Straw and straw cup

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field relating to liquid accessories. Provided are a straw and a straw cup. The straw comprises a straw body and a valve, wherein the valve is arranged inside the straw; the valve comprises two flaps arranged obliquely relative to each other; each flap comprises a first flap body and a second flap body, a first edge of the first flap body being fixedly connected to a first end of the second flap body, and other edges of the first flap body being fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the straw body; second ends of the two second flap bodies abut against each other to form a one-way valve for the one-way passage of liquid; in the lengthwise direction of the two second flap bodies, when the second flap bodies are pressed, a channel is formed between the two second flap bodies; and the two second flap bodies are separated from the inner side wall of the straw body.

Description

straws and straw cups Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical field of liquid fittings, and in particular to a straw and a straw cup. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, the valve of the straw is directly connected to the side wall of the straw, which causes the straw to break due to the biting force generated when biting the straw, resulting in a shorter lifespan for the straw. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a straw and a straw cup, wherein the service life of the straw can be improved by the separate structure formed by the second flap and the inner sidewall.

[0004] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a straw, including a tube body and a valve disposed inside the straw.

[0005] The valve consists of two valve flaps that are set at opposite angles;

[0006] The same valve disc includes a first valve body and a second valve body. The first edge of the first valve body is fixedly connected to the first end of the second valve body, and the other edges of the first valve body are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tube body. The second ends of the two second valve bodies press against each other to form a one-way valve for unidirectional flow of liquid. Along the length direction of the two second valve bodies, when the second valve bodies are squeezed, a channel is formed between the two second valve bodies.

[0007] The two second lobes separated from the inner wall of the tube.

[0008] In one embodiment, the angle between the second valve body and the first valve body of the same valve disc is not equal to 180 degrees.

[0009] In one embodiment, the tilt angle of the second valve body relative to the reference line is smaller than the tilt angle of the first valve body relative to the reference line, and the reference line is the central axis of the tube body.

[0010] In one embodiment, the valve disc is tilted from the inner wall of the tube toward the outlet end of the suction tube where the liquid is discharged.

[0011] In one embodiment, the maximum thickness of the second valve is less than or equal to the minimum thickness of the first valve.

[0012] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first petal gradually decreases along the inner wall of the tube to the central axis of the tube; and / or, the thickness of the second petal gradually decreases.

[0013] In one embodiment, the length of the first valve is greater than the length of the second valve.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first valve body and the second valve body are integrally formed.

[0015] In one embodiment, the tube body and the valve are integrally formed.

[0016] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a straw cup, comprising:

[0017] The cup body is used to store liquids;

[0018] The straw provided in any embodiment of the first aspect has a lower part for insertion into a cup body, and the portion of the straw including the valve is located outside the rim of the cup body.

[0019] According to the present disclosure, the service life of the straw can be improved by the separate structure formed by the second flap and the inner sidewall. By decoupling the second flap from the inner sidewall, the supporting force between them can be reduced, thereby reducing the force required to draw out the liquid.

[0020] It should be understood that the description in the utility model description section is not intended to limit the key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to restrict the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 is a top view of a straw according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 is one of the cross-sectional views of the straw according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 is a second cross-sectional view of the straw according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the straw according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1: Tube body; 2: Valve; 3: First valve body; 4: Second valve body. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, including various details of the embodiments to aid understanding, and should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Similarly, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.

[0028] In related technologies, the valve of the straw is directly connected to the side wall of the straw, which causes the straw to break due to the biting force generated when biting the straw, resulting in a shorter lifespan for the straw.

[0029] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a straw. The straw includes a tube body and a valve, with the valve disposed inside the straw. The valve includes two valve flaps arranged at opposite angles; each valve flap includes a first flap body and a second flap body, a first edge of the first flap body is fixedly connected to a first end of the second flap body, and the other edges of the first flap body are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tube body. The second ends of the two second flap bodies press against each other, forming a one-way valve for unidirectional liquid flow. Along the length direction of the two second flap bodies, when the second flap bodies are squeezed, a channel is formed between the two second flap bodies, separating the two second flap bodies from the inner wall of the tube body. According to the solution of this disclosure, the service life of the straw can be improved through the separable structure formed by the second flap bodies and the inner wall.

[0030] This disclosure provides a straw, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. The straw includes a tube body 1 and a valve 2, with the valve 2 disposed inside the straw.

[0031] The valve 2 includes two valve flaps arranged at opposite angles; wherein, each valve flap includes a first valve body 3 and a second valve body 4, the first edge of the first valve body 3 is fixedly connected to the first end of the second valve body 4, and the other edges of the first valve body 3 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tube body 1; and the second ends of the two second valve bodies 4 press against each other to form a one-way valve for unidirectional flow of liquid; along the length direction of the two second valve bodies 4, when the second valve bodies 4 are squeezed, a channel is formed between the two second valve bodies 4; the two second valve bodies 4 separate from the inner wall of the tube body 1.

[0032] Regarding the position of valve 2 relative to tube 1, taking Figure 2 as an example, valve 2 can be located in the upper half of tube 1 (including the liquid outlet end of the straw). Optionally, the position of valve 2 can be adjusted according to ergonomic principles or the user group. For example, if the user group is infants, whose mouths are relatively small and whose teeth have not fully grown in, valve 2 can be positioned 0.5 to 1.5 cm away from the liquid outlet end of tube 1; if the user group is children, valve 2 can be positioned 1.5 to 2.5 cm away from the liquid outlet end of tube 1. It should be noted that this disclosure does not specifically limit the distance between valve 2 and the liquid outlet end of tube 1.

[0033] The same valve disc includes a first valve body 3 and a second valve body 4. Taking Figures 2 and 4 as examples, the first edge of the first valve body 3 is fixedly connected to the first end of the second valve body 4, and the other edges of the first valve body 3 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tube body 1. Specifically, the first valve body 3 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tube body 1 circumferentially, the edge located in the hollow part of the tube body 1 is the first edge, and the part fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tube body 1 is the other edge.

[0034] Two second valve bodies 4 are separated from the inner wall of the tube body 1. The second ends of the two valve bodies 4 press against each other to form a one-way valve for unidirectional liquid flow. The first and second ends of the same second valve body 4 are opposite ends. During use, when the user squeezes the straw along the length of the two second valve bodies 4, a channel is formed between the two second valve bodies 4. At this time, the second ends of the two valve bodies 4 press against each other to form a one-way flow valve in the open state. When the straw is not in use, the one-way flow valve is in the closed state. It should be noted that the first and second ends of the same first valve body 3 are opposite ends, and the first and second ends of the same second valve body 4 are opposite ends.

[0035] As one implementation, as shown in FIG2, the ends other than the first and second ends of the two second valve bodies 4 are fixedly connected, thereby forming a channel for liquid to enter and exit only between the second ends of the two second valve bodies 4.

[0036] The dimensions of the first valve 3 and the second valve 4 can be adapted to the dimensions of the tube 1, or to the dimensions of a straw cup including a straw.

[0037] It is understandable that the two second valves 4 are separated from the inner wall of the tube 1, meaning they are not connected and are spaced apart. This separated structure reduces force transmission, helps reduce the impact of biting force on the valves 2, making them less prone to damage and thus greatly extending the straw's lifespan. Simultaneously, the separated structure also reduces the supporting force between the valves 2 and the inner wall of the tube 1, allowing users to more easily use the straw to draw liquids.

[0038] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, the two second valves 4 are separated from the inner wall of the tube 1, so that there is a certain buffer area between the second valves 4 and the inner wall of the tube 1. The second valves 4 do not need to directly bear all the force, but instead disperse and reduce the biting force through this buffer area, so that the valves 2 are not easily bitten and thus improve the durability of the straw.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the valve 2 can be understood as an additional "V" fold on a "V" structure. This "V" structure is formed by two first valves 3 fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tube 1; the "V" fold is formed by two second valves 4. By fixing the first valves 3 to the inner wall of the tube 1 and the second valves 4 to the first valves 3, and separating the second valves 4 from the inner wall of the tube 1, a separate structure is formed between the second valves 4 and the inner wall of the tube 1. This separate structure can reduce the transmission of biting force when the valve 2 in the tube 1 is subjected to external biting force, making the valve 2 less likely to be damaged by biting, thereby greatly improving the service life of the straw.

[0040] It should be noted that the connection between the inner wall of the tube body 1 and the other edges of the first valve body 3 can take various forms, such as integral connection or connection through a matching connection structure. For example, in one embodiment, the inner wall of the tube body 1 is fixedly connected to the other edges of the first valve body 3 by an adhesive. It should be noted that the adhesive must at least meet the following conditions:

[0041] 1. Environmental protection and food safety;

[0042] 2. Temperature resistance;

[0043] 3. Chemical stability.

[0044] Here, the type of adhesive is not specifically limited; the adhesive used in this embodiment only needs to meet the above conditions.

[0045] Alternatively, the first end of the second petal 4 can be fixedly connected to the first edge of the first petal 3 using the connection method described above.

[0046] When using a straw, it can be in the following states:

[0047] Initial (one-way valve closed) state: The two second valve bodies 4 are in an unstressed state, and the valve 2 forms a tight seal through the mutual pressure of the two second valve bodies 4. This seal effectively prevents water or other liquids from flowing out of the outlet end of the straw.

[0048] Compression process: When external pressure is applied along the length of the two second valves 4, the second valves 4 deform. This deformation creates a channel, opening the previously sealed one-way valve and allowing liquid to pass through. The width and length of this channel depend on the magnitude of the external pressure (clamping force) and the material properties of the second valves 4. Optionally, the second valves 4 are made of silicone; however, the material is not limited here, and other elastic, deformable materials can also be used.

[0049] Liquid outflow: Once the channel is formed, liquid can flow out through it by the suction applied by the user to the straw. This process may be continuous or intermittent, depending on the stability of the external pressure and the resilience of the second valve 4.

[0050] In specific implementations, the straws provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are made of elastic materials such as silicone.

[0051] In one embodiment, the angle between the second valve body 4 and the first valve body 3 of the same valve disc is not equal to 180 degrees.

[0052] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be noted that:

[0053] The angle between the second valve body 4 and the first valve body 3 of the same valve can be understood as the angle formed at the connection point of the second valve body 4 and the first valve body 3 in Figure 2. In the application of straws, the angle between the second valve body 4 and the first valve body 3 of the same valve is not equal to 180 degrees. This allows the second valve body 4 to be made thinner and lighter, reducing the support force, while ensuring the sealing effect of the one-way valve and preventing liquid from flowing out of the straw outlet through the valve when the user does not apply force.

[0054] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the tilt angle of the second valve body 4 relative to the baseline is less than the tilt angle of the first valve body 3 relative to the baseline, and the baseline is the central axis of the tube body 1.

[0055] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be noted that:

[0056] The baseline can be understood as the central axis of tube 1 in Figure 2, i.e., the tube axis of the straw. In tube 1, the tube axis extends along the long axis of the straw. The first valve 3 has an inclination angle θ1 relative to the baseline (tube axis); the second valve 4 also has an inclination angle θ2 relative to the baseline (tube axis), but the inclination angle θ2 of the second valve 4 is smaller than the inclination angle θ1 of the first valve 3. The magnitude of the inclination angle affects the sealing performance of the one-way valve. The smaller inclination angle of the second valve 4 compared to the first valve 3 allows for better pressure at the second ends of the two second valves 4, resulting in a better seal of the formed one-way valve and preventing liquid from flowing out of the straw's outlet when no external force is applied to the second valve 4.

[0057] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by designing the second valve body 4 of the same valve disc to have a smaller tilt angle relative to the reference line than the first valve body 3 to have a smaller tilt angle relative to the reference line, the sealing performance of the straw under no-force conditions can be improved; and the smoothness of liquid flow in the straw under force conditions can be improved.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, if the two first valves 3 are considered to form an inclined "funnel" structure, and the second valve 4 is considered to form a "V" fold, then the "V" fold and the inner wall of the tube 1 are separate structures. This separate structure allows the second valve 4 to be made thinner and lighter, reducing the support force of the straw sidewall on the second valve 4, making it easier and less strenuous for the user to draw liquid with the straw. In addition, due to the increase in the fold, the sealing effect of the one-way valve can be guaranteed, preventing liquid from flowing out of the straw outlet through the valve when the user does not apply force.

[0059] In one embodiment, the valve disc is inclined from the inner wall of the tube body 1 toward the outlet end of the suction tube for liquid outflow. Specifically, taking the orientation shown in Figure 4 as a reference, the upper part of the tube body 1 in Figure 4 is the outlet end.

[0060] In one embodiment, the maximum thickness of the second valve 4 is less than or equal to the minimum thickness of the first valve 3.

[0061] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be noted that:

[0062] The first valve 3 and the second valve 4 perform different functions. For example, the first valve 3 may focus more on flow control, while the second valve 4 may focus more on preventing backflow or acting as a one-way valve. The thickness design of the valves is typically based on their required strength, durability, and flexibility. For the first valve 3, which needs to withstand greater pressure or requires higher strength, its minimum thickness will be greater than the maximum thickness of the second valve 4, which requires more flexibility and lower pressure resistance. However, by designing the maximum thickness of the second valve 4 to be less than or equal to the minimum thickness of the first valve 3, the second valve 4 can have better elasticity than the first valve 3, allowing it to easily draw out liquid from the cup even with lower biting force; at the same time, it ensures a water-sealing effect, preventing the safety hazards caused by special liquids gushing out. Examples of situations where biting force is low include: the user being an infant or a patient. The special liquid may include: a high-temperature liquid or a staining liquid.

[0063] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, the maximum thickness of the second flap 4 is less than or equal to the minimum thickness of the first flap 3, which can improve elasticity and thus improve the comfort of using the straw; at the same time, it can also ensure the water sealing effect, thereby improving the safety of the straw.

[0064] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first valve 3 gradually decreases along the direction from the inner wall of the tube 1 to the central axis of the tube 1; and / or, the thickness of the second valve 4 gradually decreases.

[0065] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be noted that:

[0066] The gradually decreasing thickness of the first flap 3 of the straw means that starting from the connection with the inner wall of the tube body 1, the thickness of the first flap 3 gradually decreases, forming a gradually thinning design. This design maintains the strength of the first flap in specific locations while maintaining flexibility in other locations. Specifically, the thickness of the first flap 3 is greatest at the connection with the inner wall of the tube body 1, and then becomes thinner as it approaches the connection with the second flap 4. This ensures that the flap 2 is thicker at the first contact point with biting force and at the location where the biting force is greatest, thereby improving the durability of the flap 2. At the same time, the maximum thickness of the second flap 4 is less than or equal to the minimum thickness of the first flap 3, making the connection between the first flap 3 and the second flap 4 both compatible and aesthetically pleasing.

[0067] Along the inner wall of tube 1 to the central axis of tube 1, the thickness of the second flap 4 gradually decreases from the first end to the second end. The gradually thinning second flap 4 helps to control the flow of liquid at specific locations, and also allows the second flap 4 to be made thinner and lighter, reducing the support force of the straw sidewall on the second flap 4, making it easier and less strenuous for the user to drink liquid using the straw.

[0068] In one embodiment, the length of the first valve body 3 is greater than the length of the second valve body 4.

[0069] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be noted that:

[0070] The length of the first valve 3 is a first threshold; the length of the second valve 4 is a second threshold. Here, the first and second thresholds can be adaptively designed or adjusted according to the size of the straw, and are not limited here.

[0071] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the length of the first flap 3 is greater than the length of the second flap 4, which can improve the stability of the fixed connection between the first flap 3 and the inner wall of the tube 1, thereby improving the stability of the second flap 4, and thus helping to improve the quality of the straw.

[0072] In one embodiment, the first valve body 3 and the second valve body 4 are integrally formed.

[0073] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be noted that:

[0074] During processing, the first valve body 3 and the second valve body 4 are combined to obtain a valve flap, and the two valve flaps form a valve 2. Specifically, if the first valve body 3 and the second valve body 4 are made of thermoplastic material, a certain amount of thermoplastic material can be heated and softened, and then placed into a mold to obtain an integrally formed valve 2 (including the first valve body 3 and the second valve body 4).

[0075] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, by integrally molding the first petal 3 and the second petal 4, the liquid leakage problem caused by the gap at the connection between the first petal 3 and the second petal 4 can be avoided, thereby improving the sealing and safety of the straw.

[0076] In one embodiment, the tube body 1 and the valve 2 are integrally formed.

[0077] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be noted that:

[0078] During processing, the tube body 1 and the valve 2 are combined to obtain a straw. Specifically, if the tube body 1 and the valve 2 are made of thermoplastic material, a certain amount of thermoplastic material can be heated and softened, and then placed into a mold to obtain an integrally formed straw (including the tube body 1 and the valve 2).

[0079] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, by integrally molding the tube body 1 and the valve 2, the liquid leakage problem caused by the gap at the connection between the tube body 1 and the valve 2 can be avoided, thereby improving the sealing and safety of the straw.

[0080] This disclosure provides a straw cup, a cup body for storing liquid; and a straw provided in any of the above embodiments; the lower part of the straw is inserted into the cup body, and the portion of the straw including the valve is located outside the cup mouth of the cup body so as to draw liquid from the cup body using the liquid outlet end of the straw.

[0081] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0082] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0083] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0084] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0085] The foregoing disclosure provides many different implementations or examples for carrying out different structures of this disclosure. To simplify this disclosure, the components and arrangements of specific examples are described above. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various implementations and / or arrangements discussed.

[0086] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A straw, wherein, include: A tube and a valve, wherein the valve is disposed inside the straw; The valve includes two valve flaps that are arranged at opposite angles; The valve disc includes a first valve body and a second valve body. A first edge of the first valve body is fixedly connected to a first end of the second valve body, and the other edges of the first valve body are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tube body. The second ends of the two second valve bodies press against each other to form a one-way valve for unidirectional liquid flow. Along the length direction of the two second valve bodies, when the second valve bodies are squeezed, a channel is formed between the two second valve bodies. The two second lobes separate from the inner wall of the tube.

2. The straw according to claim 1, wherein, The angle between the second valve body and the first valve body of the same valve body is not equal to 180 degrees.

3. The straw according to claim 2, wherein, The second valve body of the same valve is tilted at a smaller angle relative to the reference line than the first valve body is tilted at a smaller angle relative to the reference line, which is the central axis of the tube body.

4. The straw according to claim 1, wherein, The valve disc is inclined from the inner wall of the tube towards the outlet end of the suction tube, which is away from the outlet end from which the liquid flows out.

5. The straw according to claim 1, wherein, The maximum thickness of the second valve is less than or equal to the minimum thickness of the first valve.

6. The straw according to claim 5, wherein, Along the inner wall of the tube to the central axis of the tube, the thickness of the first petal gradually decreases; and / or, the thickness of the second petal gradually decreases.

7. The straw according to claim 5, wherein, The length of the first valve is greater than the length of the second valve.

8. The straw according to claim 1, wherein, The first valve body and the second valve body are integrally formed.

9. The straw according to claim 8, wherein, The tube body is integrally formed with the valve.

10. A straw cup, wherein, include: The cup body is used to store liquids; as well as, According to any one of claims 1 to 9, the lower part of the straw is used for insertion into the cup body, and the portion of the straw including the valve is located outside the rim of the cup body.

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