Beverage straw, beverage straw forming device, beverage straw forming method, and liquid food package

Abstract

A drinking straw (200) is disclosed that comprises at least one elongated tubular body (202) including a pinched end (204) that defines opposing compressed edges (204a, 204b) of the elongated tubular body (202), the pinched end (204) being cut at an oblique angle to a longitudinal extension (LE) of the at least one elongated tubular body (202) and extending between the opposing compressed edges (204a, 204b), thereby defining a cut tip, an outermost tip (208) of the cut tip coinciding with one of the compressed edges (204a).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a drinking straw. More particularly, the present invention relates to a drinking straw comprising at least one elongated tubular body having a pinched end. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for forming the drinking straw. The present invention also relates to a method for forming the drinking straw. The present invention also relates to a liquid food package comprising the drinking straw. [Background technology]

[0002] Drinking straws used in liquid food packages containing beverage foods are well known in the art. Typically, the drinking straws are designed to be able to pierce the membrane of the packaging material of the liquid food package so that the beverage food can be drunk directly from the liquid food package using the drinking straw. The liquid food package typically exhibits a weakened area dedicated to inserting the drinking straw into the package. Such a weakened area typically comprises an opening covered with a membrane that is impermeable to liquids. The membrane is typically a packaging material and may have a laminated layer of plastic polymer, aluminum, or paper layers, or any combination of plastic polymer, aluminum, paper layers. The drinking straw needs to be able to pierce the membrane. Today, it is also well known to use drinking straws made of paper-based materials to manufacture environmentally friendly drinking straws.

[0003] Drinking straws for use in liquid food packaging have been used by customers for decades, but there is room for improvement. For example, a challenge with today's drinking straws made from paper-based materials is that they may not be able to penetrate the membrane of the package at hand. The straw may not penetrate the membrane at all, or it may penetrate but break at the same time.

[0004] For these reasons, there is a need for a drinking straw that is capable of piercing the membrane of the packaging material and reduces the risk of the straw breaking. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] 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.

[0006] Another object is to provide such a drinking straw which is capable of piercing the membrane of the packaging material without, or at least with a reduced risk of damaging the straw.

[0007] Another object is to provide a drinking straw which allows a dedicated membrane of a material different from the main packaging material of a liquid food package to be penetrated without, or at least with a reduced risk of, damaging the drinking straw.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an environmentally friendly straw.

[0009] Another object is to provide a drinking straw that is cost effective.

[0010] Another object is to provide an apparatus for forming such drinking straws.

[0011] Another object is to provide a method for forming such a drinking straw.

[0012] According to a first aspect, there is provided a drinking straw comprising at least one elongated tubular body including pinched ends defining opposed compressed edges of the elongated tubular body, the pinched ends being cut at an oblique angle to a longitudinal extension of the at least one elongated tubular body, thereby defining cut tips, an outermost tip of the cut tips coinciding with one of the compressed edges.

[0013] The drinking straw may have a plane of longitudinal symmetry. The opposing compressed edges may be located together on the plane of longitudinal symmetry. As a result, the outermost tips of the cut tips are also located on the plane of longitudinal symmetry. This further improves the strength of the compressed edges, the cut tips, especially the outermost tips for penetrating the membrane.

[0014] The drinking straw may be a straight drinking straw, a retractable drinking straw, a U-shaped drinking straw, a sensory drinking straw, a Z-shaped drinking straw, etc. Thus, it should be understood that the drinking straw may take any shape known in the art.

[0015] Pinched ends are also referred to as compressed ends, squeezed ends, clamped ends, etc. It should therefore be understood that the ends are pinched, compressed, squeezed or clamped, thereby causing plastic deformation of the elongated tubular body to form the pinched ends. The pinched ends may be pinched in a first direction, thereby forming pinched ends that define opposed compressed edges. Preferably, the first direction is transverse to the longitudinal extension of at least one elongated tubular body. The parts of the elongated tubular body that do not form the pinched ends, e.g. the non-pinched parts, are typically circular in shape. However, other shapes than circular may be advantageously used. That is, the drinking straw may exhibit a cross-sectional shape other than circular.

[0016] By having the outermost end of the cut tip coincide with one of the compressed edges, a sharper and harder cut tip is achieved. Furthermore, by having the outermost end of the cut tip coincide with one of the compressed edges, an increase in the sharpness and rigidity of the tip of the outermost end of the drinking straw, which is the part of the drinking straw for piercing the membrane of the packaging material, is achieved. There are at least two reasons for this. First, the pinched ends define opposing compressed edges, which increases the rigidity of each compressed edge acting as a reinforcing rib. Second, the fact that the drinking straw includes pinched ends that define opposing compressed edges results in a sharper tip being formed when the pinched ends are cut at an angle such that the outermost end of the cut tip coincides with one of the compressed edges.

[0017] By having an improved tip sharpness and rigidity, the drinking straw can pierce the membrane without or at least with reduced risk of damaging the drinking straw. The membrane can be made of a material different from the main material of the package. The membrane may be made of the same material as the package itself. The improved shape of the tip concentrates the penetration force and makes it more robust to user handling. The concentrated penetration force can provide a clearer opening and therefore an easier opening without or at least with reduced risk of damaging the drinking straw.

[0018] This is particularly advantageous when the membrane is made of a packaging material that does not contain aluminum as a gas and / or light barrier, such as a polymeric or paper-based material, e.g. a metallized polymeric film or a metallized paper-based layer. Polymeric and paper-based materials tend to be somewhat hard and therefore are not necessarily easy to penetrate. However, packaging materials made of aluminum, or a combination of aluminum with one or more other materials, are relatively easier to penetrate than membranes that do not contain aluminum, due to the somewhat brittle nature of aluminum.

[0019] Thus, the disclosed drinking straw provides an improved drinking straw compared to conventional drinking straws.

[0020] The clamped ends may be cut at an oblique angle of 30 to 70 degrees, preferably 40 to 60 degrees, and more preferably 50 degrees.

[0021] In this context, the pinched end is cut at an oblique angle transverse to the longitudinal extension of at least one elongated tubular body. The oblique angle as mentioned above is called the cutting angle. This is advantageous in that it allows the formation of a sharp cut tip that allows the drinking straw to penetrate the membrane in the desired manner. If the oblique angle or cutting angle is too small, the cut tip may not be sharp enough. If the oblique angle or cutting angle is too large, the cut tip may be sharp, but it will be less rigid and there will be a higher risk of damaging the drinking straw when penetrating the membrane. Thus, the cutting angle and the plastic deformation of the compressed edge may synergistically form an improved cut tip that allows the membrane to be penetrated in the desired manner.

[0022] The bend radius of the associated compressed edge at the outermost tip may be 2-5%, preferably 3.5%, of the diameter of the unclamped portion of the elongate tubular body.

[0023] The bend radius in this context refers to the outside radius of the outermost tip. The bend radius is formed by forming a pinched end with a given compression force. This has the advantage that a sharply cut tip can be formed so that the drinking straw can pierce the membrane in the desired manner.

[0024] The pinched ends may be increasingly compressed towards the outermost tip.

[0025] This is advantageous in that it allows the pinched end to be not oval, but to have other suitable shapes depending on the pinching method, for example, depending on the shape of the pinching tool. Typically, the pinched end can be generally diamond-shaped. When the pinched end is diamond-shaped, each of the compressed edges defines a respective fold line. The compressed edges may both be located on the longitudinal symmetry plane mentioned above. As a result, the outermost tip of the cut tip is also located on the longitudinal symmetry plane. Each fold line acts as a reinforcing rib and improves the strength of the compressed edges, the cut tips, especially the outermost tip for penetrating the membrane. Furthermore, as part of the diamond shape, the straw may have two further fold lines facing each other so as to be located on opposite sides of the longitudinal symmetry plane. The two fold lines also act as reinforcing ribs and increase the strength of the straw.

[0026] The pinched end is typically formed by plastic deformation of the drinking straw, and the pinched end remains after the compressive force is removed.

[0027] The pinched ends may also have an increasing degree of compression toward the outermost tip along the longitudinal direction. This is advantageous in that it allows the outermost tip to be sharpened to allow the drinking straw structure to penetrate the membrane. This is further advantageous in that it provides a smooth transition between the unpinched portion of the elongated tubular body and the pinched end. This may also help the drinking straw to smoothly penetrate (or slide) through the membrane into the package after it has been broken by the outermost tip.

[0028] The clamped end may have a longitudinal extension from the outermost tip, the length of which is 50-400%, preferably 150-300%, more preferably 250-300% of the diameter of the unclamped portion of the elongated tubular body.

[0029] This has the advantage that the outermost tip can be made stronger than if only the outermost tip were compressed, and the flow of liquid through the drinking straw is less affected than if the entire drinking straw were pinched.

[0030] The drinking straw may be made of a paper-based material. Preferably, the straw is made of a paper-based material, which is environmentally friendly and can be recycled in a simple manner. However, the straw may be made of other materials.

[0031] According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus for forming a drinking straw from an elongated tubular body, the apparatus comprising a mould configured to receive and clamp a portion of the elongated tubular body, the mould configured to clamp the portion while forming opposing compressed edges of the elongated tubular body, and a cutting blade configured to cut the portion at an oblique angle to a longitudinal extension of the elongated tubular body between the opposing compressed edges while forming at least one cut tip on the elongated tubular body portion, thereby forming a drinking straw, the drinking straw having at least one elongated tubular body body portion and a pinched end, the pinched end having a cut tip, an outermost tip of the cut tip coinciding with one of the compressed edges.

[0032] The drinking straw may have a plane of longitudinal symmetry. The opposing compressed edges may be formed on the plane of longitudinal symmetry, so that the outermost tips of the cut tips are also formed on the plane of longitudinal symmetry. This further improves the strength of the compressed edges and the cut tips, especially the outermost tips for penetrating the membrane.

[0033] This is advantageous in that the elongate tubular body can have any longitudinal extension, as long as the longitudinal extension is not shorter than the desired length of the drinking straw to form the drinking straw. Preferably, the tubular body may have a longitudinal extension substantially equal to the length of the drinking straw. The pinched and cut portions are preferably located at the ends of the elongate tubular body. This is advantageous in that as little material as possible can be cut from the elongate tubular body when forming the drinking straw. Thus, a small amount of waste material is provided.

[0034] This has the further advantage that drinking straws as described above can be formed simply and efficiently.

[0035] The straws may be cut using tools other than a die and cutting blade. The section may be pressed into a preformed groove and then cut. The section may be punched against a cutting blade. The straws may be cut using a cutting table with an angled knife or an angled knife.

[0036] The elongated tubular body may have a longitudinal extension equal to the length of two drinking straws, the mould may be configured to receive and pinch a central portion of the elongated tubular body, and the cutting blade may be configured to cut the central portion of the elongated tubular body, thereby forming two drinking straws, each drinking straw having at least one elongated tubular body portion and a pinched end, the pinched end having a cut tip, an outermost tip of the cut tip coinciding with one of the compressed edges.

[0037] The elongate tubular body may have a longitudinal extension substantially equal to the length of two drinking straws.

[0038] It should be noted that the above mentioned portions may coincide with the central portion.

[0039] This is advantageous in that two drinking straws can be formed at once, facilitating efficient manufacture of drinking straws with no or at least a reduced amount of material waste.

[0040] The die includes a plurality of lower die sections and an upper die section, each lower die section being arranged on the outer periphery of a roller and configured to feed the elongated tubular body to a clamping and cutting position as the roller rotates about its main axis, and the upper die section is configured to move laterally (in other words, in the radial direction of the roller) toward one of the plurality of lower die sections arranged at the clamping and cutting position, and as the upper die section is moved toward one of the plurality of lower die sections, the upper die section and the lower die section move laterally (in other words, in the radial direction of the roller) toward one of the plurality of lower die sections arranged at the clamping and cutting position to clamp a portion of the elongated tubular body.

[0041] The multiple mould sections are advantageous in that they can transport the elongated tubular body to the clamping and cutting position in an easy and efficient manner and are part of the clamping section. It should be noted that the multiple lower sections can be configured to transport the drinking straws from the clamping and cutting position. This is further advantageous in that the clamping step of the elongated tubular body can be performed easily and efficiently.

[0042] The upper die section is advantageous in that the cutting blades can be positioned so that an efficient clamping and cutting mechanism is achieved.

[0043] The combination of multiple lower and upper die sections is advantageous in that it allows for an efficient clamping mechanism for forming the clamped ends of the elongated tubular body.

[0044] The upper mold section and each of the plurality of lower mold sections may include a respective cutting blade receiving notch configured to receive a cutting blade during severing of the portion of the elongated tubular body.

[0045] This is advantageous in that it allows the cutting blades to cut the elongated tubular body portions without, or at least with reduced impact on, the upper and lower mold sections. In practice, each cutting blade receiving notch is configured to receive the cutting blade during cutting such that no physical contact occurs between the cutting blade and the mold. In this way, the cutting blades are not dulled by physical contact with the mold.

[0046] The cutting blade may be a rotating circular cutting blade, which is advantageous in that it allows for an easy and efficient cutting mechanism for cutting the elongated tubular body section. Furthermore, a rotating cutting blade allows for a smoother cut with reduced surface roughness compared to a stationary cutting blade.

[0047] Additionally, as part of the diamond shape, the straw may be formed with two additional creases facing each other, located on opposite sides of the longitudinal plane of symmetry, which also function as reinforcing ribs to improve the strength of the straw.

[0048] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of forming a drinking straw comprising pinching a portion of the elongated tubular body to form opposed compressed edges, and cutting the pinched portion between the opposed compressed edges at an oblique angle to the longitudinal extension of the elongated tubular body, thereby forming a drinking straw, the drinking straw having at least one elongated tubular body portion and a pinched end portion, the pinched end portion having a cut tip portion, an outermost tip portion of the cut tip portion coinciding with one of the compressed edges.

[0049] The drinking straw may have a plane of longitudinal symmetry. The opposing compressed edges may both be formed on the plane of longitudinal symmetry, so that the outermost tips of the cut tips are also formed on the plane of longitudinal symmetry. This further improves the strength of the compressed edges and the cut tips, especially the outermost tips for penetrating the membrane.

[0050] The step of cutting the pinched portion may comprise cutting the pinched portion at a central portion of the elongate tubular body, thereby forming two corresponding drinking straws, each drinking straw having at least one elongate tubular body portion and a pinched end, the pinched end having a cut tip, an outermost tip of the cut tip coinciding with one of the compressed edges.

[0051] The step of pinching a portion of the elongate tubular body may provide an increasing degree of compression towards the outermost tip.

[0052] Additionally, as part of the diamond shape, the straw may be formed with two additional opposing fold lines disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal plane of symmetry, which also function as reinforcing ribs to improve the strength of the straw.

[0053] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a liquid food package for holding liquid food, the liquid food package comprising a body for holding liquid food and a drinking straw according to any one of claims 1 to 6 attached to an outer surface of the body.

[0054] The effects, advantages and features of the second, third and fourth aspects are generally similar to those discussed above in relation to the first aspect, and therefore, in order to avoid undue repetition, the effects, advantages and features will not be repeated.

[0055] Further objects, features, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0056] 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]

[0057] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid food package with a drinking straw. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drinking straw. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b shows the pinched end of the drinking straw shown in FIG. 2a. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2c shows an apparatus for forming the drinking straws of FIGS. 2a and 2b. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification of the device shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows rollers that make up multiple lower die sections of the apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows a cross section of the upper section of the apparatus. [Figure 7a] 2a-2b depict the steps of forming the straw shown in FIG. [Figure 7b] 2a-2b depict the steps of forming the straw shown in FIG. [Figure 7c] 2a-2b depict the steps of forming the straw shown in FIG. [Figure 7d] 2a-2b depict the steps of forming the straw shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a flow chart showing steps of a method of forming a drinking straw. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] With reference to Fig. 1, a liquid food package 100 is illustrated. The liquid food package 100 is for containing a beverage food or liquid food. The liquid food package 100 is formed as a rectangular or cubic 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.

[0059] The liquid food package 100 further comprises a drinking straw 200, which is further shown and described in Figures 2a-2b. The drinking straw 200 is attached to the exterior surface 104 of the body 102. Although not shown, the drinking straw 200 may be wrapped in a secondary package, such as a drinking straw pouch, before being attached to the exterior surface 104 of the body 102.

[0060] 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. In the illustrated liquid food package 100, the weakened area 106 is a hole in the body 102, which is based on a thin material layer or a carton laminated with thin material layers. The laminated material or laminated materials are typically called a membrane. Examples of such membrane materials are polymers and aluminum or other barrier materials. In other words, a membrane of packaging material is formed in the weakened area 106.

[0061] Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, there is illustrated a drinking straw 200 as introduced in Figure 1. The drinking straw 200 is preferably formed from an elongated tubular body 400, which is further described in relation to Figures 3 to 7. The drinking straw is preferably made from a paper-based material.

[0062] The drinking straw 200 comprises an elongated tubular body 202. The elongated tubular body 202 has a longitudinal extension LE along a longitudinal axis LA. The elongated tubular body 202 comprises a pinched end 204 and an unpinched end portion 206. The pinched end 204 forms a cut tip. The pinched end 204 is pinched and cut to have a sharp tip. The pinched end 204 is cut at a cut angle α. The illustrated cut angle α is 50 degrees. Other cut angles such as cut angles between 30 and 70 degrees, preferably between 40 and 60 degrees, may be advantageously used. The cut tip can tear the weakened area 106 of the liquid food package 100 and break the membrane of the packaging material. The steps of pinching and cutting the pinched end 204 are described in more detail in relation to Figures 3-7. The un-pinched end 206 may be a suction tip through which a customer can drink the beverage food held in the liquid food package 100. The elongated tubular body portion 202 is preferably un-pinched between the pinched end 204 and the un-pinched end 206, thereby defining an un-pinched portion 210 of the elongated tubular body portion 202.

[0063] As best seen in FIG. 2b, the pinched end 204 defines compressed edges 204a, 204b. The compressed edges 204a, 204b are disposed opposite one another, thereby forming a diamond-shaped tip. An outermost tip 208 of the cut tip defined by the pinched end 204 coincides with one of the compressed edges 204a. The drinking straw 200 has a longitudinal plane of symmetry. The opposing compressed edges 204a, 204b are both disposed on the longitudinal plane of symmetry. As a result, the outermost tip 208 of the cut tip also lies on the longitudinal plane of symmetry. Additionally, as part of the diamond shape, the straw 200 is formed with two further opposing fold lines 205 disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal plane of symmetry. The two further fold lines 205 also act as reinforcing ribs, providing strength to the straw 200.

[0064] When the pinched end 204 assumes a diamond shape, each of the compressed edges defines a respective fold line. Each fold line acts as a reinforcing rib, enhancing the strength of the pinched end, the cut tips, and especially the outermost tip 208 for penetrating the membrane. The outermost tip 208 has a bend radius BR that is 3.5% of the diameter D of the unpinched portion 210 of the elongated tubular body 202. Other bend radii may be advantageously used, such as a bend radius of 2-5% of the diameter D of the unpinched portion 210 of the elongated tubular body 202. The diameter D of the unpinched portion 210 of the elongated tubular body 202 may be 4.4-4.8 mm. However, other diameters may be advantageously used.

[0065] The clamped end 204 has a longitudinal extension PE that is twice the diameter D of the unclamped portion 210 of the elongated tubular body 202. Other longitudinal extensions may be advantageously used, such as a longitudinal extension LE that is 50-400%, preferably 150-300%, more preferably 250-300% of the diameter D of the unclamped portion 210 of the elongated tubular body 202. In particular, with a longitudinal extension from the outermost tip of 12 mm and a diameter of the unclamped portion of the elongated tubular body of 4.5 mm, this may be about 266%.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 3, an apparatus 300 for forming two drinking straws 200 is illustrated. The apparatus 300 comprises a mould 310 and a cutting blade 330. The mould 310 is configured to receive and clamp a central portion CP of an elongated tubular body 400. The cutting blade 330 is configured to cut the central portion CP of the elongated tubular body 400, thereby forming two similar drinking straws 200. Each drinking straw 200 is similar to the drinking straw 200 shown and described in relation to Figs. 2a and 2b and comprises the same features. The elongated tubular body (400) has a longitudinal extension (LE1) as viewed along a main axis A.

[0067] The mold 310 includes a plurality of lower mold sections 311 and an upper mold section 321 .

[0068] Each lower die section 311 is disposed on the outer circumference of a roller 312. Preferably, the rollers 312 are rotatable in stages about a main axis A. When the rollers 312 rotate about the main axis A, each of the lower die sections 311 is configured to convey the elongated tubular body 400 toward the clamping and cutting position PCP. Thus, each lower die section 312 moves toward the clamping and cutting position PCP by the rotation of the rollers 312 about the main axis A. It should be noted that only one lower die section 311 is disposed at the clamping and cutting position PCP at a time.

[0069] The upper mold section 321 is disposed above the clamping and cutting position PCP. The upper mold section 321 is movable in a lateral direction T perpendicular to the main axis A toward the lower mold section 311 disposed at the clamping and cutting position PCP. The upper mold section 321 is movable in a direction T' opposite to the lateral direction T, thereby moving away from the lower mold section 311 positioned at the clamping and cutting position PCP.

[0070] The cutting blade 330 is disposed above the upper die section 321 when viewed from a direction T' opposite to the lateral direction T, and the cutting blade 330 is movable toward the elongated tubular body 302 in the lateral direction T to cut the central portion CP of the elongated tubular body 302 located at the clamping-cutting position PCP. The cutting blade 330 is movable in a direction T' opposite to the lateral direction T to thereby move away from the elongated tubular body 400 located at the clamping-cutting position PCP.

[0071] The upper die section 321 and the cutting blade 330 are moved in a lateral direction T and a direction T′ opposite to the lateral direction T by a motor unit 340 .

[0072] The clamping and severing of elongate tubular body 400 is shown and described in further detail in connection with FIGS.

[0073] The apparatus 300 further comprises two support rollers 302 configured to support the elongated tubular body 400. The support rollers 302 have a number of supports 301 configured to hold further portions of the elongated tubular body 400. Preferably, the number of supports 301 is equal to the number of lower mould sections 311. In the illustrated example, the rollers 312 comprise eight lower mould sections 311 and the support rollers 302 comprise eight supports 301. The support rollers 302 are rotatable about the main axis A such that each support 301 is movable about the main axis A, and the support rollers 302 are movable at the same angular velocity as the rollers 312.

[0074] It should be noted that the apparatus 300 may typically include other components not depicted or discussed in connection with these figures. The apparatus 300 may form part of a processing line.

[0075] Referring to Figure 4, a variation of the apparatus 300 of Figure 3 is illustrated for forming one drinking straw 200 at a time. The variation of the apparatus 300 is similar to and includes the same features as the apparatus 300 described in connection with Figure 3, except that the variation of the apparatus 300 depicted in Figure 4 includes one support roller 302 instead of two support rollers 302.

[0076] A variation of the device 300 is configured to pinch and cut a portion P of the elongated tubular body 400, thereby forming a drinking straw 200 as shown in Figures 2a and 2b. The portion P is typically an end portion, rather than a central portion CP. When cutting the portion P, a small piece of waste material 402 having a generally triangular shape is removed from the elongated tubular body 400 such that a sharp, angled pinched end 204 is formed.

[0077] 5, the rollers 312 and the lower die sections 311 are shown in greater detail. Here, the cutting blade receiving notches 502 of each lower die section 311 are shown in greater detail. The cutting blade receiving notches 502 have an angle similar to the cutting angle α of the pinched end 204 as shown in FIG.

[0078] It has been noted above that the pinched end 204 is compressed to an increasing degree toward the outermost tip 208. This is illustrated by the shapes S1-S2 and S1'-S2' formed in dashed lines in one of the lower mold sections 311. The shapes S2 and S2' have a smaller curvature than the shapes S1 and S1'. Thus, when the elongated tubular body 400 of the drinking straw 200 is compressed by a mold including the lower mold section 311 and the corresponding upper mold section 321, the degree of compression increases toward the cutting blade receiving notch 502. In other words, the degree of compression of the elongated tubular body 400 decreases toward the location where the outermost tip 408 is formed.

[0079] In addition to the above, the roller 312 includes eight receiving portions 504 configured to receive the protrusions 604 of the upper mold section 321 when the upper mold section 321 is moved towards the lower mold section 311, as shown in Figures 7b and 7c.

[0080] 6, the upper mold section 321 is shown in further detail, where the cutting blade receiving notch 602 is shown in further detail. It should be appreciated that the cutting blade receiving notch 602 of the upper mold section 321 is configured to mate with the cutting blade receiving notch 502 of the lower mold section 311 when the upper mold section 321 is moved towards the lower mold section 311, such that the cutting blade 330 may cut the elongated tubular body without or with reduced impact on the respective mold parts 311, 321.

[0081] The upper mould section 321 further comprises a protrusion 604 configured to be received by the receiving portion 504 of the respective lower mould section 311 when the upper mould section 321 is moved towards the lower mould section 311. The protrusion 604 has a stabilising effect, holding the respective mould sections 311, 321 securely together when clamping the elongated tubular body 400 as described above.

[0082] The upper mold section 321 further comprises two straw control units 606 configured to guide the elongated tubular body 400 into the correct position when the upper mold section 321 is moved towards the lower mold section 311 .

[0083] 7a-7d, the steps of clamping and cutting the elongated tubular body 400 are illustrated.

[0084] In Fig. 7a, one of the lower mold sections 311 is feeding the elongated tubular body 400 into the clamping and cutting position PCP. Once the elongated tubular body 400 is located at the clamping and cutting position PCP, the rollers 312 stop rotating so that the elongated tubular body 400 is held at the clamping and cutting position PCP. As further shown in Fig. 7a, the upper mold section 321 is spaced apart from the lower mold section 311 and the cutting blade 330 is located above the upper mold section 321.

[0085] In Figure 7b, the upper mold section 321 has been moved in a lateral direction T towards the lower mold section 311. The upper mold section 321 is pressed towards the lower mold section 311 such that the portion P of the elongated tubular body 400 is pinched, thereby forming the compressed edges 704a, 704b as described above. In Figure 7b, the increasing compression towards the compressed edges 704a, 704b is clearly shown. The cutting blade 330 is still positioned above the upper mold section 321.

[0086] In Figure 7c, the cutting blade 330 is moved in a lateral direction T towards and through the elongated tubular body 400, thereby cutting and forming the drinking straw 200. The upper mold section 321 and the lower mold section 311 include respective cutting blade receiving notches 502, 602 to prevent the cutting blade 330 from impacting either of the mold sections 311, 321.

[0087] In FIG. 7d, the upper mold section 321 and the cutting blade 330 are moved in a direction T′ opposite the lateral direction T, away from the lower mold section 311. It is illustrated how the compressed edges 707a, 707b of the elongated tubular body 400 remain compressed after the upper mold section 321 has moved. Thus, the elongated tubular body 400 is plastically deformed when sandwiched between the upper mold section 321 and the lower mold section 311. The upper mold section 321 and the cutting blade 330 can be moved in a direction T′ opposite the lateral direction T simultaneously or one after the other.

[0088] Thus, the device 300 is configured to receive the elongate tubular body 400 (Figure 7a), clamp a portion P of the elongate tubular body 400 (Figure 7b), cut the portion P of the elongate tubular body 400 (Figure 7c), and release the elongate tubular body 400 (Figure 7d) to form the drinking straw 200.

[0089] 8, there is shown, by way of example, a flow chart illustrating a method 800 for forming a drinking straw 200. The method 800 comprises a first step S802 in which a portion P of the elongate tubular body 400 is clamped, thereby forming opposed compressed edges 704a, 704b.

[0090] Thereafter, in a second step S804, the pinched portion P is cut between the opposing compressed edges 704a, 704b at an oblique angle to the longitudinal extension LE1 of the elongate tubular body 400, thereby forming a drinking straw 200 as shown in Figures 2a and 2b. The drinking straw 200 has similar features as shown and described in Figures 2a and 2b.

[0091] Optionally, a second step S804 may comprise severing the clamping portion P at the central portion CP of the elongated tubular body 400, thereby forming two drinking straws 200 as illustrated and discussed in connection with Figure 3. Each of the drinking straws 200 has similar features as illustrated and discussed in Figures 2a and 2b.

[0092] Optionally, the first step S802 may comprise pinching the portion P of the elongate tubular body 400 to provide an increasing degree of compression towards the outermost tip 208.

[0093] Although illustrated and described in a particular order, other orders may be used.

[0094] From the foregoing description, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, the present 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 (200), comprising: At least one elongated tubular body portion (202); The elongated tubular body (202) includes a pinched end (204); the pinched ends (204) define opposing compressed edges (204a, 204b) of the elongate tubular body (202), the pinched ends (204) being cut at an oblique angle to at least one longitudinal extension (LE) of the elongate tubular body (202) between the opposing compressed edges (204a, 204b) thereby defining cut tips, an outermost tip (208) of the cut tips coinciding with one of the compressed edges (204a); Drinking straws (200).

2. the pinched ends (204) are cut at an oblique angle (α) of 30 to 70 degrees, preferably 40 to 60 degrees, more preferably 50 degrees; 2. The drinking straw (200) of claim 1.

3. the bend radius (BR) of the associated compressed edge (204a) at said outermost tip (208) is 2-5%, preferably 3.5%, of the diameter (D) of the un-clamped portion (210) of said elongated tubular body portion (202); A drinking straw (200) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The pinched ends (204) are in increasing compression toward the outermost tip (208). A drinking straw (200) according to any one of the preceding claims.

5. the clamped end (204) has a longitudinal extension (PE) from the outermost tip (208), the length of the longitudinal extension being 50-400%, preferably 150-300%, more preferably 250-300% of the diameter (D) of the unclamped portion (210) of the elongated tubular body (202); A drinking straw (200) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. The drinking straw (200) is made of a paper-based material; A drinking straw (200) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. An apparatus (300) for forming a drinking straw (200) from an elongated tubular body (400), comprising: a mold (310) configured to receive and clamp a portion (P) of the elongated tubular body (400) and configured to clamp the portion (P) and form opposed compressed edges (704a, 704b) of the elongated tubular body (400); a cutting blade (330) configured to cut the portion (P) of the elongated tubular body (400) between the opposed compressed edges at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal extension (LE1) of the elongated tubular body (400) while forming at least one cut tip in the portion (P) of the elongated tubular body (400); Equipped with This forms the drinking straw (200), the drinking straw having at least one elongated tubular body portion (202) and a pinched end portion (204), the pinched end portion (204) having a cut tip portion, the outermost tip portion (208) of the cut tip portion coinciding with one of the compressed edges (204a). Device (300).

8. the elongated tubular body (400) has a longitudinal extension (LE1) equal to the length of two drinking straws (200), the die (310) is configured to receive and clamp a central portion (CP) of the elongated tubular body (400), and the cutting blade (330) is configured to cut the central portion (CP) of the elongated tubular body (400); This results in the formation of two drinking straws (200), each drinking straw (200) having at least one elongated tubular body portion (202) and a pinched end portion (204) having a cut tip portion, the outermost tip portion (208) of the cut tip portion coinciding with one of the compressed edges (204a).

8. The apparatus (300) of claim 7.

9. The mold (310) is A mold assembly including a plurality of lower mold sections (311) and an upper mold section (321); each lower die section (311) is disposed on an outer circumference of a roller (312) and configured to deliver the elongated tubular body (400) to a clamping and cutting position (PCP) as the roller (312) rotates about a main axis (A); the upper mold section (321) is configured to be moved laterally (T) toward one of the plurality of lower mold sections (311) disposed at the clamping and cutting position (PCP), and when the upper mold section (321) moves toward one of the plurality of lower mold sections (311), the upper mold section (321) and the lower mold section (311) clamp a portion (304) of the elongated tubular body (400); 9. Apparatus (300) according to claim 7 or 8.

10. each of the upper mold section (321) and the plurality of lower mold sections (311) includes a respective cutting blade receiving notch (502, 602) configured to receive the cutting blade (330) during cutting of the portion (P) of the elongated tubular body (400); 10. The apparatus (300) of claim 9.

11. The cutting blade (330) is a rotating circular cutting blade. An apparatus (300) according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. A method (800) for forming a drinking straw (200) from an elongated tubular body (400), comprising: pinching (S802) a portion (P) of the elongated tubular body (400) to form opposed compressed edges (704a, 704b); cutting (S804) a pinched portion (P) between the opposing compressed edges (704a, 704b) at an oblique angle to the longitudinal extension (LE1) of the elongated tubular body (400); Equipped with This forms the drinking straw (200), the drinking straw (200) having at least one elongated tubular body portion (202) and a pinched end portion (204), the pinched end portion (204) having a cut tip portion, the outermost tip portion (208) of the cut tip portion coinciding with one of the compressed edges (204a). Method (800).

13. The step (S804) of cutting the pinched portion (P) comprises cutting the pinched portion (P) at a central portion (CP) of the elongated tubular body (400); This results in the formation of two corresponding drinking straws (200), each drinking straw (200) having at least one elongated tubular body portion (202) and a pinched end portion (204) having a cut tip portion, the outermost tip portion (208) of which coincides with one of the compressed edges (204a).

13. The method (800) of claim 12.

14. The step (S802) of pinching the portion (P) of the elongated tubular body (400) provides an increased degree of compression toward the outermost tip (208).

14. The method (800) of claim 12 or 13.

15. A liquid food package (100) for holding a liquid food, comprising: a body (102) for holding said liquid food; A drinking straw (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 attached to the outer surface (104) of the body (102); Equipped with A liquid food package (100).

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