WO2007016638A2 - Récipients de boisson et accessoires avec paille intégrée - Google Patents

Récipients de boisson et accessoires avec paille intégrée Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007016638A2
WO2007016638A2 PCT/US2006/030136 US2006030136W WO2007016638A2 WO 2007016638 A2 WO2007016638 A2 WO 2007016638A2 US 2006030136 W US2006030136 W US 2006030136W WO 2007016638 A2 WO2007016638 A2 WO 2007016638A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
straw
beverage
container
cap
integrated
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2006/030136
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2007016638A3 (fr
Inventor
Perry S. Bagley
Original Assignee
Prolabel
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Prolabel filed Critical Prolabel
Publication of WO2007016638A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007016638A2/fr
Publication of WO2007016638A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007016638A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/5861—Spouts
    • B65D75/5866—Integral spouts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/54—Cards, coupons, or other inserts or accessories
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/22—Details
    • B65D77/24—Inserts or accessories added or incorporated during filling of containers
    • B65D77/28—Cards, coupons, or drinking straws
    • B65D77/283—Cards, coupons, or drinking straws located initially inside the container, whereby the straw is revealed only upon opening the container, e.g. pop-up straws
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/22—Details
    • B65D77/24—Inserts or accessories added or incorporated during filling of containers
    • B65D77/28—Cards, coupons, or drinking straws
    • B65D77/286—Cards, coupons, or drinking straws formed integrally with the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/0001—Details
    • B65D2517/0047—Provided with additional elements other than for closing the opening
    • B65D2517/0049—Straws, spouts, funnels, or other devices facilitating pouring or emptying

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to beverage containers of the type used for convenient packaging and consumption of beverages, providing improved dispensing and/or consumption of the beverage via an integrated straw.
  • the present disclosure also relates to accessories adapted for use with standard beverage containers, where the accessory provides a cap with an integrated straw adapted to fit the opening of a standard beverage container, which provides for improved ease of consumption of the beverage.
  • Stand-Up, disposable, flexible pouch constructions containing drinking fluids have become popular consumer items, and a variety of such constructions are known.
  • One type is a pouch construction sold under the trade designation Capri Sun® and containing fruit drink.
  • the Capri Sun® products, and similar constructions typically are in the form of pouches that include flexible front and back panels, sometimes with a flexible bottom or base gusset. In one of the panels, there is typically provided an aperture covered by frangible membrane. In use, one punches a sharpened straw through the aperture and into the pouch. The liquid is then dispensed through the straw to the drinker.
  • the pouch construction is less convenient to handle because the straw projects from a side as opposed to the top.
  • a problem with the use of a membrane-covered aperture to provide for a region to punch is the provision of a membrane and seal that are both adequately impervious to passage of air and/or moisture to provide for a good seal while still being relatively easy to puncture with a straw. Also, such a seal entails a manufacturing step of applying and sealing the membrane.
  • the straw is generally provided in a separate wrapping and attached to the exterior of the pouch with an adhesive. Often the straws become detached from the container and "lost", leaving the user without a way to open or consume the beverage. The user is also faced with the need to dispose of the straw wrapping before disposal of the entire drink container and may be inclined to dispose if it in an improper manner (e.g., "littering"). Also, the straw must be pointed and made of a relatively strong or stiff material in order to facilitate piercing the pouch sidewall. In some cases, schools have actually banned students from bringing beverage pouches to school due to the straw being used as a weapon.
  • the present disclosure relates to beverage containers and/or accessories for beverage containers, in particular beverage containers and accessories providing an integrated straw for convenient consumption of the beverage from the beverage container, particularly disposable beverage containers.
  • the beverage containers and/or beverage container accessories with integrated straws help to reduce or substantially prevent spilling of the beverage.
  • embodiments of the beverage container(s) of the present disclosure include a container having one or more sidewalls, a bottom end, and a top end defining an interior compartment for containing a beverage, and an integrated straw having an upper straw portion with a top opening and a lower straw portion with a bottom opening.
  • the lower straw portion of the integrated straw is in communication with the interior compartment of the container for accessing a beverage contained therein via the bottom straw opening, and the upper straw portion is releasably enclosed within a releasable portion of the container that is located adjacent to the top end of the container.
  • the present disclosure relates to a disposable, flexible beverage pouch of the type used for convenient packaging and consumption of beverages, providing an integrated straw for improved opening of the pouch and dispensing and/or consumption of the beverage.
  • beverage pouches are generally flexible and made of a mono-material or a multi-layer compound material.
  • the present disclosure relates to a beverage bottle, box, or can including means for providing an integrated straw or for integrating a straw with such a container.
  • the beverage pouch of the present disclosure provides a flexible pouch construction, generally including front and back opposed panel sections, which form front and back barrier walls/sidewalls, and a bottom or base gusset.
  • the opposed panel sections and base are secured together, such as by one or more base and peripheral seals around an outer perimeter edge and an upper seal securing the front and back panels together and defining a top end, to form a stand-up flexible pouch with sidewalls, a bottom end and top end, and an open interior compartment which can be used to contain liquid.
  • the beverage pouch further includes an integrated straw contained within the outer peripheral edge of the pouch construction where at least a portion of the lower portion of the integrated straw is in communication with the interior compartment to allow access to a beverage to be contained therein.
  • An internal peripheral seal at least partially separates the lower straw portion from the interior compartment.
  • an upper portion of the integrated straw is releasably enclosed in a releasable portion and may be easily released from the releasable portion via an opening system ⁇ e.g., a pull-tab, tear-tab or a peel-seal region) adjacent to the upper end of the container and the releasable portion.
  • a molded beverage bottle having a bottle portion, an integrated straw with a flexible top to be contained under a cap.
  • the bottle portion includes sidewalls, a bottom end, a top end, and a neck portion forming part of the top end.
  • a lower portion of the integrated straw is an "in-mold" straw ⁇ e.g., the lower straw portion is integral with the interior of an outer wall of the bottle) that is at least partially defined by the sidewalls of the bottle portion.
  • the bottle also includes two caps, and upper cap and a lower cap.
  • the lower cap is designed to couple to the neck portion of the bottle and includes a flexible upper straw portion designed to mate with and/or engage the lower, in-mold straw portion.
  • the upper cap is designed to releasably couple to the top of the first lower cap and to releasably enclose the upper portion of the integrated straw.
  • the first lower cap includes a seal ring for engaging/aligning the upper straw portion with the lower, in-mold straw portion, and one or more air vents to provide airflow between the interior and exterior of the bottle.
  • the bottle is disposable.
  • a disposable beverage box having opposing front and back panels and opposing first and second side panels forming the sidewalls of the container.
  • the beverage box also includes a top flap defining a top end of the container and a bottom flap defining a bottom end of the container.
  • the front, back, and side panels and top and bottom flaps form an interior compartment for containing a beverage.
  • the beverage box also includes an integrated straw having a lower straw portion housed within or formed from an integral, interior straw chamber formed witin the interior compartment and along one or more sidewals of the container ⁇ e.g., the back panel of the box).
  • the box also includes and an upper straw portion adapted to be releasably enclosed under a second, releasable top flap on the top end of the box.
  • the releasable flap is optionally removable.
  • the straw may also include a seal to align and/or engage the upper straw portion of the integral straw to the lower straw portion and/or internal straw chamber.
  • beverage container accessories are provided for adapting conventional beverage containers for consuming the beverage with a straw integrated with the beverage accessory.
  • Embodiments of such an accessory include a cap capable of being removable fitted over an opening in a beverage container and an integrated straw. The integrated straw passes through the opening in the beverage container when the cap is fitted on the beverage container, such that a lower portion if the straw is in communication with a beverage contained in the beverage container and an upper portion of the straw is external to the container to permit consumption of the beverage by a user.
  • the cap-straw accessory is reusable, and in other embodiments it is disposable and/or reusable.
  • an accessory for a beverage can including a cap capable of being removably fitted over a can top, and a straw coupled to the cap and adapted to fit through a standard can "pop top" opening to access a beverage contained therein.
  • an accessory is provided for a bottle including a cap adapted to fit over a bottle opening, preferably including threads for removable securing the cap to a threaded neck of the bottle and including a straw coupled to the cap to permit consumption of a beverage contained in the bottle.
  • the straw is provided with valve for substantially preventing/reducing spills while allowing consumption of the beverage.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a beverage pouch with integral straw according to the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic, exploded plan view of the beverage pouch of Fig. 1, where the pouch has been opened and the upper portion of the straw released for use.
  • Fig. 3 is an exploded plan view of an alternative beverage container with an integrated straw according to the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic, fragmentary plan view of the upper straw portion and cap assembly of the beverage container of Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the lower cap and upper portion of an integrated straw of the beverage container of Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the lower cap of the beverage container of Fig 5.
  • Fig. 7 is a side plan view of a beverage can and a cap-straw beverage container accessory according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the cap-straw beverage container accessory of Fig. 7.
  • Fig. 9 is a side view of Several cap-straw beverage container accessories of Figs 7 and 8 in a folded conformation.
  • Figs. 10(A) and (B) are side and front schematic views, respectively, of a beverage box with integrated straw according to the present disclosure.
  • Figs. 11(A), (B), and (C) are back plan views of the beverage box of Figs. 10(A) and (B) showing the box (A) in a closed conformation, (B) with the additional top flap open to reveal the integrated straw, and (C) with the upper straw portion released and the additional top flap removed.
  • Fig. 12 is a side plan view of the box of Figs. 10 (A) and (B) and 11 (A) and (B) with additional top flap lifted and the upper straw portion released.
  • Fig. 13 is a plan view of upper straw portion and straw seal of the box of Figs. 9- 12.
  • the present disclosure relates to beverage containers and/or accessories for beverage containers having an integrated straw to provide for convenient consumption of the beverage from the beverage container.
  • integrated straw indicates that the straw is coupled, formed, composed, combined, and/or united with another object (e.g., a container, a cap, or other object) that together make a whole.
  • integrated straw also indicates that the straw is a "part of and not provided separately from the primary object to which it is “integral” (container, cap, accessory, etc.).
  • integrated straw does not include straws for use with certain beverage containers and/or accessories where the straw is packaged with, but external to or separate from the container and/or accessory (e.g., conventional beverage boxes and pouches where the straw is packaged with and sometimes externally, removably affixed to, the outside of the container.)
  • the use of the containers and/or accessories reduces or even substantially prevents spillage of the beverage.
  • the term “reduced” spillage or spilling and/or indicates that use of the container and/or accessory of the present disclosure results in less frequent and/or lower volume spills than use without the container and/or accessory of the present disclosure.
  • the term “substantially reduces” spillage or spilling indicates that use of the container and/or accessory of the present disclosure rarely results in spills of the beverage, as compared to standard use and/or use without the container and/or accessory of the present disclosure.
  • the term “substantially prevents" spillage or spilling, as used herein, indicates that use of the container and/or accessory of the present disclosure, under standard conditions, almost never results in spillage of the beverage.
  • first and second opposed panel sections which form front and back barrier walls (e.g. sidewalls) 12 and 14, and a bottom, or a base gusset 15.
  • the barrier walls 12 and 14 are suitably formed as a sealing foil, of either a mono- material or a multi-layer compound material which are well known to those of skill in the art.
  • the barrier walls 12 and 14 and the base 15 are secured together (e.g. by a seal) around an outer peripheral edge to form a stand-up flexible pouch.
  • the pouch includes sidewalls (defined by the panels/barrier walls 12 and 14), a bottom end (defined by base 15), and a top end (defined by the area where the panels 12 and 14 are secured together along an upper portion, e.g., an upper seal 32), which define an open interior compartment 24, which can be used to contain a potable liquid.
  • the general pouch construction, with barrier walls 12 and 14 and base gusset or bottom 15 are known in the art as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,380,646, 5,425,583 and 6,485,177 which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
  • the outer peripheral edge of the pouch generally has two side edges 16 and 18, a top end edge 20, and a bottom end edge 22.
  • the base 15 and barrier walls 12 and 14 are generally secured together along peripheral edges 16, 18, 20 and 22 via peripheral seals as depicted by the hatched regions in Figs. 1 and 2.
  • the seals are preferably permanent seals, which are generally formed by adequate heat and pressure to permanently secure the various engaged pieces to one another.
  • an optional gap may be left in the permanent seal along one of the edges to provide for an opening system (such as a perforation line or notch in a pull or tear tab system, or for a non-permanent seal in a peel-seal system), discussed in greater detail below.
  • an opening system such as a perforation line or notch in a pull or tear tab system, or for a non-permanent seal in a peel-seal system
  • An integrated straw 26 is provided within the outer peripheral edge of pouch 10.
  • an upper portion 29 of integrated straw 26 is provided in a releasable portion, pocket 42, along the upper edge of closed pouch 10.
  • the integrated straw 26 has a lower portion 28 which is in communication with interior compartment 24 at a lower region 31 in order to access a liquid contained in the compartment.
  • the remainder of the integrated straw 26 is separated from the interior compartment 24 by additional seals provided between the integrated straw 26 and the interior compartment 24, such as permanent seal lines 30 and 32.
  • the integrated straw 26 has a flexible joint 27 separating the lower portion 28 of the integrated straw, which is aligned generally parallel to side edge 18 of the pouch, from an upper straw portion 29, which is aligned generally parallel to top end edge 20 of the pouch 10.
  • "generally parallel” indicates that one object or line may be exactly parallel to or it may be near enough to parallel to another object or line that it appears to be parallel to, almost parallel to, or oriented in the same general direction as the other object or line.
  • the integrated straw 26 is typically contained between side edges 18 and 20 and permanent seal lines 30 and 32. However, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the orientation of the integrated straw could be reversed, and thus contained between side edges 16 and 18, respectively, in a similar manner.
  • An opening system is also provided for releasing the upper portion 29 of the integrated straw 26 from the releasable portion 42 for use by the consumer.
  • the opening system is located on or near a portion of an outer perimeter edge (e.g., the upper perimeter edge) adjacent to the upper portion 29 of the integrated straw 26.
  • the opening system is a tear-tab type system where the top of the container (e.g., the releasable portion, such as pocket 42) is pulled off at perforated line 34 between permanent seal 32 and the upper portion 29 of the integrated straw 26.
  • an additional permanent seal is also provided along line 36, between perforation line 34 and the upper straw portion 29 so that when the user tears along the perforation line 34, the upper portion 29 of the integrated straw 26 is separated from the main body of the pouch 10, but remains completely encased in pocket 42, as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the integrated straw can then be exposed for use by twisting or tearing off, or otherwise removing, a removable portion 37 of a pocket 42 containing the upper portion 29 of the integrated straw 26 along a second perforation line 38.
  • the integrated straw 26 may be pushed through the end 40 of pocket 42 to avoid having to dispose of removable portion 37.
  • the opening system may include, but is not limited to, other tear tab or pull tab systems and peel-seal opening systems.
  • Provision of "peel- seals" between flexible members, for example the panels of a flexible pouch, is known and described, for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,832,570; 5,604,000; 5,538,345; 5,470,156; 5,474,382; 5,464,969; 5,425,825; 4,782,951; 5,330,269; 5,005,707; 4,966,470; 4,925,318; and 4,823,961, the complete disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • peel-seal refers to a type of opening system where two or more panels or portions of a container are releasable sealed together along a seal line, such that the initial seal is strong enough to provide a sufficient semi-permanent seal from the environment, but the seal is releasable upon the application of sufficient forces, usually by a user's hands.
  • a "peel seal” may optionally be re-sealable.
  • the pouch may be resealable.
  • the opening system would be located between the integrated straw 26 and an outer edge (e.g., edge 20) of the pouch 10, and a resealing system would be located between the integrated straw and the opening system in order to allow the integrated straw to be resealed in the pouch for later consumption of the beverage after initial opening.
  • Resealing systems are known in the art, for example zipper type systems employing a traditional rib and trough design, and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,673 other U.S. Patents listed above.
  • the beverage pouch is made of material including a plastic film material is used having an appropriate coating thereon to allow for activation by selected heat and pressure to selectively generate a permanent seal or a peel-seal, as desired. It is foreseen that if such material is utilized, it would be of a type for which if an alternate pressure/heat combination is selected, a permanent seal can be provided, as is desired in certain portions of the construction.
  • Useable materials include substrates of polyester, nylon, and polypropylene (available from DuPont or Unitika), which can be laminated together using conventional lamination techniques. In some instances, a layer of aluminum foil is added in the lamination to provide for an attractive appearance.
  • the lamination may include peel-seal constructions as described in the references cited above, including a polypropylene sealant comprising dissimilar materials. Further, a resin formulated to result in a peel-seal may be added.
  • Pouch constructions according to the present disclosure are readily manufacturable using high speed manufacturing line techniques. With such techniques, typically gusset members will be brought in line, between two elongate webs. Heat seal bars and cutters, can be used to form the particular configuration of pouch construction chosen, including for example those depicted in Figs. 1 and 2. The heat seal bar can specifically be prevented from encountering the pouch construction and causing sealing in the regions that are to be left open for pouch filling, for access by the integrated straw to the interior portion containing the beverage or for provision of the opening system as described above. Typically, the region left over for pouch filling is on a top edge of the beverage pouch.
  • the unsealed region may alternatively be located on an upper portion of the side edge of the pouch that is not adjacent to the integrated straw, in order to allow for easy filling by the drink packager. After filling, the opening is permanently sealed by the drink packager.
  • the integrated straw 26 (including both lower portion 28 and upper portion 29) and the releasable portion/opening system are provided along side edge 18 (or 16) and/or adjacent to top edge 20, rather than along top end edge 20.
  • the upper portion 29 of the integrated straw is bent, at flexible joint 27, back down toward lower portion 28 and another permanent seal line is provided between the upper portion 29 and lower portion 28 of the integrated straw 26.
  • An opening system such as a perforation line, is provided along a portion of side edge 18, or across a corner defined by the meeting of side edge 18 and top-end edge 20, to release the upper portion 29 of the integrated straw.
  • a perforation line is provided along a portion of side edge 18, or across a corner defined by the meeting of side edge 18 and top-end edge 20, to release the upper portion 29 of the integrated straw.
  • a beverage bottle is provided with an integrated straw.
  • An exemplary embodiment of such a bottle is shown in Figs. 3-6. Li the embodiment shown, a bottle 50 is provided.
  • the bottle may be made of molded plastic materials, or other suitable materials that are known to those of skill in the art and as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,837,339 and 6,279,505, the complete disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the bottle 50 has a body portion 52, with outer wall 58 defining the sidewalls and bottom end of the bottle and a portion of a top end of the bottle, a neck portion 53 also forming a portion of the top end of the bottle, a cap assembly 54, and an integrated straw 60.
  • the integrated straw 60 has a lower, or bottle portion 62, which is preferably an in- mold integrated straw that is continuous with the bottle wall portion 58, such as a channel integrated with the interior of the bottle wall portion 58 to form an integral lower straw portion.
  • the bottle wall portion 58 forms part of the outer wall of the integral, in-mold integrated straw 62.
  • the remainder of the bottle portion 62 of integrated straw 60 is formed by channel 66, which may be made of the same or a different material than bottle body portion 52.
  • the integrated straw also has an upper portion 64 that is preferably made of a flexible material to allow it to be folded under an upper cap 57 of the cap assembly 54.
  • the upper straw portion 64 may be continuous with lower portion 62, or it may be in the form of a separate piece, which may be aligned and engaged with/coupled to lower straw portion 62 by a seal ring 67 contained in a lower cap 56 of cap assembly 54. Li this form, lower cap 56 and upper straw portion 64 can be formed from a mold as a unitary piece.
  • Lower cap 56 also may include air vents 68 to allow airflow between the body of the bottle 52 and the exterior of the bottle in order to facilitate beverage consumption.
  • Upper cap 57 preferably includes threads (not shown) to engage threads 59 on a neck portion of lower cap 56 and/or threads on a neck portion 53 of the bottle 50 for releasably securing upper cap 57 to the lower cap 56 and/or bottle neck portion 53.
  • Lower cap 56 can be treaded to allow it to be secured onto the neck portion 53 of the bottle.
  • the bottom end of upper straw portion 64 engages with (e.g., couples to, nests within, connects to, interlocks with, or otherwise engages) lower, in-mold, straw portion 62.
  • Upper straw portion 64 may engage lower straw portion 62 via the top of the channel 66 (as illustrated in Fig. 6).
  • Other forms of connection can be used in place of threads, such as snap connections.
  • the lower straw portion 62 may be integral with lower cap 56, but not integral with the bottle wall portion 58, so that if desired, the consumer may remove lower cap 56 and consume the beverage without the integrated straw.
  • a beverage box is provided with an integrated straw.
  • An exemplary embodiment of such a box is shown in Figs. 10-13.
  • a box 90 is provided.
  • the box 90 may be made of coated paperboard materials, or other suitable materials that are known to those of skill in the art and as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
  • Such containers are typically formed by folding and sealing a cut and scored paperboard blank to form a box shape.
  • the paperboard may be coated or laminated to resist permeation by a beverage contained therein, or a liquid-proof liner, coating, laminate or inner container or bag can be provided in the container's interior for containing the beverage.
  • the box 90 has interior portion 92 defined by front panel 94, back panel 96, two side panels 98 and 100, top end 102 and bottom end 104. Front and back panels 94 and 96, and side panels 98 and 100 form the sidewalls of the box. Top end 102 and bottom end 104 are defined by upper and lower folded flaps 106 and 108 respectively.
  • the box 90 also includes an integral straw 110, having an upper straw portion 112, lower straw portion 114 and flexible joint 116.
  • the box 90 also includes an internal straw chamber 118, formed along an interior surface of the box 90, (e.g., along the inner surface of one or more panels/sidewalls, such as along back panel 96, as shown in Fig. 10).
  • the straw chamber 118 may be integral with the interior surface of the back panel 96. hi two alternate embodiments, the internal, integral straw chamber 118 may house lower straw portion 114, or alternatively, may itself form lower straw portion 114. Some embodiments further include a straw seal 120 to align/engage upper straw portion 112 to lower straw portion 114 and/or integral straw chamber 118. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, straw seal 120 is located beneath box top end 102 and between upper straw portion 112 and lower straw portion 114. In an alternative embodiment, seal 120 maybe located outside/above box top end 102.
  • top end 102 of the box 90 also includes a depression or indention 122 adapted to receive upper straw portion 112 when the integrated straw is in a folded conformation prior to use.
  • Upper folded flap 106 includes an additional, or second, top flap 124 which folds over the top end 102 of the box to enclose upper straw portion 112 prior to use as shown in Fig. 1 l(A).
  • Top flap 124 is releasable (e.g., peels/lifts up and/or unfolds) as shown in Fig. H(B) to reveal upper straw portion 112, which may then be lifted up for use by a consumer.
  • releasable top flap 124 is removable (e.g.
  • top flap 124 is not necessary, however, to release the upper straw portion 29 for consumption, as shown by Fig. 12.
  • Many alternate embodiments of the disclosed beverage box with integrated straw are possible and are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.
  • the present disclosure also provides beverage container accessories that provide for convenient consumption of a beverage via a cap-straw system to reduce spillage and/or the risk of spilling the beverage in the container.
  • Embodiments of the cap and straw accessory, or “cap-straw accessory,” include a cap for removably fitting to the top of a beverage container and over an opening in the beverage container for reducing beverage spillage, and an integrated straw adapted to fit through the opening in the beverage container to access a beverage contained therein.
  • the integrated straw of the cap-straw accessory has a lower portion in communication with a beverage contained in the beverage container and an upper straw portion external to the container to permit consumption of the beverage by a user.
  • the aforementioned lower bottle cap 56 with an integral lower straw portion 62 and upper straw portion 64 is an example of such an accessory for a beverage bottle.
  • the integrated straw can include a valve to allow consumption of the beverage through the integrated straw, while preventing spilling of the beverage.
  • the cap can include threads for removably securing the cap to a threaded neck of a conventional beverage bottle.
  • a beverage bottle accessory including a cap and integrated straw may be provided separately for use with conventional beverage bottles.
  • such a cap-straw bottle accessory may include a cap similar to lower cap 56 of Figs. 3-6 and an integrated straw (such as integrated straw 60 in Figs.
  • cap-straw bottle accessory can be implemented by a user by removing the original beverage bottle cap from a beverage bottle and replacing it with the above-described cap-straw accessory for use in consuming the beverage contained in the bottle, hi embodiments, the cap-straw accessory for beverage bottles may also include an upper cap, similar to upper cap 57 shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The upper cap can be releasably coupled to the lower cap to releasable enclose the upper straw portion.
  • Figs. 7-9 depict an embodiment of a cap-straw accessory adapted for a beverage can.
  • the beverage can accessory includes a cap 72 adapted to fit over the top of a beverage can 70, such as a typical soda pop can.
  • the cap has sides 78 to extend over the upper portion of the can, and flange 80 to secure the cap to the can by fitting over a ridge 71, typically present on the top edge of the can 70 that serves as the seal for the top of the can to the sidewalls of the can.
  • An integrated straw 74 is connected to cap 72 and aligned to fit through an opening in the beverage can (e.g., a conventional "pop top" opening in the top end of a beverage can), as shown in Fig. 7.
  • the integrated straw may include a valve 76.
  • the valve opens when pressure is applied to the exterior of the valve, for instance by the fingers of the consumer. The consumer can lightly squeeze the valve to open the valve to take a drink, and the valve will re-close upon release.
  • the valve is capable of locking in the open position upon the application of stronger force, so the user may squeeze the valve firmly to lock the valve in the open position.
  • the cap-straw accessory may be folded for convenient storage and/or packaging.
  • Various embodiments of the cap-straw accessory are envisioned for use with a multitude of beverage containers, and are intended to be included in the scope of this disclosure.

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte en règle générale à des récipients à boisson ayant des pailles intégrées, des accessoires de récipient à boisson ayant des pailles intégrées, ainsi que des procédés pour fabriquer et utiliser les récipients à boisson et des accessoires de récipient à boisson avec des pailles intégrées. En particulier, la présente invention se rapporte à des modes de réalisation de ces récipients sous la forme d’un sachet, d’une bouteille et d’une boîte, chacun ayant des pailles intégrées, et à des modes de réalisation d’accessoires avec des pailles intégrées pour une utilisation avec des canettes de boisson conventionnelles et des bouteilles de boisson.
PCT/US2006/030136 2005-08-02 2006-08-02 Récipients de boisson et accessoires avec paille intégrée WO2007016638A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US70485005P 2005-08-02 2005-08-02
US60/704,850 2005-08-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007016638A2 true WO2007016638A2 (fr) 2007-02-08
WO2007016638A3 WO2007016638A3 (fr) 2009-04-30

Family

ID=37709351

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2006/030136 WO2007016638A2 (fr) 2005-08-02 2006-08-02 Récipients de boisson et accessoires avec paille intégrée

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20070029334A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007016638A2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009051552A1 (fr) * 2007-10-16 2009-04-23 Asept International Ab Passage de liquides dans un procédé de fabrication d'emballage et emballage
US10507966B2 (en) 2016-11-06 2019-12-17 Innovationary Enterprises LLC Straw accessible multiple compartment beverage pouch

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2015201879B2 (en) * 2009-07-26 2016-06-16 Forever Young International, Inc. Instant self-heating containers
AU2010276525B2 (en) * 2009-07-26 2015-01-15 Forever Young International, Inc. Instant self-heating containers
US8397935B2 (en) 2009-09-10 2013-03-19 Arthur Joseph Emanuele, III Vent opening mechanism
WO2011049534A2 (fr) 2009-10-20 2011-04-28 Romchat Sangkavatana Récipient contenant des liquides séparés
US8678221B2 (en) 2010-04-28 2014-03-25 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Beverage container lid with mouth opening and separate push in vent
US9060592B2 (en) 2012-11-28 2015-06-23 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Water bottle with poppet valve
US9403628B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-08-02 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Vented beverage can and can end
US10246229B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-04-02 Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. Vented beverage can and can end
USD727147S1 (en) 2013-06-13 2015-04-21 Meadwestvaco Calmar Netherlands B.V. Pump design
EP3409610B1 (fr) 2014-01-31 2022-09-21 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. Bouteille d'eau avec vanne à auto-fermeture
US9462815B2 (en) * 2014-03-20 2016-10-11 Rex Adams Flavor dispensing systems
GB2561601A (en) * 2017-04-20 2018-10-24 Deutsche Post Ag Process for aseptic filling of beverage packaging comprising an interior drinking straw
US11639253B2 (en) 2021-06-17 2023-05-02 Lifetime Brands, Inc. Multifunctional bottle lid assembly
EP4296190A1 (fr) * 2022-06-23 2023-12-27 Joachim Schulz Récipient pour liquides

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6227403B1 (en) * 1999-05-27 2001-05-08 Jong-Ki Kim Beverage container
US6609624B2 (en) * 2000-09-26 2003-08-26 Nippon Sanso Corporation Cap body of beverage container
US6652144B2 (en) * 2002-02-19 2003-11-25 Super Chill Beverage Group Inc. Beverage container pouch

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1997914A (en) * 1925-01-12 1935-04-16 Cocil V Pollard Sanitary bottle
US3486679A (en) * 1968-07-03 1969-12-30 Lloyd L Pfahler Disposable beverage container with built-in sipping tube
US3799914A (en) * 1970-04-29 1974-03-26 Jenos Inc Standable flexible container with straw
US4291814A (en) * 1979-10-22 1981-09-29 Conn J L Container with drinking tube
US5148971A (en) * 1991-09-19 1992-09-22 Si Yoll Ahn Beverage carton with telescopic floating straw
US5897013A (en) * 1997-04-14 1999-04-27 Playtex Products, Inc. Straw for drinking cup
US20030001002A1 (en) * 1999-05-13 2003-01-02 Haughton Keith Louis Individual beverage carton with a straw therein
US6431434B1 (en) * 1999-09-23 2002-08-13 Keith Louis Haughton Individual beverage carton with a straw therein and a method of manufacture
JP3312899B2 (ja) * 2000-03-14 2002-08-12 協和電機化学株式会社 キャップ付きストロー
JP3483530B2 (ja) * 2000-09-13 2004-01-06 協和電機化学株式会社 プラグ付きストロー
US20040118859A1 (en) * 2002-02-19 2004-06-24 Super Chill Beverage Group, Inc. Fluid container pouch

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6227403B1 (en) * 1999-05-27 2001-05-08 Jong-Ki Kim Beverage container
US6609624B2 (en) * 2000-09-26 2003-08-26 Nippon Sanso Corporation Cap body of beverage container
US6652144B2 (en) * 2002-02-19 2003-11-25 Super Chill Beverage Group Inc. Beverage container pouch

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009051552A1 (fr) * 2007-10-16 2009-04-23 Asept International Ab Passage de liquides dans un procédé de fabrication d'emballage et emballage
US10507966B2 (en) 2016-11-06 2019-12-17 Innovationary Enterprises LLC Straw accessible multiple compartment beverage pouch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20070029334A1 (en) 2007-02-08
WO2007016638A3 (fr) 2009-04-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20070029334A1 (en) Beverage containers and accessories with integrated straw
US8523440B2 (en) Disposable seal and lock beverage pouch
US8991635B2 (en) Container
US6648217B2 (en) Spill-proof disposable cup with integral sealing flap
US20020126921A1 (en) Flexible stand-up pouch constructions for dispensing liquids
RU2516798C2 (ru) Контейнер для доставки питательного вещества
MX2011000916A (es) Tapon resellable para contenedor de bebida plegable.
JP2002500137A (ja) 繰り返し開け易く再シール可能な密封体と容器
JP2002284200A (ja) 再シール自在の注ぎ口を一体に設けた可撓性容器
US20110049154A1 (en) Packaging container, in particular can-like container
WO2015089206A1 (fr) Ensemble couvercle hygiénique pour contenant et ses procédés de production et d'utilisation
EP0577865B1 (fr) Emballage aseptique pour liquides pourvu d'un élément d'ouverture refermable
US5269404A (en) Sleeve and tray assembly
US20060285782A1 (en) Disposable seal and lock foil beverage pouch and the operating machinery to manufacture such product
US8770450B2 (en) Cylindrical spout for disposable cartons
US20090272744A1 (en) Container, in particular flexible tubular-bag and/or enclosure-like packaging container
AU2001279734B2 (en) Opening device for packaging containers
JP2004256140A (ja) パウチ用ノズル
GB2311061A (en) Drinks container with a slitted flexible membrane
WO2012028849A1 (fr) Contenant de distribution et dispositif de fermeture pour contenants
JPH0761443A (ja) 再封機構付きバツクインカートン
AU2012211504A1 (en) Container being provided with an inner bag
US20110011755A1 (en) Container enabling mixing at least two substances therein
JPH06247435A (ja) 飲料容器
KR20220125548A (ko) 빨대 없는 종이팩과 폴리에틸렌 포장재 탈착이 용이한 친환경 멸균 종이용기

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 06800663

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2