Paper straw

Abstract

A paper straw 100 for consuming a drink comprising paper and an ink 102 applied on a surface 104 of the paper straw. The ink is a glow-in-the-dark ink for emitting light. The ink may be applied to an outward facing surface. The straw may comprise a core (fig.3,302) with an outer surface paper layer (fig.3,304) deployed on the core. The straw may be recyclable or biodegradable. The straw may comprise a plurality of glow-in-the-dark inks applied on the surface. The ink may be charged by interaction with visible, ultraviolet A and / or ultraviolet B light. The ink may be photoluminescent or phosphorescent ink. The straw may be free of plastic materials. A method of manufacturing a paper straw with glow-in-the-dark ink applied on its surface is also claimed.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a paper straw for consuming a drink. Background

[0002] Straws for the purpose of consuming drinks have in the past typically been made from plastic materials. It is possible to provide straws with various characteristics (for example, various colours, a bendable portion and the like) by appropriately selecting and configuring the plastic used.

[0003] However, there is a problem in that the plastic materials used may not be biodegradable. The production of plastics typically also contributes to usage of fossil fuels and the like. Accordingly, it is desirable to use less plastic where possible.

[0004] There also exist paper straws for consuming drinks. However, paper straws typically have a different appearance to plastic straws. Furthermore, the plastic materials can be configured in certain ways that the paper straws typically are not. Nevertheless, the use of plastic materials is not advantageous due to their environmental impact.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to address various problems associated with straws for consuming drinks. Summary

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a paper straw for consuming a drink comprising: paper; and an ink applied on a surface of the paper straw, wherein the ink is a glow-in-the-dark ink for emitting light.

[0007] Advantageously, there is provided a straw for consuming drinks which provides a glow-in-the-dark feature, which straw comprises paper. Because paper is used, the environmental cost associated with the use of plastic is at least reduced, or avoided entirely. The light emitted from the ink is particularly visible in a dark environment, therefore providing a glow-in-the-dark effect.

[0008] Optionally, the ink is applied on an outward facing surface of the paper straw. Advantageously, applying the ink on the outward facing surface provides an easily visible visual effect in a dark environment.

[0009] Optionally, the paper straw comprises a core, and an outer surface paper layer is deployed on the core. Advantageously, the core provides rigidity and durability to the paper straw such that the paper straw does not easily break apart when submerged in a drink or inserted into a user’s mouth.

[0010] Optionally, the composition of the paper straw is such that the paper straw is recyclable. Advantageously, the paper straw can be recycled, reducing waste as compared to straws which cannot be recycled.

[0011] Optionally, the composition of the paper straws is such that the paper straw biodegrades. Advantageously, the material which the paper straw is made of does not persist for a long time in the environment This results in an overall reduction in waste and reductions in potential damage, such as to wildlife, which may be caused by material which do not biodegrade.

[0012] Optionally, the paper straw comprises a plurality of glow-in-the-dark inks applied on the surface. Advantageously, different inks with different characteristics (e.g., colours) may be applied to the surface to create the desired glow-in-the-dark pattern. For example, by virtue of using a plurality of inks rather than e.g., mixing a phosphor material into a plastic material to be moulded, the desired pattern of higher precision and comprising different characteristics (such as colours) can be created.

[0013] Optionally, the ink is charged as a result of interaction with visible light, ultraviolet-A light and / or ultraviolet-B light. Advantageously, the ink is charged simply by exposure to natural sun light or artificial light of appropriate characteristics (e.g., high enough intensity, appropriate wavelengths, etc.). This means that nothing in terms of extra steps is required for the user to obtain the glow-in-the-dark effect.

[0014] Optionally, the ink is a photoluminescent ink. Advantageously, the ink obtains the energy for light emission by exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

[0015] Optionally, the ink is a phosphorescent ink. Advantageously, a phosphorescent ink provides relatively long-lived light emission after excitation, thereby providing a relatively longer-lived glow-in-the-dark effect.

[0016] Optionally, the paper straw is free of plastic materials. Advantageously, therefore, the cost and environmental impact associated with the production and use of plastic materials is avoided.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a paper straw for consuming a drink, the method comprising: producing the paper straw using paper material, wherein the paper straw comprises a paper layer; and applying an ink onto a surface of the paper layer, wherein the ink is a glow-in-the-dark ink for emitting light.

[0018] Advantageously, there is provided a paper straw having the advantages described in relation to the first aspect. In addition, existing methods of producing paper straws can be used, with an addition to the manufacturing process of applying the ink to provide a more environmentally friendly glow-in-the-dark paper straw.

[0019] Optionally, applying the ink comprises printing the ink onto the surface. Advantageously, the use of the ink provides flexibility in the manner in which the ink can be applied. When the ink is printed onto the surface, various / appropriate printing techniques can be used, e.g., to create precise patterns and the like. Brief Description of the Drawings Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a paper straw, according to a first set of examples; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the paper straw, according to a second set of examples; Figure 3 is a plan cross-sectional view of the paper straw, according to examples; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the paper straw, according to a third set of examples; and Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a paper straw for consuming a drink, according to examples. Detailed Description

[0020] The present disclosure relates to a paper straw for consuming a drink. The paper straw comprises paper. In examples, the paper straw also comprises an ink applied on a surface of the paper straw, wherein the ink is a glow-in-the-dark ink for emitting light.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a paper straw 100, according to a first set of examples. The paper straw 100 comprises paper. For example, the paper straw 100 at least comprises a paper layer. In these examples, there is an ink 102 applied on a surface 104 of the paper straw 100. For example, the surface 104 is a surface of the paper layer.

[0022] The ink 102 is a glow-in-the-dark ink. For example, the ink 102 emits light which is visible particularly in a dark environment, therefore providing a glow-in-the-dark effect. In the particular examples of Figure 1, the ink 102 is applied to the surface 104 which is an outward facing surface of the paper straw 100. For example, applying the ink 102 on the outward facing surface 104 creates an ink pattern easily visible to the user.

[0023] In other examples, the ink 102 may be applied to an inner surface of the paper straw. For example, applying the ink 102 in an inner surface may create a different visual effect when the ink 102 glows in the dark, e.g., depending on the transparency characteristics of the paper straw 100 and the like.

[0024] As described, the ink 102 is a glow-in-the-dark ink. For example, the ink 102 is capable of emitting light. For example, the ink 102 is charged (excited) as a result of interaction with visible light, ultraviolet-A light and / or ultraviolet-B light. This means that the ink 102 can store energy from visible light, ultraviolet-A light and / or ultraviolet-B light when exposed respectively to visible light, ultraviolet-A light and / or ultraviolet-B light. This process may be referred to as excitation of the ink 102. The energy stored can be released as visible light. For example, when light is emitted in a dark environment, a glow-in-the-dark effect is provided. The ink 102 may be selected according to a desired colour, for example.

[0025] In some examples, the ink 102 is a photoluminescent ink. For example, it should be noted that photoluminescence from the ink 102 would be the emission of light from the ink 102 due to absorption of electromagnetic radiation (such as visible light, ultraviolet-A light and / or ultraviolet-B light, as described). It will be appreciated that a substance exhibiting photoluminescence is called a phosphor. Accordingly, the ink 102 comprises a phosphor according to the desired glow-in-the-dark characteristics (such as colour and the like).

[0026] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there exist different types of photoluminescence. For example, fluorescence is prompt photoluminescence that occurs quickly after excitation of a substance with electromagnetic radiation (e.g., photons of light). On the other hand, phosphorescence is relatively long-lived photoluminescence that continues for some time after the excitation from the electromagnetic radiation has stopped. In some examples, the ink 102 is more specifically a phosphorescent ink.

[0027] As described, the paper straw 100 is for consuming drinks. Accordingly, the paper straw 100 is produced in an environment which meets food safety standards.

[0028] For example, the ink 102 may be chosen such that the ink is not water soluble. For example, it is expected that the paper straw 100 may be at least partially submerged into a drink which is a solution containing water. Accordingly, use of a water insoluble ink means that the ink 102 would not be removed from the paper straw 100 and pass into the drink solution during use.

[0029] In some examples, the ink 102 may only be applied to an ink application portion of the paper straw 100 which is not expected to be submerged into a drink or inserted into the user’s mouth. For example, the paper straw 100 may be configured for use in one particular orientation. For example, the paper straw may comprise a mouthpiece portion intended to be held proximal to the user during use. The paper straw may comprise a dipping portion for submerging into a drink, which is held distal to the user’s mouth during use. For example, the ink application portion may be positioned relative to the mouthpiece portion and the dipping portion such that it is less likely to come into contact with a drink.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the paper straw 100, according to a second set of examples. In the examples of Figure 2, the paper straw 100 comprises a mouthpiece portion 202, an ink application portion 204 and a dipping portion 206. In these examples, the ink 102 is applied within the ink application portion 204. The ink application portion 204 is between the mouthpiece portion 202 and the dipping potion 206. For example, the mouthpiece portion 202, the ink application portion 204 and the dipping portion 206 are aligned along a longitudinal axis 208 of the paper straw 100. However, in other examples, the ink 102 may be applied to any portion of the paper straw 100.

[0031] For example, the ink 102 selected is non-toxic. For example, the ink 102 does not contain phosphor(s) or other components which are toxic to humans. Therefore, the paper straw 100 is safe for use in consuming drinks for humans.

[0032] In some examples, the paper straw comprises a core. In these examples, the previously described paper layer is an outer surface paper layer which is deployed on the core. Figure 3 is a plan cross-sectional view of the straw 100, according to examples. In these examples, the paper straw 100 comprises a core 302. For example, the core 302 comprises paper that has been wound. The wound paper core may be configured to be rigid and to provide durability to the paper straw such that the paper straw 100 does not easily break apart when submerged in a drink or inserted into a user’s mouth. For example, the thickness of the paper used for the core is chosen to provide the described rigidity and durability. For example, the type, amount, number of layers, and the like, of the winding used is also chosen to provide the described rigidity and durability. In these examples, the core 302 is in the form of a hollow tube so as to allow the paper straw 100 to perform its function.

[0033] In the examples of Figure 3, the paper straw 100 comprises an outer surface paper layer 304. The outer surface paper layer 304 is a layer of paper which is deployed onto the core 302. The outer surface paper layer 304, for example, provides the outward facing surface 104 of the paper straw 100. For example, the outer surface paper layer 304 may be thinner than the core 302.

[0034] In some examples, the ink 102 is used to print a desired print onto the outward facing surface 104. For example, printing may allow various patterns, letters, characters and the like to be created on the surface 104 with relatively high precision. Also, for example, by printing with the ink 102 only in the desired pattern, rather than uniformly distributing the phosphor containing material as would be the case with a glow-in-the-dark plastic, less of the phosphor material can be used as compared to similar plastic articles.

[0035] In some examples, the composition of the paper straw 100 is such that the paper straw 100 is recyclable. For example, the paper straw 100 does not comprise any materials in any part thereof which result in the paper straw 100 not being able to be recycled. Advantageously, recycling the paper straw 100 reduces waste as compared to straws which cannot be recycled. By recycling, material can be reused, thus reducing cost, environmental impact, and the like, of continuously producing materials rather than reusing materials.

[0036] In some examples, the composition of the paper straw 100 is such that the paper straw 100 is biodegradable. For example, the paper straw 100 does not comprise any material in any part thereof which results in the paper straw 100 being non-biodegradable. Advantageously, the material of the paper straw 100 does not persist in the environment for a long time, which leads to an overall reduction in waste. In addition, it will be appreciated that materials which do not biodegrade and remain in the environment may negatively interact with flora and fauna. For example, small animals and the like may become trapped in structures made from non-biodegradable materials, etc. It is therefore desirable to have articles, such as the paper straw 100 described herein, which is biodegradable.

[0037] It will be appreciated that some plastic materials can be recycled. It will also be appreciated that there are available some plastic materials that biodegrade. However, in some examples, the paper straw 100 is entirely free of plastic materials. Accordingly, the cost and environmental impact of producing plastic materials is reduced. For example, the paper straw 100 may comprise paper (e.g., in the core 302 and the outer surface paper layer 304) and the ink 102. In some examples, the paper straw 100 may comprise elements such as adhesive (e.g., to bond the outer surface paper layer 304 to the outward facing surface of the core 302 and the like) which may also be free of plastic.

[0038] For example, the described straw 100 provides a glow-in-the-dark effect by virtue of the glow-in-the-dark ink 102, which can be applied as desired (e.g., in a desired pattern). This is different to traditional glow-in-the-dark plastic articles. For example, a phosphor material may be mixed into the plastic material of such a glow-in-the-dark article (e.g., uniformly). This provides little scope to define certain patterns, characters, letters, etc. in a glow-in-the-dark manner. In addition, importantly, more phosphor material may need to be produced and used as compared to the straw 100 of the present disclosure. That is because, the present straw 100 need only use the amount of the ink 102 required to produce the desired pattern.

[0039] In some examples, the paper straw 100 comprises a plurality of glow-in-the-dark inks applied on the surface 104. For example, two or more different glow-in-the-dark inks may be used. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the paper straw 100, according to a third set of examples. In these examples, the ink 102 is a first ink 102. In addition to the first ink 102, there is applied to the surface 104 a second ink 402 and a third ink 404. For example, each of the first, second and third inks 102, 402, 404 may be configured to emit light of a different visible wavelength. In some examples, there may be characteristics other than colour which may be varied among the plurality of inks. For example, the intensity of the emitted light may be varied. For example, by virtue of using a plurality of inks rather than e.g., mixing a phosphor material into a plastic material to be moulded, the desired pattern of higher precision and comprising different characteristics (such as colours can be created).

[0040] For example, there may be provided a method of manufacturing a paper straw for consuming a drink. Figure 5 illustrates such a method 500, according to examples. At block 502 of the method 500, the paper straw is produced using paper material, wherein the paper straw comprises a paper layer. For example, at block 502, the paper straw is formed out of one or more paper materials.

[0041] In some examples, the described core 302 is formed. For example, paper having appropriate characteristics (e.g., thickness) is wound to form a hollow tube-like structure. For example, the windings forming the hollow tube are bonded using an appropriate adhesive (e.g., a non-toxic, water insoluble adhesive). In some examples, steps may be carried out to cure the adhesive, where appropriate.

[0042] Also, for example, the paper layer is the outer surface paper layer 304 described above. As part of producing the paper straw, the outer surface paper layer 304 may be deployed onto the core 302. For example, the outer surface paper layer 304 is wrapped around the core 302 and bonded to the core 302, using an appropriate adhesive (e.g., a non-toxic, water insoluble adhesive).

[0043] For example, the production of the paper straw is carried out in a clean environment appropriate for producing food safe products.

[0044] At block 504 of the method 500, an ink is applied onto a surface of the paper layer (e.g., the outward facing surface 104 provided by the outer surface paper layer 304). The applied ink is a glow-in-the-dark-ink for emitting light. It should be noted that the order of description of blocks 502 and 504 does not necessarily imply an order of performing the described blocks. For example, block 502 may be performed first, and block 504 may be performed subsequently. In other examples, block 504 may be performed first, and block 502 may be performed subsequently. In yet other examples, blocks 502 and 504 may be performed at least partly contemporaneously or concurrently.

[0045] For example, as part of block 504, the ink may be applied by hand. In other examples, the ink is applied by appropriate printing apparatus. In some examples, applying the ink comprises printing the ink onto the surface (for example, the surface onto which the ink is printed is the outward facing surface 104 of the outer surface paper layer 304). The ink may be printed onto the paper layer using one of a number of known printing techniques suitable for the specific ink being used.

[0046] In some examples, the ink is applied onto the surface of the paper layer prior to deploying the paper layer as an outer surface paper layer onto the core 302. For example, it may simplify the printing process to apply the ink onto the paper layer when it can be held flat, for example. The ink may be allowed to dry, if appropriate before deployment of the paper layer onto the core 302. In other examples, the ink may be applied after the paper layer has been deployed onto the core 302. For example, it may be advantageous to apply the ink when the surface of the paper layer is curved around the core 302, as it will be as part of the final product. Various specific examples will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure.

[0047] As previously described, a plurality of glow-in-the-dark inks may be applied to the surface. For example, as part of block 504, a plurality of inks may be applied. For example, the ink application (whether one ink or more) comprises generating a desired pattern and the like on the surface.

[0048] For example, the method 500 is for manufacturing the straw 100 according to any of the described examples.

[0049] The described paper straw provides many advantages. For example, the described paper straws 100 provide an alternative to plastic straws, while also providing a glow-in-the-dark feature. Mitigating the use of plastic materials mitigates the environmental cost of plastic production and use. Furthermore, advantageously, highly customizable visuals can be created on the straws according to the described examples. Also, for example, by applying ink to a surface rather than mixing phosphor materials throughout a plastic material to be moulded, less of the phosphor material may be used.

[0050] In the above description, various specific examples are described. Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0052] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0053] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing example(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A paper straw for consuming a drink comprising:paper; andan ink applied on a surface of the paper straw, wherein the ink is a glow-in-the-dark ink for emitting light.

2. The paper straw according to claim 1, wherein:the ink is applied to an outward facing surface of the paper straw.

3. The paper straw according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:the paper straw comprises a core, and an outer surface paper layer is deployed on the core.

4. The paper straw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:the composition of the paper straw is such that the paper straw is recyclable.

5. The paper straw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:the composition of the paper straw is such that the paper straw biodegrades.

6. The paper straw according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:a plurality of glow-in-the-dark inks applied on the surface.

7. The paper straw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:the ink is charged as a result of interaction with visible light, ultraviolet-A light and / or ultraviolet-B light.

8. The paper straw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:the ink is a photoluminescent ink.

9. The paper straw according to claim 8, wherein:The ink is a phosphorescent ink.

10. The paper straw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:the paper straw is free of plastic materials.

11. A method of manufacturing a paper straw for consuming a drink, the method comprising:producing the paper straw using paper material, wherein the paper straw 5 comprises a paper layer; andapplying an ink onto a surface of the paper layer, wherein the ink is a glow-in-the-dark ink for emitting light.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein:10 applying the ink comprises printing the ink onto the surface.

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