Straw and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a straw and a preparation method thereof. The straw comprises a first end and a second end, a fluid channel is formed between the first end and the second end, the first end is open, the second end is sealed, and a through hole communicated with the fluid channel is formed in the side wall of the second end. According to the straw provided by the embodiment of the invention, the end opening of a traditional straw is closed, and the periphery of the traditional straw is opened, so that the liquid is sucked in the direction different from the direction of entering the oral cavity, and the use experience different from that of the traditional straw is brought to consumers; the sensory straw can also prevent the old or children from being choked by sucking during drinking, and not only is the practicability and safety of the straw improved, but also richer and more pleasant drinking experience is provided for consumers by changing the tapping mode of the straw.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of straws, and specifically relates to a straw and a preparation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing global attention to plastic pollution problems, especially the impact of marine plastic waste, the demand for sustainable products from consumers and enterprises is increasing. As a degradable alternative, paper straws are in line with the environmental protection trend. Paper-based materials have the advantages of being degradable and easily recyclable as raw materials for straws, which are not possessed by traditional plastic straws. In recent years, due to their environmentally friendly, recyclable and degradable characteristics, paper-based materials have made great progress in the food service and consumer goods industries, and more and more consumers and enterprises choose to use products made of paper-based materials.

[0003] Traditional straws have only two openings for drinking beverages. Some consumers hope to obtain different experiences when using straws, making the drinking process interesting or distinctive. Sensory straws, as products to meet this demand, have emerged. It has a significant difference in the opening method from traditional straws and can meet the needs of consumers to obtain different experiences when using straws. The development of sensory straws is usually based on the study of children's eating habits, especially the attention to their water intake. Many parents hope to guide their children to drink more water in an interesting way to prevent dehydration and promote health.

[0004] In addition, with the attention to sensory integration therapy and children with autism spectrum disorder, the senses are also designed as a tool to help them improve their sensory experience, aiming to provide additional sensory stimulation by means of drinking water. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a straw is provided. The straw includes a first end and a second end. A fluid channel is formed between the first end and the second end. The first end is open, the second end is sealed, and a through hole communicating with the fluid channel is provided on the side wall of the second end.

[0006] In some optional embodiments, the number of the through holes is multiple.

[0007] In some optional embodiments, the distance between adjacent through holes is 1-12 mm.

[0008] In some optional embodiments, the multiple through holes are arranged in a circumferential and staggered manner along the side wall of the second end.

[0009] In some optional embodiments, the sealing port at the end of the second end is serrated or wavy.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, the straw is made of a paper-based material and has a waterproof coating on its inner sidewall.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, the straw is made of a paper-based material and has a protective coating on its outer sidewall.

[0012] In some alternative embodiments, the outer surface of the straw is provided with a decorative pattern.

[0013] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for manufacturing a straw, the manufacturing method comprising:

[0014] Providing a straw;

[0015] Forming a through-hole on the sidewall of the straw near one end;

[0016] Sealing the end of the straw where the through-hole is formed.

[0017] In some alternative embodiments, before the step of sealing the end of the straw where the through-hole is formed, the manufacturing method further comprises:

[0018] Applying glue to the end of the straw where the through-hole is formed;

[0019] Flattening and closing the end where the glue is applied;

[0020] Wherein, the step of sealing the end of the straw where the through-hole is formed is hot-press sealing.

[0021] The straw provided by the embodiment of the present application closes the end opening of the traditional straw and instead opens around it, making the direction of liquid inhalation different from the direction of entry into the mouth, bringing a completely different usage experience to consumers compared with traditional straws. Additionally, since the liquid is in a dispersed state when entering the mouth, this sensory straw can also prevent the situation of the elderly or children choking when drinking. By changing the opening method of the straw, not only the practicality and safety of the straw are improved, but also a richer and more pleasant drinking experience is provided for consumers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following described drawings are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a first perspective of an embodiment of the straw of the present application;

[0024] Figure 2It is a schematic structural diagram of a second perspective of a straw according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of a third perspective of a straw according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 4 is Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the straw at A-A in the embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 It is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of another embodiment of the straw of the present application;

[0028] Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the end seal of a straw according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of a first perspective of another embodiment of the straw of the present application;

[0030] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of a second perspective of another embodiment of the straw of the present application;

[0031] Figure 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of a third perspective of another embodiment of the straw of the present application;

[0032] Figure 10 It is a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the preparation method of the straw of the present application;

[0033] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of the straw after forming a through hole;

[0034] Figure 12 It is a schematic flow diagram of another embodiment of the preparation method of the straw of the present application;

[0035] Figure 13 It is a schematic structural diagram of the end after the end of the dispensing is flattened;

[0036] Figure 14 is Figure 13 A schematic diagram of another perspective of the straw structure in. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0037] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It should be specifically noted that the following embodiments are only used to illustrate the present application, but do not limit the scope of the present application. Similarly, the following embodiments are only partial embodiments of the present application rather than all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0038] The terms "first", "second", and "third" in the embodiments of the present application are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first", "second", and "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back...) in the embodiments of the present application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement conditions between components in a specific posture (as shown in the drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly. The terms "include" and "have" in the embodiments of the present application and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes steps or units not listed, or optionally further includes other steps or components inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0039] Reference to "embodiments" in this context means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The phrase appears in various places in the specification and does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0040] The embodiments of the present application provide a straw. Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 which is a schematic structural diagram of a first perspective of an embodiment of the straw of the present application; Figure 2 which is a schematic structural diagram of a second perspective of an embodiment of the straw of the present application; Figure 3 which is a schematic structural diagram of a third perspective of an embodiment of the straw of the present application. The straw in this embodiment includes a first end 100 and a second end 200 (the area within the dashed box in the figure). A fluid channel 1000 is formed between the first end 100 and the second end 200. The first end 100 is an open structure, and the second end 200 is sealed. A through hole 210 communicating with the fluid channel 1000 is provided on the side wall of the second end 200. Among them, the through hole 210 is arranged close to the second end 200. The number of the through holes 210 can be one, two, or multiple, and can be three or four in some embodiments. In the illustration of this embodiment, the structure with four through holes 210 is used for explanation. The multiple through holes 210 can be arranged in a circumferentially staggered manner (the crossing angle is 0 degree to 360 degrees) or linearly arranged along the side wall of the second end 200.

[0041] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the straw in this embodiment can be circular, elliptical, or rounded rectangular, etc. Among them, in the commonly used circular straw structure, its diameter can be 3 - 20 mm. The shape of the through hole 210 can be circular, hexagonal, elliptical, polygonal, racetrack-shaped, etc. Specific details are not provided here. In an optional circular through hole embodiment, the aperture can be 1 - 10 mm, and it can be specifically designed according to different usage scenarios, user groups, usage experience requirements, and the diameter of the straw. Specific limitations are not provided here.

[0042] Among them, the second end 200 of the straw in this embodiment is the inlet end (the area within the dashed box in the figure), and the first end 100 is used to insert into the liquid as the suction end (the area within the dashed box in the figure).

[0043] Optionally, the spacing T between adjacent through holes 210 (specifically, the spacing along the length direction of the straw) can be 1 - 12 mm. The specific value can be designed according to different usage scenarios or user groups. Specific limitations are not provided here. Among them, the closest distance S from the through hole to the end can be 5 - 15 mm.

[0044] Optionally, the straw in this embodiment is made of paper-based material. Paper-based materials are usually made from renewable resources such as wood and bamboo, and these resources can be continuously regenerated through sustainable forestry management. Paper-based materials can decompose relatively quickly in the natural environment, reducing long-term environmental pollution. In contrast, non-biodegradable materials such as plastics will remain in the environment for hundreds of years and cause greater environmental damage. Paper-based materials can usually be recycled, reducing waste generation and resource waste.

[0045] The paper-based material straw will become soft after being soaked in water for a period of time. This property poses some obstacles when replacing plastic straws. Therefore, the solution in the embodiment of this application improves this situation by adding a waterproof coating to the paper straw. Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 is Figure 2 the schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the straw at A - A in the embodiment. Among them, the inner wall of the straw in this embodiment is provided with a waterproof coating 102. Among them, the label 101 in the figure represents the paper-based material layer. Using a straw with a waterproof coating can effectively increase the soaking time and stiffness of the paper straw after soaking. Among them, the material of the waterproof coating 102 can be resin materials, such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate, abbreviated as PET) film, EAA (Ethylene Acrylic Acid copolymer, abbreviated as EAA) film, polyacrylate, and rubber, etc.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5FIG. 0 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of another embodiment of the straw of the present application. Optionally, in the straw of this embodiment, a waterproof coating 102 is provided on the inner side wall of the paper-based material layer 101, and a protective coating 103 is provided on the outer side wall. Among them, on the one hand, the protective coating 103 is used to provide a smooth surface and reduce the friction with the lips, so that there is no sticky mouth situation when using the straw. In addition, the protective coating 103 can also have a waterproof function. Optionally, the material of the protective coating 103 in this embodiment can also be a resin material, such as a PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) film, an EAA (Ethylene Acrylic Acid) film, a polyacrylate, rubber, etc.

[0047] Optionally, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the end seal of an embodiment of the straw of the present application. Among them, the seal 201 at the end of the second end 200 in this embodiment is serrated or wavy. On the one hand, the serrated or wavy seal 201 can ensure the reliability of the seal and ensure that the drink does not leak through the port. On the other hand, it can increase the oral experience. Of course, in some other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the seal 201 is not limited to serrated or wavy, and can be a straight line shape or other shapes, which will not be listed and described in detail here.

[0048] Among them, the seal 201 at the end of the second end 200 can be specifically sealed by hot pressing after applying glue. For the specific manufacturing method, please refer to the method embodiment described later for details.

[0049] Optionally, please continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the outer surface of the straw in the embodiment of the present application can also be provided with a decorative pattern 300. The decorative pattern 300 can increase visual attraction and is suitable for special occasions, such as for children to use, or as a mark for distinction, etc.

[0050] In addition, the straw in the embodiment of the present application can be not only a straight straw structure, but also a bent straw. Please refer to Figures 7 to 9 , Figure 7 FIG. 22 is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the straw of the present application from the first perspective; Figure 8 FIG. 24 is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the straw of the present application from the second perspective; Figure 9It is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the straw of the present application from a third perspective. The straw in this embodiment also includes a first end 100 and a second end 200. A fluid channel 1000 is formed between the first end 100 and the second end 200. The first end 100 is an open structure, and the second end 200 is sealed. A through hole 210 communicating with the fluid channel 1000 is provided on the side wall of the second end 200. Among them, the through hole 210 is arranged close to the second end 200. Different from the foregoing embodiment, a corrugated connecting section 400 is provided in the middle of the straw in this embodiment, which can realize the bending of the straw. In addition, for other structural features of the straw, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the foregoing embodiment.

[0051] In addition, in some other embodiments, the shape of the straw is not limited to Figure 1 and Figure 7 the two shapes in, and can also be other bending shapes. The detailed structure of this part is within the understanding of those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated here.

[0052] The straw in the embodiment of the present application can not only significantly change the experience when using the straw, but also increase the fun and flavor of drinking by changing the opening method of the straw. The opening design of the straw can make the liquid enter the mouth from multiple different directions when inhaled. This multi-directional liquid inflow method can mix different levels of taste experiences and make the drinking process more rich and interesting.

[0053] For beverages such as juice, through this specially designed straw, various components in the beverage can be better tasted. For example, the juice can enter the oral cavity simultaneously through the openings in different directions, making each sip have different taste and flavor levels. In addition, this design can also enhance the aroma release of the juice, enabling the drinker to fully experience the fragrance of the juice while enjoying the delicious taste.

[0054] This innovative straw design is particularly suitable for children and teenagers because it can increase the fun of drinking beverages and stimulate their curiosity and exploration desire. At the same time, adults can also obtain a new taste experience from it, making daily drinking more interesting and diversified. Therefore, by changing the opening method of the straw, not only the practicability and safety of the straw are improved, but also a more rich and pleasant drinking experience is provided for consumers.

[0055] The beneficial effects of the sensory straw in the embodiments of the present application not only lie in improving the drinking experience when using a straw, but also significantly reducing the risk of choking during drinking. For the elderly and children, traditional straws may cause them to accidentally inhale too much liquid during drinking, leading to the danger of choking or even suffocation. However, the sensory straw in the embodiments of the present application can better control the liquid flow rate and flow volume through its unique design and material, making the drinking process smoother and safer. In addition, the use of the sensory straw also helps to cultivate correct drinking habits for children and provides a more comfortable drinking experience for the elderly, further improving the quality of life.

[0056] The straw provided in the embodiments of the present application closes the end opening of the traditional straw and instead opens around it, making the direction of liquid inhalation different from the direction of entering the mouth, bringing consumers a completely different usage experience from traditional straws. In addition, because the liquid is in a dispersed state when entering the mouth, this sensory straw can also prevent the elderly or children from inhaling and choking during drinking. By changing the opening method of the straw, not only the practicability and safety of the straw are improved, but also a richer and more pleasant drinking experience is provided for consumers.

[0057] In addition, the embodiments of the present application also provide a preparation method for a straw. Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 which is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the preparation method of the straw of the present application. Among them, the preparation method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0058] Step S100, provide a straw.

[0059] Among them, the straw can be a paper-based material with coatings on both the inner and outer surfaces. For detailed features, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing embodiments.

[0060] Step S200, form through holes on the side wall of the straw near one end.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 which is a schematic structural diagram of the straw after forming through holes. Among them, the one marked 210 in the figure represents the through hole.

[0062] Please continue to refer to Figure 10 , and the preparation method in this embodiment further includes step S300, sealing the end of the straw where the through holes are formed.

[0063] Among them, this step can be sealed by direct hot pressing (using the bonding effect of the internal coating to directly hot press and seal) or a combination of dispensing and hot pressing. The structural diagram of the straw after preparation can be referred to the foregoing Figure 1 structural diagram.

[0064] Please refer toFigure 12 , Figure 12 is a schematic process diagram of another embodiment of the preparation method of the straw of the present application. Among them, the preparation method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0065] Step S100: Provide a straw.

[0066] Among them, the straw can be a paper-based material with coatings on both the inner and outer surfaces. For detailed features, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the foregoing embodiments.

[0067] Step S200: Form a through hole on the side wall of the straw near one end.

[0068] Different from the foregoing embodiments, the preparation method in this embodiment further includes step S400: Apply glue at the end of the straw where the through hole is formed.

[0069] Among them, this step can be specifically completed by a glue application device or a glue application device of a processing device.

[0070] Step S500: Flatten and seal the end where glue is applied.

[0071] In this step, first flatten and seal the end where glue is applied. Please also refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 , Figure 13 is a schematic structural diagram of the end where glue is applied after being flattened, Figure 14 is Figure 13 a schematic diagram of another perspective of the straw structure in . The label 202 in the figure indicates the flattened port.

[0072] Step S600: Thermally press and seal the flattened end.

[0073] Among them, this step can be specifically sealed by means of thermal pressing. The seal after thermal pressing can be a wavy or serrated structure. For detailed features of this part, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the foregoing embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0074] The straw prepared by using the preparation method in the embodiment of the present application closes the end opening of the traditional straw and instead opens around it, so that the direction of liquid being inhaled is different from the direction of entering the mouth, bringing a completely different use experience to consumers compared with traditional straws. In addition, because the liquid is in a dispersed state when entering the mouth, this sensory straw can also prevent the situation of choking when the elderly or children drink. By changing the opening method of the straw, not only the practicability and safety of the straw are improved, but also a more rich and pleasant drinking experience is provided for consumers.

[0075] The above are only some embodiments of the present application, and thus do not limit the protection scope of the present application. Any equivalent device or equivalent process transformation made by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present application, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, shall be similarly included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A straw, characterized in that: The straw comprises a first end and a second end, a fluid channel is formed between the first end and the second end, the first end is open, the second end is sealed, and a through hole communicating with the fluid channel is provided on a side wall of the second end.

2. The straw according to claim 1, characterized in that The number of the through holes is multiple.

3. The straw according to claim 2, characterized in that The distance between adjacent through holes is 1-12 mm.

4. The straw according to claim 2, characterized in that A plurality of through holes are arranged in an interlaced manner along the side wall of the second end.

5. The straw according to claim 1, characterized in that The sealing opening of the second end portion is sawtooth-shaped or wavy-shaped.

6. The straw according to claim 1, characterized in that The straw is made of a paper-based material, and the inner wall is provided with a waterproof coating.

7. The straw according to claim 1, characterized in that The straw is made of a paper-based material, and the outer side wall is provided with a protective coating.

8. The straw according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer surface of the straw is provided with a decorative pattern.

9. A method for preparing a straw, characterized in that: The preparation method comprises: Provide a straw; A through hole is formed on the side wall of the straw near one end; The end of the straw at one end of the through hole is sealed.

10. The preparation method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The preparation method further comprises, before the step of sealing the end of the straw at one end of the through hole: Dispensing glue on the end of the straw where the through hole is formed; Flatten and seal the end of the dispensing glue; Wherein, the step of sealing the end of the straw at one end of which the through hole is formed is hot pressing sealing.

Images