RU2293506C2 - Method and apparatus for preventing occasional flowing of liquid from beverage container - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: devices used in beverage packages equipped with drinking straw.

SUBSTANCE: method involves fixing inner pipe 29 equipped with bellows member 4 within outer pipe 1, with one end of inner pipe terminating in valve 70. Suction force created by user provides pressure difference on bellows member 4 with the result that bellows member 4 moves valve 70 with force sufficient for opening thereof. In the absence of suction force, valve 70 is closed and remains closed even if liquid within beverage container is under pressure P3. Such construction prevents liquid from flowing or from being forced out of beverage container until user creates suction force again.

EFFECT: increased efficiency in preventing flowing of liquid from container.

15 cl, 24 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preventing inadvertent leakage of liquid from beverage containers, such as bags, boxes and bottles. The device can be made, for example, in the form of a straw or a pipe for drinking, so that it can easily replace conventional straws in cases where additional protection against leakage is desired. The flow of liquid begins and is controlled by the suction force created by the user, and stops when the suction force ceases, and then the valve blocks the flow of liquid, even if excess pressure acts inside the container.

State of the art

In addition to conventional straws or drinking tubes, several special devices are described in the patent literature that effectively prevent the free flow of liquid from the beverage container. Examples of such devices are disclosed in patent documents US 5975369 and US 5465876. These devices do not have automatic closing mechanisms, therefore, when opening and closing the device, the user must perform a mechanical operation.

Devices with automatic closure are also known, but they have other disadvantages, such as a low threshold for sensitivity to pressure difference, relative complexity and the fact that they require containers of a special design. An example of such a device is disclosed in patent document US 5607073.

In addition, it is known a device for preventing leakage of a liquid, even if it is under pressure, described, for example, in patent document NO 137258. In this type of device, an overpressure of the fluid is used to close the valve, therefore it is not suitable for drinking drinks if the liquid is located under pressure.

A common characteristic of all the devices mentioned is the relatively high cost of manufacture, so that they will be uncompetitive in the market for disposable goods.

Disclosure of invention

The problem to which the present invention is directed, is to eliminate the disadvantages of the known devices. In accordance with the invention, the solution of the problem is achieved due to the features disclosed in the following description of the invention and the claims in paragraphs 1-15.

The solution to this problem is achieved by forming a drinking straw or drinking tube, which will hereinafter be called the outer tube, so that the liquid could not leak or be pushed out of the beverage container until the user creates a suction force.

The device comprises an outer tube through which fluid flows from the container to the user, this outer tube protecting the inner tube from external physical loads and at the same time forming a sheath for securing elements that move relative to each other when the user creates a suction force. The outer tube may also have a pointed end of sufficient stiffness to puncture the opening in the container.

The device also includes an inner tube with a connecting device for attaching to the outer tube. In the longitudinal section, the inner tube is made in the form of a flexible bellows element. If the bellows element has a helical spiral configuration, then when creating a suction force, an increase in force and rotation occurs. The specific configuration is selected based on the required force, the required free cross-sectional area for the fluid flow, the length of the tube and the material, so that an acceptable pressure difference inside and outside the bellows element causes a change in the length and / or rotation of the bellows element. If the design of the bellows element is deep and narrow, greater elasticity of the bellows element or spiral bellows element is achieved, but at the same time, the free section area for the fluid flow is reduced. The angle of inclination of the spiral structure essentially determines the relationship between force and displacement. A larger angle provides more force, but little movement, and a smaller angle causes the opposite situation. An angle of inclination between 30 and 60 ° seems appropriate to create the desired effort and sufficient movement. These designs can be very different, and different directions of rotation and different designs can be combined in one tube to achieve the desired action. In some cases, it is preferable to restrict only to vertical movement. This can be achieved by a combination of two or more sections of the bellows element having structures with opposite directions of rotation, or by using a bellows element provided with annular grooves. The latter solution gives a small gain, but provides a large deviation with respect to the total length of the bellows element. It is also possible to limit the rotational force, for example, by combining a spiral structure and part of a bellows element with at least one annular recess. Moreover, this part of the bellows element absorbs vertical movement due to low stiffness in the vertical direction, and at the same time, the bellows element effectively transmits a rotational force. The movement is transmitted to the end portion of the inner tube, made in the form of a valve, which moves relative to the outer tube for opening and closing.

As an example, the valve mechanism may be formed by extending the tube from which the bellows element is formed, downward behind this bellows element and using the extension as a valve head, which is pressed with a seal against the outer tube. In this case, the outer tube is provided with one or more through holes arranged so that the valve head blocks the fluid flow until the indicated movement moves the head a sufficient distance upward from the holes that will no longer be blocked by the inner tube.

Alternatively, the valve can be made by pre-deformation during the manufacturing process of the section behind the bellows element, so that the valve is in the normal state closed, and the movement transmitted from the bellows element due to the suction force causes the valve to open (see Fig. 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b). Deformation type valves must be attached to the outer tube at the lower end as well.

In some cases, both the swivel and the longitudinal movement are required for the deformation valve to function optimally. In this case, it is necessary to fix both the top and bottom of the inner tube in the outer tube in order to prevent relative rotation at the attachment points and to ensure sufficient tightness of the connection with the outer tube. The fixation can be carried out by separate grooves, and the tightness of the connection and fixation can be optimized independently of each other. In addition, additional inclined grooves or conical grooves can be made in one or both parts to adjust the twisting of the valve during installation.

Another option for forming the valve may be to introduce an additional part that tightly closes the end of the tube from which the bellows element is formed, and at the same time acts as a movable seal relative to the valve part of the inner tube (see, for example, FIG. 12).

A deformation type valve of the latter construction described can be freely placed in a container above or below the liquid level, unless it requires liquid to be sucked from the sides of the tube. In addition, for its functioning, it may not require closing the lower end of the tube, which is preferable in some situations.

When the device is not used, pressure of the same magnitude is applied to the bellows element on both sides, and no force is created to rotate and / or longitudinally move the bellows element. In this case, the valve remains in the closed position, even if overpressure occurs in the associated beverage container.

In some cases, it is advisable to provide the tube from which the bellows element is made with an outer coating of plastic material other than the inner material. For example, the outer material may be polypropylene. This allows the inner tube to be welded to the outer tube, which can become part of a beverage container, such as a flexible bag. In other cases, it is important to use softer plastic on the inner surface of the tube to achieve better tightness during deformation. It is advisable to combine these properties, so that the tube can be welded while maintaining softness on the inner surface to ensure sufficient tightness.

In most cases, at least one hole is made in a suitable place in the outer tube so that atmospheric pressure can always be established in the space between the bellows element and the outer tube. Such holes can be made small enough to provide the user with a certain delay in the response time of the mechanism at the beginning and at the end of consumption. Such a modification can damp any fluctuations that occur during consumption. Other special modifications may also be appropriate, such as forming one or more sealing surfaces between the inner and outer tubes. In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, the bellows element is provided with one or more smaller through-holes for draining fluid from the region between the outer tube and the bellows element.

Another important aspect of the invention is the air inlet, which replaces the volume of liquid in the container when it is consumed and allows the container to maintain its shape (cartons, bottles and similar rigid containers). The time delay mentioned above during operation allows air to pass into the container and ensure that its shape is maintained. Another method consists in supplying the outer part of the outer tube, placed inside the container, with one or more single-acting air valves. For example, in one or more spikes that fix the device during use, slots can be made with the formation of single-acting valves. Alternatively, the pointed end of the outer tube may be in the form of a one-way valve, which opens only when the external pressure is excessive. These modifications will be explained in detail in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

An improved mechanism to prevent the detachment of a drinking straw or drinking tube during use or when exposed to excessive pressure in the container is realized by the fact that the outer tube is provided with a locking flange that ensures the correct installation of the drinking straw or drinking tube with one or more spikes. It is also possible to embed the outer tube into a part of the lid or to supply the outer tube with thread or other fastening means, so that the device can be used in conjunction with bottles or similar containers having standardized or special connecting means.

When using deformation valves, it is also possible to place all parts of the inner tube inside the beverage container itself, for example, in the part of the bag (see Fig. 15) or inside a separate flexible bag or rigid box, the ends of the inner tube being so long that it can be used as a drinking straw (see figa, a, 16b).

In mass production, drinking straws or drinking tubes can be packaged, transported and used in a manner similar to known straws and tubes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail embodiments of the invention, without introducing any restrictions. In the drawings:

figure 1 depicts a device in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, containing a drinking straw,

figure 2 depicts in section a connecting device and its components,

figa depicts a sectional view of a valve in a preferred embodiment in the closed position,

fig.3b depicts the same valve in the open position,

4 shows a device according to the invention in another embodiment,

5, 6, 7 and 8 depict a bellows element integrated in the device in various exemplary embodiments,

figa, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a and 12b depict a valve integrated in the device in various embodiments,

13 and 14 depict a schematic diagram of a device illustrating the method and principle of operation of the device,

15, 16a and 16b depict the outer tube of the device in other exemplary embodiments,

figa and 17b depict the outer tube of the device in the following exemplary embodiment.

The implementation of the invention

1 shows a device according to the invention in a preferred embodiment. The device comprises an outer tube 1 provided with an inner tube 29. The tube 29 is partially made in the form of a bellows element 4 of a spiral structure 33. Due to the bellows element 4, the tube 29 can be compressed in the longitudinal direction when the pressure P2 on the inner wall 22 of the tube 29 becomes less than the pressure P1 on its outer wall 13. At its lower end B, the tube 29 ends with a valve head 26, figa. Due to its shape, the valve head 26 acts, among other things, as a seal when it is pressed against the inner wall 21 of the tube 1. In addition, the head 26 together with the openings 36a, 36b forms a valve 70.

In the closed position, the valve 70 provides sealing even if the pressure P3 inside the container exceeds the external atmospheric pressure P1.

When assembling the outer tube 1 with the inner tube 29, the connecting groove 38 at the upper end A of the tube 29 interacts with the groove 37 of the reciprocal form on the outer tube 1. As a result, the tube 29 is hermetically connected from the inside to the outer tube 1. The grooves 37, 38 can be formed by heating after assembling the parts in a fixed mutual position.

At the lower end, the outer tube 1 is crimped to form a compact and rigid peak 35, intended for example to puncture a beverage container. The outer tube 1 is also provided with a ring 39 to stabilize the size of the folds that may occur when crimping the top 35. In addition, the device is equipped with a locking flange 31 and four spikes 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, which ensure proper installation and prevent the device from being ejected from the container for drinks under the influence of excessive pressure. In one of the spikes 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, a slit 2 is formed, forming a one-way mechanism for air intake into the beverage container 61. The outer tube 1 is provided with an opening 20, which, together with the slot 2, provides an external atmospheric pressure P1 to the outer wall 13 of the tube 29, as well as setting this pressure in the beverage container 61.

In the rest of the section, the outer tube 1 is made with a flexible joint 30, which allows you to fold the longitudinal part 5 of the tube parallel to the rest of the packaging.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 in a state when it is inserted into the beverage container 61.

Fig. 3a is a sectional view of a part of a device similar to that of Fig. 1, but here in valve 70, head 26 is provided with seals 41a, 41b and 41c, which provide reliable sealing between valve head 26 and outer tube 1, as well as sealing of pressure region P1 between the outer tube 1 and the inner tube 29.

Fig.3b depicts the same valve as in Fig.3a, but in the open position.

Figure 4 shows the device in another exemplary embodiment. Only the lower end of the outer tube 1 is inserted into the beverage container 61, so that the outer tube 1 is molded in the form of a drinking tip. The bellows element 4 is shorter and the valve 70 is biased closer to the locking flange 31 and the studs 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d. The rest of the valve has the same design as in the embodiment of FIG. 3.

Figure 5 depicts a spiral bellows element 4, which in the initial position has an oval cross-section. When the pressure on the inner wall 22 is reduced relative to the pressure on the outer wall 13, the cross section of the oval shape 71 is compressed, thereby the bellows element 4 changes the shape, length and angle of inclination of the helical spiral due to its design 33.

6 depicts another spiral bellows element 4. In cross section, it has two spherical shapes 72a and 72b forming the basis of the structure 33.

7 depicts another spiral bellows element 4. In cross section, it has a circular shape 73, which is interrupted by two diametrically opposite V-shaped grooves 75a, 75b, directed inside the tube 77.

Fig. 8 depicts another spiral bellows element 4. In cross section, it has a circular shape 73, which is interrupted by two diametrically opposite V-shaped grooves 76a, 76b directed outward from the tube 77.

Fig. 9a shows part of the device of Fig. 1, but with a different type of valve 70 '. This deformation valve 70 'is activated by the preformed strips 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, which are folded and folded in the manufacturing process, and also due to the fact that the groove 46 is locked on the counter groove 45, which is made on the outer tube 1 The grooves 45 and 46 are made slightly wavy to prevent relative rotation between the grooves of the outer tube 1 and the inner tube 29. Simultaneous rotation and compression of the bellows element 4 facilitates the opening of the deformation valve 70 '. When the internal vacuum is completed, the rigidity of the bellows element 4 allows the deformation valve 70 'to rotate in the opposite direction and return to the closed position. The arrow indicates the direction of flow.

Fig. 9b depicts the same device as in Fig. 9a, but in the closed position.

Like FIG. 9, FIG. 10 shows a deformation valve. However, this valve uses only the vertical movement of the bellows element 4 to open the compressed zones 80a, 80b when the user creates a vacuum in the bellows element 4. The lower part of the inner tube 29 is welded, soldered or glued to the outer tube 1 on surfaces 45, 46.

Fig.10b depicts the same device as in Fig.10a, but in the open position. The arrow indicates the direction of flow.

11a is a sectional view of a portion of the device of FIG. 1 equipped with a valve of a different type. Here, the longitudinal shortening and rotation caused by the spiral bellows element 4 are used to achieve full opening with the lowest possible suction force created by the user. The end 47 of the head 26 of the valve is beveled so that the rotation will cause a significant increase in the degree of opening compared to a valve that uses only vertical movement of the head 26.

Fig. 11b depicts the same device as in Fig. 11a, but in the open position. The arrow indicates the direction of flow.

Fig. 12a is a sectional view of a part of the device of Fig. 1 equipped with a valve of a different type. Here, the valve head 26 has a reduced diameter for engaging with the valve seat 50, in which passage passages 51 are provided for passing fluid to the valve head 26. The valve seat 50 is provided with a sealing surface 52, sealing its connection with the valve head 26. Grooves 55 and 56 hold the valve seat 50 in the outer tube 1.

Fig.12b depicts the same device as in Fig.12a, but in the open position. The arrow indicates the direction of fluid flow.

Fig.13 depicts a schematic diagram of a device for implementing the method. The pressure difference acting on the outer wall 13 of the bellows element (atmospheric pressure P1) and on the inner wall 22 of the bellows element (internal vacuum P2 as a result of the suction force) causes a movement relative to the outer tube 1. This movement opens the valve 70, which otherwise remains closed even at an overpressure P3 in the beverage container 61. In other cases, overpressure P3 may be created when the user compresses the beverage container 61, or if the container is left horizontal and the liquid level is higher than the level of the device.

Fig.14 depicts a diagram of the device when the valve is open.

15 shows a device in another embodiment. The beverage container 61 is a bag. The valve is substantially similar to the valve in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 10a and 10b. The bellows element 4 is vacuum formed from a tube that is attached to the bag by welding or gluing at surfaces 94a and 94b. The rest of the bag is welded or glued along the seam 93. The bellows element 4 and the valve 70 are enclosed in a separate part of the container 61. The device is provided with an opening 20 for directing air into the bellows element 4, so that atmospheric pressure acts on the outer wall 13 of the bellows element 4. For protect the top of the built-in inner tube 29 from dirt and bacteria, the container 61 is equipped with a protective cap 92, which is removed before use.

Figa depicts a device in an alternative embodiment. The outer tube 1 is made of a plastic film that is vacuum molded and then welded or glued to its surface 93 and connected to the tube 29 on surfaces 94a and 94b. The formed shell encloses, fixes and protects the bellows element 4 and the deformation valve 70 '. The tube 29 ends with a beveled edge 96 to facilitate the insertion of the inner tube 29 into the beverage container 61. The deformation valve 70 'is shown in the closed position.

Fig.16b depicts the same device as in Fig.16a, but in the open position. The arrow indicates the direction of flow.

Figa depicts a device in another alternative embodiment. The outer tube 1 is made in the form of a cover. The bellows element 4 and the valve seat 53 are of the same construction as in the device of FIGS. 12a and 12b, and operate in a similar manner. To ensure reliable air supply to the beverage container 61, the outer tube 1 is provided with a device that provides a constant air inlet. The device is provided with one or more grooves 100a, 100b and a gasket 101 with an inner circular slot 104. The gasket 101 closes the circular sealing surface 102 when the pressure on the inner side 106 of the gasket is equal to or greater than the pressure on its outer side 105. The gasket 101 acts like a conventional gasket to seal the connection between the outer tube 1 and the container 61. When the pressure in the container 61, which also acts on the inner side 106 of the gasket, becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure acting on the outer side of the gasket 105, the gasket 101 flexes downward, opening a passage between the surfaces 102 and 104. In this case, air flows into the container 61 during use of its contents. Therefore, there is no need to pause to let air into the container 61. The arrows indicate the direction of fluid flow and the air inlet through groove 100a.

Fig.17b depicts the device of Fig.17a in a top view in section along the line aa in Fig.17a.

Claims (15)

1. A method of preventing unintentional leakage of liquid from a beverage container, characterized in that the inner tube (29) is provided with a structure (33) that changes the shape of the inner tube (29) when creating an internal vacuum (P2), while the inner tube (29) ends with the valve head (26) and is attached at one end (A) to the outer tube (1), the other end of the inner tube (29) functioning as a valve head (26) blocking at least one hole (36) in the outer tube ( 1) until creation user sufficient internal vacuum (P2). 2. A method for preventing inadvertent leakage of liquid from a beverage container, characterized in that the inner tube (29) is provided with a structure (33) that changes the shape of the inner tube (29) when creating an internal vacuum (P2), while the inner tube (29) ends with a deformation valve (70 ') and is attached by both ends (A and B) to the outer tube (1), and the deformation valve (70') is closed until the user creates sufficient internal vacuum (P2). 3. Device for preventing inadvertent leakage of liquid from the container (61) for drinks, which contains the outer tube (1) and the inner tube (29) and is provided for the container (61) for drinks, characterized in that the inner tube (29) at one end is rigidly attached to the outer tube (1) and is movable relative to the outer tube (1), the inner tube (29) provided with at least one valve head (26) on its movable portion, and made in the outer tube (1) by at least one hole (36a, 36b), wherein the opening or closing of the through liquid flow from the beverage container (61) is ensured by the movement of at least one valve head (26) relative to the openings (36a, 36b), the inner tube (29) being open to the through fluid flow in the event of a vacuum in the inner tube (29) and is closed to the through fluid flow otherwise. 4. Device for preventing unintentional leakage of liquid from the container (61) for drinks, which contains the outer tube (1) and the inner tube (29) and is provided for the container (61) for drinks, characterized in that the inner tube (29) at both ends rigidly attached to the outer tube (1), configured to move relative to the outer tube (1) and provided with at least one deformation valve (70 ') on its movable portion, while opening or closing the through fluid stream from the container (61) the beverage is provided by moving the free end of the bellows element (4) relative to the fixed end of the deformation valve (70 '), and the deformation valve (70') is open for a through liquid flow in the event of a vacuum in the inner tube (29) and is closed for a through liquid flow in otherwise. 5. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the deformation valve (70 ') is actuated during axial and rotary movement of the bellows element (4). 6. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the outer tube (1) is provided with at least one spike (32). 7. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the outer tube (1) is provided with at least one hole (20) for air inlet into the container (61) for drinks in the process of drinking liquid (60). 8. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the outer tube (1) is integrated into the container lid or is provided with a thread (11) or other fastening means for connecting to the beverage container (61). 9. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the bellows element (4) is formed by recesses (33) of at least one type made in the inner tube (29), and at least one recess (33) is made in the form a spiral having at least one direction of rotation and at least one angle of inclination. 10. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the outer tube (1) is formed from a part of the container (61) for drinks. 11. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one valve (70, 70 ') is located inside the container (61) for drinks after installing the device. 12. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the inner tube (29) is covered with at least one outer layer of plastic material before heat welding the outer wall (13) of the tube with other surfaces. 13. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer tube (1) is formed of a plastic film (91) by bonding the surfaces of the specified film or by bonding the surfaces of the film and attaching to the inner tube (29). 14. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the inner tube (29) is covered with at least one inner layer of plastic material, which provides sealing of the deformation valve (70 '). 15. Device for providing continuous air inlet into the container (61) for drinks, consisting of an outer tube (1) provided with a sealing surface (102) and at least one groove (100) for the through air flow, and gaskets (101) with a slot (104), characterized in that at least one groove (100) is made in the surface of the outer tube (1) tightly adjacent to the gasket (101), through which air surrounding the outer tube (1) can be drawn in, air can be supplied to the sealing surface (102) providing zdeystviya external pressure (P1) on the outer side (105) of the seal, which opens the valve zone (102, 104) for admitting ambient air through at least one groove (100) to create a sufficient underpressure in the container (61).

Images