Drinking straws and packaging

Abstract

A drinking straw (3) for a pourable food-filled package (1) is described. The drinking straw (3) is configured to be at least partially inserted into a package body (2) of the package (1). The drinking straw (3) comprises a tubular body (15) including a connecting portion (16) extending along a central axis (B) and a sleeve (17) fitted over and surrounding at least the connecting portion (16) of the tubular body (15). The sleeve (17) comprises an abutment portion (25) configured to abut against an inner surface of the package body (2) after partial insertion of the drinking straw (3) into the package body (2) and during movement of the drinking straw (3) out of the package body (2) to prevent and / or inhibit removal and / or separation of the drinking straw (3) from the package body (2). The abutment portion (25) has a frusto-conical shape.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drinking straw for pourable food filled packages.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a package having a package body filled with a pourable food product and a drinking straw. [Background technology]

[0003] As is well known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made from sterile packaging material.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layer structure with a base layer of carton and / or paper, covered on both sides with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for shelf-stable products, the packaging material comprises a layer of oxygen barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil, which overlaps with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and is covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material to form the inner surface of the package that ultimately comes into contact with the food.

[0005] Packages are known that comprise a package body formed from a multi-layer packaging material and a drinking straw, these packages being used in particular for on-the-go consumption.

[0006] The package body includes a main opening configured to allow insertion of a drinking straw into the package body, the package body also includes a separator membrane covering the main opening to separate an interior space of the package body from an external environment, the separator membrane configured to be penetrated by a drinking straw to allow introduction of the drinking straw into the package through the main opening and subsequent extraction of the pourable food product through the drinking straw.

[0007] Each drinking straw is typically attached to a respective package body within a closed plastic envelope. Prior to use, the consumer removes each drinking straw from the envelope and pierces the separator membrane to introduce the drinking straw into the package.

[0008] A drawback of such packaging is that after the pourable food product has been fully or partially consumed, the drinking straw may be discarded, either voluntarily or involuntarily, separately from the body of the package.

[0009] The applicant's document EP-A-3692866 discloses a solution to this problem, a drinking straw having a main tubular body and a sleeve attached to the main tubular body, the drinking straw comprising a tip adapted to pierce the separator, the tip being formed by both the main tubular body and the sleeve.

[0010] Additionally, the sleeve is provided with an abutment portion that is configured to allow the drinking straw to be inserted into the package body and ensures that when an attempt is made to remove the drinking straw, the abutment portion abuts against an inner surface of the package body, preventing removal of the drinking straw.

[0011] According to the teaching of EP-A-3692866 the abutment can be realised as an increased thickness or by means of a palm-tree like structure.

[0012] A drawback of such drinking straws is that there are production limitations that would increase the production of drinking straws.

[0013] There is therefore a desire in the art to improve upon known drinking straws to be manufactured in a simpler and faster manner than those known in the art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an improved drinking straw which overcomes the above drawbacks in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved package which overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks in a simple and low cost manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] According to the present invention there is provided a drinking straw according to the independent claim.

[0017] Further preferred embodiments of the drinking straw are defined in the claims dependent on the independent claim.

[0018] Further provided is a package according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package having a package body and a drinking straw according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a detail of the package of FIG. 1 prior to partially inserting a beverage straw into the package body. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of the package assembly of FIG. 1 after a beverage straw has been inserted into the package body; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view and partial cross-sectional view showing details of the drinking straw of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Reference numeral 1 generally denotes an entire package comprising a package body 2, in particular made from a multi-layer packaging material, and a drinking straw 3. In particular, the package 1 is suitable for consumption on the go.

[0022] The package 1 may also comprise an envelope or pocket for accommodating the drinking straw 3 prior to use. Preferably, the envelope or pocket is provided in and / or fixed to the package body 2.

[0023] Furthermore, the package body 2 may be filled with pourable food products such as water, milk, dairy-based drinks, yogurt drinks, coffee-based drinks, fruit juices, pulp drinks, and other beverages.

[0024] The package body 2 may be obtained from a multi-layer packaging material, in particular comprising at least one layer of a fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of a heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene, sandwiched between the layers of fibrous material.

[0025] Furthermore, the multi-layer packaging material may comprise a layer of a gas- and light-barrier material, for example an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the multi-layer packaging material may comprise a further layer of a heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 1, a package body 2 may extend along a central (longitudinal) axis A.

[0027] The package 2 may in particular comprise a first wall 4 that is transverse, more particularly perpendicular, to a central axis A along which the package body 2 extends. Preferably, the first wall 4 may define a support surface of the package 2, which may come into contact with a support, such as a shelf, during use, e.g. when exposed in a point of sale, when placed in a storeroom, when placed in a refrigerator, or the like. In particular, the first wall 4 may define a bottom wall when placed on a support and / or during use, when a consumer consumes the pourable food product from the package body 2.

[0028] Furthermore, the package body 2 may comprise a side wall 5 which is (fixedly) connected to the first wall 4 and in particular extends from the first wall 4 substantially parallel to the central axis A.

[0029] Furthermore, the package body 2 may comprise a second wall 6 opposite the first wall 4 and (fixedly) connected to the side wall 5. In other words, the side wall 5 may be interposed between the first wall 4 and the second wall 5. In particular, the second wall 6 may define a top wall when placed on a support and / or when, in use, a consumer consumes the pourable food product from the package body 2.

[0030] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the first wall 4 and the second wall 6 may be parallel to each other.

[0031] Alternatively, the first wall 4 and the second wall 6 may be angled relative to one another. For example, the second wall 6 may define a beveled or gabled top.

[0032] Furthermore, the package body 2 may comprise an internal space 7, bounded in particular by the first wall 4, the side wall 5 and the second wall 6, for accommodating the pourable product.

[0033] 1 and 2a, the package body 2 may include a main opening that allows for the insertion and / or introduction of a drinking straw 3 into the package body 2.

[0034] Furthermore, the package body 2 may comprise a separation membrane 8 covering the main opening and configured in particular to be pierced (equivalently ruptured and / or opened and / or cut) by the drinking straw 3 so as to allow the drinking straw 3 to be inserted (through the main opening) into the interior space 7. In particular, the separation membrane 8 may separate the interior space 7 containing the pourable food product from the external environment before losing its integrity. In this way, the pourable food product is protected from the external environment. Preferably, the separation membrane 8 may comprise a gas- and light-barrier material, for example an aluminium foil or a film comprising ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).

[0035] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the separator 8 may be defined by a portion of the multi-layer packaging material, in particular a portion of the layers of the multi-layer packaging material that is different from the layer of fibrous material.

[0036] The main opening may be defined by respective holes in the layers of fibrous material of the multi-layer packaging material.

[0037] The main opening and, consequently, the separation membrane 8 may have a circular shape.

[0038] Preferably, the main opening and therefore the separating membrane 8 may be provided on the second wall 6 .

[0039] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the extension of the main opening is delimited by a rim of the main opening itself, in particular, the rim has a circular shape.

[0040] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the main opening may have a lateral (cross-sectional) extension d1. In particular, the lateral extension d1 is determined relative to the central axis A. More particularly, the lateral extension d1 may be determined and / or measured with respect to a rim that defines the main opening. According to the non-limiting embodiment disclosed in Figures 1 to 2b, the lateral extension d1 corresponds to the diameter of the main opening.

[0041] 1 to 3, the drinking straw 3 has at least the following configuration. - internal flow channel 12 for pourable food; an inlet opening 13 allowing the entry of a pourable food product into the drinking straw 3 and the internal flow passage 12; and an outlet opening 14 allowing the outflow of the pourable food product from the drinking straw 3 and the internal flow channel 12;

[0042] In particular, the internal flow passage 12 may extend between an inlet opening 13 and an outlet opening 14 .

[0043] Furthermore, the inlet opening 13 and the outlet opening 14 may be located at opposite ends of the drinking straw 3 .

[0044] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the inlet opening 13 is configured to allow pourable food to be introduced into the drinking straw 3, and in particular the outlet opening 14 is configured to allow the pourable food to flow out of the drinking straw 3 (i.e., in use, the consumer receives the pourable food through the outlet opening 14).

[0045] Preferably, the drinking straw 3 comprises or consists of or is formed from polymeric and / or fibrous materials.

[0046] More specifically, the drinking straw 3 has the following configuration. a tubular body 15 including a connecting portion 16 extending along a central axis B; and a sleeve 17 extending in particular along the central axis C (parallel to, in particular coaxial with, the central axis B) and attached to and surrounding at least the connecting part 16;

[0047] Preferably, the tubular body 15 and sleeve 17 are made from a plastic or fiber-based material.

[0048] More specifically, the tubular body 15 and the sleeve 17 may define the inner flow passage 12 .

[0049] More specifically, the tubular body 15 may have the following configuration. a mouthpiece 18 having and / or carrying the outlet opening 14; and a tubular main part 19 connected to the connection part 16 and interposed between the connection part 16 and the mouthpiece 18;

[0050] In particular, the mouthpiece 18 may define a first end of the tubular body 15, in particular the drinking straw 3. The first end may have an outlet opening 14.

[0051] The mouthpiece 18 may be hollow and cylindrical.

[0052] Additionally, the tubular body 15 may comprise a second end (fluidically) opposite the first end. In particular, the coupling portion 16 may comprise the second end of the tubular body 15.

[0053] Additionally, the tubular body 15 may include a bellows 20 interposed between, and in particular connected to, the mouthpiece 18 and the tubular main portion 19 .

[0054] Preferably, the bellows 20 may be configured to allow relative movement between the mouthpiece 18 and the tubular body 19. In particular, the bellows 20 may allow the consumer to position the mouthpiece 18 according to the consumer's needs and / or preferences. In other words, the bellows 20 allows the mouthpiece 18 to be tilted relative to the tubular body 19.

[0055] Preferably, both the tubular main portion 19 and the connecting portion 16 may extend along the central axis B.

[0056] More specifically, the tubular main portion 19 and the connecting portion 16 may each have a hollow cylindrical shape, and in particular have a respective circular cross-sectional shape with respect to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the central axis B. In particular, the respective cross-sectional profiles are equal to each other.

[0057] Preferably, the tubular body 15, in particular the connecting portion 16, the tubular main portion 19, the mouthpiece 18 and the bellows 20 may be integrally formed.

[0058] Furthermore, the drinking straw 3 may comprise a tip 21 configured to pierce the separator 8 in use, in particular by a consumer placing the tip 21 on the separator 8 (see FIG. 2a) and applying a force to the drinking straw 3 in order to partially pierce the separator 8 and direct it towards the interior space 7 (see FIG. 2b), in particular towards the first wall 4.

[0059] The tip 21 may be wedge shaped.

[0060] Preferably, the sleeve 17 may comprise an end portion having the inlet opening 13. In particular, the end portion may have and / or define a tip 21.

[0061] More specifically, the connecting portion 16 does not include the inlet opening 13 (and the tip portion 21). In other words, the connecting portion 16 is spaced apart from the inlet opening 13 (and the tip portion 21).

[0062] In other words, the coupling portion 16 does not extend entirely through the sleeve 17 .

[0063] Preferably, the end portion (and / or tip portion 21) may define a first portion 22 of the inner flow passage 12, the connection portion 16 may define a second portion 23 of the inner flow passage 12, and the tubular main portion 19 may define a third portion 24 of the inner flow passage 12. In particular, the first portion 22, the second portion 23 and the third portion 24 are distinct from one another.

[0064] 1 to 3, the sleeve 17 comprises an abutment portion 25 configured to allow partial insertion of the beverage straw 3 into the package body 2 and / or the interior space 7 (by passing through the main opening) and to hinder and / or prevent removal and / or separation of the beverage straw 3 from the package body 2 after partial insertion of the beverage straw 3 into the package body 2.

[0065] In particular, during partial insertion of the drinking straw 3, at least the sleeve 17 and the connecting portion 16 penetrate into the package body 2 and the interior space 7. Furthermore, at least a part of the tubular main portion 19 may penetrate into the package body 2 and the interior space 7. In particular, the extension of the part of the tubular main portion 19 present within the interior space 7 may vary.

[0066] More specifically, the sleeve 17 is configured to be inserted into the package body 2 from the main opening together with the connecting portion 16 , thereby penetrating the separation membrane 8 .

[0067] In particular, the sleeve 17 may be configured to form a hole in the package body 2 and / or the separator 8 having a size that corresponds (substantially) to the lateral extension d1 of the main opening when the beverage straw 3 is partially inserted into the package body 2 in use.

[0068] More specifically, the abutment portion 25 is configured to abut against an inner surface of the packaging body 2, in particular the second wall 6, during movement of a partially inserted drinking straw 3, in particular at least the sleeve 17 and the connecting portion 16, out of the packaging body 2, in order to hinder and / or prevent separation and / or removal of the drinking straw 3 from the packaging body 2.

[0069] In particular, the entire sleeve 17 and the abutment portion 25 are configured to pass through the main opening when the beverage straw 3 is inserted into the package body 2, and the abutment portion 25 is further configured to hinder and / or impede and / or prevent the sleeve 17 and therefore the beverage straw 3 from being removed from the package body 2.

[0070] More specifically, the abutment portion 25 may be configured to abut against an inner surface of the package body 2 in the area of ​​the main opening, particularly the rim that bounds the main opening.

[0071] More specifically, during use, while the drinking straw 3 is inserted into the package body 2, the sleeve 17 is moved along a first direction D1 transverse to the separator 8 and / or the main opening and / or the first wall 4 and / or the second wall 6. In the ideal case, after fully or partially consuming the pourable food present in the package body 2, the consumer discards the package body 2 together with the drinking straw 3 without attempting to remove the drinking straw 3 from the package body 2. In the non-ideal case, when the consumer attempts to remove and / or separate the drinking straw 3 from the package body 2 by moving the drinking straw 3 out of the package body 2 along a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, the abutment portion 25 will abut against the inner surface of the package body 2 to a certain extent during the removal of the drinking straw 3, and therefore the abutment portion 25 will limit the removal of the drinking straw.

[0072] It should be noted that the sleeve 17 is non-removably attached to the connection 16. In this way it is ensured that the tubular body 15 cannot be separated from the sleeve 17.

[0073] Preferably, the sleeve 17 may be permanently attached to the connecting part by mechanical friction, gluing, (solvent) bonding, welding (e.g. ultrasonic welding, hot plate welding, laser welding), mechanical deformation (e.g. cold forming or hot forming (infrared heating, induction heating, flow of heated gas)).

[0074] More specifically, the sleeve 17 may include an engagement portion 26 that is fitted to the connecting portion 16 and surrounds the connecting portion 16. In particular, the inner surface of the engagement portion 26 is fitted and fixed to the outer surface of the connecting portion 16. In particular, the engagement portion 26 may have a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0075] Preferably, the abutment portion 25 is connected to the engagement portion 26 and may in particular extend from a first end portion of the engagement portion 26 .

[0076] Furthermore, an end portion of the sleeve 17, particularly the tip portion 21, may also be connected to the engagement portion 26 and may particularly extend from a second end portion of the engagement portion 26 opposite the first end portion.

[0077] In other words, the engagement portion 26 may be interposed between the abutment portion 25 and the end of the sleeve 17 .

[0078] Preferably, the ends, especially the tip 21 , do not contact the connecting portion 16 and / or are not fitted into the connecting portion 16 .

[0079] In other words, the coupling portion 16 may be surrounded only by the engagement portion 26 , rather than by the end of the sleeve 17 .

[0080] Furthermore, the second end of the tubular body 15 , in particular the connecting portion 16 , may be interposed between the abutment portion 25 and the inlet opening 13 .

[0081] More specifically, the abutment portion 25 may include an abutment profile 27 configured to abut against an inner surface of the package body 2. In particular, the abutment profile 27 faces away from the engagement portion 26. The abutment profile 27 may have a substantially circular shape.

[0082] More specifically, the abutment portion 25 may comprise an interface portion 28 connected to the engagement portion 26 and facing the abutment profile 27. The interface portion 28 may have a substantially circular shape with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the abutment profile 27.

[0083] In particular, the abutment profile 27 is axially further from the inlet opening 13 than the interface portion 28 .

[0084] 1 to 3, the abutment 25 has a frusto-conical shape, in particular a tapered frusto-conical shape. In the remainder of the disclosure, for the sake of brevity, the frusto-conical shape (i.e. a truncated cone shape) will be indicated as "conical shape". This shape is advantageous, since on the one hand it allows the drinking straw 3 together with the sleeve 17 to be partially inserted into the package body 2 and the drinking straw 3 to be inseparably blocked in the package body 2, and on the other hand it allows easy and quick production of the sleeve 17 with such a conically shaped abutment 25.

[0085] In particular, such a sleeve 17 can be formed from a tubular precursor, such as a cylindrical (plastic and / or textile-based) tube, in particular having a hollow cylindrical shape, at least one end of which can then be shaped to obtain a conical shape at this end.

[0086] The coupling part 16 can then be inserted into the formed sleeve 17 and the sleeve 17 can be snapped onto the coupling part 16 .

[0087] Preferably, at least some parts of the tubular precursor apart from the frusto-conical / conical ends may be enlarged to facilitate the insertion of the connector 16. The formed and enlarged tubular precursor (sleeve 17) can then be fitted to the connector 16, for example by heat shrinking, gluing, welding, or other means.

[0088] Advantageously, the tubular precursor and the tubular body 15 may be obtained by cutting the main tube to separate the tubular body 15 from the tubular precursor and shaping it into a sleeve 17 .

[0089] More specifically, a frustoconical tool with a heated frustoconical portion / cone-shaped portion can be inserted into the tubular precursor to obtain a frustoconical abutment portion 25. It is the frustoconical portion that defines the shape of the abutment portion 25.

[0090] For example, in this way it is possible to avoid the need to thicken or prepare a single palm leaf (eg obtained by cutting).

[0091] The frusto-conical shape of the abutment portion 25 ensures that when the drinking straw 3 is inserted into the packaging body 2, the abutment portion 25 deflects in a controlled manner.

[0092] Preferably, the abutment portion 25 is separate from and can surround a portion of the tubular main portion 19, in particular the portion connected to the connecting portion 16.

[0093] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the abutment portion 25 may taper from the abutment profile 27 towards the engagement portion 26 and / or the interface portion 28 .

[0094] In other words, the cross-sectional extension d2 (with respect to a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C) of the abutment portion 25 at a first end of the abutment portion 25 having the abutment profile 27 is greater than a second lateral extension (with respect to a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C) of the abutment portion 25 at a second end of the abutment portion 25 facing the first end of the abutment portion 25 and having the interface portion 28.

[0095] Preferably, the second cross-sectional extension is (substantially) equal to the (maximum) lateral extension d3 of the engagement portion 26. In particular, the lateral extension d3 is determined with respect to a transverse plane perpendicular to the central axis C.

[0096] In other words, the cross-sectional extension d2 is greater than the lateral extension d3.

[0097] Preferably, the cross-sectional extension d2 may define the maximum cross-sectional extension d2 of the abutment portion 25.

[0098] In particular, the cross-sectional extension d2 may be greater than the (maximum) lateral extension d1 of the main opening.

[0099] Furthermore, the abutment portion 25 may extend from the engagement portion 26 such that the interface portion 28 is radially closer to the longitudinal axis C than the abutment profile 27 .

[0100] In particular, the abutment portion 25 may contact the coupling portion 16 only at the interface portion 28 .

[0101] Preferably, the wall thickness of the engagement portion 26 may be (substantially) equal to (or (slightly) greater than) the wall thickness of the abutment portion 25 .

[0102] Furthermore, the wall thickness of the end and / or tip portion 21 of the sleeve 17 may be (substantially) equal to (or (slightly) greater than) the wall thickness of the abutment portion 25. In other words, the sleeve 17 may have a single wall thickness.

[0103] During use, when inserting the drinking straw 3, in particular at least the sleeve 17 and the connecting portion 16, into the package body 2 and / or through the main opening (i.e. moving the drinking straw 3 along the direction D1), the consumer must exert a force sufficient to overcome the resistance provided by the abutment portion 25 which must pass through the main opening. In particular, the passage of the sleeve 17 as a whole is facilitated by the frusto-conical shape of the abutment portion 25.

[0104] Next, when the drinking straw 3, and in particular the sleeve 17, moves out of the package body 2 (i.e. along the direction D2), at some point the abutment portion 25 abuts against the inner surface of the package body 2. In particular, the abutment portion 25 cannot get out of the package body 2 through the main opening.

[0105] The advantages of the drinking straw 3 and / or package 1 according to the present invention will be apparent from the above description.

[0106] In particular, by having the sleeve 17, the drinking straw 3 cannot be thrown away separately from the package body 2 after use.

[0107] Furthermore, the drinking straw 3 can be easily and quickly manufactured, since the abutment portion 25 of the sleeve 17 can be easily and quickly formed.

[0108] However, modifications may be made to the drinking straw 3 and / or the package 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drinking straw (3) for a package (1) filled with a pourable food product, said drinking straw (3) being configured to be at least partially inserted into a package body (2) of said package (1), said drinking straw (3) comprising: a tubular body (15) including a connecting portion (16) extending along a central axis (B); a sleeve (17) attached to at least said connecting portion (16) of said tubular body (15) and surrounding it; and said sleeve (17) including a contact portion (25) configured to contact an inner surface of said package body (2) during movement of said drinking straw (3) from said package body (2) so as to prevent and / or block removal and / or separation of said drinking straw (3) from said package body (2) after partial insertion of said drinking straw (3) into said package body (2); said contact portion (25) having a frustoconical shape; drinking straw (3).

2. said sleeve (17) comprising a tip portion (21) having an inlet opening (13) configured to allow a pourable food product to be introduced into said drinking straw (3); The drinking straw according to claim 1.

3. said tubular body (15) having a first end portion (18) with an outlet opening (14) configured to allow outflow of a pourable food product from said drinking straw (3), and a second end portion opposite said first end portion, said second end portion being interposed between said contact portion (25) and said inlet opening (13); The drinking straw according to claim 2.

4. said connecting portion (16) being spaced from said inlet opening (13); The drinking straw according to claim 2.

5. The sleeve (17) is fitted to the connecting part (16) and includes an engaging part (26) surrounding the connecting part (16). The drinking straw according to claim 1.

6. The abutting part (25) includes an abutting profile (27) configured to abut against the inner surface of the package body (2). The abutting part (25) is connected to the engaging part (26). The abutting part (25) tapers from the abutting profile (27) toward the engaging part (26). The drinking straw according to claim 5.

7. The sleeve (17) includes an end part (21) having an inlet opening (13) configured to allow introduction of a foodstuff that can be poured into the drinking straw (3). The engaging part (26) is interposed between the abutting part (25) and the end part (21). The drinking straw according to claim 5.

8. The end part (17) extends from the engaging part (26), does not contact the connecting part (16), and / or is not fitted to the connecting part (16). The drinking straw according to claim 5.

9. The engaging part (26) has a lateral extension (d3) smaller than a cross-sectional extension (d2) of the abutting part (25). The drinking straw according to claim 5.

10. The wall thickness of the engaging part (26) is substantially equal to the wall thickness of the abutting part (25). The drinking straw according to claim 5.

11. The abutting part (25) is obtained by inserting a frustum-shaped tool having a heated frustum-shaped part into a tubular precursor. The frustoconical portion is configured to form and define the contact portion (25). The beverage straw according to claim 1.

12. A package (1) comprising a package body (2) filled with a pourable food and the beverage straw (3) according to claim 1.

13. The package body (2) has a main opening that allows the introduction of the beverage straw (3) into the package body (2). The contact portion (25) is configured to contact an inner surface portion located on a rim defining the main opening. The package according to claim 12.

14. The maximum cross-sectional extension (d2) of the contact portion (25) is larger than the maximum lateral extension (d1) of the main opening. The package according to claim 13.

15. The package body (2) has a penetrable separation membrane that covers the main opening. The sleeve (17) is configured to allow a pourable food to be introduced into the beverage straw (3) and has an end portion (17) having an inlet opening (13) configured to penetrate the separation membrane during insertion of the beverage straw (3) into the package body (2). The package according to claim 13.

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