BACKGROUND
Liquids are sold and shipped in a wide variety of different containers. Containers for fluids that people drink, such as water, soda, milk, fruit juice, energy drinks, etc., are often provided in containers that are easy to open. For example, drinks are often provided in cans with pop-tops, cups with tops that are pre-cut to accept a straw, and boxes and pouches that are provided with a straw and a weak area for inserting the straw.
SUMMARY
A container top and/or a fluid container includes a straw and a hole in the top or some other portion of the container. The straw has a first open end and a second open end. The first open end of the straw is disposed outside the container and the second open end of the straw is disposed inside the container. The straw frictionally engages the hole in the top or other portion of the container to provide a seal between the straw and the container. An optional straw attachment member retains the second open end inside the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, embodiments of the invention are illustrated, which, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to provide examples of the principles of this invention.
FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid container assembly;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by lines 2-2 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 1A is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a fluid container assembly;
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by lines 2A-2A in FIG. 1A;
FIG. 3 is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a fluid container assembly;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a straw;
FIG. 5 is a side view of the straw illustrated by FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a top view of the straw illustrated by FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is an end view of the straw illustrated by FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a straw with a tapered end being inserted through a hole on a plastic ply that is smaller than the straw;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view schematically illustrating the straw of FIG. 8 (tapered end not shown) inserted through the hole of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a straw with a frusto-conical end portion;
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a straw with a tapered end portion;
FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a an exemplary embodiment of a straw with a tool having a frusto-conical end portion;
FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an insertion tool being inserted into a straw;
FIG. 14 illustrates the insertion tool inserting the straw through a hole through in a material ply;
FIG. 15 illustrates removal of the insertion tool from the straw in the material ply;
FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of two plies of a container top;
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of two plies of a container top;
FIG. 18 schematically illustrates a straw with a tapered end being inserted through two plies of a container top;
FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a straw that has been inserted through two plies of a container top;
FIG. 20 is an illustration of a beverage container with a beverage container top and a second beverage container top;
FIG. 21 is an illustration of a beverage can;
FIG. 22 is an illustration of a beverage box;
FIG. 23 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of two plies of a container top attached to a base layer of the container top;
FIG. 24 illustrates the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 23 with a straw inserted through the container top;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a straw end retainer;
FIG. 26 is a front view of the straw end retainer disposed on a straw of a container;
FIG. 27 illustrates the straw bent and an end of the straw disposed on the straw end retainer to seal the container;
FIGS. 29-31 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a method of filling and sealing a container; and
FIG. 32 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method of filling and sealing a string of side connected pouches.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As described herein, when one or more components are described as being connected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached, or otherwise interconnected, such interconnection may be direct as between the components or may be indirect such as through the use of one or more intermediary components. Also as described herein, reference to a “member,” “component,” or “portion” shall not be limited to a single structural member, component, or element but can include an assembly of components, members or elements.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one exemplary embodiment a fluid container assembly 10 includes a straw 12 having first and second open ends 16, 18 and a container 14. A straw attachment member 20 extends from the second open end 18. The first open end 16 of the straw 12 is disposed outside the container 14 and the second open end 18 of the straw 12 is disposed inside the container 14. The straw 12 frictionally engages a hole 22 in the container to provide a seal 24 (See FIG. 9) between the straw 12 and the container 14. The straw attachment member 20 is attached to the container 14 to retain the second open end 18 inside the container 14.
The straw 12 can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the straw 12 can be any hollow cylindrical member. In the illustrated embodiment, the straw 12 has a circular cross-sectional shape with a first open end 16 and a second open end 18.
The straw attachment member 20 can take a wide variety of different forms. In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 4-7, the attachment member 20 is integrally formed with the straw 12. For example, a portion of the second open end 16 can be cut off to form the attachment member 20. For example about ½ of the circumference can be removed for a length L. This results in an integral attachment member 20 that can be pressed flat as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In another exemplary embodiment, the attachment member 20 comprises a separate piece (not shown) attached to the second open end 16 of the straw 12.
The container 14 can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the container 14 may be a pouch 100 (See FIGS. 1 and 2), a cup 2000 with a cap 2010 (See FIG. 20), a can 2100 (See FIG. 21), a box 2200 (see FIG. 22), or any other type of container. In the example illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 14 is a pouch 100 that comprises at least two plies 110, 112 of material that are sealed together. In an exemplary embodiment, the plies are made from plastic films. For example, the pouches may be made from any of the plastic film materials that Automated Packaging Systems makes AUTOBAG® bags on a roll from. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 1, the plies 110, 112 are sealed together along or near the top edge 114, the bottom edge 116, a first side edge 118, and a second side edge 120 by respective seals 124, 126, 128, 130. The seals 124, 126, 128, 130 may be formed by heat sealing plastic material of the plies together, with an adhesive, or by other known procedures for sealing plastic plies. In this application, the term seal may refer to a seal or a fold. As such, one or more of the edges 114, 116, 118, 120 may be formed by folding a ply rather than with a sealing operation. In either case, a sealed edge is formed. It should be apparent that the seals 124, 126, 128, 130 may be formed inward of one or more of the edges 114, 116, 118, 120.
The straw attachment member 20 can be attached to the container 14 to retain the second open end 18 inside the container 14 in a wide variety of different ways. For example, the straw attachment member 20 may be secured to an inside surface of a pouch 100 (See FIG. 1A), an inside surface of a cup 2000 (See FIG. 20), an inside surface of a can 2100 (See FIG. 21), an inside surface of a box 2200 (see FIG. 22), or the inside surface of any other type of container
Referring to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 2A, and 3, in one exemplary embodiment, the attachment member 20 is sealed to at least one of the plies 110, 112 to attach the straw 12 to the pouch 100. In the example illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, the attachment member 20 is sealed between the two plies 110, 112 at the bottom seal 126 to attach the straw 12 to the pouch 14 at the same time the bottom seal 126 is formed.
In the example illustrated by FIGS. 1A and 2A, the attachment member 20 is attached to the ply 110 to attach the straw 12 to the pouch. The attachment member 20 may be attached to the ply 110 in a wide variety of different ways. For example, the attachment member 20 may be bonded to the ply 110 by applying heat, with an adhesive, with ultrasonic welding, etc.
The straw 12 may be positioned and oriented in a wide variety of different ways. In the example illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, the positioning of the attachment member 20 in the bottom seal places the open end 18 very close to the bottom of the pouch. In the example illustrated by FIGS. 1A and 2A, the positioning of the attachment member upward on the ply 110 places the open end 18 farther away from the bottom of the pouch 100. In the example illustrated by FIG. 3, the positioning of the attachment member 20 at or near the intersection of the bottom seal 126 and the side seal 128 places the open end 18 very close to a bottom corner of the pouch.
The straw 12 and the hole 22 may be configured in any manner where the straw 12 frictionally engages the hole 22 in the container to provide a seal 24 between the straw 12 and the container 14. The hole 22 may be formed with a heated or un-heated punch. Referring to FIG. 8, in an exemplary embodiment, the straw 12 and the ply 110 are made from a plastic material and the straw 12 is much larger than the hole 22. For example, a diameter of the straw 12 may be at least two times, five times, ten times, or twenty times greater than the diameter of the 22. In one exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the hole 22 is in the range of 0.010 inches to 0.100 inches and the diameter of the straw is 0.125 inches to 0.625 inches, for example a ¼ inch diameter or a ½ inch diameter plastic straw.
FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a straw 12 with a tapered end 800 or on a tool having a tapered end being inserted through a hole in a plastic ply 110 that is smaller than the straw. In the example illustrated by FIG. 8, the tapered end 800 has a truncated frusto-conical shape. However, in other embodiments, the tapered end 800 may have a sharp tip. FIG. 9 illustrates that in an exemplary embodiment, the insertion of the straw 12 into the smaller hole 22 stretches the material of the ply 110 both radially outward and in the direction of insertion as indicated by arrow 900. The stretching of the material of the ply 110 in the direction of insertion 900 forms a collar 902 of the ply material that tightly frictionally engages the outer surface of the straw 12. This tight frictional engagement forms a fluid tight seal 24 between the straw 12 and the hole 22 in the plastic ply 110.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the straw 12 may have a variety of different shapes that facilitate insertion of the straw 12 through the hole 22. In the example illustrated by FIG. 10, the straw has a frusto-conical or conical tapered end 800. In the example illustrated by FIG. 11, the straw 12 is cut to provide the straw with a tapered end portion 1100. However, any shape that facilitates insertion of the straw 12 into the hole 22 can be employed.
FIG. 12 illustrates a side elevational view of a an exemplary embodiment of a straw 12 with a straw insertion tool 1200 having a frusto-conical end portion 1202. The end portion 1202 may be sharper than illustrated. FIGS. 13-15 illustrate use of the insertion tool 1200 to install a straw 12 in a hole 22. FIG. 13 illustrates the insertion tool 1200 being inserted into a straw 12. FIG. 14 illustrates the insertion tool 1202 inserting the straw 12 through a hole 22 through a material ply 110. FIG. 15 illustrates removal of the insertion tool 1200 from the straw 12, leaving the straw sealed in the hole 22 in the material ply 110.
Referring to FIGS. 16-22, in one exemplary embodiment a fluid container top 1600 includes a first layer 1602 and a second layer 1604. The first layer 1602 has a straw hole 22 that is smaller than a straw 12 that is used with the fluid container top 1600. The second layer 1604 is attached to the first layer 1602, either directly (See FIG. 17) or indirectly by attachment of the layers 1602, 1604 on opposite sides of a wall 2300 (See FIG. 23). Prior to insertion of the straw 12, the second layer 1604 prevents fluid from passing through the fluid container top 1602 through the hole 22 in the first layer 1602. The hole in the first layer 1602 is sized such that insertion of the straw 12 through the hole 22 forms a fluid tight seal between the straw 12 and the first layer 1602 in the same manner as described with respect to the straw 12 and the ply 110 above.
The layer 1602 is made from plastic to facilitate the seal between the layer 1602 and the straw 12. The layer 1604 can be made from a wide variety of different materials. For example, the layer 1604 may be made from plastic, foils, etc. The layer 1604 can be made from any material that is impermeable liquids and/or gasses.
FIG. 18 schematically illustrates a straw 12 with a tapered end 1800 being inserted through the layer 1604 and through the hole in a plastic layer 1602 that is smaller than the straw. In the example illustrated by FIG. 18, the tapered end 1800 has a truncated frusto-conical shape. However, in other embodiments, the tapered end 800 may have a sharper tip. FIG. 19 illustrates that in an exemplary embodiment, the insertion of the straw 12 breaks the layer 1604 and stretches the material around the smaller hole 22 both radially outward and in the direction of insertion as indicated by arrow 900. The stretching of the material of the layer 1602 in the direction of insertion 900 forms a collar 902 of the layer 1602 that tightly frictionally engages the outer surface of the straw 12. This tight frictional engagement forms a fluid tight seal 24 between the straw 12 and the hole 22 in the plastic layer 1602.
The fluid container top 1600 can take a wide variety of different forms. Referring to FIG. 20, the fluid container top 1600 may be a lid 2010 that is removable from a cup 2000. The lid 2010 and cup 2000 may be used to provide beverages in the fast food or other restaurant industries. FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate an exemplary embodiment where the fluid container top 1600 is permanently attached to a fluid container 14. In the example illustrated by FIG. 21, the fluid container top 1600 is a top of a can 2100. In the example illustrated by FIG. 22, the fluid container top is a top of a drink box 2200.
The tops 1600 illustrated by FIGS. 20-22 each have a top wall 2300 that the layers 1602, 1604 are attached to. In one exemplary embodiment, the layers 1602, 1604 are attached together and then attached to a bottom surface 2310 of the wall. In another exemplary embodiment, the layers 1602, 1604 are attached together and then attached to a top surface 2312 of the wall 2300. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 23, the layer 1602 is attached to the bottom surface 2310 of the top wall 2300 and the layer 1604 is attached to the top surface 2312 of the wall. In another exemplary embodiment, the layer 1604 is attached to the bottom surface 2310 of the top wall 2300 and the layer 1602 is attached to the top surface 2312 of the wall. In each of these embodiments, a hole 2320 in the top wall 2300 is aligned with the hole 22 in the layer 1602.
FIG. 24 illustrates a straw 12 inserted through the layer 1604, through the hole 2320 in the top wall 2300, and through the hole 22 in a plastic layer 1602 that is smaller than the straw 12. In the example illustrated by FIG. 24, the tapered end 1800 has a truncated frusto-conical shape. However, in other embodiments, the tapered end 1800 may have a sharper tip. The insertion of the straw 12 breaks the layer 1604 and stretches the material around the smaller hole 22 both radially outward and in the direction of insertion as indicated by arrow 900. The stretching of the material of the layer 1602 in the direction of insertion 900 forms a collar 902 of the layer 1602 that tightly frictionally engages the outer surface of the straw 12. This tight frictional engagement forms a fluid tight seal between the straw 12 and the hole 22 in the plastic layer 1602.
In one exemplary embodiment, the straw 12 is configured to selectively allow or prevent fluid flow into and out of the container 14. The is can be accomplished in a wide variety of different ways. For example, the straw 12 can be provided with a removable and/or replaceable cap, a valve, or other structure for selectively blocking and unblocking fluid flow through the straw. FIGS. 25-27 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a straw end retainer 2500. The straw 12 can be in a straight or unbent position as shown in FIG. 26 where fluid can flow out of (or into) the container 14 through the straw 12. The straw 12 can also be in a bent or closed position as shown in FIG. 27 where the bend prevents fluid from flowing out of (or into) the container through the straw 12. The straw 12 can be retained in the bent or closed position by placing the open end 16 of the straw on the tab 2502 of the retainer 2500.
The straw end retainer 2500 can take a variety of different forms. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 25, the straw end retainer 2500 comprises a cylindrical portion 2504 and a tab 2502 extending from the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion 2504 is sized to snugly, but slideably, fit over the end 18 of the straw 12. The tab 2502 is sized to fit within the end 18 of the straw. As such, to close the container 14 after use, the straw is bent from the position illustrated by FIG. 26 to the position illustrated by FIG. 27 and the straw end retainer 2500 is slid upward, such that the tab 2502 enters the open end 18 of the straw to retain the straw in the position indicated by FIG. 27.
In one exemplary embodiment, a container assembly 10 provided with the straw end retainer 2500 or other straw closure device can be used as a reinflatable packaging cushion. The container assembly 10 would be sold in a deflated condition. A person packing a box or other container with an item can inflate one or more of the container assemblies 10 by blowing them up with the straw 12. Once the container assembly(s) are blown up, the straw can be moved to the position illustrated by FIG. 27 or otherwise closed. The air filled container assemblies 10 can then be placed in the box around the item being shipped to cushion the item during transit.
FIGS. 28-31 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a method of filling and sealing a container assembly 10. Referring to FIG. 28, a container 14 is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 14 is the container shown in FIG. 1 and described above. However, the container 14 can take a variety of different forms. Referring to FIG. 29, a straw 12 is inserted through the hole 22 to position the straw 12 in the container 22 and form a seal between the straw 12 and the container 22. In the example illustrated example, a cap 2900 or other closure device is provided on the straw 12 to seal the open end 16. Referring to FIG. 30, after the straw 12 is inserted, the container 14 is filled with a liquid 3000. In the example illustrated by FIG. 30, the bottom edge 116 is unsealed and the container is positioned with the bottom up (i.e. the container will be filled from the bottom). Referring to FIG. 31, after the container 14 is filled, the bottom edge 116 is provided with a seal 126 to form a liquid filled, sealed container 14.
Referring to FIG. 32, in one exemplary embodiment a web 3200 of side connected containers 14 are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the containers 14 are the container shown in FIG. 1 and described above, but is side connected to another container by a line of perforations. However, the container 14 can take a variety of different forms. The web 3200 of containers can sequentially be provided with a straw, filled, and sealed as schematically illustrated by FIG. 32. In FIG. 32, the straw insertion (optional), filling, and sealing are illustrates as occurring at consecutive containers. However, in an exemplary embodiment one or more containers will be disposed between a station where straw insertion occurs (if included), a station where the container 14 is filled with liquid, and a station where the container is sealed.
Referring to FIG. 32, a straw 12 is inserted through the hole 22 to position the straw 12 in the container 22 and form a seal between the straw 12 and the container 22 at an optional straw insertion station 3210. In another exemplary embodiment, each of the containers 14 of the web 3200 is provided with the straws, so the straws do not need to be added on the filling line. The straw 12 may be positioned as shown or fixed to one of the plies 110, 112 (See FIG. 1A). After the straw 12 is inserted, the container 14 is filled with a liquid 3000 at a filling station 3220. In the example illustrated by FIG. 32, the bottom edges 116 are unsealed and the web 3200 of containers are positioned with the bottom up (i.e. the containers will be filled from the bottom). After each container 14 is filled, the bottom edge 116 is provided with a seal 126 at a sealing station 3230 to form a liquid filled, sealed container 14.
While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions—such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, hardware, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on—may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.
While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, the specific locations of the component connections and interplacements can be modified. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures can be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.
Patent Application
20150001231
