U.S. patent application number 13/391806 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-14 for plastic bottle having a depression for receiving a drinking straw.
This patent application is currently assigned to INNOPRAX AG. Invention is credited to Clarence P. Feldmann.
Application Number | 20120145571 13/391806 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42935462 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120145571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Feldmann; Clarence P. |
June 14, 2012 |
PLASTIC BOTTLE HAVING A DEPRESSION FOR RECEIVING A DRINKING
STRAW
Abstract
The present invention discloses a plastic bottle (100) with a
depression (120) embedded into the jacket wall (110) for receiving
a straw (130). The plastic bottle (100) is characterized in that
the latter exhibits a lower region (112) that conically expands
from the footprint (111) of the bottle toward its neck (114), which
is followed by a region (113) that conically tapers toward the neck
(114), wherein the depression (120) in the jacket wall (110)
proceeds along a straight line from the area above the footprint
(111) and, in the conically tapering region, empties into a
grasping zone (125) that exhibits a straw gripping zone (126).
Inventors: |
Feldmann; Clarence P.;
(Opfikon, CH) |
Assignee: |
INNOPRAX AG
Meggen
CH
|
Family ID: |
42935462 |
Appl. No.: |
13/391806 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
August 24, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP10/61920 |
371 Date: |
February 22, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/217 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2501/0045 20130101;
B65D 1/0223 20130101; B65D 23/0878 20130101; B65D 2501/0036
20130101; B65D 77/28 20130101; B65D 23/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/217 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/04 20060101
B65D001/04; B65D 65/28 20060101 B65D065/28; B65D 23/04 20060101
B65D023/04; B65D 77/02 20060101 B65D077/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 24, 2009 |
CH |
01304/09 |
Claims
1. A plastic bottle with at least one depression embedded into a
jacket wall for receiving a straw wherein the plastic bottle
comprises a lower, region that cylindrically or conically expands
from a base of the bottle toward its neck, and is followed by a
region that conically tapers toward the neck, wherein the
depression in the jacket wall proceeds along a straight line from
the area above the base and empties in the conically tapering
region, which exhibits a straw gripping zone, wherein a straw is
inserted into the depression, and a shrink wrap hose covers the
jacket wall at least to an extent where the straw is completely
covered, wherein the shrink wrap hose comprises a desired tear line
whereby the shrink wrap hose can be separated in an upper region,
wherein the desired tear line is arranged such that at least part
of the straw gripping zone can be exposed and the shrink wrap hose
tightly adjoins the jacket wall of the bottle, thereby leaving
behind a receiving space comprised of the depression and the
residual shrink wrap hose after the upper region has been
separated.
2. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, further comprising
supporting elements situated on the side of the straw gripping
zone.
3. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, further comprising a
grasping zone arranged between the conically expanding region and
the conically tapering region.
4. The plastic bottle according to claim 2, wherein the supporting
elements diverge from each other from the grasping zone toward the
neck at least in the upper end region of the straw gripping zone,
whereby the straw gripping zone is widened.
5. The plastic bottle according to claim 2, wherein the supporting
elements are formed as a single piece comprised of jacket wall
elements projecting radially outward from the jacket wall.
6. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the depression
exhibits a semi-cylindrical cross section over its entire length up
to the straw gripping zone, and comprises at least one clamping
bead arranged on an edge of the depression.
7. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein a floor of the
depression exhibits a directional change toward the neck in the
region of the straw gripping zone, so that an upper part of the
straw stowed in the depression extends somewhat away from the floor
of the straw gripping zone.
8. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein at least the
part of the shrink wrap hose present above the desired tear line is
opaque.
9. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the desired
tear line runs from an upper edge of the shrink wrap hose limitedly
toward the base, and changes over or empties into a continuous,
self-contained desired-tear line.
10. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the shrink
wrap hose is provided with a tab, which makes it easier to apply a
force in the area of the desired tear line.
11. The plastic bottle according to claim 10, wherein the desired
tear line is formed by a perforation or weakened material.
12. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the jacket
wall comprises horizontally running bulges and corresponding
horizontally running grooves, which increases the turbulence in the
product while shaking, and improves foaming.
13. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the plastic
bottle exhibits two adjacent, parallel depressions for receiving a
straw that can be bent like a hairpin.
14. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the straw has
a telescoping design.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a plastic bottle designed
in such a way that a straw can be accommodated therein in a
depression especially provided for this purpose, thus allowing the
plastic bottle to be offered to the end user together with the
straw secured thereto as a singular product. As a result, this type
of plastic bottle with integrated straw eliminates the need for the
end user to additionally procure a separate straw. The depression
in the plastic bottle is generally configured in such a way that
the straw can be easily removed and is protected against
contamination.
[0002] Plastic bottles suitably designed for accommodating straws
are known in various embodiments. However, in most of these plastic
bottles, the straw is hard to remove for use and/or cannot be
stowed away again. The straw is often also lost during transport,
and leads to annoyance on the part of the customer.
[0003] For example, EP001552 discloses a bottle with a straw-like
pouring tube as a refilling aid, which can be stowed away in a
grooved depression in the bottle wall. The tube is to be placed on
the elongated spray nipple of a conventional screw cap during use.
As evident from the patent specification, the grooved depression is
designed in such a way that the straw must be bendable. This makes
it difficult or impossible for the end user to repeatedly stow the
straw.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 406,392 discloses a disposable bottle lid, the
outer surface of which exhibits a depression designed in such a way
that it can accommodate a folded straw. The straw must exhibit two
corrugated zones so that the straw can be folded and stowed in the
depression.
[0005] DE 2422419 discloses a combination container for a liquid,
the essentially horizontal upper wall of which exhibits a channel
for accommodating a straw. The channel is configured with a
removable lid in such a way that the straw can be manually removed
from the channel. As evident from the drawing, the straw must be
foldable to be accommodated in the curved configuration of the
channel.
[0006] The plastic bottles enumerated below disclose a straw that
is in direct contact with the liquid contained inside the plastic
bottle in the stowed state. In these embodiments, the plastic
bottle can only be sealed for sale to the end user after the straw
has been accommodated in the bottle along with the beverage.
[0007] KR1020010064538 discloses a square beverage packaging that
exhibits a straw positioned in one corner inside the beverage
packaging. When not in use, the straw is stowed completely inside
the beverage packaging in a folded or clinched state, and in
constant contact with the beverage contained therein. In order to
drink through the straw, the end user must unfold the latter, and
because the straw is positioned in the corner, the end user must
always hold the beverage packaging so that it is tilted
correspondingly.
[0008] DE 102007050000 discloses a straw exhibiting two desired
bends, so that it is divided into three parts, and can be
completely accommodated in a closed drinking bottle. During its
manufacture, the drinking bottle can only be sealed after the straw
has been introduced. In addition, there is no guarantee that the
top part of the straw will extend out far enough that it can be
sucked on.
[0009] JP 2005067658 also discloses a drinking bottle with a straw
integrated therein.
[0010] In the light of the aforementioned drinking bottles, the
object of the present invention is to create a plastic bottle that
incorporates the depression in such a way as make it easier to
remove the straw from the depression and put it back into the
depression.
[0011] This object is achieved by means of a plastic bottle with
the features in claim 1. Additional advantageous embodiments may be
gleaned from the independent claims, and their meaning is explained
in the following specification. The figures represent preferred
exemplary embodiments of the subject matter according to the
invention, and will be explained below in detail.
[0012] FIG. 1A schematically depicts a diametrical longitudinal
section through the plastic bottle provided with a depression
according to a corresponding embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 1B schematically depicts a partial cross section along
the B-B-line denoted on FIG. 1A;
[0014] FIG. 2A schematically depicts a front view of a plastic
bottle provided with the depression and a straw positioned in the
depression according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2B schematically depicts a side, partial cross section
of the plastic bottle provided with the depression and the straw
positioned in the depression according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 3A schematically depicts a side view of a plastic
bottle provided with the depression and the corresponding support
elements according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 3B schematically depicts a side view of the plastic
bottle provided with a shrink wrap hose and its desired tear line
according to an embodiment of the invention, and
[0018] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a top view of the plastic
bottle provided with a depression and the straw positioned in the
depression according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] Reference number 100 denotes a plastic bottle having a
depression 120. As schematically depicted on FIGS. 1A and 1B, the
jacket wall 110 of the plastic bottle 100 is configured in such a
way in an embodiment of the invention as to give the latter a lower
conical region 112 that expands from the footprint 111 toward the
neck 114. A cylindrical region could also be provided in place of
the conical region 112. The lower conical region 112 of the jacket
wall 110 empties into a gripping region 125 or into an upper
conical region 113, which in turn tapers and empties into a neck
114, i.e., the lower, expanding conical region 112 is directly or
indirectly followed by an upper, tapering region 113. In one
embodiment of the invention, the lower conical region 112 is higher
than the upper conical region 113. In another embodiment of the
invention, the lower conical region 112 is at least approximately
as high as the upper conical region 113. In another alternative
embodiment of the invention, the lower conical region 112 is not as
high as the upper conical region 113. In corresponding embodiments
of the invention, the angle between the longitudinal axis Z of the
plastic bottle 100 and the lower conical region 112 will be larger
than, equal to or smaller than the angle between the longitudinal
axis Z and the upper conical region 113.
[0020] The jacket wall 110 exhibits a depression 120, which runs at
least approximately along a straight line proceeding from above the
footprint 111, as well as through the lower conical region 112 and
also partially through the grasping zone 125 or up until partially
into the upper conical region 113. In the upper conical region 113
or in the grasping zone 125, the depression 120 empties into a
straw gripping zone 126 arranged between the two conical regions
112 and 113. The straw gripping zone 126 is configured in such a
way that a straw 130 can be gripped from the front and/or top with
the fingers, so that the straw 130 can be removed from the
depression 120 while simultaneously moving the fingers up,
generally tracing the straight line followed by the depression
120.
[0021] As schematically depicted on FIG. 1B, the depression 120 in
one embodiment of the invention has a semi-cylindrical cross
section, and optionally exhibits at least one clamping bead 128
arranged laterally therein. For example, this clamping bead 128 can
run over the entire length of the depression, or only be situated
at least under the straw gripping zone 126. As an option, this
clamping bead 128 can also be bilaterally arranged in the
depression 120 over the entire length, so as to positively hold the
straw 130 in the depression 120.
[0022] The plastic bottle 100 is wound with a shrink wrap hose 140,
so that the shrink wrap hose 140 covers the depression 120 over its
entirety. The straw 130 is not damaged by the contraction of the
shrink wrap hose 140. Supporting elements 127 schematically
depicted on FIG. 2A are situated on the side of the straw gripping
zone 126. Formed as a single piece, these supporting elements 127
project radially out of the jacket wall 110 to a point where they
support the straw 130. In other words, the supporting elements
comprise jacket wall elements directed radially outward. As a
consequence, the shrink wrap hose 140 is pressed against the
supporting elements 127 as it contracts, so that it only slightly
contacts the straw 130, if at all. In one embodiment of the
invention, the supporting elements 127 diverge from each other
toward the neck 114 so as to widen the straw gripping zone. As
schematically depicted on FIG. 2B, the floor 121 of the straw
gripping zone 126 can exhibit a directional change 122 toward the
neck 114, so that the upper part 131 of the straw 130 extends
somewhat away from the floor 121 of the straw gripping zone 126,
making it easier for the end user to grab. However, this is not
required, and the floor 121 can hence extend over the entire
length, as depicted on FIG. 1A.
[0023] Returning to FIG. 2A, the jacket wall 110 in one embodiment
of the invention exhibits gripping aids 115, so as to elevate the
grip of the plastic bottle 100 while shaking In corresponding
embodiments of the invention, the gripping aids 115 are formed by
an at least partially or completely burled surface 118 of the
jacket wall 110. While vertically running bulges 116 in the jacket
wall 110 that form corresponding vertically running grooves 117
also elevate the grip, the primary function of the bulges 116 is to
increase the turbulences in the product in the shaking process,
thereby maximizing foam formation, shortening the shaking time and
effervescing the foam in as fine-pored and homogeneous a manner as
possible.
[0024] The plastic bottle 100 according to the invention is
configured as a shaker overall. Such a shaker can only be effective
as a shaker if the shaker is not completely filled, thus leaving
enough empty space to carry out the shaker function. In particular,
the present plastic bottle 100 is intended to shake milkshakes or
also mildly alcoholic mixed drinks into a foam therein. As already
mentioned, this necessitates sufficient empty space. Such a
container standing in a rack is usually made out of PET and
correspondingly transparent, and the corresponding empty space
would bother the buyer. For this reason, it is provided that an
imprinted shrink wrap hose 144 be applied. Correspondingly, this
imprinted shrink wrap hose 144 is largely opaque. As a consequence,
such a plastic bottle 100 standing in the rack does not create the
visual impression of being incompletely filled.
[0025] The consumer will recognize the plastic bottle 100 as a
shaker and shake it accordingly. Corresponding instructions on the
imprinted plastic wrap hose will then prompt him or her to remove
the plastic hose in the upper region along the provided desired
tear seams, thus now making the original empty space visible.
However, the corresponding vigorous shaking action now fills this
space with foam.
[0026] As schematically depicted on FIG. 3B and briefly mentioned
in conjunction with the description to FIG. 2A, a shrink wrap hose
140 is wound around the plastic bottle 100, covering the jacket
wall 110 to such an extent where the straw 130 inserted into the
depression 120 is completely covered, and thus protected against
contamination.
[0027] The shrink wrap hose 140 exhibits a desired tear line 145,
which makes it possible to separate an upper part 142 from a lower
part 141 of the shrink wrap hose 140. According to corresponding
embodiments of the invention, the desired tear line 145 can be
formed by a perforation and/or a weakened or thinner material.
[0028] The desired tear line 145 is arranged in such a way that at
least a part of the straw gripping zone 126 can be exposed. For
example, a horizontal part 146 of the desired tear line 145 can be
arranged under the grasping zone 125, or at least under the
supporting elements 127. The desired tear line 145 exhibits a part
147A and/or 147B that runs from the upper edge 143 of the shrink
wrap hose 140 limitedly toward the footprint 111, i.e., downwardly.
These partial desired tear lines 147A, 147B empty into the at least
approximately horizontally circumferential and self-contained
horizontal part 146 of the desired tear line 145. The downwardly
running part 147A runs approximately perpendicular to the
horizontal part 146, and the downwardly running part 147B runs at
an angle and/or curved toward the horizontal part 146 of the
desired tear line 145. The upper part 142 of the shrink wrap hose
140 is opaque. As a result, the free space inside the plastic
bottle 100 remains invisible before the latter is shaken, i.e.,
before foaming the liquid contained in the plastic bottle 100, as
described previously.
[0029] In an embodiment of the invention, the upper part 142 of the
shrink wrap hose 140 is provided with a tab 144, which makes it
easier to apply a force in the downwardly running desired tear line
147A and 147B.
[0030] In principle, these desired tear lines can also be
configured as dual, parallel running perforations. In particular in
the area of the downwardly running parts 147A and 147B of the
desired tear lines 145, a tab 144 can also be molded on in this way
(not shown in the drawing), enabling an improved application of
force. The drawing depicts a variant in which the tab 144 aligns
laterally with one of the two corded desired tear lines.
[0031] The drawing only shows one version with a single depression
120. However, it is definitely conceivable for the two parallel
depressions 120 to be arranged relatively adjacent to each other.
This enables the insertion of a straw having an accordion-like
bending region in about the middle. In this case, the straw is
inserted into the two parallel depressions in such a way that the
harmonica-like bending region exhibits a hairpin bend of approx.
180.degree.. The bend now comes to lie in the straw gripping zone
126, making it easy to pull out the straw.
[0032] In the version with just one depression 120, it makes sense
to use a telescoping straw. This is reasonable, since the length of
the depression is less than the height of the plastic tab. In the
telescopically extended state, however, the straw is longer than
the height of the plastic tab, and can thus not fall into the
bottle.
[0033] Another significant feature of the invention is that the
shrink wrap hose 140 extends as far as over the lower end of the
depression 120, and tightly adjoins the jacket wall 110. The shrink
wrap hose 140 is most preferably even designed to extend partially
into the footprint 11. As a consequence, a tight pocket comprised
of the lower part 141 of the shrink wrap hose and the depression
120 remains behind even after the upper part 142 of the shrink wrap
hose has been removed. This ensures that liquid from the straw
remains trapped in the pocket, preventing the consumer from being
soiled by leaking liquid.
REFERENCE LIST
[0034] 1 Biotechnical reaction vessel [0035] 3 Stirrer [0036] 100
Plastic bottle [0037] 110 Jacket wall [0038] 111 Footprint [0039]
112 Lower conical region [0040] 113 Tapering region [0041] 114 Neck
[0042] 115 Gripping aid [0043] 116 Bulges in jacket wall [0044] 117
Vertically running grooves [0045] 118 Surface of jacket wall [0046]
120 Depression [0047] 121 Floor [0048] 122 Directional change
toward neck [0049] 125 Grasping zone [0050] 126 Straw gripping zone
[0051] 127 Supporting elements [0052] 128 Clamping bead [0053] 130
Straw [0054] 131 Upper part of straw [0055] 140 Shrink wrap hose
[0056] 141 Lower part of shrink wrap hose [0057] 142 Upper part of
shrink wrap hose [0058] 143 Upper edge of shrink wrap hose [0059]
144 Tab [0060] 145 Desired tear line [0061] 146 Horizontal part of
desired tear line [0062] 147A Partial desired tear line running
straight down [0063] 147B Downwardly running partial desired tear
line
* * * * *