Beverage straw structure, sealing device for forming a beverage straw structure, method for forming a beverage straw structure, and liquid food package

Abstract

A drinking straw structure (100) is disclosed. The drinking straw structure (200) includes a U-shaped drinking straw (220) having a first portion (221), a second portion (222), and a bent portion (223), the first and second portions (221, 222) being connected via the bent portion (223), and a drinking straw bag (240) surrounding the U-shaped drinking straw (220), and the first and second portions (221, 222) of the U-shaped drinking straw (220) are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the drinking straw structure (200). (LA) extends substantially parallel to the beverage straw bag (240), the beverage straw bag (240) comprising a primary seal (241) disposed along the circumference of the beverage straw bag (240) thereby forming a first non-sealed area (242) of the beverage straw bag (240), and a longitudinal seal (243) extending from the primary seal (241) at a first edge (247) of the beverage straw bag (240) along a longitudinal seal length (LSL) in a longitudinal direction (LD) of the beverage straw structure (200).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a drinking straw structure. More specifically, the present invention relates to a drinking straw structure comprising a drinking straw and a drinking straw pouch. The present invention also relates to a sealing device for forming the drinking straw structure. The present invention also relates to a method for forming the drinking straw structure. The present invention also relates to a liquid food package comprising the drinking straw structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Liquid food packages containing a drinkable food product and having a drinking straw attached to the exterior of the liquid food package are well known in the art. The straw is usually enclosed in a secondary packaging that is glued to the liquid food package. To use the straw, the secondary packaging must be torn and the straw must be removed, preferably pushed out of the secondary packaging.

[0003] Although liquid food packages with straws have been popular with consumers for decades, there is room for improvement. For example, a challenge with current liquid food packages with straws is that the auxiliary packaging with straws easily detaches from the liquid food package, and there is a risk of losing the auxiliary packaging with straws before using the straw or when removing the straw from the auxiliary packaging. In particular, if the auxiliary packaging is made of synthetic materials such as plastic film, the auxiliary packaging may be discarded as waste in the environment. A further challenge is that, especially when the drinking straw is a U-shaped drinking straw, a large force is generated on the auxiliary packaging when the drinking straw is pushed out of the auxiliary packaging, which may cause the auxiliary packaging to be unintentionally detached from the liquid food package. Yet another challenge is that, especially when the drinking straw is a U-shaped drinking straw, the drinking straw may be squeezed and / or broken when the drinking straw is pushed out of the auxiliary packaging. For example, this is caused by guiding the two distal ends of the U-shaped straw to the same exit point packaged with the same narrow exit channel and sealed area.

[0004] For these reasons, there is a need for a drinking straw and auxiliary packaging that allows the drinking straw and the auxiliary packaging to be separated with reduced risk of losing the auxiliary packaging, and that allows the drinking straw to be pushed out of the auxiliary packaging with reduced risk of damaging the drinking straw. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a separable drinking straw structure comprising a drinking straw in the form of a drinking straw pouch and an auxiliary package without or at least with reduced risk of losing the drinking straw pouch from the liquid food package.

[0006] Another object is to provide a straw structure that allows the straw to be pushed out of the straw bag without, or at least with a reduced risk of, damaging the straw.

[0007] Another object is to provide a straw structure that is environmentally friendly.

[0008] Another object is to provide a drinking straw structure that is cost effective. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect, a drinking straw structure for a liquid food package holding a beverage is provided, the drinking straw structure comprising a U-shaped drinking straw having a first portion, a second portion and a folded portion, the first portion and the second portion being connected via the folded portion, and a drinking straw bag surrounding the U-shaped drinking straw, the first portion and the second portion of the U-shaped drinking straw extending substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis of the drinking straw structure, the drinking straw bag comprising a main seal disposed along a circumference of the drinking straw bag, thereby forming a first non-sealed area of ​​the drinking straw bag, and a longitudinal seal extending longitudinally of the drinking straw structure from the main seal along a longitudinal seal length (LSL) at a first end of the drinking straw bag.

[0010] In this specification, the U-shaped drinking straw is also referred to as a straw. Also, in this specification, the drinking straw bag is also referred to as a bag. The straw is preferably used to easily drink the beverage held in the liquid food package.

[0011] The beverage straw structure may be referred to as a beverage straw assembly, a beverage straw unit, a beverage straw configuration, etc. It should therefore be understood that the beverage straw structure comprises a straw and a bag, which together form a single unit, and this single unit is attached to the outer surface of the liquid food package. The straw structure is preferably glued to the outer surface of the liquid food package.

[0012] The folded portion of the straw may be formed as a corrugation and / or an elastic portion. This may allow the length of the folded portion, and therefore the length of the straw, to be adjusted. When the straw is placed in a bag, the folded portion is preferably U-shaped. The straw is preferably placed in a first non-sealed area formed by a main seal arranged along the circumference of the bag. The non-sealed area may be formed as a cavity in which the straw is placed. In this context, the term "first and second portions of the straw are substantially parallel" should be interpreted as portions having a main component along the longitudinal axis of the drinking straw structure such that the portions are arranged substantially parallel.

[0013] The bag may be formed by two films sealed together by a main seal and a longitudinal seal, thereby forming a non-sealed area in which the straw is placed. Preferably, the bag is substantially rectangular and also forms a first non-sealed area. However, it should be noted that other shapes may also be used. The longitudinal seal is configured to seal the two films along the longitudinal seal. Preferably, the main seal and the longitudinal seal are sealed by heat sealing. Other sealing techniques such as ultrasonic welding may be advantageously used.

[0014] The longitudinal seal is preferably arranged to extend inside the first non-sealed area with a portion of the first non-sealed area on either side of the longitudinal seal. The longitudinal seal is preferably arranged in the center of the bag when viewed along the transverse direction such that when the straw is pushed out of the bag, the first and second portions are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal seal. By orienting the first and second portions on opposite sides of the longitudinal seal, the first and second portions are pushed out of the bag at different positions along the first edge of the bag. This causes the force applied to the bag when the straw is pushed out of the bag to be divided along the first edge of the bag. Thus, the force is divided along the main seal of the first edge of the bag. This is advantageous in that when the beverage straw structure is bonded to the liquid food package, the straw can be pushed out of the bag in a simple and efficient manner with reduced risk of the bag being lost from the liquid food package before, during and after the straw is pushed out of the bag. This has the further advantage that the bag can be evacuated together with the liquid food package with reduced risk of the bag being lost which may end up in the environment, particularly if the bag is made from a synthetic material such as plastic film. Thus, the drinking straw structure has the advantage that it can reduce the risk of littering.

[0015] Also, by locating the first and second parts of the straw on opposite sides of the longitudinal seal, the straw can be pushed out of the bag, reducing the risk of damaging the straw as it is pushed out of the bag due to both parts of the straw being directed to the same side of the longitudinal seal, i.e. the same exit route and exit point as in the prior art. Furthermore, by reducing the force applied to the seal, the bag can be held in the liquid food package in a simpler manner.

[0016] A longitudinal seal has the further advantage of keeping the straw in a desired position as it is pushed out of the bag, so the position of the straw as it is pushed out of the bag can be controlled in a simple and efficient way by the longitudinal seal.

[0017] Therefore, the drinking straw structure provides an improved drinking straw structure compared to conventional drinking straw structures.

[0018] The first portion of the U-shaped drinking straw may be longer than the second portion of the U-shaped drinking straw such that a distal end of the first portion is positioned farther from the bend than a distal end of the second portion, such that the distal end of the first portion can contact and tear the primary seal earlier than the distal end of the second portion, thereby separating the force required to tear the primary seal from the force required to remove the straw from the bag, facilitating removal of the straw from the bag without causing the bag to peel from the liquid food package.

[0019] The first portion of the straw is preferably inserted into the liquid food package prior to drinking the liquid food held therein. The distal end of the first portion may be a cut tip. The cut tip may be cut and shaped to have a sharp edge. The cut tip may tear a weakened area of ​​the liquid food package and break the liquid food packaging material. The weakened area is typically a hole laminated with a thin layer of a barrier material such as a polymer or aluminum. The cut tip may be obtained by cutting one end of the straw along an imaginary line angled with respect to the longitudinal axis, thereby forming a tip angle.

[0020] The distal end of the second portion may be a suction tip that allows a consumer to drink the beverage contained in the liquid food package.

[0021] The longitudinal seal may have a longitudinal seal width, viewed along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, of 1 to 3 mm, which has the advantage of allowing for a robust and stable seal that is easy to open.

[0022] The longitudinal seal may have a longitudinal seal length, viewed along the longitudinal axis, of 10-100 mm, which has the advantage of allowing for a robust and stable seal that is easy to open.

[0023] The length of the longitudinal seal may be less than the distance between the distal ends of the first and second parts of the U-shaped drinking straw along the longitudinal axis, which has the advantage of allowing the distal end of the first part of the straw to break or penetrate part of the main seal of the bag without being affected by the longitudinal seal, for example by avoiding contact of the longitudinal seal with the fold and / or the second part.

[0024] The beverage straw bag may further include a transverse seal at a second edge of the beverage straw bag extending from the main seal transversely of the beverage straw structure.

[0025] This is advantageous in that the straw can be easily pushed out of the bag and can provide a lower force compared to conventional solutions. By having both a lateral seal and a longitudinal seal, the force exerted on the bag when pushing the straw out of the bag is divided between the different seals of the bag, i.e. the main seal and the lateral seal.

[0026] Preferably, as the straw is pushed out of the bag, the distal end of the first portion of the straw breaks a portion of the primary seal at the first edge of the bag and the distal end of the second portion breaks a portion of the lateral seal. The distal end of the second portion then breaks a further portion of the primary seal at the first edge. The further portion of the primary seal is different from the portion of the primary seal through which the distal end of the first portion of the straw is pushed out.

[0027] The transverse seal may have a transverse seal width, viewed along the longitudinal axis, of 1-3 mm, which is advantageous in that it allows for a robust and stable seal that is easy to open.

[0028] The transverse seal may have a transverse seal length, as viewed along the transverse axis, of 5 to 30 mm, which is advantageous in that it allows for a robust and stable seal that is easy to open.

[0029] The transverse seal may extend to the longitudinal seal. Preferably, the transverse seal extends to the longitudinal seal such that the transverse seal and the longitudinal seal are disposed end-to-end with respect to one another. It should be noted that the transverse seal may also extend to other portions of the longitudinal seal such that the ends of the transverse seal contact the longitudinal seal end-to-end or in a manner other than end-to-end. It should also be noted that the longitudinal seal may extend to any portion of the transverse seal such that the ends of the transverse seal contact the transverse seal in a manner other than end-to-end or end-to-end.

[0030] On the other hand, in case of end-to-end contact, the transverse seal may laterally support the longitudinal seal against forces that may be applied to the longitudinal seal by the first portion of the straw, for example during transport.

[0031] The portion of the main seal at the first edge of the drinking straw bag, the portion of the main seal at the second edge of the drinking straw bag, the longitudinal seal and the lateral seal may form a second non-sealed area separate from the first non-sealed area. Preferably, the second non-sealed area is substantially quadrilateral, e.g. rectangular. A quadrilateral second non-sealed area, preferably with right-angled edges, provides the advantage that the lateral seal laterally supports the longitudinal seal against forces that may be exerted on the longitudinal seal by the first part of the straw, e.g. during transport. However, it should be noted that other shapes may also be used.

[0032] The U-shaped drinking straw may be made of paper-based material or synthetic-based material. Preferably, the straw is made of paper-based material. Paper-based material is environmentally friendly and can be recycled in a simple manner. The aforementioned advantages may be more pronounced for paper-based straws, since paper-based materials are relatively weaker than synthetic-based materials. The straw may be made of other materials.

[0033] The beverage straw pouch may be made of a paper-based material or a synthetic-based material. Preferably, the pouch is made of a synthetic material, such as a plastic material. The synthetic material is desirably robust enough not to break during distribution. The synthetic material is suitable for use with a sealing device configured to form a seal for the pouch. The synthetic-based material may form a robust pouch for the straw that is easy to open.

[0034] According to a second aspect, there is provided a sealing device for forming a beverage straw structure according to the first aspect, the sealing device comprising a sealing roller and an abutment device, the sealing device configured to receive a U-shaped beverage straw disposed between a first film and a second film, the first and second films being configured to form a beverage straw pouch, the U-shaped beverage straw being configured to be disposed such that a first portion and a second portion of the U-shaped beverage straw extend substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis of the beverage straw pouch, the sealing device configured to seal the first film to the second film and provide a primary seal extending along a circumference of the beverage straw pouch, and provide a longitudinal seal extending from the primary seal at a first end of the beverage straw pouch to a longitudinal direction of the beverage straw structure by compressing the sealing roller towards the abutment device to seal the first film to the second film and form the beverage straw structure.

[0035] The sealing device may be further configured to seal the first film to the second film and provide a transverse seal extending from the primary seal at the second end of the drinking straw pouch transversely of the drinking straw structure to form the drinking straw structure. Thus, any of the following embodiments are also suitable for a transverse seal.

[0036] Preferably, the sealing roller is a heated sealing roller and the sealing may be performed by heat sealing. Preferably, the abutment device is a cooled abutment device. The abutment device is configured to apply a sealing pressure towards the bag together with the sealing roller. The abutment device may advantageously be made of a flexible or resilient material such as rubber, an elastomeric material, etc.

[0037] This is advantageous in that it enables the sealing arrangement to form a primary seal and a longitudinal seal, as described above.

[0038] The sealing roller may have a seal shape or pattern. The sealing shape may include ridges configured to easily and efficiently form the primary seal and the longitudinal seal. The sealing shape may further include ridges configured to form the transverse seal in an easy and efficient manner. The sealing roller may further include a cavity for forming the first non-sealed area, as described above. When forming a straw structure for a beverage, the straw is preferably placed in the cavity of the sealing roller, with a first film from the bag below the straw and a second film above the straw. The sealing roller may be formed by attaching ridges to the outer surface of the sealing roller, thereby forming the ridges of the sealing roller and forming cavities between the ridges. The sealing roller may be formed by removing material from the outer surface of the sealing roller, thereby forming the cavities. This places the ridges on the sealing roller where no material has been removed.

[0039] The sealing rollers and abutment device may be retrofit components configured for installation onto a conventional sealing device.

[0040] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of forming a beverage straw structure according to the first aspect, the method comprising: placing a U-shaped beverage straw between a first film and a second film, the first and second films configured to form a beverage straw pouch, the U-shaped beverage straw being arranged such that a first portion and a second portion of the U-shaped beverage straw extend substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis of the beverage straw pouch, sealing the first film to the second film to provide a primary seal extending along a circumference of the beverage straw pouch and sealing the first film to the second film to provide a longitudinal seal extending from the primary seal at a first end of the beverage straw pouch along the length of the beverage straw structure.

[0041] The method may further comprise providing a lateral seal, sealing the first film to the second film, extending laterally of the beverage straw structure from the main seal at a second end of the beverage straw bag.

[0042] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a liquid food package for holding a liquid food, the liquid food package comprising a body for holding a liquid food and a beverage straw structure (200) according to the first aspect attached to an outer surface of the body.

[0043] The advantages and features of the second and third aspects are generally similar to those described above in relation to the first aspect.

[0044] Further objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings.

[0045] 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]

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid food package comprising a beverage straw structure. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 shows the structure of a drinking straw. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows the arrangement of drinking straw structures. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sealing device for forming a drinking straw structure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a sealing roller and an abutment device included in the sealing device shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1 is a flow chart illustrating steps in a method of forming a drinking straw structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Referring to Fig. 1, a liquid food package 100 is illustrated. The liquid food package 100 is for holding a drinkable food or liquid food. The liquid food package 100 is formed as a rectangular bottle formed by a carton-based body 102. The carton-based body 102 is preferably made of a carton-based laminate. It should be noted that the liquid food package 100 can be formed from any suitable material and in any suitable manner, as long as it is configured to hold a drinkable food, preferably in an easy and safe manner.

[0048] The liquid food package 100 further comprises a beverage straw structure 200, which is further shown and described in relation to Figures 2 and 3. The beverage straw structure 200 is attached to the outer surface 104 of the body 102. Preferably, the beverage straw structure 200 is glued to the outer surface 104 of the body 102. The beverage straw structure 200 may be affixed to the outer surface 104 of the body 102.

[0049] The liquid food package 100 further comprises a weakened area 106. The weakened area 106 is located on the top surface 108 of the body 102, or in another suitable location as known in the art. The weakened area 106 is typically a hole laminated with a thin layer of material, such as a polymer and aluminum or other barrier material.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a drinking straw structure 200 as introduced in Figure 1. The drinking straw structure 200 includes a U-shaped drinking straw 220 (also referred to herein as straw 220) and a drinking straw bag 240 (also referred to herein as bag 240).

[0051] The straw 220 includes a first portion 221, a second portion 222, and a folded portion 223. The first portion 221 and the second portion 222 are connected via the folded portion 223. The straw 220 is preferably a unit in which the first portion 221, the second portion 222, and the folded portion 223 are integrally formed. The dotted lines between the first portion 221 and the folded portion 223 and between the second portion 222 and the folded portion 223 are for illustration purposes. The first portion 221 has a first length L1 in the longitudinal direction LD. The second portion 222 has a second length L2 in the longitudinal direction LD. The second length L2 is shorter than the first length L1, and therefore the first portion 221 is longer than the second portion 222 on the longitudinal axis LA.

[0052] The first portion 221 comprises a distal end 221a. In this context, the distal end should be seen as the distal end of the first portion 221 relative to the bend 223. The distal end 221a of the first portion 221 may be a cut tip. The cut tip is cut and formed to have a sharp edge. The cut tip can tear the weakened area 106 of the liquid food package 100 and break the liquid food packaging material. The cut tip may be obtained by cutting one end of the straw 220 along an imaginary line that is angled compared to the longitudinal axis LA, thereby forming a tip angle.

[0053] The second portion 222 comprises a distal end 222a. In this context, the distal end 222a should be seen as the distal end of the second portion 222 relative to the bend 223. The distal end 222a of the second portion 222 may be a suction tip configured for a consumer to drink the drinkable food held in the liquid food package 100. Since the first portion 221 is longer than the second portion 222, the distal end 221a of the first portion 221 is disposed further from the bend 223 than the distal end 222a of the second portion 222. Thereby, the distal end 221a of the first portion 221 and the distal end 222a of the second portion 222 are disposed at a distance D from each other along the longitudinal axis LA.

[0054] Although not shown, the folds 223 may be corrugated sections having an adjustable length.

[0055] The straw 220 is surrounded by a bag 240. The straw 220 is disposed inside the bag 240 such that the first portion 221 and the second portion 222 are disposed parallel along the longitudinal axis LA of the drinking straw structure 200. Although the warp 240 is illustrated as being rectangular in shape, the bag 240 may have any suitable shape. The bag 240 is preferably formed by a first film 401 and a second film 402 (shown in FIG. 4). The straw 220 is disposed between the first film 401 and the second film 402.

[0056] The bag 240 comprises a primary seal 241. The primary seal 241 is disposed along the circumference of the bag 240. The primary seal 241 forms a first non-sealed area 242. In other words, the non-sealed area 242 is surrounded by the primary seal 241.

[0057] The bag 240 further comprises a longitudinal seal 243. The longitudinal seal 243 extends from the primary seal at a first edge 247 of the bag 240 in the longitudinal direction LD of the drinking straw structure 200. The longitudinal seal 243 is disposed parallel to the first portion 221 of the straw 220. The longitudinal seal 243 has a longitudinal seal width LSW of 2 mm along a transverse axis TA, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. Other longitudinal seal widths, for example, a longitudinal seal width of 1 to 3 mm, may be advantageously used. The longitudinal seal 243 has a longitudinal seal length of 60 mm along the longitudinal axis LA. Other longitudinal seal lengths, for example, a longitudinal seal length of 10 to 100 mm, may be advantageously used.

[0058] The bag 240 further comprises a transverse seal 245. The transverse seal 245 extends in the transverse direction TD of the drinking straw structure 200 from the main seal 241 at the second edge 248 of the bag 240 to the longitudinal seal 243. The longitudinal seal 243 and the transverse seal 245 are disposed end-to-end with each other. The transverse seal 245 has a transverse seal width TSW of 2 mm along the longitudinal axis LA. Other transverse seal widths, for example, transverse seal widths of 1 to 3 mm, may be advantageously used. The transverse seal 245 has a transverse seal length of 15 mm along the transverse axis TA. Other transverse seal lengths, for example, transverse seal lengths of 5 to 30 mm, may be advantageously used.

[0059] 2 further shows that a portion of the primary seal 241 at a first edge 247 of the bag 240, a portion of the primary seal 241 at a second edge 248 of the bag 240, the longitudinal seal 243 and the transverse seal 245 form a second non-sealed area 246. The second non-sealed area 246 is separated from the first non-sealed area 242. The second non-sealed area 246 is disposed parallel to the first portion 221 of the straw 220 as viewed from the longitudinal axis LA of the drinking straw structure 200. The second non-sealed area 246 is disposed in line with the second portion 222 of the straw 220 as viewed from the longitudinal axis LA of the drinking straw structure 200. Thus, as the straw 220 is pushed out of the bag 240, the first portion 221 of the straw 220 breaks a portion of the primary seal at the first edge 247 of the bag 240, and the second portion 222 of the straw 220 breaks the transverse seal 245 of the bag 240, preferably at a different time, e.g., delayed in time. The second portion 222 is then moved into the second non-sealed area 246 before breaking a further portion of the primary seal 241 at the first edge 247 of the bag 240. The further portion of the primary seal 241 at the first end 247 is different from the portion of the primary seal 241 at the first end 247. Thus, the second end 222 breaks the primary seal 241 at a different location of the primary seal 241 at the first end 247 than the first portion 221.

[0060] The straw 220 may be made from a paper-based material or a synthetic-based material. The bag 240 may be made from a paper-based material or a synthetic-based material.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, an example configuration 300 of drinking straw structures 200 is illustrated. The illustrated configuration 300 includes eight drinking straw structures 200 arranged in two rows, each row including four drinking straw structures 200. The drinking straw structures 200 in each row are connected to each other. The drinking straw structures 200 in each row are also connected to each other. The configuration 300 includes three vertical perforated lines 302 and one horizontal perforated line 304. The perforation lines 302, 304 are disposed along at least a portion of the main seal 241 of each drinking straw structure 200. The perforation lines 302, 304 are preferably formed using a toothed knife or a toothed roller after the configuration 300 is formed.

[0062] In practice, multiple drinking straw structures 200 are preferably formed one after the other when forming the configuration 300 of the drinking straw structures 200. In other words, hundreds or thousands of drinking straw structures 200 may be connected one after the other in the configuration 300 of the drinking straw structures 200. Similarly, multiple drinking straw structures 200 may be connected side by side in the configuration 300 of the drinking straw structures 200. For example, 3, 6, 10, 12 or 20 drinking straw structures 200 may be connected side by side in the configuration 300 of the drinking straw structures 200.

[0063] Preferably, the beverage straw structure 200 is formed as a configuration 300 of beverage straw structures 200 that can be fed into a straw structure application machine for attachment to a liquid food package. As described above, a single beverage straw structure 200 is torn from the configuration 300 along perforation lines 302, 304 prior to attachment of the beverage straw structure 200 to the liquid food package 100.

[0064] Each drinking straw structure 200 of the arrangement 300 includes the features as described in relation to FIG.

[0065] It should be noted that the arrangement 300 may include any number of rows and any number of columns of the drinking straw structures 200.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 4, a sealing device 400 is illustrated. The sealing device 400 is for forming the drinking straw structures 200 as described above. As shown in Fig. 4, the sealing device 400 forms an array 300 of the drinking straw structures 200 as discussed in relation to Fig. 3.

[0067] The sealing device 400 comprises a sealing roller 410 and an abutment device 430, both of which are shown and described in more detail in relation to FIG. 5. The sealing device 400 further comprises an additional roller 450 and a straw feeder or applicator 470. As shown in FIG. 4, the abutment device 430 and the additional roller 450 are configured to rotate in opposite directions as illustrated by the arrows of the abutment device 430 and the roller 450, respectively, and the abutment device 430 and the roller 450 are separated by a first gap G1. The abutment device 430 and the sealing roller 410 are configured to rotate in opposite directions as further illustrated by the arrows of the abutment device 430 and the sealing roller 410, respectively. The surface area of ​​the sealing roller 310 and the surface area of ​​the abutment device 430 meet at a point P1.

[0068] The sealing device 400 is configured to receive the first film 401 through the abutment device 430 and the second film 402 through the additional roller 450. Due to the opposite rotational directions of the abutment device 430 and the further roller 450, the films 401, 402 move towards each other and towards the first gap G1 formed between the abutment device 430 and the additional roller 450. It should be noted that the abutment device 430 and the additional roller 450 are rotated at different rotational speeds such that the first film 401 and the second film 402 are fed towards the first gap G1 formed between the abutment device 430 and the additional roller 450 at corresponding or similar speeds. The straw feeding device 470 is configured to feed the straws 220 to the first film 401 before the films 401, 402 are moved towards each other and towards the first gap G1. When the sealing device 400 is forming the arrangement 300 of the drinking straw structure 200, the straw supply device 570 supplies the straws 220 to the first film 401 at predetermined intervals. Thus, as the films 401, 402 are moved towards each other, one or more straws 220 are positioned between the films 401, 402 configured to form the drinking straw pouch 240. The one or more straws 220 are positioned between the films 401, 402 at predetermined intervals.

[0069] Due to the opposite rotational directions of the abutment device 430 and the sealing roller 410, the films 401, 402 and the straw 220 disposed between them are moved towards point P1. At point P1, the sealing roller 410 is pressed towards the abutment device 430 so as to provide the respective seals 241, 243, 245. It is noted that the abutment device 430 and the sealing roller 410 are rotated at different rotational speeds so that the first film 401 and the second film 402 are fed towards point P1 at corresponding or similar speeds.

[0070] Thus, the sealing device 400 is configured to provide the primary seal 241, the longitudinal seal 243 and the transverse seal 245, thereby sealing the first film 401 to the second film 402, as described above. The sealing device 400 is configured to provide the respective seals 241, 243, 245 by pressing the sealing roller 410 towards the abutment device 430, thereby forming the beverage straw structure 200. The sealing roller 410 is pressed towards the abutment surface 430 at point P1.

[0071] The sealing roller 410 is a heated sealing roller. The abutment device 430 and the additional roller 450 are cooling devices.

[0072] Although not shown or described, it should be understood that the sealing device 400 may typically include components other than the sealing roller 410, the abutment device 430, the roller 450, and the straw supply device 470.

[0073] 5, the sealing roller 410 and the abutment device 430 introduced in relation to FIG. 4 are illustrated and described in further detail.

[0074] When the sealing roller 410 is pressed towards the abutment device 430, the sealing roller 410 and the abutment device 430 together create a sealing pressure such that the seals 241, 243, 245 are formed by heat sealing. The seals 241, 243, 245 are formed by the heated sealing roller 410. That is, the heated sealing roller 410 melts locally, thereby fusing the first film 401 and the second film 402 together. The sealing roller 410 and the abutment device 430 illustrated in FIG. 5 are configured to form two rows of beverage straw structures 200 in parallel.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 5, the abutment device 430 comprises a number of slots 430a, 430b. For simplicity, only two slots 430a, 430b are shown. However, it should be noted that the abutment device 430 will typically comprise as many slots 430a, 430b as necessary to form a complete circle forming a complete abutment device 430 as shown in Fig. 4. The slots are preferably rubber slots. Each slot 430a, 430b comprises two cavities 431. Each cavity 431 is configured to receive a straw 220 from the straw provider 470 before being moved towards the first gap G1. The straw 220 is placed on the first film 401 as described above.

[0076] The sealing roller 410 comprises a plurality of raised portions 441 configured to form a main seal 241 of each drinking straw structure 200. The sealing roller 410 further comprises a plurality of elevated portions 443 for forming a longitudinal seal 243 of each drinking straw structure 200. The sealing roller 410 further comprises a plurality of raised portions 445 for forming a transverse seal 245 of each drinking straw structure 200. The depicted raised portions 441, 443, 445 are integrally formed in the depicted sealing roller 410. However, the raised portions 441, 443 and 445 may be formed separately. The raised portions 441, 443 and 445 may be formed in separate parts. The raised portions 441, 443 and 445 may advantageously exhibit different shapes.

[0077] The sealing roller 410 comprises a plurality of first cavities 411 and a plurality of second cavities 412. The sealing roller 410 and the abutment device 430 are arranged such that at point P1, the cavities 431 of the abutment device 430 coincide with the first cavities 411 of the sealing roller 410, thereby forming the first non-sealed area 242 of the drinking straw structure 200 when the first and second films 401, 402 are sealed together. The second cavities 412 are for forming the second non-sealed area 246 of the drinking straw structure 200 when the first and second films 401, 402 are sealed together.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 6, a flow chart showing a method 600 for forming a drinking straw structure 200 is shown by way of example. The method 600 comprises a first step S602 in which a U-shaped drinking straw 220 is placed between a first film 401 and a second film 402, the films 401, 402 being configured to form a drinking straw pouch 240. The U-shaped drinking straw 220 is placed such that the first and second portions of the U-shaped drinking straw 220 extend substantially parallel along the longitudinal axis LA of the drinking straw pouch 240. Then, in a second step S604, a primary seal 241 and a longitudinal seal 243 are provided on the pouch 240, thereby sealing the first film 401 and the second film 402.

[0079] The primary seal 241 and the longitudinal seal 243 may be formed simultaneously or separately.

[0080] Optionally, a transverse seal 245 may be provided in the bag 240 to seal the first film 401 and the second film 402 together.

[0081] The primary seal 241, the longitudinal seal 243, and the transverse seal 245 may be formed simultaneously or separately.

[0082] Although shown and described in a certain order, other orders may be used.

[0083] From the foregoing description, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A drinking straw structure (200) for a liquid food package (100) for holding a drinkable food, said drinking straw structure (200) comprising: a U-shaped drinking straw (220) comprising a first portion (221), a second portion (222) and a bent portion (223), said first portion (221) and said second portion (222) being connected via said bent portion (223); a drinking straw bag (240) surrounding the U-shaped drinking straw (220), the first portion (221) and the second portion (222) of the U-shaped drinking straw (220) extending substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the drinking straw structure (200); The drinking straw bag (240) comprises: a primary seal (241) disposed along the circumference of the drinking straw pouch (240) and forming a first non-sealed area (242) of the drinking straw pouch (240); a longitudinal seal (243) extending from the main seal (241) at a first end (247) of the drinking straw bag (240) along a longitudinal seal length (LSL) in a longitudinal direction (LD) of the drinking straw structure (200); Equipped with A drinking straw structure (200).

2. the first portion (221) of the U-shaped drinking straw (220) is longer than the second portion (222) of the U-shaped drinking straw (220), and a distal end (221a) of the first portion (221) is positioned farther from the bent portion (223) than a distal end (222a) of the second portion (222); The drinking straw structure (200) of claim 1.

3. the longitudinal seal (243) has a longitudinal seal width (LSW) of 1 to 3 mm along a transverse axis (TA) that is transverse to the longitudinal axis (LA); The drinking straw structure (200) of claim 1.

4. the longitudinal seal (243) has a longitudinal seal length (LSL) along the longitudinal axis (LA) of 10 to 100 mm; The drinking straw structure (200) of claim 1.

5. the longitudinal seal length (LSL) is shorter than the distance (D) between the distal ends (221 a, 222 a) of the first portion (221) and the second portion (222) of the U-shaped drinking straw (220) along the longitudinal axis (LA); The drinking straw structure (200) of claim 1.

6. The drinking straw bag (240) further comprises a transverse seal (245) extending from the main seal (241) in a transverse direction (TD) of the drinking straw structure (200) at a second edge (248) of the drinking straw bag (240); The drinking straw structure (200) of claim 1.

7. the transverse seal (245) has a transverse seal width (TSW) along the longitudinal axis (LA) of 1 to 3 mm; The drinking straw structure (200) of claim 6.

8. the transverse seal (245) has a transverse seal length (TSL) along the transverse axis (TA) of 5 to 30 mm; 7. The drinking straw (200) of claim 6.

9. the transverse seal (245) extends to the longitudinal seal (243); The drinking straw structure (200) of claim 6.

10. a portion of the main seal (241) at the first edge (247) of the drinking straw pouch (240), a portion of the main seal (241) at the second edge (248) of the drinking straw pouch (240), the longitudinal seal (243), and the transverse seal (245) form a second non-sealed area (246) different from the first non-sealed area (242); 10. The drinking straw structure (200) of claim 9.

11. The U-shaped drinking straw (220) is made of a paper-based material or a synthetic-based material. The drinking straw structure (200) of claim 1.

12. The drinking straw bag (240) is made of a paper-based material or a synthetic-based material. The drinking straw structure (200) of claim 1.

13. A sealing device (400) for forming the drinking straw structure (200) according to claim 1, comprising: The sealing device (400) comprises a sealing roller (410) and an abutment device (430); The sealing device (400) receiving a U-shaped drinking straw (220) disposed between a first film (401) and a second film (402), said first and second films (401, 402) configured to form said drinking straw pouch (240), said U-shaped drinking straw (220) configured to be disposed such that a first portion (221) and a second portion (222) of said U-shaped drinking straw (220) extend substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis (LA) of said drinking straw pouch (240); configured to seal the first film (401) to the second film (402) and provide a primary seal (241) extending along the circumference of the drinking straw pouch (240) and a longitudinal seal (243) sealing the first film (401) to the second film (402); and configured to provide a longitudinal seal extending from the main seal (241) at the first end (247) of the drinking straw bag (240) in a longitudinal direction (LD) of the drinking straw structure (200) by compressing the sealing roller (410) against the abutment device (430) to form the drinking straw structure (200); A sealing device (400).

14. 10. A method (600) for forming a drinking straw structure (200) according to claim 1, comprising: The method (600) comprises: placing (S602) a U-shaped drinking straw (220) between a first film (401) and a second film (402), wherein the first film (401) and the second film (402) form a drinking straw pouch (240), and the U-shaped drinking straw (220) is positioned such that a first portion (221) and a second portion (222) of the U-shaped drinking straw (220) extend substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the drinking straw pouch (240); sealing the first film (401) to the second film (402) to provide a major seal (241) extending along the circumference of the drinking straw pouch (240); and sealing the first film (401) to the second film (402) to provide a longitudinal seal (243) extending from the major seal (241) in the longitudinal direction (LD) of the drinking straw structure (200) at a first end (247) of the drinking straw pouch (240) (S604); Prepare for this. Method (600).

15. A liquid food package (100) for holding a liquid food, said liquid food package (100) comprising: a body (102) for holding a liquid food product; a drinking straw structure (200) according to claim 1 attached to the outer surface (104) of the body (102); Equipped with Package (100).

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