U.S. patent application number 11/148938 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-14 for fluid container with integrated straw.
Invention is credited to Kenneth C. Chern.
Application Number | 20060278649 11/148938 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37523220 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060278649 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chern; Kenneth C. |
December 14, 2006 |
Fluid container with integrated straw
Abstract
A portable fluid container with an integrated straw. The
container includes a vessel for containing a beverage; a straw
having a lumen through which the beverage may flow; an orifice in
the vessel configured to accept the straw such that an interior
portion of the straw is inside the vessel and an exterior portion
of the straw is outside of the vessel; and fastening means for
removably maintaining the exterior portion of the straw in a folded
position along a first fold to prevent the flow of the beverage
through the lumen of the straw. The beverage may flow through the
lumen of the straw when the exterior portion of the straw is
unfolded along the first fold.
Inventors: |
Chern; Kenneth C.; (San
Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark J. Pandiscio;Pandiscio & Pandiscio
470 Totien Pond Road
Waltham
MA
02451
US
|
Family ID: |
37523220 |
Appl. No.: |
11/148938 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/705 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/705 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22 |
Claims
1. A portable fluid container comprising: a vessel for containing a
fluid; a straw having a lumen through which the fluid may flow; an
orifice in the vessel configured to accept the straw, wherein an
interior portion of the straw is inside the vessel and an exterior
portion of the straw is outside of the vessel; and fastening means
for removably maintaining the exterior portion of the straw in a
folded position along a first fold to prevent the flow of the fluid
through the lumen of the straw; wherein the fluid may flow through
the lumen of the straw when the exterior portion of the straw is
unfolded along the first fold;
2. The portable fluid container recited in claim 1, further
comprising: a seal between the orifice and the straw; wherein the
seal prevents the fluid from leaking out of the orifice between the
vessel and the straw.
3. The portable fluid container recited in claim 1, further
comprising: a second fold along the exterior portion of the straw;
wherein the second fold further prevents flow of the fluid when the
fastening means removably maintains the straw in the folded
position.
4. The portable fluid container recited in claim 1, further
comprising: a sanitary cover removably fixed to the vessel, wherein
an open end of the exterior portion of the straw is between the
cover and the vessel.
5. The portable fluid container recited in claim 1, wherein the
vessel is a beverage box.
6. The portable fluid container recited in claim 1, wherein the
vessel is a beverage pouch.
7. The portable fluid container recited in claim 1, wherein the
fastening means is selected from the group consisting of: an
adhesive tape, sleeve, rubber band, and plastic sheet.
8. An improved beverage box having walls for containing a beverage
and orifice configured to accept a straw, the improvement
comprising: a straw having a lumen through which the beverage may
flow, wherein the straw is fixed within the orifice such that an
interior portion of the straw is inside the beverage box and an
exterior portion of the straw is outside of the beverage box; and
fastening means for removably maintaining the exterior portion of
the straw in a folded position along a first fold to prevent the
flow of the beverage through the lumen of the straw; wherein the
beverage may flow through the lumen of the straw when the exterior
portion of the straw is unfolded along the first fold;
9. The improved beverage box recited in claim 8, further
comprising: a seal between the orifice and the straw; wherein the
seal prevents the beverage from leaking out of the orifice between
the vessel and the straw.
10. The improved beverage box recited in claim 8, further
comprising: a second fold along the exterior portion of the straw;
wherein the second fold further prevents flow of the beverage when
the fastening means removably maintains the straw in the folded
position.
11. The improved beverage box recited in claim 8, further
comprising: a sanitary cover removably fixed to the vessel wherein
an open end of the exterior portion of the straw is between the
cover and the beverage box.
12. The portable beverage container recited in claim 8, wherein the
fastening means is selected from the group consisting of: an
adhesive tape, sleeve, rubber band, and plastic sheet.
13. An improved beverage pouch having walls for containing a
beverage and orifice configured to accept a straw, the improvement
comprising: a straw having a lumen through which the beverage may
flow, wherein the straw is fixed within the orifice such that an
interior portion of the straw is inside the beverage pouch and an
exterior portion of the straw is outside of the beverage pouch; and
fastening means for removably maintaining the exterior portion of
the straw in a folded position along a first fold to prevent the
flow of the beverage through the lumen of the straw; wherein the
beverage may flow through the lumen of the straw when the exterior
portion of the straw is unfolded along the first fold.
14. The improved beverage pouch recited in claim 13, further
comprising: a seal between the orifice and the straw; wherein the
seal prevents the beverage from leaking out of the orifice between
the vessel and the straw.
15. The improved beverage pouch recited in claim 13, further
comprising: a second fold along the exterior portion of the straw;
wherein the second fold further prevents flow of the beverage when
the fastening means removably maintains the straw in the folded
position.
16. The improved beverage pouch recited in claim 13, further
comprising: a sanitary cover removably fixed to the vessel, wherein
an open end of the exterior portion of the straw is between the
cover and the beverage pouch.
17. The portable beverage container recited in claim 13, wherein
the fastening means is selected from the group consisting of: an
adhesive tape, sleeve, rubber band, and plastic sheet.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to a portable packaging
system for transporting fluid, and more specifically to a beverage
pouch or box with an integrated drinking straw.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Beverage containers, such as drink pouches or boxes, package
beverages in a convenient and portable fashion. Various
permutations of such devices are revealed in the prior art
including U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,614 to Xuan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,583
to Wild, U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,368 to Kaufman, and U.S. Pat. No.
6,116,782 to Arkins. In order to access the contents of the
package, a straw must be inserted into the package through a small,
pre-defined location. These straws which are often affixed to the
exterior of the container may be detached and lost, become soiled,
or otherwise damaged rendering them unusable. Moreover, the user
must apply sufficient force with the straw and at the correct
orientation and location to puncture the packaging. Young children,
in particular, may not have the strength or dexterity to properly
position the straw to access the fluid within the package. Since
the straws are used to puncture the container, they must have
sufficient rigidity and sharpness for this task. These straws may
cause injury if misdirected or mishandled.
[0003] There is also the potential for leakage and spillage if the
opening created by the straw is larger than the diameter of the
straw. With the necessary pressure applied to the pouch for straw
insertion, upon entry, fluid may be forcibly expelled resulting in
wastage and mess. If the straw is removed before the fluid contents
are fully consumed, fluid may also inadvertently exit the
perforation site.
[0004] In an effort to eliminate an externally attached straw,
other flexible pouches with tear-off tops or free-floating straws
have been described in the art as exemplified by Yeager in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,937,617; Stefandl in U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,144 B2; and
Murray in U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,490 B2. These all require dexterity
and strength to open these packages as well as locate and
manipulate the straws before the contents can be consumed.
[0005] In activities such as running or jogging, the current fluid
pouches are inconvenient as it is difficult to manipulate a pouch
and separate straw while in active motion. Wearable water bladders
described by Forsman in U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,998 B2 and Skillern in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,533 B2 and water bottles in a holster are not
optimal given the weight of the device in addition to the fluid
transported. Moreover, the jostling of the fluid within
partially-filled containers can be distracting to the runner and
their constant movement may result in chafing and discomfort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, to the present invention advantageously
provides better access the contents of the fluid container, such as
a drink pouch, providing a more convenient, self-contained portable
fluid delivery system.
[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a straw is
integrated into the pouch construction in order to provide a means
of fluid egress. A segment of the straw internal to the pouch
provides access to fluid within the pouch. This is continuous with
an external straw segment that communicates the fluid to the
recipient. The integrated straw eliminates the need for a
separately affixed straw and manipulation of the straw to access
the contents of the pouch. Since the straw is continuous with the
pouch wall, no seepage or spillage of fluid can occur at this
location.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a closure method
via one or more folds in the straw as it exits the pouch. These
folds are secured in place with adhesive tape, glue, or the like.
To access the contents of the pouch, the straw is straightened
permitting the lumen occluded at the fold to become open and thus
permitting fluid to exit the pouch. This provides a simpler and
more reliable method of accessing the fluid within the pouch.
[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, evacuation of
air from within the pouch eliminates fluid movement and jostling.
The collapsible nature of the pouch sidewalls also decreases the
possibility that air will reflux into the package.
[0010] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the pouch
can be designed and shaped in various configurations to be most
convenient and advantageous to the activity in which it is being
used. The construction material is lightweight allowing for a
maximal fluid-carrying capacity and minimal packaging weight.
[0011] Further aspects and advantages of my invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a representative pouch
with a straw exiting through the front face and the straw fold
secured with an adhesive strip.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pouch depicted in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the open
configuration with the straw extended.
[0015] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the exit of the straw from
the wall of the pouch.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of an alternate pouch
with the straw exiting the top of the pouch.
[0017] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the front and back walls of
the pouch encircling the straw.
[0018] FIG. 5A-5C show the straightening of the straw to permit
fluid flow.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a multiple fold
configuration of the straw.
[0020] FIG. 7A-7D show alternative embodiments to maintain folds in
the straw.
[0021] FIGS. 8 and 9 show front perspective views of modifications
to the pouch packaging to improve handling.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a drink box with the
straw configured on the front face.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the open position of
the straw in FIG. 10.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an alternate
embodiment with the straw exiting the top face of the box.
DRAWINGS--REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0025] 100 Pouch containing fluid [0026] 101 Top edge of pouch
[0027] 102 Bottom crease or fold in pouch [0028] 103 Front pouch
wall [0029] 104 Back pouch wall [0030] 105 Opening in front pouch
wall for straw exit [0031] 113 Top edge of front pouch wall [0032]
114 Top edge of back pouch wall [0033] 120 Straw [0034] 121 Straw
segment contained inside pouch [0035] 122 Portion of straw at
exiting the pouch wall [0036] 123 Exterior straw segment before
first fold [0037] 124 Exterior straw segment for contact with mouth
of user [0038] 125 Location of first fold in straw [0039] 126 End
of straw [0040] 127 Portion of straw with pouch edges sealed around
[0041] 128 Straw lumen [0042] 133 Exterior straw segment before
first fold [0043] 134 Straw segment between first and second folds
[0044] 135 Location of first fold in straw [0045] 136 Location of
second fold in straw [0046] 137 Exterior straw segment for contact
with mouth of user [0047] 141 Adhesive tape to maintain straw
positioning [0048] 142 Adhesive substance between straw segments
[0049] 143 Encircling sleeve [0050] 144 Rubber band or string
surrounding straw segments [0051] 145 Protective film or sheet
covering folded straw and end of straw [0052] 151 Protective film
over end of straw [0053] 161 Clip or other mounting hardware on
back pouch wall [0054] 162 Holes or other shapes for holding pouch
[0055] 163 Handhold attachments [0056] 200 Drink box with straw
mounted on face [0057] 201 Front face of box [0058] 205 Opening in
front container wall for straw exit [0059] 220 Straw [0060] 221
Straw segment contained inside pouch [0061] 225 Location of first
fold in straw [0062] 241 Adhesive tape to maintain straw
positioning [0063] 251 Protective film over end of straw [0064] 300
Drink box with straw mounted on face [0065] 302 Top face of box
[0066] 320 Straw [0067] 322 Portion of straw at exiting the pouch
wall [0068] 325 Location of first fold in straw [0069] 326 End of
straw
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFRRED EMBODIMENT
[0070] FIGS. 1 and 2 describe the preferred embodiment of this
invention. The preferred type of fluid container is a beverage
pouch 100 comprised of two sheets of fluid-resistant film or
sheeting that can be heat sealed at the edges to create a
watertight barrier. The front 103 and back 104 walls of the pouch
100 may be imprinted or decorated with various insignia or signage
identifying the contents of the pouch 100. The top 101 may be
fashioned to be thicker for ease of handling. The pouch 100 can be
fashioned in different geometries such as rectangular, triangular,
or circular. In one embodiment, the pouch 100 may have pleats 102
on the bottom permitting it to remain upright when placed on a
table or other similar surface. Pouch 100 is constructed in the
same manner as a standard drink pouch, the construction of which is
known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0071] The pouch 100 is formed of material of sufficient strength
to resist puncture or breakage with normal carrying and handling
activity. The pouch material is also compliant so that as the fluid
is withdrawn, the pouch walls collapse and no dead space develops
within the pouch.
[0072] Upon filling of the pouch, air may be evacuated from the
pouch to reduce the jostling and movement of fluid within the
container.
[0073] Pouch 100 includes a straw that is integrated into the pouch
100. The straw 120 is composed of contiguous segments 121, 123, and
124. Segment 121 of the straw 120 is internal to the pouch 100 and
is of sufficient length to reach the bottom of the pouch so that
all the fluid can be withdrawn from the container when held in an
upright position. The open end 126 of the straw 120 is where the
user will withdraw the fluid contents.
[0074] At or near the top of the pouch 100, the straw 120 exits the
pouch 100. This can be accomplished through an opening 105 in the
pouch wall 103 as shown in FIG. 3A. In the enlarged depiction of
the exit site in FIG. 3B, the space between the pouch opening 105
and the adjacent straw 120 is suitably reinforced and sealed by
seal 122 to prevent leakage of fluid around the exterior of the
straw 120. Seal 122 is also of sufficient strength to prevent
removal of the straw 120 from the pouch 100. The seal can be
accomplished with a ring of adhesive material surrounding the straw
120 at the exit site 105 in pouch wall 103. Alternatively, a molded
plastic exit port can be affixed to side wall 103 to which the
straw segments 121 and 123 are attached.
[0075] An alternate configuration of pouch 100 is depicted in FIGS.
4A and 4B. Straw 120 exits at hole 115 formed at the apex of the
pouch 100 formed by the intersection of the top edges 113 and 114
of the front wall 103 and back wall 104, respectively, of the pouch
100. Hole 115 is sealed around the straw 120 by seal 122, again
preventing egress of fluid except through the straw lumen 128.
[0076] The straw 120, when folded into the closed position as shown
in FIG. 5A, has a fold 125 which occludes the straw lumen 128
preventing the movement of fluid or air into or out of the sealed
pouch 100. Straw segment 123 is maintained in close proximity to
straw segment 124 to create fold 125. FIG. 5A has an arrow
depicting the direction of movement of straw segment 124 with
respect to segment 123 resulting in the straightening of the straw
in order to access the contents of the pouch 100. Adhesive tape 141
keeps straw segments 123 and 124 in close proximity thus
maintaining fold 125. As the straw segment 124 is lifted away from
the pouch wall 103, the adhesive tape 141 is disrupted and straw
segments 123 and 124 can move away from each other as depicted in
FIG. 5B. Finally, in the open position shown in FIG. 5C, the
occlusion of the straw 120 by fold 125 is eliminated and fluid may
pass through the lumen 128 of the straw 120.
[0077] The straw 120 is comprised of material of sufficient
strength to withstand the folding without rupture or breakage of
the sidewall or a permanent bend. The diameter and elasticity of
the straw 120 can be modified to achieve sufficient occlusion when
the straw 120 is folded and sufficient resilience so that when the
straw 120 is extended as shown in FIG. 5C, fluid is permitted to
flow out of the container.
[0078] Another alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, utilizes
additional folds in straw 120. Two folds (135 and 136) between
straw segments 133, 134, and 137 provide additional security
against the egress of fluid.
[0079] As depicted in FIG. 1, a piece of adhesive tape 141 may be
placed across the folded straw segments at or near the fold 125 for
securing the straw to the package. Other methods can be utilized to
maintain the folded state of the straw as shown in FIG. 7. As
depicted in FIG. 7A, an adhesive substance 142 can be positioned
between the straw segments to maintain the folded state. Also, a
paper or plastic sleeve 143 (FIG. 7B) or rubber band 144 (FIG. 7C)
may encircle both straw segments adjacent to the fold 125.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7D, a plastic sheet 145 may cover
both the folded straw and the end of the straw protecting both
items. Other mechanisms may also be employed to maintain proximity
of straw segments 123 and 124.
[0080] Returning to FIG. 1, the location of the fold 125 in the
straw is immaterial so long as it prevents fluid movement into or
out of the pouch. The preferred location is at or near the exit 105
of the straw from the pouch 100.
[0081] A protective plastic sleeve or covering 151 can be included
to protect the exposed external end 126 of the straw 120 from
soilage. A pocket or slot within the wall of the pouch 100 may also
be constructed to accomplish the same.
[0082] For ease of carrying and portability, the pouch 100 may have
external modifications examples of which are demonstrated in FIG. 8
that permit attachment of the pouch 100 to different items of
clothing or carrying systems. A spring-loaded clip or buckle 161 on
the back wall 104 can facilitate the attachment to a belt or pants
pocket. Also, strategically placed holes or openings 162 in the
pouch 100 may allow connection to carrying straps or loops.
Alternatively shown in FIG. 9, handles or straps 163 can be
attached to the pouch 100, for example, allowing easier holding and
manipulation by a child.
[0083] The straw configuration and closure methods can be similarly
applied to other forms of packaging including drink boxes or the
like. The key elements of the folded straw preventing fluid egress
are similar to those outlined above with a drink pouch.
[0084] FIG. 10 illustrates the preferred embodiment of a drink box
200 with an integrated straw 220 exiting from the front face 201 of
the box 200. Construction of drink box type beverage containers is
well known to the art. Typically, drink boxes are manufactured from
laminated cardboard configured to hold beverages or other
foodstuffs. Straw 220 is integrated into the package 200 to provide
access to its contents.
[0085] Straw segment 221 is internal to the box 200 and is of
sufficient length to permit fluid to be withdrawn from the bottom
of the box 200. Straw 220 exits at an opening 205 in the front face
201 and has a fold 225 which prevents movement of fluid into or out
of the box 200. Adhesive tape 241 maintains the fold 225 in the
straw 220. An optional protective sleeve 251 reduces potential
contamination of the exposed end of the straw 220.
[0086] When the adhesive tape 241 is disrupted and the straw
straightened as in FIG. 11, fluid flows through the straw 220.
[0087] FIG. 12 demonstrates another embodiment incorporating a
plurality of straw folds and exit of the straw 320 from the top 302
of the box 300. One fold 322 is formed at the straw's exit 322 from
the box 300, and another fold 325 is formed proximal to the
drinking end 326.
[0088] Accordingly, the straw integrated in the beverage container,
such as a pouch or box, provides convenient fluid storage and easy
access to its contents. When the straw is folded, the straw lumen
is occluded and the fluid contents are securely contained within
the packaging. Any of a number of methods can assist in maintenance
of the straw fold. When the straw is straightened, the fold is
opened and fluid can flow freely out of the container. Furthermore,
this packaging closure and access method permits closure of a
number of container configurations from pouches to drink boxes;
allows placement of the exit site of the straw in various
locations; permits the straw fold to be located on various points
along the exterior portion of the straw; and provides easy opening
of the container without the need for a separately affixed straw,
positioning of the straw, and puncturing of the container.
[0089] Fluids (i.e., non-solids) other than beverages may be stored
in pouch 100, box 200 or box 300. Examples of other fluids include
cooking oil, motor oil, paint, and shampoo. Additionally, the
container can be configured with straws of different thicknesses,
colors, or shapes. Furthermore, the fold can be secured to the
front face, folded over the top edge of the package, or the
like.
[0090] From the above description, it will be apparent that the
invention disclosed herein provides a novel and advantageous fluid
container with an integrated straw. The foregoing discussion
discloses and describes merely exemplary methods and embodiments of
the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily
recognize from such discussion that various changes, modifications
and variations may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, disclosure of the
present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting,
of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following
claims.
* * * * *