Improved container for the consumption of liquid foodstuffs

Abstract

The improved container (2) for the consumption of liquid foodstuffs (88), comprises: a receptacle (10) which is open at the top, is substantially rigid and is adapted to hold liquid foodstuffs (88) at least one through hole (100) which is obtained in the side wall (102) of the receptacle (10), below its upper rim (104), to insert therein in a removable manner from the outside inwardly a suction straw (20) so as to arrange it in an optimal position wherein a portion (202) of the straw (20) reaches the bottom (103) of the receptacle (10) while the opposite portion (201) of the straw (20) exits on the outside of the receptacle (10) towards the user, the through hole (100) being sized and / or conformed so that, as it passes through the hole (100), the straw (20) seals the hole (100) itself tightly; at least one removable closure element (111) adapted to seal the at least one through hole (100) tightly when the suction straw (20) is not inserted in the same.

Description

[0001] IMPROVED CONTAINER FOR THE CONSUMPTION OF LIQUID FOODSTUFFS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an improved container for the consumption of liquid foodstuffs.

[0004] This invention finds peculiar, though not exclusive, application in the industry of manufacturing drink glasses of any type or size.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] The use of open receptacles, such as e.g. glasses, to quench thirst by bringing a drink to the mouth is widely known. In particular, today there are countless types of glasses, in many shapes and sizes, depending on peculiar aesthetic tastes and / or specific uses.

[0007] In combination with these open receptacles, the use of suction straws to facilitate the intake of liquid by suction with the lips is also well known. In particular, straws are generally shaped as cylindrical tubes open at the ends, with a diameter generally between 3 mm and 8 mm, and are mainly made of colored plastic, e.g. PP. When these straws are partly inserted from the top opening of the glass so that the upper end is positioned outside the glass and the opposite end inside the liquid, they allow the contents of the glass to be sucked up from above effortlessly, in a simple and intuitive way, thus avoiding both raising the glass to face’s height and turning it to drink. The use of straws, in addition to facilitating the suction of liquid, has other significant advantages: it allows the temperature to be moderated in the case of excessively hot or cold liquids; it promotes the control of the amount of liquid ingested; it is an effective decorative and / or characterizing element of the beverage and also a valuable tool for socializing and / or playing, as straws are available in a variety of colors, sizes, decorations or embellishments. By way of example, consider the use of long, colorful straws for summer soft drinks or short straws with a larger diameter for cocktail cups. However, in daily professional practice in the catering and entertainment sectors, as well as in conventional private use, it has been ascertained that the use of such suction straws has certain drawbacks. In particular, as the straw is very light and has a low specific weight compared to the liquid it contains, when it is not attached to the glass or open receptacle, i.e., when it simply rests on the upper edge of the glass itself, the straw itself floats and / or shifts and / or rotates freely without maintaining a fixed position, forcing the user to hold said glass with one hand and at the same time to hold the outer part of the straw with the other hand in order to block it and allow the lips to take a quick and firm grip, thus avoiding spills, drips or overturning.

[0008] This drawback, for example, is very common and significant in the case of carbonated drinks served in wide-mouthed glasses, particularly when there is no ice to help block the dipped end of the straw. More specifically, in these cases, the bubbles push the straw upwards, causing it to rise until it floats and / or spills.

[0009] In this regard, it should be noted that straws are often used in combination with glasses in a context of use where people are generally standing, sometimes moving around with their glasses. In particular, in such cases, the use of one or both hands to hold both the glass and the straw in order to avoid unpleasant accidents requires continuous effort on the part of the user. Furthermore, it often happens that straws are not suitable for the glass, as they are selected from those immediately available and not from those that are optimal and compatible in terms of shape and / or size.

[0010] Furthermore, it has also been ascertained that sometimes multiple consumers drink from the same receptacle, each using their own straw. Generally, in such cases, straws are chosen in different colors for recognition purposes, but sometimes the colors available are not sufficient and / or, since they are not attached, after a short period of time, it is no longer possible to recognize them, thus creating an undesirable condition of promiscuity and poor hygiene or safety. For example, consider cases where the drink is served in a large glass or carafe with multiple straws already inserted, so that a number of users can share it at the same time. In such cases, to prevent the straws from mixing with each other and / or to make them immediately recognizable, it is therefore desirable that each of them remain attached in a fixed position and distinct from the others.

[0011] Currently, there are also other known solutions for securing the drinking straw to a beverage receptacle. A first known solution provides a thin external closure element, made of plastic or paper, which acts as a removable cap and is provided with a passage for the straw, in the form of a pre-punched guide, which allows the user to insert it in a removable maimer with a retaining effect due to the interference caused by deformation of the material at the opening. This solution is particularly suitable for disposable transport receptacles, in the form of closed plastic or multilayer paper glasses, which are widely used for the sale and quick consumption of carbonated drinks or coffee.

[0012] A second known solution, which is instead suitable for a rigid container open at the top, involves a fastening element placed in between like a spring or a clip, i.e., being associated with the straw and joined to the opening of the glass in a removable maimer, straddling the rim.

[0013] In addition, straw holders are known that can be attached to children’s cups or glasses, which protrude with their heads upwards, i.e., beyond the rim of these, and have a hole for inserting a straw. There are also known special straws that have a protrusion on the side which is adapted to be attached to the rim of the glass like a clip.

[0014] There are also transport containers for liquid foodstuffs of the type known as singledose boxes, which are closed and sealed, generally parallelepiped in shape and made of multilayer cardboard and aluminum or plastic material, with the upper side designed for the vertical insertion of a straw. In particular, the outer layer of the container, being resistant and decorative, is pre-punched in such a way as to allow a pointed straw to pierce the inner layer, which is thin and impermeable, remaining locked in the correct suction position with the upper end of the straw easily accessible to the lips.

[0015] In essence, in the state of the art, it has been ascertained that the need to removably attach one or more straws to a beverage receptacle is currently fixed in specific, non- optimal ways, each time dedicated to a specific type of receptacle, straw or context of use.

[0016] All the solutions described above have certain advantages, but today there is a need for a faster, more effective and cheaper solution that is specifically suitable for rigid, open glasses of any size and type, including those of common use.

[0017] More specifically, the known solutions are not suitable for the professional catering and entertainment sector, as well as for private use, where a quality glass (i.e., not of the disposable type) is required to attach one or more standardized and conventional tubular straws in a stable and individual manner in a fixed and correct position for suction. In particular, for this purpose, a glass open at the top is required, without any added and / or interposed fastening elements, such as the known pre-punched caps, clips or the aforementioned perforated supports.

[0018] In the state of the art, solutions are known wherein the beverage receptacles have a hole for inserting a straw.

[0019] All known solutions are substantially complex and / or expensive and also comprise additional straw holding elements or are designed for purposes other than suction.

[0020] Furthermore, these known solutions are not very intuitive to use, not very elegant and, in particular, not suitable for modem professional use. In particular, while disposable and pre-punched boxes or caps are cheap, hygienic, do not break accidentally and are also lightweight, and are therefore widely used for the transport and quick consumption of beverages, mainly for the purpose of quenching thirst outside the home, on the other hand, they are not suitable for professional or private use where the quality of preparation and the method of serving and consuming the beverage are important. Furthermore, known solutions with perforable holes are not suitable for open containers, such as glasses, which have no top, i.e., no mouth, and are generally made of a rigid, non-perforable material, such as e.g. glass.

[0021] Furthermore, known solutions wherein the holes are positioned on the side walls of the receptacle essentially refer to containers that are closed at the top, such as bottles or boxes, and cannot be implemented in an open, rigid glass. A further drawback found in known solutions consists in the problem of disposing of added and / or disposable parts, such as punched caps, clips or said boxes, with obvious problems for environmental sustainability.

[0022] These drawbacks are partly overcome by the container described in patent document no. IT102017000073107.

[0023] However, the container in accordance with the above-mentioned patent has numerous drawbacks, including the fact that when the straw is not attached to the container, the hole into which the straw is to be inserted is left open. This entails the risk that, during use of the container, it may be accidentally tilted, causing the drink to spill out.

[0024] For this reason, this container is also susceptible to further improvements.

[0025] Description of the Invention

[0026] The object of the invention is to propose an improved container for the consumption of beverages that eliminates all the aforementioned drawbacks of the traditional technique.

[0027] Another object of the invention is to propose an improved container that can be used, when no straw is present, to pour the liquid contained therein without any spillage or dripping.

[0028] Another object of the invention is to allow two or more containers to be substantially stackable one inside the other and, at the same time, easily removable.

[0029] Another object of the invention is to propose an improved container that allows increasing hygiene and reducing the chances of confusion or promiscuity in the use of said straws, i.e., by associating each straw with its own glass and limiting the possibility of spillage.

[0030] Another object of the invention is to propose an improved container that allows promoting environmental sustainability, with particular reference to the production and / or disposal of fastening means such as caps and clips, or unconventional straws, or disposable containers.

[0031] Another object of the invention is to propose an improved container that, without altering the shape of traditional containers, has an innovative appearance and / or additional functionality.

[0032] Another object of the invention is to propose an improved container with alternative characteristics in terms of construction, functionality and performance compared to traditional containers.

[0033] Another object of the invention is to make an improved container that is customizable and highly attractive in appearance and suitable for giving the user the impression of a high-quality product in terms of both aesthetics and functionality.

[0034] Another object of the invention is to make an improved container that meets high standards, both functional and aesthetic, thus allowing for its large-scale distribution. Another object of the invention is to make an improved container that can be mass- produced quickly and efficiently.

[0035] Another object of the invention is to propose an improved container that is economical and can be obtained easily, quickly and at low cost.

[0036] All these objects, considered individually or in any combination thereof, and others that will result from the following description are achieved, according to the invention, with an improved container having the characteristics indicated in claim 1.

[0037] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] The present invention is further clarified below in some of its preferred embodiments of practical implementation, shown for illustrative purposes only and not as limitations, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 shows an axonometric view in transparency of the container with the suction straw applied according to the invention,

[0040] Figure 2 shows an axonometric view in transparency of a configuration wherein two receptacles are stacked the one inside the other according to the invention,

[0041] Figure 3 shows an axonometric view in transparency of the container wherein the closure element is in the opening position according to the invention,

[0042] Figure 4 shows an axonometric view in transparency of the container wherein the closure element is in the closure position according to the invention,

[0043] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the container according to the invention with the suction straw applied,

[0044] Figure 6 shows it in a perspective view in a second embodiment,

[0045] Figure 7 shows it in a perspective view in a third embodiment,

[0046] Figure 8 shows it in a perspective view in a fourth embodiment,

[0047] Figure 9 shows a perspective view from above of a container according to the invention without any suction straw,

[0048] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an enlarged detail of Figure 9 with the suction straw applied,

[0049] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the container in Fig. 9 with the suction straw applied,

[0050] Figures 12-14 show, in vertical section, in different embodiments, a first detail indicated in Fig. 6.

[0051] Figures 15 and 16 show, in vertical section, in different embodiments, a second detail indicated in Fig. 6.

[0052] Figure 17 shows it in a perspective view in a fifth embodiment,

[0053] Figure 18 shows a detail of the container according to the invention in a first perspective view,

[0054] Figure 19 shows the same detail as in Fig. 18 according to a different perspective view,

[0055] Figure 20 shows a container according to the invention during the pouring, without any spillage, of the liquid contained in the container itself.

[0056] Embodiments of the Invention As can be seen from the figures, the improved container 2 for the consumption of liquid foodstuffs, according to the invention, comprises a receptacle 10 adapted to contain liquid foodstuffs.

[0057] In particular, the receptacle 10 is open at the top and, preferably, is provided with an upper opening 101 or mouth for introducing the liquid into the receptacle itself

[0058] In particular, the receptacle 10 is made of a substantially rigid material, such as e.g. glass, crystal, ceramic, plastic (such as e.g. polycarbonate) or equivalent materials.

[0059] The receptacle 10 can be made in any shape, type and size. Preferably, the receptacle 10 can be a glass for beverages of the type generally used in the professional catering and entertainment sector, or even in private use. By way of an indicative, yet nonlimiting example, the receptacle 10 may be a common table or bar glass lOf for water, wine or any beverage, or an elongated soft drink glass 10a, preferably used for juices, smoothies or carbonated beverages, or a stemmed goblet 10b, preferably used for tasting or even a cocktail glass 10c with a wide mouth (Fig. 4), or a cup, mug, vase or carafe lOd.

[0060] The receptacle 10 comprises at least one through hole 100 which is formed in the side wall 102 of the receptacle itself, below its upper rim 104.

[0061] The through hole is suitably sized and / or shaped so that the insertion of the straw 20 into said hole seals the hole itself tightly.

[0062] The through hole 100 is suitably configured and shaped so as to allow a suction straw 20 to be inserted removably from the outside to the inside in such a way as to attach, retain and stabilize it, in a removable maimer, in the hole itself of the receptacle 10.

[0063] In particular, the suction straw 20 can be made of any material suitable for use with liquid foodstuffs, such as e.g. glass, metal or plastic (such as polycarbonate or PP) or equivalent materials.

[0064] Appropriately, the through hole 100 is positioned and shaped so as to retain the suction straw 20 in an optimal position for suction with the lips, wherein i.e., said straw is inclined, with a first portion 202 of the straw dipped in the liquid until it reaches the bottom 103 of the receptacle 10 and with the opposite portion 201 protruding outside the receptacle 10 towards the user.

[0065] According to the invention, the container 2 comprises at least one removable closure element 111 adapted to seal the through hole 100 tightly when the suction straw 20 is not inserted in the same.

[0066] Usefully, the closure element 111 comprises at least one fastening element 114 of the same to the side wall 102.

[0067] Conveniently, the closure element 111 comprises at least one joining edge 116 configured to adhere onto the outer borders of the through hole 100 in such a maimer so as to allow it to be sealed tightly.

[0068] Advantageously, the closure element 111 is insertable substantially to size into the through hole 100.

[0069] In particular, the fastening element 114 of the closure element 111 allows the user to seal the through hole 100 tightly in an easy and convenient manner when the suction straw 20 is not inserted in the same.

[0070] Furthermore, during use, the closure element 111, by sealing the through hole 100 tightly, allows the user to drink from the upper rim 104 of the receptacle 10, preventing the beverage contained in the receptacle 10 from spilling through the through hole 100.

[0071] In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the closure element 111 is made at least partly of a plastic material of the flexible type that is easily deformable to adapt, by changing its shape, to the through hole 100 and promoting the tight sealing of the same.

[0072] Alternatively, in accordance with a second embodiment of the container according to the invention, the closure element 111 is made at least partly of plastic material of the rigid type to adapt to the through hole 100 with a slight interference and promoting the tight sealing of the same through hole.

[0073] Furthermore, as an alternative to the first two embodiments, the closure element 111 is movable, as a result of an external force applied thereto, between a closure position wherein it lies on top of the through hole 100 and an opening position wherein it is at least partly folded back on itself to release the through hole 100.

[0074] Preferably, in this alternative embodiment, the closure element 111 is made of a flexible plastic material that allows it to be rolled up on itself.

[0075] Preferably, the flexible plastic material has at least one reusable adhesive surface suitable for contact with food, allowing the through hole 100 to be sealed tightly in the closure position. Advantageously, the container 2 comprises at least one abutment element 113 of circular conformation, arranged internally to the side wall 102.

[0076] Conveniently, the abutment element 113 has a substantially circular outer profile so as to adapt to the internal shape and to the relevant bottom 103 of the receptacle 10.

[0077] Conveniently, the abutment element 113 has a maximum diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the bottom 103 so that, in a configuration of use wherein two or more receptacles 10 are substantially stacked the one inside the other, the abutment element 113 keeps the bottom 103 suitably spaced apart from the other bottom 103 of a second receptacle 10 that receives through the upper opening 101.

[0078] In particular, in the aforementioned configuration of use, the receptacles 10 and their respective bottoms 103, suitably spaced apart from each other by the abutment element 113, are stacked the one inside the other in a removable maimer, thus preventing them from becoming interlocked.

[0079] Conveniently, the abutment element 113 comprises a holding surface 115 which, in the above configuration of use, is adapted to abut and stop against the bottom 103 of the other receptacle 10.

[0080] Alternative solutions cannot however be ruled out wherein the abutment element 113 is separate from the receptacle 10 and is insertable substantially to size into the same.

[0081] Furthermore, other embodiments cannot be ruled out wherein there is a plurality of abutment elements 113, e.g. cylindrical in shape, attached to the inner surface of the bottom 103 of the receptacle 10.

[0082] In particular, the hole 100 is sized and / or shaped so as to retain and stabilize the suction straw 20, which passes through it, in said optimal position while substantially preventing any lateral or vertical movement of the straw, and allowing only the extraction movement to extract the straw itself from said hole.

[0083] Advantageously, the through hole 100 is made at a distance L from the upper rim 104 equal to at least 2 mm, apart from the area of the hole. Adequately, the through hole 100 can be made in the side wall 102 at any height / distance from the upper rim 104 because, once the straw 20 is inserted into the through hole 100, the latter is suitably sealed by the straw itself and, therefore, the container 2 can be filled with the liquid 88 through the upper opening 101 without any limitation and / or special precautions, i.e., in substantially the same way as traditional containers (glasses, vases, jugs, etc.) that do not have a side through hole 100.

[0084] The hole 100 is adapted to be traversed by and retain in place a straw 20 of either standard size and / or shape or special and specific size and / or shape.

[0085] Advantageously, based on the shape and maximum level 105 provided for that particular receptacle 10, the latter is provided with a through hole 100 configured and / or dimensioned in such a way as to accommodate, attach in a removable maimer and optimally position a straw 20 of a diameter and length specifically defined and / or preferably based on the specific destination of use of the receptacle 10 employed.

[0086] Advantageously, the hole 100 is defined so that its axis of development 109, which passes through the wall 102 of the receptacle 10, is inclined towards the bottom 103 of the receptacle 10. This allows the lower end of the straw 20 to easily reach the bottom 103 for more convenient and complete suction of all the liquid contained in the receptacle.

[0087] Conveniently, once the straw 20 has been inserted into the through hole 100 so as to place it in said optimal position, the longitudinal axis of the straw 20 substantially corresponds to the axis of development 109 of the hole itself. Advantageously, the angle of inclination “a” of the axis of development 109 of the hole 100 is of between 10° and 80° with respect to a horizontal plane 110, depending on the particular configuration of the receptacle 10. In this way, the lower end of the straw 20, once it has been completely inserted into the receptacle 10, reaches the bottom 103 so as to be in contact with or in the proximity thereof, or reaches an area of the side wall 102 that is in the proximity of the bottom itself. Preferably, in the latter case, the axis of development 109 of the straw 20 intersects the side wall 102 of the receptacle 10 at a height H from the bottom 103 that is equal to a value substantially of between 0 mm and 10 mm. Preferably, for example, for an elongated soft drink glass 10a, the angle a is generally equal to about 60°.

[0088] In particular, the through hole 100 comprises:

[0089] - an outer section 40, which is defined at the outer surface of the wall 102 of the receptacle 10, for the entry of the straw 20,

[0090] - an inner section 42, which is defined at the inner surface of the wall 102 of the receptacle 10, for the exit of the straw 20 inside the receptacle itself, and

[0091] - an intermediate section 44, which is formed in the wall 102 of the receptacle 10 between the outer section 40 and the inner section 42, for the passage of the straw 20.

[0092] Advantageously, the sections 40 and 42 are circular or oval in shape and may have substantially equal or different dimensions, as described in more detail below. Advantageously, the intermediate section 44 may be circular or oval in shape and may have substantially equal or different dimensions compared to sections 40 and / or 42. Conveniently, the intermediate section 44 may have equal / constant dimensions along its entire length along the axis of development 109 of the hole itself, thus defining a cylindrical shape, or it may have gradually varying dimensions, thus defining a truncated conical shape.

[0093] Advantageously, the through hole 100 has a cylindrical shape. In particular, the inner surface 106 bounding the intermediate section 44 of the hole 100 may be parallel to the axis of development 109 of the hole itself.

[0094] Preferably, the area (and in particular the diameter) of the outer section 40 of the hole 100 is substantially equal to the area (and in particular to the diameter) of the inner section 42 of the same hole. Preferably, the diameter of the section 40 and / or of the section 42 and / or of the intermediate section 44 of the hole 100 is substantially of between 2 mm and 30 mm, depending on the straw 20 provided.

[0095] As mentioned, the inclined hole 100 is configured and / or dimensioned so that, once the straw 20 has been inserted into said hole, the latter is substantially sealed / closed tightly, i.e., no leakage or passage of liquid occurs between the straw 20 and the hole itself. Advantageously, the straw 20 can seal the through hole 100 at the outer section 40, and / or at the inner section 42, and / or at certain stretches and / or of the entire intermediate section 44 of the inclined hole 100.

[0096] Appropriately, the shape and dimensions of the outer section 40, and / or of the inner section 42, and / or of certain stretches and / or of the entire intermediate section 44 of the inclined hole 100 are such as to engage by friction, through surface contact, the outer wall of a straw 20 that is inserted so as to pass through said through hole 100 until it comes into contact with or in the proximity of the bottom 103 or of an area of the side wall 102 that is in the proximity of said bottom. Advantageously, this allows the position of the straw 20 to be stabilized and, at the same time, prevents unwanted leakage of liquids through said hole. Preferably, the inclined hole 100 is shaped and sized so as to allow the insertion of the straw in a removable maimer and so as to keep it firmly in a single inclined position, while substantially preventing any unwanted spillage or dripping of liquid.

[0097] Advantageously, for the purposes of a more stable constraint of the straw 20 and greater ease of use, the hole 100 may have dimensions of the outer section 40 and / or of the inner section 42 and / or of the intermediate section 44 substantially equal to, or slightly smaller and / or larger than the diameter 46 of the cross section of the straw 20 provided for that receptacle 10. Advantageously, the diameter 46 of the cross section of the straw 20 is usually of between 3 mm and 8 mm, preferably 7 mm, however, it is understood that, depending on the context of use, it could also be larger.

[0098] Preferably, the inclined hole 100 has a width X equal to the diameter 46 of the straw 20 and has at least one stretch with a length Y substantially equal to the diameter 46 / (sin P), i.e., equal to the diameter 46 of the straw 20 divided by the sine of the angle defined between the axis of development 109 of the hole (and corresponding to the axis of development of the straw 20) and the wall 102 of the receptacle 10.

[0099] Preferably, the dimensions of the outer section 40 and / or of the inner section 42 and / or of the intermediate section 44 are substantially equal to or at most 30% greater than the diameter 46 of the straw 20 that is intended for that receptacle 10, so as to allow the straw 20 to be inserted into the hole 100, to reach the bottom 103 and to prevent the straw from coming out on its own.

[0100] Appropriately, the inner surface 106 of the intermediate section 44 of the hole 100 is defined so as to direct and guide the straw 20 towards the bottom 103 of the receptacle 10.

[0101] Appropriately, the hole 100 is sized and / or shaped so that, when the straw 20 is inserted through said hole 100 into the receptacle 10 in an optimal and complete manner (i.e., so that its lower end abuts against the bottom 103 of the receptacle 10 or the area of the side wall 102 in the proximity of said bottom), the straw can take on a single inclined position, without any possibility of moving the straw itself inside the hole 100 either vertically or horizontally.

[0102] Appropriately, the through hole 100 is made so that its axis of development 109 is angled with respect to the wall 102 of the receptacle 10. Appropriately, the through hole 100 is made so that its axis of development 109 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane 110 (see 8).

[0103] Advantageously, in the embodiment of fig. 10, the through hole 100 has a truncated conical shape and, in particular, its inner surface 106 converges, along the axis of development 109, towards the bottom 103 of the receptacle 10.

[0104] Appropriately, the dimension of the outer section 40 of the hole 100 is greater than that of the inner section 42 of the hole itself, so that a cylindrical straw 20, preferably made of plastic, with a diameter 46 substantially equal to or less than the dimension of the outer section 40 and substantially equal to or greater than the dimension of the inner section 42, can enter through the outer section 40 and pass with interference through the inner section 42, thus achieving a greater sealing effect.

[0105] Conveniently, the upper end of the straw 20 protruding outside the receptacle 10 allows the straw 20 to be used as an extended spout for pouring. Such a solution is advantageous and useful for high-capacity glasses, vases or carafes where the beverage, e.g., a cocktail, can be sucked directly with the lips or can also be poured safely into other glasses without dripping and getting dirty, thus facilitating the transfer thereof.

[0106] Advantageously, the through hole 100 may have a vertically elongated shape of the outer section 40 so as to define an easy inlet opening for inserting the straw. Advantageously, the dimensions of the outer section 40 may be larger than those of the intermediate section 44 and / or of the inner section 42 so as to facilitate the insertion of the straw into the hole 100.

[0107] The through hole 100 may have sharp edges 107 and / or rounded 108 or flared edges. Advantageously, the rounded or flared edge allows easy insertion of the straw, particularly when the diameter of the outer section 40 and / or the diameter of the inner section 42 of the hole 100 is substantially equal to the diameter 46 of the straw 20 intended for the receptacle 10, as a guide.

[0108] Advantageously, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the through hole 100 has a width substantially equal to the diameter 46 of the straw and a length such as to allow the straw itself to abut both above and below against the upper area 80 and the lower area 82 of the through hole 100, respectively.

[0109] Advantageously, the lower area 82 - i.e., the area furthest from the rim 4 of the receptacle 10 - of the through hole 100, and in particular in the area of the intermediate section 44 that goes from the inner section 42 to the outer section 40, is gradually inclined towards the bottom 103 of the receptacle 10. In other words, this means that the distance between the lower end 85 of the inner section 42 and the rim 104 of the receptacle 10 is greater than the distance between the lower end 86 of the outer section 40 and said rim. Conveniently, in this way, the same through hole 100 defines a spout that allows the liquid 88 to exit through said hole, thus defining a flow 90 that is compact, i.e., without unwanted dripping or leaking.

[0110] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, the receptacle 10 comprises a plurality of through holes 100, advantageously made according to one or more of the methods described above. Appropriately, the through holes 100 are spaced apart from each other in such a way as to simultaneously attach multiple straws 20, one for each hole, in order to safely share the suction of the beverage. Such a multiple configuration is advantageous in entertainment and socializing occasions, where high-capacity receptacles such as vases or carafes are provided in which multiple users simultaneously dip their straws to suck the contents of the receptacle. In such cases, the solution according to the invention is safer and more convenient to use, thus attaching multiple straws in a fixed and optimal suction position, separately from each other, so as to allow immediate recognition and avoid confusion.

[0111] It has, in practice, been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

[0112] In particular, it should be noted that the special expedient of providing a container made in a single body piece (i.e., monoblock) allows the attachment means of the straw to be integrated into its structure, without requiring additional or attached components.

[0113] In addition, the particular expedient of providing a closure element ensures the container to be moved, even in the absence of the straw, without the risk of accidental tilting the same causing the drink contained therein to spill.

[0114] Finally, the provision of an abutment element arranged inside the container allows two or more containers to be stacked the one inside the other, thus enabling efficient optimization of the space occupied while at the same time preventing them from becoming mutually interlocked.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Improved container (2) for the consumption of liquid foodstuffs (88), comprising a receptacle (10) which is open at the top, is substantially rigid and is adapted to hold liquid foodstuffs (88) at least one through hole (100) which is obtained in the side wall (102) of said receptacle (10), below its upper rim (104), to insert therein in a removable maimer from the outside inwardly a suction straw (20) so as to arrange it in an optimal position wherein a portion (202) of said straw (20) reaches the bottom (103) of said receptacle (10) while the opposite portion (201) of said straw (20) exits on the outside of said receptacle (10) towards the user, said through hole (100) being sized and / or conformed so that, as it passes through said hole (100), said straw (20) seals the hole (100) itself tightly; characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one removable closure element (111) adapted to seal said at least one through hole (100) tightly when said suction straw (20) is not inserted in the same.2) Container (2) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one abutment element (113) of circular conformation, arranged internally to said side wall (102), said abutment element (113) having maximum diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of said bottom (103) so that, in a configuration of use wherein two or more receptacles (10) are substantially stacked the one inside the other, said abutment element (113) keeps said bottom (103) adequately spaced apart from the other said bottom (103).3) Container (2) according to the claim 1, characterized by the fact that said closure element (111) comprises at least one fastening element (114) of said closure element (111) to said side wall (102).4) Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said at least one abutment element (113) comprises a holding surface (115) which, in said configuration of use, is adapted to abut and stop against said bottom (103) of the other said receptacle (10).5) Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said closure element (111) is made at least partly of plastic material.6) Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized bythe fact that said abutment element (113) has a substantially circular outer profile.7) Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said closure element (111) is made at least partly of a deformable plastic material. 8) Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it can be inserted substantially to size on said through hole.9) Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said closure element (111) comprises at least one joining edge (116) configured to adhere on the outer borders of said through hole (100) in such a maimer so as to permit the closure thereof.10) Container (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said closure element (111) is movable, as a result of an external force applied thereto, between a closure position wherein it lies on top of said through hole (100) and an opening position wherein it is at least partly folded back on itself to release said through hole (100).

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