Cap and bottle assembly capable of simultaneously storing two types of contents, its manufacturing method, and method for adjusting the storage volume ratio

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly of a cap (1) and a bottle (2) capable of simultaneously storing two different types of fillings, a manufacturing method thereof, and a method for adjusting the storage volume ratio. The assembly is configured so that the two fillings can be mixed when the cap (1) is removed. The assembly includes a straw (6), which functions as both a container for the second filling and a drinking implement for consuming the mixed beverage. The straw (6) is closed by abutting a spike (5) formed on the wall, preferably the bottom, of the bottle (2) and facing the bottle mouth (3) with a spike (4) formed on the underside of the top base of the cap (1) and facing inward toward the bottle (2). This keeps the two fillings separate and allows them to be mixed immediately before consumption, allowing for convenient and hygienic provision of beverages, etc.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap and bottle assembly having a standard structure from the conventional viewpoint, in which the volume of the bottle is divided into two parts so that two types of contents can be stored simultaneously. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a cap and bottle assembly, and a method for adjusting the storage volume ratio of the assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Bottles for packaging and storing liquids include a body that defines a volume for containing the liquid and a neck that receives a cap to provide access to that volume. The neck of the bottle is sealed by a disposable or screw-on cap. The cap and bottle assembly can be made from a variety of materials, with plastic being the most widely used.

[0003] Currently, plastic bottles are manufactured using the injection blow molding process. This involves inserting a preform into a mold, which is then formed into the mold shape using heat and pressure. Plastic bottle caps are also manufactured using the injection molding process and attached after the bottle is filled. This manufacturing method is suitable for mass production.

[0004] On the other hand, this manufacturing method does not allow for easy and rapid production of complex structures such as multi-chamber bottles as disclosed in patent document PL 228 046 B1.

[0005] Publicly available multi-chamber bottles for bubble tea are constructed like a puzzle, with several components screwed together and a recessed area to accommodate a straw. The assembled multi-chamber bottle is then secured with shrink film after the straw is sealed in. One compartment is used to store the beverage, and the other is used to store jelly balls.

[0006] However, such multi-chamber bottles have the drawback of being complicated to manufacture and expensive to produce. In addition, damage to the shrink film can compromise the sterility of the straw, and if the shrink film is missing, the bottle may disintegrate into individual components due to improper handling.

[0007] Another example is the composite bottle disclosed in utility model document CN 205 916 448 U. While this bottle appears to be a standard plastic bottle, it is actually composed of two halves. The bottle is divided vertically from the neck to the base, and the halves fit together and are secured together by pins, grooves, and a label wrapped around them. Furthermore, each half has a hole in the neck for inserting a straw.

[0008] This composite bottle has the advantage that it can provide two types of fillings in a single product without significantly changing the handling of a regular bottle. However, this composite bottle has problems such as the need to provide a straw separately, making it inconvenient to drink directly from the halves without a straw, the need to individually package the straw, and the inability to easily mix different fillings just before consumption. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Polish Patent Publication PL 228046 B1 [Patent Document 2] China Utility Model Publication CN 205916448 U Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a cap and bottle assembly capable of simultaneously storing two different contents, which allows the consumer to easily and quickly mix the contents immediately before consumption, which includes a hygienically packaged straw, and which has a production cost that is competitive with known multi-chamber plastic bottles for the mass market.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to manufacture the cap and bottle assembly in a manner as close as possible to the manufacturing method of a standard plastic bottle, thereby keeping production costs low.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for adjusting the storage volume ratio in order to easily adapt the inventive assembly to various packings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The above problems are solved by a cap and bottle assembly that can store two different types of contents simultaneously.

[0014] In the cap and bottle assembly of the present invention, the bottle has a neck for attaching the cap, the cap has a protrusion extending toward the inside of the bottle, and the inner wall of the bottle is provided with a protrusion extending toward the neck.Furthermore, a straw for holding a second filling is disposed inside the bottle, and both ends of the straw are closed by abutting against the protrusions on the cap and the protrusions on the bottle.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the protrusions inside the bottle are formed by recesses in the bottle bottom. This configuration allows the protrusions to be formed without compromising the stability of the bottle and without increasing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the straw is positioned in the center of the neck during filling, making the filling process easier. Another advantage of the recessed bottom is that it reduces the amount of resin used.

[0016] In a more preferred embodiment, the protrusions of the cap are formed by recesses in the upper base of the cap. Conventionally, this upper base has been used for advertising displays, but by forming the protrusions by recesses, the amount of resin used can be reduced.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the cap is set greater than the height of the bottle neck, so that when the cap is removed, the straw protrudes above the neck, allowing consumers to easily manipulate the straw with their lips without using their hands.

[0018] Furthermore, with regard to the manufacturing method, the cap protrusions and bottle protrusions are formed simultaneously when the cap is manufactured by injection molding and the bottle is manufactured by blow molding from a preform, which allows the assembly of the present invention to be manufactured at low cost without significantly changing the existing molding process.

[0019] The storage capacity ratio can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the protrusions inserted into the straw, thereby setting the internal volume of the straw. Alternatively, the volume can be changed by selecting the diameter of the straw in combination with the above method. Furthermore, the volume can be adjusted by selecting the length of the straw and the depth of the cap in combination with any of the above methods. Furthermore, the volume can be adjusted by selecting the shape of the straw in combination with any of the above methods. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] With the above configuration, the internal volume of the straw can be used as a storage space for the second filling, and because both ends are closed with protrusions, the second filling is kept without being mixed with the filling inside the bottle. Consumers can easily mix the two fillings by simply removing the cap and pulling out the straw.

[0021] The straw cannot be separated from the assembly until the cap is removed, preventing it from being lost or contaminated during consumption and maintaining hygiene. This allows the consumer to always drink through the straw, and the straw remains hygienically packaged until just before consumption. Furthermore, the filling in the straw is protected from external influences, such as direct sunlight, by the filling in the bottle and / or the walls of the straw.

[0022] According to the present invention, two types of contents are kept separate in a single container and can be easily mixed just before consumption. Furthermore, the inclusion of an integrated straw improves convenience and hygiene. Furthermore, the invention can be manufactured at low cost using existing molding methods, making it highly competitive with other known divided-volume bottle inventions.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the volume ratio can be greatly changed when two types of fillings are packed at the same time, and the present invention can be used in a variety of fields, particularly in the food industry. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the assembly of the present invention without any filler inside. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows the assembly of the present invention with bubble tea filling. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 shows the bottle in the assembly of the present invention with the straw being inserted. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows the assembly of the present invention in the state where a cap is attached to a bottle with a straw. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows the assembly of the present invention with a hinged cap. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] The specific embodiments of the invention described and illustrated below are offered for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the invention to such examples. Those skilled in the art will be able to use no more than routine experimentation to discover or provide many or fewer equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0026] While the described exemplary embodiment of the present invention contemplates the use of plastic as a material for mass production of the cap (1) and bottle (2) assembly of the present invention, when minimizing production costs is not important, the cap (1) and bottle (2) assembly of the present invention can also be manufactured from other materials such as glass, metal, or a combination thereof.

[0027] The criteria for the selection of materials are health safety if the invention is to be used in the food industry or pharmaceutical fields, and chemical and physical stability if the invention is to preserve two-component systems such as paints and adhesives.

[0028] The following example of the present invention, accompanied by Figures 1 and 2, relates to packaging for food products, particularly beverages that require mixing of two fillings before consumption. A specific exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a cap (1) and bottle (2) assembly for storing bubble tea. Bubble tea (commonly known in the market as "bubble tea") is a beverage that combines tea (7) with jelly balls (8) (gel-like spheres), each containing a filling intended to provide a consumer enjoyment and experience when paired with the tea (7). To maximize the simultaneous flavor experience, the jelly balls (8) must be removed from their storage liquid and placed in the tea (7) immediately before consumption. If the jelly balls (8) remain in the tea (7) for a certain period of time, osmotic pressure can cause the fillings to mix, resulting in a flat or unpleasant taste. Therefore, prior to the advent of the present invention, distribution of bubble tea outside of kiosks was costly and impractical, clearly preventing its expansion into chain stores, vending machines, and the like.

[0029] For this reason, the use of the assembly of the present invention is ideal. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the assembly of the cap (1) and the bottle (2), and when the cap (1) is attached, the straw (6) abuts against the spikes (4) and (5), isolating the internal volume of the straw (6) from the internal volume of the bottle (2).

[0030] Figure 2 shows an assembly of the present invention filled with components for making bubble tea. Bottle (2) contains tea (7) and straw (6) contains jelly balls (8). Tea (7) cannot reach jelly balls (8) because the straw (6) is closed by spikes (4) on cap (1) and spikes (5) on bottle (2). By removing cap (1) and pulling out straw (6), the consumer can pour the contents of straw (6) into the contents of bottle (2) and then begin sipping fresh bubble tea, with both contents fully released.

[0031] As noted above, use in bubble tea is only one example application. Those familiar with the field of two-component systems will be able to suggest applicability of the present invention in other technical fields, not just food, where two fillings must be kept separate in a single container until they can be safely mixed and used. In cases involving non-edible fillings, the straw (6) serves only a storage function and not as a means of consumption.

[0032] To construct the assembly of the present invention, a bottle (2) is first prepared and a straw (6) is inserted into it so that the end of the straw (6) abuts against the spike (5) of the bottle (2). Insertion of the straw (6) is shown in Figure 3. Next, the bottle (2) and straw (6) are filled, after which the cap (1) is attached. The stem (4) of the cap (1) closes the previously free end of the straw (6) (see Figure 4). This fixes the straw (6) and isolates its volume from the volume of the bottle (2).

[0033] Figure 4 shows in perspective the assembly of the cap (1) and bottle (2), showing how, when the cap (1) is attached, the free end of the straw (6) is closed by the spike (4) on the cap, thereby ensuring that the interior space of the straw (6) is isolated from the contents of the bottle (2).

[0034] Figure 5 is a top view of the assembly of the present invention, showing the positional relationship between the cap (1) and the straw (6). The straw (6) may be positioned near the center of the cap (1) or near the periphery of the cap (1).

[0035] Figure 6 shows the assembly in cross section with the cap (1) attached to the bottle (2), where the end of the straw (6) is closed by both the spike (4) on the cap (1) and the spike (5) on the bottle (2), completely separating the two contents.

[0036] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the cap (1) removed from the bottle (2). At this time, the straw (6) remains attached to the cap (1) and can be easily removed and used by the consumer.

[0037] Figure 8 shows a consumption scenario using the assembly of the present invention. When the cap (1) is removed and the straw (6) is pulled out, the contents held in the straw (6) are released into the bottle (2), and both contents are mixed. The consumer can then reinsert the straw (6) and consume the mixed beverage directly.

[0038] Figure 9 shows a cross section of the straw (6). By adjusting the diameter and length of the straw (6), the volume of the filling held in the straw (6) can be changed.

[0039] Figure 10 shows another means for adjusting the volume of filling contained in straw 6. Specifically, the effective volume of straw 6 can be changed by changing the length to which spike 4 or 5 is inserted into straw 6.

[0040] FIG. 11 shows that the internal volume of the straw (6) can also be adjusted by selecting the length of the straw (6) and the depth of the cap in the design of the cap (1) and bottle (2).

[0041] Figure 12 shows how the volume that can be accommodated can be adjusted by changing the shape of the straw (6). For example, changing the cross section from a circular to an elliptical cross section can change the capacity and flow characteristics.

[0042] As described above, by adjusting the diameter, length, and shape of the straw (6), the insertion depth of the spikes (4) and (5), the depth of the cap (1), and the like, either individually or in combination, the internal volume of the straw (6) can be easily changed to a desired ratio.

[0043] Since most bottle containers are symmetrical, and the manufacturing molds are similarly symmetrical, the spike (5) on the bottle (2) is located at the center of the bottom of the bottle (2) with its tip pointing directly toward the neck (3) of the bottle (2).

[0044] The spikes (4)(5) may have sharp or rounded tips or may be specially shaped, but in any case they must have the basic characteristic of being pointed protrusions that securely close the end of the straw (6).

[0045] The cap (1), bottle (2), and straw (6) can be manufactured as components of the assembly of the present invention on an existing production line with minor mold modifications. No special changes are required for the manufacture of the straw (6). Regarding the manufacture of the cap (1), spikes (4) can be formed on the cap (1) during the molding process by providing pointed protrusions on the injection mold. Similarly, spikes (5) can be formed by modifying the mold used to blow-mold the bottle (2) from a preform. These pointed protrusions can be permanently attached to the mold or can be removable. Otherwise, no major changes are required to the production line. [Industrial Applicability]

[0046] The cap and bottle assembly for simultaneously storing two different types of fillings according to the present invention, its manufacturing method, and the method for adjusting the storage volume ratio of the assembly of the present invention are useful in the packaging and storage fields, particularly in the food industry.

[0047] Furthermore, the assembly of the present invention is widely applicable in fields other than food, when two types of contents need to be stored safely and separately and mixed immediately before use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 cap 2 bottles 3 neck 4 Cap protrusion 5 Bottle protrusion 6 straws 7 Tea 8 jelly balls

Claims

1. An assembly of a cap (1) and a bottle (2) capable of simultaneously storing two types of contents, the bottle (2) having a neck (3) for attaching the cap (1), The cap (1) has a protrusion (4) protruding toward the inside of the bottle (2), The inner wall of the bottle (2) is provided with a protrusion (5) protruding toward the neck (3), Furthermore, a straw (6) for holding a second filling is disposed inside the bottle (2), An assembly of a cap (1) and a bottle (2) characterized in that both ends of the straw (6) are fitted onto the protrusions (4, 5).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the protrusion (5) on the inside of the bottle (2) is formed by a recess in the bottom of the bottle (2).

3. 3. An assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the projection (4) of the cap (1) is formed by a recess in the upper base of the cap (1).

4. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the depth of the cap (1) is greater than the height of the neck (3) of the bottle (2).

5. A method for manufacturing an assembly of a cap (1) and a bottle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the steps of: The cap (1) is manufactured by injection molding, in which molten plastic is injected into a mold; A method for producing a bottle (2) by blow molding from a preform, comprising: The manufacturing method is characterized in that the protrusions (4) are formed simultaneously when the cap (1) is injection molded, and the protrusions (5) are formed simultaneously when the bottle (2) is blow molded.

6. A method for adjusting a storage capacity ratio in the cap and bottle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising adjusting the storage capacity of the straw by one of the following: Adjusting the length of the protrusion inserted into the straw; Adjusting the diameter of the straw Adjusting the length of the straw and the depth of the cap; Or adjusting the shape of the straw, or a combination thereof.

Images