RELATED APPLICATIONS
BACKGROUND
[0002] 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
[0003] 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
[0004] 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.
Figure 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid container assembly;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by lines 2-2 in
Figure 1;
Figure 1A is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a fluid container assembly;
Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by lines 2A-2A
in Figure 1A;
Figure 3 is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a fluid container assembly;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a straw;
Figure 5 is a side view of the straw illustrated by Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a top view of the straw illustrated by Figure 4;
Figure 7 is an end view of the straw illustrated by Figure 4;
Figure 8 schematically illustrates a straw with a tapered end being inserted through
a hole on a plastic ply that is smaller than the straw;
Figure 9 is a sectional view schematically illustrating the straw of Figure 8 (tapered
end not shown) inserted through the hole of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a straw with a
frusto-conical end portion;
Figure 11 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a straw with a
tapered end portion;
Figure 12 is a side elevational view of a an exemplary embodiment of a straw with
a tool having a frusto-conical end portion;
Figure 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an insertion tool being inserted
into a straw;
Figure 14 illustrates the insertion tool inserting the straw through a hole through
in a material ply;
Figure 15 illustrates removal of the insertion tool from the straw in the material
ply;
Figure 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of two plies of a container top;
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of two plies of a container top;
Figure 18 schematically illustrates a straw with a tapered end being inserted through
two plies of a container top;
Figure 19 schematically illustrates a straw that has been inserted through two plies
of a container top;
Figure 20 is an illustration of a beverage container with a beverage container top
and a second beverage container top;
Figure 21 is an illustration of a beverage can;
Figure 22 is an illustration of a beverage box;
Figure 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;
Figure 24 illustrates the embodiment illustrated by Figure 23 with a straw inserted
through the container top;
Figure 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a straw end retainer;
Figure 26 is a front view of the straw end retainer disposed on a straw of a container;
Figure 27 illustrates the straw bent and an end of the straw disposed on the straw
end retainer to seal the container;
Figures 29-31 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a method of filling and sealing
a container; and
Figure 32 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method of filling and sealing a
string of side connected pouches.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0005] 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.
[0006] Referring to Figures 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 Figure 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] The straw attachment member 20 can take a wide variety of different forms. In the
embodiment illustrated by Figures 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 Figures 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.
[0009] The container 14 can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the container
14 may be a pouch 100 (See Figures 1 and 2), a cup 2000 with a cap 2010 (See Figure
20), a can 2100 (See Figure 21), a box 2200 (see Figure 22), or any other type of
container. In the example illustrated by Figures 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 Figure 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.
[0010] 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 Figure 1A), an inside surface of a cup 2000 (See Figure 20), an inside surface
of a can 2100 (See Figure 21), an inside surface of a box 2200 (see Figure 22), or
the inside surface of any other type of container
[0011] Referring to Figures 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 Figures 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.
[0012] In the example illustrated by Figures 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.
[0013] The straw 12 may be positioned and oriented in a wide variety of different ways.
In the example illustrated by Figures 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 Figures 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 Figure 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.
[0014] 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 Figure 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.
[0015] Figure 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 Figure 8, the tapered end 800 has a
truncated frusto-conical shape. However, in other embodiments, the tapered end 800
may have a sharp tip. Figure 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.
[0016] Referring to Figures 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 Figure 10, the straw has a frusto-conical or conical tapered end 800. In the example
illustrated by Figure 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.
[0017] Figure 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. Figures 13-15 illustrate use of
the insertion tool 1200 to install a straw 12 in a hole 22. Figure 13 illustrates
the insertion tool 1200 being inserted into a straw 12. Figure 14 illustrates the
insertion tool 1202 inserting the straw 12 through a hole 22 through a material ply
110. Figure 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.
[0018] Referring to Figures 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
Figure 17) or indirectly by attachment of the layers 1602, 1604 on opposite sides
of a wall 2300 (See Figure 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] Figure 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 Figure 18, the tapered end 1800 has
a truncated frusto-conical shape. However, in other embodiments, the tapered end 800
may have a sharper tip. Figure 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.
[0021] The fluid container top 1600 can take a wide variety of different forms. Referring
to Figure 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. Figures 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 Figure 21, the fluid container top 1600 is a top of
a can 2100. In the example illustrated by Figure 22, the fluid container top is a
top of a drink box 2200.
[0022] The tops 1600 illustrated by Figures 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
Figure 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.
[0023] Figure 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 Figure 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.
[0024] 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. Figures 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 Figure 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 Figure
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.
[0025] The straw end retainer 2500 can take a variety of different forms. In the exemplary
embodiment illustrated by Figure 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 Figure
26 to the position illustrated by Figure 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 Figure 27.
[0026] 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 Figure 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.
[0027] Figures 28-31 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a method of filling and sealing
a container assembly 10. Referring to Figure 28, a container 14 is provided. In the
illustrated embodiment, the container 14 is the container shown in Figure 1 and described
above. However, the container 14 can take a variety of different forms. Referring
to Figure 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 Figure 30, after the straw 12 is
inserted, the container 14 is filled with a liquid 3000. In the example illustrated
by Figure 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 Figure
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.
[0028] Referring to Figure 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 Figure 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 Figure 32. In Figure
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.
[0029] Referring to Figure 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 Figure 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 Figure 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
1. A fluid container comprising:
a straw having a first open end and a second open end; a straw attachment member extending
from the second open end; a fluid container, wherein 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, wherein the straw frictionally engages a hole in the container
to provide a seal between the straw and the container; wherein the straw attachment
member is attached to the container to retain the second open end inside the container.
2. The fluid container of claim 1 wherein the container comprises at least two plies
of material that are sealed together to form a pouch.
3. The fluid container of claim 2 wherein the attachment member is sealed to at least
one of the plies to attach the straw to the pouch.
4. The fluid container of claim 2 wherein the attachment member is sealed between two
of the plies to attach the straw to the pouch.
5. The fluid container of claim 1 wherein the attachment member is integrally formed
with the straw.
6. The fluid container of claim 5 wherein the attachment portion is formed by cutting
the second open end portion of the straw.
7. The fluid container of claim 1 wherein the attachment member comprises a separate
piece attached to the second open end of the straw.
8. The fluid container of claim 1, comprising a fluid container top, said fluid container
top comprising:
a first layer having a straw hole that is smaller than a straw that is used with the
fluid container top; a second layer attached to the first layer, such that, prior
to insertion of the straw, the second layer prevents fluid from passing through the
fluid container top through the hole in the first layer; wherein the hole in the first
layer is sized such that insertion of the straw through the hole forms a fluid tight
seal between the straw and the first layer.
9. The fluid container of claim 8 wherein the fluid container top is a lid that is removable
from a cup.
10. The fluid container of claim 8 wherein fluid container top is permanently attached
to the fluid container.
11. A fluid container top comprising:
a first layer having a straw hole that is smaller than a straw that is used with the
fluid container top; a second layer attached to the first layer, such that, prior
to insertion of the straw, the second layer prevents fluid from passing through the
fluid container top through the hole in the first layer; wherein the hole in the first
layer is sized such that insertion of the straw through the hole forms a fluid tight
seal between the straw and the first layer.
12. The fluid container top of claim 11 wherein the fluid container top is a lid that
is removable from a cup.
13. The fluid container of claim 11 wherein fluid container top is permanently attached
to the fluid container.
14. The fluid container of claim 13 wherein the fluid container top is a top of a can.
15. The fluid container of claim 13 wherein the fluid container top is a top of a drink
box.