Device for drying hollow bodies of small diameter, in particular drinking straws and hoses

Abstract

Device for drying hollow bodies of small width, especially drinking straws made of glass, metal or plastic, as well as milk hoses in household appliances, characterized by an elongated support element that can be inserted into the hollow body, as well as an absorbent drying element attached to the support element, which absorbs residual liquid from the hollow body by capillary action or absorption.

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for drying hollow bodies of small width, in particular reusable drinking straws made of glass, metal or plastic, as well as milk hoses and similar supply lines in household appliances such as fully automatic coffee machines. 2. State of the art

[0002] Reusable drinking straws and similar hollow objects are typically rinsed with water and detergents or cleaned with cleaning brushes after use. However, residual water or detergent residue often remains inside. This leads to: • Water stains (especially visible on glass drinking straws), • unwanted taste, • and especially leads to an increased bacterial load if the liquid remains in the hollow body for a longer period of time.

[0003] In practical use, people often try to remove residual water by blowing it out with their mouths. This is problematic from a hygiene point of view, as saliva is introduced and additional contamination can occur.

[0004] Various industrial drying devices for hollow bodies are known from the prior art, which operate with hot air, dry air, heat, or chemical drying agents (e.g., EP1056980A1). However, these solutions are technically complex, energy-intensive, and not suitable for small hollow bodies used in households.

[0005] Furthermore, so-called DIY cleaning aids are known from the field of home improvement supplies, in which sponges or scouring materials are clamped in wire constructions to mechanically clean surfaces or apply lubricants. However, these aids are neither designed for targeted residual water absorption nor for drying narrow hollow bodies and are therefore technically and functionally different from the present invention.

[0006] A simple, mechanical and energy-independent device for targeted liquid intake in drinking straws and tubes is not yet known. 3. Object of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a simple, cost-effective and hygienically advantageous device with which liquid remaining in small hollow bodies after wet cleaning can be absorbed and removed without leaving any residue, without the need for blowing in air or additional energy sources. 4. Solution to the task

[0008] The problem is solved by a device with the following features: • an elongated support element that can be inserted into the hollow body, • an absorbent drying element attached to this support element, which absorbs residual liquid through capillary action or absorption, • The support element is designed to be axially stable but radially flexible, so that it can also be inserted into curved hollow bodies, • The drying element is available in different dimensions (diameter, length) to accommodate different cavity sizes, • the drying element is replaceable or regenerable (e.g. by rinsing, wringing or washing), • In a preferred embodiment, the drying element is additionally provided with an antimicrobial finish that inhibits the growth of microorganisms. This can be achieved by coating or impregnating it with silver ions, copper particles, or by using natural antimicrobial fibers such as bamboo. 5. Advantages of the invention • Hygienic: Prevention of saliva contamination, reduction of germ load. • Visually: No water stains in glass drinking straws. • Easy to use: Insert, pull through, residual moisture is removed. • Cost-effective: Manufacturing costs comparable to simple cleaning brushes. • Compatible: Suitable for straight and curved stalks as well as hoses of small diameter. • Sustainable: Reusable or can be produced as an inexpensive single-use version. • Enhanced hygiene: Antimicrobial features prevent the growth of bacteria or mold. • Scalable: Can be used worldwide as an accessory for drinking straw sets, fully automatic coffee machines or similar products. 6. Examples of Implementation Example 1: Drinking straw dryer with microfiber sleeve

[0009] A flexible wire core holds a replaceable microfiber sleeve. After cleaning the straw, the dryer is inserted and pulled through. Any remaining water is completely absorbed. Example 2: Capillary wick for milk hoses

[0010] An absorbent capillary cord is pulled through the tube using a threading aid. As it is pulled back, the cord absorbs residual water and milk residue. Example 3: Sponge element

[0011] A PVA sponge body is attached to a flexible plastic carrier at its front. It can be reused and regenerated multiple times. Example 4: Multi-layered cuff

[0012] An inner support fabric ensures shape retention, while an absorbent microfiber layer is attached on the outside and is designed to be replaceable. Example 5: Antimicrobial drying element

[0013] The drying element consists of a microfiber fabric impregnated with silver ions. In addition to the drying effect, the antimicrobial effect also inhibits bacterial growth. 7. Drawings • Fig. 1: Drinking straw dryer in side view. • Fig. 2: Longitudinal section through a drinking straw with a dryer inserted. • Fig. 3: Cross-section through a drinking straw with a dryer inserted. • Fig. 4: Use in a bent drinking straw. • Fig. 5: Capillary cord with threading aid for drying hoses. • Fig. 6: Antimicrobial drying element 8. Differentiation from the state of the art

[0014] The invention differs from the prior art in that no active supply of heat or air is required. Instead, drying occurs through direct liquid absorption by means of an inserted absorbent element. This makes the device simpler, energy-independent, and better suited for household use than the industrial drying systems known from the literature.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention differs significantly from known cleaning aids in the DIY sector, where textile or sponge-like elements are attached to wire cores to mechanically treat surfaces or apply lubricants. In contrast, the present device serves exclusively for the hygienic removal of residual water from narrow hollow bodies such as drinking straws or milk tubes and can additionally achieve a further hygienic advantage through an antimicrobial finish on the drying element. Reference symbol list Fig. 1: Drinking straw dryer in side view • (1) Support element • (2) Absorbent drying element • (3) Handle or stop element Fig. 2: Longitudinal section through a drinking straw with a dryer inserted • (1) Support element • (2) Absorbent drying element • (3) Handle or stop element • (4) Hollow body (drinking straw) Fig. 3: Cross-section through a drinking straw with a dryer inserted • (1) Support element (central point in the middle) • (2) Absorbent drying element (lying around (1)) • (3) Hollow body wall (inner wall of the drinking straw) Fig. 4: Application in a bent drinking straw • (1) Support element • (2) Absorbent drying element • (3) Handle or stop element • (4) Curved hollow body (drinking straw) Fig. 5: Capillary cord with threading aid for drying hoses • (1) Capillary cord (suction cord) • (2) Absorbent core / drying element (bottom) • (3) Hose (e.g. milk hose of a fully automatic coffee machine) • (4) Threading aid (e.g. loop, hook, wire loop) Fig. 6: Antimicrobial drying element • (1) Support element • (2) Inner drying element (absorbent) • (3) Antimicrobial outer layer (coating or impregnation) • (4) Handle or stop element QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1056980A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Device for drying hollow bodies of small width, especially drinking straws made of glass, metal or plastic, as well as milk hoses in household appliances, characterized by an elongated support element that can be inserted into the hollow body, as well as an absorbent drying element attached to the support element, which absorbs residual liquid from the hollow body by capillary action or absorption. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the support element is axially pressure-resistant, but radially flexible, so that it can also be inserted into curved hollow bodies. [3] Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the drying element consists of a microfiber fleece, a sponge body or a capillary-active fiber structure. [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the drying element is designed to be replaceable and / or regenerable. [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drying element is rounded at the front or mounted as a sleeve onto the support element. [6] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support element has a wire core, a plastic-coated wire structure, or a glass fiber reinforced plastic element. [7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that different versions with different diameters and lengths are provided in order to be adapted to the inner diameters of different hollow bodies. [8] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drying element is equipped with an antimicrobial finish, achieved through coating, impregnation or material selection. [9] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drying element has a multi-layered structure, with an inner support layer providing shape retention and an outer absorbent layer handling liquid absorption. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a handle or stop element is provided to prevent over-insertion and facilitate handling. [11] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drying element is designed as a pull-through suction cord with threading aid, which is particularly suitable for drying hoses in beverage preparation equipment.

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