Open-type metal straw

Abstract

The present invention relates to an open-type metal straw and, more specifically, to an open-type metal straw which, by using a thin film material, is convenient to carry and store and is easy to wash and thus hygienically reusable. The open-type metal straw according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a body portion which is rolled in a cylindrical shape with an inner surface and an outer surface overlapping each other by a quarter (1 / 4) or greater when unfolded in the lengthwise direction and wound in the width direction; and a coating portion including a film of a certain thickness on the surface of the body portion, wherein the body portion is reduced to a size having a height corresponding to a width W thereof when the inner surface is unfolded and the outer surface is wound in the lengthwise direction like a roll.

Description

open metal straws

[0001] The present invention relates to an open metal straw, and more particularly, to an open metal straw that is easy to carry and store, easy to clean, and hygienically reusable by using a thin film material.

[0002] Straws are generally used to consume liquid beverages. Conventional straws are made of plastic, which offers durability, storage, and portability, and is easy to mass-produce, making them widely used for disposable purposes.

[0003] However, recently, as environmental concerns about disposable plastic products have come to the fore, there has been a growing movement to refrain from using disposable straws made of plastic.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a trend of recommending replacing plastic straws with straws made of paper, wood, metal, and glass.

[0005] However, paper straws are structurally weak and prone to breakage due to external forces during distribution, often rendering them ineffective. Furthermore, paper straws can soften when exposed to liquids for extended periods, preventing them from retaining their original shape and functioning properly.

[0006] In addition, straws made of glass that can be reused are expensive to manufacture, cannot be reused without washing and disinfection, and are inconvenient to carry.

[0007] Moreover, conventional straws retain their original shape before and after use. Therefore, it's difficult to clean the interior of conventional straws, which are cylindrical and elongated in one direction. Consequently, from a hygienic perspective, conventional straws present a problem: they are difficult to reuse.

[0008] To solve these problems, a Korean patent registration number 10-2064716 and the title of the invention is “Washable Straw Set”.

[0009] However, as shown in Fig. 1, the above prior art has many parts that are very cumbersome and inconvenient to assemble by fitting together the straw body (110) and the casing member (120) formed in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] In addition, when washing, the straw body (110) and the casing member (120) must be separated, and the straw body (110) and the casing member (120) can detach or separate from each other, so if either the straw body (110) or the casing member (120) is lost, it cannot function properly and has the problem of being inconvenient to carry or store.

[0011] The present invention was created to solve the above-mentioned problems and needs, and its purpose is to provide an open metal straw that is easy to carry and store, easy to clean, and hygienically reusable by using a thin film material.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, an open metal straw according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a body part that is rolled into a cylindrical shape by overlapping inner and outer surfaces by a quarter or more when unfolded in the longitudinal direction and rolled in the width direction, and a coating part having a film of a predetermined thickness formed on the surface of the body part, and the body part is characterized in that when the inner surface is unfolded and the outer surface is rolled in the longitudinal direction like a scroll, the body part is reduced to a size of width (W) and height.

[0013] In addition, the body part is characterized in that when wound in the longitudinal or transverse direction, the inner surface contracts and the outer surface expands at the same time.

[0014] In addition, the body part is characterized in that when the two ends in the width direction are spread away from each other, the inner side is exposed, allowing washing of the inner side.

[0015] In addition, the body part is characterized by being made of a stainless steel spring material that returns to its original state when the force is removed even if it is deformed by an external force.

[0016] According to the present invention, a stainless steel material for a spring having the characteristic of being rolled into a circular shape is used, and after being easily washed, it is spread out into a plate shape and returns to its original shape to form a cylindrical shape, so there is an advantage of being able to be reused repeatedly.

[0017] In addition, when the body part is rolled lengthwise like a scroll, it is rolled to the size of the width and height, reducing the size, which has the advantage of being convenient for storage and carrying.

[0018] In addition, the coating part forms a thin coating film on the surface of the body part, which has the advantage of being easy to maintain hygiene and cleanliness and easy to clean.

[0019] Fig. 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing the configuration of a conventional straw.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state of use of an open metal straw according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an open metal straw according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an unfolded state of an open metal straw according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state of use of an open metal straw according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a tube holder of an open metal straw according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which a tube holder of an open metal straw is used according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a state of storing an open metal straw according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The present invention can have various modifications and various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and specifically described in the detailed description.

[0028] However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0031] Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0032] In addition, it is to be understood that the components of the embodiments described with reference to each drawing are not limited to the specific embodiments, but may be implemented to be included in other embodiments within the scope in which the technical idea of ​​the present invention is maintained, and that multiple embodiments may be re-implemented as one integrated embodiment even if a separate description is omitted.

[0033] In addition, when explaining with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are given identical or related reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0034] In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0035] The present invention proposes an open metal straw that is easy to carry and store, easy to clean, and hygienically reusable, while solving the following problems of conventional straws.

[0036] Conventional straws retain their original shape before and after use. Therefore, it's difficult to clean the interior of a conventional straw, which is cylindrical and elongated in one direction. Consequently, from a sanitary perspective, conventional straws present a problem of difficulty in reusing.

[0037] In addition, the prior art, whose title is "washable straw set," has many parts that are cumbersome and inconvenient to assemble, and if one of the components is lost, it cannot function properly, and it is still very inconvenient to carry or store.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state of use of an open metal straw according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an open metal straw according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 are drawings illustrating an unfolded state of an open metal straw according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] In addition, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state of use of an open metal straw according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a tube holder of an open metal straw according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state of use of a tube holder of an open metal straw according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state of storing an open metal straw according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to the drawings described above, an open metal straw (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a body portion (100) that is rolled into a cylindrical shape by overlapping an inner side (110) and an outer side (120) by a quarter or more when unfolded in a lengthwise (L) direction and rolled in a widthwise (W) direction, and a coating portion (200) in which a film of a predetermined thickness is formed on the surface of the body portion (100), and the body portion (100) is characterized in that when unfolding the inner side (110) and rolling the outer side (120) in a lengthwise (L) direction like a scroll, the body portion (100) is reduced to a size of a widthwise (W) height.

[0041] In addition, the body part (100) is characterized in that when wound in the length (L) direction or width (W) direction, the inner side (110) contracts and the outer side (120) expands and is wound.

[0042] In addition, the body part (100) is characterized in that when the two ends in the width (W) direction are spread away from each other, the inner side (110) is exposed, so that the inner side (110) can be washed.

[0043] In addition, the body part (100) is characterized by being made of stainless steel material for a spring that returns to its original state when the force is removed even if it is deformed by an external force.

[0044] In addition, the coating portion (200) includes a first coating portion (210) that forms a coating layer on the inner surface (110) and a second coating portion (220) that forms a coating layer on the outer surface (120). The first coating portion (210) may be coated with a synthetic resin or an inorganic ceramic, and the second coating portion (220) may be coated with a synthetic resin or a heat-resistant film.

[0045] In addition, a tube holder (300) may be further included to form an inner axis to facilitate winding the body part (100) in the length (L) direction and to hold the outer surface (120) so that the shape in the length direction is maintained when winding the body part (100) in the width (W) direction to form the body part (100) in the length (L) direction.

[0046] In addition, the tube holder (300) may be open at the top and bottom, but may be formed in an elliptical shape that penetrates in a longitudinal direction and is inclined, and may have a trapezoidal shape with an upright outer cross section.

[0047] In addition, it may further include a tube case (400) that accommodates the body part (100) wound in the length (L) direction to a size of width (W) and height.

[0048] Then, the configuration and operation of the open metal straw (10) according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail as follows.

[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, an open metal straw (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is not only easy to carry and store due to the use of a thin film material, but can also be hygienically reused by simply cleaning the interior. To this end, the open metal straw (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body portion (100) and a coating portion (200).

[0050] The body part (100) is rolled into a cylindrical shape by being rolled in the length (L) direction and the width (W) direction by overlapping by a quarter (1 / 4) or more, and can form a cylindrical shape of the inner side (110) and the outer side (120) inside and outside so that the inside is sealed. At this time, when the body part (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is rolled in the width (W) direction, the inner side (110) and the outer side (120) are in close contact in the overlapping area. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the overlapping angle (θ) of the body part (100) must be at least a quarter (1 / 4) or more of the circumference and be smaller than the entire circumference. Meanwhile, the body part (100) is made of a thin film of a non-ferrous metal material and has a thickness of 0.02 to 0.07 mm.

[0051] The body part (100) can be formed into a cylindrical shape that extends in one direction, as shown in (a) of FIG. 3, and a flow path is formed inside the body part (100) through which a beverage such as water or coffee can flow along the length (L) direction.

[0052] In addition, the longitudinal lower end of the body portion (100) is opened to allow the beverage contained in the container to flow in. Correspondingly, the longitudinal upper end of the body portion (100) is opened to allow the introduced beverage to be discharged to the outside. Accordingly, the body portion (100), which is open at the top and bottom, is connected to the outside through the longitudinal upper and lower ends.

[0053] In particular, when the body part (100) is rolled up in the length (L) direction like a scroll while the inner side (110) is unfolded, the size can be reduced by rolling up to the width (W) height, as shown in (b) of Fig. 3, making it very convenient to carry or store.

[0054] Here, when the body part (110) is wound in the length (L) direction or width (W) direction, the inner side (110) contracts while the outer side (120) expands, so that a cylindrical shape can be naturally formed. This is due to the characteristics of the material of the body part (100), which will be described in detail later.

[0055] Meanwhile, the body part (100) needs to have its size in terms of length (L) and width (W) in the unfolded state as shown in (a) of Fig. 4 limited to suit the intended use of the straw (10) proposed by the present invention.

[0056] That is, if the length (L) of the body (100) is too large compared to the width (W), it can easily bend and the beverage cannot be sucked smoothly. On the other hand, if the length (L) is too small compared to the width (W), the space for sucking the beverage becomes too large, requiring increased suction power, which can be very inconvenient for the user.

[0057] Accordingly, the body part (100) proposed by the present invention is a range in which the length (L) in the longitudinal direction is at least 5 times greater than the width (W) in the transverse direction and less than 20 times greater than the length (L) in the transverse direction, with reference to [Table 1] below, and can be usefully used.

[0058]

[0059] Specifications of applicable straws (unit: mm)

[0060] Diameter (Φ) Length (L) Width (W) Length (L) / Width (W) 5100 ~ 300 20 ~ 455 ~ 20 times 678 10 150 ~ 500 30 ~ 65 12

[0061] In particular, the body part (100) proposed by the present invention is a non-ferrous metal made of stainless steel material for a spring that has a circular elastic restoring force by utilizing the property of a spring material that tries to return to its original state when the force is removed even if it is deformed by an external force.

[0062] In more detail, the body part (100) is made of stainless steel SUS 304 (or SUS 301) and has a circular elastic restoring force, so it has the special advantage of being able to be used as a replacement for expensive shape memory alloys.

[0063] In addition, since the body part (100) allows a beverage such as water or coffee to flow along the inner surface (110) that is wound in a circular shape, the inner surface (110) of the body part (100) comes into direct contact with the beverage. Therefore, in order to hygienically reuse the straw (10), the inner surface (110) of the body part (100) must be washed.

[0064] The body part (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a non-ferrous metal for a thin film spring, and thus can be spread out by applying pressure in the length (L) direction or the width (W) direction. Accordingly, when the body part (100) is spread in a direction in which both ends in the width (W) direction move away from each other, the inner surface (110) is exposed, and the inner surface (110) can be cleaned.

[0065] In addition, since the body part (100) is made of non-ferrous metal, it can be sterilized in boiling water, and when the external force applying pressure is removed due to the circular elastic restoring force of the spring material, it can elastically return to its original shape without requiring any separate manipulation. In other words, the body part (100) is characterized by the stainless steel material for the spring that, even if deformed by an external force, returns to its original state when the force is removed.

[0066] Furthermore, the body part (100) has a leading end (S1) that is rolled inward in the width (W) direction so that it bends less radially inward and comes into closer contact with the outer inner surface (110), and a trailing end (S2) that is rolled inward in the width (W) direction comes into closer contact with the inner outer surface radially inward.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the coating portion (200) forms a film of a predetermined thickness on the surface of the body portion (100) to protect the body portion (100) from wear or scratches, etc., and to maintain cleanliness. In particular, the coating portion (200) can solve the problem that the body portion (100) is easily bent or sharp, making it very inconvenient to use, since it is a very thin film (0.02 to 0.07 mm).

[0068] The coating portion (200) forms a film by coating the entire body portion (100) with a constant thickness, thereby protecting the body portion (100) and beautifying the appearance of the body portion (100). In addition, the coating portion (200) can be coated by applying a synthetic resin to the entire surface of the body portion (100) with a constant thickness.

[0069] For reference, synthetic resin is a polymer material with plasticity that is made by reacting low-molecular organic chemicals obtained from petroleum or natural gas using heating, etc. It has low electrical and thermal conductivity and high strength, so it is widely used in various fields.

[0070] Accordingly, the coating portion (200) can provide various mechanical and physical properties by thinly coating the body portion (100) with synthetic resin, and in particular, can maintain the durability of the body portion (100). In addition, since the coating portion (200) forms a film of a predetermined thickness when washing the body portion (100), it can be washed by hand without the need for a separate washing brush.

[0071] In addition, since the coating portion (200) coats the body portion (100) with a synthetic resin of the same material, the adhesion to the area in contact with the synthetic resin can be improved, so that the wound body portion (100) has no difficulty in maintaining the longitudinal direction of the straw shape.

[0072] FIG. 4 (a) is a plan view exemplarily showing an open metal straw (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 (b) is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing an open metal straw (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] The coating portion (200) may include a first coating portion (210) that forms a coating layer on the inner surface (110) and a second coating portion (220) that forms a coating layer on the outer surface (120), as shown in (b) of FIG. 4.

[0074] Since the first coating portion (210) forms a coating layer on the inner surface (110), hygiene and cleanliness are essential because it comes into direct contact with the beverage. Accordingly, the first coating portion (210) may be coated with synthetic resin or inorganic ceramic.

[0075] The first coating portion (210) can be coated on the inner surface (110) with inorganic ceramic to provide heat resistance, wear resistance, solvent resistance, discoloration resistance, non-stickiness, and non-flammability, and can have a harmless effect on the human body. By adding functional ceramic powder, it can also be made to emit far infrared rays, release negative ions, and have excellent antibacterial and antifungal effects.

[0076] The second coating portion (220) forms a coating layer on the outer surface (120), and thus may be coated with a synthetic resin or a heat-resistant film to protect the body portion (100) from external impacts, scratches, wear and tear due to use, etc. Here, the heat-resistant film has excellent heat resistance and can prevent the body portion (100) from being damaged even when sharply bent. However, since the heat-resistant film is a known technology, a more detailed description will be omitted, and the functions and characteristics thereof will be understood.

[0077] The tube holder (300) is a holder that wraps around the outer surface (120) to maintain the shape in the length (L) direction when forming the body part (100) in the length (L) direction by forming an inner axis to facilitate winding the body part (100) in the length (L) direction or winding it in the width (W) direction, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, etc.

[0078] That is, the tube holder (300) can be supported by the inner axis so that the body part (100) can be easily rolled when rolled in the longitudinal (L) direction, while preventing the inner roll from being wrinkled or scratched, and can be easily pressed for rolling.

[0079] Fig. 6 (a) is a perspective view of a tube holder (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 (b) is a front view of the tube holder (300), and Fig. 6 (c) is a side view of the tube holder (300).

[0080] In particular, as shown in Fig. 6, the tube holder (300) is open at the top and bottom, but has a trapezoidal shape with an outer cross section that is inclined in the longitudinal direction and penetrates in an elliptical shape, so that the interior is largely exposed, making it very advantageous for cleaning, and also convenient for insertion and removal in the longitudinal or width direction of the body part (100).

[0081] In addition, as shown in Fig. 7, the tube holder (300) can be wound in the width (W) direction to form the body part (100) in the length (L) direction, and can be held to wrap around the outer surface (120) to maintain the shape in the length direction.

[0082] The tube case (400) is a case that can accommodate and store a body part (100) formed by winding in the length (L) direction and having a width (W) and height, as shown in FIG. 8, and can have a cylindrical shape and can be configured to have a lid attached so that it can be opened and closed.

[0083] The tube case (400) is not specifically shown, but it is breathable so that moisture inside can be easily released to maintain cleanliness, and the surface can be embossed to enhance the grip. In addition, the tube case (400) can be configured to be easy to hold by forming a handle strap on one side for easy portability. In addition, the tube case (400) can have a luxurious appearance by displaying characters, figures, letters, etc. on the surface.

[0084] In this way, the open metal straw (10) according to embodiments of the present invention can be expected to have the following effects.

[0085] According to the present invention, a body part (100) made of stainless steel for a spring having a characteristic of being rolled into a circular shape is used, and after being easily washed, it is spread out in a plate shape and returned to its original shape to form a cylindrical shape, so there is an advantage of being able to be repeatedly reused semi-permanently.

[0086] In addition, the reusable straw (10) of the present invention has the advantage of being able to be used as a substitute for conventional straws, thereby eliminating negative factors such as environmental pollution and waste caused by the mass consumption of conventional disposable straws and obtaining environmental benefits.

[0087] In addition, when the inner side (110) is unfolded and the outer side (120) is rolled up in the length (L) direction like a scroll, the size is reduced by being rolled up to the width (W) height, so there is an advantage of convenience in storage and carrying.

[0088] In addition, the coating part (200) forms a coating film on the surface of the body part (100), which has the advantage of being easy to maintain hygiene and cleanliness and being easy to clean.

[0089] In addition, since the straw (10) of the present invention can be washed and reused repeatedly, positive benefits can be gained from changes in the market due to environmental protection and strengthened straw regulations.

[0090] The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, changes, and substitutions can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0091] Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention and the attached drawings are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention but to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments and the attached drawings.

[0092] The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims set forth below, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A body part that is rolled into a cylindrical shape with the inner and outer sides overlapping by a quarter (1 / 4) or more when unfolded lengthwise and rolled widthwise; and A coating portion having a film of a predetermined thickness formed on the surface of the body portion; The above body part is characterized in that when the inner side is unfolded and the outer side is rolled up in the longitudinal direction like a scroll, the width and height are reduced in size. Open metal straw.

2. In paragraph 1, The above body part is characterized in that when wound in the longitudinal or transverse direction, the inner surface contracts and the outer surface expands and is wound. open metal straw 3. In paragraph 1, The above body part is characterized in that when the widthwise ends are spread away from each other, the inner side is exposed, allowing washing of the inner side. open metal straw 4. In paragraph 1, The above body part is characterized by being made of stainless steel material for a spring that returns to its original state when the force is removed even if it is deformed by an external force. Open metal straw.

5. In paragraph 1, The coating part includes a first coating part forming a coating layer on the inner surface and a second coating part forming a coating layer on the outer surface, The above first coating portion is coated with synthetic resin or inorganic ceramic, An open metal straw, characterized in that the second coating portion is coated with synthetic resin or a heat-resistant film.

6. In paragraph 1, It is characterized by further including a tube holder that forms an inner axis to facilitate longitudinal winding of the body part and holds the outer surface to maintain the longitudinal shape when forming the body part in the longitudinal direction by winding in the width direction. Open metal straw.

7. In paragraph 6, The above tube holder is an open metal straw characterized by having an open top and bottom, an oval shape that penetrates in a longitudinal direction and an inclined oval shape, and an outer cross-section that is an upright trapezoid shape.

8. In paragraph 1, An open metal straw, characterized in that it further includes a tube case for accommodating the body portion, which is wound in the longitudinal direction to a size of width and height.

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