U.S. patent application number 11/274752 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for drinking element.
This patent application is currently assigned to Golden Nugget B.V.. Invention is credited to Etienne Herman W. Blondeel.
Application Number | 20060131255 11/274752 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33455717 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060131255 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blondeel; Etienne Herman
W. |
June 22, 2006 |
Drinking element
Abstract
A drinking element with passage for cooperation with a beverage
container, comprising: a coupling part for engaging an opening in
the beverage container; an engaging part located at a distance from
the coupling part, dimensioned so as to be enclosed by the lips of
a user; and a passage opening provided through the coupling part
and the engaging part for passing beverage from the beverage
container through the drinking element to the user, wherein the
coupling part is designed to be fastened in and/or over the opening
of a beverage container while forming a liquid-tight sealing
between the drinking element and the beverage container.
Inventors: |
Blondeel; Etienne Herman W.;
(Terheijden, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.
28 STATE STREET
28th FLOOR
BOSTON
MA
02109-9601
US
|
Assignee: |
Golden Nugget B.V.
Terheijden
NL
NL-4844 BP
|
Family ID: |
33455717 |
Appl. No.: |
11/274752 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/NL04/00339 |
May 17, 2004 |
|
|
|
11274752 |
Nov 15, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/229 ;
215/253; 215/388 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/229 ;
215/388; 215/253 |
International
Class: |
B65D 39/00 20060101
B65D039/00; B65D 83/00 20060101 B65D083/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 15, 2003 |
NL |
1023436 |
Nov 11, 2003 |
NL |
1024755 |
Claims
1. A drinking element with passage for cooperation with a beverage
container, comprising: a coupling part for engaging an opening in
the beverage container; an engaging part located at a distance from
the coupling part, dimensioned so as to be enclosed by the lips of
a user, and a passage opening provided through the coupling part
and the engaging part for passing beverage from the beverage
container through the drinking element to the user, wherein the
coupling part is designed to be fastened in and/or over the opening
of a beverage container while forming a liquid-tight sealing
between the drinking element and the beverage container.
2. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the coupling
part is partly flexible for engaging the opening in the beverage
containers in an at least substantially liquid-tight manner, by
means of a pre-stress developed by the flexibility of the coupling
part, and is preferably provided with an insertion part with an
outwardly facing, flexible contact surface such that the insertion
part is designed to internally engage the opening in the beverage
container.
3. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the coupling
part is provided with a sleeve part with an inwardly facing,
flexible contact surface such that the sleeve part is designed to
externally engage an edge surrounding an opening in the beverage
container.
4. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the coupling
part is provided with a contact surface the distance between the
opposite sides of which are differently dimensioned on various
positions.
5. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the engaging
part is at least substantially form-retaining.
6. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the drinking
element is provided with an aeration, an aeration opening which is
located on an outside of the drinking element, said opening being
located between the engaging part and the coupling part such that
in an operative condition in which the drinking element cooperates
with both a beverage container and the lips of a user and the
aeration opening remains clear.
7. A drinking element according to claim 6, wherein the aeration is
provided with a valve.
8. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the drinking
element is manufactured as one single form part.
9. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the drinking
element is provided with sealing means.
10. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the drinking
element, before use, is provided with a seal which is detachable
from the drinking element.
11. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the drinking
element is provided with advertisements.
12. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the engaging
part can be moved relative to the coupling part between an
operative condition in which the engaging part projects outside the
coupling part, and a stored condition in which the engaging part is
surrounded, at least partly, by the coupling part.
13. A drinking element according to claim 1, wherein the coupling
part, under interposition of a transition part, links up with the
engaging part.
14. A drinking element according to claim 13, wherein the
transition part is manufactured from a deformable material.
15. A drinking element according to claim 12, wherein the engaging
part can be placed in the stored condition.
16. A drinking element according to claim 12, wherein the engaging
part has a stable operative condition.
17. A drinking element according to claim 12, wherein the engaging
part has a stable stored condition.
18. A drinking element with passage for cooperation with a beverage
container according to claim 1, wherein the drinking element is
provided with a coupling part for engagement on or over an opening
in a beverage container, an engaging part located at a distance
from the coupling part, dimensioned so as to be enclosed by the
lips of a user and a passage extending through the drinking
element, wherein the engaging part is designed for cooperation with
a cap and is preferably connected to a cap for sealing off the
beverage container.
19. A drinking element according to claim 18, wherein said cap is
provided with an end wall and an apron extending away therefrom
suitable for enclosing a neck of the beverage container, wherein
the engaging part of the drinking element is provided with a first
end coupled to said cap, in particular adjacent said end wall.
20. A drinking element according to claim 19, wherein the first end
is provided with a flange, which flange extends, at least partly,
along said end wall.
21. A drinking element according to claim 20, wherein said flange
reaches adjacent said apron, such that upon closure of the beverage
container with the cap, this flange is retained between the end
wall and the beverage container for liquid-tight sealing.
22. A drinking element according to claim 18, wherein the cap is
detachably connected to the drinking element, in particular via
tear means and/or break means.
23. A method for closing a beverage container, in particular a
bottle provided with a neck defining an opening, wherein in or over
the opening a drinking element is provided, which drinking element
comprises a passage opening, and a cap is provided over said
drinking element so that the drinking element is screened off from
the environment of the bottle and is confined in or on the
neck.
24. A method according to claim 23, wherein in a first step the
drinking element is provided in or over the opening and in a second
step said cap is provided.
25. A method according to claim 23, wherein a beverage container
and cap are provided which are interconnected and are jointly
placed in an over said opening.
26. A method according to claim 23, wherein during placing of the
cap, the drinking element is pressed, at least partly, into the
opening, while deforming, preferably elastically deforming a part
of the drinking element, the arrangement being such that when the
cap is removed, a part of the drinking element can be pulled or
moved from said opening, which part is released outside said
beverage container for engagement by a user.
27. A method according to claim 23, wherein at least the drinking
element is attached in said opening by elastic deformation of a
part of the drinking element and/or the beverage container.
28. An apparatus for closing an opening of a beverage container, in
particular an opening defined by the neck of a bottle, which
apparatus comprises means for: retaining the beverage container;
placing a drinking element in and/or over the opening of the
beverage container; closing the beverage container by providing a
cap over said opening and, at least partly, over said drinking
element.
29. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the means are
designed for successively placing drinking element and cap.
30. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the means are
designed for, during placement of the cap, pressing the cap at
least partly into the beverage container, at least a part thereof,
preferably through elastic deformation of a part of the drinking
element.
31. An apparatus for placing a drinking element according to claim
1 in and/or over a neck of a bottle.
32. A beverage container, in particular a bottle, provided with a
drinking element according to claim 1 in and/or over an opening of
the beverage container.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a drinking element with passage for
cooperation with a beverage container, which can be coupled to a
beverage container.
[0002] Beverages such as, for instance, sot drinks and alcoholic
beverages are offered in large quantities in beverage containers
such as bottles, cans and cartons from which the beverage can be
directly consumed. This means that the consumer of the beverage
places the beverage container directly to his lips and then
supplies the beverage coming from the beverage container to the
mouth, i.e. without interposition of, for instance, a mug or glass.
Also in restaurants and bars, there is an increasing tendency to
consume beverages directly from the beverage container. Examples
hereof are the increasing use of so-called mix-drinks (spirits
mixed with a soft drink) and special beers. In addition, it has
already been trendy or a longer period of time to consume soft
drinks from the bottle or can. Consuming beverages in this manner
renders the use of further accessories superfluous and is therefore
simple. Also, consuming directly from the beverage container
provides an image that in particular young consumers pursue.
Disadvantages of consuming directly from the beverage container are
the reduced drinking ease and the reduced hygiene caused by the
physical contact with the beverage container.
[0003] The object of the present invention is to simplify the
consumption of beverages directly from a beverage container, and to
reduce the drawbacks of consuming beverages directly from the
beverage container according to the state of the art.
[0004] To that end, the present invention provides a drinking
element with passage for cooperation with a beverage container,
comprising: a coupling part for engaging an opening in the beverage
container, an engaging part located at a distance from the coupling
part, dimensioned so as to be enclosed by the lips of a user, and a
passage opening provided through the coupling part and the engaging
part for passing beverage from the beverage container through the
drinking element to the user. With the neck of the bottle, the
coupling part forms a liquid-tight sealing, or instance through
flexible deformation of a part of the coupling part and/or of the
neck of the beverage container such as the neck of a bottle.
[0005] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the coupling part
is at least partly flexible for engagement in and/or around the
opening in the beverage container in a at least substantially
liquid-tight manner, by means of a pre-stress developed by the
flexibility of the coupling part. Such a drinking element can be
designed in a very simple manner and, for that reason, can be
manufactured at very reduced costs partially when in larger
production numbers. Important advantages of the drinking element
are that the shape of the engaging part can be optimised so as to
be enclosed by the lips of the consumer so that an enhanced
drinking ease can be obtained. The risk of liquid issuing from the
liquid container in undesired manner will also be reduced. Yet
another advantage is that undesired substances entering the liquid
container can be reduced. Dirt or insects can be considered here,
which are kept out of the beverage container by the drinking
element, but also the unnoticed adding of substances by third
parties (for instance drugs or stimulating stances) is made
considerably more difficult by the drinking element. Another
advantage of the drinking element is that contact between the
beverage container and the ips of the consumer becomes superfluous;
this leads to improved hygiene since, as a rule, the outside of a
beverage container is not always bound to be clean. Yet another
advantage is that the drinking element can form a protection
against (undesired) contract of teeth with the beverage container.
In this manner, the drinking element can function as a protection
("bumper") for the teeth of a consumer.
[0006] In a preferred variant, the coupling part of the drinking
element is provided with an insertion part with an outwardly
facing, flexible contact surface such that the insertion part is
designed to internally engage the opening in the beverage
container. Such a drinking element is particularly suitable to be
placed into an opening of a beverage container. For instance, a
drinking element placed in a neck of a bottle or in the opening in
a can can be considered here. The advantage is that then, the
outside of the beverage container remains visually intact. This is
important in particular there, where the appearance of the beverage
container plays in important part. Another advantage of inserting
the drinking element into an opening in a beverage container is
that the visibility of the drinking element in an inserted
condition can be very limited.
[0007] In a different preferred variant of the drinking element
according to the invention, the coupling part is provided with a
sleeve part with an inwardly facing, flexible contact surface such,
that the sleeve part is designed to externally engage an edge
surrounding an opening in the beverage container. Such a drinking
element can externally engage, for instance, a neck of a bottle and
then screens off the neck of the bottle from undesired contact with
lips and teeth of a consumer. This sleeve part can for instance be
provided with screw thread for engaging screw thread on the neck of
the bottle.
[0008] When the coupling part is provided with a contact surface
the distance between opposite sides of which are differently
dimensioned on various positions, it is possible that a single neck
of a bottle can cooperate with beverage containers with beverage
openings of very divers dimensions. To enhance the drinking ease,
preferably, the engaging part is at least substantially form
retaining. However, in special circumstances it is also conceivable
that, conversely, the engaging part is designed so as to be highly
flexible.
[0009] In still another variant embodiment, the drinking element is
provided with an aeration, an aeration opening of which, located on
the outside of the drinking element, being located between the
engaging part and the coupling part such that in an operative
condition, wherein the drinking element cooperates with both a
beverage container and the lips of the user, the opening remains
clear. Due to the aeration, during drinking, air can be supplied to
the beverage container so that the outflow of liquid is not, or to
a lesser extent, inhibited by a reduced pressure building up in the
beverage container. To prevent beverage from exiting through the
aeration, the aeration can be provided with a valve.
[0010] The drinking element can be manufactured in a very simple
manner, for instance by means of injection moulding. This is
particularly advantageous in the variant embodiment of the drinking
element manufactured as one single form part. Thus, with one single
injection moulding operation, a ready product can be
manufactured.
[0011] In yet a different variant embodiment, the drinking element
is provided with sealing means. For instance a hood enclosing the
engaging part can be considered here or a seal to be placed or
moved in the passage. With the sealing means, the beverage
container can be sealed off when the drinking element is not used
for consuming beverage. A particular variant hereof consists of a
drinking element provided, before use, with a seal which is
detachable from the drinking element. For instance, in a not
previously used condition, a sealing element can be provided with a
seal which can be removed (broken, cut) and is not replaceable.
With this, an indication is directly present showing the previous
use of a drinking element. A different form of sealing means
consists of a removable layer of material (for instance a foil
layer). Such a layer can, at will, be attached to one side (for
instance to the coupling part, to the engaging part or in the
passage). Possible means for fastening a layer of material are, for
instance, gluing, ultrasonic welding, heating. For a simple removal
of the layer of material, this can be provided with an engaging
part (for instance a projecting lip). It is also possible to have
the sealing element form part of a removable cap (housing)
enclosing the drinking element. Here, a more or less conventional
or screw cap provided with a seal which cooperates with a drinking
element can be considered.
[0012] When the drinking element is provided advertisements, a
connection can be sought with the advertisements on the beverage
container. It is also conceivable that the beverage container is
made available, fee of charge, by an advertiser or that the
beverage container is used as an element with which a consumer has
a personal bond, respectively.
[0013] In a particular preferred variant, the engaging part of the
drinking element can be moved relative to the coupling part between
an operative condition in which the engaging part projects outside
the coupling part and a stored condition in which the engaging part
is surrounded, at least partly, by the coupling part. As a result,
it becomes possible to store (fold in) the drinking element when it
is not used for drinking. As a result, the drinking element only
occupies a limited space during storage and transport. It also
becomes possible to place a drinking element in a conventionally
sealed off beverage container; for instance in the neck of a bottle
which is sealed off by means of a screw cap or crown cap.
[0014] In order to provide this functionality too, the coupling
part can up with the engaging part by interposition of a transition
part. To that end, the transition part can be manufactured from a
deformable material, such as for instance a thin-walled plastic
material. Thus, the relative movement of the coupling part and
engaging part is simply compensated by deforming the transition
part.
[0015] In a specific variant, the engaging part can be placed in
the stored condition at a pre-stress. Through the provision of a
cover (for instance a foil (screw) cap or (crown) cap), the
engaging part can be secured in the stored condition. After removal
of such a cover, due to the pre-stress, and without further
operations being required to that end, the engaging part will be
moved from the stored condition to the operative condition. Hence,
the drinking element is brought, "by itself" to the condition for
drinking. To thereupon prevent the engaging part from moving back
in an undesirable manner from the operative condition to the stored
condition, the operative condition is preferably stable. In this
manner, the risk is reduced that during drinking the engaging part
unexpectedly gives way. It is noted that it is possible that the
stable operative condition of the drinking element can again be
reversed into a stored condition, provided that a sufficiently
great force is applied. In the most advantageous case, the force to
be applied to that end will be greater than the forces applied in
the same direction during use of the drinking element.
[0016] As an alternative to the above-described variant embodiment,
it is also possible that the engaging part has a stable stored
condition. In this case, a force is to be applied to enable the
reversal from a stored condition. In this case, a force is to be
applied to enable the reversal from a stored to an operative
condition. This can be done, for instance but not exclusively, by
coupling a cover element to the engaging part. Upon removal of the
covering element, a force can thus be transmitted to the engaging
part which, as a result, can move to the operative condition.
Examples thereof are coupling a screw cap to the engaging part,
upon removal of the screw cap, the engaging part will be pulled
along to the operative condition. Another possibility is providing
a foil on the engaging part. When engaging the foil and pulling it
loose, also the engaging part can be moved to the operative
condition. This pulling loose and away is further simplified by the
provision of a projecting part on the foil.
[0017] The invention further relates to a drinking element
according to claim 18.
[0018] With a drinking element according to claim 18, the drinking
element can be provided in and/or over an opening of a beverage
container, while a cap for sealing off the beverage container is
connected to the drinking element. Therefore, they can be placed
jointly, which can be commercially advantageous. Moreover, as a
result, the manufacture can be simplified.
[0019] The cap and the drinking element can be detachably connected
to each other, so that when the beverage container is opened, the
cap can be detached and the drinking element can be used separately
thereof. However, it is also possible to maintain the ap connected
to the drinking element so that the cap is prevented from becoming
lost. Furthermore, pollution of the environment can thus be
prevented.
[0020] Preferably, the cap is a cap which can be provided over a
neck of a bottle, such as a known screw cap. Often, within such a
cap, a relatively soft plastic element is provided against an end
wall, which element, when the cap is screwed onto the neck of the
bottle, ensures a liquid-tight sealing against the bottle. In an
advantageous embodiment of the invention, a drinking element is
formed together with this element such that with it, it can be
connected to the cap. In a preferred embodiment, upon removing the
cap, the drinking element is then released from or of this element,
for instance by breaking coupling elements, tear lines or the like.
In an alternative embodiment, this element is then pulled from the
cap and remains connected to the drinking element.
[0021] The invention further relates to a method for sing a
beverage container. In particular, the invention relates to such a
method for closing a bottle. According to the invention, such a
method is characterized by the features of claim 23.
[0022] With such a method, the advantage is achieved that in a
simple manner, a drinking element can be provided which is
hygienically covered ad protected from being manipulated from
outside as long as the bottle is closed. Moreover, the drinking
element cannot inadvertently come loose from the bottle, at least
not for as long as the cap is provided.
[0023] In a first embodiment, in a first step, the drinking element
is provided and in a second step the cap. As an alternative, these
two steps can also be carried out simultaneously, while cap and
drinking element are preferably mutually connected or are coupled
to each other before placing.
[0024] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, when placing the
cap, the drinking element is at least partly pressed into the
beverage container, in particular while being partly deformed. For
instance, the drinking element can be placed in the opening, while
an engaging part extends at least partly outside this opening and
outside the beverage container, whereupon, when the cap is placed,
said part of the engaging part is pressed as far as into the
beverage container. Preferably, a deforming part is then provided
which deforms elastically, such that the drinking element is
pressed against the inside of the cap at a pre-stress. Upon removal
of the cap, the above-mentioned part of the engaging part will then
be pressed back to the position extending partly outside the
beverage container.
[0025] Preferably, as described hereinabove, the dining element is
fastened in the opening by deformation of at least a part of the
drinking element and/or the beverage container.
[0026] Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for
closing beverage containers, in particular bottles, characterized
by the features of claim 28.
[0027] With such an apparatus, in a rapid and simple manner,
beverage container can be provided in an opening thereof with of a
drinking element and moreover be closed such that the drinking
elements are screened from the outside in an hygienic manner and
against manipulation.
[0028] The apparatus can be designed for sequential as well as for
simultaneous placement of drinking element and cap.
[0029] In a more general sense, the patent also relates to an
apparatus for placing a drinking element according to be invention
in and/or over a neck of a bottle, in particular in an automated
manner.
[0030] The invention further relates to a beverage container, in
particular a bottle provided with a drinking element according to
the invention, preferably with a drinking element and cap according
to the invention and/or a beverage container closed with a method
or apparatus according to the invention.
[0031] The present invention will be further clarified with
reference to the non-limitative exemplary embodiments represented
in the following Figures. In the Figures:
[0032] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view to first variant embodiment
of a drinking element according to the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 1B shows a view to a cross section through the drinking
element shown in FIG. 1A;
[0034] FIG. 1C shows a perspective view to a first variant
embodiment of the drinking element equipped with an additional
aeration channel;
[0035] FIG. 1D shows a view to a cross section through the drinking
element shown in FIG. 1C;
[0036] FIG. 1E shows a view to a cross section through the drinking
element shown in FIG. 1A in a somewhat adapted form;
[0037] FIG. 1F shows a top plan view of a valve body for a drinking
element according to the invention;
[0038] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view to a second variant
embodiment of a drinking element according to the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 2B shows a view to a cross section through the drinking
element shown in FIG. 2A;
[0040] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view to a third variant
embodiment of the drinking element according to the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 3B shows a view to a cross section through the drinking
element shown in FIG. 2A;
[0042] FIG. 3C shows a perspective view to the drinking element
according to FIGS. 3A and 3B in a condition wherein it cooperates
with a neck of a bottle;
[0043] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view to a fourth variant
embodiment of a drinking element according to the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 4B shows a view to a cross section through the drinking
element shown in FIG. 4A;
[0045] FIG. 5A shows a cross section through a fifth variant
embodiment of a drinking element according to the present invention
in a stored condition;
[0046] FIG. 6B shows a cross section through the drinking element
of FIG. 5A in an operative condition;
[0047] FIG. 6 shows a cross section through a sixth variant
embodiment of the drinking element according to the present
invention in a stored condition;
[0048] FIG. 6B shows a cross section through the drinking element
of FIG. 6A in an operative condition;
[0049] FIG. 7A shows a cross section through a seventh variant
embodiment of a drinking element according to the present
invention, in a stored condition;
[0050] FIG. 7B shows a cross section through the drinking element
of FIG. 7A in an operative condition;
[0051] FIG. 8A shows a cross section through an eighth variant
embodiment of a drinking element according to the present invention
in a stored condition;
[0052] FIG. 8B shows a cross section through the drinking element
of FIG. 8A in an operative condition;
[0053] FIG. 9A shows a cross section of a drinking element
comparable to the embodiment according to FIG. 8, in a somewhat
adapted form;
[0054] FIG. 10A shows a cross section through a ninth variant
embodiment of a drinking element according to the present invention
in a stored condition;
[0055] FIG. 10B shows a cross section through the drinking element
from FIG. 10A in a operative condition;
[0056] FIGS. 11A-E show a tenth variant embodiment of a drinking
element according to the invention.
[0057] FIG. 12 schematically shows an apparatus for placing a
drinking element into a bottle, and
[0058] FIG. 13 shows, in perspective view, a drinking element and
cap according to the invention.
[0059] In this description, identical or corresponding pull have
identical or corresponding reference numerals. In the embodiments
shown, each time, a plastic bottle such as a blown beverage bottle,
manufactured from, for instance, PET, is shown as a beverage
container with which a drinking element according to the invention
can be used. However, it will be directly clear that different
types of beverage containers too can be used, for instance from a
different material and/or having a different shape. As a manner of
fastening, on the neck of the bottle, each time a screw thread is
shown. However, naturally, also different manners of fastening can
be chosen within the invention.
[0060] FIG. 1A shows a drinking element 1 with a coupling part 2
and an engaging part 3 for the mouth of a user (not represented).
The coupling part 2 has a contact side 4 with several differing
diameters so that the coupling part 2 can cooperate with openings
of various dimensions. Between the engaging part 3 and the coupling
part 2 a separating edge 5 is provided, preventing the drinking
element from being slid too far into an opening, and which edge 5
also protects a user of the drinking element 1 from contacts a
liquid container. For a good fastening of the drinking element 1 in
an opening of a beverage container, the contact side 4 of the
coupling part 2 is flexible, at least to a limited extent. As is
more clearly visible in FIG. 1B, the drinking element 1 is also
provided with a central passage opening 6 terminating on the side
of the engaging part 3 in a drinking opening 7. At will, the
drinking opening 7 can be designed such that a straw can be
inserted through it or be clamped by it.
[0061] FIGS. 1C and 1D show the drinking element 1, however, now
provided with an additional aeration chapel 30 which, on one end,
by means of an opening 31, links up with the engaging part 3 and,
on the opposite end, with an opening 32, ends up at the underside
of the contact side 4. For an improved work of the aeration channel
30, the opening 32 is located lower than the connection of the
opening of the passage opening 6 in the contact side 4.
[0062] In FIG. 1E, a drinking element 1 is shown, largely identical
to that of FIGS. 1A and 1B. However, here, at the underside of the
drinking element 1, a membrane 40 is provided, linking up in a
liquid-tight manner against the underside of the passage opening 6.
This membrane 40 (FIG. 1F) is provided with an opening 41, for
instance a slit-shaped or cross-shaped opening which, in a position
of rest, is sealed off through the flexibility of the membrane
which is manufactured from, for instance, an elastomeric plastic
such as silicon or rubber. This membrane 40 functions as valve
body. When in rest, the content of the bottle, such as carbonated
beverage, will be sealed off from the environment by the then
closed membrane 40, at least opening 41. As a result, carbon
dioxide for instance is prevented from escaping from the beverage
too easily. Moreover, leakage is prevented even better. If suction
is applied to the drinking element or if the bottle is squeezed,
the opening 41 will be slightly opened and the beverage can be
drunk. Naturally, also a saw or the like can be pushed through the
opening 41
[0063] In this embodiment, an example is given of a gas escape
provision 42. In a bottle containing a gas-containing beverage, for
instance carbonated beverage, the possibility exists that an excess
pressure builds up in the bottle, in particular before it is opened
for the first time. In the drinking element 1 according to FIG. 1E,
at least one slit-shaped recess 43 is provided, extending in an
outside surface of the coupling part 2, along the contact side 4 as
far as below the edge 5. During use, when the edge 5 completely
abuts against the neck of the bottle, the recess 43 will be sealed
off as a result of elastic deformation. However, if the pressure
within the bottle becomes higher than desired, gas will be able to
escape through the recess by pressuring the edge 5 slightly away
from the neck of the bottle, at least deforming the material of the
edge 5 such that gas can pass this recess. Naturally, several of
such recesses 43 can be provided or an escape provision 42 can be
designed in a different manner, as long as it allows for rapid
discharge of excess pressure, so that the drinking element is not
pressed from the bottle.
[0064] FIGS. 2 and 2B show a drinking element 8 with a coupling
part 9 and an engaging part 10. The coupling part 9 is provided
with three flexible and projecting disc 11 for engaging openings
with differing diameters. Through the drinking element 8 runs an
opening 12 terminating, on the side of the engaging part 10, in a
drinking opening 13. In the drinking element 8, also an aeration 14
has been provided in which a valve 15 has been placed. During use
of the drinking element 8, the aeration 14 remains clear so that
air can flow through the valve 15 into the opening 12.
[0065] FIGS. 3A-3C show a drinking element 16 with a conical
coupling part 17 and an engaging part 18. Between the coupling part
17 and the engaging part 18, reinforcement ribs 19 have been placed
to increase the firmness of the drinking element 16. However, it
should be ensured that the conical coupling part remains flexible,
at least to a limited degree. The drinking element 16 too is
provided with a central passage 20 with a drinking opening 21. FIG.
3C shows the element 16 in a condition fastened in a neck 22 of a
bottle. In addition to the shape of the drinking element 16
represented, it is also possible to provide one or more openings in
the connection of the coupling part 17 to the underside of the
engaging part. Such an opening, not represented, can then function
as an aeration opening for supply of air to a beverage container to
which the modified drinking element 16 connects. By means of the
thus supplied air, formation of a considerable reduced pressure in
a beverage container during the consumption of beverage is
prevented; the air supplements the volume of the beverage extracted
from the beverage container.
[0066] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a drinking element 23 with a coupling
part 24 and an engaging part 25. Through the coupling part 24 runs
an aeration channel 26 which, on the side of the drinking element
23 remote from the engaging part 25, by means of a passage 27, ends
lower than the passage 28 which is designed for allowing beverage
to pass. Such a construction allows for a still better flow-through
of the drink element 23.
[0067] FIG. 5A shows a drinking element 50 in a stored condition,
an engaging part 51 being surrounded by a coupling part 52. By
interposition of a (flexible) transition part 53, the engaging part
51 is connected to the coupling part 52. The coupling part engages
a neck 54 of a bottle which is provided with an external screw
thread 55 to which a screw cap 56 has been provided. Due to the
presence of the screw cap 56, the engaging part 51 is pressed
inwards (into the neck 54 of the bottle). After removal of the
screw cap 56, the condition as represented in FIG. 5B is former Due
to the pre-stress generated by the transition part 63, the engaging
part 51 is urged outwards, i.e. towards an operative condition in
which the engaging part 51 is not surrounded by the coupling part
52 and/or the neck 54 of the bottle. The condition of the drinking
element 50 represented in FIG. 5A is stable; through the
disappearance of the resistance of the screw cap 56, the drinking
element 50 adopts its stable condition of equilibrium.
[0068] At the underside of the edge 62 and the flexible part 53, a
groove 43 is provided as a gas escape device 42. With this, excess
pressure can be removed without the drinking element 50 being
launched from the neck of the bottle.
[0069] Moreover, it is noted here that the screw cap 56 and the
engaging part can additionally be provided with a form-closing
coupling (for instance male/female) for an optimal sealing.
[0070] FIG. 6A shows a drinking element 60 in a stored condition in
which an engaging part 61 is surrounded by a coupling part 62. By
interposition of a (flexible) transition part 63, the engaging part
61 is connected to the coupling part 62. The coupling part engages
a neck 64 of a bottle. Other than in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the
transition part 63 has two stable conditions of equilibrium. In the
first (stored) condition of the drinking element 60, the engaging
part 61 is surrounded by the coupling part 62 (stored in the neck
64 of the bottle). For sealing the drinking element 60, a passage
65 through the engaging part 61 is covered with a foil material 66.
For the sake of engagement, the foil part 66 is provided with a lip
67. When, presently, an (in the Fig.) upwards directed force is
applied to the engaging part 61 (for by pull the lip 67) the
drinking element 60 can be brought into a second stable condition
of equilibrium. This condition is represented in FIG. 6B. It is
clearly visible there that the engaging part 61 now projects
outside of the neck 64 of the bottle and the coupling part 62. For
providing the possibility to drink, however, the foil part 66
should be removed from the passage 65.
[0071] FIGS. 7A and B show a drink element 50 comparable to that of
FIG. 5, while, however, the drinking element 50 is provided with a
sleeve 57 extending, in the exemplary embodiment shown, in a
concentric manner around the engaging part 51 and which is provided
on the inside with a screw thread 58 for cooperation with the screw
thread 55 on the neck 54 of the bottle. As a result, the drinking
element can be screwed onto the neck 54 for a liquid-tight sealing.
On the outside of the sleeve 57, external err thread 59 is provided
onto which the cap 56 can be screwed. For a good sealing, the edge
52 is somewhat elastically deformed by the cap. Preferably, the
upper part of the screw thread 55 is slightly reduced so that the
external screw thread 59 on the sleeve continues in the lower part
of the screw thread 55 on the neck of the bottle. In this
embodiment, the advantage is achieved that the drinking element 50
is retained on the bottle unequivocally and in a sealing manner and
fits below the customary cap.
[0072] In FIG. 71B, on the top right hand side, a gas escape
provision 42 is shown, in the form of a slit-shaped recess 43. FIG.
7C represents, from above, in top plan view, the circled part in
FIG. 7B. It is clear that the recess 43 continues in the edge 52.
Preferably, the edge 52 is slightly elastic so that if the cap 56
is screwed thereon, this recess 43 is sealed off. Thus, a gas tight
sealing is obtained. When the bottle is opened, the cap 56 will
move from the edge 52, so that the recess 43 is released and gas
can simply escape via this recess 43 and grooves in the screw
thread 55, 59. These grooves will be further described with
reference to FIG. 11E, which type of grooves are customarily
provided in the neck of a plastic bottle of the present type for
retaining them during manufacture and/or deaeration.
[0073] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a further embodiment of a drinking
element 60 with cap 56, the drinking element 60 being substantially
similar to the one according to FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the cap
56 is connected to the foil part 66, so that the cap and the
drinking element are interconnected and can be placed on the bottle
in one go. When removing the cap 56, the foil part 66 will also
rise, as shown in FIG. 8B, together with the passage 65. As a
result, when removing the cap, the device is immediately ready,
especially when, upon removing the cap or screwing it open, the
foil material tears loose from the passage 65. This can happen, for
instance, because the cap is pulled upwards or because the drinking
element is secured against rotation within the neck 64 of the
bottle, so that the cap is rotated relative thereto.
[0074] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a drinking element
with cap 56 comparable to FIG. 8, however, with the foil part 66
reaching as far as in a groove 68 in the inside of the cap 56. As a
result, the cap 56 can rotate relative to the foil part 66 without
this foil part 66 coming loose from the drinking element 60.
[0075] In FIGS. 10A and B, a further alternative embodiment of a
drinking element with cap 56 according to the invention is shown,
comparable to FIGS. 8 and 9, the cap 56 being provided with a flap
cover 69, pivotally connected to a sleeve 57. Adjacent a middle
part of the cover 69, the foil part 66 is connected along a
longitudinal edge 66 A. As described hereinabove, the foil part 66
seals off the passage 65 and can be manufactured, for instance, in
one part with the drinking element 60. The sleeve 57 can be screwed
onto the neck 64 but can also be fastened in a different manner.
When opening the flap cover 69, the foil part 66 is moved along
upwards, together with the passage 65. Thereupon, the foil part can
be torn from the passage 65 and/or the cover 69 and the engaging
part 61 is released to be used. When 69, the element can be pressed
back into the neck.
[0076] FIG. 11 schematically shows a drinking element 1 comparable
to that according to FIG. 1, while, however, a sleeve 57 is
provided which is provided on the inside with screw thread 58 and
on the outside with screw thread 59, as shown and described, for
instance, in FIG. 7. Through the element 1, a passage 43 extends as
gas escape provision 42. As appears from FIG. 11B, it terminates
just above the edge 5. In FIG. 11C, a cap 56 is shown, with a
broken away part, provided with a tamper-proof ring 70. On the
inside of the cap 56, a shoulder 71 is provided which links up,
when the cap 56 is placed over the drinking element 1, with the
edge 5 hereby sealing off the passage 43. There, when opening the
cap, this passage will be released and gas can escape. In FIG. 11D,
the underside of the drinking element 1 is shown, provided with a
series of ribs 72 which can engage in vertical grooves 73 through
the screw thread on the neck of the bottle, as shown in FIG. 11E.
Such grooves 73 are typically present in a neck of a bottle such as
of a PET bottle or different sort of beverage bottle, in particular
a plastic, blown bottle. These ribs 72 are formed such that the
drinking element can simply be screwed onto the neck, yet is
retained by the grooves 73 in releasing direction. With it, a
simple fastening is obtained. In the top surface, the cap 56 is
provided with a cavity 47 which fittingly fits over the free end of
the engaging part 4 thereby sealing off the opening 6.
[0077] FIG. 12 schematically shows an apparatus 80 for placing
drinking devices 1, 50, 60 and caps 56 onto bottles F according to
the invention. In the embodiment show, the apparatus 80 comprises
retaining means 81 for retaining the bottles, for instance on a
conveyor belt, carousel or such apparatus for retaining and/or
moving the bottle. In the first station 83, means 84 are provided
for placing a drinking device 1, 50, 60 in and/or over the neck of
a bottle F. These means comprise, for instance, a gripper 85 in
which the drinking device can be gripped and moving means 86 ir
moving it towards the bottle F (arrow K1). In a second station 87,
means 88 are included or placing a cap 56 over the drinking device
and/or the neck of the bottle F. These means 88 comprise, for
instance, a gripper 89 in which the cap 56 can be gripped and
moving means 90 for moving it to the bottle F (arrow K2) and
screwing the cap (arrow K3) close. Thereupon, the bottle with
drinking device and cap be discharged in the direction P.
[0078] It will be clear that if the drinking device and cap are
integrated, according to, for instance, FIG. 8, 9 or 10, they can
be placed simultaneously, for instance in the first station 83.
Also, the drinking device and the cap can first be combined and
thereupon, in a station 83 or 87, be provided on the bottle.
[0079] An apparatus 80 according to the invention can substantially
be designed as an apparatus know per se for placing caps on
bottles, usually also indicated as capping machines. In addition
thereto, when drinking device and cap are placed separately, an
additional station 83 is then to be added. Otherwise, the existing
apparatus can be used, while a pre-assembly apparatus for cap and
drinking device is added and/or the apparatus is made suitable for
the combined cap-with-drinking device adding to, for instance, FIG.
8, 9 or 10.
[0080] FIG. 13 shows a drinking device 1 according to the invention
with cap 56, in perspective view. Clearly visible am the smooth
surfaces of the drinking device, rendering it highly hygienic.
However, naturally, all sorts of shapes and finishes can be used.
In this embodiment, the drinking device ca be pressed into the cap
56, for instance in that on the inside of the cap 56, for instance,
a recess is provided which can be clamped in the opening 7 of the
drinking device 1 for sealing this off. The cap and drinking device
can then be preassembled and be placed together. Naturally, also
other means can be provided in the cap for, at least temporarily,
retaining the drinking device therein. The variant shown here can,
for instance, be pressed into the opening of the bottle, while the
cap can be fastened on the screw thread of the neck of the
bottle.
[0081] When the cap links up with at least the top side of the
drinking device, or instance grooves or the like can be provided in
one or both contact surfaces between the cap and the drinking
device which grooves are released if the cap is slightly lifted
from the drinking device for forming the gas escape means. Such a
use of grooves is known from bottles for carbonated beverage.
[0082] With a drinking device according to a invention, naturally,
any colour can be chosen for the different parts. Also, different
colours can be used for different parts, such as drinking element
and cap. For instance, also, on large series of bottles with such
drinking elements, a small number of the drinking elements can
obtain a different colour than the others. A consumer, finding one
of these differently coloured drinking elements can, for instance,
obtain a prize. Also, for the drinking element, for instance a
thermal plastic or plastic colouring under the influence of light
or moisture, or a plastic with a flavour or the like can be used.
The drinking element can for instance also be designed in glow in
the dark. The different marketing uses of such and comparable
variants will be directly clear to the skilled person.
[0083] A drinking device according to the invention can have an
extendable engaging element 4, for instance telescopic or
collapsible, so that engagement by the lips can be facilitated. The
engaging element can be designed, for instance, as a straw and can
be slid into the bottle with the bottle closed. Also, several
passage openings 6 can be provided next to each other.
[0084] With a drinking device according to the invention, this also
be fixedly arranged on the neck of, for instance, a bottle, while
on the outside of the engaging part 3, 10, 25, 51, 61, screw thread
or the like is provided onto which a cap 56 can be fastened, such
that it cannot be pressed therefrom by gas pressure.
[0085] A gas escape device 42 can also be designed in a different
manner than the recess 43 shown in FIG. 1D, 5, 7 or 11. For
instance, as shown in FIG. 6, the passage 43 can be provided in the
flexible part 63, as the cap links up in a gaslight manner with the
edge 52 and ensures sealing. When removing the cap, this passage to
the atmosphere will be released and gas can escape, preferably via
the grooves 73 as shown in FIG. 11.
[0086] In each of the embodiments shown, a membrane 40 or such
provision can be provided for the prevention of inadvertent leakage
of beverage, inadvertent degassing of the beverage and/or
inadvertent manipulation of the beverage.
[0087] The invention is not limited in any manner to the exemplary
embodiments represented in a description and the drawings. Many
variations thereon are possible within the framework of the
invention as outlined by the claims.
[0088] Naturally, the drinking element can also form an integral
part of a beverage container, in particular a bottle, for instance
a plastic bottle. For instance, a basic shape of a bottle of can be
injection moulded with the drinking device as integral part,
whereupon the basic shape is also blown to form a bottle.
[0089] A drinking element can, for instance, be provided in a
different manner in or over an opening of a bottle and be sealed
off by a cap. Furthermore, this can be manufactured in a different
manner, for instance in 2K injection moulding technique, so that
relatively hard and/or rigid and relatively soft and/or flexible
parts can be provided in one operation. It can also be composed
from several parts. Naturally, drinking elements according to the
invention can be sold separately or in series or be produced
together with a bottle. Any combination of parts of the embodiments
shown and/or described in the drawing is understood to fill within
the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.
* * * * *