the engaging part 51 and which is provided on the inside with a screw thread 58 for cooperation with the screw thread 55 on the neck 54 of the bottle. As a result, the drinking element can be screwed onto the neck 54 for a liquid- tight sealing. On the outside of the sleeve 57, external screw thread 59 is provided onto which the cap 56 can be screwed. For a good sealing, the edge 52 is somewhat elastically deformed by the cap. Preferably, the upper part of the screw thread 55 is slightly reduced so that the external screw thread 59 on the sleeve continues in the lower part of the screw thread 55 on the neck of the bottle. In this embodiment, the advantage is achieved that the drinking element 50 is retained on the bottle unequivocally and in a sealing manner and fits below the customary cap.

In Fig. 7B, on the top right hand side, a gas escape provision 42 is shown, in the form of a slit-shaped recess 43. Fig. 7C represents, from above, in top plan view, the circled part in Fig. 7B. It is clear that the recess 43 continues in the edge 52. Preferably, the edge 52 is slightly elastic so that if the cap 56 is screwed thereon, this recess 43 is sealed off. Thus, a gas tight sealing is obtained. When the bottle is opened, the cap 56 will move from the edge 52, so that the recess 43 is released and gas can simply escape via this recess 43 and grooves in the screw thread 55, 59. These grooves will be further described with reference to Fig. HE, which type of grooves are customarily provided in the neck of a plastic bottle of the present type for retaining them during manufacture and/or deaeration.

Figs. 8A and 8B show a further embodiment of a drinking element 60 with cap 56, the drinking element 60 being substantially similar to the one according to Fig. 6. In this embodiment, the cap 56 is connected to the foil part 66, so that the cap and the drinking element are interconnected and can be placed on the bottle in one go. When removing the cap 56, the foil part 66 will also rise, as shown in Fig. 8B, together with the passage 65. As a result, when removing the cap, the device is immediately ready, especially when, upon removing the cap or screwing it open, the foil material tears loose from the passage 65. This can happen, for instance, because the cap is pulled upwards or because the drinking element is secured against rotation within the neck 64 of the bottle, so that the cap is rotated relative thereto.

Fig. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a drinking element with cap 56 comparable to Fig. 8, however, with the foil part 66 reaching as far as in a groove 68 in the inside of the cap 56. As a result, the cap 56 can rotate relative to the foil part 66 without this foil part 66 coming loose from the drinking element 60.

In Figs. 10A and B, a further alternative embodiment of a drinking element with cap 56 according to the invention is shown, comparable to Figs. 8 and 9, the cap 56 being provided with a flap cover 69, pivotally connected to a sleeve 57. Adjacent a middle part of the cover 69, the foil part 66 is connected along a longitudinal edge 66 A. As described hereinabove, the foil part 66 seals off the passage 65 and can be manufactured, for instance, in one part with the drinking element 60. The sleeve 57 can be screwed onto the neck 64 but can also be fastened in a different manner. When opening the flap cover 69, the foil part 66 is moved along upwards, together with the passage 65. Thereupon, the foil part can be torn from the passage 65 and/or the cover 69 and the engaging part 61 is released to be used. When the closing the cover 69, the drinking element can be pressed back into the neck.

Fig. 11 schematically shows a drinking element 1 comparable to that according to Fig. 1, while, however, a sleeve 57 is provided which is provided on the inside with screw thread 58 and on the outside with screw thread 59, as shown and described, for instance, in Fig. 7. Through the element 1, a passage 43 extends as gas escape provision 42. As appears from Fig. 11B, it terminates just above the edge 5. In Fig. 11C, a cap 56 is shown, with a broken away part, provided with a tamper -proof ring 70. On the inside of the cap 56, a shoulder

71 is provided which links up, when the cap 56 is placed over the drinking element 1, with the edge 5 thereby sealing off the passage 43. Therefore, when opening the cap, this passage will be released and gas can escape. In Fig. 11D, the underside of the drinking element 1 is shown, provided with a series of ribs

72 which can engage in vertical grooves 73 through the screw thread on the neck of the bottle, as shown in Fig. HE. Such grooves 73 are typically present in a neck of a bottle such as of a PET bottle or different sort of beverage bottle, in particular a plastic, blown bottle. These ribs 72 are formed such that the drinking element can simply be screwed onto the neck, yet is retained by the grooves 73 in releasing direction. With it, a simple fastening is obtained. In the top surface, the cap 56 is provided with a cavity 47 which fittingly fits over the free end of the engaging part 4 thereby sealing off the opening 6. Fig. 12 schematically shows an apparatus 80 for placing drinking devices 1, 50, 60 and caps 56 onto bottles F according to the invention. In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 80 comprises retaining means 81 for retaining the bottles, for instance on a conveyor belt, carousel or such apparatus for retaining and/or moving the bottles. In the first station 83, means 84 are provided for placing a drinking device 1, 50, 60 in and/or over the neck of a bottle F. These means comprise, for instance, a gripper 85 in which the drinking device can be gripped and moving means 86 for moving it towards the bottle F (arrow Kl). In a second station 87, means 88 are included for placing a cap 56 over the drinking device and or the neck of the bottle F. These means 88 comprise, for instance, a gripper 89 in which the cap 56 can be gripped and moving means 90 for moving it to the bottle F (arrow K2) and screwing the cap (arrow K3) close. Thereupon, the bottle with drinking device and cap be discharged in the direction P.

It will be clear that if the drinking device and cap are integrated, according to, for instance, Fig 8, 9 or 10, they can be placed simultaneously, for instance in the first station 83. Also, the drinking device and the cap can first be combined and thereupon, in a station 83 or 87, be provided on the bottle. An apparatus 80 according to the invention can substantially be designed as an apparatus known per se for placing caps on bottles, usually also indicated as capping machines. In addition thereto, when drinking device and cap are placed separately, an additional station 83 is then to be added. Otherwise, the existing apparatus can be used, while a pre-assembly apparatus for cap and drinking device is added and/or the apparatus is made suitable for the combined cap-with-drinking device according to, for instance, Fig. 8, 9 or 10.

Fig. 13 shows a drinking device 1 according to the invention with cap 56, in perspective view. Clearly visible are the smooth surfaces of the drinking device, rendering it highly hygienic. However, naturally, all sorts of shapes and finishes can be used. In this embodiment, the drinking device can be pressed into the cap 56, for instance in that on the inside of the cap 56, for instance, a recess is provided which can be clamped in the opening 7 of the drinking device 1 for sealing this off. The cap and drinking device can then be preassembled and be placed together. Naturally, also other means can be provided in the cap for, at least temporarily, retaining the drinking device therein. The variant shown here can, for instance, be pressed into the opening of the bottle, while the cap can be fastened on the screw thread of the neck of the bottle.

When the cap links up with at least the top side of the drinking device, for instance grooves or the like can be provided in one or both contact surfaces between the cap and the drinking device which grooves are released if the cap is slightly lifted from the drinking device for forming the gas escape means. Such a use of grooves is known from bottles for carbonated beverage.

With a drinking device according to a invention, naturally, any colour can be chosen for the different parts. Also, different colours can be used for different parts, such as drinking element and cap. For instance, also, on large series of bottles with such drinking elements, a small number of the drinking elements can obtain a different colour than the others. A consumer, finding one of these differently coloured drinking elements can, for instance, obtain a prize. Also, for the drinking element, for instance a thermal plastic or plastic colouring under the influence of light or moisture, or a plastic with a flavour or the like can be used. The drinking element can for instance also be designed in glow in the dark. The different marketing uses of such and comparable variants will be directly clear to the skilled person.

A drinking device according to the invention can have an extendable engaging element 4, for instance telescopic or collapsible, so that engagement by the lips can be facilitated. The engaging element can be designed, for instance, as a straw and can be slid into the bottle with the bottle closed. Also, several passage openings 6 can be provided next to each other.

With a drinking device according to the invention, this can also be fixedly arranged on the neck of, for instance, a bottle, while on the outside of the engaging part 3, 10, 25, 51, 61 screw thread or the like is provided onto which a cap 56 can be fastened, such that it cannot be pressed therefrom by gas pressure.

A gas escape device 42 can also be designed in a different manner than the recess 43 shown in Fig. ID, 5, 7 or 11. For instance, as shown in Fig. 6, the passage 43 can be provided in the flexible part 63, as the cap links up in a gastight manner with the edge 52 and ensures sealing. When removing the cap, this passage to the atmosphere will be released and gas can escape, preferably via the grooves 73 as shown in Fig. 11. In each of the embodiments shown, a membrane 40 or such provision can be provided for the prevention of inadvertent leakage of beverage, inadvertent degassing of the beverage and/or inadvertent manipulation of the beverage.

The invention is not limited in any manner to the exemplary embodiments represented in a description and the drawings. Many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

Naturally, the drinking element can also form an integral part of a beverage container, in particular a bottle, for instance a plastic bottle. For instance, a basic shape of a bottle of can be injection moulded with the drinking device as integral part, whereupon the basic shape is also blown to form a bottle.

A drinking element can, for instance, be provided in a different manner in or over an opening of a bottle and be sealed off by a cap. Furthermore, this can be manufactured in a different manner, for instance in

2K injection moulding technique, so that relatively hard and/or rigid and relatively soft and/or flexible parts can be provided in one operation. It can also be composed from several parts. Naturally, drinking elements according to the invention can be sold separately or in series or be provided together with a bottle. Any combination of parts of the embodiments shown and/or described in the drawing is understood to fall within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

Claims

1. A drinking element with passage for cooperation with a beverage container, comprising: a coupling part for engaging an opening in the beverage container; an engaging part located at a distance from the coupling part, dimensioned so as to be enclosed by the lips of a user, and a passage opening provided through the coupling part and the engaging part for passing beverage from the beverage container through the drinking element to the user, wherein the coupling part is designed to be fastened in and/or over the opening of a beverage container while forming a liquid-tight seahng between the drinking element and the beverage container.

2. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the coupling part is partly flexible for engaging the opening in the beverage container in an at least substantially hquid-tight manner, by means of a pre-stress developed by the flexibility of the coupling part, and is preferably provided with an insertion part with an outwardly facing, flexible contact surface such that the insertion part is designed to internally engage the opening in the beverage container.

3. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the coupling part is provided with a sleeve part with an inwardly facing, flexible contact surface such that the sleeve part is designed to externally engage an edge surrounding an opening in the beverage container.

4. A drinking element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling part is provided with a contact surface the distance between the opposite sides of which are differently dimensioned on various positions.

5. A drinking element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging part is at least substantially form-retaining.

6. A drinking element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drinking element is provided with an aeration, an aeration opening of which, located on an outside of the drinking element being located between the engaging part and the couphng part such that in an operative condition in which the drinking element cooperates with both a beverage container and the lips of a user, the aeration opening remains clear.

7. A drinking element according to claim 6, wherein the aeration is provided with a valve.

8j» A drinking element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drinking element is manufactured as one single form part.

9. A drinking element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drinking element is provided with sealing means.

10. A drinking element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drinking element, before use, is provided with a seal which is detachable from the drinking element.

11. A drinking element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drinking element is provided with advertisements.

12. A drinking element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging part can be moved relative to the coupling part between an operative condition in which the engaging part projects outside the couphng part, and a stored condition in which the engaging part is surrounded, at least partly, by the coupling part.

13. A drinking element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling part, under interposition of a transition part, links up with the engaging part.

14. A drinking element according to claim 13, wherein the transition part is manufactured from a deformable material.

15. A drinking element according to any one of claims 12 - 14, wherein the engaging part can be placed in the stored condition.

16. A drinking element according to any one of claims 12 - 15, wherein the engaging part has a stable operative condition.

17. A drinking element according to any one of claims 12 — 14 or 16, wherein the engaging part has a stable stored condition.

18. A drinking element with passage for cooperation with a beverage container, in particular of according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drinking element is provided with a couphng part for engagement on or over an opening in a beverage container, an engaging part located at a distance from the coupling part, dimensioned so as to be enclosed by the lips of a user and a passage extending through the drinking element, wherein the engaging part is designed for cooperation with a cap and is preferably connected to a cap for sealing off the beverage container.

19. A drinking element according to claim 18, wherein said cap is provided with an end wall and an apron extending away therefrom suitable for enclosing a neck of the beverage container, wherein the engaging part of the drinking element is provided with a first end coupled to said cap, in particular adjacent said end wall.

20. A drinking element according to claim 19, wherein the first end is provided with a flange, which flange extends, at least partly, along said end wall.

21. A drinking element according to claim 20, wherein said flange reaches adjacent said apron, such that upon closure of the beverage container with the cap, this flange is retained between the end wall and the beverage container for liquid-tight sealing.

22. A drinking element according to any one of claims 18 - 21, wherein the cap is detachably connected to the drinking element, in particular via tear means and/or break means.

23. A method for closing a beverage container, in particular a bottle provided with a neck defining an opening, wherein in or over the opening a drinking element is provided, which drinking element comprises a passage opening, and a cap is provided over said drinking element so that the drinking element is screened off from the environment of the bottle and is confined in or on the neck.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein in a first step the drinking element is provided in or over the opening and in a second step said cap is provided.

25. A method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein a beverage container and cap are provided which are interconnected and are jointly placed in an over said opening.

26. A method according to any one of claims 23 — 25, wherein during placing of the cap, the drinking element is pressed, at least partly, into the opening, while deforming, preferably elastically deforming a part of the drinking element, the arrangement being such that when the cap is removed, a part of the drinking element can be pulled or moved from said opening, which part is released outside said beverage container for engagement by a user.

27. A method according to any one of claims 23 — 26, wherein at least the drinking element is attached in said opening by elastic deformation of a part of the drinking element and/or the beverage container.

28. And apparatus for closing an opening of a beverage container, in particular an opening defined by the neck of a bottle, which apparatus comprises means for: retaining the beverage container; placing a drinking element in and/or over the opening of the beverage container; - closing the beverage container by providing a cap over said opening and, at least partly, over said drinking element.

29. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the means are designed for successively placing drinking element and cap.

30. An apparatus according to claim 28 of 29, wherein the means are designed for, during placement of the cap, pressing the cap at least partly into the beverage container, at least a part thereof, preferably through elastic deformation of a part of the drinking element.

31. An apparatus for placing a drinking element according to any one of claims 1 — 22 in and/or over a neck of a bottle.

32. A beverage container, in particular a bottle, provided with a drinking element according to any one of claims 1 — 22 in and/or over an opening of the beverage container.