WO2018002870A1

WO2018002870A1 - An improved container for liquid consumption

Info

Publication number: WO2018002870A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/053911
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marta MENEGHIN
Original assignee: RIZZO, Luca
Priority date: 2016-06-30
Filing date: 2017-06-29
Publication date: 2018-01-04

Abstract

An improved container (2) for the consumption of liquids, preferably of food liquids (88), comprising a receptacle (10) which is open at the top, is substantially rigid and is suitable for containing food liquids (88), and characterized in that it comprise at least one through hole (100), which is formed in the side wall (102) of said receptacle (10), below its upper rim (104), for removably inserting a suction straw (20) from the outside so as to place it in an optimum position wherein a portion (202) of said straw (20) arrives in correspondence of the bottom (1 03) of said receptacle (10) while the opposite portion (201 ) of said straw (20) extends outside of the receptacle (10) towards the user, said through hole (100) being sized and/or shaped so that, passing through said hole (100), said straw (20) seals the hole (100) itself.

Description

TRANSLATION (RULE 12.3) - 1 - 24 July 2017

AN IMPROVED CONTAINER FOR LIQUID CONSUMPTION

The present invention relates to an improved container for the consumption of liquids, preferably of food liquids.

The invention finds a particular, even if not exclusive, application in the industrial field of manufacturing of beverages glasses of any type or size.

The use of open containers, such as glasses, for drinking by bringing a drink to the mouth, is widely known. In particular, nowadays there are many types of glasses, of various shapes and sizes, depending on a particular aesthetic taste and/or depending on the specific use.

In conjunction with such open containers, the use of the suction straws is also known to facilitate the intake of the liquid by aspiration with the lips. In particular, the straws are generally shaped like cylindrical tubes opened at the end, with a diameter generally ranging from 3 mm to 8 mm and predominantly made of coloured plastic, for example PP. These straws, when partially inserted from the upper opening of the glass so that the upper end is positioned outside the glass and the opposite end within the liquid, allow the contents of the glass to be drawn from above and without exertion, in a simple and intuitive way, thus avoiding both the raising of the glass up to the face height or the turning of the glass to drink. The use of straws, besides facilitating the intake of the liquid, has other notable advantages: it allows to moderate the temperature in the case of excessively hot or cold liquids; it facilitates the control of the ingested amount of liquid; it constitutes an effective decorative and/or characterizing element of the beverage and it also constitutes a valuable socializing and/or plaything tool as the straws are available in various colours, sizes, decorations or added embellishments. By way of example, it can be considered the use of long and colourful suction straws for summer soft drinks or the short straws with larger diameter for cocktail cups.

However, it has been found in the daily professional practice of catering and entertainment, and also in private conventional use, that the use of such suction straws presents some drawbacks. In particular, since the straw is extremely light and has a specific weight less than the contained liquid, when it is not secured to the glass or to the open container and is simply leaning on the upper edge of the glass itself, the straw floats and/or moves and/or rotates freely without maintaining a fixed position, forcing the user to hold the glass with one hand and at the same time to keep the outer part of the straw with the other hand in order to stop it and to allow a quick and firm grip by the lips, thus avoiding spills, dripping or overturning.

Such a disadvantage, for example, is very frequent and relevant in the case of carbonated drinks served in glasses with wide opening, especially when there is no ice that helps to block the bottoms of the straw. More in detail, in these cases the bubbles provide a push-up action on the straw, thus causing the straw to rise up to float and/or to come out.

In this regard, it should be remembered that the use of the straws in combination with the glasses often occurs in a context in which the users usually stand, sometimes moving along with their own glass. Specifically, in such cases, the use of one or both hands to secure both the glass and the straw so as to avoid unpleasant accidents requires a constant attention from the user. Also, it often happens that the straws are not suitable for the glass, i.e. they are the ones that are available at the need, not the ones that are compatible in an optimum way as shape and/or size.

Additionally, it has also been found that sometimes multiple consumers take the drink from the same container, each using its own sucking straw. Generally, in such cases the straws are chosen in a variety of colours for recognition purposes, but sometimes the available colours are not enough and/or it happens that, since they are not secured, after a short period of time they are no longer recognizable, thus creating an undesirable condition of promiscuity and poor hygiene or safety. For example, this is the case where the drink is served in a cup or pot of high capacity and with multiple straws already inserted, so that a plurality of users can share the suction at the same time. In such cases, in order to prevent the straws from mixing together and/or for immediate recognition, it is desirable that each of them remains in a fixed and distinct position from the others, as for example in DE2421990 where, in particular, an added and removable element is used, as a composite plug which is capable of closing the top opening of a container and also incorporates many straws arranged centrally as spokes.

At present, other solutions are also known to secure the suction straw to a beverage container. A first known solution includes a thin outer closure element, made of plastic or paper, which acts as a removable cap and has a pre-drilled passage, to be used as an invitation, that allows the user to insert it in a removable way with also a retention effect in correspondence of the opening due to material deformation interference. Such a solution is particularly suitable for portable and disposable containers, such as cups made of plastic or multilayer paper, which are used for the sale and fast consumption of carbonated beverages or coffee.

A second known solution, which is suitable for a rigid container which is open at the top, is provided with a clip-like fixing element, which is connected to the straw and is removably attached to the opening of the glass between the rim. Such a solution is described for example in US20080203104. In addition, there are known supports for straws which can be associated to the cups or glasses for children, which protrude with their head upward, that is, over the rim of them, and have a hole for inserting a straw, as for example in US4775060 or US2594896. Special straws are also known which are laterally provided with a protrusion suitable to be fastened on the glass rim in a clip-like way. There are also known containers for transporting food liquids of the type known as disposable bricks, closed and sealed, generally shaped as a parallelepiped and made of a multilayer of cardboard and aluminium or plastic, and which on the upper side are predisposed for the vertical insertion of a straw. In particular, the outer layer of the container, being durable and decorative, is pre-drilled so as to allow a sharpened straw to perforate the inner layer, which is thin and waterproof, remaining locked in the correct suction position with the upper end of the straw easily accessible for the lips.

Basically, in the state of the art, it has been found that the need to secure one or more straws to a beverage container in a removable manner is now solved in specific, non-optimal, ways that are from time to time dedicated to a specific type of container, or straw or context of use. All the above-mentioned solutions present some advantages but it is now desirable to get a quicker, more effective and economical solution that is specifically suited for rigid and open glasses of any size and type, even for common use.

More in detail, the known solutions are not suitable for the professional catering and entertainment industry, as well as for private use, where a quality glass (i.e. non-disposable glass) is required to associate one or more tubular straws, of standardized and conventional type, so as to associate them stably and individually in a fixed and correct position for suction. Specifically, for this purpose, it is required a glass opened at the top that does not include any added and/or interposed fastening element, such as the known pre-drilled covers, clips or said perforated supports.

In the state of the art there are solutions wherein the beverage containers have a hole for inserting a straw.

In particular, KR20140032128 describes a bottle (that is, a container closed at the top) with a straw integral with the container. In particular, this solution requires the use of a special straw, with a special conformation and unconventional shape, in order to allow it to pass through a passing hole obtained in the neck of the bottle, in order to allow the direct suction of the liquid without opening the bottle cap. Moreover, in this solution the straw remains permanently fixed to the bottle, i.e. it is not removable by the user.

KR20140029966 describes a glass to be used in events, for recreational purposes, that is provided with multiple holes lined vertically on the side wall to secure a handle made by anchoring in said holes, according to different assembly configurations, an attachment and support element and the ends of a corrugated straw, which is suitably folded as a "C". In particular, this solution does not provide that the lateral holes are used for suction purpose and, in any case, it would not be possible to use them to insert a conventional removable straw as they are placed at the same height as the liquid.

CN200964274 describes a disposable beverage container sealed and closed at the top, such as a transport cup or brick, that is provided with a plurality of perforable pre-holes, each of which is associated with corresponding information wordings. In particular, the pre-holes, that are positioned on the closure lid of the glass or on the sidewalls of the brick, are initially closed by one thin layer in order to be perforated by the straws at the time of consumption.

DE202008008842 describes a glass with a through opening on the sidewall beneath the edge. In particular, this through opening is configured to allow both the introduction of a straw and the attachment/hooking of additional accessory elements, such as a closure cap or a ring handle. More in detail, the through opening has an elongated oval shape that defines a passage area of much larger size than the straw. In such a solution, when inserted, the straw is only supported on the underside of the through opening and can be placed inside the glass according to different inclinations. A solution with such through opening is unsatisfactory because the straw is not properly secured and held in position and, therefore, especially when a carbonated drink is contained in the glass according to DE202008008842, the straw introduced in the lateral opening is subjected to a push action upward by the bubbles of the carbonated drink, thus causing the lifting and continuous moving of the straw inside the through opening, until to float and/or to come out. In essence, all the known solutions described herein are complex and/or expensive and, furthermore, include additional elements for supporting the straw or have purposes other than suction.

In addition, these known solutions are not so intuitive in use, are not so graceful and, in particular, are not suitable for modern professional use. In particular, on one hand the disposable and pre-perforated bricks and glasses are cheap, hygienic, can not be accidentally broken and also have low weight, thus being widely used for transportation and fast drink consumption, mainly in order to quench thirst out of the house, while on the other hand, they are not suitable in the professional or private field where the quality of the preparation and also the mode of service and consumption of the drink are important. In addition, known solutions with perforated holes are not suitable for open containers such as glasses, which are free of the upper side, and are generally made of rigid and non-perforable material such as glass.

The well-known solutions in which the holes are positioned on the sidewalls of the container, however, refer essentially to upper-closed containers, such as bottles or bricks, and cannot be implemented in an open and rigid glass. A further drawback in these known solutions is the waste disposal problems of the added and/or disposable parts, such as perforated covers, clips or bricks, with obvious problems of environmental sustainability.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved container for the consumption of beverages that eliminates all of the above drawbacks present in the traditional art.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container that allows the user to easily secure the suction straw in a fixed, inclined, and correct position for suction, thus avoiding undesired floating and/or unpleasant coming out of the straw itself.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container that allows the user to lock the straw in a removable, intuitive, rapid and effective manner, without adding or using fastening means.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container that is not disposable or usable just once.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container that can be used in conjunction with known and conventional straws such as, for example, the cylindrical straws made of coloured plastic or glass and commonly used in bars, and also with special and dedicated straws.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container of a multipurpose type, i.e. usable to drink by placing the lips on the rim of the container and also by a suction straw that is secured to the container itself.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container that can be used, when it is straw-free, for pouring, without spilling or dripping, the liquid that is in the container.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container that increases hygiene and reduces the chance of confusion or promiscuity in the use of said straw, that is by associating each straw with the corresponding glass and limiting the possibility of coming out.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container wherein the straw can be used to aspirate and also to facilitate the pouring of the contained liquid as an elongated beak. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container which, by preventing the involuntary removal of the straw from the container itself, significantly reduces the workload for cleaning and/or picking the dropped straws.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container that facilitates environmental sustainability, with particular reference to the production and/or waste disposal of the fixing means of the lids and clips, or of unconventional straws or of disposable containers.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container that, without altering the conformation of the traditional containers, presents an innovative aesthetics and/or additional functional features.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container with an alternative constructive, functional and performance characterization compared to the conventional ones.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container that is customizable and aesthetically pleasing, and suitable for providing to the user the feeling of being in front of a high-quality product both in aesthetical and functional terms.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container that is of high standard, both functional and aesthetic, thus allowing the possibility of its large-scale diffusion.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved container that can be produced in series and in a rapid and efficient manner.

Another object of the invention is to propose an improved container that is both economical and obtainable in a simple, fast and low-cost way. All these objects, both individually or in any combination thereof, and others that will result from the following description are achieved according to the invention with an improved container having the features indicated in claim 1 .

The present invention is further described below in some of its preferred embodiments that are provided for purely exemplifying and non- limiting purposes with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the container according to the invention with the application of the suction straw;

Figure 2 shows it in a perspective view in a second embodiment,

Figure 3 shows it in a perspective view in a third embodiment,

Figure 4 shows it in a perspective view in a fourth embodiment,

Figure 5 shows in perspective view from above a container according to the invention without suction straw,

Figure 6 shows in perspective view an enlarged detail of FIG. 5 with the suction straw applied,

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the container of fig. 5 with the suction straw applied,

Figures 8-10 show in vertical section, in different embodiments, a first detail shown in FIG. 2,

Figures 1 1 and 12 show vertical section, in different embodiments, a second detail shown in Fig. 2,

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment; Figure 14 shows a detail of the container according to the invention according to a first perspective view,

Figure 1 5 shows the same detail of Figure 14 according to a different perspective view,

Figure 16 shows a container according to the invention during the pouring, without any spillage of the liquid contained in the container itself.

As can be seen from the figures, the improved container 2 for the consumption of food liquids, according to the invention, comprises a receptacle 10 suitable for containing food liquids.

In particular, the receptacle 10 is open at the top and preferably is provided with a top opening 101 or mouth for introducing the liquid inside the receptacle itself.

In particular, the receptacle 10 is made of a substantially rigid material such as for example glass, crystal, ceramic, plastic (such as polycarbonate) or equivalent materials.

Suitably, the receptacle 10 is made in a single piece and is not intended for disposable or just one use.

Suitably, the receptacle 10 can be realized in any form, type and size. Preferably, the receptacle 10 may be a beverage glass of the kind commonly used in the professional catering and entertainment industry, or even in private use. By way of non-limiting example, the receptacle 10 may be a common table or bar glass 10f for water, wine or any beverage (see Fig. 1 ), or an elongated glass for soft-drink 10a, preferably used for juices, shakes or carbonated drinks (see Figure 2), or a glass with stem 10b (see Figure 3), preferably used for tasting, or even a cocktail glass 10c with an enlarged mouth (Fig. 4) or a cup, pot, jar or carafe 10d (see figure 13).

The receptacle 10 comprises at least one through hole 100 which is formed on the side wall 102 of the container itself, below its upper rim 104. Suitably, the through hole 100 is dimensioned and/or shaped so that by inserting the straw 20 into said hole the latter is sealed. Conveniently, the through hole 100 is suitably configured and shaped for inserting removably from the outside toward inside a suction straw 20 so as to secure, retain and stabilize it, in a removable way, in the hole of the receptacle 10.

In particular, the suction straw 20 can be made of any material suitable for use with food liquids such as glass, metal or plastic (such as, for example, polycarbonate or PP) or equivalent materials.

Suitably the through hole 100 is positioned and shaped so as to retain the suction straw 20 in an optimum position for aspiration with the lips, that is a position wherein said straw is inclined, with a first portion of straw 202 which is immersed in the liquid until it reaches in correspondence of the bottom 1 03 of the receptacle 10 and with the opposite portion 201 extending outwardly of the receptacle 10 towards the user (see Fig. 7).

In particular, said hole 100 is sized and/or shaped to retain and stabilize the suction straw 20 passing through it in said optimal position in the sense of substantially preventing any lateral or vertical movement of said straw, and by allowing only a straw extraction movement from the hole itself.

Advantageously, the through hole 100 is obtained at a distance L from the upper rim 104 of at least 2 mm, excluding the area of the hole. Suitably, the through hole 100 may be obtained in the lateral wall 102 at any height/distance from the upper rim 104 since, after the insertion of the straw 20 in the through hole 100, the latter is suitably sealed by the straw itself and, therefore, the container 2 can be filled with liquid 88 through the upper opening 101 without any limitation and/or particular precaution, that is essentially in the same way of the standard containers (glasses, vases, carafe, etc.) that are free of the lateral through hole 100.

Suitably, the through hole 100 is suitable to be crossed by and to keep in position a straw 20 both of standard size and/or shape and of special and dedicated size and/or shape.

Advantageously, according to the conformation and the maximum level 105 provided for that particular receptacle 10, it is provided that the receptacle 10 is provided with a through hole 1 00 configured and/or dimensioned so as to accommodate, removably secure and dispose optimally a straw 20 having diameter and length defined specifically and/or preferably on the basis of the specific use intended for the receptacle 10 used.

Advantageously, the hole 100 is defined so that its development axis 109, which passes through the wall 102 of the receptacle 10, results sloped toward the bottom 103 of the receptacle 10. Conveniently, this allows the lower end of the straw 20 to reach easily the bottom 103 for a more convenient and complete suction of all the liquid contained in the receptacle.

Suitably, once the straw 20 is inserted inside the through hole 100 so as to position it in the optimum position, the longitudinal axis of the straw 20 substantially corresponds to the development axis 109 of the hole itself. Advantageously, the angle "a" of the development axis 109 of the hole 100 is between 10° and 80° with respect to a horizontal plane 1 1 0, in function of the particular configuration of the receptacle 10. Suitably, in this way, the bottom end of the straw 20, once fully inserted inside the receptacle 10, reaches the bottom 103 so as to be in contact with or close to it (see Figure 12), or reach an area of the sidewall 102 which is near the bottom. Preferably, in this last case, the longitudinal axis 109 of the straw 20 intersects the side wall 102 of the receptacle 1 0 at a height H from the bottom 103 which is equal to a value substantially between 0 mm and 10 mm (see Figure 1 1 ). Preferably, for example, for an elongated glass 10a for soft drink (see Figure 8), the angle a is generally equal to about 60°.

In particular, the through hole 100 includes:

- an outer section 40, which is defined at the outer surface of the wall 102 of the receptacle 10, for the insertion of the straw 20,

- an inner section 42, that is defined at the inner surface of the wall 102 of the receptacle 10, for the exit of the straw 20 inside the receptacle 10,

- an intermediate section 44, which is formed in the wall 102 of the receptacle 10 between the outer section 40 and the inner member 42, to be passed through by the straw 20.

Advantageously, the sections 40 and 42 are circular or ovals (see Figures 7 and 8) and may have substantially the same or different size as described in more detail below. Advantageously, the intermediate section 44 may be circular or oval (see Figures 14 and 15) and may have dimensions substantially equal to or different from sections 40 and/or 42. Suitably, the intermediate section 44 may have equal/constant dimensions for its entire development along the development axis of the hole itself, thus defining a cylindrical shape (see Figure 8), or it may have gradual variable dimensions, thus defining a truncated conical shape (see Figure 10).

Advantageously, the through hole 100 has a cylindrical shape. In particular, the inner surface 106 that delimits the intermediate section 44 of the hole 100 may be parallel to the development axis 109 of the hole itself.

Preferably, the area (and in particular the diameter) of the outer section 40 of the hole 100 is basically equal to the area (and in particular the diameter) of the inner section 42 of the same hole. Preferably, the diameter of outer section 40 and/or of inner section 42 and/or of intermediate section 44 of hole 100 is substantially between 2 mm and 30 mm, depending on the straw 20 to be used.

As said, the inclined hole 100 is configured and/or sized so that, once the straw 20 has been inserted into the hole, the latter is substantially sealed/closed, i.e. no leakage or passage of liquid between the straw 20 and the hole itself occurs. Advantageously, the straw 20 can seal the through hole 10 at the outer section 40, and/or at the inner section 42 and/or in some portions and/or for the entire intermediate section 44 of the inclined hole 100.

Suitably, the shape and dimensions of the outer section 40 and/or of the inner section 42 and/or of some portions and/or the entire intermediate section 44 of the inclined hole 100 are such to engage by friction, by means of surface contact, the external wall of a straw 20 which is inserted so as to pass through said through hole 100 until it comes into contact with or get close to the bottom 103 or with the area of the side wall 102 which is close to said bottom. Advantageously, this allows to stabilize the position of the straw 20 and, at the same time, it avoids the unwanted passage of liquids through said hole.

Preferably, the inclined hole 100 is shaped and sized so as to permit removable insertion of the straw and so as to hold it firmly in a single inclined position while, at the same time, preventing any unwanted leakage of liquid or dripping.

Advantageously, for the purpose of a more stable fastening of straw 20 and better ease of use, the hole 1 00 may have dimensions of outer section 40 and/or of inner section 42 and/or of intermediate section 44 substantially equal, or slightly smaller and/or larger, than the diameter 46 of the cross section of the straw 20 provided for that receptacle 10. Advantageously, the diameter 46 of the cross section of the straw 20 is usually comprised between 3 mm and 8 mm, preferably is of 7 mm, however, it is understood that, depending on the context of use, it may be even larger.

Preferably, the inclined hole 100 has a width X equal to the diameter 46 of the straw 20 and has at least one portion of length Y substantially equal to the diameter 46/(sin β), i.e. equal to the diameter 46 of the straw 20 divided by the angle β that is defined between the development axis 109 of the hole (corresponding to the development axis of the straw 20) and the wall 102 of the receptacle 10.

Preferably, the dimensions of the outer section 40 and/or of the inner section 42 and/or of the intermediate section 44 are substantially equal to or larger than 30% of the diameter of the straw 20 that is provided for that receptacle 10, so as to allow the straw 20 to be inserted inside the hole 1 00 to reach the bottom 103 and to obstruct the autonomous exit of the straw itself. Suitably, the inner surface 106 of the intermediate section 44 of hole 100 is defined so as to direct and guide the straw 20 towards the bottom 1 03 of the receptacle 10.

Suitably, the hole 100 is dimensioned and/or shaped so that, when the straw 20 is inserted through said hole 100 inside the receptacle 10 in an optimum and complete manner (i.e. so that its lower end contacts the bottom 103 of the receptacle 10 or the side wall 102 in proximity of said bottom), the straw may have only one inclined position, without any possibility of moving the straw inside the hole 100 either vertically or horizontally.

Suitably, the through hole 100 is obtained so that its development axis 109 is angled with respect to the wall 1 02 of the receptacle 100. Suitably, the through hole 100 is obtained so that its development axis 109 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane 1 10 (see 8).

Advantageously, in the embodiment of fig. 10 the through hole 100 has a truncated conical shape and in particular its inner surface 106 converges along the axis of development 109 towards the bottom 1 03 of the receptacle 10.

Suitably, the dimension of the outer section 40 of the hole 100 is grater than the one of the inner section 42 of the hole itself so that a cylindrical straw 20, preferably made of plastic, having a diameter 46 substantially equal to or less than the dimension of the outer section 40 and substantially equal to or larger than the dimension of the inner section 42, enters through the external section 40 and passes with interference through the inner section 42, thus obtaining a stronger sealing effect. Suitably, the upper end of the straw 20 projecting outwardly of the receptacle 10 allows the straw 20 to be used as a long spout for pouring. Such a solution is advantageous and useful for high-capacity glasses, vases or carafe where the beverage, such as a cocktail, can be directly aspirated with the lips or can be safely poured into other glasses without dripping and soiling, facilitating the decant.

Advantageously, the through hole 100 may have a shape of the outer section 40 that extends vertically so as to define an easy access opening for the insertion of the straw. Advantageously, the dimensions of the outer section 40 may be larger than those of the intermediate section 44 and/or the inner section 42 so as to facilitate the insertion of the straw into the hole 100.

The through hole 100 may have sharp edges 107 (cf. Fig. 8) and/or rounded 108 (see Fig. 9) or flared edges. Advantageously, the rounded or flared edges allow the easy insertion of the straw, particularly when the outer diameter 40 and/or inner diameter 42 of the hole 100 is substantially equal to the diameter 46 of the straw 20 provided for the receptacle 10, as to define a pilot hole.

Advantageously, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the through hole 1 00 has a width substantially equal to the diameter of the straw and length such to allow the straw to contact both upper and lower respectively with the upper area 80 and lower area 82 of the through hole 100.

Advantageously, the lower area 82 - that is the area most distant from the rim 4 of the receptacle 10 - of the through hole 100, and in particular in the area of the intermediate section 44 which extends from the inner section 42 to the outer side 40, is gradually inclined towards the bottom 103 of the receptacle 1 0. In other words, this means that the distance between the lower end 85 of the inner section 42 and the rim 104 of the receptacle 10 are larger than the distance between the lower end 86 of the outer section 40 and the rim. Suitably, in this way, the same through hole 100 defines a spout (see Figures 15 and 16) that allows the liquid 88 to pass through said hole by defining a flow 90 that is compact, i.e. without undesired dripping or leakage.

In the embodiment of Fig. 13, the receptacle 10 comprises a plurality of through holes 100, advantageously realized according to one or more of the above-described modes. Suitably, the through holes 100 are spaced apart so as to secure multiple straws 20 at the same time, one for each hole, in order to share safely the suction of the beverage. Such multiple configuration is advantageous in entertainment and socialization events, where high-capacity containers such as pots or carafe are prepared wherein multiple users simultaneously immerse their own straw to suck the contents of the receptacle. In such cases, the solution according to the invention is safer and more comfortable in use, securing multiple straws into a fixed and optimal suction position, separately from each other, so as to allow immediate recognition and avoid confusion.

The container 2 according to the invention is particularly advantageous as:

- it is made in one piece (i.e. it is monobloc) and incorporates in its configuration means for the stable securing/fastening of the straw without requiring additional or added components,

- in the professional sector of the catering and entertainment, as well as in private use, both during service and in the consumption phase of the beverage, it significantly reduces the known drawbacks that occur when the straw rises autonomously and/or moves and/or rotates freely in the glass, sometimes spilling and/or dripping and/or causing overturns, especially when the container contains highly carbonated drinks; in particular, with respect to a glass with unfastened straw or even with respect to said clips or conventional disposable bricks, the solution according to the invention is more elegant in use, predisposing to a more relaxed and less clumsy posture during suction and also significantly reducing the possibility of get stained,

- simplifies the handling of the full container and allows to the lips a quick and firm grip of the end of the straw, also reducing the need for attention; this is especially useful when the drink is consumed in a standing condition, sometimes moving with your glass;

- allows the intake of liquid present in the container in two modes, even at the same time, and in fact the user can drink through the straw or drink from the rim without causing the straw to immediately escape and without spilling, as is the case with the known solutions when the glass is turned,

- decreases the chance of the straw unfastening, usually involuntary, from the receptacle, thus allowing lower overall cleaning times and costs,

- offers an innovative aesthetics and additional functionality without altering the known characteristic shape or rim 104 of the container rim.

In particular, the container according to the invention differs from the solution of DE 20 2008 008842 - in which the straw simply leans on the lower area of the hole so as to be supported in different angled positions - because the through hole 100 is shaped and sized so that, once inserted the suction straw 20, the latter seals alone, in an entire and complete way, the whole hole, thus preventing liquid spills between the straw 20 and the same hole. In addition, the through hole 100 is shaped and sized so as to retain and stabilize the suction straw 20 in a single optimal position, thus preventing any movement of the same horizontally or vertically. In particular, for this purpose and unlike DE 20 2008 008842, the through-hole 100 of the container according to the invention is obtained so that its development axis 109 slopes toward the bottom of the receptacle 10.

Claims

C L A I M S

1 . An improved container (2) for the consumption of liquids, preferably of food liquids (88), comprising a receptacle (10) which is open at the top, is substantially rigid and is suitable for containing food liquids (88), and characterized in that it comprise at least one through hole (100), which is formed in the side wall (102) of said receptacle (10), below its upper rim (104), for removably inserting a suction straw (20) from the outside so as to place it in an optimum position wherein a portion (202) of said straw (20) arrives in correspondence of the bottom (1 03) of said receptacle (10) while the opposite portion (201 ) of said straw (20) extends outside of the receptacle (10) towards the user, said through hole (100) being sized and/or shaped so that, passing through said hole (100), said straw (20) seals the hole (100) itself.

2. Container (2) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said through hole (100) is dimensioned and/or shaped to stabilize and retain said suction straw (20) in said optimal position.

3. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said receptacle (10) is a common table glass, an elongated glass for soft drink, a glass with a stem for tasting, a cocktail glass with an enlarged mouth, a cup, a bowl, a jar or a pot of high capacity.

4. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (100) is at a distance (L) from the rim (104) equal to at least 2 mm, excluding the area of the hole.

5. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (100) is made in the side wall (102) of said receptacle (10) at any distance (L) from the rim (104).

6. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (100) has a development axis crossing the side wall (102) of the receptacle (10) in which it is defined, said development axis being inclined towards the bottom (103) of said receptacle.

7. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner surface of the hole (106) is adapted for directing and guiding said straw (20) in order to get said optimal position.

8. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (100) is shaped and/or sized so that said straw (20) passing through it with interference, thus obtaining a sealing effect of said hole only by the use of said straw.

9. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (1 00) is shaped and/or sized so that, when said straw (20) is arranged in said optimal position, the straw (20) passes with interference through said through hole (100), thus obtaining a sealing effect.

10. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (1 00) is shaped and/or sized so that, when said straw (20) is arranged in said optimal position, the portion (201 ) that extends outside of the receptacle (10) towards the user defines an extended spout for spilling.

1 1 . Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (100) is shaped and/or sized so that said straw (20) seals said through hole only when is placed in said optimal position.

12. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (100) is shaped and/or sized so that the straw (20) can be disposed only in a single optimal position.

13. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (1 00) has edges that are sharpened (107) and/or rounded (108) or flared.

14. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (100) comprises:

- an outer section (40), that is defined at the outer surface of the side wall (102) of the receptacle (10), for inserting of the straw (20)

- an inner section (42), that is defined at the inner surface of the side wall (102) of the receptacle (10), for the exit of the straw (20) inside the receptacle itself, and

- an intermediate section (44), that is defined in the side wall (102) of the receptacle (10) between the outer section (40) and the inner section (42), for the passing through of the straw (20).

15. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outer section (40) and/or said inner section (42) and/or said intermediate section (44) have a circular shape.

16. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outer section (40) and/or said inner section (42) and/or said intermediate section (44) have oval shape.

17. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outer (40) and inner (42) sections have substantially the same dimensions.

18. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outer (40) and inner (42) sections have different dimensions.

19. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said intermediate section (44) has dimensions substantially equal to those of said outer section (40) and/or of said inner section (42).

20. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said intermediate section (44) is substantially different from that of said outer section (40) and/or of said inner section (42).

21 . Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said intermediate section (44) has equal/constant dimensions throughout its entire development along the development axis (109) of the hole (1 00).

22. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole is cylindrical (100a).

23. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said intermediate section (44) has gradual variable dimensions.

24. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole has a truncated conical shape (100b) with the inner surface (106b) converging towards the bottom (103) according to said development axis (109).

25. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (100) has at least a dimension between 2 mm and 30 mm.

26. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inclined hole (100) is shaped and/or sized so that the insertion of said straw (20) in said optimum position seals said through hole (10) in correspondence of the outer section (40), and/or in correspondence of the inner section (42) and/or in some portions and/or for the entire intermediate section (44) of the through hole (100).

27. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shape and dimensions of the outer section (40), and/or of the inner section (42), and/or of some portions and/or of the entire cross section (44) of the through hole (1 00) are such to engage by friction, by means of surface contact, the outer wall of said straw (20).

28. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer section (40) and/or the inner section (42) and/or the intermediate section (44) of the through hole (100) have at least a dimension equal to or slightly lower and/or larger than the diameter (46) of said straw (20).

29. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (100) has at least one section having width (x) equal to the diameter (46) of the straw (20).

30. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outer section (40) and/or said inner section (42) and/or said intermediate section (44) of said through hole (100) have a width (x) substantially equal to the diameter (46) of the straw (20).

31 . Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (100) has at least one section having a length (y) substantially equal to the diameter (46) of the straw (20) divided by the sinus of the angle (β) defined between the development axis (109) of the hole (100) and the side wall (102) of the receptacle (10) on which the hole (100) is obtained.

32. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outer section (40) and/or said inner section (42) and/or said intermediate section (44) of said through hole (100) have a length (y) substantially equal to the diameter (46) of the straw (20) divided by the sinus of angle (β) defined between the development axis (109) of the hole (100) and the side wall (102) of the receptacle (10) on which said hole (100) is obtained.

33. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (100) has a length such to allow to the straw, when it is placed in the optimum position, to contact upperly and lowerly respectively an upper (80) and lower area (82) of the through hole itself.

34. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said through hole (100) is obtained so that its development axis (1 09) is angled with respect to the wall (102) of the receptacle (10) on which said hole (100) is obtained.

35. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer section (40) of the through hole (100) is elongated vertically so as to define an easy entry opening for inserting the straw (20).

36. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer section (40) of the through hole (100) has at least one dimension (y) larger than the one of the intermediate section (44) and/or of the inner section (42) so as to facilitate the insertion of the straw into the hole (100).

37. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower area (82) of the through hole (100) is inclined towards the bottom (1 03) of said receptacle (10) to define a pouring spout that allows the direct exit of the liquid (88) across the through hole (100) by defining a compact flow (90).

38. Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of through holes (100) that are spaced apart for securing a plurality of straws (20), one for each hole.

39. A product for the consumption of food liquids (88), characterized in that it comprises an improved container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims and at least one suction straw (20) that, by passing across said at least one through hole (100), seals said through hole (100).

40. A product according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said suction straw (20) passes across said at least one through hole (100) for placing in said optimal position.