Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Method and device for preventing the inadvertent outflow of a
fluid from a drinking container
This invention relates to a method and a device arranged to
prevent unintended flow of liquid from drinking ;containers,
such as bags, cartons and bottles. The device maybe formed,
for example, as a drinking straw or as a drinking spout, and
thus it could easily replace.the current drinking straws in
those instances where a spill-free additional function is
desired. The flow of,.liquid is started.and controlled by,
means of the suction.force~supplied by the user. .The flow
stops when the suction force.ceases, and then a valve seals
off the through=flow, even when overpressure is present
within the contai'ner..
Besides ordinary drinking straws or drinking spouts, the
patent literature distcloses several special devices that
efficiently prevent liquid from flowing freely from a
drinking container.. US patent ~No. 5.975.369: and US patent
No. 5.465:876 provide examples of such~devices. These devices
do. not have automatic': closing mechanisms,. and the~user.~
therefore must~~carryout a mechanical~movement when opening
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and closing the device. Also, devices having automatic
closing functions are known, but they possess other
disadvantages, such as low tolerance to pressure differences,
relatively high complexity and requirements of specially
designed containers. US patent No. 5.607.073 provides an
example of such a device. Moreover, a device that prevents
liquid from leaking out, even if the liquid is pressurized,
is known. This is described in Norwegian patent No. 137258.
This type of device enhances the overpressure force of the
liquid with the aim of closing the valve, and therefore the
device is not suitable for drinking from if the liquid is
pressurized. A common feature of all the above-mentioned
devices is that they provide for a relatively high production
cost, and that the devices thus will be unavailable to the
disposable items market.
The object of the invention is to remedy said disadvantages
of the prior art. The object is achieved in accordance with
the features specified in the following description of the
invention.
The object is achieved by means of forming a drinking straw
or a drinking spout, hereinafter simply termed an outer tube,
in such a way that liquid cannot flow or be forced out of the
drinking container until the user supplies a suction force.
The device comprises an outer tube that carries, the liquid.
from the container to the. user, that protects an inner tube
against external physical loads, and that simultaneously
forms a surrounding anchoring object for those parts of the
device.that move relative to each other~when the user
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supplies a suction force. The outer tube also may have a
pointed end that is sufficiently rigid for punching a hole in
a drinking container suitable for this.
The device also comprises an inner tube formed with an
attachment device for attaching to the outer tube. In a
longitudinal portion the inner tube is formed as a flexible
bellows. If the bellows is provided with a longitudinal
helical pattern, an increased force and rotation may arise
when said suction force is supplied. The design of this
pattern is selected on the basis of the force need, the need
for free area of liquid flow, available tube length and the
nature of the material, so that an acceptable pressure -
difference between the inside and outside of the bellows give
rise to a change in length and/or rotation of the bellows. By
making the pattern deep and narrow, a more elastic
bellows/helical bellows is achieved, but simultaneously the
free area available for liquid flow is reduced. The pitch of
the helical pattern 33 substantially determines the
transmission ratio between force and movement..A large pitch
provides great force but little movement; a small pitch
provides the opposite situation. A pitch of between 30 and 60
degrees appears to provide appropriate force and sufficient
movement at the same time. Said pattern may be varied
substantially, and different rotational directions and
patterns'can be combined in one and the same tube in order to
achieve the desired function. In some cases it.may be
desirable to isolate the movement to vertical movement, only.
This may be achieved by combining two or more zones of the
bellows having patterns of opposite rotational directions, or
by'using a bellows provided with ring-shaped recesses. .The
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latter solution provides little excess force, but provides a
great deflection relative to the total .length of the bellows.
It also is possible to isolate the rotational force by
combining, for example, a helical pattern and a bellows
pattern having at least one ring-shaped recess wherein this
bellows part absorbs the vertical movement due to its'small
vertical rigidity, while efficiently transmitting the
rotational force. The movement is transmitted to a portion at
the end of the inner tube that is arranged as a valve, and
that moves relative to the outer tube in order to open and
close.
For example, the valve mechanism may be made by continuing
the tube, from which the bellows is formed, a distance below
the bellows and by using it as a valve head that seals
against the outer tube, and by providing the outer tube with
one or more. through-going holes positioned in such a manner
that the valve head shuts off fluid flow until the movement
displaces it sufficiently upwards for the holes in the outer
tube not to be~blocked any more by the inner tube.
Alternatively, the valve may be made by pre-deforming during
production the portion following the bellows in such a way
that the valve normally is closed, and that the movement
transmitted from the bellows through suction force causes
opening of the valve (see Figures 9a, 9b, l0a and lOb).
Deformation type valves must be attached to the outer tube. at
the lower end, too.
In some cases, a deformation valve will require both rotation
and longitudinal movement to operate optimally. It is then
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essential to lock both the top and bottom of the inner tube
to the outer tube in such a way.that rotation at the
attachment points is prevented, and also that a sufficient
seal against the outer tube is maintained. The locking may
take place in separate grooves, whereby sealing and locking
may be optimised independently of each other. Also, oblique
auxiliary flutes or funnel-shaped grooves may be made in one
or both parts, correcting the twisting of the valve during
fitting.
Another way of making the valve may be that of introducing an
extra part that seals the end of the same tube from which the
bellows is formed, and that simultaneously functions as a
sliding seal against the valve piece of the inner valve (see
the example in Figure 12).
A valve of the deformation type or of the latter type may be
placed freely above or below the liquid level in the
container, inasmuch as it does not require suction of liquid
from the sides of the tube. Moreover, it may not require
closing of the, lower end of the tube to form a functioning
valve, which is preferred in some situations.
Whennot using the device, the bellows will be subjected to
equal pressure on both sides, and no force arises for
rotation and/or longitudinal change of the bellows. The valve
part then maintains its closed position, even if an
overpressure is formed in the drinking container to which it
is connected.
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In some eases the tube, from which the bellows is made,
advantageously may be coated externally with a different
plastics material than that of the inside. For example, the
external plastics material may be polypropylene, thus
enabling the tube to be secured by welding to an outer tube
that may become part of a drinking container, for example a
bag. In other cases it may be relevant to use a softer type
of plastics on the inside of the tube, whereby a better tube
deformation seal may be achieved. A combination of these
properties also may be appropriate, whereby the tube may be
welded and simultaneo~lsly maintain a soft inside that ensures
sufficient sealing.
In most embodiments of the invention at least one vent is
conveniently placed in the outer tube to ensure that the
space between the bellows and the outer tube always is
exposed to full atmospheric pressure. The same holes also may
be made sufficiently small for the user to experience a
certain delay in the mechanism response time when switched on
and off. This adaptation also may dampen any oscillations
that may occur when used. Other special adaptations also may
be appropriate, such as forming one or more shaped sealing
surfaces between the inner and outer tubes. Also, in some
instances the bellows advantageously is provided with one or
more smaller through-going holes in order to drain liquid
from the zone between the outer tube and the bellows.
Another important detail of the device is that of the air
inlet,. which may replace the~liquid volume consumed from
containers, and which allows the container to maintain its
physical shape (cartons, bottles and similar rigid
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containers). The previously mentioned time delay for
switching on and off may allow air to enter the container,
thereby ensuring that the container maintains its shape.
Another method consists in providing one or more one-way
valves for air to the outside of the part of the outer tube
placed on the inside of the container. For example, orie or
more of the barbs that secure the device against becoming
loose when used, are cut in a manner allowing them to operate
as one-way valves. Alternatively, the pointed end of the
outer tube may be made as a one-way valve, opening only to
overpressure outside of the container. These adaptations will
be explained in detail in the following drawings.
An improved attachment mechanism to prevent the drinking
straw/drinking spout from becoming loose when used or when
exposed to overpressure in the container, is achieved by
providing the outer tube with a stop flange that ensures
correct application of the drinking straw/drinking spout, by
means of one or more associated barbs. Also, it is possible
to make the outer tube into a part of a cap, or to provide
the outer tube with threads or other securing mechanisms,
whereby it may be applied to bottles or similar containers
having standardized or special connectors.
When using deformation valves it also is possible to encase
all or parts of the inner tube within the drinking container
itself, for example as part of a bag (see Figure 15), or .
within a separate bag or rigid casing wherein the inner tube
ends are of such an extent.that they may be used as a
drinking straw (see Figures 16a, 16b).
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During mass production the drinking straws/drinking spouts
may be packed, handled and applied in the same way as that of
existing drinking straws/drinking spouts.
In the following several non-limiting examples of. preferred
embodiments are described, these being visualized in the
accompanying drawings, where:
Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the device according
to the invention, the device having a drinking straw arranged
thereto;
Figure 2 shows a section of an attachment device and details
of the same device;
Figure 3a shows a section of a preferred valve placed in its
closed position;
Figure 3b shows the same valve placed in its open position;
Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the device according to
the invention;
Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 show different embodiments of the
bellows incorporated in the device;
Figures 9a, 9b, 10a, lOb, lla, llb, 12a and 12b show
different embodiments of the valve incorporated in the
device;
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Figures 13 and 14 show a schematic principle drawing of the
method and the operation of the device;
Figures 15, 16a and 16b show an alternative embodiment of the
outer tube of the device; and
Figures 17a and 17b show a further embodiment of the outer
tube of the device.
Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment, in which an outer tube
1 is provided with an inner tube 29. The tube 29 is partially
formed as a bellows 4 having a helical pattern 33. By means
of the bellows 4 the tube may 29 may contract longitudinally
upon the pressure P2 on the inside 22 of the tube 29 becoming
lower than the pressure P1 on the outside 13 of the tube 29.
At its lower end B the tube 29 terminates as a valve head 26,
cf. Figure 3a. By means of its shape the valve head 26
functions, among other things, as a seal against the inside
21 of the tube 1, but also as a valve 70 together with the
valve openings~36a, 36b.
In its closed position the valve 70 will~be sealed, even if
the liquid pressure P3 within an associated drinking
container exceeds the atmospheric pressure P1.
When assembling the outer tube 1 and its inner tube 29, a
connecting groove 38 at the upper end A of the tube 29 will
engage a complementarily shaped groove 37 of the outer tube
1. Thereby.the tube 29 is attached pressure-sealingly to the
inside of the outer tube 1. The grooves 37, 38 possibly may
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be formed through heating subsequent to having fitted the
parts together in a mutually fixed position.
At the lower end of the outer tube 1 the tube 1 is squeezed
together into a tight and rigid point 35 for puncturing a
drinking container, for example. The outer tube l also is
provided with a ring 39, the purpose of which is to stabilize
the extent of the folds resulting from the end 35 being
squeezed together. Moreover, the device is provided with a
stop flange 31 and four barbs 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d that ensure
correct application, and that prevent the device from being
forced out of the container when subjected to overpressure.
In one of the barbs 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d a slit 2 has been cut
forming a one-way and continuous air inlet mechanism into the
drinking container 61. The outer tube 1 is provided with a
vent 20 that delivers atmospheric pressure P1 via the slit 2
to the outside 13 of the tube 29 and to the inside of the
drinking container 61.
Otherwise, the outer tube 1 is formed with a flexible joint
30, enabling a longitudinal portion 5 of the outer tube 1 to
be folded parallel to the remaining length of the outer tube
l when being packed.
Figure 2 shows a section of the device shown in Figure 1
after being inserted into a drinking container 61.
Figure 3a shows a section from a similar device to that of
Figure 1, but having a valve portion 70, in which the valve
head 26 is provided with the gaskets 41a, 41b and 41c that .
maintain proper sealing between the~valve head 26, the outer
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tube 1 and the pressure zone P1 between the outer tube 1 and
the inner tube 29.
Figure 3b shows the same valve as that of Figure 3b, but in
the open position.
Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the device, in which
only the lower end of the outer tube 1 is inserted into the
container 61, and in which the outer tube 1 thereby is formed
as a drinking spout. The bellows 4 is shorter, and the valve
portion 70 has been moved closer to the stop ring 3l and
barbs 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d. Otherwise, the valve is of the same
configuration as that of Figure 3.
Figure 5 shows a helical bellows 4 initially having an oval
shape 71 when viewed in cross-section: When the pressure on
the inside 22 decreases relative to the pressure on the
outside 13, the oval shape 71 is compressed, thereby changing
the shape, length and twisting angle of the bellows 4 due to
its pattern 33.
Figure 6 shows another helical bellows 4~having, when viewed
in cross-section, two spherical shapes 72a and 72b, these
forming the basis of the pattern 33.
Figure 7 shows another helical bellows 4 having, when viewed
in cross-section, a circular shape 73 interrupted by two
diametrically placed V-grooves 75a, 75b that extends inwards
into the tube 77.
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Figure 8 shows another helical bellows 4 having, when viewed
in cross-section, a circular shape 73 interrupted by two
diametrically placed V-grooves 76a, 76b that extends outwards
from the tube 77.
Figure 9a shows a section of the device shown in Figure 1,
but provided with another type of valve 70'. This deformation
valve 70' operates in response to the pre-shaped stripes 44a,
44b, 44c, 44d being folded and puckered together during
production, and then by locking the notch 46 in the opposite
notch 45 of the outer cap. Here, the grooves 45 and 46 are
made slightly wavy to avoid relative rotation between the
grooves of the outer tube 1 and those of the inner tube 29.
Both the rotation and the contraction of the bellows 4
contribute to open the valve 70'. When the underpressure
disappears, the rigidity of the bellows 4 will ensure that
the valve 70' rotates in the opposite direction and is forced
back into its closed position again. The arrow indicates the
flow direction.
Figure 9b shows the same device as that of Figure 9a, but
here in the closed position.
Resembling that of Figure 9, Figure l0a shows a deformation
valve, but wherein only the vertical movement of the bellows
4 is used to open the compressed zones 80a and 80b when the
user supplies an underpressure to the bellows 4. The lower-
part of the inner tube 29 is welded, fused or glued to an
outer tube 1 at the~surfaces 45' and 46'.
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Figure lOb shows the device of Figure 10, but here in the
open state. The arrow indicates the downstream flow
direction.
Figure 11a shows a section of the device of Figure 1, but
provided with another type of valve. Here, both longitudinal
shortening and rotation caused by a helical bellows 4 are
used to achieve full opening employing the lowest possible
user-supplied suction force. The end 47 of the valve head 26
has been cut obliquely, so that a rotation will cause a
substantial opening increase as compared to a valve employing
only vertical movement of the valve head 26.
Figure llb shows the device of Figure 11a, but here in the
open state. The arrow indicates the flow direction.
Figure 12a shows a section of the device of Figure 1, but
provided with another type of valve. Here, the valve head 26
is of a reduced diameter to accommodate a fitted valve
counterpart 50 having through-going channels 51 for allowing
liquid flow onwards to the valve head 26. Also, the valve
counterpart 50 is provided with a sealing surface 52 that
seals against the valve head 26. The notches 55 and 56 lock
the valve part 50 in place in the outer tube 1.
Figure 12b shows the device of Figure 12a, but here in the
open state. The arrows indicate downstream flow of the
liquid.
Figure 13 shows a principle drawing according to the method,
wherein the pressure difference between the outside 13 of the
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bellows (atmospheric pressure, P1) and the inside 22 of the
bellows (underpressure from the suction force, P2) causes a
movement relative to the outer tube 1. The movement is used
to open a valve 70 that otherwise would remain closed, even
at overpressure P3 in the associated container 61. Among
other situations, the overpressure P3 may arise when the user
squeezes the drinking container 61, or if the drinking
container 61 is left in a horizontal position having a liquid
level located higher than the level of the device.
Figure 14 shows a section from Figure 13 wherein the valve 70
is in its open state.
Figure 15 shows another embodiment of the present device.
Here, the drinking container 61 is a bag. The valve type used
in the example substantially resembles the valve of Figures
l0a and lOb. The bellows 4 is vacuum-formed from the tube 95,
which is fixed to the bag by welding or gluing at the
surfaces 94a and 94b. The remaining part of the bag is welded
or glued together along the edge 93. The membrane 4 and the
valve 70' are encased in the same manner within a separate
portion of the container 61. The device is provided with a
vent 20 directing air into the bellows,4, thereby providing
atmospheric pressure to the outside 13 of the bellows 4. To
protect the top of the integrated inner tube 29 against dirt
and bacteria, the bag 61 is provided with a protective part
92 that is pulled off before use.
Figure 16a shows an'alternative embodiment of the invention,
in which the outer tube 1 is. comprised of plastic foils that
are vacuum-formed and then fixedly welded or glued together
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along the entire surface 93 and to the tube 29 at the
surfaces 94a and 94b. The casing encloses, fixes and protects
the bellows 4 and the valve 70'. The tube 29 is terminated in
an obliquely cut edge 96 to facilitate insertion of the inner
tube 29 into a drinking container 61. Here, the deformation
valve 70' is shown in its closed state. '
Figure 16b shows the embodiment of Figure 16a, but here in
the open state. The arrows indicate the flow direction of the
liquid.
Figure 17a shows another alternative embodiment of the device
according to the invention, in which the outer tube 1 is .
formed as a cap. The bellows 4 and the valve seat 53 are of
corresponding type and provide the same function as the
device shown in Figures 12a and 12b. To ensure efficient air
supply to the container 61, the cap 1 is provided with a
device that allows continuous inlet of air, and that consists
of one or more grooves 100a, 100b and a gasket 101 having an
inner circular opening 104 that provides sealing against the
circular surface 102 when the pressure on the inside 106 of
the gasket is equal to or higher than the pressure on the
outside 105 of the gasket. The gasket 101 also functions as'
an ordinary gasket for sealing between the cap 1 and the
container 61. When the pressure of the container 61 (which
also acts on the inner gasket surface 106) becomes lower than
the atmospheric pressure (which also acts on the outer gasket
surface 105), the gasket 101 will flex downwards, causing the
surfaces 102 and 104 not to seal against each other. Ambient
air will then is'admitted into the container 61 while.the~
user consumes the contents, thereby obviating a stop in the
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consumption to let air into the container 61. The arrows show
the liquid flow direction and the air intake through the
groove 100a.
Figure 17b shows the device of Figure 17a, but seen from
above.
